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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 10, 1881)
YOL. X. OMAHA , NEBEASKA , THUESDAY. FEBRUARY 10 , 1881. NO200. . Established 1871. MORNING EDITION. Price Five Cents MILBOADSVS. The Issue Publicly Dis cussed at the State Capitol , j TheBailroad Managers Oppose All Legislation , and Deny That Abuses Exist That Need Bedressing. Have the People of Nebraska Rights Which Railroad Monopolies Should Respect ? The Duty of the Legislature - . Defined. SpscUl Correspondence of THE BIK. LINCOLN , February 8. The meet ing for the discussion of the railroad question took place last night in the eenate chamber , Senator Myers in the chair. Both the floor- and the galleries were well filled , and many of the leading men of Nebraska were present. The meeting was called to order about 8 o'clock , when Senator Wells , of Saline county , moved that a committee of three ba appointed to arrange a programme for the evening. The chair appointed Sanatora Wells , Burns , of Dodge , and Gere. Senator t . , tor Doano said the object of the sen ate railroad committee had in calling this meeting was to hear the opinions of the chief railroad men on the ques tion men whose business it was to inform themselves of the practical workings of the railroads. Discussion of both sides of the railroad question aa wo find it to-day was also asked. He added : "Wo shall have present ed to us , as far as possible , some facts and figures , upan which we can base our action concerning many points npon which I need information , and I presume there are other members of the committee who are willing to make the same modest confession. " Mr. Wells announced that Sir. A. E. Tonzalln , manager of the B. & M. railroad , would address the mooting with some facts and figures. MR. TODZALIN is a vigorous talker. His speech waa by far the ablest one made by the rail road representatives. He had not come prepared to make a speech. While there was a great deal to be said upon the question , he would con fine himself to only a few of the chief points in connection.with the subject. He could convince every reasonable person present who was willing to know the truth on the anbjoct tbat railroad rates iu the state are reasona ble and the taxes are what the consti- tion calla for. He understood that it was the business of the legislature to mike laws In accordance with the constitution. Bat there was a good deal of misunderstanding relative to what the legislature can do by the railroads. The constitution did not forbid discrimination , but unjust dis crimination was prohibited. The railroads wore not charging high ratei. The local rates In Nebraska should not ba lower than they are in Iowa. The Republican Valley road Is not earning the grease used on it. The B. & M. should at least be al lowed to charge the eame as the Cedar Rapids and Northern road , but it waa not doing BO. The only roads In the atato of Iowa that ara charging less rates than the Nebraska linca are the throe pool linos. Ho had the tariffs of the various roads with him. The local rates hera are fust a trifle higher than In Iowa. Suppose that the B. & M. earnings were enormous. The local rates don't amount to shucks. Eighty-seven per cent , of its business la through freight. Now , what has the legislaaure to legislate on only thirteen per cent , of our business np on which to make rates. The rate on a car of corn from Crete to Chicago is thirty-five cents per one hundred pounds for a distance of 500 miles ; Nebraska oould only legislate on 75 milo&f that distance. If we made onr rates any lower the farmers would burn tholr corn , because the eastern market would fall BO low that the corn would not ba worth handling. Iowa found she had made a mistake in this regard and repealed thelawa com pelling euch low rates. Any corpora tion Is liable tomakemiatakes , but the li. A M. desire to c rroct them , and have done so in every case. The local rate covers but 13 per cent of the business. The passenger rate of tbo B. & M. compares favorably with that of Iowa. He could show that their actual passenger business aver aged less than 3 cents per mile. "If you find the railroads are practicing extortion , bv nil means pass a law re stricting them , but you should pass no such law when we have acted lib erally. Yon will see It will bs im possible to make such rates aa we are making now. This ia because we force the eastern lines ta discriminate Wo do give drawbacks and rebates tc our heavy shlppsra. But I hope we can atop it sometime. It ia in caaei like this : A man buy a B large quan tity of wheat at 90 cents and holds 11 for sn advance in the market. Bui the market price falls to 80 cents. HE asks the road to help him out or ho will fail. W do BO for the reason thai if this dealer falls we are deprived ol what business ho give * us. " The speaker dwelt at some length upon the assessment of railroad property , the chief argument being the decrease it the value of the rolllnc stock througt wear and tear , which fact the boarc of equalization had ignored in manj given caaei. Mr. E. Roaewater , editor of Tm BEE , waa next called for. Ho bar not come prepared to present hi views on the railroad question. H came simply to hear the argument which were to bo eet forth at thl meeting. But he could not see hoi any man could come before the men : bers of the legislature and connsi them to disobey the constitution t the state , which they are a worn t obey. Tnat conatitution diatinctl provides tbat the legislature