Evening Star Newspaper, January 22, 1903, Page 1

——— THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAY. Business (fice, 11th Street and Peansylvanis Avenue. ‘The Evening Star Newspaper Company. 8. H. EAUFPMANN, President. Sew York Office: Tribune Building. Chicago Office: Tribune Building. ‘The Evening Star 1s served to subscribers in the city by carriers, on their own account, at 10 cents Det week, or 44 cents per month. | Copies at the counter, 2 cents each. By mail—anywhere io the ‘U.S. or Canada—postage prepaid—60 cents per wontb, Saturday Star, 32 page $1 per year; with for a tage added, $3.60. ‘Butored at the Post Osice at Washington, D. ©., cond- ‘mai! matter. "Sail mail subscriptions must be paid in advance Rates of advertising made known on applicatior Che Lve Siar. WASHINGTON, D. C., THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 1903—SIXTEEN PAGES. TWO CENTS. ‘All advertisers certi- fy to the influence The Star has on those who buy. That is the test. BERLIN IN THE DARK Officials Do Not Know Reason . for Bombardment. DID NOT SEND ORDERS LONDON APPREHENSIVE OF THE EFFECT OF THE FIRING. Press Reports Confirmed by a Cable Message From Mr. Russell at Caracas. BERLIN, January 22.—Neither the for- eign office here nor the navy department has received reports of the bombarqments of Fort San Carlos. At both places it was de- clared that no orders were given to bom- bard the fort. The naval officials admit they knew the Vineta was proceeding to Maracaibo, but they did not expect a bom- bardment. The foreign office regrets extremely that it 1s unable to publish a report on the sub- ject, due to the fact that it is wholly with- out information, through defective means of communication by way of Curacao, and owing to the German consul at Maracaibo being cut off from reporting by cable to the authorities at Berlin. The officials admit that the incident is likely to “renew anti- German agitation in the United States,” and say they recognize the disadvantage Ger- many is placed in through the impossibility of getting prompt reports from Venezuela. The foreign office does not even know what was the purpose of the Panther in Its first action against Fort San Carlos. Interviews With Bowen. ‘The German government has received a communication from its charge d'affaires at Washington saying that Minister Bowen has seen the representatives of the allies separately. The foreign office admits that the subject discussed was the raising of the blockade, but the officials here decline to make any further statement. Apprehensive in London. LONDON, January 22.—The British gov- ernment fs entirely in the dark regarding the reasons for the aggressive action of the German naval authorities In again bom- barding Fort San Carlos, at the entrance of Lake Maracaibo, yesterday. The foreign office officials here are apprehen: effect of the bombardment. Th2 no decision has yet been reached on the question of the suspension of the blockede. It was hoped that matters would have pro- gressed further before now, but this was largely based on the belief that Minister Bowen would reach Washington carlier than he did. May Delay Settlement. Diplomatic circles are much aroused by the news of the bombardment, but the offi- clals of the various embassies seem equally as ignorant as the foreign office regarding its cause. The belief prevails that the step taken by the German commander will se- riously delay the settlement of the ques- tions in dispute. There are many indica- tions that the blockade will not be raised for the present, and that the negotiations at Washington will proceed with perhaps a modified form of blockade or some similar arrangement as the preliminary basis. The only press comment on the second bombardment appears in the S:. James Ga- zette, which repudiates the eggressiveness of the Germans and says it trusts “the Americans will understand tha. the Ger- man proceedings are as little approved by the British nation as by themszives. PRESS REPORTS CONFIRMED. Mr. Russell at Caracas Cables News of German Bombardment. A cablegram was received at the State Department today from Mr. Russell, the United States charge at Caracas, confirni- ing the press reports of the renewal in force of the bombardment of Fort San Carlos, at the entrance to Lake Maracaibo, by three German warships. The cable- gram does not indicate the termination of the bombardment, and, indeed, it furnishes no details. There ts a singular reticence on the part of the State Department officials suddenly developed in connection with the Venezu lan situation and especialiy with reference to the German bombardments, which may be significant of the gravity with whicn they view the situation. here is no longer any talk of exerting influences to prevent these bombardments, but it is difficult for the department to answer congressiona: callers who are asaing for a reasonable explanation. May Embarass Negotiations. Another annoying feature of the situa- nterference with Minister important mission in which the United States government, though not ott: cially concerned, is deeply intereste}. There were rumors afloat today to the effect that the State Department had taken steps to point out to the foreign offices at London, Berlin and Rome its views on that subject, but these could not be confirmed, and it is stated that at present the attitude of the United States must be one of patient waiting. Minister Bowen Inaccessible. Secretary Hay still remains at his home, nursing a slight cold. Such business as Mr. Bowen has to do with him Is transacted at his house. ‘che minister was up at an early hour this morning and disappeared from his hotel, se it was said; at any rate, cards were refpsed save to’ the German charge, Count Quadt. The latter returned unexpectedly