Evening Star Newspaper, December 17, 1897, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3101 Fennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th 8t., by i Co: Kew York Offce, 49 Pott Building ‘The Evening Star {s served to cubscriners In the eity by carriers, om their own account, at 10 ecnts week, or 44 cents per month. Copies-at tl ccunter 2 cents each. By mall—anywhere in United States or Cenada—postage prepaid—S0 ecnte PSaterday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 with tr re per sear, foreign postage added, $3. (Entered at the Post Office at Washington. D. C., as _secend-class mail matter.) © All mai! subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertisinc made Frown on application. a Che Lveni a Star. No. 13,977. WASHINGTON, D. ©. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1897-SIXTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS Advertising is not an expense. It is a business investment. If£ you want to invest your money profitably you will therefore put your advertisements in such a paper as The Evening Star, that is read regularly and thoroughly by everybody worth reaching. The Star is the recognized household and family journal of the National Capital, and has no rival as an advertising meds ium. THE NAVAL MILITIA|NOT AN OPEN caNDIDATE|/EFFECT OF HIS -BILL Attempt to Put the Local Organi- zation on a Sound Basis. ———_»—__—_ PROVISIONS OF SENATOR HALE’S BILL Likely to Be Favorably Reported Soon. THE PRESENT ORGANIZATION There is every probability that during the present Congress provision will be made for placing the naval militia of the Dis- trict of Columbia on the same footing with respect to appropriations and other ad- ses that Is enjoyed by the naval in the several states. A little over a year ago efforts were begun to estab- lish a naval militia for the District of Columbia, and today there are enrolled, under an organization which has its head- quarters In the United States navy yard here, about 125 members. In the last Con- gress a bill was passed by the Senate and favorably reported to the House of Representa’ giving this organization equal privileges with similar organizations in states, but it failed of final passage in t House during the last days of the Congress, aithough no objection to the measure was made. During the speciai session of Congress last spring Mr. Hale, chairman of the Senate committee on naval affairs, intro- duced a bill for the organization of a naval battalion in the District of Coium- bia, which is substantially similar to the bill fur the same purpose considered by the last Congress. It provides Senator Hale's Bill. “That in adeition to the companies of volunteer militia now authorized in the District of Columbia there may be organ- ized not more than four companies of raval militia, which shall titute a bat- talion, to be known as the naval battalion of the tional Guard of the District of Columbi: 1 battalion and a cutive officer, he officers of the na consist ene comm: to consist of one € h the rank of lie commander, . one chi one pay- surg each with the ant, and one as: engi- heer, with the rank of Ileutenant, junior grade. “That each company shall c e lieutenant. igns and not than six crews, each crew hot exceeding sixteen petty officers in all matters not ot lly provided for th prov which prov r the organiza of the Distriet of Columbia shall » the naval battalion. of duty, discipline val battalior conform with the of duty, discipline form to the law governing the volunteer forces of the Dis. trict of Columbia.” Referred to Mr. Hale. At a meeting of the Senate committee on naval affairs Wednesday morning this bill Was referred to Senator Hale for a report, and itis understood that it will be faver- ably reported to the Senate in a short time. During the last administration the Navy Department favored the Jegislation asked for, and Assistant Secretary Roosevelt oc- cupies the same position. The District Commissioners have also indorsed the movement. The Present Organization. The naval reserve battalion of the Dis- trict of Columbia was organized November 18, 1896, with the following officers: Com- mander Robert P. Hains, Lieut. Com. Wm. A. Megrath, Lieut. James H. Colwell, in charge of division 1; Lieut. W. T. Gray, in charge of division 2; Lieut. E. T. Kimball, in charge of division 3: Adjutant S. G. Hop- Kins, Paymaster S. Bieber, Lieut. T. E. Lee, junior grade; Lieut. S. J. Allen, junior grade; Assistant Engineers J. M. Ober and J. F. Scott. Of the above officers Me Hains, Megrath, Colwell, Gray and Kim » graduates of the United States Naval of December, 1896, the com- ng Officer at the United States navy yard here fitted up for the use of the bat- ialion @ large room in the beat house at the navy yard and gave pe! on for the yard. Boat iderable practice has been given th With the advantages that organization througt t is exp make rapid pregre ual, if not sup r organization in the country. re about thirty graduates of the Unite States Naval Academy residing here, and not in the naval service. These graduates take an active Interest in the work of building up a naval battslion and provide mterial to call upon to place it m a high footing. eg NATHANIEL McKAY'S CLAIM. The San Domingo Government Has Agreed to Settle. The Department of State has made a de- cided advance toward a settlement of tne long-standing claim of Nathaniel McKay against the Dominican government for in- demnity for the seizure by that government of @ bridge constructed by him in San Do- mingo at a cost of $150,000. The State De- partment has been pressing this