Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, December 19, 1894, Page 1

\ g HE MAHA DAILY OMAHA, WEI ESDAY [ORNING, DECEMBER 19, 1894, NGLE COPY FIVE CENTS., DARK AND DEVIOUS DOINGS Ooncealment the General Ordor of Business in the State House, PUBLIC OFFICE A PRIVATE SNAP An Aggregation of Sinecures Drawing Snug Salaries for Secreting the Records— Remarkable Exhibit of ldleness, gnorance and Nepotism. LINCOLN, Dec. 18.—(Special)—In a re- mark recently dropped by ex-State Auditor Tom Benton he struck the keynote of the entire capitol diapason. “Were I auditor,” he said, with emphatic unction, “‘none of you newspaper men should see a d—d voucher or overhaul the bovks.” Tom Benton has gone out of statesmanship and into potatoes. It was on account of a partial investigation by a press representa- tive of an unfortunate flyer In potatoes on the part of Benton & Co., in which a loss of #omo $150 was made, owing to the fallure of the B. & M. to elect Tom Majors, that the above candid expression was vented. Just before election several carloads of potatoes were dumped out at various state Institutions by Benton with the idea that the state insti- tution would absorb them at a very exorbi- tant price. But they became scared after election and concluded all at once that they did not want so many potatoes. But the spirit of Tom Benton still hovers over the capitol like a benediction, and his peculiar idea of conducting a public office on the theory that it is a private snap still finds cheerful endorsement in almost every depart- ment in the costly, yet inartistic, cut-stone pile recognized as headquarters of the com- monwealth of Nebraska. The last session of the legislature appropri- ated $25,000 to pay expenses of impeachment proceedings against certaln state officials. True, the supreme court took a judicial clip at the amount and reduced it to $15,000, but the sum of $11,749.60 has been expended for that purpose, taxpayers' money, and with no practical result unless succeeding state officlals who are to follow profit by expensive lessons of the past. One of these lessons analyzed Is a direct reproof of the sinuous, subterranean, sub rosa, “under the ha gum shoe method of conducting public bu ness. Had the honest press of this state— unsubsidized ‘and fearless newspapers that are ready at all times to reflect, as in a glass, for the benefit of the taxpayg pub- lic the daliy official acts of state officers— been permitted to have convenient access in business hours to the officlal records pre- pared by those unfortunate gentlemen who fell under suspicion all this expense to the state might have been saved and the gen- tlemen themselves spared much pain and annoyance, NOT A PRIVATE SNAP. Now the cold truth is, and it would be well for incoming state officials to note tha fact, that they have not a book, not a slip of official paper, not a document in their offices that they dare refuse for purposes of Investigation to any reputable citizen in the state who conducts himself In a manner becoming a gentleman while in their pres- ence. All their official acts, all their officlal documents are subject to consuitation and inspection by representatives of the press, and as such privileged matter and every offl- cer of the state lays himseif I'able to law when- ever he refuses such privileges. This ap- plies to every department, from the office of Governor Crounse down to the last bit of memoranda_entered up by the head janitor g /he building. There is no legal authority wa'ch permits them to transact public busi- ness in secret, and all their numerous board meetings and mysterious conclaves from which reporters are excluded are unlawful, illegal and aromatic of fraud. Paid ser- vanis of a patient public, they deny the right of the public to look in on their work, sup- press their proceedings from the taxpayer who look to the press for official and routine information, and then snarl at the press when it becomes necessary to expend $10,000 or $15,000 to inquire into their nefarfous lottings and scheming under the misnomer board meeting.” In no other state* in the union is state house business so successfully sequestered from the public. In Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin a parteof the duties of stenog- raphers, typewriters ind clerks paid by the publiic is to prepare copies of public docu- ments for the press. With the exception of the supreme court, which, of course, is more fully acquainted with the law than the gentlemen who come in from the back counties and rattle around a few years in the state offices, no official papers are duplicated for the press by any department of the building. There 18 a small army of well pald stenographers and typewriters, often idle, and seldom pressed by work, but aside from an ooea- slonal plece of typewriting for the B. & M. Journal or a prepared synopsis for the Omaha Paillator of public plunderers, the World-Herald, nothing is preparsd for ihe metropolitan press. HUMPHREY'S CANDID DEPUTY. Take, for example, the office of the com- missioner of public lands and buildings. Here is @ force confessed to be numerically too large. There are employrs here ennuled and lymphatic with the utter nothingness of their semi-official existence. ~ Yet a press representative has been told by Deputy A. R. Samson that it he got any information out of that office he would have to steal it. Another has been denied access to the gom- missioner's biennial report, and told that the B, & M. Journal and Omaha Palliator would be afforded ample opportunities to inspect it. How long would such offictals last in New York state, in Michigan, in any commonwealth where the people have charge of their public business instead of the rail- roads? Take another example of the pernicious effects of private board meetings. There is to be given away, for there is no legal method of renting it, a concession for cigar stand and lunch counter in the capitol build- ing during the coming session of the legisla- lature. Mr. Andis, proprietor of the news- stand in the Capital hotel, says that he ap- plied to one of the members of the Board af Public Lands and Buildings for the privilege, He sayn he was referred to Secretary of State Allen. Mr. Allen, he avers, told him that hio could have it, provided lie did not give It to his (Allen's) niece. Last Friday Mr. Andis called at the state house for his answer, and was told that he could not have it; that other “arrangements’ had been made. Where Is it recorded in the proceed- ings of the Noard of Public Lands and Build- 1ngs that thix pie stand was to be taken from tho board's charge and peddled out by the honorable secretary of state, or seized us a littie perquisite in behalt of a member of his family? 