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CLASSIFIED ADYERTTSEMEXTS
WANTS, FOB SAMS, TO LETS.
BEACH THE PUBLIC THROUGH
THE IDISFA-TCXT.
HOUSE HUNTERS BEAD IT.
BKKG FKOMPT ANSTt KRS.
Tina DISPATCH
I RUACIIES aiASTEItS AND MEN.
it
"FORTY-PIFTH TEAS.
PITTSBURG, TUESDAY, JANUARY. 13, 1891
THREE CENTS.
w
fa 57
MONEY. HUT REVENGE
The Position Taken by the Ma
jority of the Delamater
Creditors.
READY FOR A COMPROMISE.
Judge Church Says It Would Do No
Good to Send the Members of
the Firm to Trison.
FDLL TEXT OF THE FE0P0SITIOS.
!Ihey Will Taj 50 Cents on the Dollar in
a Little Over Two leare, But
Only 10 Cents Down.
AX ADMISSION OP GRATE MISTAKES,
Aid & Premise Tint lie Bailees of the Lal&ities
Will Era Be Considered a Stored
Icral OHigiUcn.
A TOXXITTEE AITOIKTED TO KESOTIATE
SPECIAL TELtGEAJI TO THE DISrATCH.l
3IEADVILLE, Jin. 12. The meeting of
tbe general unsecured creditors of the firm
of Delamater & Co. and of the individuals
composing the firm was had this afternoon
in the Court House. The meeting was
called for the Arbitration Room, which
tents about ISO people, but before it had
been in session long this room was packed
to suffocation, and there were twice as many
people outside who wanted to get in.
On motion of J. X. McCloskey, onexif the
creditors, the meeting adjourned to the court
loam upstairs, which Judge Henderson, who
was holding Common Fleas Court, kindly
tendered.
It seats 400 people, but setts and standing
room were promptly filled to their utmost ca
pacity. There were, of course, the usual
number of curiosity seekers who never had a
dollar in any bank in their lives and were
present to see tbe fun, but a large majority
"were creditors, and very much in earnest
Anything to Get Their Money.
Yet they seemed entirely reasonable and
anxious to do whatever would secure them
the largest proportion of their claims. There
were many women in the audience, and all
jiarts of the couutv of Crawford were repre
sented. The meeting was called to order by
ex-Judge Pearson Church, and Charles
1'ahr, a prominent drygoods merchant of the
cfiy, was elected Chairman without opposi
tion. In taking the chair Mr. Fahr said that all
preoent knew the object of the meeting as
well as he. The idea in the minds of all
the creditors was to get back their deposits,
and if they could not get them back in full,
lo get all they could. The obstacles in the
"way of their getting very much were the
claims of the preferred creditors, which, if
?aid in full, wonld take a large part of the
property.
These preferred creditors had entered their
judgments just before midnight of Decem
ber 4, and the assignments were made the
next morning. This looked lik'e fraud. The
only way for the unsecured creditors to do
was to get tbe preferred or judgment credi
tors out of the way.
An Appeal for Equal Justice.
""What right have the preferred creditors
to their money in full?" he asked, "while
the unsecured creditors, including many
"widows and orphans and others who were
very poor, were to get very little. The news
papers say the Delamaters have given up
everything. I don't see it in that light
not when preferred creditors, who are rela
tives, come in and take nearly everything of
value on their judgments. They have been
living off of our money for years, and we
oucht certainly to have all there is left"
Frank Kay, a leading member of the bar
and a creditor followed. He said the ques
tion clearly was how can we get our nionev,
or it not all of it then the most possible.
There are some who talk about setting aside
the judgments and getting rid of the pre
ferred creditors, but it may as well be under
stood at the outset that if the judgments
are for honest debts, as it is to be presumed
lhey are, then we cannot get rid of them. If
the creditors go at this thing with the
Disposition to It ash Tilings
end force the property to a quick sale, we
will not get 10 cents on the dollar. We
should appoint a good committee of the cred
itors and, ii possible, have this property put
In the hands of trustees :or our benefit, and
let it be managed by the Delamaters them
selves, 6uojec; to the control of the trustees.
We will realize four times as much out of
our property if it is disposed of in tnis wav
a we will it it is put under the hammer and
disposed of in a hurry. Conservative action
is beat The Delamaters desire to pay their
creditors every cent on the dollar they can.
Ex-Judge Pearson Church was the next
speaker. He saw there was no way in which
creditors can hasten matters, and no power
in the Commonwealth, from the Governor
down, which could do so. Tne Delamaters
Iiave transferred all their property by gen
eral deed of assignment. They have a legal
right to prefer certain creditors, to give them
notice and let them enter their judgments.
Those judgments, if the debts were really
owing, as it is to be presumed they were, are
valid judgments. Tbe creditors cannot even
begin an action to set aside the liens until
the assignees make their report, and the law
gives them a year in which to do this.
No Ube iu Trj ing the Penitentiary.
The best plan for the creditors is to ap
point a committee of their own number to
advise and consult with the Delamaters.
"We cannot get our money by putting the
Delamaters in the penitentiary, even
though wo could, ir -we do that" then we
make certain that we will Ret very little.
George F. Daicnport, attorney for the pros
ecution in the embezzlement cases, outlined
lwiefly the basis of settlement pioposed bv the
Delamaters and said that Georce Wallace
Delamater had assured him be bad everything
prepared to make thefiist payment of 10 per
cut on Hay J, if the plan was agreed to by the
crei't0,?"lui5 stlie Delamater offer in fall:
"The following is the proposition submitted
for consideration and anproval of the creditors
of Delamater fc Co. George B. Delamater. G.
M . Delamater and T. A. Delamater subject to
ucb alterations as may be arreted upon by tbe
arm and tbe creditors' committee: While wo
do not criticise the action of the appraisers in
valuing onr property, we do claim that even in
the present stringent times they have erred
Mon tbo side of conservatism and under, rath-
than overvalued our assets. They have ot
-"urse, been valued with reference to the 're
quirements ot tbe assignment in making an
early disposition of them for your benefit. Be
cause of the scattered and peculiar character
of much of the property, an early and forced
-t.fcJ -Qc-
JggJ.!JlBWBllHfiaWWWtllfsHeWsM '- " ' ,"'"1 ir i ;;'"' -'-," ' .uTimjj-i..T.,-. i , - ,,u,. -- r ,,. ...... .Jt -. ,-n ,. . . . ... - -
sale would result in sacrificing it and securing
for jou a very small percentage of your claims.
We are led to make this proposition because
Having Made Very Grave mistakes
which have contributed largely to the pres
ent unfortunate situation threatening loss to
our neighbors and friends, which we deeply
deplore, we know it is our duty not only to
turn over all our property of every character
and description for your benefit as we havo
done, but also to devote our every personal
and individual effort to aid in handling and
disposing of the same with the best possible re
sults for your payment. With the necessitv of
.sacrificing the valuable property by forced sale,
and to avoid the litigation and great expense
which is sure to result in the liquidation of our
estates under the assignments, we proposo
tbe following plan, which, if accepted by all
onr creditors before April 1,1891, shall be a
final settlement
"On or before May 1. 1891. we agree to clear
from all lien all real estate belonging to us and
which is now in the control of our assignees.
