Evening Star Newspaper, December 31, 1897, Page 11

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C., | WASHINGTON, D. ©. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1897—FOURTEEN PAGES. REVIEW OF THE YEAR Events Which Will Make the Year Just Closing Memorable, THE WORLDS HISTORY FOR TWELVE MONTHS Change in Our National Administration and Events Which Occurred Abroad. WARS AND RUMORS OF WAR The year 1897, which closes with today, has been remarkable for many events of mere than vsual importance. In the United States there has been a change in the ad- ministration of the government from the Ways and means committee some ‘ime pre- viously and which bore the popular name of its chairman, Mr. Dingley, was intro- duced, and after considerable debate and a number of amendinents was finally pass- i by the Senate on July 7 bya ,vote of smocratic to the republican party, a yeas and 28 nays. The most important = a eames h has produced the most ! 8mendment offered was that by Gen. Gros- change ch hs ‘iat in- | Y€Rer of Ohio, who proposed to make the marked effect on the great commercial in- | yi) retroactiy terest ef the country of any that preceded it. Doubt, distrust and depression has given way to hopefulness and confidence in the business werld, and every branck of industry has felt the beneficent effect of the revival of the American protection sys- tem. In Europe | imported after April 1, | This amendment was adopte Hcuse by a vote of 200 to 140. The Sena reciprocity, retaliation, stamp Asia, unfortunately, the ciouds of war have lowered and are still | lowering, and the great conflict which has been predicted so often seems near a cul- mination over the partition of China. In these prospective troubles there seems no chance for the United States to become em- it July 9, Senate on p.m. of the affixed his name to the bill. d tax So as to apply to all goods whether the bill should become a law by that tme or not. by the ded clauses providing for en | bonds and certificates of stock. The Dill tken went to a conference committee of the two houses and work was begun on 1897. The conference commit- tee reached an agreement on July 17 and finally passed the House July 19 and the uly 24, becoming a law at 4:04 latter day, when the President While the bill was under consideration in the Senate several efforts were made to add broiled. The arts and sciences have made uence against trusts, but all of steady pro: during the year, though | them failed. no one great discovery seems to stand out |, The protective features of the ill = E . jdst of many others | Drcught out numerous protests from for- in bold relief in the midst eign rations against the proposed increase of great importance. of rates and the discriminatory features of Among the mar events which have | the bill. No less than fifteen foreign gov- ernment protests aroused the interest of the world, the fol- either made formal lowing have been selected as of more than 1 importance diplomatic against the bill or expressed «lis- satisfaction in their legislative assemblies. In anticipation of the increased dutics nge of Administration. which would attach to many imported ur- Bimetallic Commission. ticles heavy importations were made hy da "Nata Woke: merchants prior to thé passage of the bill. Alaska Gold Discoveries. Arbitration Treaty Rejected. Yellow Fever in the South, Cuban Rebellion. Hawaiian Annexation. Graeco-Turkish War. Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, meet another year. disappointment in On this account largely it is now esti- mated that the present tariff. will scarcely become a producer of revenue suflicient to the mecessities. of government for But while the bill in a measure proved a this regard its effect on the industries of the country was itmh- mediate and strongly marked for the Let- Partition of China. ter. Almost every form of Industry ~felt Venezuelan Treaty. its beneficent effect at once, and factor- Gpctehnigg ie Tacthat ies which had beeh closed down ;or = months, and, in some instances, years, Andree’s Attempt to reach the Pole. Sporting Events. Casualties. Necroic CHANGE OF ADMINISTRATION. Owing to the extraordinary interest at- taching to the result of the last presiden- tial electicn t ivent of the administra- tion of President McKinley was of more than usval importan The inauguration ceremonies attending the advent to power of the new republican administration on March 4 were of more than ordinary im- iver Admiring thousands from all parts of the nation assembled at the capi- tal to do honor to the man and to express their confidence in the policy which the tform upon which he was elected gave mise. The military pageant was of . An €3- notable feature of the parade was thousands of idle workmen. the country. Congress and appr ‘d Marc! monetary conference. governments. started up again, giving employment to Altogether h 3, the advent of the McKinley administra- tion marks a distinct era in the history of THE BIMETALLIC COMMISSION. In accordance with an act passed by 1897, President McKinley, April 12, announced the appointment of Senator E. O. Wolcott of Celorado, Gen. Charles J. Paine of Mas- sachusetts and ex-Vice President Adlai E. Stevenson of Illincis, a commission to sound the sentiment of the commercial nations of Europe upon the, advisability of inter- national bimetallism and the holding of a The commissioners reached Europe in May, and held confer- ences with the French, German and English The response of France was sence of a part of the regiment of |Teadily given in favor of the proposition. the Zid Ohio Infantry, in which Mr. Me- | The commissioners were authorized to rep- Kisley himself had enlisted as a private | Tesent France as being willing to take the the outbreak