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Savannah morning News
, K'TAB II SHED 1850. I
}j, H. ESTIBI-. Editor and FroprUtor. (
FENETS OF THE KNIGHTS.
IXTEKRSTING TESTIMONY BE
KOBE TilK COMMITTEE.
Concentration of Railroad Buxine** on
an Equitable Ba*i Mr. Mel)tiwll’
lilet of True Economy—Over Supply
of Labor a* a Factor of Trouble—Mr.
Powderly lit scribes the Birth oi the
Knights
Washington, April 21.—The second
session ot the Labor Investigating Com
mittee was held to-day in the room of the
House Committee on Elections, a large,
airy apartment which was crowded to its
utmost capacity by newspaper men, per
sons directly interested in the inquiry a nd
spectators attracted thereto by a feeling
of curiosity. The hour of meeting was
fixed at 10:30 o’clock, but it was nearly
an hour later when the committee was
railed to order.
William O. McDowell,rather an under
sized gentleman with a high forehead
crowned with a suit of dark hair and look
ing about 38 years of age. which he stated
be was, was sworn in and examined. He
stated that he was a manufacturer of ma
chinery. He was a lay member of the
Knights of Labor, but held no official po
sition.
HIS IDEAS OF THE OBJECTS.
The Chairman—Without divulging any
of your secrets, will you please state
what are the objects of thatorgamzation ?
The Witness T- elevate members by
helping them to educate themselves; by
helping them to save that which the aver
age workman Vv< wasted through bad
habits; to lilt him from the condition into
which he has fallen through such
habits, and make him thereafter an
employer instead of an employe; to so
educate him by comparison of ideas and
by discussing questions that help to edu
cate that he is able to deal with arid grasp
rubjects which affect not only himself but
his employer, that be may become a bet
ter workman, command better wages,
and, by co-operating with his employer,
help him to such profits that he will be
able to pay better wages.
NO SECRECY.
The Chairman—Are there any injunc
tions on the Knights of Labor under which
the public could not know all that you
state ?
The Witness—l do not understand that
there is anything in the rules of the organ
ization which prohibits any member from
telling just the fact3 that have been
inought out by your question.
In response to a question by Mr.
Pl ain the witness made a statement cover
ing ail the details of the attempt to arbi
trate between the Knights ol Labor, rep
resented by Mr. Powderly, and the Mis
souri Pacific Kailroad Company, repre
sented by Mr. Gould. He read letters
whicn passed between those gentlemen
on March 27, and which have already
been published. The witness not having
a copy ot one of the letters, Geu.Swaynt)
rose and said that as counsel tor the rail
road he would be glad to supply the copy.
COUNSEL NOT RECOGNIZED.
Mr. Buchauan said that while he did
not object to the admission of the papers
in possession of anybody, he did not wish
it to be understood that the committee
had to take any action in regard to parties
being present by counsel.
Ths Chairman—We have no counsel
here.
Gen.Swayne apologized for having ad
dressed the committee in the capacity of
counsel. He had thought it was an under
stood thing that counsel was m attend
ance.
The witness then proceeded with bis
statement. After the delivery of Mr.
I’owderly’s second letter to Mr. Gould he
taw Mr. Gould personally and that gentle
man expressed a desire to meet Mr. I’ow
derly and himself on the following day.
THE GOULD INTERVIEW.
They met Mr. Gould on the following
day at 11 o’clock and were received in his
jiarlor. Mr. Hopkins joined in the inter
view. Mr, Gould expressed himself so
strongly in tavor of arbitrating tue ddtt
ruities that it ec-emed to the witness that
an agreement was sure to be reached,
they met again in the evening, and Mr.
Gould produced and read to Mr. Powderly,
as a result of the morning conversation, a
telegram he proposed to send to Mr. iloxte.
Mr. Gould read the telegram down to the
words “we see uo objection to arbitrating
any difficulties between employes and the
company, past or future,” and then asked
Mr. Powderly if it was satisfactory so far.
Mr. Powderly answered in the affirmative.
Mr. Gould said: “ I'hen let it end there.”
PUT INTO LETTER KOIIM.
The witness suggested that Mr. Gould
should put. the telegram into the form of a
letter 10 Mr Powderly, and Mr. I’owdei ly
greed that if toe General Executive
Board approved of the rest of the letter
he men would be ordered back to work.
Alter Mr. Powderly left .Mr. Gould placed
bn letter in the witness’ hand with the
understanding that if the order to go t <
work was issued the order and letter
were to he given to the pi ess that night,
the order was issued, and it and the let
ter were given to the press, rie after
wards saw Mr. Gould and told him that
( bairraan O'Neill, of the House Labor
Committee, had met the Kx-cutive Coin
ntittee and the committee had a copy ol
liie proposed arbitration hill. They dis
missed ttie bill together, the Idea being
that if the bill pass ’d arbitration could
he had under the law, and il not passed
the hill would be the basis of arbitration.
THK HITCH.
Towards the end of the Interview Mr.
botildreceived a telegram which seemed
■'< disturb him, and he said Omre was
something wrong in ist. Louis. Tit i wit-
Jess said, “Don’t, at this stage, split hairs,
'oil Air. lloxie In taking ill* l men back to
work to be blind-” Mr. (Jottid wished to
*ee I’owderly, but that gentleman could
not go, and the witness ami Mr. Turner
went to see. Mr. Gould witti a question
•font Powder! v -“Do I ur.d Tstand from
your personal'letter ol this date that your
company refuses arbitration, and must 1
"telegraph Martin Dons?”
