Fhe Omaha Daily
Bee
VOL. XXXVII NO. 210.
OMAHA, FRIDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 28, J 008 TEN PAGES.
SINGLE COPY TWO CENTS.
NINE-HOUR LAW UP
Thirty-Seven Railroads File Applica
tions or Extension!. '
WESTERN (SOUTHERN LINE3
Big Eastern Be cept New Tork
Central No 'isented. ,
DECREASE IN EAR ALLEGED
CUim that New Law 'Will Cause
Great Financial Hardship.
0PEBAT0BS ABE ALSO SCARCE
Ilea of Railway Telegraphers Denies
Tata Alteration and Says IInn
dreds af Competent, Men
Ara Idl.
WA8mSOTOJf, Feb. 27. Operating offi
cial from alt parts of th country today
were In attendance upon the hearing given
by tha Interstate Commerce commission of
application for an extension of the time
of tha going Into effect of the "nine-hour
Jaw."
In all, thirty-seven applications were re
ceived by the commission asking for tho
attention. Two of them aJready have been
dented, thoae of tha Georgia Southern A
Florida railway and the St. Joaeph A
Grand Inland railway, because In the opin
ion of the commission, the petitions did
not iihow what. In the terms of the act,
would constitute "good cause" for granting
the relief requested. Tha applications of the
ot'ier thirty-five lines are being heard as
one case, because the petitions are sub
stantially Identical. All of them assert
that they have found It Impossible to pro
cure the services of competent, efficient
and dependable telegraph operators In such
numbers as will enable them to comply
with the provision! of the law; and that,
even If they could obtain the necessary
'operators, the enforced employment of so
many additional men would be a financial
hardship which the carriers ought not to
be subjected to. Nearly all of the petitions
also Indicate that. In the circumstances. If
the law Is enforced, the companies will be
' lived to close many small stations on
A 'r lines, thus Interfering with the sorv-
, causing Inconvenience and possible
,isa to the traveling and shipping public
and preventing the prompt movement of
trains.
Roads Making Appllcatloa.
Following are the names of tha roads
which have filed applications for extension
of the law
Chicago, Burlington ft Qutncy: Southern
Railway, St. Lul A Ban Francisco, Sea
board Air Line, . Chicago, Rock Island A.
Pacific; Yssoo Mississippi Valley, Illinois
Central. Indianapolis Southern, Baltimore &
Ohio, Central of Georgia, Oregon Railroad
and Navigation company, Oregon Short
Una. Wabash railroad, Norfolk A West
ern, Whenling A Lass Erie, Orand Trunk
Western, Chicago, Indianapolis & Dayton;
Chicago, Cincinnati A Louisville; Southern
Indiana. New Tork Central lines, five
roads; Missouri, Kansas A Texas and. the
Missouri, Kansas A Texas of Texas: El
Pan A Northeastern.) Louisiana Western,
Morgan's Louisiana A Texas, Southern
I'aciric, Nashville, Chattanooga A St.
I.ouls; Evansvllle A Terre Haute, Georgia
Railroad. Chicago A Kastern Illinois. Chi
cago, Milwaukee A St. Paul; I'nlon Pa
cific. Hocking Valley and Louisville A
Nashville.
It Is. regarded as significant that, with
the exception of tha New Tork Central
lines, none of ths great eastern roads has
made application for extension. Thesa In
clude the Pennsylvania, the Erie, the
Delaware, Lackawanna A Western; tha
Lehigh Valley, ths New Jersey Central,
the Philadelphia A Reading, the New Tork,
New Haven A Hartford: the Boston A
Maine, and othera. In the northwest, the
Wisconsin Centra), the Great Northern and
the Northern Pacific ara not represented
among the applicants.
I'nder the law and a ruling of the com
mission, no road which does not apply for
the extension, can be a beneficiary of any
order granting the extension to other lines,
even If such order should be Issued. It Is
assumed, therefore, that tho companies
which have not applied have made arrange
ments to conform to the provisions of the
Jaw when It becomes effective on March 4.
The Chicago, Burlington A Qulncy and
the Southern Railway Indicated by state
ments and evidence that while It might
be possible to procure the necessary addi
tional labor required by an observance of
the law. It would Involve a great financial
hardship upon the railroads.
DetrtaM In Earalagi,
In an opening statement to tha commis
sion C. H. Gray of tha St. Louis A San
Francisco railroad directed attention to
what be termed the marvelous depression
of the revenue of railways which had taken
plaoe since October 1 last, amounting in
general fully to JO per cent. "In no way,"
said he, "has It been found possible to in
crease the operating expenses In view of
this Immense reduction of revenues. The
carriers ara likely to be Involved In finan
cial disaster If tha reduction should con
tinue. If we are subjected to suoh'an In
crease of operating expenses as this law
contemplates we will have to ask an In
crease of rates subsequently to offset this
increased charge."
"Is not this a matter," Inquired Chair
man Knapp, "for legislative action, rather
than for relief from this commission?"
