Evening Star Newspaper, January 17, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, J1C1 Fernsylvazia Avenue, Cer. 1ith &t., by ing Star N Co: The Bren Sop APS TOY New York Ofice, 49 Pottor Buildinz, ‘The Evening Star is served to sulacribers In the eity by cerriers on thelr own account, at 10 cents per week, or 44 cents per month. les at the counter 2 cents each. By mail—anywhere in the United States or Crnada—postage prepaid—50 cents mont Wfaterday enon Star, $1 per year, with foreizn postage |, ¢3.00. (Entered a”. the Post Office at Washington. D.C. es secend-clase mafl matter.) ©All wail subecriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. Ch g Star. ———————SS—aooaoT“_ena@jzw“wq*nlzleaea=qonaas—“—— ——_ 14,003. ES MILL HANDS STRIKE Operatives in New England Cotton Factories Resist Reduction. COMPLETE TIE-UP AT NEW BEDFORD Trouble Spreads to Biddeford and Lewiston, Maine, Mills. FIFTEEN THOUSAND OUT NEW BEDFORD, Mass., January 17.—A shut down the most complete in the his- tory of the cotton mills of New Bedford be- gan this morning. Not a spindle was turning, nor a loom in motion in the fac- tories of the cloth corporations an hour after the usual time of beginning work. Between forty and fifty operatives went into Bristol mill and twenty-five or thirty into the Whitman, but aside from these no mill made any show of running, and these two soon shut down. Nine corporations operating eighteen mills, in which upward of 9,000 hands are employed, are involved in the strike. The cut down is uniform all ever the city—10 per cent. The total pay zoll of these corporations is estimated at $70,000 weekly. The Strike at Biddeford, Me. BIDDEFORD, Maine, January 17.—Every department of the Pepperell and Laconia mills in this city, and all the departments of the York mills in Saco, with the excep- tion of the carding and mule spinning 2ooms, shut down today as a result of the decision of the operatives to resist a 10 per cent reducticn in wages, which was to go into effect today. The Dressers’ Union, who are the leaders in the strike movement. had a meeting at G:30 o'clock for the purpose of keeping the members away from the mill gates, and, although most of the other operatives went into their rooms as usual, they came out again almost immediately, the gates which are usually locked after 7 o'clock being «pened to allow them to leave the mills. At 8 o'clock every department of the Pep- perell and Laconia mills was shut down, and 3.500 operatives and 200,000 spindles were dle. At the York mills, in Saco, the weav- ers followed the example of the operatives on the Biddeford side of the river, and re- mained out. and were followed by the slash- ers and ring spinners. It was ed that others would come out and that the York mills would also be compelled to close. The cut at these mills aid to average 12 per cent. There are 1,500 operatives and 51.204 spindles. The management of the mills refuse to say what their policy will be regarding the action of the operatives. Androscoggin Mill Shut Down. LEWISTON, Maine, January 17.—The op- eratives of all the mills here except those of the Androscoggin went to work as usual today under a reduction in wages of from 10 to 11 per cent. At the Androscroggin mill only seven out of 400 weavers went to work. The reduction went into effect at the mills of the Continent and Andro gin. Hill, Barber and Bates carporat and at the Lewiston bleachery and dy works. The total weekly pay roll of th companies has been $43,000, about 5,750 operatives are employed and the number of spindles aggregates 279,000. ple employed in the Social, Globe Nourse mills of theeSocial Manufac- ng Company, and the Clinton mill, in this city, went to work at reductions of Wages averaging, it ts stated at the offices of the mills, about 10 per cent. The cut | ha ecepted without any concerted movem a strike, but there Ss and protests in a number of instances and fears are felt that trouble may yet arise. Cat Accepted at Worcester. WORCESTER, Mass., January 17. duction in wag pout 10 per cent went into effect teday at the Linwood cotton mills and Whitinsville cotton mills in North- bridge, the Uxbridge cotton mills at North Uxbridge and the Saundersville cotton mills at Saundersville, Grafton. All are owned by Whitin Brothers of Whitinsville. About 62,000 spindles are run- ning and 1,4) hands employed. The Fish- A re- erville Manufecturing Company also cut Wages about 10 per cent, where about 450 hands are at work. The operatives a all of these mills have quietly submitted to the cut down, and went to work as usual today. The mills are among the best in the Blackstone val- ley and make fine and fancy goods. The Weavers have been making from $8 to 31z per week, with an average of $9. Under the new sdule the avera; will be about $ per week. eee SON FACTION UNDER FIRE. McK Written Charges Preferred Against em at the Tippecanoe Cinb. Special Dispateh to Th Evening Star. aary 17.—Writ- yor McKis or Norton sentatives Mas end Bramley and Senator Burke were hand President T. M. Bares of the ‘Tipy Club today, and the actual work of expelling the five from the club is McKisson men cla!m that no of the constitutlon can be tinst them. It is probable that the will develop into a ‘al battle. charges against the The ccused are that they are not republicai ———— COMMITTEE IS AGAINST FUSION. L. C. Bateman Polls the Populist Na- tional Organization. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. AUBURN, Me., January 17.