Evening Star Newspaper, March 1, 1898, Page 1

THE EVENING &8TAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Fernsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th St, by The ae Fo N <b —o The Evening Star Is served to subscribers in the ity by carriers, on their own accouut, at 10 cents per week, o- 44 cents per month. Copies at the cotnter 2 certs each. By mail—anywhere in the United States «r Canada—postage prepaid—50 cenis per month. Saturday Quintuple Sheet St, foreign postnge added. $3.00. «Entered the Po t Office at Washington, D. C.. as sec nd-c ma’l matter.) > All mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. MR. LONG’S OPINIO od $1 per year, with No Official Participation by Spain in Maine Disaster. -- STATEMENT AT THE CABINET MEETING Gained a Wide Circulation and Exaggerated Meaning. - EXPECTS TO GO TO HAVANA shortly after . and said that in 1 participation by Wes practically eliminated. iS statement was avowedly made as an expression of the Secretary's personal opinion. It gained speedy circulation, how- ever, and was elaborated to the point of being an official declaration that the elem- ment of Spanish responsibility for the s no lorger to be consi Leng returned to the When vy Department he was asked as io the Mr. exact nature of this statement. He said it had been rather a casual and passing allu- sion, more in the line of a respense io some purtcous question from the vigilant rep- entatives of the press. He said that he had inten: re ded to say that ther2 was an abatement in the agitation and excitement over the subject. As to s h responsibility, he had said that “any official parti ipation by the Spanish gevernment in the blowing up of the Maine was practically eliminated, in my jucgment.” Mr. Long desired to have it clearly un- ‘stocd that this was an expression of his sdividual judgment, and not any official declaration to be construed as a conclusion drawn from evidence submitted to him. Notwithstanding this explanation, the statzment coming trom such a high source immediately after the session of the cabi- net caused much excitement throughout official circles, and was accepted as a direct de expression of th> administration view of the subject. Later as a means of disposing of all dcubt as to the exact nature of the See- retary’s language, he dictated the follow- ing statement to a Star reporter: “The main thing we talked about in cabi- het were the outrages on the postmasters, one a white man in Georgia and one a colored man in South Carolina. “In regard to the Cuban situation I said I thought things were growing quicier every day, and as far as my judgment went I was Inclined to think that any official Participation on the part of the Spanish govet ent in the disaster was now prac- Ucally eliminated.” Cause Still Unknown, Two weeks ago tonight the battle ship Maine was destroyed in Havana harbor, and in spite of the greatest diligence n the part of the officers charged with an inquiry into the affair the cause of the dis- is rouded in mystery. Few persons acquainted with the formidable obstacles in the way of the operations of divers are surprised at this state of for it is beginning to be reali at upon the testimony of the divers most altogether will depend the success of the inquiry. As for the survivors cf the e on it has not appeared that their tes y has been of substantial value. Meanwhile the partment have re Officials of the Navy De- hed the conclusion that harm is being done by the broaching of theories to account for the explosion. So notice has been served upon the naval ex- perts who have been heard from in tho press that it is preferred that they shail no longer discuss this matter in advance of the report of the court of inquiry. One rea: for this action is the fact that the ¢epartment was finding Itself committed involuntarily to the support of the theory that the explosion was of internal origin, while, as a matter of fact, both Secretary and ant Secretary Roosevelt een at great pains to show that the Gepartment stood entirely neutral as be- tween the theorists and were prepared to accept only the conclusions of the court of inquiry as binding upon it. In consequence of this decision there is less disposition manifested among the naval officers to talk about the Maine affair in any phase than has been the case heretofore. ‘Testimony ave of Experts Wanted. An indication that the court of inquiry is either far from having reached any con- 1 or else is disposed, with a view to ing future eritictsm, to collect all pos- Hence whether it be deemed es- is the cell to their assist- expe: It has already been a matter of comment that with all the ability ised in this court of quiry it has eak spot, namely the lack ef practi- Xperience in its members of the con- struction of a of a line arried snorte This is no part of the officer, so that no reflection the statement. To remedy ings the court -+has called artment t d to their aid a a carpenter, and in com- by e de uctor ‘oO request Secretary Long sVal Constructor Hoover and Helm to report to court at | It is expected that they will o Havana when the court returns there. m their familiarity with the structure upon which both of these men worked when she was bullt in the New . they will be of great as- tance not only in suggesting easy meth- work for the divers, but also in iden- = portions of the wreck. The latter jeration is one of the greatest im- ance view of the statements that have come from Havana to the effect that some of the ship's bottom plates have been fovnd in the debris above water. It Is said at the department that if this is true, the fact will be of importance. But it would not necessarily be conclusive evidence as to the source of the explosion, for it is conceivable that as the deck was blown up it might easily have pulied up with it some of the frames and bottom plating which are rigidly attached by rivets. With- out doubt the two experts will be much better qualified than the line officers or divers to identify any such piece of plate. No Orders to the Vessels. No orders have gone out from ihe depart- ment to the vessels of the squadron today, and the officials stamp as without founda- tion the report that the squadron was yes- terday ordered tc be held in readiness to sail for Havana. Likewise it is said that no selection has yet been made of a cruiser to Froceed to Havana, and it is likely, in case the court of inquiry should desire to make the return trip to Havane in a cruiser, that ° in jc e Fvenin ening Star. No. 14,030. _ WASHINGTON, D. C., TUESDAY, MARCH 1,. 