The lecal title to same shall be vested in
George W. Haskins and John O. McClintock.
our present assignees, and one person to be
named by yon who shall be trustees to hold
said real estate as security for fulfillment of
this arrangement on our part For the purpose
of compromise, settlement and release we will
pay
0 1'er Cent of All Legal Claims
as follows, viz.: Ten per cent on May 1, 1S91,
15 per cent on May L 18?2, and the balance, or
25 per centum on May 1,893. Tho trustees
shall retain legal title to tho aforesaid real es
tate as security for our making the above pay
ments promptly. They shall, however, permit
us to have possession and management of it
except in tbe matter of sale which shall only
be made upon their approval, or that of a ma
jority of them. The proceeds of all sales and
tbe net rentals shall be paid over to them and
be retained by them until the succeeding an
nual payment to the creditors on May 1 when
it maybe used by ns in making the same. A
monthly statement of the management of tho
real estate shall be made by us to the trustees
on the 10th of each month, when any cash bal
ance derived therefrom shall be paid them.
"When all creditors have agreed upon this
arrangement by attaching their signatures
thereto, or to a copy thereof, and we
have on our part cleared the titles
of all tbe real estate from lien and made
tho first payment of 10 per cent upon May 1,
1891, as provided hereinbelore, then we shall bo
entitled and may receive from the assignees
repossession of all onr personal property, includ
ing stocks, bonds, household and other goods.
And upon the payment by ns of all proper fees
and costs growing out of the assignments to a
discharge therefrom by the Court And this
shall then
Operate as an Absolute Release
from all further claim upon us excent as here
in provided. Tbe trustees shall prepare proper
certificates of claim, and upon the presentation
of the original evidences of debt, shall issue
their trustees certificates of claim for the
proper proportions, which shall thereafter be
held by the creditor as the legal voucher for
his claim.
"In making this offer of compromise we do
not thereby wish to Indicate a lack of a deep
sense of our obligation so far as tbe remaining
50 per cent is concerned. We have lived all
our lives in Crawford county and wish to re
main among yon. As we have said before, we
have made grave business errors. These added
to heavy losses through others and great shrink
age of value in manufacturing, railroad and
other enterprises, have forced us into onr
present humiliating position. While we make
this proposition as one we can successfully
carry out. which will relievo us from legal
liability, we do not propose any the less to en
deavor in the end to free ourselves from the
moral obligation of the remainder. This offer
has been delayed beyond our expectation, be
cause of the extraordinary and very serious
situation in tbe financial circles, which has pre
vented, till now,our making arrangements, and
receiving assurances from certain friends of
help sufficient to insure onr ability to pay off
the liens upon our real estate, and make our
first payment of May 1, 1891.
A Provision in Case of rail ore.
"In case we shall at any time default in
making onr payments under this agreement
for a period of 15 days, or by neglect to manage
tho real estate with due and reasonable
diligence, or in any other way shall manifest
an intent to neglect or refuse to fulfill our
duties as defined in this paper, then tho
trustees may, in their discretion, make applica
tion to court for order to sell the real estate, of
which application we shall have notice, when
tbe court may, in its discretion, decree the sale
ct the samo and the cioslni. of ti-tf CTUSt the
proceeds o'f the sale, after the payment of the
necessary costs and expenses, to ba paid over
and distributed in proper proportion among the
creditors. ,,
"If, however, wo shall faithfully perform our
covenants herein, and make all the payments
without fraud or delay, the trustees shall, upon
our request and the approval of the Court re
convey to us such real estate and property as
remains In their hands, free from further de
mand. The trustees shall be entitled to such
compensation annually as may be fixed by the
Court not exceeding hundred dollars in
the aggregate, which shall bo paid by us.
"It is understood that in the meantime the
assignees may, in their discretion, proceed to
collect the bills and accounts receivable, and
realize as may seem wise upon tbe personal
property, and that tbe proceeds resulting there
from may be used in making up the hrst pay
ment to the creditors on May 1, 1S9L"
How the Proposition Was Received.
Thomas Uoddy, who is associated with Mr.
Davenport in the prosecution on tbe embezzle
ment cases, said the plan proposed, if it could
be carried out by the Delamaters, wonld give
the creditors much more than they could hope
to get if the property was closed out under the
assignment; and be moved the appointment of
a committee of seven.
E. A Hempstead, one of the appraisers ap
pointed by the Court spoke briefly in explana
tion of tbo value put npon some of the property
by the appraisers. While it bad been thSduty
of tbe appraisers lo put a cash value on the
property, and it bad been appraised rather low,
he gave it as his opinion that nothing like 50.
cents on the dollar would ever be realized on it
for the creditors, and strongly advised a com-
B remise on the bisis proposed. Colonel John
. Compton was strongly in favor of the com
promise, because tbe creditors could not get
nearly 50 cents on the dollar in any other way.
Thomas Roddy. J. N. McCloskey and Homer
J. Humes spoke in favor of the committee to
be appointed making a thorough examination
of the assets, investigating everything and
thorongbly. The motion for the appointment
of a committee was then pnt and carried, with
but one or two dissenting voices. The com
mittee is as follows: Thomas Roddy, Chair
man; A McLean White, Charles Veith. Porter
Johnson, Homer J. Humes, W. P. Porter and
L. S. Sberred.
Composition of the Committee.
Mr. Roddy, an attorney, represents perhaps
$50,000 of claims. Mr. White is a retired busi
ness man and one of tbe heaviest creditors.
Charles Veith is a clothing dealer. Homer J,
Humes is an attorney who represented the
county in the Senate from 1883 to 1887. and was
defeated by Delamater in 1886 for re-election.
He istheX. of X. Y. Z. fame. Porter Johnson
is a farmer, W. P. Porter a retired hardware
merchant, and Mr. Sherred a business man of
Venango boroucb, this county. It is a strong,
able and in the main fair and impartial com
mittee. Tbe meeting then adjourned to re
assemble at tbe call of the Chairman.
The plan of compromise is received with very
general favor. The first question asked, of
course, is where is tbe money coming from to
do all this. The explanation is not difficult.
Tbe plan proposed provides for the surrender
of all the personal property, bonds, stocks, etc..
May 1, when tbe 10 per cent is paid in cash. In
other words, the Delamaters have found
friends able and willing to take their personal
property off their hands and advance or pay
theretor a sum sufficient to pay 10 per cent on
all unsecured claims and clear off all liens on
ieil estate owned by the flrm,or the individuals
comprising it
After the First Payment.
They propose then to give all their real estate,
cleared of all enoumbrance, as security for the
payment in one and two years of tho other
40 per cent The report of the appraisers shows
a total of $181,601 of stocks, hills receivable
ver drafts and personal property. Upon the
surrender of this, the Delamaters propose to
pay all their creditors. They cannot get a more
favorable settlement Ten cents on the dollar
will pay toff all liens on their real estate, which
aggregate 115,000, and deliver over unencum
bered real estate valued by the appraisers at
SH7.700 as security for the payment of the re
maining 40 per cent
It should be understood that this" proposition
of the Delamaters is not final, except as to the
percentage to be paid, anu tbat they stand
ready to alter it in any way possible that will
make it more satisfactory to tbe creditors.
They estimate it will take 400,000 to pay all
claims at 60 cents on the dollar. It is quite
probable that members of the families not in
volved in tho failure, who own three-tenths of
the Delematers' block, may assign their in
terest therem to the trustees, in order to In
crease the security for deferred payments.
SEIZURE OF SMUGGLED GEHS.
Chicago Customs Authorities Secure 54,000
Worth of Diamond.