1t recorded at all, would not the information have made interesting reading in the papers? Not, perhaps, the Ring Jour- nal, but in newspapers that, not knowing what to suppress, print all the news. Where are the records of the state de pository “board,” the board that Las been kuown to make a state depository of a bank known at the time to be insolvent? John C. it is considered quite probable that he would turn 1ed, white and blue should a presump- tuous citizen ask to look at the books. Dick Townley is secretary of the State Banking board, but it is not within the range of possi- bilities that he would cheerfully submit the records of this financlal gulld to the public. As the matter now stands, taxpayers of Ne- braska are contributing $2400 and office expenses, $1,600, for the privilege of being kept fu ignorance of the officlal acts of this institution. SCHEMING TO HAMPER HOLCOMB, ! With- the present number of Dublie boards, the Allen is secretary of this “board,” but | railroad legislators-elect are mow Incubating a scheme for another clique to be designated a “board of appointments.” Whether it will eventuate or not depends on the hardihood and recklessness of self-constituted leaders of the republican party. The plan, as out- lined, s to refuse to confirm the appoint- ments of Governor Holcomb, pass an act creating such a board, and thus render it impossible for the governor to name any appointees to public institutions of the state. Orlginators of this scheme claim to have a majority large enough to pass this act over the governor's veto. In the event of their success another secret ‘‘board” will be foisted upon the state and another avenue of boodle opened to state officials already afflicted with an embarrasse de riches in this line. It has been stated here that the cost of impeachment proceedings was some $11,000. But that is merely the cost charged up to the state of Nebraska. The officlals who were tried are known to have been many more thousands out of pocket—for a time. The words “for a time” are used advisedly, There are dark reports in_circulation and shady stories afloat to the effect that a num. ber of hard working employes in some of the state departments have been “held up,” as it were, told to stand and surrender a por- tion of their monthly earnings to aid in pay- ment of extra Impeachment costs not in- cluded in the §11,749.60 expended by the state. This is not a charge made against any state officlal. It may or may not be true. It is to be hoped that the latter is the case, but in any event, if true, it will cer- talnly be known In the future, for it has already been admitted, but mere confession Is not always reliable testimony. ANOTHER HONORABLE OUTFIT. The Board of Transportation is another expensive portion of the machinery of state whose sinuosity easily eludes the news gath- erer. This board also tells the B. & M. Journal what it may and may not print, and, at times, fixes up a choice bit of ad- vance rumor for the Omaha Palliator. An examination of its personnel and analysis of its individual honarium may afford some- thing newsy in defauit of any other tangible information to be gathered from its proceed- ings. One of the official documents of this board s called “Proceedings of the Board of Transportation.”” The last entry in this important docket was made on June 9, 1894, They have made a vast improvement on the Rentonian theory, for while Tom would sce the public damned before he would be an- noyed by curious investigators the trans- portation board does away with all such annoyance by making no records whatever. It may be urged by a generous public that there is a lack of clerical force. The Board of Transportation comprises eight official members and a stenographer. They are five commissioners and three secretaries, as fol- lows: J. C. Allen, chairman; A. R. Hum- phrey, secretary; Eugene Moore, J. S. Bart- ley and George H. Hastings, commissioners, and J. N. Koontz, W. A. Dilworth and J. W. Johnson, secretaries. The salaries of these secretaries amount to $2,000 apiece, that of the stenographer $1,200, with incidental ex- penses of the office amounting to $650 per annum. It is true the stenographer has been serlously 11l during the past two weeks, but the inquiry naturally arises, what have the three secretaries, yes, four, including Secre- tary Humphrey, been doing since the 9th of June that no record of the board's proceed- ings are transcribed? What would the Board of Transportation do if suddenly called upon to make a biennial report to the governor, and why should not such a report be de- manded? But, really, they are a jovial, good natured crowd, and when they are gathered around the council board one feels like ad- dressing them in the language of a Christmas carol: “God bless you, merry gentlemen, May nothing you disma; But the trouble is one cannot get into the council chamber to sing carols or anything else to them. And when they have evapor- ated they leave no record of their delibera- tions behind. They are as airy and volatile as a drop of gasoline in the August sun- shine. And their warfare against railroad monopolies is much like the charge of Don Quixote against the windmills. Like the historical army of France, they march up the hill and then march down again—for $2,000 per annum apiece. The appropriation for this board is $15,050, but it is learned that they will exceed this amount this year by reason of the expense attending the maxi- mum rate cases, and create a deflclency. VERY EXCLUSIVE HERE. In approaching the - office of Governor Crounse one cannot but feel that he Is tread- ing on classic ground. It s an awe-inspiring atmosphere, that of a governor's office. Here we are in the presence of one clothed with power to snatch a man out of the peniten- tiary. 1Is it the fear that %e may also find it in his way to clap one into the donjon keep at the smallest provocation that over- awes us? But in other states it is the com- plaisant private secretary of the governor who takes excellent care of the press boys, showing partiality to none and courtesy to all. He it iy who exercises due care in shielding his exccllency from the faintest tinge of suspicion that he has, as chiet executive of a great state, some official ac- tion to conceal. The private secretary Is paid for this work by the people, and in nearly all the states in the union he cheer- fully performs this duty. How do we find it in Nebraska? The private sccretary of Governor Crounse, this pald servant of the public, drawing $2,000 a year, 18 a man of ice, So far as the press of Nebraska is con- cerned, he might as well be one of the under secretaries attached to the British cabinet. True, he is now a congressman-elect, but then a congressman, like a governor, is nothing but a man, high and Inscrutatle though he be. It is a matter of local his- tory that the private secretary of Governor Crounse has always neglected his duty to the press, and for which he has been munifi- cently pald by the people. Having discov- cred that the man with the pompadour, drawing $2,000 per annum to serve the press and public, is in dense ignorance of anything unusual or worthy of note