Evening Star Newspaper, April 5, 1900, Page 1

——__—__+_. THR EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAY Temporary Business Office, 1109 Peansyivania Aveaue. The Evening Star Company. S fh. KAUFF Pret New York Office: 126 Tribune Building. Chicago Office: Boyce Building. Tendon Office: Trafalgar Buildings, Trafalgar Square. Jag Star ts served to subseribers in the pee reek, or 44 coats per month. Copies at the counter, 2 cents each. —anyw! Tnited Seaton or Canada—postage prepaid—60 cents c Wieturday Quintn) Pig es ‘$1 per year; with Eaterad atthe Peat Otice at Washington, D. O.. “E> All call sabecriptious Gast be pald in a@vance. ‘al 3 Rsive of sdvertio‘ng msde known on apptication, Che Fve + ng Star. No. 14,696. WASHINGTON, D. C., THE SORTIE FAILED Unsuccessful Attempt to Relieve Gar- rison at Mafeking. COL PLUMER'S COLUMN REPULSED Boers Still Closing in South and East of Bloemfontein. ROBERTS’ BASE THREATENED LONDON, April 5—A special dispatch from Lorenzo Marques says sharp fighting occurred April 2 in the neighborhood of Mafeking. The garrison made a sortie, while Gen. Plumer’s cavalry attacked the Boers at Ramathlabama. Both attacks were repulsed. Twenty of Col. Plumer’s men were found dead on the field and six ethers were made prisoners. The federal losses were small. TRIALS OF ESCAPED PRISONERS. Capt. Haldane and Lient. Le Mesurier Give Experiences. LONDON, April 6.—Further details just received from Lorenzo Marques in regard te Capt. Haldane of the Gordon Highland- ers and Lieut. Le Mesurier of the Dublin Fustliers, who recently arrived there after escaping from Pretoria, encountering pert- ous adventures in the way, show that their expertences were very similar to those of Winston Churchill, the war cor- respondent, who also escaped from Pre- torla in December last. Hiding In swamps during the day time, having narrow es- capes from Boer patrols and traversing 100 miles of country, Capt. Haldane and Le Mesurier at length reached valeover, in the South African re- where they hid in an open railroad . covered with tarpaulin. nuing the narrative of their ex- the two off rs said: jaybreak, to our delight, the train off After eight hours we arrived atie Port, but were dismayed by the switching of’ our truck to a siding, while the remainder of the train moved on Into the promised land, only a mile dls- fter half an hour, to our great con- m, we heard some one unfasten ulin, the darkness of the truck nged to brilliant daylight, and a Dutchman looked over the contents. For hours we did not move and were cramped and stifled by the heat. The following 9 our inte e delight, the truck is train and we so e into Por se territe added that he and Lieut. sr hope soon to join their regi- Mesur sand face the Boe n. The two ers show traces of t rdships they have endured, their long hair and un- shaven faces peing particularly noticeable. THREATENING ROBERTS’ BASE LINE. Parties of Boers East and South of Bloemfontein. LONDON, April 5.—Detached bodies of Boer horse, numbering from 500 to 1,000 each. have appeared at several places to the southward and eastward of Bloemfon- tein, threatening the railroad, but commu- nication by wire and rail is not in the least affected. One of these forces is near East Springfontein. on the Bloemfontein ratl- road, and General Gatacre’s forces are re- ported to be about to engage !t. Lord Rob- erts, except to safeguard the railroad, mingly declines to send columns chasing the Boer bane He is reserving his cav- iry and transport animals for the forward movement. Explana rg indirect the war office as to why Lord Rob- active are that there has been @ orses for remounts, but new horses fn loads hourly. The road is so great that officers have not d from Cape Town for three pressure private par been forwarc weeks. Situation in Free State. situation In the Free State remains far from clear and ts un: factory to Bri observers. The sickness among the Boer prisoners at Simonstown continues to rease. Five men died April 3. The pris- oners who were on board the transport iiongolian have been transferred to the shore camp. Unless the sickness abates it fs not that more prisoners will be for the front ef Canadian g has returned to Cape —+~+<+____ STEYN STILL HAS HOPE. Free State President's Addre: at Opening of the Raad. PRETORIA, day, April 2—In his speech at th raad, Presid pening of the Free State jared that In spite ein he had not the republican The war, he said, was forced upon nsvaal, and nothing remained for 2» Orange Free State but to throw in Its In accordance The war, he the object of terms of the treaty. was begun with ng by arms the independence bought with the blood of the forefathers of nd ad been so successful used the greatest wonder wrid and even to the Boers tribute to the memory of sident Steyn said that the w standing their overwhelm- ing numbers, were violating the flag of and the Red Cross and he was com- ension among the the issuing of proclamations ce between and Lord reeded: ade, but iispatched a deputation ca tn order to bring the ral powers to secure a ces- ndshed, and I greatly de- e efforts be crowned with suc- erved from be- ve up its deariy loved { ‘s Start for Mafeking. GABRERONES, Bechuanaland, Wednes- ¥. March 2s.