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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 3, 1888)
SEVENTEENTH YEAE. OMAHA , TUESDAY. MORNING , JANUARY 3 , 1888 , NUMBER 10 THE CRUSADE AGAINST LAMAR Senator Ingalla Will Load the Oppo sition to His Confirmation. A FIERCE WAR TO BE WAGED Ex-Land CommlHuloncr Hpnrkw Also IntercHtcd lit the I-'lght The Jlcad of Navigation Bureau llcportH. Ingalls Opponent to Lamnr , WAsiiiNnTON'HunEAU Tim OMAHA Bnn , \ flia KoL'HTEKNTIlSrUKKt , WAsiiiNeiTO.s' . D. C. , Jun. 2. ! ' * y'hft\ir Ingalls Jntcnds , when the nomina tion of Secretary Lamar comes before the . senate * to oppose his confirmation on the groti/id1 * that ho is unflt for the exalted office i for which the president has selected him. It Is well known that Mr. Ingalls is always * hunting for masks and that he cnjoj's nothing bettor than to expose those who masquerade. Ho Is also ono of the hardest lighters In the senate and always makcn it 'very Interesting for those whom ho chooses to oppose. Ho takes the ground that the supreme bench is now weak , both in capacity and in the ability to dispatch the business before It , by reason of the fact that at least three of the Justices have reached the ago at which they should retire , and that Secretary Lamar will in crease the Incapacity of the court by adding one to Its number who l.s not only indolent but Indifferent in ability. Mr. Ingalls hotels that Lamar's entire public life has been ono of Indolence and that the bent of his mind Is not judicial and that he is not qual ified in any respect for the services to be per formed. Ex-Commissioner Sparks is also in teresting himself in opposing the confirma tion of Lamar , and , while ordinarily there would bo llttlej reason to consider this fact of any weight , it is said that Sparks has behind him Bomo influence that will bo effective. A gentleman who Is well posted explains the situation as follows : "Tho casus belli upon which Mr. Lamar as secretary of the interior VJ ' and General Sparks as Land Commissioner ' ' ' had an open rupture was the refusal of the latter to sanction the issue of patents to the ' Chicago , St. Paul , Minneapolis & Omaha railroad. This corporation has for its presi dent Marvin Hughitt , of Chicago , who is also now president of the Chicago & Northwest- crn system. For some months this corpora tion had sought to secure patents to lands which they claimed had to bo earned under the original grant. Mr. Sparks stood In the way of their issue , and It may bo proper to add just hero that when Mr. Cobb , of Indi ana , was chairman of the committee on pub- lie lands ho Introduced a bill in the house of representatives to forfeit these very lands to the United States on the ground that the cor poration had forfeited them because of gross violation of their chartered rights. As to the ' justice or the Injustice of the position taken by Mr. Sparks or Mr. Cobb , It is not neces sary to analyze in connection with what did follow the removal of General Sparks. Hardly had ho been dethroned ere President j .Huqhett. with Mr. Phlpps , who Is tbo land commissioner of the Omaha system , turned up in this city. Upon the day following their arrival the patents which had been in contro versy were issued and with such expedition on the part of tbo interior department offi cials that a working force was employed , t ' upon them night nnd day. Now , , the part this railroad corporation bears A to the confirmation of Mr. Lamar becomes somewhat significant. The lands patented I to the railroads are largely In Wisconsin , Minnesota , Dakota and Nebraska. Even bc fore the nomination of Mr. Lamar was pub licly made to tbo senate it wan claimed that be > th Senators Sawyer and Spooner , of Wls cousin , following the announcement of the removal of Sparks , had declared that thej would vote for his confirmation. Scnatoi Spoonor , before ho entered the United State ; Donate , was the general solicitor of the verj railroad which became the beneficiary of the lands after Sparks was gotten out of the way. Largely by him the Omaha systen was devised and the legislation to perfect ii enacted by the Wisconsin legislature fron time to tlmo was watched and actually guldei by him. There is reason , moreover , to believe lievo that Mr. Vllas , before becoming a mom her of Mr. Cleveland's cabinet , had the in tore.st which exists between attorney' nne' client with the railroad corporation. And , te still further add aggravation rather than ex tciiuation , the report is circulated hero that previous to the letter which Secretary Lnmni wrofo Sparks overruling his decision to tin lands of this railroad , ho was visited by t : dcmocratlei lawyer of pronilncneo whose name was actually balloted for In the verj convention which nominated Grovel1 Cleveland land for the presidential office. Whatever then of influence this railroad may exert in behalf of Mr. Lamar'sconllrina tion naturally would in Itself bo subtle ratlici than direct. Before congress adjourned foi the holidays the friends of Mr. Lamm claimed his confirmation by the votes of tivi republican senators , viz : Sawyer am Sx ] > oncr of'Wisconsin , Evarts of New York Stewart of Nevada and Mitchell of Oregon The delay , however , has been to Mr. Lainar'i . prejudice. Mr. Spoonor In the senate noy declares ho cannot vote for him. Being ii his first term In the senate , ho feolsdoubtlcs : that such a vote would bo antagonistic to hi : future , as the sentiment of the republican ! of Wisconsin is against the appointment. Mr Evarts has likewise shifted his position While willing and u trltlo anxious ti ' vote for Mr. Lamar , ho will oxcu.so lilmsel on the ground that it is llablo ti shatter his chances of n presidential noniina tion. Ho found that Mr. Sherman was takinf advantage of his position and ho readil ; changed front , solely for self-interest. Mr Sawyer still dings to his announced inten tion to support the appointment. Ho has Jus been elected to a second senatorial term , nne ere its six years period has' elapsed ho wil have attained an ago which will prcclud oven the desire of further polillc.il prefer nieut. Mr. Mitchell , of Oregon , is In doubt Ha was elected by a coalition of democrat ! votes , and is inclined to make payment of th obligation In part , but ho is by no means dc cidcd. SMAI.I. MATTEIiS. According to a Watcrbury , Conn. , despatcl in to-day's Now York World , General Ho\v arel's son , J. W. , is visiting In the city will his tlunccc , "a Russian Princess. " Tlioyoimi lailyis quite well known in Omalmwhere sh resided at the general's house , In the pcrsoi of a very sweet and unassuming German girl Senator Paddock will vigorously