Newspaper Page Text
I ESTABLISHED ISSO. )
f !. H. EfeTILL, Editor and Proprietor, f
EXPRESS COMPANIES OUT
THE INTERSTATE COMMERCE LAW
NOT TO BE APPLIED.
A Formal Decision on the Question
Rendered by the Commissioners—
The Law as It Stands Applicable to
Companies Run by Railroads, but
not to Those Run Independently.
Washington', Dec. 38.—The formal de
cision of the Intestate Commerce Commis
sion ujxm the question whether express
companies are subject to the provisions of
the act to regulate commerce, was an
nounced to-day. The bringing -of express
companies within the provisions of the act
is fomid to be practicable, and on some ac
counts desirable. Express companies, wh'ch
are simply branches of a railroad,
organizod and operating through its
ordinary stuff, or by an independent
bureau, or by combination with other rail
road companies, are found to be covered by
the provisions of the act.
INDEPENDENT COMPANIES.
In the case of independently organized
express companies, h iwever, operating un
der contracts for transportation, the lan
guage of the act, as it now stands, is found
to be so framed as not to bring
them directly within its provisions.
The words “wholly by railroad,’' in the first
section, do not well define the business of
express companies, which use very largely
the services of teams, messengers, stage
coaches and steamboats. The pooling sec
tion applies to the pooling of the business of
railroads. Other sections speak of railroads
continually and of depots and stations, the
language not being applicable to the busi
ness of expross companies, except under a
somewhat strained construction.
REFERRED TO CONGRESS.
The express business was well known at
the time of the passage of the law', and has
been frequently mentioned by name in Con
gressional statutes. The omission to name
it here is significant. The preliminary in
vestigation by the Interstate Commerce
C mngtteo of the Senate did
not include the business of express
companies, and was confined almost wholly
to that of railroad companies. Upon all
these considerations the commission has
thought best to refer the subject to Con
gress, as in any case of doubtful jurisdic
tion, it is far better that the legislative
body should resolve the doubt.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.
Chicago, Dec. 28.—The Central Traffic
Association has authorized Commissioner
Blanchard to prepare amendments, to be
submitted to Congress, to amend the inter
state act. A move is to be made to insert
provisions which will protect railroads from
fraudulent misrepresentations of freight
shippers in regard to the classification of
commodities shipped, and to prevent the
sale of railroad tickets by any except di
rectly authorized agents of the companies.
CHANDLER’S BIG SCHEME.
He Will Bend Heaven and Earth to
Carry the Southern States.
Washington, Dec. 38.—Senator William
E. Chandler is preparing to make an effort
to carry several Southern States for the Re
publican party next year. He has Louisi
ana, Tennessee, Florida and Virginia esp’-
oially in view. He will, however, tako
charge of his party interests in every South
ern State, w here there is even the stump of
Republican organization. He is already in
consultation with the managers of the Re
publican party in Louisiana, who have a
strong organization as to the State election
in April. In accordance with his
views, they will nominate a straight
ticket for all the different officers from
Governor down. He thinks that this is the
best way to take advantage of the divirions
in the Democratic party. Senator Chand
ler will probably make a speech in the Sen
ate within the next six weeks on his bill to
regulate Southern elections, by way of
sounding the key note of his campaign. He
promises to surpass Senator Hear in the
bloody shirt race. .
CHRISTMAS FOR THE P'OOR.
Two Thousand Children of Washing
ton Given a Day of Pleasure.
Washington, Dec. 28.—Two thousand
poor children, one-fourth of them colored,
were given a Christmas dinner by the Chil
dren’s Christian Clubs to-day. Mrs. Cleve
land and other society women, and Miss
I’aullhe Whitney, Miss Mollie Vilas and
other children of society people assisted at
the main entertainment, which was held in
the Armory of the National Rifles. Sevou
hundred children dined in the armory, and
afterward enjoyed u magician’s tricks, ami
the gifts which a clever Santa Claus got
from a gorgeous tree forjthem. Mrs. Cleve
land enjoyed it as much as the children.
Like entertainments were given in East
Washington and West Washington for other
companies of white children, and in one of
the colored churches for colored children.
-
OFF THEIR RESERVATION.
Fears of an Outbreak Among the Ute
Indians.
Glenwood Springs, Cod., Dec. 38.—For
several days reports have reached here from
the White river country that the Utes are
off their reservation east %f the Utah line, j
and that they are buying all the rifles and
other firearms that they can obtain. It is
feared that an outbreak will soon occur.
They have been informed that they are not
on their reservation, and that they are
breuking their pledges given last summer.
They say that they intend to hunt where
they can find game in plenty and that the
white men eaunot hinder tr.eni. A number
of cattlemen have ordered their men to
shoot any and all Indians they nmy see on
their ranges, or anywhere out of tfie Utah
line. It is feared that, should the Indians
come in force they will be prejiared for
mischief.
, Powderly’s Rival Defected.
Washington. Dee. 28. —Paul P. Bowen,
of this city, who has been spoken of as the
probable successor of T. \. Powderly, of
the Knights of Labor, was defeated for re
election to-night as Master Workman of his
asseniDly. There was a strong fight made
against him, and the ticket put forward by
the conservative members of the assembly,
and headed by H. J. Sphultis, was elected.
Tax Reduction.
W ABHINOTON, Dec. 28. —The report that
President Cleveland proposes to send a mes
sage to Congress recommending the repeal
of the tobacco tax i* pronounced unfounded.
