Evening Star Newspaper, April 26, 1898, Page 2

THE EVENING STAR, TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1898-12 PAGES. REVENUE FOR WAR Sd Bill Reported: to the House by Mr. Dingley. EXPLANATION OF ITS PROVISIONS To Be Taken Up for Consideration Tomorrow. ARMY euana levees ATION Arrangements for the war revenue m the the of at consideration re were made There was no son both sides had pre vusly reached a complete agreement, the House was only asked to ratify it soon as the journal was read Mr. Dingl chairman of the ways and means commit- A tee, reported the measure te the, House, and it wa Jered printed and referred to the comir » of the whole on the state of the Union. Chairman Dingley’s Report. Chairman Dingley of the w: nd means committee submitted with the war revenue bill the following report: “Th» precipitation « the United of a war with Spain has rendered it nec immediately provide ways and -ditures on the scale aval and military prations. uch ar unwelcome demand on our re- comes at a time when under the of the tariff act of July 24, 1897, we had begun to overcome in the injurious effect of anti tions and had already in the months of February and March revenue ns in excess of or- expenditures for these months r millions of the expenditures appear- n the March statement having been made on the account of preparations for tional defense under authority of the joint resolutien of March 9), and that, too, with a large falling off of customs revenue the last ten days of Merch, in consequence of the disturbance of trade arising from threatened war. “There is no doubt that if peace condi- tions had continued the estimate of the Secretary of the Treasury that the revenue for the next fiscal year would reach $39).- 0u0,.000—exclusive of postal receipts—f¢ 000.000 in excess of the revenue for the fiscal year 1896, and more than that sum in excess of what the revenues for the next fiscal year 1897 would have been if it had not been for anticipatory importations in the four months of the latter year to avoid the increased duties of the new tariff —would have been more than realized,.and these receipts would have fully met the expenditures for the next fiscal year if It had not been for the inerease caused by the dil tities with Spain, inasmuch as the ex- penditures for the fiscal year 1866, exclusive of postal expenditures paid by postal reve- nue, were only 00,000, and for the fisca! year 1897 onl 000,000. C difficulties, even before war con- ditions arose had so stirred the public mind as to demand largely increased appropria- tions for enlarging the navy and for na- tional defenses. The destruction of the United tes battleship Mai in the har- bor ef Havana, on the of February last so intensitied the situation that Con- gress, a few weeks thereafter realized the necessity of taking prompt measures to Prepare for any exigency, and by joint reso- lution appropriated $54,000,000 for national defense. “Upon the authority of this joint resolu- $35,000,000 of this appropriation tlready been practically used,although payments have as yet been made for only a part of this sum; and liabilities for the re- Mainder of the appropriation will have been incurred within two weeks. “An examination of the condition of the treasury will make it apparent that no time should be lost in providing ample Ways and means for carrying to a success- ful conclusion the war in which we are now engaged. Condition of the Treasury. “The apparent cash balance in the treas- ury when the joint resolution appropriat- ing $50,000,000 for national defense was Passed was about $225,000.00, including the $10,000,000 gold redemption fund, or $125,- 000,000 excluding that fund. But this bal- ance was only apparent, inasmuch as $13,- 000,000 consisted of fractional silver, latgely uncurrent, and minor coins, leaving only $112.00,000, But of this amount $14,000,000 consisted of receipts from sale of Pacific railroad, held in the treasury for the pay- ment of that amount of Pacific railroad bonds due January 1 next, and $33,000,000 of the bank redemption fund, held for the payment of the notes of national banks failed. in liquidation of reducing circula- tion. Deducting these amounts, and the actual available cash in the treasury at that time belonging to the government, ex- elusive of the greenback redemption fund, was 5 D,000. “Inasmuch as a working balance of about $40,000,000 1s required to property carry on the operations of the government, there remained only $25,000,000 belonging to the government available for the use in meet- ing the “0 appropriation. It will ry in order to meet all of the expenditure under the $30,000,000 appropria- tion—all of which will hate been expended within a few weeks—to use $25,000,000 of the bank redemption fund, a part of which must be replaced before the close of the present calendar year. “Inasmuch as the difficulties with Spain have plunged the country into a war whose magnitude and length cannot now be in- telligently forecasted, it is necessary that Measures should be immediately taken to Provide ways and means to carry on naval and military operations on a scale and with @ promptness which will exert an import- @nt influence in shortening the conflict. As the expenses of the preparations for de- fense that have been going on for nearly two months are at the rate of $25,000,000 per month, or $30,000,000 per annum, and the expenses of actual war will be much more, your committee are of opinion that the necessities of the country, as well as the early successful conclusion of the war, call for such ample provision, both by tax- ation and autherity to make loans, for means to carry on naval and military ope- ratte s will impress the great powers of Burepe as well as Spain with the convic- tion that the people of the United States @re umited im the determinaticn to prose- cute the war on a scale and with a vigor that make prolongation of hostilities use- less. “With this object in view, your commit- tee recommend the levying of internal rev- enue taxes either on articles of voluntary consumption or on objects that will make such taxes fall mainly on persons able to contribute to the national defense, which will in the aggregate yield from $90,000,000 ta $100,000,000 of additional annual reve- nue.” Internal Revenue Taxes. The report then enumerates the different articles to be taxed and the estimate her2- tofore published of the amount of revenue to be derived, and continues: “These are all taxes on objects which were assessed during or subsequent to the civil war, with one exception, and therefore open up no new and untried system of taxation. They “re all internal revenue war taxes that can be collected by the existing internal reve- nue officials, slightly increased, with a small additional expense, and with the minimum disturbance of trade, although they are all taxes which are unwelcome and which it would not have been neces- sary to impose if war nad been avoided. “While all of the additional taxes are war taxes which would be naturally repealed or modified when the necessities of war and the payment of war expenses have ceased, yet it is impossible now to place a limit on them, not only for the reason that no one can intelligently forecast the length of the war, but also for the reason that war always brings a train of extra- ordinary expenditures which do not termi- rate with the close of actual hostilities. It is evident that ft will be necessary in order to maintain thé public credit, not only to raise the additional revenue provided by the accompanying bill, but also to author- ize the Seeretary of the Treasury to bor- Tow on the credit of the government from time to time, as the public necessities will require. g Bond Ixsue. “We have given, therefore, authority to issue and sell, not exceeding $500,000,000 of ten-twenty 3 per cent coin bonds, to be of- fered as a popular loan, believing as we do that such a bond will be taken: from time to time by the masses of the people. We have fixed ten years as the period after which the bonds authorized may be re- emed at the pleasure of the United utes, not only because we regard it neces- ary 40 do this in order to secure subscrip- tions at par for the later issues, but also the fact that the one hundred mil- per cent loan of 1904 and the large 4 r cent loan of 1907 would inevitably be paid or refunded by the government be- fore a 3 per cent bond would be redeemed, makes a bond that can be redeemed at the end of ten years as desirable to issue as one that ean be redeemed at the end of five ye In view of the fact that it will be neces- sary in a very few weeks before the pre posed war taxes can bring results and be- fore the loan authorized can be placed to provide means to meet the rapidly aug- menting war expenditures, authority is given the Secretary of the Treasury to temporarily borrow money, in no case ex- ceeding one year, by the issue of 3 per cent certificates of indebtedness. It is im- portant that the Secretary of the Treas- ury shall have this authority in any exi- gency that may arise in the future.” Three Changes. The war revenue bill as reported to the House contains three changes from the bill as originally drafted, as follows: A dis- count of 5 per cent on beer stamps is al- lowed after the passage of the act. Tele- phone messages are subject to a tax of 1 cent on messages transmitted 30 miles or more, the cost of which does not exceed 25 cents; between 25 cents and $1.50, 2 cents; between $1.50 and $5, 5 cents; In ex- cess of 35, 10 cents. Official telephonic and telegraphic messages of the government are exempt from taxation. The differential of one-half a cent on mineral waters and beverages, domestic or imported, not oth- erwise subject to internal taxation, in haif- pint bottles, is eliminated, so that the di- viding line is fints, bottles containing one pint or less, to pay 1 cent; more than one pint, 2 cents. The minority were given until tomorrow to file their views. To Be Called Up Tomorrow. Mr. Dingley then gave notice that he would call the bill up tomerrow at noon, and asked unanimous consent that tomor- row and Thursday be devoted to general debate, and that Friday the bill be taken up for amendment, and a vote be taken at 4 o'clock Friday. Included in the request was provision for night sessions tomorrow and Thursday, and also a provision that sections and 28 (the bond sections) should first be open to debate under the five-minute rule. The minority had agreed to the arrangement. Mr. Bailey formally gave his assent, and the order was entered. A bill was passed granting to the Santa Fe and Grand Canyon Raflroad Company a right of way through the Grand Canyon forest reserve, and the House then re- sumed the consideration of the Wise- Young contested election case. Mr. De Armond (Mo.), who was speaking in favor of the sitting