—Col. Plumer, with a force of British mounted infantry, started on a jay, March With the ing the Boer lines of com- After two rapid night march territory they arrived within twelve miles of tinctly heard the bombard- ment of Mafeking. Having reconnoitered the country with the view of future opera- tions without sighting a single white man, Col. Plumer crossed the railroad south of Lobatsi, which he found in possession of a Boer force. and returned. Thence, finding the railroad hence damaged by Gen. Sny- s main force, he returned to the vicin- Mafeking. umors reach here that a relief column Is approaching Mafeking from the south. MONEY FOR THE NAVY Amount Carried by the Appropria- tion Bill $61,219,916, WARSHIPS 10 COST $28,000,000 Armor Plate at $545 a Ton Recommended. OUR POLICY IN THE FUTURE The naval appropriation bill was today reported to the House by Acting Chairman Foss of the naval committee. The amount carried by the bill is $61,219,916—the largest ever reported to the House from the naval committee. Aside from this the report, which accom- panies the bill, is remarkable for its ar- rayal of facts regarding sea power the world over, foreign naval programs and the comparative strength of the navies of the great maritime powers, accompanied by colored charts showing the upbuilding of the various great navies. Under the head of “naval program,” the report says as to new ships: “For the pur- pose of further increasing the naval es- tablishment of the United States the com- mittee recommend that the President be au- thorized to have built by contract two ie oing coast-line battle ships, carrying the Reaviest armor and most powerful ordnance for vessels of their class upon a trial dis- placement of about 18,500 tons, and to have the highest practicable speed and great ra- dius of action, and to cost, exclusive of armor and armament, not exceeding $3,- 600,000 each; three armored cruisers of about 13,000 tons trial displacement, carry- Ing the heaviest armor and most powerful ordnance for vessels of their class and to have the highest practicable speed and great radius of action, and to cost, exclu- sive of armor and armament, not exceed- ing $4,250,000 each; and three protected cruisers of about 8,000 tons trial displace- ment, carrying the most powerful ordnance for vessels of their class, and to have the highest speed compatible with good cruis- ing qualities and great radius of action, and to cost, exclusive of armament, not ex- ceeding $2,800,000 each. Continuing the report say: Largest Naval Program. “The maximum cost of the ships herein authorized, exclusive of armor and arma- ment, will be $28,350,000. This is the larg- est naval program ever submitted by the committee on naval affairs of the House and is in accord with the wishes and rec- mendations of the Secretary of the Navy and Admiral Dewey. and will, we believe, meet the just demands of public sentiment. The past year in naval con- struction has been marked by the most liberal naval program on the part of all foreign nations. At the present time there is pending in the reichstag of Germany a naval bill which. if passed, will increase the tonnage of the present German navy 422,000 tons, a larger tonnage than that of her present navy Contracts for Armor Plate. As to armor plate, the report tells of the futile efforts to secure armor at $300 and $400 and says: “The battle ships Maine, Ohio and Missouri, now in process of con- struction, require 7,359.42 tons of armor, or 2,453.14 for each vessel. It is believed by the committee that these battle ships of nearly 00 tons displacement, the largest in design which have ever been planned by the Navy Department, should have the best obtainable armor, and, ac- cordingly, your committee recommend that the Secretary of the Navy be authorized to contract for such armor at a cost not to exceed $545 per ton. The best obtain- able armor at the present time Is, accord- ing to all naval authorities, the so-called Krupp armor, which is at least, and has been so proven by ballistic tests, of 25 per cent greater efficiency than that of the Harveyized armor. Every nation in the world fs