&ffi!? Wm Qin Sribtme tmntott SCRANTON, PA., MONDAY MOHMNU. JANUARY !9, 1900. TWO CENTS. TWO CENTS. SBL2x8w3tegPflOT? DEFEAT OF THE BRITISH Warren's Troops Forced to Abandon Spion Kop. GEN. BULLER'S VERSION The Mountain Crest Abandoned on Account of Lack of Water and In ability to Bring: Artillery There. Buller'a Forces Withdrawn with tho Evident Intention of Beaching Ladyamith by Some Other Route. English Soldiers light with Great Bravery, Sustaining the Best Tra ditions of the Army. dispato London, Jan. 28. Gon. Buller's tell to tlie war office states that Spion Kop was abandoned on account of the lack of water, in ability to bring artillery there, and the heavy Boer tire. Gen. Bullcr gives no list of casualties. His whole force withdrew south of the Tugela river, with the evident in tention of reaching Ladysmi th by another route. puts an curl In tho unpleasant rumors that were In circulation here and on the continent. The splendid gallantry of the men In capturing Kplnn kop Is read of with great pride nnd satisfac tion. It Is taken ns an assurance of the ultimate success of British arms, The war olllee does tint give any Idea of the casualties 111 taking and holding .Spion kop, Inn a report from tho Boer headquarters near Lndysmlth, via Lou ronzo Marques, Hays that 1,000 British dead were toft oii tho liattlelletd. This iiiimhei' Is thought to Include tho wounded. The report also said that Cloneral Hither had heen down with fever, but had recovered. Battle on Mountain Top. Spe.n man's t'amp, Friday, .Inn. 2.- About 2 o'clock on (he morning of .lauu.ir.v 21 'Wednesday), when heavy clouds tested upon the kopjes, tho main point of the Hoer position, Taban yaina, was stormed hy the British In fantry under Gcucial AA'oodgate. Our force crossed over a ravine anil climbed the mountain side steadily, netting within thlrt yards of the enemy's first line of trenches. The Boers, who had boon asleep, decamped and the liiltlsh, villi a ring ing cheer, climbed to the summit. The Boors opened 41 ro from several points, but 11 was apparent that they hud boon taken completely by surprise, and their icslstaneo was dispirited. The western crest of the hill was soon won, and tho Infantry crept along tho top of the hill. At daybreak, however, the Hurra from a high point on the extreme cast, sent a withering tire anions the liiltlsh which momentarily staggered them. Tho Moots had tho range 1lx"d In a nicety, and 'their artillery sent several shells right to the top of the crest, forcing tho Infantry to take cover. A Boor Xordenfoldt also war. worked with great precision. The British held the 'position against great odds At 10 o'clock strong re inforcements wore sent up the- hill and advanced in skeleton formation, the enemy being driven back to the ex treme point. SPEECHES ON THE PHILIPPINES SENATORS BACON AND TILL KAN CLAIM THE FLOOR. Probable Course of Events-Change in the Elective Offices Quay Con test Will Not fie Taken Up-A Tariff for Puerto Rico No Pro gramme for the Houso. MASON MAKES REPLY. London, Jan. 2 Following Is the text of General Uuller's dispatch, dated Spearman's Camp, Saturday, Jan. 27, 6.ln p. in.; "On January Ci.Wai ten drove il.tek the enemy and obtained possession of the Southern crest!) of tho high tabb; land extending from tho line of Acton Homos and Mongers port to the west ern I.adysmlth hills. From then io January SI he remained In close con tact with tho enemy. "The enemy held a strong position on a range of small kopjes stretching from northwest lo southeast across the pla teau from Acton Homes, through Spion Kop, to the left bank of the Tugela. "The actual position held was per fectly tenable, but did not lend itself to an advance. x-Ihe southern slopes wen' so steep that Warren could not get an effective artillery position, anil water supply was a dllliculty. "On January '.'::, I assented to his attacking Spion Kop, a huge hill, Indeid, a mountaii. v.hl"h was evidently the key if tho million, but was far more ac cessible from the north than from the south. "Tho i Ight of January 2)! lie attacked Spion Kop, ln t found It very dlflteiilt to hold, as its poilnioter was too large, and water, which ho had been led to liollevr existed, in this extraordinary ilr. season, wax found very deficient. "The oiests wore held all that day against severe att.uks and a heavy shell tiie. Out men fought with groat ga!tH'itr. 1 would especially mention the conduct of iln Second C.unciiin lans and th" Thiid King's rides, who Mippoited the attack on the mountain from the steepest side and In each case fought 'their way to the top, au.l tho Picond Lancashire