Evening Star Newspaper, February 3, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDiNGS, 31€1 Fenrsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th 8t., by Ni . Te Begg SAP a Kew York Ofice, 49 Potter Building, The Evening Star is served to subscribers in the city by exrriers, on their own account, at 10 cents per week. or $4 cents per month. Copies at the counter 2 certs each. By mail—anywhere in the United States or Cauada—postage prepaid—50 cents per month. Saturday Quintyy foreign postage added, $3.00. (Entered at the Post Office at Washington, D. C.. sec Mid-class mail matter.) £7 All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. Sheet Star, $1 per year, with $3.00. Ohe BIgt ent No. 14,018, ng Star. OUT OF THE DRIFTS Normal Conditions Gradually Being Resumed in Storm’s Track. TRAINS RUNNING ON TIME AGAIN Earlier Reports of Loss of Life Lack Confirmation. VESSELS IN ROUGH WEATHER NEW YORK, February 3.—So far as traffic is concerned, the effects in this sec- tion of the storm last Monday have been overccme. .The Long Island railroad has succeeded in raising the embargo on its eastern €ivision, and today trains are run- ning to Greenpert for the first time since Monday evening. Three trains, three sngw plows and several engines that were stail- ed in drifts have been released. 3 The removal of snow from the streets of Manhattan borough has, up to this time, cost the city of New York $54,174, and a large additional sum has been expended in the borough ef Brooklyn. Steamers in Rough Weather. The White Star line steamer Teutonic, Capt. Cameron, arrived today from Liv>r- pool and Queenstown after, a very stormy voyage. For three days after leaving Queenstown the Teutonic experienced a n of fresh southerly gales with cross seas; en January 3 the gale until it blew with cyclonic force, secompanied by snow. After nearly twenty hours the storm sutsided into a fresh south t gale, then shifting to a westerly gale da lasting up to the time of the steamers arrival at Sandy Hook light ves- nigat. e steamer Alps and the fruit steamer Douglas were the rrivals from West India ports this Both ships experienced very only morning. heavy weather after passing Cape Hat- teras. The wind blew from the northwest with a high head sea, waich caused them to ice up rapidly, so that their decks, rails and sides were covered with ice. The Weather grew intensely cold, and both steamers’ crews suffered greatly from ex- posure to the wind and sea. First Mails From the North. The belated mails from the northern part of New York state reached the general pest office here at 8 a.m. today. This is the first mail from the northern part of the state this week. The eastern mail, via Providence, R. I., got here at 9 a.m., but the train from Boston by way of Spring- field had not been reported at 10 a.m. Southern mails are arriving on schedule time Situation in Boston. BOSTON, February 3.—Boston today has resumed her normal condition as far as street car and steam railway traffic is con- cerned. Except a few of the down-town thoroughfares, however, the streets are piled high with snow, and the fronts of ex- posed buildings are still coated with snow. The condition of the wire systems in the suburbs of the city is siill most discourag- ing. For more than two days linemen have been engaged in efforts to straighten out the tangles at various points, but they have succeeded in doing little more than to open up circuits to New York. Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine an1 Rhode Isiand and Connecticut are still cut off. Fron. different foints in this territory news ef the severity of the storm has ccme in by every mail siace the trains on the various railroads began to run yester- Gay morning. The stories from all gections differ only as to the damage done and the curation of the blockade. The tales of wrecks and loss of life thus far received from the ccasts furnish the darkest chapter in the history of the storm. Yesterday's report of twelve bodies being found on Baker's Island, in Salem harbor, however, cannot be verified. Storm’s Climax Reached. SPRINGFIELD, Mass., February 3.—The ccld wave which moved into this section yesterday morning reached a climax this morning with the temperature ranging from 8 to 17 degrees below zero, according te location. Railway and electric car traf- fic has entirely recovered from the effects of the blizzard, although trains from dis- tant points are lat: this morning owing to the intense cold. Extreme Cold at Saratoga. SARATOGA, N. Y., February 3.—The coldest weather of this winter prevails here. The tigures below zero follow: Saratoga Springs, 36; Schroon Lake, 32; Wilton, 30; Sehuylersville; 26. ROUGH WEATHER on TRISH COAST. Atlantic Liners Report Rough Voy- ages Across. QUEENSTOW February 3.—Incoming vessels report meeting terrific wind during the last few days, especially when near the Irish coast. The British steamer Glendower, Capt. Honeyman, from Baltimore, January 14, for Cork, one of the last arrivals, reperts that in the storm of Tuesday night last she was consicerably damaged about the decks from the seas which broke over her, and she also lost a lifeboat. For some time she was almost helpless from out of coal, and the cago was broken into and Fart of the maize was used for fuel in get- ting inte port. The British steamer Apex, Capt. Tate, which sailed from Baltimore January 13 for here, is now several days overdue. ee GEN. SHRYOCK RE-ELECTED. thosen State Treasurer by the Mary- land Legislature Today. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. STATE HOUSE, ANNAPOLIS, Md., Feb- ruary 3—Gen. Thomas J. Shryock of Bal- timere city was re-elected state treasurer today in accordance with the decision of the republican caucus held last night. No opposition was manifested to Treasurer Shryock’s re-election, and his nomination Was cordially received in both houses. The democratic minority met in the state library in the forenoon and decided to cast its complimentary vote to ex-Senator Thomas A. Smith of Caroline county, ihe recent democratic nominee for controller. Delegate Hall of Talbot introduced a bill in- the house providing for the execution of the death penalty by ¢lectricity instead of hanging. The bill provides for the presence of twelve witnesses and excludes represen- tatives of newspapers. It embraces the chief provisions of the New York state law. Gov. Lowndes will give a reception to Senator-eléct McComas in the executive mansion tonight. ——— PATENT COMMISSIONER. Mr. Duell Was at the Office Awhile This Afternoon. The new commissioner of patents, C. H. Duell, was at the patent office a short time this afternoon. He came simply for the Purpose of looking around and acquainting himself with the office. Commissioner Duell will probably not as- sume his new duties for several days, ashe has not yet received his commission or per- fected his bond. NEW UNIVERSITY IN TROUBLE| MADE A’ WATER HAUL|® Students at Vienna Cause Suspension of all Lectures. Trouble Grows Out of an Order Pro- hibiting the Wearing of Badges. VIENNA, February 3.—The rectors of the university and polytechnic have been noti- fied of the discontinuance of the lectures in the untversity until February, 11, and at the polytechnic indefinitely. The suspension of the lectures at the university is immediate- ly due to the disorderly conduct of a Ger- man student, who in the lecture room shouted “Hell Prosit.” Similar occurrences have taken place at the polythechnic of Brunn. The ill-feeling among the Austrian stu- dents 1s an outcome of the refusal of the government to withdraw the order prohibit- ing the wearing of badges by students. This was followed by a strike at the poly- technic of Vienna, the high schools of Prague and Vienna and at the universities of Prague and Innspruck. On Tuesday last there were violent scenes of disorder all day at the Vienna High School, the striking stu- dents going to the lecture room and dis- turbing the lectures until the professors were obliged to yield. The German and Slav students had a free fight at noon today in the hall of the uni- versity, with the result that the Slavs were ejected. The rector intervened and exhort- ed the students to be quiet. The students of the Academy of Mines at Leoben interrupted the lectures today by shouting and singing. Thereupon the lec- tures were suspended until February 7. There were no lectures today at the high schools of Prague and Gratz, and there were no disturbances. —_>—__ PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS. Important Selections in Different Departments. The President today sent the following nominations to the Senate: Interior—Hvgh Henry of Vermont, to be pension agent at Concord, N. H.; John W. Johnson of Nebraska, to be register of the land office at Lincoln, Neb.; John W. Ross of Colorado, to be receiver of public moneys at Glenwood Springs, Col.; Harry Bailey of Oregon, to be receiver of public moneys at Lake View, Ore. ‘Treasury—Robert Carson of New Jersey, to be collector of customs for the district of Perth Amboy, N. J.; Walter S. Viele of Indiana, to be surveyor of customs, port of Evansville, Ind. Navy—Comn.odore Chas. 5. Norton, to be a rear admiral; Past Assistant Engineer R. I. Reid, to be chief engineer; Assistant Engineer Chas. R. Emrich, to be a passed assistant engineer. War—Co]. M. I. Ludington, assistant quartermaster gencral, to be brigadier gen- eral and quartermaster general; First Lieut. H. H. Renham, 2d Infaniry, to be captat Second Lieut. L. S. Upton, 2ist Infantry, to be first lieutenant. Postmasters—W. H. Stallings, Au: Ga.; Harry A. Griffin, Galveston, Ti a DEMOCRATS DISGRUNTLED, TOO. usta, 3. Prospects for Republican Success in Ohio This Fall Are Good. Dr. L. S. Ebright, recently appointed post- muster at Akron, Ohio, arrived in the city last night and is at the Ebbitt. Accom- panied by Col. Jake Donaldson of the re- publican national headquarters he paid a visit today to First Assistant Postmaster General Perry Heath and Assistant Sec- retary Day at the State Department. “The political conditions are getting back to a normal condition in Ohio,” Dr. Ebright said to a Star reporter. “Those who argue that the factional troubles which came to the surface during the canvass for United States senator are going to endanger the chances of republican success in Ohio this fall are doing so with no tangible backing to their argument. “The fact is there are many democrats in the state who are disgusted because of thé establishment of an entirely new precedent of voting for a republican senatorial candi- date. Had the democrets voted for a can- didate of their own faith there would be good reasons for believing that they might gain this fall as the result of the division in the republican ranks. But as it now stands the disaffection in the democratic ranks is enough to make up for any trouble the republicans had. The state will go re- publican by a good plurality this fall.” — THE HAWAIIAN VISITORS. Mrs. Dole Entertained at a Progres- sive Breakfast—The Party’s Plans. President Dole spent a quiet day at the Arlington, taking a brisk walk in the rorning in the bracing air. He was shown prcofs of the photographs taken of his wife and himself and his party at Stalee’s, No. 1107 F street, yesterday, and was very mich pleased with them. Mrs. Dole was entertained by Mrs. Cushman K. Davis, wife of the chairman of the Senate com- mittee on foreign relations at a progres- sive breakfast today at 12 o'clock. A dis- Urguished party of ladies was present. President and Mrs. Dole will probably call on Vice President and Mrs. Hobart this afternoon. The proposed visit to Buf- falo, at the invitation of the promoters of the Pan-American exposition, has not been Aefinitely determined upon, but all travel- ing plans of the party will probably be settled tonight. It is probable that the northern trip will not be taken, and that the original intention to leave Washington Monday evening next and return to San Francisco by the Southern Pacific route will be adhered to. —_o-—______ MAJOR ARMES’ CLAIMS. A Board to Meet at Fort Myer to Con- sider Them. Acting Secretary Meiklejohn has appoint- ed a board, consisting of Col. 8. M. B. Young, 3d Cavelry; Maj. Thomas C. Lebo, Gth Cavalry, and Mej. C. H. Conrad, 8th Infantry, to meet at Fort Myer, Va., to inquire into the merits of the claim of Maj. George H. Armes, retired, for the brevet of Heutenant colonel for distinguished se! vices in Indian campaigns. ———————— GONE TO CUBA. Departure of the Montgomery for Matanzas. A telegram was received at the Navy De- partment this mornfhg announcing the de- parture of the cruiser Montgomery from Key West for Matanzas, on the north coast of Cuba, where she will probably ar- rive tomorrow. —————~___ ARMY BOARD TO MEET. Officers of the Medical Department to Be Examined for Promotion. A board of officers, to consist of Col. Charles H. Alden, assistant surgeon gen- eral; Maj. James C. Merrill, surgeon; Capt. George D. De Shon, assistant surgeon, has been appointed to meet at the Army Med- ical Museum building, in this city, Tues- day, April 12, for the examination of the following nemed officers of the medical de- partment. to determine their fitness for pro- First Lieuts. Benjamin Brooke, Alexander N. Stark, . Charles. Ed- Jamen M. Keenedy, Guy CM. ‘Godtrey sai james nedy, and Witham F. Lewis. motion: General Blanco Returns to Havana With No Insurgent Prisoners. MISSION A FLAT FAILURE In Meantime the Rebels Gained Several Important Victories. MUST EXPLAIN TO MADRID Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. HAVANA, February 2, via Key West, Fla., February 3.—Geography helps the un- derstanding of the present conditions here in Cuba. Blanco has returned dfter coasting the island, going by the south line and re- turning along the north coast. It is not yet known whether the promised presentations of some of the minor insurgent cNiefs oc- curred at Nusvitas, but the main object of the trip is admitted to have been fruitless. Rabi responded to the attempts to bribe him by helping Calixto Garcia. drive Gen- eral Luque’s Spanish columns from Cama- gua to Holquin. It is officially admitted ‘that the engagement was important, and that. the Spanish troops had to retire, with twenty killed and a large number wounded, some of whom have since died. Linares Driven Back. General Linares was also driven back to Holquin from Bayamo. These facts are gathered from official statements and not from insurgent claims. Blanco was at Manzanillo. Everything shows that the strength of the insurgents in the eastern province is impregnable. They are also ac- tive elsewhere. Their attack on the sugar estate of Constancia at Encrucijada, Santa Clara province, resulted in the loss of six- teen killed to the Spanish troops. This is almost in the center of the island. At Ovas, Pinar del Rio province, in the extreme west, they occupied the town and looted it. The paper which published that account has since been compelled by the military authorities to correct it, but the circumstances are now admitted. .The ef- forts of the troops in Havana province against the insurgents, under Delgado. have not been successful. Significance of the Battles. None of those events are conclusive that the Insurgents can drive the Spanish forces from Cube, or even that they can follow up the successes. In fact, they can do neither. What they are able to accomplish, however, is to show that they are in better fighting condition than the Spanish army, and that autonomy cannot be established by the sword. Failure to establish it by bribery also seems conclusively demonstrated. Blanco’s explanations of his failure must now be made to Madrid. PEPPER. INSURGENTS WIN VICTORIES. Pitiable Plight of Reconcentrados Described by Cuban Paper. By Associated Press. HAVANA, via Key West, Fla., February 8.—Spanish military operations continue almost paralyzed, the season’ most favor- able for movements against the insurgeuts thus being lost. On Friday night the insurgents entered the town of Artemisa, province of Pinar del Rio, and plundered several stores. Eigh- teen of the townspeople. joined them. The governor of Pinar del Rio sent Jose Men- endez Diaz as an emissary to the insur- gent leader, Perico Diaz, with proposals of peace and surrender. The insurgents hung him near a railway orening, with the governor's letter on his body. Monday night they renewed the at- tack on Artemisa, but were repelled, leav- ing two killed. After attacking the Contancia plantation, in Santa Clara province, as already cabled, the insurgents burned immense cane fields. They burned also very large fields on the Central plantation La Palma. In the fight at Vega Alta, in which the guerrillas were involved, the insurgents macheted seven gucrrillas and wounded a ccptain, a Meutenant and five privates seri- ously. In an engagement near Guines the Spanish loss was a lieutenant, a sergeant and five privates killed and thirteen pri- vates wounded. Spanish Without Supplies. On Monday night the insurgents attacked Cayajabos, in the province of Pinar del Rio, but were repelled. General Bernal has left the military operations in that provinces. At Holguin, province of Santiago de Cuba, General Luque is making urgent requests for provisions, as his soldiers are without rations. Private advices from Gi- bara confirm the report that’ General Lu- que’s losses at Mejia were more serious than was officially given out. He lost not twenty, but one hundred and twenty-four killed and wounded. The insurgents under Leader Jose Miguel Gomez surprised two squadrons of cavalry on the military trocha near Ciego De Avila and inflicted considerable loss, including a Spanish. captain. The remainder of the Spanish force made a disorderly retreat to Ciego De Avila. Mails Are Violated. Mall matter in the Havana post office continues to be tampered with. There are eighteén extra men ap duty opening letters and reading newspapers before delivery. While European- mail matter gets through all right, correspondence from the United States, especially from Pampa and Key. ‘West, is most carefully examined. Letters from Madrid to ‘members of the opposition party are opened. The delivery of the mail is habitually delayed several-days. Newspapers are held much longer, and are often not delivered at ull. In many cases let- ters and valuable fail to reach their destination, the failure causing severe loss. It is reported that this system of in- spection was prompted by Dr. Jose Congos- to, the secretary to the government. Great discontent exists among the Cubans, as most of them want to be in the govern- ment employ, and there are not situations enough for all. The number of malcon- tents is steadily increasing. La Discussion, in its leading editorial today, charges the Cubans with preferring government office to agriculture or commerce, and it points out that the countries which are foremost in civilization are “those which prefer in- dustrial, commercial and agricultural en- terprises to the corrupt situations of gov- ernment employes.” Conservatives Are Disgusted. Conservatives are more and more dis- gusted with the political doings of a gov- ernment which is cutting them out of pub- Ue office and which in other ways is so utilizing the election machinery as to keep them from winning the next elections. They persist, therefore, in keeping away booths. Moreover they feel confident that the present ‘autonomic leg- islation will soon fail completely, owing to the inability of the present autonomic leaders properly to insure the stability of public interests. . La Lucha, in a leading’ editorial which reproduced. ingeniously, criticisce Capiaia a in declaration at Manzanilia that peace would be re-established in Cuba by February 1. The authorities have pro- WASHINGTON, D. ©C., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1898-FOURTEEN PAGES. TWO _CENTs. Pitiable Scemes Described. La Discussion prints the following: “The scenes witnessed at the residence of Dr. Castro Jesus Del-Monte previous to the distribution of food: to the reconcen- trados are too pathetic to be fully de- scribed. As-soon as the doors were opened @ mass of » living skeletons of all Teces, all ages. both jsexes, invaded the Places. where foot wis.to be distributed, with outstretched hapds almost fieshless. imploring alms, a fri; 1 animation fill- img their spectral fates at the sight of food. Many were not; strong enough even to endure the food anjd:fell in the streets as they turmed away} few others, more fortunate, perhaps, seemed to regain some vitality. This painful scene is daily wit- nessed wherever food is distributed to the reconcentrados.”” 3 The insurgents have dynamited two pas- Songer cars near Union De Reyes, province of Matanzas. It is reported that many per- sons were injured. No further details have yet been received. ‘Fhe Spanish Col. Ruiz, learning that the insurgents, und2r Col."-Rosendo Callazo, were encamped on Castanedna farm at Cienega, this province, tried to surprise the camp, and after an hour's firing succeeded in capturing the trenches. The Spanish ac- count of the engagement says Col. Ruiz burned large barracks and seeured twenty- six dynamite bombs. The Spanish column lost seven killed and. twenty-two wounded. Revolutionists Surprised. Last night th> police surprised a number of members of the “revelutionary commit- tee,” Femin Pinon, Manuel Rivero and sev- eral others, formerly imprisoned incommu- nicado and later exiled, *yho have returnad fe Cuba. They captured also a document rom the New York Cuban Junta, author- izing the bearers to coftec! Caden reat 5 t money for the e Spanish authorities cl; unearthed a conspiracy, neaded 2 Tuts Corro Lazo, who exploded a dynamite bomb th2 other night at the door of Don Miguel Dias, ex-mayor of Havana, to-dyna- mite other prominent buildings. in the city, including the palace. It is asserted thai the houses of Senor Antonio Diaz Bianco, a prominent cc@servative; Senor Angel Alanso and Senor S2gundo Alvarez, a re- formist, and others were marked for de- struction. This news has caused great un- easiness among the families concerned. Insurgents Destroy a Railroad. HAVANA, February 8:—The insurgents have dynamited and destroyed a pontoon railroad .line near Ssh-Felipe, province of Havana. COMMANDER OF PHE VIZCAYA. An Erroneous Impression Regarding His Identity. An erroneous impressin has gained ground to the effect ttmt the Spanish gov- ernment has made a change in the com- mand of the battle ship Vizcaya, now on her way to the United States on a friendly visit in return for the vistt of the Maine to Havana. It has been, said that Captain Cencas had been relleved from the com- mand of the ship before she sailed, on the ground’that having indulged in severe public criticisms of the’ United States after his return from his vis{t ‘to this country with the Columbian caravels he might be regarded as persona mon grata in Amer- ca. ‘The fact is, as shown by the Spanish naval register, that @aj Cencas is and has-for some time past been the command- er ofcthe cruiser Marla, Teresa, and that the commander of the, izoa: Captain Bulate. 2 Se ckenit Ne nero ey W. W. ASTOR CRITICISED “English Citizen” Complains of the Amer- can’s Exclusiveness. Suggests That He Should Be Made Remove the Inclousures Around His Cliverden Estate, LONDON, February 8.—The Daily Chron- icle today publishes a fetter, signed “Eng- lish Citizen,” in which, after referring to the beauties of Cliverfen, the residence near London of Willfdm Waldorf Astor, and the “liberty the former noble owners allowed the public fn the park, gardens and house,” the writef continues: “A few years ago:the property was sold to a rich American. First the park was surrounded by a hideous wall, covered with broken glass, and access thereto and to the house was forbidden. Even a spring of water which for a-century has been open to the public, quite distant from the house, is now closed, and the iron grillo gate in the old park wall, allowing a view of the house and avgnue, has been put down and a dead blank wall 1s now build- ing in its place, so sacred is the privacy of the present owner.” After alluding to the fact that the public is admitted tc two great estates adjoining Cliverden, the writer of tne letter adds: “No reasorable man wishes to prevent Americans or citizens ‘of other states from “inhabiting cur country, but if they wish to do so their first duty {s to show decent re- spect for the cust of their adopted country.” Failing this, it becomes a duty to ask whether there is'no way of teaching them good manners.” Referring to the old principle of English law, “Once a highway, always a high- way,” the writer says:, “Under ordinary gircmstances there is no wish to press the inaxim, but when we see SO grossa violation of the ordinary rules of courtesy in’ ish life, we may fairly take advantage of the law intended to keep the enjoyment and right of way on- English: seit open-forever to Englishmen and give e Germany Does Nat ‘Much Califer- nia uit. SAN FRANCISCO,\€al, February &.— Among the fruit expertess in San Fran- cisco the news of the ‘antion of the German government. prohibiting? the importation of American fruit has create no alarm. Al- bert Castle of Castle ‘Bras. voices the gen= eral sentiment in thes#tgtement that Call- fcrnia sent too little feeah fruit to Germany to feel the prohibitiom, He agreéd with J. K. Armsby & Co.'s. ‘representative and those of Porter Bres} Co. and Rosenberg Bros, & Co., that at present the market in. Germany. for this is fresh fruits was not of sufficient to justify alarm. Joseph A. Pilcher; fechetary of the state board of trade, s = “X believe that Ger- many's action ig jation for the su- ger tariff of the Dil bill. It-will not affect California. , @B we ex) small quantities of fresh~ to that country. Of course an extension of the prohibition to dried fruits would concern us mightily.” Information Regarding Fruit Exclu- sion Wanted. BRIEF NEWSFROM AMBASSADOR WHITE German Ambassador Without Offi- cial Advices. > ZINC IN DRIED APPLES ee The order prohibiting the importation of American fruits into Prussia called out a resolution in the Senate today from Mr. Davis (Minn.), chairman of the committee on foreign relations, asking the President, if not incompatible with the public inter- est, to transmit to the Senate the corre- spondence and other information bearing upon the matter in his possession or in that of the State Department. The resolution was agreed to. The Ambassador Wired for Details. A brief cablegram from Ambassador White at Berlin that came to the Depart- ment of State last evening conveyed the only official information so far received as to the decree of exclusion of American fruit from Prussia. This cablegram was 80 meager that a telegraphic request has been sent to Mr. White for further details. While it is not positively known, it is sup- posed that the decree applies only to Prus- sia. and not to all Germany, a considerable limitation. Whether it also applies to Canadian fruit is a matter of speculation, and in view of the large German trade in Canadian apples this will b@ an important question for the dominion authorities to consider, is - German Ambassador Calls. The German ambassador was a visitor at the State Department early today, and spent some time with the officials. After talking with Sec.etary Sherman and As- sistant Secretary Day, the ambassador was for half an hour in close consultation with Mr. Kasson, the special commissioner for the United States in the negotiation of reciprocity agreements. The ambassador had no, news from Berlin directly as to the last decree, which threatens to kill all hope of the negotiation of any kind of a reciprocity treaty or agreement within the terms of the present tariff act, so far as Germany is concerned. It is gathered that the basis of the decree, or rather the reason officially to be set out by the Prussian government for the exclu- sion, is that some shipments of American apples, coming from California, have been discovered to be affected with the disease known as San Jose scale, but just how German apples are endangered, even if this fact shouid be established, is not made plain. Zinc in Dried Apples. One of the standing complaints against American dried fruit, the trade in which With Germany has assumed enormous pro- portions, is again brought to official notice by a report that comes to the State Depart- fhent from United States Consul Ozmun at Stuttgart, and is today made public in the daily consular report. He transmits a notice issued by the chief of police of Stuttgart, to the effect that most of the samples of American apple- rings, or dried apples, taken from the local retailers, show the addition of metallic zinc {n quantities of 0.3 grams to the kilo- gram = (2.2046 pounds), and. warning all dealers that they will be punished and their goods confiscated if further sales of such goods are made. This complaint was made to the depart- ment first about two years ago, the Ger- man chief of police in Cologne asserting, in his notice, that the zinc was present in the apples because “the Americans dry the fruit on zinc trays, instead of on wooden bars, as we do.” Immediately one of the most enterprising of our consuls in Germany visited an agri- cultural exposition then going on in Ger- many and reported that all of the fruit evaporators exhibited, about fourteen in number, were fitted with the alleged harm- ful zinc trays, which were freely used in Germany. The Chief's Notice. The following is a translation of the no- tice issued by the chief of police of Stutt- gert: “Referring to the public warning regard- irg the sale of dried fruit containing zinc, published April 17 last, notice is hereby again given to those dealing in the above- mentioned article that repeated examina- tions of dried apple slices, especially of American crigin, by the chemical bureau of this city, have established the fact that samples taken from various retail stores exception, an addition of metaHic gine in quantities of 0.3 grams to the kilogram’ (2.2046 pound: “Among forty-one samples examined there were 12=29 per cent containing zinc. The zinc contents appear to come from the fruit slices being dried on zinc wire net- ting. According to the opinion of the first city physician and other medical authori- ties, as well as the laws for articles of nourishment, any such articles containing zinc are to be condemned as detrimental to health. In consequence hereof, all deal- ers in Gried fruits are hereby warned that proceedings: for punishment and conffsca- ton will be instituted if further investiga- one of dried fruits should show contents of zinc.” More German Discrimfiiation. United States Consul Séhumann at Mainz, in @ report to~the State Department; calls attention to the fact that as this is the last ‘session of the present reichstag, the praembers are already beginning to -work for re-election. “In order to commend themseives,” he says, “to the wine growers of the westerh and southern parts of Ger- many, those members of the reichstag who aresthe champions of the agrarian cause are beginning to agitate a campaign against the importation into Germany of American wines by advocating a higher import duty on them. Of course, as long as the present nS arts treaties remain in force such a pr ing would be impossible, as, under the existing treaties the United States has Ame rights of the most favored nation as regards the import duty on wine.” —_—__-2+___—_ Personal Mention. Mr. Heath, first assistant postmaster gexeral, and Mrs. Heath left last night for Richmond on a short visit. ae Auditor Castle for the Post Offic@Depart- ment leaves Saturday for a two weeks’ visit to his old home in St. Paul, Minn. The commissioner of pensions has ac- cepted the invitation of the Young Men’s Republican Club of#Williamsport, Pa., cific division, has instructions from Gen. J. M. Wilson, chief of engineers, Washing- of this city contained, almost without any’ Wholly worthless. The flimsy shrapnel was furnished by an Washington. All shells fused by electricity selected by Lieut. Babbitt. Has Been Confined to Bed for a master Gordon of Chicago: reczipts for January, 1896, against ary, Manel an increase of nearly 000, or General bited the further repreltuetion of the edi- THE SEN ATE ACTS TO RETIRE THE CLERKS A Measure to Be Introdnoed by Representa- " tive Dockery, Tenure Limited to Six Years—Then Examination for Reappointment —What Mr. Dockery Says. Representative Dockery of Missouri ts Preparing a bill, which he will introduce in the House, involving the tenure of office of government clerks, which he thinks will solve he much-discussed problem of how best to retire employes in the departments, Mr. Dockery’s bill will fix a definite term of office for each clerk, at the end of which each employe will be subject to examina- tion before being eligible for reappoint- ment. If the clerk fails to meet the re- quirements at that examination he is to be retired by law. Speaking of his proposed bill, Mr. Dock- ery said to a Star reporter today: “My biil will fix a definite tenure of six years, to 2pply net only to those hereafter appoint- ed, but to those who are already in the service, the date of their terms to begin from some date specified in the bill or from the day of its enactment into law. At the end of six years a clerk is to be examined, providing he or she has not reached the age of severty. The result of that exam- ination will depend upon his or her reap- pointment. If he perses then he shall be- come eligible for reappointment, but if he fails then he shall not be considered fit for reinstatement. As soon as a clerk reaches the age of seventy, however, he shall be retired without examination. After a clerk shall have passed the examination and has been appointed to succeed himself he shall reiain his office for another six years, when he shall again be subject to examination. The bill will provide, further, that twelve morths’ time shall be allowed to fill an unqualified clerk’s place before releasing him from the service. This will give a little leeway, and, in case a man cannot be found to sult the exact requirements, extra time will be givea in which to look over the field. Effect of the B “There would be many beneficial effects arising from the enactment of this bill. Take the fixed tenure of office, for instance. The fact that a clerk was brought to a realization of the fact that his term was limited, would tend to induce him to ob- serve rules of strict personal economy. If he knew, also, that at the end of six years he would be subjected to an examination for reappointment, and that in the making of a selection of his successor at the end of that time his record for clerical efficiency would carry a great deal of weight in se- curing his reappointment, he would nat- urally do the very best work in his power while in office and would not allow himself at any time to go beiow the highest stand- d possible as a clerk. “The government would, therefore, obtain his best services while in office, and realiz- ing that his time was limited, he would be constantly preparing himself by study for examination for reappointment. The in- centive for a clerk would be to render the most efiicient services possible. “Another advantage which wceuld be ef- fected by the bill would be the clerk’s re- tirement by law instead of by any one government official. Business, social or any other relation would cut absolutely no fig- ure in his release from the government service. The law would be there, and if he failed to pass examinaticn no head of the department or any other person could se- evre his reinstatement. Like the Railway Mail Service. “The bill would secure the same system of clerical service as is now in force in the railway mail service. In that service, I think, one can find the best possible illus- tration of true civil service. Each railway mail clerk is required by the department to undergo an examinaticn every few months, and if a clerk is found lacking at any of those tests he is immediately drop- ped from the rolls. “His record must be of the best and he must not be too old. As a result of this system the railway mail service is the best of its kind in the world. Every man in it must maintain a standard of efficiency to remain in the service. “I hope to secure the passage of my Dill, as'I believe that it will solve the problem of how to improve the service best without doing an injustice to the clerks. I do not think that Congress should provide for e retirement fund for clerks, as I am against the establishment of a civil pension list. There could be no opposition offered to the establishment of a retirement fund by as- scssments on the salaries oi clerks, but of course that is a matter which does not re- quire congressional action.” © —___ *FRISCO HARBOR DEFENSES. Orders Given to Hurry Up Mounting of Guns There. SAN FRANCISCO, Cal, February 3.— Charles R. Suter, chief engineer of the Pa- ton, D. C., to hasten the work of mounting the modern guns for the defense of this harbor. In accordance with instructions the force of workmen on the fortifications will be enlai ordnance company of were excluded from the twenty-six i SENATOR WALTHALL ILL. Week. Senator Walthall of Mississippt is wertous- “As proof of prosperity, Chicago per cent.” Gary reed. ‘Tests of shrapnel shots furnished to the. to seamen on the report on the bill relating to negotiable instruments in the District, which was acty. ed upon favorably by the District commits! tee yesterday. The report says: ‘ TH at f tt i The Evening Star is the only afternoon paper in Washington that receives the dispatches of the Associated Press. It is therefore the only one in which the reader can find the complete news of the world, directly trans- mitted by telegraph, up to the moment of going to press. —_—_————_—_ EIGHT-HOUR BILL A Hearing Given by the House Come mittee on Labor, ARBITRATION OF LABOR TROUBLES Report on the Bill Relating to Nes gotiable Instruments. THE GETTYSBURG RAILWAY —s ‘The House committee on labor this morne ing considered the bill providing for @r titration of labor differences between rajl- roads and their employes. No conclusion was reached on the bill, and it will be taken up again next Thursday. This afternoon several representatives of: lator organizations appeared before th committee to be heard on the eight-hour, bill. Those present were: President Gompers of the American Fede eration of Labor, P. J. McGuire of Phileas! delphia, secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners; James Duncan -of! Baltimore, secretary of the Granite Cut- ters’ National Union; Andrew Furnseth of; San Francisco, general secretary of the Seamen's National Union; Gavriel Edmon-j ston of Washington, of the Brotherhood of; Carpenters and Joiners; Frank Morrisoi secretary of the American Federation o! Labor; and W. F. Hynes, representing As- sociated Railroad Employes. Before taking up the eight-hour bill the arbitration bill was again discussed. Mr: Gompers said the American Federation of Labor thought the arbitration bill was une wise. The organization was not opposed to the principle of arbitration, but there arg differences in the matter of arbitration, The eight-hour bill is as follows: The Eight-Hour Bil. That the time of service of all laborers workm2n and mechanics employed upon! any public \.orks of or work done for the United States, or any territory, or the Dis+ trict of Columbia, whether the work ts Gone by contract or otherwise, is hereby, limited and restricted to cight hours in any, one calendar day; and it shall be unlaw-| ful for any officer of the United States, or. of any territory, or the District of Colum- bla, ur any person acting for or on behal¢ of the United States, or any territory, OF! the District, or any contractor or subcon- tractor for any part of any public works of; or work done for the United States, or any, territory, or the District, or any person, whose duty it shall be to employ or to df- rect and control the services of such ia-' borers, workmen or mechanics, or who has’ in fact the direction or control of the serve ices of such laborers, workmen or mechan-, cs, to require or permit them, or any of them, to labor more than eight hours in’ any one calendar day, except in cases Of extraordinary emergency caused by fire; flood or danger to life or property. 4 Sec, 2. That erch and every contract to which the United States, any territory or the District of Columbia is a party, and ev+) ery contract made for or on behalf of the United States or any territory or said Dis-, trict, which contract may involve the ems ployment of labcrers, workmen or mechan: ; ics on any public work, sehall contain a stipulation that no laborer, workman mechanic in the employ of the cont ; or any subcontractor doing or cont 4 to do any part of the work contem| i by the contract, shall be required or permit-} ted to work more than eight hours in any one calendar day; and each and every euch, contract shall stipulate a penalty for each! violation of the stipulation directed by this. act of ten dollars for €ach laborer, work-} man or mechanic, for each and every cal-; endar dey in which he shall labor mora! than eight hours; and the inspector or other; offiéer or person whose duty ft shall be to, see that the provisions of any such cont i are complied with shall report to the oe officer of the United States or any territory or the District of Columbia all violations of stipulation in this act provided for in 1 and every such contract, and the amount the penalties stipulated in any such cons tract shall be withheld by the officer or, person whose duty it shall be to pay the) moneys due under such contract, whethef! the violations for which said penalties were’ imposed were by the contractor, his agents or employes, or eny subcontractor, his its or employes. No person on behalf agen! of the United States or any territory or the Distric! DI finding which he shall make up and certify that! such penalty was imposed by reason of an error of fact. Sec. 3. That any officer of the United States or any territory or the District of: Columbie, or any person acting for or on bf. half of the United States or any tall o' or the District of Columbia, who shall late the provisions of this act shall misdemeanor deemed guilty of a and be! subject to a fine or imprisonment or both, at the discretion of the court, the fine not { to exceed five hundred dollars nor the im- | prisonment one year. Sec. 4. That all acts and parts of agtney, consistent with this act, in so far ag*t! are inconsistent, be and the same are here-" by repealed. But nothing in this act shall’ to any existing contract or to soi-| diers and sailors enlisted, the army or navy of the United States or’ vessels. at Negotiable tramenta, Judge Jenkins of Wiscorsin has dra’