Evening Star Newspaper, July 16, 1898, Page 1

a THE EVENING STAR. Se eetss PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, TiC) Teenesivavia Averte, Cer. lth &t., by i FS Co: The Erne SEAL APE Ty neces Kew York Ofice, 49 Potter Bu‘ldiay ‘The Evenire Star fs served to aubscribers tn the qty by crrriers, on thee own acconut, at 10 cents er week. or 44 cents per month. Coples at the gccater 2 rerts each. By mall—anywhere to United States +r Cauada—postage prepald—80 cenrs b. Der m0 Satorday taple Seect Sear $1 per year, with foreign postage add . Entered at the Office at Washington. D. C.. lass ma’l matter.) afl suhecriptions must he pald In advance. Rates of advertising made known on applicstior. HAS SURRENDERED Shafter Sends Assurance About Santiago, oe PRESIDENT — CONGRATULATES Thanks of the People for His Achievements. Spanish Will Not Be Allowed Their Arms. AT THE WAR DEPARTMENT ee Gen. Shafter briefly reports from Santiago: “Surrender has taken place. The President has expressed to General Shafter the thanks of the people. The note of Gen. Toral express- ing desire to retain the arms of his soldiers has been received. Steps will be taken promptly to remove our troops at Santiago to the high ground. Sanitary measures and the coming Porto Rico expedition were consid- ered at a White House conference. Reports were circulated that ves- sels had entered Sartiago harbor, but they were not confirmed. Madrid newspapers admit that the government has opened peace nego- tiations through the French ambas- sador. Adjutant General Corbin received the fol- lowing dispatch from General Shafter at 9:15 this morning from the front relative to the condition of affairs before Santiago: “Surrender has taken place. Details later. SHAFTER.” Gen. Toral’s Capitulation. The following bulletin was posted at the War Department at 12:45 o'clock: PLAYA, July 16, 1898. Camp near Santiago, July 16. Adjutant General, U. 8. Army, Washington: The following letter has just been re- ceived: Santiago de Cuba, July 15, 1808. To Excellency, commander-in-chief of the American forces. Excellent Sir: I am now euthorized by my government to capitu- late; I heve the honor to so advise you, requesting you designate hour and place where my represertatives should appear to compare with those of your Excellency, to effect the articles of capitulation on the basis of what has been agreed upon to this Gate. In due time I wish to manifestate to your Excellency my desire to know the res- lutions of the United States government, respecting the return of arms, so as to note on the capitulaticn; also the great cour- tesy and gentlemanly deportment of your great grace’s representative and return for their gencrous and noble impulse for the Spanish soldiers will allow them to return to the peninsula with the arms that the ‘an army co them the honor to ac- dge as dutifully descended. JOSE TORAL, Commander-in-chief, 4th Army Corps. SHAFTER, Major General Commanding. Secretary Alger states positively that the is will not be allowed to retain The following message of congratulation was sent by the President: WASHINGTON, D. C., July 16, 1888. General Shafter, Commanding United States Forces, Santiago, Playa. The President of the United States sends to you and your brave army the profound thanks of the American people for the brilliant ac ments at Santiago, result- ing in the surrender of the city and all of the Spanish troops and territory under General Toral. Your splendid command has endured not only the hardships and sacrifices incident to campaign and battle, but In stress of heat and weather has tri- umphed over obstacles which would have me men less brave and determined. One and all have displayed the most con- spicuous gallantry and earned the gratt- tude of the nation. The hearts of the peo- ple turn with tender sympathy to the sick and wounded. May the Father of Mercies protect and comfort them. WILLIAM McKINLEY. By order of the Secretary of War: H. C. CORBIN, Adjutant General. The Secretary of War sent the following telegram ef congratulations: WASHINGTON, D. C., July 16, 1898. Major General Shafter, Front Near Santi- ago: ‘ I cannot express in words my gratitude to you and your herole men. Your work has been well done. God bless you all. R. A: ALGER, Secretary of War. Satisfaction at the Department. Secretary Alger spent the larger portion of the morning at the White House and did not put in an appearance at the War Department until about 11 o'clock, after the conclusion of his conference with the President. There was genuine satisfaction and joy among the War Department of- ficials at the brief but important message from General Shafter, informing the de- periment of the surrender of the Spaniards. Secretary Alger voiced this feeling in his Che Lue re ing Star. No 14,159, WASHINGTON, Hohe: SATURDAY, FULY 16, 1898-TWENTY-FOUR PAGES. TWO CENTS. THE STAR BY MATL. Persons leaving the city for any Period can have The Star matled te them to any address in the United States or Canada, by ordering it at this office, in person or by letter. Terms: 13 cents per week; 25 cents for two weeks, or 50 cents per month. Invariably im advance. Sub- ecribers changing their address from one Post-office to another