Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, August 24, 1892, Page 1

K =3 - MORNING, SDAY Review of the Oonvict Labor System as Operated in the South. HAS BEEN WEIGHED AND FOUND WANTING — At First an Outgrowth of Emancipation— The Freed Sia Necessity Was the Contractor's Opportunity—Life in & Convicr Stockade n the South. Kxoxvitee, Tenn., Aug. 22.—[Special to Tue bre.)--The prosent trouble in east Tennessce between the coal miners and the stato authorities is the climax of one of the grontest struggles in which uuskilled labor has engagad in this country—the convict lease system, In the south this system hLas reached proportions unknown in any other section of the country. It was introduced there during the last quarterof a century and flourishica under peculiar couditions. 1t is by many regarded as one of the immediate re- sults of the omancipation proclamation. The fall of the soutbern confederacy found many enterprising contractors, who had conducted thoir work by means of slaves in ante- bellum days, without an occupation. In some fnstances they bad owned their slave forces, but more frequently they had leased them from the plantanon proprietors. “I'he leased slaves were engaged largely in the cultivation of cotton or otber agricul- tural work. They were used 1o great nd- vantage in the construction of railroads, but work in this line was scarce in those days as compared to the production of tie great staple of tho south, when machinery was little used. They were naturally adapted to the fleld, and their work there was moro wrofitable to the slave dealer. ol This antedated the great industrial era in the south. Tae close of the war introduced new blood. The limited industries of the country began to recover froin the paralysis mducea ty the hostilities. Then new rail- roads wero surveyed,old lines werc ropaired, the effect of the new element commenced to make itself feit, aud the undeveloped re- sources of the country atracied attention. Rise of the Convict Lease System. Coal-mining on an extensive scale was naturally one of the earliest of the oro- gressive efforts of the ‘“new’ south. Idie men wero pleutiful, Abolition of slavery had placed 1 circulation all the lutorers of the plantations. Contractors hud little difii- culty in employing the negroes. ‘They were anxious to show their ability to provide for themselves. The better clement of the ex- slave population took a pride in honest toil that can only be appreciated by those who have suffered from the mental as well as the physical effects of serfdom. But they had tirea of the plantation, It was very well to sing of tho old plantation home and the cot- ton fields, but the colored man with his new born freedom desired that old life only as a memory. Ho wanted a change, at least for a ume, So the mining contractor, thoe railroad con- tractor and the projector of public works haa no difficulty in securing men. In fact, the dictricts where such work was being pros- ecuted $00n became congested by tho low of this reteased population. Thesupply did not take long to do more than meet the dewmand, and contractors naturally were not slow to tako advantage of tho situation. Tois was not difficult with a ¢ of individuals to whom wages had been merely the plessure of the plantation oversuer, But the smit of coutont among the poorly paid aud bardworked nogroes was briel. As slaves they had been compelled ta lebor, but they were well provided for, if not from hu- mane molives, from &n economical stand- voint; as personal property ttey were too valunble 1o be neglected. But contrac- tors had no such interests to cos serve. The negroes were worked hike beasts, poorly fed, aud when reduced by sickne were discharged to muke places for new men, Influeace of Siave Life, In addition to the effcct of illtrontment the spirit which a slave populution inherits or acquires began to be feit. Thoy could nov be forced to labor ana were not inclined to sub- mit to such hardships, Regardiess of the absence of other employment bundreds ot gangs of laborers quit work. The mines had 10 bo worked and the railroaa contractors had to complete their undertakings or be ruiped. Contracts hud been taken on n busis of starvation wages. ‘The men at the hesd of such companies apparently overlooked the chango that the war hud caused in this re- spect. They had been accustomed to deal with Inborers whom they could foree to worlk. In 1565 Alabama coutractors leased & num ber of convicts as an experiment. They nuswered their purposes exactly. It was siavery revived. 1f thero was any difference It favored the contractors, e practice of employing prisoners in the south vapidly gained favor umong the con- tractors, ‘The same year in was introduced in Alabama, Georgin, Tenuessce, Kentuclky and otner states adopted the system. The logislatures of the various states modeled their laws after Alabama, and year by year the rulos and roguttions of the system were shanged as experience dictated improve- ments, The history of Tenncssce’s prosent troublo Is & history of almost every state in which the system was introduced, In Tennessee the work of convicts is coufined almost ox- clusively to the mines, The cosl and iron Industry is located in the eastern portion of the stato, particularly in Knox and Auderson countics, kKnoxville, the hoad of navigation on the Teunesseo river, oarly becama tho pentor around which this business tlour- Isned. One ot the Largest Camps. Probably one of the largest conviet camps in the south was located in the 1mwediate vicinity of Knoxville. Tbhree vears ago it was abandoned for quarters more conven- dent to the miners. In this camp, probably more than any other, the bideousness of the conyict systemn wus exemplified, The camp Yroper was inclosed by a fence twelve feot bigh, containing un avea of four blocks. Around the top of tho inclosure a narrow wallk was arranged, which was patrolled aay aud night by armed guards. ‘The shot- gun was their weanon; it was proferred BUOVe tha rifl, as it could bo loaded to pro duco terrible offect at sLort cange, At more elovated positions surroundiug the camp guurds woro placed with