Evening Star Newspaper, November 5, 1897, Page 2

2 county. W. Va., with Judge Charles C. Cole, a present one of the judges of the Supreme Court of the District. Mr. W. Cole, the brother of Judge Cole, and at present a member of the bar of the Dis- trict, was also connected with the firm. Judge Scott came to Washington from Parkersburg, W. Va., in September, 1589, when he w appointed attorney in charge of pardons, Department of Justice. At the conclusion of the term of his office he was appointed a justice of the peace for the District of Columbia, which office he has held for about three years, and as such has acted as police judge during the absence of the regular judges. Judge Scott is a member of George G. Meade Post, Department of the Potomac, G. A. R. He is also past grand commander ef the Grand Commandery of West Vir- ginta, Knights Tempiar, and by demit a member of Columbia Commandery, No. 2, this city. He is also a member of the Grand Commandery of the District of Columbia. What He Says. The fact that President McKinley has de- cided to name Judge Scott as the succes- sor of Judge Miller was made known to Judge Scott this afternoon by a Star re- porter, just as that official stepped from a street car in front of his office, in the Fen- dali building, on his way from the White House. “I fear your announcement is somewhat Premature,”” said Judge Scott, “for I have just returned from the White House and heard nothing in regard to the appointmens while I 3 there." Judge Scott was a: red, however, that there could be no mistake, and he then ex- Pressed his gratification at his selection. “I certainly appreciate the efforts that have been expended by my friends in my Lehalf,” he said. “T sincerely hope that by all diligence I may come up to their expec- - tations and properly discharge the duties of my new office. I feel very kindly toward everybody. and hope they feel the same to- ward me.” “In the event that your commission is signed this afternoon, when will you enter upon your duties in the Police Court?” in- quired the reporter. “If Judge Kimball will consent, I should nday,”” replied Judge “With my appointment as Police Court judge, my commission as justice of the peace ceases. The appointment coming at this time tal me somewhat by sur- Prise, and it necessary for me to wake some di tion of my books and Papers as justice of the peace. I have a number of cases pending before me, and, in fact, have a great deal of work to attend to.”* “Ts it your intention to 1aake any changes among the employes of the Police Court?” Judge Seott was a: Judge serving have been temporarily with all replied Judge Scott. sn officially notified of of course, I have given no thought to the matter of changes. After one mistake early in my career I have made it a rule never to attempt to cross @ bridge before reaching it. That is a matter for future consideration.” Late this afterroon many friends of Judge Scott, who had heard that he had been selected for the vacancy, calied at his office and tendered their congratula- tions. as my t having b ™my appointment, Favorable Comment. The few lawyers around the courts late today, when the appointment was an- nounced, spoke in favorable terms of the new judge. Samuel Maddox: “I have tried many cases, Involving nice questions, before Jus- tice Scott. and if the abilities displayed by him therein are indievative of his qualifica- tions for the position of Police Court judge, he will make a good judge.” Tracy L. Jeffords: “He was the best man mentioned for the place. He is a kind man and an able and square on W. Preston Williamsen: "An excellent appointment. He is able, and his long experience as pardon clerk of the De- The special congressional committee on. partment of Justice will, I think, particu- larly well fit him for the position.” Payton Gordon: “Judge Scott will be a “2 > I think, for he is fair and In speaking of the appointment of Judge Scott. Attorney W. Caivin Chase said: “The appointment of Judge Scott is one of the best the President could have made. I am personally acquainted with the new juége who is to succeed the late Judge Miller, and feel sure he is in a Position to make himself one of the best men who ever Sat on the Police Court bench. Judge Scott, Ike Judge Miller, is a merciful man, and will not be influenced by prejudice. He bever caters to public sentiment, and with such an able assisiant as Mr. James S. Pugh, jr., he will establish many reforms in the court over which he will preside.” Commission Signed. The President signed the commission of Judge C. F. Scott about 2 o'clock this af- ternoon. Then it was sent to the Attorney General's office, where the official seal will be affixed. From there it will be forwarded to Judge Scott. ee WILL BOLT CAUCUS (Continued from First Page.) its noon recess at Bowling Green the two democratic members of the board of elec- ticns refused to sign the official canvass cf the vote of Wood county unless the vote of one precinct in Center township was thrown out. The vote of this precinct makes a difference of forty-two votes on the Wood county representative. If it is counted the representatives will have a plurality of twenty-cight, and ff it is thrown out the democratic represenia- tive will have a plurality of fourteen. The county seat (Bowling Green) is lo- cated in Center township. The precinct in dispute includes that portion of the town- ship outside the corporate limits of Bowl- ing Green, but, for the convenience of vot- poll were located in Bowling just across the precinct Boundary. sting place is in the proper township, t within the