Evening Star Newspaper, March 13, 1901, Page 1

= THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAY. Basieess Office, itth Street and Pennsytania Avesus The Evening Star Newspaper Company. S. H, HAUFFMANN, Pres’t. New York Office: 126 Tribese Building. Chicago Office: Boyce Builditg. ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers tn the city by carriers, on thelr own account, at 10 cents Der week. or 44 cents per month. Copies at the counter. 2 cents each. nywhere in the U.S. or Canadapostage prepald—& cents per mooth. 3 Saturday Quintuple Saset Star. $1 per year; with foreign posta : (Entered atthe Post Oiice at Washingtoa, D. C., “ i wall erie be paid In affvanee, cal sal aust Rates of ‘tising made known on application. — WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 1901-TWELVE PAGES. A padded circulation is an abomination to the ad- but Statement is his delight. vertiser, an honest AWAITING THE END —_._—__. Gen. Harrison’s Family and Friends | at His Bedside. ee a PHYSICIANS ABANDON HOPE! pa eee He is Unconscious and Cannot Survive the Day. Soa MESSAGE OF SYMPATHY gees INDIANAPOL Ind., March 1 All has been abandoned for the recovery jen. Benjamin Harrison, former Presi- dent of the United States, who was pros- last Thursday by pneumonia and -reostal neuralgia. Relatives and friends are now simply waiting for the end. At no time within the past forty-eight hours have the physicians given hope to those whose vigil at the bedside has been sO ithful The most Harrison the phy fering. Bulletins issued hourly show that death cannot be far removed. There is a hush in the North Delaware street home that comfort that comes to the | household the urances of clans that the general is not suf- porte death. Few callers were admitted during the merning, and when the front door was sd wide it was for the admission of | ssenger boys, who brought words of} sympathy from far and near. Life Barely Perceptible. A few minutes before 1 o'clock this after- noon the report came, unofficially, from the Harrison home that the general had sunk ) a semi-comatose condition, from which was impossible to arouse him, and that the only means by which it could be deter- mined if he were alive was by holding a mirror over the mouth and nostrils. Even by this means it was apparent only by the closest examination that respiration still continued. Drs. Jameson and Dorsey, the nurses, Mr. Tibbett, the general's secretary; his life- long friend and former law partner, W. H. H. Miller, and Mrs. Harrison were in the sick room throughout the night. None of them remained constantly at the bedside, for they were so wearied by the strain of the anxious hours since the patient's condi- tion became critical that they were forced ek a little rest during the night. .How- one of the physicians, one of the *$ and one of the members of the ehold were in constant attendance. bulletins issued by Dr. Jameson aghout the night told but little of the anxtic fight that was being made against death. ch bulletin carried prac- tically the same information as its prede- cessor—that the general was gradually growing weaker. This was understood to an that the most heroic treatment was being administered and that the sufferer was clinging to life with remarkable te- nacit Kept Alive by Oxygen. The oxygen treatment, by which it was hoped the patient's“ breathing might be eased to such an extent that the affected portion of his lungs might be relieved of the strain which deepened the inflammation so that he might recuperate somewhat, was | administered regularly. While the oxygen did not bring results that were at any time encouraging. it enabled the general-to pro- long the fight. General Harrison gave no signs during the night that he recognize those about him or that he was suffering greatly. A feat of the general's illness, which is a source of annoyance to the physicians and to the family, is the large number of offers and solicitations from all sorts of quacks and cranks who are ready to guar- antee that they have a remedy or system of treatment whicn would cure the general. One of those offering their services even went so far as to wire that he is en route to indianapolis at his own expense to ad- minister his treatment. Many beautiful flowers have been re- ceived at the Harrison home, and each | hour today brought many additional offer- ings of this character. With the costly diucts of the hot house came humble of- ngs of carnations. Today the Harrison home was closed to newspaper men. Yesterday and last night the house was practically besieged by rep- of the local papers and cor- for foreign papers until it was hat a change of arrangements | r furnishing bulletins would be necessary. Accordingly, it was arranged to give out bulle ly by telephone. Newspaper who called at the house today were ourteously informed that t could not 1in admittance, but that any information ey might want would be given them by lephone. Relatives En Route to His Bedside. Mrs. Eaton, the sister of Gen. Harrison who lives in Cincinnati, arrived at noon to- day. Mrs. Morris, the sister who resides in Minneapolis, is expected to arrive some time this evening. Mrs. Bevin of Ottum- wa, the third sister, 1s supposed to be on her way here, although no word from her to that effect has yet been received. John Scott Harrison of Kansas City and Carter B. Harrison of Murfreesboro’, Tenn., the general's two brothers, are also on the way. Due to a false report circulated in other cities that the general had died many mes- ges of condolence were received today. hese telegrams came from all parts of the country. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Carnegie of New York and United States Senator C. W. Fairbanks today telegraphed expressions of sympathy. SARATOGA, Y., March 13.—Mr. and Mrs. James McKee will leave this after- neon fon Indianapolis, where they expect to arrive tomorrow noon. Mrs. McKee is the daughter of General Harrison. ——_++-—___ CARNEGIE GOES ABROAD. Sails With His Family on Steamer St. Louis Today. NEW YORK, March 13.—Andrew Carne- gie, accompanied by Mrs. Carnegie and their daughter, Jed for Southampton to- day on the St. Louis. Mr. Carnegie ex- pects to return to this country in October. He will spend most of the time while abroad at Skibo Castle in Scotland. On his return to this country he expects to move from his residence, No. 5 East SSth street, to his house now being built on Sth avenue, between Sth and 91st Streets. When questioned as to his plans Mr. Carnegie said he was not disposed to talk, because he had retired from He said, however, he was going away en- tirely for rest and that he ‘expected to ag the pleasantest seven months in his ——++>—___ ‘The Caar’s Sister Betrothed. ST. PETERSBURG, March 13.—The Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, the youngest sister of the czar, has Beer he- trothed to Prince Peter Alexandrovitch of ldenburg. FRICTION AT TIEN TSIN RUSSIANS AND BRITISH CLASH OVER LAND TITLE. Gen. Barrow Gives Orders Which May Result in a Serious Conflict. LONDON, March —The afternoen pa- pers express some alarm over the friction which has arisen at Tien Tsin between the British and the Russians over a piece of land alleged to have belonged to the rail- road company for some rs, which they consider may possibly lead to unpleasant complications. While approving the action of General Barrow, the British chief of staff in Pekin, in ordering work on the siding in the disputed ground to be con- tinued, they think the incident proves that the harmony of the nations is liable at any moment to be disturbed. According to dispatehes from Tien T: the Russians assert that this land is 7 of their new concession and _ therefore Russian property. Mr. Kinder, manager of the railway, had begun to make a sid- ing, but was stopped by the Russian thoriti He appealed to Col. McDon; who referred the matter to Gen. Barrow, British chief of staff in Pekin, who re- plied: “Carry on the siding with armed force, if necessary.” Guards were put on the line by the British, and the work was continued. Gen. Wagasak, the Russian commander, protested and said the thing would not have been done if the Russians had had as many troops as the British, addiag that such matters should be left to di- plomacy. Col. MeDonald gain communicated with Gen. Barre who telegraphed, ‘“Con- tinue the siding.” Gen. Wagasak, very In- dignant, appealed to the Russian minister to Pekin, M. de Giers. Count von Waldersee has informed Gen. Chaffee that the troops under his com: mand will be disposed of as follows during the summer months: England will have 1,000 men at the summer palace, a small detachment in Hunting Park, and 2,000 men in other places. Germany will send the troops now in Pekin to a village north- west of the summer palace in the moun- tains, while the German troops at Pa Ting Fu will be located in the mountains west of the city. Italy will withdraw her troops from that part of the summer palace which some of her troops now occupy. Ja- pan and Austria will leave their troops in Pekin —+++—___ MGR. CHAPELLE’S PLANS, He Will Not Leave the Philippines at Present. MANILA, March 13.—Mgr. Chapelle, apostolic delegate to the Philippines, stat- ed to the Associated Press today that he will not leave the Philippines until several important matters concerning the church and the American government shall have been settled satisfactorily. The time re- quired for this is not known. Mgr. Cha- pelle thinks the rumors that he will be succeeded by Archbishop Riordan are un- founded. —_—_++-+—_—_ FORMER AMERICAN HONORED. Honorary Titles Bestowed on Them by Great Britain. LONDON, March 13.—The Gazette today announces the appointment of Mrs. George Cornwallis West and Mrs. Jennie Blow as ladies of grace of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and Mr. J. J. Van Alen as an honorary knight of grace, in connection, respectively, with their work in fitting out the American hospital ship Maine and a field hospital for South Africa. Mrs. George Cornwallis West is better known as Lady Randolph Churchill, her name before her recent marriage to Lieut. George Cornwallis West. Mrs. Jennie Blow is an American lady who took a prominent part in the work of the committee in charge of the American hospital ship Maine. J. J. Van Alen of New York fitted out a field hospital section In January, 1900, and offered it to the British war office for use in South Africa. It was accepted by the war office and called the American section of the hospital to which it was attached. ——_++-__ GOMEZ LETTER INNOCUOUS. He Has Disavowed Any Hostile Sig- nificance to It. HAVANA, March 13.—The letter written by Gen. Gomez to a friend in San Domingo, in which the general said the Platt amend- ment gave matters in Cuba a serious as- pect, as cabled to the Associated Press last night, is not causing any uneasiness here and receives little comment. It seems to be generally understood in government circles that this letter was written for political motives, and that Gen. Gomez has, since its publication, as- sured the government that it has no sig- nificance. A number of tourists returned this morn- ing from the Isle of Pines. Many invest- ments are being made there by Americans. +++ ELECTION BILL I SENATE. The Debate at Annapolis Very Acri- monious Again Today. Special Dispatch to The Evening Star. STATH HOUSE, ANNAPOLIS, Md., March 13.