Evening Star Newspaper, April 9, 1900, Page 1

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAY Te apcrary Business Office, 1109 Pennsylvania Avsaze. The Evening Star Newspaper Company. SH. KAUFFMANS, Pres’t New York O'fice: 126 Tribzne Suilfinz. Chicag» Office: Boyce Building Longom Office: Trataigar Builfiags, Trafalgar Square. in the ens er month. C» Be mall—anywhere in the 3 udu—fostage prepald—6u cette pert Saturday Quintnple Sheet with Star. $1 per year: “Giatere at Washington. D. ©. I@ fn adyance oh apniteatton ALL THE BOERS’ WAY They Ride Around General Roberts Che Fven of Star. WASHINGTON, D. C MONDAY, APRIL 9, 1900-FOURTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. SUPREME COURT DECISIONS ATTEMPT TO INTERFERE Ss. STAT WITH FEDERAL OFFICE Apparently at Will HIS COMMUNICATIONS, SOUTE, CUT Nothing Heard From Him Since Last Saturday. EN STREAMS FIGHT AT FOUR amazing activity Boers southeast and southwest of continues, the Boer com- coming and going hout a wide region as they please, taking good care not to throw them- nst strong bodies of the British. ement of the Irish Rifles from to Aliwal leaves Gen. Brabant tion with the other Brit- He has 2.000 or 3,000 colonials but he Is far as London and railroad communi- are kept up as through for pub- LONDON. of the nt seemingly vuraging eff es that ntinuing and te two fresh 5 has now 1 forming ion and the eing in the con- Boer Forces Occupy Towrs in South- ern Free State. April 7—The Boers ear La after se’ lder river of 10,000, the M up into seems to be splend power . and a able to mmandoes Brabant's epener. Hi touch with captured outposts are the Boers and being circulated paring to flank the Wepener and thus to Such an at- . utoland as made natives, Gen. Rundle Ordered to Kimberley. pril %—I Gen. Sir Jer of the Sth Di- to Kimberley on ch was 0c by & This morning Boers a big gun, which they of Mausers -_—_2+<-___ AGAINST SAL OF ISLANDS. Citizens of Danish West Indies Loyal to Denmark. April 9—The was unusually and St. Croix. loyalty to Den- against the sale ures there , the people colors and ight pre med in the natic the r wave over the they would remain uncer = feeling against the sae s is strong. ——_+-- ___ STRIKERS RETURN TO WORK. Ballding Trades Workmen dianapolis Reach Agreement. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., April 9—The men employed In the building tredes in Indian- in In- ppolis we work today. ‘he union car- penters and the c tors came to an agreement Saturday night. The men are to r2celve 30 cents an hour for eight hours’ work, half pay for over time and double pay for work done 6n holidays. It 1s agreed the employes shall not he work on Sundays or on ly necessary and members Association y night un- mbers are to re- sacon: men rty-seven hours will con- a week's work ———— QUIET AT MIDDLESBORO’, KY. nor ASS General Opinion That There Will Be No Further Trouble. MIDDLESBORO’, Ky., April 9.—Every- thing is quiet here today. Sheriff Brough- ton has taken sev2ral prisoners to Pineville for safekeeping. It is not known where Chief of Police ~ ts. A number of special deputy sheriffs are on duty and the republicans say they will be kept as long as they are needed. The democratic coun- cil has sworn in no additional police, but the old force is now performing its duties unmolested. ‘The general opinion is that there will be no further trouble. Deputy Sheriff Chas, Cecil, who was shot Saturday night, had one lag amputated today. Case Against Internal Revenue Col- lector in Kentucky—Anti-Cigarette Ordinance Constitutional.” The Supreme Court today decided the case of John T. Baske vs. Comingore, £8 collector of Internal revenue in Kentucky. Mr. Comingore declined under instructions from the Secretary of the Treasury to ex- hibit the records of his office in support of a prosecution by the state authorities for taxes against persons holding whisky in bond. He was thereupon proceeded against for contempt of the state courts end ordered to imprisonment. He then made application to the federal district court for a writ of habeas corpus, which was granted. The opinion handed down today affirmed this decree. The opinion was delivered by Justice Harlan, who sald that ordinarily the United States courts cannot interfere with the state courts in a se until the proceeding is concluded. But case presented, he said, an emerSency inasmuch as it might interfere with a federal officer in the discharge of his du- ties. It was therefore an exception and the rule did not apply. Liable for Railway Bonds. ce White of the Supreme Court to- anded down an opinion in the long- pending case of the Loutsville and Nash- ville Railroad Company versus Smith. The case involves the Hability of the Louisville and Nashville company for the interest on the bonds of the Cumberland and Ohio Kailroad Company, which came into the ession of the Louisville and Nashville ny through the acquisition by the latter company of the Cincinnati and Lex- ington road. The case was decided against the Louts- ville and Nashville, the court declaring that there was no violation of the Const!