Evening Star Newspaper, March 28, 1900, Page 1

=—— —=— THE EVENING STAR. —.. = PUBLISHED DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAY Temporary Business Office, 1109 Perasylvaaia Averse The Evesing Star Newspaper Company. ‘SR. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. New Yerk Office: 126 Tribaae Bailsiaz Chicago Oifize: Boyce Buildinz, London Office: Trataigar Bai Trafalgar Square. ‘The Eveniag Star is served to sulweribers tn the eity by carriers, cr their own accoun’. et 10 cents per week, or 44 cents per month. Copies at the founter, 2 cents each. By mafl—anywhere In the United States or Cuuada—postege prepald—50 cents ber month. Saturday Quintu Tdi resi $1 per sear; with fore tage a x (Entered stthe Tost Office at Washington, D. C. a8 second-class =a umstter.) a ea tradeunce [=2 ne muat he pa 3 fie nivertia ng meade known om rpottentfom, GEN. JOUBERT DEAD ——— Famous Boer Commander Passed Away Last Night at Pretoria. CY PLUNGED IN MOURNING Sir George White's Tribute of Respect to the So'dier. ——— SITUATION AT THE FRONT LORENZO MARQU Joubert i a dead. PRETORIA, March 28. n. Joubert died last night at 11:30 o'clock. He had been suffering from a stomach complaint. The town {s plunged into mourning for the true patriot, gallant gen right and honorable gentleman. LONDON, March 28.—In connection with the announcement of the death Joubert it is interesting to note that Sir George White, British who al and up- of Gen. the general Gen. Joubert. h defended . in a speech at Cape Town y terday evening, declared that Joubert was a soldier and a gentleman, and a brave and honorable opponent. LONDON. March newspapers to put n. Joubert. commanded the garrison wh Ladysm’ =—T h long afternoon vgraphies of G Generally, they are kindly tone. The Pall Mall Gazette says: Piet Joubert was the one contemporary Boer. except ex-Chief Justic death could call forth a sin- * antipo s, and t, straight and clean-ha Transvaal world of Le was hon Sketch of Hix Career. General Pietrus Jacobus Joubert dent general of the Transvaal fe bet- ter known as Piet Joubert, or “Slien Piet” (Slim Peter), was born about sixty-eight years ago. He was descended from an old French Huguenot family, which settled in South Africa many years ago. He.was born in Cape Cojony, but was taken by his parents, when seven years old, to the Orange Free comman- State, where he was taught from ly childhood to shoot straight and hate the He is deseribed having been Of se ing he had but W a newspaper until n 7 ars old. In spite of this his ambition prompted him to read the few books he could obtain, and he suc- eded obtaining a fair knowledge of and langua nsequence of the his fami a burgher of the St and a daring fighter. was cl at he cou lead a successfu against hostile natives than any fm the Transvaal. He came to be ves that the knowled African republic was at head of a punitive expedition usually resulted in thelr surrender. First Meeting With Kruger. It was during these wars with the natives hat Joubert became acquainted with Paul Kkroger, and the two men became bosom friends. He was clected vice president of the Transvaal tn 1806, defeated Sir George Colley at Majuba Hill in 1891, and acted as president of the republic in 1883-84, during Kruger's absence in Europe. Gen. Joubert was always in favor of the use of force instead of diplomacy, President Kruger on several occa great difficulty In repress colleague, notably in 1879, when Joubert, with Kruger and Pretorius, was planning the rebellion to overthrow British rule in the Transvaal. The result was Majuba HiM and the practical independence of the ‘Transvaal It was Joubert wh organized the army of the South African republic later on, dividing the country into seventeen mfii- tary departments and each of these de- partments into smaller divisions, with com- mandéants. field cornets and lieutenants of various ranks In charge. According to the general's plans, every man became a trained soldier without leaving his fa-m and had his equipment ready at hand. ‘To h a point of perfection was the syste:n carried that within forty-eight hours aft-r the present war was declared the Boer na- tion was under arms It w South African amassing th tions and them in such go filet now In progre Would Have Killed Jameson. When the Jameson raiders were locked up in Pretoria jail Joubert was strongly im favor of thetr immediate execution. It Was not until Joubert and Kruger had been closeted together for a whole night that the more merciful counsels of Kruger pre- Natled. In spite of these characteristics, Joubert on some occasions showed cousiderable re- gard for the usages of civilization. When the Beers raided British territury, Bech- waraland, in 18s+, Joubert was probably the only prominent Boer who refused to support the movement, and his opposition resulted in the withdrawal of the Boers from the territory selzed, as he threatened Joubert that tae Hes cceeded = in e Stores of war muni- which have stood 1 stead during the con- provisions to resign unless he had his way, saying: “I positively refuse to hold office under a government that deliberately breaks {ts covenants, d we have made covenants ivember last it was reported that General Joubert had been killed in action, and later reports said he was dangerously wounded and had to use a cart in order to follow the operations In the field. ‘The circumstances of the death of Gen- eral Joubert are not explained In the dis- patch frém Lorenzo Marques, which recalls the fact that William Cox, newspaper cor- responden recently released from imprisonment at Pretoria and who has ar- The Fvening Star. THE ROAD TO FORTUNE, The Road to Fortune is through Printer’s Ink.