tifarae.12 12 PAGES. PAGES. Stt ?.i TWO CENTS. SCRANTON. PA.. SATURDAY MORNING. MARCH 19. 1898: TWO CENTS. kNm SUSPENSE IN THE NAVY Anxiety Over the Coming Report of Court of Inquiry. GUARDING THE DOCUMENT May Postpone Publication for Several Days. Tho Cfnvn! Poller In Receiving Some t'rlticlsm--It is Thought That the ...oy West Fleet Will Soon lie Dis tributed Along the Const to I'ro. tcct Valuable Ports--LnrRO Con tract for t'rnjcctllos Unvo Hccn I'lncnd--llioruitiiig is Going on nt a Llvoly Unto. Washington, March IS. An air of suspense was noticeable In the navy department today, due to the approach of the time for the delivery of the re port of the court of Inquiry. It Is not known just when the document will come to Washington and, of course, In view of the reports of the determina tion of outside parties to obtain pos session of It before tho department re ceives the report, the olllclals, If they know, will not say how tho papers are to be brought to Washington. All that Is known definitely Is that the presi dent has suggested that the report be made as soon as possible and In con sequence It Is expected to reach this city In the course of two or three days. The cabinet today talked over the mat ter and the time stated was the general opinion of the members when they heard all that Secretary Long had to report on thi subject. There Is an im prcsBlon that Lieutenant Commander Marlx will bring the document, though It Is within Admiral Sicard's power to choose any other officer. A cabinet oili er expressed the belief that the re IJwIll require careful consideration on t.fa part of the president and his cabinet before given to the public, wiilch seems to postpone publication to some time about the middle of next week, although nothing Is certain on that point. t The now navy policy embodied In the crsatlon of another squadron to ren dezvous at Hampton Koads was also discussed at the cabinet meeting at length today and received unanimous approval. In fact som Riirnrlao wno expressed nt the delay on the part of the navy department In taking some such steps to ensure the protection of .the. more valuable norts alone: thn orth Atlantic, the gatherinc of n. use. ' lessly surplus fleet at Key West being regarded In the nature of putting all of our egga In one basket. THE NEW SHIPS. The San Francisco reported her ar rival from Lisbon at Gravesend today. Under his orders tho commander will divide his crew with .the Amazonas and sail nt t .o earliest possible moment for the United States conveying the new ship. Beyond the Amazonas, her sla ter ship A"breuall, anrj the Mayflower, no purchases of ships have been made by the navy 'Ispattment. A number of fleet steam yachts owned in the United States are being offered to the department and it is probable that noma of these will be purchased. Sec letary Long takes tho view that fail ing to secure tho torpedo boat destroy ers he wants the best plan Is for him to equip some of those speedy boats with torpedo tubes and light batteries wid Improvise torpedo boats. The navy department is convinced that the Span ish government has not acquired pos session of the Varese, the Italian ar mored cruiser. Tt would not, however. oe a matter ot ueep concern If the re ' port were true. Tho department itself had the vessel In mind as a possible ac quisition liut abandoned the Idea upon learning that fho could not be mado ready for service In less than three or four months which practically put her out of consideration as an emergency purchase. The gunboat Newport reported her arrival by cable to the navy deuarr- ment from Greytown. She will bring back lo the United States the Nlearn Kim rnnal commission and will then be attached at once to tho North Atlan tic squadron. CABINET A1EETIN0. Tho Entire Session Consumed In Discussing Cuban Question. Washington, March 18. Nothing of special Importance was developed ut today's cabinet meeting beyond the feet that the report of the Maine court f Inquiry Is not expected before the early part of next week. As has been the case at every cabinet meeting dur ing tho last month and more, the en tire session was consumed In the dis cussion of the Cuban situation and it can be stated on good authority that no plan of action will be definitely de cided upon pending the arrival of the report on tho Maine investigation. Every phase of tho several questions involved Is being carefullyand thought fully considered and It Is believed that very soon vrter the report is received the president, possibly In conjunction with congress, will announce a definite policy. Until then nothing of a docls lve character will be dona or decided upon. Senator Hawley, of Connecticut, to