THE G, F. BLACK EYE Given to the Amendment by the Ex-Lieutenant-Governor, .Who Believes That TILDEN WAS ATRUE ORACLE TVlien He Denied the Legality of Any Sumptuary Legislation, IOEK COTj.NTT FAYOES rEOHIBlTION An Interview With Chaunccy F. Black XIo Will Vote and Work Against the Amend rncnt Tildcn's Utterances on Prohibitive Iiccinlation A Prohibitionist Claims a Majority of 70,000 York Connty Will Cnrry Frobibltion by About 500 Pnyinc OfTOId Scores The State Tabulated Up to Date. It is stated that York county will give a Email majority for Constitutional amend ment. That is the home of Hon. C. F. Black. He will vote against prohibition, and for his reasons referred our special commissioner to his celebrated letter accept ing the Democratic nomination for Governor two and a half years ago. That part of the document relating to the amendment is therefore republished. Thus far TnE DIS PATCH canvass oi counties shows the follow ing result: A a o o 2 S . COUXTIES. g. "" C 3 "5. a OS Armstrong Infavorof S.9S6 Adopted Bedford. In favor of 8.191 Adopted Berks Againbt S8.iW2 Defeated Bradford. la favor of 13,908 Adopted Cambria Against 11.702 Defeated Cameron.. In favor of 1,345 Adopted Carbon....... Donbtful 7,177 Defeated Chester .In favor of 19.7S5 Adopted Clarion.... .... Fairly sure G.9-I5 Adopted Clinton Close 6,073 lAdopted Columbia Very d'btfnl 7.J1G 'Defeated Elk Against 3,1st Defeated Fayette Very d'btfnl 14,281 lAdopted Forest In favor of 1,601 Defeated Greene. In favor of 6,(530 Adopted Indiana.. ....... In favor of 7,00!) Adopted Jefferson. In favor of 7,5i Adopted Lackawanna... Against 21,193 No vote Lancaster Against 32.8S7 Defeated Lehigh Againn lh,09i Defeated Luzerne Veryd'btful 3L55S Adopted Lvcoming Ajrainst 11,530 Adopted Monroe Against 4,437 Defeated Montour.... .. In favor of 3.195 Adopted Northampton.. Against 17,103 Defeated Northumberl'd Fairlv sure 12.776 Defeated Pike Against 2,010 Defeated rotter Infavorof 4,431 Adopted Schuylkill Against 25,'.bO Defeated Somerset Infavorof T.SS2 Adopted Sallivan Against "2.310 'Defeated Susquehanna.. Infavorof 9,076 i Adopted Tioga In favor ot 11,279 i Adopted Venango Infavorof K5S7 'Adopted Warren Infavorof 7,615 Adopted Washington... Infavorof 11.22S lAdopted Westmoreland. Clos-e 19,il5S (Adopted Wayne Doubtful 6,400 (Defeated Wyoming Infavorof 3,!M Adopted York Infavorof 21,707 , Defeated Aggregate of votes for Harrison. Cleveland and Fisk. tVP.OM OUR SrtCUU. COMMIS6IOKr.Il. 3 Yoek, February 17. A rumor has gone abroad that this is to be the scene ot one of the June surprises. In other words, it is reported that old-time York, with its Dutch constituency and big Democratic majority, will vote for the Constitutional amendment. Just how the story started it is not definitely known. Somebody told somebody else, and that busy person told Colonel Alex. Mc Clure, of Philadelphia, who is said to hare repeated it to Governor Beaver. And the Governor expressed his surprise to people about Harrisburg. The report may prove a little more than empty gossip. The county of York really has some ambition to down the liquor inter ests. Whether it arises from conscientious opposition to the drink traffic or not, I will not undertake to say. Being the adjoining county to the home of ex-State Chairman W. IT. Hensel, some of his prophecies in re gard to tbeDemocratic vote in thiscampaign seem to be verified already in York, as well as in Lancaster county. I find plenty of Democrats here who will vote for the amendment, as they say, to pay up old scores against the whisky ring for aiding the Republican party, when the Democratic I party always supported them by reason of its fundamental principles against sumptu ary and restrictive legislation. Black's Little Ballot. However, there is one voter in York county who will not support the measure. He is a Democrat, too. As the standard bearer of his party in 1880, he openly fought the Constitutional amendment movement in its infancy, and he couldn't very well do otherwise now, even if he wanted to, and he doesn't want to. The voter is ex-Lieutenant Governor Chauncey F. Black, the Democratic can didate for Governor of the State in the cam paign in which Governor Beaver defeated him on a Republican platform to which the amendment submission resolution had been added by Mr. Quay. Governor Black spends most of his time in the library of his country home, "Willow Bridges," a mile or two out ot the town ol iort. lie is en gaged in literary pursuits. In the courseof my conversation with him, I asked: "How will York county vote in June?" "I do not know much about the prospects in the county," replied Mr. Black, "but I know exactly how I shall vote. I intend to vote against Constitutional amendment when the time for the election arrives." "Why?" I asked. "For an answer to that question I refer you to my letter of acceptance in the Guber natorial campaign in" this State. I now stand upon the same ground I did then, and my reasons are fully set forth in that docu ment. I can add nothing more to them." A Timely Resurrection. It was this letter of Mr. Black's which Jhn Cessna told me, while in Bedford re cently, that stands on record as the attitude of the Democratic Bourbons toward the prohibition issue. Mr. Cessna did not be lieve the isuse would be made a question of politics, and he knew of many Democrats who would vote on the affirmative side, but he said there was no use of denying that the Democratic party had been strongly com .milted by Lieutenant Governor Black on the matter of prohibitory legislation. Therefore, at this time, that portion of Mr. Black's letter of acceptance, bearing upon the amendment, is worth reproducing, es pecially as I was referred to it by its dis tinguished author, us an answer to my question as to his present position. After stating what the Eepublican and Prohibi tion State Conventions had done,Mr. Black wrote: Neither of those parties look toward In demnification for the large amounts of private property which must be measurably destroyed by the enactment of such a law, or the adoption of such an amendment. The Democratic party has, on the other hand, from its formation, consistently opposed sumptuary laws, "which vex the citizen and interfere with individual liberty." But this denial of the right of prohibition Implies the duty of regulation; and though the just power or the State does not extend to the prescription of the drink, diet or dress of the individual man, it does extend to the preven tion of any abuse of his private right affecting his neighbor or society at large, and I favor the enactment of any laws, however stringent, which may be necessary to that purpose, and in any event the rigid enforcement of those now in existence Conscious of the terrible evils of excessive indulgence, we do not at