Evening Star Newspaper, February 15, 1900, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAY Temporary Business Office, 19 Penasylvauia Avenue, The Evening Star Newspaper Company. S. HL KAUFEMANN, Pres’t. New York Office: 126 Tribune Ballling Chicago Office: Boyce Building. London Office: Trafaigar Baildings, Trafalzar Square, The Evenfog Star ts served to subscribers tp the city by carriers, on thefr own account. at 10 cents per week. or 44 cents per month. Copies at the counter, 2 cents b. By mua —enywhere in the United States or adu—postage prepald—S0O cents per month. Saturday —— Sheet Star, $1 per yea: foreign postage sdd $3.08. (Entered at the Post Oslice at Washington, D. C.. @= secoud-class mall matter.) C7 All mail subscriptions must be paid !n advance. Rates of ‘ng made known on application. Che Evening Star. ole No, 14,654, WASHINGTON, D. C., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1900-SIXTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. AS NECESSARY AS STEAM, Today advertising is as necessary to the transaction of certain lines of business as steam and electricity are to machinery.—R. J. Gun- ning. WILL AID THE ZULUS ———__+—_—_ Chamberlain Complains of Boer In- vasion of Their Territory. se ANSWER TO QUESTION IN COMMONS London is Greatly Pleased at General Roberts’ Advance. ENGLAND BUYS MULES HERE ee LONDON, February 15.—In the house of commons today, during the course of a re- ply to a question relative to the probable Boer invasion of Zululand, the secretary of state for the colonies, Joseph Chamberlain, said that the government hag decided that i the native territories were Invaded by the Boers the natives “will be encouraged and assisted in every way in defending themselves.” Mr. Chamberlain's reply confirmed the reports of the invasion of Zululand, and showed the consequences could not fail to be serious throughout South Africa, as the sJarm and unrest of the Zulus was bound to spread to the Natal natives. The colonial secretary also said that the Natal ministry had notified the home government that It could not any longer be responsible for the Peaceful attitude of the Zulus, as the in- vasion of their country was contrary to a tacit compact that the natives should not be dragged into the war. Balfour, the government leader, deal- ing with the same subject and the possi- ity of employing Indian troops, said his former statement to the effett that the government would not employ natives m the present war was based on the belief that by common consent the war would be confined to the two European races, adding: “If the Boers adopt a course inconsistent with that idea we hold ourselves free to reconsider our decision.” PLEASED WITH ROBERTS’ MOVE. British Presx and Public Compliment His Aggressiveness. LONDON, February 15.—Intense satisfac- tion continues dominant in consequence of Marshal Lord Roberts’ plan of ope- South Africa, as revealed by the published this morning. There y news of the British advance Orange Fi ate, or of activity © Modder river, but a feeling of quiet i prevail ¢ strong hands © St. James is own line well little reason to fear a would adly, viz., ne as to force the able con- guns and Boers LOND Intrenching on the Tugela. . Tel date the Boers advanced road toward Potgieter’s. i men on horseback, with ‘oceeded to a point where they be- nstruct new rows of trenches at to the road. This was about th of the drift. par’ Boers also crossed the Tu- ow very low, about six miles below ter's Drift. where they sniped the South African Light Horse, who repulsed t down everal other skirmishes have taken place. and the Boers are evidently aux! about their positions. They have been throwing defensive works from Tri and the Spion Kop range Hlangwana and Monte Cristo on side of the Tugela «iso two, if not three, wooden bend Tugela In the or th nd ammunition across the Morning Post from y, confirms the re- vers have occupied Farm. the of shot GOING TO JOIN THE ROERS. Party of Young Irishmen Sail Under the Red Cross. RK, February 15.—Fifty arly all young and stalwar NEW men, ven sailed on the French Hne steamship La ‘gne, on their way to the Boer lines Africa. Most uth of the men are Americans, and the corps were re- eruited in Chica They appeared in town go. pier, al of the Today they marched to the led by Maj. Edward T. Gath Regiment, and Pat- ter to Chile. They pre- rance, and were fre- as they marched through €x-min the streets. They carried the American and Red Cross flags. The s is in charge ot Dr. John P. Macnamara, chief surgeon. His associates are Drs. Herbert H. Mc- Auley, James J. Slat R. D. Long, A. and A. D. Alderholt. The corps ped through the efforts of the ties of Chicago. poke of the work th they were going nuse of humanity, rded of the Boer ntien, he said, to go suthern European y will sail for making their way a He to h Africa in the to afd the sick and w aimy. [ft is their from Havre to se; HAS BLOOD Pol NENG. Gen. Lyttleton Succeeds Him in Com- mand at Chieveley, fal dispatch to the Times from dated February 13, ‘Ss: ton has succeedgd to the 1 of the second division during the f General Clery, who Is suffering from blood poisoning. Col. Northcott of the Rifle Brigade temporarily commands the fourth division.” The fears regarding a Boer attack on Zu- Juland are somewhat allayed by a special @ispatch from Durban, which says that a column of colunial scouts, after a forced has arrived at jowe, in splendid fighting form. They were pursued several times during the march by the Boers, but succeeded in repulsing them. The official list of the British casualties at Rensburg. from February 10 to Febru- ary 12 shows: Killed. four officers and seven men; wounded, six officers and fourteen ment missing, two officers and eight men. > The officers killed were Col. Coningham of the Worcester Regiment and Majer G. R. Eddy and Lieuts. J. Powell and J. @ Roberts, all of the Australian: General Ainsworth, chief of the records and pension