Evening Star Newspaper, January 5, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. SS SS PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Fennsylvania Avence, Cor. 11th St. by ing Star N Co The Bring. SASTRY Coney Bew York Ofice, 49 Pottor Building. The Evening Star is served to subscribers In the ity by cerriers, on their »wn account, at 10 cents per week, or 44 cents per montk. jes at the counter 2 cents each. By mail—anywhere in the United States or Cenada—postage prepaid—50 ecnts per month. qSMterday Quintuple Sheet Star. $1 per year, with reign postage added. (Entered a the Post Office at Washington, D.C. as cecend-clasa mafl matter.) 7 All wail subscriptions riust be paid in advance. Rates of sdvertising made Frown on application. oh No. 13,993. WASHINGTON, D. C., WEDNESDAY, JANUABY 5, 1898-FOURTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. = Advertising is not an expense. It is a business investment. If you want to invest your money profitably you will therefore put your advertisements in such a paper as The Evening Star, that is read regularly and thoroughly by everybody worth reaching. e Star is the recognized household and family journal of the National Capital. and has no rival as an advertising med- ium. FIGHT ON M'COMAS Maryland Senatorial Contest Marked by Unusual Bitterness. ELEVEN BOLTERS IN CONTROL —__+ They Can Prevent an Election as Long as They Please. — ABOUT - RUMORS GORMAN Special Dispates to The Evening Star. STATE HOUSE, ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan- Vary 5.—The fight against Judge Louis E. McComas for the seat in the Senate now held Senator Arthur P. Gorman is the most intense ever witnessed here in a generation and far surpasses in bitterness the contest two years L. Wellington was c Charles H. Gibson. Within the past twenty-four hours the whole character of the contest has chang- ed, and, while the trouble over the speak- ership of the house of delegates is inter ing, the senatorial battle fills the whole background, to the exclusion of almost everything else. There is no denying the fact that the eleven city members hold the key to the situation, and if they re- main firm in their determination to abstain from voting fer Mr. Gould or gulng a for s. they can the election of Montgomery man for spe so, when Mr. Geo josen to succeed Mr. the "rand also prevent the county Comas to the United ters Are Obstinate. Today they are more obstinate and bel- ligerent than ever, and the entire strength of the Baltimore city government, backed by Mayor Malster and his friends, is being i to prevent the election of Mr. Gould and also the e! of Judge McComas. All sorts of stories are being circulated to the detriment of-both Judge *McComas and Mr. Gould, and the contest is fast as suming a pers mud-shinging char- unexpected. One of the ures of the contest is the fact that several ¢ of Montgomery coun- opposing Mr. Gould them is Gen. the court of entlemen are pronounced and bitter in their cy a to both Mr. Gould and ’ friends are jes is openly Attorney General g likewise; Controller Gra troiler-e Goldsborough, ham and Chairman best of the republ i working for the best intere Yesterday they were all con- < they are ur 'y and worried at the outlook. I se Failed to Organize. The house of delegates today” failed to elect a uker and adjourned after a short session to Thursday noon. The eleven ci belters voted for Mr. Schaefer, and Mr. Gould, the republican caucus nominee, re- ceived thirty-eight votes, while Mr. ¥ kinsun, the democratic candidate, receiv- ed forty-one votes. Mr. Oscar Quin- lan of Baltimore city was elected tempor- ary speaker witout opposition. There is ho present prospect of harmony in the re- publican ranks, and it is very doubtful if 2n organization of the House is completed tcmorrow. The senate organized today by the elec- tion of Mr. John Wirt Randall as president ard Mr. Martin M. Higgins as secretary, with a full list of subordinates. The senate organization was completed without any friction, and that body is ready for but can do nothing until the house is pe: en bolters have shown e nation to stick together, the situation looks very much mixed, and the democrats are enjoying it to the fuliest ex- tent. Some of them are predicting that in the end the il be able to get enough re- publican v to control matters and re- elect Senator Gorman. Between McComas and Shaw. The fight for the Senate has now nar- rowed down to Judge McComas and Major Alexander Shaw. All the state leade: favor the judge, while the city bosses are for the major. As the republican majority is so close, a few obstinate and determined men can decide the result. The obstinate and determined men seem to be here for the work. Many people here seem to se back of all of the trouble the shrewd man- agement of Senator Arthur P. Gorman. Many of Mr. Gorman’s close friends are on the ground looking out for his interest and they are know to have held frequent conferences with the leaders of the bolting 9 democratic members of and the eight democratic sena- are ready to act when the time come: and should they decide to form a combina tion with the bolters, they could control the whole business, including the election ef a United States senato id, Ohio, Said to