T For the Pacific Coast, to Be Built in San Francisco on a Large Scale. THE NEED OF SUCH WORKS Has Ions: Been Apparent, as Means of Saying Time and Honey. MORE TfiODBLB OVER TAGO PAGO. The Appropriation for a Coaling Station There Isn't I arge I nough. WORDT PFCUSSIOX ON KICARAGUA Washington, Dec. 29. The Pacific coast is to have an armor plate plant, ac cording to a local paper. The story is as follows: It is stated on reliable authority that a concern has been incorporated at San Francisco, and has half of its working capital subscribed, for the establishment of an armor plate plant in that city. The plant, it is understood, will be on a large scale, and will be capable of producing not only the heaviest armor, but will be equipped for the manufacture of guns, shot ind shell, and heavy forgings of all descrip tions. This project is said to be the result of the policy of distribution which has been observed by the Xavy Department in awarding the contracts for the ships of the new navy. The need of a plant for the manufacture of armor pUtes and other heavy forgings sn the Pacific coast was made apparent when the contract for the construction of the cruiser Charleston was awarded to the Union Iron "Works in 1886. The armor plates, shaft and other heavy material which entered into that vessel, as well as the San Francisco, which was given to the same firm in the following year, and the Monterey, Oregon and Olympia, which have since been awarded them, were manutactnred in the East. nntirely Too Far for Transportation. The transportation of the material to the Pacific coast added materially to the cost ot these vessels, and it is said that the com pletion of the Oregon and Olympia will be retarded by the delay in the furnishing ot their armor. The establishment of a plant of this kind on the Pacific coast is rejraided with great favor in naval circles, and its want has been frequently commented upon. Not only, it is said, would it arouse an interest in the navy in that section, but would be of inestimable value in the event of trouble ith a toreijrn power. At present every snn and projectile which is used in the navy is manufactured in the Eastern States, and the cost of transporting them to the "Western coast is an item ot no little im--ortance. In the matter of shot and shell alone such an establishment would be of the greatest value to the Government. In the ordinarv course of events it takes a month for such material to reach the Pacific, and under pressure of the direst need they conld not reach their destination in less than a week or ten days. Sach a period of time would be of vital importance in case of a necessity for a larzc and speedy supply of such ma terial arising. Much Depends on the Contractors. It is pretty generally conceded, however, that the carrying out of this project will be largelv aflected by the awards tor the con struction of the two new vessels, the Iowa and the Brooklyn. The Cramps, of Phila delphia, were the lowest bidders on both these ships, and in the event that the Union Iron Works fail to get one of them it is highly probable that the manufacture of armor plates, on the coast at least, will be deferred. Secretarv Tracv is expected to return soon from New York, and bis decision in regard to the award ot the new ships will probably be made early next week. In the meantime the indications are the Cramps will get both vessels. "While Secretary Tracy is inclined to continue the policy of distributing the work of building the new tessels, the law distinctly provides that the contract must be awarded to the lowest re sponsible bidders, and in this instance that means the Cramps. There is some talk to the effect that the Union Iron "Works will lower its bid on the Brooklyn to the amount ot that made by the cramps. j.ms, However, remains to be ceen, but it is safe to predict that if such a step is decided upon by the San Francisco firm the Brooklyn will be launched in, the v.atcrs of the Pacific. ONLY A WAR OF WORDS. Xo Serlons Trouble Between XIcarana and the United States. "Washington-, Dec. 29. The attention of the Xicaraguan Minister in "Washington, Senor Don Horatio Guzman, was to-day called to a Panama dispatch stating that the boundary dispute between Costa Eica and Nicaragua was assuming threatening dimen sions, and that hostilities between the two republics might begin at any moment. lie said: "That is all wrong, and I wish you would give it the fullest contradiction. The qnestion of the validity of the treaty establishing the boundaries betneen the two countries was submitted to the arbitration ot Mr. Cleve land, and he decided in favor of the treaty. That settled the dispute. When the ques tion of running the boundary lines came up later, some little difficulties had arisen Irom time to time in details, but nothing of a character to threaten war or anything like it "Both countries all Central America, in fact are interested in the Nicaragua Canal, and these reports might do us great injury if not contradicted. There is no truth in them. I certainly should know if there was. There has been a little wordy discus sion, that is all." Itosecrans Getting Along fYeU. "Washington, Dec. 29. Acting Register Harry Smith this morning received a letter from Miss Itosecrans, written on the train near Kansas City Monday night, in which the gratifying information is given that General Roecrana had rested well, had a good appetite and was enjoying his trip. The General had improved so much that Governor Toole did not accompany him from Chicago, as arranged. The party ex pect to reach X.os Angeles this afternoon. Bill Dalton Never a Deputy. Washington, Dec 29. Attorney General Miller to-day received a letter from United States Marshal "Walker, at Topeka, Kansas, saying: ""William Dalton does not now, nor has be ever held a com mission as Deputy Marshal for this d'strict under me. Bob and Fmrnett Dalton were deputies under Colonel Jones, when I came into the office, and I retained them for a few months, but removed them in the fall of 1889." Italy at the World's Fair. "Washington, Deo. 29. The Italian American Board of Promotion of the "World's Columbian Exposition has closed its work with the fulfillment of the object of its efforts to have Italy officially repre sented at the "World's Fair, a F. 2. Cara cristi and Prof. Fava, who hare been at the ARMORPLATEPLAN head of the movement, are very jubilant over their -success, which has led to the ap pointment ot a commission by the King of Italy. . MONEY NEVER REDEEMED. Millions of Dollars Lying Uncalled for In the Treasury Vaalts Fractional Notes That "Will Never Get Back In Uncle Sam's Hands lots of Money Burned Up. "Washington, Dec. 29. In all that has been recently written about the depleted condition of the United States Treasury, little or no account has been taken of the fact that, with each passing year, the Treas ury is a large gainer by the complete de struction by casualty of its outstanding ob ligations. How much this amounts to, what percentage each year, eta, the best statisticians of the Treasury Department have no means of definitely ascertaining. Since 1862, when the Government began to issue paper money, 55,819,629,108 have been issued of all kinds and denominations up to Julv 1, 1892. "Within the same period 54,852,451,629 have been redeemed, leaving outstanding, July 1, 1892, as a liability aeainst the'Government, 5967,177,479. The basis tor the redemption of this vastsum of paper varies gold for the gold certificates, silver for the silver certificates, 5100,000,000 in gold as a reserve for certain notes, and so on. Much Money Never to Bo Itedormed. All this money is kept in the vaults awaiting the presentation of the paper for redemption. But much of this paper will never be presented, In an exhaustive in quiry on this subject made by United States Treasurer Hyatt, it was estimated that the aggregate loss on all the issues up to Jan uary, 1883, would not be less than 58,700, 000. Tiiis estimate did not include the fractional currency 50-cent, 25-cent, 10 cent and 5-cent shinplasters in such ex tensive circulation ior the lew years follow ing the war. Secretary Sherman construed the act of June 21, 1879, as stating that 58,375,934 of fractional currency issued under arious acts had been destroyed, and the debt statement as issued monthly carries a debt bearing no interest, but 56,903.462 62 of this fractional currency. United States Treas urer Nebeker, however, carries the full amount on his book, and in his report this year states that more than 515,000,000 of this fractional currency is outstanding, though it has practically gone out of circu lation, aud but little more than 54,000 was presented for redemption last year. Kept by the Coin Collectors. "What is outstanding is held to a great ex tent by collectors of coin and paper cabi nets, and its value as such is greater than its face value in money. The aggregate of United States currency, fractional and otherwise, estimated to have been destsoyed and not likely to be pre sented for redemption approximates by these figures more than 514,000,000. A re cent estimate prepared by the Treasury Department places the sum as high as 520, 000,000. This money can only be taken out of the liabilities of the Government by Congressional enactment. This will prob ably be attempted in the near future. The investigation into this subject has shown that most of the money lost has been de troyed in railroad wrecks that caught fire, though no inconsiderable quantity has been destroyed by fires that occurred in country banks, postoffices and residences. TROUBLE OVER PAGO PAGO. The Appropriation for a Coaling Station There Won't Quite Beach. "Washington, Dec! 29. The Navy De partment has encountered another obstacle in its work of equipping the coaling station in the harbor of Pago Pago, Samoa, recently acquired by the United States. At the last session ot Congress an appropriation of 5100,000 was made toward the purchase of tbe necessary land for the station and its equipment for the purposes for which it is intended. Acting nnder this authority of Congress bids were invited for the con struction of an iron pier, with the neces sary landing facilities, and they were opened at the Navy Department early last week. Seven bids were received, but the only two low enough to justify further con sideration were those of B. McMahon & Son, of San Francisco, at 578,700, and the Corando Machine Company, ot San Diego, CaL, at 584,500. It so happens, however, that even these bids are in excess of the available balance of the specific appropri ation, which has already suffered several drains to meet necessary preliminary ex pense on account of purchase of land, sur veys, etc., aggregating auout sjo.uuu. Tbe question now agitating the depart ment, therefore, is not so much as to which ot the two bids shall be accepted, as to the best manner of supplying the deficiency in the appropriation. Tnere are two ways of doing this, one by asking Congress to in crease the amount so as to admit of the ac ceptance of one of tbe two bids in question, and the other by utilizing as much of the general appropriation of 5250,000 for coal ing stations as may be required to meet the full expense of the proposed pier at Pago Pago. It is admitted that the station with out the wharf facilities would be of doubt ful utility, but at the same time the Secre tary ot the Navy is said to question seri ously the propriety of drawing upon one appropriation to make up for a deficiency in another. The matter is now in the hands of Judge Advocate General Lemley, and will probably be disposed of, one way or another, in a few weeks. A CIVIL SERVICE SNAG. One Season "Why the Republicans Now In Some Offices Cannot Be Entrenched. "Washington, Dec. 29. A gentleman who has talked with the President on the subject says the people who are expeeting a large increase in the classified civil service before tbe administration changes will be very sadly disappointed. He said the Presi dent is strongly inclined to extend the civil service rules in connection with the Post office Department, but that he has practic ally abandoned the purpose of any general extension such as the inclusion ot'employes of the Government Printing Office or tbe customs service. All employes now outside the protecting lines of the civil service regulations are using every endeavor to have themselves entrenched against Demo cratic interference, but so far without success. There is a snag in the way of extension of the civil service classification to the Gov ernment printing office. It is understood to be the desire of the President and of the Civil Service Commission that the office should be brought within the civil service classification, but there is trouble before tnem in tbelorm oi opposition by the Typo graphical Union. The objection to the" ex tension of the service is made that if ap pointments are made upon any form of ex amination which does not recognize mem bership of the union as a necessary qualifi cation it will result in what the union would call "rats" getting into Government employ. The Government is hardly pre pared to declare that none but union men sliall be qualified for employment, and the union will certainly object to any employ ment within that class of persons not be longing to the union. "Warships Ordered Back Home. "Washington, Dec, 29. Orders were issued by the Navy Department, this after noon, to Bear Admiral Denham, in com mand ot tbe European squadron, Ar the Newark and the Bennington, now in Eu rope, to accompany the Columbus fleet to the United States. Tbey will all be here in time to participate in the Columbus naval parade, next May. An Early Morning; Fire. A fire in the residence of John Xiong,1346 Second avenue, this morniag did damage to the extent of 5200. The fire started from an overheated stove. SMALL BUT STRONG. A Dnqnesne Way Boiler Explosion Kills-One, Injures Another. HORRIFYING SCENES FOLLOW. Tho Electric Carpet Cleaning Plant Is Completely Wrecked. LEAKING PIPES WARNED ENGINEER COX About 11 o'clock yesterday morning a boiler on the upper floor of a building on tbe corner of Ninth street and Duquesne "Way exploded, killing J. O. Cox and per haps fatally injuring Clarence Shaw. The boiler, though a comparatively small affair, exploded with terrific force, tearing holes in the upper walls, both front and rear, nearly six feet in diameter. Some pecu liarly horrible scenes were witnessed after the accident. The Electric Carpet Cleaning Company occupied the fourth-story of the old brick building, and the two men employed thcro were the only ones on that floor when the accident occurred. Shortlv before the ex- plosion, R. B. Hutchison, of Oakdale, who owns the cleaning establishment, was called upstairs by Cox, who wanted him to look at the boiler. It was a small tubular affair, and had been examined twice by the in spectors, the last time only two weeks ago, when it was pronounced in good condition. The Boiler Appeared All Right, Mr. Hutchison says when Cox called him into the room to examine the boiler yesterday, he noticed a peculiar hissing noise, but upon examination found that only a pipe connection had been loosened, and the steam was escaping. He looked at the gauge, and found it registered 60 pounds, and says the loose pipe, in his opinion, would not have caused the 'acci dent Later he suggested that the teed pipe may have been frozen up, thus shut ting off the water supplv. Mr. Hutchison then left the building, and soon after the explosion occurred. Immedi ately a horrifying sight waB presented to those on the streets below, attracted by the sound of the explosion. Two large holes were burst in the front aud rear walls, while flying pieces of the boiler wrecked everything in the room, or tore holes in buildings nearby. Clouds of hot steam poured from the windows and great gap in the walls, and as this steam gradually floated away a murmur of fear and pity ran through the crowd below. Young Shaw, his white face bruised and bleeding, was hanging head downward from the gap in the valL Fortunately he was unconscious and did not struggle and hung in his terrible con dition until rescued sometime after by the firemen. Blown Tliroush o Brick "Wall. Cox fared far more badly. He was a large man, and must have been standing near the rear waH at the time of the acci dent He was actually blown through the brick 'wall, and to the yard below, where be was pieked up soon after. His skull was crushed, and he was badly burned, and died soon after at the Homeo pathic Hospital. He was the en- Wf . Scene of the FxpXaion. gineer, was 45 years of age, and lived on Corry street, Allegheny, where he leaves a wife and five children. Clarence Shaw is 20 years of ase, unmarried, and boards at No. 2 Mill street, Allegheny. He was employed as a driver, and was warming his hands when the accident oc curred. Tbe building in which the explosion oc curred, with those adjoining, is occupied by several oil company offices and store houses, while a powder company is only next door. Fortunately there was no fire, and the services of the firemen were only needed in taking care of the victims. The old building is owned by D. P. Beighard, the oil man, and is valued at 56,000. The carpet cleaning company lost about f 1,500 worth of machinery, while the loss to the building will not reach that Buildings in the neighborhood were shaken and many people badly frightened by the explosion. Coroner McDowell is making a close in vestigation ot the cause of the accident KILLED BY AS TJHKNOWH DHTJG. An Omaha. Family Poisoned by Coffee Which Had Been Tampered With. Omaha, Dec. 29. A warrant has been sworn out for Joe "Williams, colored, on a charge of murder. "Williams is accused of poisoning the family of "William Ewing, an expressman. For some time past.there has been trouble between "Williams and. the Ewing family. A day or so ago "Williams went to Ewing's house, and after causing trouble left Shortly after dinner that evening the family was taken sick and one of tbe babies died yesterday. The author ities are ignorant of the drug used. The sickness resulted from poisonous in gredients in the coflee. An older daughter does not drink coffee and escaped. Ewing "and his wife were seriously ill all day yes terday, but will probably recover. The coffee will be analyzed, and an autopsy over the dead child will be held. IMS Mm m Hi W Th' lievue of Young Shaw. ft efrcagagan sa CRIMINAL CARELESSNESS Causes a Terrible Grade Crossing Accident In Chicago An Engine Crashes Into a Street Car-Fonr Persons Killed Ont right aiany Injured. Chicago, Dec 29. Four persons were killed and twice that number injured this morning by the collision of a Pittsburg and Fort "Wayne passenger train with a heavily loaded street car at the junction of Forty seventh street and Stewart avenue. The engineer of the train and the two watchmen at the crossing are under arrest, pending an investigation of the accident. Four persons were killed: George Blaha, Archibald McAndrews, an unknown man and an unknown woman. Twelve persons were seriously injured. The accident happened at G:15 o'clock, when the streetcar traffic was at its heaviest, and the cars were crowded to the door. As the car approached the Fort "Wayne tracks an engine came backing down at the rate of about 15 miles an hour. The occupants of the engine cab did not see the car approach ing the crossing, and on account ot frost on the windows of the car, the passengers did not see the engine bearing down upon them. In an instant the engine struck tbe car and passed on, leaving a trail of dead and in jured people. The car was dragzed about 150 yards and everv foot of the distance some injury was added to those inflicted when the engine first struck the car. The horses became detached from the car and ran away uninjured. As soon as the police arrived on the scene four persons were placed uuder arrest. These are Conductor O'Connor and Driver Stan ley, who were on the street car, and Engi neer Eosscup and Fireman Measer, of the train which did the damage. The officers then turned their.attention to the employes ot the railroad who are responsible for guarding the crossing. There are two of them, Peter Schwartz, who is in the tower at the crossing, and John Allbright, who guards the tracks from the ground level. Both denied that thev were responsible for the accident, but both, with the (our other prisoners, were at once locked up. All bright is the same watchman who was em ployed in the same work at that crossing several months ago when a similar accident resulted in the death of two persons and the injury of others. SULLIVAN MAKES A SPEECH. He Gives Corbett a Little Dab for Refusing to Fight, bnt Commends His Clear Brain The Ex-Champion TV 111 Neier light Again. New York, Dec 29. An enthusiastic audience which filled the Windsor Theater, where John L. Sullivan is playing, was treated to a stirring speech by the ex champion, which lasted five minutes. Sul livan spoke very seriously on the contro versy he had with his backers through the newspapers, and the reports that he would again enter the prire ring to regain his lost laurels from Champion Corbett. The conquered champion said, among other things, that he had not the remotest idea of fighting Corbett again. He stated with trembling voice and moistened eyes that his day had come at last, and that he is no longer young or energetic enough to battle asainst youth and strength "Cor bett," he said, "whipped me fairly and honestly, but when I fought him 1 was al ready a wreck of old age and reckless liv ing." Loud cheers and cries, "John, you coma yei wnip mm witn proper training. J "I am making a comfortable living in the theatrical profession," he continued, "and I am perfectly satisfied without whipping other people. There is one thing, however, I wish to say, and that is; If I was still champion, I would fight within a year. Corbett refuses to, but, after all, he must be given credit for the clear brain he pos sesses." Sullivan, also, said that the allocations he made against his backers were based on sound facts, but he did not make any per sonal attacks on their characters, nor did he mention their names. So far as the reports were concerned, that he is crazy, be said they are all bosh, as his personal ap pearance and speech could prove. "When the defeated fighter finished, the audience literally jumped off their seats to cheer his speech. BLAINE'S WESTERN TRIP Not Yet Given Up Colonel Conger Says the ' Great Statesman Will Yet Visit Joseph Medlll This Winter-Loaded With Af flictions Till do Conld Bear No 3Iore. Cleveland, O., Dec 29. Special. Colonel A. L. Conger, of Akron, who for years has been recognized as one of James G. Blaine's warmest personal friends, was in this city to-day. Speaking of the states man's health he said: "Mr. Blaine has been invited by Joseph Medill, of the Chicago Tribune, to spend the winter with him at his winter home in Passadena, Cal., and he will go as soon as his attendinc physicians deem it safe and advisable to move him." "Have you seen Mr. Blaine recently?" was asked. "No. The last time I saw him was upon my return from Europe That was about October 20, and in New York City. When I called upon him he was feeling greatly de pressed, and seemingly took very little interest in anything. My wife and I tried to cheer him np, but it was impossible. The death of Emmons was a crushing blow to him, and he was constantly talking of his dead son. "The truth of the matter Is Mr. Blaine had reached that point where he could stand no more. Affliction after affliction visited him and he met them nil with the greatest fortitude. At last there was a reaction and he was forced to succumb. However, I think Mr. Blaine has many years of useful ness ahead of him yet It he is able to weather his present illness and the indica tions are that he will his health will be better than it has been for a long time" MURDER, NOT A MARRIAGE, The Bcsnlt of a Chicagoan's Christmas Trip to Kentucky. CoviNGTOir, St., Dec 29. Special At Harrodsburg, Ky., Christmas day there was to have been a swell wedding. John Scott Harrison, said to be a real estate broker of Chicago, was to marry a popular young lady. On his arrival Harrison began to drink, and at the time fixed for the cere mony paraded in front of the intended bride's house in a maudlin condition. She brok ofl the engagement, and Monday after having been robbed of $250, Harrison came to Covington. He continued his spree, and while in Ed Boyer's saloon Monday night began to iing. "Harry Magreevy, a young iron molder, criticised his efforts, when Harrison turned on him and plunged a knife into his arm, severing the large artery. This morning Magreevy died. Immedi ately after the cutting Harrison crossed the river to Cincinnati. Officers were searching for him to-day with a warrant for murder. It was learned that he had gone to Chicago. Little is known of Harrison here He claimed to be a relative of President Har rison. Iron Works for a Mexican City. City of Mexico, Dec 2S. The plant for a large iron foundry "has been imported from England. Tbe works trill be established at Zacatlatan, 40 miles northeast of Puebla. The iron used will come from Flalixsipilla mountain. SICK HEADACHE-, Carter's T.lttle Liver Ptm. SICK HEAUACHE- Carter's Little Liver I'll' i. SICK HEADACHE-, Carter's Little Liver Fill. SICK HKAUACHE-c,, ume Urerl?Jlu AMiMnmi A HUSTLE FOR YOTES Now Engaging e Attention of Politicians, at Harrisbnrg. THOMPSON'S FIGHT FOR SPEAKER Apparently Well Won, Though There Are More Candidates Out. THE BACB FOR THE OTHER OFFICES rPPVCIAt, TSIEGRASI TO IttZ DISPATCH.l HArrisburg, Dec 29. Three candi dates for Speaker of tbe House are on the ground, and all of them have hopes of reach ing the goal, if talk means anything. The most serenely confident man here is Speaker Thompson, who modestly predicts that he will be his successor. He presentsno figures to confirm the faith that appears to be in him, bnt says the situation gives him no uneasiness. In reply to the declaration of one of the candidates for Speaker that very few pledges had been made by members of the House in the interest of any of the aspirants he stated that many were pledged, but he was too modest to say that they were registered in his favor. Speaker Thompson starts out in his fight under the most auspicious surroundings. The room which he has selected for his headquarters was the scene of a wedding to-day, and when he occupied it this after noon the chandelier suspended from the ceiling was beautified with rich green vines. The number of members of the House in thecity is small, but those here either paid theirjrespects to him in his room or in other places in the Lochiel Hotel. ,Mr. Bliss and Ills Trospects. Eepresentative Bliss, of Delaware, is not very formidable physically, but his talk to night indicates that he thinks himself big enough to creditablv fill the Speaker's chair. Itepresentatfve Bibs' chances do not appear to be bright, but he .trusts the support Representative Walton will re ceive in Philadelphia will complicate the Speakership situation sufficiently to make the selection of a new man necessary. Mr. Bliss says he has authentic informa tion to show that the Quaker Citv delega tion will stand firmly by their "favorite Eepresentative Cochrane", of Armstrong, another candidute for Speaker, who arrived here to-day, has put himself on record as believing that the contest for that office has just begun in real earn est. He claims that very feiv mem bers have given pledges to any candidate, and that a pretty fight is impend ing. Air. uoenrane says tbe Republican members jn his Congressional district will support him, and expects many others to emulate their example Eepresentative Walton was expected to open his head quarters at the Commonwealth Hotel to night, but at a late hour he had not made his appearance. Another Candidate for Speaker. Eepresentative Farr, of Seranton, the author of the vetoed compulsory education bill, is another candidate for Speaker. He is expected to swing into the city with his boom during the week, unless the frigid atmosphere should cover its premature collapse. Although be is not indulging in any boastful prediction. Speaker Thompson seems to hare a decided advantage over his competitors in the race to preside over the destinies of the House, but the appearance of Eepresentative Walton and his friends mav change the outlook. . Candidates for other offices in the gift of the House are not slow to canvass their claims in the presence of members here. The Lochiel Hotel to-night had a large rep resentation of these people. Resident Clerk Voorhess, of Philadelphia, an ex Journal Cierk Fetter, of Montgomery county, both of" whom think they have pre eminent qualifications and claims for the chief clerkship of the House, were among the office seekers at the hotel. L D Patter son, ot this city, candidate for Resident Clerk, was also there to see that his canvass tor the position was not neglected. Mr. Fetter recognizps that he has a stroug com petitor in Mr. Voorhees, but he says he is in the fight to stay, and that he cannot be placited by the offer of any other position than that to which he is aspiring. Mr. Patterson is certain of being chosen Resi dent Clerk if Thompson and Voorhees should capture the prizes they are after. If Voorhees should fail in his ambition he would not be too high strung to takehis old place Among other men who have not tired of holding office is Major Huddell, of Dela ware county, who expects to fill his old place in the Senate LOOKING INTO CUBAN QUARANTINE, The United States Commission Hospitably Received by Colonial Authorities. Havana, Dec 29. Shortly after land ing here yesterday the members of the com mission appointed by the United States Congress to examine into Cuban quarantine methods and other subjects of a similar character visited the (governor General. They were hospitably received and were promised Government assistance in their investigations. Eamon O. Williams, the American Con sul General here, has petitioned the Gov ernor General to appoint a committee ot physicians to confer with the commission with regard to the chief contagious diseases that prevail heic. The Governor General appointed such a committee to-day, and it is expected the first conference will be held to-morrow. BEJOICIHG WITH A BEOKEN HEAD. A Kentucltian Beats the Man "Who Eloped With His Wire and Lets Them Go. Morehead, Ky., Dec 29. William Sullivan, editor of the Morehead Times, and the wife of Max Oxley, of Morehead, made a plot to elope on last night's express. Max Oxley learned their plans and secretly boarded the same train. When the train reached Mount Sterling Oxley stepped into the coach where Sulli van and Mrs. Oxley were, and, without passing any words, beat Sullivan almost to death. Oxley returned to Morehead, and the couple went on their way rejoicing. A POSTHASTES BOBBED. Two Masked Burglars Believe Him of SlOO, but Don't Touch Uncle Sam's Cash. HUNTINGTON, W. Va., Dec 29. Special At Sheridan, a remote postoffice south of here, George Deerfield, the post master, was robbed ot 8100 of his own money by masked men night before last, but the money in the postoffice, a considerable sum, was left untouched. Deerfield was awakened at midnight by being punched in the face with the muzzle of a pistol. Deerfield shouted for help, when another masked man on guard outside ran in, and while one kept Deerfield down the other got the wallet. Bosecrans Better In California.1 Rodondo. Cal,, Dec 29. General W. S. Eosecrans, Register of the Trersury. ar rived here to-day irom Chicago. The trip was uneventful. The General stood the journey remarkably well and is looking strom:. His improvement since leaving the East has been marked. A Deian'ter's Christmas Vacation. Dulctii, Dec 29. J. H. Todd, cashier of the St. Paul and Duluth depot at West Duluth, has left for parts unknown, and auditors are now going over his accounts, which are said to show a shortage of $2,000. Tcdd left before Christmas, ostensibly to spend his vacation' in St. Paul. DRIVING OFF THE YANKEES. British Employing Gcrmsn-Samoan Tactics in the Gilbert Islands. SAN Francisco. Dee. 29. XSvccial Captain M. White, of the schooner Maid of urieansjnrnved to-day 40 days from tbe Gilbert Islands. He brings some interest ing news about the islands over which tbe British established a protectorate last June Old King Jebnriemow, who bad just re turned from a visit to San Francisco, pro tested against this usurpation by the British, as he preferred the Americans and wished to have the United States extend protection to him. After the British an nexed tho islands the King sent an ap peal to President Harrison, but this appeal was Kept here by Captain Luttrell, who feared that if it went east and was published in Europe it would lead to the King's deposition.' Captain White sa'Vs that for three davs before his vessel sailed the old Kine spent his time on board beg ging him to do something in this country to restore the islands to their former con dition. It seems the natives have been so excited since the British protectorate that they have refused to gather any copra. They have also been incited by English traders to in trigue for the King's removal in favor of one of his sons, who is partial to the British; The result is that the island trade is demoral ized. The old King has only a few follow ers, and at any time is liable to be deposed. The English are trying to drive away American traders, and pursuing the same tactics that the -Germans employed in Sjmoa. STARTING THE OIL WELLS. The Frost Letting TJp and "Water Lines Thawed Out Fiie Wells Are Dne To Day and To-Morrow at McDonald New Producers in Ohio. The frost seemed to be letting np on the operators in the lower fields yesterday, as a number cf them succeeded in getting their wells started up and the water lines thawed out. This was particularly tho casein tho Eastern JlcCurdy district. Gieenleo Forstgot thoir walklnjr beam moving at., their well on tbe Aiken arm. and unle-s some unforeseen accident hap pens they hope to be in the flftli sand early next week. TliU well is located sontli and wesc from the Forest Oil Company's Ka 6 on tlin D. K. Clever farm, which came in at CO ban els nn hour some time ago. The Aiken well is expected to Uoflae thevalnoof the territory tr the west. This Is the only well Greenlee & Forst are drilling la that lo cality. Tho Forest Oil Company also cot started up yesterday at It-! No. 1 on the W. a. Ed mundson farm in the McCurdy district, and on tho Aiken farm. They are drilling down on the A. I. Clever, and exDecttoget in next week. There are fonr wells belonging to the People's Ga Company which should bo in this week No. 162 on the JIcMnrrav farm, near Grerza station; No. 159 on the Wallace, ana Xos. 160 and 161 on the Dixon farms, in the Me iso pool. The Wallace nnd Dixon wells are expected to be Gordon Sanders, Dtit they will not upen np anything new. Jennings, Guffey & Co.'s Xo. 11, on the Bell faim, north of Kouiestown, is dne In the Attn sand to-morrow or MnnOav. Their Xo. 6 Matthews is drilling at 400 feet, and Jen nings Hros Xo. 2 Sproul is down 300 feet. Murphy, Jennings & Co. are down about COO lectin their test well on the Underwood farm, in Doddridso county, W. Va. It lies between a couple of wells that wero drilled by the South Fenn Oil Company each of which showed considerable oil. Now Wells in Ohio. Bowlixo Gnmnr, O. Harmon & Co. have Just finished np a 30-barrel well on the Tibus Beck farm, which is an agreeable surprise for lease holders in that vicinity. Wortz & Wilcox nro in the sand on the Brvant farm in Middleton township. The Ohio Od Company shot its No. 1 on the William Legally faim, in Plain town ship, yesterday, and in tho following '2i hours it made 500 barrels. This company is drilling a couplu of test wells in Mlddleton township, one on the Bowers heirs and the other on the L. Bowers property. If pro ducers they will extend the Celt considera bly to the east. An Important well on the Nelson Poe laim, in Liueity township, Han cock: county, will be finished next week; Thev aie starting No. 7 Dotennan and Xo. 1 J. H. Smith, in Bloom township. Wood comity. Brauglian & Marschka's test well on the Emerick farm may be finished this week. They leave cased Xo. 7 on the Chnrles Mercy I arm and have a rl-.; np for Xo. 1 on the George Ireland farm in Lllicrty township. A wildcat is being drilled a little north and cast of Ilaskins, by McCullouh & Bar man. Woodviixe Xceley & Spellacy's test well, on the C. A. Grabcrfarin, In advance of de velopments, obout a mile to the southwest, bas been finished np and shot aud is good for 20 barrels a day. James Knappenberger's Xo 2, on the I5al linger farm, in Frantlin ton nship, is a iO barrel pumper. Tbe Manhattan Oil Company's No. 2 Schroder, in St. Mary's township, is a 25 barrel well. Smith Ewln hns completed a 35 barrel well on the Willi.im Schrader fnrm. Peiiezrville Barnes & Wolfs No. 9 Bcihl will pump 75 banels a day. Tho Palmer Oil Company has just finished a 150 barrel well on tne Trapnoll larin, in Portage township. Tho Xolan Oil Company has a fair nrodn cer at Xo. 3 Serving which has J ust beo"n com pleted. The Gauges. The estimated production of the McDonald field yesterday was 18,000 barrels, tho atma cw tlm flnv hflfnre. Tun Wnnfllnnri Oil Company's Xo. 2 Scott was reported to have lncreasou irom 2u tozo imrrets an nonr. xuo stock in tho field was 4G.C0J barrels. Slstervlllo runs were 20.1S9 barrels. Runs and Shipments Wednesday. 'lhe Xatlonal Transit runs were 23,062: shipments, 23,702. BaoKoyo runs of Macks Diirg oil, 8,402; shipments, 146. Buckeye runs or Lima od, 13.975: shipments, 35.010. New York Transit shipments, 35,165. South ern Pipe Line shipments, 2,143. Southwest, Pa., Pipe Lineiuiis fioiu McDonald were 12 536; ontsido of McDonald, 5,56S; total, 18,104; shipment', 297 barrels. Eureka Pipe Line runs, 1878; shipments, 2,000. The runs of tho Western Atlantic Pipe Line on Wednesday were 2,569 and the ship ments 5,648 barrels. The runs of tho W. L. Mellon lines for Wednesday were 6,526; deliveries, 10,185 bar rels. Tho Oil market. Range of the January option: Opening, B2Jc; highest, B27c; lowest! 52c; closing, 523$c. ltefined oil New York 5.40c; London, 4 ijid; Antwerp, 12f. Xtw . obk, Dec. 29 Petroleum was dull nnd barely steady; Pennsylvania oil, spot rales, none; January options, sales, 5,000 hbls at 52Jc, closlmr qnotition at 32e bid, SiJcaskeu; Lima oil, sales none; lftc bid, 20c asked. Total sales 5,000 hbls. oil city, i ec. yj. upenea, osc; nisnest. 53c; lowest, 5aj$c; closed, 5 fie Sales, 32,000 barrels; clearances, 16,000 haireis; runs, 82,916 barrels; shipments, 73,100 barrels. STEEL BAILS LOWEE. Eastern Mills Annonnce tho Sale or 78,000 Tons. New Yorar, Dec. 29. Special The Iron Age says: Practically all alone the line business has been at a standstill dm in? the past week so far as now ordor3 are con cerned. A large number of tho mills throughout the country -are closing down for repairs and for stock taking. In some instances, however, the stoppage is dne to accumulations or finished goods to a lack of orders or to pending readjustments of wages. The fact Is conspicnous, however, that in nearly every branch of the Iron and steel trades the competition ior work is sharper than it ever has been. The finished iron and steel trade Is unset tled. The most interesting event of the weok is the lowering in the price of steel rails to J29. Eastern mills announce tho gale of 78,000 tons, this being the heaviest amount closed in one week for a good many months. ... There has been very littlo movement In tbe metal market. There was considerable speculative business in tin early In the week under review, and tbe market closes with metal easier. Lead maintains its newly acquired strength. Spelter continues dull, while tinplates are quiet, with little doing for lorward delivery. Stagnation Abroad. New Yoke. Dec. 29. Special. A special cable to the Iron Age says: Speculation In pijjlron warrants has been extramely qnlot and the markot Is bare of distinctly new features. Covering of "short" accounts fall ing due at the end of the year has served to hold prices for Scotch at about 41s 7d, but smaller demand for Cleveland has led to liquidation, undor tbe force of which the price receded to 37s ana hematites have dropped to 45s 9J on a very limited business. In all departments holiday stagnation prevails. NEW ADT T YOU EXPECT REDUCTIONS NOW, But you will be surprised ": to hear of these: 400 finest richest and best quality real fur felt Beaver Hats, wide rim, very stylish, that sold here at $2.38 and elsewhere all season at $1, NOW AT 98e. 300 finest French Fur Felt Hats, wide rim, low crown, the best shape of the season, sold at $1.48, Now 76c. 500 handsomely Trimmed Hats and Toques, all new, the best shapes and colors, only this season's styles, sold at $3 and $4, YOUR CHOICE NOW FOR $1.26. 1,000 pieces All-Silk Satin Ribbon, No. 16, dark ancl light shades, 10c A YARD, worth 25c. These are bargains unheard ,of, and, considering the very superior quality, never before equaled in this or any other city. 100 dozens French Roses, Buds and Leaves, mounted on rubber stems, lOe WORTH 25c. TIS' 510, 512, 514, 516, 518 Market St de2j-MW " If You Saw Your Own Wood and saw enough of it, your digestive organs may perhaps be equal, ostrich like, to any task you impose even to the digest ion of lard-cooked food. If however, like thousands of other people, you have learned that you must ' ' draw the line at lard," this is to remind you that there is a clean, delicate and healthful vegetable substitute, called "A J COTTOJLENE o which if used in place of lard, .permits you to eat pies, pastry, patties and such "good things " without fear of dyspeptic con sequences. There's abundant proof, but none so convincing and so pleas ant as a trial for yourself. We invite it. For sale everywhere. Made only by N. K. FAIRBANK & CO., CHICAGO. Pittsburgh Agents: F. SELLERS fc C8. It Cons Colds, Coughs. Bore Tirol t, Cronp, Xafa eaza, Whooping Cough, BroncMtl mdAiuuo. A certain euro for Comranption ia flrtt stages, endaiarereliefinadTaaeeaitages. Taeitesse. Yea will sea the excellent effect after takisf tie J Bnt doss. Bold dt dealers evcrrwaen. fettles Meeataaaa U.M. lljySsiiiPQ5iiiiiiS''Si