should } give the last address as well as the | new one. brief dispatch to General Shafter, which denartment. Naturally there was the greatest Gesire for further details as to the terms of the surrender. A number of cable-" grams came to the Secretary during the morning, but their contents were not made public. It was said at noon that the brief dispatch from the general telling of the surrender was all that had been recetved m that immediate point. The greatest in- terest hinges on the question whether the Spaniards have been compelled to give up their arms, over which point there was 80 much quibbling among the commissivn- ers. Adjutant General Corbin, without General Pando. having any definite information on the sub- ject, said he supposed the enemy had given up their arms. The officials here had in- sistea that this should be done and it was believed General Shafter had, without doubt, insisted upon this condition. The Porto Rico Expedition. Major General Brooke, commanding at Chickamauga, wag one of the early arrivals at the department today. He was accom- panied by one of the members of his staif. General Brooke came to Washington for consultation with Secretary Alger and the administration officials, presumably on the question of tae Porto Rico expedition, which he is expected to command. It was some time before the general was able to sce Secretary Alger, and he spent the time visiting some of his former friends in the department and In a jong talk with Quartermaster General Ludington. Under that departmeat comes in a large degree the arrangements for fitting out the expe- cition and there are many questions of etails upon which General Brooke, from his long experience at Chickamauga, will be called upon for consultation and advice. ‘The new problem finds the officials much better prepared for the work ahead than they were when the Tampa expedition was being prepared, and they have the beneiit of that experience. The soldiers are better equipped and there need be no delay on that point; subsistence stores are ready in large quantities at the shipping points and | all the trarsports needed are available. Conference With Gen. Brooke. When Secretary Alger returned from the White House conference te was joined by Gen. Brooke, and the two remained to- gether for about an hour in the Secretary's private office. When the conference closed Ger Brooke excused Aimself irom all in- terviewers. He left the building in com- pany with several swarthy-faced gentle- men, said to be Porto k many large rots, maps, & The calling of the m ing of the naval war board at the White House this morn- ing is an open evidence of the determina- tion of the administration to push the campaign accord'ng to the original plan. Th board is prepsring fer the Porto Rican exy ‘dition. There s been no aband me. .t of the program laid down for Commo- dore Watson's ticet. Touching the Pcrto Rican expedition, it ts eaid that Gen. Miles himself will command it, aided by Gen. Brooke. The latter will probably make all the arrangements necessary at Washington and at Chickamaaya, for it is not the pres- ent Intention of Gen. Miles to return to Washington before ieaving fur Porto Rico, though, of course, there is always the pos- sibility that he will be summoned here by the President for purposes of cunsultation. It is expected at the War Department that the campaign in Porto Rico will be short and decisive. The troops will be landed at a point near San Juan, with an ample supply of field artillery to force their way directly into the rear of the town, while the fleet will dash into the harbor and make the attack in front. Discourag- ed as the Spaniards are by the surrender at Santiago, it is not expected that they will offer protracted resistance. It may be that when Gen. Brooke's sol- Giers leave Chickamaug2 Park their places will be taken by some of the troops now lying at Tampa. The conditions at the latter place are not satisfactory from a sanitary point of view, and the troops, If not remoyed to Chickamauga, will proba- biy be taken to Fernandina and Charleston. ° TROOPS FOR PORTO RICO. cans, who carried Twelve Thousand, Including District Boys, Could Leave Santiago. Special Cable Dispatch to The Evening Star. Special From a Staff Correspondent. PORT ANTONIO, Jamaica, July 15.—If the Porto Rico expedition is decided upon there are 12,000 troops, including the Dis- trict volunteers, which can be embarked from Santiago. If the expedition is detained pending dip- lomatic negotiations the troops can be left on transports. Miles and Shafter both, it is understood, favor this course in preference to remain- ing on land. Two regiments are enough with the navy’s co-operation for the mili- tary government of Santiago. Cuban possession will be nominal and au- thority can be exercised under American supervision. The Spanish military opinion is that American occupation will cause Madrid to ask for an armistice before.fur- ther expeditions are sent against Spanish possessions. The Spanish soldiers will return home very unwillingly. Their condition is very bad. The troops at the front continue to suffer from the ordinary camp ailments ar no epidemic exists. Such disease as ex sts is in the rear. The hospital facili- te + at Siboney are now ample. } atest reports make the total Killed and w: anded in the fights a fortnight ago 2,00. PEPPER. See REPORTS DISCREDITED. That Vessels Had Entered the Harbo: At the War and Navy Departments it was stated today that they knew absolute- ly nothing of reports that Sampson's fleet and an American Red Cross beat had en- tered Santiago harbor today. They discred-. ited the reports, a BER as bie aispaten co General soater. wich | T ATK ABOUT PEACE No Terms Have Been Suggested by This Country. PRESIDENT DISPOSED T0 MODERATION France Not Authorized to. Make “Any Offers. A MISUNDERSTOOD CALL The appearance of every representative of the European powers at the State De- partment is seized upon by, the many watchers as evidence that they are the bearers of peace overtures. Thus when to- day the German secretary of legation, Ba- ron Spec von Sternburg, came to the State Department, his visit immediately gave rise to the story that he had come charged with such a mission. This, however, met with very prompt denial from everybody concerned, and it was added as well, that the visit had no reference to the Philip- pines. The statement attributed to Premier Sa- gasta that Spain had been making extra- official inquiries to learn what terms the United States might accept as a basis for peace, failed of confirmation to this extent: That up to this moment the State Depart- ment has not been approached on the sub- ject directly or indirectly. Perhaps the Spanish premier may have some means of obtaining the information he desires that is not known to our officials here, but how- ever that may be the statement still re- mains good that the United States govern- ment has not even unofficially indicated the terms it would accept as a basis for peace negotiations, Of course, these matters have been dis- cussed between government officials with- out relation to any Spanish inquiries, and it is also true that the President would like very well to accurately gauge the wish of the majority of the American people in this Matter. President Disposed to Be Moderate. Without assuming to speak for him in a matter of this Importance, it is gathered from high members of the admin’s:ration that the President himself is disposed to be rroderate in his den ands, and while secur- ing all that he feeis that the United States is fairly entitled to exact from a nation in Spain's distressed condition, he is not dis- posed to embark in a world-conquering enterprise and insist upon the retention of remote territor:es that would be unservice- able to us. In other words, unless there is an overwhelming demand on the part of the American pecple for the adoption of some such course, it is not believed that the President would, as a finality, insist j that Spain abandon all of her colonial pes- sessions, and while the propositicn is ten- tative, it is felt that as a minimum de- mand he will be ccntent with the acqul- sition of Porto Rico, an admission of the independence of Cuba, a coaiing station in the Philippines with provision for some Kind of protectorate over the island and @ moderate indemnity. It ts judged that the Spanish government has pretty fairly imbibed some such idea as this, and that utterances of Premier Sagasia and the ceutious declarations in the pro-Spanish newspapers are simply intended to gradually bring the Spanish populace into a state of mind where they will be willing to submit quietly to the imposition of some such terms of peace. it is realized that at present the conditions of Spain are not ripe, and that some time— how much cannot be estimated now—will be required to cultivate public sentiment in Spain to the proper point. A Much Misunderstood Call. In view of renewed reports that the French ambassador at Washington, M. Cambon, had opened peace negotiations or inquiries relative to possible terms of peace, it can be stated authoritatively, after inquiry et the French embassy, that no negotiations or inquiries of any char- acter relating to peace have been made, officially or unofficially, direct or indirect, by the French ambassador. The reports grow out of M. Cambon's call at the White House July 11. The pur- pose of this call and the entire conversa- tion which passed between the President and the ambassador is fully known, and it can be stated positively that it contained no reference to the present cunflict between Spain and the United States or to the Prospects of its being brought to a close. It related to a subject wholly outside of the war, or its close by peace or otherwise, and the question of the war did not come up even incidentally. The only incidental question referred to was the loss of the French steamship Bourgogne, for which the President expressed the deepest regret, as well as his satisfaction that the inquest had mitigated the early reports of the oc- currence. The main question discussed, however, gelated solely to the United States and France, without the remotest bearing on Spain, and in due time this dis- cussion will bear fruit in certain expres- sions of good will between this country and the French republic. Misleading Reports Abroad. Notwithstanding the well-established character of this conference between the