tempt to eradicate them by a species of legisla tion which has never failed to increase them, but which inevitably brings on the desperate resistance of a natural right, and with it a tram of illicit crimes and disorders. I cannot better conclude this paragraph than by the following passnge, from the hand of the illustrious Til den: Tildcn's Utterances. Such legislation springs from a misconception of the proper sphere of government. It Is no part ofthedutyof the State to coerce the Individual man, except so far as his conduct may affect others, not remotely and consequentially, but by violating rights which legislation cannot recog nize and undertake to protect. The opposite prin ciple leaves no room for Individual reason and conscience, trusts nothing to eelf-cnlture, and substitutes the wisdom of the Senate and Assem bly for the plan of moral government ordained by rrovldence. The whole progress of 60cietycon- slsts in learning how to attain, by independ ent action or voluntary association of individuals, those objects wbicb are at first at tempted only through the airency of Government, and In lessening the sphere ot legislation and en larging that of the individual conscience and rea son. To-day, while the Democratic party is in favor of sobriety and good morals, it disavows a system of coercive legislation, which cannot pro duce them, but must create many serious evils; which violates Constitutional guarantees and sound principles of legislation; which Invades the rightful domain of the Individual judgment and conscience, and takes a step backward toward that barbarian age when the wages of labor, the prices of commodities, aman's food and clothing, v ere dictated to him by a Government calling itself paternal. A Prohibition Prophecy. A. B. Farquhar, a prominent resident of York, and a leader among the Prohibition ists, said: I feci confident that York county will adopt the Constitutional amendment by .from 500 to MO majority. There is thorough organization among all the temperance people, and we held a big meeting for the commencement of the campaign on Tuesday night last. Both the old political parties were well represented. We there decided to hold a county convention on March L .Each township and each ward of the city and boroughs have been solicited to form local committees. Everything possible to win is being done. Tncre has been a decided change in the sen timent of York county people since the local option days. That issue was defeated in this county. We are Democratic by 4,000 majority, but recently we elected a Republican Judge of known temperance principles by 950 majority. That fairly represents how an anti-liquor issue is regarded by our people. I believe the State will come down to the Susquehanna river in Jun'c with 70,000 majority for prohibition, and that cast of the Susque hanna the vote will bo a tie. So there you have my estimate of Pennsylvania's majority for the amendment. York will help to make a tic east of the Susquehanna. At the. meeting of which Mr. Farquhar speaks, the following well-known York county people were present: Messrs. John II. Small, A. B. Farquhar, George H. Buck, M. B. Spahr, J. F. Thomas, Samuel Small, Samuel Gotwalt, Jere Carl, W. L&timer Small, J. A. Dempwolf and James McConkey, of Wrightsville; G. S. Bill meyer, James H. Blasser.D. W. Crider, B. F. Stroman, Charles Klinefelter and Alex. Kidd. York County Dutch. Although the York county Dutch are of the most pronounced type, they are not all lor beer and license. Among the more re ligious families of their number the prohi bition sentiment is strong. The farming element of the county is made up princi pally of these Dutch people. Some of them are Dunkards, and they, more than the Mcnnonites or Amish, will favor the adop tion ot the amendment. The county's majority against local option in 1873 was only 1,894. Then the distilling business was large, and neoDle were averse to forcing the removal to other counties. How there are only six distilleries and one brewery there. In fact, there were bnt 114 applications for licenses in the whole county last month. The town of York voted for local option and the county against it. This campaign the sentiment for prohibition seems strongest again in the town and considerably stronger in the coun try districts than it was 15 years ago. Temperance people may find another grain of comfort in the fact that the Democ racy ot York county, or a majority of it, has been notorious for its perversencss in voting with that wing of the party to which Chaunccy F Black did not belong. That gentleman's influence has been greater in other sections of the State than between the Susquehanna and the Maryland State line. But Mr. Black will take no active part in this carepaign. L. E. Stofiel. SHOCKED BI AN IRON POST. Two Men Knocked Unconscious by the Fatal Electric Light Wire. SrECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DISPATCH. Baltimore, February 17. Last night a telephone wire on Camden street parted, and one end in falling was caught on an electric light wire, over which it hung sus pended, nearly reaching the pavement. Someone, to get it out of the way, wrapped the broken wire about an iron awning post. Soon after, William Thiemer and Peter Schumacher, two clerks employed in adjoin ing stores, met near the post and engaged in conversation. While moving aside to let a crowd pass, the two men came in contact with the post A moment later both lay un conscious on the sidewalk. The electric current had passed through the telephone wire and charged the post. It was fully two hours before the two clerks were restored to consciousness. Those parts of their body that had come in con tact with the post were discolored. They are still very weak from the effects of the shock. A CHANCE TO GET EVEN. Judcc Daffy Tempted to Tarn the Tables on a Reporter. ISPECIAI. TELEOEAM TO THE DISPATCH. Hew Yoke, February 17. A young man in evening dress who was arrested in West Twenty-eighth street last night for intoxica tion, described himself at Jefferson Market Court to-day' as David Morrison. When he was arraigned at the bar Justice Duffy said to him: "I think I know yon. Yon are Morrissey, who wrote me up in The Surf while I was at Long Branch last summer. You said I'd been sued for breach of promise. It is a long road that has no turning. I guess I'll get even with you now, young man." Justice Duffy scowled a minute and then said: "Well. I guess you may go. Don't write any more articles about me." Coming Home. London, February 17. Among the pas sengers on board the steamer Etruria, which sailed from Queenstown for New York to day, arc the Archbishop of San Francisco, the Bishop of New Orleans, Sir Bachc Cunard, Mr. Joseph B. Hughes, United States .Consul at Birmingham, and Mr. Willoughbv Walling, United States Con sul at Leitti. SEEING THE COTOBY. The Wnnnmaker of China on a Visit to the United State A Ble Man of Many Millions What He Sees to Admlro In This Country. fsrECiAL telegram to tiie dispatcii.i Hew Yoek, February 17. Baron Lf Yen Pang, a distant cousin of Li Hung Chang, the "Premier of China, who is considered the Wanamaker of China, arrived here with a small bodyguard of secretaries and interpreters from the West, via British Co lumbia, last evening. He is not only a big man financially, but physically as well. He is 53 years old, nearly 6 feet in height and straight as an arrow. His -financial agents in this city are Messrs. Wing Wo Chong, 33 Pell, and Sinn Quong, of 32 Mott, and he is at present stopping with them. He said that for years he had been told of the wonderful city of New York, with its rich Americans, and he decided to take a trip around the world to visit New York and other places of interest, and at the same time to call upon his financial agents in Australia, Bombay, Mandalay, Bur mah, Honolulu, San Francisco and Vic toria, B. C. His headquarters as a whole sale dealer in general merchandise oi the world's market are with Kwoug Lun Hai, San Yin Lien and Wing Yuen Wo, of Hong Kong, All of these firms are using Li Yen Pang's mpney in their business, for which he gets only a percentage of the net proceeds. He has been on his tour for about seven months and has visited Bur mah. Li Yen Pang is a very pleasant; and jolly old man, but he does not mingle with his countrymen here, being kept by his friends in the inner recesses of their establishments, and he is only approachable to those having business with him. It is said that at least 52,000,000 of the Baron's money is invested with Chinese merchants ot the United States. He speaks bitterly of the existing treaty, and says that on its account he will not invest any more monev here. The present impression in Chinese mercantile circles in China, he says, is that a general boycotting of American merchandise will undoubtedly be carried out. He will re main in the city for a few days to see New York. He is said to be worth nearly 40, 000,000. NO TEANCE AT ALL. Prncticnl Tests of the Sleeping Girl of Har rlsburg Prove Her n Sort of Fraud Not Able to Stand llio Ammonia Bottle. rSPEClAI. TELZGKAM TO THE DISPATCH. Haxrisbueg, February 17. Miss Lillie Bodmeyer, aged 15 years, who is alleged to have been in a trance for nearly three weeks at Steelton, is gradually resuming her nor mal condition. The girl, it is claimed by her minister and others, has been in com munication with heaven, and thus obtained information which enabled her to foretell events, and give accounts of occurrences of which she could have known nothing. These reports have created a great sensation in Steelton, and hundreds of people have gazed on the wonder. In order to investigate this mysterious case, two physicians, two lawyers and a clergyman visited the room in which the girl has been lying since her alleged con version at a religious revival. She was asked to open her mouth, which she refused to do, apparently not hearing the request. A spoon was then procured, and by its per suasion she opened her mouth, although she struggled against it. The lady of the house insisted she was in a trance, and the girl's minister, who came in after the inves tigation had begun, stoutly maintained that the girl wasnmder the power of God. One oi the. physicians then tested the "trance" by holding a bottle of ammonia to her nose; the test worked well, and the "trance" was not strong enough to keep the girl from squirming and objecting to the dose. Several other approaches were equally rationally objected to and the "trance" was shown to be a bad case of nervous irritation, brought on by the un due excitement. The physicians finally advised that the girl needed nothing but rest and isolation from visitors. TEAGEDT OP A GAS WELL. A Faithful Mnlo Killed br the Drill Break. tag Tnto a mine. rSrECIAI. TELEGKAJI TO THE DISPATCO.l Litchfield, III., February 17. A ter rible tale of a subterranean mystery was solved here yesterday at 10 o'clock. While Sam Varner, head driller for the Litchfield Natural Gas- Company, was at work at a well on the Potts farm, about a mile and a half from the town on the Mount Olive road, the drill got stuck and refused to respond to the efforts of the machinery to raise it The drill is composed of a large bar of steel, weighing about half a ton, and is drawn up by a windlass, then dropped sometimes as much as 50 feet. Mr. Varner worked for nearly an hour be fore he could get the drill free, and he then brought it to the surface, to make an exam ination. As it came to view he was aston ished to discover that it was covered with blood, as was the rope for several feet above the drill. Late in the evening the mystery was explained by the presentation of the following bill by the Litchfield Coal Com pany: Litchfield, February 17. Litchfield National Gas Company to one tt,1a Irilleri w mtn (nmtiinv'l Hrill thf.ilnw S50. and fellow citizens, there was never a more 1 faithful or useful mule in a coal mine than old Tom, who has met so tragic a death. ENDED IN A E0W. The Central Labor Union Meeting Breaks Up With a Flsht. New York, February 17. The Central Labor Union meeting to-day adjourned soon after convening, in the midst of a row which threatened to be attended with many bloody heads. The Socialistic faction retired from the hall in response to a call that all leave who desire to reorganize the Union. A delegate In the rear of the hall got into a fight ana received a-bruised face. He ran forward to the platform covered with hlood. The sight of blood enraged the members of the ODDOsing faction, and the Socialists bared their arms to meet the expected bat tle. Some blows were exchanged, and then Chairman Jablinowski sprang from the platform and declared the meeting ad journed. 21UEDEB WILL OUT. The Victim's Body Washed Up by c River, and Convicts the Criminal. Louisville, February 17. At Somerset, Ky., Henry Worley has been arrested for the murder of one Troxtile on December 8, 18S8. At the time of the murder the body of Troxtile was hidden, and, though eleven persons were tried as murderers and accom plices, a case could not be made, and be cause the body was not found. A Texr days ago Nelson Perkins found the body of Troxtile, where it had been washed up lroni the Cumberland river. Itwasingood state of preservation, and bore evidence of the murder. The Coroner's jury found that Troxtile had been killed with a blunt in strument by Worley and others. Not Amendable to United States Laws. City of Mexico, February 17. The suits brought in New Orleans against the concessionaires of the Mexican Internation al Improvement Lottery will not affect the company, as it is incorporated under Mexi can laws and is in successful operation here. A CHANGE OF HEART Experienced by the Whiteheaded Bouncer of St. Thomas' Church. HE FIRES OUT NO MORE STRANGERS But Obsequiously Shows All to Seats Eisut Beneath trie Altar. THE PEWHOLDEES ALSO YEEY POLITE. Dr. Brown Alludes a Couple of Times to the Unfortu nate Matter. The independent bouncer of St Thomas' Church has experienced a decided change of heart Not even he could stand the awful roasting given him by the press for his un manly, unchristian conduct last Sunday and his even worse utterances on the subject since that time. He didn't bounce anybody from the chureh yesterday. He didn't even snub anybody. On the other hand, he was almost obsequiously respectful to all non pewholders. The pastor called attention to the fact that the church welcomes strangers. He will not allude to the subject again. rSPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DISPATCH. New Yoek, February 17. The wet weather kept many pewholders away from the 11 o'clock service at'St. Thomas' Church to-day. but persons who were not pewhold ers were on hand in considerable numbers some time before the service began. Many more came afterward. The latter fared the better, for they did not have so long to wait for seats. Those who arrived 15 minutes before the service had to stand 15 minutes longer, those who arrived ten minutes before, ten minutes, and so on, for Superintendent Williams' rules are as unalterable as the law of the Medes and Persians, and under them no person, not a non-pewholder in St. Thomas' Church can get a seat until the Psalter.even when the church is half empty, as it was to-day. By the time the Psalter was reached, the center aisle of the church was crowded with standers nearly all the way up, and late pewholders had all they could do to squeeze through. The rear part of the side aisles was also crowded. PLENTY OP EMMY PEWS. While the standers waited, pews on either side of them were either empty or not more than half filled. Two or three ladies in the center, when unable to stand any longer, sank down in the nearest empty seat Superintendent Williams, on this occasion, in place of bouncing them, not only bade them go up higher, but himself led the way to a front seat More than one pewholder gave seats to persons who stood near their pews, but as aTnle the pewhold ers read the responses or listened to the prayers and portions of the Scripture Dr. Brown and his assistant read, without pay ing attention to the strangers within their gates. That it was not until 25 minutes past 11 that all the non-pewhoiders were seated was no fault of Superintendent Williams, after his unalterable rule had left him free to act His white head could be seen first in one Sart of the building and then in another, as e conducted thejstrangers to the different empty pews. Two well-dressed men finally got urea ot waning ana tnrnea to go out, showing their disgust by their looks. Super intendent Williams chased after them, and, overtaking them in the vestibule, asked them if they didn't want scats. CAUSE OF A CHANGE OF HEAET. What caused Superintendent Williams manifest change of heart was made evident when Dr. Brown, after congratulating the congregation that the collection of the pre vious Sunday for the archdeaconary to min ister to the poor and the afflicted in the city had amounted to $2,582, said: "I call attention to this because you doubtless have sympathized and regretted with me, as I have with you, upon the widespread misrepresentations which has been made of the parish, giving the impres sion that it is not interested in the poor. This misrepresentation sprang from an ar ticle crystallized about an incident of dis courtesy which, if true, is reprobated, but which is denied, and against which 30 years of service is entitled to consideration. "The impression has been conveyed, unin tentionally no doubt, that the conduct com plained of was on the part of a warden, or other member of the vestry. This mistake the local journals have corrected, but it has been spread broadcast by the Associated Press, and I am in constant receipt of ex tracts from newspapers in other parts of the country containing comments reflecting on the church and its officers, which have been made under this mistaken impression. AN OFFICIAL DENIAL. "It is, therefore, necessary to correct this error, and to deny officially, and from this official desk, that any warden or vestryman was guilty of the discourtesy in question. A lamentably unnecessary and cruel wrong has been done this parish, which is working in the fear of God, and I am proud.of the magnmcent worn it uas uone. u me xenten season which is approaching I trust this work will be continued." All this was said at the reading desk at the time announcements of coming events were made. When he mounted the pnlpit before beginning his sermon Dr. Brown spoke as follows: "I want to add to what I have already said that this church, whatever the opinion of any single man, is open to all, rich or poor, and that, under all circumstances, seats will be supplied gratis to all who come, so far as possible. A free, loving and affectionate invitation is extended to 'all worshipers. I say this because it is fitting to make a public announcement of the gen erous open-heartedness of a parish of whose record in the cause of Christ I am proud." Dr. Brown's sermon, which had for a text I. Corinthians, ix., 25, set forth the true idea of the church as opposed to the popular one, and contained no further reference to the subject on which he had spoken so strongly. After the service he told the cor respondent ot TnE Dispatch that he would never allude to it again. ALL FOR LOVE. A Young School Teacher Quarrels With His Sweetheart and Suicides. Kansas City, February 17. Joseph Dailey, aged 10, school teacher,living near Atchison, Kan., came to the city yesterday and last night visited his sweetheart, a handsome young lady, 18 years old, living with her parents on Wyandotte street. They had a quarrel, and the young man left the house about 11 o'clock. He after ward drank some, and at 2 o'clock this morning shot himself through the head in a hotel where he had engaged a room. He died at 10 o'clock. A MOTHER'S CEIME. She Poisons Her Husband and Compels Her Daughter to Commit Perjury. Butte, Mont., February 17. Mrs. Mag gie Page was arrested here last evening for poisoning her husban J, John Page. She compelled her little daughter to say her father took some poison himself, but the child was unable to keep the deception, and the Coroner's jury returned a verdict against Mrs Page. A GEAND TUMBLE. A Fonrtcen. Story Offlce Building Collapses When It is Nearly Completed Tho Fonr Upper Stories Left Hang ing In the Air. Chicago, February 17. One of the tallest office buildings in America