Have Raised $1,500. It has been reported to the White House that over $1,500 has been collected in Cleveland to swell the fund for the benefit of the Cuban sufferers, and it is expected that the money will be either sent direct to Consul General Lee at Havana or forward- ed to the State Department {or transmis- sion. The National Relief Association for Cuba has appropriated an additional sum of $300 to be sent to Consul General Lee for the re- lief of distress in the island. The associa- tion makes a strong appeal io its members and supporters throughout the country to redouble their effocts io secure donations of money, medica! supplies and food for the suffering people in Cuba. In view of the open‘ng of the Cirect and official avenue for relief through the government, the asso- ciation hereafter drops from its name the clause “in aid of the American Red Cross.” ening Star Fund. Evening Star Co. G. &. Total....-....cesccceeeseeeeee ++-$691.00 The Secretary of State received $691 to- day for the relief of the Cubans through ‘The Evening Star. DURRANT'S HOPE RENEWED His Friends Making Strenuons Efforts to Delay Execution. Scientific Men Disappointed That No Autopsy Will Be Allowed—Con- sidered as Significant. SAN FRANCISCO, Cal, January 5.—The- odore Durrant has renewed his hope of es- caping the gallows, since the federal judges have taken his latest petition for a writ of habeas corpus under advisement. He seems te have shaken off the despondency that was fast bringing him to a seate of nervous collapse. Strong pressure is being exerted to induce Governor Budd to either commute the sen- tence or grant a reprieve. Chief Justice Beatty of the supreme court, who dissented from decisions of his colleagues against’ Durrant, visited the governor yesterday, but the result of the conference is not known. Scientific men, who are interested in the pathological features of Durrant’s case, are &rievously disappointed at the prospect that no autopsy will be allowed on the remains. Dr. John W. Robertson, the celebrated chemist, has received a commission from the American Journal of Insanity to pre? pare an elaborate treatise on the case. He is firmly pressed with the extraordinary character of Durrant as a study in psycho- nd regrets that a post-mortem ex- ion of the head of the condemned annot be made. The fact that Dur- rant having been well advanced as a med- ical student should have made a positive request that no examination be made of lus face or head after death is commented on as significant. It seems that no measurements of Dur- rant’s head have been made. The condemned man has made the fol- lewing requests concerning the execution: First. the rope used to hang him shall be destroyed immediately after his death, so that no person can say that he holds a piece of it as a memento. Second. That none of the spectators shalt be allowed to gaze upon his features after he is hanged. Third. That no autopsy shall be held after death, and that no physician be allowed to examine his body Fourth. That after he is pronounced dead body shall be delivered to his parents aS soon as possible. 4 NO CHARGE FOR INSPECTION. Minister Sifton Tells Result of His Trip Here. VICTORIA, B. C., January tary of the board of trade is in reccipt of the following message from Minister of the Interior Sifton at Ottawa: “I have just re- turned from Washington, where I have completed arrangements insuring the pas- sage of Canadian goeds by way of Dyea —The secre- and Skaguay subports without charge for inspection. Assistant Secretary Howell was today shown the announcement from Mr. Sifton, minister of the interior at Ottawa, stating that he had arranged for the passage of Canadian goods across American territory via Dyea and Skaguay without inspection charges. Mr. Howell said that that ques- tion was still before the department. It Was the desire of Secretary Gage and him- self to provide all reasonable customs fa- cilities for the crossing of American terri- tory by miners and others from one point in the British possessions to another en route to the Klondike, but the plan had not yet been fully worked out. Regulations, however, woud soon be prepared by which it was expected that the embarrassments incident to so complicated a situation would be reduced to the minimum. IN MEXICO. Vivid and Eloguent Description by His Friend, Ex-Gov. Crittenden. KANSAS CITY, Mo., January 5.—Ex-Gov. Crittenden, who accompanied W. J. Bryan in his recent trip to Mexico, said this morn- ing of their visit: “Mr.Bryan’s trip through Mexico s like a triumphal entry from beginning to end. He was accorded a wel- come from the time he entered the country until he left such as no private citizen of any country received there. The only way I can describe it is by saying that the S00 miles from Neuvo Laredo to the City of Mexico seemed like one long road, lighted in honor of the occasion and walled in on either side by crowds of people, shouting, dancing and throwing flowers. “It was a continual round of dinners, re- ceptions and ovations. I have never seen anything like it before, and I never expect to see anything that will equal it again. —_—.__ ALLIANCE HAS ROUGH VOYAGE. Training Ship's Boilers Break Down During a Gale. PORTSMOUTH, N. H., January 5.