The President has said what lie had to say
about, tax reduction to Congress. It is for
Congress to say now whether the reduction
shall be made as ho recom nended or as Mr.
Blaine suggested.
The Providential Party’s Return.
Washington, Dec. UK--The Presidential
Party, which went to Albany to attend Mr.
Manning’s funeral, returned to Washington
this morning at 8:ft0 o’clock with the ex
'•option of Col. Lament, who went to Hol
land Patent to pay a short visit to bis
Barents.
McNEALLY’S ILL-GOTTEN GAINS.
Examiner Richards Explains .he Bank's
Attitude.
Boston, Deo. 28.—A special to the Jour
nal from Portland, Me., gives an interview
with Bank Examiner Richards concerning
the Saco and Biddeford Savings Institution
defalcation and Defaulter McNeally. The
examiner savs the ti rut offer of a compromise
'vns received about Nov. 10 in a letter from
Frank McNoally, dated at Cairo,
Egypt, in which he agreed to sur
render the bonds on receipt of
$20,000 in currency and an agreement
on the part of the bank not to prosecute
him. This offer was rejected by the trustees
and a letter was written in reply by Gen.
Cleaver, counsel for the bank, and sent to
McNeally by Treasurer Kelly. This letter
was non-committal in every respect, and in
tended to draw from McNeally further
proposition and lead to more satisfactory
results than now seems likely to be reached.
The subsequent correspondence between the
McNeallys has been pretty correctly pub
lished.
A VOLUNTARY EXHIBITION OF FOr.LT.
The issuing of a power of attorney to
Harry McNeally to act ou behalf of the
bank at Halifax, by Treasurer Kelly, was
characterized by the examiner as “a vol
untary exhibition of foUy, performed gra
tuitously without any apparent motive.”
Said he: “About three hours before Mr.
Kelly issued his commission to Harry
McNeally, President Goodale assured Judge
Cleaves, in my hearing, that the
bank had not and would not
authorize anybody to represent them in pro
curing restitution from Frank.’’ Mr. Rich
ards placed but little confidence in the
promised return of the stolen properly, but
believed if the bank had followed the ad
vise of counsel, McNeally would have sur
rendered the bonds and thrown himself
upon the mercy of the court in preference
to starving in foreign lands. President
Goodale also denied the report that the
trustees have compromised, or intended to
compromise, a lelony with Frank Mc-
Neally.
MRS. ASTOR’S WILL.
After Numerous Bequests to Charities
Leaves Her Estate to Her Husband.
New York, Dec. 28.—The will of the late
Mro. Charlotte Augusta Astor. executed
June 18, 1886, was filed to-day with the Sur
rogate. After bequests to relatives and
personal friends, she makes the following:
Woman’s Hospital of the State of New
York, $25 ; 000; St. Luke's Hospital, $25,000;
Young Women’s Christian Association of
this city, $35,000; Children’s Aid Society,
$25,000; for an industrial school on
Avenue B, $10,000; Hampton
Normal and Agricultural Institute
at Hampton, Va., $35,000; the sum of
$25,000 to the Domestic and Foreign So
ciety of the Protestant Episcopal Church
of the United States of America, one-half
to be applied to the education of Indian
boys fnd girls of South Dakota, and the
other half to the repair and enlarge
ment of schools in the same dis
trict: the New York Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Children,
$1,000: the Oiqihans’ Home and Asylum of
the Protestant Episcopal chur h in New
York, $1,000; Society for the Relief of Des
titute Blind in this city and vicinity, SI,OOO.
The bulk of her estate she bequeaths to her
husband, John Jacob Astor.
NO MAN'S LAND.
A New Scheme Developed in Regard
to the Titles.
Chicago, Dec. 28.—According to special
dispatches to the Daily News anew scheme
has just developed in regard to Ibe title to
No Man’s Land. A telegram last night
from Tahlequah says that the National
Council has appointed a committee to press
the claim of the Cberokees to that part cf
the Ifuliiui Territory on the attention of
Congress. The claim is ba-Ad on the treaties
of 1828 and 1880, and the patent of 1829,
signed by President Van Buren. It is al
leged that, the title has never lapsed, and
that, it is as clear as that which holds the
territory around Tahlequah.
A STRANGE DISEASE.
Sudden Death of Two Children at
Wilkesbarre.
Wilkesbarre, Pa., Dec. 2S.—H. A.
Savage, of this city, lias lost two children
within the past forty-eight hours from some
strange disease. The youngest, two years
of age, appmred slightly sick Monday niglit,
and before it was known that his
illness was serious, he died
Another, a boy, i years of age,
was taken sick this morning and within a
few hours he died. Shortly before death
ensuod their bo lies turned black. The best
physicians have been called, but are unable
to name the disease: A post mortem ex
amination will be made.
DUELS IN FRANCE.
Editors Have Their Hands Full Wiping
Out Insults.
Paris, Dec. 28. —M. Mayer, director'of
the Gaulois, has challenged M. De Woos
tyne, formerly Paris correspondent of a
leading New York newspaper, for articles
published in the Journal Parisian, and a
duel with swords will probably take place
to-morrow.
M. Garnior challenged M. Vervoot editor
of the Krrn rut on account of certain
articles published l>y the latter. M. Vervoot
replied t hat whe • such duelling experts as
M. Rochefort and M. Derto/raivel refused
to fight M. Gamier ho (Vervoot) could very
well decline the challenge.
King John’s Advance.