collapsed this morning and a number of workmen rushedoutjust in time to escapebeing crushed under the mountain of wreckage. The Owings block is the ruin! It was a beauti ful gothio structure, 14 stories high, situated at the corner of Dearborn and Adams street just opposite the postofnee and, in the center of the business dis trict. Tue ten lower stories fell one after another, leaving the walls of the four upper floors and the roof standing in a decidedly shaky condition. In the tenth story the tile flooring was defective or was damaged by tne natural settling of the building. Without the slightest warning the great mass of tiles and girding forming the injured floor crashed to the story below, carrying that with it, and the two together acting like a huge piledriver pounded a way for themselves to the bottom. About 125 workmen have been steadily engaged in the building, but to-day being Sunday, less than a dozen were on hand, and all escaped. The superintending contractors were sum moned and took a survey of the wreck. Neither seemed to have any idea of the cause of the accident, or if he had any he carefully kept his opinions to himself and joined in the self-congratulations of the workmen that the accident did not happen the proceeding day when scores of men were at work. The building, which was rapidly approaching completion, is consid ered one of the finest in the city from the standpoints of convenience, strength and architectural magnificence. Its upper stories were of pressed brick, the three lower of stone. The roof was completed about three weeks ago. The interior was entirely of tile, supported in place by mas sive iron girders. Work has been pushed as rapidly as possible and the contractors have at times literally filled the structure with workmen. TEBESA TRAPPED. One of the Witnesses in the Divorce Case Signs a Confession She Now Claims alio Wns Coerced Into Ad mitting Her Gnllt. rersciAii tslkqrak to thb dispatch.i Columbus, O., February 17. There is an evident intention to try the Church di vorce case in the newspapers. A Sunday paper, with a" sensational turn, publishes the shorthand report of Mrs. Church's testi mony wh,ich was given Friday, and in the same connection submits a certificate, pur porting to have been a confession, to Bev. J. B. Eis, pastor of the Sacred Heart Church, by Teresa Scherzinger, the cook in the Church home, admitting in a few words that the allegations against her con duct and that of Colonel Church were true. This confession has not as vet been nlaced belore the court in evidence. It is alleged by the defense iat Miss Scherzinger was called to go nnd see Father Eis on the morn ing that Mrs. Church left home, and that when she arrived Kev. Eis said to her that she was guilty, and that she should copy the confession referred to and sign her name to it; that Colonel Church and wife were al ready divorced, though there might be some litigation about the custody of the children; that he would retain the statement, and that it would never be seen bv any person except himself. She says she told him that it was untrue, and that she could not sign such a statement.and that then he threatened that If she did not sign it he would go and tell her family all that had happened, antf sue-would-be ruined at any rate. She claims to have been coerced in this manner into signing the paper, and says that Rev. Eis then ordered her to go to her own home; that Church was a bad, man, and if she went back there that he (Church) would kill her. She, however, went back to the Church residence after, her clothing, and told Colonel Church what she had done, and the latter at once had her make affidavit to this statement, which will no doubt be offered in evidence at the proper time. NEVER AFKAID TO SIT IN. The Enloer Fnld to Charles Perkins, the Wcll-Known Sport. PrECIAL TELEOBAM TO TnE DISPATCH.I Bochesteb, N. Y., February 17. Charles Perkins, who died at his home in this city last night, was one of the best known sporting men in the country. He was 55 years old, and was sick but a few hours. Heart disease was the trouble. A wife living lu;re and a son, George Perkins, of Minneapolis, survive. Perkins became especially well known in connection with pugilist Heenan, whom he frequently accompanied. He was the princinal backer of Evan in the Sulli-van-Eyan fight, and lost heavily on him. He was an expert at all games of chance, and was never afraid to "sit in" with the best of them. In war times, when money was plenty, he used to go around with $500 bills stuffed in his overcoat pocket, and in those times of stiff games he made money fast. Almost before he was in trousers he be gan to show a love for athletic sports and games of all kinds, and the proficiency he afterward gained as a scientific boxer came to him naturally. He was married 33 years ago, and although his travels and en gagements took him into strange places, he was al way tenderly devoted to his family. He followed the trotters through the Grand Circuit for several years, and was -always to be found heavily backing his opinion. Of late he liyed quietly at home. A SUCCESSFUL FOX DRIVE Organized by Government Officials A Jndgo tlio Game Captured. (SPECIAL TELEGEAM TO THE DISPATCH. 1 Springfield, Mass., February 17. Deputy United States Marshal Willis ar rived here to-day with Judge Peden, of St. Clair county, in custody. The Judge is one of the two judges arrested a year ago lor refusing to order the levy of a special tax to pay the interest on railroad bonds. A warrant was sworn out against him re cently for the same offense, but the Mar shah found it difficult to arrest him owing to his many friends. Last Friday a big fox drive was organized by Uncle Sam's officers in an adjoining county, and as Judge Peden was a great sportsman they anxiously awaited his presence. He arrived on the scene riding a white mule, and while the chase was in progress an attempt was made to arrest him. He lumped off the mule and made for the brush and Willis fired four shots at him. The Judge never stopped, but he couldn't out-foot a horse, and was finally captured. He is now in jail here, and has a very poor opinion ot the United States Government. ' AN OHIO SENSATION. A Woll Known C'ouplo With Fifteen Chil dren Now Seek Divorce. rSFECXAX TELEOIUM TO THS DISPATCB.1 Youngstown, O., February 17. The village of Kiles, seven miles west of here, was thrown into a fever of excitement yes terday, when the fact was made known that Mrs. Hanna Simpkins, wife of William Simpkins, had begun proceedings for di vorce and alimony, on alleged grounds of extreme cruelty. Mr. Simpkins is the wealthiest man in Niles. The couple have been married for 35 years, and their union has been blessed with 15 children. At Apia are Resented by the United States Consul, and He ' KEFUSED TO