office, War Department, has suffered a relapse of the grip, and as soon as his strength will permit will take a trip to Florida to recuperate. Tutuila and Manua Delighted With Ameri- can Sovereignty. Commander Tilley Reports a Gratify- ing Condition of Affairs to the , Navy Department. Assistant Secretary Allen of the Navy Department was very much gratified this morning at the receipt of a report from Commander B. F. Tilley, commanding the U. S. S. Abarenda, showing the prosperous and advanced mcral conditions of the in- habitants of Tutuila and Manua, two of the islands of the Samoan group, recently acquired by the United States by treaty arrangement with Great Britain and Ger- many. Mr. Allen was se much pleased with the remarkable showing of Christian pro- gress contained in the report that he made a special trip to the White House for the purpose of putting it before the President. Commander Tilley’s report is dated “ S. S. Abarenda, United States naval coal depot, Page Pago, Samoa, December 7, 1sv9," and is as follow: 1. I have the honor to inform the de- partment that I intend to sail today, with the Abarenda under my command, for Auckland, N. Z., for the purpose of obtain- ing materials for completing the wharf and coal shed a: this station. : The voyage to Auckland will take about eight days for the Abarenda. “3. The work upon the pier and coal shed is progressing slowly, owing to the fact that it has been necessary to refer certain in plans to the department. “4. So far as I can learn every inhabitant of Tutuila is delighted at the prospect of the United States assuming the govern- ment of the Island. I am also informed that this prospect is also pleasing to the. inhabitants of Manua. “5, Everything is perfectly quiet and or- derly in this island, and, so far as I can Jearn, In all the islands. A large number of natives are today holding a religious meeting at Pago Pago for the purpose of raising funds to establish a school for na- tive girls near Leone, Tutuila. Rev. E. Cooper, who ts in charge of the work of the London Missionary Society in the Is- lands of Tutulla and Manua, informed me today that over $7,000 had already been contributed for this purpose by the natives of these two islands. This is more than $1 per capita for the entire population, and is an indication of the interest which the natives take in religious matters. Mr. Cooper asures me that the natives of Ma- nua are of most excellent character and all Christians. “6. The health of the entire ship's com- pany is excellent.” ———__+ e+_____ DEPARTMENT OF MINES. Rill for Its Establishment Favorably Reported to the House. The House committee on mines and min- ing has favorably reported the Dill to create an additional executive department to be known as the department of mines and mining. ‘The bill consists of nine sections. Section ene provides for the creation of another de- partment, to be known as the “Department of Mines and Mining,” the design and duties of which shall be to acquire, by examina- tion, prac scientific experiments geological research, or otherwise, useful in- fermation on the subject of mining in the comprehensive sense of the word, includ- ing mines and mining for gold, silver, plat- inum, lead, copper, fron, marble, tin, zine, quicksilver, antimony, aluminum, mangan- ese, nickel, coal, petroleum, natural gas, stone, clays, cement, emery, infusorial earths, phosphate rock. gypsum, salt, borax, bromine, sulphur, chrome iron ore, metallic paints, asphaltum, flint and all other min- erals and mineral waters, as well as wat- ers used in mining, manufacturing, or de- veloping electric power, and to diffuse such information among the people of the United Sta Section two provides for a secretary of mines and mining, his appointment by the President, by and with the consent of the Senate, and makes certain sections of the sed Statutes applicable to said depart- ment. Section three provides for an assistant secretary and the mode of his appointment. Sec des that the secretary shall receive the same salary now paid to the secretary of each of the executive de- partments, and that the assistant shall be aid t as fs now paid the of the interior. ribes the duties to be performed by » proposed department tion ides that the geological shall be transferred to the depart- mines and mining. Section seven declares that all officers and ‘employes of the government or any bureau or division engaged in duties referred to in section five of this bill shall be transferred the proposed department. ction five Section eight provides for the transfer of all records, maps, documents, surveys, machinery, now possessed or used by any existing department, to the department of mines and mining, and section nine pro- vides that this act shall go into effect on March 4, 1901. IN NEED OF AMENDM T. Defects in Interstate Commerce Law Pointed Out by Chairman Knapp. The Senate committee on interstate com- merce today listened to an exposition of the provisions of the bill for the amend- n.ent of the interstate commerce law by Chairman Knapp of the interstate com- merce commission. : Mr. Knapp stated that the pending bill had not been prepared by the commission, but that the commission indorsed many of its provisions. He said that the powers of the commission were greatly cireumseribed by the Hmitations of the existing law under the decisions of the Supreme Court, and that further legislation was necessary to fender the law really effective. enator Wolcott questioned Mr. Knapp to whether he considered it his duty as an officer of the government to devote his time to securing new legislation when ho was employed to enforce the present law. The commissioner replied that he con- sidered it proper to render the office as ef- feetiv possible. — A CRY FROM PONCE. Appeal for Free Trade With the United State: The delegates of the chamber of com- merce of Porto Rico in Washington today received the following cable from Ponce, Porto Rico: “Business