Fusllleis and Second Middlesex, who magnificently malntali oil the best traditions of the British nimy throughout the trying day January 21. and Thornyeroft's moil ' infantiy. who fought throughout the day equall.v well along side of them. "General AVoodgnte. who was In ootn nian 1 it the summit, hi'vlng boon wounded, the olllcer . lio succeeded hint decided on th" night of January 21 to abandon the position and did "it hefoie dawn January 2.". "1 roaclvd Warn n's camp at T, a, in. on January '.'' and decided that a. second attack upon Spion Kop was useless and thai the enemy's right was, too rtroug to allow me to force It. "Accordingly I dt ejded to withdraw the force to the south of the Tugela. At .. a m. wo ooinniene-d withdraw ing the tialn and by s a. m. January 2" iSatui'd.i ). Warren's force was con. loniratcd south of the Tugela without the loss of a man or a pound of stoior, "The fact that the force i ouM with draw from actual tuiieli--ln some cases the lines were less than a thousand yards apart with the enemy In tic manner It did. Is I think s-uflloiont evidence of the morale of the troop, and that wo were peiiultted to with draw our cumbrous ox nnd mule trans port across the ilwi, eighty-five yanU broad, with twenty-foot banks, and a very swift current, uunioh sled. Is, I think, proof that th- umy has been taught to lespecl our soldiers' lighting powers." At the War Office. During the morning and tho earlier part of tin. afternoon a placard, bear lug the words "No news." hung on the Iron railing In front of the war ofllee; and tho shivering sentries who stood guard on I'all Mall in the rain ami sleet had the distliot all to themselves. About 2 p. in., however, the placard was taken in, and on the bulletin boards Inside lieuernl Uuller's long dis patch was displayed. The Sunday papers Issued extras, but only the faintest interest was inanl festod in the streets. At the service clubs the situation, ns revealed by (Icn oral Huller. was considered very un pleasant, ills excuses or explanations wore characterized as very weak, Th(i absence of water, which Sir Chailes Warren was "led to believe" existed, and tho facts that Spion kop was "In deed a mountain" and that Its " perl meter was too large," are all matters which even Uenerul Uuller's warmest admirer hold should have been ascer tained before ho attacked, One comforting feature of the situa tion, however. Is the fact that Ucncril Buller's retirement acioss the Tugela was accomplished without loss, which STORY OF THE BOERS. Struggle for the Possession of Spion Kop. Moer Headquarters, Modder Spruit, rimer Tugela. Wednesday. Jan. 2t. Midnight, via Lourenzo Marques. Thursday, Jan. 2.1. Some Vryheld burghers from the outposts on the highest hills of the Spion kop group rushed into the laager, saying that the kop was lost mid that the Kngllsh had taken It. Reinforcements were ordered up, hut nothing could be done for some time, tho hill being enveloped in thick mist. At dawn the Heidelberg and Caro lina contingents, supplemented from other commandoes, began the ascent of the hill. Three spurs, precipitous projections, faced the Moer positions. Fp these the advance was made. Tho horses were left under the tlrst terrace of rocks. Scaling tho steep hill the Moors found that the Kngllsh had Improved the op portunity and entrenched heavily. Be tween the lines of trenches was an open veldt, which hail lo lie rushed, under a heavy lire not only from rillcs but of lyddite and shrapnel from tlefil guns. Three forces ascended the three spurs co-ordinately, under cover of tiro from the Free Slate Krupps, a Creusot and a big Maxim. The Kngllsh tried to rush the Boers with the bayonet, but thel Infantry went down before the Boer rifle fire as before a sevthe. The Boer Investing party advanced step by step until In the second trench, when a white Hag went up and 1.10 men In the front trenches surrendered, being sent as prisoners to the head laager. The Boer advance continued on the two kopjes east of Spion Kop. Many Boers were shot, but so numerous were the burghers that the gaps fill-d auto matically. Toward twilight thov readied tin summit of tlu second ; kopje, but did not got further. The i Biltlsm maxims belched flame, but a wall of lire from the Mausers hold the Kngll.'h back. Their center under this! pressuio gradually gave way and broke, abandoning the position. The prisoners speak highly of the bravery of the burghers, who. despis ing cover, stood against the skyline edges of the summit lo shoot the Pub Iln Kiisilers, sheltered in tho trenches. Filing continued for some time and then the