Newspaper Page Text
VOLUME LXXX.-NO. 136.
TERRIBLE CALAMITY.
Explosion of Fire-Damp in a
Pennsylvania Mine Shaft
OVER A HUNDRED MINERS MEET
THEIR DEATH.
Sbrty Families Left Wholly Dependent
on Charity for Sustenance—Every
thing Being Done to Supply the
Widowed Mothers and Children
With tho Necessities of Life.
Special to the Record-Union.
Scottdale (Pa.), Jan. 27.—8y an ex
plosion of fire-damp in the mammoth
shaft of the H. C. Fricko Coke Company
to-day, eighty sturdy miners were ush
ered into eternity and a number seriously
Injured.
The explosion occurred this morning
ibortly after 0 o'clock, and it is supposed it
was the result of the ignition of a minor's
oil lamp. The after-damp, which fol
lowed the fire-damp explosion, suffocated
nearly every workman. A few men,
realizing the full ituation, fell to the
ground, thereby preventing the gas from
striking them. The persons not killed
are in such a critical condition, that their
deaths are momentarily expected.
Up to this writing fifty bodies have
been recovered, all without a sign of life.
The fire which broke; out after the explo
sion was soon extinguished by immense
fans which were pa! in operation. The
gaa has about all been driven from the
pit, and tlio work of rescuing the en
tombed miners commenced.
The mammoth plant embraces 009
ovens, one of the largest plants in the
coke region, but it is hard of access. It is
situated near the United Works, where an
explosion recently destroyed the entire
shaft.
The affair has cast a gloom over the en
tire coke region, and to-night hundreds
of miners are Hocking to the scene of the
disaster, offering assistance.
The appalling loss of life in the Dunbar
rttmater is more than overshadowed by
the destruction of life in the Mammoth
calamity. The news spread throughout
the- entire coke region with great rapid
ity, and everybody was awe-stricken.
Coffins have already been ordered for
eighty persons from Mt. Pleasant under
takers. No one escaped from the mine
in condition to tell the story of the awful
disaster.
It is estimated that there are sixty
wives and families left wholly dependent
on the charity of the world ior sustenance
by this disaster. In fact they are almost
penniless, as the plant has not been run
ning full for sometime, and work has
been scarce. Everything possible will lie
resorted to to supply the widowed
mothers aud children "with the necessi
ties of life. The Fricke Compaq- will
act liberally in this direction, and Master
Workman Peter Wise has sent an appeal
for aid to the miners and cokers of the
region.
Lat;:ii— At midnight it is stated that
110 men were killed in the explosion.
Sixty bodies have been taken out so far.
The mine is again on lire, and it is feared
all other bodies will be cremated.
MOBS DETAILS.
This evening a partial story of the dis
aster was obtained.
An unexpected flow of gas was struck,
and the miners working in the headings
connected with flags No. 2, 3 and 4 were
all killed. The fire boss, as is his duty,
hail been in the mine and examined the
working places. His mangled body lies
at the morgue. The only evidence that
he attended to his duties are the regular
certificates of inspection received from
him this morning, which guaranteed the
mines safe.
The miners knew these certificates had
been tilled out and went to work. They
never returned.
Superintendent Keighly, who was Mine
Inspector in Dunbar District when that
horror occurred, was at the mine when
the explosion took place. He immediately
called for volunteers, and gathering a
few about him, descended the shaft. Be
fore doing so he notified General Super
intendent Dinah, and that gentleman or
dered all the mine Superintendents in the
region to the scene.
When the volunteers entered the mine
a sight impossible to picture met them.
A bank of cars, mules and, more terrible
than all, men, were piled in a compact
mass against the ribs, or walls of coal,
and not a living thing was in the wreck
age.
It was almost as solid as the coal itself,
so terrific was the force of the explosion.
This obstruction was removed with
difficulty, and they entered a veritable
chamber of horrors. The firstobject they
discovered after leaving the main entry
was a gum boot.
In it was the leg of a man.
Further on, they found a human head,
but nowhere in sight was the trunk that
had borne it. But in a few minutes, after
■walking a short distance, surrounded by
dangers unseen, they found the trunk,
and the ragged neck with blood oozing
from it told the story of the appalling
disaster. Working their way in, they
found bodies strewn all along the gang
viiy.
One unfortunate met his death while on
his knees in prayer, with his hands
clasped and his eyos uplifted. His body
waa found in this position.
It was a pathetic picture.
While all this was occurring, people of
the region were concentrating at the
scene of the disaster. Women and chil
dren and relatives und friends of the un
fortunate victims rushed to the mouth of
the pit shrieking and sobbing, and the
scene was one never to be forgotten.
Following tlitfm came the physicians
and undertakers from Seottdale," Mount
Pleasant and Greensburg, and after them
Father Lambing of Scottdale, who went
among the bereaved with words of sym
pathy and condolence, besides urging the
men to greater work in rescuing any who
might be alive and imprisoned.
The services by the physicians were
little needed, for every man in the build
ings where tho explosion occurred was
killed. None were injured and lived.
Dead bodies were brought up every few
minutes. Every corpse was covered, and
no one even ventured to inquire which
body it was, for they knew every one in
that part of the mine at the time of the
explosion was dead.