paralyzed. Free trade would change matters, ending the unbearable con- dition of affairs. Implore Congress for im- mediate resolution. “CARLOS ARMSTRONG, “Representing Committees on Commerce and Agriculture.” ee Personal Mention. Mr. Martin Welker, formerly representa- tive in Congress from Ohio, and later judge of the United States court for northern district of that state, is In the city for a stay of a few days, at the Colonial Hotel. Judge Welker was an active member of the committee on the District of Columbia while in Congress, and had much to do with the creation of the new Washington. After an absence of ten years he sees many gratifying evidences of the wisdom of the measures adopted and the improvements inaugurated a® that time, ely through his influence, = ras THE NATIVES ARE PLEASED|DIJF TO CONGRESS The Deficit in the District Fancs | and the Causes, VIOLATION OF THE ORGANIC ACT Views of Commissioner Wight, Mr. Edson and Mr. Babcock. IME TO CALL A HALT The deficit in the available fund of the District as shown by the statement pub- liShed in yesterday's Star, attracted, as might naturally be supposed, wide atten- tion among the citizens of the District, who were, as a rule, not aware of the conditions which are now known to exist. In speaking on this subject today to a Star reporter Commissioner Wight said that so far as he is concerned he will not, despite the ex- pected deficiency, curtail in the slightest degree the amount of the appropriations asked for by the Commissioners to meet the expenses of the District government during the coming fiscal year. “The condition now before us,” said Mr. Wight, “is precisely that which the Com- missioners felt would occur, and is due, of course, to that requirement of Congress that the whole expense incidental to the opening and exiending of streets provided for by existing law shall be borne by the District. Such provision the Commissioners recommended be stricken out in every re- port made by them to Congress on such bills. The Commissioners believed then, as they do now, that to require these ex- penses to be paid wholly out of the Dis- trict revenues was and is not only unfair and unjust to the people of the District, but a direct violatioon of the organic act of the District. In this act Congress declared that the United States should bear one- half of the expenses of the District govern- ment, and I fail to see any reason or oc- casion for any departure from such a righteous decision. Effect of Reductions. “If the Commissioners’ estimates of ex- penses for the next fiscal year are reduced to the extent of between $1,200,000 and $1,- 300,000, as they must be unless Congress in some way comes to our relief in the mat- ter, the whole District government will be y demoralized, for we would have to our police department, we would e to curtail our force of school teachers, limit our now too small fire department, and we would be unable to make practical- ly any improvements. But, as I have said, I should not be willing to reduce in the slightest degree the amount of appropria- uons have asked. If Congress fails to repeal that provision of existing law re- quiring the District to bear the entire ex- pense of opening and extending streets then I suppose we will be compelled to ask for a loan from the United States, or for authority to one with private parti “As The Star explained yesterday, the expense of opening and extending the streets already provided for will amount to bout $1,206,000, and the cost of those con- templated would probably increase this amount to twice that Therefore, if we are compelled ‘to borrow, we will prob- ably be required to borrow about $2,500,000. If these streets are to be opened and ex~ tended, and I believe, of course, that they should be, nv one will question the wisdom of doing the work now, for to do it five or ten years later would cost probably twice as much as it would at the present time. If Congress Will Act. “But I do not believe that the District should be compelled to borrow money, and {t will not be necessary to do so if Con- gress decides that the United States shall bear half of the expense attending the opening and extending of streets. The fact that most of these streets are north of Florida avenue is not to my mind eny rea- son whatever why the United States should depart from its association with the Dis- trict in the matter of meeting such expense Florida avenue, at best, is but an imaginary boundary line between the city and the rest of the Disirict, and about thé only purpose it serves is to provide an excuse for those who feel that outside the city the District should bear opening and extending I feel that in expressing these vie will have the sympathy of the people of the District, and L hope and believe that will assist the Commis- sloners tn their effort to ‘ure a repeal of this to my mind most urfust, unfair and unrighteous provision of existing law.” President Edson's Opinion. r reporter today saw Mr. John the president of the board of d his attention to the de- n sald: ferred to is due to the ap- propriations for the extension of strects, which, in violation of the agreement be- tween the people of the District and Con- gress when the present form of government Was permanently established, have been charged exclusively upon the revenues of the District, instead of being shared be- tween the general government and the Dis- trict. In my opinion, the Commissioners of the District and the people should take a firm stand on this subject and maintain the principle upon which the local government rests. Congress should be informed that rather than have an appropriation made in lation of this principle, the peo- ple of this District would rather go without the money that may be needell for im- portant public improvements. The princi- ple is essential to the well-being of the Dis- trict, and {ts violation fraught with such serious results that no one ho has given the subject any attention will, in my opinion, hesitate a moment in agreeing that it should be sustained. Board of Trade’s Action. “The board of trade in 1897 adopted strong resolutions protesting against the policy that was then already manifested to do violence to the organic act of the District, and that action remains the action of the board today. Under the organic act pro- viding for the permanent form of govern- ment for the District approved June 11, 1878, in making provisions for the expenses of the municipal government it was di- rected that ‘to the extent to which Congress shall approve said estimate Congress shall appropriate 50 per centum thereof and the remaining per centum of such approved estimate shall be levied and assessed upon the taxable property and privileges in sald District other than property of the United States and of the District of Columbia.’ “This adjustment made by Congress at that time to meet the necessary expenses of the government of the District of Co- lumbia,"" continued Mr. Edson, “was the result of several years of patient and care- ful investigation of the relation of the District to the general government, and as to the Just proportion of expenses which should be borne by the people of the Dis- trict and by the general government. An examination of the debate in Congress when this provision of the law was under consideration shows clearly that it was considered an equitable adjustment. The First Violation, . “From the date of the enactment of the organic law until the appropriations were made for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1891, all apprepriations for current munict- pal expenses, obligations, improvements and needs of whatever character were made in aceordance with the provisions of the law quoted, namely, 50 per centum from the treasury of the United States and 50 per centum collected from taxes, licenses and so “The deficit r {| of Columbi forth, paid by the people of the District of Columbia. At the date last named there was appropriated $3,000 wholly from the District revenues for the establishment of a public bathing beach. This was the first departure from the provisions of the law in making appropriations. Since then more or less has been appropriated in a similar fashion, all of which, in my - judgment, should have been made in accordance with the law of 1878. This deviation from the principle of the organi¢e act, which, begin- ning nine year ago, has gradually been in- creasing in volume, has added a charge upon the people of the District of Columbia which is not warranted by the letter and spirit of the law or by justice. It is ap- parent that a continuation in such a course will result that the provisions of the law for the expenses to be borne equally by the national government and by the people of the District will be very largely, if not entirely, ignored. “As I said above, in my opinion, the Dis- trict Commissioners and citizens should rot propose or assent to Congress making such appropriations and thereby depart from the law and the equities in- volved. There are no improvements or needs however desirable or important to the District that should be secured by con- senting to an appropriation made wholly out of the revenues of the District. Street extension had better never be authorized than to provide the whole of the expense necessary thercfor out of the revenues of the District. Lack of Information. “In my opinion, if Congress had since 1991 been as well informed ps to the merits of the equal divisions of expenses between the national and local governments as Con- 8ress was informed on that question in 1878 the departure in making appropriations and paying any of the municipal expenses olly from the revenues of the District would never have been authorized. I do not believe that members of Congress de- sire or wish knowingly to do the people of the District of Columbia the least injustice. They do not desire that the citizens of the District, in my judgment, shall pay more than a fair, lawful share of the expenses, and that in acting as they have, however mistaken I believe their course to have been, at the same time I believe that they thought they were only properly performing their duty. “Congress having full and absolute juris- diction over the District in all matters re- lating to government, the people of the Dis- trict do not desire Congress to accord them in this or any other matters anything more than reasonably just treatment. They have no means of influencing legislation relating to the District and their interests, except in giving expression to their private opinions and in appeals, as they are wholly depen- dent upon the will and decision of the na- Uonal legislature. “At the present time I beleve that it is the duty of the Commissioners, the board of trade and the citizens generally to make it manifest to-Congress in an earnest, clear and respectful manner that no appropria- tions for any purpose are desirable other than those made _in accordance with the law of June 1, 1878, requiring the payment of 50 per centum each by the general gov- ernment and by the people of the District.” Mr. Babcock’s Views. Chairman Babcock of the House Dis- trict committee today recetved a commu- nication from the District Commissioners setting forth the figures of the impending deficit in the District revenues. The Com- missioners suggested no remedy, but stated that the deficit was occasioned by the street extension acts passed by -Congress. The figures were the same as those con- tained in the statement published in The Star yesterday. "While I think that are unduly alarmed,” said Mr.*Babcock to a Star reporter, “and the deficit will not be so large as they fear, I see one certain result of their communication. There will be no more street extension bills passed at this sesion. Their communication will have the effect of effectually stopping fur- ther proceedings in this direction.” Mr. Babcock said he had not considered the question of relieving the deficit, as it had not been brought to his attention. —— FOR AN EIGHT-HOUR DAY. the. Commissioners BH! Requiring It on Contract Work for the Government. The House committee on labor today gave a hearing on House bill 6882, extending the eight-hour law to all work done by con- tract for the United States or the District 2 of the bill provides: That each and every contract to which the United States, any territory or the District of Columbla Is a party, and contract made for or on behalf of the y territory or said Dis- trict, which contract may Involve the em- ployment of laborers, workmen or me- chanics, shall contain a stipulation that no laborer, workman or mechante in the em- ploy of the cont ubcontra@or doing or contracting to do any part of the work contemplated by the contract, shall be required or permitted to work more than eight hours in any one calendar day; and each and every such contract shall stipu- late penalty for each violation of the stipulation directed by this act of $10 for each laborer, workman or mechanic, for each and every calendar day in which he shall labor more than eight hours; and the inspector or other officer or person whose duty it shall be to see that the provisions of any such contract are complied with, shall report to the proper officer of the United States, or any territory or the Dis- trict of Columbia, all violations of the stipulation in this act provided for in each and every such contract, and the amount of the penalties stipulated in any ‘such con- tract shall be withheld by the officer or Person whose duty it shall be to pay the moneys due under such contract, whether the violations tor which said penalties were imposed were by the contractor, his agents, or employes, or any subcontractor, his agents or employes. No person on behalf of the United States, or any territory or the District of Columbia shall rebate or remit any penalty imposed under any stipulation herein provided for, unless upon a finding which he shall make up and certify that such penalty was impoustt by reason of an error of fact.” No one appeared in advocacy of the bill. It was reported favorably by the commit- tee in the last Congress and passed the House, but failed in the Senate. Mr. J. K. McCammon and ex-Representa- tive Payson appeared. in opposition to the bill in behalf of certain shipbuilding con- cerns, armor plate manufacturers and steel works doing business with the government. They contended that if this bill passes their clients will have to refuse govern- Ment contrac’ ‘They held that the bill would thereby work partial confiscation of special manufacturing plants, No action~was taken by the committee today. e+ _______ REMEMBERING MAINE'S DEAD. Flowers for Their Grayes Sent by the Mother of One Who Perished. A large box filled with beautiful roses and other flowers was received at the: Navy Department this morning from Mrs. Shil- lington of Chicago, with the simple re- quest that the flowers be placed on the graves of the victims of the Maine disaster at the Arlington cemetery. Today is the second anniversary of the destruction of the Maine in the harber of Havana, Mrs. Shillington’s son was a member_of the crew of the Maine, and lost his life on that ccdasion. The flowers. were tu over to Col. True, the depot. quarte! and he personally undertook the work ef placing them upon the graves of the Maine dead. Snow to Be Extradited. United States Consul Bittinger, at Mon- treal, has telegraphed the State Depart- ment that the dominion authorities have granted the application for extradition in the case of A. J. Snow, 0 is wanted in New York on the charge pf embezzlement from Wells, Fargo & Ca, r AT THE WHITE HOUSE |2!STRICT IN CoNGRESS Conference on the Proposed Tariff for Porto Rico, PRESIDENT NOT 70 PRESS HIS VIEWS Will Sign Whatever Bill the Con- gress Passes, THE PHILIPPINE COMMISSION President McKinley this morning an- nounced that he would not continue to press his views as to the free admission of Porto Rican goods to this country. This means the passage of the House bill impos- ing a tariff of 25 per cent of the Dingley duties on Porto Rican products. While still retaining his original views the President will do nothing to widen the dif- ference of opinion between himself and Congress. Representatives Payne, Dalzell and Gros- venor, leading republicans of the ways and means committee of the House, had a long conference with the President this morning regarding the Porto Rican tariff. The sub- ject is bothering the republicans a great deal. The differences in opinion are not confined to Washington, and it is known that letters and telegrams are being re- ceived daily for'and against the proposition of the republican congressional leaders. This is the tirst important matter where the President and the republicans in Con- gress have been at material variance. Heretofore they have been united on every- thing. It was natural that the leaders should confer and try to reach an under- standing which would not leave the party open to attack and which would leave no sore spots. The Conference Toda Messrs. Payne, Dalzell and Grosvenor ful- ly explained to the President the views which led the committee to decide to im- pose a tariff on Porto Rican goods. They firmly maintained that the position taken is not a dangerous one for the republicans. The President reiterated the position taken in his message in December last— that the products of Porto Rico should be admitted to this country free of duty, and that the island should be put on practically en equal footing in the sisterhood of states und territories. At the same time the Pres- ident did not desire to be put in the light of opposing the wishes of a majority of his party in Congress and the country. He would therefore put nothing in the way of the imposition of the smali duty now con- templated. It is well known that the difference of opinion could have gone to the extent of a threatened