Evening star. [volume], December 15, 1905, Image 1

About Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972

Image provided by: Library of Congress, Washington, DC

                
THS 1YKNIN6 STAR
WITH 8TJ5DAT MOSNIKO EDITION.
Staiawi Offlw lltk Stmt u< FnBiylrtaU iiu.
The Krtnifig Star Nawipspar Compuij
S. ft KAWnUXK. Prwitat.
Inr Ttrk 01m: fnWm* BiiUitf.
CkiMC* CSc?: Tritata BlUitaf.
Tit Krenlnj Star, with tb? Rand?y morn lag e<A
Um, ta ddlTrtd by carrier* wlthtB the f,t) ''Jf
nti per mootb; without the Sunday i?or?l?* w
Un at 44 ceota per Booth.
B? mall, poatase prfpaM:
B, Sunday arloded. one month. SO
, Snort a j ? icepted. on? mouth, BO '
day Star, oao year, |1 00.
laBday Man, cm year, $1.80.
Weather.
Snow and colder tonight,
minimum temperature about
20 degrees; tomorrow fair;
brisk to high northerly winds.
WASHINGTON, D. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1905'-TWENTY-FOUR PAGES.
TWO CENTS.
ALMIHAL SUNOS HERE
Confers With Secretary Bona
parte Regarding Hazing.
THE CASE OFKIMBROUGHj
POWER OF NAVAL AUTHORITIES
TO DISMISS.
Attorney General Moody Asked to In
terpret the Law in the Case?Con
gressional Inquiry Favored.
Secretary Bonaparte and Rear Admiral
Hands, superintendent of the Naval Acad
emy, are determined that the law prohibit
ing all forms of hazing at the Naval Acad
emy shall be strictly enforced. In the sprit
as well as the letter, so far as their power
In the premises extends. In response to a
summons from the Secretary of the Navy,
Admiral Sand? came from Annapolis to this
city this morning and had two conferences
-with Secretary Bonaparte at the~depart
ment. one Just before the assembling of the
cabinet at tho White House and the other
In the afternoon after the adjournment of
that body.
Admiral Hands stated that at a confer
ence with him several days ago every ca
det officer and cadet petty officer at Aa
nnpolls voluntarily pledged himself *o ?e
port Immediately every case of "interfer
ence" coming under his observation, and
promised the superintendent hearty sup
port In his efforts to abolish lmzlng at the
academy. Secretary Bonaparte was grati
fied to receive this Information and again
assured the admiral that he would have
the department s hearty support In his et
forts to stop haling. The Secretary fully
shares Admiral Sands' conviction that he
can handle the situation at Annapolis with
out outside assistance.
The Hazing of Kimbrough.
Although hazing was the general subject
of consideration theconference related
more particularly to the recent affair of
that kind at the academy. In that case it
W charged that Midshipman Trenmore Cof
fin, Jr., a member of the third class,
"hazed" Midshipman Jcrdone I'. Kim
brough, a menvber of the "ple'be" class, by
compelling him to stand on his h^ad until
he was exhausted, and that Midshipman
Warren A. Van Perveer of the second class,
officer of the watch, neglected his duty in
falling to prevent the misconduct.
Midshfpmen Coffin and Van Derveer have
been suspended by the superintendent for
the r connection with the affair and their
cases are now before the "SecretAiV of the
Navy for final action.
Powers in Doubt.
It developed today that the nava! author
ities are not entirely clear as to their pow
er In the premises, Secretary Bonaparte, in
particular being in doubt as to his author
ity to "summarily dismiss" the midshipmen
in quest on, under the circumstances, exaePt
through regular ?court-martial proceedings.
The doubt hinges on the question as to
whether midshipmen are "line officers of
the navy." They are Included In the list
of line officers In section 1362 of the United
States Revised Statutes, and section ltT-H
Revised Statutes provides that no officer of
the navy shall be d smissed in time of
peace except through court-martial proceed
ings
The case of Midshipmen Coffin and Van
Derveer has been "investigated" by a board
of naval officers at the academy, but the
young men have not been "tried," much
less convicted in the usual legal acceptation
of the term.
The Statute Against Hazing,
The latest statute against hazing is con
tained tn an act of Congress, approved March
.8, 19"3. That act provides "that the superin
tendent of the Naval Academy shall mike
such rules, to be approved by the Secretary
of the Navy, as will effectually prevent the
practice of hazing, and any cadet found j
guilty of participating In or countenancing i
such practice shall be surmnarlly expelled i
from the academy, and shall not thereafter !
be reappointed to the corps of cadets or be
eligible for appointment as a commissioned !
officer of the army or navy or Marine !
Corps until two years after the graduation
of the cluss of which he was a member."
The point has been made that this law
la Inconsistent with prior statutes for the
government of the navy. Including sec
tions 1362 nn<l l&M, 1". S Revised Stat
utes. referred to, and Secretary Bona
parte has submitted the questions Involv
ed to the Attorney General for an opinion.
Congressional Inquiry.
The House committee on nnval affairs
met this morning to consider the Loud
resolution calling for an investigation of
conditions at the Naval Academy, par- J
tlcularly with regard to hazing, running, !
fist tights and the like. It developed, j
however, that the resolution, being one j
directing a House committee to act, had
been referred to the House committee on
rules. Unless the rules committee takes
action the naval affairs committee Is
powerless. Sentiment In the House seems
to te overwhelmingly In favor of an in
vestigation such as is proposed by the
l.oud resolution.
