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8 Per Cent Guaranteed I Dividends paid Mtmi-annnally, Rtock secured liy dead* to improved r**l estate in more tniin a fuhlf* the with l nt on Having* Hani. an<! Tm»t Co GEO. A. SMITH. Gen Man. Equitable Building and Loan Association, Macon, <**.,' 4OJ Hiird street. ESTABLISHED 1884. THREATMG OBOJIAR SEW Til THE MPM. "We Will Blow Your Rota by' To Pieces If You Send It" > “ISgLMSPHIIH" Captain Sigsbee Sent the Cir cular in a Letter to His Wife. PEOPLE LOSING CONFIDENCE, In the War Department is the De claration Made by Mason—Sa gasta Cables Sympathy. Atlanta, Feb. 18. —The Atlanta Journal’s Washington correspondent says: "Mr:. Sigsbee has given out the circular rent to her by Capt. Sigsbee over two weeks ago, on which was written the warning words: "Look out for your ship. We will blow your whole rotten navy to pieces if you send it here." The circular Is printed in Spanish, and headed, “Ixmg live Spain, with honor.” Then follows a vast amount of abuse against the A’ankees. Mrs. Sigsbee says she cannot give out the contents of the* leter in which the cir cular was enclosed, but. she has felt vague i fears ever since Captain Sigsbee stint the letter to her. SEGASTA TALKS. He Expresses the Deepest Sympathy With This Country. New York, Fob. 18.—The Madrid corre spondent of the World sends the following authorized statement by Prim. Minister agitata: "We were grieved and pa nfully sur prised by the catastrophe to the Maine. We felt it ■doubly, because the sad occurrence took place in our waters. "We cannot forget the sympathy shown to us by America when we lost our cruiser. Reina Regent, and the minister of marine conveyed to General Woodford the condo lence of the Spanish navy. “Our representative at Washington will convey to the American government the sympathy of our sovereign n.u on and gov ernment. "You may have noticed how friendly and sincere has been the friendly attitude of our press in commenting upon this unfor tunate catastrophe. I feel confident this and the equally friendly conduct of the authorities and the people of Havana will go a great way to convince America that we sympathize with her, mourning for the galant crew and officers of the Maine. "We have heartily approved of the con duct ofithe military, naval and colonial au thorities at Havana, whose spontaneous efforts to alleviate the disaster have elici ted the official thanks of the American consul general and the commander of tiie Maine. “It Is the town council of Havana that has offered s o cover all the expenses of the funeral and burial of the 261 men and two officers. "I do not apprehend any trouble tn our relations with America. 1 am firmly per suaded that this purely accidental catas trophe will make them closer if possible, and cement them with sympathy. "I cannot give ycu any fresh details of the theory of the origin of the accident, but I am able to state tnar all sources ot Information, Spanish and foreign, are unanimous in attributing it to an explo sion in the interior of the vessel similar to one that occurred in 'the American war ship Cincinnati, and several vessels of Eu ropean powers in the last four years." WANTS PRIVATE COMMITTEE To Investigate Cause of Maine Disaster and Report Result to the People. Washington. Feb. 18—Mason has offered a resolution for the investigation of the Maine disaster providing for a private committee to make the investigation. Hale asked that the matter be not push ed. Mason in reply, said it was evident | that the facts in regard to Cuba are being concealed from the people of the country and from congress. Mason said the American people were tired of investigating behind closed doors, and that with 250 seamen lying at the bottom of the Havana harbor the people of the United States wanted to know •Whether she was blown up by her enemies or spontaneous combustion. Mason said if it was found that the dis aster was the result of an accident the people would be better satisfied if the com mittee of congress should find it so and no harm would be dome. Senator Wolcott created a sensa tion in replying to Mason. Wol cott said that the senator from Illinois had sai l tha. the people were losing confi dence in one of the great departments of ■ the government, a statement that could not go unchallenged. Mason sought to interrupt Walcott, but the later peremptorily refused to be inter rupted, and insisted that his words be read. Wolcott said war might come, in fact it might not be far distant, but our conduct must be such as to make us re spect ourselves, and make the nations re spect err position. RESOLUTIONS PASSED. The Bodies of the Dead Sailors to Be Brought Home. Washington, Feb. 18 —The resolution •was offered in the senate by Hale appro priating $200,000 for raising the battleship plaice and saving what property could be ' t'-'.vcd was passed by the senate without I objection, b<ing am-ndtd so as to author ■ ize the secretary to direct that the remains ! of the officers and sailors be brought to the United States for intcrmcn-t. The house also passed a resolution similar to that passed by the senate relative to the I Maine. SPANISH PAPERS URGE CAUTION Want Spanish Divers to Examine Maine With American Divers. Laspalmas, Canary Islands, Feb. 18— The Spanish armoicd cruiser, Almirante Oqucdo, left here today for Havana. The i r;.ltalian, a third-class cruiser, Giovanni B.ausanl, in expected here Saturday. She I is on her way to Cuba. WAS AN ACCIDENT. Congress Passed Resolutions to That Effect Without a Dissenting Voice, Washington, Feb. 18 —Mr. Boutelle in the course of his remarks on the Maine ' resolution said he had no direct informa ; tion. official or otherwise, as