oppos Lumar's confirmation. Thu senator wil again take up the fight on behalf of Nebrask for the refunding to thu state : of the 3 unit per cent claims on account of sales of publt lands. Mr. W. A. Carter , of Fort Bridgcr , Wyo , nnd bride , ( nee Miss ivatu Chase , of Omaha , who were married lu Atlanta , Ga. , on Tues day , are stopping at the Arlington. They wil bo at Ithaca , N. Y. , during the winter , whcr Mr. Carter is attending lectures at the la\ school. Mrs. Senator Paddock assisted Mrs. Ser ator Reagan in receiving guests at the Dixi Cotillion club last Wednesday evening , fYA CALLERS. Reprcsentnti\es Holmes , Fuller , Strubl nnd Conger , of Iowa , mndo calls tonethe to-day. They were u happy quartette an rccolvcil n hearty welcome everywhere. Representatives Henderson , of Uubuquc ' , and Mr. Clurkson , of the Dos Molncs Regis ter , called together , accompanied bj' the tw sons of the latter. The young men are u' ' tending college In the cast. * Ex-Govornor and Representative Gea Moiulo culls alono. None of the Nebraska delegation wcr hero to enjoy the Now Year festivities an none of the ladies from the state kept ope bouse. Senator Paddock is In New York. No Halt In Ininel llororin. WASHINGTON , Jan. 2. [ Special to the KRIS , Thcro is a food deal of dls.appontmei ! among the land jobbers over the continue rigid enforcement of the laws by the general land office. The howls of Joy which went up over Commissioner Sparks' retirement have died away in the face of the grist of decisions which his successor , Acting Commissioner Stockslagcr , continued to send out touching bogus claims and violators of the law. The cor | > orations and Individuals who found the new administration of thu land office vigilant in detecting and Inflexible in exposing the schemes for the robbery of the public domain arc beginning to discover that a change of men at Its head docs not mean a change of policy. Commissioner Stockslagcr has given even lean grounds for etitlcism than his prcileccHnor. Ho has changed in some ro- s | > ccts the methods without changing the tone of his department and while accomplish ing the same results in the protection of the governments Interests he has doiic so with out laying himself open to the complaints of nanner and of means which attained against Mr. Sparks , But the efficiency of the Ken- TU ! land ofilcc remains unimpaired. What- ivcr else. Mr. Cleveland's administration has done or has left undone , it deserves and will receive the credit of having given to the country for the first tlmo lu long years , an inflexibly honest and a rigidly impartial con- iluct of the affairs relating to the public domain. The attempts which have been made to prejudicetho public nlnd against land reform and to picture the .vliolo west as up In arms against the policy of the administration have very properly failed. Corporation attorneys who have been faced with the proofs of the gigantic steals by which the nation has been swindled out of millions of acres of land intended as free ionics for the people , have filled columns of inn-chased papers with their protests. Money loancr.s whose deep Interest In the welfare of bogus prc-etnptors and cowboy homesteaders has wrung their 2-pcr-ccnt-a-tnonth hearts with anguish at seeing the titles to claims on which they had mortgages called into ques tion , have denounced investigations set in mo tion by the land department an inquisitions. But the mass of honest western cttlcrs who have redeemed the pralrlo from a wilderness by making it their homes , and farmers have found nothing to dread in n policy directed only at the land grabbers and have supported the efforts of the land office to preserve the people's land for bonu Udo occu- units of the public domain. The effects of the system of rigid enforce ment of the land laws inaugurated by Gen eral Sparks are beginning to show them selves in Nebraska in stimulation of honest occupancy of the frontier. Pro-cmptors have discovered that a residence of a month and an absence of five will not bo accepted as compliance with thu law touching resilience. Cattle syndicates have found out to their disgust that they will no longer bo permitted to monopolize the streams and to fence in miles of territory by purchasing the oaths of employes and suborring perjury for the pur pose of securing thousands of acres of the most available farming regions of the west. Companies formed of alien speculators have learned that there is a power moro efficient than money when evoked for the people's in terests. The whole tone of the land office has been changed in the last three years and the west has reaped the benefit. So far from entries having been retarded they have increased in number. The population of the frontier has grown in greater proportion than ever before. Prompter and homesteaders have become actual instead of constructive settlers and the adjacent country has reaped the benefit of bomi lido occupancy of the land. The speculator has been relegated to the rear and the settler has coma to the front. It. Q. C.'s Confirmation. WASHINGTON' , Jan. 2. [ Special Telegram to the BEE. ] The nomination of Mr. Lamar for Justice of the supreme court will bo taken up by the senate as soon as the committee on Judiciary Is ready to report on it. All the members of that committee have taken their position the republicans against and the democrats for confirmation except Senator Evarts. How ho stands on this matter re mains in uncertainty , even to his colleagues. It has been thought that ho is in favor of con firmation and will cast his vote that way , but ho may yet vote the other way. The only two republican senator * besides Riddlobcrgor who are pretty certain to vote for Lamar's confirmation are Sawyer , of Wisconsin , and Sabin , of Minnesota. Why they should do so is n mystery to their 'friends hero. It is probable , however , that they committed themselves to Lamar's support before the nomination and before they had been unable to learn how objectionable Mr. Lamar is to the great mass of their e-onstitucnts. A third republican senatorwho is claimed for Lamar , is Don Cameron , of Pennsylvania. Cameron is the close friend and associate of Butler and Hamilton , of Souih Carolinaand of other southern democrats , and it is possible ho has been persuaded to vote for Lamar , although some ! of his friends assert that ho has made no promises. Senator Teller , who was very much inclined to vote for Lamar's confirma tion , is reported to have changed his mind and would vote the other way. If only Rid- elleberger , Sawyer and Sabin vote with the democrats for confirmation , then Mr. Lamav will take a seat on the bench of the supreme court by a scratch , but ho will bo satisllcd to got there even that way , and it is reported that Mr. Cleveland will share the satisfac tion. Needed Naval Improvements. WASHINGTON , Jan. 2. The report of the commissioner of navigation sets forth in detail the vn'rious aids and advantages enjoyed bj the shipping of other nations , and concludes that it Is impossible without a change ol present conditions for our nation to rcgaii its lost supremacy In foreign trade. He says our vessels must bo put on equality or grad ually bo forced out of the contest with foreign ships. Bounties or subsidies is paid bj Spain , Italy , Franco , etc. , and British ves scls have been and are aided under one guise , or another. The report alludes to various facts relating to the Wcht Indian and Soutli American trade which naturally belongs tc this country , but is almost monopolized bj European ships. With regard to the coasting trade the case is different and the shipping employed , amounting to 3,000,000 tons , without includ ing many crafts not documented , Is reason ably prosperous , especially upon the lakes , where the coastwise trade is developing rap : idly , the increase in American tonnage there during the year ended Juno 30. 1SS7 , being 21,1(11 ( tons. The grain on' the Pacille coast was 8,701 tons , and was about tbo same on western rivers. The total documented tor.nago of the United States Is 4lK ( > , &t4 ells tributed as follows : Atlantic and Gulf , 2iUUT2 ; Pacific coast , ittuVUS ; northern lakes , T&l.T'Ja ; western river * , ! B7,405 , Foreign registered tonnage Is 1,01.V > ; 'J tons , The commissioner recommends that the coasting trade bo relieved of its burdens , foi pilotage fees. He speaks of the impolicy ol local taxation of vessels and its tendene-j to drive ) the ownership to plae-cs where they are not taxed , ns well a > the fact that it weights them in the contest with foreign vessels. Hei sa.ys the expense of state ) quarantines should bo paid by the parties interested , that Is by the genera ! public , and that the fees for the support o ( stations and the salaries of officers should not bo exacted of vessels. The commissionei is of the opinion that American tailing 01 steam vessels should bo allowed to transport goods on which duties have been securce without further bonds. An amendment o ! tbo laws relating to the tonnage tax is rccoin mended so that steam vessels may pay on the same relative capacity as sailing vessels. Tin present tax discriminates in favor of forelgr vessels. The re-port refers to the lack of nnj svbtcm of Jurisdiction on the lakes ns regards the punishment of crime there , or vessels of the United States , ami recommend ! an extension of admiralty Jurisdiction , etc. include such cases. Ho also makes various suggestions as U the inspection and bundling of steam vessel : on the waters of u state , and regarding steer ing gear uniformity , etc. Ho describes tin many hardships encountered by ship owners by reason of the contract change going on it navigation , from sail to steam , from wood U iron , and from Iron to steel , and also by rea son of foreign bounties , subsidies and aids granted to foreign ships competing with oui vessels , both In the merchant , marlno nne fisheries. He expressed himself htrongly n favor of a naval reserveanelconcludes lila re twirt with u draft of a bil ! embodying , 'hi : Ideas of the necessary legislation. WILL FIGHT TO A FINISH , Employes of the Reading Road Adopt Vigorous Resolutions. DETERMINED TO STAND FIRM. The Company Issncn n Circular to the Scaba Thanking Them Fur Their Allegiance to the Corporation Resolved on a General Strike. SIIAMOKI.V , Pa. , Jun. 2. A meeting of Knights of Labor and railroaders was held here to-day , and as n remit a general strike of miners and railroaders will bo rrmdo to morrow throughout the Anthracite region , except In the Wyoming valley. The miners strongly condemned the course of the rail road company and the Brotherhood of Locomotive - motive Engineers , and made an appeal to the men who contemplate coining Into the region to seek work to remain away until the strike Is settled. They also advised hotel and board ing house keepers not to entertain "scabs , " and declared their intention to light to u flu- Isb.J A .t .tTralllc Tralllc Almost Blocked. HKADINO , Pa. , Jan. 2. The coal mid freight traffic , while , in full operation on the Heading railroad , Is not as brisk as it was before the jiresent labor troubles. It Is apparent that the new men arc not able to move trains as rapidly as the old ones. The majority of the coal mines arc idle and this likewise has its effects on trafllc. There is now no fear by the business community that the shop hands In this city will strike. It Is an as sured fact that they will not do so. A circular was issued by Super intendent Cable aud distributed among all employes here , thanking them in the name of the company for their loyalty and faithful ness and promising that tholr good conduct should not bo forgotten. Men in this city , while not taking any ollicial action at their assembly meetings generally speak in denun ciation of Sharkey. Leo and other leaders who. they say , having now been discharged by the company , try to foment trouble and lead old and faithful employes who have no grievance , to strike. Advices from the north of Reading to-day say that at Gordon Piano a full complement of hands Is at work. Superintendent Lawler. of Shamoklif. reports that he is well supplied with men and really has moro now than he requires to hundlo trade. At Mahoncy Piano the strike Is more serious , but with the collieries all idle the officials have not oxperienccd much trouble in handling Its business. At all other point' on the Slmmokin division everything was re ported quiet. All the iron industries in this vicinity are preparing to shut down If a coal strike takes place. There is not enough coal on hand in this city to supply private con- suincrs moro than several weeks , and prices are going up. Reading Receivers Retire. PHILADELPHIA , Jan. 2. The Reading rail road to-day passed out of the hands of the receivers and the ofllccrs of the road assumec full control , this action being taken in acorel anco with an order from the United State : court. KLECTUIC SHOCKS. A New York Street Blocked by Broker AVIroH. NEW YORK , Jan. 2. [ Special Telegram t < the BEE. " | People about the corner of Four tccnth street and Fourth avenue at 8 o'clod last evening watched the blue and white flames which at times sputtered from wires intersecting above the middle of the street Suddenly ono of the wires parted , and the ends dangled in the street. A man who was the street came