The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, December 2, 1896, Page 1

4 ‘ > \ 0. " VOLUME LXXXL—N o P SAN FRANCISCO, WEDNESDAY MOENING, DECEMBER 2, 1896. WAR BETWEEN THE SCHOOL DIRECTORS MO HEALTH BOARD Director Henderson ~Arrested for Tearing Down a Warning Notice Posted by a Health Inspector. A WARRANTFORFATHER, far, e e Siois, 5, S BRENNAN. He Opered His Parochial School in Defiance of the Order of the Board. INJUNCTION TO BE ASKED FOR The Board of Education Will S:zek to Overthrow the Health Board in the Courts. The Board of Education and the Board of Henlth, two branches of the City zov- | ernment, have locked horns and eried de- fiance at each other. The Board of Health | bas ordered several of the schonls of the City to be closed for the reason that diph- theria tbreatens to beconie a widespread | epidemic. The Board of Education scoffed at the fears of the Board of Health and.| ordered the schools to be opened sgain. | Both boards imme:diately rushed to arms, g0 far as such ordinarily quiet and civil bodies can, and they made yesterday a| day of excitement in their immediate provinces. Deputies were stationed sbout the | schools by the Board of Health with or- | ders to see that the doors were kept closed | and that the pupils were not admitred. The Board of Education, feeling the breath of this opposition, assembled by | special call and there was not counsel in the direction of sending an army of other | deputies to meet and combat the deputies | of the Board of Health, This fiery temper | was allowed to sizzle a bit and then it was decided that the courts would be appealed to and an injunction would be asked this morning restraining the Board of1{ Health from inferiering with the special | powers amd responsihilities of the Board | of 'Education. School Director Henderson was arrested yesterday by Health Inspector Cameron for tearing dpwn a warning notice posted vy the latter,and Father Brennan has been served. with a warrant which calls bim before Police Judge Campbell this | morning on a charge of having violated-a health ordinance in that be opened St. Francis paréehial school after it had been ordered closed. Other arrests -are threat- ened to follow along in quick succession. In the meantime the pupils of the closed schools are having a vacation and are en-| joying it much more than the ordinary prosaic holiday affair, which comes among | the blessings that are expected and ac- | eepted as a matter of right. The boards of Health and of Education have had a row coming for a long time. Several times the Board of Health has made formal complaint of the unsanitary | condition of nearly all the schools, with special emphasis upon certain of them.'| Warnings were filed more than a year ago | concerning the unsanitary plumbing in | these schools in the Mission. Several | times during the past year the Board of | Health peremptorily ordered the closing of this or that school until some disease- breeding infraction of the sanitary laws was corrected. The Board of Health de- clares that the Board of Education prom- ised to have the oid unsanitary plumbing taken out ot these schools in the Mission | and new regulation plumbing substituted | during the long summer vacation and that they wholly failed and neglecied to do so. When diphtheria broke out in the vicinity of these schools and a number of ceses weré directly traced to them the | board felt not only justified but impelled | to order them closed as a means of pro- tecting the lives of the children. When | the Board of Education cried ‘‘hardsbip’” ardd ‘“outrage” the Board of Health simply pointed to the record and said, “It is upon yourown head; we forewarned on.” On the cther hand, the Board of Educa- cation sets forth a broad ground of griev- ance. In the first place it declares that there is no cause for the alarm that the Board of Health has struck. Dr. Clinton and Dr. Soper, members of the Board of | Education, flatly deny that there is any epidemic ot diphtherid in the City or auy part of the City. Dr. Clinton declares that the largest part of his practice is 1n that part of the | Mission said to be affected, and where the | schools are iocated, and be emphatically | says that there is no cause for the fear expressed by the Board of Health. The few cases of diphtheria reported, he says, does not indicate the possibie spread of the disease, and of those few cases a con- siderable proportion are not diphtheria at all. The next ground of gomplaint is that the Board of Education offered to make such alterations as could be effected with the money at hand, and which wouid put | the schools in perfectly safe sanitary con- dition for the time bemg—more than which is entirely impossible for lack of money. Finally the Board of Education claims that the action-of the Health Board is arbitrary and an unwarranted