Evening Star Newspaper, October 30, 1897, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. I eo PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDiNGS, JC] Ferzsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th &t, by Kew York Office, 49 Potter Building, ‘The Evening Star ts served to sulscriters in the city by cerriers, on their own a-count, at 10 ecnis per week, er a4 cents per month. C ccunter Z cents each. By mail—anrwhere in the Unlted States or Cenada—postage prepaid—SO ccats per month. sS8tCT885 Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with jorelzn postage E (Entered at the Post Office at Washingtoa. D. o., as secend-clase mail matter.) 7 All mail subacriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. Che Le gq Star. No. 13,936. WASHINGTON, D. C., SATURDAY, OCTOBER 380, 1897-TWENTY-EIGHT PAGES. TWO CENTS. 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. FACTS AND FIGURES Result of Commissioner Black’s In- vestigation of Water Meters. ———— ADVANTAGEOUS 10 CONSUMERS lateresiing Statistics Secured on the Important Subject. SOME TELLING TABLES When the commissioners go before Con- gress with their request for legislation which will permit the gradual introduction ov water meters into the houses of water takers in the District of Columbia they will go prepared to make a strong fight. For some time Engineer Commissioner Black has been conducting a thorough in- vestigation of the subject, and believes he has facts and figures at hand to convince the most skeptical that a water meter, far from being a curse, {s positively a beon to the city. “This water meter system, which we hope to gradually introduce in Washington, is not understood,” said Captain Black to a Star reporter today. “The meters are to be put up at the expense of the District and maintained by {t without cost to the householder. They are to be paid for out of whatever revenues accrue to the water department. Their presence in a house will not have the effect of limiting the quantity used. From a careful estimate, based upon ac- tual use (1 will show you the figures in a minute), the limit we have allowed each person, that of seventy-five gallons per day, is found to be most generous. Take these figures, for instance, of the cities which have water meters and look at the actual use per capita per day. Boston, for instance, according to readings of the wa- ter meters uses but fifty-nine gallons per capita per day in the highest-class apart- ment houses, while in first-class apartment houses the per capita use fall to forty-six, with thirty-two gallons per day for mod- erate-class apartment houses and sixteen and tenths gallons per capita per day fer the poorest class of apartment houses. The average per capita use of all apart- ment houses supplied by meter is thirty- five and six-tenth, while boarding houses are reckoned as having ased forty-six and one-tenth gallons per capita per day Average Consumption Elsewhere. “In Brookline the average consumption of water to dwellings supplied by meter is forty-four and three-tenth gallons per cap- ita per day. Newton gives as the per capita daily use of water in all houses supplied with mod- ern plumbing to be twenty-six and_five- tenths gallons, while in the same town the per capita consumption to those houses supplied with but one faucet is but six and six-tenths gallons daily. In Fall River the most expensive houses use but 25.5 gallors per capita per day, while the average clas gen- erally having bath and water ets, use but 8.4 gallons per capita per 6 “Coming now to Worcester,” continued Capt. Black, “the average per capita con- ily of the whole city is but 16.8 gallons, while the best houses on Woodland street are credited with using but 11 gallons per capita per day. Cedar street shows the per capita dafly consump- tion to be 23.4 gailons, while on Elm street, in houses of moderate cost, the consump- tien falls to 19.8 gallons. Cheap houses on Scuthbridge street use 122 gallons, while on Austin street 15.6 gallons are the fig- ures given. n London, where the meter system pre- vails to a large extent, houses renting from to $600 each, having bath and two water closets, are given as using but 25.5 gallons per capita per day, while the mid- Gie class of houses, with an average rent of $200, use but 15.6 gallons per capita per day.” The Superintendent's Report. While these figures are all official, the Engineer Commissioner was not willing to accept them as a basis for Washington. So he directed the superintendent of the water department to pursue certain inves- tigations and report. This was done to- the superintendent reporting as fol- 350 lowe: “I have the honor to submit herewith in tabular form a statement of what is be- Meved to be the maximum probable con- sumption of water for all domestic pur- poscs by a family consisting of four adults, two children and three servants. This is based on the following assumptions: Capacities—Bath tub, 6 feet, 30 gallons; closet flush tank, 3 gallons; wash basin, 1‘2 gallons: wash tub, 2 gallons. Allow- ances—One bath per day for each adult and child of family. Two baths per week for each servant; use of closet five times per day for each individual: use of wash basin times per day by each individ- ual: nine tubs of water per week for laun- ten gallons per capita per diem for ccoking and miscellaneous use; use of et sprinkler 20 minutes per day with ate of flow of 5 gallons per minute.” What It Will Cost. This is followed by a table giving these LEADER He Has Not Declined to Direct the Marine Band. What Col. Heywood Says About Out- side Engagements