Evening Star Newspaper, March 23, 1898, Page 2

PREPARATIONS MADE] SEEKING THEIR VIEWS American Troops Could Be Landed in Cuba Within Ten Days. Tt LIES WITH SPAIN T0 DECIDE Military Will Not Wait for the Rainy Season. POSSIBLE PLAN OF RELIEF ———_ + It is said that preparations have been made so that within ten days, or about that time, eighty thousand American troops can be landed in Cuba. According to reliable information, nothing remains to be done but to issue orders for the move- ment of troops. To make up the force new enlistments will be unnecessary, but the militia regiments will be mustered in just as they stand. The preparations for this have been made. The matter of trans- portation, military stores and all that, has been provided for, and it remains only fcr orders to be issued when the occasion arises. Spain Can Decide. It now lies with Spain to decide whether the troops are to be put in motion. Every opportunity consistent with the dignity and honor of this government will be given Spain to avoid the clash, but the general conclusion is that an end must be put to the barbarity in Cuba; that the famine and devastation called war must cease or there will be real war, which is expected to be sharp, short and decisive. It is not the in- tention of the military authorities, it is said, to tolerate such delay as will render military operations impossible by reason of the opening of the rainy season. Loops of the telegraph companies have been placed in the War Department, so that they can have free use of the wires directly to any point in the United States where wires are strung, without the delay of sending messages through the main of- fices. Every point where troops are as- sembled, regular or militia, can be reached almost in an instant with perfect secrecy. The suggestion made in The Star last Friday that the President had in contem- plation “an int2rvention of charity,” send- ing relief to the starving people of the en- tire Island of Cuba, within the lines of the insurgents, as well as within the fortified towns controlled by Spain, is confirmed by the intimations the Pr2sident has since given men in Congress with whom he has discussed the situation. Dispatches in morning papers announcing this policy to- day miss the point in not stating that the relief is proposed to be sent to all parts of the island, and not mersly to the recon- centrados. Ser usness of the Proposition. The seriousness of the proposition lies in that. Relief is already being sent to the anticipated is in getting tribution of this » the provinces where the Span- ish authorities are in control. It is inti- nated that the administration is going to persist in this plan, as a logical develop- ment of th> inauguration of the relief movement. Charity, it is held, cannot be restricted to the loyal Spanish subjects, but must be extended to the starving women and children, no matter in what part of the island they languish nor und2r what flag their fathers, brothers or husbands swerve. Some Difference of Opinion. There is some difference of opinion in c ess as to the wisdem of this policy. Seme men in both houses say that a more direct intervention would be better, and at present it looks as if there might be some discussion cver any proposition recom- mended by the President for an appropria- tion to carry out relief measures. It is thougnt that Spain would be as ready to withdraw her troops from Cuba as to sub- mit to this government sending food and ciothinge te part of the island within the insurgent lin It is thought, there- fore, that if t done it will have to be by force and result in direct armed inter- Yention in the end. It is a settled convic- tion that t ministration policy, what- may take, will mean ation of Cuba; and s little hope that averted. formation among t-informed men in Congress is that authorities all agree that war ain, and that the preparations are with the exvec army and the navy will be « Very soon after the Pres- has commur ted with Congress. called into servi ident —_—___+e+—______ SHOULD DECLARE WAR. Representative Mann Gives His Views on the Cuban Question. Representative Mann of Chicago said to- @ay with respect to the Cuban situation: “As 1s well known, I have been earnestly in favor of preserving peace, if possible, and I have not believed it desirable for this country to embroil itself in war over th domestic relations of Spain and Cuba. Tx existing condition of affairs has entireiy changed my attitude. I knew that both the Cleveiand administration and the present administration were thoroughly informed us to the cendition of affairs in Cuba, and it was inconc¢ivable to me that any Presi- Cent of this country would sit idly by and ¢o nothing. if he knew that the Spanish were deliberately starving the Cubans to death, like rats in a pen. “That face is now established by outside information beyond controversy. It is no longe-, therefore, a political question or a question of national comity; it has now be- come a question of humanity. ‘As the dominant nation of this conti- nent, we will not permit any other nation to interfere for the purpose of preventing the deliberate starving of the Cubans, and hence, the sole responsibility 1s upon’ our- selves. “The question is like this: Suppose I had @ neighbor who was inclined to be some- what harsh to his child. I woul feel dis- frelined to interfere in ny neighbor's af- fairs where the child was rebellious and Was receivirg ordinary punishment. But if my neigh for the purpose of punish- ing the child and reducing it to subjection, was flogging and starving it to death, and I had given rctice to the world that no one else should stcp the cruelty, would it not be my duty to interfere and protect the child? Every sentiment in my heart says yes, every drop of blood in my body says yes. And for one I not only believe that this country