precinct, and it has been me place for tive years without y of the location ever being ques- tioned before. Will Ask a Mandamus. As it is believed the deadlock of 2 to 2 will continue in the board of election, Con- gressman Burton of Cleveland and other attorneys for the republicans have prepar- ed their mandamus case and will go before the cirevit court this afternoon for an order to compel the Wood county board of elections to sign the tally sheets as they have been made out on the face of the re- turns. The republican counsel claim that no county boards ef elections have any power to go behind the returns, and that the face of the returns gives their representative a plurality of 28. In the event of the esurt not granting the order, it seems probable that the republican member from Wood county will be sworn in, as the republicans ia a majority of 6 in the house without Wood county. The official returns from Delaware county give th rality cf night. ublican representative a plu- instead of 29, as claimed last Mr. Kurtz's Statement. Charles R. Kurtz, who was chairman of the repub nm state committee In 1896 and 189, says there is nothing whatever in the talk about certain republican members of the legislature combining with the dem- ocrats to elect Governor Bushnell or any other man senator in place of Senator Hanna, wh) was indorsed by the last re- publican state convention for both the short and the full terms for senator. Mr. Kurtz says no republican members could afford to bolt the caucus nomination, and he does not believe that a single re- publican member could be found who would go i such a combine. As Chairman Kurtz was defeated for re-election as chair- man by Senator Hanna, and admits he is unfriendly to the senator himself, this Statement is believed to be the last that will be heard of the combine against Hanna as the republican senatorial nomi- nee. At republican state headquarters the reports have never received any credence. They state that if they are assured of a safe majority on joint ballot, they have no doubt or concern as to what that majority will do. —_—_ ‘To Meet at the Capitel. the use of alcohol in the arts, which has been holding a series of hearings in west- ern cities, will have a meeting at the Cap- {tol tomorrow. The committ2: will meet in New York Thursday, Friday and Satur- day of next week. +--+ ____ If you want anything, try an ad. In The Star. If anybody ha§ what you wish, you will get an answer. LATE NEWS BY WIRE|JUDGE LYON’S DEATH|THE ‘BELT RAILROAD|HEALTH OF A-CITY|FINANCE AND TRADE Fire Discovered in Hold of Red Star | Assistant Attorney General for In- Steamer Southwark. terior Department Passes Away. FORTY-TWO PASSENGERS ABOARD | LAWYER OF RXCEPRIONAL ABILITY Vessel Turns Back From Her Voyage in Consequence. MET BY A FIRE BOAT + NEW YORK, November 5.—The Red Star Line steamer Southwark, which sailed from this port on Wednesday bound for Antwerp, passed Fire Island at 10:30 a.m. today bound in. She signaled: “Fire down in the hold among cargo. ‘The Southwark has forty-two passengers on board. A tug has been sent to her as- sistance, and it is expected she will reach her dock in three or four hours. The fire boat New York, in charge of lieutenant Braisted, has gone to meet the Southwark. Two tug boats were sent to the Southwark by the American line. ——__ BOSS CROKER IMPROVING. He Contracted a Severe Cold on Elec- tion Night. NEW YORK, Novemter 5.—Richard Cro- ker, who is suffering from a severe cold, is very much improved today and was able to eat a good breakfast in his bed room at the Murray Hill Hotel. Mr. Croker attrib- ttes his indispesition to a bad chill he suf- fered in Tammany Hall on election night. On that occasion he was without an over- coat, and the enthusiastic throng that greeted him in the street kept him stand- ing a long time in the cold air. He is ex- pected to be quite well again in a few days. SS SHOT BY A ROBBER. John Nieding Fatally Wounded While Lying in Bed. DETROIT, Mich., November 5.—John Nieding, a shoemaker, was shot and fatally wounded by a robber early this morning, while asleep in a house on Antoine street. Mrs. Nieding was awakened just as the intruder appeared in the doorway of their room with a lighted match in his hand. Realizing he was detected, the stranger fired a revolver at the bed. The bullet struck the breast of the sleep- ing man, piercing the lung and blood ves- sels. The robber escaped. Nieding can live but a few hours. FOUR CHILDREN MURDERED. Believed to Have Been the Work of a ‘Tramp. MONTREAL, Quebec, November 5.—A quadruple murder is reported from Raw- don, Montcalm county, province of Que- bec. The victims are the three daughters and one son of Mr. Nully, a farmer, who, hay- ing gone on a visit Wednesday morning, found the children murdered when he re- turned home at night. The girls were eight- teen, sixteen and fourteen, and the boy ten years old. Three large parties are hunt- ing the woods for a tramp who is sup- posed to be the murderer. ——__* LOST HIS COMPASS IN A STORM. Yet Capt. Kissell Sailed His Boat Safely 1,100 Miles. SAN FRANCISCO, Cal., November 5.