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READ THE TESTIMONY Counsel Before Court in Bassett Divorce Case. MR. COLLADAY HAS FLOOR Hearing Will Probably Continue Through Wednesday. PRESENTED CHRONOLOGICALLY I _____ I Statements by Employes of Apartment House Where Respondent Resided ?Mr. Hunt's Visits. The entire session today of Kquity Court No. Justice Gould presiding, was occupied with the reading of testimony In the suit of Charles C. Baasett, for absolute divorce from Mrs. Fanny Ric? Basse tt. daughter of former Senator Rice of Arkansas It is expected that the reading of testimony will not be concluded until tomorrow. and that the arguments of Attorney E. F. Colin day. representing Mr. Bassett, and Attorney Henry E. Davis, wno appearru for Hev. K. Lawrence Hunt, the co-respondent. will consume most of the session \\ ednepday. Taking up the testimony In a chrono- j logical way. Attorney Colladay read the depositions of a number of witnesses, who told of early meetings between Mrs. Bassett and Mr. Hunt. According to the sworn statement of Hattie Thompson, colored, a former employe In the Bassett hoousehold, XIr. Hunt appeared at the Bassett apartmenl the day after Mr. Bassett went away for his summer work for the geological survey in 1004. and entered the bed room where Mrs. Bassett was suck In bed. During all of the time that he stayed In the bed room, she said, no one else was there. Arms Around Hunt's Neck. Another statement made by Hattie Thompson was to the effect that she saw Mrs. Bassett put her arms around Hunt's ndck and kiss him. She also said that Mr. Hunt called upon Mrs. Bassett about two or three times afweek. In sl corroborative w#> testimony was offered rrom tiugn B*nt. a night watchman at the Albermarle apartment house, who said that Mr. Hunt railed at the Bassett apartment two or three times a week during- the spring of : lw>4. after Mr. Bassett had gone away. He wpeci fieri that most of the calls were made j wt night and that on one occasion he saw I (Tint depart from the Bassett apartment between ? and 7 o'clock one morning. The night before Dent had taken Hunt In the fourth floor of the apart merit, where Mrs. Baasett's rooms were located. Dent spoke of having taken the . ?v. Mr. Hunt to the Bassett apartment as late as 12 o'clock at night and after. Heading from the deposition of Henry Canty. Janitor at the Albemarle apartment hrtu.se. Attorney Oolloday quoted one statement to the effect that Mr. Hunt called upon the Bassctts nearly every. 4ay. mostly while Mr. Bassett was away. A statement was read from the testimony given-by Canty on cross-examination to the effect that "it was not customary for single men to visit married women during their husband's absence? in the apartment house." Statement by Elevator Boy. to- -?-? ~ hon Rpr Mr Hunt UL a kiutt . . .- -. also had art ;ipartipenj at the..Albemarle, oi the sev^ntS^R'*#? R<(fc'rt Fairest. a lor- | nftr elevator bqy In^rtie house, said that | hi often carried Mr. Hunt to the floor where the Bassetts lived, and that once, Rt 7 o'clock In the evening? Mr Hunt ?ti?rMed ar that floAr afia'did nof come down a grain, at Wast not until after thi wlti ss went off duty at 10 o'clock. Testimony alone tire samp lines was refitl from William Canty, another elevator boy at lh> Allx-marle. whose hours of duty alternated wKh those of Forrest. ' Ac periling to the estimon-y of Emma Duncan. a drpasmaker employed by Mra. B?ssett on one occasion, Hunt failed upon Mrs. Ba.s.s--tt seven of the eight days when she was there. | "Mr. Hunt called "most every morning" i noon after Mr. Bassett went to the office," J was the sense of the testimony read from the deposition of Julia Carter, who was employed by Mrs. Bassett for four months as cook "Once Mr. Bassett came" home when Mr. Hunt was In the parlor with Mrs Bassett," the witness declared, "and when Mr. Bassett came in Mr. Hunt stood behind the door. Mr. ana Mrs. rsassen went Into the bedroom, and witness opened the door for Mr. Hunt to get out." Frequent Visits by Minister. I.ottie Smith, who was employed as nurse Ktrl by Mrs. Bassett. spoke of the frequent visits to her mistress by Mr. Hunt, and she K?id that she carried notes from Mrs. Bassett to Mr. Hunt, when the latter lived on the seventh floor of the Albemarle. She Mid that Mrs. Bassett asked her not to tell Mr. Bassett anything abouit it. Emma Gant. another nurse girl, formerly employed by the Bassetts. said that Mrs. v--1 fihAr iiitr to let Mr. Bassett see the morning mail until It had been inspected. or to keep Mrs. Bassetfs letters separate Referring to the time when Mrs. Bassett went to New York after her husband had gone away in the summer of 1904. Maty Johnson. * servant girl who was taken to the metropolis with the family, was (looted to the effect that Mrs. Bassett went away at night on several occasions while they were visiting a family named O'Rourke. Further details of the trip to New York were offered in the testimony of Mary E. O'Rourke of Highbrldge. New York city, a first cousin of Mrs. Bassett. "The first time Mrs. Bassett was aibsent she was away three or four days. Including the nights." Mrs. O'Rourke said "On that occasion she said she was going to visit some friends by the name of Tillotson. Another time when she returned after being absent over night she said she had been to Far Roekaway: that she went with Mr. and Mrs. John G. Carlisle." Two other occasions were mentioned when Mrs. Bassett rem.iln??<l away over night. John G. Carlisle's Testimony. Tli.it Mrs. Bassett did not spend a night at his mother's house during the month of July. 11104, was the sense of the testimony of John B. Tillotson of New York. The testimony of John O. Carlisle, formerly Secretary of the Treasury, was read and statements quoted to the effect that he does not know Fannie Rice Bassett, has no recollection of ever having seen her. and that no such person visited Ui? bouse during the summer of 1WVI or at any other time. At the afternoon session an excerpt of I1i? t#?stimonv of formor Renresentati\ e Benjamin L. Fairchlld of New York, a member of the Fifty-fourth Congress, was read, as follows: ""On the date which he thinks was the Kth or July, he (riving the year with certainty as l?OB, and stating that the day was either the 4th or the 5th of July In that year, he and Mrs. Bassett ha da conversation In the house" of Mr. and Mrs. ?ll>son. Atlantic City, at which no one else was present. Explanations by Mrs. Bassett. "A considerable part of the conversation was occupied by Mrs. Bassett giving einlanations to him of certain Incidents relating to certain relations of Mrs. Bassett and Mr. Hunt, and in response f> those explanations from Mrs. Basse ft he finally asked her whether she did not think It would have been far better If, upon orte occasion when she told her husband that she feared that Mr. Hunt had bacinne too fond of her, she should not tben have, for safety to herself, forbidden Mr. Hunt to see her again, to which he replied. 