- tution in holding the company responsible on the ground that the Louisville and Nashville had voluntarily made itself a party to the case, and ho'ding it responst- bie on the original proceeding, which was against the Cincinnati and Lexington com- pany. thi Just day b Anti-Cigarette Ordinance. The Supreme Court today decided the case of Gundling against the city of Chi- cago, involving the validity of the antl- cigarztte ordinance of that city. The ordi- nance was attacked as unconstitutional. The opinion was handed down by Justice Peckham and held the ordinance not to be unconstitutional. Right to Discharge Clerks. In the case of Morris Keim agt. the United States, the Supreme Court today de- cided that the cour’ have no superv ry yver the heads of departments of » government in discharging subordin- The opinion was handed down by Justice Brewer. —__—_- o+__. THE PORTO RICAN BILL. Uncertain How Many Republicans Will Vote Against It. is understood that there will be no ic ¥Yote cast for the Porto Rico 11 when it comes up in the House. Both parties expect to have nearly all of their members in Washington by Wednes- day, when the bill is to be brought up. In the absence of Messrs. Hopkins and Taw~ ney, the friends of the bill on the ways and means committee have not been able to take action, not having a majority present in favor of the bill, but Mr. Hopkins has returned and Mr. Tawney ts expected. Tt 4s calculated that it will take ten re- publican votes against the bill to defeat it, there being no democratic votes for It Sev- eral republicans of the opposition are known to everybody, and it {s claimed that there will be more than enough to defeat the bill. This claim, howeger, is based on promises which may not be kept. How f those under cover will hold to r resolution of opposition is a matter the vote on the bill will haye to de- The democrats of the House In their cau- cus Saturday night adopted resolutions urging all democratic memt absent from Washington to return at once, and declar- ing that hereafter democrats will make no general or permanent pairs, and that all pairs shall be made in writing and signed by the members designated by the part: to arr: > irs. The caucus al a resolutic declaring their unal- terable opposition as a ty to the Porto Rican tariff and asking every member to be present to vote against the measure. —_—_e.____ MAY COURT-MARTIAL FUNSTON. us Charge That the General Hung Fili- pinos Without a Trial. LA, Aprit 9.—An interesting tople nyersation in army circles is the In- vestigation of Brigadier Genzral Frederick Funston's execution of two Filipinos and the possibility of a court-martial resulting therefrom. The story is that the Filipinos captured three Maceabebe scouts wno were crossing the country near San IsMro and w2re preparing to kill them when one of the Maccabebes escaped and found General Funston with a scouting party near. This man guided the Americans to the rescue of his companions, and when the troops approached the Filipinos fled, leav- ing the Maccabebes. Several of the Fillpinos were shot and General Funston captured two of them, took them to the village square and hanged them without trial, as a warning to the Filipinos. ‘Phe present method of warfare and in- stances of the mutilation of prisoners have incensed the American soldiers to such a degree that they feel justified in making reprisals, which bas been done on several oceasions recently. There is a strong feeling among the res!- dents and friendly Filipinos that the Chi- nese general, Pina, who, as announced March 31, surrendered to Brig. Gen. Kobbe, after terrorizing the province of Pariay, should be severely punished. Tt ig pointed out that his career-has been more that of a brigand than of a soldier, as he looted and extorted money by torture from wealthy natives and burned alive some of his follow who intended to de- sert him. It is believed Pana surrendered because he feared his own men, and that he expected to be paroled, like other offi- cers, and enjoy the fruits of his brigandage. ———_>+-.__ QUARTER MILLION LOSS BY FIRE. Damage in Lumber District at Green- point, N. ¥. NEW YORK, April 9—A fire broke out at 3:30 a.m. today in a frame building at Ash and Oakland streets, Greenpoint, owned and occupied by Edward C. Smith as a box factory. Before it was gotte# un- der control the fire spread to adjacent structures and caused a loss estimated at $250,000. The loss on the box factory ts about $100,000. The wood yard of Geo. W. Piper, at Provost and Page streets, was destroyed with small buildings contain fig machinery; loss $10,000. The other losses were as follows: Post & McCord, the Brooklyn tron works, $80,000; Alexander Collum, coal yard, $50,- 000; Church & Co., soda works, $10,000; the Brooklyn oil works, $25,000. Loss on various smal lings bring the total up to about $250,000. = —_~+~-<—__ Steamship Arrival. At New York, Minneapolis, from Belfast. A CHANGE OF FORM Bill Providing for a New Kind of Government: UNITED STATES T0 HELP T0 SUPPORT A Mayor and Boards of Aldermen and Common Council. ELECTIVE OFFICES STATED a Mr. Mudd of Maryland introduced a bill in the House this afternoon, by request, to change the form of government of the Dis- trict of Columbia. The bill abolishes the present form of government one year after the passage of the act, and then provides: “As the government of the United States owns more than one-half of the real estate located in the District, it 1s deemed just and equitable that the United States shall con- tinue to pay, as it now does, an equal share of the taxes now levied upon real estate situated in the District, with the citizens of the District. “That is to say, that when the total amount of the annual assessment on real estate is made each year an equal sum shall be appropriated from the treasury of the United States and paid