Evening Star Newspaper, March 25, 1898, Page 17

ee THE EVENING STAR. ee PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th 8t, by iss Men CAcrrAR Pose Kew York Office, 49 Potter bk ‘The Evening Star fs served to subscribers in the asty by ctrriers, on their own account, at 10 cent per week. or #4 cents per month. Copies at the cetnter 2 cents each. By mall—anywhere in the United States «r Canada—postage prepald—lo cents per mont Saturday Quintuph: Shect Star, $1 per year, with foreizn postage added. $3.00. (Entered at the Po t Gifice at Washington, D. C.. as sec nd-class ma’l matter.) ©> All mail subscriptions mast be pald In advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicstior “No. 14,061. WASHINGTON, D. OC. FRIDAY “MARCH 25, 1898—-SIXTEEN PAG ES. ‘TWO CENTS PRESIDENT HAS IT Report on the Mains Disaster Taken to the White House. NOT OPENED BY SECRETARY LONG Going Over the Document With Judge Advocate Marix. CONSIDERED BY THE CABINET The report of the Maine court of inquiry was delivered into the hands of Pre MeKiniey at 9:42 o'clock Usis mor was handed to the President by Lieutenant Commander Marix personally, Secretary Loug beaving that honor to the officer who breug and guarded the report for many miles. At the Navy Department. The document was brought to the Navy Department about 9 o'clock by Lieutenant Commander Marix, the judge advocate of the court, and Lieut. Jungen, one of the survivors of the Maine, who were of the party that brought it from Admiral Sicard en his flagship New York at Key West. They spent the night quietly at the Ebbitt House, and, after breakfasting, this morn- ing proceeded to the Navy Department. They were in civilian dress, and attracted no special attention as they walked from the hotel up the avenue past the White House to the Department. . Jungen carried the report in a eanvas bag or hav- ersack, slung over his left shoulder. It w almost exactly 9 o'clock when they reached the department. In accordance with the invariable custom in such cas they went first to the office of the judge ad- vecate general of the navy and reporied their arrival with the record of the Maine court of inqu ‘The usual course of pro- cedure in such cases is for the judge advo- cate general to review the proceedings and findings, to see that they are reguier and in accordance with the law and the regu- lations of the navy, with a special view to see tha: the finding is justified by the evi- dence. Owing to the vast importance of this case, however, the usual formalities were waived and the judge advocate gen eral did not open the package containing the report. Delivered to the Secretary. A messenger was sent to the Secretary's office to see if he was there and ready to receive the bearers of the report. An af- ‘irmative reply was received, whereupon Lieut. Commander Marix, accompanied by the judge advocate general and his messen- ser, the latter pearing the report, proceeded down the corridor to the Seeretary’s cffice. It was then about 9:10 o'clock. Secretary Leng, who was seated at his desk red in the consideration of his mail, arose and greeted Lieut. Commander Marix cordisly. That officer then took the report from the Taessenger and formally delivered it by pacing it in the hands of the Secretary of the Navy. The judge advocate general and his messenger remained only a few minutes, leaving Lieut. Commander Marix alone with the Secretary. Secretary Long and Comminder Marix did not exchange a werd concerning the contents of the report. The meeting in the Secretary's office was purely formal, devoted exclusively to the formal on by Commander Marix to Mr. Long of the report and the voluminous evidence ace nying it. Without commenting ca the purposes of the visit, the Secretary in- vited Commander Marix to wait Until he had gone through the important dispatches ard reports arriving during the night and early morning. Some of these required speedy attenti and Mr. Long called in his private se so tary, Mr. Finr. nd dictated several let- ters and disps before turning to the 1eport. He also sent for Capt. Clover, chief of the bureeu of information, and Capt. O'Neil of the bureau of or ram f conferenc These over for b asked Commander Marix to ac- to the White House. “The ded to the White House to to the hands of Presi- hen the two geatleme s offies in the Navy £ were met by se ral new. Sceretary Long greeted them he d smile that - report and realy g ity conten's than they «© and his comp ion pass- P rd were n to the 4 y ent Seerstary were ari to th Whee House. 