rVvSVmifi -HwjpPf! wjt 3W$p "pajfi &. Y "JTr. T,f m wmm 192 COLUMNS, Covering TWENTY-FOUR PAQE3. will be offered the public by THE DISPATCH next Sunday. It will contain excltisive features and all 24 PAGES Of Eight Columns each, will be issued bp THE DISPATCH next Sunday. Hew features mil be added to this mammoth number. the news. ic.ffgai&fKayjrJSMgLVateii-'" Btfmtit!) , FORTY-FIFTH TEAR. SANDSTONENO GOOD, Venango Township Supervisors Have Tested and Found It a Complete Failure AS ROAD-MAKING MATTER. Farmers Want The Highways Im proved, but Fear Macadam Would Cost Too Much. OIL MEN ARE HELD RESPONSIBLE For Wearing Out the Roadways in Winter by Heavy Haulinsr, Making Them Generally Bad. BKOAD TIEES SUGGESTED FOE WAGONS Ana the Idea Eidicnled as Utterly Impracticable by a Drirer Who Thoroughly Under stands His Business. SABBATH SCE3TES Df A COEXIRT TILLAGE The roads of Venango county are bad, especially in winter. The farmers want them improved, but are afraid of the cost of macadam. Limestone comes high there, and is hard to get Sandstone has been tried and proTes a failure. One supervisor says it is not as good material as clay for road-making. ITItOM OrK fir-ECIAI. commissioxee. IHE PlTTSBUBG DISPATCH COUNTKT BOAD EXPEDITION. Franklin, April 23. ) "We rested Sunday at Sandy Lake. The teams that used to make great records in front of Conestoga wagons are said to have been those which had rest on Sunday. The horses kept in the harness seven days a week never wore the proud distinction of being "the bell team." Beaver and Bucephalus were freed of all cares and toil for 21 hours. The Sabbath bells that pealed across the unrippling surface of pretty Sandy Lake struck no terror to our conscience. We had already scraped off the last Testige of Wash ington county mud from our clothes, used the focusing glass of the photographer's camera as a mirror, and with stiff hats, bor rowed from other tenants of the tavern, were now inquiring our way to the nearest sanctuary. Snbbnih In tho Country. Birds were chirping everywhere; dande lions sprouted at the edge of the mossy boardwalk; a haze upon the distant hills miraged the color of awakening foliage; the sunshine streamed in through the stained glass windows of the village church, and here at last we thought we had found a retreat from all the evils of bad country roads. It was a Methodist church. The attend ance was fair, but still it seemed to me there was more handshaking that morning than I had ever witnessed before in a Methodist congregation, and I have some knowledge of Methodist practices. It was evident from other things that the membership of Sandy Lake M. E. Church had been largely re cruited on the surrounding farms. The Factor's Complaint. The clergyman, a portly, gray-whiskered gentleman, slightly deaf and very strong Toiced, is named Eev. Mr. Meade. Here is the way he prefaced the services: "Brethren and sisters I think that we should have a financial report of this church. We have only had one re port this year. I don't like to talk about such matters myself, but in justice to my self and my family, I want to tell you that in seven months of this conference year 1 have only received $150 from the members of this church. Now, you ought to know that a man cannot support a family on such a sum as that without going in debt. Pay up, brethren and sisters, and let us have a financial report. We will now sing the fifty-lourth hymn." And the way people nudged one another and glanced sideways at Farmer Holdtight, at Farmer Givelittle, or at the Widow Close purse, was amusing. Yet Messrs. Hold tight, Givelittle and Widow Closepurse were the loudest singers of that hymn: Or Him who did salvation bring I could forever think and sing. Bad Roads and Chnrcfa Attendance. When the hymn was finished a gentleman who had been singing basso in the choir, and who, evidently, as one of the financial stewards of the church, was smarting under the plain-spoken parson's statement, arose and said: "We intend to have a financial report ready by next week. The roads have been so bad that the members we wanted to see for their subicriptions have not been able to get to church, but now the roads are getting better and they are here to-day. We will get a financial report ready." Ah, bad country roads again ! This time they had nearly starved a Methodist preach er (a hard thing to do), and almost emptied a church. Now, I understand the reason of so much hand-shaking that morning. Some people were there who had been blockaded all spring by the roads. An Opportnnlty to Trade Teams. Leaving Sandy Lake at 7:30 A. M. on Monday we had a delightful morning's ride through the wild, uncultivated country along the Venango southwestern border. Scrub Oak has grown up some big thickets through there where the big timber was originally all cut out. In the clear ings the farms are small and of the poorer classj Primitive methods are still pursued by some of the grangers. One boy, harrowing a field with a yoke of oxen, wanted to swap them with halt his father's farm to boot, for our team of horses. It was an insult and we aimed our only weapon of self-defense the photographic camera at the brutes hitched to the harrow. We arrived at Franklin in time for din ner. The wagon was expected and viewed by crowds of curious people. In the after noon we journeyed in a northwesterly direction through a rich agricultural region in Sugar Creek and Canal townships. Clay Roads nnd Hiiro Again. The roads are fair, but were bad as late as two weeks ago. The horses were watered in Sugar creek while the camera looked up through a charming vista among pines and hemlocks. Heavy hauling in the oil fields of Cran berry township, we were told, had made the roads there as treacherous as those in the Washington and Butler oil fields. Team sters had to abandon tho yellow clay high ways and take to the fields. Fences were thus destroyed and fields almost cut to pieces with new roadways. The same is true of the highways in Cornplanter and Allegheny townships. The oil interests there have ruined all thoronghfares. The Oil City Blizzard is howling for the repeal of the Leetonia and Selina Turnpike Com pany's charter because the pike is all un piked. One important matterin this county might be copied with profit by the counties of Washington and Butler to secure a share of road taxes from the petroleum interests. Mngnitadeoftbe Oil Industry. The area of land leased to oil drillers in Venango county is vast. But the custom here compels every lessee to pay the in- AN OFFEE TO TRADE TEAMS. creased taxes road and otherwise on that land. For instance, in the County Commis sioners' office to-day I was shown the assess ment on James Smith's farm. It has been leased in parts to 14 different oil capitalists. The royalty in oil usually retained by the land owner is one-eighth. The other seven-eighths goes to the lessees. And the lessees bind them selves to pay the tax on the increased valua tion of the land. Therefore, James Smith only pays one-eighth of the tax on his farm, while the lessees pay the other seven eighths. And as oil production is assessed in this county that tax increase is generally large. Still, I have not found that it makes roads any better. Venango county farmers do not want the country roads macadamized unless the State pays the expense. Afraid of the Cost. "And then the appropriation of money out of the State Treasury for that purpose indirectly means more tax on the farmers," said Mn MacLupher, whose farm lies in Canal township. "It is impracticable to talk of macadamizing all the roads in this State. Where would you get enough lime stone? If tbe State Commission's idea is sim ply to pave the main roads, it would cost mil lions to get enough limestone distributed all over the State for even those." And yet Farmer MacLupher had no solution to offer for the problem ot bad roads, which he admitted is a big problem. A. S. Mawhinney, a well-to-do farmer in Sugar Creek township, said to me: "I am not in favor of tbe State Legislature passing a law re quiring the macadamizing of roads generally in this State. It v. ould bankrupt this township, and Sugar Creek is one of the wealthiest town ships in Venango county. For instance, this pike you are traveling upon runs from Frank lin to Meadville. It was once a part of the Waterford and Susquehanna turnpike, a favor ite northern route tor the stage coaches be tween Eric and Harrisburg. All the travel toward Franklin must pass over It, and wo farmers in Sugar Creek have to keep it up for the benefit ot this general traffic Of coarse this is one of the class of main roads which the State Commission proposes to improve at tho State's expense. I imagine if they do that real estate will be taxed to put into the State Treas ury the 2,000,000 needed every year for the road improvement, and that we, the farmers, will really have to pay for. A Supervisor's Experience. 'I have been road supervisor in Sugar Creek township for several years, and in that time I have made a study of roads. On account of the great amount of sandstone which we have in this part of the country we tried using it on the roads in this township a few years ago. I am now prepared to say that sandstone makes even a worse road than clay. We filled m this road with it from a foot to 15 inches deep. Within a few months' time all the stone we put in was usually crushed to powder by the wagons, each hauling to Franklin from 4,000 to 6,000 pounds of green white oak timber. By tilling up tho road with at least 18 Inches of sandstone ne could make tbe roads substantial enough to bear the ordinary farm wagon the year around, but that is expensive and then it is not practicable, because the heavy teams must use the roads, too, teams for timber, oil and stone. "Therefore, limestone is the only durable material for road-building. We have so little of it in one end of this county that it sells high, and where would tho money come from to freight it all over tbe county? If that is pro posed in earnest I would f eol like selling my farm as early as possible." "Well, then, how will you get good roads?" I asked Mr. Mawhinney. Highways AH Right In Summer. "Como along here after the 20th of next month," replied the gentleman, "and you will find as good a dirt highway as you could wish for. We will then have worked out our yearly taxes. Although we work out our taxes in this county, many of the townships have an extra road tax of 2 mills cash to pay for road-building machines wmen tuey own, ana wmen we farmers get the use of." "But your roads were almost impassable dur ing tbe winter." I rejoined. "They will be so next winter, and why, in the name of justice, should you farmers submit to baring your bus iness tied up several months every winter and spring when railroads or mills do not hare to stop for any similar cause? Don't you want permanently improved roads?" "Certainly, but how?" asked Mr. Mawhinney In return. "There's not enough money in farming to expect us to invest heavily in lime stone quarries 50 and 100 miles away. I confess I cannot tell bow we may bare permanent roads. I sometimes think that if there was such a thing possible as passing a law in Penn sylvania compelling every teamster who ex pects to carry a load of more than 1,500 pounds, or even 1.000 pounds, to put a 3-inch tire on his wagon wheels that tbe roads would then notbe cut up. Think of that. You may find it cheaper and more equitable than limestone macadam, and it might answer tho same pur pose." Chancing Tires Won't Do. "But wide wagon wheel tires are out of the question in Pennsylvania," remarked the gentleman who handles the ribbons of The Dispatch expedition, and who knows enough about farm wagouing to speak with assurance. "Wide tires cannot be kept In tbe tracks, and our roads here are so billy that the moment they cot wet or slippery, the wagons would slip and slip beyond control, constantly sliding into the gutters. Again, a wagon with wide tires runs harder than one with narrow tires. In Michigan the condition of things is entirely different. There the soil Is so sandy that nar row tires constantly plow jup the sand, while wide tires keep the sandy road well rolled. For that reason a rebate of road tax is granted in that State for every additional Inch of wheel tire over one and a half inches." County Commissioner Maltland. whom I met in Franklin, told me that you could only get limestone in Rockland and Cranberry town ships of Venango county. At tbe quarries there it costs as much as 50 cents per ton. Add to that the cost of hauling It all- orer the square miles of territory in Venango county, and he thinks limestone for macadam or Tel ford road constrnction becomes a luxury. An Editor Give Ills Views. E. W. Smiley. Assistant Chief 'Clerk of the Senate of Pennsylvania, and editor of the Citizen-Press, of Franklin, says he has listened to the discussion ot the road question in the farmers' societies of Venango county, and has felt their pulse in various other ways. He thinks they do not court a macadamized im provement of the public highways, for the simplo reason that the cost and transportation of material wonld bank rupt most townships. Mr. Smiley recalls the fact that ever siuce tho new constitution was adopted every Legislature has endeavored to pass a. ri-npral road law. bat has always tailed. because the members representing different communities coma not agree. The road question is peculiarly one oi locali ties. Limestone, which is universally pro nounced the only durable material. Is found only In Eastern and Southwestern Pennsyl vania, Mr. Smiley says, in sufficient quantity to be of any value, and the other sections of the State not having It, object to being placed under the same requirements as limestone regions. One of the proposed laws passed tho House of Representatives a few years ago, but failed in the Senate. Sandslono is Superahundnn Venango county is full of sandstone It lies all over the pasture fields here, and so much has it interfered with tilling tho sol 'that the farmers use It for fences, building great solid walls out of stones varying from the sizo of an egg to genuine boulders. Tho stretches of woods are lull of stones, too. Natural ledges of them crop out in the roadway, making riding quite rough. On the road between Mercer county and Franklin there is said to be a foundation of rock laid 15 inches deep bv the pioneer farmers of Venango. It has not made tbe road any better than others without found ation, and I have come to the conclusion that the old-time farmers put the rock into tbatroad merely to clear off their fields and not to build roads on scientihe principles. Your exploring party Is now pushing north west through the French Creek Vallcv bound for Meadville, so my next letter will describe tho roads of Crawford county. L. E. Stofiel. WORSE AND MOEE OF IT. Only One Ltfe Lost In tho Lower Missis sippi Flood, but Many In Great Danger Believed That the Property Loss Will Reach 527,000,000. tSPECIAt. TILEPBAM TO THE DIBPATCH.1 Nev Obleans, April 23. The flood situation has grown worse to-day, although tbe storm has lulled. That is numerous new crevasses have occurred, while the old ones have grown wider and larger. TJgly breaks have occurred, in the last 24 hours at Lobdell, in West Baton Rouge parish, 18 miles above the town of Baton Rouge, at Belfords and at Ferry Days and Vidalia. The Lake Concordialbreak Is now 200 feet wide and all the others hare grown in like propor tion. Tbe point ot danger still continues to be along the Poinie Coupee and West Baton Rouge fronts. The rain has thoroughly soaked the levees, the wind has driven the swollen river against them and they are strained and weak. Tho orerflow water from tho Atchafalaya in the rear has flooded close to tho river side of the levee, rendering it difficult and almost impossible to get the dirt necessary to repair and strengthen them. There is, moreover, a lack of labor, the laborers sent up from New Orleans having deserted the levees without do ing a stroke of work. In answer to the ap peals of the police jury of Pointe Coupee, four steamboats and a dozen barges have been sent to that parish to rescue tho people threat ened with overflow. Captain Kingman, United States engineer in charge of the Government work in this district, and who is at the Morganza break, has tele graphed to the Secretary of War that there is great suffering there and danger to life. The Tilda, which is chartered by the United States was sent to the Morganza this evening, and will co-operate with the State boats in resculnc jbe people whenever necessary, and in trying to keep up the remaining levees. Only one life is reported so far lost It is now believed that the Teche country, including tbe parishes ot St Mary, St Martin and Iberia, will suffer severely from the water precipitated on them from the Pointe Coupee and West Baton Rouge crevasses. The water in the Mor ganza crevasse will ultimately reach the South ern Pacific and threatens that road. The cot ton farmers aro now watching the river anxiously, for unlesf thev can plant their cotton by the middle of May they will have a short crop or none at alL The Indica tions now aro that the losses from the high water of 1S!K) will exceed those of 1S82, when tbe damago was estimated at 527,000,000. Over three inches of rain fell in to-day's Btorm, and the river is rising everywhere above Morganza. Below that break there has been a fall every where. A EAILE0AD MAN MISSING. Tho Assistant Superintendent of the Read Ing Wanders Off While Deranged. rSI'ECIAL TELEOBAM TO THE DISPATCH.l New York, April 22. Tho police of this city were asked to-day to assist in the search for Benjamin B. Newton, of Philadelphia, the Acting Assistant Superintendent of the Phila delphia and Reading Railroad, who disap peared from the house of hi3 sister, Mrs. George H. Goddard, in Plainfield, S. J., on Monday morning. Mr. Newton has been suffering for a fortnight lrom overwork, and left his Philadelphia home to sees rest in Plainfield. He was confined to his bed on Sunday and on Monday arose with out the knowledge of the family and left the house by a rear door. He left his gold watch and a pocketbook containing $375 on the dressing case. He didn't even take his overcoat with him. No trace of bis movements since he went from Mrs. Goddard's house has been found, although it is said that he was seen about three hours after ward wandering abont tho streets of Fanwood, a village three miles distant, where he inquired of a carpenter for the road to Plainfield. Mr. George W. Randcll, a commission mer. chant, who is a family connection of the mist ing man, took a description of him to police headquarters to-day. and a general alarm wag sent to all the precincts. Mr. Newton Is 85 years old, with dark complexion and eyes, dark brown hair, and full, short board and mus tache. KISNER HOPEFUL AS EYER. HeTakes No Stock in the Present Attacks on Senator Quay, However. f SPECIAL TELEGBAM TO THE DI8PATCIT. I Habrisburo, April 23. Chairman Eisner, of the Democratic State Committee, said here to-day that the Gubernatorial campaign would be very hotly contested, in view of the chances tbe Democrats had of electing their candidate. Who would be the standard bearer of that party he was not prepared to name. The at tacks made on Quay by the press he did not think would lessen the Senator's influence with bis party, and if he were a Republican he would be a Quay man. Leaders, he thought, were necessary to guide a party to victory, and when they assumed a prominent position they became a target for the abuse of tbe malignant and envious. Klsner is in favor of an early Democratic State conven tion, but the members of the Executive Com mittee hold widely divergent views as to the wisdom of making nominations and declaring a platform of principles before the dominant party. An Appeal From n Receivership. Baltimore, April 23. The Board of Public Works to-day authorized the Attorney General of the State to take an appeal from the decision ot Judge Alvey, placing the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in the hands of a receiver. PITTSBURG-, THURSDAY,' APRIL 24, 1890. SENATOES AS PUPILS. Heed's Harsh Rules May be Adopted in That Dignified Body. CHANDLER CAUSES A SURPRISE By Unexpectedly Springing a Proposition to That Effect. TIIE ONLY WAI TO PASS A TAE1FF BILL. Democratic Members Will Mate a Big Fight Against the Innovations. Senator Chandler yesterday surprised his colleagues by introducing a resolution which practically adopts Reed's rules. It provides for counting a quorum, limits debate and prevents dilatory motions. The resolution will not be passed without a fierce fight, but some Republicans think it is necessary in order to save the tariff bill. IFEOM A STAFF COBnESPOSDEVT.I Washington, April 23. The Demo cratic suggestions in regard to methods to be taken in the Senate to defeat tariff legisla tion by talking Indefinitely and breaking a quorum, referred to in these telegrams a day or two since, have evidently reached the ears of Republican Senators. Senator Chandler, at least, recognizes the almost un limited opportunity Democratic Senators now have for delaying legislation should they desire to do so, on account of the lib erality of the rules. He therefore to-dayintroduced a resolution providing that after a bill had been debated six days the Senate may, without debate or dilatory motions, dispose of the measure, and that if Senators attempt to break a quorum by refraining from a vote the names of those present and not voting may be re corded to make a quorum. A RADICAL INNOVATION. This is practically tho same rule that governs the House in this case, but it re mains to be seen whether such an innova tion will be acceptable to the Senate. The Democrats are of course opposed to it if only for tho purpose of making political capital out of what they will term "the usurpation of power by the majority," and when the resolu tion is reported to the Senate It will get a rous ing broadside from tbe Democrats. Some of the Republicans express displeasure at the action of Senator Chandler in proposing the resolution without a general party consul tation, but the wily little man from New Hampshire knew that in such a consultation the weight of opinion might bo against hiin, while, once introduced, the resolution would almost of necessity have tbe support of the Re publican majority as any other action would be an absolute repudiation of the position as sumed by Speaker Reed and the solid body of Republicans in the House. with the rule in force proposed by Senator Chandler the responsibility for crowding through tarsff and other legislation will rest upon the Republican Senators, and it is prob able that this plan is the only one by which tariff legislation can be enacted. The follow ing is tho exact text of Mr. Chandler's pro posal: JUST LIKE SEED'S ETJLES. "Whenever a bill or resolution reported from a committee is under consideration tbe Senate may, on motion (to be acted on without debate or dilatory motion) order that on a day not les3 than six days after tho passage of the order aebato shall cease and the Senate proceed to dispose of the hill or resolution, and when said day shall arrive, at 3 o'clock the vote shall be forthwith taken, without debate or dilatory motions, upon any amendments to tbe bill or resolution, and upon'the passage thereof. "Whenever a quorum of Senators shall, not vote upon any roll call the presiding officer, at the request of any Senator, shall cause to be entered upon tho journal tbe names of all Sen ators present and not voting, and such Sena tors shall be deemed and taken as in attend ance and present as a part of a quorum to do business, and declaration of the result of the voting shall be made accordingly," Whether because they were all taken by sur prise or for some other reason, no Senator offered any remarks upon Mr. Chandler's pro posals. They were referred to the Committeo on Rules. MBS. M'KEE'S BALL. Dancing In tbe White House for tho First Time iu Many Years A Olixed Crowd, but a Social Success. IBFECIAL TELEOBAM TO TUB DISPATCH. 1 Washington, April 23. The first White House dance for many years took place to-night The Harrison administra tion has been a little slow, but it got started at last and the party to night made up for many of the so. cial shortcomings. It took sometime for the femalo members of the family to persuado the head of the houso that this was not in violation of Presbytcrianism, but they at last preyailed. The Invitations were more generally accepted than those to the receptions, and Mrs. Har rison and Mrs. McKce feel that something has been gained. A few Senators and their wives and the younger daughters of some of the Justices of the Supreme Court appeared on the list of guests, with quite a number of local residents of Washington. Tbe male representation was principally made up of young army and navy officers and clerks and legation attaches. There was quite a sprinkling of straight-laced church members. Altogether the crowd was mixed. The girls had enough partners to go around, and there wero so few round dancers that the biggest room during the waltzes presented a spectacle ot rows of belles and beaux sitting around on chairs watching a few envied ones whirling about the middle of the room. Tbo invitations were issued byMrs.McKep, the President's daughter, and read from 9 until 12. Tbe East Room was handsomely dec orated. Tbe music was furnished Dy the string pieces of the Marine Band, stationed under the steps leading up stairs, just outside the East Room. It was about 930 wbeujthe dancing be gan and it was nearly 1 before tho guests de parted. THEIR LIVES IN THEIR HANDS. The Congressional Investigating Committee Off for tbe Arknnsns Wilds. rSPKCIAt. TELEORAM TO TIIE DISPATCH. 3 Washington, April 22. The committee ap pointed by the Houso of Representatives has started Soatb to begin the investigation into tho murder of John M. Clayton, of Arkansas. Tbe headquarters of the Investigators will be at Little Rock, where the witnesses for the most part will be examined. Considerable difficulty was experienced in getting tho committee to gether to go to Arkansas, as several of tho statesmen were afraid that In going there they were taking their lives in their hands. Some joker has sent notes warning the members to keep away from the State if they valued their lives. To-day a group of members were badg ering Representative Bergen, of New Jersey, a member of the investigating committee. He was about to start for tbe Sourh and his col leagues bade him goodby with mock sorrowand sympathy. They promised to deliver proper eulogies on his lite and character should he not return, and' asked him if he had any last messages for his family and friends. The good-natured Jersey man received the joking of bis colleagues with great composure, but was utterly routed when a life insurance agent approached him and be sought him to take out an accident policy, say ing In a persuasivo way that no raau could tell what might happen to him when be visits Arkansas. Bergen declined to take the policy. A TICT0EI FOR THE PENNSI. The Intcr-Stnto Commission Renders a De cision in Its Favor. Washington, April 23. The Inter-Stato Commerce Commission, in an opinion by Com missioner Bragg to-day, decided the complaint of the Worcester Excursion Car Company against the Pennsylvania Railroad. The main question Involved in this proceeding was where I a railroad has furnished to tho public, by an arrangement with one car company, a sufficient supply of sleeping and excursion cars for all the business of the lines, whether it can be com pelled to haul in its passenger trains against its objection, excnrslon cars belonging to other private car companies. Tho Commissioner decided that it could not and dismissed the petition. A SILVER AGREEMENT. The Joint Republican Caucus Has Finally Decided Upon n Bill Senator Teller Will Not Abide by tho Decree of the Conference. Washington, April 23. The Repub licans of the House and Senate have agreed upon the basis for the preparation of a silver bill. The agreement is in harmony with a measure adopted by tbe Senate Caucus Com mittee, with one exception. Tbe following is tho full text of the bill: "That tho Secretary of the Treasury is hereby directed to purchase from time to time silver bulli6n to the aggre gate amount of -1,500,000 ounces of pure silver each month at market price, not ex ceeding $1 for 371Ji grains of pure silver, and issue in payment for such purchases of silver bullion treasury notes of denominations not less than SI nor more than $1,000, as may be prescribed, and a sum suf ficient to carry into effect the provisions of this act Is hereby appropriated out of any money in Treasury not otherwise appropriated. Treasury notes issued in accordance with the provisions of this act shall be redeemable on demand in lawful money of the United States, and when so redeemed may bo re-issued, but no greater or less amount of such notes shall be outstand ing at any time than the cost of silver bullion had in the Treasury purchased by such notes. "Provided, that upon the demand of the holder of any Treasury notes herein provided for, tbe Secretary of tbe Treasury may, in bis discretion, under such regulations as he may prescribe, give an amount of silver bullion which sball be of equal market prico on the day of exchange for amount of such notes. The Secretary of the Treasury shall coin such por tion of the silver bullion purchased under pro visions of this act as may be necessary to pro vide for the redemption of Treasury notes herein provided for, and any gam aiising from such coinage shall be accounted for and paid into the Treasury. So much of tbe act of February 28. 1878, entitled "an act to authorize the coinage of the standard silver dollar, and to restore iu legal tender character,' as requires the monthly purchase and coinage into silver dol lars of not less than 2,000,000 nor more than $4,000,000 worth of silver bullion. Is hereby re pealed. This act shall take effect 30 days from and after its passage." Senator Teller, of the Senate sub-committee, did not agree with his associates in the conclu sions they reached, but they were adopted by tbe full committee of 13, with his single dis senting vote. Speaking of tbe matter later, Senator Teller announced his purpose not to support a bill that gave to the Secretary of the Treasury the option of redeeming certificates in bullion. He would, for himself, he said, make an effort to secure free silver coinage. Failing in that, he would accept tbe next best thing. When the measure camo up in tho Senate for action, he said be would move to make tho certificates legal tender. A PLEA FOR GALTEST0N. The Hnrbor on the Gnlf to be Improved nt n Cost of 80,200,000. Washington, April 23. Representative Stewart of Texas, from tbe Committee on Rivers and Harbors, to-day reported to the House.tbe Senate bill providing for tbe com pletion of the improvements of Galve3ton har bor. The bill makes an appropriation of 6,200,000, to be expended under tbe direction of the Secretary of War not more than 81,000, 000 to be expended In any one year. In its re port tho committee speaks of tho justness of the demand for a first-class harbor on tho coast of lexas and tbe national importance of the work. Galveston is the most accessible tide water harbor to nearly one-third of tbe area of the United States Inhabited by 12,000,000 of people, and in this territory in 18S0 55 per cent of tbe to tal wheat crop of the country was grown. After supplying the home demand there remained a surplus greater than the total exports of wheat of tho entire union. The committee agrees that the vast surplus product of this section can bo transported to Galveston with immense advantage to producers. PENSIONS AND ELECTIONS. The Republicans of the Honse Caucus Upon Important Subjects. Washington. April 23. The House Repub lican caucus to-nigbl ratified tbe silver bill agreed upon by the joint committee. After a short discussion the meeting indorsed the Mor rill service pension bill, which grants a pension of 63 a month to soldiers who served 90 days in the War of tho Rebellion and who shall havo reached the age of C2 years. ' Tho Lodge national election bill came next Mr. Lodge briefly explained its provisions and the necessity for its passage. Mr. Roweli; Chairman of tbe Elections Committee, did not believe that it was necessary or expedient to pass a national election law, and submitted as a counter proposition a plan for a wide exten sion of the present supervisory system, which, he asserted, would meet all necessities. After some debate the caucus adjourned until next Tuesday, when the consideration of the Lodge bill will be resumed. KILLED HIS FRIEND. A Bfnnafleld, O., Man, Found Guilty of the Harder of Samuel Reininger, a Johnstown Boy, nt Chicago A Strnngo Cnse. Chicago, April 23. This evening W. E. Purdy was found guilty of the murder of Samuel Reininger, whose mutilated body was found in the woods near the city, last September. This ends a most remarkable trial. Reininger, the victim, was a youth of 20 who lett his homo in Johnstown, Pa., to see a little of the world, met Purdy, eight years his senior, in Mansfield, O., and after spending two weens in nis company mere, came to Chi cago, and roomed with him at several places. According to Purdy tbey were looking for work and seeiing tbe town. Part of their amusements consisted of two hunting trips, one on September 16, from which Reininger never came back alive. His body when found had two bullet boles in tbe head, tne skull fractured in three places by some instrument and the face horribly disfigured. Apparently everything by which the body could be identified had been removed, and tbe crime was surrounded In mystery. Tbe mys tery would only have deepened, and perhaps the case would have soon been forgotten, if a more thorough search of the dead man's cloth ing had not revealed in tbe watch pocket of tbe trousers a littlo crumpled piece of paper, on which was the address of Edith Kyner, a woman at Mansfield. From her the beginning of the connectionbetween Purdy and Reininger was learned, and the rest slowly but surely developed. She had given the dead man her address in Purdy's presence. A revolver found In tbe dead man's hand, now believed to have been put there in a vain attempt to give rise to the theory of suicide, she identified as Purdy's. Purdy had gone back to Mansfield and was ar rested there. Little by little circumstantial evidence was piled up against bim, bis own explanations, strikingly ingenious as they were, being in the end his worst embarrassment Not until tbe past day or two.bo wever.months alter the crime, had the vital contradictions been made clearly apparent The jury were out but little over an hour notwithstanding that tbe case was remark able for the total absence of tbe smallest direct proof of guilt IHE EEBEJi WniTE HOUSE To bo Converted Into n Museum to Preserve Confedcrnto Relics. Richmond, April 23. Initial steps looking to tbe transfer of tbe Davis mansion, the White House of the Confederacy, to the ladies of tbe Hollywood Memorial Association to be used as a museum for Confederate relics, was taken by tho City Council to-night It is designed that each ot the Southern States shall have a room in the building. The ladies of the association, in conjunction with various veteran organizations in tbe city, will mako a formal appeal to Mrs. Davis to allow tbe remains of her husband to be brought here and buried in the old mansion where the couple resided during the war. s. Ready for Harrison's Action. Washington, April 23. Tho conference re port on the Oklahoma bill has been agreed to in tbe Senate, and the bill now goes to the President for his signature. indorse the Free Sugar Clause. Bceanton, April 23. The State Grocers' Association, now in session in this city, to-day indorsed the "free sugar" clause in the McKin ley bill. THE CEISIS AT HAND. Many Uew Recruits Swell the Ranks of the Chicago Strikers. TAILORS NOW HAVE THE FEVER. Fifteen Thousand. Stockyard Employes De mand Eight noun. CARPENTERS GOING INTO BUSINESS For ThtmselTes if the Bosses Do Hot Boon Agree to the Proposals. The carpenters' strike is already having serious effect on general business in Chicago. The unions may undertake to complete some of the unfinished buildings themselves. The strike fever is contagious, and more trades are coming out. rsrscxAL teleobam to toe dispatch.! Chicago, April 20. The carpenters' strike continues with no change, unless it be the increased confidence of the strikers in their ultimate and complete victory. The knowledge that a strong financial backing is behind the movement makes it easier to bring outsiders into the union. This morn ing several squads of carpenters who had just arrived in the city were taken to head quarters and joined the union, and the pressure on the striking carpenters by prop erty owners, whose buildings are unfinished and who are suffering loss by the delay, may result in some arrangement by which the Carpenters' Council will undertake to do the work. KENTS HAVE ADVANCED. The strike has already resulted in an in crease of rents in the business districts. The mammoth office bnildings which were to have been completed by June 1 are now in au indefinite state as to the date of occu pancy. Meanwhile business men who ex pected to occupy stores or offices in the new structures find themselves obliged to remain in their old quarters, and, in many in stances, at a much larger rent The same condition applies to the big apartment houses and their respective tenants. President Gompers, of tbe American Federa tion of Labor, left this morning for Detroit, whence he will go to New York. The gas fitters of tbe city will go out next Monday to enforce a demand for an eight-hour work day and a minimum rate of wages of S3 50 per day. Notice of tbe intended demand was sci ved on the bosses two weeks ago. The employers have decided not to answer the men's communica tion, except by discharging all gas fitters on Saturday night Tbe gas fitters are now re ceiving widely varying rates of pay. Some of them are paid no more than laborers. The scale runs from S2 a day for the less competent to S3 50 for the thoroughly skilled mechanics. The men object to this, and will insist like tbe members of tbe kindred trade, the plumbers, on a minimum role of wages. BEICK MARKET PARALYZED. The strike of the brick makers and brickyard laborers in the northwest portion of tho city has resnlted in the complete stoppage of busi ness, Tbe yard proprietors have accepted the situation for tbe present and will make no effort to resume work with non-union men. The conditions of trade are entirely in favor of tbe strikers. Tho brick market is almost en tirely bare of stock, and only lor the partial paralysis of business caused by tbe carpenters' strike tbe demand would bo large and urgent All of the men on strike are what is known as hand-molders. in distinction from the men employed where brick-makiug machines are used. Tne "Uand-matia" brick are mdispensl ble in certain lines of building, and machine mado brick cannot be substituted for them. The demand of the men is tor a reduction of the output required to make a day's work from 8,000 to 7,000 and au increase of 60 cents per day in wages. Heretofore the moiders hare been receiving (2 50 per day and the laborers 12. They now demand S3 and 2 50, respectively. The brick making season has just started and the men have made their demands before any stock could be accumulated by the bosses. STILL MOEE TO COME. The 15.000 employes at the stockyards are more than likely to go on a strike for the eight hour day on May L They have been preparing for such a move for some time, and while it is true that no definite agreement has been made or dato set it is universally understood by tha men that tbey are to go cut May 1. The butchers and coopers aro thoroughly organized and hold the key to the situation. When they quit the remainder of tbe force must stop, be cause there will be notbing for tbem to do. But all of the mechanics and laborers em ployed there will only bo too glad to join tbe coopers and butchers in another effort to obtain the eight-hour day. N. K. Fairbank & Co.. who employ 2,009 men, will concede the eihtbour day without a con test. So will Fowler Bros., who have always been in favor of tho short wonting day. P.D. Armour would concede if a conference could be brought about between him personally and the men. The strike fever bas struck the tailors em ployed in shops that do the work for large manufacturing houses dealing in ready made clothing. They comdain that the bosses are cutting tho prices heretofore paid for the mak ing of garments, chiefly vests and trousers, and increasing the number ot hours of work re quired. A demand bas been made upon tbe bosses for the concessions cited and nnless the same are granted a strike will follow. IN A STATE OF SIEGE. Emperor William Will Sternly Suppress AU Labor Demonstrations la Berliu on Slay 1 Tho Austrian Army Will Go on n Strike. Berlin, April 23. The Emperor, who for some time past has been endeavoring to see what effect toleration and kindness would have on the Socialist agitators, bas now determi ned to take an opposite course regarding the proposed 1st of May demonstra tions. Having been informed that the Social ists had laid plans for concerted action on that day, he has decided to have recourse to the most stringent preventive measures. Fifty halls that had already been rented by labor organizations will be closed on May day; all liquor saloons will be compelled to close their doors, and strong guards will bar en trance. Street gatherings are forbidden, and those disobeying tbe orders will be instantly placed under arrest In fact, Berlin will be de clared in a state of siege for one day, as blood shed is apprehended by the authorities. A dispatch from Vienna says: There is high Palace authority for stating that the army pro poses to take a band in the 1st of May demon stration, great .dissatisfaction existing in tbo ranks with regard to pay. It is further re ported that the officers are In full sympathy with tbe workingmen, and that If tho rank and file are not appeased by increased remunera tion there is danger that on the 1st of May the army will fraternize with the Socialists instead of firing on tbem. In view of thi3 stato of things great precautions havo been taken by the authorities. STRIKING FOR NINE HOURS. Tho Marble Workers Mnko a Slove Which Surprises Their Employers. tSPECIAL TELEQKM TO TBI DIBFATCIt.l New Yobk, April 23. Tbe Executive Com mittee of the Italian Marble Mosaic Workers' Union sent notices to their employers on Mon day, demanding that on and after May 1, tbe working hours for marble mosaic workers should be nine hours a day, and that an advance ot 30 cents a day be granted, making the daily wages S3 50. To tbe surprise of the six con cerns who employ marble mosaic workers. Walking Delegate Foscato called at the differ ent shops to-day and ordered the workingmen to quit They obeyed him. Members of the Italian Marble Mosaic Work ers' Company said to-day that they did not know what to make of the strike. They had not even begun to think of what they would do when tbe strike was ordered. Tbey believed that the men would return in a day or two. They Want nn Increase ot Par. OMAUA, April 23. Two hundred men em ployed by tbe East Omaha Land Company in grading near Cut-Off Island struck to-day for an increase from 81 60 to II 75. A NEW SECRET thsioh SWNFIDENCE IN QUA!, Organized by the 25,000 miners In the Anthracite Region The Operators Are Very Much Opposed to the Scheme. tSFECIAI, TZXXOHAH TO THE DISFATCB.I Reading, April 23. Delegates from all over the coal regions met at Pottsville to day, and permanently organized the Work ingmen's Protective Association of the anthracite region. The two months' strike three years ago practically broke up all the existing miners' organizations, and the union effected to-day embraces nearly 25,000 miners. There was a large attendance and much enthusiasm. Permanent officers and organizers were chosen. A lengthy preamble setting forth tbe objects of the asso ciation, reciting the grievances and difficulties under wbicb the workingmen of the coal regions labor, and favoring conciliation and arbitra tion, was adopted. Strikes are to be discountenanced, and its members are to be educated in the school of political economy. The names of tbe officers and organizers are not to be made public for fear they will lose their jobs. It is intended to keep tbe movements of tbo organization as secret as possible. It was stated at the meeting to-day that two delegates who attended the last meet ing had been discharged and that others had been notified to be at work to-day or stand dis missed. They bad not been notified not to at tend tbe labor meeting, but instead had re ceived imperative orders to be at tneir posts of duty. The big mining companies are all opposed to the new labor union, and the Philadelphia and Reading Company does not want its employes to have anything to do with it. The dele gates assembled to-day represented 25,000 miners and mine laborers of tbe Schuylkill and Wyoming regions. They are determined to organize upon tbe broadest and best federated principles, but their dele gates and officers are in constant peril of dis missal owing to tbe attitude of tbe operators toward labor unions. ALL HELPING THE TAILORS. No Settlement Vet Reached In the Strike at ' Yonngstown. tFFECTAI. TEI.EOKAK TO THE DISPATCH.) Youngstown, April 23. No settlement has been made of the strike Inaugurated here by Tailors' Union No. 53 against the merchant tailors for an advance in wages. The members on strike have received financial aid from the National Tailors' Association. The Building Trades Council has adopted resolutions to tbe effect that they will not pat ronize any merchant tailor not employing union men until the existing trouble Is amicably set tled. Shorter Hours and Cigars. Ottawa, Ont., April 23. The conductors and engineers on the electric street railway struck to-day for shorter hours and tbe privi lege of smoking on duty. Their places were filled after a short delay. French Miners Demand Eight Hoars. PARIS, April 23. Tho St Etienne Miners' Congress has resolved to demand a working day ot eight hours and uniform wages in all collieries, and If these demands are not com plied with, to strike on May day. TALES OF ROUGH TREATMENT Told by Witnesses Against Commander DIc Calla nt tbe Trial. NnwYoBK,April 23. The McCallacourt-mar-tial was continued to-dayat the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The draft of a letter to the Secretary of the Navy requesting that certain documents on file at tbe department In Washington be for warded to tbe Judge Advocate for the use of tbe court was read. Lieutenant Ficbbohon, of the Enterprise, identified tbe log books of that vessel. Th e Judge Advocate read from the books a list of tbe punishments inflicted on the cruise upon which the charges are based. This occupied considerable time, and objections were taken to some parts of it by Mr. Munsey. Louis Meyer, seaman's apprentice on tbe Enterprise, was then sworn. Witness said McCalla threatened to kill him for smiling at him at Tamatav, Mo zambique. S. R. Graham- testified to having been five days in double Irons at Antwerp, and then released and told that the punishment had been inflicted "under a misapprehension." Mr. Meusey said tbat statoment to Graham ex onerated McCalla. Tbo point was not sus tained. George J. Ross, boatswain's mate, testified to being in a straigbtjacket at Lisbon; Portugal, 1888, for ten hours. After recess Otto Sunblod. a seaman, told how he bad been ironed and placed in a straightjacket Coal Heaver Peter J. Arm strong told how he bad Leen triced up to tbo "Jacob's ladder" on the run of the Enterprise from Suez to Athens, and Ironed for having gone ashore at Villa F ranch without permission. Edward 8. Jelley, first class sea man, said he was ironed at the same place for jumping the ship, with Armstrong as bis yoke fellow. Matthew H. Hand, quartermaster, was ironed for getting drunk at Cronstadt and kept three nights on deck until 1a.m. Meet ing adjourned until morning. MAINE IN THE COMBINATION. All of the Edge Tool Concerns Have Suc cumbed to tho Trust. rSPECIAI. TELEGRAM TO THE DISPATCH.! Oakland, Me., April 23. The big deal con summated by the American Ax and Tool Com pany, by wbicb tbe consolidated corporation has secured the control of tbe entire tool business in this country, bas absorbed two of theleadingmanufactories of Oakland. Tbe only firm in Maine that refused to sell was Emerson & Stevens, of Oakland. Tbey have agreed, however, not to cut the list prices of the con solidation and have given $10,000 bonds to keep their agreement Tbe whole amount expended by tbe American Ax and Tool Company in its Maine purchases cannot be far from 150,000. They will run tbe works of the Dunn Edge Tool Company on scythes all the year round, changing over the ax shop. The shops have hitherto been shut down part of tbe time every vear. The company will close up tbo Hubbard and Blake shop, but will do as much business in the other as bas been done in both. The shop at North Wayne has been leased by its former owner aud will be run on tools not conflicting with the company's products. THIRTEEN HUNDRED WITNESSES Summoned From One District to Testify In tbe Clayton Case. rSPECIAL TELEOBAM TO TIIE DISPATCH.! Little Rock, April 22. The Impending in quiry into the Clayton-Breckenridge contest by a committee from the House of Representa tives, bas occasioned tbe greatest interest here. The city is overrun with witnesses. Over 1,300, in all, have been summoned from counties in the Second Congressional district Mr. McClure, who will conduct the inquiry into Clayton's assassination in behalf of the Government states tbat be will produce testi mony before tbe committee, not heretofore made public, pointing directly to two men as the assassins of Clayton one a deputy sheriff and tbe other a saloon keeper, both of Conway county, at the time the terrible deed was com mitted. Mr. Breckenridge left Washington with the committee, and the party is expected to arrive hero to-night PITTSBURG HONORED At tbo Meeting of St. Mary's College Alumni In Nevr York. New York, April 23. The Alumni Associa tion of St Mary's College, Emmetsburg, Md., took place at tbe Metropolitan Hotel this evening. A. D. V. Waterson, of Pittsurg, Pa.. presided. Among those present were Bishop John A Waterson. of Columbus, Ohio; Vicar Gen oral Byrne, of Boston: John G. Dovere, of New Orleans; Richard M, Riley; of Lancaster, Pa.; Rev. Dr. E. P. Allen. President of the college. Addresses were made by Bishop McGovern, ot Harrisburg, and John B. Hand, of Pittsburg. A Plttsbnrg Woman Killed. Wn-KESBARKE, April 23. Mrs. Patrick Mc Laughlin, aged 65 years, of Pittsburg, who has been visiting her daughter at Stockton, was struck by a passenger train on the Lehigh Valley Railroad this morning and instantly killed. Rnsslan Troops to Mobilize. St. Petersburg, April 23, Documents em bodying plans for tbe mobilization of Russian troops on the German and Austrian frontiers in the event of war have been issued from the WarOfflce. Massachusetts Won't Vote So. Often. Boston, April 23. Tho House of Repre sentatives by 143 to 38. passed the Constitu tional amendment providing for biennial elec tions in this State. It has already passed the Senate. THREE CENTS ja in i ''inblican. State Committee cLfr. ngly Denounces the A ENEMir :HB SILENT SENATOR. HarrisbnrK the Place and June 25 the Data of the Convention. ELK AND FULTON WERE CALLED DOWN. These Conatles Will Hare to Select Delegates i cording to Bales. , The Republican State Committee yester day decided that the convention should be held at Harrisburg 'June 25. Chairman Andrews and Senator Qu3y were warmly commended. The latter was particularly defended against the personal attacks re cently made in Congress and elsewhere. ISFECIAX. TELEGBAU TO THE DISPATCH. I Philadelphia, April 23. The Eepnb lican State Convention of 1890 will be held on Wednesday, June 2J, at Harrisburg. Such was the determination reached by the State Committee, which met this afternoon. Early in the day the corridors looked as if there was to be a Republican State Conven tion, so thronged were they with party men. It only lacked the presence of Senator Quay and Magee to make it a gathering of the most prominent Republicans of the State. One hundred and nineteen members of the committee were present, every county being represented save Perry. The cynosure of all eyes were the rival candidates for the nomination for Governor General Hast ings and Senator Delamater. They met near the office as if by chance early in the afternoon. The assembled politicians looked on to see whether it would be fight or har mony. APPAEENTLY EXCELLENT FBIEND3. It was harmony, as tbe two vied with each other in the alacrity with which they extended their good right hands. Collector Cooper is no longer the Chairman ot the State Committee, but he is a member of it, and if he was not he could not have kept away. He had a little talk with E. K. Martin, of Lancaster, who will likely go on the ticket should Senator Delamater head it as the can- , didate for Lieutenant Governor. Walter Lyon, of Pittsburg, was fonnd in close conversation with General Frank Reeder, of Easton, wbils L A. Watres, ot Luzerne, talked with his friends about his boom for Lieutenant Gov ernor. Among the others of note were Jeremiah J. Kronier, of Fulton: Charles A. Randall of Forest; Emerson Collins, of Lycoming; P. E. Johnson, of Hollidaysburg; Micbael Heyland, of Beaver: D. E. Ovster, of Elk; J. L. Shedey, ot Cumberland; Peter Texter, of Berks; J. O. Brown, of Allegheny: George W. Meredith, of Monroe; Thomas -C. Walker, of Monroe, and J. P. S. Feastermacher, of Berks. Chairman Andrews was heartily received when he rapped for order at 2 o'clock. After the roll was called Collector Cooper promptly moved that tbe Stato Convention be held on June 25 at Harrisburg. Tbe date seemed to be satisfactory, but Mr. List wanted Philadel phia as tbe place. THE SLATE WINS EASILY. Ho offered an amendment to tbat effect, which was promptly voted down. Willlamsport was also suggested, but did not meet with favor and the Cooper motion went through with a rush. Ex-District Attorney Carroll pre sented a resolution which was unanimously adopted, thanking Chairman Andrews for faithful and skilful performance of his duties as Chairman." After some business of ordin ary routine had been transacted ex-Representative Jobn B. Finly offered the following resolu tions, which were adopted by a rising vote ana without debate: "Resolved, That the State committee of Pennsylvania recognizo the indecent conduct of Representatives Allen and Spinola in the National House of Representatives, yesterday, only as a fuller development of a plot upon the part of leading Dsmocrats to assail the publio and private reputations of tbe members of the Republican National Committee. The selec tion of Senator Quay as the most prominent object of this conspiracy, the outrageous assault upon bis character by leading Democratic papers In New York City, and finally, tbe act ot Tammany's chief representative in spreading their scan dalous publications upon tbe records of tha House calls for tbe unqualified condemnation of all men who hare any regard for reputation and character. The people of Pennsylvania have twice passed upon these charges in 1885, when, in the face of their presentation, they gave to Senator Qnay, the candidate for State Treasurer, the maximum Republican majority, and subsequently, after distinguished and honored services, elected him to the United States Senate with GEEATEE UNANIMITY than ever before accompanied the selection of any man for that position. Tbe extent of bis offending is that he has, as Chairman of the National Committee, prevented a repetition of tbe frauds in New York and Brooklyn which gave Cleveland a false title to the Presidency in 1831. and tbe future purpose of the con spiracy is so plain tbat 'he who runs may read.' History is repeating itself in the ball of tbe National House where partisan ran cor once before did palpable Injustice to one of the most distinguished sons of Pennsyl vania in tbe person of General Cameron. Tho House subsequently expunged a record which was but evidence of its former injustice, and while the record of yesterday was made by a Misslssippian and a direct representative ot Tammany we ask tbo Republicans of the House to see that the character of the national chairman shall not long suffer under this or any other form of assanlt which those who have now stepped into public view as partisan conspirators may select "Resolved. That tbe State Committee con veys its thanks to the newspapers of Pennsyl vania, which have, with one or two unworthy exceptions, wholly discountenanced tbe publi cations of the Democratic papers of New yorsi Next to the vote ot the people given twice with unprecedented heartiness in answer to these charges our newspapers reflect the public sen timent and through their refusal to encourage any of the methods of this conspiracy show tbe contempt which all feel who are not chronic revelers in political and private scan dals." AN INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. Chairman Andrews next stated that allega tions had been made setting forth that dele gates had been elected in Elk and Fulton counties contrary to tbe rules of tbe party. He aopolnted a committee, consisting of General Frank Reeder, of Northampton; Thomas Cooper, of Delaware; Walter Lyon, of Alle gheny; Jobn H. Landis, of Lancaster, and Walter L. Jones, of Lehigh, to investigate the matter. Tbe committee retired to deliberate, and, alter a brief recess, offered the following recommendations: "We therefore recommend that tbe State rule be fully complied with and that the county committees of Elk and Fulton provide for the holding of county conventions in advance of the State convention of this year, to the end that these conventions sball choose delegates id the mauner inwbyh candidates for the Gen eral Assembly aro numlnated. The committee further recommends that the State Convention give consideration to the propriety of holding all primaries and county conventions within a given date prior to tbe State convention, with a view to secure uniform action and equal and ample opportunity to all sections in the choice of national and State candidates." Although opposed by ex-Jndge Watson, of Bucks, the resolution was adopted with only a few votes In the negative. Chairman Andrews next made an address In favor of the Saxton ballot reform bill, and asked the members to obtain the sentiments of their constituents on the subject Collector Cooper also spoke in fa vor of the bill. Copies of it were distributed and the committee adjourned. PISTOLS AND POLITICS. A Warm Discussion Lead to a Very Serious Shooting Affray. rSPECtAI. TELEOBAM TO THE DISPATCH.J Nevada, Mo., April 23. Acting Mayor Irwin Gordon shot and dangeronsly wounded Sol Simon, a real estate dealer. In a quarrel over local politics to-day. Simon was denounc-' ing independence la politics, and said some thing which Gordon construed as an attack on his opinions. He pulled his gun and fired, and was trying to shoot again when bystanders seized the weapon. Tbe bullet went through Simons' right breast i j: -