must now at once stop Span- ish cruelty in Cuba and-make Cuba free, but I propose to carry out my belief in a practical manner. “If any of our leaders in the House at- tempt te stand in the way of Cuban inde- pendence those leaders will soon receive a Shock just as the Spanish will. The re- publican members of the House have been trusting President McKinley up to the Present time and will be glad to do so longer if he will act. I have made a care- ful canvass amonf a large number of the republicans who were formerly oppo% Sed to even the recognition of Cuba, and nearly every oae of them now says that from this time on he is in favor of establishing the Independence of Cuba. If the leaders do not recognize this fact they will very soon be run over. “I expect that war will come out of this, but it can never come from a juster cause. We ought to have declared war at _the Same time when we passed the $50,000,000 appropriation, for war was the only possi- ble excuse for such an appropriation.’ ————+-2—___ Slater Not Guilty. ‘The greater part of the session of Crimi- nal Court No. 2 today was devoted to the discussion of prayers and arguments to the jury in the case of Benjamin Slater, who was placed on trial yesterday. Slater, it will be remembered, was indicted for wanslaughter ineconnection with the fafa! hooting of his wife, Clara, the 3d in- stant. Judge Bradley concluded his charge at” 2:30 o'clock this afternoon and the jury thereupon retired to consider a verdict. After a conference of fifteen minutes the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. (Continued from First Page.) ecensiderabie number of war vessels of any class, the Navy Department has had under consideration the question of building a number of torpedo boats and torpedo boat destroyers. Investigation has disclosed the fact that vessels of either class could not be built in tess than ninety days, but the exigencies of the case are such that a con- civsion has about been reached, it is said, te give American builders contracts for a number of these vesself. Only such build- ers, however, as are known to have the necessary facilities will be intrusted with the work, which, if the present purpose is carried into effect, will be pushed forward with the greatest possible speed. The number to be constructed has not been de- c‘ced upon, but it seems likely that con- tracts will be given for a considerable number of each class. Maine's Wreck to Be Abandoned. The Navy Department has practically arranged for the recall of all United States naval officers in the Island of Cuba, and the abandonment of the wreck of the ill- fated battle ship Maine. Since the de- struction of that vessel on the night of the 15th uitimo most of the surviving offi- cers attached to it have been detained in Havana on business pertaining to the work of the court of inquiry and the wreck- ing operations. In addition to these offi- cers there have been others detailed for €uty there at various times in connection with that work. The tugboat Fern, with its complement of officers and men, is new in that harbor. The following named officers of the Maine have remained con- stantly on duty in Havana since the fatal pight of the 15th ultimo, and each and all have rendered valuable service, in~con- nection with the care of the wounded in the hospitals and the recovery of the Ledies of those who went down on the wreck: Captain C. D. Sigsbee, Lieutenant Commander Richard Wainwright, Surgeon L. G. Heneberger, Paymaster Ray, Chap- lain John P. Chidwick, Chief Engineer Charles P. Howell, Naval Cadets J. A. Holden and W. T. Cluverius. = Return of Capt. Sigsbee. Secretary Long said this morning, in answer to an inquiry on the subject, that he saw no reason for these officers to re- main at Havana much longer, and the probability was that he would order them home in a day or two. Captain Sigsbce, he said, would come to Washington as scon as convenient, but as yet nothing has been settled in regard to his future duty. It might be necessary for Lieuten- ant Commander Wainwright, who is in spe- cial charge of the wrecked vessel, to re- main there a short time longer, or at least until it is finally settled that the wreck cannot be raised and that there is no pros- pect of the@recovery of any other portions of the ship or its equipments. It might also be necessary for one of the naval cadets to remain, but this is not regarded as probable. The return of Surgeon Hene- berger and Chaplain Chidwick will depend upon the question of whether they are able to render any further service to the officers still m that country. Although it is not finally settled, it is more than probable that the Fern will return to the United States as soon as it is determined that nothing more is to be gained by her pres- erce there. In the event of the abandon- ment of the wreck it is more than likely that the Navy Department will arrange for the complete destruction of the wreck by the use of dynamite or torpedoes. In its present cendition it is a dangerous ob- struction to navigation, and it is not be- lieved that any opposition will be offered tu its removal. Cannot Secure the O'Higgins. The Navy Department has purchased no firther ships abroad, and the negotiations are not proceeding in a manner to promise success. It was detinitely determined today that the Chilean battle .ship O'Higgins could not be secured. Commander Brown- son is teday in Paris, after having inspect- ed the Brazilian ships now building ai La Sienne. While these might be secured, they are a long way from completion, and cull be of little present service. What the department waats is ships which can be commissioned at once. Secretary Long had an extremely busy mcrning. Mr. Roosevelt and the various bvreau chiefs were with the Secretary for some time effecting the plans for the speedy completion of the old monitors. The