Evening Star Newspaper, February 25, 1898, Page 2

— THE EVENING STAR, . FRIDAY, .FEBRUARY 25, 1898-16 PAGES. Purpose of emphasizing that. being so near absolute independence, it is not worth while to stop short of the goal. Govin. Giberga. Amblard and the other radical autonomists know in advance that tne movement will be a failure, but if the Spanish people require it they may make a further advance and seek the friendly offices of the United States in presenting @ differeat proposition to the insurgents. Americans Are Incredulous. The majority of Americans in Havana do not accept the view. They fear no way ex- ists of enabling the populace. the army offi- cers and the official classes who rejoiced in the calamity to the Maine to stand the full power of the United States except out- side of the pacific channels of diplomacy. It is their hope that they may be mistaken. Perhaps « better judgment of the probabili- tles can be formed in Spain than here. Violent as are their instincts of ignorant hatred, the Spanish Intransigentes in Cuba are only likely to invite the consequences of a cenfiict until they get the word from the intransigentes in Madrid. If the na- tlonal sentiment there overflows, the over- flow Is certain to engulf Cuba. The Arccrican who explained to me the theory that there will be no war and no outbreak. has arranged his affairs so that he may leave on short notice. That does not indicate a lack of faith in his theory so much as a lack of confidence in the Spanish populace. Their fury might be di- rected against Captain General Blanco and his associates. who represent the policy of autonomy. A demonstration begun in that manner might take a wide range and end in an engagement with the “Yankee” war- ships, should the efforts of two govern- ments fail to avert hostilities. Americans in Cuba will not wait for formal declara- tions from either government, but will leave a@ little earlier. Many of them would rather make a return trip in the uncertain event of war. Disposition of Consular Archives. It is presumed the consular archives which could not be removed would be placed in the custody of consuls represent- ing other nations. Citizens of the United States who remained on the island would undoubtedly be accorded the protection of other consulates, but if mob violence be- came rampant it might be a question how far these representatives of European coun- tries could afford physical protection. Not many born Americans are in Cuba now. The most of them would undoubted- ly be able to leave before the trouble be- came serious. With the Cubans who have become naturalized citizens of the United States the case is different. Most of them have families, and are unable to get away. During a recent trip through the central part of the island I found the American consuls and the naturalized Cubans had been thinking of this matter, which for them is a very serious one. They are not so apprehensive as they would have been two or three months ago. The reason is that every element in the population now understands what will be the inevitable re- sult if Spain gets into trouble with the United States. They are all looking for American protection in the future. On that account, the disposition is to do noth- ing that will be treasured up against them. This is emphatically true of the Spanish property owners. But there is always dan- ger from the ignorant Spanish popuiace. and the depth of the popular ignorance does not seem to be grasped in the United States. Fear of the Guerrillas. The gravest fear Is from the guerrillas, or local volunteer forces, who have been made part of the regular Spanish troops. The guerrillas have committed most of the atro- cities of which the helpless pacificos were the victims. They are capable of commit- ting similar excesses. In a period of an- archy they are a tremendously dangerous force. However, there is one restricting factor among them. They know enough to look to the future and to seek avoidance of the hangihg that should be meted out to them. To save theiy necks they may re- frain from excesses. Some will probably Thake overtures to the insurgents. It is therefore possible that the danger from the guerrillas may not develop yet, but their existence is a dread. From the troops the Cubans in the in- terior have little fear. Should hostilities arise they would necessarily be sent to the coast towns. The insurgents would occupy the villages which the Spanish now occu- py. All these considerations are based on what may happen between ‘the United States and Spain. If the expected does not happen a simpler problem will be offered. At will be how to feed the people of the island during the period in which Spain is letting go of Cuba. CHAS. M. PEPPER. COURT TO GO TO KEY WEST. Work of the Divers Wreckers Still Goes 0 HAVANA, February 25.—The United States lighthouse tender Mangrove ts sti! ere, and th? naval court of inquiry con- Unues its usual sessions today. Its mem- bers hope to get away te Key West late this evening or early tomorrow morning, but they are not sure which it will be. It is highly probable that th» testimony of the civilian witnesses did not add to the court's knowledge of the circumstances at- tending the explosion, of the causes of which these witnesses could know noth- ing, as they were quite a distance away at the time of the occurrence. The wounded are”reported to be doing ‘Well today he Merritt & Chapman Derrick and Wrecking Company's tug Right Arm is again at work removing such parts of the wreck as it is pessible to handle in ad- vance of the arrival of the stronger tues @nd derricks from the north. It ts believed the divers from the fleet and "y ight Arm wiil remain at work wh © Mangrove leaves The Fern will be » only Unitsd States vessel in the harbor after the Mangrove goes. The pub- lc generally will be excluded from official vessels, especially the Mangrove, and a card will have to b> presented by the cor- respondents before admission is given them. There was a summer-like shower this morning and there promises to be a gen- €rai increas3)in the temperature. MADRID EXPECTS TROUBLE. Rumors From the United States Stir Up War Spirit. LONDON, February 25.—According to a special dispatch from Madrid, reports re- ceived there from the United States to th> €ffect that public opinion in the latter ccuntry is becoming more excited, owing to the impression that the loss of the Main: is not due to an accident, are “re- stirring popular feeling here (in Madrid), and the convictian is Increasthg in minis- terial circles that the worst must be ex- pected. Continuing, the special dispat +h say: “The government has no caoice df th= United States adopts a threatening atti- tude, for the praspeet of war is popular With all parties, and the. more éxcitable newspapers are alrzady urging the gov- ernmer® to take measures to enabie Spain to strike the first and décisive blow. ‘THAT MINE STORY RIDICCLED. Cubans Say There ts No Passage Un- der the Harber. --_ NEW YORK, February 25—The Press scys: Cubans in this city ridicule the re- Derts of a tunnel“ under Havana “harbor. Artoro- Arguila, who has spent most of his” Ve tn Havana, said: “In my opinion, the whole story 4s built on the subterranean passage that connects strength of the CAbaaas with Morro, a land passage, which has been in existence for we know not how leng. It probably extends back to the early ! part of the eighteenth century, and was constructed for the purpose of affording a means of escape from the outer fortress, Morro, to the inner, Cabanas, in the event Jor an attack. I have been through it half | a dozen times. It is now pretty well chok- ed up, and there is not a man living today who remembers when it was put to any practical use.”” Proctor Will Visit Havana. KEY WEST, Fla., February 25.~Senato> Proctor expects to leave on the Olivette tonight for Havana. ALL NEWS TO ST. JOHN. Ramor of Con: et to Carry Munitions of War. NORFOLK, Va., February 25.— The rumor that the government is securing from railway companies estimates of their capacity for moving troops and munitions of war between Atlantic and gulf ports and the interior is officially denied by Vice President St. John of the Seaboard Air Line, whose road was mentioned in the re- ports. Mr. St. John said today that he is ignorant of any sueh move on the part of the War Department, and as to contracts for moving troops, he had heard nothing of them. VIZCAYA OFF TO HAVANA. Spanish Cruiser Sails From New York This Afternoon. NEW YORK, February 25.—The Spanish cruiser Vizcaya got uncer way from her ancherage off Tompkinsville at > p.m. and proceeded down the bay, passing quar- antine at 1:37 p.m., bound for Havana. The navy yard tug Nina, on guard off Tcmpkinsviile, was saluted by the cruiser Withgthree blasts of the whistie, which the tug returned. The Nina and the police boat Patrol ac- ccmpanied the cruiser down the bay. The national standard of Spain. floated at haif mast from the small geff on the main mast of the cruiser. The Vizcaya did aot saiute the forts at the Narrows as ske passed out. SSS AMERICAN LADIES PRESENT. Queen's First Drawing Room at Buckingham This Season. LONDON, February 25.—What is known as “queen's weather” prevailed today, and the first drawing 100m of the season at Buckingham Palace was a most brillant affair. Immense crowds of peopie lined the approaches tc the palace. Mrs. Henry White, wife of the United States charge @affaires, presented Mrs. J. Pierpont Mor- gan, jr., and Miss Muriel White. Mrs. White wore crimson Genoese velvet, trimmed with Venetian lace, with a crim- sor. velvet train, trimmed with chinchilla. Mrs. J. Pierpont Morgan, jr., wore a Leautiful gown with a train of white satin, lined with pale biue velvet and outlined with trails of pink roses. Her corsage and petticoat were of white satin. Miss White was dressed in white satin covered with white chiffon, with a train of satin trimmed with chiffon and Mlies cf the valley. Messrs. White and Carter attended Jn the diplomatic circle. SS IN INTEREST OF MITCHELL. His Friends Try to Force a Vote at , Annapo! Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. ANNAPOLIS, Md., February An- other effort was made today by several re- publicans in the house to force the elec- tion of police commissioner. The house by a vote of 49 to 31 decided to go-into an election. The senate refused to concur. It is understood that the move- ment was in behalf of E. Madison Mitchell, who has a strong following. Senator Randall tintroduced a bil today recommending an appropriation of $24,000 for the statues of two Marylanders in | Statuary hall at Washington. ——— GEN. MERRITT, AT ATHUANTA. > Belief That He Will Make His Head- quarters There. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. ATLANTA, Ga., February 25.—Gen. Mer- ritt, commander of the Department of. tha East, this morning gives indications of making this city his headquarters, an/l:the officers at Fort McPherson now admit hs is here in order to be near the south At- lantic coast line in event of war. The fort is a scene of bustle, but no confuston pre- Officers are quietly packing up and are sending their families off io rela- 80} tives. This morning Gen. Merritt was present at the drill and spoke in a most complimen- tary way of the appearance and the con- duct of the troops. Immediately afterward he had a long conferenc> with Col. Cook and later called on Gov. Atkinson. He will rot say when the 5th Regiment will start for Florida, or if such orders have yet been receiv:d. The impression here is that the regiment has ben told to be in reaciness, and it is known that railroads have pre- Pared to transport them at a moment's no- tice. Arrangements ar> now being made, it is said, to transport troops to Fort McPher- son from Fort Sheridan as soon as the 5th leaves. Thes? active operations nave in- creased the war spirit here, and the fort is besi+ged with visitors. The saying of Gen. Sherman is recalled: “There is no more important point in the United States in the event of foreign war ‘han this place here—Atlanta. It can reach 2very point, but eannot be reached from any.” > DE LOME AT LIVERPOOL. Talks of the Canalejas Letter and Disaster to Maine. LIVERPOOL, February 25.—Senor Dupuy de Lome, who arrived here today on board the White Star line steamship Britannic, is quoted as saying in an interview: “E rave decided not to speak on the subject of my letter to Senor Cunalejas. I can say. however, that I have been from the first the victim of misrepresentation. ‘The news published in the American papers ani sent to this country and my own was, from be- girning to end, made up of lies of the most in famous character. “The allegation in the American papers that the terrible explosion of the Maine was the oxtcome of a Spanish conspiracy is, in my opinion, another instance of the reckless manner in which newspapers in America work upon popular prejudice.” sd THE DOUBLE LAUNCHING. Little Ceremony Will Mark the Af- fair at Newport News. The Newport News Ship Building Com- pany has notified the Navy Department that arrangements have been completed for the launching of the sister battle ships Kearsarge and Kentucky at their ship yard on the 28th proximo. Seéretary Long has informed the company of his desire that the affair be conducted with as little pomp and ceremony as possible, and the com- pany has responded that in accordance with his wishes the launching of the two tattle ships will be conducted with the. utmost simplicity compatible with such @n‘ important event. The Kentucky will be christened by Miss Bradley, daughter of the governor of the blue grass state, and Mrs. Winslow, wife of Lieut. Winslow of the navy, son of. gallar:t officer who commanded the original Kearsarge when she sank the rebel cruiser Alabama off Cherbourg, Frarice, will per- form a similar service in-the case of the Kearsarge. Neither of the vessels will be | finished and ready for service for at least two years yet, so. that they are not re- garded as factors to be counted of in the event of an outbreak of hostilities in the immediate future. ‘To Increase the Naval Milliia. A delegation of officers of the naval re-" serve of several of the eastern states, headed by Capt. Miller of the New York Naval Militia and Commamler Emecson of Maryiand, appeared before the nava] com- ‘Wittee of the House able action FIRE AT LOUISVILLE! Three Tobacoo Warehouses and Gon- tents Go Up in Flames. L083 ESTIMATED AT. $1,000,000 Property of the National Tobacco Company--Was Insured. THREE MEN- BADLY HURT LOUISVILLE, Ky., February .25.—The picking, drying and steaming warehouses of the National Tobacco Company, situated at “4th and Main streets, were totally de- stroyed by fire this morning. The loss will amount to $1,000,000, Zully covered by in- surance. ‘Three men were hemmed in by the flames, and all were more or less Injured before they could make their egress from the burning plant. The injured cre: Geo. Tisshendorf, foreman picking de- partment, back injured and severe injuries about head and chest. Wm. Semple, picker, skull fractured. John Packnam, both legs broken and in- ternally injured. Semple and Packham will probably die. Witnessed by Mr. Duke. Mr. W. B. Duke, president of the Amert- can Tobacco Company, of which the Na- ticnal Tobacco Company of Louisville is a branch, is in the city, and witnessed the destruction of his property. He said that it would be at once rebuilt. The fizz was discovered at 8 o'clock on the second ficor of the building used for drying purposes. Three alarms called the entire department to the scene, and al- though the firem2n worked heroically, they ceuld do little less than save the property adjoining, as che three big buildings which occupy nearly the entire square between 24th and 25th and Main and Market serzets were seen to be inevitably doomed. From the three-story drying building the flames spread rapidly west to the four-story warehouse and east to the three-story steaming house. Women and Children Escape. In the building which first caught, 200 hands, mostly women and children, were employed; but the majority of these es- caped safely, enly a few being slightly in- jured. Two hundred others who were at work in the steaming building also escaped with few csualties. In the four-story warehouse 1,000 men were at work, but they had plenty of time to essoa ‘The flames gained rapid headway and the firemer: were hindered to a great extent by a lack of water, seven engines being at one time useless. Falling walls added to the danger of the work, and the ascape of some of the firemen was all but miraculous. Stayed Too Long. When the alarm ef fire was sounded in the picking department the employes be- gan to make their escape in an orderly rianner, but Geo. Tisshendorf, fcreman of two of the floors, and John Packham and Wm. Semple remained too long ih the burning bullling and were forced to jump for their lives. a WAS IT LA CHAMPAGNE? French Steamer Sighted Last Satur- day With Sea Anchor Out. NEW YORK, February 25.—The Dutch tank steamer Brcmerhaven, which arrived here this afternoon from Antwerp, reports that on February 19, in latitude 43, longi- ttide 44, she passed a steamer, apparently a Frenchman. “She was almost stopped and wes heading northeast. She had two masts and two funnels. Regulation lights were burning, but no signals were dis- played. It is quite probable that the Frenchman had sea anchors out, although ft was too dark to see if such were a fact. The weather had been very stormy, blowing hard from the northeast, and cqntinued. to blow throughout the following. day; Sun- day, and part,af Monday, with very. heavy seas from the northeast. Captain Ninnes, when informed that La Champagne was overdue, said thet there was po doubt in his mind to the tity of the vessel. —.—_—_. CLERKS ARE BLAMED. Re it of Investigating the Destroyed Mail in New York. The destruction of the mail matter con- tained in the two pn2umatic tubes operat- ing in New York city between the produce exchange and the main office and the Grand Centrai station and the main office, was the direct result of car2lessness on the part of the clerks handling the carriers, For the purpose of fixing the’ responsi- bility in the future the Post Office Depart- ment will issue an order r:quiring all clerks engaged in the services of loading and handling the carriers to be the direct employes of the Tubular Dispatch Com- pany. Briefly this is the result of the investi- gation whica has been in prcgress during the past few days by a commission trom the department here. This commission con- sisted of George W. Beavers of the salary and allowance division, chairman; J. LB. Mast2n of the railway mail service and Theodore Smith of the inspection division. The committee left Washington early Tuesday morning after the report of the accident Monday had rea the depart- ment. A careful investigaiion was made, the inquiry being prosecuted along every possible line. A namber ot employes were examined an‘ the representatives of the Tubular Dispatch Company gave evidence. It was clearly denionstrated to the com- mitiee that it was an impossibility to put the carrier in the tub: open, and that the Md of the carriers had no: been properly fastened and came open en rout: The committee, with Mr. Heath, the first assistant postraaster general, had a confer- ence this morning with Mr. Shall»nberger, the second assistant posimaster general, under whose direct supervision the pneu- matic tube service comes. Only a verbal report was mad, in the course of which Mr. Beavers, speaking for the committee, said hat the a mail had been greatly exaggerated. Ther> were, perhaps, not over 400 letters in all damaged. Of this number 26) were only slightly injured and they had all been returned to the e2nders. Of the remainder it would requ some time to decipher the addresses. They ware filled with grease and otherwise disfigured. Experts were at work puiting the torn let- ters together, and as rapidly as the ad- dresses could be made out they would be sent. ‘The committee recommended a curtail- ment of the space allowed for the carvice in New York, and made several minor recommendations as ty mechanical im- provements of the covera, —_—___o-______. GONE TO RICHMOND. Departure of a Large Delegation of Representatives, -Representative Joseph W. Bailey of Texas left for Richmond in private’ car “Winifred” this morning. -He goes to Rich- mcnd on the fuvitation of the Virginia leg- islature and will address a mass meeting in the Academy of Music this afternoon on the political issues of the day.» The follow- ing democratic representatives accompanied him: . Hay and Lamb of Virginia, Wheeler of Kentucky, Smith of Arizona, and Underwood of % ‘and Henry L. De Graftenrled of Tovas, ana. le re algo T. Ni a jelson J.J, Sinnott and R. C. Representa! the Seed Mr. ry chair- will entertain party at DISTRICT 1\_ CONGRESS. ia Matters of Local A petition was placed before the Senate tcday by Mr. Geep-. citizens of the District of Columbja; asking that Willow ‘Tree court, exte. B to C streets scutheast and bet: jst ‘street and New Jersey avenue, be’, ~ oe Mr. McMillan t fktroduced a bill in ingthe-inspeetion of flour in the Dist lumbia. [It pro- vides fo- the apnofgtmiget of two inspectors of flour in the Dis{mict\6t Columbia. Mr. McMitlan roduced @ Dill to punish the impcrsonatign of weighmasters in the District of coins bia. The measure Commissioners. was recommended-by adopted a resolution, The Senate tod: offered by Mr. Ccmmissioners to what authority of law and for wat reason telegraph poles, carrying overhead wires, had been erected on 14th street northwest in this city. pis A joint resolution was introduced in the Serate by Mr. Gallinger. today granting permission for the eréction of a bronze statue in this city im honor of the late Daniel Webster. “The resolution recites {kat Stilson Hutchins has had prepared a bronze statue of Daniel Webster and pro- vides that he be given permission to erect it om the vacant space’ west of: Seott Cir- cle at the intersection “of Massachusetts erd Rhode Island avenues snd 16th street under the direction of the Secretary of War, and appropriates $4,000 for a suitable pedestal for the game: —_—_-+-___ MARINE BAND LEADERSHIP. Santleman Regarded as Likely to Be | Chosen. Col. Heywood, commanding the marine corps, was asked today about the leader- ship of the Marine Bard, but he said that no definite action had ben taken in re- gard to that matter. - It is understood that within a short while now the matter will be definitely settled, and it ts believed that Mr. Santleman, who {s a pupil of Sousa’s, will be selectzd as the ‘leader, although Col. Heywood would not confirm this state- ment. He spoke of Santleman in the high- est terms and of how fully he was equipped for the position. “Santleman has not pressed his candi- >" said Col. H2ywood, “because he is a warm friend of Zimmerman’s.” “Has Zimmerman declined to accept the position?” “No, but we will know his position with- in a week.” Col. Heywood said that the department had issued no orders prohibiting the mem- bers of th> United States Marine Bund from accepting private engagements in Washington, and it is not thought that such an order will be issued, “The members of the band have fre- quenily volunteered their services when asked to assist in any charitable ongag ment,” said Col. Heywood, “and I can see No objection to the public asking them to play private engagements wh2n there is an opportunity to throw a dollar or «wo in their way.” ™ he members of thé band are for the most part members of the various musical unions. They would, it is said, leave the band as their tsrm “of enlistment expires should they be unable to accept an engag ment on the outside. Their pay as musi- cians in the band would not’keep them. It 1s thought that a leader will be ap- pointed shortly, and th> band will soon be on a well-established footing again, as one of the leading military:hands of the worid. ea COLUMBIA COMMITTEES. Selections Announcet by the Presi- dent ofythe,Club. ‘The following conmmittzas of the Calum- bia Athletic Club have. begn selected: House committee—Charles W. Schneider, chairman; Emil G. Schafer, T. B. Nolah, James F. Scaggs, duis t. Korn. Finance—J. Barton’ Miliér, chairman; A. Lee Lowe, Guy V. @olling a Admissions—H. C. C._,Stiles, chairmai W. R. Speare, Dorsey Brown. Rules—A. A. Hoehling, fr., chairman; Jos. Shillington, Andrew"Y. BPadtey. ° Athletic — 8. > W..*Stinemets,. chairman; Chiarles!:H.- Bates, recorder: T. B. Nolan, C. W.. Hacox. yee os Amusements—J. C, Exner, chairman; Hi: C. Stiles, B.'C.“Asmussen, E. H. Ryan, Louis Li Korn, D:5J- alsh., Adam W. Johnson. A Bicyciing—Jacobus’ S. Jones, chairman} William H. Henshaw, Louis E. Hoover; William. Shannor, H.C. Caruth, Wm. Jcse, Charles A. Cabrera. =e £ Billiards—E. S. Kimbail, chairman; J..C: Lyons, A. F, Eberiy, J. W. Stokes, Jules Pi Wooten. : Bowling—Thomas H. Callan, chairman; Thos. Francis, jr., William E, Myers, A, F: Jorss, H. B. Mason. Membership—Charles W.‘Schnetder, chair- man; Emil G. Schafer, Jacobus S. Jones, George E, Emmons, Frauk K. Raymond, H.C. Caruth, B. C. Taliaferro, J. C. Kon- érup, James A. Hendley, Josiah Bedon, ‘Thomas G. Steward, M. J. Quinn, E. Rich; ard Gasch, J. C: K. Campbell, George Brown. ; Tennis—J, C. K. Campbell, chairman; E. A. Gay, M. T. O'Leary. Whist—S. A. Swearingen, chairman; J. Macey, C. M. Davis, Fred 8. Smith, B. Taliaferro. , Winged xrrow—Chatles &. Cabrera, chair- men; H.( C. Stiles, Louig l. Korn, H. 8. Flynn, J. Barton Miller. ———— PURE FOOD CONGRESS, gements Complete for the Opening March 2. All arrangements will be completed for the pure food congress, which is to con- vene here March 2 and be in session for three days, at’ the meeting of tne general committee to be held at tH® National Hotel at 3:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. The Columbian University has tendered the use of its large hall and the Naftional-Hotel has placed a meeting room at the disposal of the congress. The committee feels greatly encouraged over the results so far accom- plished, and say the success of the congress is assured. Over 450 delegates have been enrolled, representing over eighty organiza- tions and more than one-third of the states, while a large number of letters have been received from governors and other officials expressing sympathy for the movement and heartily commending It.‘ Delegates, visitors and members will be furnished with tickets from the secretaty’s office Monday and Tuesday., The. tickets to the District delegates and members of the executive and other committees will be given out at the general ‘meéting to be held at the National Hotel Monday night. aa: Interest 4 ae been pre- pared. e opening a will he de- livered by John W. Ross, president of the board of Commissioners, whic will be fol- The Arr lowed by a reading of the tall by the sec. retary and the .presenfatiqm of the: tempo- rary president, Addi will be made on the first day by RepreseAative Marriott Brostus of Pennsylvania, Béhator Charles J, Faulkner of West Vingintalt Representative Wm. P. Hepburn of Iowa, Aaron Jones, master of the Nationgl O'Reilly, editor of the view-of New York; Mr. DYOW “Wilson, sec- retary of the. board oftrads of Bigin, ml. sinesday. an addrepss made b: Prof. W. D. Bigloe, the ian president, Harvey W. Bailey, ‘Chemist’ of the Department of Agri . Will make an address upor tion” ““Phurs- day,, and after the. 1 é business an ‘The committees are as Yc General committee= Matthew Trimble, vi States Supreme Court today. sociation’s agreement. -dispute between the parties to th> contract ‘death of the latter, substantial bequests THE FEELING IN CONGRESS ceipt of the Inquiry Report. “ Senators Have a Beiter Knowledge of Facts Th Members of the House, Unless disturbances occur in Havana or Madrid no developments are expected in the Spanish situation until the administra- tion has received the report of the board of inquiry and feels justified in taking the Public into its confidence. If it could be announced that the explosion was an ac- cident, that announcement would be made in order to quiet public excitement. Since, however, the announcement will apparent- ly be of a different character when it comes, it is agreed by every one of re- sponsibility that proper deliberation should be shown and no hasty step be taken. The best informed opinion in Congress appears to be that the cause of the dis- aster to the Maine is not open to discus- son. The question is when will we act and how, or whether Spain will leave with this government the choice of the time when a reckoning is to be had. No Expressions of Apprehension. It being the desire of the administration te gain time for preparation, it is not to be expected that any one in authority con- nected with the administration will give expression to the public of the apprehen- sions, convictions or certain knowledge of @ grave situation. Statements may be made by senators to their colleagues in executive session which not one of them would repeat. ‘This would explain the gravity suddenly shown in that bedy and the fact of their having a better knowledge of the situation than is had by members of the House. It would explain the fact that senators who would sooner or later have to be taken into the confidence of the administration are of the opinicn that there Is no longer any doubt in the mind of the administration as to the cause of the >xpiosion. The belief is thus creat- ed that the administration ts convinced that the explesion occurred outside the Maine. This conviction is probably based on unofficial communications, and the de- partments giving out such news as ema- nates from the administration are probably technically within the truth when they In- sist that no official information is being withheld. Mines in Havana Harbor. It is positively denied at the State De- partment that Spain has asked for an ex- planation of the preparations for war that are being made by this government, but it is not denied that such preparations are being made. The fact is too obvious to ad- mit of denial, though the preparations may be explained as precautionary. It is understood to be true that Gen. Lee has communicated unofficially to the gov- ernment his opinion that the Maine was destroyed by design. As long as a peuce face {s to be put to the front as.a matter of policy there fs more or less embarrassment about making the necessary preparations for war. The Pres- {dent cannot well ask Congress for large appropriations for tie purchase of ships and for the construction and equipment of defenses without its being a notice to the whole world that we are about to go to war. The little hope. of. peace would then Cisappear. It is thought, therefore, that much will be done without direct authoriza- tion of Congress. Suffici2nt assurance can be had that Congress will not fail to sanction. anything-of the sort that may have to be done. —_—_—__-e.____ JUDGE EDMUNDS ARGUES. Supreme Court Hearing of the Joint Trafic Case. ‘The argument of the Joint Traffic Asso- dation case was resumed in the United Ex-Senator Edmunds was. the first speaker. He ap- peared on benalf of the railroads, introduc- ing his remarks by an analysis of the as- He said that prior to entering into this compact the roads which. became: parties to it had filed their schedules of rates“with the interstate com- merce commission, and said the rates and fares then specified had been accepted as just and reasonable. The object of the ‘agreement, he contended, was only to se- eure justice and fatr play among the roads and to the public at large, ‘all being inter- ested in securing uniform and stable rates. The interstate commerce law required that the rates should be just and reasonable; that patrons should*be put on terms of equality; that localities should not be dis- criminated against; that there shovld be equality of treatment of one another. All these requirements were met by the joint traffic contract. The anti-trust law was made the subject of a critical examiration, and the sugges- tion was meade that the court with great propriety could review its decision in the ‘Trans-Missouri case, hoiding that this law was applicable to railroads. Speaking of the agreement itself Mr. Edmunds sald its cornerstone was the rate fixed. If this was wrong the whole structure must fall; but he asserted that it was just and ‘rea- scpable and in conformity with the law. Mr. Edmunds contended that supervision of the board of managers was wholesome. ‘They could only change rates so as to leave them reasonable as between them- selves and between the roads and the pub- le. Justice Brewer asked Mr. Edmunds if a rcad which refused to accept a rate made by the managers could continue to be a member of the association while ignoring the rate. “Certainly,” Mr. Edmunds replied, “it could. The road is still under the jurisdic- tion of the interstate commerce law.” “Who would decide that point asked the justice. “Your honors of the Supreme Court.” Mr. Edmunds replied. “All such controversies must inevitably find their way to the court, and it would be found in the end that the agreement was a complete recognition of the interstate commerce law.” In reply to a question by Justice Peck- ham he said that instead of regarding the contract in this case as the same as that in the trans-Missouri, he regarded it as quite the reverse. Mr. Pielps closed for the railroads. Tak- ing up Justice Br2wer'’s question to Mr. Carter yesterday, he said that in case of a it would become a judicial question and be taken into the courts. —__—_-e. Will of Late Columbus Alexander. The will of the late Columbus Alexander, Gated January 25, 1898, was this after- noon filed for probate, The will is an un- | usually lengthy document, and makes dis- position of a large amount of property. The ‘wife of the deceased, together with his son, Walter O. Alexander, and Thomas ‘W. Hay, are named ss executors, After stating the wish that the family shall. not wear mourning, and that. no flowers be used at the funeral, the testator bequeatted the whole of his estate, ex- cept certain personal property, to his wife, Rebecea, during life. In the event of the of. real estate are provided for Catherine Francelia Russell, a daughter of the de- ceased and to Columbus 8. Alexander, a son, : _ Baltimore Markets. ALTIMORE, February 25.—Flour inactive, pangedrecelpte, “TTIS> bates: exports, i + sales, 300 barrels. ; March, 2 red. WAS NO RIOT. . Sensational Stories From Georgetown University Denied. ‘The sensational reports published this moaning here and in New York regarding @ 1iot among the students of Georgetown University, which was su to have occurred yesterday afternoon and even- ing, created unbounded amusement among the students, and copies of the reports were read by all. The faculty also enjoyed the matter, but regret that the thought of such an occurrence should be attributed to Georgetown. This is the only part of the story that they do not like, and they re- gard the published reports as the work of some joker or jokers in the university. A Star reporter called ut the university j teday and, in the absence of the rector, Rev. J. Havens Richards, 8. J., secured an interview with the vice president, Rev. John A. Conway, S. J. Father Richards is in Philadelphia, and has been for several days, the management of the institutton during his absence falling on Father Con- way. “There is not a syllable of truth in the whole matter,” said Father Conway. “There is absolutely no foundation at all for the statements made. There was no Spanish flag destroyed, and the students Were not as represented. Neither were two oil paintings of Spanish cardinals in the Gaston Memorial Hall destroyed. There ere two portraits in the hall, which were damaged recently in some building opera- tions and happen to fit the story, but neither represents a Spanish priest. One is Cardinal Robertus Bellaminus, S. J., an Italian, and the other is Cardinal Petrus Payman, 8. J.. whom, I think, was a Hun- garian.”” There Is a battalion of boys at the uni- versity, which was formed two weeks ago, and which ts maintained for the fun of the thing. The boys yesterday, after the morning studies, marched around the walks, and made bonfires, but that was the extent of their pranks. Ii is likely that the faculty may conduct an investigation, and endeavor if possible to find out the names of the practical jokers. If this is accom- plished the boys may be expelled from the university for having such information published. The students, however, or some of them, are keeping up the joke. Today a number of reporters called at, the place, and they stuffed them all. one reporter of a New York paper !t was stated that the boys were going to march against the Western High School, secure the arms and. equip- ment of Company H of the Western High School, and take them to Cuba. It was planned to capture some fast boat lying In the Potomac at Georgetown and steam away on that to help the Cubans throw off the Spanish yoke. Equity Court No. 1—Justice Cox. Jones ‘t. Lynch: dismissal of bill de- creed. Draney agit. Draney: leave to file supplemental bill granted. Stewart agt. Stewart: time to take testimony limited to March 28. Grant agt. Ward; sale decreed, with C. W. Darr, trustee, to sell. Ameri- can Bonding Co. agt. Meriwether; restrain- ing order discharged and motion for re- ceiver denied. Clreult Court No. 1—Justice Cole. Tuck>rman agt. Burgdorf; judgment by default. United States ex ‘rel. Valentine agt. Roberts; writ of mandamus ordered to issue. Morrison agt. Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company; motion for new trial granted and certified to Criminal Court No. 2. Turley agt. Washington and George- town Railroad Company; motion for new trial overruled and judgment on verdict. Warwick agt. Columbla Filter Company: motion for judgment overruled. Claflin Company agi. Columbia Filter Company; do., and security fcr costs, $0, in thirty days. Bealmer agt. Parker; security for ccsts. $50, in thirty days, and defendant to pleat in two days after notice thereof. Free agt. Capital Traction Company; de- murrer to plea overruled and leave to amend declaration as advised. Johnson agt. Williams; demurr-r to pleas sustainad. Circuit Court No. Payne agt. District of Columbia; verdict for plaintiff for $2,250. Mutual’ District Messenger Company agt. Tyler; leave to file amendment to declaration as speoitied in motion; amendment made and defendant to plead in twenty days. Jennings agt. Aistrop et al.; motion for security for costs granted, $50, to be filad in thirty days. h- ton agt. Commercial Union Assurance Company; motion to compel plaintiff to pay costs of term granted. National Marine 3 judgment by default. motion’ for particulars dismissed by consent; leave to amend decia- ration granted; amended deciaration filed, and defendant to plead in twenty days. Stone agt. Van Riswick; motion to strike out continuance granted and motion to dis- continue suit granted; costs against plain- tiff. Claughton.agt.: Burke; order for pay- ment to plaintiff of-amount-un ¥egistry of court, a Criminal Court No. 1—Justice’ Cole. United States agt. James Lindsey, larceny from the person; motton for new trial over- ruled; senterced to ‘jail for ¢ months. United States agt. John Bro larceny from the person; defendant arraigned; plea not gullty. “United States agt. Prank Banks: larceny: defendant arraigned; plea guilty; sentenced to reform schcol. j Criminal Court No. 2—Justice Bradley. Chas. F. Dickey et al. agt. Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Comrany; verdict for plain- tiff for $113. Chester. A. Snow agt. Pope Manufacturing Company; verdict for de- fendant. Wm. E. Van Sciver agt. Joseph Rosenthal, on trial. Probate Court—Justice Cox. Estate of Neal T. Murray; letters of ad- ministration granted to Mary A. Power; bond, $8,000, Estate of Richard P. McDan- fel; do., to J. W. McDaniel. bond $1,200. Estate of Louisa Schlaich: do., to Ferdi- nend Schmidt. bond $4,000. Estate of Franklin B. Miller; will admitted to pro- bate and le‘ters testamentary granied to Jcseph S. Miller, Samuel M. Darragh and 8. Ferguson Brocks, bond $300. Estate of Grace B. Henry do., to Frank-C. Henry, bend $100. Estate of Mary Dant; do., to Ardrew McGarraghy, bond $100. Estate of George J. Schwab; order amending rec- ord, Estate of John Lane: order of sale. Estate of Rudolph A. Knapp; order al- lowing maximum commissicn. Estate of Sarah A. Pollock; will admitted to probate and letters of administration c.t.a, granted to John Baker; bond, $4,000. Estate of Wm. L. Wall; citation issued. Estate of Chas. B. T. Payne; do. Estate of George- anna Davis; account passed. Estate of ‘Wm. Allder; order cf sale. Estate of Thos. P. Morgan; rule issued, returnable March 11. Estate of Jno. H. Glick; answer ‘to rule to show cause filed. Estate ot Jno. H. Semmes; letters of administration granted to Eleanor M. Calhoun; bond, $803. ‘Estate of Honora Kenny; will admitted to probate and letters testamentary grant- ed to Patrick Madigan; bond, $300. Estate of Jno. Gaegler; petition for probate of will filed. Estate of Adolphus H. Pickreti: let- ters of administration d.b.n. granted to Wm. A. Gordon; bond, $15,000. Estate of Mary E. W. Garnett; petition for letters of administration filed. Estate of Joseph F. Loughran: petition for letters of ad- ministratio d.b.n.c.t.a. filed. In re guard- lanship of A. Y. P. Garnett et a Thom and Leigh ; order of bond pee err of William R. Baum, minor; Washington Loan and Trust Co. appointed guardian. : —— Government Bonds, Quotations reported by Coron & Macart- ney, bankers. ~ st exchange, correspondents, Ladenturg, FOES Fe ‘New York. FEE me a FINANCE AND TRADE ——_-—____. Stronger Tone to Stocks in Spite of Cuban News. GENERAL RISE IN ALL PRICES Market Was Feverish and at Times Very Irregular. saa er GENERAL MARKET REPORT ios Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. =W YORK, February 25.—The irrational financial panic of yesterday was succeeded this morning by deliberate action based on @ more conservative estimate of the real Significance of the destruction of the Maine. London cables reflected advances extending to a full point In some instances and brought over a fair volume of buying orders. Opening prices were Inclined to some fr- regularity, but all efforts to force a general decline were successfully thwarted by the Teappearance of yesterday's bargain seek- ers. Adva.ces of substantial proportions, varying fron. 1 to 6 per cent, were recorded prior to the noon hour, the covering of skert contracts being a conspicuous fei of the demard. Rumors varying only in the degree of im- Probability were circulated freely, bat the percentage of credulity had decreased m. terially over night, and inventors of unco! firmed Cuban eptsodes have no longer a market for their wares. No considerable selling was inspired, therefore, upon the announcement that Consul General Lee would return by special train tomorrow nor by the siatement that a final verdict had been reached by t court of inquiry. The cabling of the latter report to Spain did, however, unsettle the Europsan mar- kets for Spanish securitivs. All things con- sidered, the action of today’s market was deciiedly better than the ordinary after- effect of such a thorough shaking out as that recorded yest>rday. Dullness was pr nounced at times, but even this circum- Stance was encouraging, inasmuch demonstrated the lack of a ral ¢ to proceed with the liqui of stock. The failure to maintain the maximum gains in the column of net results for the ay 1s not disappointing, the ability of the market to rally after its fright having been demonstrated. There are still many elements of a dis- quieting nature invoived in our Spanish 1 i tions, but conservative interests are dis- pesed to consider the market beyond t evils of hasty conclusions on this subject. There is a general belief that further de- velopments of extraordinary financial tn- terest will be evolved from the Cuban situ- ation. Expectancy guards against the evils of surprise, however, and this fact of itself has a most encouraging side. The one development of the day lacking all hackneyed features was the weak and almost unsalable condition of foreign ex- change. Rumors of the probable importa- tion of $3,000,000 gold were based on the lack of a market for all classes of bills. The short interest in the market was frightened into covering still further as the result of this prospect. Earnings from all sources were entirely satisfactory, but the rate war prospect alcng lines irterested in the Klondike trade is a disturbing factor to a moderate de- gree All routine matters would be mar- shaled in the interest of improvement wei it not for the grever questions involved in Washington deliberations. If today’s mar- ket is copied as 2n example of caution and deliberation, there is every reasonable as- strance that no greater stress will be laid on the Cuban ccntroversy than is sanc- ticned by the future attitude of the ad- ministration. tion ee, FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. The following are the opening, the high- est and the lowest and the closing prices of the New York stock market today, as re- perted by Corson & Macartney, members New York stock excharge. Correspondents, Messrs. Moore & Schiey, No. # Broadway. Louisvule & Nashviie. Metropolitan ‘Traction. Manhatian Elevated pia. New Jersey Central... New York Centrai. Puliman P. C. Co. Southern Ky.. pfa. Brookiyn it. Transit. a Chig. & G Western. 1036 3 on Wig ee Nn Stock Exchange. ‘clock m.—Capital Trac- Yq 74; 10 at 74; 20 at 74: 8 ot tay, Washington Ges, 20 at <7. 0. 8. Elec: trie Light, 10 at 101; 10 at 301. ican Graj 14; 45 at 14; 30 at 14. Vn phone preterred, 11 iat 143-8 at Itty: 2 Gun Carriage, 100 at 32 iP ig rE Hh tne