of the Organization. The attenticn of Col. Heywood, com- mandant of the United States Marine Corps, was called by a Star reporter today to a dispatch from Annapolis, printed in the Baltimore Sun this morning, stating that Leader Charles A. Zimmerman of the Naval Academy Band had announced that he would not take the leadership of the United States Marine Band because the Navy Department had announced that the band should not be allowed to accept out- side engagements in the future. “I cannot believe that Mr. Zimmerman has made svch an announcement,” said Col. Heywood. “He was here to see me yesterday and expressed himself as will- ing to assume the Marine Band leadership. The Navy Department has not issued any order that I have seen relating to en- gagements by the band outside of its pub- lic duties. I told Mr. Zimmerman, who is a fine man and a thorough gentleman. that T did not desire to have him come to Wash- ington under any misapprehension, and suggested that he should come here again and look over the field and tee just pre- cisely what he was to expect. I believe he will come over again and do so. He cer- tainly gave me no {dea yesterday that he intended to decline the position.” Outside Engagements of the Band. Speaking of the engagement of the musi- cians of the Marine Band in private ca- pacity, Col. Heywood safd he did not be- Heve there would be any disposition to cur- tall their privileges in this respect. “They have always been allowed to do this," he remarked, “and most of the mem- bers are union men. I do not approve of the band going on trips like the present one it is about to take to Chicago, because it leads to agitation on the part of the local musicians there.” “Do you not think that jealousy has as much to do with objections to the Marine Band playing in other cities as the few dol- lars the bandsmen receive for such ser- vices?” inquired the reporter. “There is no doubt about that at all, in my opinion,” replied Col. Heywood. “Why,” he continued, “I am credibly informed that the band taken by Mayor Carter Harrison and his party from Chicago to New York is composed of non-union men. So you can see for yourself the consistency in the at- tacks on the Marine Band. No, I do not contemplate a declination on the part of Mr. Zimmerman, and will be very much surprised if such happens to be the case.” Going to Chicago Tonight. The Marine Band under Acting Leader Lersen will leave tonight for Chicago sixty members strong to fulfill its engagement at the horse show. Despite the many per- sistent declarations that the retirement of Prof. Fanctulli from the leadership of the organization would affect the legality of the contract with the horse show manage- nent, it can be stated authoritatively that there {s no foundation for any such mis- siving. The original agreement entered into with the horse show management pro- vided for a band of seventy men. The tm- pression at the time by those in author- ity over the Marine Corps was that the horse show was to take place during the latter part of November. When it was ascertained, however, that it would be- gin the first week in November, immedi- ately after Prof. Fanciulli’s retirement from the leadership, the horse show man- agement was informed that only sixty men Would be available; that these men would be under Acting Leader Larsen, and that if this arrangement would be acceptable that the price agreed upon for the serv- ices of the band would be reduced ep- broximately with the reduction of mu- siclans from seventy to sixty. The horse show management immediately telegraph- ed back that the arrangement would be perfectly agreeable, and that all former pians would be regarded as void. The band goes fully equipped and uniformed. At the Navy Department. Nothing ‘s known at the Navy Depart- ment concerning the reported declination of Prof. Zimmerman of the Nava! Acad- emy Band to accept the appointment of leader of the Marine Band. Secretary Long seid he had received no information on the subject, but that the matter might have been reported to the colonel com- mandant of the Marine Corps without his knowledge. Assistant Secretary Roosevelt is out of the city, he having gone to Co- lumbus, Ohio, to take part in the political campaign. Before his departure he told a Star reporter that there seemed to be a general misapprehension regarding the de- Partment’s action with respect to the Ma- rine Band. When it was concluded to per- mit the band to fulfill its engagement at Chicago, he explained, it had been decided that the band should never again be al- lowed to leave the city to fill an en- Ragement to furnish music where it en- tered into competition with kands or musi- cians not in the government Service. This action was taken at the instance of labor organizations, which had protested against the band’s engagement in Chicago. Mr. figures for the week, which show the fol- lowing results: Consumption for week, 4,367 gallons. Consumption per day, 624 gallons. Consumption per capita, 69 gallons Cpnsumption per quarter, 56.169 gallons. Gost at 3 cents per 1,000’galions, $1 ‘Assuming the house in question to be of three stories, with twenty feet front, the Tate per quarter under the existing system would b= $1.50. The mean number of wa- ter consumers per tap, as given in Captain Burr's las 5.6 on the middle high service, a 7 nd low service.’ gee WOLCOTT SAILS FOR HOME. Senator's Last Trip to Paris Reported a Failure. LIVERPOOL, October 30.