—It is understood here that the United States training ship Alliance had, to say the least, a somewhat hazardous passage from Tomp- kinsville, S. I, to Portsmouth. The Alli- ance anchored for the night off Gay Head light, in Vineyard sound, on January 1, be- cause of high winds and heavy seas and the shoal locality. The greatest danger, however, it appears, was in the fact that one of the boilers of the Alliance began leaking badly and another became unfit for use through the collapse of its “crown sheet.” The Alliance left Staten Island on Decem- ber 3 at 1:30 p.m. and arrived here at 10:30 a.m. today. ——__ RELIEF PARTY AT PORTLAND. iter McFarland Preparing to Push on to Alaska. PORTLAND, Ore., January 5.—United States Paymaster James McFarland, with twenty-one pack mules, has just arrived over the O. R. and N. from Fort Wash- akie, Wyoming, and left immediately for Vancouver barracks, where ,preparations will be made to proceed to Alaska for the purpose of assisting !n taking rations to the Yukon miners. One hundred and two packing mules have been shipped to Van- couver by the government to be used in this expedition, and as soon as the con- tract for the supplies is let the pack ani- mals will be shipped to Skaguay. Capt. B. Eldridge, Second Lieut. E. W. Clark and fifty enlisted men of the 14th Infantry, have been detailed for duty in Alaska by Gen. Merriam, department com- mander. HIGH TIME IN TENNESSEE. Mecting of Hamilton County Court Occasion ter a Riot. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., January 5.— When the Hamilton county court con- vened yesterday Esquire Springfield and Esquire Raulston had some hot words and clinched. Instantly the 250 men in court started a riot. Clubs, chairs, cuspidors and knives were used and everybody fought his neighBor. : the court Windows were broken and room de! . Officers were compelled to restore 01 with their clubs and roo! hol ay 8 court adjourned. The wi up and serious trouble is THE NEW MARSHAL Aulick Palmer Nominate? by the President. MANY IMPORTANT PLACES FILLED ————— A Large Number of Callers at the White House. OFFICES IN VIRGINIA The President today sent the following nominations to the Senate: Justice—Francis C. Lowell, to be United States district judge for the district of Massachusetts; Henry L. Burnett, to be attorney of the United States for the southern district of New York. To be marshals of the United States— William Henkel, for the southern district of New York; Aulick Palmer, for the Dis- trict of Columbia; Wm. Edgar Sterne, for the district of Kansas; George Louis Sie- bricht, for the western district of Texas; Frederick C. Leonard, for the western district of Pennsylvania. State—Owen L. W. Smith of North Caro- lina, to be minster resident and consul gencral of the United States to Liberia; James G. Stowe of Missouri, to be consul general of the United States at Capetown Cape of Good Hope; Herbert G. Squiers of New York, to be secretary of the legation of the United States at Peking, China. To be consuls of the United States— Adoiph L. Frankenthal of Massachusetts, at Berne, Switzerland; Neal McMillan of Mr. Aulick Palmer. . Michigan, at Port Sarnia, Ontario; Jamee M. Ayres of Ohio, at Rosaria, Argentine Republic; John H. Grout, jr., of Massachu- setts, at Malta; Edmond Z. Brodowski of Illinots, now consul at Breslau, Germany at Furth, Bavaria; Charles W. Erdman of Kentucky, now consul at Furth, Bava- ria, at Bresiau, Germany. ‘Treasury—Leander P. Mitchell of Indiana, to be assistant controller of the treasury; John Fox, to be collector of customs for the district of Oregon; Charles H. Morrill, to be surveyor of customs for the port of Lincoln, Neb. To be collectors of internal revenue—John G. Ward, for the fourteenth district of New York; Thomas F. Penman, for the twelfth district of Pennsylvania; John W. Patterson, for the third district of Iowa; John M. Kemble of Iowa, for the fourth district of Iowa. To be pension agents—Charles A. Orr, at Buffalo, N. Y.; Jonathan Merriam, at Chi- cago, Il; Sidney L. Willson, at Washing- ton, D. GC. Frank A. Morris, to be surveyor gcueral of South Dakota. : To be receivers of public moneys—Felix S. Baker, at Harrison, Ark.; John E. Bush, at Little Rock, Ark.; Lloyd L. Carter, at Redding, Cal.; John Westdahl, at Huron, S. D.; Frank A. Brown, at*Aberdeen, S. D. Charles L. Brockway,’ at Chamberiain, D.; Thomas H. Conniff, at Pierre, S. 'D George A. Smith, at Salt Lake City, Utah. To be registers of the land office—Frank M. Swasey, at Reading, Cal; Charles A. Blake, at Huron, 8. D.; Geo. I. Foster, at Mitchell, S. D.; John $. Vetter, at Aber- deen, S.'D.; Prince A. Gatchell, at Buffalo, wy Postmasters—Maine: Walter D. Stinson, Augusta; George T. Hodgman, Camde Frank M. Hume, Houlton. Masgachusett: Geo. L. Minott, West Gardner. New Hamp- shire: Albert Clement, Antrim. New Jerse: David D. Bragaw,’ Newark. Alabam Rachel E. Booth, at Dothan; Seborn E. York, at Athens; Robert Cloud, Tuscumbia. California: George W. Lovie, Redwood City. Colorado: Frank M. Reardon, Victor; Dan’'l B. Cooper, Lamar; Robert J. McCartney, Silverton. Indiana: Waliace K. Deem, Knightstown. lowa: Frederick J. Will. Eagle Grove; Theo. H. Haecker, Hampton Horatio Ed. Smith, Dows. Kentueky—John D. Martin, Madisonville; John M. Jameson, jr., Millersburg. Nebraska—Levi M. Copeland, Minden. North Dakota—Ole Howard, Hillsboro’, South Dakota—John Bell, Spearfish. Utah—Arthur L. Thomas, Salt Lake ~-cy. Washington—Edwin L. Brunton, Walla Walla; Wm. A. Buckley, Sprague; Samuel P. Tapping, Fairhaven; Lawrence A. Ink- ster, Davenport; Loren E. Sperry, North Yakima. Wisconsin—Charles 8. French, Lake Ge- neva. To be third lieutenants in the revenue cutter service—A. H. Buhner of California, . W. Cairnes of Maryland, E. E. Mead of Massachusetts, C. Satterlee of Connecticut, E. Barker of Massachusetts, O. G. Haines of New Jersey, G. H. Mann of Michigan. The President also sent in a large num- ber of appointments made during the re- cess of Congress, and which have been heretofore announced. Eager to Discuss Nominations, Statesmen and patriots by the score flock- ed to the White House today for a word with the President as to early nominations, With few exceptions, however, the Presi- dent did not see the visitors. He was in- tensely busy getting ready the nomina- tions to go to the Senate, and, besides, was engaged in a conference with Attorney General McKenna and Secretary Gage. ‘The callers included Senators Platt, New York; Quay and Penrose, Pennsylvanii McMillan, Elkins and Pettigrew; Represent- atives Sulloway, Wanger, Hawley, Brown- low and Gibson. Later in the day the Pres- ident was in conference with Joseph A. Springer, the vice consul of this country at Havana. Mr. Springer has had charge of American affairs in Cuba when General Lee was away and has been actively en- gaged at all periods in the interest of his country and her citizens. Mr. Springer’s conierenae was an jeeseatent one, as he explained many things to the it. ‘The a of Bere Teta alte to the White Hcuse wil seen in today’s nominations. The question of the vacant Representative Fischer, whé, is, belag more stzongiy backed each day Federal Offices im Virginia. Representatives Walker and Yost of Vir- ginia intend to enter a warm protest with the President against the arrangement made for the dispesition of the marshalship of the western district of Virginia. Col. J. D. Brady, National Comtmitteeman Bowden and National Committéeman Scott of West_ Virginia, now internal revenue commissioner, saw the President yesterday, and an agreement was made that 8. Brown Allen is to be nominated for the marshal- ship. Representatives Walker and Yost were at the White House today and made an appointment to see the sident to- morrow. Ex-Representative ry Bowen is the candidate of Messrs. Walker and Yost, but it is not thought the President will change his mind. An_ante-election promise is said to’ have been made Mr. Al- len that he should have the place. Messrs. Walker and Yost think they should have a word as to patronage and will insist on this. The district attorneyship of the trict has been vacant some time, but no agreement has been reached. Col.-J. Hamp- ton Hoge is the candidate of Col. Brady and Mr. Scott. The candidate of Judge Wad- Gell is J. L. Gleans. The President has decided to appoint N. C. Nichols as postmaster at Leesburg, Va. The position was made vacant by the death of Postmaster Norris. Mr. Nichols is an Ohio man and has lived near Leesburg about four years. There were seven or eight candidates for the place and Col- lector Agnew was to have named the man. lt is said that Somerfield Bol¥n had been agreed upon. He will have to take a back seat, however. President McKinley has promised Repre- sentative Otey of Virginia to take up the pardon application of Walker G. Hummer, convicted in Lynchburg about. four years ago of bank embezzlement ard sentenced te seven years in prison. His sentence was commuted fo four years by President Cleveland, and will expire in March. His pardon at this time will restore his citizen- ship. same dis- ———_- 2 -___ EW FRENCH AMBASSADOR. Will Be Handicapped by Inability to Speak English. The French embassy has been notified by cable that the new French ambassador, M. Cambon, sailed on the Gascogne from Havre last Saturday and will arrive in New York the latter part of this week. He will remain in New York a few days and will come to Washington the middle of next week. The presentation of'his qredentials to the President will be made the following week. The French consul general, Mr. Braewert, has been here for several days, in confer- ence with Reciprocity Commissigner Kas- son, furthering details of the reciprocity arrangement between Framce and this country. The essential points, _ however, cannot be arranged until the ambassador arrives, as he comes direct, frem Paris, where it is supposed the authorities have given him definite instructions as to how far the demands of the United States for a modification of the restrictions on Ameri- can cattle'and meat products will be con- ceded. M. Cambon is one of the first of recent ambassadors who dves not speak English, and this to some extent,will limit the freedom of his interéourse with State Department officials. j ‘Although the cenartmient is advised, there {s little hope that France.-will con- cede what 1s asked as tq.Ameriaan' cattle, in view of the recent aetign, of the chamber of deputies In passing a goverffment meas- ure to advance the dutiés on méat products. It is understood that this advance was made in order to permit a reduction to the old rates, -but there ~wH} be little dispo- sition to accept this as a sufficient conces- sion to allow France the benefit of reci- procity reductions on French brandies, ver- mouth, painting and statuary, as contem- plated by the Dingley law. ——— CALLED FOR TOMORROW. A Meeting of the House, District Com- mittee. Chairman Babcock has ealled a meeting of the House District committee for to- rrorrow morning at 10 o'clock. If a quo- rvm can be obtained it is his purpose to secure actjon upon a number of bills and get them on the House calendar for next Monday, which will be District day in the House. The bills which may be taken up in committee were named in yester- day’s Star, ——_____-«-+-____. ADMIRAL BEARDSLEE’S VIEWS. He Heartily Indorses the Letter of Col. Eagan as te Hawai Some days ago The Star published a letter from Col. Charles Eagan, assistant commissary general of subsistence, U. S. A., to Senator Morgan, under the heading, “We Need Hawaii.” This letter attracted wide attention, and among, other letters received by Col. Eagan -was one from Rear Admiral Beardslee of the United States navy, who was recently in Honolulu, in command of the United States squadron in the Pacific. Admiral Beardsiee says: “Allow me to assure you.that, baving carefully read and thoroughty considered your letter, entitled ‘We Need Hawaii,’ I most heartily indorse every line and sen- liment therein contained.¥ Se Personal Mention. Adjt. Gen. Breck resumed his duties at the War Department this’ morning, after a two weeks’ vacation in New England. Secretary Alger was ablé to sit up for a few minutes this morning, and is reported to be slightly improved. It is probdble that he will go south in a few days for a season of rest and recuperativn. Surgeon W. S. Dixon of the Brooklyn has reported at the Navy Department for tem- porary duty. He is at 1421 29th street. Paymaster J. Porter Loomis-of the Naval Academy is in the city on leave of atwence. D. C. Croissant of the junior class at Princeton spent the hi rs .with his friends here. He read an eugay wefore the last Acracadabro Club on “Ethigs,”” which received very favorable ¢riticism. Mr. Croissant returns to Princesei¥ temorrow to continue his studies. S First Lieut. C. S. Butts;.5th Infantry, ts at the Ebbitt. a Maj. L. W. Crampton of the medical de- partment is at 2102 O street.” Mr. Louis Gould of Andover College, Massachusetts, is spending.@ few days in the city, the guest of Chas, T, Walport of Capitol Hill. ia ag Dr. Marvin gshdowne Custis of 634 East Capitol street*is very {IL —____+ e+ Dinner to Minister, Loemfs. Major Heistand of the adjutant general's department will give a dinner at his resi- dence, No. 1634 8 street, this evening in honor of Mr. Loomis, American minister to Venezuela. The other guests will be As- sistant Secretary Day, Commissioner Ev- ans, Col. Bingham, Capt: Converse, Capt. Goethals and Capt. Irvine. To Piny at the Charity. Ball. ‘The acting secretafy of the navy has or- dered the Mazine Band t@play at the char- ity ball for the Besteot the Children’s Hospital on the 20th: instant. ‘This action is in accord with the long policy of the nt the use of aul the band for the tions which have from Congress. A PESSIMIST TALKS Views of a Spanish Gentleman in Havana. A GLOOMY OUTLOOK POR THE ISLAND Little Understanding as to Popular Government. AUTONOMY NOT A SUCCESS — (Copyright, 1898, by Charles M. Pepper.) Correspondence of The Evening Ster. HAVANA, January 1, 1898. Atoms in chaos count for es much as in- dividuals in the present condition of Cuban affairs. No man, no set of men, can either control or guide the influences which seem to be shaping the destiny of Spain in the Antilles. Thoge who drift with events know that at any moment they may be Swept over the rapids. Those who stand on the shore know that it is useless for them to cry out wartings. ‘The current has become a cataract. They can close their eyes if they will. Some do not choose to close their eyes. An evening passed in the home of one of these gave me a vivid im- pression of the intensity of despair that has settled over the Spanish classes in Cuba. The treasures, luxury and culture in that heise might shut out all thought of the Wretchedness of war, famine and _pesti- lence which is spread over the island. The fortunate owner has not suffered by the in- surrection which has brought ruin and pov- erty to so many others of good estate. He is so situated that he will not suffer. In his owr person he might discuss the prob- lems and the prospects of the future with cynical philosophy. But in despair there is neither cynicism nor philosophy. Commonly, the anonymous interview is not a valuable contribution to public knowledge. In present circumstances it is the only means of uncovering real senti- ment. Some persons of prominence are reaay with manufactured opinions that au- tonomy will succeed. That it is succeeding they do not say. Their views are all cast in the same mold. Tney reflect an aspiration, rather than an analysis of what is going on around them. Opinions hostile to the government policy do not find open utter- ance. The censorship prevails. ‘The regi- men of autonomy has not brought the regi- men of free speech and a free press. ‘This preface is necessary to explain why 1 do not quote by name the Spaniard whose comment on the questions of the hour is herewith recorded. It is worth stating that his support would have been welcomed by the Sagastz ministry. He has not placed himself in the attitude of an opponent, but, like other influential members of the Span- igh clasa, declares he is nut in harmony with the sew arder. His iniluence is both feared and respected. 1 may add that his means of knowing what is happening are not to be doubted. I have had occasson to test both their completeness and their ac- curacy. One Spaniard’s Views. “My home is not an insurgent camp,” said the host that evening as he handed me a cigar, ‘so you may talk autonomy if you will and I pledge that you shall go out unharmed. We may quarrel before we get through over your country and my country —‘cosas de Espana’ and ‘cosas de los Es- tados Unidos;’ but let it not be over a bone without meat. What can I tell you about autonomy?” He could tell me nothing on that subject. I knew his position beforehand, and in fair- ness would not have selected him to ex- ploit the principles of the new polftical sy: tem. So we passed quickly from autonomy fo other matters, pausing only long enough for him to pay a personal tribute to the sincerity and unselfishness of the historic autonomist leaders. I asked for a state- ment of present conditions and future pros- pects for Cuba and for Spain. “Present conditions?” said my host, re- peating my question, “‘self-deceit, individual self-deceit, national self-deceit. Do not call it duplicity. That implies it is practiced on others, and if you in the states call names we can retort in kind. We deceive our- selves and we suffer for it. They complain- ed in Spain that they were deceived while General Weyler was here. Are they better off now? We read of Sagasta and the cabi- net being occupied with the coming peace in Cuba, with the expected presentation of insurgent chiefs, with the news of improve- ment in commerce. You do not believe it beeause you are here and can see for your- self. The palace does not believe it, the army in Cuba knows it is not so, but they want to believe it in Spain and they deceive themselves. “For myself,” he continued, “I shall no longer practice self-deceit. Eight months ago I wanted the insurrection to end and I said the end would come within a year. I was wrong. Now I do not say it would have ended by May if General Weyler had remained. I do not believe it would have ended. But the insurrection has renewed itself since General Blanco came. It is not military policy to permit the enemy to strengthen himself while you are prepar- ing to disarm him by a new system of civil government. That is what has happened. In what other country could the Ruiz kill ing have occurred? He was my friend. I mourn his loss and I denounce the ingur- gents for killing him, but what kind of military authority have we which per- mitted him to go out to his death and then makes confession that he was not under flag of truce? General Weyler was cruel, Savage, remorseless, whatever you in the states please to call him, but his military pelicy was not one of imbecility.” * The suggestion that the insurrection had renewed itself was startling, and I asked for the facts on which this opinion was based. ‘What is going on in the field,” was the terse replw ‘You will not find much intel- ligence of victories by our troops in the reports. Do not misunderstand me, I must speak respectfully of Gomez and Garcia in Havana, but'I am not in serious fear of having to make them salutation. They might win a dozen battles and they would be no nearer occupying Havana than thi are today. neither the THE HAWAIIAN TREATY It Will Be Called Up in the Senate Ex- ecutive Session Monday. Supporters of the Measure Hopetfal of Getting the Necessary Sixty Votes. Serator Davis, chairman of the Senate cecmmittee on foreign relations, gave notice in the Senate today that he would call up the Hawaiian annexation treaty in execu- tive session on Monday next, and ask the Senate to consider it each @y thereafter until the treaty should be disposed of. Senator Davis’ announcement was pre- ceded by some active work on the part of the friends of the treaty prior to the open- ing of the Senate and also: on the floor after the Senate convened. While they do not feel absolutely sure of securing the sixty votes necessary to ratify the treaty, the supporters of it are today very hopeful of getting that number. It was positively announced that the republican side of the chamber would be a unit on the vote, Sen- ators Morrill, Hoar and the two or thre other republican senators who were classe: as doubtful prior to the holiday recess now being considered as committed to the treaty. The supporters of the agreement also expect to have the aid of the silver republicans, with the exception of Senator Pettigrew. The populists will be di ‘ided, and a majority of the democrats will be against ratification. The democrats have, however, given up any idea they may have bad of making the annexation ques party issue, and it is believed that this tion will have the effect of increasing the — vote on that side of the cham er. Tiere is no doubt that the situation in China is largely responsible for the im- proved prospect of the treaty, as mtny senators hold the opinion that for the United States to hesitate in this matter at the present critical time would be to manifest a serious weakness. The advocates of the treaty announce their intention to make few specches, but tkey expect stubborn resistance from Sena- tors White, Pettigrew, Gray and others. ee FIVE-YEAR TENURE. Sweeping Change Proposed in Civil Service Law. The bill to modify the civil service law, which has been drafted by a special com- mittee of republican members of the House of Representetives opposed to the sysiem in its present form, makes sweeping changes in the present system, the most important of which is the establishment of a five-year tenure of office for those government em- ployes who are brought within the terms of the bill. The measure limits the appli ion of the civil service system to the de partments In Wasiington and to such other lecalities where the total number of em- ployes exceed twenty-five. All appointees are commissicned for fi power of removal vested in the appointing power. It is pro- vided’ however, that no removal shall be made for political or religious causes, and in- case of removal the causes shall be specified and the papers made a record ot the office. All persons now in the public service are to terminate their service five years from the time that the act tak effect. The measure recognizes the general eligibility of these persons for reappointment. It in- cludes in the civil service postal clerks and letter carriers in offices having over ten employes, exclusive ef subordinates. 1t limits the civil service regulations to clerks whose compensation is from $W) to $1,400 per year and includes as clerks copyists, computers, counters and draftsmen, It is pointed out that the essential idea of the foregoing bill is to take out of the civil service all responsible and important officers, limiting it only to clerks im Wash- ington and certain large cities, and in these cases fixing a tenure of office of five yea' The members of the special committee framing the bill are well pleased with their labors, saying that the original purpése of the civil service has been retained and that its radical eapansions have been cut off. —_—_—_—_—_- oo. BRITISH SEALING CLAIMS. the and Conference at the State Department as to the Awards. Mr. Don M. Dickinson, who represented the United States goverrment as counsel before the commission which adjusted the amount of the awards to be made in the case of the British sealing vessels, which were seized in Bering sea before the adop- tion of the modus vivendi, “has arrived in Washington. At the same time his fellow counsel for the United States before the ccmmission, Messrs. Warren and Lansing, put in an appearance, and there was a cenference at the State Department today between these gentlemen and Mr. Foster respecting the conclusions arrived at by the commissicn, and the subsequent steps to be taken, to give effect to them. The fact that the commission found for the British case makes it necessary now to frame some legislation to be submitted to Congress to make the necessary appro- priations to reimburse the cwners of the seized vessels, for the awards having been made under treaty provisions, the United States is bound to pay them without fur- ther question. A report will also be made to Congress to explain the cutcome of the ccmmission’s work. —_—_-e— THE REASON WH Mr. Hepburn’s Answer to Clark’s Question. Champ Clark of Missouri was knocked out in the first round of the civil service fight in the House today. Mr. Hepburn of Iowa had the floor and made a statement which Mr. Clark challenged. “I would like to ask the gentleman from Iowa,” said Mr. Clark, “how he reaches the conclusion that everybody on the demo- Champ feratic side is in favor of the total repeal of the civil service law? “Simply because such a course would be wrong,” answered Mr. Hepburn. Mr. Clark sat down amid the laughter of his colleagues on both sides of the House. ——— PAYING BONDS IN SILVER. Senator Teller Introduces the Famous Matthews Resolution. Senator Teller of Colorado today intro- duced a concurrent resolution declaring that the bonds of the United States, princi- pal and interest, should, at the option of the government, be paid in standard silver dollars, and that such payment is not in violation of public faith or in derogation of the rights of the public or creditor. ‘The resolution was referred to the finance committee. So MAJ, BUTTERWORTH IMPROVING. Favorable Advices Received by His é Friends in This City. Mr. Benjamin Butterworth, commissioner UNION OF INTERESTS Proposed Merging of Several of the City Street Railroads, SOME OF THE CORRENT GOSSIP 1A Consolidation of All Lines a Probability of the Future. IT WILL BE CHEAPER Recently it was stated in The Star that it was proposed to ask Congress for leg- islation which would enable th Ecking- ton and Soldiers’ Home Railwa Company to acquire the Washington and Maryland road, the line of which is along Rhode Island avenve extended from east to the District line, and portion of the Columbia and Maryland railroad from the District line to Lake- land, Md. As announced at the time, the consolidated road is to have a new name. There is no change in this program, as far as known, but there is a phase of the matter which is the subject of more or less talk in local railroad circles just now. It is understood that quite nm ly @ proposition was made to Mr. O. T. Crosby, who is a member of the syndicate that now controls the road above mentioned, to in- clude ‘al other roads in this scheme of consolidation, The Railroads Included. seve The railroads mentioned were the Ana- costia road, the Brightwood rexd and the Georgetown and Tenleytown railroad, with i cross town road from the ad along L or M Georgetown a et to the ‘enieytown line of the road. It was proposed that Congress should be asked to grant authority for the building 01 such a cross-town line at ihe time per- ion wae asked to consolidate the roads, is Stated that wood r: and a certain proportion of the s new compeny to be issued in licu of the existing = stoc! The same arrangement was to be made in regard to the George- town and ‘lenieytown read, which, as is well known, is controlled by some of the capitalists owning the KEckington and al lied ds, » scheme embraced the building of the Georgetown and Tenley= town read to Rockville. Did Not Fav It is said, however, that this plan of con- solidation did not meet with the approval of those interested in the Eckir: at least not for present action, a’ the originai idea of securing from ¢ authority to substitute one corporation in pla of the three existing corporations, with a view of handling with more ease a proposed bond issue, will be carried out. it is said to pe the purpose to begin the work of instailing the underground syi tem on the Kekington road a> seon as the jinancial arrangements can ompleted, and, as already stated, it signed to have an issue of bonds cover these rail- road properties, whether the present plan’ of a single corporation is carried out or not In this connection it is stated that the election of officers of the Eckington and Soldiers’ Home road by those now controls ling the road will take place at the annual meeting, which will be held this month. Jt is said to be the purpose of Mr. John BE. Searles of New York, who is said to be the principal figure in the syndicate, to ha some local men in the organization of the Eckington reed, and that at the coming election men who are resident in this city and connected witn local interests will ba given places in the directory. About Railroad Consolidation. There is more or less gossip in circulation in regard tu the future of street railroads in this city, and on the general theory that consolidation is the order of the day, as well as for more specific reasons, the belief is very generally held in well-informed cir- ii or cles that some time in the future, more jess near, there is to be consolidation of practically all the street railroads in the city. is not ciaimed that this is necee- sarily to be accompanied by any one road buying the others, but probably will be trought about by Controlling interests be- ing secured in various rouds and @ merg- ing of such interests under one mahage- nt. mvt is claimed that this is largely the his- tory of street railroads in other that there is no reason why Washington should much longer continue to be an ex- ception. It is asserted that such a plan is im line with economy in management and, ef course, such arguments appeal to those whe are financially interested m the con> duct of the roads. Uniform Motive System, Another reason for such a change is found, by many in the fact that a uniform motive system is gradually being adopted by all the street railroads, which will, of course, facilitate the interchange of traffic between intersecting roads, and opie lan of consolidation more feasible by @p- pealing in its practical phases to the judg~ ment of investors. 7 Some interesting data is being gathered together showing the street raitroad busi~ ness of this city, both past and present, and it is said that a very favorable exhibit is being made. If such a scheme is carrie? out and practically all the street railroads cf the city come under the control of one company the capitalization represented will be the iargest-of any corporation in the District of Columbia. CONGRESS. DISTRICT Many Measures of Local Importance introduced. Mr. McMillan today introduced in the Senate the Commissioners’ bills creating & commission for the condemnation of in- sanitary buildings in the District of Co- lumbia; to vest in the Commissioners con- trol of street parking in the District; to amend “an act to amend an act entitled an act relating to tax sales and taxes in the District of Columbia; also a coo ot roved by the East Washington Citizen Rosoclation, authorizing the Cupital Trac- tion Company to extend its tracks eastward on Pennsylvania avenue from 8th street cast to the Pennsylvania avenue bridge; also bills approved by the Commissioners and introduced in the last Congress to au- thorize the reassessment of water main taxes in the District ot Columbia, and tm- posing a license tax upon itinerant musi- cians and the proprietors of merry-go- rounds in the District of Columbia. Building Lines on Mizor Streets. A bill was also introduced by Mr. McMil-