of the civil whi . The ch was almost perfect as to weath- | initiative in the proposal to restore silver to its use as a money metal at the ratio of er, ended with a brilliant display of fire- | 15-5 to 1 of geld. Tne response of Germany vorks and a grand ball in the pens Tyas Jess ready, and made dependent upon bls The President's inaugural ad-|the action of Great Britain in the matter, dc€ned aitvactedi a He | July 12 the commissioners met in a con- ciwcle at) sont bsorb- | ference at the British foreign office im Lon- eaiattes Of the ‘e more ;40n. There were present: Premier Salis- minence to the question of the tariff. |®ury. Lord George Hamilton, secretary of foreign relations, particularly with re- | State for India; Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, to Cuba and’ ‘Hawaii, were also | chancellor of the exchequer; A. J. Balfour, hed upon. On the currency question | {fst lord of the treasury. Col. John Hay, took the broad ground that while our money all good at present its value sheuld be further threatened. It sis, be- the reach of attack of enemies. He ested the formation of a commission ‘opgress to consider the subject of a revision of the laws of coinage, banking iso attended the conference. not shculd be put upon an enduring yerd r ambassador to the court of St. James, On the invi- tation of the British premier, Senator Wol- cott explained the object of the missice. At a later meeting, July 15, the French am- bassador to England was invited to declare the position of the French government, and he explained that while France was ready d-evrrency - promised i to reopen her mints to the coinage of silver ut ee gs nie Mrs eee :f the other commercial nations adopted the fernational Daaetallias. Toate, Cc | Saude course: hol saidihialgovernunes tecuke length upon the necessity for rigid economy in every branch of the govern- ment, particularly b se of the prevail- ing depression in business and distreas among the people. not consider the reopening of the mirts of India alone as sufficient guarantee for the French government to take such action. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach announced defi- nitely that Great Britain would not agree yp AS eee 2 to open the English mints to the unlimited “eee eee ufl- | coinage of silver. The French ambassador overnment without the issuing of bonds | Uggested that Great Britain should open to valet needed vevenum: Ble mai iene | the indian mints andlagreetelpurctisesore the paramount duty of Congress to stop cae of silver for a series a sencies by the restoration of that pro- tective legislation which had always been the firmest prop of the treasury. He advecated the prohibition of !iterate and vicious immigration. He stood ‘out firmly for a continuance of civ vice reform in accerdance with the spirit of the present law and later on good his profession by covering in a ber of classes of employes who had tly been exposed to the evils of the system. condition of said, dem ed to the United St a long list of reasons, suggested. missioners returned home. the public treasury, the immediate consid: ation of Congr and declared his in- ntion to convoke an extra session. He mz intained that the coasideration of the question of tariff revision should be free from partisan feeling and would be more iikely to meet with the attention it de- served in_an extra session. March 5 President McKinley nominated and the Senate confirmed the following members of their adjoining territories. GREATER NEW YORK. The event of the year which attracted most attention in the United States was the formation of the city of Greater New York. This was the climax of city build- ing, of which mvch note has been taken during the past twenty or thirty years of the nation’s history. It was the consolida- tion under one municipal government of half a dozen or more cities and towns, with Under charter, which was finally passed by the Lord Salisbury hand- ates ambassador the re- ply of the government of India, which, in ; emphatically ‘de- clined the proposal to reopen the mints, as ‘This ended the negotiations and the com- the etary of [New York state senate April 13, 1897, the Sf the Trasterman of Ohio: Secretary | territory of what is now known as Greater ef the Treasury, Lyman J. Gage of Ii- | New ¥ nots: Secretary of War, Russell A. Alger | which: includes Ereokien oe ot nes, of Michigan; Attorney’ General, Joseph MeKenna of California; Postamster Gen- eral, James A. Gary of Maryland; Secre- tary of the Navy, John D. Long of Massa. chusetts: Secretary of the Interior, Cor- nelius M. Bliss of New York: Secretary of Agriculture, James Wilson of Iows. The new cabinet was considered to be a sefe and conservative body of representa- tive republicans. In accordance with a call issued March 6 by President McKinley the Fifty-fifth Con- gress met in extra session March 15. Thomas B. Reed of Maine was re-elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, Representative Bailey of Texas recetying the complimentary vote of democratic members and Representative Bell of Col- orado that of the populists. Mr. Reed only ple. part not only of the people of t! ‘The act under which the new ity was formed was vetoed Strong of the old city of New This consolidation was not plished without serious opposition on the sought to be embraced witain the e: mits. he 0} by Yor} which includes Brooklyn; the county of Richmond, Long Island City, the towns of Newton, Flushing and Jamaica, and the westerly portion of the town of Hemp- stead, in the county of Queens. This terri- tory embraces 359 square miles, a: a ulation, in round numbers, of $300 peo- peo- ecom- nal city, but also of the territory which) was irged muntetpal- ror, but ¥as passed by the legislature over