. ...... V. ' THE ONLY REPODLICAN DAILY IN LACKAWANNA COUN TWELVE PAGES 84 COLUMNS. SCBANTON, FA., WEDNESDAY MORNING, APRIL 15, lb9B. TWO CENTS A COPY. . . . . : t . New Styles Spring Up Almost AnJ we've sot all of them that art Kood. The changes may not be radical, but olil whim and fancies creep into pop ular favor us the season advance, mid wo pride ourselves in being able to keep abreast of the procession, meet ing fashion's utmost requirements at all times with the choicest and best that skill and art can dlvise. Never had as many attractions to offer as now, and wo invite you to pay us a visit In this department, while, stocks and the early spring season tie both at high water mark. xxicos3xooayxx3ccoo (Mr.jLIie of Waists, Jackets, Etc0 Is matchless for quality, clearance and . beauty or finish, while. In the matter of prices, we still hold undisputed the record for the best values obtainable. To prove this, here are a few facts: WORTH $3.50 Ladles' silk capes, fully lined, nice ly trimmed, full sweep, Our Price $2.29 WORTH $7.00 Two numbers In very handsome Velour capes, rich bead trimmlnKS, lovely chiffon and satin collars, prettily lined, full sweep, etc.. Our Price $4.98 WORTH $6.50 Elegant black satin capes, all silk linings, chiffon and ribbon collar, ribbon trimmings, extra sweep, . Our Price $4.50 WORTH $6.00 Stylish double Craveneth capes, rich braid trimmings and beauti fully and carefully finished through- -out, r Our Price $4.29 WORTH $8.50 Ladles' imported English cork screw capes, double, and just the right spring weight, elebarota braid and button trimmings, etc. , Our Price $6.29 WORTH $4.75 fancy broadcloth double capes, full sweep and extra deep-inlaid collars, lined throughout, etc.; col ors, black, navy, tans, etc., . . Our Price $3,29 WORTH $2 TO $3 ' 'Children's capes, sises, 4 to 13, all , volors, a dosen different trims and , . cloths and all excellent In quality, Our Price $1.50 to $2.50 WORTH $3.00 A superb line of children's jackets. Sites, 4 to 12, colors, navy, cardinal, fans, mixtures, etc.; some braided, Jome plain, some wltti plaid con rasts, some with stripes, etc.: sailor collars, reefers, etc., represent , styles; qualities all high, Our Price $2.49 Si WAREOUS lay in Capes and Jaclets COUNTY TOPAYASSESSQRS For Making the Cnomentioa of School Children. ATTORNEY GENERAL'S 0PIXI0X No Flaw la tbs Coapalsory Eduoatloa Law-Spcatfieatioa aa to Payment Not Necessary, Counties Im pliedly Responsible. One of th provisions of the Fair compulsory education law enacted at the last session of the Pennsylvania legislature Is the making- of a census of children between the years of 8 and 13. This is to be done by the assessors of voters at the time they are to muke the registration of voters early next month. In several counties of the com monwealth the commissioners intended to evade this duty on the ground that the act does not specifically say that the county is to pay the expense of the same, though the evident purpose of the section relating to this enumera tion, as set forth editorially some days ago In these columns. Is clear as to the Intended responsibility of the respec tive counties and that by Implication they were to pay the assessors. In or der to set aside doubt as to the liability of the counties and to execute the law Dr. SchaiPffer, state superintendent of education, officially submitted the points at issue to the attorney general and the following interesting opinion is the result. THE OPINION IN FTTLL. Office of the Attorney General. HarrlBburg, Pa., April 14, low. Hon. Nathan C. Schaeffer, Superintendent of Public Instruction: , . Sir This department Is In receipt of your communication of recent date, ask ing for an opinion upon the question of the liability of the several counties of this commonwealth for the pay of assessors who am required, under the compulsory school law, approved May 16 18U3 (P. L. 72) to muke an enumeration of children be tween the aKcs of eight and thirteen years. The county commissioners. In a few In stances, as I am Informed, have taken the .position that the counfy Is not Uabl" for the payment of the district assessors in making the enumeration of school chil dren, for the reason that the act of as sembly, which requires the work to performed, does not provide. In positive terms, that the county shall pay the same. It Is contended by the persons who take this imsitlon thut a county Is never liable for the costs of a criminal case, or ser vices of u public officer, unless made .so by the express provision of an act of as setibly. The rule Invoked Is too strongly stuted; It has Its foundation In the history of criminal proceedings. Criminal sa ltans wc-ie formerly prosecuted In the name of the king, who paid ho costs. Af ter t.nn ume or the revolution tne com monwealth stood in place of the king. Hence the rule followed that it paid no ccsts without being required to do so by an act of assembly. It Is quite true that the same rule has been auulleit to some extent In mutters of a civil character, but ts liimlitv must be somewhat relaxed when uuulled to the ordinary affairs of a county. A better statement of the rule may be found In the language of Justice Sterrett In the case of Wayne county vs. Waller. 90 1. S. luj. wherein It Is stated: "In this state ws have always proceeded on the tare principle ot requiting statutory au. tho Uv. tr In express Ivrmi or by nec essary Implication, for all such claims upon the puouc treasury." ir tne rule that a county Is novir liable except upon the express authority of an act of as sembly Is to be of universal application, It would necessarily follow that many of ficers, who arc now pait out or tne coun ty funds, would find themselves In the po sition of having no such express leglsli tive authority upon which to base a claim for services against the county. A history of the legislation providing for the election of assessors, specifying the duties to be performed by them, and fixing their compensation, unBwers substantially the. question your Inquiry raises. THE ACT OP 1S31. The act relating to counties and town ships and county and township otll-ers, approved the 15th day of April, A. V. 1SSI (P. L. G53), ptovldcs, among other things, for the election of township assessors. This Is the purcnt act on the subject of townsmp oiucers, tne later ones oeing but supplemental to the original. Sec tion W of said act provides as follows: "It shall be the duty of each assessor ami assistant assessor to keep an ac count of the several days by him actually employed In the performance of his duties, and to muke return of the sume to the commissioners of the -county, verified by his oath or amrmution and tor each day necessarily so employed he shall rsceive the sum of one dollar." The act of 1834, above mentioned, was amended by the act of May 24th, A. D. 17 (P. L. 1.). wherein It is provided, with reference to the pay of assessors, as fol lows: It phall be the duty of each assessor and assistant assessor to keep an account of the several days by him actually cm ployed In the performance ot his dutie and to make return of the same to the commissioners of the county, verified by his oath or anirmatton, anu lor eacn uay necessarily so employed- he shall receive the sum of two dollars." The act ot June 16. A. U. 1891 (P. It. ?JS). provides for the election ot an assistant assessor lor tne purpose or tne registra tion of voters in townships and boroughs containing more than one election district wherein but one assessor for valuation resides. This act provides that the as sistant assessor In each of the election districts shall perfom all the duties relat ing to electors now required to be per formed by assessors in boroughs and townships having but one election district. There Is no provision, however, In this act of assembly as to the amount of com pensation such assistant assessor shall receive or who shall pay for such services. The act is silent upon the important ques tion, it nas Deen tne unizorm practice or the counties, since the approval of the act of 1834, to pay the assessors for the time spent In the performance of their duties, as required by that act of assembly. For more than half a century the several coun ties of the commonwealth have paid the assessors under the provisions of this law, although It Is not specifically pro vided therein that , the county Is liable. The act of 1887 increased the compensa tion of assessors, but remained as silent as the act of 1834 upon the question of who should pay for the services rendered. Under the act of 1891 the assistant asses sors have been paid out of the county funds, although there is no express au thority for so doing. But, under the rule laid down by Justice Sterrett, the county is liable by necessary implication, FOR REGISTRATION. Section 4 of what Is known as "The Com pulsory School Law ' provides for the reg istration of all children between the ages of eight and thirteen years, which enum eration is to be returned to the county commissioners of the proper county, and ty them certified to the secretary of the school board of the proper district, whole duty It Is to furnish the principal or teacher of each school with a correct list of all children In his district subject to the provision of this act It Is then fur ther provided as follows: "And the said assessors snail oe pam a per mem compel satlon for their services, a sum equal to the compensation paid under existing laws for assessors of election, said services not to exceed ten days." All assessors are township officers and they perform such duties as the law re quires of them. It is part of their duty to make a valuation of property, both real and personal, tipoa' which taxes are levied. Ths registration M voters, ths enrolment of men fit for mlMtary duty, the rcglstra- uon or oirtns ami ueitns, ana tns enumer ation or children betwnn the ages of eight and 'Mrtcen yer are stme of the dii ilei r?-V? Performed by tiem under the prm ."- sjrarious acts oi assembly. Kontlnutd, en Part 7.' BEDFORD DEADLOCK. i , Aa Esoitlag Session at ths Republican Coanly Convention. Bedford, Pa.. April 14. The republi can county convention met here to day. J. E. Thropp. of this county, and J. D. Hicks, ot Vlalr county, are the candidates for congress. On a test vote In the convention Derrick. Thropp's candidate, as elected chairman.- On the first ballot the vote stood 43 for Thropp. and S8 for Hicks. The chair man announced the vote and declared Thropp the nominee. Hicks friends protested and claim he Is entitled to two of Thropp's votes, making a tie. One of the delegates voted for Hicks and the chairman Instructed the tel lers to place it to Thropp. "The delegates informed the' chair man that he had credentials to prove that he was Instructed for Hicks. He overruled the objection and ordered that the vote should be given Thropp. This action of the chairman caused great excitement. The chairman was powerless to continue with the business of the convention. Every action of his was yelled down and the disorder continued during the afternoon. For four hours the convention has been dead-locked. The streets are filled with cltlsens. There Is no telling what will be the outcome. The county ticket is entirely lost sight cf, and no action except as above recorded has been tak en. Congressman Hicks has made a number of propositions, one of which was to let the vote stand 40 to 40 and allow the courts to deride. Thropp Is locked In his room at the hotel and. Derrick refuses to entertain anything. Late tonight Congressman Hicks got an injunction restraining the conven tion from counting the vote of Broadtop township, except as it was cast. HART AGAIN ARRESTED. Ths Philadelphia Ship Ownor is Charged U lib Having Violated Neutrality Laws Itetwcen I'nited Stntosand Spain. Philadelphia. April 14.-John V. Hart, the steamship owner of this city, was arrested this afternoon on the charge of violating the neutrality laws be tween this country and Spain in con nection with; the last voyaue of the steamsip. Hermuda, an was given a preliminary. .- hearing, before United States Commissioner BeAr and bound over in $500 ball for a further f jatlng tomorrow. This Is the second ume Mr. Hart has been arrested on the charge of filibustering, and It was only a day1 or so ago that ha was acquitted In New York on the first charge. Warrants of arrest are also In the hands of the United States marshal for Captain Jolin O'Brien, master of the Bermuda; Mates Murphy and Slmonson and Col onel Emlllo Nunez, one ot the local Cu ban leaders, and who was a passenger aboard the Bermuda on the last voy age. Arrangements hnve been entered into between counsel for the alleged filibus tered and the government officers by which the crises will be transferred from this United Slates district to the United States court in New York. Cap tain O'llrien and his mates will come here from New York tomorrow morn ing and will surrender themselves to the United States marshal. They will be given a hearing tomorrow at tne same time as Mr. Hart and all the men will undoubtedly be bound' over for trial In New York. The information upon which the-war-rants were sworn out was made by Jose Congosto, the Spanish consul at this port. ur. tongosto is said to have re ceived the evidence upon which he made the Information from six or eight of the seamen of the Bermuda, who are said to be dissatisfied with the treat ment they received on the voyage and are probably taking this method to avenge themselves. Mr. Hart's hear ing before Mr. Bell this afternoon was merely a preliminary one and no evi dence was taken. Assistant District Attorney Ralston appeared for the com monwealth and asked that Mr. Hart be bound over for a further hearing to morrow at noon. Mr. Ralston suggest de thnt Mr. Hart's ball be fixed at $10. 000. Captain V. V. Ker, counsel for Mr. Hnrt, characterized the request as outrageous, as Mr. Hart Is a reputable citizen. The commissioner then held him In $500 bail. The defense was ready to fight strenuously any attempt to hnve the cases tried In the United States court hero.. Captain Ker con tends that under the recent ruling of Judge Butler In the Horsa case ar raignment at the bar in this district would be tantamount to conviction. The government made no objection Id the cases being transferred to New York. captain cilpperton, the British con sul here, still refuses to give the Ber muda her clearance pupers nnd the ves sel v. lll probably not be able to sail to morrow as It was expected sho would do. JERSEY RKPUULILANS. " Victorious All Over tliu state at the Char ter Elections. Trenton, N. J.,Aj;r!l 14. Charter elec tions were held throughout thlsjtate today and as this is "presidential year" considerable interest was taken in the result. The weather was perfect and the vote very largre In all towns. While the Republicans, generally speaking, have been victorious all over the state, nevertheless their majorities have been cut down and they have l03t in one or two of the places where they felt perfectly safe. The Indiana All Hleht. Washington, April 14. The report of the board of naval officers, of which Captain H. F. Pickering Is senior member ap pointed to conduct the final or efficiency trial of the battleship Indiana, has been received at the navy department. It shows that the vessel Is worthy of all the pralsa that has been bestowed on her. Thousand Men strike Dover, O., April 14. The employes of the Reeves Iron company, and the Ameri can Tin Plate 'Manufacturing company, numbering nearly l.lXHf. struck today be cause of the discharge of two rollers In the tin plate department for alleged in competency. General Kenncriv PenJ. Charleston, 8. C, April 14. General John D. Kennedy, ex-United States consul gen eral to anangnai, uieu at Camden, B. c today. STATEWslbTES. The Potts Brothers' Iron comDc.nv oont- ed notices In Its mills thnt the wanes of Its puddlers will be Increased from $2.23 to j.'.yu per ton. ADout loo men will be bene- nttea ny tne cnango which goes Into ef fect on May 1. Governor Hastings has fixed Thttrsdav June 80, for the execution of Joseph Oross at Pittsburg. On the same day Georfo Wlndisch will be hanged at Wllkes-Hariv. Adam Thomas .of Harrlsburg, aged (SO years, committed suicide yesterday by taking strychnine. He was troubled over nnanciai matters. " llcrnld's IVqtthsr Rcnnrt, New York. April IS. Herald's weather forecast: In the Middle states today, fair to partly ciouuy, sugntiy cooler, with lirrni soutnwesieriy anu southerly winils, probably followed by rain in northern dis tricts of this section. On Thursday, pertly cloudy weather, slightly warmer. with southerly to southwesterly winds, followed by cloudiness snd rain In lake rsgion, probably extending to New Jerssy era- .ew rjngianu coasts sy nisnt. SPANISH MM, LIBERAL Killing to Grant Certain Liberties to Cubans it War. WHAT SI'AIX WILL GRANT A . Promlacat Mauler la llaagsd at Macuat-Much Valuable Property Destroyed by ths Insargeats. . oihr Cubaa War News. London. April 14. A dispatch from Madrid to the Pall Mall Gazette, pub lished this afternoon, says: "Matters are very complicated, and, while tne government will do everything in Its power . to avoid a quarrel with the United States, It will prefer to fight rather than lose Cuba through foreign pressure. The coming Cortes will grant Cuba every reasonable fran chise to be enjoyed under the Spanish flag." Washington, April 14. The Intima tion of a purpose on the part of tne Spanish government to grant a large measure of local autonomy to the Cu bans confirms an understanding that has obtained here to the effect that the abuses of which the Cubans complain and which have rurvcd as the basis of the present rebellion will be largely abated by the Spanish government Just as soon as this can b done without the appearance of compulsion. Havana, April 14. The Insurgents' re cently captured a prominent planter named Luclo Oallego, and he has since been found hanged on his plantation at Macum. The Insurgents have burned over the fields about Santa Teresa, near Artemisa, In the province of Pinar del Rio, and have destroyed 6,200 tons of cane on the plantation of Victoria. The bridge at Pando, in the Holguln district of the province of Santiago de Cuba, has been partly destroyed by dynamite. The Insurgents have also burned 12,500 tons of cane belonging to the colonies of Santa Isabel and Araca Isnaga. A dispatch from Trinidad, province of Santa Clara, announces that the Insurgents have burned the steamer La RoFalta, on the river Mana tl, having on board 370 bags of sugar. BATTLE AT LECHtTSE. The troops commanded by Generals Suarez, Ynclan. Etheverrla and Colonel Devoa, commanding the Alfonso XIII. bat'allon, have left Marlel.at the north ern end of the military line across the province of Plnar Dei Rio, by different' roads. Colonel Devos, In passing, the plantation of San Claudlo, met the In surgent vanguard, consisting of 200 cavalry. The latter retreated and were pursued by the troops. Suddenly the Insurgents appeared on all the neigh boring heights, but were driven from them by the soldiers. Near Lechuze a force of 500 insurgents attempted to surround the battalion and the latter was compelled to retreat, paslsng be tween the plantations of San Augustln and Reeompensa. The soldiers fought well in retreating and at the expiration of two hours they reached the landing place of San Claudlo and fortified them selves, while protected by the Are of the artillery. The insurgents, however, succeeded In pushing on to San Claudlo. There, however. -the battalion-was re inforced by a gunboat and soon after the troops commanded by General Yu- cl&n arrived on the scene and probably saved Colonql Dcvos's command from a severe defeat. A special mall courier had to jump twice into the river In or der to escape from the insurgents. The troops lost four killed and had thirteen wounded and were enabled, soon after wards, to continue with the three col umns mentioned, against Maceo's forces. UARRITY'SWARXLG. v - lie Urges Sound Money Democrats to Or ganizo tvsrywhore-Frlghtoncd at the I'rce Silver Domoorats. Philadelphia, April 14. In sneaking today of the political situation in the Democratic party. National Chairman William P. Harrlty said: "I certainly do not agree with those who expect tnat mere will be two Democratic na tional conventions or a bolt from the regular Democratic national conven tion. I recognize and appreciate the fact that the free sliver element of the Democratic party up -to the present time is more aggressive than the sound money men of that organization. The free silver men ere systematically and energetically at work with a view to electing delegates and delegations who will favor the free, unlimited and Inde pendent colnatje of silver on a 16 to 1 basis. "It Is generally believed that In the states In which the free silver element of the party prevails, and is In the ma jority the unit rule will be adopted, in order that the F.tates In question may prove as effective as possible In the in terests of rea silver. This will apply to the adoption or a watrorm as won as the-nomlnation of-the candidates. As you know, a majority of thn convention has the rower to make the platform, but It will take two-thirds of the con vention to nominate Its candidates. "I can only repeat what I have here tofore said, that while I still believe that the sound money element of the Democratic party will be in control of the Chicago convention; yet what now seems likely to be a majority may easily become a minority by reason of the suplnenera or neslect of the sound money men of the party. I would say to the sound money Democrats of the country: Organize, organize every where, if they want to daput a plat form and nominate candidates that will be for the best interests of the country and conducive to the permanent welfare of the Democratic party." HURT IN A WRECK. Several Passengers Ars Injured on the . New Orleans nnd Northeastern. Meridian, Miss., April 14. Passenger train No. 1 on the New Orleans and Northeastern railroad went through a small trestle three miles north of Vos- burg at an early hour this morning. The entire train, save the engine and tender, was wrecked. The passenger coaches were well tilled, but strange to say, nobody was killed outright. Pol lowing is a list of the Injured who were brousht to this city: C. H. Ball, Dclvla, III., hand and eve hurt: Dr. A. K. Bot", BMflell. la., nnkle sprained; T. Tlsdale,- Elllsville, Miss., parte nun; t;. i. Williams. Birming ham, Ala., neck Intured: J. H. RJttrlck. Atlanta, shoulder badly hurt, alro hurt In arm and eye; I. Isancs, Elllsville, Aiiss.. wick sprained and hpad cut Mrs. J. Snell, Englernd, ankle sprained: R. L. Chlsholm, Varlnn. Miss., badly hurt In back; A. H. Very. Hattlesburi. Vis., severe s'caln wound; John Mc cormick, editor Sou'bern Live Stock Journal. Mere51an, Mips., badly hurt in tne DacK. ' v '' Rv. Rvnn'a New Honors. S ' Duhuaue. la.. April 14. The Vorv Rev Roger Ryan, vlear general and pastor of St. Patrick's church, has been appointed domestic - prelate to the pops, with the rr.nn m mons'Enor . THE NEWS THIS M0BMXU. Weather Indications Tedayt Falrt Warawr. 1 Attorney General's Opinion on Com pulsory Education Law. Day's Doings In Congress. Spain Is Becoming Liberal. Charged with Violation ot Neutrality Laws. The Political Outlook. , S Whitney Is Heard From. Market and Stock Reports. S (Local) Arson Case on Trial. Second District Convention. 4 Editorial. The Hypnotised Reporter. 5 (Local) Chapter of Fatal Accidents. Women in Convention. Held on Charge of Murder. Bicycle Club House to be Enlarged. Commercial Reciprocity. The Business World. Cost of Entering Society. 7 (Local) Lackawanna Institute to Se cure a Home, Suburban News. t Destiny Revealed by Playing Cards. (Method of Heparin Rubber Tires. . Local Bicycle Gossip. (Base Ball) Sketches of the Flayers and Other Information Concerning the Scranton Club. 10 (Story) "The LifUe-th-een Door." Seven Smalt "republics. 11 For and About Women. Facts Concerning tho Food We Eat. History ot the Piano. 13 News ITp and Down the Valley. COUNT! CONTENTIONS. Basalts at the Republican Gatherings Throughout the State-Delegates Se lected for the Uarrlsburg Sessions. Bellefonte. Pa.. April 14. At the Cen tre county Republican convention here today there was a spirited contest over the endorsement for congress and Con gressman Arnold failed to receive the endorsement, he receiving CO votes while 72 were cast for W. F. Reeder, of this county. The latter was also grant-, ed the right to select his own conferees. The Arnold people left the hall, claim ing that they were unfairly treated. The district Is composed of five coun ties. Two delegates to the state con vention were chosen. The resolutions adopted by the convention endorse Mc Klnley and his policy of protection. Harrlsburg. Pa., April 14. Tne Dau phin county Republican convention to day elected Dr. O. M. Stites, J. B. Boos er and A. B. Beard delegates to the state convention. They are unlnstruct ed. Senator McCarrell was endorsed for national delegate and given power to select his own conferees. Cleariield, Pa.. April 14. At the Clearfield county Republican conven tion today A. 13. Patton was elected unanimously as an unlnstructed dele gate to the national convention. R. M. Hunt. Orant H. Thompson and J. it. Brown were elected unlnstructed dele gates to the state convention. No reso lutions were passed bearing on tne presidential problem, Norrlstown. ra.. April 14. At tne Montgomery county convention today seven delegates to the state convention were elected by acclamation. Resolu tions were adopted favoring County Chairman W. F. Sally for presidential elector; Joseph Rosier for delegate-at-lnrge to the national convention, and Senator Quay for the presidency. Warren, Pa., April 14. The Republi can -county, convention here adopted unanimously resolutions endorsing Mc Klnley for president. E, W. Parshall was nominated for assembly; C. :V. Stono was Indorsed for congress; Dav enport, of Erie, indorsed for congress- at-large; William Schnur, nominated for delegate to the national conven tion. AN ELOPEMENT TRAGEDY. Two Itnl lans Stabbed and One Shot In the Heart. Brooklyn, N. Y April 14. A free fight among four Italians at the pier near Hamilton Ferry tonight resulted in two men being stabbed and one shot In the heart. Three are In Long Island College hospital, with little chance of recovery. The principals were Salya tor Qtinadl and his brasher, Calmo Orlnaldl, Salvatoro Pasqualo and Mar tin Oentelo. The latter lives in Bos ton, while the Grinaldl brothers reside In this city. The row began owing to the elopement between Saivator Grin aldl and the 18-year-old sister of Gen telo, who left Naples about six months ago. The young couple came to Brook lyn and Gentelo was Instructed by his parents to hunt them up. He found them in a house in President street to night. He wanted to fight. The brothers consented and took Pasqualo alsong as referee. They went to a pier npir Hnmllton Ferrw nnd after fieht- Ing some time. OentelrT drew" tt knlfeBO "that - declslon-ef- the question is eight Inches long and stabbed the referee ten times in the body. He next attneked Calmo Orlnnldi and succeeded In cutting him in the arm twice. The latter drew a pistol and fired two shots. One of the bullets struck Gen telo in the heart, ending the fight. It ts thought Pasqualo will also die. UNITED MINE WORKERS. Annual Convention of America Held at Columbus. Columbus, Ohio, April 14. -The an nual convention of the United Mine Workers of America opruifd here today with about loo delegates present, rep resenting miners in nearly every state in the Union, where coal mining Is car ried on In a lanre way. The day was spent mainly in preliminary work. President Penna's' report was full of encouragement to the organization. He counselled obedience to law, and said that while they had their Tafts and .their Grosscups, as their fathers hnd their Arnold and the ancients their Nero, as a general thing, the constitu tions, federal and state, were at fault. and not those who Interpreted them. He urged the members to go into politics with more patriotism and partisanlsm. more respect for home and less for the bosses, and thus work the reforms for which they contended. After Secretary JIcBryd s report was presented this of. ternoon tho convention adjourned until tomorrow morning. In order to permit the committee to work. Ills Flro In New York. New York .April ,11. The five storv building, No. 78 Grand street, which, with nn adjoining building at 33 Green street. Is occupied by c. A. AulTmordt & Co.. Im porters and agents of foreign dry goods firm, was gutted by fire tonight. Esti mate of the total damages done by the flames vary from $2do,uk to $270,000. The Insurance on the stock Is nearly $t,00Cn. Stennnliln Arrivals. New York. April 14. Arrived: Kensing ton, from Antwerp: Mohawk, from Lon. don; Bohemia, from Stettin; Werra, from Genoa, Naples and Gibraltar. Sailed: Lahn, for Bremen; flchlod&m, for Am sterdam. Sighted: Patraria, from New verK for Hamburg, passed frawit Point. FOR THE COAST DEFENCES The House Without Division Passes nn Approprintion Bill. MR. BERRY THE ONLY OBJECTOR Thinks the Money Should be Spent la Building War Ships-Tbe Dsla ware Eleetloa Case-Seaator Morrill's Birthday. Washington, April 14. The house to day passed without division and prac tically without objection the bill mak ing appropriations for fortifications and coatft defences. Its passage was advo cated by Messrs. Hainer (Rep., Neb.), Hayers (Dem Texas), Bartlett (Dem., N. Y.), Livingston (Dem., Ga.), Hem engway (Rep., Ind.) and Cannon (Rep., III.), all members ot the committee on appropriations and Mr. Baker (Rep., N. H.) The latter criticised the com mittee for not going further and ap propriating all the money aBked by enerals Flagler and Cralghill. Mr. Berry (Dem., Ky.) was the only oppon ent of the bill. He said the money would be better spent In building ships than in fixed batteries. The secretary of war estimated that $8,045,163 could be expended in the com ing year. The bill carries specific ap propriations amounting to $5.842,337,and authority is given to the secretary ot war to make contracts Involving, the further expenditure of $5,542,276, mak ing the total authorized expenditure In the bill $11.3114.613. The following shows the aggregate amount apropriated and authorised by contract under each sub division ot the bill, namely: Gun and mortar batteries, $5,260,000; sites for fortifications, $250,000; preser vation and repair of fortifications, $50, 000; plans for fortifications. $5,000; sea walls and embankments, $17,975; tor pedoes for harbor defense, $100,000; ar mament ot fortifications, $5,502,673; proving ground Sandy Hook, N. J., $38,- 000; Watertown arsenal, Mass., $43,500; Watervllet arsenal, New York, $3,105; Benecla arsenal, California, $4,500; ord nance and fortification board, $100,000; Fortress Monroe sewerage system, $9, 860. The house agreed to the conference renort upon the legislative executive and judicial appropriation bill, as far aa the conferees had agreed, and or dered another conference upon the mat ters In dispute between the two houses. A PENSION BILL. The house committee on Invalid pen sions today ordered a favorable report of a bill to adjust the pensions or maimed Union soldiers and sailors who served during the war of the rebellion. The measure makes an average increase in the pensions ot this class ot about $13 per month, and creates a pension for those who have lost a nana anu font. It provides that all persons now on the pension roll and all persons here- nfter erranted a pension, wno wnue in the military or naval service or inr united States during tne taie war oi the rehlllon and in the line of duty, lost a hand or a foot or were likewise totally disabled in the same, shall receive a pension of $46 per month; that all such persons, who in lllie manner lost an arm at or above the elbow Joint or a leg at or above the knee Joint, or were likewise totally disabled In the same, or who In like manner lost an arm be low the elbow Joint or a leg below the knee joint and suffer from total cr par tial stiffness of the joint or other causes which render the stump useless, shall receive a pension of $50 per month; that all such persons who in like manner lost an arm at the shoulder joint or a leg at the hip joint, or so near the Joint as to prevent the use of an artificial limb, or were likewise totally disabled In the same, shall receive a pension of $55 per month; and that all such per sons who in like manner lost both a hand and a foot.or were likewise totally disabled In the same, shall receive a pension of $72 per month. IN THE SENATE. After a speech tn the senate today by Mr. Squire (Rep., Wash.) in sup port of his bill making large appro priations for sea coast defenses the rest of the session was taken up In the consideration of the Delaware election case, Mr. Chandler (Rep., N. H.) argu ing at great length In favor of the claim of Mr. Dupont to the vacant seat in the senate. The other side of the case Is to be sustained tomorrow by the senator from Delaware (Mr. Gray, Dem.). who holds that Governor Wat son was entitled to cast his vote In the legislature as a state senator and speaker of the senate; and that having so voted, there was no majority for any candidate. Mr. Gray Intimated that his speech would probably close the case on that side. Mr. Hoar (Rep., Mass.) gave notice, however, of his purpose to address the senate In support of Mr. Dupont's claim not yet In sight. The fact of Senator Morrill (Rep., Vt.) having attained his 86th birthday with more than half his life spent In congress, was recalled in the chaplain's prayer in which the senator was truth fully described as hale in body and clear, sound and vigorous In Intellect. THEIR FIRST SOCIAL. Pleasant Night Spent by Guests of Sorntt- ton F.qaitablo Aid Union. The first annual entertainment and social of Scranton union, No. 474, Equit able Aid union, was held last evening at Muslo hall. The committee or ar rangements comprised Edward Troupe, John A. Bryant, Stewart Hardy, Her man Young. A. J. Schaffer, J. A. Mc Clelland, Edward Berry, Mrs. Mary MoManus, Miss Cora Phillips. Miss Sara Joseph, Mrs. James McClelland. Mrs. Itoscoe Conklln and Mrs. Bertha Smith. The hall was filled with people and they enjoyed the occasion very much. The entertainment began with an overture by the Dickson Banjo club: the numbers on the programme then were as follows: Piano selection by Miss May Davis; recitation by Bessie Sloats; Instrumental duet by Miss Pa gan a.nd Miss Mollle Jordan; dialogue by Anna Welsenflue, Lucy Faust, Ella Welsenflue and Anna Roos; selection by tho Columbian quartette: song and dance, by Rhoda Clark; Instrumental selection by Messrs. Tamler and Flef; humorous recitation by K. C. Vall; duet by Lizzie Suydatn and Effie Callender; recitation by Mattie Williams; recita tion by Helen Ijong; dialogue by Etta W'oodruff, Mattie Hughes nnd Anna Thomas; duet by Cora Phillips and Anna Williams: tambourine drill by Bessie Bortree. Daisy Case. Ella Wels enflue, Lena Snyder, Edith Beuers, Louisa Simons, Ethel Woodruff. Ouida fterllng, accompanied by Lily Welsen flue. At the end of the programme re marks were made by District Deputy H. L. Bullock. Dnnclng was enjoyed after the entertainment to music turn lshed by Professor Johnson. The grand march was led by Mr, and Mrs. T. P, wenaover. FILE Y'S FOUR. QreatSpecials FOi THIS WEEK: Pieces Silk Jao quards, 27 Inches wide. 25c. a yard, -former price, 50c. pieces Persian and other Fancy Silks, for Suits and Waists, 65c. per yard, former price, $1.00. pieces All Wool Cheviot Suitings, 38 Inches wlde25c per yard, former price, 39c. pieces All Wool , Cheviots, 40 Inches wide, 37 c; for mer price 50c. , ELfiQANT LINE OF ind Figured '5, Sfcienes, Etc. 510 AND 512 LACKAWANNA AVENUE Dress Shoes and Slippers for Every Member of the Family s, 111 AND US WY0MIN9 ATA Wholes!, snd Bated. Bicycliste. Take Notice Welchel, the Jeweler,' has a nice line of Bicycle Belts. Call and see them. One of the latest novel ties. 8 SPRUCE STREET. HEADQUARTERS FOR NOVELTIES. - WARSHIPS WITHDRAWN. The Mnrbtehead Alone Will Look After American Interests In Turkish Water. Washington. April 14. Two of tha three warshi:s sent by the United States to give protection to American Interests In Turkey have been with drawn from Turkish waters, leaving the cruiser Marblehead to look out for the affairs of the missionaries. Cable grams received at the navy department this morning reported departure today of the flagship San Francisco from Pi- ' raeus, Greece, and the cruiser Minne apolis from Taranto, Italy, both bound for Naples. Tho Minneapolis to which Admiral Selfriclgo will change his flog, will go to Cronstadt on the North sea, in order that the admiral and some of his offi cers may attend the coronation of Csar Nicolas and the czarina, aa represent Ing the United States navy. 50 0,'HOW DELIGHTFUL! WW ..V - ; v .