day eald that it was the intention to get through congress as speedily as possible the three battalion military hill which was introduced at the sug gestion of the department In both houses yesterday, for strengthening the military arm of the service and provid ing for Its Increase to 104,000 men if necessary. flnor Manual Ttafn1 Anroln, who i here as special delegate of the Cuban cabinet to the conference for tho nego tiation of commercial treaties between the United States, Cuba and Spain, said today: I do not believe thcro Is to bo a. conflict between tho United States and Spain over Cuba, becauso since tho di'ath of Senor Canovas, tho policy has been such that the United States can have no pretoxt or causes of re sentment, neither as a nation nor an a defender of the rights of the people of the western continent In their con flicts with the European nations, be cause Spnln in tho uso of its sovereign will, and following tha suggestion of tho United States government, has granted to tho people of Cuba all tho liberties compattblo with the historical rights of Spnln over tho Uland of Cuba, as recognized by all civilized nations, tho United States included. By request of Secretary Loner, the is sue as to tho enactment into law of tho iiuval personnel bill will not bo precipitated until the naval appropria tion bill Is parsed by the house. This change of view of the administration wns communicated to tho housj com mittee on naval nffaira'by Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt, who appeared before the committee at tho requust of Secretary Long. The object of deferring the personnel bill Is that its adoption as a rider on tho appro priation would Jeopardize ltd passage at this time. Tho report that the Vesuvius had been sighted early in the day coming through tho Virginia capes headed for Washington gave rise to a rumor that she was bringing the report of the na val board of inquiry to Washington. This, however, could not be confirmed from any ofllclal source At the navy department it was admitted that the Vesuvius was bound for Washington, hut it was explained that she was com ing merely for repairs to her arma ment and it was denied that she had on board any member of the naval board or that she was carryins the report of that body. Tho Vesuvius did not reach Washington tonight but it was reported at the navy yard that she anchored off the government prov ing grounds at Indian head about 8 o'clock when she was met by the big navy yard tug Triton which returned to the yard about 9 p. m. It was de nied that the Triton brought any one from the Vesuvius to Washington. "cuiiA Time5" oxly The President ot the JnntH Scolls nt the Idea of Anything Aside Irom Liberty. New York, March 18. It was rumor ed today that a message had been re ceived in th'is city from Washington to tho effect that the cabinet was fa vorably dltposed to a DropoHitlon from Spain providing for the withdrawal of the Spanish troops from thu Island of Cuba, leaving the Spanish flag floating there, in case the United States fleet should be recalled from Key West. When the attention of President Pnl ma, of the Cuban junta, was called to thl3 rumor, wh'lch purported to have Its origin In an ofllclal quarter in Wash ington, he replied "Well, that would satisfy the Cubans, and I assure you we would see to it that the Spanish flag would be very quickly supplanted by our own. 'Cuba llbre' is our motto, and It will never agree even ad Interim to the accept ance ot anything short of absolute in dependence." OUR NEW C1UJISEK. Transfer of Mm Amnzonn nt Grnvo- sond--A Simple but Impress- ivo Ceremony. Graesend, England, March IS. The cruiser Amazonas was formally trans ferred fioin the Brazilian flag to the stars and stripes here today. The cer emony was simple and dignified. Lieu tenant Commander Col'vell, United States naval attache, and Commander Corres, acting respectively for this country and Brazil. The United States cruiser San Fran cisco pr rived here this afternoon. She will sail with the Amazonas for Key West us soon as both cruisers havo teen coaled. SPANISH FLOTILLA. List ot Boats in tlio fleet En ltnute from Spain. Washington, March 18. Secretary Long went to bed at 9 o'clock with strict orders not to be disturbed and Assistant Secretary of State Day spent tho evening at the theatre, stopping for a few minutes only at the White House, where he had a talk with the president In the presence of the other members of the family. The navy de partment has the following list of the Spanish torpedo flotilla now halted at the Canary Islands. Torpedo-boat destroyers; Terror, Fu roie and Fluton, each of 380 tons and a speed of 28 knots. Torpedo