—The state senate is devoting all its time to a discussion of the election bill, and the debate, which lasted until midnight yesterday, was continued and will probably last until a late hour today, as the democratic leaders say they intend to permit the republicans to talk several hours more before they take action to stop debate, The discussion today was, if possible, more acrimonious than usual, several dem- ocratic senators making severe attacks on the republicans for their course. It is ex- pected that the time will be fixed today for a final vote on the bill, and that it will not be later than Friday, when it is prob- able the measure will be passed. ‘The house today took up the bill to pro- vide for taking a state census and passed the same, after some sparring, by a party vete. Ex-Senator Gorman and his chief lieuten- ants were, as usual, today directing oper- ations from the governor's office. +0 + ___ FRANCE INCREASES HER NAVY, Armored Cruiser, Torpedo and Sub- marine Boats Ordered. PARIS, March 13.—The first portion of the scheme for the increase of the French fieet has been put into execution. The min- ister of marine, M. Delanessan, announces that he has given orders to lay the keel at Toulon of an armored cruiser of 12,500 tons, to have a speed of twenty-two knots and to be named the Victor Hugo, and for the building at Rochfort of two torpedo boat destroyers of 303 tons each and to have a speed of 28.5 knots. = experiments, have Three submarine boats of a new type, been ordered and COL. SANGER’S CASE Question of His Appointment as Assistant Secretary of War. NEW YORK SENATORS OPPOSED Interesting Opinions on the Now Prominent Issue. SENATE SENTIMENT — Senator Platt of New York is expected to arrive in Washington this afternoon late, his visit relating, it is supposed, to the question of .the appointment of Col. Sanger to be assistant secretary of war, which he is not in favor of. Col. Sanger is here ahead of Senator Platt. It is un- derstood in administration circles that, while neither the President nor Secretary Root has changed his mind with regard to the appointment of Col. Sanger, itis the plan to wait awhile, at least, before mak- ing the appointment. Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn has not resigned, nor has the legislature of Nebraska elected a senator, and as that legislature has a week or more in which to elect, the administration has decided not to do anything to prejudice the chances of Mr. Meiklejohn in any way. Col. Sanger is now in the city, and spent some time today at the War Department looking about and making himself ac- quainted with the duties of assistant secre- tary of war and the officials who will be under him after he is appointed. Senator Depew is still in Washington, and seems as determined as ever to assist Senator Platt in his opposition to the appointment of Col. Sanger. Not a Political Appointment. A senator who is on the Senate commit- tee which will report on Col. Sanger's nomination said today that if Senator Platt carried out his determination to oppose the confirmation of Col. Sanger he will find very few senators willing to join him. “I should think the senator would remem- ber his experience of some twenty years ago in trying to fight the administration on an appointment and his defeat at that time, and consider well before he starts on a similar course. “His contention that he has a right to be consulted in this nomination is not well taken. This is not a state appointment, but a national one. In fact, virtually a cabinet appointment. No senator would dare to oppose the President's selection of a cabinet officer, and I do not think any one has a right to oppose the selection of an assistant secretary, an official, who, in the absence of the cabinet officer, has to perform his duties and perchance take his scat in the cabinet meetings. The Presi- dent has to go to the states to get the proper man, but that is no reason why he should ask a senator’s permission 40 select a man from his state. If the offi- cial was to fill a state office the senator would have a perfect right to object, but as the place is a national one, no such petty objection as that raised by Senator Platt can be sustained. The senator does not make the point that Colonel Sanger is unfit for the place, but only that he is objectionable to him personally.” Mr. Ailes’ Selection Similar. Another senator recalled the fact that only a few days ago Secretary Gage se- lected an Ohio man for assistant secretary of the Treasury and the President appoint- ed him without consulting either Senators Hanna or Foraker, and that neither of them made objection. As Secretary Gage considered the appointment a personal one he named his man and he was confirmed. Secretary Root is holding to the same view, that the appointment is a personal one, and that he has a right to name his assist- ants and select a man whom he can rely upon to assist him in carrying out the policy of the administration and the work of the department. Secretary Root was with the President for several hours last night, and while, the conference was mainly on the army ap- pointments, he also took occasion to forti- fy the President