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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 18, 1907)
Fhe Omaha Daily Bee Only 6 DAYSFcr Christmas Shopping Only G DAYS For Christmas Shopping VOL. XXXVII NO. 157. OMAIIA, WEDNESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 18, 1907 TWELVE IMAGES. SINGLE COPY TWO CENTS. BOYCOTT IS ILLEGAL Federation of Labor. COUHT SAYS LAW IS Long Line of Precedent Quo4 it a Conspiracy DECISION IS FAR EL. Order Directed Against Organize and Its Officer!. V FINAL HEARING COMES SOON nan to Be Heard on It Merit When It Will Bo Appealed to Supreme Court of the United States. WASHINGTON. Dec. 17. In the case of the Buck Stove and Range company of St. Louis against the American Federation of Labor, Involving the right of labor to boycott business houses which labor organ Isattona regarded a unfair to them, Jus tice Gould of tha fMstrlrt of Columbia equity court today granted a temporary Injunction asked for by President Van Clore rf the atove company to prohibit tha federation from continuing to boycott the company pending a final settlement of the cane, A bill In equity wai filed by the company last August for a permanent Injunction re straining the Federation from boycotting the company and putting it on the unfair Hat In the Federation's official organ and later a supplemental bill was filed, charg ing that notwithstanding the pending pro ceedings the Federation was etlll actively engaged In pressing the boycott and a temporary Injunction, passed upon today, was asked for. The case will now proceed to a final hi-srlng, which is not expected before early next spring. The court In entering its voluminous finding explained that there nere several points which he bad not taken up In the present decision. Including the present question whether the boycott is within tho inhibition of the Interstate com merce law. Owing to the preliminary na ture of today's proceedings there was no notice of appeal by the counsel for the Federation, Judge Taft Quoted. The court made numerous citations of de risions lu' cases involving similar Issues, Including references to rulings by Judge Taft. the present secretary of war, then Judge of the superior court, in the action of the "Toledo Street Railway versus Penn Comitny." and proceedings brought In var leus states. ' I Judge - Oould declared that It was not surprising that there was so little difference of opinion anion f the courts upon the question Involved and that it he conclusion that such combinations as that disclosed by tha affidavits filed by the Ruck Stove company in this case were held to be un lawful was based upon an application of tlie : fundamental, .rights of fres itiea .ln.ji free country. He said there was little room for argument or discussion of the question whether the plaintiff company had shown the existence of an unlawful combl nation and conspiracy to destroy Ita busl ness and the record leaves no doubt that the plaintiff has been and still is the or ganization of a boycott, during that term. "In the most ohnoxlous sense. It Is an un lawful conspiracy to destroy its business, such a conspiracy as has received the con demnation of every federal and state court In the country before which it has been brought for criminal action, legal re dress or equitable Injunction." Decision Fur-Rearhlair. The American Federation of Labor Is not only named as defendant In this case, but also President Gompera and Secretary Mor rison, Individually, as well as nine others of the executive council of the federation, and also tbe Electrotypers,' Molders and Finishers' union No. 17, together with certain Individuals composing Its officers and executive board. The Buck Stove 'and Range company, which runa an open shop, alleged that the labor organisation placed Its name on the "unfair" and "we don't patronize" , Hats In the labor publications and that the boy cott alho was carried on through thou sands of circular letters to the company's customers and the public generally and by threatening the conipany'a customers with loss of labor, patronuge and business. Mr. Gompcrs contended that the unfair list had been in use almost from the fed eration's organisation; that It Imputed simply inequitable or discriminative treat ment against organized labor. President Van Cleave of the atove company. It was charged, discharged aa an employe, the president of a St. lunula local union, and threatened to discharge all other mem bers of the union committee of employes that sought ta deal with him. t The court held that the contention of the defense, that there cannot be unlawful combination where each member thereof might do Individually the thing contem plated without responsibility to the law, has much of plausibility and "aeems to evade accurate analysis." , Wromfol t'ae of Combination. Justice Uould cited authorities, however, to show that a combination of two or more persona wtlh such an intent and under i ircunistajices that gtve them, when so combined, a power- to do an Injury they would not possess its Individuals acting Jointly, has always been recognls 'd in It self wrongful and Illegal. As to the con tention that to restrain tha publication of a aanie on the unfair list would infringe thrt otmstltutktual rights of the defendants and be ait assault upon the freedom