'It might.' "Witness did not purport to oiv* Use ntlre conversation, but upon being asked whether anything else was said by Mrs. Itasxett or by the witness about the affection of Mr. Hunt for her. or her affection for Mr. Hunt, he stated that the cMu-eraation was for the moat part ar Wu i i/rtf nn t hm rvarfr e\f Mrs Rnaaot? fn xpluin away some incidents which had o?ne to the knowledge of Mr. Bassett relating to her?e!f and Mr. Hunt.'*" ON LEGISLATIVE BILL WOBK BEGUN BY HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE. The Measure Will Cfcrry About $30,000,000?District Bill Will Follow. Business is picking up around the Capitol Hill gas works. Quite a number of the peo pic's chosen showed up In the various committee rooms, and more are on the way. This Is Influx week, and by Saturday there should be a full house. Monday the second session of the Fifty-ninth Congress will begin to make history. Chairman Tawney of the House appropriations committee was one of the first to show up today. He is looking as fit as a two-year-old, and says he feels the same Way. Representative Burleson was waiting for him. and the two were soon deep in a learned discussion of the sentiment for the adoption of the metric system shown by the returns from the fourth Alaska district. Representatives Littauer of New York and Mann of Illinois Joined the group, and after some more heavy conversation of the jame kind the legislative subcommittee ot the appropriations committee got to work on the legislative appropriation bill. "Mr. Tawney doesn't intend to lose any time. The legislative bill, which will carry in the neighborhood of thirty millions, will be pounded Into shape and pushed before the House the latter part of next week. The District Bill Next. The District of Columbia appropriation bill, according to the present plans, will then hold the center of the staare. Those members of the Senate and House who have already landed In town seem to have an idea that there will not be a great deal done at the coming session, outside of the passage of the necessary money bills and some measures that are already on the ways ana as gooa as tnrougn Dotn nouses. Considerable of a fuss may be made about several bills that have been before the public more or less for several years, but a hypodermic injcctlon or two will attend to these before the session comes to an end. The President's message will probably tlx the feature of the session outside of the appropriation measures. To Amend Pure-Food Bill. Representative Mann, who piloted the pure-food bill In its voyage through the House last year, may have an amendment ur two to offer and push during the coming session. One of these leciuires the weight of the contents of a can to be printed on the label and another makes it nec essary 10 niarx tne laoei wnn me aate or the canning of the contents of the package. Both these propositions are expected to meet with vigorous opposition. BENNING'S LAST WEEK FINE WEATHER AND GOOD CARD MAKE THE RACES ATTRACTIVE. Although there was no feature event at Benntng this afternoon, the card was a good one, and full of interest, all .the fields being well balanced. The fine weather and the good card drew out another large crowd. | The sensational riding of Jockey Miller in Saturday's races was the topic of conversation. and he certainly had a -big following af bettors on all his mounts this afternoon. The track had dried out well, and can now be classed as first-class. The number of bookmakers present was almost equal to that of Saturdav. and the bettors hart lit tic troubic in getting the.r money down--,' Today's Racing. The first race, for three-year-olds and upward, six and a half furlongs, was won by Pretension (Horner). artd 7 to fW; Avaunteer (Miller). 2 and :< to 5, second-: Dolly Spanker (Notter), 2 and 3 to 5. third. Lord of the Vale and Twister also ran. The start was good. Pretension was oft first, and held the lead to the finish, staving off a grand challenge by Avaunteer. winning by a head. Time, 1.22. ot-uuitu liict*. niefifieuiwse ior iour-yearolds and up, about two miles'. was won by Calooraliatehee (Kelleher), 12 and 4; Captain Hayes (SafTell), 4 and 8 to 5. second; Valley Forge (Hyles), (5 and 2, third. Tibo also ran. Pioneer and Garterknot fell. Frank Somers refused. Valley Forge led all the way to the stretch, where Caloorahatchee went to the front and won by a length from Captain Hayes, the latter closing strong. Time, 4.15 3-5. Tomorrow's Entries. Following are the entries for tomorrow: First race, selling, three-year-olds, seven furlongs, Columbia course?The Clown, 106; Chippewa. 103; Akbar. 100: Lawsonian. 98; Cinchona, 98; Midas, 98; Benevolent, 1?8; Bettie Bouncer, U7; King's Gem, 95; Hocus Pocus. 95; Anna Smith. 95; Reldmore, 101; *Hooray, 101; *Amvetta Lady, 100: Ladsarion, 97; *Gentian. 93; Society Bud. 90; *KIamesha II, If); Transmute, 90; Baby Willie. 90. Second race, two-year-olds. colts, maidens, six furlongs. Columbia course? Blue Book. 112; Sheridan, 112; Monkey Puzxle, 112; Pierrot. 112; Tuckernuck, 112; Eltovar. 112; Dankali, 112; Cabocn&n. 112; Narelle, 112. Third race, selling, three-year-olds and up, one mile and a sixteenth, old course? Red Knight. Ill; Onatas, 108; Fiat. 102; Dekaber, 99; Azelina, 99; Ocean Spray, 91; Leonard Joe Hayman, 110; *Luretta. 103; *Chalfonte, 101; Volladay, 97; Hanover Hornpipe. 94; *G. L. M., 89. Fourth race, two-year-old geldings and fillies, Fix furlongs, Columbia course? Grace Cameron, loll; Ambush, 109; Nettie Carlta. 10ft; Loudon Light, 100; Jobstown, 109; Millstone. 109; Manana, 100: Sphinx. 109; Mary Hall. 10!); Neoskaletta. 