Evening Star Newspaper, February 25, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR, PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Fennsyivania Avenne, Cor. 11th 8t., by Tae Brea Ses eraers, Corey Wew York Office, 40 Potter Buildin. ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers in the etty by ctrriers, on their own account, at 10 cents per week, or 44 cents per month. Copies at the ccunter 2 certs each. By mafl—anywhere in the United States «r Canade—postage prepaid—50 cents per month. la{urday Quintuple Steet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage udded. $3.00. (Entered at the Po:t Office at Washington, D. C.. as second-class ma'l matter.) [7 All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. Che Fre ny Star. No. 14,037, IN CABINET MEETING + > Fall Discussion of the Maine : Disaster, CONSIDERING FUTURE ACTION The President’s Attitude as Learned by His Associates. FEELING IN THE DEPARTMENTS Nothing Received This Morning From Havana. Pile cctv ete CROW NINSHIELD’ ARRIVAL a See The public will not have to wait much longer to learn the official opinion of the Maine disaster. The President and cabinet believe that they will know the verdict of the court of inquiry by Wednesday or Thursday of next week. That was probably the most interesting opinion resulting from the deliberations of the official directors of the government at r session today. Every member of the cabinet surrounded President McKinley when the hour arrived for the cabinet to Practically every minute of the and-a-half ession was devoted to tion today. The grav- » situation is fully recognized by every member of the cabinet, and the talk in the cabinet room was along lines which cool-h d statesmen take when emer- ronts them. ‘ot a new fact was brought out, three members of the cab sentative of The Star. B Jater each of these official: said anxiety than was evident at the cabinet last Friday, when every member ed the opinion that the explosion ine was an accident Today the President and cabinet hold to ame view, but there is not the same The facts which are daily devel- ugh unofficial, are making im- nds of the big men the administration. The same who a week ago were confident of the cident theory have today made up their minds that they may have to change their ions before a great while. As dripping water soon wears away a stone, so it {s that the facts being developed by the news- papers are having effect. This does not mean that the cabinet officials save changed front already, but it is a fact that they stand in more of an attitude of ex- pectaney than ever before. It is emphatically denied that anything Was laid before the cabinet from General Lee giving it as his opinion that the Maine was blown up from the outside. It is also denied that there was anything official from any source indicating that this is going to be shown. Preparations Are Admitted. Cabinet members no longer ridicule the statements that preparation is being made in case of certain contingencies. ‘Today they admit that certain precautions are be- ing taken. They do, however, say that all that has been done so far has been greatly exaggerated. They now admit that the government would be in position to be strongly condemned if it did not have things in shape for whatever occurs. These precautions are not based on what the President and cabinet believe is to take Place, but on the basis that a nation should be prepared for trouble in time of peace. Will Demand Indemnity, It is believed that the cabinet went far €nough in its discussion today late on the course as to spect- to be followed in case the verdict of the court of inquiry shows that the Maine disaster was brought about from the cutside. This is at least a small change from the position a week ago. The President does not care to be unprepared fog all events, and that is why a discussion of what shall be done was more or less talked over. The Opinion holds in the mind of every cabinet officer that the Presi- dent will tmmediately, in this event, make @ demand upon Spain for the payment of indemnity. ‘This demand, it can be Positively stated, must be acted upon by Spain without equi- vocation or delay. If Spain asks a short time for consideration it may be given, but the President is determined, if the facts prove a crime, that Spain shall not have opportunity to play with this country in any way. The country of the dons must say, “We wili” or “We will not.” If it is the latter then the President will com- municate every fact to Congress, which will deciare war and make appropriations te carry on the conflict. While all the foregoing may be consider- ed in the domain of speculation, it is such Speculation as has been indulged in by cabinet officers, whereas a week ago they weuld have laughed at even speculation of this kind. A Quieter Feeling. Undoubtedly there is a quieter feeling the Navy Department over the Maine disaster as the time basses, and although this is the tenth day since the noble warship was destroyed the officers are willing to wait in patience, at the ad- wonition of the President and Secretary Long, until the facts relating to the ex- plosion are made known. They are fully on theic guard against the acceptance of unauthorized statements of the conditions at Havana and the daily developments, be- ing aware of the efficlency of the precau- tions adopted by the court of inquiry to prevent the premature disclosure of the proceedings. There was no word from either Captain Sigsbee or Consul General Lee this morn- ing at the Navy and State departments. The monitor Terror is lying in Hampton Roads, and it is said at the Navy Depart- ment that she has no orders to leave there. The impression is that she will remain in that place, which is one of great strategic value in case of need, at least until the! monitor Puritan is ready to take her place. The Puritan is almost twice as big as the Terror, being a 6,000-ton vessel, very little | less than the Maine in size. She carries 12-inch guns in her turrets against 10-inch guns for the Terror, and is altogether the most formidable double-turreted moniter in the world in smooth water. This quali- fication does not m that she Is unable to keep the sea, but only that from her sr breadth and light draft she is so ptible to the wave motion that it is difficult to make good work with her guns in a seaway. She is now having new fur- naces fitted to her boilers at the Norfolk na yard, the crowns of the furnaces hav- ing’ come down some time ago, owing to the fact that the boilers are the s were built for her when she rally laid down many years ago. said at the Navy Department that she will be ready for service about the 4th of next month. Captain Sigsbee asked yesterday whether he should endeavor to save the old ma- terial in the superstructure of the Maine, which from the pictures appears to be heaped up over the boiler spaces. He has been told to let this go, as it is valuable enly as old fron, which would not pay io bring hack to the United States. Naval Militia Representatives. A delegation from the Naval Militia Asso- ciation of the United States was at the Navy Department today. The visit of the members, however, was not In response to any request sent out by the department, as has been represented, but was simply preliminary to a visit to the Capitol, wheré they are to be given a hearing by the na- val committee on the Barber bill to fur- ther increase the naval establishment of the United States by the construction of twenty torpedo boats, designed principally for the use of the miltia. The delegation included the following: Lieutenant Samuel M. Blount of Baltimore, Commander E. G. Buckland of the Connecticut militia, Com- mander Isaac E. Emerson of the Mary- land naval militia, Captain J. W. Miller, commanding the New York naval militia and president of the association; Lieutenant Ralph Fuller of Cleveland, Ohio, and-Cap- tain H. L. Satterlee, on the staff of the governor of New York. While at the Navy Department the dele- gation had a pleasant interview with As- sistant Secretary Roosevelt, who has gen- eral supervision of the naval militia of the country, and with whom the provisions of the bill were briefly discussed. The meas- ure had not, however, been formally re- ferred to the Navy Department by Con- gress, and the officials consequently are not prepared to give their opinion regard- ing its provisions. The boats provided for in the bill are to be of about 150 tons dis- placement, to have a speed of not less than 25 knots, and are to cost, including arma- ment, not exceeding $2,500,000. Six of the boats, the bill provides, are to be built on the Pacific coast. When completed they are to be stationed at the principal ports at which naval militia organizations exist, are to be manned by skeleton crews from the United States naval establishment, ready for the full complement of officers and men to be filled out from the militia when drill times come and any other occa- sion arises. The association also desires to urge upon Congress greater liberality in the appro- priations for the naval ‘militia organiza- tions, so that they may be furnished their uniforms, camp tquipments, etc. Not Summoned Here, Commander Buckland of the Connecticut militia, in @ brief conversation just after leaving Aseistant Secretary Roosevelt’s rocm, asked that a denial be made of the published statement that he had been sum- moned here for conference with the officials of the Navy Department, and added that his visit was simply for the purpose of ap- pearing before the naval committee of Con- gress for the purpose stated. For nearly twe months past the officers of the Militia Association have r2peatedly sought a hear- ing before the naval committee, but until to- day had not been able to arrange for one. I: would therefore appear that their Visit at this time has no special connection with the Maine disaster. Arrival of Capt. Crowninshield. Capt. Crowninshield turned up at the Navy Department today and took the helm in the bureau of navigation, relieving Capt. Dickins, who bas distinguished himself and carned the thanks of the Secretary for the’ untiring vigilance with,which he has man- aged all of the many details of the Maine affair that beve fallen upon’ the navigation bureau, and of the rewspaper men for the patience and frankness with which he has met their meny inquiries. = Capt. Crowninshield’s aksence has been made the basis for the conjecture that he | partment in Cuba, and color was lent to | this Impression by the fact that it was not possibic until this morning to secure from any of the officials a statement of the na- ture of his business in the south, for it was | known that he had arrived in Tampa on the Montgomery from the West Indies. The | officer himself was not very communicative | as to the details of his trip, but he did say | that he had been in San Domingo. He had | gcne there on the Brooklyn with his son ‘when the ship started for St. Thomas. While in San Domingo he received news of the disaster to the Maine ahd took advan- tage of the opportunity presented by the ap- pearance in San Domingo of the cruiser Mentgomery to make his way back to the United States and to Washington. He said he took the trip solely for the | benefit of his kealth, having been somewhat run dewn, end that his visit to San Domin- go had no significance whatever. In the most positive manncr he declared that he had not been to Cuba ard that he had not d the squadron now near Key West. as surprised, he said, that any impor- tence should have been attached to ihis movements, Af the Spanish Legation. At the Spanish legation a dispatch was; received today from Gen. Blanco, referring to commercial affairs, and mentioning in- cidenially that no change of any kind had occurred in affairs at Havana. It is taken that Gen. Blanco’s latter statement refers to the lack of definite and trustworthy news pending the private inquiries now being prosecuted by the American and Spanish authorities. In view of this atti- tude of those whose official position gives them the best oppédrtunities for full in- formation, Senor du Bose and his asso- clates give ro credit to the reports of dis- covertes tending to establish the cause of the Maine disaster. The commercial negotiations have been scmewhat lost sight of during recent ex- citing events, but the authorities at Ha- vana are said to be hopeful that these may he expedited at an early day. The Cuban ccemmissioner who has been named to treat on the matter will probably come to Wash- ington before long, although some delay of necessity will occur, owing to more press- irg questions which have come up of late. His Father Lost on the Maine. As a special act of grace, Arthur H. League of Annapolis has been appointed a yeoman of the third class in the navy without being subject to the usual require- nents in the cases cf such enlistments. League is the son of James M. League, one of the men lost on the Maine. The death of his father left dependent on him three brothers and a sister. The pcsition to which he has been appointed carries with it a salary of $30 per month and subsis- tence. = Relief Bill Favorably Considcred. The House committee on naval affairs agreed today on the Boutelle Maine relief bill, reporting it favorably to the House, No Advices Received. Up to 3 o'clock this afternoon no word of any kind had been received at either the State or Navy Department touching thee Maine disaster, nor had any telegrams been received from Admiral Sicard at Key West. Inasmuch as Gen. Lee and Capt. Bigsbee have been instructed to keep the government fully and promptly informed of all developments at Havana, their si- lence today si accepted to mean that there has been no change in the situatiom since yesterday. Secretary Long will leave here this after- noon for a few days, but where he-is go- ing is not stated. In his absence Assistant. Secretary Roosevelt will have the direction of naval affairs. A telegram was received at the Navy Department this afternoon from Admiral Bunce, commanding the New oY¥rk navy yard, saying that the Spanish cruiser Vis- caya sailed today, _COL, HEYWOOD ALWAYS READY. Has Received No Orders to Send Marines Away. “I have received no orders to ccmpany of marines to Key West Col. Heywood, commandant of the United States marine corps, to a reporter for The: Star today, “nor do I look for any, ‘I un- derstand, however,” continued Col. Hey- wood, “that’a detachment of marines has been sent from Fort McPherson to man the guns at Key West, in the line of coast de- fenses that has taken the attention’of department for some time past.” i When the reporter arrived at the rit barracks two companies of’ marines were on the drill gréund practicing the. firing movements, “That looks rather waritke, colonel.” “Yes, to the uninitiated that would as if war had been declared.” “How's that?” =e “Why, that is but a daily routine drill. ‘Those two companies are recruits and are going through their regular daily practice,” WASHINGTON, D. C.. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1898-SIXTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. Advertising is not an ¢: se. It is a business investment. Tf you want to invest your m profitably you will * core § your advertisements in such a paper as The Evening Star, that is read regularly and greed by everybody worth reaching. ie Star is the recognized household and family journal of the National Capital, and has no rival as an advertising med- ium. “How many mafities ere there now sta- tioned in Washington?” “Four companies. Two are stationed down at the navy yard and the other two, which are composed mostly of recruits, are stationed here.” « “In the case of an emergency how soon would the marine corps be prepared to move?” “Within ten minutes. I always keep the men ready. So frequently we are called on for parades. and escort duty that I have made it a rule to be ready all the time.” “1 you anticipate any trouble?” “I cannot say that I do,” replied the colonel. “I have no orders to send any marines anywhere. .When the fleet sailed it carried its full complement of marines, and there is no gccasion for sending it more. marines.” Colonel Heywood was strong in his ex- pressions of disapproval of the sensa- tional stortes sent out by some of the cor- respondents at Havana. He spoke in the highest,praise of The Star's representative, Mr. Pepper, who, he said, was conservative and could be relied upon. “I appreciate the conservative position of ‘The Star,” said Colonel Heywood, “and you may rest assured that I will always be glad to give you any definite information 1 can. —_—_+e+___ ADDITIONAL ARTILLERY REGIMENTS House Military Affairs Faverable. There was only one vote in the House committee on military affairs today against favorably reporting the Senate bill provid- ing for two additional regiments of arti!- lery. It was delivered by Mr. Cox of Ten- nessee, There was an informal discussion of the necessity of these two additional regiments to man the coast defenses of the country, and some general epposition was expressed by Mr. Cox to inereasing the urmy. He contended that, in’ the event of war, the volunteers could.man these guns. He also expressed the opinion that reporting this bill, which has been before Congress for several years, at this particular time might be misunderstood by the country. He thought it might be construed as direct action by Congress in preparation for war. On the other band, it was contended by those who declarcd that they did not be- Heve that wer was imminent, that refusal to report the bill might also be miscon- strued. The séntiment in the committee, however, was overwhelming for these {wo additional regiments to properly man guns which are being erected along the coast. ——_—_——_-2.____ CONTRACT CLOSED FOR GUNS. Committee Thirty Six-Poanders, Rapid Firing, Wanted for Auxiliary Cruisers. Capt. O'Neill, chief of the naval bureau of ordnance, has made a contract with the American Ordnance Corapany for thirty six-pounder rapid-fire guns. These guns are to be delivered about June, and are intended for the armament of merchant ships converted’ into auxiliary cruisers. They will cost $1,100 each, or $33,000 in all. Capt. O'Neill says thet his action has no reference to. the Maine disaster, haying been merely the conclusion of arrange- ments made oyer two months ago in ac- ccrdanca with the general plan of securing a supply of s f6r the auxiliary cruisers. The guns new available for this class of vessels include fcrty-nine four-inch, forty five-inch arid forty-one six-inch. The de- partment also has on hand a fair supply of one and six-pounder guns, in addition to four eight-inch, four ten-inch, two twelve- Arch and two thirteen-inch guns for war- ships now under construction. oo PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS, Col. Corbin Named to Be General, The President today sent the following nominations to the Senate: Chas. J. Haubert of New York, to be marshal of, the United States east district of New York; John Grant of Texas, mar- shal of the United States east district of Texas; Anson S. Taylor of District of Co- lumbia, justice of the peace, District of Columbia. War—Col. Henry ‘C. Corbin, to be adju- tant seneral with rank of brigadier gen- eral. ‘To be collectors of customs: Moses Dillon ot Texas, for district of Paso del Norte, Texas; James J, Haynes of Texas, district of Corpus Christi, Texas; John A. Colter of Texas, supervising inspector of steam Vessels’ for the tenth district; Webster Flanagan, Texas, collector of internal rev- enue in the third district of Texas. James B, Milner of Indiana, consul at Calais, France. isaac W. Garrett of Idaho, receiver public moneys, Boise, ‘J: 5 Postmasters: IWinois—W. F. Hull, Peoria; Kentucky—W. Sj ‘Mason, Mayfield; Texas— Wm. M. Oleary, Dallas; Robert F. Camp- bell, El Paso; George G. Clifford, San An- tonio, = —_—_~-e+_____ APPOINTED COMMISSIONER. Adjutant J. W. Collins to Go to the Bergen Ex- } position. Under the Jaint resolution of Congress providing for this country taking part in the international fishefies exposition at Eergen, Norway, from May to September cf this year, the President today appointed J. W. Collins of Massachusetts as the com- missioner tron this country. The resolu- tion appropriates $20,000 for this country to make an exhibit at the exposition. ——_+_- 2+ ______ RECEIVED BY THE PRESIDENT, Chiidrem of the American Revolution At 1 o'clock thig.afternoon the President received the CHiil of the American Rev- olution. ‘The: mt enjoyed the recep- tion as much members of the soci- ety. At d'closic fn ‘the afternoon the Pres- ident held a y reception in the east room, several persons being in at- i : J Sa aw GENERAL Cok. Corbin’s Commission Made Out and Seat totthe President. An importagt ¢! in the army oc- cured at noontoday, at which time Brig. Gen. Samuel Breck felinquished the duties of adjutant gémera¥ and was transferred to the retired fst of the army, being suc- ceededin the diftre adjutant general by Col. Henry Clark Corbin, the senior col- orel of the line,; who. assistant sincere Sey mission was ment’ this ptember last. nikde out at the War Depart- morning,«and was sent to the at the,White House for his sig- nature. ‘The intment is subject to confirmation by te said that the ti in Soent worl no (01 ad ory MONEY FOR HARBORS |“0CAL MaTTERSConsiDERED A Somewhat Lively Session of the House. ATTACK ON THE APPROPRIATIONS Senate Amendments to the Army Bill Adopted. CORBETT CASE TAKEN a gs UP The blind chaplain of the House prayed for peace at the opening of the session to- cay. “Oh, Thou Almighty,” he prayed; “strong to deliver and ever wise in Thy counsels, hear our prayer. Keep us, we beseech Thee, in the midst of all excite- ment, calm and deliberate, and especially deliver us from unnecessary anxivty and care and from vain boastings, so that if the time should come, and we pray that it may not, we may be strong to imaintain our rights and uphold the dignity of Thy nation. Bless, we beseech Thee, the Pre: dent of the United States and «ll his coun- selors, the Congress and all otaers in au- thority, so that righteousness and peace and honor may be ours.” The Senate amendments to the army ap- Propriation bill were agreed to without debate. Mr. Hull, chairman of the committee on military affairs, announced that his com- mittee had actcd favorably upon the Sen- ate bill to provide two additional regi- ments of artillery, and he asked unanimous consent foc the consideration of the Dill tomorrow after the sundry ciyil bill was disposed of. There was some question as to tne length of time the bill would re- quire. Mr. Sulzer (N. Y.) stated that it was a very important measure. He wanted some Xt weck set aside for its considera- Finally Mr. Cox (Tenn.) objected, saying that the committce on rules could provide time for its consideration. Mr. Cannon then moved’ that the House go into committee of the whole and re- sume consideration of the sundry civil bill. This motion was antagonized by the southern democrats, who desired to take up the private calendar, this being private bill day under the rules. Mr. Caunon’s moticn prevailed—136 to 116—and the House resumed consideration of the sundry civil bill. Mr. Parker (N. J.) moved to strike out the appropriation of $133,000 for contin- uing the improvement at Oakland, Cal. He said the improvement at Oakland had noc been begun, and no contract had yet been le for the work, although authorized by existing law. Mr. Bland (Mo.) wanted to know whether this was not an aitempt to slip “into the strdry civil bill items that properly be- lenged to a river end harbor bill; in other werds, to substitute this bill in favored particulars for the regular river and har- ber bill. Mr. G venor (Ohio) also asked if an criginal appropriation was not an innova- tion. Mr. Cannon replied that it was not an innovation. Appro; ions for works un- D cer contract nad always been made in the sundry civil bili. In some cases, where the s had not been let, the Secretary had said that contracts would be let, appropriations for money which would be absviutely necessary to meet contract iiabilities. Mr. Moody (Mass.) referred to the prevail- ing btlief that no river and harbor bill was to be passed at this session. He protested against some of the members of the House getting “im out of the wet” in the sundry civil bill, while others were to be exposed to the economy which was to be imposed upon the country. He believed the sundry clvil should only contain appropriations to meet money due or to be due under contracts, He objected to favorites. Only a few weeks ago, said he, the coast of Massachusetts had been strewn with thirty wrecks. Many lives had also been lost. The improvement which should have been provided for Boston harbor might have pre- vented part of this loss. He refused to stand on the floor, he said, and submit to the suppression of the river and harbor bill. A Sensational Attack. Representative Moody made a sensational attack upon an appropriation of $360,000 for Rockland, Me., harbor, which is in Mr. Dingley’s district. He said he was willing to submit to economy and to honest leader- ship, but for one he proposed to rebel against the leadership that gave favors to Rockland, an insignificant port that could be buried in Boston harbor. Mr. Grosvenor (Ohio) attacked the ap- propriation, and declared that if the House allowed these river and harbor items +o go into the sundry civil bill there would be no river and harbor bill. He was amaz- ed, he said, at the action of the appropria- ticn ccmmittee, and insisted that all the members should be on an equality. Mr. Cannon replied, declaring that some of the most vicious river and harbor items ever reported came from the committee when he (Grosvenor) was_a member of it. He said that from 25 10 33 per ceut of the mcney appropriated by a bill he helped to report had been worse than thrown away. Mr. Dingley answered the personal attack made upon him. The Rockland -improve- ment, he said, was not simply an improve- ment, it included provision for a break- water and a harbor of refuge, just such another as was being built at Sandy bay, in Mr. Moody's district, on which $750,000 had been spent. Mr. Dingley indignantly repudiated the intimation that he had ever suggested or intimated that this appropriation should be made in this bill. He presumed it had been made upon the recommendation of the corps of engineers in the public interest. Mr. Catchings (Miss.) defended the action of the appropriations committee. SENATE. + In the Senate today Mr. Gallinger (N.H,) introduced a joint resolution providing for the erection of a Statue to Daniel Webster in'this city. The statue is to be presented by Stilson Hutchins of this city, and the resolution appropriates $4,000 for a pedes- tei. It was laid cn the table. ~ At the conclusion of morning business Mr. Hansbrough (N.D.) endeavored to ob- tain consideration for the Alaska home- stead and railway right of way bill. Mr. Allen (Neb.) expressed the hope tha: Mr. Hansbrough would not press the Dill, in view of the short time left for the con- sideration of the Corbett case, upon which several senators desired to speak. Mr. Hansbrough then asked unanimous Acted Upon by the Senate District Committee. Renaming of the Streets Favored— Completion of the Sewer System— Connecticut Avenue Bridge. The Senate committee on the District of Columbia beld a meeting this morning and passed upon a number of measures of local interest. Mr. Wetmore was authorized to make a favorable report on an amendment to the District appropriation bill in regard to renaming certain streets in the District of Columbia. The amendment is a substi- tute for Senate bill 283%, to secure uni- formity In the names of the stre and rcads in the District of Columbia. This amendment provides as follows: The streets now called by the names of the letters of the alphabet shall be re- ramed, but the tnitlal letter of the new name given to each of said streets shall be the same as the present name of such street. Wherever re ions appear in the names of streets, avenues, alleys, courts, places or roads in the city of Washington and District of Columbia, new names shall be given to thoroughfares bearing such repeated names, and wherever the line of any street or stree y coincides i 1 ally a con- tinuous thoroughfare the whole shall bear cne name only. All minor streets, alleys, courts or ter- taces shal) bear as the initial designation the name of the next principal street in the direction of the Capitol. Wherever an es- tablished urban sireet or avenue is on a continuous line with any street or avenue of a suburban subdivision, the name of such urban street or avenue thall also be given to the extended part of such thor- oughfare. In any subdivision of property within the District of Columbia, hereafter authorized, the names of the streets, ave- nues and alleys embraced therein shall be designated by the said Commissioners. Ev- ery country read in the District of Colum- bia outside of the city of Washington and its suburbs shall be given an appropriate rame and at every crossing or juncture of said-roads there shall be placed a guide board bearing their names in large letters and the distance from the Capitol in the system of nomenclature herein provided fcr; the names of distinguished Americans shall be preferred in the following order so far as practicable: President, Vice Presi- dent, chief justices of the Supreme Court, speakers of the House of Representatives, the more distinguished members of the dif- ferent cabinets and other American citizens who have rendered distinguished service to their country, provided that the names of living persons shall not be used, and the sum of $3,000 is hereby appropriated cut of any money in the treasury not otn- erwise appropriated to pay the expense of changing existing street “signs.” Conneeticut Avenue Bridge. Mr. Stewart was authorized to make a favorable report on his proposed amend- ment to the District of Columbia appro- priation bill appropriating $50,000 to be ex- pended toward the construction of a bridge across Rock creek on the line of Connectt- cut avenue extended. A favorable report was also authorized on the proposed amendment to the District @ppropriation biil providing for the pur- chase of land for the purposes of an en- trance into Rock Creek Park from 18th street. To Complicte the Sewer System. Mr. McMillan was authorized to make a favorable report on the bill introduced by him in the Senate and recommended by the Commissioners and the board of trade for the completion of the sewer system of the District of Columbia. This bill will be re- ported by Mr. McMillan in the form of an amendment to the District appropriation bill, and will at once be placed before the subcommittee of the appropriations having charge of that measure. Mr. Gallinger was authorized to make an adverse report on Senate bill 1330, in- treduced by him and having for its purpuse the regulation of the practice of phar- macy in the District of Columbia. An adverse report was also authorized on Senate bill 3481, for the establishment of State exhibition buildings in Rock Creek Park. This adverse report was authorized efter the board of control of Rock Creck Park had declined to sanction it, Mr. Gallinger was authorized to make a favorable report on the bill which has passed the House of Representatives hav- ing for its purpose the prevention of the adulteration of candy in the District of Columbia. A favorable report was authorized on Senate resolution 34, empowering the Com- missioners to alter, amend or repeal cer- tain health ordinances. ————_-»-_____ GAS AND TBLEPHONES. Committee Appointed to Investigate the Service Here. Just before adjournment yesterday after- noon Speaker Reed appointed, as a commit- tee to investigate gas and telephone service of the District, the following: Mr. Grout of Vermont, Mrs. Pitney of New Jersey, Mr. Bingham of Pennsylvania, Mr. Dockery of Missouri and Mr. Allen of Mississippi. These gentlemen comprise the subcommit- tee of the appropriations committee on the District bill. . The resolution of the House under which they were appointed was adopted February 14, and is as follows: “Whereas it is stated and claimed in the public press of the city that it appears that the cost (of gas) is not reduced to the con- sumer, but, on the contrary, the bills ren- dered by said company to the consumer are as high, if not higher, than they were be- fore the passage of said act, and that the candlepower has not been increased and maintained at the standard required by the foregoing provision of said act: There- fore, “Resolved, That a committee, consisting of five members of the House, be appoint- ed by the Speaker, with pgwer to send for persons and papers, whose duty it shall be to Investigate the sald charges and all facts connected peg and report their con- clusions to the House at the present session of the “Resol Fifty-fifth said investigation, such as shall be neces- sary, be paid out of the contingent fund of the House.” “And whereas it is stated and-charged in she public press and by very many of the People of city that phone service in the District of Columbia excessive and exorbitant, and that the restrictions and exactions as to use of tele- phones in hotels and business and 3 POSSIBILITY OF WAR Americans in Havana Specalating on Prospect of Hostltis, ——_-___ AS RESULT OF MAINE DISASTER Officials Deceive Spanish Public as te Result of Investigation. pea, TRY 70 UPHOLD ACCIDENT THEORY When the Truth is Known Oute break is Likely to Follow. as econ PROGRESS OF THE INQUIRY (Copyright, 1898, by Chas. M. Pepper.) Special Cablegram From a Staff Correspondent. HAVANA, February 24, via K. West, Fia., February 25.—Efforts to aliay public sentiment regarding the Maine disaster by intimidation may be well meant, but the pelicy is a mistaken one, especially as ap- plied to the Spanish public. The apparent policy now is to create the impression that the naval court made un- expected discoveries which change previous opinions and support the theory of accl+ dent. These rumors accumulate in Havana, They may reach the United States. I do not imagine the American people are show- ing any lack of self-restraint which makes it necessary to deceive them. If the court of inquiry should ultimately report an ac- cident as the cause of the Maine disaster that report should be aecepted unqualified- ly, no matter what preconceived opinions may have been. But in a dispassionate siatement of the news it must be sald that no evidence has yet been produced chang- ing the indications of foul play. The bet- ter policy would be to let the Spanish pub- lic in Cuba and Spain know the probabil- ities than to continue deceit. They must learn some time. Less Fearfal of Outbre: Officials seem less fearful of an outbreak of the populace than formerly. by the time the report on the Maine disaster is made public both the Vizcaya aud the Cquendo warships will be in port. ‘The government places more relfance on navy than atmy officers. It will also have lcyal troops on which dependence can be placed. If Spain shows a willingness to make reparation there is consequently a pessibility that the Maine disaster will not lead to war, and that an outbreak in Ha- vara may be prevented. It is simply a pessibility, not a probability, but it és. worth consideraticn. CHAS. M. PEPPER, Discussing War Probabi tes. HAVANA, via Port Tampa, Fla., Feb- ruary 24—Americans in Cuba are now él cussing war probabilities in its personal aspects. They do not know positively that the naval board of inquiry will report that the Maine was blown up. They only think so from what they have heard. Those who have lived here years and who un- derstand Spanish character think that If the trouble does come it will not follow a reg- ular seguence of events, beginning with @ formal demand from the administration for reparation from Spain; Spain's refusal on the ground that the charge of conspir- acy is not proven; a report from the Pres- ident to Congress, and finally a resolution of Congross formally declaring war. I believe that as the procedure is lel@ down in the books the consul general and the consuls on the island would be given notice to withdraw. American citizens would have time to close up their affairs, and when everybody-was ready the guns would be fied. That fs, if the guns are to be fired. It is a comfortable method, It would be in accordance with the dignified consideration the United States has eg -.~ corded Spain since the revolution began— at some expense to the country’s prestige and some loss of life by starvation and otherwise to the unfortunates on the island. How War Would Come.» But no Americans in Havana or other foreigners expect it to come about that way. They think if there is to be war it will come sharply through an unlooked- for accident, possibly in the harbor of Havana, perhaps of Key West. They ap- pear to look cn a political demonstration in Madrid cr in tais city as more the Mkely means of bringing on a conflict through its influence cn the Spanish army or navy officers, Some Americans here refuse to become alarmists. Thcy declare no war will arise because the United States will, by a show of strength, make the ignorgnt people and the scarcely less ignorant off clals and army classes understand that the