President and the French ambassador it has served as a text for reports that M. Cambon was sounding this government on the terms of peace. This has been asserted Bo positively that even some officials have accepted it as accurate, and us an indica- ton that the peace movement had gt last assumed tangible form. The report has even been accepted at Madrid, after being cabled to the Imparcial, and today’s reports from the Spanish capital show that Pre- mier Sagasta has read this press report of the alleged peace discusssion between Presi- dent McKinley and Ambassador Cambon. It shows how misleading the peace discus- sion is at Madrid, being thus founded in Part on an exchange of views at Washing- ton, which, in fact, never occurred. ‘The French ambassador here was never authorized by his government to make peace overtures or inquiries, and in the ab- sence of such instructions he would not as- sume such a, delicate duty, Furthermore, he has not taken any such step, with or without instructions. As a result of his call at the White House the French gov- ernment was apprised by cable fully on |. what occurred, and this conveyed not the slightest reference to Spanish affairs, the Progress of the war or the possibilities of Peace. The Star is able to make this state- ment with full information as to the na- ture of the conference between. President | What Representative republican nominee.for governor of. Penn- sylvania this year, said today that he hoped the surrender® of’ Santiago would speedily lead to peaée. “I believe," he said, “that the only thing in the way of peace is the fact that the Spanish gov- ernment has not the Confidence of the peo- ple and does not fegl safe to do that which better judgment would dictate. It was this that brought{6n thé war. I do not believe that the \overnment of Spain wanted a war-wifté the United States, but, not’ having. the edmfidenee of the people of Spain, it was led into war with the hope of preserving the dynasty. In deal- ing with this queetion we are not going to be controlled any obsolete notion. In this age: we haye come to realize that the best statesmanship is good common sense. While the United States will be vigorous, and determined in its course to the end, we will-he just rather than se- vere. The situatiot of Spain is not un- like that of the Ffench when they enter- ed into the Franco-Prussian war with the hope of preserving the empire, and it is not unlikely that the result to Spain will be what it was te France, the downfall of the monarchy.” “Do_you anticipate trouble with Ger- » Ido not. This is not a period when nations rush Into War because some one doesn’t tip his hat\to a king. The United States will be firm, but will be just to all nations, and I can see no reason why we should get into’ {fouble with Germany. Whatever their forma of government, the popular will has a great deal to do with the affairs of all the great powers. There has been a great ad¥ance in the influence of the people, even in monarchies, and the only reason that \we have trouble with Spain is that that 5s one of the nations which has not kept up with the progress of civilization.” oe Does Not Expect Speedy Peace. Ex-Representative George Fred Williams, who was the late democratic candidate for governor of Massachusetts, called at the Navy Department today to see Sec- retarles Long and Allen. Speaking of the fall of Santiago, he° expressed the opin- ion that it would not be followed at once by peace. “The Spanish,” he said, “are much in the situation that the French were during the Franco-Prussian war. 1 witnessed this war as a member of the Red Cross. The French there could not give up when they were defeated. Bri- gades, divisions and corps of their army were captured and sent prisoners into Ger- many, yet those of the army that was left fought on to the last! I think that we will have to capture the Spanish posses- sions and all the Spanish troops we gO against, one afté= another, before we can close the war. Porto ‘Rico will have to fall. Then perhaps the Canaries, and Wat- son's fleet will have to push on against the Camara fleet and@ perhaps bombard the coast of Spaim before Spain will yield. I do not think ‘that dny of the islands captured will ever be restored to Spain. The United States is not seeking to ex- tend its territory, but" I believe that we cannot consistently return a people into the power of such a government as that of Spain when théy have once been res- cued from it. I think that we will extend free jnstitution3’ and establish an inde- bendent government in the Philippines, un- der the protéetion#ef the United States, | BY so doing we will proclaim to the world that, while we.are not seeking to possess ourselves of, territory beyond our sphere of influence, that they cannot with im- punity provoke war with us, thinking that they ‘can enjoy immunity from loss of territory. It will be a notice to them that we will establish the principles of Mberty and self-government over whatever terri- tory fails under our Influence by reason of any war we may be forced into.” Senator Cannon of Utah expressed the opinion that the surrender of Santiago would probibly not lead immediately to peace. “I do not believe,’ he said, “that