rfc -vr . irr av S " a. W DO YOU WANT A SITUATION? J THIS IS THE SEASON TO SELL AND RENT HOUSES. BUYERS AND RENTER LOOK FOR BARGAINS 1- Till: KVEItY MORNING DISFATCH. THREE CENTS. FORTY-MFTH TEAR PITTSBURG, FRIDAY, - FEBRUARY 6, 1891. E Two Nephews and a Niece Be gin Proceedings With the Object of 3REAKING THE TESTAMENT Which Set Apart Snch Princely Be quests for Pittsburg Char ities and Churches. THE GROMDS FOE THE CONTEST. Ur. Shoenberger Dad Been Xamed as Trustee for the Plaintiffs, Bat Surrendered the Charge. (TUEX THE TKOFERTI WAS MISMANAGED .led It Is How CUiatJ in Court That tbe Df cesscd Ires Mirafaetirtr iTcnisei to Ktke Gcod tit Less. 'THE BUM WASTED HUES UP IN THE JIUZIOHS An attempt has been inaugurated to de t r:-ePittsburgoftheprincely bequests of the late John II. Shoenberger. A suit has been brought against the estate to the amount of about half its total value, and a bitter and perhaps prolonged contest seems assured. Mr. Shoenberger died November 12, 1889, at his residence, 43 WestFirty-seventhstreet, New York, at the ace of 80, leaving property valued at 55,000,000. By the will of his father. Dr. Peter Shoenberger, the son had been appointed testamentary trustee of the estate of his deceased sister, Mrs. Pollard McCormick. He declined, it is said, to act as testamentary trustee. Another Person Acted as Trustee. At any rate, T. W. Brill, of Pittsburg, was appointed in his stead. Mr. Brill, it is alleged in the suit, dissipated the interests he was called on to protect, and now Mrs. McCormick's children, Dr. George McCor aiick, of N cir York, and Peter S. McCor rakk and Sophia AY. McCormick, of Phila delphia, have brought suit in the New York courts against the John H. Shocnberger es tate to recover the amount of the deficit, with interest. Their claim is based on the ground that their late uncle promised to make good Trustee Brill's deficiency either during his lifetime or in his will. He did give them considerable money before hisd?ath. Mr. Charles P. Daly, of Daly, Mason & Hoys, who represents the Shoenberger estate, was interviewed in New York last night by The Dispatch correspondent,and said: "The alleged promise on which the suit is based is no more than a verbal promise. Old Dr. Peter Shoenberger's will was pro baled in 18G0, and Mr. Brill at that time pave bonds for tbe faithful execution of his torn." The Claim Up in the Millions. The plaintiffs have brought suits in the Supreme Courts of Philadelphia and .New York. The amount that they sue for, with compound interest for 31 years, amounts to up in the millions. In fact, one statement places the sum total claimed at 54,000,000. II. A. Satterly, of 59 "Wall street, represents the plaintiffs. The executors of the will consist of a Phil adelphia trust company, a resident of Phil adelphia, a resident of Pittsburg and the widow, Mrs. John II. Shoenberger, and Alexander T. Mason, one of the firm of law yers which represents the estate in New York. The will which was in dispute, was dated March 10, 18S7, with a codicil dated June 10, lbS7. Tlio Names of the Heirs. When the executors filed the will for pro bate in New York Attorney Mason gave tlie names of the following persons as rela tives aud next of kin to the deceased: Alice ".. Shoenberger, widow, 43 "West JForty ' venth street, New York; George 1C i-'ioenberger, brother, Clifton, Cincinnati; l.dwin r. Shoenberger, brother, Ashbourne, Montgomery county. Pa ; Elizabeth S. Lytic, sister, Martinsbursr, Pa.; John S. "Watts, nephew, 30,Avenue Marceau, Paris; Chailes A. "Watts, nephew, 4055 Spruce Mreet, Pniladelphia; Ethelbert "Watts, nephew, 2303 Walnut street, Pniladelphia; M. Meredith Watts, nephew, same address; Julia II. Swells, niece, "WatU Station, Pa.; Mathilda Omerod, niece, 1508 Pine street, Philadelphia; Sarah I. Merchant, niece, 329 South Broad street, Philadelphia; Anna "Watts, niece, 225 South Broad street, Phil adelphia; Sophie McCormick Germuil, niece, 330 South Fifteenth street, Phila delphia; Peter McCormick, nephew, 32 edar avenue, Allegheny, and David C. McCormick, same address; Troupe C. Mc- "iruirk, nephew, 104 Madison avenue, NwYork; Mrs. Peter S. Duucau, niece, !' i'f rl Springs, Pj. A n Sort was made last night to secure a statement from Pittsburg parties supposed to have knowlcdce of the facts, but the late houratwhicn the information of the suits was received rendered all such attempts fruitless. The Gilt for tho Hospital. The will ol the great ironmaster especially favored Pittsburg, although he hadtrans firred his residence to New York. The greatest gut was that or 5800,000 to build a hospital as a memorial to himself and his wi c, Marguerite. In connection with this munificent gift he also donated eight acres of land on Penu avenue at the entrance of the Allegheny Cemetery as a site for the hospital, which was to be under the control of the Pittsburg Diocese of the Episcopal church. An additional $100,000 was presented to the Pittsburg 1 line- . l'.-sides thisa tenucsto.' 100,000 was made to Trinity Episcopal Church, conditional upon the abolition of the pew-renting sys tem and the institution of daily morning and evening services at the church. Among his minor bequests was the sum of $3,500 ISO NBERGER SUIT given to the Protestant Episcopal Church Home. In this connection it is learned that Trinity Church has just decided to accept the terms of the will, and thus secure the bequest of $100,000. A BURIED FORTUNE. PLUNDER SEIZED FROM PERUVIANS HI WAR IS C0NCEA1EB. A Boston Woman Owns the Chart Describ ing; Its Island Location A Thrilling Story of Its liurlal and Efforts to Regain the Lost Treasure. IFf-ZCIAL TAXEOHAM TO Till DISFATCH.l Boston, Feb. 5. A fortune lies buried in a distant island of the sea. The story of the treasure is thus graphically related by Mrs. Hichard Young, wife of a shipbuilder: "My father, John Keating, was a native of St. Johns, N. F., and one of the crew of the English schooner Mary Deer, who secured the plunder from the wealthy people of Peru in 1S10. It was a time of war among the nations of South" America. The sailors ran for the first island they could find, aud there buried the gold and jewels, standing out to sea again. A Peruvian inau-bf-war came down and took the entire crew of tbe schooner as prisoners. All hut two were shot. John Keating (mv father) and William Thompson jumped over board and were picked up by an American whaler. For three years they cruised for n hales. Then Keating aud Thompson went to Eugland. secured a vessel named the Edgcconih, and with hich hope set sail for the graveyard of their wealth on Cocus Island, 600 miles due west of Cape Mariata. At the en trance to Panama Bay they found It. Loaded down with gold concealed in tboir clothing, Keating, Thompson and the captain started for Panama to obtain another vessel. They were shipwrecked when near tho coast. While struggling for life, Keating grasped the arm of Captain Boas, which could be seen above the water. lio got the arm, but that was all. A shark had devoured the body. Once again Keating and Thompson were tbe only survivors. Two years later Thompson died with tbe fever on the Spanish main. Keating reached Newfoundland with 7,500 in gold. "Merchants of Newfoundland built a vessel, the Gauntlet, and again Keating was oft for Cocus Island. Putting in at Panama, he was recognized by tbe Peruvian officials, was ar rested, and would have been executed bni for intervention of the British Consul, Ho was re leased. Keating gave up the search and re turned home. On his deathbed he summoned my husband, Mr. Young, and gave him a chart olthe island and directions for finalng tbe spot of nurial of the gold. Mr. Young lound the island Inhabited oy 55 Spanish convicts, who watched his every move, and ho dared not dig, though he found the treasure grave. He re turned no wealthier than when he went. "Mrs. E. Eliza Knight, a wealthy resident of Brooklyn, bought the charts and papers of the widow of Mr. Keating, but we have tbe only correct ones, for which she states she paid $500. She sajs she has expended $3,000 already. She bad learned that the convicts were to be re moved from the island, Mr. Young says be re tains the documents, could go to the very spot, and he is willing to try now for the fortune. OHIO'S LEGISLATURE. A Salary Sjstem Dropped and New Cincin nati Charter Reported. fSrKCTAt, TELXOBAX TO THE SISFATCn.1 COLUMBUS, Feb. 6. After a trial of two years of the salary system in Cuyahoga county, tbe Legislature to-day passed a bill allowing tho connty to return to the fee system, so far as tbe Probate Judge, Clerk and Sherilf are con cerned. -The House had under consideration for the greater part of the day a bill preventing rail road companies in Ohio from beinc interested in any mining, lumber, stone, or other enter prises along their respective lines, in opposi tion to poorer companies. The bill also pre vents any officers or directors of a railroad company from being Interested in a simi lar manner. It is also designed to pre vent discrimination in freight rates in behalf of favored companies, or those in which tbe roads are Interested. . The bill was meeting with so much favortbax ftrwas feared it would become a law, and the opposition suc ceeded in getting it postponed to next Thurs day, when It was made a special order. The committee appointed at the last session of the Legislature to prepare a charter for Cincinnati this evening reported with a bill, which was introduced in the Senate, and is on the Federal plan. There is an executive"," legislative and judicial department. A DESPERATE CRIMINAL. He Is Under Arrest for Bobbery and Has Quite a Record. (SPECIAL TELEGBAM TO Till DI8PATCH.1 Columbus, O., Feb. 5. Maran, a noted New York criminal, is under arrest here for rob bery. When taken In charge he fought desper ately and was clubbed. He feigned insanity. His photograph was sent to tbe Chief of Polico at Auburn, N. Y., who recognized it, and the Superintendent of the Insane Criminals' Asylum writes that Michael Morrisey, alias Maran, was sentenced in October. ISSi, to Sing Sing to tea years for robbery; transferred to the asylum January. 1SS6; escaped September, lbSS; entered in United States army, and re turned to tbe asylum in December, 1SSS, and in June, 1S89, was transferred to the Auburn prison as recovered, bnt was sent back to the asylum in July, 18SU, where he remained till his sentence expired. He was pronounced not insane and released from the asylum in August, 1S90. He is con sidered a desperate man by the local officials, and his work has been most daring. GOULD ON CARNEGIE. He Thinks the Latter's Benevolence Is of tho Very Highest Order. TJTECIAL TELEOUAM TO THE DISPATCH.1 NASnviLLE, Feb. 5. Jay Gould visited Knoxville to-day. Among other things the re porter asked him: "What do you think, ol Carnegie's gospel of wealth?" Mr. Uonld did not seem to understand. I explained briefly that the idea was for a rich man to give away most of his property bofore be leaves this valo of tears, "Mr. Carnegie is a very generous man," answered 31 r. Gould, "and be has done a great deal of cood. I think that a man who uses his means to provide labor for a large number of people that is, to support them by industry rather than support them without industry, is doing the highest kind of charity. I think Mr. Carneiie, with his vast steel works, employing 20.000 or 30,000 men, so that they earn a support for their families, is doing the highest kind of charity." A SHOCKING ACCIDENT. Major Fond Frightfully Cat by Falling Through a Car Door. IEFKCIAL TELEOBAM TO THE DISrATcn.l Sykacuse, Feb. 5. Major Fond, manager of tho lour of Henry M. Stanley, met with a pain ful accident near Fairmount, on tbe Central Boad, yesterday afternoon, on the tram that leaves Syracuse at 130 o'clock. Major Pond started to go from a forward car to the Stanley pi ivatc car in the rear. The train was lale, and going at a high rate of speed. While on the platform of one of the cars tbe Major slipped and fell forward, bis face striking the glass in the door. His face was frightfully rut by the pieces of broken glass. Tbe wounds bled profusely. A telegram was sent to Aubnrn, aud Dr. Gerln was at the station and accompanied the party to Geneva, dressing the Major's cuts in the train. Stanley lectured in Geneva last evening, and to-day Major Pond was able to go onto Rochester with tbe party. NO CIGARETTES FOR BOYS. A riece of Work Accomplished by the West Virginia Legislature. 'FFFCIAL TELEGRAM TO TIIE DISrATClt.l Charleston. W. Va., Feb. 5 In tbe House to-day, the bill to prohibit tbe sale of narcotics to minors was amended by striking out all tbe articles except cigarettes, aud was passed in that form. One of the leading features of tbe session promises to be tbe fight far the passage of the bill to enable the city of Wheeling to manu facture and sen electricity. There was an effort to pass snch a bill two years ago, but a strong lobby in tho Interest of the Wheeling Electrical Company killed it. NAaUSAL GAS STRUCK. Lookporr, N. Y People in Ecstasy Over Their Good Luck. (SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO ID 'DISPATCH. 1 Lockport, N. Y., Feb. 5. Natural gas has been struck at a depth of 1,300 feet here on Postmaster S. Wright McCollum's suburban farm, within the city limits. The well will bo sunk through 1,200 feet of rock. Tho present gas gives a pure whito light, and its odor is not offensive. The syndicate, beaded by Postmas ter McCollum, intends to pipe the city. STEWART'S RELATIONS. THEY ARE FOUND TO BE QUITE NUMER OUS IN IHELAND. So 31 any or Them Are Turning Up That Matters Become Greatly Complicated Testimony in Favor of SaiaU Branagh From Several of Hor Relathos. TBV PUNLAP'S CABLE COMPANY. Beli-ast, Feb. 5. The inquiry into the Irish claims in connection with the Stewart estate was continued to-day at tbe Amer ican Consulate. The sitting was the longest yet held. Susau Roe, the first witness, stated that she knew Sarah Branagh, plaintiff in the action, from girlhood. Sarah was a daughter of Mary Branagh, whose maiden name was Stewart. She was the daughter of John Stewart, who was brother to Alexander Stewart, who was A. T. Stewart's father. Thus she said that she considered Sarah Branagh entitled to claim, as the said Jane Stewart, who lived at Magheraghall, near Lisburn, along with the other members of the family, was sister to John Stewart and daughter of Thomas Stewart, of Stoneyford, the common an cestor of the Stewart family, and also sister to A. T. Stewart's father. This Jane Stewart was aunt to A. T. Stewart and married William Begley. grandfather to George Begley, one of tho principal claimants at this inquiry. From tbe evidence of George Begley, it ap peared that on tbe death of A. T. Stewart iu 1S76. he had surviving rite full cousins, all of whom are now deceased, except Thomas Stewart, son of A T. Stewart's uncle William. This cousin will be examined to-morrow. Rob ert Begley, of Lisburn. deposed to contribu tions received from A. T. Stewart f or tbo bene fit of his uncle, Thomas Stewart, who was in poverty. William Dillon, of Belfast, a retired solicitor, produced a uumuer ol letters iceived from A, T. Stewart regarding the recovery of a debt due to his mother, and also in regard to an annuity payable to Martha Stewart out of the estate ot Alexander Thur nev, a connection by marriage of the Stewart family, from whom A. T. Stewart took his sec ond Christian name. Martha was tho mother to Jane Stewart and great-grandmother to George Begley. Mrs. Begley, cousin to George Begley. gave similar testimony concerning the relationship of Jane Btewart. The proceedings are daily becoming more complicated, and tbo utmost difficulty is ex perienced in following the intricate details of tbe evidence having relation to the varions branches of the Stewart, Begley and other lamilics to A. T. Stewart. It is apparent that further inquiry might have been made in Ire land before framing certain questions at this present investigation, for witnesses with an in timate knowledge of the families are brought face to face with qnerie3 which, they say, dis play utter ignorance of the requirements of the case. EXCITEMENT LN BELGIUM. Mutinous Spirit Spreading in the Army to an Alarming DegTeo. TBr DUNLAP'S CABLE COMPAlrr.l Brussels, Feb. 5. The agitation which has been noticeable for some days in tbe ranks of the Belgium army gains ground. Yesterday military authority had to be enforced iu the grenadier barracks. Similarly severe disciplin ary measures will probably be dealt tothe car bineers, and two soldiers belong ing to that regiment were Imprisoned yesterday. A more serious feature is that tbe mutinous spirit In spreading In tbe troops in the provinces. The class of lbS7, instead of being'disbanded, Will be sent to Keyerloo, a village in tbe province ofLlm bourg, as a punishment. Another grave fact is that in the Abonnage mining cristrlct, in the province of Hainault, tbe young tacn ref nse to obey the Tecrnltlng law, and as1 tbe result of this several arrests have been mafe. Great excitement prevails in ' the country owing to the discovery that secrejrprogapanda are being carried on in the army by Socialists, throngh the colnmns of a newspaper in French and Flemish. The existence of this fact was generally unknown. The police have searched tbe printing offices, aud arrests are now ex pected. A MARKED SUCCESS. The American Opera of Robin Hood Scores a Hit in London. TBT CABLE TO TUB DISPATCn.1 London, Feb. 5. "Maid Marlon," as De Koven's opera of "Robin Hood" has been re christened in this country, started on a clearly successful career this evening at tho Prince of Wales Theater with Marion Manola in the title role. It was an American night in many re spects. Minister Lincoln and the whole Amer ican colony were present. The opera was suc cessful from beginning to end. Miss Manola, Violet Cameron, Attalie Claire. Harry Monk house, as tho Sheriff, and Harry Parker, as the Friar, winning encores, which would have Been doubled had the audience bad its way. Miss Manola's success was marked, and the pit in particular gave her an ovation, the whole company being called out after each curtain, and De Koven. Sedger, the proprietor, and Charles Harris, the Btaee manager, at the close. The night showed clearly enough that London is ready to take anything American if it Is good. A MUTINOUS CREW. They Protest Against Sailing in an Unsea worthy "Vessel. ;BT DUNLAP'S CADLE COMPAjrT.I Wateeford. Feb. 6. A warrant has teen issued against tho second mate and 13 of the crew of tbe American ship Bohemia, on a charge of desertion. Four of them were captured and conveved aboard by the police. Half an hour afterward word was received that all tbe crew bad mutinied, declaring the ship, which was loaded with 3,200 tons of coal for San Francisco, and which nad put into Water ford for shelter, to be unseaworthy. A posse of armed polico was sent on board the ship and found the Captain with a revolver in his hand. There was great excitement among tho men, whom ho would not allow to quit the ship. The American Consul at Queens town has been communicated with. The Japs Are Indignant. rUT EUNLAP'S CABLE COMPANT.I London, Feb. 5. There is a great deal of in dignation at tho Japanese embassy by tho statement made a week ago that Frederick Stein had married a sister of the Mikado. It is denied, too, that any member of the royal family has ever married a foreigner. Census of the Unemployed. TDT DDKLAP'S CABLE COMPANT.I Berlin, Feb. 5. The Emperor has ordered a census ot tho unemployed in tbe city. Policemen walk from bouse to house in all but tho strictly aristocratic parts of the city, noting cases and also ascertaining the reasons of their being out of work. BRIEF CABLE FLASHES. News From Various Capitals of the Lands Beyond the Sea. General Mitre, a candidate for the Argen tine Presidency, is in Paris. Justin McCarthy promises that the new Irish agreement will bo made known on tbe 12th. M. Jules Ferry, in a French Senate speech, said tariff changes mutt not be based upon revolutionary methods. MR. Morlxy will move in tbe British Par liament to censure tho Irish Executive becauso of the Tipperary prosecutions. STILL FIGHTING CAMPBELL. Louis Reemelln Has Not Te Given Up the Struggle. rrrriAL tilxobam to the dispatch.; Columbus, Fob. 5. Louis Reemelln, tbe President of tho old Board of Public Works at Cincinnati, to-day filed iu tho Supreme Court his case against tho new Board of Affairs, which was appointed by Governor Campbell, being ia error to the courts of Cincinnati, tbe issue being on tbo constitutionality of tbe law, which ousted the old and created tbe new board. THE FIRST FRUITS. A Eeciprocity Treaty With Brazil Signed and Delivered. THE PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION Announcing the Fact and the Frorisiona of the Agreement. THE BLAINE IDEA REALIZED AT LAST FROM A STAIT COnitESrOXDENT. 1 Washington, Feb. 5. The first nego tiations in the Brazilian treaty, made public to-day, were begun immediately after the passage of the tariff bill. They had already reached such a stage by the 1st of Novem ber thae the Brazilian Minister was given defiitely to understand all tbe proposals tbe United States was willing to make. The Brazilian Minister left for Bio immediately after the receipt of Mr. Blaine's letter, and did not return until the 15th of January, when he was armed with authority from President Fonseca to state how much Brazil would give in return for the benefits offered. The agreement goes into effect within two months and not on January 1 next, as has been reported. This date is taken because two months hence sugar imported into the United States is given free entry. Brazil was induced to offer reciprocal advantages to tbe United States before it was required to do so under tbe McKinley bill through tiie persistency of Secretary Blaine. Benefits to Both Countries. It might be added that tbe State Depart ment was greatly restricted by the limited power granted the President in the reciproc ity clause, section 3, of the McKinley law, and it is noticeable that under the bill the only marked benefit which Brazil will re ceive, and which she has not already, is the free- importation of sugar. This is not a very great concession, as Brazil during the last year imported to the United States 33, 500 tons of sugar valued at 1,000,659. In return the United States will receive trade concessions which will amount to something like $6,000,000, and may reach a much greater sum. While the treaty was being negotiated prominent exporters in New York were asked for estimates as to the percentage of tariff redaction which would enable American exporters to drive out all foreign competitors upon such prod ucts as are included in the treaty. Tbey stated that a reduction of 18 per cent would accomplish this. But in order to be ou the safe side Secretary Blaine had the figures reduced 25 per cent, so that it may be expected that tbe American producers of all articles which are given free import or reduced duties under tbe treaty will be able to gain tbe entire control of the Brazilian trade in these articles. What the President Contemplated. If the President had bad tbe power, a section would have been included in tbe treaty, pro viding that all products which are to receive these concessions shall be carried in American or Brazilian vessels. It was the judgment of tho Attorney General, however, that the Presi dent had no power to make any other stipula tion than those contained in the reciprocity clause of the McKinley law. In tbe first letter .of Secretary Blaine to tbe Brazilian Minister, the Secretary expresses to Senor Mendonca tbe hope that the Govern ment of Brazil will meet tbe Government of tbe United States in a spirit of sincere friend ship in its desire for such trade relations with that country as shall be reciprocally equal, and that it may be tbe happy fortune of Senor Men donca aud himself to be instrumental in estab lishing commercial relations between the two republics on a permanent basis of reciprocity profitable to both. In his reply, dated January 81, 1E9L Senor Mendonca informs Mr. Blaine tbat-the'JJnited States of Jiraril. -are-atrlmitcd- by" desire to strengthen and perpetuate the friendly relations which happily exist between them and tbe United States of America and to establish a basts of reciprocity and equality. Proclamation of the President. The proclamation of the President, issued late this afternoon, is as follows: "Wiieiikab, Pursuant to section 3 of the act of Congress, approved October 1, 1890, entitled an act to reduce the revenue and equalize duties on imports and other purposes, the Secretary of State of the United States of America com municatod to tbe Government of the United States of Brazil the action of Congress of the United States of America with a view to secure reciprocal trade, in declaring tbe article enum erated in said Section 3, to wit, sugars, mo lasses, coffee and hides, to be exempt Irom duty upon their importation into the United States of America; and "Whereas, The Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Brazil at Washing ton has communicated to the Secretary ot State the fact that In due reciprocity for and consideration of tbe admission Into tho United States ot Amorlca, tree of all duty, of the arti cles enumerated in section 3 of said act, the Government of Brazil has by legal enactment authorized tbe admission from and after April . 1S31, into all the established ports of entry at Brazil, free of duty, whetner national, State or municipal, of tbe articles of merchandise named in the following schedule, provided that the same be the product and manufacture of tho United States of America. Free List at Brazilian Ports. ' One Schedule of articles to be admitted free into Brazil: Wheat, wheat flour, corn or maize, and the manu factures thereof, including cornmeal and starch, rye, rye flour, buckwheat, bnckwheat flour and barley, potatoes, beans and peas, hay and oats, pork, salted Including pickled pork and bacon; except hams, fish, salted, dried or pickled, cottonseed oil, coal, anthracite and bituminous, rosin, tar. pitch and turpentine, agricultural tools, implements and machinery, mining and mechanical tools, implements and machinery, including stationary and portable engines, and all machinery lor manufacturing and industrial purposes; except sowing ma chines, instruments and books for tbo arts and science, railway construction material and equipment. "Aud that tho Government or Brazil has, by legal enactment, further authorized the admis sion into all the established ports of entry of Brazil, with a reduction of 25per centum of tho dnty designated on tbo respective articles in tariff now in force, or which may hereafter be adopted in tbe United States of Brazil, whether national. State or municipal, or the articles or merchandise named in the. following schedule, provided that the same be tbe product or man ufacture of the United States of America: A Reduction of Duty. "Two Schedule of articles to ba admitted into Brazil with a reduction of dnty of 23 per centum: .Lard and substitutes therefor, bacon, hams; butter and cheese; canned and preserved meats, fish, fruits and vegetables; manufac tures of cotton, including cottoD clothing; manufactures of iron and steel, single or mixed, not included in tho foregoing free schedule: leather and manufactures thereof, except boots and shoes; lumber, timber and tho manufactures of wood, including cooper age; fumiluro of all kinds, wagons, carts and carriaccs. manufactures of rubber. "And that the Government of Brazil has further provided that the laws and regula tions, adopted to protect its revenue and pre vent fraud in the declarations aud proof that the articles named in tbe foregoing schedules are the product or manufacture ot the United States of America, shall placo no undue re strictions on the importer nor interpose any additional charges or fees therefor on the ar ticles imported. Given to tho Pnblic. "And whereas the Secretary of State has, by my direction, given assurance to the Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Brazil at Washington that this action of the Government of Brazil in granting exemption of duties to the products and manufactures of the United States of America is accepted as a due reciprocity for the action of Congress, as set forth In Section 3 of said act, "Now therefore, be it known tbat I, Ben jamin Harrison, President of the United States of America, have caused the above stated modifications of the tariff law of Brazil to be made public for the information of tho citizens of the United States of America. "In testimony whereof, I have hereunto sot my-handand caused tbe seal of tho United States to be affixed. Done at the cin of Washing'op, this 6th day of February, lb9L and of ibe Independence of the United States of America, the 115th. Benjamin Harrison. By the President James G. Blaine. Secretary of State. Reciprocal agreements of the same nature as tl:the above are in course ot negotiation with Spain, in relation to Cuba, aud with Vene zuela. Liohtnee. 0WENBY IS RELEASED. IT WAS FOUND THAT HE HAD HO CRIMINAL INTENTIONS. Moro Witnesses Testify in the Silver Pool Investigation Some of Owenby's State ments Are Flatly Contradicted Donald on His Way From the Sontlu "Washington, Feb. 5. Mr. Page, pro prietor of tbe Senate restaurant, on whose complaint Owenby was arrested, having written to the'Prosecuting Attorney stating that facts had come to his knowledge since yesterday which satisfied him that there was no criminal intent ou the part of Owenby, and asking that he not be prosecuted, a nolle was issued and Owenby was released. Representative Perkins, of Kansas, was recalled by the silver pool committee to-day. He testified that he had never endeavored to have the present investigation suppressed. He declared that he had never in any man ner sought to prevent an investigation. He had absolutely no knowledge respecting silver speculation, and had never been ap proached by any persons interested in pools. J.L.Cnnnlogham, of Paterson, N. J., a broker of New York City, testified that ho had never stated to Owenby, nor had Owenby ever stated to him, that Congressmen or Government of ficers were interested in silver speculation. Witness bad never speculated in silver himself and had no knowledge with regard to specula tion by Congressmen. A letter-was read from Cashier Bradley, of the National Bank of tbe Republic, this city, stating that lio'had found two of Owenby's checks on tho Hanover National Bank of 1,500 and $200, respectively, in addition to tbe checks spoken of yesterday. These checks were on telegraphic orders and did not appear in tbe regular account. Representative Ketcham, of Now York, was recalled and stated that be could add nothing to the testimony he had previously given, which was tbat he knew nothing concerning silver speculation. The committee iu reply to a telegram sent to the Hanover Bank, inquiring as to Donald's whereabouts to-day received a message stating that Donald was already on his way to Wash ington from the South. SIR JULIAN DENIES IT. An Alleged Interview Branded as False by Him. Washington, Feb. 5. A reporter called upon the British Minister, Sir Julian Paunc fote. this morning, and drew bis attention to the statement printed, reasserting the authen ticity of the alleged interview with the Minister on the Supreme Court docision on the Sayward case, which was cabled to the London Times, and the text of the alleged interview itself as reproduced to-day in New xork. Sir Julian read all carefully, and, after some conversation, he reduced to writing what he had said, as follows: "I absolutely deny having used any of tho language attributed to me in tbe alleged intetview telegraphed to the London Timet, and republished in New York. A man ac costed me in a public car and asked mo whether I had heard of tho decision of the Supreme Court given that day on the Sayward case. Op my replying in tbo negative, he in. formed mo that leave had just been given to file tbe petition. We exchanged a few common place remarks about tbo agitation which the case hl excited, and which I said I was glad to think had subsided. The conversation had not lasted more than two minutes when I alighted from the car. I had not the least idea that I was being interviewed. The above, how ever, is all that passed." After writing this letter, the Minister sum moned his secretary, bad a copyof the letter made and directed tbat it be addressed to Lord Salisbury, and cabled at once In cipber to blm. . A HARMONIOUS CAUCUS. ' Republican Senators Arrange a Future Order of Business. Washington, Eeb. 5. The Republican Sen atorsSeKfa harmonious caucus to-night. The purpose was tbo arrangement of an order of business for tbe remainder of the session, and the outcome was the selection of the following measures to be considered as far as practicable in the order named: The eight hour bill; the copyright bill; the Nicaragua Canal bill; tbe Paddock pure food bill and the Conger lard bill, which may be discussed in connection, although preference in order was assigned to the pure food bill; the land court bill; tbe bankruptcy bill; the Inter-State com merce, and tbe Pacific Railroad refunding bill. Appropriation bills and conference reports are to have the privilege ot consideration at anytime. Nothing was said about tbe elec tions bill or silver legislation. It was under stood that the order of business above civen was to bo supported by all Repnblican Sen ators. If, however, any measure named arouses a strength of opposition that threatens to result in the consumption of an unreasona ble length of timo it may be passed over for tbe next measure in order. FAVOR FREE COINAGE. Farmers' Alliance Men Urge tho Passage of the Silver Bill. rerKciAt. teleoeam to the dispatch.! Washington, Feb. 6. A delegation of the Farmers' Alliance appeared before the Honse Committee on Coinago and Weights and Measures to-day, and urged tbe passage of the free silver bill now in the hands of tbat com mittee. President Polk stated tbat tbe delega tion represented over 2,0(JO,000 voters who sim ply desired the question fairly considered in the House. No conclusion was reached. Senator Stewart's proposition to tack a free silver amendment on to tbo general pension bill will probably bo ruled out on a point of order iu both Houses. A GOVERNMENT CABLE, Tho United States Will Control One to Rnn to Japau. Washington, Feb. 6. Tbe House Cominit teo on Foreign Affairs to-day had under consid eration Representative Morrow's bill to incor porate tho "Pacific Cable Company," which Is to establish a cable from San Francisco to tho Hawaiian Islands, thence, via Samoa, to New Zealand and to Japan. It was finally de'eided to instruct a sub-committee to prepare a now bill on tbe lines pro posed In tbe present bill, but which will strengthen it in various ways and will keep the proposed cable under the control of the United States Government. AGENT M'CANDLESS' REPORT On the Manufactures of Pittsburg and Al legheny City. FROM A STAFF CORRESPONDENT. Washington, Feb. a Special Agent E. V. McCandless, of Pittsburg, has notified the census officials here that ho has just completed his census of manufactures for Pittsburg and Allegheny City. He will forward bis schedules at once to tho main office In this city, whero they will be examined and compared with the Hcxamer insurance map and lists of commer cial acencies, with a view of detecting omis sions. The figures will then be made public. CONSIDERING THE BILL. A Defeat for Free Coinago Men in the Committee. Washington, Feb. 5. A meeting of the Coinago Committee was held to-day ou the silver bill, and the old difficulty as to when bearings should cease was encountered. On a yea and nay vote, an amendment limit ing the meeting days to threo a week, proposed by Sir. Walker, was adopted by a vote of 7 to a, Mr. Wilcox voting with tho free coinago men, and Mr. Wlckham, tho Chairman, agaiut them. Two rostofflco Appointments. Washington, Feb. 5. Among tbe nomina tions for postmasters" sent by tbe President to the Senate to-day were James B. Hinos, Jr., at Jeannette, and John I3.Scal at Millcrsburg, Pa, ILLINOIS' WORLD FAIR BILL. A Million Proposed to Bo Appropriated for State Exhibit. Sprinofield, III., Feb. 6. The State Board of Agriculture baa completed a World's Fair bill. It will be introduced in both Houses to-morrow. The outline of the plans for the Bute exhibit is elaborate in the bill, which carries tbe ap propriation of f 1,000,000. QUITE A SENSATION. A Prominent Candidate for Postmas ter of Cleveland Arrested FOR TOE THEFT OF A GOLD WATCH While He Was a Soldier in the Army, 25 Long Years Ajo. A L0YE ST0UI MIXED DP IN THE CASK isrzciAL telsobam to tiie dispatch. i Cleveland, Feb. 5. Prof. Elroy M. Avery, Ph. D., author, educator, manager of the local protective tariff campaign in 1888, a handy man with his fists upon occa sion, and one of tbe two leading candidates for postmaster of this city, was to-day arrested lor grand larceny on a warrant sworn out by Henry C. Spauldiug, a prominent merchant of Dundee, Mich. The warrant was issued by Justice Bander, and Avery at once gave bail on being taken into custody to appear for a hearing on Saturday, The article alleged to have been stolen is named in the complaint as a gold watch, of the value of ?2fl0. The arrest of one of the bishops of this city on a like charge would not have caused a much greater sen sation, as Avery has stood yery high in bus iness and social circles. Spaulding willnot talk much about the matter, but to-night he explained that in 1865 he end Avery were both members of the same regiment in the army, that he bought the watch of a rebel for'a greenback consideratiou with the full consent of the rebel, which was not al ways deemed essential in those times. Tho Point of tho Charge. Avery and a companion came to Spauld- ing's tent one eveping, called him out, threw him down and took the watch from his pocket Spalding says he made complaint to his captain, who advised doing nothing till the day they were mustered out, which would be in a few months. After their discharge he demanded the watch at Monroe, Mich., and was knocked down for his pains. Two years later he met Avery ou a military excursion and de manded the watch, but Avery drew his aword and threatened to cut Spaulding's head off. After thinking the matter over for 23 years longer, he concluded to come to Cleve land and prosecute tbe case. The fact tbat Avery is a candidate for postmaster had nothing whatever to do, he said, with making the arrest at this time. Prof. Avery's story is much more explicit and interesting. In April, 1865, Avery was Sergeant Major and Spaulding a Sergeant of the Eleventh Michigan Cavalry, commanded by Colonel Brown, then engaged in the pur suit of Jefferson Davis. At Athens, Ga., the troops appropriated a large amount of personal property, including two horse3 and a very valuable gold watch belonging to P. H. Pond, the superintendent of a cotton mill. Pond came into camp the next day. proved to tho satisfaction of Colonel Brown tbat bo was from the North and loyal, and received an order for tho restitution of his property. Merely Recovering Stolon Property. Tho carrying out of the order was intrusted to Bergeant Major Avery. The horses were found in Spaulding's possession and be also owned up to the gold watch, which he reluct antly returned to Pond. Tbo latter sold the horses on tho spot and fearing the watch would be taken away from him by the some what lawless soldiers before he could get home, he asked Avery to keep it for him until the trouble was over. The Colonel consenting, he took Avery!s address, which was Monroe, Mich. Shortly after their- return home Spaulding met Avery, on th street one day and demanded the watch, A sharp altercation ensued, which ended in Spaulding heme .knocked down and pounded, for which Avery'was fined SI by a lenient magistrate. Avery wrote to Pond, but receiving no reply kept the watch, which he subsequently lost iu a plowed field and it was not recovered until the works were ruined. Avery was then paying attentions to a Miss Tilden, to whose charms Spaulding was not In different, and their engagement had been an nounced. At this juncture Mr. Ponl unex pectedly turned up in quest of his watch. Somebody had written to him that Avery's story of losing the watch was a "fake," as it bad been seen at a watch maker's, where it had been left for repairs. Tbe same story had also beon conveyed to Miss Til den, and she declared the match off. Avery got Pond, Miss Tilden and tho damaged watcn to gether, proved tho integrity of his representa tions, and got tho girl. The Girl in the Case. In this he was helped along by tbe discovery that Miss T:ldeu and Pond were second cousins. Avery and Spaulding both lived in Monroe un til 1871, when the former came to this city. Spaulding shortly after engaged in the bard ware business at Dundee. Spaulding comes of a family that has been eminent in Michigan politics and business affairs, and has a good business standing of his own. Part of bis errand here now is to purchase stock for his Bt0,,e- . . ... Tbat two men of promipence in their respec tive localities and with good reputations at stako should differ so radically in their versions of a simple affair, is a puzzle tbat those who know them .both find it dlflicult to unravel. Tho fact that Spaulding delayed prosocution for 25 years and then brought It only when Avery was a candidate for an important position, prejudices the caso of tbo Michigan- man here. Avery's friends do not hesitate to say that all there Is to tbe case is that Avery got tho girl and licked Spault'iinsr and that tho latjer is simply ex ploiting a long-nursed grudge. One of the other candidates for postmaster signed Avery's ball bond, and all the remainder tried to do so In order to clear themselves of tho suspicion of having instigated the prosecu tion. Avery says he will have no difficulty in proving tho truth of his version of the matter. A CRUEL JOKE. Astounding Revolations of a Phonograph in a Boarding House. rrrr.ciAL telegram to tub oisfatcili New Yoek, Feb. 5. Theodore Emmonds, who boards with Mrs. Margaret Dusen in Newark, was let go on bis own recognizance in Justice Blauvel's conrt to-day to answer on Thursday next a charge of conspiracy and defamation ot character. Emmonds, who is a clerk In a notion store, is addicted to practical jokimr. According to the com plaint in the present caso he secured a phono graph, placed it in Mrs. Dusen's kitchen and bribed the cook to operato It when her mistress came in to talk business. On Sunday last, in the presence of other boarders, he called Mrs. Dusen into tho dining room and explaining that the instrument on the table was a musical machine, asked bet to turn the crank. Mrs. Dusen consented, and this, it is alleged, is what she beard: "Mary, you don't want to pay over 8 cents a pound tor meat, anyhow; it is good enoash for them, and you can got it on Mulberry street for that. You are givinz ton big pieces of steak, I notice, too; Let 'em cat more vegetables. Yes terday you bought fresh pie. How otteu have I told you to save 5 cents on 'em bv getting them stale and warming tbem up. Here on this bill is 25 cents a pound for culfeetla cents will do hereafter. I've got enough trouble without feeding three men at $5 a week on porterhouse steak." Mrs. Dusen smiled at first, then became angrv, and darted Irom tho room, leaving the hoarders convulsed with laughter. Now she is trjing to get even uith Kuimoiuls in the courts. A PIOUS SN2AK THIEF. He Was a Theological student and Wnnts to Resume IIU Studies. ETECIAt. TELEOUAM TO THE PISPATCH.l New Yoek. Feb. 5. Frank Turnbull, who was arrested in Brooklyn Wednesday night for stealing an oil painting from the house of .Rev. Theodoro L. Cuyler, has been held for the grand jury. He says he belongs to a respectable English family and was educated for tho minNtrvIn Ovford University. Tbe death of his fathar beviTal years ago put him in possession ot a largo estate, and he immediately broke off his studies, and after squandering a fortune in dis sipation, came to this country and became a sneak thief. He worked the begging letter dodge with aneceu. hnt nhont a vear aeo be ran foul of the .Eolicajind was sent to the Kings county pea i I DEATH I-V THE MINE. tontiary for six months. He said to-day ho was confident ho would he able to persuade Dr.Cuylorto withdraw the prosecution. He was driven to tbef r, he declared, by his failure to obtain employment. Shoulu he manage to get out of his present scrape be will return to England, and. if possible, resume his studies for tbe ministry. WHOLESALE ROBBERY. THE PENNSYLVANIA COMPANY MADE THE VICTIM OF A GANG. A Dozen V Clerks andf Laborers Break 5fe m5es andPilfer From ' the ContytfV "tfrn. -atjons Carried on '' forMonthvW.0 7V on. rSPECIAL TELECBAjrV72. -f. "1.1 New Yobk, Feb. S.-faC n Malcom Townsend, the freighixTcV' f -he Pennsylvania Railroad at piers228, North river, has been annoyed by claims for shortages In packages shipped West from his piers. The losses amounted to fully fl.OuO a month. He finally brought the matter to the attention of Captain Sc'hmitt berger. Ou Wednesday evening Detectives Vail and Mallon arrested Edward Hinchey, k Patrick Melnnerrey and William Mclndoe as they were leaving the piers. Hinchey and Melnnerrey were weighing clerks on the piers and Mclndoe was a receiving clerk. After they had been locked up each of the prisoners broke down and their joint confes sions not only exposed tbe methods of their thefts, but implicated about a dozen other clerks and laborers employed on the piers. It appears tbat when tbey found a package con taining articles tbey thought they could dis pose of. one of the weighing clerks would call out, "Stockings," or whatever the case con tained, and tbat caso would bo set to one side. Then, at an opportune moment, it would be opened by one of bis confederates by means of bard wooden wedges, which would force the box apart without bursting it. Then as much of the contents would be taken as they thought could bo done with safety, and tbe box would be nailed up again and sent to its destination. When it arrived at its purchaser's store a comparison with tbe bill of lading wonld show that it was short several articles. Claims for shortage would be made on the shipper and he would charge his porter with neglect. Had not the thieves become emboldened by their success theymtghthave carried on their opera tions much longer. As it was they did not use discrimination, and robbed several packages in succession belonging to the same house, and, then the. railroad company was called on-and had U make good the shortage. When the three men Were arrested each had stolen goods, such as suspenders, soft hats, candies and busi ness cards. Hinchey.McIndoe and Melnnerrey aro all un der 20. They were before Justice Hogan in U0 ..lU..J A WllbO WUt. W-Mj ..U,. i;i7 C. manded until to-morrow morningon charges of. petty larceny, tuo only cnarge mat can be fixed upon them at present. It is understood tbat the Pennsylvania Company will not press charges against their 12 confederates, but will discharge tbem. BEENHARDrS FIRST NIGHT. She Achieves a Distinct Triumph in La Tosca. 'fPFCIAL TELEGRAM TO TOE DHtFATCH.t New Yonic, Feb. 5. Sarah Bernhardt was welcomed with warmth at the Madison Square Theater this eveniog by an audience whose clothes and manners were fine and whose num bers were as great as tho size of tbe theater permitted. The proportion of French peopl was large. The play was "La Tosca." The actress was seen to have taken on flesh since she was here before. Her face bad gained no beauty, and ic was a visage tbat showed its years. But in the nicety and exquisite charm of her comedy thcro was not a particlo of deterioration. Her unrestraint of love for tbe artist Merio, her hot jealousy and all her developments of a whimsically passionate woman were aftor the admired and inimitable Bernhardt manner. The general representation was fairly cood. as to the 3uting, although the company evinced more careful training than of striking talent. The Scarpia was Duquesne,the ablest actor in the company, so far as disclosed last even ing. CHASED WITH AN AX One of Secretary Tracy's Appointees Has an Exciting Experience. SPECIAL TELIORAM TO TUB DISPATCH. I Woodbubt. N. J.. Feb. 5. Thomas S. Kircber was recently appointed by Secretary Tracy Superintendent of tbe Government farm at the mouth of Woodbury creek. To-day he showed his papers to James Murray, whom he suceceds. and demanded possession. Murray chased Kircber with a brandished ax across the causeway to the main land, and with vehement oaths warned him tbat he would split his head if he ever ventured on tho island again. He accuses Kircher of fraud ulently securing Secretary Tracy's favor. Several citizens went to the island to pacify Murray. lie would not permit tbem to land, warning them off with a cun, which he threat ened to use. Kircher telegraphed bis tale of woe to Washington. An answer was wired back, saying that a squad of marines would attend to Murray's case. GHOST DANCERS TRANSFORMED. They Look Moro Civilized After Their Con finement at Ft. SnclIIug. Chamberlain, S. D Feb. 5. Seventeen ghost dancers assembled at Lower Brnle Azcncy early in the Indian troubles and who wcro taken to Ft. Snelling and confined, re turned to tbeir homes to-day. Hundreds of tbeir people gathered to greet tbem. The 17 were neatly dressed in their uni forms, had tbeir hair cut. and looked differ ently than they did when arrested. THE TRIBULATIONS OF EQUATTEBS. Tho Wisconsin Settlors Have Organized a Clnb for Protection. Ashland, Wis., Feb. u.-Squatters In this vicinity have organized a Settlers Club for mutual protection. They aro upon land which is to be restored February 23 anil in April. It is estimated that over 00 squatters aro upon the land. Hot times are expected, as many are contesting the innocent purchaser act of March 3, 18S7. There will bo about 00, 0CO acres to be filed upon at that time. A SWELL NEW YORK WEDDING. The Brido Is the Daughter of Colonel El liot F. Shepanl. NEW VokK, Feb. 5. Maria Louise, daugh ter of Colonel Elliot F. Sbepard. and grand daughter ot the late William H. Vanderbilt, was married shortly after noon to-day to Will iam Jay Schieffelln, son of William U. Scbief feltn and grandson of John Jay. .. The oeremony was performed at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, Rev, Dr. John Hall officiating. FLAW IIJUE LAWS Brought Out by the Inquest on the Victims of the Mam moth Explosion. IMPORTANT POINT RAISED As to tiie Responsibility for tbe Ac tions of tbe Fire Boss. GAS BESULTING FE0M A SQUEEZE The Theorj Offered by a Mine Inspector for the Accident. W0RKISQS WHICH WEEK HOT EXAMINED FBOM A STAFF CORBESPONPZNT.1 Gbeensbueg, Pa., Feb. 5. The inquest on the bodies of the 108 miners killed by the explosion in the Mammoth mine on Tuesday week, was commenced'here to-day. As there is and has been no doubt as to bow the uufortunate men met their fate, the responsibility for the calamity is the only point at issue, and this has apparently re solved itself into a question of the value of a fire boss' certificate. The Frick Coal Company hold that the possession of a certificate is prima facie evi dence of ability on the part of the holder, Dehind which operators are not compelled to go, and incidentally uphold the character for sobriety aud reliability of the dead fire boss, William Suaitb, who reported the mine free from gas three hours before the explosion. On the other band the officials of the Miners' National Union contend thafthe operators, who hire the fire bosses, are re sponsible for the result of any neglect on the part of the latter, and should see to it that the men employed are able and sober, certificate or no certificate. Both sides agree that the mining laws are defective in not more specifically setting forth the duties and responsibility of a fire boss. Gave Everybody a Chance. Coroner Wakefield had decided to hold the inquest in the arbitration room of the . Court House, but when he arrived here thia morning he found he was barred out by a ' suit against a batcher for maintaining a nuisance. Thereupon be took up his quar ters in McCauslaud Hall, where tbe cold was so intense that Coroner, jury, witnesses and audience nearly froze to death. The method of conducting the examina tion was very liberal. Anybody who wanted to know anything could ask pertinent ques tions, and quite a number of persons availed themselves of this opportunity. The jury consisted of Dr. G. H. Lomison, B. F. Byers, Levi Cline, H. F. Stump, M. P. Fausold aud Hiram Snively. Tbe Coroner was assisted in his examination by Attor ney H. W. "Walkiushaw; the Fnck Com pany was represented by Attorney J. S. "Mcorhend, General Manager Lynch and Chief Engineer Paddock, while Superin tendent Keighley took a deep interest ia the proceedings, and the miners' interests were watched by Master Workman Wise, ex Master Workman Kerfoor, Michael Deesmau, C. M. Parker, and John Kane. W. C. Watt and W. F. Warren. Colonel J. W. Moore, the for mer owner of tbe ill-fated mine was present. Before the proceedings commenced, Steno erapher E. J. Donnelly was sworn to prepare a correct report, which be 13 to furnish to the Legislative Committee, the Miners' Union of ficials and Frick & Co. Early in the day C. M. Parker took a band In the proceeding", but later John Cain, who bad come from Indiana to confer with the miners at Scottdale. was sent on to the inquest and proved a remarkably clever cross-examiner. No Vindictive Purpose in View. Just once tho Coroner requested Mr. Cain to make his questions as brief as possible, but tbe latter replied very promptly: "Mr. Coroner, 1 did not interrupt you when you were asking questions. I want to be distinct, and I am not trying to force answers for any vindictive pur pose, but merely that the responsibility for this disaster shall be properly placed." Every witness was askod by Coroner Wake field what he knew of Fire Boss Snaith's char acter for sobriety, and whether it was likely that tbe gas which caused the catastrophe could have accumulated after G A. X.. when Snaith completed his inspection, and 9 a. at, when the explosion occurred. "I worked in tho Mammoth mine three years ago," said John Igoe. the first witness. "It was considered a safe mine then. I knew Fire Bos William Snaitb. He was pit boss boss then. I never saw him under tbe influence of liquor when at work, but have seen him Intoxicated when off dnty." "I signed the report previously signed by Fire Boss Snaith on the morning of tho explosion." said George Pelf er. engineer at tbe Mammoth shaft. "I did not see Snaith tbat morning, but saw him at 11 o'clock the night before. He was sober then. I heard Snaith say there was gas in the mine. No. we never used safety lamps, except on off-days oi Sundays, when tbe hra boss was not there and gas might accumulate. There were two dozen safety lamps at the works." The Time Necessary fur Inspection. John Eaton, who has dug coal for 42 years, said: "I saw Snaith on the morning of the ex plosion. He was sober then. I was working with a naked lamp and thought it safe. On December 8, 9 and 10, 1 acted as fire boss aud found no gas in the dip workings where the ex plosion occurred. It took me four hours to make the examination, but Snaith said he could do it in an hour and a half! He marked off places where no ono was working.. I know tbat a fire boss was dischareed to cut down ex penses. I think it would take six hours for Snaith to inspect the mine." "There used to be three fire bosses employed in the Mammoth Mine." testified Jacob bebenck, "but there were only two at the timo of the explosion. Peter Lowther was put off to cut down expenses. I think It would take .Snaith threo or four hours to examine the dip; he conld not do it in IK hours. I went into the shaft after the explosion to look for the fire boss' chalk marks. We only found three. I do not see how such an amonnt of gas as caused tbe ex plosion could have accumulated between 6 and 9 o'clock, unless it came from a very heavy feeder. I have heard many complaints from miners of bad air in the dip, but never saw safety lamps used." "On the Wednesday before the explosion," said James Boal, "I heard Snafth say there was gas in No. 3 flat, and plenty of it. Snaith's rep utation lor sobriety was not extra good. I tnink the explosion was caused by a fall of the roof." William McMurray thought fire-damp caused theexplosiou. Tho Discharged Fire-Boss Talks. Peter Lowther, ex-fl re-boss, and son-in-law of William Snaitb, the dead fire-boss, was tho next witness. He said: "A fall might bavo caused tbe explosion. I examined tbe dip on December 17 and found no gas nor any indica tion of gas. Enough gas to cause the explosion might hare accumulated between 6 and 9 o'clock. Snaitb would take a drink or two, bat not when be was going to work. I have acted as assistant flre-bos. but was put off recently. It nonld take me three hours to go through tho mine." Witness here produced testimonials as to Snaith's character, one from England, where he had worked for nine years, and continued: "There were two fire-bosses, Snaith and myself, before the ovsus were blown out. After that there were not so many places to inspect, as No. 1 flat was abandoned. Tbe miners wera not allowed to travel along tbe haulage way, X 4 M A --'.., rm&himmMitP
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers