Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, April 30, 1898, Page 3

iF —— ey "THE FIRST AVAL BATTLE UNITED STATES MONITOR HASAHOT FIGHT | WITH A SPANISH WARSHIP. F ishermen Report Having Seena United States Monitor Chasing and Firing Upon a Spanish Man-of-War Conveying a Transport Ship—The Men Watched the Battle for an Hour, or Until the Vessels Were Out of Sight—Spaniard Replied Shot for Shot— Spanish Warships, It Is Believed, Will Attempt to Intercept the American Liner Paris—Pacific Squad- ron to Attack the Philippines— Warships Sighted Off Havana. Jacksonville, Fla., April 24.—Accord- ing to private dispatches received by the Times, Union and Citizen the first naval battle of the war took place op- posite Boynton, about twenty-five miles south of Palm Beach at 10 o’clok yesterday morning. George Ly- man, a reliable man, and several oth- ers who were fishing in Lake Worth, which is separated from the ocean by a narrow strip of land, heard heavy firing, and ran to the beach. They reported to the railroad agent and postmaster at Lantana that a United States monitor was chasing and firing upon a Spanish man-of-war or gun- boat convoying a coal or transport ship. The Spaniard replied shot for shot. All the ships were traveling /with a bone in their teeth. ‘The men Say they watched the battle for an hour, or until only the smoke from the funnels was visible on the south- ern horizon, in which direction they were travelin, A special dispaten from Lan “An eye-witness has just arriv ynton and re- sport vessel, 1 bound, guarded by a man- ied by a monitor, keep- running fire.’ This dated ato at 10 a, m. THE PARIS IN IN PERIL. Spanish Cruisers May Try to Inter- American’ Liner. on, April 24.—The steam- , of the Ame: n line, char- tered by the United States govern- ment, sailed at 2:15 p. m. yesterday for New York, though her regular sail- ing day is S She had on board 150 passengers and her cargo in- cluded a quantity of guns and ammu- nition. There was great enthusiasm among the crowds on the dock and the band of the Union Steamship company steamer Britain played “Yankee Doodle” as the Paris steamed sea- ward. por’ southy of-wer, ing up a hk dispatch w a supposed — ON TO HAVANA. United States Warships Making for Its Weakest Point. St. Paul, April 24.—The New York Herald's special cable to the Pioneer Press from Havana says: From the hills of Guanajay I saw United States warships this afternoon. They are ad- vancing on Havana from the west- ward. The news $s reached Morro castle. There all is alert, for fear is in the hearts of the city’s defenders. Havana's weak point lies dead ahead of the American fleet. Ihe course of the ships is in direct accordance with the plan of war which the Herald first published. It means—and everybody here admits it—the bombardment of Hayava unless the city surrenders. Gen. Blanco, in full uniform, which he has worn about two days in the last month, is at the Santa Clara bat- tery, the strongest of the city’s de- With hii are all the officials staff and the chief officers of all the regular volunteer regiments. Orderlies are rushing through the city shou the call to arms and car- ng orders to the batteries and re- ports to the captain general. Oninous is the situation. Every- body granted that fact; but ev erybody is rushing out of the city or to its forti- fications. The number who have sought the latter place to fight is énor- cmous. The United States ships could not possibly select a better place for land- ing men than they can find in the neighborhood to which they are point- ing. Blanco realizes the danger and has rushed large bodies of troops to Santa Clara battery. He has sent oth- ers in a hurry by railroad to Vellado and Carmelo. ca ey ATTACKED THE TRAIN. Gen. Woodford Gets Across the Bor- der After an Exciting Time. Hendaye, Spanish Frontier, April 24. —The United States Minister to Spain, Gen. Woodford, reached the frontier safely at Sa. m., afte’ some exciting -experieuces. The Spanish police attempted to cap- ture a member of the United Stat legation, but the attempt was frus- trated by Gen. Woodford. At Valladolid the United States min- ister’s train was attacked. He slept quietly through the disturbance. Mr. Moreno was the member of the United States legation singled out by the Spanish police for capture, on the ground that he was a subject of Spain, but the attempt was frustrated owing to the presence of mind of the minister. en ‘{ PURPOSELY DISABLED. Engineers Cripple the Machinery of the Spanish 'Torredo Boats. Galveston, Tex., April 24.