Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, February 17, 1888, Page 1

THE OMAHA SEVENTEENT OMAHA, FRIDAY ~ HE PULLED DOWN HIS VEST. Manderson Replies to the Charge of the Man From Missourl THE PUBLIC DOCUMENT SURPLUS Senator Teller Delivers a Telling Speech on the Pernicious Prace tice -of Secret Sessions of the Senate. Discussing a New * Surphu ‘WASHINGTON BUREAU TiE OMANA BeE, } 518 FOURTEENTH STRERT, WasiNarox, D. C., Feb. 16, In the senate to-day Mr. Manderson, who i8 chairman of the committee on printing, brought up the question spoken of the other day by Mr. Vest, of Missouri, relating to the alloged surplus of public documents. Mr. Manderson suid that the senator from Mis- souri was wrong in almost cvery statement or fact, and although he might have more documents than his constituents desired, he was a very rare exception and the great dif- ficulty with senators as well as representa- tives was to procure enough documents to meet the demands of constitdents. He him- self found u very great scarcity of docu- ‘ments and the publications which have been made on account of the remarks of Senator Vest had brought to him heavy mails making requests for some of the ‘“surplus docu- ments.” He waus inclined to the belief that Mr. Vest had done a wrong to nearly every senator in creating these misapprehen- sions as to the existence of more documents than the public scrvants could place. As to the records of the war of the rebellion, Mr. Manderson said that he had been unable to procure a single copy for distribution among his constituents, as the members of the KForty-seventh congress seemed to have monopolized all of them. He urged the passage of his resolution, which was adopted, calling upon the secretary of war for a list of the addresses made by the members of the Forty-seventh congress to which volumes of the record of the rebellion were to be regularly sent by the secretary of war as they are published. The object of his inquiry was to procure such information as would enable & better distribution of these valuable records and a more equitable one. He thought also that the remarks of the sen- ator from Missouri had done great injustice to the committees on printing of the two houses in that the natural inference would be that they had not exercised sufficient econ- omy in the publishing of unnecessary num- bers of documents, EXONERATING MR. M. s Senator Vest immed sprang to his feet and nssured Senator Munderson that he intended no_reflection whatever upon the committee on printing; that he rightly in- tended calling theattention of the committees to the fact that of some of the public docu- ments there were excessive numbers printed. Manderson took up a list of the documents ublished by direction of the statutes and a ist published by order of congress, and, after analizing them thoroughly, he impressed all who heard him with the fact that Mr. Vest had gone far wrong of figures and facts. Mr. Gorrilan, the administration mouth- plece, who is aiso a member of the committee on printing, endorsed the argument made by Mr. Manderson and not only exonerated the committee, bnt showed that there were, in fact, many less documents published than ‘were demanded by the public. BENATOR TELLER ON THE “SURPLUS.” The remarks of Mr. Mauderson brought out & general running debate, which was very interesting. Mr. Teller, of' Colorado, who was President Arthur's secretary of the in- terior, and who had charge of such a large portion of the public printing for several years, spoke. Mr. Teller, besides bemg a clear thinker, a splendid lawyer an eloquent orator and a man of long experience in public life, knows a great deal about tho real facts involved in the controversy. He veryquickly showed the senator from Missouri that the expense in the publication of documents was in producing the first coyies and that the ad- ditional numbers were a very trifling matter in comparison with the plant cost. “This all publishers and printers can readily under- stand. THROTTLING STAR CHAMBER PRACTICES. During the course of his observations in support of Mr. Manderson, Mr. Teller al- luded to the custom in certain quarters of keeping from the public information it was entitled to, Ho Feferred incidentally to tho refusal of Secretary Bayard to furnish infor- mation called for, which was of the highest importance to the public and the publication of which could not impair the gencral serv- ice, Then he mado a very effective attack upon the star chamber practice of the senate, commonly known us the executive or secret session. No one knows better than Mr. ‘Teller the evils which grow out of the work in the senate behind closed doors, of which only enough is given to the publie to do harm Where the assussius of private character and moral cowards do their worst. He declared that in no branch of the civil government was blic business done in secret and covertly; En the supreme court of the United States put on record in a public manner its decisi and the way each justice voted upon all sucs; that the country was as clearly enti- tled to know how each senator voted upon an fssuc in exccutive session and tho result in toto of that vote ns it was to know the result of any other public matter. He could soe no good in keeping it secret and could imagine no possible harm in making it pub- lic. Mr. Teller suid that in every depart- ment under the government the action upon all issues was given out as soon us deter- mined upon, and yet u senator was, on ac- count of the arbitrary rules und olden-time practices, refused permission to tell a con- stituent how he voted upon his nomination or upon any subject of public concern. Mr, Telier brought to their feet the advocates of of the present dark age—secret scssions— ‘but they were unable to_justify, against his terse and forcibie arguments, their attitude. M. Teller is one of the strongest men in character and general ability in the senate, and his position-upon this und all of the im portant subjects before congross is going to ring him prominently before the people. BIDS OPENED, The supervising architect of the treasury to-day opened bids for iron columns in the first atory, iron work for the second and third floors and ceilings, and slate, copper and alvanized ivon work, etc., for the federal uilding at Keokuk, Ia., as follows: Carbett, Washington, D. C., $33,000; Hough, Ketcham & Co., Indianapolis, $19,- 659; Henson Robenson, Keokuk, 831,28 Dearborn - Foundary couipny, Chicago, 4. SENATOR SHERMAN'S RETURN. When Mr. Sherman entered the senate chamber at noon to-day, just after the journal of yesterday had been’ read, there wasa flutter on the floor and in the galleries. His enthusinstic greeting st the capitol of his state, where ho went to attend & republican meeting, added jest to his advanced position’ in the presidential line, and it was_hore recognized immediately. ' Quito & number of senators went to his desk to con- ratulate and welcome him. Mr. Hale was e first to grasp the Olio senator s hand, and it was observed that the “shake' was very friendly. Senator Allison walked over ond with a smiling countenance extended hjs hand. No feeling of vivalry could be dis- cerned as they c“m\\od together. Senator Edmunds had but to turn round and lean over Mr. Sherman’s desk to grasp the latter's hand. Senators Mornll, Hoar, Quay, and others of the republican side, paid thelr re- spects, aud a little later Mr. Sherman made hort tour among his party friends in the chamber, stopping a minute or two at each desk. Sherman stock has tukou a decided boom dwring the week. MR. BLAINE'S FRIEND'S ACTION. It is now plain to bo scen that the determn- ned fricnds and managers of Mr. Blaine in ‘ashington are not going to have tneir leagder abandoued a8 & presidential quantity 'S COMMITTEE. without a struggle. On Monday night I handled over one hundred and fifty inter- views with men in congress as to the mean- ing and effect of Mr. Blaine's letter. Four or five of them were with men who for years have been recognized as intimate friends, Personnuy and politically, of the Plum Knight, and men who have been referred to a8 his authorized mouthpieces. On the first blush they declared the letter took Mr. Blaine out of the presidential line: that he would not be nominated, and that it was in a measure due to ill health that he wrote the Tet Some of these men _ have since called at the Bre Bureau 10 correct their interviews. They say that the letter does not even by implication say that Mr. Blaine, if nominated, will not ac- cept the race; that it docs not indicate that he will not be a candidate; that it is a simple release from all obligations of the friends who have stood by him for years and who may feel pledged to support him in the con- vention; that they are for his nomination yet, and believe he will be the candidate. They disclaii with emphasis ever having intimated at Mr. Blaine is not in the best health and declare that he was never more vigorous in both mind and body and never in better con- dition to engage in a campaign. By some people these modifications of utt nces are ded a8 significant. There are those who ve that Mr. Blaine has been heard from again, For a while there were many con- jections as to where Mr. Blaine’s strength would go. It begins to look as though it may £0 to Mr. Blaine, RAL SHERIDAN'S DIRTHPLACE. There appears to be a conflict between records and verbal statements regardin, General Sheridan’s birthplace. The gencral v that he was born at Albany, N. Y.. on March 6, 1831, that his parents landed from Ireland about six months previous to his birth and a year and a half afterwards they removed to Somerset, O. In the records in the bureau in the war department General Sheridan’s birthplace is given as Ohio_and the date March 6, 1831, In the West Point record of 1840 his birthplace is given as Ohio, the date of entry to the academy July 1, 1848, and his age at the time of admission eightecen years and one month. This record was from the statement of the cadet made at the time of entering the academy. If he was eighteen years and one month old when he entered the academy he must have been born in June, 1830, which would make his birth and date of arrival of his parents in this country three or four months, No attempt is made to rectify this inconsistency beyond the personal statement of the lieutenant general that he was born in Albany, March 6, 1831, General Sheridan stands high for truth and veracity, however, that no onc here who knows him doubts that his present statement is given with honora- ble intentions or that he now or at any time in the past intentionally gave the wrong place as that of his birth. He was probably mistaken when he made his entry at the mili- tary academ; This evening's Star says: movement in favor of G al Sheridan as a presidential candidate veals the fact that he received ong vote in _the republican con- vention of 1880 at Chicago and turned it promptly over to General Grant, whom he called his *‘best friend,” taking the oppor- tunity to disclaim any aspirations for service honors. But then that was eight years ago. SAN FRANCISCO AND DEMOCKATIC CONYENTION. Hon. John P. Irish, editor of the Alta Cali- fornia, and a leading democrat, arrived last evening and is at the Ebbitt. Mr. Irish was the democratic nominee for governor of lowa when he was but thirty years of age, and has been a delegate to every democratic national convention except. one since 1864, He,_re- moved to Califorma five years ago and” at once took a prominent place in the politics of that state. President Cleveland last year ap- pointed him postoffice site commissioner and the democratic state club of California has sent him to Washington as a delegate to work for the selection of San Francisco as its place for helding the next democratic Na- tional convention. Colonel Irish was this morning asked what the prospects were for San Francisco. “Splendid, just splendid,” he replied. “I have received favorable replies from twenty members of the national committee, and we only need twenty-four votes to get the con- vention.,” “The_serious PERSONAL. M. M. Ham, of Dubuque, Ia., 8 member of the democratic national committ -2, is at No. 182 G street, PeRRY S, Hearn, Trials of a Bridegroom. Wasnixaroy, Feb. 16.