CASTRO HAS RELENTED
OBJECTIONABLE WORDS AND PRO
TEST WITHDRAWN.
NEW YORK, December IS.?A cable dis
patch to the Herald from Caracas, Vene
zuela, says:
"President Castro withdrew Wednesday
not only the objectionable phrase, but his
counter protest, thus avoiding the necessity
of answering the reply of France to the
Venezuelan memorandum, which would
have made a settlement Impossible.
"This act Is a confirmation of the an
nouncement of the policy of President Cas
tro In the line of a resumption of universal
friendship."
Trouble between President Castro nnd
the French government arose Indirectly
from the dispute with the French cable
company. The company's concession was
annulled by the Venezuelan courts and a
further suit was brought for alleged com
plicity In the Matos revolution. The com
pany, through its resld nt director. M. Brun.
protested. He was expelled, and further
more President Castro ordered the com
pany's land lines clos'-d. Then M. Talgny.
French charge d'liltalrs, protested tn l?rmt
derogatory to the Venezulan courts. To
thb? President Castro made a counter pio
test and the minister of foreign affairs de
clared M. Talgny persona non grata, refus
ing to hold further communication with
Pr&nca thitmgh M. Talgny.
BIOS FOR RAILWAYS
Proposals for Lines in the
Philippines,
OPENING OF OFFERS
SECRETARY TAFT, GOV. WRIGHT
AND MR. FORBES PRESENT.
No Competition for Concessions ia
Northern Luzon and the Islands of
Pnnay, Negros and Cebu.
Bids wore opened at the Insular bureau
of the War Department today for conces
sionary grants to be made by the Philip
pine government for the construction, main
tenance and operation of railroads In the
Philippine Islands as provided by act of
Congress.
Speyer & Co. of New York offered to con
struct about 425 mi'.es of railway In the
Island of Luzon without government guar
antee of bonds. It was explained that this
offer was made in connection with the ex
isting Manila Railway Company, Limited,
which now has In operation over 200 miles
of railway In Luzon (the Manila and Da
gupan line and branches).
Morris McMlcken, G. Gresskens, G. Pon
cln, Jacob Furth and E. C. Hughes of Seat
tle offered to build 100 miles of railway In
southern Luzon, designated in the circular
as land No. 6, under 4 per cent guarantee
for thirtv years on 95 per cent of the cost,
of construction. They agreed to complete
the road In three years instead of one.
Keani. Van Cortland & Co., J. G. White
& Co., Charles M. Swift, with whom arc
associated Cornelius Vanderbllt, R. T. Wil
son & Co. and the International Banking
Corporation, offered to build 100 miles on
the Island of Panay, loo miles on the Is
land of Negros and {'5 miles on the Islaful
of Cebu under a 4 per cent guarantee for _
thirty years on S16 per cent of the cost of'
construction. Their bid stated that the
construction would be done by J. G. White
& Co.
Railways to Be Constructed.
It Is estimated that the railway lines
which are to be constructed in the Philip
pines will have an aggregate mileage of
about 1.233 miles. Lines are to be con
structed on the Islands of Luzon, Panay,
Negros, Cebu, Leyte and Samar. Circulars
Inviting the proposals and giving detailed
Information regarding the lines to bo built
were sent out some montlis ago In order
that those Interested or who might contem
plate entering into the ? competition would
have ample time to fully acquaint them
selves with the proposition.
The competition -was restricted to Indi
viduals and copartnerships of the United
States or Philippine Islands or railroad cor
porations organized and existing under tJie
laws of a state or the United States govern
ment.'Or the Philippine Islands government
and legally competent to meet all the re
quirements.
The proposals provided bids would be
opened In Washington at 9 a.m. and at
Manila at 10 p.m. It was explained that as
the bids were to be opened simultaneously
in the two cities on opposite sides of the
eartli it was necessary to open -bids here at
an early hour In order that the opening in
Manila would not be carried too far into
the night, and that, as it is, tho Insular
officials in the far away Islands must wait
until the late .hour of 10, while the officials
in Washington went to work at an unusual
hour for the consideration of proposals.
Government Guarantee.
The Philippine government will guarantee
for a fixed period, not exceeding thirty
years, the .punctual payment by the grantee
of interest "at a fixed rate, not exceeding 4
per cent per annum, first lien bonds issued
by the grantee under the concessionary con
tract or grant to be made and the act of
Congress, to an amount of 95 per cent of
the actual cost of construction and equip
ment.
The railroad lines to be constructed are to
be post routes and military roads, subject to
the use of the Philippine government and
the United States for postal, military, naval
and other governmental service, and sub
ject "to the reasonable regulations," as the
Philippine government, with the approval
of the Secretary of War, may Impose re
stricting the charges for such government
transportation. _
The act of Congress provides how The
gross earnings of the roads shall be ap
plied. The grantee ami its contractors and
subcontractors are required, so far as pos
sible, to give preference to such satisfac
tory laborers a9 may be found along the
line of the railway, and the employment of
laborers is always to be "under reasonable
direction" of the governor general of the
Philippine islands.
The points to be considered In determining
upon the successful bidder or bidders con
template the lines of railway which a bid
der will construct and operate without any
guarantee; the rate of interest to be guar
anteed which a bidder will accept; the dura
tion of guarantee which will bo accepted
and what percentage Ie.ss than 95 per cent
of the cost of construction the bidder will
accept as the amount for which tho guar
anteed bonds shall be Issued.