out for the local ex- penses of the District of Columbia, as is now provided for by existing laws.” Two Legislative Bodies. The power of making laws shall here- after be vested In two legislative bodies, known as the board of aldermen and com- mon council of the District. Immediately after the organization of the common coun- cil the first business in order will be the making of estimates required to defray the expenses of the District for the ensuing year This shall be done by a committee called the committee on taxation, consisting of at least seven members, appointed by the pre- siding officer. These estimates shall then be passed to the board of aldermen and mayor of the District for their approval. After such approval they shall be ‘“trans- mitied to the committees on the District of Columbia of the United States House of Representatives nate of the United States in the sam ner as the estimates prepared by the Commissioners of the Dis- trict of Columbia ars now prepared and presented.” After these acted upon committees have favorably the estimates they shall be and Senate for ‘All moneys raised by taxation » from the citizens of the Dis- ed by the United States government for the benefit of the District of Columbia shall remain in the custody of the United States asurer and shail be dis- bursed by him on proper vouchers. Appointive and Elective Members. The board of aldermen shall be composed of eleven members elected by the people of the District, one from each two le districts. The common council sh t of tw wo members, one from each legislativ strict. Eleven of these shall ppointed by the President and eleven ll be elected by the pople. They shall each have equal vote on all matters of local legislation. " The boards of aldermen and common coun- cil shall constitute the legislative body for the enactment of all local legislation for the protection and welfare of the people of the District of Columbia, and also for the protection of the intereats of the United States. The members of the boards shall be composed of persons who have been resi- dents of the District of Columbia for at least three years previous to their election or appointment. All existing laws, ordinances and regu- lations are continued in force until re- pealed by Congress or the local legisla- tive body. The members of the boards of aldermen and common council shall re- ceive for thelr services annually $500 each. The mayor shall be ex-officio presiding officer of the board of aldermen. The common council shall elect their presiding officer. The mayor shall be elected by the izens for a term of two years, shall re- ceive a salary of $5,000 a year, shall de- yote his entire attention to his official duties. He shall have the power to veto any measure passed by the boards of al- dermen and common council, but his veto may be overruled by a two-thirds vote. The general parliamentary rules of the United States House of Representatives shall be the rules of order for the boards of common council and aldermen. Time of Elections. An election shall be held on the second ‘Tuesday in November of the year im which this bill is passed, and thereafter on the same date every second year for the elec- tion of the mayor and the two legislative boards, and also for the election of the fol- lowing officer: A secretary of the District of Columbia, salary, $2,500; health officer, $3,000; deputy health officer, 32.500; commissioner of the fire department, $2,500; commissioner of po- lice, $2,500; commissioner of the water de- partment, $2,500; commissioner of charities, $2,500; attorney, $3,000; superintendent of public schools, $3,000; twenty-two trustees of public schools (no compensation), wao shall employ the teachers, erect — school buildings and prescribe regulations for the control of the schools. At the elections for these officers, all per- sons who have attained the age of twenty- one years, who have been residents of the District of Columbia for two years and of the voting precincts for at least thirty days, shall be allowed to vote, No pauper, felon or lunatié ahall vote. ‘There shall be two voting places in each of the -twenty-two legislative districts. Sixty daye before the election the Commissioners of the District shall appoint in each legislative district three reputable persons to act as registers of votes. They shall meet thirty days before the election and remain in session for three days registering the voters. The lists of voters shall at onee be made out and print- ed copies placed on the places. Twenty days later they shall register those who failed to register at first. The completed lists of voters shall then be printed and distributed as above men- tioned. No persons whose names are not found or& the above mentioned lists of vot- ers shall be allowed to vote in any elec- tion “hereafter to be held in the District.” Against Fraudulent Voting. Any person who shall fraudulently vote or intimidate voters, or destroy ballot boxes, or place false ybtes in or take votes out of the ballot boxes before they are counted, or interfere in any manner with an election to prevent the proper exercise by any citizen of his right to vote, shall be fined from $500 to $5,000, imprisoned from one to five years, or both. The Commiesioners, in providing for this election in advance, shall select voting places, appoint three Judges of election for each voting place and provide ballot boxes. The voting shall take place