—[Special Telegram to the Begs. | —William Shaw, a young negro, ‘was to be married last evening, and had or- dered a suit of clothes in anticipation of the happy event. He wuited at his room for the clothes to come, but they failed to put in an appearance and William was in despair. The hour for the wedding party to arrive was near at hand, und W.lliam, in despair, saw that his only chance to escape was either to commit suicide or pretend to. Accordingly, he made his will carefully, wrote a letter full of dying requests to his landlady and then going to his room, fired off his pistol and laid himself out on the bed. His lundlady at once rushed to his room on bearing the pis- tol, but found the door locked. She also found on the floor, where William had care- fully deposited them, the will and farewell, A.glance at these filled her with hor- ror, but _instead of notifying his friends and bhaving the wedding post- poned, as William fondly hoped, she rushed to the station house and informed Lieutenant Vernon of what had occurred. The lieuten- ant at once sent Oficer Turnburg to see whether a_physician or the coroner was wanted, and the oflicer on_ breaking in the door of Shaw’s room and discovering no sign of injury about the supposed dead man, promptly puiled him out of bed and took him to the station house where he was charged with firing a pistol. The miserable man had hardly been locked up when the wedding guests arrived, and hearing that he was at the station house, they followed him there and one of them kindly consented to lend im a suit of clothes and as apother put up §5 as collateral for his appearance in court, he was released. The party then proceeded to St. Augustine’s church, where, despite the dificulties he has encountered, Willinw offi- ciated as bridegroom with grace and appar- ent happiness, Sheridan's Birthplace. WASHINGTON, Feb. 16.—({Special Telegram to the Bre.]—General Sheridan declines to say anything concerning the interview with -his alleged cousin, telegraphed to the morn- ing papers from Milwaukee. He says, how- aver, without contradicting his alieged cousin, that to the best of his knowledge and belief he was born in the city of Albany, N. Y., on the 6th of March, 1881, It was about a year after the arrival of his parents in this coun- try, his father having settled first in Albany before going to Ohio, The old house in which he was born was located near the place where the New York Central depot now stands, and was torn down some yoars ago to make room for that structure.” The Lfl?. McCabe, who asserts that Sheridan was born in Ireland, is said to be a distant rela- tive of the general, but he has not secn or heard from him in many years, Postal Changes. Wasnixaroy, Feb. 16.—([Special Tolegram t0 the k] —The postofiice at Twing, Holt county, aud Syba, Kearney county, were discontinued to day. A postofice was estab- lished gt Keene, Kearnoy county, and Henry Bililer appointed postmaster. e — Another Fidelity Suicide. Cixcisyar, Feb. 16.--Abott 8. Kebler, brother of Charles Kebler, who recently committed suicide when his forgeries were about to develop, followed his brother's ex- ample last night at his residence by shooting himself with two revolvers. No cause is known for the deed except the disgruce of bis brothier Charle: He leaves a wife and athree year-ol —~~——— ther Indications. For Ncbraska and lowa: Fair weather, warmer, followed by slightly falling temper- ature, light té fresh, variable wicds, ° For Mastern and Southwestern Dakota: Whrmer, fair weather, followod snow, light to fresh variable wind by raia or | MUST TAKE THEIR MEDICINE. A Bitter Dose Administered to the Ohlcago Boodlers. THE LOWER COURT SUSTAINED. All the Prisoners Sadl§ Disappointed By the Decision—A Stay of Ex- ecution Granted-McGa- rigle Expatriated. Booked For the Pen. Cnicaco, Feb. 16.—[Special Telegram to the Brr.]--Contrary to the general fear in the case of the ex-county commissioner boodlers, the appellate court of this district to-day afirmed the judgment of the criminal court, and the prisoners will have to go to the state penitentiary. Ed McDonald, who was convicted with McGarigle, goes down for three years, and the five ex-county-com- missioners and their co-conspirators go down for two years each. For some time past there has been a set- tled belief here that the boodlers would be granted a new trial. Their attorneys, their friends and themselves all expected it and the decision to-day was a surprise to all but those embraced in the three cases above mentioned. This morning 8o hopeful were the boodlers that they dressed 'themselves with more than ordinary care and when the attendent appeared to take their orders for the day he was told he noed not bring the usual supply of ice, as they had enough on hand to last the few remaining hours of their stay. When the breakfast hour came around no merrier family in all Chicago sat down to their morning meal than that in the boodlers’ quarters in the jail. Jokes were bandied back and forth, and Dan ‘Wren's fat sides shook with laughter. Plans were laid for a fitting celebration of the rap- idly approaching event, and good byes said to the friends made during the six months retirement for meditation. When the meal was over the breakfasters spent the time as their nervous anticipations dictated until the hour of 10 o'clock, the time set for the court’s decision, drew near. At ten minutes pasta sharp ring was heard on the telephone. “That's it,” cried Van Pelt, performing a short quickstep on the flaggings. A moment latter Jailer Folz walked slowly into the cage. It is not often that anything can make any visible effect on the old vet- eran, but as he looked at the seven anxious but joyful faces in front of him, he hesitated a moment before he spoke, and then swallow- ing something, he said in & low tone “I am sorry, boys, but its all up The decisions are affirmed.” For a moment no one uttered a word, 80 overwhelming was the news, but the faces which but a moment before had beamed with anticipation showed plainly that the unex- pected blow had struck home. *‘Are you sure that's straight?” finally gasped Van Peet. No doubt,” answered the jailer. “How is it in my casei” asked McDonald with affected indifference. “Decision confirmed in both cases,” was the answer. All this time the stir in the jail was louder than usual. The ‘‘boodlers” have been the swell prisoners, as they have occupied to the raft of overcoat and chicken tbieves and petty pilferers, much the same position rela- tively as a wealthy man does to the inhabi- tants of the village. All the motions of the boodlers have been watched by the smaller juil birds. Their meals brought by a colored man from the Revere hotel have been events in Jail soclety and it was the rank and flle of the latter that gave emphasis to the bustle following the announcementof the jailer. The court room was crowded when the an- nouncement was made and a little murmur of surprise went around the assemblage. The counsel-in-chief for the defendants had had his eye fixed anxiously upon Judge Moran from the moment the court opened, which ‘was 10:10 o’clock precisely. Justices Moran and Bailey were the only members of the