Evening Star Newspaper, May 26, 1898, Page 2

2 THE EVENING STAR, THURSDAY, MAY eae = A COLONIAL POLICY|FEAR 4 Importaat Questions That Confront the Country. PORTO RICAN INVASION FAVORED Permanent Occupation of the Philippines. ANNEXATION OF HAWAII ete ge ee In congressional circles the greatest in- terest is taken in the proposition to invade Porto Rico, and to make three substantial- ly simultaneous moves. The action of the administration in calling for additional troops and the determination that the occu- pation of the Philippines and Porto Rico shall be simultaneous with, if it does not precede, the capture of Cuba meet with very general approval in Congress. A large number of men from each house of Con- gress visited the departments today, and there was great activity, especially at the War Department. The visits of statesmen related very largely to the military ap- pointments which will result from the call 5,000 additional troops, but some of sitors went for no other purpose than to express their satisfaction at the deter- mination to press the war vigorously at the three points, and nearly everybody ex- pressed approval. It is quite definitely un- derstood now that no opportunity is to be given Spain to withdraw from the war with no other loss than that of Cuba. There seems to be a sentiment in all in- fluential quarters, without regard to party, in favor of the policy of expanding the in- fluence of this government and cultivating the closest relations with Great Britain. Prompt Invasion of Porto Rico. The invasion of Porto Rico is to be made as speedily as possible, and the American flag is expected to wave over that island before the evacuation of Cuba by the Span- ish. It is well understood that Spa‘n, real- izing that her sovereignty over Cuba can- not be maintained, would hail with satis- faction an excuse for evacuating that is- land before any of her other possessions were lost. Reliable information is possess- ed that the Spanish representatives at the courts of some of the foreign powers are tentatively approaching the subject of the influence of the powers being exerted to confine the operations of the United States if Cuba is evacuated. It is believed that if a large invading army were landed in Cuba and our military and naval operations di- rected solely against that {sland it would speedily be surrendered, if by the surrender Spain could retain possession of Porto Rico and the Phillippines. It fs not the intention of this government, however, to proceed in that manner. When Havana falls, Porto Rico and the Philip- pines are expected to be in the possession of the United States. Annexation. n is general among sen- ators and representatives that the ad- journment of Congress may be brought about in two wee Senator White, who is chairman of the democratic congression- The impres: al committee, expressed the opinion last night that a vote would be had on the revenue bill by the Senate at the close of this week, and that Congress would adjourn in two weeks. Senator White is one of the strongest eppenents to the an- nexation Ha and this opinion is based on the ica of the Hawaiian ques- tion being aside until next sesston. Senator Aldrich said this morning that he hoped for a vote at the end of this week and thought an adjournment might occur Senator Hawley, in view n of Senator Daaiel to Sat- fixed as a time for a vote on the revenue bill, said today that he sup- posed the vote would go over until next week, but + thought it might be tak Monday or jay, and that it was quite possible C Ss would adjourn in two weeks. Repres the opinion tod. Journ that ear! It is reported that an understanding has been reached between some of the lead- ers of the various factions that the Ha- Wallan question wiil not be pressed at this time. This appears, hewever, to be an everatatement of the case, since the friends of annexation are still making determined efforts to cor pel the committee on rules to affurd an opportunity for a vote in the House on the annexation resolution. It is anticipated that the caucus which the re- publican annexationists have arranged for will not be held fore next week, but it is insisted by the advocates of the resolu- tom that ‘t shall not be abandoned. A very complex situation is threatened, some of the advocates of Hawaiian annexation saying that they will agree to hasten a vote on the revenue bill if the House takes up the Hawaiian question, while, on the ether hand, the opponents of annexation express a willingness to vote as quickly as possible on the revenue measure, pro- vided the House does not take up the Ha- watian question Our Colonial Policy. The democrats generally oppose action on Hawaii now, some of them stating that they do not want to be compelled to vote op the question until they know what is going to be the general policy of this gov- ernment in relation to colonial po: ns as a result of the present war. They say that if compelled to vote on Haw asa Proposition standing by itself they will vote against annexation, whereas if we are to take and retain possession of the Phil- ippines, they would vote to annex Hawail also. This attitude of many of the democrats is being used by republicans who stand with Speaker Reed as an argument against action at this time, and the danger uf the Hawaiian question compiicating the situ- ation with relation to the revenue bill is also being held up as a bug-a-boo. It ts urged that the important thing now is to Get the revenue bill out of the way, and ft is declared that if the administration holds to a policy of retaining the Philtp- bines and Porto Rico, taere will be prac- tleally no opposition to the ratification of the Hawaiian treaty by the Senate. +e The “Blues und Grays” Ready. Col. J. E. Bloom, the New York lawyer who organized the Blues and Grays, Ist Regiment, Lafayette Post Brigad3, of New York, was sworn in at the War Depart- ment today as captain and assistant adju- tant general of volunteers. He is a gradu- ate of the United States Military Academy, class of 1873, of the artillery school, 1875, ard of th> Cincinnati Law College. Col, Bloom today wired Governor Black of New York again tendering the regiment of Blues and Grays for service in the war. He said today that he still has hope of its accept- ance by the governor. ntative Dockery expre: y that Congress would ad- —___--e+_____ Offered a Staff Position. Senator Bacon was at the White House with Dr. Bourns, now of Atlanta, but for ux years a resident of the Philippine Is|- ands, where he was engaged in scientific work. General Merritt has offered Dr. Bourns a sta‘¥ position, but he has not yet accepted MONTREAL, May 26.—The Star today announces that Lieut. Carranza, the naval attache of the former Spanish legation at Washington, has not left for Europe, but is still here. COUP DE MAIN Spain Suspicious of Mr. Goschen's Visit to Gibraltar. Reports in Madrid of Fresh Outbreaks Among the Natives in the Ph pines. MADRID, May 26.—The Correo suggests that the visit of Mr. George J. Goschen, the first lord cf the British admiralty, tc Gibraltar is connected with a coup de main again Tangier, with the object of strengthening Great Britain's position in the Straits of Gibraltar. A dispatch to the Heraldo from Havana says Cardenas, near Matanzas, has been strongly fortified. The dispatch adds that twelve American warships made a demon- stration off Cienfuegos on Wednesday. A dispatch received here from Manila, by way of Hong Kong, says a hundred Spanish soldiers evacuated Corregidor Is- land, at the entrance of Manila Bay, on May 16, because they were without am- munition. Rebellion in Panagasinan. A rebellion of grave dimension, the dis- patch adds, has broken out in the province of Panagasinan, where the insurgents are pillaging houses and massacreing the Span- jards. Rear Admiral Dewey, it is announced from the same source, has ordered that an- other attempt be made to land, with the view of furnishing arms to the insurgents. In the province of Zambale, the Spaniards assert, the insurgent Philippine chief, Mata- bale, who refused to submit with the others in December last, has come in with his fol- lowers and has made submission to Captain General Augusti. Ship captains at Manila, it is said, have been informed by the captain general that all the Caroline Islands have revolted and that the natives are engaged in all kinds of violences and depredations. Confirmation has been cbtained here in a dispatch from the Island of Martinique, French West Indies, of the deprature of the Spanisn torpedo gunboat Terror from Fort de France, after repairing there. Mail by French Boats. The post office here has authorized the aispatch of letters to Cuba and the Philip- pine Islands by French mail boats. Lieut. Sobral, the former naval attache of the Spanish legation at Washington, is in this city, and, therefore, the statement made that he is identical with Remigro Zapateri Jiminez, the suspected Spanish spy, arrested on board the prize steamer Panama, at Key West, is incorrect. ——_—_ PACIFIC COAST AUXILIARY NAVY. Orders Issued to Man Four of the Re- serve Fleet. SAN FRANCISCO, May 26.—Within a few hours after orders were received to man the Iroquois, Vigilant, Active and Mohican, from the naval reserves, Adju- tant General Barrett had sent to Admiral Miller a list of officers chosen for each of the vessels which will be passed upon by the naval authorities. The petty officers and enlisted men for the Active and the Vigilant can be furnish- ed today, Adjutant General Barrett says, and the fifty mea for the Mohican are now subject to orders Captain Louis Turner, commanding the naval battalion, has been instructed to act on instructions from the admiral, who was informed that the state would furnish any uniforms and equip- ments it had upon request from the gov- ernment. ytain Thompson, U. S. A., in charge of the signal branch of the Manila expedi- tion, has requested the adjutant general to submit the names of fifty-five men for duty in Manila. Thirty are to be telegraph operators. es HIS REMAINS LIE IN STATE. Gladstone’s Body Viewed by Thou- sands at Westminster Abbey. LONDON, May 26—Remarkably im- pressive scenes. have been witnessed at Westminster since 2°o’clock this morning, when the arrivals commenced of those anx- fous to view the remains of Mr. Gladstone. ‘The line formed was continually augmented by all classes of people, from peers, peer- esses, cabinet ministers, members of the house of commons, military and naval off- cers and clergymen to costermongers, old and young, until 6 o'clock. When the doors were opened the procession commenced to stream past the catafalque. The latter had lighted candles at each corner and a large gilt cross at its head. By 10 o'clock it was computed that 100 persons to the minute were passing the body, and at noon over 40,000 people had already taken a last glance at the remains n. ‘git William Vernon-Harcourt, the Mberal leader in the house of commons, who ar- rived at noon, was greatly moved. As the afternoon advanced the unending stream lengthened. About 2,000 policemen were engaged in guiding the people, and by 3 o'clock 75,000 persons had passed the coffin. —_.>—_—_. CLOSING SESSIONS. The Itinerants’ C Ends Its Sessions Today. The Itinerants’ Club of the Baltimore con- ference concluded {ts business this morning at Trinity M. E. Church and will adjourn late this afternoon. The merning session ‘was presid2d over by Rev. W. M. Ferguson, the devotional exercises being conducted by Rev. J. F. Ensor. Rev. Joseph Dawson made a thirty-minute talk on the best books of the year. “If a Methodist preacher can own but ten bocks besides the Bible, hymn book and disciplire, what should the ten books be?” was the question discussed by Drs. L. B. Wilson, 8S. Reese Murray, E. D. Huntley, C. Herbert Richardson and F. M. Dr. J. E. Price delivered a lecture m “The Physical Basis of Character,” and Dr. Henry A. Buttz gave an hour's exposi- ticn or Galatians. Resolutions were adopted tendering the tharks of the club to the various persons and organizations that have assisied in the success of the meeting. Officers were elected unanimously, as follows: President, Rev. Lucien Clark, D. D.; first vice presi- dent, Rev. W. L. McDowell; second vice president, Rev. C. W. Baldwin; third vice president, Rev. F. M. Bristol; recording secretary, E. T. Mowbray; corresponding secretary and treasurer, W. W. Davis; Girectors, F. G. Porter, W. H. Sheers, C. H. Richardson, E. L. Watson and Page Mil- bern. ——_s+—_ Another Estimate for Deficiencies. the Secretary of War today sent to Con- gress an estimate of deficiencies in appro- priations for the quartermaster’s depart- ment for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1898, and available until January 1, 1809, af-ounting to $11,400,000. The items of the estimates are given as follows: Keguiar supplies, $1,000,000; incidental expenses, $200,000; barracks and quarters, $200,000; horses for cavalry and artillery, $1,000,000; army transportation, $9,000,000. This in- creases the total amount appropriated and asked for to date on account of the war to $312,285,000. _——» ‘To Command the 4th Artillery. Brigadier General F. L. Guenther, Unitea States Volunteers (colonel, 4th Artillery), having relinquished command of his regi- ment, Lieutenant Colonel H. C. Hasbrouck, 4th Artillery, has been assigned to the command thereof, retaining station at Fort Monroe, Va. —_— ‘The Oregon at Key West. KBY WEST, Fia., May 26—The United States battle ship Oregon arrived here this morning from Jupiter, and is now at erchor near Sand Key light, GOOD AT GUARD DUTY District Volunteers Make a Record in COL. HARRIES WELL PLEASED Fast Settling Down Fito the Reg- ular Soldier Routine. SOME EXPECTED PROMOTIONS Special From a Stai Correspondent. CHICKAMAUGA PARK, Ga., May 26.— The first order received by the Ist Regi- ment, District of Columbia Volunteers, frem Col. Harden, commanding the 24 Brigade, ?d Army Corps, to which the Dis- trict regiment is attached, was received last night. It maps out a hard day’s work for the men, and they have been at it to- day with a vengeance. Reveille was sounded at 5:20 a.m., and the men turned out of bed quickly. At 5:30 the roll was called, and no man was miss- ing. When sick call was sounded but few men left the line. They were only affected in a minor menner, and none of theni were compelled to stay in the hospital. There are a number of the boys who have run against poison oak, which grows on nearly eyery tree in camp. It will be grat- tifying to those at home to know that there has not been a single serious case of sick- hess since the boys left home, the only ex- ception being the case of Martin Scott, a private in Company M, who lost his rea- son shortly after leaving Washington. He has been confined in the guard house ever since arrival in camp. At times he is very violent and it takes several men to handle him. As soon as the necessary red tape has been gone through with he will be sent to the government asylum at St. Elizabeth. Have Plenty Drilling to Do. Guard was mounted at 7:30, with Capt. Hodgeson as officer of the day. The boys have had plenty of drilling to do. They have received instructions in all of the va- rious phases of military duty. Guard duty is, of course, one of the most important features, and the men are becoming very proficient in this respect. Col. Harries made a round of the guard last night. He expressed himself as great- ly pleased with the result of his inspection. The guard halted those who approached with a snap. Col. Harden, commanding the brigade, has decided to have three dress parades of the brigade each week, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. At this time the 2d New York, 2d Nebraska and the Ist Dis- trict of Columbia compose the brigade. Every day at 1:30 o'clock the company commanders hold a school of instruction. The question of water supply is still one of some moment. The springs dug by the men have very nearly run dry. The regi- ment has been furnished two six-mule teams, and they will be used to haul water. it was an amusing sight to see the boys breaking in the mules. They have got- ten them under control, however, today. Rumor of a Victory. Last night shortly after 7 o'clock word was received at camp that Sampsons fleet had gained a masterly victory over the Spaniards. ‘The word was passed around, and soon the boys were loudly cheering. The word was passed to the camp of other regiments, end the band struck up lively es, accompanied by thousands of voices. There is great trouble in getting the offi- rcers’ mess established. This morning Maj. W. E. Urell, Adjt. Mock and myself preak- fasted on grahan wafers. It is hoped, however, that the mess will be started by dinner today. The mess of the men is in good shapc. They get three square meals a day, and after their hard work eat it as though it was prepared at a swell restaurant or a family table. The men are given plenty of gcod coffee, baccn and beans, tomato corned beef and potatoes, and of course this is not all the time, but a change ts made’ at each meal. * The boys have been given what is called 4 regimental hair cut. This consists in clip- ping the hair close at the back of the head, and leaving just enough on top to brush, When the men who have been on fatigue duty, or in the language of a civilian, when they are cleaning up the grounds and other work of a like nature, and are relieved, they are immediately marched to a creek abcut three-fourths of a mile off, and given a bath. ‘Want te Go to Philippines. The boys are anxious to go to the Philip- pines. Col. Harries has received a telegram from Washington stating that thers ts a strong probability that this wili be done. Colonel Harries’ regiment is one of the best equipped in the entire camp. They could move out of here in an hour's no- tice. It is especially gratifying to see every man in the regiment uniformed from the ground up, while in many of the other regiments the men, including the officers, have no signs of uniforms. They drill in citizens’ clothes. Major Suess, who at one time commanded a battalion in the D. C. N. G., is here as a Meutenant with Grigsby's cowboys. Pri- vate Ross, son of Commissioner Ross of the District of Columbia, has proven him- self an efficient soldier, and is slated for a Promotion. Private Meigs of Company F, son of Mr. Meigs, clerk in the office of the Supreme Court, has been detailed as com- missary sergeant, and the men have him to thank for living so well. He is an inveterate worker. It is highly Probable that he will b2 commissioned as comn:lssary of the regiment. All day long the band concerts in the various camps have been heard in tha distance. The boys hepe very much that Mr. Will A. Haley can be prvailed upon to organize a band to be mustered into the regiment, ——.__. Spanish Fleet’s Movements. March 25—Torpedo boats and destroyers leave Canary Islands for Cape Verde Isl- ands, March 30—Cruisers Cristobal Colon and Infanta Marie Teresa sail west from Carth- agena. April 2.—Cruisers Almirante Oquendo and Vizcaya salled éast from Havana. April _7—Oquendo and Vizcaya left San Juan, Porto Rico, sailing east. April 14—Cristobal Colon and Marie Ter- esa arrive at St. Vincent, Cape Verde Isl- ands. . April 20—Crulsers Marie Teresa, Oquendo, Vizcaya and Cristobal Colon and torpedo boats Pluton, Terror and Furor sail west from Cape Verde Islands. May 12—Spanish fleet arrives off Island of Martinique. May i4—Arrives off Curacao, Venezueia. May 15—Left Curacao. May 19—Arrived at Santiago, Cuba. north of — Duncanson Bros., auctioneers, sold yes- terday at public sals the property 1409 and 1400% G street northwest to Ed- ward 8. Caverly for $27,934.20. The im- provements consist of a one-story brick building, having a frontage of 28 feet 4 26, 1898-16 PAGES. REVENUE FOR WAR ANXIOUS TO STOP THE WAR Resumption of the Discussion in the Senate. REMARKS BY WHITE AND: TELLER Scheme to Treat Cuba_as Crete Wai = Treated by the Great Powe —_a__ Mr. Gorman’s Amendment for a Special Excise Tax. VARIOUS BILLS IN HOUSE LONDON, May 20.—The Star claims to have information that the French minister for foreign affairs, M. Hanotaux, is making great efforts to stop the Spanish-American war. It says that Russia, Austria and France are endeavoring to induce Germany and Italy to join in a representation to President McKinley, declaring: that the powers will induce Spain to grant the in- dependence of Cuba. Should America re- fuse intervention, it is further alleged, the Powers mentioned would-send a fleet to put Cuba under interna’ rule, as was done in the case of the Island of Crete, until the withdrawal of the Spanish forces and the constitution of a regular local government. It is further said that:these powers would justify intervention on the ground that the war threatens the general peace of Europe. The Star’s information is not regarded seriously here. s The Pall Mall Gazette says: ‘‘All the talk of assistance from Europe is moonshine. Neither France nor any other power is likely to burn its fingers with the Spanish chestnut. Senor Castille (the Spanish am- bassador to France) most probably has a good deal to do in Paris, but it is of a finan- cial nature.” A Eight senators were present when the Vice President's gavel fell at 11 o’ciock this morning, calling to order today’s ses- sion of the Serate. After mornirg business had been Gis- posed of, the war measure was laid before the Senate. Mr. Pettigrew (S. D.) suggested the ab- sence of a quorum. After fifteen minutes had elapsed the. necessary quorum was secured. Mr. White (Cal.) then began an extended speech, covering pretty fully che general features of the bill, especially those relat- ing to the tax on corporations and on in- heritances. The consideration of the bill, he said, had enlisted the attention of the country, and many people were becoming restless because a final vote had not been reached. He thought, however, that the delay was due to the peculierity of the pending measure. The revenue bill upon which the civil war was conducted was a complicated instrument, utterly inappli- cable to present conditions. The object of the bill challenged the attention 2nd sup- port of every member of both branches of Congress. All are united to present a solid front to the foreign foe. It was no longer a question of doubt that all the money necessary for the prosecu- tion of the war would be supplied. It was simply the method of raising the funds that was under debate here. “Great as this nation is,” said he, “mighty as are her resources, this coun- try is not now prepared to place before an opponent its full strength and all the material of war residing in its bosom. But in time (and not a very-long time, either) it will be ready to put forth its entire strength, and then this conflict will be de- cided speedily.” Mr. White said he deemed it essentially Gesirable Hat the taxation imposed by the. bill shouid be spread over the country fair- ly and equitably. The burdens placed up- on the country by the war ought to be borne by all alike. Mr. White regarded it as unfortunate that so heavy a tax should have been placed upon tobacco, because by some it was considered a luxury. He maintained that the placing by the House of Repre- sentatives of one-third of the tax to be raised upon beer, one-third upon tobacco and one-third on stamps was severe, if not almost unjustifiable. Beer and tobac- co, It was argued, said he, were luxuries. ‘The peopte did not have to use them unless they chose to do so. He admitted and con- tended that tobacco and beer were legiti- mate articles of taxation, but there could be no doubt that the burden of _h2 tax would fall upon the poor men of the coun- —_-_+__ A TROOPSHIP ENGAGED. The Zealandia, Centennial and Ohio te Form Second Mantia Expedition. Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn today chartered the steamship Ohio of the Pa- cific line for transport purposes. The ves- sel fs now at Seattle, Washington, and has been ordered to proceed to San Francisco immediately to be fitted out for her trip to the Philippines. The second expedition to the Islands will be carried by the Zealan- dia, the Centennial and the Ohio. The lat- ter is a ship of generous dimensions, being 343 feet long, 43 feet wide and of 3,488 ton- nage. —__... ARMY ORDERS. Lieut. Col. J. P. Sanger, inspector gen- eral, and Licut. Col. T. H. Bliss, chief com- missary of subsistence, have been ordered to report to Maj. Gen. Wilson, commanding the 6th Army Corps, at Chickamauga, Ga.. for assignment to duty. Maj. Valery Havard, surgeon, has been detailed as chief surgeon of the cavalry di- vision in command of Maj. Gen. Wheeler. Capt. A. P. Gardner, easistant adjutant general, has been ordered to duty with the 6th Army Corps at Chickamauga. Capt. Edward Murphy, assistant adju- tant general, has been assigned ‘o duty with the expeditionito the Philippines. Lieut. Col. G. E. Pord Yas been assigned to duty as chief quirtertiaster of the 4th Army Corps, under..Maj., Gen. Coppinger. Maj. J. W. Jacobs has been appointed acting chicf quartermastef of the 5th Army Ccrps, under Gen. Shafter. Maj. A. L. Smith, commissary of sub- sistence, has been: relieved from duty in this city and ordered to; Tampa, Fla., as Purchasing and ¢epot conimissary. Licut. A. P. Kuhzig,’2d Pennsylvania Volunteers, has resigned. , Maj. Edward Field, 2d Artillery, has been designated acting inspector general of the department of California. Lieut. W. H. Gorgon, J8tH Infantry, has been authorized to accept the commission of major in the 1st Delaware Volunteers. Col. Charles: A. Whittier, ‘inspector gen- eral, has becn detatled for duty in the de- partment of the Patific, in the Philippines. Maj. L. W. Crampton, surgeon, has been ordered tc duty at Tampa, under Maj. Gen. Shafter. Lieut. W. R. Smedberg, 4th Cavalry, at try. Mr. White denounced the stamp tax as a burden, an onerous burden, from which all would be glad to escape. It was a nuis- ance, and, par excellence, a tax upon the plain people of the land. Concerning the inheritance tax, Mr. White maintained that, notwithstanding the objections urged against it by reason of its beit.g an invasion of the preroga- tives of the states, it was perfectly justi- fiable, anc he expressed the hope and be- lief that the courts would sustain the ac- tion of Congress in enacting the proposition into national law. Favors the Corporation Tax. Mr. White then entered upon a long dis- cussion of the proposed corporation tax, which he earnestly supported. He main- tained that the corporations owed some- thing to the country, not only for their creation, but < for the privilege of ex- istence. He maintained that the argument of senators that a tax should not be laid against a corporation because it was not laid against a partnership engaged in the 1 ; 2 Soa same line of business was not sou West Point, New York, has been ordered to | the corporation enjoyed more privileges Lakeland, Fla., for duty as aid-de-camp to | than the partnership in business and be- , 1 Young. fore the law. If it were not so, corpora- tions would not be formed. He regretted that there was a manifest disposition among republican senators to oppese the placing of any tax upon any corporations. They were all seemingly, at least, alike opposed, he said, to insisting that the Standard Oil Company and the Sugar trust and other great monopolies should be compelled to pay their share of the burdens of the present war. “Why,” he asked, “are they opposed to the tax upon these great corporations of wealth? They are well able to bear it: mmuch better than some of the interests which are laid under tribute by this bill.” Mr. White said he would make all classes of business bear a just proportion of the war burdens, and could see no proper or valid reason why the corporations should be exempt from provisions of the bill. He said that Mr. Gorman (Md.) had prepared an amendment to the measure which he would be willing to support if the general tax upon all corporations should not be deemed desirable by the Senate. At his request Mr. Gorman sent to the desk and had read the amendment he proposed to offer at the proper time. It follows: Mr. Gorman’s Amendment. “That from and after the passage of this act every person, firm, company or corpora- tion, owning or possessing, or having the care or management of any railroad, street railroad, sleeping car, steamboat, ship or other vessel, engaged or employed in the business of transporting passengers or freight for hire, or in transporting the mails of the United States, or carrying on or do- ing an express business, or having the care or management of any telegraphic or tele- phone ne by which telegraphic or tele- phone dispatches or messages are received or transmitted, or carrying on or doing the business of furnishing gas, elec*ric light, electric power, steam heat or stecin power, or refining petroleum, or refining sugar, of owning or controlling any pipe line ‘for transporting ofl or other products, whose gross annual receipts exceed $250,000, shall be subject to pay annually a special excise tax equivalent to one-half of 1 per cent on the gross amount of all receipts of such Persons, firms, corporations and companies in their respective business; provided, that the assessment hereby made shall not in- clude any amount of the receipts for the transportation of persons, freight, or mails between the United States and any foreign Col. Stanley B. Wheeler, chief rtermaster, has been detailed as chief rtermaster of the 3d Army Corps at ickamauga. cut. C. L. Potter, Corps of Engineers, has been ordered to examination for pro- motion. Major 3, C. Kellogg, 4th Cavalry, now in this city, has been ordered to proceed with- out delay to San Francisco for duty with the squadron of the 4th Cavalry, now in that city. Major George B. Rodney has been ordered to duty with the artillery at Chickamauga. Captein J. B, Morton, assistant adjutant general, has been assigned to duty with the major general commanding the army at headquarters in this city. Lieutenant Colonel C. 8. Roberts, assist- ant adjutant general, has been assigned to duty with Major General Lee, commanding the 7th Army Corps, at Tampa. Lieutenant H. D. Winans, jr., 5th Cavalry, has been authorized to accept the commis. sion of major in the 34th Michigan Volun- teers. Lieutenant C. P. Echols, Corps of Engi- neers, has been ordered to duty at Willets Point, N. Y. Lieutenant R. H. Van Deman, 2ist In- fantry, has been appointed ald-de-camp to Brigadier General Davis. Lieutenant J. G. Harbord, Sth Cavalry, has been authorized to accept a commis- sion of major in the 2d United States Vol- unteer Cavalry. Lieutenant Colonel J. J. Clague has been detailed as purchasing commissary of sub- sistence at Cincinnati. Major P. F. Harvey, surgeon, has been ordered to Tampa, Fla., for duty as chief surgeon of one of the divisions ef the 5th Army Corps. Major F. E. Nye has been ordered to tem- porary duty in the office of the commissary general of subsistence in this city, Acting Assistant Surgeon FB. M. C, Usher is assigned to duty at Key West, Fla. Capt. C. EB. Weodruffy Assistant Surgeon and Ideut. F. J. Kern&in, 2ist Infantry, have been assigned to-duty in the De- bertment of the Patific,’ Philippine Islands. Acting assistant 'burgéins have been as- signed to duty as ‘follows: E. A. de Lipe- sey, from the District of Columbia to Key West, Fla.; C. L.°G. Aiiderson, from Ha- gerstown, Md., to” Newport News; B. L. Johnson, from Kéntoi, Ohio, to Port Thomas, Ky.; 8. W. Stifes, from Atlanta, Ga., to Tampa, Fla. | , Capt. John T. Frénch, jr., assistant quar- termaster, now at Columbus barracks, Ghio, has been ordéred fo duty at St. Paul, Mina. reas Capt. T. U. Raymond, assistant surgeon, has been relieved from duty at Fort Cun- by, Washington, and.ordered to accompany the expedition to the Philippine Islands. Capt. J. L. Phillips, assistant surgeon, now at Fort Walla. Walla, Wash., has been ordered to duty at Alcatraz Island, Cal. Maj. William F. Tucker, paymaster, at piles Nase Aas been ordered to duty at aE ‘ Cant Le. S. McCormick, 7th Caveiry, has the United States, and shall be assessed upon and collected from persons, firms, les or corporations within the persons, freight or mails.” Mr. White said it been wi red that the great financial interests which had contributed largely to a fund were demanding as compensation for their Hberality that the burdens of the war should not be thrust upon them. He did not believe, however, that any senator on either side of the chamber would be influ- enced by a demand so sordid and se.fish. He objected to the issue of bonds at this time because bonds were unnecessary, and because a great majority of the people was opposed to them, believing they would in- crease too greatly the burdens of the coun- In concinsion, Mr. White declared that it would be the plain people who would not only offer up their lives in defense 6f the national honor, but who would also pay the bulk of the taxes for the conduct of the to senators to permit form as the neutrality. laws. He thought war might have been avoided, but ‘how that the war was on, he wanted to see it conducted by a united country. The administration would find itself scpported by every party and there would be no holding back the sinews of war, all the men and all the money. Mr. Teller referred to the unpre- pered condition of the country for war, and said this should not have been the Case. He did not believe the war would be of long duration, and said no vast appro- Priatiots would be necessary in its con- duct. He said that the bond feature of the Dill was in no wise cognage to a revenue T™measure, and declared that it was merely attached for the purpcse of taking advan- tage of the war exigency to secure author- ity for a bond issue. He tock up the amendments for green- backs, the coinage of the seigniorage, ine ccrporation tax, and supported them at scme length. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House today passed a resolution di- recting the Secretary of War to prepare and submit plans and estimates for the improvements of Aransas Pass channel and harbor, Texas. Also a bill providing for the sale of un- allotted lands of the Pottawatomie and Kickapoo Indians in Kansas, and a bill amending the law providing the times and places for holding terms of United States courts in Idaho and Wyoming. —_—_—_s.—______ CLAIM BALTIMORE IS DISABLED. Rumor Published tn Madrid to Cheer the People Up. MADRID, May 26.—Governor General Au- gustini, the Spanigh commander at Manil, seems to be following the tactics of Cap- tain Genera; Blanco at Havana in sending out for the encouragement of the Spaniards “news” of repeated alleged reverses to the American arms. A dispatch from Manila Just received here says: “The United States cruiser Baltimore is disabled by an explosion which occurred on beard of her. “The Americans attempt2d to land arms and ammunition at Binacayan, and the Spanish troops, who had secured a good po- sition, permitted the Americans to land, Wher they fell upon them and captured the arms and ammunition.” ——.___ COL. BLACK’S DEPARTURE. Employes Bid Him Good-Bye and Good Luck. Col. Wm. M. Black relinquished his du- ties as Engineer Commissioner of the Dis- trict today, and this evening will take the 10:45 train for Chickamauga, for service on the staff of Gen. Wade. The employes of the engineer department of the District called in a body upon Col. Black this af- ternoon for the purpose of bidding him adieu, and about every one, in addition to wishing him all success and safety, ex- pressed the hope that he would come back to resume his dutl2s as Engineer Commis- sioner. The leave-taking proved quite an ordeal for the retiring Commissioner, who had made himself as popular with his subordi- nates as he has with the people generally of the District, and he highly appreciated the kind expressions showered up-n iim. Capt. Lansing H. Beach, who nas been an assistant to the Engineer Commissicner for nearly four years, today assumed the duties of Engineer Commissioner, acting only as such until the Ist of the month, when, as explained in yesterday's Star, he yall become Engineer Commissioner in fact. With the expressions of regret upon the departure of Col. Black were add>d words of pleasure upon Capt. Beach’s appoint- ment as his successor. Capt. Beach has a'so been made the recipient of congratu- lations from many of the citizens of the District. H2 will occupy Col. Black's room, next to that of Commissioner Ross, so as to be in close communication with his as- sociates on the board of Commissioners. —__ CONTROL OF PARKINGS. Report Brought Up in the House, but Went Over. In the House this afternoon Mr. Cow- herd brought up the conference report on House bill 588), to vest control of certain street parkings in the District Comm: stoners. The conference report has been published in full in The Star. Mr. Cannon of Illinois raised the ques- tion whether the new bill did not turn over to the District sections of street parkings which come under the jurisdiction of the War Department. In order that an opportunity might be Fermitted to examine the bill, the confer- ence report was ordered to lie over until next Tuesday. ———_—_—__+2._____ NAVAL MILITIA. Meeting to Organize the Local Bat- talion Tonight. The naval militia bill having become a law, there will be a meeting in the rifle gallery at the headquarters of the District Guard, Center market, this evening at 8 o'clock, when enlistments for the proposed naval battalion will be made. Mr. P. Haines, who has taken an active interest in the matter, will preside. Already 150 men have enlisted, but it is the intention to se- cure 400. ee R. W. FIELDING SENTENCED. Gets Two Years and Six Months in Sing Sing. NEW YORK, May 26.—Robert W. Field- ing, formerly deputy commissioner of pub- lic works of Brooklyn, today was sen- tenced to two years and six months in Sing Sing, and to pay a fine of $2,171. This is 10 per cent of the amount that, as al- leged, he was responsible for losing to the city in conniving at the audit and allow- ance of fraudulent claims against thé city of Brooklyn. The raaximum penalty is five years’ im- prisonn:ent and $5,000 fine. The judge sig- nified his willingness to grant a stay pend- ing an appeal, and to release the prisoner on $10,000 bond. ———_—— Proposals Accepted. The District Commissicners today recom- mended to the Treasury Department that the following proposals for furnishing sup- plies to the District during the year end- ing June 30, 1899, be accepted; Class 8A, groceries, James E. Stake, $15,914.40; class SC, liquors, James Clark Distilling Com- pany, $1,944.50; class 10, drugs, Mackall Bros., $2,704.04, and class 11, paints, oils and glass, Standard Oil Company, $537.50. The first three classes were rejected in the proposals recently received, and the acceptance of those received on the sub- sequent advertisement for proposals will mean, it is stated, a saving to the District of about $3,500. The proposal of the Standard Oil Company is recomraended for acceptance because, in the opinion of the examining committee, that concern submit- ted ihe best samples - —_—->— 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, ———— 3 Co., New York, Wheat—Jely brig fie" Bept. 2s. BS ew + 3 Bt 33 co 8 Yee Ee : a ink 2% Be “PROV.8IONS. i ies its its Wt 1215 1215 185 11.87 Sa $31 Sm S30 5YT 02 5.90 5.90 65 612 597 5oT Most b. Gen 3 Low. Close, y Q esa 655 2 8 eeoae i i FINANCE AND TRADE War Rumors Fail to Disturb the Stock Market. Se ache AFFECTED BY ROUTINE NEWS oS Good Demand for Rock Island and Grangers Today. GENERAL MARKET REPORTS lpn in Special Dispatch to The Evening Star, NEW YORK, May 26.—The coutse of prices in the foreign markets was only moderately steady this morning, and failed to give direction to the local trading. Rumors of the customary vague nature relative to the movements and purposes of the two fleets were in circulation througn- out the day, and were followed by mod- erate charges in prices, The matket has, to some extent, become superior to these rumors, and routine developments are fur- nishing the incentive to activity. Rock Island was again bought confidently because of the certainty of its vz The next dividend, it {s thought, will be about 2 per cent in cash and § per cent in scrip. Upon this expectation is based the pri pect of a substantial advance in price, once the directors sanction the disbursement. The buying of the stock today was con- ducted by several brokers, who are usually employed to assist in the iarge enterprises of the somewhat exclusive Rock Island clique. The neighboring granger issues were strong, but failed to gain materially b3 comparison with the leading representative of the group. The Traction issues wert strong during the early trading, under the continued buying for the political faction how supposed to dominate the prices oj these shares. Metropolitan failed to re: tain its early gain and declined 12 per cent under sales to take profits. The lower priced issues which are relied vpcn to come to the front shortly are tem- porarily inactive, owing to the general hes- itarcy on the part of the public. Once the war plan becomes definite, confidence may be restored in the purely speculative issues which almost invariably come to the front cering the middle stage of an important uLward movement. The question of a dividend on Union Pa- cifie preferred is being pretty generally dis- cussed In financial circles, and the only ele- ment of doubt has been reduced to a fixing of the date for the initial payment. In seme quarters an effort was made to cre- te an tmpression that the payments would vexin during the coming month. The bet- ter opinion, however, seems to favor the early fall as the date ef paymer. The stock is taken well from day to day, and 1s said to be going into strong as well as capable hands. During the afternoon the trading element marketed a considerable volume of specu- lative long stock and took profits. Frac- itonal declines followed, but the market was never in a state of positive weakness. This fact was taken to indicate a broadening tendency and argues well for the stability of the financial basis. ‘The continued professionel character of the market will make frequent changes in tendency probable during the next fort- n:ght. Prices are high and need time to become accepted as the daily standard cf value. ‘There is no doubt that a higher range of has been established and that re- s from now on will not run far without being accompanied by extreme dis- appointment. 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- ported by Corson & Macartney, members New York stock exchange. Correspondents, Messrs, Van Emburgh & Atterbury, No. Z Wall st. ‘Clone. 12 4 American Sprrits.. capeake & Oni0. oa CoC. de St. Lome cago, B. & YQ. -. M. & O Consolidated Gas. Cel. Lack & W bei Biv. oetece Brooklyn R. Transit. Chig. & G Western. ay . Wash md Capital Traction, 3 at 75; 15 at 3 10 at 74%. Metropolitan Rail- U. 8. Electric Light, 3 at 99. at 151; 10 at 150% matic Gun ©: gents, After call— ferred, 169 at 14%. District of Columbia Bonds.—3.65s, funding, eur- rency. 113 bid, 114 asked. Miscellineous Bonds.—Metropolitan Rallroad 5s, 118 bid. Metropeliten’ Railroad cony. €, 120 Mid, 125 asked. Metropolitan Railroad certi indebtedness, A, 117 bid. Metropolita indebtedi id. merican Graphophone pre- Eckington Railroad 6s, 98 bid, Ws ton Gas Company €s. series A. 113 ington Gas Company Gs, series B, 11 Electric peake phone’ a, Tos bid. Ament and can Security and Trust 5s, F. and A. oe em Market ‘Company ite ‘Compan: Washington Market % ext, Gx 110. bid. 105 bid.” Washington tional Stocks.—Bank of Washington, 255. bid. Mets itan, 308 Central, 1 bid. Farmers lechanics’. 182 bid. Second, bid. Citizezns’, 140 bid. Columbia, 131 bid. Capital, Min, 112 bid, 118 asked ‘ahead Lincola, 11 5 re pelt “and ‘Trust ©. ies. National it and Trust, ae 116 asked. Ws Loan and Trust, ‘bid, 130 asked. American Security and Trust, 150 bid. Insurance Stocks.—Firemen's, 30 bid. Franklin, Potomac, 50_ bid. American, 185. bid. Na Union, 9 Co bid. Insurance Stocks.—Real Estate Title. 75 ae Tite, Fe bid. Washington ‘Tite i