between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., and the judges of election shall then count the votes and publicly, before witnesses, announce the results of the elec- tion. The books and boxes shall then be transmitted to the Commissioners of the District. The next day the judges of election shall assemble, count the votes and publicly de- clare the result of the election. The Com- missioners shall turn over to their succes- sors in —* all ite public moneys, books, pers and property. othe legislative districts shall be those de- fined by the act of 1871, dividing the Dis- trict of Columbia into ejection districts. A similar bill was introduced in the Sen- ate by Mr. Penrose, transmitted to the Hous final ac jon. DEWEY'S CHICAGO TRIP ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETED FOR THE CELEBRATION. Will Depart on a Special Train April 29 and Will Occupy President Cowen’s Private Car. Mr. W. B. Conkey and Mr. J. M. Glenn of Chicago arrived yesterday and made ar- rangements for an Interview with Admiral Dewey today, when plans were submitted to the admiral for approval with reference to his entertainment by the city of Chicago on the second anniversary of the battle of Manila. The admiral promised to attend the celebration some time ago and the city intends to outdo itself in his honor. No mention was made of politics today, the admiral’s only allusion to the matter being that since he had accepted the in- vitation to visit Chicago last October condi- tions had so changed that he was accepting no further invitations. He assured the com- mittee that he was glad to accept the hos- pitality of the city of Chicago. He told the committee he had received invitations from various organizations there to become their guest, but had not accepted them. He placed himself solely in the hands of the eity of Chicago. He requested that there be no separate entertainments for himself and Mrs. Dewey. He wished matters to be so arranged that she could attend all the functions at which he would be present. The admiral, who received the committee in a most cordial manner, was assured that his wishes in this respect would be car- ried out and also was informed that ar- rangements had been made to have his son, who is now a resident of Chicago, partici- pate in the various entertainments. The Chicago Celebration. The admiral's party, consisting of himself and Mrs. Dewey, Lieut. Caldwell, Mr. Maddy of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, a Chinese servant and Mrs. Dewey's maid, will leave this city In a special train over the Baltimore and Ohio April 29, In time to Teach Chicago and rest before the hall at the Auditorium on the night of the 30th, the eve of the second aumversary vs sais bay. The following day there will be a parade, in which the governors of all the states of the Union have been invited to participate. No politics will figure in the celebration, which was arranged prior to the admiral’s announced candidacy for the presidency. The Baltimore and Ohio railroad, when it placed its special train at the admiral’s dis- posal several days ago, informed him that it could arrange so he would travel through Ohio and Indiana in the @aytime if he de- sired to make any speeches, but Admiral Dewey replied that politics Bad nothing to do with the trip and that he was not going on a campaign tour. The train will be one of the handsomest ever run over the Baltimore and Ohio tracks. Admiral and Mrs, Dewey will oc- cupy President Cowen's private car. No stops will be made between Wash- ington and Chicago, as the admiral does not wish the trip to have the appearance of a stumping tour. . After leaving Chi- cago, however, the party will take a twelve-day tour through the Mississipp! valley. So far as outlined, this will in- clude a stop of one day at Jacksonville, lil; two di in St. Louts, two ip Mem- phis, two Louisville, two in Nashville and one in Frankfort. A Personal Matter. Admiral Dewey was asked today con- cerning the story in circulation that Mrs. Dewey had left the Catholic Church and was to become a communicant of 8t. John's Episcopal Church here. He replied it was a matter he did not wish to dis- cuss; that he did not see it was a ques- tion of national interest whether Mrs. Dewey was a Catholic, a Methodist or an Episcopalian. It was a matter entirely personal to Mrs. Dewey, and, he added, “Mrs. Dewey is not being interviewed now on any subject.” No date has been fixed for the publica- tion of Admiral Dewey's proposed political statement. + e+ —____ DO NOT TAKE TO DEWEY FEW OHIO PAPERS SUPPORT HIS CANDIDACY. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 9—The Dewey Movement does not grow rapidly with the Ohio democrats. So far but three demo- cratic papers in the state’ have come out for the admiral for the nomination for the presidency. These are the Columbus Press-Post, the Tiffin News and the Cin- cinnati Volksfreund. he leading organ of the Ohio democracy, the Cincinnati En- quirer, though owned by the admiral’s brother-in-law, John R. McLean, main- tains silence on the subject. With the approach of the republican state convention the chances for the lead- ing nomination on the state ticket, secre- tary of state, seems to favor Senator Hanna's candidate, L. C. Laylin, but yes- terday a movement was started against Laylin among the union printers of the state in the Interest of Howard Manning- ton, the anti-Hanna candidate for the place. may prove serious to Laylin’s It is charged that J. F. Laning of Norwalk, proprietor of a non-union printing house which had for some years the state printing contract, but recently lost it through the efforts of the present secretary of state, Charles Kinny, is be- hind the candidacy of Laylin, and hopes by his election to get the contract. +++ —__ PLEASED WITH THE POSITION. Mr. Depew Takes Great Enjoyment Out of the Senatorship. No man in the Senate enjoys being sena- tor more than does Depew of New York. His satisfaction is proclatmed in his affa- bility and his beaming countenance, in the manner of his sitting at his desk, in the comfortable way in which he moves about. the chamber and through the corridors, in the amiability with which he responds to calls from the reception room, in the way he sweeps the galleries with a glance, and in his discussion of public questions in the street cars. He is both a delighted and a Gelightful man. The reception he got when he made a speech the other day was the envy of all his colleagues. Platt of New York, the great bass and far-famed politician, never had such an audience, nor do half the peo- ple twist their necks to look at him. Wol- cott in his palmiest days never attracted such an audience. All the reserved gal- leries were so crowded with ladjes, back to the very walls, that there was hardly room for a man anywhere, excert in the public galleries, where men alcae were crowdad together; and people were waitin: at the doors to ge¢ a chance to slip in, and walted patiently, though the chance never came, no one being willing to come out while Depew talked. After it was all over, a senator was riding down town in a car with a friend whom Be bad got into the gallery to hear the “I yas disappointed ne thing,” sald the stranger. Pr thesent. pew would be sparkling and witty, telling some bright stories and winding up with a joke or two. Instead of that he made a serious constitutional iis “Why, that’s just ft. You lost the point. That was the w ing & con- stitutional argumenti” FOUND DEAD IN BED Indications That Captain Louis Ostheim Committed Suicide, s BULLET HOLE IN RIGHT TEMPLE He Was to Have Been Married Today to Mrs. Wood. TRAGEDY IN CHICAGO HOTEL CHICAGO, April 9.—Capt. Louls Ostheim, Ast United States Artillery, was found dead in his room at the Auditorlum Annex late last night. There was a bullet wound in his right temple. Under his body was a new revolver. The body lay on the side. Life apparently had been extinct since Sat- urday. According to announcements in the Chi- cago papers, Capt. Louis Osthelm and Mrs. Eva Bruce Wood were to be married in this city today at the residence of the bride's uncle, Walter B. Phister. After the cere- mony Capt. Ostheim and his bride were to leave immediately for the east, visiting Philadelphia, the captain's former home, and other cities. After May 1 they were to be home at Fort Screven, Savannah, Ga., where the captain's battery is stationed. Among the articles found in the captain's room were two wedding rings. One was of heavy gold and inscribed as follows: “Eva to_Louis—April 9, 1900."" ‘The other was smaller and more delicate- ly made. Inside was engraved: “Louis to Eva—April 9, 1900.” Formerly at Fort Sheridan. Capt. Ostheim was stationed at Fort Sher- idan previous to the Spanish-American war, and it was during his stay here that he met Mrs. Wood. He had been transferred from service with the 6th Artillery in Manila to the 1st in the United States and had come to Chicago to be married when he commit- ted suicide. The cause of the suicide Is a mystery. Nothing was left in the room to throw any light on the matter. The only writing found was the following address on an empty envelope: “Miss Clara Ostheim, 1312 North 7th street, Phil- adelphia.” In’ the pockets of the captain's clothing were found ‘eight $50 bills, five $20 bills and @ check for $210. Capt. Ostheim registered at the Audi- torlum Annex on Monday, April 2, one week ago today. He seemed to be in ex- cellent health, showed the tan of his Phil- ippines campaigning in his face and was reserved in his manner. The captain was last seen alive on Saturday night at 9 o'clock, when he asked the clerk for the key to his room. When a chambermald went to his room Sunday morning she found the door lock- ed. This was not unusual, and the girl went about her work in other rooms. ° Re- turning to Capt. Ostheim’s apartment, she found the door still locked. Then she re- ported the circumstances to the offic The clerks concluded that the captain was ured and desired a long sleep and made no effort to open the door until last night. Bullet Hole in His Temple. Capt. Osthelm was lying on the bed dead. As stated, there was a bullet hole in his right temple, and under his body Was @ new revolver. The captain was born in Pennsylvania about thirty-eight years ago. Soon after joining the state militia he applied for admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He passed his examinations and graduated in 1883. He became a second lieutenant of the 3d Ar- tillery on June 13, 1883. His first service was at Jackson barracks, La., where he remained until 1885. He then secured a leave of absence for a year, On his return to service Lieut. Osthelm was placed in charge of Fort Myer, Vir- ginia, He left that post on April 15, 1887, and went to Washington barracks, in the District of Columbia. In 1888 he returned to the artillery school for practice, and on May 22, 1891, became first Neutenant of the 2d Artillery. In 1898, he was transferred to the 6th Artillery. When the Spanish-American war broke out Lieut. Ostheim was ordered to the Phil- ippines. On October 16 the Army Register shows that Lieut. Ostheim was transferred to the ist Artillery as captain, and was probably assigned to E Battery, as that was the only battery of that organization serving in the Philippines, Capt. Ostheim’s military history through- out is a record of transfers to more impor- tant posts and of promotions in rank. Victim of Insomnia. Mr. Phister was notified of the death. “I am sure the captain's death was caused by an accident,” said Mr. Phister. “He was perfectly happy, and had made minute ar- rangements for his wedding tomorrow. He had even bought tickets for his bride and himself to Cincinnati, which was to be the first stage in their wedding journey. He had given one ticket to Mrs. Wood, so that she might get her trunk checked. The only trouble the captain had to worry him was insomnia." Jury Says It Was an Accident. CHICAGO, April 9.—A verdict of death by an accidental wound was decided on to- day by the coroner's jury in the case of Captain Louls Osthheim of the Ist United States Artillery, who was found dead last night in his apartments at the Auditorium Annex. At first it was believed that the death of Captain Osthheim was a premedi- tated suicide, but no motive has been found for such an act, and after listening to con- siderable testimony the jury rendered its verdict, —_~+<-+—___ SUPREME COURT REPORTS, Bill Reported Providing for Their Further Distribution. Mr. Littlefield of Maine in a report from the committee on the judtclary on the bill (H. R. 2551) to provide for the further dis- tribution of the reports of the Supreme Court, says, in part: “The enactment of this bill Is necessary to carry out and perfect a general system already adopted by the Congress of the United States. The purpose is to give these reports to those officers of the government and those committees of the House actually requiring the use of the sae and now put to great inconvenience and delay in the transaction of the pubtic business for want thereof. The measure meets the approval of every department of the government and of all the judges of all the courts of the United States. The government in the transaction of its business is ‘penny wise and pound foolish’ when it fails to provide its cWicers with those books absolutely es- sential to the proper discharge of their duttes. The reports of the Supreme Court of the United States ought to be at hand in every government building where United States courts are held.” i Forty-Two Horses Perish by Fire. PERU, Ind., April 9.—Fire today de- stroyed the livery barn of Ward Brothers & Co., together with all the contents, in- cluding forty-two horses. Reilly Gregory, an employe, was burned to death. “‘Lazar- ous,” @ promising trotter (2.20), was among the horses burned. Loss over $50,000, partly SAW THE DAM GIVE WAY E-WITNESS* GRAPHIC DESCRIP- TION OF AUSTIN DISASTER. Grandeur of Scene Only Eclipsed by the Great Waterfall at Niagara. SAN ANTONIO, Tex., April 9.—Jeff Mc- Lemore, who was an eye-witness to th collapse of the dam at Austin, thus de- scribes the great catastrophe: “I was gazing intently at the great body of water as it swept gracefully over the crest of the dam, carrying with it acres of drift that parted as it went down the falls. The water over the crest was more than ten feet in depth and was rising at the rate of eighteen inches an hour. The fall of the water was about forty feet, and the roaring and surging that it produced can be better Imagined than described. It was grand and awe inspiring, and nothing, in my opinion, could in any measure compare with it except the falls of Niagara. “While thus looking with awe on a sight such as I had never before witnessed I no- ticed a sudden commotion of the waters near the center of the dam. For a moment the water where the commotion occurred seemed to recede, but it was only for a moment. It then shot upward in a tre- mendous spout to a height of perhaps fifty feet, as if in gleeful fury, and I saw that the dam was giving way. The commotion spread toward the east end of the dam, and there was a trembling of the earth. “When the break occurred the distance from the crest of the wave as it rolled over the dam to the water below was about forty feet. Imagine, then, if you can, a body of water forty feet in height and of great width and length suddenly released from confinement, and you will have a faint idea of the scene that I witnessed at the dam across the Colorado river. “Once released from its confinement the water subsided rapidly, seeking a level with that below the dam, and then it was seen how the break had occurred. The dam was not toppled over as many supposed it would be, but instead a large section, be- ginning near the center and extending toward the east bank, was moved bodily down the stream, a distance of at least forty feet. Another section, extending to within thirty feet of the head gate mason- ry on the east, was also moved down stream a distance of forty or fifty feet. Be- tween these two displaced sections there was a gap of about 100 feet, where the dam had completely disappeared, and it was not long before the section nearest the center also crumbled and disappeared. Had the remaining displaced section also tum- bled down the power house, which went down a few hours later, probably would have been saved. This section threw a heavy current against the power house, which eventually undermined the west wall of the building and caused it to collapse.” A dispatch from Austin says: The situa- tion in the city is most serious. The wrecking of the plant means that it will take several weeks to secure even a tem- porary water and light system, if it can be made possible even then. In the meantime the city will be in a bad sanitary condition. All the hotels, private residences, stores and the like are without water, and there is no fire protection. Churches were unable to hold services for want of light, and all public meetings have been abandoned. The daily newspapers are handicapped in their publications, being deprived of their electric power. The river is falling. Reports from the neighboring country are to the effect that everything is under wa- ter, In Williamson county, north of here, railroad bridges and trackage have been laid waste, and all trains have stopped run- ning. Hundreds of head of cattle have been drowned, and miles of fencing torn down and washed away. In Bastrop county and in the southern portion of this county sim- ilar conditions prevail, everything being un- der water, and much loss of property f re- ported. The country tributary to the Colorado river all the way down its course is being inundated, and while it ts believed the worst is over, the loss as estimated will exceed $8,000,000, counting Austin as the largest loser. Reports from several sections of central and southern Texas are to the effect that a large acreage is under water, and much damage has been suffered in property and live stock, —~++<___ FIFTY LIVES LOST. Record of Mortality Due to the Floods in Texas. DALLAS, Texas, April 9.—News from the scuthern and southwestern Texas flood sec- tions shows that more than fifty lives have been lost, including those at Austin. Re- ports from La Grange indicate that the Colorado is still rising and menacing more country districts. The stream is now four feet higher than during the great flood of last year. Bastrop is entirely surrounded by water. The property damage is enormous. Railroad traffic in the southern half of Texas has been practically abandoned and ail outlets to California are closed because of the washouts on the western divisions of the Texas and Pacific. MINERS’ STRIKE STILL ON. Efforts to Reach an Agreement With Consolidated Company. Special Dispatch to The Evening Stan CUMBERLAND, Md., April 8—None of the 1,600 miners of the Consolidation Coal Company who struck Saturday midnight are working today, except a few to get out enough fuel to keep the pumps going so that property will not be damaged. Twenty men went to Ocean this morning to work, but finding no one there left the mine. A talk was had over the long-distance tele- phone with President Charles K. Lord, with a view to arranging a conference look- ing to the reinstatement of the suspended and discharged miners. He said he would talk to them again today regarding a meet- ing. It is believed if the men are rein- stated the trouble will be speedily over. Work 1s in progress at the minés of the other compantes. TO AID JEWISH UNION COLLEGE. Dr. Hirsch Appeals for Fands for the Institution, CHICAGO, April 9.—In his address at the memorial services held in memogy of the late Dr. I. M. Wise, at Isaiah Témple last night, Dr. Emil G. Hirsch made an ap- peal to the Jewish people of Chicago to raise $500,000, which 1s the amount yet re- quired to lift the debt on the Jewish Union College in Cincinnati. By so doing, said Dr. Hirsch, the great work which was be- gun by Dr. Wise and carried forward by him under difficulties could be fully ac- compljshed. Incfdentally to the appeal for funds, Dr. Hirsch hinted that this college, the lead- ing Jewish educational institution in Amer- ica, might be removed to this city and be- come affiliated with the University of Chi- cago. —+++__ Transport at San Francisco. SAN FRANCISCO, April 9.—The trans- port Sheridan and the trans-Pacific steam- ers Belgian King and Doric have been re- Jeased from quarantine. The transport Lawton, formerly the Badger, has come down from the Mare Island navy yard to be overhauled at the Union iron works. ————++<-—_—_ Death of Editor Sadowski. CHICAGO, April 9.—Michael J. Sadowski, managing editor of the National Polish Daily News, died at his home in this city Sunday. Mr. Sadowski was born in War- saw in June, 1857. A DEMONSTRATED FACT, There is no business that cannot be benefited by ju- dicious adveriising, and there is none that may not waste money by poor use of space. AT THE WHITE HOUSE Another Candidate for. Dist Commissioner, NAME OF W. 8. KNOX PRESENTED The President Promises to Give the Matter Consideration, A TALK ON POLITICS —__+ —___ The name of W.S. Knox was formally pre- sented at the White House today as a candl- date for District Commissioner, by Barry Bulkley, at the head of the following dele- gation from the Business Men's Associa- tion: W. W. Danenhower, A. W. Keller, M. Dyrenforth, J. F. Saum, C. E. Holmes, B. J. Roche, James F. Oyster, Frank K. Ray- mond. Mr. Bulkley presented some resolutions adopted by the Allied Printing Trades Council, and in a short speech eulogized Mr. Knox's qualifications for the position.He said Mr. Knox had been a resident of the District thirty years, was a stanch repub- lican and identified with the best intereste of the city. The President assured the delegation that he would give the matter consideration. He intimated that If any changes were made they would not take place until in May, when the terms of the present Commission- ers expire. Beyond this the President made no statement wh’ could be interpreted one way or anothe! The President Talks Politics. President McKinley talked politics with several of his congressional callers this morning. He is keeping the political situa tion well in hand, and knows the develop- ments in each state. His thorough knowl- edge of conditions at different points ts wonderful, and hie visitors usually vel at his complete grasp of local cunditions and details. Senator Foraker has returned from @ brief visit to Ohio, and gave the President his observation of affairs, “The republ cans are in splendid shape in Oh the senator gaid to a Star representative. “The party has never been better prepared for a fight. Our position on the Porto Rican bill has done us no harm. On the other hand, there is general satisfaction ge of the bill by the Senate” oster of Washington, who has rapidly taken a prominent position in Con- gress, reviewed conditions in his state. The senator asserted that the outlook has never been better for republican triumph in the elections this year. The President was pleased with the facts lald before bim by Senator Foster. Republican visitors from the various states who see the President with their congr men make statements of the outlook which gratify the President. Thes tements are voluntary, as the President does not often seek political conversations. For a Place in Porto Rico. Senator Scott of West Virginia talked with the President about the inetitution of civil government in Porto Rico when Con- gress has acted in that direction. Mr. Scott wants a good place in Porto Rico for Col. James H. Reeves of Charlottesville, Va. Senator Daniel of Virginia saw the Presi- dent this morning. Senator Perkins was a visitor with several friends. So were Senators Cullom and Pritchard. Senator Deboe saw the President to secure an appointment in the commissary department of the army for K. J. Hampton of Kentucky, Representative Curtis of Kansas intro- duced Capt. John Seaton of Atchison to the President. Capt. Seaton was in charge or Mr. Curtis’ hard, but successful, fight for renomination, and from the first has led the fight in Kansas against the domination of Cyrus Leland, the republican national committeeman. Invited to North Carolina. Senator Pritchard called on the President this morning to invite him to attend the annual celebration of the Mecklenburg dec- laration of independence at Charlotte, N. G., on May 20. The celebration this year will be on a large scale, and it is the earnest desire of North Carolina people to heve the President attend. He said that he would take the matter under consideration, and that it would give him pleasure to attend if he could do so. It is understood that Senator Pritchard urged the reappointment of Commi: Ross. —_—_——__+ +___—__ ACTION IN COMMITTEE. Taking of Testimony Regarding Mining Trouble Resumed. When the Coeur d’Alene investigation was resumed today Representative Sulzer made an emphatic protest to what he characte ized a “snap judgment” by the majority of the investigating committee. At the last session the record of the “bull pen,” giving the names of those imprisoned, was ordered printed. The record as printed today showed that a newspaper clipping pasted in the book also had been printed, giving @ list of ringlevders in the miners’ agitation and some 400 who had been indicted. Mr. Sulzer’s motion to strike out tbis matter was lost by a tie vote. Henry E. Howes, a business man in the Coeur d'Alene, not identified with either faction, was oftered as a witness to show the neutral sentiment on the trouble. was objected to, however, on the graund that he was a bitter opponent of miners’ unions. His testimony was admitted, an@ he told of the aisturbed conditions oyer a series of years, leading up to the bioWing up of Bunker Hill mill. The witness testi> fied that he knew that members of the miners’ union were present when the mill was blown up. He saw and recognized some of the men on their way to the mij, Some of them applied to his store for am+ munition. Part of his information was gained while a member of the grand jury. McKinley County, New Mexico. ‘The House committee on territories today reported a bill disapproving the action of New Mexico In creating “McKinley county,” on the ground that the locality lacked the poputation and business to warrant county organization. ———— RURAL FREE DELIVERY. Growth of System Renders Two New Divisions Necessary. The rural free delivery system of the Post Office Department has grown to such pro- portions that it has been found necessary to create two new divisions to properly handle it. An order signed by the Post- master General establishes four divisions— the eastern division, with headquarters at New York, including in its territory New England, New York and Pennsylvania, nine states, with Special Agent E. H. Hat way in charge; the middle division, head- quarters Indianapolis Ind., comprising Ohio and all states west to the Missouri ang southern states down to and including Lou- isiana, with F. M. Dice in charge; the west- ern division, comprising states west of the Missouri and Iowa to the coast, headquar ters Denver, with Wm. E. Annin in charge; the southern~ division, including eleven southern states, headquarters at Washing- ton, with H. Conquest Clarke in charge. This order will go into effect May 1.