bench present. Justice Bailey announced the decision in the great “omnibus” case of Ochs and others. “The finding of the court below is af- firmed,” he announced and the faces of the friends of the big boodlers fell perceptibly. Then said Chief Justice Moran: “In the case of the people versus Edward S. McDonald, the findingof the court is af- firmed.” ‘Tears rushed to the eyes of Mrs. McDonald and for the first time since the trial she be- came affected. The case in which Edward McDonald was convicted was identical with that of ex-War- den McGarigle, both men being tried, con- victed and sentenced together. Their cases would have gone to the appellate court to- gether had not McGarigle escaped from the custody of Sheriff Mattson and taken refuge in Canada, where he is now. It has been McGarigle's intention to return to Chicago in case the appellate court reversed the decision of the court below, as, in that event, the same ruling would have to made in his case. But to-day’s action of the court in sending McDonald to Joliet makes McGarigle's exile 8 perpetual one unless he chooses to come back and serve his time. The names of the other men who will have to go to the peni- tentiary are: Adam Ochs, Dan Wren, Mike ‘Wasserman, John Van Pelt, Mike Leyden and Harry' A. Varnell. None of the men will be taken to Joliet until March 9, as their lawyer, Alexander Sullivan, succeeded in getting a stay of proceedings till that time, e A Minstrel Breaks a Leg. New York, Feb. 16.—[Special Telegram to the Bee.]—William West, the well known minstrel, while wrestling last night with Dan Coll; who plays the part of Violet in the last act of Harrigan’s “Pete" at the Park theater, slipped and fell to the stage, break- ing his right log above the ankle. Thero wus some little excitement nmong the audience when they heard the groan of pain from the injured actor, but the accident happened just a moment before the curtain was rung down, s0 they knew nothing of tho nature of West's injury until they were dismis , when aa ambulance from New York hospital came dashing up to the stage door, The house sur- geon set West's leg and took him to the hos- pital. He is fifty-one years old. ——— , The Illinois G. A. R. Semixariern, I, Feb. 16.--At to-day's session of the state encampment of the, 1lli- nois G. A. R., the service pension resolution was defeated and the dependent pension bill endorsed. Springfield was selected as the next place of meeting, The encampment was visited by Commander-in-Chief Rea and Corporal Tanner. Mr. Rea made a speech favoring the dependent pension bill and stated that he was inclined to think that the president would sign it or some similar meas- ure. A resolution was passed asking legisla- tion making mandatory the duties of pension exawining boards. h you. e — Squeezing the Wreckers. CiNcINNaTy, February 16.—The first work of Receiver M. C. Conville, of the Metropol- itan bank, was the collection of debts due the bank by the late directors and officers. President Mean's accounts have beeu exam- ined and he has paid the receiver $125,000 for his paper held by the bank. George K. Duck- worth has paid $50,000 on account and will Bu' the remainder us soon as it is ascertained. iveetor Roth is doing the sawme. i 2 ) s The Manitoba Monopoly. Mixxesrors, Feb. 16.--A speciat to the Jourual from Winnipeg says Woodworth, & former member of the legislature and a con- servative, says unless the Canadian Pacitic wonopoly is removed. he and many others will leave the province. Ile gives astounding figures as to the grain blockade in Deloraine, . where he lives. Tho Free Press advises emigrants to stay away uetil the monopoly is removed.. 5 s MORNING, FEBRUARY 17, 1888, - DaiLy BEE NUMBER: 244, NOTED SWINDLER NABBED. e les A. Shaefor Arrested For Con- spiracy at Kansas City. Kaxeas Ciry, Mo., Feb, 16.—[Special Tele- gram to the Bxm.]J—Charles A. Shaefer, brother of Sam Shaefer, and secretary of the Onstott Lot and Land company of this city, was arrested at 3 o'clock to-day in the Almo building. He is charged by John H. Onstott with conspiracy with Sam Shaefer to em- bezzle $49,000 belonging to Onstott. Marshal McKowan made the arrest upon a Umited States warrant sworn out by John Onstott. Mr. Onstott says that headvanced the money on a bogus contract for land and a railroad. He also says that the probability is that Wil- liam McKinney, of Clinton, Mo., who is in the city and who bailed Sam Shaefer out of jail twelve months ago, will give evidence against both the Shacfers. McKinney claims that he was made a pauper through the for- feiture by Samuel Shaefer of his bail bond. Sam Shaefer is now supposed to be in Canada. Sam and Charles Shaefer are two of the most mnotorious confidence men that ever plied their nefarious work in Kansas City. heir history reads like a romance. Sam, it will be remembered, defrauded John I, Blair, the New Jersoy millionaire, out of thousands of dollars and only after years of litigation did Mr. Blair secure areturn of the money. Shaefer has been sentenced to the penitentiary, but escaped on @ technicality, the Missouri judge thinking he belonged to Sing Sing nstead of Jefferson City. With brazen effrontery he continued his schemes and it is currently reported that Dr. Mun- ford was also one of the sufferers by the work. This last scheme is perhaps the most daring of all, and had not the man been for to leave the city by the charge of em- bezzlement preferred by Blair, would have completely ruined Onstott. —_— Kansas City Times Sued. KAxsas City, Mo., Feb, 16.—[Special Tele- gram to the Bee.]—An interesting suit was filed in the circuit court here this afternoon by William F. Wakeman against the Kansas City Times company. Mr. Wakeman is the city canvasser of the Times and his petition sets forth the following: The plaintift for cause of action against defendant states that on or about October 6, 1886, he, through Mor- rison Munford, its agent, entered into the employment of the Kansas City Times com- pany, a corporation then duly organized and existing under, ete. The terms of his_employment were that for the month of October in said year he should receive the sumof &0 per week. When he assumed charge and control of said city circulation of suid paper the circulation thereof in the city 567 copies daily ; that through his exertions and management of the circula- tion the same_gradually increased, until No- vember 1, 1887, the ety circulation amounted 10 4,554 copies duily, and on January 1, 1885, and at the present time the city circulation was about 4,000 coples daily. Plaintiff avers that there is nowosuehlm a balance of $054.28, Plaintiff also states that $108 is due him for 5,400 subscription coupons, receipts and vouchers for use by the Times company. A Double-Deck Hog Shipment. KAaxsas CiTy, Mo., Feb. 16.—[Special Tele- gram to the Bem.]—The Chicago & Alton railrond company yesterday loaded the first “‘double-deck” cars of hogs for seaboard ship- ment that have ever been sent out from Kansas City. For sevsral years efforts have been made to ‘have these cars adopted for eastern shipment, but up to this time have failed. The Chicago & Alton people claim to have been willing'to baul these but say they have always T m the other roads with " cattle rates if they should do so,' Now that rates have ready eut, the Chicago & Alton to carry all these that are furmshed them. The result will be to place Kansas City on an equal footing with Chicago and St. Louis as a market for the purchase of live hogs for seaboard. points, and it is expected that a number of , eastern packing concerns will send men here at once to buy hogs for them. Buyers for two Boston houses were on the market to-day and it is expected that before many days there. will be buyers here from Baltimore, Jersey City and probably other eastern points. A Little Boy's Disappearance. Kaxsas Crrr, Mo, Feb. 16.—[Special Telegram to the BEE.|—This morning Wil- lie, the little son of M. J. McLain, residing at 08 Livingston street, River View, was sent to & neighboring store to buy & pair of stock- ings. The boy has not been seen since. The parents and neighbors have searched the en- tire territory of Kansss City, Kan., over, but have not gained the faintest clue to the miss- ing child, The police were notified yesterday evening, but their search has been oqually fruitless. The boy was scven years of age. Aremarkable fact which his disappearance Tecalls is that his cousin, a little girl of eight years, wos started to the same store two Jourw'ago und no traco of hor has boon gained n all the months that have followed. Her parents have spent all they were worth in the search for their daughter. At noon to-day the mystery of Willie's disappearance had not been solved. Ch L TR A Paper Assignment. . Kaxsas Ciry, Mo., Feb., 16.—[Special Tel- egram to the Bxe.]—The Kansas City Paper company mafe & general assignment this morning for the benefit of their credi- tors. William Peake, of the firm of Hing- ston, Peake & Co., was appointed assignee. The Kansas City Paper company has been doing business under the incorporate name for the last three years. Mr. Peake, the assignee, estimates that the liabilities at 30,000 and will exceed the liabil- 000, “The failure was unex- pected,” said Mr. Peake to-day, “as the firm was doing a good business. ' The collapse was caused by poor collections. Nearly all the creditors are Massachusetts people, there being no creditors of any importance in the west.” He's Got His Nerve With Him, Kaxgas Ciry, Mo., Feb, 16.—[Special Tele- gram to the Bee]—An enterprising Mis- sourian has staked off a claim right under the noses of the peeple of this city on a sand- bar in the Missoun river opposite the pack- ing houses. This adventurous spirit has con- nected his stakes with a single wire and erected @ little shanty in the midst of the dosert. of sand by which it s surrounded, What use he expects to make of his posses- sion he sees it to keep to himself. Manslaughter ia the Fourth Degree. Kaxsas City, Mo., Peb. 16.—[Special Tele- gram to the Ber.]—The jury in the Roach murder case this afternoon returned a ver- dict of guilty of manslaughter in the fourth degree and fixed the. Pnuhmem at two years in the penitentiary. "The jury has been out since 6 o’clock Monday. Roach killed John fi‘snuw. a Chicage & Alton conductor, last all. e Dave Rowe (Gets Too Fresh. KaNsAs Ciry, Mo.; Feb. 16.—[Special Tele- gram to the Bee.]—There is trouble is Kan- sas City base ball vircles again, and this afternoon Secretary Clough, of the American association team, wired Manager Rowe to return home. The officers of the club are very reticent concerning the matter, but it is learned that he has been devoting himself to duties that did not' come within his province, ——— Elected Grand Commander. MiLwavkee, Feb, 16.—R. G. Weissert, of this city, was to-day elected grand com- mander by the G, A. R. encampment. It was decided to make & pilgrimage to Gettysburg and dedicate the Jheonnin monument which will soon be placed in position. o s oo el An Alllance With Germany. ViENNA, Feb. 16.—The Pester Lloyd s it has -learned that Belgium and Holland have eritered into ‘a defensive alliance with Germany. . THE PROHIBITION ~PLANKS. Platform Adopted By the State Convention at Lincoln. BOTH OLD PARTIES DENOUNCED. A Braco of Sensations of Stratton— Editors Arrested For Libel—-More Than He Bargained For —State News. The Prohibition Platform. Lixcory, Neb., Feb. 10.--[Special Tele- gram to the Brg.]—The prohibitionists closed their state convention in a mass meeting to- night addressed by J. B. Montague, Joseph Critehfield, M. J. Fanning and others. The scssion devoted the larger part of the day to discussion and adopting their state plat- form. The platform is as follows: The prohibitionists of Nebraska acknowl- edge Almighty God as the rightful sovereign of all men, The greatest issue before the American people is the absolute prohibition in state and nation of the alcoholic liquor traffic. License of this traffic, high or low, is public bribery and a political crime of uncqualled enormity. To vote the ticket of a party favoring and legalizing this monster crime of all the ages is to become guilty of all the crimes growing out of this appalling evil. ‘We demand of congress the repeal of the infamous law which authorizes a United States officer to grant federal permits for the traffic in alcoholic liquors to illicit outlaws in pronibition states and local te Every American citizen of proper age and sound merit should be entitled to equal rights and privileges before the law without regard to sex, race or color and we are in favor of extending immediate municipal suffrage to thp women of Nebraska., We press the in- dictment against the republican party of Ne- braska, charging it with committing political {;crjury to retain the votes of liquor dealers, v _shamelessly repudiating its submission pledge of 1888 and further demonstrating the cowardice and trickery of its leaders by