Newspaper Page Text
I ESTABLISHED 1850. )
i J. H. EbTILL, Editor mid Proprietor. I
A POLITICAL HARANGUE.
REED, OP MAINE, FIRES THE FIRST
GUN OF THE SESSION.
The Fixing- of the Holiday Eocess Made
the Pretext for Shooting Off a Lot of
Clap-Trap-Mr. Hatch Points Out the
Insincerity of the Green Mountain
Boy.
Washington, Doc. 16.—1n the House to
day Mr. Hatch, of Missouri, submitted a
concurrent resolution that when the two
houses adjourn on Monday, Dec. 19, they
stand adjourned until Thursday, Jan. 5.
Mr. Reed, of Maine, inquired the reason
for the submission of this resolution.
Mr. Hatch replied that it was the usual
resolution brought in at the first session of
Congress. The House had been in session
since the first Monday in December. It was
well known that nothing had been accom
plished. The House was waiting for the
Speaker to announce the committees, and
he (Mr. Hatch) was satisfied, from his per
sonal knowledge and from what ho had seen
of the occupation of the Speaker’s time by
members interested in the committee as
signments, that it was impossible teat the
committees could bo announced until after
the holiday recess. He had submitted the
resolution as much in the interest of public
business as for the convenience of the
Speaker.
PECULIAR CONDITIONS.
Mr. Reed Baid that the peculiar condition
of the business affairs of the country ren
dered the action which had been taken, or
rather the non-action which had been suf
fered by the Democratic side of the House,
a matter of legitimate comment both here
and before the country. Take it all in all,
it was without precedent. Many changes
in the rules of the House had been sug
gested, but had not been acted upon, and
yet it was proposed that the House adjourn
for the holidays and commence after the
recess, v here it had been the custom to be
gin at the opening of the session. If there
were no matters of public interest before
the country such a course might awaken
only passing comment. To-day Congress
was pressed upon by a serious public duty,
which was tne reduction of the surplus,
which was coming into the Treasury in a
manner calculated under the management
of the Treasury Department to be an em
barrassment to the finances of the country.
THE TOBACCO TAX.
All were agreed at least on the Republi
can side —that this surplus should bo reduced
—and the Rcpubliut .a stood ready now to
make one reduction to which the other
side was agreed, and that was in reference
to the tobacco tax. He hoped that opportu
nity would be given them by the powers
that be, or were to be, to vote thereon, and
show to tiie country some proper disposition
in this regal'd. If the gentlemen on the
other side found it somewhat difficult to ar
range themselves alongside of the recent
message which had been sent them that the
Republicans could well understand, and
could give their assurances of most pro
found sympathy. [Laughter.] The mes
sage was to some Dem crats a summons
from a very great ways off, and it required
that they should traverse a very good dis
tance before they could get alongside of
their pioneer brother at the end of the av
enue.
GROWING HUMOROUS.
If time was wanted for that purpose he
hoped that the gentleman from Missouri
would frankly say so. [Laughter.] If the
gentlemen on the other side wer; in grave
doubt how they should comply with the
suggestion of the message; if, after they had
made up their minds in the interest of mod
eration and reform, and the most advanced
of them would be content with the destruc
tion of a few of our industries, and they
needed time to select those they saw fit to
destroy, that would be ground for this
motion, and he hoped the gentlemen would
say if that was the reason underneath.
Mr. Hatch said he had hoped that he
could yield the floor to the gentleman from
Maine without that gentleman improving
his opportunity to make a political ha
rangue. He did not think that the gentle
man had improved it much because lie had
made the sameAld speech.
SELF-EVIDENT INSINCERITY.
If the gentleman bad not had an oppor
tunity time and again during the Forty
ninth Congress to vote for consideration of
the tariff bill and had not always voted
against it there might be some sincerity in
his talk to-day. [Applause.] Time and
again tlie Democratic side of the House had
tendered to the other side an opportunity to
reduce taxation and the surplus in the
Treasury, but the gentleman from Maine
by his voice and his vote had always stood
as the leader of bis party to resist it. The
Democratic side would give the gentlemau
an early opportunity to vqntilate his views
on the tariff question and vote for a redac
tion of the tariff if he wished to,
CLAP-TRAP.
Mr. Reed—Why not now)
Mr. Hatch—The gentleman knows that
tnat is dap-trap. Until t lie Committee on
Ways and Means is appointed and bills are
sent to that eonimittoe the gentleman
knows that there can be no fair considera
tion of this question. It is to give the
Speaker an opportunity to form the com
mittees in the interest of the public busi
ness of the country that I offer the resolu
tion.
Mr. Cox of Now York commented on
what he termed the sudden conversion of
the gentleman from Maine. He did not
tliink that there had been such a sudden
conversion since the time of Saul of Tarsus.
[Laughter.] He did not know why the gen
tleman should urge upon the Speaker the
immature calling up of the committees.
The House was without rules, and it had no
committee framed for the consideration of
a reduction of the tobaaco tax. In a matter
of so much consequence the House should
fiive to the Speaker the same opportunity
which had liecn accorded other Speakers.
CAME WITH POOR GRACE.