— The schooner Volvano, only seventeen tons burden, has arrived here after riding out a storm in mfdocean, during which her compass was lost. Capt. Wm. Kissell suc- ceeded in making port after a voyage of 1,100 miles, with no other guide than the sun, stars and the trend of the currents. The Northern California coast was sighted. Then an occasional glimpse of the shore enabled the skilled mariner to determine his way to the Golden Gate. The little vessel sailed from this city October 2 with salt and coal for Unga Island, the intention being to leave the schooner in the north to ply between trading stations. On October 18, when 1,000 miles west of Cape Mendocino, a storm struck the vessel, nearly wrecking her and sweeping part of the cargo and the compass overboard. The captain decided to return here, and the manner in which he accomplished the feat is considered marvelous by seafaring men. ees THE SIGNAL OFFICE. Gen. Greely’s Report to the Secretary of War. Many interesting facts in regard to mili- tary signaling by telegraph, telephone, bal- loons, etc., are contained in the annual re- port of Gen. A. W. Greely, chief signal osfi- cer, to the Secretary of War, made public today. The permanent military telegraph lines operated by the Sigfal Corps aggre- gate 802 miles in length, exclusive of the short cable in New York harbor. The most important aéditions during the past year have been in connection with the operations age'nst hostile Indians in Arizona. Gen. Cemely says: e A Combination Apparatus. ‘The most notable advance 1s in the de- \elopment of the combined telegraph and telephone apparatus devised by Captain James Allen, signal corps, which is dis- tinctly superior to any previously con- structed, and admirably answers all re- quirements. An operator can easily carry a combination telegraph and _ telephone office, and while one soldier telegraphs a message, another may, over the same wire, talk telephonically with another staticn, the distant receiving operators hearing only their own message. The outfit weighs but sixteen pounds, including battery, and has been rigidly tested up to a distance of more than 600 miles, and is a pronounced success in its varicus capacities as a ‘buzz’ Morse, telephonic and phonoplex in- strument. The importance of this means of communication is not confined to the field work of the signal corps, but in its soy applications may well become world wide. . Use of Balloons. “The addition of balloon section to field telegraph trains for the purpose of collecting and transmitting military infor- mation brings into special importance the question of aerial navigation. “Many methods, most of them Quixotic, have been presented to this office for aerial navigation. It is believed that the success of such navigation awaits a motor consid- erably lighter than those now used. Pro- fessor Langley, in flights with his aero- plene, indicates that the solution of this in- teresting and important problem is not far distant. Meanwhile, the chief signal officer bas taken such action to place on an effi- cient footing a model captive balloon sec- tion, suitable as a part of the field train, as facilities and appropriations have per- mitted. This work has progressed at Fort Logan, Col., under the supervision of Capt. W. A. Glassford, Si Corps, who has now at that post a silk balloon of 14,000 cuble feet capacit; balloon wagon with cable drum, captive cables and accessories; one service wagon; @ gas-generating ap- paratus, a compressor for impounding gas in tubes, and 180 sicel tubes, in which gas is compressed to 1-100 or 1-120 of its vol- ume. A balloon house, essential for eco- nomical practice, has been constructed at Fort Logan, and permits of ascensions in all weathers. “A special estimate of $10,000 is submitted for construction and experiments with bal- Icons, and it is hoped it meet th« ap- proval of the Secretary of War and of Con- Gen. Lieber’s Condition Better, General G. N. Lieber, judge advocate general of the army, who has been serious- ly ill for the past two weeks at his dence, No. 1322 N street, was. iri The Interment to Occur at Peters- burg, Va., Tomorrow. HIS -CAREER AS LAWYER The death of John Lyon, one of the as- sistant attorneys general for the Depart- ment of the Interior, occurred this morning at his home, 1930 15th street northwest. Mr. Lyon had been confined to his home about two months, his death being caused by a disease of the liver. Mr. Lyon was highly esteemed by all the officials of the Department of the Interior with whom he came into contact. He was an able lawyer and had become distin- guished at the bar during his long term as a vractitioner in Virginia. He came to this city about seven years ago, and en- gaged in practice, having considerable business in land office cases before the De- partment of the Interior. His exceptional ability in such cases caused his appoint- ment as an assistant attorney general about five years ago, since which time he has been regarded as a high authority in land office cases. Sketch of His Carcer. Mr. Lyon was about seventy years old at the lime of his death. He was born fn Petersburg, Va., where he began his Jegal career. He was graduated from the Uni- versity of Virginia in both the lterary and law classes. Upon his graduation he stood at the head of his class and was chosen as volecictorian. After practicing § ia Petersburg for some years he moved to Richmond, where he ai ined a high standing, being connected with some of the mcst important legal contests in the state. His fees from single cases are said to have amounted to 325,000. Later on his practice became compara- tively small, ard seven years ago he came to this city, where he practiced for a time and unti! appointed to the place he held at his death in the Department of the In- terior. He was regarded not only as an able lawyer, but as a scholar of rare at- tainments. Mr. Lyon's wife was Miss Margaret Springs, the daughter of a wealthy mer- chant at Charlotte, N. Four of their children are living—Frank Lyon, private secretary to Judge Clements of the inter- state commerce commission; Lieutenant Leroy Lyon, United States army, stationed at Fortress Monroe; Mrs. Parham, whose husband is connected with the Southern Railroad Company, and Mrs. Sewell, the wife of Lieutenant Sewell, United States army, stationed in Boston. Funeral Arrangements. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon from Mr. Lyon’s late residence at 5 o'clock. Many officials of the depart- ment will attend the services. The re- mains will be taken to Petersburg for in- terment in the family burying ground. Employes of the office of the attorney general for the Department of the Interior have joined in sending a handsome floral tribute for use at the funeral. AT THE WHITE HOUSE Appointment of Several Consuls An- nounced. F. W. Mondell to Be Assistant Land Commissioner—Politics Talkea at the Cabinet Meeting. The President today appointed the fol- lowing consuls: Abraham B. Jones of Alabama, at Tux- pan, Mexico. Daniel Mayer of West Virginia, at Bue- ros Ayres, Argentine Republic. E. Theophilus Liefeld of Connecticut, at Freiburg, Baden. The President has selected Frank w. Mondell of Newcastle, Wyo., as assistant ecmmissioner of the general land office, and the appointment will shortly be announced. Mr. Mondell is expected here in a few days, and probably will take the office about the middle of the month. He will succeed Judge Emory F. Best of Georgia. Mr. Mondell was the representative-at- large from the territory in the las: House, and will be thirty-seven years old tomor- row. He is a native of St. Louis, has lived in several western stares and territories, was mayor of Newcastle for seven years, has been president of the territorial senate ard was a delegate to the Minneapolis con- vention. The Cabinet Meting. It was a week ago today when the last cabinet meeting was held, and it was thought that today’s session would be un- usually important. The cabinet members averred, however, that nothing of general interest was considered. “We talked politics,” said three of the members who emerged from the cabinet room in a bunch. It was also said with positiveness that there was no official talk about Spain. The fact was communicated to the cabinet that General Weyler is to be arrested on landing in Spain, but this was spoken of individually. A few minutes prior to the cabinet meet- ing Assistant Secretary Day of the State Department and Consul General Fitzhugh Lee arrived at the White House. . The call was not a long one. Gen. Lee had nothing to say after the conference, but it is known that the President impressed upon the Vir- ginian the importance of continuing his vigilance in the interest of American citi- zens and of giving them all the protection in his power. The President repeated his request that Gen. Lee remain in Havana until the Cuban troubles are ended. Gen. Lee has received final instructions, and will not call at the White House again. He will leave this city tomorrow even- ing. He will go from here to New York and will sail from that port on the steam- er Seguranca. If the renewed talk of a split between this country and Spain develops Gen. Lee will be at his post of diity to represent this country in whatever occurs. The President has the utmost confidence in him. —<—$_—__+ = _—______ DENSE FOG IN NEW YORK. Vessels Afraid to Venture Out in Harbor in Consequence. NEW YORK, November 5.~Shortly after 8 o'clock this morning a dense fog set in over the waters of the upper and lower -bay, causing considerable impediment to navigation. The fog is very dense and only a few tug boats venture out into the harbor. At Quarantine business is at a standstill. The four steamers which arrived last night are still at anchor. Two other steamers anchored off this station Be- tween 1 and 3 a.m. Their names cannot be’ ascertained until the fog lifts. The big Hamburg-American express Fuerst Bismarck is due and ts now b= ably not very far from the Sandy Hook lightship, fog bound. ‘The steamer Oswell was in collision in North river today with the elevator boat Renovator. The craft first named had a heavy stern plate at the starboard quarter badly bent and the rivets. started. It is not known to what extent, if any, the stenmed away in the for which Hing ove a | the river af the tine of the aosiaeee —___ ‘Steamship Arrivals. At New York, Edam, from Amsterdam. At Liverpcol. Queenstown, Lucania, New York for It is Belidved ‘That It Will Be Sold ate Auction, ACTION OF BONDEOLDERS PROBABLE Some of: the Current Gossip in Well-Informed Circles. TALK OF SYNDICATES The proceedings in the court yesterday, when the receiver of the Belt Railway Company made answer-to the petition of the trustees of the bondholders, asking that the road be sold, were followed with @ good deal of interest by those who are concerned in this particular road, as well as in other street railroads in the city. As was stated in the report in yesterday’s Star, Judge Cox decided to have the entire case heard next Thursday. It seems to be the opinion 6f those who have given the situation of the Belt railroad some consid- eration that the answer of the receiver, which was made yesterday, indicated that the present owners of the controlling inter- est in the,stock of the road were willing that the road should be sold. When the proceedings were first begun there was some question as to whether or not it was the intention of the Widener- Elkins syndicate, which is supposed to own the contro!ing interest in the stock, to al- low the road to be sold. and it was said in some quarters that there had been a chang$ in the ownership of this property, and that probably an