Mr, Gray responded that the railroads
deemed It necessary to present the matter
to congress, but delaya In legislation were
always unavoidable and relief was neces
sary Immediately. He believed that under
the law, the commission might afford at
least temporary relief.
Burllna;ta stodia.es Application.
Daniel Wlllard aald that it would be
necessary for his line (Burlington) to em
ploy at least t3S additional men under the
operation of the law. Bo far as tho Bur
lington was concerned It would withdraw
Its request for relief aa to the employment
of operators. 'Arrangements had ben male
by which the system could comply with the
law by the closing of certain stations and
by tha tranafer of operators. He said that
if tha business of tha company were as
great now as It was October 1 last this ar
rangement would not be practicable. Mr.
Wlllard .explained that aa to seventy-six
stations en tha Burlington, relief was asked
of th commission.
"Thsre la nothing In the law," said Chair
man Knapp, "which contemplates the In
definite suspension of ths abrogation of ths
law."
Plenty of Idle Operators.
H. B. Perham. president of the Order of
(Railway Telegraphers, In a statement de
clared that there was no question about
ths ability of the railways to obtain the
necessary number of operators required
under ths law; that he had knowledge of
thousands of operators In all parts of thi
country who were now out of employment
(Continued on Second Page.)
SUMMARY OF THE BEE
Friday, February 88, 1W08.
1908
SCX AaY
a
0 10
16 1Z
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tEDRllARY 1908
TfZ. nfa 7W fpj SI
m mm f
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18.19 20
25 20 2Z
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TIB WIlTHlB,
FOR OMAHA, COUNCIL BLUFFS ANT
VlflNITY-Prnnnbly fnlr Friday.
FOR NEBRASKA Increasing cloudiness
Friday.
FOR IOWA Probably Increasing cloudi
ness Friday.
Temperature at Omaha yesterday
Hour.
Dep.
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DOMESTIC.
Rear Admiral Mason, In statement be
fore senate committee, denies charge that
straight hoists and open turrets on bat
tleships are dangerous. Fag's 1
Senator Brown believes .he has been mis
understood by Omaha Commercial club
and quotes In full his letter on the long
and short haul provision. Faff 1
Western and southern lines, more than
eastern, are asking for extension of time
under the nine-hour law. Fag's 1
Mark Twain has been elected president
of the Junior branch of the Society for
the' Suppression of Unnecessary Noises.
Faffs 1
Supreme court of Missouri rules that
general sessions court of St. Louis was
crested without authority. Fags 1
Relief engine on Pere Marquette road
crashes leto train It was sent to aid.
Faffs 1
Collusion between defendant and prose
cution alleged In the Older libel suit In
San Francisco. Faffs 1
Heirs of William McKtnley refuse to sell
the McKlnley home for 125,000. Fag's 1
Anarchist Alio arraigned in court in Den
ver. Faffs 1
Indian senators from Oklahoma get Into
heated argument over Indian affairs in
the senate. Faffs 1
Senate will report the Newlands water
ways bill at an early date. Fag's a
President Roosevelt refuses to grant
pardon to Butte labor leaders sent to Jail
for violating; an Injunction. Faffs 1
FOKExair.
Mulal Hafld threatens to attack Maga
dan. Faff a
American sailors are free with their
money In Lima. Faffs 1
Russian reactionaries find leadera guilty
of graft and expel them. Faff 1
English government Introduces ths prin
cipal bill of tha session In House of Com
mons tending toward monopoly of tha
liquor traffic Fag 1
arxBsVASXA.
State Railroad commission will Inquire
Into tha reason why the Union Pacific
la taking off trains in Nebraska. Faffs 3
FOUYZCAXi.
Custer county populists refuse to In
struct delegates for Bryan. Faff 3
Missouri republicans hold convention in
Et Louis. Faff 8
Democrats of Kentucky look upon Thurs
day's vote in legislature aa certain defeat
of Bradley. Faff 1
J. Warren Kelfer renominated in Ohio.
Faff 1
MOTZaTXVTS OF OCEAV STSAJsUKIP.
P"rt. ArrtTel. Sailed.
NEW TORK I'Dlted. Btitll.... Adriatic.
NEW YORK Nord Amnka....Oannanla.
NKW YORK Kh.rn.
NKW YORK Ryndam.
NEW YORX Bamlaad.
NAPLES Baa Otoraanl
LIVERPOOL .... .'Rylvaala.
SOUTHAMPTON. - lOcatDla
BT WIRELESS.
CAPE RACE La Bavole 1,163 miles west
of Sandy Hook at S:6 d. m.
CAPE RACE Empress of Ireland 120
mnes aoutneast at i.tb p. m.
CAPE KACE Mauretanla In communica
tion at 4 p. m.; will reach New Tork Satur
day afternoon.
GOVERNMENT SEEKS MONOPOLY
Principal Bill In' Commons la Heassre
to Regain Control of Liquor
TrafBc.