109; 8wlft Girl, 109; Accumulate, 109; Mamraymoo, 109; June Time, 109; Old Colony, 109; Rye Boy. 109; Arlington, 109; Lady Karma, 109; Diluent, 109. Fifth race, selling, three-year-olds and up, one mile and forty yards, Columbia courseWorkman. U.'i; Ivanhoe, 112; Emperor of India, 110; Grand Duchess. 103; Panlque, 103; Welrdsome, 103; Delphle, 103; Kiamesha II, 101; Pleasant Days, 98; Holloway, tW; Flimnap. 98; Judge White, 95; Winning Mann. u.i; -uiue trIgeuu, iw, -rwainei jiuyal. 1U5; - Hooray, 104; *Yada. 101; 'New York. 101; *Andrew Mack. 101; Plantaganet. 101; M.uritta. U8; Reldmore, 97. Sixth race, handicap, three-year-olds and ud, mile and a quarter, old course?Ormonde's Right. 120; Red Knight, 115; Angler, 107: Solon Shingle, lOtt; Cederstrome. U8; Banker, !*>; Palette, 95; Bulwark, !M; Pete Dalley, Srj; Caronal, 84. 'Apprentice allowance claimed. Tomorrow's Entries at New Orleans. Special DUpatch to The Star. vrn- ftBI fc'A va T Vni-amK.. <M The following are tomorrow's entriet: Fir?t race. Ave and a half furlongs, selling, $500? Malta. 103; Blackburn, 105; Negra, 1?K>; Dry Dollar, 106; Bonart, 110; Zanliss, 105; Jack Hardy, 00; Anna Ruakln, 100. Second race, selling, six furlongs, $400? Cannon Ball. 108; Foreigner, 103; Airship, 109; Fay Templeton, 105; La Cache, 98; Invasion. 98; Gay Adelaide, 106; Matador, 108; Mario, 98. Third race, one mile, selling, *400? Lena J., 96; Bitter Brown. 94; Odd Ella. 102; Hollomas. 10ft; Lady Charade, 99; Quinn Brady, 99; Missouri Lad, 111. Fourth race, nix furlongs, $500?Bertha E., 108; Formaster. 115; Rusk. 112; Rian. 112; Auditor. 112; Juggler, 106; Excitement. Ill; Toboggan, 112; Pompadour, 92; Sir Walter KoMins, 112. Fifth race, soiling, alx furlong*. $400? Woodsaw, 40M; Consideration. 10Z; Alencon. 100; Cutter. Ill; Whlpporwlll. 108; Martlus. 100; J- W. O'Neill, 100; Lady Henrietta, 10K. Sixth race, selling, one mile, $400?Olobe Runner, fonda. 107; Mahogany, 103; Dr. Youuc, 'JO; Stoic, 06; Bitter U&nd, 96; Hamfea*. 95; Henpacked. 91; Marvin Neal. ?! ; Tttri Cttfct. KBh Mr. Scott, 97; Dueaaa, Merry Bell*, 92. - WERE SHAKING "BONES." Thre? Policeman Swoop Down on Sunday Gamblers. WhISp a crowd were intently watch In* the throw of the bones In Reeves' court northwest yesterday policemen of the eighth precinct-eluded i.ie watchers at the ends of the alley and swooped down upon the crowd. Four were arrested, and gave their names at the station house as Lenox Colbert. Robert Johnson. Charles Williams and Jo?n King. All wer? charged with disorderly assembly. After Policemen West. Lawless and Sweeney of tKe eighth precinct had explained tq Judge Kimball that they heard "Com* sebon. some 'leben" among the voice* ia the crowd and saw the money timed onto the pavement and the bones roiled, the court was convinced of . .e guilt of the four defendants and Imposed sentences of (25 t'frfe or nfftety'days in Jail on each of theni.^_ _ FRATERNITY XAV SHOT. Fell ow Frats Secretive?Coroner to Investigate. ANN HARBOR. Mich.. November 26.? John Fraser of Genesee, N. T.. a student in the engineering department ci the University of Michigan, died today from a bullet wound In the obdomen. received, it la claimed, while taget shooting yesterday on the Huron river, four miles from here. It is not positively known who fire I the fatal shot. Fraaer was a member of the Trig.iu fraternity, composed of engih.erlng students. It Is said that It was one of his fraternity brothers who held the r,?vjlver. The members of the fraternity are surrounding the affair with secrecy and refuse to admit reporters to the house or discuss the shooting. Coroner Burchfleld was called after Fraser's death and will hold an inquest today. Frazer's father arrived today. ROOSEVELT 18 WELL PABTY STEAMING HOME OH MAYFLOWER. Special Dispatch to The Star. NORFOLK. Va? November 28.?President Roosevelt, Mrs. Roosevelt, her maid. Surgeon General Rixey of the navy and flecre tary M. C. I-atta of the Witft? House force, comprising the presidential party who arrived this morning from the isthmus of Panama and Porto Rico In the best of health, are this afternoon safely on board the President's yacht, Mayflower, steaming rapidly for the national capital, which will be reached, .by nightfall. The transfer from the battleship Louisiana to the Mayflower was made bv the President and his party at Wolf Trap Tlw? f /liifelo no avnA/>t<u) *a at once to td wer' C Wesapeake bay and await the arrival of the c raiser Washington, which is coming In slowly, owing to an accident to one of her engines. The Louisiana, which passed the Capes this morning at ScSo o'clock, reporting President Roosevelt arid party well and In flne spirits, was fiSll<jwV>a- at 0 o'clock fcy the convoying cruiser Tenessee, which reported by wireless ^he accident to the Washington. -- \ <- - j ? i NOT OPPOSES TO TUBES. Pennsylvania Railroad Authorizes a . Statement Relative Thereto. tYt t t r atm?t mir a -vr 1?- no txtj*. i_ iT 11 i UAX/CilJl XX1A, i'lUVCUlUCI Willi "reference to the report that the Pennsylvania railroad was opposing the franchise* "Ordinance of the "Tube City railroad at Pittsburg, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company today authorized the following statement : ... , the publioAtton In' the papers this morning the general officers of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company In Philadelphia had never heard of the Tube City Railroad Company, nor were they aware that any effort was being made by It to obtain a terminal in Pittsburg. The Insinuation that this company, through any of Its representatives, has used any means whatsoever, direct or Indirect, financial or otherwise. to interfere with the plans of the Tnbe City railroad is absolutely devoid of I foundation, and is. in the judgment of the ] Pennsylvania Railroad Company, deliberately malicious. It constitutes an aDDarent effort to drag the name of the Pennsylvania railroad into a situation with which it has not tile remotest connection." OPEN SHOP CONTROVERSY. Masters and Journeymen Plumbers Lock Horns. The statement was made today by a member of the board of arbitration appointed to settle. If possible, the differences and contentions between the master plumbers and journeymen of that craft that a meeting of the board will be called just as soon as Attorney Easby-Smlth, representing the masters. and Attorney McNamara, representing the journeymen, can get together and agree on certain matters that are supposed to come before