ritles to shoot aown iy eseaping convict who was fortunate £nough to bo missed by the shotguns of the first guards, Several largo buildings of rough boards occupied the center of tho fu- elosuro, where the men slopt. Nove of the Inmates were permittod to go within ten feet of the wall, under the penalty of being shot, aud this rule was never violated with- out certuin death, Every devico known to provent oscapes and to capture fugitives was used. Io this respeot thero were many featuros about the stow popularly associated with the days of slavory. T'ho most ferocious bloodbounds obtainable were always iu readiness to take up the trmil of fugitive convicts aud there were many reports of tho lndfference of the guards 1o the lives of the felou-laborers. A large bellin the center of thoe stockade sunounced the escape of @ conviet, Then the hounds wero turoed looso and every svallable guard started in pursuit, laroly Was an attept to escaps successful. Il u fugitive coyld reach the river, or, better 8ulll, a swamp, ho bad some chauce for his iberty. 1f the hounds found him before the eopers arrived nis chances for beiug torn to Pieces woro excellent. Kout Lite tn the Stoeknde, ‘I'he prisoners were prepared to march from the stockade to the wines at 6 o'clock. They were surrounded by armed guards roady to shoot at the slightest sign of dis- order, Each wan carried bis noon weal fu a swall sack swung around the ueck, The ©onvicts Wero never brought to the surface 8L 0000, AL night the day force returnod Lo the stockade and an equal number of con- viots took thelr places in the mines. Tho mon slept iv smail wooden buuks, the more desperate of them belug 1roned. armed guarde, life under the system became 80 intolerable that many attempts at escape wore made, onvicts having long terms to serve wovld take any chance, however dan- gorous, which promised freeaom. ‘T'hese cases vocame so many that the leislatures were forced to vestrict the systom. Aftera few years no convict having more than five years to serve was leased. This reduced considerably the number of desperato pris- oners iu the convict labur camps. “T'he contractors themselves are to bo crod- jted with the decline of theconvict lease sys- tem. It was profitable to them, but the dosirod too much. The states usvally re- coived 25 cents per day for a convict’s work, The 1ntention of the law was that the prison- ors should bo treated exactly as the peniten- tiary rules requircd. They wers to have oud food, medical service and humana treat- ment. I3ut such luxuries wera costly and in- convenfent, and by gradusl degrees the legal regulations were entirely ignored. The con- victs had fow friends to Investigate tneir complaiuts, und as long as a man_was an in- mate of a camp he was too wise to attempt to cause the contractors troublo by appesling to the law ofticers, Prison inspectors visited the stockades reguiarly, but were easily deceived, or rendered indifferent by the bribes of the sontractors, Gradually, however, the evils of tho svstom became patent to all. - While many of the camps were conducted iu tho manner contemplated by law others had be- come dens of the vilest {niquity. th Then unskilled laborers begaa to object to the employment of convicts in this way, be- cause it kept the wages of competing free- men down. Coal mined by men for whose services 25 cents per duy was paid could bo sold cheaper than the product of froe labor. Acain, the convicts of each state were leased usually to one or two firms, thus giving tho system the additional odium of & monopoly. Condemned by public sentiment, the next atep to tho system’s abolition was easily se- cured. A rigid investigation was introduced in the system throughout the south. This on commenced about 1838, In many nces it led to horriblo disclosures. In soveral of the states the practice of leasing convicts was immediately abolished. In those states in which the systemh remained the publicity fiven the subject resulted in many restrictions in the intersst of humane treatment. In T'eunessee a commission was established 10 take the testimony of convicts. Hundreds soners weore examined. None of the s of murder mude against the con- tractors were proven, but the charges pre- ferred of groat cruelty and criminal indiffer- enco to the bealth and comfort of the men were established. Couvicts testitied that they were subjected to the torture of the whipping poston the slightest provocation and were half starved as a regular thiog. Others testified that the guards were too quick with their guns and frequently shot convicts who, during recreation hours, had unintentionally gotten too close to the stock- ade wall. The guards justified this by ox- plaining tho desperate cordition of the men and their disposition to make a rush to scalo the wall when their vigilance was supposed to b relaxed in the slightest degree. ‘Tlie present trouble in Tennessee is addi- stem, tional evidence of tho unpopularity of a sys- tem which must soon be abohshed in the south. And much to be depiored, and in- deed condemned, as the acts of the aroused miners of Knox and Anderson counties must be i the minds of all law-ubiding ond law- respecting citizens, if their admitted lawless- ness shall result in' the abolition of tho econ- vict lease system 1n the south, either now or before the begikning of the coming century, future bistorians may find for them a meed of such palhating praise as has ever boen accorded the “heroic remedies” proverbinlly aemanded for “great wrongs." P. Ford Retoased on Bail, Coar Creck, Tenn., Aug. 23.—Labor Com- missioner and Mine Inspector Ford has heen released on $10,000 bouds. General J. C. Willisms came over from Kuoxville and went his bail. 0 appeak.aL any time on two davs' notice and stand trial, Everything was quiet this morning. Two militiamen out in the mountains last night were chased eight miles by five armed miners. It is ramored today that the gov- ernor of Kontucky has given permission for troops to pursue fugitives across the stute line and will co-operate in their capture. NEIWS FOR THE ARMY, nplete List of Chan Servic Wasminaroy, D. C., Aug. 23.