effort would be inade to pay off the accrued interest and thus prevent the property from coming under the auc- tioneer’s hammer. Willing to Let Go. It is now belleved, however, that the syn- dicate has no intention of sending any more money after what they have already in- vested in this réad, and it is said that some time ago they offered to sell at the prevail- ing market rate, which was much below the par value of the stock, their entire holdings, which, of course, represents a controlling interest in the road. It seems to be the impression in well-in- formed circles that the syndicate is not only willing but anxious to get rid of this property, and it is therefore believed that the result of the present proceedings in the court will be that the road will be put up for sale to the highes: bidder. Assuming, then, that the road is to be sold at public sale, there is a good deal of gos- sip as to the probable outcome of such a sale. It is, of course, believed that as svon as the court orders the sale of the property @ meeting of the bondholders will be called in order to determine whether the bond- holders shall have a representative at the sale and whether any bid shall be author- ized and how much. There is no doubt that the first question will be readily answered in the affirmative, but as to the price at which the bondholders will let the road go rather than‘ take it themselves there is un- certainty, Value of the Road. Some are of the opinon that the bond- holders will be willing to take 50 cents on the dollar, while a representative of the bondholders said ‘today that probably a bid of 75 or 80 cents would be authorized. As the debt for which the road is to be sold. namely, the present issue of bonds,amounts to half a million dollars, it is seen that the value of the road, according to current gos- sip, ranges from $250,000. to $400,000. There has been, considerable talk about the formatfon of syndicates to buy this road, but nothing definite seems to be known abont such movements. It is ru- mored that there is a syndicate, composed of local capitalists and of those who are not promitiently identified with local street railways, which has in view the purchase of the property, provided it-can be obtained at a moderate figure. It is estimated that the entire Belt Line can be equipped with the underground elec- tric system ‘similar to that which is in operation on the Metropolitan road at an expenditure within $1,00),000. If these cal- culations are correct the entire road with a rapid-transit system would then represent an outlay which it would not be beyond the business of the road to render a profitable investment. Some Current Rumors. It is also said in this connection that several of the large Belt bondholders are also interested in the Metropolitan and in the Capital Traction railroads, andit is ru- mored that a combination might be effected which would result in the transfer of the ownership of the Belt road to them, so that the road reconstructed would be oper- ated in their interests, if not directly by one or other of the two street railroad cor- porations. It is, of course, not known what will be the outcome of the present proceedings, but it is believed that the Belt road, under a mew management, as it seems now bound to have, will bé operated so as to serve to a greater degree the interest of the public and of the important section of the city through which it passes than is now the case. It is also believed that the control of the road in the future will be in the hands of local men, although, of course, it is pos- sible that some outside capital may be se- cured in order to carry out the plan of in- stalling on this Ine a modern rapid transit system. SS NAVAL ACTIVITY. Rushing Work on Brattle Ship Iowa and Gunbont Foote. NEW YORK, November 5.—The Commer- cial Advertiser says this afternoon: “The Brooklyn navy yard is active, and work on all the war vessels lying at the wharfs or in the dry docks ts being pushed forward as rapidly as posstbie, under or- ders from the Navy Department. “No one seems to understand why so much haste is necessary, and inquiries are met with the invariable reply: ‘It is nothing unusual. We are obeying orders issued some time ago, that is all. We always fin- ish work at this station as rapidly as we can. Spain's naval activities have nothing to do with our industry.’ “An officer attached to the office of the ccmmandant of the yard repeated this thne-worn explanation today, but added that he belleved some sort of an order had teen recefved to urge the completion of the two new vessels which are at the yard makiug preparations for their final trials, urder the board of inspection. “These vessels- are the torpedo boat Foote and the» tig battle ship Iowa, the latter the Ieaviert in our navy at the pres- ent time. The is practically in readi- ness to go to sed for her official trial, which is to’be made some day next week, probebly om Tharsday. The Foote is to follow early in the following week. “In additiqn tg,th-se vessels, the New- port, & composite gunboat, now in dry dock 2, will be dy"Yor sea next week. On Friday shel willéail for Nicaragua, with Admiral _Walkeriand.the commission. ap- pointed to make,an inspection of the canal plan by Civil Engineer A. S. Menocal, who. will be detached frcm the yard temporarily to accompany commission.” E ENGLAND eat’ TAKE PART. or s But is ach Tnterestead in Florian LONDON;, Noypmber 5—Great Britain has declined te.4eke part in the Florida fisheries. conference: ~The United States bassador, Col. John Hay, received a po- lite note ‘from the foreign office-today. say- her Sree eea yer is greatly but regretted ijs jnability to send an of- ficial ental ive to take Ry init ——< <a Mr, Woodward Makes His Annual Report Today. THE FALLING OFF OF DISEASE Reasons for Better Conditions and Recommendations Made. INTERESTING STATISTICS: ee The annual report of the healta officer for the District was submitted to the Commis- sioners this afternoon. The report opens with the vital statistics, giving in detail the population and the percentage of wiflte and colored citizens. Of the entire popula- tion 47 per cent is male and 33 female. There occurred during the year just ended 5,737 deaths, of which 3,218 were white and 2,521 colored. Particular attenticn is called to the un- expectedly low death rate in the alleys, the rate being 20.34, or somewhat lower than that for the District as a whole. Classifying the mortality according to causation, an increase is noted since last year in the deaths from constitutional and developmental diseases, and a decrease in the number from zymotic and other causes and from violence. From the standpoint of public health, the most important ot these classes is the zymotic, which includes mogt of those diseases regarded as pre- ventable. ‘The entire number of deaths from zy- motic diseases was 1,027, which is 220 less than the preceding year. He says the num- ter of deaths from diphtheria increased from 75 to 110; from whooping cough, from 22 to 65; and from grip from 53 to 118. The mumber of deaths from diphtheria, he says, 4s not excessive, and he pcints out the num- ber of deaths from whooping cough as in- dicating a marked increase in the preva- lerce of this disease. ‘The mcst important feature in the de- crease of deaths from zymotic diseases, he says, is the diminution in the number of fatal cases of typhoid fever and diar- rhoeal dise: The deaths from typhoid fever in 18 were 240, in 1897, 153. The deaths from diarrhoeal diseases in 1896 Were 46S, while in 1897 it dropped to 358. He says while it is not safe to base con- clusions on his improvement in the death rate for a single year it coincides with the closing of a considerable number of sur- face wells; with the replacement of a very considerable number of box privies with running closets and the proper drainage of the premises, and with a closer super- vision of the milk supply. All this is very suggestive of some rela- tion of cause and effect and possibly justi- fies expectations of further improvement. There were 227 deaths from violence dur- ing the year, of which 168 were accidental, 11 homicidal and 47 suicidal. The number of deaths from suicide show an increase of 9 over the corresponding year and an increase of 6, or also 15 per cent, over the highest number previously recorded. The total number of births reported was 4,573, of which 2,761 were white and 1,812 colored. He says, however, in this con- rection, if the estimated population below one year of age is accepted as correct, 816 births occurred which wtre not reported. The births reported as illegitimate num- bered 573, of which 96 were white and 477 colored. Returns were received from 1,519 mar- riage, of which 984 were white and 935 colored. The number of marriage licenses issued: during the year was 3,618. This, taken in connection with the number of marriages reported, shows that 57 fail- ures to make return occurred. He says the only remedy for this condition is the issue of these licenses to particular per- sons with the right of assignment if they be unavoidably prevented from performing the ceremony instead of the issue as at presen: ‘to any minister or person author- ized to solemnize marriages. If such a plan were adopted, he says, it would be possible to require the proper return to be made in each case as the name of the person who celebrated the marriage would be known. Moreover the illegal perform- ance of marriage ceremony would be di- minished. Under the act to regulate the practice of medicine 966 physicians have been regis- tered at the health office. The register of dentists shows an increase of 12 during the year. The register of undertakers shows the total number to be 103. He renews his recommendation that a crematory be erected as an adjunct to pot- ter’s field, and sets forth at !ength the rea- son therefor. Following this a report of the work of the physicians to the poor which shows that the number of patients treated has been smaller than at any time since 1893. A total of 28,052 patients were treated, the average cost of each patient being 52 cents for medical attendance and 17_cents for medical supplics. There were reported during the year 160 cases of scarlet fever, which shows a marked diminution in the prevalence of this disease, and suggests that the type has been mild, since but a single death occurred. During the year 588 specimens were ex- amined in the laboratory. Of the samples of water examined 115 were from public wells and 65 from private welis, the re- maining five being of Potomac water. The chemical analyses of Potomac water had-not revealed the presence in excessive amounts of any of those ingredients dan- gerous to health, and while no bacilli had been found which could positively be iden- tified as typhoid fever or other specific dis- ease, the finding of such organisms in any public water supply is exceedingly rare. It is pointed out that the presence of baz cilli in the Potomac water may be due to harmless sources of contamination in the upper Potomac. School Sanitation. The sanitary condition of the public schools was investigated during the year, and the recommendations of the board are reprinted. Concerning the buildings proper, he says those erected nowadays are mod- eled along the recommendations of ‘he committee and cannot be improved upon. ‘The sites, however, are much smaller than the prescribed size, and might be enlarged with great advantage to both for the pur- pose of providing suitable playgrounds for the pupils and improving the light fur- nished the rooms. The proposed introduction of water filters in the public schools is ccnsidered more in the light of an experiment than in the view of a serious attempt to equip all such buildjngs with such appliances. because of the small appropr.ation. Under the head of nuisances, he says the mcst serious difficulty with which the de- partment has to deal is under the rulings of the court with regard to the abatement of nuisances, where in the absence of Ha- bility on the part of the agent no prose- eution can be had unless the nuisance is specifically charged against the owner. Dairy Evils. Reference is made to the bad condition of dairy farms outside of the District and the statement is made that tg people of the District are drinking a very considerable quantity of milk from diseased cows. He points out the remedy for this condition to investigate the dairy farms in the adjoin- ing states. Reference is made to the work of the de- bushel white corn, 33034; do. ETO Spe Br ea ak 27%: No. 2 talzed. 23a23vs—recelpts. 67-842 ‘baste els . 40,000 bushels: Set csocote bet tama Spi te 145. bush receipts. 9.1 s i he Gley wtock SOLIS Nene Tey steady tor the hector grades—cho ce timothy, $13.00a813 50. Grain ikhts. rates higher for steamers, parcels fairly tive—steam to Liverpool per bnabel, aad. > mber; a — per mee nd 3s.10ed. No 7 cember. strong, un- Butter steady. unchanged. “Exge. firm, ced. Cheese steady, unchanged, Whisky ——-____ Grain, Provisions and Cotton Markets Furnished by W. B. Hibbs & Co., bankers and brokers, 1427 F st. members New York Stock exchange, correspondents Messrs. Ladenburg, Thalmann & Co., New York. New York Stock Market Weak and Demoralized, ———— FROM 1 10 5 PER CENT DECLINES All. Sorts of Rumors Started to = GRAIN. Bear Prices. Wheat-Noveeeee BES Dee > aN —Nov 5 GENERAL MARKET REPORTS i: Fox: 5 ——__s—___ Open. y zm a2 Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. = = NEW YORK, November 3.—Demoratiza-| yo, Corton tion and a general sacrifice of values were 2 a =3 the chief characteristics of today’s stock Ess % market. Opening prices were uniformly is = lower and subsequent trading on a liberal scale forced declines varying from 1 to 3 per cent. The market was wholly lacking in sup- Port, and liquidation was apparent in oy Smet quarters extensively quoted as being cer- ist tain of improvement. The unwillingness 127 to buy has rarely been more pronounced. as Commission houses were active in the re- duction of over-bought accounts, and pro- fessional room traders devoted attention to the uncovering of stop-loss orders. Rumors were rife throughout the day and were directed against the health of nearly every man of prominence in the country from the President down to some of the conspicuous leaders in the local mayorality contest. The illn of the president of the Ameri- can Sugar Company having been used to such profitable advantage other personal ills were invented to keep the market com- any in its extreme weakness. Cuban difficulties were quoted against irprovement and down town houses pro- fessed to be convinced of an early rupture in our relations with Spain. Every reason advanced for the selling was more or less Seveational in character and in almost every instance lacked logical foundation. As previously noted, fear of what may happen in Congress was preventing new buying, but was scarcely a justification for wholesale liquidation. However this may be, the market has had a severe shock, and buying of the right character will not be a feature of the near future. Traders have destroyed con fidence in nearly all classes of securi and influential interests will contribute/to the strength of the situation by holding the contents of their strong boxes. It is too much at the moment to expect them to add thereto. The decline has been in progress now for three days, in which no important rallies have been recorded. The covering of short sales should, and probably will, force mod- erate advances from the low level. Dull- ness may then intervene, but sentiment cannot be revolutionized speedily to the extent necessary to restore the recent aver- age of prices. The market is one for professional op- erators, and a public demand will be pre- dicted for many days before its arrival will become apparent. Speculative risks are doubly apparent in a market which in the face of unprecedented railroad earnings can be forced into recessions varying from 5 to 15 per cent. Wall street conditions are against higher prices. London bought a few stocks to cover short sales, but the foreign demand was not » or. Were the season three months earlier a sharp rally would follow the exposure of some of the reasoning processes now work- ing against prices. As it is, prudence dic- tates a patient waiting for more definite and rational speculative incentive. ——— FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. CRIMINAL ACT CHARGED Warrant Issued for the Arrest of an Alleged Abortioni Bessie Smith, a Servant Girl and the Victim, Gives Testimony Against the Accused. The body of a new-born colored infant was found in a trunk at the residence of Mr. W. R. Truxton, 1742 8 street north- west, lete yesterday afternoon, under cir- cumstances which suggested at once some- thing in the nature of a criminal action. The eighth precinct was notified by Mr. wgton and the trunk was removed. The coroner viewed the body yesterday evening and decided today to hold the inquest Mon- day. Detective Rhodes was assigned to the case. It appears that a servant named Bessie Smith, who had been working for the Trux- ton family at the above number, was taken ill Saturday a week ago. Nothing had been noticed up to that time of the girl's condition, but when Dr. Barry was calied in he informed Mr. Truxton that she had in all probability suffered a criminal abor- tion, and advised that she be sent to Freedman’s Hospital, which action was immediately taken. Odor in Room. Nothing further was thought of the mat- ter until a bad odor was noticed about the trunk, which, it. was supposed, contained some of the girl's belongings, and which she had left behind her when she was transferred to the hospital. This occurred Wednesday, and yesterday afternoon the odor became so strong that a search was made for the key of the trunk in order to see what It contained. The key was found hidden beneath the trunk, where it had evidently been put to keep the contents of the trunk safe from inspection or discov- ery. The key having been found the trunk was opened, disclosing the body of the in- fant in an advanced state of decomposition. Mr. Truxton, shortly after the departure of the girl for the hospital, had occasion to inspect the portion of the house where her room was located, including the bath room, and discovered every evidence of a child birth having taken place. Portions of the The following are the opening, the high- est and the lowest and the closing prices of the New York stock market today, as re- Ported by Corson & Macartney, members New York stcck exchange. Correspondents, Messrs. Moore & Schley, No. 80 Broadway Open. High. Low. Close. Aetican ane os as ts of the girl were found in her Saco Gee a i Foom in a condition which confirmed the reeteet Sugar, pid..” 10g lio suspicion. Although Dr. Barry's statement American Tobacco... 80% 80! was that the operation had occu bility before he was called, he could Ds paaites ‘on this point. He was sure, however, that the operation was a criminal one. The finding of the body in the trunk yesterday makes sure the fact that the operation did occur before the girl left for the hospital. ‘Woman Te! the Story. Detective Rhodes, accompanied by eo Star reporter, visited the woman at Freedman's Hospital is afternoon and gained from her all the information that was needed to find the guilty party. She stated that the cause of her trouble pica ag erage dg! 0 works for James 5 coal Seatoee dealer of Rockville. Sedg- wick lives in Rockville, and Bessie pee worked there for Dr. W. R. Andrews a fore coming to Washington. She — that ehe wrote te Dr. Andrews, asl _ what she should do, on account of ci condition, and the answer that he — was strictly in the lin> of legitimate medi- dance. nae: thes said a friend of hers, named Nannie Nicklens, who lives at 2706 O street northwest, had visited her Friday, and, upon being informed of her condition, said she (Nicklens) cculd do away with it. She came again, and, after using instruments, gave the girl two powders, one of which she tcok then and the other a short time afterward. This produced the desired effec the birth of the child occurring before 5 was visited by Dr. Barry, at Mr. Truxton’s request. She did not like to tell her = ployer of her condition and what she = dene, and earn: the child into the locl 4 Sees Rhodes immediately sent word to the corcner, who fixed Monday as the day for the inquest, and then had a war- rant swern out for the Nicklens woman. eebare sare ee AMerican Cettou Oil. ni Paul, - Chicago, R.1. & Pacific. . Chicago, St. Paul, M.£0 Consolidated Gas. Lack. & W ware & Hu: Gen Ilinois Cent Lake Shore. Louisville & Metropolitan Tractio1 Manhattan Elevated Nationa! Lena Uo.. New Jersey Centrai New York Central. Washington Stock Exchange. ISSUING SICK CERTIFICATES. Sales—regular call—i2 0’ m.—Capital Trae- ‘the 10 at 54%; 5 at Pneumatic Gun Car- age, 100 at 58 cexenthaler Linotspe, 10 | They Must Come From Physicians ape at — 5 at 7° — Monotype, Outside the ice. ce . at = ‘ter cal lecropolitan Gage has issued an ler to Raliread, & at 121%. : reris f division District of Columbia Bonds.—20-rear fund €s,| heads of bureaus and chiefs c: 101% bid. 30-year fund 6s, 112 bid. Water of the treasury that bereafter “the issuing of sick certificates by clerks and em- ployes of this department as physicians for their fellow clerks and employes will not be allowed. In all cases of certificates of sickness, where there was an attending physician, the certificate must be by a reg- ular practicing physician not an employe of the department.” by a treasury official that there It is said by Water stock 7s, stuck Ta, 1901, currency, 112 Did. , currency, 658, funding, currency, 111 bid, 115 asked. ay! lanecus Bonds.—M. litan Railroad 5s, 115 bid. Metropolitan Rail conv. és, 123 bid: Soteopetiinn Railroad certificates of indebt A, bid. Metropolitan Enllroad certificates ot B, 141 bid, 1 Beit Railroad @ asked. asked. were suspicious. An investigation by a physician from the War Department show- ‘}ed that there was, at least, considerab! difference in the opinions of ibaa phy Three Friends im No Danger. HAVANA, November 5.—It is semi-ofii- cially announced that there will be no trou- ble here upon the arrival at this port of the eben Electric Light rom et ag a . which is A lectric 110% bid, 111% asked. “iosarance Stocks “Firesien's. 30 BERLE “=