Fusllers and the Light Horse solving as Infantry threw up their arms and rushed out o." tho trenches. The effect of the abandonment of Spion Kop by the Kngllsh can nardiy be gauged as yet, but It must prove to be Immense. An unusually high proportion of lynddlte shells did not explode. Washington, Jan. 25. Senators Ba con and Tillman have given notice of speeches during the present week upoi the Philippine question, but beyond those notices tio Indication has been given of tho probable course of events In the senate during the week. T!u currency bill continues to hold the right of way and It Is not Improbable that It will be made the subject of more or less spooeh-niakltig. It U also quite certain that during tho oa'--ly part of the week there will bo :i change In the elective ofltoes In tho senate and that. In accordance with the decision of the Republican caucus of last week, Mr. Bennett will bo In stalled as secretary and Mr. Ransded as sorgeatil-at-arms. Senator .Tones, of Arkansas, will continue. In exooutho session, his effort to secure ro-consld-eratlon of tho Samoaii treaty, but this motion will be resisted by the Republi cans. There Is a tacit understanding that the Quay contest will not be taken un until after tho disposition of the currency bill. There Is no programme mapped nut tor the house this week. Tho Indian appropriation bill has been reported and the cqiisular nnd diplomatic ap propriation bill Is In preparation. Tt Is expected that these bills will occupy the major portion of the week. Tariff for Puerto Rico. Administration ofllcials arc manifest ing great Interest In the legislation now before both houses of congress providing a form of government for the Island of Puerto Rico and regulat ing the tariff rates on imports from the Island into the I'lilted States. It can be stated that tho president is willing that a small or nominal rate of duty shall be Imposed on Imports from tho island, and It Ts understood that he Is not urging a delay In legis lation affecting Its status pending a decision by the supreme court as to whether Puerto Rico Is a part of the I'nlted States. Will Stand by His Principles, Mc Whorter or No McWhorter. Washington, Jan. 2S. Senator Ma son, of Illinois, In a signed statement concerning the published report that he had boon requested to withdraw from the Old Tippecanoe club of Chi cago, tonight said: "1 notice by the paper that I was expelled from the Tippecanoe Repub lican club In Chicago. 1 never ap plied for membership. 1 heard through the. press that charges against mo ha 1 boon preferred by Colonel McWhorter that I did not agree with the president on Philippine and Boor questions." ! ,M. - .-.. .1.... ...!. ....,.-...l i lie Konaior men niuicn n-(.-..ii.n attack upon the Integrity of Colonel McWhorter, and adds: "This (the reference being to a per sonal and not political matter) Is tho only communication as to any charges against my Republicanism, directly or Indirectly. I have ever had with Col onel (V) McWhorter. chairman of the committee on political action of the Old Tippecanoe club if Chicago. Had 1 known that l was 'a member of tho club and that McWhorter was chair man of any important committee T should have resigned. Meantime, 1 am for liberty and self-government In Cuba. Philippine -Islands, South Afrl'in and Chicago, McWhorter or no Mc Whorter." , REPORT ON OUR ASIATIC TRADE OREAT DEVELOPMENT WITH CHINA AND JAPAN. Statement Prepared by Frank H. Hitchcock, Chief of the Foreign Market Section of tho Agricultural Department Gain in Exports of Iron and Steel Is Very Rapid. Increase Nearly All Made in tho Last Fivo Years. THE NEWS TUIS MOKNIN'U Wcithcr Indications Todays PAIR AND MUCH COLDER. Version of of ths MR. BRYAN WILL ACCEPT. ANTHRACITE COAL TRADE. Decided Slackening in Demand on Account of Mild Weather. Philadelphia, Jan. 28. The ledger In its coal article tomorrow will say: The anthracite coal trade, owing to the continuance of mild weather, has been showing a decided slackening In the demand. Dealcrs.antlclpatlng lower prices In consequence, are only order ing sparingly, and It Is evident that the January output will lie less than the usual monthly product heretofore. The companies no longer have trouble In moving coal, and they could readllv do more business were It offered. Thotv is no difficulty in shipping coal by sea. as the harbors are all open, the only hindrance to navigation being the fogs produced by the warmer weather. There were reports of cutting in prices last week at tidewater of 1.1 to 2.1 cents per ton In order to secure sales, and It the prevalent dullness continues there