from New York last night. He had been awaiting the arrival from Eur of his family. So it is fair suppo- sition that his sudden return to Washing- ton ¥ t meeting them was brought about by the untoward turn in Venezuelan affairs. Count Quadt had a long conference at the Br: with Sir Michael Herber ed on the Italian ambassador, who is suffering from a slight indisposition, and was therefore unable to eee him Altogether, there was a good deal of ac- vity in the diplomatic circle this morni ra all undoubtedly having its origin in the San Carlws bombardment. It was stated that nothing in the nature of an ce:swer to Min- ister Bowen's proposition for a removal of the blockade as a condition precedent to had been heard from any of foreign offices, though it is @dmitted there ts a free exchange of notes in progress between the embassies and the European capitals. Other Nations Will Not Suffer. About noon Mr. Bowen appeared at the State Department and had a short talk with Dr. Hill and with Third Assistant Secretary Peirce. He Is making a number of scml-ofMficial calls at the foreign em- baasies and legations other than the allies, and it is believed that this is in pursuance of his genera! duty of adjusting any pro} er claim they may have against Venezue: At is the understanding that none of those countries which refrained from joining in the blockade will be permitted to suffer by Venezuela in consequence of their fombear- ance, but that their citizens who have suf- fered as a result of the Venezuelan revo- lutionary movements and other causes will, when it comes to a settlement of their claims, be placed upon am equality with claimants from England, Germany and Italy. France particularly is a heavy creditor of Venezuela and she has already had assur- ances which are entirely satisfactory to her representatives that her interests will not suffer from her attitude. All this means, of course, that when it comes to a financial settlement no one nation will have an ad- vantage over any other, but that the Vene- zuelan indemnity will be apportioned out very much as the Chinege indemnity fund ts being distributed, on an exact basis of dam- age sustained and without regard to nation- ality. Under this reckoning the few United States claimants will not be barred from collecting their claims. Venezuela Must Yield. As to what may happen if the allies’ an- swers are unfavorable to Mr. Bowen's proposition to lift the blockade at once, it is not possible to predict. But Veneguela being weak, must submit, looking to public sentiment not only in the United States, but in England and in Germany as well, eum vent oppressive treatment at the hands 0: the governments. Of course, Mr. Bowen does not come with fronclad' instructions upon any point, but fully expects to make reasonable concessions. He will seek to effect a settlement as speedily as possible, making the best terms he can for the gov- ernment he represents, but yielding when such a course is necessary to avoid a failure of his mission. QUARANTINE AGAINST ’FRISCO. Ports of Ecuador Take Steps to Keep Out Plague. GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador, January 22.— It has been decided to close all ports of this republic to steamers from San Fran- cisco, owing to the fear of the importation of bubonic plague. Vessels which left San Francisco January 20 or after that date will not be admitted. The board of health of Guayaquil, Janu- ary 18, issued an order to close the port to steamers from Panama or Mexican ports, but the order was reconsidered the follow- ing day and it was decided to close the port only to steamers from plague-infected Mexican ports. —++>__. SALOONS AS POOL ROOMS. Chicago Has 14,000 Where Bets on Races Are Made. CHICAGO, January 22—That gambling on an extensive scale is carried on in Chi- cego was admitted by James O’Lea! who was a witness in the case of Pedro Mar- tinez, a Cuban planter, who was induced, it was alleged, to bet $900 on a horse with one of O’Leary’s agents. The horse lost. O'Leary, in his testimony, sald he had agents all over the city. One man fs re- sponsible for the hotels, another for certain clubs. The whole city !s covered in this way. These agents appoint subagents, but he dealt only with the one main agent, re- ceiving his reports and holding him ac- countable. It is estimated that there are more than 14,000 saloons in the city where bets are taken on the races. 2 “PROCESS” BUTTER SEIZED. St. Louis City Institutions Raided by Government Officers. ST. LOUIS, Mo., January 22.—United States revenue officers have, within the past few days, seized practically all the butter stored at the various city !nstitu- tions. The butter seized is of an inferior grade, known as “process” or “renovated butter.” None of the tubs in which it was originally delivered bears the required rev- enue label, which had, it is believed, been removed for purposes of substitution. ++ PROBABLY WORK OF ROBBERS. Suspicion Regarding Fatal Accident on the ’Frisco Road. KANSAS CITY, Mo., January 22—The St. Louis and San Francisco north-bound express, which left Memphis, Tenn., at 915 am. yi day, was wrecked near South Greenfield, Mo., early today. red. Fisher, the engineer, was klled and Fireman Ed. Gilbert seriously injured. Several passengers were slightly hurt. A switch had been turned’ to indicate a clear track, possibly by would-be robbers, and the passengers crashed into a freight on 2 siding. The engine rolled down a steep embankment. ——+-»—____ CAUGHT IN MINE CAVE-IN. Joseph Petross and Two Sons Killed, Another Fatally Hurt. SHAMOKIN, Pa., January 22.