of t press, and that plaintiffs redress. If at all. was by action for libel, and that equity would rut enjoin the publication of the IllXfl, Justice Uould mild: "All this would have merit, if the act of Uih defendants In making such publication stood alone, unconnected with other con duct both preceding and following it. lint It Is not ait Isolated fact; It Is an a'-t o.J conspiracy to destroy plalnt'fTs business etc., Tim JicUion quotes from the record in eontravt ntton of tbe federation's claim Hint It Is a federation of organisations and bus no Individual inemhemhtp. ' Urlartn ef (' pi racy. The conspiracy originated, the court said, in the action by the Metal Polls). e-.s' local union No. IS In St. Loula In the fall of 18u0, a body federatrd with tbe American Federation of Labor through the lnterna tlon Polishers' union. When this body acted It did not use this term, "boycott," but tha more euimoiilatlo terms of "unfair" ui.d "we don't patronise." Rut the court holds that whatever the ttnu uard, the boycott was the effect Intended and tCouUnud on Sooond Pagt SUMMARY OF THE BEE Wednesday, Drrrmbfr 1, lftOT. gaiDSt 1907 DECEMBER 1907 lua aton rat wis r" T plain I 2 3 4 5 Of 7 8 9 10 II 12 13 14 15 10 17 18 19 20 21 . 22 23 24 25 20 27 28 A 19 30 31 $ X , THE WEATHER. eenst till 7 p. m. Wednesday ' OMAHA, COUNCIL BLUFFS AND PY Wednesday, fair and continued 5BRASKA Wednesday, generally . IOWA Wednesday, generally fair, rnperature at Omaha yesterday: tWnMZ r.urm t)eg. .... 27 .... '26 .... 2 .... 25 .... 2! .... 2D 6 a. m 7 a. m 8 a. m t a. m 10 a. m 11 a. m 12 m 1 p. m I p. m 5 p. in 4 p. m 6 p. m 8 p. m 7 p. m ft p. m . . . . . 9 p. m 2 i M i DOMESTIC. Congressman Pollard promised coveted place on committee on agriculture. Burkett denies renponslblllty for organ ization of Hughes club at Lincoln and mention of his name for vice president. Gamble and Kittredge fight grows warm. Fags 1 Justice Clould at Washington restrains the American Federation of Labor and members of the executive cominlttco from UBe of the boycott. Page 1 President Roosevelt Is greatly pleased at the fleet that started on the Pacific voyage yesterday. Page I The new double eagles being coined at Washington are satisfactory to bankers and iu-twta. Page a Secretary Taft will arrive In New Yoik Friday. - Page 1 Independence of a negro minstrel In the south costs him hla life. Page 1 One squaro mile of territory in Chiongo has been added to the dry territory by act of the city council. Page 1 Kmelter City bank of Durango has closed. Page 1 rOSEIOH. Persia makes appeal to the world for aid in securing a constitution from the shah. Page 1 Japanese statesmen refuse to give a written memorandum of promise In the Immigration matter. Page 1 Chinese have been placed on an Ameri can basis by the Catholics of the Philip pine Islands. Page 1 Chinese are seriously considering estab lishing a boycott against Great Britain. Pag 1 Admiral Rojestvensky thinks the trip of the American fleet may easily be accom plished. Page 1 HEBBASKA. State officials object to ruling whl?h prevents them drawing salaries In ed-1 vscca, -Railway commission Inspects de-"j pot at Plauaantdale arralnat which com plaint has been made. ' Pag 3 A large reward will be offered by 'he citizens near Rosalie for the unraveling of the mystery of the disappearance of LHUe Olson. Page 3 LOCAL. Harrlman lines show a gain In gross receipts for October, but the net receipts for the month ihow a loss. Union Pacific gained 1816, Out) gross, and decreased $335,000 net. Expense for maintenance of way given as reason for the decreases. pe b Omaha bankers differ as to the advlsl bllity of establishing a central bank, but those who heartily favor such an institu tion have no hopes of realising the Rldgley for years to come, the feeling agalint "centralisation" being too strong. Page 7 Boys arrested In Fllmore county tor circulating old "Merchants' and Plant rs State bank of Georgia" bills, are believed to be the tools of a well organized gang, which has a supply of the money to pass on the. unsuspecting. Page 8 Greater' funds will be needed to ruu the city departments next year, as the wages of firemen advance and extra policemen will be put on duty. Substations of the Police department, if established, will also add to the cost of city government. Page T Huobands are now assisting their wives do Chrlatmaa shopping aa the stores keep open evenings for the next week, tnj cruising among the bargain counters and watching the shows In the windows will be the favorite pstime of Omahana. Fajs 6 OOMaCXKCIAXt ATD OUST RIAL Live stock markets. Page 9 Grain markets. Page Stocks and bonds. Page 9 MOVEMENTS OP OCIAJT STEAMSHIPS. Port. Arrived. Silled. NKW YORK Buljri PCYMot'TH ...,K. r. Cecilia Pretoria. Qt'KKNHTO'N . I'lrmmll IIPEMKN Urartier Kurrurat Barbaroasa. OKNOA Ko.nlg AlMrt I HKHHOI RO ...llueclicr . Nw York K. P. Wilhelm. rHKHIIOl'KO ... TRIKSTB rpthU ROTTKIIDAM ..BUtesdam .SaratoT. SMELTER CITY BANK CLOSES State Instltutlo mt Durango, Colo., Knapends Berooae of Land Fraud Cases. DURANGO. Colo.. Dec. 17.