seceding from that pledge in 1887 and rele- gating the question of submission to the party primaries, which are overwhelmingly con- trolled by the friends of the murder mi! We charge the democratic party with dis- loyalty to the principles of free government in denying, by platform utterance and legis- lative votes, the right of the people to say whether or not this gigantic crime will be outlawed in state and nation, ‘We protest, in the name of sober manhood, pleading womanhood and neglected, starvin children, against the cold-blooded attempt of unscrupulous political demagogues to shield the liquor traffic by a disgusting effort to fight another presidential campaign on the tariff issue, while this liquor problem, a thou- sand times more vast in importance, i8 sought to be ignored. ‘We favor a reasonable and effective regula- tion of all decent branches of public com- merce and invite all wage-workers to join the prohubition party in its crusade against all enemies of honest labor. We are in favor of granting pensions to all disabled union soldiers and sailors of the late war who are dependent on their own labor for support without requiring anything but proof of such disability. Supplementary resolutions were passed en- dorsing the work of the W. C. T. U., declar- ing for the scientific instruction law, the law seling tobacco to minors, ard the sale of impure literature and calling at- teation to the fact that Senator Paddock, Peter E. ller, the distiller, and the Mets Brewing company of Omaha are unanimous in their voluntary testimony that high license is satistactory to liquor sellers, Mrs. Woodward offered a resolution con- demning Governor Thayer for protesting agaiust the recent decision of the supreme court of the United States against the liquor men, and the resolution was adopted. A Lodge Instituted. HEBRON, Neb., Feb. 16.—[Special to the Bie.]—The grand commandery of the state issued a dispensation to the Sir Knights at Hebron to form Bethlehem commandery U. D. Last night Hon. C. H. Willard, com- mander of Mt. Moriah lodge No. 4, Post Commander A. G. Hastings and Sir E. A. Cooley came down from Lincoln and assisted in the first work in the new commandery. The visitors report a fine banquet and a good time, The members of the order were well leased and are energetic in their new work, hey are about completing their new hall and the meeting last night was held therein. The fine large building belongs to the Ma- sonic fraternity and they are nearly out of debt. Brown County District Court. AINSWORTH, Neb., Feb. 16.—[Special Tele- gram to the Bee.]—Distriet court convened Monday, JudgeKinkaid presiding. Seventy- seven cases were on the docket. Twelve were stricken off. There were fourteen di- vorce cases. Five petitions were granted and some taken underadvisement. No crim- inal cases have been tried yet, aud there are but eight on the docket, of which four were dismissed, leaving butrthree for trial. There were two days and a half and two night ses sions on the case of Armstrong vs Simpson et al brought to recover damages for a stock of goods sold by a Mr. Reed to Armstrong in this town in 1884, Died From Exposure. PrAINVIEW, Neb, Feb. 16.—[Special gram to the Ber.]—An inquest was held to- day ever the body of H. McClintock,who was found dead in his wagon about fourteen miles south of this place near Colbergen. It ap- peared that the deceased was subjectto faint- ing spells or epileptic fits and the jury re- turned a verdict that the deceased came to his death by exposure while_ unconscious from one of these spells. Hamilton McClin- tock was an old settler of Pierce county and was highly respected. An Unexpected Heir. StratToN, Neb, Feb. 16.—-[Special Telegram to the Ber.]—James McCormick, « tailor and a prominent and respected young: man of this place, has departed for parts un- known, owing several large bills, McCor- mick was married but a short time ago and about six weeks after marriage unex- pectedly became a father. Not having beena resident here a sufficient length of time to be responsible, he fled —_— Arrested For Libel. StrATTON,Neb. Feb.16.—[Special Telegram to the BEe.]—Messrs. Burny and Ashwell, editors of the Stratton Herald, have been ar- restea for criminal libel on complaint of Mr. C. V. Bailey, ex-postmaster of this place and an extensive land owner. The alleged libelous article appeared in _the Herald two weeks ago, charging Mr. Bailey with forgery and murder. e et Bold Bank Robbers, Cisco, Tex., Feb. 16.—Yesterday afternoon the bank here was entered by three men and robbed of $6,000. The cashier and two men in the bank at the time were overpowered. After locking the bank employes in the back Jrd, the robbers jumped in a wagon and ed down the strect, firing volleys from their revolvers and displaying bags of money. In a short time $Marshal Thomas and a posse were in pursuit. The men were unmasked, and an accurate description of them is given, from which the authorities think they know the men. P Coke Ovens Shut Down. Pirrsnuka, Feb, 16.—Twenty-five per cent of the coke ovens in the Connellsville region were shut down to day for the purpose of re- sricting production. This will throw 15,000 wen out of ewployineut. THE BL oe Manley, of Augusta, Explains Its Meaning. NEw Yong, Feb. 16.—[Special Telegram to the Ber.]—In view of the speculations as to the exact meaning of Blaine's letter, the World sent a correspondent to Augusta to ohtain Joseph H. Manley's interpretation of it. “Mr. Blaine's letter is not to be con- sidered final by any means,” said Manloy. “He does not decline a nomination or say he willrefuse to head the ticket. He merely announces that he is not striving for the honor.” “If Mr. Blaine is offered the nomination by tho national convention, do you think he will take it “Yes, sir, I believe he will.” “You are in o position to judge as well as any person, are you nct{" “I am in constant communication with Mr. Blaine. Here is a letter I received from him from Florence only last night. And here is another from Mrs. Blaine this morning.” . “Are the considerations entirely personal, meant to imply ill-health " . “Notby any means. Mr. Blaine is o man of wonderful vigor. Do you know another man of fifty-eight years who has stood any- where near as much strain as he! And he is a8 strong as he ever was.” ; “What are the personal reasons reforred o ‘‘He simply means he has been a candidate once and was defeated, and does not care for a nomination again.” “You say he will not decline the nomina- tion if given him!" Ui thu he will accept it.” “‘What, then, does his letter meani" “It means that Mr. Blaine will not have his name presented to the convention as as- piring for the honor. If the convention gets up and demands that he take it he will do so. r. Blaine has made himself a public man. and as such he owes the public something and he has no right to say that he will not assume a trust that the party demands him to take. If it is thought Blaine is the man needed to win the fight he will have to take it, and he will win."” “What will be the issue of the coming campaigni’ he tariff. And Mr. Blaine is bodiment ‘of the republican ideas great question. On this question he can win, But the next convention will be an_unusual oneih many respects. There will be five or six presidential aspirants, and the man who will be nominated will be the one who is most certain to carry New York, And now 1 will say, to your surprise, probably, that 1 think it very likly that Cleveland not be the democratic nominee. He has raised an issue which the democratic party does not dare support, and the only way to get rid of this issue is to lay Mr. Cleveland to one side. ms strange to you, perhaps, but if [ werea betting man and had reasonuble odds offered that Cleveland would be renominated, I ehould say it was a pretty good kind of bet to take. It makes no difference whether congress does anything with the tariff or not, Blaine can win on Cleveland’'s mes: That is all we want. I haveordered scvi - five thousand copies of Cleveland’s tariff message printed to be distributed throughout Maine as a republican campaign document. The democrats cannot complain of that. Cer- tainly the republicans want nothing better for campaign literature, We propose to pre- sent every voter in the eountry with a copy of this message.” ““If Mr. Blaineis the republican nominee he will make the fight on the president's mes- sagel” *'On the president’s message and his gen- eral “Yll:g“zmm 'fimcnenn 131 g ‘." bl ‘‘What are the prospects of the republican i, Lot B L “We never began to have anything like such an organization so long ahead of the campaign before. We shall go into the fight better prepared than ever before, The fact that we have not now got any federal patron- age will incite to harder work. We shall make a fight in New York, New Jes and Connecticut, where Cleveland will lose ve) heavily on account of his free trade mani- festo.” “In case Blaine is not nominated will he take part in the campaign " “Most heartily. He is a patriotic republi- can, and whoever is the choice of the con- vention will receive his strongest support.” ““Who do you believe will be nominated?” *'I can not tell. It will be a man most cer- tain of carrying New York, and I do not know anybody who can except Mr. Blaine.” —— The Reading Strike. PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Feb. 16.—The inquiry of the congressional committee appointed to investigate the strike on the Reading rail- road and in the Schuylkill and Lehigh coal regions was resumed this morning with General Manager Whiting, of the Reading Coal and Iron company, as the first witness. After giving some statistical information regarding the output of the coal mines under his_control, he said that ho had nothing 10 do with selling coal, and did not know whether there had been an increase in the price of it since September last or not. He said, in regard to the miners’' strike, that the first uneasiness of the miners was ap- parent when the trouble arose with the rail- road men, who were members of the same orders of labor organizatious, principally Knights of Labor. Manager Whiting detailed at length the story of the miners' strike and its causes. He corroborated in many particulars the tes- timony of Mr. Corbin. it THE LEAVENWORTH STRIKE. Several Manufacturers Shut Down For Want of Fuel. Leavexworti, Kan., Feb. 10.—[Special Telegram to the Bee.]—The situation among the strikers remains the same. They say they are willing to work for 5 cents a bushel until April 1 and thereafter, during the sum- mer at 4!¢ cents a bushel. Public sympathy is with the strikers. The local coal dealers are refusing to sell coal in larger quantities than a third of a ton until _they can rejjlenish their stock from the outside. The American Gencose works employing 150 men has been obliged to shut down for want of conl. This morning, arrangements having been made with the penitentiary men,work was resumed and it is believed enough coal can be pur- chased to keep the works running. The ma- jority of the penitentiary mine's out-put is consumed by the state and the remainder is out by contractors for speculative pur- The Great Western Stove foundry ‘and machine works employ- ing about the same number of men has on hand a coal supply sufficient for thirty- six hours, When that time is up, should the strike continue, the establishment will have to close. The Missouri Valley bridge works has a contract with the penitentiary mine for all their fuel and will not be affected. The large flouring mills of Rush & Sprague and Keely & Lysle depena upon the prison mine for their fuel, the latter being supplied by contract. A meeting of citizens and business men was held at the board of trade hall this afternoon at which it was resolved to take some action to prevent a famine, and a com- mittee was appointed for that purpose. An- other meeting will be held to-morrow. The miners ulso held & meeting and resolved to stand firm. The impression prevailing is that the Leavenworth Coal company and the Riverside operators are maliciously using the strike s a means to discourage the com: petition likely to ensue with the siuking of soveral new mines in the spring. Crooked Kansas County Officials. Toreka, Kan,, Feb. 16 gram to the Bee.]—Proceedings were begun to-day by the attorney general in the supreme court against T. A. 8. Caates and W. W. Kimball, county commissioners; Oliver Leisure, county clerk, wnd D. il. Merrill, county attorney, charging them with having defrauded Seward county out of ncarly §17,- 00 by the allowance of fraudulent claims against the county. It is also charged against the county attorney that he demanded and recelved money from persons charged with Violating the prohibition law, prowising and giving them immunity from, prosecution. The attorney geperal presents . aiduvits sub- stantiating all the charges of fraud uad pecu- ation, . HE WAS AN IDEAL “BAD MAN,” James Lafler's Oaroer as a Now Mexico Cowboy. A TERROR FROM AWAY BACK Driven Out of Town For His Devilish Deeds—His Remarkable Escapade at Loma Padro—His Arrest Not a Surprise. A Very Tough Twin. Watnous, N. M., Feb. 16.—[Specigl Tele gram to the B —Omnha despatches of the 13th, saying that James Latler had passed through ther charge of & New York offi cer on his way to Olean. N. Y., where he is now charged with robbery and attempted murder of John Clifford, u wealthy farmer, in 1882, and for which crime his twin brother William was tried, convicted and subse- quently pardoned by Governor Hill, has cre- ated no sensation here. Jumes Lafler lived in this vicinity for about threo years, He bore a bad utation, having served a term in the penitentiary for check raising and seri- ously wounding & deputy sheriff who at- tempted to arrest him. He was ran out of Las Vegas as a hard character, also out of Raton. He worked as a “‘cowboy" and was known as a ‘‘rustler” and general hard character, who would shoot on the slightest provocation. On more than one oc- casion he has cleaned out the town, riding in and terrorizing the people by firing a revolver promiscuously through the streets, Ho once rode into Fort Union in the middle of the night and tried to assault the sentry, who was walking past. Ho captured and slightly wounded during the melee. In Loma Padre he is still remembered as the man who icked up a Mexican woman from the street, placed her across his horse in front of him, and rode into the saloon, making the bar- tender put up the drinks for the whole party. Because his horse would not drink he shot him through the head, lifted the woman from the saddle before the horse fell and walked out, leaving the dead horse lying upon the floor of the saloon. PASSI GF“— WAR l;_llOBABIA E. The Freight Rate Struggle to Be Followed By Another. Kaxsas City, Mo., Feb. 16.—[Special ‘elegram to the Be 1t looks as if the freight rate war here would be succeeded by @ more bitter strife in passenger rates. "Picket Agent Millspaugh, of the union depot, received a dispatch from St. Paul to-day stating that he should await orders before fixing rates to points east of St. Louis. “It looks us if we were going to have a hot time of it,”” said Mr. Millspaugh. “Everything is in a muddled state and there is no telling but what the next telegram may order a large reduction in rates on all the lines. The war will be confined to points east of St. Louis. The rouds having differential rates from Chicago to New York started the eut and they will undoubtedly be followed by all the through lines.” RIS Cutting Rates on the Sly. Cuicaqo, Feb. 16.—Although eastern roads ‘haye ity resalved not to nm?whm cut ra\é’l“of western lines, it was discovered 10-duy thut thoy were parties to & contract made by all of the Towa roads to take corn from westorn Towa points to the scaboard at figures which cut_through the ratesd to 10 cents per hundred. One_rate is made from Fremont, Neb., to New York via Chicago, of 86 cents per hundred, of which eastern lines get 22 cents, a cut of 5l¢ cents. d One of the most important cuts yet made that of 10 cents to St. Paul on fifth class, most of the heavy freight falls fnto that classification. All Missouri river lines met the St. Paul rate of 27 cents on_first class on through business, but none are making it a local traffic from Chicago, Chicago & Alton!Affairs, Cnicaco, Ill, Feb. 16.—The Chicago & Alton directors to-day elected Vice President McMullen a member of the executive board, The annual It is under- Disastrous Provipence, R, L, F 16.—A dissstrous fire which raged this morning among the business blocks near the city hall, origin- ated in Chace's block, a four-story structure, corner of Kddy and Fountain streets, at mid- night, and spread sorapidly that the entira fire department was called out. The build- ing was occupied by several manufacturers and was totally burned. The next building 10 catch fire was the Billing block on the ops posite side of Worcester street. It was also occupied by several firms and it was entirely consumed ‘within forty-five minutes, From this building the fire extended to the Aldrich hotel, communicating through the roof, totally destroying it. The building occupied by Ethan Allan as carriage repository was the next to sucoum| to tho flames, but nost of the contents wy saved. Adjoining Allan's building was Exchange hotel,” which also caught nfi Assistance had been summoned from Pa tucket, Fast Providen Jdohnston ~ and Woonsocket, and the Boston depu was asked to hold itself in readine A heavy muss of sparks driven by the wind flew for blocks arou scores of buildin, tory of the departy such a battle with the flan conditions, and never have they suffcred in their work to such an extent as this morning, the weather being freezing cold The Aldrich house burned slowly and it was evident that if the flunes were not checked there a wide path would be gu$ through the retail business section. The firemen concentrated all their encrgies upon the task of conflning the flumes to the north side of Washington strect, and, although other buildings took fire, they succeeded in their efforts, At 4 this morne ing the fire was under control. The électrio light, telegraph and_telephone wires great! impeded firemen. The guests of the Aldricl house saved very little. One gues res- cued by a fireman almost suffocated by smoke. The totul loss is estimated at tween $500,000 and $700,000, A complete list of loskes have not yet obtained. The latest estimate puts tho tof losses at 302,000, aud the known insurance, §145,000, ire. The Elmira Fire. LM, N. Y., Feb. 16.—~The total loss by- the fire in the Advertiser and other buildings, last night will reach fully #250,000, with an insurance for about one-half. The fireman Wwho was Lurt by falling walls is dying, ¢ el Mg Thawing at Duluth. Durvri,Minn., Peb, 16, vs bot sun had a perceptible effoot on the ice in the lake and bay. It is showing signs of honey-combing and boatmen and captains expect the opening to be There is now an unusual amount of ice on the lake, but covered by amuch greater depth of snow than usual country draining into the lake there is@ cat depth of snow, in some localities it” 1g fully five fect deép on @ level, which will ‘have @ tendeney tosink snd rot the ice quickly. If warm weather comes carly, s many now believe, Lake Superior will be open for navigation ten or fiftech aays before tho 1st of May. . e Arvived at Nice, Nice, Feb. 18.~The Priuce of Wales hus arrived here. E——— et