dis- sent. Gov. Black, before signing the char- ter, examined a great mass of In! myers" briefs and other documents which appointed committees on mileage, rules, | heen submitted to him by the advogetes and ways and means. The President's | and opponents of the proposed c er; message to Congress was devoted entirely |and ft wes current rumor 6 to the tariff. time that his signature was ed t A vill which had been prepared by the lthe governor had serious doubts ay the constitutionality of the legislation and the propriety of his signing the bill. After the charter had been granted by Proper authority interest in the election which was to provide officers for the new giant city became active at once, an interest which was scond only to that Which cnters in a national election. New York had always been regarded as both a doubtful and a pivotal state in rational elections. Even under old condi- tions the city of New York had often swayed the result in the state, and under the new, with its tremendously increased yoting population, the influence of the city was proportionately increased. The old adage, “as New York state goes, so wiil go the election,” became all the more a force- ful fact, when there, was gathered under one municipal administration nearly twice the voting strength that had madc the old city so formidable a factor in such elec- tions. Hardly had the bill granting the charter become a law before the practical poli- ticlans began their scheming for advan- tage. The old line, or what is generally termed the Tammany democracy, nomi- nated Robert A. Van Wyck for mayor. The regular republican organization nominated Gen. B. F. Tracy, formerly Secretary of the Navy under President Harrison. The Citizens’ Union, an independent organiza- tion, composed largely of republicans and the better class of democrats, nominated Seth Low, who had taken a prominent part in the organization of the greater city. Henry George, the noted advocate of the single tax doctrine, was nominated by. sev- eral reform organizations and that ele- ment of the democratic party which had actively supported William J. Bryan in the previous presidential election. Under this alignment of forces the campaign waxed hot and furious, attracting almost as much attention throughout the country as the Fresidential election, which occurred a year Drevious. One of the most interesting features in the campaign was the presence of Richard Croker, former Tammany boss, whé had left New York under the pressure, it was said, of the Lexow investigation of some menths previous, but who returned to take part in the great contest at hand. In fact, Mr. CroKer’s name appeared quite as prom- inently in the contest as that of any of the candidates. Indeed, the contest might almost be said to have narrowed down to a Croker and anti-Croker fight. The most scathing criticisms which the reform ele- tment, represented by Mr. Low and M George, brought to bear in the canvass were directed at the former Tammany boss. Mr. George even went so far as to say that if he was elected he would land Mr. Croker in the penitentiary for acts of corruption while he was the power behind the throne under the previous democratic regime. The climax was reached when the leader oz the independent democracy died sudden- ly at his hotel on the morning of Frida: October 29, only a few days before the elec- tion. Mr. George's death utterly demoralized the reform element and caused an entirely new alignment of forces. His son, Henry George, jr., who was nominated to fill his place on the independent democratic ticket, failed utterly to hold these diversified forces in line. The result was a breaking away {rem both the Low and George people and a realignment under the old party organi- zation, and the triumphant election of the Tammany ticket, headed by Mr. Van Wyck, by an overwhelming majority. Richard Croker at once sprang to the front as the greatest political power in the state of New York, and has since become @ prominent figure in national politics. The patronage of the new city is second only -to that of the United States govern- ment. The annual tax budget is estimated at from $55,000,000 to $65,000,000. The city starts in with a bonded debt of about $217,000,000. In fact, the city of Greater New York at one pound became the sec- ond city in population in the world—Lon- don alone exceeding it. Besides its po- litical importance, the new metropolis, in a commercial point of view, far outreaches any rival in the western hemisphere. The result of the great consolidation will be watched with interest alike by both poli- ticians and political economists. ALASKAN GOLD DISCOVERY. One of the most absorbing incidents of the present year was the discovery along the headwaters of the Yukon river in Alas- ka of irimense deposits of placer gold. Rumors had come from this semi-arctic re- gion for several years previous of rich finds of this precious metal, but not until the summer of 1807 had any real idea of the ex- tent of the wealth of the country been ap- preclated. Returning prospectors brought news of diggings which rivaled in riches the great discoveries in California and Aus- tralia of nearly half a century before. Com- ing, as it did, during a period of depression ard stagnation in business, the effect was almost electrical. Gold seekers from all parts of the Union flocked to the ports on the Pacific coast for the purpose of reach- ing the ew El Dorado in quest of fortune. The Hmited transportation facilities were taxed to their utmost. Men did not stop to consider the difficulties and dangers attend- ing the exploration of a remote and isolated country situated almost within the bounds of tha arctic circle. With the reports of newer and richer dis- coveries came back from this ice-bound re- gion predictions of suffering and disaster to Taany of those who had gone unprepared to face the rigors of this inclement climate. To meet the emergency Congress author- ized the Secretary of War to take steps within prescribed limits to relieve the suf- ferers. A relief expedition, under the guidance of the Secretary of War, was organized and Is Tow about ready to carry the needed sup- plies to the unfortunate ores who had scught the new El Dorado without sufficient preparation. Late news ‘rom the new gold fields, how- ever, indicates that early rumors of pros- pectors’ suffering had been somewhat ex- aggerated, and it now seems that the gold seekers in the Klondike will be able to tide over the winter without serious inconveni- ence. Estimates of the amount of gold vhich the new El Dorado will yield have been placed high up in the millions, and it scems not altogether improbable that this late discovery of the precious metal may in @ measure supply that lack of the cir- culating medium to which one of the polit- ical parties has called go much attention and made it the basis of a national cam- paign. ARBITRATION TREATY REJECTED. The Senate of the United States on June 5 by a vote of 43 yeas to 26 nays refused to ratify what is known as the arbitration treaty with England. As the rules of the Senate require a majority of two-thirds for the ratification of treaties it appeags that four more votes in the affirmative would have secured a favorable result. Nineteen senators were paired. A long and acri- monious debate on the question was in- dulged in. As a rule the support of the treaty came from senators from the north- ern and eastern states, and the opposition, led mainly by Senator Morgan of Alabama, trom the west and south. The result was a great disappointment to a large element representing the most important commer- cial interests of the country as well as those who favor international peace from a sentimental point of view. YELLOW FEVER IN THE SOUTH. Early in the summer yellow fever broke out in New Orleans and several smaller cities in Mississippi, Alabama and Louis- lana. While the mortality was less than on previous visitations of the dread scourge, the inconveniences arising from local quarantine almost paralyzed business throughout the southwest untit the com- ing of frost. This serious inconvenience to the commerce of the country gave rise to a demand for some sort of national legis- lation re the matter of guarantine, and it is probable that the question will receive attention from the present THE CUBAN REBELLION. In foreign affairs, interest in the United States has again this year been most large- ly centered in the Cuban rebellion. While little actual fighting has’ taken place on the island, the diplomatic negotiations have been such as to awaken-the liveliest in- terest throuhout both America and Eu- rope. At times it seemed almost as if an immediate rupture with Spain’ was inevi- table. The government at Madrid was dis- posed to hold the’ United States respon- sible for the prolongation of @ war which its ablest’ generals, supported by almost unlimited supplies of troops afid munitions of war, had been unable to suppress. Claim was made that. the insurrection Was supported by supplies of men and arms furnished by filibustering expeditions fitted out from the United Stgtes. This charge, however, has been successfully refuted by evidence of vigilance, both on the part of President Cleveland’s administration and later that of President McKinley, A climax was reached in the situation by the fall of the Canovas ministry at Madrid after the assassination of the premier by an anarchist August 8, and the establish- ment of a liberal ministry under Senor Sagasta. This change in the make up of the government was followed by a change in the military policy on the island. General Weyler was Succeeded by General Blanco. Cotemporary with the change of generals came a more humane system of warfare. The government at Madrid also formulated a scheme ‘of autonomy or self government which was proposed to the in- surgents and which ts nqw pending with little hope of acceptance Ry the Cubans in revolt. 3 The insurgent leaders gave it out that any agent bearing proposals for peace on the basis ef the autonomy proposed by the Spanish government would be treated as a spy and shot. Colonel Ruiz, a promi- nent Spanish officer, who attempted, in the face of this announcement, to reach an old friend, General Aranguren, with such pro- posals, lost his life for his temerity. The pro-Spanish element on the island seemed to regard the autonomy scheme with little more favor than the insur- gents, and with thelr pronounced an- tupathy to the United States openly de- clare that they would prefer annexation to this country rather than Renuine autonomy. HAWAHAN ANNEXATION, The next in importance én general interest to the Cuban question was the proposed treaty of annexation offered by the govern- ment at Hawail. A treaty proposing such annexation was presented, to the Hawaiian senate by the president June 16, and was unanimously ratified by the senate and the president of the republic September 10, and only awaits the favorable action of the United States Senate to effect the complete incorporation of the fslagds into the domain of the United States. Dae question of the annexation of the island’ hat given rise to widespread discussion int thé press of the country and to censiderable private investi- gation on the part of ‘members of the United States Senate who made visits to the islands for that puipose. It remains one of the most importa®t q#estions of the day for settlement by th® American people through their representatives in the Senate. GREECO-TURK#SH? WAR. Early in thé beginning @f tHe present year the eyes of all Christendom were directed at the conflict betweem Turkey and Greece. Reports of the outrages @por Christian Ar- menians by ovérpowering*numbers of Turks were still frésh inthe mtind® of Christian Europe when the little Hingfom of Greece suddenly declared war @n, the sultan for similar outrages allowed*by his subjects in the Island of Crete. Thé eldim was.made that an everwhelming portion of the popu- lation of that historic island was Greek by nationality and Christian in religion. Grave complaint was.made of the intolerance practiced under Turkish suzerainty. The complaint of the Cretans was taken up by their kinsmen inthe kingdoprof Greece and a war sentiment at once. developed, which King George was whdlMysunable to sup- press. To have opposed this sentiment would have undoubtedly resulted in his downfall. February 7 the insurgent Christians of Halepa formally proclaimed a union of Crete with Greece, and a‘ few days later a figét of torpedo boats under command of Prince George of Greece was sent to the is- land. A note was formulated and sent out to the European powers declaring that Greece could no longer remain a spectator of events in Crete and that the ties of race and religion compelled her to intervene in behalf of the outraged Christians in Crete. The reserves were calledgout and an army under Col. Vassos was dispatched to the island. The sultan made a vigorous protest t¢ the powers agairst the action of Greece. and threatened to retaliate by invading Thessaly. This was quickly followed by cembined action of the European powers, ordering the occupation of the Cretan ports by their warships and the prevention of the landing of more Greek reinforcements. A demand was also made upon Greece tc withdraw her forces from the island. Meantime, the scene of hostilities chang- ed from Crete to Greek ‘frontier in Thes- saly. Toward the end. of. March a Greek force of 80,000 men had assembled in Thes- saly, under command of. its crown prince, Constantine. The Turkish government was equally active, and troops were hur- ried toward the Grecian border. Edhem Pasha was in command of the Turkish forces, consisting of about 130,000 thor- oughly equipped and arméd men. War was formally declared by Turkey April 16, and active hostilities began At once. Severe fighting occurred around the Olympian mountains, in which the Turks were uni- formly victorious. Though the Greeks wor a few brilliant battles they were defeated in the general plan of the campaign, and toward the last began d general retreat which seemed little less than disgrace- ful. May 16 the porte agreed to an armis- tice, under the following conditions: An- nexation of Thessaly arid indemnities of about $44,000,000; abolition of the capitu- lations or treaties conferring privileges upon the Greek in the Ottoman empire, and a treaty of extradition’ with Greece. Al! Europe protested against the harsh terms proposed by the perte. The Czar of Rus- sia in a personal Jetterasked the sultan to stop the war and provide for an ar- mistice. Immediately Edhem Pasha was di- rected from Constantinople to arrange ar armistice with the Greek commander. May 20 an armistice for seventeen days war concluded, and no fightirig? took place thereafter. oe th Se ‘The question of the c3s#sio& of Thessaly was referred to a mili ¢ofhmission that reported adversely to thé dbmands of Tur- key, recommending no ‘Beyond the mountains’ summits on thé Turkish fron- tier. The indemnity finally'Sagreed upon was $15,000,000, to be pai oul of the reve- nues of the kingdom, lerSguarantee of the powers. As a@ result war Greece became more than ever atwaré of the great powers of Europe. VICTORIA’S DIAMOND SUBILEE. One of the notable events ofthe year was the celebration at Lond@m ‘of the sixtieth anniversary of the begin! @f the reign of Queen Victoria, pop' termed the dia- ond jubilee of her ty’ Queen Victor- fa. All the nations of €arth were in- vited to send representatives. Our govern- ment responded by the cruiser Brooklyn to represent the navy and White- law Reid of New York as a special envoy to represent the country. Englamd made it the occasion to assemble the most formid- able array of war ve the history of the sage, “From my heart I thank my beloved people. May God bless them.” THE PARTITION OF CHINA, During the closing month of the present year the world was startled by the an- rouncement of the seizure by Germany of the port of Kaio Chau in China. This ac- tion on the part of Emperor William found Justification in the demand for indemnity for the murder of German missionaries by the Chinese. Hesitancy to comply with the abrupt demands of Emperor William was construed to mean refusal on the part of the Chinese to grant satisfaction demanded. German warships were ordered to the Scene, and under the guns of the vessels a@ strong force was landed and occupied the Chinese forts, the Chinese troops retir- ing without resistance. In the diplomatic negotiations which immediately followed China appeared to give consent to the in- vasion, and rumors immediately became rife of an understanding between Germany and Russia for a partition of that part of the Chinese empire bordering on the Yel- low sea. While discussion of Germany's hizh- handed procedure was still the all-absorb- ing topic of the day, the civilized world was again startled by the occupation of Port Arthur by Russian troops. ‘The two incidents seemed to substantiate the previous rumors that the best part of China was indeed to be divided between such of the European powers as would make sufficiently formidable display of force to attain their ends. Germany followed up her first seizure by the dispatch of a formidable fleet to China under command of Prince