Evening Star Newspaper, April 16, 1900, Page 1

PUBLISHED DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAY Temporary Bus'xess Office, 119) Penasyivania Aveaas. The Evening Star Newspaper Compaay. SH. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. New Vork Oifice: 126 Tribune Bailing Boyce Building. Trafaigar Square. ¥ Quintuple Sheet Star. $1 per year; with “Stage added. $3.08. (Entered ac the Post Ovice at Washington, D. G. es sevood-clase mafl mattes.) TS All mall subscriptions muet he paid In advance. BOER FORCES RETIRE Those at Elandslaagte Fall Back Beyond Biggarsburg. THEY BLOW UP THREE COLLIERIES Denial of Rumor That Von Buelow Visited Boer Commissioners. CONDITIONS AT WEPENER LONDON, April 16.—A special from Ladysmith, dated April 16, 9: Ba! dispatch > a.m. Native scouts have just reported that the Boers in the Elandslaagte district have re- tired beyond the Biggarsberg. “Other information tends to confirm the report that the Boers have succeeded in blowing up three tmportant collieries near Wessels Nek, completely destroying the ergine houses ami plants.” BRANDFORT, Friday, April Marques).—Fighting with Brabant's Jammerberg drift continues. nt Petrus De Wet fs reported to troops sent from Bloem- 3 (via Lou- renzo Horse Comman. have engaged th for to Brabant's a nce. There was also a brush wi British column advane- ing toward Bultfuntein, without decisive re- fore All the attaches are now here. PRETORIA, Kruger keeps fr ral Botha is h government. ‘The members of the Irish-American am- bulance corps are treated as guests of the government. BERLIN, April 16.—The reports circu- lated of conferences between Count von Bue , the mini er of foreign affairs, and the Boer d tes are semi-officially de- « i be pure inve It is ide t ¥ which has occurred visits of courte at 2 consul Milan, who per- delegates, but who did cal affairs with them. - REPORTS ARE CONFLICTING. Wepener Still a Matter f Doubt. 16—Ce Situation at icting reports re- at Wepe r there is no definite he front. LONDON, Apri fons £¢ con- Hague, delegates create little THE EVENING STAR. ' Daughters of the Revolation to Erect Suitable Memorial. he grave been deeded to of pa- n the iz the has Base Ball NEW ¥ Meeting take-up son + made public at the m playing et —_++<+___ Convicted of an Old Offense. NEW YORK, April 16 dez. uty “harles Hernan- United or of commi ny a whe ——~---___ Many Immigrants Arrive Today. NEW urns the ow > th ber of im: that dat this port. There were 4,071 oft U, and they came as fol- lows Germ from Hay m Hi: Hw: Pret the Shorter Hours for Drug Clerks. ALBANY, N. Y., April 16—Gov. Roose- velt today signed the bill providing for shorter hours for the drug clerks in the city of New York and of the inspection of drug stores local board of health. Under {ts provisions drug clerks prohibited from sleeping stor apartm! fonnected with the store —++-___ Senator Hanna Returns. Special Dispatch to The Evex NORFOLK, Va., April ator Mark Hanna departed from Old Point Comfort this morning hurriedly for Washington, where he will arrive this afternoon at o'clock. The senator, who has ben. sial with grip. scarcely left his room during bis stay at Old Point. —++--—___ Storm in Western Kansan: KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 16—Yester- @ay’s rain and wind storm in western Kan- sas appears to have passed off without hav- ing caused : fe. In northe and southern Ne- inches of rain fell. HEAVY SNOW IN COLORADO TRAINS STALLED AND RIVERS ON A BOOM. Precipitation for the Month of April the Highest Since Records Were Begun. DENVER, Colo., April 16.—A storm of which began Saturday rain and snow, night, continued today with increased severity. It is accompanied by a gale. The precipitation for the month up to date, 511 inches, breaks the April record since the establishment of the weather bureau here in 1872. The storm covers the eastern parts of Colorado and Wyoming, the north- ern part of New Mexico and part of Kan- sas. The storm is not as severe in the mountains as it is just east of them. Cherry creek, which enters the Platte river in this clty, 1s on a boom and fea are entertained for the safety of Castle- wood dam. The Platte is almost out of its banks, rising rapidly. In the Cripple Creek mining district it has been snowing almost constantly for two weeks. Railroads are blockaded and mining operations seriously hampered. Similar conditions prevail in the Gilpin_and Clear Creek county mining districts. The snow is from two to six feet deep on the eastern slope of the mountains. In Denver and on the plains the snow melts almost as fast as It falls. Owing to the soft road beds, railroad trains are run utiously and Incoming trains are arriving several hours late. On the divide between Denver and Colo- rado Springs and in some mountain canons trains are stalled in heaps of snow, which is so heavy that snowplows buck it with little effect. Tornado at Wichita, Kan. WICHITA, Kan., April 1 A tornado at Putnam last night destroyed two hou: and considerable farm property. No one was killed. ——+++—__ NO CONTEST EXPECTED. New York Republican Convention All Cut and Dried. NEW YORK, April 16—A convention which promises to be absolutely devoid of any feature will be held in this city tomor- j row by the republicans to name delegates at large to the national convention at Phil- adelphia. So distinct is the harmony, it 1s said, that there will be no committee on contested seats, no contesting delegations and, so far as can be learned,’no objection to the laid dowm. brief and non-committal program The program reads Ike th Senator N. A. Elsberg will be the tempo- chairman and Representative Jame man, permanent chairman. The jegates at large will, it is understood, be Thecdore Roosevelt, and B. B. Odell. Th the administration 0 k for his renomina- adm ation of nd other rej ———_2+<___ CYCLONE AT ROYSE, TEXAS. Several Lives Thought to Have Been Lost—Honses Wrecked. DALLAS, Tex., April 16—A special to News from Royse, Tex., dated April 16, 2am. 4 eyelone struck this plac if it is believed that several have been lost. Eight houses were | MANY JAPS COMING wrecked, and at this hour the greatest ex- clouds had gathered in the north- » Was but little wind, however, it fifteen minutes before the This came almost without warn- A man in a buggy was lifted from his ——_+++—___ CARPENTERS ON STRIKE. Staten Island Mechanics Demand a Shorter Week’s Work. W YORK, April 16.—All the carpenters on Staten Island went on strike today. The strikers demand an eight-hour work day for five days of the week and a four-hour d that no member of union will be employed in any cireum- stances betwe the hours of 1 nd 5 on um rate of wages demand forty cents h double p 1ys and holi ey ask institution of the eppreti em, which th claim will tend to iner of the craft. —_>++—___ APPROPRIATION BILL. the skill ARMY Measure Reported to the Senate by Chairman Hawley. Chairman Hawley reported to the Senate today from the committee on military af- fairs the appropriation bill for the army. The pay for officers of the line fs increased $453,900. The provision for a military tele- graph line in Alaska, costing $450,350, 1s stricken out. For a library building at Manila $5,000 ts appropriated. In computing length of ser- or retirement of officers and soldiers rving in Porto Rico or the Philippines are to be allowed double time for such servic et discharg r enlisted men s $00,145. Mr. Forak . today gave notice of an amendment to the army ap- prop ne on bill, increasing the salaries of clerks from $1,000 to $1,S00 clerks from $1,000 to $1,600; also tn ing the salaries of eleven messengers from $720 to $540. Negotiations Judge 1 Lemly has re- ceived tion from Pay Director H. M. Denniston, at New York, who ts en- gaged in negotlating for a suitable vesset ry relief supplies for famine sufferers a, in which he informs the depart- that most of the ships suited for this purpose are owned or ¢ and thaé ow! e+ Movements of Warships. Admiral Schley has cabled the Navy De- partment of his arrival on the Chicago at Para, Brazil, accompanied by the Montgom- ery. The next port of the squadron will probably be Bah!a, where the Hartford is to meet the ships. The Prairie sailed yesterday from New York for New Orleans to begin the sea- son's work of the training of the Louisiana naval militia. The Alliance sailed today from Jamaica for Guantanamo. ‘The Potomac has arrived at Nipe. er eee a A Demand for Lard. Consul Schumann has informed the Siate Department that the state penitentiary of Mainz, in advertising for bids for supplies, requests, among other articles, 2,200 pounds of lard, either German or American. Con- sul Schumann regarés this as an encour- aging fact, inasmuch as American trade in lard in that city was practically prohibited @ few years ago. Pacific Coast People Alarmed at Extent of Immigration, LAND AT SEATTLE AND VICTORIA Executive Can Only Prevent Land. ing of Contract Laborers. ALL OTHERS MAY LAND SEATTLE, Wash., April 16.—The Nippon Y¥uson Kaisha liner Rio Jun Maru has ar- rived with 650 Japanese steerage passen- gers. She discharged 700 more at Victoria. VICTORIA, B. C., April 16.—Japanese are still pouring in here. The steamer Rio Jun Maru brought 800, and the big liner Good- win 1,100. The steamer Milos is expected today with eighty more, and the Braemer at the end of this week, with over 700. The labor leaders are agitating against this great influx of orientals, but it is sald that the provincial and dominion parliaments are powerless to enact legislation to keep out the Japanese, for the imperial govern- ment refuses to allow the passage of legis- lation which will affect its friendly rela- tions with Japan. Martin, the British Co- lumbia premier, in a speech last night, said that if re-elected he would see that legis- lation was passed restricting this Immigra- Yokohama advices brought by the steam er Rio Jun Maru indicate that charitable societies and possibly the municipal gov- ernments of Jay cities are taking a shipping of a large number of. = to this country. itute Asiatics t Yokohama the Pacifis are not allawed to congr and Tokio, but are sent acti as fast as possible. gate Nothing Done by Government. Up to this time nothing has been done by the Washington authcrities looking toward the restriction of the immigration of Japan- ese into this country, beyond the applica- tion of