there is any statesman connected with the gov- ernment of Spain who is big enough and broad enough to be capable of the self- sacrifice necessary to conclude peace at this time. There is no one, I belleve, ca- pable of resisting the popular clamor in Spain and assuming the responsibility of doing that which would best serve the country. No doubt the government of Spain realizes that the nation would be best served by immediate peace. The statesmen of Spain, while not lacking in patriotism, do net appear to be brave enough® to do this‘one service for their country and face’ the temporary odium. I believe that we must press this war for- ward, and that When peace comes it will be with the loss to Spain of her outlying possessions. I. would have this war one of humanity and not of acquisition. Yet I do not believe that we can turn back to Spain any territory which we take from her, and that we will adopt the broad principle of extending liberty and selt- government to the people whom we res- cue from Spanish control.” SOR 63 i es Ses BLANCO WILL PROMOTE HIM. One of His Sta® Says the Captain General is a Christian, HAVANA, July 16—A member of the staff of Gen, Blanco, referring yesterday to the _report in cireulation in the United States that the captain general had tried to commit suicide when ne hard of the de- struction of the fleet of Admiral Cervera, said: “You can definitely announce that Cap- tain General Blanco fs a good Christian and a Spanish soldier. and that he will never attempt to talfe his life, which docs not belong to. y but which has been con- secrated. en! country. er “Only yes: oI heard him say he re- gretted not dei younger, 80 as to be able to consecrate fils lif to fighting the na- tion which 'thtgndg'to humiliate his beloved country. ‘Phe Joss.of half a dozen ships of the Spanisi‘fi¢et, wiiile gloriously fighting three times x number, he considtrs as one of the may war incidents. “As he hes previously remarked, courage does not alw: ‘aceompany fortune, and this great los¢ ‘will mot make him change his purpose defending, inch by inch, this portion “of Spepish territory. “There- fore, do net: it @ny rumors about the captain genera? attempting his life. He is greatly syscall for his firmness, Kindness and) genuinely Spanieh senti- ments." 2s | Ve: ——_—-_—. P] LOOK OUT FOR FOLLY. London Statist/s Warning to the Re- publicans in This Country. LONDON, July 16—The Statist today says it thinks the world’s wheat crop for inst! ‘firmness 4s_co | His selection SYLVESTER CHOSEN Is Appointed Major and Superintend- ent of Police. UNANIMOUS VOTE OF COMMISSIONERS The Appointee Overwhelmed With Congratulations. SKETCH OF NEW a CHIEF Richard Sylvester, since 1885 chief clerk of the District police department, was 10- gay -ppointed by the District Comm!ssion- ers as major and superintendent of the police force, to succeed the late Wiliam G. Moore. The appointment of Mr. Sylvester was practically anncunced by The Star the day Col. Moore died, and the promulgation of the order today occasioned no surprise whatever. As stated in yesterday's Star, it was the intention of Commissioner ‘Wight, who has in mediate charge of the Police department, and whese province it was to nominate a successor to Col. Moore, te do nothing in the matter before next Monday. But, as he explained today, the appointment of Mr. Sylvester seemed so clearly the unanimous wish of the pecp'e of the District that he decided to make the nomination today, and to recognize the wishes of the people by choosing Mr. Syi- vester. The Commissiorers held a board’ meeting this morning, but the nomination w: at made at that meeting, and when it had ai- journed Mr. Wight had given no intin tion of making the nomination tcdoy. 1 a few moments after the board nai id- journed he sent for Mr. Sylvester, and, after a short conversation, tenderel him the place. It was accepied, 221 Mr. Wight at once made out the nomination, sent it to his associates, who promo ppre it, and the appointment was The moment it became know: made ow tions from not only every empl ficial of the District govera:;e; at the District building, but, got abroad, hi: izens who hastened to congrati and wish him success. Mr. Wight wa called upon by a great number of citizen and congratulated upon his selection, as were the other Commissioners. The Man for the Place. As intimated in The Star, Commissioners Ross and Beach were ready and willing to approve Mr. Wight's nomination of Mr. Sylvester at once, and they were deeply gratified. Mr. Sylvester, said Mr. Ross, Seemed beyond all question the man for the place, and he said he was sure abput every one here expected to see him ap- pointed. Commissioner Beach also thought it an excellent selection. Speaking of his action in nominating Mr. Sylvester, Com- missioner Wight said that, while he thought yesterday it would be just as well to wait until next week before making the appointment, he was today so overwhelm- ed by written and verbal indorsements of Mr. Sylvester that he determined to make it at once. The hesitation, explained Mr. Wight, was due to no lack of appreci: tion of Mr. Sylvester's worth or fitness for the place, for he had learned to appreciate his abilities and fitness through