Henry, the brother of Emperor William. The sail- ing of this fleet from Kiel was made the eceasion for a great patriotic demonstra- tion, in which the emperor himself took the leading role. In an address to the offi- cers of the squadron he outlined a new Policy of territorial and commercial ag- gression on the part of the fatherland. ‘Though somewhat bombastic and warlike in his talk at all times, this latest utter- ance cf the German emperor created a profonnd impression throughout Europe. All sorts of rumors were immediately started as to the part which other nations would play in the final division of the Chi- nese empire, if such division took place. Rumors of a coalition between England and Japan were soon followed by the ap- pearance of a formidable fleet of English warships off the port of Chemulpo. _Fol- lowing this came the rumor that the Japa- nese figgt had also rendezvoused in the same locality. Then France took a part by seizing the Island of Hai-Nan, over which the tri- color was raised as evidence of possession, This disturbance in the far east promises to be an absorbing topic during the eoming years. THE VENEZUELAN TREATY. The serious dispute which arose between the United States and Great Britain under the Cleveland administration over the loca- tion of the boundary lines between Ven- ,eauela and the adjacent British possessions has ceased to be a disturbing question, al- though not finally settled. Through the in- strumentality of the United States a treaty Was concluded between Great Britain and Venezuela for arbitrating the subject in dispute. This treaty was signed February 2, 1897. Under its provisions an arbitration tribunal. was created to determine the boundary line in question, The tribunal consists of five members, twe appointed by Great Britain, one by Venezuela and one nominated by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, and the four selectéd a -fitth, Most centered in the selection of the fifth mem- ber of the tribunal, King Oscar of Sweden being first spoken of for that. position, but as'some objections were raised to this choice, his name was omitted in the ratifi- cation of the treaty, It was not until Oc- tober that the fifth jurist was chosen, the honor falling upon Prof. Maertens, a’ dis- tinguished Russian jurist, who will be president of the court. Arrangements have been made for the assembling of the court at Paris during the late summer or autumn of 1898, UPRISING IN INDIA. While Queen Victoria's diamond ju- bilee was being celebrated throughout her realm, news came from India of the assassination by the natives of two British officers in Bombay. This was quickly {ol- lcwed by rumors of native discentent and prebable uprising of the tribesmen in rerthern India in revolt against British rule. On the Afghan frontier the Afridis, under the leadership of a native priest, Known as the Mad Mullah, boldly attacked a number of British garrisons, driving the few troops back in disorder. Before a sufficient force could be massed to resist the uprising, the insurgents captured Khy- ber Pass, the great route through the Him- alayan mountains from northern India to Afghanistan. In many of the battles the natives displayed a dash and courage which put to the test the best metal of the British army. It was rumored that ihe Ameer of Afghanistan was supporting the uprising. Going further back yet, for mo- tives it was rumored that the sultan him- self, as the head of the Mohammedan creed, had inspired the ameer to secretly declare a holy war against the English. This was vigorously denied, both at Con- stantinople and Kabul. Rumor even went so far as to assert that the Czar of Rus- sia was the prime mover in the revolt against British rule in India. This, like the other rumors, however, lacked con- firmation. A strong expedition was final- ly fitted out and directed against the in- surgents, and is still in the field. Its suc- cess has not been pronounced and has given rise to much criticism, both by the British and Indian press, of alleged mis- management on the part of the British commanders in India. ANDREE'S BALLOON VOYAGE TO THE POLE. On Sunday, July 11, Prof. Solemon A’ An- ree undertook the daring enterprise of reaching the north pole in a balloon. He started from Trompsoe, the extreme north- ern point of Norway. From a message sent back by one carrier pigeon, which the bold acrial navigator sent out, and which was captured by the master of a whaling vessel in the Arctic ocean, it is believed that he has lost his life. SPORTING EVENTS OF THE YEAR. The event in the field of sport which at- tracted the most attention during the year was the Corbett-Fitzsimmons fight at Car- son City, March 17. The Australian knock- ed the American champion out in the four- teenth round and won the heavy-weight championship. George Dixon successfully defended the feather-weight championship in a fight with “Australian Billy” Murphy before the Broadway Athletic Club. In college athletics an interesting event was the adoption of an agreement between Harvard and Yale universities for the con- duct of sports for five years. Under this agreement a triangular eight-oared, ‘varsity ell took place on the Hudson river Cornell won,time 20.84; Yale was second, three lengths behind Cor- nell; time 20.44, and Harvard in five lengths behind Yale; York Herald in a special says: ‘There is were played with the Michigan University team. The University of Wisconsin won the championship at the athletic games of the Western Intercollegiate Association, held at Chicago in June. In the turf events the Brooklyn handi- cap at Gravesend, 14 miles, was: won by Howard Mann (106) in 2.00%, May 31. The track was very heavy. The Suburban handicap at Sheepshead Bay, 14 miles, was won by