-The Bmelter City bank of Durango, a state Institution, capital $10,000, failed to open this morning. No statement of IU assets or llaliilttls has been given out, but the deposits Are be lieved not to exceed JIOO.OX Charles McConnell, president of the bank, said thut all liabilities would be paid In full. Lack of confidence, due, It is eald, to the Indictments of prominent cttlxena on charges of la'i.l frauds under the federal laws, led to the suMpe-ntton of the Smelter City, as well as the Colorado bank, which failed luft week. CHICAGO 0NEPER CENT DRIER City toaacll Adds a Sqnare Mile to tho section Where No I.leaor Is Bold. CHICAGO, Dec. 17 Chicago today has one more square mile of "dry" territory than It had yesterday. Last night the square mile, almost 1 per sent ef tbe entire city, was added to the prohibition area by the city council. No oratory marked the addition to the city's prohibition districts. Without com ment other than that tha district had been canvassed and that prohibition Waa the desire of its residents, the vote was or dered taken. The result was that by SI ts to SS nays OiUugo la per cent drier than ever befuTf E? PERSIA APPEALS TO WORLD Nationals Demand Constitution from the Shah. SOVEREIGN HAS BEEN MISLED Reartlonarlea lnfluenre the . Yoi Ruler 'to Believe Recent Trouble Came from the Oppo sition. TEHERAN, Dec. , 17. On behalf of the nation the Persian Parliament haa Issued manifesto to the world, explaining the present constitutional crisis and appealing for assistance. The manifesto, which was distributed to the foreign legations and consulates here this afternoon, says: "When the affairs of tho empire had fal len Into a hopeless state the nation saw its only salvation In constitutional government. The late shah granted a constitution and the reigning shah confirmed It, but persona, who under the despotlo regime were ac customed to oppress the people, misled the young sovereign Into the belief that the constitution waa the cause of the trouble at present. "The nationals do not think that will disturb the peace, but In Ylew or the attltnde of the reactionary members, the government will defend the constitution, its only hope, to the utmost "By means of this manifesto the Persian nation makes known to all legations and foreign diplomatic representatives the act ual condition of the affairs, and Informs them that the soverergn is violating his covenant with the people. It makes this announcement to all the. world, convinced that they will show brotherly love to the 10,000,000 Persians and not allow their rights to be trodden under foot." The negotiations between the shah anl the-Parliament have been up to the present tlmo without result. The members -of the cabinet are holding a council and all shops tire closed and no newspapers published today. THIS FLEET HAS EASY TASK Admiral Rojestvensky Hays Trin Pacific May Be Accomplish Easily. to ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 17. Admiral Rojestvensky, who during the Russo Japanese war led the ill starred Russian fleet around Africa to ultimate defeat at the hands of the Japanese In the Sea of Japan, Is keenly interested in the cruise of the American battleship squadron. He talked today with the correspondent of tha Associated Press on the matter. He, after outlining some of the difficulties the Ameri can vessels would have to overcome, said he considered the voyage to the Pacific to be entirely practicable. "It can bo made safely either in time of peace or in time of war," said Rojestvensky. "Sheltered her bors are available for, coaling and there is no fear of interference on the part of any ot the South American governments. The passage of the straits of Magellan, especially In summer time, presents no dif ficulty to a skilled commander. This ex pedition differs from the trip of the Baltic fleet. In that we wera obliged to coal at so. We were , not permitted, to linger for uveu'ona day in tho afrqueiited buy of Annum without brusque orders from the French governor and the English admiral to move on." According to Admiral Rojestvensky the chief criterion of tha success of the voyage will be Rear Admiral Evans' ability to bring every vessel of the squadron to the various stopping places on scheduled time. The straggling due to mechanical defects, he said, will be hard to overcome. J(APS WILL N0JBE TRAPPED Refuse to Give Canadian Minister Written 1'nderetandtna; on Kmlgratlou Question. TOKIO, Dec! 17. Rudolph Lemleux, Ca nadian postmaster general and minister of labor, was tendered a farewell banquet last night, which was attended by 200 lead ing cltliens and officials. Including Sir Claud MacDonald, the British ambassador. Foreign Minister Hayashl was not present. Minister Lemleux proposed the health of the emperor of Japan and Baron Tanaka of the imperial household proposed a toast to the king of England. No speeches were made. Minister Lemleux will receive the assur ance that Japan will limit emigration to IiiltlBh Columbia, but will not change the treaty. A memorandum to be s'ven hint includes the program for the fin ire, but Is not Intended as a formal note. He has been Informed by the Japanese Foreign office that Canada will get exactly the same concessions aa already have .been grunted to the United States. Through American Ambassador O'Brien be asked for a written understanding, but this was positively declined. MORE SCHOOLS FOR FILIPINOS Assembly at Manila Votes to Spend Million Dollars In This Direction. MANILA, Dec. 17. The first bill to come up for liual reading In the assembly, ap propriating $l,OnO,00O for the construction of schools In the outlying barrios, or villages, will secure an unanimous vote. It having been supported by the committee to which it had been referred without a dissenting voice. It la now ready for passage. The committee and the assembly are pre paring Instructions for the delegates to Washington. The principal matters which congress wllf bo asked to grant Include tariff reform and the abolition of the head tax charged visitors from Hong Kong and Japanese ports. The delegates will leave for America on December 2L CHINESE THINK0F BOYCOTT Mass Meeting nt Canton to Protest Asratnst Overhailiag Junks by Hrltlah. CANTON. China, Dec. 17.