London, Dec. 18. —Advices from Masso
wah say that great activity prevails among
the Itaiian troops there. Every preparation
is being niude to meet the advancing Abys
sinian forces. It is reported that Has Alula
overrated the Italian movements in order to
induce King John to advance. One column
of Abyssinian troops, commanded by a son
of ttie Kmg, lias arrived at Adowa. Another
column, under Ras MikTel, has reached
Adrigal.
ITALY TO SEND RE-ENFORCEMENTS.
Rome, Dec. 28. —It is reported that in
consequence'of news from Massowah the
government has decided to dispatch 8,000
re-eji force men ts early in January.
Sullivan Challenges Smith.
London, Dec. 28 —John L. Sullivan iias
challenged Jem Smith to fight for £I,OOO a
side, tho affair to conie off a fortnight after
Sullivan’s match with Mitchell has been
fought. Sullivan has dejiosited iI.WO for
feit.
Leopold’s Gift to the Pope.
Rome, Dec. 28.—The Pope to-day re
ceived King Leopold’s representative,’ who
presented his holiness with jubilee gifts and
an autograph letter.
Bulgaria’s Outposts.
Sofia, Dec. 28.—The Sobranje, at secret
sitting, unanimously voted 2,600,0001.
lor fortifying Bulgarian i-orU.
SAVANNAH, GA„ THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1887.
A RIOT IN IRELAND.
Orangemen and Catholics Clash and
Belabor Each Other.
London, Dec. 28.—Mr. Corcoran, the
printer of the Cork Examiner, has been ar
rested on a charge of publishing in that
pnpsr reports of meetings of proclaimed
branches of the national leagu e.
Mr. Gladstone embarked upon a chan
nel steumer at Folkstone, ou his way to
France, this morning. He was cheered by
a crowd which had gathered to see him off.
CATHOLICS AND ORANGEMEN FIGHT.
Dublin, Dee. 28. —A desperate fight be
tween Catholics aud Orangemen occurred
Monday in the village of Killybearn, near
Nookstowu. Stones, bricks, revolvers, etc.,
were freely used. The house of a priest
was completely Avrecked and the windows of
other houses were sma-hed. The Oraugomen
were re-enforced and the struggle was be
coming serious when police stopped the
flight. Several persons were arrested.
The order for a reduction of judicial
rents in Ireland applies only to the year
commencing on the sale day immediately
before Aug. 23, 1887.
CONSIDERED A BAD MOVE
London, Dec. 29, 5 a. m.— The Daily
JVeuw, commenting on the reduction of
judicial rents in Ireland, says that by one
stroke the government has offended all the
landlords and has done nothing to conciliate
the tenants. *
The Monthly Post says: “The reduction
will have the effect of rendering property
in Ireland practically unsaleable. Those
tenants who have refused to buy their hold
ings under Mr. Davitt’s advice to await for
better terms are fully justified. Doubtless
I he present action will lie followed by a fur
ther reduction.”
The Daily Chronicle, without disapprov
ing the reduction, hints that the laiullords
ought to be compensated by the State.
The Dublin Express condemns the meas
ure as worse than anything that could be
accomplished under {he plan of campaign.
The Nationalist papers complain of the re
duction as totally inadequate.
John Dillon, member of Parliament,
speaking at New Ross said that the reduc
tion of judicial rents completely justified
the policy of the Nationalists and the plan
of campaign. It was true that Lord Salis
bury had said that the measure he now
adopted was a Unionist measure, but that
only showed that Lord Salisbury and hiis
colleagues were quite ready to do that which
was dishonest in order to cling to office.
GERMANY WILL AID AUSTRIA.
Turkey Notified What May be Ex
pected in Caae of War.
Constantinople, Dec. 28.—Count Von
Radowitz, the German Ambassador, has
officially informed Kiamial Pasha, Presi
dent of the Council of Ministers, that Ger
many will give Austria active military sup
port if Russia should provoke war with
Austria.
RUSSIA’S BUDGET.
St. Petersburg, Dec. 38.—The Bourse
Gazette says there will be no deficit in the
Russian budget for 1888.
TENSION RELAXING.
The tension between Russia and Austria
shows sympsoms of redaxing. The Orash
danin (newspaper) declares that an entente
is possible, even on the most difficult points
in the Bulgarian dispute.
RUSSIA’S PEACE PROTESTATIONS.
Berlin, Dec. 28. —The Dost publishes a
telegram from Vienna saying that Prince
Lohanoff. the Russian Ambassador there,
has assured Count Kalneky that Russia is
pui-su ng a policy of peace, and that the
concentration of Russian troops on the
Galician frontier is not intended as an ag
gressive movement.
Count Schouvaloff, the Russian Ambassa
dor to Germany, had a short audience with
Euiperor William to-day.
AUSTRIA MAKES ADVANCES.
London, Dec. 38.—A dispatch from Ber
lin to the Exchange Telegraph Companv
savs it is stuted that Austria, yielding to
the fiersuasion of certain frieudly powers,
has made advances to Russia by which con
tinued peace is assured.
CHURCHILL IN RUSSIA.
His Vis.t Said Not to be of an Official
Character.
London, Dec. 28.—The Foreign Office
semi-ofticiallv announces that the presence
of Lord Randolph Churchill in St. Peters
burg is entirely outside the knowledge of
the government.
The Moscow Gazette, commenting upon
Lord Churchill’s visit to Russia, says: “His
visit will dispel his prejudices. He will
find no trace of aggressive plans against
India. He will discover areadinesson the part
of Russia to solve all questions in accord
with England, full guarantee being given
for the security of India, provided England
does not oppose Russia's legitimate inter
ests in Europe. Lord Randolph will start
for Mos ow Saturday. He will return to
St. Petersburg, where he will remain during
January. He has visited no political per
sonages during his stay here, with the ex
ception of Prince De Giers, the Prime Min
ister, and M. Polovtzeff, the Imperial Sec
retary of State.”
EMPEROR WILLIAM.
False Rumors of His Death Cause Ex
citement.
Berlin, Dec. 28.—Telegrams have been
received to-day from Now York asking
about Emperor William, and stating that
rumors are current in that city that he is
dead. There is no foundation for such
rumors. The Emperor is enjoying his usual
health. He attended the jierformance of
the opera last evening and to-day lie de
voted several hours to the transaction of
public business.
The Emperor is enjoying vigorous health
and took a long walk this afternoon.
STOCKS PANICKY.
London, Dec.’2B.—The Stock Exchange
during the ofteruoou became panicky under
persistent reports of the death of Emperor
William. This and other bear rumors
knocked foreigners down 1 to 1%, The de
nial of the reports only partially assisted in
bringing about a recovery.
Burning of a Theatre.
London, Dec. 29, 4 a. m.— The Grand
Theatre at Islington was burned out this
morning within one hour. Tho properties
belonging to the pautnmine, •* W uittiugtou
and his Gat,’’ were destroyed. The building
was ail isolated one. Otherwise the damage
would have been greater.
Germany’s Gold Coinage.
Berlin, Dec. 88. —In the Buudesrath to
dav Prince Bismarck asked the House to
agree that, on the occasion of the next gold
coinage on account of the Reichshank,
crown pieces to the value of 20,(XX),000
marks shall he struck off at the expense of
the Imperial Treasury.
Germany’s Crown Prince.
Han Rem 1 Dec. 38.— Doctors Mackenzie,
Hchroder, Hovel I aud Krause, after an
bonr’s consultation, agreed to dispatch to
Berlin a fav Table bulletin concerning the;
Crown Piiu'-e. Dr. Mackenzie will return |
to Han Rntnc from time to time
READING A BIG PUZZLE.
THE MEN SAY A NEW STRIKE IS
ON AND THE ROAD DENIES IT.
Seven Engine Crews and 700 Coal
Hands Stop Work at Port Richmond
—Officials of the Road fc ay Itwus on
Account of Rain—The Strike not Gen
eral if There ia One.
Philadelphia, Dec. 28.—General Man
ager McLeod, of the Reading road, was not
accessible to-day, but in response to an in
quiry he sent word out from his office by a
messenger that “tho operations of the road
is almost without obstruction and tliere will
lie nothing for publication to-day."
From other sources in the company’s
general office it was learned that twenty
two north bound and twenty-three south
bound coal trains were moved yesterday, us
well as all the freight that had accumu
lated in this city. An official
said that the men were not
generally obeying the order of the Knights
to quit work again, because the comjia tiy
hail publicly guaranteed them protection,
and that there were sufficient men at, work
this morning to carry on the operations of
the road properly.
• not feared.
A loading official of the company declared
that he had not heard anything in reference
to the reported order for a renewal of the
strike. He doubted the issuance of
such an order, and said: “It can have
no serious effect, as at least one-half the
men now at work are new men and would
not be governed by any action of the
Knights of Labor committee. If such a
thing should happen, we would only lie
crippled in our service, and that only for a
short time, as 1 am as-ured that it would
only be a matter of a few'days until a full
force could lie secured and the thorough
lulling of all requirements obtained.”
return of the strikers.
The strikers, who resumed work yester
day, reported for duty as usual at Port
Richmond this morning. A few were late,
but the majority were on time and went to
work apparently with a will. Froight
along the wharvas was handled as usual,
and i:i the round house all was bustle aud
activity. Some of the men, however, were
uot so cheerful, aud discontent was plain
ly written upon their faces The dis
charge. of four men who had lieon
prominent in tiie proceedings in the Execu
tive Board of the Reading convention—
Bernard J. Sharkey, Ambrose' Ilede,Thomas
J. Bennett and John B. Kelly—was the
cause of their dissatisfaction. The sudden
change of front on the part of the railroad
officials vras a great surprise to the loaders
and to the rank and file of the strikers, and
caused considerable indignation.
WHAT THEY THOUGHT.
The Btri here thought the company would
only insist upon the discharge of disobodi
ent employes, anil that the men who were
so summarily dismissed would not be dis
turbed. The determined attitude of the
railroad company has incensed the nien and
made them very atutiburn, and they threat
ened to-day to renew liostilitie . Most of
the men were at work along the wrarves,
but there were not a few idlers. They
gathered at various meeting places
aud excitedly discussed the situation.
Some of them roundly denounced
the Reading officials for what
they termed a “persecution” of the leaders,
aud threatened to loud thei.- aid toward
bringing about another strike. Others
thought that arbitration, if properly con
ducted, would result in a peaceful settle
ment of the troubles and probably in
the reinstatement of the discharged leaders
The men were very determined and their
loud threats boded no good to the railroad
company.
a meeting of the employes.
Several hundred Reading employer as
sembled at Mutual Hall, on Richmond and
Neff streets, this morning. This is head
quarters of Assembly No. 6,335, conqxised
of coal handlers, train workers, etc. There
are between 2,000 and 3,000 men in the as
semtily. No formal meeting was held dur
ing tho morning, but the situation was fully
discussed by the men. They were dissatis
fied with the discharge of the four leaders
and with General Manager McLeod’s
latest order, and said they were ready at
any time to quit work again. A number of
men engaged in work at the coai wharves
at Port Richmond, again quit work this
evening. The train dispatcher there, how
ever, states that, seven engines were laid off
by the company's order, and that the men
thought this meant a strike, and many left
work, but that they are going back as last
as they are told the facts.
TRAFFIC re-established.
Coal and freight t raffic by this morning
was firmly re-.stablislied on the main lino
of the Reading railroad. Up to noon to
day, twenty-two empty coal trains passed
through Reading from Port Richmond
aud thirty loaded trains from the coal
regions. Some of the latter have been
standing on the sidings north of Reading
for the past few day*, and are now being
moved. The notice of Chairman Lee, of
the Executive Committee, to the assemblies
of the Knights of i-abor revoking the order
to go to work and once more calling out the
Philadelphia aud Reading men has not
yet reached Reading. It will not
gfeneratiy be heeded by the employes who
have already refused to go out, and by
their action on Monday broke the backbone
of the strike Thrall fora Reading Rail
road Employes’ Convention to meet here to
morrow f r aggressive measures against
the company, has not created much excite
ment in this city, and the indications
are that it will be very slindy
attended, as the orders of the company are
strict to the effect that the men must re
main on duty and attend no such convent.on
during working hours. The miners will be
the most largely represented. The fact that
about thirty members of the Brotherhood
of Locomotive Engineers obtained engines
held by the Knights has made the feeling
between these parties very bitter. Probably
1100 new hands have been employed in this
city in the place of old ones and sent to
points wiiere they were needed.
ON A NEW STRIKE.
There was a feeling of uncertainty in
Port Richmond all day, aud there was some
hesitation about going ou a second strike.
Still it appeared that some sort of an order
had gone forth, and at noon most of tho
coal handlers quit work. The leaders claimed
that they had gone on a strike, but the rep
resentatives of the company denied this, and
declared that thev hail quit work because
of rain, and also because there was no work
to do by roi son of “top" work being slack.
Fourteen “wlmrf rats” (small shipping
enginesi, began work as usual this morning,
five of tho crews bo.ug enmposed of new
men.
THE SIGNAL TO QUIT.
At precisely 18 o’clock, however, the whistle
of one of the engines was blown five times
as a signal to stop work. Tho crews of
seven of the eugiues heeded the signal and
put. out their fires. The Superintendent of
the company states that the other seven
crews remained loyal to lhe company, and
he sent the following telegram to General
Superintendent Swiegard and received his
sirwcvsl-’-fW •••in* seven wbrfenein
remained at work. I have covered them
with protection and said to them that, as
they have evidenced their loyalty to the
company by remaining at then* engines and
uot drawing their fires, I would promise
them, if they thought it unsafe to remain
on the engines, to see to it that their posi
tions would be open for them at any time.”
COAL HANDLERS WALK OUT.
Over 700 coal handlers left the yard and
the lenders said that they had obeyed an
order to strike, and the Superintendent said
they had gone home on account of the rain
ana intended to come back again. This has
been the situation ail the afternoon, the
statements of the men and the representa
tions of the company lieing exactly
opposed to each other as to the status of the
present difficulty. At the time the coal
handlers quit there were ten steam colliers,
six barges, five sailing vessels, and ton
other tioats lying at the Port Richmond
wharves waiting for cargoes of coal.
supt. keim’s statement.
Supt. Keim denies that there is a strike,
and while tiierc was no trouble of any kind
during the day the company sent, for addi
tional police and obtained the services of
fifty uniformed men. It Ims in addition to
these, it is said, 500 Pinkerton detectives
and private policemen scattered around
the coal piles and vicinity. The
reason for this action was fear that
some liamage to projierty might lie at
tempted. The men assert that there is no
excuse for sending the policemen, and they
say that they are as anxious as the company
that no property shall be damaged,
TEN CREWS DISCHARGED.
It was lear ,ed this afternoon that the
crows of each of tho ton Reading steam
collieries had been discharged for insubordi
nation. Two crews wore discharged yes
terday, and the others have received notice
since. The insubordination is said to con
sist of violation of the shipping articles in
refusing to take vessels out when ordered to
do so. Each crew numbered fifteen men or
150 in all. Their places have not yet been
tilled.
All ulong the Reading lines in this city,
running into their different, stations, trains
seem to be running as usual, and to a casual
observer no indication of trouble would ap
pear. The men themselves are so reticent
about the strike and the causes which
brought it on that information is difficult
to obtain.
NO GENERAL QUIT.
With the exception of the coal handlers
at Port Richmond there does not appear to
be any trouble, aud diligent inquiry has
failed to reveal the true situation, and al
though the order for tho strike is generally
believed to have bet a issued by John L.
Lee, chairman of the Executive Committee
of the Philadelphia nnd Reading railroad
Employes’ Convention, even .this material
point canuot be definitely learned. The
trouble seems to bear with it a cloud of mys
tery which cannot so far be penetrated.
Chairman Lee has been in Pottsville
for two days past and the
order for the strike is said
to have been sent to him from this city
last night by a special messenger,the identity
of whom has not been made known. A
meeting of the Port Richmond Coal Hand
lers Looa: Assembly, No. 6385, Knights of
Labor, was held this afternoon after the
cessation of work and much enthusiasm is
said to have been manifested.
WHAT THEY WERE TOLD.*
It was reported that t.he men were on
strike, that4til- strike order was intended to
become general, and that the real struggle
with the company was about to begin. It
was also reported that the stevedores doing
work at the Port Richmond piers and be
longing to local assembly No. 7,303 were
oc a strike, and intended to remain firm
with the coal handlers. Until the close of
the day work was continued at the Willow
street, wharf and along that street, to Broad.
Disjiatouer Goodman said at 6 o’clock that
freight had been moved regularly all
day. All the men who resumed after
the strike on Tuesday continued to work as
usual and professed to have no knowledge
of the new order to strike. About seventy
men were employed at the freight platforms
and there were no new or non union men
among them Mr. Goodman said that he
had been told by a number of men during
the day that if there was another order to
strike they would probably notobeyit. Some
of the men expressed themselves os anxious
not to tie involved in any more trouble.
A REWARD OFFERED.
The following notice was posted at the
Willow street wharf office to-night:
A reward of SI,OOO will be paid any person, or
liersous, who w-ill furnish evidence which will
lead to the arrest and conviction of any person,
or persons, guilty of violence to the company’s
employes, or its property. .1. A. SwiEoznn,
General Superintendent.
. ALL THE COAL AT TIDEWATER.
Heading, Ha., Deo. 28, 9p. m.—lt was
learned at the office of the Reading Rail
road Company, in this city this e lining,
that the work of clearing the sidings of coal
oars had been finished, and that any coal
hauled to tide water on and after to mor
row, would have to be mined in the collier
ies, some of which, however, are idle. The
officials here do not apprehend any great
difficulty with the miners on the ground
that with them, as with the railroaders, the
present striko has caused a division
of sentiment on the subject of
striking. It is estimated that 600 to 800
employes of the Reading railroad along the
entire lino have lost, llieir positions because
they had eithor refused to obey the com
pany's orders or had helped to foment and
encourage the strike. Fully 50 per cent, of
the crew’s passing through this city are new
men.
A convention of the Reading railroad em
ployes has Isxni called to meet here to mor
row”. It is expected that there wil' be a
greater division of sentiment in this con
vention than for some years past on the
question of pursuing active and aggressive
measures against the company.
BOTH SIDES TO BE HEARD.
Koine of the prominent labor leaders dis
charged in Philadelphia will be present and
present their side of the case. Delegates
from Resiling anil other places along the
road who have refused to participate in the
strike will urge quiet submission at this
time, while there are others, particu
larly from the coal regions
and Port Richmond, who say
that they will advocate fighting
it out and (laying the company for what
they look upon ns unfair dealing. From
all the indications the coal miners will con
trol the convention, and it will be decided
tomorrow as to whether or not they will
strike. This afternoon nearly 200 coal and
freight engineer*, brakemen and firemen
wore called to Rea/ling, paid off and dis
charged for the part they took in the strike.
THE SITUATION AT BHAMOKIN.
Khamokin, Pa., Dec. 28.—The Reading
railroad Knight* of Labor hen* are still out,
ami declare that they will not return to
•work until thoir discharged associate* at
this place are reinstated. Three train
crews, non-union men, are at work, but
there are thirty-five locomotive* here with
out crews. The collieries in this locality are
ail idle owing to a lack of transportation
facilities. The railroad strikers, however,
declare that the miners will go on a strike
os soon os requested to do so. Good order
prevails among the striker*.
SO INTERRUPTION AT POTTSVILLE.
Pottsville, Pa.. Dec. 38. —Notwith-
standing the fact that the Knights of Labor
leaders here declare tost, there is it ore.ieral
i -"trike *ll along the line of t.ho Reading rail
road, there is no perceptible interruption of
o|Wation here The usual complement of
coal trains left Palo Alto this afternoon,
mostly manned by non union crews ami
Brotherhood engineers, a number of whom
had lost their places on the Reading road
through the Brotherhood lockout of 1877.
Their places wore then taken by Knights of
Ijtlsir, and they now gleefully retaliate.
The Knights of Labor leaders appear dis
comfited and disheartened at the situation
and outlook.
EFFECT OF DEFEAT.
Chicago, Doe. 38. — “1 don’t believe it
w-ill injure the Knights at all,” emphatical
ly replied Richard Griffiths, who is second
in power only to Uenerat Master Workman
Powderly, to an inquiry if the defeat of the
Knights of Labor in the Reading strike
would effect the order. “The strike was
started without the sauction of the offloors
of the organization, and the strikers have
liecn beaten as might be foreseen. I don’t
think it will effectlho Knights in any way
whatever.”
Joseph R. Buchanan, who is at the head
of the opposition to Mr. Powderly in Chi
cago, was confident the strike would help
“kickers' materially. He said: “If the
men fiud that nothing will do but strike, or
if they get into that scrape tliay ought to
fight aud do all they can to come out ahead.
It is not common horse sense to ergiig - in a
struggle and not do your best to win it. The
Reading crowd was nearly ready to join
the kicking element in the Knights of
Labor ranks anyhow, and I presume
that this will end iu forcing them among
the kickets for good. That would hurt the
old organization very materially. As for
arbitration, I would simply say that the
laboring men who arbitrates is a fool, and
a big fool at that."
ALL QUIET AT NIGHT.
