o THE PITTSBUKG- DISPATCH. FRIDAY. JANUARY 31; 1890. .' THE P, US DEBT. How it Has Puzzled lawyers and Stockholders. A BEPORTER'S SOLUTION. It Owes Only $460,000 and Will Square Up on July 31 Next. HOW PAYMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE Talk about the reliability of history! That of the last 50 years cannot be written reliably, even by an unbiased historian with all the necessary material at hand. The Pennsylvania Railroad Company is only 44 years old, and it is safe to say that not one person in 1,000 of the adnlt popula tion ot the State can tell its correct history nor come anywhere near it. Even lawyers, unless they have had the company exten sively lor a client, cannot tell it, and yet it has been the most taiked-of institution in the State. As it seems that for many years to come the people of this State are not likely to own good wagon roads, some are inclined to think that the Socialists, if they are ever to accomplish anything, might begin by an at tempt to secure the Pennsylvania Bailroad and turn it over to the people at large; issue the credit checks suggested by Ed ward Bellamy and try the effect of their system on Pennsylvania. If it proved a success half their battle would be won. They contend that the people might run railways and in fact, almost everything co-operatively just as well as they do the postoffice system. The purchase of the Pennsylvania Bailroad is suggested as an experiment, more for the purpose of testing the soundness of their premises than anything else. Just now, when seas of mud bound nearly all the iarms in the Commonwealth, 'twould be a great relief if a granger could occasionally, by going across lots, reach the railway, cock his heels up In a luxurious parlor car and whirl away to the seashore, with no further expendi ture of trouble than the presentation of his credit check for the conductor to punch out a number. Even that expenditure might be avoided, as outsiders must use the road, and they might be made to pay enough for such service to make it self-sustaining. TUB GEEAT BOAD'S CHAKTEK. While these enthusiasts are not satisfied that the road could be had on the terms they were prepared to offer, they based their hopes on section 23 of the charter of the Pennsylvania Railroad, granted in ISIS, which provides: That if the .Legislature of this State, shall, at the expiration of 20 years from the completion of said railroad, make provisions by law, for the repayment to the said company, of the amount expe ided by them in the construction of said railroad, and in the construction of permanent fixtures, and all other appurten ances for the use of the same, together with all moneys expended by said company for re pairs, attendance and otherwise for the pur pose of said railroad, with intei est on snch sum at th rate of 8 per cent per annum, after deducting the amount of tolls and other revenue received by said company, for the use of the same, then said railroad with its fixtures and appurtenances shall vest in and become the property of the people of this State, but if the Legislature shall not at the expiration of the said period of 20 j ears, claims the said railroad, eta, as aforesaid, th.n the said company with all its said rights and privileges shall continue for another period of 20 years, subject to the claim of the Legislature, as aforesaid, at the expiration thereof, on the same terms and con ditions as aforesaid, and so on. from 20 years to 20 years. IDEAS OP 40 TIAES AGO. It is safe to say not 1 In 1,000 people living In this State know that there was such a provision in the original charter. Some heavy stock holders, when asked, acknowledged that they did not know of it. What damped the ardor of enthusiasts more than anything else was the fear that among the 59 or 60 acts passed relative to the road between the time of its completion in 1SS2 to 1S74, the year in which the new constitution was adopted, some one might be found, releasing the company from its obligations to surrender under the terms of the charter of 1846, Any one who reads that charter will understand that the lawmakers of that day had not the faintest conception of what the road and its betterments wonld be worth 40 years later. The language of the charter would indicate that the enterprise was measured much on the scale of the raging canal on whoe bosom then floated all the commerce between the East and the West. It Is even related that some of the backwooas legislators supposed the road would ascend grades, as the wagon roads do, and that the wheels of the locomotives would be armed with cogs to fit into depressions in the tracks. Accordingly they thought speed would be low. IN QUEST OF IKFOBMATIOlf. Search was made for several days for infor mation as to whether or not the State had legal power to enforce section 23, but it was an up hill job. Beitel's Titles to Corporations only Increased the searcher's gloom, as references to acts passed seemed interminable, and the clause searched for might be but a couple of lines in a seemingly simple act for some other purpose, and so it proved. John H. Hampton, Esq., was asked how the matter stood, and he said he bad an impression that the State had surrendered its original right to take the road, but he could not say certainly whether it had or not. He struck the bull's eye. however, by statinc that he thought it was in the legislation of 1857. D. T. Watson, Esq., was of the same opinion as Mr. Hampton, and he furnished a pointer thich eventually showed that the worst fears of socialism were n ell founded. Under the charter of 1818. the State would have had power to take possession in 1872. and again iu 1892. To do so might give us a wel come surcease from the turmoil of politics, for who would descend into the mire of such a con test when conscious that he was about to be come a stockholder in the finest railway on the globe? To undertake the acquisition wonld be a tremendous job, in fact some people think it doubtful whether the State would swallow the road or the road swallow the State, and they incline to think the latter would be the case. Were it possible that the State could prove the victor, taxes Mould be enormous for some years, for, of course. It would defeat the object of acquisition to water the stock, so that out siders might get a controlling interest. HO DANGEE FBOM THIS SOURCE. A telegram from the Harnsbnrg correspond ent of The Dispatch, January 27, says: The act of March 7. 1861, will give you much Information concerning tne Pennsylvania Bail road Company's purchases of the public works. On the day of its approval a contract was made in accordance with its requirements. Prior to that the company paid on account of the pur chase in 1857, $179,933 75, and in 1S5S, $222,363 02. It also paid in Interest in loans on account of the purchase in 1S5S, $375,000; in 1859, $370,00, audio I860. $365,000. It also reduced its original indebtedness of $7,500,000 to S7.100.000 by pay ments of 100.000 each in 1858, 1859, I860 and I SOL Under the act of 1S61 it paid $130,000 on ac count of commutation of tonnage tax, it having already paid 1100.000 to cancel its indebtedness. In lb62 it paid $360,000, and after that period it regularly covered into the State treasury S4B0 -WO, and it still owes 460,000. S230.00O of which is payable January 31, and $230,000 July 31 next, when the company will have met all its obliga tions. TEEMS OF THE AGBEEMENT. SThis is In the main in the line of the compro mise of 1857, though, by the terms of that agree ment, the company obligated itself to pay more than the amount stated by the Harrisburg cor respondent. That agreement,embodled in an act approved May 16, provided that anyone, ex cept the Pennsylvania Railway Company, might bay the public works for $7,500,000. pro vided no one bid more, but if the Pennsylvania Hallway Company were the purchaser at the minimum price. It was to pay $1,500,000 more, making $9,000,000, and to give bonds bearing 5 per cent, payable semi-annually on Jan uary 31 and Julv 31 of each year until July 31, 1890, when the residue was to be paid at the rate of $1,000,000 a year, the purchase money to remain a lien on the main