LONDON. Feb. 27. Chancellor of the Ex
chequer Asp, tilth Introduced the licensing
bill In the House of Commons this after
noon. This Is the principal government
measure for the present session and In
volves vast money and labor interests. The
capital Invested In licensed property In
this country Is not less than S1.2O0,O00,00,
In which over 2,000.XIO people are employed
In the traffic. The chancellor, In pre
senting the bill, declared that In his opin
ion of the development, all effective re
form in thlB field must aim at the attain
ment of two principal points, namely, pro
gressive reduction of the excessive facili
ties now allowed for the retail sale of In
toxicating liquors, and the gradual com
plete recovery by the state, with due re-
t'xiBiiiis luivireia, ui lie uomimon
over us property in a monopoly which it
had tmprovldently allowed to slip from
Its control.
In cities, it is proposed to allow one sa
loon for every 750 persons, and In the
country districts, one saloon for every
persons. This regulation, it is estimated,
will wipe out In the neighborhood of 30.000
licenses, about one-third of the present
total.
M'KINLEY HEIRS OBSTINATE
Refusal to Agree on Announced Price
for Home Spoils Memorial
Plans.
CANTON. O., Feb. 27.-The plan of the
trustees of the McKlnley National Me
morial association, to take over from Mrs.
M. C. Barber, sister of the late Mrs. Mc
Klnley. the President McKlnley home as
a public memorial gift has been found Im
possible. Heirs to the William McKlnley
estate would not sell at the price, 3,n00,
tentatively agreed upon aome months ago.
and the matter was finally taken Into
court, with the result that the property
will be offered at public sale.
An order was Issued In common pleas'
court today appointing a board to parti
tion the property. The order was made
on application of Jumes M. McKlnley and
other heirs to the William McKlnley es
tate. The work of partitioning is to begin at
once.
x.
- I !, 1
CHARGES AGAINST JEROME
Street Railway Men Accuse District
Attorney of Neglect.
CRIMINALS ALLOWED FREEDOM
Allegatloa Jamas It. Hyde Contrib
uted Large Snm to - Campaign
Fnnd Received by As
sistant. NEW TORK, Feb. 27. Twenty-two spe
cific charges are made In a petition praying
for the removal of William T. Jerome as
district attorney of the county of New
Tork which was sent to Governor Hughes
st Albany today by a committee of stock
holders of the Metropolitan Street Railway
company, through their chairman, William
F. King.
The petition alleges that Jerome failed
properly to prosecute charges of alleged
Jury fixing and the giving of false testi
mony In street railway cases; that the
prosecution of violations of the criminal
law by the life Insurance companies of
New Tork, aa disclosed by the Armstrong
committee, had been delayed; that an al
leged criminal conspiracy to divert ths
property of the Metropolitan Street Rail
way of New Tork Into the bands of a few
men was allowed by Mr. Jerome to go
and hundreds of stockholders robbed of
their money and that no attempt was
made to punish men alleged to have com
mitted other frauds In connection with New
Tork City traction deals.
Mr. Jerome's statements as the Judge
are alleged to have been not only Im
proper but scandalous In their nature and
to have tended to destroy the confidence
of the people In the integrity of their
courts.
The committee also charges that the dis
trict attorney misconducted hlmsolf in fall
ing to indict and seek to convict some one
of the officials of the New Tork Central
Railroad company in connection with the
collision In that company's tunnel In 1903,
when seventeen persons were killed.
Campalgrn Money from Hyde.
Various other cases of alleged failure of
the district attorney to perform his duty
are cited in the complaint. The petition
also charges that contributions to tha cam
paigns fund to elect Mr. Jerome were
received by one of Mr. Jerome's assist
ants from men connected with large "cor
porations seeking favors from the district
attorney, and that the sum, the amount
of which is unknown, was considerably
upwards of 160,000.
Among these contributors, It Is alleged,
was the attorney for James H. Hyde, who
contributed 15,000. It Is also alleged that
the assistant who received these f tin da
and who has since resigned and entered
law practice has undue Influence with the
district attorney.
I'm not worried," was District Attorney
Jerome's comment when told of the
charges and request for his removal sent
to Governor Hughes today. This Is another
one, I suppose. They file them up there
every week or so against ms by reports.
The governor has never asked me to ex
plain. If he does, then we will take cog
nizance of them."
AMERICAN TARS SPEND MONEY
Skopkre-pera of Lima Have Reason to
Remember Visit of Men
from North.
LIMA, Peru. Feb. 27. Today Lima is re
gretting the stay of the American fleet is
drawing to a close and the visiting sailors
and officers are sorry that In two short
days shore leave and entertainment will
give place to the routine duties of the
fleet at sea. The entertainments have been
constant, brilliant and successful; the
sailors have enjoyed their excursions and
shopping expeditions and they have main
tained the reputation that the man afloat
has for spending his money when he is
ashore. The shopkeepers, fruit venders
and curio dealers have reaped a rich har
vest. Thousands of men had liberty, but
there has been no unpleasant Incident or
clash with the people of either Callao or
Lima.
There was an Informal reception on
board the battleship Connecticut yesterday,
followed by a supper and dancing, which
lasted until midnight. Foreign Minister
Polo was among the guests. The warship
was fancifully decorated for the occasslon.
