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THE EYBJUa 8TAB. PUBLISHED DAILY, 8U591T< Nm Offlss, llth fittest1 and PtaasylTaaia An The Evening BUr Hewtpaper Oompanj. 8. H. IAUFFMANN, Pm't f?v York Offiosi 126 Tritons Baflditgb OMoago Officei Bojos Building. The Erenlng Star la wnit to Mbscrlben la ths city by cstrlers, on their own account. at 10 wnti per week, or 44 cents mt month. Cop** at the e*aater, X cents esch. By mall?aaywbers la the UJH or Canada?postage prepaid?BO cents per month. Saturday Quintuple Sheet Star, 91 per year; with foreign postage addi-d. fS.OS. <Hntered at the Post Office at Washington, D. (X, as second-class msll matter.) CTAll mall subscriptions most be paid la adtsfs. Bates of advertising made knows oo application. No. 15,109. WASHINGTON, D. O., WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 1901?TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. THE STAR BY VAIL. Persona leaving the cltjr for #ny period can have The Star mailed to them by ordering It at this office, tn person or by letter. Terms: 13 centa per week; 26 cents for two weeks, or DO centa per month. Invariably In advance^ The addreaa may ha changed as frequently aa desired. Always give the last addreaa, as well aa the new one. ALL UP IN THE AIR No Understanding Rsached Yet at Pittsburg Conference STRICTEST SECRECY MAINTAINED Younger Element Disposed to Resist the Employers' Offers. MAY BE A LONG FIGHT PITTSBURG. Pa.. July 31.~The outcome of the deliberations of the executive board of the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers upon the proposi tions of the United States Steel Corpora tion officials for the settlement of the steel strike Is still undecided. While nothing definite has been accomplished yet. the more sanguine element seems to be still In the majority and better news is hoped for today. From what could be learned hi spite of the secrecy maintained the older and more conservative members were willing to ac cede to the propositions made to them by the other side, but the younger ones dis played a spirit of greater Independence and a reliance upon the power of the organiza tion to force better terms than those sub mitted to them The meeting was continued this morning, but when the newspaper men arrived at headquarters they were refused admittance to the building by order of the owner of the Bissel block, in which the Amalgamated Association meets. This made it difficult to obtain any definite information, and all sorts of rumors became at once circulated. President Shnffer Still In PittnltnrK. It was stated the meeting would be held elsewhere; that President Shaffer and Sec retary Williams had left for New York city last night; that several members of the board had gone to see Senator Hanna at Cleveland, and that no meeting would be held today or until the national officers and absent members of the board leturned. The report that Shaffer had slipped ofT to New York was proven untrue, as he was seen on the streets of this city during the morning. One fact, however, is cer tain, and that is that at 10 o'clock only two men could be reen in the rooms of the Amalgamated Association, one of them Vice President David Rees. who was vigor ously working the telephone. Shortly be fore 11 o'clock a number of the vice presi dents arrived, but r.s far as could be learn ed there was no meeting. They sat around talking and evidently were waiting the coming of the national officers. MrKemport Strikers I'neaiy. The McKeesport strikers were restless all night, and there was more excitement than at any time during the strike. Ru mors of the company attempting to steal a march on the W. Dewees Wood men and bring a trainload of non-union men while the peace conference was on, kept the pickets and patrols on the alert, and the evident readiness of both the Wood and Dennler plants to start at a few min utes' notice increased the feeling of uneasi ness that was prevalent, but no attempt was made at either plant to resume. The report that an agent was coming to town to secure men for Wellsville kept the strikers on the anxious seat, and 100 men kept watch all night for him. The strikers asserted that if found they would put him on a car peaceably nnd have him leave town. The strikers are not as hopeful of a settlement of the strike as they were yesterday. Since the return last night of. the Mc Keesport men who were in attendance st the conference the feeling that a long strike is certain has become general, and those closest to the national officers of the Amalgamated Association seem to have least hopes of any settlement being made at present. Mr. Morgan's Proposed Terms. It is currently understood that the terms asked by Mr. Morgan are nothing like the ones which were published as constituting the agreement, and that they would neces sitate steps which would force matters to about the same point they were before the strike. At Duquesne and Homestead last night there were several small meetings and the men were in communication with Amalga mated representatives. The feeling there is much like that among the National Tube workers, but the Federation of Labor has not nearly so many members in those towns. It is said that a strong Amalga mated lodge is being organized at each place and that a similar movement is on foot at Braddock. The situation at Wellsville and in the local plants closed down by the strike is unchanged. There is no excitement, and the strikers are quietly awaiting the result of the executive board meeting. Minor Officials Pessimistic. While the leading officers preserve silence on the probable result of the conference among the minor officials of the Amalga mated Association, no hesitation is shown In expressing their opinion that there is great danger the peace negotiations may be broken off at any moment unless better