transpiring around him, the news gatherer is waved over to the governor's stenographer, at a salary of $1,200 a year, with the languid suggestion that, possibly, he knows something. Some- times he does, and again he doesn’t, but at all times be avails himself of every oppor- tunity to remind the news gatherer, other than the B. & M. Journal man and the repre- sentatives of the Omaba Palliator, that this Is a most disagreeable duty, and one from which he would Iike to be relieved, and ex- peets to be shortly when he assumes the position of court reporter to Judge E. P. Holmes, to whom his excellency, the gov- ernor, enclosed @ warm letter recommending him as such, with the commission of Mr. Holmes, appointing him' to the bench. The Bentonlan atmosphere of private snap- Ism penetrates even this office, this depart- ment which of all others should be open and above board, and every official act free to the gaze of honest men. There Is no sub- stantial reason why the act of executive clemency in pardoning a prisoner from the penitentiary should be concealed, yet we have the word of Governor Crounse's stenog- rapher that but very few of the pardons are glven to the press and through the press to the public. Why? What uiterior end is sub- served by their concealment? What should there be to conceal in a governor's office? Are not his public acts public property? THERE'S A CHANGE COMING. The Tom Benton system of running the state capitol is doomed to signal failure. It has been given a sufficlent trial in the past. Results have been disastrous, disastrous to the state, almost ruinous to those who have sought to defraud the public of legitimate news. A metropolitan newspaper is bigger than any state official; it is bigger than any oue man connected with its publication. Whenever politiciaus, in office or out, attempt 0 run counter to its just claims for the routine news of the day they are certain to be snagged. Nothing more quickly ex- cites suspicion in the minds of the people than attempts to transact officlal public bu ness on lines of the private banker. While it is true that the shores of the political river are strewn with victims of newspapers, it is equally true that in the entire history of American journalism no honest man has ever yet been made an lnnocent victim of the public press. Tom Hentonlsm must go from the Ne- braska state capitol, WOODCHOPPERS ON A STRIKE Riotons Scenes at a Oentral American Mahogany and Logwood CUamp. MARINES CALLED TO PRISERVE ORDER Contractors Finally Concede the Price De- manded and the Men Who Are Not in Jall Went Back to Work--Strikers Want the Prisoners Released. - NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 18.—The Central America Times of December 14, published at Belize, British Honduras, received here by mall today, conta‘tns a long account of a labor riot which took place there on the 11th inst. The origin of the present disturb- ance is purely Industrial. The men engaged in mahogany and logwood cutting, who con- stitute the bulk of the laborers of the colony, demand higher wages than merchants were inciined to pay, and having failed to obtain relief by application to the authorities, they became exasperated and began to wreck the stores of their employers. When the mob reached as confronted by the clerks, armed with revolvers. They fired over the heads of the mod and wounded a man and woman. The mob then rushed into Cramer’s store, smash- ing @ number of glass cases, musical boxes and musical instruments and carried off a large number of watches. Several persons were slightly bruised by being struck with clubs. From about 3:30 o'clock when the rioting began, until 5 o'clock, the town was unpro- tected and at the mercy of the mob. The constabulary was not idle, but the rioters were not in a temper to listen to reason, and all efforts of the officers were insufficient to produce a cessation of the disorder. All they could do was to take into custody and con- fine in the police station a man whom they looked upon as a ringleader. The rioters then turned their attention to the police sta- tion. The windows were broken and the attitude of the mob was so threatening that the prisoner was released. A few minutes be- fore § o'clock forty bluejackets and three files of marines were landed and marched to the court house wharf. On the blue jackets being drawn up in front of the police station all signs of disorder ceased. From the steps to the council chamber the governor addressed a few remarks to the crowd, urging them to disperse. During this time the more viclent spirits ha drapidly crossed the bridge and were reassembling at Jurrie’s drug store and became exceedingly threatening again. The sallors were then brought over to keep them in check. The at- torney general mounted a box and gave the men five minutes to disperse, threatening if they did not he would read the riot act and the sailors would use firearms. The mob stood sullenly around for a short time, but gradually melted away. On the 12th there was an attempt made by the strikers to rescue eleven prisoners as they were being transferred from the police station to the jail, but the blue jackets drove them off. On Wednesday Cramer & Co. posted a notice offering to pay wood choppers $15 per month—the amount tthe strikers de- manded. The men then sent a white flag te the govenor asking that their comrades in prison b enoly fined and that they be paid $15 per month. So far the governor's answer has not been made public. H. M. S. Pelican has arrived and the Canada was ex- erday. PR FORK: Der. i5.—A special cable to the World from Kingston, Jamaica, says: Troops have gone to Belize, British Hon- duras, to suppress riots resulting from the imposition of English currency on the in- habitants. The Spheroid brought an ap- peal for aid. A state of anarchy prevails and there has been some bloodshed. e BERLINER PATENT 18 VOID. Mutrie's store it nited States Circuit Court Holds Against the Bell Company on Every Polnt. Dec. 18.