using the Krupp armor today. Your committee believe that it is little short of disloyalty to recommend any other than the best protection and the best armor for these battle ships to be placed between the bodies of our officers and men and the bullets of the enemy. tinder the last naval appropriation act Congress authorized the construction of the three battle ships Georgia, Pennsyl- vania and New Jersey, and three armored cruisers, West Virginia, Nebraska and Cal- ifornia, but inserted a provision therein as follows: “That no contracts for the armor of any vesse’s authorized by this act shall be made at an average rate exceeding $400 per ton of 2.240 pounds, including royaltl and in no case shall a contract be mi for the construction of the hull of any vi sel authorized by this act until a cont has been made for the armor of such ve: sel. “Your committee recommend that this re- striction be removed and that contracts be authorized so that the construction of the hulls of these vessels may go on without further delay.” Our Naval Policy. One of the most Interesting features of the report is that which discusses “our naval policy.” It gives the gradual upbuilding of our new navy year by year under Secre- tarles Chandler, Whitney, Tracey, Herbert and Long, and says: “We have a navy to- day which includes a considerable number of vessels of every class, and, ship for ship, it will equal that of any navy in the world, “Seventeen years ago we had practically no facilities for buliding ships, and what we had were discredited. We were obliged to buy our armament and armor, and even in one case our pans, from foreign coun- tries. Today we are not only building ships in American shipyards of American ma- terial by American labor on American plans for ourselves, but also for some of the lead- ing nations of the world. Such has been the advance which has been made In naval progress in our own country. “The question may be asked, What shall be our future naval poltey? “Let us bui'd as we have been building— gradually on broad lines and upon the most advanced ideas of naval construction; not so fast that we will be ahead of the ad- vance of naval progress, but slowly enough to secure all the benefits of new improve ments and new inventions, or, better still, to do as the Americar navy has always one when given an opportunity, to lea © march of the best naval construction.” oe NO DEMONSTRATION. Admiral and Mrs. Dewey Unrecogniz- ed at the Railway Station. Admiral and Mrs. Dewey left Washington at 11 o'clock this morning for Philadel- phia. There was no demonstration at the depot when they alighted from their car- riage and passed through the crowded waiting rooms to the train. They drove to the Pennsylvania station unattended ex- cept by the footman and Chinese attend- ant. When they entered the station both the ladies’ reception room and the general waiting room were well filled with people waiting to take trains or to meet arriving friends. Few, if any, present recognized in the erect, gray-mustached little man of dapper appearance, proud walk and beaver hat, with a stylishly dressed lady leaning on his arm, the Manila hero and recently annovnced candidate for the presidency. Attended by their two servants, they went @t once to the special Pennsylvania car, No, “Since studying this subject I am convinced that the office of the President is not THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1900—TWENTY-TWO PAGES. TWO CENTs. IN TRAINING one to fill”—From Admiral Dewey’s statement. such a very difficult 180, which had been attached to the 11 o'clock train for their accommodation. They were met at the gate by the station master, who escorted them to the ca which they occupied by themselves, their servants leaving after putting wraps and reading matter aboard. ——_—_-+___ DEFENDS SENATOR CLARK. Roger Foster Argues Before the Elec- tions Committee. Attorney Birney continued his argument in the case of Senator Clark of Montana before the Senate committee on elections today. He was followed by Mr. Roger Foster in Mr. Clark’s behalf. Mr. Foster's plea was quite sensational in its denunciation of the prosecution aga{nst Mr. Clark. There was an effort, he said, to make it appear that Mr. Clark was more profligate and more corrupt than any of them—a_ veritable Count of Monte Cristo. But this was all the dream of an opium smoker and was untrue. Mr. Foster then turned hfs attention tion to the law in the case. He asserted that if all the testimony taken were true it would not affect Mr. Clark's right to his seat in the Senate, and proceeded to sus- tain this position by an elaborate presenta- tion of authorities. —_—____+ 0 +____. JUDGE BROW ACTION