—L. C. Bate- man, 4 member of the national populist committee, and the Maine lieutenant of w Barker of Philadelphia, who is being urged as the populist candidate for the presidency, has made a canvass of the populist national committee by writ- His makes a strong showing against mg personal letters to each of them. count fusion. Th Maine members are against fusion as pws: Ly Bateman of Auourn, L. W. Smith of Vina! Haven and Harry Betts of Ellsworth. eotiout three members, all for fusion In Massaehusetts, George F. Washburn cf Boston and E. Gerry Brown of Brocton are on the futon ist, while J. P. Gardgner of Danvers, the other member, is not on either roster. in New Hampshire, D. B. Courier of Hanover"is for fusion and G. J. Green- ieif of Portsmouth is against it. George D. Fipps of Francistown is mum. ‘The three members from Vermont send no returns. Prof. Bateman believes Chairman Marion Butler of Raleigh, N. C., is in the fusion- ist colunm, also Secretary J. A. Edgerton of Lincoln, Neb., but the treasurer, M. C. Renkin of Terre Haute, Ind., is against fusion. Four of the six members of the executive committee are for fusion. The summary shows 2 per cent for fusion and 43 per cent anti-fusion; not polled, 32 per cent. then expect- | DISCUSSING PAPER MONEY Hearing Before the Banking and Currency Committee. Secretary Gage and Ex-Secretary Fairehild Give Their Views and - Reply to Questia: Secretary Gage and ex-Secretary Fair- child were before the House committee-on banking and currency today for a further discussion of the pending plans for cur- rency reform. After considerable contro- versy among members as to how they were to be questioned, Chairman Walker made the interrogatories. ~ In response to questions by Mr. Walker, Mr. Gage said he had been in the banking business for forty years; for ten years he Was president of the First National Bank of Chicago, with a capital of $3,000,000 and loans and d‘scounts of $16,000,000 to $20,- 000,000. He assented to Mr. Walker's ques- tion that he appeared as a banker and financier of long experience to aid the com- mittee. The chairman asked if it was possible to use paper money and keep it at an equality with coin in purchasing power without ihe coim on hand. Mr. Gage answered that he thougat not. Without the specie on hand there was a tendency to distrust, if not panic, and to a demand for specie. Mr. Walker's questions took a wide range, going into the technicalities and theories of monetary science; the effect of a rise in interest, the diminishing of loans, ete. Mr. Gage ard Mr. Fairchild alter- nated in giving their views, which in the main covered the general operations of banking and the condit‘ons most conducive to profitable circulation. Mr. Gage said it would be impossible in this country to have a general rate of in- terest, as prevailed in Ergland, where the Bank of England fixed the rate. Here it varied in tne many states, under statutory law, and the banks of the country hed never been able to coalesce on a ruling rate of interest. Mr. Fairchild, in turn, explained that the rate of the Bank of England was govern- ed by the market rate, which compelled the establishment of the bank rate. To this extent London and New York were on the same basis, each interest rate being re- sponsive to the market and the law of sup- ply and demand. Further questions brought from Mr. Fair- child the statement that one of the effects of a rise In interest was to check the de- mand for gold, and this was the experience of the Bank of England. Mr. Fowler asked if 6 per cent rate of in- | terest would not almost invariably stop the | flow of gold from this country. Mr. Pair- ; child thought it would, if the gold standurd Was in operation. Mr. Gage responded to another extended question that confidence depended on the assurance of coin redemption. Referring to the “endless chain” process, Mr. Gage said it was a figure of speech ap- plying to ail financial operations, where oblizations came in and went out, in a So long as the obligations were met, the operation was not a horrible thing, but Was right and necessary. Mr. assenie which r to this, saying tion was ac in banking, but e evil lay in the fact that the gov- ernment had not the banking facilities to make’ this redemption absolutely regular nd certain. Lacking these facilities, fear } Was inspired and the demands for gold in- creased. Mr. M:tchell of New York called attention | to the provision of the Gage bill for the ac- cumulation of greenbacks in the treasury for the ef preventing the ‘endless chain. purpe age said that as applied to the gov- nt the endless chain was prejudicial because the demand liabilities of the gov: ernment were so great that the theoretical provision of gold is inadequate to reieem promptly and to give confidence of prompt redemption, and that, said Mr. Gage, is a source of weakness. Mr. Gage made a general statement of what he hoped to see ultimate “It would be a condition of affairs wi national bank notes, made safe to the pe ple without specific security ther ly restricted by law so as to prevent s evils as might arise and with the entire elimination of the United States guvern- ment from paying its debts by giving other debts in pi nt.’” omplish this now?” asked y_ there is no r should not be done now; are many reasons. the people is in favor of government notes. I believe the economic loss to the people from this system, although unknown, out- weighs the s of the mi saving of by these govern- on Why it ically there te st secure ment notes. .You cannot change the minds of the people. They are timid and_ sius- picious of bank note issues. They di: Neve that any one n uphold a such as I have sketched without s and sordid motives. They fear it invoiy 7 ard and lo: 1 the period of d-cat’ ble, ther make the first step so