Evening Star Newspaper, April 18, 1900, Page 2

THE EVENING STAR, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 1900-14 PAGES. ON THE NAVAL BILL Feeling Shown in the House Debate Today, ¢ BIG CONTINGENCY APPROPRIATION Democrats Express Their Opposi- tion to It. ALASKA IN THE SENATE ——— + The House today resumed the considera- tion of the naval appropriation bill. Gen- -ral debate having closed, the bill was read for amendment under the five-minute rule. Mr. Kitchin (N. C.), a member of the naval committee, made a point of order against the provision in the bill appropriat- ing $500,000 to be expended under direction of the President to meet unforeseen contin- sepctes. “Mr. Foss argued that the appropriation was in order under the general provision for the maintenance of the navy. Mr. Payne (N. Y¥.), who was in the chair, overruled the point of order, and Mr. Kit- chin took an appeal from the decision. The chair was sustained—M to 70. Mr. Kitchin then moved to strike the ap- propriation from the bill. Mr, Wheeler (Ky.) supported the motion. He was un- willing, he id, to place a half million dol- lars In the hands of the President to use at his discretion without an accounting. He said this without desiring to be offensive. Mr. Foss read from the hearing given by the committee to Secretary Long detailing the necessity for this emergency appropria- AS a general principle Mr. Foss said he would not advoeate so large a contingency ‘ppropriation, but he thought circumstances farranted it Mr. Kitchin safd that if Willam J. Bryan were in the Executive Mansion today not aimember on the other side would be will- Kg to place $300,000 at his disposal for use It was bad policy and a precedent. uring some remarks by Mr. Hawley (Pexas) in eulogy of the President's course, Kitchin asked him if the President had net denied that the Constitution, the great- egt of all blessings. followed the flag. “That is a technical question,” replied Mr. Hawley, evasively. “In order not to embarrass the gentle- man, I withdraw the question,” observed Mr. Kitchin, amid laughter. Later Mr. Hawley challenged Mr. Wheel- ey of Kentucky to give the name of the © United States who he yester- @ the opinion was responsible -plate trust. replied that he had expressed that opinion, but he cid not give the name of th -r whom he had in mind. Considerable Feeling. Later on Mr. Grosvenor (Ohio), and Mr. in his discretion. Ww ), became involved In a yersy. Mr. Williams quoted “ged interview with the President of in which, speaking ion on the Port: that while it mi and Gladstc permitte im." (Laugh- ratic now t erly repud asked Mr. Gros- = not k Peace Restored. of Mr.*Grosvenor's re- areused great enthusiasm, took Mr. Grosvenor to task ig that he could not haracterize it d any intention . and the Incident between the bel- SENATE, When the Senate convened t Hale reported from the committee affairs a joint resolution drawn originally By Mr. Mason (Il) authorizing the Secre- tary of the Navy to struck bronze Medals for distribution among certain of- ficers and men of the North Atlantic squad- re ments be- commemorating naval eng tween the forces of Spain and the United States in the waters of the West Indies and Off the Cuban coast. The measure, which appropriates $25,000, Was adopted tion was offered by Mr. Hoar di- ecretary of War to inform the mates of the national » colored men or In- explanation Mr. Hoar said that ertain t number of insane asylums be and the resolution for by the resol This was agreed Was passed. ter (Wasi r to have Was passed. N. H.) offered a res and medicinal tions were made to include les on which there is a revenue a.) suggested that the in- ought to the re war revenue act. ire that the war dhe thought ate ought to Se and complete. After sume discussion the resolution went over. A bill providing that tt ate of Wyom- ing be permitted to relinquish to the United States certain lands heretofore selected and to seleet other lands from the public do- main in lfeu thereof was passed. Senator Hale reported from the Senate committee on naval affairs an amendment to the al appropriation bill authorizing the President to purchase from the govern- ment of Spain, for a sum not to exceed $200,000, the 10,000-ton steel floating dry dock belonging to that government and now in the harbor of Havana Rights of Colored Citize: Senator Chandler introduced a bill “for the prevention of the denial or the abridge- ment of the right of citizens of the United States to vote on account of color.” In pre- genting the bill Mr. Chandler said that he @id so by request and was not yet prepared to press its consideration. He said, how- ever, that he had drawn the bfil himself. It provides that “any requirement of any qualification for suffrage, prescribed by any state om its constitution or laws, which directly or indirectly by express words or by any device or subterfuge is made to ap- ply in its terms or in fits operation to the reat body of the colored citizens of the stgte, while it is not made to apply to the great body of white citizens, is hereby de- clared to be unconstitutional, null and in- operative. Other sections of the bill authorize colored eftizens to vote regardless of race or of state restrictions. Colored citizens are also given the right of action of against registration boards refusing them the right to register. Military Exploration in Alaska. Senator Carter presented the report of the Senate committee on military affairs made in response to a resolution of the Senate adopted last December, directing the committee to report upon the part taken by the army in the exploration of Alaska. The report is an exhaustive pre- sentation In narative form of the various military explorations which have _ been made of Alaska since the acquisition of that territory. It begins with an account of the expedition of 1869 and includes all made since. Collection of Abandoned Property. An effort was made by Mr. Money (Miss.) and several of his democratic col- leagues to obtain consideration for the bill to revive and amend an act fo provide for the collection of abandoned property and the prevention of frauds in insurrectionary districts within the United States and acts amendatory thereof. The effort led to a long discussion as to the effect present consideration of the measure would have upon the Quay case and the unanimous consent that now ob- tains with respect to that case. It was developed that strong opposition to the bill existed in the Senate, Mr. Hale (Me.), Mr. Chandler (N. H.), Mr. Warren (Wyo.) and others indicating that the measure must be fully discussed. Mr. Hale declared that the bill, if passed, would subject the United States treasury to a drain of probably $150,000,00% He would therefore strenuously oppose its passage. Mr. Money challerged Mr. Hale's state- ment, saying that the bill would take no such amount from the treasury; that it in- yelved only $5,000,000, and that a trust fund, for which the measure provided, was means of distribution to its proper owners. Mr. Teller (Col.), as a friend of the bill, urged Mr. Money not at this time to press the measure, as some further information was needed by the Senate before it acted upon the bill. The bill needed amendment, he said, but he thought it would be passed without serious delay when understood by the Senate. < Mr. Money then gave notice that he would call up the bill next Wednesday. The Alaska Bill. ‘The Senate then resumed consideration of the Alaskan civil code bill, Mr. Stewart addressing the Senate on the pending Hans- brough amendment in opposition to any change in the mining laws of the United States. DELEGATES FROM VERMONT CHOICE OF THE REPUBLICAN CON- VENTION AT BURLINGTON. Resolutions Favor Expansion, an Isthmian Canal, Increase of Navy and the Gold Standard. BURLINGTON, Vt., April 18.—The repub- Ucan stats convention for the selection of four delegates and four alternates to the national republican convention in Philadel- phia next June was held here today and re- sulted in the choice of General J. G. McCul- lough of Bennington, Lieutenant rnor Henry C. Bates of St. Johnsbury, Edward Wells of Burlington and Lamont M. Read of Bellows Falls as delegates. The alternates elected were: George B. ffee of Rutland, George T. Howard of ftsbury, J. G. Hines of Vergennes and Curtis S. Chelse: The dele whom they should support as pre lidat idential olutions reaffirmed all great historic princ! for which rty has stood from its foundation as stent advocate and champion; ex- slief in the policy of protection, clprocal trade relations with ations as seem wise; favored the sand protection of the American marine, adequate and con- proving system of c f ance to le: an foreign polic and restriction ion and a just and liberal administration of the pension * the continual improv. and en- ment of the ngvy; an isthmian canal American control and a cable across cific. al plank pronoun: trongly artily in favor of the maintenance of, the single gold standard. “ Ing the recent! the platform say: “We believe acquired islands, that this country should pt and shoulder the increased esponsibilities that have eome during the present administration, through the and free choice of the People concerned in the accession of the Hawalian Islands, through the fortunes of d as the glorious fruit of the heroi ments of America hie n sailors and soi- a diers In the island possessions that became ours by the terms of our treaty with Spain. So long as any of the inh: these islan tants of any of continue in acts of insurree- tion against the authority of the United States it Is the duty of the government to quell such insurrection and to establish there tranquillity and order.” «Phe resolutions conclude by indorsing the wise, uble and patriotic administration of our great President —_~+++___ JESSUP EXPEDITION SAI To Explore Unknown Portions of Northern Siberia. SAN FRANCISCO, Cal., April 18.—Three sefentists, comprising the Jessup expedition sent out by the American Museum of Nat- ural History of New York to explore the unknown portions of northwestern Siberia, have sailed from this city. They are Nor- man C. Buxton, an American, and two Rus- sians, Waldemar Gogaras and Waldemar Jackelson. One object of their trip will be to determine whether or not the American Indian is descended from Asiatic stock. The Russians will touch mainly upon the ethnological phase, studying the native language and songs, customs and physical characteristics of almost every tribe that inhabits the northwestern section of Si- b Buxton will confine his work main- ly to the zoological field, toward making a new and rare collection of birds and mam- mals for the big museum in Central Park. They expect to be gone for at least two years. ——_+++—__—_ TO STOP MINERS’ STRIKE. Saas e Committce Appointed to Confer With Georre’s Creek Operators. Speclal Dispatch to The Evening Star, : CUMBERLAND, Md., April 18—Actlon was taken this morning, which, It fs be- Neved, looks favorable to an early ending of the strike in the George's Creek region. The miners of the Consolidated Coal Com- pany at Eckhart met and appointed David Sullivan and James Bannatyne a committce to represent them and requested the other iners of the region to appoint similar s to irrange for a conference with the operators. It is understood this plan meets with the approval of some of the operators. A committee of Eckhart miners informed Superintendent Raadolpr of their action, and he stated that cll miners were now on an equal footing, indicxting that none stood suspended or discharged. He also said he would notify Mr. Lord of their action and ask for a conference. ——_++-—___ FAILURE TO OBTAIN A JURY. Slow Progre: in the Trial of McUin lor Murder. The work of securing a jury to try the case of Charles L. McUIn, charged with the murder of Robert E. Turner, December 28 last, was continued this morning in Crimt- nal Court No. 1, Justice Clabaugh presid- ing. The defendant was placed on trial yesterday. ‘Twenty-five talesmen were examined this morning, and when court adjourned at noon for the day, there were again eleven men in the box. The defense has exer- cised nine of its twenty peremptory chal- lenges, while the United States has availed itself of two of the five allotted the prose- cution. Many of the jurymen summoned were ex- cused on the ground that they had expressed themselves on the case. or had conscien- tious scruples against capital punishment. Some of those questioned declared they were unqualitiedly in favor of hanging in cases of murder, and that self-defense was toe ons mitigating circumstance to their min Justice Clabaugh ordered that a panel of forty jurymen be drawn for tomorrow, and it is belleved the jury wiil be then com- pleted. MR. STORER’S ACTION Was Not Taken in Obedience to Tustructions. ACTED UPON HIS OWN JUDGMENT Regrets for the Unfortunate Chi- cago Invitation. LESSON OF THE INCIDENT It is learned that no instructions were sent from Washington to Mr. Storer, the United States minister at Madrid, relative to the presentation of regrets for the ex- tension to the Duc de Arcos, the Spanish minister here, of the invitation to attend the May day celebration in Chicago of the destruction of the Spanish fleet in Manila harbor. In other words, Mr. Storer acted according to his own judgment and upon his own responsibility in any representa- tions he may have made to the Spanish foreign office on that subject. It is not to be inferred from this statement that his action, if as reported, !s disapproved here. On the contrary, it is declared that his course was in thorough accord with the proprieties of official etiquette, and that he showed excellent judgment in anticipating a complaint which would have been dis- agreeable to meet. His course is closely akin to that pursued by Lord Pauncefote, the British ambassador here, in stating to Secretary Hay, in advance of any informa- tion as to the alleged opening of Mr. Ma- erum’s mail, that if such an act had been committed it was a source of regret and was unauthorized. The officials are careful to make It clear that Mr. Storer did not make an apology in the name of his government, and they are confident that the Madrid dispatch con- veys an erroneous impression on that point. Inasmuch as the offense, if there has been any offense, was perpetrated by a munici- pality, for whose actions the United States is in no sense responsible, it would, of course, not be proper for the United States government to make an apology. On the other hand, as already indicated, it was entirely competent for Mr. Storer to per- sonally explain to the Spanish minister of foreign affairs that the United States gov- ernment has no jurisdiction in’ such cases, and also to point out how the incident may have occurred, without intentional disre- spect to Spain. . Many Diplomats Were Invited. It has been erroneously stated in connec- tion with the subject. that the Spanish min- ister was singled out for insult in this mat- ter; that he alone of the entire diplomatic corps was the recipient of an invitation to attend the May day celebration. Undoubt- ediy this would have added greatly to the gravity of the offense were the statement correct. But inquiry today discloses the fact that many of the members of the dip- lomatic body have recetved invitations to attend the demonstration in Chicago, and it is assumed that if others have not re- ceived their invitations it is only because of delays in the mail. At any rate, the dip- lomatic representatives of the principal con- tinental powers have been honored in this feshion. The Spanish minister is satisfied with the explanation of the affair that has been made by Mayor Harrison, and he says that he will not make the incident the subject of any representations to the State Depart- ment, so that is the end of it. The Lesson of the Incident. The whole occurrenc>, however, has had the effect to emphasize, In the minds of the officials here, the propriety of remitting to the State Department any exchanges be- tween the diplomatic body here and the promoters of enterprises and celebrations, whether thes? latter are national, state or municipal. It has only recently come to be the custom for the managers of cere- monials, such as that about to take place in Chicago, to address themselves directly to forsign representatives in Washington. With the best of intentions on the part @f the projectors, much mischief may result from this laxity. In the present case, for instance, it may readily be perceived that the acc*ptance by a member of the diplo- matic body in Washington of an invitation to glorify the crushing defeat of the Span- ish navy at the hands of Americans might constitute a gross violation of the spirit of neutrality which is supposed to animate thelr governments, and might involve in difficulty with his own government the un- wary diplomatist who acezpted such an in- vitation. It is sald at the State Department that ft is too much to expect that there should be a general knowledge of all these little dip- lomatic intricacies, wherefore, to prevent humiliating Incidents, it would be better for projectors of public demonstrations who desire to secure the attendance of the dip- lomatic corps to avall themselves of the Knowledge and experience of the officials of the State Department. ————_—_+e+____ CATHOLICS IN ERENCE. Mer. Conaty Presides at the Meet- ing in Chicago. CHICAGO, April 18—The second annual conference of Catholic colleges of America and Canada began here today at St. James’ High School Hall. Monsignor Con- aty, rector of the Catholic University at Washington, D. C., presided. Prominent Catholic educators, representing nearly all the Catholic colleges of the country, are in attendance. Many able papers have been prepared on subjects which are of great Importance to the delegates. The ob- Ject of the conference this year is the unl- fying of Catholic collegiate education. This morning's session was devoted to the discussion of “uniformity of entrance into the freshman class,” with a paper on the subject by Rev. L.A. Delurey of Vil- lanova College. The relative merits of courses in Cath- olic and non-Catholic colleges for the bac- calaureate" was the title of a paper by Rev. Timothy Brosnahan of Woodstock College, Maryland. The speaker declared that the 420 non-Catholics colleges in this country are so diverse In thelr demands that they defied classification. In the afternoon, a paper entitled, “The Elective System of Study,” by Rev. Jas. A. Burns of the Notre Dame University, was discussed. This evening Monsignor Conaty, pres!- dent of the conference, will deliver his an- nual address Among others who are present and will deliver addresses are Very Rev. Patrick 3. McHale of the Niagara University, Rev. John P. Carroll, St. Joseph's College of Dubuque, Towa, ‘and Rev. M. P. Dowling of the Creighton University of Omaha, Neb. ——~+~+-____ . FIRE IN MATTRESS FACTORY. Thirty Girls Escape Without Injury or Being Stampeded. NEW YORK, April 18.—Fire today caused @ loss of about $75,000 in the big mattress and tron bed factory of Charles H. Rogers & Co., at 161, 163 and 165 West 18th street. ‘The fire was discovered tn the cellar near the engine room in No. 163. The engineer and a boy employe, Charles Scales, discov- ered the blaze. The self-possessed boy ran up to the third floor at once, where there were thirty girls at work under the super- vision of Lou Kopins, whom he told of the fire. Kopins then said to the girls: “Giris, the place Is afire. Be nice and quiet and self-possessed and go out.” The girls were flurried, but there was no panic, and, led by Kopins, they descended the stairs to the street, arriving safely. There were eighty men throughout the building who heard the cries of alarm and they ran out. Mr. Rogers estimates his loss to stock at between $40,000 and $50,000. The loss to the building was about $25,000. ———~++-—___ Miners Accept Operators’ Offer. MEYERSDALE, Pa., April 18.—Miners of the Cumberland and Summit Coal Company have voted to accept the company’s offer of 55 cents a ton, and will return to work Thursday morning. This breaks the strike, as other miners in this region will return to work at the same rate in the next few days. THE VICE PRESIDENCY REASONS WH¥ LIEUT. GOV. WooD- RUFF. WAS NOT IXDORSED. The Selection uf a Man is Still Under Calm and Cereful Consideration hy Party Leaders. The failure of the New York siate conven- tion to indorse Lieut. Gov. Woodruff as New York‘s candidate for the vice presi- dency is in accordance with what was ex- pected. It has been known here from the first that Mr. Hanna takes no stock in Wocdruff as a running mate for McKinley, and that Mr. Platt cid not intend that the New York convention should indorse Wood- duff. If it is finally decided that the vice presidency shall go to New York, some otker man than Woodruff will be presented by the state. If it is decided that the nomi- nation shall go elsewhero, which is likely to be the case, Woodruff’s name may be pre- sented to the convention by Mr, Platt as an empty compliment. -In connection with the suggestion of a man from Bryan's section of the country for a place on the ticket with McKinley, the name of Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn of Nebraska is mentioned. It is suggested that Meiklejohn besides being a man of ability has made an admirable record in the War Department, is popular, especially in his own state, which he might carry against Bryan, and is altogether a very likely can- didate if a man from that section of the country is to be chosen. Position of Politicians. While it is not confessed that either the President or Mr. Hanna have any desire to dictate the nomination of Vice President, few politicians have any doubt that they will have the final say, and that though any one of half a dozen or more men might be acceptable to them, no name which has not their approval will be seriously considered in the convention. It is said that the Pres- ident rather takes to the idea of having a war hero on the ticket with him, but this does not mean that Roosevelt is partic- ularly wanted, even if he were willing to take the nomination. dn whatever is done in the matter, however, the wishes of rep- resentatives of the great business interests of the country will be considered. In this connection the name of Senator Elkins is constantly recurred to. —_____ + +_______ POSTAGE STAMP BOOKS. Brisk Demand for the Convenient Novelties on First Day of Sale. If the experience at the post office in this elty can be taken as a sample of the re- ception throughout the country which will be accorded the stamp books just issued by the post office, the success of this ex- periment is assured. The books were placed on sale this morn- ing at the main office and then at the branch offices of the city post office, and this being the first opportunity offered to the public to buy them the demand was brisk. In fact, by noon practically the en- tire number ailetted to the office was ex- hausted, and the city postmaster at once filed an order for more. Only 350 books fell to the share of the main Washington office in the allutment of the first issue re- ceived from the bureau of printing and en- graving. In addition there were 200 of the 25-cent beoks which were sent to the principal sta- tions. The books containing 48 cents’ worth of stamps were not so the cheaper books containg 24 cents’ wort of stamps and sold for nts. The nov- elty of the books may have hai something te do with the demand, but whatever the explanation, there is no doubt that they went off ‘foday in the traditional “hot cakes” style. od CARL, BROWN FOR DEWEY. Advocates the Admiral’s Head ‘the Populist Ticket. KANSAS CITY, Mo. April 18.—Carl Brown of Coxey army fame was invited to address the morning session of the mass convention of Missourl middle-of-the-road populists today and created consternation among the adherents of Wharton Barker of Pennsylvania, when he strongly advo- cated Admiral Dewey as head of the popu- Mst national ticket. Barker,” declared Brown, in his char- acteristic manner, “is up against the iron wall of conditions, and defeat for him is inevitable. The head of the ticket should be the popular idol of the people, Admiral George Dewey, with Wharton Barker or Ignatius Donnelly for Vice President." There was a show of stopping the speak- er as he uttered these remarks, but Brown was permitted to continue. “With such a ticket,’ declared he, “we will stand some show ef knocking out both the ticket dominated by the money power and headed by President McKinley and that headed by Wm. J. Bryan.” Silence marked the close of his address. After deciding to select twenty-five dele- gates to the Cincinnati convention, to be named later, and disposing of some minor business, a recess till afternoon was taken. —_——-ro>_—_—_ EASTERN LEAGUE MEETING. No Change to Be Made in Circuit This Year. NEW YORK, April 18—A meeting of the Eastern League of Professional Base Ball Clubs was held at the Fifth Avenue Hotel today. The presentation of the report of the circuit committee, the adoption of the play- ing schedule for the coming season, the ap- pointment of a staff of umpires and the adoption of a new constitution for the gov- ernment of the organization were the most important items of business taken up. It was stated before the meeting that no change would be made in the circuit this year. This means that neither Washing- ton nor Baltimore will be represented by an Eastern League team. The circult will be composed of Montreal, Toronto, Spring- field, Hartford, Worcester, Providence, Sy- racuse and Rochester. Willlam Barnie, the Hartford magnate, said before the meeting: “We could not stand the terms demanded by the National League for the Washington and Baltimore franchises, and the Bastern League will stand pat on its last year's cir- cult.” —~++-____ TO PROSECUTE LITTLE. Agent of State of Pennsylvania Charged With Conspiracy. HARRISBURG, Pa., April 18—Secretary of Agriculture Hamilton directed Dairy and Food Commissioner Wells today to pro- Fb against Ambrose Little, Thomas Cal- fahan of*Philadelphia, and other persons unknown, for fonspiracy against the state in violating the oleomargarine laws. Wells is also directed to bring prosecution against McCann &'Co., W. M. Swindler and Daubs Sons of Pittsberg, for violation of the oleo- margarine law.‘ Little was d special agent of the pure food and dairy/bureau until Monday, when he was suspended pending an investigation into the chargés that he conspired with cern Lp a ss the law. This action is'the result of newspaper exposure of extensive feauds in Philadelphia and Pittsburge i ——_e--—___ Cut in Frice of Steel Bars. PITTSBURG, Pa., April 18.—It was learn- ed today that at a meeting of the Bar Mill Associaton held in Pittsburg last Friday the price.of steel bars was cut from 2% cents a pound to 2 cents, equal to a reduc- tion of $5 a ton. One of the causes for this reduction is that the eastern manufacturerg have been selling steel bars in this market at 2.15 cents a pound and had secured sev- eral good contracts. ——_++.___ For a Hall of Reeords. Mr. Fairbanks has introduced in the Sen- ate a bill providing for the purchase of property at the southeast corner of Penn- sylvania aveatie and 15th street as a site for a hall of records. This site fronts 174 feet on Pennsylvania avenue and 150 feet on 15th street. The expense to be involved in this purchase is limited to $400,000. The bill authorizes the purchase of additional Portgns of the square in which the Property is located. above much in demand as Name to SEIZURE OF SMYRNA A Method of Redress Not Seriously Entertained. SOME STEP WILL BE TAKEN On Account of the Broken Prom- ises of Turkey. FEELING IN THE MATTER —_—_o_—_. ‘The news of the firm attitude assumed by the State Department toward the Turkish government in the prosecution of its claim for damages to American missionary prop- erty caused something of a sensation in diplomatic circles today. As a matter of fact, based upon their own experience with the Turkish government in the effort to collect claims, those members of the diplomatic body here who have watched the progress of the negotiations between the United States and Turkey for the past five years have come to look with cynical amusement upon the alternating phases of hope and discouragement by which they have been characterized. Three successive American ministers have prose- cuted these claims; each has received a promise of prompt settlement, and yet not a dollar has been paid. With European diplomats that is an old experience, and they have become consequently somewhat surprised at the announcement that the United States government is actually going fe insist upon performance instead of prom- ise. Whe Proposed Seizure of Smyrna. Minister Angell, after trying his hand at collection for two yecrs, recommended that a United States warship be sent to seize Smyrna and collect revenues at the custom house there sufficient to meet our claims. This suggestion was not seriously enter- tained, nor ts tt now. In the first place, ac- cording to the State Department officials, most of the important business interests in Smyrna are in the hands of foreigners, not Turks, and a bombardment by a United States warship might result in a pretty bill for damages against us. Then, as there is still a remnant of a Turkish army, the United States would have to send a squad- ron instead of a single warship. Such a movement would, without doubt, be resent- ed by the remainder of Europe, which could not contemplate with equanimity an action of the United States which would perhaps destroy the fruits of many years’ work of the greatest European statesmen by pre- cipitating a final crisis in Turkey. The Next Step. Therefore the next step to be taken by our government will not be warlike, but will still suggest in a most dignified man- ner the indignation felt by our govern- ment at the non-fulfillment of Turkish promises. How this attitude will bear upon the Turkish minister in Washington cannot be foretold at this moment. He is so far absolutely unentangled in the negotiation of these American claims, but that fact might not save him from being made the immediate victim of his coun- try’s laches. The minister, however, Is very popular personally in Washington, and as his enforced departure would be a matter of deep regret to official soclet it is earnestly hoped that by prompt ac tion on its part the Turkish government may avert ill consequences to its own representative here. It is said that a rea- sonable time will be allowed for satisfac- tion of the claim before radical action is taken. During the continuation of Minister Straus’ leave of absence the American le- ation in Turkey is in charge of Capt. Lloyd C. Griscom, secretary of legation, who is fully conversant with the business. ERROR DISCOVERED. Misplacement of a Word Changes Terms of Bill. A curious mistake has been discovered in the pending District appropriation bill, the mistake having been made in the printing or in the preparing for the printer of the bill as it passed the Senate. The effect of the error, if not corrected and if adopted by the House, would be to increase the an- nual salary of the chief engineer of the fire department from two to three thousand dollars. As the bill was reported to the Senate and as the records show it was passed by that body an amendment submit- ted by the Senate committee on appropria- tions providing for three instead of two as- sistant chief engineers of the fire depart- ment was adopted, and it is stated that the error in ‘the bill printed for the House was caused by inserting the word “three” for the word “two” where the last named word occurs first in line 19, page 45, of the last printed bill. No increase of the chief engineer’s salary is said to have been asked by the District Commissioners, nor suggested by the Sen- ate committee on appropriations, and no motion to that effect was made in the Sen- ate. On the contrary, the Commissioners urged an increase of the number of assist- ant chief engineers from two to three, and as the bill was reported to the Senate it contained such an amendment, which, it ap- pears from the recerd of the proceedings of the upper house of Congress, was adopt- ed. It is stated that the error will be promptly corrected when the conference committees proceed to consider the bill. ———_ PROBING FOR THE FACTS. Inquest to Be Held Over Body of Aloysias Johnson. Coroner Carr visited the Georgetown Uni- versity Hospital yesterday afternoon and viewed the body of Aloysius Johrfson, the young man who was fatally injured at Cabin John bridge Sunday. The coroner de- cided to hold an inquest today at the under- taking establishment of J. William Lee, No. 332 Pennsylvania avenue northwest., The body was removed to the morgue in the un- dertaking establishment, where an autopsy was performed this afternoon. Witnesses were summoned to appear at 4 o'clock, at which hour the hearing 1s to begin. The list of witnesses will include many persons who were at Cabin John bridge Sunday, and who are said to have been spectators of one, if no more, of the several fights re- ported to have occurred there. Sheriff Will- lams of Montgomery county, who has been Investigating the case, and State’s Attorney H. M. Talbott of the same county, will be Present at the inquest. Since the case of Johnson was reported the police have heard of scores of clues, and Detectives Herndon and Peck, who were detailed on the case, endeavored ‘to investi- gate every one of them. It was stated this afternoon at police headquarters that there was doubt about the ability of the witnesses to fix the crime on any particular person. The police are anxious to find a man who called at the first precinct station Monday afternoon, and who promised to return and give the name of Johnson’s assailant. The caller gave his name as William T. Sanderson, and said he iived at the Lincoln Hotel. Singe Mondey the police have been told that nl such man hed been boarding at the hotel mentioned. The police say Sanderson, as he called himself, was addressed by his friends as “Doc. Two policemen have been looking for him today in order to have him at the inquest, but this afternoon they stated they had been unable to find him, After the coroner’s jury is sworn in the case the body will be removed to the late home of the deceased, No. 112 F street northwest. His funeral will take place Fri- day morning. —_—— NEW INSULAR GOVERNMENT. Army Officers Act in a Civil Ca- pacity. = ‘The Secretary of War forwarded to Con- gress this afternoon, with request for im- mediate consideration, draft of a bill pro- viding that officers of the army performing the duties of civil officials in Porto Rico, such as collectors of cusgoms, etc., be au- thorized to continue such duties after the Porto Rico civil government act takes ef- fect, May 1, until their successors are os that pointed, without thereby forfeiting commissions in the army. It is stated this legislation is necessary, inasmuch as there is not sufficient time before May 1 to provide otherwise for the civil administra- tion of affairs on the island, and without special authority army officers cannot hold civil office. > 2 + —_____ WILL BE MADE COOLER. Plan to Make the Court in the Pest, Office Building More Comfortable. The city postmaster, Mr. Merritt, has had under consideration for some time the Problem of the best means of lowering the temperature in summer of the large room at the bottom of the interior court of the post office building, where the local mail is handled. Last year the conditions were such that the carriers could hardly endure the intense heat. There is a lack of venti- lation, and, in addition, the heating appa- ratus is under a portion of the room. Owing to this arrangement the employes are obliged to work in a temperature that would no doubt be regarded as warm in the Philippine Islands. Mr. Merritt, however, has hit upon a de- vice which it is thought will relieve the situation somewhat. There is a range of windows around the upper portion of the room which, if they could be opened, would open into the corridor on the first floor. It is