conditions are offered by the steel corpora tion. One of the local leaders said he un derstood the executive board was more willing to continue the strike to a desper ate finish than to accept the terms ofTered by Mr. Morgan through the national of ficers. In this stand, he said, the board is supported by a majority of the Amalga mated Association members. T. H. Flynn, national organizer of the Federation of Labor, said today that his organization would make the first assess ment on its local lodges next week for the Amalgamated strikers. This, of course. Is subject to the contingency that the strike may be settled In the meantime. Not less than $10,000 will come in from the first as sessment. Shaffer Under Severe Strain. President Shaffer arrived shortly after 11 o'clock. He was serene, but gave evidence of being under a severe strain. When ap proached he wsuld give no intimation what ever as to the prospect of either peace or an extension of the strike, and said he did not know whether there would be a ses sion of the board this morning or not. With this he hurriedly entered the conference room and locked the door. Vice President Chappeil was seen a few minutes later and he said there would be a meeting of the board, but would not say anything more. It is believed that if President Shaffer can not impress the others with his views to day he will hold another conference tomor row. Many, however, say that today will be the final test, and if a settlement can not be effected at this sitting, an extension of the strike to all of the union plants of the United States steel corporation will be ordered. Manufacturers interested both in the United States steel corporation and In its tfr-at independent rivals are watching the progress of the conference of the workers with keenest interest. They declared that if the workers do not agree at this time to the proffers of Mr. Morgan, all negotia tions would be declared off aod.no further conference will be possible. They also de dare that in the event of a failure to set tie the trouble amicably, the combine will use every endeavor to start a large num ber of Its plants within two weeks. STRIKE AT CARXEGIEi MILL. 1'nlon Men Force the Restoration of I)lipliarg?d Member. PITTSBURG, July 31.?A strike of thirty men, member* of the Amalgamated Asso ciation, employed at the 25>th street mill of the Carnegie Steel Company last night be cause of the discharge of one man, Patrick Frey, a rougher, was settled today by the reinstatement of Frey, and the strikers re turned to work. Frey had been active In organizing the men In the mill, and when the officials discovered Frey's work ho was discharged. The members of the association at once quit work, and the company was forced to close down two guide mills. The action of the men was a surprise to the mill man agers. as It was not known that the Amal gamated Association had gained a foothold in the plant. The mill employs about 1,500 men, and has been non-union since the Homestead strike In 1802. MR. HANS A WILL SOT TALK. Rnmor of n Conference In Cleveland This Morning. CLEVELAND, July 31.?Up to noon to day newspaper men here had been un able to locate Messrs. Morgan, Davis and Tighe of the Amalgamated Association, re ported to have started from Pittsburg for Cleveland last night. A canvass of the leading hotels at that hour showed that they had not registered. Senator Hanna did not appear at his of fice throughout the morning, and a report was in circulation that a conference be tween himself and the Amalgamated rep resentatives had taken place at his resi dence. He arrived at his office soon after 12 o'clock, having come directly from his home. Asked if he had held a conference with Messrs. Morgan. Davis and Tighe. or would see them during the day, Mr. Hanna said: "1 am not at liberty to discuss the sub ject. I will neither deny or confirm the report that a conference was held this morning. It Is true that I am Interested, and to some extent directly connected with the efforts being made to settle the strike, but It would be most foolish for me to talk about what is being done." The Crescent tin plate mills In this city, mentioned In the Pittsburg dispatch, have been closed ever since the inauguration of the Amalgamated strike. NO SETTLEMENT IN SIGHT STRIKE ON 'FRISCO DOCKS STILL IN FORCE. Employers Says They Will Soon Have Enough Men to Take Strik ers' Places. SAN FRANCISCO, July 31.?There are no signs of a speedy settlement of the great strike ordered by the City Front Federation yesterday. Employers predict its ultimate collapse, although they admit that the struggle may be prolonged. The labor leaders express confidence of victory and say that, if necessary, the strike will be extended to include every port on the Pacific coast. The resolution calling out the members of the Federation has already been extended so as to cover the entire bay of San Fran cisco. The marine firemen will call out its full membership of 1,300, with the excep tion of those employed on tow boats. The , sand teamsters went out thia morning In sympathy with the teamsters. This In volves directly 530 members of this union and indirectly affects 5,000 in the building trades whose supplies will be cut off and who, of necessity, will be thrown out of work when they run short of brick, sand, cement, rock and gravel. The strike of the packers has forced the American Can Com pany to close down, throwing 400 persons out of employment. Canneries which are dependent upon it for the supplies of cans employ 5,000 men, women and children, and unless the factory can resume within a few days all will be thrown out of employment. Arrangements have been made by the Ship Owners' Association to meet the strike of the sailors, marine firemen and long shoremen's unions. Non-union men are to be employed if possible, and an effort made to handle the freight at the wharves. The Pacific Steamship Company's fire men did not go out. The men have signed individual contracts with the company, and they did not violate the agreement. The sailors, however, have struck and the com pany Is looking for new men. The coal situation of San Francisco is not considered serious by Jobbers. Accord ing to the present estimates they have enough coal on hand to supply the city tor weeks. Two colliers arrived yesterday and Several more are due within a week. The police commissioners have granted about 100 permits to non-union men to carry concealed weapons for the purpose of self-defense. VAN SCHAACK'S VISIT TO KRUGER. Boer Leader Gave the Chlcagoan a Cordial Welcome. THE HAGUE. July 31.?The Interview yesterday between Robert H. Van Schaack, treasurer of the Holland Society of Chi cago, and Mr. Kruger was most cordiaL Mr. Van Schaack, his wife and Mr. Kruger conversed together for an hour. When Mr. Van Schaack announced that he was the bearer of the society's invitation to Mr. Kruger to be their guest, assuring Mr. Kruger of the high esteem he was held in the United States as a grand old patriot, whose noble devotion to the cause of lib erty recalled the devotion of the Prince of Orange, Mr. Kruger was visibly affect ed. He said he well knew he had many warm friends In America whom he would like to thank. Mr. Kruger presented Mr. Van Schaack with his photograph and au tograph. Mr. Kruger seemed to be feeble and depressed with grief. JIINSEY AND STOLTE INDICTED. Former Ofleer* of K. of P. Charged With Perjury. CHICAGO, July 31.?Indictments charg ing perjury were returned by the grand Jury today against John A. Hinsey, former president of the endowment rank. Knights of Pythias, and against ?Henry B. Stolte, former secretary of the endowment rank. Two indictments were returned against each. The perjury charged is alleged to lie in statements made In annual reports of the Supreme Lodge, Knights of Pythias, for 185>8 and 1800, which the defendants, as officers of the lodge, made to the insurance department of Illinois. ? ? ? TO EVADE EXCLUSION ACT. * Saa Fraaelsco Chinese Withhold No tices of Births Among Them. SAN FRANCISCO, July 31.?Secretary Emery of the board of health has made the discovery that Chinese are recording their certificate* of birth in the recorder's office many years after the births occurred, whereas the law requires that they shall be recorded in thirty days. Mr. Emery sees in this violation of the law a chance for the celestials to evade the exclusion act by sending- the certifi cates to Chinese in the Orient who are de sirous of quitting China and who use this method to circumvent the provisions of the ARREST OF MURRILLO Charged With Violating the Terms of His Passport. NO TROUBLE WITH GERMAN Y EXPECTED What is Said at the Colombian Legation. GENERAL URIBE'S REVOLT Arturo de Brlgard, the Colombian consul general at New York, Is in tills city In consultation with Ihe officials of the Co lombian legation regarding the situation In Colombia, especially with reference to the seizure of Murrillo, one of the aids of General Urlbe, the revolutionary leader, at Cartagena, Colombia, some time ago. Mur rillo, according to the explanation furnished the legation, went to Colombia ostensibly to circulate the peace manifesto which General Urlbe had Issued to his followers at the time of the collapse of the last rebellion, but the Colombian government, finding that his presence there was in furtherance of the new rebellion which Uribe Is now projecting, ordered him de ported. He was taken to Barranqullla and placed aboard the Atlas steamer Alle gheny. After he nad sailed, it is claimed at the legation, further and more compjete evidence of his complicity in the revolu tionary plot was d'scovered, and upon the arrival of the Allegheny at Cartagena he was taken from the steamer. Vlew? at Colombian Legation. The officials at the legation have no in formation confirming the report that Mur rillo wrapped himself in the German flag. They contend that if he did so it was pure ly a theatrical proceeding which has no bearing on the merits of the case. The passport with which Murrillo was armed stated specifically the peaceful mission upon which he was Journeying. It is claim ed that he violated the terms of his pass port, and the officials at the legation do not believe that his seizure will give rise to a diplomatic incident with Germany. There is no information at the legation, It Is said, to confirm the statement that any Americans were involved in the Incident. The officials at the legation scout the Idea that Gen. Uribe has invaded Colom bia with 15,000 men. They know, however, that he has purchased arms in Belgium and that he went to Curacao and from there to the Venezuelan frontier, whence he was to launch his expedition. Many of his partisans when the last rebellion col lapsed made their way across the border into Venezuela, and it Is believed that these men are now rallying to his stand ard. According to all the Information ob tained here, however, and the legation has news from the seat of government at Bo gota up to the 27tli, the invasion has not actually taken place and no battles have been fought. The Sew Rebellion. The possible seriousness of the new re bellion is not underestimated. The other rebellion cost the lives of 40,000 men. There is no Information at the legation, it is claimed, confirmatory of the report that Masonic bodies have contributed support to Urlbe on account of the hostility of the present Colombian government toward Ma sonic bodies. Mr. Herran, the charge d'affaires, ex plains that the alleged hostility against Masonry In Colombia is not against that order alone, but against all secret orders. He says that Masonry In the Latin coun tries of Central and South America Is not the Innocent and commendable Institution It Is in the United States, and in the northern countries of Europe. The secret lodges, he says, are made the plotting grounds for intriguers and revolutionists, and the order for their suppression is due to that fact alone. BANQUET TO MINISTER WILSON. Exchange of Compliments at Function in Santiago de Chile. SANTIAGO DE CHILE. Via Galveston, Texas, July 31.?A banquet was given st the Union Club last night in honor of the United States minister to Chile, Henry L. Wilson, by friends who wished to testify their appreciation of his friendly senti ments toward Chile. Among those present were the cabinet ministers, the local authorities, and the leading members of society. 8enor Marclal Martinez, former 'Chilian minister at London, offered the toast to "The United States." Mr. Wilson, in replying, made a brilliant speech. He referred to the progress made by Chile and to the friendly relations existing between the United States and Chile. The closing speech was made by the minister for for eign affairs, Luis M. Rodridguez. ? ? ? SEVERE STORM AT NEW YORK. Rainfall Was Heavy, Accompanied by High Wind. NEW YORK, July 31.?A few minutes after 9 o'clock this morning one of the severest rain storms of the season burst over this city. The rainfall was very heavy and was accompanied by a high wind. All telegraphic service was much delayed by the storm. The Spring Valley train on the New Jer sey and New York railway leaving Hack ensack at 8:56 encountered a terrific thun derstorm while on its way to Jersey City this morning. When near C&rlstadt the rain came down with such force on the roof of the cars that the passengers became alarmed, and, , vacating the seats, crowded into the aisles. Sheets of water beating against the sides of the cars threatened to break the windows, and many of the frightened passengers, ; especially women and children, remained | standing in the aisles until the train ar rived at the Erie depot In Jersey City. Al though the windows were closed, the rain beat into the cars, and not a few of the passengers got a wetting. Passengers on other trains that passed through the storm had a similar experi ence. ? ? ? MAY HAVE TO RACE TIIE COLUMBIA. Sir Thomas Llpton's Expectations Re garding Shamrock's Opponent. LONDON, July 31.?Sir Thomas Llpton sails for New York on the White Star Line steamer Teutonic, August 14. He said to a representative of the Associated Press to day that he will not be much surprised If, on his arrival, he finds<he will have to race with the Columbia after all. Sir Thomas made a remark regarding the curious simi larity of the .misfortunes of the Constitu tion and the Shamrock II. Besides the fact that they have both been dismasted Sir Thomas now admits that the cup chal lenger grounded off Gourock, after the So lent accident, and that two of her plates were badly stove in. She nearly met with serious disaster. r NEW TREATY WITH SPAIN. Foreign Oitt at Madrid Engaged la Convention With United States. MADRID, July 81.?The ministry of for eign affairs Is engaged upon .a& extradition convention and general tnatfyf peace %nd friendship with the United States, j GARDIRAS IN REVOLT LEADS 5,000 MEX AG^ISST THE GOV EBXMEST OF. VJSKE36LELA. Whole Country Said to Be Ready for l'prt?hr> A#aln*t Presi dent Cantro. WILLEMSTAD. Island of Curacoa, July 31 .?Dr. Rangel Gardlras, at the head of 5,000 men, has revolted against President Castro of Venezuela^ The insurgents are near San Antonio de Tachira, on the Co lombian frontier. The Venezuelan govern ment has sent 10,000 troops to the scene of the uprising. The situation Is grave. Other outbreaks are expected. The whole country is ready to rise against President Castro. Constitu tional guaranties have been suspended and complications with Colombia are feared. The State Department today received the following telegram from the American lega tion at Caracas: "Martial law has been declared in Vene mela by the president of the country in consequence of the Invasion of a revolu tionary force from Colombia. It is report ed that an army of l?>t)00 men will meet the invaders." REPRESENTATIVE BARTLETT. Three Iciue* for the Nfst Democratic Convention. Representative Bartlett Of Georgia la in Washington today en route to Saratoga to fully recuperate from hi? long Illness of last winter and spring. When he was con fined to his bed her? fi>r about three months. He looks almost In his usual health now, but deems a trip to some of the northern resorts advisable for a thor ough restoration. Judge Bartlett Is Inclined to believe that the platform of the next democratic na tional convention should present three prominent Issues. In the first place, it should favor the extension of a constitu tional government to all portions of the United States, or, he added, "to all places subject thereto." In. deciding the insular cases the Supreme Court, he said, made a judicial amendment to the Constitution, and since by this judicial legislation Con gress has the power to extend constitution al provisions to acquired territory. It Is the duty of Congress to sab to it that there is a constitutional government wherever the flag floats. In the second place, there should be a revision of the fetgh protective tariff, which has built up gftgantlo trusts, and thirdly there should be legislation de signed to overthrow those combinations. "I believe," he added, "feat the plat form should be brief and to the point, striking vigorously at the nsost important issues. I see no reasonfor abandoning any positions that the democratic party has taken heretofore. I believe they are right At the same time therf are some very im portant new questions that must be met, and there are others that will continually arise, which should not be anticipated In the platform. "It will be time to meet them after they confront the country, Thoae democrats that have deserted th?. party will not be permitted to dictate either the platform or the presidential candidate. I am not In favor of abandoning ftaythlw. nor should there be abuse for any one. I think the democratic party Is surely getting closet together than for Some time past, and all the elements will preftfent a solid front." Army Orders. First Lieutenant Chauncey B. Humphrey, 8d Infantry, has been detailed for duty at the West Point Military Academy. Contract Surgeon Walter K. Beatty, U. S. A., has been ordered to the Department of California for duty. Contract Surgeon Bower B. Himes, now at Mill Creek, Pa., has been ordered to Fort Missoula, Mon., for duty at that post. Contract Surgeon G. Parker Dillon has been relieved from duty %t Fort Sheridan', 111., and ordered to JefTersOn barracks, Mo., to relieve Contract Surgeon August von Clossman, who Is ordered to St. Louis, Mo. Col. James G. C. Lee, upon his own ap plication. has been detailed to duty as pro fessor at the Northwestern Military Acad emy, Highland Park, 111. Major John Biddle, Corps of Engineers, has been granted three months' leave of absence. Naval Qrders. Lieut. C. M. Fahs has been detached from the Wabash and assigned to the Bos ton rj|vy yard. Assistant Surgeon J. W. Backus, from the Vermont to ihe Asiatic station for duty. Assistant Surgeon F. A. Asserson, from the New York Hospital.to duty on the Asiatic station. Chief Gunner A. A. Phelps, from the Bos ton navy yard, upon being relieved by Gunner D. Lyons, now at the New York navy yard, and ordered to continue other duties. ? Gunner H. Campbell," from the Iona Island magazine to the Washington navy yard. Mr. A. W. Barnes appointed a paymas ter's clerk and assigned to duty at Pensa cola. Colombia to Replace the Vermont. The Vermont, ever since the war a re ceiving ship at the Ne*W York navy yard, has been found to be insanitary and be yond repair. The acting secretary of the navy has ordered the triple-screw cruiser Columbia to proceed Immediately from League Island to New York to take the place temporarily of the Vermont. Movements of ABaval Vessels. The Castlne sailed from Seychelles for Perin. The Chicago h^s arrived at Gibral tar, ai^d the Chesapeake St Newport. The Lancaster has sailed froqp Port Royal for Hampton Roads. The Chesapeake has ? arrived at Orient Point, N. Y,, and the Deiphbk at Gloucester. The Michigan has sailed from Harbor Springs, Mich., for Chicago. The Mohican has arrived at Bremevton an a cruise on Puget Sound. Selling SbtIdkh of Stations. The commanding general tin the Philip pines has modified an erde% issued a year ago relating to the sala of pavings on ra tions. Soldiers may new s?U to any per son savings of bacon, hard 4?read and cof fee which are not required py the subsist ence department for reissue. The Seward Arrives ?t Seattle. Acting Adjutant General JWard received a telegram from Major Rahlen, quarter master at Seattle, Wash., * this morning, saying that the transport Seward has ar rived there from Alaska in a disabled con dition. He says that she will be repaired ?8t ** possible, and he hopes to ? work by the 20th proximo, when the Seward will be sent hack to Alaska. Port of IbaJal, Pamr, Closed. The Port of Ibajui, inrthe Island of Pa nay, P: L. In been closed by the com mandtar general as a consequence of the withdrawal of the twitted states troops from garrison duty at that place. Admiral Cromwell Asapmes CTammand. Tha Navy Department today announced that Bear Admiral p. J. Cromwell had cowimsnd efthe European station this morning at Gibraltar, LARGEST GOLD FUND Amount Now Held in the Treasury Vaults. MOBE THAN AST OTHER NATION It is Very Largely of Home Pro duction. INDICATES PROSPERITY "When the United States treasury opened Its doors for business this morning It was In possession of the largest fund of gold held by any nation In the world. Incidental ly the fund is the greatest ever contained in the government coffers, and during the past year its increase has been something remarkable. At 9 o'clock this morning the fund amounted to $504,354,297. This involves an increase during the past month of nearly $10,000,000, and an increase of $74,422,422 over the figures of a corresponding date of last year. The fund now held by the United States treasurer consists of the following items: Amount held against gold certificates, $202,535,(580; reserve, $150,000,000, and mon eys in the general fund of the treasury, $<>1,818,508. The amount of gold reserve required by statute to be held from time to time is $150,000,000, so that the present fund, In Jts entirety, is largely In excess of the figure obliged to be maintained un der the law. The present figures of the fund are as tonishing, especially in view of the fact that the treasury, for a long time prior to the induction of President McKinley into office, had a difHcult time In even main taining the required $150,0<x>,000 fund. Dur ing the administration of President Cleve land it was found necessary to solicit bond loans in order to keep the fund above the danger mark and maintain the formal sta bility of gold certificates of the govern ment. Now the conditions are such that the government can figuratively be said to possess more reserve in the shape of gold than it knows what to do with. Gold In Foreign Coantrlen. The Russian government, it is stated at the Treasury Department, once claimed to be In possession of a gold fund amounting to $598,000,000. This Is the highest amount of reserve on record, but the present fig ures of our government almost reach it, so that the fund now held is but a step from the largest in history. On July 25 last re ports were received at the department here of the amounts held by foreign nations. They were as follows: Bank of England, $183,330,681; Bank of Germany, $158,383, 434; the Imperial Bank of Russia, $345, 408,144; Bank of Austro-Hungary, $190, 314,126, and Bank of Prance, $478,258,230. These banks hold the same relative posi tions to their respective governments as the treasury does to the United States government, so that the funds indicated are governmental and not private moneys. The amount now held by France in its bank is the largest fn the history of that nation, so that along with the United States ft Is now enjoying an unusually large redundance of government reserve. Oar Gold of Home Production. One of the most remarkable features of the fund now held by the treasury is the fact that a very large proportion of the amount is of home production. Of the $504,354,297 now held very little is cred ited to the importation account, the bulk of It coming from the Alaskan and Cripple Creek mining regions. During the fiscal year ending June 30 last the net Importa tions of gold amounted to only $13,128,000. Of this quantity of metal a large percen tage came from Australia. The gold that is placed into the treasury through home production is covered by the Issuance of gold certificates, every dollar's worth of which stand guaranteed by its equal in coin held In the vaults of the treasury. From time to time exportations of coin and bullion are made by business men to Europe and other points. Thus, for In stance, during the month of June last the sum of $5,000,000 was sent abroad, while the importations amounted to only $3,260, I 000. Treasurer Roberts' Statement. In speaking of the immense fund of the government United States Treasurer Rob erts said to a Star reporter this after noon: "The dimensions of this fund indi cate a great era of prosperity now prevail ing throughout the United States. It can always be regarded as an accurate barom eter of industrial and commercial condi tions, and the fact that it is now in excess of anything we have ever held indicates that the volume of our business has as sumed corresponding proportions. It fur nishes a clinching argument againet the free silver theory also, and shows that our currency system Is running on rock ballast. No stronger argument against the futility of a change In our currency sys tem could be furnished." ? PAY OF ARMY OFFICERS. Case* Where a Subordinate Hold* a Command Above Hla Grade. Mr. Tracewell, the controller of the treas ury, has held that-if a subordinate officer serving in the Philippines exercised a com mand above that pertaining to his grado prior to June 30, 1900, under assignment in orders Issued by his superior officer, being such as the subordinate officer was bound to obey, and such assignment was afterward approved by the commanding general, the subordinate officer would be entitled to the pay and allowances of the grade so exercised, regardless of whether he exercised the higher command for a period of three months or not. If the sub ordinate officer exercised such higher com mand after June 30. 1900, he would be en titled to the advanced pay and allowances provided he exercised the higher command for a continuous period of not less than three months, otherwise not. If, however, the subordinate officer exer cised the advanced command by virtue of his being the senior officer on duty, he would not be entitled to the advanced pay and allowances. ROOSEVELT GOING TO COLORADO. Takes Breakfast With Gov. Yates in Chlcagro En Route. CHICAGO, July 31. ? Vice President Roosevelt, who stopped here today before taking a train for Colorado Springs, took breakfast with Governor Yates, and prom ised the latter to stop at Springfield, 111., the last week In August and reylew the National Guard at the general encamp ment. , The Vice President will leave over tha. Santa Fe this evening for his western des tination. where he is to deliver an address on the twenty-fifth anniversary of Colo rado's statehood. ? ? ? PHOTOGRAPHIC SUPPLY TRUST. Leading Factories la America and Eu rope la New Combine. ST. LOUIS, July &L?The Post Dispatch today revives the story that negotiations for the consolidation of the leading photo graphic dry plate factories of 'the United States and Europe with a capital of $90, '000,000 are pending. Three of the compa niea concerned In the negotiations are St. Louis firms that turn out eighty per cent of the plates used in the United States. The president of one of these companies admitted that he had heard talk of a con solidation, but said nothing definite had been done. The following statement of ^he*plan of the proposed consolidation made to the Post Dispatch today by the president of another leading company: "Negotiations for a consolidation have been pending for some time, but, until the visit recently of the Rochester and James town, N. Y., manufacturers, nothing defi nite had been done. "While the consolidated concern. If the deal shall go through, will have control of the dry plate output of the world, I hardly think it will have the power to name Its own prices If It desires to do so. Many small companies will not be absorbed and they will turn out enough plates '?o keep competition alive." ? ? ? HOMESTEAD SPECULATION. Department to Prevent Any Trickery In the Award*. Various stories of plans for evading the purpose of the tfovernment to place the lands of the Klow.is and Comanches In the possession of bona fide settlers are reaching the Interior Department. One of the latest of these alleged plans Is to have the lucky man who has drawn a homestead sell out his claim by having an understanding with a purchaser by which the former will throw up his claim and allow the latter to settle on his land before his act Is known to any one else, thereby giving him an opportunity to secure the quarter section under the homestead law. Any attempt to sell a homestead before final proof Is made will result in an inves tigation by the department and will prob ably result In the purchaser securing a law suit rather than a farm for his money. The homesteads will be turned over to the lucky men who draw them only for their own set tlement, and any act that gives evidence of speculation in these lands will be promptly investigated. The efforts of the department to eliminate speculation for this transaction, which involves giving away 15,000 good farms for bona fide set tlement has so far met general approval, and every effort will be made to carry out the purposes '?f the department In spite of any Ingenious devise that may be re sorted to on the part of those who are the beneficiaries of this land distribution. SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD A LETTER ADDRESSED TO W. E. THORNTON RETURNED. He Entered the Service of the King of Belclnm In the Congo State. The friends and relatives in "Washington of Mr. W. E. Thornton, formerly of the In ternal revenue bureau of the Treasury De partment, but who has been In Africa for several years past, are apprehensive that he is dead. A letter addressed to Mr. Thornton has been returned to the internal revenue bureau, which was not delivered by the African postal authorities, and whloh Is marked "deceased." His mother, who lives on Columbia near P street north west, has directed several letters to her son during the past year, but has been un able to secure a reply from him. When last heard from Thornton was the agent of the King of Belgium at the independent state of Congo and his address was at Bo ma. The Inscription upon the letter re cently returned gives good ground for the belief that Mr. Thornton Is dead, but there is no Indication given of when or where he died. Entered the Belgian Service. Mr. Thornton, accompanied by Thomas Crowley, left the employ of the Treasury Department In the winter of 1806, and left the city for New York, where they visited the Belgian consul and entered the army of Belgium for service in the Congo colony of South Africa. They were both young men and entered the Belgian service more in a spirit of adventure than anything else. Crowley died at his post several years ago, but Thornton survived the rigors of the life and the many onslaughts of the truc ulent bands of natives in the vicinity of his location up to within a few months ago, when he is supposed to have died. Their station was an especially wild and uncivil ised one, and according to letters received by Mrs. Thornton from time to time their experiences were very exciting. About two years ago Mr. Frank Bachellor of this city returned from a similar mission in the Con go Free State, and reported that he had heard from Thornton there, and that the latter was in good health and spirits. An other Wa8hingtonian named Burke, who entered the same service, was devoured shortly after his arrival at Congo by can nibals. Young Thornton was well known in Washington. He was at one time a mem ber of the celebrated drill team of the Na tional Fenclbles of this city, and had many friends here. Capt. Harbord'a Assignment. Acting Secretary Sanger has Issued an order detailing Oaptain James G. Har bord, 11th Cavalry, for duty in the office of the Secretary of War. Captain Har bord today reported and was assigned to duty as assistant to Colonel Edwards, chief of the division of Insular affairs. The work of that division has grown enor mously and the increasing duties, both civil and military, made it necessary to have an army officer as assistant chief. Given Poaitlons in Philippines. Several officers of the volunteer army, wMo remained in the Philippines, have been assigned to civil positions In the provinoial governments. Capt. Henry A. Peed, 32d Infantry, has been made provincial treas urer of oriental Negros. Lieut. Robert M. Shearer, 37th Infantry, treasurer of Cavite province; Lieut. Richard C. Day, 84th In fantry, treasurer of Nueva Ecija; Capt. Jacob F. Kreps. 22d Infantry, has been de tailed as provincial governor of Nueva Ecija. Careless Army Officers. The chief ordnance officer of the division of the Philippines has called the attention of the commanding general to the careless ness of officers who ship ordnance stores in those Islands, saying that the boxes sel dom contain any address and no informa tion by what officers they are shipped. He makes a recommendation to correct this abuse, which is approved by the command ing general. Decrease In Internal Revenaes. The bureau of Internal revenue of the Treasury Department has announced the following figures of comparison of receipts for the months of June, 1900, and June, 1001. The increase or decrease In collec tions for June, 1901, is: Spirits, decrease, $884,522; tobacco, In crease, |382,728.88; fermented liquors, de crease, 1902,767.04; oleomargarine. Increase, 80,825.58; special taxes, decrease, $281, 450.65; miscellaneous, $1,196,492.48. ?toand total of decrease, $2,824,689.21. Government Receipts. Receipts from internal revenue tbday were' $1,085,250; customs, $1,842,120; mis cellaneous, $602,838; expenditures^ $1,475,000. DEMAND ON M'LAURIN Precedents for His Refusal to Resign His Seat THE CASE OF SENATOR LINDSAT Represents Not Only a State, But the United States. A PARTISAN BODY Senator McLaurln will And precedents for hlB refusal to accede to demands from outside sources for his resignation from the United States Senate upon the alleged ground that he Is not representing the party which elected him. One of the most notable is found in the action of Senator Lindsay of Kentucky, who. In refusing, read a lesson upon the ethics of the case to those who demanded his resignation. Senator Lindsay, one of the ablest states men who has sat upon the democratic side of the Senate chamber in the la*t quarter century, was taken to task In 18U8 by the free silver Kentucky legislature for his at titude toward the white metal, then the Idol of the democratic party of the blue grass state, and for his sympathy with the national issues of the republican party. The legislature adopted a resolution of censure, in which it was declared that "one William Lindsay" was In favor of the gold standard, favored the retirement of the greenbacks, was opposed to free coinage, had voted with the republicans and other wise "betrayed the trust reposed In him by his constituency." It was thereupon re solved that the "said Lindsay resign bis seat In the United States Senate and give place for some democrat who will repre sent the Interests of the democratic par ty." Senator Lindsay's Position. Senator Lindsay was in no way disturbed by this bombastic utterance of the legis lature. Rising In his place In the Senate, February 4, 1898, In a brief speech, after explaining his political course, he pointed out the ridiculousness of the demand of the legislature and expressed his resent ment at the lmpertlnenoe. "I will remind those who voted for the resolution," said Senator Lindsay, "that I am not the mere agent of the Kentucky legislature. I do not exercise my sena torial duties subject to legislative super vision, nor hold my place at the legislative will. I represent not merely a party or faction, but all the people of Kentucky. My constituency Is equal to the combined constituency of all the members of the present general assembly, and I feel the utmost confidence that my views on all questions exciting public Interest are the views of a decided majority of the voters of my state. "My term of service is llxed by the Con stitution of the United States. It cannot ? be abridged by the action of the Kentucky legislature and an attempt by certain mem bers of that body to abridge It is the as sertion of a right which does not exist and could not exist without Imperiling the In dependence of this great branch of the federal legislature. "Resolutions emanating from state leg islatures touching matters pending In the federal Congress are entitled to most re spectful consideration and always receive it; but they cannot determine the duty of a Senator or relieve him from the respon sibility of his position. His judgment and conscience are at last to guide hlg eon duct. A Senator for the United States. "I am a Senator from Kentucky, but I am also a Senator for the United Btates. In questions local to Kentucky I am al ways ready to serve her Interests to the best of ray ability, consistent wfth the ob ligations of honesty and fair dealing and regardful of the limitations of the Consti tution. "When great public Interests affecting alike every portion of the United Btates are to be acted upon, they are to be con sidered from the standpoint of the broad est patriotism and this I propose to do no matter who may condemn my action or who approve It. There are occasions when local favor ahd party must for the time give way, and if a senator who acts upon that principle Is to be driven from his place by his state legislature whenever he may contravene local sentiment or temporary passion, the dignity of the Senate will s6oh be a thing of the past. "A scrupulous regard for the division of powers between the state and federal gov ernments and the careful observanoe of the boundary line which separates those powers, is a cardinal doctrine of Jeffer sonian democracy; yet we have here tl\e spectacle of a controlling majority or a state legislature boldly Overstepping that line of demarcation, and, in the name of democracy, demanding that I shall surren der my commission because, In their Esti mation. I have ceased to be a democrat. "They seem ignorant of the underlying principles of the democratic party or els* regardless of their obligations to observe those principles, and their right to impeach my democracy or to put me upon the de fense of my record as a democrat I utter ly and absolutely repudiate. This much I have thought it proper to say, and with these remarks I dismiss the so-called legis lative request for my resignation." Demand la- McLaarln's Case. In the case of Senator McLaurln, the demand for his resignation has not even the dignity of distinguished parentage. It was not fathered by the state legislature, for that body had refused to take cogni sance of his views or criticise his course, but it - was the offspring of a partisan board, a committee, all of whom but three were devoted tiok-and-thin followers of Senator Tillman. In this respect the parallel between the two cases differs, but the dissimilarity Is said to be In McLaurfn's favor. He may with Justice claim, it Is held by his friends, that if the impropriety of a state legisla ture In calling for a senator's resignation is well recognised, similar action of a par tisan political committee may be set asldo as ridiculous. CHIEF CLERK HILLS RETURNS. Attended Meetlngr of the Government of the Exposition. Chief Clerk Hills of the Treasury De partment returned to the city today from Buffalo, where he has been during the past week in attendance upon a meeting of the United States government board of the Pan-American exposition. This board con sists of Assistant Secretary Brlgharo of the Agricultural Department, chairman; Chief Clerk Peters of the Navy Department. Dr. True of the Smithsonian Institution, Prof. P. W. Clark of the Interior Department and Mr. Hills. A meeting of the board was held in Buffalo Saturday, at which several business matters of a routine nature were disposed of. Mr. Hills stopped at Philadel phia on his way home, while other mem bers of the board remained In Buffalo. Personal Mention. Mr. George B. Pitts has Just returned from a two weeks' trip to the Pan-Ameri can exposition at Buffalo, Niagara FtUs and Jamestown, on Chautauqua Take. Mr. W. L. Oraham la visiting friends d Dover. DeL