with his arguments for the appointment of Col. Sanger, so that when Senator Platt calls upon the Presi- dent to talk over the matter he will find the President fully conversant with the Secretary's reasons for wanting Col. San- ger, and the senator will have to give some weightier objections to the New Yorker than those already announced. Seems to Be Getting Initiated. The fact that Colonel Sanger is in the city and is spending a good deal of time at the War Department is looked upon by officials here as a sure indication that he is getting ready to take charge. An opin- ion is growing, despite the statements by Senator Platt and Senator Depew, that the New York senators will in time gracefully submit and that the appointment of Colonel Sanger will be made at the Prest- dent's pleasure, and that there will be no opposition in the Senate to his confirma- tion when his name is sent to that body. Senator Platt is not due in Washington un- til late this afternoon. Senator Depew ex- pects to leave in a few days, accompanied by his niece, Miss Paulding, for a trip to Aiken, _——_—+ ¢ +—_______ SENATOR HANNA’S THANKS, Appreciation of Services of Inaugural Committee Chairman. Mr.John Joy Edson,chairman of the inaug- ural committee,whose services were recent- ly in such great demand, received a letter, dated the 11st instant, from Senator Hanna, expressing appreciation of the manner in which the details of the 4th of March event were cared for. The letter is as follows: “I wish to express in this manner my thanks and sincere appreciation of the very valuable and efficient services rendered by you as chairman of the inaugural commit- tee. The opinion that nothing which would contribute to the pleasure or success of the ceremonies of that day was neglected by your committee is a general one, and I most earnestly share in it. “Thanking you also for your courtesies to me, personally, and with assurance ‘of my very best wishes, I remain, “Truly yours, M. A. HANNA.” —_—_—_—_+e +____. RIOTING IN SPANISH CITY. Serious Disorder Reported Province of Cordova, MADRID, March 13:—Disorders have oc- curred in the town of La Rambla, in Cor- dov@ province. A mob is parading the streets, carrying revolvers, knives and other arms, and serious conflictsare feafed. Official dispatches from Ripoll, province of Gerona, report a continuation of the agitation there. The new prefect of Barce- lona left suddenly for his post. —_++>—_ New Italian Minister to China. ROME, March 13.—The Capitan Fracassa, published here, announces that the Marquis in the NOW A NEWSPAPER MAN oe WILLIAM J. BRYAN TAL CIRCULATION Says It is Too Early to Consider Plat- forms—Events of His Visit Here. Mr. William Jennings Bryan came to Washington at midnight last night and re- mained until this afternovn, departing at 3:30 o'clock on the Pennsylvania railroad for his home. While in this city he was the guest of his old friend, Mr. C. T. Bride, at his residence on Capitol Hill. Mr. Bryan started out early this morn- ing to call upon a number of acquaintances, He wanted to see Senator Jones, chairman of the democratic national committee, but the senator was in New York. Mr. Bryan then went to the office of Judge William M. Springer, on F street, with whom he had a long conference, also meeting a num- ber of local democrats who called when they learned of his presence in the office. At lunch time Mr. Bryan and Judge Springer went around to a 15th street dairy lunch room and ate a simple Jeffersonian lunch, also receiving greetings from many people who crowded around him. Mr. Bryan in his pedestrian travels about town was frequently halted by acquaintances and strangers desiring to shake his hand. Already a Circulation Boaster. “What's the circulation of The Star?” asked Mr. Bryan of a Star reporter, who requested an interview. ‘Fou see, I am a newspaper man now mysélf, and like to talk shop.” 5 He was told that The Star swears to its circulation, and the - figures of the statement were given him. “Oh, I can beat that,” said Mr. “My paper had a paid circulation of when I left home and subscripticns were still coming in. There are 750 subscribers in Philadelphia. I am going to enlarge the size, and have been east getting some ideas about the conduct of a weekly paper. His Idea of a Scoop. “I was telling some of the boys at the Press Club in New York that I had a ‘scoop’ on the daily press. Prof. Hadley stated in an interview that within twenty-fi years there would be an emperor In Washington, and I produced the last copy of the Com- moner, which contained an seditorial an- nouncing that the President was already an emperor, thus ante-dating Prof. Hadiey’s prophecy by twenty-five years.” Mr. Bryan was asked: is gpinion of the democratic issue for the» next presidential campaign. “Litue early to talk about platforms,” he replied. “In fact, I am net discussing poli- tics at all except as I do through the edi- torial column.” Mr. Bryan managed, ft-{s understood, to keep clear of entangling, alliances with either faction of the torn-up District de- mocracy while in Washington, ++ BURIAL OF COL. VOLKMAR. last Will Be Interred at Arlington With Fall Military Honers. The remains of Col. Wiliam J. Volkmar, U. 8. A., retired, who died gt Pasadena, Cal., on the 4th instant, arrived here this morning and will be interred at Arlington cemetery tomorrow with full military hon- ors. A light battery wil escort the re- mains from Gawler’s undertaking estab- lishment to the cemetery, and the funeral cortege will be joined at Fort Myer by the band of the 11th Infantry. Col. Volkmar was one of the ablest offi- cers of the adjutant general's department, and was retired in April, 1900, on account of disability incurred in the line of duty. He had a most creditable military record. He served in the war of the rebellion as a sergeant in the 33d Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and subsequently graduated from the Military Academy in Jtine, 1868. After a short service in the Sth Cavalry he was appointed an assistant adjutant general in March, 1885, and remained in that de- partment up to the time of his death. He served in this city for many years and leaves a legion of friends to mourn his loss. 2+ ——___ NEW BUILDINGS AUTHORIZED. Improvements at the Marine Barracks and Navy Yard. The naval appropriation bill passed by the last Congress carried nearly $400,000 for improvements at the Washington navy yard and marine barracks. The money will be available at the beginning of the fiscal year, but plans will be prepared in ad- vance, so that the work can be commenced secon after July 1 next. A fireproof building to cost $50,000 is to be constructed at the marine barracks for the headquarters office of the marine corps. The work will be done by contract, for which bids will be advertised. At the navy yard $318,210 will be ex- pended during the next fiseal year on im- provements. Of this sum $25,000 will be spent for paving, $22,000 to complete the underground conduit system, $20,000 to ex- tend the electric light plant, 386,300 for a miscellaneous shop for ordnance, $40,000 for seamen gunners’ shop, $42,600 for new roof for the ordnance boiler house, $0,000 for a fireproof storage house, $78,310 for exten- sion of the forge shop. ‘New machinery, to cost $150,000, will be installed in the gun shops. —————_+ +____—_ DREDGING THE RIVER. Work of Deepening the Channel Will Resumed Monday. There will be no special injury to any of the partly completed engineering work on the Potomac river on account of the failure of the river and harbor bill, which carried additional appropriationg for this purpose. ‘The sundry civil appropeiatien bill carried an appropriation of $9800 for completing the 24-foot channel 200 feet wide below Washington, and this ‘work -will probably be completed during the, coming year. The contract for completing the 0-foot channel 400 feet wide in the Retomac above the mouth of the Anacostig mver, which was nullified last year, has again been let, and the work of dredging will begin Monday. Under this contract abopt 700,000 cubic yards of material will be-remeved, at a cost of about $80,000, and will: be deposited on Potomac Park to assist In raising the level of that park to the required height. The dredge is now at work in the Washington channel below the arsenal, where a bar has been formed at the jumetion of the Poto- mac and Anacostia rivers, reducing the low-water depth to 17 feet. ‘There are. sev- eral places in the Vij ia channel where the depth is only 17 op 18 feet, and these will also be cleaned out so that by the -nd of seven months it is likely there will be a depth of at least 20 feet in the Potomac. The Washington channel above the ar- senal has practically suffered in deteriora- tion since it was dredged several years ago. Such filling in as bas taken place in the Virginia channek and at the mouth of the Anacostia river tr material washed do AT THE WHITE HOUSE Senator Platt Not Disturbed by Cuban Criticism. THINGS WILL COME OUT ALL RIGHT Colonel Palmer Urged for Com- missioner of Pensions. + CALLERS es MANY TODAY Senator Platt of Connecticut, author of the amendments relating to Cuba which were attached to the army appropriation bill, talked with the President this morn- ing about the conditions in the island. The senator afterward gave it as his opinion that everything will turn out all right. “ feel sure the Cubans will accept our propo- sitions,” he said. Senator Platt also called on Secretary Root today, spending about a quarter of an hour with that official. After the meet- ing Mr. Platt was asked concerning the published criticism appearing today from Havana concerning the amendments bear- ing his name. He declined to enter into any discussion as to a particular criticism made by a certain distinguished Cuban leader, but on the general subject Mr. Platt said: “The Cubans will see in the end that the amendments are as much in their interests they are in the interests of the United ates. There may be at the start a little offended dignity growing out of misappre- hension of our purposes and aims. But I have no doubt that the Cubans will ulti- mately see the sincerity of purpose which has actuated us in framing these amend- ments, alike in their interests and in the interest of this country.” For Pension Commissioner. Proceeding on the assumption that there is to be a vacancy in the office of commis- sioner of pensions, the New York republi- can members of Congress have given their indorsement to Col. John Palmer of Albany for this position. His claims were present- ed to the President by Senator Depew and Representative Southwick. Col. Palmer is an ex-commander of the G. A. R. and was twice secretary of state of New York. The President did not give the slightest indica- tion of his intentions as to the office of commissioner of pensions. He did not say that there would be any change in the office. Invited to Washington. Senators Foster and Turner and Repre- sentati Jones and Cushman of Wash- ington left with the President today the resolutions of the legislature of Washing- ton inviting the President to visit that state on his western tour. The President said that he had not made up his itinerary, but would consider the places in Wash- ington that he would visit. It is hoped by the Washington people that the- President will make stops ai.ithe principal. cities— Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane and North Yakima. St. Louis Fair Commission. Senator Cullom and Representative Can- non saw the President this morning and urged that he place ex-Representative Rodenberg cf East St. Louis, lll, on the St. Louis fair commissfon. Mr. Roden- berg has been pocketed in the race, it seems, and an effort is being made to have him again put in the running. The Presi- dent has decided upon the commission, and if Mr. Rodenberg now goes on it it will be because of unexpected changes. The trouble is said to be that the Presi- dent has ten names on his list and only nine places. Among those not already mentioned the list is said to include ex- Representative Glynn of Albany and F. A. Betts of Connecticut. The Sioux Falls Post Office. Representative-elect E. W. Martin, who succeeds Senator Gamble as a member of the House from South Dakota, was at the White House to indorse Charles M. Day for postmaster at Sioux Falls. Mr. Day is the editor of the Argus-Leader. In this in- dorsement Mr. Martin puts himself in op- position to Senator Gamble and Represen- tative Burke, who co-operate in nearly all appointments in their state. They have in- dorsed N. Phillips, the deputy postmaster, but charges have been filed against Mr. Phillips and the matter is pending settle- ment. The President will take up the case in a short time. Some Other Callers. Representatives Brownlow and Gibson talked with the President to ascertain If it would be necessary for them to make new recommendations for offices in their dis- tricts as the four-year terms of incum- bents expire. The President told them he saw no reason to make changes. This was in harmony with the desires of the two ‘Tennessee representatives. Senators Warren and Clark and Repre- sentative Mondell of Wyoming, Senator Burton of Kansas, Representatives Dalzell, Landis and Cromer also saw the President. Spanish Claims Commission. W. L. Chambers of Alabama, formerly chief justice of Samoa, one of the members of the Spanish war claims commission, paid his respects. The commission will or- ganize here about April 1. Wm. E. Fuller of Iowa, who was appointed as attorney for the commission, has declined the appoint- ment offered him, and a successor will have to be selected. Commissioner Duell to Retire. R. H. Duell, commissioner of patents, had a conference with the President. He will tender his resignation to the President in the near future. Mr. Duell contemplated retiring as head of the patent office last fall, but at the request of the President remained through the first administration. The commissioner will resume the practice of patent law. -. FOR BURIAL AT ARLINGTON. Remains of Lieut. Smith Brought From Manila. The remains of Lieut. Louis P. Smith, U. S. A., who died in Manila January 8 last, reached Washington this morning, having been forwarded to San Francisco by the transport Indiana and to this city per Wells, Fargo and Adams Express. ‘The funeral services, in charge of the mili- tary authorities, will be held at the Church of the Covenant tomorrow at 1 p.m., and burial will be at Arlington. Lieut. Smith ‘was a Washington boy; and had a host of friends in this city. —_—_+—_—_ President as Photographer. Mrs. McKinley sat for a number of pic- tures to Prince, the photographer, this morning at the White House. She posed in the gown that she wore to the inaugural ball and also a aS pasdsome steel ae es the matter and pressed the button Rimself for a number of the exposures. s ———— The Wright Arrives at Malta. The quartermaster general is informed of the arrival of the transport Wright at ‘Malta on‘her way to the Philippines. TO RECLASSIFY WARSHIPS AUTHORIZATION GIVEN BY RECENT SESSION OF CONGRESS, Existing System Rendered Obsolete by Progress in Marine Architecture. In pursuance of legislation ¢ eted at the last session of Congress the Navy Depart- ment is making preparations for a reclass- ification of the vessels of the navy. This will involve a change of classification ac- cording to the number of guns, which was the system adopted many years ago, to a classification according to tonnage and other qualities more in accordance with the modern system of naval architecture. The existing classification was made in ac- cordance with statutes enacted many years ago. According to those statutes vessels of the navy of the United States were di- vided. into four classes and commanded nearly as possible as follows: First rates, by commodores; second rates, by captains; third rates, by’ commanders: fourth rates, by lieutenant commanders. it was also provided that steamships of forty guns or more should be classed as first rates, those of twenty guns and under forty as second rates, and all those of less than twenty guns as third or fourth rates. The changes which have taken place tn naval construction during the latter half of the century just closed haye been so radical that the foregoing classification of ships of war, prescribed by law fifty years ago, has become obsolete. The line-of-bat ule ship, which under this classiftcation weuld have been ranked as a “first rate,” with its wooden hull, tier on tier of muzzie leading guns and lofty spars, bears little resemblance to a battle ship of the first- ss of the present time, with its com- paratively low, heavily armored hull, re- volving turrets, small number of powerful breech-loading guns and military masts. The Constitution and the Constellation Were fine examples of the old line-of-battle ships, and it would be base flattery to compare them with the modern steel battle ships like the Kentucky and the Kearsarge. Under the old classification no proper place can be found for the modern battle ship or for the modern cruiser, torpedo boat, or vessels of the monitor type. The require- ment that first rates be commanded as nearly as may be by commodores is like- wise obsolete, the grade of commodore, so far as the active list of the navy is con- cerned, having been abolished. The classification of naval vessels ac- cording to the number of guns carried not being applicable to existing conditions and it being undesirable to retain upon the statute books requirements which could not be carried out, it has been repeatedly rec- ommended by the Navy Department that Congress change the statutes so as to per- mit a classification better adapted to mod- ern naval construction. In making this recommendation the officers of the Navy Department suggested that while speed, armor protection, effectiveness of battery and other considerations might be taken inte account in making such classification, the division of naval vessels into classes according to tonnage would prove in prac- tice perhaps the most simple and most Satisfactory plan that could be adopted. Nearly every Secretary of the Navy since the new navy began has advocated the re- peal of the ancient law, but without su cess until the last Congress gave the Prest: ent- authority to make elastic regulations for the classification of warships. It 1s probable that_a special board of promt- nent naval officers will be appointed for the purpose of considering the best plan of reclassification under that_ authority. ———_+ DEMAND FOR POSTAGE STAMPS, Employes Will Have to Work Over- time to Replenish Stock. Another evidence of the great commer- cial activity prevailing in the country has become manifest in the enormous demand for postage stamps. This is so heavy and persistent that the reserve stock of stamps at the bureau of engraving and printing has become much lessened. The law re- quires that there should be kept constanuy on hand at the bureau 100,000,000 1-coxt and 200,000,000 2-cent stamps. Heretofore there has never been any diffieulty in sup- plying the current demand for stamps and at the same time in maintaining the re- serve required by law. Most of the time a good supply above the reserve has been kept on hand. Recently, however, the in- creased demand has drawn so heavily ¢ the reserve that there are now only 15), 000,000 of 2s and 36,000,000 of 1s in the stamp vaults. The Treasury Department has therefore decided to increase the hours of the employes in the stamp division of the bureau and try to replenish the 1e- serve. No extra force will be put to work. eS ADMIRAL SAMPSON EXPLAINS. Not Responsible for the Publication of Gunner Morgan's Letter. A copy of the reply sent by Rear Ad- miral Sampson to Secretary Long in re- gard to the publication of the letter sent by Gunner Morgan to the former has been made public. Admiral Sampson in it says he did not give Gunner Morgan or any one else a copy of his indorsement, nor did he per- mit any person to see it except those em- ployed in the preparation of official cor- respondence in his office. These persons, he asserts, have been questioned, and all emphatically deny that they were respon- sible for the publication of the indorse- eS Admiral Sampson concludeg by say- ing: “I have to add that I am in no way re- sponsible for its publication.” ’ THE HANCOCK. RETURNED ON Army Officers Home From the Phil- ippines. The adjutant general is informed that the following military passengers arrived from Manila on the transport Hancock at San Francisco: g Gen. James R, Campbell, Lieut. Col. Cor- liss, 2d Infantry; Capt. Kohler, 4th Cay- alry; 30th Regiment Infantry; 738 enlisted men and the following officers: Maj. Steele, Capts. Reese and Burton, Lieut. Eber, as- sistant surgeon; Capts. Burr, Scranton, Webb, Latimer, Smith, New! , Miller and Porterfield; Lieuts, Dakine, Tompkins, Tarlton, Foley, Reckenpaugh, Whitson, Pack, Bear, Ellison, Ralston, jr., Bradford, Gulick, Downey and Wallace: one contract surgeon, two nurses, nine hospital corps men, two enlisted, 27th In- fantry Volunteers, four discharged sol- diers, seventy-two general prisoners and six remains. — Movements of Naval Vessels. The cruiser New Orleans has sailed from Nagasaki for Woosung. She is to act as a mail ship between Japan and Shanghai and ‘WATER POWER PLANT con epnccmeileeoininn Rumored Establishment of One at the Great Falls. TO FURNISH CURRENT FOR RAILROADS Some Current Gossip in Regard to This Enterprise. inectoaiapaensienbiess NEW PHASES OF THE MATTER Ses It is understood that the commencement of the work of enlarging the United States Electric Lighting Company's plant at 14th and B streets into a central power station for the Washington Electric and Traction | Company is delayed for reasons which are | of considerable public consequence. Ac- cording to current rumor, the plans for the | proposed extension have been modified, it is | stated, but they are still to be carried out and a substantial addition is to be made to the present station, which will enable the company to abandon the separate power houses originally