the arbitrators. The bone of nnntentlon between the lawvers aVlrt the in terei-ts they represent is said to be the vexed open shop question. Fear was expressed that this matter of the open shop may yet bring about a state of affairs that will render the board of arbitration comparatively useless as an agency for settling the matters that primarily brought about the lockout of the journeymen plumbers. At this time there does not appear to be any prospect of an immediate meeting of the arbitrators, as the two lawyers have lockeu horns over the question of whether the open shop issue shall or shall not be presented to the board for its decision. wALTEJi PARIS SEAS. Will Continue Until December 15 at Corcoran Gallery. The members of the Washington Water Color C'lub began their first public exhibition yesterday in the hemicycle room of the Corcoran Art Gallery. The exhibition, which contains over 100 pictures by the best water color artists of the city, will continue until December 15. The officers of the club are: James Henry Moser, president; Miss B. E. Perrie. vie* president;, Carl Weller, treasurer, and Miss Grace E. Atwater, secretary. WALXEB PARIS DEAD. Prominent Water Color Artist and Musician Passes Away. Walter Paris, a prominent water-color artist of this city, died at 3:15 o'clock this morn ins at the George Washington University Hospital, as a result of a stroke of paralysis retelVed about ten days ago. Mr. Paris was born. In London. England, February 28, 1842. He became an American citizen in 1804. He was a pupil of the Koyai Acaaemy 01 Lunaon ana or X. Ij. Rowholliam, Paul Mattel and Joseph Naah In London. Prom 1866 to 1800 Mr. Paris was architect to the British government in India. Although Mr. Paris was well known as a painter of water colors, he was equally as wel! known as a musician, performing on the violin. There are four of Mr. Paris' paintings on exhibition in the hemicircle room at the Washington Water Color Club exhibition, which ts now being held in the Corcoran Art Gallery. One of his best paintings is -The Great Bllixard of 1899," which hs painted that winter and has been on ex hibltion at the Corcoran Art Galery for a number of years. As yet no funeral arrangements have been made. MANY DELEGATES HERE Twenty-Ninth National Convention of Phi Delta Theta. FESTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK Only Surriving Charter Members ia in Attendance. KB. MACPARLAHD'S WELCOME Identennnt Governor of Indl?n? One of the Speakers?Warm Feeling of Brotherhood. The twenty-ninth biennial national convention of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity was formally opened at the New Willard this mnrn1no> whon th? vlaSHnr and their friends were welcomed to the capital. Representatives of many of the chapters and fraternity alumni clubs from the north, west and south reached here yesterday and laat night. Before the convention assembled the secretaries spent a busy hour securing the required registration of the delegates and alternates. The festivities are planned to continue through out the week, a banquet, smoker, theater party, a reception by President Roosevelt" at the White House and visits to the Congressional Library, Mt. Vernon and Fort Myer being on the program. Many congratulatory remarks at the onening session were directed toward "Father" John Wolfe Lindley of the claca of 1850 of Miami University, the only living member of the original coterie Tho founded the Phi Delta Theta fraternity flfty-elght years ago, and toward Mrs. Ltndley, who accompanied him. At its last meeting the fraternity by formal resolution con kiuiairu iiii o. upuu Lite utuaoiuH of her seventieth birthday. The meeting was called to order by Frank J. R. Mitchell, president of the general council, the governing body of the "Frat" of Chicago, and he brought "Father" Ltndley forward to offer the opening prayer. Welcome From Alumni Club. "The Washington Alumni Club welcomes you to Washington," William N. Compton, president of that organisation, said In his address of welcome, "and we are glad to see you. We have lookel forward a long time to your coming because we have wanted to see you and we have wanted you to see ua. We are proui of the loyal band of Phl8 who constitute our alumni club, representing, as they do, nearly all the parent chapters. It will give us pleasure to conduct you to the Capitol building, the seat of government of the United States; the Congressional Library, and we want you to climb to the top of the Washington monument?in the elevator?and take a bird's-eye view of the most beautiful city in the worid. You must go with us to the tomb of Washington. and to the National cemetery at Arlington, where sleep the heroes of the late War, and meet personally President Roosevelt. "For a long time we have believed that there ought to be an active chapter of Phi Delta Theta In the city of Washington, and the time has now come when that chapter can be Instituted at George Washington University, where there is a loyal band of young men who have maintained an organization for the past year or more for the express purpose of petitioning for a charter. The Alumni Club of Washington indorses the establishment of- such a chapter. :Th!s matter will' W brought more directly to your attention later on." ' Kr. Maofartagul's Greeting.. At the close. remarks,. President Compton introduced Commissioner Macfarland, who, on behalf of the local governmAlnAmA^ f ka to f )ia noni_ uix7iu, VTClVUiUCU u1c liUVVI i1ivj iv luv vuy/l tal. "As college-bred men. familiar with the history of your country, protid of its achievements and zealous in its servi !, you will naturally take a part in developing its national .capital by exerting your great Influence in support of your senators and representatives in every measure for its up-building," Mr. Macfarland said. "You will naturally feel the responsibility of vour privilege as men of exceptional training. Noblesse oblige means much to you. For Instance, without being priggish you are expected to teach by example what the educated American should be?to meet President Eliot's definition of a gentleman, a strong man, modest, generous, quiet In ilam/tonak tit Ha i n nnt Kliictoi* f\V hlictla U^lUVtAllVi , ?? 