—The Brit- ish steamer Asloun, Capt. P. H. Bar- nett, has arrived from Las Palmas, Grande Canary, one of the Canary is- Jands group. Capt. Barnett arrived at Las Palmas March 31, two days after the Spanish torpedo flotilla left that port. He was reliably informed that the machinery of the several torpedo ‘oats and torpedo boat destroyers was ,purposely disabled in pursuance of a ! expresses fears for their safety. plot by the engineers. They did not relish a trip across the ocean in tor- pedo boats, and finding the Spanish government determined to make them go, as a last resort crippled the ma- chinery. None of the engineers were allowed to repair it, the work being done by a local machine shop at Las Palmas. Capt. Barnett says the tor- pedo flotilla did not want to encounter a United States fleet if it could be avoided. They will likely keep out of the track of our vessels and may content themselves with picking up aL occasional prize. The torpedo flotilla left Las Palmas March 29 and their destination was unknown. A disabled American barkentine at Las Palmas, from Philadelphia, was undergoing re- pairs by Spanish dry dock men, but the latter were delaying the work in the hope of seizing her upon the out- break of war. Her captain is a Mr. McDunough. He carried a crew of nine men and had his wife with him. Great crowds of Spaniards would gather about the American craft and hurl vile epithets at the crew and cap- tain and insult the United States and its flag. The only Americans at Las Palmas are the American copia and those aboard Capt. nett tere WAR REVENUES. | Committee Preparing a Rill “rhat Will Raise $100,000,000 Annually. Washington, April 24.—The Repub- lican members of the wa committee completed the revenue mea- sure and sent it to the printer. It will be gone over again and probably be submitted to the fuil committee on Wednesday. Several questions are still epen. ‘The bill as now prepared, it is ne: will raise between $95,000,- 000 and $100,000,000 annually. The principal decision made was the definite determination not to place a ; tax upon either of the substitute prop- ositions, railroad and other transporta- tion tickets or petroleum. It was de- cided, however, to place a tax of one cent upon chewing gum and two and four cents upon mineral waters, ginger ale and foreign and native wines, two cents on pints and four cents on quarts, These additions are made to the stamp act of 1866, which is re-enacted with modifications. A tonnage tax which is expected to raise $2,500,000 is also in- corporated in the bill. he addition of $1 per barrel upon beer is expected to raise $35,000,000. The question of al- lowing a rebate on beer stamps is still open. The doubling of the tobacco tax and the provision for a retail license of $4.80 are expected to raise $30,000,000 and the provisions of the stamp tax over $30,000,000. a TAKE HAWAII. United States May Seize the Islands as a War Measure. San Francisco, April 24. — Advices from Honolulu under date of the 14th instant states that it was rumored that Minister Sewell and Admiral Miller would take formal possession of the islands in the name of the United States as a coaling station on the 15th. It was impossible to con- firm the rumor before the steamer Rio Janeiro left Honolulu. oO Washington, April 24. — It was learned at the capitol that the presi- dent, in conversation with senators, asked them what they thought of the proposition to take the Hawaiian is- lands as well as the Philippines as a war measure. Those in favor of the annexation of Hawaii express the hope that the San Francisco report is true. Members of the senate commit- tee on foreign relations are generally without information as to the plans of the administration in Hawaii, but some of them indorse the idea of se- curing the Pacific islands by seizure at this time in view of their strategic im- portance. Senator Davis, chairman of the committee, is among those who hold this view. ae TROOPS ARRIVING. Brave Boys in Blue Rapidly Gather- ing at Chickamaugn. Chattanooga, Tenn., April 24.