to the cause I of the Maine disaster, but all information at bind tended to strengthen his belief the* . vas due to an accident. Tho resolution was adopted without a dissenting voice. JUDGE DAY TALKS. He Thinks the Time for This Country to Act has Come. Chattanooga, Feb. 18. —Judge D. M. Key, of this city, ex-Untted States i>ostmaster general in President Hayes’ cabinet, and ex-Unitcd Stages judge, expresses himself on the disaster to the Maine as follows: "if this catastrophe can be traced to any Spanish officials, or to any subject claim ing allegiance to Spain, I think the United States should demand an enormous in demnity, and use any necessary measures to collect it Without delay. No dilatory tactics should be employed with Spain in a matter of this kind. No amount of money can pay f, r the lives lost, but -the Ameri can people will demand some heavy com pensation for the disaster, and will not rest until they get it. The time has come for decisive action.” RIOT FEARED When the Spanish .War Vessel Viscaya Ar rives at New York. New York, Feb. 18.—Lieut. Sharp, of the United States army, 'bearing letters from Assistant Secretary Roosevelt, called at po lice headquarters and asked that tile po lice patrol boat. Patrol, be designated to watch about the Viscaya. Capt. Vredenburg, who was in command, said he had no authority to act upn the i< quest, but would submit it to Chief Mc- Cullough. It is believed that ample precautions will be taken to prevent anything happening to the Viscaya. Every policeman in the city is on duty today. Last night Chief MbCullagh caused an order to be sent to all police captains no tifying them to report back to their pre cincts immediately after supper, and re main in reserve until ’urtiher orders. Between 3 and 4o’clock this morning an other order was issued from headquarters the effect that all of the platoons must remain in reserve during the day. The precaution is to prevent arty out break when the Spanish cruiser Viscaya arrives. The Viscaya has not yet been sighted up to the time this dispatch was sent. SPANISH CRUISER TO HAVANA. Evidently Spain Feels the Need of Great Pro tection at Scene of Disaster. Madrid, Feb. 18 —The newspapers here are urging the government to adopt great precaution when the American divers ar rive, and not allow them to descend alone and examine 'the Maine, as divers sent by private persons might be bribed to report at variance with the actual facts, and might even do something to the hull which would serve as a confirmation of their re port. Here it is thought improbable that Captain General Blanco will allow private divers to descend or even those sent offi cially by the United States government, unless accompanied by Spanish divers. The newspapers here fear serious trouble unless strict supervision is exercised. NINETY-SEVEN BODIES Were Recovered by the Divers This Morning Funeral Goes On. Havana, Feb. IS.—Lieut. Perro Poral, brother to the inventor of the submarine appliance bearing that name, and Senor Poral, the judge in the case of the Maine and members of the Technological com mission, have requested the authorization of Consul General Lee to take depositions of the officers of the Maine, and investi gate the cause of the explosion. General Lee has not yet replied to the application, and consequently experts have not yet commenced work. The divers are only employed in recov ering the bodies of the dead. Up to 9 o’clock this morning. 97 bodies were recovered. Eight funeral wagons are employed car rying bodies from the Maine to the Colon cemetery. WOUNDED DOING WELL Divers, With Paraphernalia, Left Key West For Scene of Wreck. Key West, Feb. 18. —All the wounded of the Maine are doing well. Bache left for the cruiser New York at 9 o'clock this morning with divers and paraphernalia on board. She will take more divers from the New York and then | proceed to Havana. She will probably reach the wreck of the Maine tomorrow morning. ALL LOST. None of the Cargo of Excelsior Were Saved as at First Supposed. Boston, Feb. IS—Four men comprising the crew of the barge Excelsior, which foundered on Handkerchief Shoal off Cape Cod Wednesday night, were lost. It is thought that the men were taken off by the tug Carbonero, which had the barge in tow, but upon the arrival of the tug here today it was announced they had not been saved. With the exception of Captain M. A. Harper, the names of the members of the crew are not known. The Excelsior, with her cargo, was valued at about $33,000. THE MACON NEWS. THE DREYFUS PLAY. Case Dramatized for the First Time, and is Being Played in Chicago. Chicago. Feb. 18 —For the first time on any stage the Dreyfus case was presented in dramatic form al the Academy of Music yesterday afternoon, under rhe title of “Devil’s Island.” J. H. Wallick produced it in order to secure a common law copy right head of AV. J. Harkness, Jr., who, it is said, intended to produce a similar play at Hoboken, N. J., last night. The plot sticks closely to the incidents of the famous case, but the climax is brought about by the prisoner’s rescue from Devil's Island by George Maxwell, ?-n American newspaper correspondent (Zolai and Nina Petrow.tky, who loves but is spurned by De La Tour (Dreyfus.) The villian is Prince Orloff (Count Es terhazy.) ASTOR SCORED. “Who Were They and How Did They Get Their Money?” Asks Judge Horton. Chicago, Feb. IS—'While addressing 200 sons and daughters of New York at the eigth annual reunion las-t evening. Judge Oliver H. Horton took occasion to criticise bitterly the attitude of members of the New York Four Hundred, his remarks be ing especially caustic with reference to William VValdorf Astor, who has lately removed to Europe. He scored him for his aristocratic pretensions, when his im mediate ancestors were known to have amassed a fortune by sharp dealings with the Indians. HIS MOUSESHIP Crawled Up His Muleship's Nose, Killing the “Kicker.” Paris, Ky., Feb. 17.