Evening Star Newspaper, January 24, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. ——_+ @UBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3101 Feresylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th 8, by i Ne Com; The Bre Sop Aan ey New York Office, 49 Potter Building, ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers in the city by carriers on their own account, at 10 cei per week, or 44 cents per month. tes at counter 2 cents each. By mail—anywhere in t! United States or Crnada—postage prepald—50 cents yer month. G Saterday Quin*uple Steet Siar, $1 per year, with foreign postage $3.00. (Entered a” the Post Office at Washington. D. C.. as _secend-cl.se mall matter.) 7 All wail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. No- 14,009. WASHINGTON , D. CG, MO NDAY, JANUARY 1898-FOURTEEN PAGE NT TWO CE Tf you want to buy, sell or exchange anything, lease property or rent rooms, want a situation or want help, it will pay you to announce the fact in the advertising columns of The Star. They are closely studied by more than three times as many people as read any other paper. A DISTRICT DAY Local Measures Considered in the House. es BILL REGULATING TAX SALES PASSED ee Some Amendments to It Were Adopted. OTHER MINOR MATTER: This was District day in the House today, and, thanks to the assiduity of the District committee in their work during the past week, there were several bills of impor- tance on the House calendar. Mr. Curtis of Iowa took charge of the District business on the floor. He called up House bill No. Judge Jenkins of Wisconsin expia‘ned the bill to authorize the Secretary of the In- terior to grant and convey by quitclaim deed to John H. Gause and Charles E. use, as tenants in common, all intere: of the United States in lot numbered 1 in square numbered 1041. This act shall have the effect only of a quitclaim of all the right, title and interest of the United States therein, but shall not affect an ad- verse title to said Jand, if any, nor create any Hability on the part of the United States, nor operate to discharge any taxes or assessments levied thereon by the Dis- trict of Columbia; but the deed shall not be délivered until satisfactory proof has been made that all taxes and assessments, both general and special, levied on said lot by the District of Columbia, have been It appears that the United States was once the owner of the land, and sold it tor a valuable consideration, and there is nothing in the records to show upon what consideration the title to lot 10 was returned to the United States by de- cree. he decree in question was never filed or recorded in any other place than the office of the clerk of the court where the decree was entered, so as to become notice of the rights declared by the decree. Commencins with the year 137 the lot has been assessed by the proper authorities of the District of Columbia as the property of individuals named, and never recognized as being the property of the United States. The bill was passed. Taxes and Tax Sales. urtis then J up House bill No. in relation to taxes and tax sales ix the Distriet of Columbia,” and the House went into committee of the whole, with Mr. erman of New York in the chair. ‘The report on the bill contains a letter from the assesssor of the District, explain- ing the necessity for the bili as follow: Under the provisions of the act ap- ved Murch 19, 1890, property which has e been advertised for non-payment of in advertised for the same tax, and consequently when a party ether thar: the District is the purchaser the certificate of sale issued by the Commis- sioners is for the tax of one year only, al though twenty years and more of arrears may be due and unpaid at the time. There ulso a peremptory requirement in the w that at the expiration of two years from the date of sale the Commissioners . on demand of the owner of the tax- sale certificate, issue a deed for the prop- erty, without providing as a condition pre- cedent to such deed that all overdue taxes ssessments other than those involved tax-sale certificate shall also have nder a decision of the Supreme Court ef the District. in the case of John H. Brewer agt. the District of Columbia, « ceed of property made in pursuance of le for arrears of taxes for any certain year passes the property involved to the purebaser at such sale, discharged of the liens of all taxes and assessments remain- ing due and unpaid > ume of sale, so far as the District i rned. As a tax deed thus carries a clear tit to its issue, it is a conv of frequent resort for the e _As the full force and effect of this deci- n is becoming better Known many are taking advantage of it, and instead of pay- ing their taxes promptly are letting the Yarious payments go by default, looking forward to the fact that each year only adds to the amount to be subsequently canceled, and thereby adding additional burdens of expense upon the prompi tax- paye: he bill contains eight sections. carrying Out the suggestions of the assessor. The first section of the bill provided that the assessor of the District of Columbia shall prepare a list of all taxes on real Property in said District subject to taxa- tion on which said taxes are levied and in arrears on the Ist day of July each” year hereafter; and the Commissiuners of said