Superintendent Keighly was sorely dis
tressed. He had been in'two other mine
disasters, the Dunbar and Youngstown,
but this was far worse. He said:
"No man living knows the cause of the
accident, and it will never be known for
it certainty. Not so many were killed by
the explosion, but the" dreaded after
damp came, and the unfortunates suc
cumbed to it. This is shown by the fact
that only those bodies in the immediate
vicinity of the most wreckage were
mutilated."
One of the foremen connected with the
mine said that safety lamps were not
used, as the presence "bf^as was not sus
pected.
John W. Bell, fire boss at Heckla No.
I, said: "About two years ago there was
an explosion of gas at this mine, and one
man was burned to death. No safety
pumps were used here. There was too
jnuch work for one boss, anyhow. They
discharged one a couple of weeks ago to
•educe expenses, and one man has been
forced to do'the work. I managed to se
pur» the last report of the Mine Inspector,
THE RECORD-UNION.
and it is a very important document just
now."
The latest examination of the mammoth
mine by the State Inspector was made on
January ltith. It shows that at the inlet,
which is a slope a mile or more away
from the shaft, there was 55,080 cubic feet
of air entering. The general condition of
tho mine was marked as fair.
Superintendent Lynch said to-night
that he thought it possible in drawing
ribs or pillars some miner tapped the gas.
All lights were open and the gas was an
unexpected thing.
Up to 1 o'clock sixty have been re
covered. Every live minutes a corpse is
brought to the surface and passed through
the line of watchers without comment,
save the expression of "another one." It
is impossible to obtain a list of tho dead,
as not even tho bosses knew who went
down in the nioeniug.
FATAL RAILROAD COLLISION.
Particulars of the Accident to a Special
Military Train.
Topeka, Jan. 27.—The particulars of
the collision between the passenger train
and the special bearing United States
troops from Pine Ridge, which occurred
last evening on the Union Pacific, near
Marysville, Kan., have been received
here.
The special train consisted of seven
passenger cars and twenty-four freight
cars, and had on board 400 soldiors.
Part of the Seventh Cavalry and ISat
tery E of the Light Artillery were bound
for Fort Riley.
Three engines and several cars are a
complete wreck.
Sergeant Schortbat, of the Light Bat
tery, and private Meil, of Troop G,
Seventh Cavalry, were killed. Captain
Godfrey, of Troop D, and Sergeant Sharp,
of Troop G, were seriously injured, and
several other non-oommiadoned officers
and privates were painfully hurt.
Lizzie Dennett, of Lincoln, Neb., had
hefearm broken and her head cut, and
baggageman Kimball, conductor Flynn
and one or two others were slightly" in
jured. A number of cavalry horses were
killed.
The conductor of the military train,
whose carelossncs is responsible for the
wreck, has disappeared.
Xew Barbed "Wire Company.
Chicago, Jan. 27.—The barbed wire
manufacturers, after a lengthy discus
sion, have decided to form tho Colum
bia Patent Company, to handle and con
trol the barbed wire patents alter they
are purchased from Washburn & Moeii.
Instead of a tribute to the latter firm each
manufacturer will pay $1 per ton royalty
to the new company and the profits of the
company will l>e distributed among the
stockholders.
Washburn <fc Moen will lie paid in the
neighborhood of £300,000 for tho patent.
The company will be organized within a
C tuple ol a months.
Passenjror Agents' Meeting.
Chicago, Jan. 27.—A meeting of the
passenger officials of the transcontinental
and trans-Missouri lines was held to-day
to consider the complaint of Salt Lake
City, Utah, of high rates, as compared
with those to Montana and California.
No action was taken, pending the arrival
of the Salt Lake committee to-morrow.
A majority of the roads favor equalizing
the rates by advancing those to Montana,
instead of cutting them to Salt Lake, but
it remains to be seen what will be done.
The Brooklyn Bridge.
NewYouk, Jan. 27.—1t was thought
the great mass of snow Sunday subjected
the Brooklyn suspension bridge to a great
and perhaps a dangerous strain. Chief
Engineer Martin has been calculating the
extra weight on the cables and the result
of his investigations show the strain was
insignificant compared with the strength
of the cables. He calculates the snow on
the bridge at 400 tons, about the weight of
four trains. The dellection of the cable is
so slight that it is not noticeable.
Tariff Bill and Ueelproelty.
Springfield (Mass.), Jan. 27.—The ag
ricultural papers which a short time ago
announced the result of the postal card
votes of 110,000 farmers from all parts of
the country on Presidential preferences,
has compiled the result on the tariff. It
sho-vys a considerable majority for the
MeKinley bill; an overwhelming demand
for Blame's scheme of reciprocity, and an
almost equally strong protest against re
ciprocity with Canada.
Kay Hamilton Reported Alive.
Philadelphia, Jan. 27.—The Times
to-morrow will publish a story in sub
stantiation of the report in regard to Robert
Ray Hamilton being alive and residing
in Sydney, N. S. W., under an assumed
name. The statement was made to a re
porter by an intimate friend of Hamilton,
and the truth of it is vouched for by sev
eral letters he received from Hamilton
since his alleged death.
World's Fair.
Chicago, Jan. 27.—The first stake was
driven and the first spadeful of earth
turned on the Lake Front to-day in con
nection with the World's Fair. Prepara
tions began by the erection of a tempo
rary building to be used by the Chief of
Construction and his assistants. Some
property-owners opposite Lake Front
Park threaten an injunction.
International Press Club Convention.