claim for some time, and the negotiations have pro- gressed to the point that the Dominican government has consented to settle the claim on the basis of su: award as m: be made by two expert civil engineers, who will be selected to examine the bridge and make an appraisement of the property. These experts will be selected, one by Mr. McKay and the other by the Dominican government. Soldiers’ Cemetery Neglected. In answer to a Senate resolution adopt- ed during the first session of the present Congress, the Secretary of States has submitted a report from United States Consul Woessrer at Saltillo, Mexico, in regard to the condition of the burial place there of the United States soldiers who fell in the battle of Buena Vista in 15i7. - consul reports that the grounds are in very bad condition, and that the graves are threatened with exposure by washing tains. The land belongs to a private party, and it is recommended that an appropria- tien be made for its purchase and im- provement. ¢ —_—_——__-e-_____ To Relieve the Marblehead. ‘The cruiser Detroit left Key West this morning for Port au Prince, Haiti, to re- lieve the cruiser Marblehead, which has exhausted her coal supply, and is under or- ders to proceed to Key West to replenish Marbi may in turn relieve the Detroit of duty af the Haitian capital tut this is a subject for future considera- tion. Secretary Long says there is no sig- nificance in these movements. Governor Bushnell Hopes, However, to Be Hit by Senate Lightning. Opposition to Senator Hanna to Meet in Caucus at Columbus, Ohio, This Evening. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CLEVELAND, Ohio, December 17.—The story emanating from Columbus that Gov. Bushnell is openly out for senator and that he will reappoint Col. Conger on his staff az an affront to Senator Hanna, is one of the numerous ridiculous stories which are being hatched in Ohio this fall. There is no doubt that the enemies of Senator Hanna are plotting against him as tliey never have before, and that a des- perate effort is being made to defeat him. Senator Hanna fs quoted in an inierview given out at Washington last night in these words: “I believe some new political scheme is being hatched in Ohio.” He made this statement after being informed of an extended conference which Charles L. Kurtz had with John R. McLear® at the latter's residence in Washington yesterday. Those who are most familiar with the Chio situation know that Gov. Bushnell will never openly become a candidate for the United States Senate against Mr. Hanna. He is today just what he was two months ago—a receptive candidate. Mr. Kurtz Is reported to be due in Colum- bus this morning. The three anti-Hanna members of the legislature from this coun- ty will go to Columbus this evening, and they make no secret of the fact that while they are there ‘hey intend to see Kurtz or some of the ether ant!-Hanna leaders for the purpose of conferring with them re- garding the situation. At no pericd in the campaign has the to Mr. Hanna been as open and yet every one who knows Mr. Hanna most intimately says he wiil win with hands dowr. cpposition n >—_—— CLAIMS AGAINST THE DISTRICT. Representative Catchings Introduces a Bill Relating to Counter Claims. Mr. Catchings has introduced a bill in the House providing Rat in the adjudication of claims heretofore brought under the provisions of the act cntitied ‘An act to provide for the settlement of all outstand- ing against the District of Colum- bla, and conferring jurisdiction on the Ceurt of Claims to hear the same, and for other purp ’" no sum in excess of tne sum named in the writien contract by the inate board of public wi late beard of a Di to claimants fc for the and all , at the y the 2 ‘board rates,’ as a set-off or ted allowed and paid wer And in all inter clain: . pleaded or traverse file | eguinst im in cases heretofore brought, the claim: all in such ca be entitied to a r. of his case: Pre vided, That a mo’ fically sett forth the claim therefor shall be mad within ninety days afver the approval of this act, and no rebearing shall be had or granted upon any other point COMPETING WITH UNCLE SAM. Substation Postmasters Cannot Express Agents. For some time the post office officials have been investigating the subject of pro- hibiting post office substations from -carry- ing on any business that brought the United States into competition. The express com- panies are especially aimed at, and the de- partment does not propose in the future to permit a post office substation to be the agent of an express company. It is con- tended that such an arrangement is detri- mental to the mail service. The express companies, it Is stated, pay the owner of the substation a certain bonus on every package received. This, in the large m jority of cases, exceeds the amount the United States would pay, and there is a constant incentive to the substation man to favor the express company. Postmaster Willett has rezelved instruc- ticns to notify all substations of the wish of the department in this respect, and here- after the owners of substations, if th to represent Uncle Sam, must cancel their arrangement with expr companizs Be and attend strictly to the United States’ in- terests. PUBLIC BUILDING CONSTRUCTION. Sceretary Gage Oppoxed to Awarding Contracts Piecemeal. Secretary Gage agrees fully with the Star that the construction of public build- ings should aot be of the piecemeal order of bu “These buildings,” said Secretary. Gage, “should be let to contract as a whole, no matter how much they are to ¢ Con- gress should appropriate the whole amount for a buildin at one time and do away with the policy of ing appropriations by degrees. This policy necessitates plece- meal contracts, and S an endless amount of trouble. Tie government has to deal with numerous contractors in each building, is required to advertise for sep- arate bids, and is put to considerable extra expense. There are responsible contractors who would undertake the erection of a building subject to the penalties imposed. Faulty work ot any kind could be punished, and no loss would fail to the government. There would then be little delay in the completion, of a building. What now takes four years to finish would be ended in less than half the time.” Secretary Gage looks at the construction of puvlic buildings as a business man. He thinks both money and time would be saved by a change of policy. The Secretary wants to see the new immigrant building at Ellis Island let out as a whole, and not contracted fer in parts. He thinks it can be done much quicker by giving it out in a single contract. The officials in the office of the super- vising architect of the treasury say that the policy of that office has undergone a change in the last eighteen months. Prior to that many contracts on a single building were awarded, as in the case of the new vity post office. The policy now, it is de- clared, is to embrace as much work 4s pos- sible in one contract. In the case of public buildings to cost not over $150,000 the en- tire work is let out in one contract. It is claimed at the architect's office that there is always special~ work around a public building which ought not to be in- cluded in a general contract. Plumbing, heating and the putting in of elevators are ineluded in what is believed to be special in its nature. ———————2.__. Rel atement Ordered. Mrs. Helen A. Engle, widow of Capt. J. E. Engle, whose death occurred quite re- cently, has been reinstated to a position she formerly held in the Treasury Depart- ment. The reinstatement was made under the rule which entitles soldiers’ widows to the same benefits derived by veterans un- der what is known as rule 10. Mrs. Engle Pension cau: ig-t0- be. St once: tramsfecred (t0:tha on office, where assigned to division in which her husband served as section chief. Secretary Gage Questioned as to His Currency Plan, HEARING BEFORE HOUSE COMMITTEE Committing the Country to the Gold Standard. RELATION TO POLITICS ——— Secretary Gage resumed his exposition of his comprehensive currency bill before the House committee on banking and currency today. Chairman Walker had left the city and Mr. Brosius of Pennsylvania presided. Before the bill proper was taken up some semi-political questions were asked. Mr. Hill (Conn.) called Mr. Gage's atten- tion to the statement made yesterday that the first purpose of the bill was to commit the country to the gold standard. “You are recognized as a republican, said Mr. Hill, addressing the Secretary, “and you are familiar with the financial platform of the republican national con- vention at St. Louis. Do you consider that this purpose of more firmly fixing the gold standard on the country conflicts with the principle of the St. Louis platform? “No, sir,” responded Mr. Gage, “not as I look at the principle of bimetallism. Bi- metailism must mean one of two things: Hither it is two kinds of money on unequal value circulating side by side by reason of the exchange of the less valuable for that of greater value, or else two kinds of money of such intrinsic equality that they will circulate naturally side by side. We have a bimetallic currency in the United States now. A firm establishment of the gold standard, with such interchangeabillty with silver as will make it acceptable on an equality with gold, will maintain this bi- metallism the same as it has existed for the last eighteen yea The Secretary went on to state that this in no way prejudiced any steps that might be taken to bring silver up to a higher sndard of value. The bill, however, was to give such confidence in the ability of the government that discriminations against silver would reely se. _Mr. Cox (Tenn.) asked if the result of the Gage bill eventually would not lead to one kind of paper money—bank notes—and no ver except subsidiary silver, 5 nothing in the plan to operate ktent now,” answered the Secre- it is in that direction, and with fur- ation developing it, it might ul- ly lead to such a result. But I would thet silver would be restricted to ary silver. I would say a system of r which would be subordinate. It is subordinate now. Considering the will, After this diversion to the silver ques- ticn, the consideration of the b:ll by sec- tions was resumed at section 7, where the discussion clesed yesterday. this section provides that on the deposit a national bank of United States bonds, United States notes, treasury notes of 18% or silver certificates to an amount of not less than per cent of its capital, it shall nal bank notes, in addition to er cent otherwise provided, to the nt of 25 per cent of such deposit, these additional notes not being secured by the Geposit cf bonds or notes, but by the assets ot the bank and the government guaranty. Mr. Gege referred to the advantage of this additional unsecured crculation, In giving an icity to the currency at points where it most needed. He showed trom tne returns of the controller's office how smail a percentage of loss came from nationai benks, and urged that this unsecured circu- lation would entail an inconsiderable obli- on on the government, by reason of its guaranty, and this would be overcome by the small tax on the bank, constituting a safety