the intention to have the sashes placed on pivots so that they can be moved, and it is hoped large quantities of fresh air will be admitted. + 0+-—______ Anks for Absolute Divorce. Lille Mae Hines, by her attorney, Edward G. Niles, today brought suit for absolute divorce against her husband, Otto W. Hines, and asks the care and custody of the couple’s minor child, Leonora. In her bill Mrs. Hines alleges she was married in January, 1896, in Annapolis, Md. In March of this year the defendant deserted her and her child. She alleges as ground for di- vorce that her husband tried to kill her with a carving knife, and choked her until she was blue in the face, and was about to kill her with an ax when friends interfered. She also charges intidelity, and prays for an absolute divorce; that alimony be al- lowed her, and that she may resume her maiden name. WINNING OF THE WEST MADE NECESSARY BY THE PORTO RICO BLUNDER. Expediency Constraining Re- publican Leaders in Selecting McKinley’s Running Mate. Before the blunder was made by the re- publicans in Congress on the Porto Rico question there was no thought of the party being constrained by the consideration of local expediency in the selection of a can- didate for Vice President on the ticket with McKinley. It was not thought to be necessary to look to the candidate for the second place to add Strength to the ticket. It was enough that the choice should not be such as would be a source of weakne Nor was it formerly felt that there was any section of the country that had to be particularly considered. The party was felt to be strong in all sections—subject, of course, ial conditions in the south—and where content had caused losses in '96 “prosperity and patri were expected to recover all the lo: more, while in the east the opposing or- ganization, with Bryan at its head, could expect to regain nothing. Due to Porto Rico Blunder. All the serious consideration that Mr. Hanna and other republican managers are now giving to the question of locality and political popularity in the search for a running mate for McKinley is due to the Porto Rican handicap that has to be over- come in the campaign this fall. The prob- lem of the west is nothing more than the outgrowth of the Porto Rican question. In consequence ofthe universal disapproval of the Porto Rican tariff it is now felt to be necessary to be guided in the selection of a candidate to be put on the ticket with McKinley by the consideration of the weak spots in the west. There is no apprehension that even the popular resentment of the Porto Rican tariff will endanger any of the eastern states, except perhaps as to Congress, so long as Bryan is at the head of the opposing party and McKinley is op- posed by Bryanism. Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Con- necticut, and even Vermont, may protest against the policy adopted ‘rom Mr. Ox- nard by the republican leaders in the House, but it is not conceived that ahy of these states will go to the extreme of turn- ing to Bryan to emphasize their protest. There is margin enough in the east to ad- mit of much indignation without danger of the loss of an electoral vote. Moreover, the expressions of resentment have been more persistent and emphatic from several important states of the middle west which are more or less subject to sudden poli cal fluctuations. Dissatisfaction in the West. The correspondence of the republicans of Congress and newspaper expressions from Illinot: Indiana, Michigan, Minne- sota, Wisconsin and Iowa disc a state of public sentiment in those states that seems alarming to men who are entirely unused to hearing such expressions from people they have always looked upon as loyal, above the consideration of tempo- rary policy. Consideration of this public sentiment was not sufficient to defeat the Porto Rican bill in Congress, but now that the policy has been put into effect the most earnest thought is being given to the ques- tion of how the political consequences of offending public sentiment may be avoided. It is this that leads to the agitation of the question of “a strong western man” for the vice presidential nomination. The ex- pression of alarm is not Hmited to this, but goes further. The suggestion is being made seriously by men of high standing in Congress that the platform adopted at Philadelphia must not fully commit the party as to the permanency of the insular policy, the idea being that the course adopted toward Porto Rico may be ex- cused on the ground that conditions do not warrant our concluding definitely, as yet, what disposition we are to make of our new possessions, and that as soon as that has been settled policy will be adjusted to suit the conditions. —<$<$<$<— +2. —_____ Action of Court Invoked. ‘Two suits for divorce were filed today in the Supreme Court of the District of Co- lumbia. Carl A. Lindquist seeks separation from his wife, Pstronila Lindquist, to whom he was married October 19, 1882, in New York. He charges her with willful de- sertion. Mr. E. B. Hay appears as solicitor for thp complainant. 3 a G. Woolworth sues for divorce from James G. B. Woolworth, who is also charged with desertion. Mr. Hay is so- Ucitor for Mrs. Woolworth. a Col. Michael Confined to His House. Col. Michael, chief clerk of the State De- partment, is still confined to his house with @ carbuncle on his neck, aggravated by an attack of grip. ———— Baltimore Markets. BALTIMORE, A) 18.—Flour dull, unchanged; recel 18,030 3 exports, 253 barrels. Wheat dui. and easy; spot and April, T1%aT72; Mi May 72\4a72%; July, 73 asked; steamer No. 2 red. ora 6744; recetpts, "21,772 bushels: southern wheat sample, 63273: do. on grade, GsWa72=. Corn steady, t and April, 4340484: May. 43 5 mixed, 425gn42%4; “receipts, Ii oat ad ports, 34, bushels; southern white and yellow corn, 442: Oats stead; be vl z Rye dull and eazy; o 3 No. ‘2 mt and Biches: . No. 1 timothy, $1Sa$18.50. Grain fre! ther bette wiry; uncha: Sugar, Ghoese, butter and eggs dating a em: SSSSSSSSSMm90=$=*—@NRMaaa9@S9S9M939BaSSS eee FINANCE AND TRADE Prices of Stocks Were Steadier Under ~ Foreign Demand, AN UNSUCCESSFUL BEAR RAID Public Paying Penalty for Buying Industrial Stocks GENERAL MARKET REPORTS —— Special Dispatch to The Evening Star, NEW YORK, April 18.—Opening prices this morning were generally steady, owing to a moderate demand from London and a falling off in the volume of liquidating sales. Commisston houses had some orders in the railroad group, and the room was inclined to cover a portion of its outstanding con- tracts in the Steel stocks. Another link in the manipulative campaign in the latter stock was disclosed by the American Steel and Wire Company's announcement. that their plants would resume operations next week. The industrial mania of last spring re- sulted in the creation of two classes of stock. The preferred represented about all of value the new concerns acquired by the Process of amalgamation. Common stock in equal amount was Issued as a bonus, to be given away to subscribers or used in Neu of cash to defray the expenses of float- ing the enterprises. The stock market ts paying the penalty now for its too hasty valuation of this imitation article. Stock has been delivered in the names of prominent offici : " officials, who have taken advantage of the lull in’ trade to meke a turn in the stock market. Stock. holders would feel more comfortable. if the officials charged with the administra, tion of their properties. would try and achieve some distinction as such, instead of making a fleeting reputation as manipula- tors of prices in Wail street. During the periods of dullness which were frequent in today’s market, renewed efforts to depress the steel stocks were a feature. Inside interests were said to be supplying the ‘stock, but the room covered some of ‘s contracts during every peri us coals % every period of Mberal There is a considerable short Interest in the railroads, and {t was expected that 9 determined drive would be made in that department in the hope of establishing a Profitable covering level. Some such at. tempt was made later in the day, but only with fractional results. The Volume. of business fell off very noticeably after the noon hour, the entire market dragging without definite purpose. The local traction shares declined for @ time under professional selling, s but there Was nothing worthy of credence offered in explanation of the declin . Ina few issues Pool support was noticed, but thers nothing aggre sive in the buying. ‘The s episode is working against an incre public demand and some really positive news will be ne to giv? the market character and to Invite renewed interost from outside. Meanwhile there is nothing Sue traders’ market In immedia pect. pros- —_++-___ FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL. New York Stock Market. Furnished by W. B. Hibbs & Co., bankers and brokers, 1419 F st., members New York stock exchange, correspondents Messrs. La- denburg, Thalmann & Co., New York. Amertean Cotton On. Wire.......... Steel & Wire pf... erican Sugar. Atchison, pid Baltimore Ohio... Baltimore & Onio. pid, FrooklynKevid Transit. CC. & St, Louis. 0, B. &Q = & Northwestern.— Chi Cmicaco Gas M M. & 0. Chie. & G. Western. Colorado Fuel and Iron Consolidated Gas. Louisvitie & Nashville. Metropolitan Traction Mannattan Zlevated.__ Missourl Pacitic.. = K.& T., pid. ational Lead Co. New Jersey Ceutrai.. w York Central... N. Y.Ontario & Western Nortberu Pacitie. Northern Pacific, Pacific Mail. Pennsvivania -& Reading, ist pfd Southern racine. Southern Railwi Southern Kailway, Texas Pacific. Tenn. Coal and iron. tmon Pacific... Cnion Pacific, pfd. U.S. Leather... U. 5. Leather, pia. Os, Rubbe: Wabash pid. Western Union Tei. pia Odes pid. Washington Stock Exchange. Sales—regular ¢ 12 o'clock _m.—National Safe Deposit and Trust at 184. Capital tion, 5 at 103, City and Suburban Ratiront at 30. Washington Gas, 25 at att, i. 25 at 254%. ' Chesup and Po: AZ, 25 nt 2 at G3, Linotype, 10 Wat To wt 193%, 10 at xoF. tomac ‘Tel 25 at 63. 1B, 10 at IK, 10 at 19s, 10 at 194,5 at 198%.” American Grayho- phone, 50 at 11%. After call. Lanston Monotyp>, Yat 1344. Capital Traction, 10 at 13. District of Celumbia Bonds.—Gs, 180 fumling, 104 bid. 3.650, 1 i Miscellaneous Bouds.—Cepital ‘Tr Did. 108 asked. Metrupolitan Railry . 124 asked. “Metropolitan Railroad cert. Indelt., A, 110 bid. Metropolitan Railroad cert. Lite 110 bid. Cola Railroad 24 mort series A, Gs, 30-year Light cert. . 106 bid, 11. Ohesapeake ani Telephone 3s idl. peake and Potomac Telephone co: wih bid, 105% asked. American Security and Trust 4s, 100 bid.” Wasitington Market Ist Gs, 110. bid. Washington Market im Market extn. Gs, 108" bid. 6s, 110 bid. Washington Masonte Tall Ansocia- American Graphopbone deb. Be, bid, 400 asked. Metropolitan, 600 bid. é bid. Farmers and Me . 210 bid. Second, 160 sitizens", iimbla, 160 bid. Xatlonnl Safe Deposit and ‘Trust, 134 bid, ed. Washington Loan and Trust, 158 bid," 16% asked. American Security and Trast, 198 bid, 202 asked. Washing: ton Safe Deposit, 70 bid, 80 ‘asked. Ansurance Stocks.—Firemen's, 3) bid. Franklin, 40 bid. Metropolitan, $0 bid, ‘90 asked. Corcoran, 62 bid. Potomac, 75'bid. Arlington, 150 bid, 156 asked. German-American, 205 bid. Columbia,” 12% did, 13 asked. Riggs, 8 bid. People's, 6% bid, 6% asked. Commercial, 4% asked. Colonial, 111 bid~ ‘Title Insurance Stocks.—Herl Extate Title, 82 bid, Si asked. Columbia Titie, 4% bid. 5 asked. Wash- Ington Title, Bi bid. District Title, 3 ha. allroad tod a Traction, oz ba, 102% saked. Caplial Traction serin, 107% bid, 10854 gaked. City and Suburban, 2) Did.” Georgetown Gas Stocks.—Wastiington Gas, x5#% bid, 54% arked. Tel Stocks. ce and Potomac, x62% pid, Gh asked. Penmayieanies 50 tne, Miscellaneous | Stocks.Mergenthaler Linotype, 19334 Did, 194 asked. Tanston Monotype, 134s hid asked. sg wig? 104 Ty HN i ‘ General Gillmore’s Condition. There is no special improvement in tho’ condition of Gen. John C. Gillmore of Gen. Miles’ staff, and his many friends are ex- tremely apprehensive as to the outcome,