—The long contested patent suit of the United States against the American Bell Telephone company was ended this morning when Judge Carpenter of the United States circuit court rendered a decision against the Telephone company. This suit was a bill in equity praying for the repeal of letters patent Issued to Emile Berliner, assignor of the American Bell “Telephone company, for a combined tele- phone and telegraph system. The Berliner patents were issued to the telephone com- pany, but never put into use by them on account, they claim, of the expense of mal ing changes in the telephone system, while other companies were prevented from using the system. The first ground of the bill brought by the claimants in this suit is that the patent is void, it being beyond the power of the commissioner to issue. On this point the decision of Judge Carpenter declar “It appears that one of th: the device shown In the patent of 158 namely, the function of transmitting arti ulate speech, is identeal with the sole object or function ‘in the patent that Drawbaugh was entitled to. The plain duty of the re- spondent corporation was, as It seems to me, to Insist on its right to a patent at cnce. “That the unwarrantable delay thus caused was intended by the respondents, I can have no doubt, “I think these acts were €0 gross as to forbid any Inference except that they dis- honestly delayed issue of that patent, tak- ing advantage for that purpose of the per- haps accusable willingness of the officials of the patents office to postpone the decision of a sharply debated question in which a large public Interest was involved. My con- clusion, therefore, {8 that the complaint has made out the case, and that there should be a decree that the patent in question was void and shall be delivered up and can- celled.”” Lawyer F. P. Fish, counsel for the Bell company, speaking of the decision, said: “The case will now go to the United' States court of appeals, and a decision will possibly be rendered next spring, after the cise has been argued anew, as though the eircuit court had not made this decision. If the case is decided against us it will be taken to the United States supreme court, “The value of the patent involved is sald to be $,000000. The government's case against the Bell company contained two counts and the judge sustained the govern- ment in both. The first count was in effect that the issuance of the patent to Berliner was unnecessarily delayed, and the second count was in substance that a former patent to Berliner covered substantially the same claims as made in the patent issued in 1891, BOSTON, Dec. 18.—In the Stock exchange the effect 'of the decision was to send off Bell Telephone stock with a rush, and for a few minutes there was great excitement. The stock had opened unchanged at 2001, and when the mews of the decision reached the street it slumped by degrees to 191, rom this paint it recovered to 19 1 o'clock was at 192, functions of B T HIS JUDICIAL DUTIES CONCLUDED., Judge Holcomb Recelves the Assurance of the ¥riendship of the Custer County Bar. BROKEN BOW, Neb., Dec. 18.—(Special Telegram.)—Judge Holcomb concluded his work here today as judge of the Twelfth judiclal district, it being the last term he expects to hold before entering cn his duties as the state's executive, Just before the court adjourned the attorneys of the Custer county bar pussed re-olutions complimentin the judge his impartiality, fairicss and integrity as judge, and extending to him their gcod wishes 'for a successful admin- {stration as governor of the state. The res- clutions were signed by all the members of the bar and officers of the court Judge Holcomb responded to the resolu- tiors, expressing his warm friendship and affection for the members of the (uster county bar. He will leave in the mornin for Lincoln, where he will remain for a few days. The Custer county bar has strong hopes of H. M. Sullivan of this city recelving the ap- pointment to succeed Judge Holcomb on the ench. The bar assoclates of the county, re- fardloas of politics, are unanimously ' for him. He is strong 'with the people, being the ‘only republican that has carried the county for gix years. He carried the county at the last election by Mty plurality for late senator, and only fell twenty-seven short in the district, which has had more than 1,200 majority for the populists, — e Mattress Mukers Comblue. CHICAGO, Dec. 18.—Manufacturers of bed springs, mattresses and heddife met In se- cret sesion at the Sherman Wouse today to form a national assoclation ich will reg- ulage the output of goods and eontrol prices. Delogates were present répresenting the trade in all sections of the cpuntry. b LAND GRANT FORFEATORE REPORTED) Berry Led the Fight but the Best 1le Could Get Was an Adverss Report. WASHINGTON, Dec. 18.—The senafe com- mittee on public lands today decided to ad- versely report the housa bill providing for the forfeiture of the lands of grants where the roads were not completed in the time specified in the bills making them, though built at a later period. It is understood that there was a sharp contest, and the first vote in the committee was a tie, 5 to 5, and afterwards one of those voting in the affirmative changed his vote to the negative, 80 as to permit the bill to be reported. Senator Berry led the fight for the bill, contending that as the raflroads had not complied with the condi- tions upon which the grant was made they shouid surrender the lands. If the bill should become a law it would result in re- storing about 54,000,000 acres of land to the public domain, 6,000,000 acres of which lie along the line of the Northern Pacific road west of Bismarck, N. D. The vote on reporting the bill stood as follows: Yeas, Berry, Pasco, Martin, Me- Laurin, Allen; nays, Vilas, 'Dolph, Petti- grew, Carey, Dubois; not voting, Power. Senator Allen afterward changed his vote 0 as to permit the bill td be reported ad- versely, as that appeared {d be the only way of getting it reported at all. Senator Power declined to vote either way. He said, after the adjournment of the committee, that he was opposed to the bill, but he took excep- tion to the antagonism of his mineral land bill by some of the western senators who were opposed to the land forfeiture bill, and took his position today on that account. Manderson Tntroduces Some Monsures, WASHINGTON, Dee. 18.—(Special Tele- gram.)—Senator Manderson today introduced in the senate, by request, a bill providing for the establishment and malntenance of @ bimetallic monetary basis and to secure the adjustment to business requirements of a suitable volume of the national currency. He also submitted a statement on the pro- vision of the bill and the financial condition of the country, which statement was or- dered to be printed as a document and re- ferred to the committee on finance. The bill provides for the free colnage of gold and silver impartially Congressman Meiklejohn' today fa reported from the committee on inv. sions the bill introduced by Repr Halner granting a pension Gurney of Beatrice. Congressman Bryan will leave for home Friday morning, Amendments to the Canal Bitl, WASHINGTON, Dec. 18,—In beginning his speech on the proposed Nicaragua canal to- day, Senator Turple introduced several amendments to the pending bill, the most important of which was thg following: No rt of the contract for salll work shall be ct to the Nicaraguan Construetion company nor to any other corporatipn associated or allied or legally succeeding’ the said Nicar- aguan Canal Construction jcompany. Con- tracts in sald work shall be let only by the Maritime Canal company of Nicaragua and shall be gettled and paid for only by the officers of said company, subject only to in- spection of said work in'sectfons when com- pleted, as congress may hereafter provide, and subject to the previousiapproval of the secretary of war. News for the Atmy. WASHINGTON, Dee, 18—(Special Tele- gram.)