boats Azon, 127 tons, 25 knots; Ragor, 120 tons, 22 knots; Arlste, 128 tons, 25 knots, and Cludad de Cadiz, 120 tons and 22 knots. . IN CONGRESS. Washington, March 18. Tho house foent another day on tho postoftlce npprop la tlon bill but only disposed of two pages of the bill. Most of the day was devoted o a debate on the merits of pncumatlo tubs mall service In Now York, Boston and Philadelphia and the advisability of con tinuing the existing contract. An effort to strike out the appropriation of $220,000 was defeated but the opponents ot the appropriation succeeded in securing tho adoption of an amendment providing that no additional contracts should bo made. Eighteen Killnd. Kingston, Jamiicla, March 18. A dyna mite explosion took place this morning In tho government store house at Montego Bay, Eight men were killed and rainy Injured. Sensational Hulclde. Paducah, Ky.,- March 18. News of a sensational suicide comes from Massa county, 111., a few miles from hero. Ac cording to reports Mlas Mary Wade nud John Lammcrt were Bwoethcarts, but their parents opposed the marriage. In a fit of despondency the young lady took poison and died. When the young man larns1 of If h Iimiuii. a. raving; msnlao. CAUSE OF DELAY OF THE FLOTILLA Spanish Government Desires that a Cruiser Shall Join the Fleet. GENERAL WEYLER DENIES RUMORS Claims (he Varus Published in New Votlc Papers Aro l'nlso--Illancos Movements Aro Outtinod -- The Kpnnlsh Jtoport Upon the Maine Disaster U'ill Not lie Published Vet. Madrid, March' 18. Thu Imparclal to day sayb that the orders to tho torpedo flotllla to remain at the Canary Islands are due to the government's desire that, the squadron should he escorted to Cuba by a cruiser and for no other reason. General Wcylcr denies the authenti city of tho letter nultllthed In a New York paper yostprrt.iv ' vil-ii '" N alleged to have said the United States would not have daied to send a war ship to Havana while he was in cum inanci there. Knowing "the terrible punishment that awaited them." It Is asserted, the central and west ern provinces being pacilleii, General Blanco is about starting on extenslvu operations, with eighty battalions and larce volunteer forces, to destroy the Insurgent power In Eastern Cuba. General Blanco will direct his efforts especially to demolish what Is describ ed an "the more or less embryonic or ganization which has cabled the lebels to maintain the appearance of govern ment." It Is understood that the report of tho Spanish nnval court upon the Maine disaster will be retained until the American report Is published. Senor Sagastn, tho premier, says that the Journey of the torpedo squadron, now nt the Canaries to Havana has not been Indefinitely postponed. The tone of the press Is more hopeful, but finan cial circles are still uneasy. SPENDING THE $50,600,000. President Wants to lleport Just How lively Dollar Has lton spent. Washington, March 18. Some Idea of the activity pievulllng In naval clrclts Is given by the statement that the pay roll of the construction department, only one of several departments In the Mare Island navy yard for March was $S0,000. This great expenditure for tho month, it Is said, was not equalled during tho late war. It is said to be tho purpose of the president and his advisers to keep a suparato and distinct account of all funds expended from the $50,000,000 em ergency appropriation made by con gress for the national defense In ac cordance with this intention a sopa; ate form of requisition has been prepared and all amounts alloted from the fund are made upon the direct order signed by the president himself. "The pres ident wants to report to congress Just how every cent of this money is spent," said a member of the cabinet today, "and for this reason is adopt ing the course above outlined." The amount paid for the Mayflower was about $100,000. Recruiting is going on apace at all stations for the army and the navy. The Michigan at Erie, Pa., has enlisted fifty-five men so far and good reports come from all quarters. The Columbia and the Minneapolis are still 210 men each short of their proper force. This is accounted for by the fact that firemen, machinists and coal passers aro wanted. An officer at the department said that five thousand landsmen could be secured In a day if they were desired. The Marblehead Is at Tampa. The little Bancroft, on her way across the ocean, reported by cable her arrival today at Horta, Fayal. She appears to be making about as good time as her larger consort, the Helena. The Sam oset arrived at Key West today, as did the Montgomery, while the De troit sailed from that port for Tortu gas. Tho Massachusetts has, arrived at Boston where