Evening Star Newspaper, January 15, 1898, Page 1

—————— THE EVENING &TAR. ee ee PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDiNGS, J1€1 Ferzsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th 8t., b7 SEE SeeeumiaeE Se Kew York Offce, 49 Potter Buildin;, ‘The Evening Star ts served to subscribers tn the eity by carriers. on their own account, at 10 ecats per wee les at the counter where in the ¢ month. energy Quine eign postage (Entered the es second. ‘All Steet Etar, $1 per year, with Post Office at Washington. D. C.,. ses matl matter.) il subscriptions must be paid in advance, Rates of advertising made Foown on application. Che Loer bs * Star. No. 14,002. WASHINGTON, D. C., SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 1898-TWENTY-FOUR PAGES TWO CEN TN ———_____., The regular permanent family circulation of The Evening Star is more than double that of any other paper in Washington, whether published in the morn- ing or in the afternoon. As a medium for unobjec- tionable advertisements it there- fore stands unequaled and un- approachable QUIET AT HAVANA Few Persons on the Streets and No Violence. —— NO DEMONSTRATION BY A MOB Reassuring Advices Received by the Spanish Minister. MARBLEHEAD THE SAILS Up to noon today the State Department had received no advices under today’s date from Censul General Lee at Havana. Late last night Gen. Lee sent a dispatch saying that everything was quiet and that the theaters and places of amusement were open. There were no signs of agitation over the situation in Havana at the State or Navy Department today. The only news that had been received from Consul General Lee went to confirm the reports from other sources. The Navy Department had news of the sailing from Key West for Navassa last night of the cruiser Marblehead. This was in pursuance of orders given more than a Week ago, and corroborates the statement given out at the Navy Department to the effect that there had been no chauges made in the orders to our warships en account of the Havana riot. Otherwise it woull scarcely be expected that the Marblehead should be allowed to depart fo port more remote from Havana than K - The Marblehead is expected to be absent about a week, making an investigation into the allegation ihat the laborers on Navassa Is- land ‘e been inhumanly treated by their superintendents. Secretary Long received a telegram this afternoon from Admiral Sicard, command- ing the North Atlantic skuadron, at Hamp- ten Roads, saying that owing to bad weather the departure of the squadron for Ficrida has been postponed until tomorrow mecrning. The squadron consists of the New York, lowa, Indiana, Massachusetts and Texas. it is learned that Consul General Lee has been instructed to communicate direct with Captain Sigsbee, commanding the battle ship Maine at Key West, in case of serious trouble at Havana in order that that vessel may proceed to his assistance with the least pessible delay. The situation remains calm in the Span- Ish capital, however, as is shown in a cable message received by Secretary Sher- man from Consul Gen. Lee about noon to- ly, “Everything tran- The Spanish Minister's Advices, The offictal advices from Havana receiv- €d by the Spanish minister, Mr. Dupuy De Leme, continue to be reassuring. A dis- petch sent at 8 o'clock last evening said that the city was perfectly quiet. Ariother dispatch, sent shortly after midnight, and received early this morning, stated that a few people gathered in the public park about 10 o'clock last night. There was no demonstration, and under ordinary circum- stances no attention would have been given to it, as the park fs the central public point of Havana. ‘As a matter of precaution, however, tre patrol of soldiers on duty ask- ed the peopie to move away, and this they jid without demonsiration or the exercis ny force. By 12 o'clock the troops were back in their quarter: As no further advices were received up t» noon today it is taken for granted by Senor be Lome that the Havana author- itics have no apprehension and that the situation is quiet. No surprise wouid be fcit, however, if there were sporadic gath- erings of groups in a city of Havana's size, particularly Sunday, when the stree usually filled with those otherwise « during the week. ‘This customary outpouring of the people Goubtless will occur tomorrow, and it may an incentive for the congregating but it is said this should not be into a popular demonstra- it will be the ¢ that more than a few vi oceurs. asion of anything seven if that much Senor Govin’s Arrival. Today Senor Govin, a member of the autonomous cabinet arrives at Havana, and this, also, it is said, may serve as a text for some ‘“‘vivas’ by the ultras. Go- vin has been at Atlanta, Ga., since the au- tenomous cabinet was formed. He is re- garded as the strongest man of that body, and for that reason his appointment h excited intense hostility among the in- surgents and their friends. It led to a movement to insult him personally as he passéd through Tampa, according to in- formation submitied to the §, . This led Senor Govin to . Making a sea trip by r York. He i from there last Saturday, und is due In view element opportunity him. PUTS WORK BEHIND. Increase of Force in the fee Necded Patent Of- The assistant commissioner of patents is vrsing with all his energy an increase in the working force of his office. He points cut that the business interests of the coun- try are suffering because of the sinall force n has put the office between two and months behind in its work. Just at this time congressmen are mak- ing many demands upon the office to have certain applications made special. There is a rule which forbids