District are authorized and directed to ap- point a sufficient clerical force io prepare said list and perform such other duties as may be assigned to them by the assessor. Mr. Dockery of Missouri insisted upon striking out the provision for the clerical force and the amendment was accepted. Advertising and Sale of Property. This section further provides for advertis- ing the property upon which taxes are overdue, and section 2 provides that July 1 of each year the Commissioners shall pro- ceed to sell all property upon which such taxes remain unpaid, and continue to sell the same every secular day until all the real property shall have been brought to auction and sold. In case no other person bids the amount due on any lot the said collector of taxes shall bid the amount due on the same and purchase it for the Dis- trict. Section 3 provides that every purchaser other than the District, at any sale of property sold. shall pay the amount of his Md to the collector cf taxes within five days after the last day of sale. If any such purchaser shall rot have paid his bid, or the same shall not have been collected from kim within the time above mention- ed, the Commissicners may set aside the sale for which the bid was made, and all the rights of the purchaser under such bid shall thereby be extinguished. Immadiate- ly after tLe close of the sale, upon pay- ment of the purchase money, the collector of taxes shall issue to *he purchaser a cer- tificate of sele, and if the property shail not be redeemed by the owner or owners thereof within two years from the last day of :aie, by payment to the collector of taxes of said District, for the use of the legal hoider of the certificate, the amount for which it was sold at such sale and 15 per centum per anuum thereon, a deed shall be given by the Commissioners of the District, or ther successors in oflice, to ne purchaser at such tax sale, his heirs devisees, cr to the assignee of such cer- tes, which deed shall be admitted and to be prima facie evidence of a good and perfect title, in fee simple, to any Eyer bought at said sale herein author- ized. Provided, That no deed shall be issued vrtil all taxes and assessments appearing wpom the tax bocks against the property are paid, with penalties, interests and costs, including taxes for the years for which the District purchased the property at tax sale: Provided, That no property advertised shall be sold upor. any bid not sufficient to meet the amount of tax, pen- ty and cests; but m case the highest bid pon any property is rot sofficient to meet the taxes, penaities and costs thereon the (Continued on bird Page.) GAINS THREE MORE VOTES Judge McJomas Now Has Forty- Joint Ballot. Shaw Has Seventeen and‘ the Vote for Gorman Fell Off to Forty-Two. ANNAPOLIS, Md., January 24—The ninth ballot for United States senator, taken today at ncon, resulted as follows: McComas - 49 Gorman . - & Findlay . 2 Shaw Ni Au adjournmeni was had after one ballot, until 12 o'clock tomorrow. ‘The opening of the second week of the senatorial fight in Maryland found the situ- ation the same as on Saturday, with the McComas men making the most confident claims and the “eleven” as firmly united as ever. It was again predicted that Me- Coras would gain seven and perhaps eight votes whenever the managers of his cam- paign decided that it should be so, but no announcement was made as to when this would occur. Many thought the changes would be made in today’s balloting, but the prevailing belief was that no decisive Uon would be taken until after the caucus, which is booked for tonight, in which, it is claimed, enough members wili particpate to imsure McComas’ election. It had not been definitely determined, however, when the joint session assembled at noon wheth- er it would be called or not. After the ballot was completed, one of the leve made a motion to adjourn, which Was carried, the democrats voting with the antl-McComas men. During the joint con- vention Delegat We made speeches clear! ‘ing the pur- Pose of the democrats to vote for some re- publican other than Judge McComas for United States senator when the proper time arrives. Senator Scott has issued # vall for a republican caucus and the final struggle is thought to be very close at hand. MANY RUMORS ADRIFT. Report That the Democrats WIM Join Against Mi. Special Dispatea STATE HOUSE, ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan- wary 24.—The intidents « balloting to- day snd the rumors adrift about the state house during the forcnscn contributed largely to create a degree of excitement that has not heretofore distinguished the fight. The utmest enthusiasm was mani- 'HAVANA IS PUZZLED Onteide News Made Incomprehensi- ble by Press Censorship. GEN. LEE'S MAIL INTERFERED WITH Sharp Protest by the Consul Raises the Embargo. BLANCO’S PAPER CAMPAIGN ————— Speciel Dispatch to Th> Evening Star. HAVANA, Cuba, January ,22, via Port Tampa, Fla., January 23.—Congress puz- zles Havana. Reflex action of what hap- pens in Washington has no effect here, but may have greater effect in future. Therefore, not only this week's discussion, but discussions which may hercafter be had in either House or Senate are import- ant subjects. Briefly, intransigentes, who oppose an- tenomy and the official class, which sup- Ports it, both mgsent that Congress should discuss the matter at all. News of what actually goes on is meager. General staff of the Spanish army in Cuba to: which the functions of civil govern- ment, so far as relates to the press, have been abdicated is not noted for intelli- gence. When it comes to censuring di patches relating to American public af- fairs this general staff is hopelessly lost. Naturally telegrams held by it twenty- four hours lack both freshness aud com- pleteness when published. The first news received here was a tele- gram pubiished in the papers that Chair- man Hitt was sending cipher dispatches to New York, saying the President would not be forced into a war. Since then Mr. Hitt has become hetter known, but the practice which makes him the mouth- Plece of the «administration in foreign affairs 1s now understood. The Havana public in an indefinite way supposed a Mr. Reed was the House of Repres and does not comprchend how a Mr. supplants him. Situation Here Not Understood. Political maneuvering by whieh Cul irs s| econ 4 y art fested by the partisans of M.Comas, Shaw | #Mairs should become temporarily a party and Gdrman during _balloti Paha | Auestion is ali blank. There ts likewise ; = Tete atte got in? | confusion: about legislative methods, and several speeches made elicited uproarous applause. It was reported this morning that the democrats wou!d take a hand in the proceedings and close th Yoting for Maj. Shaw, and th by reports that MeComas such acces: his favor. vailed when called to order. youll as as would turn the tide in The most intense interest pre- receive the joint convention was McComas Drew First Blood. The McComas men drew fi blood when State Senator Putzel of Ealtimore city, who has been voting steadily for ex-Re the Senate has been confounded with the House. I have tried to explain th ters to some fairly intelligent per it is a discouraging task. Whe; gent ones cannot understand congt be procedure, it cannot anz’s population p its detaiis. The is that since President McKin! against recognition of belligerency message, he should prev talking belligerency. The no credit for moderation, and the mere di ele President get Te alee ope muay, changed | cussion of Cuban affaira in Washington to } & ‘om: ; ema the judge the sub- causes him to be charged with the p SEE ok cule iatic 'apeechy He: was alcnt |i naca loevintacventigts Te cals eeiaee LG ly followed by Delegate Scudder of Balti- the intransigente the army and some more, who charged to McComas from ms eee ie Shryock, justifying his step on the ground | Members of the autonomist government. of respect for the wishes of the republican | However, no hurt is done by letting the oper State pees Day of Howard | Havana public rage. Much education is also cast a vote for icComas. ede pfore ory i i ould Delegate John 8. Wirt of Cecil, one of | Needed before intervention, if it the democratic leaders, assailed the Me- | come, will be quietly received. Discussion Comas people in an impassioned speech | of the prospect is part of that education, because of his vote for the force bill. Mr. | but the people here do not discriminate. Wirt closed by the declaration that no democrat would vote for a man who had supported that measure, and drew a round of applause from the Shaw men at the im- plication that other republicans would not be objectionable to his party. Delegate Lioyd Wilkinson of Worcester struck the keynote of the stand advised by the democratic leaders in a long speech, in which he assailed the public criticism of the Malster men for not acceding to the wishes of the majority of the republican members, on the ground that it was In- consistent with the praise heaped on Sena- tor Bruce two years ago, when he declined to go into the democratic caucuses, and the attitude of the clty delegates who re- cently refused to support the Malster can- didate for speaker. Will Stick to Gorman, The democrats, Mr. Wilkinson declared, would vote for Senator Gorman as long as there was a chance of effecting his elec- tion, after which they would consider what to do, but they would never support a can- didate who had voted for the force bill. The speech, was a manifest adjuration to the “eleven” to stand out against Mc- Comas, and an implication of the ultimate support of the democrats, Delegate Gould of Montgomery and other McComas leaders attempt>d to cut off the speaker, who had taken the floor to ex- plain his vote, but the chair did not sus- tain the protests, and Mr. Wilkinson was allowed to address the assembly, to the great satisfaction of the Shaw m2n. After the ballot was announced the Shaw men called for an adjournment, the motion being carried by a vote of 61 to 48, the democrats voting with the eleven and their eastern shore allies. Cannot Get Democratic Votes. Th> democratic leaders, Chairman Van- diver, Schley and Wilkinson, are anxious to cast the minority vote for Shaw, but are having a great deal of trouble to induce a number of their men to consider such a proposition. It is now claimed that they will be brought into line for th2 vote to- morrow, but several leading democrats de- clare that they will never vote for a_re- publican, and that they will support Gor- man until April 1. It is known that the democratic leaders would suport an eastern shore rep:1bli- can in preference to a city man, but, this being out of the questicn.they believe that by supporting the candidate of the repub- ican minority they will gain “as much pehtically as the situation allows. The governor sept a message to the as- sembly today recommending the granting of sufficient land to the government at Round Bay on the Severn for the erection of the proposed dry dock at that point. > DID NOT TAKE HIS SEAT. Justice McKenna to Enter on His Duticn Wednesday. | It was expected that Mr. Joseph MeKenna would assume his duties as associate justice of the United States Supreme Court today, but the time since his confirmation on Fri- day last not being sufficient for the neces- sary preparations of his part, the ceremony has been postponed until the incoming of court Wednesday next He will occupy the ow vacant seat on the extreme left of the Chief Justice, formerly occupied by Justice Peckham. —_ ava did not hand down any bigs u + reassigned some cases, scmmetions to counsel as to the lines of argument in others and announced a three weeks’ recess from next Monday. ——__-e—-__— FAVORABLY REPORTED. - Committee Action om Gov. Griggs’ Newination. The Senate committee on judiciary has reported faverably the nomination of Gov. Setpen ct Hee Jeaeey 80. te Reiernen Sen: era! z They give the same importance to the Froposition of an American commissioner to the insurgents that fs given to the ques tion of the recognition of — belligerency. From their point of view, Congress or the administration is as likely to take one course as the other. Advices From Madrid. Official dispatches from Madrid, saying that the government has optom ad- vices from Washington, do not change the feling here. Havana insists on furthering its own constructions on what happens in the United States, though press censorsiip and conflicting newspaper reports res: its resources of information. Foreigners in Havana are dependent on Censul General Lee. A sharp remonstrance has caused his papers to be delivered, and he maintains a circulating Mbrary for the benefit of private individuals whose jour- nals are sequestrated. This is Cuba under milder autonomy. The local papérs daily print the “ban,” or decree placing the reg- ulation of the press in the hands of the heads of the general staff of the army. This censorship decree carrics its own ex- planation of the golicy of no news and lack of comment on current events. The pa- pers alsu come out with blank columns where the censorship has rejected articles put in type. These statements are necessary to ex- plain why comment on what happens in Washington may be restricted or based on insufficient information. At this writing very little is known of what actually hap- pens in Congress or of Mr. Hitt’s exposition of the administration’s Cuban policy be- yond his statement that the President was still opposed to recognizing belligerency. Insurgents Expect Intervention. The insurgents think they see in the news received a more definite probability of in- tervention, though this is based on sur- mise rather than actual knowledge. Min- ister de Lome's advices have apparently been less reassuring than usual. The pal- ace, which is really Attorney General Con- gosto, is still miffed at General Lee be- cause he has refused to disavow the report from Washington to the effect that he had officially communicated the failure of au- tonomy. Addigppnal evidence of an official charac- ter, hi ver, continues to be accumulated on that point. It is getting to be quite a volume. Much of it comes from the Spanish property-owning class. Their fears of the triumph of the insurgents may bias their judgment somewhat, but their actions cdnnot be gainsaid. They have no faith in their own government under autonomy. In- cidents such as the presentation of the in- surgent chief Masso do not alter their opin- jon, nor does war news manufactured for consumption in Spain affect them. ‘luey know the circumstances which induced Masso to present himself was in retalia- tion for Gomez's course in disciplining him and reducing him in rank. The Spanish property holder in Cuba has reached the point where he cannot be persuaded to keep his eyes shut. pero Blance’s Paper Campaign. _ ‘This will not Interfere with Bianco's cam: paign, which is to be through the press in- stead of the field. Reports may be looked for at regular intervals now, telling, oF (States. Here, where ict of geography and of the actual conditions of military operations; it is net expected that they will be believed. ‘The insurgents, on thelr part, will probably not be slow in making counter clairgs, and many paper battles may be fought. It will be necessary to discount all war news on both sides for some time to come, a8 well as reports of presentations. PEPPER. ENSURGENTS RAID ESPERANZA. Dri Back With ‘Serious Loss by Spanish: Trovps. By Associated Press. HAVANA, January 24.—News was re- ceived at 11 o'clock Iast right that a dyna- mite bomb had been expicded at Esper- arza, province of Sante Clara, shaking all the buildings in the town. The insurgents, under Leaders Chucho Monteagudo, Ingle- sito Solano and Romero Florentine, entered the town uncer cover Of the darkness, and despite the firing from the fort, plundered fcur stores. A part of the garrison turned out and a battle began in the streets. The insurgents, according to accounts ‘recelved from Span- ish officials, were attaeked with the bayo- net on the front and rear and compelled to retire, leaving nine killed, among them three officers. They lost seven rifles and a “hundred cartridges. A dynamite bomb they had placed under-a hardware store did not explode. The garrison had one kill- ed and several wounded, among the latter the chaplain. It is reported that the insur- gents had twenty wounded. Insurgents Burn Cane Fields. Reports from Manzanillo show widespread revolutionary incendiarism in the rich and fertile zone“aiong the coast. The insur- gents are burning the cane fields on the central plantation Teresa at Ceiba Hueca, and the fire is spreading to the neighboring plantations. s At Sagua La Grande the insurgents have burned part of the cane fields of the plan- tation Dos Hermanos and the plantation Puria. Today being the anniversary birthday, the government formally par- doned the officers and editors who were re- sponsible for or took part in the recent riotings in this city. In the Guires district of this province 18,403 perscns died last year. Relief nas been distributed at Guines to 6,638 per- sons; at Catalinia, to 1,621; at Melena, to 1,225; 2 Nicolas, to 1,246; at Pipian, veva Paz, to 1,868, and at Guan- of the king's ajay, to Blanco Leavgs Havana, Captain General Blanco léft the Buace at G o'clock this morning for, the xailroad sta- tion of Villa Nuova, where hz embarked on an express train for Batabamo, on the south» coast. From there; he will take a coasting steamer to Clenfueges, province of nia Clara, and from-that pert he will &0 to Manzaniilo, province of Santiago de ba. c ‘During the abssnee f ithe captain general Gen. Parrado’ will. exercise the fanetions of that office. s+ censorship over forelgn newspapers has been abolished. >} Excitement at Key West. JACKSONVILLE, Fla.,, Jangary 24.—A special to the Times Union and Citizen from Key West, Fla. sags: , There has been much exctlement in this city during the last twenty-four hours, due to an alarming telegramsfram Havana, stating that the streets ad been flooded with an anonymous uftra-Spazieh’ circular calling v all anti-Ameriean elements to mobilize and raid the:Amerigan colony. Captain Gencral Blanco, fearful that the rabid element af the city might attempt uch violence, hasplaced an extra mili- tary guard around Consul General Lee's ciice. Many of the Amer! 8 of the city, who believe they are tn real danger, have pr pared their affairs for’ any emergency. ‘This news is what gave rise to the rumor that General Lee had aeen assassinated. Warships Restore Confidence. The feeling of uneasiness felt here because of the proxtmity of this city to Cuba has been much allayed, especially since this morning at 10 o'clock, when Admiral Sicard’s imposing fieet of battle ships, consisting of the New York, Indiana, Massachusetts, Jowa and Texas, arrived off the bar. The Maine, Montgomery and Detroit and the torpedo boats Cushing and. Dupont left the harbor at 11 o'clock and joined the fleet, whole making an impressively formidable appearance and one inspiring coutidence in the strong right arm of Uncle Sem. The stopping of th> warships here is a break in the program of the admiral, whose pian, under orders, was not to stop. The feet, however, will leave tomorrow for Tortugas. The Spanish consul hore was uneasy over the repeated rumers to the effect that General Léc had fallen a victim to assassi nation, aid wired to the authorities of Hiavana tor the truth. ; Saas COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS. Charles H. Duell Nominated by the President. The President today sent the following nominations to the Senate: Charles H. Duell of New York, to be commissioner of patents, George E. Roberts of Lowa, to be director of the mint. H. G. McMillan of Iowa, to be attorney of the United States for the northern district of Towa. Postmasters—Frederick L. Gaylord, An- sonia, Conn.; Chas. Storrshal, Walling- ford, Conn. Mr. Roberts, nominated to be director of the mint, vice R. E. Preston, resigned, is the editor of the Messenger, published at Fort Dodge, Iowa, and enjoys a fine repu- tation as a writer on financial questions. ‘The attention of the President was first at- tracted to Mr. Roberts by a book of which he is the author, replying to “!Coin’s Finan- clal School,” whichswas: pyblished dur- ing the recent campaign. Mri Roberts had the support cf Senators Adlison .and Gear, both of whom speak of him in @igh terms of praise. He is about fosty*five years of age, and has resided in dowawthe mujor portion of his. life. Hie was: at one time public printer fer that state. ——_i LOCAL BIELS IN ——— a oo Reperts Mnde to the Sepate om Rail- “way Measures. i In the Senate today My, Elkins intro- duced a bill lately offergg in the House by Mr. Richardson to re; ite the pay of assistant engineers of tgict of Co- lumbla, and Mr. Pro¢tor ‘pi ted a bill in the House sevcral days age for the relief D. of ‘the estate of D ter, deceased, of the. District og Colymb‘a. © Mr. Faulkner made a fqyprable report in the Senate today on bill .. granting more time to the Eekington and Soldiers’ Home Railway Company for the science cf its rapid-transit plant, end ir. Mc- Millan favorably rej a bill providing for certain ext for: the. Capital Traction Company, making an adverse re- port on all other bills iting to exten- sions for that '~ Both of these measures were x = the rs sy basen ute RIVERS ON RAMPAGE ae Niagara, Mississippi and the Ohio All Out of Banks. l | NEAR DANGER LINE AT MEMPHIS Cincinnati Also Foal of Rise at i Up-River Points. WEATHER NOW FAVORABLE BUFFALO, N. Y., January 24.—A special to the News from Niagara Falls says: “The Niagara river was in a rage last night, owing to the heavy western gale, which prevailed for twenty-four hours. The water rose in the gorge about twenty- five feet. It swept over the Maid of the Mist docks and sheds and carried off boats, boa houses, lumber and puip wood in large quantities. Contributary cree overflowed their banks and added their surplus to the mighty Niagara flood. The scene looking on the American and Can- adian rapids above the falls was a wild one. Bath Island, Luna Island aa? part of the Three Sisters were submerged, and considerabl2 damage was done to the ¢ property. ‘the greatest damase down the gorge, where seci gorge road were undermined and away. The pulp mill of the Cuff P: Company was threatened, also the cle trical power house of the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power Company. “Boats, boat houses and docks on the lower river were swept away. Touawanda creek overflowed its banks and forced the Brie canal until it over- flowed, causiag corsiderable damage. Alarm Felt at Memphis, MEMPHIS, Tenn., January 24.- The Mis- sissippl river at this point continues to rise at a rate that is considered alarming by river men in g and especially le: contractors, who have filed ounds to ¢ plete certain work ot a given ime. The time named has al ed, but che excessive rains, ca precedented- ly high stage of w the year, has operated again z AS a result there are several breaks in the lower levees left from last year's spring floods, which, it seems, will be im- possible to remedy before the March and eason of levee wu: April freshets, unlcss there should inter- vene thirty or more of clear weather. The danger line at Memphis fs 38 fe: This morning the gauge reads feet, showing a rise of 2.2 feet in twelve hours with a continued rise tion owners in the De cughly alarmed, but there is no immediatc danger to lite or proper’ Ohio Rising Rap CINCINNATI, Ohio, Ja Ohio river has been stationary at 50 feet 3 inches for several hours, aud hopes that there may not be a disastrous flood are strengthened by the continued clear, cold weather throughout the Ohiv vatley. But lisimg Waters are reported from all the up- iver points. The rise at Parkersburg. W Va., in the past. twenty-four hours, was 3.3 feet; at Polnt?Pleasant, 5.5; at Por mouth, ‘This indicates another rise here, but it is uncertain how much. If the present weather continues, it may not go beyond the line where railroad trat fic is interrupted, but if the weather fore- cast for tomorrow is fultilled, the condi- tions will ke favorable for a flood that will cause great inconvenience and great loss to manufacturers and busin: traffic. ———___ WILL ARRIVE HERE WEDNESDAY. President Dole of Hawail Leaves Chi- cago Tomorrow Morning. CHICAGO, Jan 24.—Pr ent and party will leave Chicago a: 10: tomorrow for Washington. The party is under the personal ese of Mr. T. W. Cridler, third assistant retary uf state, and Major Heistand, mil- itary attache of President McKinley During the journey on Tuesday the will pass throvgh the thickly settled tion cf Ohio, making brief stops at such points as Defiance. ‘filin, Mansfield, New- Dole m. ark, Zanesville, &c Wednesday morning they will pass through the historic battlefield country along the Potomac river between Cumber- land and Washington. —.__. KIAO CHOU OPEN TO THE WORLD. Sem1-Official Announcement Made by the German Government. -BERLIN, January 21.—Tne following semi-official announcement was made to- day: : “The statements regarding Germany's intention to open the port of Kiao Chou to the commerce of the world are practi- cally correct. Germany Cesires that its policy in China should be of a liberal char- actef, not interfering with the commerce ot other naticns.” ——.__ MR. ELKINS’ FINANCIAL BILL. Allows National Banks to Be Estab- lished With $25,000 Capital. Senator Elkins today intreduced a finan- cial DIN. It restricts the denomination of greenbacks and treasury notes to bills of five dollars cnd upward; provides that na- tional banks may issue currency up to the par value of bonds deposited; reduces the tax on circulation to one-half of 1 per cent, and allows national banks to be established with $25,000 capital and in towns of 3,00) Population. —-e—____ Personal Mention. Commander Thecdore F. Jewell, light- house inspector at Buffalo, % in the city for examination for promotion. He is at 1606 20th street. Ensign T. R. Pringle registered at the Nevy Department today. He is at 3147 U street. Capt. C. A. Stedman, 9th Cévalry, is at 1319 N street. Capt. W. P. Goodwin, 14th Infantry, reg- istered at the War Department today. He is at the Ebbitt. Second Lieut. Charles R. Howland, 20th Infantry, is at the Ebbitt. First Lieut. W. H. Johnston, 16th In- fantry, is in the city on a leave of absence. He ts at the Ebbitt. : Mr. E. H. Jacobi of the Maryland house of delegates paid a flying visit to his brother, Jos. Jacobi, No. 224 F street north- west, yesterday. " retired, for- Gen. Charles G. Sawtelle, merly irtermaster general, is at the Port! for a few days. application of the stamp collectors that the department rescind its order for the print- | ARCHER PUT ON THE STAND Detective Who Shadowed Hoilenbeck at Colambus, Ohio, ne BESS Allen ©. Myers Getx Mad at Senator Garfield's Keen Cross-Examination in Bribery vestigation. CINCINNATI, Ohio, January 24.—Allen OF Myers, sr., was the first witness today in the lcgislature bribery investigaiion. He Was at the Great Southern Hotel in Colum- bus January 7, where Mr. Kurtz and otkers opposing Senator Hanna were then stopping. His son, Alen O. My: ir. clerk at the Gibson Hotel at Ci i called him up that night and told him of Boyce’s moveme its. The next day son reached Columbus with copies of stenv- graphic reports of Boyce’s tatks from Cin- cinrati over the telephone with the Hanna headquarters in Columbus. As the matter pertained to republicans, he turned all over to Kurtz and introduced his to him. S Kurtz told Myers that Hollertbeck would go to Cincinnati with money. Myers de- tailed the shadowing of, Hollenbeck from Cclumbus to Cincinnati and back, also the carriage drives of Boyce about Columbi ‘The testimony of Myers caused ‘quite j Stir, especially when he became very angr on the cross-examination by Senator field. He denicd that he was a party to any conspiracy in getting up the Boyce- | Hollenbeck story about the bribery of Rep- resentative Otis. When Senator Garfield told witness he need not reply to that would incriminate himself, me intensely enraged, and Burke had difficult inquiry, E. H. Archer Testifies. EF. HL. Archer of Columbus, deputy state railway commissioner, testified to follow- | lowing H. H. Hollenbeck from Columbus to neinnati, and pointing him out to Jerry Bliss and detectives at the depot. Archer testified rapidly without questions being asked. He told about shadow.ng Hol- lenbeck from the Neil House to the Colum- bus depot, watching his movements on the train and in his berth all might. Hollen- j beck carried his valise to the toilet room with him and wherever he went. Hollen- beck took his valise with him into an upper berth. He did not undress in tne sleeper, and received messages in care of the con- ductor along the route. The rest of Archer's testimony covered the shadowing in Cincinnati and Columbus that had been covered by the witnesses last Saturday. Archer said he Kurtz and oth defeat mn Chairman in proceeding with the was a volunteer with fepublicans in seeking the or Hanna; that he ved as detective, but had worked for the good of the cause. Daugherty Dentes Jurisdiction, Harry M. D; herty, chairman of the re- publican state executive committee, was called, but refused to be sworn because he claimed the committee had no jurisdiction in the Otis case. He had, as legal counsel, so advised other witnesses, and would fol- low that advice himself, He was asked if he sent the telegram signed “H. D.” to Hollenbeck, while he Was on the train, but he refused to an- swer this-questton- and all others put to him, on the ground that the committee had no jurisdiction, Archer on being recalledfi said that F. J. Mulvshill, one of the democratic leaders against Tianna, was also on the train with Hollenbeck. Archer. and Mulvihill got Hol- j lenbeck’s telegram and Mulvihill answered signing Hollenbeck’s name to mes- signed Major Dick, Hanna’s man- ager. Detective Miller was ree: the telephone talks of Boyce With Major Rathbone and others d to explain headquarters. Mil r had four men besides himself Jz shadowing Boyce and Hollen- leck. Detective Slessinge: followed Hollen- beck back to Columbus. Miller shadowed Boyce back. The trail was lost in Colum- Boyce and Hollenbeck only stopping between trains. >—— CAPITAL TRACTION COMPANY. there Question Raised Which May Post pone Introduction of Electric Service. It has been long expected that cars would be running by the underground system on the 14th street line of the Capitai Traction road in the course ef the next five or six days. It is possible that this may still be done, but there is some question raised as to whether the scrvice will be as satisfac- tory as the one which is now furnished by the horse cars. According to the present arrangement, wires were to be laid from the tracks of the company in Georgetown down to the power house of the Potomac Electric Light- ing Company and a current sent over the feed wires which are now in the duct be- tween the tracks of the line from George- town to 15th street. It was expected that the current would be continued along New York avenue and up 14th street, so that electric cars could be run on that line. It is understood that all the wires have been laid for this purpose, with the ex- ception of that section between the tracks in Georgetown and the power house of the electric company. In the event that it is found that a suffi- cient number of cars cannot be operated cn the 14th street line by the current fur- nished in this way, it is probable that the management will decide to continue the present horse car service, which goes as far as U street. ; The new power house of the company, it is expected, will be ready for use in the course of five or six weeks, and so, it is thought, in the event the horse car serv- ice is continued on i4th street it will only be for a few weeks longer, and it is be- lieved that this will be be:ter than an un- Satisfactory service by the underground system. There is a good Geal of complaint on the part of the patrons of the line about the inadequacy of the present service on the portion of the line north of U_ street, which is opérated by the underground sys- tem. It is said Ly the residents in that section that one electric car at U street is expected to take away passengers who reach that point on three successive horse cars, and the result is that people are obliged to wait there a Jong time, or else tg hang on the cars by their eyelids, so to speak. Passengers are brought to the U street junction not cnly by the 14th street cars, but by the U street line, and the means of getting them farther north ts said to be entirely inadequate. It is possible, if the company finds it nec- essary to continue the present arrangement of a combination of horse cars and electric cars, that a better schedule will be ar- RETO The Battle Ship Maine to Go to Cuba. Se oe NOTHING HOSTILE INTENDED Secretary Long States That It Will Be a Friendly Call. —s- IMPORTANT WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE i Satisfaction Over the News Showa, at the Capitol. ees COMME ‘T ON THE REPORT The United States steamer Maine has been ordered to Havana. It is said at the Navy Department that no disturbing news has been received from there, but that the movement is rather in the line of a re- sumption of free intercourse of our naval vessels in Cuban waters, the same as pre- vailed prior to their withdrawal on account of the outbreak of hostilities. Secretary Long of the navy was seen this morning concerning the rumors that were uffoat yesterday in regard to the movements of the ships, and said: “So far from there being any foundation for the rumors yesterday of trouble at Ha- Vana. matters are now in such condition that cer vessels are going to resume their friendly calls at Cuban ports and go in and out just as the vessels of other nations do. The Maine will go in a day or two on just such a visit. The department has issued orders for ves- sels to attend the public celebrations in Mobile and the Mardi Gras at New Orleans and for the torpedo boat fotilla to visit Galveston, Tex.” A White Hoese Conference. The most significant conferenae of the day at the White House was that vartief- pated in by the President, Secretary Long and Judge Day, assistant secretary of state. The presence of thesemon together Was sufficient to indicate a Ciscussion of Cubon affairs, and on a phase of more than ordinary rest. Justice McKenna join- ed the-conference later, and these men talked over the situation, while senators and representatives of prominence waited in adjoining rooms. Gen. Miles was sent for before the conference was concluded and was present for a short time. His branch of the service has not been largely considered heretofore in connection th the situaticn in Cuba. Senators Evince isfaction. The first intimation the members of the Senate comm.ittee on foreign re'ations had of the orgers to the Maine was given in the Associated Press bulletin, They re- ceived the infcrmation with evident satis- faction. Serator Frye said that the action was eminently satisfactory to him. ator Gray said it was very proper to have a warship ir Havana for the protection of merican interests. Senator Morgan said Germary had shown the United es che wey by sending her warships to and was evidently badgering tis government in this matter. Senator Foraker was particularly pleased He said he wished the of the squad- ron would be ordered to follow the Maine. Senator Cufom said: “I am ¢' ot hear it. I hope the Maine will be followed by other vessels. Senator Teller sald he would like to see the harbor of Havana filled with American ships. Chairman Boutelle of the House commit- tee on naval affairs said that if the Maine had gone to Havana it was an entirely nat- ural movement. The sending of our ships to the ports of the world implied no of- fense. “That is what they are for,” Mr. Boutelle said. This is essentially true in time of peace, and according to the view of Spain there is no war and the United States bas not thus far recognized a condition of war as existing. In time of war, when a blockade is declared, foreign ships may be kept out, as was the case at Charleston harbor during the war, but such a block- ade has not been established at Havana. Mr. Boutelle regarded the sending of the Maine as quite in line with the custom and as furnishing no ground for irritation by Spain or agitation in this country. Gratification in the House. ‘There was gratification expressed among members of the House committee on for- eign affairs, especially by Messrs. Smith, Heatwole and Pearson, three republicans, who have expressed some unrest at the ron-action of the committee or the House in the matter of Cuba. They have tn- formed other members of the committee that there was a desire on the part of re- publicans in the House to vote their senti- of the committee expessed themselves ss pleased with what had been done. Mr. Smith said: “It suits me in every ‘wsy. My people are in favor of Cuban Mberty.”” Mr. Heatwole: “I think it is prcper that a United States