PiTT.snuRG (Pa.), Jan. 27.—The first In
ternational Press Club Convention opened
in this city this morning. Sixty dele
gates were present frem the principal
cities of this country and Canada. Foster
Coatoß of New York was elected Presi
dent. After the appointment of a com
mittee to prepare plans for organization,
the convention adjourned.
Durango Steel Company.
Chicago, Jan. 27.—The Directors ot the
Durango Steel and Iron Company of
Mexico, representing interests of eight
millions, to-day considered propositions
from an English syndicate to purchase
the company. The matter was referred
to a committee.
Death of Mrs. Flack.
New York, Jan. 27.—Mrs. Flack, for
merly the wife of ex-Sheriff James A.
Flack, died this morning. Her illness
dates from the day she discovered tho
perfidious method her husband took to
rid himself of her by a fraudulent di
vorce.
Futnl Shooting Affray.
New Orleans, Jan. 27.— J. B. Davis
was instantly killed and his brother Sam
uel fatally injured in a shooting affray
wtth David Leatherinan, at Pointe Cou
pee Parish, over money matters.
Disaster at Sea.
New York, Jan. 27.—A steamer just
arrived from the Windward Islands re
ports that the bark Nova Scotia was
wrecked the first part of this month and
the Captain and oilicers and six men were
drowned.
General Miles in C'hicncro.
Chicago, Jan. 27. —General Miles, with
forty-eight Indians, arrived this evening
from Pine Ridge. Thirty of the bucks
were taken to Fort Sheridan and eight
chiefs will be sent on to Washington.
Hearst's Condition Improved.
Washington, Jan. 27. —The improve
ment noted in Senator Hearst's condition
improves, and he is very comfortable.
At 4 a. m.—No change was reported
from Senator Hearst's residence.
Eastern Temperature.
Chicago, Jan. 27. —The temperature
this morning at 8 o'clock was as liollowa:
Chicago, 32°; Cincinnati, 36°; St. Louis,
44°; W iunipeg, 18° above
SACRAMENTO, WEDNESDAY MOKNTST&, .LANTJAIIY 28, 1891.
POLITICAL CIRCLES.
The Senatorial Question in Kansas
Settled.
W. A. PFEFFER WILL SUCCEED SEN
ATOR INGALLS.
Ex-Senator Vllas Elected as Senator to
Succeed Spooner of "Wisconsin—Pro
ceedings of the Farmers' National
Alliance at Omaha—The Nebraska
Legislature Approves the Senate's
Action on the Election Bill.
Special to the Record-Union.
Topeka, Jan. 27.—When the next
Congress meets the seat of Hon. John
James Ingals will be occupied by Wil
liam Alfred Pfett'er, of the Farmers' Alli
ance, -who in the joint session of the
Kansas Legislature to-morrow will be
formally declared elected United States
Senator.
The predictions of the "knowing ones"
that the Alliance would be unable to
agree upon a candidate, and that its fail
ure to agree would disrupt tho organiza
tion, went wide of their mark. The cau
cus was harmonious last night, and on
each ballot the one receiving the lowest
vote was dropped from the list until the
choice was made.
The rumors of a deflection in the vote
in the House to-day were likewise proved
unfounded.
The proceedings of both Houses were
of an orderly character. In the House
fifty-three petitions from G. A. B.
veterans throughout the State, for re
election of Ingalls, went over under the
rules. When the result of the ballot was
announced, the Alliance men went wild
and cheered for several minutes.
The ballot for United States Senator re
sulted : House—Pfeller 90, Ingails '£t,
Hlairo. Senate—lngalls 35, PfefferSJ, Blair
(Dem.), Congressman Morrill and Sena
tor Kelly 1 each.
William Alfred Pfetfer was born in
Cumberland County. Pennsylvania, in
1831, and is of Dutch parentage. In
1850 he caught the gold fever and
went to California, where he remained
two years. He made considerable money
and returned to Pentislyvania, and soon
after removed to Indiana and later to
Missouri. He served during the war in
the Eighty-third Illinois Volunteers. At
tho close of the war he settled at Clarkes
ville, Term., practicing law, and in 1.570
he moved to Kansas, taking up a claim.
At different times he edited various
papers, served in the State Senate, and
was a delegate to the National Republi
can Convention in 18S0. In that year he
moved to Topeka and assumed editorial
control of the Kansas Farmer, and after
ward bought the paper. He has been en
gaged in the publication of that paper
ever since. The paper was of wide cir
culation among the Kansas farmers, and
had much influence over them.
He joined the Farmers' Alliance move
ment a year ago, and in the spring of last
year began a bitter determined warfare
ugainst Ingalls' re-election. Up to a year
ago Pfeffor was a stanch Republican,
when he joined the Farmers' Alliance.
He outlined his policy as Senator to the
Associated Press representative to-day.
He said that he favored the absolute and
unlimited coinage of silver and a conser
vative expansion of the currency along
other lines. He was in favor, he said, of
protection to home industries, but be
lieved that the best protection did not
always result from a high tariff. Protec
tion by tariff as a general principle, ho
said, was wrong. A high tariff should be
called in to aid only individual struggling
industries. He now favored an average
ad valorum duty of 20 per cent. He is
opposed to the force bill.
Senator Ingalls in an interview this
afternoon said he had no plans for the fu
ture except that he knows he will remain
in Kansas.
MOODY LOSING GROUND.
Pikiire (S. D.), Jan. 27.—Two ballots
for Senator were taken without result to
day. Moody has released the Republican
caucus, but will not withdraw from tho
race. His vote fell to-day on the last bal
lot to 39, against 72 yesterday. All sorts
of speculation is being indulged in.