will soon be a considerable accumula tion of unsold stocks of coal, The re cent spurt of colder weather for a day or two. however, may make a better demand for the coming week. Populists of Texas Announce That Ho Will Take the Nomination. Austin, Tex., Jan, 2S. The Populists of Texas publicly announce thnt W. J. Bryan will accept the nomination of that party for president It It Is tendered him. The following circular letter, out lining the plan of action for the coming campaign, was today Issued by Chair man J. H. Foster, who claims to secure bis information and the propositions outlined In the direction from the na tional headquarters. The circular let ter is addressed to all county chair men, and reads as follows: "Dear Sir: You are no doubt aware of the fact that if the Bryan Democ racy, when they meet In national con vention, reafllrm the Chicago platform of ISOii with a direct legislation plank as an issue, and It seems probable that they will, and nominate W. .1. Bryan and some Irreproachable southern man, that such action will be tho death of our party. Should tho Democracy do this, it will be only a. repetition of their policy, plans nnd like their advocacy of IB to 1, be short lived. Ill view of such action on the. part of this new born Democracy. It Is the duty of every Populist who loves the principles he advocates to lend his aid to thwart tbn destruction of his party. "A plan has been suggested and Is being discussed all over the nation. The details of this pin are. In part: "That when our nutloVi.il convention assembles that It ro-amrni tho omah.i platform, with direct legislation as the paramount Issue, nominate AV. .7. Bryan (and the assurance has heei given by Mr. Bryan's friends that h will accept tho nomination) and sopo? southern Populist. The Free Silver Republicans will endorse the platform and Its candidates say that Mr. Bran friends will go before the convention with a demand for the endorsement of the action of the Populist conven tion and It Is argued that they will not refuse. In the event that they do st Mr. Bryan may refuse tho nnmlnatln l at the hands of the Democracy. This action of Itself will, by tho Demo crats, signal their utter defeat, and nlso that of tho Populists, but defeat will lay at the door of the Democrats." AA'ashlngton. Jan. 2S. A report on 6 our Asiatic trade prepared hy 'Mr. Frank II. Hitchcock, chief of the fot elgn market section of the agricultural department, shows that there has been a great development of our trade with China and Japan during the past de cade. Record figures wore easl'y touched In the fiscal year ISM, when the value of tho merchandise ex changed with those two countries. In cluding the port of Hong Kong, reached JST.SO.l.tiSli. against only $10, 2!iG,lG7 In 1S89. The four years follow ing ISM) witnessed a steady Increar.o that linally culminated In 1S9P. with a record of JKO.zsl.SSfi. the highest up to that time. In the fiscal year 1S94, din ing which our Importations were great ly curtailed ns a. result of the pre vailing financial depression, the trade declined to $.11,rd.1,lt!i, and thereafter lose steadily by leaps and bounds. Of tho JST.ROS.fiSS valuation placed upon our trade with Japan, China nnl Hong Kong during 1S!)9. $17.81.1,03.1 rep resented the Imports Into the I'nlted States and $:'.!), liiO.CM the exports from this country. Our exports to the countries men tioned consisted chiefly of cotton, cot ton goods, kerosene oil, wheat, lloi.r and manufactures of Iron and steel, the value of these live classes of arti cles exported aggregating In 1S9S near ly SO per cent, of the total exports to China, Japan and Hong Kong. Japan took nearly all the raw cotton, white cotton manufactures went quite as largely to China. All three took kero sene oil In large quantities. The x ports of wheat flour almost treble! during tho decade, exports to Japan actually rising from 19,077 barrels In 1SS9 to lfil.C.11 barrels In 1S98, while Hong Kong the latter year took 939,0.tt barrels, against .17S,t34 In 1SS9. China's direct flour importations wore small. The gain In exports of Iron and steel was very rapid In 1S96, '97 and '9S. most of the exports going to Japan, which took $3.19.1.1.12 worth in 1S9S out of ,i total for the year of $3,713,907. For 1SS9 the Iron and stool exports to the placs named were only $319,212. Generally speaking. It may be stated that the figures show that tho gain In our Asi atic exports has been nearly all made In tho last five years. Aside from tho five classes mentioned tho chief ex ports have been paper, alcohol, tobacco, leather, lubricating oils, lumber