—The Cunard ne steamer Campania, which sails from this port for New York today, has on her passenger lst the names of Senator Ed- ward O. Wolcott of Colorado, chairman of the United States monetary commission, and Mrs. Wolcott, and General Charles Jack ne of Massachusetts, also of the ry commission, and Mrs. Paine. The chairman of the United States mone- y commission, Senator Edward O. Wol- tof Colorado, arrived in London from Paris last evening, on his way back to the United States. The senator's visit to the French capital is classed as being myster- ious, as he had written to the United States ambassador to France, eGneral Hor- ace Porter, saying that he would not re- turn to Paris, but would proceed direct to America. The French government, it is understood, is not inclined to take any further steps im the matter. = —_——__ COTTON MANUFACTURERS. md Representatives Ex- the Southern Millis. Fifty members of the New England. Cot- ton Manufacturers’ Association, headed by the president, Mr. R. W. Eaton of Bruns- wick, Me., passed through Washington last night on their way to Investigate the cot- ton mills of the south, as guests of the Southern ratiroad. The visitors will go to Danville, Va., Greensboro’ and Salisbury, N. C., and will thoroughly examine the de- velopment in the Spartansburg, Greenville and Columbia districts. The trip will oc- cupy a week. Roosevelt said that nothing had been done te change the present status of the band so far as the District of Columbia is con- cerned, and there was no purpose, he added, to interfere with the individual bus- iness engagements of the members of the band in this city. ———__ PRESIDENTIAL. POSTMASTERS. George F. Pyles of Anacostia Among the Selections. The President has appointed the follow- ing postmasters: Arkansas—Arkadelphia, Dora Clow; Ma- rianna, Jacob Shaul; Newport, William B. Empie. Arizona—Nogales, A. J. Griswold. California—Anaheim, Sheldon Littlefield; Hollister, Robert Shaw; Watsonville, Ben- jamin A. Osbourne; Yreka, Robert Nixon. District of Columbia—Anacostia, George F. Pyles. Florida — Apalachicola, Frank Vincent; Punta Gorda, Joshua Mizell. Georgia—Statesborough, David B. Rig- don; Milledgeville, Charles G. Wilson. Indiana—Rockville, Mahlon W. Marshall. lowa—Bedford, John J. Clark. Mussachusetts—Andover, Arthur Bliss. Montana—Hamilton, Wynne H. Roberts. North Dakota—Oakes, Martin M. Cham- berlin. Ohio—Monroeville, Wiltlam D. Powley. Pennsylvania—East Pittsburg, Frank R. Cyphers; Saint Clair, George W. Heinbach. ‘Texas—Athens, Charlies K. Miller. West Virginia—Piedmont, J. Forsythe Harrison. Wyoming—Rawlins, Perry L. Smith. Missouri—Trenton, C. D. Morris; Glas- gow, A. A. Marshall. ———__-+2-_____ The Star's Portrait of George. ‘The portrait of Henry George, published in The Star yesterday, is probably the most accurate and characteristic likeness in ex- istence of Mr. George. The cut was made from a photograph by Prince, and is the latest that has been taken. So recently was the sitting given for the photograph that the copies had not yet been delivered to resents Mr. George exactly shortly before his death, even to the-most delicate e7 of the eyes and of coun- tenance, and is characteristic in pose, ZIMMERMAN/ NOW UNDER ARREST Serious Charge Against a District Government Clerk, PERSISTENT PECOLATION ALLEGED Money Received From Fees Not Properly Deposited. INVESTIGATION GOING ON ee What is believed by the authorities to be a systematic plan for robbing the District has just been unearthed in the assessor’s office, and Clerk Frank H. Miles has been arrested and suspended from the service of the District. Briefly the charge is the records in the division which has charge of tax certifi- cates have been falsified and certain fees retained. It is customary for prospective purchasers of property to obtain from the District a certificate of all taxes due and unpaid against the property. For this a fee of 50 cents is charged, the mcney going to the credit of the District. Where subdivisions are made, the District upon order gives the division having this matter of tax cer- tificates in hand authority to include in one certificate all of the lots embraced in the subdivision. The plan of procedure, as developed in the investigation, appears to have been to is- sue certificates and either not stamp them or to make a false entry upon the books of the District that the certificate was ordered upon authority of the Commission- ers, and no fee charged. In this way it is claimed there was an opportunity to pil- fer, an opportunity, however, that never would have existed had not an order of the Commissioners been violated. This order directs that no money be re- ceived by employes in the shape of fees, but that all money exacted for fees of any kind be paid at once to the collector of taxes, for which*a receipt must be given. It is alleged that this order has been vio- lated, for the clerk was permitted to col- lect the fees and deposit them himself each afterncon with the collector of taxes. It is impossible, the officers say, to tell how long this stealing has been going on. Investigations of the bocks are now in progress, and all suspected cases are being run to earth. Assessor Trimble, under whom this clerk directly comes, has been called before the Commissioners and in- terrogated at length. Auditor Petty and Collector Davis have been ‘consulted and the clerks in the office with the alleged dishoneset clerk have all been closely ques- tioned. When the matter was first called to the attention of Commissioner Ross he imme- Giately set about an investigation. Be- coming convinced after a cursory inquiry that the charges were well founded he sent for Detective Weedon and directed him to make a careful examination and report the result of his findings. Detective Weedon, it is said, first visited the office and acquainted himself with the methods used in issuing certificates. Hav- ing satisfied himself as to the routine, he obtained a record of the office and the fees turned into the collector of taxes for the past three or four months, the object be- ing to find one case upon which to base a charge. It is understood that he found a hundred. The order of the Commisston- ers permitting the issuance of certificates without fee was then copied, and all books relating to the subject were closed, in order to successfully prosecute the investigation. Matters rested until last evening, when Detective Weedon went through the books, verifying the records. It is said that he found unmistakable evidence of wrongdo- ing. S2curing a lst of the suspected cases, he proceeded to further investigate them. The names of the parties who had secured the certificates were hunted out and inter- viewed. They, it is claimed, made the case complete, and left the detective nothing else to do but arrest the clerk. This was done, and Miles was brought to headquar- ters, where he was “sweated” for over an hour. He maintained silence, declining to explain certain entries. He was nct locked up last night, but was directed to report to the inspector this morning. He arrived on time and spent most of the day closeted with the head of the detective force. The books of the office where he was employed were brought in and Collector of Taxes Davis sent for to compare the record with his own. It is asserted that for two weeks every move of the clerk has been watched and every entry made carefully scrutinized. Each day a report was made to Commis- sioner Ross, and finally when a number of cases had been obtained, the detective was sent for and dirccted to proceed and com- plete the case. In the Police Court. About noon Detective Weedon went with the accused clerk to the Police Court, where Prosecuting Attorney Mullowny called Judge Kimball's attention to the ease. The warrant, which charged the embezzlement of $3, had been sworn out by Assessor Trimble, end it was upon this charge that he was arraigned. “I understand,” said Mr. Mullowny, “that Mr. Miles wants to waive an examination.” “What is the charge?” Judge Kimball in- quired. “Mr. Miles is an official of the District government,” responded the prosecutor, “and the warrant sworn out charges the embezzlement of $3; but I understand an additional amount will be included.” “Is it your desire to waive an examina- tion?” the court asked. “Yes, sir," Mr. Miles answered. Mr. Mullowny suggested that bond in the sum of $1,000 be fixed. This was agreeable to the accused, who was not represented by counsel, and the court made the order fixing the bond at the amount stated and sending the case to the grand jury. The witnesses mentioned on the warrant are Allen C. Walker, 1006 F street; Thos. H. Collins, 1503 5th street; Walter Hilton, 470 Louisiana avenue, and W. P. Lock- wood, 10th and G streets northwest. A Talk With Miles. In conversation with a Star reporter this afternoon, Mr. Miles said: “There is little to say. I am charged with the embezzlement of $3 from the Dis- trict. I am not guilty. Other clerks in the office handle money. Why was I selected? They cannot prove anything. While I knew it was contrary to the orders of the Com- missioners to receive money, I was acting under the orders of both Assessor Trimble and Collector Davis.” When told that there had been a detec- tive watching his werk for weeks, and that each case he entered on the books had been investigated, and a number of irregularities found, he said: “Of course, I understand these people who have taken out certificates will testify against me. If they do I cannot help it. My conscience is clear of any wrongdoing. I understand they only have made out a case of some $3, which is too paltry a sum for me to worry about. Yes, I have ‘been arrested and put under $1,000 bond to appear before the grand jury. I have waived examination, and sent for Mr. Tracy Jeffords to look after my case.” Recerds Show Viviations. The disclosures made today in the tax certificate department may result in mak- ing trouble both for the assessor and the collector of taxes. It is alleged that both these officials have violated the Commis- sioners’ orders in permitting the clerks to teceive money. A similar to light today took place in’ 1898, but the clerk was never brought to justice, al- though he was dismisser. -At that time the Commissioners, to protect themselves, is- sued the following order: “That whereas the collector of taxes is required by law (U. S. Statutes-at-Large, vol. 21, p. 460) to collect and deposit in the treasury all revenues-6f the District, all other employes of the District are prohib- ited from collecting and recelying or in any manner being the medfum for the trans- mission cf funds of any Kind whatever due or payable to the District.” The Order New in Force. In April, 1889, this matter was again brought to the attention of the Commis- stoners, and they formulated and passed the following order, which is still in force, and which was violated by the assessor: “That all persons apptying for collector's certificates of unpaid taxes shall first fill out a blank to be prepared and in the office of the assessor of the District of Co- Iumbia. Upon the filing of said applica- tion, whuch must distinctly and accurately describe the property on whieh the certifi- cate is sought, the assessor shall tseue to the party applying for said certificate a statement directed to the collector of taxes, District of Columbia, showing the name ot the party, a description of the property, giving lot and square, and the amount which said party is to pay to the collector for such certificate. “The collector shall then collect the sum specified in such statement and give to the person paying the same a receipt for the sum total so paid.” Miles had not given bond up to 3 o'clock this afternoon. —_>_—_ GOV. PINGREE OBJECTS, Does Not Want the Yantic Until She is Repaired. The Navy Department has had its atten- tion brought formally to the collision be- tween the U. 8. 8. Yantic and the Canadian steamer Canadienne indirectly through the filing of a protest by Governor Pingree of Michigan. This came by telegraph this morning to the Navy Department, and records the governor's disapproval of the idea of accepting the Yantic from the government at Montreal for the use of the Michigan Naval Milida in her present con- dition. The governor gathered that the ship is disabled, and moreover he feels dis- inclined to accept any responsibility for the accident, He has instructed the ageats of the state nut to receipt for the delivery of the Yantic until she is repaired and these matters are arranged. The naval officials are satisfied that the Yantic cannot be libelled on agcount of the collision, irrespective of whose fault caused the accident. The doctrine was well estab- lished in the case of the U. S: 8 Constitu- tion. She ran on the cliffs of England in a fog, and received assistance from a wreek- ing company. This company being unwill- ing to accept the compensatign offered by the ship's captain applied for salvage, but in a decision of the Engligh courts, which is regarded as establishing the principle be- yond contravention, it was held that a nae Uonal ship is not subject ta # libel. GONE HOME TO VOTE. Seeretaries Sherman and Bliss and Other Officials to Cast ‘Their Ballots. Secretary Sherman wil leave here this evening for his home in Mansfield, Ohio, in order to cast his vote for tite fepublican state ticket at the election next Tuesday. Assistant Secretary Day ewent to Canton for the same purpose gévertl ddys ago. Both gentlemen are expected to return to this clty next Thursday. During their ab- sence Second Assistant Secretary Adee will be in charge of the business of the State Department. Secretary Bliss of the Department of the Interior went to New York yesterday after- ncon, and will return here Tuesday even- ing. He will cast a vote for General 'Tra- cy. Commissioner Butterworth of the patent office left for Ohio last evening to remain there over election day. He wiil speak in Cleveland tonight. ———___-e. HANNA AND BRYAN TO SPEAK. Campaign in Cleveland to Be En- livened by These ‘Big Guns. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CLEVELAND, Ohio, October 30—The Cuyahoga county campaign will be wound up tonight. Senator Hanna and Commis- sioner of Patents Butterworth will fire the last shots. The senator is here this morn- ing, and observes his rule of refraining from any extended talk on the situatton in the state, further than to say it suits him. Mr. Hanna will speak in Canton Monday night. It is not probable that President McKinley will attend this meeting on the eve of the battle in Ohio. The republican campaign managers in Senator Hanna’s home announce that the county is safe. The only“ possible slip be- tween the republicans and viétory here is conceded to be over-confidence and conse- quent failure to come to the polls. The democrats will wind up their cam- paign here tonight with the aid of W. J. Eryan. The late presidential candidate will arrive this afternoon. He will speak at Red Cross Rink while Senator Hanna is speaking in Music Hall..Mr’ Bryan will address half a dozen other meetings dur- ing the evening. ——-__ GORMAN’S CAUSE IS LOST. Belief That the Democrats Will Lose Maryland Again. Special Dispatch to The Bvenigg Star. BALTIMORE, Md., October 30.—Both the republican and democratic committees are hard at work today putting on the finish- ing touches to the campaign., The surface indications now poimt to the collapse of the democratic mayoralty fight, and con- servative judges believe: that Malster and the republican ticket will carry the city by a safe majority. The Malster men are of- fering odds of 5 to 4 on their man, but few bets are being made, es the Williams men are apprehensive of tke ‘result. The general cpinion is that Senator Gor- man’s cause Is lost. and the result of Tu day’s vote will be the election of a re- publican general assembly. 5 iy OVER NINE MILLIONS. Treasury Deficit for the Momth End- ing Today. .. The total treasury deficit’ for the month which ends today is $9,322,653, aue to the large interest payments atthe first of the month. ok The customs receipts for the month felt short about $900,000 from:fhe same month of last year. This ts the smallest shortage since the Dingley bill went Anto effect. Only Seventeen Members Present. Past National Commander Morton of the Regular Army and Navy Union received a telegram from Mr. Hoffman at Kansas City this morning, saying that the proceed- ings of the Army and Navy Union at its present session in that city legal for the reason that ti cneeen members in PROMPTLY DECIDED Collector Agnew’s Office Removed to Alexandria. PROTEST BY LYNCHBURG PEOPLE Hearing Before Internal Revenue Commissioner Forman. SOME PEPPERY REMARKS The office of Commissioner of Internal Revenue Forman was the scene of a gin- gery hearing today over the removal of the office of Collector of Internal Revenue Agnew from Lynchburg to Alexandria. Considerable feeling was displayed between Representative Otey of the Lynchburg di: trict and Commissioner Forman. The rui- ing of the commissioner was that the office be transferred to Alexandria. The an- nouncement of the ruling drew forth ap- Plause from the delegation of Alexandria People and corresponding Gepression from the representatives of Lynchburg. Representative Otey, W. M. Doyle, J. R. Williams and O. B. Barker, president of the Lynchburg board of trade, represented Lynchburg. The Alexandria delegation was headed by Representative Rixey, Collector Agnew, Rokcrt Portner and M. B. Harlow, president of the Business Men's Le: The other members of the delegation J. K. M. Nort’n, Geo. L. S' Barley, Geo. A. Booth, Benoni Wheat, Jo: orel Arthur Herbert, Charles King, Geo. R. Hill, Julian T. Burke, Oscar F. Carter, Wm. B Smoot, A. D. Brockett, James F: Muir, E. E. Downham, K. Kemper, Wm. A. Smoot, Thomas Hoy, Isaac Hichberg, John A. Marshall and J. Clinton Smoot. Before the arrival of the Alexandria dele- gation Representative Otey made a vigor- ous protest against the hearing continuing at this time. He said that he had had too Mttle time to prepare the Lynchburg end of the case. In addition, Senator Daniel want- ed to appear and say something. Commissioner Forman, however, did not indicate that he would continue the hear- ing, and Maj. Otey referred throughout his remarks to being compelled to go on, with- out facts and figures which he wanted. The Lynchburg delegation has asked Sec- retary Gage not to approve of the decision of Mr. Forman until they can again be heard from; also until Senator Daniel can be heard from. While Mr. Gage may do this, his decision will uphold that of Com- missioner Forman, who is supposed to know the business of the office. At the beginning of the hearing Commis- sioner Forman said that it was not cus- tomary to grant such hearings, as the com- missioner was supposed to know what was best in the matter. He also said that the agent of his office had recommended Alex- andria. He had granted the hearing at the request of Maj. Otey and the Lynchburg people. His office, he said, had taken steps to ascertain if proper _ accommodations could be had at Alexandria, and had found that the accommodations were all right. Alexandrin’s Claims. Representative Rixey spoke for the Alex- andria people. He said the representative people of the city wanted the office. The mail facilities of Alexandria, he said, were incomparably better than those of Lynch- burg,at which the Lynchburg people smiled sarcastically. The proximity of Alexandria to Washington was a matter of conven- ience to the collector and the people of the district. Alexandria was once the seat of the office. He earnestly believed that as many people would be served by the change as if the office remained in Lynchburg. From Charlottesville to Alexandria and throughout the valley the people wouid like to have the office at Alexandria. Most of the business of the office was conducted by letter. This being so, Alexandria offered better facilities in the mail line than Lynchburg. Mr. Harlow said the best interests of the people and the government would be served by the removal of the office to Alexandria. The proximity of that city to Washington made it convenient for the collector to come here to transact his business. Alexandria offered ample accommodations and facii- ities. Mr. Kemper also made a few remarks as to the advantages of the office being locat- ed in Alexandria. He dwelt upon the fact that the convenience of the collector should have some bearing in the case, especially when there was no damage to the business of the people or the government by a change. Opposing the Change. Representative Otey spoke next for Lynchburg. He said he proposed to give facts and reasons why the change should not be made, if the commissioner would grant a postponement until November 4. He thought reasons and facts ought to gov- ern and not the desire of the collector. He had been unable to gather all the facts he desired during the last few days because he had been refused them at the office of Collector Agnew. He intimated that <he refusal came through the collector. He also appealed for time, because Senator Daniel was canvassing in. the state, end did not know the hearing here was io ‘ake Place. ‘The Lynchburg people, he said, had not attempted to come before the commissioner backed by a great delegation. He did not think the number of people ought to enter into the decision, and he did not think he ought to be forced to go on with the argu- ment. Major Otey then said the district of the collector was 490 miles long, with Alexan- dria at one end, and Lynchburg in the cen- ter. With a map he illustrated the situa- tion. He claimed that people from the southwest end of the district would have to come hundreds of miles to Alexandria to conduct business, while they would have to ee but a few miles to get to Lynch- ure. He next claimed that during the last quarter the territory tributary to Lynch- burg paid 900 per cent more taxes than the territory tributary to Alexandria. He as- serted that the business ought to be kept with the people, and not the people have to go to the business. He ridiculed the claim of the Alexandrians as to their rail- road facilities. He alleged that Alexandria has only two lines, while Lynchburg has seven. He claimed that people would have to go through Lynchburg and lie over there to get to Alexandria. If it was a question of the convenience of the collector the of- fice might as well be removed to New York. Collector Agnew interposed the statement that collection of taxes have nothing to do with the question. Convenience of the People. Major Otey denied this, saying that the people who pay the bulk of the taxes ought to be given whatever benefits that accrue from the office. The convenience of the people ought to be considered by the gov- ernment. He reiterated that the Lynch- burg section pays from 900 to 1,200 per cent SITUATION IN MARYLAND The Political Outlook Resembles That in 1895. George R. Gaither, Jr., of Bal re Discusses the C: paign From the Republican Point of View. George R. Gaither, jr., who was chairman of the republican convention in Baltimore, was in Washington today. He said to a Star reporter: “The situation in Maryland at the,present time resembles very strongly the great state campaign of 1895. It is in many re- Spects a more important one, as Mr. Gor- man is now fighting for his political exist- ence. and for the first time since the repub- lican party obtained power in the state the People have an opportunity to strike at Gorman himself. “The great victory of the republicans in 1895 was won upon the issue of opposition to the boss methods of Senator Gorman in the state of Maryland, and his lieutenant, I. Freeman Ras:n, in the city of Baltimore. Last year the republicans were again suc- cessful, their majority for McKinley rising to 32,000, the largest majority ever given in the state to any candidate on either side since the colored men have been allowed to vote in Maryland. “Mr. Gorman’s position on both sides of the silver questicn, and especially espousal of the cause of free silver last fail, have arrayed against him in this cam- igt most of the sound money democrats for Preside: y. Among ¢ Mr. Gorman’ and this force the independents materially who ed agairsi the democratic ring in 1895. Mr. Gorman’s remarkable letter to the Bal- timore Sun, in which he offered to turn over the entire democratic organization, was such a complete exhibition of his ab- solute domination of the party machine that it has acted as a boomerang for the democratic cause. “The situation in the city of Baltimore has been made practically the same as it was in 1895, by the nomination, through Mr, Rasin’s machine, of tne same canut- date for mayor, Mr. Henry Williams, who was nominated by Rasin in 1895, and then defeated by over 7,000 votes. Mr. Williams is a man of high personal integrity and standing, but the open support of the Rasin machine makes the same issue against him as in the former campaign. “From the present outlook, I am confi- dent that the state of Maryland will give a majority of at least 15,00 for the republi- can ticket, and that the republicans will have a large majority on joint ballot in the state legislature, insuring the election of a republican senator in place of Mr. Gor- man. “The conditions in the city of Baltimore are also most favorable to the election of Mr. William T. Malster, the republican can- didate for mayor. He is president of the Columbian iron works—one of the largest shipbuilding plants in the country—and very popular. His majority will probably exceed Mayor Hooper's majority in 1885, which was over seven thousand. “The republicans of the city and state are thoroughly united, enthusiastically supporting the entire ticket. Senator Wel- ington has had nothing whatsoever to do with the present campaign, since his defeat at Ocean City, but his former friends throughout the state are working earnestly for the success of the party.” SS USELESS ARMY The Abandonment of Forts Custer and Assinniboine Favored. Gen. J. F. Wade at St. Paul, command- ing the Department of Dakota, has recom- mended the abandonment of Fort Custer, Mont, as a military pos.t It is in the worst condition of any occupied post he has seen in the last twenty years. The water supply is contaminated from sewage at the Crow Creek agency, slaughter houses and Indian campy. F Gen. Wade also suggests the abandon- ment of Fort Assinniboine, the most north- ernmost post in the United States. Its necessity has pased away, and its occu- pancy entails hardships upon the troops. He also calls attention to the necessity for better provision for water supply at Fort Harrison, Mont., before the garrison is increased. POSTs. ———_——e—___ THE PRESIDENT’S CONDOLENCE. Message of Sympathy Sent to Queen Victoria. The Secretary of State yesterday sent the following cable message to Ambassador Hay at London: “The President learns with sincere vain of her majesty’s heavy bereavement in the death of her near kinswoman, the Duchess of Teck. Cunvey appropriate expression of condolence and sympathy.” Ambassador Hay replied today as fol- lows: “Transmitted to the queen the President's message of sympathy and received follow- ing reply: ‘Thank you most truly for your kind message of condolence and sympathy.’ The Report Believed to Favor a Court-Martial. Gen. Miles, in his capacity as acting sec- retary of war, has received by mail from Gen. Brooke, commanding the department of Missouri, the report of the court of in- quiry which he appointed by direction of Secretary Alger, to investigate the charges made against Capt. Lovering of the ith Infantry of ill-treating Private Hammond. In view of the fact that the inquiry was really ordered by Secretary Alger, who feels a personal interest in the matter, Gen. Miles states that he will withhold the re- pert of the court from publication until the Secretary returns to Washington or directs otherwise. It is stated, however, that the court has found sufficient grounds for court-martialing Capt. Lovering and that a detail for the court will be made as soon as Gen. Miles can communicate with Sec- retry Alger, who is now in Detroit. ——_-e-____ Davis in the Campaign. Assistant Secretary of the Interior Web- ster Davis was at Ironton, Ohio, last night, where he spoke, with Senator Foraker. Tonight he speaks at West Milton, and Monday night he will close the campaign with Senators Hanna.and Mason. The value of Mr. Davis’ work as estimated by the republican state committee is evi- denced by his being selected cam with the man who is most interested and the brilliant junior senator from Illinois. VOTE WILL SPLIT UP Henry George's Following Will Ma- terially Change Situation. ALL PARFIES CLAIM A SHARE alam Van Wyck and Low Wil Be Bene- fited Most. ARRANGEMENTS | FUNERAL Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, October 30.—Nothing is presented today but figures upon the effect which the death of Henry George will have upon his foliowers, Everybody is inter- ested in knowing how the vote of the Thomas Jefferson democracy will be ai- vided. Your correspondent this morning had an interesting talk with one of George's friends. He is an free sliverite; was a warm supporter of Bryan, and gave his time and energy earnestly to the George campaign. He said, in substance, that those familiar with the character of the men behind the Georgeite movement are able to give fairly good guesses concerning final re- sults, well knowing the antecedents cf many of the leaders of this independent democratic movement. Those who remem- ber that Henry George, a stranger to New York, without money, without friends of influence, with « press united in a bitter Opposition to him, without an organization, single-handed and alone, yet succeeding in obtaining 68,000 votes in the lesser New York, are cf the opinion that he would have received at least 100,000 votes in the Greater New York. Where George's Vote Will Go. Estimated upon a basis of 100,000, and in apy event the percentages would remain the same, those best familiar with the sit- uation are of the opinion that Tammany Hall will get about 57,000 of the votes which would have gone to George, the Citizens’ Union will get about 35,000, and that 10,000 will remain loyal to the Thomas Jefferson democracy and the name and fame of Henry George, and vote for the son in place of the father, and that the remainder, or 5,000 votes, will be divided among ihe republicans, the social labor- ites and Patrick Gleason, the independent candidate for mayor. These estimates are founded upon a knowledge of the fact that about S) per ! cent of the followers of Henry George have been democrats under normal conditions, {that about 10 per cent have been republi- cans and that an additional 10 per cent have been radicals, socialists and populists. It seems to be the general belief that pre- election conditions have not been changed by the death of Henry George. That is to say, while the plurality of Judge Van Wyck may be swelled to a slight extent by the deaih of the Thomas Jefferson democ- racy leader, the disintegration of the pow- erful poiitical organization built upon the personality of the author of “Progress and Poverty” wili not change the actuai results of the election, How the Betiing Stands. If betting is any criterion the three lead- ing canauates will fnsh in the following erder:; Van Wyck first, Low second and Tracy third. ‘hat even republicans are convinced that the death of Menry George Will benefit Low more than Tracy is found in the fact that those who have wagered money upon ‘Tracy receiving a larger vote than Low unaer the old arrangement be- fore the death of George clamored for a de- cision to Uhe effect thai all bets are off. On the other hand, the men who have wagered that Low would receive a larger vote than ‘sracy were anxious fora decision that all Low-Tracy beis shall stand. So far as the betting upon Van Wyck is concerned there has been a slight altera- tion in the perceniages in favor of the Tammany Hail leaders since the death of Henry George, though even this shifting in the betting has not been of a pronounced character. The dramatic death of Mr. George has caused a reaction in his favor all over the city. The bitter attack which the candidate of the Thomas Jefferson democracy made upon Mr. Platt and Mr. Croker up to the closing hours of his life had naturally stir- red up a deal of opposition to him. The re- publican organization had been annoyed somewhat by his threats to attempt the ar- rest of Mr. Platt in the event of his (George) being elected mayor of Greater New York. But it was the democrats of Tammany Hall who had suffered the most from similar threats concerning the prose- cution of Mr. Croker, and the supporters of Judge Van Wyck had trained their heaviest guns upon the Henry George camp. Now those guns have been silenced, and Croker, Van Wyck and Shechan vie with Tracy and Low in their efforts to pay tribute to the memory of the dead. Tone of the Press, Perhaps the change in sentiment is best reflected in the tone of the newspapers in the metropolis. Partisanship, as was nat- ural under the circumstances, resulted in some attacks being made upon Mr. George, his theories in general, and his singie-tax ideas in particular, before his death. But one of the surprises of the campaign has been the manner in which some of the more conservative newspapers of the city supported him, even before his death, as a result of these very attacks upon the ex- isting republican and democratic organi- zations. Now that he has passed away, there is scarcely a note of discord to be found among the newspaper tributes to the memory of the single taxer, and praise comes from quarters which makes it “praise from Caesar, indeed.”