Evening Star Newspaper, April 8, 1898, Page 2

THE DE LOME LETTER. MYSTERY AT MADRID Spanish Cabinet Secretly Considering Some Important Matter. MAY BE AN EDICT FROM THE PO How It Was Secured Told to the Foreign Affairs Committee. The foreign affairs committee of the House met at 11 o'clock this morning and continued the hearing of Mr. Quesada, the representative of the Cuban republic in this city. President Palma of the Cuban junta was also present. Mr. Quesada continued. his statement as to the status of the gov- ernment of the republic. Cuban Bonds. Some very interesting facts were devel- oped before the committee. The Weputy treasurer of the Cuban republic appeared with his books, and they were inspected by the committee. He explained that of the $10,000,000 of bonds authorized only Minister Woodford Denies That He Will Leave Sunday. a $122,000 had been actually disposed of. Some + — cTe a of these were in payment of provisions sent CABINET MINISTER'S VIEW to Cuba. For some of the bonds par had SH been obtained. These were taken mainly by the friends of Cuba. The lowest price at which any were sold was 25 cents on the dollar, a batch of $20,000 being sold for $%.000 in a pressing emergency. One mil- lion of the bonds, he said, were locked up in the safe of Belmont & Co. of New York, to be sold when the price fixed, 45 cents on the dollar, had been obtained. Three mil- lion of the remainder had been signed, but were locked up in the treasurer’s vaults. MADRID, April 8—The ministers at yes- terday’s cabinet council consid2red General Woodford’s withdrawal note, the collective action of the po-ers, the warlike prepara- tiens and, it is alleged, something else which has not yet transpired. The gr>at- est curiosity is felt regarding this unknown subject, but rigid silence is maintained re- garding it. It is suppesed not to Cae another note from Gen2ral Woodford. His communications yesterday were limited to : The De Lome Letter. his withdrawal note. It is also said the un-| The deputy treasurer was asked if he known subject of deliberation was not a| lew the history of the publication of the Spanish note to the United States, as it is | DeLome letter, and, without names, he told claimed Spain is neith>r senaing nor in- | the first authentic story of how it was ob- tending to send one. Finally it is asserted | tained. He explained that it was ab- that it was not the collective action of the | *tracted by a clerk in the post office at powers which formed the subject for de- | Havana, who was in sympathy with the liberation. Cuban cause, and sent back to New York. Spain a Mere Spectator. sate its pepe ae at once realized, Spain at present is, according to th> offl- | “nt it was given out for publication, the clal points of view, a spectator, and peas oe bette toe ee ee mt in the n tiations. It is intimate = Cuba that the secret matter refers to something | CCRtended, that Spain waa double-dealing. officially formulated by the pope. Mr. Quesada concluded his statement ‘The Imparcial thinks th> delay in the | 2bcut the status of the Cuban government. presentation of President McKinley’s mes- | He went extensively into the authority ex- sage to Congress is a good sign, but it ercised over the eastern provinces by the adds: government, where, he said, all was com- “Nobody is under any illusions respecting | P@ratively peaceful. Industry was going the American policy. If peaceful prospects | 09. taxcs were being collected, and all the predominate, they do so for reasons beyond | functions of government were being dis- Yankee control.” charged. ‘The Imparcial also says it considers the In regard to the capability of self-govern- action of the powers in offering their “good | ent of the Cubans, he said that they cffices as being favorable to Spain.” were a much higher class of people than ‘A much calmer feeling prevails here to- | these who had successfully revolted from day, reflecting the newspaper utterances | Spanish domination in South America. and various published versions of the cabi-| The children of the better and more ret meeting of last evening. wealthy classes had all been educated in ‘Woodford Will Not Leave Sunday. { the United States or abroad. They had tm- The statement published in London to} bibed the spirit of s3)f-zovernment. The the effect that the United States minister, | ower classes were laboring people, peacc- Gen. Stewart L. Woodford, is to leave | fully disposed, as evidensed by the fact Madrid on Sunday is untrue. Gen. Wood- | that they were regarded as d2strable work- ford today reiterated his statement that | M0 0F ee weet and New York and wher- he would not leave until directed to apply (ie ey had gone. He said the people of for hie passports or until they were hand- | Cuba were all most kindly disposed toward ed to him. The: minister added that he | ‘t* United States, and looked upon this had no intimation of his government hav- aes as a me: Bote but they wanted ing fixed a date for kis leaving Madrid, | 7) yes aan neat eee ele eames d it might be taken as a fact that no : ater = ed. sy fate would be fixed upon until after Pres- | “uid be given a status «mong the nations SRLS 1 been sent | °* the earth. fee tes Gamma ape a Most significant action was taken when to Congress, as to leave the Spanish capi- ne {the hearing concluded. Mr. Newiands tal before that would prejudge the whole | 4.04 an adjournment until Monday at 11 case. o'clock, which was carried. ‘The committee has no regular-day of meeting now, and is subject to the call of the chairman. In order to be in a position to act, the friends of independence and ac- ticn took the precaution of adjourning un- til Monday, so that, if necessary, they could act on that day if the message was not to come in, and not depend upon a call from the chairman This is regarded as extremely significant as showing the tem- per of the committee against any further delay. Deputy Treasurer Guerra of the Cuban republic was before the Senate committee on foreign relations also and testified re- garding the Cuban bonds. Those sold had been disposed for about an average of 40 cents on the dollar. Mr. Guerra said the expenses of the Cuban army were slight, but that what expenses there were were paid by private subscription and by the returns from the taxation of the property in the portion controlled by the insurgents. Not less than $400,000 had, he said, been cclleeted by taxation. The insurgent army generally secured its supplies from the country, and all the soidters, both officers and men, were serving without compensa- tion. Sees No Hope of Peace. ‘A cabinet minister, in an interview on the present situation, is quoted as saying. ‘Ali the rainisters have sunk their indi- ual opinions and are working unani- uusly in tne interests of the country. It 1s entirely useless to attempt to arrange 2 compromise in the face of the attitude of America, which has decided to seek a rup- ture at any cost. The Spanish government would weaken itself by concessions antag- onistic to public sentiment. “Neither the government nor the coun- try desires war, but the government mus: save Spain's horor. If President McKin- ley succeeds in withstanding Congress it will certainly be an indication favorable io Peace. If he does rot succeed it will be because he has lost control of the situation, in which case the Spanish concessions are absolutely useless.” ——— GUNBOAT PRINCETON READY. Cramps Are Rushing the Work on the Alabama. PHILADELPHIA, April 8—It was an- nounced today that the gunboat Princeton, built at Dialogue’s ship yard, Camden, ‘s finished and is ready to be turned over to the government. It Is expected that the authorities at Washington will within a few days order her removal to the League Island navy yard to receive her fittings and prepare for sea. The steering committee of the republi- Acting under orders from Washington, | c2n House cenference appointed Wednes- Charles Hillman & Co. of this city, who are | 4.4 to canvass the situation and ascertain building the torpedo boat Muckenzle, are! how many reputlicans will, if the Presi- proceeding with all possible haste to com-| gent’s message goes to Congress next plete the boat. A double force is at work | yondey, join with the democrats to secure and it is expected she will be ready for} action upon a resolution deciaring for Cu- delivery to the government in less than al bar indepsndence and armed intervention, month. i S c * It is stated that the stecl yacht Dorothea, | ¥@S called to meet at the Capitol this af- now being built at Cramps’, has been of- | ternoon. fered to the government by the Thomas | ~ Mr. Lorrimer of IMinois, one of the active MeKean estate te 00. The yacht nae spirits in the movement, and a member of ieKean a year ago, bu' 5 : h theowes the boat om the | the steering committee, says that over 100 She was given a trial trip on the |f the House republicans have already Delaware river yesterday, «nd. under ad- | agreed to act with them. verse conditions of wind and tide, her speed | He is confident, however, that they will averaged fifteen knots an hour. The j not be obliged to join with the democrats Cramps claim she can make eighteen knots | to overrule the Speaker in order to sec: under forced draught. ‘The length of the | action. “I am satisfied,” said he, Dorothea over all is 215 feet, and on the | once we show the Speaker that we have 1 water line 178 feet. She is 233 feet in| majority of the republicans he will not breadth of beam and 15 feet in depth of | stand in the way. hold, and her draught is 10 feet. The ves-| “The Speaker has not up to this time be- sel has two triple-expansion engines and | Neved that a majority of his party desired Yarrow botlers capable of resisting a pres- | to act. but once evidence of the fact {s pre- stre of 20 pounds of steam to the square | sented to him, I have the strongest rea- inch. sons for believing, he will bow to the will The Cramps are rushing work on the big | of the majority.” battle ship Alabama. It is expected that the Bethlehem iron works will soon begin the delivery of her armor — ITALIAN CRUISER COMES. REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE. Meeting C: led of Those for Prompt Action, To Amend the Eckington Bill. Mr. Pritchard, by request, has given no- tice in the Senate of an amendment he will propose to the Eckington and Sol- The Amerigo Vespucei Reported of | diers’ Home Railway Company's bill, giv- Fort Foote. ing that company authority to use their The big Italian cruiser Amerigo Vespucci | urderground electric system for the pur- was reported anchored off Fort Foote, in| pose of conveying electric power for the the Potomac, early this afternoon, and | SUccessiul operation of electric railroad the police boat was sent to meet her and | !€s- tender whatever assistance she required. The Amerigo Vespucci is a cadet school ship, and is understood to be on a practice ervise. This fact led the officials to the belief that her destination is Annapolis, Md., rather than Washington. She draws abcut 17 feet of water, and would be able to reach this city in case she desired to do 0. There was considerable gossip in naval ——__-e-____. Ammunition for Fort Wa: mgton. The steamer Kent will make an extra trip this afternoon to Fort Washington for the transportation of ammunition for use there in case of necessity. The supplies include shells for the big gun. os Representative Grosvenor Goes Home. Representative Grosvenor of Ohio left for and military circles regarding the visit of this foreign vessel to this city at this critical juncture, and there are some who indicated the belief that her presence may have an indirect bearing upon the Spanish- American situation. It was admitted by these persons that their belief was based on the theory that her presence at this time was for the purpose of using her as an asylum for the