simple as of the lic senti- at in time th would be re: ment.” The extent of gold shipments was gone out Mr. Princ point that s of Illinois brought r. Gage had be into. the th ry the ly had “increased : 609,000 00,000, notwith- of the greenbacks. until row when he jay be- fore the committe Mr. irchild will proceed after the noon re a == —" USE OF FIRE-PROOF woop. It Will Continue in All Interior Parts of Vessels. The controversy over the use of fire-proof wood in the navy has been settled by Sec- reiacy Long. Use of the wood is to con- tinue in all interior parts of vessels under construction according to previous specifi- cations. This comprises over two-thirds of the wood. It is left out of decks on. the ground that in the opinion of the Secretary the advantages here are not commensurate with the increased expense, and out of tor- pedo boats on the ground that it is un- necessary where so little wood is used. The following is Secretary Long’s in- dorsement: “After a careful consideration of the question as to the advantages derived from the use of electro fire-proeof wood on naval vessels, it is decided that no electro fire- Lroof wood shall hereafter be used for the decking of naval vessels, as the advan- tages that might be derived from the use of such wood are incommensurate with the cost of the same; that its use on torpedo boats now under construction be discon- tinued, as there is so little wood work on them; also that electro fire-proof wood shall be used in all joiner work of the new battieships, as provided in the speeifica- tions accompanying the contract therefor, as the advantages to be derived from its use for such purpose would seem to justify the increased cost incident thereto.” REGARDED AS RIDICULOUS, The Report That the Maine Hns Been Fired On. Capt. Crowninshield, chief of the bureau of navigation, and other nayal officials ridicule a published report from Key West that a Spanish cruiser fired on the battle ship Maine off the coast of Florida. The Maine has not been out of the harbor of Key West for several days, and so far as known, no Spanish warship has been in that vicinity for several weeks. | tle the LOCAL BILLS PASSED First District Day of the Present Congress. PROTECTION OF SMALL GAME FISH Regulation of Cemeteries and Cer- tain Refuse. THE VON ESSEN BEQUEST Today was the first “District day” in the Hcuse of Representatives of the pres- ent Congress, and members of the com- mittee were in attendance to explain the legislation brought forward. In the ab- sence of Chairman Babcock, who is still detained at his home in Wisconsin, Mr. Curtis of Iowa calied up the bills. Regulation oc Cemeteries. The first measure presented was S. 467, which passed the Senate at the extra ses- sion, for the regulation of cemeteries and the aispcsal of dead bodies in the Dis- trict. This bill was recommended by the health officers of the District. It prohibits the laying out of new ceme- teries, except under certain conditions, by Which it is sought to protect the rights of property holders in the neighborhood of such land as it may be hereafter pro- pcsed to use for cemetery purposes, and to protect the interests of the general pub- lic frum a sanitary standpoint. Section 2 requires all cemeteries to be fenced so as to prevent trespass, either for the purpose of grave robbing or other- wise. The report says that “the need of a law in the interest of lot holders regulat- ing this matter nas been amply ¢ on- strated of late years by the practical aban- donment of at least one cemetery, and the consequent wanton desecration of the graves. That clause in this section requir- ing underdrainage in certain ca will no’ materially interfere with any properly reg- ulated graveyard. It will, however, ena- ble the Commissioners to prevent undue pollution of the ground water, and, through that medium, of wells in the vicinity.” “Another section is desizned to prevent, except under proper conditions, the crema tion or destruction of human remains. Rodies may, under existing law, be cre- mated without restriction, thereby possibly removing the very evidence of crime which is necessary In order to secure conviction. The provision in reference to embalming is for a similar purpose. The injection of ‘nous fluids into dead bodies before the cause of death has been certified to by a disinterested party may seriously interfere vith the subsequent investigation from a mecico-legal standpoint, if such investiga- tion becomes necessary.” Other sections of the bill contain addi- tional sanitary regulations for the disposal ead bodies. Terry of Arkansas of the judiciary aittee called attention to the penalty clause, and suggested striking out the min- imum ‘penalty for violation of the act, so’ that it shall provide for a maximum per alty of $200, or imprisonment not exceeding ninety days. This amendment was adopted, and the bill was passed without further debate. Dixposing of Refaxe. Mr. Curtis then called up the bill (S. 1258) to regulate the disposal of certain refuse. This bill was also recommended by the kealth department of the District. It ? designed to regulate outhouses and prevent the pollution of the soil and the contami- ration of wells and water sources, by im- pesizg building and sanitary rules and endowing the health officers with power to erforce them. Mr. Curtis explained that the indorsed by the medical profes the local officials and had passed the Sen- last summer. The bill was passed without debate. The Peter von Exsen Bequest. Mr. Curtis then called up bill (S. 468) authorizing the District Commissioners ‘o accept the bequest of the late Peter von Essen and to distribute it to