Mr, Gould was not in, usd Mr. Hopkins
"tmwered by saying, “No, we<lo not. He
'■* hot ho to understand that loiter.”
CONFUSION IN THK KOOM.
Al this point there was it good d-*al of
Bf,is e and confusion In the committee
tK orn lhe acting chain an cautioned
me audience that any exhibition of leel*
big would result in having the room
cleared and the doors closed.
• he witness proceed' and with a history of
-no negotiation * fur a settlement and read
bin telegrams which have already been
Published.
Mr. Iliichaiiitii inquired whether in fact
*n order for the men to go to woik had
i " n Issued by the Executive Hoard as
b - result of tnc negotiations and corre-
Nymdsnce.
The witness replied that such an order
’*•* been issued on the evening of March
rhKfnfUTKD ON THK CORHKSPONDKNC*.
*he order wa predicated, he said, on
the correspondence and on the under
standing that an actual solution had been
arrived at. it was uot until noon ot the
next dav that any suggestion of a misun
derstanding had reached him. The ulti
mate result was that three members of
the Executive Board went to St. Louis.
Mr. Hayes could tell the committee what
took place there. The witness was not
present. Another attempt was made at
New York to tiring about a conclusion to
which Uie witness was a party. He bad
met Cyrus W. Field.
Mr. Crain—Who is he ? Is he connected
with the railroad company?
The tv itness—l do not understand that
helms any connection with the Missouri
Pacific, but, he is connected with Mr.
Gould in a variety of investments. Mr,
rield told me ot differences which had oc
curred with employes on the elevated
roads in New York, and regn tted that a
settlement could not have been brought
a Mint as reasonably and quickly as on
that occasion. I showed him a letter in
that line which 1 had received from Mr.
Powderly. He asked mo to lend him the
letter.
GOULD’S PROMISES.
He saw Mr. Gould and reported to me
that Mr, Gould had said that if ho could
see Mr. Powderly in person for half an
hour, he had uo doubt he could bring the
matter to a quick conclusion. I started
lor .Scranton, wnere Mr. Powderlv was,
and told him what Mr. Field had said, anil
asked him to go to New York with tue the
next morning. Mr- Powderly was sick
and unable to go, and he authorized me to
represent him iu attempting to reach a
conclusion, lie wrote ana handed me a
letter (reading the one already publish
ed). 1 went with it the next morning to
Mr. Field’s house. He took it to Mr.
Gould’s house, wuere there was a conter
ence.
GOULD’S SUBTERFUGE.
He came to me in the evening and told
me that Mr. Gould said that the strike
was entirely over, that the only strike
which existed was at East St. Louis on
the railroads in which be had no interest
except the Wabash, and that was iu the
hands of the United States Court and
could not be interfered with by the stri
kers. Mr. Field was called away to Bos
ton ar.d had to leave after telling me
what he did. I have not seen him since.
Mr. Crain—Was the strike ended in
fact?
The Witness—l have felt that the most
complete victory that Mr. Gould could
have over the men would tie the most com
plete failure to bim.that the true outcome
of this thing which would have been the
result of arbitration would have insured
good will on both sides, and any settle
ment which did not bring that with it was
a complete failure.
WOULD HAVE OBEYED.
Mr. Burns—Have you sufficient evi
dence to enable you to state that the men
on strike at St. Louis would have prompt
ly obeyed the order to resume work if Mr.
lloxie had complied with the order ,sent
to him by Mr. Gould?
The Witness —1 have not the slightest
doubt of it.
Mr. Burns—Have you any evidence
tending to show any secret instructions
from Mr. Gould to Mr. Hoxie inconsistent
with his telegraph dispatch embodied iu
his letter to Mr. Powderly ?
The Witness—Nothing except the allu
sion iu Mr. Powderly’s dispatch to “the
letter of instructions”—that and the or
ders issued oh the line.
The witness here read circular No. 126,
signed hv Mr. Book well, directing that no
foreman should be employed who was a
Knight of Labor.
CAUSE OF THE STRIKE.
Mr. Crain—W hat was the original cause
of this strike?
The witness in reply to this question
made a long statement involving the dif
ference between the principle of payment
by day work and by piece work, and
quoted Mr. Gould as saving that by mak
ing a change of that sort iu the Western
Union Telegraph Company he had effect
ed a saving of 81) per cent. He added that
the general cause of this strike and of
tne recent strikes all over tbe country
had been the successful strike on the
horse car lines iu New York last Febru
ary that bad commanded such universal
public sympathy,that workmen whenever
they had a grievatice or wrong joined to
gether and made applications to form as
semblies of Knights of I.abor.
EFFECTS OF WATERING STOCK.
This was so general that the order bad
increased more in the month of February
last than it had in tbe prior eight years.
As an additional reason be alleged the
universal system of watering railroad
stock, which made it necessary for tbe
managers to screw down the rates ol labor
as much its possible.
Mr. Crain asked what remedy he could
suggest for that.
The witness replied that the remedy
was to enforce the law. The law of every
State required that dollar for dollar snould
Im paid lor railroad stock, but that pro
vision of the law was evaded by railroad
managers forming themselves into a credit
mobilieror construction company and
issuing to themselves SU)O ol stock for
every $1 or $lO of work. He gave as an
instance ot that the recent construction ot
the West Shore railroad of New York.