It was known that the Treasury had *
plethora which paralyzed the channels of
trade and hurt, the farmer and artisan, and
that there must be some relief, and it came
with little grace from the gentleman from
Maine to make this sinister and ironical and
sarcastic objection to the message of the
President. He could recall a time when
most eminent men on the other side
of the House hail insisted upon a re
duction of the tariff to prevent the
accumulation of a surplus. Among the rest
had been the gallant ninn from Maine with
the white plume. Among them had been
Messrs. Frye and Hole insisting on the reduc
tion of the tax on salt and other articles ex
••ept lumber. [Laughter.] He would like
to see every man in tho House regard this
fiscal question as outside of politics. It was
a business question in every sense of the
word,
THE REDUCTION MUST HE GENERAL.
Mr. Cox said: "There were member* of
Congress from Republican (States, like Min
nesota, demanding a reduction of taxes, but
this could not bo done by picking out one
article. It must be general; it must b: sta
ble and permanent. He hoped that when
the tariff bill was considered, all parties
would unite aud act for the host interests of
the whole people, and not for the aggran-
dizement of one man. or one set of men, or
one party.” [Applause.]
Mr. Mills, of Texas, offered as a substi
tute for Mr. Hatch’s resolution, a resolution
declaring that when the two houses adjourn
on Thursday, Dec. 32, they stand adjourned
until Wednesday Jan. 4.
Mr. Hatch accepted the substitute, and
the resolution as modified was agreed to.
Mr. Townshend, of Illinois, offered a
resolution providing that Monday next
shall be devoted to the introduction and
reference of bills and resolutions. This
resolution gave rise to some discussion,
its advocates urging that if
bills were introduced before the holiday
recess they could be returned from the
printing office in time to be referred to the
committees when appointed, while its op
ponents contended that tho introduction of
bills before the announcement of tho com
mittees would lead to great confusion and
delay.
Mr. Randall suggested that the resolution
be laid over until Monday, on which day
be understood the Committee on Rules
would be announced.
This resolution met with favor and the
resolution was accordingly laid over.
A resolution was adopted for the pay
ment of the monthly salaries of the em
ployes of the House on Dec. 22.
Mr. Blanchard, of Louisiana, offered a
resolution expressing the regret with which
the House hud heard of the death of E. W.
Robertson, late member-elect to the Fiftieth
Congress from Louisiana, and then, as a
mark of respect to the memory of the de
ceased, tlie House at 13:45 o'clock adjourned
until Monday.
HOMESTEAD ENTRIES.
Acting Secretary Muldrow Renders a
Decision Concerning Them.
Washington, Dec. 16. —Acting Secretary
Muldrow to-day renndered a decision in the
ease of the Alabama and Chattanooga Rail
road Company vs. Nathaniel P. Clabourne,
on appeal by the railroad company from
the decision of the General Land Office. The
decision affirms the Commissioner, and
holds that a homestead entry made
in November, 1868, on the land included
in the indemnity belt of the grant
in aid of the plaintiff’s road, must
be sustained under the act of April 21, 1876,
such entry having been made “by pel-mis
sion of the land department after the expi
ration of the grant” The act of April 21,
1876, is construed to mean that, so far as
concerns lands covered by entries otherwise
regular, prior, actual "expiration of the
grant” (by lapse of time) shall
oe deemed to have revoked
the withdrawal, even though such
“expiration” may not have been decided
and insisted on as ground of forfeiture. As
to such lands, that is to say, the act of 1876
is itself "a legislative proceeding” needod
as an expression of the will of Congress
that forfeiture be insisted on. The act of
April 10, 1869, "reviving and renewing” the
grant, the Acting Secretary holds, does not
prevent the operation of the act of 1876, as
the act of 1869 must be taken to have been
made with reference to the state of things
existing at the date of its enactment.
HOUSE COMMITTEES.
They Will Not Be Announced Until
After the Holiday Recess.
Washington, Dec. 16.—The Speaker has
found his task of selecting the committees
so difficult this session that he will not be
able to announce them until after the holi
day recess, which will run from Dec. 22 to
Jan. 4, under the resolution which the House
adopted to-day and the Senate will adopt
Monday. A good many members will go
away, and those who remain will not be so
persistent, and so lie will be able to finish the
list with some satisfaction. He will proba
bly announce the Committee on Rules on
Monday, however, so that it can be at work
on the numerous propositions to amend the
rules pending and to be presented next
week. Naturally enough the Speaker
would like to have the contest against him
out of the way before he announces his
committees. The Committee on Elections
will probably agree upon a report during
the holiday recess. It will not take long,
for there is only one important question of
law to be passed upon, no testimony being
needed. The committee will unquestionably
report in Mr. Carlisle’s favor, and probably
by a unanimous vote.
INDEMNITY LANDS.
Secretary Lamar Issue3 an Order
Making Restorations to the Domain.
Washington, Dec. 16. Secretary
Lamar to-day issued an order directing
that all lauds heretofore withdrawn and
held for indemnity purposes under grants
to the following named railroad companies
be restored to the public domain and
opened to settlement and entry under the
general law, after giving the usual
notice: South and North, Alabama;
Selma, Rome and Dalton, and Alabama
and Florida, in Alabama; Florida, Atlantic
and Gulf Central; Pensacola and Georgia
and Florida and Alabama, in Florida, and
several Northwestern roads. While it may
be presumed, says the Secretary, tlxat there
is but a small amount, if any, of vacant un
appropriated lands within the indemnity
limits of these roads, the fact that the with
drawals still remain in force, renders this
order necessary to the final settlement of
the grants.
Republicans on Tax Reduction.
Washington, Dec. 16.— The Republican
tax reduction programme has crystallized
thus after much discussion: reduce the rev
enues *70,000,000 by repealing tobacco taxes,
the tax on alcohol used in the arts, and a
sufficient amount of sugar duties.