the legal heirs of the deceased. ‘The sum Involved is about $12,000, . The bequest provided that the money should go to the free white schools of Georgetown. When the time came to set- state it transpired that the: of Georgetown. The no free white schoo: Commissioners now have the money, but cannot dispose of it. Mr. Hende n of Towa said the grand- of the sed are in unfor- tunate cireums' sand the money of the ndfather should be given to them. The bill was then passed. Protecting the Fish. Mr. Curtis called up the bill (H. 6161) for the protection of fish in the District of Columbia. This bill stoners of practically fish commi child dee: has the approval of the Com- the District of Columbia, was arranged by the United States sioner and is a consolidation of the existing laws, with a few proposed modifications to meet new conditions. The principal object of the proposed tion is to the small which are in the w: District of Columbia, to enable the United States fish commissioner to obtain a full supply of fry for transportation to other waters, and to give all kinds of fish a smail area where they may be undis- turbed. The bill provides that no person shall fish with fyke net, pound pn stake net, weir, float net, gill net, haul seine, dip net or any other contrivance, stationary” or floating, in the waters of the Potomac river and its tributaries within the Dis- trict of Columbia, provided that nothing in the act shall be construed to prevent the use of barrel nets or pots for the catching or kiling of eels, or prevent the United States commissioner of fish and fisheries from taking in any manner desired fish of any kind for scientific purposes or for pur- poses of propagation, and that none of the provisions of this act shall apply to per- sons employed in catching young catfish, smelt, chub, bull minnows and crayiish for use as bait in fishing with hook and line; provided, further, that any person engaged in taking such catfish, smelt, chub, bull minnows and crayfish shall first’ have procured a written permit from the sald commissioner of fish and fisheries to take such bait for hook-and-line fishing. No person shall catch or kill in the wa- ters of the Potomac river or its tributaries within the District of Columbia any black bass (otherwise known as green bass and chub), crappie (otherwise known as calico bass and strawberry Dass) or striped bass (otherwise known as rockfish) between the 15th day of April and the Ist day of June of each year, nor have in possession nor expose for sale any of said species be- tween those dates, nor catch or kill any of ‘said species of fish at any other time dur- ing the year except by angling, which shall not include the taking of fish by what are known as out lines or trot lines. It shall be unlawful for any person to have in possession or expose for sale in the District of Columbia after the 10th day of June, in any year, any fresh fish of the shad or herring species. It shall be un- lawful for any person to expose for sale in the District of Columbia at any time during the year any striped bass or rockfish or black bass having a length of less than nine inches. It shall be unlawful for any person to catch or kill, in the waters of the Potomac river or its tributaries within the District of Columbia, any fish by means of explosives, drugs or poison: No person shall allow any tar, oil, am- moniaca} liquor, or other waste product of any gas works or works engaged in using such products, or any 4vaste product what- ever, of any mechanical, chemical, manu- facturing or refining establishment, to flow into or be deposited in Rock creek cr the Potomac river or any of ‘ts tributaries within the District of Columbia, or into any pipe or conduit to the same. Any person who shall violate any of the Provisions of this act shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon con- viction therefor before the Police Court or any other court of théDistsict of Columbia, shall be fined for each an@every such of- ferse not Jess than $10 nor:fmore than $100, and in default of payment af fine shall be imprisoned fn the workhouse for a period rot exceeding six months; any officer or other person securing conviction before the Potice Court of the District of Columbia shalt be entitled to and -eceive one-half of any. fine or fines imposed cpon one oa by the party or parties adjudged guilty. All nets, boats, or other contrivances, the property of any pstson convicted under the provisions of this ac‘, shall be returned to the property clerk of the metropolitan po- lice department, to be delivered to the owner upon the order of the judge of the police or other court, and if not called for within six menths by the claimant the same shall be treated as other abandoned pronerty, coming into the hands of the po- ice. ‘The bill was passed without debate, and Mr. Curtis announced that he rad no more tills to call up today. —_—_—_<_-e-____ TO ASSIST. COL. BINGHAM. Lieut. Gilmore Wil Continue on Social Duty at the White House. In announcing the assignment of Captain Charles L. McCawley of the Marine Corps as an essistant to Cotonel Theo. A. Bing- ham, Corps of Engineers, in the manage- ment of the official receptions at the Ex- ecutive Mansion, it was erroneously stated that he would relieve Lieut. J. Gilmore, ir., 4th Artillery, stationed at Washington barracks. The fact is that Lieut. Gilmore is to be retained on social duty at the White House and will continue to act as Col. Bingham’s prineipal assistant. He served throughout the administration of President Cleveland and made a most cred- itable record, so much so that Col. Bing- ham made a special recommendation that he be retained in that capacity. The de- tail of Capt. McCawiey to similar duty at the Executive Mansion at official recep- tions was due to the belief that additional assistance was necessary and he was se- ictes as the best -dvailable man for the place. As has been already stated, the first re- ception to be given by the President ana Mrs. McKinley, Wednesday, will be con- fined to persons receiving cards of invi- tation, and although the production of cards will not be required, it is said one of the officials, that it would greatly facilitate the success of ‘the function if the invited guests would bring the cards with them, for the benefit of the door- keepers. re TREASUIEE CHANGES. Announcement of 1 Namber of Pro- motions. Jerry Ranch of Pennsylvania and George W. Rich of the District ef Columbia, old soldiers, have been reinstated to positions in the Treasury Department. The following promotions are announced: Office of the auditor.for the Post Office Department—Dennis C. Shea, Maine, $1,400 to $1,600; Leonard Stod¥ard, Massachusetts, $1,200 to $1,400; J- W. Clendenning, Indiana, $1,000 to $1,200; Mrs. M. 8. Thompson, In- diana, $1,000 to.$1,200; D. L. Pitcher, New York, 900 to $1,000; J. H. Kingsbury, Penn- Sylvania, $40 to $900; C. B. Mann, Massa- chusetts, $720 to $8. Henry C. Menagh, Pennsylvania, $660 to $720; Geo. H. kich* ardsou, Ohio, $1,400 to $1,600; R. J. F. Al- cn, West Virginia, $1,400 to $1,600; W. K. Price, North Carolina, $1,000 to $1,200; Jas. E. Beller, New York, $000 to $1,000; J. 8. Milis, Maryland, $1,200 to $1,4/ Officer of the auditor for the Navy De- partment—Paul T. Bowen, Michigan, $1,600 to chief of division. Office of the treasurer—Mrs. Mary A. Lamb, Pennsylvania, $72 Miss Mary burke, New; York, CUTTING OFF CARRIERS Reduction to Be Made in Sixteen Large Cities. Unwilling to have the service under him continue to roll up a deticiency, First As- sistant Postmasier General Heath has or- dered a reduction in the number of carriers in sixteen cf the largest cities outside of New York and Boston. Washington is among these cities, and the twelve addi- tional letter carriers put on during the year will have to be dispensed with. Gen. Heath, after consultation with Postmaster Willett on the mattcr, addressed the fol- lowing letter to him: “The time has arrived when it becomes uutely ni ary for the department to 3 and*means to avoid an antic- ency of about $150,000 in the tree delivery service during the remainder of this fiscal year, as it is not at all certain that Congress will provide for it. It a pe from our “records that twelve addi- tional letter carriers ;were allowed your cffice during the current fiscal year. In erder that Washington may help in taking care of the deficiency, I have to request that you reduce your force by the nuinber allowed during the current year. This may be done by reducing the number of deliv- erles in the residential portions, one mak- ing four delivery routes three and three two.”” oo ARMY AND NAVY. Movements of the Warships—Late Or- ders of Interest. The gunboat Machiag arrived at Port Said yesterday on her way to the ited States. The Wilmington has reached Bassetére on her cruise to Brazil. The gunboat Marietta left San Frane¢isco yesterday for Acapulco. The gunboat Nashville will leave Fort Mon- roe in a day or two for Gibraltar on her way to the eastern’ Mediterranean to take the place on the European squadron va- cated by the cruiser Raleigh, which has gone to China, Chief Engineer A. C. Engard has been detached from the Ri¢hmond and ordered to the Baltimore, relieving Chief Engineer A. Kirby, who is ordergd to the hospital at San Francisco. Acting Carpenters J. H. Gill and C. Thompson ar¢é ordered to the New York navy yard. : Paymaster’s Clerk 8. F. Rose has been assigned to the Mohican. First Lieutenant Jogep® C. Byron, 8th Cavalry, has b granted four months’ leave, and leaves of absence have been granted Captain: Thaddgeus W. Jones; 10th Cavalry, for.three montha; First Lieuten- ant Robert G. Paxton, Ith Cavatty, for one month, and First Lieutenant ‘William C. Rivers, 1st Cavalry, for one month. Personal Mention. Mr. Charles Moore, clerk of the Senate committee on thé District of Columbia, has gone to Detroit, Mich., where he will deliver a ledture this,pventtig before the Detroit Chagger of the Bons $€ the. Revolu- tion on ‘The Conquest of the Northwest by General Secorge Rogers “Clark.” Mr. Moore's pay deals ;with {he importance of military ‘operations in -the northwest during the revolution, which he concludes resulted in a tt extension of the ter- tory of ther Btates at that time. Mr. A. C. } Who has been making some electrical tegts at Rahway, N. J.; will return home in a few a Major Edmond G. - 6th Cavalry, is visiting. his brother at 3010 Cambridge place northwest. WASHINGTON, D. C., MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 1898-SIXTEEN PAGES. TWO CEN 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. WISH OF RESIDENTS HAWAIIAN ANNEXATION The Proposed Referendum on Form of Local Government. HOUSE DISTRICT COMMITTEE HEARING Arguments Regarding the Right of Suffrage. PAY TAXES AND GROWL The House District committee today re- sumed the hearing on the bill authorizing a special election in the District to deter- mine whether the citizens desire a change in the form of government. Dr. Lee’s Argument. Dror: Lee was introduced by Mr. Hensey and addressed the committee. He said the right of self-government in th District was guaranteed by the Constitu- tion in every word, and especially in the fifteenth amendment. To deny the right of self-government in this District is to deny it to 280,000 loyal Americans. The present form of government is despotic, arbitrary and dictatorial. It prevents the people from having a word to say as to taxes, and denies them even the plainest rights of representation and petition. He believed that many worthy citizens held to the be- lief that the progress of the city is retarded by disfranchisement. Dr. Lee cited statis- lics to show that the District of Columbia paid more money into the United States treasury than many states. Since 1862 the District paid $7, 00 in internal revenue taxes, and within the past ten years has paid $519,000 in customs taxes. Dr. Lee urged as one objection to the pres- ent form of government the fact that one important branch of it, the engineer de- partment, is presided over by an army officer. He termed this a kind of military government. “Un-American,” Says Mr. Weller. Mr. M. I. Weller was then recognized. He said at the outset that he had no grievance against either the Commissioners or the board of assessors. He sald the mistakes which occur fn assessments are mainly due to a defective law and the plan under which the board Is operating. He objected to the present form of gov- ernment because it was un-American. The cnly rights of the people of the District are to pay taxes and growl. Even the res- idents of St. Petersburg, in the demain of the Czar of Russia, have a municipal gov- ernment and the right of suffrage. Mr. Weller denied that the progress of the national capital has been due to the present form of government. He believed that more progress would have been made under a municipal form of government. Under that condition, he said, there would net have been the discrimination which, he alleged, has been practiced against tions of the city where the poor- es live. fd ‘there would not be sections in hingtoa where the poor man can- get a brick sidewalk, while in the northwest asphalt streets are being If there were a suffrage form of government these discriminations, he claimed, would be prevented, because the ‘people would have the choice of officials in their own hanc E: not Mr. Weller cited an instance which, he said, a discrimination against ’ the r Now that the poorer of the city are to be improved with sidewalks, it is provided by law that oni ralf of the cost shall be levied again: the adjoining property. No such charge made against the property in the rich West End, he said, when that section was improved. Mr. Dodge for Enfranchisement. Mr. W. C. Dodge then called upon for a brief speech. He recited the history of the government of the District of Co- lumbia. Mr. Dodge then laid down the proposi- tion that Congress has the right to exer- cise government over the District of C lumbia or to delegate it to others. He proceeded to cite decisions of the court and references bearing out this interpreta- n of the term exclusive right of Con- over the District. Leaving this topic Mr. Dodge proceeded to an argument for enfranchisement. “Do you think the people would rather have a local form of government than ul- timately be merged into a state?” asked Mr. King Oh, yes,” said Mr. Dodge, “although the territorial plan, comprising delegates in Congress, was very acceptable.” Mr. Dodge criticised the “triple-headed” ferm of government, as he called it, and said that under it no one could be held responsible and no satisfaction can be obtained by the citizens. He recited a case of the arbitrary repairing of a sidewalk in front of his office, and said it was but ene case in hundreds. Representative Meyer of Louisiana asked Mr. Dodge if such things did not occur in cities where the town councils control atf- fairs. Mr. Dodge that citizens would have more opportunity to prevent them. Mr. Dodge, in explaining his idea of gov- ernment in the District, said he wanted one executive and a city council, to be elected by the peoo! elegate in Congress. might be eppoint- ed by the wever. Jon’t you think,” said Mr. M: » “that who are the least interested in the are of the District are the most anx- ious for a change, because they have noth- ing to lose and everything to gain Mr. Dodge did not think so. He would be willing to have qualified suffrage, if nec- essary. Mr. King suggested that the advocates of a change should decide upon the plan of government they desired before asking Congress to act. Mr. Curtis of Iowa indorsed this sugges- tion, and said Congress would certainiy want to know what kind of government the citizens proposed to substitute. The Sentiment of Labor. Mr. W. H. G. Simmons of the local Feder- ation of Labor said his organization was in hearty favor of local self-government. The cost of it did not concern them. Whether the government costs $25 a head or $50 a head did not matter to them. They simply want that of which they have been robbed, the right to govern themselves. Mr. Simmons asked that some member of the committee should take this bill for a special election and push it as his own. He said if he were in a voting community he would not have any trouble in finding some one to take charge of the bill. Mr. Thomas G. Hensey closed the argu- ment for the biJl by a brief resume of the reasons which had been advanced by the speakers. Mr. J. D. Croissant asked the committee to give an opportunity to the opponents of this bill to be heard. Mr. Curtis, who was acting chairman of the committee, said that undoubtedly time would be given the other side before the bill was actefi upon by the committee. ——+o-+—____ Disaster in a Silesian Colliery. BERLIN, January 17.—A dispatch from Gleiwitiz, Prussian Silesia, announces a terrific collery disaster at Zaborze. The Koenigen Luise colliery caught fire yester- day, and of the fifteen men brought to the rier iseadomecahorise ae le is feared bers twenty-five rs, escape was cut off, have perished. id he supposed they did, but | How It Will Injure the Sugar Trust if Ac- complished. Ground of Its Opposition Trenty—It Has Lost Control of the Hawaiian Crop. to the Statements are being made that the sugar trust will be benefited by the annexation of Hawaii and that it is therefore supporting the treaty. On the other hand, it is said that the sugar trust will be injured by an- nexation, and that it is therefcre opposing the treaty. It may be taken for granted that the sugar trust will support or oppcse annexa- tion according as its material interests are benefited or injured by that measure, for no one has ever charged the trust with be- ing guided by sentiment or patriotism. Whether annexation will benefit or injure the sugar trust does not deperd upon argu- ment or belief; it depends upon facts. What are the facts? The policy of the sugar trust, in common with that of every otber trust, is to crush competition and obtain a moropoly of the market for their product. The product of the sugar trust, for which they seek a monopoly, is refined sugar. There is no conceivable reason why the annexation of Hawaii will help the sugar trust in maintaining its monopoly: wh! there are manifest reasons why annexation will interfere therewith. Why Annexation Wi! Trust. The tariff law ‘vies a higher duty on re- fined and high-grade raw sugar than on low-grede raw sugar, thereby practically prohibiting the importation of refined and high-grade raw sugar into this country. The tariff is levied on refined and high- grade raw sugar from Hawaii, as well as frcm other countries, as the Hawaiian reciprocity treaty admits free of duty only dark or low-grade sugars. As long, therefore, as Hawaii remains out of the Union its sugars cannot compete with the product of the sugar trust. As soon, however, as Hawaii is within the boundaries of the Union it will be in a pesition to place high-grade raw or refined sugar upon the American market, and thereby become an immediate and direct competitor wita the trust. There is no likelihood that Hawali will prcduce. any amount of rafined sugar, but there is every probability that it will pro- duce a high-grade raw sugar, a wholesome and palatable article, which will be con- sumed without being refined, thereby de- priving the trust of the profit upon just that arrount of sugar. Prior to the reciprocity treaty, when all sugars paid duty alike, the greater part of the Hawaiian crcp was sold direct to con- sumers under the name of “washed sugar.” ‘Washed sugar” is produced by simply peuring a bucket of water into the drying centrifugal the moment before the sugar is taken from the machine, which is the effect of washing off the thin film of mo- lasses adhering to each grain of sugar, leaving a granulated sugar of sperkling whiteness, but without lowering iis sac- charine strength. This sugar is preferred by many people to refined sugar, but, being unrefined, there is no profit to the refiner if this sugar is consumed; therefore the interest of the trast is to prevent its sale. Hawaii independent. cannot seli this sugar in the United States, because the duty excludes it. Hawaii annexed, would be within the tariff wall, and could therefore sell this sugar In competition with refined sugar. Therefore «nnexation interferes with the monopoly of the trust and is injurious to it. The Trust Loses Control of the Crop. A second reason why the sugar trust op- poses annexation and why it sought last year to secure the abrogation_of the re- ciprocity treaty is that under either an- fon or reciprocity Hawaiian sugar is pound to come to this country, as it se- cures more favorable terms here than elsewhere. The trust must either purchgse it or it will go to possible rivals. Since the trust secured the practical monopoly of refining sugar in this coun- try, it has succeeded in controlling the entire Hawaiian crop until December 31 last, when its contract with the Hawalian planters expired. It has this year secured the control only of the cugar owned by Theopholis Dav- ies, the English guardian of Princess Kaiu- lani, and a few plantations controlled by Claus Spreckels, both of whom are op- posing annexation, amounting to less than one-fifth of the total Hawaiian crop. All of the rest of the island's crop for the coming year has been sold to three refineries who are rivals of the trust—two located in Brooklyn, N. Y., and one re- cently started in California. Another thing which the trust fears has therefore already, in part, taken place, viz.: The furnishing of sugar by producers within the tariff line of the United States to rival refineries. Domestic cane produced only 240,000 tons in 1896, and beet sugar amounted to only 44,500 tons. This amount is comparatively so small that with a total consumption of sugar in the United States of 2: short tons during 156, it is not a serious matter for_ithe trust to take care of But if the 200,000 tons produced by Ha‘ worth, approximet $15,000,000, Is made domestic sugar, it will add so much to the amount which the trust must take care of that it will constitute a serious feature in its business. If, on the other hand, annexation can be prevented and the reciprocity treaty repealed, the trust will still have only domestic sugar to take care of. For these reasons the annexation of Ha- waii will interfere with the business pol- iey and monopoly of the sugar trust. No other business interests in the United States will be interfered with, but many will be directly and all indirectly benefited by Hawaiian anrexation. Does any one telieve that the sugar trust is so unselfish as to advocate a meus- ure injurious to itself for the benefit of othe> American citizens? And yet this is what those would have the public believe who seek to throw odium upon annexation by staung that it ic being supported by the sugar trust. It is a worthy tribute to the character of that organization that, regardless of the merits of any given measure, the support of the sugar trust is considered harmful. ——— 2 -—___—_ FRANCE AND RUSSIA PROTEST. Injure the ne Objection Raised to Great Britain's Relations With China. PEKIN, January 17.