Evening Star Newspaper, January 7, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING &TAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Perteylvania Avenue, Cor. Hth 8, by the ea fer rae rarer Kew York Office, 49 Potter Building fe served to subscribers in the thelr own account, at 10 ecats er month. at the ‘By mail—apywhere in the nada— postage conte Satcrday Quintuple Sheet £tar, $1 per year, with fotelgn postage added, £3.00. (Entered a’. the Post Office at Washington, D. C., @s_seccud-class matl matter.) ©All wail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. Che Lven ~ a Star. No. 13,995. TROUBLE IS FEARED Columbus Citizens Uneasy Over the Outcome Next Monday. RIVAL FACTIONS ed TO GATHER THEN Detail of 150 Extra Police Officers Has Been Ordered. ae FEELING EXTREMELY BITTER Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. COLUMBUS, Ohio, January -—It feared that there will be trouble next Mond: when the fritnds of Senator Han- na will gather here by thousands in re- sponse to the call issued by State Chair- man Nash, and the friends of Governor Bushnell and th> anti-Hanna republicans in general will be in the city in great numbers to see the governor inaugurated for his second term. feeling is intense and the Hanna 1a factions have for the time entirely ated the line that sepa- rated the old political parties. ‘Talk of Egging Bushnell. en heard to say that they would egg Governor Bushnell if he appear- ed in an inaugural parade. Chief of Po- lice Kelle: ued orders today for 150 extra officers to be on duty on Monday along the proposed line of march. Citizens have suggested to Governor Bushnell that it would be better under the cireumstances to declare all the ceremon- tes usually attending ‘the inauguration off, and to simply take the oath of office in the rotunda of the state capitol, but his friends urge that that would be looked upon as an act of cowardice and a sur- render to Senator Hanna of the day se apart by law and custom for the celebra- ticn of the opening of a new state arl- ministration. It is probable new that the program will be carried out, but the pa- rade and all the usual demonstration will be participated in by very few. Allen 0. Myers’ Circular. The circular issued by Allen O. Myers from the democratic state committee rooms last night, in which ex-Senator Brice, ex- Mayor J. H. Farley of Cleveland, and other well-known democrats, who do not advocate free silver, are referred to as “traitors to the democratic party,” and declared to be in a deal with the Hanna Managers to elect him to the United States Senate, has stirred up the gold democrats so that the democrats are di- Vided as to the election of Senator Hanna about as the republicans are. On the gTeat question there seems to be but two parties here now, the Hanna and anti- Hanna parties. The calling of the state mass convention of republicans by Judge Nash seems to show that the Hanna managers belleve they must overwhelm the nine republicans who are still holding out against him, and drive them into line by force of numbers. ‘The anti-Hanna members are still firm. is Kurtz Plans a Coup. By Ascoclated Press. ‘OLUMBUS, Obkio, January 7—The sit- vation, so far as votes are concerned, r mains unchanged. The air of the Kurtz democra managers, in their headquar- ters at the Great Southern, gives color to the story that a sensational move of some kind may be expected to offset the call for a republican state mass meeting here next Monday. The Kurtz party hope to agree by orrow night, as reported, upon a man for senator, but the indications are for a deadlock for a short time az least. The latest phase of the is that the two fusion silver republicans of Cincinnati Will, as claimed. vote for Mr. Hanna, pro- vided they cannot get their silver republi- can choice elected senator. In that € Mr. Hanna would still need some votes. —_+—_ SIMON HOPKINS HANGED. Georgia Negro Who Killed and Rob- bed His Friend. Spectal Dispatch to The Evening Star. BAINGRIDGE, Ga., January 7.—Simon Hopkins, colcred, was hanged here at 11 o'clock today He acknowledged his guilt on the scaffold. He had inveigled a friend named Harris into a swamp on the plea that there wes a stcck trade in sight, killed him there, robbed him and threw the body into the river. He warned his hearers against being covetous for money. — INDICTED FOR GIVING PASSES. Interesting Case Against Southern Railroad in North Carolina. Special Di January 7.—Special in- meeting of the suprem court here next week. There are two in- dictments against the Southern railway for issuing pa ‘These will be the first trials in North rigid new The ie Governor Russell, United States Attorne: B. Aycock, H. L. wnt of the republican state committee nd Henry W. M . private secretary of ident Andres of the Southern rail- »vernor Russell admits having a al car will bring down a big Wash- ston party. ase soe MAJ. BUTTERWORTH MUCH BETTER Maj. Handy and Mel. Hanna Also Re- ported Improving. Ryectal Dispatch to The Evening Stat ATLANTA, Ga., January 7.—Bulletins from the bedsides of all three of Georgia's distinguished invalids this morning are most encouraging. Moses P. Handy is up and about at Augusta apd Ben Butterworth is much stronger at Thomasville. He re- ceived two callers kfast. Me after bre Hanna, brother of the senator. will be op- erated upon at noon, but the physicians are confident that he will withstand the shock. — DAVID 0. SWIRE KILLE Prominent § Philndelphin Merchant Struck by Railroad Train. PHILADELPHIA, January 7.—David O. Swire, a prominent carpet manufacturer, of the firm of Swire & Scott, was killed last night by being struck by a Philadelphia end Reading railway train. His body was terribly mangled. Mr. Swire attempted to cross in front of an approaching train. He Was about fifty-one years of age. a PLENTY OF MEAT AT $1 A POUND. Placer Dirt Almost as Expensive as Food at Dawson. VANCOUVER, B. C., January 7.—J. A. McRae of this city has received a letter from his brother, Archie McRae, at Daw- son City, in which he stated that he re- fused $1,300 for 200 pounds of supplies. Flour will probebly be scarce before spring. but fresh meat 1s plentiful, at $1 per pound. He reports that claims worth working are selling for $5,000 for twenty square feet. In one day three men shoveled into sluice boxes off a claim on Bonanza creek $20,000. THE NAVAL ENGINEERS Annual Meeting of American Society at Columbian University. Themes of the Papers Read—Award of Prise and Medal—Elec- tion of Officers, The annual meeting of the American So- ciety of Naval Engineers was continued today, beginning at 2 o'clock, at the Co- lumbian University. Chief Engineer Web- ster was elected chairman. The report of the council on the award for prize papers was read. The prize end medal for the best paper by a member of the society were given to Passed Assistant Enginecr W. W. White. His theme was “Steam Co; mpiion of the Main and Auxiliary Machinery on the U. S. S. Minneapolis.”” Mr. White was called to the platform and read bis paper. Other papers by members of the society were as follow “American Steam Yachts,” by Irving Cox, New York; “Trials of the Niclausse Safety Water Tube Boiler,” by Jay M. Whitham, Philadelpiia; “The Submarine Boat Plunger,” py J. Alvah Scott, Balti- more; i Testing With Various Fuels,” by id P. Jones, Chicago; “‘En- tropy and ‘Temperature—Entropy’ Dia- " by Prof. W. F. Durand, Ithaca, “Speed of Construction, a Vital Factor in Naval Strength,” by Frank B. King, Washington, D. “The Status of Boards on Changes as Usually Constituted Under the Contracts for the Construction cf Our New Navy,” by W.W. Varney, Balti- bere, Md.; “Propulsive Power,” by James N. Warrington. Chicago; “The Diesel Mo- " by E. D. Meier, St. Louis; * er Tube Boilers,” by Darwin Almy, Provi- dence, R. 1. The Annual Election. A meeting will be held tonight at 8 o'clock in the office of the chief engineer ef the Navy Department for the annual election of officers. The present officers of the association are: Chief Engineer David Smith, U. S. N., president; Passed Assistant Ergincer F. C. Pieg, U.'S. secretary and treasurer. Besides these, the members cf the council censist of Chief Engineer A. B. Canaga, U. S. N., and Passed Assistant Engineers H. P. Norion and E. Theiss. Tomorrow morning the delegates to the annual meeting, who number about fifty, coming from all over the country, with the ladies accompanying them, will inspect the gun shops at the navy yard. They will also visit the Congressional Library. An afternoon session will be held tomor- row at 2 o'clock at the Columbian Univer- to read the papers which were not ‘d at the session this afternoon. ers = RULES OF THE HOUSE. Consideration of Changes by the Re- publican Leaders. The new code of rules for the House of Representatives has been under considera- tion by Speaker Reed and his republican associates of the rules committee during the holiday recess. It is substantially the me as the present code, no vital features being changed and the modifications being directed main toward the simplification and more orderly keeping of the records of bills and legislation in general. The rules will probably be reported to the House as soon as there {is a luil in the debate on appropriation bills, it being the purpose to huve the new rules adopted be- fore proceeding to the bankruptcy bill and other general legislation. Representative Bailey of Texas says that the new code will not go through the House without full discussion on the democratic side, and an exposure of all weak features. This promises to bring on a renewal of the discussion of the system of conducting bus- iness in the House, and republican ieaders are preparing to defend the system as the one t calculated to secure the orderly transaction of public business. ° Personal Mention. First Lieutenant H. L. Roberts of the 19th Infantry has registered at the War De- partment. He is at the Ebbitt. Lieut. Chas. W. Castle, 16th Infantry, U.S.A., instructor of mathematics at the Military Academy, West Point, is spending a few days at the home of his father, Capt. Henry A. Castle, 1745 Q street. Mr. Henry Hobart Brown of Philadelphia has been spending a few days with his sis- ter, Mrs. Louis Belrose of No. 6 Dupont circle. Benjamin F. Hosford, who had many friends in this city, died in Cambridge, Mass., Tuesday, after a long and painful illness. Assistant Secretary Roosevelt will leave this afiernoon for New York to attend the anrual dinner of the Boone and Crockett Club, of which he is president. Mr. William D. Ray of Seattle, Wash., is visiting his father, Mr. D. A. Ray, at 1 Roanoke street northwest. He ex- pects to go to Dawson City in May. Second Lieutenant J W. Barber, 3d In- fantry, is in the city on leave. Ceptain W. Stanton, 6th Cavalry, is at the Ebbitt. Second Lieutenant Charles W. Castle, 16th Infantry, was at the War Depart- ment today. He is at 1745 Q street. First Lieutenant S. F. Massey, retired, is @t_the Elsmere. First Lieutenant W. K. Wright, 16th In- fantry, is in the city on leave. He is at the Ebbitt. Colenel G. M. Brayton, retired, registered at the War Department today. He is at the Colonial. Chief Engineer D. P. Jones of the navy is at the Shoreham. Lieutenant Edward F. Qualtrough of the Terror, registered at the Navy Depart- ment today. He is at the Army and Navy Club. H. E. Anderson and wife of Richmond, Va., are at the Raleigh. Lieutenant G. H. Peters, U. S. N., has re- turned from a three years’ cruise, and is at his home, 1254 Columbia road. — THE DISTRICT BILL. Work on the Measure to Begin Next Week. Tae subcommittee of the House commit- tee on apropriations having charge of the District appropriation bill will probably commence work on that measure next Tuesday. Representative Grout, the chair- man of the subcommittee, reached the city yesterday, and after a conference with his colleagues has concluded that the commit- tee may be able to go to work on the date mentioned. ———__-e For Civil Service Commissioner. Senators Burrows and McMillan of Michi- gan have had several conferences with the It is said to be the intention of the President to appoint ex- President recéntly. Representative Mark S. Brewer of Michi- gan to a place on the civil service com mission. Mr. Brewer is now in the city. He is a personal friend of the President, and the latter is sald to haye told Mr. Brewer some time ago that he could have Commissioner Rice is said to be the man who will be a position if he wanted it. succeeded by Mr. Brewer. ——_——_-_e—____ ‘The Final U. P. Payment. The final payment of $8,538,401 from the Union Pacific reorganization committee was covered-into the treasury today, mak- ing a grand total of $58,448,223 paid for the government's interest in the Union Pacific MANY FORGERIES Extensive Frauds in Money Orders Have Been Discovered. AUDITOR CASTLE’S NEW SYSTEM It Brought to Light the Defects of Former Practice. THE LOSS NOT KNOWN ee A startling discovery has just been made by Auditor Henry A. Castle of the Post Office Department involving extensive forgerfes in money orders, and the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars to the government. * The discovery was made in a peculiar way, and was only possible after a change had been effected in the system of auditing money orders. There is no means of ar- riving even at an approximate estimate of the losses the government has sustained, but Auditor Castle thinks perhaps it will reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, Checking, by Coupon. Under the so-called Dockery system, which reorganized the departmental service three years ago, the system of checking money orders in the office of the auditor of the Post Office Department was materi- ally changed. This was an incident to the bill, although required only by implication. Mr. Dockery disclaims any intention of forcing this change, but it was neverthe- less made, and for more than three years the money order accounts of the issuing postmasters have been audited by the stubs or coupons, and not by the money orders themselves, as had previously been done. In other words, the postmaster who issued the money order sent in with his dail weekly or monthly report of money orders sold what purported to be the coupon cut from each order, which coupon was sup- posed to represent, by the process of cut- ting, the exact amount of the order from which it had been detached. If the post- master’s account corresponded in each item with this coupon, his account was assumed to be correct, was audited and then closed. The mone: itself was never checked by the issuing postmaster’s return only used as a voucher for the paying te ‘The object of coupon instead of the money order to check by was to ex- pedite the settlement of postmasters’ ac- counts. The coupon cime in with the re- port, could be immediately cheeked up and verified. if correct the report) was ap- proved; if incorrect the correction could be made without any delay; whereas, if the account must remain open until the money order could be compared with it, much time must necessarily elapse, as the money orders go te all parts of the country, and weeks or months elapse before they can be gathered in by the auditor's office, checked up with the paying postmaster’s account then assorted to the issuing postmaster, und compared with his report. Possible Ways to Defraud Fresh from his duties as postmaster at St. Paul, Capt. Henry A. Castle assumed contrel of the office of auditor last June. One of the first things he did.was to ac- quaint himself with the system of auditing post office accocunts. Being familiar with the workings of a large post office, do un- derstanding the tem of issuing money orders, he found upon examining the meth- eds of auditing what he believed to be glaring defects, defects which made it po: sible for dishonest postmasters to rob the soverament out of thousands of dollars. Shortly after the appointment of Deputy Auditor Lawshe, who, by the way, had al- so served a term as postmaster in Indiana, Auditor Castle charged him with the spe- cial duty of investigating the methods in yogue, in order to discover all their defects. In conjunction with Mr. Bishop, chief of the inspecting division, now chief clerk of the auditor's office, Mr. Lawshe discovered and poinied out nine possible ways in vhich the government could be defrauded under the prevailing system. In some of these cases collusion between two post- masters was necessary. In others collusion letween postmasters and clerks in the au- ditor’s office was necessary, but still others could be worked by postmasters alone, or by office clerks alone. It was agreed that a system so radically defective could not he longer tolerated, agd in November Au- ditor Castle arranged to commence the new year by a new system of auditing, which, im his opinion, would cover all defects. One of the most important reforms de- cided upen was the abolishment of the coupor, entirely and check both sides of every postmaster’s account by the money order itself. This involved much additional labor and considerable delay. but is be- lieved to be the only absolutely safe and correct’ method. Errors Discovered. There was nothing said of the proposed reforms. The postmasters throughout the country were not notified. If frauds ex- isted the new system would develop them. Last Monday the new system was put into operation, and the first day’s experience fully demonstrated its necessity. Several cases were detected in which orders had been issued for large amounts, such as $8u or $100 each, which had been reported by the issuing postmaster at one or two dollars each. When the reports came in three months ago, they were accompanied by coupons cut to represent the amount reported. The reports had been checked up by the coupons; everything appeared regular; the accounts had been found cor- rect and closed. In some cases discovered the pestmasters had gone out of the serv- ice and had made their final settlements with the government. Under the system which prevailed down to December 31 last these errors w2re not and could not have been discovered. With the inauguration of the new system numerous errors or frauds have already been discovered, showing conclusively that ¢ome dishonest postmas- ters had either learned of the defective auditing and practice here and took ad- Yantage of it or simply took a chance, and, finding it operated, continued their pecula- tionss How many of these frauds have been perpetrated during the three years in which the coupon system of auditing was in vogue can only be guessed at. Each day since Monday has brought to lght new developments. If these continue in anything like the present ratio Auditor Castle will probably find it necessary to go back over the entire three years, check nearly one hundred million separate money orders by the issuing postmaster reports, reopen the accounts of several thousand pia Gerriaetaoas and have a finally correct audit. A Big Work Possible. The department officials hope this will not be necessary, as it involves an immense amount af labor. The means, however, are at hand for doing the work, provided enougr force can be secured, and Auditor Castle, at a rough estimate, says he be- Heves 100 men can do the work in a year. There are 500,000,000 post office orders at hand, covering a period of seven but the investigaticn would not go. all of them, but be limited to the three years, when the coupon system was in- avgurated. There ar issued each day 80,000 post office orders, or a total of 26,- ure audited, are basement the Post Office Department, where are retained for seven years. Consequently ‘every money order issued and paid in the WASHINGTON, D. ©. FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 1898-SIXTEEN 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. The Star is the recognized household and family journal of the National Capital, and has no rival as an advertising med- ium. Urited States during-the past seven years is still accessible. The coupons were not preserved. There.is no law requiring it, and the accumulation would have be2n be- yond the capacity of t%e office to store. The net result of the whole matter is that the system prevalent for more than three years has been absolutely discredited and abandoned. How: much: the govern- ment has lost through the lax system will never be known unless the work of re- checking during the whole period that it has been in operation=shall be taken up and carried through. As stated above, this will necessitate the employment of a hundred addittonal “clerks, but it is he- lieved the expense will be fully justified since there is little doubt that extensive frauds will be discovered and dishonest pestmasters brought to justice. A Great Sensation. The developments thus far have created a great sensation in the inner circles of the Pest OMce and Treasury Departments. Other reasons have already dictated to tho Postmaster General the probable necessity in the change of form of money orders. As the coupon is now abandoned for checking purposes, and {s entirely worthless for any other purpose, the new form of money or- der will doubtless drop it entirely, and will, perhaps, have other improvements in the Une of simplicity and conyenience. This change in the methods of checkirg money order accounts has devolved much increas2d labor on the three money order divisions of the auditor’s office, and the 300 clerks who are employed are being taxed to their utmost cupacity. If there are in- efficient clerks, it is understood this will test them and result in their speedy re- moval. It was probably in anticipation of this additional burden that the auditor commenced the use of time clocks. These clocks unerringly measure punctuality in attendance. They have been in use five days, and the auditor is il pleased with the result. This morning the record shows that not a single clerk in the three divisiors where they are in use was a moment behind time in reporting for dut. SCHAEFER MADE SPEAKER Maryland House Organized by Democrats and Republican Bolters, Rumor That This Will Result in the Re-Election of Gorman— Shaw's Claims, Special Dispatch to The Egening Star. STAT HOUSE, ANNAPOLIS, Ma, January 7.—The house of delegates today was organized by the election of Louis Schgefer of Baltimore clty as speaker by a voie of 33 against 87 in-favor of Oscar Quinian. democrats all voted’ fer Mr. Schaefer, who was the candidate of the eleven boit- ing members from Baltimore city. The eal was engineered by Chairman Murray ndiver of the demogratic state commit- tee and other democratic leaders who are followers of Senator Gorman. Mr. Getid With@rew. Sefore the election ef Mr. Schaefer, Mr. Gould of Montgomery wilhatew from the fight and placed in wemination Mr. Oscar Quinlan of Baltimoré city. The followers of Mr. Gould then’ votedar Mr. Quinlan. The close of the contest ,hag-e&used inuch bitterness Im the ranks of tho republican majority, and‘Yheé‘tiction of the leaders of the bulters is seyerely condemfied. The extent of the deal with the democrats has not been made public, and some peop!e contend that it extends so far as the re- election of Senator Gorman. The bolters deny this, but admit that the deal does include the defeat of Judge Me- Comas and a total change in the legislative program in other respects. As a result, the McComas people are very few, und the advocates of Maj. Shaw are correspondingly jubilant. The latter have won the first victory and claim that they wit win Gorman’s seat for their candi- jate. Democrats Take the Lead. The democratic members are taking the lead in everything, and the belief here is very general that the Gorman-Malster com- bine will run the hoyse’ and use all its power to carry out the program outlined. The demoralization of the anti-Malster peo- ple here see.ns only equated by their dis- gust at the action of their colleagues in combining with the Gorman democrats. It even went so far as to be shown in the action when Mr. Schactfer’s election was made unanimous, according to the usual custom, although the objections made at first were afterward withdrawn. In the senate today President Randall appointed his committges, Both houses will adjourn this evening ,ta meet again ‘Cues- day next. a WANTS WAGES RESTORED. Mr. Bland Appeals for Workmen at Gosport Navy Yard. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. RICHMOND, Va., January 7.—Delegate Charles T. Bland of Portsmouth today wrote to Secretary of the Navy Long pro- testing against the recent reduction in the wages of the workmen employed in the Gosport navy yard at Portsmouth. + ‘The letter calls attention’ to the fact that discrimination is made in favor of work- men at the Brooklyn navy yard, though the navy records bear out the assertion that the workmen at the Gosport yard ex- cel in skill and cheapness of wages those employed in other yards of the govern- ment. Mr. Bland asks why the work of re- trenchment and reform should begin at the bottom of the ladder, while the expenses at the top are so heavy. He closes with a re- quest to the Secretary that the wages of the men be restored to the rates that pre- vailed previous to the reduction. ——-— STEAMER LEPANTO SUNK. Collided With British . Steamer in Thick Feg—Grew gaved. LONDON, January 7.—The;British steam- er Knight of St. George, Captain Bevis, passed St. Catherine’s Point, Isle of Wight, this morning bound from Hail for Cardiff, and signaled that she gad been in collision with the Wilson line staamer Lepanto, Cap- tain Dearpark,from Bogton Qecember 24 for Hull, during a thick-fogy TheLepanto sank, but not before all ongboand were saved. The Knight of St. Geprge yhad her bows damaged. : The Lepanto was an.{ro1 yn. Wessel, built at Hull 1877. She had a goss registered tonnage of 2,271 tons, and~was 305 feet long, 36.2 feet beam Ofrg-26 feet deep. fi saa COLORADO POFULISTS PROTEST. Declare the Meeting Called at St. Louis January 12 Illegal. DENVER, Col., January 7.—The state ex- ecutive committee of the populist party of Colorado at a 5) meeting’ adopted a resolution to the with the leading populls' they are of the Measures Considered by the Senate District Committee. COMPLETING THE AQUEDUCT TUNNEL Favorable Report Ordered on the Bill. OTHER MATTERS DISPOSED OF The Senate committee on the District of Columbia met today and took action on a rumber of measures befcre it. There were present Senators McMillan, chairman; Gal- linger, Proctor, Pritchard, Baker, Martin, Bacou and Kenney. Hours of Policemen. An adverse report was authorized on Senate bill 469 to regulate the service and fix the hours of labor for persons employed as policemen in the District of Columbia. This bill was adversely reported on by the Commissioners, and the committee de- cided to report it adversely because it was belleved it would seriously interfere with the discipline of the police force. Sale of Poisons. An adverse report was also authorized on Senate bill 470 to regulate the sale of poisons in the District of Columbia. This bill was introduced in the Senate last March by Mr. Gallinger, and favorably peried irom the committee by him last May. There were many protests against it, however, and it was recommitted to the District committee. While in a general ay the committee favors ufe purposes of this measure, some of provisions locked upon as tending to defeat th jects of the bill. is that all poisons sha : sol cornere bottles, but it was shown several proprietary compounds are dis. rensed in bottles of that shape. Other Je- talls of the bill are also objectionable. Washington Cooling Company. The bill to incorporate the Washington Cooling Company and to grant it right to lay pipes for distribution of materials for refrigerating purposes was also adve reported, this bill ing been adversely reported by Commissioners. Completing the Tunnel. A favorable report was ordered on Sen- ate bill 918,.to authorize the completion of the Washington aqueduct vunnel. Glen Echo Road Right of Way. The bill authorizing the Waskington and eI D ilw: Company to obtain a right of way and construct tracks in the District GW) fect was favorably reported. Returning to Reform School. An adverse report was ordered on Senate bill 2105, authorizing the restoration to the reform school of boys who have been dis- charged on probation. The Commissioners had made an adverse report on this meas- ure, and the committee approved that ac- tion because it was considered the reform school for boys have power to accomplish the purpose they seek through the inter- vention of the board of children’s guardi- ans, as is now done by the girls’ school. reform Incorporating Columbian College. Senate bill 2323, being supplemental to the act of February 9, Columbian Colle 1821, incorporating the e in the District of Co- lumbla, was acted on faverably and wili be So reported. Under this act the name of the Columbian College will be so changed as to indicate that it is under contrel of ihe Baptist denomination. Widening Aqueduct Bridge. An adverse report was ordered on Sen- ate bill 2401 to provide for widening the Aqueduct bridge and laying thereon a single track street railway. The Secretary of War hr reported that this bridge is in such bad condition that it would be a waste of money to make any idition to it, and that an entirely new brid should be construci- ed in its place, making provision for street railway tracks. The committee ordered a favorable report on the nomination of Oliver P. Johnson to be a justice of the peace. Ground Map of the United States. The committee also ordered that Senate resolution 4 be reported back to the Sen- ate with the recommendation that it be referred to the committee on public build- ings and grounds. This resolution provides for the appointment of a commission to report upon the practicability of establish- ing near this city a ground map of the United States, being the project of Senator Cannon.. The committee considered it did not have jurisdiction in this matter. JAPANESE SAILORS SAVED. ° Three Rescued by the Crew of the : Cruiser Boston. ‘That warstips can save life, as well as destroy it, is shown by a recent event in the career of the cruiser Boston, attached to the Chinese station. Correspondence was received at the State Department to- day telling the story of the rescue of three Japanese sailors from a watery grave by the crew of the Boston, The governor of Oita-ken made the fol- lowing report of the affal “On the 20th of July last, while Unohu- Maru, a Japanese junk, was in the most perilous condition in the strong gale and heavy seas about five sea miles off Kaza- moto-Mirato, in the Island of Iki, her crew observed a large ship coming toward them. Seeing the immirent danger they tried hard to avoid the collision, but in vain} the junk instantly struck that large ship. Her mast was broken and her hull sustained a great damage. Then the large ship stopped and told them to come on beard. As soon as they got on board the junk went down. That large ship was found toebe the United States man-of-war Boston, which, efter having rescued Shudo Yasokichi and his two sons, Le., the crew of the Unoku-Maru, treated them very kindly on board and delivered them to the imperial Japanese consul at Cheefoo, China, where she arrived on the Gth of August. Thus they were enabled to get to their homes safely.’ In forwarding this report, Baron Nissi, Japarese minister for foreign affairs, says to United States Minister Bucl t is entirely due to the benevolence and kind treatment of the captain of the Boston that Shudo Yasokichi and his two sons were saved at the point of imminent danger, and consequently I request your excellency to be good enough to convey to the captain of the Boston the expression of high appreciation and sincére thanks for his benevolent act. eee SUICIDE OF PROMINENT WOMAN, Mrs. Hope Johnson Hangs Herself ~ With a Clothesline. BRIDGETON, N. J., January 7.—Mrs. Hope L. Johnson, aged thirty-nine years, wife of Lewis S. Johnson, a prominent merchant, committed suicide this morning by hanging herself with a clothesline in the cellar of her house. commit. auicite ‘ky poisoning: Tt is bee su! le = Meved she-killed herself while imsane. She leaves three young Bondholders Said to Be Dissatisfied With Beveiver’s Management, Whateis Thought Will Be the Out- come of Mr. Schoepf's Petition to the Court. There will be a meeting this afternoon of the committee of the bondholders of the Belt railroad for the purpose of consider- ing what action, if any, should be taken in view of the petition filed yesterday by Mr. Schoepf, the receiver of the road, asking Instructions from the court if he should cortinue to operate the road. It ts stated in the petition that there seems to be no Prospect of making the road earn expenses under the most practical schedule. A hear- ing on the petition will be given by Judge Cox tomorrow morning. It is not known, of course, what action will be taken by the bondhoiders, but it is stated that there is considerable dissatis- faction among them in regard to the man- agement of the road by the receiver, It is Pointed out in this connection that when the receiver informed the court that the expenditures of the road exceeded the re- ceipts, he said at that time there was some two hundred horses in the stalle which were lame and sick and could not be used, but that the expense of their maintenance must be borne. A Contrast Made. It was also pointed out that the road was being run on an elaborate schedule, which required the use of a large number of cars, and that they were being run over the en- t're route. It was said then the road was going behind at the rate of $60 per day. Now it is claimed that since tie order of the court granting reiief by allowing the of ihe useless norses and directing a ul change in the service of the road S$ to briag down ihe expenses, according to the report of the receiver, the road is running behind to t at of $90 per day. It is thought by the bondholders that these figares show there is some defect in the management, and it 1s not at all uniike- ly the attention of the court will be called to the matter, and the result may be, it is said, that another receiver for the road may be appointed. About the Receiver. As an appeal has been taken by certain creditors of the road from the recent de- elsion cf the court, directing the sale of the read, and as that appeal 1s to be con- sidered by the Court of Appeals of the Dis- trict, it is thought that there will be a de- lay in the proceedings for at least sixty days, if not longer. It is not thought that the court tomerrow will direct the suspension of the operation of the road, but t a new receiver i appointed, and if it is found necessary make provision for current expenses u an economical management, that authority will be given for the issue of receiver's cer- Uficates. Although the Eelt road is included with the other radiread properttes, which. accord- ing to a bill recently introduced in Co! gre are to be consolidated with the ington and Soldie: Home railroad, not thought that those in control of thes properties intend to interfere for the pres- ent, at least, in the affairs of the Belt read so as to put a stop to the legal proceed- ings. It is, of course, possible at any time that those owning a controlling Interest in the stock may step forward und pay the accrued interest on the bonds and take rge of the road, but it ts not believed that their plans in regard to that read are at present perfected. a TELEPHONE RATES. Representative Powers’ B Them in the District. Mr. Powers of Vermont introduced a bill in the House teda by request providing that after July 1, 15 the telephone rates in the District of Columbia shall be per year for private telephones and $35 a year for telephones in business houses. Mr. Curtis of Iowa, by request, intro d da bill in the House today authoriz- ing the District Commissioners to esta’ lish building lines cn all streets less than eighty feet In width. Mr. Jenkins of Wisconsin introduced a bill in the House today making it unlawful for the reform school or any other govern- ment stitutio: in the District to sell Paper boxes unless the same are iabeled with the name of the irstitution where they are made. ————— MANY REFORMS DESIRED. Fix Proposed Amendment of the Customs Adminisiration Law. The ways and means committee will give early attention to the customs adminstra- tion law, with a view to presenting a bill embodying numerous reforms. The present law went into effect with the McKinley tariff law, and the recent Dingley tariff law, while revising tariff rates, did not go into the question of administering the tariff laws. It is felt to be desirable, however, to change the law in many respects, the chief change being to prevent frauds on the treasury by undervaluation of goods, A commission, headed by ex-Secretary Fairchild, has recommended numerous changes to this end, and several bills have been framed. The government board of appraisers has found much difficulty in getting at the real value of certain lines of goods, particularly ‘when thcy have been consigned in bulk to an agent in this coun- try without a sale by which the value could be judged. Another difficulty has arisen out of the practice of some American houses in buy ing the whole output of a foreign factory, for a lump sum, making it difficult to fix the price at which each individual article is purchased. Among the changes suggested is that goods shall be invoiced in the money of the country from which they come. At present merchandise purchased in France or Ger- many may be invoiced in Austrian florins, althouch the value of the latter Is rela- tively less than the proclaimed value of the Gruman marx or the French france. An- other suggested change is that compelling persons in forcign countries to swear be- fore a local magistrate to the reguiarity of the valuation placed on goods shipped to this country. At present this oath fs taken before a United States consul, which amounts to nothing, as the consul has no legal right to administer oaths abroad, and those making false oaths cannot be prose- cuted. Another important change contem- plated is that adding increased duty for undervaluation. At present no extra duty is assessed when the undervaluation is be- low 10 per cent. There is said to be an inducement to fraud up to the amount of 10 per cent, so that it is proposed to make the penalty apply to any undervaluation whatever. An endeavor will be made also te break up the practice which now pre- vails of allowing custom house brokers to administer oaths to their own clients. There are also many amendments to per- fect the practice before the board of ap- praisers, appeals, &c. See Contract for Small Arms. The Navy Department has contracted with the Winchester Company for 5,000 ad- ditional small arms of the new caliber for the use of the navy and marine corps. About 10,000 of these rifles have been ready delivered to the government, and, with the new lot contracted for, there will be sufficient on hand to Murderer of Blanche Lamont Has Expiated His Orime. DIED PROTESTING HIS INNOCENCE naa Supreme Court at the Last Re- fused to Interfere. pias WAS PAINLESS Sea DEATH SAN QUENTIN PRISON, January 7.— Theodore Durrant was executed at 10:37 o'clock this mcrning in the state pente tentiary, He ascended the scaffold calmly, following Father Lagan, who administered to his spiritual wants, he having been baptized into the Catholic faith earlier in the day. Me made a brief speech in quiet tones, asserting his innocence and forgiv- T. Durrant. ing those who had persecuted him, mene tioning especially the press of San Fran- cisco. His last words were: “I am inno- cent.” His death appeared to be painless. After the drop Durrant did not siruggie In fifteen minutes he was cut down. The neck was broken by the fall. At 10:25 a.m. the gates of the prison had closed on the last man avno could witness the hanging. The crowd had gathered in the cold bare room adjoining the place of execution, but not until nearly 10:0 sharp did the iron doors that separated the scaf- fold from the larger apartment swing to admit the visitors, Ceremony W Simple. The ceremony was very simple. The au- dience had no sooner centered the room than a silence fell tipon the gathering. The door of the condemned cell clanked, and in-a fraction of a minute thereafier Warden Hale entered, closely followed by Father Lagan and the prisoner, led between two guards. The priest stepped aside, and Dur- rant, in a voice emotionless and apparently unaffecied, made a short speech. The: Was no sincerity in the man’s words. They were cold and passionless. ‘There Was no scene at the galiows. Mrs. Durrant did not witness the execution. She remained in a room in the lower part of. the prison, and showed unmistakable signs of grief, tempered with a dogged desire to create the impression that she was too proud to weep. Prisoner Dressed With Care. The morning of Theodore Durrant’s last day broke with a cl less sky. The pr ener retired at midnight and by 1 o'clock Was sound asleep. He reste: y all right, not disturbing the deca’ teh in any way. At 6:15 a.m. he awoke, and bid- ding the guards good morning, dressed him- self in a neat suit of black, provided for the execution. No collar and necktie were pro- vided, as they would have to be remo’ When the se was placed around } neck. Durrant noticed the om’ and at his request Capt. EB i the miss- of attire sent up to him. Dur- nt also remarked that the socks sent him were a little light in color, and the oblig- ing captain procured a pair of darker shade. “You never saw a cooler man,” said Capt. Edgar. “He is calmer than you or 1; not the least bit nervous. There is no danger that he wil] weaken. He has nerve and ts determined to dle bravely.” How tbe Night Was Passed. With eyes riveted on Washington, figura- tively speaking, the father and mother of Theodore Durrant spent the night in a lit- tle inn outside the prison walls, while their son made a desperate effort to so calm his nerves that he might spend in sleep the most of hi8 remaining hours. Hoping against hope, demanding miracles from the slight difference in time between Washing- ton and California, expecting some phe- nomenal action on the part of the justices of the Supreme Court of the United States when they should take their seats at noon on the day set for the execution of the “criminal of the century,” the unhappy trio spent the night mately climbing the he-ghts of sanguine hope and then plunged into the deepest abvsses of despair. With the consciousness that it would, in- deed, be an unexpected happening which Would again clog the wheels of retributive justice, the prison cfficials also anxiously awaited a click of the wire from Washing- ton. Every other avenue of escape and delay finally effectually closed, ail waited with nervous anticipation the final appeal of Attorney Boardman of counse! for Dur- rant before the United States justices for a writ of prohibition or habeas corpus. Death Watch Vigilant. The pmsoner’s every breath followed by six watchful eyes, never for a moment withdrawn. The vigilance of the death watch increased with the passing of every day and hour. Always fearful of an at- tempt at suicide in the case of the con- demned prisoner, they have been_trebly cautious in their espionage since Durrant was committed to their keeping. His train- ing in a medical college, where his tavorite study was anatomy, has so qualified him for facility in self-destruction that his prison guardians were apprehensive of his slightest mov Durrant’s guards had a precise and ab- sclute knowledge of how he might commit suicide. The most innocent-looking pencil Was not allowed to get near his face, lest with his knowledge of anatomy he migat jab it through his eye into his brain. The guards were ready for poisoned leaves, for everything, and when yesterday the num- ber of his watchers was increased from two to three Durrant would, indeed, have had difficulty in making the slightest move which could not be promptly stopped. But Durrant, apparently, had no thought He passed his waking hours in