ALLOW MARTIALLAW Enforced Upon American Citizins Residing at Samoa. KLEIN EESCTJED BY A 1IAN-0F-WAB. Australia's Protests Against Germany's Attempt to Seize the Islands. Germany's aggressive and insulting actions towards the United States iu the Samoan. matter is confirmed by the latest news from the islands. The affair has stirred up public feeling in Australia, where the independence of the Samoan Islands is a serious matter, and England is asked to take decisive steps to preserve their autonomy. San Fbancisco, February 17. Further advices received on the Mariposa say that on January 23 Captain -Fritze announced that he would thereafter exercise police con- ' trol in Samoa. Consul Blacklock declined to recognize this proclamation. Before evening Captain Fritze had issued another proclamation. In this document he re quested all civilians of Apia to give infor mation to the German officer ot the guard on the shore on the number of firearms and quantity of ammunition in their possession oa or before the evening of the 25th. All firearms and ammunition were to be official ly sealed, and all arms and ammuuition of which no information had been given were to be seized, and the owner or owners of the same punished by imprisonment or by de portation. Captain Mullan wrote some vigorous let ters to Captain Fritze on the evening of the 21th, protesting in the name of the United States Govermnent against the latter's proclamation of the previous day concern ing the police in Apia. The Government of Tamasese, said Captain Mullan, had never been recognized by the United States Government. As to the possession of the firearms by American residents of Apia, no power has authority to take possession of them unless used against a friendly power or while in transit for such use. MABTIAXi LA-W UNNECESSARY. Captain Mullan also said that in his opinion the condition and state of war in Samoa did not warrant martial law being proclaimed. The civil courts of Apia still existed and weie in operation, and if any citizen offended against the law they could be tried there. Martial law could not arise from threatened invasion; the necessity must be actual and present and the invasion real. Referring again to the proclamation concerning firearms and threatening impris onment and deportation, Captain Mullan said that even if necessity for martial law had arisen, the proclamation of Captain Fritze in regard to firearms was an unprecedented, uncalled for and a sur prising one, and one which would astonish citizens of all free countries. The American captain added that he would call the at tention of his Government especially to this proclamation, which was without warrant of law in a free government, having drfe regard for safety of its citizens. Captain Fritze replied to this that he would leave the question as to his authori ty to declare martial law to ms superior officers in Germany. KLEIN ESCArES. On the night of January 21 Klein was taken on board the American man-of-war Kipsic, having eluded the German police. On January 28 Captain Fritze sent the fol lowing letter to Captain Mullan: "The in formation has reached me that an American citizen, Mr. J. C. Klein, is on board the United States ship Nipsic. If that should be true, I hereby request that you would surrender him to the German military tribunal on board the ship Adler for cause, as has been laid before me, maintained and witnessed by oath, that he, in a conspicuous manner, was concerned in the attack on the landing party of the Olga on December 13, 1888." A reply was sent to Captain Fritze by Captain Mullan, in which the latter said he was obliged to give protection to every jxuidiciiu uiuieu ju oauiuu wuu was enti tled to it. The charge made against Klein by the German authorities could not be settled, but would have to be considered and finally passed upon by the Governments at Washington and Uerlin. He therefore positively declined to deliver Klein to any German naval or civil authority in Samoa. Klein was taken by the Nipsic to Tutuila, and placed on board of the Maraposa bound for this port. SILENT ALL. Melbourne papers brought by the steam ship Mariposa relate that an incident, grow ing out of Samoan complications, was devel oped at a public dinner given at the close of the Melbourne Exposition by Chief Com missioner Sir James McBain to Mr. Frank McCoppen, Commissioner for the United States, just prior to the departure of McCop pen for the United States. In his speech Sir McBain spoke of the close ties of relationship existing between Australians and Americans. McCop pen in reply spoke of the future growth of fraternal feeling between the two countries and also touched upon the growth of commerce between the two countries. McCoppen said: "Bight in the track of that commerce lay certain groups of islands which possess much inter est for both America and Australia. America is now striving to preserve the autonomy of those islands, but Australia is silent still and silent all. It would be deplorable if in a give-and-take game now being played by the statesmen of Europe, the independ ence of those most interesting islands should be sacrificed." A DIRECT INSULT. This sentiment was loudly applauded by Sir McBain and his guests, while Herr Wcrmuth, the German Commissioner, got got up and left the room. Melbourne pa pers commented upon the incident as an in sult to the host and the American Commis sioner. Australian and New Zealand pa pers uniformly applaud the prompt action of the German Government in dispatching war vessels to the scene of the disturbance, and severely criticises the inaction of the home Government of Great Britain. The Sydney Star of January 18, comment ing on the Samoan troubles, says: The Government ot the United States has evidently determined to protect the interests ot American citizens in Samoa, and to prevent Germans from running rough-shod over the patriotic leaders, Mataaia and his followers. Great Britain shows a desire to do the same, ana it is to be hoped that the same energetic steps taken by President Cleveland bo followed by Lord Salisbury. The un warrantable deposition and deportation of Malietoa, and the effort to establish a tool of their own on the throne of Samoa, added to their harsh treatment of the natives, and foreign residents have generated fonnlda blo rebellion against the Germans, and it seems more than probable that if the patriotlcleadcr, Mataafa, is left to deal with the forces of the usurpers, the latter will he o?erthrown. It Is to be hoped that the American Admiral will arrive in time to prevent the defeat of that patriotic army. If the forces of Admiral Kimberly be not sufficient to accomplish this, the British Ad miral in those waters would be justified Intend ing his assistance. The conduct of Germany throughout this matter is not likely to cause BOASTING THE ENGLISH. , The Australian and New Zealand jour rials, almost without exception, in their edi torial expressions are strong and in many cases bitter as regards the action of the Germans at the Samoan Islands, The Auck land, New Zealand, News, of "January 12, says: A moro humiliating and degrading spectacle than this of British warships cowed and silenced in tho presence of German outrage, is hardly to bo conceived, and a pernsal of the in cidents which have occurred at Samoa, and the violence of these people, who have shown their unfitness for colonial extension by their rough, unreasoning and arrogant treatment ot weak races is enough to make the blood of every British subject boll with shame and indigna tion. Had England not been committed to tho maintenance of the treaty rights of Samoa no blame could have attached; as it is, her conduct is shameful, and the presence of British war ships at Samoa, silent and motion less In the presence of tbo Germans, who are proceeding in this high-handed and lawless fashion, Is degrading to the British navy. We may be disposed to accept with a gram of salt any of the statements as to the events preced ing, which emmate from writers heated in the contest; but in the face of the fact that there was poaco in Samoa till the Germans set up a usurper on the throne, and the fact that the vast majority of the people are now in revolt against the usurper, and the farther fact that tne laun, tne wora, tne strenztn ot England were pledged for tne maintenance of Samoan independence, the present attitnde of England in Samoa is painful and humiliating to the last degree. No further mail advices can be expected from the Samoan Islands until 'March 16, when the steamship Zcalandia will arrive with information to the close of the present month. In the meantime. Admiral Kim berly, with the man-of-war Trenton, rein forced by the man-of-war Vandalia, will have reached Apia, and possibly the Omaha from the Asiatic station. New Zealand and Australian papers express the belief that Admiral Kimberly will be able to re-establish the rights of American citizens as soon as she arrives. A dispatch from Berlin says the Govern ment is willing to effect a settlement of the Samoan question upon the basis of the United States Government's proposal at the Washington conference, namely, the establishment of a joint American, German and English control over the Samoan Gov ernment through the Consuls of the three countries. THE BIEDS CAGED. Tho Widow Friend nnd Her Accomplices in the Electric Sugar Fraud Ar rested in Michigan They Promise a Sensation. Ann Arbob, February 17. All the par tics interested in the Electric Sugar Re fining Company frauds was arrested at Mi lan last night, the Sheriff returning to this city about midnight with Mrs. Olive E. Friend, William E. Howard, Emilv How ard, Gus Halstead and George Halstead, and placing them in the county jail, where they are confined. They were arrested for obtaining money under false pretenses, three indictments having been found against them by a grand jury" of New York last January. One is issued for fraud against the sugar company, and two on complaint of Dawson N. Fuller, of New York. On these indictments requisitions were made on the Governor of Michigan, who issued warrants for their arrest on February 1. The trouble has been to get all the par ties within the State at the same time.. Mrs. Friend was in concealment and Howard was at Windsor. Yesterday morning they returned to Milan, feeling sure that no criminal action wa3 to be brought, but they were arrested as above stated. As it was late no bail could be obtained, and they remained in jail. Howard threat ened that when they got to New York there would be a sensation greater than bad ever stirred that city. SHE COULDN'T TELL A LIE. A Fretty Woman Not Afraid to Admit Sho Sold Whisky on Sandnr. (SPECIAL TELEOBAM TO THE DISPATCIT.l New Yobk, February 17. Justice Mur ray never sat jn judgment over a much prettier culprit than Louise Schroeder, of 1514 Avenue A, who stood before him in the Harlem Court to-day. She was held for violation of the excise law. When the Jus tice asked her if she sold whisky this morn ing to Detective Dugan when he entered the place through the side door, she answered "yes," in a fine, clear tone, and smiled at the apoplectic" appearance of her lawyer, who gasped: "She's wrong, your honor. She pleads not guilty. I'm her counsel, and am sure she didn't sell to the officer." In spite of his violent efforts to have her plead not guilty she looked straight at the Justice again and said, "I sold that whisky, and am not here to lie about it. I'd rather take the consequences than lie." Her lawyer retired confusedly to com mune with himself, and an audible smile went around. She furnished $100 bail, and when she left the court room there was more than one compliment for her pluck and honesty. THE GEEEN ABOYE THE EED. Chicago Irishmen Will Parade Because tho Others Display the English Jack. Chicago, February 17. The council of Irish-American societies in Chicago decided to-day', after a hot debate, to have a St. Patrick's Day parade this year. The cus tom fell into desuetude here several years ago, it being urged that the money which the parades cost would produce better re sults if forwarded to Farnell. One of the arguments used by a delegate to-day in advocacy of the old-fashioned street procession was the statement that since the Irish-Americans had cease waving the green flag in the public thoroughfares, the British-Americans had taken to march ing and flinging aloft the hated English jack. Therefore, urjred the delegate, the Irish must show their strength by parad ing as of yore. The parade will take place on Sunday. CELEBRATING LINCOLN'S BIRTH. A Banqnet Held in Boston la Hlemory of tho Slartyred President. Boston, February 17. The anniversary of the birthday of President Lincoln was celebrated yesterday afternoon by the Massa chusetts Club. The celebration took the form of a banquet, at which ex-Governor Clafliu presided. About 40 members of the club were present. The guests of honor were Charles Uonney, of Ubicago, and lion. J. 11. Langston, of Virginia, ex-Minister to Li beria. Ex-Governor ClaQin, after extolling the virtues of Lincoln, introdnccd Hon. J. M. Langston, who made a telling speech, in which he dwelt on the vast benefits which President Lincoln had conferred on the col ored race. KOT AT HOME. The President Wnnts to Clear Up Official Business and Will Not Receive Cnllcrs. Washington, February 17. The Presi dent announces that to enable him to dis pose of pending business requiring his personal attention before the close of his term of office, it will be an absolute necessity that he have this week for such work, free from interruptions, and