—A cave-in occurred in a mine breach at Nataile, Pa., last night, killing Joseph Petross and his sons John, aged eleven years, and Joseph, aged nine years, and fatally injuring the eldest son, Michael, aged thirteen years. Petross and his three sons left home early last night to procure coal and had been at work some time before the top of the breach, without an instant’s warning, col- lapsed and caught them like rats in a trap. The mine inspector is investigating the accident. 4 a “SCHOOLBOY” PUGILIST DEAD. Effect of a Blow Received in a Fistic Encounter. SCITUATE, R. I, January 22—Eugene McCarthy, the “schoolboy pugilist” of New York, died today from the effects of a blow received in a bout here last nigitt with Hugh Murphy, also of New York. McCarthy re- ceived the blow In the fifteenth round. It was on the body, but the youth fell dnd his head struck the floor with great force. He became unconscious and all efforts to revive him were futile. McCarthy was eighteen years of age and was a pupil at a New York High School. +++ NO PROGRESS AT DOVER. The Deadlock in Senatorial Election Continues Unbroken. DOVER, Del., January 22.—One ballot was taken for United States senator today. It resulted as follows: Long term—Addicks, union republican, 21; H. A. Dupont, regular republican, 10; Kenney, democrat, 21, Short term—Addicks, 19; Higgins, regular republican, 12; Saulsbury, democrat, 21. Necessary to a choice, 27. Senator Groves and Representative Jones, union republican, changed their votes from T. C. Dupont to Higgins. Adjournment was taken until noon tomorrow. —_—_++ + Internal Revenue Receipts. The detailed figures of the collection of internal revenue for the month of Decem- ber, 1902, show that the total receipts were $20,743,852, against $22,912,915 for Decem- ber, 1901. The receipts from the different sources were as follows: Spirits, $12,836,145, an increase over December, 1901, of $1,315,- 188; tobacco, $3,628,555, decrease $674,940; fonnsbed jiguors, eh a a decrease $1,- A oleor 1e, 8 $105,623; adulterated butter, $10 f105 miscel- laneous, $041,555, decrease $1,088,731, AT THE WHITE HOUSE Senator Quay Was a Visitor Today. TWO MEXICANS CALL THEY ARE STUDYING OUR FI- NANCIAL S¥STEM. They Talk of Probability of a Gold Basis in Their Country—Other Callers Today. There were some senatorial visitors at the White House around whose ca!ls might be woven stories of plausibility and interest, in view of the figures they are making at this time on the legislative map of,the coun- try. The first of these was the silent Penn- sylvania senator, M. 8S. Quay. The Presi- dent received him before any of the others. As silently as he came he strolled away, twirling his familiar walking cane in his hand. He might have talked with the President about a matter of the greatest importance or one to the other extreme in its insignificance. Neither by visage nor word did he indicate the purport of his mis- sion. The next visitor was Senator Kean of New Jersey, almost as uncommunicative as the Pennsylvania senator, always with a glad hand for his newspaper friends, hut stopping short of the deliverance of much information about his doings. An astute politiclan and manager, he is of inestimable value to the opponents of the omnibus statehood bill. Later in the day Senators Aldrich and Spooner, cautious, keen and watchful of developments in the Senate, conferred with the President but for a few minutes only. Gold Standard for Mexico. Two prominent Mexicans were callers at the White House this morning. They were Emeterio de la Garza, jr., a member of the Mexican congress, and Enrique C. Creel, a distinguished banker of Chihuahua. They merely called to pay their respects, al- though they are in this country on a mis- sion of probably great importance to Mexico. They have been in Washington a week, during which they have had con- ferences with Secretary Shaw at the Treas- ury Department and with George E. Rob- erts, the director of the mint. These con- ferences have related entirely to financial facts, and with the object in view of acquiring information that would be of benefit to Mexico in a possible change of financial system. Mexican financlers and statesmen are seriously contemplating changing from the silver to the gold stand- ard, and every piece of information that ht assist in determining what is best to be done is being secured by all who are in- terested. “The ‘possibility of a change to the gold standard is under consideration,” said Mr. Garza, “but the Mexican congress has taken no action in that direction, and may not do so. No measures looking to such a change have yet been proposed in our con- gress, but there is much talk of this being done, and various measures may be sub- mitted in the near future. Mexico is won- derfully prosperous at this time, but we feel that we must soon determine whether the prosperity would not be greater under a gold standard than under our present silver system.” Replying to a query as to the health of President Diaz, both Mr, Garza and Mr. Creel said that the great chief executive of Mexico is in splendid physical condition for a man of his years—seventy-two. “Two years ago President Diaz was not in good health and there was much talk of his re- tirement and the selection of a new presi- dent.” said Mr. Garza. “but there has been a wonderful change in the health of Presi- dent Diaz. It looks as if his life is to be spared to Mexico for many years more. He will be elected in a short time for another term of four years. In fact, he main president of Mexico so long as he lives. He has the hearts of the people of the country, and they would not be satis- fied with any other man as chief executive so long as he {s living. There is no talk of any other man succeeding him in this position, as the recuperation of his health makes it certain that he will continue in his present position for a number of years to come.” Messrs. Garza and Creel will remain in Washington a weck