-At a Chines mass meeting held here today the "high handed Overhauling" of suitpected launches and Junks on the West river by British warships was denounced, the ostensible purpose of ti e petroling being to put a stop to piracy. The meeting decided to adopt a resolution to declare a boycott upon British manufacturers and to Inaugu rate a strike among the Chinese In the em ploy of Englishmen If the British flotilla Is not withdrawn from the river. Melhn Will Not Ring. NEW YORK, Dec. 17 Mme Melha, the prima donna, will not sing In Aint-rlca tlim winter. It waa expected that she would return for a aunvat the Manhattan Opera house and a short concert season, but she has notified her maiiager thai hrr father's haalth la such that she cannot think ef leaving hint and will iherefore remain in her home naar Melbourne Aus Ualtat, 4i Wlula PRESIDENT GREATLY PLEASED Ofllelai Party Retvrwa to Washington from Review of Parlfle . Fleet. WASHINGTON, D. C, Dec. 17.-Wlth an enthusiastic wave of his high bat and hearty good-bye as lie was piped over the side of the cruiser yacht Mayflower, Presi dent Roosevelt ended with evidence of great satisfaction his tr'p of farewell to the Pacific bound battle fleet shortly after S o'clock this mornlr.g. The Mayflower came alongside the Washington navy yard dock at 8:25 o'clock. The JVhlte House carriage was In waiting, as 'frere the conveyances of the secretary of. the navy and other officials who were tho guests of the presi dent on the trip. No one left the ship until the president had taken his scat In his open carriage with Mrs. Roosevelt. Miss Roosevelt and Miss Robinson. The p rest did not wait for the debarkation of the rest of the official party, but started at once for the White House, where he arrived at 8.46 o'clock. Just before leaving the dock of the Mayflower a wireless message was placed In the hands of the president, pre sumably a last word from the fleet. Not a word has come to the Navy de partment from the Atlantic fleet since It left the Virginia capes yesterday up to 10 o'clock today. Wireless messages, how ever, are known to have passed today be tween Borne one of the vessels and the wireless station at Norfolk, but they were not relayed to Washington. According to the sailing program to be followed, the fleet has now steamed about 230 knots and. It Is expected, haa already crossed the gulf stream. army Canteen a necessity Association Recently Formed In New York to Work for Ita He-Us-tabllshment. NKW YORK, Dec. 17. The Army Can teen association hag Just formed In New York for the purpose of working for the re-establlshmcnt of the canteen at army posts. The association will he incorporated and wilt use Us efforts to induce congress to repeal tho law forbidding the sale of beer and light wines at army posts. Henry P. Frlck, lawyer and leading spirit in the new aasocla'lon, has this to say about It: "The abolition of the canteen is conceded by military men of long experience to have been one of the most unwise movements ever put Into effect by congress. It Is re sponsible In a large measure for the pres ent depleted condition of the ranks today. Tliis Is the opinion of General J. Franklin Bell, chief of staff of the army; General George B. Loud of New York, president of the Third Massachusetts Cavalry asso ciation, and Secretary Taft, and Is em bodied In all tho reports of the commanding generals of the various departments of the United States army. These include General Greely, commanding the Depart ment of the Columbia; General Grant, com manding the Department of the East; Gen era! Frederick Futiston, commanding the Department of California, and the judge advocate of the army. "Practical students of military life say without a dissenting voice that the resto ration of the cantin Is actually necessary to minimise descrflon amd encourage en listment." COLORED MEfl ELECTROCUTED Charles Gibson and SteBhen Dorsey Suffer for Murder, Oho Claim- . isg Innoccnae. TRENTON, N. J.. Dec. 17. Charles Gib son and Stephen Dorsey, colored, were elec trocuted at the state prison today for the murder of Mrs. Edward Horner and Vic toria Nutoli, the latter a servant girl em ployed by Mrs. Horner. The murders were committed in connection with a robbery of the Horner home near Camden last August. Gibson was electrocuted first and Dorsey a few minutes later. The men were accom panlod by Rev. Jacob E. Dunn, a col ored minister. The current wao turned on and in Gibson's case at four minutes before S o'clock and In Dorsey'a case eight minutes later. Both men died Instantly. The eleO' trocutlons were witnessed by Edward Hor ner, husband of one of