Evening Star Newspaper, January 29, 1898, Page 1

a : —_ TH EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY ©XCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BU:_0INGS, TiC] Ferreylvania Avenue, Cor. Itm St. by ing Star N Compazy ‘The Treats mG PFMANN, rest Few York Office, 49 Potter Building. pe Evening Star ts served to sulscriters in the ety by eortiors on thar wa , at 10 ecnts per week, or 44 cents per Tioatk. Cor’ at the counter 2 cents each. By mall—anywhore in the United States er Cenada—postage prepaid—0 ecnts Fer moat. Sa*tiday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added. $3.00. (Entered a” the Post Oiice at Washington. D. C.. as secend-class matt matter.) €7-All wal! subscriptions must be paid in advance. es of advertising made Known op application. THE CORONA IS LOST Pacific Coast Steamer Plying Between Seattle and Dyea. —— HER PASSENGERS WERE ALL SAVED Steamer Coquitlam is Stranded, but Will Be Saved. see z SURVIVORS AT LEWIS ISLAND SEATTLE, January £9.--The steamskip Corona cf the Pacific Coast camship © ng between Seattle and Dye wrecked January 21 in| Grenville sound, off Kennedy Isiand. sengers were ali saved, but the vessel and cargo are understood to be a tot] loss. The passenger were taken to Lewis Island, where they now are. The 300-ton freight steamer Coquitlam 1s stranded, but is probably safe. Only a T.eager account of the disaster has been received through dispatches filed at De- parture Bay by the steamer Danube, which, on its return voyage from Linn caral, fell in with the Corona and Coquit- lam. The Coquitlam is owned by the Union Transit Co. of Vancouver. The Corona, which was considered one of the finest beats cn the Alaska run, was in command of Capt. Pearce and had two pilots, Thomp- son and Coffman, whose experience cn the route would make their presence on the steamship almost a guarantee of safety. History of the Boat. The Corona came to Seattle September 1 from San Francisco to take the place of the Mexico, lost the previous month in Dixen Entrance. Since November 6 the Corona had made five round-trip voyages to the head of Linn canal, and was on its sixth trip north when lost. It was built in Philadelphia in 1888 at a cost of $200,000. It was insured for $120,000. The Corona sailed from Seattle on Jan- uary 20 for Dyea and Skaguay. It had ac- commedations for 225 passengers, 130 being first-class, ani all its berths were sold from Puget Sound ports. in Seattle alone were sold seventy-five first-class and seventy-seven second-class. Its freight amounted to about 700 tons. Among the passengers was a_ party of six from San Jose, Cal., led by John Stan- ley and Al Ehrman. |" They were going north under contract to build a wharf and warehouse in Skaguay. As a side issue the six shipped a regular cutter sleigh and about thirty smaller sleds for use in nsporting freight and passengers over Skaguay road. The party had sixty in San Francisco for shipment to Skaguay as soon as the transportation could be secured. Printing Press Lost. A most coraplete priniing outfit aboard the Corona, shipped to Dyea. It belonged to E. W. Poilock, formerly of Mount Vernon, Washington, who intended to issue in Dyea the only daily newspaper in Alaska. The cylinder press was the largest yet taken north. Mr. Mrs. W. Foster and Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Thayer sailed for Fort Wrangie on the Corona. They intended to locate on the new town site called Goldike. G. Wilson left on the Corona, intending to push into Dawson without delay. He figured on reaching there in March, and, after spending a couple of weeks, to start en the return trip. He had engaged In- dian guides ard owned a bumoer of dogs. Several ethers aboard the Corona intended starting at once for Klondike. It is es- timated that three-fourths of the passen- &ers were bound for the mines. CITY OF GLOUCESTER DAMAGED. was Atlantic Coast Stenmer Stranded in Hoxton Harbor. BOSTON, Mass.. January 29.—The steam- er City of Gloucester, Capt Ober, while on her regilar trip from Gloucester to t city this morning, struck on the Grave: and wes badly damaged. A big hole w pun. in the vessel's bottom, the shock throwing her clear off the rocks so that she floated in deep water. The water pour- ed through the hole in torrents, and as Capt. Ober saw that the steamer was in eanger of sinking he ran her on the beach a: Lovell’s Island Boston harbor. The tug Wesley A. Gove sighted steamer ashore and hastened to her sistance. Capt. Ober and the two passen. gers which the steamer carried were taken aboard the tug and brought up to the city. An effort will be made to patch up ti Vessel so that she can be towed to city, where a survey will be made. Ss VIZCAYA STARTS FOR HAVANA. the Spanish Cruiser Which is Expected to Visit Our Ports. CARTHAGENA, Spain, January 29.—Th: first-class armored cruiser Vizcaya is starting for America. The rest of the Spanish squadron is preparing to sail for Hevana. The ironclad Cristobal Colon (formerly Giveeppe Garibaldi 11) wili accompany the torpede flotilla later. _—————— PROSPERITY IN DAKOTA. Mr. Milton Presents Favorable Out- look for je Year. Mr. Samuel B. Milton, editor and pro- prietor of the Redfield, S. D., Journal-Ob- server, who is visiting Washington, will leave next week for his home in the west. Mr. Milton was called here by the death of his mother several weeks ago. In reply to inquiries about the condition of affairs in South Dakota, Mr. Milton says that the producing classes are prospering under a marked improvement in prices for the staple products of that commonwealth. The cattle and skeep industries are growing larger and more remunerative each year, and the farmers are generally prosperous and happy through these interests and diversified farming. A consptcuous index of the improved times since the election of McKinley is shown, he says, In the very larg: number of released mortgages filed in the vaciocs counties of the state and the general feeling of content and confi- dence. Many inquiries are being received from prospective immigrants and investors in other states as to farming lands, which certainly portend, he thinks, increased im- migration to South Dakota and « greater advance along all industriel lines in the state during the present year. Mr. Milton is a former Washington boy, a graduate of Tne Evening Star office, and bas many friends here ir his old home who will be gratiiled over his successes in the far west. ne EES Mishap to the Porter. A telegram received at the Navy Depart- ment from Mobile today announced that the torpedo boat Porter had broken one of the struts that hold up the end of the pro- peller shafts. The boat was in dock when the fact was discovered, and it is not known when the break occurred. The boat will have to remain at Mobile until a new strut_can be secured from the builders, the Herreshoffs, at Bristol, R. L, and put in place. i The El Me ~ = = jan If 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 Th Star. They are closely studied by more than three No. 14,014. times as many people as ALLER SAVES DAGO'S CREW iter Vessel Was Disabled in a Gale and Sinking. Rescue Effected tn Teeth of a Gale by the North German's Life Boat. NEW YORK. January %.—The North German Lloyd steamer Aller, which arriv- ed today from Bremen and Southampton, brougkt captain and twenty-four of the crew of the British tramp steamer Daso of Sunderlné, who were taken off that vessel at sea while she was in a sink- s condition. The Dago left Leith December 31 for Baltimore in ballast. On January 8 the | wain steam pipe burst and the machinery becume disab.ed. The steamer fell off in the trough ef the sea and roiled about in ‘the heavy swell. For twelve days the unfortunate craft lay in this eondition. The bulkheads were burst in by the terrific pitching and tossing of the ves- sel. The coal fell through into the en- gine room and choked the pumps and shaft alley. The vessel became leaky and the water was soon level with the engine room floor. On Janvary 27, in latitude 42.02, longi- tude , the Aller hove in sight and soon bore down to the sinking vessel. A strong breeze prevailed at the time, with a very ugly, confused sea, and the Dago careened over to an angle of forty-five de- grees, rendering it extremely difficult to lcwer a boat. However, the Aller launched one of her large life boats, in which, during five hours, three trips were made to the sinking craft and the whole crew taken off, the Daso being abandoned to her fate. She probably sank within eight or ten hours. The Dago was righted on January 22, in latitude 44.16, longitude 55.35, by the At- lantic Transport Tine steamer Manitoba, from London for this port, the captain of which stated that the weather stormy to handle the disabled tow her to port, and offered the crew, who xt that xbundon their vessel. — + LEAVE HAVANA soon. The Muine Likely to Be Relieved Within « Fortnight. It is said at the Navy Department that it is not strictly accursie to say that the battle ship Maine will be ordered to New Orleans in time to participate in the Mardi Gras festivities of the zIst and 22d prox- imo. The department has promised to have cne or more warships at New Orleans on that occasion. but so far has not decided which to send. It is not at ail improb- able, however, that the Maine may even- tually be selected for this cuty, as there is no intention to keep her at Havana for ary great length cf time, as the sanitary conditions of the port make a prolonget Stay undesirable, to say the least, and un- der present conditions the crew ‘is denied the full measure of exerc!se necessary to their health and comfert. The privileges of shore liberty are curtailed while she remains at Havana in crder to avoid the possibility of diplomatic enta:.glements that m'ght result from the usval sailors’ brawis. Unicss thers is a deciced change in the present peaceful conduiors in Havana it is probable that the Maine will be re- Leved from further duty in that harbor within the next two weeks, in which case she would be available for the New Or- leans assignment. She will be replaced by arother warship, propably the cruiser Montgomery. The following communication bearing on this subject was received at the Navy De- at today: By Order of the King. Navy Department, Admiral of the Port. Capital City of New Orleans, January 25, 1808 r. John D. Long, Secretary of the Navy Washington, D. C.: Dear Sir: Your valued favor of the 15th ed in due time and immediately referred to the officers of the carnival court, and the contents have given great satisfaction, and your intention of sending one or more naval ships here to participate n the Mardi Gras festivities on the 21st nd 22d proximo has met with universal commendation from our whole business community ard commercial exchanges. It is hoped, however, that you will not make the limit to sending one ship, providing the exigencies of the ser ill not interfere with sending more. We would particularly favor a visit from the Maine, as one of the ships, as both ship and her commander, Captain Sigsbee, would receive a cordial welcome here. The earl marshal of the realm instructs me to extend you and your staff of gallant tars a cordial invitation to be present on the reception of his gracious majesty Feb- ruary 21, 188. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, THOMAS J. WOODWARD. qe I ‘TREASURY PROMOTIONS. 7 to tume refused to MAY Official Announcement of Clerical Changes. The Treasury Department announces the following promotions: Office of the auditor for the Post Office Department—R. J. F. Allen, West Virginia, $1,400 to $1,000; Wm. H. Scholz, Wisconsin, $1,400 to $1,600; Chas. E. Crowell, Maine, $1,200 to $1,400; H. K. Van Buskirk, New York, $1,200 to $1,400; Wm. K. Price, North Carolina, $1,000 to $1,200; Jas. E. Beller, New York, $000 to $1,000; Wm. Heffron, I diana, $660 to $720; John L. Knopp, Louis- jana, $1,000 to $1,200. Office of the auditor for the Treasury De- partment—Wm. B. Lynch, Florida, $1,200 to $1,400; Mrs. E. C. Dallas, Colorado, $1,000 to $1,200; Miss Mary Durham, Iowa, $000 to $1,000. Office of the auditor for the War Depart- ment—Jos. L. Underwood, Tennessee, $000 to $1,240; John H. Ellis, Arkansas, $900 to $1,000. Benjamin E. Tilton of Wisconsin has been appointed to a $0) position in the coast survey, and Samuel C: Holmes of Kansas has been reinstated to a $720 posi- tion in the office of the auditor fur the Post Office Department. re. ROBERTS’ Recent CASE. Likely to Be Considered by the Sen- ate Civil Service Committee. The case of Mrs. M. E. Roberts, who was removed from the pension office last May, will be considered by the Senate committee on civil service and retrenchment at its next regular meeting, which will probably he held next Tuesday. The committee has taken no artion in the matter except to call upon the Secretary of the Interior for all charges against Mrs. Roberts, which were the basis of her removal. Under the au- thority of the Allen resolution adopted by the Senate, it is doubtful whether the com- mittee will feel justified to dv more than secure these charges. + e+_____ THE NAIAD IN POSITION. mg Up the Bronze Group in the Library Fountal Superintendent Green of the Congression- al Library building has placed in position the last of the three figures comprising the bronze group in the fountain in front of the Mbrary building. The figure is a naiad riding a sea horse, and is of the same gigantic proportions as the other figures of the group. ‘ ‘The bronze door for the west entrance of the building has also arrived and will be placed in position immediately. INQUIRY CONTINUES Resumption of the Civil Service Investigation. —— SESSION OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE Classification Made by Heads of Departments. MR. PROCTER TESTIFIES The Senate committee on civil service and retrenchment resumed its investigation in- to tre methcds of enforcing the civil service law this morning in the committee room in the Maltby building. Senator Pritchard, chairman, and Senator Lodge were pres- ent. Will H. Lyon of Bellevve, Campbell coun- ty, Ky., was the first witness examined. Mr. Lyon stated that he is the secretary of Senator Deboe. For twenty months he had been a gauger in the internal revenue service, and he remained there until he resigned to become a candidate for the legislature, to which he was elected. He took a civil service examination at Coving- ton, Ky., for the position of gauger, and although he bad been a successful gauger for twenty months, he failed to pass the eivil service examination, which, he claim- ed, was not practical. He had been mark- ed down, he said, for failing to answer re quirements which did not exist in the ser: ice for which the examination was held. He was, he said, marked down to 10 per cent for failure to make an exact copy of a plainly written letter because he changed the punctuattion. In reply to questions by Senator Lodge Commissioner Procter said the examina- tion for gauger had been dictated by the ted internal revenue bureau and was expe to secure candidates who would possi just the requirements that were necessary in doing their work. The Internal Revenue Service. Commissioner Procter then went on the stand and continued his testimony regard- ing the application of the civil service rules to the internal revenue service. He quoted from government officials to show that prior to the days of civil service reform the work of collecting the revenues was ver expensive. He referred to the whisk frauds, which he said had caused the ernment a loss of $75,000,000. Mr. P. said that collectors of internal re told him that they had been fore: point incompetent men as their deputies pecause of the pressure brought upon them. Mr. Pritchard asked Mr. Procter wheth- er the commissioner of internal revenue was not now of the opinion that deputy eollectors should be exempted from exam- ination. Senator Pritchard—Does he not say it is most impossible to execute the law ow- ing to the fact that they are hampered by the civil service law? Mr. Procter—We understand there is no difficulty in executing the law except where the appointing officer wishes to get his own men, regardless of the rules. Senator Pritchard—But that is not an- swering my question. Does the collector not say he finds great difficulty in execut- nue 1 to ap- ing the law because he is hampered by elvil service rules? Mr. Procter--I think he does so claim. This comes from the fact that the new collectors being of opposite politics from the force, they wish a change in the com= plexion of the force. Mr. Procter said when the internal reve- nue force was classified,- December 1894, the commissioner at the head of it approved of the action and believed it would greatly benefit the service. Speaking of the classification of watch- men and messengers in the departments, Procter said that prior to that classi- fication many women had been employed as watchmen and messengers, although they never did such work. Government Printing Office. Referring to the classification of the em- ployes of the government printing office, Mr. Procter said the necessity for divorc- ing that office from the spoils system had been shown many years before the action was taken. He quoted utterances of sen- ators, representatives and government offi- cials advocating taking that office out of the spoils system various times since 1860. He quoted Senator Gallinger to the effect that the government printing office was merely a big work shop and no place for politics, and that “political considera- {fons should have no influence whatever tn the matter of appointments and dismissals in that branch of the government.” Mr. Procter also referred to the acts of trades unions which had sought to place the government printing office in the classi- fied service. He thought the time of classi- tying the employes of the government printing office was as good a time as could have been selected. In reply to questions, Mr. Procter said that xo far as he could judge from the testimony of printers and others when Mr. Palmer became public printer last spring about 45 per cent of the employes there were republicans and 55 per cent were dem- ocrats. He did not think the statement was correct that of the 3,000 persons’ em- ployed there at that time 2,500 were demo- ‘ats. He understood that in making up that estimate all the women were counted as democrats. Mr. Pritchard asked if the rule for giving each state its quota of appointments had pe followed in the government printing office. Mr. Procter said that had not been done, but he thought it should be, and the com-, mission should equalize the quota of vari- ous states as far as possiwle. Classifying the Employes. Senator Lodge read the list of “skilled laborers” classified in the government printing office, and asked Mr. Procter whether he thought assistant doorkeep- ers and floor helpers could be called skill- ed laborers. _ Mr. Procter said that was not a ques- tion the commission could decide. Mr, Lodge—Who makes the classifica- tion? Mr. Procter—The head of the depart- mient, under the order of the President, and the commission simply accepts the classification as made. Mr. Lodge—Is the commission bound to accept the classification of a head of a de- partment? Mr. Procter—Unless a violation of law is shown, and then it would be the duty of the commission to call the attention of the President to such violation. When further questioned, Mr. Procter said he thought possibly some of the places in the government ting office were not properly classified killed Jaborers.” Senator Lodge said he thought it was very apparent that such was the case. Senator Lodge asked the witness a num- ber of questions regarding the classifica- tion of the public service g2nerally. Mr. Procter said the average age of ap- pointees under the civil service law has been between twenty-eight and twenty- nine years. “Those boys have been out of schocl somo time,” remarked Senator Lodge, referring to tho charge that the civil service law secures only school boys forthe public ser- vice. Senator Lodge asked if many appointees were dropped after the probationary period. Mr. Procter replied that in one year only twelve men appointed to the railway mail service were rejected after the probation- under the most rigid rules of any service of the government. Senator Lodge asked Mr. Procter ques- tions which brought out the fact that of employes of the government placed in the classified ‘service by President Cleveland's order of May 6, 1896, the larger part were in services that c@uld not be considered political. Senator Lodge esti- mated that only 13,496 of these places could be considered political at the time of their classification, while Mr. Procter thought that but 38,051 of them could be so considered. Mr. Procter had placed the light house and life-saving service employes in the list of non-political places, included in the classified servicc by the order of May 6, and Mr. Lodge re- marked that he thought they could prop- erly be so regarded. The committee adjourned at 1:10 o'clock to meet again Tuesday: morning, when Mr. Procter will continue his testimony. AT THE WHITE HOUSE The President Oongratulated on His New York Addrese, Discussing Kentucky Offices—Ex-Rep- resentative Bowden to Be Col- lector at Norfolk. The cold from which the President was suffering when-in New York is much bet- ter. The President is fifty-five years old today. = Since his return to the city yesterday af- ternoon he has been flodded with tele- grams and letters of congratulation on his New York speech. These congratulations come from every portion of the country, the Pacific coast furnishing as many as any other section. Republican leaders who called during the day at the White House also congratulated the President, included Senators Allison, Fairbanks, Davis and Elkins and Representative Dingley. Sena- tor Fairbanks, whose reputation for stand- ing close to the President is known, spent some time with the chief executive. Mr. Fairbanks thinks the speech was timely and wise. The Kentucky Offices. Kentuckians called in lafge numbers at the White House today. One of them eal “We are all here,” which could not be dis- puted from the number whoxtrooped up the steps. Senator Deboe, Representative D: vison, ex-Representative John O. Lewis, Samuel J. Roberts and Leslie Combs were among the number. They were not all of the same party, however, as the interests of some are antagonistic. Senator Deboe's candidate for collector of the pert of Louis- ville, Mr. Barnett, is stilk being: vigorously opposed. The President is now-engaged in hearing the opposition. It is. understood that the President will deeide the collector- ship Monday or a day or so later. At the same time, he will make a nom- ination for pension agemt at: Louisville. Senator Deboe has recommended Leslie Combs for the pension agency, It is not believed that either Mr, Barnett or M Combs will be laid aside. Every recom- mendation of Senator Debge up to this time has gone through, and unlese he wavers in his advocacy of Mr. Barnett there will be no hitch tLis time. 4 ‘The President will atso take-up =¢ veral Kentucky post offices. Ex-Representative Lewis is said to be working for B. T. Con- way as postmaster at Lébunon, while Sen- ator Deboe is said to have indorsed Charles Williams. Bs Reprecentative Gibson of Tennessee in- troduced Solonel Whitney to the President. Colonel Whitney is the republican who ran for Congress against Representative Mc- Millin in the last campaign. He wants John W. Overall made marshal of the mid- dle district of Tennessee. Mr. Overail is said to be a formidable candidate for the position. Place for Ex-Representative Bowden. orge E. Bowden, the national commit- teeman from Virginia, is to be nominated as collector of the port of Norfolk, a posi- tion which pays a good salary. This place was selected by Mr. Bowden himself. Senator Elkins and Representatives Miller and Dayton had a talk with the President regarding the Parkersburg, W. Va., post olfice. They have agreed on Ed. McCreery for the position, and he will be nominated. Excursionists From Maine. About 120 excursionists from Maine visit- ed the White House this morning. By re- quest of Senator Frye, the President re- ceived them in the east room, shaking hands with each caller. President Dole to Be Present. The arrangements were completed today for the presence of President and Mrs. Dole of Hawaii at the second reception of Pres'- dent McKinley, Wednesday night. Next to President McKinley, President Dole will be the center of attraction at the reception. The demand for invitations to this recep- tion promises to exceed the demand to the last one, when refusals were given to hundreds of people. President and Mrs. Dole will stand beside President and Mrs. McKinley. The officials who presented the guests to President and Mrs. McKinley at the last reception will serve again this time, but Major Heistand and Lieutenant Phelps will make the pre- sentations to the president of the Hawallan republic and his wife. ‘The honor to be ac- corded the visitors is the most unusual in the history of the country,’and will be ap- preciated by ‘them and the public. To Start the Jubilee. At 11 o'clock tonight the President will touch the button which will start the ma- chinery of the Jubilee Mining Fair in Cali- fornia. The fair is the outeome of the céle- bration during the past week of the fiftieth anniversary of the discovery of gold in California. The California delegation in Congress will be present tonight and wit- ness the ceremony. The President has signed the urgent de- ficiency bill passed by Comgresss ++ ——— ARMY AND SAVE Miscellaneous Notes About'the United Service. § The Secretary of th Nesy.reeelved a tel- gram today announcing that the cruiser Raleigh has sailed from Colombo for Sin- gapcre, on her way to China, Commander Charles T.. Hutebins of the Saratoga registred at the Nawy Depart- ment today. He is here:on leave of ab- sence. 4 Lieut. Harry 8. Kni of the United States Naval Academy {set the Raleigh. araeeeh aeelateat gimeer Br2derick C. leg is stopping at 1763 street. cont , Geores Hous, waaay, registered ai ‘ar Department ye He is at the Ebbitt. Commander A. 8. Snow hgs been d2tach- ed as inspector of the third light house district, and crdered to the Portsmouth navy yard. 2 Lieut. N. J. K. Patch has been ordered to the office of the fish commissioner. Lisut. Com. C. C. Cornwell, to be assist- ant to inspector of the seventh light house district, March 1, and to be imspector in charge about Aprit | a Lieut. V, L. § been detached om ie basueerts F ordered to the has been ortered home a, ae ade as é dered rashington: gard for exam- { Passed L. H. Stone ary period, and that service was conducteg! retirement «nd them to await orders: OPERA BOUFFE WAR That’s What the Cuban Struggle Has Been Called. TT DESCRIBES AUTONOMY GOVERNMENT How Rigidly the Censorship of the Press is Observed. DE LOME AN EDITOR SSS SESS (Copyright, 1898, by Charles M. Pepper.) Special Correspondence of The Evening HAVANA, January 26, 1898. Cuba’s struggle has been called cpera bouffe war. Ii has not been such to the Spanish. soldiers, who have died by the tens of thousa to the country people, who have been starved to death by the hundreds of thousands, or to the insur- gents, who have endured the hardshins of the field. But, while the designation dees not fit the irregular combat of arms, it is not out of place in describing some- thing else that obtains in Cubz. This is the government under autonomy. It is opera bouffe government. The staging of the comic opera is the only thing lacking to make it real. When the autonomist decrees were put forth by the Sagasta ministry some hard- headed persons did not pay much atten- tion to their wording. Such people thought that the ability to copy on paper the co- lonial system of Canada cr of other coun- tries was not the real test of the new colonial policy. They believed the admin- istration in practice would be a better test_whether the Spanish authorities them- selves had a genuine understanding of what constitutes liberal political institu- tions. Cuba under autonomy would be the only safe guide. According to official decrees, Cuba is under autonomy, and autonomy means broad political rights, a reasonable liberty of speech and press, and, above ali, home rule. The first test which would be applied by a statesman from abroad or a student of history would be the discussion and criticism which is permitted of govern- ment and of measures. He would be abie to apply neither criterion here. There is neither open discussion nor criticism. Ac- cording to the Spanish idea, it would en- danger autonomy to let the people talk too much avout it. The press censorship is more rigid than that which was enforced during the height of Weyler’s despotism. When the army officers placed themselves in rebellion because the newspapers had begun to criticise gross military abuses the first thing the Sagasta ministry in Spain did was to pass regulations further Mmiting the restricted freedom of the press and making, specific provision against “re- flections” on the army. Power of the General Staff. We should not expect too much. People under Spanish government have been used to repression. The autonomist cabinet in Cuba might haye taken some action which would have seemed high-handed to Ameri- cans, yet which would not have appeared unusual to Spaniards. Instead of the local authorities taking the measures for muz- zling public opinion this was done by the captain general. It was Blanco acting un- der direction from Madrid, who revived Weyler's decree. It is Blanco whose name is signed to the supplementary decree which from its nature reduces the Havana newspapers to last year's almanacs. It i the general staff of the army with which the censorship of both the press and the cable rests. Under home rule the natural supposition would be that the autonomist cabinet would have something to say in these matters. The members of that body were pushed aside. Their functions con- sist mainly in fssuing manifestoes. The general staff of the army is over- worked with its fresh labors. For three years the staff has been charged with the responsibility cf suppressing the insurrec- tion on paper. The official reports of army operations are issued by it. I believe there was a general in Europe once who never won a battle, yet who in the end prevailed ever the enemy. The circumstances are reversed here. In three years the general staff has not lost a battle, even in skir- mish, for the troops of Spain. The insur- gents may finally prevail, but the staft will have kept its record clear.. It has al- ready killed more than 60,000 of the enemy on paper, though neither Weyler nor Blanco has admitted the existence of 25,000 insurgents. In all the official reports a consistent ra- tio is maintained of ten insurgents killed for every Spanish soldier who may be num- bered with the dead. Once the ratio fell to 8g to 1, but the balance was quickly re- stored. "There are some fine young officers in the general staff, courteous and agreea- ble. I fancy they would rather be in the field. Their new duties confuse them. They have had no experience in editing newspapers, and they lack the instinct for successfully: censuring cablegrams which relate to news other than that of military operations. So they usually draw “ell lupiz roja,"" the red pencil—it is red instead of blue in Cuba—through the entire dispatch. With the local papers, when in doubt, they censure the whole article. In consequence the Havana journals frequently appear with their columns blank or with long scientific articles about the inhabitants of Mars or the eclipse of Jupiter. In the midst of stirring events these subjects are heavy reading. Perhaps a better idea of the understand- ing which the Spanish government has of what constitutes the liberal regimen of au- tononty can be had from reading the de- cree Itself. I give it herewith: a Decree. Don Raricn Blanco and Erenos, marques of Pena Plata, captain-general of the army and general-in-chief of this island, etc. In order to avoid conflicts such as these days have ¥itressed to the inhabitants of this clty, using the faculties which the law confers on me, ordered and command- ed: Article 1—From the publication of this decree in the Gazette of Havana and the official bulletins of the provinces, 1s pro- hibited the publication of every class of periodicals, circulars or telegrams or pam- phlets without the proofs having been pre- viously authorized by the general staff of this army for those which are published in Havana and outside of it by the staff of the division or brigade where it may be and where there is no miiitary authority at the vet of Leptnc-ncr i oe am pose the proofs presented t hours in advance of publication. Article 2—-The general administration of communication (post office shall detain the ulation of periodi- cals national and foreign until authorized by the general staff, to which shall be sub- mitted a copy of each periodical. _ . Article 8—Thcse wko violate this law (as intructures) shall be judged and punished TWO CENTS | read any other paper. INA RETRENCHING MOODITHE DISTRICT BILL Virginia Legislators Introduce Many Bills|_ eee to Save State Money. ew | Tt is Taken Up by the House of a Representatives, Senate Terns Down the Bill te = > Abolish Flirting—Senator Withers POLITICAL SPEECHES CONSUME TIME Defended the Art. E ? 2 Special Dispatch to The E ate Star. Comparatively Little Attention RICHMOND, V Given Local Matters. Sea SES courts of justice of the senate. It is mated that if all the bills on retrenchment | DEBATE UN RE STRICTED and reform so far intreduced accomplish pr what their authors claim for them a $%,- 000,000 yearly surplus would be created. The Reddy bill to elect United States sen- The District appropriation bill was taken up in the House in committee of + whole ators by popular vote went to the senate for consideration today, with Mr. Grout in toda rege. > 7 The bill giving the United States the Mr. Brundage of Arkansas secured the right to purchase land in Norfolk county for naval purposes was passed. Senator Barksdale flcor and proceeded general politic: to make # spr He wa ch on followed hy Mr. will follow up his] Wheeler of Alabama and Mr. Gaines of Measure to abolish county and district | Tennessee. whi le vo! courts and substituting district courts by | specch i ee a two asmpanion bills; one will provide for abolishing corporation courts in small towns, making them part of the district jurisdiction, and the other abolishes the oftice of commonweaith’s attorney in favor of district attorneys. Mr. Barksdale says the measure is commended by many peo- ple and will save $301,000 a year to the he reading of the appropriation was then commenced. It had not ceeded far, however, before Mr Indiana took the foor to make rnest apperl for Cuba. When he con-!ded the bill was taken up again. bi pro- Meyers of state. Mr. Grout offered a mmMitter amend- By a vote of 24 to 9 the Virginia senate | ent authorizing the Commi-sro. to today refused to advance to its engrors- | SPePd $59 upon experiments! lany in ment what is known as the McCune anti- | Commecticut avenue, Pa a Lafayetie Park. Mr. Richardson of Tennessee ina Point of order against the amen dn { flirting bill, This scttles its fate. Senator Withers, in an able and eloquent speech, opposed the measure as frivolous legislation. The effect of it, Mr. Withers | it Was new legisiation. The point. of said, would be to oppress ‘and terrorize | ¥@8 overruled a b amend the young men and young ladies, and to lectric Lighting. give the principals of schools the highest] arr piney offered a invest he license to terrorize. To abolish coquetry g ei alscwenrmpneetineed would be to abolish woman, and to abolish | P*rasraph rely to electric lighting, woman would be to take all the poetry and | Which au Aditional ox beauty out of life. ——— GRIDIRON CLUB, ture of $6, for fur the are lights jong lines the District Commissioners Approved Hts Flag Fixing for the Anniversary | Smeniment, jk Mr Pines Moan one Dinner Tonight. plained that the extenstor ty Tor The flag of the famous Gridiron Club (a white gridiron on a black field) was holsted this morning over the Arlington Hotel, in- | oar aa forming all the people that their unique or- | SUh4rcw the point of or ganization, composed of forty newspaper | Mr. Rit! men, will give one of its celebrated dinners ef str > tonight. It is the anniversary of the found- | '° Bive emple yrent to te ing of the club, and President Frank H. | #8 He th goo paneed “orgy Hosford will tonight extend a weleome to he that the oping a most distinguished company of guests, ever there wus connecticr tween existin that they were based on th tion of the Cc missione tole mmend chines w among whom are the following: The presi- | special cond ich rendered tt dee dent of Hawai!, Hon. Sanferd P. Dole; the | #¥!¢ to re ap nga Ferris siete German ambassador, Mr. yon Holieben; |, : e ~~ providing ning of the ection atooany the French ambassador, M. Cambon; the Hawaiian minister, Mr. Hatch: the J ine Samed banie oe ane ir anese minister, Mr. Toru Hoshi; the ¢ himac Hats Yor a Sune balhiae cel ak neve minister, Mr. Wu Ting-Fang: ¢ lant chir SS Gasptiica tap due Bueno zpostolic delegate, Monsignor Martinell:: | | 5 Pra rnissioners repair and the tidal oir. The cuair overruled the point of ord and the paragraph stood. cr, Michigan; Representative Joseph G. Talking Politic Cannon, Illinois; George H. Daniels, presi- | Mr. King of Utah said that he di sire! oo for examination, improves public bathing Seach Senator Nelson W. Aldrich, Rhode Representative John M. Allen, Mi Representative Clifton B. Beach, Ohio Justice Brewer, Supreme Court of the Unit- ed States; Representative Ferdinant Bruck- dent Quaint Club, New York: Chauncey M Hi attenii i - £ : “ tteniion serious omi< rs Depew, New York cits: Representative | (ee ay wwen 1? 2 santa 5 Nelson Dingley, Maine; H. Clay Evans, | ‘* es ee 7 commissioner of pensions; Senator J. Bb. | elargement of the White House. Several Foraker, Ohio; Senator Arthur P. Gorm reminded him that this bh Maryland; Representative Charles H. G a, | gentleme 1 was Maryland: Represe Chas s- not the place for such an appre or, jo; Chairman Mark A. Hanna. | jut Mr. Kiru fisieted upon <p republican national committee; David Ben- | point in spaatent serigomen nett Hill, Albany, N. Y¥.; Chairman James kX. Jones, democratic national committe Representative Charles F. Joy, Missouri Representative George P. Lawrence, Mas- Sachusetts; Senator-eiect Louis E. M. Comas, Maryland; Senator William E. M. son, Ilinois: Major General Nelson A. Mil commanding United States arm! Senator John L. Mitchell, Wisconsin; Si ator O. H. veloped vy ils remarks t attack upon the President's men followed him in po! “s, taking fer Uheir topics § Platt, ‘onnecticul Speaker aoe Thomas B.’ Reed, M Senator George pase L. Shoup, Ida Durham W.. Stevens. ee eee ea anese legation; Lorin A. Awaiting Ante ; Frank A. Vanderlip, a: ary of the treasury; Senator Warren, W rancis E. c \ raing; John Rus- negctiations for treaties i- sell Young, librarian of Congress. Seeds etic oan kn Tevet 1 winows PE TET and “her West Indian : S PENSION CLAIM REJECTED ome of the system: ate Department present tariff act to give tion of the act which re- She Wax Not Without Other Means of Support. Among the pension decisions rendered to- day by Webster Davis, assistant secretary of the interior, was a case of considerable importance affecting the right to pension widows under the act of June 27, 1890, The claim is that of Luella M., widow of Nathan A. Sisson, late sergeant, Company A, 2d Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry. In his decis.on the assistant secretary say: “This appellant filed in the pension bu- reau on November 23, 1896, an applica- | P@ a. tion for pension under the provisions of - i r - 2 e: So far these negotiations have not touch- section 3. of the act of June 27, 1890, as the | eq the detalis of the tariff schedule and Widow of said deceased soldier, alleging his | horn governments are now waiting the ar- death on September 10, 1896, leaving her | fival in Washington of a Tepresenia ft without other means of support than her | ine autonomous Cuban government. This gally labor. which was rejected on March | Gelegate has been already elected, but 1 is 31, 1897, upon the ground that she was not | hot siccmed well, at this time, to disclose without other means of support as alleged. | nis identi: He will be an expert in the From said action appeal was taken on Juty | Compleaitics of the Cuban tariff, and, avail 23, 1897. ing of his services, the Spanish minister it appears from the statements, under | ere will pursue a course precisely like that cae orgus appellant hereelf, that she ts | ¢ofowed by Great Britain in the negotia- Possessed of, and owns in her own right, | tions of reciprocity treaties with the it real and personal property worth, at a cash | 64’ states where her colonies are invol palpation pane or as —_ and in-/ in fact, the British negotiations for cumbrances, . from which she derives | ;/) ecipr he Unit Neagycentarcar jovi weighs oy ies of reciprocity between the Unite “it is manifest from the foregoing that this appellant is not without other means of support than her daily labor, within the meaning and intent of the provisions of section 3, act of June 27, 1890, us construed by the decisions of this department, and is » of the for suck ed to United sadors and min. isters abroad dirceting them to I the at- tention of the governments to which they were accredited to this provision of tho tariff act, and to intimate the readiness of our government to begin neg: it was in reply to such reprcser that the Spanish government has the began negotiations looking to the conclusion of a and the British colonies in the V In- dies and in South America, which have been initiated by the British Sandor here, are now in abeyance for the re that the colonial experts who ar: Sir Julian in the technical part of the work ed in drawing up the tredties have not yet not entitled to pension thereunder as the - So ‘ i vi said deceased soldier. reached Washington. far as can be eae! , learned, the new Spanish treaty will be “Therefore, the rejection of this claim and sco) to the treath upon the ground stated was not error, and | Silat in terms pe ” which were nullified by the Wilson act, Se ee ee though, of course, the details are subje: TSE Nt PT to changes in business conditions, It is Personal Mention. stated positively that the United States Assistant Secretary Roosevelt has re- turned from Boston, where he made an acdress before the students of Harvard College. Assistant Secretary Cridler has returned frcm a short visit to New York. Lieutenant Commander Taussig, U. 8S. N., has moved to 1735 17th street. m Father Searle, who was, until a year ago, a professor at the Catholic University, has been appointed director of the Vatican ob- servatory. Mr. George E. Roberts, who was recently aypointed director of the mint in place of Mr. Preston, resigned, is expected to take charge of ‘his office abeut February 10. Mrs. Fannie B. Ward, the newspaper | amounts allowed by the bill for the gcrrespondent, has left for Cuba. She goes | tens are as follows: by rail through Florida, and will sail from | !"ms are. 2° Ganteiten, 91000000. Key West. She represents a number of $: preservation western newspapers. pi Ra SOS Sane and repair of fortifications, a pe Commissioner Wright H. i: for fortifications, $5,000; sea walls =n8 ame $30,000; Carroll D, Wright, commissioner of labor, is in receipt of a cablegram announcing his election as a member of the Institute of odor Laced also been informed that he hes been el2cted an honorary member of the Imperial Academy of Science of will not be committed in any manner to a maintenance of the Spanish government in -Cuba by this arrangement and that the treaty will be confined strictly to the bine of ordinary trade treaties. ———__--o-- THE FORTIFICATIONS BILL. Esti The fortifications appropriation bill pro- viding for the extensive system of scacoast defenses, now in course of completion, was reported to the House today. It carries $4,144,912, as against estimates mide by the War Department of $13,378,571. The ton board, $100,000. Total, $4,144,912. Russia, the highest scientific distinction the detailed items for armamen' ‘ Oo (oo for gun carriages, $182,720 ‘breech- Secretary Alger's Condition. loading mortars, fora