longer studying the financial system of this country and talk- ing with prominent men. They have al- ready visited New York and other finan- centers, and when they return home will be prepared to deal with the financial question in a more satisfactory manner than prior to their visit. Business Men for the Treaty. Representative Foster of Vermont called on the President to present William J. Van Patten and R. J. Cattam, business men of Burlington. Mr. Van Patten told the Presi- dent that he is one of a large number of business men throughout the country who are deeply concerned and financially in- terested in the ratification of the Cubar treaty. “I have orders for $10,000 worth of goods for shipment to Cuba in case the treaty is ratified,” Mr. Van Patten told the President. “If it is not ratified the orders will be canceled. I am confident that there are hundreds of business houses all ov the country that are in the same position. Mr. Van Patten’s statement is not the first of its kind that has been made to the President, who is hearing from business men who call on him and by means of communications. They all declare that the business of this country would be immense- ly increased should the treaty become op- erative. Cuban merchants, anticipating the Tatification of the treaty, have placed many orders in this country for goods, due, of course, to the fact that the duty on these goods would be much: below that on similar goods from other countries. This is referred to as positive confirma- tion that the treaty would build up the business of the United States with Cuba to a point not realized. ‘The President this morning received many congressmen who called to introduce friends. Among these were Senators Bur- rows and Dolliver, Representatives Erwin of Kentucky, Lloyd of Missouri, Bates of Pennsylvania, Scott of Kansas, Sulzer of New York, Burton of Ohio, Gardner of Michigan, William Alden Smith of Michi- gan, Lewis of Pennsylvania, Corliss of Michigan, Joy of Missouri and Mercer of Nebraska. With Mr. Mercer was Capt. Wm. E. Nye, master of the transport Mc- Clellan. Indian Commissioners Call. The members of’ the Indian commission, which fs in session in this city, pald their annual visit of respect to the President to- day, those calling being Darwin R. James, Philip C. Garrett, Bishop William D. Wal- ker, Archbishop Ryan, Jerome Bonaparte, Andrew Draper and Dr. Merrill E. Gates. The object of the visit was to discuss In- dian affairs with the President. Among the things the commission is interested in Is the bill pending in Congress for the allot- ment in severalty of the lands of the New York Indians. One member of the com- mission opposes the bill as it stands, while the others favor it as a whole. Still Talking of Bears. The Prtsident’s credulity is still being tested by western people, who lay before him entertaining prospects of shooting bears when he goes west this summer. Representative Mondell of Wyoming pre- will re- | sented Editor Peek of the Cody Enterprise and George T. Beck of Cody, Wyo., who want the President to go there, giving him every assurance that he will have no trouble in securing many shots at grizzly fighters. Cody is near Yellowstone Park, which is declared to be full of bears. The President says that the picture put before him looked mighty alluring at long dis- tance, but he would consider the invitation and make an answer later. Finest Piano in the Country. Guests attending the reception tonight at the White House in honor of the judiciary wiil have an opportunity. of seeing for the first time the new gold piano that has been installed in the east room. This in- strument was built especially for the White House, and 1s declared by those who have seen it to be the finest instru- ment in the country. Its exact value is not known, experts placing the probable cost to duplicate it at all the way from $5,000 to $15,000. It was donated to the govern- Ment by the firm of New York manufac- turers which has for many years kept one of their best instruments in the, White House for the use of the President’s fam- ys When the old furniture was taken out previous to the remodeling of the building, Col. Bingham, superintendent of public buildings and grounds, happened to men- tion to the piano firm's representative here that a new instrument would be needed at the White House. “We are just going to make our hundred thousandth piano,” said the latter, “and we'll make it for the White House. It'll be the finest instrument ever put up.”” The great yellow concert grand that stands in the northeast corner of the east room is the result of this promise. From the tips of the plano’s three feet to the top of its polished cover it is oveflaid with gold leaf. The shields of the thirteen original states are painted at intervals upon the sides of the box, and the fegs are in the shape of eagles with outstretched -wings, the pinion tips upholding the case and the birds’ feet resting on the figor. The finest works that could be made by the old firm were placed within the golden framework, and critical indeed will be the artists at Mrs. Roosevelt's musicals who can find fault with the tone or touch of the great fountain of melody. A magnificent yellow silken cover completes the handsome outfit. or THE UNION STATION BILL. Reassembling of the Conferees This Afternoon. The conferees on the union station bill did not meet today until 3 o'clock on ac- count of the time of Representatives Mudd and Meyer being taken up earlier in the afternoon by the committee om naval af- fairs. At 3 o'clock the conferees, consist- ing of Senators Gallinger,” Dillingham and Martin and Representatives Babeock, Mudd and Meyer, met in the roem of the Senate committee on the District of Calumbia and entered upon an analysis ef the bill for a union station as passed by the House, in view of representations: that have becn made by the Pennsylvania an@ the Ballti- more and Ohio Railroad eempanies. or CONTRACTS FOR NEW CRUISERS. ae The Attorney General. May’ Be Asked for an Opinion, ‘There 1s more than the usual interest dis- played in the prospective action of Secre- tary Moody in the mattér of the award of contracts for the consipmét{on of the ar- mored cruisers Tennessee and Washington. The board of naval construction recom- mended that the work be given to Cramp & Sons of Philadelphia. Protests against such action have been filéd at the Navy Department by the New York Ship Building Company and the Union Iron Works of San Francisco. Owing to the importance of the principles involved, the matter has been the subject of several conferences between the President and the Secretary of the Navy, with the re- sult that the papers have been returned to the board of naval construction for recon- sideration with special reference to the regularity of the so-called substitute offer of the Cramps, the acceptance.of which had been originally recommended by the board In view of the possibility of legal complica- tions it is probable that the Attorney Gen- eral will be asked to give an opinion as to the legal rights of the various competitors. Mr. Henry A. Morse, president of the New York Ship Building Company, and Mr. Wil- Nam Cramp of the Philadelphia company had separate conferences with Secretary Moody on the subject yesterday. It is pos- sible that the work will be divided between the two contesting firms. <0 _____ EXCEPT TOBACCO AND SUGAR. Proposed Free Admission of Products of the Philippines. The Senate committee on the Philippines today authorized a favorable report on the Philippine tariff bill, which recently passed the House, but with important amendments. The House bill carried a uniform reduction of the tariff on Philippine goods imported into the United States, making the rate only 25 per cent of the rates imposed by the Dingley law. The .Senate committee amended the bill so as to provide for the admission of all Philippine-produced articles free of duty, except sugar and tobacco, and on these two commodittes fixed the tariff at 50 per cent of the Dingley schedules. This change was made to meet the objections of the sugar and tobacco producers of this country, who have claimed that.a duty rate of only 25 per cent on those articles would result in ruinous competition. The committee also decided to recommend an amendment to the bill admitting into the Philippine Islands all material used in the construction and equipment of steam and electr¥c railroads free of duty for the next five years. Such free admisston is to be at the discretion of the Philippine commission. COAL TRANSPORTATION. Congressional Committee Going to Boston for an Investigation. The subcommittee consisting af Represen- tatives Littlefield (Me.), Minor (Wis.), Green (Mass.), Davis (Fla), and McDermott (N. J.) appointed by Cheirmar Grosvenor of the House committee on merchant ma- rine and fisheries met today. amd perfected plans for the investigation of *the subject of coal transportation -authorised by the House. The subcommittee will visit Bos- ton and begin its sessions at the committee rooms of the chamber of commerce Janu- ary 26 at 9:30 a.m. Sessions will-be held forenoons, afternoons and evenings, if nec- essary. The committee will hear all per- sons who can furnish releyantanformation on the subject of the inquiry. oe HAS NOT INTERFERED. No Action by President in the Dele- ware Senatorship. In view of claims made by both sides in the senatorial contest in Delaware it is au- thoritatively stated that the President has not interfered in the matter in any way whatever. ~ eo + Favorable Report ‘om McCall.” The Senate committee-on commerce to- day authorized a favorablefrepert on the nomination of Henry-Mc€al} to be collect- or of. customs at. the port o! few Orleans, La. Mr. McCall's nominati been stub- bornly antagonized by. negroes. AGAINST THE TRUSTS Legislation to Be Well Under Way Next Week. LIITLEFIELD’S BILL THAT WILL BE UP IN THE HOUSE. The Elkins Bill in the Senate—House Democrats to Propose a Substitute —Final Action Expected. ‘The first of next week will see anti-trust legislation well ‘under way in both houses of Congress. The House committee on judiciary will have the Littlefield bill under consideration, and probably will be ready to report it by the middle of the week. The Senate committee on commerce will have up the Elkins bill affecting discrim- inating railway rates and rebates, and will have that bill into the Senate by the time the House bill comes over. When the Littlefield bill gets into the House next week it will be under escort of a special order from the committee on rules providing for its consideration and limiting debate and the power of amendment. The House republicans’ do not propose to launch their measure until they are thor- oughly agreed upon its terms and are in accord with the President and the Depart- ment of Justice. When they do put in their bill they will be prepared to stand by it and to see it safely through the House by pre- senting a solid party front. A Democratic Substitute. The democrats in the House will have a substitute to propose for the Littlefield ill, although they may not be able to get @ direct vote upon !t. Judge De Armond of Missouri, with the collaboration of some of the legal heavyweights on the democratic side, is preparing a substitute Dill. The object of the democrats will be to propose a more stringent measure than the republicans will offer, and, if possible, get the republicans on record as opposing what they will term adequate regulation of the trusts. In the Senate there will be some skillful maneuvering on trust legislation. ‘There is prospect of a clash between the commit- tee on judiciary, of which Senator Hoar is chairman, and the committee on commerce. Some republican senators of prominence are inclined to the view that in the forth- coming anti-trust legislation the interstate commerce features and regulation of rail- way rebates should be prominent. Senator Hoar is understood to he strongly of the opinion that the committee on judiciary should have exclusive jurisdiction of a bill which affects the Sherman law in any re- spect. While the House will act promptly upon anti-trust legislation, and the republican managers in the Senate will agree among themselves on the probable scope of the bill at an early date, it is not likely that the Senate will be in a hurry to put the finishing touches to the legislation. The impression prevails that the Senate will pestpone final action until near the end of the session. Having the House bill in its possession and its own mind pretty thor- oughly made up, the Senate, it is said, can afford to wait until later ‘in the session to pass its own Dill and put the measire into a conference committee for final whip- ping into shape. Prevent Long Debate. The advantage of this policy is pointed out to be that it will deter long debate in the Senate and cut off factious democratic opposition in that body. The republicans in the Senate do not expect to be able to sat- isfy the democrats upon anti-trust legisla- tion and will not attempt that task. They do not desire to give the democrats much leeway, however, to exploit democratic ideas as to what should be done, and it is proba- bie that other business will be so pressing for the next few weeks that really it will be impracticable to get the trust bill in. Anyhow, there is the statehood biil in the way, with the wicked Senator Quay and his wicked republican colleagues, who in- sist upon the statehood measure having precedence. The republican managers are not afraid that the anti-trust legislation will fail in the last hours of Congress. When it comes to the point that the republican House and Senate are agreed upon a measure it is not expected that the democrats will dare to prevent enactment because of their inability to get their own ideas incorporated in the proposed law. If there is any contention between the re- publicans of the House and Senate it will be on the subject of publicity. ‘The Senate is not opposed to adopting the Attorney General's suggestions for the abolishment of rebate and discriminating rates. As pointed out in The Star some time ago, the railroads would be glad of remedial legisla- tion of that character. Some senators are very much opposed, however, to a sweeping inquisition into the affairs of corporations, and it is probable that the bill will be very moderate fn that respect. ——_—_——$_<0——__ MEMENTO OF DEWEY’S VICTORY. The Isla de Luzon Has Arrived at Culebra. The Isla de Luzon arrived safely at Cu- lebra yesterday from her long voyage from Manila, her last previous stop having been St. Vincent, Cape Verde Islands. She will continue her voyage northward to Pensa- cola, and will be temporarily attached to that naval station. The Isla de Luzon is one of the Spanish gunboats captured by Admiral Dewey in the memorable battle of Manila bay. She is a comparatively mod- ern warship, having a steel hull and being provided with twin screws. She has a di placement of 1,030 tons, and carries six guns in her main battery. CONFER WITH GEN. CORBIN. Committee From the Army and Navy Union. | Pursuant to an order from the Secretary of War a conference was held this morning between Adjutant General Corbin, U. S. A., ard the acting president of the board of commissioners of the United States Sol- diers’ Home at Washington, and a commit- tee of three representatives from the Army and Navy Union. The purpose of the meet- ing was to discuss matters ‘concerning sold- diers honorably discharged for disability contracted in the line of duty, and who are entitled to admission to the home. ‘The committee from the Army and Navy Union presented to Gen. Corbin a number of requests in writing, the granting of which is calculated to work to the benefit of the inmates of the home and all persons entitled to its privileges. One of the peti- tions asked for the granting of outdoor re- Hef to all inmates of the institution who @o not wish to remain in the home, but prefer to live on the outside. sgn Another request made by the committee was to the effect that all honorably dis- charged soldiers from the regular army be given preference in the various employ- ments at the home in case the applicant be capable of performing the duties of the Position. aiesee ‘These requests, which were submitted to | Gen. Corbin, will be-placed before the board of commissioners of the Soldiers’ Home, to be acted upon at its next regular meeting, to be held Saturday morning. The committee from the Army and Navy Union which participated in the confer- ence was composed of Michael J. Hackett, ihspector general of the union; James Mc- Chesney, inspector of Garrison No. 26, and Theodore T. Stone, member of the execu- tive council. The members of tite commit- tee expressed themselves as well pleased with the consideration given to the re- juests by Gen. Corbin, and they anticipate favorable action on them. It is said the Army and Navy Union is the only military organization which has for a special object the protection of the rights of the honorably discharged soldiers in the service. $0 ____. LOCAL LEGISLATION. Action Taken by the House District Committee. Owing to the exhaustive character of the report which Chairman Babcock of the House District committee Is preparing on the bill providing a ten-million-dollar loan from the federal treasury to the District, the bill will not be called up for consid- eration Monday, District day in the House. This announcement was made this morn- ing at the regular meeting of the District committee. The report on the bill will set forth the state of the District finances and improvements in detail for a considerable period, and Mr. Babcock believes that this showing will be an argument which will be practically unanswerable by the opponents of the measure. Two bills were ordered favorably reported at the meeting of the committee this morn- ing, one, House bill 15799, which confirms the name ‘Seward Square” instead of “Seward place” to the square formed by the intersection of C street south and Pennsylvania and North Carolina avenues. The other bill was a Senate bill extinguish- ing part of an alley in square 189, with an amendment providing that the alley to be abandoned should not revert. to “the orig- inal owne as*provided in the Senate Dill, but to simply vacate the alley. ‘The bill providing for the issuance of a tax certificate by the tax collector for a fee of $1, which shall be a bar to litigation on the part of the District to the collection of back taxes which may have been overlook- ed by the tax office, received the adverse action of the committee. ee ____ COMMITTEE ACTED ADVERSELY. Consideration of Senator Bailey’s Port Arthur Bill. ‘The Senate committee on commerce today authorized an adverse report on the bill creating a port of entry at Port Arthur, Tex.,.but took no action on the bill locating the port at Sabine Pass, which has been Port Arthur's chief rival for the coveted distinction. The Port Arthur bill is cham- ploned by Senator Bailey, who has for the past few days, when in the Senate, refused to allow any bills to go through by unani- mous consent because of the failure of the committee to act upon this measure. Naval Orders. Lieut. R. Welles, jr., from Mayflower to home and await orders. Lieut. F. Swift, retired, to command Al- batross. Lieut. G. H. Burrage from Albatross. to home and await orders. N. Mitchell from the Albatross navy yard, Pensacola, Fla. Warrant Machinists E. A. Salvator and J. Dexter from the New York to home to await orders. : Warrant Machinist D. Purdon to the Ra- leigh. The following officers have been commis- sioned: ~Capt. W. H. Reeder, Capt. J. E. Pillsbury, Comdr. W. Winder, Cmdr. C. B. T. Moore. Lieut. Cmdrs. J. H. Rohrbacker, R. O. Bitler, W. Truxtum, Lieut. F. N. Freeman, Lieut. W. C. Davidson, Lieut. A. T. Chester, Assistant Surgeons H. Shaw, M. W. Baker and Assistant Paymaster H. de F. Mel. Passed Assistant Paymaster G. R. Vena- ble to the Cavite station. ‘istant Paymaster J. F. Hatch to the Ce Assistant Paymaster R. Nicholson to the Don Juan de Austria. Col. J. Forney, Lieut. Col. M. C. Good- rell and Major R. Dickins of the Marine Corps from the Cavite station to home. Surgeon W. F. Arnold from the Cavite station to the station at Port Isabella, re- lieving Assistant Surgeon C. M. Oman, who is ordered to the Frolic. Midshipman J. P. Lannon from the Ken- tucky to the Frolic. Ensign J. F. Hellweg from the Princeton to the New Orleans. Lieut. F. Boughter from the Rainbow to the Quiros. Lieut. L. C. Bertolette from the Quiros to the Villalobos. Ensigns J. J. Hyland and B. T. Bulmer from the New Orleans to the Villalobos. Midshipmen R. M. Griswold and R. Wal- lace, jr, from the Rainbow to the Ken- tucky. Ensign H. Ellis from the General Alava to the Kentucky. Midshipman G. J. Meyers from the Ken- tucky to the Rainbow. Ensign H. I. Wyman from the Frolic to the Rainbow. z Midshipman N. E. Nichols from the Ken- tucky to the Annapolis. Midshipman C. W. Early from the Ken- tucky to the Princeton. —-———_—<en--_____ To Mark Confederate Graves. The Senate committee on military affairs today ordered a favorable report on the Dill introduced by Senator Foraker appropriat- ing money from the national treasury for the erection of headstones to mark the graves of confederate soldiers buried in the north. The amount to bé used for this pur- pose was placed at $200,000 at the sugges- tion of Secretary Root. Land for Engraving Bureau. A supplemental estimate of $15,000 to pur- chase additional land for the erection of the proposed additional building for the bureau of engraving and printing has been trans- mitted to the House by Secretary Shaw. An estimate for an appropriation of $200,000 for this building was transmitted to the House January 7. Gen. Randolph Résumes Duties. . General Randolph, chief of artillery, has resumed his duties at the War Depart- ment after two weeks’ confinement to his house with a severe attack of bronchitis. $$$ —0_____ Movements of Naval Vessels. The Navy Department is informed that the torpedo boat flotilla left Key West yes- terday for Charleston en route for Hamp- ton Roads. ‘The Boston and the Marblehead have ar- rived at Mare Island, Cal. Free Delivery at Cape May. The Postmaster General has ordered the establishment of free delivery postal serv- ice at Cape May, N. J., March 1. a Virginia Postmasters Appointed. The followiig Virginia fourth-class post- masters were appointed today: Bacon's Castle, W. J. Ball; Hila: Chandler. Ambassador and Mrs. Meyer at Court. ROME, January 22.—Queen Helena today received Ambassador and Mrs. Meyer most cordially in private audience and expressed the friendliest sentiments for America and Americans. 3 Push, Mrs. TORREY CALLED DOWN He Had Accused Mitchell of Falsifying. DARROWREPLIED HOTLY DECLARED OPERATORS DELIBER- ATELY FALSIFIED TO PRESIDENT Counsel for Miners Said He Will Show Who is Responsible for Coal Famine. PHILADELPHIA, January 22—Thomas Thomas, a district superintendent of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company, was the first witness called before the coal strike com- mission today. Mr. Thomas stated that prior to the strike of 1900 the company had no difficulty in getting the contract miners to produce extra cars of coal when necessary to meet the demand. After the strike, he said, the company was unable to get the men to load more than a certain number of cars each day. R. 8. Mercur, a district superintendent of the Lehigh Valley company, who was on’ the witness stand yesterday, was recalled for cross-examination. Mr. Mercur said that in very cold weather the production of coal is sometimes seriously curtailed be- cause of the shutdown of the breakers. He thought ten hours a day was not too long for a miner to stay in the mines. The witness said he is short of outside laborers at Centralia, and could put some at work if he could get them. The rate of pay is $1.45 a day. Water in Packer Shafts. In reply to Commissioner Parker, Mr. Mercur said as a result of the late strike No. 5 Packer shaft, one lift in No. 1 Packer, one lift in No. 2 Packer and one lift in No. 4 Packer are still under water, thus preventing the employment of about 600 men and boys. During the cross-examination of Superin- tendent Mercur representatives of the miners informed the commission that in cases where contract miners bid for work the contract is given to the lowest bidder. In one instance a saloonkerper who was not employed in the mines was awarded a contract to cut coal. He never entered the mine, but had other men do the work for him. Fred M. Chase, chief accountant of the Lehigh Valley Coal Company, recalled and denied that he or any of his assistants had taken certain pages from the wage statements submitted by the company. Superintendent Mercur was recalled and asked by the miners’ counsel to give the names of the miners who had told the witness that no coal famine existed. giving this as their excuse for refusing to cut more coal. Mr. Mercur refused on the ground that the union would make trouble for the men. Miners’ counsel asked the commission to have Mr. Mercur's state- ment stricken from the records, but Chair- man Gray refused to do so. Mitchell’s Statements Challenged. Counsel Torrey of the Delaware and Hud- son company challenged Mr. Mitchell's statement that 3,000 miners were idle in the anthracite region. He had investigated the statement and-sald Mr. Mitcheil could not produce 10 per cent of the number, and that his remarks were irresponsible because they could not be based on facts. Mr. Darrow, counsel for the miners, said if Mitchell's statements were irresponsible, it was “due to his association with Baer and Markle.” These men, counsel said, “made statements to the President of the United States that were absolutely false— extremely and inexcusably false.” Contin- uing, he said that before the commission adjourns he would “show that the compa- nies, and not the miners, are gullty of re- stricting the output. If I don't.” he ex- claimed, “I will go back to Chicago and ask the commission to find against us.” This ended the discussion, and the Lehigh Valley rested its case. The Lehigh and Wilkesbarre company, which is controlled by the Central Railroad of New Jersey, then presented its case. A preliminary state- ment was made by A. H. McClintock, coun- sel for the company. ‘A recess was then taken. $e TO SEIZE COAL MINES. Resolution for Government Ownership Offered in Miners’ Convention. " INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., January 22.—After President Mitchell had opened the miners” convention today the credentials committee seated practically all of the delegates. Then there came a clash between the conserva- tive and socialistic factions. It originated in a resolution from a local unfon favoring an expression of government ownership of coal mines and railroads. A motion on the part of the conservatives to table it brought on a long discussion, and many leaders of the two factions were heard. The socialistic faction based their argu- ments on the anthracite strike and the combination of coal companies and rail- roads, and that a tendency not to treat with miners “according to the laws of man or God” made it necessary for the govern- ment to take some such action. Delegate Walker of Illinois said that the coal companies and railroads were now in @ combination injurious to the interests of the people, and were holding back coal to boost prices. Delegate Lusk of West Virginia also charged heartless attitude of coal operators and railroads to not only the miners but to the people. The controversy was re- ferred eventually back to the committee. —__+-+-<2 BASE BALL PEACE RATIFIED. Unanimous Action at the Cincinnati Conference. CINCINNATI, January 22.—After ratify- ing unanimously the peace agreement at 2 o'clock this morning the National Base Ball League today continued its adjourned annual session. There was considerable business left over from the session in New York last month. President - Pulliam was today directed to appoint before February 1 a schedule com- mittee of three to confer wigh a like com- mittee from the American League and re- port within three weeks after thelr ap- pointment. It is believed that the old schedule com- mittee, consisting of Dreyfuss, Ebbetts and Hart, will be continuéd, and that the Her- mann schedule will likely be adopted. The arrangement for interchange of games be- tween the National and American teams provides- for entirely new schedules from those already made for this year. There are to be no conflicting dates from April 15 to October 15. room Chile Wants Trans-Andine Road. SANTIAGO, Chile, January 22.—The Chil- - ean congress has approved the bill author- izing the government to invite tenders for the construction of a trans-Andine railroad, on the basis of a guarantee of 5 per cent Interest on the coast of the work. -