Evening Star Newspaper, April 6, 1898, Page 2

» A DEMONSTRATION Military and Naval Forces to Be Called Out. PRESIDENTS PLAN OF ACTION What Will Follow the Resolutions of Congress. TODAY’S CONFERENCES ———-— President McKinley has decided upon a naval and military demonstration to fol- low immediately the passage of a resolu- ticn of intervention by Congress. The cab- inet approves his decision, and every ar- tangement has been made with Secretary Long and Secretary Alger to dispose of their forces accordingly. This movement is the last hope of the administration before the first shot is fired. Tt will be the final notification to Spain and all Europe that we are ready ‘or war. ‘The President knows that this demonstra- tion, following the action of Congress, is likely to be regarded by Spain as a decla- ration of war. Any other country of Eu- rope would so treat the demonstration and immediately begin hostilities with solid shot and shell. A Ray of Hope. There is a ray of hcpe—almost a barren ore—that Spain may decide to give up Cuba and not fight, but the very men who entertain this hope believe that the Span- jards will proceed to fight. The cabinet believes this, and nevertheless takes the step of a demonstration with a confidence that it ought to be done. Seeretary Long and Secretary Alger boti held long confer2nces with the President this morning. Tae supposition is that they are still planniag for the demonstration new decided upon. Militia to Be Called Out. If there is no change in the plans the voi- wnte2r militia throughout the country will be called into service within a few days. The call may be issued at any moment and ali the real preparations for war entered into. If this does not serve to bring Spain to t2rms then the war wil! begin in earnest. The soldiers will be ready to march to Havana. Inthe meantime Secretary Long will map cut the locality where the naval demonstra- tions will take place. Thes¢ maneuvers will undoubtedly be in the vaters around Havana. While these movejnents wiil not be real war the American fig2t will be right where it can strike when ordered. Gen. Lee to Leave Hava Judge Day admitted to a Star reporter early this morning, immediately after leav- ing the White House, that General Lee and all the Americans in Havana are expected to leave there as soon as possible today, probably by noon. This is considered one of the most important and serious admis- sions yet made by a high official of the gov- ernment as to the imminence of war. It is understood that the State Depart- ment, after the cabinet meeting yesterday, telegraphed General Lee to get all Ameri- cans together and get them out of Havana before tonight. Despite assertions that the President's message would ask for intervention, but with delay, the instructions to General Lee yesterday, followed by his departure today, were not considered around the White House this morning as evidences of proba- ble peace. On the other hand, the depart- ure of General Lee was generally looked upon as the administration's opinion that war will follow the sending of the message to Congress. The State Department so re- gards the situation. It was said this morn- ing by officials that if the President had not regarded his message as likely to pro- voke war he would not have desired Gen- eral Lee to leave Havana. In a few words, the administration looks upon the action that will follow the message as a practical declaration of war. Regard War as Certain. President McKinley and his cabinet, it can be officially stated, regard war as prac- tically certain after the action of Congress on the recommendations of the President. They also regard the message as a prac- tical recommendation for a declaration of war. The only hope of the President is that this step will have the effect of causing Spain to immediately concede all that has been asked for. Spain Has the Message. Spain will have a copy of the message in her possession by the time it has been read in Congress. Probably her ministers are al- ready aware of what the President asks. In two or three days.Spain can act. But the President believes she will choose war, and he will be prepared. It is thought also that every big power ef Europe now knows what the Presi- dent recommends, and that in a few hours the hottest pressure will be brought on Spain to yield. The President expects to know within a few days what Spain will do. He thinks, hewever, that she will prefer war. Conferences Today. During the morning hours there were many important movements and confer- ences at the White House. One of these first conferences was with Attorney General Griggs, the man who is mow recognized to have completely changed the plans of the administration as to the recognition of the independence of the Cu- bans. During the conference with the Presiient and Attorney General Griggs, Assistanc Secretary Pruden was sent