fund. Jn an: r to questions by Mr. Newlands of Nevada, the Secretary said that the amount of refunding bonds under the bill would reach $1,135,000,000 if all of them were issued. These being the basis for cir- culation, bank notes could he issued to at amount. Besides these the additional > per cent ¢f unsecured circulation would a further issue of bank notes of about }.0",000, But that vast issue was mere- ¥ ly the creation of a specter, and was not a reality. The banks could not get all the bonds and use them for i:suing bank notes. ne contrary, government bends are al- aken largely by private investors, companies, Insurance companies and parties across the water. Any effort by the banks to absorb all the bonds would 60 affect the price as to defeat the object in view. And this also would serve as a check to the expansion of bank circulation. Gold Contracts. ewlands referred to “gold contracts” d the Secretary's view of them. Mr. Gage said he did not consider it de- sirable to interfere with private contracts of this character any more than was neces- To Mr. Price of Illinois he explained that his expression “gold and other legal used in the bill meant no reflection er or other classes of mone The other legal money included silver and the ion merely served to cover a well tood term. The extent to which drains on the goy- ernment stock of gold would result under the operations of the bill excited much dis- cussion. Mr. Gage stated that all redemptions would be made in gold or its equivalent. Mr. Fowler of New Jersey said this open- ed a serious question. The Secretary pro- vided for the Issue of bank notes on the de- posit of United States notes (greenbacks), treasury notes or silver certificates. The result, he declared, would be that the most undesirable form—silver certificates—woul! be deposited and impounded, and their place taken by national bank notes. The latter drew gold, the former did not. Hence, Mr. Fowler asserted, the Secretary proposed in- creasing the drain on our gold supply. Mr. Gage answered that it was easy to conjure up hypothetical objections, but he did not look at this one as serious. While it was true that silver certificates might be deposited and bank notes issued against them, yet any Secretary of the Treasury, on receiving these silver certificates, would “swap” them for greenbacks, treasury notes and other forms of demand notes, which served to drain gold. These other forms of notes were always coming into the treasury, and they could readily be “swapped” for the silver certificates, and thus the redemption fund could be built up of the gold drawing class of government notes. Guaranteed by the Governmen Proceeding to section 8, which provides for a deposit by the banks of a sum equal to 10 ver cent of the circulation, and also pledges the faith of the United States to the redemption of the bank notes, Mr. Gage said the latter feature was merely to make clear the same pledge as the gov- ernment now gave to the integrity of bank notes. He did not agree with objections suggested, that the 10 per cent deposit re- quired of ‘the banks and the 2 per cent tax on them for a safety fund would make it unprofitable for them to. issue circulation, There were other advantages secured to them which offset this obection. He said he would present a table by the treasury actuary showing the estimated profits aris- ing from the deposit of various classes of bonds and securities. On section 9, providing that issues of na- ‘tional bank notes shall be in denominations above $10, Mr. Gage said that. the purpose of this was to give the government the monopoly on small bills in mast eommon use. - When section 10, providing for the re- demption of bank notes at New York subtreasury ard other designated points, was reached Mr. Cox asked Mr. Gage why he did not specify that the redemption should be in gold or other legal money. The Secretary answered that the less discretionary power imposed on an execu- tive officer in the execution Of a principle the better, for sometimes executive officers might have indiscretion and do foolish things. Moreover, this discfetion existed now. 5 A Political Discussion. ‘When the 1est of the bill had been read @ general discussion began. In answer to a@ cross fire of questions, Mr. Gage said the bill could not result im a raid on the treasury by bank notes. It was not the substitution of an “endless chain” of greenbacks fcr another “‘endjess chain’ of bank notes. The banks would have to re- deem their own notes and it would be to their object to do so or they would be closed. But so long as a dollar of demand obligations was outstanding, so long this “endless chain’? would go on. He said: “This bill is simply a step in the right direction and a most important step. It would give the government $325,000,000 of the very liabilities which are most like! to be brought against it. Of this $1: 900,000 is in gold. Then, with the further measure, recommended by the President, giving authority for a loan up to $100,000 (0 when required the government would be so strong in time of emergency as to re- sist any stress. Faith would be established, and people would not come to the treas- ury for lack of faith, but only from ne- cessity.” This brought on an interesting and amus- ing discussion of politics, as relating to firance. Mr. Brosius asked if the Secretary felt that the bill would obviate any probabil- ity of the country’s being forced to a sil- ver basis. The Secretary thought it would beyond question. “Suppose the next election should bring in a House of Representatives favorable to free silver,” asked Mr. Fowler, republican, “and a free silver bill was passed by the House and by the Senate. Now—-" “I object,” interposed Mr. Hill, republi- can, “as that is not even a hypothetical pessibility.”” “It is a certainty,” declared Mr. Cox, demccrat, amid laughter, in which Secre- tary Gage joined. Mr. Fowler pressed his question. “Be- tween 1898, when this free sllver measure might be passed by Congress, and 1900, when the advocates of sound money re- turned to power, could the country go to a silver bast Mr. Gage's answer brought another round of laughter and applause, ‘In view of the atsolute certainty of a presidential veto,” said he, “I think we could pull through.” This closed Mr. Gage's hearing, and he was given a vote of thanks. Several mem- bers sought to have another hearing dur- ing the holidays, but there was st objection to this, and the original p! edhered to, of adjourning until January when the Gage bill, the monetary confer- ence bill and other financial measures will be taken up. ° NEXT YEAR'S ‘LECTIONS. A Congressional Committee Being Formed by Degioerats, The democrats in Congress are going through the process of forming a congres- sional committee to take care of tne next congressional elections. The authorizaticn of the committee was made as usual at the caucus Jast Saturday, and now the several states are selecting and certifying their representatives on the committee, one from each state. An important question of policy is in- voived in the organization of the commit- tee. The future cf the silver alliance de- pends much upon the policy adopted by this committee in the next congressional campaign. It is realized by them that a congressional campaign conducted by the democrats without taking into considere- tion the claims of their allies of the last presidential campaign would practically put an end to the aillance and hopelessly divide the silver forces into three or more factions. If popullsts in their strongholds and silver republicans in thelr strongholds are antagonized by democratic candidates, and either or both of those two have can- didates in democratic districts, it will de- stroy the foundation of the alliance. Yet it is going to be a delicate and difficult thing to so manage matters as to avoid rivalry and conflict. ‘There are several democratic senators and populist and sil- ver republican senators whose re-election will depend upon a mutual understanding which will prevent rivalry between the sil- ver parties. A number of districts in the House are similarly situated. It is understood that in organizing the congressional committee the purpose will be to so construct it as to make it a “Bryan committee,” ready to carry out the Bryan idea of unification of ‘silver forces. MANY SETTLERS INTERESTED. Secretary Blix: Denies a Northern Pacific Railroad Applteation. The Secretary of the Interfor has denied the application of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company to withhold the adjudi- cation of land entries on that portion of its route claimed by the company from Duluth, Minn., to Ashland, Wis. Over a year ago the department rendered a decision holding that the eastern terminus of the railroad Was at Duluth, while the company contends that the grants originally made to it by Congress contemplated that this terminal should be at Ashland, and very recently it has instituted judicial proceedings to deter- mine the question. The Secretary holds that there is not sufficient reason shown to warrant the withholding the adjudica- tion of the entry. It is understood this decision affects nu- merous settlers who have taken up home- steads and pre-emption claims on the line of the road claimed by the company, and if the decision of the courts sustain the con- tention of the railroad company they will have to vacate their holdings or settle with the railroad company. - ——— a Local Legislative Notes. age of consent for girls in the District of Columbia to eighteen years. Mr. McMillan today introduced in the Senate a bill prepared by the Cemmission- ers to vest in the Commissioners of the District of Columbia control Of street park- ing in the District. The object of the bill is to transfer to the municipal authorities of the District of Columbia, jurisdiction over the street parkings now hei? by the courts to be vested in the Secretary of the In- terlor and the chief engineer of the army. —————-~ ‘Wants Cobble Stones Removed. Dr. Henry E. Woodbury has wfftten to Mr. MeMillan, chairman of the Senate Dis- trict committee, requesting that something be done to hurry up the replacing of the cobble stone pavement py agphalt on 24th street between Pennsylyanfa avenue and M street northwest. Dr. Weodbury states that the square indicated has been placed on the schedule for the improvement de- sired, but apparently it will. take, under present conditions, two or three years to get it. _& : Mr. Pritchard of North Caroling today in- troduced a bill in the Senate to raise th CUBA'S RESOURCES Destroying the Labor Supply of the Island. EFFECT ON THE COUNTRY’S FUTURE What Was Learned in a Visit to Guines. —_—_+—___. DYING IN THE STREETS (Copyright, 1597, by Charles M. Pepper.) Special Correspondence of The Evening Star. GUINES, Cuba, December 11, 1897. Guines is a good place in which to study the conditions and prospects of rural Cuba. Here an idea may be had of the resources which are left for the renewal of the is- land’s industrial existence. The natural wealth has been added to by the system of irrigating ditches, which date back to the beginning of the century. Guines was the garden of Cuba. In the ravages of the war it has been spared entire desolation. Some appearance of smiling and productive na- ture has been preserved when other parts of the island have been turned into a charred wilderness. The town had been for many years a prosperous one. The tewnspeople were in good circumstances, many of them rich. The neighboring coun- try, besides the big sugar plantations, had many small farms, whose owners cultivated cane, tobacco, onions and potatoes with the certainty of a profitable yleld and a ready market. The insurgents from weakness or for other reasons were never very aggres- sive in either attack or destruction of prop- erty. And though the Spanish troops in carrying out Weyler’s orders destroyed, it Was not with the savage thoroughness that marked the work elsewhere. So something of the resources of soil and cultivation re- mains to Gaines at the beginning of the new era in Spain's colonial government. But while Guines has been thus signally favored in keeping a portion of its natural riches its loss cf other resources has been equally signal, The loss has been in human labor. A prodigal soil alone will not re- store agriculture and trade. Are there peo- ple enough left to upbuild the country? That is the question which most concerns Cuba today, Whether the future be au- tonomy, independence or an American pro- tectorate, an answer must be found to it. I came to Guines with the notion that the inquiry might be made with advantage here, without having to say too much of wretchedness and suffering. That is a story so old and so often told that the ele- ment of personal feeling or sympathy or re- sentment may be left out in trying to solve the problem of political economy or of la- bor supply, which is now the most pressing one. Individual cases may obtrude them- selves at times. On leaving the train in the morning I asked the way to an inn. Replied the man from whom the direction was asked: ‘‘When you reach that corner where the negro is lying turn to your left and go on to the soldiers’ barracks. The inn is close by.’’ Dying in the Streets. This answer was given in the most mat- ter-of-fact way, without an Inflection in the tone which could have been construed as unfeeling or brutal. A little knot uf peo- ple, a dozen or fifteen, were on the corner. The negro was stretched on the pavement. His forehead was bandaged as though a wound had been bound up. A blanket was rolled together, which might have served his head for a plilow, had any one thought of it. Whether he was a presentado, a concentrado, an insurgent, or somebody else, might be learned later. He had evi- dently wandered in from the country. I in- quired whether nothing could be done for him. “Non, senor, esta unriendo. (No, sir; he is dying.) The people around him were not unsympathetic, but they heave seen 80 many persons die in the streets that the sight, though it is no longer of common occurrence, does not excite their emotions. And one life does not seem so much in the economic equation which must be solved with death everywhere the chief and de- termining factor. In seeking the solution it was necessary to hear aguin the story of the awful change which Weyler’s concen- tration decree had wrought. The people of Guines who survive close their eyes in tell- ing of it, but the picture will always re- main with them. One period they can- not forget. That was the month of April, when the deaths numbered 1,300 and the old cemetery was so choked that when the trenches would hold no more a new burying ground had to be found. These graveyards gave Guines a inelancholy fame. “Blessed are those who die in the Lcrd” is the inscription in Latin over the entrance to the old one. But it was said of those who perished during the time of plague and hunger when the smallpox and the starvation fever kept equal pace that they died in the devil’s embrace, for it was Weyler who beckoned them. The new burying ground lies beyond the other. It has no walls. When this place of sepulture was laid out no one thought of placing bounds and limits on the acreage of earth that would be needed. The Spaniard who was then alcalde, or mayor, was heraided for his public spirit and benevolence in giving the ground to the municipality. Leter it was found he was conducting a profitable real estate speculation by exact. ing payment for every burial. Marat Palmerola, who was then governor of Ha- vana province, dismissed the thrifty alcalde in disgrace. The tombstones in these two cemeteries would not give the information which. is needed to understand the economic pro: pects of Guines and the surrounding coun- try. Few of those who are buried there have had monuments erected to them. One epitaph would answer for all—“Murdered by Spain's viceroy in Cuba, Don Valeriano Weyler, Marques of Teneriffe.” The facts are to be had outside the cemeteries from the civil records and the registry of births and deaths. Destruction of the Labor Supply. Without any purpose of taking a census of the hecatombs, I have had the official figures verified. They show the fearful vacuum which has been caused in the labor supply and help to form an idea of the condition ander which the regeneration of Cuba must be begun. In January, 1897, the town. popula- tion of Guines was.. srsseseee 6, Increase from surrounding country by Weyler’s concentration decree of Tanuary 5.2.20. eecereeseeeeeeceerees 9,000 Total population..,................15, Number. of death in Guines from Jan- uary 5 to December 1, 1807........ Numper of deaths in Guines and sur- ‘Number of deaths in Guines and sur- ‘Number of deaths in Guines and sur- count SEMINOLE TREATY SIGNED Must Now Bo Ratified by Oongress and + Tribal Council. Under I(s Privisions the Land is Al- lotted in Severalty Gen- eral Fund Divided MUSKOGEE, I. T., December 17.—A treaty between the United States and the Seminole nation has been concluded and signed by the Dawes and Seminole commis- stoners. It provides for the allotment of lands for the Seminole nation and a divis- jon of its moneys among the citizens after the tribal governments are extinguished. Five hundred thousand dollars of the funds of the nation is set apart for a permanent school fund for the education of children of members of the tribe. All funds of the na- tion are to be disbursed by a person ap- pointed by the Secretary of the Interior. Liberal provision is made for lands to be used for church and school purposes by non-citizens. No coal or mineral land leases are to be valid unless made with the tribal govern- ment and with the consent of the allottee and the Secretary of the Interior. The United States courts are given additional jurisdiction over the members of the tribe, and the United States is to prohibit the introduction of handling in any way intoxi- cating liquors in the nation and is to make an effort to purchase 200,00 acres of land from the Creek nation for the Seminoles. The treaty is to be binding on the United States when ratified by Congress and on the Seminole nation when ratified by its general council. ——— MURDERER OF MRS. CLUTE. Rursian Named Hoff Under Arrest on That Charge. SAN FRANCISCO, December 17.—The mystery attending the brutal murder of Mrs. Mary Clute Wednesday evening has been apparently solved by the arrest of a Russian, known as Albert Hoff, who had employed Mrs, Clute to renovate the mat- tresses. The prisoner was identified by Mrs. L. A. Legg, who occupies the room directly under that which the murder was committed, as the man seen leaving the house soon after Mrs. Clute’s dying calls for help were heard. Hoff's hand is badly cut, as though by the sharp flange of the coupling pin with which the murder was committed. He strenuously maintains his innocence, how- ever. — TO SEARCH FOR MISSING BOATS. Rescuing Party Leaven Victoria to Ald Cleveland Survivors. VICTORIA, B. C., December —The government steamer Quadra has left for Barclay sound to institute a search for the three boats which six days ago left the steamer Cleveland with twenty-two m: and which have not since been seen, and also to render assistance to the survivors of the disaster, whe are staying with the stranded vessel. Capt. Irving went down on the Quadra, and his company’s steamer, Willapa, is also on the way, with Diver McHardy and some working apparatus on beard. Inspector of Hulls™Collister is also on the Quadra, so that a thorough investiga- tion can be made of the steamer. It is quite possible that the vessel can be raised, but scant hopes are held out for the three missing boats and their occupants. The indians did considerable damage in looting the ship. Constable McKenna went on ihe Quadra to take steps to prosecute the offenders. United States Consul Smith also went down. a JAMES Z. BACON FOU GUILTY, Made False Entries in Report of Government Official. SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, December —James Z. Bacon was found guilty in the United States circuit court at midnight of making false entries in his reports to the controller of the currency when president of the American National Bank of this city. He was found guilty on two counts, differ- ing only technically. The penalty ts from five to ten years’ im- prisonment. Bacon's prosecution grew out of the failure carly last year of the Bank of Salt Lake, a private institution, of which he was president. —_+> MRS. HIX SAILS FOR KLONDIKE. One of Californin’s Pioneers Goes to Seek Gold. TACOMA, Wash., December 17.—The steamer Alki sailed last night for Skaguay with a full cargo and 150 passengers, among those on board being Mrs. S. A. Hix of San Bernardino, Cal., a member of the first white family that went to Califor- na. She is bound for the Klondike coun- try, and will go over the mountains as soon as the trails are passable. —_+ NEW ROUTE TO YUKON. The Discoverer, However, Will Not Give Details of Location. SEATTLE, Wash., December 17.—The steam schooner Augusta has arrived from Copper River after a very stormy voyage. George J. Rennick, who came down on her, claims to have discovered a new route to the Yukon, the location of which he will not disclose. He says that with the ex- ception of thirty miles overland he can go all the way by water. Rennick has several c'aims in the Copper River country and will take back forty miners with him. ——— SUFFERED FOR HUMANITY. Indemnity Asked for Master Owners df the Nicaragua. The Secretary of State has asked Con- gress to make an appropriation in indem- nification of the owners and late master of the Swedish steamer Nicaragua. The master of this ship took aboard at Blue- fields an Amefican citizen as a refugee in time of revolution to save the man’s life and landed him at Mobile. At this place the ship was detained in quarantine for a long time, because she had aboard a pas- senger from Bluefelds, an infected port. Meantime, her cargo of fruit rotted and ma _ _—_—_ MILES’ RELIEF PLAN Would Send Two Expeditions to the Klondike. MADE A STUDY OF THE SUBJECT Demonstrates the Need of Prompt Action. TRAILS WHICH HE PREFERS Acting upon the advice of Gen. Miles, the Secretary of War, in anticipation of im- mediate action by Congress for the relief of miners in the Klondike atry, has sent a telegram to Gen. Merriam, com- mending the depafttment of Columbia, at Vancouver barracks, Washington, direct- ing him to send two or three competent officers of the army to Dyea and vicinity tc reconnoiter and report to the depart+ ment how supplies can best be gotten across the passes to Dawson. They are to report specially whether caitle can be driven on foot acrors the passes, and, if 80, which is the easiest pass to cross, and, if not possible to get them ail the way through, whether they can be driven part of the way and their carcasses cut up and carried the remainder. Already the War Department has two parties in Alaska, one under Col. Randall at St. Michael's, at the mouth of the Yukon river, and the cther, consisting of two offi- cers, Capt. in the vicini y of Cir not irection of preparation, 1 strumental in sending to La maan, the h deers in Alask: of the animals, for use in trar Former M to Alaska ition: itary Exp Gen. Miles has made a sp. i study of the situation of affairs in Alaske and both he and Secretary Alger are deeply inter- ested in relieving the prevailing distress in that far-off country. He told a Star re- porter last night that two exp be sent to the mining country Copper river route and the other b Dalton trail—and that the dominion gov- ernment will be asked to ¢ rate in fa- cilitating the progress of the enterprise. “When Alaska was acqu! by our gov- ernment,” said Gen. Mile Was occu pied by a brigade of Russian troops, under command of Prince Macsantoff. ‘% com- mand of the territory was turned over to Gen. Rosseau, and for se 1 occupied by the territery turned Department in 1891. ritory was occupied b with gov marshal, etc. military occupation of the territory very little Knewledge was obtained of the im- terior, lis waters were to some extent ex- piered by the naval forces of the United States. “During the time from 1883 to ISS5 while I was in command of the 4 the Columbia I sent thre through Alaska. The first was u Frederick Schwatka, in 18s3 the second was under Lieut. Abercrombie, in IS85, and the third was under Lieut. H. T. Allen, later in the same year. Lieut, Abercrom- bie conducted an expedition up the Copper River valley, and Lieut. Allen went up the Copper river, thence across the divide and down the Tanana to the Yukon, thencs to Bering sea. “During the last few years miners have been prospecting that territory and reports have been received from time to time of discoveries of valuable mineral deposits, gold, silver and copper, so Much so that it was estimated a year ago that a thou- sand men had gone into that country to seek for its minerals. Owing to the severi- ty of the climate, the extreme rugged, broken character of its topography, and its great distance from any sources of supply, the transportation is most difficult, and supplies almost impossible to obtain.” The country is entirely unlike any other pof- tion of the United States, where shelter from the severity of the weather can be ob> tained and where abundance of game may be found upon which man can subsist. Probability of Suffering. “It is now estimated that there are ap- 1) men either in our terri- tory or in British Columbia, immediately adjacent to the boundary. The people en- gaged in sending supplies to that remote country have failed to furnish sufficient food to last the miners during the winter, and it is quite probable that there will be great suffering, if not many de . before relief can reach them, or supplies can be at the in the “Probably 1 per cent of these men are citizens of the United States engaged in the most commendaBle enterprise of ob- taining from mother earth treasures that will be of great benefit to our people. As the army has for 100 years been placed between the pioneer, the miner, the home builder and their savage foes or impend- ing dangers, it seems but proper that the military forces should render every assiste ance in this emergency that is possible, In my opinion, the government is war- ranted in exerting every effort to send relief and sus’ nee to these miners. “The distance from water communica- tion in an air line to Belle Isle ts as fol- lows: From the mouth of the Yukon rivet, 700 miies; from Chilkoot Pass, 42 and from the mouth of the C 340 miles. The distance in following the windings of the great Yukon river, navi- gable for 2,000 miles, is 1,700 miles, and from the Chilkoot Pass, 775 miles. The latter course also follows the windings of the upper Yukon. The distance from the mouth of Copper river is much shorter and more direct, but as the route has never been fully explored, it is imposstble to give the exact distance. * “As water communication by the Yukon is now closed, I believe that two expe- ditions should be sent—one over what is known as the Dalton trail from Dyea to Dawson City, Belle Isle or Circle City; the other from the mouth of Copper river to Belle Isle. The Dalton trail extends but a short distance through our territory, being principally along the upper Yukon river in British Columbia. Hence to send an expedition by that route will require the approval of the Canadian government, and probably the two governments will co- operate in this humane enterprise. We could at least clear the trail and make the route practicable as far as it extends within our territory, and if permission is given by the Canadian government, can send relief by that route through British Columbia. The Copper River Route. “The route from the mouth of Copper river extends entirely through our own ter- ritory, and in my opinion is practicable for sending supplies to the places already men- tioned, or to a point near the boundary line, year wil # g