bureau of engineering can put in the three new boilers with little delay. The ord- nance bureau have little to do on the moni- tors, owing to the good condition‘ of their guns, armament, ete. The quota of powder 5-inch guns is already sacked ind can be put aboard in a few hours. Mr. Long also saw a number of public men, ircluding Senators Proctor and Lodge, Representative Alexander of Buffalo and Sherman, and Immigration Commissioner Powderly. It is understood that Buffalo would like the honor of having one of the new naval vessels named after that city, and New York members have been quite active in that direction. Advices From Marix. The developments of the morning for the moment diverted attention from the report of the court of inquiry, which is now on its way to Washington in charge of Judge Ad- vocate Marix. In addition to the press dispatches concerning Mr. Marix’s trip, Secretary Long has received his own offi- cial advices that the officer is on his way. The expectation among the Navy D partment officials is that Mr. Marix will arrive Friday morning, although his train may reach here Thursday night. There are no plans for meeting him or for any for- malities on his arrival. After delivering the report Mr. Marix will return to his post on the Vermont, at New York, un- less the court of inquiry has further in- vestigation to make, which is not at all likely. Fortifying Tortugas, The outcome of the conferences which have been in progress between Secretary Alger and his subordinates for the past few days, ending with that of this morn- ing in regard to Dry Tortugas, was the determination to make improvements at that place which will put it in a formida- ble defensive condition. The island is now under ihe jurisdiction of the Treasury Department, which maintains a quarantine station there. Some time ago application was made by the War Department to the treasury officials to have the island turned over to the former department, and the supposition is that this has been done, as Assistant Secretary Spaulding was in conference with Secretary Alger in regard. to the matter before this morning’s con- ference began. Considerable work will have to be accomplished to make the forti- fications now there of a formidable nature, and it is understood that it hag been de- termined to expend upward of a half mil- lion for that purpose. Work will begin at the earliest moment practicable with its importance and as soon a3 arrangements to that effect can be made. It was de- termined to supplement the old-time bat- tery now at Fort Jefferson with some mod- ern effective guns, but just how many will be placed there the officials at this time are not prepared to say. a Garrison for Fort Jeflerson, During the morning Secretary Alger was also in conference with Gen. Miles, com- tanding the army, respecting the occupa- tien of Fort Jefferson by a battery of ar- tillery. The determination to garrison and dmprove this fort was reached by the Sec- retary@after a conference with hits aids and the Navy Department officials, The ques- ticns now to be met are those of what im- prcvements in the fortifications now there are required. Already a contract has been let by the Navy Department for dredging a large part of the harbor of the island, so as to permit the entrance of naval ves- sels, and today bids were opened for erect- ing there an immense shed, in which the navy will store large supplies of coal. It is realized, however, that without very ma- terial improvements and additions to the fortifications and armament at Fort Jeffer- sen it will be impossible to protect the coal supply from depredations by a hostile fleet, unless United States men-of-war were con- stantly on hand for that purpose. The arthament of Fort Jefferson at this time consists of probably 100 old-time smooth- bore guns, which will be supplemented by a number of additional ones of modern pattern and effectiveness. When the fort is ready a battery of artillery will be sta- tioned there. At the War Department. Secretary Alger’s office at the War De- partment presented an unusually busy Scene today. Much of the*Secretary’s time Was occupisd in conference with the va- rious bureau chiefs of the department in ecnnection with the preparations that are being made to improve the fortifications on the seasoast, supplies, transportation and other matters incident to praparations for war should that come. In addition there were a number of members of Congress who called to have a word with the Secre- tury, among them beirg S:nators Lodge and Hoar and Representative Marsh of II- linois. Abner McKinley, the President's brother, was also among the number who called, but his stay was of short duration. Reports received at ths War Department show that about 400 men have up to this time been enlisted for the two artillery regiments recently authorized by Congress. About 1,600 men in all are required. Most of the new recruits are sent to join old regiments, and in many cases experienced men from the latter are detailed for duty at the s2acoast fortifications. For the Auxiliary Navy. If the Navy Department adopts the recommendation of the naval auxiliary board, stutioned at New York, the steam- ships Yorktown and Jamestown of the Old Dominion Line will soon be added to the navy. Thes3 are modern vessels of high speed, and can easily be fitted out as arm- ed cruisers. Other v2ssels which have re- ceived the favorable notice of the naval auxiliary board are the Concho of the Werd Line, Elsud of the Morgan Line and the Seneca, Yumuri and Orizaba of the Ward Lin2. They are ail first-class steam- ships and could be readily transformed into auxiliary cruisers. The State Militin. Representative Marsh is chairman of the Hcuse committee on the militia, which has recently reported the bill to reorganize that bedy of state soldiery, to raise its efficiency and to