—P. T. Barnum. rived at Durban, apparently suspected of haif-heartedness, and that his life would be in danger at the Tuesday, pied Jage of President Steyn’s daughter. Lieut Churchill. ans fa fully nence fcting that way authoritative. WASHINGTON, D. C., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 1900-FOURTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. 2id General Joubert was hands of the burghers if Pretoria was be- sieged. MILNER AT BLOEMFONTEIN. His Visit Thoaght to Be of a Political Character. LONDON, March 28.—The British high commissioner, Sir Alfred Milner, arrived at Bloemfontein last night aud was met by Lord Roberts and his staff. According to a dispatch from Bloemfon- tein, published in the second edition of the tmes, the high commissioner's visit is of a private nature. It is thought this can scarcely be anything but an official subter- fuge, the question of the pacification of the Free State and the treatment of the in: tween Lord Roberts and Sir Alfred Milner. urgents doubtless being discussed be- According to the same dispatch, General French, previous to returning to Bloemfon- tein, oceupied the flour mills near Batter, which are considered an important acqui- sition. Reports from Rouxville and other towns say the surrender of arms to the British continues satisfactorily. Gen, Clements’ column entered Fauresmith March 27, having previously occu- ‘ontein. Magistrates were ap- pointed, the proclamation was read, bands music met the troops and flags were flown. The scenes resembled the American occupation of Porto Rican towns. = at Fauresmith wa Heavy rains Gen. Clements’ march hard, and are ng sickness among the troops. Boerx Reoecupy Ladybrand. A dispatch from Maseru, Basutoland, dated Tuesday, March 27, says the appar- y reliable reports that the Boers are re-entering Ladybrand cause the presump- tion that the British troops have crossed the line of the Boer retreat toward Kroon- stadt and that a fignt or surrender near Ladybrand is imminent. As Maseru dis- patches are not distinguished for their ac- Among the spectato curacy and as the British force near Lady- brand, under Col. Pilcher, 1s quite small, nothing very definite seems likely to result from the operations. Further advices from Mafeking, dated March 16, reiterate that all was well there and that the cordon was not so tightly érawn, the Boers allowing natives to 7 through their lines, which they had pre- viously forbidden. ‘The native refugees are reported to be too stupid and lazy to work or take cover from the shells. They gather in crowds around the soup kitchens and have to be driven away when the warning bell rings. The bombardment, just previous to the dispatch being sent, had been unusually vigorous, and it was added that it was probable that before long the rations would be still further reduced. ‘Two Boer prisoners escaped from the camp at Simonstown March The sick- ux is unabat and many of the are in a serious condition. Scant News From Gen. Buller. The only word from Gen. Buller is a re- port of the officers who have recovered from wound and who have returned to duty, which list includes the name of John Churchill, brother of Winston 1 dispatch from Bloemfontein Phe pe f inaction is coming to an end. pps are being pushed to the front and transports and stores are being lecte The men are in grand c¢ and © horses are picking up wonder- However, the reports regarding the imi- of a forward movement are so con- they cannot be taken in any COMPLIMEN FROM WOLSELEY. Commander-in-Chief of British Army Addresxen the Militia. LONDON, March 28.—Presiding at the an- nual meeting of the Militia Rifle Association this afternoon, the commander-in-chief of the forces, Lord Wolseley, said the country was to he congratulated on the manner in which the war was proceeding. Great Britain, he pointed out, had in the field the largest army ever sent across the seas in the history of the world, and composed ot finest men he had ever seen in any army. This satisfactory situation, he con- tinued, primarily due 0 the wonderful army system inaugurated by Lord Card- well, but for which it would have been im- y on the as had it not been for fa and reserves Great Britain would in a very bad way. MR. HAY GOES TO KROONSTADT. American Consul Will Arrange for Hepresentation in Free State. PRETORIA, Monday, March 26.—United States Consul Hay and his secretary have gone to Kroonstadt to make necessary ar- rangements for United States representa- tion in the Free State. A dispateh received here from the Boer headquarters in Natal announces that the destruction continues of coal mines likely to be useful to the British. The Dundee colliery has been blown up, the machinery has been destroyed and the mine has been rendered useless for three months to come. According to a dispatch from Kroon- stadt, Commandant Olivier has joined Gen- erals Groblaar and Lemner, who are safe. General Delarey is still sick at Pretoria, but he will proceed to the front Sunday. ‘Trams are frequently leaving with burghers for the fighting line on this side of Bloem- fontein. The Standard and Diggers’ News says it learns that Generals Olivier, Groblaar and Lemner have arrived at a point sufficiently far north to relieve all apprehensions of the possibility of their being cut off. It is expected they will arrive at Winburg in a few days and effect a junction with Gen- eral Dewet, when the federals’ position, it is declared, will formidably oppose Lord Roberts. Reports received from the various banks of the republics show that the cash hold- ings amount to £2,233,057 sterling. Mr. Hay's Kroonstadt Visit. ‘The State Department has heard nothing from United States Consul Adelbert Hay respecting his reported visit to Kroonstadt, but it is not doubted that he has gone to the Free State capital to establish there something in the nature of a consular agency. The United States had a represen- tative at Bloemfontein before the outbreak of war in the person of Alfred Elliott, but he was a British subject and was obliged to quit the town to Insure his safety. All of this territory Is within the consular dis- trict of Pretoria, so that Mr. Hay ts sim- ply placing ah agent at an important posi- tion during this visit to Kroonstadt. ——~+__ PROTEST TO THE PORTE. Ambassadors at Constantinople Object to Higher Duties. CONSTANTINOPLE, March 28.