line on the State works, and a mortgage to be given on the main line. Provided that the right of the Commonwealth to enter upon, re fume and purchase the road of the Pennsyl-; vanla Railroad Company as provided in their charter, shall thereafter cease and determine. MODIFIED BY THE TONNAGE ACT. Section 1, of the act for the commutation of tonnage duties, approved March 7, 1861, pro vides that if the company "pay into the State treasury, on acconnt of its indebtedness to the Commonwealth, by reason of the purchase of the main line of the public works, on the 81st days of January and July, in every year, until the 31st of July, 1S90, inclusive, such sum in ad dition to the interest on its bonds owned by the State, and in addition to its annual liability to the State, on account of purchase money for said line of improvements as will increase each teml-annual payment on account of said debt and interest to the sum of $230,000, and the ag gregate of all such payments to the sum of $13,570,000, and shall agree to pay on the said 31st of July, 1890, into the treasury the balance then unpaid of the principal and interest of said bonds, etc" the company shall be relieved of the tonnage tax and "exonerated, released and relieved from every lien and liability to the State on account thereof." It will probably be conceded without debate that If the people want to run the Pennsylvania Railroad they must put their surplus into the purchase on terms dictated by the company, as the right of condemnation is certainly blocked very effectually. HIS FIRST APPOINTMENTS. Postmaster SIcKenn Announce! the Reten tion of Missel Steele and Johnston Formal Transfer of the Postoffice To Nlclil The Line of Policy BInpped Out. Postmaster McKean will assume charge ot the office at midnight to-night. At the close of business hours to-night there will be instituted a process which in mercantile houses is denom inated "taking account of stock." Every stamp, letter sheet, postal card, payable money order, and, in fact, everything transferable intomoney will be taken into account. The two Govern ment inspectors will perform this task, aided by Su rintendent of Mails CoUins and Cashier McOalley. The accounts and books will be balanced to a cent, a statement in full will be made with the retiring postmaster. Mr. John B. Larkin, and Mr. McKean will be installed. such weighty preparations for a settle ment are neither usual nor necessary in ordinary offices. The Pittsburg postoffice is, however, a Sub-treasury of the United States, and receives daily financial reports from no less than 1,400 money order offices con tained in f onr States and covering a territory of over 3,000 square miles, and the Government detailed two ot its most expert inspectors to rush the transfer in order to make sure that there wonld be no interruption of business be tween to-day and to-morrow. All the present officials and financial clerks in the office have filed their bonds with Post master McKean. and every detail has been at tended to. Measurements wore taken yester day for entire new furnishings and appoint ments, and they will be in Colonel bwords' office to-morrow. He has promised to send all the material which the Treasury Department provides early next week. The cabinet work which is to iro in comes from local workshops. and is nearly completed. Within a week the interior of the office will be entirely trans formed. Postmaster McKean sprung a surprise on the commnnity last night in his announcement of the appointees to the two best payinc offices within his gift. Miss Mary E. Steele, Superin tendent of the Money Order Division, and Miss Nan M. Johnston, Superintendent of the Registry Division, will retain those positions under the new regime. Miss Johnston is the sister of Hon R. H. Juhnston, District Attor ney, and daughter of ex-Governor Johnston, and her Democratic lineage is unquestioned. Mr. McKean gave bis reasons for the contin uance in office of these popular and efficient ladies to a Dispatch reporter as follows: "I am well aware that the numerons applicants for the two positions which Mioses Steele and Johnston will retain may feel inclined to ques tion my action, but 1 am perfectly free-footed in every regard so far as the administration of this office is concerned, and I choose to take a higher ground in this matter than mere spoilsman-hip. Although both positions are beyond the scope of the civil service, it was my judg ment that the retention of both ladies was the best kind of business policy. Perfectly familiar with their duties, awarded high praise by the Postoffice Department, and beyond all question as to competency, I feel that in availing myself of their services I am adhering to the policy I have mapped out: that of running this office in a business manner. 1 may promise that the public shall be given no opportunity to question the business qualifica tions of those who gradually displace the pres 'ent appointive officials. I Intend to study the demands of the service and the best interests of the public, and I shall take ample time to determine the fitness of those who will serve under me." Miss Steele was appointed a clerk In the monev order division on February L 1877, by Postmaster George H. Anderson, bhe became Superintendent of the Division two years sub sequently, and has challenged the commenda tion of every Postoffice Inspector who has visited this office by her business-like methods. She has three clerks workluc under her. and is a brunette, very affable in manners and a re markably bright business woman. Miss Johnston was appointed by Postmaster Anderson on April 1, 1877, and, like Miss Steele, began as a clerk. She became Superintendent of the Division in 1883, succeeding John Gripp, Esq She has received hich praise from seve ral Postmaster Generals for her able adminis tration of her duties. Miss Johnston is a finely educated woman, and belongs to one of the oldest families in the State, and her appoint ment will please the business world of Fitts bnrg. Mr. McKean said yesterday that a post office employe who made it a point to reach the office at 6 o'clock every morning, as Miss John ston does, may fairly be classed as an enthu siast in her work. James S. McKean, the lately-appointed poBt master, who takes office to-night, yesterday visited Chief Bigelow to get the use of one of the Council Chambers for the civil service ex amination, which takes place February 4. There aro 130 applicants tor examination, as against 160 when Postmaster Larkin first took office, so the ambition for being letter carriers does not seem to diminish very materially. Mr. McKean said he was as much astonished as gratified at the fact that so few people had applied for positions so far. It relieved him of the annoyance and pain of refusing favors which he would be unable to grant. He secured the use of the Council Chamber for the exam ination. A $100,000 JOB. A New Gad Line From Bntler County to be Bnllt to Tarentnm for the Plate Glass Company Manufacturers Are Not Afraid of the Supply Fmlinu. The various reports and theories circulated so frequently of late, about the failure of the natural gas supply, does not seem to frighten the manufacturers to any great extent. The Pittsburg Plate Glass Company has just closed a contract for a new line which will convey the fuel from the new field at Sarversville. Butler county, to their works at Tarentnm. The line will cost over $100,000, and will be completed by March 10. It will be used to furnish an addi tional supply to the Creighton plant. It is re ported that quite a lively and interesting com petition ensued between Eastern manufacturers and a Pittsburg firm for the contract. R. W. Carroll, manager of the American Tube and Iron Company, succeeded in securing it, and will furnish their Matheson patent joint pipe for the line, which is to be a 12-inch main, nine and a half miles long. It is a noteworthy fact that the agitation about natural gas giving out does not prevent capitalists and manufacturing concerns from risking their money to develop new fields and put in new lines. Upward of $2,000,000 have been invested in this manner witbiu the last six months. The Manufacturers' Company spent about $800,000 In putting down their main to the Bellevernon field. The Equitable Com pany, composed mainly of manufacturers up the Allegheny river, laid a line to the Mnrrys ville field, and have put in $1,000,090 for the de velopment of that field. The Butler county field is the latest, and it promises to be one of the best fields of any yet developed. There are two concerns working in that local ity. Captain Ford has one well down, the pressure of which is 400 pounds per minute. Several ether wells have been drilled, and their pressure is such as to render them almost be yond control. Captain Ford has run a lino from Sarver through Slate Lick, in Armstrong county, to Ford City below Kittanning. He expects to get his entire supply for the works at Ford City from that field, and later he will be able to supplv tho Tarentnm works also from the same field. The Standard Plate Glass Company of Butler is also interested in the developeroent of the Butler county terri tory, and is now getting gas from there for the operation of the works at that place. The Grapeville, Latrobe and ML Morris fields are flourishing and show no sigUB of giving out. Several other large gas lines are talked about to be laid in Pittsburg and other manu facturing points in this vicinity within the next two or three months, but the persons con cerned are not willing to make the details of the plans known tor awhile. Instead of the capitalists becoming alarmed over the possible failure of gas as a fuel there seems to be an in creased activity in the development of the ter ritories, from which the product is secured, with apparently equal, if not greater, success than at any previous time. All-Mght Cnra on Rebecca Street. A notice has been posted in the cars of the Rebecca street car line informing patrons of the road that all-night cars will be placed on the road, to run every hour, beginning on Feb ruary 1. Good Salt Trade. The Pittsburg Salt Company reports the con dition of that business brisk. Bales and prices are good and the production la large. Ail the salt miners axe fully employed. ANDEEWS HITS BACK Ho Says Secretary Windom Intends to Push the flew Postoffice. THE PLAN OF PENALTY CONTRACTS. The Confidential Errand of Mr. Windrim's Expert Inspector. HOW JIAL0NE WILL HOREY THE W0KK There are briars in Architect Malone's path just at present. He has been sur prised by the vigorous shaking np that the Government building has lately received, and his friends and himself are claiming that the charges of inaction are being made to veil personal matters, and that the recent ruction is being used as a lever to force him out of office. The views of Colonel James P. Andrews, given a Dispatch represent ative at some length yesterday, are of in terest, as it is shown in just what manner Secretary Windom and Supervising Archi tect Windrim look upon the matter, and what steps they intend to take. Colonel Andrews said: "I called on Sec retary Windom on private business. "When it had been concluded he said, abruptly: 'How islhis Pittsburg Government build ing matter?' "I told Mr. "Windom that if the building could be completed and turned over to the Federal officials within a year it would cre ate as big a sensation as a millenium. Mr. "Windom then asked when I thought the building conld be completed, and I told blm by the first of October, in my opinion. He sent a messenger for Mr. Windrim, who came up stairs. He asked me the same question, and I gave him the same answer as Mr. Windom re ceived. "'Well,' said Mr. Windrim, that's what every man we have sent to Plttsburc said. Col onel Swords was very emphatic In his belief that the building could be hustled to an early completion, and said that the people he met in Pittsburg were clever enough to have some thing special done for them.' "I asked Mr. Wiudnm what could be done to hurry matters, and he replied that Mr. Pattison would make an inspection of the building and hurry back to Washington, and that after hearing the report immediate action would be taken. Mr. windrim spoke with much energy on the subject, and said very distinctly that in some way new life must be infused into the matter. He said that he had had a note from Mr. Wanamaker asking that every effort be made to provide Mr. McKean with new quar ters. Mr. Windom assured me when I left the Treasury building that something radical would be done right away. NO AX TO GEIND. "My interest in this matter is simply that of a private citizen who happens to know that the entire construction of such a building Is a small matter, and the finishing of it a mere trifle. I don't know Mr. Malone, but I cannot help be lieving that his course has been dilatory. I will inst give you an illustration. You place a contractor in a position where he can clear $10,000 on a contract in four months' time. He would be a fool to consnme eight months. With an architect the condition is just re versed. The slow-going methods of the past have escaped notice, but if Mr. McKean's efforts and the influence of his friends can cause a change in the metter, the community will applaud, no matter whose personal feelings are injured. I told Mr. Windom that Pittsburgers were exasperated with the slow progress and the endless delays, and I am free to say that such dawdlintras has been the rule on the whole job is an outrage upon the community, and Mr, Windom said that now that the matter had been properly presented to him, he would make a decided change. I am entirely disinterested, for there is not the remotest consideration which would tempt me to touch such a contract. I have simply asserted that any one of a dozen contractors in Pittsburg could take that build ing in hand and finish it. I would like to see the work classified, and let ont on penalty con tracts, and Mr. Malone conld draw up specifi cations and supervise the work under snch conditions, just as well as any other contrac tor." Colonel Andrews was asked to instance some comparisons in the way of laying stone. He said: We'll take the old Government building for an instance. It was built by me; one of my first contracts. Dy the way. I do not remember the year, but we started work in the early spring. The foundry of Boll man & Garrison was torn down, and the excavations made be fore a foot of stone was laid. The walls were up and the roof on before cold weather, and the cast iron beams and arches were all con structed as the work went along. Any building of the size of the new Government building ought to be easily finished in IS months. The stone in the St. Lonis bridge was laid at the rate of 450 cubic yards a day. It is no use to say that anything is impossible in the line of building. I am convinced that there will be a new deal on the Government bnildiug,and that justifies the agitation in progress." ME. PATTISON EATHEK MI7M. Joseph N. Pattison, whose official position in the Treasury Department at Washington is that of Inspector of Repairs for Public Build ings, arrived in the city yesterday, put up at the Seventh Avenue Hotel, and spent the day inspecting the new postoffice and talking with Superintendent Malone. Mr. Pattison is the confidential agent of Su pervising Architect Windrim. His reports are made personally to that gentleman. He is an expert architect, being noted for many years in Philadelphia. He is about GO years old, tall, with sandy sidewhiskers. He looked over the Fedral building very carefully, and spent about two hours conversing with Mr. Malono in his office. While Mr. Pattison was recognized by Mr. Malone as an important official of the Treasury Department, and was given every facility to obtain information, be did not tell Mr. Malone the object of his visit, nor did he reveal the drift of his instructions. Mr. Pattison was visited last evening by a re porter. He was exceedingly reluctant to talk at all about his visit. He said that, while be came on public business, the nature of his work was confidential and to be revealed to Mr. Windrim alone. He said that his trip to Pittsburg was not special. He is on a tour to the West, being directed to visit public build ings in other cities. He admitted that he had instrnctions to make some special inquiries in regard to the Pittsburg postoffice. Mr. Patti son said that be thought the new building ought to be finished within two years, perhaps in a year and a half. He believed that the first floor could be completed for occupation by the postmaster within nine months. ilr. Malone returned home yesterday morn ing from Washington, where he had a long in terview with Mr. Windrim. The latter said that he wanted the work pushed. Mr.' Malone said that better progress could be made only by working the full force at night as well as by day. He was asked to sendno the department a written statement of the manner in which the work can be hurried. Ho will recommend the er.