No Competition for Northern Luzon.
There was no competition for the conces
sions in northern Luzon nor in the islands
of Pauay, Negros and Cebu, and no bids
w.-re submitted for grants in the Islands of
Leyte or Samar. The bid of the Seattle
parties was for the proposed line in south
ern Luzon from Pasacao to Lcgaspl, with
branches. This line is Included in the bid
of Speyer & Co., the former asking for
a guarantee and the latter none.
The proposals submitted are for conces
sions under which the successful bidders
are to build, maintain and operate the sev
eral lines of railway. Speyer ft Co., in con
nection with their bid, askei for conce s'oas
under which to bu Id branches of the exist
ing Manila and Dagupan railway, and It is
stated that If the b.d of Speyer & Co. is ac
cepted it probu.bly will result finally In the
operation under one management of 033
miles of railway on the Island of Luzon.
The bid of Speyer & Co. was for the Hie
from Manila to Batangas and branches to
Santa Cruz and to Lucena; the liJ!e from
Dagupan to San Fernando and the line
from l'asacao to Legaspl, witiv. branches
No bids were submitted for the proposed
line from Cabanatuan to A-parri or from
San Fernando to Laoag.
The bids were opened by Col. Edwards,
chief of the bureau of insular affairs, and in
addit on to the bidders there were present
Secretary Taft, Gov. Wright of the Phil
ipplnes and Mr. Forbes, a member of the
Philippines commission.
On Real Estate Security. '
National banks in towns not exceeding
'iO.OOO population are empowered to lend
money on real estate security, according to
the terms of a bill introduced in the House
yesterday by Representative Clayton of
Alabama.
Militia Officers' Mail.
Representative Stephens of Texas is the
author of a bill to provide for the. free
transmission of official mail matter of offi
cers of the militia of the United States,
HARM TESTIFIED
Told Conversation W ith Ryan
Over Stock Purchase
AT INSURANCE INQUIRY
CRITICISED LATTER'S PLAN TO
GET CONTROL OF EQUITABLE.
Regarded Ambition as Staggering to
Anybody?Other Testimony in
New York Today.
E. H. Harriman, in the insurance investi
gation in New York, today said that he
was instrumental in preventing bills from
being introduced In the legislature to aid
one faction in the Equitable to get control
of the society. "It has been openly
charged," said Mr. Hughes, "that you get
your political Influence through your rela
tions with Mr. Odell."
"X should say that Mr. Odell gets his
political influence through his relations
with me," responded Mr. Harriman.
Mr. Harriman said that when a move
was on foot to -give Uie control of the
Equitable to James \V. Alexander and his
friends toy means of legislative action at
AUbany, he wired certain persons at Albany
to keep him informed as to the progress
such proceedings might make. Asked who
these persons at Albany were Mr. Harri
man requested that ho be excused from
answering. He said he did not want to
answer because he did not want to give
occasion for sensational newspaper head
lines. The committee and counsel, Mr
Hughes, retired for consultation. Mr. Har
riman said he would like to consult counsel
before replying.
The committee decided. however, that he
should answer and he did so, saying that
the persons from whom he had requested
the information were Qov. Higgins and the
late Speaker Nixon of the assembly.
After Mr. Harriman had answered con
cerning Gov. Higglns and Speaker Nixon,
Senator Armstrong, chairman of the com
mittee. sa!d:
"We are sorry you gave such an air of
mystery to this matter, as we all know
such inquiries are regular and common."
Mr. Harriman then said: "I ask the press
to spare them and not bring their names
into the headlines."
NEW YORK, December 15.?E. II. Harri
man was called to the stand when the
insurance investigation committee opened
its session todny.
Mr. Harriman said lie learned of the sale
of the Hyde stock on the day that Mr.
Ryan bought It. He telephoned to Mr.
Ryan and asked him' if he had bought It.
"Ryan said the purchase was condttloal,"
eald Mr. Harriman, "and that he wanted
to see me and talk with me and that he
wanted my help. I criticised his plan and
wanted to know what he meant by It. Ten
or fifteen minutes later I went to Mr.
Ryan's office. He told me he had decided
to buy the stock and said it was time for
him to make a name for himself. He sa.d
he had decided to buy Hyde's stock pro
vided he could get his nominee elected J
chairman of the board. He said he had
made a good deal of money and never had
done anything to make a name for him
self. I questioned his motive. He had
told me he wanted my help: that I was
the one man In "New York whose help he
desired."
"What'kind of help?" asked Mr. Hughes,
counsel to the investigating committee.
"To help him get his nominee elected
chairman of the board," replied Mr. Har
riman.
Ryan's Plan Staggering.
Asked upon what ground he had criti
cised Mr. Ryan's plan Mr. Harriman re
plied:
"Well, it was rather staggering to any
body, that Ryan wanted to control tho
Equitable or should have control of it."
"I told him," continued Mr. Harriman,
"that if fr-was satisfied that he was acting
from a pure a^id unseliish motive in the
interest of the Equitable I would help him.
He told me his plan. 1 did not tell him
then that I wanted, a share in the Hyde
stock. 1 assisted him to get his nominee
elected.
"Why did you, if you were not satislied
as to the purity of his motives?" asked
Mr Hughes.