1898-FOURTEEN PAGES. 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- fore stands unequaled and un- approachable. Adm:ral Sicard would be allowed to make his own selection from among the vessels of his feet. No advices have been receivel at either State or Navy Department that warrant the statement that the Spanish officials in Havana have attempted to interpose any obstacles to the prosecution of the work of the wreckers on the Maine’s hull. It is said that the very !ast phase of this matter was sent out in the published dispatch of As- sistant Secretary Day authorizing the Span- ish government to prosecute an independent investigation ty its own divers into the cavse of the loss cf the Maine. The de- partment has not withdrawn that permis- sion. The Cese of the Dauntless. At the Spanish legation no recent advices ave been received from Havana or Madrid concerning the Maine disaster, except the specific information conveyed to Senor Du Bese that no mines or submarine defenses exist in Havana narbor. He has been in- fermed of the arrival et Jacksonville of the al'eged filbustering steamer Dauntless, which is said to have landed a large expedi- tion in Cuba a few days ago. Senor Du Bose called at the State Department today and doubtless called attention to the ar- rival cf the Dauntless at Jacksonville and the evidences of her expeditionary trip. The Spanish authorities are not likely to press the matter, however, as they say they are centent to place such information as they heve at the disposition of the United States authorities and allow tke latter to take such course as they see fit. Moreover, Senor Du Bosc feels that the present condition of affairs in Cuba is such that no serious s can be effected by minor filibuster- ements. In regard to the Dauntless trip, the Spanish officiais consider the evi- dence against her conclusive, and they cite admissions made by Cuban leaders in the ted States as to the success and extent o¢ the expedition. At the same time it is recogaized that there Is a wide difference between the moral certainty of culpability, and the legal certainty requisite for a con- viction before a court and jury in Florida, where a prosecution egainst the Dauntless would have to be begun. Report of Time Limit Denicd. Concerning the published report that the limitation of time suggested by the United States to Spain for the pacification of Cuba expired today, March 1, and that the Span- ish government was now earnestly negoti- ating at Washington to secure a two months’ extension of the time, an official whose position would make him perfect familiar with such matters made the fol- lowing emphatic statement: “The report is absolutely false in ever particular. No time limit expires today or at any other specified date, and for that reason there are no negotiations in progr or contemplated for a two months’ extension or for any other extension. report is an invention throughout.” Recent negotiations between the United States and Spain have been confined to the proposed commercial arrangements be- tween this country and Spain and also be- tween this country and Cuba. These n gotiations were carried well along by Min- ister Woodford and Senor Polo y Bernabe, the new minister of Spain.. The latter left Gibraltar yesterday, and it is understood that he has with him drafts of the new arrangements with Spain. There will be two distinct arrangements—one between the United States and Spain concerning their commercial exchanges, and the other re- lating exclusively to the trade between Cuba and the United States. Under the au- tonomois plan granted to Cuba the Span- ish government has given the Cubans the right to frame their own tariff arrange- ments with the United States, subject to the approval of the imperial government. Uuder this authority the autonomous cab- ioner to come to the agreement. He is expected about the time that the new Spanish minister arrives, so that the ne- gotiations of both agreements will proceed together. As the United States cannot deal directly with Cuba, owing to her colonial status, the commercial agreement will nom- inally be between tne United States and Spain, although the terms will be made by the Cuban autonomists and their comm! sioner. It will be under the reciprocity clause of the Dingiey tariff act, which per- mits a twenty per cent reduction of duty in exchange for concessions to the United States. The reductions affecting Cuba would be mainly those on raw sugar, while the equivalents for the United States would be mainly flour, breadstuffs, manufactured goods and machinery. ex The False Report of Stolen Plans, Engineer officers at the War Department were much amused today over a report from St. Augustine, Fla., of an alleged at- tempt of Spanish spies to steal plans and specifications of fortifications at Key West and other places in Florida, supposed to be in the possession of Colonel H. H. Ben- guard of the Engineer Corps. According to the