the murdered women. During the night Dorsey wrote a letter to Principal Keeper Osborn, in which he declared himself Innocent. He did not deny, however, being present when the women were killed. Gibson wrote a number of letters, one of them to Horner, In his letter Gibson admitted the crime and said he fired the barn and then went to tiie house where he killed Mrs. Horner and then the servant girl. Glbaon also, said that 1 Dorsey was In the house with him when the murders were committed. CORTELYOU CONFINED TO BED Severe Attack of Grippe Compels Sec retary of Trcasnry to Pre serve. Henlth. WASHINGTON. D. C Dec. 17 Secretary Cort.lyou Is confined to his bed with severe attack of the grippe. Under the advice of his physician he will remain at home for at least a week. His attack last night was quite severe and his physician's orders are imperative. During his absence from the department, Assistant Secretary Edwards will be acting secretary of the treasury. Secretary of the Navy Metcalf is de taincd at his home with an attack of la grippe. When he returned from Norfolk today, where he went with the president and party, he was compelled to take to his bed. The secretary was unahla, ac cording to reports from Norfolk, to leave the cabin of the Mayflower to review tho fleet, having been Indisposed before he left Washington. MORE MINERS GOING TO WORK lirurral Funston and (ioversor Sparks Prepare to Leave (inldfleld Today. GOLDF1ELD, New, Dec. 17 - More (nen are reported at work In the mines and at the null of tha Consolidated company than on any day since the rcopen'ng of the mine on Thursday labt. The Nevada Gnidflcld Reduction works started up this fUornlng with eight ni?n. The strike bieskcrs are expected to arrive tuday from Arlso'ia. The Roosevelt commission today Is con sidering the statement of the Mine Owners at nidation. General Kunston and Governor Sparks will leave GoldflrM tomorrow morn lng. LAWSON VISITS WHITE HOUSE Boston Financier Makes an Karly Morulnar Call I pen Presi dent Hooaevelt. WASHINGTON, Dec. 17.-Presldent Roosevelt's earliest caller today was Thomas W. Lawsnn of Boston. On leaving tha White Houae-Mr. Lawson said that he did not care lu dututaa tbn illicit of bis NEWLANDS ON WATERWAYS Address to Senate on Bill for Per manent Commission. TO AVOID CONFUSION AND DELAY Intention la Also to Prevent Discrim ination Between grctlona Teller and BcTcrldarc Ask Questions. WASHINGTON, Dec. 14. Senator New lands addressed the serate today on his bill for the appointment of a permanent In land waterway commission. "The most important feature of the bill," said Mr. Newlands, "Is the creation of an Inland waterway fund of $50,000,000 to be used both for Investigation and construc tion. The president is authorized to ap point an Inland Waterways commission to make examinations and surveys for the de velopment of all Inland waterways and for the connections of rivers with each other or with the great lakes by connecting canals and tr. bring In co-ordination there with the services of experts In various de partments of the government service. Will Avoid Confusion. "It will be observed," said Mr. Newland, "that the Initiative Is put In the hands of the executive department as an administra tive matter. It Is clear that the judgment of a board of experts will be much better than that of congress and that much delay and confusion will be saved by authorizing the prompt Initiation of the work. Other wise we shall have difference of view, both In committee and In congress Itself as to the details of the works, as to the relative Importance of the projects, and sectional differences will arise, only to be compro mised by concessions harmful to the great enterprise. Congress should exercise the fullest power of examination and of crltl clsm; of course it has the power any time to change the organization or to stop the work. All those powers should bo exercised whenever wine and necessary; but the main purpose of the bill Is to enter upon the work In a business-like way. Just as a pri vate corporation would do, and not to im pair the proper administration by unneces sary legislation restraint. No Discrimination Between Sections, "Equitable apportionment," said Mr. Newlands, "among the several waterway systems of the country Is enjoined by the bill. It Is Intended that work shall be commenced contemporaneously along this line so that no section may feel that an other section Is favored at its expense." Senator Jfewslands declared that he ex pects the government to expend at least 800,000,000 annually during the next five years on the inland waterways and was in terrupted by Senator Beverldge who said: "The senator does not mean that, I hope." Senator Newlands: "Yes that Is my In dividual view. In the ten years the United States should spend at least TiOO.OOO.OOO In the improvement of Inland waterways. I think the government should enter .Into these works In every section of the coun try, on the Padflo coast, Atlantic coast, gulf coast, along the Mlsulsslppl rlvor and Its tributaries I wish to say that la the sentiment of the people of the United States." . , , (location fc? Mr. Teller. - Senator Teller Interrupted to ask whether Senator Newlands Intended to maintain the right of the general government to control the waters of the Mississippi river. Mr. Newlands