Evening Star Newspaper, February 28, 1898, Page 1

——————$———$——$ THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. noi fe eatin ioe Car. 11th Bt, by enrt VenRe, The Star Company 8. H. j Wow York Office, 49 Potter Buildin. ‘The Even! is served t. ibecribers in the city by crrrietes on thaks own nceouat, ar 10 cents per week, or 44 cents month. at the mater 2 cevts each. mall anywhere in the United States tr 5 aa prepaid—5o cents per month. ‘Saturday Shect Star, $1 per year, with ntered at the Po-t Omice at Washington, D. 0 a Star. The regular permanent family circulation of The Evening Star in Washington is more than double that of any other paper, whether published in the morn- ing or in the afternoon. As a medium for unobjec- tionable advertisements it there- aa _secmd-class mal matter.) eran beer! must be im advance. No. 14,039, edge and experience in the event of hos- tilities, and that his services, if tendered, would be accepted, but it is not considered Hkely that he would be given higher rani than that of a brigadier general, and an act of Congress would be necessary for that purpose. It is said In official circles that the matter has not even been con- sidered. Official denial is given to the report that Minister Woodford has informed the State Department that five Spanish warships have sailed for American waters. No War Signs at the White House. ‘The White House is the most unwarlike p-ace in the country end has been since the Moine disaster. But for the hundreds of offers of soldiers going to the White House by wire and letter each day there would probably be no thought in the heads of the many officials there of a conflict of any Kind. These offers are daily received, and come from organizations of all kinds. In- dividuals make the same offers. This morning an old colored man, at- tired in a blue suit, an old army coat and a battered hat, marched to the White Hcuse in the most imposing manner pos- sible. “I wants ter see de Pres‘dent,” he said to the policeman at the door, assuming an important air. “I wants ter vollumteer fer de was an’ I'm ready ter perceed to de frunt.” He was told to put his applica- tion in at the War Department, and he went away in that direction. Yesterday a populist from Kansas went to the White House in search of Representative Green, populist, for the purpose of being enlisted. Congressmen from mary states frequent- ly say to the President that their states are ready to furnish thousands of men. Despite all these things there are no official words to hang the tdea on that troops will be wanted at the front. The President's visitors today had nothing ex- citing to give kim. Secretary Lorg was a visitor, but he said that he had not re- ceived a word from the south since Satur- day. Secre‘ary Alger was also with the President a few minutes. Outside of these and Representative Dingley there were no visitors upon whom comment could asso- ciate connection with the Havana situa- tion. PLANS NOT KNOWN —_———_+—___ No Information About the Maine Court of Inquiry. STATEMENTS PURELY SPECULATIVE —_— + Cannot Tell How Long It Will Be in Session. AGAIN TEXAS AT TORTUGAS Nobody at the Navy Department, from the Secretary down, has any information whatever as to whether the court of in- quiry in the case of the Maine is going to return to Havana from Key West, and, tn fact, the plans of the court are absolutely here. For this resson, it is said partment, that any statement as bable date upon which the court wiil repert its conclusions to the Secre- tary of the Navy is purely speculative. it is doubtful, in the minds of the officers here, whether the members of the court thenseives are able to pass an opinion on this pvint at this time, for it is believed that tie werk eo far done, aside from that Felatimg to the recovery of dead bodies and persone! property, has been scarcely mors than prelimina:y. In this view of the case it may be perceived how difficult it would be for any member of the court to predict the date upon which it would report. News From the Wreckers. Judge Advocate Genera! Lemly received a message this morning from the Merritt & Chapman Wrecking Company, dated at New York, as foliows: “The tug Underwriter, with the derrick Chief in low, passed Sandy Hook at 12:40 p.m., Sunday, 27th, bound for Havana. As- sistant Wrecking Master Tooker was on the Underwriter.” Assuming that fair weather prevails, the tug. with its tow, should arrive at Havana about Saturday. With this derrick the in- vestigations of the court of inquiry can un- doubtedly be much facilitated, for, although the Chief will be unable to lift the big tur- rets, her derrick will still remove the small- er guns and the greater part of the debris, which is the source cf so much complaint on the part of Captain Siyzbee as inter- fering wjth the search for the bodies and with the examin: into the cause of the disaster. Denounced by the Administration. Every official of the administration pro- metnces absurd and unqualifiedly false the stcry that Senator Hanna has been to New York to feel around among the bankers there to ascertain if they would take a large issue of bonds in case of trouble with Spain. The falsehood is one of the first in the large number already sprung to excite men vf prominence to denunciation of such methods. Heretofore they have considered fakes as among the things whicw have to be tolerated, and have not