into contact with the win and was thrown to the ground. The snap ping and crackling fag ends lay unguarded ii the middle of the street , imparting their elcc tricity to the rails on the car track. A line of impromptu fireworks was set up , and by slanders looked on in amazement. Scvera persons had their feet entangled in the wires but escaped without injury. A moment latci a Fourth avenue car reached the spot. The team got full effect of the powerful current The horses reared and plunged , and thcii cries could bo heard for blocks. A mai rushed outjto distanglo the wire with his ban hands , but a policeman seized him in tlmo tc save his life. The wire got fastened into the harness of 0110 of the horses. As the aniina stood on wet ground a perfect current wa : established , and the brute fell dead. The re nmining horse toro away from his prostrate mnto and ran up the street. The policcmci was kept busy restraining the curious , bu for three-quarters of an hour the dangcroui obstruction lay in the street , blocking traflii and menacing life. At last a lineman canii equipped with rubber gloves and cut tin wire. A continuation of sparks along thoun broken wires led the spectators to fear furthc trouble would ensue. The kept theinselve at a distance , and awaited developments , bu none occurred. Wrecked on the Beach. NEW Yoiiic , Jan. 2. During the fcarfu storm which raged along the New Jcrse ; coast yesterday the steamship Towanda , i coaster engaged in the southern traac , wa wrecked off ] 3rigantino beach. After a gal lant struggle with the waves a boat whicl was launched from the steamer and whicl contained the mute and two seamen , was cap sized near the shore * . The mate and ono sci : man wcro drowned. The stcamshiu To wanda was built in Philadelphia in 1S& anc was of S45 tons burden , A Triple Killing. NOOALES , A. T. , Jan. 2. An account ii given of the killing n few days ago of Santiago Rokas , his son and grandson near Rancho d Nevajo , on the road to Ventures , by a bam of Hernals bandits. The deael bodies wer rifled of $1,500. A report from Valparaiso /.acatecns , says that Bcrnal has been seen ii that vicinity , and Governor General Arei has left the capital with UOO cavalry for tha point. Better Quarantine Needed. NEW YOII.K , Jan. 2. Mayor Hewitt sent i letter to the governor to-day in which h states that neither this city nor state nor an ; other portion of the union Is free from th spread of contagious diseases under the prca cut quarantine regulations at this port. Th opinion of the mayor is based upon the re port of the board of health of this city. H recommends that the governor" submit th matter to the legislature for action in im proving the arrangements at quarantine. Mutinous Indiana Sentenced. Los AxfiEi.us , Cala. , Jan. 2. A genera court martial order has been issued froti the headquarters of General Miles , fixini the sentence of the tlvo regularly enlisted In dlan scouts , who mutlncd at San Carlos las Juno and fled to the mountains , where the ; remained until captured. They are bcu tenix'd from two to twenty years each. The MiUnr-Wclr Fight. MiNXKU'Oi.13 , Jan. 2. The tight betweci Mlko Weir and Tommy Miller , the Omah bantam , originally announced to bo' fought u Omaha , January 11 , will occur in Minnc i.iwlis Januay ; 23. The conte.it has beei changed from ton to twenty rounds with th smallest gloves the low will allow. Mnelo an Alignment. MiNNBAi'oi.s ; , Jan. , 2 P. L.Martin , owne of the Mortimer apartment housowhich , wa destroyed bV flee u fuw weeks ago , inado ai assignment to-day. The assets consist o real estate to the amount of $50,000 aud in suruncc 147,500. Liabilities , H0.173. SCHMIDT RKSl'lTKD. The Fnjrctto Cotnttjr Murderer Gets a New Irfmfto of III fe. cni DBS MOINES , In. , Jan2. [ Special Telegram o the HBE.I Gov rnor Lnrrabco announced o-dny that ho had granted a respite to Henry climlilt , the Fayctto county murderer , who vas sentenced to bo bung next Wednesday , le has postponed the data of the hanging at east to the 13th and may postpone it until ongcr or commute the sentence to imprison- ncnt for life. A strong effort is being made o do it. Several of the leading business men of Fayctto county , including two or three utnlstcrs , court oOlclals and other prominent men , have urged him to do so from the pecu- lar condition of the crlmo and Its cense quences. Much sympathy is expressed for Schmidt , who was a young German boy of eighteen and had been in this country but a few months when ho committed the crime. Ho confesses that ho was hired by his employe , a Mr. Smith , to kill Mr. Peek , that ho went o the house for that purpose accompanied by Mr. Smith and shot Mrs. Peek through the window , not recognizing her. Many believe that Smith is us guilty of the murder as the boy Schmidt aud some think : hat Leanard , who was wounded jut not fatally , was really shot by Suiith. Certain it is that Mr. Peek was found dead with a bullet hole in him. Mrs. Peck was found dead likewise shot and Mr. Leonard , who was a guest of Peek's that night , was found badly wounded. This tragedy oc- currcel in September , 18SO , and there had been a very bitter feeling between Smith and Ills neighbor Leonard , as also between Schmidt and his former employer , Peck. Schmidt was tried for the murder of Mrs. Peck and found guilty , and although it is generally believed that ho shot the other two persons , yet ho has' not been tried for anything except the killing of Mrs. Peek. Smith was tried for his part in the tragedy and acquitted , but the Impression prevails , to some extent , that the boy Schmidt , who certainly shot ono person and possibly three , was hired , as ho says , by hlsemploycr ) Smith , to commit the murder. Many say in Taj-otto county that if both Smith and Schmidt could bo hung they would not object , but they feel that It would bo unfair to visit all the penalty , and that the death penalty , on the boy Schmidt. The gov ernor has the case under advisement and is receiving constant appeals for clemency. Ho has not yet decided whether to lot the law take its course or commute Schmidt's sen tence to imprisonment for life. Ho says that the hanging will not take place before the llltli , at any rate , and ho is not prepared as yet to say whether it will take place then or not at all. _ A Sioux City Shooting Affray. Sioux CITY , la. , Jan. 2. [ Special Tclo- gram to the BEB. ] John King , ono of the parties alleged to have been employed to whl ] > the witnesses in the Haddock case , shot several times at H. MuKcnzio in a dance house last night , one ball striking him in the forehead the other in the fleshy part of his arm. As McKcnzic made through the door King shot again but missed his victim. When McKcnzie reached the outside ho fell in the snow. His wounds arc not considered serious. King was immediately placed in jail upon a charge of assault with intent to commit murder. , Woodbury Cownty Officers Installed. Sioux CITY , la. , Jan. 2. [ Special Tele gram to the BKB. " | The county officials elected last November tool : charge of their respective offices to-day. Sheriff Don Mc Donald is succeeded by D. A. Magee , aftci seventeen years otervlco either as deputy 01 principal in the PiHoo. D.-L. Hedges suc ceeds Ed H. Atkinson as treasurer ; J. J , Jordon , W. C. Hutchlns , as auditor ; W. W. McKlrnth , W. L. Jcncs , as supervisor and Prof. Palmer , Prof. Shoup , us supcrinten- tcndent of schools. The retiring officers gc out with the best of records and leave the county's affairs in good shape , A Small Blaze. C Sioux CITY , la. , Jan. 1. [ Special Tele gram to the BEE. ] Just at noon to-day a flro broke out in the basement of the New Security National bank building , but was ex- tlngulshcd bcforo a great amount of damage was done. The fire was traceable to a ne\\ heating furnace. Drnnk Concent ted Tjyo. Sioux CITY , la. , Jan. 2. [ Special Tele gram to the Bcc. ] The infant son of Wil liam J. Walker drank a largo quantity of con centrated lye to-day and died soon after wards. * KANSAS { UKLUX. Arrest of n Desperate "Gang Their Treatment of a Homesteader. TorcKA , Kan. , Jan. 2. A gang of Lane county kuklux has just been broken up by the arrest of all but ono. There are eight ol them and they were brought to the city ant lodged in the couny Jail. The charge againsl them is conspiracy to intimidate a home stcadcr named Hoover , with a view to forc ing him to abandon his claim for the supposed purpose of one of ( jieir number Jumping it Five of the defendants gave bond for their ap pearance to answer on indictment in the United States district court and the others wcro taken to Jail to await the sitting of the next term of court. The defendants , whe were masked , entered Hoover's house neai Dighton. They sot upon Hoover and bcal and kicked him unmercifully. An attempt was made to tar 'and feather him , but he fought desperately and the tar was scattorer over the room and furniture. Mrs. Hoovei came to her husbftrid's assistance and with c heavy wooden chair felled three of them tt the floor. In the scrimmage the masks wcri torn off , disclosing the identity of the parties who then retreated. Not. long after this occurrence currenco Hoover's ) dwelling was burned tc the ground ono night , leaving his familj homeless on the 'prairie. ' The matter was presented to District Attorney Perry , whe brought it bcforo the grand jury , which re suited in the guilty persons being arrested. Discharging Workmen. St. Louis , Mo. , 'Jan. 2. [ Special Tolegran to the HIE. : ] There is much suppressed feel ing among employes of the Gould South western railroad , system here and othci points along the .line . , because of an order te at once reduce the working forces to 10 pci cent. The 'officials claim the reduction Ii the result of the dull season and will not las' longer than March 1. The men claim the re dilution is not ju pttcd by the labor situatior on the system and .is resorted to as u substi tute for cutting wugts. Fourteen hundred men will bo left without work. Roiimuiiln's Military Preparations , UuciiAitEST , Jan. 2. A decree has beci published fixing the number of recruits foi the coming year at 4 1,000 , This is a notabli increase and is regarded as a proof that Rou mania is preparing for coining events. Ar scnal and state railway factories are wqrkiiif night and day mid their hands have beet doubled. Premier Bretanio states that Rou mania if oblfgcd.to entur thu field , can do si with 300 , 000 .men ; Friendly Comment on the Czar. BKIILIN , Jon. 2. The North German Ga zctte , in the course of a political rcylew o the year Just closed , says the publication o the forged documents recently sent to tin czar is , without doubt , the most linportan event of recent history , and affords eloquen proof of the loyal Intentions of the czar ii jiaving the way for a modification of the ex Isting situation , Steamship Arrivals. Nnw YOUK , Jfn. 2. JSpeclal Telegram t < the BEE. ] Airlvcd The Ethiopia , fron Glasgow , PHILADELPHIA , Jan. 2. Arrived The In dinna , from Liverpool. ' * CALLING ON THE PRESIDENT , Tbo Now Year's Reception at the Whlto Houso. SOMEOFTHEHANDSOME DRESSES Danger That the lilalr Mill Will Do Htranglcd Secretary Whitney Not IMcascd With Cleveland's Civil Service Methods. The White ItotiBO Reception. WASinxaTe > x , Jan. 2. New Years came in with n brilliant nnd beautiful day In Wash ington. The sun shone warmly In the cloud less sky and , with the exception of the ico- covcrcd sidewalks lu the early morning , which made walking difficult , the day was all that could bo desired. The white house was the main point of interest to the official world aud public to-day , and long before the beginning of tha president's annual recep tion the great iron gates closing the Penn sylvania avenue entrances to the grounds , were surroundeel by people who gazcel with curiosity nt the brilliant costumed throng of diplomats and ofllccrs as It filed through the executive mansion. The Interior was taste fully , but not lavishly , decorated with potted iilnnts , flowers and vines. All the shades were drawn nnd the gas burned brghtly ! | In crystal chandeliers , which were festooned with smilax and other graceful vines. The vestibule was almost filled with the scarlet coated marine band , which dis coursed pleasing music as the ceremony pro gressed. A few minutes after 11 the band begun to play "Hall to the Chief , " and the reception party descended the stalrcaso and entered the blue parlor. Marshal Wilson and Lieutenant Duval , U. S. N. , led the party , followed by the president nnd Miss Bayard , Secretary Bayard and Mrs. Cleveland - land , Secretary Fairchild and Mrs. Whitney , Secretary Endicott nnd Mrs. Fairchild , Post master General Vllas and Colonel Luuiout. Secretary Whitney came later. Marshal Wilson took a position nt the west door of the room aud introduced the official and the public to the president , who stood at his right hand. Lieutenant Duval performed a llko service for the ofllcials of the army nnd navy. Mrs. Cleveland stood near the president nnd was assisted by Miss Bayard , Mrs. Fairchild and Mrs. Whitney. Mrs. Cleveland wore a princess of olive green plush , trained and cut i > ompadour at the nock. The skirt was gathered full at the waist and the rich train of plush was without a single break. On cither side and to the front were uiMind-down stri | > e.s of ecru etrnscansilk lace , the only trimming upon the skirt. The same kind of lace was used to edge the square neck for the epaulets uiwn the shoulders , and down the elbow sleeves and for the cuffs turned nt the elbow , and down the front of the bodlco on either side of the fastenings. Her right hand' was bared and on her arms were gold bracelets in lace. On the side of her corsage was a coil of gold wire , an her left hand was a grey-white glove and closed fan , and in her hair , which was in a clytlc knot , was arranged a iicck- lacc , caught with two diamond stars. Her neck was without ornament and outlining the waist line was a white silk cord , knotted in front and falling almost to her feet , ending in two tassels. Her slippers wcro bronze leather , embroidered with bronze beads. Miss Bayard wore n high necked dress of black dotted tulle , short skirted , trimmed with black lace , and open Y shaped at the neck , veiled with black tulle. There were rows of white pearls about her throat and n great bunch of American beauty roses in her corsage. She held a black fan and wore black gloves. Mrs. Fairchild wore a white toilet of white satin. It was half high in the neck , had a tra.in of ivory white brocade nnd the front fastened with white gauze over small falls of plaited gauze and laco. She wore a large pearl pendant from white ribbon that encir cled her throat. Mrs. Whitney wore n French dress of an tique blue brocudo with rows of silver em broidery upon the folding panels. The train was full and plain nnd the corsage was V shaped , drapcel with silver spanglcel tulle and at the point she wore an immense diamond mend star. In her cars she wore solitaires. The space in the rear of the reception party was filled with persons prominent in Wash ington official socictyamong them being Miss Endicott , Mrs. Lament , Miss Vilas , Miss Garland , Mrs. Sheridan , Mrs , Stct'enson , Mrs. George Knott , Mrs.H.S.Thompson.Mrs. Colonel Wilson , Mrs. A. A. AVilson , Miss Wilson , Miss George Bancroft and Mrs.Steb- bins. When the party had taken its position and exchanged greetings with the members of the cabinet , the diplomatic corps was re ceived. The supreme court next paid its re spects to the president , all of the members being present. It was followed by the judges of the court of claims and members of the district judiciary. Then came the senators and representatives and their ladies. Speaker Carlisle did not enter with the members of the house , but came nearly half an hour later. The officers of the army and navy , who had assembled at their respective depart ments , reached the doorway Just as the last of the representatives passed through the blue room. Lieutenant General Sheridan ahd Rear-Admiral Janctt led the army and navy contingents respectively. Next came the regents and secretaries of the Smithsonian institute , the commissioner of agriculture , the civil service commissioners , the inter state commerce commission , the assistant secretaries of the departments , the assistant postmaster generals , solicitor general , assist ant attorneys general , heads of the bureaus of the several departments nnd the president of the Columbia institute for the deaf and dumb. A notable break in the programme at this point was the non-appcaranco of the Asso ciated Soldiers of the War of 1812. Last year they numbered but six , but to-day not ono made his appearance. The Grand Army of the Republic with a largo number of mem bers nnd the Oldest Inhabitants' association of the District of Columbia were the last organized body to exchange greetings with the president ami party , and it was 12 : 0 before the general public was admitted. Al though people were presented in largo num bers , the crowds wcro hardly equal to those of previous years. The reception terminatc'd nt 2 o'clock , having passed off successfully lu every particular and without incident. Strangling Legislation. WASIIINOTON , Jan. 3. [ Special to the BEE. " Carlisle has made ] "Speaker a com mittee on education anel a tommittco on labor , which nro prejudiced against the Blair educational bill , and should the meas ure be sent to either , it will bo smothered , " said an old republican member from the west to-day. "You will remember , " ho con tinued , "that when the Blair bill came ovci from the senate in the last congress there was a scramble over its reference. The ma jorlty In the house at first wanted to send it to the committee on education because that committee was known to bo opposed to the measure , nnd it was notorious that the ad ministration and the majority In the house wanted the bill strangled , as iu passage would mean defeat to tariff reform , which Is the paramount dcsiro of the party , Subsequently the bill was taken from educa tion nnd sent to labor , which was not known to bo "sot up" against the bill ; but the screws wore brought to bear on that committee - too nnd the hill reposed there to the end ol the session of congress. Both of these com mittees urei cocked against the measure , and should it go to either one it will bo btranglce ] again. There is no use of talking about the Blair educational bill or u general bill fet educational purposes of any character m lopg as thuro is any possibility for tariff reform - form or frpo trade and there is a majority in cither brunch of congress democratic. Will Bocrctnry Whitney Realgn ? WASHINGTON , Jan. { . [ Special to the BEE , ] It has come to mo itflurco or four different forms during the past two weeks that Seem tary Whitney Intends leaving the CRblnci. II s now known that while the secretary was , n New York for n month or moro during the campaign this fall that ho was not sick , ns was reiKirted. Mr. Whitney was working In ) HlltIcs whllo ho was absent from his official lutlcs , nnd the work ho did and the things lie heard leel him to e-onclude , so the reports say , that ho would like to relinquish his con nection with the administration before the campaign for the nomination fully opens , and before ho Is committed. Mr. Whitney docs not llko to do things politically by halves. Ho wants no civil ser vice reform or presidential hcadstrongnevss to stand In his way. Both have operated against his purpose. The president has probably heeded more of the advle-e of Mr. Whitney than any other man In the cabinet. but the secretary of the navy has wielded very little Influence. Ho has been unable to reward any of his friends or make himself strong bcforo the country. Ho prefers to bo in the practice of law In New York , and to be in n i < ositinn to make a dash for the presi dential nomination himself or select his own man for the raco. It was only to satisfy n momentary per sonal ambition that Mr. Whitney entered the cabinet. His millions of wealth and im mense schemes In New York brought him in such n large and sure Income that ho rolled in luxury , was a power in business , polities and society , and since ho has had the experi ence and the change which nearly three years in the cabinet have given him nnd ho findshlmsclf less potential and less contented than before , nnd the novelty of the thing having completely worn off , It Is stated that ho will very gladly step down nnd out next spring nt the close of the society season and tfio demands of congress , anel go back to New York. _ Pnrcel-PoHt Agitation. WASHINGTON , Jan. 2. [ Special to thoBr.i ; . ] The somewhat severe construction of the postal laws t > y Postmaster-General Vilas , taken In connection with the fact that during the last two weeks n great many packages of merchandise sent through the mails have been charged nt full letter rates of postage , because the word "Merchandise" appeared on the outside , has stirred up the advocates of cheaper parcel-postage. It is asserted now that the rates of postage upon merchandise are so heavy that poor people are compelled to use the express companies for small pack ages in this country , while in every other civ ilized nation postal facilities are so much bet ter In this respect that there is no use what ever for express companies. Every attempt which has been made in the past to reduce postage on merchandise has been vigorously opposed by the express companies , who have fprtillcel themselves against legisla tion objectionable to their interests by supplying every member of each house with franks enough to send away all of his own packages. The postal laws are now such that the weight of a package which can bo sent by mail is limited to four pounds , and the rate is fixed nt HI cents per pound for such package. Wo have a postal treaty with Bermuda which provides that a package my bo shipped in San Francisco to that island of early vegetables. It will travel clear across the continent and bo shipped in Now York by steamer. It may weigh eleven pounds , may bo four feet long and a foot thick and the prepaid postage upon it will bo but 12 cents per pound. If that same package should be posted by the same man nnd destined for Now York It would be thrown out as unmailublo , because of its size. If , however , it was below four pounds In weight it would bo carried , but the owner would bo compelled to pay 10 cents in stead of 12 cents per pound. The government now carries newspapers from the office of publication at' the rate ol 1 cent per pound. It is .said that this is doao'.Vfithout loss ; y t' merchandise of.all dcscrlptlbns is charged at the roU-Jof sixteen times as high ns newspapers. It Iho govern mcnt con carry newspapers through the mall at the rate of 1 cent per pound , there is nc reason why it should not carry merchandise at a rate not exceeding' 4 cents at the high est. The parcel post in every other countr.v is well patronized nnd is a blessing to all pooi people who are unable to UHO the hlgh-priccel express companies , ami ono of the reforms that could. bo advocated iu the postal service with moro promise of benefit to the many thar any other which bus been mentioned is the reduction of jiostago upon merchandise tei u rate somowhcro commensurate with the service performed. The Democratic Convention. WASHINGTON , Jan. 2. [ Special to the BEE. ] Although the democratic committee does not meet in this city to select a place for holding the next convention till the 2'Jdol February , thcro is already a great deal o : talk among democratic politicians as to the probability of the selection of ono city or an other. All this preponderance of Bcntimcnl seems to bo in favor of New York as the besi place. There is docidcel feeling anion many In favor of San Francisco. A nicmbui of the cabinet , in discussing the qucstinr informally among some of his friends the other evening , gave his views about as foi lows : "Tho selections of 1897 practically scttlei the question of New York's place in the election of 1583. New York will go demo crntic no matter where the convention ii held. In 1684 Blaine carried the Pacillt slope , and there is a chance that ho may ik so again. It cannot bo denied that the Pa ciflo has been rather unfairly treated , and ii is evident that something must be done te make the people of California undcrstane that they arc still In the union. Now , if wi hold our convention there next year , the Californians will meet democratic leaden from all over the country. The result cannot bo other than beneficial to to the party , am for this reason 1 think it would bo wise poll tics to select San Francisco as the place foi holding the next democratic convention. " Accident to Mrs. J. H. Gear. WASHINGTON , Jan. 2. [ Special Telcgran to the Bun. ] Some ten days ago Mrs. Gear wife of Gov. John H. Gear , representative from Burlington ( lowaodistrict ) was visitiiif at the Ebblt houso. In stepping fron the elevator in ono of the upper corrldon she stumbled in the dim light over a pile o baggage nnet received a severe sprain in i tendon of the hip. Slnco , then she has fecci confined to her apartments" the Portland with no immediate prospect of recovery. MI3X1CAX MAD1 PA1TI1. > The Arizona Inillij-ns GrosHly Chentce * Ariz. , Jan. S Strange n .developed during thil-past fcw days m "tin YaquLriver campaign. ' . , TlujYaiul war hai been carried on with tlio tinddrstandlng tha' ' at Its close the land between the Yaqui nne Mayo rivers was tp bo divided' In 'several ! ; among the Indlansand : by making them be Hcvo this , the majority surrendered. It 1m now corao to ligUt that the Mexican gunboat Dcmocrata , has aecrotly removed at variou times fifteen .fTundrcd or more of tin Indians to the state of Collma , where the ; are dying of fever and other diseases. It I stated that Chief Cajcina , who was reportce killed in accordance with the military law ; of the country , was really assassinated b ; Mexicans. It is asserted that land grabber are gradually absorbing all the tillable lam in the valley and that the remainder of tin Indians nro becoming greatly dissatisfied Open war Is looked for again soon. Injnnutlon Denied. ST. PALT. , Jan. 2. The motion of II. G Stone for an injunction against the Min nesotn Thresher company came on for heat Ing'ln the United States court to-day befon Judge Nelson , and at the close of the hear Ing a motion for an Inlunctlon was denied am refiiHcel. The formal transfer of the grca property will now bo inuUu and posbessloi taken ul onco. Rnrthqnakc Hhoolc In Mexico. i'Muxico , ( via Gulveston ) Jan. 2.- A blmri > bhoek of earthquake was felt her this morning at 7iO : ! oclock. During the las three months thcro have been telsmlo ilh turbauccfi throuKhout > thc country , A SCORING FOR SULLIVAN , T Mitchell nnd Kllraln Reply to Hl ? Recent Attack. i BOTH THINK THEY CAN WHIP HIM Hatting the Itoston Uoy Severn ! People plo Shot Uy n Mj-NtorleuiH in Lemelou .lamlseiii an el tha Cup. I'llglllotlc 7 tin Jdiiifn ( ? < > nlo LONHON , Jan. 2. [ New York Herald Cablt Special to the Hun. ] Pugilism was ngaU to the fore to-day. Kllraln and Mitchell e-on- versed nt the Sporting Life offie-o about Sul livan. Jem Smith had a complimentary sup per In Spitalllclds , and Jem Carney was wel comed home to Birmingham with an effusion In IU kind greater than greeted Mr. Glad stone In Florence. When Kllraln was asked to-day to state his relations to Sullivan ho substantially said : "I have only set-toexl with him twice. Once when ho was trained to fight n Providence ( lihoilo Island ) man , who did not turn up , I was asked if I would give three exhibition rounds with Sullivan and consented. I sparred three rounds with him. In regard to our second meeting it was a friendly sctto , terminating with honors equally divided , Why Sullivan shouln allow his signature to be put to untruthful garbage bafllcs my comprehension , as It only tends to make him ridiculous in the eyes of the pub- lie. It is well known In the States that Sullivan - van sneaked out of a match with mo after \ blowing what ho would do In the ring. To conclude I will answer him In his own ji language. I shall have no use for n beaten man , which ho will surely bu unless he crawls > out of the match with Mitchell. " | Mitchell said : "Tho publio In Amorlea anel \ \ England know well that I have been t | | on Sullivan's track for the past four A years appearing bcforo 10)00 ( ) people on Junet ( 10 , 1SS4. Hu said , ' 1 am not well enough to fight Mitchell to-night aud I won't meet him. ' On some of his adherents shouting out , 'Go , on , John. You can do him , ' ho shook his head nnd answered , 'No , not to-night , but I will never meet anybody else until I have ele > fcatcd him.1 None knows better than Sulli van that I shall bo ready on the day ap pointed , and I will say what I have never said bcforo to any man , vl/ : I will meet him anel beat him. No moro notice will bu taken by either myself or Kllrain of anything Sullivan may say through the press ns he has had enough cheap adver tising already. Kllrain has done what ho never dared to do , viz. : fight a man whom ho never saw , who had a world-wido reputation as u wondeiyind loft his own country to do it and with nobody ut his back to make a win , tie or wrangle of it. Ho came over and trusted to the honor of Englishmen to glvo him fair play and ho has not been deceived' Kilrnln , < ? has not filled the papers with a lot of rotten * * ) 'j gush n la Sullivan , and believes in deeds , not words , as ho has proved to every honest thinking Englishman throughout tha world. 1 will say no moro as I think this ought to satisfy the Sullivantst. Lotus end v this now controversy and settle our accounts { In the ring. " / When the two loft the office of the Sporting Llfo , where the above conversation ensued , an immense crowd In Fleet street mobbed thenvwith pleasant attentions , pursuing theli carriage past the Herald building a little to the westward. Among the Kportf ) . [ Copi/rtulit tSSS l > u Jiuiitx ( Ionian Bennett. ] LONKON , Jan. 2. [ Now York Herald Cable Special to the Biu. | Fleming at the Pelican club to-day , announced that il was not his Intention to fix a date for Jlu Sullivan-Smith match until Sullivan had fought Mitchell. The latter had yesterday i large attendance of sports and friends at AlJ Saints church , wcro his infant son wai christened , and a "Poncy" Moore supper fol lowed. This afternoon Carney was welcomed homo at Birmingham by an immense crowd. Not its own Joe Chamberlain , if ho should return with a fisheries treaty in his pocket , could receive a moro roysterlng welcome than Carney got. To-night Jem Smith gets u com- plimcntary dinner nt Ballard's sporting lay ern , named after the merry monarch , sltu < ated in Spittals Fields. Kilrain saw the old year out at the Hor.so Shoo tavern , in Totten ham Court road , surrounded by n crowd of admirers. To-mon-ow night Editor Harding will receive numerous gifts at the Canterbury music hull. TainioHon nnd the American Cup. | Coj/r/yil | / ) tfAS / < ) / James ( luiilnn Ucnnctt. ' } Dtuil.iN , Jan. 2. [ Now York Horulcl Cable Special to the BEE.I I have jusf seen Jamlcson about the American cup. 11 positively refuses to glvo information. Every * tiling is being kept dark. Ho would not elony an intention to challenge. There Is no cholt Icnge from any oilier quarter. HUMAN TAUGKTS. A Man With n Pistol Creates Conetcn nation In Ijonelon. T , iropj/rfyM ms by Jiimcf Onninn Hennttt. } It LONDON , Jan. 2. [ Now York Heralef Cable Special to the BIIJ. : ] Lnto Sundatf night a man of independent means mune < J Rldiardson , was quietly walking the street * of Rainsgato , a watering place near Dover ! when ho suddenly uc'costcd u young woman with : "You're the girl 1" J He fired two' shots f rom a revolver at herl Both shots missed their aim. Then ho mot member of the Salvation army , and fired tw shots nt him. The man had a narrow escape us the bullets whizzed close to his head , ft considerable crowd pursued Rlrhardsodf who , finding himself hard pressed , turncef. and fired ono shot , which struck f lad named Pellow. The boy fell and was conveyed to r.n Infirmary ) A police constable joined in the chase , but Richardson escaped to his houso. Ho wa next seen at an upper window with a doubloX barrelled gun , both barrels of which ho dls < charged at the crowd. Ono shot struck 4 young man darned Moddy In the head , whllel another struck a policeman named Fox. Both were removed to an infirmary. Finally tori policemen broke into the house , and after q severe btrugiflo Richardson was removed to the pollco station. The police found twd guns , two largo pistols nnd a revolver , wlthu quantity of ammunition in his house. Ho was cool , reticent and not at all excited , but h4 could give no explanation of his conduct , no/ could his family , Grain Trade Review. LONDON , Jan. 2. The Mark Lane in its weekly review of the British grairt trade , says : English wheat U firmer. In tha provincial markets thn supply la uinall and quotations are Cd@ls higher. In London prices have advanced Cd. Sale * of English' wheat during the past week wcro 41,550 quarters at HsQCkl against ! M,7GO quarters. at , lifts for the corresponding last yean Foreign wheat i atrouge. IndianUu ltU |