appropriate a million dol- lars for its support. The chairman said he had recently spoken to Speaker Reed in regard to the bill and he hopes to be able {6 call it up in the House for consideration within a reasonable time. During his interview with Secretary Al- ger Mr. Marsh urged that in the event of hostilities the first recourse of the govern- ment for soldiers should be the state mili- tia, who should be allowed to volunteer for the country’s defense. These men, he pointed out, are well organized, well drill- ed and officered, and are in a position to render very effective service. In view of these facts Mr. Marsh believed that it was the duty of the government to call upon these citizen-soldiers for duty in case they volunteer. If any members or officers of the guard preferred not to enlist because of family or business cares and responsi- bilities, then their places might be taken by volunteers from outside the service. Secretary Alger was very much interest- ed in the arguments made by Mr. Marsh, and while not committing himself on the subject, seemed to regard the suggestions made by him as very practicable. After- ward the chairman called on President Mc- Kinley and repeated the statements he had tmade to the Secretary. Ar Reorganization Bill. The ariny reorganization bill was adopted unanimous!y today by the House commit- tee on miiitery affairs, and it was subse- quently reported to the House. The bill wes agreed cn yesterday, Lut in view of the significance of the measure it was deemed best that the committee should also s on the report which had been or- ered prepared to insure the correct repre- sentation of the committec’s views. In passing upcn the measure the com- mittes has dispersed of every significant point as to the President's fun war time. ‘There was a scussion over a proposition to insert in the bill an express provision which would permit the Presideni to increase the army forces im- mediately in cas> of a sudden grave emer- gency. was pointed out that no Pres- ident ever would take advantage of such a provision, and that President Lincolu had set the example and his action had been Subsequently justified. It was felt by some that where the nezes- sity for hasty action was great subsequent approval of Congress would be sufficient, and the President should be given some warrant for such a step, with a require- ment to secure the approval cf Congress at the carliest moment practicable. ‘The discussion was not on party lines, but the 1epublican members of the committee dif- fered among themselves as to the wisdom of enlarging the President's functions in this respect or to have them remain in statu quo. Representative Griffing of Wisconsin was one of those who held out fcr enlargement ot the executive powers, believing there would be no usurpation of the opportunity, and that in no case would the action be taken prior to approval, save where justi- flable. It was, hewever, concluded that it would be best to allow the conditions to remain unchang2d, and the committee in- serted a proviso medifyirg section two, to make previous congressional action more binding, allowing the establishment of third battalion war formation only upon the declaration of war by Congress or a declaration that war exists. Lieut. Blandin Arrives. Lieutenant John J. Blandin of Baltimore, who was officer of the deck on the battle ship Maine when the vessel was blown up, and one of the most important witnesses before the naval court of inquiry at Key West and Havana, arrived here last night on his way to Baltimore, after a long and tedious juorney from Key West. Lieuten- ant Blandin was fagged out by the long trip and the intense strain he has been under for more than a month. Lieutenant Blandin said: “Of course you know that I, in common with tho other officers and men who were on the Maine #t the time of the explosion, am under ironclad orders forbidding the giving of information about the explosion. We are not even permitted to talk about it. I left Havana the day after the -ex- plosion, and until last Thursday have been in Key West. I have been before the court of inquiry and have told them all I knew, and when they have rendered their verdict you may bank on it that it will be the cor- rect one. The court was composed of brainy, careful and cool men, who know what they are doing and are doing {it thor- oughly. Z Did Not Bring the Verdict. “You say that it is reported that Presi- dent McKinley has the verdict already in bis hands, and again that the messenger hes left Key West with it. That may or may not be. All I know is that I did not bring it and know nothing whatever of its when or by whom it will be sent. lowed, in company with Lieutenants Hold- man, Blow and Cattin, Boatswain. Larkin and Naval Ca@et Czenshaw, to leave Key West for home. The others came on di- rect, while I stopped off for a day at Sa- lem, Ala., where Ivwas born and where I have many friends‘and relatives. From Salem I went to Birmingham, Ala., for a day, to Atlanta aad then straight on to Washington. |. £ In speaking of the Maine's men he said: “There werd only about twenty-five wounded men ‘left {n Key West when we started for home, and most of them were on the road :to recovery. Some of the officers visited the hospitals every day while we were there, and there were lo‘s of other visitors. Outside of the hotels and the travelers, there are a mere hand- ful of Americans in Havana, but I saw no feeling aguinst them. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee is certainly the right man in the right Place, and is doing great work in Havana. I saw him the night of the explosion, when he came on board the City of Wash- ington to see Capt. Sigsbee.” No Excitement at Havana. Lieut. Blandin was asked whether there was much feeling or excitement in Havana or Key West. He replied that if there was any he did rot see it. Senator Thurs- ton and party were in the hotel at Key West at the same time Lieut. Blandin was there, and he had an opportunity of seeing them all. Mrs. Thurston's death Fe charactecized as a very sad affair. In answer to a question, Lieut. Blandin replied that he could say nothing whatever about the probabilities of war, but if there was to be any fighiing he thought that the greater part of it would be done by the navy. The army would practically be of little use, and at this time of the year would run great cherces of fever in Cuba. He continued: “I have received orders to report Thurs- day in Washington in order to stand an examination for promotion to the renk of lieutenant commander. It was at first thought of keeping me in Key West to take the examination, but afterward de- cided that it would be better to take it in Washington. I have received no cther orders of any kind, and can have ro idea where I will go and how long 1 shall re- main in Baltimore. The examination will require about a week.” The President Has Not Protested. The Navy Department continues to keep informed as to the Spanish torpedo flotilia now at the Canaries. Word ‘of its depar- ture has not yet reached the department. It can be stated positively that the report that President McKinley has protested against the coming of this flotilla is un- warranted. There has been no such pro- test. At the Navy Department nothing is known of the reported ordering home of the Maine officers now at Havana. It is said that these orders, if given, would come from Admiral Sicard, and not from the Navy Department. The several Maine sur- vivors who arrived here last Saturday came in response to orders from Admiral Sicard, and it was for this reason that their arrival was a surprise to the naval officials here. 1t is not expected that Capt. Sigsbee, Lieutenant Commander Wain- wright and others who are assisting in the werk of wreckage will leave Havana uatil the salvage of the Maine is completed. Cealing Station tn the West Indies. Serious attention is being given by the Navy Department officials to the question of the acquisitién ofa suitable location for a coaling statfon somewhere in the West Indies. Steps have been taken already to establish such 4 station at the Dry Tortu- gas, but this, it is said, is the only deep water harbor available for big war ve: between Hampton ‘Roads and the Rio Grande. Besides, it is practically unpro- tected at present, and a fleet would have to be stationed there to protect the coal stored, which is unsatisfactory. The offi- cials, thereforé, have, been casting about for a locdiion whith would serve the pur- poses of a coaling station, and which the United States might acquire either by pur- chase or cession trom one of the friendly governments. There are a number of fine harbers among the West Indies which might be used asa cvaling station. Sec- retary Long is considering the matter, and it is probable that if the government can make the nec ‘ary arrangements a sta- tion will be secured. s Bids for Powder Opened. At the War Department bids were opened in the bur of ordnance for supplying 470,000 pounds of brown prismatic powder for the seacoast fortification guns. There were only two bidders—the California Pow- der Company and the Dupont Powder Company. In » day or two the ordnance bureau will award the contract for supplying the de- partment 2,000,000 smokeless powder rifte bali cartridges of ) caliber. Two con- cerns submitted bids for furnishing these cartridges—the Winchester Arms Company and the Union Metallic Company, both of Connecticut. Their bids were substantially alike, and the contract, probably, will be divided between the two companies. The War Department has received ia- formation of the recent arrival at New York of the steamer Nordkyn, with 5,700 pounds of foreign smokeless powder aboard. This powder is for testing purposes at the Sandy Hook proving grounds. Naming the Warships. Senator Allen todey gave notice of an amendment he will offer to the naval ap- propriation bill providing, that hereafter all first-class United States battle ships, civisers and moaitors shall be named for the states, territories ard districts of the United States, and shall not be named for any city, place or person until the names o2 the states shall be exhausted. Successor to Admiral Sicard. There is a general impression at the Navy Department that it will shortly Bée- ecme necessary to relieve Rear Admiral Sicard of command of the North Atlantic station on account of his fil-health and grant him indefinite leave of absence for purposes of rest and recuperation. Several officers have been mentioned as likely to succeed him in case a change becomes nec- essary. Of the number, Commodore W. 8. Schley, chairman of the ‘ight house board, is regarded as mogt likely of selection. Other officers mentioned as possible suc- cessors to Admiral Sicard are Admiral Bunce, comman@ant ‘bf the New York yard; Capt. Sampson} président of the Maine court of inquiry; Commodore Charles 8. Norton, commandant of the Washington navy yard; Commodore John A. Howell, now ir command of the abandoned Euro- pean squadron, and Commodore N. H. Far- quhar, in command, of the Norfolk navy yard. we yektt Commodore Howell's selection is regarded as likely for the reason that he has just begun a tour #f s€& duty and will soon be without a eomifiand. He is now on beard the flagship Stn Francisco at Grave- send, and will probably come home on that vetsel, which Was béen selected to convoy to the United States the cruiser New Or- Jeans, formerly thé Amazonas, recently purchased from the Brazilian government. According to present outlook he will prob- ably arrive in this city in about three weeks. - 3 In the event that. the President does not ecnfine his selection to officers en the ac- tive list, it-is sald to be not at all