—[Specal Telegram to Tit: Bee.|—The following army orders were 1ssued yesterday : First Licutenaat Witliam Pardee, Twenty-fifth intantry, is detailed as profes- sor of military science and tactics at Brown university, Providence, R. I. Teave of ab- sence granted Major Joseph H. I Carson, surgeon, is extended one month. Major W. H. Bell, commissary of subsistence, will pro- ceed trom Denver, Collius and Greeley, Colo., on business pertaining to the subsistence do- partment and return to the proper station. the Regular Revolver Contest at 1 Lreaveswontn, Kan,, Aug. 23 —[Spocial eeram to TiE Bee. | —This was the clos- ing day of the annual shooting contest of the teams of the Department of the Missouri, ‘Lhe shooting todny was with revolvers aud was done on hossebuck. Twenty-six con- testants took part. Thoy rode at a gallop between rows of figures representing men which were tifty feot apart one way aud twenty-five fect apart the other way. While galloping thoy shot ten times to the right and tho samo number of times to the left. When a figire was struck it counted five points 1n making up the percentage, The gold medal for the wwo days pistol shooting was won by Lieutenant Swift, Tho three next highest won silver medals and the six next in order bronze medals. Following is the totul scoro of the twelve highest for the two days Rank. nume and reziment, Swift, zount Andrey 1t Morbuch, al Draice, it Boulton it Ziosn caworth Per cen pent, 5uh Livutenunt Tompkins, 7th.. . Lieutensnt Fenton, ith.... Lioutenunt Goldmun, btii. - LIUBOP W DROWNED IN Discove of her. Hor Sriixas, 8. D., Aug. 23.—[Special Telegram to Tiur Bre.|—This morniug while Mrs. Henry Murty was busily engaged with her housework her L-your-old baby wns creep- ing aboat the porch outside and fell iuto a tub of water. Life was oxtinct when the horrified mother took the little one from the tub within a few minutes after sho had seon it toddliug about the house. Mr. Marty is one of the councilmen of the city, Horeible Mot Springs Will Reac Norlolk This Year, YaxstoN, 8. D., Aug, 23.—[Special Tele- gram to Tk Bee, | —This was payday on tue Yankton, Norfolk & Southwestera railway, and the railroad company tressurer wont over the line with §,210 fn currency to pay off tho graders und emploges up to August 1. The grade is golug up rapialy. forty miles now bewg uctually covered. John T, M. Pierce, vice presideat of the road, gives every assurance of the completion'of tho roud to Norfolk by Novemver 1. Allbut_three countics, Turner, Charlos Mix and Douglass, iv tois judiowl district money for this have made appropriations of state’s World's fair fuug, Yaokton coun: commissioners made au appropriation of 5% for this purpose several Wonths ago, wnd no- tee was served upon the counly Lrens- urer by Jawes Walsh aud other promiuent inaependents that if be paid the money ot tns bondsmen would be held responsible. The treasurer is not slarmed, bowever, and will turn the money over upou presentation of the proper warrant. s Solentists Choose & Presldunt, Rocnester, N. Y., Aug. 23.—At the ses sion of the American Association for the Ad- vancement of Solonce, the council chose Willimm Hurkoess of Washington for its Tiough cousiwutly uuder W eyes of | presidcat, SIR KNIGHTS I BOLD ARRAY [ Ten Thousand Pythian Followers Join in an Imposing Parade, THOUSANDS VIEW THE PLEASING SCENE Kansas City Gaily Decorated for the Ocea- slon—Opening Session of the Supreme Lodge—DPythian Sisters in Session ~Notes and Ineid KaNsas Crry, My Aug. 23.—The grand parade of the 12,000 knights in attendanco upou the eccampment of the Uniform Rank Wwas the great feature of today’s festivities. ‘ne parade was scheduied to start at 4 o'clock this afternoon, aud, contrary to ail precedent, the head of the column began to move pracisely upon the stroke of the hour. The line of march was from Camp Georgze B. Shaw to the busivess portion of the city. & mile aud a half aistant, and over the prinei- pal down-town streets. Tho weather was delightful during the parade, and the bright uniforms, gleaming holmets, flashing swords and battle-axs, the duncing plumes and feathers ana the tlying flags presented an imposing aud at the same time a briliiant spectacle, Thers wers 10,500 mon in line, not all of the Uniform Rank members caring 10 undergo the fatizue of the long march. ‘I'he parade was one hour and forty min- utes passing a given point. Just as the Lust division passed the reviewing stand on Grand avenue, the western woather gave an- other exhibition of 1ts fickle nature and a vank of clouds that had boen hovering over the northern horizon all day descended upon the city, borne along by a high wind. Iho divisions of the parade completed tneir march on the doubie-quick and sought tho meager sholter of their tents at the camp with all haste. Viewed by Many Thousands. The parade was viewed by a mass of spectators numbering, it is estimatea, 8 quarter of a million. They lined the route of march from the starting point throughout its entive length aud crowded the down town streets to such an extent that the platoon of mounted police which led the way was ooliged to ¢charge the crowds in order to open a path for the marching kaights, The pavade moved in the following order, the various divisions taking places in tho long column nccording to seniority of thelr organization : Platoon of mouuted polf Third regiment band, Major General Carna- han and staff mounted. The staff consisting of: General 5. L. Brao, chief of staff; General W, McKee, adjutant goneral General G. W. Linasey, judgo advocate gen- eval; General W. D.” Kennedy, inspector general: General M. C. Barkwell, surgeon general: General W. 11. Bowlsby, advisory surgeon geueral; General J. M, Cain, quar- Geueral H. M. Seag- ommissary general; Rev. Josiah Gun- chaplain-in-chief. Aides, ono repre- ning, sontative from cach state and territory in the union. Regiments In Line, The Tndiana brigade of nine rogiments, headed by Genaral James R. Ross and staff, Threo regiments of the New York brigade lea by Gereral M. J. Severanca and stafl. ‘Tne Michigan brigade, headed by Geueral H. S. Hastings and staff. The Kansas brigade, led