newspaper story Colonel Benguard had just concluded a visit to the War De- partment and had arrived at St. Augus- tine, Fla., with a large trunk containing papers of the greatest importance, includ- ing plans of the new fortifications at Key West. This trunk, it is said, was taken to his office Saturday night and securely lock- ; ed up. The army officer had taken the pre- caution, however, to remove its contents and take them with him to his hotel. The next day, it is alleged, the trunk was found broken open and its contents scattered #round the room in an apparent effort to nd the plans of the fortifications. Sus- picion pointed to two men supposed to be Spanish spies, who had been seen in that vieinity for several days. At the War Department it is said Colonel Benguard had been relieved of the charge of fortification works at Key West and had undoubtedly turned over all the papers relating to that place. Not having heard from Colonel Benguard one way or the other the officials here have no means of knowing whether his trunk was broken into or not, but they are satisfied that if it had been no papers relating to the forti- fications or coast defenses of Florida would have been found. ust Lie on Alien Soil. Senator Fairbanks requested the Secreta- ry of State to obtain permission, if possible, for the exhumation and removal of the bedy of young Keyes, one of the victims of the Maine disaster, who was buried at Ha- vana. Consul General Lee was instructed | to make an effort to secure the desired per- mission. His report on the application is important, inasmuch as it applies to the cases of all the Maine dead buried at Ha- vana. It is as follows: - “Most bodies buried some weeks ago un- recognizable. Against Spanish law to ex- hume until expiration of five years. Neith- er steamers nor authorities permit shipment of bodies unless at once embalmed and in metallic cases. Cost of embalming and In- casing from $600 to $800 each.” 2 Detroit Goes to Tortugas. ‘The Navy Department is informed that tte cruiser Detroit left Key West yesterday for Tortugas, to join the fieet. STREET RAILROADS —— Question at Issue Between the Met- ropolitan and Brightwood. MR. WILSON 10 THE COMMISSIONERS Interesting Comment on His State- ment by Mr. Williams. CITY AND URBAN ROADS a At the hearing before the District Com- missioners yesterday in regard to the bill providing for extensions of the system of the Metropolitan Railroad Company in the northern suburbs, Mr. Nathaniel Wiison, th2 representative of the company at the hearing, made a statement which attraci- ed some attention. He had stated thit the efforts made by the Metropolitan company to extend its line along U street from 9th to 7th, and thence to its car hovse on the 7th street road, where it is proposed to build a loop, were stayed by an injunction by the Capital Traction company. He then sald his company is ready to continue its tracks from 9th street out the 7th street road, if the Capital Traction company will agre to allow the Metropolitan company to use both the northern and southern tracks of its U street branch from 9th to 7th street. He said the Capital Traction com- pany now allows his company ‘v use one of these tracks. r. Dunlop, the president of the Capital Traction company, who was present, in re- sponse to this, said there was an agree- ment between the two companies which al- lows the Metropolitan company to use both tracks, providing it does not use any ma- chinery which will prevent the operation of the cars of the U street branch of the Capital Traction company over the same tracks. Mr. Wilson then said, terday’s Star, “If that is so, the Metropoli- 1 provide for the use of both tracks, extend its line out 7th street to its prop- erty and make the proposed loop at the very earliest date practicable.’ Brightwood Company Profect- The management of the Brightwoo1 Rai road Company has been attempting reporied in y2s- ay some time, as shown in the correspondence recently placed before the House District committee, to induce the Metropolitan Rail- road Company to comply with the act of 2. August 2, 1894, which authorizes and re- that company to enter into recipro- ckage arrangements with connect- ing roads, and this provision is made to apply to every street railway company whose lines conrect or whose lines may hereafter ccnnect with the lines of any other street railroad company. Owing, however, as Mr. Charles P. Will- iams, the treasurer and general manager of the Brightwood company, pointed out In the correspondence, to the failure of the Metropolitan company to continue its tracks from 9th street east along U street ard theace up the 7th street road to the property of the company, it is not a con- necting line with the Brightwood company, and so, he asserted, in this way the com- pany evaded the law of Congress. In order to provide a remedy, as alleged, a bill was introduced recently in the House of Representatives, reciting the provision of law above referred to and the failure of the Metropolitan company to equip and operate that portion of {ts line, as stated, and requiring, in the eveni the Metropo!