im- probable that Réar Admiral John G. ‘Walker, now on the retired list, may be placed in supreme. fcreign subject received attention. It can be stated that the consensus of opinion of the committee, based on information which has been received from the administration by various members of the committee, was that the President is pursuing a wise and conservative course, a course which is rendered necessary in issues which involve Peace or war. A member of the comrhittee said that the course of the President was surely convincing the government and intelligent people of the world that the United States was justified in its policy and would have the moral support of Europe when the crisis came. Tends Toward a Ruptare. It was the opinion, however, that the inevitable tendency was toward a rupture with Spain, and that the United States Pcsition was becoming stronger and strong- er every day. The committee is aware that the Maine disaster will be treated as a separate and distinct incident for the present. There was some discussion as to what would be done with the report of the court of inquiry when it reaches the Sen- ate Monday, and it is probable that a mo- tion will be made to immediately refer it to the committee on foreign relations. It is known that the navai committee will seek jurisdiction of the report and will contest the right of the foreign relations committee to a matter involving the de- struction of a battle ship upon which a naval board has made a report. The for- eign relations committee is confident, how- ever, that the Senate will consider that-the Maine disaster involves foreign questions which make it properly the right of that cominittee to consider the subject. Mem- bers of the naval committee will claim that the Senate having authorized it to investigate the Maine disaster, this com- mittee should have the report of the naval board referred to it as a matter of courtesy as well as right. An effort will be made, however, to ad- just the whole matter by the time the re- port arrives, so that no debate will occur until after a committce has considered the report. a GLADSTONE’S ILLNESS. He Begs the Newspapers Not to Dis- cuss His Condition. LONDON, March 23.—Sir Thomas Smith, surgeon extraordinary to the queen, and senior surgeon of St. Bartholomew's Hos- Pltal, ete., who was called in consultation upon the case of Mr. Gladstone, said to an interviewer today that after the examina- tion Mr. Gladstone begged him not to say a word about his condition unless the queen asked for information on the sub- ject. The surgeon confirmed the report that Mr. Gladstone was suffering intense pain and was very ill. He added that Mr. Gladstone would regard it as the greatest kirdness if the newspapers and _ public would not discuss the details of his sick- ness. —_.>—_—_. RENOMINATED FOR CONGRESS. Capt. Lybrand Victorious After a Hot Contest. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. DELAWARE, Ohio, March —The re- publican congressional convention of the eighth Chio district met here yesterday and renominated by acclamation Archibald Ly- brand for Congress. There were contest- ing delegations from two counties who withdrew from the convention. They are recognized as the opposition of the admin- istration. The renomination of Capt. Ly- brand is considered an administration vic- tory. When the fight was made by Mc- Kisson against Hanna Capt. Lybrand was called from Washington and did yeoman service for the Hanna contingent. It was to his efforts more than any one else that the vote of the delegate from Union county was cast for Senator Hanna. — OREGON POPULISTS, Want to Swallow the Democrats and Silver Men. PORTLAND, Ore., March 23.—The dem- ocrats, populists and silver republicans of in Oregon are holding siate conventions this city today to nominate two congr men and a full state ticket. Democrats an silver republicans are for fusion, but the populists threaten to cause a split. Fifty- two middie-or-the-read delegates, inciud- ing Chairman Young, heid a caucus last night, and, after reciting that an aitempi was being made to disrupt the people's party and deliver it over to the democracy, under the guise of fusion, adopted the following resolution: “Resvived, That we demand that any vnion or fusion shall be on the peoples party platform and under populist leader- ship.” They say if their demands are not com- plied with they will nominate a separate ucket. —_>_—_ HAWAIL LEGISLATION, Contracts for Coolies to Be Made Voidable. HONOLULU, March 15, via steamer Bel- gic.—A bill is about to be introduced in the legislature providing that from and after July 1 no labor contract will be enforced in the Hawaiian Islands. The central com- mittee has indorsed the bill by carrying a motion to the effect that in future labor contracts be abolished by the present legis- lature. The Hawatiian legislature will be asked to appropriate $15,000 for the coinage of nickels and dimes. Minister Damon states that there is a scarcity of this class of coinage, and the banks were compelled to send to the United States several times for sufficient small coin to meet the needs of their business. The new coins will be minted at San Francisco, and this govern- ment will make a handsome profit on the transaction. At the last session of the legislature, the duty on Japanese sake was materially in- creased, in order to protect the California wine growers. The result has been a great increase in trade in this particular line. Now the Japanese want cheaper sake, and have petitioned the legisluture to restore the old duty. They claim that the cost to the consumer under the old tariff was reasonable, and that the present duty is prohibitive. —_———— Serip for Pension: Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. CLEVELAND, March 23.