by General James H, Lyon and stafl, The First regiment cf the Colorado brigade, commaaded by Colonel M. E. Chuse. The Kirst regiment of the Wyoming brigade, commanded by Major F. A.” Clark. Regiments of the Mainc, Rhode Island, Mussachusetts and New Hampshire brigades, cral J. H. Abboti of Massacusetts and staff. The lowa bri; J. C. Loper and staff, The lilinois brigade, arate divisions of the marl British America and Ontari regimental or brigade orgamization, and led ade, commanded by General rolnforced by sep- o proviuces of , Who have no by General J. H. Barkloy and staff of 10is. The Minnesota brigadeand divisions of the Dakotas and Manitooa, led by General J, K. Shw and staif. The Tennesseo brigade, having attached to it division organizations of Goorgia, Missis- sippi, the Carotinas, Florida sud Alabama headea by General O. B. Anderson and stafl. Three regiments of the Wisconsin brigade, led oy General L. W. Halsey and staff. Two regiments of the Conneeticut brigade, hewaed by General 2. 1. Durand and staff, Five regiments of Kentucky, headed by General George 1. Currie and staff. Divisions of five regiments, first Louisiana and _Arkausas headed by General K. M. stafl, Divisions of three California regiments, led by Goneral Frank Morguire and staff. Threo Pennsylvauia rogiments and divis- fons of tho First regimonts of Maryland and District of Columbia, led by General C. . Bontley and stafl. Nebraska's Continge Four regiments of the Nebraska brigade, headed by General H.S. Hotchkiss and statf, Divisions of two West Virginia brigades, led by General J. W. Mather aad staff. The Missouri brivade with four full regi- ments, headed by Gonoral 5. 8. Prevoat and staff* Divisions of the two New Jorsey rogiments attuchied to the Ohio brigade,headed by Gou- oral Peter Weidnor and staff. When the head of the parade reached the reviewing stand on Grand aveoue on its way back to camp General Carnaban and his staft dismounted and ocoupied the stand, {)u\'luwing the marching hosts s they passed Thli- and the regiments, Vanzande and ‘Tonight the eity 1s again illuminated in honor of the visiting knights and an exhibi- tion of firoworks provided by the city is being given for their eutortainment, K OF P, SUPRESM slon Bogun at Kansas City vorable Conditions, IANsAs Crry, Mo, Aug, 28.—The soven- teenth biennl meeting of the supreme lodge Kuights of Pythias of the world commenced this morning and will continue for ten days. A puolic reception was tendered the mem- bers of the supreme lodgo at 9 o'clock in the Grand opera house. Governor Irancis wel- comed the visiting knights on bohalf of the state of Missouri, and Mayor Cowhord ex- tended to them the freedom of tne city, Su- preme Chancellor Shaw responded ou behalf of the knights, Tho supreme lodge then ad- journed to Masonic hail and went into execu- tive session. The various reports of the oficers of the supreme lodge were recoived and read. Tho entire day's session was devoted to the reception of reports of the oflicers, which in most cases aro bulky documents, filled with detailed statistics. The Jodge adjourned at $:30 p. m. until tomorrow, 80 that the su preme ofticers might b enabled to witness the parads of the Uniform Ravk which took place at 4 o'clock, LODG) Working for the Next Encampment, IKaxsas Ciay, Mo, Aug. 24.—Mianeapolis and Lowsville ure oL opposite ends of the rope in the great tug of war for the uext en cumpment. The Miuncupolis men are “*point- ing witt pride” to the record of the Flour City 10 handling the republican national con- veution. Ono of them sald todsy: “We must bave that meeting and we are here for that purpose, Lonisvilie is our only serious opponent, but every Pythian who kiows how we ook care of the ‘republicun convention will want us 1o try our hands ou the Pytbians.” A man wearing the badge of w Louisvilie lodge broke 1o like this: The hospitality of thosouth was ackuowledged, sab, lonx be: fore republican conventons wore thought of. The city of Lousville ‘& capable of cuter- taining its guests on il oceasions, but the Pythians, sab, we propese to give thom tho city freo of charge. e Prthinn Sistors, Kaxsas City, Mo, Aug. 23, —The supreme templo, Pythian Nisters of the world, beld the first session of 1td regular biennia) meot- ing today. At the temple's headauarters this morning & reception was tondered to the supreme represuntatives and all Pythian Sisters. Mrs, E. H. Jonkins, past grand chief of Missourl, welcomed her sister knights in a sbout, well chosen address, Mrs. A, A. Young of Cencord, N. H., su- preme chancellor, responded, and at the end of the speaking & general handshaking was induleed in. The members of the supreme_temple thon went into executive' session. The time was taken up with the auditing of accouuts and the receiving of the reports of the various supreme officers. The trausaction of tho businoss of the sunremo temple will be com- pleted Thursday, Tho election of ofticers will take place tomorrow. - SLON'S MANY VISITORS. o Thousands Attracted by the Famous Blue Grass Palace, Crrstoy, la., Aug. 23.—[Special to Tue Bee. | —Last night the aity was in a blaze of glory. Arches of many coldred incandescent lights illuminated the intersections of sireets, while at the corners, in the business aud residence portion, Were bonutiful pyramids of vari-colored was lights, Ilags and bunt- g und novel biue gruss decorations adorn the fronts of bustuess blocke and uil over tho city skill and genws are displayed in the unique ornamentation in honor of Croston’s great BlueGrass palace holidays. Miniature blue grass pastures, with lilipu- tian cattlo and horscs feeding thercon are seen in ono of the store windows, while in auother is a handsome residence in mina- ture, with a protty blue grass lawn, anda fountain throwing & spray of water over beautiful flowers around 1ts basin. Some of the decorations are most extravagant in expensiveness, one window representing an outlay of over §00. The ontire city last night was thronged with people viewing the beautitul decorations, and many were the oncomiums expresscd by visitors regarding the elegant maunner in which the city enter- tained