- ifan company does not, within ninety day: from the approval of the act, “complete line in all respects, as required by the s end section of the act of August 2, 1894, said company shall forfeit and pay to the District of Columbia the sum of $100 for each and every day aficr the expiration of the said ninety days that it shall fail to have its line of cars equipped and in oper: tion from the intersection of Florida ave- nue and 9th street northwest, easterly to 7th street west, and thence northerly along 7th street to a point upon that street where its line of road was laid and operated on the 2d day of August, 1894,” The bill further provides, in case the Metropolitan railroad does not bulld this connecting Ink, the Brightwood Railway Company shall be emp6wered to do it and also to recover from the Metropolitan com- pany the cost of the work. Mr. Williams’ Views. Mr. Williams was asked this morning by a Star reporter what he thought of the statement made by Mr. Wilson yesterday. In reply Mr. Williams said: “The agreement between the Traction Company and the Metropolitan Company, referred to in the hearing yesterday, is understood to be in substance as follows: The Metropolitan Company under the terms of that agreement, was to install its sys- tem on the south track of the Traction Company’s line on U_ street between 7th and 9th streets, and if the same should be operated successfully in ¢cnjunction with the system in use on the U street branch by the Traction Company the Metropolitan Company should be al- lowed to continue and complete its tracks around on the 7th street road to its car house, and also to re-equip the north track on U street. “That this system has proved to be a practical success is demonstrated by the fact that the Metropolitan Company has been operating a car in conjunction with the Traction Company's system on U street Letween ith adhd 9th streets for over two years, and the further fact that the Trac- tion Company has adopted the system now in use by the Metropolitan Company and Froposes to re-equip its U street line with that system. “Under these conditions there is no reason why the Metropolitan company should not complete its chartered requirements and extend its lines to the car shops on 7th street except an unwillingness to do s0. “Mr. Wilson’s statement made before the Commissioners at the hearing yesterday, that the Metropolitan company would make this extension at the earliest practical day, was evidently made for the purpose of in- fluencing the action the Commissioners might take in relation to the approval of the pending bill, and with the hope that th Commissioners, in view of Mr. Wilson statement, would report any further legis- lation is unnecessary. If this is the pur- pose of the Metropolitan company, and if no further action by Congress is taken, then the Metropolitan could continue to maintain its present position and not com- ply with the present law, alleging, as they now do, that the injunction of the Capital Traction Company, which has never been answered in court by the Metropolitan com- pany, stands In the way.” The Trackage Arrangements. As stated above, the law providing for trackage arrangements between connecting roads is one that applies to every street railroad line thus situated in the city. In the event, however, that trackage arrange- ments are made between the Metropolitan and the Brightwood roads, as would seem to b2 indicated by Mr. Wilson's statement, it will be the first instance under that law. ‘The law of 1804 simply provides that the schedule and compensation for such track- age arrangements shall be mutually agreed upon by the railroad companies. In the law r2ferred to above to compel the Metro- politan company to complete the buflding of its line along U street and out 7th street, it is also stipulated that the Bright- Piny, the Brightwood company shall pay three cents per car-mile for each and every car. The Metropolitan road is also author- ized to run its cars over the Brightwood road at the same price per ear-mile. Mr. Crosby's Plan. Mr. O. T. Crosby, the president of the Georgetown and Tenleytown railroad, with which road the Metropolitan also connects, has given the subject of trackage arrange- ments considerable thought, and his id2a is to have certain cars from the city lines, for example, continue out the connecting suburban lines, so that passengers would not be compelled to make a change. The system of fares might remain the same, and either two fares be charged, or else adopt the plan now in vogue ‘of selling feur tick2ts for a quarter, good over the suburban line and fhe connecting city lines. His idea is to charge so much for the time the cars are on the tracks of the con- necting company. He said the arrange- ment would be very similar to that which th> Baltimore and Ohio railroad makes with connecting ‘lines on its Washington and New York branch. In that case, he said, by an agreement between the com- panics, passengers board a car in this city and are not obliged to lzave it until they reach their destination in New York. in the same way, certain cars running over the Metropolitan line could be continued out the suburban roads, thus giving the advantag> of a continuous ride. He said such a system would increase the busin: of both roads, as with improved factlitic of communication between the city and the suburbs there would naturally be a &rcwth in the suburban population. THE ENOCH PRATT BEQUEST Bill to Accept Now Before Gov. Lowndes to Sign. Heirs of Pratt Estate Urge the Gover- nor to Veto the Measure. Special Dispatch to The STATE HOUSE, March 1.