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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.