Evening Star Newspaper, March 28, 1898, Page 13

THE EVENING STAR. —— : @UBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY, ar THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1161 Penaszivanta Avana, Cor. 1th Ss, by The Evening Star New: x Company, 8. H. UFFMANN, Pres’t. etre aaet Few York Office. 49 Petter Bnui'ding; a ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers f7 the efty by carriers, on their own account. at 10 cents Per week. o- 44 certs per monta. Copies at the counter 2 cents ench. By mail—snywhere in the Cnlted States or Canada—postage prepald—6O cents per ment! Saturday Qcintunle Sheet Star, $1 per year, with forvizn postage added, $3.00. Entered at the Port Office at Washington, D.C., as second-cla. ¢ mafi matter.) > All mail subscriptions must be pail In, advance. Rates of advertising made known on application. 0 Star. Pages 13-22. WASHINGTON, D. C., MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1898—TWENTY-TWO PAGES. THE TORPEDO FLEET Details of the Flotilla Bound for Porto Rico. BOATS BUILT AT GREENOCK, SCOTLAND Pluton Showed a Speed of Over Thirty Knots an Hour. ge a INJURY TO THE —__e- AUDAZ In the torpedo flotilla which left Cadiz, in, March 13 for Porto Rico are the de- stroyers Furor and Terror and the Piuton. The other ve in the squadron are slish-buiit, ing torpedo boats. A letter to the New York Times from Gou- rock, Scotland, desc these formidable rships of the Spanish navy. The Audaz and Osado were launched at Greenock dur- ing February and March of last year, re- spectively, and should have been completed long ere this, had it not been for the en- gineers’ strike in Britain, which delayed all classes of shipbuilding. The Audaz, Osado, Pluten and PrdSverina are sister ves and in construction are much sim- ilar to the latest class of British torpedo boat destroyers. While the British boats are 20 feet in length, with an average breadth of 19 feet, and of 300 tons displace- ment, the Spanish destroyers have a length of 225 feet, with a beam of 22'4 feet, ard their displacement in tonnage close on 400 tons. bes Larger Than English Destroyers. In appezrance, also, the Spanish vessels leok larger and fuller, and are therefore able to carry a lagger dead weight. They are constructed entirely of steel, aud broad- side resemble the British boats very much, with their elongated whaleback forward, on top of which are a steam capstan, an- chor rests, ventilators and hawse pipes. At the after end, and most elevated part of the whaleback, and under the navigatin bridge, is the conning tower. The only part of the deck protected is twelve feet on each side, immediately abaft the whale- back, where there are stee! bulwarks. Details of Construction. As a preventive from falling »verboard there is, of course, a railing all around the sel, which, when it is under sailing trim, is canvased over with dodgers. Stanchions are als> fitted on the vessels, for spreading awnings in warm climates. On deck are principally the funnels, of which they have u @ noticeable feature being that the middle one is just double the size of the f nd after ones in diameter, the ac- intable reason for which is that it car- away the smoke from two boilers, le the other ones are the upiakes for ng air to the stokcholds are also conspicuous on deck. Two boats are carried on davits, and one collapsible boat is on deck. Their arma- ment consists of one twelve-pounder quick- firing gun, five six-pounder quck-firing rs, and two torpedo tubes. Each of the sels has four compasses—one on the bridge, one in the conning tower, one aft and ene amidships. They are all steering sscs, with the exception of the one amidships. which is a patent standard com- Each vessel has four botlers, supply- eam to two sets of engines, which ° an indicated horse power of 7,500, ng twin screws. Each destroyer is divided into several water-tigat compartments by steel bulk- heads. The officers are berthed aft, while the accommodation for the crew and fire- men is forward. The British thirty-knot torpedo boat. destroyers are manned by crews of fifty-eight men all told, but in the Spanish destroyers the men number ali told over seventy. Speed of the Boats. The trials of the Audaz and Osado were orly completed toward the end of last menth, but probably owing to the present state of matters between the United States and Spain everything in connection with their doings has been kept secret. The Pivton’s trials on November 4 last were watched by a government commission, un- er the presidency of Commodore Triguiro, with whom were Lients, Ariba, Guimara and Vazquay, Naval ‘Architect Taliso, Messrs. Thomson, Gordon and Haynes. The actual load on board during the trial was seventy-three ton: The results of the trial gave a mean speed of 30.12 knots on the mile at Skelmorlie, and during a s run of one hour and a half a speed of 30.02 knots was maintained. At the conclu: the on of the forced draught trial s, according to contract, run period of two hours under draught, the speed attained being 3, or 7-10 of a knot over the con- There was a noticeable absence of The Torpedo Boats. Of the torpedo beats in the flotilla, the Arete and Rayo were built at Chiswick in 1ss7. Tr are of 120 tons displacement, and their armament consists of three three- pounder quick-ftring and one machine gun and two torpedo mehing tubes. The Arete has ergines of 1,630 horse power and can carry twenty-five tons of coal and steam twenty-five knots. The Rayo can speed half a knot faster, although her en- gines are 6f only 1,300 horse power. She can carry the same amount of coal. The Azor is of 108 tons and was built at Poplar in 