—The for- eign embassies here have sent a collective note to the government declaring in post- tive terms that they will consent to no in- crease in the import dutfes without a pre- vious understanding being reached between the powers and the porte. The embassies also propose to protest against the stamp duties already put in force without such an agreement being made. sco German Reichstag Adjourns, BERLIN, March 28.—The reichstag today adopted the budget bill and adjourned tor the Easter holidays, until Apml 24. NOT FAR FROM BLOWS | NAVY DEPARTMENT CLERKS| MR, MACRUM’S STORY Sensational Incident in a Committee Room, IDAHO INQUIRY WAS IN PROGRESS Mr. Lentz Resents the Statement of an Attorney. GOV. STEUNENBERG RESUMES The fifth day of Gov. Steunenberg’s testi- timony in the Couer d'Alene investigation began today. Representative Lentz con- tinued the cross-questioning. The governor said he had been in the Coeur d'Alene region during two days in february, before coming here. There were three state deputies on duty at that time, and Dr. France, who has been in the ser- vice ef the state continuously throughout the treuble. On one of his previous visits he talked with Stimson, one of the impris- cned men. He had been told by Dr. France there was evidence connecting Stimson with the conspiracy: that on April 15, prior to the blowing up of the mill, Stimson had told a certain individual to get out of Wardner, as there was golng to be trouble. The governor detailed a number of v ncisco, Spokane and elsewhere, said he met officials of the At a meeting at Spokane he mine owners there would be no of the permit system. The owners were opposed to this permit em, and wanted to employ any men che But the governor said he in- that the state of Idaho would the employment of criminals. s to how long permit system would continue, but he id he intended to enforce it as long as it seemed necessary to insure ord Mr. Lentz asked if this me ernor would do as he pl subject, to which the witne he would do a the permit told the modification ne thes formed then not permit He had made no statement uh nt that the ased on the replied that his judgment dictated. If tem had resulted in uw loss to the mi of half a million dolar Mr. Lentz stated, the governor said he did not care for that, as it was a necessary re- course by the state. Like Louls XIV, marked Mr. Lentz. Mr. Lentz’s allusion to Louis XIV caused 2 prolonged discussion. A nal episode occurred entative Lentz i ‘ou are the state,” re- at this Attorney Cheney Defends Depattes. Mr. Chesney, the attorney appearirg in behalf of the state of Idaho. interposed a protest and said: “I hurl back at you thi statement. The deputies are reputable men.” Mr. Lentz indignantly re ference of private counsel, and addre the attorney, sai uu oUght to be kicked out of the nd you would be if the majority of this committee When Mr. Lentz at previous testimor > conduc empted to read from concerning the Improp- of deputies, Chairman Hull over- ther nettled Mr. ing Mr. Hull, he exe Lentz, and ad- : “TL want in your teeth that ou are a party to protecting this attorney In a lie you a party to it.” mid mu h_confus Mr. 1 mittee and its m and it would have to sto; Representativ hat the attorn » lie to him, and Rep: Tennessee udded: “If any Vi hit him. Mr. Lentz asked the did not call the attorne : He was out of ordes, entirely out of or- der,” ruied Mr. Hull, emphatically. Mr. Cox said that when the attorney uc- cused a member of the committee of false- hood he forfeited his right to appear. “It he says that to me,” added Mr. Cox, ‘either he or I go out of the window.” tative Jett of J s said that of prote the committee he 2 that the a ny be expelled from the committee room. Many members were on their feet, trying to secure recognition, when Mr. Jett made his motion. No Intention to Be Offensive. , Before taking action the committee gave Mr. Cheney an opportunity to be heard. He explained that he did not intend to say that Mr. Lentz had told a falsehood, but simply to deny the statement that the Idaho dep- utes lived with disreputable women. He apologized for any misapprehension, Mr. Cox yemarked that a man must either “fight or apologize” in such case, and the apology settled it. Mr. Jett withdrew his motion for expul- sion, and the outbreak was brought to a close. Goy. Steunenberg then proceeded with his testimony. He said he had recently re- ceived a petition addressed to the Secretary of War concerning the retention of the nited States troops in the Coeur d'Alene. disclaimed any knowledge of men being discharged for refusing to sign the petition, or of state deputies circulating the petition. The committee then adjourned until to- morrow, when Goy. Steunenberg will con- tinue his evidence. Feeling After Adjournment. While the members were separating after adjournment Chairman Hull said to Mr. Lentz that the latter's personal attacks on him had gone as far as they could, and if they were renewed “the room will not be big enough to hold us both. Mr. Lentz replied that he would take care of himself. The intense feeling aroused was manifest leng after the proceedings closed. ——————_+e—_____ MUZZLING OF DOGS. on Chairman Hull de- ntz hud insulted the com- nbers as far as he could, Inja arose to tter not give ntative Cox of man insults me an why he to order, mean: vould me Resolution of Inquiry Adopted by the Senate. In the Senate today Mr. Gallinger intro- duced a resolution, which was agreed to, calling for an Inquiry on the subject of the muzziing of dogs in the District of Colum- bia. The resolution provides: “That the committe2 on the District of Columbia is hereby directed to make care- ful inquiry and investigation as to the ne- cessity of further continuing the muzzling of dogs in the District of Columbia, report to be made to the Senat> at the ‘earliest practicable day, showing when and by whom the order was issued, the alleged reasons for the order and upon what ground it ts being kept in force.” oe DANISH WEST INDIES. The State Department Denies Report of Their Acquisition. The State Department adds its denial to that of the Danish foreign office relative to the Paris story that the United States had completed the acquisition of the Dan- ish West Indian Islands. There are indica- tions that the negotlations which have for so long occupied the attention of the two governments at intervals may be attended by success at a reasonably early date. but it is certain'y premature to announce their conclusion at this moment. STATEMENT PREPARED CLASSIFY- ING THEM AS TO AGES. Six Are Over Seventy-Five, but No One is Permanestly Incapacitated for Manaal Labor. Statements are being préyiared in all the executive departments in anfwer {o a reso- lution adopted by the; Senate on the 16th Instant calling upon the heads of the varl- ous departments for statements showing “the namber of persons employed in their respective departments and bureaus as clerks, messengers, etc., of the following ages: Number between 14 and 19, inclusive; between 20 and 29, inclusive; between 30 and 39, inclusive; between 40 and 49, in- clusive; between 50 and 59, inclusive; be- tween 60 and G4, inc'usive; between 65 and 9, Inclusive; between 70 and 7, inclusive; between 75 and 79, inclusive, and above 80; also the number now on the rolls of the re- spective departments and bureaus who are permanently incapacitated, elther physi- cally or mentally, for the performance of manual labor in who%e or in part.” The answer of the Secretary of the Navy was prepared today, and, although brief and entirely statistical, is exeeedingly in- teresting. It appears that the average age of em- ployes of the different bureaus and offices of the Navy Department is as follows: Secretary's off 391-17; Judge advocate eneral’s office, 335-6; bureau of ordnance, 19; bureau of medicine and surge 38 0-10 Naval War Records office, 45 7-10; office of naval intelligence, 3444; bureau of steam engineering, ; bureau of nav- igation, 35 22-31; u of supplies and ac- counts n of construction and National Almanac office, bureau of equipment, 393-17; naval rvatory, 4115-37; hydrographic office, s ; bureau of yards and docks, 3621-22. The statement shows the ages in the dif- ferent classes called for by the Senate reso- jution as follows; Eetween 14 and 19 years, inclusive, 9 em- 118 employes; between 30 and 3 clusive, 144 employes; between 40 ai lusive, 81 employes; betw ears, inclusive, 66 employes tween 60 and 64 years, inclusive, 4) em- ployes; between 65 and 69 ygars, inclusive, 7 employes; between 70 and 74 years, in- clusive, 7 employes; between 75 and 3 inclusive, 6 employes; above S0 years, 1 employ The average age of the 458 employ the Navy Department is 3949 ure 3% male employes of an rage age female employes of an Most of the femat average age of 42 56-6 s Naval War Records are employed in the office. nding there are 40 employ ars of age, of which number 6 are there are no employes on the rolls perma- nently incapacitated for tne performance of over manual labor. ———_--e PORTO RICAN PRODUCTS. Nelnon Proposes, Stamp atead of a Buty. Davis and Neison introduced amendmen to the Porto Bico bill today. Senator Dayis’ amendment Is a modification of his previous amendment, andsit provides for a duty on tobacco and tum when brought Into the United States from Porto Rico. Senator Nelson's amendment is a substi- tute for scetion 9 of the bill, and is as fol- low “Section 9. That on and after the passage of this act ull articles imported into the United States from Porte Rico, and all ar- Ucles imported into Porto Rico from the United States shall be exempt from duty: provided, however, that articles of Porto Rican manufacture coming Into tne United Siates shall before being withdrawn for consumption or sale be subject to the pay- ment of a tax equal to the internal revenue tax imposed in the United States upon the like articles of domestic manufacture; such tax to be paid by Internal revenue stamp or stamps to be purchased and provided by the commissioner of internal revenue, and to be procured from the co‘lectyr of internal reve- nue at or most convenient to the sort of entry of said articles in the United States, and to be affixed under such regulations Mr. ‘Tax In- Senators the commissioner of internal revenue, with the approval of the S cretary of the Treas. Investigation of Charges Regarding Ammunition for the Navy Admiral Charles O'Neil is investigating charges that defective ammunition has been supplied to the Navy Department. The Driggs-Seabury Company of Derby, Conn., is the concern which it ts charged furnish- €d the alleged defective ammunition, and it is intimated that a naval officer whose duty it was to inspect the alleged fauity material will be called upon for an ex- planation. It is even intimated that he may have to stand a trial by a naval court. Acting on information received, a special inspection was ordered of shells furnished by the company in question to the com- mundant of the Bostén navy yard, the re- sult of which has not yet been announced. In connection with this investigation four alleged defective projectiles are to be sent to the proving grounds at Indian Head for ballistic tests.. So far as known none of the suspected shells have been issued to the service, and until the facts of the matter have been disclosed by actual inspection the officials say they will decline to discuss the matter for publication ip any phase. Oo WORK TO GO ON. Order Suspending It st Dry Tortugas Revoked. As a result of a conference between the President and the Secretarles of War and the Navy yesterday, the recamt order di- recting a suspension of work«in the con- struction of a coaling>statign at Dry Tor- tugas has been revoked. his action was taken upon representations that the island was imperatively neaded#as a-coaling sta- tion for the benefit ef tie numerous gov- ernment vessels cruising*in te West In- dies. The naval work was* temporarily suspended a few days ago ‘with a vizw to the transfer of the Islamd.to the marine hospital service, for the @stablishment of a quarantine station for sBips eoming from tropical countries Infeeted with yellow fever. Secretary Root visited the Dry Tor- tugas on his recent trip to Cuba, and it is said to be mainly on his representations that the order was issued for a resumption of work on the nava} coaling station. There are extensive fortificationg on the island, the construction of which has cost the goy- ernment nearly $2,000,000, and it is not re- garded as good policy to practically aban- don them for the temporary advantages to be derived from the establishment of a quarantine station ag thé island. Another gicion will be aelseted ip tha vicinity for a quarantine station. * Personal Meht Mr. A. L. Reed, District passenger agent of the Atlantic Coast Line, has gone to Savannah to arrange some important de- tails connected with the northern business of the company, H2 will be absent several weeks. 2 Mr. and Mrs, A. Maurice Low have gone to Jamaica for a short trip, s \ Secretary Long reports that | Tells Foreign Affairs Committee About Opened Mail, FAILED 0 OFFICIALLY REPORT I? Secretary Hay States the Depart- ment’s Attitude. AN APOLOGY GIVEN Charles E. Macrum of East Liverpool, Ohio, the American ex-consul at Pretoria, appeared before the House foreign affairs committee today and told of the alleged indignities he suffered at the hands of the British during his incumbency. When he gave out his statement here some weeks ago declaring that his official mail had been opened by British officials Representative Wheeler of Kentucky in- troduced a resolution for an investigation. It was subsequently arranged that. the foreign affairs committee should take the matter up of ite own motion without any direction from the House, and Mr. Ma- crum was summoned to Washington to testify. There were many visitors in the commit- tee room when Chairman Hitt called the committee to order. Mr. Macrum w usked by Chairman Hitt to make such statement as he saw fit regarding the opening of his mail by the British censor. Mr. Macram's Statement. In opening Mr. Macrum recalled the slatement he had made some time ago to the Associted Press. hat statement, he id, practically embodied all he had to say. He explained that when he asked for a leave of absence he desired to come home for private business reasons and also because he desired to place before the United States government certain facts which he deemed it ential should be known here. He understood, he said, that the British had possession of our cable ciph He was not certain of this, but he had since had infotmation which con- vinced him that his suspicions were cor- rect. Alleged Delay in His Mail. Asked as to when ke was first satisfied that his mail was being tampered with, he said that war was declared October 12. He did not receive any mail between that date and the second weck in November. Ordi- narily he had a box ef mail every week. ‘Did other people reecive inail during that riod?" asked Mr. Williams of Mis Not that I know of, crum.+ Pressed for specific information as to how he got the intimation that the British were opening und delaying his mail, he replied that when his mail did not arrive he tele- graphed our consul at Lorenzo Marques re- p questing him to inquire of Cape Town why it was belng delayed. The consul at Lorenzo Marques replied that he also had had no mail. Mr. Macrum said the delay of his mail created a convic- tion in his mind that the British authorities were responsible. The first actual evidence he had was the receipt of two opened let- ter: The Opened Mail. He produced the envelopes which he said contained those letter: One was from a private citizen addressed to the United States consul at Pretoria, and the other was to him by name from Consul Stowe at Cape Town. Mr. Wm. Alden Smith of Michigan inter- rogated the witness sharply on the reasons for stating his belfef that the British au- thorities Nad possession of the State De- partment’s cipher. Mr. Macrum said he could not affirm that fact from actual knowledge, but there were certain facts which convinced him that such Was the case. He explained that on Novem- ber 6 he had cabled the State Department in cipher asking for a leave of absence. That message had gone through Durban. The next day, November 7, he said, he had been informed a newspaper at ‘Durban printed the fact that he had asked for leave of absence. “The message,” sent in the Slater code.” “And you claim the substance of that dis- eee Was made public?” asked Mr. Smith. “t do.” “Where? “In Natal,” “Was it an accurate publication?” ‘I do not know.” Mr. Macrum said he had never seen the publication. He had only been informed that the fact that he had asked leave of absence had been printed. He affirmed that no one knew of this fact save himself. At this point Mr. Howard of Georgia in- terposed to question the utility of the ex- amination of Mr. Macrum. “It looks to me,” said he, “like an effort to concoct a sensation out of nothing.” Granted Leave of Absence. But the committee decided to proceed and, in reply to some questions from Mr. Burle- son, Mr. Macrum stated that he had been granted leave of absence by Secretary Hay November 15. He read to the committee a message from the cable company saying a cipher cable sent by him to the Secretary of State November 14 had been held up by the military censor until December 2. Asked if other consuls had suffered any inconvenience in the matter of communicat- ing with their home government, Mr. Ma- crum said they had. The Belgian and Ger- man, consule both told him that no cipher telegrams were allowed to go through. Did Not Report the Facts. “Did you report to the State Department that your mail had been opened?” asked Mr. Berry of Kentucky. did not.” ‘Did you mention it upon your arrival in Washington “J did not.’ “Why?” “J would prefer not to answer that ques- tion.” This reply raised a general laugh in the committee room. Mr. Adams of Pennsylvania then pro- ceeded to cross question Mr. Macrum rather severely upon the duty of a consul to re- main at his post during complications. Effort to Prevent War. Mr. Macrum proceeded to describe an al- leged meeting between President Steyn of the Orange Free States and Consul Stowe of Cape Town, at which he wag present, in which he said Steyn was very anxious that Stowe should do something to settle the difficulty which was brewing. He sald that President Steyn suggested an appeal to the President of the United States, and that Mr. Stowe had replicd that he would be giad if some such thing could be done. “And I have reason to believe that the question was submitted to the President of the United States,” added Mr. Macrum, and that he returned an unfavorable re- ply.” + “What makes you say that?” inquired Mr. HI : said Mr. Macrum, ‘twas tate Department cipher of the was told so by Col. Stowe.” Was that statement in writing?” Tt was.” ‘Have you the letter?” “No; it is in the files of the Pretoria con- sulate.”” After further questioning Mr. said he might have a co} could not say positively Macrum y of the letter; he Subsequently he AT THE WHITE HOUSE The President Urged Charleston, S. C. —— HIS PLANS FOR THE SUMMER Gen. Manderson Says He is Out of Politics. said he thought he could produce it in a short time. Mr. Macrum went over the exchange of telegrams with the State Department rela- tive to his leave, but as these were in the cipher of the department the committee did not call for them. Why He Made No Report. He stated that his reason for not making a report to the State Devartment on the conditions in South Africa was that when he called on Assistant Secretary Hill he said to Mr. Hill that he understood he had been relieved. Mr. Hill respended that this was true. Under such circumstances Mr. Macrum said he had no report to make to the department. He endeavored, however, to see the Secretary of State, but was told that Mr. Hay was out. After hearing Mr. Macrum, the commit- tee went into executive session. Chairman Hitt presented a letter from Secretary Hay giving in detail the department's view of the subject, and this was subsequently made public. The committee took no action as to making a report, and it was stated by members that there was nothing to be done beyond taking the testimony. Secretary Hay's Statement. Secretary Hay’s letter giving the official view of the case, is as follows: WASHINGTON, March 23, 1900. Hon. R. R. Hitt, Chairman Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representa- tives. Sir: In response to your inquiries of this morning, I have the honor to report that up to this date Mr. Macrum, late consul of the United States at Pretoria, has made no representations to this department in regard to the opening of his mail by the British euthorities. Although without any information ex- cept the allegations of Mr. Macrum, 10 which a reference was made in a resolution of the House of Represcntatives, making certain inquiries of this department, I men- tioned the matter to the British ambassa- to Visit OTHER CALLERS TODAY Senator McLaurin, on behalf of the peo- ple of Charleston, S. C., formally invited the President to visit that city in July, the occasion being the annual convention of the National Educational Association, the offi- cials of which have already invited the President to attend. The President said that he will probably, attend, although it is against his intentions to make many trips this year. Tne Presi- dent fears that éxcursions’ during a prest- dential year muy be misunderstood. In case of the South Carolina invitation, how- ever, Senator McLaurin assured him that this could not be the case. Many invitations have been extended the President, but he has accepted none except one made many mouths ago to visit Call- fornia on the occasion of the launching of the battle ship Ohio at Francisco, This will occur in the summer, after the Presi- dor, who made inguiry in regard to it of the | dent has been renominated. The chief ex- British government, and was informed in] ecutive may make a few speeches on this return that the British government was | trip, but after that he will it under- not aware of any such incident having taken place, but if anything of the sort had occurred, it was contrary to the in- structions of that government I received no further information in re- gard to the matter until the 21st of this racnth, when this government was informed by a dispaten from Mr. J. G. Stowe, consul general of the United States at Cape Town, that: High Commissioner Apologizes. “Two letters from this consulate, one to Pretoria and one to Lorenco Marques, were opened by the censor at Durban. Upon notice of this I called upon the high com- stood before going away to any place that he is not to be expected to make speeches, Chin Pom Ye Going Aw: Chin Pom Ye, his farewell respects to President today. He was accompanted by Secretary Hay. He ts going to leave the mission which he has filled so acceptably to his own country and this for years, and becomes the minister of Corea to France, Austria and Russia, with headquarters Im St. Peters- burg. President McKinley was sincere in saying to the departing diplomat that he re- gretted the transfer which has been made. the Corean minister, paid McKinley missioner, who wired Durban, and a very |The President had met Mr. and Mrs. Ye at getisfactory apology was returned.” nearly all of the White House social func- This is all the information possessed by | {es during the winter and had learned to Mke them much. Has Had Enough of Politics. Ex-Senator Manderson of Nebraska was at the White House during the morning. Gen. Manderson is president of the Nation- al Bar Association, the executive commit- tee of which is in session here to arrange for the annual convention at Saratoga in this department in regard to the incident. In reference to certain a‘legations as to our consuls in South Africa having been approached with suggestions of mediation, I have the honor to reply that in a dispatch of the 3d of October, received at this de- partment on the 6th of November, and the only one on our file relating to this matter, Mr. Stowe reported as follows: ‘Under ihe date of Seprember 26 I received from the United Btates consular agent at Bloemfon- | AVSUSt._ The committee will visit the tein, O. F. 8, a letter which reads as fel. | White House this afternoon to invite the low: Fresident to go to Saratoga during the “"I saw President Steyn this afternoon | gathering by his request, and he would like to have you find out at once, if your (my) govern- ment will consent for you to act as abit tor, and if you can also find out ff the high commissioner would also consent. The president anpears to think whatever is done should be done at once, and wishes to know if you can give him this information. Consul General Stowe's Efforts. “I replied by wire as follows: ‘Will reply by wire to your letter of the 2éth this afternoon.’ When Gen. Manderson was asked about the use of his name in connection with the republican vice presidential nomination he said: “I am out of potitics for guod, and would not enter again for anything. I made myself poor in politics, and I am going to stay eut now and try to earn a hving.” Gen. Manderson admits that he takes a live interest in political affairs yet. He referred to the democratic contention that the Constitution follows the flag. “This is absurd,” he sald. “Buppose we should have a war with China and as an “After giving the above request careful|indemnity should t that country? consideration, 1 called upon the high com-| Would any one say that the Constitution . went there and made those people citi- missioner same Gate, and in the course of zens, giving them the same commercial and other laws as ourselves? Suppose we had taken Spain as an indemnity in the last war? Would the Constitution have gone there? Gave Him a “Warm Welcome.” Notwithstanding he is out of politics, Gen. Manderson says it gives him pleasure to occasionally return here and get among his friends in the Senate. Then he told how he gave Senator Proctor a “warm welcome” yesterday. Gen. Manderson was in the Ben= ate cloak room talking with old friends, He had a lighted cigar in his hand. Sena- tor Proctor saw him and hastened to grasp his hand in fellowship. The Vermont sena- tor grasped hand, cigar and all. That's what Ge Manderson cails giving Senator Proctor a “warm welcome.” Col. O'Beirne a Visitor. Col. James R. O' Beirne of New York, who sovght to secure recognition by the State Department as the representative in Unis country of the Transvaal government, had an interview with President McKinley. Col. O'Beirne is a leader of the Irish-Amri-| cans in New York, and has always been a personal friend of the President. It is not” thought probable that he could have brought up the South African contest in his interview, but there are many official of the administration who believe that the South African republics will ask this coun- uy to act for them if they are compelled to officially acknowledge defeat. It is not known how this could be done, but the two ltttle republics look to the United States for’ such good offices as can be rendered. Says Sentiment is Changing. Representativ2 Hopkins of Illinois pre- sented some friends to the President. Mr. Hopkins says that public sentiment ts sure to eventually sustain the administration in its attitude on a tariff for Porto Rico. Mr. Hopkins wrote a defense of the House's ac- tion for a well-known megazine. He ts re- ceiving a number of letters from people who have read the article. THe writers of the letters, he says, declare that the people are beginning to change their views. Mra. McKinley Better. Mrs. McKinley is still confined to her room from the attack of grip which at first threatened serious consequences, but she ts much improved and ts thought to be wall on her way to recovery. Dr, Rixey has given her case close and careful attention, Many Visitors Received. The President, by appointment, received sev2ral large parities of visitors. Repre- sentative Littlefield of Maine was in charge of a party of more than 100 from New Eng- land states. There was applause when the party first caught a glimpse of the Presi- ; dent. Senator Galling>r, Representative Ketch- am of New York, Representatives Burke and Kleberg of Texas and Repr-sentative Sibley of Pennsylvania were likewise with friends and constituents who desired to meet the President. —__—_++_____—_- NAVAL PROMOTIONS. conversation said: ‘When I dined with you the other day you stated your government would never consent to arbitration by out- side powers or representatives, and your published dispatches so state. Are you of the same opinion?’ And he replied: ‘What I might like to do I cannot do now, as my hands are tied." Then I told him in sub- stance what I had been asked by the pres- ident of the Orange Free State, and the high commissioner sal “Please state the following as your rep! which he dictated, and which appears in the following copy of my telegraphic dispatch to the United States consular agent at Bloemfontein, in the words underlined, to which I added the first five words not underline ‘annot ask government myself. Seen party requested; though personally favorable to further ne- gotiations, thinks he cannot move on the line proposed.’ “Believing it a courtesy due to the United States Consul Macrum at Pretoria, I sent the following dispatch same date: ‘Was asked by the Free State to ask our govern- ment would consent for me to arbitrate and to see the high commissioner, and re- plied:" Here follows the above dispatch. Dispatches sent in code. “I also deemed it right to post Consul Macrum as above, not only for the reason that the Orange Free State is in his juris- diction, but for the further reason that he had satd in a communication to me of the same date, ‘Nothing can be done here for peace unless matters settled your end. Over 1,000 men sent to border last night; if anything done must be quickly done; the high commissioner should do something for peace. “It was a question in my mind if I ought to take any action at all on the request of the Orange Free State president, but the high commissioner afterward sald to me that I had acted right and that he was grateful at my action. Macrum’s Request for Leave. As you also inquired what there was on file in regard to the departure of Mr. Mac- rum from his post at Pretoria I have the honor to inform you that on the 7th of November Mr. Macrum telegraphed re- questing leave, “Permission visit America. Absolutely imperative; private and official business. Amerigen fighting; Attlebury, American, takes charge. Cable quickly.” To this I replied: “Your presence Pretoria utmost importance to public interests." He then, on the 11th of November, cabled: “No reply. Department will approve leave on explanation. Imperative. Cab’e imme- diatel, The next day he cabled again: ‘Cable re- ceived. Everything quiet. Attlebury capa- ble; experienced. My presence home abso- lutely necessary.” On the 18th he cabled once more: “Three cables requesting leave unanswered. Sub- stitute suffieient here, but not at home. Please cable acquiescence quick. Ship sail- ing soon.” In reply to this, on the 20th of November, I answered: ‘Your presence Pretoria im- portant to public intereet: On the 1st of December Mr. Macrum once more*cablei me: “No reply. Department will approve leave on explanation. Impera- tive. Cable immediately. And again same date: “Can't leave with- out permission. Will forfeit post if depart- suet don’t approve on explanation, Please reply.” Told to Come Home. Upon this, inferring from these dispatches that Mr. Macrum was in a etate of mind which would make his services in Pretoria useless, I answered on the 2d of December: “You may come home. Put Attlebury tem- porarily in charge. Department will send a man from here.’ Soon after this I received several news- paper articles and letters from responsibie persons asserting that Attlebury, whom Macrum wished to place temporarily in charge of the consulate, was a person of disreputable character and a fugitive from justice. I therefore directed Mr. Hollis, con- sul at Lorenzo Marques, to proceed at once to Pretoria and take temporary charge of the consulate until the arrival of Mr. A. S. Hay, who had been appointed consul. Iam, sir, very truly, your obedient serv- ant, JOHN HAY. Capt. Terry Becomes a Rear Admiral on Admiral Day’s Retirement, ‘The retirement of Rear Admiral Day will result in the promotion of Capt. Silas Terry, | a member of the naval retiring board, to be rear admiral; Commander James H. © Dayton, in charge of the San Juan naval | station, to be captain; Lieut. Comander W. | H. Turner to be commander, and a es Albert Gleaves, now at Ythe Washington navy yard, to be Neutenant commander, ——__—__-+ «+ —— Death of Consul Barnes. The State Department has been advised of the death last night at Cologne of United States Consul John A. Barnes. Mr. Barnes was born in Ohio and was appointed from Iilincis im October, 1807, aa consul to Cologne.