—By direction of the secretary of war, First Lieutenant Gfgham D. Fitch, Corps of Engineers, 18 relleyed from further duty under the immediate jorflers of Major 5 i vorably 110 pen: entative to Marion C. Willlam H. Hener, Corps”of Engineers, at San Francisco, Cal., and will proceed’ at once to Memphis, Tefin., tae station there, and relieve Capfain Sgiomon W. Roessler, Corps of Engineers, of all the duties with which he is now charged, 3 The retirement of Captain Alexander B. Macgowan, Twelfth infantry, is officlally announced. -5 Raliroad Land Selections Approved. WASHINGTON, Dec. 18.—The secretary of the interior has approved clear lists of lands as the basis of land patents to the Northern Pacific railroad, embracing 91,414 acres with- in the Coeur d’Alene and Lewiston land dis- tricts of Idaho; to the Southern Pacific, em- bracing 19,190 dcres near Los Angeles, ‘Cal.; to the Scuthern Pacific, embracing’ 47,506 acres within the primary limits of the com- pany’s grant in California, and to the Cen- tral Pacific, covering 83,759 acres in the neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Confirmed by the sennte. WASHINGTON, Dec. 18.—The senate, executive session today, lowing nominations: Charles D. Clark of nnessce, to be United States district judge of the eastern and middl= districts of Tennessee; Judson C. Clements of Georgia, to be an interstate commerce commissioner. Postmasters—Willlam B. Larkin, I Ia. John A. Willlamson, to be register of the land office at Lander, Wyo.; Francis Rice, to be recelver of public moneys Lander, Wyo. in confirmed the fol- Some New Postmusters. WASHINGTON, Dec. 18.—(Special Tele- gram.)—Postmasters have been appointed as follows: Nebraska—Kewanes, Cherry county, B. . Johnson, vice V. P. Sterling, resigned Kilmer, Lincoln county,” Laura 12. Kilme vice Ida M. Mahan, resigned; Vaiiton, Red Willow county, Rexford Simpson, vice Joseph Willinm, resigned. Towa—Limotte, Jackson county,'W. B. Nembers, vice N. A. Hoffman, ~ resigned; Milton, Van_ Biren county, 1. B, Casady, vice 8. L. McLean, resigne Penco Wants to Know About the Income. WASHINGTON, Dec. 18.—Representative Pence of Colorado has introduced a resolu- tion asking the secretary of the treasury as to the probable revenues and deficiencies for the current year; whether internal revenue taxation or customs duties can best meet possible deficiencies; what revenue would be yielded by taxing beer and fermented liquors from §1 to $1.50 per barrel; what revenues have been or will be gained by the increased tax on distilled spirits. Howgate Pleads Not Gotity. WASHINGTON, Dee. 18.~Captain Henry W. Howgate pleaded not guilty to seven indictments brought against him for em- bezzlement while disbursing clerk of the signal service when arraigned today before MeComas of the criminal court. Coun- re also notified to appear before the court next Saturday to arrange for the date of the trial on the three other indictments, two for embezzlement and one for forgery. Bishop of Moush Was Not Arrested. WASHINGTON, Dee. 18.~The Turkish le- gation here received the following official telegram: % ] “Among the erfoneous gtatements pub- lished about the Armentan! troubles it has also been sald the Armanian bishop of Moush had also been arrested. This news also 15 without the least-foundation In fac Agreed on tho Rece WASHINGTON, Dec. 18—8peaker Crisp and the house leaders have reached a tacit agresment by which the adjournment for the holiday recess will be ‘taken at the close of the session next Sgturday, and the reassembling will be at noon January 3, Gold Reserve Gelog Dow WASHINGTON, Dec. M—The gold re- serve was further reduced today by the withdrawal at New York of $1,800,000, which leaves the amount of the reserve at the close of business today $91,84,909. The cash balance was $155,048,450, “Trinidad Strikers < onvicted. DENVER, Dec. 18—~The case of the strikers charged with obstructing malls on the 1st of July at Trinidad was disposed of In the United States court today The juri1 found C. M. Melick, Johu lmhoft, O. 4 R. Myrtle and Thomas W. Lally guilty, 'and recommended the mercy of the eourt. - Hotel aud Bottling Works Destroyed. GREENWOOD, 8. D.,, Dec. 18,~The Park hotel and Greenwood Bottlng works were destroyed by fire this mornwg. The hotel furniture was saved, Both Lulldings were insured. e Consul to Juures, Mexico, Dylug. EL PASO, Tex., Dec. 18—Theodore Hus- ton, United States consul at Juarez, Mex- ico, 18 very il and is mot expected to live ihrough the night. He was a resident of Macomb. Til, When he was appointed con- sul by President Cleveland, CURRENCY BILL IN THE ROUSE Springer Introduces it and Explains the Provisions of the Measure, CRITICISED BY REFRESENTATIVE WALKER Has & Measuro of His Owa Which He Claims I8 the Evolation of Fifteen Years of Study—Fostofice Approprias tion Bl Reported. WASHINGTON, Dec. 18.—Notwithstanding the fact that the debate on the currency bill was scheduled to begin in the house today less than 100 members were present when Speaker Crisp dropped the gavel and the at- tendance in the public galleries was very light. The ccmmittee on rules had prepared a special order under which the house should operate, but had decided, in view of demo- cratic opposition to the measure, not to offer it at present, but to allow Mr. Springer to call up the bill by virtue of its privilege. Immediately atter the call of ¢ mmittees for reports, therefore, the chairman of the bank- ing and commerce committee moved that the house go into committee of the whole o consider the measure, His motion pre- vailed without division and Mr. Richardson, democrat of Tennessee, took the chair. Mr. Walker, republican of Massachusetts, in charge “of the opposition to the measure, gave n.tice that at the proper time he would offer a_ substitute, After a fruitless attempt to fix a_limit to the debate Mr. Springer took the floor and delivered the cpening speech in favor of the currency bill. The great importance of the passing hour, he said, could not be more effectively emphasized than by referring to the report of the comptroller of the currency, which showed that last year there were 8,000,000 depositors in national banks having a capital stock aggregating $1,009,000,000. Their deposits amounted to $4,220,000,000. Mr. Springer declared that the committee had wven the subject the most careful consideration. It had cerefully examined the recom tions of the presi- dent and the secretary of the treasury, had called before 1t some of the ablest financiers in the country and the result had been the prsentation of the nending measure as a measure of financial reform. He did not pre- tend to say that the bill met the views of in- dividual members of the committee. It was a compromise and as such harmonized fairly the views of all SPRINGER A Mr. SWERS QUESTIONS. Springer then proceeded to detail at length the scheme of the bill, reviewing much of the ground covered in his report which has already been printed. Mr. Sickles, democrat of New York, inter- rupted Mr. Springer to ask him how he reconciled the second and fifth sections of the bill. The second scction provided that the noteholders should have a first lien on the assets of the bank issuing them; the fitth gave the assoclation of banks contribut- ing to the safety fund a first lien on the as- sets, Mr. Springer replied that the proposed act gave the billholders the first lien on the *‘re- maining assets. “But the word ‘remaining’ fifth sectfon,” sald Mr. Sickles. “That will be the effect of the bill,” re- marked Mr. Springer. t Is not law vet,” retorted Mr. Sickles tiously, ‘‘you must vote it through is not in the sent first. Mr. Springer finally admitted that the word ‘remaining’ should have been incor- porated in the fifth section, but sald this was one of the slight defects of the bill that could be readily corrected. “In case of panic If half the banks in this proposed system,” inquired Mr. Mahon, republican of Pennsylvania, “should fail, would the other half be assessed to redeem the failed banks' notes?" ertainly.” ‘“That is, the solvent banks would be bankrupted to aid the insolvent?” ‘““There would be no such result,” replied Mr, Springer., “If all the banks should fail under this system the noteholders would be secure.” In answer to an inquiry by Mr. Simpson, populist of Kansas, Mr. Springer admitted that time alone could show the amount of circulation which would be taken out under any law, but as far as the retirement of the legal tenders was concerned, for every dollar deposited in the treasury by the banks $2 in circulating notes would be issued. While Mr. Springer was discussing the provision l-oking to the ultimate redempticn and retirement of the legal tenders, em- phas'zing the necessity for this by pointing out that the treasury had within the year twice been forced to issue bonds to protect the redemption, Mr. Cannon of Illinois asked whether it was nt true that $100,000,000 borrowed to maintain resumption had in reality been used to pay the current ex- penses of the government, AVOIDED THE QUESTION. “Thera is nothing in this bill on that sub- ject,” responded Mr. Springer, curtly. Mr. Springer gave notice that at the priper time he would offer sundry amendments looking to the perfection of the bill, amng them one petmitting the depcsit currency certificates issued under the act of 1872, §54,000,000 of which were outstanding. Mr, Dingley of Maine charged Mr. Springer with incons’stency in now reporting a bill which contained a provision for the repeal of the 10 per cent tax on state banks, a measure which he had earnestly opp:sed less than six months ago. Mr. Springer insisted he did not oppose the repeal of the tax on state banks as a_ separate measure, but when made a part of a general system of financial reform, he considered it safe, although he was frank to say he would prefer simply national bank circulation, Mr, Walker of Massachusetts, who was in charge of the opposition to the measure, then took the floor, He began with a stateinent of the essence of the Baltimore plan, The beginning and the end of that plan was to glve to Natlonal banks power to withdraw thelr United States bonds from the treasury and fssue circulating notes on their assets up to 60 per cent. It afforded not a shadow of relief and did not deserve a moment’s con- sideration. Again the bill presented by the secretary of the treasury was an amazing scheme. The bill had not a feature that could be enacted except after remodeling, without endangering the financial intercsts of the country. Mr. Carlisle had drawn the bill over night. He described the peril of the present condition of things in the bank- ing world, the dangers that threatened. Yet the committee on banking and currency had dawdled away its ‘ime until this undigested scheme of the secretary of the treasury had been thrown into the hopper when, after a few learings, it had been brought into the house without a single change. HAS A BILL OF HIS OWN. Mr. Walker spoke of his own bill and its superlority over the Carlisle bill. He ex- pressed the hope that the bill would be passed in place of the Carlisle bill. “That weuld be done if you had the courage of your convictions," continued he, addressing the democratic’ side, buh falling in_ that I hope you will recommit the Carlisle bill, as I feel you surely will when you know its character. While contrasting bis bill with that of Mr. Carlisle he dwelt upon the advantage of divorcing trade from the government; of allowing banks to pro- ceed under the laws of trade, not the laws of commerce. A bank, he sald, could not be drained of gold like the federal treasury. The government could not refuse gold. bank and Its customers were mutually de pendent. A bank could pay optionally in £0ld and silver under his bill, but the laws of trade, the necessities of the case and the ty of protecting the currency would determine which. The Bank of France fur- nished an anaology. That bank would pay in silver if silver would do as well as gold If the purposes for whi a the money was to be used required gold, gold would be paid in any quantity. The laws of congress could be defied, the laws of trade never. Wiile describing the manner in which his bill would redeem and reduce the legal tenders, Mr. Tracey of New York interrupted him to ask him if his bill would retire the Sherman notes. “‘Yes sir,” replied Mr, Walker. “Read my bill and you will find all the details worked out. I have not been working on this bill six years for nothing.” “Nor am 1" he added, “the most stupid man in the world. (Laughter.) I have begn Iaboring singlehanded,” he continued, lfting his arm aloft, “until fitteen months ago, when 1 delivered my Chicago speech. That roused the country somewhat and it has been rousing ever since.” (Laughter.) Mr. Walk- er's elaboration of the terms of his bill at- tracted the closest attention and the mem- bers crowded about, taxing him with ques- tions which he dexterously met and parried. His bill, he declared, would bring the coun- try back to the old democratic doctrines of Jackson and Benton. The banks, when it was in operation, would hold $250,000,000 of gold and $250,000,000 of silver. TREASURY OFFICE SE Speaking of the onerous work placed upon the secretary of the treasury by a n-cessity of keeping up the gold reserve in times of financial depression, Mr. Walker created a laugh. “Manning dide din office,”” said hs; “Win dom died in offiec. 