Denounced by the Solicitor General an Outrageous. The action of Judge Brown of the United States district ccurt at New York in re- fusing a warrant for the removal of Con- tractors B. D. Greene and J. F., B. H. and W. T. Gaynor, indicted in Savannah, Ga., in connection with the frauds alleged to have been perpetrated by Capt. Carter, was @ great surprise to the officials of the De- partment of Justice. Attorney General Griggs spoke of the de- elsion as unwarranted by the law or the facts, and said that under it violators of the laws of the United States could escape pun- ishment, except by chance they were appre- hended in the district where the offense was committed. Solicitor General Richards characterized the decision as outrageous, and said ihat it would defeat the ends of justice in a very large number of criminal cases. The crim- inal statutes, he said, could nct be enforced if Judge Brown's decision were allowed to stand. it is learned that the government will take steps to nullify the deciston. WILL FAVOR CONCURRENCE. Republican Leaders’ Plan on Porto Rican Bill. The republicans of the House will hold a conference on the Porto Rican tariff bill at 8 o'clock tonight for the purpose of try- ing to get together on somo plan of action. t is expected that the bill will be reported back to the House Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, with a recommendation of concurrence. It is doubtful whether the question will be presented to the House in such a way as to permit a direct vote on the question of substituting free trade for the tariff provision; and it is likely that the opponents to the tariff will have to choose between taking the bill as it is or of de- feating it outright. Will Not Attend the Conference. The republicans of the House who voted against the original bill at an informal conference held this afternoon decided not to attend the conference tonight. One of the members most prominently identified with the opposition stated that “the spirit of insurrection is as strong as ever,” and that a recent private meeting had shown there was no falling off in the strength of the opposition. The republican members of the insular committee of the House held an extended conference today on the Porto Rico bill. Those present included Chairman Payne of the ways and means committee, Chairman Cooper of the insular committee and Messrs. Cannon, Hitt, Hepburn, Loud, Moody and others. No definite agreement was made, but the general sentiment was favorable to taking the judgment of the conference of all republican members to be held tonight. While the views expressed at the meeting differed somewhat as to whether the Senate changes should be accepted the general dis- position on plans and policy appeared to be along the lines heretofore given. ~— AT THE WHITE HOUSE MR. W. S. KNOX SUGGESTED For DISTRICT COMMISSIONERSHIP. Appointment Made for Delegation in Hin Interest—Successor to Webster Davis Probably Selected. The list of candidates for District Com- missioner ‘has been increased by one, the neme of W. 8S. Knox, president of the Business Men's Association, having been suggested today. Frank Raymond and Barry Bulkley, friends of Mr. Knox, and officials of the Business Men’s Association, were at the White House and made an ap- pointment for a delegation to call on the President next Monday in the interests of Mf. Knox. There is no material change in the situa- tion at White House, the President not having been called upon to consider the District appointments during the day. There is no probability that he will announce a selection of Commissiougrs until he has gone over all the facts whitch have been pre sented to him and are et to be put before him. To Succeed Webster Davis. Secretary Hitchcock was with President McKinley this morning, and it !s thought an assistant secretary of the interior has been decided upon to fill the vacancy, made by Webster Davis’ resignation. There are several opinions about the vacancy. One is that it will not go to a Missourian, be- cause Secretary Hitcheock is from that state. The other is that it will go to Mis- souri for that very reason, the beilef being iat the Secretary will insist, as others be- fore him have done, that his main assistant shall be of his own selection and from his own state. There is talk today of the pro- motion of a Missoyrian in the Interior De- partment. Other Callers Today. Representative Morris of Minnesota, ac- companied by Representative Mahon of Pennsylvania, saw the President in behalf of Major Kirkman, a Minnesota man sery- ing as a volunteer officer in the Philippines and in trouble with a court-martial and its sentence. The President will take the