interfer- ence in its affairs. School Director Henderson, when he tore down the warning notice posted by Health Inspector Cameron, knew, be says, that he would be arrested. He was eager, however, to put the matter to the test. He declares that the health inspec- tors have no authority to make arrests, especially to arrest officials, énd he will push the matter in the courts. The schools closed are the Mission Grammar and ‘Marshail Primary on Mis- sion, near Sixth street, the Everett on Banchez, near Sixteenth street, and the 8t. Francis parochial on Dolores, near Sixteenth street. They have been shut up for several ference with the holiday examinations and exercises for which preparations had been well under way. The Directors resolved to order the schools to be reopened and did so and the clash came. Father Brennan of St Francis, though not acting under the direction of the Di- rectors, also declared - his intention to defy the health officials. He admitted the pupils of his school through his resi- dence and into. the ciassrooms by a side entrance while the health inspectors were guarding the front doors. AP HENDERSON ARRESTED. The School Director Challenges the Health Board by Tearing Down Its Notices.* Yesterday morning; the second day of the - school and health war, opened with the arrest of School Director H. C. Henderson and Thomas F. Lowney, & clétk in ‘the Recorder’s office, charged with tearing ‘down diphtheria placards from the school buildings. The Directors had expressed their determination to fol- low the example set by Father Brennan of 8t. Francis 8chool Monday and open the Mission Grammar and the Marshall and Everett primary schools, and the Board of Health was equally determined to pre- vent the'same. Di. Lovelace, with a force of eighteen in- spectors, was early on the grouna and they took their stations at the gates of the school inclosures. . Their labors were quiité easy, for as fust as ‘the pupils pnt in anappearance they were told that they could have a nice holiday vacation, which privilege they accepted ‘with their joyous sckool yell. Then -they stood -around to witness the turning of the tables for once on the teach- ers.- When these tried to enter the build- ings.they were politely told that the vaca- tion extended to them also. The proceedings were enlivened ‘some- what by the appearance of Superintend- ent Babcock at the Grammar School.. This officer . was also informed regarding the vacation and, notwithstanding his pro- tests, wag refused admjttance. About 9 o’clock S¢hool Director Hender- son appeared at the-door of the Marshall FPrimary and demhnded, that the doors be opened.. He was tald by Inspector J. W. "Cameron that the Board of Health had ordered the school closed and that he was there to prevent ‘any entry into the building. & Catching sight of the diphtheria placard Henderson asked by whose orders it hdd been placed there. When he was given. the information he declared that there was not enough force in the Board of Health to shut the'doors of the schools of this City. He- then tore'the offending sign down and was immediately arrested by the In spector. The Director offered no resist- ance, but asked to be taken to the office of Chief of Police Crowiey, where he was re- leased on his own recognizance. A:short time after this occurrence an | other arrest was made at the gate of the, Mission Grammar. Thomas F. Lowney- tore down the Health Office warning and was taken in charge by Inspectors Kinnie and Loane. Lowney isa clerk in the Re- corder’s office, and the Inspectors state that he was under the ipflugnce of liquor. FATHER® BRENNAN’S .CASE. A Warrant Issued for the Prlest for Violating a Health Ordinance. There was much excitement in and about the S8t. Francis school when the children assembled at the instance of Kather Brennan. He had assured the chiléren the day previous that the school would open its doors as usual. They were therefore dismayed on their grrival to be greeted with closed doors and the formidable sight of six deputies from tue Health Office guarding that entrance. There was nothing for Father Brennan to do but‘to come to an amicable agree- ment with those deputies, which he finally did with some conditions. He agreed not | to open the school and sent the 180 girls across the street to the Notre Dame Con- vent, where the Bister Superior took them in charge. The boys were' marched into the old St. Francis Church and then Father Brennan proceeded downtown to Eonsuh his attorney. When he returned e sent word to the Sister Snverior to send the children from the convent and the girls were soon gathered with the boys in theold cburch. The next move was made under some difliculties. To march the children from the rear of the church to the school was not such an easy task. Two deputies had remained to guard the school, but their efforts to restrain the children were un- | successful and the pupits were finally as- sembled in the schoolrooms. Father Brennan insists that he is justi- fied in allowing his school to remain open and declares that the opposition of the Board of Health is the result of the preju- aice felt toward the parochial schools. Yesterday afternoon Inspector Tobin swore t0 a complaint against Father Brennan for violating ordinance 1601 in tearing down the notices p sted by the Board of Health. Atalate hour two dep- uties called at the parochial residence and served the warrant for the arrest of the clergyman. Accompanying the warrant was a release on his own recognizance signed by Judge Campbell, and the father was notified to appear in that court this morning. e TO INVOKE THE LAW. The Board of Education WIIl Hire Attorneys to Fight the Board of Health. The Board of Education, on learning that School Director Henderson had been arrested for tearing down diphtheria no- tices and that teachers and scholars had been prevented from entering the Everett, Mission and Marshall schools, heid a spe- cial session last evening to take action in the matter. The meeting was spirited and full of bel- ligerent talk, but the cool-beaded mem- bers prevailed and shut off some resolu- e W'y i I I dectaration of war. 5 After President Scott had explained the object of the meeting.Direétor Comte in- troduced the following resolution: ‘WHEREAS, The Board of Health did, at its meeting held November 24, 1896, order clossd the Marshall Primary, Mission Gram- mar and Everett Grammar schools, elaiming that the same were not in a sanitary condi- tion: and, wheress, after consideraiion the Board of Education, at its meeting held No- vember 28, 1896, ordered certain repairs to be made which, in their juagment and from the testimony of the medical gentlemen who are mem bers of that poard, placed those cchools in saniiary eondition: and, whereas, it did or- der sand schuols opened on Tuesday morning, December 1; and whereas, the attempis of the principals, teachers and school officers-to open the said public echools on December. 1, 88 aforesaid, were interfered with by officers of the Board of Health,and the §aid schoois were by them continued closed, notwithstanding the fact that the said public schos in sanitary condition; and whereas, at least 2000 children are deprived of the privilege of at- tending school, without csuse; by the said ‘action of said Board of. . BIIC no sufficient or adequate remedy can ob- ;.:?-mgeelxto-pt through thé courts; now, there- Resolved, That proceedings be at once taken in court to the end that a speedy settlement of the coptroversy may be reached and the mat- ter finally adjudicated,and that this board for that purpose employ on its behalf such attorney or attorneys as may be selected by the president of this board and the Committee B Judiciary. . In support of his measure Director Comte said that the Board of Health, by atlempting to interfere with the Board of Education, was acting contrary to the spirit and policy of the laws and was ex- ceeding its authority. He characterized the actions of the members of the Health Department as uncourteous and 1legal and said it was time the arrogant Board of Healttt was brought to a prover realiza- tion of the rights of others. The resolu- tions were adopted unanimously. Director Murdock read-a long resolution which he said he had prepared apnd mere- ly offered for the consideration of the board. Itstone was too pacificito suit the other members and Superintendent Bab- cock said that while he appreciated the sentiments expressed, he thought ‘the measure already accepted was good enough and that the last paragraph of Di- rector Comte’s measure was sufficient., “‘We should bave no more temporizing with this matter,” he continued, ‘‘no more sugar-coated words for this board. Let us get an injunction to-night. We can find some Judge and fix the mattér up 80 that the schools can open to-morrow. Then Director Clinton came in with more resolutions that were fiery in ‘their tone. In his whereas he characterized the action of the Health Inspectors in ‘pre- venting scholars from entering the schools as criminal and uncalled for. He also ad- vocated the calling on the Chief of Po- lice for men to protect pupils and teachers. He moved that Director Comte’s resolution be rescinded and his own adopted. o % It was called to his attention that the Eglice would probably refuse to interfere tween two departments of the City government and then the doctor took an- other tack. “I move you, sir,”’ he said, “that the chair appoint a sufficient number of sergeants-at-arms to take care of these in- spectors. If necessary, let us go there with force and throw thes: minions of the Health Department out.” Let us, if neces- take possession of our own by “Where will we get men for this pur- pose ?”’ interrupted a member. “Oh! that’s all right,’’ said President Scott, “I'il appoint members of the board.” 5 Director Clinton collapsed during the silence -that followed and withdrew his motion. It was finally decided to let the original resolutions stand. Immediately after the meeting ad- journed a meeting of the Judiciary Com- mittee was held to see what action could be taken on short notice. It was decided to try to get Attorneys Sullivan and Sul- livan who are handiing Father Brennan’s case to look after the interests of the board. Owing to the lateness of the hour no action was taken, but a meeting will be held this morning at Dr. Comte’s office and something definite will be determined on at that time. .- KEEPS ON_ITS COURSE. The Board of Health Will Not Bend to the board of Education, The Board of Health added another chapter to its controversy with the Board of Kducation regarding the closing of the schools yesterday by refusing to change its course. A special meeting was held to wrestle with the subject, and the first action was taken with reference to the communication of the Board of Education declaring its intention of opening the Everett, Mission and Marshall schools, and inviting the heaith officials to inspect the same. The document was placed on file without comment. The health officer read a report showing the number of cases of diphtheria re- ported during the past month, and a gen- erai discussion on the subject ensued, Mayor Sutro said that there should be b tions that were as full of ginger as a |no conflict between the Boardsof Educa- tion and Health, and’ that a conference should be held and some anderstanding arrived at. 2 ° Dr. Hart replied tnat the Board of Health was not fighting the Board of Edu- cation, but was. merely trying to stamp out the disease. “Ten cases were reported yesterday,”’ he said, “‘five of them from the vicinity of these schools, and two from the same vicinity this morning. It is time we were making some progress in the fight against the disease.” The Mayor wanted to know whether it was not possible to disinfect the schools while the work of repdr‘m& ‘was going on, and on being tola by Dr. Williamson that such a ‘plan was not feasible said that in’ that case the schools ought'to be closed. Dr. Fitzgibbon wanied some action taken toward forcing the destruction of the bed.: clothing of those who bhad affli with the ase. He sa:d thatin D, ases. le_sold or gave the ORI AT Uists A on as wiron | het in that way. - . No action was taken and the board ad- journed until the 8th, thongh a meeting will probably be called in the meantime. After the meeting it was learned that Father Brennan had opened the St. Fran- cis Bchool and torn down the diphtheria Elnends in defiance of the board, and the ealth officer ordered that a warrant be sworn out for his arrest. 5 e DOCTORS DISAGREE. Clinton and Soper Speak Out About the Health Board. ‘What makes the conflict over the health quiestion the more interesting is that two of the members of the Board of School Directors are physicians, practicing their profession in the Mission, where diphthe- ria germs are said to be holding high car- nival. > Dr. Clinton and_Dr. Soper both deny that there is any ground for the action of their professional brethren of the Board of Health. Boitisreally a case of doctors disagre ing. “In my practice in the infested dis- trict,” said’ Dr. Clinton, I have nothing to warrant such arbitrary measures, such as the.closing of the schools and frighten- ing the parents of the pupils. Many cases are reported as-diphtheria that are not that disease at all. remember eight genu ago when I was a member of the oard of Health -we had a smallpox scare. A lot of those cases were reported and they were only chicken-pox and some ‘other skin eruption and yet they were mistaken for smallpox by physicians quite as eminent as the gentlemen of the present Health Board. “Now, let me say that I have the most friendly feeling for the members of the board. I think it is the best health body the City has ever had, but I think it is over-zealous,. A diphtheria epidemic did not exist when they announcea it hefore, and it does not exist now. “When the Board of Education, by or- der of the Board of Health, planks the schoolvard and puts the vaults in sanitary condition, the latter body has no right to order the vaults taken out and replaced by new ones costing a large sum of money. ‘It exceeds its powers when it says that only a certain kind of plumoing shall be used. All that is expected of any citizen is to keep his premises in good sanitary condition, and that can be done without using a particular style of plumbing, whether the Board of Health favors it or not. On second thougnt, it is passing strange that.the Board of Health is anxious to get a lot of plumbing done at this juncture. I wonder who is the plumber? ¥ “Regarding the vaults, possibly the open ones are even better than the closed ones. Open vaults may be flushed often and ex- amined daily. Those in the condemned schools are properly supplied with traps and no sewer gas gets into the schools. When the yardsare planked and the vaults flushed the schools'are in & sanitary con- dition, the Board of Health to the con- trary notwithstanding.” Dr. Soper spoke in the same strain and deplored the “‘scare” that was being need- lessly brought on the City by the closing and condemning of the Mission schools. He bad been called to treat four cases of diphtheria during the vast few months, and he believed that many of the reported cases bf diphtheria were not diphtheria at all, and he decidedly disagreed with the Board of Health. e R UNWHOLESOME BUILDINGS Dr. J. F. Morse States That the School Directors Were Warned SCHOOL DIRECTOR HENDERSON EARING DOWN THE DIPHTHERIA NOTICE: . I STERANEIS PAROCHIAL SO0 War Between the Health Board and the School Board. The Four S_ého&lsi That Have .B.een:"Clos_e' Becauseof the Prevalence ot Diphtheria, School Director Henderson Tears Down a Warning Notice Posted by the Health Inspectors and Is Arrested. quit. So we got tired waiting. and- closed the Missios Grammadr, the Marshall, the Everett and the -St. Francis schools, as’ they are in a devlorable condition. San’ Francisco pays $1.200,000 a year- for her schools and the City 1s not getting the. right return for the money. % am’glad this question has come up in this shape, as the Board of Health wants to know just- where it 1s at and* how much power it has-| in the enforcement of sanitary regula- | tions. 3 ik “Dr. Ciinton takes upon himgelf to criticize the action of this board and'states’ that of the eighty cases of diphtheria | reported during the past two months only" a small percentage was really diphtheris. He thns questions the diagnostic abilities-, ‘of the physicians who reported .those | cases, when he’ himself knows nothing about them. £ ¥ - + “Health Officer Lovelace says the or- ders of the Board of Health will be car- - Q There is diphtheria in the on, and the new cases coming in every day proves that the contagion is spreading. . The Board of Education was long ago notified that the bpildings were«in need of repairs, but i did not heed the warning.” . Lia Al THE CONDEMNED SCHOOLS Dr. Hart Says the Board of Health Only Deésires to Protect the Pupils. : The; following is from an interview with Dr. Henry H. Hart, a member of the Board of Health: It is the intention of the Board of Health to keep the schoois closed that were condemned at e previous meeting, and it is also the intenticu of the board to condemn all public and private schools that are in an unsanitary condition. The very fact that new ){}tnking was put down in the Everett and Mission Grammar and the Marshall Primary schools after being ordered done by the Board of Health Isan admission on the part of the Board of Educa- tion that it was rotteri and not fit for farther use and dangerous_to health and life; otherwise the work would be leff undone. 1t isnot the intention of the Boardof Health to make war with the Board of Education, but “‘we are battling with one of the most terrible diseases that the human family can be afflicted with—diphtheria. The Board ot Health does not wish to convey the 1dea thatan epidemic of diphtheria exists in this City, but we do koow that it prevails in the portion of the Mission in which the above-named schools are located. Within the past sixty days nearly 100 cases of diphtheria have been reported to the Health Office, followed by a number of deaths of inno- cent children. A large proportion of cascs have been traced to the schools, and under the circum- stances the health authorities have taken the matter in hana, not to create & hardship on the people, but to protect the innocent chil- dren and even adulis, who are exposed o the dread disease. As health officers 1t is our duty to look after the sanitary affairs of this City. That our public schoools are in an anitary condition 1s a- well-known fact, and a year ago the Board of Education prom- 1sed to place them in nitary condition, but have failed to do so. Ishouid think it the duty of the members of the Board of Education to work hand in hand with the Board of Health in this matter. Most of them are men of families and we do not know where the blow may fall next. The Board of Education are now willing to modify the form of plumbing that exists. They are willing to have a greater flow of water into the closets, but this is not considered by experts as uniuri plumbing. Again the above fact is proof that the Board of Education admit that there is something radically ‘wrong, for why do they want to make any changes at all in the plumbing if it was not absolntely pecessary jor the welfare of the school children and teachers? . My opinion is that the Board of Health has absolute power in this matter and ali other matters pertalning to the health of San Fran- cisco. The people look to the heal thori- ties for protection against epidemics, and now that we have so many cases of diphtheria in the neighborhood above mentioned we warn them to keep their children from such schools as are condemned by the Board of Health, and have them return when the schools are de- clared by the Health Officer as being in a sani- tary condition. The people who are taxpayers have a right to demand of the city authorities sanitary schools, as two-thirds of a childhood’s life is spent at school. ‘We have no objection for the school board, or, in fact, any individual to test the power and right of the Board of Health. The present Board of Health have labored night and day for the welfare of the people und the City ; our work is voluntary; no re- muneration is received; we expect none; but while we are in office it is our intention to devote our every energy to elevate the health standard of one of tlie most beautiful cities in the world. It is our intention, if possible, to cleanse this City from one end to another, which will include public as well as private institutions, the rich as well, as the poor. It is for the peo- ple that we act; they expéctit. Bt it 2 s THOSE RED SIGNS. a Year Ago. . Dr. John F. Morse, chairman of the Board of Health, stated yesterday that the School Directors were notified a year ago that about thirty of the school build- 1ngs were in an unsanitary condition. “They said they would repair the vaults and floors, and otherwise place those schools in a healthiul condition,” said Morse. “They repaired about a half dozen and| “The placing of those flaring red danger " School Director Henderson Objects to Danger Signals on the School 4 Bulldings. School Director H. C. Henderson took his arrest quite philosophically and said _he expected it, but was determined to tal a decided stand against what he considers to be the arbitrary action of the Board of Health, signs around all over the schoolproperty,” -said .he ‘last -evening, “was unnecessary and-improper. ' 'So I-began, tearing-one of them down. “Of course the inspec and.I submitted without a proceedings by 1ing at-the time that he was-authorized to make. an arrest. But -1 .was--afterward ‘told at the- office of the.Chief of Police’ legal right to. make .that ad. known -that I would have resisted such action. . “If. I thought for an -instant that the life of any pupil-was placed ‘in “jeopardy by attendance . at, any- school .in this City by reason of its sanitary condition, then 1 would be the first-to_advocste the closing of that school. But I do not believe such is the case:and I shall object to-the lock- ing of the. school.doors; you may depend upon-it.” 25 el ——— . ‘MORE DIPHTHERIA. Three New ‘Cases Were Reported .at the Health Office " Yesterday. ‘While the Boards of Educatiofi and Health are preparing for war over the closing of the school from which the lat- ter body believes .that’diphtheria ‘is -that he had n ol F spreading, the dread diseasé continues its | -march. - 7 ¢ Three new cases were reporied from the Mission yesterday, making -thirteen for the, past three days. follows: 108 Hartford street, 4577 Eigh- teenth street and 219)¢ Sancbez street. One death was also reparted, that of a child living at 4214 Nineteenth stfeet. TYNAN'S TOUCHING SENTIMENT. Lotters That .Speak of the Gratrtude of Ireland’ for the Kind Treatment 2 of France. NEW YORK, N. Y,,'Dec. 1.—P. J. P. Tynan, the notorious “No. 1" who re- cently returned to this city from France, gave to the United Associated Presses to- day copies of the following letters, which explain themselves: ¥ NEW YORK, Nov. 5, 1896. [Editor-in-Chicf La Patrie: Permit me, through the medium of La Patrie, to thauk the gener- ous press of France for its intercession in my favor and to express at the same time my deep seatiment of gratitude to the Governmentand people of your magnificent country for the kind treatment of whigh I was the recipient during my imprisonment at Boulogne. To you, persouslly,” sir, whom I had the pleasure of knowing before that event, Iex- tend my warmest expressions of everlasting friendship. The acciaent of which I was the victim for some weeks has at least contributed to increase the hope cherished iri Irish hearts to see in the fature the triumph of their strug- gle for independence. My countrymen have been able toprove by this event the support given us by the French press. Before terminating my letter, permit me to acquaint you ‘with the sentiments thatat present animate. all Irish hearts. They all wish most ardently that the contemplated union between France and Russia for the sake of oppressed humanity.should have the most glorious results: they all wish that when Ire- land has taken that place among the nations which is hers by right, that her children will become the most valiant champions of the sacred cause of progress; they hope too, that when the happy hour of their deliverance comes that chivalrous France willremember Ireland, whose sons have often shed their blood in battle for your country. Receive, dear Mr. Millevoye, my sincere friendship. PATRICK J. P. TYNAN. LA PATRIE, 12 RUE DE GROISSAULT, PARIS, November 19, 1896. ; Dear Mr. Tynan: We are most deeply touched by the sentiments you have ex- pressed. The ultimate union of Ireland and France consecrated in history by so many heroic acts accomplished in common is again to-day a great and consoling truth, The de- liverance of your country 1s one of the most. They were located as |- WETLER'S POLEC * IFEXTERMINTON {But the Cuban Army Has Been Strengthened by Supplies. Insurgents Now Control at Least Three-Fourths of the Troubled ' Island. . Havana May "Be . Besieged and Cap- ‘tured the Same as Smaller Piaces. WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec. 1.—Benor Gonzales Quesada, * who represents the Cuban Junia in Washington, was inter- viewed to-day regarding the situation of affairs in Cuba- He asserts that General ‘Weyler has entered upon a policy of ex- termination, and that he is pursuing this course in compliance with his instructions from Spain. “The same course,” he said, ‘has been pursued in the Philippine Islands, as scores of reputable’ English witnesses have testified. In the Philippine Islands all the tortures of the Inquisition have been brought into requigition, and the proof is positive that sixty revolutionists were put 1in the Biack Hole in Manila and asphyxi- ated.” - Speaking of the military situation in the island, Senor Quesada explained that the Cuban army had been sirengthened and made ready for an active winter cam- paign by the landinc oi 7500 rifles and several pieces of artillery, as well as a big supply of ammunition and medical stores. The insurgents now number 35,000 men, ad this number will be doubled as soon. . the proper arms can be supplied them. le denies the stories of sickness among the insurgents, and explains that they are thoroughly acclimated and: determined to continne the fight indefinitely. Food supplies ,are also plentiiul, and even Maceo, who occupies the least favorable proviuce, that of Pinar del Rio, has cattle enough to last his forces two years. “Three-fourths of the island,” Senor Qaesada continued, ‘*Yis in the handsof_ tne Cubans under the control of the civil government. In the provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Port au Prince the Spanish hold but five or six inland towns and they are heavily garrisoned. Some of these towns are now being besieged by the Cubans, the last one taken by the patriot forces being Guairamo. General Calixto Garcia took this town after a twelve days’ siege. There were sixteen forts protecting the town and one by one they were disabled by our artillery and abondoned by their Spanish garrisons, who took refuge and barricaded them- selves in a large stone church in the cen- ter of the town. General Garcia ordered twelve-pounder and six-pounder guns to be used against the massive old builaing. ““The Spanish sent messages to Caste- ardent desires of our hearts. The nour des-§1lanos for re-enforcements, but were com- tined by God for the triumph of your sacred cause will have the support and warm wishes of all the patriots’ of France. Most sincerely yours, L. MILLEVOYE. O S Death of Ex-Senator Scott. . PHILADELPHIA, Pa., Dec. 1.—Hon. John Scott, ex-United States Senator irom Pennsylvania and general solicitor of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, died Sunday at his residence in this city after a brief illness. He was 74 years of age. At the expiration of his Senatorial term President Giant tendered him the post of Secretary of the Interior in his Cabinet, but Scott declined. 3 —ig Closed by a Kun. G KANSA8 CITY, Mo, Dec. 1.—The Bank of Westport, Mo., closed its doors last evening, after making an assignment for the benefit of its creditors. There was a run on the bank just before it closed. Its capital is $10,000.° The assets agere- eate $32,000; Dhabilities, $20,000. The failure of the Missouri National Bank in this city was the cause of the run. o pelled to surrender before he arrived. - One captain, four lieutenants, twenty-five subaltern officers and nearly 300 vrivates surrendered. Weyler's policy of shooting prisoners was not carried out by General Garcia, who sent nineteen wounded to the —— The expense of doctors’ bills. Keepyour blood pure, your digestion good and your system reguiar at this season by taking a course of Hood’s Sarsaparilla The best—in fact the One True Blood Purifier. Hood’s Pills & e only pills to take with Hood's Sarsaparilla.