5 Cem. Marix carricd 2 in which it ¥ is ‘. and the engi zed Commander ried the green cloth the Important i to the Pr id in his right ining ail the n into the Maine was seated in the » the private apartmicnts of when the momentous doc- nt wes turned over to him. Lient. Command«r Marix was inirdduced to the President by Seeretary Long. Afier a few words the three repaired to the fbra . where so many important con- ferences have recently been held. ‘The! report was gone inte fully, Comman- Marix remaining to answer all ques- tions propounded by the President and Sec- retary Long, and ready to explain the @rawings, which were made for the court chiefly oy Ensign Powelson. -The President and Secretary were busily engaged whea abinet officers began to arrive for the and grave séssion which was to de- termine so much. Judge Day in Conference. Judge Day, assistant secretary of state, | went to the White House fifteen minutes | after the delivery of the report. He was with the President and Secretary Long an hour. It is not thought he took away any part of the report for the purpose of com- [ muricating with Minister Woodford. All communication to Minister Woodford or with the Madrid government will probably be delayed until tonight or tomorro Judge Day had called at the White Hous: at 9 o'clock, but as the President had not come down stairs he went away to return later. It is thoyght from this that he probably had matters other than the Maine report to confer about with the President. The Cabinet Meeting. The President, Secretary Long and Com- mander Marix lingered in the library until ail the members of the cabinet arrived. The President and Secretary Long proceed- ed to the cabinet room, leaving Lieutenant Commander Marix in the library, so that he could be within call should the cabinet desire any explanation of the contents of the report and the accompanying drawings. Secretary Long and Commander Marix left the White Hose about 12 o'cleck, go- ing to Navy Department. Commander Marix remained with the President and cabinet long enough to explain any fea- ture of the investigation desired. After his departure the cabinet got down to ha and serious work ‘n censideration of the message. Secretary Long had no statement to make to the press beyond tie fact that any in- | formation regardirg the report will have j to come from the President. The secret will be locked in the breast of every cab- inet officer and other official who knows it. There will be no leak, and every newspaper report between now and Monday must be based on intimetions or insinuations. Commodore Schley Given Comma: The Navy Department today made the first. public admission that the “flying squadron,” with headquarters at Hamp- ton Roads, wo ild be established. This was conveyed through the formal orders, post- ed at the department, stating that Com- modore W. S. Schley was detached from bis present service as chairman of the lignthouse board and was ordered “to com- mand the flying squadron, cruiser Brook- iyn, flagship.” The fact that this squadron was contemplated has been well known, } but not until today has the department defined its character and named its com- mander. The designation of “flying” has a dis- tinct meaning in naval parlance. It will give the ships a base at Hampton Roads, but they will be at all times subject to Commorodre Schley's orders for immediate service at points along the Atlantic coast or wherever they may be needed. At pres- ent the’ fine armored cruiser Brooklyn, which is to be Commodore Schley's flag- ship, and the battle ship Texas are the only ships of the flying squadron at Hamp- ton Roads. They will be speedily aug- mented, nowever, as the battle ship Mas- sachusetts is hourly expected to report ner arriva! taere, and the crack cruisers Co- lumbia and Minneapolis are outfitting at the League Island navy yard and will proceed to Hempton Roads at an early te. These vessels compose the squad- ron ai present. The cruiser Cincinnati and gunboats Wilmington and Bancroft are not unlikely also to ke added to this squadron. An indication in this direction was given today by an efficial order, which detached Capt. Chester, commander of the Cincin- nati, from command of the South Atlantic squadronebut left him in command of the Cincinnati. The effect of this is to remove the Cincinnati from the South Atlantic rv} and make her available for the North Atlantic station, presumably at Hampton Reads, where her speed would make her a valle adjunct to the quick maneuvers of a flying squadron. Commo.ore Schley’s orders in terms make him commander of an independ=nt squad- ron, so that the ships at Hampton R. will be entirely separate from the Ni Atlantic squadron, of which Capt. Sampson is in command. This is an unusu2! exped- fent, as all the vessels on the home station have always her2tefors been intact. As a flying squadron, howeve the vessels of Commodore Schley’s command have wide latitude quite outside of the regular assem- rc blage of ships in the North Atlantic. Com- |’ modore Schlzy was at th» Navy Depart- ment and announced that he would assume command Monday at Hampton Reads. Ancther order issued yby the Navy De- partment today carries out the announce- ment of Secretary Long yesterday that Capt. Sampson would command the North Adantic squadron. Th> order as issued reads that he is “commander-in-chief of the North Atlantic statien.” Although Key West advices state that the