kicked. This time, however, they wish that something could be dene to punish perpetrators of such stories. Secretary Gage is unmeasured in his de- nunciation of the falsity of the story in every way. Chairman Dingley of the ways and means cominittee of the House, after leaving the President today, characterized the story as too absurd for sensible people to put the slightest belief in. Secretary Long did the same. It is stated at the Treasury Department that there has not been even an indirect contempiation of the issue of bonds. The administration, at the cabinet meeting last Friday, did discuss the possibility of a demand for indemnity upon Spain, but theré was not a hint of the question of a bond issue. It is said that Senator Hanna has not talked to Secr2- tary Gage upon this subject or upon the possibility of war in any shape. He went to New York before the cabinet meeting last Friday. Th2 story is carriéd so far as to say that’ the bureau of engraving and printing is already at work upon the plates from which the bonds are to be issuei. Every official of the treasury denounces this. It is emphatically stated that not a printer is at work upon a plate for a bond of any kind. Occasionally there are changés in the form of some of the bonds being reissued, but this is not the case now. It 1s well known that no war loan could be made without the sanction of Congress. President McKinley and Secretary Gage could requ2st that Congress do this, and pending such legislation and the issue of the bonds, it might be possible that Sena- tor Hanna would go to New York to see what could be done. Presideat McKinley and Secretary Gage have no power to issue Londs except to keep up the gold reserve, and even then Congress has something to say. Death Certificates to Be Issued. Cap‘ain Hawley, who ts directly tp charge of that branch of the navigation brreau relating to the enlisted men in the navy, is now directing the work of his office to the issuance of death certificates, which are to be issued to the familics of the dead sailors. These certificates are issued by the surgeon general and the navigation bureau, and are thus conclusive evidence upon the auditors of the Treasury Depa ent, who are thereby obliged to pay over to the legal representatives or heirs of the ceceascd any sums of money that may pe due them by the United States government on ac- count of acerued pay or retained deposits. In the case of victims of the Maine Gisaster the department is obliged in many cases to certify to the death of the sailor without being able to secure evidence of that fact through the presence of a body. It fs as- sumed by the officials that a man failing to report perished In the catastrophe. Letters are reaching the Navy Depart- Ment from all parts of the country from alleged relatives of the victims, and it ap- pears that in numerous cases there are many claimants for the small sums of money or property that belonged to the dead men. It will be the duty of the de- partment to try to adjust these cia‘ms end reconcile conflicts, and every effort is he- ing made by the officials to do this as spesd- fly as possible consistent with the require- ments of the statutes. Captain Sigsbee has telegraphed that two more dead bodies were recovered yester- day. One was unrecognizable, but the other was identified as that of J. W. John- son. The captain also announced the death in the hospital at Havana of poor Holzer, Who made such a gallant struggle for life. Cemetery at Key Wes: Commander Forsyth at Key West tele- graphed this morning that he had in execu- tion of the department's order secured a Plat of ground in the cemetery at Key West in which will be interred the re- mains of such of the victim’s bodies as are brought from Havana. Admiral Sicard will personally look after the funeral ar- Tangements. It is learned that the Spanish Officials at Havana have consented to the removal of any bodies hereafter recovered, a formality made necessary by the fact that the Cuban law does not permit such removals from fear of extending contagion. It is understood that the remains are not to be permanently interred at Key West, and this understanding gives a great deal of sa ‘favtion to the naval officials here who have had trouble in times past in “maintaining graves of sailors in proper condition owing to the infiltration of large quantities of water into the graves through the porous and low lying coral strands. As the remains are inciosed in hermetically sealed zinc cases it is not believed that they will suffer during their brief inter- ment at Key West. The Texas Joins the Squadron. The battle ship Texas, which has been at Galveston, returned to Tortugas yesterday and joined the squadron. The Terror re- ported her arrival at Tompkinsville to- day. _The Castine arrived at Port of France in the West Indies. The Wilmington left La Guayra yesterday for Barbadoes. Captain Dickens, assistant chief of the navigation bureau, has gone to Norfolk. Contrary to some reports that have been circulated his visit has nothing to do with war preparations. He went to inspect the old training ship Essex. This vessel has just. returned from a long cruise with the apprentices, and the naval regulations re- quire such an inspection this upon the return of a ship to this country. It will be for Captain Dickens to ascertain sim- ply that the vessel is in healthful condl- tion, that the