—It is Camp George H. Thomas. Maj. Gen. Brooke has issued formal orders so naming Chickamauga park rendez- vous of the United States troops, and henceforth until the park is deserted by the boys in blue it will be known by that name. The number of troops at Chickamauga Park was yesterday increased to about 3,00. Fifteen train loads of infantry, cavalry and artillery arrived during the day and were con- veyed as rapidly as possible to the Park, where their camping ground had / already been selected for them. pice oie Are With the United States. Rio Janeiro, April 24. — The Brazil- ian Jacobines favor the United States in the coming war between that coun- try and Spain. The Pais, the Jacobine organ, says: “We are with the Unit- ed States, which is giving Europe a caring example of making sacrifices for 2 people’s liberty.” STRICTLY ‘Y GUARDED. Extra Precautions for Protecting the President. Washington, April 28. — The Pest says: A military guard will be placed at the White House in a few days. This has been (cfinitely settled, but none of the det of the arrange- | ments are known. Col. Bingham, superintendent of public buildings and grounds, will have charge of the guard and such others as may be placed at the publie buildings. A con- ference was held to-day between Maj. Moore, superintendent of police, and Chief Wilkie, of the United States se- cret service, in regard to a civil guard at the White House. The force around the grounds will be largely increased, and many detectives in citizens’ clothes will be placed on duty. Every preceution will be taken to protect the president from any possible danger. Torpedoes and mines are being placed in the Potomac river below Wash- ington. ‘They are being put there as a safeguard in case of an emergency and the exact locations of the mines are being kept a secret. The majority of the work is being done by night and is being pushed forward with an eye to the possible contingency of a hostiie fieet attempting to shell the capital. a aN CHANGE IN CABINET. Postmaster General Gary Is Succed- ed by Charles Emory Smith. Washington, April 23. — The presi- dent has sent to the senate the nomina- tion of Charles Emory Smith of Phil- adelphia as postmaster general, to succeed Mr. Gar. resigned. Postmaster General Gary resigned on account of ill health. The Pennsyl- vania senators were consulied before Mr. Smith’s appointment was made. It is stated at the White House that Postmaster General Gary’s resignation had absolutely nothing whatever to do with our present foreign complications. It was owing entirely, it is stated, to the condition of Mr. Gary’s heaith. He has suffered a great deal of late from a general breaking down of the sys- tem which had continued to progress, until finally Mr. Gary reluctantly reached the con nm that he was un- able longer to carry the burden of his office. The nomination of Charles Emory Smith to be postmaster general was confirmed by the senate in cutive session without objection. pease ats EXCITEMENT. Prevails Among the Flying Squad- ron at the Warlike News. Fort Monroe, Va., April 23.—Begin- ning with the reception of the first news bulletins from ‘Washington. in- tense excitement prevailed here, both on shore and among ‘the otiicers and men of the squadron. ‘The officers who came ashore in the afternoon were notified that they must report on board at 10 o’clsck at the latest and no “all night” shore leaves would be geanted. The officers of the Massachusetts were told that they must report at 5:30 o’clock on board, when leave might be granted for a few hours to see friends. ‘These two rders led to all sorts of rumors, an or nnoying ene being that the Massa- chusetts had been detacked, which was promptly denied. Sgt. WE ARE GENEROUS. ag Leading Paper of Pera. St. Paul, April 23. Herald’s special cable to the Pioneer Press from Lima, Peru, says: La Ley says editorially: “There has never previously been ex- hibited a more generous international act on the cne side nor a more deplor- able one os the other. A great nation, devoted to commerce and without pos- sessing a standing army, calls forth its citizens to expel from Cuba an im- placable tyrant that is exterminating its people. Spain must suffer a severe and salutary lesson. It should have been magnanimous by freeing Cuba, which act would have merited the ap- plause and sympathy of the world.” ica Kiso THANK*D BY LEO. Archbishop Ireland and Cardinal Gibbons Hear From Rome. So Says —The New York London, April 23. — The Rome cor- respondent of the Chronicle says: ‘The pope has thanked Archbishop Ireland and Cardinal Gibbons for their efforts in the cause of peace. In view of the war the Vatican has cabled instruc- tions to Mgr. Martinelli at Washington enjoining him to preserve the utmost prudence and strict neutrality. The pope’ is deeply disappointed that his efforts during the past few days to se- cure from Spain a renunciation of Cuba have not succeeded. eNOS Spaniards Disgusted. London, April 28.—The Madrid cor- respondent of the Daily Mail, tele- graphing Thursday, says: General dis- gust is felt here at Great Britain's conduct in selling vessels to the United States after refusing them to Spain and in opposing privateering while go- ing so far as to regard provisions as contraband, in this way greatly favor- ing the United States. These facts oc- casios considerable popular bitterness. es Americans Seeking Protection. Havana, April 23.