1887. She carries the same arma- ment as the Arete and Raye, with the ex- ception that she has one less three-pounder quick-firing gun. She has engires of 1,600 horse powe twenty-four knots. Her bunker chpacity affords space for twenty-five tons of coal. The Audaz Wrecked. The Audaz, which recently left Greenock for Spain, has succumbed to the waves, h were running unvsually heavy. off the es of Ireland, while on its way to Spain, and put into Waterford for repairs. It will be in the docks apparently for sev- eral weeks, as its stem is twisted like a piece of wrought iron and the bow fs said to _be stove in. & Further news comes that another of the little bouts has been disabled and has had te seek port and a dry deck. This reduces the force by a very heavy percentage—a percentage of loss < would be consid- ered terrific if it had occurred in battle. If this loss may be considered as a pre- sage of the terrors of a trip a ntic with these rollicking little war en- gines, it may be supposed that the flotilla When it appears at San Juan de Porto Rico will be in sad condition. Spanish Armada Recalled. The fate of these two boats suggests to navy officials apt comparison with a fa- mcus event in Spanish maritime history— the wreck of the invincible Armada. In that great disaster the channel was too strong a foe for Spanish naval ability’ and courage, and the English had only to wait a little while and let the armada defeat itself. Navy officials were commenting gen- erally today on the similarity of the two cases, if great things may be compared with small, and remarked that by the time the flotills reaches Porto Rico there may not be enough of it to cause the United States any for its vessels. One of them said: “It may be that the same inscription used to commemorate the destruction of the armada will serve for its little successor, the torpedo flotilla, ‘God the Almighty ‘blew, and the armada went to every wind.’ "* In the meanwhile Spain continues to fit out other torpedo boats and torpedo boat destroyers and to send them toward the United States. Several more are reported having left Spain yesterday for the ‘anaries, en route to Cuba, following the track of the flotilla. It is also reported by agents of this government that Spain in- tends to dispatch several rapid cruisers to supplement the torpedo flotilla in the work of destroying American commerce and the American navy in the event of war. SNE BEFORE TRIAL COURT. Members of Police Force Arraigned for Various Alleged Offenses. Policeman C. P. Posey was arraigned Sat- urday afternoon before Trial Officer Pugh on the charge of conduct unbecoming an officer and unlawfully arresting Jefferson D. West, and also with using harsh and vio- lent Janguage without provocation, and ar- resting without cause Edward Tarring, R. S. Claiborne and Henry R. Evans. The latter conducted the prosecution and Mr. C. Maurice Smith was counsel for Posey. Judge I. G. Kimball was called to the stand and testified that he tried the cases brought a few days ago by Posey against the others named. Mr. Evans tried to Fave Judge Kimball repeat what he said in disposing of the case, but Mr. Smith ob- jected, and Judge Pugh decided that what Was said at the previous trial was not germane to the case before him. Edward Tarring told how . Posey ar- rested West, who was driving a wagon, for being on the wrong side of the street, al- though he was not. He then related how Posey abus:d West, and when the others accompanied West to the poticesstation, in- tending to offer themselves as witnesses, Posey used harsh language toward them and placed them hkewise under arrest, their release being secured by each put- ting up collateral. Mr. Tarring’s testi- mony was corruborated by Messrs. Evans, Claiborne, William D. Seals, J. D. West and Agnes West. Officers A. K. Baker,Alexander McKie and G. W. Kramer were charged by Inspector Cross with neglect of duty; and Officers O'Donohue, F. B. Smith and G. S. Catts with a similar offense by Inspector Pear- scn. ‘The evid2nce in each case will be referred to Commissioner Wight for his action. ‘The investigation of charges of neglect of duty against Policemen Gee, Creagh and O'Dea and Goldman for unlawful arrest, was postponed until Saturday next. —_+—_-.. A NEW DEPARTURE. IMustrated Lectares to Be Employed in Public Schools. ~ An illustrated lecture was given Friday evening at the Jefferson School building by Mr. C. N. Thompson on the story of “The Pilgrims and the Courtship of Miles Stand- ish,” as related in the poem by Longfellow. The event was intended to inaugurate a rew departure in the manner of familiariz- ing the pupils of the schools in the fourth division in various studies, and was a great success in every particular. The audience Was intensely interested, every cne pres- ent paying tke closest attention. About eighty views, each made by Mr. Thompson, were shown. The lantern used to display the views was purchased by private sub- scriptions. At the conclusion of Mr. Thompson's lec- ture Mr. I, Fairbrother, supervising prin- cipal of the fourth division, introduced Superintendent Powell, who congratulated those interested in the inauguration of the enterprise upon the success achieved. Com- missioner Ross, Mr. Job Barnard, Supervis- ing Principal Gage and Dr. D. H. Hazen aiso spoke briefly. The exercises were closed with a reception. Among the large number present were most of the members of the school board, Superintendent Powell, Secretary J. G. Falck, President John W. Ross of the board of District Commissioners, Principals Lane of the Central High School, H. M. Joknson of the Eastern, Allan Davis of the Business and Miss’ Wescott of the Western; Mrs. I. G. Myers of the Normal, Miss Denny, supervisor of primary instruc- tion; Supervising Principals Gage, Free- man, Clark, Fairbrother, Patterson, Stuart, Janney and Keene, besides many teachers from all parts of the city. paz BLOCK OF LAND TRANSFERRED. Purchase Supposed to Have Been Made by B. and 0. A few days ago a deed was placed on record by which Mr. George Truesdell transferred a block of land in Eckington to the Real Estate and Improvement Company of Baltimore. Only a-ncminal consideration was named, and there was no means of knowing the identity of the purchaser ex- cept the knowledge, confined to a few per- sons in this city, that the Baltimore and Ohio railread purchased and held real es- tate under the corporate titie yiven above. In addition, an examination of the deed of trust shows that it was signed ny John K. Cowen, president of the Real Estate and Improvement Company, and George M. Striver, secretary. The former, as well known, is one of the receivers of the Balti- more and Ohio railroad. It ts also adinitted by some who are in @ position to know that this land was bought by the railroad company, and the object is to secure the right of way through Eckington for the Washington branch, in accordance with the agreement between the B. and O. and ths District Commissioners in the matter of grade crossings. e thus secured ccemprises all of blocks 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 21, and parts of blocks 10 and 20, which lie between the present tracks of the Metropolitan branch in Eckington and the Brentwood road on the east and New York avenue and § street cn the south and north. There was a deed of trust placed on the property for $81,000, payable in one, two and three years, but it is stated that this does not represent the entire amount of the purchase money. The Purchase includes, as the boundaries above &iven indicates, a large tract of land. It will be recalled that in the agreement with the District Commissioners the rail- road company premised to abandon the tracks of the Washington branch as they now exist south of Montello. From that point they ere to proceed in a southwester- ly direction through the old Ivy City race track grounds, parallel with New York avenue as extended, to a point in the vi- cinity of New York avenue between 3d and 4th streets east. Here the tracks of the Washington branch are to be merged into those of the Mertopolitan branch, and then continue to the terminal of the road in the city down Delaware avenue on a solid viaduct. Provision is to be made for the passage of trains from one branch of the road to the other by means of a Y, and, according to the plans referred to, almost the entire Y will b> on the land, the purchase of which is announced above. It is not known what has been done by the company toward acquiring a right of way north from Eckington to Montello, the point of proposed departure of the Washington tracks from the present line. At the time the agreement, as above out- lined, was announced in The Star, which was the 4th of the present month, it was stated in behalf of the company that no time would be lost in going ahead with the Preliminary work on the plans, so that a bill can be introduced in Congress early next December to give the company author- ity to make-the proposed change. Bowie Gre Buried With Masonic Honors, LS Oe I ee ee eee EEE Ee GET READY FOR WAR Warning Sent From Madrid to the Spanish in Cuba. Reported Outline of the Presideat’s Latest Note to Spain, * Ne Threat Made, But a Dignificd Statement of the American THE WORK ON HAVANA’S DEFENSES Contention, Officials Now Acknowledge the Refusal of Autonomy. The New York World has received the following special cable dispatch from Mad- rid, under date of March 26: President McKinley has:cabled two notes t> Spain this week, through Minister Wood- ford. One deals with the destruction of the Maine; the other with President McKin- ley’s plan of “humanitarian intervention by the United States in the Cuban war.” Both notes are expressed in strong, firm language, without suggestion of threat. They are perhaps merely preliminary. For the destruction of the Maine the President demands no indemnity. He merely acquaints the Madrid government with the facts that the naval court of in- quiry finds that the ship was blown up in Havana harbor by an external agency, and that nothing but a mine or torpedo of the largest size could have wrought such de- struction. The President submits the facts to the Spanish government. and waits re- ply. Mr. Woodford did not evendemand an early response. As to the war in Cuba, President McKin- ley advised the Spanish government, in the politest terms, that the time is fast draw- ing near when the United States would be compelled to act upon the warnings so often given to Spain since the struggle in Cuba began. The President clearly inti- mated that the war in Cuba must cease, but he fixed no date. The note thus makes the question of Cuban intervention para- mount to the Maine catastrophe, which the president's memorandum refers to merely as a lamentable incident. The issues and problems of the Cuban war the United States government now calls urgently to the attention of Spain, declaring that the conditions now prevailing in Cuba, so near to the shores of the United States, have long been intolerable to the American peo- ple. WILL TRY TO ENFORCE IT (Copyright, 1898, by Charles M. Pepper.) Special From a Staff Correspondent. HAVANA, March » via Kev West.— Spain's representatives in Cuba were told from Madrid Thursday night to prepare for war. It was more than a warnin; It wa definite instructions from the Sagasta cab- inet. It was known to few officials outside Captain General Blanco, but the represen- tatives of London financial interests had an intimation of it. Beyond this statement the Spanish au- thoritics have less knowledge than might be supposed of the purpcses of the nome government. They know European inter- vention is to be sought, and that the find- ing of their own board of inquiry is to be made the basis of a counter case, present- ing the claim of an accident, as against the American contention that the Maine was blown up by design. They also know that their own report is regarded in Madrid as incomplete and inconclusive, but as fur- nishing sufficient basis for seeking delay and in forcing the position that the subject is one for international arbitration. As to war, the preparations which have been going on since the message came little has been done that was not previous- ly planned. By means of the new floating dock the Alfonso XII has had the Barna- cles scraped off. Her boilers are said to be in good repair now, so that she could put out to sea. The Viscaya, Oquendo and two or three gunboats are still in the har- bor. No More Walting. Spain was reminded by Minister Wood- ford that the action of the President and his represertatives during the present and late administration has always been aimed at the preservation of peace and the pro- motion of cordial relations with Spain. She has had the widest scope in choosing her own methods to restore peace in her Amer- ican colonies, and has failed: The United States, against its own wishes and desires, has become convinced that Spain has made no substantial progress elther toward the pacification of Cuba or the realization of the aspirations of the people of her colo- nies. Reports from the United States con- suls, like those of agents of all European powers who have opportunities for inquiry, have been most unfavorable to Spain. President McKinley signifies to the gov- ernment of Spain his intentions of imme- diately communicating all the official facts in nis possession respec; Guba, and the Maine report, probably, alse, to Congress. He further contemplates steps which will make the distribution of relief by the United States to the Cubans more effective and upon a much larger scale. The nearest approach to a threat in Pres- ident McKinley’s memorandum, which is said to be strongly argued and couched in the most dignified but unmistakable terms, is the statement that in making fresh con- tributions for the relief of the suffering people in Cuba the American peopte expect to see a practical term assigned for the ccmplete restoration of peace and order in that island. Does Not Resist Proposed Relief. The Spanish reply is e¢qually firm. It resolutely asserts the intention of Spain not to tolerate any invasion of Spanish rights or any step Intended to lead to the cverthrow of the Spanish rule in Cuba. Spain deprecates sending wholesale relief in the manner suggested-by President Mc- Kinley, on the ground that it will encour- age rebels (separatists is the term em- plcyed), even if it does not lead to actual conflict between the authorities of the United States and Spain. But Spain does not refuse the aims. She will not resist this step, probably. Spain lays much stress upon the efforts she has made to satisfy the views of the United States and to pre- serve cordial relations while endeavoring to implant home rule, and thus hasten the pacitication of Cuba, which has been re- tarded so long only because of the moral and material assistance’ given from the United States and the large rebellion fund raised in North America: On the Maine question Spain makes cond ciliatory but vague response, hoping that a just solution will be found, declining to accept the American naval court verdict as final, and suggesting possible arbitration of the eutire question, along with her own claims against the United States. On the whole, the exchange of diplomatic notes leaves the matter exactly where it was, except that the issue is more clearly defined. Spain will not yield an inch. Spain’s Reply. The American minister had an official in- terview with the ministers of foreign affairs and of the colonies, Senors Gullon and Mo- ret, at Senor Gullon’s: private residence. Minister Woodford had a second official in- terview today with the minister of foreign affairs, at the foreign office, and received the official reply to President McKinley's memorandum, which is outlined above. Neither Senor Gullon, nor Gen. Woodford would give to the Worid’s correspondent the slightest word for publication. I have received from other sources the purport of the two official communications. ‘The Spanish torpedo flotilla which sailed from the Canary Islands lest Tuesday con- sists of six. boats, rot thirteen, as erro- neously cabled to .other American news- papers. They are accompanied by a steamer carrying ‘fuel. The first-class ar- mored cruiser Cristobal yn_could not join tke flying sq Palmas be- cause she was not ready, but she will fol- low in 2 few Cays. { The news of the departure.of the torpedo fleet for American waters. was received with the wildest enthusiasm in Madrid. A panic in finaneial circles came today. The heaviest decline ever a single Work on City’s Defense. Work on the defense of the city contin- ues un-easingly, but the results are unsat- isfactory. The authorities talk in the usual manner about the war preparations being the means of insuring peace, but their anxiety 1s {ll-concealed. Apparently all they hope for is further extension of. the time before the crisis-in the relations be- tween Spain and the United States is reached. No definite news is known regarding the Spanish torpedo fleet, but the populace has been led to belleve it has left the Canary Islands and is likely to appear off Havana within a week or ten days. Information regarding the changes in the command of the American squadron at Key West is published without comment on its significance. The appearance of the Italian training ship Amerigo Vespucci in the harbor is used to create the impression that it means European friendship to Spain, but little ef- fect has been produced in that direction. The enthusiasm shown over the last ar- rival of recruits from Spain was neither greater nor less than that which has mark- ed previous arrivals. The state of the pub- lic mind in Havana while awaiting Prest- dent McKinley’s message, though one of expectancy, is no more excited than it has been for a month past. There have been no anti-American demonstrations, The departure of Captain Sigsbee and other officers cf the Maine today was made the occasion of a testimonial by Americans in Havana, but there was nothing in it w arouse Spanish susceptibilities. While labor continues on the wreck, it is éully understood that the investigation, sv far as relates to the cause of the disaster, fs closed. Reported Military Operations. The reports of military operations by Spanish troops this week are of the usual ovder. They some whenever the necessity erises for creating the belief in Spain that progress is being made by the army toward putting down the insurrection. At present they are m2ant to show activity in both Santiago and Puerto Principe provinces. From officiel information it is possible to gather that there has been some desultory fighting, in which the troops have held their own. That they have won important successes cannot be claimed. Meanwhile Gomez keeps sending small bands of in- surgents west to Matanzas and Havana provinces, while he receives reinforcements of men who cross Jucarro Moron trocha from Calixto Garcia. The complete and final rejection by Go- mez of amplified autonomy is now admitted in government circles. The statement is made that hereafter armies will be the re- liance for enforting the system. A little perfunctory talk is heard about elections, but it is impossible to excite interest in any subject except the probable course which will be taken by the United States. The coast towns are showing anxiety over a possible blockade. Information is given to reassure Matanzas and Nuevitas on the north coast that plans for their de- fense were carried into effect by Blanco a fortnight ago. - Anent the Food Supply. Inquiries regarding the food supply in Havana show that there is enough to en- able the city in case of a blockade to live ou short retions for thirty days. Efforts ure made to quiet these and similar appre- hensions, ond official assurance is given that diplomacy has yet many resources for averting hostilities.. Actually Blanco’s gov- ernment knows little of what may happen. In some places in the interior of the island in the history of Madrid fol- reports have been oe gore and credited fovea aie’ all clastes of securities. i No le reason is given. 7 that the United StateS had recognized the Bence ta, prime: mink on. leav- independence of Cuba. They have caused ing the nape after a eonference with the no outbreak on the part of the Spanish} queen regent, sald to-me: classes. Instead, the tendency has been for them to put On more friendly terms with the insurgents. Reports of dissen- sions between the Red Cro@s Society and other agencies for the distribiftion of food from the United States should not discour- age further contributions. The Red Cross has not ‘been a success, but a system is now perfected under which food and other supplies reach the suffering. CHAS. M. PEPPDR. a SICARD LEAVES KEY WEST. @Ex-Comrander-in-Chief Clarkson of the Grand Army of the Republic. has sent this letter to Gov. Holcomb: HOSTILITIES MUST CEASE] WILL OPEN THE FAIR President McKinley’s Finger Will Press the Button. MASONIC FAIR OPENING EXERCISES The ‘Success of the Event Seems Absolutely Assured. FEATURES AND NOVELTIES ——- Everything fortunate seems to be com- bining to assure the success of the great fair and exposition at Convention Hall in aid of the fund to erect a National Masonic Temple in the national capital, and the cen- tral figure in the world’s attention, Pres- ident William McKinley, himself a Mason and a Knight Templar, will participate in the opening exercises on the night of April 11, and press the disk that will send bril- liant being to countless clectric globes. The ceremonies arranged for the occa- sion were reported last night to the board of control of the fair and exposition by its president, Mr. J. Henry Small, jr. In the course of his report Mr. Small recited his conferences with Most Worshipful Grand Master Samuel. C. Palmer and Sec- retary John Addison Porter, which resulted in the approval of the order of exercises by President McKinley and Mr. Palmer. He also read a letter from Secretary Porter announcing that Pres- ident McKinley would be present at 8:30 o'clock April 11 at Convention Hall, unless, of course, the condition of pubiic affairs at that time are sv critical as to prevent his attendance. Exercises and Night Attractions. The order of exercises recommended by President Small and adopted by the board of control is as follows: Prayer by the grand chaplain of the Grand Lodge. Music by the band. “Pre- sentation of the most worshipful granl master, Samuel C. Palmer, by the president of the board of control, to open the fair. Presentation of the President of the United States by the most worshipful grand mas- ter for the purpose of turning on the lights in the various booths, as a signal that the National anthem by the grand 300 voices. President Small also announced the dates assigned for the entertainment of the var- ious organizations, fraternal, military and civic, and the schools and orphan asylums which have been especially invited to the fair, and the names of the gentlemen who will represent the board of control on the days in question, as foliows: April 11, opening night -J. H. Small, ir. April 12, Blue Lodge night. .Jas. A. Sample. April 13, chapter night......5. M.’ Yeatman. April 14, commandery night.F. H. Thomas. April 15, Scottish Rite night, James nsburgh. April 16, Mystic Shrine night....E. B. Hay. April 18, Odd Fellows, Pythians and Golden Eagle..... Frank Hosford. April 19, military night..Charies S. Domer. April 20, civic organizatfons..Jno: H. Olcott. April 21, Eastern Star night. ..Geo. Gibson. April 22, G. A: R2, Union Veterans, poral Legion, Ladies of G. A. R., ete. .. April 23. ance orders......... Wednesday afternoon, April 13, schools, Allison Nailor. Wednesday afternoon, April 20, or- phan asylums. ---Jamés L. Norris Upon the recommendation of the commit- tee on tickets and badges, the board deter- mined to fix the prices of admission at 10 cents from 3 to 6 o’clock afternoons and at 25 cents from 6 o'clock evenings, and or- dered 20,000 afterncon tickets printed. Cheering. Reports From Abroad. The reports from Chairmen Frank H. Thomas of the committee on outside con- tributions and James L. Norris of the com- mittee on cash contributions were of the same cheering tenor that have character- ized these announcements ever since re- sults have been indicated. Mr. Thomas re- ported the receipt of many contributions from Masonic bodies and Masons through- out the country, and among the letters he quoted were the following: Preston Lodge, Louisville, Ky.: ‘Your communication and prospectus received. This lodge unanimously indorses this grand and noble undertaking, and in order to aid you in this work this lodge contributes $50, and hoping that your appeal to the fra- ternity wiil meet with liberal response.” Cauley Bridge, W. Va.: “In response to your circular we herewith ihclose United States money order for $5 as a donation om Cauley Bridge Lodge to the Masonic fair and exposition. The boys are sorry that they could not contribute more, but we are a small body, with very little money on hand.” Earnest Chapter, Emmetburg, Towa: “Your communication was read to our chapter last night, and much interest was shown. in the undertaking. Ten dollars was voted by the chapter to aid in the erecticn of the National Masonic Temple. Individual offerings will also be made. We wish you entire success.” Grand Forks Commandery, No. 3, Knights Templar, Grand Forks, N.D., “sends draft for $10 as a subscription toward the erec- tion of the National Masonic Temple at Washington, and hope that your endeavors may meet with the fullest measure of suc- cess.” Hazen Lodge, Hazen, Ark.: “‘Inclosed Please find draft for $5 for the Masonic temple fund. We are sorry that it is not more, but money down here is hard to get, and our lodge is only a small country lodge and its members are all poor men. We would like to give more if we were able.” Princeton Lodge, Princeton, N. J.: “In- closed please tind check for $10. We sin- cerely hope that this small amount may be a stepping-stone toward the erection of an ice dedicated to Masonry that will not only be an abiding place for every member, but a lasting tribute to an order which stands first in all fraternities.” Generous Contributions. ‘When Mr. Norris proceeded.to read his list of subscriptions, and accompanied it by the announcement that the corporations in the District were showing lively and substantial interest in the National Ma- sonic Temple idea, he was applauded gen- erously. He reported donations of $500 by President John R. McLean of the Wash- W. Cameron, James H. Clear, Robert ‘Cook, T. A. Chandler, J. H. Cunningham, A. T- Curran, P. A. Deffer, W. E. Dennison, John A. Ellinger, E. C. Elmore, William K. El- lis, 8. M. Frazier, Jesse F. Grant, E. J. Gray, W. F. Gude, Geo. W, Koones, H. W. P. Hunt, Daniel Fraser, 8. T. Covert. H. Wheeler, H. G. Brown, J. M. Broas, T. Galloway, Benjamin 8. Graves, Thomas A. Garner, Samuel Hart, E. B. Hesse, A. G. Herman, F. H. Hohoff, W. L. Hughes, Charles S. Hyer, G. M. Hunt, William A! Haley, C. A. Hartman, K. N. Harper, J cobus S. Jones, R. D. James, F. W. Kah- lert, Vernon G. Knox, William 8. Knox, Harry King, W. M. Larcombe, Jesse B. Lee, Joseph O. Manson, F. J. Miller, M Meyers, William Muehleisen, J. T. Macey, F. S. Newman, W. G. Perry, Gabriel Ed monsten, J. E. Hosford, J. H. B. Jenkin: Thomas Jarvis, J. J. Little, Eugene Mor- gan, W. M. Poindexter, 8S. G. Nottingham, W. H. Oliver, John F. O'Neill, Paul Pear- son, Lee Pitchlynn, Benjamin Perkhurst, ae H. Reiter, W. F. Roberts, Frank K. ymond, J. H. Sprigman, Alexander Scott, Clayton E. Simms. Alexander P. Shdw, Edward H. Shuster, Samuel V Stinemetz, G. A. Tauberschmidt, Edwin Tomlinson, A. 8. Taber, W. J. Vonderhei Rodney S. Vedder, E.udolph von Glueme Thomas B. Walker, N. Wallerstein, G. Whittaker, Williams, C Zange, A.'G. White, J. Nat.’ Stead, C. W. Hurdle, C. J. O'Neill, E. B. Hesse. Reports from the varicus organizations cortinue to show increasing interest in the event among the lacies, and many new at- tractions are being arranged. Among the many attractions of the booth of Eureka Chapter, No. 4, at the fair will be a-large representation of the old wo- man that lived in the shoe and had so many children that she did not know what to do. This will be a mammoth shoe, in the center of which will be a very daintily dressed little girl, representing the old wo- man, surrounded by a large collection of beautifully dressed dolls that she will dis- pose of to the Uttle visitors at the fair. There will also be exhibited at this booth an immense representation of a full-grown orange tree. on waich will be suspended a collection of oranges. In each orange will be placed a unique prize. Refreshments, in the nature of lemonade made from apolii- naris water and cake of all characters and kinds will be served. Special attention will also be given to the sale of the very best varieties of candies and fruits. A special meeting of the ladies’ committee of this ckapter is called for this evening at 7:30 at Dr. Randall Parson's office, 428 7th street, for the purpose of completing all arrange- ments and devising other plans for the ben- efit of the good work of the chapier at the fair. Queen Lil Has a Bean. The wives, sisters, daughters and sweet- hearts of the members of Washington Cen- tennial Lodge are earnestly working to make the fair an assured success. Tie la- dies of the executive committee are Mrs. J. Henry Small, Mrs. J. H. Davis, Miss Small, Mrs. J. Edgar Walters, Mrs. 3Vill- iam H. Baum, Mrs. Charles H. Merrill, Mrs. Hei M. Knight, Mrs. Willis Hol- Mrs. Thomas A. Garner and Miss An- They wil! have charge of the Jap- tea gardcn, where one may be re- hed with a cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa, served by ladies in costume, the cup to be taken away as a souvenir. These ladies have also another booth, as an annex, near at hand, where there will be for sale many pretty and unique ar- ticles. There, too, will be found two or- drea. phans who are anxiously looking for homes; one, “Billy Butter,” wants to be adopted by the most popular little boy Washington; while the other, “Uncle Sam, is the daintiest, fluffiest of Angora cats, and is understood to be already casting eyes at Queen Lil, the attractive Angora belonging to the board of control. Among the other articles to be disposed of at the booth will be a badge for the most popular foreman of a fire company; bicycle to the most popular member of the ladies’ committee, or of the family of a member of Washington Cen- tennial Loige; a box at a theater to the most popular single lady working at Te booth of the lodge, and a carving set to the most popular wife of a member of the lodge. The fair committee of Pentalpha Lodge, No. 23, gave a “poverty party” Friday evening at the residence of Mr. W. H. Mc- Keldin, «nd realized a considerabie quan- tity of donations, and had a most enjoyable evening. There was a good attendance, and some of the costumes were quite unique. Prizes were awarded to Mrs. Wm. Mus ser and Mr. Wood for the best costumes. ——— APPLIES FOR DIVORCE. Nathaniel McKay Asks for Legal Separation From His Wife. Suit for divorce has been instituted by Nathani2i McKay against Jennie Pope Mc- Kay. The papers in the case, at the re- guest of counsel and by order of th2 court. have been placed on the secret files, and therefore the facts in the case are with- held from publication, -The McKays ar2 well known both in this city and Brooklyn, N. Y., particulariy in a social way. Mrs, McKay and her daughter, it Is reported, recently departed from their home here without announcing thetr pur- pos’ or destination, much to the surprise of the friends of th2 fafmily. A few days thereafter, it is understood, Mr. McKay an- nounced publicly that as his wife and daughter had left his home without jusiifi- caiion he would not be responsible for any debts contracted by them. ‘The filing of the petition for divorce was the next step. —_—_ REVIVING A TITLE. Large Tract of Land Claimed by Bingaman Heirs. Mrs. M. E. Bingaman of New York is stopping at Willard’e Hotel. She is here in- the interest of a claim against the United States government, growing out of certain lands which the heirs claim belong to the estate of the late Christian Binga- man, Mrs. Bingaman states that about 100 years ago Christian Bingaman, from whom she is descended, was awarded a tract of jand in Wythe county, Virginia, for gal- lantry in the war against the Indians. ‘ine papers in Mrs. Bingau.an’s possess.on show that Mr. Christian Bingau.an was a great Indian fighter; that singie handed he killed a number of the red men. For this vaiua- ble service, Mrs. Bingaman siaies, the United States government gave him a tract of land eight miles square.” At the death of Mr. Bingaman, it is claim- ed, no-heirs came forward to claim the property and it reverted to the govern- ment. Mrs. Bingaman now says the heirs have all been found, and with one accord they will present their title to the prop- erty. ic states further that there is on file at ‘Court House, Va., a will of the late » Which disposes of the property in question. o! q will make arrangements to the claim ro —__—— Habits of Song Birds. The first of a series of iectures under the auspices of the Auduon Society was de- livered Ssturday afternoon at the Washing- ton Club by Mrs. Olive Thorne Miller. The lecturer described in an entertaining fash- Advertising is not an expense. It is a business investment. If you want to invest your money profitably you will therefore put your advertisements in such a paper as The Evening Star, that is read regularly and thoroughly by everybody worth reaching. The Stai is the recognized household and family journal_of the National Capital, and has no rival as an advertising med- ium. : PROPOSED R. R. DEAL Suggested Sale of the Western Mary land Franchise. So OWNED BY THE CITY OF BALTIMORE ——__ + Revival of a Scheme Agitated Sev- eral Years Ago. re eS PLANS OF COMPETING ROADS The proposition to sell the Western Mary- land railroad, which is owned by the city of Baltimore, which sale had from time to time been agitated for a number of years previous to about four years ago, is again being spoken of by those in authority in that city. Should this accomplished it will probably make Washington a much more important railroad center than it is at present. The city register of Baltimore, whose business it is to look after the finances of the corporation, has within the last few days stated it to be his belief that the time has come for the city to dispose of its holdings in the road and to apply the sum to the liquidation of pressing debts and to invest the remainder in stock which would bear interest and assist in reducing taxa- tion in Baltimore. Up to the present time the city of Baltic more has invested over $8,000,000 1 Western Maryland, and until very re it received no dividend whatever. ; now. while it is guaranteed on a large amount of bonds, it receives interest on but a small portign of the investment, and the interest on most of the bonds hs be met each year by a tax levied on people. It is hardly possible that any c poration outside of the Southern, more and Ohio or West Virgt would make a bid for the property The West Virginia's Om The West Virginia Central, which was interded originally to be extended from Charleston, W* Va., to Pittsburg, Pa., and whith now has its eastern terminus at Cumberland, has long been desiroas of get- ting an entrance into Washington. Some years ago the management of that road endeavored to purchase the Chesapeake end Ohio canal, and offered what was be- Heved to be a good price for it, intending to build a line along that route, but the Baltimore and Ohio, a few of whose own- €rs control the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, was able to prevent the West Virgin! com y from getting possession of it. Subsequently the same parties offered to buy the Western Maryland, which extends from Cherry Run, W. Va., to Baltimore. The plan was to build from Cumberland to Cherry Run. and proceed via the Western Maryland to a point near Baltimore, and thence over the Baltimore and Potomaa to Washington. For the property the West Virginia Central people offered $5,- 000,000, but they only proposed to pay $0,000 cash and $50,000 per year for ninety- nine years. This proposition did not meet with favor and was eventually rejected. Now, however, the city register of Bale timore says that it is his opinion that if @ purchaser will give $5,000,000 cash for the Western Mi nd the city ought to sell It. His reasons for taking this posi< tion are that the property is comparatively urproductive; that the taxes of the people ot Baltimore are already high and likely ‘ to be higher, and that many of the lead- ing citizens of Raltimore think the time has come for the city to divest itself of all , financial interests in the road. This action of the city register has brought President | Hood of the railway company forwi with a statement that while the city hi already invested over $8,000,000, the time is approaching when, with increased busi- ness, it will be in a position to pay regulat dividends on ail its bond: President Hood’s Estimate. According to Mr. Hood's estimate, the fact that the city owns the road results | in bringing to Baltimore a business of $60,000,000 annually which the merchants there would not otherwise have. It is claimed by others, however, that no mat- ter who owns the Western Maryland, the latter would be operated in the interest of the city, and Nhat the latter would not suffer from change of ownership. It is admitted by all persons who are conve! sant with the facts in the case that Mr, Hood has during his admintstration of more than twenty years done wonders with the corporation and has brought about a condition of afiairs which would seem to make it a very desirable property for Mr. Morgan, as owner of the Reading and Southern railways, to centrol. The West ern Maryland is the connecting link bi tween the Balumore and Ohio and_ thi Philadelphia atc Reading Railway Come pantes for the coal trade of the anthracite region cf Pennsylvania, or, more propers| ly speaking. for that part of it. which 1s owned by the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, which is identical With the Philadelphia and Reading Rail-! road Company. By means of this connec-: tion the Reading has during the past few years been uble to extend its coal traffid) in the west to an enormous extent. It) thas also long desired to reach deep water in this vicinity, which thus far it has been | unable to accomplish, but which it could — secure by the building of six miles of track between another point on the Western Maryland and the Reading’s own line near Harrisburg, Pa. Charter Privileges. It is estimated that outside of the value of the roadbed, and its equipment, which is first-class, the charter privileges grant- ed to the Western Maryland by the city of Baltimore are worth many millions, Be-_ ing practically the creature of the city, | the council has granted to the read privi- leges that no other railway corporation could by any possibility get. One of these is a charter for the construction of en | elevated railway over what is known as Jones’ falls, g stream of water which runs through the city from north to south, and on each side of which there is already built, at public expense, an immense gran- ; ite wall, which would afford a magnificent foundation for the superstructure of elevated road.