she will have slight repairs made. The ordnance bureau of the war de partment today awarded contracts for a large number of steel nrmor piercing and deck piercing projectiles for the fortification guns. There were sever al bidders, but Instead of giving tho contract to one concern, the bureau divided tho contracts so that supplies will be coming from several quarters at the samo time. The award is as follows: Carpenter Steel company, 150 eight Inch armor piercing shot; SOO ten-Inch armor piercing shot; 150 ten-Inch nrm or piercing shell; 250 twelve-Inch deck piercing shell of 800 pounds each; 228 twelve-Inch deck piercing shell of 1,000 pounds each. Sterling Steel company, 100 eight inch armor piercing shot; 800 ten-lnch armor piercing shot; 250 ten-Inch arm or piercing shell: 250 twelve-Inch deck piercing shell of 800 pounds each; 205 twelve-Inch deck piercing shell of 1, 000 pounds each. Mldvale Steel company, 680 twelve Inch deck piercing shell of 800 pounds each; 344 twelve-Inch deck piercing shell, 1,000 pounds each. CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE Discipline Wns the Question Dis cussed ut the Third Duy's Session. Danville, Pa., March IS. The third Jays' session of the thirtieth annual ssslon of the Central Pennsylvania inference of the Methodist Episcopal ch'.irch was called to order by Bishop E W. Andrews. Devotional Txercises won? conducted by Rev. Dr. W. A. Stevens, The. fifth question of discipline was then ttken up, and Rov. D. Y. Brmise, D. N. .Miller, wore continued In first year's studies, and Revs. Robert J. Al len, W. W. Rothrock, J. J. Resh, Con way W. Dickson, S. J. Sarver and Fred G, Sleep, woro conditionally advanced to tlrt studli-s of the second year. Mr. M. S, Persteln was advanced to the studies of the second year without conditions. The claas woji then called, which was to bo admitted Into full membership. After an address by the bishop, tho question being natlafaotorily answered, Revs. I). P. Kopp, 12. IX MclCelvey, D. M. Grovcr, S. S. Cnrnll, M. N. Walker, J. C. Grimes, A. 8. Williams and Georgo S. Womer, having passed tho examin ation, wero admitted, and Revs. W. C. Charlton, II. D. Klanegan, and T. W. McKenley were continued for an other year, their examinations not be ing entirely satisfactory. On motion the conference adjourned to meet on Saturday at 8.45 a. m., when the programme will lie: 8.45, conference session; 10.30 a. m., discussion relativu to re-dlstilrtlng tho live districts into tlx districts: 2.20 p. in., nnnversary of women's home missionary society, Mrs. A. W. Black presiding; 7.30 p. m., an niversary of Bleachers' Aid society, Rev. A, M. Barnltx, presiding. Tho speakers will be Ilev. M. K. Foster, D. D of Lock Haven, and Hon. II. T. AmesT of Willlamsport, MINERS UNEASY. Htormy Meeting Held at Pittsburg. The Diggers ol Mercer Threaten to Strike. Pittsburg, March 18. Tho Pittsburg coal operators held a stormy meeting today nnd as n result the Chicago agreement may he repudiated. The meeting today was attended by all the big operators and was for the purpose of ratifying the uction of a committee sent to Columbus Inst week to arrange tho day and dead work scale under the Chicago agreement. When the committee's report was read it became npparent that an addi tional three cents a ton for drilling In machine mines would bo required of the Pittsburg operators. This new con dition was a hard Jolt for those pres ent and all declare that the Chicago agreement does not require such a pay ment. An operator said this addition would glvo Ohio operators an advant age over Pittsburg of 12 cents Instead of nine cents, as tinder the old differ ential. A new conference between Ohio nnd Pittsburg operators will be necessary and should It not solve the dllllculty, the question will likely be referred to arbitration. Mercer, Pa March 18. Twenty-six delegates, representing neaily 5,000 coal miners In Mercer, Butler and Law rence counties, met here today to con fer with the operators for the. purpose of harmonizing the new conditions called for by the Chicago agreement. The operators failed to appear and tho meeting, which was presided over by President Dolan, passed a resolution that all miners In the three counties should quit work on April 1 and refuse to return until all the operators com ply with the requirements of the Chi cago agreement. M. E. CONFERENCE. Heoting of Layman's Association nt Phllndelphln.-Officurs. Elected. Chester, Pa., March IS. The laymen's association of .the Philadelphia Metho dist Episcopal conference held tho lar gest attended meeting In the history of the- association this afternoon, over 700 delegates being present. Addresses were delivered by Hon. John Field, of Philadelphia; John Et Jones M. D., ot Philadelphia; William II. Maxwell, of Pottstown; Bishop Gondsell, H. K. Carroll, editor of the New York Independent, and Charles If Harding, of Philadelphia. The Rock river resolution, which pro vides that the laity shall havo equal representation with the clergy In the cnnfeienco was endorsed, and a memor ial was adopted to be presented to the ronferenco on Monday asking that body to adopt the resolution. The following officers were elected: President. Hon. John Field, of Phil adelphia; secretary, J. G. Francis, Ber wyn; treasurer, SI W. Tunncll, Ger mnntown; vlco president, north' dis trict, George L. Horn, Frankford; northwest district, William H. Max well, Pottstown; south district, H. P. Brunei-, Columbia: west district, Dr. R. S. McCoombs, Philadelphia. After the reports of E. M. Allen, sta tistical secretary, nnd Assistant Treas urer E. M. Piper, Rev. W. W. Cradlo presented a icsolutlon relative of re stricting the Central Pennsylvania con ference, concerning which the confer ence will vote tomorrow. Dr. Freeman, secretary of the Sun day school union, was Introduced to the conference and told of the great work of tho union, there being 31,000 Sunday schools, 350,000 officers and teachers, and 2,G00,000 scholars, of the Methodist denomination. There were 127,000 conversions, in the Sunday schools during the year past, and an average of 100,000 during tho last six years. Dr. Sheldon, of the Boston school of oratory, spoke of the wonderful work of the school. Dr. Sheldon occupies tho chair of systematic theology there. He said their attendance was 100 In the Inst year, 100 of whom have college diplomas. Fifty men havo gone from this school Into the foreign mission field. Dr. Sheldon cordially Invited the members of the Central Pennsylvania conference to attend their commence ment exercises at Boston next May. Dr. Payne, secretary of tho Metho dist board of education, stated that this educational board had aided In educat ing 1,754 students In 132 institutions of learning, in 24 different languages, be tween 30 and 40 of whom nrc supported by the $1,700 given last year by this conference. The collection taken on children's day, which goes to the board of edu cation, might easily be doubled and in consequence a double advantage gained. A committee composed of Dr. E. J. Gray and Rev. J. B. Mann was ap pointed by tho bishop to visit Rev. I. H. Torrenco at his homo in Riverside Heights. i . I'.x-Congressman Drops Dead. Altoona, Pa., March 18. Hon. A. A. Barker, of Ehensburg, dropped dead at 1 o'clock this nfternoon on the street In this city. Ho was tho father of Judgo A. V. Barker and Harry Barker, of Ehens burg, and was a member of congress from UC5-67. Ho hus of late years been active ly Identified with tho Prohibition party, and In 1ES0 was Its candidate for lieu tenant governor, lie yvas born In Maine In 1S1R. , , CHINA'S APPEAL IS MADE IN VAIN Russli Refuses to Modify Her De mands. AND CHINA MUST SUDMIT No Alternative, Says a Pekln Dis patch, but to Agree to Them. Franco Wnnls a frenchman Mndo tho Director of tho Imperial Post ollieo, and n Coating Motion nt Kivnng-Chou in Addition to the Other Demands-. A Uoply Within Bight Dnys Required. London, March 18. It Is announced today In a despatch to the Times from Pekln that tho mission of Shu-Klng-Chon. the Chinese minister to Ger many, who was sent to St. Peteisburg In an effort to prevail upon Russia to modify her demands upon China, has been unsuccessful, and. It is added, there Is no alternative but to ngreo to the Russian demands. Pekln, March 18. The French de mands upon China, In addition to those cabled from Pekln last night, Include that the director of the Imperial post oflice be a Frenchman, evidently with the view of separating it from the con trol ot Sir Robert Hart, the director of tho Chinese Imperial Maritime Cus toms; and tho cession of a coaling sta tion at Kwang-Chou is demanded on tho same terms as Klao-Chau Bay ceded to Germany, with a railroad con cession to Include exclusive mining privileges. Eight days are allowed China in which to reply to the French demands, and threats nre interpreted to indi cate the French occupation of tho Province of Haln-Nan unless the Chl ncss comply. THE DniLVND. The demands made by Russia recent ly upon China include, according to a despatch from the Pekln correspond ent of the Times, published March 7, th surrender to Russia of all t.over elgn rights over Port Arthur and Ta-llnn-Wan for the same period and on the tame conditions as in the cane ot Germany at Klao-Chau. In addition, Russia demands the right to construct a railroad under the snrt.e conditions as the Tmns-Manchurian railroad, from Patuna. on that line, to Kwang-Chung-Tzu, Mukden and Port Arthur. Five days, it nppears, wore allowed China in which to rrply, nnd In the event of her non-compliance, Russia threatened to move troops Into Man chuiia. Action, however, was post poned in view of the deslro of the Chi nese government to Intercede direi.tl nt St. Petersburg, for which purpose the Chinese minister at Berlin was sent to St. Petersburg. According to despatches from Pekln last night France had demanded that China shall not cede any portion of the four provinces of Kwang-Tung.Kwang-Sl. Yun-Nnn ami Kwei-Chou, that the railroad from Lung-Chou-Tlnij, on the northern frontier of Tonquln shall he extended via Pase Stam Into the Yun Nan province and that a coallnpr sta tion 'be granted 'to France at Lel-Chou-Fu, in the Hen-Chou peninsula. north of Hal-Nan. GROWTlToiHrMDE. Nolther Pence Nor War Reports Cnn Chnngo the Outward Current of Business. New York, March IS. R. G. Dun & Co's weekly review of trade tomor row will say: Neither peace nor war reports have changed tho onward current of busi ness. Orders for more than $2,500,000 gold from Europe have blocked the way toward stringency for rates in money and treasury receipts of about $1,100,000 per day have kept in check anti-question about the currency, while exports of products have continued and were considerably Increased, and the demand for products of the great In dustries shows steady expansion. Prompt action by the senate and house has removed all fear of embarrassment through conflicting purposes at Wash ington. The government is tnaking ready without any waste of time, while frankly assuring everybody that It looks for a peaceful settlement and hopes thut its preparations may prove unneccessnry. The backbone of the Situation is the excess of merchandise exports, ngaln more than $41,000,000 in Feb ruary, with an increase of $2,600,000 In miscellaneous products, $2,100,000 In provisions, $4,500,000 in cotton, and $7,000,000 in breadstuffs compared with last year nnd $15,100,000 In nil products. In two weeks of March exports havo been 16 per cent larger than Inst year, and imports have gained but 8,7 per cent., although especially swelled by recelptB of India rubber, sugar and hides. Tho outgo of cotton surpasses nil expectations, though the price was stronger last week, and the export de mnnd apparently paid no attention to market fluctuations. Receipts from plantations continue much greater than at tho corresponding date from the largest crop heretofore produced, so that guesses about the future crop nn now the main reliance of specula tors. Wheat also moved In spite of all speculation. Atlantic exports, flour included, have been 1,824,6(3) bushels against 1,253,330 last year, and from Pacific poits 1,371,820 bushels against 263,505 last year, making for three weeks from both coasts 10,659,123 bush els gainst 4,538,441 last year. The price has varied with conflicting re ports, but closed Uc higher for the week. Wool shows no change in quo tations, though eastern markets are extremoly dull, and tho indifference ot manufacturers lias made transac tions only 2,002,300 pounds, against 10, 081,000 for corresponding week last year, and 6,088,200 for corresponding week in 1896. Tho London market is rather higher and holders In tho in terior nro expecting a material ad vanco In prices. Little encouragement appeals In tha THE NEWS THIS M0HN1NU Weither Indications Todays 1 Probably ttnln. I Gonnral Anxiety of tho Navy Depart ment. Wnnamaker's Hot Speech. Russia Refuses to Modify Her De mands oil China. Spanish Flotilla Desires nn Escort. 3 Tho Tribune's Popular Want Columns. Financial and Commercial. 3 local Ono Womun's Views. 4 Editorial. Comment of tho Tress. 5 Local Religious News of tho Week. Social and Personal. 0 Local Scml-Centcnnlal of the Lack uwanna. Lodgo of Odd Fellows. 7 Report of License Court. Poor Itoaid In Session. 8 Local West SIdo nnd Suburban. 8 Lackawanna County News. 10 Andrew Jackson us Myth and Man. Havana as It Is Today. II Sunday-School Lesson for Tomorrow. Llers Who Think They'ro Not Liars. 12 General Days of Waiting at Cuba'3 Capital. market for cotton goods, with print cloths, a sixteenth lower than a week ago and standard grades undersold by any of less note. The demand Is large but not large enough. In woolen goods, on the contrary, the advance In prices has raised the only obstacle to increased transactions, nnd some what frequent cancellations indicate that dealers have been disappointed in their dlsttlbutlon. The small yielding' In wool may result in a greater decline If this tendency in the manufacture continues. Bessemer pig and grey forge are both sllgh'tly stronger, Pittsburg, the pro posed combination of valley furnaces helping, but pig Is not changed In price elsewhere, nor are finished pro ducts at any point, excepting wire units which arc live cents per keg weaker and steel rails which are paid to he sold at $17.50 at the eastern establlsh monts. Contracts have been made for 10,000 tons with eastern works for do mestic delivery, 12,000 tons for Austra lia, 8,000 .tons, with 7,000 tom bridge work for South Africa and the Illinois Steel company Is filled with orders for tho year. The Carnegie company has sold 5,000 tons deck plates to ship builders of England, and several Chi cago orders for plates exceeding 1.000 tons each are for railroads, car end agricultural Implement manufacturers and projectile works. The wire com bination having failed to effect the broader arrangement contemplated, is seeking to complete control of about SO per cent., of the wire output cf the country. While activity is gicat In the central and western region, there is less demand at the east. Failures for the week have been 20S in the United States njrnln.-it 216 lant year and 27 In C'anadalHjjnInst 50 last year. SWALLOW'S BOOM. The Doctor Receives -a Petition Duly Signed Urgins Him to Be come n Candidate lor Governor. Philadelphia, March 18. A formal re quest from a commutes representing signers of a petition asking the Rev. S. C. Swallow, D. D., to stand us an in dependent candidate for governor, was tent thlh evening to Dr. Swallow from this city. Signatures to the petition havo been received from all parts of the state. Dr. Swallow is nt present nt Danville, Pa., and a copy of the let ter asking him to be a candidate wa sent there, and alfo to hi homo at Harrlsburg. Tho letter is as fallows: We, the undersigned members of an executlvo committee formed ror tho purpose of promoting your candidacy, earnestly call upon you to stand as u candidate for tho governorship of Pennsylvania on the platform for honest government with tho rally cry, "Thou Shalt Not Steal," we pledge ourselves to your support and we be lieve that we speak for thousands from every existing party who will rally to this standard. Among the signers of the letter are Heibert Welsh, Charles RlchardMin, Geoige Strawbridge, G-nrgii Burnham, George Burnham, jr., Peter Boyd, War ren Keleey, Philip C. Gnrrett, chairman of the former committee of one hun dred; Finley Acker and Howard Com fort. UNIVERSITY PENNSYLVANIA RACES Schedule Arrsuiccil tV '' Trnck Committee lor 1808. Philadelphia, March IS. The track committee of the Athletic association ot the University of Pennsylvania has arranged the following schedule for the track team for tho coming season: April 2 Columbia V3. Pennsylvania, one mllo relay race, New York. April 16 First annual inter-class cham pionship games, Philadelphia. April 30 Annual Inter-colleglate and Inter-scholastic leluy races, Philadelphia. May 7 Georgetown vs. Pennsylvania, dual track games, Washington. May tl Cornell vs. Pennsylvania, dual games, Philadelphia. May 28 Inter-colleglulo championship games, New York. CASE OP A1ARRY OR QET SHOT. Miss Goillne Hus Her Zealous Wooor Put Under llonds. Brlsol, Pa., March 18. On the start ling uiid slngulnr charge that Dr. J. M. Burkey, of Newportvtlle, Bucks coun ty, had persistently mude love to her. and threatened to shoot her If she would not marry him, Miss Lizzie P. Gosllne, of the samo village, today had the doctor arrested, brought be foro 'Squire Booz here and put under $500 bail to keep tho peace. She testified that the doctor's woo ing was a continual annoyance, and she did not like him' nor enjoy his suit. Allyn Cox Dead. Now York, March J8.' Allyn Cox ono of tho best known rullrond men In tho United States and long Identified with the Vunderbllt Interests, died suddenly to duy at his office In this city. Ho was C3 years old. Mr. Cox was secretary and treasurer of tho New York. Chicago and St. Louis railway, better known as the Nlcklo Plate; treasurer and assistant sec retary of the Canada Southern and sec retary of th Beech Creek railroad. WANAMAKER'S HOT SPEECH Uncle John's Eloquence Electrifies the Citi zens of Ephrata. THE ANTI-QUAY SENTIMENT The Main Theme of His Spir ited Address. Ho States Thnt Two Wnrs Thrcatsi Ainnricn-'Spnln nnd Quay--Tha The United States Cnnnot Embnrlt iu War Without Involving PcnusyN vnnln and tho Ropabllcan Party ot Pennsylvania. Cannot Engngo in Battle Upou Fundamental Princi ples Without Involving the Repub lican Party Wherever It Exists. Lancaster, Pa., March 18. Hon. John Wannmnker continued his campaign in tills country when he addressed a big mass meeting in the borough ot Eph rata tonight. Mr. Wannmnker, accom panied by Rudolph Blankenburg, G. Harry Davl.s and J. A. Van Valken burg, arrived In Ephrata at 6.45 this evening. The party were received by a local committee, consisting of D. B. Lefvre, cnndldnte for the legislature on the anti-Quay ticket at the primary election which Is to be held tomorrow; Justice or the Pence W. K. Seltzer, J. B. Eshleman nnd Jesse Jones. At 8 o'clock the hall in which the meeting was held was Jammed to the door3 and hundreds were turned away. D. B. Lefvre called the meeting to order. George L. Bard, of Hinkletown, was chosen temporary chairman and W. K. Seltzer, of Ephrata, permanent chair man. Each made a brief address filled with anti-Quay sentiment. When tho chairman introduced Mr. Wanamaker thcro was great enthusiasm. The can didate In his opening remarks dissected tho Quay circular distributed at tho close of the AVanamaker meeting in this city la3t Wednesday night In which he was designated us a member of the Importers' syndicate. Ho said he em ployed 7,700 worklngmen nnd If any one should shew that circular to any of these, such person would be In danger of being mobbed. Speeches were also made by Rudolph Blankenburg, Senator C. C. Kauffman, who Is a candidate for re-nomlnatlon at tomorrow's primary, nnd G. Hnrry Davis, of Philadelphia. After the meet ing Mr. Wannmnker held a public re ception at the Hotel Cocalico, where hundreds called to pay their respects. The visiting party will leave for Phila delphia early tomorrow morning. In tho course of his address, ho saldt Two wars threaten the American peo ple today Spain and Quay. Ono Is a na tional question, In which Pennsylvania is Interested. Tho other Is a Pennsyl anla question In which the nation Is interested. The United States cnnnot embark In war without Involving Penn sylvania, and the Republican party ot Pennsylvania cannot engngo In battle, upon fundamental principles without involving tho Republican party wher ever It exists. It Is not a question of de Lome, the discarded minister of Spain, and Presi dent MeKlnley. A QUESTION Ol.' PRINCIPLES. It Is a question of principles. Stripped of all verbiage, It Is a herious undown uble question of right nnd wrong." In times ot peace Spain stands for tho samo custody of our battleship Mnlno that America stood for Spain's luttlebhlp Vlscayn while she was afloat in New York harbor. Quay stands not ns an Individual, t havo no quatrel with him personally, but as a representative of the state ad ministration and defiant fortified leader of public affairs In our eommonweath for tho past twenty years, more or less. Spain must mako an accounting for our burled ship and entombed seamen for the dignity of our Hag. Wo aro not fixing tho responsibilities of the present situa tion or Indulging iu untimely reflection. Do wo demand war? Never! Slneo Lee's surrender at Appomatnx tho birds havo built their nests In tho cannon's mouth and the swords havo been beaten Into pruning hooks and plowshares or hhelved In museums to lllustrato tho history of emancipation of millions of blncks. But, wo do unitedly and unceasingly. Insist upon all possible reparation for tho sinking of tho Mnlne. and above nil, for honors duo to a peaceful nation. Supeibly has our ptcshlent held him self In this Irritating and distracting time, and nobly has our congress sup ported him. It Is better to bo slow than to bo rude, and It Is hotter to bo right thnn to be rash: but caution nnd reso abreast to maintain tho dignity of tho United States tho greatest republic ot tho earth. America requires from Spain prompt nnd exact lecognltton and settlement of her rights, as tho best safeguard of her own stundlng with tho nations of tho enrth. Let tho whole question of tho strained relations between tho nations bo re ferred for adjustment to five of our sis ter nations, two to bo chosen by tho United States nnd two by Spain, and these four so chonon to select tho fifth arbitrator with Instructions to closo up all questions In thirty days. Then tho shadow of fear will lift nnd tho country cnn start on again to dovelop Its industiles and fulfill Its mission. MINP. EXPLOSION. Mndrld, March IS. A terrible explosion took place today In tho Snnta Isabel mine, at Beltnez, province of Cordova. Seventy corpses have already been recovered and many men uro as yqt unaccounted for. FIvo of thoso rescued alive died later. Tho Ilcrntd's Wonllier I'nrecnst. New York, March 19. In the mlddln states and Now Bnuland, today, cloudy to partly cloudy, warmer and fresh south erly to southeasterly winds, followed by ruin, light or moderate und by haze or fog on the cousts. A
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers