Evening Star Newspaper, December 17, 1897, Page 2

3 be a wholly gratuitous expenditure. Many of the men that are in a suffering condition have sufficient gold to pay for supplies on receiving them, and gratuitous issue of sup- plies should be made only to men who are in a destitute condition. An important feature of sending expeditions through the interior, especially by the Copper river route, will be to conciliate the natives who are liable to become hostile, and if possible to ally them to the government and employ them in the government service. They will be exceedingly useful as guides and Inter- preters, and can also be employed in clear- ing and blazing the trail, placing lard marks, transporting stores,and in many oth- er ways facilitating the purpose of this en- terprise. If they are not conciliated and dis- turbances should occur which would render them hostile, an Indian war might ensue in that territory which would be the most ex- pensive of any Indian war which the gov- ernment has ever had to encounter.” —__—_—__-e-—___ TREASURY STENOGRAPHERS. An Examination of the Entire Force to Be Held. ‘The Treasury Department has decided to hold an examination of its entire force of stenographers in the latter part of Janu- ary, that their speed and accuracy may be tested. The officers of the department re- alize that the usual department work of a stenographer tends to decrease and not to increase speed, and it is well known that the speed of a stenographer goes down very rapidly when not in constant practice for rapid writing. The fact remains, how- ever, that a stenographer must be able to report an argument accurately and mus: be able to read the notes and make a good cepy of the same. This test will be to make a register of competent stenogra- phers, so that at any time cne can be pro- duced in an emergency. The Secretary of the Treasury is often called upon tc produce at once a first-class stenographer for detail on important work. These cases frequently arise and can not be anticipated. The demand is instant, ur- gent and often imperative. Such men are hard to find. Several months ago The Star mentioned that the ‘Treasury Depart- ment desired to have its stenographers tested. The call was for volunteers and few responded. Most of those who did respond were females. The demand is fre- quently for a stenographer to take a train and leave the city on a long journey. For such work a female is not desired, as the trip is often a test of physical endurance. requiring the facing of inclement weather, sometimes a ride in an open boat along the coast, or out to lightships or light- houses. Severa! stenographers from other depart- ments sppeared at the Treasury Depart- ment at the former examination and asked to be examined. In nearly every case they were requesied to increase their speed be- fere even their papers would be marked. The department does not.care to transfer to its rolls the stenographers of other de- partments unless they are first-class in every respect. It has no use, it is said, for amateurs. Rapidity and accuracy are de- manded, and persons without those two essentials will waste their time in attempt- ing to pass examinations for transfer, it is said. ———_2+______ COMMITTEES IN SESSION. Another Hearing on the Anti-Ticket- Scalping Bill. The House interstate and foreign com- merce committee today gave a hearing to George M. McKenzie, representing the ticket bre » in opposition to the anti- ticket-scalping bill. He reiterated the statements made yesterday before the Sen- ate committee, and also referred to the conflict between his organization and that of the national association of merchants ard travelers of Chicago. Chairman Hepburn interrupted at this jurcture to state that the warfare of the two bodies was irrelevant to the hearing. B. W. Lyons, editor of a commercial trav- elers’ journal at St. Louis, was the only other witness. He said the existence of the brokers was inimical to the interests of the rial travelers. Put for the brokers long ago would have given these consumers of transportation a ts a mile, instead cf 2%, which st of giving. hearing was then adjourned until Friday, January 7, when the supporters of the bill will present their side. Indian Territory Reorganization. The subcommittees of the Senate and House committees on Indian affairs ap- pointed to consider the situation in Indian territory held their first joint meeting to- Gay. They went over the ground quite thoroughly, but did not formuiaie any gen- eral plan of action. Senate District Committee. There was no meeting of the Senate Dis- trict committee today, as the absence from the city of a number of members of the committee would have made it impossible to have secured a satisfactory attendance. ‘The first meeting of the committee will be held after the holidays. ARMY AND NAVY. Fire in the Stere Room of the Dol- phin. The Navy Department has received word that fire broke out in the storeroom of the United States steamer Dolphin at the New York navy yard this morning, but Was extinguished at once and without much damage. Captain George F. Elliott of the New York navy yard is ‘n the city and reg- istered at the Navy Department this morn- ing. He is here on a leave of absence. i Lieut. John McA. Palmer, filed as professor of mii d tactics at the University go, Il. Stevenson, fourth cl States Military Academy, is gran eight months’ leave on account of disabil- ity. S. Sorley, 16th In- . 