and scientific apparatus. Of the Imports, silk and tea made up 70 per cent, of the total, Japan sending most of the former and China most of the latter. Silk imports were $23,9.19,93.1 in 1S9S and tea Imports, $S,S9fl,S36. In that year wo Imported $16,453,400 worth of raw silk and $2,OfiS,00n worth of silk manufactures from Japan, while Chlni came $7,107,409 in raw silk and only $13.1,906 In silk manufactures. tieiicral Oonernl Rutlpr'n Spion Kop Defeat. Mystery of the. Destruction Maine. Our Aslutlo Trade. Forecast of AVcek In Congress. Ornorul- Northeastern Pennsylvania. Flnnnclal and Commrtcl.il. Local Sermon hy Rev. Austin (irlfllii, tlnnqurt of Insurance Men. TMItorlal. News nnd Comment. t.ocat-Convonllon of the lt'nal Ifrlth. Mention of Sonic Mrn of the Hour. Local West Krrantou nnd Siiliiirii.il-. Round About Seranton. Local Live Industrial News. MYSTERY OF THE MAINE An Informer Gives the Details of the Conspiracy. STORY OF AWFUL ' PLOT TO BUILD SHIPS IN THE NAVY YARDS TO CLEAN OUT JOINTS. GERMANS AMALGAMATE. GLOOM IN LONDON. Ladyamith May Have to Bo Aban doned by Buller's Troops. London. Jan. 29. 4.1.1 a. m. Th? week has opened with the utmost gloom for the British public and tho reaction Is all the stronger because of the high hopes that were reposed In General Buller's turning movement and of his unnoiu'cenient that there would be "no turning, back," At the very moment when Dr. Loyds Is being received as an honored guent in the highest circles on the continent. Great Britain has to face the worst disaster In a campaign tluif Jar disas tivms. Open talk Is hoard of the ab solute necessity of abandoning Lady smith to Its fate, while Lord Roberts reverts to the original plan of an ud ilance over the Orange river upon Bloomfnntcln. To Ladysmlth tho disappointment must be very hitler. A dispute h from the Boer laager near the town, dated January 21, describes the gan.son aa "very evidently preparing a desperate coup In order to effect a Junction with Genual Buller's advancing armv." It may bo regaided as a coitalnty that. In tho confident hope of early relief. Kir George AA'hlte has lately li..n Issuing extra rations, and this fn.'t has given rise to an cxaggeiated Idea a to the length of time tho provisions would lant. Kven should It bo de cided to send General Duller reinforce, meats and to attempt to reach Lady smith by a movement through the still mpni illlllcult country est of Cnlenm, It Is extremely .doubtful whether tho garrison could hold out long enough. Singing and Turner Societies Join the Central Union. Pittsburg. Jan. 2S. At a meeting of the Amalgamated association of Ger man singing and turner societies of AVestcrn Pennsylvania, held today. It was decided to drop Its old name, re tain Its autonomy and become a mem ber of a state organization, which Is far-reaching In Its object. It Is now the Pittsburg branch of the Gernian Americnn Central union. A circular sent out from Philadelphia, which explained tho objects of the or ganization, was read. Tho preamble states that German societies have been unjustly attacked In various portions of the state, and that nil organizations should amalgamate for one purpose, that of bettering themselves. The ob jects are the spreading of tho German language, teaching of manual training and gymnastics In the public schools, the extension of rights of all citizens, and more liberal legislation the wiping out of the blue laws. It further states the organization shall not attach Itself to any political party, and that any of Its officers, that seek political proferment must resign. Polio Proceed Againot Opium Sens 'a Philadelphia. Philadelphia, Jan. 29. As n result of a tragic death of a young woman last week In an opium den located In Chinatown, the police at 1 o'clock this morning started to clean out the re sorts in the locality. Six places had been vlsltetd up to 1.4.1 u. in. and over forty persons have been arrested. Many of them being under the Influence of opium. At 2 a. m. the raids wore still In progress. Those arrested Included Chinamen, white and black, males and females. SHOOTING AT DURYEA. Husband of tho Victim Is Under Arrest. AVIlkos-Barro. Pa., Jan. 2!. A fatal shooting affair occurred In the home of Kazimir Dudnew, at Diiryen, today. Tho man was cleaning a gun In the kitchen, when, he claims, It was acci dentally discharged. Tho load of shot entered the side of Diidnow's wife, who was seated In the next room. She died in great agony two hours later. The husband was arrested and held In ball for a hearing. AMERICAN FLOUR CASES. WOOD WELCOMED TO SANTIAGO CARLIST ARSENAL. Gendarmes