battle ship Iowa will probably be his flagship, the erders of the Navy Departmert indicate that the cruiser N ill continue as flagship of the squadron. Capt. Sampson's flag is « triangular blue pennant, without Stars or other insignia. Admiral Sicard’s Retirement. Admirai Sicard was ¢ hed from com- mand of the North Atlantic squadron and months’ leave by orders issued ‘The effect of this six months’ leave to practically close Admiral Sicard’s tiv: service in the navy. He retires ge limit of sixty-two years on ) next, which is just six months days from the beginning cf his This will give him but six days’ of active service when his leave expir2s, so that to all practical purposes the admiral cicses his acuve service when he hauls down his flag from the flagship New York. This is a source of the sinccr2st regret to Sceretary Long and all naval officials, who pay the highest tribute to the devoted ser- vice of Admiral Sicard throughout the re- cent critical period, and to his personal bravery in 12maining at his post while his health was in a precarious condition. UGlizing Naval Militia. ‘The Navy Department has taken active steps to utilize the naval militia of New Englard and New York state in manning the cld single-turreted racnitors recently called into service. To that end the as- sistant secretary wrote some days ago to the heads of the naval militia in Massa- chusetts and New York asking them how quickly they could furnish officers and men to take the monitors from League Island to their respective posts at Boston, New York and Portland. The answer of Massa- chusetts came first, and was most satis- factory. It stated briefly that the naval milltia of Massachusetts could furnish officers and men jn.mediately for the man- ning. of the monitors intendeg for New Ergland points. , pie: —_——-e-+—_____ lowa Republican Convention. DES MOINES, Iowa, March 25.—The re- publican state committee held a meeting here yesterday and decided upon the next state convention. It Will be ‘held at Du- buque September 1. John F. Congresaman Lacy of Oskaloosa will be temporary chair- man, 2ve. FEAR TORPEDO FLEET |T© cetts oo Naval Officers at Key West Point Out: Its Force. MENACE T0 OUR BATTLESHIPS Preparations for Actual War Go Actively On. ANOTHER TORPEDO BOAT SA KEY WEST, Fla., March 25.—It was not vntil today that the news of the departure of the Spanish torpedo fiotilia from the Canary Islands became known among the naval officers here. It created intense feel- ing, especially among the officers of the torpedo boats which are in this harbor. One of the most prominent of these officers sald today: “if the United States allows the Spanish boats to get to Porto Rico it will be the biggest mistake ever made. ‘They are a greater menace to the safety of cur fleet than if all the rest of the Span- ish navy was brought to these waters. “At Porto Rico they will be nearer Key West than Havana. Only two torpedo boats in our navy would have any chance of getting away from the Spanish torpedo boat destroyers. The Iowa, New York and Indiana lying out there six miles off the land would practically be at the mercy of say a dozen Spanish torpedo boats, which cculd run over from Porto Rico in a short time should war be declared. Means of Defense Lacking. “We have no protected harbors here, and we have not a single torpedo boat de- stroyer, and unless a fleet powerful enough to be proof against these torpedo boats is quickly concentrated in these waters, or unless the Spanish flotilla is warned to keep farther away, I should judge that it weuld be better to take every United States warship as far away as possible from this menacing force which Spain in- tends to concentrate within such a con- venient distance as Porto Rico. “It is all very well to talk of peace and to say that there is no probability of war, but at the same time while international relations are strained displays of force should be met with alacrity, and, as a tor- pedo expert, I must say that if every ship in the United States navy was brought into these waters it would be none too for- midable a display when the strength of the Spanish flotilla is considered.” Activity at Mare Isiand. VALLEJO, Cal., March 25.—Great activ- {ty prevails at the Mare Island navy yard. The cruiser Philadelphia has been hauled from the stream and lies alongside the quay wali, néar the Charleston. The gun- boat Yorktown has also been towed to the wall, and all three ships fairly swarm with men at all hours. The Charleston is rapidly nearing completion, and will be ready to go into commission in a compar- atively short time. The Yorktown, too, ts nearly ready for sea, and the purchase of supplies for both is now being made. Lieut. Commander Thomas S. Phelps, jr., formerly executive officer of the receiving ship Indeperdence, who accofapanied Presi- dent Dole of Hawaii on his trip to Wash- ington as naval aid, has been appointed chief aid to Rear Admiral Kirkland. Armament at the Presidio. SAN FRANCISCO, March 