2 Lieut. William T. Schenck, Ith Infantry, are both granted a fourteen days’ Major to perform . department the Navy De- ‘ut. William at Brid, helle, N. Y. son of ex- ie Navy, and M. Was well known in this city. Se STATUS OF COLLECTORS. mption From Classified Service Considered by the President. Although the President is not giving clvil service law in general any consid ation just now, it is said that he may soon cor sider three phases of it, with a view of taking action. The first phase ts that of simplifying the examinations that are held, with a view of making each examination more applicable aud appropriate to the office to be filled. The second phase is that of removing from the classified service positions in the Various departments which are regarded as in close touch with the administration Some of these pesitions, it is claimed, ought by men who are of the same party a administration and y in sympathy with it in every way. There are not many of these positions, but they are segarded as of importance. ‘The third phase is that of removing from the classified service all employes at work under bonded officials. The case of col- lectors and marshals is cited as instances. These officials, it is pointed out, are re- quired to give bonds for the performance of their duties, but are not allowed to se- lect men of their own choice to carry on the work of their offices. It is believed the President now has under advisement the last phase, and that he has been considering it for some time. The question came up over the refusal of Collector Iirady of Virginia to reappoint men who were under the classified service. The Attorney General declined to pass upon the question, and it was referred to the solicitor of the treasury. It is al- leged that the solicitor wrote an opinion some time ago upholding Collector Brady, and that the opinion has been reposing on the President's desk for a good while. If the opinion of the solicitor is of the nature claimed, it will be unnecessary for the President to exempt this class of gov- ernment employes. The Secretary’ of the ‘Treasury, following the oninion of the so- licitor, will inform collectors that it will not necessary for them to draw upon the eligible lists of the civil service. ALCOHOL THE TOPIC Senatorial Discussion Branched Out on Other Subjects, ‘ ADDITIONAL BEER TAX SUGGESTED Consideration of Pension Bills Un- objected To. ————— THE LEGISLATIVE BILL The chaplain of the Senate today offered a fervent petition in his invocation at the opening of the Senate that the senators from Scuth Carolina might speedily be re- stored to health and granted quietude and peace. He also paid tribute to the memery of the late Representative Holman. At the suggestion of Mr. Hawley, chair- man of the military affairs committee, the bill passed by’ the House for the relief of the miners In the Klondike region was taken up at once. He moved that all after the enacting clause of the House bill be stricken out and the Senate bill substituted. The motion was carried, and the bill as amended passed. Senators Hawley, Carter and Cockrell were named as conferees on the part of the Senate. Alcohol in the Arts, Mr. Platt (Conn.) presented the report of the special committee appointed by the Senate and the House to investigate the use of ulcohol in the arts. In connection with the presentation of the report Mr. Hoar (Mass.) sald that he would take an early opportunity to point out the differ- ence between those who produce whisky as a beverage and those who manufacture aicohol for use in the arts. “It is time,” said he, “for Congress to deal with this question with a little more courage and a little more justice.” In response to inquiries from Mr. Chan- dler (N. H.) and Mr. Gray (Dei Mr. Piatt said that the joint committee had not been able to agree except upon one proposition, 1e., that Congress cannot at this time and in the present circumstances of the govern- ment legislate for a removal of the tax upon aicoho! used in the arts. Mr. Gray inquired what relief would come to industrial users of alcohol if the tax were reduced as suggested by the Sec- retary of the Treasury to what he calls the revenue point, 70 cents a gallon. Mr. Platt said that one suggestion was to reduce the tax to the revenue point, in accordance with the idea of the Secretary of the Treasury, but the ccmmittee had not dealt with that point. Mr. Chandler pointed out the fact that so long as the internal revenue tax cn zleohol was so great in proportion to its cest enormous customs duties upon all articles containing alcohol were absolutely necessary. Mr. Hale said that he could not give his approval to a bill that would further re- duce the revenues of the government $10,- 000,000 per year. Proposed Additional Beer Tax. Mr. Hoar (Mass.) expressed the opinion that Congress ought to have the courage to put aside politics in the consideration of this question of taxing alcohol. He be- lieved it would be perfectly proper to piace an additional tax of one dollar per barrel on beer and thought that that woull re- move the financial difficulties of the zov- ernment. In the course of his remarks Mr. Hear adverted to that part of the W law which dealt with the question of of alcohol in the arts. In reply, Mr. Vest (Mo.) said that it was well understood that part of the Wilson law was not put into the bill except under the dire extremities experienced by the friends of the measure. “We were appealed to,” said he, “to let it go into the bill wichout opposition, and we consented in order that a vote might be had upon the measure.” In response to an inquiry from Mr. Vest, Mr. Platt said that he was not certain that the reduction ef the tax on alcohol to the revenue point would increase the receipts of the government. He thought it was an open question. The first effect of such re- duction he was assured would be a large reduction in the revenue. Mr. Hale (Maine) briefly replied to the suggestion of Mr. Hoar that the tax on alcohol used in the arts ought to be re- duced. He was not opposed, he said, to an additional tax of a dollar per barrel on beer, but he was opposed to any proposi- tion that would result in a reduction of the revenues of the government $10,000,000 per year. The Administration and Gold. At this juncture Mr. Stewart of Nevada rose to a question of personal privilege to reply to a charge which he said had been made against him by Mr. Chandler, a charge which he characterized as a very grave one. He referred to the assertion of the New Hampshire senator he (Stewart) had misrepresented the attitude of the ad- ministration on the finance question. He had extracts read from the state- ment made yesterday by Secretary Gage before the House committee on banking and currency to show that the admin- istration was committed to the gold stand- ard. He contended that this statement fully confirmed all that he had said, and further, that it manifested a determina- tion to place the control of the currency in the hands of the banks, giving them all the advantages and exacting from them no security. Mr. Gallinger (N. H.), chairman of the committee on pensions, requested that at the conclusion of the morning bus time until 3 o'clock be devoted to sideration of unobjected pension bills. The order was adopted. Bills providing for the erection of a pub- lie building at Tacoma, Wash., and appro- priating $250,000 for that purpose and pro- viding e gister for the steam- ville was passed. nm secured the passage of a resolution calling upon the librarian of Congress to send a statement to the Senate giving the names of all employ of the library, their salaries and the state from which they came and whether they have had any previous library experiences. International Fisheries. A favorable report being made upon the joint resolution accepting the invitation of the government of Norway to take part in an international fisheries exposition, to be held at Bergen, Norway, from May to Sep- tember, 1898, Mr. Nelson, Minn., the author of the resolution, asked for its immediate consideration and secured its passage. The resolution accepts the invitation and directs the commissioner of fish and fish- eries, in person or by a deputy to be ap- pointed by the President, to represent the United States at the exposition, and to make a suitable display of the food fishes of the United States, the methods of cateh- ing, salting, curing and preserving them, and of the implements and Sppliances used in carrying on the fishery industries of the United States. Any portion of the collec- tion in the National Museum may be used for exhibit at the exposition, at the com- missioner’s discretion. The resolution provides $20,000, to be im- mediately available, to defray the necessary expenses of the display of the United States at the exposition. The commission is directed to make a full report to the Department of State of the participation of the United States in the exposition and the information and results acquired. The consideration of pension cases was then begun. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, con- In the Hous? of Representatives today, en motion of Mr. Smith (Ariz.), a bill was passed to amend the act granting a right of way through the San Carlos Indian reservation to the Hela Valley, Globe and Northern Raflroad Company so as to ex- tend tne time for the construction of the 1oad for two years. Mr. Evans (Ky.), from the special joint cemmittee appointed to investigate the subject of untaxed alcohol for use in th arts, made his report to the House, which was crdered printed. Mr. Brownlow (Tenn.) asked unanimous ccnsent for the consideration of a resolu-" THE) EVENING STAR; FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17; 1897-16 PAGES. tion reciting the fact that the report cf the Secretary of the Navy on the location of the armor plate factory made no men- ticn of the board’s visit to the south, and calling upon him to cause the data pro- cured by the board as to the advantages of the south to be prepared and forwarded to the House. Mr. Steele (ind.) wanted to offer an amendment to cover Indiana and Illinois, Jerry Simpson Wants to krow. but Mr. Dingley (Me.) objected, and the resolution and amendment were referred urder the rules. The House then went into committee of the whole and resumed the consideration of the legislative, executive and judicial bill. Under the latitude allowed for de- bate Mr. Bartholdt (Mo.) had read a pro- test from the National American Turner Bund against restrictive immigration legis- lation. At this point the committee rose in- formally, and on Mr. Cannon’s motion dis- agreed to the Senate amendment to the Hopkins (111). Have you noticed his smileY bill for the relief of the miners on the Up- per Yukon and agreed to a conference. Messrs. Cannon (iil), Norway (Ohio) and Sayers (Texas) were appointed conferees. he Speaker announced the appointment ef Messrs. Hitt (Il), Adams (Pa.) and Wheeler (Ala.) regents of the Smithsonian Institution. —-e+______ WARRANTS FOR THE PUGILISTS. Long Island City Purification Society Try to Prevent Fight. NEW YORK, December 17.—Police Justice Duffy of Long Island issued warrants today for the arrest of McCoy and Creedon, on complaint of Peter A. Leininger and J. Rufus Terry of the Long Island City Puri- fication Society. Lawyer Francis Van Vechten, represent- ing the athletic club, said the men would be in court at 2 o'clock, and that they ag furnish bonds not to violate the Aw. District Attorney Youngs received a letter teduy from Governor Black regarding the contest, but the district attorney would not make the contents publi —>—_— VON DER AHE TO RETIRE. St. Louis Base Ball Magnate About to Sell His Franchise. ST. LOUIS, December 17.