—Many American citzens are hastening to take advant- age of the protection of the British con- sul, fearing personal harm. The Brit- ish corsul general assures them that the authorities will do their best to guarantee them protection, both for Americans and any other foreigners. is Sth Spain Sore at England. Madrid, April 23.—There is a bitter feeling here against Great Britain, especially on the contraband of war and privateer questions. It is the be- lief of the general public that Great Britain is playing in an underhanid mauner the same as the United States. PE Crazy Mob at Madrid. Madrid, April 23.—Crowds parading } the streets. Mob gathered in front of the Equitable Life Insurance building and smashed American eagle to bits. They carried fragments through the streets, yelling “Down with the Yan- « kees.” ae Still at Cape Verde. St. Vincent, April 23. — The Spanish ironclads are coaling from the trans- port San Franciseo. The whole squad- ron is waiting orders with fires | banked. aap Senescence pois eS pe ee lo cc CAPTURED A THC TINCT MAVAL DATTIE | °"=%* 24822. [CAPTURED A PRIZE! WORK OF CONGRESS] si wos sescsur on OF CONGRESS THE NASHVILLE RUNS DOWN A SPANISH MERCHANTMAN. Fired One Shot Across Her Bows, Which Was Unheeded, but An- other a Litile Closer Brought Her to—Prize Crew Put on Board and the Captive Towed to Key West— Twenty-Eight Were Made Prisoners—The Ship Will Be Libeled im the Usual Way— Laden With Lumber. Crew of Key West, Fla., April 24.—The first Spanish prize is the steamer Buena Ventura from Pascagoula, Miss., for Rotterdam, with lumber. ‘The Nash- ville fired a blank shot, which the Spaniard ignored. This was followed by a shot from a six-pounder. The Buena Ventura then surrendered with her crew of twenty men. The Nashville towed her prize into this harbor at 11 o’clock this morning and put a prize crew on board. Both ships are lying well out in the stream. The news of the capture of the Span- ish vessel set the people of Key West frantic with enthusiasm. All work has been suspended and the docks were crowded with people. The United States fleet was about twelve miles off Sand Key light yes- terday morning at 7 when the Spanish merchantman Buena Ventura was sighted, bound north. ‘he gunboat Nashville ran her down and put a shot across her bows. ‘The Spaniard ig- nored the shot; but another, closer to her bows, brought her two. A prize crew under Ensign '. P. Magruder was put aboard. Capt. Lu- carraga, in command of her, was as- toanded. He said he did not know that war had been declar2d; but when he was informed of the state of at- fairs, he shrugged his shoulders and accepted the situation ph‘losophically. Commander Lyons, of the Dolphin, has delivered to United States District Attorney Stripling the papers of the Buena Ventura, Captured by the Nashville, He will libel the ship in the usual way. The unfortunate merchantman is still lying ir. the harbor.. Her captain was allowed to 1emain on board, but the crew of twenty-eight were taken over to the Dolphin and made to as- sist in the work of coaling. The gunboat Nashv illest “eamed proudly out of the harbor late this afternoon, having achieved the first victory of the war, although a blood- less one. She had gone about twelve miles when the Dolphin signaled her to return. She steamed back and re- ceived orders, the nature of which was not divulged, and put to sea again, finally to join the fleet and, inc‘dent- ally, to pick up ary other vagrant ship of the enemy that happens to come within range of her guns. ‘he cruiser Marblehead, the monitor Puritan, the Algonquin and the Mangrove sailed this afternoon to join the fleet. ‘The only ships of the squadron now re maining here are the Dolphin, the ‘Ver- ror and the Helena, all of which are likely to move within a few hours. It is reported this evening that the Buena Ventura ran aground on a reef about a mile ont and is leaking. ‘lugs went to her assistance and pulled her off. Considerable mystery surrounds the affair. On excellent authority it is reported that the destination of the fleet is Matanzas. On board the flagship is Capt. Aranguran, brother of the late Brig. Ge1. Nestor Aranguren. He will pilot the fleet to Matanzas. The Cuban pilcts went cn board last night after 12 o'clock. Bhp a ANOTHER. York Captures a Passenger Steamer. Key West, Fla., April 24.