boys have conducted them- Has No Thought of War. Secretary Gage has given littl: contem- platicn io the thought of war with Spain. He does not believe there will be a war. If one cannot be honorably avoided, he will be among the first to say so, and advocat> prompt and decisive measures, but he sees nothing in the situation to indicate that there will be war. He has been misrepre- s2nted in many papers, but his positiva is being approved by men of all classes throughout the country. He is receiving numerous letters from all Jirections along this line. Dissolution of the Cortes. The State D2partment today received the following dispatch from Minister Woodford at Madrid: “Decree dissolving Spanish cortes, Feb- ruary 26. New certes will mest April 2.” The dissolution of the cortes had been expect>d, and it may be attended with im- portant results. ‘The two parties, liberal and conservative, will now appeal to the country, and on the result will depend the political complexion of the ministry. The Sagasta ministry, now in power, is liberal. Its retention of power means much at the present junctur2, for it was on the advent of the Sagasta regime that Gen. Weyler was recalled, the reconcentrado decrees were annulled, and th: present plan cf Cuban autonomy was put in force. The policy now being pursued by Gen. Blanc) in Cuba ts an entire reversal of that under the conservative regime of Canovas and His successor, and it is f2lt that the con- tinuance of this policy is no iess at stake than the ministry itself in the outcome of the present elections. Senor Du Bosc, the Spanish charge d'affaires, has not received official notifi- cation of the dissolution, of the cortes, but he says such action was expected, as the work of the cortes was concluded. Under the laws of Spain, forty days must elapse before the election of the new cortes. Mr. t ; i E 4 & » E ef Hi 4 : F i : | to be expected when the regular t.ork of the old cortes has been concluded. In other quarters it is believed that the conservatives will attempt to regain con- trol of the government by making a cam- paign against the Cuban policy of the Sa- gasta regime. It is expected that the Wey- lerists will either cast their intluence with the conservatives, who sent ‘jen. Weyler to Havana, or else make their appearance as a distinct political organization, repre- sentative of the army and martial spirit. To a considerable extent the contest will be between the war element and the peace element, and, as the liberal program kas thus far been most pacific in character, it is anticipated that the lberals will gain the peace vate, which may be suffizicitly strong to overcome the various radical cle- ments. The Coming Elections. The election wilt be held not only in Spain, but also in Cuba and Puerto Rico. It should not be confounded, however, with the local elections of Cuba under the plan of autonomy. The former election will be confined entirely to the choice of delegates to the imperial parliament, and will not be a part of the autonomous plan for a local government of Cuba. The arragements for the latter elections have not been made. The time for them will be fixed by the au- tonomous cabinet. It would be no surprise to officials here if these local elections were held at any time in the near future, as itis said the Cuban autonomists are rap- idly maturing the details of elections, and other steps requisite to the execution of the autonomous plan. In the elections of April 25 Cuba will select its usual quota to the Spanish cortes under the same sys- tem of suffrage that has long prevaiied. The new cortes will meet immediately af- ter the election, probably May 1. While no date has been fixed, it is known that the new body must assemble in order to pass on the budget, which by law must be com- pleted by July 1. This will give brief time for completing the extensive supply bills within the time prescribed by Spanish law. With a liberal majority, however, this can be readily accomplished. The possibilities of delay lie in the fact that a conservative victory will not only give that party con- trol of the cortes, but will precipitate an- other ministerial change, with its conse- quent changes of policies. Quict at Havana. A telegram was received from Consul General Lee this morning saying that af- fairs are quiet in Havana. —_-e._____. THE HOLLAND COMING, Submarine Torpedo Bont on Her Way Here, It was expected that the submarine tor- pedo boat, the Holland, which was report- ed to have left New York yesterday, would have arrived at (he navy yard today, but up to 2 o'clock this afternoon it had not put in an appearance. It was stated that it had not passed Indian Head, as a teie- phone message was received from there to that effect. It is thought probable, how- ever, the boat will arrive some time late this aftcrnoon or possibly not before to- morrow. It was declared that the intended visit ef the Holland here is to give a test at the navy yard, to be witnessed by a num- ber of naval officials and representatives of the Navy Department. The Holland, it is stated, passed a successful test in New York recently and came up to expectations. The officiais at the navy yard are extreme- ly reticent regarding the arrival of tne beat. In fact, those of them who should lave known all about the boat stated posi- tively that the first knowledge they had of the proposed visit to Washington of the boat