The fleet Is to leave here Saturday
morning. Several large steamers already
have been chartered to take out spectators
to witness the departure.
GRAFT AMONG REACTIONARIES
Lemjrne of Russian People Expel
President Dsbrorla anA Otber
Leaders.
ST. PETERSBURG. Feb. 27. Dissensions
which have existed in the League of Rus
sian People for some time past have
broVen out In the last day or two Into an
open scandal. Ths league Is a reactionary
organisation and a most bitter foe to the
parliamentary system, and has been ac
cused of responsibility for ths anti-Semitic
outrages at Odessa and elsewhere.
The league la now holding a congress In
this city. During the deliberations twelve
prominent representatives, Including sev
eral members of the executive committee,
submitted a resolution criticising the ad
ministrations of the league under its presi
dent, Dr. Dubrovln. Financial Irregular
ities were Intimated and an investigation
of the large stipends drawn by the leaders
were demanded. This was followed by a
stormy session, at tha end of which Dr.
Dubrovln and several other leaders war
expelled.
MULAI STILL ON WARPATH
betides Fore lam Residents of Ma sa
ga a to Take Shelter with
Their Consols.
MAZAOAN, Morocco, Feb. 27. Owing to
the refusal of the governor of Masagan to
deliver the local garrison Into the hands of
Mulul Hafld, the sultan of the south. Hafld,
has sent a circular letter to the foreign
consul here notifying the foreign residents
to seek shelter In their consulates, as he
Intends to attack the garrison. The gov
ernor -and the garrison are loyal to Abd-El-Ails
PARDON REFUSED BUTTE MEN
President Roosevelt Refnae to Inter
fere In Cnae of I'nlon
Workers.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27. The president
has denied the petition for pardon In the
i'ai-1 o' six Butte (Mont.) members of a
labor u'on, convicted of violating an In
junction enjoining them and others from
Interfering with th operation! and busi
ness of th Rocky Mountain Ball Tele
phone compc .
ALIO ARRAIGNED IN COURT
First Step la Legal Proceedings that
Will Send Anarchist to
Death.
DENVER. Feb. 27. The first step In the
legal proceedings, which. It Is believed, will
speedily send Gulseppe Alio to the gallows,
was taken In the West Side court when
Alto was formally arraigned on the charge
of mnrder.
Through an Interpreter Alio was asked If
he expected to secure a lawyer to defend
him and replied that he expected the
Italian consul would attend to that. He
waa told that this was Improbable and
was asked If he did not want the court
to appoint counsel.
"If that Is the law, yes," he replied.
Robert H. Wlddlcombo waa then ap
pointed as counsel for ths defense and
Peter Bossle as Interpreter for the de
fense. Alio will plead to ths charge of
murder Saturday and at that time a date
will be set for his trial. Prior to his ar
the right side of his forehead Is a huge
Superintendent Sanders.
The prisoner gave his name as Gulseppe
Alio and his age am B0 years. . His height
was five feet sis-and one-fourth Inches,
his build medium,, his eyes light gray and
his weight 122 pounds.
He declared ho was of Italian birth and
that his trade la that of a shoemaker. On
the right side of his forehead Is a hug Star,
which he received In falling on the church
steps In trying to make his escape after
shooting Father Leo.
While Incarcerated In Jail at Colorado
Springs and prior to hla removal from
Denver to that city. Alio made several
conflicting statements as to bis reasons
for killing Father Leo. When told by the
Interpreter, who was with him almost con
stantly, that he would have to sign his
statement he retracted much of his former
confession and claimed that the killing of
Father Leo was an accident. In his final
signed statement, which will be used at
his trial. Alio declare that he left Italy
in 1905, and went to Argentine Republlo in
the hope of bettering his condition.
"In Rosarlo," ho said, "I learned from
friends that I was wanted in Italy for
starting a riot against a traveling evange
list who was preaching the cause of the
Protestant church, all of which was
brought about . by the Catholic priests In
my absence. . Fearing to return to my na
tive land and family, I sailed for New
Tork, on money furnished by my country
men In Rosarlo."
Alio said that he had attended services
in St. Kllr.abeth's church, Denver, since
the lust Sunday in January.
The murder of Father Leo. he explained
as follows:
"When the others went forward to re
ceive the host of communion, I also arose
and went forward.
"Finally it came my turn to receive the
host. The priest placed It In my mouth.
It burned my tongue. I. thinking that he
meant to do me some harm, immediately
drew my gun, which I concealed in my
trousers, on the right side.
"I drew It with my left hand and fired,
not at the priest, but at the object held
In his hand. .
"Then I turned and ran toward the en
trance, waving th gun In the air to keep
the people from hurting me. I arrived
at the door, when somebody tripped me
and I fell on th flo where I was placed
upder arrest. '
"I carried the revolver because I had
been Insulted by some of my countrymen,
who were talking against th Catholic
church and preaching th doctrine of
"down with the priests."