Unearth Arms and Am munition at Palencia. Madrid, Jan. 2S. The gendarmes yes. terday unearthed a Cat list arsenal In a hniiFc In Paleiiolu, capital nf tho province of that name, and seized ini,. ooo cartridges and n large quantity of arms. Six Curllsts who are Implicated fled across the frontier. Another Mysterious Wreck. St. Johns, N. 1''.. Jan. 2S. Tim oontlnu mice of the storm makes It Impossible In obtain definite knowledge hs to tho Iden tity of the vessel which went ashore on AVednesday, January 17, on Koxliill point. Much apprehension Is felt among the shore folk at Hay of Islands, as It Is found that more thiiu one vessel hits been lost. Hearing Fixed for Monday at Capo Town. Cape Town. riiuisday, Jan. 2.1. The prize court has fixed Monday, January 29, for tho hearing of the chnrges with respect to the American flour, said to be Intended for the Boers, which was on board the British steamer Mashona from New York. November .1. when sho was captured by the British gunboat Partridge last month. Tho overdue transport Manchester Corporation has arrived here. Cubans Vie with Americans to Hon or the Governor-General. Santiago de Cuba. Jan. 2S. Gover nor General AA'ood, General Chaffee and Colonel Black arrived at noon after an overland trip from Manzanlllo. Gen eral Demetrlo Castillo headed a party of Cubans, who went by special train to San Luis and rode from there, fifteen miles on horseback, to meet General AA'ood. A thousand persons were gath ered at the station to meet the gover nor general's party. A feature of the antagonism of the Cuban patriots to ward the Americans Is displayed In the effort of tho Cuban club to excel tho Americans In the demonstration In honor of General AA'ood. Tonight a re ception and banquet, the most elabor ate ever given here, occurred. General AA'ood suys that he observed numeruus signs of Improvement on the plantations and In the mines along the route of bis trip. The party will leave Santiago for Guantanamo and the north coast Tues day morning. JERE B. REX IMPROVING. His Physician Has Hopes for His Partial Recovery. Huntington, Pa,, Jan. SS. After nlm days of uninterrupted uneor.sriousno.s Chief Clerk Joie B. Rex. of the. Penn sylvania houso of representatives, who was paralyzed at his home here, was able today for the first time to recog nize his friends and comprehend worJs addiL'ssed to him. The paralysis af fecting his light side and tongue, Is still unyielding. If no fuither attack occurs, wiuen. however, is feared, his physician to night gives hopes for his partli.l re covery. KILLED BY GAS. Mass Meeting Held in Brooklyn. Speakers Urge Thnt the Govern ment Should Construct Its Own Vessels. Xew A'ork. Jan. 2S. There was a mass mooting of employes of the navv yard last evening at '.Vaverly hall. AVnvorl and Myrtle avenues, Brook lyn, relative to the bills now befor congress regarding the building of all United States ships by the navy de partment In tho government ivivc yard.s Judge Gerard B. A'anWart, of the municipal court, presided. Congressman John J. Fitzgerald said It was well known that the govern ment had the best equipped yards, both for repair work and for n"w work. The work had received com mendation from high government oil'., clals, and careful attentirn from men abroad who were familiar with navy yards and their equipments. The work of the navy yard during the wnr with Spain received special commendation in the report of one of the department ofllcials. Congressmen Clayton, AVit son and May, he said, were unavoid ably absent from the meeting, but. like the speaker, would do all In their power to bring about the rocommonda tloh of the bills. From a canvass that had been made on tho dour of the house It was apparent that there was a general sentiment In favor of having tho government ships built In govern ment and not In prlvat" yards. Congressman Kdmtind II. Driggi urged his hearetn to circulate peti tions and send thousands of signatures to AA'ashlngton to Influence congress. Remarks were nlso made by George II. AA'arner. AAMUbim F. Council and Robett 'V. Rellly. to the effect that experience has proven that nil vessels built by the government are better constructed nnd nt lo.s expense than when billlt by contractors, and that n certain portion of tho twenty-seven ships to bo built by the- government should, bo constructed In the various navy yards. m - DEFENCE OF THE MINISTRY Speeches by Jesse Collings and Aus ten Chamberlain. London, Jan. 2S. Joseph Chamber lain, who expected to attend the ban quet nf the Birmingham Jewellers and silversmiths last evening, was unable to bo present owing to tho holding of a meeting of the defence committee. His place was taken by the Right lion. Jesse Collings, under secretary of state for the homo ofllee, and Austen Cham berlain, civil lord of the admiralty. The former, replying to a toast to "Her Majesty's Ministers," deplored the attitude of the press In regard to the war In South Africa. He said there had been no muddle In Its conduct: and the facts, when known, would show there had boon no war in which moeo foresight, skill and care had been dis played by the government than the present one. The reverses, he declared, only Increased the determination to prosecute the work, to the end. Tho war invoiveil tlie question wneiner Great Britain should maintain her posi tion or sink Into a significant thlid rate power. Austen Chamberlain, in the course nt his re-marks, said that if Great Britain had shirked her responsibility the pi loo paid would have boon the os in tlie near future of South Africa and h"r separation In the not remote future from those great branches of the Anglo-Saxon stock, whoso loyalty which is duo to their confidence In Great Britain's power to see that right Is done her subjects In every portion of the world was so dour to Great Britain. Senor D'Martinez Swears He Knows tho Principals Who Perpetrated the Foul Crime in Havana Harbor. After the Awful Slaughter Ha Sought Rdfuge in the United States United States Government Officials Listen to the Story. ANTI-IMPERIALISTS. (.Continued on Pose 2.J Lord Roberts Visits the Maine. Cape Town, Jan. ;.".. Thursday Lord Roberts, after visiting (h hospital ship Maine, over which ho was conducted by Lad Ilandolph Churchill, expressed bis entire satisfaction with the arriuu-cmcnts, The Muluo will sail for Durban tomorrow. " " " ' " Mrs. Piatt's Illness. AVasldngton. Jim, 2V The condition or Mis. I'latl, the wife of Senator Pl.tll. of New A'ork, wus rcporttd to have laell I brtur today. Grain Elovator Burned. New A'ork. Jan. 2. Fire destroyed tho Lehigh A'alley Railroad company's grain elevator nt Perth Amboy, N. J,, today. The New Haven schooner Alice 11. Phil lips caught tire and was damaged to the extent of fci.WiO. The total loss Is about JW,i). The oiiglu of the lire Is unknown, DEATHS OF A DAY. Richmond, Ai Jan. 2?. Major Thomas A. Brawler, past grand commander nf iho A'lrglnla Grand Camp ot Confederate vet. erans, and who wus known throughout the south for his prominence in all Con. fcilerato rctmlcns. died hern today, aged 6i years. Philadelphia. Jan. 2S.-Chnrles R. Me earthy, formerly an associate judge of the Huntingdon county court and who was prominent In religious and temper mice circles, died ut his home In this city 1 ot heart Ulbctibc. Tragedy Caused by a Defective Stove in Honey Brook. Hazleton. Jun. 2S. Gas escaping from a defective stove In tho home of Stephen Kandolf. of Honey Brook. while all members of tho family ami The League Claims Effective Organ ization in Thirty-eight States. Chicago, Jan, 2S. The Tlnies-Horald today says: The American Anti-Imperialist league, which was organized at the 'intl-ltnperlallst conference held her.- Now York. Jan. 2S. Tho Herald to day published a startling story of the destruction in Havana harbor of the Cnltod States battleship Maine. It Is a strange story In some respects almost Incredible. The Herald does not vouch for Its truthfulness, but It Is supported by the sworn testimony of the Informer, who professes to have been. If not an actual participant In the dreadful work, nt least an active observer of the prep arations for It. Ills story has been hoard with deep Inteiest by leprosentntlves of three de partments high In the councils of tho executive branch of the government in AVashlnglon, and particularly Investi gated by two of them. It Is not the least remarkable feature of this extraordinary narrative that the present Informer, Kdward Jose D'Mar tinez. tiyk refuge after the tragedy, not in Spain, the home ot his fathers, liu' In America, the land of his foes, and has lived since March. 