peoplo from mbroad, The lowa State band, recognized as second to no musical organization of equal numbers in the United States, last uight gave the first of theserics ot open air concerts and over 8,000 people listened with delight to the charming selections rendered. As No. 2, the | acistocratic through trawn of the Burlingtou, sieamed jnto the depot tho State Baud started the first strdins of their famous “Huntsman’s Song,” and at_its close round after round of applauge cama from the peo- plo on the platiorm and iuterior of the draw- 1ng room cars. As the ‘“free and easy” class express it, “everytling goos” in: Creston during Blus Grass paluece woei, and pothing obtainavle elsewhore is 100 good for the visitors, It is even hinted that youdonot have to leave tho fair grounds when you becowo weary aud thirsty, and you arenot compelled to drink water, either, The oxhibits inside the big palace are much more attractive than eyer bofore. The state oxhibits are drawing features of this year's exposition, and among ‘these the agricultural exibit of Nobraske iS the most extensivo aud attracts the greater attention. The stock exhibit i3 very largaand covers a bronder field than ever before. Charged With Sigamy. CepAr Rarips, 165, Aug. [Special Telegram to Th}; Bzp.|—Will Fisher, a young railroad maa, warried Miss Cassie Harris four days dgo. He was arrestea last evening charged with bigany, the clain be- ing made that he was married to Agnes Ritchie of this city about two months ago. Wifo No. 11is in Chicago now, but will be present ut the preliminary examination Sat- urday. Fisher claims that ne was not m ried to the Ritchie Double Ririns, la, [Special Tue Bege]-John Adams, a ell, and his hired Cepan Telegram to prosperous farmernear Par man wi to the English ri Sunday to go i bathing. A fisherman later found their clothes and the river was dragged, The bodies were found near where they went in. Ivis probable one or the other was secized with cramps and tha other, goiug to his as- sistauce, both were drowned, Bot Eleot Ofiicers, Cepanr Rarins, 1a., Aug. 23.—The national convention of Taborites elocted the follow- ing oMicers aud then adjourned: Prosident, John Pecha, Chicago: vice president, Frank Doukeys, Cadar Kapids; recording secreta- ries, Joo' Rus of Cbicigo, L. J. Kaspar of Cedar Rapids; sentinels, John S. Kadle and Hyvek Hodous, Chicago. Sloux City's Packing Houses Olo Siovx Ciry, Ia., ‘Aug. 23.—[Speci gram to Tuk Bee.]—About fifty carloads of bogs at the stock yards today had to be shipped to Chicago for lack of local buyers, Bothi packing houses have shut cown. Ed Haakioson & Co. will remam closed till No- vember, An sccident to the machinery shut down Silberhorn. Renominated White, Orrumwa, I, Aug. 23.—|Spocial to Tur B, |—Congressman Fred White was ro- nominated by the democrats of the Sixth dis- trict this morning ] WILL TEST THE CHINESE LAW. Atpecial Minlster from the Celestial E pire Sent to Investigate, CmicaGo, 1L, Aug. 28.—Sam Moy, who is prominent in the Chiagse colony in Chicago, surprised government officials by informing them that orders had boon roceivea from China cot to obey the law requiring Chineso residents to takeout certificates of residence, He said the government of China haa sent one of its oficials to this country to fight the law in the courts. This minister from the Chinese court was in. Chicago a few days ago, he said, and had informed him aud others of the wisnes of the Chinese govern- ment. The representative [row the Celestial empire had gone to Washington to secure the best legal talout to be had, and the law would be tested in the Duited States supreme court. A test case wonld be made of tho ar- rest of some Chinamen in Detroit, where they were held on the chargo of violating the exclusion law passed ! by the present cou- gress. Iu this \vui' tha exclusion act and the provision eompelljng Ghinamen to tako out cortificates of residente would be tested to- gether. Until & decision waus rendered, ho said, no Chinaman iu Cbicago would take out a certificate, - The Death Roll, Prarre Cexten, Neb., Aug. 23.—|Special Telegram to Tue Bee)—John Henrich, a wealthy Denver capitalist who movea tiero n short time ago for bis health, diea last niwht of Bright's disease. 110 JaNEio, Aug. %3,—Marshal Deodora ! do Fonseca, ox-presideat of the repuvlic of Brazil, is deid, s Russin, Sina, Aug aring they will seiza upon a parg of the Pamir region that belongs to Afghanistan, the ameer has asked the wov. ernment of India to Intervens o prevent Russian ageression in the Pamir country, i Sulclde of Actor Daboll Houustoy, Mess., Aug. 25.—W. S, Da boll, thoe well knows actor, committed suicido by taking poison. &t the residence of G. W. Slocum, where ho Lins boen residing with his wile a good porilon of the season. - The Fire Keword. St Pavl, Ming, Aug 28, —Wagener & ompauy's row of stores ULurned. Loss, $100, 0008 | WORSE THAN BEFORE Anothor Energetio Dictator Ris:s Up to Menace Struggling Venezuela. ONE AMBITIOUS EMULATOR OF PALACIO General Urdaneta Proclaims Himself Diree- tor of the Five Western States, HAS CAPTURED THE CUSTOM HOUSES Public Revenues Being Boldly Used to Support Him in His Plans, IS CLOSING CRESPO IN ON CARACAS Strong Probu thrown—U Revolutionary Chili and Argentina, Tty of Vil eta Also s Belng Ov owded by the —News from 1 « end (Copyrighte ames Gordon Bennett.] TRINID A D, W, L, (via Galveston, Pex.), Aug. By Mexican Cabio to the New York Herald—Special to Tie Bre.]—A new and grave danger confronts the government of Dr. Villegas in addition to tha assaults of Crespo’s army, This time the danger comes from the west. A story comos to this place through usually roliable channels that Gen- eral Urdanew’s fleet has sailed mnto La Guayra and taken possession of tho port without serious opposition. He has, 1t is said, sent a peremptory demand to Caracas for Villagas’ resignation, Itis further stated that General Urdaneta violated the neutral- ity laws by boarding tho Red D. live steamer Caracas at Puerto Cabello on August 18 and arresting the congressmen of the other purty who were trying to escape. It is thought that a number of congressmen, to leave the country, took this steamer at La Guayra for Curacon, hoping to escape du- tention, but were discovered when the steamer was at Puerto Cabello, He Hus n Great Scheme, General Elenzar Urdaneta, who has de- clared himself dictator—Director of the Western League is the term he uses—was ap pointed to the comizand of the government army of the west by Andueza Palacio. He was continued by the Viliegas administration as fedoral commissioner to the states of Falcon, Lara and Zala. He has now formed, in co-operation with tue military governors, apoointed also by Andeuza Palacio, of Zamora and Los Andes, a new confederation of tho five states named. Ho denounces Sarria, Monagas and Men- doza as traitors, refuses to recognize the government of Villegas, denies the legality of the prosent congress and calls & conven- tion to be organized on the principles out- lined in the prociamation of Anduezo, 1ssued o short tme ago, before the latter departed for France, Haviog a majority of the niue states of the republic Urdaueta hoves to force a constitu- tion upon the convention aad then compel the other states, Carababo, Miranda, Ber- mudez and Bolivar, to adoptit, o It is rumored that PPalacio is backing Ur- daneta to punish Sarria and Monagas for their treachery to himn driving him from the republic, and that headvanced the mone; for a recent purchase of arms from a Belgian arms company. The arms areto be deliv- ered at Curacoa early in September, Falacio has, 1t is claimed, also sent money to the United States, with which Geaeral Ciesar Zumetts, now enroute to New York, will purchase another supoly of arms and ammu- vition, His Chief and His Navy General Zumetta Is Urdanocta’s chief of staff. Urdaneta has also in bis possession all tho war vessels of the western flest—six steamers, They are the Kovendicator, car- rying Lwo improved Awmerican guns twelve and eight-pounders; General Rivas, two guns, muzzle loaders: Agoste, one gun and the lake steamers, Il Progresso, Los Andes and Santa Barbara. He holds Fort San Carles. on an island at the mouth of Lake Maracuibo, the key to the situation in the west. He has taken possession of the custom houses at Maracaibo, Catalumba, San Car- los, Merida, Gibraltar, Cibs and Capitarada, controls through General Colna those at La ‘Villa and Tucacas, and is expending the en- tire revenucs received from them on his own account, He has among his supporters many of Andueza's most intimate friends, 1ncluding Generals Batalla, Ferrera, Castro and Diego Colina, but whether he is working in An- dueza's interest with a view to recalling him or for his own personal aggrandizement 1s not yot kaown, 7The effect of his movement will, however, be the consignment of Vit logas’ government to a premature grave, A grand mass ineeting was held at Maracaibo on the might of Augustito de- nounce the new dictator and a commission was appointed to ask assistanco from Creepo's srmy of the west to repel tho now movement, He Was Palacio’s G neral, Urdaneta served the cause of the dictator fairly well and gained several victories of which Palacio makes mention in his circular to the Venezuelan consuls to the United States, In May he won a victory, sur- prising and dispersing & lavge number of volunteers under Geneval Crespo. But still later in the month, being surrounded by the enemy and cut off from all his supplies, he unconditionally surrendered. Owing to the flight of Palacio soon afterwards hoe con- sidered himself no Jonger bound to the for. tunes of the party av Uaracas, but proclaimed himself dictator of the western states of Venezuela and gathering together a large following of discontonted soldiors he gradually extended his power aud finally prociaimed the secession of the five westera stutes of Venezuela, Overtures were made to him to unite with soral Villegas, which he rejected, and cococdad to establish his beadquarters at Puerto Cabello, and now he has apparently extendod his power as far us L Guayra, Crospo Threatening Curacus, CaRacas (via Galveston, Tex.), Aug. £ By Moxican Cabls to the New York Herald —Special to Tue By ‘The people here are expecting Crespo to attack the city almost auy day now. His outposts ave in front of Los ‘tegues aud his troops threaten Cun again, Unless Monagas heeds e appeal of Villegas for reinforcements from Barcgloua Caracus wust soon fall, General Ybarrs, minister of war, seems contident 1bat Monagas will come, und o wember of tho latter’ family tells me that be Is ou the way here ot the head of 4,000 troops. A numbver of congressmen have called upon Presideny Villegas and urged the necessity G ta's protensions in the Thoy roceived - 10 satisfaction, \ % Robbing the Gé 2 ment, Z This ndifference on the regarded in somo yuarters story which {s current on | Western leug'io is a simplo a schome on tho part of higk defraud the holders of liens 18t the cus- toms receipts of the gove at and to aivert monoy from tho national treasury. Urdanota, 50 tho story goos, i3 the tool of tho combination. Prosident Villegas was o poor man when he took Anducza Palacio’s place, Ho is now investing heavily in oty realty and has recently bought a big notel in front of the capitol buliding. The treasury is ompty. The payments for hospitals have been suspanded, leaving lepors and sick poo- pie to take to begging on the stroets for a liviue, Bl Parlemonto Record, in which tho sos- sions of congress are reported, has also been suspended, owing to the failure to hovor the drafts of the government for payment of the printel % of Villogas is Zeontirming the reet that tho 3 and is only s ofticials to Crespo’s Son in Prison. Congressman Buntisia, son of General Cresno, is now imprisoned at Maracaibo by General Urdanota. He was about to take a steamer for New York when he was arrested. Villegas requostod that ha bo detained on o charee that he was on his way to the United States for the purpose of buying arms for the revolutionists, Crespo’s Latest Vi Puenro Canernio (via Galveston, Tex.), A --[By Mexican Cable to the New York Herald—Special to Tire Bee. | —A courier has arrived from Vietoria to Gieneral Mora, who is at Polito, with advices of tho termination of Crespo's stege of the former city and the crushing defeat of Mendoza, Crespo 's moving his forces, so says the courier, in the direction of T.os Tegues. Mora tells the merchants of this city that he is ready to raise the siego of Valencia and re-establish railway trafic the day the Castillo hero 1s delivered nto his hands, and the munici- pality officially recognizes Craspo as provi- sioral military chief to the republic. He has 600 men encamped on the outskirts of the ctory. city, and is holding tha fort on the bill in full view of the steamor dock. These are in addition to the forces at Polito and those besioging Valeacia. Adraus with 500 men still holds Castillo for Urdan- ota, and controls tho custom houso, while the mayor maiutains civil authority under the Villegas government. Another cargo of arms has been recently delivered at Charni and sentinto the interior for Crespo’s and Mora’s men, TOO HASTY, Had Resigned Roca Would Have Come ~News Notos, [Copyrighted 1 ames Gordon Rennett.) Varreanaiso, Chill (via Galveston, Tex.), Aug. 23.—[By Moxican Cable to the New York Herald—Special to Tk Ben.]—Of- ficial advices received at Santiago say that President Pelligrini wanted to resign his ofiic yesterday in consequence of the con- fitet in vegard to the uext ostimates. He wished President Pena to assume the oftico atonce but the lattor ‘absolutely refused. Suenz Pena pointed out that ' tho constitu- tional time for him wus August %8, and he further told Pelligrini that if he persistad in his resigination the law provides that the presidont of the Senate assumnes. tho pros: dency. luasmuch as General Rocais presi dent of the Senate, Pena urged Pelligrini 10 withdraw his resignation i order to avoid trouble. The acbitration agreement between the United States and Cinlt has been fully tati- fiea by the Chilian government, and has been printed iu the oficial It ve: quives the ratification of the State: sonate within six months from August 6. The terms of the agreement were copied, with necessary modifications, from a previous French treaty with tho United States, The Herald’s correspondent at Montevide says that the executive has succeeded in n gotlations with french capitalists to estab- 1ish a new national bank in Uraguay. w8 comes from Rio de Junciro that the govern went has suspended new duties on tobacco. Beroardine Compos has been appointed zoy- eruor of Sau Publo. When the prescut boen concluded guzotte, ited naval evolutions have the cruiser Esmeralda wil procecd to England. She will receive new guns, have ber bottom sheathed una bo fittea out with torpedo tubes aud now boilers. Cavtain Goui will command her, Owing to the recont wrecks at the entrance of Talcabuana it hus been resolved to muke Qviriquina a Light of tho first order. Argentinian Congressional Proceedings, The first order of the day at the session of the Argentina Chamber of Deputies today was @ reply by the miuister of the navy to the questions p im soveral days ago. Hlis reply was satisfactory and the couflict is thus ended. Iu o messugo to congress explaining the arrangements with the Frouch capitalists and asking authority o formally complete the arrangements, the president gives these puruiculars: The plaa proposes a loan of £,000,000 at 85 per cout and 1 per cont demonetization. In return the executive deliy th fuil vilue of the loan with interest, 10,000,000, in flying stamps recoivavle for customs duties avthe rate of $23,000 woathly. The contractors ur 150 authoriz:d to negotiute 1 boudholders. bo chambers nave sanctioned tho plan and the woney will arrive in October, Tue Independent, & leading liboral paper at Asuncion, Paraguay, bas been attacked and tho catire ofice wrecked by a gang of rufilans who, it is said, were hired by gov- ernment ofticia AvJujuy, Argentiua, trouble has arisen be- twoen the police and the populice, and sey- erul people bave been killed or wouaded, Disustrous Kire at Culliso, CaLLAo (via Galveston, Tex.), Aug. |By Moxican Cable to the New York Herald Special to Tuk Bk, | —Another fire broke out early yesterduy in the Hotel Italia, which is opposite the American consulate, Iv was fully forty-tive winutes bofors the firemen could gev water on the lames, which in tho meantime bad gamned great headway in the old wooden structure and spread to other bulidings. After the fivemen bad been Ay work for some little time the water gave out, owiug, it is said, Lo the culting of the hoso at soveral points. The building of tue Chilian and Eoglish steamship compuny eaught five and was totally destroyed, us were several other stores aud business Tno valuuble records in the Awmerican con- sulate were carried over the roof of buildings to & plucs of saloty. A favorable wind saved the consulate building with but slight damage. Phe records sud part of the furiiture of the steamship company were de stroyed by the water aud belug trumpled by with the foreig places, tae crowd. A wumber of marines from tho Britlsn warship Garcet, which was o port, were landed and gave wuch belp to the firemen, They used gun cotton 10 prevent tho spread of tho flames S0 savad #oimo of Uhs best Bouses 1o 4he block. ‘I'holoss is stinuted el BLOUL §200, 000 and 1s divided beww wweuty Hrs, l for Lakiog ctive measures 1o ourb Urdaue. | Oue rewan wus futully lujured. . —— NUMBER 67, FILTH'S AWEUL OFESPRING { With Rapid Strides the Scourge of Asia is Moving Westward, AMERICA MUST EXERCISE GREAT CARE Striet Measures Wilt Have to 1 Taken to Exelude an feom tho Continent—Eas ropean Sea Ports Infected—A Felghttal Mortality, Wasmiveroy, D. G, Aug. 23, ~The Dé- partment of State is in reccipt of oMeial reports of the alarming spread of cholera from Asia to I3urope. Some time siace the eons sul general at Lenoran, reportod that deaths had greatly increasod; that 500 cases had been treated by the American Miesion hospis tal und mado a strong appeat for funds from the United States. The government having no funds for such purposes, has made this aps peal puvlic, and the following correspondenca on the subject botween the secretary of state and Mr, Watson R. Sperry, the newly appoiutea minister to Persia, is published for the information of the people of the United States: Corvespondence on the Subject, WALMINGTON, Dol Aug, 20 W. Foster, Socrotury D, Cio Dear Sie—1f To Hon. John £ stuto, Washington, you think 1t proper I | It be aboo tsecnre u lite fund of money i this eity for the use of the Ameriean mis- xlon hospital in Teheran. through the agency Of the Morning News. [f you consent to this of course 1do not mean” that Lam to state publicly thut Tam ucting under your author- ity—1 Should 1ke copies of the dispatehe from the American representative in With greut respect, Lam your obed ant, WATSON K. Sr _WasnINGTo Aug. 20.