—For threc years past it has been rumored that Chris Von der Ahe, the manager of the St. Louls Base Ball Club, intended selling the club franch: Last night Mr. Von der Ahe an- nounced that the deal was almost consum- mated last Wednesday, but has for the time being been laid aside. offered $55,000 for the club by Gus Frey, who represented a local syndicate. Mr. Von der Ahe said last night: “The club is incumbered for $35,000. The prop- erty {s very valuable and quite worth the money. I will sell it very soon, I know. Next year the people of St. Louis will have another base ball boss. Chris Von der Ahe is through. He will be out by the new years es CHANGES AT ST. PETERSBURG. Mr. Breckinridge is Succeeded by Minister Hitchcock. ST. PETERSBURG, December 17.—The retiring of United States Minister to Rus- sia Clifton R. Breckinridge was received in audience by the czar yesterday and pre- sented his letters of recall. Mr. Breckin- ridge presented to his majesty his suc- cessor, E. A. Hitchcock. Both Mr. Breck- inridge and Mr. Hitchcock were presented to the czarina. WHOLE FAMILY PERISH. Patrick Leahy and Five Children Burned at Ottawa. OTTAWA, Ont., December 17.—The resi- dence of Patrick Leahy was burned early this morning, and Leahy and five of his children—Thomas, Marie, Katie, Maggie, and Patrick—the eldest but nine years of age, perished. Mrs. Leahy and a bey nam- ed Frank, aged five years, were saved. It is supposed that Leahy dropped a lighted lamp which he was accustomed to carry around the house. > BOARD IS NON-COMMITTAL. Report on the Accident at Garrisons Last October. ALBANY, N. Y., December 17.—The board of railroad commissioners today handed down a report of its investigation into the causes of the accident on the New York Central railroad at Garrisons on October 24 last. The commissioners ar- rive at the conclusion that the train was wrecked either by derailment, which de- stroyed the embankment, or that the em- bankment gave way and threw the train into the river. The board recommends that the force of track walkers on the Hudson river division of the New York Central be increased so as to provide a constant and sufficient sys- tem of watching and warning along the line at all times. es i WILL BROKEN, Successful Contest of Instrument Left by General Bane. A jury in Criminal Court"No. 2, today returned a sealed verdict breaking the will of the late eGneral Moses M. Bane. The matter was on hearing several days, Ed-' gar M. and Howard K. Bane, sons of the deceased, contending that their father’s wife, Lucy Leftwich Bane, exercised undue pedbaetee oo ae ooneetica with oe execut , Signed February 20, last. The jury decided that the will in mind and capable of @ valid deed or contract, and that the execution of the will was not procured by fraud nor by duress, but, the jury ruled, the execution ‘was procured by luence, He said he was } SCHURZ RE-ELECTED |™#& SCHEDULE MODIFIED/FINANCE AND TRADE Succeeds: Himself as Presid tof | O7ee of Oourt Under Which Belt Road is National Oivil Service League, RINGING. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED League Will Take No Back Step On Merit System. ’ M’KINLEY IS EULOGIZED CINCINNATI, Ohio, December 17.—The National Civil Service Reform League to- day re-elected Carl Schurz president by acclamation. The remainder of the officers as selected are as follows: Vice presidents, Charles Francis Adams, Boston; Henry Hitchcock, St. Louis; Henry Charles Lee, Philadelphia; Augustus R. MacDonough, New York; Franklin Mac- Veagh, Chicago; J. Hall Pleasants, Balti- more; Right Rev. Henry C. Potter, New York; William Potts, New York; Right Rev. P. J. Ryan, Philadelphia; Secretary, George McAneny, New York; treasurer, A. 8. Frissell, New York. Executive committee—Carl Schurz, New York, chairman; Moorfield Storey and Ricn- ard Henry Dana, Boston; Sherman 8. Rog- ers, Buffalo; Wm. A. Aiken, Norwich; Ed- ward M. Shepard and Wm. G. lyn; Ches. J. Bonaparte, Baltimor P. Wheeler, Silas W. Burt, Edward Cary, Chas. Collins, Richard Watson Gilder, Wm. Potts and Dorman B. Eaton, New York: Morrill Wyman, jr., Cambridge; Wm. Dud- ley Foulke, Richmond, Ind.; Lucius B. Swift, Indianapolis; Herbert. Walsh and Chas. Richardson, Philadelphia; John W. Ela, Chicago. ‘The report of the treasurer, A. 8. Frissell of New York, showed: Receipts, $4,254.05; disbursements, $3,878.82; balance on hand, #276.13. = + Everet Resolations Adopted. The report of the committee on resolu- tions, which reported through its chairman, Charles J. Bonaparte of Baltimore, was adopted as follows: @). National Civil Service Reform League assembled in this, its seventeenth annual meeting, reminds the country of the specific and emphatic pledges of the last republican national convention thoroughly and honest- ly to enforce the present federal civil service law, and to extend its operation wherever practicable. The league confi- dently expects from the President and de- mands from every republican senator and Tepresentative a faithful fulfillment of this distinct and solemn pledge. (2). The league denounces any attempt cn the part of republican members of either house of Congress to repeal the law or embarrass its administration, or any modi- fication of its provisions, except to the end that the merit system of selection for Fublic officers and employes may be cx- tended, and personal or partisan favorit- ism in their choice more thoroughly eradi- cated; and declares such attempts not only unpatriotic and unwise, but gross and shameful breaches of party faith, of which no man of honor would be guilty. President’s Order Commended. @) The league recognizes in the order of President McKinley, forbidding removals in the classified service unless for good cause and after due notice to the person accused, a wise and, just, measure, fully indorsed by an enlightened ‘public opinion, and tt de- mands for this order a fair construction and a practical enforcement, with adequate punishment for’ any officials who may dis- obey or séek to evade its provisions. @). The leagtie respectfully urges upon the President and upon those members of his cabinet and of elther house of Con- gress who also desire to preserve and ex- tend the merit system of appointment in the federal service, the importance of an unflinching resistance to the impudent de- ; mands of men who wish its destruction. The least concession to demands inspired by such: motives: will greatly encourage ‘these men and increase their greedy clamor, while making resistance to such pressure more difficult in the future. G). The league calls attention to the fact that in those states where the party now dominant in the federal government has sought in’the resolutions of its state con- ventions to qualify or evade the unequivo- cal utterance of its national platform as to civil service reform, the results of the late elections have clearly indicated the disap- proval of honest and patriotic citizens. The league further recognizes with pleasure the steady and rapid growth of sympathy with its principles and purposes among enlight- ened and conscientious Americans of al classes. Its Enemies Stigmatized. @) The league indignantly stigmatizes the mendacity with which the enemies of good Ssvernment ond pure politics, both in and at of Congress, have misrepresented the practical working of the merit system and their persistent repetition of gross and ri- diculous falsehoods, clearly and frequently exposed, as insults at once to the intelli- gence and the conscience of the American people. (@. The league demands that the em- ployes of the census bureau be selected for merit and fitness, to be determined by fair, practical and thoFough competitive exam- inations under the direction of the civil ser- vice commissioner. With the warning ex- ample of the last census before its eyes, it protests against any enactment which may prevent or impede such selection, as in- volving a scandalous waste of money and a sacrifice of the country’s interests. It were betier to have no census at all in 1900 than one taken by incompetent or untrustworthy political proteges, selected according to the well-known methods of so-called practical politics. Four-Year Terms Unjust. (8). The league renews its previous dec- larations in favor of the repeal of the law prescribing four-year terms for many fed- eral offices, the extension of the merit sys- tem to the consular service and the muni- cipal civil service of the District of Colum- bia, and the consolidation of outlying with central post offices. It expressly disclaims any advocacy of civil service pensions as a part of the merit system, which contem- plates such pensions no more than did the system of appointment and removal by favor, prevailing before the merit system was introduced; on the contrary, the pro- tection which an assured tenure during ef- ficiency affords to public servants, should enable them by the exercise of the frugal- ity and forethought displayed by all pru- dent persons, to provide out of their cur- rent earnings for the ordinary contingen- cies and infirmities-of old age. .— UNCLE, “ANSE” BACK AGAIN. Rumored “‘Rett#ement From Chicago Teain Was Not Verefied. " 1 NEW YORK, ;December 17.—Adrian C, Anson, captain of the Chicago Base Ball Club, and A. G. Spalding, a large share- holder of the-same. club,-arrived today on the steamer, from Bremen, aiter an absence bo this country of four weeks. “Pop” Ansoh lef} for Chicago without de- lay. Mr. Spalding, when questioned regard- ing the rumored Zesignation of Anson, said it must have originated from the fact that Anson's tenbyear contract with the Chicago club expires this tyear. “It 1s now @. matter of negotiation and not of resignation,” continued Mr. Spald- ing, “betwean Captain Anson and the Chi- go Base Ball Club.” From Mr. Spalding’s remarks, the im- pression was gathered that Captain Anson would not sever his connection with the club with which he has been associated for the last twenty-two years. Mr. Spalding said that the trip to Europe had been pure- ly one of business and had no significance whatever from @ base ball point of view. (RS Weather Observer Rano Dead. CHEYENNE, Wyo., December 17.—Milton -six, late United States G. Rano, aged to Operate, Cara Run at Leng Intervals, but “Trippers” Will Be Used for Department Clerks, Judge Cox, in Equity Court No. 1, today signed an order authorizing W. Kesl-y Schoepf, receiver of the Belt Railway Com- pany, to medify the schedule under which he has been operating the railway. Judge Cox, in his order, further author- ized Receiver Schoepf forthwith to sell at auction or private sale, as he may deem best, such of the horses now owned by the ccmpany as are for any cause unservice- able to the company. The receiver is also authorized to construct such cross-overs and switches as are necessary. The foregoing modified schedule, it is stated, is intended to remain in force only until the sale of the road is consummated. Counsel on both sides, it is understood, have prepared rovgh drafts of a decree to be signed by the court to cover the sale di- rected by Judge Cox a few days ago. They have not yet come to an agreement, how- ever. It is believed, though, that the word- ing of the decree will be satisfactorily ad- justed within a short time. At that time, the understanding is, the unsecured cred- itors of the railway company mean to pro- ceed with steps to appeal from the ruling of Judge Cox ordering the sale. In Operation. _ The shortened schedule is in operation on the Belt Line today. According to this schedule cars are run every seven minutes on the 11th street line from 7 o'clock in the morning until 8 o'clock at night, and for the balance of the working day ten minutes mark the intervals between the cars. From 8 to 9 each morning and from 4 to 5 each afternocn the time is quickened so the cars are ory five minutes apart. On what is known es the Belt Line,which runs up 4th street and then to lith street and E and P, a much slcwer schedule is followed, as the cars are run at intervals of forty-five minutes. “Trippers” will be used for benefit of department clerks morn- ing and evenirg. Only two cars are needed to give.the regular service, ard these are what are known a3 bob-tail cars, requiring only a driver. ‘ages Still in Arrears. By this change the services of eighteen men have been dispensed with, but, it 1s stated, they were given employment on the Eckington line. The wages of the men have not been paid, as already stated in The Star, for about a month and it is not probable that the wages in arrears will be paid, at least until the property is sold, and only then after the bonds have been paid. It is stated that the receipts of the road will enable the receiver to pay the wages of the men now employed, but it is not thought that- the arrearages of pay will be discharged. The men were naturally dissatisfied, as they have been for some time past, but it is stated that when the matter was explained to them they saw that there was no chance for them to get their money, and so they accepted the situation as cheerfully as possible. It is stated that the familles of some of these men are suffering for the actual necessities of life and charitable people are interesting themselves in their behalf. Among the plans proposed Is an entertain- ment for their benefit. ——— CAUSED A COMMOTION. Effect of Senator Stewart's Quotation in the Senate. Senator Stewart, with his silver brick, succeeded in making quite a commotion among the republican “bimetallists” in the Senate today. He directed his shot at Sen- ator Chandler and Senztor Wolcott, both of whom are stil holding to the unsub- stantial hope of international bimetallism. He had read from yesterday's Star a part of the report of Secretary Gage’s hearing before the House committee on banking and curreency, in which the Secretary stated that the object of his financial bill was “to commit the country more thor- oughly to the gold standard,” etc. Apparently Messrs. Chandler and Wol- cott had not read the report, for, after its reading, they sent to the desk for the copy cf The Star, and putting their heads to- gether, read it over and over. They then called in Senator Carter and the three had an_ animated discussion over the matter. The scene was amusing to the galleries and to those senators who do not share their fear of the single gold standard. —____-e+______ GARDINER HUBBARD’S WILL, Instrument Signed the Day Nefore He Died. The will of the late Gardiner Greene Hubbard, who was president of the Geo- graphic Society, was filed for probate late this afternoon. The will is dated the 10th instant, and directs that the entire estate of the deceased become the property of his wife. Charles J. Bell, attorney of Mr. Hubbard, is nominated executor, and the wife of the testator executrix. The will sets forth the request that the executor and executrix be not required to give bond. Mr. Hubbard died the day after the will was signed. —_ + TRACTION COMPA °*S AUTHORITY. The Commissioners Reply to Chair- man Babcock’s Inquiry. In reply to a letter froni Chairman Bab- cock of the House District committee, in- quiring by what authority the Capital Traction Railroad Company is changing its motive power from cabie to underground electric and subways, the District Commis- sioners today informed him that the per- mission was granted the company to install the underground electric system under au- thority of the provisions of the District appropriation act of March 2, 1889, a pro- vision of which Is as follows: “That any company authorized by law to run cars propelled by horses in the District of Columbia is hereby authorized to sub- stitute for horses electric power, by stor- age or independent electrical batteries or undergreund wires, or underground cable moved by steam power, on the whole or any portion of its roadway, with authority to purchase and use any terminal grounds and facilities necessary for the purpose.” a A Successful Doll Sale. A doll sale was held yesterday afternoon at Carroll Institute Hall for tne benefit of the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart, the new Catholic church to be erected in Columbia Heights, and of which Rev. Jos. F. MeGee is pastor. The sale was held from 4 until 11 o’clock, and the hall was crowded between those hours with an eager crowd of buyers, all anxious to part with the coin of the realm in their possession for the pretty articles offered for their in- spection. Mr. George H. O'Connor made an excellent Santa Claus, coming into the hall with a hugh grab bag, from whica every one received a doll. It is understood that the receipts of the sale were most encoursging. Those who assisted the pas- ter of the new church were Miss Nellie Brawner, Mrs. J. T. McGee, Miss Magee, Miss Joyce, the Misses Merritt, Misses Mimear and Mrs. Joy. ——- Committee on Streets and Avenues, The committee on streets and avenues of the board of trade has been named, and is constituted as follows: Myron M. Parker, chairman; Chapin Brown, George T. Dun- lop, WilliamF. Mattingly, James W. Som- De Witt, mody, W. G. Lown, Harris Lindsley. Holiday Dullness Was the Feature of the Stock Market. AL SHARES ADVANCED AGAIN Sugar Broke Slightly on News of Dutch Bounty Repeal. GENERAL MARKET REPORTS Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, December 17. ing in today’s stock market was exremely professional in character, and reflected the customary holiday dullness. Selling by the large operators for a decline was in prog- ress on a relatively large scale, but real- izing sales were not significant. The belief in higher prices in the near future contin- ues to find reflection in cautious buying of the standard issues at every decline. The coal shares, particularly Jersey Cen- tral, were a trifle stronger than the gen- eral list as the result of further evidence of prosperity in the coal trade. The buy- ing of the stock named ts thought to be for large inside interests and is based on @ practical knowledge of actual conditions. The expected court decision in the rapid transit case was responsible for consider- able activity in Manhattan, a 2 per cent decline being recorded on the prospects of a decision favorable to the rival company. Upon the announcement of the result along anticipated lines, the short interest began a covering movement, which re- ose in a sharp recovery of all the early joss. Under the influence of arguments used several gays ago, the elevated road was considered to be more directly concerned than those on the surface. Consequently, Metropolitan Traction was not noticeably weak, even during the doubtful period of the early morning. The recovery in these shares during the noon hour inspired liveral covering else- where, prices responding easily. In view of the extreme narrowness it is quite possible that the selling is out of all proportion to the volume of business. A 2 per cent decline in American Sugar followed private advices of a possible re- peal of the Germ2n export bounty law. This action on the part of the foreign government would relieve imported sugars from the penalty of a discriminating duty and add to the local competition. During the general covering movement Sugar im- proved in sympathy with the general list, although sentiment was In opposition to a sustained upward tendency. The reports from western trunk lines tn- dicate a scarcity of freight cars and a gen- eral forward movement of grain. One road is reported to be loading upward of 4,000 cars daily and is forced to rent a consider- able proportion of its a mmodatious pending the completing of new rolling stock. All reports are practically harmonious on this subject, and there would seem to be every assurance of continued prosperity. Over the holidays, howeveer, there may be a lightening of speculati risks, but there is not likely to be any s: ment holdings. a FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. of invesi- 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 stock exchange. Correspondents, Messrs. Moore & Schley, No. 80 Broadway. Open. American Spirits.......- . 2 American Spirits, pfd. 9 at Atchison Baltimore Canada Pacific. Chesapeake & Oh C. & St. Lou B&Q - CmcagoaNortnwestern hicago Gas M. & St. Paul. C M.& St. Pani. ptd Chicago, RI. & Pacific... Chicago, St. Paul, M.&0 Consolidated Gas. Generai Hlectric. Iihnets Centra. Lake Shore. 3 Louisville a Nashwiii Metropolitan ‘Traction. Manhattan Elevated Michigan Central. Missouri Pacittc National Lead ¢ National Leua Co.. pfa.. New Jersey Centrai. New York Central... Phila. & keading. ¢ Puliman P. ¢. Co Southern Ry., pfa. Phila. Traction ‘Texas Pacitic. Tenn. Coai & iron. Union Pacitic....... U, 8. Leather, pfa.. Wabash, pfd: Western Union ‘ei er... Government Bonds. Quotations reported by Corson & Macart- ney, bankers. Asked. 2 per cents, registered. aS 4 per cents, coupon of 1: 4 per cel registered of 4 per cents, coupon of 1925 4 per cents, registered of 1925. 5 per cents, coupon of 1904. 5 per cents, registered of 1004. Currency 6 ‘per cents of 1898. Currency 6 per cents of 1: . > 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. GRAIN, Open, "High. 22° 92% 83 Low. Close. | Wheat—May. 91% Ja! 82% Baltimore Markets. BALTIMORE, December 17. 11,652 | strengthen it | the interstate commerce commission, [fanenen that 4 —=———_— R.R. 6s, % bid, 100 asked. Columbia R. R. 4s, 121 bid, 125 asked. Washington Gas Co., ser. A, 6s, 112 bid. Washington Gas Co., ser. B, 6s, 112 bid. United States Electric Light Deb. Imp., 105 bid. Chesa- peake and Potomac Telephone 5s, 102 bid. American Security and Trust 5s, F. and A 100 bid. American Security and Trust 3s, A. and O., 100 bid. Washington Market Co. Ast 6s, 110 bid. Washington Market Co. Imp. Gs, 110 bid. Washington Market Co. SS wg dar Fe Masonic Hall Ass'n 5s, 5 ‘ashington Light Infantry Ist 6s, 83 bid, 100 asked. = National Bank Stocks.—RBank of Wash- ington, 275 bid, 300 asked. Metropolitan, 302 bid, 315 asked. Central, 260 bid. Farm ers’ and Mechanics, 183 bid. Second, 140 bid. Citizens’, 135 bid. Columbia, 130 bid. Capital, 120 bid. West End, 108 bid, asked. Traders’, 97 bid. Lincoln, 109 112 asked. Safe Deposit and Trust Companies.—N: tional Safe Deposit and Trust, 118 ask Washington Loan and Trust, 121 bid, asked. American Security and Trust, 1 bid, 150 asked. Washington Safe Deposit, 50 bid. Railroad Stocks.—Capital Traction Co., 6% bid, 68 3-4 asked. Metropolitan, 120 bid, 122 asked. Columbia, 6 bid, 68 asked Gas and Electric Lig! Stoct a, Wash- ington Gas, 461-2 bid, 4 Tasked. George- town Gas, 43 bid. U. S. Electric Light, 100 1-2 bid, 102 asked. Insurance Stocks.—Firemen’s, 36 bid. Franklin, 38 bid. Metropolitan, 65 bid. Cor- coran, 56 bid. Potomac, #4 bid. Arlington. 133 bid, 150 asked. German-American, 1S} bid. National Union, 101-2 bid, 12 asked. Columbia, 12 bid, 14 asked. Riggs, 7-2 bid, S1-4 asked. People’s, 51-2 bid, 6 asked. Lincoln, 91-2 bid, 10 asked. Commercial, 4 bid, 41-2 asked. Title Insurance Stocks—Real Estate Ti $5 bid, 98 asked. Columbia Title, *4 3-4 51-2 asked. Washington Title, 21 Telephone Stocks—Pennsylvania, 38 45 asked. Chesapeake and Potomac, bid. American Graphophone, 9 1-4 bid, 91-2 esked. American Graphophone, Preferred, 10 1-4 bid. Pneumatic Gun Carriage, 4% bid, %) asked. Miscellaneous Stocks—Mergenthaler Lino- type, 1413-4 bid, 1421-8 asked. Lanston Monotype, 193-4 ‘bid, 20 asked. ton Market, 10 bid. . bid, 112 asked. Norfolk and Washingt« Steamboat, 100 asked. Lincoln Hall, 9% asked. *Ex. div. —_+ —. SHIPPERS AND CARRIERS, An Organization to Bring About Bet- The National Association of Freight Com- missioners, a new organization, composed of representatives of various trades leagues and commercial bodies from all parts of the country, met and organized this morn- ing at the Shoreham Hotet. a ation is to bring better relations between shippers and carriers and to eliminate discrimination in favor of sections. Speeches were made by N. B. Kelly and W. P. Trickett, in favor of and against the legalizing of pooling, respectiv: Officers Chosen. After these addresses were delivered, per- manent organization was r by election of officers and an the xecutive cor mittee, as follows: N. B. Kelly, Phila phia, president; John A. Smith, Charleston, S. C., vice president; W. P. Trickett, Kan- sas City, Mo., secret: F. W. Maxwell, treasurer. E ive com- St. Joseph, Mo. mittee—A, J. I anlandingham, Memphis; J De 1, St. Joseph n Mo. It was agreed matters which members of the body held dive views should be arranged and the executive committee. tions in opposition to an: pooling were referred to this comm. Resolutions were parsed unaniim favor of the passage of scalping bill, and to urge il the country to put in ope fuary 1, 18%, the system of uniform fication. It was also unanimous to authorize Congress to iner the powers and au the organizat take an active part in all questio or national, affecting the commerce terests of the country, the conference clcsed. was >- The Value of a Paper. Frem the Chicago Times-Herald A Philadelphia magistrate the other de released a prisoner who had been arreste for stealing copies of a daily newspaper from a neighbor's doorst holding that “the value of a newsp: is so trifling it could not be the subject of lar- This ruling has caused considerable ment in the east and public opini to be divided as to its justice. It us that everything depends upon the news paper which was stolen. If it was one ot Gotham’'s yellow journals, or even a saffron published in Philadelphia, of course an who removed from a neighbor's tep must be regarded public pfactor. But if it was a clean, repute decent newspaper for the home, its price had no bearing whatsoever upon {ts value to the subscriber, and the man who purloined it should be punished. The price of a newspaper is no longer an indication of its worth. con oe -___ OVERHEATED HOUSES. Injurious Effects of Breathing F macc-Dried Air. From the Milwaukee Wisconsin, One of the subjects discussed at the re- cent meeting of the American Public Health Association in Philadelphia is of particular interest to the users of hot air furnaces, who have just started their furnaces for the winter period of continual service. Dr. lienry J. Barnes of Boston, declared that the air breathed in houses heated by fur- naces is kept too dry in cold weather. The hot air system takes all of the moistur out of the air, and it passes into the h making the air unfit to breathe, and caus- ing catarrh and other disorders. This as- sailant of the hot air furnace magnifies 1t Sw ided with evaporating pans, which hi at least a pail full of water, and, further- more, -he moisture which is taken from. air as it pa through the house ha: ther means of exit except through the fur- nace pipes and the registers in the various rooms. But it is nevertheless a fact t the aver user of the hot air furn: keeps the atmosphere of his house too dry, through neglect of the evaporating pan; and it is probably true, also, that the evap- orating pans are not as efficacious as they ought to be. The physician mentioned submitted a pla for a humidizer, to be placed over a ister on the lower floor of a house. ‘This contrivance is simply a wooden box con- taining a galvanized iron tank into which strips of cotton felt are suspended from rods. The air from the furnace is made to pass through the suspended strips of felt, from which it takes the moisture necessary to make the air of the house fit to breathe. With one of these humidifiers Dr. Barnes says he was able to obtain a mean of 53 per cent relative humidity in a mean tem- perature of 65.3 degrees, through the evap- oration of from two quarts to two galions of water per day. During the period of this test the outside temperature was 42 de- grees, with a relative humidity of 73% per cent. He says that this temperature in the house was comfortable, whereas; without the addition of the moisture afforded by the humidifier, a temperature of from 76 to 71 degrees was necessary. In support of this statement he cites the fact that “out doors in June, in medium clothing, with tempera- ture of 65 degrees, and normal humidity of at firm: moths. $13.00 asked. Grain Hs very quiet, Semand siow—ateam te Liver. aed = December; Cork for orders vad Coe epee! mg ge Strong, anged. tter quiet, wi nchanged, ‘steady, unchanged. Cheese steady, unchang- Whisky’ unchanged. Se ‘Washington Stock Exchange. Sales—regular call—12 o'clock m.—United States Electric Light Deb. Imp., $500 at 105. E is, . currency 3. i bid. conv. BR. Certificate 5 eh of ‘E E @© to 70 per cent, we are comfortable; in doors in winter, with heavy clothing, we re- = five degrees more of heat for com- fort.”” It will be seen that Dr. Barnes’ humidifier promotes economy as well as comfort. Ifa house can be made comfortable by properly humidifying the atmosphere with 5 degrees less heat than if the air were permitted to become dry, the demands upon the furnace and consequently upon the coal pile will be appreciably less. That is worth something; but the consideration of —-> more im-