for. He went immediately to the President's office with the copies of the message. It is understood that the President made a few changes in the message. It is believed that these changes were of such a nature as to make the message stronger and to remove charges this morning that the President was asking for an intervention which meant nothing but delay. Representative Adams of the House for- eign affairs committee and Senators Frye, Spooner and Fairbanks next had long con- ferences with the chief executive, all tak- ing place in the private apartments of the White House. These conferences, it is said, had for the purpose an arrangement by which the foreign affairs committees of House and Senate will report the same resolution for intervention. The President May have seen the resolutions themselves and talked about their wording. A later ard highly important conference was with Attorney Gereral Griggs, Secre- taries Alger and Long and Judge Day. It lasted until « late hour. Judge Day had a map with him. In view of the known fn- tention of the government to make a naval, and military demonstration, the conference as wo dotbt on that subject. The grounds for the naval demonstration must be pick- ed out and orders given. it was officially anncunced that the mes- Sage was held back a few hours to allow @the Americans to get safely away from Havana before the news reaches there. Congressional Leaders Summoned. Just before 1 o'clock Senators Davis, Lodge and Frye of the subcommittee of the Senate foreign relations committee were - ushered into the President's office. Several members of the ‘were still with the President.” The went to confer with the President about his message and the proper resolutions to put before the Senate, the desire b2ing to follow the message. On the heels of these men came Representa- tives Adams, Dingley and Cannon of the House. A long conference ensued, at which the President explained his intentions and his position to the fullest extent. The re- sult of the conference will bs seen, it is said, in the House and Senate intervention resolutions. a Something in the Air. Eyen before the conclusion of the confer- ences with Senate and House leaders Assist- ant Secretaries Day and Adee hurriedly went to the White House. With Mr. Adee, who is the cipher expert of the State De- partment, was another cipher expert. They. were undoubtedly at work upon some im- portant cable message. There was consid- erable hurrying and running backward and forward, and then crept out the informa- tion that there was doubt whether the Message would go in this afternoon. ¥F. G. CONNELLY MISSING. Foul Play Feared for Actor Keene's Business Manager. CHICAGO, April 6.—F. G. Connelly, treas- urer and business manager for Thomas W. Keene, tragedian, is missing. Serious fears are entertained that he has been robbed and wounded or murdered. He had about 2,000 in his possession. In Connelly’s room at the Gault House his valise and trunk were found. In the trunk were several hundred dollars. The clerk said Connelly had not been there since Sat- urday afternoon. Connelly is forty-five years old and had been with Mr. Keene four years. He was formerly a newspaper man in Philadelphia. eens FOURTH INFANTRY TO MOVE. Expected to Leave Fort Sheridan at Midnight Tonight. CHICAGO, April 6.—The Times-Herald says: Fort Sheridan soldiers will move to- night at midnight unless contrary orders are received. The news is given out by one in suthority, but who would not be quoted. The 800 or more soldiers of the 4th Regiment at the fort will be on their vay south, it is said, by dawn of. Thurs- Gay. it is said cn the same authority that the regiment will go probably to Caattanooga. The regiment will be transferred at mid- night to avoid publicity. As a pact of the war preparations ut Fert Sheridan the officers have drawn camp .outfits from the quartermaster's de- partment. ee WANT TREATY WITH CANADA. Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce Follows Lead of Boston. CINCINNATI, Ohio, April 6.—The Cin- cinnati chamber of commerce has, in re- sponse to a request from the Boston cham- ber of commerce, which has taken similar action, passed the following resolutions: Resolved, by the Cincinnati chamber of commerce, That the commercial interests of the United States call for a revival of the reciprocal relations with the Dominion of Canada and the crown colony of New- foundland. : Resolved, That we réspectfully and earn- estly petition the President of the United States to give favorable and early consid- eration to negotiations for such a commer- cial treaty. —— HINTS AT UNDERHAND WORK. The Liberal at Madrid Discusses the Situation. MADRID, April 6—The Liberal regrets the “propagation from certain sources of optimistic views invariably resulting in pessimistic reaction,” adding: “The popular feeling is beginnirg to pass from impatience to anger. Since mediation was announced the obscurity has increased, 10 one now knowirg absolutely who was the petitioner for papal intervention. Ag- gravating the existing confusion came a letter yesterday evening, saying the pope “would officially invite the queen to solemn- ize holy week by granting the insurgents a truce, thus faciliating the pacification of Cuba.” _In conclusion, the Liberal expresses fear that “Spanish dignity suffers from under- hand maneuvers,” asserts that no truces are wanted and cialms that “the time has come for resolute action.” ed TROOPS READY TO MOVE: Regular Infantry Regiments in the West Under Orders. CHICAGO, April 6.—Specials from points in the west where army posts are lo- cated imdicate that orders have been re- ceived from Washington to have every- thing in readiness for the movement on short notice. Preparations to this end are being rapidly made by the 22d Infantry, at Fort Crook, Neb.; the 17th Infantry, at Columbus barracks, Ohio; the 20th Infan- try, at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; the sth Infantry, at Cheyenne, Wyo.; the 4th In- fantry, at Fort Sheridan, Ill., and the 24th Infantry, at Salt Lake, Utah. Stores and rations have been issued and camp outfits sre being put in shape. The orders state ; that transportation arrangements will be made at Washington, but do not indicate when the soldiers will move, nor their des- tination. - ———>— PREPARATIONS AT CHICKAMAUG. Infantry Arm of the Army Expected There Next Week. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., April 6.—Prepa- rations are rapidly going on here for the reception of the government troops at Chickamauga Park. A number of new wells are being sunk and ff necessary a pipe line to Crawfish spring car in thirty- six hours suppiy millions of gallons of water by gravity to any point of the park. The statement sent out from Atlanta that there is an inadequate supply of water is without foundation, and ridiculous in view of the fact that the Chickamauga river runs through the reservation. All the available regiments of infantry in the army are expected to be in camp here by the early part of the week. a gee Gov. Black Asks for Ships. ALBANY, N. Y.,. April 6.—The following ‘telegram was sent to Assistant Secretary of Navy Roosevelt today: ‘Gov. Black requests me to ask that you assign two of the new coastwise steamers to the naval militia of this state. They will promptly man them for the defense of New York harbor, Long Island sound and any other point designated by your depart- ment. “(Signed) “C. WHITNEY TILLINGHAST, a ‘Texas Sails for Hampton Rosds. - NEW YORK, April 6—The battleship Texas sailed today to join the squadron at the navy yard dock about 8 a.m. and pro- ceeded rapidly down East river and through the harbor to sea, followed by sa- luies of steam craft. : She passed out quarantine at 9:07 a.m. — Cruiser Cincinnati Aground. “ KEY WEST, Fis., April 6—The United States cruiser Cincinnati is aground in the middle of the harbor. She returned from patrol duty this merning and ran on a mud bank Hampton Roads. She cast off her lines at- THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1898-13 PAGES. THE POWERS AGREE Terms of a Joint Note in the In- terests of Peace, CONFERENCE AT BRITISH EMBASSY To Defer a War Crisis for a Few Days. RETICENCE OF DIPLOMATS Seen It was learned from a reliable diplomatic source today that the ambassadors and ministers of the great powers of Europe stationed in Washington, and r2presenting Great Britain, Germany, France, Austria and Italy, at a meeting at the British em- bassy at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, agreed upon the substantial terms of a Joint note, tendering the good offics of the powers to avert war between the United States and Spain. So far as can be learned, the note has not yet been presented, and it is understood that its presentation depends upon the se- riousness of th> situation as developed within the next few hours. On the.same reliable authority, it is said that the actual text of the note was to some extent agreed upon, if, indeed, it was not mad2 up in its entirety. It is said not to contain the word “mediation,” but in more diplomatic terms, and in the most friendly spirit, suggests the good offices of the powers. It is understood also that the main pur- pose of this concert:d action is to tempo- rarily defer a war crisis for at least a few days, during which more mature action may be shaped. This reported action by the powers is entirely distinct from such steps as Pope Leo may be taking toward the same general end. Cautious and Secret. The course of the ambassadors and min- isters and their movements within the last twenty-four hours have been surrounded with uncommon measures of caution and secrecy. It is a care which diplomatists know how to exercise with even greater rigor than other officials. It