their inti- mate official relations. Mr. Sylvester isan. intimate friend of his, he said, of long standing, and has been of great assistance to him in his official work. Therefore, there was not. the slightest reflection on him in delaying the nomination, [t gave him great pleasure to make the nomina- tion, and it is particularly gratifying to know, said Mr. Wight, that it is an ap- pointment which will meet with general approval among the people of the District, and also among the members of the police force. Citizens whose opinions were asked to- day were all of one mind—the appointment was heartily approved by all. “Phe selection is a proper one,” said In- spector Mattingly. “Not only is Maj. Syl- vester well qualified because of his knowl- ecge of the office, but his superior ability reflects credit on the Commissioners for his appointment. I have been associated with him for a long time, and if he does haif so well as major and superintendent as he has ac chief clerk there will be no occasion for fault-tinding” “The appointment is the finest that could have been made,” said Andrew Gieason to a Star reporter. “Major Syivester is the best equipped man in the whcle District fer the position, and the appointment gives entire satisfaction to the people. I am con- fident he will make the it chief of police this city has ever had. “The District has a great deal of good msterial,” said Mr. E. G. Davis, collector of taxes, “but the Commissioners could rot have made a better selection for the place. He is not only fully acquainted with the details of the cep:rtment, but he is an efficient. man in every respect, and will no dcubt make a first-class chief of police.” Capt. Austin said the men at head- qvarters, as well as in the precincts, are rejoiced over the selection, and Chief Clerk Sylvester's elevation to the highest posi- tion in the department is certainly gratify- ing. The new ckief, he says, has a loyul corps of men in his department who will work hard to attain the best ends and sup- port him in any policy he may adopt, ‘The New Superintendent's Career. Tichard Sylvester, although not a native of this city, has lived here many years and has taken an active inierest in all movements made for the welfare of the city. For about fifteen years he has been chief clerk of the police department, and during this long term of service he. has many times been called upon to handle the reins of the department. Each time that he acted in the capacity of chief there was existing need for a good executive officer, and his excellent management on the occa- sions mentioned had great weight in his favor with the appointing power when the time came to choose a new superintendent. meets the approval of all law-abiding citizens, who feel that they will get the best police protection possible with the force at his command. On his paternal side the new chief is the grandson of Col. Henry H. Sylvester of New Hampshire, for over twenty years a resi- dent of Washington, being associated in business for some time with the late B. B. French. Colonel Sylvester married the sister of Henry Hubbard, senator and rep- resentative from and at one time governor of New Hampshire. On his maternal side he is the grandson of Rev. Dr. W. W. ‘Woods of Iowa, who tock a prominent part in the anti-slavery movement; was the ‘warm personal friend of President Lincoin, and who temporarily filled the pulpit of the President’s church. Dr. Woods was ap- Pointed to a chaplaincy in the army and died in the service at Camp Nelson, Ky. His wife was Martha Gillespie Houston of Tennessee, the full cousin of Gen. Sam. Houston. e Native of Hawkeye State. Mr. Sylvester is a native of Iowa, where he was born in August, 1857. During the {it ship of the St. Louis Times with Mr. Stilson Hutchins. About the time of the ck Hills discoveries, at the instance of friends in Nebraska he established the West Point Progress, which succeeded in becoming an influential and successful Jeurnal. In 1877 he returned to Missouri and tcok charge of the Farmington Times, anc his services were commended by the State press generally. He served in boih congressional ard state conventions and cume to Washington in a newspaver ca- pacity in his twentieth year, and served as ccrrespondent of the St. Louis Times, later op the Globe-Democrat staff and also as representative of the Kansas City Journal and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Appointed Disbursing OMcer. While pursuing his newspaper corres- pendence and upon the representation of lumerous associates he was made dis- bursing officer for the Ute Indian commis- sion, and spent several months in the field among the Indians of this tribe. While actirg in that capacity he was accredited correspondent of the New York Herald. In the Indian service he acquitted himseif with efficiency and acceptability to the In- terior Department, as the following tes- timonia! will show: “To whom. it may concern: Richard Syl- vester, esq., of the city of Washington, D. C., was secretary and disbursing officer of the Ute Indian commission while I was Secretary of the Interior. He discharged the duties of his office to the entire satis- faction of the department. As such dis- bursing officer