Philadelphia, Dec. 38. 11:80 P. M.—
Around Port, Riohmond to-night quiet pre
vails everywhere. A largely attended meet
ing of Local Assembly No. 0,835, whiab is
tne largest one on the Rending lines, was
hold at Mutual Hall this evening, and did
not cud until nearly midnight. This assem
bly is composed of coal handling stevedores,
and, in feet, all of the employes
around Port Riomond. and has a
membership of nearly .1,000. All of those
present were very enthusiastic, and were
loud in the declaration that this trouble
would be a fight to a finish. One of tho Ex
ecutive Committee of the Reading Em
ployes’ Convention said after the meeting
i hat the order to strike included every de
partment of the system, even to the miners
and New York branch, and he predicted
that to-morrow the road would be at a
standstill.
Doub e Headers;Disliked.
Pittsburg, Doc. 38.—General Manager
McCrea and other ofllcials of the Pennsyl
vania Railroad Company deny all knowl
edge of trouble among their employes, re
ported iu dispatches from Cleveland. Mr.
McCrea says that no committee has
arranged to meet him next Saturday. Rail
roaders also deny the report, except the
Cleveland and Pittsburg men. There is
ime dissatisfaction among tho latter over
the double-header sysleir, and a paper ask
ing its discontinuance has I sun extensively
signed.
Yardmen Ask an Advance.
Pittsburg, Pa., Dec. 38.—About 300
yanimen along the liue of the Fort Wayne
road, it is said, havo asked for u 10 per cent,
advance, to take effect Jau. 1.
EDITOR LITTLETON DEAD.
A Sketch of His Editorial and Political
Career. •
Nashville, Dec. 38.— John J. Little
ton, editor of the National Review, who
was shot by Joseph R. Banks last Saturday,
died at 3:30 this morning. Great hopes
were entertained for his recovery until last
evening, when he began to sink gradually.
Mr. Littleton was not quite 30 years old.
At th- age of 31 he began to practice law at
Kingston, but soon left the bar for journal
ism, bis first venture being the founding of
the Cyclone, u Democratic weekly at
Kingston In 1883 be moved to Chattanooga
and started the Doily Democrat. There
he remained until 1885, when lie came to
Nashville and established tne National
Review as the Republican organ of the
State. In politics ho remained a Democrat
until 1884. He left the Democratic Conven
tion that year when the GftVHhird
plank on the State debt was adopted, and
announced that be was no longer a Demo
crat. Since that time lie has been an
extreme Republican. lie was elected
to the Legislature from Davidson
county last fall. At the time
of his death he was Secretary
and Treasurer of the Republican State Ex
ecutive Committee, and Vice President
from Tennessee of the National Republican
Club. He was leader of the Blaine forces
in Tennessee until tho late New York elec
tion, after which be espoused Pherraan as
the most available nominee of his party for
President in 1888. Besides his wife he leaves
two children, both boys, the youngest only
four months old.
BABCOCK’S EXTINGUISHER.
The Inventor Dies In an Almshouse
—Cnee Getting SIO,O-0 Monthly.
Kan Francisco, Dec. 28.—M. D. Bab
cock, inventor of the fire extinguishing ap
paratus tearing his name, died at the alms
house Saturday, aged 70 years. At one
time he was in receipt of 810,000 a month
royalty on his machines, but after selling
tlio patent right* biH money was soon spent,
and for some years he wandered about the
State in a destitute condition. About six
years ago ho was admitted to the alms
house.
THE NORFOLK AND WESTERN.
A Net Increase Shown In Its Earnings
for Eleven Months.
Philadelphia, Dec. 28. —The statement
of the Norfolk and Western railroad com
pany for November shows net earnings of
$178,392, an increase of $45,660 a* compared
with the same mouth last year. For the
eleven months ended November 30, the
net earnings were $1,588,954, an increase of
*388,818 as compared with the correspond
ing period of 1886.
To Pay the January Interest.
Washington, Dc. 28.—The Secretary of
the Treasury to-day directed the Assistant
Treasui ers throughout the country to com
mence the payment of the January interest
fin United States bonds on Friday, Dec. 30.
The interest checks will be mailed to-mor
row. All sub-treasuries will tie closed on
Jan. 2.
Prohibition In Kanaae.
Topeka, Kan., Dec. 28. —The State con
vention of the Prohibitionist party, held in
this city yesterday, was attended by Prohi
bitionists from all parts of the State. It
was decided to begin a vigorous campaign
during the coming year and to put a full
State ticket in the field.
Postponement of a Hearing.
Cold kbcs, 0., Dec. 28.—The hearing of
the tally sheet forgery cases was to-day
i ostponed from Jan. 8 to a date early In
February on application of the defendant.
ir’RMlEglO A YBAR i
1 ncEvrs x copy j-
SHIVERING IX THE SNOW.
AN INTENSELY COLD SNAP IN THE
NORTHWEST.
Trains on Some Roads Sixteen Hour*
Behind Their Schedules—A Regular
Blizzard Blowing in Western Kansan
—The Mercury Goes Far Below Zero
at Many Points.
Kansas City, Dec. 28.-Advices at mid
night from various points in the State ars
to the effect that the present cold snap is
limited to zero temperature and high winds
in the central an . eastern portions of the
State. From the extreme western section,
however, come reports of heavy snow and
delay in railway traffic
Following Is a late dispatch from Garden
City, situated about sixty miles east of the
Colorado line: “At 1 o’clock this morning
a blizzard struck this section and it rapidly
descended from 30“ above to 8* be
low zero. At 4 o’clock in the morning it
was blowing a gale, accompanied by blind
ing snow. At 8 o'clock in the morninz it
commenced to moderate and the therniome
ter had risen to 30“ at noon. At midnight
last, night it stood 0* above, with a clear sky
and calm weather. Railroad travel from
tne West has been closed since last night,
but trains from tbe East came through on
time.” *
MODERATING AT KANSAS CITT.
The weather here has moderated
considerably since last night and is
15* above zero at 10 o'clock to
night. Reports from Kansas state that no
snow has fallen to-dav and that the tens
perature is slowly rising. Trains are now
running about on schedule time.
COLD AT CHICAGO.
Chicago, Dec. 38.—The cold wave whi oh
cairn- down from the northwest yesterday
still hovers about Chicago,and the prospects
are that the mercury will drop still lower.
At ti o’clock this morning tho Signal Service
thermometer registered 1" above zero. At
10 o’clock reliabn spirit thermometers at.
opticians’ stores marked 3“ alve. At the
hour mentioned the Signal Service office
had not received a single report from the
West or Northwest, and this is regarded aa
an indication that the weather must be very
severe.
Oshkosh, Wk, reports a drop of more
than 30' in the temperature last night. At
daylight this morning the thermometer was
6’ below zero.
VERT CHILLY AT MINNEAPOLIS.
Minneapolis, Minn., Dec. 28.—The tern
pei al ine here this morning was 14’ below
zero. It was clear and a cold wind was
blowing. The storm of yesterday does not
appear to have touched Nortbenv Minnesota
or Dakota. Very little snow fell here yes
terrlay. Telegraphic communication in the
Northwest is uninterrupted and no block
aides ure reported except slight ones in the
southern part of tho State.
Duluth reports the coldest weather of the
seuson, 20’ lielow zero.
Brainerd reports 30’ below yesterday.
The indications are that tbe cold will
moderate to-night.
SIXTEEN DEGREES BELOW ZERO.
Burlington, la, Dec. 38.—Last night
was the coldest of the season. The tber
uiomoter this morning registered lit’
below zero. Passenger trains on the Bur
lington, Cedar Rapids and Northern rail
way wen* sixteen hours late, an freight
trains wore abandoned. On the Chicago,
Burlington and Quincy road, passenger
trains from the West were all late and many
freights were laid up.
SNOW AND INTENSE COLD.
Washington, Dec. 28.—At Milwaukee,
trains on all the rooils running into the city
were one to fivs hours late this morning iii
consequence of a blizzard which ragel
throughout the night. Snow fell to a depth
of s*y inches aud drifted badly. The highest
velocity of tbe wind was thirty-six miles an
hour. At noon the mercury recorded 4*
below zero.
At Marshalltown, la., the thermometer
marked 18’ below; at Dubuque 10“ below,
and trains on all roads were from six to ten
hours late.
At Springfield, IU., the mercury was 10“
lielow this morning, but has since risen
somewhat.
At Lincoln, Neb., it was IS* below. There
is not much snow any whore except at Bhe
bcygati, Mich., where a terrible storm is
■weeping over that portion of the State, de
laying trains, blocking the highways and
impeding travel.
TWELVE DEGREES BELOW.
Davenport, la., Dec. 38.—The cold snap
struck this place yesterday ufterooon, the
mercury falling 42' in twenty-foqr hours,
registering 12* below zero this morning at 0
o’clock.
COREA'S EMBASSY.
A Possibility That China Has Declared
War on Their Country.
San Francisco, Dec. 28. —The steamship
Oceanic, which arrived from Hong Kong
and Yokohama to-day, says that the United
States man-of-war Omaha reached Nagas
aki, Japan, Nov. 28, having on lioard the
Corean Embassy accredited to the United
States, the dispatch of which the Chinese
g ivernmeut recently prohibited, lust as
they were on the point of leaving. W hether
the Chinese eventually gave way in the
matter or whether the 'Ooreans
loft in spite of the threats
that China would declare war If her in
junctions were disregarded, l* not settled.
On tho way down the Omaha met a squad
ron of Chinese mou-of-war, bound to Ctte
mulpo, but whether on a peaceful mission or
to support China’* authority over Corea, wsa
of couise not known. The Corean flag was
hoisted on the Omaha a* they pasfed. The
embassy, consisting of two high officials and
their attendants, and Dr. H. N. Allen aa
Foreign Secretary, preceded to Yokohama.
TWO MINERB BURNED.
A Laborer's Naked Lamp Causes an
Explosion of Gas.
Wilkesbarre, Pa., Dec. 26.—Llewellyn
Jones and David Jones, two old miners,were
engaged in brushing gas out of their cham
ber* at the Empire mine to-day, when a
laborer, whoso name was not learned,
came up* the gangway where
the men were at work in the dark, carrying
a naked lamp on his hat. A* he approached
the chamber gas Ignited, fatally burning
tlie two miners. The laborer who was out
side of the chamber and in a current of air
escaped injury.
111-Fated Coney Island.
New York, Dec. 28.—The heaviest gals
and sea that ha* prevailed in years at Coney
Island, vi -ited that desolate resort to-night.
Many small buildings were swept out to sea,
and workmen were net to work strengthen
ing the foundations of the Hotel Brighton,
which buildiug was iu momentary danger
of being carried away.
A Rice Mill Burned.
New Orleans, Dec. 38.—Larendan &
Allen's rice mill, corner of Erato and Peter
streets, together with a large stock of rice
aid valuable machinery, was burned te
Us v. The l'i* <• exhausted at s7J.Bott