this, unless the re- avest comes from the head of one of the departments, when, upon the supposition tkat the invention will be of practical ben- eft to the government, the case is ad- varced and acted upon immediately. This rule was adopted in order that the gov- ernment might take advantage in time of ar of pending inventions, and later was used by the government when one of its employes invented an article which it pro- posed to use, such as post office accouter- Some of the requests which come every day from the heads of departmer. “sed upon the application of congressm: are laughable when considered in connec tion with the original idea of the rule. For application was recently made have a baby carriage case advanced under the rule. What u © government cuuld possibly put not be imagined. Lut it was a government Gemand, and was complied with. Assistant Commissioner Greeiey nopes for legislation this session of Congress which will give him more help, and thereby bring the office up to date. —_e+—______ Will Give Him Another Chance. The President has decided to give Lieut. ‘Thomas H. Stevens of the navy another chance fer promotion to the grade of lieu- tenant commander. The President has or- dered that he be put on probation for a period of four months, with a view of finally determining the question as to his fitness for promotion to the higher grade. ——__-e-_____ Government Receipts. Government receipts—From internal rev- enue today, $507,731; customs, $450,864; mis- cellaneous, $14,362; expenditures, $1,575,000. urriage to could WILL LEAD FROM THE START Judge McOomas is Oonoeded First Place in Tuesday's Vote. Probable That the First Few Ballots WI Be Scattering—Shaw a Prominent Rival. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. BALTIMORE, Md., January 15.—Senator Washington Wilkinson of St. Mary's coun- ty said today that the members of the gen- eral assembly from St. Mary’s and Calvert counties, and probably other southern Maryland members, would vote for cx- State Serator Thomas Parran of Calvert on the first ballot for a United States sena- tor to succeed Mr. Gorman, and that later, if their votes were necessary to elect Judge McComas, they would probably be found in his column. It is the opinion of the members and poli- ticians here today that Tuesday’s vote will be very scattering and will have no especial bearing on the ultimate result. It is gen- erally conceded that Judge McComas will lead, and that Maj. Alexander Shaw will be a close second. The McComas men are very much encouraged at the outlook, and several impcriant conferences in the judge’s behalf have been held. The Shaw men are equally jubilant. They claim that they have pledges from fourteen members from Baltimere to vote for their candidate, and that these men will steadfastly decline to go into caucus. The eastern shore men appear to be divid- ed between Col. James Mulliken and Dr. Isaac Barber. It is understood that the four votes from Somerset county will gu to McComas the first few batlots. The gen- eral belief here is that the contest will las! fully a week or ten days, and_ perhaps longer. The only fear that the McCcmas people have is that Maj. Shaw is a very wealthy man, and rumors are current that his “bar'l’ will be opened wide at An- napolis next week. —._—_. THE ARMY BILL. Consideration of the Estimates by the House. The session of the House of Representa- tives today, after 2 o'clock, was devoted to eulcgies on the life and public services of the late Representative Seth W. Milli- ken. Immediately after the reading of the journal Representative Star (Neb.) rose to a question of privilege to deny a publica- tion fm a local paper stating that he had acted as attorney in the pension case of Jackson W. Cheney. As a representative, he said, he had interested himself in the case, but he had never acted as a pension attorney in his life. On motion of Mr. Lanham (Texas) a bill was passed authorizing the President to appoint an additional district judge for the northern district of Texas. It was ex- plained that Judge Rector, ncw the judge of that district, Was utterly incapacitated from performing the duties of his office. The House then weat into committee of the whole and took up the consideration of the army appropriation bill. Chairman Hull of the military explained, carried $23,185,090, less than the estimates and in excess of the law for the current The increase in the pay of the army was due to the fact that the army was nearer its maximum strength than here- tofore. A new provision in the bill re- quired the payment of trocps by the pay- master in person. The general debate on the bill was desul- tory end was not confined to the subject iatter dealt with by the bill. Mr. Henry (Texas) tock occasion to denounce Secre- tary Gage's funding scheme. Mr. Terry (Ark.) mace some remarks about the pro- tective tariff, and Mr. Gaines (Tenn.) some or the claim of the publishing house of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. At 2 o'clock the debate was suspended to sive the members an opportunity to pay tribute to the memory of the late Repre- sentative Milliken of Maine. Speaker Keed occupied the chair during the delivery of the eulogies. oo MORE COUNTERFEITS RECEIVED. Fraudulent Silver Certificates Sent to the Treasury. Consignments of #100 silver certificates are being received daily at the Treasury Department, but so far the number of new courterfeits is surprisingly small. Up to this time only eighteen have been reported from all sources. One of the new coun- terfeits received from Cincinnati has a new feature in the numbering, which be- gins with 323. All the others begin with 346. The secret service is making every ef- {eri to lecate the maker of the note, but so far with little success. e of the firm of Crane & Co., makes the distinctive paper upon all governme: notes are printed, which was at the department today and made a careful examination of the new counter- feits, with 2 view, if possible, to identify the make of the paper. He, however, de- clined to express an opinion on this point. A telegram received from Atlanta, Ga., tes that Frank Morse and Daniel Pierce were arrested yesterday at Mobile, Ala., for passing counterfeit $10 silver ,certifi- cates; $2,300 of the spurious notes were found in their possession. Whether any connection between these men and the procucer of the $100 certificate 1s suspected is not known. ——2-+—_____ NO CHANGE IN PLANS. Relief Expeditions Going to the Klon- dike as» Intended. Acting Secretary Meiklejohn of the War Department pronounces to be absolutely untrue the statement coming from Port- land, Ore., to the effect that Gen. Merriam, the commanding general of the Department of Columbia, has been ordered from Wash- ington to postpone the departure of the government relief expedition to Alaska. The department has been much annoyed by the circulation of stories that it had any intention to abandon the reef project. Nothing that has been reported to the offi- cials as to the alleged sufficiency of food supplies in Dawson has come from a source that carries conviction, and it can be stat- ed on the authority of Acting Secretary Meiklejohn that the relief expeditions are going forward as rapidly as the department can possibly push them. If there has been any change made by Gen. Merriam in the arrangements for the shipping of the expedition, it is said that he has undoubtedly done so because he could seéure more advantageous conditions. It is also said that the reindeer will be used for transportation, as originally intended. o-.—____- Insurance in New Mexico. The Senate committee on territories to- day decided to indefinitely postpone a bill to annul an act of the legislature of the territory of New Mexico relating to in- surance companies. The act is to go into effect on February 1 and provides that all insurance companies territory shall deposit $10,000 municipal or territorial bonds at, asa guarantee for the payment of It was stated in the committee that forty- one insurance companies would be affected by the act. in _ cash, Whereabouts of the Warships. The Navy Department is informed that the Olympia, tlagship of the Astatic sta- tion, left Nagasaki today for Yokohama and that the cruiser Alert has arrived at San Diego. doing business in the UE ESRI A REARS Aiea tas Sa la Be ERE AR I ee nS ec se RS De ecm ner eit oa RIGHT TO CLASSIFY Inquiry Into the Workings of the Civil Service Law. CHIEF EXAMINER SERVEN TESTIFIES State of the Eligible Register May 6, 1896. ae ES THE COMMISSION’S METHODS a The Senate committee on civil service and retrenchment held another session this torning to continue its investigation into the methods of the civil service. The only member of the committee present at the beginning of the session was Senator Pritchard, the chairman. Amorg thcse present were Mr. Procter and Mr. Harlow, civil service commission- ers; A. R. Serven, chief examiner; D. Bailey, assistant examiner, and R. Wales, law clerk of the commission; ex- Represcntative Henry M. Baker of New Hampshire, president of the Republican National Anti-Civil Service League, and E. W. Oyster. : Chief Examiner Serven resumed the siand and testified regarding the eligible registers at the time Mr. Cleveland's order of May 6, 1806. There were, Mr. Serven said, on June 30, 30,682 names on eligible registers, not counting the registers for different post offices and custom houses, these rames being on 16) different regis- ters. On May 6, he said, there were prob- ably 100 additional names on these regis- ters. ‘This information was brought out at the request of Senator Pritchard, it having been charged that the commission, at the time of the President's order, was not pro- vided with sufficient names on eligible lists to supply the demands of the service. Mr. Serven testified to the number of names on eligible lists for various branches of the service at that time. Mr. Pritchard asked whether eligibles for the Indian service could be certified for other branches of the service. The witness replied that where such ell- gibles had been examined for qualifica- tions required in some other branch of the service they could be so certified. “If your eligible Nsts of typewriters and stenographers were exhausted, and you were called on for this class of employes, would you certify names from your lists of copyists and clerks?” “In such a case," replied Mr. Serven, “we would probably notify the department mak- ing the call that our lists were exhausted, and would tell them we could certify copy- ists who claimed a knowledge of ste- nography and typewriting. They could then make a temporary appointment until we could furnish an eligible iist, or they could take some one from our lists of copyists.” Power to Classify. Mr. Pritchard asked the witness whether he thought teamsters and drivers at the government printing office could properly be called skilled laborers, he understanding they had been classified as such. Mr. Serven said some handlers of hors became very expert. He preferred not giv- ing his opinion on that point, as the act classifying teamsters and drivers as skilled laborers had been taken by a department. He thought if a driver ef a. wagon could do his work with’ very little experience as well as one who had long experience, he could not be considered a “skilled laborer.” Mr. Pritchyrd asked if the