Blair s Educational Bill.
Washington, Dec. 16.—The Senate Com
mittee on Education to-day unanimously
ordered a favorable report on the Blair edu
cational bill. It will be reported as it passed
the Senate in the last Congress.
MADE FISND3 BY LIQUOR.
Two Boys Kill Tlieir Brother and 11l-
Treat Their Parents.
MoNTooMKRr, Ala., Dec. 16.— A special
to the Advertiser from Eufaula, tells of a
horrible murder in Henry county, Ala
bama. Bradley Johnson. ex-Sheriff of that
county, is one of the oldest and most re
spected citizens. Thursday two of his sons
got drunk, and at night, in cold blood,
butchered an older brother named Charles,
aged 37. The murderers are aged 18 and 30
years res)>ectively. Tho old father when he
went to his murdered son’s rescue, was
made by the two younger sons to kneel
on the floor and beg for mercy. Their old
mother earn j into the room and tried to
separate them. She was knocked on the
head by her sons and horribly bruised.
Tlieir brother-in-law and another brother,
Benjamin, also drunk, were made to leave
the house. A neighbor came and discov
ered what had happened and spread
the news abroad. When the two murder
ers found that their brother was dead one
whistled and the other danced in his blood.
The surrounding country is greatly excited
and the latest news is that lynching is
almost certain. The victim was asleep when
his brothers Robert and John began their
murderous work.
SAVANNAH, GA., SATURDAY. DECEMBER 17, 1887.
NEXT YEAR’S HOT FIGHT.
THE REPUBLICAN CLUBS FORM A
NATIONAL LEAGUE.
Senator Evarta the Chairman of the
Convention—A Row in the Pennsyl
vania Delegation Which Nearly
Caused a Split—Mr. Grosvenor Gets
in a Rap at Secretary Lamar.
New York, Dec. 16.— When the delegates
to the convention of Republican clubs
began to file into Chickering Hall to-day it
was remarked that they wore a more confi
dent air than yesterday, when the battalions
were disordered and headless. The idea of
a federation of the clubs, centralized and
obedient to the touch of a directing hand,
was before every eye. They were now in
shape 1 1 carry out the purpose of the cou
vention. The committees appointed yester
day were at work last night. The rules of
order had been framed. Mr. Evarts bad
been nominated for permanent chairman.
Other matters had been arranged by
other committees. Among the first to ar
rive and take position on tlie platform was
the temporary chairman, Daniel J. Ryan.
The members came in slowly. Three of the
committees had appointed sub-committees
to report at 9 o’clock this morning at the
meeting of the General Committee. The
reports from these had to be received, and
perhaps can massing had to be done. Three
sessions hail been decided on for the day’s
business, morning, afternoon and evening.
CALLED TO ORDER.
About 10:45 o’clock the convention was
called to order by Hon. Daniel J. Ryan.
The chairmen of the different committees
appointed yesterday made their reports.
Senator Chandler led off with the report of
the Committee on Rules and Order of Busi
ness. The chairmen of the other commit
tees then followed with their reports.
Meanwhile trouble was brewing among
the Pennsylvania delegation, and for some
time there was danger of a serious
split in its ranks. By mistake yesterday
Mr. Warren, of Scranton, and Capt. Thorn
ton, of Philadelphia, were both appointed
by the chairman of the Pennsylvania clubs
as the Keystone State’s representative on
the Committee of Permanent Organization
of the league. Friends of Mr Warren
claimed that it was distinctly understood
that Capt. Thornton was to withdraw in
case there were only five committees, in
stead of six, as some stated. The latter’s
friends denied this, and the delegation held
a hot meeting in the gentlemen’s room in
the hall. It was decided by 40 to 18 that
Mr. Warren was to be the man, although
Capt. Thornton had represented the delega
tion in the meeting of the committee last
night.
The report of the Committee on Creden
tials was read and the names of the clubs
were adopted.
NATIONAL DEFENSES.
Gen. John C. Robinson, of the Grant
Club, of Binghamton, N. Y., offered the
following resolution:
Resolved, That it is the duty of the govern
ment to place our country in such a state of de
fense as will command the respect of all nations,
and for this purpose a large portion of the sur
plus revenue should be devoted to fortifying our
harbors, building ships for our navy, and the
manufacture of modern artillery for proper
armament of the same.
It was referred to the Committee on Reso
lutions.
All resolutions were referred without de
bate to the Committee on Resolutions.
Mr. Birdsall, of Binghamton, said he
had a resolution.
The Chairman said: “Mr. Burehard’s
resolution.” That name brought down the
house. It was a resolution advising that
the tax on whisky and tobacco be dis
tributed among thie States according to
population to reduce the surplus.
A RAP AT LAMAR.
Mr. Grosvenor, of Ohio, offered the fol
lowing resolution, which caused a sensation:
Whereas, It is tlie opinion of the national
convention of the Republican clubs that, no
mau.jvho at any time denounced Abraham
Lincoln—while he was President of the United
States —as “a buffoon and clown,” or whoever
declared from his seat in the United States Sen
ate that no mail should denounce Jefferson
Davis as a traitor in his presence and go unre
buked by him: or who, in his official capacity as
Secretary of the Interior, ordered that the flag
of the United States should be digpia ed at half
mast on the occasion of the death of Jacob
Thompson; or who, as a Senator of the United
States many years after the war, refused to vote
that the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth
amendments to the Constitution are valid and
binding, ought to lie appointed to, or bold, the
high office of Justice of the Supreme Court of
the United States; therefore
Resolved, That L. Q. C. Lamar ought not to
have been appointed Justice of said court.
It was then carried, on motion, that all
resolutions should be referred to the Com
mittee on Resolutions without being read.
A number were so disposed of.
Soon William M. Evarts, permanent
chairman, came on the platform amid tre
mendous and long-continued applause. Ho
was introduced by the temporary chairman,
Mr. Ryan.
MR. EVARTS’ SPEECH.
In his speech, on takirife tho chair, Mr.
Evarts congratulated the convention on its
organization and said that its work would
not interfere with any of the established
organizations of tho party. It would, like
“the grand old party,” never acknowledge
that there could be chosen a candidate
greater than the party.
A draft for a constitution for a national
organization, to be known as “Tlie Republi
can League of the United States,” was pre
sented. A president, tin® vice presidents
and a secretary and treasurer are to lie the
officers. The organization is to bo perma
nent.
The Committee on Resolutions presented
a preamble and resolutions of extraordinary
length, which cover tbeenire field of politi
cal controversy, past and present,, since the
birth of the Republican party. The entire
proceedings of the convention have been
similar to those of a National Nominating
Convention in nearly all respects except
that according to the conditions of the call
it, was stipulated that the convention should
not name, recommend or nominate any can
didate for office.
The draft for constitutions of the national
and State leagues was submitted and
adopted. The draft declares that tho ob
jects of the league are to encourage and as
sist the formation of permanent Republican
clubs and to unite such clubs for effective
and organized work.
Garrett in ’Frisco.
Baltimore, Dec. 16.—A letter was re
ceived in this city to-day from San Fran
cisco stating that Robert Garrett will re
main in tbat uity for several weeks. He
will go thence to Cuba or Mexico, returning
to Baltimore in March. In April he will go
to Europe for a year’s visit.
Natural Gas in California.
BantaAna, Cal. , |Dec. 16.—1n boring
an artesian well in Fairview. six miles from
Santa Ana, yesterday natural gas was
struck in large quantities. Boring is still in
progress and the gas pressure is increasing.
A Comedian Drops Dead.
Troy, N. Y., Dec. 16.—John Howson, the
comedian, dropped dead of heart disease in
his room at the American House at b:3O
o’clock this evening.
RUSSIA’S ARMAMENTS.
The Gazette’s Article Exactly in Ac
cord With Public Feeling.
St. Petersburg, Dec. 16. —The Official
Military Gazette's article favorably im
pressed the public mind as exactly express
ing the national feeling that Russia neither
desires nor fears war.
The Journal De St. Petersburg says:
"Every impartial judge will admit that
Russia is not responsible for continu
ous re-euforcement-s and tho coifiiition of
armed peace. It is true that tho central
powers allego that the sole object of their
alliances and armaments is maintenance of
pacific status quo based upon existing trea
ties. If, therefore, Russia associates herself
with this guarantee of peace, by taking de
fensive measures to preserve the equilibri
um of forces, it remains to be decided to
what point this abuse of the principle
si rispaeem, para belum, which weighs
heavily on the finances of every country,
w hile exciting passion and alarming tho
public mind, is the best means of preserving
peace, which all the world appears to desire
and the maintenance of which we believe
to be assured for a long period, thanks to
our good relations with our neighbors.”
the situation more acute.
Pe.sth, Dec. 16. —The Austrian press is
unanimously of the opinion that the article
published in the St. Petersburg OMoial
Military Gazette regarding tho military
preparations of powers lias greatly in
creased the acuteness of the situation. Tlie
Pesther Lloyd says Austria must make
military preparations involving large ex
pense. It is untrue that Roumama will, in
the event of war, place two army corps on
the Russian frontier. Roumania will, in
anv event, remain neutral. Well-informed
persons believe t.liat Russia may threaten,
but, will not venture to challenge the triple
alliance.
GERMANY’S MILITARY BILL.
Berlin, Dec. 16. —The Reichstag dis
cussed the military bill to-day, Gen. Von
Scbellendorf, Minister of War, contended
that it was necessary to extend liability to
service in the landstrum to tho age of 45
years. Distinction is to be made between
trained and untrained men. All the speak
ers excepting one supported the project.
The bill was referred to a committee.
According to tho Reichsan Zeiger'j 0
sion of Herr Schellendorff’s speech, the
Minister of War said that the object of tho
bill Could be perfectly summed up in the
words of the Emperor on the opening of
Parliament, that the empire, by God’s help,
should become so strong that it could meet
every danger with calmness from whatever
quarter it could bo altacked. The Minister,
continuing, said tho empire was threatened
not from the warlike disposition of the
allied powers, for the German people always
leaned toward peace, but from attacks by
other people.
MUST depend on itself.
The empire was strong and it had allies,
but in war its might depended only upon
its strength. It must be made so powerful
that it would bo feared us a foe ana courted
as an ally. The bill aimed to increase con
siderably the numerical strength of tho
army through an extension of mm term <>f
service in the landstrum. The addi
tional strength given will be of
great value and with the phys
ical hardiness of the Germans no diffi
culty will be experienced in giving effect to
the provisions of the bill. The Germans, he
felt sure, would not bo sparing of their
powers when the time came for
tieating off an enemy. After re
ferring to the technical military ar
rangements required under the bill,
the speaker concluded by expressing a wish
that tho day when it would become neces
sary to put the measure to practical use was
far off. Still, he said, everything must be
ready, if aq attack were made, for the Gar -
man array to enter upon the warpath,
armed in the most perfect manner, so that
their flags would again lead the German
people to victory.