—John Orme Cole, former chief clerk of the United States pension agency at Washington, now living in Portsmouth, Ohio, has induced Representative Payne of Franklin county to introduce into the Ohio legislature a joint resolution memorializing Congress to pay all pension claims, past, present and to accrue, in irredeemable scrip. In the ag- gregate this would mean the floating of $2,000,000,000 of scrip. The bill was intro- duced yesterday, nee A Veteran’s Attempted Suicide. COVINGTON, Va., March 23.—C. P, Bish- op, an ex-Union veteran and shoemaker, hailing from Washington, attempted last idnight to commit suicide by cutting his oe The gash is from ear to ear. —__>—__ ‘The Menocal Court Will Adjourn. NEW YORK, March 23.—The court of in- quiry appointed by Secretary Long to in- LOCAL BILLS IN CONGRESS|FINANCE AND TRADE Measures Considered by the House District Committee. Proposed Route in the District of the Washington and Gettysburg Railway Company. The House District committee todey au- thorized a favorable report on House Dill 7613, to authorize the Washington and Gettysburg Railway Company to enter the District of Columbia. The route is as fol- lows: Beginning at a point on the north- east boundary line of the District of Co- lumbia, at or near the intersection of the boundary line and 12th street east ex- tended, as laid down in the proposed street- extension plans; thence south on 12th street to Frankfort street extended, thence west on Frankfort street to 10th street east extended, thence south on said With street to Rhode \d ‘avenue extended, connecting with the Maryland and Wash- iagton Railway Company. If the Maryland and Washington Railway Company and the Sckington and Soldiers’ Home Railway Company shall not have installed a rapid-transit service over its lines by July 1, i808, then the Washington and Gettysburg Railway Company may ex- tend its railway south on 10th street east extended to Delaware avenue extended, thence south on Delaware avenue to 4th street east extended, thence south on 4th street east extended to H street north, and connect its lines with the line of the Columbia Railway Company. The motive power shall be cable, elec- tric, compressed air, or other mechanical power other than steam-locomotive power; but nothing in this act shall be construed io allow at any time the construction or stringing of overhead trolley wires south of Florida avenue. Also on House resolution 189, providing that the Commissioners of the District of Columbia be authorized to locate on the Streets or parts of streets adjoining the stations of any railroad company in the District of Columbia, a stand for cabs, car- rages and other vehicles for the convey- ance of passengers to and from the rail- read stations, the service to be established by the railroad companies. The rates of charges for the service to be rendered by the railroad companies shall be fixed by the Commissioners of the District of Co- lumbia, and at no time shall the schedule «xceed the rates now in force in the city of Washington. Also a favorable report on Senate bill 71, to incorporate the National Florence Crittenton Mission. The incorporators named in the bill are Charles N. Critt ton, Franklin B. Waterman, Wager Swayne, Kate Waller Barret and Charles S. Morton. A hearing will be given by the subcom- mittee on street railways Friday at 10 o'clock on the proposed extension east- wardly of the Columbia rail: A hearing will be given next Wednes- Gay at 10 o'clock by the full committee on the highway extension bill. e+ AN ALLEGED “FENCE.” Julius Eppert Charged With the Proprietor. Detectives Lacy and Beur found an al- leged feyce in South Washington today, recovered some stolen property and arrested the alleged keeper of the place. He is Julius Eppert, nearly eighty years old, who has been a gateman at the Half street crossing of the Baltimore and Potomac railroad for nearly thirty years. His home is at No. 24 Virginia avenue, not far from the cross- ing. Five watches, a set of studs, six match safes, two rings, a pair of bracelets and some old coins were recovered. Some of the recovered property has been fden- tified as the proceeds of three robberies. Philip Saunders, a young colored man, arrgsted for the robbery of the house of Mrs. Mary S. Ball, corner of 12th and I streets, made a confession, and told that he had sold fis stolen property to Mr. Eppert. Two watches, he said, he soid him for 7 cents. Saunders also admitted knowledge of the of Leona Gor- don’s house, et northwest, and told of the robbery of a house on H street scuthwest. When the officers called on Eppert this morning he denied that he had received any stolen jewelry and showed fight when the officers attempted to search his house. After considerable trouble with the old man, they succeeded in reaching the upper floor, and there the plunder was found. When taken to headquarters and required to face the colored prisoner he still denied the latter’s statement. Both Saunders and the old man were locked up at the first precinct station for a hearing in the Police urt tomorrow. Saunders, the officers think, will give in- formation which will clear up a number of other robberies before the case is tried. Being > ARMY ORDERS, A Bonrd of Survey to Meet at Fort Sumter. A board of survey, to consist of Major Ernest H. Ruffner. Corps of Enginee Capt. William P. Van Ness, 1st Artill+ and First Lieut. Frank S. Harlow, 1 tillery, will assemble at Fort Sumte: Carclina, March 24, or as soon thereafter as practicable, for the purpose of ascer- taining and reporting upon the question of responsibility for the loss of certain engineer property belonging to the United States, for which Capt. Frederic V. Abbot, Corps of Engineers, is accountable. The junior member of the board will act as recorder. The following transfers are made: First Lieut. Robert Avexander, from the 12th Infantry to the 11th Infantry, Company C; First Lieut. Willis