—Watson Spo D. O, : R (., United States Ministor to Porsia i} DU Of yours of Au.ust 20, 1 which you €nclose & copy of n pross no= tice issued Trom this departmoent conveylng an uppeal to the eitizens of the United St from the American hospital g cran for funds to 1 raordinary OXPONSES necess in that district. 1 note with pleasure vour re mission to solicit (throush thy mus of your newspaper—the Morning News) junds for the purpose indie (ted. 1L is @ 1nost prompe dable response to the urgent essities of those afllicted people, Indicative the general philanthropic spirit of the 1 people wnd their disposition to wld the distressod. 1 eordially grant you the per- mission requested, and in doing So, Cxpress the hope that you will 5ot conting your appounl vet t atod by the ruge of cholera pe 10 the people of your own city. 1t wouid ue- comn:ish sreat good If you would muke your apneal 1L our poople. This, | prosiime, you ugh your relutions 1t press ot suntry, readily accompish by tho mediunm of 0Uher papers 48 weil as your own anclose you copies of the dispatehes from rvice consul general wt Teheran oi the bject as requestod by you. Very truly yours, JOuN W, FOSTEM. Prosence of the Drend Dise Europe. Tollowing the report from Tchoeran comes the con ion of a most ter from Kurope, Cousul Joknson at Ham- burg states Lo is notified ofticially by the government health officer of that city of tho presence of Aswmtic cholern thero and ho has accordingly refused to issue vills of heaith to devarting vossels, Consul Williams at Havre reports an epi- demic of Asintic cholera at that place, with many doaths and advises au inspection ot the fastliner La Touraine, These facts have been promptly communicated to the health oftivers of Staten Istund and every. procau- tion will be taken by them in the mattor, espectally in view of the fuct that the epi demic has now reached two of the most im- ortaut ports in Kurope with which the nited States has divect and vapid communi- cation. Alttough o real fear that the cholera will reach the shores of the United States is felt by the authorities of the Treasury depart- nent, they are taking all précautions deemed necessary to preventits fntroduction. Cireulars have heretofore been issued 1o cus- toms oflicers divecting tic disinfection of gago from cholera-ntected ports. Ass Se ry Spaulding in conferenco today with Dr. Austin, who is acting sur- ceon general of the marine hospital service in regard to further precautionary stops. The healtk ofiicers at the ports of New York and Baltimore have been advised formally of the existence of cholern at Hamourg and Huvre, as were also the unmigrant oflicers at those ports. Mr. Spaulding 18 ulso in communication with the agents of stewmship liues looking to the adoption of somo system of disinfection of the immigrauts vetore ewbarking for the Unitea Staies, alarming ohurac- Eptdemic at Hamburg. HAMBUIG, Aug. 23, —The eholera is chicfly prevalent in the Alstadt, orold portion of tho city, compuratively few cases oceurring in the Neustadt, or uow portion, Every pre- caution possible is being taken by the au- thorities to localizo the discase, A number of cases wore reported today. e correspondent of a newspaper of this y states toat there were 120 cases of olern here yestorday. Many deaths from ro also reported.” T'ne Imperial Board of Health at Berlin hasappointod Drs. IKoch and Rulits to confer with the authori ties ot Hamburg to combat the disease, © tho disense w Persia’s Terrible Aftiction, CHERAN, Aug. 23.—A dispatch from hd, in the province of Ghilam, states thay ry duy hundreds of persous are dying there from cholera, Iesid is very unhealthy place and sane itary methods are unknown. T'he population is about 20,000, Most all the imports are frow.the Utited Stato A new aisease 15 ravaging in Enseti, In causes puralent swellings on the boay and face uud the mortality resulting trom it 19 very heavy, Tho saiue discase 15 causing wany deatbs at Ardabeel, o town of 12,000 ine habitants oft tho Karoon river. k Fatal, 25.—The ambulances of Itis Aug. Havuvna, this eity are wsuflicient in number to moe the demsnds made upon them through the of outbreak ordnunc unce of ¢ sons have d died withiu an with the diseaso and all within six bours, cholera, Yestorday se gos were utilizea for the olera patients, Thirty-flve od of cholera. Somo of thess Lour after being stricken the others alod No iter tin Br uence of res ports that cholera had appeared among the Russian omigrants at Stettin, American Consul Edwards has made an inspection of crn at St that port wnd closoly scrutinized the cons dition of emigrants, 110 has yeu found no cuso of real cuolera, - FEALS FOR HER SAVETY, Ixouralon Steamor with 000 People Bonrd 1t Minsing. e Haves, Conn., Aug. 24.—1he stoamor Mary Queen, which loft this city yesterauy morning for ¢ Island with 900 New Britain excursionists ou board, has not ure vived up 1o ! a, m. Sho canvot be located, on - - Movements of Ocean Stewimers, AL Fastiet —Passed— Wiscousin from New York for Liverpool At Bremernayen—Arrived- Kmsor W, | helm, from New York v At Southumpton—Arcived Spree, from Now Yor A Seilly -Passea-—Suoyls, from New | York for Huwburg ; Spree, from New Yor for Bren At Brow Head -1"assed—City of New York, from New York for Liverpool, | AL Hamburg—Arvived — Virgiola, trom Now York. Russin Cuni Now Export Grain, Sr. Prieusiung, Aug. 25.—A ukase has been issuod auuulling the order prouibiiing the uxportution from itussis of rye, rycmeal wud el kiugs of brao,