aha enact l ws to prevent diecrimlnatlo end extortion. Five years bad elapse Ince thia constitution was ratified by the people , yet the speaker had failed to see any provisions put on the atat- utebooks to comply with its mandatory provisions concerning railroads. Mr. Touzalin , as repreaentative of the railways , proteata against the enactment of laws that prohibit and punish abuaes and extortion by rail roads , just becauaa his company has not been convicted of such practices. It would be juat aa reasonable for him and other gentlemen to come here and aak the legislature to * enact no laws that will punlah burglary , highway robbery , murder and arson , because none of their number haa been con victed of these crimes. The propriety of making these laws was eelf > evident. The gentleman aaya there la no need ol such legislation. I say that there have been flagrant discriminations by the roads. I deiired to laca .my paper in cir culation at the stations on the U. P. road between Omaha and Columbus. Aa the other Omaha papera were being - ing shipped on the early morning freight train , wo were compelled to do like * wise to compete with them. After spending over 550 for a canvasser to work up circulation in theao towns , my business manager called at the freight office in Omaha to make ar rangements for shipping THE BEE at regular freight rates. He waa told the charge would be 50 cents foreach package to each station. Though It Was a losing-transaction we thought it better to pay thla than fail in putting our dally edition in these towns. Mr Havens , the local agent , declined to ship theao papera on the evening train ; he told us it would be Impossi ble to ship them on the 5 o'clock a. m. train because the billing clerk didn't get up soon enough ; but the other papera are shipped on this train without being billed. The only freight train which he agreed to ship on was a train that is overtaken by the paaaengar train that carriea the mails. So , after going to all thia trouble and expezae , we had to cancel our arrangements with aubacrlbers. Mr. Ktmball May I interrupt the gentleman ? Mr. Roaewater Yes , sir. Mr. Kimball The fact about those papers ia that our rules forbid the car rying of parcels and express packages by freights. Furthermore , I would aak Mr. Rosewater whether he didn't try to smuggle hia papera through our train men on the evening train. Mr. Kosewater No , sir ; we're al ways ready to pay for all we get from the railroads , and have paid for all the service wo have had from your road. Mr. Kimball But wo don't carry express packages on onr freight trains. Mr. Roaowater But you do carry packages of The Herald and The Ra- publican on the early morning frei'ht train. The Chair Mr. Rosewater haa the floor ; let him proceed. Mr. Rosewater Now , aa a citizen of Nebraaka , and a patron of the rail roads , I ought to have the right to have my papers transmitted on the freight trains of any road if I pay the regular rate. But as there is no law in the statute book to punlah discrim ination ! have no moans of redress. There are other caaea of discrimina tion. The gentleman who preceded mo eaya anch thinga are necessary. I don't know how that Is , but I had anp- poaed that public carriers were not ex pected to make good the losses of speculators. A few weeka ago I pub- liahed a letter which I held In my possession for two yeara that exposed a very ] flagnant cue of diacrloilnatlon. Mr. Oooley , a merchant of David City , who waa dealing In coal , and put him self to the expenae of erecting a - warehouse house ] for that traffic , waa broken up in business by the Union Pacific , giving special rebates to Mr. Cams , then a state senator representing Sew ard county. Mr. Kimball I will Inform the pentlemen about this Cooley transac tion. He had to suspend because ho couldn't pay his freight bills. Mr. Rosewater I doa t know how that is but I do know that rebates and drawbacka givenjby the railroads in thia state haa created monopolies among grain dealera , coal dealers and merchants In various towns along their roads. Mr. Tonzalin desires the No- briska rates to be the same as the Iowa rates , acd ao do I , so far aa pasaenger tolla are concerned. A few days ago I went down to Nebraaka City to at tend General Van Wyct'a reception. I travelled over the Iowa road down the river , and my fare waa three cents per mile. I have made half a dozen tripa down to Lincoln since this legialature convened and for every mile I have traveled in Nebraska , I had to pay four cents per mile. Whydosa the Kanaaa City & St. Joe road , which ii owned by the same partiea that own the B. & M. In Nebraska , charge three centa per mile , while the B. & M. running within sight of the Kanaaa City road on theweat side of theriver , charges four cents "per mile , and did charge five cents per mlle only two months ago. I anawer , aimply he- cause Iowa haa a law that fixes the charge at threa cents per mile , while Nebraaka haa no law , and the railroads - roads charge what they please. Now , the gentleman points to tha atate of Iowa , and talks about the repeal of the Granger laws. The fast ia that the Granger laws of Iowa would be on the statute hooka to-day had the railroads not massed a numerous lobby around the legislature , and by making special rebates , and give valuable Inducements to merchants in the little towna , brought pressure to bear npon the leg islature in favor of the repeal , when tha people themselves didn't want it repealed. Why , sir , there la an up rising now