member when the House adjourned yesterday, resumed his argu- ment. SENATE, Interest in the proceedings of tha Senate, which for several weeks has been intense and was manifested day after day by crowded galleries, has apparently subsided. Today when the Senate convened there were scarcely a hundred people in the gal- leries. At the conclusion of routine morning business the Senate began the consideration of private pension bills, the arrangement being that they should be considered until the conference report on the army reorgan- ization bill was presented. After the passage of several pension bills Mr. Hawley presented the report of the conferees on the army reorganization bill. The report was agreed to. Consideration of bills on the pension calendar was resumed and the calendar was cleared—seventy-four bill being passed. Other bills were passed, as follows: To amend an act granting to the Arkan- gas, Texas and Mexican Central Railway Company a right of way through the In- dian territory; granting a pension of $12 a month te Nancy Barger, who is 106 years old; to enable the officers, warrant officers, petty officers and marines of the United States navy who may distinguish them- selves in action to receive medals of honor, rosettes and ribbons. In reference to the civil service and ap- pointments thereunder, affording additional advantages to honorably discharged sol- diers; granting permission to the American Institute of Homeopathy to erect a monu- ment in Washington, D. C., in honor of Samuel Hahnemann. A message received from the House an- nounced the signature of the Speaker to the army reorganization bill and requesting the signature of the Vice President. A few minutes later Vice President Hobart an- nounced his signature to the measure. Conideration of bills was resumed, and these were passed: Fixing the salary of the postmaster of Washington at $6,000; to amend the naviga- tion laws relating to the licensing of offi- cers of steam vessels; to place on the re- tired list of the army as sergeants four survivors of the Franklin arctic expedition. At 2 o'clock, on motion of Mr. Allison, Iowa, the Senate went into executive ses- sion. Nominations Confirmed. The Senate confirmed these nominations: Wm. R. Day cf Ohio, to be Secretary of State. To be consuls—Frederick H. Allison of New York, at Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Hans J. Smith of South Dakota, at Port Louis, Mauritius. Augustus J. Hoitt of Lynn, Mass., to be pension agent at Boston, Mass. Charles H. Ross to be surveyor of customs, Burling- ton, Iowa. Postmasters—Maine, Winchester G. Lowell, at Auburn; Geo. W. Stearns, at Rumford Falls; Moses P. Stiles, at Norway; John Lovejoy, at Rockland; Hiram A. Huse, at Bath. The Senate rejected Henry Demas of Louisiana to be naval officer of customs at New Orleans, The Senate at 2:15 p.m. adjourned, ——-e— Boston Artillery Ordered Out. BOSTON, April 26.—First Regiment, M Vv. M., Heavy Artillery, ordered to Fort Warren, left er this city amid great enthus-| SPAIN REGRETS WAR Issues Another Circular Note to the Powers Today. SAYS WE WILL ANNEX CUBA Fears of a Massacre by Insurgents at Manila. SPAIN’S FINANCIAL SCHEME MADRID, April 26.—The Spanish govern- ment today sent a circular to the powers supplementing its circular of April 18, and expressing regret at the “hard necessity of being compelled to appeal to force in or- der to repel the scandalous aggression cf the United States, and defend the national dignity and historical integrity of the fa- therland. Continuing, the circular note says: “His- tory presents few instances wherein the reason is so evident on one part and the ovtrage so undisgu!sed on the other. Spain has on her side right, correct procedure and prudence, while the United States ias on her side only disloyalty and the impulse oz unbridled ambitions.” Raps Hard at Lec. After a reference to the “‘execrable con- duct” of General Fitzhugh Lee, the note reproduces the text of the resolutions of Congress, underlining the last words, “‘as intended to deceive the Cubans.”” It is then predicted that the Island of Cuba will not be declared pacified until “it is ready for annexation.” Further on the note gives the details of the rupture of the negotiations between Spain and the United States, concluding with the following declaration: “The Spanish people await the attack with tranquil serenity, and have decided zo sell their Hves dear and to defend ener- geticaily their right to remain in America, cenfident that in this work they will have the assistance of the Cubans, who are Spaniards like themselves.” Spain’s Finencial Schemes. The Correspondenéia says that among the financial projects avout to be launched Is one which poviges that only foreign hold- of the Spanish debt ar2 to be paid in francs. The others are to be paid in pe- set The Carlists are shid to be keerly watch- ing the movements of Don Carlos, and the Carlist deputies arp expected to make a fierce attack upon tae government today tn the cortes. Concerning Those Privateers. In the Spanish senate yesterday Count Al- menas asked whether the government ad- hered strictly to th> treaty of Paris in re- gard to privateers, or whether it would is- sue a letter of marque to any one. asking for such authority. The premier, Senor Sagasta, sald the mo- ment was inopportune to reply to th? ques- tion. On Count Almenas insisting upon an an- swer to his question, the minister for for- eign affairs, Senor Gullon, said Spain occu- pied the same position as ske held before the treaty of Paris. At the close of Senor Sagasta’s speech in the senate yesterday the president of the senate said, amid great applause, that the Spanish senate had replied to “the insults of th> American senate with the most pro- found scorr.” Spanish Massacre Expected. HONG KONG, April 26—Mail advices which reached here today from Manila, dated Saturday last, say the insurgents were then gath2ring in masses around Manila, and that a massacre of the Span- tards at that port was apprehended. It is also announced in the dispatches that the Spaniards have laid mines about Manila. The United States squadron leaves Mirs bay tomorrow to watch the Philippin> ports. The insurgent leader Aguinaldo is on board the United States cruiser Olympia. pata aa DISTRICT IN CONGRESS. Senate Passes Bill Extending Supreme Court Jurisdiction. The Senate passed Senate bill 1910 this afternoon. The bill confers on the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia jurisdic- tion to take proof of the execution of wills affecting real estate, &c. Salary of Postmaster. The Senate this afternoon passed Senate bill 2917, fixing the salary of the postmaster in this city at $6,000 per annum. In response to a question, Mr. Chandler sald the bill was necessary, on account of the large amount of free mail matter han- dled here, and that if this free matter were paid for the postmaster’s salary would be $6,000 under the law. Protection of Fish. House bill 6161, for the protection of fish in the District of Columbia, was passed by the Senate this afternoon with an amend- ment making the time in which persons shall not catch black bass and crappie in the Potomac river and tributaries in the District of Columbia from April 1 until June 1 instead of April 15 to June 1. ————————— CIVIL SERVICE. Senate Passes Bill Relating to Reten- tion of Soldiers. The Serete today passed Senate bill 3256, in reference to the civil service and ap- portionments thereunder. The bill as pass- ed provides: “That in every cxecutive department of the United States governmert, and in each and every branch thereof, whether reach- ed by competitive or non-compstitive ex- aminations under the civil service laws (in which case the rules and regulations affecting «he same shall so provide), sol- diers who served as such between April 12, 1861, and August 26, 1865, shall be cer- tified and preferred for appointment to and retention in employment in the public service, and for promotion therein; age, loss of mb, or other physical impair- ment which does not in fact incapacitate shall not disqualify them, provided they possess the business capacity necessary to discharge the duties of the position in- volved. And persons thus preferred shall not be removed from their positions except for good cause, upon charges and after a hearing.” ——oe-»—___ FLEET STILL AT ST. VINCENT. Ships Taking on Ammunition and Stores—Men Ready to Fight. ST. VINCENT, Cape Verde Islands, April 26, 6:44 p.m.—The Spanish ficet is still here and there is no sign of its intention to put to sea today. =| Ammunition and projectiles are placed ready on deck for each gun, and on board eee the men appear to be anxious to ‘The squadron is still busy coaling and taking stores on board. ee WAR CHART SUPPLEMENT, On Thursday, the 28th, a hand- somely colored chart of the scene of the present naval operations will be issued as a supplement to The Star. This chart will be so arranged that the location of the various naval ves- — ag —_ ly indicated from to and will be of permanent en lo additional charge will be made for The Star containing this a E STATUTE BARS THE WAY District Cannot Use%the D ‘Street Engine — of Attdéfney Thomas, to Whom thé Quéstion Was Re- + ferred—The Uiternatives. It is understoéd that the ‘attorney for the District, Mr. S. T. Fhomas, has informed the District Commissioners that there is a law which stands in the way of their prop- osition to convért th@D street enginé house into morgue.‘ It appears’that this prop- erty belongs to the United States, and that it can only be used by the District for the purposes of the fire department. It will be recalled, as was stated in The Star several days ago, that Commissioner Wight suggested, as a substitute for the so-called morgue of the District, which 1s not only an eyesore, but also an intolerable nuisance, that the D_street engine house could, with the sum of $1,040 inserted by the Senate in the pending District appro- priation bill for the repair of the morgue, be converted into a well-equipped modern institution. This proposition has aroused a decided protest-on the part of property owners in the neighborhood of the D street house, and on the part of business men in that section of the city, their protesis be- ing based on two_grounds—the necessary removal of the chemical engine company with the accompanying loss of protection from fire, and the placing of the morgue in such a central and conspicuous portion of the city, with the accompanying damage :o property values. The Ciscovery of the law governing the grant by the government of the D street house has been made known to the Com- missioners, and one of three things mmust new be done: Obtain from Congress such special legislation as will enable them to use the D street house for a morgue, use the sum expected to be agreed to by the House for placing the present morgue in a sanitary condition, or ask Corgress to grant them such a sum as will permit them to erect a new morgue on some site owned either by the United States or by the District. This matter is now, it is uncerstood, being consi¢ered by the Com- missioners, the indications Lenz that the position to use the D street c j house for morgue purposes will be aband- oned by them. Speaking to a Star reporter this after- roor on the matter, Commissioner Wight explained that, whil> he is of the opinion that the conversion of the D street house | into a morgue would be the best solution, A } | the active officers there may importart assignments « perhaps, of the whole question, he is not by any means wedded to that proposition. “I récognize the difficulties in the way in the shape of the law governing the Dis- trict’s right to use this property, and 1 also recognize the fact that property own- ers and business men in the neighborhood are very much opposed to removing the chemical engine company even a few squares away and converting the house into a morgue, and if we can obtain a site else- where and also obtain from Congress such a sum as will enable the Commissioners to erect a new morgue, that would be a solution of the question not only perfectly agreeable to me, but also, I believe, to my associates on the beard of Commissioners. “The suggestion has been made that a morgue could be most advantageously situ- ated on the river front, for instance, and to that proposition I have no objection, pro- vided, of course, Congress will give us the money necessary to build it. I do not be- lieve, however,' that, the proposed new morgue should de erected on the lot in the rear of the sixth police precinct. We will, however, fully Consider the whole question, and in view of the fact that every one agrees with us: thatithe present so-called morgue is a disgrace to the District and a menace to public hgalth, I believe we will reach a conclusion Wholly satisfactory to every one.” c gs CAPT. MAHAN ORDERED HOME. = Will Become a, Member of the Naval Strategic Board. ‘The impending retirement of Assistant Secretary Roosevelt from, the Navy De- partment will necessitate the reorganiza- tion of the strategic board, which is charg- ed with the important duty of formulating plans of naval operations in.the present war with Spain. Mr. Roosevelt will be suc- ceeded as president of the board by Rear Admiral Sicard, formerly commander-in- chief of the North Atlantic station and now acting in an advisory capacity to the Sec- retary of the Navy. Probably the most important change in the personnel of tho board, however, is that made by the retire- ment from it of Rear Admiral Walker and the substitution in his place of Captain A. T. Mahan. Both of these ollicers are on the retired list and each occupies a special- ly high position in the service. Admiral Walker's detachment was due to the ne- cessity of his giving more of his time to the preparation of the report of the Nica- ragua canal commission, of which he is president. Since the return of that board from Nicaragua Admiral Walker has been acting as a member, of the naval strategic board, and consequently has been com- pelled to defer the preparation of the re- port of the Nicaragua canal commission. Capt. Mahan is ki-own the world over as an authority on raval operations and strategy, and his assignment to duly on the strategic board will undoubtedly add much to its efficiency in handling the many delicate and importent questions of naval warfare which will’ undoubtedly arise dur- ing the progress of hostilities with Spain. Capt. Mahan is now in Rome, where he went a few weeks ago to devote himself to the completion of certain literary work re- lating to naval warfare. Inasmuch as ire is on the retired list he was not subject to the orders of the department until after the pessage of the act of Congress yester- day declaring the existence of war with Spain. Under the statutes retired officers of the navy are subject to active duty only in time of war. Recognizing the great vaiue of Capt. Mahan’s services in the present emergency, Secretary Long lost nv time in taking acvantage of his prerog- atives and ordering Capt. Mahan back to the United States at once for duty in this city as a member of the naval strategic beard. During the trouble with Chile in the Harrison administration Capt. Mahan was similarly summoned to Washington and rendered good service in the preparation of strategic plans for the operation of. the naval movements against Chile, which were recognized as most thoronsh and complete, but which were never executed, because of the settlement of the points at issue by diplomatic negotiations without Boouutas 30 besa * ‘Two other members of the strategic bo: have been relieved from that duty, and ae dered to ‘sexs. Thes2 are Captain Barker, naval ald to the Seqretary of the Navy. who has been gelected to command ths cruiser Newark, abou: to go into commis- sion at Norfolk, and°fommander Richard- son Clover, chief of 12 bureau of naval in- ligence, who “fas tell ‘been ordered to tak oman oe the gun $ Saeeerore recent oO antic squadro! Lieut. C er in “ who was executiv> officer of the Main: the time of her'destrtiction, was tende: od the office of cl the bureau of naval intelligence, but “he détlinad it in fay ait had vor of a command 3t dd he ised the comma’ grams ‘auxiliary cutee: ‘ f ‘ Corsi Yas rom J. Pier- Capt. John Bartlett, day ordered to ‘duty fis chief of the naval intelligence office. TT is’ as yet ‘er- mined whether he wM'be a membar of the naval strategic ynard: That board, hereafter consist of | Preside: a Tetirad, was to- retary. of the navy, Clover’s successor, of of naval intelligence. It is also in view of the present policy of the Sec- Ben ae ee ae - ‘efloat, NOTICE TO POWERS Informed of the Declaration of War. NEUTRALITY LAW MADE OPERATIVE England First to Issue a Proclama- tion. ATTITUDE OF GERMANY —— The State Department has conveyed no- tice to all the powers and nations with which the United Btates holds friendly re- laticns of the declaration of war yesterday by the government of the United Staies. This is a necessary formality in order to set in motion the reutrality laws in many countries and to estop claims for damages on the part of neutrals for vessels detained and turned back at blockades without due notice. It is to be noted that the mstruc- tions which were sent to all the United States legations abroad directed attention to the fact that the war has existed since April 21, when the Spanish government broke off diplomatic relations in order to avoid accepting the ultimatum at the hands of Minister Woodford. The text of the in- structions is as follo “DEPARTMENT OF STATE, “A joint resolution of Congress, approved April 20, directed intervention for the pacification and independence of the Island of Cuba. The Spanish government on April 21 informed our minister at Madrid that it considered this resolution equivalent te a declaration of war, and that it had accordingly withdrawn its minister from Washington and terminated ali dip:omatic relations. Congress has therefore, by an act approved today, declared that a state of war exists between the two countres sipce and including April 21, You will :n- ferm the government to which you are ac- credited so that its neutrality may be as- svred in the existing war. : (Signed) “SHERMAN.” Responses have already begun to flow in. First among all neutrals to take cognizance of the situation and of the existence of a state of war are the British colonies. It n.ay not be of particular significance, yet it gces in a measure to support th2 contention of this government that war actually ¢x- isted before the declaration by Congress yesterday that th> British colonies haye in cases acted and made their proclamations of neutrality in advanc> of action by Con- gress. Thus it happens that the British government of the Strait Settlements, at Singapore, issued its proclamation yester- day forenoon. The news was contained in the following cablegram to the State De- partment from United States Consul Pratt, at Singapore: “Secretary of State, Washington, D. C “Neutrality proclaimed here today. This dispatch was received at 2:40 yester- day afternoon, indicating that the Straits’ gov2rnment hed acted before Congress had passed its declaration. The State Department officials have taken note of the semi-official statement from Germany to the effect that that nation will not at present issu2 a neutrality proclama- tion. They are not very much concerned, however, believing that any advantage to be gained by Germany in refraining from adopting the usual course in this resp2ct will be rather technical than practical. Cer- tainly all of the advantages to be reaped by the United States from an enforcement of the German neutrality law will be claimed by our government, and it is not doubted that the laws will be put into op- eration in Germany whether or not a proc- lamation fs issued at this time. A good deal more concern was felt over the terms of the British neutrality procla- mation, issued today in London. Not only is the attitude assumed by the British gov- ernment of great importance to us on ac- count of the vast extent of the English pos- sessions and the large number of British ports on this hemisphere, but from the fact that we now have two warships, the Al- bany, lately the Abreuall, and the torpedo boat Somers, lying in English ports, subject to permanent detention. The Albany 1s nearing completion at Newcastl, having been purchased from Brazil while in the builders’ hands there. The Somers, lying at Falmouth, has becn unable to secure a crew to cross th> Atlantic, on account of the danger of the voyage on so small a boat. The British Proclamation. Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British am- bassador, today received a cable dispatch from the British foreign office, signed by Lord Salisbury, announcing that the queen's proclamation of neutrality in the war between Spain and the United States had been signed and would be issued as soon as possible. The dispatch states that the proclamation is similar to those issued on former occasions, but in addition it di- rects special attention to the three rules of the treaty of Washington of May 8, 1871, article 6, which will be observed toward both countries. The three rules to which Lord Salisbury directs special attention are of exceptional moment just at present, owing to the pres- ence in British ports of several warships intended for the United States navy. The three rules are as follows: “A neutral government is bound— “First, to use due diligence to prevent the fitting out, arming or equipping within its jurisdiction of any vessel which it has reasonable grounds to believe is intended to cruise or to carry on war with a power with which it is at peace; and also to use like diligence to prevent the departure from its jurisdiction of any vessel intended to cruise or carry on war as above, such ves- sel having been specially adapted, in whole or in part, within such jurisdiction, to war- like use. “Secondly, not to permit or to suffer eith- er belligerent to make use of its ports and waters as the base of naval operations against the other, or for the purpose of renewal or augmentation of military sup- plies or arms or the recruitment of men. “Thirdly, to exercise due diligence in its own ports and waters, and, as to all per- sons within ite jurisdiction, to prevent any violation of the foregoing obligations and duties.” ‘The second rule doubtless accounts for the enforced departure of the United States fleet at Hong Kong. The first of the important commercial interests in- volved: Doubt is expressed here as to the report current ifi Landon that the procie- mation was due to an understanding be- tween the United States and Great Britain, in order that other countries might be urged to adopt a similar attitude of neu- trality. It is hardly believed the United States would urge a proclamation, the first effect of which is to tie up American war- ships nearing completion in British y 5 1t wes stated in high diplomatic quar- ters today that no further doubt existed as to the attitude of Portugal in main’ neutrally. This is regarded as sp important at this time, owing to the fact that the Cape Verde Islands, the Azores and the Madciras belong to Portugal. All of these groups have fine harbors and coal- ing facilities, and they are so located as to be of vital service to the Spanish navy in case their use was not barred by Portu- gal’s neutrality. Cape Verde has thus far been the rendezvous for Spanish cruisers and torpedo boats, but the neutrality cf Portugal will prevent a longer use of these islands as a base of operations for the Spanish ships, or even a stopping place for them. They will be forced to one of their own ports, the Canaries probably being the most advantageous point when the Portu- gvese islands are closed against them. At the present time, however, the Portuguese minister here has not deen officially notified of the purposes of his government concern- ing neutrality, nor has he any information as to the Spanish flee: pe Verde. Reports About Germany. The reports that Germany would not ts- sue a proclamation of neutrali in order to leave her hands free for intervention if it seems desirable, cannot be confirmed in diplomatic quarters here. On the contrary, there is every indi m that Germany will observe strict neutrality, a announcement to that about a week ago in one of the inspire newspapers of Germany. In this, however, it is understood that Germany will consult her practical and commercial interests, rather than any sentimental consideration. So long as German ships and German com- merce are unmolested during the progress of the war, Germany's neutral attitude is likely to be maintained. If, however, the German interests suffer by search and seiz- ure on the high sea, then it is not so cer- tain that a strict neutrality will be con tinued. Brought Spain to Terms. It developed today for the first time that Germany’s recent menacing attitude to- ward Spain, as a result of insurgent depre- dations against German interests in Cuba, had brought about a speedy adjustment at Madrid. At the outset the German govern- ment ordered the cruiser Geier to proceed to Cuban waters with a view to enforcing indemnity against Spain unless speedy rep- aration was made for the injury to German interests. This appears to have had the effect of bringing a satisfactory adjust- ment, for the incident is now considered closed as a result of negotiations at Madrid. Minister Polo's Status. it is held among leading diplomats that no question can be raised as to the status of Sénor Polo at Toronto. He is said to be a private citizen, having the right of domicile in a neutral countr, It is doubt- ed also whether the authorities here would seek to crowd Senor Polo as to the method of his departure. One of bis nearest per- sonal triends in the diplomatic corps stated today that Senor Polo's stay at Toronto would not exceed a few days, as it was merely for administrative purpos: in as- sembling consuls withdrawn from various points in this country, and assigning them to other points in neutral territory. The intimation in the British house of commons that Minister Polo had been ac- credited not only to the United States, but to all of North America, ts entirely er- roreous. The late minister was accredited solely to the United States. There are no diplomatic represeatatives in Canada, as it is only a colony, aud Spain has her minis- ters in Mexico and other countries of North America. ——EEE WATOHING SPANISH FLEETS. Cuban Blockade May Be Raised to Avert Danger to Our Ports. Naval officials are mainly concerned at resem about the mcvement of the Spanish war fleets at Cadiz and Cape Verde Islands, and it is likely that a change may be mede in the present program for the blockade of Cvban ports in consequence of the necessity of having the fleet engaged in that impor- tant duty called away for the purpose of engaging the combined naval forces of Spain. It is understood here that the policy of Spain involves an attack by its entire naval forces on the American fleet engaged in the blockade of Cuba, with a view to rais- ing the blockade and forming a junction with the Spanish troops under Consul Gen- eral Blanco. At any rate the Navy Department will view with suspicion any movement on the part of the Spanish fleet, and it is said that when word has been received of the de- parture of either the fleet at Cadiz or the fleet at St. Vincent, Cape Verde Islands, in this direction, that Admiral Sampson's blockading fleet will be ordered to concen- trate at some central point on the Atlantic coast from which they would be better en- abled to insure the protection of the prin- cipal sea ports in case the Spanish fleet should make either of them an object of attack. In the performance of this important duty, it is said that the fleet would be reinforced and assisted by the flying squadron, the north Atlantic patrol fleet, the mosquito fleet and all the other vessels recently incorporated into the naval serv- ice. This alleged proposed change in the present naval program is contingent en- tirely upon the movements of the Spanish fleets and may not be made. The adminis- tration will make no change in ite present plans for the blockade of Cuban ports un- less it is absolutely necessary for the pro- tection of United States ports. It is expected that an engagement be- tween the United States and Spanish fleets in the vicinity of the Philippines will occur within the next few days, and that it wil! then pe determined whether the United States can accomplish its plans for the establishment of a base of supplies on the Philippines, Grain, Provisions and Cotton Markets Furnished by W. B. Hibbs & Co., bankers and brokers, 1427 F st., members New York stock exchange, correspondents Messrs. Ladenburg, Thalmann & Co., New Yerk. GRAIN. oO 9 2 Tay ost ay 3 Ee 355 34 24 Bh Be ae Fnovisioxs. Mo de woe KBE 1170 1145 1150 57 567 5.67 580 B72 5.72 B55 552 5.52 5.70 587 S37 ‘Open. High. Low. Glose. cus att Oi “ois $2 G22 418 oz 626 G31 62 629 itimere Markets. ive and higher <-Western super, extra, $4. Seeat straight, m 8.603 "bare Wheat” unsettled and May, 11401144; 2 Moats Pesbeis; do, on FINANCE AND TRADE Stocks Were Stronger, but Business Small in Volume. WAR PROSPECT DISCOUNTED Possibility That Silver Question May Affect Wall Street. GENERAL MARKET REPORTS ¢ Star. NEW YORK, April undertone of today’s stock market was exceptionally firm, although no increase in the vol of business was reported. Fractional ad- vances in the Londen market, due, pe haps, to a covering movement at that cen- ter, Inspired some buying for a like pur- pcse on this side, Some attempt to mark up such issues as are held by speculative cliques was moderately successful so far as prices were concerned, but the holdings were not shifted to new interests. A demand of a character equal to mak- ing an advancing market is not In immpdi- ate prospect. There is growing belief in a prolonged and irrivating naval conflict, and because of this belief an effort is being made to break the monopoly of war news. Ha- vana usurped public inter nd Wall street waited patieatly f velop- ments ut that center which might be ap- propriated to its own use. The probable campaign not being pro- ductive of imm being made and the prospects continued y one Tr 2 h: 2 rareiy been better. 2 in the present rate are reported from time to_time. The properties supplying the substantial evidence of me sling considerably under the prices The transportation of tr supplies is added to the increased earnings, but t accept such argum The fear of a revival of the sflver discus- sion at Washington is no longer concealed in consevative c en. Delay in passing war measures will not be nd a bond issue is certain perately by the advocates metal. . e e likely to increase egal rate are rapidly becoming only memories of an easy mone market. Exchange rates advanced anotiver If per cent today and this tendency Is not likely to be immediately overcome. The bond markets showed a lack of de- mand und a growing belief among invest- ors that idle funds m pplied to be to be fought of the white Interest ra time loans und, ter adva eted in recent bend premiu The question of it- self is likely to make a stock market argu- ment and the Spanish difficulty will be- come only an incident of the times. Once actual hostilities begin the market will respond to the reports of successes or defeats, but these movements are not likely to run far. Buying on declines should prove more profitable than selling under any circumstances, but the prospects for radical changes in general conditions are such as to warrant only narrow and con- servative trading. >— FINANCIAL *AND COMMERCIAL. The following are the opening, the high- est and the lowest and the closing prices of the New York stock market today, as re- perted by Corson & Macartvey, members ‘New York stock exchange. Correspondents, Messrs. Van Emburgh & Atterbury, No. 2 Wali st. Low. Close. Ameri 7 Ws Ameri Open. High. Ws Tt Chig. & G Western. 3 salient oat mgton Stock Exchange. 200 at 70 District of Columbia Bonds.—3.65s, funding, cur- reney, 112 bid, 115 asked. Miscellaneous Bonds.—Metropolitan Railroad fe, politan Ra‘lroad cony. 6s, 117 bid. Metropolitan Raflroad certificates of indebtedness, asked. Deposit and Trost Compantes.—National Seay Eg 37 bid. itam, 70 sy 2. 304 Potomac, 00 bid. Arlington, 118 hia ts asked, a ame Caen 1p di eed Po a a Tithe ‘Stocks.—Real Estate ‘Title, 73 se aa Sore Teo Md, hae cedex, Seca —Tesepteenla. £7 14845 ; th | | Ti Hn