was that given by The Star reporter. it was learned, howeVer, that they are anxiously awaiting its coming, and, in fact, one of the men said that he had been or- dered to watch out for it especially. It was known that it was on its way here and that a test would be made, but every effort was made to keep it quiet, as the Navy Depart- ment does not wish it to leak out that they wee contemplating the purchase of such a at. It was said that the boat was at the capes last night, so that it should arrive here some time late this afternoon or this evening, if this were the case. She makes ten Knots an hour, it is sald. It is thought that the government is deeply interested in the purchase of the boat, and it is consid- ered that ft would be an excellent move on the part of the Navy Department. A ten-inch gun on a disappearing car- riage was taken down to Fort Sheridan this morning on a scow, and it was learned that this was the last of the eight guns which will man that fort. The fitting of this fortification has been kept exceedingly quiet. The gun carriages come from Beth- lehem, Pa. Fort Washington is said to be similarly supplied with eight ten-inch guns on disappearing carriages. There was a telegram awaiting John Hol- land at the navy yard this morning, show- ing that his arrival was expected soon. —_s—__—_ TO BUY AND EQUIP SHIPS, Proposal to Give $20,000,000 to the Secretary of the Navy. Representative Bromwell, republican, of Qhio, today introduced in the House the following resolution: “That the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is hereby, author- ized whenever in his judgment it shall be- come expedient for the best interests of the country to do so, to secure optiong upon, and consummate the purchase of such battleships, cruisers, rams, torpedo boats or other form of naval vessels ag are of the most modern type and ready for im mediate use; together with tne necessary armament and equipment for the same af in his judgment are necessary to place the naval strength of the country upon a Proper footing for immediate hostilities with any foreign power with which the same may be threatened; and that for the purpose of consummating such purchase there fs hereby appropriated the sum of $20,000,000 to immediately available.” The resolution was referred to the naval committe. Mr. Bromwell'said he introduced the reso- lution to call the attention of the naval committee to the necessity for providing such a@ contingent fund in the naval appro- priation bill. If the.committee dozs not in- cludé such a provision in the bill when it is reported he will offer it as an amendment in the House. : SS ee Se NO RIVER AND HARBOR BILL. Leaders im the House Decide Against t. It can be stated positively that no river and harbor bill will be reported at this scssion of Congress. The House !eaders are opposed to a river and harbor bill, ahd the friends of the bill on the committee be- Heve it would be better to wait until the WASHINGTON, D. C., MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1898—SIXTEEN PAGES. fore stands unequaled and un- TWO CENTS. | 2PProachable. HAVANA HARBOR Senor du Boso’s Déclaration Com- mented Upon, FORMER STATEMENT RECALLED Spain’s Probable Contention as to ONE THEORY SET FORTH If the declaration of Senor du Bosc, the Spanish charge, that there are no mines nor torpedos in the Havana harbor ts to be regarded as official, it is thought in con- gressional circles as likeely in a certain contingency to complicate the situation and to increase the probabilities of war. If the naval board of inquiry report that the de- struction of the Maine did not come from an explosion on shipboard and the Spanisn government officially declares that there was nothing outside the ship to cause the explosion it bars the way to a peaceful set- tlement. Spain cannot agree to make repa ration based on the ciaim that the Maii was blown up by-desigh while maintainins that there were ho explosives in the har- bor. The declaration of du Bosc, it is in- ferrred, was intended as foundation for a disavowal by Spain of any sort of responsi- bility for the explosion and to discredit the ndings of the board of inquiry if their verdict is that the explosion was external. A question of verasity can be avoided only by it being represented that du Bose’s statement was unoificial. The Spanish con- tention, otherwise, will be that the external theory is disposed of by the fact that there were no explosives. on the outside. It is believed that it is expecting too much to imagine that Spain will, when confronte: with the report of the bourd, confess been guiity of an offieial ta claring the absence of explosiv be harbor. The fact that du 1s de such a statement is regarded as indicating that Spain intends to resist the concius:ons of the board if not fayorable to he A Former’ Statement. A thing that has been overlooked! in con- sidering the question of the presence cf mines in the Havaua harbor is that it has been officially stated by Spanish author ties, some time sineé, that they were perimenting with explosives in the Hava harbor. The statement attracted but litue attention at the timé, <for it did not then have.the significance it new has. Shoruy arter bianco essumed command in Havana a dispatch-enurély free from sen- sauionalism, was published from Havana by all the newspapers siating that a severe €Xpiogion had oceurred at a certain hour named in the dispatch, and that there was momentary excitemen& and apprehension, Lut tnat all excitemest “was immediately checked by the announcément by the au- thoriies that the explosion was merely result of an accidental discharge of a t pedo in the harbor, ‘Which officials “were experimenting .with from.the shore.” This was one of thexregular Havana dispatenes and was universally published, without a sensation beipg made of it, the official an- nouncement of the cause of the explosion having relieved the incident of any sensa- tional character. . This announcement, at the time insignifi- cant, now acquires’ importance as tending to disprove the claim that no torpedoes nor mines were in the harbor. Still, if Spain has officially declared that the harbor was clear, it is expected that she will stick to it and will resist the demands of this coun- try, as it is coneeded she would. have a right to do if she knew that the harbor was free from explosives. Spain's Probable Contention. There is reason to believe that the Span- ish government will not seek to lessen her responsibility by aclaim that if the explo- sion was external {t was the work of a private individual, but will dispute the en- tire claim of external explosion. It is be lieved that she wilF contend that the explo- sion could not hav® been from the outside by any private individual; that the explo- sive could not have been placed under the Maine without the knowledge of one or more of the Spanish authorities, and that since the authoritiés have no knowledge of explosives being. ‘placed in the harbor, therefore none wete there, and the explo- sion could not have ‘oceurred ex-ept on board the Maine, They might have met conclusive evidence of an external explo- sion by the discovery that the responsibili- ty rested upon some insane or otherwise irresponsible individual. An official an- nouncement that there were no explosives in the harbor, however, bars the possibility of such representation, and it 1s now re- garded as practically certain that Spain has decided to insist upon“the theory that the explosion occurred on the Maine, no mat- ter what evidence to the contrary the oard of inquiry may produce. This Government's Preparations. The preparations this government has made for war are much more complete than the public are generally aware of. In spite of the “economy” of Congress, considerable hes heen.done in the way of coast defenses. It has been done without ostentation, first as a matter of military policy and, second, to avoid exciting the congressional economists and those who fear that the “liberties of the people” are threatened by any ordinary preparation for national defense. The appropriations from year to year for these defenses have been woefully small, bat during the course of five years enough hag; been done to form the foundaticn of sbstantial defenses. S'nce the report of the fortification board five ago (congrersional) more than years some work in aceordanée with the plans She ee | ee ‘That board selected twenty-six principal cities which they Teeehied it as important to have properly _ iéd with defenses. Most if net all of iedba halve sinne been'pros ded. with: some ‘subelarftial the to prevent our {tthelpless. In spite of the anxiety fm some quarters about S DETCSS, LO= 980 pedis any cost and, in other quartets, “guard the gocd people against ® military despotism,” it is certain that:4s-soor®as the President thinks ft necessar: } call upon Congress 2 ease of emergency for the purchase “oi ment and forti ed will be The following theory of the destruction of the Maine is advai by @ man who has spent much time in. than is me ur beerte It is sufficient for money to be One Theory Advanced. ecmbing with torpedoes and submarine mines, perfectly controlled from secret places on shore, the entire harbor. The plans were kent very secret and were known only to him and his intimate subordinates. The Navy ent must have known of these defenses, if not of the plans. The gvarded statements of ex-Consul General Williams prove that the State Department has in its secret archives a report bearing on the subject. And even physical proof is not wanting, for some months ago an ex- plosion occurred in the harbor, and it was said to be the explosion of a torpedo or of a mine with which the authorities were ex- pertmenting on shore. “The Spanish government has reserved a certain part of the harbor for the anchor age of men-cf-wer. The reason is obvious; it is the only way that the Spanish could forestall any possible hostile act from a ship in the harbor. Every buoy to which a vessel is made fast has a corresponding mine to take care of that vessel. The ves- sel is not allcwed to archor for fear of casual Interference with the wires connect- ing the mines. The Maine was not anchor- ed. She was made fast to a numbered buoy, designated by the harbor master, who was unquesticnabiy instructed by his su- periors. The Maine was in the anchorage reserved for men-of-war, and was in tne clutches of the mines protecting that spot of the harber. The Question Who Did It? “The question now which naturally arises is: Who did it? It is as easy to answer thts question as fi is to explain the cause of th> disaster: An officer of the Spanish government, with knowledge of the plans and with a board of ecnaec- ticns, a friend, admirer, instrument ani avenger of Gen. Weyler. Such as he wer> the men that Gen. Weyler left behind to look out for his interests; they knew of his and moi re inspired by his ates and of Ameri- ni » ones who headed led the mobs in the riots in Havana, v protested against autonomy: they wer? th authors of which w the Princip 1 reasons for the Maine's iaon with ail § of the first American man-cf-war; for thei the vords and threats expressed in the s press should become realities; they inst &ated the expressions of antipathy against the fow officers and men who landed; they cirevlated the of the Uni his protest addressed to the queen, in which he defended himself and the Spanis from the Kinley, had been an f morulication ana disgrice to thoir upholder, Gen. Weyler. Further, a few days befor the catasivophe, Capt. Sigshee had d, by visiting the autonomie cabinct, the new re ne, so hat2ful to them. 48 a culnination th» Dupuy de Lome let- ter, which caused the recall of the Span minister, ard which for a moment thre ened to disturb the pe. wo countries: nd when it was refusing to apoloz Aud >med that S it w for a subordinate of Spanish carry out what in his opiiion was of patriotism, as by it he woul the power of the American na creasing th? chances of his own country and at the same time, as a fuithful fol- lower of Weyler, he was avenging the in- Beg heaped upon the national hero and ol, Spain's Responsibility. “You ask me if Spain is responsible for euch an-act? To this I answer that a mes- ter is r2sponsible for the acts of his ser- vants, and a principal of his agents; that the Maine was enjoying the hospitality of a friendly harbor, and it was the duty of the Spanish government to sce io it that no harm would come to the vessel from agencles known only to tha government and its subordinates. It might noi be a case of war, for it would be absoiutely im- Rossible to prove the direct conneczion of the Spanish government with a crime which would place it out of the pale of ctviliza- tion, but it is a clear case of reparation and apology to the flag that has been betrayed, and of indemrity, at least, to those prave sculs that have been so mercilessly murder- ed. What should the United Siates do? ‘Th2 conscience of the administration and the integrity and patriotism of President McKinley will shortly answer this mo- mentous question.” ©. APPOINTED DIRECTOR. Frederic Emory Placed at the Head of Bureau of American Republics. A mecting of the executive commitiee of the International Union of American Re- publics was held at the Department of State this morning to take action as to the future work of the bureau of American re- publics, There were present the Secretary of State, John Sherman; the assistant secre- tary of state, William R. Day, and Mr. Romero, the Mexican minister, also rep- resenting the Venezuelan minister, who was unable to be present. The annual report of the director of the bureau, prepared_from data supplied by the late director, Mr. Joseph P. Smith, who died in Florida on the 5th instant, was submitted and approved. A special report upon the condition of the bureau and the requirements of the werk for the immediate future was sub- mitted by ethe acting airector, Mr. Fred- eric Emory, who was detailed by the De- partment of State, with the approval of the executive committee, immediately after Mr. Smith's death, to take charge of the affairs'of the bureau. Mr. Emory's sug- gestions were approved, and the commit- tee passed a resolution appointing him di- rector of the bureau for a period not to ex- ceed the current fiscal year, ending June 30, 1898, with full discretionary power in co-operation wit: the executive committee, {a order that the plans of the late director, Mr. Smith, for important work now in progress might be carried out, and the bus- inees of the bureau placed on a proper footing. Mr. Emory will retain his position as chief of the bureau of foreign commerce in the Department of State, and it is under- stcod that the present arrangement will terminate when the affairs of the bureau of American republics seem to warrant the appointment of a permanent director. —\*_-e—_____ TREASURY CHANGES. Officiul Announcement of Appoiat- ments and Promotions. following appointments have been by th2 treasury under civil service The made James C. Plant, Minnesota, $2,500, super- vising architect’s office; Julian E. Wood- Wall, Massachusetts, $1,600, 1 architect’s office; John C: Drewett, Penn- sylvania, $1,252, bureau of engraving and Frinting; M. W. Twitchell, New York, $840, office of th2 auditor for the War Depart- ment, by transfer from Interior Depart- ment; D. C. Mooney, Tennessee, $720, office of the auditor for the Post Office Depart- ment, by transfer from the War Depert- AT THE WHITE HOUSE. WOULD SOON STARVE Cubans Could Not Stand Siege of Long Duration. eae ey FEW PROVISIONS ON THE ISLAND Important Naval Nominations Sent to the Senate. The President today sent these nomina- tions to the Senate: State—Sol Berliner of New York, to be consul at Teneriffe, Canary islands. Treasury—Charles M. Moses of Maine, to be appraiser of merchandise, district of Portland and Falmouth, Me. Justice—To be marshals of the United States: John W. Overail of Tennessee for the district of Tennessee; Thomas H. Baker of Tennessee for the western district of Tennessee. Navy—Capt. Henry B. Robeson, to be a commodere; Capt. Winfield S. Schley, to be a commodore; Commander Theo. F. Jewell, to be captain; Wm. M. Folger, to be cap- tain; Lieutenant Commander Andrew Dun- lap, to be a commander; Lieutenant Com- mander Richard Rush, to be a commander. interior—John C. Martin of Arizona, re- celver of public moneys, Prescott, Ariz.; Chas. N. Valentine of North Dakota, regis- ter of land office, Fargo, N. D. Senator Tillman was a visitor to the White House today. He was with Repre- sentative Latimer of South Carolina, and their errand was to talk with the Presi- nt about the Newberry College bill Which has passed Congress. It has i reported to the President it the col Divers Continue Their Work at Scene of Wreck. COURT AT KEY WEST eae ee (Copyright, 1898, by Chas, M. Pepper.) Special Cablegram From Staff Correspondent. HAVANA, February via Port Tampi February 27.—Great heed is now being gi en here to military problems in the presen tension between the United States and Spain. Should the threatening break Tuy not get the Lenefit of the money if | through the Maine disaster not come, di- Sie seacoast and the bill. The two | plomacy may happily avert it from other 1 ‘ctinians are endeavoring 10 show | cause = tbe i < to the President that there Mee toe | causes. American intervention may be ac cepted by Spain as the best means of let- ting go of the Island, in spite of the scorn- ful refusals that have heretofore been giv- en. It does not seem to be in the minds of the officials and the officers of the army at present. They are planning for defense { case of a hostile invasion or a blockad: What the means of defense would be therefore of Interest in the United States. The military problem of starving an tsl- and already starved is not a difficult one. Cuba with its food supply largely from the states, shut off from that source, its people cannot get means of subsistence for sixty days. A large part of them are used to starvation. They can live on a very meager diet much longer than people who have been accustomed to satisfy the cravings of the stomach by one or two meals a day. A blockade of the ports which shut off sup- plies from all sources would soon have its intended effect. No Resources Left The population could measure definitely the term of its existence. The country has practically no resources left. In the waste of desolation in some places, for long stretches, there is not even grass to eat. Outside the immediate neighborhood of the fortified towns and villages no food sup- brance cn the college which would cause the appropriation of $15,000 to be divested from the intention of Congress. Mr. Aulick Palmer, marshal of the Dis- trict, nad a short talk with the Preside , Senator Mills and Representative Hawley introduced a delegation of Texans to the President. Secretary Porter went away from ihe city Saturday and has not returned. It is pot known to what point he has gone. The President signed the act directing the issue ef a check in lieu of a Jost check awn by Bernard R. Green in favor of Frederick MacMonnies. —e-—_____ ASSESSMENT OF TAXES, is The Local System Explained Houne Subcommittee. The assessor of taxes for the District, Mr. Matthew Trimble, appeared before a subcommittee of the House District com- tmaittee, composed of Messrs. Odell, White and Cowherd, today to explain the methods of assessing taxes on property in the Dis- trict of Columbia. In response to a question as to what is the basis of assessment, Mr. Trimble replied that there is nothing in the law which establishes a standard. The rule in former years was to assess the prop- prty at the estimated price it would bring at a forced sale under adverse circun to a stances. Now the board of assessors as-| Plies are raised. Where cultivation has at a rate equivalent to 55 or 60 per | been possible the land has been given over cent of the estimated market value. to sugar and tobacco, without the thought ment and discretion were used in deter ing this. of what was needed for consumption. In two hundred miles I have seen a few fields of boniatoes, or sweet potatoes, pos- sibly a dozen smail fields of corn, and noth- Mr. Trimble said the steam ra axed on their tracks and real 1 stock of corporations, he said, Lot Assessed on the basis of its par | ing else, except cane and tobacco. Even value, but its market value. ~ ™ Mr. Trimble said that since 1894, when | |"® DAnAna Rroves were neglected. Cuba has been getting {ts flour, rice and corn- meal from the United States. For the last three months the free importation of cattle has been permitted. They have been brought from the states, Mexico, Venezue- la and Honduras. Except the oxen used on the plantations, the cattle have been for immediate consumption. There is no sur- plus left. The demand is so great that the cattle are killed immediately on thelr are rival, before they are in fit state. Take the Oxen for Food. If the importation should be stopped by a blockade or otherwise the oxen on the Plantations would serve for food for a short period, then there would be no fresh meat. In traveling around the island I have seen just one flock of sheep. It was a small one. Pigs and poultry were formerly raised by the country people, but since these pacificos have been shut up in the towns pigs and poultry have almost disappeared from the face of the earth. The larger towns and cides are a little better off than the coun- try. They have some salted meats and other provisions stored away, possibly enough to last a