he paid out nearly $100,400 and settled his acccunts at the end of his service without delay or embarrassment either to himself or the deparement, and he left the service with the good will of all peat whom he had been officially connect- jéd._ I commend him as a young man of abicily and integrity. Respectful y, (Signed) “H. M. TELLER.” Position of Chief Clerk. On returning to Washington he was re- quested to accept the place in the police | department which he has since held. He enjoys the confidence of his associates. In 1885 he married Laura V. McF: n, daughter of Col. John McFall of St. Loui: They have one davghter, Laura, and two sons, John and Hubbard. His father was the late R. H. Sylvester, who was once associate editor of the Washing:on Post. When He Will Take Charge. Mr. Sylvester stated this afternoon that he will not assume the duties of his new of- fice until Monday or Tuesd as he has a great mass of work to dispose of as chief cierk, Speaking of his appointment, he sal “I thank the Commissioners for the con- fidence reposed in me and for the great honor conferred In making me the succes- sor of so good, true and honorable a man, ard so true and kind a friznd, as C Moore. For sixteen years, nearly, I hav conducted the clerk's office in a manner ac- ceptable to the people of the District and my superiors, and I shail try to merit by my futur course all the good things that have been said about me.” LAUNCH OF THE FARRAGUT. Ite Will Take Place at the Unusual Hour of 9:36 P.M. At 9:36 o'clock tonight the torpedo boat Farragut. wi:l be Icunched at the Union iron works at San Francisco. This is a most unusual hour for a launch, but it is chosen because the tide will be favorable at that time. The boat will be ready for her preliminary trial séme time between the 20th and 30th of the month. She will be christened by Miss Ashe. The Farragut is the first of the 30-knot torpedo boats built for the United States navy to take the water. The fastest here- tofore built have been the 27%-knotters, of which the Porter is a fair exainple. To get the 2% knots more speed it has been necessary to give the Farragut the eaor- mous horse power of 5,600 packed away in a hull 210 feet long, 20 feet 4 inches beam and @ feet deep, displacing 273 tens. The Farragut cost $227,500, and the contract for her construction was signed October 5, 1896. She is about three months behind time in construction, owing, it 1s said, to the difficulties in securing the material With the consent of the Navy Department her trial will be made under what is known as the standardized screw method. She will be run a certain numbcr of times over @ measured course of one mile in Sen Fran- cisco harbor and then over a longer course from Hunter’s Point to Mare Island for one hour. This method was pursucd with Breat success in the case of the gunboats Wheeling and Marietta. PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS. Many Infantry Captains and a Rock Creek Park Commissioner. The following appointments were made by the President today: Interior—To be commissioners to allot lands to the Uncompahgre Indians, in Utah: Erastus R. Harper of Akron, Ohio; Ross Guffin of Kansas City, Mo.; Howell P. Myton of Elkhardt, Indiana. To be register of the land office at Devil's Lake, N. D.: Ole Serumgard of Devil's Lake, N. D. To be receiver of public moneys at Devil's Lake, N. D.: H. E. Baird of Devil's Lake, N. D. To be commissioner of Rock Creek Park, District of Columbia: Richard Weightman of the District of Columbia. War—To be captains of infantry: Wilds P. Richardson, William F. Blauvelt, Wil- liam H. Allaire, Lorenzo P. Davison, Will- son ¥. Stamper, Charies H. Barth, Everard 4S. Hatch, Albert B. Scott, Robert H. An- derson, George W. Mclver, Andrew S. Ro- wan, Harris L. Roberts, Walter H. Chat- field, John Stafford, John Cotter, Daniel F. Anglum, Frederick T. Van Liew, Frank B, Andrus, David C. Shanks, Omar Bunday, Walter M. Dickinson, Thomas W. Griffith, Edward Lioyd, Francis J. Kernan, Chase W. Kennedy, Rowland G. Hill, Marion B. Saffold, Joseph B. Batchelor, jr., Henry C. Hodges, jr., James T. Kerr, Robert L. Hirst, William N. Hughe: To be captains of 5th Volunteer Infantry: William Waiker, Henry M. Bankheac, John E. Taylor, James Shelley. SE Ts DEPORTING THE PRISONERS, Neutral Vesscis to Take Spanish Back to Spa: Arrangements for the transportation of the Spanish prisoners from Santiago to Spain have progressed as far as the in- formation now in the possession of the War Department admits of. The advertise- ment for transportation provides for the employment of neutral vessels, and ac- ccmmodations for 1,000 oficers and 24,000 men. The officers are to he provided with cabin accommodations, and the men are to be carried steerage. The United States is to provide rations for the entire number of prisoners until landed in Spain, and is to guarantee that no yellow fever patients shall be put on shipboard. The provision for the comfort of the prisoners on ship- board is to be the same us that provided for ordinary passengers of the class to which they are assigned. =e ZOLA RETURNS TO THE ATTACK. Publishes an Open Letter to the Premier About Dreyfus, PARIS, July 16.