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I ESTABLISHED 1850. ) 1 J. H. EfeTILL, Editor and Proprietor. I EUROPE’S RIVAL GIANTS. A RUSSIAN STATEMENT OF THE FRONTIER SITUATION. Austrian and German Railroad Facili ties for Speedy Mobilization of Troops Declared Much Superior to Those of the Czar’s Empire—The Bear Not to be Caught Off His Guard. St. Petersburg, Dec. 15.—The Official Military Gazette says: Owing to the alarm raised by the Aus trian press, in consequence of the transfer of some Russian cavalry to the Warsaw dis trict, it is advisable to consider the military position of Russia and her western frontier neighbors in orderto throw light upon the question of who is really preparing to at tack, and who for defense. During the past live years the peace effective of the German army has been increased sixty-five battal ions and 304 guns. The German troops on the Russian frontier have been increased twenty-one battalions of infantry, twenty seven batteries of artillery and fifteen squadrons of cavalry. NEW RAILROADS Since 1878 Germany has built in the Eastern Provinces 4,850 kilo metres of railroads. There are eleven German railroads, by means of which troops can be forwarded to the Rus sian frontier, and ten junction stations where they can be rapidly thrown out of trains and concentrated. Germany has formed first-class fortresses at Thorn, Posen, Dantzic and Koenigsburg, and is building similar fortresses at Grandenz. Austria has added nine to the twenty-three infantry divisions which formerly constituted her ef fective force, and would add, in the event of the mobilization of the army, fourteen landwehr or honked divisions. The Gali cian j. arrisons have been re-enforced during 1887 ty eighteen squadrons of cavalry and thirteen batteries of artillery, all provided with a full complement of horses. AUSTRIA’S RAILROADS. In the Austrian districts, which might become the theatre of war with Russia, 4,500 kilometres of railroads, with four branches, have been constructed since 1878. Six Austrian railways are available for throwing into Gaiicia large bodies of troops, who* by means of new junction stations can he placed in position on the Russian fron tier. Military huts, depots and stores are being collected at Lemburg, Przemysl, Jar oslaw, Derobitza, Riascheff and other points. The fortresses at Przemysl and Cracow have been converted into camp fortresses. Russian territory can be bombarded from the Cracow forts. A large quantity of rolling stock has been accumu lated at Cracow, adapted for use on Russian railways. All these preparations are mean ingless, except in view of the offensive tactics, and show that Austria, under the semblance of defense, is, at the same time, preparing to invade Russia simultaneously with her ally. WHAT RUSSIA is DOruc;. But what is Russia doing in view of her neighbors threatening preparation! Not withstanding the manifest danger Russia considers that a European war would be a terrible niisfortuns to al! mankind. She was the first, who, amid her neighbors’ feverish armaments, did not increase, but decreased her defensive forces. In 1881 and 1883, Russia reduced her peace effective nearly 100,000. True, she raised it again in consequence of the Afghan r. flair and the necessity of improv ing her readiness to mobilize when her neighbors in the same period have raised their peace effective 75,000.' Doubtless Russia, in the event of war, will assemble a mighty army, the concentration of which, on the frontier, will be incomparably more difficult for her than will be the concentra tion by her neighbors of their forces at the same place. THE WORK OF TEX TEARS. During the last ten years 3,828 kilometers of railway have been constructed in the western provinces of Russia. In the Ger man and Austrian eastern provinces during the same period 0,300 kilometers have been built Moreover the area in which Russia lias constructed railways, is twice as large as that in which her neighbor have built such lines. 4 Russian railways nowhere pass outside the defense linos of a triangle formed by St. Petersburg, Warsaw and Odessa. Our neighbors' lines, however, run straight out to the Russian frontier. It is easy to understand that they are not constructed for advanced posts, but for the concentration of troops. A glance if the map will suffice to show that a close network of railways covers the district along the Russian frontier, compared with an insignifu ant number of railways that Russia can rely upon. Not only from Ger many but from the Austrian frontier the Russian frontier is menaced with rapid in vasion. THE MOST EFFECTIVE COURSE. The most effective measures against this danger would be to extend Russian railways until they attain the proportions of those of our neighbors. But for this enormous ex pense time is required, and therefore there is only one course—to improve cur defenses and fortresses and increase the number of troops on the frontier, and thereby guard against a surprise. Our neighbors’ in creased military preparations in 1886 compelled Russia to devise counter measures, which will be gradually executed. The transfer of a few cavalry regiments on the Vistula might certainly lie made a pre text, to excite the press and public opinion to charge Russia with warlike intentions. The German and Austrian military author ities understand the defensive character of this measure. CAN DO A LITTLE CALCULATING. They can calmly calculate how many corps Russia will have to send to the fron tier while peace is undisturbed, so that after concentrating at any given point the forces and means ut her disposal might suffice to place Russia on a footing of equality with ner opponents. They can also calculate the strength of the forces with which, in the event of war, Russia could lie rapidly invaded. They can still hope by sudden action to win comparatively cheap laurels, but high Russian military officers who do not fear the ultimate issue of a con ffi't, even if the whole forces of the peace league moved out against Russia, neverthe less openly recognize that defense of Russian territory is not yet assured, and if the peace league considers itself justified in developing its defensive measures as far as to bring certain Russian districts under range of the guns of its most ad vanced forts, Russia has an undoubted right to provide for her defense, and to take every measure to ild her honor and maintain the in,i'*li,rulty of her territory. MOSCOW’S UNIVERSITY TROUBLES Referring to the trouble at Moscow Uni versity, the Messenger says: “The lectures at the university were suspended inconse quence of the students having as saulted an inspector at a conceit, other students sided with the assailant, and made arrangements for an unauthorized meeting, which, however, was supprersed. Many of the students were arrested ami sent Into exile. Fresh trouble was caused by a report that two students bail died from the effects of injuries received while the police were engaged in restoring order. Despite the denial of this rumor, the stu dents absented themselves from their classes and ignored the authority of the university officials.” THE EFFECT IN AUSTRIA. Vienna, Dec. 15.—The article which ap pears in the St, Petersburg Military Gazette to-day on the military movements of Rus | sia and her neighbors' lias excited great at tention here. In official circles the opinion is expressed that the article will cause no change in the attitude of Austria. The government, it is believed, be fore taking actively responsive measures of defense will wait to see whether Russia continues her threatening military prepar ations. A long interview during the week between Count Kalnoky and the German Ambassador led to accord between the two governments on the decision of the Austrian military council. NOT UNDERESTIMATED. The serious character rf the situation has never been underestimated in Austrian offi cial circles. The government has never been unmindful of the duties which the German alliance imposes, anil in the face of Russian armaments the authorities have never for a moment been idle. But the gov ernment is anxious to avoid as long as possi be, measures capable of being in terpreted by Russia as fact, of provocation. Preparations are com plete for the dispatch of re-enforce ments of cavalry to Galicia in the event of fresh movements of Russian troops. The erection ot' huts is now proceeding actively along the line of defense. Timber which has been lyiqg in readiness since spring is being utilized, and accommodations for re enforcements will soon be provided. Herr Von Tesse, the Hungarian Premier, has been summoned to Vienna to attend a meeting of the Council of Ministers. It is reported that the Council will discuss the best means of obtaining funds in the event of further military measures being neces sary. WRITTEN AT THE CZAR’S ORDER. London, Dec. 15. —It is reported that the article published in the St. Petersburg Military Gazette yesterday on Russian military movements was written at the Czar’s command by Gen. Krapotkine of the grand general staff. The article has created a bad impression throughout Europe. FRANCE’S BUDGET. The Chamber Votes the Appropria tions Asked by the Government. Paris, Dec. 15. The declaration of the Ministers was read in the Chamber of Dep uties to-day. It declares that the Cabinet’s sole ambition is to continue the work of concord begun on Dec. 3. The country will perceive that this policy will insure a pledge of internal peace. The declaration cites military, financial, economic, administrative and social meas ures that the government will submit; promises retrenchment in expenditures; measures for the repression of frauds injuri ous alike to the Treasury and to French trade; bills dealing with responsibility for accidents in workshops and factories, and regulation of the hours of labor of children and women; bills providing for a superannuation fund for miners, and bills relating to benefit, societies, savings banks, organized poor relief in rural districts, and for the extension of agricultural education. Finally the declaration demands a united Republican vote on the ministerial scheme of military legislation. The reading of the declaration was received with indifference. At a meeting of Radicals and Extremists yesterday it vas decided to withhold their votes from any measure implying confidence in the ministry. M. Leßoy, in his inaugu ral speech as the speech of the Radical Left, clearly indicated that his idea of Republican concentration was realization of a large por tion of the Radical programme.. The Chamber of Deputies by a vote of 521 to 13 passed the appropriations asked by the government. M. Wilson has resolved to retain his seat in the Chamber of Deputies. IRELAND'S HARD FIGHT. The Poor Law Guardians of Kildyhart Defy the Government. Dublin, Dec. 15.— United Ireland de clares that the government has secured Mgr. Persico’s aid in restraining Irish priests from offering opposition to the government, who as an equivalent will endow a Catholic university, re ceive a papal envoy ana send an ambassador to the Vatican. THE PEKSICO STATEMENT REPEATED The Cork Examiner makes a statement similar to that of United Ireland regard ing Mgr. Persico, and says it has the highest authority for its assertion. At the trial of Mr. Slieehy, Member of Par liament to-day the defendant's solicitor called an opposing witness a perjurer, and declared that the Magistrates were sug gesting the answers the witness should give. The solicitor’s language caused a great sensation, and the court adjourned to consider how to deal with his contempt. The Board of Guardians of Kildyhart have resolved to grant the use of the lioard room for the meeting of the national league, in defiance of the police authorities. A meeting will be held with locked doors. minister’s protest. London, Dec. 15. —A mass meeting of dissenting ministers of England, held at Manchester to-day, protested against the action of the British government in rela tion to Ireland. No Dangerous Symptons. San Remo, Dec. 15. —After examining the Crown Prince’s throat, Dr. Mackenzie declared that he found no dangerous symp toms. Drs. Herader, TCrnuss and Hovel have issued bulletins concerning the condition of the Crown Prince, in which they say that during the last few weeks the inflammatory symptoms in the larnyx have entirely dis appeared. The surface tumor itself ap pears to be partly cauterized and partly covered with flat growths, which have a tendency to increase. The patient’s gen eral condition is undisturbed. Voted the Freedom of London. London, Dec. 15.—The corporation of the city of London to-day voted the freedom of the city to the Marquis of Harrington in recognition of his services in defense of the empire. The Gladstoniau members of the corporation opnosed the movement. The formal vote showed a meagre minority. Jurisdiction of Courts. Washington, Dec. 15.—The bill intro duced by Senator Coke to-day to limit the jurisdiction of United States Courts, pro vides that the Circuit Hnd District Courts of the United States shall not take original cognizance of any suit of a civil nature be tween a corporation organized under the liws of any State or the citizen of any State in which the corporation at the time of the action may have l<een carrying on any business, except in patent or copyright law. To Become Presidential Offices. Washington, Dec. 15. —The following fourth-class post offices will become Presi dential offices Jan. 1: Biloxi, Miss.; Day ton, Tenu., and Christianaburg, Va. SAVANNAH, GA., FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1887. A GREAT FLOOD IN CHINA THOUSANDS OF LIVES LOST AND THOUSANDS HOMELESS. People Huddled Along the Banks of Yellow River Crying For Bread Over 7,000 Square Miles of Once Fertile Land Submerged by the Rushing Waters. San Francisco, Dec. 15.—The steamship City of Sydney arrived this afternoon from Hong Kong and Yokohoma. Chinese papers give details of a disaster occasioned by the Yellow river overflowing its banks in the province of Honan, and describe it as one of the most appalling occurrences in the loss of life and property recorded in recent times. The river broke its banks on the evening of Sept. 28 southeast of the city of Chingchow and completely inundated that city and other populous cities. The whole area is now a raging sea ten to thirty feet deep, where it was once a densely populated and rich plain. The former bed of Yellow river is now dry and the present lake was the bed of the river centuries ago. Tiie loss of life is incalculable and a state ment is made by missionaries that millions of Chinese are homeless and starving. A PICTURE OF MISERY. Thomas Paton, one of the American mis sionaries, writing from the province of Honan under date of Oct. 28, says: “The newly gathered crops, houses and trees are all swept away, inyolving fearful loss of life. Bread, broad, is the cry Of thousands who are on the rivor bank. Benevolent people go in boats and throw bread among the masses hero and there, but it is nothing compared with the requirements. The mass of people is still being increased by continual arrivals even more hungry than the last. There they sit stunned, hungry and dejected, without a rag to wear or a morsel of food. Mat huts are being erected for them. What it will be in two months I cannot .conceive. The misery is increased owing to the bitter cold weather.” A TERRIBLE TITLE. Yellow river has long been known as China’s sorrow and the present disaster has served to reassert its right to the terrible title. As yet the details of the disaster are very meagre. It has occurred in the dis trict where but few foreigners are, and the reports furnished by the officials and published in the Peking Gazette, c nvey a very inad equate account of the extent of the loss of life and property and the sufferings of the survivors. The Governor in Honan re ports to the throne that nearly all the peo ple have been drowned in the district reached by the water, the survivors being those who escaped to the high ground or took refuge in trees, where they remained till they were rescued. The extent of ground swept over by the overwhelming flood, given in English figures, is over 7,000 square miles, and the land thus submerged formed part of one of the richest and most densely populated plains of Northern China. CUSTOMS REVENUES. The Cost of Collecting' Them to Be Ma terially Reduced. Washington, Dec. 15.—A reduction in the expense of collecting the customs reve nue has been determined upon and a plan prepared by Assistant Secretary Maynard lias been approved by Secretary Fairchild, and will be put into ef fect. Mr. Maynard summarizes the plan as follows: “There are now 139 collection districts in the United States. In 64 of these the revenues are much less than the expenses. For instance, there are 44 districts in which the total collections do not exceed $5,000, while 20 exceed $5,000, wh.le the expenditures aggregate $95,000. In the other 20 nun-self-supporting districts thecol lections are less than $25,000, and the ex penditures amount to $45,000. The expen ditures of these offices will be reduced by $115,835 a year, principally by dismissals and also by reductions of salary in several in stances. Orders for these changes to take effect with the beginning of the new year have already been issued. They have been made gradually and with due regard to the interests of what the service re quires.” Among the points affected and the points of reduction are the following: Alexandria, Va., $1,575; Apalachicola, $2,151; Beaufort, N. C., $1,427; Beaufort, S. C., $688; Fernandina, Fla., $1,321; Georgetown, S. C., $835; Cherrystone, Va., $3,562; Petersburg, Va., $3,085; Pamlico, N. C., $2,198; Jacksonville, Fla., $1,690; St. Augustine, Fla., $725; Rappahannock, Va., $707; Brunswick, Ga., $3,336; Albemarle, N. C., $1,132; St. Marks, Fla., $2,314; Wil mington, N. C., $ik800; Mobile, A1a,53,925; Shieldsboro, Miss.,' $1,096. GOES MAD IN A THEATRE. Miss Annie Horton Becomes Insane Under Sensational Circumstances. Washington, Dec. 15. —During the per formance of "Article 47” by Clara Morris at the Grand Opera House to-night the play was interrupted by a scene which recalled a famous shooting case in this city some six or seven years ago. Seated in the midst of the large'audieiu'e was Miss Annie Horton, great-granddaughter of John C. Calhoun, who is now an employe of the Post Office Department. Several years ago this young woman went to the Treasury Dojiartment, where George Morgan, sou of Senator Morgan, of Alabama, was at his desk, and calling the young man out in the street fired at him repeatedly with a re volver. The shots, however, inflicted only a slight wound, and the young clerk refused to prosecute her. At the end of the first act of Article 47” to-night, where Miss Morris, as the creole girl, TJora, is shot by her lover, George Duhamel, Miss Horton be came violentlv insane. She had to be taken from the theatre by the police. The Gordon-KUbourno Nuptials. Washington, Dec. 15.—Frank Gordon, son of Gov. Gordon, of Georgia, and Miss Georgia Louise Kilbourne, daughter of Hallet Kilbourne, of this city, were married at St. John’s Episcopal church in this citv at high noon to-day in the mesenoe of a large and brilliant assemblage of notable people. Miss Gordon and Miss Williams were the bridesmaids. Representative Gaines and Mr. Seachary, of Georgia, were among the ushers. There was a fashionable audience in attendance. A reception at the Portland followed. There were many handsome presents. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon will visit Atlanta on their tour, going first to New York. They will live here. The Government and the Sub-Tropical. Washington. Dec. 15.—The joint resolu tion introduced by Senator Call to-day authorizes the several Executive Depart ments to loan government articles or ma terial to the Industrial, Agricultural and Horticultural Exposition of the Southeast, to be held at Jacksonville, Fla. It also authorizes the Commissioner of Agriculture to obtain fruits, shrubs and plants for the use of the Exposition, and appropriate* therefor $5,000. , SWENSON’S PATENT. Senator Plumb’B Resolution to Bring Suit Adopted. Washington, Dec. 15. —In the Senate to day the resolution offered several days ago by Mr. Plumb was taken up, directing the Attorney General to investigate the issue of a patent to Magnus Swenson last October in connection with the manufacture of sugar from sorghum, and if invalid to com mence suit to have the patent cancelled. The point is that Swenson was an employe of the Agricultural Department while making the experiments out of which the patent resulted. Mr. Plumb hoped that the resolution would be adopted as the question involved was a very important one. The resolution, he said, did not imply any censure on the Commissioner of Agrieultur who had been very zealous, and active in all matters rela tive to the development of the sorghum sugar industry. Mr. Edmunds moved reference of the resolution to the Committee on Patents. After discussion by Messrs. Edmunds, Plumb, Saulsbury, Riddlebergor.Call, Hoar, Gray, Butler, Teller, George, Hawley, Beck, and Sherman, the motion to refer was rejected, and the resolution adopted. TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION. It reads: Resolved, That the Attorney General he re quested to investigate the issuance of letters patent to Magnus Swenson, of the date of Oct. 10. 1887, and if in his judgment the same is in valid on any ground, or was procured by reason of information obtained from experiments made by the government, and if, in liis judg ment, suit can be maintained in the naino of the United States, to commence such suit promptly to have the same canceled or use of the same by said Swenson or any oue claiming under him, perpetually enjoined. Mr. Butler offered a resolution, which was adopted, directing the Judiciary Com mittee to inquire and report whether, In the present state of the law, the government has power or the Attorney General of the United States authority to institute judicial procedings to vacate a patent for an inven tion on any ground whatever. CERTIFICATES FOR COIN. Senator Stewart’s Bill Referred to the Committee on Finance. Washington, Dec. 15. —The Senate to day took up the bill introduced by Mr. Stewart last Monday, to provide for the issue of coin certificates to circulate as money, and was addressed by that Senator in explanation and support of the bill. The purport of th*bill is to allow a deposit at any mint or assay office of gold and silver bullion in quantities not less than five ounces of gold or eighty ounces of silver, and give in receipt therefor coin certificates which are to be legal tender; to have existing gold and silver certificates canceled when received at the Treasury; to have no gold coined hereafter except, as necessary to redeem obligations expressly payable in coin; to have the bullion receiv ed under this act melted into bars and de posited in the Treasury, and to repeal the act of Feb. 28, 1878, requiring the coinage of two million silver dollara monthly. At the close of Mf. Stewart’s remarks riio bill was referred to the Committee on Finance. The Senate then after a brief secret session adjourned till Monday. THOEBB VS. CARLISLE. The House Committee on Elections Holds Its First Meeting-. Washington, Dec. 15.—The House Com mittee on Elections organized and held its first meeting to-day. All of the members were present, except Messrs. O’Neill, of Indiana, and Houk, of Tennessee. The first business was the selecting of the clerk, and W. H. Mobiley, of Georgia, was chosen for the place. A sub-committee on proced ure was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Crisp, O’Ferrall and Lyman. Almost without discussion the committee re solved to take up the Thoebe-Carlisle contested election case, and notices will he issued to the contestants or their attorneys to appear before the committee at its next meeting, when the rime for beginning con sideration of the case will be fixed. The committee adjourned to next Tuesday. Be yond a general desire to speedly dispose of the Thoebe-Carlisle case there was no inti mation during to-day’s proceedings of the order in which the contested election cases now before the committee will be consid ered. __ RECEIVERS OF RAILROADS. A Bill to Prohibit the Borrowing of Money Beyond Their Earnings. Washington, Dec. 15.—1n the Senate to-day Mr. Call introduced a bill to prohibit United States Judges and courts from au thorizing the borrowing of money by re ceivers of railroads and other corporations beyond the amount of their Annual net in come. Also, to prohibit the appointment of such receivers without evidence of the financial condition of the company. Ho moved their reference to the Committee on Interstate Commerce,an iit was so ordered. Convention of the Postmasters. Washington, Dec. 15. —At the Postmas ters’ Convention this morning one delegate from each State represented was appointed as a national committee. The commit tee to draft and take charge of a bill to bo pre sented to Congress was appointed as fol lows: Arthur D. Markley, of Pennsylvania, chairman; M. E. Sprague, of Vermont; (teorge H. Flaggat, of West Virginia; E. J. Clark, of New York, and Frank E. Fitzsimons, of Rhode Island. The convention then adjourned subject to the (all of the national committee. Salary for Poore’s Widow. Washington, Dec. 15.—1n the Senate to day, after the introduction of several bills, a resolution was reported by Mr. Haddock, from the Committee on Contingent Ex penses, to pay to the widow of the late Ben: Perley Poore a sum equal to six months’ salary of his posit in as clerk to the Senate Committee on Printing ($1,100). It was adopted. Complains of Discrimination. Washington, Dec. 15. —The Interstate Commerce Commission to day gave a hear ing in the case of William 11. Heard, a col ored minister, living in Charleston, S. C.. who complains that the Georgia Railroad Company, June is, 1887, compelled him to ride in a coach of inferior accommodations, although he bad a first-class ticket. May be Minister to Mexico. Washington, Dec. 15.—The Star to night says: “It is said that ex-Congressman McKenzie of Kentucky, Is to be appointed Minister to Mexico. He has been heartily indorsedby the Democrats of Kentucky, and his friends believe he will get the ap pointment.” , A Sub-Committee. Washington, Dec. 15.—The Senate Com mittee on Commerce to-day appointed Messrs. Kenna, Vest, Coke, Oullom and Pal mer a ub committee to wh>-iu shall be re ferred all executive nominatiems which may require any investigation. A CENTURY OF LAW. AN ADDRESS BEFORE ALABAMA'S BAR ASSOCIATION. Judge John F. Dillon, of New York, the Speaker of the Day Some of the Changes of the Past Hundred Years— The Growth of Legal Literature. Montgomery, Ala., Doc. 15.—The State Bar Association met here to-day, with a large attendance. Judge John F. Dillon, of New York, delivered the annual address, which was received with enthusiastic ap plause. He said that as this is the centen nial year of the adoption of the Federal constitution he had selected as his subject “A Century of American Law." After a retrospect of the general situation and coming to view the condition of En glish and American law 100 years ago, he said it was at that time faithfully mirrored in Blackstone’s Commentaries, the first complete edition of which was published just six years before the American revolu tion. CHANGES OF A CENTURY. After adverting to the baneful effects of the fejdal system upon English law, part of which only we had escaped, he noticed the following changes upon subjects of gen eral and permanent importance, within a century: imprisonment for debt had been abolished in both Great Britain and America. In this legislation America had led the nay. By way of contrast he alluded to the modern liberal exemption and homestead laws of several States and of the national government. Under the beneficent operation of the latter act more than 100,000,000 acres of land had been en tered by 820,000 heads of families. He next adverted to the great and beneficial changes made within the last fifty years in respect to the rights of married women. The principle of the American married women’s protective acts was in 1870, and in 1882 adopted by the English Parliament. OLD TIME CRIMINAL LAWS. Referring to the criminal laws of En gland 100 year* ago, he showed that at that time near 200 offenses were capital folonies, and that the laws were otherwise oppressive and severe. They have lieen gradually ameliorated, so that at this time only four offenses are capitally punishable in England and only two in this country. He noticed the abolition of common law forms of act ion and pleadings and changes made by codes of procedure in this fcountry'nnd, by the British judicature act of 1873 (adopting the principle of the American codes), as among the moat salutary reforms in law Emendations in the law of evidence, by which all persons including par ties to the suit have been made competent witnesses, were regarded as a great improvement in legal administration, in w hich England had led the way arid we liHd followed. Idle growth of corporations and of corporate litigation was dwelt upon at length, anil statistics given, showing that nearly half of modern reported cases involve corporation law. LEGAL LITERATURE. He next, traced the growth of legal liter ature in this country. A century ago we had no American books. In 1886 wo had published 8,793 volumes of reports against 8,500 in England. Turning to the (■eiitury to come, lie predicted various changes in in ternational and municipal law, among which would lie the abolition of literary piracy, and systematic restatement of the body of our laws. Ho appealed to the young to take up this great work, and con cluded by saying: • May hap some young man hears me to-day, gifted beyond the common lot with an eye couched to that wider and higher sweep’that will take in all the con structive possibilities of the rich and scat tered materials of our laws, and be so for tunate as to leave upon the massive, impo sing, *ever advancing, but imperishable, structure of our jurisprudence some visible imprint, some embodied memorial of his genius as well as of his labors.” CABINET CHANGES. Why None ot Thom Have Been Acted on by Wie Senate Yet. Washington, Dec. 15.—The nominations of Messrs. Lamar and Vilas, have not been acted upon by the Judiciary Committee for the simple reason that this Committee has not met since they were referred to it. Mon day is the regular meeting day of the Judiciary Committee. It may not take up these nominations until then. Mean while the Finance Committee, which has agreed to report favorably Secre tary Fairchild’s nomination will re port it, hut the Post Office Com mittee, which has agreed to report Don W. Dickinson's nomination as I’ost Master Gen eral, will withhold its re[R>rt and so there will ho no complications ? rowing out of the confirmation of Mr. lickinson, while the others sire still pending. Mr. J<anmr is the only one whose confirma tion is at all doubted, and it is not really doubtful. The Judiciary Committee will probably report in his favor, but even if it does not be will be confirmed. It will only take two Republican votes to do this, and he can command half a dozen. RANDALu AND THE REVENUE. How He Proposes to Reduce It SBO,- 000,000 Per Year. Washington, Dec. 15.—Mr. Randall has developed his plan of tax reduction. In c nversation with his Lieutenant yesterday and to-day, he proposes to reduce taxes $60,000,000 a year, taking $30,000,000 off to bacco, and $10,000,000 off sugar, and $lO,- 000,000 off other imports. The understand ing is that the Louisianians would consent to the reduction on sugar, in the fear that if they do not, a greater reduction may be made. Mr. Randall’s Republican allies are as anxious for the reduction in the sugar duty as they are for the repeal of the tobac co taxes. _ POWDERLYS PERIL. His Physicians Look Upon His Condi tion as Very Serious. Scranton, Pa., Dec. 15.—Mr. Powder - ly’s condition to-night is regarded as critical by his physicians. He was seized with an other hemorrhage this afternoon. It is now kr.owu tint since his return to his home here he has slept vory little, and is very nervous and restless on that account, and Is also very weak in consequence of hemorrhages, lie also complains of severe pains in his chest and abdomen. No one is allowed to see him except his wife and his physician. Stolen Papers Recovered. Chicago, Dec. 15. —Over $1,000,000 worth of valuable papers and money were recov ered this morning from the iron vaults in the ruins of the Phelps, Dodge * Palmer shoe factory, which was recently burned here. Gov. Bodwell Dead. HallowklL, Me., Dec. 15.—Gov. Bod well died this morning. Ilis death was caused by congestion of the lungs resulting from exposure and over work. FEDERATION OF LABOR. Innumerable Resolutions on Various Subjects Before the Convention. Baltimore, Doc. 15. —The morning ses sion of the American Federation of Labor was consumed by the introduction of almost innumerable resolutions on various subjects. One was to boycott one W. L. Douglass, a shoe manufacturer. Another was a protest from the Cigar Makers' International Union agains the re duction of the internal revenue tax on to bacco. The Ovstermen’s Union want repealed the law prohibiting the taxing of oysters that are not three years old. The Progressive Tailors ask official in dorsement for their label, and several trades wunt Congress to pass a law that will pre vent the employment of men enlisted in the army or navy, in any capacity where skilled lnbor can be used. A dispatch was received by the conven tion from the President of the International Typographical Union, appointing W. L. Oyster ns delegate to the convention from the Union. Mr. Oyster was on Tues day refused admission as representative of the Federation of Trades of the District of Columbia, and a long discussion arose as to the propriety of admitting him to-day even as a representative of the Typograph ical Union. Mr. Oyster had some friends on the floor, but his ho|*>s were again crushed, as his appointment was hold over until he could secure credentials bearing the seal of the International Union, with the signature of the President and (Secretary, which could not be obtained t his week. THE CONSTITUTION. The afternoon session was consumed by consideration of the report of the Commit tee onthe Constitution. An effort to draw the line between skilled and unskilled labor was stigmatized as the cause of the disintegra tion ot the Knights of T,abor and the motion to strike out the words “labor organiza tions,” where it occurs in the constitution, and use the term “trades unions” ex clusively, was voted down. A motion to compel all organizations to obtain charters from the federation one month before the meeting of tbs convention occasioned con sideraiile debate and warm opposition from the representatives of the International Typographical Union, who declared that their old aud Influential organization would, under no circumstances, come to the feder ation for a charter, and it was amended to read certificate of membership instead of charter, and passed. The question of equitable representation was the cause of a long discussion. Some delegates held that national aud interna tional bodies only were entitled to a voice in the affairs of the federation, while others were of the opinion that Central Labor Unions aud local trades assemblies were the mainstay of the lalior reform movement, and it was voted that such organizations be al lowed representation according to their numerical strength, even though some trades may tie indirectly represented by delegates from their national body. The publication of an official organ was vote/1 against, and the substitution of a quarterly circular was agreed upon. A resolution increasing the President’s salary from SI,OOO to $1,200 was agreed upon. Discussion as to the plan of assess ments for relief in case of a strike or lock-out, carried the convention up to 7 o’clock, when an adjournment was secured until to-morrow. The con-ti tut.ion has not yet been adopted, and it is now improbable that, the final adjournment can be had before Saturday afternoon. The delegates were to night entertained by the Carpenters’ Brotherhood, of Baltimore. GOTHAM’S SOUTHERN SOCIETY. T. N. Page Speaks of the South as a Subject for Literature. New York, Dec. 15.— The New York Southern Society held a banquet at Hotel Brunswick to-night, which was attended by about 300 representatives of Southern fami lies. The event of the evening was the ad dress of Thomas Nelson Page, of Richmond, Va., on “The South as a Subject for Literature.” He attributed the need of literature in the South to lack of publishers nnd to want of a reading public. Charles ton and New Orleans were termed the lite rary centres of the South. Previous to the war all literary ventures except the South ern Mrsrngitr had ended. After the war a number of magazines were started. Among the publishers were William Mur phy. of Tennessee, M. E. Reno, Mrs. Mc- Clelland, Richard Malcolm Johnson and others. ALABAMA’S PROHIBITIONISTS. , Clinton B. Fisk Their Choice for the Presidency. Montgomery, Ala., Doc. 15.— The Ala bama State Prohibition Convention met here to-day. Delegates to the national con vention were chosen as follows: J. C. Orr, Z. A. Parker, L. F. Whitten, M. V. Henry, F. J. Tyler, J. S. Glascoe, L. C. Coulson, G. A. Loften, J. A. Anderson, 8. H. Dirnon, G. P. Keyes, I. F Goldman, E. A. Stone, F. 11. Pueblo. John T. Tanner, J. W. Cooper, J. B. Gerald, C. L. Harwell, J. H. Anaerson, and J. C. Wall. The attendance was small. Resolutions were adopted fa voring Clinton B. Fisk, of New Jersey, for President, and J. T. Tanner, of Alabama, for Vice President. HIGHWAYMEM STOP A BTAGE. The Four Pa*sengers Robbed of S6OO and Two Gold Watches. St. Louis, Dec. 15.—The stage running between Little Rock and Carrollton, Ark., was robbed on its outward trip yesterday near the half-way station by three men who appeared suddenly from the thick woods. The driver put the whip to the horses, aud was only stopped by the robbers shooting oDe of the horses. Four occupants of the stage then were ordered out under cover of revolvers. Six hundred dollars and two gold watches were taken. The stage was then allowed to proceed. Havana’s Clgarmakers. Havana, Dec. 15. —With the exception of the employee of one fa.tory all the cigar makers have resumed work, but the choos ers in factories employing more than one apprentice still hold out. Besides their ob jection to the number of apprentices, they also demand the dismissal of those opera tives who refused to join the strike. Colliers Strike. Pittsburg. Dec. 15.—A strike of 100 col liers occurred at Grove City, Pa., on the line of the Shenango and Allegheny Valley road vesterday. A demand was made sev eral days ago to arbitrate on the Columbus scale. This the operators refused to do, and the men wont out. Death at Montezuma. Montezuma, Ga., Dec. 15.—William H. Harrison, Jr., died yesterday morning. He was one of the most prominent young men in the county. His death is a great loss to this community. He leaves a wife and babe <1 weeks old. (PRICE6IO A YEAR I \ SCENTS A COPY' f A THIEF AS BOOK-KEEPER HE STEALS $60,000 DURING A PERIOD OF TWENTY-FIVE YEARS. The Manufacturers’ National Bank ah Philadelphia the Prey For His Pecu lations—Ho Earned Only $1,400 Per Year, But Had to Refuse Many Tempting Offers. Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 15.—Joseph Knight, bookkeeiior of the Manufacturers’ National Bank on Third street, aliove Mar ket, was taken before United Btats Com missioner Edwards, at 4 o’clock this after noon, charged with stealing from the funds of the bank between $(S0,000 and $70,000. The officers of the bank discovered Knight's deficiencies several weeks ago. They placed the case in the hands of Pinkerton’s Agen cy, and Knight .was arrested a few days ago. The matter was kept quiet by the bank until to-day. It is said that Knight has been appropriating to his own use the bank’s money for nearly twenty-five years Knight lias iieen bookkeeper of the Manufacturers’ Bank for thirty-five years, and lias always been considered a tnist worthy man. John W. Moffly. President of the bank, said that lie first discovered that the books were being falsified on Dec. 9, the balance sheet not coming out correct within about $20,000. WHY HE REFUSED PROMOTION. President. Moffly said after the hearing that Knight hail for years tieen one of the most trusted officers of the batik. Although he received a salary of but $1,4u0 per year, his wife’s relations were known to be wealthy, and no suspicion had been aroused at the rather stylish maimer itt which the embezzler had lived Sev eral times Knight had been offered promotion but he had declined to leave hi* old position as he said that he was familiar with his duties, and he did not care to taka up others. Within two years past the prisoner had tieen offered the cashiershipof one of the new banks but lie had declined the place, although the salary was several times greater than that which he was re ceiving. It is now evident why these offer* had lieen declined. Had Knight left his old position for one month certain disclosure* and disgrace would have followed him. WHERE THE MONEY WENT. Mr. Moffly thinks that the money the de fendant took from the bank was nsed in bis ordinary household expenses aud in his family. Knight is a tall, fine looking man, with an aristocratic air and iron-gray side whiskers. He is about 60 years of age. A long, heavy gold watch chain was displayed on the ample front of bis vest, and ije pre sented a most prosfierojs and genteel ap pearance. He has a wife and several grown children. Knight has confessed that he began hi* peculation* in Mr. Moffly explained that the money was taken by the prisoner directly from the depositors. When a lino was formed there were often people who were pressed for time or who did not want to wait. Then they would ask Knight to take it for them. This he would do and lie entered it correctly on the ledger, but wouldn’t report it to the teller. REPUBLICAN CLUBS. Their National Convention Opened la Chickering Hall. New York, Dec. 15.—Standards bearing the names of the State* of the Union were scattered through Chickering Hall at 10:36 o’clock this morning, when the doors were thrown open for the first national Republi can Club Convention. Under these standards the delegates from the States yrere seated. Fifteen hundred tickets wer* is ued to delegates. The largest delegations, saiil Mr. Hedges, came from New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, Massa chusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The Territories am here (too. Ex Gov. Little head* the Arizona delegation. At the rooms of the Republican Club, in West Twentv-eighth street, the Secretary, Henry Olea on, wel comed several hundred callers before the hour for the convention had arrived. After 11 o'clock the ball liegan to fill rapidly, aud at 11:40 o’clock Joseph Poll, Chairman ot the Committee on Organization, called the convention to order. OBJECT OF THE COMVENTION. After a long contest, involving the call of the roll, the convention chose Mr. Ryan, of Ohio, temporary chairman by a vote of 159 to 154, oyer Gen. N. Goff, of West Virginia. Mr. Ryan, on taking the chair, briefly announced the object of the conven tion to I* to reorganize the clube of the country into a permanent organiza tion ; and to boom the Republican party, and not any one in it. The work of selecting the list of Secreta ries and Vice-Presidents was so slow that the convention adjourned until to-morrow. The delegates held a public meeting this evening in Cooper Union at which John R. Lynch, of Mississippi, was the principal speaker. AN ELECTION RIOT. Rival Parties at Jamanivo Enliven th Municipal Election. St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 15.—Advices jusl received from Jnmanive, in the southern part of the State of Texas, state that there was much trouble there and a riot during the elections. One of the parties opened the polls, when the others began fight. At each of the polls there was * pitched battle and the ballot boxes were overturned or destroyed. Eight men were killed and-over forty wounded. The resuß Is t hat the old Mayor will hold over for an other term. Anniston’s Site Was at Stake. Montgomery, Ala., Dec. 15.—The suits itisituted bv L. Campbell, of Pensacola, and John P. McKewan, of New York, against the Wood stock Iron Company were to-day decided in favor of the Woodstock Iron Company. These suits were instituted to recover property upon which the City of Anniston, Ala., is built and involve property worth over $3,000,000. A Telegraph Operator Arrested. Chattanooga, Tenn., Dec. 15.—Pearse, the night operator at Spring City. Term., who mysteriously disap|ieared on the night of Nov. 31, was yesterday arrested at Georgetown, Ky., for robbing the Balti more and Ohio express office at Spring City, of $75 in money packages. He also stole the money order book of the same company at Pachuta, Miss. He has confessed hi* crime. Obsequies ot the Anarchists. Chicago, Dec. 15. —It was decided last night that at the final obsequies over the dead Anarchists next Sunday the orator* would be Servius Bhevltch, of New York, Paul Grattkau, of Milwaukee, and Albert Currlin, of St. Louis. There will be noth ing in the nature of a procession, but arrangements are being made for a great crowd at the cemetery.