replied that under the in terstate commerce clause of the constitu tion the nation has control over these rivers for the purpose of navigation and the states themselves can do nothing to these rivers that Interferes with navigation without thi consent of the nation. Mr. Teller rejoined that the supreme court of the United States has passed upon these questions thirty times In the last sixty years and It had maintained that the na tion's rights over the river relates solely for navigation and cannot utilize the water for establishing water power and electrlo light plants. He hoped that the senator from Nevada would not Involve this ques tion with matters that would Jeopardize his bill, as he was earnestly desirous 6f seeing legislation on this Important subject. I.lqnor Resolution by Tillman. Senator Tillman today Introduced a reso lution Instructing the senate committee on finance to report "whether it Is practicable for tho national government to discontinue the Issuance of permits to retail liquor dealers In states, counties or municipalities where local option prevails, prohibiting tho sale of liquors." Senator Allison suggested that the govern ment merely collected tax on liquor and does not control Its sale. Mr. Tillman replied that the government In collecting the tax permits the sale of liquor and Issues a permit for that purpose. The resolution was adopted. COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE Burkett Leaves Pensions Committee Hrovrn t.lven New Chairmanship. WASHINGTON, D. C Dc. 17. The rt.. publican senators held a caucus today and accepted the report from the commitloe ou the assignment of senators to committees. Many changes were made In assignment to chairmanships and now senators se cured the following chairmanships: Bourne of Oregon, fisheries; Dixon ot Montui.a, civil strvice examination; Borah of Idaho, weights and measures. Several new committees have been ere. ated fur the purpose of giving chairman ships to new republican senators. Senator BilgKS is at the head of one, called ex penditures in the Treasury department; Senator Brown of Nebraska has expendi tures in the Department of Justice, and Senator Guggenheim of Colorado, expcniii t u res In the Navy department. Senator Carter of Montana goes on the committee on foreign relations; Senator Fulton of Oregon on Judiciary; Senator Warner and Burkett go on the committee on public bujldlngs and grounds. The com. mlttee on pensions loses Senator Burkett of Nebraska and adds Senator Curtis of Kansas. Senators Burkett and LaKollede leave the committee on claims, and Sen atois Borah and Guggenheim take ineni henililps. The vacancy on District of Col umbia goes to Senator Carter of Montana. Senators Gamble and Guggenheim are new member on the committee to audit and control the contingent expenses of the sen ate, and Senator Warren leaves that com mittee. The new senators have committee assignments as follows: - Borah Claims, education and labor, ex penditures In Navy department. Irrigation, revision of laws of the Untied Sta'es. Bourne Coast defenses, expenditures in Department of Justice, poatotttces and roailu, public health and naliuiml quaran tine, railroads. Brlgua Canadian relations, flaheries. im migration, library, transportation routes to the seaboard. Brown Civil service and retrenchment, corporations of Diatrict of Columbia, Indian affairs, Mississippi river and its tribu taries, revolutionary claims. r n on Kxpenditures In Interior derart. ment, Indian depredations. standards. (Continued on Beoond' MAGOON IS NOT IN THE RACE Whednn Denies that He Ever SusT Bested Ills 'ame In that Connection. LINCOLN. Neb.. Dec. 17. Charles R. Magoon, governor of Culm, does not aspire to the republican nomination for presi dency. On the contrary. oGvernor Msgoon considers any mention of his name In thnt connection as an absurdity and as placing him In a fals and ridiculous position. This in effect Is what he today wired to his former law partner In Lincoln, Charles O. Whedon. In hla telegram he quotes a press dispatch In which Mr. Whedon Is repre sented as pushing his name for the nomina tion. Mr. Mngoon's telegram Is as follows: Havana. Dee. 17, Whedon. IJncoln, Neb. Associated Press dlwpatch from Lincoln re ceived here nays: "C. O. Whedon, law part ner of Mngoon. governor of Cuba, actively pushing Maitoon for presidency. Haa writ ten members republican state central com mittee asking them." I know this must be untrue and hope you will take steps to establish Its falsity. The absurdity of the statement would refute It In the m'nd of anyone who knows you, but Associated Iress teaches many who do not know you and the publication of such dispatches makes mo appear ridiculous. MAGOON. Mr. Wbedon was asked this evening If he had made any effort In Governor Ma goon's behalf and his reply was an em phatic negative. He snld: "The statement Is absolutely and unqualifiedly false. You cannot make the denial too plain or em phatic." Mr. Whedon wired a disclaimer to Mr. Magoon and tonight asked thnt he be quoted as saying that he never thought of the governor In connection with the nomi nation. The activity of Mr. Whedon, who Is prominent as a Nebraska republican, has been to commit the party In this state to the direct primary plan In an effort to learn the choice lor