commission ified deputy marshals. Mr. Serven replied that the Attorney Gen- eral had so decided and they were. Mr. Pritchard—‘Then you must accept the opinion cf the head of the department. Suppose suck an cefficial were to report in favor of a violation of law. Would you accept such a report?” Mr. Serven—“In such a case the commis- sion would probably confer with the officer s n could inform the Pres- as insisting upon a wrong consiruction of the law. But if nothing was done to change the report of the officer in question the commission would have to accept his report, unle: uch re- port we by the court Mr. i—“Then the commission has no power within itself?” Mr. Server—“That seems to be the case so far as Classifications are concerned.” Quite a discussion arose over the manner in which the Post Office Department se- lects letter carriers from the eligible lis! Mr. Pritchard asked whether the commis- sion exercised any discretion in certifying names for such appointments, whether the first three names on the list were always certified. Mr. Serven feplied that they were, ex- cept where the department called for a carrier living in a certain place. In that case the wish of the department was com- plied with. The department, he said, wants men for certain work, whese legal res dence in the place in which their work is to be done, and the examination papers showing that, a certification is made ac- cordingly. “Are net the same questicns asked of all the appligants for each examination and all applicants given to understand before examiretion that they are to stand on an equal footing?” asked Senator Pritcha “Yes, sir.” “Then is not this discrimination a plain evasion of the law? Mr. Serven replied that he thought not, that the matter of residence was a point of qualification, and that the commission was justified in following a home-rule prin- ciple. He thought it was the duty of the cem- mission to provide men with qualifications called for by th> department, and when residerce in a certain place was required that was taken into considerauion. Mr. Pritchard—“Under such a construc- tion of the law would the commission not be authorized to ignore the list entirely?” Mr. Serven said it was not so at all. The commission merely sought to supply men of qualifications calléd for by the depart- ment as a druggist would fill a prescrip- tion. He said the commission might make up eligible lists according to places of actual residence of the applicants and also a@ general list As the case stands the gen- eral list is made up from an examination, and when a man is called for froni a cer- tain locality the seiection is made. Referring to clerks detailed from the de- partments to the civil service commission, Mr. Serven said he had found fifty-one such clerks were detailed to the commission since May 6, 1896. Of that number eigh- teen came into the service through the commission’s examination and thirty-three came in under extensions of the classified service. Those who had come in through the commission had been rated as satis- factory clerks, while two-thirds of the others were found to be of small value; the other third had good ability, but most of them had been recalled to the departments after a short time. When asked as to the cost of the com- mission since its establishment, Mr. Ser- ven said it was $680,000. He was asked if he would extend the time of eligibility of those who pass exam- inations, Mr. Serven replied that in exam- inations for places requiring high scientific ch or ~technicul ability he thought it would. be well to extend the time of _ eligibility. to three years or even longer. In less technical ‘places he thought the time might be two years. This’ exception in the case of techi Places he, suggested of the difficulty and‘ work in preparing such eligible lists, while. lists for ordinary places-as clerk could be. supplied very easily. Mr. Serven—“Under the law they are.” Mr. Pritchard—Skould not employes. of. the government included in the classified service under executive orders have been Tequirec to pass am exageination?’ Mr. Serven—“My awn opinion is that they should be required to do so. I suppose at the time.the law was passed it was sup- posed the departments would be embar- Tassed if all the employes would be exam- ined.” sz He said the commission would be ready to make the necessary examinations if they were required to do so. Business Methods Imitated. Mr. Serven testified” regarding the char- acter of examinations held ky the commis- sion. He said the commifssion had in- quired into methods of selecting employes by great corporations of the country, and that in a general way the commission’s methods were similar to those of these companies. Mr. Serven said he understood that the expense of securing employes for the Treasury and Interior departments before the days of the civil service law was great- er than the whole cost of the commission is now. - At 1:15 o'clock the hearing was ad- journed until 10 o'clock Tuesday morning. Mr. Oyster’s Comparixon. Mr. E. W. Oyster submitted a written statement to the chairman of the commit- tee making a comparison between the cost of work at the government printing office before and since the civil service law had been applied there. He compared the cost of work in 1804 with that of 1897 on an estimated basis of 10 per cent increase in the amount of work done. This showed HAS SPAIN LOST CUBA? Autonomy Has Failed of Its Full . Purpose, THE PEOPLE ARE DYING IN DROVES Hostilities Are Promised, but With- out Hope of Success. ~ LOGIC OF THE SITUATION ones (Copyright, 1898, by Charles M. Pepper.) Special Correspondence of The Evening Star. HAVANA, January 12, 1898. Plain