—Gov. today to the a Star. ANNAPOLIS, Md., Lowndes gave a hearing orneys for the trustees of the Sheppard Asylum and the Pratt heirs on the bili recently passed by the assembly to ailow the trustees to change the name of the institution to the Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital to qualify for the $1,500,000 bequest of the late Enoch Pratt. Mr. W. Orvine Cross, who repr sented the heirs, declared that the enact- ment of the bill would establish a bad pre- cedent, and no trust or bequest would be safe. No action would have been taken had the amount involved been insigniti- cent. Ics enactment, he asserted, would violate every honorable tradition and pre- cedent, and he appealed to the governor to veto it. Mr. Whyte for the Trustees. Ex-Goy, Whyte résponded for the trus- tees. He outlined the use of the veto power in Maryland, which, he said, was given only to check hasty and partie} action by the assembly, and was clearly inapplica- ble in this instance. The , assembly, he said, was merely asked to change the title of a corporation, and not its ‘character, which they had a perfect right to do. He denounced the Pratt heirs, whom he de. clared had been liberally provided for Mr. Pratt for trying to ‘“cluth” money de- signed for the amelioration of the indigent insane, and he sought the executive to sign the bill and let the courts pass on its le- gality 1f the heirs were disposed to resort to law. The action of the legislature, he declared, was not hasty, and the vote by which it passed the house—65 to 20—after prolonged discusssion, did not warrant ex- ecutive interference. Mr. Abner McKinley, who has been ac- tively engaged in opposing the measure, is in Annapolis and has appealed to the gov- ernor to veto it. A great deal of pressure for and against the bill is being broug to bear upon the executive, and its opponents have strong hopes of a veto. For Bi-Partisan Police Beard. Senator Crothers introduced a bill to cre- ate a bi-partisan police board for Baltimore city today, and moved that the rules be suspended and the bill put on {ts second reading.. The motion was lost by a vote of 15 to 10, three republicans, Senators Gray of Charles, Day of Howard and Rayens- croft of Garrett, voting for the motion. Delegate Quinlan introduced a memorial drawn up at the recent citizens’ meeting in Baltimore, asking that the legislature ap- Propriate $100,000 annually for Johns Hop- kins University. The assembly will prob- ably grant the bequest. Ex-Controller Robt. P. Graham, was elect- ed tax commissioner today in place of Thos. J. Keating, resigned. 4 > SUPPOSED LYNCHER ACQUITTED. Evidence Shows Victims Broke Jail and Hung Themselves. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., March 1.—A spe- cial to the News from Diilsboro’, Ind., says: Justice Craig at Cross Plains this morn- ing rendered a@ verdict acquitting Hez Hughes, who was charged in an affidavit filed by Gov. Mount with complicity in the Versailles lynching. Attorney General Ketcham 1s en route for Indiatapolis. In an interview he stated that, “it 1s evident from all the evidence obtainable that the five men broke jail and hung themselves.” oS ae OVERWHELMING TESTIMONY. The Trial of Wilkins and Butler for Oleomargarine Frauds. PHILADELPHIA, Pa., March 1.—Joseph Wilkins and Howard Butter, both of Wash- ington, D. C., wholesale and retail dealers in oleomargarine, were brought up for trial in the United States distrigt court today, charged with fraudulently remoying labels from packages of oleomatgaf Judge Jeremiah Wilson of Washington was coun- sel for the defendants. The principal witness for the government was W. H. Bowen, special agent of the United States {ntermal reve- nue bureau. Mr. Bowen testified to having seen the defei te remov- ing stamps and brands fro1 xen and tubs containing oleomargarine in thig city. Mr. Bowen said that when the fengants were discovered they had alr red the stamps from 311 boxes and tubs, and were working on nine other boxes, representing in all 7,880 pounds. Other witnesses were called by the government, who-carroborated Mr. Bowen's testimony,. ——=_+—/ WHO IS TO PA¥ THE, BILL? Virginia Legislaters in & Over Mr. Bailey’s Special Dispatch to The Fwening Star. RICHMOND, Va., bers of the legislat mental tn invicing Co: FOR THE MAINE MEN Bronze Memorial Tablet to Be Erected in the Capitol. SENATOR PERKINS ELOQUENT TRIBUTE Dead Were Defenders of the Na- tional Honor. LOUD BILL IN THE HOUSE y Tite Shortly after the Senate convened today Mr. Perkins (Cal.) of the committee on na- val affairs presented a favorable report upon Mr. Bacon’s resolution providing for the erection in statuary hall of the Capitol @ bronze memorial tablet commemora- tive of the officers and sailors who lost their lives in the Maine disaster in Havana harbor. Senator Perkins’ Tribute. In the course of his report upon the res- olution Mr. Perkins said: “It is fitting at all times for a nation to recognize the hero- ism of those who have ided up their lives in its service. In this respect no na- tioh is ‘more generous than ours. It has stood, and still stands, ready to show its appreciation of bravery ard devotion to duty. It cares for its helpless veterans who battled on Jand and sea; it strives to mitigate the hardships impesed on those who were grievously wounded while fight- ing for the flag, and as far as possible it seeks to aid the nd orphans of our des rs and sailors, But it is not in battle alone that heroic qualities are shown; neither is jt only in time of war. Death in the performance of le peac> rei 3 Well as while nflict rages. But whether in war or in peace, the soldier and the sailor stand ¥ to give their lives in the per- formance of duty, and when they so die s and deserve well of sneath the flag by his very sence 2d his w lirgness to dic for dete of the na- tion and the mai e of the nation honor. He was ever ready to go wh called, whether to brave tempe scaS or to return shot for shot ccuntry’s enemies. When death tuows ith came in the awful shap2 it took in the harbor of Havana, the 4 fi dare no less heroes than ten before hostile guns. The jown the heroic mold in which ali were cast. If it wer2 ever fitting to recognize the devotion to the country of brave men, it is now fitting to erect a if they ving have let in memory of those who lost their lives in the destruction of tha Mair Ever the Pride of the Nation. “The sailors of the navy have ever been the pride of the nation, their heroism has been recognized throughout th: world and their deeds have brought ferth prais from all chivalrous peoples. What the sailors of the old and glorious fleets of the United States have b2en, that are the sail- ors of the new navy of cur country. The great disaster at Havana has shown that there exists the indomitable courage which heretofore has made our fle2ts victeriou and which js assurance that victory will stilt fellow our flag upon the seas. The first heroes of vir new nav hould be £ recognition by this government which a generous p-ople is cnly too anx- shall be given. Owing to the position United States, the de t foreign attack must alw to the men of our na fleets are strong and our m so shall we compel and pect among the nations which is ry to national presperity as the respect of his fellow is to the prosperity of th2 individual. It was the reali mainly our brave, that re: n are maintain as nec ation of this fact which led the English people to erect in St. Paul's a bronze tablet_to the memory of the sailors who, in 1782, at Spithead, lost their lives in the capsizing of the. Royal George. The dead were the defenders of the na- tional honor, ready at all times to die for their country and did die with their ship. So it was in the more awful circumstances attending the destruction of our own battle ship in Havana harbor. England has 2l- ways safely relied on the ng and loyal hearts of its sailors. So has our country always relied on the strength, loyalty and devotion of our own sailors, and its reliance has always been and always will be justi- fied. It is, therefore, fitting that recogni- tion should be given to men possessing those great qualities which make a navy a nation’s bulwark, and your committee rec- ommends that the resolution be adopted.” Mr. Morrill (Vt.) suggested that Statuary Hall was scarcely a proper place to erect the tablet, and Mr. Hoar (Mass.) thought some other place for it might better be desiguated. The resolution was so amended as to pro- vide for the erection of the tablet at some suitable place in the Capitol. As amended the resolution was adopted. The Bankruptcy Bill. Mr. Hoar then renewed his motion of yes- terday that the Senate disagree to the House amendments to the bankruptcy bill, and that a committee of conference be ap- pointed. Mr. Stewart (Nev.) sald he was opposed to an involuntary bankruptcy bill at such a time as this, and he wished, before the measure wag sent to conference, to present some information upon the subject that would be valuable to the conferees. The House bill assumes, Mr. Stewart began, “that any man who cannot pay his debts is a criminal. “It is the most atrocious bill that could be framed in the present condition of tne country.” Mr. Hoar eaid he thought the Senate con- ferees might be trusted properiy to repre- sent the Senate on this bill, and he appealed to Mr. Stewart to permit the measure io go to conference without further debate. “No appeal to me need be made in behalf of this diabolical bill,” exclaimed Mr. Stew- art. “I propose to discuss this matter fuliy in crder that not only the conferees, but the country, may know what this Diil means.” HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Rev. James J. Dolliver, the father of Rep- resentative Dolliver of Iowa, delivered the invocation in the House of Representatives today. On motion of Mr. Hill (Conn.), a bill was passed to authorize the admission free of duty of a set of bells, presented by the Czar of Russia to the Orthodox Russian Catholic Church of Bridgeport, Conn. ‘The House then entered upon the special order, which set apart today, tomorrow and Thuraday for the consideration of the Loud bill relating to seccnd-class mail maiter. The bill is identical with that which pass- ei the House about a year ago. It excludes from classification as second-class matter, which pays postage at the rate of 1 cent per pound, books and reprints of books printed in serial form, “sample copies’ of newspapers or periodicals, unsold copies returned from agents and all publications per pound. Second-class mail matter, by the bill, is restricted to newspapers and 1s jesued at least four times a year a lent’ or fraternal organiations, "trades Jent or fraternal tions, Moet C6. OFSSER RENINE Seeman ae not less than 1,000. All publishers whose publications are admitted as second-class mail matter are required by the bill pefore deposiiing such mail matter in the post office to separace it into United States mail sacks or bundles, ‘states, cities, (owns and counties, as the Postmaster General may direct. Mr. Loud, chairman of the post office committee, who had charge of the bill, ex- plained before the debate opened that t committee would offer an amendment at the proper time to allow the transmission of sample copies by newspapers and pe- Tiodicals not in excess of 10 per cent of their bona fide circulation. He yielded be- fore taking the floor to Mr. Hinriclsen ai.), who presented some resolutions adopted by the Illinois Press Association indorsing the bill, with the amendment of which Mr. Loud had given notice. He read a letier from Mr. Day of the National Edi- torial A: ation, Which declared that with this amendment the bill would work no hardship to the newspapers, and met with the approval of the press associations cf Mlinois, Indiana and Michigan. Mr. Loud then took the floor, and sub- mitted a general argument in favor of the bill, dwelling particularly upon the vast saving the bill would effect The deficiency in the postal revenues was stea ily increasing. In_ 189 $.000,000; last year it was $ 000; this year it would be a million and a half more—all be- case it cost the government $43,101,000 to trersmit second-class matter of the coun- try, which yielded to the government a revenue of but £3,0k,000. He charged that much of the opposition to this measu the country press publishing houses ill-founded in fact. —_—_+e+—_____ DISTRICT IN CONGRE! of New York, and was Proposed Studio for Artists in the Zoological Park. Mr. Gallinger gave notice in the Senate teday of an amendment he would propose te the sundry civil appropriation bill, ap- propriating $5,000 for the construction of a studio for artists, to be buiit under the di- rection of the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and the superintendent of the Zcological Park In the park. Accompany- ing the amendment is a letter frem Secre- ry Langley from the Smithsonian Insti- tution, in which he says: “Iam fully aware of the importance cf such a building for the development cof American art and for the scientific study nimal forms. It would be entirely con- nt with the principles upon which the i was established, !t being stated in the anie act that it is for the advancement ef science and for the instruction and re- creation of the people.” Mr. Teller iatroduced a joint resolution in the Senate today granting permission to | the Scottish Rite for the erection of a mon- ument or statu: Pike in this city. to the memory of Albert Mr. Teller also introduced a resolution, which was ado) providing that the Ccmmiss e District ef Columbia i inferm the been expended an been ineu compe enate what mone what red in respect Ss have liabilities have to the fees and and land: making of surveys aps in the execution of the highway act., a IDENTIAL NOMINATIONS, Several Promotions Made in the Army. The President today sent these nomina- tions to the Senate: War—Lient. Col. Wm. J. Volkmar, assist- ant adjutant general, to be colonel and as- sistant ad nt general; Major Arthur L. Wagner, assistant adjutant general, be lieutenant colonel and assistant adjutant general; Captain Geo. Andrews, 25th In- fantry, to be major and assistant adjutant general. interlor—To be Wm. A. Merrill registers of land office: of Colorado, at Lamar, Col.; John J. Boles of Oklahoma, at Guth- rie, O! and Wallace M. Moore, post- master at Mount Vernon, lowa. . puts eee NOT SEND RELIEF. WILL The War Department Gives Up the Kiondike Relief Expedition. The War Depariment has decided to abandon its expedition for the relief of the miners in the Klondike country because the conclusion has been reached that 1.0 necessity exists for it. Secretary Alger has writien a letter to Senator Hawley, chairman of the Senate commitiee on muil- itary affairs, explaining the department's position and asking that Congress take action by joint resolution authorizing the department to dispese of the supplies pur- chased for the expedition, including the Which have just arrived from Norway, dnd to abandon the project ex tirely. In_his letter Secretary Alger says the conditions on the Yukon have changed £0 as to render the expedition unnecessary, and that Gen. Miles and Gen. Merriam both agree with him. He is aiso advised to this effect by the Canadian minister of the in- terior. Later advices than those received last December, when the expedition was decided upon, indicate, he says, that the miners are in no danger of suffering, an: he thinks that the great crowds of pros- pectors now going in over Dyea pass will carry sufficient provisions to divide with the miners in case they need assistance. Secretary Alger expresses the opinion that the reindeer can be sold at a price sufficient to reimburse the government for their cost. He says he has been offered $100 each for 100 of them. This amount is above the cost price. He also states that the Interior Department is anxious to take charge of the animals. He also asks ror authority to sell the supplies purchased for the expedition. The military committee met today, but Gid not act upon the request. ——_—__-e LOCAL TELEPHONE RATES. Investigation by the Two Congres- = stonal Committees. Arrangements have been made by the Senate District committee by which the investigation of the telephone service in the District to determine what ought to be fair rates will be carried’on. A resolu- tion to this effect, similar to the one adopted by the House of Representatives a short time ago, was laid befure the Sen- ate yesterday afternoon by Mr. Allison and passed. Senator McMillan, chairman of th> District committee, has appointed Senators Gallinger, Proctor and Faulkner a subcom- mittee for the inyestigation. As a similar investigation is being carried on by a House committee arrangem:nts will be made so that testimony taken before each committee can be used by the other one without duplicating such testimony. As Senator Proctor is at Havana and S>nator Gallirger will be away from the city for some days the work of tnis subcommittee cannot begin at once, but as the House committee's testimony will be available for its use, it is thought that a beginning the investigation material disadvantage. Disappointment was felt and expressed by the advocates of cheaper telephone rates and cf a prompt investigation and favor- able action upon the telephone amendment to the appropriations bill that an investi- gating subcommittee should be created one ‘of whose three members is slready in Ha- | eee OEEE——E ANXIETY AT MADRID ete Me ae Spanish Officials Fear Result of the Maine Inquiry. COURT RESUMES WORK AT KEY WEST Rumor That Members Will Return to Havana on Gunboat. —— ONE MORE BODY RECOV RED MADRID, March 1.