COLLUSION INOLDER CASE
Prosecatlas; Attorney Tries to Get
Libel Action Dismissed,
bnt FalU.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 27. The trial of
R. A. Crothers and Fremon Older, pro
prietor and managing editor respectively
of the San Franc'eco Bure.in, on tha charge
of criminally libeling William S. Tevis,
took a somewhat sensational turn today.
When court convened the district attor
ney. William Hoff Cook, asked that the
ten Jurors already secured and the panel of
twenty-five taleemen be sent out of the
court room In order that he might make a
statement. When the Jurors and talesmen
had left the room Judge Cook stated he
had reasons to believe that the case was
Instituted for the sole purpose of exploiting
the respective merits of rival tater sys
tems and that he wished to institute an
inquiry as to whether or not there was
collusion between E. P. E. Troy, the at
torney who swore to the complaint, and the
defendant.
, Prosecutor Cook then called Troy to the
witness stand and elicited from him that
he had sworn to the complaint at the re
quest of Daniel Murphy, a member of the
water , supply committee of the Board of
Supervisors for the purpose of exploiting
the water question and bringing It before
the people. He denied that there had been
any collusion with the defendants. Assist
ant District Attorney Cook then said he
was In no position to present the case In
proper legal form and that It was not
brought In good faith. Therefor he moved
Its dismissal. This was vigorously opposed
by counsel for the defense.
Judge W. S. Doollng of San Benito
county, sitting for Judge Dunne, dented the
motion and ordered the case to proceed.
COURT , WITHOUT AUTHORITY
Judge Gantt of Mlasonrl Decides Re
cently Oraranlsed Tribunal Ille
gally Constituted.
JEFFERSON CITT. Mo.. Feb. 27,-An
opinion written by Judge Gantt was
handed down today by the supreme court
holding that the law creating the court of
general sessions In the city of St. Louis
Is unconstitutional and the court Is In
valid and void.
Th bill creating the court was passed
In April, 1907. Governor Folk appointed
Judge H. P. Rodgers to preside and over
"00 cases have been tried In the court
since then.
According to the supreme court's deci
sion criminals who are confined on pleas
of guilty and on sentences Imposed by
Judge Rodgers are Illegally restrained of
their liberty and are entitled to freedom.
PRESIDENT SENDS TREATIES
Work of Hague Peace Conference
Transmitted to Congress la
Form of Treaties.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27.-President
Roosevelt transmitted to the senate today
thirteen treaties and a declaration, the
product of the Hague peace conference.
The treaties are accompanied by an ex
haustive report of the doings of the Amer
ican delegation at The Hague written by
Sullcltor Scott of the State department,
also a letter of transmittal by Secretary
Root.
The declaration forbids th dropping of
high explosive from balloon la Urn ut
was
MASON BEFORE COMMITTEE
Bear Admiral Discusses Charges
AgainBt Battleship Construction.
STRAIGHT HOISTS, OPEN. TTJBBETS
Charge la Magaalue Article that
These Features Are Dangerous Is
Denied Flarebaeks Guarded
Against.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27. A grneral dis
cussion today among members of the sen
ate committee on naval affairs Indicated
that the Investigation of charges of de
fects In battleship construction will be ex
tended to a number of other questions that
have attracted public attention. Among
these questions will be thst of whother
staff officers, such as naval surgeons,
shall be given command of hospital ships
or other naval vessels. This undoubtedly
will result in an airing of the contro
versy between Rear Admiral Brownson
and Surgeon General Rlxey, which was
disposed of by the president supporting
the latter In his contention that a surgeon
should be given the command of th hos
pital ship Relief.
Rear Admiral N. E. Mason, chief of the
ordnance bureau, explained to th com
mittee today the workings of turret ammu
nition hoists from powder handling rooms
to big guns on modem battleships. Hla
testimony was given with the view of
answering the criticism made by Henry
Reuterdahl, in a recent magazine article.
Hoists and Turrets.
Mr. Reuterdahl charged that there was
great danger of accident with the straight
hoists and open turrets, and that a number
of the life-destroying explosions, such as
those on the Missouri and Georgia, were
caused by faulty hoists. Admiral Mason
denied this, and by comparison with ships
of other nations, endeavored to show that
American methods are equal to any.
After an extended review of the different
periods and changes that have been mads
In hoists. Chairman Hull summed up the
statement as follows:
"Then you believe we have taken every
step that can be taken to manage, control
and prevent this flare-back danger anj
that so far as hoists go they are as safe
as they can bo made?"
"Tes, sir, I do," responded the admiral.
Senator Tillman referred to the charge
made by Mr. Reuterdahl, that the Ameri
can battleships do not contain emergency
hoists. Admiral Mason admitted that there
might at some time be need for emergency
hoists, but said there Is not room in the
turrets for their Installation. He expressed
the opinion that the necessity for emerg
ency hoists is not an appreciable danger.
It was brought out that the interrupted
hoist of the new type of turret la not safer
than the direct hoist and that It was put In
because of the Insistent demand of officers
and seamen who believe it will permit of
more rapid firing.
"It would seem then," Interrupted Mr.