FRANCE’S MILITARY CREDIT.
Paris, Dec. 16. —1n the Chamber of Depii •
ties to-day Gen. Logerot, Minister of War,
asked a military credit of U,000,000f. and
was supported by the Budget Committee.
The Chamber, however, by a vote of 3145 to
335 adopted an amendment by M. Brice
granting only 4,000,000f.
KALNOKV AND IIIS EMPEROR.
Vienna, Dr U -Count Kalnoky was in
conference wi; r 1 Emperor almost all the
afternoon. It i t ported that he will now
agree to a joint note from the powers to
Russia demanding an explanation of her
military preparations. Sunday’s council
will decide the matter.
WAR EXPECTED IN THE SPRING.
London, Dec. 17, 4 a. m.— The Vienna
Correspondent of the Ti "es telegraphs th it
strong feeling exists in that city in favor of
sending an immediate ultimatum to Russia
to be followed hi case of an unsatisfactory
reply by a rapid march of German and Aus
tran forces on the Russian frontier. It is
feared that war willoccur in the spring. The
feeling is intense.
The Vienna correspondent of tho Times
says: “A statesman whose usual mood is
p aceful summed up the situation thus:
‘lf there were a young Emperor on the
German throne he would do as Frederick
the Great did, make a dash into the enemy's
territory before concentration was possi
ble.’"
Tlie Times correspondent at St. Peters
burg asserts that the first draft of the Mili
tary Gazette's article was very strong, and
that M. de Giers, the Foreign Minister, in
sisted upon a milder statement.
WILSON’S UNHAPPY LOT.
Tho Deputies Will Make It Warm for
Him When He Reappears.
Paris, Dec. 16. —The Senate to-day ap
proved £be provisional budget. The session
closes to-morrow.
M. VV'iLson has not yet made his apponr
ance in the Chamber of Deputies. His
enemies will bring up tbe decoration scandal
by asking why M. Gragnon, Prefect of
Police, has not been reinstated and by at
tacking M. Wilson on tbe decision of tlie
tribunal that the Limouzin letters were al>-
stractod end rewritten, tlieir object being
to force him to resign.
M. Logerot, Minister of War, has sup
pressed the Bureau de Service de la Presse,
where newspapers used to receive direct
communications from tlie War Minister.
The formation of anew party ot Repub
lican Socialists is announced. It consists
of eighteeu Deputies, including Basley,
Caraeunot, Clovis, Hugues, Susiui and other
Radicals.
President Carnot will send costly jubilee
gifts to the Pope. President Carnot ap
pears bent on inaugurating an era of re
ligious peace. Ha has given ordors to have
the regular services in the Elyseo Chapel
resumed.
Blaine and the Tories.
London, Dec. 17, 4 a. m.—Tha Paris cor
respondent of the Sews says that the Lon
don Tories flatter themselves that they have
made a conquest of Blaine, but he is simply
reserving his powder and shot, till he goes
home.
Editors Fight a Duel.
Paris, Dec. 16.—M. Edwards, manager
of La Mat in, fought a duel with M. Mayer,
manager of LaLanterru. Both were slight
ly wounded.
SHORTER HOURS OF TOIL.
HOW WORKMEN MUST GET THE
BEST OF MACHINERY.
The Convention of the Federation of
Labor Votes to Ask Congress to
Enact Laws on the Subject-Officers
Elected-How Strikes Will Be Sup
ported.
■ Baltimore, Md., Dec. 16.—Tho first mat
ter that oocupied the attention of tho Ameri
can Federation of Labor this morning was
a letter from the Cigarmakers Union, of
California, urging tho convention to peti
tion Congress to adopt some measures t hat
will effectually put an end to the importa
tion of Chinese cheap labor. The letter
was ordered to lie spread upon tho minutes.
Discussion as to the bast method of
financially supporting strikes resulted
in the adoption of a clause enforcing
an assessment of sc. per weok per
member, said clause, however, not to
become a law until it has received tho sanc
tion of tho minor organizations.
It was decided to reduce the per capita
tax for the support of the federation from
jsjC. to ifr. a month on all members in good
stauding of minor organizations, and an
annual tax of *35 on all State federations.
a warm debate.
At tho afternoon session there was a great
deal of warm debate on points of parlia
mentary tactics, and at one time President
Oompers felt compelled to ask Delegate
McSweeny, of the shoe lasters, to relieve
him, but finally the constitution was
adopted, and Prof. U. T. Ely, of Johns Hop
kins University, was given an opportunity
to deliver a brief address Ho spoke oil
the advantage of united action, and of the
recent awakening of public interest in the
condition of the laboring classes. Ho de
precated strikes, and advised moderation
in dealing with non-union men, many of
whom ho declared to be honest and worthy
men.
The report of the Finance Committee
showed the accounts of the federation to lie
in good order, and that the dues of affilia
ted bodies were not paid up os promptly os
could be desired. It was adopted.
It was voted to be inexpedient to send
delegates to the Trades Union Congress to
be held in London next year, but national
and international labor organizations were
recommended to be represented in that
body.
shorter hours of toil.
In view of the rapid advancement in the
perfecting of labor-saving machinery and
the consequent decrease in tlie numlier of
workmen employed in many industries, it
was resolved that eff< >rts be made to secure
the enactment by Congress of laws that
will reduce the hours of labor.
The Committee on the Growth of the
Order reported that the rapid growth of
the order resulted from a combination of
circunistanees; first, the avowed purpose of
the federation to allow each trade to pre
serve its autonomy, or govern itself; sec
ond, to the discoutent of tho Knights of
Labor at the bad management of their affairs
and the disastrous strikes of recent date.
The committee recommended the utmost
resistance to the encroachment of the
Knights of Libor, inasmuch as that order
has shown itself opposed to the principles of
trades unionism. The report of the com
mittee was adopted amid a considerable
show of enthusiasm.
The convention then proceeded to the
election of officers, and tho following were
elected by acclamation:
President—Samuel Gompers, of New
York, representing the International Cigar
makers’ Union.
First Vice President—Daniel McLaughlin,
representing the Illinois Miners’ Associa
tion.
Second Vice President—William Martin,
of the Amalgamated Iron and Steel Work
ers’ Association.
Secretary—P. J. McGuire, of the Phila
delphia Brotherhood of Carpenters and
Joiners.
Treasurer —Gabriel Edinondston, of the
Washington Brotherhood of Carpenters and
Joiners.
St. Louis was selected as the place for
holding tho next Convention.
POWDERLY'S ILLNES3.
He is Suffering: Great Pain From the
Rupture of a Blood Vessel.
Scranton, Pa., Dec. 16. —Grand Master
Workman Powderly’s condition has not im
proved during the past twenty-four hours,
and tlio belief exists that he is much worse
than his relatives and attending physicians
desire to make known to the public. The
intelligence from the bedside of the labor
chief has been unsatisfactory for two rea
sons. In the first place reporters have been
loth to annoy the members
of Mr. Powderly’s household by
frequent visits and pressing questions
which could have no other result than
causing pain and distress where griet
already rests lioavily. The physician in
the case, I)r. W. E. Allen, has therefore
been relied upon chiefly for information
concerning the sick man, and the secretive
ness, which is generally characteristic of
members of the medical profession, has
lieen a formidable barrier to the Inquisitive
ness of the men of the press, who have
taken Dr. Allen’s off-hand statements con
cerning Mr. Powderly's condition as an in
dication teat the patient’s illness is of a
trivial nature and that complete recovery
is only a question of a day or two.
IN CRITICAL CONDITION.
The fact of the matter is that he is in a
critical condition and has been so since his
arrival here last Tuesday. Yesterday the
symptoms wore alarming, another severe
attack of hemorrhage having set in which
continued with distressing effect until early
this morning. Dr. Alien said this morning
that Mr. Povvderly was suffering great pain,
the result of the rupture of a small blood
vessel, but that if he remains quiet for a
few days and gets rest, he will probably re
cover. Thomas O’Reilly, President of the
Telegraphers’ Union, who came here at the
instance of the General Executive Board,
and wiio was to have returned to his home
to-day, will, owing to the condition of the
Master Workman, remain in this city until
next Monday.
HIS CONDITION FAVORABLK.
Wilkkshabke, Dec. 17, 1 a. m.—Mr.
Powd rly’s condition continues favorable.
At midnight he was asleep and resting com
fortably. _ _ _
Wages to bo Cut Down.
Bethlehem, I’a., Dec. 1(1. —The Bethle
hem Iron Company to-day gave notice of a
reduction of 10 per cent in wages, to fake
effect Jan. 1. The reason assigned is that:
“The condition of trade and the reduced
price of rails in the market, make it neces
sary for this company to reduce the expense
of manufacture. This reduction still leaves
wages considerably higher than before the
advance of last winter."
St. John’s Bait Act.
Gloucester, Mass., Doc. 16.—A dis
patch from St. John’s, N. P., says the bait
act which was iiassed by the legislature of
that colony has received the royal assent.
It forbids the catching or sale of bait to for
eign fishermen, and goes into effect Jon. 1.
IRELAND’S STRUGGLE.
The Marquis of Ely Grants His Ten
ants a SO Per Cent. Reduction.
Dublin’, Dec. 16. —The United Ireland
will sue the police for damages for remov
ing show bills from shop windows in Ennis
and elsewhere.
Mr. Sheehy, Member of Parliament, who
was arrested under the crimes act, was to
day sentenced to three months imprisi mment
with hard labor. Notice was given of
mi appeal and Mr. Sheehy was admitted to
bail. Upon being released ho was again
arrested on a charge of having participated
in a meeting at Clonmel. Han was refused
and the prisoner was taken to Clonmel jail.
Father Matthew Ryan will be arraigned
under the crimes act Thursday at Bally
ueety.
The Marquis of Ely, who some time ago
refused to grant, a reduction of 25 per cent,
under the plan of campaign, causing whole
sale evictions of tenants and the dismissal
of the New Ross Board of Guard
ians because they refused to treat
the evicted as paupers, is now
visiting his Wexford estate for the first
time in ten years. Yesterday ho invited
Ganon Dovle, the loader of the tenants, to
dine with him and discuss the matter, and
tlje result is that the Marquis has granted a
reduction of 50 per cent, and oasy terms of
payment, and will reinstate all the tenants
wlio were evicted.
UNcEB FRITZ'S CONDITION.
Dr. Mackenzie so Confident That He is
Going to Visit Algiers.
San Remo, Dec. 10.—The new growth
which has made its appearance in the throat
of the Crown Prince is not of a serious
nature. It causes no difficulty in breathing.
Nooperation is deemed necessary at present.
The right sideof the larynx is wholly sound.
THE rRINCE’S THROAT BETTER.
Dr. Mackenzie states that he con
siders the appearance of tho Crown
Prince’s throat better than when ho
examined it in the beginning of Novem
ber. It is true small growth has shown up
higher in the throat, but it has not the
malignant appearance of tho growth which
appeared toward tho close of the Crown
Prince’s stay at Raveno, but has since
diminished, the swelling of the glands hav
ing entirely disappeared. Dr. Mackenzie
is about to make a professional visit to Al
f iers. He will return afterwaids to Sail
tomo. He would not go to Algiers if ho
considered the Crown Prince’s case urgent.
The giowth in the Crown Prince’s throat
operated upon in June has entirely disap
peared. Dr. Mackenzie says that no opera
tion of any kind is contemplated at present.
He was much struck with tho improvement
in the Prince’s voice since his last visit.
GERMANY’S SOCIALISTa
A New Bill Intended to Drive Them
Out of the Country.
Dec. 16.—A new bill has been
introduced in the Reichstag authorizing the
expulsion of all Socialist* who have in
curred penalties for violation ot the anti-
Socialist law or by belonging to secret so
cieties, which is forbidden by existing laws.
In accordance with tho provisions of this
bill most of th<* Socialist members of the
Reichstag may be expelled from Germany.
The bill also permits the punishment of any
one taking part in a Socialist congress.
England and the Vatican.
Home, Deo. 16.—The opinion prevails in
Vatican circles that if diplomatic relations
be resumed with England a high dignitary
will not lie sent as nuncio to England, lie
cause the Irish bishops would object to
obeying a prelate officially accredited to the
English government.
DILLON’S VIEWS.
London, Dec. 16. —Mr. Dillon speaking
with reference to the rumors of last oven
ing of the Pope’s interference in Iristi affairs
said, that, while lie deeply revered the au
thority of the Pope in matters of faith, he
would as soon think of submitting to the
Sultan of Turkey, as to him in matters po
litical.
Italy’s Commercial Treaties.
Rome, Dec. 16. —The Chamber of Depu
ties to-day approved ttie new commercial
treaty with Austria by a vote of 2ffl to 22.
Premier Crispi declared that the treaty was
the outcome of an economic political agree
ment between Italy and Austria. The
Chandler also authorized the government to
negotiate provisional treaties with France,
Spain and Switzerland.
A Demonstration Prohibited.
London, Dec. 16.—The Law and Liberty
League proposed to make a demonstration
Sunday in honor of Linnell, who, it is
alleged, died from the effects of injuries re
ceived in the charge of the mounted police
during the recent rioting in Trafalgar
Square, but the police authorities have
issued an order forbidding that any display
be made.
No News from Stanley.
London, Dec. 16.—Congo dispatches re
ceived in Brussels to-night make no mention
of Stanley or of the situation at Stanley
Fails. The present uneasiness felt here re
garding the explorer will develop into ieri
ous anxiety if the present month passes
without newß being received from him.
Francis Joseph and the Pope.
Rome, Dec. 16.—Prince Lichtenstein to
day presented the Austrian Emperor’s gifts
to tho Pope. His holiness expressed his
gratitude, and said he regarded the gifts as
fresh proof of the unwavering friendship of
the Austrian Emperor.
The Diet Refuses to Congratulate the
Pope.
London, Dec. 16. —The Bohemian Diet to
day opposed a motion to congratulate the
Pope on his jubilee, on the ground that the
Diet represented Protestants as well as
Catholics.
"PLEASE DON’T.”
The Last Request of a Murderer Be
fore His Execution.
Charles City, la., Dec. 16.—Chester
Bellows was hung at 10:46 o’clock this fore
noon. Ho had to be supported to the gal
lows, and as the rope was placed around bis
neck, he exclaimed three times: “Please
don’t." As the sheriff placed tho white cap
over his heal, he exclaimed again, “please
don’t, I am innocent." The trap was sprung
at 10:46 o’clock, and in eight minutes and
forty-three seconds ins heart ceased to beat.
His neck was broken.
STRUNG UP IN CALIFORNIA.
Bakehfikld, Cal., Dec. 16.—Thurston
Lee was hanged here to-day for tho murder
of John Smith in March, iBBB.
Cmcugo's Civil Service Reform.
Chicago, Dec. 16.— An ordinance pro
viding for a civil service commission to
have authority in the city government,
similar to the national commission over
the Federal offices, received a vote of 21 to 7
to-night in the City Council. The Chairman
declared the ordinance passed but many
Aldermen say otherwise.
( PRICEAIO A YEAR I
| 4CENTS A COP y (■
COMM ERCE AND FINANCE.
GROWING CONFIDENCE IN CON
GRESS HELPS MATTERS.
A Clear Though Moderate Improve
ment in the Outlook Indicated by
Dun & Co.’s Advices—Weak Parties
telling Wool nt Low Figures -Cotton
a Shade Stronger.
New York, Dec. 16.—R. G. Dunn * Co.’s
review of trade for the week says: There is
clear, though moderate improvement in the
commercial and industrial outlook, mainly
due to growing confidence, mentioned in
reports from several interior cities, that
Congress will finally do nothing prejudicial
to business interests. At the same time it Is
at ninny points observed that uncertainty
in regard to the action of Congress tends to
restrict purchases and contributes to weak
ness in some markets, monetary anxieties
diminish, and speculation in products
nlmtes.
Iron production, by many considered a
reliable barometer of business, fails a little
below the unprecendented output of
Nov. I. The output Dec. 1, was 140,0-10
tons weekly, according to Now York re
turns,’almost 1,600 tons smaller in bitumin
ous and coke iron, and a little smaller in
anthracite and charcoal iron than the out
put a month ago. Pittsburg returns made
a decrease of 4,087 tons for the month.
IDLE FURNACES.
Some furnaces have stopped work since
Deo. 1. Southern competition, though real,
is not extensive and is mostly due to finan
cial necessities in one district. A force of
wider influence is scanty demand for rails
a consequent increase in the production of
foundry iron by furnaces hitherto engaged
in making Bessemer. It is held that the new
sales of rails for next y; ar do not yet aggre
gate more than 100.000 tons and
largo buyers still hold off. The
statement that a single sale v.as
made on terms netting s3l, is questioned,
and transactions aggregating 23,000 tons
are rejiorted at $32. Bar iron is less strong,
and some mills are running on short time,
but nails appear firmer.
WOOL QUIET.
Fine wools are quiet and medium wool*
stronger, though sales at low figures by
weak parties are still mentioned. Growers
express confidence that no reduction of
dutiis will Is) made, hut the manufacturing
demand does not answer expectations. The
dry goods trade, very moderate in all
branches, is particularly dull in woolena,
ami the stiffness in cottons is attributed to
a scarcity of ready supplies rather than to
large fresh order*.
The boot and shoe trade improves with
better Western and good Southern business,
and the leather market still favors the
buyers.
Curtailment in pork packing is given as
a reason for tho speculative strength in
pork products though hogs are lower.
WHEAT AND FLOUR EXPORTS.
The exiorts of wheat uud flour for tha
five months ending with November fall
below those of the corresponding mouths
Inst year, and the decrease which appears in
November, if continued through the crop
year, would leave a large unsold surplus to
be carried ovor July 1. Tho sales were
44,000,(XX) bushels of wheat and 8,000,00(1
bushels of corn.
Oil has not materially changed.
Cotton is a shade stronger, with sales of
507,(XX) bales, and coffee, with sales of 484,-
000 bags.
No lack of money checks speculative ac
tivity. Tho supply is abundant, and tbe
large demand for mouey is now fairly met.
The Treasuryf'ded $2,600,000 to the bank
deposits, and so took only $200,000 from cir
culation for the week.
LESS MONETARY PRESSURE.
The interior reports indicate less monetary
pressure, though the market at some points
is still do e. Complaints of slow collec
tions continue, but are less general. Tha
past pressure is reflected, however, in an
unusually large number of failures.
Foreign trade improves, the exports of
the inoro im[K)-tant products exceeding
those for the same nun h last year by
$1,478,000, though tho imports at New York
increased $8,476,000.
Though figures and the course of foreign
exchange indicate that foreign capital still
moves to this country, rather than out of
it, the stock market has declined on the
average about 71) cents per share and grows
duli. Earnings continue good.
A general agreement as to dressed beef
rates has been reached and an advance in
exiiort rates is promised, but the public
takes but little part in trading, and the
operation of the interstate act ends steadily
toward a reduction of rates at the West.
The business failures occurring through
out the country during last w<v k number
forthe United State) 254 and for Canada
.84, a total of 288 against 2>4 last week, and
244 the week previous.
KNIGHTB DEFALCATION.
The Stability of the Bank Will Not b
Affected by His Peculations.
Philadelphia, Dec. 16.—The defalcation
of Joseph C. Knight, the trusted clerk of
the Manufacturers’ National Bank, was the
principal topic of conversation in financial
circles to-day. Bank officials were par
ticularly Interested. It was regular dis
count day at the banks, and the directors
spent a portion of the time in discussing the
defalcation. Tbe news appeared to have
aroused them, and they were more vigilant
than usual. As one of them aptty remarked:
“It is regular house-cleaning day at all the
banks.” In some cases the directors over
hauled the books in order to satisfy them
selves that the accounts were correct.
MR. MOFFLY UNCONCERNED.
President Moffly, of the Manufacturers'
Bank, was apparently unconcerned over
the defalcation. “This is a bad thing,” he
said, “but it will not affect us. We have a
surplus of $175,000 and a capital of $035,000.
and although the loss is heavy we can stand
it. The extent of the defalcation was gen
erally known, but some of the depositors
became frightened and appeared early and
demanded their money. All payments were
promptly made, and'we are prepared tor
uuy emergency.”
COLLIDED ON THE HUDSON.
A Steamer Gives a Ferry Boat a Little
the Worst of It.
New York, Dec. 16.—A collision oc
curred this evening between the Old
Dominion steamship Breakwater and. the
Erie railway ferry boat Pavonia in the
Hudson river. The steamer was not seri
ously damaged, ’but the ferry boat was
pretty badly smashed up. Frank Merrity.
ex-Assemblyman David Henry and Richard
Coughlin, passengers on the ferry boat,
were badly crushed and bruised, and had
arms and legs broken. It is feared their
injuries are total. There were several minor
casualties, and much excitement on both
crafts.
Racing Postponed.
New Orleans, Dec. 16.—The races have
been postponed until Tuesday, on account
of rainy weather and muddy track.