—The French and Russian ministers have protested against the conditions upon which, as outlined in an interview between Sir Claude Macdon- ald, the British minister to China, and the Clinese foreign office on Saturday last, Great Britain is willing to assist China to liquidate the Japanese indemnity. Chang Yenh Wau has been appointed governor of Shan Tung. —_————_—_ MISS MARGARET CLAIRE, ILL. Woman Bicycle Trick Rider Who Weighs 412 Pounds. FORT SCOTT, Kans. January 17.—The SITUATION GRAVE Need of Decisive Policy Re- garding, Ctban Question. —-- OUR INTERESTS IN JEOPARDY Warships at Key West Unavailable in Case of Outbreak. REPORT THAT LEE WAS SNUBBED Effort to Aid Reconcentrados Has Proved a Dismal Failure. CLOSE PRESS CENSORSHIP Special Cablegram to The Evening Star. HAVANA, Cuba, January 15, vie Port Tampa, Fia., 17.—Affairs here about which infermation wanted in Washington may be briefly stated, Ample ground exists for American intervention If that is to be the policy; if non-intervention is to be the policy plausible excuses may be found for keeping hands off. the presence of warships the ence of opinion. Jarvary is Concerning is a differ- Gen ‘al Lee has been con- servative with the power lodged in his hand to order them over from Key West on his own responsibility, though the responsibil- ity cannot entirely be shifted from Wash- ington to Havana. It is the truth that since the rioting began there has been no demonstration agairst Americans. Their lives have rot been manifestly in danger. The thoughts of the army officers, the vol- unteers and the mob were directed to inte-nal affairs. They were intent on show- ing that autonomy is not acceptable. The first morning of the riot two or three calls were made to go to the American consulate, but they met with no response. In all the subsequent rioting I heard no ani can calis. Criticiam of Lee. Lee has been criticised by some Ameri- have families here the warships were not called. It is not certain that the prospects for Americans will con- cans who beca tinue so favorable when the Spaniards get through fighting among themselves. The warring factions may at any time turn on the foreigners. The army rs who be- ricting gan the “rs who en- couraged the mob to follow it up have al- ready shown resentment over the tion of American war vessels. The sigente newspapers talk differently simply a stion whether the intran- It is dormant sentiment among these classes shall bulge qui out. The government professes its ability to afford sufficient If the in- transigentes published their intentions and made known their plans in advance the authorities would probably be able to head off any attack on foreigners, but the gov- ernment was caught unaware in the recent outbreek. It might be equally an uprising against Amer The chance of the ships protection. urprised if ccurred, 5 ne for ns protection to life is about even, but If the emergency does come there will be no time to await the coming of vessels from Key West. An hour will probably bring the developments, though years may be needed for explanations. United States Was Frightened. The impression left on the public mind here is that the United States meant to send warships, but was frightened out of its purpose. This impression has been fos- tered by the papers. They repre as offering to bring the vessels to help pre: serve order and Blanco refusin Then the American consul is put in the p sition of apologizing for such a suggestion having been made. Minister de Lome, in Washington, is also credited with influence in keeping the ships away. Lee says he made no offer, but sent a message to the police saying the minute destruction of property began or loss of life occurred he would send for the warships. His statement, however, does not reaca the Havana public. The facts are the last thing that the public is permitted to know. The palace causes the word to be spread that Blanco made a tart rejoinder to Lee as to warships. Situation as It Is. On general principles this may be said: If the period of muttering diplomacy is past and Spanish susceptibilities are not to be held in the highest consideration, it ‘ould be an advantage to have the vessels here, but their coming should be recognized at home as a step toward intervention, for it will be accepted as such in Havana, and can mean nothing else. American war ves- sels cannot sail into the harbor one day und out the next. A brief word on other points concerning which information may be wanted. Auton- omy is dead, and the army officers have kicked the corpse. The volunteers and the ricters have trampled on it. It has no place in future events in Cuba. As to probability of further outbreaks, the government apparently has sufficient armed force to prevent a general uprising. Inducement to such a course is not strong. The mob has not at any time been blood> thirsty or destrugtive. Its purpose was to show that autonomy would not be ac- cepted. Case of the Reconcentrados. Regarding the starving reconcentrados % the offer.