among the people of Iowa , clamoring for protection agalnat rail way abuses , but their leading papers are subsidized ; their smartest attor neys are retained by the rallroada.and their merchants are muzzled b ? threats of discrimination or bought up by drawbacka. In conclusion let me discuss the taxation of railroads. Mr. Touzalin aaaurea us that the B. & M conld be replaced for § 20,000 per mile and no doubt the U. P. conld bebuili far the same money. But , air , it ia i historical fact that these railroad ! have been endowed with princely sub aidles { by the national government $16,000 per mile for every mile thej built in Nebraska , bealdes the 12,000 , 000 acrea of land. In addition to tb.li the people of thla atate h&vo donatec them millions ia county and cit ; bonds. la it not just and reaaonabl th&t these railways should bear thol portion of the burdens of taxation. He then read that clause in th if constitution which requires the legit lature to provide la wa for taxing th y property of corporations and' ' thei U franchises In all the assessment n ever made in Nebraska the franchise d 1 of these railroads hare been entire ! ignored. When the ntate of Illinois granted a charter to the Illinois Cen tral the state waa as sparsely settled aa Nebraska now la , but the charter roqulrod the Illinois Central to pay 5 per-cent of the gross earnings into the state treasury , bealdes paying Us regular taxes upon its real and per sonal property. The Incomefrom this Bourco alone haa liquidated the state debt of Illinois , and will from now on pay the entire expense of their state government. In Pennsylvania there is no atate tax levied. The Pennsyl vania Central pays special taxes on earnings which covers the entire ox- penae of the atate government. The conatitution of this state requires the railroads to report their earnings to the state auditor. The obvious pur pose of this provision waa , to provide a basis for ascertaining the value of the franchise of theao roads. If this franchise was taxed , aa it ought to be , yon could build a magnificent capltoI , construct all your needed public buildings and carry on the state gov ernment from this source. Mr. Rosewater then called attention , to the low assessment of depot and depot grounds and other railroad prop erty , aa compared with the assessment of private property. Mr. Yining , general freight agent of the Union Pacific , was the next speaker. He believed the people wore willing to look into the matter of railroad legislation. He denied that the Union Pacific had done anything requiring legislation at the hands of the state. His road could not pros per if the people did not prosper. The state of Nebraska wants discrimina tion. The constitution does not pro hibit discrimination , but unjust dis crimination. No legislation can be passed which can bo more stringent on that point than may be found in the common law. Now , who Is it that charges us with unjust discrimination and extortion 1 So far as wo have heard , only Roeewater. I want to meet any man face to face , before any tribunal , and let him prove the chargo. Mr. Roaewator wanted express service on our freight trains , which we would not give to him , or anybody else. Mr. Rosewater Allow mo to ask yon one question. Do you not carry ether newspapers on the freight trains ? Mr. Vinlng Not to my knowledge. Mr. Rosewater Then you had bet ter look the majktor up. You will find that your road is doing so. The meeting at thia juncture seem ed to resolve itself into a committee of inquiry , the questioners addressing their remarks to Mr. Vinlng. Mr. Case , A reproaantatlve from Clay county , asked Do you give re bates ? Mr. Vlnin It is not our intention to give rebates. Mr. Case Do you regulate the num ber of corn or coal merchants at each station along your road ? Mr. Vining No , sir , wo do not. Mr. Oaao I was told that you did. Would you allow me , if I wanted to shio corn from any of yonr stations ? Mr. Vinlng Yea , air. Mr. Caae I waa Informed that you would not. I live in a town where they claim to have been outraged by the railroads. They have run men out of the town of Falrbury who were unable to get rates from that station that wore glvon to the company's fa vorites. Corn and grain has been rolling through my town ( Falrfield ) in wagons to the B. & M. road from Falrbury , because that road gives liv ing tates to the merchants. Mr. Vlnlng knew nothing of the workings of the St. Joe & Denver road before it went into the hands of the U. P. roadbut said there had been no discrimination on the Denver road during the past eight months. Ha know there had been trouble in sup plying cars to the merchants , but that was unavoidable during certain periods of the year. Mr. J. W. Eller , a resident of Fillmore - more county Would n law to prevent discrimination retard the building of roads In Nebraska ? Mr. Vining I think it would ! Mr. Eller Does the rate which hey charge at the present time pay fair profit on their investment ? Mr. Vinlng I decline to come to hat point. Senator C. 0. White , of Sp.undors ounty I have hoard a good deal ot omplalnt that they ate charging ates from Wahoo to Omaha that are o great that the shippers are obliged o take their grain to Fremont where ho competition of the Sioux City oacl makes their rates lower. * Mr. Vinng ! It is not so. Mr. White I know it to bo the aae with several farmers. Mr. Vining I knew that same hreo months ago there was a better ate on corn over the Sioux City road , ecauso of the demand for that com modity in northern Minnesota. Of oursa wo could not compete in this aae. aae.Mr. . White It ia the same with wheat. Sanator Howe , of Douglas Did the idoption of the new constitution pro- out the building of roada in the state ? Mr. Vinlng I think it did. . It irevented the building of the road rom Sidney to the Black Hills. Senator Howe The law of 1875 , woa say , prevented the building of the Black Hills road. Did I understand , hat there are no rebates given on your road ? Mr. Vining I claim that there is no unjust discrimination made on ho road. Senator Howe If that depands on on your idea of discrimination. Mr. Vining I claim that there have been no rebates paid by the pay ment of which any man has been in jured. Senator Wella , of Saline A week ago a man wanted a car from Crete to Washington , Iowa , and was told tha the rate was $135. Knowing that the rate from Lincoln was but § 95 , he se cured B wa on and hauled his goods to that place for shipment. Do you cal that harmless discrimination ? Mr. Vinlng I do not know the circumstances , and conld not say. Mr. Eller Does the railroad com cany have any interest in the product of the business of anybody along it line ? Does it have any secret rate for these dealers ? Mr. Vinlng Not upon wheat no sir. ' Mr. Eller Upon coal ? Mr. Vining I think not , Mr. Eller Then it would b no hindrance to you to have a Ian passed preventing this ? Mr. Vinlng Yes , sir , this wouli give other roads the beat of us. You don't want any discrimination , bu want to preclude any action on the part of the railroads to prevent it Senator Doane , of Douglas You will admit that all persona ahippinfi llko goods over a like distance ahonl ( bo treated alike. Are there any cir cumstances that would juatlfy any other kind of treatment. Mr. Kimball , general manager of the Union Pacific I think there are clrcumatancss when it la necessary to doao. ( He then stated a caae. ) Senator Doane to Mr. Vining Can yom imagine any objection to a law which will provide against such dla- crimination ? Mr. Vining Yes ; because I think it ia unnecessary , aa there is already a remedy provided by a law. Senator Doano What penalty does the common law provide against such discrimination ? Mr. Viulng I 'do not know ; you perhaps know more about such law. Senator Doane I do not know of -.existence of any such law. [ Liughter. ] Mr. Vinlng waa followed by Judge Mason , who cited an instance of ex tortionate rates on the transportation of a carload of agricultural Imple ments to a Lincoln merchant. He cited the decision of the supreme court of the United States , which not only conceded the principle that rail ways are public highways and common carriers subject to regulation by law iu representative statesbut that legis lation may even go so far as to legis late npon the transportation of arti cles from other state ? into the state where they are consigned to. Judga Mason , after elaborating upon the powers of corporate monopolleaatrad- dled the horse , and got on the other aide by asking the legislature to pause before they enacted any laws , portraying traying to them the possible danger that would arise from the mallco of railroad managers if they saw fit to avenge themselves upon the people of Nebraaka by raising their rates. This part of the judge's speech did not elicit much apphuae. Judge Mason TV as followed by Mr. Tonzalin , who sought to explain some of the charges of "discrimination and extortion made by th members pres ent during the cross-examination of Mr. Vining , and also at ; > me length explained why the company did not comply with the demands of the F.lls City firm for cars to ship corn. Senator Harrington , of Gage , asked him to explain why it was that a oar of freight could go from Chicago to Lincoln for S52.80 , and then § 38 _ ba charged for forwarding it to Beatrice , its destination. Mr. Touzalin Tfiero never was euch a case. Senator Harrington I say there was. It occurred about a year ago. Mr. Touzilln Very well ; we won't disagree. Senator Burns , of York , made in quiries concerning the taxation of railroad property , aa compared with other property. He know of a good deal of complaint concerning the lr > w for the taxation of railways. On motion the meeting adjourned , it beln ? 12 o'clock. J. B. H. ELECTRIC BRIEFS. Special Dispatches to The Boo. A party of laborers went upon a pree in Port Jervia , N. Y. , yeatordav. Ine was frozen dead , and the hand1) nd foot of some others wore so badly rozen that they have boon amputated. The Erie railroad has again reduced ates for emigrants to the west , and re now selling tickets to Chicago for 3 , and other places in proportion. Water in the rear of Now Orleans a still rising. Heavy southeast winds irevailed yesterday. A relief com- nittoo haa been organized to supply oed to tha people in the overflowed districts. The Now York Tribune says the teamsblp "Bristol City , " which sailed rom New York for Bristol , England , ) ecember 28 , la twenty-six days over .ue. She carried a general cargo of bout 2,000 tons , and had a crew of .wenty-aeven men , officers included. ) ho had no passengers. Oliver Disgusted , pedal dispatch to The Bee. HAERISBORO , Pa. , February 9 10 ) . m. Henry W. OHver , Jr. , ropnb- lean caucus nominee for tbo United States aenate , has formally withdrawn rom the contest. Gobbling Up the Dwarfs , pedal Dispatch to The Bee. MONTREAL , February 18 1 a. m. The Montreal stock exchange is greatly excited over the announce- nent of a heavy tranafer of Montreal elegraph company stock , to Wilson J. Hunt , of New York , director of he Weatern Union. The movement a thought to foreshadow the.absorp ? tion of the Montreal company by the great consolidation. The Montreal : ompany has a capital of $2,000,000. ! ts system covers the Canadian domln- on , and extende through northern New York. Plucky John Chinaman. Special Dispatch to The Bee. NEW YORK , January 10 1 a. m. Three Chinamen , Jim Johneon , Ah Elan and Leo Atchee , who keep a .aundry in Chatham Square , wore Dadly beaten yesterday by four roughs , who , in turn , carried off several wounds , inflicted by various weapons , In the hands of the infuriated Mon- _ olians. The object of the attack is supposed to have been the money drawer , but the assailants were ro- pnlaed without effecting their design. None of the parties were arrested , as the ruffians made thalr escape withsut and bloody heads. Wisconsin In Garfleld's Cabinet. Special Dispatch to TDK B . MILWAUKEE , February 10 10 p. m. Senator Philotus Sawyer , ex-Sen ator Howe , chairman of the republi can atate central committee Baker , Thomas M. Michael , who is direct from Presidentelect Garfield's home , and prominent local republican poli ticians have been In consultation here for the last two days. It has boon discovered that the meeting has refer * ense to the probability of Wisconsin baing tendered a cabinet poaition. The general belief ia that the poat- maater-general'a portfolio will bo offered - forod to Wisconsin , and that the re cipient of the honor will be Postmas ter Henry C. Payne , of Milwaukee. MARKETS BY TELEGRAPH , Chicago Live Stoct Market. CHICAGO , February 9. ogs Receipta , 10,000 head ; sev eral prime lots sold at $6 25 , and two loads of fine 380 Ib hogs sold at § 6 30 , the highest price reached since 1870 ; commen to ? oed mixed packing strong at 55 20@5 50 ; light , 55 35@5 55 ; bulk of hoico heavy at ? 5 80@G 00. Cattle Receipta , 5500 head ; brisk and active demand ; market strong en all grades and good inquiry for exporl lota ; sales at $5ICKgS 90 ; good tc choice shipping. § 4 85@5 30 ; common to falrt.00@4 60 ; butchers' supply short ; active demand andsvalues firm at § 2 90@4 00 ; chiefly at ? 3 00@3 50 ; aomo bulls for export , § 480 ; stockers and feeders stroug and very active at § 2 80(53 ( 50 for stockera and § 3 700 4 00 for feeders. Sheep Receipts , 2,000 head ; very much demoralized and weather very rainy ; prices @io lower than Mon day ; common to fair , S ± 00@4 40 ; good to choice , SI 90@5 50. CnicaRo Produce Marfiet. CHICAGO , February 9. ' Wheat Moderately acn'v " o\d steady ; 9898c Tfor March-'uy | @ 99jc for April ; § 1 02@102 6)5. May. Corn 37Jo asked ; 37o bid for March ; 31f c for May. Oats In good demand and a shade- higher ; 29c for March ; 30 c for April. Pork Steady ; 514 50@14 60 for March ; § 1462i@1465 " for April. Lard Steady" ; 59 45 bid lor Feb ruary ; § 9 52i for March. WASHINGTON. HOUSE. 8pecIaiDl3p&tch ; to Tns BBS. WASHINGTON , February 6. Mr. Gillette offered an amendment pro viding that the expense of printing national bank notes shall bo charged to banks applying for the same. Sub sequently he withdrew the amendment , stating that he would offer it on the sundry civil appropriation bill. The oommitteo rose and reported the bill to the house , when It passed , only one vote (0. ( Turner ) being cast In the negative. Mr. Covert reported back the agri cultural appropriation bill. Referred to the committee of the whole. A controversy then aroae as to pri ority business , Mr. Cox desiring to call up the apportionment bill , Mr. Reagan the river and harbor bill , and Mr. Sparks the Fitz John Porter case , while Mr. Ganlor wished to go to bus iness on the speaker's table. Mr. Frye , however , cut out all these propositions by calling up the resolu tion reported from the committee on rules , providing that hereafter when ever the morning hour is diaoensed with , that hour shall ba set apart as a time during which members aak to pass bills on tha calendar by consent , five objections to be fatal to the pre sentation of any bill. A noisy discussion ensued , which at one time became very acrimonious and angry , between Messrs. Black burn and Frye. After considerable time hsd been spent in personalities between them the resolution was agreed to. Messrs. Blackburn and Fryo were applauded , when , taking their stations as tellers , they cordially shook hands. Adjourned. SENATE. At 12 o'clock the vice-president an nounced that the time appointed for counting the electoral vote had arriv ed. The senate , with the vice-presi dent at i's head , proceeded to the hall of the house of representative ; . Upon its return the aenate received from Mr. Hamlin the report of the tellers of the two houses , accompanied by a preamble reciting the resultwith a resolution that the two houses are of the opinion that the constitution and laws have been duly executed , and no further declaration of the facts set forth is necessary. Adopted. Mr. Hoar offered a resolution , which was adopted , for printing for the use of the senate , of a letter of Hon. Edward Everett , written after his retirement from the oflice of secre tary of state , iu reply to Sir John Rus sell , on the proposed tripartite conven tion relating to Cuba. He said the letter conti.Tnod an able discussion of the Monroa doctrine , aid not having been included in the oflicial docu- mmta published by congress , a copy of it could not bo found in the con gressional or other libraries. On motion of Mr. Voorheos the house resolution granting certain con demned iron to the Morton monument ment association , was passed. The pension appropriation bill was then taken up , and discussion of Mr. Plumb's amendment increasing pen sion officials , continued. After the debate , a suggestion , which aeamed to be in general favor , was made by Mr. Back , that the ne cessities of the pension office demand an Increase in the clerical force , etc. , as presented by the amendments , should bo postponed for action pend ing discussion of the legislative appro priation bill. Mr. Plumb's amendment'wag ta bled ayes 27 , nays 18 , and the bill passed. Mr. Morgan introduced a bill for the settlement of the Ponca tribe of Indiana , and for other purposes relat ing to their welfare. Referred. Mr. Wallace moved to take up the postoffico appropriation bill. The motion was agreed to , but without considering the bill the senate went into executive session , and when the doors reopened , adjourned. COUNTING THE ELECTORAL VOTE. Cpsclal Dispute. ! ] to The Bee WASHINGTON , February 10 1 a. m. The chief interest to the visitors yes terday in the counting of the elec toral vote was its spectacular charac ter. There was an immense audi ence , aa gaily dressed , so far aa the ladies were concerned , as if it was a grand reception. The proceedings were of the quietest character imag inable. The senate was formally received by the houao , the latter standing. The boxea containing the returns , which four years ago were guarded by armed men , were brought in by a single at tendant. The vice-president handed the certificates from the states to the tellers in alphabetical order. A few ot them were read through , when gen eral interest began to btand. On motion it was agreed to read only the certificates of governors and secretaries of state as to the result. This saved time , and in an hour and a half the work was finished , and the vice president declared the result to be the election of Garfield and Ar thur , at which there was coneral ap plause. The joint convention then adjourned. The great audience looked on throughout with attentive curiosity. It was composed of representatives , all the official rank , both American and foreign , of visitors from eyory statu and territory. The house opened its door to the ladies with their escorts , who could not find room in the galleries , and In many cases the ladles were given members' seats , and for a time the scene was such as those laboring for the rights of women bope to see , with the slight variations , of 1 ladles occupying seats as members. T OH A ROCK. The Steamer "Bohemia" Wrecked on the Coast of Ireland , The Fatal Mistake of an Officer Causes the Disaster , Address of the Irish Members of Parliament to Their Countrymen. A Variety of Foreign DETAILS OF THE WBECK. Special Dispatch to The Bee. LONDON , February 9. The Bohe mia went ashore on the Irish coast daring n dreadfal storm. News of the disaster reached the adjacent coast guard station at half past ono Mon day morning. It was brought by a resident irho heard the steamer whistle. When the coast guard reached the place the night was so dark and the weather so thick they could aee nothing. They remained until daylight when the steamers topmasts were observed nuar the island , on the southern point. Mizzanhead island is separated from the main land only by a deep , narrow ravine , Into which the sea runs with feaiful fury. The outside - side islands are two rug ad rock" , and extending from them is a reef , upon which the "Bohemia" strack. Two men , supposed from their clothes to bo master and first oflicor , were seen at 10 o'clock in the morning clinging to the rocks , where they remained tor hours waving their handkerchief * , and boats could not be launched , ow ing to. the heavy surf. At two in the afternoon a rocket apparatus was sent for , but did not arrive till late in the evening , when the two men were probably drowned. A seaman named Stringer states that they had moder ate easterly winds. He was on the look-out on tha night of the diaster. After sighting Calf light the weather got very thick. Soon after ho reported breakers ahead and shout * ed "Hard aport. Full speed astern. " The mate gave the order which was executed. About five minutes after the steamer struck. The crew com menced to rash about , but the cap tain was perfectly cool. Two star board boats were swung. Six persons got into one , but it was stove. The second also was damagedowing to the rolling of the vessel. Eighteen got into the port Hfo boats. The engineers were waiting to get in , but the line broke and the boat drifted astern. It was being rowed back when the ship keeled over and sunk stern foremost. Of the five men rescued from the damaged boat two died before land ing. The steward states that when the captain found the fog settling in ho Instructed the third officer to keep two points off. He then consulted hia chart , and on going on deck and looking at the ships course , exclaimed , "Good God , what are you doing ] Hard a port ! " She struck soon afterwards. The second officer was below nt the time , at tributes disaster to the third officer mistaking the captrin'a orders , and keeping her two points off wind Instead off shores. IUISH MATTERS. DUBLIN , Feb. 7. Although terror ism has not diminished in the west and south of Ireland , there is in other particulars a decided change foe the better In all parti of the country. The government is fully alive to the plans' of the Fenians , and are prepared - pared to defeat them. The tenants of Bover.il estates heretofore refunlng to pay rents are now paying. Parnell has gone to Paris to complete the ar rangements respecting the land league fund. There were several land meetings yesterday. NO POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE. The shooting affray between , the Edlnburg policemen and the robbers had no political significance. DAYITT. It is undoratood that a careful ex amination of Davitt will bo made , In consequence of the atatementa with regard to his health. BARRACKS GUARDED. The barracks at Bradford are care fully guarded , owing to Fenian rumors. IN TBE HOUSE OP COMMONS. LONDON , February 7. In the house of commons Lord Randolph Churchill , ( conservative ) , gave notice of an amendment to the coercion bill re ducing the period of its operation by six months. Labouchere , ( liberal ) , gave notice of an amendment incorporating in the bill lomo provisions of the com pensation for disturbance in Ireland bill. GLADSTONE'S STATEMENT. In the house of commons Mr. Glad stone said that there was no occasion for the committee to report on the changes in the standing orders. It was the opinion of himself and col leagues that the whole matter had been sufficiently settled by the recent decision of the house. PARNELL'S MANIFESTO. LONDON , February 4. As soon as the Irish members had been suspended yesterday a meeting of the party , held after the dlacuaalon , decided to issue a manifesto to the Iriah people asking them to remain quiet and not to allow thamaeivea to be forced into a conflict with the armed forces of the empire. During the night Mr. Parnell received several communications from Liberal clubs throughout England condemn ing the action of the speaker , anc hoping that the agitation in England against coercion would bo carried on vigorously. The address of the Irish members to the Irish people , is as followa : "Fellow countrymen , at a moment when too many acts of the Irish ex ecutive abrogate the law and tend to drive yon from positions of constitu tional action , the reign of force has been inaugurated against as as your representatives here on the floor o ; the house of commons. A proposa to depart from the ordinary and le gitimate procedure of parliament , , anc to suppress at a stroke the liberties o : our country , has imposed upon us du ties from which we could not shrink Strictly and admittedly confining our selves within the rnles and laws o parliamentary action , we reaistec these flagrant proceedings. Only by resorting to open illegality could oa efforts be defeated. On Wednesday ast , in violation of the laws and lib erties of parliament , the volco of the rlsh representation was arbitrarily Ilenced , not to facilitate any effort of useful legislation for the English peo- ile , which has always received our wlvocacy and support , but in order hat a coercion act for Iruland might > o forced tbcougf } tha legislature , jast evening , we thirty-five , your ra- iresontativea , for claiming our rights md within the rales and recede nts of his assembly , were removed by force rom the chamber , and a scone recill- ng thoWORST WORST DAYS OF THE STUAETS digraced the records of carliament. Advantage was taken of our enforced absence to rash through the house resolutions which wore designed ugainst Ireland , which yestin an In dividual autocratic power , and deprive us , aj your representatives , of all guarantees of freedom of action or ipoech. In the midst of such pro ceedings the news which reaches na 'rom Ireland daily grows , In gravity. VIeotingsarolllegaIIysnppressedarests are arbitrarily made. Yesterday a man well known to us and to many of you during these recent-events as the counselor cf tolerance , restraint , and prudence has been seized without earning and flung back Into the horrors rors of penal servitude. Fellow coun trymen , wo adjure you in the midst of these trials and provocations to maintain the noble attitude that haa already assisted your ultimate victo ry to reject every temptation to con- lict , disorder , and crime , and not to > e terrorized by the brief reign of leapotlam. If yon be true to your- elvea your triumph is certain. "To our countrymen In Great Britain we appeal to frustrate all en deavors to excite emnity between hem and their English fellow citizens , among whom many generous T0jce3 are even now raised in our behalf. Fellow countrymen : In discharge of our duties hero our attitude and our actions have been and shall be in every instance guided by conaidera- ions for your interests. We aak yon > y your orderly self-restraint , jour unshaken organization , your deter mined perseverance , to strengthen our hands in the straggle we are maintaining : C. S. Parnell , Justin McCarthy , fohn Barry , J. O. Biggar , G. Byrne , V. J. Corbet , John Daly , 0. Dawson , John Dillon , H. G. Gill , E. D. Gray , r. M. Healy , 11. Lalor , Edmund jsamy , James Loary , J. 0. McCoon , 3. M. Marum , B. C. Molloy , R. H. iletge , Isaac Nelson , Arthur O'Con nor , T. P. O'Connor , F. H. O'Donnell , O'Donoghue , O'Gorman Mahon , J. J. ) 'Kelly , R. O'Shaughnessy , Richard 'ower , J. O'Connor Power , J. 0. iedmont , Thomas Sexton , J. F. 3mithwIck'A. M. Sullivan , T. R.Sul- ivan. ETERNAL RESISTANCE , facial Ulapatch to the Bee. DUBLIN , February S 1 p. m. At a meeting of tha land league , Dillon urged the continuance of the egita- ion , even after the passage of the coercion bill , and advised tenants to eslat the land lords In every way , hort of physical force , for which hey were not prepared. A resolution was