questions call for plain answers. Inquiries reaching me from the United States are pointed. They show a strong desire to know the truth and when known not to run away from ‘it. In seeking to state the situation as now presented, { trust to do so with a proper sense of the a saving for the government of $450,000| responsibility that would attach to mis- under the civil service law. WHITE HOUSE RECEPTION It Has Been Decided to Issue No More In- vitations, Col. Bingham Selected for Master of Ceremonies—He Will Make the Presentations, Col. Theodore A. Bingham, Corps of En- gireers, in charge of public buildimgs and "cunds, has been selected by the Presi- dent to act as master of ceremonies at the receptions to be given by the President and M McKinley during the present season He has charge of the Issue of cards of in- vitation and of all the arrangements of the several functions. With the President's approval, he has selected Capt. Charles L. McCawley, quartermaster, U.S.M.C., as bis assistant in the presentation of the guests to the receiving party. The latter succceds to the duties performed by Lieut. J. C. Gilmore, jr., 4th Artiflery, under Gen. M. Wilson, chief of engineers, during administration of President Cleveland. According to present arrangements, Co! Bingham wiil present the guests to Pre: ident McKinley and)Capt. McCawley will next present them to Mrs, McKinley. Capt. McCawley enjoys a wide acquaintance in official and soejal. circles and possesses special qualifications fér the duties which will devolye upon hint jn his new detatl. The first reception wijl be, held at the White House next WedResday evening from 9 to 11 o'clock. As a special distinction the members of the dfplamatic corps will be received before the general reception-be- gins, and they have pegn requested by the Secretary of State to attend at 8:15 o'clock im “uniform.”’ The state dining room has been set apart for théir use during the re- ception, Hat and cloak’poxes for the other guests will be erected in the vestibule at the main entrance. ‘The Marine Band will be stationed in the conservatory. It has been decided that not another Le vitation to the reception will be issued. was the original intention that omy 1 people should be present, but the ur for invitations, has run the list to This will, it fs feared, make the 1e- ception uncomfortable. The estimate that the White House will comfortably provide for not over 1,400 persons. The list would never have gone beyond this but for the enormous pressure for invitations. S are reaching the Whi day. Mer ss Want permission to take others with them, Some of them have even asked for tions for friends of their friends. Se. y Porter will keep down the list at the expense of whatever is said, and posi- tively announces that no more invitations will be issued. At next Wednesday's reception no cards of admission will fe required, but there will be a printed list of all invited, to which reference will be made if the ushers su:pect Lhat persons are atten iB not ex- pected. Those who come without cards of irvitation mzy net be rejected, but they will be given to understand that it 1 known they are there without prepe- inv: tation. Should it be developed, howev t the usual uninvited crowd coics, at the next reception it is proposed to have cards required, and no one will be admitted who cannot present one. << CLERICAL CHANGES. Reiastatements, Appolatments, Res- ignations in Interior Department. The following cfficial changes have been made in the Department of the Interior: Pension office—Retnstatement: Daniel J. Waters of Wisconsin, copyist, $800. Pro- motions: William _D. Dodds of Indiana and Arnold V. Graves of Nerth Caroll messengers, $840, to copyists, $ B. Hedge of District of Colum» Bishop of Maryland, assistant en- gers, $720, to messengers, $810; Arthur R Smith and Don E.+Clarke of District of Columbia, messenger “boy to assist- ent messengers, $720; Mrs. Emma D. Adams of Ohio and Bden P. Clayton of District of Columbia, copyists, $900, to clerks, $1,000; Edwin E -Alger of New York and Geerge Bassett of District of Co- lumbia, clerks, $1,060,. to $1,200; Moses M. Swan of Maine, cl-rk, $1,200, to special ex- aminer, $1, Miss ‘Emma G. Fraser of Ilinols, clerk, $1,200, to $1,400. Resigna- tions: Miss Hattie €. Fitts of North Caro- lina, cierk, $1,000; ‘Hugh Nealy of Ken tucky, copyist, $00), Patent office—Restgmations: J. R. Aud- ley Linke of New York, third assistant ex- ‘aminer, $1,400; Cle: B Wolfe of Min- nesota, copyist, $720, Promotion: Wintield S. Chase of District; of Columbia, fourth assistant examiner,#$j,00, to-third assist- aut examiner, $1,400, Geological survey--Appoimtments: Henry H. Twelbeck of ‘Magylamd, map printer, $3.40 per diem; F: ‘Helmuth, James P. Curran and John Hubaf District of Colum- bia,. map printers’ dmeisiants, © cents per diem; Miss Belle A.‘Ziflibridge of Pennsyl- vania and Miss Loyisé Park of Michigan, stenographers, $720, } ’ General land officé—Reimstatement: Mrs. Lulu H. Maine of. #thdde Island, copyist, Office of commi: of ratlroads—Ap- pointments: Alton, ° r of Georgia, bookkeeper, $2,000; man Schreiner cf Pennsylvania, clerk, $1,400. Miscellaneous — tments: Richard W. Evans and Robert M. Wright of Kan- sas, appraisers of Fort Dodge abandoned Kansas, $1. per and William H. & diem; Mic! gt Me al resérva- Chief Engtneer Invalided Home Kirby, hief ineer of ited States steam: Baltimore, now tage ees ‘The officer has been invalided home. _ to residents of the District‘of@elumbia: leading statements or to conclusions not warranted by the facts. is Cuba lost to Spain? The form of the question has to be shifted. When the Sa- gasta ministry came into power the view taken was that the policy of Canovas and Weyler had lost the island, but it might be won back. Autonomy was adopted as the colonial policy and Blanco came out charg- ed with the duty of winning Cuba back to its allegiance. The test of his success is an inexcusable one. Pacification, the resump- tion of peaceful industries, the disintegra - tion of the revolution and the acceptance ef the new political system would be their own witness. Malcontents could not long hold ovt against evidence which would in itself be convincing. On the other hand, the absence of such evidence cannot be covered up or disguised for a long period. ‘That the first promise failed was quickly shown. Spain, after reversing on paper the Weyler plan of concentrating the country population, has been unable to feed the peo- ple whom she yet claims as her subjects. Nor is the scheme of apologetic relief through the Amcrican people showing bet- ter results. A raindrop of comfort in the ocean of wretchedness is all that comes of it. How to Save the Sufferers. Since this is one of the topics concerning which definite word seems to be wanted a brief digression may be permitted to de- be the condition and the needs of the starving remnant. The only way to save the ‘survivors is to stop the cause of their misery. The commissary department of the United States agmy within a week could organize a system, that would feed these sufferers, nurse. them back to health and put them in condition for physical labor. Spanish “administration could not do it in a century. Eighty thousand, per- haps 100,000, will follow the 200,000 who have died of starvation. In making this statement of the number who have died 1 have not indulged in guesswork. To know by verified officfal figures that in Guines out of 15,000 more than 7,000 are dead; that in Jaruco out of 6,000 the graveyards have claimed 3,500, might be sufficient evi- dence ¢n which to base calculations. But it is possible to follow this up with equally. explicit information from other places in the four provinces not held by the insur- gents until the total of 200,000 becom not a calculation, but a sum in addition Dr. Bruner of the marine hospital service from the data he has gathered, fixes the figures at 300,000, A Tremendous Minimum of Mortality. I do not know how far the number rises above 200,000. My own investigations have satisfied me that this is the minimum. This statement is made because an acho is oc- casionally heard here of the talk that these reports are “exaggerations.” As to the probability that between 80,000 and 100,600 more must die, that can only be verified when the people have had time to die. Its basis lies in the circumstance that in no part of the island is the death rate de- creasing. In some of the interior towns it grows. Here in Havana the deaths outside the military hospitals continue to aggre- gate from 1,500 to 1,600 a month, nearly twice what they were in the unhealthy months of the midsummer, six times what they should be normally.’ Havana is far better able to make provision for its suffer- ing population than the country, and. its mortality is proportionately smaller. The whole problem of starvation in Cuba sim- ply resolves itself into the question of re- moving the cause. When that is done, in- stead of being encouraged into a state of beggary, the people may be encouraged into supporting themselves, because there will be work for them to do. What Spain Has Accomplished. The certainty that in the three months which have followed the recall of Weyler Spain has not succeeded in reversing the effects or the cause of starvation is not conclusive that the policy may not succeed on other lines. A broad amnesty was of- fered. The prisons have been vacated of a large number of political prisoners. Many of those who had been banished to the penal settlements of Africa have come back. Extraordii efforts were made both to persuade and to bribe the insur- gents in the field to come in. Some of the sick ones did present themselves, mostly to die in the homes of their relatives and friends. A few, a very few, insurgents in arms also presented themselves, but the official reports showed that most of the presentfidos were women and children. All told, a score of insurgent officers, mostly Meutenants, have been included in the list. In three or four instances small bands have been destroyed and their leaders killed. But the presentations practically ceased two weeks ago, as well as the treachery which enabled attacks to be made on the small bands. The other day when woru came from Santa Clara province that an insurgent colonel, with whom negotiations had been under way, had come in with twenty-five followers it was cabled to Mad- rid as though the event were equivalent to a battle. During Weyler’s time hardly a town or village was without its revolu- tionary committee, or “junta.” The mem- bers braved exile, imprisonment and death. The milder policy of Blanco has not caused these revolutionary committees to disband. They are working regularly. In view of all these matters. I do not think the Spanish authorities themselves consider that con- ciliation, persuasion and have made visible progress in winning Cuba back t Spain. The Efforts to Implant Autonomy. There is an aspect of the subject on the Bide of civit policy which needs a word. The autonomist governors and subordinate officials are doing what they can to im- plant autonomy. Though they do not see GENERAL BOOTH ARRIVES Head of the Salvation Army Reaches New York Today. Guest of Commander Boot Plans for 1 NEW YORK, January 15.—Gen. William Booth, the head of the Salvation Army, reached this city today on board the sieam- er St. Paul, from Southampton. ‘The general was met down the bay by Commander Bocth-Tucker. On the pier a large delegation of headquarters Salv tlonists were awaiting their chief. Gen- eral Booth was given a warm reception. Will Go to Canada. “The general,” said Commander Booth- Tucker, “will stay at my house tn Ford- ham until Monday, when he will leave for Canada, where he will be met by his daughter, Miss Eva Booth, who is in charge of the Salvation Army there. He will remain three weeks in Canada, in- specting the work of the army, and will then return to the United States. He will begin his American tour on February 10 in Washington. After that he will visit Pittsburg, Columbus, Cincinnita, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Los Angeles, San Frandisco, Portland, Seattle and Spokane, at which last place he will be on March 12. Then the general will cross again over to Canada and visit Victoria, Vancouver and Winnipeg. “On March 19 he will reach Minneapolis and then St. Paul. From March 25 to 31 he will be in Chicago. Frdm then till April 14 he will visit successively Cleveland, Buffalo, Boston and Philadelphia. Gen- eral Booth wiil conclude his American visit with a series of meetings and demonstra- tions in New York from April 14 to 19. On April 20 he will sail for England. To Consider Charity Plans. “General Booth’s idea is not alone to look over the work and progress of the Salvation Army in the United States and Canada, but in traveling through these countries he will confer with a number of citizens of the leading cities concerning his schemes for the assistance of the poor. General Booth will inspect and sug- gest improvements in the social institu- tions which we have established in this country, which now have accommodaticns for 4,000 person: ee DURAN CHARGED WITH SHORTAGE. Former Manager of Baltimore Store Arrested in New York. NEW YORK, January 15.—Charles A. Duran of 119 West 137th street, formerly menager of the Remington Typewriter Company in Baltimore, Md., was arraigned in the Center street court today as a pris- ener. He was arrested several days ago on a charge that his books in Baltimore showed a shortage of $5,000. Duran left the employ of the company three years ago. His books were then examined and were found to be all right. The bocks Were again gore over a few weeks ago, and, according to the members of the concern, wer2 found to show a snort- age of $5,000. Duran was traced te this city and placed under arrest. He waived the formality of extradition papers today and was placed in the care of Detective Gault of Baltimore and taken to that city. Duran said today that he would make it warm for the persons in Baltimore who had made the charges against him. He declared that there was nothing the matter with his books and that he was anxious to go to Baltimore to have the matter in- vestigated. a ge FAR APART I Germany and China Differ on Lease of Kino Chou. PEKIN, January 15.—Germany has de- manded a ninety-nine years’ lease_of Kiao Chou and a large area surrounding it. China offers to lease the bay and shores only for fifty years. Here the matter rests. The Germaus insist on the right to build railreads and work mines whenever they wish. Germany has renewed her demand for an indemnity of 200,000 taels for the erection of a cathedral, and for compensation to the amount of several thousand taels for the relatives of the mufdered missionaries. eee ROCK CREEK PARK. The Proposed High Service Reservoir Inside the Limits, Gen. H. V. Boynton of the Rock Creek Park commission being asked if there was anything new in park matters since the recent decision of the Supreme Court, re- plied to a Star reporter that the only thing he had heard of was a bill prepared by the Commissioners of the District for pre- sentation to Congress, giving the board of control of the kK, of which they are members, authority to construct high serv- ice reservoirs at such points in the park as the board might select. The only point thus far definitely indicated, he said, was the hill on which the strong earthwork known as Fort Reno stands. This is a work whica the park commis- sion regarded as a very interesting one to aequire and preserve. “Stout opposition is being made,” Gen. Boynton said, “to this use of that site, and it being insisted that the board of con- trol had no authority, the question was submitted to the Attorney General, with the result that he decided that Congress alone could authorize such use of the park. The next move is the general bill giving the board of control power to establish not one reservoir, but such number as they may choose.” Being asked his opinion as to such con- struction in the park, General Boynton re- plied that personally he was decidedly op- posed to-opening the park to such, or any similar uses. In his opinion one of the chief objects in view in giving Rock creek valley and its adjacent lands for a park was because of its near approach to the wildness and beauty of its original state. He spoke, he said, for himself and with- out having conferred with other members of the commission. Te ‘WEEK’S CUSTOMS RECEIPTS. Shown on. ‘The customs receipts this week, despite one unusually heavy day, have fallen siightly behind those for the first week of the new year, but they are satisfactory. The total receipts for the first two weeks of the new year are $7,129,460, They Have ee AGAINST COMPROMISE Silver Democrats Will Not Yield to Gold Men, HEAD OF CONGRESSIONAL CORMIOTEE Leaders Who Are Talked of for the Place. “RETARY =: It is expected that the w: rn congres- sional committecmen of the House on the democratic side will hvld a conference some time this afternoon or evening and select a candidate for the chairmanship of the co committee. At the same time who tv take the place of Mr. Lawrence Gardner. The candidates selected by them will probably be chosen. Senator Faulkner is not willing to serve ugain as chairman of the com- mittee, a position which devolved upon him. Great labor during the last campaign, oc- cupying his entire time. There is no dis- agreement between Mr. Faulkner and the silver men, however, as has been intimatéd, since he 18 now about as radical a silver man as there ts in the party, though he Was not formerly so. The reason for mak- ing a change in the secretaryship is that some of the silver men are not satisfied with Mr. Garéner, and it is felt, anyhow, to be better that the secretary should be a member of the House. The belief is that Representative Miers of Indiana will be the encice for secretary. Talked of for Chairman, Several men are spoken of for the chair- manship of the committee. All of them are strong supporters of the Chicago platform and in favor of the unity of the silver forces for the next congressional cam- paign and the presidential campaign to follow in 1900. If Hinrichsen of [linols had been selected as the member of the com- mittee from Illinois, he would probably have been chairman, and there has been some talk of electing him anyhow, but he has discouraged this and will not be a can- didate. It is believed that the choice will fall between Senator White of ifornia and Representative Osborne of Wyoming, thought Representative King of Utah, Rep- resentative McRea of Arkansas and others are being considered. There has been a great deal of gossip emanating from outside sources about an attempt on the part of democrats who do not like the Chicago platform to get con- trol of the management of the committee. The silver people are suspicious of all who do not heartily accept the Chicago plat- form, and no one who is at all doubtful on that point will be placed in position of au- thority. But it is so well know; t radical silver meri ‘are to Seok pst that there is no encouragement to attempt it. There is absolutely no disagreement among the silver men on this point Not a Gold Bemoecrat Plot. The story was started by trresponsible authority that there was a senatorial cabal aimed at securing some concessions for the gold element of the old democratic party. This story apparently was sug- gested by the fact that Senators Mitchell, Smith ard Murphy are among the nine members of the committee from the Sen- ete. It was stated that these men had been placed there in some irregular way by Mr. Gorman at the Instance of Mr. Croker, Mr. Whitney a others, who want to overthrow the Chicago platform. This statement is not warranted, and is nol true. The selections for the committee were nade In the usual w: tors formerly on the committee being reappointed, except in two instances One vacancy existed in the old committee on account of death. This was filled by the appointment of Se: ator Cockrell, one of the most radical silver men in Congress. Another vacancy was made by displacing Senator Gray. because he had not supported the Chicago platform and candidate at the last election. This vacancy was filled by the selection of Senator Rawlins of Utah, as radical a silver man as there is in Congress. Mitch- ell, Murphy and Smith were retained be- cause, though not really silver men, they supported Bryan last year, and maintain heir loyalty to the party. Their position, however, does not give them any power to serve the cold democracy, and the most caregul investigation disclos n over- whelming and unanimous intention to place the organization entirely in the control of the silver people. It is asserted on the part of the ors that they intend to leave the selection of the officers entirely to the members of the House, and to let them have the entire control. If Senator White is chosen chairman it will be by the selec- tion of the House members of the commit- tee. No Overtures to the Gold Men. It is as certain as enything can be in the future that no sort of overtures ure going to be made to the gold men who deserted the democratic party last year on account of the platform The men are going to be left to folicw whatever course they want to, but if any of them come back into the fold it can be only by the accept- ance of what they call Bryanism. The lines on the silver question are being drawn closer than they ever were before, ard it will soon appear that the only way to antagonize the free coinage of silver is to join with the republican party and work for that party as the gold men did during the last presidential campaign. Silver Men in Conference. A number of talks and conferences have been held between leaders of the demo- cratic, silver republican and populist par- ties, which have resulted in their getting closer and closer together. They agree en- tirely on the no-compromise policy and have adopted the policy of making com- mon cause in the support of each other in the fight for silver. The gold people who are deceived by reports of disagreements and divisions are being simply lulled into a sense of security, while the Bryan forces are perfecting their organization in a man- ner eurprising for its skillfulness and com- plete harmony of purpose. The talk about democrats trying to bring back the gold men of their party by making terms with them is simply intended to fool the people. ————_-o- Personal Mention. Pay Director L. G. Billings of the navy is in the city. -Paymaster L. C. Kerr of the navy is at 1918 I street. He is settling accounts. Lieutenant Colonel William Ludlow, ‘Corps of Engineers, is at the Richmond. Major George H. Torney, medical depart