he must, therefore, be excused to all callers. Mast Give Its Vnlnc. Louisville, February 17. Suit was to day entered in the name or the State of Kentucky against Manager Charles Smith, of the Western Union Telegraph Company, for $500 penalty for failure properly to re port the company's property for taxation. o Filling Tisrjurg Hotels at -a EapifiyJJnst Now, Not ON THE EYE OF THE CONVENTION. Senator Eutan Thinks To-JIorrow's Event -Will be a Begular Eouser. COOPEE NOT TO LEAD THE E0ECE3. John Fulton litely to be Caosen as the Commander f the Campaign. Although the Prohibitionists are to meet in State convention at Harrisbuig to-morrow, none of the capital hotels are filling -up. Private residences are expected to ac commodate most of the 800 delegates. A rousing big convention is expected by Sena tor Butan. How the masses of the Demo cratic party will vote on the amendment is a burning question just now. They are ex pected to ignore the matter, and thus profit by its passage if it does carry. (SPECIAL TELERILOI TO THX DISPATCH.I HaKRISBUBG, February 17. There is no indication at any of the hotels in this city of the near approach of a State Convention of Prohibitionists to form plans for tha prosecution of a campaign in the interest of the Constitutional amendment to prohibit the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors in Pennsylvania. Unlike political conventions, scarcely any rooms have been engaged at the hotels by persons who intend participating in the convention, from which circumstances it i3 inferred that private residences will accommodate a large num ber of the 800 or more delegates who will make up the anti-liquor body. Perhaps the Prohibitionists think it would be out of place for them to stop at places whose busi ness the adoption of the amendment would greatly hurt if not destroy. The hotel pro prietors here are not enamored of the prin ciple of prohibition, but they are ready to accommodate its disciples. The Legislature having adjourned over the election, the delegates to the convention will have very little difficulty in securing quarters on Tuesday, although they have not taken the precaution to engage rooms. some op tiie peepakations. The choirs of the several churches will meet to-morrow evening for the rehearsal of music to be sung at the convention. One of the features of the music will be a colored chorus. The Executive Committee of tho Constitutional Amendment Association, with representatives of other temperance organizations, will meet to-morrow evening to map out some of the work of the conven tion, which is expected to finish its business by Tuesday evening. The ladies will be largely represented in the convention. Among those who will be conspicuous in its proceedings, will oe Mrs. Dr. Swift, President of the Women's Christian Temperance Union,of Allegheny. John Fulton, of Johnstown, President of the Constitutional Amendment Association, will be the president of the convention in the opinion of Senator Sho waiter, who is the Presidentof the Butler County Amendment Association, andjias been elected a delegate to the-State convlntlott?' The Senator. also thihksMV. jj'ulfbnT will be at the head of the prohibitory force during the campaign, by virtue of his position in the Constitu tional Amendment Association. The atten tion of the Senator being called to the report of the probable selection of Senator Uooper to command tne prohibition army, he expressed the opinion that there is not much in this story, as the Delaware county Senator was a high-license man, and inti mated that he was not in sympathy with the prohibition cause. EXPECTS A REGULAR EOUSER. Senator Butan predicts a very large con vention, in which all the prohibition ele ments will be harmoniously represented. The Senator is curious to know the probable attitude of the Democratic leaders in the prohibitory campaign, he having been told by what he regards as good authority that tliey will use their influence in having the masses of the party follow the example of the Democratic Senators, who, with a few exceptions, refrained from voting on the joint resolution proposing the amendment. He seems to think the Democrats want the amendment to prevail, in the hope of a re vulsion of sentiment following its adoption, and consequent advantage accruing to tho party. He also intimated that the Demo crats would then favor a" general amend ment of the Constitntion, inclnding the wiping out of the prohibition feature, as a popular measure. So far as he was con cerned, he thought that instrument should be amended to reduce the members of the House to 100 and to permit special legisla tion, which was greatly needed, especially by the several cities whose wants were in many instances widely divergent, and as a result a general code was not adapted to their government. LIFE SATED BY A DECK OF CARDS. A Desperado, Peppered With Backshot, Es capes on the Run. tSPECIAL TZLZQBA1I TO THS DiaPATCIT.t Louisville. Kt., February 17. John Wells, after an absence of several years, re- -turned last week to his-pld home, Three Springs, Hart county. Thursday night he met Bill Clymer and his wife at a pnblic dance. During the evening Wells made sqme insulting re marksabout Clymer's wife. The next day Clymer and Wells met in the road, a stranger at the same time riding by upon a horse. Both the former had guns. Clymer cocked his gun and leveled it at Wells. Just as he fired Wells jumped behind the stranger's horse. Most of the load of buckshot lodged in the horse's head Killing him, but several of the bullets struck a deck of cards in Well's breast pocket, just over his heart, glancing off and not injuring him. Clvmer fled after the shooting, with Wells pursuing. Clymer escaped him then, but Wells is still looking for him. Both men are desperadoes of the worst type. Clymer has been in dozens of shooting scrapes, and last fall a negro cut bis throat from ear to ear, but he recovered. BOUND TO BECOME A BBIDE. A Kentucky Girl Rides 15 Miles in an Old Calico Dress to Get Slarrled. ISPZCIAL, TZLIGBA1I TO THE DISPATCH.I Louisville, Kt., February 17. Near OwingsviUe, in this State, Joe Byron, a young farmer, eloped yesterday with the daughter of Mr. Cyrus Alley, a well-to-do citizen. Mr. Alley had forbidden Byron's attentions, but was compelled to leave home yesterday on business, and to prevent his daughter from eloping during his absence, he took with him all her clothes except an . old and faded calico dress. As soon as the old gentleman was out of sight, although the weather was very cold, the girl, clad in thcold calico and with out' bonnet or wrap of any kind, mounted a horse and rode alone a distance of 15 miles to join her lover. They then went to Ow. ingsville, where the young lady was pro vided with suitable clothing', and they wen married. i