OVER CAPITALIZATION.
Mr. Buchanan asked whether the wit
ness bad ever considered the question ot
over-oapitalization, and tne consequent
necessity or desire of earning a dividend
on such "over capitalization, and whether •
that led to tbe cutting down of wages of '
labor and an increase in the rates of tians- |
portation.
The witness replied that he bad, and
that that was a natural evil which re
sulted from over capitalization which wa* j
particularly advantageous to tho specu- i
tutor.
The Chairman—Your theory is that the
exactions made upon men employed on
tbe road are caused by attempts to enable
railroad companies to pay dividends ou
watered stocks?
The Witness—That 1* the theory, and
there is great irritation about it all over
the couutry.
GOVERNING STRIKES.
Mr. Crain—ls there no way in your or
ganization by which the aotion of a Dis
trito Assembly ordering a strike can be
passed upon by tbe Executive Committee
before the strike i* permitted?
'The Witness—There i* no iawof tho or
ganization on the subject. This whole
tiling was unexpected mid unprepared
for. The whole spirit of the organization
is contrary to strikes. It is an educa
tional organization.
Mr. Crain—Do you not think—lt has so
struck mo—that Mr.Gould himself was
very lalrly disposed towards your organ
ization ?
The Witness—That has been my full im
pression from what I saw of him. My
impression was toat he wanted to be fair,
it tins always seemed to me that Mr.
Hoxie was oil a high horse from which he
was unwilling to come down, and that
when Mr. Gould found hint rebellious in
not carrying out arbitration, he ought to
have Issued a oositive order to that effect,
or possibly had Mr. Hoxie reign; but ho
turned round and split hairs with the
committee. He had agreed to arbitrate
SAVANNAH. THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 188 G.
everything, past ar.d future, but he would
not take this special arbitration out of
Mr. Hoxie’s hands.
Kill. Ell BY HOXIE.
Mr. Crain—You mean that Mr. Gould
has permitted himself to be controlled by
Mr. Hoxie ?
Trie Witness—That Is the way it lias ap
peared to me Still 1 can’t understand
the letter of instruction referred toby Mr.
Hoxie.
Mr. Crain—With the exception of that
circumstance (which seems suspicious)
your impression is that Mr. lloxie is the
responsible party tor the continuance cf
the strike?
The Witness—Yes, sir. 1 never met
him personally, but from talking with
those who have, 1 am strongly inclined to
that opinion.
STOCK JOBBING INSINUATIONS.
Mr. Buchanan—A statement has been
made in tbs newspapers to the effect that
you and Mr. Gould were working this
matter together lor the purpose ot its
effect upon the stock market. I do not
wish to humiliate you enough to ask you
if that be true, but I simply mention the
fact so as to allow you to make any ex
planation you desire.
The Witness—l never saw any state
ment to that effect. 1 never had any ac
quaintance with Mr. Gould until 1 met
him in connection with this matter. 1
have never bought or sold a share of
stock on margin. There is not a word of
possible truth iu the suggestion.
The witness said he knew nothing of
the strike until it actually occurred. His
first knowledge of it was gained from the
newspapers.
THE POOLING SYSTEM.
He expressed the opinion that the pool
ing system had nothing to do with it. The
most economical management is that
which necessitates the least expenditure.
The general theory as to building new
lines of railroad,causing compctition.aud
reducing rates is a grand mistake. Busi
ness should be done with the least possi
ble investment not only of labor but of
capital, and until the possibilities of a
sinuie railroad are exhausted a second
line should not be built. But there is need
ol something in the way of government
supervision of railroads, by means of
which benefits resulting trom non-com
petition shall not inure alone to tne rail
road company, but to the whole people.
DOUBLE OPERATING EXPENSES.
Take for instance two cities like Buffalo
and New York. The New York Central
had a line of road between those two
c.ties and had a monopoly of the business.
It cost the company 60 per cent, to oper
ate the road, leaving 40 per cent, of the
net earnings. Another line was built
alongside and there you have got 100 per
cent, ot business and you have got two
60 per cents, of expenses. If the thing
could be regulated so that one road should
do the business it would get notonlva
fair return for its capital, but it would be
enabled to give lower rates of traffic and
better wages to its employes.
Mr. Burns—There being already two
railroads built and being operated, is it
better for the majority of the working peo
ple of the country that there should be
competition between those lines or that
there should be a pooling of their earn
ings?
CONCENTRATION FAVORED.
The Witness—lt would be better that
ail business should be done on one road
at a minimum of cost,and that the benefits
of it should go not alone to the owners of
the road but to the country at large. Iu
other words, you must not double the ex
penses in order to get economy.
Mr. Burns—Would you. then, suggest
the abandonment of one line of road and
the concentration of all business on the
other?
The Witness—l certainly should.
Mr. Burns—That would reduce the num
ber of employes one-half.
The Witness—Yes, it would, but they
would immediately find employment in
other waiks of life where they wouldn’t be
linngby a tax upon the country. 1 don't
think there is a railroad in America which
has been pressed to half its carrying ca
pacity.
COMPETITION OF LABOR.
Mr. Parker—Does not the trouble arise
partly from the competition of laborers? Is
not that one of the bottom sources of all
trouble?
The Witness—No, you will find that the
great, difficulty has not been a demand for
increase of wages.
Mr. Parker—But is not the source of
disturbances largely because of so much
competition in labor? If you remove the
competition of labor In these disturbed
regions does not that put an end almost
to the possibility of strikes?
The W itness—As you put it it does.
Mr. Parker—Them is not one of the
great causes of the trouble competition
of labor—an excess of men and deficiency
of work—men who have been brought in
from other countries and are increasing
in numbers in their own country?
The Witness—There is a great deal in
that.
Mr. Parker—l would like to hear your
views as to an adjustment of this compe
tition in labor.
A BROAD SUBJECT.
The Witness—The subject is a very
broad one, and it is one which has been s
the subject ot discussion since these i
troubles began. One of tho best sugges- !
ttons that has been made to me on th * |
subject I would like to repeat. It is that
a conference should take place between !
representative men from labor organize- !
tions and representative men from
trade organizations—that they should !
meet and thoroughly discuss the i
whole subject. As to this contest between
capital and labor I look upon them as be- j
ing necessarily partner* as much so as ;
man and wile. Such, discussion as that 1
would be approached by the railroad uion
in a different spirit from that which they
would manifest in a discussion with in- i
subordinate brakemen. In this waytbere
would be gathered the wisdom of ail men
who had been thinking over the subject.
I do not leel lliat I have hail enough ex
perience to be able to recapitulate the re
sults of Hitch a con (erenee.
IMPORTATION OF LABOR.
Mr. Barker—ls it desirable to oontlnus
tlie importation of labor trom other coun
tries—not pauper labor?
'The Witness—lt would be pretty hard
upon laboring men to put tariff
upon competitive labor. 1 would like to
think a'littln upon that subject.
'The Chairman— I will nut the question
in another form. Do you think tbe time
lias come when this country will be com
pelled to sav who may couie to it aud who
may not come?
The Witness—lt doe* seem to me that
our capacity to absorb Christendom is
somewhat strongly taxed.
Mr. Buchansn-We aro troubled as
much by pagandom as by Christendom.
'This closed Mr. McDowell’s examina
tion.
Mr. Powderly was recalled to tbe stand,
and in reply to questions by the Chair
man, stated that he wa* a uncbinist bv
trade, and was a; years old, and that the
Knights of Labor had first been Instituted
in 1*69,
ORIGIN OF TUE KNIGHT*.
Tbe Chairman—l think it very irapor.
taut trom the direction which the exami
nation uus taken that the committee
should understand the origin of the
Knights of Labor.
Mr. Powderly—About eight months
after the war the garment cutters of
Philadelphia organized as the Garment
Cutters’ Society of Philadelphia, the in
tention was to pay to sick members
a weekly allowance, and to bury
the dead. In fact, it was
a benevolent organization. They con
tinued to hold meetings for four years.
At the end of that time one night In Oc
tober, 1869, they were discussing some
measure, when a member said: “We
have been coming here now four or five
years; we have our constitution, our
laws, our officers, and so tar as that is
concerned that is all right. It lam taken
sick 1 will receive a weekly allowance,
and if I dte 1 will be cared tor l>y our
brothers. But the conditions surrounding
me in the workshop have not grown better,
but worse. It seems to me that an organi
zation that will go into the workshop and
endeavor to effect a reform there is what
is needed, in addiliou to the association
we now have,”
FORMING THE ORGANIZATION.
That line of argument was taken tip
and continued some weeks. Finally a
motion was made that tnat society
be disbanded, and it was dis
banded. The founder of the Knights of
Labor was a member ot it. He was Uriah
S. Stevens. As the men were leaving the
room that night he asked those present to
remain and bear what he hail to say. lie
said that if they would torru such an as
sociation as had been suggested,one that
would endeavor to effect a reform in the
management of workshops, mines and
foundries, they would endeavor to perfect
it. Six remained, talked the matter over
with him and agreed to meet again. These
seven men and two others met to perfect
the organization oil Thanksgiving eve
ning, 1869, anil nine men ilratled the first
crude form of constitution and manual for
She government f the association of the
Knights of Labor.
CLOSE-MOUTHED.
No man was to know anything aboutit.
It was to be secret iu ail its workings. A
man who joined it was not permitted to
mention the name of the association out
side of the meeting room, nor was it
sposeu inside. When written about it
wast obe referred to by stars. The idea
was to bring iuto the association every
department of productive industry. The
intention was that, no statutes of the
organization towards bc-ttr ring or chang
ing the conditions surrounding employer
and employe would be made until every
thing connected with the condition of
things had been discussed and thoroughly
understood. The reason for that was that
a strike of miners affected not only miners
themselves, but affected machinists, engi
neers, clerks, merchants, aid everybody
connected with industry in that region.
POWDERLY JOINS.
In 1874 1 was asked one evening if I
would not come with a man and become a
member of a club or association, the name
ot which he did not mention. I went with
him and was initiated into the order of
the Knights of Labor. Up to that time I
knew nothing of it, but when I saw m
that meeting room a locomotive engineer,
stationary engineer, miner, laborer, truck
man, members ot my own craft and ottiers,
1 made uu my mind that that was an asso
ciation which of all others was calculated
to do good to the laboring man. This
man (Stevens), who formed the first local
assembly, was afterwards elected Master
Workman and was at Reading elected to
the position of First Grand Master AVork
niau of the Knights of Labor.
ELECTED CHIEF OFFICER.
The organization continued under him
for one year and nine months, when bis
health failed, and when the convention
met at Chicago he sent a letter declining
renomination and suggesting two names
from whom his successor should be
chosen. 1 was elected, and from that
time to tho present I have been tbe chief
officer of the Kuights of I.abor. 'The or
ganization was intended to take in not
only tbe man who worked at the bench or
mine, hut every man who toiled by hand
or brain in any honest, occupation. We
left out one or two honest occupations—
lawyers and bankers—because we telt
they were fully capable of taking care of
themselves. ,
The Chairman—How about preachers?
SALOON KEEPERS RULED OUT.
Mr. Powderly—Once in awhile we get
oneol them. We w ill not take in a saloon
keeper. Even if a member’* wife begin*
to sell liquor, we make him taken divorce,
not from his wife, but Irom the organiza
tion.
The Chairman—ln other words, it is a
benevolent society for the protection of
ail kinds ol people who toil, and is entire
ly within tbe law?
’ Mr. I’owderly—Yes.it is entirely within
tbe law.
Mr. Parker—What is the number of its
ptesenl membership?
.Mr. Powderly—Our present member
ship does not exceed 500.000, although we
have been credited with 5,000,000.
The Chairman—Are women members of
tho organization?
Mr. i’owderly—Yes; on an equal foot
ing with men.
WHEN FIRST AMENDED.
The Chairman—When were women first
admitted ?
Mr. Powderly—in 1881. We claim that
if women perform equal woik they should
receive equal pay. We have one assem
bly ot women with a membership of 1,300,
and from the day of organization t.o the
present day a single expulsion or suspen
sion has never taken place. They man
age their affairs in such a way as to re
flet credit upon them, and to be a pat
tern for men.
Mr. Crain—Do you make any difference
as to tbe admission of Colored men into
the organization?
Mr. Powderly—We make no distinction
in regard to color, creed,sex or condition.
We have one assembly in New York
where the President is a Itmnan Catholic,
the Vice President is a Presbyterian, ami
the man who occupies the next position
a Hindoo, Colored men seldom enter into
assemblies of white members. They have
assemblies of their own and aro manag
ing them very nicely.
WHEN POWDERLY WORKED.
Mr. Buchanan—Up to bow lately have
you worked at your iraile?
.II r. Powderly—Not since March, 1877.
Mr. BucbatiHu—Since that, time you
have been engaged ns you arc now ?
Mr.Powderly Yes. principally, I work
harder now than I ever did —sometimes
eighteen iiouis a day.
Mr. McDowell, upon being recalled and
asked as to his connection with tne
Knights, said that he had been connected
with tbe order about eight years, that he
was a machinist by trade, and that to-day
he was at the bead of one of tbe largest
tuoohine work* in the country.
The Chairman—There is nothing that
you know of in the organisation which is
inconsistent with obedience to the law
and with tho administration ot tbe govern
ment?
Mr. McDowell—Nothing, whatever, fin
tne other band, it i* a perfect supporter
of the law in every particular.
LABOR’S CONTENTMENT.
Mr. Buchanan—Your observation is
thar the fairer treated, better paid and
more contented the American working
man is, the bettor citizen he makes?
Air. McDowell—That’s exactly true.
Mr Powderly—One of the things which
a member iff the order promises to do is
tnis: “We shall, witti all our strength,
support laws made to harmonize with the
interests of labor and capital.”
The committee, at 2:3oo’clock, adjourn
ed until 11 o’clock to-morrow, when it is
understood the examination of Jay Gould
will be commenced.
KECKIV Hits it IP A BUSES.
Mr. Call Oiler* a Resolution on the
Subject til the Senate.
Washington, April 21. —1n the Senate
to-day Mr. Call offered a resolution which,
on his motion, was referred to the Judicia
ry Committee, directing that committee to
inquire whether any legislation is neces
sary, and. if so, what, to require United
States Courts when they take possession
of railroad property in any State to carry
into effect the obligations ot the charter of
incorporation granted by such State, and
prevent violations of tile same by such
courts and the officers thereof, and the
waste and wrongful appropriation of
the assets and receipts of
such corporations in the interest
of individuals. In offering the resolution
Mr. Call referred to his recent speech on
Florida land grants, and especially in
connection with the Florida Railroad
Company, in which speech he hud com
mented on the course pursued by the
United States Court and the conduct of a
receiver apuoinu-u by it.
Mr. Call now read a letter received by
him from the receiver, which stated that
the information on which some of Mr.
Cali’s statements were founded was false
and malicious. Mr. Call said he had no
reason to suppose ilio receiver was not an
honorable ami truthful man, hut he was
obliged to add that the gentleman trom
whom he (Mr. Call) had received his in
formation was equally honorable anil
truthful, and, it the tacts were as stated,
the Judiciary Committee should give tho
matter serious consideration.
ItlVEltS AND HAltllOitS.
Many Futile Kfl'ort* Made to Increase
Appropriations.
Washington, April 21.—The House
to-day went into committeeof the whole
on the river and harbor and river appro
priation bill. On motion of Mr. Mark
ham, of California, the appropriation for
the survey of San Francisco harbor, San
Pablo bay, Suisun bay, and the mouths ot
the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers,
was reduced from $30,600 to SII,OOO. Tills
was done in accordance with the recom
mendation of the supplementary report of
the Chief of Engineers. Any number of
amendments were ottered for an increase
of existing items or the insertion of new
ones, but no others of the California kind.
All were unsuccessful.
Mr. Negley, of Pennsylvania, raised a
point of order against the clause of the
bill which directs the Secretary of War
to negotiate tor the purchase of the works
of the Mononsrahela Navigation Company
or in the exercise of the discretion to ac
quiring them by condemnation or seiz
ure. A long and somewhat heated debate
over this clause follows. Finally that
portion of tho clause was stricken out
which gives tho Secretary of War dis
cretionary power to seize the works of
the Navigation Company. Pending fur
ther action the committee rose and the
House at 5:20 o’clock adjourned.
ALABAMA HUFFEKEUB.
The Bill Before the House Again Dti
cussed Without Result.
Washington, April 21.—1n tbe morn
ing hour to-day the House resumed con
sideration ot the bill for the reliel of the
Alabama flood sufferers, and it was sup
ported by Mr. Cannon, of Illinois, who
thought the House was justified under
precedents through humanity in giving
relief.
Mr. Beach, of New York, while he was
willing to put his band in his own pocket,
for tho relief of the Alabama suf.
ferers, was not willing to indulge
his sympathy or benevolence by putting
his hands into the pockets of others, it
was time that a stop should he put to this
kind of legislation, and it wa* the Demo
cratic parly which should put a stop to it.
'The morning hour expired without ac
tion being taken on the bill, which re
sumes its place on tho calendar.
Confirmed by the Senate.
Washington, April 21.— Among the
confirmations made bv the Senate to-day
were the nominations of William L. West,
of Kentucky, to bo Governor ol Utah by a
vote of 45 to 15, amt D. u. Bradley to lie
Collector of Internal Revenue for South
Carolina. The latter gave rise to consid
erable discussion, Mr. Bradley being
charged with moonshining predilections.
Mr. Edmunds is s lid to have led tue oppo
sition to Mr. Bradley in person, but he
bad been favorably reported by the Fi
nance Committee and wa* confirmed by a
vote of 27 to 16.
I’rivate Rills I’asscd.
Washington, April 21.—1n the Senate
to-day a large number of bills of a private
character were passed, among them one
granting the city of Chattanooga, Trim.,
a strip of ground through the government
reservation in that city lor tho purpose of
a public street; also, a Joint resolution to
pay Alice!'. Underwood, executrix,ss,ooo
for tho time and services of the lata* John
C.Underwood,ot Virginia, in prosecuting
his claim to a seat in the United States
Senate. After an executive session tho
Senate adjourned.
Wheat ami Corn.
Washington. April 21.—1n the House
to-day Mr. Hatch, Ol Missouri, (rota the
Committee on Agriculture, reported a
resolution calling on the Commissioner of
Agriculture ior information as to the
amount ol wheat and corn on naod in
tins country, wbereit is located,the num
ber ol seres of winter and spring wheat
now In the ground, the amount likely to
lie required lor exportation, and other In
formation on the subject. Thu resolution
was Adopted.
PmspHiis of Adjournment.
Washington, April 21.—senator Alli
son, C'ltalrm iu of the Senate Appropria
tion Committee, expresses the opinion
that the new rules of the House against
“riders” upon the appropriation bills
makes It possible to dispose of tbosu
measures much more speedily thnn be
fore. lie sees nothing except the tanir
bill to prevent an adjournment by July 10.
Hushing Through Pension Hilts.
Washington, April 21.—The Henats
to-day took up and disposed of private
pension hills. By 3 o’clock about 400 of
these hills had been passed, comprising
all such lulls on ms calendar with the
exception of half a dozen.
GLADSTONE’S POLICY.
Lord Spencer Declare* that Separation
in Not Wanted by Ireland.
London, April 21.—The Duke of Ar
gyll, at Glasgow to-day, admitted the sin
cerity of Mr. Gladstone. He believed
that the Premier was misled by the Par
nellites when ho seceded from tuo posi
tion assumed by him before the elections,
lie strongly opposed Mr. Gladstone’s
proposals as embodied iu the home rule
and land purchase bills. It would be
impossible, he said, toentrust the govern
ment of Ireland to men whose object was
separation.
SPENCER UPHOLDS THE SCHEME.
Lord Spencer speaking at. the New
castle meeting to-day said there were two
Ways to deal with the Irish problem
coercion and concession. The former is a
dangerous means by whloh to restore or
der, but what then ? He combatted the
accusation that Mr. Gladstone was hand
ing the government of Ireland over to
crime-mongers. Judging trom the evi
dence obtained during his term of office
as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland he had not
found that the supporters ot the Parnell
policy encouraged crime and conspiracy,
['lie colleagues of Mr. Parnell, ho said,
have real affection for their country, and
their ability is undoubted. The tax
payers will incur no risk from the land
scheme proposed by Mr. Gladstone.
SEPARATION NOT WANTED.
The great, body of th" Irish people do not
wantseparation, knowing it to be impossi
ble, owing to tho geographical po
sition of Ireland and the ties
of blood and social and business
relations existing between the peo
ple of Ireland and England. Mr. Glad
stone’s proposals, lie said, would
strengthen the union between tho two
countries.
John Morley said he was prepared to
accept reasonable modifications of the
Irish bills. The retention of the Irish
representatives in the House of Uominons
would weaken the Parliament in Dublin
and demoralize the Parliament at West
minster.
SALISBURY ON HOME RULE.
Tho Marquis of Salisbury, leader of the
Conservative parly, iu a letter published
this morning, states that he is convinced
teat the nation will indignantly reject
Gladstone's “desperate scheme” for the
government of Ireland.
CHAMBERLAIN’S OPPOSITION.
Birmingham, April 21.—Mr. Cbamber
laiu, speaking at a meeting here this even
ing, said that .Mr. l’arnell would not re
gard as permanent any settlement of Irish
government which would not enable him
to sever the last link between England
and Ireland. No free people Worthy of the
name would submit to such restrictions
on their repressive authority as Mr. Glad
stone proposed. As regards Mr. Glad
stone’s alteration of the land purchase
bill, the amount proposed by nun was
only a paper estimate. It. could not
be douhtcdjtbat at least £160,000,000 wou Id
be required. He (Mr. Chamberlain)
would sooner quit polities altogether than
pledge British credit for such a sum and
such a purpose. Irishmen ought to be
allowed to attend Westminster and vote
on all matters not specially remitted to
the Parliament at Dublin. He (Cbam-
Iterlnin) would enter no cuve
and join no coalition. He
would support Mr. Gladstone all that
hecouslstently could if the latter accept
ed modifications which he (Chamberlain )
suggested. He also said he would tie
glad to concede Ulster a separate assem
bly. Modifications, he suggested, might
not be left to the committee, but the gov
ernment ought to give a guarantee that
they would be accepted.
The meeting unanimously Indorsed Mr.
Chamlierlain’s proposals.
LOYALISTS RALLY AT CORK.
Coke, April 21.—An immense Loyalist
meeting was held here this evening, at
which home rule was denounced. A pro
cession or Nationals paraded the streets
at about the same time. There was no
disorder.
AN ULTIMATUM.
Greece Must Disarm YVltliln the Time
Fixed.
London, April 21.—An ultimatum was
dispatched to Greece to-night intimating
that the powers were in perfect accord
In fixing the limit to the time within
which Greece must disarm, and that if
Greece did not heed the warning serious
steps would be taken to enforce their de
mands.
Dilkc’s Troublesome Skeleton.
London, April 2i. —The Queen’s proc
tor, alter testing the evidence in the di
vorce ease of Crawford vs. Crawford and
Dilke, has Intervened, snd tho Crawford
divorce case will be reopened.
Subpoenas in the so-called Crawford-
Dilke case are being issued for many new
Witnesses, including Bir Charles Dilke’s
late butler and footman, and, if possible,
the attendance of the woman “Fanny”
will be secured. Sensational evidence’is
expected. The Queen’s proctor will apply
for anew trial on May 4. Mrs. Crawford
w ill testify to prove her confession to her
husband. Sir Charles Dilke will then
swear to a categorical denial. Sir Charles
will be defended by Sir lUnry James.
Burial oF the Murdered Bishop.
Madrid, April 21. — The remains of the
Bishop of Madrid, who was shot and
fatally wounded by a priest on Sunday
last, were burled to-day in the centre of
the Cathedral. The body was dressed in
the Bishop’s robes and lay in an open
coffin, which was borne from the episco
pal residence to the Cathedral by canons,
preceded bv 800 priests, and followed by
the I’apal Nuncio, tbet'atnncl Ministers,
the authorities of corporations and in.my
other prominent persons, all on foot. The
procession was witnessed by immense
crowds.
British Arms Defeated.
. f-ONDON, April 21 .—Advice*from Man
dnluy sav that the British expedition sent
against the Kaohyen tribe tms been com
pelled to retreat. The rebels, In over
whelming force, mnde a desperate attack
on the British, charging into a battery of
mountain guns and driving the expedition
hack. Reinforcements for the expedition
have been ordered from Mandalay. Tbe
rebels have captured Meegandel, a police
station. They hound the garrison with
cords and massacred 23 persons.
Tlio Exhibition Bill.
Fsitts. April 21.—The Chamber of Dep
uties to-day, by a vote of 350 to 151,
adopted the exhibition bill, rejecting the
amendments requiring that exhibitors
pay (or their space, and that foreign labor
and material tie excluded.
'I urkey Beady for War.
Constantinople, April 21.—Seven
meu-of-war have been ordered Into readi
ness to sail at an hour’s notice.
Anordcr prohibiting the circulation of |
Greek newspapers in Turkey has been I
issued.
( PRICE 810 A TEAR.)
( 5 crn ia a copy. \
RANDALL COUNTS NOSES.
BACKED BY HIS RADICAL ALLY
HE GROWS BOASTFUL.
Kurd Promt*** to Control 137 Republi
can Vote* and the Pennsylvania Pea
cock Think* He Can Deliver 37
Democratic Ballot*—Mr. Norwood's
Scheme in Behalf of Savannah,
Washington, April 21. —Messrs. Reed
and Randall having laid their plans for
the defeat of the Morrison tariff bill have
been testing the House to sea whether
they can be carried out. They have had
a canvass of the two sides ot tho House
made by their respective lieutenants with
a view to ascertaining bow many mem
bers would vote for a motion to strike out
the enacting clause,'or u motion to strike
out all after tho enacting clause of the
Pill. They report as the result of theti
canvass that there are 137 Republicans
who will follow Mr. Reed, and 37 Demo,
crate who will follow Mr. Randall in sup
port of such a motion as either of the
above.
nature ok the division.
Three Republicans, Messrs. White,
Wakefield and Nelson, of Minnesota, are
classed a* in tavor of the Morrison bill,
and one Republican. Mr. Fuller, of lowa,
is classed us doubtful. Of the thirty
seven Democrats eleven are set down as
from Ohio, eleven as from New York,
seven as from Pennsylvania, three as
from New Jersey, and the rest
from Maryland, Virginia, West
Virginia, Louisiana and Cali
fornia. The reports are based, it is
claimed, upon personal interviews with
member* on both sides. If such inter*
views were had, and if the figures given
above are correct, there is a strange dis
crepancy between the statements made to
lho canvassers, on the Democratic side at
least, and the statements made to others.
A ONE-SIDED CANVASS.
It is pretty certain that as the bill at
present stands the eleven Ohio Democrats,
four Pennsylvania Democrats—namely,
Messrs. Randall, Ermenu out, Curtin, and
Howden-the three New Jersey Demo
crats, amt two or three New York Demo
crats will vote against it. But it Is not
sate to infer from a one-sided canvass
that the 20 or 21 Democrats will be in.
creased to 37 by tbe time the vote is
taken. Mr. Reed has been whipping ths
Republicans into line with great vigor,
using the old argument that all protected
interests must stand or fall together.
Several Republicans who hail looked with
lavor on tbe provision of the Morrison bill.
In the interest of free raw rusterials.bave
been more or less forcibly persuaded into
a determination to oppose tbe bill.
REPUBLICAN INTIMIDATION.
Threats have been freely used in both*
cases ot this sort by the representative*
of Interests affeoted by tbe Morrison bill.
Bo far Messrs. White, Wakefield, Nelson,
of Minnesota, and Fuller, of lowa, havo
not yielded to these persuasions. If their
votes are deemed necessary Mr. Reed pro
poses to call a Republican caucus on the
tariff question, and try to force them by
the lull party strength to vote against
their convictions. There is reason to be
lieve that they will not yield even to
such pressure as that Mr. Reed propose*,
to lead the toree* of the coalition in per
son. Mr* Randall is expected this lima
to do nothing but lurnisn vote*. Mr.
Reed will probably himself make tha
motion to strike out tbe enacting clause,
or the motion to strike out all after tha
enacting clause, and iusert tbe Hewitl
administrative section, it is proposed to
force tbe fighting, and make this motion
as soon as possible alter the general de
bate. Mr. Morrison is still hopeful, but
he very properly thinks it too early to bo
confident either of success or tailure.
CLEVELAND'S INTI?REST.
Speaker Carlisle hnd a long conference
with the President this attornoon at the
I’residenl’s request about the tariff ques
tion, in which toe .President lakes a lively
interest. He is very anxious tbut to a
Democratic House should at least attempt
to fulfill tho tariff reform pledge*
of the Democratic parly, by passing a
small tariff bill if a large tariff bill can
not be passed. Dis for this reason that
he is aiding Messrs. Carlisle and Morrison
in tho attempt to puss tile Morrison,
bill. ft would be for this rea
son, too, that he would probably
approve the bill which It is said is to ba
reported from the Ways and Means Com
mittee if ttie Morrison bill tails, placing
lumber stid salt on the free list. The lat
ter bill, it is believed, would pass both.
Houses.
MR. NORWOOD’S SHREWDNESS.
Mr. Norwood did not move to increase
the appropriation in tho river and harbor
bill for Savannah harbor when that item
was reached in the House to-day as be
hud intended because; first, be saw all the
motions to Increase ( many of them a*
meritorious as his own) defeated, and.
scc#nd, because he saw that even
if he succeeded it would lead to
an increase In the appropriations all
along the line, so that the bill would soon
become so overloaded as to break down.
He thought it would lie better to help*
the bill tbrougb the House as It was re
ported, and then worn with the Georgia.
Senators in the Senate and 111 conference
committee tor the desired increase. A
similar course has been followed
by other members desiring similar
Increase. In the Senate the appropriation
will undoubtedly be increased to Hay
$200,000. Kor the same reasons Mr. Nor
wood adopted the same policy in regard
to the appropriation lor Brunswick har
bor. He expects a large increase in tb
j Senate on this item also.
SAVANNAH’S PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The Senate Committee on l'ublic Builds
ings and Grounds has given Mr. Norwood
u bearing in behalf of ms bill appropriat
ing $150,000 lor the proposed
court house and post office.
Mr. K< ese, of Georgia, a member of the
House Committee on Public Buildings,
accompanied Mr. Norwood before the
Senate Committee. The committee lis
tened attentively to what was said and
promised to consider tho inatler. The
cominiltee will undoubtedly niake a favor,
atde report, but It may be delayed. Mr.
Norwood thinks the chances of the pass
age of the bill by the Senate this session
excellent. Both Senators Colquitt and
Brown are working bard for it. The Sa
vannah and the Augusta billsaretheonlv
Georgia public building bills which wiU
golhiough this Congress.
FEES or BRYANT'S DEPUTIES.
Kx-(Jolted States Marshal Bryant, ol
Atluutii, called on the First Comptroller
ol th** Tfoasury to-day, with Deputy Mar
shal U. A. Mitchell, and asked that bla
former deputies might bo paid $->.OOO In
fees, wnieh Is stilt due them. The First
Comptroller said that only $3,500 won
now available for this purpose, but
agreed to pay that much now and tb
balance In the next fiscal year.
'I lie blister Jury htssgieei.
New York, April 21.—'The Shaler Jury
disagreed, and has been uisaharxed.
They stood 8 to 4 for acquittal.