Ben Brush (123 Ibs.); time, 2.07 1-5. The Futurity (6 furlongs) was won by L'Allonette (115 Jbs.); time, 1.11. The Kentucky derby was won by Typoon I (117 Ibs.); 2.22%. The great English derby, run at Epsom Downs (1% miles) was won TO IMPROVE THE NAVY? Some Recommendations of the Personnel) Board. Amalgamation of Line and Enginecm Corps—Equitable Treatm: : of the Enlisted Men. by Galtee More in 2.47. ¥ The 100-mile professional bicycle race was won by A. E. Waters in August 29; he also won the at the same time. The Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse broke all smile race | Assistant Secretary Roosevelt, as chai man of the naval personnel board, appoints ed to consider and report upon means break up the present stagnation in pr { Motions, to settlo the long-standing differe! erces between the line and the engineer; ccrps, and to devise a method for the be terment of the condition of the enlisted men aboani ship, has submitted a bill dew signed to effect those ends. The board recommends that the line offle; cers and engineers be amalgamated; that: when the number of officers to be promoted is so far in excess of the vacancies as to cause stagnation in the service, the requle site number of vacancies shall be caused by weeding cut the men who are least fit to meet the heavy requirements of modern naval duty; that the enlisted men aboard ship be given the same reward of pension and retirement enjoyed by their brethren who fight ashore, while the uppermost ma- chinists are made warrant officers to rank with the gunners and carpenters. “I am able without qualification,” saya Mr. Rocsevelt, “to report to you that the bill they have produced would, if cnacted into law, be of Mterally incalculable good to the navy, and would make our naval service the pioneer in the proper solution of problems, some of which are toj 567 miles November 16 on a westward trip. E. H. Ten Eyck won the diamond scull race at Henley. The world’s record was broken for a six- day bicycle race by Charles W. Miller 0! Chicago at Madison Square Garden, & Saturday, December 11. Miller rode 1 hours and covered 2,093 miles, the best previous record being 1,910 miles, by Teddy Hale in 1896. The steam yacht Ellide made a mile in 1m., 35s. over a measured course at Tarry- town, N. Y., June 18. CASUALTIES, The year has been more than usually free from great calamities. The most nota- ble single disaster was the burning of a great charity bazaar in Paris May 5, in which 1530 persons, including the Duchess D’Alencon, lost their lives. November 19 a fire in the central part of London de- stroyed property valued at $10,000,000. It was rumored that this great conflagration was of incendiary origin. The bubonic plague again broke out in southern India, and, according to some reports, caused the death of thousands of the unfortunate but natives, some of which are so new that «hey hava RECROLOGY. pot yet been solved by any naval nation’s The grim destroyer has gathered in some Proficiency in Engineeriog. of the most prominent men and women of “It is absolutely ential,” Mr. Roosee: velt continu. the world during the year just closing. “that the best naval offie Among those who heave died are: Mrs. | cer of the fuiure shall be Proficient tn ene Nancy Allison McKinley, mother of the | gincering. The fact that Farrazu: knew President; William T. Adams, better known | nothing of engines has no mor Wearing under the ncm de plume of “Oliver Optic;” | on the case than the fact that Blake knew Newton L. Bates, surgeon general, U-S.N.; | nothing of sails. Exactly as Nelson, who J. A. Brooks, candidate for vice president of the prohibition party in 1888; Edmund R. Calhoun, rear admiral, U.S.N.; Angus Cam- eron, ex-United senator from Wis- Richard ex-senator from George L. Converse, ex-representa- tive from O: us Corning, banker of succeeded Blake, had to know leialls of naval matters of which Blake was ignor- ant, so the Farragut of the future must know what the great victor of New Ore leans and Mobile bay had no it to learn. This is an age of spemahmation: but there can be no specialization m command. In time it may very possibly prove desir= New York; C s F. Crocker, noted rail" | able to differentiate, less by law shan by road projector, California; Mary Kyle | departmental custom, among the. uf Dallas, poet and story writer, of New | at sea, so as to employ eaci prin York; Charles A. Dana, chief proprietor along the lines for hich he shows the and editor of the New York Sun; William Daniel, candidate for Vice President on pro- hibition ticket, with St. John of Kansas; Neal Dow, the great apcstle of prohibition; Mrs. John Drew, celebrated actress; Joseph H. Earle, ex-United States senator from South Carolina; Dr. Thomas W. Evans, a celebrated American dentist in Paris; Gen. John F. Farnsworth, prominent Union gen- eral of the last war; Henry George, single tax advocate 2nd candidate for mayor of Greater New York; James Z. George, United States senator from Mississippi; Major Lewis Ginter, millionaire tobacco merchant of Virginie; den Goelet, one of New York’s wealthiest men; Isham G. Har United States senator ea encere i e, ex-represeptative from Texas; arate tinge, Postmaster General i 5 in_Bu- chanan’s cabinet; John M. Most aptitude, but they must remain .ine officers, the major part of whose dutics are identic: and the engineer must iffer from his fellows only in the same manner as the navigator or the ordnance does. * * * The only way to meet the present stagnated condition is to provide tor the elimination of some of the officers in the lower or middle grades, and there- by to hasten the flow of promotion and to reduce the age at which command rank is reached. It was deemed best by every m:ember of the board to try the process of eliminating the officers who were veauoks ent, rather than of selecting the higheag! for promotion. Benefit to the Service, . In concluding, he says: “The bill is so’ obviously in the Interest of the whole service, it will so unquestionably benefit that service and raise the profession of the Cnited States naval officer to a still higher level, that {. seems unltkély that. there will be serious objection to what it Dros poses to do, save perhaps on one point, This is the matter of expense. If the rec- ommendations of the board are carried ovt, if the increase of officers which they deem desirable is required by law, and if these officers are paid as the marine ther¢ Langston, former representativé in Congress; Samuel Phillips rear adimi U.8.N., retired; Lafayetté McI@Ws; promiinént confederate general; Richard W. Méad, rear admiral, U.S.N., retired; Seth L. Milliken, represen- tative from the third Maine district; Gen. Alfred Pleasanton, distinguished Union cavalry commander during the late war; Alexander C. Rhind, rear admiral, U.S.N. retired; George B. Roberts, president of the Pennsylvania railroa John H. Russell, rear admiral, U.S.N., retired; William St. John, treasurer of the democratic n: tional committee; Gen. David G. Swaim, U.S.A., retired; Mrs. Elizabeth R. Tilton, Prominent in the great Beecher trial; Daniel W. Voorhees, ex-United States sen- ator from Indiana; Gen. Francis A. Walke political economist and educator; Joseph Willard, noted hotel proprietor of this cit: John L. Worden, rear admiral, U.S.N., re- tired, and commander of the Monitor in the famous fight with the Merrimac. Among the prominent foreigners who died during the year were: Duc De Aumale, fourth son of King Louis Philippe of France; Edward C. Baring, noted London banker; Barney Barnato, known as the “diamond king;” Charles Blondin, cele- brated tight rope walker; Capt. C. C. Boy- cott, whose name gave origin to the fa- mous word; Senor Canovas, Spanish prime minister; Mrs. Margaret H. Hungerford, noted novelist, better known by her nom de plume of The Duchess; Jean Ingelow, famous auther and poet; M. Martinni, in- ventor of the famous rifle which bears his name; Mrs. Oliphant, celebrated’ English novelist; the Duchess of Teck, cousin of Queen Victoria; Gen. Jose Velasquez, dis- tinguished Chilean soldier. ture of such a sum for any but an important object. Nevertheless, sir, I not only rec- ommend it in this case, but I wish to state, ‘with all the emphasis possible, that, in my judgment, the question of expense is un+ important compared with the benefit to be gained.” Provisions of the Dills. The bill wipes out the engineer corps in name entirely, makes the course at the Naval Academy four instead of three years, Provides for eighteen rear admirals, where there are now but six, insures the same course of instructicn at Annapolis to all cadets, no matter for what corps they may enter, and makes other radical changes in the whole system. The grade of commodore is aboiished, and the term midshipman, given up some years ago for naval cadet, is restored. Ensigns under the bill may be promoted after three years, whereas of late most officers of this grade have served from nine to eleven years before advancing in rank. Provision is made for machinists that will tend to improve the personnel of this department. The two years’ course at sea for naval cadets is suspend+ ed. The bill aiso confers the same rights as regards retirement and pension upon the sailors that are already conferred upon the soldicrs. ee THE RELIEF OF DAWSON. Completing Arrangements Joint Expediti The arrangement effeeted between Mr. Sifton in behalf of Canada and Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn on behalf of the United States contemplates that the Klon- dike relief expedition shall be executed jointly by the United States army and a force of the mounted police of Canada, which constitutes the military army of the dominion. The United States force will proceed with the relief stores to Skaguay, where they will be joined by the Canadian mounted police, about forty in number, and the two forces will then proceed together to the points where the relief is to be dis- tributed. The determination as to Skaguay is, however, still open. The Canadian offi- cials concede much latitude to the Ameri- can authorities in the actual distribution, recognizing that the expedition ts fitted out on this side, although a considerable part of its work will be done on the Cana- dian side of the border. Secretary Alger has received two reports from Capt. Robinson, the contract quarter- master at Seattle, touching the respective merits of the different tratis leading from the seaboard into the Klondike country. He made a thorough inquiry at the direc- tion of the Secretary. In substance, his conclusions, reached after conference with for the ——_+ e. WOMAN AT THE MOTOR. New Occupation Which the Fair Sex is Entering. A special dispatch to the Baltimore Sun from Middletown, N. Y., says Mrs. Mabel Brierly of Matamoras, Pa., has applied to Superintendent Urban of the Middletown Goshen Traction Company for a position as substitute motorman or rather motor= woman on an electric car. The superintendent looked her over and made up his mind that she would do. She is big and brawny. Mrs. Brierly wore a short brown skirt, with leggins to match, She says she is one of two women in the United States who have had experience in running electric cars. She also told Superintendent Urban that she had applied for and hoped to get permanent situation on the Port Jarvis road when it is opened for business. Her visit to Middletown was for the purpose of getting work as substitute, The Madrid correspondent of the New ie 8 ki i i | AG 3 a : if : } § * k ib i !