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, established jsso. i ' J H. E6TILL, Editor and Proprietor, j THE RAILROADS’ RIGHTS. THE RICHMOND AND ALLEGHANY REFUSED EXEMPTION. A Plain Statement That the Fourth Clause Will Be Enforced Where No Good Cause Exists for a Suspension- The Railroads Told Not to Bo Hypo critically Afraid of the Alleged Terri ble Penalties Held Over Them by the Law. Washington, Arril 18.—The following reply, in substance, has been sent to sev eral'railroad companies which have ap plied tor relief from the short haul pro vision of the law without making, in the opinion of the commission, a satisfactory showing of facts to support even temporary orders: To Deealvr Axled. /.*).. Keeeiyer, Kte.: [)E*n Kir Yon have filed with this ooinvms non a petition to have the Richmond and AUe rhanv railroad ••included among ih railroads •ntitled to claim exemption,'’ which may be authorized under the fourth section of the act under w hich this commission is formed. The petition is not verified, and if it were otherwise sufficient it would be necessary to return it for that important formality, but in substance, slso the petit inn is dearly defective. |t does not set forth facts sufficient for the purposes of an intelligent .judgment upon the situation. The la" under which we are working lays down a general rule which is presumptively just and Which must he applied in all oases unless facts are .hown which make h particular case clearly exceptional. These should be show nby the petition which is presented for relief, a nil file commission, before it can grant relief, must satisfy itself on investigation that the facts are as stated and that they t ender Use ordinary op eration of the law oppressive to an extent that warrants an exception being made in the petitioner’s favor. AVe do not think • vou make such a raff bv tout petition. Its statnvhts are very brief and general, and are quite as much expressions ot opinions s statements of fact, The prayer of the petition is also too broad. You ask that the, operation of the iaw be suspended generally as to your road, but the commission does not grant general suspension to any road, but gives relief only ns to traffic hetweon specified points. Per these reasons no order is made on your pc ’ntion Very respectfully, T. 'I. (,‘oousy, Chairman. AN FXPRKSS COMPANY ACQUIESCES. Express companies having raised a ques tion as to whether they were subject to the operations of the interstate law, the com mission made a t itling that it, would hold in the affirmative, but would give a hearing to any company wishing to contest the point. The Canadian Express Company, in re sponse to whose inquiry ihis ruling was made, has notified the commission that it is carrying out the provisions of the inter state commerce law. and forwards a copy of its general tariff from offices in the United States. In reply to Bishop Knickerbocker, of In dianapolis. who inquired as to the right of | a railroad to transport missionaries at re i riuced rates, the commission writes that it has no power in the premises. ’'There js no doubt," Judge Cooley adds, “of the right of a railroad to grant special j privileges to religious teachers, and in de ciding in good taith what they will do they can scarcely bo said to incur the risk of I penalties. The penalties are for willful violation of the law, and not for errors of judgment." Replies of similar purport have been made 1" inquiries with respect to transporting persons as acts of charity. To an inquiry In regard to the Institution of suits by District Attorneys, the Commis sion writes: “In deciding upon the institu tion of suits the United States District At torney must act upon his own judgment.” THE MOST IMPORTANT YET. The follow ing embodies by far the most important action yet taken by the commis hon: "The immediate mattei-s selected to which to append the opinions of the com mission only affect the interests of limited classes, but, the opinions themselves cover, in important respects, the interpretation of the interstate law and determinations re sifting the extent of the power with which the commission deems itself charged, and as is proven hy the immense corres pondence of the commission, arc of interest to almost every branch of trade or com merce in the land. An application in writ ing has been made to the commission for its answer to the following questions pro pounded on behalf of the Order of Railway Conductors: J. Are railway companies prohibited troni issuing free transportation to the iin- I mediate families of the employes of their I own railways! I , ■• le railway companies prohibited I ,SM, ' n K free or reduced transportation ■ jo officers of associations r<unposi*d exclusive- I iv of railway employes while those officers I *'* temporarily out of the railway service I employed by those assoeia i May railway companies issue passes to I ,f, ve< of oilier railways on application the employer, and must suc h application I ~v"i u 1” HU officer of the company by I thich he is employed; J I : ,'• M'tv railway companies Issue free or I tiu. ll< ''"i 1 r,lus poiTat ion to those who make I av mrvice their business or trade J 1 p ••mpprarily out. of employment and I itjearch of situations; I h.,.' rail "'ay eompanies provide free I . , n U >nrta f |o| L lor delegates to annual con- I -, Hn ass °ciatro n composed exciu- I fmn. s?i ra “ wa .Y employes upon certificates I ui/k 'if the association that they arc ■ representatives: I to n, B’ansportation may l>c furnished I , ’ ! e l! 1, ' s< ' ,| L a tives described in question I uni". 8 representatives be actually I nirm.i < nl i ,J °f some railway, or may it I ef . i those who maybe teiujximrily out li , ov luout aud those tenqmrarily en- I ni, .if . otl . lol ' employments us officers of I . “ “ssocintionsf I tea’, If f re (> transportation is provided for I iii. |.„i , ' Eat, “ s r'bvfrilieci jn question 5. may it I ' ls of the immediate fanii- I “sortin'delegates! I li* I’,, 'l' 1 " transportation or reduced rates I tv,vi„’i i l lOl lor representatives of any one I i110t1,,.," 11 ' !’! u r ! f uc same lie extendisl to I oi la'll,' ' Vllc , U|, r composed exclusively I "ulway employes on application! I 1,, BAGGAGE ok drummers. I m J lrl * * r application has born made to t lie I Tiuv IwJ''!-"!’ of the radars’ and I trtij..|, * 111,111 stating Ihe system under I k U - , i ab'liticmal allovwuiee of free b£j- I I ‘O * v 1 n heretofore carried by coin - I taut l - ttv ‘ , l*Ts. subject, to a written agree- Ii legs try and indamnlflcaiioti. I " u '"> tliu . ommhwion is requested Ii,„;.T 11 carefully anil advise us it there I ►Mina ♦ w *jy rwilrott.l <*<>rui>nny, de- I ... ■• m. should not, enter intosijcii an I tac ,‘‘r ' I 1 "',, Ki-ant under suited terms on ■ n „ 1 albiwanwof five luggage, I '' I" m presentedTiy highly I tic,,, •'•’woomtlons and ruining cities Is:,. bunioimte practical inqsirtancc, I •‘•■liLr J "e 4 * * ,Vw * "f 11 lalg " number of ’ t:„ "Lbis'itKMis Whlc-ll have Iss-n made | I„ , ' ,|||, iu-. 'on lor its construcUoti of i i.,|' 1 '"••' ‘ I ‘the oi-t i., regiilrto ,enn *1 „ |L " “I'l'Hwl Io will'll, i-iiiil.. at '*•< ’I i! *' t -I, 'iiol Don'll ensDHIIs of the „ < M * , ‘> haie heoti malhclsm.pli L A,j' • '"j 1 ’ 111. ::c-lerel . luo Hrtef of 'run, ' ' y*f ■■‘uuiii.s.jiMi i . out) >uoei* ,c p, welch R hes It* jurisd.etio.c hi, I "*'**lll i “ iiw lenoi o| I !•*v . 1 u Uon * lhre. ell: It leach u* itv * ""fi. tliat Hi* Imi„. , . "AT I, prevalent that this commission has power to constre,u interpret and apply the law by preliminary judgment, tveare continually appealed to tor decisions in advance as to whether common carriers said to be willing to adopt certain methods of dealing with re spect to interstate commerce can do so with out subjecting themselves to penalties an nounced by the statute for violating its pro visions. NOT IN ITS JURISDICTION. “Cureful reading of the ‘Act to regulate commerce,’ under which this commission is organized, will show to the petitioners and others who have made similar applications that uo jurisdiction has been given us to answer questions like those under considera tion. An expression of our opinion upon these subjects at this time, being neither a duty imposed nor a power conferred by statute, would carry with it no judical effi cacy or sanction! in fact would be no more useful to the public or carriers than the opinion of other men upon the same points. Two sections of the law confer power upon the commission to entertain and decide ap plications and petitions. Section 4 empowers us uporr application by a common carrier to authorize such common carrier in special cases to charge less for longer than for shorter distances over the same line, and also to prescribe the extent of relief from the operation of the former part of the same section, which a designated common car rier may from time to time enjoy. A large number of petitions have been filed under this section, consideration of which is at this time engaging the attention of the commission, and nothing said in this opin ion is to be treated as in any manner bear ing thereon. It is obvious that applica tions like those of the railroad conductors and Travelers and Traders’ Union have no relation whatever to the duties imposed upon us by section 4. and this is thp only section of the law which the commission has power to suspend and relax. SECTION 13. “Section 1" authorizes complaints to the commission, and confers jurisdiction to en tertain the same. It provides that any per son, etc. “complaining of anything done or omitted to be done by any common carrier, subject to the provisions of this act, in contravention of the provisions thereof may apply to said commission by petition, which shall briefly state the facts;" notice and, op portunity for answer having been given un less satisfaction is made an investigation is required. Upon such an invest igation the commission will necessarily entertain con sideration of the question whether the con duct complained is or is not in contraven tion of the provisions of the law; and if it so adjudges it is authorized to issue, not ice enjoining the carrier from further violation of the law, and to award reparation for in jury done, or both. But neither the railway conductors nor the Traders’ and Travelers’ Union complain that any com mon carrier has violated the law. On the contrary, they both aver that the railroad companies do not now violate the law and do not wish to do so. The conductors say that they fear they will not receive passes as heretofore; and the traders and travelers say that they fear commercial travelers will not be allowed free transportation for 150 pounds of extra baggage, as was allowed last year. They present no complaint of anything done or omitted in contravention of the provisions of the law. If a railroad company should issue a pass to a conductor and his' family to attend an approaching convention, or should transport :!00 pounds of baggage free for a commercial traveler under the registry and indemnity system, and some person feeling aggrieved should make a complaint of unjust discrimi nation. it would then be proper for the commission to entertain the question of whet her such conduct was or w as not in vio lation of the law, and if so. whether it was within the exceptions stated within sec tion 22. “Complaints may also be presented if charges made bv carriers are not considered reasonable and just. But until questions of this kind come before us in the way clearly indicated by the statute, it would be worse than uselWs for us to express an opinion. "We'should not only iay ourselves justly open to the charge of assuming unwar ranted authority, but should also ran great risk of involving all concerned in what the courts might afterwards hold to tie breaches of the law by hasty and ill-con sidered conclusions based upon ex parte state ments. although it might be desirable or convenient in respect to any piece of new legislation to have a tribunal established to which inquirers might apply for instruc tions respecting the meaning of the law and its application to suggested circumstances and conditions. A moment’s reflection will show that no such tribunal could be proper ly erected. <Congress has not taken the man agement of the railroads out of the hands of the railroad companies. It has simply es tablished certain principles under which in tarstate commerce must be conducted. THE t.AW IN A NUTSHELL. “It has teen enacted in section 1 that all charges for intestate transportation‘shall be reasonable and just ;’ has prohibited in section 3 all manner of unjust discrimina tion; has forbidden in section 3 all undue and unreasonable preferences and advant ages; has required in the same section rea sonable and equal facilities for interchange of traffic, and has prohibited in sections pooling of freights. That, iu substance, is the interstate commerce law. There is noth ing novel in these provisions. They simply bring back the business of common carriers to well settled principles of common law. Yet no one can deny that, there was urgent need of their statutory formula tion. The ulleged difficulties in putting them in operation only disclose examples of the extent to which they have been violated in the past. These sections of the act are expressed in plain words. Construction must!' given them, in the first instance, by the curriers and their patrons. When a course of; conduct has been adopted of which complaint is male that it \ u Antes the law, decision of the question will rest with the courts or with the commission as the complaining party may elect. This is the orderly method in "which nil legislation is admit lisp re i and applied, and the statuto in question presents no exception. A RAP AT TIIE ROADS. “One more suggestion may properly Ito added. It, appears from numerous jietitinua laid be; ire us. many of them obviously upon the suggestion if not by the procurement of carriers themselves, tliut common comment on the law by the curriers a,| d those who have heretofore enjoyed special favors <lc ficribes tba system of penalties which the law provides as extreme and the risk iuiliOMKt upon unintentional violators of its provisions os enormous, hueh comments are neither fair nm-jus). It is tuts that sotion * pro vfil.*, that for % filiations of the law and for failure to do an act which the law requires, the offending carrier shall lie liable to the injured party fur ic-tual damages sustained. It is also true that sec tion 10 impose* a tine of not U> exceed f’l.noo iq* si carriers and t heir officer*, agents an I servant .who willfully do or cause in Is* done, nr willingly suiter to be done any profit lfitnd art. '-tc., iiiv ai conviction in a district court of t)ie United huts, 'The civil riaiusiy dwrilssl in section aadds.au attorneys (Vo t/i f‘i esufiiug common law right iif any mjii.wfi party to i cover I tie ani'Miiif of duin a < oitdltasi 'if ail's m which i ami": ni'-atiy alas in u/rporatPaH disjswd l/> fail d'-ainy While t Ur ct inonaJ i fin'd v iAp fiaisij jatrialos in iiifeotfiitial violators, ami as IU lh>-*a caass U> hr gradu SAVANNAH, GA., TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1887. atod by the court according to the enormity of the offense, good faith exhibited in an honest effort to carry out the requirements of the law will involve reasonable and fair minded officials in no danger of damages. ELASTICITY OK THE LAW. “The elasticity of the statute in their favor is noticeable. The unjust discrimi nation of section 2 must be ‘in like and con temporaneous service, in the transportation of a like kind of traffic, under substantially similar circumstances and conditions.’ The preference or advantage of section 3 must be ’undue or unreasonable.’ Throughout the act, as it now stands in confessedly ex perimental form, there is exhibited ail ob vious and generous purpose to allow the railroads ample scope in the conduct of their business as common carriers for the people and fair consideration of every reasonable claim, while insisting upon just, open and consistent rates of charge, to which every citizen shall be sub ject alike whose situation is the same. Surely the people could not ask for less. The language and tenor of the act wholly fail to justify the railroads’ managers, it any such there be. to refuse to accept responsibili ties, decline to offer rates, neglect to an nounce the conditions of traffic, embarrass the interchange of business and impose stagnation upon trade, while they ‘stick in the bark’ of phrases and expressions of law inventing doubts. CO-OPERATION URGED. “It is still more unjustifiable for the rail road companies to make use of the general clauses of the law. ignoring its modifying words and formulas, dr even to impose ad ditional burdens upon localities, trades, pro fessions. manufacturers, consumers, classes of travelers or employes, straining and re pressing every construction in favor of the corporate treasury, and quoting the new law as their authority for all manner of petty exactions. The powers of the Com missioners are entirely inadequate to cope with such conduct, the existence of which is not affirmed although it has been pub licly suggested. The same statute which enacts that charges lor hko service shall be uniform to a!i also provides that charges in every case and for every kind and class of service shall he reasonable and just. As the law is practically applied it is seen to contain many elements of advantage to the economical and profitable management of the business of carriers, which they have not been slow to apprehend and take the benefit, of. The commission ventures to ex press the hone that with this explanation respecting the mutual functions of the car tiers and Commissioners in carrying the law into effect according to its true extent, there will be no lack of good faith and active co-operation in continuing the normal activity of every kind of reputable industry and traffic, under favorable, fair and rea sonahle terms, conceding frankly to the people all rights, benefits, advantages and equal privileges which ‘the act to regulate commerce’ was intended to secure." PICKED UP AT SEA. The Schooner George'S. Marts Blown Up and Burned. New York, April 18.—The steamer Bene factor, from Wilmington, which arrived to-day, reports that on April Iff, at 12:30 o'clock in the afternoon, off Cape Hatteras. bearing west by north, she picked npn yawl with C’apt. Henderson and four men, being part of the crew of the three-masted schooner George S. Marts, from Baltimore for Charleston with a general cargo, she having been from some unknown cause blown up and took fire at 3 o’clock that morning, killing the first mate and one sea man. Those rescued lost everything except what they had on. One was badly burned about the face. LEFT TO THEIR FATE. No Longer Any Hope of Rescuing the Imprisoned Miners. Pittsburg, Pa., April 18. —The fire at the Davidson mines is still burning and all hope of rescuing the three imprisoned miners lias lieen abandoned. The mines have been sealed up to smother the flames. Fatal Flames. Seven-Mile Ford, Va„ April 18.—The house of a man named Brown, near here, was destroyed by fire last night, in which his two daughters, aged 1!) ami 21, were burned to death, and three other persons were so badly injured that they cannoi sur vive. The fire was caused by defective flues. BURNING OF A BOX FACTORY. Wheeling, W. Va„ April 18—At 1 o’clock this morning the box and bung fac tory of Hale & Statnaker, on South street, was almost entirely burned. Ttie part de stroyed contained nearly all the valuable machinery. The, lo.ss is estimated at, 820,- 000. The property is insured for 811,000. The fire is said to have been of an incendiary origin. A TOWN NEARLY WIPED OUT. Louisville, Ky., April is.—The busi ness portion of North Middletown, Ky., was almost totally burned yesterday. The loss is 830,000. Rain and Snow. Washington, April 18. —A heavy rain here today prevented the Emancipation day parade of the colored people. The rain also prevented bast* ball at Bal timore and Philadelphia. Know at New York and Brooklyn had a similar effect. Ten inches of snow fell in the coal regions of Pennsylvania. GENERAL IN THE WEST. Rt. Louis, April 18.—A copious rain fell here all day yesterday and most of last night, and this morning there was a brisk snow. Dispatches from numerous places state that rain lias fallen generally in Mis souri, Kunsas, Idaho, Indian Territory's Central and Houtheni Illinois and in a large ]jurt of Texas. A Lost Bill Railroaded Through. Dover. Del., April 18.—It was discov ered to-day that the bill for the suppression of iiolicy gambling which had puxsed both llniisert, been signed by the President of the Senate, and .only awaited the signature of the Hi leaker, laid disappeared. There K ground for the sup) s wit ion that it was stolen from the Clerk’s (jc.-.k Thursday. A dupli cate bill was nt once introduced and rail roaded through the House and Senate. A Land Grant’s Validity Sustained. Washington, April is.—' The United States Supreme Court to-duy sustained the validity ot tiie Maxwell land grant, on old Mexican grunt covering 1.T0u.000 acres in New Mexico and Colorado. The |:Ment owners are the bondholders of the Dutch luntd Conquiiiy. Timber Depredations. Washington, A lull la.. Timlier Agent Comisr, offKior ids, luie reported to tin ilpii rrat Ictinl 1 Iffi, <• itub • lumber firm ilirt- bs* , uc! Li from govern 11l TAIiNEI.I.’S RKITTATION. THE LETTER DECLARED A VILE FACED FORGERY. Even tho Signature in the Fac Simile Not Made from a Genuine Autograph —The Healy Incident Gives Rise to Additional Sensational Passages Sir Samuelson’s Motion of Inexpediency Defeated by 101 Ballots Second Reading of the Bill Voted. London, April 18. —A five-line whip pub lished to-day, urged the ('onservatives to attend tho meeting of the House of Com mons to-night so as to tie on hand to vote for the second reading of the Irish crimes act amendment bill. The member sliegati to to troop into the bouse at an unusually early hour to-day in prder to secure seats, t he be lief being that; another scene similar to that of Friday night would occur during the evening session. The alleged letter of Mr. Parnell, supposed to have Been addressed to Mr. Eagan rein five to the Phoenix Park murders, which the Times published this morning, lias caused immense excitement among all parties. PARNELUTE suspicions. In an interview to-dav Mr. Clancy, Par nellite member for Dublin county, branded the letter as an infamous concoction, and de clared that, it boars internal evidence of forgery. He said also that suspicion was al ready directed against a certain person as the forger. An Irish member of Parlia ment departed for Dahlia this qjorning to compare the handwriting in the letter at tributed to Mr. Purnell with that of the person suspected. Tho ■Globe commenting on the letter says: “Until the horrible accusation that Mr. Parnell wrote tlio letter is proved we shall discredit it." The Pall Mall Gazette guys: “Until the authenticity of the lette" shall lip aVisolut'ely proved there will be no need to discuss its contents." The St. -lames Gazelle sa\: “The letter is so grave a document that it will not do to regard it as genuine until Mr. Parnell shall ho heal’d from concerning it." The lobby of the House was crowded this afternoon with members eagerly discussing the alleged Parnell letter. The Irish mem bers indignant ly declared it to lie a forgery. The sensation produced; lias been so great that a specially large edition issued to meet the expected demand proved insufficient. The Times exposed special bulletins calling attention to tho letter and sent extra sup plies to railway news agents and to the bookstalls. A TRICK TO BLANDER. The Parnellites all declare the Times' let ter an invention to publicly slander the leader of the home rule party. They Say even on the low ground of expedieney Mr. Parnell would be the last man in the world to write a letter containing such damning admissions. The fact that the signature is the only part of the letter in Mr. Par null's writing is, by itself, the home rulers argue, proof that the whole thine isa fraud, as. according to them, while it would be difficult to obtain fmougli specimens of Mr. Parnell’s handwriting to enable a forger to imitate it to the extent necessary to successfully palm off the whole letter, l’t is not at all difficult to obtain his signature. Mr. Parnell, the agent, of the Associated Press is authorized to state, will categori cally deny that he wrote the letter. Mr. Parnell will make this denial in the House of Commons. The editor of the Times will lie called to the bar of the House to explain its authorship. PARNELL POINTS OUT THE DIFFERENCES. In an interview to-dav Mr. Parnell pointed out that although at first sight some of the letters in the Times' far- si id He printed this morning appeared to resemble tiis autograph, a close comparison shows a decided and striking difference in many im portant parts. Mr. Parnell said the letter and signature were impudent forgeries, and that no strongly suspected the identity of the forger. lie was undecided whether to prosecute the Times or not. COL. KING HARMON’S APPEARANCE. In the House of Commons to-day Col. King Harmon, the new Parliamentary Under Secretary for Ireland, for the first time answered interrogatories respecting Irish affairs. Upon rising he was greeted with cheers by the government supporters and groans and derisive cries by the Par nellites. Mr. Sexton asked whether the government would consent to rescind the suspension of Mr. Healy. IV. 11. Smith, First Lord of the Treasury, replied for the government that the duty that, they had to discharge on Friday night was most disagreeable. The government ware sorry they were forced to ask that Mr. Healy lie named for transgressing the orders of tlie House, it would lie utterly out of Ihe question when no apology had been given for this breach of decorum to rescind the suspension. No motion that might lie made could lie enter tained without the general concurrence of the House. Mr. Sexton inquired if it was competent for him to move the rescinding of Mr. Healy’s suspension. The Speaker replied that no motion could lie made unless it appeared on the pa[)ers of the House. Mr. Sexton then moved that Healy be heard. NO HEARING FOR HEALY. The Speaker declared that that could not be done. Mr. Sexton asked Maj. Saunderson to withdraw his assertions, which had exß*]ierated him into making tho re ponses. Maj. Saunderson remaining silent. Mr. Gladstone put to him the direct question, whether he was prepared to render the House any assistance by the withdrawal of his assertions. The Conservatives cried “No,” “Don't.” Maj. Saumlenion then arose and said he had never alluded to Mr. Healy directly or indirectly. [Cries of “Hear!" “Hour!"] ~l'hei matter was then dropped. Subsequently Mr. Sexton, resuming the debate on the Irish crimes act, amendment bill. Huid that Maj. Saunderson had charged him with direct complicity in tho crime. If the accusation were well founded, why did the Irish Viceroy nffinove his present appointment.: His name as a member of to league had bum linked with that of Sheridan. AIMED AT KINO-HARMOX. Did Maj. Saunderson in pointing to him (Sexton) menu, in reality, to i mliarra** Col King Harmon, against whom the Major Iwd ivrrlltly UlWUoeiKsfully dim is tod for the new government offire f f’lW ncllite clieersl; for Sli, ,'niuu uud Col, King Hunnon ini'Si can va/iwsl the name c onst it - n noy togotii, || !ii , • i.-.,, w, „t one tlm* an Intimate friend of Cot. King I Ini moil. Tor y were icliow-ntemlMir* <if lh I’OUiifil Ilf WMI home ruin leamiers. Not mily Unit, Mr. Lagan wrote for tin Colonel iiia politicaJ adcJrtMMk. If past *mm'miLimi with newt charged with < rime iitestit (ompHrtty. which sidr of UhvMimiw. u*Ml>pvwt in Hi He iMi He* ton) bed ine ar Uw’ i*! of any ted or of were innocent of tlm charges brought against them. [Cries of “Hear!"] MEAN AND COWARDLY. Maj. Saunderson’s attack was both mean and cowardly. It did not contain direct and explicit charges, but it was composed of insinuations. When exposed to light not a rag of these scandalous stories would hold together. [Painellito cheers.] Whatever shape they might henceforth take the speaker would pay no attention to them. The only way to argue with tlm sort of peo ple who made such attacks was to horse whip them. Referring to the bill under consideration, Mr. Sexton said the measure threatened the existence of the Irish Na tional League. He would remind the House that the league was aided by the prelates and clergy and struggled to maintain the moral law. Yet this league so supported was stigmatized as a conspiracy maintained by criminals. The bill itself was the grossest kind of an attempt at violation of moral law. It was justified by nothing in the condition ot Ireland. Tlm boycotting practised by tlm Irish arose nat urally from the irrepressible growt h of Irish public opinion. The only way to do with out it was to obtain for the laws for the government, of the people of Ireland the sympathy of those people. LORD HARTINGTON’S ATTACK. Lord Hartington said that the Land League and National League had received large sums collected in America through the agency of the Irish World, a paper which opeulv advocated dynamite. It Imd been stated that T. P. OVonner was in communi cation with Ford, and that when ( lie Ameri can League was founded, having for its pro motors Messrs. Eagan, Brenner. Sheridan and Sullivan, a telegram from Mr. Parnell to the convention acknowledged it io lie the most representat iv e meeting ever assembled to express Irish opinion. T. P. O’Conner- Why do you not men tion that 1 was present in the Chicago con vention of 1888, sitting between O’Donovan Rossa and Ford, and suggest that by my si lenee 1 approved the new campaign of nuir der I Lord Hartington said he had not noticed that iu tlm Timrs, hut. lie had seen it assert I'd that Mr. O’Conner, in 1880, was in com munication with Ford. Lord Hartington then proceeded deprecating prolonged (lit, eiissiou. The Liberals who op|v>sed coer cion, ho said. excused themselves on the ground that now they were home rulers and must, oppose coercion. It was enough for Parlia ment to be convinced that law did not pre vail in Ireland and that league law was superseding ordinary law. It was certain that tho government would succeed in re storing the authority of the law. It was impossible that the government of a great county should be permanently paralyzed by the machinations of secret societies. GLADSTONE'S SPEECH. Ml - . Gladstone, upon rising, was loudly cheered. He said that if; the bill passed the political subscriptions from America, which some of the speakers had condemned, were likely to increase—not the Irish subscription alone, but, those humane contributions which were reflecting such splendid light upon America. He and his supporter* had been charged with inconsistency in proposing coercion in former times and opposing it now. He believed, and so seemingly did the UonservntiveH of 18*A, that though oner cion in ISB2 reduced the amount of crime, it had made tho Irish more determined than ever to combine. Finding no permanent result from that course tho Liberals looked to some other. REMEDIAL MEASURES. When the Liberals passed the coercion bill they passed remedial measures also. Were the government’s remedial proposals a reality or an imposture? [Cheers.] He would withdraw that expression and any illusion. Dili the government intend to stand or fall by their relief bill. Before they went to a division he hoped and ex pected they would give a clear and un equivocal answer to that question. Mr. Gladstone complained that the gov ernment had withheld from Par liament information regarding the state of crime in Ireland, of which there had been no sufficient increase to justify the bill. The only increase was in menacing letters. Were*three outrages? Then he had bran subjected to hundreds of outrages, but they were always perpetrated hy what, was known as the loyal, law-abiding party of Ireland. They proceeded from the most pious persons in the kingdom, mostly at the time of the disestablishment of the Irish Church. THE WHITE BOY ACTS Proceeding to deni with the bill lie con tended that the clauses embodying the White Boy acts ought to lie set out in full. The essence of the bill was to suppress any combination to secure a reduction of rents. If was not intended to suppress existent crimes known to the law. but it. was a bill that made tilings crimes that, never were crimes. A tenant refusing to i>ay rent had the prospect held out to him ot obtaining a reduction by becoming bankrupt. At the same time he would get. the benefit of six month* hard tolvir. The boycotting which was done in England was done in wauton ncss. In Ireland it was done from necessity. STRENGTHENING PARNELL. The more bills of this kind that were passed the more the House would strengthen Mr. Parnell’s influence. He had no doubt tliat the bill would lead to more crime corn hi nations in Ireland which could not lie suppressed. The ques tion was, by whom were these com lunations to lie guided? Ho maintained hy those responsible to Parliament. The gov ernment was most unwittingly going to e courage even extreme forms of violence. In his view the bill was poiaon. He would not present it to the lips of Ireland, it must lie presented by other hands, and it would be an honor to him to think he was permitted to have the smallest share in dashing it to the ground. Mr. Gladstone resumed his scat amid cheers. Messrs. Balfour and Parnell rose togther. and, after (funding some time amid cheers, the Speaker recognized Mr. Balfour. Mr. Balfour advised Mr. Sexton if he could to bring un action for liliel against, the Times ns the best way to refute the charge* made by that iiaper. pahnkll’s refutation. Mr. Parnell followed. He said tliat Mr. Balfour had with rtiwactwistlo unfairness refused him. at h time when his winds would have leaelicsl the outride world, ten minutes to refer to the vile-faced forgery printed in the Times obviously tor no other purpose than to influence the division, lie thought ho was entitled to have an opportunity to exDtee t his deliberate attempt to blacken his char acter in time to reach the outride world. There was UO chance flow. In addition to passing tills coercion act tho dh-e had to Is* loaded. I Irtsrt organs w ere to be permitted to |*v miserable creature* to produce the calurniiitM who would 1* **fc under *uch clrcuuistancis*. When be In aid of tho issMss tion in the Times I m *up|s*ied that stine autograph of hi* hod fallen into the hands ot some iierson for whom U woe not Intended. Iml * !u*i be saw the letter he found that it was an audaemua forgery. NEVER NKAUO OF THE I.KTTK.R Meinls'.'s who compared the forgery with tu> rigtia*ill* would see that only ten Mi#* of the forged HgnaUiie borv any ie •rmbia.s* to hh autograph *! tv fim*t in tlit> Times. [Pamellite cheers.] Its phraseology was absiml and its pur port preposterous, and every part of it bore evidence of an absolute and irrefragable want of genuineness. He hud never known the late Mr. Forster's life to Ist in danger, or that there was any con spiracy against him. He didn't know any thing of t iie conspiracy of the invincibles, and nolxvl v was more surprised than him self when the blow fell upon their victims. He hail suffered more than any other man from that- terrible deed, and Ireland had suffered more than any other nation. NO CONNECTION WITH FENIANS. It was absolutely untrue that the National League had any communication with Fenian organizations in America. He never had any dealings with anybody in America in respect to the proceedings of any societies. .Ml his sayings and doings had been open and above board. [Cheers.] As to the bill under discussion, it was the most drastic measure proposed since 1823. It would cm power the government to subject their political opponents to treatment reserved for the worst criminals in Knglanri. The great heart of the English people was, he believed, against the bill, and lie hoped the country would make its voice beam before the com mittee stage was reached. He trusted in Hod that the English nation and Parlia ment would be saved from peril and deg radation by passing such a measure. [Cheers. 1 * SKCONII READING AGREED TO. Sir Bernhard Suniuelson'sstuiendnient to the crimes bill, to the effect that the bill if passed would increase disorder in Ireland and cm (anger the union and empire and therefore should bo rejected, was defeated in the House of Commons to-night by a vote of 370 to 200, and second reading of t rie crimes bill was agreed to without division. IIEALY IN THE STRANGERS’ GALLERY. London, April 111, 3 a. m. —Mr. Healy sat in the strangers’ gallery during last, night's proce-'dings in the House of Commons. He will go to Ireland to day, and will lie quali fier! to return to Parliament on Monday. The Slumlord this morning says: ‘‘Air. Parnell could do no less than repudiate the Times' letter as an audacious forgery. It now remains for the 'J'iincs to prove it to be authentic.’’ Thi' Times says: “We pay no attention to Mr. Parnell's big words. If he proceeds to apply the only test by which the truth can be brought plainly before the world we are quite prepared to meet him. It is remark able that- Mr. Parnell appeared doubtful on what, grounds to impeach the authenticity of the letter. He first s<'enied disposed to think it might have been an autograph which fell into unscrupulous hands. Now. however, ho asserts that the signature is forged. To meet such discrepancies as be points out. we possess several undoubted ex amples of his signature, and in our delib erate judgment there can be no doubt that the letter is genuine. FIGHTING EVICTIONS. Dublin, April 18.—The London Skinners Company is evicting tenants on its estates at Doeperstown, near Londonderry. The tenants are resisting, having barricaded t heir houses, cut away the lower stairways ami made fortresses of the upjier floors, whence they tire defending themselves. The evictions at Luggarcurren of the ten ants of j i the Marquis of Lansdowne who refused the terms offered will liegin to morrow. A special military force arrived on the scene to-flay to be on hand. Mr. Joyce, who resigned the agency of the (‘lan ricarde estates in Hal way before the trou bles with the Woodford tenants culminated in the imprisonment of Father Fahey and sonic fifty-six of his parishioners for adopt ing the plan of campaign against rents de manded, tins begun libel suits against his formcc employer, the Marquis of Clanri earde. Seven constables at Castle Island, who hail intimated their intention of resigning because their position rendered them hate ful in the eyes of the people, received their dismissal last night. ITALY’S PARLIAMENT. The Chamber to be Asked for a Credit to Strengthen the Defenses. Rome, April 18.—The Italian Parliament opened to-flay. Prime Minister de Pretis, addressing the Chamber of Deputies, said Italy would follow a policy in conformity with her mission to maintain jxioee. As every government was increasing its arma ments. the Cabinet would ask the cham bers for a credit, to strengthen the kingdom. In reference to African affairs, he said that, the government were resolved to avenge the massacre of the Italian troops at Dogali. They would not, however, allow themselves to lie carried away by events, but would act with deliberation. The chambers refused to accept the proffered resignation of Signor Biunchcri, President of the Chamber. Boniface’s Wrecked Steamer. London, April 18. — A later dispatchcon firms the rotxirt that a steamer has been wrecked off Boniface, Corsica. The name of the vessel is Ihe Lanona. Of the 2.70 passengers which she carried fifty have been saved. Help has tieen sent to the wreck, hut the sea is rougli anil it will lie difficult to get near her. LESS DISASTROUS. London, April 18, 11 p. M.—Later dis patches say that the Lanona carried 180 passengers, and that of these 74 have been landed. French steamers are near the stranded vessel assisting in the work of rescuing those on board. Bazaine Assaulted. Madrid, April 18. —Marshal Bazaine was to-<lay assaulted by a Frenchman, who at tacked him with a )s>niard, exclaiming: “.An n n‘f‘ mo. patriv.” Th** Marshal was dangerously wounded about the head. His assailant, is Is lievetl to be a correspondent for Paris newspapers. Guarding Herat. London. April 18,—The AmeerJjf Afghan istan in refusing to comply with a request from the Governor of Baaakhslian for 10.000 troop*, fearing a Russian attack, says that, he must concentrate every soldier in his army around Herat, where a surprise is exjieeled ituily. Bocialleta Convicted. Berlin, April 18. The trial of the twen ty-four Modftlixts who were rhnrged with being memlters of Illegal secret societies has just lu-en concluded at Posen. Nine were convicted and sentenced to various short terms of imprisonment. Lout Off Nyconus. London, April 18. The telegraph cable repairing steamer Volta has foundered off the inlaud of Nycoiuu in the Grecian Archi l*lago. Sentenced for Political Fraud*. Ht Louis, April 18. Patrick J. Kaftan, deputy molder of vote* w,,0 was con vli-tofl of committing frauds by falsely n g Utcrlng the nanus of voters last Novrnd**-, wa Msitmw-etl in the I’tilted Ktstis ( uurt today to two yar>. in the is'utlewUary. Mads Brtftadtsr General. W AsNMXvrow, April I’l The President In day appointed (is Wwir) Mm (U tc I * Bi'kailur General vh* iiri 0 Gnu Orloiei, Jk w iU> o*. laUrad, \ PRICE @lO A YEAR. I 1 a CENTS A COPY, f FLORIDA’S LONG FIGHT. THE SENATORSHIP THROWN INTO THE LEGISLATURE. Both Sides Vote to Sit Until a Choice is Reached Without Adjournment-' Four Ballots Taken in Caucus and! Five in the Legislature Without Reaching a Result. Tallahassee, Fla. April 18.—At S o’clock to-night the joint Democratic Can-' cur met in Assembly Hall. Senators Mal lory and Mann addressed the body, asking that all vote for either ex-Gov. Bloxham or Gov. Perry, and on motion it was decided, that no adjournment, would be bad until a nomination was made. Eighty-eight mem* tiers were present. Balloting then began and deathlike quiet reigned while the bal lots were lieing counted. The announce ment of each ballot was received with ep plause by the friends of whichever candi date happened to lend. Intense Interest was manifested l>y hundreds of visitors who had come during the day and by the oiti-, sens, who joined in the general applause a* Gov. Bloxham led. THE BALLOTING. The first ballot resulted resulted as folt lows: Bloxham .GjaU BlttiX ..*! McWhorter ..538 Finley l. ISS? Miller . ft The second ballot resulted: Bloxham ...Bf Perry .•. -Sjj^H Blank IS,'® The third ballot stood: , Bloxham • .?^H| Blank Gl The fourth ballot stood: Bloxham Bft Furry 4m Blank 31 THROWN INTO THE LEGISLATURE. ( .fust, before time for the general caucus to? meet about, thirty of Gov. Bloxfcanvs sup* jiorters assembled in the Senate chamber] and consult,*! as to the best, course to pur sue during the balloting. This over they entered the House hall and found it full of members, visitors and citizens impatiently awaiting results. Everybody was putting in his tiest, words for his favorite when Chairman McKinnie, promptly at Bo’elock, called the joint, caucus to order. Mr. Floyd, of Gadsden, was excused on account of sicks ness, and Mr. Parnell, of Columbia, was authorized to cast his vote. Secretary Rey nolds called the roll and Bt> mem herb an swered to their names." TO STICK IT OUT. A Mr. Mann'then moved that, the catettf 4b not adjourn until a nomination is which was carried unanimously. Mr. MBM lory addressed the caucus saying he yet voted for neither of the two ehief teetants, that he preferred another ftflE hoped that the caucus would nominate one who would preserve the purity hi lit y of the Democratic party of lie said he would lay down his choice, 1m recognizing tiiat the people of wanted either ox-Gov. Bloxham or CrHl| Perry, advised those voting,as be had drfffe," for a third man to choose between ex-Gpv.i Bloxham and Gov. Perry and vote for enrt of them. This speech was received with cheers. BALLOTING RESUMED. On motion or Senator Bryan baIIotJSIPS was proceeded with. All except the mem- Is'rs of the caucus and the representatives of the press were invited to retire. Secretary Reynolds then ok lied the roll of the Senate and then of the House, and tho members marching up to the Secretary's dpsk deposited their ballots in a hat-i Speaker Pane, >’B was the last name cabbta After depositing his ballot he his seat near the door. -A4 Messrs. Hicks and Wall counted ajBI Messrs. Lamar and Vinstead kept tally. Ba. ’ Ex Gov. Bloxham received the first counted and led a while. Then Gov. PS. gaineil. wji.iii THE SEE—SAW'. Perfect quiet prevailed. The first huMM stooi i: Bloxham Perry BB[ Blank McWhorter 1 Finley • * Miller 1 The result was commuuicatted to tho out' aiders and was rec lived with cheers by th<J Perry men. A second ballot was at once ordered. It? resulted: • , i Perry 44 Bloxham . 811 Blank 3 Miller This result was received with great ftp plause. which was taken up with cnergy-jott* the outside. The third ballot stood: Perry .JjS Bloxham 4® Blank - 5 This result was also received with tnondous applause, which was again SBB again renewed on the outside, ing the news throughout the city. * The fourth ballot stood: ‘ , Perry .•!<*■ Bloxham '-.wP Blank 4*- Tlie fifth ballot stood; Perry §4]* Bloxham NO MATERIAL CHANGE. * Lf Tai.i.aiiasske, Fla.. April Iff, 2:3ojUg-i M.— The Senatorial caucus is still bftlloßtf n ‘ without any material change in Die vo ~ITZt A GAIN FOR BLOXHAM. Tallahassee, Fla, April Iff, 3a. ÜbS As the balloting for Senator must open session to-day, a committee has app’itited to prevent mi el.-, ton t>y the votes until a nomination can be The Twenty eighth ballot resulted: Jjjf Bloxham Perrv Miller This gain for Bloxlmtn was received wi|MH wild plaudits, and balloting resumed. S THE I,AST BAI.LOT, SNH Tallahassee, Fla., April Iff, 3:10 a WH The lust tiallot resulted: Jgk Bloxham Ferry ’l'lnj caucus a/1 jounie 1 till tonight. l-Rl ‘f: r DINGS Oh THE I F.<. 181 .A TU RK.B'fl Tlic Senate spent the morning in ot tin- bill providing torn Hint,- tion on which was linnlh |*tt>otiit to day. Tu* bill- making mom \ andf>to| <rtp ot ill. 1 1 Kids in the I tail'is of t Im-ii oflfc .|N ugents subj*s*t to gariiletiim ilt thhlg l>y of iuteaws at #l \t 'lay. ' si mg tor th" ,tv ii i of prove*, and iev^^H w I Its 111 ease ot and i< M.iai.t* loiMilg 111 muni lie 111 which tin y do not, h>e, the H,-i late • aWBB In the House Mr. < 'nttil>liril lull ,ip|oiH uting i for the iii>nt<,f itormcu actnoi at IVFanuJt. \o .sub ad/mm merit *Ms t leHl I ■ „:l i-MOMtwt >*ug"l tbe allestUiHi ‘4 the 1 le 1/Cs'r* WSk rat. ftAtt.lFl All cn.'fMiNMGV. Th mm it a /nul i .naaitu** of tbs I ItoUff egOWt.Usd b* tie porpnM of fk' * ■ j ir