Tillman, "that victory Is more Important
to the navy than the protection of human
lives?" 1
"Of course," responded Admiral Mason,
"the men on the battleships are right In
thinking tfaat the shin that ' gets ln"he
most shots 1ios the greatest advantage."
'"1 hope Ihe Navy department will go
slow in what it does hereafter in sacrificing
safety to rapidity of fire," said Chairman
Hale.
Cost of Changing Turrets.
Admiral Mason estimated that the cost
of changing the turrets on all the battle
ships of the navy so as to bring them up
to the most approved standard known
would not be in excess of $16,000 a ship.
Senator Perkins waa greatly Interested In
the cause of the change made In the guns
from the thlrteen-lnch typo to tha twelve
Inch type, which Is the largest now used.
Admiral Mason said the twelve-Inch was
better than the larger gun, because in
order to attain the same effectiveness the
larger gun would weigh fully eighteen tons
more and that the weight could not be
allotted.
At the conclusion of Admiral Mason's
statement the committee went Into execu
tive session.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SENATE
Dramatic and Acrimonious Debate
Between Indian Senators.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 27.-A highly dra
matlo scene. In which two senators with
Indian blood In their veins, and members
of former Indian tribes, carried on an ani
mated and acrimonious debate, marked the
proceedings of the senate today. Senator
Owen of Oklahoma, a member of the Chero
kee nation, fought by- means of a wordy
battle, to have the word "late" placed be
fore the designation t)f the "Five Civilised
Tribes," declaring that he wanted to record
the death of the old tribal relations.
Senatoi Curtis of Kansas, who Is part
Kaw Indian, taunted his fellow senator
with tho statement that he was "under the
control of the secretary of the Interior,"
and there ensued a wordy battle that en
tertained both senator and visitors in the
galleries. When th senate voted on the
proposition, it was Against the contention
of Mr. Owen.
Senator McCreary of Kentucky spoke of
the currency bill and after further consid
eration of the Indian bill the senate ad
journed at 4:30 p. m.
PROCEEDINGS OP THE HOUSE
Ways and Means Committee Is Or
deretf to New Office Building.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 27. The all-powerful
committee on ways an means of the
house today was put to rout und by an
overwhelming vote ordered out ot the capl
tol to the new house office building a
block away. Various members of the com
mittee, led by Messrs. Payne and Dalseli,
strenuously objected to the removal, but
they had only a weak following and their
protests availed them nothing. The com
mittee's present rooms are desired In or
der that the speaker may have more com
modious quarters.
The army appropriation bill was dis
cussed at length and the provision for
pay of noncommissioned officers and pri
vates was finally stricken out.
With the bill still under consideration,
the house at 5:10 p. m. adjourned.
During the day Representative Lllley in
troduced a series of resolutions calling
upon the secretary of the navy for all
Information In hla possession concerning
submarine boats.
KEIFER SECURES THIRD TERM
Ohio Congressman Renominated Ills,
trlet Delegates Instructed
for Taft.
SPRINGFIELD, O., Keb. Z7.-General J.
Warren Kelfer was nominated for a third
term In congress by the Seventh district
republican here today. General Keifer
and Senator W. P. Orr of Piqua were
named as delegates to th national con
veutioa and instructed to vot for Tat
REPUBLICANS NAME DELEGATES
allue County Join the Tart Clun
and Dawes la lain- .
straeted.
B.EPTTBI.IOAV XlfSTBUCTIOSiB.
Total delegate la state convention. . . .S9S
Total delegate already chosen 439
FOB TAITl
Antelope 12
Butler II
Cess IS
Cedar 13
Clay 14
Custer , IS
Douglas 102
Dundy , S
Fillmore 13
Franklin 8
Furnns , 10
Osge It
Hayes 3
Hitchcock 4
Otoe 17
Pawnee IS
Rock S
Saline 1
Sarpy 7
Stanton
Thayer IS
Instructed for Taft 330
Tnlnstrnotel for Taft 33
Total for Taft 363
rOB BOOBXTELTl
Lancaster
Total for Boosevalt...
mrursTBUoTZD i
Cheyenne
...64
64
.... C
L'awes b
Dawson 11
Jefferson 14
Flalte IS
Total nnlnstrncted 48
Vnlnstrueted for Taft 33
Vafnstrnctcd scattering is
W1LBER, Neb., Feb. 27. Special Tele
gram.) All but four of the smaller out
lying precincts wero represented at the
Saline county republican convention held
here today, over which Hon. J. H. Grimm
presided. The resolutions adopted endorse
the flrtri and patriotic administration of
President Roosevelt and note with regret
his determination not to be a candidate
at the coming electlsn. Taft Is endorsed
as a patriotic statesman who would make
a fitting successor and the delegates are
Instructed In his favor.
The administration of Governor Sheldon
and the last legislature also received
hearty approval. Congressman Htnshaw
and the senators and other congresmen
received words of commendation. A reso
lution endorsing B. V. Kovout of Wllber
for district delegate was laid on the table.
Senator Aldrlch of Butler county ad
dressed the convention, his remarks, call
ing forth loud applause. The majority
of the convention was In favor of Taft,
but some of the precincts showed a strong
LaFollette and Hughes sentiment.
Delegates to the State Convention C. B.
Anderson, E. EX C. Eckhert. L. C. Dredla,
Jerry Wllhelm, Z. Dillon, H. Hesse, J. J.
Langer, J. E. Addle, F. Plak. George Gal
lup, J. A. Cummlnga, George F. Sowyer,
C. F. Bailey. J. Reld Green, Joseph Pisar,
Frank Zenamenacek. Congressional
Wells, Ireland, Russell, James, Hesse, Wll
helm, Dodson, Allpress, , Rlneheimer, No
vak, Cummings, Thornburg, Wllfe,
Thomas, Plsar and Zenamenacek.
CHADRON. Neb., Feb. 27. (Special Tele
gram.) Dawes county republican conven
tion today choso five delegates to the
state convention. They are unlnstructed.
GENEVA, Neb.. Feb. 27 (Special Tele
gram.) The republicans of Fillmore county
today selected the. following delegates to
the state convention:
John N. Cox, T J. Bender. H. P. Stlnes,
Harry R. Porter, J. M. Ward, P. Youngere,
Joseph Jlcka, C. J. Warner, J. II. Hatch,
W. H. Lee. S. Logsdon. R. W, Stowell,
I. E. Allen.
They were instructed for Taft for presi
dent. .
BA8SB7TT, Neb., Feb. 27. (Special Tele
gram.) The republican county convention
was enthusiastic for Taft. The delegates
to the state convention are Dr. Charles H.
Root, W. H. Allen and W. T. Berry.
AGRICULTURE IN THE SCHOOLS
Theme Presented by Secretary Wilson
to Educators E. C. Bishop
on Program.
WASHINGTON, Feb. ,27.-"Round table
conferences of the Depart of Superinten
dence of the National Education association
were hold at various plaCes during the
forenoon here today. These conferences
consisted of state and county superintend
ents, superintendents of larger cities, su
perintendents of medium and smaller cities
and on agricultural education.
An address by Secretary of Agriculture
Wilson on the necessity of preparing
teachors for agricultural education was
the feature pf the conference on agricultural
education. The topic was "Preparation of
Teachers for Agricultural Education." and
was participated In by Ernest E. Balcolmb,
Weaherford.; Okl. E. D. Cameron, Gutherte,
Okl.; John R. Kirk, Klrkevllle, Mo.; K. L.
Butterflcld, Amherst, Mass.; Alfred Byllss,
Macomb, 111 ; H. C. White, Athens, Ga.;
William M. Sti-wart, Salt Lake City; Dick
J. Crosby, Department of Agriculture, and
E. C. Bishop, Lincoln. Neb.
TWAIN TO ACT AS MUFFLER
Humorist Becomes President of Junior
Branch of Noise Suppress
ing Society.
NEW TORK. Feb. 27,-Mark Twain's ao
eeptance of the presidency of Its Junior
branch was announced at the first birthday
celebration of the Society for the Suppres
sion of Unnecessary Noises at the St. Regis
hotel last night. Encouraging progress in
Interesting children In the work of sup
pressing unnecessary noises was reported,
hundreds of young people having shown a
disposition to help the society In Us cam
paign, particularly that branch of U which
aims to secure salutary stillness In the
vicinity of the city's various hospitals.
CERTAIN DEFEAT OF BRADLEY
Democrats Claim Hevult la Kentucky
Indicates This Outcome
as Certain.
FRANKFORT. Ky., Feb. 27.-The dtm
crats broke a qucrurn In the Joint Sffsl n
of the legislature today, claiming the re
publicans refused to pair with sick mem
bers. The republicans were only hb'e to
muster 64 votes, while 70 mailt.1 a quorum.
Three democrats from I-oulsvlllj ytel
with the republicans. The democrats are
elated at the showing, claiming It signifies
the certain defeat of Bradley.
RELIEF COMES AS CALAMITY
Engine Crashes Into Train In Saow
aad On Passenger Will
Die.
EDMORJ3. Mich., Feb. 27. A relief en
gine going to the assistance of a Pera
Marquette paastmger train which waj
stalled In the snow near Wyman stat'on,
crashed Into the rear of the train twflay
and nearly demolished one pas-nKer
coach. Five passengers were Injured, one
fatally and three otliers seriously.
Miss LsJla Jsuks. lieldlng. Mich., will die.
BROWN ON RATE BILL
Junior Srnator Thinks He Has Been
Misunderstood in Omaha.
LETTER TO COMMERCIAL CLUB
Believes Present Long and Short Haul
Clause Needs Amending.
CITES SOME ILLUSTRATIONS
Warren Introduces Bills for Public
Buildings in Wyoming.
TAFT TO SPEAK IN THE BLUFFS
Secretary Is to Deliver Address at
Commercial t'lnh Banquet April
Seven Koel Contracts for
Public Buildings.
(From a Staff Correspondent.)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27.-(8pecial Tele
gramsSenator Norris Brown feels that
he has been misrepresented by J. M.
Guild, commissioner of the Commercial
club of Omaha, regarding his position on
the short and long haul clause of the In
terstate commerce act. In Tha Bee of
Monday, a story Is printed with reference
to Senator Brown's position on the bill
now pending before congress amending sec
tion four of tho Interstate commerce act,
giving greater elasticity toie commis
sion regarding the long aj5r short haul.
Today Senator Brown made publlo bis
letter to J. M. Guild, commissioner of tho
Omaha Commercial club, under date of
February 25, which is as follows:
"I have tho honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your favor of the 15th instant in
reference to the proposition to amend sec
tion four of the interstate commerce act.
I thank you for the letter and Information
It gives mo, and -beg to assure you that
the same, together with the legislation re
ferred will have my most careful consid
eration. "I think section four should be amended
In some way, to provide more equitable
rates. Every locality Is entitled to at least
part of the natural advantage belonging
to It on account of Its distance from the
market. I think the element of mileage,
length of haul, should be a factor of some
importance in fixing rates.
States Ills Position.
"It Is a well known fact, with perhaps
an occasional exception, that rates from
Pacific coast terminals to the Interior
points of Nebraska, aro made by adding
the rates from the coast to Missouri river
points to the local rates from the Missouri
river back to the interior points. This is
a direct and indefensible discrimination
against every interior town In Nebraska
on the main line of the Burlington, Denver-Omaha,
Denver-Kansas City line and
on the Billings line; also the Union Pacific
main line. This rate Is Justified by the
transportation companies on the sole pre
text that th rat I necessary In order to
meet water competition. As . you and I
know, water competition has no existence
on transcontinental business so far as Ne
braska territory Is concerned.
"If what you term elasticity In rates can
not be had except by maintaining the pres
ent schedule of rates as Indicated above.
I am against the so-called elasticity. I beg
to suggest that the business men of Omaha
should not allow themselves to become
alarmed at tho proposed modification of
the bill, which, in my Judgment, will not
destroy true elasticity, but will result in
more equitable rates for all localities. You
must remember that the rate f'xed from
the far west to Omaha and other Missouri
river points Is fixed by the railroads them
selves and therefor we have a right to
assun.e It Is a compensatory charge for the
service rendered. The proposed amendment
will not increase the rate to Omaha but
will, If enforced, reduce rate from the west
to Interior towns of Nebraska, which are
nearer the shipping point and therefore en
titled to some reduction on that account.
"The rates on these roads must be compen
satory to carriers, else they would not have
fixed them so low. I am, therefore, not In
favor of allowing carriers to raise such
rates, but I am In favor of so amending the
law that carriers ran be compelled to lower
rates to Interior points In the state. Surely
the Commercial club of Omaha did not In
tend by their resolutions to oppose relief
for the state outside of Omaha, ao mani
festly right and Just and so long denied to
Interior, points under the law as it now
xlsts."
Irrigation Law Discussed.
An Important conference was held here
today between officials of the Interior
department and representatives of west
ern Interests with a view t framing a
bill designed to take the place of the pres
ent law granting permits for the use of
rights-of-way through the publlo lands for
the digging of ditches, canal and other
water conduits to promote Irrigation. I'n
der the law of February 16, 1801, th secre
tary of the interior Is authorised to re
voke such licenses In his discretion. This
authority is considered by those Interested
as working a hardship, In that they cannot
afford to put capital In enterprises that
are subject to such regulations. It Is now
proposed to draft measures that will
authorise the granting of such permits
for a term of years, which, It Is argued,
will encourage the development of largo
enterprises. No conclusion was reached at
today's meeting.
Appropriations for Wyoming;.
The committee on public buildings and
grounds of the senate today authorized a
favorable report on Warren's bill appro
priating r66.000 for the erection of a public
building at Lander, Wyo. Tho committee
also made a favorable report on Warren's
bill appropriating IHt.O'O for a public build
ing at Rock Sprlnife, Wyo.
Taft to tijeak In Bluffs.
The Ci.innu rclul club of Council Bluffs
has extended, through Congressman Walter
I. Smith, an Invitation to Secretary Taft
to attend and uddreks this organisation at
a banquet on April 7. Representative Smith
was today advltcd by Scretary Taft that
he would be ieliphti-d tc address the Coun
cil Bluffs Commercial club.
Minor Matters at Capital.
The secretary of tho treasury has awarded
contracts for coal for lite use of the fol
lowing public buildings for th next fiscal
ynr: Fremont. Neb., to Consolidated Fuel
company, at tK; Iowa City, la., to George
Hummer, r.t D02; Council niuffs, la., to
Fenton-Wlfkliam Coal company, at 11, HO.
Rural fru delivery carriers appointed: Ne
braska Endlcott, route 1. John W. Allen,
carrier; Edward Kclley. substitute. Morrill,
route 1, Campbell N. Kleenor, carrier; Will
iam O. Fle?i cr, substitute. South Dakota-
Aberdeen, rout i, Isaac A. Ivoratm,
MUes M. Ivron, substitute,