25—A new twelve-inch rifled canon, with a disap- pearing carriage, to be located at the Pre- sidio, has arrived from the east and will be mounted at once. Eventually it is the intention of the War Derartment to hace three or four more of these disappearing guns at the Presidio, three at Lime Point and about seven at Point Lobos. Several carloads of powder and projec- tiles for the new guns, as well as for the other modern weapons at the Presidio and Lime Point, are now en route from the east. At the Presidio there are five ten-inch modern rifles and three dynamite guns in position, aiso five twelve-inch guns mounted on barbettes and sixteen twelve- inch mortars. A secondary battery of mor- tars is now being prepared. At Lime Point there are three twelve-inch rifles on barbettes. . Naval Officers’ Changes. PORTLAND, Ore., March 25.—Robert W. Galt, chief engineer, U. 8S. N., who has been inspector of machinery on the tor- pedo boats being Luilt by Wolf & Swicker ! WITHOUT TRIAL Politioal Prisoners in Cuba Fare Badly Under Autonomy, Indefinite Charge df Conspiracy Suf- ficent to Send Them to Spanish Dunggons. (Copyright, 1898, by Charles M. Pepper.) Special From a Staff Corr: syoudent, HAVANA, March 2%, via Port Tampa, Fla., March 24.—Pretenge ig made of prepar- ing for the elections ynder autonomy and negotiating a treaty of commerce with the United States under such regime. These ef- forts are put forth in a desperate endeavor to show that u spark of, vitality vet remains in the government’ under Spanish sover- eignty Events, however, arelshowing what Spain really understands by autonomy. The other day I saw the royal mail steamer go out with nine prisoners of state, who are destined for prison in Barcelona, which has been made infamous in recent years by the crueltles committed within its walls. I have seen this royal mail go out in Wey- ler's time bearing Cubans condemned to chains for Mfe or to perpetual imprison- ment in the penal settlements of Africa. ‘They were charged with the crime of rebel- lion, and the cause of titeir deportation given. They had even Veen vut through the form of a farcical trial. ‘The men who are row on the sea as prisoners consigned to the fortress in Barcelona have not even had the form of a trial under the regime of autonomy, though the promise was made that under the new regime the rights of all persons would be sacredly respected. Indefinite Charge ‘of Conspiracy. Three weeks ago a scbre of persons were arrested. The complaint gainst them was the indefinite charge of “conspiracy.” They were admittedly political prisoners. Noth- ing has been heard of the e lence against them or of their defense. The only farcical proceeding has been what Is called an “ex- pedient” or statement of the police to the authorities of the grounds of their arrest. It is the nature of a grand jury process ef indictmeat. On this showing they have been deported as prisoners. Not a word has been permitted in 1h defense. The press, under the military censorship, has been allowed to publish. nothing about the case. What the fate of the men who are imprisoned in the Barcelona fortress will be no one can foresee. The insurgent general, Ruiz Riveria, after his refusal to accept from Blanco freedom on condition of his supporting autonomy. was transported to these prisons and is there now. These deportations were made in the name of the autonomist cabinet of Cuba and under its authority. The real influence was the Spanish-government, act- ing through Captain Géneral Blanco. Odium Placed om Cabinet. But the odium was placed on the autono- mist cabinet. lts membgrs had neither the spirit nor the power to resist. They mere- ly accepted their function. The Case has not excited much attention among the Cubans. They knew that Spanish rule might change fn name, but not in fact. So the exercise of arbitrary power does not surprise them, though it justifies them in their refusal to be deceived into accepting autonomy. Possibly the incident may aid some people in Washington to an under> standing of the conditions which have made a failure of the “concession” of colonial self-government by Spain to Cuba. CHARLES M. PEPPER. SEE ge DISTRICT IN CONGRESS Report of the Joint Committee on Charities Ready for Distribution. Imsurance Bill De- veloped—Contagious Hospti- tal Site. The report of the joint select committee 02 Congress on charities and reformatory irstitutions in the District of Columbia is new printed in pamphlet form. Persons specially interested in the subject of this report can receive copics of it by making application at the room of the Senate com- mittee on the District of Columbia. A petition protesting against some of the provisions of the bill regulating insurance in the District of Columbia is being ci culated, and will shoruy be sent to the Sen- ate committee on the District of Columbia. It is understood that a number of senators iron works, has been detached and ordered | @fe Oppesed to the bill in its present form. to proceed to Mare Island on the arrival of his relief, Passed Assistant Engineer Howard Gage, who has been on duty at the Union iron works, San Francisco. Rough Riders Offer Services. CHEYENNE, Wyo., March 25.—Governor Richards has received an offer from Geo. R. Shanton, a well-known Laramie cow- boy, to raise within ten days’ notice a company*of fifty rough riders and expert shots for service in the event of war. The ven will furnish their own mounts and equipments. The offer will be accepted by tne governor if war should ensue. President Asked to Go Slow. COLORADO SPRINGS, Col., March A petition signed by fifty citizens of Colo- rado Springs was sent to President McKin- ley expressing the “hope that in behalf of justice, humanity and of our own perme- nent rational welfare, the United States will continue to refrain from hostile inter- vention in Cuba. A false step at this time may bring war, and it is possible that vic- tory, by begetting a willingness to inter- fere in the affairs of other nations, may produce results that might be worse even than defeat.” Among the signers are Dr. William F. Slocuim, president of Colorado College; Irv- ing Howbert, collector of internal revenue; Louls Ehrich and others equally prominent. Battery at Point Wilson, Wash. SEATTLE, Wash., March 25.—The con- demnation suits by which the government secures a site for a battery at Point Wil- son have been closed in the federal ‘court. The price to be paid aggregates $45,000. A number of heavy guns are now on their way here and preparations for setting them up will be immediately commenced. ——_—_>——_. Models to Go to Omaha. All the beautiful models of warships on exhibition in the corridors of the Navy Department, with the exception of the One of the objections to the bill is the fact that it seeks to regulate agents in the Dis- trict of Columbia rather. than the com- panies they represent, and secks to give to authorized agents of the companies a mo- nopoly for soliciting insurance. The pro- test of insurance men against the measure is embodied in the following: « 1. It will tend to concentrate the insur- ance business in the hands of a few large corporations, and will better enzble them to maintain high rates, and te crush out all small competitors. 2. It will deprive hundreds cf worthy, t1- dustriocus and deserving persons from earn- ing a livelihood, and will prevent nearly all the real estate Lrokers, whc now pay $50 per year license, frem enguging in the in- surance business. 3%. It is not a just and equitable tax, be- cause an agent who does a small business, and represents no company, except as a solicitor, pays the same license as a broker’ who does a very large “business and repre- sents many companies, 4. Because it impeses a license tax upon the agent and. solicitor; and relieves cn- tirely insurance corporations who now pay under the existing law $15 each license tax, and 1 per cent tax cn gross Teceipts re- ceived each year. 5. Because ne other trade or profession is required to pay a license tax except a real estate broker. Mr. Jenkins has intredueed a bill in the House authorizing the acquisition by pur- chase or condemnation of the following real estate for a site for a contagious hospi- tal: Square numbered: 765, original plat of ‘Washington, bounded on the north by E street south, on the east by 8d street, on the south by South Carolina avenue and Garfield Park, and on the west by 2d street Rumbtr of square fost Gone te tat square t in’ ual 93,060.30, and in the fs 198.75 plus, for A Joint DIRECT INTERVENTION That is Believed to Be Oontemplated at the Earliest Hour Practicable. Feeling in Congressional Circles That the Crixis in the Cuban Ques- tion is Very Near. There is a feeling in congressional circles that the crisis is about at hand, and the numerous interviews the President has had within the pest two days with men of both parties in Congress practically have removed all doubt that direct interven- tion is contemplated at the earliest hour Fracticable. It is understood that the President has not said directly what course he intends to follow or when he intends to act, but he has indicated that there are further preparaticns this country should make before fecirg war, and has been solicitous to know how much delay would be approved of by Congress and to get the judgment of men of discretion as to whether more is to be gained by prompt- nm or by delay. It is represented that there are some uf our coast ‘enses that ought to be further improved before en- tering upon hostilities, but, at the same time, there is something to be gained from a military p: pt action. The two sides of the lie sentiment, jhe the sailing of the Spanish xdo He: from the ¢ ps and the rapid approach of the rainy season are arguments for ess of action which weigh against s there are in our preva- ration in the way of mounting coast guns. Advantage of Prompt Action, Prompt action is expected to bring a speedy termination, whereas if we wait to be thoroughly preyarcd the same degree of prepzration will be in sress on ihe part of the Spanish government, and the struggic may be mere severe and longer 4 by reason of both countrigs be- The relative strength Inight ged in thirty da, not more of prep ‘The danger of an outbre in Cor having calied in democrats tion, yet advice against dei: If it were made very plain ¢ soluely necessary for prs a definite policy had would be carried out at the earliest prac- ticable moment, it is belleved t , as im- patient us Ccrgress is, there would be no attempt to force the President to prema- tvre action. The general sentiment of Con- gress is, however, that there is more to be lost than gaired by delay, and this is understood to be the general tone of the advice given the President by the mem- bers of the Senate end House, whose opin- ions have been sought. Relief as the Initial Step. The preposition to confine intervention to the sending of supplies to the island by this government is not popular in Con- gress. It is agreed that government relief must be sent to the island, but it is insist- ed that fighting between the Spanish and the insurgents shall not continue while this relief is being sent. It is said that the peo- ple of Cuba must be fed while they plant, but that they must not fight while being fed by this government. The relief, it is very generally insisted, should be coupled_ with an intervention which will send the Spanish soldiers from the island and give Cuba her liberty. It is not believed that Spain will permit the relief to be sent without a fight, but still the wisdom of making relief the initial step by this coun- try is doubted by~many in Congress. It has become a fixed conviction in con- gressional circles that the crisis will come a few days after the receipt of the Maine report by Congress, but that there will be no outbreak in Congress when that report is presented, no matter what it sets forth. The report will go to committee, and a rea- senable time will be allowed for action. The understanding arrived at between the President and men in both houses will pre- vent hasty action. In the ordinary course of events it is expected that definite action, which will culminate in war or will break the Spanish power in Cuba, will come before the close of next week. Possibilities ef Conflict. Informaticn as to the intention of the President in the line of reiief intervention, however, opens up the possibility that the corflict may be hastened by events outsi of Congress, and that when Congre: ecmes to deal with the question hostilities may be already on. It is said that the President intends to send relief at once, in advance of sending a message to Congress, and that the supplies are to be sent, with- out the assent of Spain, in a war vessel and under an escort of troops. The pro- ceeding of the Spanish torpedo fieet on their way to Havana from the Canaries is regarded as a hostile move, and ‘t is likely that there will be resistance by Spain to the landing of provisions from our war vessels. If there is such resistance that will be regarded as the opening of hostili- ties, aud steps will be taken at once, it is said, to intercept the torpedo fieet, Jopted and NICARAGUA C L COMMISSION, It in Estimated That the Work Will Cast $100,000,000. Information has been received at the State Department that the ) icaragua canal commission, consisting of Admiral Walker, Colonel Hains and Prof. Haupt, has fin- ished its tour of observation and study of the canal line across Nicaragua, and is row on its way to the United States on the gunboat Newport. It is reported that the cemmission estimates that the canal can be completed for about a hundred million dclars, which estimate is about $30,000,000 in excess of that made by the Maritime Canal Company. It is impossible to- verify this report in official circles. The proba- bility is that tae commission will not be Prepared to transmit its report to Con- gress before next winter. ———o-+_____ Medical Department Changes. Changes have been made as follows in the stations and duties of officers of the wedical department: Capt. Robert J. Gibson, transferred from Fort Thomas, Ky., to Fort Meade, & D.; Maj. Louis W. Crampton, from Fort Meade, 8. D., to Fort McHenry, Md., re- Heving Maj. Charles K. Winne. Lieut. James N. Kennedy, assistant sur- geon, will, in addition to his duty as sur- geon at Washington, Md., attend the sick at the’ battery at Sheridan Point, Ve. Maj. Henry McElderry, surgeon, has been ordered to Hot Spring, Ark. for t ent in the government hospital. — Guy Howard, assistant | quarter- master, has been relieved of duty as quar- termaster at Fort Ethan Allen, Vt., and ordered to Allanta, Ga., for duty es assist- : of tn ae ses Va., in place: THE OHIO ON A BOOM River is Rising an Inch an Hour at Cincinnati. FLOOD'S HAVOC AT OTHER POINTS Water Gradually Receding Along Headwaters of the Stream. > NT OF B. AND O. R. R. STATEME — CINCINNATI, Ohio, March 25.—The Ohio river continues steadily rising about an inch an hour. It was 522 at 10 a.m. From reports from above it is certain the rv wil! continue to rise here more rapidly t day and tomorrow, reaching its limit Sun- day. It now seems certain that a stage more than 55 feet will be reached. Fifts sia feet will encroach upon the Newport race track and probably caure a postpone- ment of the April meeting. The Ohio is still rising at Parkersburg, thre ri tentas of a foot per hour. The Kanawha river has risen five feet at Ciarleston. The flood continues at Zan the Muskingum is still rising ille, where two inches an hour. Two persons are reported drown- More ‘har. two hundred box cars have is el. been destroyed and the city light cr water supply. The joss in the ccunty is now estimated at milli Two thousand persons «re sheltered in public halls and the market ho: Desolation at Pittsburg. PITTSBURG, Pa., March 25.—As the flood bsides the irundated districts in the two cities a desolate appearance and the s are beginning to vuffer the after s of the high water. At 10 o'ciock the water had receded to 21g fee which is six irches below the danger line. From careful estim it is be- lieved that the loss in and about Pittsburg and Allegheny will reach $1,000,000. This includes the loss of wages ¢ccasioned by the employes of manufacturing establish ments forced to down. ~ Aleng the B, and 0. BALTIMORE, March ‘The Baltimore ts this morning water re- ceding at Wheeling and all other points, exeept Zanesville and near Parkersburg. without Water came over the track at the latter place about 6 o'clock ts morning, tying up the line. night. li is expected to recede by ie Zanesville dist is in bad condi- nd communication will be cut off for Yy-six hours. Other divisions west of Ohio wiil probably be in shape by night. Trains are still running between Chicago and Baltimore via Pittsburg, subject only sht delays. a SEVERE STORMS IN ENGLAND. Railroad Trains and Telegraph Lines Embedded Snow. LONDON, March 25.—The storms con- tinue throughout the united king#om: rail- road trains are imbedded in heavy snow drifts; telegraph wires are down in many parts of the country; people have been frozen to death while traversing the moors; a hurricane has swept all the coast, and terrific seas have been running. Channel services have been there have been numberless wrecks of small craft; the Hfeboats and the rocket service have been busy; many people have | been rescued from drowning, and the ship- ping is everywhere secking shelter. Much damage has been done at the har- bors; piers have been swept away, and the high tides are ficocing the street! A Swedish brig went ashore near Grims- y this moining. Her crew perished before sistance could reach them. he greatest anxiety is felt for the safe- fishing fleet suspended; ty of the SS CONFER! — PROCEEDINGS. Annual Grthering of Ministers of M. E. Church South.” The Evening Star. Va., March 25.—-The second s meeting of the one hundred and four- teenth annual session of the Baltimore an- TON, W. 1 conference ef the Methodist Episcopel Church South was largely devoted to re- ports of preachers as their characters were ders. Eight dis- passed by the presiding trict are represented. These embrace all of Maryland except the lower counties on the eastern shore, all of the valJey counties of ‘ginix and five counties north of ihe Rappuhanrcck river, as well as the moun- tain counties of West Virginia—about 200 ministers, 50,000 church members and nearly 10,000 Epworth League members. The report of Epworth Church in the city of Washington shows work done dur- ing the year as follow $1,200; presiding eider, &e., $105 fund, $35; Pastor's salary, ; janitor, fuel, benevolent collections, $323; poor 364, Sunday missionary coi current Epworth League, pnnting, $1 3 total expenses, ‘In addition to this amount there has been collected and paid out on a church debt, interest, etc., grand total for the year of %. The present membership of 18 during the past year. The Epworth League aumbers 110 mem- bers, an increase of 22 during the year. The Junior League numbers 7 members, an increase of 2) members during thé year. The Sunday school has a total enrollment of 297, which teachers. Rev. J. W. Duffy of Mount Vernon Place Church, Washington, reported 846 mem- bers. For Marion Church an addition of 26 merabers was shown, making a net loss of %, and leaving 198 members, with $5,700 paid for all purpeses. Rev. J. T. Williams told of 711 members in Alexandria Church, where the sum of $800 was raised for missions and $5,000 for all purposes. Rev. Robert & tkinecs, 6 -Congrega- tional minister of Atlanta, was admitted to membership in the conference at the re- est of Bishop Galloway and upon the 2ocoramendation of Bishop Wilson, who immediately transferred him to the north Georgia conference. He is to be appointed to Walker Street Church, AUlanta. =. ——— Personal Mention. Lieut. William Wright, 2d Infantry, is now in the city preparing the exhibit of the