NEW JERSEY LEGISLATURE.
Trenton, Jan. 27.—1n both branches of
the Legislature last night a resolution
was made the special order for Tuesday
next denouncing the clot-lions bill and
declaring the State will withhold the Ap
propriation for the World's Fair if the
bill becomes a law.
VILAS ELECTED.
Madison (Wis.), Jan. 27. — Vilas
received a majority over Spooner to-day
when both Houses of the Legislature
voted for United Suites Senator.
The Democrats of the Lower House
this morning passed, under suspension
of the rules, a bill to repeal the Bennett
compulsory education law.
NO RESULT REACHED.
Springfield (111.), Jan. 27.—After tho
thirty-seventh ballot for United States
Senator had been taken without result
the joint session adjourned till noon to
morrow.
OPPOSITION* TO TITE ELECTION BILL.
Lincoln (Nob.), Jan. 27.—Resolutions
were adopted in both branches of the
Legislature this morning approving: the
action of tiie United States Senate in
refusing to consider the force bill.
Indianapolis tlnd.), Jan. 27.—The
Senate, this evening, alter a long debate,
adopted the Houso resolution not to
make an appropriation for the World's
Fair if the elections bill becomes a law.
An adverse report from the committee on
the bill requiring the American Hag to be
floated over the school bouses was con
curred in.
farmers' national alliance.
Topeka, Jan. 27.—The eleventh annual
: meeting of the Farmers' National Alli
ance convened here this morning. A re
solution was adopted excluding all per
sons not members of the alliance from
the sessions. About one hundred and
fifty delegates were present. The morn
ing session was consumed in routine
business and the reading of President
Powers' annual address.
President Powers, in his address, advo
cated the general organization of t rales
unions and Knights of Labor with the
Alliance. No effective arrangements of a
national character for the conduct of tho
business industries of the country can be
made and prove of benefit without being
in effect the laws of the organization
which adopts them. To prevent a general
and continual conflict with the laws, tho
Government itself must be controlled by
these societies.
For the attainment of this object, Powers
opposed a new political party as not prac
ticable for industrial organizations, as
the platform on which the party might
be formed would soon become obselete.
He asked his hearers to witness the two
parties which have divided the Govern
ment for the last thirty years. He fa
vored independent political action, and
believed in the men pledging themselves
to vote for good men or good measures,
because the majority of any party or
class of men may demand it."
He outlined the plan of action as fol
lows: "Let the Alliance discuss and
agree upon such measures as it deems
expedient to form a basis for political
action for this year and next. Place this
by correspondence before the otbdSr great
industrial organizations, and with their
concurrence let a convention be called to
compare views and adopt as a national
platform a concise set of principle? which
can be cordially supported by all. Pub
lish them to the world ; disseminate them
and prepare for the great struggle in 1892."
Powers thought the subjects on which
those principles wore founded were
included in the following list: Money
reform, ballot reform and the suppres
sion of any vice tolerated by law to
imperil our national prospurty.
Powers dwelt at length on the money
question, and advocated the loaning of
money by the Government to the work
ing people without interest. If money is
thus furnished by the Government, ita
hoarding will soon be stopped, and all
tho money will soon be in circulation.
Ho urged that the Government should
take the railroads into their own hands,
and furnish a service for the people
which the corporations have failed to do.
This could be brought about either by
purchase or confiscation.
Land reform was only lightly touched
upon. Powers advocated taking tho
right of franchise from tho ignorant and
vicious and giving it to women.
In conclusion, Powers said: "There
was a time when the corporation and
moneyed oligarchies looked upon us with
contempt. That condition is changed.
The enemy is already marshaled for bat
tle. Wo must conquer, or sutler igno
minious defeat."
At the afternoon session a resolution by
a delegate from Illinois, expressing the
"wish of the National Alliance that the
Legislature of Illinois select for United
States Senator a man favorable to the wel
fare and prospects of the Alliance," was
adopted and telegraphed to Springfield.
A resolution to send a similar telegram
to Kan Baa urging Pfefler'a election was
lost, after a delegate from Kansas had de
nounced him as no friend of the fanners,
although tho editor of a farm paper.
National Lecturer Ashby read a report
showing the order in a flourishing condi
tion, five new States having organized
during tho year. He urged the organiza
tion to keep out of polities.
An effort will be made to form a co
operative union, and a conference will be
held in Chicago on February Oth with the
Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association.
CONGRESSIONAL.
EUSTIS MAKES AN EXPLANATION
IN TIEE SENATE.
A Veto Message from tho Presi
dent Laid Ueforo
tlio House.
Social to the Record-Uxiox.
Washington, Jan. 27.—Tho Senate met
at noon, and tho journal of Thursday
(covering tho proceedings of Thursday,
Friday, Saturday and Monday),iwas read
and approved.
Eustis, rising to a personal explanation,
read from the Washington Post the fol
lowing sentence: "Mr. Eustis was also
brought from home, although he did not
arrive until after tho vote had been
taken." Ho said that the statement was
wholly inaccurate. Ho had been In tho
Chamber an hour before the first vote was
taken, was present when the vote was
taken and did vote. He deemed it proper
to make an explanation benyse of the
importance of the votes yesterday.
The credentials of Stanford and Irby,
as Senators-elect from California and
South Carolina for the term beginning
March 4, IK'tl, were presented, read and
piuced on file. Thoso of Stanford were
criticised by Hoar as unsatisfactory in
form, the Governor undertaking to "com
mission Stanford instead of simply certi
fying to his election."
Harris suggested that there was abund
ant time before tho expiration of the pres
ent term to have them put in form.
Among the petitions presented and re
ferred was one by Frycin favor of having
potatoes received by the Government and
treasury certificates issued thereon at §1
per bushel.
The House bill to prevent counterfeit
ing was panned, with amendments.
Dolnh's resolution in relation to the
power of the minority to compel the at
tendance of absentees went over.
The House bill for the payment of In
dian depredation claims was considered
until 2 o'clock, when the apportionment
bill was taken up, the question being
Davis 1 amendment to give an additional
member each to Arkansas, Minnesota
Missouri and New York. No action was
taken, and the Senate soon adjourned.
IN THE HOUSE.
Washington-, Jan. 27.—1n the House
the approval of the journal occupied half
an hour.
Springer of Illinois, rising to a question
of privilege, offered a resolution reciting
the Speaker's conduct yesterday in de
ciding that a motion to be dilatory was
unlawful.
McKiatey of Ohio made a point of order
that the resolution was not a privileged
one, the Speaker having exercised his
right under the rules to decido a motion
to be dilatory.
The Speaker did not think that the
action of the Chair in decidingamotion to
bo out of order on the ground that it was
dilatory, could be made :i question of
privilege. If it oould be, then the pur
pose of the rule preventing dilatory
motions was nugatory. He sustained
the point of order.
Springer appealed, and McKinley
moved to table the appeal.
The motion was agreed to—yeas 138,
nays 10(5.
The Speaker laid before the House a
message from the President vetoing the
bill authorizing Oklahoma City to issue
bonds to railway companies.
The bill passed tor a railway bridge
over the Missouri River between Council
Bluffs and Omaha.
The House then went into Committee
of the \\ hole on the Military Academy
appropriation bill.
In the course of the general debate,
Rogers, of Arkansas, referred to the
recent Indian war as unprovoked and
indefensible. The Wounded Knee affair
was the most shameful murder in the
annals of our history.
Flower tavored a" searching investiga
tion into the causes of the war.
Peel, of Arkansas and Cuteheon. of
Michigan defended the army, and courted
a thorough investigation.
After some talk by Spinolaand Bland
on thf) "Force Bill," the committee rose
and the House adjourned.
REAL ESTATE SWIXDLE.
Two Prominent Men of Chicago Under
Arrest.
CmcAGO, Jan. 27.— C. Perry Byan,
widely known in Grand Army circles as
the "youngest soldier of tho Rebellion,"
ami Henry Hart, formerly a Board of
Trade man, are under arrest, charged
with a real estate swindle. It is asserted
that they paid a small sum on a large
tract of land south of this city, and ad
vertised lots for side in exchange for
grocery stores, saloons, etc. As soon as
the deed of the property was made over to
them they would mortgage it and let the
business run itself. It is needless to say
that the deeds they gave for real estate
were valueless. It "is aaserted that they
have netted $20,000 from many victims.
The exposure came about through a
widow named Graves, who followed Byan
from St. Paul a few months ago, under
promise of marriage. When she learned
that he already hail a wife and children
she exposed the scheme to the police.
COAST CHRONICLES.
The Orchards Around Portland
Alive With Song Birds.
TWO MEN BURNED TO DEATH AT
SAN JOSE.
Mrs. Bailouts Painting Sold to a Resi
dent of Australia—A Man Stabbed
to Death with a Pitchfork at Spo
kano Falls—Holstein Convicted of
Forging "William McJ^ano's Name
on Pension Vouchers.
Special to the Rbcokd-ITxiojj.
Poktlaxj) (Or.), Jan. 27.—Large flocks
of goldfinches, bullfins, European rob
ins and other birds, descendants of those
imported by the Society for the Importa
tion of Song Birds, have returned from
their winter immigration and are making
the orchards In the vicinity of the city
vocal with their sweet songs. Linnets
and some other birds have remained here
all winter, and are perfectly at home in
the gardens about town.
The society is so well pleased with the
success of its experiment that it has or
dered another thousand dollars' worth of
nightingales, black thrushes, song
thrashes, black starlings, linnets, sky
larks, European red-breaster robins,
American mocking birds, etc., which will
arrive here about the middle of March,
and, after being exhibited a few days,
will be turned loose. All of these birds
are insectivorous, and will be useful in
destroying orchard pests, as well as in
furnishing melody.
The Legislature" has passed an Act pro
viding for the protection of both im
ported and native song birds, and their
nests and eggs.
FATAL FIRE.
Two Men Burned to Death at San
Jose.
San Jose, Jan. 27.—At 1:30 this morn
ing a fire broke out in the Central' lodg
ing-house, on San Fernando street, in the
roar of the Lick House, and the building
was wholly consumed. It was one of the
oldest buildings in the town. The fire
was confined to that houso and the shops
in front.
Two men were burned to death. There
names are: John Foley, a laborer, 52
years old, and Charles Nofd, a Swede bar
keeper. Michael Burns was badly burned
about the side and face, and injured on
the right side by jumping from a porch.
Sixteen people were in the house and
buildings at the time.
The property was owned by Jamos
Phelan, and the loss is about $4,000, with
no insurance. A. Schule, the keeper of
the house, lost $1,500. Ho was insured
for ?800. W. W. Lawrence, boot and shoe
store, lost §500. The laundry lost $200;
no insurance. A saloon and a barber
shop were also destroyed.
"MORSIXG."
Mrs. Ballou's Picture Sold to an Aus
tralian Gentleman,
San Francisco, Jan. 27.—Considerable
comment was created in art circles to-day
owing to the reported sale of Mrs. Ada L.
Ballou's celebrated picture of "Morning."
This was the piece that was given noto
riety a few months ago when the Direct
ors of the State Fair at Sacramento re
fused to allow it to be placed on exhibi
tion in the art gallery, claiming that it
was too obscene and suggestive.
The picture has just been sold to T. W.
Stanford, brother of Senator Leland
Stanford, who is a resident of Melbourne,
Australia. Mr. Stanford is a very
wealthy gentleman, and is said to pos
sess the finest and most valuable art
gallery in Australia.
The selling price of Mrs. Ballou's
famous painting is unknown.
A Forger Convicted.
San Francisco, Jan. 27.—The jury in
tho case of F. M. O. Holstein, on trial in
the United States Circuit Court on eleven
charges of forgery, this evening returned
a verdict of guilty in eight cases. Hol
stein was iudieted on thirteen charges for
forging the name of Wm. McLano on
pension vouchers and obtaining about
$700. He left the State, but was arrested
about three mouths ago in Dcs Moines,
lowa.
Tho Jury Disagreed.
Los Anoeles, Jan. 27.—Tho trial of
Walter C. Lockwood, ex-City Justice, on
a charge of embezzling 8300, has been in
progress for four days. The jury, after be
ing out twenty-four hours, were unable to
agree, and were discharged. They stood
eleven for conviction to one for acquittal.
The Judge has excused tho dissenting
juror from further service on the panel.
Killed With a Pitchfork.
SroKASE Falls, Jan. 27.—Alfred Call,
tho boss of tho street grading camp,
killed Thomas King, another foreman, iv
a stable in this city, near the Union Pa
cific passenger depot, with a pitchfork
yesterday afternoon. They quarreled
over the shoeing of horses, and one at
tempted to draw a revolver on the other,
(.'all then stabbed King with a pitchfork,
inliicting fatal wounds. There were no
witnesses to the affray.
An Ex-Shorlff Drowned.
Merced, Jan. 27.—John Clark, ex-
Sherillot MariposaCVrunty, was drowned
at Mormon Bar, in the Merced River,
yesterday. A man had started to cross
the river in a boat which capsized. Clark
jumped in to save the man and was
drowned, while the man whom he at
temted to rescue escaped. Clark was onn
of tho most popular men in Mariposa
County. HLs body has not yet been re
covered.
Olive and Vino Company Formed.
Marysville, Jan. 27.—An olive and
vine company was organized this even
ing with a capital stock of &">O,OOO, all sub
scribed. The company will purchase 100
acres of land at Colmena and plant it to
olive trees, with two rows of grape-vines
between each row of trees.
Tho Lake Tabish Accident.
Salem (Or.), Jan. 27.— J. S. Bartholo
mew, who was injured in tho Lake Tab
ish Railroad accident on November 12th,
to-day began a suit against the Southern
Pacific Company to recover §28.200. Six
suits have already been commenced, the
total damage asked being $97,950.
lie Is Wanted In New York.
Portland, Jan. 27.—Charles Pscher
nosfer, who is wanted in Rochester,
N. V., on a charge of grand larceny, was
this evening turned over to the chief of
the Rochester detective service, and that !
ofiicer will start East immediately with
his prisoner.
They "Will Meet lv Sacramento.
San Francisco. Jan. 27.—Tho Execu
tive Committee and Board of Directors of
the California World's Fair Association
will hold a meeting on Thursday for the
purpose of taking steps to explain to the
Legislature the necessity of an appropria
tion.
The Wounds Proved Fatal.
Napa, Jan. 27. —John Holmes, one of
the men shot by Murphy at Yountville
on Sunday night last, died to-day from
his wounds. Vjindeleur, tho other vic
tim of Murphy's pistol, is resting easy,
and his physicians hope for his recovery.
Charges of Bribery.
Olympia (Wash.), Jan. 27.—Represent
ative Frame (Dem.) created somewhat of
a sensation by stating that he had been
ottered §5,000 to vote for Senator Squire.
Snow railing at Slsson.
Sissox, Jan. 27.—After a heavy north
wind, snow began falling this evening
and still continues.
Australian liallot System.
Salem (Or.), Jan. 27.—A bill to provide
for the Australian system of ballot passed
the House this afternoon.
PAJ.O ALTO STOCK.
Good Prices Realized nt tho Sale In
Xow York.
NewYottk, Jan. 27.—At the sale to
day of trotting stock bred at the Palo
Alto Stock Farm of Leland Stanford, the
first fourteen horses sold ranged from
$200 to §1,0.50. with tho exception of Al
moner by Alban, out of American, which
was sold for $2,950, and a bay lilly by
Electioneer, out, of Barns, for §1,300.
Among others sold -were the following:
Bay colt, Electioneer-Beatrice, A. J. Wil
lis, Marlborongh, N. J., $3,100: bay colt,
Electionoer-Clair, Schinclbach * Park,
Wheeling, W. Va.. 31,500; Carind, chest
nut filly, Piedmont-Cora, Robert Steele,
Philadelphia, $l,;i00; bay colt, Election*
eer-Eity, Gustavous Cornells. Water
bory, Conn., S1.050: Electrical (brother to
Express), bay colt, Eleetionecr-Estkcr,
A. .J.Welch, $3,500; bay filly. Electioneer-
Frolic, W. H. Dickerman, $2,f>00; brown
filly, Xorval-Gazclle, Charles Ridgelv,
•1,850; brown filly, Norah-Gcrtie, J. H.
Sciuiltz, §3,500; brown colt. Electioneer*
Helpmeet, Thomas Wallis, Baltimore,
Md., $2,000; Guest, bay filly, Piedmont -
Guess, J. Malcom Forbes, Boston,
$1,025.
There were 43 horses sold in all, and
about $43,000 realized.
BENICIA MAY LOSE IT.
A PROPOSITION TO RELOCATE THE
PROPOSED GtTV FOUNDRY.
Senator Dolph Offers an Amendment
Which Causes All the Trouble-
Mitchell's Move.
Washington*, Jan. 27.—The action of
Senator Mitchell in calling on the Secre
tary of War for all memorials, petitions
and other documents from the Pacific
Coast Boards of Trade, etc., concerning
facilities for producing steel forges for big
guns on the Pacific Coast, created the
suspicion that Oregon would attempt to
cheat Benicia out of her proposed gun
foundry.
This suspicion was well founded.
Senator Dolph has reported an amend
ment to the fortifications bill appropri
ating one million dollars for the erec
tion of suitable buildings, the purchase
of machinery, etc., for an ordnance
foundry at some point on or near the
Pacific Coast, and authorizing the ap
pointment of a new board of army and
navy officers to select a site for the same.
No money is to be expended for the
foundry until the site is approved by the
President. The amendment appropriates
$5,000 for the expenses of the board.
Senator Dolph was seen by a California
Associated Press representative to-day,
who said to the Senator: "I see you have
introduced an amendment providing for
the appointment of a board to select a
site for an ordnance foundry at some
point on or near the Pacific Coast. It
seems to bo understood out there that an
army board, appointed for that purpose,
has selected Benicia."
Senator Dolph said : "My amendment
is identical with the bill reported from the
Committee on Coast Defenses last session.
My report was made after our committee
had examined numerous experts, includ
ing General Benet, Chief of Ordnance,
General Miles, and other army officers.
It was afterward offered as an amendment
to the army fortifications bill."
"But the fortifications bill, as finally
passed, restricted the location on the Pa
cific Coast to Benicia, didn't it?" the cor
respondent suggested.
"That was tho interpretation put upon
it by the Army Board," said Senator
Dolph j "but it must be understood that
the action of this Army Board is not final.
Congress can establish its foundry where
it pleases."
Senator Mitchell's resolution request
ing information from the Secretary of
War concerning steel forgings was laid
on the table to the Senate to-day at
Mitchell's request, it being understood
that the Army Board report on steel
forgings, which was submitted yesterday,
will come from the Public Priuler to
morrow and be laid before each Senator.
Between the Oregon Senators, the
Watervliet Arsenal and lobbyists repre
senting certain large iron firms, Benicia
stands in danger of losing her prize.
It will be remembered ihat the Army
Board submitted its report on tho guh
foundry site just one day after tho pas
sage by the House of the fortifications
bill, thus preventing the incor
poration of an appropriation to
commence work at Benicia. But this
last report on steel forgings was pre
sented on the very day that the fortifi
cations bill was presented to the Senate,
giving Senator Dolph good time to get in
his report appropriating §1,000,000 for the
esrablishmeht ol a gun foundry at some
point on the Pacific Coast and appointing
a new commission to select a new site.
It is probable Senator Dolph will be
successful in having the amendment
passed by the Senate.
It will then go back to the House, and
our California representatives will fight
hard against Dolph's amendment. When
the last fortifications bill passed. Morrow,
in the Appropriations Committee, re
stricted the location of the gun foundry
on the Pacific Coast to Benicia, and when
it was reached it was amended to read
simply "some point on tho Pacific
Coast."
When the bill went back to the House
again Morrow, by hard work, succeeded
in having his former clause restored. It
is probable ho will be successful a second
time, but it is by no means certain.
NECKO EXODUS.
Many JLeaving Alabama for Oklahoma
Territory.
Birmingham: (Ala.), Jan. 27.—A big
exodus of negroes from this State to Okla
homa has set in. Fifty families of negroes
left here yesterday for Kingfisher, and
they will be followed in a few days by
200 f.iuiiiics. A negro by the name of
Foster, from Leavenworth, Kan., has
been among the negroes here some timo
working up the business. He represents
to them that they can secure rich farming
lands in Oklahoma for almost nothing,
and that if enough of them will go they
can secure absolute control of the Govern
ment of the Territory.
The latt«r seems to be tho principal in
ducement. A nnmber of negroes who
owned good farms here have sold out
everything and will join in the oxodus.
WHOLE ITO. 15,377.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Latest Particulars Concerning the
Revolution in Chile.
DIPLOMATS DISCOURAGED AT THB
OUTLOOK.
Tho Italian Government Occupying
Itself Diplomatically Regarding tho
Successor to Pope Loo—Emperor
William Celebrates His Thirty-sec
ond Anniversary— Grout Rejoicing
Anionß the Poople of Germany.
Special to the Recorb-Un-iojt.
London, Jan. 27. — Dispatches from
Chile via Buenos Ayres bring further par
ticulars concerning tho revolution oa
Chile. The rebel Chilean -war vessels at
Porto Cpquimbo fired shots into the town,
proliably at the troops defending tho coal
deposits. Troops from Valparaiso are oc
cupying Laserena in force. Tho insur
gents have blockaded Tonyoly Hay, thirty
miles from Coquimbo. Tongoly is con
nected by rail with Tam&ya and Ovallo,
the latter town being in turn connected
by railroad with Ccquimbo. Torbarallis
is also blockaded by rebel forces. Three
thousand Government troops havo boon
sent to reinforce the Government garrison
at Tongoly.
Later advices say thai tho reported bat
tle was fought at Tongoly. The rebels
have occupied Liniache Alto, a town only
twenty-live miles from Valparaiso.
At Limacho Alto the rebel forces took
possession of the national factories and
expolled the director and adherents of
President Balmaeeda from the town. The
rebels have also occupied QuilJotn. in tho
province of Valparaiso, fifty miles from
Santiago, on tho Anconagua, twenty miles
from the Pacific.
The property of foreign residents is suf
fering considerably from tho rebellion, in
spite of the efforts of tho representatives
of foreign powers to protect the interests
of the citizens of the various countries
they represent.
The action of the diplomatic representa
tives has been so discouraging to those of
ficials that they have formally informed
the Chilean Government that they will
embark on board of the vessels of the
fleets of foreign powers if the conflict con
tinues.
President Balmaceda, in his reply, has
asked the Ministers and Consuls to delay
taking any action for a few days, as ho
hopes to be able to suppress the rebel lion,
within that time.
THE POPE'S SUCCESSOR.
The Italian Government Wants One
Favorable to Italy.
[Copyrighted 1891 by N. Y. Associated Press.]
Home, Jan. 27.—The Vatican has been
advised that the Italian Government is
occupying itself diplomatically regarding
the successor of Pope Leo, in order to
prevent the election of a Pope uufavor
ablo to Italy and favorable to France.
Premier Crispi will endeavor to demon
strate to the triple alliance that in view of
the hostile spirit which exists in high
quarters it is to the interest of the allied
cabinets to prepare for the coming con
clave. Everyone at the Vatican, how
ever, appears serene, partly because the
Pope still enjoys perfect health, and again
because the Sacred College can in case of
necessity, meet elsewhere than in Rome.
In conversation, a highly placed per
sonage said the times have passed when
foreign Cardinals accept the veto ot the
monarchies. Absolute liberty will hence
forth be the principle on which the con
claves work.
The personage in question said it was
difficult to determine the probabilities of
the next conclave. Various candidates
have been mentioned, but none decided
upon. Under the extraordinary condi
tions of the conclave held abroad, and in
the midst of European complications, it
is to be presumed that the Cardinals
would choose a neutral foreign Pope, for
example, Manning, of England, Gibbons,
of Anieriea, or Malinci.
It is to be borne in mind, he said, that
the foreign Cardinals ere long will form
a majority in the social college. With
the development of Christianity the
church needs more Cardinals in America,
Australia, Canada, China and Africa, and
this will modify essentially the condi
tions of the papacy. Further the world i
is becoming Romanized, and it is neces
sary that the papacy should become uni
versal.
From this it is evident that the Popo
can no longer be exclusively Italian.
Manning and Gibbons have especially
gained in ecclesiastical opinions during
these latter limes.
"DOWX WITH SAKDOC."
His Ploy at a Paris Theater Creates a
Jilot.
Paris, Jan. 27.—After the second per
formance of Sardou's '"Themidw" last
night there was a-riot in tho streets iiear
the theater by the disorderly conduct of
extreme partisans of the revolution who
were ejected from tho theater. They
hissed the audience as it left tho theater
and shouted "Down with Sardou!"
"Long live the republic!"
In the streets a free fight followed be
tween the Extremists and the police, and
it was with difficulty the audience passed
through. A number of arrests were
made.
More violent scenes were expected to
night, but the play was withdrawn. Thft
rising of the curtain wns a signal fora
violent revival of cries of "Vive Thcrmi
dor," "abas ThermJdor," etc.
The tunuilt increased in violence until
the younger Coquelin stepped before tho
curtain and said he was compelled to an
nounce that the performance would pro
ceed no further, and the ticket money
would be returned. The audience de
parted greatly excited, but no serious
disorder ensued.
Emperor William Celebrates.
Berlin, Jan. 27.—The three oldest
children of Emperor William aro suffer
ing from severe colds, but the physicians
state that they are in no danger.
Emperor William celebrated his thirty
second birthday araid scenes of great
rejoicing. The city is eaily decorated.
The Emperor presented the Castle Guard
with now colors, remarking that tlicv
were copied after those of Frederick the
Great, which a "shameless enemy carried
off to France." Numbers of decorations
were distributed.
Glasgow Railroad Strike.
Glasgow, Jan. 27.—A band of masked
strikers yesterday severely maltreated a
number of men working in the locomo
tive sheds of tho Caledonian road at
Strathaven, and did much damage to
property. The strikers are stoning tho
firemen and engineers of passing trains
and doing all they can to annoy the com
pany.
Egyptians Capture Handonb.
Scjakim, Jan. 2/.—The Egyptian troops
to-day captured Handoub from the rebels.
A skirmish later with a band of rebels
resulted in the killing of two Egyptians
and. a number of, rebels.