Evening Star Newspaper, December 29, 1897, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. EVENING 3 *UBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3101 Fennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th 8t., by Kew York Ofice, 49 Potter Buildinz, ‘The Evening Star ts served to subscribers in the city by errriers. on their own account, at 10 ccats week, or 44 cents per month. ies at the counter 2 cents ench. By matl—anywhere in the United States or Censda—postage prepaid—S0 cents Per month. Saterday Quintuple, anace Star, $1 per year, with foreign portage . $3.00. (Entered 2°. the Post Oftice at Washington, D. C., as sec nd-c?asa mail matter.) 7 All wali sntacriptions rust be patd in advance. vertising made Frown on application. Rates of Che Lveni ——$—$—$—$— =—=——————— No. 13,987. WASHINGTON, D. C., WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1897-TWELVE 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. NOONE NEED STARVE|4 SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTIRIGHTS IN THE EAST Latest Reports From Dawson Say There is Plenty of Food. STORIES OF RICH GOLD STRIKES Estimate of Next, Year’s Output Placed at Twenty Millions. _ TEMPERATURE BELOW ——— ZERO SEATTLE, Wash., Decemher 29.—E. Bar- Tington, one of the passengers on the Alki, speaking upon the situation of the miners in the Klondike, sai “There is no need of any cne worrying over their friends starv- ing. Of course, provisions are not plenti- ful, and supplies should be taken in the spring, after which all the provisions in the country will be exhausted.” Speaking of the rush to file claims, Mr. rington sz For some time before I ihe commissioner's office was unable to accommodate the miners, and the men stood in line for days, with the mercury 40 degrees below zero, in order to file claims. The biggest sensation in the way of a strike was No. 43 on Hunker. It paid $15 to the pan. If it had not heen for the ex- edus to Fort Yuken one hundred claims would have been worked cn Bonanzo, El- dorado and Hunker creeks this winter.” Floated by on the Ice. “ W. Foote said a great many people went past Dawson City in boats with the floating ice, unable to make a landing. Many people are living in tents in Dawson, though the temperature is away below ze- ro. Good strikes have been made on Lucky creek, a tributary of All Gold. Sulphur creek is also turning out finely. “On the way we encountered good weath- er nearly all the time. We left Dawson November 21. Part of the way we threw of our coats and went in shirt sleeves and with bare bards. It was only 15 below zero then. At the Chilkoot summit we en- ntered a fearful snowstorm and were for a time. It lasted all the way from the head cf Linderman to the summit. One man went ahead with a stick, poking it into the snow to find the hard path to walk on. Provisions Rule High. “Beef and mutton at Dawson are being seld at $1 to $1.54) per pound, while bacon and beans brought $1 to $1.25 per pound. There was plenty of sugar at 30 cents per ere all taken within a radius jive to fifty miles of Dawson.” J. D Barhes states that the Alaska Com- mereial Company and the North American Transportation and Trading Company have de i to rece any me gold for safe- keeping, as their safes are full. T. H Mallory believes the output next season will be between fifteen and twenty illions, while J. J. McKay estimates it a! eight millions. HANDY SERIOUSLY ILL. MAJ. Prostration Hotel. 29.—Moses P. Suffering From Nervous at an Augusta, Ga., AUGUSTA, Ga., December Hand, cial United States commissioner to the Paris exposition of 1900, is seriously ili at the Bon Air Hotel, a winter resort in the fashionable suburban district of this city. Major Handy, accompanied by Lieu- tenant A. 8. Baker, U. S. N., aid to the special commissioner, together with Mrs. Handy and Mrs. Baker, came to Augusta on December 17 suffering from nervous prestration. He has been steadily confined to his recom ever since, with no signs of immediate improvement. CABINET OF) NEW ICER WANTED. Miners’ Associntion to Advocate a Secretary of Mining. SAN FRANCISCO, December 29.—At the svesestion of W. R. Ralston, who is now in New York, Tierey L. Ford of the Cali- fornia Association will prepare res- olutions in favor of the creation of the cab- i office of secretary of the mines and mining in the President's cabinet for adop- tien by the American Institute of Mining Engineers and Federation of Miners throughout the east. Mr. Ralston has en- listed Francis G. Newlands of Nevada and Representative Loud in the couse. > O AT NEW YORK’S “WAKE.” CHIC Carload of Windy City Notables to Visit Gotham. CHI 0, December ayor Harrk from all the clubs ed the fame of a ve to attend the exercises in ter New York incident to the begin- of the new municipality next Satur- eived replies m he re ta . The deleg complete and will e for the e ht at 11:30 o'clock the Mic otral in a_ special ar. The delegation is composed of prom- inent business men and offic > PHALT DEPOSITS. als. VALUABLE jorad Owners Negotiating Funds for Development. DENVER, Col., December 29.—The own> ers of some of the undeveloped asphalt beds on the borders of the Uncompaghre Indian reservation, residing in this city are nego- tiating with the Title Guarantee and Trust Company of Chicago, with a view to secur- ing money to develop the deposits. Ac- cording to the seventeenth annual report of the United States geological survey, the area in which gilsonite occurs covers a con- siderabie territory in the reservation and extends fifteen miles over the state line in- to Colorado. There are seven distinct veins Which vary from one to eight feet in thick- ness, and it is estimated that their total nts will amount to 28,744,528 tons. me report quotes the price of: this rial in Chicago at $40 to 360 per ton value, which would make the esti- i contents of the seven veins worth ever $1,000,000,000. CUBA'S NEW GOVERNMENT. Officers Will Be uary m in on Jan- HLAVANA, December 29.—Captain General Blanco has fssued a decree announcing the lines upon which the home rule government is established. The governor general and executive assume charge of foreign attairs, and the navy, and, with five autonom. ical secretaries of supreme justice and the interior (finance), public works, posts and telegraphs, and agriculture and merce, with the president of this councif consti. tuting the responsible government. he new officials will take the oath of office at 9 a.m. on January 1, and will im- mediately assume charge of their offices. —>.— Mrs. Booth Still Improving. NEW YORK, December 20.--Mrs. Ral- lington Booth, who has been suffering with aneurism, is now steadily improving. It will, however, be some time before she will be able to leave the hospital. Comment on Secretary Gage’s Offer and Its Rejection. The Real Questiom as to the Presi- dent's Attitude on the Currency. The discussion of the “resignation” of Secretary Gage is regarded by men in Con- &ress aS of equal importance, whether the resignation was actually tendered and de- clined, or merely suggested tentatively. The important question involved in the suggestion of resignation on the part of Secretary Gage is not whether Mr. Gage is to remain at the head of the Treasury De- partment. The question is whether Mr. Gage’s position as to financial policy is satisfactory to the administration. Any- thing that answers that question is regard- ed as of great consequence. Whatever oc curred between the President and Secre- tary Gage with relation to the latter's ten- ure of office referred entirely to this ques- tion, and the fact that Mr. Gage is to re- main in the cabinet is regarded as fixing the attitude of the administration as to the financial policy. A Choice of Terms. It is a matter of the choice of terms whether it may be said that Mr. Gage ten- dered his resignation. The most commor construction of Mr. Gage’s course would be that it was a “tender,” though it may be regarded by the President as only a “‘sug- gestion” of resignation. What is known to be a fact is that Mr. Gage told the Presi- dent that if his (Mr. Gage’s) attitude and utterances on the financial question caused the President any embarrassment, and this could be relieved by Mr. Gage’s resignation, he The occaston for this age was the m that has been provoked from cer- tain republicans by Mr. Gage’s statement object was to commit the coun- try more thoroughly to the gold standard. Upon the President's repiy depended whether Mr. Gage would remain in the cabinet. Had the President intimated that disapproved the financial views of the Secretary the latter would have present- ed, in a formal way, his resignation and have ,retired from the cabinet. But the President gave no such intimation, and the resiynation, tendered in a spirit of friendliness and self-sacrifice, was not and is not expected to be formally presented. As well as can be learned, Mr. Gage had no son to doubt that he was in accord with the President, and a feeling of deti- cacy prompted him, in view of the public criticism to which he had been subjected, to give tne President aa opportuni relieve himself from all embarrassment. if any were felt. It was simply one method, and the appropriate one, of inquiring of the President whether the course of the Secretary met with his approval. If it did there was no occasion tor a resigna- tion. Who Understands the President. The President's reply confirmed the belief qm the part of the Secretary that he was not misrepresenting the administration. The incifent furnishes an answer to the question whether it is Mr. Gage or Sena- tor Wolcott, Senator Chandler and others of like treni of thought who understands the President. It also demonstrates that Mr. Gage, if he found himseif in disagreement witn the President, would not change his own views, but would retire and permit the President to select some one else in his place. His remaining is therefore sufficient proof that there is no substantial disagreement be- tween them. When Secretary Carlisle dis- egreed with President Cleveland he fullow- ed a different course. Becoming convine- ed that Mr. Cleveland right, he con- formed his policy to the President's views. In the present instance there appears if be no reason for either the Secretary or the President to make any change of ve- sition in order to agreé ARMY AND NAVY. Whereabouts of the Warships—Late Orders d Transfers, The cruiser Detroit has arrived at Port Angonio from Port au Prince. The gun- boat Petrel salied from Hong Kong this morning for Canton. Commander B. S. Richards has been granted three months’ sick leave when discharged from the Mare Island Hospital. Captain A. H. McCormick has been de- tached from the armor factory board, Navy Department, and ordered to com- mand the battle ship Oregon. Captain A. S. Barker has been detached from the Oregon and granted two months’ leave. Lieutenant J. B. Bernadou has been or- dered to command the torpedo boat Win- slow Ens zn W. Bagley has been ordered to the Winslow. Act ng Carpenter J. A. Barton has been ed to the New York navy yard. econd Lieutenant Frederick W. Lewis, Infantry, is granted one month and fifteen days’ leave of absence. The following transfers are made in the th Cavalry: First Lieutenant Guy H. Pres- ton, from Troop C to Troop D; First Lieu- tenant George White, from Troop D to ‘Troop C. Fe Personal Mention. Ensign T. Washington is at the Army and Navy Club. Naval Constructor A. W. Stahl of the Norfolk navy yard is in the city on duty. He is at tne Army and Navy Club. Lieut. Thomas H. Stevens of the Norfolk navy yard is at the Army and Navy Club. Passed Assistant Engineer Charles °T. Nagle of Brooklyn is in the city on leave of absence. He is at the Ebbitt. Capt. W. C. Gorgas of the medical de- partment was at the War Department this morning under orders to Fort Barrancas, Fla. Het 1s at the Ebbitt. Capt. W. 8. Schuyler, 5th Cavalry, ts in the city on leave of absence. He is the Metropolitan Club. Mr. Saunders Garland will entertain Mr. Herbert N. Fell of Wilmington, Del. at a dinner party this week at Chamberlin’s. Former Senator Warner Miller of Herki- mer, N. Y., is among today’s arrivals at the Arlington. Mr. Partridge, United States consu! gen- eral at Tangier, Morocco, was at the State Department today arranging for his de- parture for his aew post of duty. He has apparently fully recovered from his recent severe spell of sickness. —e—— Local Pensions. An original pension of $8 per month has been granted to Charles J. Meyers of the District of Columbia. William S. Gainor of this city has been granted an increase in pension from $6 to $12 per month. -°——______ Robbery at Fort Momroe. The Post Office Department has received information of the arrest on Christmas day of George W. Nixon, a soldier stationed at Fort. Monroe, for breaking into the post office at that place and robbing the office. ‘The case was heard before United States Commisstoner Waller and the defendant held in $1,000 bonds. ———_-e+_______ Ex-Seeretary Smith Here. Mr. Smith, former Secretary of the Inte- rior under President Cleveland, arrived in Weshington today, and is at the Riggs. He business, he declined said he came on and to be in! Interests Involved Which Cannot Be Ignored. IN CASE OF PARTITION OF CHINA The Oriental Question as Viewed in Diplomatic Circles. DIVIDING THE TERRITORY ———— The more the Chinese situation is cxam- ined by men in Congress capable of grasp- ing the subject, the more convinced they become that this government has interests olved which cannot safely be ignored. The contertion between the foreign powers for a territorial roothold has for its object the control of the oriental commerce. This ccuntry has treaty rights which will un- doubtedly be respected so long as the trea- ties exist, but if China is dismembered and divided among the powers those treaty rights will no longer exist, unless we have taken steps in advance of the catastrophe to China to secure their continuance by the pewers in control, or unless we fight to re- gain them after they have been lost. If China is not dismembered, but is placed un- der the domination of one or more of the foreign powers, treaties may be abrogated by the direction of the controlling powers. it is not believed that this country can safely rely upon the voluntary generosity of the governments contending for com- mercial supremacy. Such philanthropy is not expected between nations. It is be- lieved that the safety of our interests can be insured only by an early demand that nothing be done by the powers with re- spect to China which does not include per- petual security to our treaty rights and commercial interests. This security being assured, it is held, we can have no interest further in how the territory may be divided or which of the contending powers has ad- vantage over the others or which is dis- membered or destroyed in its power. We will not care who owns the spring so long as he does not muddy and befoul the wa- ter which flows from it through our farm. An eminent authority on international affairs said today that a situation migat develop when the United States would be called upon to go much further than protect American interests at the treaty ports in China. This situation would come, he said, if the scramble for Chinese ter- ritory went to the extent of the extinc- tion of China and the complete absorption of the old empire by foreign nations. Such was the apparent drift-of the present move- ment, he said, and if it became a reality, then a condition would arise similar to: the extermination of Poland. Poland had es- tablished a precedent in-interna jal a! fairs, he said, and following that pre22- dent if China was to be absorbed shen it was a question which the United States in common with all the nations of the world must take cognizance of. Until this final movement occurred, however, it was plain that the United States had no interest in the fencing of European nations and Japan for coaling stations and ports on the Asiatic coast. May Ne Brought Up in Congress, It has practically been decided now that a resolution cn the subject will be brought up in Congress, unless seme word from the administration is received which will show it to be uunecessary. Speaking on the subject, a prominent member of the Senate said to a Star re- porter that there was nothing inconsistent with our policy of non-interference in af- fairs remot> from this continent in our insisting that our commercial interests and existing treaty rights shall be regarded and protected in whatever great international pclicies are rut into effect. He said that he would favor giving notice to the powers concerned that we would resist the carry- ing Gut of any policy in China which would deprive us of our commercial privileges, thovgh we sould in no way participate in the grab for territory. A Japanese Diplomat’s View. In the meantime, however, the diplomats are much concerned in the movements of their respective governments. A leading Japanese diplomat, said today: “I do not look at the question as involving the parti- tion of China, and no event has occurred thus far to indicate that China is about to be divided among the powers. “The only tangible fact is that Germany has occupied Kaio Chau bay and Russia has a fleet at o:t Arthur. But Germany's action was taken to collect an indemnity fer an indignity to German missionaries, jest as she enforced indemnity from Hay- ii. Beyond this Germany may seek to es- tablish a naval station at Kaio Chau and thus have a naval base of operations on the Pacific. But that does not involve the taking of any considerable portion of Chi- nese territory, and it is yet to be shown thet Germany will take more than a coast pert and such land immediately adjacent as to give the port proper facilities. If it comes to taking territory, the course of China must not be overlooked. While Chi- na is weak from a military and naval standpoint, yet she has an encrmous num- ber of men ready to take the field, while the entire ferce of Germans at Kaio Chau cannot exceed a few thousand men. Even a weak nation is strong in defending its own territory. “There are reports that Japan would aid China in an extremity, but there is nothing in that. Japan doubtless will act alone if there is any reason for,acting at all. Thus far, however, I know of no steps that Ja- an has taken or contemplates toward tak- Ing part in the controversy. My impression is that she will remain an independent and neutral observer. Her position will be much stronger by such a policy than it would be by an alliance at the outset. AS an observer, if she sees that the partition of China is at hand, doubtless she would have some part to take, but for the pres- ent there is no evidence that such an emer- gency is near.” . An Old Story. Another Japanese diplomat said: “All the powers have known for the last year that a secret treaty was made last year between Russia and China by which Rus- sia was to have the right to winter her fleet at Port Arthur. For that reason the presence of the Russian fleet at Port Ar- thur does not lead other nations to fear that Russia has begun a movement of ter- ritorial aggression on China. On the con- trary, Russia and China are nearer to- gether than any other two nations in the present contest, and if China is to get any outside relief it will eome from Russia. It is quite plain from recent events that Russia has not got ready yet to have China partitioned, and until Russia is ready for that step it will not occur. Moreover, there is a misapprehension as to the Russian occupation of Port Arthur. It is not a land occupation, but is merely a quarter- ing of the Russian fleet in the outer har- bor, Viadivostock being icebound, without connection with the shore.” | Reports Exaggerated. A Chinese diplomat said: “The alleged official statements coming from the Chinese legation have been unwarranted, as the le- gation has not received a word from Pekin since the first notice was sent that a Ger- man force had landed at Kaio Chau without notice to the- Chinese government. however, that many of the reports of the situation, par- ticularly of those over- drawn, Judging from the press ‘dispatches It is felt, as to the there appears to be little @etbt that the original purpose of G: any ‘to enforce an indemnity has now developed into securing @ naval station at Kaio Chay and possibly more territory, on the groun at Germany is entitled to a return for her services dur- ing the Chna-Japan war. But it appeara to be overlooked that Germany has re- ceived distinct returns for those servicca in the granting of large coficessions, which, at the time of the grant, ‘were considered as most valuable to Germapy. As to the Russian fleet at Port Arthuy, that is not a surprise: A Russian fleet ¢was wintered at a Chinese port last yeag,. with the con- sent of China, as it involved no sacrifice of territory. What the outcome will be is difficult to say, but it is felt that an amica- ble settlement will be made, possibly by the granting of the coast stations, but with- cut any serious dismemberment. of terr!- tory.’ ¥ View of German Officials. The German officials here take the view that there are but two actual steps on the part of Gérmany, namely, the occupation of Kaio Chau bay and the dispatch of Prince Henry's fleet to Chinese waters. Beyond this, they say, all is conjecture as to what Germany will do, and they convey the idea that these conjectures as to the absorption of territory are unwarranted by any of the actval circumstances which have thus far developed. That Prince Henry will eaterd his field of operations beyond Chinese waters and will embrace Samoa and Hawaii is dismissed as absurd, although reports of such a movement have been current. = No Word at the Britis Embassy. The British embassy has Mbt received a word from tke foreign office-on the eastern situation, but in common with other diplo- mats the officials view the situation as the most interesting one now occupying atten- tion. There is a general ‘disposition to credit the late reports that-a considerable British fleet is at Port Hamilton, off Corea, and that a large number of Japanese ships are in the same vicinity. There are seven- teen British ships on the Asiatic station, and a good part of them appear to be cen- tering about Corea. This, however, is said to be apart from the general question of Chinese partition and to relate only to the Gisplacement of an English official who has had an influential position in the adminis- tration of Corean affairs. France Not Interested. French diplomats say that France is not likely to take any part in a struggle for Chinese territcry, if that eventuality comes, as France has already secured most ex- tensive possessicns in southeastern China, notably, French Tonquin, It was M. Pate- notre, the late French ambassador Washington, who carried through the ne- gotiations with Li Hung Chamg by which France secured this footheld on Asiatic soil. Beyond the sending of the French cruiser Jean Bart to Chinese waters, it is said that the Chinese situation does not appear to have aroused France, 2nd the dispatch of this cruiser 13 said to have no more significance than the sending of the United States ship Raleigh, which is now on her way to the Chinese station. NEAR TO A DEATH PLUNGE “F, F, V.” Train on 0. and 0.. Narrowly . Escapes Awfal Wredk. 1 66 ‘ Shunted Onto a Short? Spur Track While at Fult Speeds + Near Ravensworth. Special Dispatch te Fhe Evening Star. RICHMOND, Va., Decem¥er 29.—At Ra- vensworth, ten miles south of Alexandria, last night, the Chesapeake dnd Ohio “F. F. V."" train, from Washington to Cincinnati, shortly béfure midnight, while running at full speed, had a very n&trrow escape from destruction. The train suddenly struck a spur track, at the end of which fs a tall embankment. The engineer at once dis- cevered the dangerous situation and ap- plied his brakes and reversed the engine barely in time to stop the train before it went over the embankment, ‘There are strong reatang to believe that train robbers were at work on the scene and had tampered with the:switch. Twelve n.inutes befcre the “F. F. V." train reach- ed the spur track the Washington and southwestern vestibule train over the Scuthern, en route to Atlanta, had passed over the same track and the switch was then all right. Engineers have orders to be particularly careful.at that point, as a train was w.ecked there some time ago. The engineer of the “F. F. V.” train noticed the switch lights. carefully, and they were all right and indicating that the way was clear. He was greatly astonished when the train rushed upon the spur track. There was not a moment -to lose, and by almost a miracle the train and large num- ber of passengers were saved. The spur track is only long enough for half a dozen cars. The theory is now being worked on that train robbers tampered with the switch between the time the Southern ves- tibuled train passed and the “F. F. V.” limited arrived. ._—_—s FIRE AT PORT AU PRINCE, Elght Hundred Houses Destroyed— Earthquake Shock This Morning. PORT AU PRINCE, Haifi, December 20. —At 11 o'clock last night a fire, which as- sumed considerable proportiors on account of lack of water to supply the pumps, broke out. and destroyed 800 houses, in- cluding a number of warehouses, a hotel, the Church of St. Joseph and its parson- age. About 3,000 people were rendered hemeless, This morning at 6:40 o’clock there was an earthquake, the disturbances running from north to south, lasting half a minute and causing slight cracks in the earth. There were no accidents, but the populace was greatly alarmed. —_—_ GLADSTONE IS 88 ‘¥ESRS OLD. “Grand Old Man” in @eceipt of Many ? Congratulations. LONDON, December $9.—This being the eighty-elghth birthday @f the Right Hon- orable Wm. E. Gladstome, the usual con- gratulations were sent -to Hawarden.«nd Cannes, where Mr. Gladstone“ts improving, though still suffering from neuralgia. E ‘ —— EMPEROR NOW ‘SUPREME. Francis Jéseph Will Raise Taxes by Imperial Decree. VIENNA, December 29—An imperial de- cree has beet gazetted ~authorizing the government during t&e. prorogation of parliment to levy taxes nd provide for the state expenditure from January 1 to June 30 next. So Mrs. Baker's Public Bequests. PHILADELPHIA, 9 the will of Mrs. Henri $2,000,090 is bequeathed fo the Pennsylvania Hospital. The will the bequest is death of the son about. RELIEF OF CUBANS President McKinley Expects Prompt Response to His Appeal. WHAT IS SAID AT STATE DEPARTMENT Contributions From Throughout the Country Looked For. >_—___- VIEWS OF ESTRADA PALMA = President McKinley now believes that the plan for relict for the Cubans will be a success. He does not think that the Amer- ican people will ailow such an undertak- ing to become a failure. Few subscriptions have been received through the White House since yesterday, ard, as already stated, not many are ex- pected through that source. > The President warmiy@pproves of the efforts being put forth to raise funds and expresses the hope that all of these will result in large additions to the money which has been sent. It is thought at the White House that the subscriptions will not begin to@roll in before tomorrow or next day. After that it is believed that they will continue in a steady stream until the total sufm sent to Gen. Lee will be sat- isfying to all Amer:cans as illustrating the ready response which tne people of the United States give to appeals for aid for those in need. It is said at the State Department today that no information has been received there of additional subscriptions to the fund for the retief of the suffering people of Cuba, but that this fact occasions no surprise, inasmuch as the executive appeal, issued by the Secretary of State at the in- ance of the President, expressly sug- ed that all contributions of whatever character—money, food, clothing, medi- cine, ete.—be forwarded direct to Consul General Lee at Havana. That plan was adopted in order that there should be as little delay as possi- ble in their deliv tribution to the people in distres quently there may have been contributions, large and small, nt direct to the consul gen- eral at Havana without the knowledge of the department up to this time. As stated in yesterda Stur, the au- thorities suggest that the leading news- papers in the principal cities be made the agencies for the collection of contributions for the distressed Cubans, and that they also attend to their prompt delivery to Consul General Lee wi t reference to the State Department. It is believed that the people generally throughout the coun- try will contribute with their usual liber- ality, particularly in a case like that of Cuba, in which they have always displayed the greatest interest. ONLY PEACE CAN END DISTRESS. Palma’s View of the Proposed Relief of Cubans. . NEW YORK, December 29.—“Governor %Gencral Blanco’s acceptance of President McKiniey’s request that the American peo- ple be permitted to relieve the sufferings of the concentrados in Cuba is tanta- mount to acceptance of the offer of inter- vention by the United States in the con- flict so long in progress between the peo- ple of Cuba and the Spanish government,” said Tomas Estrada Palma, chief of the Cuban junta in this city, to an Associated Press reporter today. “As the administration believes that peace in Cuba can be restored only by po- litical intervention it. cannot reject the favorabie opportunity that thus presents itself to intervene for the purpose of end- ing the war in Cuba,” continued Dr. Pa ma. “The deplorable condition of the con- centrados has been caused by the cruel warfare waged by Spain, and the govern- ment, finding itself unabie to relieve the situation, has applied to the United States for aid. President McKinley must see by now that there is no chance for peace to be established in Cuba without interven- tion, and living up to his word, as given in his previous messages, must intervene and Spain cannot rationally and consist- ently reject such intervention.” Send Food, but No Money. Coming down to the relief plan itself, Dr. Palma said: “If the American people are willing to help the concentrados they should send no money. That would go to feed the greedy maws of the Spanish mer- chants and help Spain to continue its war- fare. Food, clothing and the like, but no money—that would be the best plan to follow out. Money will benefit the Spanish only. “Blanco has accepted the American proposition as a way out of a difficult position. He knows that it would require millions of dollar to permanently relieve the concentrados, under the present con- ditions. Suppose that it takes but ten cents a day to aid a man,’ how long could one continue giving ten cents if the man is given no opportunity to help himself. Immured in the big cities, the concentra- dos are helpless and will continue to be helpless until they can get out of the cities. “The Spanish government is incapable of showing to the United States that these defenseless people will have their condi- tion in any way improved by the relief plan. The United States can accomplish very little during the progress of the war. Peace and Independence. “The only way to relieve the concentra- dos, and, in fact, all Cubans, is to stop this distress by the introduction of peace and independence. With peace restored the concentrados will be able to return to their farms and their residences. We have the money, the tools and the materials that will set these people right at work again. To keep them in the cities cripples them and makes it necessary to feed them like so many invalids. “Let the American people know that the best plan is to intervene for peace. They should intervene immediately. “Spain is willing that Americans should aid the concentrados by the present plan because it will relieve Spain of responsi- bility for a calamity that it has brought Spain is trying to shake off the ignominy of Weylerism in Cuba, but it cannot succeed. It is necessary that the world should know the results of that pated in Cuba, and the world is learning .”” “Cuban Subscriptions. Evening Star Newspaper Company..$100.00 —>—— An Expected Appointment. One of the appointments, which ts ex- pected to be made shortly is that of Mr. Fred P. Metzger of Kansas as chief clerk of the general land office. Mr. Metzger is under the Wilson law. TO PLAY A WAITING GAME Ohio Democrats Watching the Fight Against Senator Hanna. They Will Not Take Part Uniess His Defeat is Sure—Usual Con- flicting Claims. Spe-tal Disparch co The Evening Star. COLUMBUS, Ohio, December 29.—The democratic maragers have decided to await the developm@hts of the organization of the two branches of the legislature before en- tering into an agreement with the anti- Hanna republicans in the senatorial con- test. They expect this to develop the strength of the opposition among the re- publicans to Senator Hanna. The leaders are skeptical as to the claims made by Mr. Kurtz. They doubt that he has the votes he claims, and that he can Prevent the election of Mr. Hanna. They do not care to “make monkeys of them- selves,” as one of them put it today, by forming an alliance with Kurtz in a vision- ary scheme which has no promise of suc- cess. If Mr. Kurtz has sufficient votes to break the Hanna slates in the organization they say he has enough to block the elec- tion of Senator Hanna. Democrats Pulling Together. The democrat leaders will confine their efforts to marshaling their forces prepara- tory to a deal with the anti-Hanna repub- licans if such a combination promises suc- cess. They have induced every democratic member of the legislature to agree to sup- pert an anti-Hanna republican if that course is deemed wise. Otherwise they will vote for Jno. R. McLean for senator. Kurtz is positive that Hanna cannot be clected. From other sources it learned that eleven republican, pledged not to e for Hanna. In spite of pledges, how- ever, it is believed that these men will be compelled by their constituents to support Senator Hanna as the party nominee. It is a strange fact that nearly all the anti- Hanna members represent strong Hauna counties and districts. Kurtz refuses to give out a list of the men who are pledge? against Hanna, but they are supposed to be Senators Burke of Cleveland and Shepard of Preble, Repre- sentatives Bromley and Mason of Cleve- lane, Jones of Stark, Smith of Delaware, Boison and Morrel of Dayton, Snyder of Xenia, Redkey of Highland, Taylor of Ma- honing and Rutan of Carroll. Dick Will Not Talk of Defeat. Maj. Dick, who has opened Hanna head- quarters here, will not admit that there is danger of the senator losing a single re- publican vote. He will not discuss Kurtz’s attack, which he says is a personal matter with Mr. Kurtz. The Foraker republicans from all over the state are gathering here, however, and the hotels are fast filling up with interested spectators, politicians and office seekers. No Truth in Detective Story. The reports of espionage by government secret detectives upon the movements of Kurtz's friends in the interest of Senator Hanna are undoubtedly fiction. No person has been identified as such here, and there are enough of the senator's friends on hand to keep. careful watch upon the Kurtz pco- ple if they wish to watch them. —— POSTMASTER RAPIER OUSTED. The Department Settles an Interenst- ing and Complicated Case. The post office officials have at last suc- ceeded in ousting Postmaster Rapier at Mobile and installing P. D. Barker in the place. This is one of the .most interesting and complicated cases with which the de- partment has had to deal, and establishes a precedent which will smooth away all future difficulties. Postmaster Rapier was appointed in De- cember, 1894, and, following the established custom, was supposed to be good for four years’ service. Last October, however, the President removed Col. Rapier and named P. D. Barker for the place. Co!. Rapier deciined to get out and based his refusal, first, on the fact that his suc- cessor had not been confirmed by the Sen- ate, and, second, that he had received no official noticé of the change. It turns out not to have been the practice of the de- partment to notify a postmaster of his re- moval, that unpieasant duty remaining for ihe successor when he presented his cre- dentials. The claim wsa made at first that the removal of Col. Rapier was for political reasons, and that it was not in accord with the custom te turn him out before he had served his full term of four years. Col. Rapier remained obdurate, notwithstand- ing the threats of the department and the to- pleadings of several inspectors who, gether with the second assistant postm: ter general, visited the office and demanded Col. Rapier ta vacate. Postmaster General ‘YY was kept informed as to the moves were being made and consulted the local district attorney of Mobilé. The re- of the conference was the issuance of orders to the post office inspectors to take possession of the office and swear in Mr. Barker. This was done yesterday, Colonel Rapier immediately sued out a writ of injunction aga his being inter- fered with until the Senate had confirmed Mr. Barker. Judge Toulmin, however, re- fused to grant the injunction, and the new postmaster remains in possession. It was learned at the depariment this af- ternoon that the removal of Colonel Rapier was not for political reasons, but because of non-attention to the duties of the office. ‘The post office inspectors had reported the facts and the department had acted, as it does in numerous cases. 1t was further Stated that there was no intention to vio- late the custom of permitting presidential postmasters to serve out their term. The salary of the position is $3,100. ——__e --—____ THE TREASURY ENCOURAGED. Biggest Customs Receipts Since 1 Dingley Law Went Into Effect. The custems -receipts today reached $735,567, over $100,000 increase over any day since the Dingley law went into op- eration. The treasury is much encouraged by the receipts, which are steadily climb- ing. The total receipts this month are $10,489,349, against $9,719,742 for the same period a year ago. The receipts so far are a miilion dollars heavier than for No- vember, and carry out the predictions of an increase. There are two more days in this month, and the total receipts will be about $11,000,000. They will probably show an increase over December a year azv of from $700,000 to $1,000,000, For Nove ber last the receipts under the Dingley law were about $100,000 behind the receipts for the same month of the year before SE Baa Festival This Evening. The Vermont’ Avenue Christian Church Sunday school will give its annual Christ- THE CUBANS’ STUPOR No Interest Felt in the-Progress of Autonomy. SIGNS OF INTERMITTENT INTEREST Many Conflicting Stories as to Colonel Ruiz's Death. OFFICIAL REPORTS (Copyright, 1897, by Chas, M. Pepper.) Special Correspondence of The E ening Star. HAVANA, Cuba, December 25, 1897. Progress can be reported on the part of the authorities in preparing for autonomy. The “junta del censo,” or electoral board, has been constituted. The government proper, the real administrative body, is to be in working order January 1. So far as appointments and other deta‘ls of execu- tive power can be said to carry out the decrees, this is being fone. Before long it may be possible to announce that Cuba is under autonomy, paper autonomy, perhaps, yet the sysiem in operation, as far as any practical system can be in operation when the bayonet must open the way for its ac- ceptance by the people for whom it is ing tended. The autonomists who were in Europe and the United States, it is said, are coming back to lend their aid and sup- port. They are not coming in flocks or droves, because not enough of them went abroad to form 2 flock. But, though not numerous, they may be able to give the gov- ernment encouragement for the future. If they could wave a magic wand and bring the insurgent autonomists back from the hills and the fore the return of these i ers from abroad would be an event of importance. When they come bearing a withered olive branch their return is not significant. Stupor of th The step taken toward putting autonomy into effect again draws attention to the deadened state of the public mind. It is a political phenomenon, the like of which I have never heard. The subject may be- come as tiresome and as monotonous as the starvation of the country people, yet it cannot be ignored in seeking to give an intelligent understanding of this new epoch in Spain’s history as a colonial power. One might attribute it to a stupor caused by the completeness of the change, but a stupor wears off whea the shock is over. An ordinary drowsiness yields to a bris« and healthful breeze. Something more than either drowsiness or stupor is here. The condition is recognized, though contrary opinions are given as to the cause and the prospect of an awakening that will send the blood leaping through the veins and bring fresh political life te Cuba. The sup- povters of the government make the Christ- mas season the text. They talk, in the style of devotional spirits, of sadness and hope and the promise of the future. Friend or foe of Spein cr of thé insurrection may wish that Cuba and Spain's soldiers in Cuba may never know ancther Christmas season such as this one. The exhortations to awaken to a hopeful future are not uni- People. versal. The torpor forbids there is another view. asleep,” says a powerful journal, and then, with almost sinister emphasis, the question ic asked, “Is it the sleep of death?” Signs of Intermittent Life. ached that Probably the sleep has not rm stage. times shown. The ussion which lowed the convention of the conserv: party had animation enough to several days, especially as General Weyler's intention to demand a personal explanation trom Pr ent McKinley followed on its heels. Possibly the violen with which the erators in that convention resented what they called the “calumnies and falsehoods" of the President may have had something to do with Weyler’s demand for satisfac- tion. But inasmuch as the intransigentes were not ready to go to war with the Unit- ed States right away their belligerency could not keep the Havana public from falling back into slumber. It might be supposed that the death of Col. Ruiz would inflame the loyal portion of the inhabitants to the point where they would not cool. This has not happened It created a sen- sation at first because Col. Ruiz was so well known and enjoyed so large a degree of personal popularity. If the impression is less lasting and less productive of re- sults in Cuba than elsewhere it may be be- cause the circumstances are ter unde stood. The volunteers and the “bombecos,” or armed firemen, with which organizations COT. Ruiz was identified, biazed out with fury for a moment and called for ven- geance. But they did not demand te be en- listed in the regular troops and go out to fight. Their resentment against General Blanco was almost as strong as their re- sentment against the insurgents. Contlicting Stories of Raiz'’s Dea’ I shall not give a personal opinion on Ruiz’s death without stating the facts on which that opinion would be based, and the purpose of this letter is not to state pri- vate views, but to record the influence of current events on autonomy and the insur- rection. Whether Colonel Ruiz deserved a better fate than that which was meted out to Major Andre in the revolutionary war may not be so difficult of determina- tion. Two sources of information are available. One is from the insurgent ac- counts; the other is from Consul General Lee, whose opportunity of learning the facts was as good as outside agency could be. The Spanish military authorities were for several days absolutely without means of learning. Their knowledge of Ruiz’s death was received from the American consulate. On two different nights two Signs of intermittent life are some- fol- widely different versions were made up and ~ given to the newspaper correspondents. The story of a presentado who claims to