president of the repub lican voters of the state. Mr. Wliedon be lieves every voter should be given the right to express his preference and he has written to every member of the state cen tral committee aiklrfg that his recommenda tion to tested. FORTUNE GONE, A BANKRUPT Charles Van Studdtford Asks Relief From Debt, While Wife Is on Stage. ST. LOUIS, Dec. 17. -Charles Van Stud dlford, hunband of Grace Van Ptuddlford, the actress, and a member of one of the best known families In the city, filed a petition yesterday In the United States district court inking to be adjudged a bankrupt. Tho petition states that most of the liabilities are Judgments obtained against the petitioner and the M. A. Wolff Realty company, of which he was for a time an olllcer and active member. Mr. Van Studdlford said that the action was taken to clear up the Judgments agnlnst himself and the real estate company. His liabilities are $12,353, while his assets are only I1GS. As a young man Van Studdlford waa con sidered one of the wealthiest real estate i owners In St. Louis. Ho wooed Gracia Vive, a comio opera singer, and they were married.- Mrs. Van Studdlford left the stage and they were prominent in St. Louis society for several years. -Through connection with an unsuccessful realty company Van Studdlford lost his fortune' and his wife returned to tha tajr and in two years had won a second compe tence for herself and husband. She left the stage again and they built a country home, which Mrs. Van Studdlford named "Atlasta Place." They were finally forced to sell this home and Mrs. Van Studdlford went back on the staga, whero she Is now, and her husband has gone Into bankruptcy. CHINESE ON AMERICAN BASIS Catholic Bishops tn Philippines Win Important Victory by This Action. MANILA, Dec. 17. Tim first provincial council of the Catholic church tn the his tory of the Philippines Is now In session In this city. The blBnops and clergy are considering matters Important to the Chi nese, of which the most important event Is the placing of the Chinese upon an Amer ican basis throughout. The Spanish and other clergy conform. It is understood, with this action, which Is the result of direct Instructions given by Pope Plus to his delegate here. . A magnificent torchlight procession of 36,0(0 men, women and children took place In honor of the event, which Is considered a complete victory for the American bishops. who control the Chinese affairs here. The opposition to the measure is principally from foreign priests In outlying districts. SOUTH DAKOTA, CORN SHOW Splendid Exhibit Made of Products of Soil of the"- Northern Stat. MITCHEIJ 8. D.. Dec. 17.-(Speclal Telegram.) The second annual corn show of tho South Dakota Corn Orowers' and Breeders' association opened this afternoon In the city hall with a very large attendance of farmers and others Interested In corn development. There are SjO entries In corn corn exhibit and a dozen counties have made exhibits In the contest for prizes. Notwithstanding the seemingly bad year, the coin Uibplayed Is of an excellent stand ard. 1 Tho address of welcome was delivered by Major Brunson and he was followed by Hon. J. W. Parinely of Ipswich The after noun was taken up with a corn school con ducted by Prof. M. L. Bowman of the Iowa Agricultural rallrge. INDEPENDENCE COSTS LIFE Negro Minstrel's Acts Resented by l.oulslnna White Lynching Results ttulekly. SHREVEPORT, La., Dec. 17. A negro member of a traveling minstrel troupe, who gave his name as Homer Rogers, was hangeit by a mob In Morehouse Parish lal night and bis body riddled with bullets. As far as can be ascertained the lynching resulted when Rogers resented a remark made by a white man declaring that he was a "Yankee nigger and did not talk any Impudence " Tlila is the third lynching In Morehouse Pnrlsh In ten (lays. TAFT WILL ARRIVE FRIDAY Mriarr Prral'ieut liraat, nlth Secre tary on Hoard, Reports by Wireless. CAPK RACE, N. K., Iec. 17.-The steamer President Grant, from Hamburg for New York, having Secretary Taft on board, was in communication with the Mar coni station today. The Grant will reach New York Friday. Fast service During Winter. PITTSBURG. Iec lT.-Transportatloii officials of all divisions of the Pennsylvania, lines west are meeting here toduy. Impor tant qut-Htlona pertaining to the operation uf both freight sud passenger train are being ril&cuaiK'd, and arraimcmmits will t made to n:atntain the fait scrvlcm through out lit winter season. POLLARD GETS PLACE Slated for Coveted Position on th Committee on Agriculture. BROWN SLIPS AT LAST MINUTE Oreg-on Senator Seourei Committee and Boom Nebraskan Expected. BURKETT IMPROVES POSITION Senator Gamble Prepares to Have a Showdown with Kittredge. LIVELY TIMES ARE EXPECTED Senator Burkett Denies Any Respond alblllty for Organising: Hughes Club nnd Ills Candidacy for Vlco President. (From Staff Correspondent.) WASHINGTON. Dec. 17. (Special Tele, gram.) Unless there should be a sudden and complete change In Speaker Caiirton'l program of committee assignments, Con. grcKsman Pollard of the Ftrnt district will secure tho much sought after pluce on tha committee of agriculture. This assignment. The Bee correspondent understands, hat been decided upon, and If the committees were to be announced tomorrow Mr. Pol lard's name would appear aa a