mat- ter under consideration. Prof. Booker T. Washington and Prof. R. R. Wright, heads of noted colored schools in the south, saw the President for a few minutes. - Representative Dayton and Maj. Ran- dolph Stalnaker, ex-secretary of state of West Virginia, had a few minutes’ talk wiith the President. Sg did Representatives Corliss, Cushman, §heldon, Overstreet, Senator aFirbanks, Commissioner Duell of the patent office and. others, Bills Approved. President McKinley bas approved the bill for the payment of inyalid and other pen- sions; the bill making apropriations for the diplomatic and consular service, and the bill to establish a military post at or near DesMoines, Iowa. Today’s Nominations. The President today sent the following nominations to the Senate: For promotion in the army—Regulars, corps of engineers— To be major, Captain John Mills. To be captain, First Lieutenant Herbert Deakyne. To be first Meutenant, Second Lieutenant Clarke 8. Smith. ———___+ o+—___—__ SECRETARY ROOT AT THE CAPITOL. Im Conference With Senate Military irs Committee. Secretary Root spent most of this morn- ing at the Capitol in consultation with members of the Senate committee on mil- itary affairs; -The Secretary’s discourse covered the Whole broad field of military conditions, including. not only the immedi- ate needs of the service to be provided for in the annual appropriation bill, but the comprehensive reorganization project for- mulated by the Secretary and outlined in his annual report, and many questions re- lating to the personnel of the army. Probably the Secretary would have been heard upon these same subjects by the House committee on military affairs, but the business of the commitice had become So obstructed by the continuance of the in- quiry into the Coeur d'Alene mining trou- bles that War Department officials now de- spair of obtaining any legislation during the present session beyond the regular army appropriation bill, and even that is some- what endangered by the backward state of the committee's docket. THE POPULATION. COUNTING When the Clerical Work of the Census Bureau Will Begin. As soon as the census enumerators begin to send In the results of thelr labors the work of counting the population of the United States will begin. This work will be done in Washington, {n the new census building. A force of 800 will be required to do the work, and the most of them will be women, experience having demonstrated the spuperiority of the fair sex in this work. Director Merriam has ,notified senators and representatives of the new appoint- ments, and invited them to submit recom- mendatio’ Many of these positions will go begging as far as non-residents are con- cerned, for the reason they are only for a short period and the salary is to be but $50 nth. It is ‘ted the entire count made in eight months, and few peo- ple (save those who live nearby) will care o Washington for so short a period st compensation. All this und to the good of the residents of hington, from hom, it is believed, of the temporary force will be select- ‘The work upon which this force will be employed is known as that of the tabula- tion division of the population division un- der Superintendent Hunt. The Star has al- fully described the punching ma- which the tabulators are to use in this work. +—_____ JUDGE BROWN’S DECISION. It Was a Surprise to Department of Justice Officinin. The action of Judge Brown of the United States district court at New York in refus- ing a warrant for the removal of B. D. Greene, J. F., E. H. and W. H. Gaynor, the contractors Indicted in Savannah, Ga., in connection with the frauds alleged to have been perpetrated by Capt. Carter, was a great surprise to the officials of the Depart- ment of Justice. Attorney General Griggs spoke of the decision as unwarranted by the law or the facts, and that under it vio- lators of the laws of the United States could escape punishment, except by chance they were apprehended in the district where the offense was committed. Solicitor General Richards characterized the decision as outrageous, and said that it would defeat the ends of justice in a large number of criminal cases. The criminal statutes, he sald, could not be enforced if Judge Brown's decision were allowed to vstand. It Is learned that the government will take steps to nullify, the decision. 