Chicago, Jan. lZ The local customs author
ities tc-aay seized aooot 14,000 worth of unset
diamonds! the property of a, man named Q.
Lange, on the ground that they were smuggled.
Lange is from Vienna and claims to be a man of
wealth, doirig a diamond brokerage business.
Borne tinio ago, the Board of Trade firm of
Baldwin fc Farnum received the diamonds
from their Buffalo agent who said they would
be called for, and were to bo delivered on the
payment of 1,000. Lange called, paid the
money and took them. Subsequently be pat
them in the bands of Ellison, Flcishelm & Co.
to ba sold at auction, securing an advance of
1,800 on them. They were still in tho auc
tioneer's hands when seized. Tho Government
officials are in search of other lots of these
alleged smuggled gems which they believe
Lange brought here.
THE FINAL RESORT.
TwXNTY-FlTTH DISTEICT BRIBERY CASES
IK SUPREME COURT.
Arguments on Tate, Downing and Shaffer's
Application for Writs of Habeas Corpus
Grounds on Which Their Release Is
Demanded The State's Answer.
rSPECUX TELEGRAM TO THE DISPATCH. 1
Philadelphia, Jan. 12. Argument
was heard before the Supreme Court to-day
upon the application of writs of habeas
corpus, of John B. Tate, Thomas Downing
and Edwin Shaffer, the Lawrence connty
conferees, who are alleged to have been
bribed by 'William D. "Wallace to vote for
Major Alexander McDowell for the Con
gressional nomination. The concsel for the
conferees base their argument upon tbe
ground that tbe judge fell into error in con
struing Section 32, Article 3, of the Con
stitution of Pennsylvania, relating to bribery,
in giving to tbe language of the section a sig
nification never intended by tho framers of tbe
Constitution, or the people adopting it and
claim that Sections 29. 30, 31 and 32 are to be
read together. They claim that.the mischief
intended to be remedied by the Constitution
was Legislative bribery, an entirely different
offense from what the charge is made.
The counsel further say that if Wallace was
not on trial even then the witnesses had a legal
right to refuse to answer any questions that
might tend to criminate them; and again, the
conduct charged as constituting contempt
must be such tbat 3ome delinquency and mis
behavior can be predicated of it for if tbo act
be plainly indifferent and meritorious, or it it
be only tbe assertion of tbo nndoubted right of
the party, it will not become criminal contempt
by being adjudged to be so.
The Commonwealth, in its argument claims
that each of the conferees should be remanded
to tbe jail of Lawrence county for the follow
reasons: First They were rightfully adjudi
cated guilty of criminal contempt in facie
curia by a competent court, having Jurisdiction
of the person and subject matter. Second,
That tbe questions asked the petitioners, when
they were witnesses, did not tend to criminate
them; tbat the decision upon such questions is
in the discretion of tbe court below, which
directed tbem to be answered; and tho ques
tions shonld have been answered.
Third, That even if some or all of the ques
tions asked tbe witnesses did tend to criminate
them, they were bound to answer, as tbe case
on trial was an indictment for tbe offense of
bribery or corrupt solicitation, within the
meaning of Act 3, Section 32 of the Constitu
tion, and under which the witnesses were com
pellable to testify.
WILL OF EMMA ABBOTT.
The Body Is to He Cremated After a Test by
Electricity.
rerzciAt. telegram to the pispatctm
New Yobk, Jan. 12. Tho will of Emma Ab
bott Wetherell, the singer, was admitted to
probate this afternoon. The testatrix directs
that her body shall be cremated after a thor
ough test by electricity. Tho executors are
anthorized to deposit with the Farmers' Loan
and Trust Company an amonnt sufficient to
pay her father, Seth Abbott an income
of 400 a month. They aro to deposit
100,000 with the United States Trust Company
and pay SI 00 to ber mother, Almira M. Abbott
Mrs. Martha C Wethocll.lutaaiotlnr -ofi'icr
tate husband, receives $100,000. Other bequests
are: Twenty-five thousand dollars each to her
brothers, Leon H George H. and Frederick
Abbott; 23,000 to her sister, Mrs. Lizzie Abbott
Clark, and sums between 10.000 and 5,000 to
relatives and a score of churches in Brooklyn.
All of tho singer's music, operatic scorers
and private papers of every kind are be
queathed to Alice Cafferty. of Jersey City, who
also receives a bequest of So, 000. Her diamonds
and jewelry are given to the executors, with
the direction that they be sold at private or
public sale, the proceeds to form part of the
estate. The will contains a forfeiture clause
against contestants.
WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.
Who Will Bo Most Likely to Fill tho Offices
in the Two Houses.
tSFECIAL TELEGKAM TO THE DISPATCH. 1
Charleston, Jan. 12. About one-half of
the members of the Legislature have arrived,
and by to-morrow evening nearly all will be on
hand. Tbe probabilities seem to favor Senator
Gilkeson, of Romney, for President of the
Senate, and for Speaker of the House, Colonel
Bob White, of Wheeling, and Hon. B. D. Gib
son, of Charleston, seem to be in the lead.
Candidates for the clerkships are hard at
work, as are candidates for all positions. Clerk
Hamilton, of the House, is here, but is not a
candidate for re-election. AI Relnstrom, ot
Wheeling, and B. B. Harding, of Huntington,
are tbe leading candidates for Clerk ot the
Senate. W. E. R, Byrnes, of Braxton county,
will also have several votes. .M. J. Tracy, of
Wheeling, seems to have a cinch on the Ser
geant at Arms of the Senate, but as tbe posi
tion depends to some extent on the selection of
other officers, he may be beaten. J. B. Peyton
will in all probability have a walkover for his
old position as Clerk ot the House.
MURDER AND SUICIDE.
A Former Pittsbnrg Girl Shot by a Gambler,
Who Kills Himself.
rSPSClAI. TKLIIQKAH TO TUX DISPATCH I
St. Louis. Jan. 12. About 2 o'clock this
morning Frank Mitchell shot and instantly
killed Dolly Mayo, an inmate of a questionable
resort, and tben put a bullet through his own
body that resulted in his death a few
miuutes later. Both of the deceased
were public characters. The woman came to
St Louis from Pittsburg about five years ago.
A young man, who refused to give bis name,
called at tbe morgue and identified Mitchell's
remains as those of Casper Knoll, who formerly
lived in Farmington, Mo.
Two women, acquainted with Dollie Mayo,
said the girl had given her name as Stella
Hendrlckson. Her father was In some way
connected with tbe steamboat business in Pitts
burg. She is also said to have a married sister
somewhere in Chicago, from whom she re
ceived many letters. The cause of the tragedy
was jealousy.
8AIL0RS' TERRIBLE PLIGHT.
Clinging to a Rock, bat Unable to Be
Rescued by Boat.
Portland, Jan. 12. United States Revenue
Steamer Woodbury at noon to-day discovered
signals of distress from a shipwrecked crew on
a lone rock known as "Junk ofv Pork," lying
outside of Green Island, about' five miles east
of Portland Head. A terrible sea is running.
The breakers are fearful and they extend 100
yards or more outside of tbe rock. No boat
could live for a moment within the breakers.
The vessel has been ground to atoms and six
of her crew are on the rock well up out of tbe
wayot the sea. They cannot be rescued until
morning, and not then nnless tbe sea goes
down. They have no food or shelter. The
Woodbury laid by till dark, vainly endeavoring
to get an opportunity to lower ber boats and go
to the rescue of the men, but' was compelled to
leave them until daylight to-morrow morning.