—M. Emile Zola today re- turns to the attack in the Dreyfus case Men Who Want to Overthrow the Present Government. CANTON, July 16—The leading members of the new party are assembling the present government ‘against ADMITTED AT MADRID ee aaa: | Newspapers State That Spain Has Opened Negotiations ARNT Sn THROUGH THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR Blanco Ceases to Insist That the War Be Continued. FOR PORTO RICO FEARS MADRID, July 16, 9 am.—Several of the newspapers of this city say the Spanish government opened peace negotiations to- day through the French ambassador at Washington, M. Cambon, with the govern- ment of the United States. It 1s said in connection with the Spanish suggestion of leaving the question of the future government of Cuba to be decided by a plebiscite of its inhabitants, that Spain would unreservedly accept the deci- sion given in such a case. Blanco is W! LONDON, July 16.—All the dispatches from Madrid to the London morning papers agree that Captain General Blanco ané his staff are now willing to let the decision ar to peace or war rest with the home govern- ment. This change of attitude is supposed to be due to the lack of provisions and equipments. The Times, commenting editorially this morning on the reported statement by Lieutenant General Correa, the Spanish minister of war, as to the terms upon which he thought peace might be arranged, says it is afraid that none of the terms General Correa suggests has any chance of acceptance at. Washington. “It will probably be realized at Washing- ton that the chance of getting a money in- demnity is extremely remote, and as @ business transaction the Americans will probably take any indemnity they think proper in the form of territory, should any colonies be left in Spanish possession at the conclusion of peace.” Acting for the Nations. LONDON, July 16.—The Madrid corre- spondent of the Dally Mail says: “Despite the official denials, it is strongly suspecied that preliminary negotiations for peace are already under way in the shape of indirect inquiries regarding the terms of America which Spain might ac- cept. It is asserted that M. Camhon, the French ambassador at Washington. and Sir Henry Drumraond-Wolff, British am- btassador at Madrid, are acting, respect- ively, on behalf of Spain and America tn the conduct of jpquiries, which at present are quite irformal. “Duke Almodovar de Rio, minister of foreign. affairs, and Senor Gamazo, minis- ter of public instructions and public works, have been appointed by the government to conduct ihe negotiations. Senor Gama- zo said yesterday to a newspaper repre- sentative: “I canpot talk on the subject, as any indiscretion might speil the work and create difficulties.’ “Probably the news of a termination of hostilities will not be published unt!! the conditions are arrarged. No suspension of arms will precede the negotiations, be- cause the scarcity of food in Cuba would cause the armistice to operate disadvan- tageously to the Spaniards, who might consume their remaining stores during its continuance. “In any Case, the government is abso- lutely decided on peace. The Queen Re- gent has had three interviews with Lieut. Gen, Correa, minister of war, and has per- euaded him to cease his opposition to Peace. Pressing dispatches in the same sense have been sent to Captain General Blanco, Fears as to Porto Rico. “One of the chief reasons which has driven the government toward peace, Is a fear that the Americans may get a footing in Porto Rico, thus establishing a stronger claim to include that isiaad in uneir de- mands for territory. Stacks are rising on the Madrid exchange every day, strength- ening the conviction that peace is near. It has been suggested that the best way to overcome the hostility of the Spanish army in Cuba to peace would be to send the rank and file to their homes on their arrival in Spain and to incorporate the officers in the reserve forees. Probably the Cuban army will not land in Spain in organized condi- tion, but in semi-disbanded fragments and The Madrid correspondent of the Daily Chronicle says: “The issuance of the royal decree sus- pending the constitutional guaranices and virtually proclaiming a state of siege is evidently intended to check Carlism. The Carlist organ, El Correo Espanol, was pro- hibited today for the publication of an in- sulting article.” The Vienna correspondent of the Daily Chronicle says: “I learn on reliable authority that the Austrian court wss informed today that Spain was prepared to cede Cuba and to pay an indemnity, but not 10 abandon Porto Rico. Senor Sagasta trusts to be able to retain the Philippines as a Spanish pceses- sion, the powers preferring the islands to remain in Spanish rather than American hands.” = aes OFFICERS ON THE OLIVETTE, ‘Wounded Men Are Expected to Reach New York Soon. NEW YORK, July 16.—The hospital ship Olivette is expected to arrive in New York today or tomorrow. The following is a lst of the sick and wounded officers on board: Maj. James M. Bell, ist Cavairy. Maj. Alexander G. Brodie, ist United States Volunteer Corps, Second Lieut. Horace R. Devereaux, Ist United States Volunteer Corps. Lieut. William M. Fiscus, 2d infantry. Brig. Gen. H. 8. Hawkins, United States Volunteer Corps.