Evening Star Newspaper, February 24, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING &8TAR. gee PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3101 Penneyivania oe ee Cor. i ee by The Evening Star t y 8. H. Ea UFFMs NN, Pret New York Office, 49 Potter Buildinz. The Evening Star ts served to subscribers in the etty by crrriers, on their own account, at 10 cen per © or 44 cents per month. Copies at the cetnter 2 certs each. By mafl—anywhere in the United States «r Canads—postage prepaid—5« cents per month. Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added $3.00. (Entered at the Po.t Office at Washington. D. C.. as second-class mail matter.) <7 All mail subscriptions must be paid In advance. Rates of advertising made known op applicatior Che Lvening Star. 14,036. WA HINGTON, D. C, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1898-FOURTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. 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 The Star. They are closely studied by more than three times as many people ‘as tread any othér paper. CALMLY WAITING The President’s Attitude on the Maine Disaster. NO ACTION DECIDED UPON Will First Learn Conclusions of the Court ot Inquiry. AO CABLE NEWS FROM GENERAL LEE Speculation on Length of the In- vestigation. MOVEMENT OF THE TERROR ce “The President is perfectly poised on this question,” said one of the best friends of the chief executive in the country to a Star reporter this morning immediately following an important conference with the President. “He is coolly and calmly awaiting the facts, and cannot be carried off his feet by the excitement which is again beginning over the Maine disaster.” While as anxious as any American citi- zen to know the exact facts, the Presi- dent has laid out a course he will follow. On the best information the statement can be made today that the President will absolutely take no action of any kind, di- rectly or Indirectly, until the official re- port of the court of inquiry is made to the Navy Department. On that report will be based the course of this country. The President has implicit confidence in the court. duty that He believes that it will do its without fear or favor. He believes the American people will wait for that report before beginning any demon- stration. The President is as anxious as anybody that the court complete its work as quick- ly as consistent with a fuil and fair inves- tigation. He wants to know the facts and intends to know them. The President has said to friends that the people of the country want to know “What caused the explosion?” He in- tends that they shall know this, arid he intends to act as will satisfy a people whom he coasiders fair and just in all things. The administraticn states today that not @ disquieting line has been received from any source in Havana. Nothing has been received to alter the first opinion of the administration as to the cause of the ex- plosion, but this opinion is not so deeply rooted that it will not quickly undergo a change if facts warrant it. No Message Contemplated. The President does not intend to send to Congress any communication which will further aggravate the situation. In all probability the facts as to Cuba which have been called for by Congress will not be sent until the report of the board of inquiry has been made. Regarding the rews from Havana since yesterdzy, the administration gives as its belief that no such news could be obtained in a way to make it trustworthy. The ccurt of inquiry and all connected with it have been given to understand that not a word is to be given to the public until the 'r time. It is not thought that this injunction has been violated. That is why the President and cabinet advisers refuse to believe that there ts any change in the ‘tuation. They say that if there were in- dications that the Maine had been blown up from the outside, indications at all re- liable, the officials in Havana would cer- tainly cable as much to the government, knowing to what extent such a revelation would likely lead. The President is cognizant that the coun- try is a volcano today, but he stands firm in the belief that the people want to know the truth from men appointed to ascertain the truth. He does not believe that the ccuntry would have him take a step based on supposition, and he does not propose to take such a step. As outlined in The Star yesterday, he wants this country to be in the right In every instance in this Cuban question, so when the time comes to act it will have a clean record to show at the back of what it does. Up to noon today the President had not received a call from Secretary Long or any official of the State Department. No news trom Havara had been given him. At noon he went down trom his office to the €ast room to give a reception to the Ohio delegates to the D. A. R. A few minutes later he gave a special reception to the Connecticut delegates, and a little later re- ceived the congress in a vody. The Pres- icent knew many of the Ohio delegates personally. After these receptions were over the President went to lunch. There were sev- eral important callers during the morning, however. ‘neral Grosvenor was one of se. Senators Hale and Elkins were among the others. ‘gen. Grosvenor stated emphatically that tke government had received no news from Havana or Key West tending to confirm the latest dispatches from there to the morning newspapers. “I still believe the explosion was an ac- cident,” said Senator Hale, as he left the White House in his carriage. ‘The Navy Department has not received a line going to shcw a change in opinion.” Senator Elkins also saw nothing serious in the situation more than at the beginning. “If the Maine was blown up from the out- side,” he said, “nobody believes that ‘t was done by the Spanish government. If it was done by Spauish subjects I do not see any- thing that will come out of it but for Spain to apologize and pay the indemnity required by this ceuntry. She will do this. Of course, if she should refuse that would be another question.” Many old soldiers, some of them former comrades of the President in war days, are daily at the White House. They are im- patient for something to be done, but ex- press confidence in their former comra te. Secretary Long’s Statement. Secretary Long today, in answer to in- quirics whether the department was sup- pressing information concerning the dis- aster to the Maine, wrote the following: “Navy Department, Washington, D. C., February 24, 1898. “No telegram has beer received from either Admiral Sicard or Captains Samp- son or Sigsbee since yesterday, and the department has received no information with regard to the disaster that has not already been made public. The department 13_waiting the result of the inquiry, and public vpinion should be suspended until some official information is receive: (Signed) “JOHN D. LONG It is stated upon authority that the public has been fully informed as to all matters connected with the disaster to the Maine which have come to the knowledge of the government, that nothing has been with- held of the least public interest, that this policy will be continued until the problem has been solved and the whole truth brought to light, and that the government has not received any information from of- ficial sources tending to show with any de- gree of certainty that the exptosion was the work of enemies. No Cable ws From n. Lee. othing has | Lee at Havana -n heard from Genera! nee the day before yes- terday in the shape of a cablegram, and as the consul general has been prompt here- tofore in informing the State Department of any developments of significance it is supposed that there has been none of these since General Lee's last. report. In the mail received from him this morning was a copy of the message of condolence re- ceived by him on the 18th instant from Cap- tain General Bianco in the following terms: “It becomes my painful duty to express to you my profeund scrrow for the misfor- tune which cecurred yesterday on board the American ship Maine. I associate my- self with all my heart to the grief of the nation and of the families who have lost some of their members, and upon doing so I do not only express my personal senti- ments, but I speak in the name of all the inhabitants of Havana, witnesses of the catastrophe which has afflicted so many homes. “God guard you many years. “RAMON BLANCO.” ‘There were no dispatches in the forenoon at the Navy Department from either Ha- vana or Key West, and the only naval movement reported was the dropping down from the Norfolk navy yard to Hampton Roads of the big double-turreted monitor Terror. There she will await for further orders of the department. Lensth of the Inquiry. The Navy Department has not been in- fcrmed as to the probable length of time to be occupied by the court of inquiry in its werk. Such a court, it is said, has the greatest libcrty of action, much greater than a court-martial which is strictly lim- ited by the naval regulations. Of course it is possible that the court will leave Havana in course of a day or two for Key West in order to take there the testimony of such of the surviving officers and men as are now avartered at Key Wert. The latter are not subject to release from their position until the court has declared that it has concluded their testimony, and as many of these sur- vivors are anxious to secure snort leaves of absence in erder to see their families and friends, it may be that the court will cut short its stay at Havana in order to ac- ccmmodate them. It is belicved, however, that in this case, unless there should be un- expectedly significant developments before the court leaves Havana, it will return to that place later in order to ascertain from the work of the divers the cause of the ex- Plosion, if any trace is left that will be of value. Opinion in Administration Circles. The mystery surroundirg the blowing up of the Maine remains as dense as on the day following the explosion. That is the opinion of the administration at least, and presumtively it is as well informed of the state of affairs as any unofficial person. If there were any developments of value at Havana yesterday, or if anything was dis- covered tenéing to throw light upon the nature and cause of the explosion, none of these facts has been reported to either the Navy or the State Department. To attempt to say from the position of an armor plate lying in the upper works of the wreck that the explosion was internal or external in origin, is, in the opinion of the officials here, without warrant. The Maine carried no armor belo# water at a greater depth than 2% feet. Bereath that there was nothing but the ordinary thin hull plates of about half-inch structural steel. All of the armor, even that worked into the protective deck, was entirely above the magazines, and in case the tatter exploded the armor might easily have been tossed upward. Raising the Wreck. In view of the many expressions of doubt ccncernirg the possibility of raising the wreck of the Maire, the message sent yes- terday to the Navy Department by Ad- miral Sicard may have some weight. The admiral reported that the court of inquiry, which is on the spot and has had the ad- vantage of the opinions of divers, nad declared that the most powerful appliances would be necessary to remove the wreck or raise the ship. The last expression is taken to mean that the court has so far not concluded that it would be impossible to again float the Maine, else the language would seem to have been unnecessary, an unwarranted supposition in the case of expensive cablegrams. Relief of Admiral Sicard. It can be stated that up to this time the naval officials have given no thought to the relief of Admiral Sicard, as commander-in- ebief of the naval forces on the North Atlantic station. They do not believe that the admiral’s health is seriously impaired, and it is safe to. say that no movement will be made toward his relief unless a sugges- tion con.es first from himself. The ad- miral has been in command of the squad- ron less than a year, and is, by naval prac- tice, entitled to retain that command for another year at ler ¥{ ff he desires. It so happens that none u: the rear admirals on the active list is regarded to be in place to assume this important command, owing to the fact that they have had their regular teur of sea service, and are not entitled to again fly their flags at sea, or else, they are so placed otherwise as to make a change in their assignment unlikely. Admiral Bunce, for instance, is so circumstanced, being not only in command of the New ¥crk navy yard, an extremely important command even in ordinary times, and cer- tainly more co in case of hostilities, but having relinquished the North Atlantic squadron within less than » year, he is practically ineligible for another sea com- mand within a year or two. The other ad- murals, as indicated, are situated in about the same way, so that it is probable that pence ets A Pn indnanactet htcn nist (Continued on Sacond Page.) PREPARING FOR WAR The Government is Taking All the Steps Possible. ACCIDENT THEORY ABANDONED ee Fears Entertained That a Riot May Occur in Havana. es MAY WHAT HAPPEN The government is preparing for war. The hope that war may be: averted is growing weaker, but the little hope there is will sustain the government in the ef- fort to keep down public excitement as leng as possible. The sudden conserva- tism of the Senate arises from a convic- tion that a rupture with Spain is about to occur on account of causes already ex- isting and a desire not to run the risk of any false step which would enable Spain to shift ground and fix the immediate re- sponsibility for the conflict upon this gov- ernment. The situation, too, demands that nothing should be done in this country to give excuse, however poor, for a popular uprising of the Spanish in Cuba. The declaration by Senater Thurston in the Senate yesterday that it would be a grave misfortune if our strained relations were to come to a crisis before the completion of the Maine inquiry voiced an apprehen- sion which is felt by those most familiar with the situation. The accident theory of the explosion is no longer seriously pressed. The most conservative view is that the chances of an accident being shown are so slight that they are not worth arguing. Accident Theory Abandoned. There ts good reason for believing that the theory has been abandoned entirely by every one officially in touch with the situa- tion and that the men in Congress who will be relied upon for advice and support are no longer in ignorance. But it would be folly—and it is so recognized by the strong men in Congress no matter what has been their attitude tow: Spain—to have any- thing said or done responsible authori- ties which might hasten the crisis. It 1s believed that the apprehension that a very little might excite a state of affairs in Cuba which would render further in- vestigation by the court of inquiry impos- sible, is only too well founded. It is be- lieved that if there are certain men in Cuba who know exactly how the explosion occurred, they are men who control a certain element of the population, and for their personal safety would resort to vio- lence to render further investigation im- Possible if: they were convinced that a complete examination would disclose evi- dence of their crime. The slightest excuse for a riot would be availed of and the con- sideration of the position in which their action would place the Blanco government would not hold them in check. Indiscre- tien here, either on the part of Congress or of any executive official, might endan- ger, not only the prosecution of the in- quiry, but the lives of General Lee and our officers now in Havana. Time for Preparation. Moreover, there is need of time for prep- aration for war. Certain preparations we have not made because it was felt that the publicity which would necessarily follow might render war inevitable at a time when the prospects were that it could be avoided. There are many things to be done which might be impossible after a declara- tion of war. For this reason it is believed that the investigation by the board will be prolonged as much as possible. The danger ef their position will render it necessary that the investigation in Havana be got through with speedily, but on the return of the board to Key West their work will proceed with such deliberation as the con- dition of affairs will admit of. There is an impression about Congress, in quarters where “impressions” usually have semi- official foundation, that sufficient evidence has already been found to make it no long- er @ matter of doubt that the Maine was destroyed by design. The “impression” ex- tends to the belief that it is officially known that the accident theory is untenable, and that if no further investigation were had there would be a moral certainty of the explosion having been external. But what- ever time can properly be gained by delib- eration on the part of the board and by offi- cial reserve will be availed of. A riot in Havana or the impetuosity of Spain may force a rupture before we are ready, but it is policy to take as much time as we can with propriety. Thoughts are now turned to preparation. What May Happen. If the shock should come with inconve- nient suddenness the government would be by no means unprepared, but all additiunal time for preparation that can be had will add to the strength of our position, and our preparation might grow so formidable as to lead to a modification of the temper of Spain. An abandonment of Cuba by Spain before war was declared might avert war. The best judgment to be had in Con- gress is that Spain must get out of Cuba, and that meanwhile a month or more wiil be devoced by this country in making prep- arations for hostilities before any official declaration of the cause of the Maine dis- aster will be made. This, it is said, will be the course if this government can control events. It is acknowledged, however, that everything may come with a rush at any time, on account of the disordered condi- tion of the Spanish government. The un- happy Weyler influence is liable to lead to any.sort of rashness in Spanish quarters. —_—_—_—_—__-o. TO EXAMINE ENLISTED MEN. Board of Officers to Assemble at Columbus Barracks. A board of officers, to consist of Lieut. Col. Joseph T. Haskell, 17th Infantry; Maj. Benjamin F. Pope, surgeon; Capt. Frederick Fuger, 4th Artillery; Capt. Hobart K. Bail- ey, Sth Infantry; Capt. Joseph T. Clarke, assistant surgeon, is appointed to meet at Columbus Barracks, Ohio, March 16 for the preliminary exemination of the following named enlisted men, who are applicants for commissions, to determine their eligibility for the competitive examination: First-class Private William C. Geiger, Company BE, Battalion of Engineers; Pri- vate Lawrence C. Brown, Battery D, 4th Artillery; Corporal Harry L. Steele, Bat- tery A, 5th Artillery; Private George N. Bomford, Company D, 5th Infantry; Ser- geant Percy M. Cochran, Company G, @th Infantry; Private John B. Schoeffel, Com- pany B, 9th Infantry; Sergeant Cromwell Stacey, y_D, 13th Infantry; Ser- geant Walter T. Bates, Company G, 17th Infantry; Corporal Thomas A. Vicars, Com- pany A, 2ist Infantry; Corporal John W. French, Company C, 2ist Infantry; Private oon A. Connolly, Company F, 2ist In- fantry. First Lieut. James T. Kerr, 17th Infantry, is detatled as recorder of the board. ————_+ 2+ Mrs. Clara Stoddard Dead. CHICAGO, February 24.—Mrs. Clara Stoddard is dead at the Hotel Metropole from pneumonia. She was the wife of Gideon Stoddard of Philadelphia, and en- the tion of Soe race ee Mr. Stoddard will leave for Philadelphia today with the body of his wife, & AGREEMENT OF ‘RAILWAYS Hearing Begun of the Joint Traffic Asso- ciation Case, A Formidable Array of Distingui: ited States Supreme Court. Counsel Before the The Supreme Court of the United States tcday began the hearing in the Joint Traf- fic Association case, in which the United States seeks to have the agreement on the part of the th‘rty-one leading roads of the country constituting the traffic association as formed in 1805, set aside and declared null and void, and to have the association enjoined from operating under this agree- rent. $3 The case has proved to be the means of collecting the most formidable array of counsel on the side"of the defense that has been seen in the court room for many a day. The list included ex-Senator George F. Edmunds of Vermont, J. E. Phelps, ex- minister to England, and James C. Carter cf New York, each of whom, it was an- nounced, would speak Solicitor General Richards appeared for the government. The time for the presentation of the case was extended so as to give the counsel for the railroads four hours, making six hours for the entire hearing. Mr. Richards’ ‘Argument. Mr. Richards cpeied the case. He cited the agreement between the railroads, and asserted ‘hat it was in contravention of the interstate commerce law, in that it sought to restrain traée and commerce among the several states and to prevent competition. He declared also that it vio- lated the anti-trust law. Mr. Richards de- pended largely upon the decision of the Supreme Court in the Trans-Missouri Freight Association case as a precedent in this case, arguing that there. was practi- cally no difference between the agreement in that case and the agreement of the roads which were parties to the Joint Traf- fic Association. He said there were nine trunk lines em- braced in the association, and that the ob- ject was to cover ail competitive traffic Passing through to or from the western termini of these lines and thus to practi- cally control the transportation business of the country. He said the board of man- agers had not only ‘full epntrol of the com- titive busiress on the ‘various lines, but that they were authorized te distribute the traffic among the parties to the agreement. He argued that in tRis case, as in the trans-Misscuri case, the court was not call- ed upon to deal with the prefessions of the members of the asscefaticn, but with the question as to the violation of the law, which was evident. The pomt was whether the agreement restraims trade and com- merce, and that it did-the government had no doubt. Indeed, sueh an admission was practically made by the agreement itself. ‘The anti-trust law whieh.the court had de- cided in the freight @ase ®pplied to rail- roads was the law of th> land. Compared to the agreement ir t®is case, he said, the agrecment in the tratis-Missourl case was crude and inefficient ‘as an 4nstrument for st i trade. He then rea@ and compared the articles of agreement if the two cases to sustain this point. LOCAL... MEASURES Several Are Oonsidered in Oommittee in Congress. Prope ed Amendments to the District Appropriation Bill—Other Matters, The subcommittee of the Senate commit- tee on appropriations having charge of the District of Columbia appropriation bill was in session today when the Commissioners appeared before them to advocate a num- ber of increases in the appropriations over the amounts allowed in the bill as it passed the House of Representatives. Some days ago the Commissioners submitted to the subcommittee a statement of increases de- sired, which were generally in line with the recommendations appearing in their esti- mates which were cut down by the House. Bills in the Senate. Mr. Roach today introduced a Dill in the Senate for the regulation of a branch line of the Brightwood Avenue Railroad Com- pany in the District of Columbia. The ecmpany 1s required within six months from the passage of the act to equip and operate that part of the road lying on Kenyon and Marshall streets between 7th and 14th streets with underground elec- tric power. Mr. Stewart introduced a bill for the re- lef of Mrs. Harriet A. Ferguson of Win- chester, Frederick coynty, Va., being a bill to exempt Mrs, Ferguson from the op- eration of the act restricting the owner- ship of real estate im the ‘territories to American citizens.. It was referred to the committee on the District of Columbia. Proposed Amendments. Proposed amendments to the District of Columbia appropriation'bill were placed be- fore the Senate today as follows: By Mr. McMillan—Applying the provis- fons of the highway act to Beatty & Hawk- ins’ addition to Georgetown where !t may be necessary to connect streets in parts of the District lying outside of cities. Also “for grading, repairing, pavement of gutters and improvement of 37th street be- onan. Cut road and Tenileytown road, The Highway Act. The subcommittee Gf the Senate com- mittee on the District @@ Columbia in charge of highway and sewér jegtslation held a meeting yesterday afternogh from 2 until 4:30 o'clock. The boar@ of tfade bill amend- ing the highway cet Was eonsidered, and the Commicsioners alfa Mf. Worthington and Secretary representing the board of trade, were Ntard @pon it. The subcommittee to make a fa- vorable report on this bill, @nd aiso on the bill approved by the Cemmiésioners for the completion of the syétem of sewers. The subeormaltee” wa reports on these measures to the J ict commit- tee tomorrow morning Tie subcommittee ly then be will probab! “authérised to report the bills favorably to Se when they are satisfied with all In the case of the bill highway act a hearing will be ei of the Dis- view of which there may be some modifica- tions in the minor features of the bill. Persenal Mention. Gen. James A. Beaver, ex-governor of Pennsylvania, lett the vity this morning for him home. He- arrived in Washington laid off at that . FG. ‘ar. and F. G. Smith, jr., we 8 oP ts this: Ear oes Ww P. Oo Sree oe te events of rs we a OF M. W. GALT Prominent Business Man of Washing- ton Expires Very Suddenly. HEART FAILURE NAMED AS THE CAUSE Decéased Had Resided Here Nearly Seventy-Five Years. SKETCH OF HIS CAREER age Mr. M. W. Galt died suddenly last even- ing at his residence, 1409 H street nerth- west. For the past two weeks Mr. Galt had been suff2ring from an attack of grip, but recently he was much better and was able to leave the house. He was out yes- terday and took an active part in making arrangements for the funral of his son- in-law, Mr. -teginald Fendall, whose sud- den death Tuesday night in New York city was announced in yesterday’s Star. Mr. Galt yesterday was not only feeling better than h2 had for some time pasi, but had the appearance of a man who was rapidly regaining his health and strength. About 10:45 o'clock last he was conversing with his son, Mr. Charles E. Galt, when he suddenly stopped talking, and the attention of his son being attracted by the sudden. pause, he looked at his father, who was in his chair in the same position that he had been in when he looked at him last. He at once rushed to his sid> and spoke to him, but Mr. Galt made no response, and it was seen that his eyes were fixed. ‘The son at once applied such restoratives as he had at hand and promptly sum- mond assistance, and the pnysicians were scon at the house. All efforts, however, proved unavailing. The physicians an- nounced that death was due to heart fail- ure, and in their opinion the final sum- mons had come suddenly and that the end was painless. Th2 news of the death of Mr. Galt will come with all the shock of a sudden sur- prise to the large circle of friends and acquaintances which he had in this city. It was not generally known that he was sick, and to those even of his immediate family and intimate friends, who were aware that he had been recently confined to his house, this sad event was entirely unexpected. Well-Preserved Man. Although in his seventy-seventh year, Mr. Galt was a well-preserved man, and showed but few 2vidences in personal ap- pearance of his advanced years. In fact, during his entire life he had enjoyed good health, and it is not recalled that he ever had an attack of sickness of any mom:nt. To his daughter, Mrs. Reginald Fendall, who is under the shadow of the great grief which had come to her in the sudden death of her husband, sympathy is especially directed, as sh2 Is now called upon to mourn the death of her father. Matthew W. Galt was born in Alexandria, Va., the 14th of October, 1821. His father, James Galt, was a native of Maryland, and having learned the jewelry business in Baltimore he went to Alexandria in the year 1802 and opened a store in that city. Alexandria was then within the bounds of the District of Columbia, and it was sup- Posed the removal of the seat of govern- ment to Washington, which ~had taken place in the year 1800, would enhance the importance of Alexandria as a business center. Mr. Galt continued in Alexandria for nearly a quarter of a century, and in the year 1826 he removed his business to this city, and opened a store on Pennsylvania avenue between 9th and 10th streets. Dat- ing from that event Matthew W. Galt, then five years old, had been a resident of this city for nearly three-quarters of a century. His father continued in active business here until the year 1847, when he died. He was succeeded by his sons, M. W. Galt and William Galt. About the year 1857 the jewelry estab- lishment was moved to the north side of Pennsylvania avenue between Gth and 7th streets, and ten years later the building now occupied by the business carried on by the grandsons of James Galt was erected and the establishment removed to the new quarters, on Pennsylvania avenue near llth street. A Notable Event. The erection of this building was a rather notable event, not only in the history of the city, but in the development of Penn- sylvania avenue, as the front was con- structed of iron, rather uncommon ma- terial to be used in buildings in those days..| It was known for some years as the “iron front,” and the Galts then, as now, occu~ pied a prominent place among the business houses of the nation’s capital. The front of this building remains practically un- changed today, although, of course, the interior has been remodeled as was neces- sary, from time to time, to meet the re- quirements of modern business methods. In the year 1879 Mr. William Galt, who had been associated with his brother, M. ‘W. Galt, in the management of the busi- ness since 1847, retired from the firm, and the business was then carried on under the firm name of M. W. Galt, Bro. & Co., the firm consisting of M. W. Galt and one of associated with him in tending over a period of forty-five years, M. ‘W. Galt withdrew. the firm, and the business was continued, as it is today, under the name of Galt-& Bro., the firm be- work done by this institution and gave to it freely of his thought and time. He was also a member of the board of trustees of the Louise Home. He was president of the Oak Hill Cemetery Company and a mem- ber of the board of trustees of the Corcoran Art Gallery. He was one of the active men in organizing the Church of the Covenant, and continued as a member of the board of trustees of the church down to the time of his death. During his long res‘dence here, occupy- ing as he did, such a prominent place in the business and social life of the city, Mr Galt took a deep interest in whatever weuld advance the public welfare. He was connected with most of the leading efforts made by the citizens at different times to better the municipal conditions, and was prominently identified with the movement wlich resulted some twenty years ago in bringing about the present financial rela- ticns between the general government and the city. He had a remarkably successful bus- iress career, and during all the years since it was founded, his establishment has Leen prominent, not only in that particular line, but also among the commercial houses of the city. He confined himself closely to his business, but naturally, as a man of his means would do, he acquired corsider- able property interests here. Some thirty years ago he built the house where he die¢ and where he has since lived. At one time ii was looked upon as one of the handsomest private residences in this city. High Business Integrity. Mr. Galt was a man of genial manner, of the highest character for business integ- rity and fair dealing, and was much re- spected by all who knew him. His career as a business man is so closely coznected with the development of the city during, perhaps, the most important years in its history that in some respects his life and that of the city is identical. He had seen the nation’s capital develop from a strag- gling village into the beautiful ana pros- perous metropolis of today, and it may be said that he regarded the changes with a feeling of the greatest satisfaction and pride. He leaves four sons and one daughter, as fcllows: Charles E, Walter A., Norman and Sterling and Mrs. Reginald Fendall. Funeral services will be held at the late residenc> Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clo ———— DEFENSES OF WASHINGTO) The City Regarded as Safe From At- tack by Water. Thanks to the promptness and efficiency of the chief of engineers and the chief of ordnance of the army, the city of Washing- ton is now regarded as being well nigh safe and secure from attack by water. The fortifications at Fort Washington and Sheridan Point, on the opposite side of the | Potomac, are sufficiently advanced to be able to repel an ordinary fleet of invaders, and in case of necessity they could be vastly strengthened in a comparatively short time. These defenses are considered sufficient to keep all hostile vessels beyond the range of gunshot of the national cap- ital. Chief reliance is placed on three 8-inch and two 10-inch guns of approved modern type, mounted on disappearing car- riages, fully protected from the fire of a foe. In addition to these there are the old batteries, including three 5-inch smooth- bore guns and mortars. Moreover, the river has been blocked off and prepared for mines and torpedoes at a point below the fortifications aiready men- tioned, so that it is probable some of the ships of an enemy would be blown out of the water before it would be necessary to use the guns at the forts. The batteries are most eligibly located and command a view of the river for miles below. Owing to the comparative shallowness of the channels, it is hardly probable any big battle ships or heavy cruisers could proceed very far up the river, so that the only danger to be feared would be from visits of lght- draught cruisers and small gunboats of the type of the Helena, which recently made a visit to the Washington navy yard. Invad- ing Meets would also be likely to find a warm reception at the entrance to Hamp- ton Roads, and even if they managed to pass through the capes in safety they would undoubtedly meet with dangerous obstacles in their passage to Baltimore or Washington. ———--+2e--_____ FITZMAURICE NOW A BISHOP. Impressive Ceremonies Attending His Elevation at Philndelphia. PHILADELPHIA, Pa., February 24.— With solemn and impressive ceremonies and in the presence of a large assemblage of the laity and Catholic clergy Rey. John E. Fitzmaurice, D.D., heretofore rector of the Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo at Overbrook, was today consecrated bishop ccadjutor of the diocese of Erie. The services were held in the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul. Among those in attendance was Monsignor Mariineili, the papal legate, and the great assembiage in- cluded prominent clergymen of Philadel- phia, Erie Pittsburg, riarrisburg, Scran- ton, Trenton, Wilmington, Deiaware and various other cities and towns. ‘Ihe cere- monies were presided over by Arcnbisnop Ryan, who was assisted by Bishop Pren- cergast of Philadelphia and tisnop Hors:- mani of Cleveland. ‘The ceremony was preached by Kev. Michael J. Hogan, D.D., coagjutor bishop of Scranton. >— Assay Office at Juneau. Senator Shoup of Idaho had a conference today with Director Roberts of the mint bureau about establishing an assay office for the United States .at Juneau, Alaska. The American miners in Alaska think they ought to have such an office for the assay and purchase of their gold. As the matter will rest entirely with Congress in estab- jishing such an office, Mr. Roberts declinc . to make a recommendation in the matter. The stumbling block in the way of such a recommendation by the government would be the risk to the government of the trans- fer of the gold to this country. At present this transportation is at the risk of the owners. Senator Shoup has received a large petition from American miners favor- ing the office, and will introduce in Con- Bress a bill to provide one. PE ae Pe I Sale of Seized Topacce. Assistant Sccretary Howell of the treas- ury has issued the following order regard- ing the sale of seized tobaccos, etc.: “The department having been advised that an impression exists at some of the ports that cigars, cigarettes, snuff and to- bacco which have been seized for violation of the customs laws cannot be sold unless they bring a sum equal at least to the du- tles and internal revenue taxes, your atten- tion is invited to the decision of the Su- preme Court, cited in synopsis 13523, in which it is held that ‘there is no prohibi- tion agafst selling cigarettes when they bring more than enough to pay the inter- nal revenue tax, notwithstanding they decision is likewise applicable to cigars, suf ard tcbacco, as well as ciga- rettes.”” FACTS COME TO LIGHT Divers at Maine Wreck Secure Some Important Evidence, ——_>- ACCIDENT PLEA UNTENABLE Sentiment in the United States Un- known to Cuban Masses, ILL FEELING TOWARD AMERICANS New Scheme of Autonomy Pro- posed to the Insurgents. Seb Ae Serer PREPARATIONS FOR WAR Special Cablegram From a Staff Correspondent. HAVANA, February 23, via Key West, Fla., February 24.—Bottling up navy offi- cers by threats of a court-martial does not prevent the leading facts of the Maine in- quiry becoming know: y are now sup- posed to be the exclusive property of the government. At this writing divers are developing im- portant results. From examination of the interior wreckage they have secured evi- dence which seems conclusive that the ex- plosion came from underneath the ship. Some of the smaller magazines may have exploded. The main 10-inch magazine did not explode. The condition of the interior of the ship shows further probability of the wreck having been due to outside force. The further the investigation progresses the more untenable becomes the theory which the Spanish government adduced ta show accidental cause. It is evident the Spanish case will be based on the claim that a fire preceded the explosion. Captain Sampson and his colleagues of the naval board may have outside evidence offered regarding a torpedo float produc- ing the explosion. Said one diver who had been engaged in the work of getting bodies out from under the hatch: “God may be merciful to men who blew those poor fellows to eternity, the United States should not.” This was before Long’s order prohibiting officers from talking. This diver evidently thought the explosion was not an acident. He had an expert's capacity and opportunity for judging. Public Kept in the Dark. The Havana public is not permitted to know the intensity of public sentiment in the United States. Only meager details are permitted to be known of what happens in Washington. Congress is watched with excessive anxiety by palace officials, but the populace knows nothing of what is liable to happen. Evidences of ill feeling toward American people and exultation over the Maine dis- aster do not lessen. It is true that at a bull fight Sunday a bull which refused com- bat was called the Maine by spectators; also true that one of the stores issued an advertisement with thinly disguised exul- tation over the loss of the ship. We have had, however, no open demonstrations. The Maine inquiry dwaris inierest in Cuban politics, but recent developments carry ofticial confession of the failure of autoncmy. There is no crisis ordinarily understood in the autonomist cabinet. Mon- taro and other members known to have no influence wiih the insurgents have merely been pushed aside for Govin, who is mis- takenly thought in Madrid to have influ- ence with them. New Scheme of Auton > The central committee of the auionomist party has authorized Govin, who is secre- tary of justice, Ambiard, Gileray and others who call themselves radical autonomists to treat with the insurgents on a new basis. They want the insurgents to take parts in the elections, and offer them every induce- ment short of actual independence. In sub- stance the plan which Govin, as a member of the autonomist cabinet, indorses is to insure the control of the Cuban government to the insurgents under the barest limita- tion of Spanish sovereignty and to settle the vexed questions of debt and commer- cial treaties by concessions in advance. Home Ministry Cognizant. The Sagasta ministry is cognizant of the scheme and is willing to have it used as a means of opening negotiations with the in- surgents. No evidence exists that the peo- ple of Spain would ever consent, and the autonomists themselves expect failure. The insurgents will reject it as thoroughly as they did the original proposition of au- tonomy. It is doubtful whether they will permit negotiations to be opened. The in- cident is important only as showing the complete collapse of all efforts to end the insurrection on any basis that does not rec- ognize the full independence of Cuba. Pos- sibly the Sagasta ministry hopes that the proposed readjustment of autonomy will fool the United States. i CHARLES M. PEPPER. HAVANA HARBOR MINE. Reported That a Subterrancan Pas- e