War Department for shipment to the Omaha exhibition. : Col. G. B- Davis, judge advocate gener- includes 8 officers and 17 ———— Advertising is not an expense. It is a business investment. If you want to invest your m profitably you will therefore put your advertisements in such a paper as The Evening Star, that is read regularly and thoroughly by everybcdy worth reaching. ie Stai is the recognized household and family journal of the National Capital. and has no rival as an advertising med- ium. 7 EXTRA i FROM THE OUTSIDE ~ > What the Report of the Board of Tnquiry Shows. A SUBMARINE WINE What Caused the Destruction of the Maine. = RESPONSIBILITY NOT FIXED oe The board of inquiry into the loss of the Maine finds that the explosion which destroyed the Maine Was from the outside, and does not fix the re- sponsibility for the disaster. It does not express an opinion as to the character of the explosive, but the testimony goes to show that it was a powerful submarine mine, the exact character of which is not determined by the testimony, though the belief was expressed that it was what is known as a floating submarine mine. There were two explosions, the board finds; the first was from the outside and that set off one of the smaller magazines. Concern at the Navy Department. Interest, bordering upon concern, is mani- fested among officials of the Navy De- partment over the movement of the Span- ish fleet of torpedo boats from the Canar- ies to Porto Rico. The flotilla is one of the ble of its kind afloat, and the sending of it to the West Indies at this time is re- gurded as an indication of Spain's en- Ceavor to be prepared for any emergency that may arise in or near Cuban waters. ‘The navy experts are ef opinion that in orcinary circumstances it will take the flotilla about ven days to make the jour- ney from the Canaries to Porto Rico, but it is exceedingly Likely that it will actually require several days longer. The Nability of the boats to accident is great, particu- larly if they should encounter rough Weather. Then, too, if they should be ac- ccmpanied by a@ collier the speed of the fleet would be reduced to that 6f the coal beat. Z Speaking this morning of the movement of the flotilla one of the naval officials com- pered the torpedo boats to race horses trained to a nicety. They are keyed up to a high pitch for short, sharp and decisive werk, and if overtaxed are liable to break cown. Waile the floulla might make the trip to Porto Rico in den days, in order to most for do so absolutely smooth water would have to be insured them throughout the dis- tance. It is understood today that some corre- spondence with Spain through Minister Polo concerning the movements of the tor- pedo boat flotilla is not unlikely. The statements made yesterday to the effect that this government might regard the sending of the flotilla to West Indian Waters as an act unfriendly to the United States, as it was evident that 4 for use against the Cuban insurgents as a matter of fact could be employed only against a hy PS, Were zccentuated to- niations, if any, will be made to Spain cannot, quite naturaliy, be ascertained. Propesed Parchase of Yach this connection the announcement ning that the Navy Depart- ment had under consideration, and nad, in- deed, practically concluded, the purchase of several fast yachts which it is proposed to transform into torpedo boats, is not viewed with entire favor by naval men. The vessels which the department has in view have a speed rate ranging from six- teen to twenty knots, while specially de- signed torpedo boats have a speed of from twenty-four to thirty knots. As against reguiar torpedo boats the fleet of “make- shifts,” as the proposed purchases ¢ the government were termed by a naval offi- cial, would cut a comparatively insignifi- cant figure. In the absence of anything better, however, it was conceded that the vessels, If acquired. by the government, would prove of distinct value. Information as to the names of the ves- sels which the Navy Department has in view for purchase was refused today, lest the premature announcement might em- barrass the negotiations and possibly serve to increase the price which the govern- ment would have to-pay for them. Later in the day, should the negotiations be closed, the names of the vessels will be made pyblic. eS Fusion Ticket in Oregon. PORTLAND, Ore., March 25.—The three state conventions, populists, democrats and silver republicanr, which are in session in this city took the first step Wednesday toward forming a fusion ticket. Each con- vention appointed a conference committee gest Se ne ropes Seen ne ni e Ge. liberations of the conferees. ‘will prouably be closed up today. aera Minister Angell Back at His Post. CONSTANTINOPLE,. March 25.—The United States minister, J. B. Angell, has returned here from a teur of Egypt and inasmach In made last ev Lightning last night set fire to the here. which were damaged to the amcunt of 810.000. In addition, nearly the whole