7 THE KRUPP WORKS. Consul General Guenther Sends an In- teresting Report. Interesting data about the Krupp works 1s contained in a report to the State De- partment by Consul General Guenther. The total number of people employed by Krupp at present is 41,750, of whom 25,138 are at Essen, 3,458,at Magdeburg, 2,726 at Kiel and 10,844 “@t various smelters and coal mines. The foundation for these immense works was laid in 1810 by the grandfather of the present head of the firm. Essen had then 4,000 Inhabitants. It now has 105,528. The firm owns a large number of iron ore mines, among them the great Bilbao mine in Spain. A railroad owned by Krupp takes the ore from the mines to the sea- coast, and from there a line of four Krupp steamers conveys {t to Rotterdam. The te.t- ing grounds for guns at Meppen, belonging to the firm, have a target range of 72,000 fect. In 1892 the famous Gruson steel works at Buckau were purchased, and three years ago shipbuilding yards were started at Kiel, which, when completed, will em- ploy 7,000 men. 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. ani tana BLOOD CALLS BLOOD Socialists Condone Attempt on Life of Prince of Wales, ALLUDE 70 WAR WITH BOERS Hot Debate Provoked in Belgian Chamber of Deputies. SIPIDO MAKES CONFESSION BRUSSELS, April 5.—In the chamber of representatives today the president, Baron Snoy, said he felt sure he was but voicing the feeling of the whole Belgian nation in expressing, in behalf of the chamber, the indignation created in all minds by the at- tempt made on the life of the Prince of Wales. “The youth of the criminal,” he continued, “leads me to hope it was only the act of a person unconscious of the enormity of his offense; but we feel bound to express to England and the Prince of Wales our most sincere regrets.” The minister of foreign affairs, M. De Favoureau, in behalf of the government, as- sociated himself with the regrets of Baron Snoy, “The government,” he said, “yesterday forwarded to the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria an expression of the indig- nation to which so odious an outrage had given rise. The sociajist leaders announced their unanimous approval of the words of the previous speakers, adding, however, that if scelalists condemned individual crimes they blamed with no less energy the “great col- lective crimes being committed at present in South Africa, and they protested at the in- action of Europe, which was indifferent to the crimes the Engiish perpetrate in South Africa. But at the same time they deeply felt the attempt against the Prince of Wales.” “Blood calls for bloo said M. Van Der Velde, the leader of the socialists. His re- marks called forth protests from the right- ists, who recalled the fact that Great Britain had always been the best guarantee of Belgium's neutrality. M. Lorand, leftist, while admitting Great Britain's services to Belgium, said he could not neverthelesss, “forget she had betrayed her traditions in attacking a free people.” The minister of foreign affairs expostulated at the last remark, and said that the leftists ought to observe the reserve which was the most elementary of the rules of cour- tesy rendered incumbent upon them, which M. Van Der Velde retorted. “You failed to blame the red sultan. You have, therefore, no right to find fault with us. We protest against the attempt on the Prince of Wales’ life, but we also protest against the infamous, shameful war the English are waging on a free people. You have protested in the name of the govern- ment; we protest in the name of the Belgian people and send to the Boers our fraternal greeting.” The minister of foreign affairs again pro- tested against these attacks on a friendly nation, when M. Furnement, socialist, jumped up and shouted: “Long live the Boers,” whereupon the president of the house appealed to the patriotism of the not to prolong the discussion. Congratulations Pour In. LONDON, April 5.—Congratulations upon the escape of the Prince of Wales from the attack of the would-be assassin Sipido at Brussels yesterday continue to arrive in great numbers at Marlborough House from all quarters of the globe. All the crowned heads and chiefs of states have wired ex- pressions of sympathy. The papers are full of comments and the foreign press is unant- mously voicing the profound indignation of the British at the madness of such an act. Dr. Leyds’ Congratulations. Dr. Leyds, diplomatic agent of the Trans- vaal, has telegraphed to the Prince of Wales congratulating him on his escape from assassination. The members of the Transvaal legation here called at the Brit- ish legation and subscribed their names in the visitors’ book after hearing of the at- tempt on the prince's life. ——~++<-___ DENIES THAT HE TALKED. Ex-President Cleveland Did Not Di cuss Dewey's Candidacy. PRINCETON, N. J., April 5.—Former President Grover Cleveland today declared that he had not given an interview to any one on Admiral Dewey's candidacy. Re- ferring to published expressions of his views he dictated the following: “This statement is outrageous. It is false from beginning to end. A number of young men representing different papers called on me yesterday for my opinion in relation to Admiral Dewey’s annotncement of his can- didacy, and I invariably declined to say anything whatever on the subject. If by any possibility I should see fit in the fu- ture to give any expression on this subject it will be done ‘n a way that will leave no doubt as to its authent! . In the mean- time it is safe to calculate in advance that any less authoritative statement which may be attributed to me will be an unjustifiable fabrication.” ——_+~+<+___ BIG FIRE AT RAVENNA, MICH. Businesr Portion of Village Destroyed —Gas Engine Explodes. RAVENNA, Mich., April 5.—The business Portion of this village was destroyed by fire Which started last midnight from an ex. plesion of coal gas in a saloon. A portion of the residence section also burned. The total loss is estimated at upward of $300,- 000, with insurance light in most cases. Every business building in the city except Wm. Patterson’s general store was con- sumed. Help was summoned from Grand Rapids, and a fire engine, which helped check the flames, was sent from that city on a special train. . During the progress of the fire a gas en- gine exploded. Several men were badly hurt, and one of them, H. Marion Higgins, proprietor of the Ravenna House, died this morning, the result of his injuries. —++ > JAPANESE EXPECT WAR. Russia's Methods Corea Excites the Gravest Apprehension. YOKOHAMA, March 23, via Williams’ Head quarantine, B. C., April 5.—While the tone of the native press is exceedingly mod- erate and guarded, it is quite evident that thinking Japanese are impressed with the serious character of the situation regarding Russia. It certainly looks now as if there was something serious in the pertinacity in which the occidental press has been in- sisting on imminence of a war between the two countries. In the last few days it has been definitely announced that the Russian method of in- sinuating has been applied to Corea in the usual form of a court adviser and a large loan. War Preparations Continue, SHANGHAI, April 5—The ominous prep- arations of the Russian and Japanese war departments continue. The Russians are making strenuous efforts to fill Port Arthur with grain, even at panic prices, and are importing quantities of wheat from North China. Japan has called out her neval reserve: for service during the approaching ma- meuvers, when the entire Japanese flect will be engaged. THE PRINCIPAL TOPIC Views at the Capitol Regarding Dewey’s Candidacy, GENERAL TREND OF THE COMMENTS Belief That the Admiral Has Made a Mistake. MANY POINTS OF VIEW ——— The candidacy of Admiral Dewey for the presidency was the principal topic of con- versation among senators and representa- tives at the Capitol today. Men talked more freely privately than for publication, and in such @ case the expressions Were tnclined to be more bitter than otherwise. The gen- eral trend of sentiment In the unreported talks of senators and representatives was that Admiral Dewey had made a mistake, that there was no demand for hiscandidacy, and general surprise was expressed that he should have made the announcement. What is Said in the House. Following are comments at the Capitol on Admiral Dewey's announcement: Representative Loudenslager, New Jer- sey: “I don’t think the people want Mr. Dewey as President. They are willing to allow him to retire on the honors he has al- ready received.” Representative Hill, Connecticut: “My judgment is that Mr. McKinley will be the republican candidate, Mr. Bryan th: demo- cratic candidate, and that disposes of Mr, Dewey. Representative Morr! not a word. Representative Lorimer, Illinois: tickat does he want to run on?” The reporter gave it up. “If I knew that I might giv2 you an in- terview,” said Mr. Lorimer. Representative Linney, North Carolina: “My own opinion 1s that no man, be he ad- miral or occupying any exalted position, who announces his candidacy without in any way indicating the political organiza- tion to which he looks for support m: pect anything from the people that would tend in the least to encourage such candi- dacy. He will not only not receive the support of any, but will not get the sup- port of any township in th Union. “What Representative Lacey, Iowa: “I am a great admirer of Mr. I I am sorry he came out. In the nav: ew which side he was on. We don't know which side he is on now. Representative McCullough (Ark )—“I don't think he will be tn it at all.” Representative Hepburn (lowa)—“‘No, thank you; don’t care to ny thing. Representative Loud (Cal.)—“I have very Pleasant recollections of Mr. Dewey don’t want to cause him any pain by say- ing anything now. Representative Shattuc (Ohio)—“He'd bet- ter have stood by his original declaration. My judgment is that the admiral would have been mistaKen in his opinion that the presidential office would be easy to fill.” Candidate Without a Following. Representative Brownlow (Tenn.)—“In my opinion he is a candidate without a fol- lowing and without a party. His candidacy is bound to fall flat before the American people. I had a great admiration for Ad- miral Dewey and would like to see him suc- ceed in any reasonable undertaking, but I don’t see that any political organization wants him.” Representative Livingstone, Georgia: “There was a time when he could have been elected President by either party. I think he is too late. I know the demo- crats will nominate Bryan, and I believe the republicans will nominate McKinley.” Representative Mahon, Pennsylvania: “Iam with the republicans for McKin- ley. The democrats are for Bryan. Where is Mr. Dewey?” Representative Brosius, Pennsylvania: “If Admiral Dewey is serious in his pur- Poses to become a candidate for the presi- dency he is making the mistake of his life. It must be a poignant grief to his dearest friends that he is even taking the matier into serious con: ation.” Representative Sulzer, New York: “Ad- miral Dewey’s candidacy is not t.ken seri- ously by either republicans or democrat I regret for the admiral’s sake and reput tion that he has allowed scheming poli- ticlans to use his name.” Representative Littlefield, Mat “Mr. Dewey's candidacy does not impress me as & matter of any serious consequence at Representative Underwood of Alabama said that Alabama was solid for Bryan, and that the south was solid as ever, and that if Admiral Dewey thought he could get any Part of the south in an effort to take the nomination from Bryan he was greatly mis- taken. Representative Brownlow (rep.), Tennes- see, said: “Dewey is a candidate for the presidency without any following or party behind him. His candidacy can only result in an injury to him personally by destroy- ing the estimate in which he has been held by the American people since the victory at Manila. Dewey never did a foolish thing before his marriage and has not done a sensible thing since.” Mr. Cox of Tennessee said: “I am dead out for Bryan, regardless of Dewey.” Mr. Pierce—“I do not think there is any chance for a third candidate. The demo- cratic party is solidly behind William J. Bryan. He represents its principles and its hopes of success. McKinley corresponding- ly represents the republican party. I re- gard Dewey's candidacy as a joke.” Representative Sims of Tennessee said: “I think it’s absurd, and will not be se- ricusly considered by the country. Representative Grosvenor, Ohlo: “My opinion is that it is the outbreaking of a secret conspiracy to drive Sulzer off the track.” Representative Henry, Connecticut: seems to mé a case of ambitious woman, Representative SW. Smith of Michigan “I was very sorry to hear of his annouw ment. I regard it as very unwise in view of his former declaration.” Representative Cooper, Wisconsin: “I won't say a word in criticism of Admiral Dewey. I can never forget what he did at Manila, but I have nothing to say about his candidacy.” Representative Lentz of Ohio, who is among those spoken of as a vice presiden- tial candidate with Bryan, said: “I believe McKinley will be nominated at Philadel- phia, and as far as the democratic party is concerned we have already nominated Bryan and are only waiting for the Fourth of July to formally ratify the nomina- tiow.”* ‘Well! Well! Well!” said Senator Deboe, ‘how silly it is. It is a great mistake on the part of Dewey.” Senator Cullom sat Oh, there is noth- ing in it. Dewey has made a mistake. It ts too bad; he should have kept still. His being an independent candidate would make no impression on politics.” sentative Bingham of Pennsylvania said that he had known Admiral Dewey for years, and had the highest admiration for his but that he thought the announce- ment, coming at this time, when public sen- timent was well settled upon the candidates of the two parties, so that the decision would not be changed, was Ill-advised. As for running as an independent candidate, he thought the admiral would find that very uncomfortable and unsatisfactory. He could not express too highly his admiration and esteem cf Admiral Dewey personally. Representative Campbell of Montana said: “I do not think Admiral Dewey has a ghost of a chance for the nomination by the con- vention of either party, and as an indepen- den: candidate he would not have a ghost of a chance of election. If he were the can- e “Tt