—-A mule belonging to Nat Rogers died under peculiar cir cumstances. The animal, after suffering from convulsions, rushed into a pond and was drowned. A post-mortem was held, the examination revealing that a mouse was in the animal’s brain. It is thought the mouse crawled up the mule’s nose while the animal was eating. WANTS A PENSION. Pension Department and Senate Committee Wax Warm Over Him. Washington, Feb. 17.—01e Steenland of Blanchardville, AVis., is an old soldier who believes that Uucle Sam owes him a pen sion because he strained his back while pitching hay after the war was over. It seems that several years after the war he went into a field one day to make hay While the sun shone and in pitching hay hurt his back. He felt in his heart or back that this was an excellent cause for a pension and at once formally applied. The pensions department refused him. Ole brooded over his wrong, rubbed his back and then begged the congressman in his district to take up the strain in the shape of a private pension bill. This tho congressman did. The committee on pensions of the senate took hold of Ole’s strained back with no gentle bands, remarking: "Pitching hay is not military service.” BIG FIRE AT PITTSBURG. Entire Department Called Out At 1:30 This Afternoon. Pittsburg, Feb. 18.—Fire broke out in the National Wall Paper company's build ing, a nine story structure on Pennsyl vania avenue near Ninth street, about 1:30 o’clock, and is now raging fiercely. Ataluable property surrounding is threat ened, and the entire fire department of the city has been called out. The flames are confined to one building, and are now under control. Loss $125,000. FIGHT WITH A PANTHER. Brave Woman’s Experience in Adirondhcks in a Hand-to-Hand Conflict. Port Henry, N. Y’., Feb. 17.—An extra ordinary story of a brave woman’s escape from an awful death comes from Mineville. Just before the blizzard Mrs. Anniie Saun ders, the wife of an Adirondack mountain eer and trapper, set out from her home, near Mt. Marcy, in search of game. Suddenly she saw a panther directly in her path. .With great cunning the fero cious animal had followed her and now had taken a short cut around until it faced her ready to leap at her throat. Quickly she shot at the panther. The bullet struck the animal’s ear, tearing ayay half of it . The panther in pain and rage, rolled over and over in the snow. Mrs. Saunders fined again but failed to strike the screaming beast in a viital spot. She turned and ran down the side of the mountain. The panther ran after her with all the energy and fury at its command. The intrepid woman saw the panting beast ■within a few feet of her and the sight so unnerved her that she came to a standstill. The panther unable to check its momen tum. ran against her throwing her head long in the snow. Her rifle flew out of her hand and she gave herself up for lost. By good luck her hand came in contact with the long bony hilt of her hunting knife. She struggled to her knees, and when the bleeding beast hurled itself at her with wide open jaws she thrust the knife into its throat. The blood from its wounds gushed over her face and clothes, but she piuckily held her position. The panther tore her tight-fitting coat in long strips from her arms arid bosom and made a great rent in her hunting skirt. Mrs. Saunders began to realize that if the fight were not soon over she would be loser. Although the panther was badly wounded it was still capable of inflicting mortal in jury Fortune favored her and when the pan ther unexpectedly presented its left side she, with her last strength, plunged the knife into the panther, which jumped con vulsively and fell dead in the snow. SAME JOHN L. The Old Gladiator Moralizes a Little Bit — Would Live ths Same Life. Although John Lawrence Sullivan is one year the sunny side of 40 —in the very prime of manhood —he is called “The Old Gladiator.” “They all seem to like to dwell on my gray hairs,” mused the big fellow, as he sat in his dressing-room at the Fountain-Square Theater, and donned the mittens prior to his exhibition with Ed White. "They call me ‘old John.’ Well, perhaps I have crowded as much life into one year as most men can get into four. .And yet I suppose if had my life to live all over again, I’d be the same John L. Sullivan. I’s tried to live on ‘the level. I’ve been content to be what the world calls H-o-n-e-s-t, and If the wind-up should come tomorrow, I'd be satisfied with my epitaph.” The old champion will never fight again, but he still takes a lively interest In af fairs of Fistiana. "Sometimes.” said he, “I wonder why the people do not rise and turn the hose on the two big counterfeits who have been doing so much fighting lately through the newspapers.” Talking about the position of referee John L. advanced this idea: "The position of referee is a thankless one at best. I have been thinking that he should not be compelled when a knock-down has oc curred to make the count out loud. There are some fighters who like to enjoy a breather on the floor when they have the opportunity. If they didn’t know how much time they had left there would be less soldiering and more work in the ring.” •HEAD CROWNS. Latest spring styles. Phillips. MACON NEWS FRIDAY FEBRUARY x 8 1898. SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR HOSPITAL, Finance Committee Makes an Appeal to the Citizens of Macon. 18 PAV Off lint Eight Hundred Dollars Has Already Been Subscribed and the Names Will be Published. The finance committe of the Macon Hospital Association met this morning at the American National Bank. It was decided to at once make an ap peal to tbe people of Macon in behalf of the hospital and to call for subscriptions to pay off the balance of the mortgage due on the institution. Until this mortgage has been paid off the directors of the hospital decline to accept the offer made by Mr. Thomas Gresham and his sister, Mrs, Machen, of Baltimore, to erect a hospital building as a memorial to their father, the late Judge John J. Gresham, who was ont> of this city’s most honored citizens. The directors have not been tied down by any conditions whatsoever by Mr. Gresham, but they do not think that it would be right to spend the sum of $6,000 donated for the purpose of erecting the Gresham memorial on a property that is already mortgaged and in which the peo ple of Macon have so great an interest as they have in this hospital. The amount due upon the building is only $3,500. The only way in which this can be raised is by public subscription, and the amount should be easily forthcom ing from the people at large. Os this amount Mr. J. Dannenberg has subscribed SSOO and S3OO additional has been subscribed in three SIOO subscriptions made by Messrs. J. M. Johnson, AV. M. Johnson and S. R. Jaques. The finance committee has asked the newspapers to aid in this work of raising the amount due on the mortgage by public subscription and the News has gladly un dertaken the work. The committee gives notice that any one of its members will receive subscriptions to the fund and that they will acknowl edge them through the columns of the newspapers of the city. The members of lite finance committee are, S. R. Jaques, chairman, J. M. John son, W. M. Johnson, S. B. Price and Isaac Hardeman. Any one of these gentlemen will re ceive the subscriptions. The hospital has proved its usefulness in Macon and every one in the city is interested in its future. Tne sooner this arnont is paid off the sooner will the Gres ham memorial be built, and more room is badly needed at the hospital. The subscriptions will be taken in any amount, but those who can afford to give larger amounts are urgently asked not to hesitate, but to send in their names to tliecommittee at once. As these names are received they will be published and otherwise acknowledged. "There should be no hesitation about this matter," sa>d one of the directors this morning. “It will not look well for Macon to hesitate long about it, for it will look badly if we are- to go along slowly and the money is not forthcoming. “The hospital is one of our grandest in stitutions and we should give it the most ardent support.” Following is the list of subscribers so far: J. Dannenberg SSOO 00 J. Marsh Johnson 100 00 W. McEwen Johnson ’ 100 00 S. R. Jaques 100 00 Now who will be the next with a hun dred dollar subscription? A BIG SCHEME Undertaken by a Syndicate Headed by John Jacob Astor. New York, Feb. 18 —The greatest coli nization .scheme the world has ever seen was practically begun yesterday, whan. John Jacob Astor started for Honduras. With him are his cousin. Richard (Peters, his private secretary, Hawkins, Henry L. Sprague and Washington S. Valentino. The syndicate has already started national banking at Honduras, erected light houses, •established a revenue cutter service and begun extension of the Honduras railroad to the Pacific Ocean; has taken control of the custom houses under a guarantee to the government of $1,000,000 a year and cut already $1,600 a month of the old time smpggling gains. Astor will go to the capital, Tegucigalpa, to see President Bonilla. The new railroad has reached Great 'Coffee now, and there will be a colony formed there in which every man will have a chance for a fortune. Only men with families with some little money, with practical farming experience and with the best reputations will be taken. To them will be given concessions as to land, importation of implements, etc., and be yond a certain point financial aid will be given. Details of the colonization plan have not been perfected and will not be made public until after Astor’s return in March. A NEW COUNTERFEIT Os a $lO Bank Note, and is of Very Poor Workmanship. AA’ashingtcn, Feb. 18.—The secret ser vice has discovered a new counterfeit $lO national bank note. It is on the Hibernia National bank, of New Orleans, series of 18S2, cheek letter B, Rosecrans register, Nebeker treasurer. It is a photographic production of poor workmanship, printed on two pieces of paper, pasted together. Coloring is applied only in spots, and no attempt is made to imitate the silk threads to be found in the genuine. MORE MYSTERY. The Dead Millionaire’s Missing Daughter Has Been Seen. Boston, Mass., Feb. IS. —Grace Steven son, whose disappearance nearly a year ago, puzzled the detectives of the whole country, and of whom no trace has sincS ibeen found, despite the efforts put forth by her millionaire father, is reported to have been seen yesterday afternoon walk ing into the family mansion in Beacon street, Brooklyn, where the body of her father, who died at Old Point Comfort Sun day, laid in state. This is ®he positive statement made by neighbors, who say they very distinctly saw Grace Stevenson enter the front door. After a few moments’ wait at the door where the crepe hung, they saw the girl lower her head and weep. Then the door opened and the girl entered. In about half an hour she departed. Alexander Stevenson last night denied that Grace had been home, but the neigh bors insist that she was» INSANITY Will Be the Plea With Which Mr. Harris Will Go to the Governor. Mr. Marion Harris, attorney for Mrs. Noble., says that