-ction of electric lights all over the struc ture. The force will be increased to 270, three times the number now employed. As soon as his recommendations are approved by the de partment the changes will be made. Mr. Malone is paying little or no attention to the petitions which are in circulation asking for his removal. He does not believe that they will have any weight with either the Secretary of the Treasury or the Supervising Architect. WAS IT AN ANARCHIST? Attempt to Blow Up Father Flecklnger's House In Cbartiers. The house of Rev. Father Joseph Flecklnger, pastor of the German Catholic Church, of Chartiers borough, was partially wrecked be tween 12 and 1 o'clock yesterday morning by the explosion of a dynamite cartridge that had been placed in the cellar under the front part of the building and tired by a fnse ten feet long. The house is on Lincoln avenue, near the Panhandle Railway. Father Fleckinger and the other members of the household were awakened by the report and the settling of the building and the explosion was of such force that had the building been of brick Instead of wood it wonld doubtless have fallen and crushed all inside. Suspicion points to a rough looking man who called at the priest's residence the day previously shortly after noon and asked for as sistance. The people of the borough are not in a very pleasant state of mind, as they cannot divine the object of the miscreant or miscreants, though it is supposed the animus must have been against Father Fleckinger alone or some one in bis service. Some charge it to anar chists, who are said to exist more or less nu merously in the vicinity of Mansfield. A Change of Route. Beginning to-day the Pleasant Valley electric cars will come up Sixth avenue and make a re turn start on Smithfield street Only a few of the cars will run for the present to the postof fice. The change in the switch was made last night, and is intended to save time and avoid' the Central Traction cars. MUST PAY SEVEN CENTS. The Traction Company Calls a Halt on Coun- oilmen They Concede Everything bat Transfer TlckeU Their Ordlnnnco Passed the Committor. The Allegheny street Railway Committee spent last evening considering the ordinance granting a right of way to the Pittsburg, Alle gheny and Manchester Railway Company. President Hunter offered an amendment to the first section, substituting the word "tracks" for "route." He desired that the or dinance give a right of way over only the streets upon which the company's tracks are now laid. The amendment was adopted and the section passed as amended. Mr. Dalzell, President of the Traction com pany, who was present said that they did not object to paving between the rails and a foot on the outside for a cable road, but if they built an electric line they should have the same privilege as the other electric roads. They only paved a foot ontside the rails. Mr. Muehlbrouner remarked that Allegheny has been trying to get good streets and now was a good chance to commence getting them. Chairman McAfee said that In Pittsburg, if a pipeline was laid, the company would bere- S aired to repave with block stone. "Mr. alzell knows that," he added. "No, I don't" replied Mr. Dalzell. "Well, 1 understand your company Is favored over there," answered Mr. McAfee. Mr. Lowe sucgested that the ordinance be amended so that if an electric road is built they would only be required to pave with block a foot on each side of the rail. Mr. Muehlbronner insisted that the company be required to repave between the rails and for a foot ontside. President Hunter said that this wonld be a hardship. Also when the new roads to the suburban districts would be bnllt this would be demanded, and it would have the effect of preventing the construction of such roads. Mr. Ober offered an amendment that if a cable road is built the company repave all be tween the rails and a foot on the outside; but if an electric road, only a foot on each side of the rails. Arthur Hunter wanted to know, as Mr. Ober is Interested in a new street railway, if he was entitled to vote on this question. Chairman Mc Afee replied that he was not interested in this railway. The amendment was passed, and Mr. Neeb offered another. The clause fixing a S cent fare between Woods' Run and Pittsburg read over the line "via the market house." As the line did not go by way of the market house he wanted it to read "via Western avenue and Federal street" It was adopted. Section 3 required that the company aban don one ot the two tracks now on Rebecca and Lacock streets, and the tracks on School and Craig streets. A. M. Neeper, .Esq., attorney for the company, said that the intention was to abandon either the track on School street or Craig street and not on both streets. The clause was amended to read either School or Craig street instead of both. Mr. Dalzell said that the company would con cede the paving matter already agreed upon. They did not wish any opposition in Councils which wonld send the ordinance back to the committee, and though they considered it un fair they wanted to go to work at once on the road, having been waiting a year now. This offer, which involved paving to the ex tent of nearly $250,000, was at once acted upon and the amendment to the paving clause stricken out, thus obliging the company to pave all between the rails and a foot outside with block stone. Section 1 was amended to provide that the work of constrnctlon be done under such regu lations as may be prescribed by the City Engi neer and Committee on Street Railways. City Engineer Ehler.i suggested that a provision be made that the street car companies pay into the City Treasury enough to cover the cost of cleanlnc and repaying the streets over which the railways run. The city now has about TO miles of street railways and the cost of clean ing and repairing the streets over which they rnn is about $70,000 per year. Chairman Mc Afee said the Pittsburg, Allegheny and Man chester Company scrape up the dirt and leave piles of mud lay sometimes as long as three weeks. Section 8 provides for transfer tickets to be given at the corner of Ohio and Federal streets, on the Troy Hill and Pittsburg, Alle gheny and Manchester lines, so that the fare from any point on the Troy ri 111 line to any point on the Western avenue line would not exceed 5 cents. Mr. Dalzell said they had agreed to do so for 2 cents extra, but not for a single fare. He said: 'Gentlemen, I think that I have made all concessions that the company can make. I have nothing more to say either way." CHARTIEES' ANNUAL MEETING. A Lively Discussion Over a Decrease In the Stock Mr. Scaife Wanted to Know What Became of It No Dividends De clared A Fnvornble Ontlook. The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Chartiers Valley Gas Company was held in the company's office, in the Garrison building, Wood street yesterday afternoon. There was a very fair attendance, and considerable inter est was manifested in the meeting. A hot dis cussion was narrowly avoided when the renort of the auditing committee was read. The re port showed that the total number of shares of stock was 1016 less than last year, and this de crease bad cost the company over $83,000. Mr. W. B. Scaife started the ball rolling by asking a three-pointed question, as to how the stock was disposed of; whether it bad been secured as collateral or bought up. and If the latter, where the directors got their authority for reducing the stock without tbe consent of the stockholders. Mr. C. O. Smith, of the com mittee, attempted to answer the questions by saying that he thought the stock had been secured as collateral. Mr. Scaife was not satis fied, and directed his queries to President Chambers. Tbe latter gentleman admitted that he conld not give a satisfactory explana tion of the matter, as since the lease of the plant to the Philadelphia company the latter has the full management and control of the Cbartiers Company. Mr, Alexander Kirkpatrick said the stock holders should have been given an explicit de tailed statement of the flnances.so that it conld have been understood, and all difficulty could have been avoided. The matter was passed over for the time being by instructing the au diting committee consisting of James Camp bell, U. O. Smith andC. F. Klopfer. to go over the bonds of the company, and prepare a com plete statement of tbe receipts and expenses for the past year to present to the stockholders at a special meeting to be called in the near future. Secretary Tener said after the meet ing adjourned that he regarded the company's failure to pay dividends, as the canse for tbe dissatisfaction among the stockholders; but he thinks the company is getting into better shape now. and will soon be able to declare a divi dend. President Chambers submitted his report Under the circumstances and conditions it was regarded as quite satisfactory. The receipts of the company are based on tbe percentage of tbe Philadelphia Company's net earnings, and amount to $533,000, as against about $100,000 for tbe previous year, an increase of about per cent A corresponding increase for tbe coming year will enable tbe company to pav Interest on their bonds, taxes and all probable expenses for the year and a dividend of at least 10 per cent In considering what the proba bilities are for revenue for the coming year attention is called to the many independ ent gas lines laid from the different fields, all of which have bees laid for the purpose of sup- lying the manufacturers with gas. The Phila elphia Company has lost in old contracts dur ing the last year.owmg to these manufacturers' lines Deine laid, about $500,000 of old business and have gained in new contracts about $600, 000. The only contingent that would reduce the company's receipts for the coming year is considered to be an insufficient supply of gag, and this is not feared. The financial statement for tho year ending January 1, 1890, shows assets available, 83fts.. 367 77; stock in hands or Treasurer, $991,600; unavailable assets. $4,529,250 76; liabilities, capi tal stock. Si, 000, 000; profit and loss, $532,028 82; account payable, $5,191 71; bills payable, $225, 000; bills payable, due directors, $95,000; mort gage, $975,000. The following directors, being the old board, were elected: James A. Chambers, James Lauchlln, H. Sellers McKee, A C. Dravo, William H. Singer, W.B. Schmertz, Duncan C. Phillips, Oalvm Wells, John H. Dalzell, M. W. Watson, James M. Bailey, D. C. Ripley and Edward E. Denniston. PITTSBURG LIGHTS OP LONDON. An Order for 30,000 Lamps Received in This City Yesterday. A cable message from London, England, for Westinghouse alternating current apparatus for 30,000 incandescent lights was received at the office of the company yesterdav. The order came from the Metropolitan Electnc Supply Company, Lira., of London. The same organization has already several plants in the English metropolis which are all fitted out with machinery from Pittsburg. The cable states that the shipment of the machinery must be made immediately. The entire outfit for this plant consisting of West inghouse engines, dynamos, exciters and other electrical appliances, will be got ready for ship ment immediately. AFTEE THE FIRE BUGS. A Dozen Officers in Citizen's Clothes Tnrned ilmo tbe Ent End Districts. If the fire bugs who have been operating In and about Oakland recently are disposed to continue their work of firing new houses, they will be brought up rather quickly. Inspector Whitehouse and Caotain Mercer, of the Second district, last night distributed about a dozen officers in citizen's dress through the inspected district THE GLASS OUTPUT. Secretary Delwarte's Report to the Universal Federation. FLINT BOTTLE SCALE ABOLISHED. Pittsburg and Southern Coal Company Finally Dissolved. THE C0KEES' SCALE TO BE DISCUSSED In this week's issue The Commoner and Glass Worker publishes the annual report of Secretary Albert Delwarte, of the Uni versal Window.Glass Workers Association. The report is voluminous, and contains much important and interesting statistical matter. It is1 addressed to William Slicker, of Pittsburg, President of the Universal Federation. The report opens with a long account of the strikes at Sunderland and Spon Lane, England, in which the workmen were successful. For Prance, Italy and Spain there is no change in the condition of affairs. In Belgium the last quarter showed some im provement ' The price of glass rose, and tbe prices of 1874 are hoped to be reached. The number ot melting furnaces in operation is 125, idle 66; numbers of pots 1,090, idle 487; flattening houses 292, idle 49. The production of window glass has been 23, 702,170 square meters, which sold for 27,069,655 francs. From 1884 the production of window glass has been as follows: 1 ISSi 21.609,390 sqnare metres, worth 32,339,450 francs; 1885, 32,448,000 square metres, worth 30,491,000 francs: 1886, 22,567,200 square metres, worth 27,033,640 francs; 1887, 25,914.706 sqnare metres, worth 80,280,223 francs; 1888, 23.7U2.170 square metres, worth 27,069,653 francs. The statistics lor 1889 cannot now be given, bnt from tbe above we find that the price of a square metre has been in 1834, 10.41 francs: lbSo, 10.30 francs; 1886, 10.11 francs; 1887, 10.10 francs, and 1888, 10.10 francs. A square metre is equal to 1,550 gquareiinches, and a franc is valued at 19 2-3 cents American money. Tbe production and value of plate glass in the same province are as follows: 1884, 271.000 square metres, worth 5.340.000 francs: J 885. 286.000 square metres, worth 4.338.- 000 francs: 1886, 271,000 square metres, worth 4.002,000 francs; 1887, 287,600 square metres, worth 4,512,600 francs: 1888. 287.000 square metres, worth 4,664,000 francs. The price per sqnare metre therefore was: 1834, 19.70 francs; 1885, 17.21 francs: 1886, 14.71 francs: 1887, 1560 francs; 188S, 18.20 francs. The year 1889 has been as lucrative to plate glass manufacturer as 1SS4 and 1S85. but for tbe window class manufacturer, the first two quar ters of 1889 were disastrous and quite as sad as 1886. It was only during the last quarter of the year that prices arose with firmness. POTS IIT OPERATION. There are now in operation in the Belgium provinces 35 coal pot furnaces, 12 gas pot fur naces. 21 tank furnaces, and 172 flattening houses that represent 990 pots in operation. The statistics for the United Scates which Secretary Delwarte also gives in bis report says: There are in the United SUtes 95 window glass works, of which 61 are in the Western district with 854 pots, of which 760 are in operation. For the Eastern district, 20 works with 282 pots, of which 243 are in operation. In the North western district 158 pots, of which 14S are in operation. This shows a total of 1,294 pots, of which 1,153 are in operation and 133 idle. There are also 3 tanks, 1 at Streator, III., and 2 at Jeannette. Other tank furnaces will soon be in operation at Bridgeton, N. J., and Fostona, O. In Germany several tank furnaces are to be built, but during the year past the prodnctlve capacity was not increased. From all the in formation we have it seems that the tank furnaces, that were just rejected by all the ancient manufacturers, are now established unquestionably. If they do not give all the re sults expected at the beginning, the obtained results allow the hope that through the re searches under way they will soon be superior to the results obtained in the coal and gas pot furnaces. From the full statistical report of furnaces in operation in December, 1889, we take the fol lowing totals: The report for Belgium shows there are in operation 35 coal pot furnaces and 12 gas poi furnaces with a total of 340 pots; also 21 tank furnaces having 145 shifts of men, 85 of which are on double. There are 172 flattening houses in operation. THE TEADE IN ENGLAND. The report for England for December shows that at Hartley fc Co.'s works at Sunderland, three coal furnaces, 24 pots are in operation and one tank with tour shifts of men. There are 42 blowers, 37 gatherers and 5 apprentices, 18 flatteners and 2 apprentices, and 19 cutters and 3 apprentices employed. There are 16 pots idle at Hartley's works. At Spon Lane there are 7 gas furnaces in operation with 76 pots in ail, and there are 58 blowers at work, 69 gather ers, 25 flatteners and 16 cutters. Eight pots are idle there. At Filklnton Bros., St. Helens, 13 tanks working 76 shifts of men, one giving em ployment to 220 blowers, 220 gatherers, 140 flat teners and 82 cntters are in operation. There are two tanks idle at SL Helens. There is no change reported at other places. At the Sunderland tank they have been trying to work with five, six and seven blowers, but it Is thought four blowers on a shift is all they can use. Along with these statistics tho report gives a detailed account of many strikes In foreign countries, also their outcome, and the method bv which they were settled. "Wbile tbe men were on strike at Mr. Hart ley's factory at Sunderland, England, a num ber of them emigrated to Jeannette, and in trying to get men to work in his factory, he told them they were not wanted to take strik ers places, but to take the places of those who had come to this country. Mr. Delwarte gives many other suggestions in his report intended to benefit the trade. COKE BALES IESTEEDAT. A. Conference Arranged for Next Week to Consider a New Scale. Several coke dealers of this city were seen yesterday concerning the telegram from Scott dale, which was published yesterday, statine that coke sales were increasing and a strike was imminent The dealers said that the de mand for coke has been good for some time past, and that the sales hare been equal to pro duction right along. There has been very little fluctuation in the market, and no increase In sales has occurred of late. Prices have not changed any since last No vember, and are as good as can be expected. Many dealers seem to think that the coke trade could not be in much better shape than at the present time, while others believe that it could be still better. At any rate none are found who are willing to say that the condition of the business is not good. The only change in the sales or demand is that, while shipments toward the East have fallen off, they have increased toward tbe WesL Nothing definite is known as to what will be done about the scale. It is understood that a demand for a higher scale will be made by tbe workmen, but what the outcome will be is hard to say. A conference meeting between the operators and men is arranged for next week, but no day has been selected. It will be held In Scottdale. Mr. John F. Atcheson and Mr. T. J. Donahue returned from the West yesterday. They had been to Chicago, and they report trade as very brisk in that section. THE SOUTHERN GONE UP. Coal Operators Will Now Sell Their Coal for the Best Price Offered. As stated In The Dispatch several days ago. the Pittsburg and Southern Coal Company has about passed out of existence as an organiza tion. Yesterday the company made the last distribution of the coal on hand, and each in dividual firm will now sell their own coal to suit themselves. There is no agreement in re gard to prices, and each operator can sell as low as he sees fir. The company had 155 boats loaded with coal on hand. There were about 8,720,000 bushels, worth 327,800. Great trouble was experienced dividing this coal among tho 13 firms in tbe company, but at last an equal distribution was made. The company will vacate their present offices within a few days, and the old days of competition on the river will again be wit nessed. THEI WILL PROTEST. A Meeting of the Coal Exchange to Oblcct to Senator Harris' BUI. "The rlvermen will protest," said Captain W. W. O'Neil yesterday in speaking of the bil Introduced in the Senate to amend tbe act authorizing the construction of a bridge across the Mississippi river at Memphis, by reducing tbe required height from 75 to 65 feet. "We had one fight about that bridge, and will have another if that scheme is tried. When we re ceive official notification of the bill we will call a meeting of the Coal Exchange and take action upon it." TBE GLASS TEADE. The Eastern Strike Settled No Slint-Down Will Occnr in tbe Factories In tbe Western District Price or Bottles In creasing and Trnde Good. The Western flint and green glass manu facturers met yesterday morning at the Hotel Anderson. They were In session about two hours, and nothing of importance was done, in accordance.with a resolution pased at their meeting a few weeks ago they met to adopt some measures to aid the Eastern manufactur ers in their struggle with the men. it was reported at that time that they would close down the Western factories or extend finan cial aid to the Eastern people. Since that time the face of tblnes has changed materially, and the struggle has practically ended in favor of tho blowers. Several Eastern delegates were expected to be present, but they received a telegram notifying them of a settlement in Baltimore tbe previous day, and in consequence no Eastern men arrived, and they adjourned. They have been holding regular meetings for some time past wltn a view to improve tbe price of bottles and some attention was given this question yesterday. The association list of prices has been withdrawn, and every manu facturer now makes his own special prices. This was done in order to allow them to take advantage of the prices of bottles which have been on the upward move for some weeks back. There are at present a large number of glass men in town representing firms from all sections of the country. They have samples displayed in the Bissell Block, tbe Hotel Anderson and Hotel Schlosser. At the latter place the greatest nnmber is con- eregatea. a nonses Deing represented. In speaking of trade, yesterday, Mr. L. B. Martin.representing the Fostoria Glass Works, said that although trade was fair, there was nothing to boast of. Mr. J. E. Ellis, of the Findlay Flint Glass Company, said: "Tbe con dition of tbe glass trade is better just now than it has been for years. Thero are more articles now made from glass than ever before, and there is more of it being sold. The reason for this is that the price is very low, and it Is within the reach of all. Glass is being sold in smaller quantity because the facilities for shipping are better, but people are buying oftener. More and better glass is being pro duced and there seems to be a demand for still greater production." C0STELLO IN T0WX. The Knlffht of Labor Official Home to In vestigate Some Small Hatters. John Costello, member of tbe General Ex ecutive Board of the Knights of Labor, arrived home last night from Philadelphia, where he has been attending the sessions of the board. While in the city he will investigate several minor matters connected with D. A. No. 3. He says the K. of L. is slowly pushing its way up hill and is still growing in "membership. A session of the General Executive Board will be held in this city in tbe summer. Tbe board will be here about one week. Public meetings will be held, at which General Master Workman Powderly and other executives will make addresses. A LOCAL DECREASE. Pennsylvania Pnmencer Earnings to East Liberty Fall Off 820,000-Cable Roads Catting In Louses Balanced by Big In creates at Other Places. Colonel Thomas E. Watt District Passenger Agent of the Pennsylvania Bailroad, yesterday completed his annual report of the passenger bnslness done during 1889 between this city and Harrisburg. It contains an interesting array of figures in connection with tbe heavy increase in tbe sale of tickets, and also shows to what extent the cable cars have hurt the suburban bnsiness of the company. The report is a carefully tabulated statement of the receipts of each station, including tbe downtown office of tbe company at the corner of Fifth avenue ana Smithfield street. It cov ers every station on the Pittsburg and Altoona divisions, but does not include Harrisburg. There are 220 stations altogether. Among the many pecnliar features shown is an Increase of nearly $50,000 at Johnstown. The cause of this is said to be due to the Conemaugb flood. The total sales for the year amounted to 83, 454,603 1L Of this amount 81,106,258 08 was re ceived for foreign business, or points on other railroads, and J2.34S.345 03 was for local or bnsi ness on their own line. In 1888 tbe local sales were 82,141.534 80 and the .foreign 81,017,006 49. This shows there was an increase of 889.251 59 In tbe foreign and 206.810 23 In the local busi ness. The total increase in both was 8296, 06182. At the Union station the local and foreign sales amounted to S1.519.6C2 63. In 1888 the re ceipts were 31,464,071 13. This is an increase of 8100,613 59 over 1883. At theFilth avenue office the sales for the year amounted to $483,620 39. During the year previous they footed up $438, 538 65. This is an increase of 45,082 04. At Johnstown the receipts were 53,616 75 for foreign business and 897,113 71 for local. In 1888 the foreign sales footed up 41,710 12 or an increase of 311.936 63 for 1889. Tbe local ales amounted to 897,113 71 during 1889 and 860.391 16 for the previous year, or an increase of $36, 722 55. It will be seen that tbe greatest in crease is on local business, and was for the last six months of the year. By comparing the report with that of the previous year, a decrease of 820,534 is seen at the East Liberty station. At Shadyslde there was also a decrease of 83,693 22. These are the only stations between Pittsburg and Harris burg where there was a decrease. The cause of it was undoubtedly due to the cable cars. One of the lines began operations in Septem ber, 1888, and for tbe last three months of that year the railroad company's bnsiness decreased 25 per cent between East Liberty and tho Union station. At the other suburban stations there was a heavy increase. At Braddockit amounted to 814,350 98: at Swissvale. 8923 31; Homewood, 421 58; Wilkinsburg, 6,872 32. A close calcu lation will show that what the company lost by the cable lines they more than made np by the increased business at other stations. As yet the company has taken no notice of the reduction in fares on the cable lines. In stead of the fare being 7 cents, as stated yes terday, it ,is only 6 cents between the Union station and East Liberty on monthly tickets. The company would reduce the fare to meet the reduction on the cable lines were it not for the danger of having to reduce the rates all over the line. If the rate per mile is reduced at Pittsburg, the snbnrban residents of Phila delphia .will also likely petition for a reduction. Then, again, if the rate between Pittsburg and East Liberty was changed, tho rates to points as far east as Greensburg would also hare to be changed. By putting trains on that will not stop between the Onion station and East Lib erty, It Is expected the company will be enabled to hold tbe business. The time of the trains would be seven or eight minutes. A LOW H1LLAGE PKEDICTED. Tho Rate Won't br 31a ch Higher Than Previous Years An Attempt Made to Figure It on Last Year's Receipts and Expenses. There are a good many figures made at hap hazard on what the next millage will be. It has been placed anywhere from an increase of 3 toa decrease of 1 mill npon tbe valuation of $200,000,000. The increased expenditure seems, however, to warrant a larger business lu the Finance Committee than it did last year. The demands of the various departments are in the general idea so moderate that the estimates at present in tho hands of the Finance Committee will more than fill the bills on the required ex penditures. Tbe Department of Fnblio Works asks for 915,620 of an appropriation, giving it to be un derstood that the park appropriation of 125, 000 ii not to be considered as a factor in the general appropriation. The other requests were the Department of Public Safety. 686.351 88; of Charities, 85,000; Controller, 81,283.750; Assessor', 818.000; Educa tion, 372,475: judgments, $60,000; outstanding warrants, an item upon which tbe Controller admits that he has not made up bis mind, but has made a bet of the cigars, in spite of his church affiliations, the outstanding warrants are placed within a few dollars of 8165,000, making a total of 84616,196 88. Tbe estimated receipts are as follows: From the Department of Public Works, 8602,500; De partment of Public Safety, 21,318 93; licenses, wnicb will beyond doubt be enlarged in scope this year, 75,000; on the second, if tho last amount ot the other receipts is estimated Just at the same rate as for 1888. as follows: Busi ness tax, 8187,000; Mayor's office, 35,000; ve hicle licenses, $40,000; street railways, $5,000; warrants made from State to schools, 51,801 75, advertising delinquent taxes. 813,000; City Attorney, 850,000; miscellaneous. Instead of be ing as last year, $75,000, is this year only put at $40,000, so that comparing tho expenditures with tbe receipts in view of the increased pop ulation and of tho increased expenses all tbe way through, the millage will not be increased to anv largo extent, and tbe taxpayers can rest easy while the Finance Committee of Councils makes its final efforts for the dying year in a fiscal point of view. In His Best Overcoat. A sneak thief entered the office of Contractor McAfee, on Fifth avenue, yesterday, and, picking up the $60 overcoat belonging to the bookkeeper, J. .E. McClellao, he took his de parture along with the coat. FIGHTS IN THE WAEDS Regarded as a Yery Bad Factor in the City Political Contest. THE DETAILS 1H THE FIGHTS. Bepnblican Headquarters Opened Tisited by Candidates. and DEM0CEATIC CONTENTIONS NEXT WEEK The Republican headquarters were opened at 36 Smithfield street yesterday and Clar ence Burleigh, Chairman of the Executive Committee, and John Gripp, Secretary, started in to work with a vim. The rooms are on the ground floor and nicely furnished, while tbe exterior of the building is taste fully decorated with the necessary informa tion as to the purpose to which the place is devoted, and a banging sign gives the names of the candidates, who dropped in yesterdav forenoon to admire the roseate prospects and the artistic manner in which their names are presented to the public. A telephone connection has been made, and candidates and the pnblic in general, when tbey want Republican news from the fountain head, will call up 1825. Yesterday afternoon Chairman Pat Foley, of the Democratic City Committee,. visited Chief Bigelow, of the Department of Pub lic Works, and secured the use of Council Chamber in which to hold the Democratic City Convention on Wednesday night. In commenting upon the fact that all three city officials will be nominated in one conven tion by the Democrats, while three conven tions were held by the Republicans for the same purpose, a county official said yesterday that the three conven tions was nothing better than an effort to bleed the candidates. It forced them to expend some 8200 each for sappers or dinners for which there was absolutely no warrant, except precedent, which was a bad one. HOT WAED TIGHTS. There was a general oninion expressed yes terday that with so many hot personal fights in the various wards, tbe Mayoralty candidate on the Republican ticket wonld feel detrimental effects. The contests in the First, Eleventh, Twenty-first, Twentieth, Thirty-first and Thirty-sixth wards are absorbing tbe attention and exertions of the workers to thenegiect probably of the chief official's interests. The Twenty ninth ward has a very animated fight on hand for the Aldermanic nomination between J. Martin Shaffer and C. F. Bemhauer. The Councilmanic contest for Republican nomina tion to tbe Common branch is between J. Moschell, the present incumbent, and Dr. Brewster, who is running on a Citizens' ticket with C. F. Beinhauer. To-morrow night a Re publican suggestion meeting will be held in the Bedford Scboolhouse, Twenty-ninth ward, and the primaries will be held a week from Satur day. In the Thirteenth ward there will be no pri maries held as it has always been regarded as a settled fact that the man who gets nominated on Satnrday gets licked on the following Tuesday. The Republican contest for nomina tion to Common Council is between K. N. Wachter. W. C. McEldowney and E. F. Elliot, and it is predicted that the winner and losers will be equally surprised. For Select Council tbe fisht is between T. Holmes Miller and Sam A. Duncan, at present a member of Common Council. The former claims his success will bo only a question of majority, while tbe latter says little, but keeps on saying constantly to the voters of the Thirteenth he is IU THE PIOHX TO WCf. He looks confident, and says he did not go into the fight to loose. In the Twelfth ward the Republican Coun cilmanic candidates, Messrs. Johnston and Hagemeier, it is thought, will receive indorse ment at the Democratic primaries, and John J. Davis, for the school directorship, will have no opposition. In tbe Fourteenth ward there is a bitter fight for Alderman between Andrew Dunn and Fred Kaltenheosser. A close personal canvass is being made by each, and some lively spar rine is looked for when tbe primaries occur. Patrick Foley said yesterday that there was no foundation for the assumption that any opposition, wonld be made to Judge Bailey at the convention next Wednesday. When asked whether any candidates wonld be sprung against Major Denniston or Controller Mor row, Mr. Foley replied that it was very im probable, and that any person who would do so would be an enemy of Jndge Bailey. REDUCED PRICES In American Guitars nnd mandolins. The following is a list of tbe best Ameri can makes of guitars and mandolins, all of which are warranted true and not to split. They are for sale only at H. Kleber& Bro.'s music store: The American antique oak ? 7 50 The Arion mahogany 9 50 The Conservatory rosewood, first quality. 15 00 The Conservatory rosewood, second quality 12 00 The "Washburn rosewood ?22to 150 00 The American Mandolin 12 00 The Washburn Mandolin f 22 to 75 00 Also, always on hand a fine assortment of banjos, zithers, cornets, music boxes, auto harps, violins, music cabinets, accordions, flutes, clarionets, cases and strings for all instruments, music wrappers and music folios. Everything in the musical line sold at the lowest prices. All the latest sheet music sold at half price by H. Kleber & Bro., Mb. 506 Wood street. Rcbolnstlc Rev. P. Mesny, Rector of Trinity Hall Military Academy, will be at the Anderson Hotel, Pittsburg, between the hours of 10 A. M. and 4 r. si., on Friday, 31st inst, to meet parents desirous of obtaining information concerning the school, etc., for the ensuing term. Yotj will be well pleased if you make use of the Iron City Brewing Co.'s ale and beer. Competent judges pronounce them the lead ing brews. All dealers keep them. Lace ctjetains New spring stock will be opened this week. Heavy curtains and portiers at reduced prices to close. jiwp Htjous Si Hacke. Special Dre.s Goods and Silks Sales. Half and former prices, to-day and Sat urday. Jos. Hobne & Co.'s Fenn Avenue Stores. B. ifcB. This Friday and Saturday sale will astonish some people. Read display ad. this paper and come early. Booos & Buhl. FANCr velvets 50c, reduced from $2. Fancy ribbons 25c, reduced from 62 and 75c, at Eosenbaum & Co.'e. Brine the Little Ones To-Day. Go to Anfrecht's Elite Gallery, 516 Mar ket st, Pittsburg, for hnest photographs at lowest prices. EVIL AIR From bad sewerage or undralned swamps deranges the liver and un dermines the system, creates blood diseases and eruptions, preceded by headache, biliousness and constipa tion, which can most effectually be -cured by the use of the genuine Dr.O.M'cLane's celebrated Liver Pills. Price, 25c, Sold by an druggists, and pre pared only by Fleming Brothers, Pitts burg, Pa. Get the genuine; counterfeits are made in St, Louis. JjSocvnr KEW ROUTE TO ST. LOUIS. A Railroad Now Voder Way Which Will Benefit Fluabnrc William Semple. of Allesbeny, Interested In It ANetvOntlel for the Pltt.bnrg nnd Western. A telegram was received in this city last evening from Akron, stating that William Semple, of Allegheny, was in that city, con ferring with several gentlemen interested in the proposed Plttsburc. Akron and Western Railroad. It is understood that Mr, Semple andW.B.McCracken,aKew York capitalist, have agreed to furnish the money to build tho new road. Engineers are already engaged and work will be started as soon as arrangements are completed. Mr. Francis Semple. brotherjof William, was called upon last evening in reference to tbs above. He was inclined to be mysterious and uncommunicative so far as the route or con struction of the road, or how it would affect Pittsburg; were concerned. He admitted tho fact that bis brother was in Akron on business of tbe kind, and that no other person in this city was interested in it, although others be side his brother and Mr. McCracken were in volved. The railroad was to be built, and fur ther than that he had nothing to say. The road is already being constructed, and will be finished Inside a year. A line runs from Akron to Delnhos, a distance ot about ISO miles, abont half ot which is narrow gauge. It is intended to connect this branch with the Pittsburg and Western road, and a line run nine southwest wonld enable them to reach St. Louis, thus giving to tbis city a new trunk line to that point eventually. MUST KILL BA1S 0UTKIGHT. Agent Denn Alter a Man Who Was Havllg Fan With One. On Wednesday evening a barber named Hen ning. whose shop is on Fifth avenne, neas Chestnut street, caught a rat in a wire-box trap, and set it down in the shop while he went to get his canine executioner. While gone, a man who is said to be a glass worker, took a sharp steel wire and proceeded to have, what ho called, fun with tbe rat. The rodent's tail was caught in the trap so that it could not frisk about and the torturer proceeded to enjoy him self. He first punched its eyes out. one by oue, and then began a study on refinement in cruelty. About this time a bystander interfered, and proposed to whip the torturer if be did not kill the rat at once and end its misery. The man with the steel wire had no stomach for fight, however, and the objector then put the casa nto tbe hands of Acent Dein. JDS. HDRNE I CDa PENN AVE. STORES. Ptttsbubg, Friday, January 31, l9(t DRESS GOODS TO-DAY. 1 case 50-Inch imported Serges, all wool, fine quality, at 50c a yard, worth 75c, on counters to-day. 1 lot 4B-lnch all-wool French Cashmere in all the new spring shades. 1 lot 60-Inch all-wool, fine quality stripes. English styles, at 81 a yard, worth 81 SO. 1 lot very stylish imported Dress Goods, .new tbis week, 50 inches wide, at 81 35 a yard. French, all-wool Crepon, double width. extra fine quality, at 81 10 a yard In evening shades. These goods have never sold less than 81 25 a yard. There are still several lots of desirable, colorings and styles in our 50c Dress Goods reduced from 81 and 81 25. The throne of buyers at tho center counter was so great that ail tbe people could not find room to see those 60c Brocade Velvets, so we move back to the Velvet Department. See them there to-day. This great center bargain counter U now filled with Dress Goods remnants. You will like the goods and prices. PLUSH COATS JACKETS. Long Coats reduced from 833 and KB down to 25. 820 Long Coats reduced to 815. Fine Seal Plush Jackets at 810, 812 and $15, way below original prices. PLUSH MANTLES reduced la tha same way. About 60 Long Garments, medium and heavy weichts, at 85, 88 and 810. Sone of these 810 ones are made of all wool, fine quality, Broadcloth, lined with satin and trimmed with good black fur, and originally sold for SS0 and $35. Tbey are 810 to-day. When you come to these cloak rooms ask for these goods as $5, 88 and $10. They must be sold at once. All heavy Winter Jackets, that were 840, 835 and 830, have been reduced to 815. Our $5 Stockinet Jackets, all sizes, are the best we have ever offered at that price. The bargains at the Silk counters are ... going out rapidly. Choice things in Wash Goods.- jj JDB.' HDRNE any 609-621 PENN AVE.' jay JhEj 'JXX 'jflaJiV i rJ- !$ VIA. S L."li tTii & rv 5s."S