fortnight. But a month's isolation would bring famine to Havana, as well as to the smaller cities, The Spanish military authorities know these things, but they are less impressed by them than would be the military au- thorities of any other nation. That the remnant of the country people should be starved would be of little consequence to them. As for the Spanish troops, these are aiready ruined or starved. They could stand it longer than most armies, Their officers never think of the men. When the officers themselves are put on short rations they may be ready to sue for peace. Neglect of the Army. It is not likely the needs of the army in Cuba would heave much influence on the Policy of the Spanish government in the event of war. With the certainty of los- ing the island, they would not be governed by whax might be taking place here. The army in Cuba has been neglected so much that its neglect, in the last and desperate stages of Spain's power, would probably be condermned. The point of all this is sim- ple. With the roughly civilized govern- ment, the conditions in Cuba might be a means of forcing an early conclusion to a war, if one were begun with Spain. Cuba can be starved out in sixty days, but that of itself would not cause Spain to yield. The yielding would have to come through naval defects or through the blockade of Spanish rather than of Cuban ports. It could be further said that of all classes in Cuba the insurgents are the best able to withstand the shutting off of food sup- plies, In the eastern provinces which they the new board of assersors took hold, the assessments upon real estate had ‘been equitable. Assessments on real estate are made once in three years, and he thought that was frequently enough. Mr. Odell read from a list which had been furnished him, showing apparent dis- crepancies between the assessed value of suburban properties and the price asked for the properties. The list was made up in 1898, however, and Mr. Trimble said there had been an assessment since the Moreover, there was a wide difference be- tween the asked price and the selling price of this kind of property. Referring to the tax on perecnal property, Mr. Trimble said that the law was not well administered, owing to lack of the proper machinery. He had recommended the repeal of the personal tax law because it was not ap- plied equitably. Only the middle classes were reached and millions of taxable prop- erty were untouched by the law because the people would not make the returns. The whole law should be repealed. Mr. Trimble said he thought Mr. Odell’s new plan for taxing the capital stock of street railways, which has been reported by the District, was a good one, and the icGea should be extended to all corpora- tions doing business in the District. — PREPARING TO BEGIN WORK. Finishing the Interior of the New City Post Office. Hess & Co., the contractors for the in- terior work of the new city post office, are getting ready to begin work. Samples of the material to be used in the work are being submitted regularly to Mr. Taylor, supervising architect of the treasury, and are being approved by him where they cor- respond to the materials called for in the contract. “We are going to make every effort to have the building ready for occupancy by December 1,” said Mr. Taylor to 2 Star reporter; “and if it can be gotten ready earlier it will please us much.” —_—>+_—_—__. A SUSPECTED FILIBUSTER, The Yacht Nereid Under Surveillance WHI Go on a Penceful Mission. Secret agents of the Spanish legation have been closely watching the speedy steam yacht Nerefd, belonging to Mr. Rich- ard Johnson, for the past few days, under the impression that she was being fitted out for Cuba. A large amount of supplies and many boxes of ammunition were among the stores being put aboard of her. It was ascertained today, however, that the Nereld was not being fitted out for filibus- tering purposes. She will leave her wharf this evening in command of her owner, who will have with him Mr. James M. Green, chief mate; Mr. Charles W. Simpson, boat- swain, and Mr. Henry C. Stewart, jr_, mid- shipman. The party will steam to Curri- tuck sound to slaughter ducks instead of Spaniards, MILLION. INCREASE OF A control the country is under cultivation, and they have also considerable live stock © the Month of | which is grazing on the ranches of the up- February. lands. War which withdraws the Spanish The total customs receipts for the month of February, as shown by today’s figures at the treasury, are $15,040,68%, an increase = nearly a million over last month, and an increase of between three and four mil- lion over February of last year, when the total receipts were $11,587,200. Thé regular statement to be issued to- morrow by the treasury will show a highly satisfactory condition of affairs. The actual surplus for the month, as shown day's is troops to the sea ports would enable them to cultivate a larger area. The insurgent camps in the woods and the hills of the central and western part of the island are {fsirly well supplied with food. The in- surgents in these provinces would suffer hardships from a protracted blockade, but not to the extent that other classes of the Population, including the Spanish troopy, would suffer. Action Should Be Prompt. Should the Island of Cuba be actually occupied by American troops, it is desirable put ‘th fercresenho Sate ae Be Pacific read. 5 z