he will not make further attejg.pt in the courts of the state to save Mrs. Nobles from the gallows, as he sees no chance now to gain anything there, and the ease has already cost thousands of dol lars to those who have interested them selves in the behalf of th v old woman. Mr. Harris says that he will at once make an appeal to the governor, and that in this way the caso will be brought to a close at once. The decision of the United States su preme court pointed out the deficiency in the insanity laws of the state so ckany that Mr. Harris believes that rhe governor will be influenced to a great extent, as will also the pardoning board if the case should be referred to them. The .point upon which the case was ap pealed to the United States supreme court was that Mrs. Nobles hid 'been denied due process of law in not being permitted to have a trial before the courts for insanity. The only point upon which the courts re fused the application was that Mrs. Nobles ■had been duly sentenced before the plea of insanity had been entered. This sentence, •however, was placed upon Mrs. Ndbles be fore the attorneys who at present are in terested took charge of the case, and therefore they could not have entered the plea. Every record has gone to prove that there is a strong probability of the insan ity of the old woman, but this could have no bearing When 'the laws stated that after the sentence of death had been pronounced on a prisoner that the plea of insanity should not be considered. In other states where the laws of insanity have been given more attention, and are better per fected than 'those of Georgia, iMrs. Nobles would have had a hearing tor insanity, and would have been sent to the asylum, as she would have been had the courts permitted the decision of Ordinary 'Wiley io stand as legal. She was given a hearing before Ordinary Wiley, and he adjudged her insane, but *the court said that this was not legal, and this is the .point which has been contended since. Since the attorneys have so successfully prolonged the life of Mrs. 'Nobles, the ladies of the state who at firs interested themselves in her behalf have waited to see the final outcome before presenting a petition to the governor, and now, as the final chapter is drawing to a close, they will take up the work where they left off, and present a monster petition to the gov ernor. Now 'that the case has taken the turn that it has, the question of whether or not Mrs. Nobles is really insane will never be settled, as there will be no occasion to sub ject her to scientific examination on that score. SMALLPOX No New Cases Were Reported to the Board ot Health This Morning. Now new cases of smallpox were, report ed to 'the 'Board of Health this morning and the situation is apparently unchanged. Some suspicious cases were seen but none of them proved 'to smallpox. The county commissiionens report 'that the case in Vineville is improving and that they will move the patient this afternoon to a more isolated place after which 'the house and alley will be thoroughly fumi gated. INJUNCTION Was Granted and the County Commissioners Will Go It Alone. ■An injunction was filed against the city yesterday evening by J. A. Douglass and other citizens of South Macon in order ‘to put a quietus on ;t.he building of a pest house in the immediate vicinity of a num ber of citizens of South Macon. Judge Felton set the case for a hearing this morning at 10 o’clock. At the hour set a large number of the representative citizens of South Macon were present in the court house. Col. S. A. 'Reid represented Mr. Douglass and other plaintiffs. When the case was called no one appeared for the defendants, and Judge Felton granted a restraining order until next Thursday morning at 10 o’clock, afterwards changing the order somewhat, so as to allow the defendants to come into court prior to that time and answer or plead, at which time he would allow the ease advanced, 'thereby making the setting of the case somewhat indefinite. It is presumed, however, that 'the tim ber will be thoroughly dried before the pest house will be erected in South Macon judging from present appearances. After the case bad been decided the committee from the county commissioners met and decided to withdraw from the work in conjunction with the city of Ma ocn and to “go it alone.” They are not willing to wait until the case has been decided in the courts and this afternoon the committee went out to select another location. When 'this is done they will give the city the opportunity to go in with them in the building of the pest house at a new location and if the city refuses they will build the house at once independently. WHY DID THEY WED? Neither of the Young People Can Give a Reason for Getting Married. •New Brunswick, N. J., Feb. 18—Particu lars concerning the marriage of a young couple without so much of the spark of love has been made public here. The principals in this peculiar marriage are Miss Bertha A. Richards, aged 16, and William 'C. Robinson, aged 18. The young folks who are married and apparently do not seem to know just why they are married, have been acquainted for some little time. About a week ago some one suggested to Robinson that he ought to marry Miss Richards. The young man, without looking into the matter as to what his own feelings were, decided to do so. The girl was willing, and the nup tial knot was tied. After the marriage young Robinson took his bride to her home, and went to the home of his parents. However, he neglect ed to inform them of the fact that he was a benedict, and os the young woman also held her peace their parents -were in ig norance of the fact that there had been a wedding in their families. The marriage finally leaked out, and neither of the young couple can explain why they did it. The parents of the young man say that their son wil not be given the privilege of sheltering the young woman in their home. Bucklin’s Arnica Salve The best salve in the world for cuts, bruises, sores, ulcers, salt rheum, fever sores, tetter, chapped hands, chilblains, :orns, and all skin eruptions, and positive ly cures piles, or no pay required. It is gur nteed to give perfect satisfaction or money refunded. Price 25 cents per box. For sale by H. J. Lamar & Sons’ drug store. PHILLIPS’ $3 HATS Good as 'the ordinary ?4 kinds sold else where. You can talk to 10,000 every day through the columns of The News. BLOUNT AND TAM TALK. Georgia’s Ex-Congressman and Tennessee’s Governor Express Opinion OH MAINE DISASTER They Think That no Casus Belli has Been Made Out and that Peo ple Should Wait. Ex-Congressman James 11. Blount was inclined to balk talk to The News on the subject of the Maine disaster and the con sequences this morning. He does not seem to think that there is the slighest prob ability of war with Spain and says that while the whole civilized world deplores the awful ceurrence there is no well belanced mind that could believe that the Spanish government is any sense respon sible for the explosion on the Maine. “Why,’ at ..Id, “if the explosion on the Maine was known to the Spanish author ities in Havana or in Madrid and if it was the result of a Spanish plot 'that country would be execrated by every European nation and would be ruined. Os course this is known to the Spanish government. “If the explosion was .the work of some crazy fanatic surely we cannot hold Spain responsible as a government and as a country and declare war. Even if it is proven that the Maine was blown up by a Spaniard that is not a casus belli unless it is shown that it was done w r ith the knowledge of the represenabtives of the government in Havana. “I do not think that 'there is a probabil ity of war with Spain, and I do not think that it is good politics at a .time like this to inflame the public mind and abuse the president of the United States, who does not agree with us in politics, because he does net declare war unless w r e have 'the very best proof that he ought to do so and in this case such proof is not forthcoming ■as yet. The president is the head of the nation, whatever his politics, and he is now placed in the po-sition of standing as a guard against the inflammatory element that would plunge this country into a war with Cuba whether it is the proper thing to do or not. “We people of the South ought not to forget 'that conservatism for which the South has been noted. We should not fol low the lead of the Ne w Em gl anders who cry for war simply to give employment to the unemployed. So far no casus belli has been made out against Spain and un til such cause is shown to exist we should stand with the conservative element of 'the country which will at all times uphold its dignity and its reputation for good sense. “The Spanish government cannot surely have connived at this awful occurrence. The mind cannot conceive such a thing. They are human beings like ourselves and with the balance of the world they can not but deplore the explosion on the Maine. If otherwise and the Spanish gov ernment was cognizant of a plot or acted in bad faith with 'this country then if this be shown the conditions might be differ ent. GOVERNOR TAYLOR Was in the City This Morn : ng and Talked About the Maine. Governor Bob Taylor, of Tennessee, passed through the city'this morning en route to Americus, where he will deliver a lecture tonight. Governor Taylor was met at the train by a large number of his friends and old schoolmates, and he was pressed to stop over in Macon, and he said that he might do so on his return. Governor Taylor says that he does not believe there will ever be any clash be tween the 'United States and Spain on ac count of the Maine disaster as there is no way of proving that the government had any connection whatever with the incident even were it proved that a torpedo had been exploded under the ship. ‘lf it were found that the explosion was the result of Spanish treachery, I do not see how the United States goverinment could declare war agains t Spain wthen that government has emphatically denied that she knew’ nothing of the cause of the ac cident, and expresses the deepest sym pathy. Though these expressions of sym pathy may be false we cannot afford to treat 'them lightly. The government, in my opinion, has acted very wisely in treat ing with the differences between Cuba and Spain.” Governor Taylor said he had .not made up his mind as to whether the incident was the result of Spanish treachery or not, as there have been so many theories ad vanced, and so many conflicting reports. He added, however, that the surrounding circumstances, as so far reported, would lead one to believe that such were the case. “I am not in favor of a war,” he con tinued, “unless it can be proven beyond a doubt that the Spanish government had something to do with the blowing up of the Maine, and I think the care that is being taken by the government to avoid making a mistake by hasty .action is most wise, and can but appeal to the cool headed citizen.” Governor Taylor said that many Ten nesseeans, he understood, were anxious for war, “But I do not think it was any of the people who have ever engaged in war are advocating the idea.” BETTER LANGUAGE To be Used on the Baseball Diamond Next Season. The outlook is good for a lively time at the National League spring meeting to be held at the Lindell Hotel in St. Louis, commencing February 28, over the ques tion of adopting either the Brush resolu tion, intending to promote the use of a better grade of languge for the ball play ers or the adoption of the report of the Rules Committee, which practically em braces the purpose of the Brush resolu tion. Manager Hanlon, a member of the Rules Commitee, is opposed to the draft pro posed as a report to the League. “The future of the game depends more upon the action of the League than most of the magnates seem to realize,” says Mr. Brush; “and if anything disagreeable should follow the opposition to a needed reform, the results will fall upon the shoulders which Should carry the respon sibility.” Dannenberg has placed all remnants of colored wool goods on first counter and has marked them at less than half cost. The beet time to advertise is all the time, NIGHT TRAINS. There is Some Talk of Putting Them on the Southeastern. It is possible that the night trains that were .aken off the Southwestern railway some years ago between here and Mont gomery will be put back on. The officers of the road have the matter under advise ment. The train that now leaves Macon at 7:25 p. m. ana goes to Albany, formerly went turough to- Montgomery, but now the train turns off at Smithville and goes on down to Albany. When the Southwestern road was built a contract was made with Eufaula that two trains should be run daily between that point and Montgomery. The road has kept this contract, running a night passen ger train from Montgomery to Eufaula, where it stops. This leaves about sixty miles of the best paying section ot the di vision without a night train, and ever since it has been taken off people living along the line have been complaining, and have repeatedly asked that the night trains be put back. The management has found that there is very little .reduction in ex penses in taking the train off, as now they use 'two trains where formerly one was only in use to make the trip. Vice 'President Egan was in the city yes terday, at d a News reporter asked him if there was any probability of the train be ing pvt on again. Mr. Egan said that he could not state definitely, but intimated that the matter had been considered, and was favored. Residents in the towns all along the road between here .and Montgomery will be glad to hear that the train will be put back, for now the trains run so that it is useless for them to start on a trip at night, for they cannot get through. The sixty mile gap stops travel from both ways. inTmericus The State Y. M. C. A. Will Hold Its Next Meeting. 'The next annual convention of the Young Men's Christian Association will be held in Americus. The state executive committee has accepted the invitation of the association at Americus and delegates from every association in the state will gather there and be in convention from March 17th to the 20th. This will be a large gathering and is increasing each year. Delegates from every association in the state will be pres ent and make reports on the work of the association they represent as to the work accomplished during the past year. It is expected that these reports will show’ a fine record and a great improve ment in the associations all over the state. A program of unusual interest is being arranged and many prominent speakers will be present 'to 'address the convention. It is said 'that more interest is being manifested in the movement than any previous one and the prospects are bright for a most successful convention. The railroads have offered reduced rates and this will have a great tendency to increase the attendance. The executive committee has sent out the following announcement: "A few’ reasons why you should attend: “1. To learn more of the Important work being done for the young men in the cities, towns and colleges of Georgia. “2. By being present I will lend my in fluence to the furtherance of this work. “3. By learning more of the work. I will be better equipped for work in my own field. “4. A few days’ personal fellowship with the leading Christian men of my state will inspire me to greater Christian effort. “5. Contact with some of the leading spirits in Young Men’s Christian Associa tion work will broaden my vision of the possibilities in this branch of the Master’s service. “6. By being present myself it may in duce some others to attend. By attending regularly the sessions of this convention, I may expect much spiritual help and blessing. "All delegates will be entertained free. Reduced rates have been secured at the hotels for those desiring to entertain themselves. Many prominent association workers will be present. A strong practi cal program has been arranged. “For any further information write S. Waters McGill, state secretary, Atlanta.” UNION RALLY Os the Epwo-th Leagues of the City to Be Held Tonight in East Macon. The big union rally of the Epworth Leagues of the city will be 'held at the East Macon Baptist church tonight, and a large number of leaguers will be present. Cars will be run, so that those who want to go over from the city will have every convenience. Rev. W. W. Pinson, Hon. Walter B. Hill, and Mr. J. L. Gerdine will deliver ad dresses on different subjects appertaining to the league. Mr. W. B. King, chairman of the com mittee appointed to arrange homes for the delegates will also make an interesting talk. Pains in the Chest. Until I began the use of ‘Cheney’s Ex pectorant I suffered frequently at night with difficult breathing and .pains in the chest. I am now entirely well, and a stout believer in your medicine. Rev. Goodman Huges, Dahlonega, Ga. Ladies, attend Dannen berg’s great embroidery sale. The most sensational prices ever offered in Macon The Half is Not Told. Prudent buyers come here almost daily. They know we cannot print half the news —they know that lots of “very special goods” come and go before we can even get a chance to print their story. Today we show a line of nobby top coats, bought from a maker who got frightened by the persistent warm weather and slow business in con sequence. They come in Kerseys, Meltons and Coverts. $7-50, $lO, sl2, sls. CHEAP MONEY. per cent, and 7 per cent, oney now ready for loans on Macon residence and business property. 8 per cent, money for farm loans. Over $5,000,001. successfully negotiated in Georgia alone. Loans made can be paid off at any time. We are head quarters. O. A. Coleman, Gen. Man., 356 Second street, Macon, Ga. PRICE TWO CENTS BENJAMIN L, WILLINGHAM. Sudden Death of One of Ma con’s Most Respected and Honored Men. AFTER SIXTY-EIGHT V EARS He Was Called to His Long Home With But Little Warning—But Was, Above All, Prepared. The death of Mr. Ben. L. Willingham, which occurred last night at 8:30 o’clock at his home on Orange street, was a shock to the whole* community. The shock came with double force, be cause of the terrible suddenness of the death of one of the most prominent men and one of the best that Georgia has ever known. Mr. Willingham was at his place of bus hiness yesterday, and yesterday afternoon those who saw him in the city say that he appeared to be in the best of health. He was 'at the warehouse in the morning and in the afternoon he drove down lor the purpose of seeing if there was any thing that needed his attention. On his return home be' complained o’ not feeling very well, but did not seem to attach any importance to it, and his family thought hat it was merely a pass ing indisposition. Shortly after supper, while sitting in his chair talking to his wife and son Paul, his head fell forward on his chest a id he collapsed in his chair. His son asked him what was the matter and his reply was incoherent. When Mr. Paul Willing ham hastened to his father’s assistance Mr. Willingham said that he could walk, but he effort was 100 much and he fell to the floor. Drs. Moore and Hall were summoned, but they were unable to do anything, and about half an hour after the first attack death came. Mr. Willingham did not recover con sciousness from the time that he fell in the sitting room. Those members of the family who could be called in time were by the bedside when the end came Some two or three years ago Mr. Wil lingham had a serious illness ana at the time it was feared that he would not be able to rally, but he was a man of au iron constitution and after a short rest he seemed to have recovered altogether and for the last year or two he has bem continually active in his business. He was sixty-eight years of age at the time of his death, but was a remarkably well preserved man and looked several years younger. Benjamin Lawton Willingham was born in Barnwell county, Soutn Carolina, in the year 1830. He came of a well known and prominent family. He was formerly a large and prosperous planter in Carolina and conducted a steam boat business on the Savannah river. Ho came to Macon to live nearly thirty years ago and during all this time has conduct ed a large and prosperous cotton ware house and planters’ supplies business. His name is a household word throughout middle Georgia, while he was well known in all parts of the state. For many years his son, Mr. Calder B. Willingham, has been asociated in the warehouse business with him. Several of his sons are engaged in different kinds of leading businesses in the city and their names are seen in many prosperous com mercial firms. Colonel Willingham had a remarkable business talent and intellect and accu mulated a fortune, a great deal of which is in real estate. He always had an abid ing and abounding faith in Macon's pros perity and development and his invest ments have always resulted well. He was public spirited and much given to charity and was a prominent figure in the Baptist church circles and work. He was a deacon in the First Baptist church of Macon and for long years had been an active and zealous trustee of Mercer Univeislty and was a leading member of he prudential committee of the Board of Trustees. He *’a<l freouent'ly been a delegate to the Baptist annual conventions. voionci Willingham was of a genial and sunny nature. His heart was warm and his spirits always animated and enthusi astic. Colonel Willingham was the father of seventeen children, thirteen of whom aro alive, nine sons and four daughters. His sons are: T. H. Willingham, C. B. Willingham, R. J. Willingham, O. P. Willingham, E. J. Willingham, B. E. Willingham, P. D. Willingham, E. P. Willingham, B. B. Wil lingham. All of these sons, with the ex ception of T ,H. Willingham, of Houston county, and Robert J. Willingham, of Richmond, Va., reside in Macon. Robert J. is Missionary secretary of the Baptist church. The nine sons are fine specimens of physical manhood and upright and manly character. His daughters are: Mrs. R. J. Lawton, Mrs. W. S. Payne, Mrs. W. T. Johnson, of Macon, and Mrs. Malone. Besides his children and numerous grandchildren, he also had great grand children. A daughter of Mr. T. H. Willing ham, of Houston county, was married yesterday. Colonel Willingham was married twice. His first wife, Miss Bainerd, of South Carolina, died some years ago. His second wife survives him. The funeral services will be held tomor row morning from the First Baptist church. The nine sons of the diseased will act as pallbearers. Rev. J. L. White of the First Baptist church will officiate and Mrs. Stallings will sing a beautiful selection. The interment will be at Rose Hill cem etery. You can talk to 10,000 every day through the columns of The News.