Spanish minister and his staff in case it was found impracticable for them to leave the country by the or- dinary means of travel. The relations be- tween Spain and Italy are of the friendliest character. ———__-e-— Proposed Railway Tax. Mr. Nelson has given notice in the Sen-' @te cf an amendment he will propose to the Capital Traction Company's extension bill imposing a tax of 10 per cent of its gross receipts in addition to such per- sonal and real estate tax as it may now pay. The fund so created is to be. used for improving Rozk Creek Park and for the erection of public school buildings. — red Insurgent Defeat. home this afternoon. He will return Mon- day. 5 ————~-—_____. A Medico’s Mistake. From Tit-Bits. A good story comes from Erlanger, Ba- varia. Recently a wine merchant of Nurn- burg, who had reached an advanced age, was operated upon by a specialist at Er- langer. So successful did the operation prove that the patient was able to be pres- ent at an evening party given on the night following the operation, Imagine, therefore, his surprise on re- ceiving early in this month a letter ad- dressed “To the heirs of the merchant M. M.” On opening the letter he found it con- tained the professor's account for the op- eration. The professor, while satisfied that the operation itself had been a success, did not panes that the old gentleman would survive. From the Chicago News. A man and a strange umbrella often go HAVANA, April 8—The Spanish forces in | “ithout saying. the Carthagena mountains, province of + Santa Clara, have, according to an an- nouncement at the palace, def2ated a force the latte ‘The Spaniards, 1 le adsea Wot the latter. . five men killed and one four sol- Sere wounded. There is always room at the top—but in case of fire ii is better to be at the bot- tom. “The man who trusts another educates him,” says a writer. If he keeps right on —— he will also add to his own stock WAR IS CERTAI at gee (Continued from First Page.) nowever, little delay will be necessary in making the arrangements for the with- drawal of the Spanish minister and his staff. The archives are the most extensive branch of the establishment, and the pack- ing and removal of these important official documents would take a day or two. Out- side of these, however, most of the fur- nishings of the Spanish legation and the minister’s residence afe a part of the lease- hold, and would not be removed. In fact, the archives and the personal belongings of the minister and his staff constitute about all that would require attention in case of the closing of diplomatic relations. It is probable, in case of the withdrawal of the Spanish minister, that the French ambassador, M. Cambon, will act tem- porarily in behalf of Spain. As stated, however, the Spanish minister has re- ceived positively no information concerning his withdrawal, and, therefore, has begun no preparations to that end. The minister's recent intervigw, published by The Star, has now become an official document, having been cabled by Senor Polo to the foreign office at Madrid as an indication of his views. It was accompa- nied by an expression of satisfaction at the accuracy with which his views had veen presented. The minister has also taken occasion to inform the authorities at Madrid that there is no truth in the reports circulated there of serious indignities to the Spanisn lega- tion or to himself. While therc has been some petty annoyance, it has come mainly from small children, and the minwter has given it no attention. Americans Leaving Cuba. Assistant Secretary Day announced this afternoon that all the citizens of the United States now in Cuba who desired to leave would positively be out of that island by Saturday. He added that it could also be reiterated that Consul General Lee would leave Havana on that date. This statement was made yesterday, but the positive re- iteration on’ the day preceding the day set shows there has been no delay in getting the Americans off and that nothing has developed that would keep General Lee at Havana longer than tomorrow. Judge Day said there had been no important com- munication from Minister Woodford at Madrid. o ‘ASE IN POSTAL REVENUES. INCRI Money Order Transactions for the Past ‘Three Months. The money order transactions of the Post Office Department for the quarter ended March 31, 1898, increased to an unprece- dented extent. During the corresponding quarter of 1897 6,500,000 money orders came into the auditor’: office as vouchers from the paying postmasters, representing in amount about $50,000,000. During the same quarter this year the number of money orders increase1 to over 8,000,000, with a corresponding increase in cash represented. The ledger accounts with 72,000 postmas- ters have just been closed for the quar- ter ended December 31, 1897. The footings show a wonderful increase in the postal revenues for that period. In the item of stamps sold, which covers almost totally all pestal receipts, the comparison stands as follows: Quarter ended December 31, 1806,, $20,- juarter ended December 31, 1807, $22,- ae this is the largest increase in this item which has ever occurred in the history of the postal service. During the correspond- ing quarter of 1893 there was a loss of $750,000, as compared with the previous year. During the corresponding quarter of 1896 there was a loss of $6,000 as compared with 1895. But this year there is a gain of nearly $1,900,000. At this rate of increase of receipts the chronic deficiency in the postal revenues will be largely reduced during the current fiscal year, notwithstanding the very large increase in expenditures made necessary by the constant extension of the postal service. During the period now under re- view, the deficiency is $600,000 less than during the corresponding quarter of 1806, notwithstanding the fact that nearly $500,- 000 was paid in cash to Pacifice railroads fcr mail transportation during the quarter last ‘mentioned. where nothing was paid during the corresponding quarter in 1806. Upon this showing the deficit is really re- duced over $1,600,000 for the three months referred to, notwithstanding the expendl- tures were increased $1,400,000. e+ ___—_ GEN. BOOTH AT BOSTON. Royal Welcome to Salvation Army Leader at the Hub. BOSTON, April 8—The local Salvation Army gave General Booth a royal welcome last night upon his arrival from Rochester, N. ¥. There were over 600 members of the army at the station when the train ar- rived. General Booth was personally welcomed by Mayor Quincy in behalf of the city, and in the speeches which followed Gen. Booth spoke of the threatened war between the United States and Spain. He pleaded for a humane settlement of the present difficulty. Commander Booth-Tucker then offered prayer and the general was driven to the Washington street headquarters. The Sal- vationists started on a short parade and the crowd dispersed. —_— HIGHWAY EXTENSION. Bill to Be Favorably Reported by the Senate District Committee. The Senate committee on the District of Columbia held a long meeting today and disposed of a large number of local meas- ures. The committee decided to report the bill amending the highway act as approved by the Commissioners of the District of Co- lumbia and the board of trade. A number of House bills, most of which were passed in the House of Representa- tives Monday, were considered by the com- mittee. House bill 621, to confirm title to lots 13 and 14, in square 959, was adversely acted upon. This bill was to give a quit claim to Thomas Yates, but a communication from the War Department indicated that the government had clear title to the property in 1878, and that about that time it had made some improvements to it. No claim, it was said, had been put in for this prop- erty prior to 1878, and the government could see no reason why a title should be given to a private individual. House bill 5883, to authorize the reassess- ment of water main taxes in the District of Columbia, and House bill 9204, to regu- late the construction of barbed wire fences in the District of Columbia, were both act- ed upon favorably. Senate bill 3144, to perfect the title of Fimetta Nalle to lots 2 to 4, both inclusive, and 15 to 24, both inclusive, in square 1107, was acted upon favorably. House bill 9206, to incorporate the Wash- ington and University Railroad Company of the District of Columbia, was acted upon favorably. House bill 8421, to regulate taxes upon street railroads in the District of Columbia, received a favorable report. House bills 2524, for the protection of game, and 6161, for the protection of fish in the District of Columbia, both received indorsement. Considered by the House Committee. The House District committee held a s2s- sion at 3 o'clock this afternoon and took up the highway bill for consideration. Commissioner Black and Mr. Thomas, tk.> attorney for the District, were called before the committee and questioned at length upon different features of the bill which the committee desired to have explained. The committee was in session when this Teport closed. —_—_—__-e-____—_. Mangrove Reaches Key West. KEY WEST, Fia., April 8—Th> iight- house tender Mangrove arrived here this morning from Havana. She had twenty- eight passengers en board. VIEWS IN. CONGRESS —— Peta to Bettie the THE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMIPTEE Senators Who-Oppose Modification of Report. GENERAL LEE’S DISCLOSURES The Senate committee on foreign rela- tions had no regular meeting today, but members of the committee came together informaliy and discussed the Cuban situa- tion. Whil2 there is the appearance of calmness everywhere at the Capitol, yet the gravity of the situation is realized. No one there seems to doubt that war is inev- itable, Discussion now is largely dir2cted toward the method of procedure, and there ere even now theories advarced as to how Cuba shail be governed. These discussions relate to the form of declaration by Con- gress and the present condition in Cuba, to- gether with what the condition will be after Spain has been expelled, and are partici- Pat2d in by Senators who are charged with the responsibility of action. From those best informed it is learned thet, in the opinion of leading senators, whatever action is taken, forcible interyen- tion by the United States will mak2 this country responsible for the future govern- ment of the island, and that we must make it safe for life and propetty. The principal movement about the S2nate at present is to find an expeditious method of doing whatever is to be done inthe way of declaring the sense of the gov2rnment as to the proper procedure in settling the Cuban question. There is a general feeling that much delay or long d2bate in Congress after the receipt of the President's message would be undesirable from all points of view. Efforts to Harmonise Differences. Still it is recognized that there is a sharp line of difference between the two elements in the Senate, one of which contends for a declaration of the independence of the Cubans, sustai:ed by armed intervention, and the other for supporting the position of the President for intervention alone. There is a determined effort to harmonize these elements, and some headway is being made on the lines of an assertion in gen- eral terms of the rights of the Cubans to their independence without recognizing the present government. The movers in this direction have received some encourage- ment, and claim to have promises of votes for this compromise which they could not get for intervention alone. Meantime the committee on foreign rela- tions is going forward’ taking testimony to strengthen its report fm favor of its posi- tion favorable to intervention and the recognition of the present government of Cuba, and apparently with no intention of changing the form of its report or of its resolution. ‘The committee's report, as now prepared, will deal with the two questions of the Maine disaster and the conditton of desti- tution in the Island of Cuba, taking the position that the Spanish policy of the con- centration of non-combatants without sup- plying them with the necessaries of life is urprecedented in its barbarity, and that the system still holds; and, as to the Mainc explosion, that it was the result of Spanish treachery and, as‘such,:was an act of war. A prominent House republican, who is close to the President and’ who is kept -ed- ‘vised of the situation, said at noon that the situation was unchanged. * “Do you believe Spain will yield?” he was asked. x “I do not see how she can,” he replied. “The intimation that the queen intended to take the reins im hér own hands and con- cede everything on Wednesday almost caused the downfall ‘of the ministry.” Opposed to Modification. Among the senators seen today who ex- pressed themselves in opposition to any modification of the resolution to be reported by the committee on foreign relations were Messrs. Thurston, Pettigrew, Allen and Mascn. “We cannot,” said Senator Mason, “agree to any change that would rob the present Cuban government of the victory which they have so nearly won.” In my opinion a set of men who have maintained themselves as the Cuban insur- gents have in oppusitién to the entire Spanish army deserve our fullest indorse- ment,” Senator Allen said, adding that he would oppose any effort to curtail their rights. Senator Thurston said: “If we should in- tervene without recognizing the present government of Cuba we should place the United States in a position of responsibility to all other powers and to the citizens of all other countries for any damage done them in case of war. This is my interpretation of the interna- tional law bearing upon the case, and I do not beHeve it can be successfully contro- verted. Furthermore, I think w2 would in that event be held Hable for the payment of interest on the Spanish bonds which is se- cured by the Cuban revenues. But a greater weight with me than all these con- siderations:is the conviction that if we in- terfere in the conflict betwe2n Spain add the Cubans without recognizing a présent government in the island we shall witness the spectacle of the Cubans b2ing com- pelled to make terms with the bondholders for their recognition after all the sacrifices they shall have made and we shall hav> made for them. ‘This is the thing that is most repulsive to me in the propesition to deny the pres- ent Cuban government its just dues, I do 1ot want to see the.Cubans compelled to enter into a dicker to secure their rights after the Spaniards shall have been driven out. - Senator Lodge of the committee on foi eign relations saj@ today that he thought the committee weuldsnot report before Tuesday. He also expressed the opinion that the Senate Wouid'dispose of the reso- lution reported af, ong fitting. The Spanish Bonds, Some of the répyblitdns who are not yet decided whether they, want intervention without independence are investigating the question as to witethe? the United States, under internatid#al ‘law, could, if the United States intervened In Cuba and cut off the revenues,; be Meld responsible for the Spanish.bonds, said to aggregate $400,- 000,000, which ha¢é beth tssued against the revenues of the island,’ Mr. Bromwell of Ohio says he is investi- gating the question and-finds some warrant in law for it. © St * =; “If intervention without recognition makes us in any way responsible for these bonds,” zaid he today, “I am opposed to it. Of coursé, the recognition: of independence would ‘validate the ‘bonds issued by the Cuban junta, but-my understanding 1s that orly about $100,000 of these bonds have been actually sold.” Sete ‘ Startling Disclosures Expected, Representative Lorimer of Illinois is au- would be called before the committee, but the nature of the testimony expected from him was not disclosed. “I understand that General Lee is to sup- ply the missing link in the testimony,” said he. “My information is that Captain Sigsbee fs in possession of the facts, but dces not feel at liberty to give them until the person who gave them to him releases him from the secrecy imposed. That per- son, I understand, is General Lee.” It ts said. that the information General Lee is expected to testify to relates to the extinguishment of the electric light in Ha- vana at the instant of the blowing up of the Maine. Electrical experts have said that if the light went out in Havana at the time of the explosion it would be conclu- sive evidence that the mine under the Maine must have been fired from a shore electrical ‘connection. Captain Sigsbee, be- forethe foreign relations committee, said he had information that the lights had gone out, but did not think it advisable to give the name of his informant while he was in Cuba. His informant is said to be General Lee. ——_—-o+_____ BLOWN UP BY OFFICIALS. Statement by J. P. Gibbon Regarding the Maine Disaster. The following signed statement appeared in the New York World of this morning, under date of London, April 7: Joseph Panell Gibbons, the submarine mine ex- pert and inventor of submarine mines sup- Plied to Spain in '86 and '96, has furnished the firs: signed statement giving bis rea- sons for believing the Maine was destroyed by cne of his mines, and explaining the,im- pessibility of exploding a mine otherwise than through the direct cgency of the Spanish officer in charge of the Havana mine field. “Th? only submarine mines supplied to tho Spanish goverrment since ’S6-87 were manufactured under my patents. I sup- plied them with fifty-six ground mines, tventy-five buoyant mines, each with a charge of 500 pounds of gun cotton, and fifteen electro ccntact mines (exploded either on contact cr by observation from shore), each containing a charge of 100 pounds of gun cotton. Shipped Mines to Havana. “In direct contradiction to the assertions of Senor Jose, secretary of the Spanish le- gation in Washington, and General Weyler that no submarine mines were in Havana harbor, I absolutely affirm I shipped the above mines for Havana and Ferrol on a Spanish ship, the property of the Spanish government and officered by Spanish naval officers. The mines sent to Havana would still retain full effectiveness. They will Ee under the water for an indefinite per- “In '96-07 the Spanish government or- dered a fresh supply of my patent mines. Whether they went to Havana or not is immaterial. One of the mines supplied in "96 was still fully capable of causing the destruction of the Maine. In fact, I am convinced from all surrounding circum- stances that no other agency could have caused it. “My mines are in electrical connection with the shore, and it is quite impossible they could be exploded except by design. The explosion of the mine which destroyed the Maine was the work of one of two men, for these reasons: Means of Explosion. “First—The vessel swinging, elther an- chored cr moored, upon striking the cir- cuit-closer caus>, would merely drop a shutter on the keyboard on shore, warning the officer in charge she was in contact with the mine. “Second—Before the officer is in a posi- tion to fire the mine he must obtain one of two keys, one generally kept by the com- mandant, the other by the officer in charge of the firing station. He must then unlock @ glass door, over which the shutter has fallen, and insert a red danger plug in an insulated switch. “Third—He must insert the plug in the itch of the firing battery earthplate. ‘Fourth—The firing key is arranged with a lecking armature of ebonite, which must be unlocked before the danger point is ar- rived at. “Fifth—The firing key hammer must be pressed to complete the circuit that ex- lodes the detonator, by which the mine, in turn, is exploded. Fiendish and Deliberate Act. “I have not the slightest hesitation in saying the Maine was deliberately de- stroyed with a %0-pound ground mine as invented and supplied by me. The con- sensus df opinion is that the first expl.- sion was external, which is established on the following grounds. The forward maga- zine contained 2,500 pounds of gunpowder, which might blow up the decks, but it is Froblematical whether it was capable of igniting 5,500 pounds of powder in the mid- die magazine, and, even if it did, the ex- plosion of both would be quite incapable of detonating 8,200 pounds of wet guncot- ton in the aft magazine. “And had that quentity of guncotton been Cotons tea not a vestige of the Maine would rerain. The only practical way of ciscovering the mine that sunk the Maine is by under- running the cable from shore to the junc- tion box, and from therte underrun each individual cable to the mine until one is fcund without a mine attached. I am satisfied the explosion was caused by a ground, not a buoyant mine, for Havana harbor is too shallow to admit the use cf the latter. “I am prepar3d to satisfy by demonstra- tion any jury of reasonable men that this is the true explanation of the destruction of the Maine. (Signed) “JOSEPH PANELL GIBBONS.” —e.__ ENGLISH IN HAVANA, The People Do Not Like Our Lan- gunge. From the New York Mail and Express. There is a strong prejudice against the English language throughout the island, and particularly in Havana, English schools or academies are unknown, or, if known, are merely dragging their weary length along. Children are forbidden by their parents to talk English, except where there be some financial prospect in sight, and they obey the mandate to the very let- ter. German is frequently heard on the street, in the theaters, and about the hotel, ard French, which is thought by many to be a twin tongue to Spanish, but which is not, is commonly gossiped everywhere. The same may be said of Italian. But an Eng- lish-speaking person might talk himself deaf, dumb and blind and receive the threadbare reply of “no comprendo” in re- turn for his trouble. Just now there is more English spoken in the streets of Ha- vena than at any other time in the remem- brance of the most learned veteran. This is due to the Maine disaster, which brought about the presence of an unusually big colony of not only Americans, but English- men as well. The sign “English spoken” appears in a few shops only. and they are mighty few, and the spokesman for the establishment Conferences With Treasury Officials Regarding a Bill. ‘The members of the ways and means committee of the House are busily engaged with the treasury officiais in the work pre- liminary to the drafting of a war revenue measure to be introduced in Congress im- mediately upon the opening of hostilities with Spain. An increase in the interna! revenue tax on beer from $1 to #2 a barrel and a large increase in the tax on manufactured to- bacco. incleding cigars and cigarettes, has been practicaliy agreed upon. Bank checks, bills of exchange, drafts. deeds, mortgage? and other paper of this class, patent medi- cines and nostrums in all probability also, will be added to the list. A rough estimate of the receipts to be derived frcm these sources is that the in- crease on these articles alone will approx- imate, if not exceed, $100,000,000 a year. Beer, it is thought, will produce an 1n- crease of $35,000,000, manufactured tobacco an fhcrease of $53,000,000 or more, and commercial paper and patent medicines ¥22,000,000. Another source of revenue which, it is said, is almost certain to be availed of is transactions in,.railroad and other listed stocks. I: is believed thet the returns from this source will be large. In all the figur- ing so far the remaining industries and the Professions which were taxed for strictly war revenues during the r2bellion have been left out of the account. An increase of from 2 cents"to 3 cents on letter postage and a tax on gas and elec- tric light has also been suggested to the department, but these items have not yet been considered. The increase of 1 cent an ounce on letter pestage probably would ai gment the receipts by $30,000,000 a year. A bill providing for a temporary loan of $100,000,000 and a permanent loan of from $300,000,000 to $500,000,000 at 3 per cent, Payable in coin, has been prepared by the ways means committee, and will be immediately introduced in case of war. The whole question of the finances of the government, in view of probable hostil- ities, is being carefully considered by the treasury officials, so that a definite and well-thought-cut plan of operations may be ane disposal of Congress in case of ———-e— The Oldest Lord. From the New York Pest. The “father of the house of lords,” the srl of Manstield, has just entered upon his ninety-third year. Lord Mansfield is the senlur member of the upper house, both by age and succession, for, although Earl Nelson succeeded to the title in 1885, he could not take his seat until he came of age in 1844, four years after Lord Mans- field had taken the oath as a peer of the realm. The latter may claim, indeed, now that Mr. Villiers has passed away, to be the “father of the entire legislature.” He was returned to the house of commons in the unreformed parliament of 130, and oc- cupied a seat in that chamber until his succession to the peerage in 1840, so that he has been a member of one chamber or the other for an uninterrupted period of sixty-eight years. He is likewise the senior Knight of the Thistle, having been given the insignia of that order in 1543. ————_+-e+ The India: ty From the Omaha Bee. Red Eagle, a French Iroquois Indian, im Orator. who was present at the death of Sitting Bull during the Sioux uprising in the win- ter of 1890, described the incident at the Volunteer parracks last night. Red Eagic is a young man, tall and rather hand- some, in feature giving little token of hit Indian Gescent. He dresses in an Indian costume of som¢ stuff resembling buckskin, plentifully frill- ed and fringed about the edges and cover- ed over with fangles and bangies that se off by their glitter the red and y2llow of his coverings. His long black heir, fall- ing loosely about his shoulders, adds : picturesque effect to his general make-up, which, however, takes one incongruour note from the glarses that sit astride hi: nose. Red Eagle has a remarkable command o Englich. His talk is bright and flavored with @ rough and ready wit that seem: to take immensely with his hearers. He tr a type of the traditional Indian orator ir that he possesses a certain simple elo- quence coupled with a power of putting things that hold the attention of his audi- ence throughout. For the last seven years he has been en- gaged in missionary work, chiefly among the Indians. Now he is traveling in thc interests of the Volunteers of America. —+e-— First Robbery of the Kind. From the Denver Times. For the first time within the memory of ‘W. E. Cochran, post office inspector in charge of this division of the service, a case of the theft of a mail pouch from @ station has come to light. This case was reported to Inspector Cochran by the post- raster of the little town of Kemerer,Wyo., end the inspector immediately sent @ men to the scene of the robbery. Inspector Sutton was selected to investi- gate the robbery. This morning Mr. Coch- ran received a telegram from his inspector stating that the mail pouch had been re- covered, minus three registered letters con- taining $81, but that the thief or thieves have not yet been apprehended. The hamiet of Kemerer cannot boast the distinction of being known as a railroad station. It is situated alongside of the main line of the land-grant road, but It is not of sufficient size or importance to be reason Uncle Sam is obliged to make use of the crane in order to allow the residents of the burg to communicate with the outside generally in use classed as a station For — this world. The crane is throughout the country, but never before, to the knowledge of Mr. Cochran, has a case arisen through the theft of a mail from one of them. The incoming pouch nail is thrown out of the car as the train passes the town, and at the same time the automatic arm attached to the side of the car reaches out and grasps the mail sack that was left hanging on the crane. The trains never even slow up at Kemerer un- less they are flagged. Last Monday night, as was his daily cus- tom, the postmaster hung on the crane by the side of the railroad track the pouch containing the outgoing mail. It is very seldom that registered letters are sent’ out by the inhabitants of the town, but on this cccasion there happened to be three. The fact that the sack had never before been molested gives rise to the belief that the thieves were aware that it contained the registered letters. The postmaster paid no particular attention to the pouch after hanging it up, the train passed through, and he on the platform to pick up the incoming pouch. He reached the track just in time to see the train whizz past, and in time to notice that it did not pick up the sack from the crane. Gi at the crane, he noticed that the pouch was not there. He realized the state of affairs at once, and as coon as he could commu- Ricate with a telegraph office notified the inspector's office of the robbery. In:p ctor Sutton discovered th> pouch nid- FINANCE AND TRADE Stocks Were Dull With Slight Con- ceasions in Price, A PORELY PROFESSIONAL MARKET Rumois as to When the Presi- dent's Message Will Go In. GENERAL MARKET REPORTS Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. NEW YORK, April &—The financial World profited Mttle by this year's de- parture from the customary celebration of Good Friday. Prices opened at declines varying from % to & per cent, and subse- quently yielded under cover of extreme dullness. The periods of total inaction were fre- quent and protracted. Concessions were made as the only medium of attracting pur- chasers. Neither side gave any evidence of alarm, but both showed unmistakable signs of an unwillingness to extend risks. Purchases were mostly made ugainst pre- vious sales, and sales were mostly to re- duce the riak in the long account. Both transactions were professional and vold of significance. The larger interests were in- active and the market dwindled to retail Proportions, of which caution was the pre- dcminant characteristic. During the late afternoon, a rumor pre- dicting a further postponement of the President's message was circulated, but at- tracted little attention. The effect of this report was restricted because of previous assurances that Con- gress would fix Monday as the extreme limit of patience. Then, too, there are many who still cling to the belief that Spain will grant the de- mands of this vernment and dispense paaeten necessity for a 5 uid the mearsage to Co Monday there will be considerable sur ioe in Wall street ard considerable speculative disappointment. The market is sufficiently skeptical on there points to reflect consid- erable uncertainty, and until the announce- ment of its transmission or withholding 1s made no extension of is Ukely. The routine news today was generally favorable in character. March in- dicated improved business in nearly all sections, and the present month is relied upon to duplicate the record of its pre- decessor An effort will be made during the coming week to dispose of the rate war resulting from the acute competition for the Klon- dike traffic. The Canadian Pacific will be confronted with concerted and positive ac- soe on the part of its American comset- tors. The American Sugar Company is expected to settle its differenc> with rival refineries in the near future thereby confirming to some Cegree the suspicion tha: this matter has always been within !t3 control. ‘Tomorrow’s bank statement Is exp2cted to show a further increase in reserve and an iucrease of specie holdings due to gold im- portations. In less than two months more than $50,000,000 in goid have been reczived from Europe and Austraiia. The recent action of the Bank of Eng- land in advancing its discount rates is easily explained in consequence of this drain, Local financial institutions are in excellent condition, and whether next ‘week's developments bring war or peace money will be abundant for whatever un- dertakings are inspired a. FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. The following are the opening, the high- est and the lowest and the ching prices of the New — ae —— today, as re- pcrted by Corson cartney, members New York stock ——s Correspondents, Messrs. Van Emburgh & Atterbury, No. 2 Wall st. Mestern Union i oY ER BOY SESS wecne eeros ates apee Brooklyn R. Transit. 38%, S86 BBS; Chig. & G Western... 10% iy Wie 1036 *Ex-div. 1%. —_.—_ Government Bonds. Quotations reported by Corson & Macart- rey, bankers. ie * 8 Ps has a complete monopoly of the belief that | den in the sage brush near the track. A PROV! NB. he has mastered the tongue. His guesses | slit had been cut in it, the mail which it ‘Open. High. ‘Close. are certainly longer shots than ever ap- | contained had ‘been looted, but nothing was 3 8 os peared on the blackboard at Brighton. A | missing except the three registered letters. <-R Hed former resident of Brooklyn, who estab- 522 «527 rey lished a drug store here, has had seven ss Se od children born in Havana, and they know as S20 62s 82) 6a little of English es they did the day they COTTON. were born. He was asked how this could Open. — Low. Close. be, and he said that his customers avoided oe his store until he gave up the idea of teach- 602 6038 6Ol Gre ing them his native language. “I ought to “1 fee Sos Ses. Soe be es of it, = be Rae ane: slipped off-his finger into the flour. He ap- aes “but I am in no wrong ve terms peared to be greatly exercised over the loss, Baltimore Markets. hi le. ‘hildren well ad- pipe egies ‘and would not talk. English if | S°t @ notice in the local paper, but finally! parriMorE, ‘Md., April 8.—Batter firm-fancy they could.” There is a moral in this that | announced with a sigh that he would have = Fg a oy ee oe does not require a sledge hammer to im- | to give it up; that the ring was in the flour | frm "tresh, 10. Sagar Part. Talk any lingo under the sun in | somewhere; that he supposed it would turn | Cheese steady—tancy New large Pieyane tent soreeeer ee up in a sack of flour, but he had no idea | #°.. medium, gyial0; de. a ‘Where Old Men Flourish. Brio one. Well, you ought aE —— hn ee he boom that gulleless man FIRE HAGERSTOWN. T piad ord pie ah old : in nine cuire help at sndhs dnt at thet bin, es Some of Shiloh township's old men are to out Stable Burneé—The feeble health this spring. Mr. Peter Smith, | Ore man who never bought a sack from | Csewa’s Livery Se = aged 88, is not able to be out all of the | him before came in and laid in a winter's re 4 supply. And the smooth merchant whistied | Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. time. Peter Little, esq., aged 85, is not} sorry as he filied the sacks and winked his HAGERSTOWN, Md., April 8—An early able to attend his ferry. Mr. Henry Set-| other eye. morning fire destroyed the large sale and zer, aged near 85, is only in tolerable] ~- ———_-+e«-—__ health. Messrs. Pinkney Max ‘The Principal Difierence. livery stables of Edward Cushwa on Madi- MDS, AS ee 3 son avenue, which were also the winter McLean and Henry Deal are all over 80 | From the Atlagta Joursal. quarters of the liveries of Buena Vista and years. old. There are also about qi dean see no éiffunce "twix de man ‘a'| Eiue Mountain House summer resorts. nen i Te TOD eet cen vai bo | Wicks an ‘de man ‘at loafers,” sald Dea-| ‘Twenty-five head of horses were rescucd, tween 60 and 70. All except two or three | con Johnson. : sz, | Dut the loss te quite ‘owing to the tebe their families ne ‘their ‘Deacon Jac “"eeptin’ ‘dat dey dures establishments, pany A oF