An attempt to reach the shipwrecked men will
be made at the earliest moment
GETTING IN SHAPE.
Preparations Under Way for the Next Bit.
Gretna Exhibltionr-
rBFICIAL TELEOBAX TO THE DISPATCH. J
Harbisbubo, Jan. Jx The members of the
Exhibitors Agricultural Implement Union are
gathering here, to attend a meeting to-morrow
to elect officers and make preliminary prepara
tions for the display at Mt Gretna next summer.
The harvesting and reaper firms which have
agents in tbe union, alone represent 50,000,000,
and tbe entire capital represented is nearly
$200,000,000.
The exhibition this year is expected to greatly
eclipse tbat of last year, which was highly suc
cessful. Robert Coleman, the owner of Mt,
Gretna, will add many lmnrovements to the
JJflKO. -
JOHN BULL IN COURT.
The Bering Sea Dispute Carried to the
Yankee Supreme Bench.
IT IS A DIPLOMATIC SENSATIOH.
Salisbury Evidently Weary of Trying to
Deal With Blaine.
SQCAI INTRODUCES A EEAL FORCE BILL
rraoM a staff correspondent.:
Washington, Jan. 12. The appearance
of the Government of Great Britain in the
Supreme Court of the United 6tates to-day,
in the person of her Minister and counsel, -was
the great sensation of the season, and
the more so that it was a complete surprise.
Secretary Blaine may nod his head wisely
and smile knowingly to his heart's content,
intimating tbat he knew all about it,, but
the weight of evidence is" all in favor of the
theory that the movement of Her Majesty's
Government to have the Bering Sea con
troversy settled in the Supreme Court was
totally unexpected.
The Attorney General confesses as much.
The gentlemen of the diplomatic corps at
the State Department admit, and Mr. Blaine
alone hints tbat he knew all about it Of
course, be will give no opinion. He will
only say that there is nothing to be fright
ened about, and indicated by his manner
that the suit will amonnt to nothing.
The Expert Attorneys Disagree.
Attorneys versed in international practice
disagree as to the ability of the British Gov
ernment to bring suit in tbe Supreme Court
to set aside the finding of the District Court
of Alaska. It is a new point to them. It
is agreed that an appeal from the court of
Alaska will not hold, as there is no provis
ion for that in the act creating the court, but
.whether, that being the case, the Supreme
Court in the absence of an appeal, there be
ing no power to appeal, can issue a writ of
phohibition annulling the action of the'
Alaskan court, and at the same time decide
tbe notable question of the Bering sea dip
lomatic complication is a matter which In
volves so many fine points of law tbat none of
the legal lights are ready to give an opinion,
except perhaps the counsel for the British
Government
Tbe whole matter might be nipped in the bud
if the Judge in Alaska were to dismiss the
case against the libeled, which forms the
basis of the presont sensational movement and
it is probanle this will be dons if it appear that
there Is a possibility of any advantage being
gained by a proceeding in the Supreme Court
upon tbe grounds laid down by Joseph Choate
and Calderon Carlisle, the counsel for Great
Britain.
An Extraordinary Diplomatic Movement.
Tho movement is pronounced one of tbe
most extraordinary ever made in the history of
diplomacy, an evidence that Lord Salisbury is
hopeless of getting any satisfactory adjustment
of the international quarrel through Secretary
Blaine. The brief filed by Mr. Choate begins
by reciting tbat by tbe law of nations the
municipal laws of a country have no extra ter
ritorial force, and cannot operate on foreign
vessels on the high seas, and it is legally Im
possible nnder the public law for a foreign
vessel to commit a breach ot municipal law be
yond the limits of tbe territorial juris
diction of the law-making State;
that tbe seizure of a foreign vessel beyond tbe
municipal territorial jurisdiction for breach of
municipal regulations is not warranted by tho
law of nations, and such seizure cannot givo
jurisdiction to the conrts of the offended conn-,
Icvlcvre cJC aliirl.'rCtbcalIeR-d actual cm
muted by the foreign vessel at the place of
seizure beyond tbe municipal territorial juris
diction; tbat by the law of nations a British
vessel sailing on the high seas is not subject to
any municipal law except that of Great Britain
and by tbe said law of nations by a British ship
sn sailing on tbe blgh seas ougbt not to be ar
rested, seized, attached or -detained nnder
color of any law of the United States, and that
by tbe laws of the United States as well as by
the laws of nations, the District Courts of the
United States' bavo "t and ougbt no-, to enter
tain jurisdiction, or hold plea of an alleged
breach upon the high seas of the municipal
laws of the United States by tho captain and
crew of a British vessel, and can acquire no
i'urlsdiction by a seizure ot such vessel on tho
Igb seas though she be afterwards brought by
force within tbe territorial limits of the juris
diction of said courts.
A Charge of Unlawful Seizure.
It then states tbat on July 9, 1887, there was
profound peace and friendship between Great
Britain and the United States; tbat on that day
the British schooner W. P. Sawaru, George R.
Ferry, a British subject commanding, was law
fully and peacefully sailing on tbe high seas,
59 miles from Unalaska Island, when it was
nnlawfully and forcibly seized by the armed
United States revenue cutter Rush, and by
force taken to Sitka, Alaska, and here made to
answer a libel tiled In the United States District
Court by M. D. Ball, United States District
Attorney for Alaska, charging tbe vessel, her
owners, officers and crew with engaging in the
killing of fur seal within the limits of tbe
waters of Alaska Territory, In violation of the
statutes of the United States.
lhe proceedings in the Sitka United States
Court are then rehearsed, including tbe fact
that it was clearly brought outon tbe trial tbat
tbe killing of tbe seals took place a good many
miles from land, "so that the Judge could have
no jurisdiction of the alleged offense;" and
counsel, continuing, says: -Yet the said court
did, nevertheless, in contempt of tbe authority
of the United States, and in violation of tbe
laws of tbe United States, and In violation of
the laws of nations and to the manifest danger
ot the peaceful relations of the two countries,
assert and attempt to exercise jurisdiction in
the premises, and on tbe 19th day ot Septem
ber, 1887, did make and enter a pretended de
cree of forfeiture to the United States of said
vessel, ber tackle, apparel, boats, cargo and
furniture."
A Writ of Prohibition Requested.
Counsel then request tbe Court tbat a writ of
prohibition be issued to th'e Judge of the
United States District Court for Alaska, pro
hibiting him from in any manner executing the
decree of forfeiture, or from taking any steps
whatever toward carrying out the order, or en
tering any order or judgment required in the
course of the proceedings.
The Court is informedthat Sir John Thomp
son. K. C M. G Her Majesty's Attorney Gen
eral of Canada, authorizes this motion to be
presented with the knowledge and approval of
tbe Imperial Government of Great Britain.
Tbe Chief Jnstice made an order giving tbe At-,
torney General two weeks to file an answer to
tbe brief of Mr. Choate, giving the reasons, if
any, why the petition should not be granted.
Ligiitneu.
HEADING OFF JUGIE0.
A Bill to Regulate Appeals to the Supremo
Court.
Washington, Jan. 12. In tbe Senate to
day Mr. Vest introduced, by request a bill to
repeal the act amending section 764 of tbe re
vised statutes (as to appeals to the Supreme
Court) and made an explanation in regard to
it. This explanation was to tbo effect that a
New York judge had refused the writ of
habeas corpus in the case of tbe Japanese,
Jugiro, under sentence ot death by electricity;
and that therefore, an appeal bad been taken
to the Supreme Court of tbo United States,
which appeal bad been decided against the
prisoner; and that tbe attorney for tbe prisoner
had applied for another wrft-of habeas corpus
to tbe same court and claimed that he could
bring up an appeal on a writ of habeas corpus
as often as he could find a new ground of ap
plication. His own judgment as a .lawyer was that no
furtber legislation on the subject was neces
sary. He therefore moved the reference of
the bill to tbe Judiciary Committee. It was so
referred.
H0ABDED TREASURY CASH.
It Is Locked Up for Pensions Instead of
Being Distributed.
Washington, Jan. 11 Secretary Windom
is authority for the statement that the growing
Treasury surplus cannot now be used in the
purchase of 4 per cent bonds for the reason
that it will be needed to meet the pension pay
ments due next month, aggregating $25,000,000.
The available cash Surplus is now 818,000,000,
but byiontlnued. excess j1 ceceipta over
penditnres will probably reached the required
amount by the time indicated. "
Secretary Windom is of opinion that the
business of the country could be improved by
making these pensons payable monthly Instead
of quarterly, as at present and he bas made a
recommendation to that effejt to tbe proper
Congressional committees. If this is done, be
says it will do away With the present necessity
of keeping a large sum of money in the Treas
ury vaults for three montbs, when it might
justas well be in the hands of the people en
titled to it
A REAL FORCE BILL.
QUAY INTBODUCES ONE WITH THE
ENTIRE ABMY BEHIND IT.
The Effort Which Will Bo Made to Revive
the Subject After the Silver Legislation
Is Out ot the Way A Test Vote Expected
Then.
irrtOM a STAvr cobf.espokdent.j
Washington. Jan. 12. Senator Quay
introduced in tbe Senate to-day his sub
stitute elections bill which he prepared some
time ago, but be did not tben introduce it
because of the restive condnct of the silver
men on account of the prolonged debate. It
is well known that Senator Quay has all
along held that the Lodge bill did not meet
the requirements of the situation, and that
even if it were passed lis 'operation wonld
not accomplish what was desired,
the unhindered suffrage of the
negroes of the South. Believing
that the operation of tbe law would be success
fully resisted,, as it fails to provide proper
mean3 for its enforcement, h,o proposes in hi3
bill not only all the vital provisions of the
Lodge bill,but further that the military may be
called upon In case of resistance to the opera
tion of the law, and the suspension of habeas
corpus ordered. It is assumed that Senator Quay
looks forward to a movement to get his elec
tions bill again before tbe Senate, and that his
knowledge of tho intention in this respect led
him to Introduce his substitute, which, of
course, was referredto the Committee on Elec
tions and is at their mercy.
It is thought to-day tbat there is no doubt of
tbe intentiou of Mr. Hoar to make a motion to
take up tbe elections bill when the final vote is
taken on the finance bill. When tbis measure
is disposed of several Senators will rise to make
motions to take up each some bill which he has
in charge. Vice President Morton will recog
nize some one of them, and that one will doubt
less be Mr. Hoar, as" the Vice President has
been much worried over the criticisms of his
.absence from tbe chair when Stewart's motion
was made and prevailed last Monday, and de
sires to redeem himself. If Mr. Hoar be recog
nized bo will move to take up the
elections bill. It will probably be an
tagonized by another bill, and
vote
-paken at once as the motion would not be de-
bat able. The vote would be considered nearly
equivalent to a test vote on tbe elections bill,
r.nd wonld pretty fairly indicate the fate of tbe
hill if it could be put upon its final passage, al
though it is thought that tbe Senators who
are opposed to the bill might vote to take it
np, believing that they would be compelled
very soon to lay it aside for another bill.
Tbe friends of the bill, however, vow that if
they getitonce more before the Senate, they
will never agree to an aajournmentjnighf or
day until a final vote is taken. There is a pos
sibility tbat in case it is found there is hope for
passing tbe bill, the substitute offered by Sen
ator Quay may be accepted.
A POSTHUMOUS DEBATE.
Still Wrangling in the House Over tho De
funct Force Bill.
Washington, Jan. 12. The House went
into committeo of the whole, with Mr. Dingley,
of Maine, In the chair, tor the further consider
ation of tbe army appropriation bill. Mr.
Stone, of Missouri, taking advantage of the
wide scope allowed to general debate, entered
upon a general denunciation of the elections
bill, which he denominated as a menace to the
integrity of the State3 and to tho liberties of
tbo people. It was treason disguised, and
brought here In the bands and under tbe nro-
M!rsi 'of .hypocrisy Ho tefe-9d" to Mrr'
Lodge, of Massachusetts, as representing the
Oscar Wilde tyDe of statesmanship, and to
Senator Hoar as the maternal masculinity who
represented tbe New England Pecksniff.
Mr. Greenhalge, of. Massachusetts, referring
to the remarks of Mr. Stone, said that a
posthumous argument on tbe Federal elections
bill, a shameful and cowardly attack upon any
member of the House, or on a member of the
co-ordlnato branch, was not worthy of any man
of chivalry, honor or self-respect.
COMMANDEB BEITEB'S APPEAL.
No Action Has Tet Been Taken on It
by
Secretary Tracy.
rraOM a staff coEKEsroxDEirr.l
Washington. Jan. 12. The Secretary of
tho Navy still bas Commander -Reiter's letter,
demanding a trial by court-martial for his con
duct in the Barrundia affair, under considera
tion, and has not rot informed that officer
whether or not his demand will be acceded to.
It is apparently a troublesome question to de
cide. The Secretary is under no obligation
whatever to grant such a trial, and on this
point Commander Reiter seems to have had an
erroneous idea when he wrote bis letter to the
Secretary.
Though tbe Secretary has thus far bad noth
ing to say on the subject, tbe general impression
In the Department Is that he will not grant a
trial, though be may possibly do so, rather than
presenttho appearance of having condemned
an officer without granting him every possible
opportunity for defense.
IN FAVOR OF POOLING.
An Important Amendment to the Inter
State Commerce Law.
Washington, Jan. 12. The Committee of
Inter-State Commerce of the Senate to-day
agreed to report favorably to the Senate a bill
modifying tbe anti-pooling section of the inter
State commerce act so as to permit railroads to
make contracts, which shall be binding, to
apportion among them tbe transportation of
freight and passengers. The committee also
agreed upon an amendment providing for
through routes and through fares. The bill
will be passed to an early consideration in tbe
Senate.
Tbe agreements was not formal and tbe pro
posed amendments bave not yet been reduced
to shape. They will probably, however, receive
final action at the next meeting, to be held
Wednesday. -
AN AGED COUPLE'S END.
Tired of Life They Both Commit Suicide by
Taking Poison.
New Yobk, Jan. 12. At noon to-day Police
man Evans, of the Sixth precinct of Jersey
City Heights, reqelved information tbat an
aged couple of the name of Charles and Au
gusta Tbiska, living at Seventy-third street
had not been seen or beard of for two days.
Tbe policeman burst open the door of their
room and found them lying dead in bed. On a
table were found two empty teacups wbich bad
evidently contained poison. On tbe table was
found a letter written in German, saying tbat
they wanted to die together and would like to
be buried together.
This is the text of tbe letter, written in pen
cil, found on a table in tbe room: ,
"My last wish after our corpses are discov
ered: I desire that my body, with that of, my
wife, Augusta, be burled together. Pray take
note that we bavo met our fate by our own free
will, as we wanted to shuffle-off tbis mortal
coll. Will tbe authorities kindly find an under
taker who will bury ns for tbe sake of the
property wo leave behlndT Do not let us be
separated in death. 1 cannot write more; the
rheumatism in my hand pains me terribly.
"Chables TniSKA."
ANYTHING TO BEAT INGALLS.
That Is the Blotto of the Democrats In the
Kansas Legislature.
ToFEEA,Jau. 12. The Kansas Legislature
will meet to-morrow. When the roll is called
in the Lower House, 93 Farmer's Alliance, 24
Republicans and 8 Democratic members will
answer to their names. Tbe Upper House
stands 40 Republicans and one lone Democrat
On joint ballot the Farmer's Alliance bas a
clear majority over all of 2L Tbe combined
opposition to Mr. In galls' re-election is com
posed of 93 Fanner's Alliance and 9 Demo
cratic members, or 30 more than tbe, Ingalls
forces.
Tbe Democratic members will nominate a
Senatorial candidate of their own, and will
give him a complimentary vote, unless their
strongth should be needed to fill anv possible
breach in the Alliance ranks, in which case
they will throw tbeir strength to tbo Farmers'-
Alliance candidate, their motto being any
tuinz to neat ingaiis. no agreement was
reached as to a Senatorial candldato at too
ex-JJajUanca caucus to-night.
A SULLEN SURRENDER
Uostiles Slowly Come to Camp, But
Braves and Guns Are Scarce.
CASK0N TEAINED TO RAKE THEM.
Everything- in Beadiness to Make Short
Work of an Outbreak.
K0YIKG BASDS STILL USE THE T0KCH.
SPECIAL TELXOU1X TO THE DISrATon.l
Pine Ridge Agenct, Jan. 12. Pine
Itidge was in glittering ghost shirt itself to
day. The blizzard wbich raged yesterday
with such vehemence covered tbe buttes
with light crystals, which sparkled like
gems in the bright sunshine this morning.
The came was early astir. Everybody
seemed to feel tbat within 2-1 hours the crisis
of the war would be reached. Before the
stars had disappeared sentinels of the First
Regiment could be seen muffled up in their
canvass overcoats patrolling the ridges, trails
and earthworks wbich have been thrown up
to the north and east
itwas not long before horsemen could be
seen galloping down.the sides of the buttes
to the north of Captain Dougherty's fort
Sentinels guarded the road on .which they
had to pass before they entered tli3 agency.
Captain Dougherty, who holds a most ex
posed position, stood behind his redoubts
scanning the country through his glasses.
Tbe first horsemen to come in were two out
and out ghost-dancers from the hostile camp.
One of them was from Standing Bock.
They Came In Without Gnus.
His companion was a Brule. It looked as
though the hostiles were at last in earnest in
tbeir repeated expressions that they were
going to surrender. The two horsemen gal
loped leisurely over the trail until they were
almost opposite the' earth works. Then two
sentinels waded through the snow and
raised their rifles. The white-hooded horse
man came to a stop and gave tbe signal of
peace. They had no weapons and were
permitted to pass the lines aud enter the
agency.
Then followed stragglers from tbe hostile
camp. Everyone of them had made away
with his rifle before he reached the pickets.
Many of them were robed in ghostly gar
ments and painted in a hideous way. One
young warrior bad daubed his face with green
paint and the white sheet was wrapped over
his bead, giving him tbe appearance of a fiend.
Those who were unarmed were permitted to
pass through tbe tripple line ot sentinels, and
tben on to tbe camp of tbe friendlles, whicb is
a half mile south of tbe troops. Tbe straggling
procession over the mountain trail was pict
uresque. Tbe Indian police, who bave been scouting
in tbe bills all night mingled with tbe hostiles,
and then came scouts with their rifles slung
to their saddles.
Frank Gourard, wrapped in mountain lion
overcoat galloped along before the sun was an
hour high. Tbe wind and alkali dust had in
flamed bit eyes aYid his black moustache was
frozen solidly. ' But the hostiles came slowlv.
The Indians who galloped over tho hills were
Ogallallas, who had been waiting to come to
tbe Agency ever since they stampeded after
the Wounded Knee battle.
Tonne; Savages Still Scarce.
Hundreds of people anxiously watched the
horsemen as tbey strung along into camp, but
they waited in vain for the coming of tbe young
savages who have been causing all the tronble
along White river. They were still in their vil
lage. Scout Gourard said they are as sullen
and warlike as ever. There was confirmation
of reports tbat these have moved 12 miles to
day, and that they would soon be in sight of
Cap:ava Dougherty's f.-edoubU. But Scout
Gourard's report is that tbe savages are wild,
and growing more uneasy as they approach
the agency. Tbey fear they are going to be
swept off the face of tbe earth for the deviltry
they bave committed.
AH last night village criers were haranguing
people that Buffalo Bill wis to come to-morrow,
but General Miles checked the old scout by
issuing special orders prohibiting him from dc
inganything of tbe kind. The same orderapplied
to ex-Agent McGillicnddy General Miles in
formed these gentlemen tbat tbo hostiles were
still wild, and that it would not be safe for
tbem to enter the hostile camp.
Accompanied by Yankton Charlie TnE Dis
patch correspondent galloped three miles over
the trail leading to the rancb of tbe former,
which is in tbe valley near tbe Catholic mission.
Many Indians who were on their way to tne
agency were passed. From tbo crest of tbe
commanding buttes tbe village of hostiles could
be dimly outlined near White Clay creek.
A Council of the Hostiles.
With tbe aid of glasses the hostiles could be
seen in council. Only a portion of the village
could be seen, it having been pitched in a
winding ravine. Ponies of tbe hostiles were
saddled and feeding quietly on sides of the
gulcb. Yankton Charlie said that there were
50 wounded Sioux in tbe tepees, and that many
had died within tbe past three days.
Smoke rolled np from a butte north of the
village, and it is supposed tbat the frantic
young bucks bad fired anotber shack. Flames
could not be seeu, but the glasses revealed tbe
hostile i galloping furiously over the butte upon
whicb the fire was burning. Savages bave cut
barbed wire fences in all directions in order to
dash through the country in case they should
sen fit to make another stampede.
There are now reports that the savages will
move to a point three miles from the agency
and go into camp there for the night It was
the original plan to separate the Ogallallas and
Brulcs, but owing to their wild condition it Is
thought tbey will construe such a move as a
first step to wipe them out a bunch at a time.
Should they come Into tbe agency likely they
will all be bunched around Red Cloud's house,
which can be raked from four points by three
inch rifled cannon and the machine guns. The
crisis will be reached when tbe savages go into
camp here. Then it will only take a spark to
set off the whole magazine.
Ready for the Final Crisis.
Tbo artillery men were gallopingthrough the
camp to-day placing their heavy guns In more
commanding positions. Everything, is now so
arranged that any hostile demonstrations on
the part of the savages will be met by a fire
which will blow tbem farther than tbe eagles
of the medicine men ever thought of carrying
them. Good Lance, who is one of tbo head
men in tbe friendly camp, to-day made a request
tbat the big Brown cannon which had been so
trained as to sweep tbe village be removed, as
it made bis people nervous. He wanted to
know tbe nature of tbe missile the cannon
fired. The interpreter told him that it was a
shell which sang "Lokota? LokotaT" as it swept
through tbe air. Translated, the song ot the
shell is, "Where's the Injun? Where's the
Injunr"
Good Lance folded his blanket abont his
ma-sive form, and stalked away. Tbe cannon
will not be moved. Tbe crescent of troops
which is closing about the hostile caum is now
scarcely nine miles away. General Brooke's
great command is marching to-day, and to
night it is thought his camp fires can be seen
from Captain Dougherty's breastworks.
W. D. Kelly, of Chicago, to-day disinterred
the remains of bis brother, who fell iu the
battle ot Wounded Knee. The body was bad
ly decomposed but was readily recognized. It
was sent to Rushvllle to-day for shipment to
Chicago. The Nebraska State troops bave
been moved to tbe edge of the reservation.
They must have suffered severely during tbe
blizzard yesterday, as tbey are insufficiently
clad.
THE ENGLISH LIBERALS.
Sir. Gladstone's Son Defines Their Position
to a St Louis Priest
St. Louis, Jan. 12. During the beat of tbe
Irish elections in December last Dr. P. 8.
O'Reilly, of tbis city, addressed a letter of en
couragement to Hon. W. E. Gladstone, telling
him of the feeling of Irish Americans in this
city on tbe Irish question, and promising Mr.
Gladstone moral and material support Are
ply bas been received from Mr, Richard J.
Gladstone, dated Hawarden, December 4.
Speaking for bis father; tbe young man says:
"It is most satisfactory to know that the
opinion of a large majority of leading Irishmen
in St Louis remains true to the policy which
nearly five years ago joined Irish Nationalists
and English Liberals in a Arm and, we trust, a
lasting friendship. You recognize tbat on our
part we have been in every particular, large
and small, abidingly true to tbe proposals of
.1880. .
"In heaven's name, wby should the divorce
court be allowed to compromise the future of
Ireland? British Liberals bave sacrificed much
J, for Ireland during the past five years. They
SURROUNDED.
have refused to give precedence to any Btitish
question until Ireland bas received home rule.
All of a suaden Mr. Parnell turns his back npon
us, ignores his own speeches and declares that
we are guilty of treachery to Ireland. Can any
thing be more preposterous? He himself, if
tbe charge be true, has been a leading agent in
tbe treachery. Kilkenny has spoken de
cisively, and I have no doubt that Ireland will
adbere to the solemn pledges which her repre
sentatives gave us m 1886."
A SPECIAL ELECTION
TO CHOOSE DELEGATES TO A CONSTITU
TIONAL CONVENTION.
An Agreement Said to Havo Been Effected
bythe Incoming Administration and the
Leaders of the Legislature All to Bo
Done for Radical Ballot Reform. '
rSPICIAt.T j. fg THEDItrATCnA
HABRISBTTEG,- 'Qti&o-A- "h'ltitn
tional convention, to- 'l '-J Arrfter tbB
close of the legislative P-tpJ fj snre
thing. An agreement has" y Otf c-?l
upon the question wbich insures t'-Pfy-ffr
of the elements which control the Ds?
ture and the incoming administration
There is a general concensus of opinion
among the advocates of the ballot
reform scheme that in order to
make an effective secret ballot law,
which will protect the franchise, some of the
provisions of tbe present Constitution mnst be
changed. As all of fie elements wbich are
likely to control legislation tbis winter are
agreed npon a thorough reform of tbe ballot,
tbe proposition to at once get all of the difficul
ties out of tbo way will have clear sailing, and
as there is no other way out of tbe difficulties
presented than by a convention the matter ap
pears to be aoout settled.
Tbe least among the obstacles in tho way ot
the proposed reform is the numbering clause
in tbe Constitntioo, wbich has been practically
gotten over by tbe Ballot Reform Association's
bill. There are two other provisions In tbe
Constitution wbich must be changed. Tbe
same section wbich recites the numbering pro
vision also declares tbat "any elector may
write his name upon bis ticket, or cause tbe
same to be written thereon and attested by
a citizen of tbe district." Section 7
of the same article "also provides
that "no elector shall be deprived of Jbe priv
ilege of voting by reason of his name not being
registered." Tbese two provisions are con
sidered fatal to the full reform of tbe ballot
as proposed, in tbat tbey provent an absolutely
free ballot and a personal registration. These
points bave been carefully considered, and as
not,ung short of rv full mearareof ballotreform
will satisfy tbe popular -demand, all parties
will be found in accord with the calling of a con
vention at once to make tbe necessary changes.
Attempts will be made to limit tbe work of
the convention to these points, but provisions
ot that sort are regarded as of no force. The
Constitutional Convention, whicb formulated
tbe present fundamental law .of the nation,
was limited in its powers, or limits were"
attempted to be placed upon its work. Such
limitations were totally disregarded, and as the
work of tbe convention finally goes to the
people for approval, it is not thought tbat the
limitations will be regarded with much con
cern if put in the call. It is proposed to have
the members of tbe convention elected at once
at a special election, so tbat their work can be
completed in time for submission at the next
general November election. Details of tbo
Proposed call have not yet been agreed upon,
nt it is probable that the plan followed in 1872
will be adhered to. Tbe delegates wilt be
elected by Senatorial districts, with a number
from tbe State at large.
DISAPPOINTED SCRUBWOMEN.
Comical Scenes Attending the Naming of
Them at Harrlsbnrg.
trROSI A staff coanrspo.NDE.TT.
HABBISBUBG, Jan. 12. There was a funny
scene in the rotunda ot the Capitol tbis after
noon. To an assembled multitude or women
and girls tbe list of appointees for scrubwomen
for the session was read. Only 100 are needed
to keep the two branches of tbe Legislature
clean, and tbe wages are but SO cents a night
Yet there are 700 applicants. Tbese applica
tions were made two weeks ago. When they
had been sifted and assorted a list was
made up of ICO of the lucky females.
This was carefully salted down
and kept nnder lock and key until all the prin
cipal officers bad gotten safely ont of town.
Chief Clerk Morrison and Chief Clerk Smiley
were the last to go. It was thought safe to In
form the nnlncky 00 women of their disap
pointment to-day. At the fated moment a page
placed in the hands of the elevator man in tbe
rotunda the list of tbe 100 appointees. The ele
vator man is Ed Householder. He grabbed tbe
rope and bolsted tbe elevator bait way upstairs,
where, suspended between tbe first and second
floors, bo read tbe list out loud. The'moment
he finished be dropped the elevator to tbe cel
lar, just ln,tlme to escape tbe howl of tbe dis
appointed women.
SPEAKER THOMPSON MUM,
He Is Not' Yet Ready to .Make Public 'His
Committees.
trROM A STAFF COKBESFOSPX2IT.1
Habbisbitbg. Jan. 12. Speaker Thompson
arrived in the city tbis evening. He came from
Philadelphia, where be bad been in consulta
tion with Republican leaders about the forma
tion of his committees. He declines to make
anything public about tbe matter yet simply
saying that the last of the committees is not
completed. Speculation is rife as to whether
Baker, of Delaware; Brooks, of Philadelphia,
orBurdick, of McKean, will be Chairman of
the AppropriationsCommittee. Some persons,
who look mysterious, say it will not be either
one Of these. Whether tbey bave any inside
tips or not remains to be seen.
Long experience has justly awarded the
chairmanship of tbe Ways and Means Com
mittee to James L. Graham, of Allegheny,
year after year. If Speaker Thompson con
tinues this appointment it will only be what
tbe House as a whole expects him to do.
NEWS BRIEFLY TOLD.
Doings of the Day Chronicled In Short
Paragraphs.
The new -corporation took charge of tbe
business of the Sugar Trust yesterday.
Thcbbtb'S wholesale grocery, of New
York, is to be turned into a stock corporation.
The New York Chamber of Commerce yes
terday adopted resolutions in opposition to free
coinage.
J. H. Weight, a saloon keeper at Hot
Springs, Ark., was shot and killed yesterday by
Tom Dennis.
United States Senatob Vance was re
nominated by the North Carolina Senate by
acclamation.
Br a collision of the East BlrmlnghamAla.,
Dummy line three trainmen and several pas
sengers were hurt
Oregon's Legislature, wbich Is largely Re
publican, and will choose a United States Sana
tor, met yesterday.
Two freight brakemeri were killed on tbe
Maine -Central road yesterday, by tbe train
going over an embankment
Eleven persons have been arrested at Cath
arine, Ala., charged with conspiracy to prevent
jBranvillo Bennet, Jh postmaster, from holding
office.
LIFTING THE GLOOM,
City Officials Decide Thai the
Street Decision Does Not
Mean Ruin.
GETTING FIGURES FOR IT..
Chief Bigelow Prepares a Statement
for Counsel's Inspection.
HUSTLISG FOE KEW LEGISLATION;-
Mayor Gonriey Urges Upon Councils Us
Heed for Economy.;
THE B0AED OP ASSESS0ES RE-ELECTED
City Hall is emerging from the gloom of
despondency which has enveloped it like a
mantle since Jnstice Williams banded down
his now famous street decision. Once again
is heard the silvery laugh of the municipal
employe, whose mirth has been repressed for
la week nut of respect for the irown on the
jbrow of his chief.
The city bas officially shaken off its trem
bling indecision, and is prepared to fight the
Supreme Court dragon to a finish with the
liicalibur of curative legislation. The
caampions have' been selected, and if they
are, successfnl the municipal maiden at the
headwaters of the Ohio will present them
witn. laurel wreaths and, just incidentally, a
chect.
Chief Bigelow has completed his state
ment 8f the new streets graded, paved and
sewered" under the act of 1887, which Justice
Williams bas declared is no good. This
statement'will be turned over to Messrs. D.
T. Watson .and William B. Rodgers, who
will analyzed, determine what the city is
liable for under the Supreme Court decision,
and how much' of the latter can be collected
by the city with the aid of curative legisla
tion. .Figuring on tho City's Liability.
Mr. Bigelow does not care to make the
statement public until it has been examined
and analyzed by counsel. The totals are
large and calculated to mislead that por
tion of the public who confine their financial
operations to three figures. The chiefs de
tailed report shows, as stated in The Dis
patch last week, that $1,200,000 worth of
contracts are affected by this decision. Half
of these contracts are not completed, and the
abutters have not been assessed. As it is
now held tbat the only illegal feature of the
street act is the manner of assessing benefits
and damages by the Board of Viewers, no
illegal action bas yet been taken on this
amount, and there will be no difficulty in
obtaining legislation to empower collection
by the city- A large proportion of the bal
ance bas already been collected, and the
officials expect that the final wind-up will
show tuat the city has not suffered any reat
financial loss.
Every endeavor will be made to seenre
the passage of the necessary curative
legislation, and bave it started
through the Legislature next week.
27o obstacles are expected in tbe as
sembly. It was hoped that it could be
passed next week, but that is an impossibil
ity, as the Legislature does not meet until
Thursday, and may adjonrn -on that day,
not to meet again until the inauguration of
tbe new Governor. The bill for the relief
of Pittsburg is, however, expected to be on
of the first presented for Governor Pattison's
signature.
City Councils Take a Hand.
Councils took a hand in the street muddle
Tuesday, but showed no signs of being rat
tled, notwithstanding the fact tbat a crowded
lobby listened with intense interest to the
words of wisdom iallingfrom thelip3oi our
civic Solons.
A. F. Bobertson presented to Select Coun
cil tbe resolution of the Finance Committee
providing for the employment of D. T. "Wat
son and W. B. Rodgers as additional counsel in
tbo preparation of anew street bill and in re
lieving tbe city from the tangle caused by the
recent Supreme Court decision.
Mr. Warmcastle wanted Mr. Keating to ex
plain why it was necessary to employ additional
counsel when the city alfeady had three compe
tent attorneys. t
Mr. Keating I am not alone responsible for
tbe Finance Committee's actions, but I am cul
pable, inasmuch as L favor tbe employment
of the two gentleman engaged. This is s. grave
situation, as there seems to be some extraordi
nary talent required to frame a street bill
which will pass muster in tbe Supreme Court
Mr. Warmcastle I do not see tho necessity
for the employment of additional legal talent
We bave three city attorneys who are un
doubtedly able to prepare a constitutional
bill. I am confident tbat Mr. Burleigh could
frame a law tbat would be constitutional as
any could be and m as succinct language. The
employment nf additional counsel might cost
the city $25,000 or $30,000. or even more, a3 the .
timo and services of these gentlemen are val
uable, while tbe city might as well get tbe
work done by tbe men to whom she must pay
from 12,000 to SI 5. COO a year anyhow.
Dr. McCord It seems ridiculous far the city
to pay thousands of dollars for legal talent ana
whenever there Is any special work to be don
we havo to employ higher priced men.
Heating's Opinion of the Investment!
Mr. Keating 1 am strongly in favor of the
resolution. I cannot see wby it should not be
good business policy for tbe city to use the
same guarantees for safety and protection tbat
an ordinary business man or firm does. There
is scarcely a large firm in this or any other
city which does not employ the best counsel
tbey can obtain, and some of them pay much
larger sums to one man than this city pays
ber three attorneys, yet whenever they
have a suit involving any great amount
of money or fine legal points
they think nothing of securing whomsoever
they can find who is likely to be able to assist
tbe firm's regular council. Now, if this is safe
and proper for a business man it is certainly
eaually so for the city. As far as the abilities
of our City Attorney and his assistants are con
cerned 1 fully agree with Mr. Warmcastle. but
1 believe tbey will receive valuable assistance
from Messrs. Watson and Rodgers, wbo have a
reputation for special ability In the line of
worlrrequlred. And while it will require an
outlay of money 1 do not believe it will cost
one-third or even one-fifth as much as Mr.
Warmcastle says, and even if it was (30,000 or
140,000. and this city thereby secures a street
bill tbat would stand the crucial test of the Su
preme Judges or a curative bill that would
save the city lrom the loss that was expected
nnder the late court decision, I think it would
be money well spent
Wisdom In a Moltltude of Counsel.
Mr. Robertson said he was in favor ot the
resolution, and had favored it in committee.
It was frequently necessary for the beat of law
yers to consult with tbeir brethren, on tbe prin
ciple that "two beads are better than one," and
in this case it was proposed to secure the ser
vices of two of the best lawyers in this or any
other State, men whose opinions were good as
gold upon any subject pertaining to the law;
- Mr. Warmcastle reiterated bis objections, but
said it was not because he thought Messrs.w at
son and Rodgers Incapable, but he thought
tbey would be too expensive, and that the
city's attorneys were sufficiently capable them
. selves. On tbe adoption of tho resolution h
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