the contract labor laws. The enforcement of these laws is Intrust- ed to the efficials of the Treasury Depart- ment, and, so far as is known, they have not discovered up to this time any formid- able movement bringing Into the United States © coolies under labor ire not, however, authori * with the incoming of any Japanese can satisfy the re- ation laws in the contract obliga- in themselv unlike other orient- of the laboring sufficient showing muster und secure quirements of the { matter of fr om tions and ability nd it is belie Is, few. Japanes fail to ma points to pas from to main: ed that even on these admission at the golden gat If, however, the tide of Japanese immi- tion, now setting toward the British rthwestern ston ould include Japanese coolies under ¢ et to labor in the United States, there will be necessity for a considerabl einforcement of the numbe a charged with the policing of the boundary line between the state of Washington and British Colum- bia in order to prevent their entrance into the United States. There is no formal obligation upon the 3ritish colonial authorities to prevent such Japanese from crossing the line, beyond that of mere neighborly interest, a consid- eration not always sufficient to stop the illicit dumping of undesirable immigrants into the United States. Ont of Reach of Executive. Although the recent reports from San Francisco of the arrival at the port of con- siderable numbers of Japanese laborers, aken In connection with the steady in- crease of the Japanese population of the Hawaiian Islands, has attracted the atten- tion of the executive branch of the gov- ernment, it is said that even supposing the presence of the Japanese within our terri- torlal limits should be regarded as unde- sirable, the sub. riction is one en- Urely nd reach at present, and is one for the consideration of Con- gress. me of tho officials have been and many still are of the opinion that the steady growth of industries in Japan attendant upon the phenomenal development of that nation in other lines, with the need for raw material out of which to make sol diers and sailors for the Japanese army and would create a sufficient home demand to remove any menace to tho United St from Japanese immigration. The of the immigration bureaus on the Pacifi stare, however, being close- r upon their showing may dep ‘ant recommendations upon this subject —_~+++—___ KILLED BY BANDITS. Scott Weathersby Shot in Gambling Houxe at Benson, A. \T. CHICAGO, April 16—A special to the Chronicle from Phoenix, Ariz., says Jesus Garcia and another Mexican of the name of Flores held up a gambling house in Johnson, a mining camp twenty-five miles east of Benson, and killed Scott Weathers- by, a prominent mining man, who they thought was attempting to prevent their escape. Weathersby was attracted to the saloon by the loud talking and had just entered the place when one of the Mexicans fired on him, the bullet entering above the right eye, killing him instantly. They then fled, but before they could get out of range one of them was shot and wounded so badly that his accomplice was obliged to support him as they dragged themselves to where their horses were standing. The pursuers followed them a short distance, but dis- covered the uselessness of attempting to capture them without horses and they re- turned for mounts. The bandits are well armed and have some chance of escaping. —_++-+___ STIMSON ON THE STAND. Testifies Before the Idaho Mining In- quiry Committee. The Coeur d'Alene Investigation was re- sumed today, with W. R. Stimson, one of the former county commissioners of Sho- shone county, on the stand to rebut fea- tures developed in the previous testimony. His evidence was to the effect that he was removed from office by the state and military authorities because they believed |- he would not serve their purpose. He de- clared, in answer to questions, that his re- moval was brought about by the legal and judicial “tools” of the Bunker Hill mine and the Standard Ol Company. The wit- ness presented a photograph taken at the time of the outbreak of 1802. It showed the front of a saloon at Gem, with the glass windows riddled with rifie “shots. These, he testified, were made by “Pinker- tons and thugs,” brought In by the mining companies to put down the union men. “ost _of Stimson’s testimony retarted to minor circumstances in the affair under In- vestigation. King Osear Starts for England. STOCKHOLM, April 16.—King Oscar left here this afternoon on his way to England, —>+>___ Steamship Arrivals. At New York—La Gascogne, from Havre Pretoria, from Hamburg. HIS NOMINATION SENT IN ALLE: "S NAME TRANSMITTED TO THE SENATE, Will Leave for Porto Rico Late in the Weck to Prepare for the New Civil Government, The President today nominated Charles H. Allen of Massachusetts to be the gov- ernor of Porto Rico. Mr. Alen ts arranging to leave Washing- ton for San Juan toward the end of the present week. He has abandoned his orig- inal purpose to go alone, and will be ac- companied by Mrs. Allen and their daugh- ter. The trip will be made on the U. 8. S. Dolphin, Capt. Southerland, which is now lying at the Washington navy yard. It is Gov. Allen's intention to make this a flying visit, with the main purpose of con- sulting with Gen. Davis and setting up the new civil government. Mrs. Allen will meanwhile ascertain just what equipment will be necessary for the home of the new governor. It is expected that these things: can be accomplished inside of three weeks, when the party will return to the United States and Mr. Allen w!'l go directly to Massa- chusetts und spend some time in arranging his private business affairs for a prolonged absence. The governor will return to Porto Rico on the Mayflower, if that vessel can be made ready in itme. She is now at the New York navy yard, and orders have been sent to the commandant to overhaul her and put her in commission at the earliest possible moment. It is understood that the vessel is in good condition and the only possible de- lay in executing the order will be caused by the difficulty of securing a proper crew. The present plan fs to await the re- turn to the United States from Central America of the cruiser Detroit, and tele- graphic orders were sent to the commander of that ship at Chiriqui Lagoon, Colombia, to start for home as soon as the ship could be made ready for the cruise. The crew for the Mayflower will be drawn from the Detroit's crew. The Detroit is ordered to Portsmouth, N. H., where she will be put out of commis- sion. It is the purpose of the Navy De- partment to make some r2pairs on the De- troit in this navy yard. The extent of re- pairs cannot be stated until-a naval board of survey has examined the ship. It is known that she nesds new boilers, a con- siderable item in themselves, and it is pre- dicted at the Navy Department that there will be at least a year’s work on the ship. It cannot be learned that anything has yet been done toward selecting a successor to Mr. Allen as assistant secretary of the y Long however, giving ideration, and some of the Ivania delegation in Congress were office at the Navy Department this morning in connectfon with the candidacy of Mr. Henry W. Raymond. - NEW SIAMESE MINISTER the subject cor Penn: PHYA PRASIDDHL PRESENTS HIS CREDENTIALS. Clad in rich silks of gorgeous hue and brilliant with gold trimmings, Phya Prasid- dhi, envoy extraordinary and minister plen- ipotentiary of Siagn, at 11 o'clock today laid his credentials before President McKinley at the White House. The new minister was accompanied by Secretary Hay, who per- formed the introduction. He comes from London and takes the place of the recently departed Phya Visuddha Suriyasaku. He Was attended by an English secretary, Mr. Loftus, and by Mr. Isaac T. Smith, the Siam consul general at New York. The usual fellcitous exchanges oceurred between the President and the new minister, the latter declaring that Siam was entirely in accord with our principles of development, and the President welcoming the promise of co-operation toward the deyelopment of commercial intercourse with the Siamese kingdom. The minister sai “Your Excellency: My august sovereign, the King of Siam, having been graciously pleased to appoint me us his representative to the United States of Ameri I have now the honor to present the letters of re- call of my predecessor, Phya Visuddha Suriyasaku, and my letters of credence, and beg to express the desire of the king, my royal master, that the cordial relations which have for so many years existed be- tween Slam and the United States may in the future be maintained and strengthened. “The principl of industrial and com- mercial progress and of peaceful develop- ment upon which the greatness of the United States rests are entirely in accord with those of the government of his maj- esty and may well be a permanent bond of sympathy between the two countries.” The President responded as follows: “Mr. Minister: It affords me pleasure to greet you as the representative in the United States of his majesty, the King of Siam, and to receive from your hands the royal letters whereby I am informed of the recall of your esteemed predecessor, Phya Visuddha Surlyasaku, and of your being accredited in his place near the government cf the United States, “The desires of his majesty for the main- tenance and constant strengthening of the les of sincere amity which have so long existed between Siam and the United States find a cordial response on the part of the government of the United State and I shall welcome your co-operation ward the realization, as respects-your fa- vored land, of the earnest policy of this ccuntry to promote by all practical and friendly means commercial #miercourse and industrial advancement in its relations with other states.” oo WILL NOT RESIGN. What Mr. Perry Heath Says of a Rumor Regarding Him. Owing to a newspaper paragraph Mr. Perry Heath, the first assistant postmaster general, today had to answer a good many inquiries In regard to the rumor thus given currency that he had resigned in order that he might devote his entire time to the work of the national republican commit- tee. Mr. Heath told all comers that he had not resigned, did not intend. to resign and that no intimation had come to him that such a step was either necessary or desir- able. In the opinion of Mr. Heath, who 1s @ newspaper man and therefore may be re- garded as an expert, the paragraph re- ferred to had its origin in thesimaginings of its writer. . Z STAMP TAX ON EXPRESS PACKAGES. Supreme Court Opinion Fayorable to the Companies. The Supreme Court today decided the eases involving the stamp tax as it applies to 2xpress packages, the question involved being whether the shipper or the carrier shall pay the stamp charge on packages. The opinion was handed down by Justice White and was favorable to’ the express companies. E Ther> were two cases before the court in- volving the question at issue, but the opin- ion was based upon. the ease of the Ameri- can Express Company against Attorney General Maynard of the state ef Michigan. The case came to the Supreme Court from the decision of the state supreme court of Michigan, which decision was adverse to the claims of the express companies, ‘The opinion today revarsed this opinion, A DEMONSTRATED FACT, ’ There is no business that cannot be benefited by ju- dicious advertising, and there is none that may not waste money by poor use of space. FOR VICE PRESIDENT Politicians Discuss Mr, Long’s Avail- ability, HANDICAPS IN HIS CANDIDACY Gen. Grosvenor Favors a Man From the West. NAMES SUGGESTED The entry of Sccretary Long's name in the list of availables for the vice presidency has caused a flutter among the politicians who are weighing the situation and balanc- hig the merits of the candidates with the necessities of the case. Discussing Mr. Long. In discussing his candidacy, the first ex- pression of politicians at the Capitol is one of admiration and regard for the character and ability of Secretary Long. He is not only popular, but is highly esteemed as well. He would, they say, make an ideal presiding officer for the Senate, and also lend to the vice presidency some of the political attributes which have attached to that office in very recent years under the administration of a distinguished republi- can. Thus, Secretary Long's fitness for the Place ts admitted to be beyond question. But, coming down to some practical, po- litcal aspects of his candidacy, there is a disposition in some quarters to consider it carefully before reaching unqualified in- dorsement. The first question raised is as to the necessity of going to Massachusetts for a candidate. here is nothing in the situation to make Mr. Long Inevitable, it is pointed out, and there is no need to take him in order to insure Massachusetts going republican. On the other hand, there is strong op- position to Mr. Long from some republicans, who fear that In his candidacy the Samp- son-Schley controversy would be carried into the campaign. They contemplate with uneasiness a revival of that discussion from the stump and see trouble ahead, especial- ly in Mary!and, Long's friends say in rebuttal that there is nothing in his record in that case which would use him to fear the verdict of the public; that the Navy Department was right all the way through. The ob- Jectors reply to this argument that, how- ever true It may be, the fact must be rec ognized that a great many people in this country are not convinced in their own minds of the correctness of the depart- ment’s position in the controversy, and that the republican party is not looking for her handicaps or an ounce of additional weight to carry in the coming race. May Go West. Western republicans are stil can ing the advisability of crossing the Ohio for a vice presidential candidate. “I have all alorg been in favor of going to the west for a Vice President,” said Representative Grosvenor of Ohio to a Star reporter today. “I believe we ought to take a man who will give strength to the ticket in some sections of the country where the contest promises to be close.” Many names have been uggested within the past few days. Senator Spooner of Wis- consin would be favorite if it was be- lieved he would accept. Senator Fairbanks of Indiana is in the same category. Repre- sentative Mercer of Nebraska is growing in favor, and the slatemakers are looking closely into the Nebraska prospect. If his candidacy seems likely to threaten Mr. Bryan's hold upon the state there may be some interesting developments in the Mer- cer boom within the next few weeks. Rep- resentative Dolliver is spoken of freely, but the eloquent young Iowan says he is “going to keep on running for Congress just the same.” Democratic Gossip. Ther? is authority for the statement that Rear Admiral Schley is regarded with favor by democrats of influence in the party councils as a possible candidate for Mr. Bryan's running mate. Going further, It may be stated that if Secretary Long ts to be nominated on the republican ticket a definite movement Is likely to be commenced in the d=mocratic perty to put up Rear Admiral Schley against him. The Sampson-Schley contro- versy would then come to the fore as a campaign issue. Influential d2mocrats in Congress are watching the developments in the r>pub- lican vice presidential contest with great interest. As the democratic convention will occur July 4, While the republican meet is for Jun? 19, the democrats will have a move after the republicans have played. They will, it is said, undoubtedly take any advantage which the republican nomina- tion would give them. The democrats fear Mr. Roosevelt of New York mor? than any- other eastern man. His aggressiveness, magnetism and sturdiness of character, as well as his war record, makes him a dan- gerous man, in the opinion of many demo- crats. ——_+o.+____. INVESTIGATING MAJOR KNIGHT. Charged With Excluding Father Tier- ney From an Army Post. By direction of the Secretary of War an investigation was made today at New York city of the charge that Maj. John D. G. Knight, corps of engineers, commanding the engineer school at Willets Point, New York, had interfered with Father Tierney of the Catholic Church in the performance of his religious duties at the army post. It is alleged that the priest had been stop- ped at the entrance to the post at the point of a bayonet and that the action of the sentry had been subsequently upheld by the commanding officer. Representative Fitz- gerald of Massachusetts recently introduced a resolution concerning the alleged refusal of certain army officers to permit Catholic priests to administer their offices at army posts, the resolution being based on the alleged action of Maj. Knight in the case of Father Tierney. Representative Fitz- gerald was informed by the Secretary of War that the matter would be investigated, and if it were found that the officer had exceeded his authority, he would be re- Neved. Maj. Knight is well known in this city, having served in the office of the chief of engineers for many years prior to his transfer to the command at Willets Point a few years ago. His term of service at Willets Point has nearly expired, and his early transfer to another field of duty is anticipated. ——_-e+______ Naval Orders. Lieutenant Commander William Winder has been ordered to take immediate com- mand of the Michigan on the great lakes, in place of Commander P. Garst, whose or- ders to that duty have been revoked. Capt. G. E. Ide has been ordered to the command of the New Orleans when relieved from command of the Yosemite. Lieut. L. R. DeSteiguer, leave of absence fora ont! Lieut Mf Yohnson, to the Prairle as ex- ecutive, in place of Lieutenant Commander J. C. Gillmore, whose orders have been ré- voked. = Lieutenant Commander H. M. Hodges, to the bureau of equipment. Lieutenant Commander J. A. Norris, three months’ sick leave. Lieut. W. A. Moffett, one month's sick leave. Carpenter F. C. LePine, from the Wabash to the lowa, THE NAVAL POLICY BOARD WORK OF THE BODY WILL BE AB- SOLUTELY SECRET. Members Were All Present—Order of Secretary Long Read and Or- ganization Effected. The new naval policy board met at the Navy Department today for the first time. There were present Admiral Dewey, the president of the board, and Admiral Crown- inshield and Captains Chadwick, Taylor, Evans, Clark and Sigsbee, Colonel Reid, U.S. M.C., Commander Mulligan, Com- mander Asa Walker and Lieutenant Ward, the latter being secretary of the board. The meeting was éalled for 10 o'clock and all the members were present promptly at the appointed hour. The orders of the Secretary of the Navy creating the board were read, and an organization was ef- fected. This was about all that could be accomplished at the first session, and after a general discussion of the scope of the work to be undertaken and the probable advantages of subdividing the labors of the board among the various members an ad- journment was reached before noon. The board decided at the outset that the character of the work to be undertaken. Involving, as it does, the preparation of schemes of defense of the country, as well as of offensive campaigns, renders it abso- lutely necessary that secrecy shall sur- round every proceeding. Therefore it was not without difficulty that even the meeting place of the board was discovertd, and the press has been given to understand that the work of the body will not furnish matter for current news. ——_—__—_+e._____ TO BREAK THE WAVES’ FORCE. An Unsubmergable Floating Net De- vised by an Italian. Consul A. M. Thackara, at Havre, writes to the State Department concerning a de- vice Invented by Baron Benvenuto d’Ales- sandro, an Italian, for the protection of vessels at sea, harbor entrance: light- houses, etc., from the force of the surf. The invention, which is claimed to be more ef- ficient than cfl in destroying or subduing the force of the waves, consists of an un- submergable, floating net, which is retained on the surface of the water by means of outriggers when used to protect a vessel, or attached to buoys in the case of light- houses or harhor entranc The principle involved is tion of the water so covered the violent motion and it that that por- cannot acquire ‘ of the unimprisoned sea, said that even the most gigantic upon reaching the net, pad of climbing over ft or dashing dc destroying it, will pa Hatter force, thin hemp fiber, knitted in square meshes, and made Waterproof by a solution of powdered cork and pure rubber. i have been made with the de- ied degrees of but the ults have been very encourag- In IS91 trials were made of the float- and developed that the effect upon lutely the same as if oil had been used, and in ail cases the net held n and received no dam: ‘periments in the near future are contemplated. THE GOLD DEMOCRATS, ing. ing ne! Senator Lindsay Does Not Think They Are Organizing. “I do not detect any movement in the execuiive committee of the gold demo- crats to organize a campaign for the pres- idency,” said Senator Lindsay of Kentucky to a Star reporter today. The remark was in answer to a question whether the gold democrats were organizing in Admiral Dewey's behalf. Senator Lindsay 1s one of the leading gold democrats of the coun- try and was closely identitied with that faction in the last campaign. He thinks that the fact that those New Yorkers who have thus far di Admiral Dewey are gold democ: . not mean of necessity that the old gold democrat organization is to be revived. Senator Lindsay dot of an organization a party or even of not see any evidence leserving the ttle of n influential faction back Admiral Dewey's candidac: ae THE SCHOOL AMENDMENT, No Serious Objection in the House pected. The report that friends of Superintendent Powell will fight the amendment to the District of Columbia appropriation bill Which relates to a change in the govern- ment of the public schools has caused a good deal of feeling on the part of sena- tors who were interested in having the amendment adopted. A senator who is a member of the Dis- trict committee and who is greatly inter- ested in the school question declared today that if any well-defined fight is put up in the House against this amendment on the part of any one who appears to be acting in the interest of the superintendent he will make a statement in the Senate con- cerning evidence that was elicited at the hearings on the schools and which was not reported and not published. This senator declared that an effort was made to Keep the investigation from being a personal attack on the superintendent and to make it bear as far as possible on the school sy: tem of the District. The committee's re- port was drawn in such a way that it did not consider anything beyond the school system, it was declared, and there was no desire to drag personalities into the question of school manage: Senators who are particulariy interested in the sckool amendment do not believe any fight against it in the House will be at all effective or that it will take on any considerable proportions. —__o+____ NORTH CAROLINA'S VOTE. Senator Pritchard Believes It Will Go to MeKinley. “The fact that we have been unable to ef- fect fusion between the republicans and populists of North Carolina does not pre- Sage republican defeat in that state,” said Senator Pritchard of North Carolina to a Star reporter today. “On the contrary, I feel as sure as of any- thing I ever felt that the electoral vote of North Carolina will be given to Mr. McKin- ley. It will be a three-cornered fight in our state, but we have won before in a three- cornered fight and can win again. The populists and republicans will both oppose the constitutional amendment proposed by the democrats to disfranchise the negro vote, and I believe we will beat it.” The failure to effect fusion referred to by Senator Pritchard Was announced as the result of conferences which have been in progress here for several days between Senator Pritchard, Senator Butler, Chair- man Thompson of the populist state com- mittee and Chairman Holton of the repub- lican state committee. They were unable to agree upon platforms, and the conference has adjourned sine die. it is not believed that further effort at fusion will be made, NICARAGUAN CANAL BILL, Signers to a Petition for Its Con- sideration. Up to noon today Chairman Hepburn of the committee on interstate and foreign commerce had secured 111 signatures of re- publicans to a petition to the committee on rules asking for time for the consideration of the Nicaraguan canal bill in the House. AT THE WHITE HOUSE The President Will Leave the City Next Thursday. PLACES HE WILL VISIT WHILE AWAY Two More Delegations in Behalf of . Judge Scott. OTHER CALLERS TODAY, President and Ms. McKinley will leave here on Thursday morning at 10 o'clock for Paterson, N. J., where they will remain until Saturday morning as guests of Mrs. Garret A. Hobart, widow of the late Vice President. This will be the beginning of a trip which will take the President away from Washington for at least a week. From Paterson the President, who will be ac- companied by Mrs. McKinley, wiil go to New York, reaching there in time to make | an address Saturday evening before the ecumenical conference of missions of the Methodist Church. In New York the presi- dential party will be quartered at the Man- hattan Hotel. President and Mrs. McKinley will stay in New York until late Sunday night, when they will leave for Canton, Ohio. ‘The President and his wife are going to thel home to look over some alterations anc additions to their residence in Canton. They will remain in the little Ohio town for three or four days and will not come back hgre day or Friday of next week. » trip throughout will be made in a te car attached to regular trains. Dr. - Rixey, the family physician, Secre- tary Cortelyou and Assistant retary Barnes will accompany the President and From Washington to Paterson the Will be accompanied by Mrs. Hobart and son, Garret A. Hobart, jr. The District Commissionerships. It is not believed the President will se- lect the two District Commissioners prior to his departure or that he will take the matter up while he is away. The outlook, therefore, is that no nominations will be made before the Ist of May. or even later, Judge Scott was warmly indorsed for Dig trict Commissioner today by a large dele= gation of the District bar. The delegation was headed by Charles A. Douglas and Was composed of John . Thomas, B. 8. Minor, D. W. . x. Wolf, M. - Ma J Donalé Justice Mills. Darr, Smith Mullowney. Ir Mr. Baker. pre: number of la selection. Short and eulogistic Judge Scott were m and E. H , Chas. and Alex to those pr ; 1 letters from a large urging Judge Scott's ers peeches in behalf of by Mr. Douglas The President gave attention and prom- ised consideration to what had been said. Representative Bromwell of ©! had a talk with the President and said some kind words for W. 8. Knox. The President did not give to Mr. Bromwell any indication of his intentions. Another Scott Delegation. After the members of the bar had ta to the President in behalf of Judge Sc strong delegation of business and profes- ional men saw the chief executive for the same purpose. Nearly all of those present spoke In highest terms of Judge Scott, and assured the President that there would be no objection to his appointment anywhere in the District. Mr. George Truesdell acted as spokesman for the delegation, which likewise indorsed the reappointment of Commissioner Ros: During the talk with the President it was stated as a report heard on the streets that Commissioner Wight had withdrawn his name from further consideration. The President asked if this report was true, and was told that it was probably correct. The following prominent citizens were either present or had asked that they be represented to the President as favoring the appointment of Judge Scot Truesdell, Geo. W. F. Swartzell, Staples, John O. Johnson, Elphonzo ¥- Warner, R. W. Walker, Je: . A.M. Lothrop, A. A. Birne Tay . 8. Williams, Z. B. Babb! Willis, H. M. Kenner, R. S. Donaidson. The President received still another dele- gation. This one was in the interest of M. Ballinger and consisted of Nathaniel m, J. B. Cotton and M. A. Davidge. urged the selection of Mr. Ballinger. Mr. Davidge stated in the most positive terms that he is not a candidate for Com- missioner, and does not know how his name e to be spoken of in that connection. he would not accept the position, Representative Van Voorhis of Ohio also referred to District matters in a talk with the President. Mr. Van Voorhis is a warm friend and admirer of W. V. Cox. He did not formally present Mr. Cox's name, but he told the President that there was not, in his opinion, a man in the District better qualified for the place. For a Place in Porto Rico. Senator Gallinger and Representative Sul- loway of New Hampshire saw the President this afternoon and presented Prof. George C. Kimball of New Hampshire as an able man for superintendent of instruction for Porto Rico. The President has done noth- ing about any of these places, and will probably be slow in the appointments. Mr. Long's View of the West. Secretary Long visited the President this morning, after an absence of a number of weeks in Colorado. When asked for his views of politics In the west Mr. Long sal “I believe that sentiment has changed @ great deal in four years. The people have had their share of the prosperity which has existed for three years. There is the most friendly feeling to the administra- arding the use of his name as a possl+ ble vice presidential candidate Mr. Long re- peated a statement heretofore made—that the office is one of much honor and should neither be sought nor refused by any man. Secretary Root was with the President on army matters. There were many other visitors. A number of the members of the Antietam battlefield commission, accompa- nied by Representative Wachter, called on the President to ask his answer to the invitation extended him some time ago to attend the dedication of the monument erected by the state of Maryland to the’ soldiers of both armies in the civil wat, who fell at Antietam. The exercises arg. to take place May 80. The President sal he would send an answer in a few days, Senator Davis called on the President an@ remained with him some time. Senators Frye and Hale want one of the Porto Rican appointments for a constituent and con> ferred with the President. Senators Lodge, Quarles, Kean and Foraker, Representae tives Grosvenor, Berry, Griggs and Hops kins saw the President. Assistant Secretary Taylor of the treas-. ury, accompanied by Commissioner Fitchie of the immigration bureau at New Y¥, Was with the President a short time, tal ing of immigration matters. ———_2+_____ 4,000, Not 400, Signatures. There were 4,000 instead of 400 signatures, as stated in Saturday's Star, affixed to the. petition to Congress asking for the appointes ment of two superintendents for the Diss trict public schools, one of whom shoul be a colored man and in change of the gol, ored schools,