—An incom- ing tug reports that the New York has captured.a Spanish passenger steamer plying between Havana and Puerto Rico. The torpedo fleet is com- ing in. pa cial DIOGENES SUNK. Said to Have Foundered in Collision With Albatross. London, April 24. — The Daily Mail says that it is stated in Falmouth shipping circles that the American cruiser Topeka, formerly the Diogenes, which left Falmouth on the evening of April 19, foundered in collision with the bark Albatross at midnight of the same day. According to the Mail the captain of the Albatross asserts that after the collision the steamer, whose name he did not ascertain, flashed a light and disappeared. He _ believes she foundered. New Sig Will Divide Their Dutics. Washington, April 24.—As a result of objections raised by the state de- partment to the joint action of the French ambassador and Austrian min- ister in representing Spanish interests in this country it is understood that a satisfactory arrangement has been made by which the ambassador and minister will divide their duties and will act separately in looking after Spanish affairs and in dealing with the authorities here. —o— For Pure Water. Washington, April 24.—The war de- partment is having tanks built to con- vey pure water to the soldiers in Cuba. This is one way an attempt will be made to fight the yellow fever. 1? DIAN LANDS FIRE-£WEPT. Thousands of Horses and Cattle Die- in the Worst Prairie Fire Known for Years. Chamberlain, S. D., April 24—Parties arriving from White river bring the details of a disastrous prairie fire which swept over practically the whole of Rosebud Indian reservation, destroying hundreds, if not thousands of head of cattle and horses. So far as known no Indians lost their lives. ‘The fire swept over the great part of a re- gion eighty miles long and sixty miles wide, extending to the Nebraska line. This is supposed to have been started by a white man traveling overland to Valentine, Neb. It was the worst rie fire since the one which de- stroyed Mount Vernon nine years ago. ae Washington, April 20.—Comparative- ly little business was transacted by the senate yesterday, all of the sena- tors being fatigued on account of their long vigil Monday night over tue Cu- ban resolutions. Consideration of the sundry civil appropriation bill was re- sumed and the wide latitude of de- bate permitted under the rules of the senate afforded opportunity fer some explanations to be made concerning the action of the senate upon the Cu- ban question. Mr. Cockrell of Mis- souri and Mr. Bacon of Georgia ex- plained the action of the Democrats in voting against the conference report, and the colloquies that ensued betwen them and some of the Republican sen- ators was spicy and interesting. A running fire of debate was precipitated which was participated in by Mr. Mantle of Montana, Mr. Cannon of Utah, Mr. Hale of Maine, Mr. Spooner of Wisconsin and others, the discussion lasting about three hours. At the opening of the session the ex- citing and momentous scenes of the past week had given way to a dull and somber routine. Attendance on the floor and in the galleries was small. At 12:27 a message was received from the house of representatives announc- ing the signature of the speaker to the Cuban resolutions. Hight 1ainutes af- terward the vice president announced his signature to the Cuban resolutions. Mr. Allen Is Persisient. In accordance with his announce- ment made Monday that he proposed to insist upon the independence of the Cuban republic, Mr. Allen of Nebraska offered the following resolution, which was referred to the committee on for- eign relations: “That the political independence of the republic of Cuba, the capital of which is located at Cubitas, is hereby recognized by the United States of America as the lawful government of the Island of Cuba, and that the Unit- ed States hereby pledges to said re- public its friendly offices in the ad- justment of its financial affairs with the kingdom of Spain or the holders of Spanish bonds or indebtedness issued against or made chargeable to Cuba that so far as the influence of the United States may properly be exer- cised, it will insist that said republic shall not be charged with the bondea or other indebiedness of Spain con- tracted during or prior to hostilities between the respective governments of Cuba and Spain.’ Mr. Stewart of Nevada said the reso- lution reminded him of the very ancient and very sapient scheme of lecking the door after the horse is stolen. Mr. Allen declared that he was quite satisfied that, under the present arrangement the island of Cuba would pass into the hands of “financial cor- morants and financial buzzards” unless the United States should at once take measures to protect the island and its people. The senate then resumed con- sideration of the sundry civil bill. Eaguee The house presented a most desolate appearance when it convened at noon yesterday after the weary of the night session. While the journal was being read Mr. Hager of lowa, chairman of the committee on enrolled bills, brought in the Cuban resolution which had been enrolled under his personal supervision. The speaker immediately signed them, and as soon as the read- ing of the journal was concinded, at 12:16 p. m., he announced his signa- ture. "enere was no demonstration. The enrolling clerk at his side seized the resolutions and hurried with them to the capitol. Mr. Grosvenor then, as a question of personal privilege, had read at the clerk’s desk an editorial in a New York paper commenting upon his statement in the house on April 7 that “This war will be fought under the banner of the Republican adminis- tration of this government or it will not be fought at all.” Mr. Grosvenor explained the circumstances under which the statement was made. He had been Delightcd With the Record the Democratic party had made, and in the statement he had only meant that as the present administration had three years to run that the war which was upon us must be fought during its life or not at all. He had meant no re- flecticn and had appealed to both sides of the house to stand by the executive who had been assaulted. “In this con- nection,” concluded Mr, Grosvenor, “1 desire to say I believe this war will be energetically waged both in a mili- tary sense and in the legislation neces- sary to carry it on, and I believe the response to the call to arms will be unanimous. There will be no political division. It will come from Demo- crats, Populists, as well as from Re- publicans, and especially do I believe the response to patriotism from every Southern state and the whole nation will share the triumphant echo of loy- alty.” (Great applause.) Mr. Dingley stated that in view of the fact that the house had been sit- ting all night and that the members were weary, he would move to ad- journ. Accordingly, at 12:32 the house adjourned. Washington, April 21. — The house passed as an emergency war measure the bill empowering the president to call out the volunteer forces and pro- viding for their organization. Both the president and Secretary Alger had urged the imperative necessity of the passage of the bill, and Chairman Hull, of the military committee, drove it through under whip and spur. The bill was drafted at the war depart- ment, introduced in the house Tues- day and considered and reported by the committe yesterday. No such ex- pediency could have been possible ex: cept under stress of war pressure. The bill is permanent in its character. The principal change made in the bill as introduced was that the appoint- ment of all regimental officers are to be made by the governors of the states instead of by the president, as was proposed originally by the war depart- ment. This action conforms to the practice at the time of the civil war. There was a tremendous demonstra- tion in the house immediately after the reading of the journal, when Mr. Pru- , den, the president’s executive clerk, announced the president’s approval of the Cuban resolutions. The galleries | cheered and the members on the floor applauded vigorously. The speaker with difficulty suppressed the ovation with which the announcement was greeted, bigs During the five hours of discussion in the senate yesterday of the recent action upon the Cuban resolutions, in the course of which several extended speeches were made by senators who voted against the conference report upon the resolutions, only one point* was developed. That was made by Mr. Foraker of Ohio in the course of a brief statement concerning the recog- nition of the Cuban republic's indepen- dence. He said: “I think quickly, speedily, possibly now, on the very day when the ultl- matum has been sent to Spain, pursu- ant to the resolutions passed here, this government has practically recognized the republic of CVuba, and I think possibly it is true we will all know by to-morrow that the government is to- day being officially dealt with by the representatives of this government as it should be.” This utterance, coming from a mem- ber of the foreign relations committee, created a profound sensation among Senators Being pressed for the source of his information Mr. Foraker re- plied that it was “positive but not of- ficial.” Bills providing for disposal of lands on abandoned portions of Fort Mc- Ginnis military reservation, in Mon- tana, and for the relief of certain set- tlers thereon; and providing for the construction of a bridge across the Valabusha river between Le Flore and Carroll counties, Miss., were passed. Consideration of the sundry civil bill was resumed and Mr. Cockrell of Mis- souri continued his speech which he began Tuesday. Washington, April 22.—Three impor- tent measures were passed by the sen- ate, all of which relate largely to the national defense. The sundry civil bill which has been pending for two weeks and which carries a large amount of money intended to be used in the strengthening of the cowatry’s coast de- fenses was finally passed. ‘The naval appropriation bill was immediately taken up and practically completed, al- though, pending the discussion of an amendment concerning the price of armor plate, the bill was displaced in order that the measure temporarily in- creasing the military establishment of ited States in time of war might After a long discussion of the bill, as amended by the com- mittee, it was passed. A joint resolu- tion was adopted giving the president power to prevent the exportation of coal and other war material. Just before adjournment it became known among senators on the floor that Senator Walthall of Mississippi, who has been ill for several weeks, was dead. The formal announcement of his death was not made, but will be when the senate convenes to-mor- row. Mr. Morrill (Vt.) secured the passage of a bill to restore to citizenship in the United States Mrs. Nellie Grant Sar- toris, daughter of the late President Grant. the be considered. assent The consideration of the contested election case of Patterson ys. Carmack from the Tenth Tennessee district was interrupted to allow the passage with- out division of the joint resolution to authorize the president in his discre- tion to prohibit the exportation of coal and other war material. The measure is considered of vital importance to prevent the shipment of coal to Cuba, Puerto Rico and other ports where it could be used by Spain. The speaker signed it just before the house adjourned. There was little interest in the house proceedings to-day. Two resolutions of inquiry reported by the foreign af- fairs committee were adopted. One called upon the president, if not in- compatible with the public interest, to transmit all correspondence between Consul General Lee and the state de- partment between May, 1896, to the present time. The second requested him to inform the house what steps if any had been taken to protect the lives and prop- erty of the 300 Americans left by Con- sul Brice at Matanzas, ™he pill to restore Mrs, Nellie Grant Eartoris to American citizenship was passed. ‘ Washington, April 23. — The house displayed its enthusiasm for the war upon which the country has entered by rushing through without debate the conference report on the Dill au- thorizing the president to call out the volunteers, and agreeing, by unani- mous consent, to meet at 10 o’clock to- day to take up the consideration of the army reorganization bill. The passage of the latter bill is considered impera- tively necessary by the war depart- ment. The Patterson-Carmack con- tested election case was disposed of, the sitting member, Mr. Carmack, be- ing given the seate by a vote of 136 to 118. Several Republicans voted with the Democrats and many de- clined to vote. The Democrats were very bitter in their denunciation of Mr. Patterson, who belonged to the gold wing of the party. Both the con- testant and contestee addressed the house in their own behalf. SP eigceen Washington, April 23. — During the brief open session of the senate yes- terday the formal announcement of the death of Senator Walthall of Mis- sissippi was made and arrangements were perfected, so far as the senate is concerned, for the funeral ceremonies, which are to ‘be held in the senate chamber to-day at noon. A secret session of two hours was held during which the conference report on the volunteer bill was agreed to but no business was done in open session. At 2 o’clock the senate resumed business in open session. Mr. Money of Mis- sissippi officiaNy announced the death of Senator Walthall, and offered the usual resolution expressing the re- gret of the senate at the death of Sen- ator Walthall and directing the vice president to appoint a committee of nine senators to represent the senate at the funeral. The resolution was adopted. sone cane WEYLER’S BROTHER, Enlists in the Service of the United States. Cincinnati, Ohio, April 24. — Among the many applicants for enlistment here was Frank Weyler, a saddier of this city. He claims to be a halt- brother of Valariano Weyler, ex-cap- tain general of Cuba. Weyler passed the examination by a good percentage and expressed great desire to get a shot at his half-brother. ‘There have been over 2,000 applicants here for enlistment.