1IV? MVV Ki u-i IV. ? VI vvaw and who shows reverence for ideals and respect for the law and Its representatives. If you contribute such living to the general scheme at our national life you will deserve and receive general gratitude. "No one will appreciate Washington more than you. There is no one who would appreciate George Washington more than you. You will see the greatness of his unique character reflected In the city which he planned and which is his prediction that the nation would grow to be the greatest on earth." Appreciation Expressed. Deep appreciation of the welcome extend_ j i aU.. nui .i..l CU uy lilt; Wilj auu uy inc lucai rm uuo was expressed by John H. DeWItt, reporter of the general council and editor of "The Scroll," who made the response on beha'rf of the general council. "We should all feel deeply the words of strength and wisdom contained in the address of the president of the governing body of this District," Mr. DeWItt said, rie appealed to all newcomers, all who are attending their first fraternity conven.ion, to draw near to one another. "Let the men from the east look up the mm from the west, and the brothera from the north and from Canada get acquainted with the brothers from the south," the speaker added, "'or th!s closer communion and absorption 0 personalities expresses the highest phase of brotherhood which our fraternity represents." In making response on behalf of the alumni Hugh Th. Miller, lieutenant governor of Indiana, gave expression to the pleasure which he a'ways felt in meeting friends among strangers, which, he said, is made possible by the large and growing membership of the Phi Delta Theta in different cities and towns throughout the country. "Tour welcome to Washington has touched us deeply," he declared, "and we will try to prove ourselves worthy of 1C. The visit to the national capital U one that I am glad to make, and In so saying I am sure that I voice the spirit of the entire convention." For the Active Chapters. Speaking for the active chapters, Alexander Pope of the University of Texas paid what was regarded as a rare compliment to "Father" Llndley when he said that at the present convention is witnessed the crowning, with a rich and full success, of the work that was begun by the founding of the fraternity in 1848. . "Beginning at Miami in 1848," he said. "Phi Delta Theta has developed with the development of the college idea throughout this great country. She has gone east and established herself firmly and honorably in that most wonderful Industrial and commercial center. She has gone west far beyond the shadow of Wall street, to the uoiaen uaw, unij uemg sioppea oy ine Pacific ocean, and accomplished the same result. She has gone north even into Canada and south to the Gulf of Mexico. But this mere material and geographical development is the least that Ptii Delta Theta has done. Through the medium of her principles and her ideals she has established between the college man of the north and the college man of the south a bond of friendship that shall remain forever Indissoluble. "Toaay we are mn in cunvenuon in ine city where resides the government of the greatest nation In the world. A delegate from far-off Texas, voicing the prtdc that the members of the active chapters feel in their beloved fraternity, is doubly glad that he can also voice the pride that these men feel to be American*. I mm called upon to say In their behalf that they are deeply grateful for the welcome which has beea extended to them. 1 hardly know how to thank Mr. Macfariand for the cordial manner In which he ha* greeted us. I feel 1 may safely assure him that we will use the freedom of this beautiful city In a safe, sane and conservative manner. At any rate, we will be as careful as the senators and other congressmen?our representatives? apd I know that he can Uk no . .-**> Feeling of Brotherhood. As emphasising the feelings of brotherhood between the Greek tetter fraternities of recent years, in place of the rivalries of former times. President Mitchell Introduced Dr. L. W. Glasebrook of thto city, eon of Rev. Dr. O. A. Olazebrook, one of the founders of "Alpha Tau Omega." Dr. Glasebrook, who was formerly president of the A. T. O., tad* the delegates of the P. D. T. welcome to the city on behalf of U>e local chapter of his fraternity. Dr. G. P. Benton, president of Miami University. was the only ether speaker of the morning. Announcing events for the balance of the week, in addition to theee contained In the official nrorrsm. the local committee stated that a photograph of the members of the convention will be taken at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon on the east steps of the Capitol, and that a tree from the campus at Miami 1'nlversity will be planted at the tomb of Washington by "Father" Llndley in connection with the trip to Mount Vernon Thursday. Five former presidents of the general council were among the delegates present at th? nnenlnar moptlnr todav. thev being George Bant* of Xenasha, Wis., president for the term 187ft-78; Hugh Th. Miller, Columbus, Ind., 1894-66; Walter B. Palmer, Nashville, Tenn., 1896-98; Hubert H. Ward. Cleveland, Ohio. 1900-02, and Dr. J. E. Brown. Columbus, Ohio, 1902-(>t. The meeting was adjourned temporarily at noon and shortly thereafter reassembled in executive session. The delegates will visit the Congressional Library in a body this evening between 8 and 10 o'clock. DENIAL 01 CHARGES. Proprietors of Employment Agencies Before Commlationers. Ranson B. Phillips and James A. Andrews, both colored, proprietor* of local employment agencies, who are charged with engaging in an illegal traffic In connection with their business, appeared before the board of District Commissioners today at a public hearing, and entered denials of the charges. Several weeks ago the household research committee of the Public Education Association furnished the Commissioners with Information to the effect that the proprietors named were supplying girls to disreputable houses, and that they received fees of 150 a year, for so doing. Commissioner Macfarland. who presided at the hearing, announced crave charges had been made, and that the Commissioners are conducting a rigid investigation. It was added that if the charges are substantiated the applicants will be denied licenses to operate in the District, but in the meantime the Commissioners were willing to give the accused proprietors an opportunity to be heard. Ranson Phillips was the first to testify. He stated that his establishment is located on 7th street between H and I streets, and that he has been conducting business there for seven years. He denied emphatically that he had ever furnished either Inmates or help for disreputable houses, and said he had never been requested to do so by any one. It was added that his business is chiefly furnishing help for hotels. As an evidence of his good character Phillips pre sented letters from reputable persons vouching for him. Johnson offered denial in the form of an affidavit, which was read by Attorney Jones, arter which, the latter said to the Commissioners, that he regretted that Miss Lydia Dent, the chief matron of police In Louisville. Ky., who acted as the agent for the household research committee of the Public Education Association and furnished an affidavit with the charges she made against the proprietors, was not present at the hearing. Johnson also furn'.shed letters frpm reputable citizens proclaiming him to l)e of good general character. His establishment is located at 1623 llth street. Both Phillips and Johnson were under path when they made, thejr denials to the Commissioners, and at the conclusion of the hearing the latter announced that they will take the-testimony under advlsehi^frt" an(J await the outcome of the police inves(i<rn I 1ai> Kafnra d'cnrvai no* of t ha p i coa llgrillUII V' ?<-" U * nil VMUVB. J. T. C- Newsom, who is also charged with engaging in illegal traffic in connection with an employment agency, will be given a hearing late this afternoon. TO GEORGETOWN POLICE. Prize Flag to Be Awarded Thanksgiving Day. Maj. Sylvester and the other members of the inspection committee who visited the several precincts of the police department last week, as heretofore stated in The Star, met today and decided that the No. 7 precinct, in Georgetown, had made the finest .showing, it is the intention or Maj. Sylvester to award the flag trophy to the winning precinct Thanksgiving morning. Last year the trophy was won by the tenth precinct. It is probable that the presentation will be made by Commissioner West and Maj. Sylvester. Members of the committee were greatly pleased over the showing made by the several precincts and most of the captains were congratulated. The Georgetown precinct. however, was far above the others, it is held. Capt. Schneider's men have done the most effective work about the station and made the finest appearance. fAJtLLIES UBIVEN OUT. But the School Discipline Was Cleverly Maintained. NEW YORK, November 26.?Twenty-four families were driven out of a tenement house In Norfolk street today by a fire which started in the kitchen of one of the apartments and was extinguished after an hour of hard work by the firemen. Two public schools, containing 5,000 pupils, are situated in the Immediate vicinity, one directly across the street from the fire. In both of these the teachers took the precaution to lower every window shade looking toward the burning tenement. They also closed the gates against excited mothers. wno ineu xo get imo me scnooi ouuaing, and the discipline of the schools kept classes going as usual. Typewriting in the Patent Office. A nunjtoer of stenographers In the United States patent office, as well as their superiors. have noticed recently certain claims of remarkable speed on the typewriter claimed for certain operators and machines, and have been glad to know that there are a number of clerks in that office whose records, day in ana aay out, rival and even surpass others so widely advertised. The writing of 2,000 words an hour has been advertised as a great feat. This, it Us stated, has been done in a speed test at dictation. The patent office has a clerk?Miss Laura Hopkins?who recently attained the remarkable speed of 3,100 words In fifty minutes on a piece of special court work for Commissioner Allen, and there were only two errors in the completed work. There are at least a dozen women In the patent office who can and do write from ten to eighteen thousand words a day of seven hours, day In and day out, and think nothing of it. This work is all done from copy and not from dictation. _ Jdeui. >iumes w. xjoc acatgni. First Lieut. James W. Lee of the revenue cutter service has resigned. Lieut. Lee since July, 1888, has been in charge of the office of construction and repair of the revenue cutter service at Baltimore, and he bu also been an instructor at the Revenue Service Training School at Arundel Cove, near Baltimore. His rank was first in the construction service of the revenue service. Constructor Lee retires to connect himself with a shipbuilding and dry dock company of Baltimore. . La Patrie Travels Sixty Miles. NANTES, Department of Seine-et-Otee, France. November 20.?The Lebaudy dirigible war balloon La Patrle made another flight today from here, covering a distance of nearly sixty miles. OLD OFFICERS IGNORED BITTERNESS CAUSED BY PROMOTIONS IN THE ABXT. Impossible for Veterans to Reach the TTiofite4> n?r{ n 0 . dential Action. Speaking of the discharge of the colored troops by the President, a gentleman thoroughly fanilHar with military affairs said to a Star reporter today that this ought to be m good time to call attention again to another great Injustice In army affairs. Said this gentleman: "It Is a hopeful sign for the future of this magnificent young country that the people raise their voices in earnest protest against an injustice done to certain of their number, white or black, in their name by one who represents them in authority. "While the people arc expressing themselves In no uncertain tones through the medium of their local papers against the policy of punishing the innoccnt negro soldiers and the guilty a'ike, will -they not consider and give expression to their opinions of a most grave Injustice that Is being done other worthy individuals of the United States army? ' Army Promotions. 'Tfincrpoa In fromlnor Kna Kill or/M./ii-nin rr ? o- - -? ? r ti ukmiin inc win gvtciiUMB promotion in the army, left a vejry dangerous opening for abuse by lur silence concerning those eligible for the position of brigadier general. It Is safe to say that Congress intended that the grade should be open to selection by the President from those deemed by tilm and -his military advisers to be best qualified, as demonstrated by service In peace and war. The exigencies of war and the necessity that the best mpn hA In hio-hoo^ nlonon ?? bo critical a time must have Influenced Congress in leaving open this dangerous loophole. That politics and favoritism wore controlling factors in selecting many for this high grade fllnce the civil war Is evidenced by the fact that Henry J. Hunt, A. J. Smith, John G. Parke. Henry L. Abbott. O. W. Getty and many other officers distinguished as corps and c vision commanders of the great war were retired as colonels of the regular service, or with lesser rank. The lives of many of these famous officers were embittered by Uie sense of Injustice and their old age made unhappy thereby. They complained that another of their grade, but of service of unequal merit, was preferred to them. Complaint of Officers. "The officers of today complain that some court favorite, or one of great political Influence, Is Jumped over the heads of hundreds of brother officers who have had longer service, ana service more useful to the country. Capt. Pershing in his wonderful flight to b star was promoted over 257 captains, 364 majors, 131 lleut?nant colonels, 110 colonels, a total of 862. officers, who ranked him. Eltner the vacancy given to Brodie. a Rouuh Rider, or that arfven to Al vord In the military secretary's department, would And Pershing a lieutenant colonel today, a most generous prize for shooting up a people a century, behind the times in weapons and military skill. "There was still a later vacancy as major In the same department, and at least ten carrying the same grade and pay In the Philippine scouts, all made by the President. The elevation of Wood. Grant, Bell, Funston, Carter, Bliss, Barry, Mills and Pershing to general rank over the heads of hundreds of older officers of longer and superior service In war and peace, has brought the army into a state of demoralization, increasing In degree with each unjust appointment. Veetrans Hopeless. "The older officers are embittered and hopeless, for the Injection of these young men Into the highest grades forever closes them to older men, or those of equal years. Officers who served gallantly in the civil war, and those whose names arc woven intio every" ehaptfcr of the history of our frontier in ..the stormy days now so easily forgotten, must crush every throb of am- . bition and serve and obey tire orders of these men who owe their positions to circumstances of favor and partiality, without the merit that entitles any one of them to the thousandth part of one grade over his brother officers. "Have not these hundreds of most deserving and faithful officers of long and distinguished service a grievance as grea. as that of the colored soldiers'.' Have they had a souare deal? Could the Dower of a despot be more ruthlessly wielded?" DATE OF HANGING NEAR. Execution of William Burge, Convicted of Murder. According to the terms of the sentence Imposed upon William Burge. colored, who was convicted of the murder of his wife, Daisy Burge, and of an attempt to send his mother-in-law and another member of the family to the grave, he Is to pay the extreme penalty of the law one week froom tomorrow. It is not necessary for Warden Harris to ma: i much preps"Hon f r the event, the scaf.o'd being a pci manent structure and there being guards enough on duty to carry out such a sentence at any time. The condemned man is said to be doing all In his power to make the jail officials and others believe he is insane, although & jury has said that he is sane and two juries have said he should suffer death. Burge positively refuses to converse with ministers or other callers, but he does talk to other prisoners at tltnes. When a person calls upon him who presents the appearance of a minister or physician the conduct of the condemned man is such that, he thinks, is calculated to cause the belief that his mind Is affected. Yesterday when Rev. John Roberts called upon him he made an apparent effort to spring at him as If he wanted to frighten him. "Sit down there," commanded the evangelist. and Burge Immediately obeyed the command. Tit a nrisnnar n?nntd nnt Qnoalr a irnril however, and the minister liad to leave his cell and conduct the usual Sunday service I without the satisfaction of knowing he had made a good impression upon the man who is so soon to die. It is possible that the action of the counsel for the condemned man In taking the case to the Court of Appeals may cause a postponement of the execution, but should there be such a postponement, it is believed, It will be for but a short time, unless the case is advanced upon the docket. Suit for Maintenance. Suit for maintenance was today flled In the District Supreme Court by Mrs. Maggie Ploir o fro Inct Toaoa T. Plav Mpq Hlo tr says her husband is employed in the navy yard, but refuses to support her. They were married August 2, 1900, and have one child. Mrs. Clay charges lier.husband left her the 10th of this month. Attorney W. E. Ambrose represents the wife. Death of Mr. Herman Kahn. Mr. Herman Kahn, fifty-five years of age, who was a traveling salesman, and resided at 1411 Harvard street, died at Georze Washington University Hospital yesterday afternoon. About 2:45 o'clock In the afternoon he was conversing with a party of friends in the Mercantile Club. 9th and M streets, when he was stricken with paralysis. He was removed to the hospital, where he died soon after reaching a ward. The necessary certiflca>te of death was given, and the body was removed to the chapel at the undertaking establishment of ? runic ueter s sons, uio mi street, iroxn which place the funeral will ocour at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Mr. Kahn was formerly a resident of Chicago. He came to this city about two years ago. Cabinet Members Returning. In anticipation of the return of President Roosevelt tonight all the members of the cabinet are slowly returning to the capital. Secretary Root returned here yesterday from the west, and Secretary Bona? ? ?*~ W? tn Vov lienor land and New York. j ' i SECOND (MSMATTER * Congressional Commission Considering Mail Rates. CHARGES FOR NEWSPAPERS Robert J. Collier Opposes Mr. MadAden's Proposition. HEARING AT THE CAPITOL Resumption of the Investigation of *"' Alleged Abuses That Was Be- * " gun In New York. The joint congressional commission to Investigate all matters pertaining to secondclass mail matter met In the room of the Senate committee on post offices and post roads at the Capitol today and resumed its Investigation which was begun In October In New York city, when a large amount of testimony was taken. The session of the comml?slon today was presided over by Senator Penrose. Mr. Robert j; Collier of New York was the first publisher to ro on the stand. He whs questioned as to tits view* on legislation that should be enacted by Congress to correct the evils that havo been complained of. The fact that a large amount of matter Is distributed by the government at the rate of one cent a pound, or as second-class matter, which In effect Is chiefly made up of advertisements, was developed. But Mr. Collier did not agree with t he form of revision of the postal law as proposed by Mr. Madden, the third assistant postmaster general. He expressed sympathy with the eiiuno o[ me omciaia ot tne acpartm^nt t'< eradicate abouses of the privileges granted under the law for second-class mall rmitter, but disagreed with the proposition of the third assistant postmaster general. Increased Bates Opposed. Mr. Collier remarked that In the view of many publishers Mr. Madden went too far in his language in /eference to publishers, and he declared that Mr. Madden evidently viewed all publishers with the "Jaundiced eye." Mr. Collier did not believe that there ahmiM Wa onv ><v In ?l?"? ??VMra w ? >/ BUM von<7 lit V**?7 mTVWllU'VIBoq rates, and expressed the view that If that should b? done there would be consequences that would not be of advantage to the public at large. He saw no objection, however, to a more careful scrutiny of the postal law as applied to this class of mall matter, and thought that Congress might strengthen the existing statutes In order that the abuses that have been complained of should be eradicated. Among the spectators present during the hearing, which will continue this afternoon, was Postmaster (general Cortelyou. The Canadian Complaint. The commission will take up the issue raised by the Canadian government In abrogating the provision of the postal convention between the two countries concerning second-class matter which, according to the notice that has been given by Canada, will expire May 7, 1907. This provision permits the transmission through the malls of periodical publications, which Includes newspapers. at 1 cent a pound. Canada has for some time objected to some of the matter that is accepted in the United States at second-class rates. It Is claimed that perhaps a hundred publication* in this country enjoy the Hecontlclass rates and in that way receive distribution in Canada, whereas the Canadian government does not give similar rates to publications within its own territory. ir xne commission comes to a ipnriy.mon that wrtj place t)? regulatTiiftllf of life Posf" ? Office Department upon the same plan# *? those of Canada, the matter of an agreement with Canada In relation tb 3uch rates will be an easy matter. Should thAt not be the case and should the corptnissioh p?rmil the present regulations to stand an afrruwment with. Canada will be more difficult. TRANQUILLITY IN CUBA CAPTURE OF BUX8 ENDS ALL SIGN OF DISORDER. HAVANA. November 26.?With the rupture yesterday of the Clenfuegos band of eight men, who took to the woods under ex-Chief of Police Ruls, the last vestige of disorder In Cuba has disappeared. Ruls waa at first reported to have a large fol lowing, but the capture of the men referred to has proved this to be untrue. The reports received by Gov. Magoon from all'parts of the Island show that perfect tranquillity prevails. There is not even the faintest rumor of trouble anywhere. Investigation of the reports that bands of insurgents were operating in the vicinity of Palmyra and Ouines prove them to be unfounded. The dispatch of a detachment of American marines yesterday to Palmyra la explained as being simply for the purpose of relieving the garrison In accordance with the plana made a week ago. Mr. Ma goon is much gratified at the peaceful condition of affairs. Secretary Taft received the following dispatch today from Gov. Mngoon at Havana, under yesterday's date: "Band from Clenfuegos overhauled by detachment of Rural Guards under command of Capt. Landa. They were taken Into custody and disarmed with difficulty and are now being brought to Clenfuegos. Uauu yvaa uuuij^vwcu vt ??. uicii. Indictments by the Grand Jury. Joseph Paoluccl. an Italian, was today Indicted by the grand jury for murder In the first degree In connection wltt the death of Elizabeth V. Dodge, a sixteenyear-old girl, September IS last. Tho Italian had h<>pn navin* attention to the young girl and became angered by seeing her in the company of some young boys and girls. . He lay in wait for her and caught her alone near her home, on 5th street northeast between D and E streets. He spoke to Her and then, the government charges, shot three times at her, all three bullets lodging in the body of the child. Turning the pistol on .himself Paoluccl inflicted a severe wound in his abdomen. He lingered several days at the Casualty Hospital before he was sufficiently recovered to be taken to jail. The grand Jury also returned the following Indictments: William Wells, Edward Rocte, John W. Lewis, receiving stolen property; Henry E. Curey, larceny from the United States; George T. Preston. Joseph Dorsey, assault. with a dangerous weapon: Dallas R. Bowman. jr., forgery; Max Von Schrader. Laura Ferguson, grand larceny: Bernard P. Kee- a nan. robbery; James Travers and John Truman, Edgar Flsk, John Montgomery, ' Robert Brown, housebreaking; Luke Hebron, violation of policy law. and Joseph Dorsey, assault with a dangerous weapon. Frank G. Wlllett Dead. The death of Frank O. Wlllett. a merchant of South Washington, occurred Saturday at his home. The funeral will occui at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from Gorsuch M. E. Church, and L> streets southwest. Various Clues to Murder. DAYTON, Ohio, November 27.?A man ivini th? name of James Rodffers of New York was arrested here today on suspicion of knowledge of connection with the murder of Miss Dora Oilman, whoso body was found within a few feet of her home last wfeek. The various clues to the murder, which was very mysterious, have bean followed, but nothing positive has been made 4 known by the officers in chars* of the ' j caae. 1