was known last aight that a meeting was held at the British embassy late yesterday afternoon, tut al! those participating were so rigidly silent and exclusive after it had occurred that no hint escaped as to its purport, be- yond the inference that it concerned the critical condition of Spanish-American af- fairs. It was not until todaf, however, that it became known to those havilg ac- cess, to inner diplomatic circles that the discussion at the embassy took a much more definite linc than had been under- stood, and that the course of procedure, as well as its form, was not cnly discussed, kut largely, if not wholly, framed. Of course, any such action could be taken only as a result of instructicns from the several foreign offices of Europe, so that it appears to be established that the course of the Powers on the other side of the Atlantic bas been agreed vpon, and that the mode and time of its execution are now commit- ted to the ambassadors and ministers at Washington. Reticence of Diplomats. There was the same complete reticence in all diplomatic quarters this morning, and such action as may have been taken yes- terday was not followed by any further conferences of concerted moves during the early part of today. For the time being the ambassadors and ministers were turn- ing their attention to the Capitol, and were awaiting with deep interest the President’s message and its effect upon Congress. Most of the foreign establishments were deserted by 11 o'clock, in order to gain advantageous Positions in the diplomatic gallery in the Senate and House. The British ambassa- dor started for the Capitol shortly before noon, and was followed by practically the entire staff of the embassy. The French ambassador and his staff were among the few who did not go to the Capitol. At Spanish Legation. The Spanish minister, Senor Polo, re- mained at the legation during the morning and received a number of visitors. The situation had not changed, so far as he was concerned, and while continuing to express his profound hope for peace he admitted to his friends that he was conscious of the extreme gravity of the situation. Notwith- standing this, he is proceeding as though affairs were in their customary channel, and to his friends he pointed out that the legation presented no evidence of expected change, of packing, or of preparation for departure. Apparently Conflicting Reports, Today's press dispatches from London, stating on high authority that the British government had assured the United States of its fullest and most cordial sympathy in its Cuban policy, appear to bear out -yes- terday’s London advices that Great Britain had declined to act with the powers. It is impossible to reconcile this with the meet- ing at the British embassy yesterday after- roon, and the reported definite line of ac- tion discussed. The British umbassador, ‘through one of his secretaries. Mr. Tower, sent word in response to inquiry today, that there was positively no information whatever that could be conveyed to the public. In another high diplomatic. quarter it was strongly intimated that no doubt existed a3 to Great Britain’s acting with the other powers toward a continuance of Peace, even though she sympathized with the Cuban policy of the United States, and the choice of the British embasSy as the place of meeting was cited ay an evidence of this. As stated in yesterday's Star, the British government has made known to the State Department here its view that the Cuban conflict should be brought to a close in the interest of humanity at large. FATAL RAILROAD WRECK. Train Deratied Near Thomaston, Conn. —Three Men Killed. THOMASTON, Conn., April 6.—A New York, New Haven and Hariford raiiroad work train was derailed at noon near a bridge two miles to the north of this place. It is reported that three men were killed: DECLINE OF TiN PER CENT. a Showing of Death:-Rate in the, Past. Week. ‘There was a dacline-of 10 per cent in the mortality in the Disirict during the last veek as compared with the week before. From 104 the nymber,of deaths reported to the health department fell to 93, of which were white and The annual @eath rate forthe whole population de- Cliried from 19.3. per. thousand to 17.25; that for the whites being 14.12 and for the col- cred 24.00. There was an almost total abeyance of the dangerous contagious dis- eases, there being one death each from diphtheria and whopping cough. Fatal diseases of the hervous system numbered 14, as against by ‘the last report, and those of the circulatory organs fell from 12 to 7; while deaths-from diseases of the kidneys increased from 3 to 10. Other tran these the general health conditions Presented no radical variation from the normal. 7 At the very close of the week a case of smallpox was reported at Freedmen’s Hos- pital. The patient, Charles Hall, a colored icy twenty years’ old; left Knoxville on the 14th ultimo, and with 1 .ree.companions worked his way to this city on freight trains. He was taken sick on the last day of bis journey, and on reaching this city entered Freedmen’s Hospital. The patient Was removed to the smallpox hospital im- mediately after the discovery of the nature of the disease. There were in Knoxville at the time when Hall left there five recog- nized cases of smallpox on the “pest boat” at that place. At the close of the last report there were 27 cases of diphtheria under treat- ment. During the week 11 new cases were reported and 10 wers released from quar- antine, leaving 28 cases isolated in 10 premises. District There were 67 cases of scarlet fever in quarantine at the close of the last report. Four new cases were reported and 16 re- covered, leaving 55 cases under treatment in_29 premises. The weather conditions were a mean tem- perature of 50 degrees, mean relative hu- midity, 68, and mean actual barometer, 30.10, with a rainfall of .94 of an inch. eet Sr ANGEL OF PEACE. Mrs. Charlotte Smith’s Mission at the Capital City. Mrs. Charlotte Smith has returned to the city, and this morning she stopped in po- lice headquarters Instead of going to the Capitol. “I have come as en angel of peace,” she said to a Star reporter. “The idea of this noble country licking a bankrupt country of cowards is ridiculcus. Mrs. Smith said she was opposed to the sending of so many young men away to get killed where there are s0 many women to spare. “There are ten women to one man now,” she said, “‘and we are about getting over the effects of the late war: Why our men are again to be killed off I can’t under- stand. If the President will see that thou- sands of the new women and the bicycle women in bloomers are sent to be killed the country will be benefited, for then the maiden ladies will have a show.” This question, Mrs. Smith says, will have scme bearing on her scheme to tax the old bachelors. = Extra Police Detailed. Early this. morping, Inspector Mattingly received word that the,crowd at the Capi- tol promised to be,,much larger than usual on important occasions, and several detec- tives were sent there to assist the Capitol police. At the same time members of the inspector's staff were sent to the White House. The detail, atthe White House is made in addition,to {he regular force of uniformed officers. Because of tne pig crowd at the Capitol the police anticipated.the presence of pick- Pockets. Befcre JQ o'clock there had been one robbery, committed. The victim was E. Dugan, an inmate,of Soldiers’ Home. His diamond scarf, pin, valued at $110, was taken. He made, complaint to the police and gave a dezci pion of his pin. This afternoon” Mr. Loren Allen, vice president of the Allen Bros. Company at Sandy Hill, N,: ¥.,. reported that he was also a victim of the. light-fingered gentry at the Capitol. His pocketbook, containing $28, was taken, “| The third’ victim ‘was Mr. F. Lucas, who lives at 623 G'street northwest. “His pocket book, containing $12 was stolen. a Yacht for a :Dispatch Bo: TRENTON, N. Jy April 6—The, steam yacht Norwood, owned. by Norman L. Mun- ro, and said to be one,of the fastest in the world, l2ft here today for Charleston, 8. C., where it is said she will be used by the United States government as a dispatcn boat. The Norwood arrived at Weller’s ship yard last night and immediately took on coal,«which was sae for in cash by the captain. No explanations were med2, ex- cept as tothe yacht’s destination. ge Rose Elected at Milwaukee. MILWAUKEE, Wis.,, April 6.—Complete returns give Rose, democrat-populis! 219; Geuder, republiean, 18,207; Meister, scclal democrat, 2,444. Plurality for Rose, 8,012. Rank for Chaplain Chidwick. NEW YORK, April 6.—Father Chidwick, chaplain of the Maine, who is in this city, received notice from Washington today that he had been advanced to the rank of lieutenant in the United States navy. —_+>——_. Mecting ofFire Chiefs. COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 6—The Ameri- can Fire Chiefs’ Association date of next meeting was fixed todey- for St. Louis, Oc- teber 18. 5 —— Fischer Bests Dwyer. 8ST. PAUL, Minn., April 6—M. J. Dwyer met his first defeat in. St. Paul in the wrestling match at Conover Hall last night with Chas. Fischer of Chicago. Fischer's weight proved more than a match for Dwyer’s agility, and he won the match after Dwyer had taken the first fall. Dwyer took the ‘first fall in 26% minutes, while Fischer took the second in 14% and the third in 11% minutes. > Want More Warships. LONDON, ‘April 6—The Pall Majl Ga- zette this afternoon says it understanas the authorities at Washington have cabled urgent orders to theif representatives on this side of the Atlantic to purchase addi- tional men-of-war in Europe. and dried fruits. EFFECT ON BUSINESS Actual War Would Not Make Trade : Any Worse. AINTY THE WORST FACTOR Merchants Would Soon Adjust Their Affairs to Hostilities. TALKS WITH BUSINESS MEN Special Correspondence of The Evening Star. ‘ NEW YORK, April 5, 1898. In the minds of many men, war its2If could not make business much worse than it is at present as a result of the uncer- tainty. Trade is at a standstill. The con- specches in Congress and the r2solutions in- troduced looking toward the recognition of Cuba's independence, intervention or war; the reports, verified or not verified, con- cerning President McKinley's attitude, the diplomatic correspondence between this country and Spain, and the active prepara- tions being made by the Army and Navy Departments, with many other incidents, have combined to make an atmospher2 of uncertainty as to the future that lus great- ly affected trade in many branches, In this city, the Mecca for buyers from all over the United States, the number of buyers arriving has fallen from 100 a day to U0, a decrease of 40 per cent. Of course th> volume of business transacted has also declined in a marked degree. Spring stocks are in hand and manufacturers and the large wholesale houses are anxious to sell, but until there is some certainty as to the outcom? of the present internaifonal dilfi- culty, purchasers are shy. Orders Countermanded. Mills and manufacturers report orders for goods countermanded. During the pas week orders amounting to many thousands of dollars have been recalled, one firm alone reporting that orders amounting to $30,000 had been canceled. These cancela- tions come partly from local customers, but in many instances from customers abroad, whose trade is affected by the so-callec “war risks,” the high insurance rates cut- ting off all chance of profit. Prices, how- ever, are fairly well maintained. Many traders say that a declaration o. hostilities would, in their judgment, mere ly cause a temporary depression of bust ness, as it has been discounted, and that very little effect upon” prices would be noted, while during the progress of war, if it should come, trade would gradually recover its normal condition. There is a well-defined fear, however that free sil\er supporters in Congress would take advantage of the opportunity, and any atiempt to agitate the currency guestion would, it is believed, be disastrous. It is the general opinion of dry goods com- mission merchants that war with Spair in itself is unlikely to produce more thai: @ temporary depression in business. Thi: will be seen in a suspension of all but ur gent purchases and not in any materia. change in prices. Fear Cl nge in Currency. The trade agrees that more is feared regarding tho stability of the nation’s cur- rency’ than from war. It is feared that the silver men who hold the balance of power in the Senate may force the coun- try upon a flat money basis after war is declared and a war loan made necessary. It is agreed that there can be no better investment under such conditions than staple dry goods. The trade does not believe that many large government contracts will be given out for woolens and cotton goods, even though war is declared. In answer to an inquiry as to the effect upon the dry goods trade of a declaration of war, A. D. Holmes of H. Bauendahl & Co. say: ‘War will interfere with the commercial body much as does a short sickness with the human body. Its natural functions will be depressed for a time, and then will come the convalescence. Thi duration of the latter will depend upon a number of factors, but the business com- munity is prepared for the worst, and will soon recover its full strength, as no one looks for a protracted struggle. Business men fear war less than the possible atten- dant plunging of the country’s finances upon a fiat money besis. The silver men in Congress are a constant menace to the stability of the country’s currency, and there is no way of gauging their possible action if a loan should be called for after the declaration of war.” Effect on West Side Markets. The effect of the uncertainty has had a noticeable effect on the West Side markets. Merchants are buying from hand to mouth ard awaiting the outcome. It is the gen- eral impression that as soon as matters are settled, no matter whether a peaceful solu- tien will be the result or the contrary, bus- iress conditions will immediately improve. far as can be learned, the talk of war has not influenced the price of any article except indirectly, in that it has caused less activity, and hence such articles as would Probably advance in price under active trading by reason of the statistical position temain unchanged. The government has.made some Purchases of canned roeats and vegetables In the event of hostilities more orders will be forthcoming, and in all probability a general advance will be re- corded. News comes from Baltimore tha: canned pineapples are higher there on ac- count of war talk, as the raw’ material comes from the Ba! which would be within a short distance of the storm center. The drug trade is no exception to other branches of mercantile affairs in the mat- ter of discussing the effect of war with Spain. Opinions of representative men nat- urally do not agree; but all are hopeful of an amicable settlement of existing differ- ences, while hoping for peace and prepar- ing for war. A leading chemical manu- facturer thinks that commerce will not be hampered to any important extent, believ- ire that the struggle, if it comes, will be of short duration. Thinks Spain is Blufing. Another prominent member of the trade firmly believes that although the situation is serious, the Spaniards will carry on the bluff game, and at the last, if “cailed,” will turn down their hands and retire. The miscellaneous markets, including metals, tinual agitation of the Cuban question, the | FOUR LOCAL MEASURES. District Bills Acted Upon the House Committee. ~~ ‘The House Disirict committee at its meeting this morning acted upon four local measures, two of them of public import- ance.- A favorable report was made by the full ‘committee on House bill 8063, amending the law relating to the preservation of the pub- lic peace and the protection of property in the Dittrict. This is the bill proposed by Judge Kimball giving further pow2rs to the Police Courts for the punishment of offcnses over which there is at present no Jvrisdiction. ‘A favorable report was made from the subcommittee to th> full committee on House bill 5880, giving the Commissioners control of street parkings. If this bill be- comes law it will enable the Commission- ers to eject Ts upon the public pa A favorable r2port was made by the full committee on House bill 6460, Galen A. Green to close Cuvier street, and on House bill 9414, to relieve Matilda A. Molin from the operation of the alien own- ership act. —_—__-e-_____ A MEDAL OF HONOR MAN. Benj. F. McAlwee of This City Award- ed the Distinction. ‘The Secretary of War has awarded a medal of honor to B2nj. F. McAiwee of this city for most distinguished gallantry in ac- tion near Petersburg, Va. July 20, 1864. This soldier, then a sergeant in Company D, 34 Maryland Veteran Volunteer In- fantry, picked up a shell with a burning fuse, that had just been fired by the enemy and had fallen within the Union hnes, and cast it over the parapet into the ditch, wher? it exploded, thereby probably saving the lives of his comrades at the very great risk of his own, —-e-—______ CHARGED WITH ASSAULT. Officer Gouldman Accused of Brutal Treatment of a Boy. It is understood that Police Officer L. P. Gouldman of the third precinct will be ar- rested some time today on the charge of assaulting Willie Gardner, colored, pupil in the Jones’ School, the 3d day of March. The warrant has been procured, it is said, by Supervisirg Principal Waring, who rep- resents the board of school trustees. ‘The case was partially heard Saturdey last by Judge Pugh, as stated in The Siar, and the introduction of evidence for the accused officer was begun this afternoon. During the hearing Judge Pugh sald the case against the officer should have been in_the Police Court. If guilty of anything he was guilty of assault, said Mr. Pugh, ang to this Lieut. Hefner assented. He added that he had recommended the filing of information in the Police Court at the tig> he reported the case to Maj. Moore. It was subsequently developed that the matter had been reported to Judge Pugh at the suggestion of Commissioner Ross, to whose attention it had been called by the school trustees. ‘The case of the boy, Gardiner, for alleged assault upon the oificer, was tried before Judge Kimball the day following the ar- rest, and he was acquitted. An attempt was made today to introduce the comment made by the court at the conclusion of the hearing, but Judge Pugh ruled it out. When this report closed the officer’s case ston! still under consideration before Judge ugh. —_——-—_ THE COURTS. Court of Appeals—Present, the Chief Jus- tice, Mr. Justice Morris and Mr. Justice Shepard. Wm. P. Walker, Harry G. Kimball 2nd Jesse E. Potbury were admitted to practice. 761, Tyler agt. Moses et al.; passed until May. 712, Throckmorton agt. Holt et al.; argument commenced by J. J. Darlington for appellants, continued by A. 8. Wor- thington for appellees. Equity Court No. 1—Justice Cox. Campbell agt. Porter; decree. for: sale amended and conveyance directed. Brown agt. Brow: testimony before Margaret Murray, examiner, ordered taken. Lee agt. Lee; appearance of absent defendant or- dered. Temple agt. Temple; do. In re Simon R. Buckley, Wm. Koehler, Jas. J. Ohert, Geo. W. Harrison, Cornelius Burnett, Barney Berrett and Turner Blakey; writs de lunatico inquirendo ordered to issue. United States agt. Wheeler; cause settled, auditor's fee ordered paid; receiver dis- charged and bill dismissed. Moyer agt. Berkiey; motion to discharge restraining order denied. Neal agt. Wilson; bill dis- missed as to defendant, Merritt Wilson. Liverpool agt. Liverpool; alimony and counsel fees ordered paid. Marsh agt. Coakley; pro confesso against defendant (Coakley) granted. Ratcliffe agt. Modill; defendants required to interplead. Sullivan agt. O’Brien; pro confesso against certain defendants granted. Shoonmaker agt. Shoonmaker; testimony before Marzarst Murray, examiner, ordered taken. Man- gum agt. Wood; decree behalf con:plain- ants. Equity Court No. 1—Justice Hagner. Babbington agt. Foley; decree construing will of: Mary Foley. Johnson agt. Kent et al.; decree for recovery and execution. Clay- ton agt. Clayton; alimony pendente lite and. counsel fees. Hoxie agt. Harding; decree making pro confesso final. Sexton agt. Sexton; divorce a vin. mat. granted. Ho- rah agt. Horah; do. Fowle agt. Fowle; do. Circuit Court No. 1—Justice Cole. Records agt. Jennings; judgment on ver- dict. Hitner agt. Metropolitan Railroad Company; do. - Hall; order amending judgment. Lightwardt agt. John- son; affirmance of J. P. judgment. Fidelity and Depcsit Company agts Church; rule to show cause. Reid agt. Lowenthal; given to jury. Circuit Court No. 2—Justice McComas. Chase agt. Howell; certain papers allow- ed to be withdrawn upon filing copies. Debovis agt. Sheehy; seeurity for costs; bond $50 ordered filed in thirty days. Love agt. Stidham; continued for term. Fergu- son agt. Durfee; continued for term. Roth agt. District of Columbia; continued for term. Johnson agt. Dyer; do. Dickson agt. Holland; do. Rother agt. Riggles; certified ‘to Criminal Court No. 2 for trial. Roote. agt. Columbia Phonograph Company; stet cal- endar. Turner agt. B. and P. R. R. Co.; on trial. Criminal Court a Justice Bing- U. 8. agt. Mildred Campbell, manslaugh- ter; defendant arraigned, plea not guilty. U. 8. agt. Wm. Payne, fal: > FINANCE AND TRADE Strong Buying of Stocks Around the Closing Hour. WASHINGTON ADVICES Most Money is Now on Peace Side of Market. GENERAL MARKET REPORTS eepsoeigepeonsiiniae Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, April 6.—Opening prices this morning reflected the general belief that events of unusual significance would be recorded during the day. Declines vary- ing from % to 1 percent were recorded dur- ing the first hour, but buying against short sales wes immediately inspired thereby, prices recovering rapidly in consequence. At the advance the market became stag- hant, operations being suspended until Washington advices on the President's message were received. Around delivery hour advance information to the effect that the message would be still further delayed inspired a sharp advance, the short interest being ferced from their position by an ag- gressive bidding up of stock. The short executive session of the Senate was followed by a gen>ral buying move- ment in Wall street. The fluctuations dur- ing this period of active trading were ex- tremely wide and clearly indicated a panic among the short interest. Advices through- out the day were either vague or incredible and were followed by very modest trading. The reported postpon:ment of the mes- Sage until Monday gave the market the necessary incentive to activity, but did not materially increase its breadth. The best- informed int2resis in the street have all along predicted just such a turn in affairs as was recorded today. No action is expected from Washington of a radical character, and Spain, it is thought, will yet determine just what is to be done with such a strained situation. The mosi money is on the side of peace, both locally and in London, and this fact leads to the belief that some pheses of the situation have either been misunderstood or entirely overlooked. In a narrow mar- ket many things are possible, and it is Frobable thet many such surprises as that of today may intervene between now and the date of final settlement. of Havana dispatches being re- sponsibie for the delay were numerous during the afternoon and the market was orce more suddenly reversed. Wall street has abandoned all other in- centive and is backing and filling under the changing phases of the war crisis. Re- Mable and early information is deducted from the actions of the larger houses. The public is holding aloof, and nothing beyond a traders’ market seems likely. The action of the governing committee in deciding to keep the exchange open on Gccd Friday may be taken to indicate the pea gal tension now prevailing in financial circles. —___ FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. The following are the opening, the high- est and the lowest and the chting prices of the New York stock market today, as re- perted by Corson & Macartrey, members New York stock exchange. Correspondents, Messrs. Van Emburgh & Atterbury, No. 2 . Leck & W Delaware & tiudson gE 5 fi ay re if j rAd i vil ERRLEE, Fa Hi } i i | | 3 E | E fe id Pha