1 say to you that any man who runs the Treasury department under the existing conditions for four years and does not die has not done his duty. Concluding, Mr. Walker ,while deprecating the effect of the Carlisle bill, sald he had no doubt that in presenting it the secretary has no other than the highest motive of serv- ing his country. He spoke two hours and was applauded by many democrats, as well as_republicans. Mr. Hall of Missouri, also a member of the committee on banking and currency, who fololwed Mr. Walker, sa'd it must be dis- tinctly understood by members that the Walker bill was not under discussion and that when they came to a vote they must vote either for the Carlisle bill or a continu- ation of the present system. Mr, Hall con- tended that the Carlisle bill was opposed by the national banks because they preferred the Baltimore plan Why? Because in the Balti- moro plan the government stood behind the notes issued, and in the Carlisle bill the banks themselves were responsible for their notes. Mr.Hall insisted every bank ofic’al summoned before the committee had been forced to admit, when cornered, that currency issued under the Carlisle bill would be entirely safe. They had opposed the bill on account of the fifth section, which made the banks solely responsible for thelr issues. He also repudiated the statements that this bill had been prepared in haste. He said it had been prepared after fifteen months of investiga- tion by the banking and currency committee and twenty months of suffering by the treasury. At the conclusion of Mr. Hall's speech the committee rise. Mr. Henderson of North Carclina reported the postoflice appropriation bill and then, at 5:15 p. m., the house adjourned. HILL TALKS FOR CLOTURE. Suys that the Country Demands of the Sen- ate that it Prepare to Do Husinoss. WASHINGTON, Dec. 18.—Thirteen sena- tors will make speeches next Thursday on the occasion of the unveiling of the statues of Daniel Webster and General John Stark, which have been placed In statuary hall at the capitol by the state of New Hampshire. The list of speakers who will devote them- selves to Webster includes Senators Chand- ler, Hoar, Morgan, Morrill, Platt, Davis, Cul- lom, Mitchell of Oregon and Lodge; while the Stark list embraces Senators Gallinger, Proctor, Hawley and Dubois. In the list of house speakers will be Messrs. Blair and Baker of New Hampshire; Grout and Power of Vermont; Everett of Massachusetts and Curtls of New York. Mr. Turple devoted some time to consid- eration of questions of the concessions and forfeitures possible in the event of non-com- pletion of the canal within ten years from 1887. The provisions regarding these mat- ters we re exceedingly jstrist. The con- cession given in1887 would be absolutely for- feited in* 1897. What title did the company have in the canal routes. It was not that cf a fee simple, a fec base; not even an ease- ment. There was nothing to mortgage and nothing to sell. ~ The concessions gave no title and no sort of property rights to the company. Taking up the question of the physical construction of the various portions of the canal, the senator went on to point out the great difficulties that would have to be overcome and to argue that the estimated cost of the minor canals forming part of the whole system were too low and in one case— that of the canal between Lakes Managua and Nicaragua—the estimate was mere guess work. Turning then to the matter of terminal points of the proposed canal, the senator in- sisted that the estimates affecting the work at those places were much too small. The en- gineers said $2,500,000 would be required to restore the harbor at Greytown on the At- lantic, whereas he had heard a naval officer say $10,000,000 would be required. As to the Brito harbor, the Pacific terminus, that place was not even a roadstead. It was mimply a stretch of sand on the ocean. Regarding the statement that the construction of the canal would g ve work to deserIng pe:p'e, tha fena- tor quotes from & report that Jamaico negroes were the only ones that could do the work under the climatic conditions existing there. Tho whole th'ng appeared to Mr. Turpie as having every ind:cation of belng a gorgeous bubble. . Without waiting the conclusion of speech, the senate, at 415 p. m., went executive session, and at 4:28 p. m., adjournel, L DIRECTORS 100K IT ALL, No Money Left In the Newfoundland Bank for Anybody Klse ST. JOHNS, N. F., Dec. 18.—A heated meeting of the members of the Commercial Bank of Newfoundland resulted In etartling disclovares. Four firms, members of which are directors of the bank, owe the institu- on as follows: Goodfellow, §115,000; Good- ridge & Jobes, represcnted by Hutchings, §120,000; Duder, $600,000; Goodfellow & Co., $100,000. Goodridge & Jobes claim to be able to realize fully the amount of their liabilities, The sums owed by these con- cerns are three times the amount of the bank's capital stock, but if the assets are successfully realized upon the indebtedness of the bank will be so decreased as to per- haps admit of the payment of a reasonable dividend. It was learned some of the bank officials had overdrawn their accounts and that Bookkeeper Growdy, who is now miss- ing, had falsified the books so personal friends of his had overdrawn to th: amount of $30,000. CORISPI MAY RESIGN, Situation in Italy Growlng More and More Serious All the Time. LONDON, Dec. 18.—A Vienna dlspatch to the Chronicle says it is stated in Rome that Prime Minister Crispi's resignation is pected at any moment A dispatch to the Times from Romo says that troops continue to arrive in the city. Everything s quiet. Many ‘nembers of the Chamber of Deputies have gone home to spend the Christmas holidays. It s reported that Prime Minister Glolitti has passed through Vienna, but it s n't known where he I8 going, A dispatch from Rome to the Standard says the pope views the situation gravely, Hils hollness has been heard to say he fears th Gilolittl scandals are only the forerunners of still sadder events. ex- eneral Gourko Aro ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 18.—fn honor of the czar's name day, General Gourko, who on December 1 resigned the post of governor of Warsaw, will be made a fleld marshal. His resignation of the governorship of War- w, on account of ill-health, has heen ac- cepted. Grand Duke Serglus has heen made a member of the council of the empire aad will retain his post as governor general of Moscow. Br PARIS, prime oted, on Bucceeds Burdean. Dec. 18.—M. Brisson, who was ninister 0a the fall of M. Jules Ferry in 1885, was elected president of the Cham- | ber of Deputies in succession of the lute M. Burdeau. | moral | to right bath the CONVENTION'S LABORS ENDED Last Day of the Session at Denver is an Animated One, COMPLIMENT THE RETIRING FRESIDENT Strong Resolutions on the Debs Caso Adopted =One Delegnte Bitterly Attacks the OMcors of the Knights of Labor, R, Dec, 18.—~The great labor cone vention was in a melting mood when it ade Journed sine die at 6 o'clock this afternoon. A few minutes before adjournment the strongest leahers, P. J. Philadelphia and cago, who two of McGuire of Morgan of Chl six homas have for five or years en- livened each recurring copvention with a feud that seemed to grow stronger each year, told the convention what they thought of cach other, and then shook hands and decided to be friends, amid the plaudits of the assembled The closing hour devoted to telling personal ex= periences, President Gompers taking part in the recital of grievances, The most ime portant features of the day's work was the adoption of resolutions on the Debs matter, and these were of a character that was fully, anticipated. All attempts to resurrect the political questions were promptly suppressed. The attendance was not by any means full, many delegates having left for home last night. The balance will go tonight. Presi- dent Gompers returns east by way of Chi cago. The new officers take their positions on January 1, and in the meantime, the re moval of headquarters from New York to Indianopolis will be made. Treasurer Len- non will remain as a resident of New York City. The committen favorably on a makers' union tration, and it discussion, The committee reported adversely on the resolutions presented by the clothing workers of Boston favoring the “‘political platform' over which so much discussion was had last week. The whole matter was tabled without discussion. The committee reported without recom= mendation the plan to abolish the sweating system outlined in a bill prepared by Johm Frauey, assistant factory inspector of New York. Mr. Colien of the committee explained that some of the committee opposed tho bill which proposed to tax sweating out of existence, They held that such a law was not feasible. Other members held differently, and rather than make two reports they made none. President Gompers offered a substitute ree ferring the matter to the executive council, It was adopted. The committee on local and federated bodies recommended the revocation of the charters of some local street car unions im New England unless they should immedi= ately become identifled with the national ore ganization. Mr. Ratigan, representing the Boston union, said the officers of the Fed- eration were to blame for not having revoked the charter last year. After considerable discussion the was concurred in. CALLED EACH OTHER NAMES, When a regolution of Mr. Welsman of the bakers' unfon” regarding the trouble be= tween his organization and the Central Fed- eration of New York was reported, Delegate Morgan declared that the resolution would hardly have the desired effect as Mr. Wels- man was a parly to the dispute. Mr. Wels- man made some scathing reference to Mr. Morgan, Mr. Morgan, during his response to Mr. Weisman, was called to order by President Gompers. “I notice,” said Morgan; “that other mem= bers are allowed to abuse me personally at any and all times, but if I speak to the sub= ject under consideration I am out of order.” It any man has abused the delegates and officers of this Federation, that man Is Mr. Morgan,” #aid the president warmly. John F. O'Sullivan of Boston sprang to his feet, and, pointing to Mr. Morgan, sald: “I protest against this contemptible whelp mak- ing his scurrilous attacks upon members of this convention.” ““That comes from cultured Boston,” sald Mr. Morgan, who evidently enjoyed the dis- play of temper. “I hope the gentleman will withdraw that remark,” said Mr. Gompers, “I object to its withdrawal,” shouted Mr, Linehan of Chicago. “If he withdraws it T will repeat it."” Vigorous blows of the gavel brought order and the matter was dropped. The president stated that the Central Labor Federation had been refused a charter from the American Federation of Labor because it was a political party. It had since been fighting the Federation, After further discussion the resolution was adopted. The effect of the resolution Is to endorse the Bakers' union in its fight against the Central Labor Feredation of New York. REPORT ON THE DEBS CASE, Chairman Hysell of the special committee on the Debs decision made its report, which was unanimously agreed to. It Is as follows Seeing that courts of equity have extended their jurisdiction beyond all former limits and in a field heretofore entirely unknown to such courts, which action endangers the personal liberty and rights of our citizens individually and collectively, and, if not checked, may lead to serious results to the republic; it would therefore seem to us to be the part of wisdom on the part of those whose duty It is to look after the rights and liberties of the people, that is the lawmak- ini power of the federal government, (o pro= ceed at once to enact a law which ‘will “set a limit in su ceedings beyond which. equity courts 0t KO, While we recognize the rights of property, we also recognize that the rights of personal liberty, consistent with good government, are over and above all other rights, and it ghould be the part of the government to protect the weak as agaifist the strong, and 10 see 1o It that no Injustice Is done to any citizen, be he high or low, and that equal proteciion s given to the humblest of the land; therefore, be it Reolyed, i1y’ the American Labor in 'conventicn most respectfully and earncstly demand at the nds of our lawmaking body the en- actment of such laws as will carry out the principles above set forth, to the end that our peop! ; not lose confidence in their judicial instititions and thereby cause the very foundations of the republic to be en- dangered This convention having heard with regret of the conviction and possible incarceration in the county luil of Cook county, Hiinols, of Bugene V. Debs, president of the Ameriéan Rallway union, nd his co-laborers, 1 tho charge of being in contempt of court by violating the restraining order issued by the United States district court, which order was dssued at the instance of the General Railroad Managers assoclation of Chlcago; therefore, be it Tterolyed, Ly this convention that we ex- tend to ISugenc . Debs (. those ass0- clated with him in thelr present trouble, and to all of the other sl ur cages throughout the land, cur sinc symwpathy and miseration, promisc them both and floancial support in the struggle wrong already committed and those which may in the future be coms mitted In the nan, of the law, and we recommend (o this coventicn that the exs ecutive councl of the American Federation of Labor be instructed tn lend these men such financial aid as in thelr judgment the Federation Is able to sapp and they are further instructed to ald thim in securing legal cou 1 und adyice looking to the ap=- pealing of these cases Lo the supreme court of the United States, where the question of the right of the courts to lssue what is known ai-blanket injunctions may be finally tested, A resolution condemning (he purchase of nonunion bieycles by the Postal union was adepted. Chalrman Bramwood of the committee on Phillips' bill, providing a commisgion o con= sider labor laws, reported favorably. Mr, Pomeroy submitied a minority report opposs ing the bill, because it provides for an inters mediary between the people and thelr servs delegates. was on resolutions reported resolution from the Cigar- opposing compulsory arbi- was concurred in without repor§ } deration of ssembled, that we