member of the agriculture committee. Thore Is, however, nothing so uncertain as politics, especially in the make-up ot committee assignments, as Senator Brown can well testify, for he had been assured yesterday that he would have the chairman ship of the committee on fisheries, which would permit him to retain his present room In the capital terrace. During th , evening, however, and before the list ot committees on the part of the majority wag submitted to the senate, a fine pleoe ot legerdemain was perpetrated and Senatof Bourne of Oregon became chairman ot tin fisheries committee through the clever worH of his collengue, Senator Fulton, who hsp pened to be a member of the commiitee committees. Senator Brown confldenMy ex peeted to secure the chairmanship of flrher les, but when he heard tho name of Senatol Bourne read In conjunction with the chair manshlp of tha comnilttee he was com pletely surprised, and especially so whef he heard hla name read aa rhalrmun of tht committee of expenditures in the Deport, inent of Justice, which has a room set apart In what Is known as the old Malthy build, lng and commonly known as senate annex. It may be that Senator Bourne will prefal to stay in the annex, where he Is located at present. In which event Senator Brown would retain hla present location. Put thf chances are all In favor of Bourne taking the room In capital terrace and Brown go. lng to the annex until the completion of tht -new senate office building, which will glvt the junior senator from Nebraska a ring suite of apartments. .Nebraska Senators placed. Senator Brown's commit tee' nnfiirmmenti In addition to Ma chairmanship are ns fol. lows: Civil service nnd retrenchment; corporations organised In District of Co lumbia; Indian affairs; Mississippi river and ita tributaries and revolutionary claims Two of thoso committees aro of very groat Importance, Indian affairs and civil serv ice and retrenchment. The other commit tees have little or no standing except to afford chairmanships to republican sena tors. Senator Burkett greatly Increased hl committee assignments by being assigned to a pluce on the committee on public buildings and grounds and which may ac count for the large number of public build ing bills which the senator has introduced for places In Mb state. In order to securo a place on this extremely Important com mittee, of which Senator Scott of West Virginia Is cha'rumn, Senator Burkett yielded his places on pensions and on claims, both of which are among the hard est working committees in congress, and the senator felt he could not give time to these committees In view of his position on the District of Columbia and geological survey committees. Senator Burkett re tains hla old chairmanship, that of Pa cific railroads. As has been discounted, Senator Kit tredge becomes chairman of luttroccanla canals, the place made vacant by the re tirement of Senator Millard1. His othor committee assignments remain the same, a do those of his colleague. Senator n.irubh'. . Senator Allison again heiiJd the impor tant committee on appropriations, while Senator Dolllver retains education and labor. Gamble Ready for I'raf, Senator Gamble today threw down thn gauntlet to Senator Klttrldge, hH colleague, by requesting the president this morning ta send to the senate the name of Edward E. Wagner of Alexandria, fl. D., to bo United States attorney for the district of South Dakota. When the late lottery wag had nt the White House ov.r South Da kota appointments the district attorney ship, which had been filled by tho presi dent during the lecens of congress, the ap pointee being a fiiend of Senator Gamble, It was stated before the drawing began that the district attorneyship belonged to Senator Gamble. This Senator Kittredge vehemently protested against, but the pres ident, It Is understood, was Just as pro nounced In his understanding of the situa tion and made no bones about the Gambia appointment. The drawing took pl"e, ag the country knows, and eventually the se lections of the warring senators were sent to the senate for confirmation, but Mr. Wagner's nanio did not accompany the list. Senator Gamble believed Senator Klttredgia would "knife" Mr. Wagner, If he could, anil at the request of the senior senator nls name was within Id for the time being, hoi :'.:.g. poKsilily. against hope, that a com promise might in) effected. But Kltredgo knows no comproinlvcs and realizing tha .fight would lave to be made sooner or later, Gainbl.5 requested today that tho name of his friend fur United States dis trict attorney be sent in, thereby putting It up to K'.t redgi; to def-.at the confir mation of Wagner, if he so denirt s, on the ground of being personally obnoxious to him. And when that Is done Gamble will undoubtedly respond In kind by holding up all Kittredge appointments pes ding before the public land committee. It is an ex tremely nasty situutlou and hot times are expected hereabouts after the holidays, tunable Paablu Land Openlaaj Bill. Today Senator Gamble was in consulta tion with Secretary Garfield and Indian Commissioner Leupp w Ith reference to hla bill opening lands In the Stsnd Rock and Cheyenne river agencies to homestead en try. In all probability Major McLaughlin will be writ to negotiate a treaty between the Indian tribes and the government