passed declaring hat in view of the importance of se curing the sympathy of American- irishmen In Amerlcs , Parnell be re- [ ucsted to proceed to America imme- liately. The holding of a national conven- lon at Dublin was discussed. Dillon advised postponement until Parnell , ) iivitt and Bronnan can bo present. COLLET GAINS A VICTORY LONDON , February 9 10 p. m. A dispatch from DurbanSonth Africa , ays : "General Sir George Colly's orces yesterday attacked and defeat- d the Boers between New Castle and he frontier , at Jugogo river. The British leas wai one hundred and fifty tilled and wounded. Three officers f the Sixteenth regiment were killed. The Boera lost heavily , but from their dvantageoua position wore protected rom the artillery fire of the British. - CABLEGRAMS. pccla Dispatches to Tns BBS. Franco has invited Italy and Ger many to the propoiod Internal mone- ary conference. It is certain that Germany is anxious for it. Two ships were damaged ) and elgh- oen railway trucks and twelve grain- aden barges were destroyed by the ire on Victoria deck Tuesday night. ) thor damage was done. The fire la now extinguished. The royal decree dissolving the Spanish cortes was read at yesterday's sitting. It is reported the new minis- ry intend to change all Spanish rep resentatives abroad. The damage bj fire in "Victoria docks , London , Tuesday night , is es timated at 440,000. A mooting of the copy-right associ ation , of Landon , passed resolutions onerally approving the American proposal for a copy-right treaty , but advocatlngan extension of timewithin which English books should ha pub lished in America , to six months. A statement that the Irish members receive a weekly allowance from the funds of the land league will probably be brought before the house as a ques tion of privilege. In order to inauro prompt action between the naval and military forces at ports , in the event of Fenian dis turbances , officials have bacn ordered to take such action as they think fit , without referring to headqtnrterj. A serious encounter has taken place at Furheld , Ireland , in which the people ple stoned the pclico. An encounter also occurred at Bally Baucis , where the police charged the crowd at the point of the bayonet. A dispatch from Paris saya De Les- aeps has received a telegram from Panama , announcing the commence ment of operations on the canal. Undoubtedly the best shtrt In the United States is manufactured at the Omaha Shirt Factory. The superiority of Material and workmanship , com- oined with their great Improvements , that Is Reinforced fronts , Reinforced backs and Reinforced sleeves , makes their shirt the most durable and best fitting garment of the kind , ever manufactured at the moderate price ol $1.50. Every shirt of onr make is guaranteed first-class and will refnnc the money if found otherwise. Wo make a specialty of all wool , Shaker , and Canton flannel , also chemois underwear , made up with a view to comfort , warmth and durabil ity. To invalids and weak-lnngec persons we offer apesfal inducements In the manner theao goods are made for their protection. , Pn. GcrrnELMEE , l03I ? .rji tn street. f = z A TT.-gra ZDOIMIIESTXOS If Have JUST EEOE1YED and will offer tLs week TWENTY BALES AND SEVENTEEN GASES of the following Goods , direct from the Mills , and as we must have a quick and ready sale for this large quantity of foods , ive will oner them at the Regular Jobfcpg Price , contenting oursej is with ajobKers' profit. The following is a list of the Gootfs in this ! ot : PRINTS , PRINTS , PRINTS , PRINTS , Lancaster , Berwicks , Harmony. Pacifies , Anconas , Manchester Mernmacs and Knickerbockers. ' GINGHAMS , GINGHAMS , GINGHAMS- Lancaster , Bates , Household and Amoakeag. BLEACHED JIUSIIXS , BLEACHED HUSLINS , Lonsdale , Fruit of the Loom Wamauttaand New York Mills. UNBLEACHED MUSLINS , BLEABHED UNMUSLINS , Indian Head , Great "Western , Lawrence LL. , Alabama , Granite ' PeppsrelOandPepperelK. SHEETINGS BLEACHED. Wamsutta , NewYork , Mills , PeppereJ , Boston , EUerstown New Mills and Boston. SHEETINGS UNBLEACHED. Lowell , Boston , Pepporel and Lawfoton , There can bo no better opportunity to make your purchraea of such goods han NOW , aa there ia little chance of our being again able to duplicate these prices. FOREIGN GOODS. Wo are offering the most complete line of HOUSEKEEPING GOODS wo have ever shown , including a splendid line of TABLE CLOTHS and NAPKINS and TOWELS , and a splendid line of EMBROIDERIES , in en- Irely New Designs , end at most reasonable prices. A. OiUiGKSHANK & GO. EDHOLM EEICKSON Wholesale and JJctall Mann * I LARGEST STOCK OF GoMuwI Silver W am ! Jcu'eJry in the City. Come and See Our Stock as We Will Be Pleased to Show Goods. EDHOLM & ER1CKSON loth & Dodgo. Opposite Vn ? > < iHice. HORSE SHOES AND NAILS , Iron and Wagon Stock , the Best Assortment of WHEELS in the West. At Chicago Prices. W.J. BROATCH , 1200 & 1211 Harney Street , Omaha. nl Bni dan ac'.urcr of 1 Icimln ol Summer Bologna ( Cervelat Wursta Specialtiy. Orders promptly filled. a 1714 Burt St. , Omaha Neb. de23-t CRACKER MANUFACTURERS , And Wholeaalo Dealera in CIGARS and CONFECTIONERY. Darin ? the Fall and Winter we will handle COUNSELMEN'S FRESH OYSTERS , which are now the best In the market. A largo assortment of CANDY and SUGAR , TOTS for the Holiday trade. GATZ & FREEMAN , 510 Ilth StOmaha. . octl5-eod-6m MAX MEYER & CO. , WHOLESALE NISTS ! Tobacco , 25 cents per pound upwards. Tipcs from 25 cents per dozen upwards. Cigars from .815.00 per 1000 upwards. i I