1S!)S. in a. little town In Southwestern Alabama, close, to the Florida line. And the Irresist ible magnet that drew him to the vil lage of Gordon, Ala., ho asserts, was his love of wdfe and child, for, though born a Spanish count in Granada, though eleven years In the secret ser vice of Spain, ho had married un American wife. Mysterious Letter of Warning. Through all the troubled summer ot lS'.iS, when war news was on every Up. ho says lie llveil the quiet life or a southern recluse, rarely oven seeing a newspaper of recent date. Neighbors, observing that he lived without visible moans of support and lived as well as they, wondered Idly If ho were In the moonshine distilling line. Only once does suspicion seem to have struck near the mark. That was soon after war was declined. An anonymous let ter warned him to leave the town with in forty-eight hours or bo hanged. "And wo have no time to bury Spanish spies." tlie letter significantly con cluded. D'Martinez did not leave. Ho re mained there and nothing happened. His wife and child are there now, and he Is In New A'ork city. The Herald has been In possession ol D'Alartlnoy's story for more than a w-o!;. it has soared no pains to cither veilfy or dlsi iwe It. It hat not succeeded fully In cither. Deem ing the matter of too groat importance either to withhold or to publish with out having tlrst taken th" I'nlted States' government Into its' confidence, tlv Herald made u piopo-dtlon t'i D'Martlne:! which would have stag gered almost any cheap Impos-tor. The proposition was that the Spaniard should go to AVashlngtcn and there subject lils "lorv and his document.) to the most ligld scrilMiiv of such armv. navy or secret service ip"rts as the government might nominate for the investigation. Wanted to Save His Neck. D'MartlncK asked two days to 'in sider the proposition and to consult counsel. "I do not fear to fuee .sour experts" he said, "but 1 cannot afford to put my neck In a noose." He con sulted counsel and replied on Friday. January in. "I will b- leudy to start at any time after noon today." D'Martinez, accompanied by a rep-revontativ-e of the lWntO, reach -d AA'ashlngton Saturday afternoon. Jan limy 2'", nv the Congiorslonal Limited. Not unnaturally the navy department ... .... I.....S was the tirst visueu. n ur. in-in.ii'--. the most vitally Interested In 'iny so lution of the unsolved problem o tho decade tlv fate of Captain Slpsbee's battleship. Wainwright and Wilkie Hear Story. Secretary Long listened with deep Interest to a bilef outline of the story and thin sni a dispatch to Comman der Kleh.uil AVaiuwilghi. I'nlted St.itei Navy, now commanding on the oM Snnlee, at Annapolis, at the Naval Aomiomv. It was lb" same AA'aln- wright who was tho Maine's executive In September, claims to have an effec tive organization in thirty-eight states. I 1ii,.l,,.i an,i who was th last to leav UKiunoma ana ino uismci m nuiiu- bla. Tho officers of tho league, while un communicative as to methods, admit that It alms to make Itself felt in close congressional districts everywhere for the election of congressmen this year who will bo against iho retention of tho Philippines. Connection with the Bryan cause Is le r after pumas uowii iu- iim"' stained flag that had flown above her until then us the emblem nf I'nlted States sovereignty on her riven decks. The reporter look the Spaniard to An napolis on Sunday, and on Monday morning brought him face to face with the Maine's executive the hero of tlm Gloucester. There was an Informal mile court of inquiry lasting nearly denied. Bourne Cochran's recent ex- , tni.,,e pours In the cabin of the Santee. pression in irioniuiiess ior nryuu is taken to be significant In this connei- "" """" "; ; ' r'VVi" -,-n .' tlon: also flu declaration of Andrsw morning, and thereupon awakened the household. Mr. Kandolf und two of the boarders ure In a serious conditiun, but will probably recover. m Killed by a Hemlock. Kane. Pa Jan. !S. A falling hemlock tree crushed Ldwurd Reede, and his ton to death, near hero yesterduy. The hem lock hnd lodged against a beech tree and they were endeavoring to dislodge It when the wind swayul tho hemlock from Its position and It fell on the men, klll- liif both ot them. Dr. Jameson Wounded. Head Laager. Near Ladysmlth, Thurs ilav, Jan. 8.1. via Lourenzo Marques, Jan. 25. It Is n ported here that as the result of "Long Tom's" practice on Monduy Dr. Jameson wr.s wounded In tlie log. Presi dent Bteyn has visited this laager. Rout for Nationalists. Tarls. Jan. SO.-The election of nlnety- nlno senators yesterday resulted In a practical rout for the Nationalists, only thre of their thirty candidates teiue I sleeted. Afler It was over, me Minimum. no scenilnglv had borne It without flinch ing, said to me: "'Phis Wainwright, 1 do not like his eyes; they burn hole through you." Back again In "Washington last Tucs- Continued on Page '.'. .. ''' WEATHER FORECAST. AVashlrgton, Jan. M.-Forcrust for Monday and Tuesday: For eastern Pennsylvania, fair rnd much colder Monday; preceded by snow, brisk northerly shitting to northwesterly winds; Tuesday, fair with rising ten.pir.iiure. t- .t . t t t -M-. sfc ! '
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers