Evening Star Newspaper, March 8, 1898, Page 2

THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1898-12 PAGES, to make proper prepa the national honor, nothing moze. is not a war appropriation,” said he emphatically “Il say that in my judz- ment, measuring my words, it is a peace measure. (Great applause.) The gov- ernment of the United States would not, if it could, trench upon the rights of any ration on cart (Renewed applause.) Not a Party Question. Mr. Sayers of Texas, the ranking mem- ber of minority, followed Mr. Cannon. His first siatement, to the effect that in the presence of possible danger this ap- propriation had met with the hearty and unanimous indorsement of the appropria- tion committee, without regard to party, aroused the House to enthusiasm. He, too, declared that it could not be construed as a threat. It was simply a wise and patriotic precaution—the arming of the executive with power to maintain our dignity after Congress adjourned. Sayers e: veted Mr. d confidence that the money puld be wisely and economically ced and closed amid great applause saying that ne for one would be found giving honest and sincere support to the president in his efforts to support the honor and dignity of the American na- tion. No Discordant Note. Mr. Dockery (Mo.) began by saying that the hour for action had arrived and the American people must face an important emergency—an emergency in: which no American citizen could falter or hesitate as to h At such a time, he said, party lines should fade away and the country <hould act as one man. ‘The American people had inherited the price- less boon of freedom from their ancestors and there would be heard no discordant note in response to the present demand. Democratic Support Pledged. Mr. Livingston (Ga’) supported the meas- ure in a vigorous spe>ch. He said he took this position becaure he believed that an emergerey existed, but he cont>nded that if the admiaistration had acted as it should have done twelve months ago in deciaring a state of belligerency, the pr2sent occasion for voting emergency money would have been avoidet. However, the democrats who had clam- ored for action in th would not now put 4 les in the . They would vote Or ndred millions, if neces- sary, asking only that the President should meve premptly and steactly in his efforts to protect American honor and dignity. Mr. Allen Drops Humor. Mr. Allen (Miss.) was next recognized amid general expectancy. He began by saying that “on account of his well-known military fame, 1t was natural that the should expect to hear him at this emergency.” H> did not make a eech, but a patriotic one. he began, “to say for the peo- ent, and for the south>rn sec- - of nity and the general weifare of the to say nothing of fair play and of the south, he continued, ning more. They are not jin- tremists, but y are facing tly, asking sand and respected. They anybody, and are not action, but they are ready any draft, whether for men or to keep the flag afloat. ‘The Most Important Occasion. M rk.) followed in similar » occasion was the mos' The entury. could as an © ney meas- t deserved the support ef re should be but one senti- ment im the entire country. If necessary to protect our honor or dignity he was willing to increase the appropriation any extent neces: for the fiag which streamed over the ‘ol was his flag and the flag of his people and it must be kept there. Relieved It Meant Peace. Bell (Col.) spoke earnestly for the ‘There were, ne said, now no pop- ulists, no republicans and no democrats, but all were American citizens. There was no time to dwell tpon what might have been, but it was enough to know that the time had come when the government need- ed suppors As for himself he did not be- lieve that the passage of the bill meant war, but rather peace; but be that as it may the money might be necessary for the defens= of the country, and in the face of such a call he knew neither party nor section. He hoped there would be no dis- sent in the House, and as for himself he was willing to give the President the wid- est discretion, believing ine would use it th safety. Not a War Measure. Mr. Northway (Ohio) declared that he ¢id not consider the bill a war measure, but rather as one calculated to preserve and secure peace. At the same time, he said, we all know full well that there is a wo Mr. bil. spirit of war abroad, and our relations with other countries appear to render this step necessary. The appropriation was advisable beeause it carries with it ‘This was a large to place e Pres! hands, but he had no doubt of its wise and patrictic disposal. He was pleased to see that the members were speaking not as partisans, but as patriots. bringing to his mind “Breathes there a n with soul so dead, Who t« himself hath never said Thi is my own, my native lanc hoped that not a doilar of the appro- ould be used, but if necessary ling to vote millions more. To Maintain Our Position. ney (N. J.), also a member of the . also argued that was not a war measure. This was a nation of peace, but if a sure and lasting Peace could not be compelled by honorable effort was notice to the world that we tain our position. A quarrel r be sought nor submitted to Iz ity. The hot- . so that if mes for could fur- - world an object lesson of con- servatism. Mr. Boutelle’s Statement. Mr. Boutelle (Me.), chairman of the com- mittee on naval affairs, said that while no argument was necessary on this measure, he desired to say that he had been in- structed by his committee to express the hearty indorsement of that committee. His only regret, he said, was that this appro- priation was not allowed to stand abso- lutely alone as a proclamation to our country and to the world that Congress stood ready to vote millions to arm the €xecutive to uphold the dignity of the flag. He had personally, he said, assumed t responsibility of conveying to the Presi- dent from day to day the assurance that in his judgment Congress would uphold him, and the moment it might be required would vote any sum of money necessary to sustain him. Hoped for Peace. Hopkins (IL), after stating his Mr. Sreat contidence in the President, express- ed the hope that there would be no war. Thirty years of peace, he said, had not bloodshed of it all no tongue could describe, no pen could portray. We did not want its horrors re- peated. “Let us give to the President,” satd he, “the power and funds he asks, trusting to bim to maintain our honor and dignity, but let us pray that war will not overspread the horizon. We are too powerful to play the bully, too Christian to want only to engage in war. My heart goes out to the struggling patriots in Cuba. I will hail the day when they achieve their independence, but the eyes of the world are upon us, and let us do nothing that may come home to plague us in that nature. Let us not be historic. Let us show the world that mo.i- eration and firmness are more than bustle and bravado; that a wise conservatism will do more than jingoism to obtain the inde- pendence of Cube.” “Milloms for Defense.” Mr. Cooper (Tex.), in a speech of two minutes, recalled the eloquent words, “Mil- s to main- | lions for defense, but not a cent for ut Our coust was exposed, he said, trom Maine to the Rio Grange, and in the face of war it was the duty of all, without re- gard to party, to support any measure for the national defense. “The aspirations of my soul,” he con- ed, “are that war may be averted, but ould it come, I say to you on behalf of mygyeloved Texans that they will rush to the ion’s defense as cheerfully as ever maiden marched to the marriage altar, and will die as they died at the Alamo, with the scars upon their foreheads and their faces to the foe.” Hisses Heard. Such was the demand for time that it was doled out by the minutes. All the speeches breathed patriotism, fervor, many of them teing truly eloquent. The only discordant note up to the hour of 2:30 p.m., was when Mr. Bingham of Pennsylvania said he cared not so much for the bravery and courage of Consul Gen- eral Lee as for his cool judgment. Hisses from all quarters of the hall greeted this statement. Mr. Bingham was again hissed when he said he condemned any statement on the ficer to the effect that our relations with Spain were other than they had been for years past—perfectly friendly. a . OPERATORS EMPLOYED. Information From the Local Tele- phone Company. When, in reply to a request recently made by Commissioner Wight for information as to rates, number of telephones in use, etc., the president of the Chesapeake and Po- temac Telephone Company submitted a ze- pert, it was discovered that the number of operators employed by the company here ¥.as not given. Mr. Wight subsequently sent one of his clerks for the missing in- formation, but without success, and yes- terday afternoon he sent ancther. This time the clerk returned with the informa- ticn from the company that it employs forty-two operators here. > —_ POLLUTION OF THE POTOMAC. Capt. Gaillard’s Letter to Senator McMillan. Senator MeMillan, chairman of the Senate District committee, today received a com- municaticn from Captain Gaiilard,in charge of the Washington aqueduct, giving his views on the causes of the pollution of the Potomac. He says: “The watershed of the Potomac above Great Falls comprises an area of more than 11,000 square miles, and is situated in four states—Pennsylvania, Maryland, Vir- ginia and West Virginia. “The pollution of the Potomac is due (1) to the sewage and waste material which find their way into the river from the towns, coal mines, saw mills, pulp mills and other manufacturing establishments in the vicinity ef the river; (2) to the household waste, garbage and stable clean- ings from beats on the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, and (3) to the surface washing from the scattering settlements and farms or different parts of the water shed. ———~2____ SIR JULIAN'’S CALL. Rumored Offer of England to Mediate Denied. There was a flutter of interest this morn- ing when Sir Julian Pauncefote, the Brit- ish ambassador, arrived at the executive mansicn with Secretary Sherman. The two men saw the President for a few minutes and departed together. “Oh, nothing particular,” said Sir Julian, in answer to inquiries as to the purport of his visit. He hastened away with these words. saying nothing more. There was a rumor t he had offered the friendly offi- ces of England te mediate between Spain and the United States, but Assistant Secre- tary Day denied the report. —_—____ oe. DR. A. CURTIS CHOSEN. New Surgeon-in-Chief of Freedmen’s Hospital. The Secretary of the Interior this after- neon appo'nted Dr. Austin M. Curtis of Chicago surgeon-in-chief of Freedmen’s Hospital, vice Dr. Daniel H. Williams, re- signed. : This was purely a civil service appoint- ment, Dr. Curtis being one of the three names certified by the civil service commis- sion. Dr. Curtis was born of colored parents January 15, 1866, at Raleigh, N. C. He graduated in 1891 from the Northwest Medical School of the Chicago Medical Col- lege, and served as interne and house phy- sician in Providence Hospital from April, 1sy1, to June, 1892, and was obstetrician at the same hospital from December, 1892, to December, 1894, and since that time to present date has been surgeon of the same hospital. He was also attending surgeon of Cook County City Hospital from Janu- ary, 1896, to 1807. Dr. Curtis will assume his new duties April 1 next. ae ee CAPITAL TRACTION EXTENSION. It Will Again Be Taken Up in the _ Senate. In the Senate this afternoon Mr. Lindsay moved to reconsider the vote by which the Capital Traction Company's bill was pass- ed yesterday afterncon. He will call up the bill later. ‘The Capital Traction Company's exten- ; Sion bill was passed by the House late yes- terday afternoon. The following amend- ments were adopted: At the end of section 1 insert the foilow- ing: “Provided further, That there shall be a continuous service without change of cars over the 14th street and Chevy Chase line, the schedules to be approved by the Commissioners.”” he end of section 2 insert the follow- ing: “Provided, That only one fare shall be charged for a single continuous ride over all the lines owned by the Capital Traction Company.” Insert after the word ‘‘street,” in line 26, the following: “Provided, That the Capital Traction Company shall be, and it is here- by, required to run every alternate car op- erated between its eastern and western termini over the aforesaid extension along F and G streets northwest.” The bill has been published in full in The Star. ——_+- e+_______ Government Receipts. Zovernment receipts from customs today, 18; internal revenue, $321,682; miscel- aneous, $12,450. ————— New Offices. Handsome office rooms in the new build- ing at the northwest corner of 14th and F streets are now occupied by the banking firm of Crane, Parris & Co., who have re- moved from the Ebbitt House building. ee Death of Capt. Burbank. Acting Adjt. Gen. Ward was today in- formed that Capt. Clayton S. Burbank, 10th Infantry, diced at Fert Sill, I. T., at 1 o'clock this morning. ——_-_-e-—____. Police Frighten the Burglars. Burglars visited the house of Salvatore Desio, 365 E street northwest, between 2 and 3 o'clock this morning,but ware fright- ered off before they had time to get any- thing. They effected an entrance by forc- ing open the front door with ae jimmy. About the tim? they got in the house Policemen Daly and Downs came along. The burglars went out the back’door and escaped. —_——.—__ Fort Logan Troops Ready to Move. DENVER, Col., March 8.—Active prepara- tions for moving the troops stationed at Fort Logan are being made and everything is put in readiness for a sudden call for duty. The Denver and Rio Grande railroad has been instructed by the War Depart- ment at Washington to be prepared to move the troops upon notice, ie . Foreign Minister in Disgrace. YOKOHAMA, March 8.—The Corsan cab- inet, it is understood here, will impeach the foreign minister of Corea for leasing Deet Island to Russia. Se Passed by Budget Committee. BERLIN, March 8.—The budget commit- tee of the reichstag today unanimously passed the entire shipbuilding in- cluded in the estimates for QUESTION OF RATES House Provisions Regarding Tele- phones Adopted by the Senate. BISTRICT BILL AGAIN TAKEN UP Mr. Faulkner Urges That the Mat- ter Be Left to Conferees. THE DEBATE IN DETAIL The House provision fixing the maximum rate for telephones at $50 a year was re- tained in the District appropriation bill in the Senate this afternoon by a vote of 41—20. The District of Columbia appropriation bill was called up in the Senate by Mr. Allison immediately after the conclusion of the morning business today. Mr. Allison moved that the provision re- lating to the lowering of the rates for telephones in the District of Columbia be stricken from the bill. Mr. Berry said an opportrnity was now given to the Senate to lower rates for tele- Phones that were unreasonable and ex- tortionate. He said that not a man on the ficor of tha Senate had not, at some time, spoken in favor of limiting the inroads of great corporations upon the rights of the People, and he declared that now an op- portunity would be given the Senate to limit the power of this great corporation. If th> Senate should sustain the ccmmit- tee, it would add another victory to those already achieved by this corporation. Referring to the statement by Mr. Faulk- ner and other senators that an expert (Mr. Haskins) was to examine the books of the Chesapeake and Potomec Telephone Com- pany and report in time for action by the conference committee, he said he knew nothing of this expert, but ha understood he had got more money out of the treasury than the Dockery commission had sav3d. He said if the conference committes was depend:d on to act on this matter the Sen- ate would have to vote on the bill as a whole and would have no further power to limit telephone rates during the coming year, He thought the Senate should act on the provision at once, and if it should be found that the rate fixed was too low the act would simply be one by which the extor- tionate charges of this company in the past would be met. He wanted to see senators vote on this amendment accord- ing to the way they had talked, and he had seen some of them instrumental in sending out tons and tons of literature denouncing the extortionate charges of corporations. Mr. Berry thought the rates provided by the House in the bill were ample. Mr. Faulkner Replies Heatedly. Mr. Faulkner made a heated reply ‘to Mr. Berry. He sald he had acted solely as the agent of the United States Senate. When he was turning out tons and tons of litera- ture against trusts ard combines during the last campaign, he said he did not think he represented any party that believed in act- ing and then making an investigation on any matter. He said unless the Senate had no confidence in the conferees of the House and Senate, there was no question that thi matter should be decided by the confere in view of the report of the expert who was to examine the beoks of the telephone com- an: Pi He id when the House put that provi- sion in the bill they didn’t know whether the rates they fixed were right or wrong, hut they wanted the matter provided for in the bill, and they put it in the bill and then proceeded to make a thorough investigz tion, so that by the time the bill ‘got, in conference they might have reliable Infor- mation on which to act. He sald acting for the committee to Investigate this subject he had selected one of the most distinguished experts in the United States. He had asked the president of the telephone company if all papers and accounts of the company uld be submitted to this expert, and he received a reply in effect that every Paper in the possession of the company would be given the expert. He had wanted the expert to inquire es- pecially into the matter of charges in the form of royalties paid by the local com- pany to the Bell Telephone Company. Mr, Faulkner said the conference report would be held back sufficient time to allow the conference committee to get all this in- formation and to act intelligently. He said there was no sense in going into this in- vestigation if such information could not be used in fixing these rates. Mr. Cockrell’s Suggestion. a Mr. Cockrell said if the rate was fixed as suggested by the House bill and the in- vestigation should show that the House rate was too low, then it could be rectified at the next session. Mr. Faulkner said that would place Con- gress in a pesition of inconsistency, and be unjust to the company. Mr. Hoar wanted to know whether if the investigation showed the rate was too high it would not b2 unjust to the people to continue those rates. Mr. Faulkner insisted that the provision had been put in the bill in the House mere- ly In a tentative way, and théy did not re- gard it as complete and satisfactory. He wanted other restrictions placed upon the telephone company in the matter of regulations enforced by the company, which, according to the reports in the papers, were harsh and unjust. He said the whole clause shoul] be amended, and that should be left te the conference committee. “Mr. Berry, referring to a suggestion of Mr. Fauikner about demogogues in talking abeut corporations, said he didn’t know about the reasons that inspired other sen- ators in sending out literature on this sub- ject. He had sent them out in good faith, and he wanted to vote in the way he had talked. He said that if the House committee had placed that provision to lower telephone rates with the idea that the Senate would strike it out, then he was not willing to trust_men who would do that. He said if the Senate cid not approve the provision as it passed the House, then the corfer- ence committee would strike it out, and the senator from West Virginia, he said, well knew they weuld strike it out. Mr. Faulkner reminded Mr. Berry that Messrs. Grout, Pitney and Dockery were the House conferees, and he said he knew ae would not impute wrong motives to them. Should Be Regulated. Mr. Hall favored the adoption of the House provision. He said he had just got hold of a contract with the telephone com- pany by which this company charged $106 for @ service of 600 messages a year, and if they wanted an unlimited service it would be necersary to pay $140 a year. Any company that would charge such a rate should be regulated. Mr. Faulkner wanted to know whether the wording of that contract was not evi- dence that the provision should be amend- Mr. Hale said that was no reason why the Senate should not vote to at Jeast partially correct the evil. Mr. McMillan, chairman of the commit- tee on the District of Columbia, had in the past hesitated to do about telephone matters, as he was “known as a telephone man,” having been inter- ested in telephone companies himself. He was, however, satisfied that some- thirg should be done regarding this mat- ter. All over the country action is being taken to regulate the telephone companies, and he considered it high time that the Senate should took into the matter and take proper action. As a committee had been appointed to investigate the subject, ne tavored waiting until that investigation had been made. The conditions in Wash- irgton, he said, were different from those ‘The Rates. In other words, the of the community it could. The matter was further debated by Sen- ators Bacon, Cullom, Hale, Teller, Sewell, Gorman, Perkins, Pasco and others. The Gas Question. Mr. Carter then offer lengthy amend- ment to the bill wiffch requires the Com- missioners to establish @ythorough system for the inspection the’ quality of gus in the. District of CoMmhin and providing that the company Whe: $aid in acordunce with the characterftof as actually fur- nished for street li a Mr. Allison said ess is investi- gating the gas quefttor the District of Columbia he opposed Having such a pro- vision go into the bill at the pres- ent time, and that\at the-proper time he would object to the* \dment as out of order. S35 Mr. Carter then proeectiea to speak upon Lis amendment at length. Mr. Carter said the present operation. ef: testing gas in the District of Columbia is a mere farce. He said under the préwent law the gas in- spector must notify the gas company when he proposes to test the quality of gas tested being furnishe¢ the District and, “of course,” said Mr. Carter, “under such circumstances the gas is always found up to the standard.” Bill Passed. Senator Allison’s point ef order against the amendment offered by Mr. Carter in relation to an inspection of the character of gas furnished in the District of Colum- bia was sustained by:the chair. The bill was then reported from the committee of the whole to the Senate and was passed. Rejoicing Among the Citizens. The action of the Senats today in retain- ing the provision for low telephone rates in the District appropriation bill caused great rejoicing among the citizens of the Dis- trict who had not confidently expected such good fortun>. The general gratification was the more pronounced in view of the fact that the Senate’s action lay in the di- rection of retaining the House provision intact instead of amending it or substitut- ing for it another proposition. By reason of this state of the cas> the item will not be the subject for further amendment in conference. The restriction as to telephone rates will stand precisely as all oth2r mat- ters adjusted by the House and untouched by the Senate, and cannot therefore be dis- cussed in any way by the conferees on the appropriation bill. Further expressions of gratitude were heard on the scure that the provision for low rates, ranging from $50 to $25 per an- num according to the number of instru- ments on a wire without regard to the dis- tance from ‘central’ or the difference be- tween business or residential usas, will by ita terms take effect immediately upon the passage of the appropriation bill. TO INSPECT WARSHIPS ny got all out Commander Brownson to Visit England and France. In pursuance of the policy of adding to the strength of the navy by the purchase ot available warships under construction at Europein ship yards, Commander W. H. Brownson, now on duty at the Navy Department as a member of the board of inspection and survey, has been ordered te proceed immediately. to England and France for the purpose:of inspecting sev- eral vessels offered forsale to this gov- ernment in erder tarsee if they are suitable for service in thel’ United States navy. Commander Browngon Was present at the cenference in the offi¢e of Secretary Long this morning and was théroughly informed as to the services expected of him. He will not, only inspect such vessels as have already been offered the’ government, but will also examine “Othet warships under ecnstruction which might also possibly be obtained in case of’necessity. Commander Brownson will saitfrdm New York for Southampton by the first available steamer and will prosecute-his-duties in England and France with the utrnost diligence and digpatch. At Southampton, where he will artive early next week, he will be Joined by ‘Licut. J. C. Célwelf,' naval attache jof the American embassy at London, whois under orders to render him/all the assisi- ance in his power for the. successful ac- complishment of his mission, Commander Brownzon will next go to France with as little detay as possible, and will confer with Licut. W. 8. Sims, naval attache to the American embassy at Paris, and in his company will inspect the two battle ships, Marshal Floriano and Marshal Deodoro, now building for the Brazilian navy, and which, it is understood, can be purchased by the United States. Commander Brownson is also charged with the important duty of investigating the practicability of the purchase from foreign manufacturers of ordnance material in case our own supply should prove in- adequate. An offer for guns and ammuni- tion has been received from Vickers’ Soas and Maxim of England, but there is a seri- ous question as to the availability of Eng- lish powder by our naval ships. The im- pression prevails here that the Duponts ard the California powder works will be able to supply sufficient Brown powder, which is much more suitable for the use of our navy, without the necessity of call- ing upon foreign manufacturers. es WAITING “BOOTS AND SADDLES.” Illinois National Guard on Edge to Go to Cuba. SPRINGFIELD, Ill., March 8.—Adjutant General Reece of the Illinois National Guard said today:. “We are but waiting for the ‘boots and saddles’ to board the ears for the east. Inside of twelve hours the greatest portion of the 7,500 men anu officers of the Illinois National Guard could be en route to New York for embarkation for Cuba.” ‘The general stated that 4,000 latest pat- tern 45-caliber Springfield rifles had just been received at the Illinois state arsenal from Brooklyn navy yard, ready for instant use. oe Recruiting at Columbus, COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 8.—The recruit- ing officer at Columbus Barracks received orders today to recruit acceptable men for the navy and light artillery, SPAIN WAS INDISCREET. London Times Praises the Conser- vatism of President McKinley. LONDON, March 8.—The Times says edi- tcrially this morning: “If Spaip is placd in an awkward posi- tion respecting the Lee incident, she must thank the indiscretion of her foreign oflice. She cannot blame President McKinley. “Mr. Cannon's bill can hardly be ex- plained by the Lee incident. It is probably due to the rumors that Spain is purchasing war vessels. “We do not believe that Spain desires war, but if she does, this evidence of America’s alevtness offers a most effectual check. President McKinley appears to be adhering loyally to the policy of firmness, caution and pacific circumspection he has hitherto pursued. “No doubt he has the support of the so- ber and conscientious mass of the Amer- ican people, but has had to face outbursts of popular clamor that a weaker man might have mistaken for the voice of the country. “The complicity of the Spanish govern- ment in the Maine disaster is a hypothesis too monstrous and irrational to be enter- tained, and, except that there is nothing impossible of arrangement between Spain and America, while the intractable nature of Cuba’s disorders cannot but inspire thoughtful Americans with a serious doubt as to the wisdom of annexation.” The Paris correspondent of the Mail com- ments ‘upon the fact that pe bourse yes- terday (Monday) for the firéi time was se- viously affected -by the situation of Spain and the United States, and that Spanish steck fell heavily. ‘French thies,"” he says, “‘undoubt- paviieah ee aes t mh Bee ui pon ghe grow: ing political commercial | the United a ozaee ¢ MUST INTERVENE (Continued from First Page.) ment in case the decision is reached to purchase them, basing this belief upon many kindly expressions that have of late come to their notice and to the past record of the Japenese nation. The Brooklyn Coming Nort! The big armored cruiser Brooklyn started away frcm La Guayra today under orders from the Navy Department directly for Hamptor Roads. She has been making a fiying cruise in the West Indies and around the eastern end of Cuba, and it was the original intention io have her go to Colon, on the isthmus, and thence to work north- ward along the eastern coast of Central America. The sending of the ship to Hamp- ton Roads, instead of returning her to Key West, whence she came, is taken as an evidence of a change in policy on the part of the naval strategists, who may have come to the conclusion that the gathering of the most and best of the vessels of the North Atlantic squadron at Key West is putting too many of our eggs in one basket, and unduly exposing the eastern coast. There has also been talk of organizing a flying squadron composed altogether of fleet cruisers, four in number, and having them ready to go to sea at a moment's no- tice in pursuit of an enemy’s ship, relying upon the big battle ships for the home guard. This, however, has not been de- cided upon. A proposition that received instant atten- tion and is expected to be approved in the end came to the Navy Department today. This was to turn over to the Navy Deyart- ment ten of the best boats in the light house service. These boats are from 300 to 400 tons, good sea boats, manned by officers thoroughly familiar with every indentation of the Atlantic coast, and capable of being easily transformed into efficient gunboats. ‘The Mangrove is a vessel of this character, new, staunch and speedy. It is proposed to Place a six-inch rifle on a pivot mount on each vessel forward and to piace a light armor around the boilers and machinery to protect them from small arms fire at least. The attention of the department has also been called to the feasibility of recruiting the naval list from the revenue marine cut- ters, a number of which are fully equal, be- ing given arms, to the smaller type of gun- boats now in the service. If these vessels were availed of they would be assigned to duty along the southern coasts, maintain- ing blockades and relieving the larger and tnore expensive cruisers of much worrisome duty. To Send the Food Supplies. Arrangements were perfected at the Navy Department today for the relief of the dispatch boat Fern, at Havana, by the cruiser Montgomery of Admiral Sicard’s squadron, now at Key West. Telegrams were received from Admiral Sicard ac- knowledging the receipt of the orders is- sued by the department on this subject yesterday afternoon, and saying that they would be complied with at once. As stated in yesterday's Star, these orders contem- plaie the use of the dispatch beat Fern in the transportation of food supplies for the starving reconcentrados from Key West to the Cuban ports of Matanzas and Sagua la Grande, on the northeast coast of the island, and the replacement of the Fern at Havana by the cruiser Montgomery. Ac- cording to present arrangements the Mont- gomery will leave Key West this afternoon or this evening, in order to relieve tne Fern tomorrow mornirg, so that the latter vessel may arrive at Key West Wednesday evening in ample time to receive the food supplies from New York which are due there on that day. There will be no delay in the departure of the Fern on her er- rand of mercy, more than ts required to ship the supplies received from New York. The use of the Fern on this mission will, it is thought by naval officials, be entirely unobjectionable to the authorities of Spain, who have expressed doubt as to the wis- dom of the employment of strictly war- ships for that purpose. Although the Fern is a naval vessel used as a transport ship, and carries a small gun for salutiig pur- peses, she can herdly be said to attain the power and dignity of a warship in any es- sential particular. The Fern has been stationed at Havana since a day or so after the disaster to the Maine, and her principal function for the last week or ten days has been as a prac- tical floating dock for the use of the divers engaged in examining the wreck of the Maine, and it is said at the Navy Depart- ment that the main purpose of sending the Mentgomery to Havana at this time was to continue the performance of this duty in connection with the wrecking operations. Cruise of the Montgomery. Special interest attaches to the cruise of the Montgomery in view of the fact that she will be the first United States warship to enter the harbor of Havana since the eventful night that marked the destruc- tion of the battle ship Maine and so many members of her gallant crew. It is said at the Navy Department that the people of the Montgomery are not taking any par- ticular risks in going to the Cuban capi- tal at this time, for the reason that even should hostilities break out during her presence there, under the rule of honor- able warfare they would be given safe con- voy out of the waters of the hostile coun- try. General Lee and all the members of his official family, as well as the members of the court of inquiry and other Ameri- cans in Havana, would be equally exempt from molestation and be given full oppor- tunity to leave the country. y The Montgomery is an unprotected cruis- er of the third rate. She carries ten guns in her main battery and has a displace- ment of 2,089 tons. She is an excellent ship of her class, and would no doubt give @ good account of herself in any emer- gency. Her complement of: officers is as follows: Commander George A. Converse, commanding; Lieutenant Commander Wil- liam H. Beehler, executive; Lieutenant Hamilton Hutchins, navigator; Lieutenant (junior grade) W. R. M. Field, Ensigns L. R. de Steigner, Roscoe Spear and Robert H. Osborn; Surgeon L. W. Curtis; Past Assistant Paymaster M. M. Ramsay; Chief Engineer I. 8. K. Reeves; Assistant. En- gineers D. V. H. Allen and Thomas M. Dick. Naval Cadet George Weber, who ts attached to the ship, is now absent on leave. ‘The Montgomery’s Commander. Commander Corverse, who has been se- lected for this delicate mission to Havana, is described by his associates at the Navy Department as a man of high ability, un- doubted courage and rare discretion, qual- itles he may be called upon to display dur- ing his indefinite sojoutn in the uncon- genial harbor of Havana. He is a native ot Vermont, and was appointed an active midshipman at the Naval Academy Sep- tember 29, 1861, graduating four years later. His first service was on the steam sloop Canangagua on the European station, Spector of construction of torpedo boats building for the United States navy. His Next sea service was as commander of tho Enterprise, from July, 1890, to Augusi, 1891. He was attached to the bureau of ordnance, Navy Department, and was pres- ident of the torpedo board for two years, and was in charge of the torpedo station at Newport from January, 1892, until June, 1897, wher. he was assigned to his present duty in command of the Montgomery. What Senor du Bose Says. Senor du Bose, the Spanish representa- tive in Washington, when seen at the Spanish legation today and asked as to the Present status of affairs, said: “Notwithstanding the apparent agitation, I am gratified to note that so far as actual occurrences are concerned they are adjust- ing themselves naturally and in a manner most satisfactory to both governments. The Lee incident 1s closed, if, indeed, it was ever open. At most, It was a misap- prehension of what @ctually occurred. 1 am directly authorized by Senor Gullon, the minister of foreign affairs, to deny that any demand or request has ever been made for the recall of Consul General Lee, and it is unfortunate and misleading for the reports to be printed that Spain has withdrawn a request or demand never in fact made. The entire matter appears to rave arisen out of some suggestion as to the propriety of certain conduct, just as any official action relating to two govern- ments may be discussed in a friendly spirit and with no thought of eventualities un the subject. But, in any event, the incident ts closed, and has no further bearing on the general condition of affairs. ‘he matter of sending relief supplies to Cuba in warships is also satisfactorily ad- justed, and, so far as it ever amounted to an incident, it also is closed. These are the two passing occurrences which have appeared to awaken agitation, and, being closed, I cannot see any substantial reason for further agitation. 2 “So far as the defense bill in Congress is concerned, diplomatic etiquette precludes my discussing it. But 1 may say, unofli- cially, that it seems to be a quite natural result from the undue importance attached by the public to incidents now closed. In normal times these passing incidents of the day—which are inevitable to diplomatic in- tercourse between nations—could not be seized upon by the radical branch of the Press to inflame public opinion. “Back of these passing incidents is the vital Cuban probiem, toward which Spain has resolutely set her face to adjust by giving the Cuban people the most com- plete control of their internal affairs. 1 know with what profound solicitude Pre- micr Sagasta and his associates are seek- ing to accomplish the peace and prosperity of Cuba on a basis alike honorable to the island and to the mother country, and through such herote efforts I feel confident that an honorable settiement will result and peace be restored.” Mr. Hulse's Alleged Remark. Considerable significance is attached to a remark attrivuted to Mr. Hulse, one ef the official stenographers of the court of in- quiry investigating the cause of the Maine disaster, who has just arrived in this city from Key West. He was with the court from its first meeting up to the close of its sessions at Key West, and in his official capacity heard all of the evidence submitted to the court. The remark attributed to hin: is as fololws: “The only possible outcome of this affair is war.” According to the story Mr. Hulse, who came here for the purpose of writing out his stenographic Potes of the testimony, was out walking erday afternoon and imet several friends who expressed gjeasure at his safe return. One of them jocularly asked for a cepy of the report of the court, whereupon Mr. Hulse explained he was under a most solemn oath not to divuige any information about the proceedings of the court. Not- withstanding this very proper statement, it is alleged that he added the words already quoted. At the Navy Department today is was stated that Mr. Hulse could not have com- mented upon the case under investigation in the manner inaicated without haying violated his pledge to the court, conse- 7} ¢ quently the officers of the department do uot believe he has discussed the case in any Way, much less having passed judgment on the evidence in the manner indicated. Mr. Hulse is one of the official stenographers of the Supreme Court of the District, and is said to stand well in legal circies. —_—__-e—_____ Opinions of Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals late this afternoon handed down an opinion in the case of the Capital Traction Company against John W. Lusby and Jane Lusby, his wife. The judgment of the lower court is affirmed, Chief Justice Alvey writing the opinion. The action was by husband and wife for @ personal injury to the wife, who alighted at a certain point from one of the com- pany’s cars and was knocked down and injured by another car of the company. She was awarded damages by the court below and the railroad company appealed on the ground that the lower court erred in lis rulings. The judgment of the lower court was also affirmed in the case of Jacob P. Clark and the Palisades of the Potomac Land Improvement Company against Martha M. Reed, a suit in assumpsit. This opinion was written by Mr. Justice Morris. Se Divorce Granted. Judge Hagner today signed a decree granting Minnie E. Chapman a divorce from William H. Chapman. Mrs. Chapman is granted the custody of the miner child of the couple. The court also directed the defendant to pay the cests of the suit, and reserved leave to Mrs. Chapman to apply for permanent alimony. aS Set for Argument. In the Court of Appeals today the case of John Wedderburn against Secretary of the Interior Bliss was set for argument Friday next. —_.>___ Convicted of Both Offenses. William Taylor was this afternoon con- victed in the Police Court on two charges, one of assault and the other of carrying concealed weapons. He will be sentenced hereafter. = Grain, Provisions and Cotton Markets. Furnished by W. B. Hibbs & Co., bankers and brokers, 1427 F st., members New York stock exchange, correspondents, Messrs. Co., New York. . Ladenturg, = & FINANCE AND TRADE Stock Market Was Feverish and Very Irregular Today, ——— jOPENED STRONG, BUT SOON BRORT Trading Was Largely in Suger and Traction Shares. GENERAL MARKET REPORTS iain Sixcial Dispetch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, March &—Opening prices in today’s stock market reflected general improv2ment in speculative conditions, ad- vances varying from % to 3 per cent pre- valling throughout the active list. London prices were about up to our closing level and the foreign speculative attitude was seemingly favorabi2 to improyement. Eu- Topean purchasers of American securities are willing to follow rather than to retard any movement originating on this side, Rumors were, in a measure, eliminated from the early trading, and the market was given a brief respite, in which to deme onstrate its elasticity. Pressure alone can keep prices from seeking a gradually high- er level. Until the end of the noon hour the buy- ing of the general list was decidedly su- perior to the selling. the short interest be- ing liberally represented in the movement. Early in the afternoon prices began to f2el the effects of rumors relative to further purchases of war ships by Spain and a re- ported atteck on the American consulate at Havana. This latter report was made much of by the always credulous room element. Th market receded sharply and for a time w completely diverted from its early morning course. The ease with which prices de- clined was taken to indicate an absence of demand at higher prices and confirms the theory that the present market offers few inducements to the gencral public. The prompt appropriation of funds by Congress was favorably construed, and tor a time led to the oplaion that a completa aration for war would decr urably the probabilities of wa fidence he market is feverish, to the natural ralites dv 5 condition, is not likely permanently change the present level for a better one. A prop«r rezard for facts in no way con- nected with Cuba should limit liquidati and this is the favorable feature of thi market which meets with unanimous in- corsement From day to day new scares are Hk»ly to rs of the probable ies, but the backing and ss is only profitable to the few. Sugar and the traction stocks were stronger than the gete rket during the morning and weaker than their neigh- bers toward the cicse. The granger shares were well taken, tho St. Paul dividend being relied upon toh the entire group. Dullness intervened frequent intervals, and the final tend i icated very vhaticaliy that opinion 8 divided to the immediate future o? prices. This doubiful condition is entirely lcgical and will be so until the situatioa ciears somewhat. | FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. The following are the opening, the hiehs est and the lowest and the closing prices of the New York stock market today, as re- ported by Corson & Macartney, members New York stock exchange. Correspondents, Messrs. Van Emburgh & Atterbury, No. 2 Wall st. Close, 7% Open. High. Low. . 6‘ - 3K - 3% American Spirits....... American Spirits, pid. American Sugar. American Sugar, pf American Tobacco . American Cotton Ol Atchison ....... Baltimore Bay State Gas... oO Southern. nada Pacitic, esapeake & O68 €..C. 0. & St. Loum chicago, B. & Q. Chicagoa Nortawestern Chicago Gas GM. & St. Paul : C M.& St. Paal. pia. Chicago, RI. & Pactle Chic St. P., M. & 0 Consolidated Gas. Del. Lack & W . Metropolitan Traction Manhattan Elevated. New York Centrai Northern Pacitie Northern Pacifie, Ont. & Western. Pacite Mau. . Phila. Traction . ‘Texas Pacific. Tenn. Qoai & iron. Union Pacific... Union Pacific, pia. Wabash, pfd.! Western Limon tei. Sliver... Brookisn it. ‘Transit. "7 Chig. & G Western. ”.: *Ex-div. 24. Sales—regular call—12 o'clock m, Loan and Trust, 4 at 127%; 5 at 127%. ©: Traction, 30 at 72%. “Belt Railroad. 50 ut cents American Graphophom 3 10 at 214%; 200 at 15; 50 at 00 at 2 ; 100 at 38 cents; 1 39 100 at 39 cents; 100 at 39 cents; 100 xt nts. Mergenthaler Linotype, 10 at 143; 5 at 0 at 142%. District of Columbia Bonds.—20-year fund 5s, 6s, gold, 110 bid. 2.658, 101% bid. 30-year fund funding. currency. 115 bid. Miscellareous Bonds.—Metropolitan Railroad 5s, 118 bid. Metropolitan Railroad conv. 6s, 117 bid. 120 asked. Metropolitan Ra‘lroad certificates of indebtedness, A, 120 bid. Metropolitan Railroad certificates of Indebtedness, B, 110 bid, 114 asked. Beit Rafiroed Se. 5) Mik. Wehingten Rafizesd Ge, 90 bid, 100 asked. Columbia Railroad Gs, 119 bid. Washington Gas Compan; series A, 111 bid. ‘Washi vu. 8. Chens | and Potomac American Security and Trust 5s, 100 bid. ington Market Company tet @s, 100 bid. | Masonic Hall Association Ss, 107 bid. Washington Light Infantry Ist Gs, 90 bid. National Bank Stocks.—Bank of Washington, 280 bid. | Metropolitan, 307 bid. Central (new etock», ‘asked. J ‘Trust, 149 bid. iiroad Stocks.—Capital Traction, 72% bid, 7; asked. Me! itan, 117 bid. 75 asked. it, .10 hid, 1 asked. bid. AS Union, M% asked. Columbia, 11 bid, 12% asked. 1% E "s. 5 bid, 6 asked.