"I Leeeme satisfied that with Mr. Morton
In charge, and if Mr. ityan were sincere,
the affairs of the Equitable would be safe.
1 was not convinced that Mr. Ryan was
sincere."
Mr. Hughes asked how he was consulted.
"X had to do with preventing bills from
being introduced in the legislature by one
faction in the Equitable to get control of
the society." ?
"It has been charged that through your
relation with Mr. Odell you have political
Influence; what would you say as to that?"
asked Mr. Hughes.
Odell an Influence.
"Well, 1 should think Mr. Odell had politi
cal influence because of his relations with
me," replied Mr. Harriman. (Laughter).
A few minutes later in his testimony Mr.
Harriman returned to the subject of former
Gov. Odell and political Influence and
said:
"Mr. Hughes, you spoke about Gov. Odell
and my having political influence because
of my relations or affiliation with him. I
would like to say that all last spring dur
ing the Equitable controversy, between Its
Inside factions, that Gov. Odell was not
here, nor was he communicated with about
It. so that he had no hand in it what
ever."
"And during that period were you in con
sultation with members of the legislature?"
asked Mr. Hughes.
"Not specially."
|jln regard to Insurance matters?"
had<he matter watched at Albany to
fht iH ? i ?tttemrjts were being made to use
the legislature improperly."
What He Referred To.
W hen jou refer to the possession of po
litical Influence through relations to you
you mean because of the . many important
matters in which you are interested for
which you stand?"
"Yes. in many ways."
Haven t you in the prominent position
referred to a sreat many subjects that
come before the legislature'" Jecla thnt
"No: I have no special Interest in manv
matters that come before the legislature."
^as referring to matters nf
panles* '.ra i<,S' ba"ka and " urtcom
??wi',11 Tn*ver. h*a an>* hand ?n that."
Well I don t Just understand what you
meant by political Influence through rela
tion to you." said Mr. Hughes.
Any common citizen has gome political
influence, said the witness, "and if any
'n. ,pollt'C3 can get the friendship
and backing of people who have no politl
? Wh& 11 8lves theW more
mi-i? standing. Now. Governor Odell
5*j5, resent such a statement as that
t i. w'hcther he would or not. but
I think If I wa? in polltlca I would try
to get as many men as possible of promi
nence to be friends of mine.
Assemblyman Rogers of the committee
here asked: "When did you resign as direc
tor of the Equitable?"
"When ilie Friok committee made their
report." This was June 2.
"The next Interview with Ryan was (he
Monday following the purchase of the Hyde
stock." sHid the witness. "First, however,
I told Mr Ryan I had helped elect President
Morton. and Ryan a.ild lie wanted to meei
me. and after Morton wits elected Ryan
called me tip and said he appreciated my
help, and1 wanted me to continue. and said
lie would do nothing further without my
consent, find wanted to meet me. 1 made
an appointment to meet him.
An Act of Bad Faith.
"At 11 o'clock Mr. Cravath came and said
Ryan was sorry lie hail to proceed without
tne. 1 told Mr. CraVath I considered this
an act of bad faith, turned my back on
Cravath and walked away. Mr. Ryan later
asked me lo come to tils office on Monday
and meet Mr. Root.
"in that interview with Cravath he told
me that Mr. Root had insisted on the ap
pointment of the trustees of the Equl.table
at once, and the announcement In the morn
ing papers was the first Intimation that Mr.
Ryan had asked the trustees to act. I want
you all to understand that 1 have something
besides life Insurance to do and think of.
"Did you tell him he would have your help
if he gave you a share?"
"I made no demand for the stock, but 1s
Blsted that he shouid satisfy me of the
purity of his motives, which he could do by
giving me a share."
"Did you tell him he could not succeed
without your help?"
To Center Control in Himself.
"1 was convinced thAt' h6 Intended to cen
ter the control of the Equitable in him
self, and I told him that my influence would
. be thrown against him. I told him I would
use every effort I could. It was not so
strenuous an Interview. It lasted only fif
teen minutes."
"Did you refer to legislative action or
say anything about the legislature?"
"I do not recall any such thing, nor that
X would do anything to induce legislation. I
can't deny positively that I did. I don't
know that it would have been improper.
Everybody knew that there would be legis
lation on the matter. If I recollected It 1
would bo perfectly willing to tell it."
"Did you take any steps to thwart his
plans?''
"Not yet. I hod no conversation with
Gov. Odeil about the advisability of a leg
islative investigation nor about any kind
of legislation whatever. I knew nothing
about this investigation whatever."
Mr. Harriman taid he is in politics and
has some jiolltical Influence, and he did
not conu'der it Improper It" he did use his
political Influence against Ryan. '^Nothing
improper in Ryan's conduct of the Equitable
has yet come to my attention," he said,
"and I have not had time to attend to it.
If anything had come to my attention I
should have acted."
"What is your political influence?"
"It is such as ;uiy man of prominence has
who lias never asked any one to do anything
Improper. I have great interests in New
York and am often consulted."
Mr. Hughes asked Mr. Harrlman what
was his understanding as to the absolute
transfer of the Hyde stock to Ryan?
whether t^iere was any understanding that
there wa? an arrangement that the stock
was to be carried for Hyde in whole or In
D-rt
"No." replied the witness; "but that was
suspected by everybody."
Mr. Harriman said that he did not insist
that the two additional trustees suggested
by him should be appointed by him. What
he wanted, he said, was the appointment of
two absolutely independent trustees to'act
as a check on Ryan and the Ryan trustees.
What Harriman Bid at Albany.
Mr. Hughes asked what Mr. Harriman
did at Albany to prevent the mutualization
of the Equitable. Mr. Harriman objected
to telling, but Mr. Hughes insisted, and Mr.
Harriman said that in the Equitable trouble
Mr. Hyde offered to trustee the stock, as
Ryan did later. A subcommittee of the
Equitable had recommended mutualization
It was put into the bands of lawyers to take
care of this at Albany.
"All last spring, during the Equitable con
troversy, Gov. Odell was not here; he was
not consulted, and had no hand In it what
ever. During that time I had legislation
watched at Albany to prevent one faction
in the Equitable getting in control."
Mr. Hughes asked what he meant by
Odell's getting political interest through
him
"Every man of prominence has ceVtaln
political influence."
Attempt to Buy Stock.
Mr. Hughes read Mr. Harriman's previous
testimony, in which he said he did not try
to buy the Hyde stock, and Harriman said
he did not then have in mind his attempt
to get the Ryan holdings, but meant that
he made no attempt to buy the stock direct
from Mr. Hyde.
Mr. Harriman asked Mr. Hughes if he did
not think that answer was proper, and Mr.
Hughes said he thought It was, that Mr.
Harriman had In mind only that he made
no offer to Hyde.
"The Alexander faction went to Albany to
oppose the plan," said the witness, "and Mr.
Piatt went there to represent a committee
of policyholders. I was neutral, not with
either faction. I was In communication
with men who were to inform me If there
was any possibility of the Alexander fac
tion succeeding. I do not want to tell you
what they reported. There was no bill In
troduced. I took steps with some members
of the legislature to let me know If a bill
was introduced."
Mr. Hughes brought out the statement
that Mr. Harriman did not present a bill
being introduced and he was not Informed
that a bill was going to be introduced. Mr.
Hughes asked with whom Harriman had
these interviews. Mr. Harriman said he
would rather see the parties before answer
ing. He offered to tell Senator Armstrong
or Mr. Hughes privately, and If they de
cided that he must he would tell.
Did Not Want Responsibility.
Senator Armstrong said neither he nor
Hughes desired to take such a responsibil
ity.
"I communicated with some members of
the legislature."
Senator Armstrong: "We commonly re
ceive such communications from: our
friends."
Harriman: "I told them what I wanted
to know. I don't want to go further, but 1
will consult with counsel and if they say I
should I will do so."
Senator Armstrong consented and the
three men went Into an anti-room to
confer.
Mr. Harriman had said one reason why
he did not want to disclose the names was
that he did not want to make sensational
headlines.
On Harriman's returning to the stand, Mr.
Cravath, Judge Dovett and Mr. Hughes
and Mr. McKeen consulted with the com
mittee, after which Judge Lovett talked
briefly with Mr. Harriman. Mr. Harriman
asked to have the question repeated. Har
riman said ho had the communication with
the late Speaker Nixon and Gov. IIlgglnR.
He requested that If anything come to their
notice that people in the Equitable opposed
to the Alexander faction toe notified.
Regret Over Reference to Nixon.
The understanding was not that the gov
erner or speaker should take any other
action.
Harriman: "I regret having to bring up
Mr. Nixon's name, especially as he is
dead."
Senator Armstrong: "We are sorry yoi
gave such an air of myBtery to It, as we
all know such inquiries are regular and
common."
"I hope my communication with them
will not"be put In the same category as the
ordinary communications. I ask -the presf
to spare those men and not bring thet:
names into the headlines."
Mr Harriman in leaving the witness stan<'
said that his reason for wanting to kee<~
Gov. Hlgglns and Speaker Nixon's name?
out of the newspaper headlines Is that most
people read only the headlines. Mr. Har
riman was then excused.
Action Taken by the Senate
Committee.
j THE STUTLER CHARGES
[TO BE TAKEN UP IMMEDIATELY
AFTER THE HOLIDAYS.
Several Bills Reported Favorably,
Among Them Those Providing
for a Juvenile Court.
The Sena to committee on the District of
| Columbia held a session today and consid
ered some nominations that are pending be
fore it, together with a number of bills of
Interest.
In respect to the charges of Mr. Warner
Stutler, formerly superintendent of the
street cleaning depnrtment of the District
and now contractor for the removal of gar
bage, the committee decided to pay spoclal
attention to Mr .Stutler's charges at its
j first meeting after the Christmas holidays.
At that tlmo it l? expected that botli Com
missioner West and Mr. Stutler will be
asked to appear before the committee In
order that the entire matter may be gone
over and the facts concerning the charges
clearly stated.
The committee also took up the matter of
the protest against confirmation of Mr.
Kobert H. Terr/pll to serve another term as
justice of .the peace. Senators Dillingham
and Mallory were appointed a subcommit
tee to look into this matter, and it is ex
pected they will be ready to report to the
full committee early- in January.
A Juvenile Court.
The committee reported Senator Gallin
ger's bill to create a Juvenile court in the
I District of Columbia. The bill, as ordered
reported, is exactly In the form In which
j It was Introduced on the Cth Instant and
prescribes- the nature of the court wlilch is
j to consider such cases.
The term of the Ju.lge of the court Is to
be six years and he is to be appointed by
the President. He is to receive a salary
Of $3,000. This court is to have original
I and exclusive Jurisdiction of all crimes and
offenses of persons under seventeen years
of age hereafter committed against the
United States, not capital or otherwise in
famous and not punishable by imprison
ment In the penitentiary, committed wltliin
the District of Columbia Libel, conspiracy
and violations of the post office and pension
laws of the United States are excepted
from the Jurisdiction of this court. The bill
fixes the details of the court's organization.
The committee also ordered a favorable
report on Senator Gallinger's bill to provide
a public park on Georgetown Heights by
the purchase or condemnation of the tract
of land kncfWTl a!s Montrose, lying immedi
ately north of road or U street and east of
Lovers' lane, on Georgetown Heights, con
taining sixteen acres, at an expense not
exceeding $150,000.
To Widen Roads.
A favorable report was ordered on Senate
bill 55 for the widening of Bladensburg
road from H street or Boundary street to
the District of Columbia line, according to
the street extension plans. This Is to be
done within thirty days after the dedica
tion to the District of Columbia of two
thirds of the land necessary for the widen
j Ing of the road. Condemnation proceedings
are provided for to secure the necessary
land.
Another bill providing for the widening of
a section of Columbia road east of l*5th
street to a width of sixty feet was also or
dered favorably reported by the committee.
Senator Gallinger's bill authorizing and
directing the Commissioners to submit to
Congress a report upon the Improvement of
the so-called flats of the Anatcostia river
from its mouth to the District line, with
recommendations and estimates of cost
was favorably acted upon and will be re
ported to the Senate.
Another bill favorably reported Is Senate
bill 1244. introduced on the 11th instant by
Mr. Gallinger. providing for an amendment
to the District code so that any three or
more persons who may desire to form R
company for the purpose of carrying on any
enterprise or business which may'be law
fully conducted by an Individual, excepting
banks of circulation or discount, railroads
and such other enterprises as may be other
wise specifically provided for in the code
may file In the office of the recorder of
deeds an exhibit in writing to that effect.
This amendment, it is understood, places
people in the District of Columbia on the
same footing with certain outside corpora
tions in the conduct of business.
Memorial Bridge.
Senator Daniels' bill to provide for the
construction of a memorial bridge across
the Potomac river from this city to the
Arlington estat? property was also favor
ably reported without amendment. Un
der this bill the Secretary of War Is au
thorized and directed to cause to be con
structed a memorial bridge from the most
convenient point on the Naval Observatory
grounds across the Potomac river to the
most convenient point of the Arlington
estate property. This bridge is to be con
structed on a plan to be approved by a
board to be composed of the Secretary of
War. the President of tho Senate, the
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
the chairmen of the committees on the
District of Columbia of the Senate and of
the House, and the bridge Is not to cost
more than $5,000,000. The sum of $5;*),
000 Is appropriated to secure a proper plan
and to commence the construction of the
bridge.
SULTAN CAPITULATED
FORMAL SURRENDER TO THE DE
MANDS OF THE POWERS.
CONSTANTINOPLE. December 15.?Tur
key last night formally surrendered to the
demands of the powers and accepted the
scheme providing for the financial control
of Macedonia. A communication to this ef
fect was handed by the porte to the Aus-tro
Hungarian ambassador, Baron Von Calice,
and the question which has been the subject
of negotiations for eleven months was
closed. The International fleet will prompt
ly be withdrawn.
Serious Situation at Tiflis.
The Turkish ambassador at St. Petersburg
has been Instructed to draw Russia's atten
tion to the serious situation at Tiflis, Cau
casia. where It is alleged the Russian au
thorities are distributing arms to the Arme
nians and inciting them to massacre the
Tartars. The Armenians are alleged, with
the assistance of the troops, to have taken
full advantage of the opportunity and to
h-.ve Invaded Mussulman residences, includ
ng those of Turkish subjects, slaughtering
the women and children as well as the men
The appeals of the Turkish consul to the
local authorities at Tiflis were unavailing.
Trouble Over Patronage in
North Carolina,
CALIFORNIA AS WELL
HOW APPOINTMENTS IN THE
STATE ARE TO BE DIVIDED.
A Talk About Insurance Investigation
?Pat Garrett May Not Be
Reappointed.
The fight over the federal patronage lis
the western district of North Carolina lias
grown to such proportions there promises
to be crimination and recrimination of the
worst sort among the factions. There ore
threats of an exposure of a written promise
of Judge Prltchard, Judge Boyd and other
North Carolina men of prominence to re
frain from Interfering with the recommen
dations of Representatlv? Blackburn in the
western district of the state. A good deal
of this has been carried to tlie President
by the friends of Blackburn and others,
and more Is to be put before him.
Representative Blackburn had a hard fight
for tlio nomination in his district eighteen
months ago. He was opposed by Influen
tial republicans in and out of the district.
Including Judge James E. Boyd, who is
now charged with too much interference
from t he l>oncl\ in political affairs. As a
result of the opposition u rather bitter feel
ing resulted between Boyd and Blackburn,
as well as others. Blackburn Is essentially
a fighter, however, and succeeded in defeat
ing all of ills opponents, securing the nomi
nation ax.d then defeating the democrats in
a district that was considered favorable to
them in the way of votes. Blackburn is
said to have secured a written promise from
the machine republicans of the state that
he would not be molested in distribution of
patronage in the western district. In ac
cordance with that agreement he had rec
ommended the nomination of Louis C. ^ ag
ner of Statesville for marshal to succeed
James M. Milllkan, Who has held the place
for eight years. The state organization de
clines to agree to Wagner and wants Milll
kan retained for another term. They are
making all lands of threats. Heretofore the
President has abided by the recommenda
tions of the state machine. If he fa'is tx>
do so now the blow will bo a severe one.