veto, but those who know the President's inclination to bow to the wishes and will of the people say that he has taken the path which he has followed since he entered public life and becoming chief ex- ecutive. He will not obstinately and almost single-handed press his opinions. His party can take the responsibility of its action on Porto Rico and he will share this responsi- bility,inasmuch as he will sign the meas- ure to be passed and see that it ts car- ried out. A Cabinet Officer's Views. A prominent member of the cabinet this afternoon applauded the President's deter- mination not to intrude upon Congress his views as to a Porto Rican tariff. He de- clared that the republican party would be abundantly able to defend its position upon this matter, and if the question of votes were considered, would gain instead of Jose. He declared that the mass of the peo- ple of Porto Rico ought to be satistied. The imposition of 25 per cent of the Ding- Jey tax, he said, would be no heavier than the 10 per cent ad valcrem charged by Spain on products of the island marketed in that country. Congress is favoring the poor people of the island when It fails to impose the internal revenue taxes on the people. If these taxes were put on the same as tn this country, the tax would fall heavily on the poor. They would not and could not feel the tariff tax. The payment of this would fall largely upon the land owners—the makers of sugar and tobacco. if sugar and tobacco were admitted free, the plantations would become exceeding! valuable in the fact that they paid no tax on their products. More advantageous than everything else, however, was that the bill provides that the money collected as tariff duties is to be Kept in a separate fund for the use of the needs of the island. This insured an honest administration for the island and the expenditure of all that was paid in. Under the Spanish regime the people did not know how much they got back of the money paid in by them. The cabinet official went on further to say that if the internal revenue taxes had been imposed on the island it would have been necessary to hire many offictals to collect this, thereby putting the govern- ment to an expense. But in the collection of the tariff duties there will be no addi- tional expense. The customs officials at the various ports will care for that without extra cost. The New Philippine Commission. By request of the President, Senator Mc- Laurin of South Carolina visited the White House today, In a conference with the President Mr. McLaurin was offered a place on the new Philippine commission, the President saying that he had decided to put a southern democrat on the body, and knew no one he had rather offer it to than the junior senator from South Caro- dina. Senator McLaurin has taken the matter under advisement, but it is said that he has practically declined the offer. What he said to the President was construed as a declination, and the offer will be made to one of several prominent southern men now in the President's mind. Senator Mc- Laurin’s determination to remain in the Senate is based on political and personal reasons. His wife’s health is not good, and he does not see how he could take his fam-. ily with him to the far east. Representative Underwood suggested a southern man to the President for a place on the Paris commission, but all these places are promised. Senator Carter introduced a_large num- ber of Montana people to the President. Today’s Nominations. The President today sent the following nominations to the Senate: James Allison of Kansas, to be commissioner to the inter- national exposition at Paris. Army: Volunteers—27th Infantry—Lieut. Col. A. S. Cummins, to be colonel; Maj. G. L. Bryam, to be lieutenant colonel; Capt. L. C. Scherer, to be major; First Lieut. Z. F. Collett, to be captain; Second Lieut. R. H. Brewer, to be first lieutenant. Thirty-sixth Infantry—To be secand Meu- tenants, Sergt. Maj.J. M. Craig, First Sergt. I, F. Costello, Sergt. J. A» Huntspan, Sergt. G. F. Young, Sergt. Maj. G. J. Oden. To be first lieutenants, Second Lieut. Edw. Mc- Gowan. Regulars—Corps of Hngineers—Maj. W. 8S. Stanton, to be Heutenant colonel; Capt. G. W. Goethals, to be. major; First Lieut. C. Keller, to be captain; Second Lieut. F. C. Boggs, ir., to be first Neutenant. Subsistence department — Capt. D. L. Brainard, to be major. —___—___+e+_____ Departure of Gen. Shafter. General Shafter returned here yesterday from a short visit to New York. He at- tended the President's reception last night, and left today for San Francisco. Bill to Incorporate the Wesley Heights Railway Company. Proposed Transportation in the Northwest Section of the District —Other Local Matters. A bill to incorporate the Wesley Heights Railway Company of the District of Colum- bia was introduced in the Senate today by Mr. Hansbrough and referred to the com- mittee on the District of Columbia. M. C. Butler, John T. Arms, Thomas E. Wagga- man, Dr. Henry D. Fry and John F. Wag- gaman, and their associates, are named as incorporators of the railroad company. The road is authorized to construct and operate a street railway for carrying passengers, parcels, milk, truck and other freight along the following-named route: Prospect avenue, at the Union Passenger station of the Capital Traction Company thence westerly along Prospect avenue and Prospect avenue extended, to a point near the east side of Arizona avenue, or for said distance, or any portion thereof, on a routé coinciding with the route of the Washing- ton and Great Falls Electric Railway: thence on property to be acquired by said company on Arizona avenue; thence north- erly along Arizona avenue to a projected avenue running northwest through the in- tersection of 45th and Galveston streets thence along said projected avenue to 45t street; thence north on 45th street to Low- M1 street; thence west on Lowell street to and into an extension of the aforesaid pro- jected avenue; thence northwest on id projected avenue io a point where h street, when extended, will intersect said avenue; thence north on 49th street to the District line; provided, that where this route lies between the lines of a proposed high- y the company shall acquire a right of Way not less than thirty fect wide, in the center thereof; and all rights of way ac- quired within ‘the lines of proposed high- ways shall be dedicated to the use of the public before a permit is issued for the con- struction of the railway therein. Provided, further, that where the route is along a road less than sixty-six feet wide, the com- pany shall, at its own expense, widen said read to sixty-six feet in width before a per- mit is issued for consiruction of the rail- read therein. Where the route of this road coincides with existing railways {t is to be used in common by them. Electricity is to be the motive power of the road, with an entire metallic cirenit. The road is tc be in opera- tion for its entire length within the District of Columbia within two years from the ap- proval of this act. The company shall erect and maintain passenger rooms and transfer stations as required by the Com- missioners, and proper conveniences for the public shall be provided at such rooms and stations. The company is authorized to is- sue capital stock to an amount not ex- ceeding the cost of construction and equip- ment of its railway and building in shares of $10 each. Stock sold by the company shall be fully paid for before delivery to purchaser. Stockholders shall be individ- wally Hable to the extent of the value of the stock heli by them. Books of subscrip- tion to the capital stock of the company are to be opened within three months from the approval of this act. The company is to pay 4 per cent of its gross earnings as taxes, as Well as tax upon its real estate. To Purchase Historical Manuscripts. In the Senate today Mr. McMillan intro- duced a joint resolution, which was before the last Congress, appropriating purchase for the use of Congress the his- torical manuscripts lately compiled by Erastus Thacher, r€lating to this city and Alexandria and Georgetown, including mu- nicipal governments, public buildings, pub- Me institutions and memorial works of art. Property Sold for Taxes. Mr. McMillan today introduced a bill in the Senate providing that section 4 of the act of February 28, 1898, entitled an act in relation to taxes and tax sales in the District of Columbia be amended by strik- ing out the following: “Together with any tax or assessment which the holder of said certificate shall have paid between the days of sale and redemption, with interest on the same at the rate of ten per centum per annum.” The portion of section 4 which precedes the part to be stricken out by the bill provides that real estate sold for taxes may be redeemed from such sale at any time within two years after the last day of sale by paying to the collector of taxes for the use of the purchaser, his heirs and as- signs the sum mentioned in the certificate of sale therefor, with interest thereon at the rate of 15 per centum per annum after the date of such certificate of sale. To Abolish the Register of Wills. Mr. Latimer iniroduced a bill in the House today, by request, abolishing the office of register of wills and transferring the duties of that effice to the clerk of the Supreme Court of the District. The bill further provides that the special term of the Supreme Court of the District, hereto- fore known as the Orphans’ Court, shall be Known as the Probate Court. It shall hold weekly sessions, take proofs of wills and probate the same; grant and revoke letters testamentary and decree upon all acts be- tween executors and administrators. To Extend 8th Street Northeast. Mr. Allen has introduced in the House a bill providing for the extension of 8th street northeast, known as West Railroad avenue, Brookland, through the grounds of the Catholic University to a width of ninety feet. One-half the cost of the con- demnation shall be assessed against the land which is benefited. To Assist District Committee Clerk. The House today passed a resolution au- thorizing the appointment of an assistant clerk to the committee on the District of Columbia. This is necessary by reason of the large volume of business before the District committee. ————— GOING TO SAN MIGUEL BAY. Gen. Bates Starts Out to Suppre: Troublesome Filipino; The adjutant general received a cable message this morning from Gen. Otis, giv- ing a brief outline of the progress of mili- tary operations in the Philippines since his last report of several days ago an- nouncing the opening of the hemp ports in .southern Luzon. Today's dispatch is as follows: MANILA, February 15, 1900. Adjutant General, Washington: Bates left today with two regiments and a battery of artillery on transports for San Miguel bay, province Camarines Sur, to move on Nueva Caceras and towns in that section, The road east from Atimonan through Province Tayabas is not practi- cable for troeps. The insurgents in Cama- rines show considerable activity, and make attacks on our troops along the south- eastern coast of Luzon Island. It js re- ported that they hold several hundred Spanish and a few American prisoners in the vicinity of Nueva Caceras. Kobbe with two regiments occupies the south- eastern extremity of Luzon from Tobato on the north to Donsol on the south; also all the important points of the islands of Catanduanes, Samar and Leyte. ‘The conditions throughout the Philtppines are gradually improving; all the coasting vessels are engaged in mer- chandise and products. The ele- ment is troublesome in all the islands and keeps the troops very actively engaged. = Beginning on. WAS NOT. REPORTED — oe State Department Not Notified That Macrum’s Mail Was Opened, ASSERTION NOT BELIEVED THERE Authorized Statement™ Regarding the Matter. RESOLUTION OF ———— INQUIRY The fo'lowing statement was made for publication by direction of Secretary Hay teday with the understanding that it should be used precisely as prepared and without additions: “The published statement of Mr. Macrum does not appear to have seriously disturbed the officers of the Department of State. While they do not think it necessary to discuss his statement in detail or otherwise dignify it by a specific refutation, yet one of them stated emphatically that Mr. Ma- crum never reported to the department the incident, upon which he lays so much stress, that his official mall was being rez- ularly tampered with by the British» au- thorities, nor de e department place the slightest credence in such statements “He did, In that & general way, report both official and private mail intended f. American citizens did not reach him punc- tually, and asked that protest be mage account of this rather arbitrary proc n eding on the part of the postal authorities. Every report from Mr. Macrum was carefully studied, adn. so far as the department was able to ed that ertain the situatfon, it was learn- no unne ry delay—none cer- tainly beyond what might be expected dur- ing a state of war—existed. Under these circumstances naturally some delay was inevitable and unavoldable, but that any correspondence, official or otherwise, was ever opened, inspected or delayed by the British authorities the depatment does not for an instant believe. “Certain it is that Mr. Macrum never re- ported it. “Mr. Macrum states that his vice consul Mr. Van Ameriz closed up his b: ness, took the oath of allegiance to the re- public and went to the front as a burgher “When Mr. Ameringen applied for pointment as vice consul at Pretoria he stated that he was born in Holland; that his legal residence was at Pretoria, and that he w, aturalized citizen of the South African republic. This application was dated Pretoria, November 22, 180s.” Resolution of Inquiry Introduced. Representative Wheeler of Kentucky day introduced in the House the following resolution: “Whereas Charles Macrum, late a consul of the government of the United Pretoria, in the Transve his own signature, (his) mail was finaliy forwarded to me, Stowe, the American consul ge cured its ri had th the represer of the American government of sitting in my office in Pretoria and looking upon en- velopes bearing the official seal wf the American government opened and officially sealed with a sticker, notifying me that the had been read by the censor at ter © eral at C: contents “Whereas he further states in the same article, ‘When I accepted my post as con- sul I knew nothing of any secret alliance between America and Great Britain: There- fore be it “Resolved, by the House, That the Secr tary of State is directed to inform the House of Representatives if said Charles E. Macrum as consul of the American govern- ment informed the State Department that his official mail had been opened and read by the British censor at Durban, and, if so, what steps, if any, have been taken to ob- tain an explanation and apology from the British government. “Section 2. He is further dire form the House of Representatiy truth there is in the charge that alliance exists between the repub United States and the empire Britain.” Th peaker referred the resolution to che foreign affairs committee. — PHILIPPINES POSTAL SERVIC It ix Proposed to Have the Army Lend Its Aid. The director general of posts of the Phil- ippine Islands has wansmitted to the Post Office Department a copy of a letter writ- ten by him to General Otis, in which fs out- Ined a plan for the extension of the postal service in the islands. This is to have the army co-operate and take charge of t service at points where it is impracticable to employ clerks. It is the intention to have offices "n charge of American clerks at all piaces where there is a large number of people and considerable tributary terri- tory. At places where troops are statioue the commanding officer will be asked take charge of stamps and other postal supplies, and a soldier incapacitated for field service will be detailed to do the work under his supervision. It is desired to have as few American cierks as possible on ac- count of the expense in salaries, natives being willing to work much cheaper. The revenues from the Island of Negros for ten months have not been sufficient to pay the salary of a superintendent. For two months since the withdrawal of the greater part of the troops from San Fernando the revenues have amounted to scarcely §0 a month, about one-third the salary of a superiy dent. LosT BY TIE VOTE. Plan for Reorganizing the Diplomatic and Consular Service. The plan for a reorganization of the diplo- matic and consular service on a civil ser- vice basis, which has been embodied m several bills and has attracted widespread attention, was a special order of business before the House committee on foreign af- fairs today, and on a tle vote—7 to 7—was defeated, and then permanently disposed of by being tabled. Prior to the final vote there were several amendments proposed, all of them failing, however, by the same tle vote on which the proposition as a whole was finally lost. ‘The coramittee acted favorably on the bill for the appointment of a woman delegate to the unveiling of the Lafayette statue at Paris, and also on several bills authorizing the acceptance of watches from foreign governments to individuals for acts of heroism. —_—__—_—_++___—_ To Hold War Department Fands. The First National Bank of Davenport, Ohio, has been designated a depositary of public moneys, especially for the reception, safekeeping and disbursement of funds ad- vanced to disbursing officers of the War Department. The bank has furnished $50,- 000 United States bonds as security. ———$$_ o> ——___—_— Norfolk Navy Yard Contract. A contract for the erection of a black- smith shop and plumber’s building for steam engineering at the Nortoik Ped yard has been awarded to the firm of R. A. Greifenhagen of Chicago, IL, the lowest bidder, at $45,980,