—Gieater anxicty ts visible here in regard to the verdict of the Unitce States Laval court of inquiry into the joss of the battle ship Maine than Was apparent a week ago, The constant rumors of possible hostilities are harassing and weakening the government, and they are also trying the patience of the pubile. The “Jingo papers” publish exhaustive Gspatches from New York and Washing. ton to the effect that the relations between the United States and Spain are hourly becoming more strained, and attributing td President McKinley a series of anti-Span- ish declarations. Admiral Bermejo, the minister of maring is actively seeking the best means to proe cure additional warships. The premier, Sencr Sagasta, 1s quoted én an interview as saying that he expect# very satisfactory news from Cuba before April. In the course of the same interview Senor Sagasia said. “In view of the increase in the price of grain in Spain the government has de- cided to reduce the import duties A decree on this subject is momentarily expected. A’ meeting of the cabinet has been ar- ranged for tomorrow. It is believed that this step was taken owing to the recelpt of more reassuring news from the ted to | States. The Court of Inquiry. KEY WEST, Fla., March 1.—The secon@ day’s sessicn here of the United States court of inquiry into the joss of the battle ship Maine in the karbor of Havana on February 15 began in the United States district court house shortly after 10 o'clock this morning. Most of the who amined yesterday been ine P ne fz . and adeis of the lost war- ere all on hand, though it is reported that they will not be re-examined until the court returns from its second vis Ma- Groups of enlisted men also gath- ered about the court room door, awaiting their turn to be examined A high naval official said today: “Per- haps the court of inquiry may return to Havana on board the cruiser Marblehead or on board the Nashville, insiead ef the coast survey boat Bache. would be specially sultabie. or Thursday morning, b: Witnesses Correct Their Evidence. A good pact of the time of the court to- devoted to verifying the testimony viously given, the stenographers read- g their 0 transeripts of the evidence The Marblehead She has a re- ging all the nd the witnesses confirming their correc- arently but few vital questions were the morning being seemingly de- © routixe work. lowing the custom at th sessions of the court, all the witr swern not to reveal any part vious evedi of the court. The st survey steamer e will re- tern_ he from Havana tomorrow night or Thursday m g bringing all the Maine's unburied d and the wounded men who have be in the hospi at Havana. The wounded will be jeft at Tcrtugas for about five days in the ai and four wounded men who were antine, left at the Tortugas on Saturday last will be brought on here. ‘aptain Sigsbee reported last night that t only one unidentified body was ready shipment, but it is expected that more will be recovered from the seve wreck before the Bache is ready to sail, Funeral services over the remains will pr y be held on Thursday and the inierment will take place in the city cemetery. Sicard Wants Private Fonern Admiral Sicard is credited with the 4 tention of having the funeral as priv possible, but it is considered doubitul whether his wishes on the subject will be by the residents here, who are ager to pay a tribute ect to the Maine's dead. It is po at the vena and another of whom is on his wa: ther2. The subcomm#tee is crizicissd as being so constituted 2= co promise quick in- vestigation of the cause of tic Maine dis- aster, if that duty were assigned to it, but to render absolutely unavoidable a long de- lay in investigating telephone conditions in Washington. SINGAPORE, Straits Settlements, March amine Cees bee a and Gefion, urder command of Henry of See ee ea ae oe funeral may be made the occasion for an attempied Cuban demonstration. PREPARE TO RECEIVE VIZCAYA. Spaniards in Cuba Expect the War- sbip to Arrive Today. HAVANA, March 1.—There is breeze blowing today and active tions continue for the publi accorded to ike Spanish erui which, the Spaniards hope, will arrive today trom New York. Senator Prector, after his visit to Captain General Blanco today, will make arrange- a prey ere menis to take a trip to the provinces, prob- ably going west to Pinar dei Rio. He will accompany Mr. Elwell, Miss Clara Barion’s business manager. The steamer Montevideo lett Havana for Barcelona last evening with about 500 sol- diers on board, some invalided and others whose lime of service had expired. There is no word from the divers far today of any work of importance. WEYLER BOUGHT DYNAMITE. thus Six Tons of It Shipped to Cuba Cludad Conda. ST. LOUIS, Mo., March 1.—A story is in creulation here to the effect that six tons of dynamite were sent to Cuba for the use of Spaniards in mining Havana harbor. It is said that an agent of Gen. Weyler landed in New York in November, 18%, to purchese dynamite with which the harbor wes to be mined, but owing to the vigilance of the Cuban junta in that city he coul not secure the explosive without it bei kiown. He therefore came to St. Loui where he was successful in purchasing six tens, which was shipped to New York and thence to Havana November 23 on the steamship Ciudad Conda, and that it w consigned to Weyler. It is the general ‘Wanted to purchase more, but ¢id not be- lieve that it would be safe to ship a larger quantity. The quentity sent was enough to mine the harbor. The heads of~the different firms in St. Leuis dealing m dynamite were seen, but with cne exception an emphatic denial was made that they had shipped dynamite to Cuba knowingly. The one exception was Manager Harper of the Laflin-Rand Com- pory. He would neither deny nor affirm the story. In fact, ne positively refused to be interviewed on the subjeci. The firms say it would have becn com- perative’y easy for any man to purcbase the explosive without stating that it was for the mish in Havana or fer Gen. Weyler. could have assigned some other reason for its purchase. FRENCH COMMENT ON CUBA, The Temps Says Island is Tempting Royal Morsel. PARIS, Merch 1.—The French newspa- pers generally do full justice to the atti