built for the individual railroads. The reason given for the rumored abridg- ment of the plans recently approved for this improvement is that there will be no need for such an extensfve steam power | plant, as the obstacles that have been in the way of utilizing the force of the Po- tomac river at the Great Falls have been removed. According to the general under- | standing it ts now the intention of those in control of the rights and property of the Great Falls Company to proceed with the work of establishing at that point a sys- tem for utilizing the power of the river for the production of electricity. It will be recalled that more than a year ago—in fact, almost immedia’ following | the completion of the series of purchases of street railroads and electric lighting companies now controlled by the Washing- ton Traction Company—the stock of the Great Falls Company was purchased by Messrs. O. T. Crosby and C. A. Leib. Thase gentlemen were largely instrumental in the purchase of the properties referred to and in furtherance of a general scheme to sup- ply the electric current that would be need- ed by the new system. The contro) of the power at Great Falls held by the company named was acquired, as above stated. Since that date no steps have been taken to ¢s- tablish a water plant at that point except the making of the necessary surveys cud some preliminary examination. Alleged Dificalties. It was explained that this was due to some complications which had arisen and which was based on property claims ed- vanced by the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company and by parties that acquired wa- ter rights along the lower falls and for some distance up the river. Legal proceed- ings were begun and the prospect was that | the Great Falls water rights would remain | a disputed question in the courts for many ears yet to come. Now, however, according te rumors in local dnanclal circles, but which have not official sanction, all causes for further de- lay have been removed and the work of carrying out the long-talked-of enterprise or making use of the Great Falls to pro- duce power for this city is to be begun and pushed forward to completion. While it js not understood that the interests control- ling th hington Traction Company and those owning the Great Falls company are identical, it is said that an understanding has been reached by which the power thus produced will find a purchaser in the Trac- tion company. In view of these developments it is ex- plained that it will not be ne) the Traction company to provi extensive steam power plant in this city as otherwise might have been necessary Hence, it is stated, a change has been made in the character of the proposed en- | largement of what is to be the central sta- tion of the new system. Need of Steam Station. It is declared by some that owing to the reduction in the volume of water in the river during a certain period of the sum- mer season a station deriving its power exclusively from the river could not pro- duce at all times a sufficient amount of electricity to supply the estimated de- mand. it is said that the projectors of this enterprise fully understand the situi tion in this respect, and that they pro pose to supplement the water station by a steam station, the latter to be located at the Great Falls. When this great work of utilizing the Great Falls power, which, it is estimated, will require an expenditure of about two millions of dollars, is com- pleted the Washington Traction Company, while taking its current from the Great Falls company, will also keep in readiness its steam power plant in this city, so that they will have in effect duplicate power stations. —_—_ CAPT. CONVERSE’S REPORT. Behavior of the Mlinois Was Most Satisfactory. Judge Advocate General Lemly has re- ceived the following telegram from Capt. Converse, the future commander of the battleship Illinois, touching the private trial of that ship off the Virginia capes yesterday: . “NEWPORT NEWS, March 12. “The Illinois has returned from her build- ers’ trial. Weather conditions favorable. Behavior of ship and performance of en- gines, machinery and boilers, under natural and forced draft, most satisfactory. Condi- tion of vessel’s bottom prevented a for speed. CONV DIXIE COURT OF INQUIRY. Announcement of the Detail by the Navy Department. The Secretary of the Navy has ordered a court of inquiry to meet at the navy yard, Norfolk, next Saturday morning for the purpose of inquiring into the circumstances connected with the grounding of the train- ing ship Dixie off Maryland Point on the 2d instant, with a view of determining the responsibility for the accident. The detafl for the court consists of Capts. Wise, E. W. Watson and J. H. Dayton, with Lieut. Edward Moale as judge advo- cate. The Dixie is on her way to Norfolk, where she will be placed in dry dock to ascertain the extent of her injuries. ——_—__+2+___—_. State Department Changes. A number of changes have recently been made in the clerical force of the State De- partment under civil service rules, includ- ing the following promotions: Tien Tsin during the spring. The Wis- consin has sailed from San Francisco for Magdalena bay, where she Is to get into condition as rapidly as possible for a voy- age to China. She goes to relieve the Ore- gon, but the date of the departure of the latter for home has been postponed cit May in order to secure fine weather on the -Pacific on the homeward trip. Nan- shan has sailed from Nagasaki John P. Weissenhagen of Michigan, from