If lie does not carry out Blackburn's rec
ommendations, the latter and his friends
say they will overturn the state organiza
tion as clean as a whistle in the next state
convention. They declare their power to do
so now If there were a convention.
A California Nomination.
Senators Perkins and Flint of California
saw the President and laid before him the
name of Oscar Lawler of Los Angeles for
United States attorney for the ?outhern dis
trict of that state and the nomination will
go to the Senate. The present attornex is
L. H. Valentine. The California senators
have an agreement by which the appoint
ments In the southern part of the s'ate are
dictated by Senator Flint and those In the
northern part by Senator Perkins.
Representative Greene of Massachusetts
presented to the President J. F. Jackson,
chairman of the board of railroad commis
sioners of Massachusetts; Woodward Em
ery, chairman of the board of harbor and
land commissioners, and Carl Kensington.
The Insurance Investigation.
Robert Lynn Cox, member of the legis
lature from Buffalo and a member of the
insurance investigating commiss on, called
on the President today with Representative
Alexander and talked with him about the
Insurance Investigation. Mr. Cox says that
the commission will prepare its report to
the legislature early In January and sub
mit it to the leglsclature immediately upon
the assembling of that body. "'It has not
been decided what line the recommenda
tions to the legislature will take," said Mr.
Cox. "We are now at work trying to map
out the recommendations we will make."
"Pat" Garrett May Not Be Reappointed
"Pat" Garrett, the six-foot three western
er whose chief reputation was made in
hunting down and killing the notorious
"Billy the ICid," may not be given another
term as collector of customs at El Paso,
Texas. The President is said to be displeas
ed with Garrett, who was a rough rider and
one of the first of that regiment given a
federal position, because Garrett s alleged
to have attended the reurt on of his regi
ment at San Antonio last spring with a pro
fessional gambler and sajoon keeper of no
especially good reputation- Besides that. El
Paso people are making a light on Garrett.
The President is said to have treated Gar
rett coolly when the tall dead shot called
at the White House two or three days ago.
HOCH'S LAST HOPE GON
ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT AF
FIRMS DEATH SENTENCE.
CHICAGO. December 15.?Tins supreme
court of the state today affirmed the ver
dict of the lower court, which condemned
Johajin Hoch to death for the murder of
his wife, Mrs. Marie Welcker Hoch, and
the date of his execution has been set for
February 23.
The first news c*f the action of the court
was received here by a telephone message
from Assistant State's Attorney Barnett,
who Is in Springfield. He communicated the
information to the state's attorney, a mes
senger was sent to Hoch wilh the news, and
found him in the visitor's cage, ta.king with
the last of his many wives, Mrs. Fischer
Hoch, the sister of the woman for whose
murder he was sentenced to death.
When he received the news. Hoch became
gre itly excited and pressing his face
against the wire netting he shouted: "You
are a liar, a liar. It Is not true. I do not
believe it." 'He quickly became more com
posed and asked for a verification of the
report. When the messenger came back a
eecond time Hoch took it very quietly. He
did not betray the slightest emotion, ar.d
said in his ordinary tone: "I have nothing
to say: nothing at all. If it must come,
then it must. I have nothing more to say."
Specific Charge Against Hoch.
The specific charge ag.dnst Hoch, and for
which he was convicted, Is the killing of
his wife, Mrs. Marie Welcker Hoch. by the
administration of arsenic. He fled from
the city, and was arrested in New York,
and brought Hack to Chicago. He w a -
placed on trial April 19, and convicted
May 20. Sentence of death was passed on
him on June 3, the original date of June 2t
being set for his execution.
Gov. Deneen granted him a rep.Ieve until
July 2S, and a second reprieve until August
25. Before the arrival of this day. how
ever. the supreme court granted him a
supersedeas to allow a consideration of his
case. The action of the court tod*y de
stroys his last hope unless Gov. Deneen in
terferes.
Hoch has always denied that ha killed h's
wife, by arsenic or otherwise. He his ad
mitted that he committed bigamy repeU
edly. tout asserts that all of his wives who
died expired <>i_a*.tural c&uM*
f "V. ??.
ASSAILED flY TILLMAN
President's Course Regarding
Dominican Affairs Criticised.
TRICKERY IS CHARGED
SENATOR SPOONER TAKES EXCEP
TION TO THE WORD.
Relations With Santo Domingo Din
cussed in Impassioned Terms on
the Floor of the Senate.
Senator Tillman delivered In the Sonata
this afternoon the speech which has be^n
h?*alded for several days upon the subject
of alleged usurpation of power by the ex
ecutive. A good sized audience of senator*
listened to him and he was frequently In
terrupted. the executive being vigorously
defended by Senator Spooner.
Senator Tillman prefaced his remarks by
the opinion that the United States sine?
its entry Into imperialism In the Philip
pines, as he termed it, Is on the down grade
and getting away from old principles of
government. He said a new doctrine of
Imperialism ;ind kaiserlsni seemed to he
taking the place uf the old tenets, lie f?ld
the President of tiie I'nited States was a
brilliant, able and patriotic man. who I.as
nothing at lieart but the best interests of
his country as he views them.
"And In saying that 1 am very tile ral.
added Senator Tillman.
Arraigns the President.
Continuing. Senator Tillman said that
When the President has his heart pet upon
anything he is absolutely indifferent to law
and unmindful of the Constitution,and that
in pursuing his own sweet will he tramples
under foot the Constitution of his country.
Senator Tillman then went on to cite some
occurrences which, he said. wove -'xamplet
of executive usurpation of pow?i and in
difference to the laws qf his country. ]i?
went over again the old charges so vigor
ously pushed by the democrats of il ?? al
leged spoliation v.f Colombia when the Pan
ama eanai strip was obtained by this gov
ernment.
Senator Tillman insisted that the Presi
dent had no authority to do wiiai he had
done, but that Congress had Indorsed his
action by appropriating money for the canal
work. Senator Tillman declared the Presi
dent had ignored the Senate.
The treaty with Santo 1 Join:ngo had been
negotiated and tl?e Senate had refused to
ratify it. The Senate declined to become
the policeman of the western hemisphere
and debt collector for all creditors. \\ hen
the President no longer had Congress on
hi* hands he had proceeded to carry into
effect the provisions of the treaty which the
Senate had refused to ratify.
Senator Spooner demanded to know
wherein the rejected treaty was being car
ried out.
A dialogue ensued between lilm and sen
ator Tillman, which was closed by senator
Tillman declaring- that Senator Spo n. r was
a supple acrobat in playing with word*.
"If that Is not a bull." said Senator iIII?
m""t is a bull, all right," said Senator
Spooner.
Accused of Trickery.
Senator Tillman, continuing, s.'id tiie
President is beating about the bush, that
he is accomplishing by trickery what tne
Senate would not authorize him to do.
Senator Bpooner took exception to that
statement and said that trickery was a
nasty and undignified word to be applied
to the President of the I'nited Sta. s by a
member of a co-ordinate branch of the
government. . ,,
Senator Tillman retorted that I ne pro
ceedings 111 Santo Domingo constituted a.
nasty and undignified action, and lie woa'd
like to have a better word to describe them.
Senator Tillman demanded to know wliar
excuse the President had in not withdraw
ing from Santo Domingo and waiting un
til Congress reassembled^.
Senator Sljponer said hp did not mind
saving that "he Senate ought not to have
adjourned without acting upon tli tr. atj,
for it left the President of the I nited
States in a position of embarrassment, it
was the duty of Santo Domingo to ma n
taln the status quo and keen all foreign
countries from .?Iz ng custom ; lu..i<. ?
When the Senate adjourned one creditor
government, Italy, sent a ?hip to Santo Do
mingo. if the President of the n.t- .1
States had not acted as he did in ; piein
Ises more ships of foreign governments
would have gone there.
Senator Spooner said ihc presence of
American warships had the moral effect of
maintaining tiie status quo in keeping for
eign ships away. If the treaty were being
carried into effect, as ilr. Tillm .n m d.. he
money would be in course of dN . ibui on.
It is not, however, but is be.ng hoarded,
and if the Senate finally fulls to act on the
treaty the money will belong to han.o 10
mlngo. and each foreign government will
act as It desires in getting hold of It
" \nd that Is what the senitor from South
Carolina calls trickery." added Senator
S do oner, in closing. _
"That's what it looks like to me, sa.a
Senator Tillman.
Senator Spooner retorted thu u \n.is
neither trickery nor usurpation.
Not Our Business, Says Mcney.
Senator Money interrupted with a ques
tion, and took occasion to say that the
Vnited States -ias no business in Sai.'.o
Domingo.
"Our business," said Mr. Money. i* to
attend to our own business and let oth-rs"
alone. This Imaginary idea about an ob iga
tlon imposed on us by the Monroe ^trine
to interfere in their affairs is mere tl
a mere fignu nt of his (the Pre.-ii.cnt s)
brain. There is no authority and no reason
for It beyond that."
Senator Tillman, continuing, spoke of
the "temporary arrangement" made by
the President in Santo Domingo lo last <
"until the Senate had time to take action
on the treaty." and declared that the
Senate had already had timu to take ac
tion and did Kit want to ratify the treaty,
and it Was alter that that the President
made this temporary arrangement to
carry into effect what the treaty providua
for and which the Senate would not agree
l?"The President." said Mr. Tillman, ' u d
that by what 1 call a trick. He put t*ie
treaty Into operation and here he has the
defense of a magnificent plea.de., referring
to Senator Spooner.
A pleasant tilt occurred nt tins P >lnt be
tween the ?outli Carolina, senator and -dr.
SM?U Tillman said that tho country Had
progressed very far in the law sever, or
light years along th<> line of presidential
aggrandizement, and that lie was sorry to
see that both branches failed to stand up
for their prerogatives.
Shipping Bill Reported.
When the Senate convened today Mr. Gal
linger from the committee on commerce
reported the merchant marine bill and
stated that Mr. Mallory probably would
present a minority report at a later day.
In connection with a request from Mr.
Scott for the reference of a report by th?
geological survey on the extraction of gold
from the black sands of the Pacific coast,
Mr Hale expressed the hope that nouiing
would be done with the report and too*
nno?Inn to animadvert on the method* ol