Evening Star Newspaper, December 22, 1897, Page 1

—— = THE EVENING &TAR. eee PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3101 Fenneyivania Avenue, Cor. 11th 8t., by i Cor tee EES eramat Eee New York Odice, 49 Pottor Building. ‘The Brening Star is served to subscribers tm thi eity by cerriers on thelr 9wn account, at 10 cents per week. or cents per month. Copies at the counter 2 cents each. By mail—answhere im the United States or Conada—postage prepaid—20 cents per month. Saterday Quintuple Steet Star. $1 per year, with foreizn postage added, §3.00. Che £vening Star. (Entered a the Post Office at Washington, D. ©., Os second-class mail matter.) ©7 All wail subscriptions must be pald in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application No. 13,981, WASHING TON, D. C., WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1897—SIXTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. | === The Evening Star is the only afternoon paper in Washington that receives the dispatches of the Associated Press. It is therefore the only one in which the reader can find the complete news of the world, directly trans- mitted by telegraph, up to the moment of going to press. WANTS QUID PRO QUO HC Conference of the Speaker and the Repub- England Demands Equal Concessions Henn ‘Tegders From Chinese Government. JEALOUS. OF GERKANY'S. SERB] wt me toae—tmcnament ot China Looks to Russia as Her Only The Speaker and other republican mem- Friend. bers of the committee on rules are en- Pelee gaged in going over the rules of the House = gee of Representatives with a view of de- termining what changes are desirable. They have had two or three sessions since the beginning of the holiday recess, and were in consultation again today. A num- ber of propositions for changing the rules have been submitted by members of the House, but it is not believed that any changes materially affetting the methods of legisiation will be adopted. It is thought that the rules will be changed very slightly from what they were in the last Congress. The Rules. RUSSIA HOSTILE TO ENGLAND PEKIN. December 22.—The Chinese gov- ernment granted Rrssia permission to winter a squadron at Port Arthur. Great Britain demands a quid pro quo, as c cessions have heen made to other power: It has been suggested that the Japanese and British occupy Wei-hai-wei jointly. The situation at Kaio Chou bay is un- changed. Germzny remains unyielding and | These rules are about as restrictive as the Chinese counsels are divided as they can be made appropriately, and a whether it should be peace or war w move to liberalize them would be in the Germany. China regards Russia as her | nature of a backward step. Restrictions only friend, and is asking her advice alone. | have been thrown around the House by British infivence is nil, having suffered | :ncans of the rules from time to time as it greatly through the failure of the loan} has seemed to be necessary, until now negotiations. Demands on China. China is now negotiating with F The latter deman¢ British railroad engineers in north Chi and it is probable that it will be granted. The German drill instructors will be dis- missed, at the expiration of their contracts, and will be replaced by Russians. Russian Officers have already been ap inted to drill the armies of north China. s very little left to be done in tl The thing most members who re dissatisfied with the present rules com- n most of is their failure to get recog- nm to call up measures for considera- tion and the restriction as to amendments to the appropriation bilis which involve ex- penditure of money. The latter restrictio: a bar to new items of appropriation, eve when having the approval of the appropria- tions committee. Thus the provision for new dry decks, recommended by the d partment, and work of that sort, cannot ss a put on the naval appropriation on the Rusria’s Hostility to England. House side if a point of order is made ST. PETERSBURG, December 22—In a| against it. strong anti-Pritish article today the No- Mr. Barrett's Amendment. vost! say: Mr. Barrett of Massachusetts, in the in- In consequence of the pretension of | terest of the proposed dry dock at Boston, England ts compensate herself for the has proposed an amendment to the rules, so as to permit such new provisions to be put in the appropriation bills by the com: in charge of the measures. T! tion is being considered, but will bly not be acted upon, the fear of the S committee being that if the bars were Russian occupation of Pert Arthur by the acquisition of Port Hamilton or Lazareff, and in view of the j turbing action of Jayan, the brink of grave dip! tions. It is therefore w the reinforcement of the German squadron in the Pacific permits Russia, Frauce and Germany to effectively prevent a disturb- ance of the baiance of power between tne ru) let down there would be a rush of pu building bills a iture of money the which would swamp A failure to make this change in three powers on one band and Great | the rules will require that the great public Britain and Japan on the other si improvements that are demanded wili have might be preduced by violent sé to be provided for in separate bills having no territory. which will go on the “Union cal- endar,”” from which it is very difficult to get | @ measure up for consideration. It is only by a special rule reported from the com- mittee on rules that a measure on the cai- Hopes to Preserve Peace. In conclusion the Novosti exp: hope that the isolaticn of Great Bi es the tain in regard to the ot wers will | endar has any show for consideration, and She ae : tly to permit} {Re Policy being to hold down appropria- T¥SUION OF panes eyo Seumit | tons it will be difMeult to Induce the com: reatening it at the prese: aan’ mittee on rules to relax at toward ra creme scan toe ukesent moment [recieve (Olsiiievex pednitures ae TiGhey SELES The committee on rules may be governed BIG BRIDGE TRUST FORMID of the House in so far as the by the temp: House asseris itself, but experience is that the House is not usually very assertive in opposition to a well-defined policy. HIGHWAY EXTENSION LEGISLATiO: WII Include All the Important Con- cerns in the Country. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CLEVELAND, Ohio, December 22.—There is an important meeting in progress here of allt important bridge manufacturers of the United States. The meeting is se- cret, but the object is the formation of a trust. Half a dozen of the leading spirits have intimated that the proposed trust will be cepitalized at $15,000,000, New York capital is already negotiating for financing the trust. A committee on reorganization has been appointed, and the Manufacturers will meet in New York in a few we®ks to accept or reject the plan. ——— TEXAS CATTLE DYING FAST. Strong Feeling in Congress in Favor of Prompt Action. The question of street extension is re- gerded by members of the Senate com- mittee on the District of Columbia as the mest important one with which it will have to deal during the present session of Congress, and there Is a strong feeling among members of Congress generally in favor ot taking prompt action in regard to it, so that it may be settled for alt “The only bill regarding street extension that has been introduced in Congress dur- ing the present session is that by Mr. Result of Slcet Storm of the Past | Gallinger, and in the House simultaneous- ‘Three Dayn. ly by Mr. Richardson, which embodies ST. LOUIS, Mo., December 22.—The sleet | the ideas of the meeting lately~ held at the home of ex-Senator Henderson, and which is radically different from the ten- tative bill framed by the Commissioners. The Commissioners’ bill will be perfected after their consideration of the recommen- dations of the board of trade. It is expect- ed that the Commissioners’ bill and the beard of trade bill will be identical. Mr. Gallinger’s bill has been referred to the Scnate committee on the District of Co- lumbia, but no action will be taken on this matter until the Commissioners’ board of trade bill has been introduced by Mr. Mc- Millan, chairman of the committee. A sub- committee on the highway bill will then be appointed and will go into the question thoroughly. This subcommittee, in view of the importance of the question, will prob- ably be larger than is usually named to ecrsider measures. The hearings to te given on the bill will be before the full committee, and every one who has any idea to offer on the subject will be given an op- portunity to appear. Se Personal Mention. Secretary Alger is still confined to the house with a bad cold. His physician has advised that he remain at home and take care of himself during the prevailing in- clement weather. He is, however, trans- acting all official business requiring his attention. Mr. Willard F. Warner, chief clerk of the U. S. treasurer's office, has left town on a two weeks’ vacation, and Mr. W. H. Glas- cott will act as chief clerk during his ab- sence. Prof. Soley, formerly assistant secretary of the navy, but now in business in New York, is on a visit to this city. Second Lieutenant W. C. Dawson, U. 8. M. C., attached to the battleship Indiana, has reported at the Navy Department for examination for promotion. Lieutenant Glennie Tarbox of the navy n the city on leave of absence, and he istered at the Navy Department today. Lieutenant Colonel 8S. M. Whitside, 5th Cavalry, is here on leave of absence. He is at the Ebbitt. Adjutant Genera! Breck has gone to Bos- storm that has prevailed for the past three days in Texas has proved to be more disastrous in its effect on the stock in- terests of the west and northwest por- tions of that state than was at first ex- pected. Reports from 200 miles west and north of Fort Worth state that the death rate @mong caitle will be unprecedented, the fatality being pronounced among recent importations from Mexico, and the caitlc taken to the big plains ccuntry from Louis- jana. In some localities fully 35 per cent of the Mexican cattle have died already. In the extreme western part of the state the storm was not so hard. JOHN K. COWEN RE-ELECTED. Annual Meeting of Board of Directors of the B. and 0. BALTIMORE, Md., December 22.—The board of directors of the Baltimore and Ohto railroad, which was elected by the stcckholders at the seventy-first annual meeting held last November, met today and organized for the ensuing year by electing John K. Cowen president. The report of the Baltimore and Ohio Re- hef Association was received and filed. This report shows receipts during the year end- ing June 30, 1807, of $1,1 3.04, and dis- bursements and liabilities of $787, asce!s over Iabilities ou June 40, 189 051.56. The benefits paid on account of and natural sickness amonated to §3s1,- 4*158, an average of $19.28 per case. benefits paid during the r its existence amount to $5,467,S6: > mZLER ARRESTED. STUDENT BE is Charged With Chloroforming and Robbing Hotel Proprietor. Special Dispate ing Star. RICHMOND, Va., December 22—On the authority of Judge John M. White of the | tM to spend the holidays. In his absence county court of Albemarle, Joseph Sanq-| Golone! Corbin will act as adjutant gen: ridge, a special detective, arrested Stacy Colonel A. Mordecai, ordnance depart- Betzler of N . Jersey, a medical student at the University of Virginia, last night upon the charge of chloroforming and robbing John M. Campbell, a university boarding house proprietor, of $242 on Sun- day night, December 12. Betzler is now in the city Jail awaiting ment, commanding the Springfield (Mass.) armory, is on a visit to this city. He was at the War Department for several hours today conferring with the officials regard- ing the operations of the armory. Mr. Paul H. Cromelin, manager of the Washington office of the Columbia Phono- graph Company, has been appointed mana- examination trial, which will take place| ser of the St. Louis office of the same this afternoen. He is supposed to have| company. This is a substantial promotion had an accomplice, and detectives are now | for Mr. Cromelin. He will leave for his on his track. The affair has created a sensation at the state university. Stanton Monument Association. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CLEVELAND, Ohio, December 22.—The Stanton Monument Association, incorpor- ated to erect a monument to the war Sec- retary in Steubenville, the place of his birth, has been organized, naming the fol- lowing officers: President, Whitelaw Reid, New York; vice presidents, Gen. Sickles, New York; Col. Alex. McClure, Philadel. phia; W. H. Reed, Chicago; H. G. Dorman, Steubenville; secretary, J. B. Boyle, Ste benville; treasurer, G. F. Maxwell, Steu- benville; trustees, Saul McDonald, Wush- ington; Paul E. Dana, New York; 8. G. Porter, Columbus; G. W. McCook, J. H. 8. Trainer, H. B. Grier, Charles Gallagher, D. W. Mattlock, Steubenville, and John W. Francis, Toronto. new post about January 10. Prof. Thorald Jerichau has gone to the Blue Ridge mountains to spend the holl- days and to recuperate from the injuries he recently sustained when he so narrowly escaped asphyxiation. —_——__-2—_____ WILL ASK CHANGE OF VENUE. Attorneys for Durrant Make Another Effort to Save Him. SAN FRANCISCO, December 22.—The at- torneys for Durrant have filed notice that they will ask for a change of venue from the recent order of sentence by Judge Bahrs on the grourd that the ccurt is prejudiced. An appeal to the governor for a commu- tation of sentence will also be made on the ground that a review of the co-relation of the Blanche Lamont and Minnie Williams cases should be Another effort to get the case before the federal courts also be made. wil CHANGING THE HOUSE RULES | CAPT, BRAINERD HERE | Consulting With Secretary Alger Re- garding Relief Expeditions, MAJOR RUCKER TO GO 70 ALASKA ——— Dr. Jackson Will Procure Reindeer in Lapland. — THE ROUTES AVAILABLE ee Capt. Brainerd of the subsistence depart- ment of the army arrived in Washington this morning. Alihough Secretary Alger was confined to his home by a severe cold, he sent immediately for the officer and had a conference with him respecting the exe- cution of his plans for the relief of the miners in the Yukon river country. Responses are coming in to the War De- partment to the Secretary's inquiry as to the amount of condensed food preparations that can be had at short notice. Generally they indicate that an ample supply can be had at reasonable rates if contracts are made at once. Otherwise on the present rising market prices may go beyond the limit. To Examine the Passes. Gen. Merriam, commanding the depart- ment of Columbia, who has been charged by Secretary Alger with the selection of the military guard to be sent out with the relief expedition, telegraphed the Secretary today that he had selected Maj. L. H. Rucker, 4th Cavalry, to proceed to Alaska and make a reconnoisance of the passes leading from the head of the Lynn canal. He reports that the officer, who has already started from Fort Walla Walia, Wash., is by his experience as a quartermaster and a cavalryman well fitted for the duty and is also physically able to endure the hard service ahead of him. Senator Lodge of Massachusetts has brought to the attenticm of the *War Department officials the chims of the Boston Transportation Company. Their representative, Pierre Humbert, asserts that the company is in position to feed a large number of the ‘miners, inas- much as has just received news of the delivery by its agent at Fort Sel- kirk, on the Yukon river, of 200,000 pounds ef food. This point is above Dawson, and the su un be moved down easily with the first breaking up of the ice next spring, even if it is not found necessary to attempt their delivery overland. Dr. Jackson Going to Lapland. nothing has been heard from Mr. Kjellmann, the reindeer herder now in Lapland, in reply to the instructions ot Secretary Alger respecting the selection of (0 reindeer fcr transportation to Alaska, Lr. Sheldon Jackson has been made a spe- cial agent of the War Department and or- dered to proceed with all diligence to Lap- land to buy the animals and arrange tor their shipment to the United States. He was at the War Department today and announced his purpose of starting on his mission at once. The Old Telegraph Route. The announcement that the War Depart- ment is by no means committed to any one route in the effort to reach the miners in the Klondike country has had the ef- fect to cause persons interested in the various passes and roads leading into the mining country to advance the claims of their respective routes. The Spokane chamber of commerce has sent here Fred- eric R. Marvin, an energetic newspaper man of that town, as its representative, to urge the superior facilities of the over- land route northward from Spokane. This is the old telegraph route, laid down by the agents of the Western Union Telegraph Company years ago, when they sought tu run a telegraph line to Bering strait. Mr. Marvin has stated to the War Department that the route is still clear; that through the dense northern forests there is a trail 1) feet broad, affording easy passage for draft animals, and that the feasibility of the route in winter is shown by the fact tha for many years it has been traversed by numerous tragpers and prospectors, while the absence of heavy grades insures the capacity of animals to carry large loads. Secretary Alger is asked to delegate some of the army officers near Spokane to report upon the character of the route. — it As WORK OF BUTCHER BARRIOS. Orders the Execution of Several Prominent Guatemalans. SAN FRANCISCO, Cal., December 22.— News has reached this city of the shoot- ing in Guatemala of a number of political prisoners, inciuding two men who are known all over the Central American re- public. The execution occurred last month at Huehuetenango. The principal victim was Capt. Hurcu- lano Ruiz, brother-in-law of Gen. Daniel Fuentes, now in this city. Another vic- tim was the Honduran colonel, Francisco Zelaya. He was accused of aiding the revo- lution party and was executed by order of Barrics, the command being carried out by Gen. Luis Molina. Three other prominent Guatemalans suf- fered death in the same manner, includ- ing Licenciudo Marcello de Leon, a lawyer, and Elia Zandobal. It is estimated that there are now in Guatemalan prisons no less then 228 prisoners of the late revo- lution, —>—_—_- GOLD FROM THE KLONDIKE. Displuy of Nuggets to Tempt Pros- pectors to That Region. ST. PAUL, Minn., December 22.—The gen- eral passenger department of the Great Northern railway has received a consign- ment of gold dust and nuggets from the Seattle chamber of commerce, the total weight being twenty-seven pounds eleven ounces, and having a value of $6,365. The precious stuff ranges from a nugget of one pound, six ounces down to coarse grains of pin-head size, and comes from Bonanza creek, in the Klondike district, and Minook creek, in the Tanana district. The gold will be displayed here for a few Gays, and then go east to the general agen- cles of the road for exhibition. It is the largest quantity of the yellow metal from Aleska yet handled outside of the banks ard mints. —_.__—_ THREE IMPORTANT PATENTS, They Are of Great Interest to the Electrician: In yesterday’s issue of patents from the patent office were three of great impor- tance in the electrical world. They were issued to R. M. Hunter of Philadelphia, assignor in part to the General Electric Company of New York. They ere on the transmission of electrical energy, covering @ period of seventeen years. The patents are broad in their claims and cover the entire idea of generating high- tension currents and transmitting them | through a wire or by means of an induc- tion coil or transmitters into low-tension currents or high-tension currents for dis- tribution. Leakage is reduced to a mini- mum and currents can be sent greater dis- tances. It is said the patents issued yes- terday cover systems in general use, and if sustained the inventor can recover amounts in royalties for infringement. THE STAR SANTA CLAUS CLUB. When Cold Weather Comes It Will Resume Its Good Work. The executive committee of The Evening Star Santa Claus Club, which has for years brought so much comfort and pleasure to the cheerless and suffering poor children of Washington, has decided to postpone its annual work until later in the season. As the people of Washington are aware, the success of the Santa Claus Club has been due largely to the co-operation of the pupils of the public schools. They enrolled themselves as members of the club by pay- ing into the club treasury ten cents each, and in the first years of the organization received appropriate badges of member- ship, furnished by The Evening Star. The duty of the members was to find out in- dividual cases of waht and suffering and report them to the school principals. They, in turn, revised the lists, which were turned over to the supervising princtpals. In this way a large and accurate directory of those who deserved help was secured to guide the distribution of food, clothing and fuel, for the purchase of which the club funds were used. The general public was asked to ald in the good werk by contributing funds and supplies to the club. A mam- moth pound party at The Star office was a feature of one year’s work. The super- vising principals were the distributing agents of the club, and they always knew just where the relief was most needed and what kind of relief. A good share of the club's funds was annually expended in pro- viding poor school children with shoes, thus enabling them to attend school, when otherwise they, could not do so. So far this year there has been no very severe weather, and, therefore, no unusual suffering among the poor. As one of the chief objects of the Santa Claus Club is to relleve actual want, as far as possible, it has been decided, as stated, to postpone setting the machinery of the club going until later in the season. Doubtless before the winter is over there will be a blizzard or a cold spell, that will cause much suf- fering among the poor of the District. Warm clothing, shoes, fuel and food will be needed and sympathy will be aroused. When that time comes The Evening Star Santa Claus Club will lend a helping hand. By means of its perfect organization, pound parties will be held, as has been done in the past in different parts of the city, and the club will see that the supplies are col- lected and delivered to the authorized dis- tributing agencles and the money con- tributed expended in the best way possible. The public know from experience that any contributions made through The Evening Star Santa Claus Club will not be wasted. Christmas sentiment fs’tthe only reason why the Santa Claus Club should do its customary work at this tine, and that is a very good reason, but, as the principal and practical aim of the organization is to do the greatest amourt of good at the time when it is most needed, the executive offi- cers think that it can give much more aid and comfort in the line of its purposes later in the winter. The Evening Star Santa Claus Club has not fallen by the wayside. Its organization is as perfect as ever, and when the cry from the poor and helpless Is heard it will spring to the front and render valuable assistance in giving relief. ee EXPENEITURE OF AMMUNITION. Gen, Miles Issues an Order to the Army. Maj. Gen. Miles has issued a general or- der to the army, authorizing the following annual expenditure of blank caliber .30 am- munition in the instruction and practice firing of enlisted men of the army: For each troop of cavalry and company of Infantry, an amount not to exceed 4,000 rounds; for each battery of heavy artillery, an amount not to exceed 2,000 rounds; for each band armed with rifle or carbine, one- half tne allowance of the troop, company or battery. For schools of instruction the following extra annual expenditure is authorizcd: In- fantry and cavalry schools, not to exceed 100,000 routds; cavalry and light artillery school, not to exceed 32,000 rounds; the dropp:ng from returns of any blank ammu- nition, until the same has been actually ex- pended, is prohibited. > On the Ist of January, in each year, requisition will be submitted for the cupply of blank cartridges caliber .30, required during the ensuing year. + THIRTY-POUND MUSK MELON. Prof. Harrison Writes of Discoveries in Turkestan. Secretary Wilson of the Department of Agriculture is greatly interested in a report received from Prof. Hanson, an agent of the department, who is traveling in Tur- kestan. Prof. Hanson writes that he has discovered in a locality of Turkestan a species of dry-land alfalfa plant. The Sec- retary is of the opiniom that the plant can be used to advantage in the arid sections of the west. It is said the plant has strong roots, which take hold firmly. Prof. Hanson also wrote that he had dis- covered a species of muskmelon some of which weighed as much as thirty pounds. The Secretary has been of the opinion ever since he became head of the Depart- ment of Agriculture that the idea of hav- ing agents in foreign countries to secure valuable seeds, plants, shrubs, ete., for the people here is an excellent ene. He is hav- ing it carried out as far as possible. —————-e NEW POSTAL CARDS. How They Differ From the old Ones, Washington has received a carldad of the new postal cards. They differ but slightly from the old card, the material change being In their size, which is about one- quarter of ar inch less in width. This was found necessary in view of the numerous complaints that the old cards would not go in an ordinary envelope. ‘There is a slight change also in the printing, which is, in ef- fect, neater. The cards are of a much finer texture than the old ones. SEAMED 2 shook ee TO COIN SEYGNIORAGE. kageass ces oS Proposed Amendmemt to the Legixia- tive Appropriation Bill. It is intimated that“when the legislative appropriation bill get#’-over to the Senate an attempt will be made to amend the item relat: to mintage, adding a provision forthe. coinage Sf thosgiiver neign jorage now in the treasury. Such an-amendment ie Santee under the practice of- the CUBA UNDER DECREE How Autonomy is Being Made Mani- fest as a Substance. CAPTAIN GENERAL'S EMBARRASSMENT oe Uncertainty as to the Holding of the Elections. THE RUIZMYS —————— TERY (Copyright, 1897, by Charles M. Pepper.) Special Correspondence of The Evening Star. HAVANA, December 18, 1807. Cuba Is under decree. The decree grant- ing autonomy to the Antilles has been here several days. The official document, duly aflirmed and sealed by the queen regent in the name of her august son, the King Dor. Alfonso XIII, is in the archives of the pal- ace. The decrees extending universal suf- frage to the West India colonies and the Spanish constitution. in its entirety, are also officially communicated. The latter has some real importance in the political system, because with it are promulgated the organic laws which give the constitu- ticral guarantees some semblance of effect. Heretofore in the absence of organic legis- lation the guarantees have been worth- lk Under decree of autoromy the Cuban mind shows no agitation. The actual pro- visions fail on a benumbed and indifferent community, just as did the triumph of the criginal principle in the cabinet at Madrid. Jt is discussed as a change in the relauons of Australia or Canada to Great Britain might be discussed. The evening the Span- ish ship arrived with the official gazettes the newspapers published extras giving the full text of the decree of autonomy. Of an hundred persons who were lounging in the cafe of the leading hotel of Havana in the course of the evening 1 saw two per- sons with these extras in their hands. One was an army officer. The other was a member of the chamber of commerce, the bedy which formally congratulated the Madrid cabinet when the decision was reached to jucluae customs duties in the plan of colonial home rule. He was read- ing aioud, and had three listeners. The Mystery of Ruiz. Havana had something to think of that night besides measures of government. The talk in the cafes, as elsewhere, was of the mystery of Ccl. Ruiz. This Spanish col- onel, presuming on an old friendship, had daringly gone out to the camp of the in- surgent leader, Col. Aranguren, with the invitation to accept autonomy and surren- der. Back of this proffer was said to be $100,000 in Spanish gold. Probably by the time this is published the facts apout Ruiz will be known, and the cable wiil have transmitted them to the United States. It is only to be said that when the decree of autonomy reached Havana his where- abouts was unknown, and not only that evening, but subsequent evenings, the mys- tery monopolized public attention, This was as true of the captain general's re- ception at the palace as of the cafes and clubs und of the populace generally. The fate of an individual who, egainst warn- ings, undertakes a reckless and hopeless mission, appeals to the imagination. The fate of a nation which may be hanging on a decree, a paper proclamation, is too much of an abstraction to interest the peo- ple of Havana in the presence of living realities. Blanco’s Embarrassment. While the public is thus apathetic, the palace is not unaware of its own responsi- bility. Preparations are making for put- ting the system into effect. Blanco, in his civil capacity as governor general, and Sec- wetary General Congosto are of one mind in feeling that autonomy must be shown to be more than an obstruction or a promise. Theirs is the task to demonstrate that the system has the substance of self-govern- ment and the soul of free political institu- tions. Assurance is given that the mistake of the Canovas ministry, which decreed the reforms and failed to promulgate them, will not be made. General Blanco is in precisely the embarrassment that hedged Weyler. The island is yet to be pacified. The defiant cry of the insurgents in the fleld, “War to autonomy,” echoes through the palace. It has been heard by the trcons within twenty miles of Havana. It comes in swelling volumes from the prov- Inces of Santiago, Puerto Principe and San- ta Clara, where the insurgents continue their aggressive warfare. Nevertheless, the program must be carried out and the pal- ace is sincerely addressing itself to the task. The promise is repeated that the elections shall be held in February. The way must be cleared. Frequent ‘“bandos,”’ proclama- tions of the governor general, may be look- ed for in getting ready. General Blanco and his adviser are not to be blamed if they are for a time indefinite about the elections. The degree and extent to which the Cuban people will participate must be left to the future. Since it is officially ad- mitted that all the island will not be paci- fied within the next two months, presuma- bly the elections wil] be held under the protection of martial law. In the central and western parts the military protection may be in the background, so it will not appear that the garrison towns are not acting with full political freedom. But in the east, if the insurgents remain in pos- session of the country and are besieging the towns, the problem of the elections will be a serious one. The government may make some such shift as the insur- gents did. They claim to have held regu- lar elections even in Havana province, and to have chosen a full list of deputies to the convention of the Cuban republic which recently selected Masso as president. The returns of this insurgent election were not verified. Perhaps when the time comes the Palace will hold elections in Santiago and some districts of Puerto Principe and Santa Clara in the same manner. The Colonial Cabinet. Pending the elections is to be the colonial cabinet of five members, which is to form, with the restraining power of-the governor genera!, the executive government of the island under autoncmy. These secretaries, as they are called, are to preside, respect- ively, over departments of justice, finances, education, public werks and a grouping of agriculture, industry and commerce. eir functions are not quite so extensive as the names of the departments indicate, but that is a :natter of future explanation, rather than of present application. It is worth passing mention that the secretaries who compose this colonial cabinet are to enjoy the prerogatives of parliamentary government after a blending of the English and the French systems. They may be members of either the house or the senate, may take part in the discussions of either body and may vote in the body to which they belong. Curiosity concerning these prospective cabinet members is not so great here as in the United States when a Presi- dent-elect is forming his official family. One reason is that the range of choice is so limited. Nominally, the governor general will name this cabinet, but in reality it will be named in Madrid. The probability of an early indication of the men who have been selected makes guesswork biographies unnecessary. : The eutonorists will see in the colontal cabinet the first tangibie realization of their asp‘rations and thelr ambitions. In the actual, living presence of the decree they have been no more demonstrative than the (Continued on Third Page.) MR. HANNA REACHES HOME Will Go to Columbus After the Holiday Recess, His Friends in Cleveland Plan a Grand Ovation to Him During the Contest, Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. / CLEVELAND, Ohio, December 22.—Sen- ator M. A. Hanna réached home this morn- ing. He was accompanied by Mrs. Hanna and their daughter. The party was driv- MR. GAGE’S POSITION Discusses Podeeation of Labor Cur- rency Resolutions, ——s HE REPLIES T0 HOSTILE CRITICISM Defends Maintenance of the Gold Standard. cn at once to Glenmere. At the station] CALM ARGUMENT INVITED the senator said he had come home merely to spend the holidays. He had nothing to offer on the political situation. Senator Hanna's friends will open head- quarters at Columbus on Monday next, when the senatorial fight will begin in earnest. The serator will also go there and remain until the senatorial puzzie has been solved. About 500 Cleveland business men will go to C the senatorial election to show their loy- alty to Mr. Hanna. At Columbus this army will make a personal call upon Mr. Hanna. This will be in the nature of a magnifi- cent ovation to the man who bore the brunt of the fight in the iast fall cam- paign and won, It will be a testimonial of the citizens of Cleveland to Mr. Hanna, showing that thcy appreciate the ste rling A Worth of the man who represents them in | 28€ bill an undisguised effort to retire our the United States S It fs an old es- tablished custom in Ohio for th: friends of a candidate for the United States Senate to take an excursion to the state capital cn such occasions, merely to show and ex- press their goodwill toward their feilow- citizen, It requires seven votes to defeat Mr. Han- na, but Colonel Dick says the opposition cannot muster three, and that Mr. Hanna will be triumphantly elected. —— WILL SUE FOR HER RIGHTS. Mrs. te. Gertrude Frazer Barred From St. Louis Public Schools. ST. LOUIS, December 22.—Recently Miss Gertrude W. Lewis, a sixte ‘year-old school girl, eloped with Samuel Frazer and they were married. At the time she was pupil in the high school in this city, Mrs. Frazer continued going to school as usual until erday, when School Superinten- dent Soldan informed her that bi arried woman she could no longe: ue as a pup law, as she in: ies, he may appeal to the on completing her stud- —— TRIED TO DYNAMITE MILITIA. Serious Trouble in Kentue! Over Toll Gate Raids. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star, DANVILLE, Ky December ‘This ecunty has been free from toll gate outlaw- ry until six weeks ago. Since then five ky Again | ecteristics ee Secretary Gage today addressed to Samuel Gompers, president of the Federation of Labor, the following importont letter on the subject of the currency: “Dear Sir: I have read with care the reso- lutions adopted the 20th instant at Nash- ville by the convention of the deration of ‘olumbus a few days before | Labor, which recite as follows: “Resolved, That we declare ourselves Most positively opposed to the Gage finan- cial bill recently introduced in Congress by the Secretary of the Treasury. It is a measure that, if adopted as a law, will oniy the more firmly rivet the gold standard on the people of the country and perpetuate {ts disastrous effects in every form. “Resolved, That pronounce we the greenback currency and all government Paper money, with a view to the substitu- tion of national bank notes in their stead, and thus fasten the national bank system for years upon the American people.” “Now, if it be true that the gold stand- ard by which things have been measured as to price for the last sixt country is inimical to the int laboring classes of the United States, then I think it is inimical to all classes. In other words, I do not believe that the ex- Pioitation of one class by another, either through false weights, partial laws, or a bad monetary vork for the permanent benefit of exploit- “if or ing class it for the general weal, even were it Gefensible on any id of right or justice, which it is not. Granted, therefore, that the permanence of the gold standard (fer which I argue) operates in this evil diiection, then your resolutions ef condemnaticn are well founded, and I am justly charged, either with an ignor- h constitutes me a foolish ad- Ser or with a perversity of motive which makes me an evil adv “I have a right to disavow the charge of perversity or evil purpose, since there is nothing in my whole life as related to my fellow men, either in word or deed, from which the poss fe y me of such char- aferred, much dem- onstrated. “But ignorance cften unconsciously works do, as deep injury as and to this sin of 4j 1 must confess m lum. This confe: evil intent might norance (if it be if to be a possity sion, however, ought not gates have been demolished. Last week |t© classify me as separate from my fellow : : é sea ““ | men generally, whether they be considered soldiers were brought here to guard two} a5 individual units or as congregated in gates, which were threatened. At 1 o'clock | groups. Ignorance is a relative, not an ab- this morning night riders tried to steal a march on the militia and dynamite the | ncrant, and none camp, but the guards heard horsemen ap- solute term, since few are totally i is absoiutely wise.. Nor number constituting the group does the proaching and fired on them. One of them | change this faci, since the wisdom of a was hurt, as a trail of blood was left be- hind. The fiscal court failed to settle the question last night, and it is thought arson and murder will be the result. ——— FELKENS’ DARING ESCAPE, Society Man Charged With Burglary | ing to monetary Jumps From Moving Train. SAN FRANCISCO, December 22.—C. arles Felkens, who made his escape from a Los Angeles deputy sheriff on a northbound train Monday morning near Fresno, is a son of a well-known banker of New Haven, Conn. He came to the Pacific coast bout two years ago and engaged in the real es- tate business in Los Angeles. He was pop- ular and was admitted into the best so- ciety. Soon after his appearance in that city many burglaries were committed among the aristocratic residences. Houses were en- tered at midday and jewelry abstracted. These burglaries were finally traced to Fel kens, some of the plunder was found in ession and he was arrested on five arges of burglary. He pleaded gui -y to one count of the indictment and was sen- tenced to five years in San Quentin. On the way there he made his escape by jump- ing from a car window, and is stili at lib- erty. —— MICHIGAN TAX TITLES UPSET. group, however large, cannot be than that of the wisest man in it. “This remains true whether the subject matter involving knowledge and judgment greater be astronomy, physics or finance. The con- demnation then involved in the resolutions referred to is measured by the just cr im- Perfect apprehension of questions relat- ience held by the wisest man who supported them. “Laying these general considerations aside, let me say to you and through you to the great body you so hono? sent, that if instead of de: lutions, which are not a any on your behalf will views I entertain and advocate are other than salutary to the great economic body, of which we are all independent members, 1 will abandon them tation, My present convicti fruit of cere study and that a breakdown in our present m standard would be a most disastrous blow to all our commercial and industrial interests, and that upon ers, as a class, would be st serious effects of the d Believing this 1 must so bear witne “Respectful AGE.” —-e TO CONSIDER THE BILL Subdividing the Senate Appropria- tions Committee. The Senate committee on appropriations has appointed the following subcommittees Important Decision Rendered by the | 0m the regular apropriation bills for the fis- State Supreme Court. LANSING, Mich., December 22.—Hun- dreds of tax titles in Michigan have been rendered worthless by a decision of the supreme court to the effect that when | Berry lands were bid off to the state for taxes of one year and are still held by the state, such lands cannot again be sold for the delinquent taxes of succeeding years. The decision completely upsets the usuai} District cal year 1899: Agruculture—Cullom, Quay, Perkins, Pet- tigrew and Berry. Army—Quay, Hale, Sewell, Faulkner and Deficlency—Hale, Allison, Quay Cockrell and Teller. Diplomatic and Consular—Hale, Perkins, Cullom, Faulkner and Murphy. of Columbla—Allison, Cullom, procedure in the office of the state auditor | Sewell, Cockrell and Gorman. general, and means a loss of many tiou- sands of dollars to the state. ‘The effect of the decision is so grave that a rehear- ing of the care will be asked. —————-.+__ TEACHERS A TRIFLE TOO GAY. School Board Calls a om Dancing. IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich., December 22.— The school beard of this city has decided Iron Mountain Hi Fortifications—Perkins, Hale, Murphy and Gorman. Indian—Allison, Perkins, Sewell, Cockrell and Pettigrew. Legislative—Cullom, Sewell, Alligon, Tel- ler and Cockrell. Militrry Academy—Sewell, Perkins, Quay, Teller and Murphy. Navy—Hale, Quay, Perkins, Gorman and Teller. Pensions—Perkins, Cullom, Sewell, Berry and Faulkner. Post Office—Quay, Allison, Cullom, Petti- Cullom, that many of ihe teachers are giving too | @tew and Faulkner. much attention to affairs of society, and has called a halt in the form of a resolution that was adopted requesting teachers to re- frain from attending dances, parties and other social entertainmerts held on even- ings preceding days upon which school is to be in session. Sess be * ARRIVAL OF THE ALLIANCE. United States Training Ship Returns From a Long Cruise Abroad. NEW YORK, December 22.-The United States trainirg ship Aliiance passed in at Sandy Hook early today. long cruise for the Alliance. She left New- Sundry civil—Allison, man and Cockrell. River and harbor—Committce on com: merce. Hale, Quay, Gor- 2+ FOUR BURGLARS CAPTURED. Two of the Robbers Wounded—They Are Thought to Be Tramps. CANAAN, Conn., December 22. — Four purglars of a gang of five were captured by Martin Rood in Jackson & Eggleston's store here early this morning. Reod, who slecps in the store, was awakened by the inovements of the men, and, by the prompt This finishes al use of his revolver, wounded two of the burglars, and marched three of them, in- port. R. I., June 26, with a full complement | ciyaing one of those whom he had shot, of apprentices, and the first port visited into a room and locked the door. was Southampton, where she arrived July| the other wounded man was helpless. 27, after which she proceeded to Cher- bourg, Gibraltar, Madeira, the Azores and St. Thomas in the West Indias, and spent a short tim: in each port. The fifth member of the gang escaped. Rood fired hie revolver tntil reinforcements came, and his covey were conducted to Commander Albert Ross is under orders | the lockup. to take command of the Alliance. ——-=—_—_ The men, who were unarmed, and had no burgiar’s tools, are supposed to be tramps rather than professional criminals. EXETER CITY’S STORMY PASSAGE. ‘The Encounters a Hurricane on Last Trip From New York. LONDON, December 22—The British | The names given by men are: oo Longa the back, and J. C. shot the: ent thigh. Neither is dangerously “ithe the other prisoners steamer Exeter City, Capt. Watkins, which | 2%¢ Tommy McGraw and White.