Uline, from the 11th Infantry to the 12th Infantry, Company H. Lieut. Henry A. Reed, 2d Artillery, will report in person to Col. John I. Rodgers, Sth Artillery, president of the examining board at New York, for examination as to his fitness for promotion. Ar- Talk on Classification. Major John W. Powell, director of the bureau of ethrology, will give a talk on “Classification” before the members of the Washington Mycological Clu» this after- noon at 4:15 o'clock. The meeting of the club will be held in the chemical laboratory of Columbian Uni- versity. — ‘Trial of Dr. Carr Resumed. ‘The trial of Dr. Cassius M. Carr, who is charged with practicing dentistry without having his name registered at the office of the board of dental examiners, was resum- ed this afternoon before Judge Scott and a jury in the United States branch of the Police Court. —__>__. Baltimore Markets. BALTIMORE, March 23.—Flour quie' =receipts, 15,425 barrels; 6 Wheat dull—spot and mont! 2100%; May, 100%2100%; hal ngewe. ma South | Prices Yielded in the Face of Light Demand, ‘Aenea SOLICITUDE OVER THE MAINE REPORT Probablg Hawaiian Sugar Uutput Affects Prices, WESTERN CROP NEWS Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, March 23. this morning were fractionally ning prices lower, in sympathy with London, and subsequen‘ly yielded further by reason of the reduced demand. Pric elded throughout the day, but the market was free from actual indicatidhs of weakn The narrowness e inarket and the nee of all in- > to buy made it necessary to reduce prices in order to trade at all. Ws ton advices predicting radical criticisms during the week added to the general easiness of the situation. Liquidation is being held well in check, but the task in- creases with h succeeding day If investment holdings are retail ing the trying period incident to tb of this week and the beginning of the market may be heid slightly under the Frevailing level. Should new liquidation set in at the close of the week confidence curities around the present level will uced to a minimum. On all sidex there is open concern as to the probable outcome of the next few days. The report on the Maine disaster is now regarded as fixing a date for more impor- tent developments than the fixing of the responsibility for that event. While inter- is centered in political events, there are several factors outside justify: sideration of stock market influence building of an independent sugar in the Hawaiian Islands, equal in ca) to the demands of at least one-half « territory west of the Missouri river, factor adverse to the American monop: ed dur- close he next, and recent selling has clearly emphasized the fact. The weakness of the shares of ter company ble for ihe unset ket. The proposed railway legis at Albany is a matter of considerab! concern to the local traction companies also, aud these shares have occasio: movements not based wholly on our foreign relat 5 The possible crop damage in certain se2- tions of the west came at a time when news of any kind was likely either to lose its influence or be declared bai > long as the situation retains its pr plexities a dull marke per on er is no certain lescription. Consequi med te ion, employment tment n u on ov oy ments es8 conditions are not to be considered s y for the time being. But t max to the depression is being aw: on all sides, and a few shrewd judges at least will recognize the limit of the decline. Sub- sequent to such recognition a prompt re- ccvery of the gradual but persistent los will be recorded. As yet there is no de- mand nor is there likely to be until Mon- day. —_> FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. The following are the opening, the hich- est and the lowest and the clusing prices of the New York stock market toc members . ponde Messrs. Van Emburgh & Atterbury, N Wail st. Open. High. Low. American Sp:rits. . . American Spirits, American Tot American Cotte Atchison Baltimore & Unie Kay State Gas, Canada Canada P. Chesapeake 2 & St. Louis. enicago, ESS Chicagoa Nortuwestern B&Q Ri Pant COM. & St. Pant. pte Chicago, R.1.& Pacit Chic St. P., M.& O Consolidated Gas Del. Lack & W . Delaware & Mudson .. Den. & iio Grande, y Erie General Dectric lihnots Centra: Lake Sore. ‘ Louisvilie x mLLIE, Metropolitan ‘Tractor Manhattan Elevated Mickigaz Centra Missouri Pacitic. .. National Lead Co. National Leau Co.. pit New Jersey Centra New York Centrat Nerthern Pacitt Vacine Mau. Phila. & keading. Puluasan P. C. Co. Southern Ky.. pfa. Phila. Traction ... 9 18 Ww o bash, pid. are Western Umon Tei. Ba Silver... Biesics Brooklyn K. Transit. BO Chig. & G Western. oo geretberts ai es Washington Stock Exchange. Sales—regular tion, 10 at 72%; 5 72%. American phone, preferred, 20 164. Pneumatic riage, 100 at 38'cents. Lauston Monotype, District of Columbia Bonds,—20-year fund 201%, bid. 30-year fund 6s, guld, T1v bid. % funding, currency. 115 bid. indebtedness, A, 117 bid. Met certificates of indebtedness, B, 1 3s, 45 bid. Eckingtcn Raiiro: Columbia Railroad 6s. Company 6s, series 4 Company 6s, seric i Light debenture imp... i05 bid. peake and Potomac Telephone 5s, 102% bid. jean Security and Trust 5s, F. ‘aud A.. 112 bid. American Security and Trust 5s, A. and bid. Washington Market Company Ist €s, 205 Washington Market Company finp. 6s, Washington Market Company ext. Gs, 169 onic Hail. Association ie bid. Washing’ Mase 4 Light, Infantry int Ge. 90 National Bunk Stocks.—Bank of Washington, 280 bid. Mets tan, 308 bid. Central (news st 135 bid Farmers and Mechanics’, 1 and . 149 bid, 155 asked. allroad : ital Traction, 72% bid, 73 itan, 117 bid. 118 asked. Colum- bid, 134 asked. Franklin, tocks.—Firemen’s, 39 bid. id.” Corcoran. 60 bid. 145. asked. 35 bid. he tan, 70 bi an. i Potomac, 35 0a. Ari 145 |. : . National Union. 9 bid, 11% asked. Colsinbie, 11 bid, 12% asked. Rij bid, 6 asked. “Lincoln, 9 L