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i THE MORNING NEWS, > J Established IS6O. Incorporated 1888.1 I J. H. ESTILL. President. J SAVANNAH’S CHANNEL. £ BETTER CHANcE FOR A 20 THAN FOR A 28-FOOT SCHEME. The Former Depth Could be Obtained for a Little Over $2,000,000, as Against $0,600,000 for the Latter- Congress More Apt to Consider the Few Plan Favorably Than the Old One. Washington, Dec. 12.—The chief of engineers and the members of the House committee on rivers and harbors agree in saying that there is no prospect of Savan nah’s getting the money for the 23-foot har bor project as far as their prophetic vision extends. They think that Savannah would stand a better chance of getting her desires if she would modify them so as to content her elf with a 26-foot channel in the harbor, costing only a little over $2,000,000, instead of $6,600,000. A REPLY TO MAYOR LESTER. This is the sustance of a letter which Congressman Norwood wrote to-night to Mayor Lester in response to one from Majmr Lester urging an effort to get an im propriation for the 28 foot project. Mr. Norwood called to-dav on the chief of en gineers and the Secretary of War. The latter, of course, knew nothing about it, but the former talked intelligent lv. He said it was neither his duty, nor could it be his privilege to send an estimate for the 28-foot channel to congress this session since congress had deliberately refused to recognize it sessio !. He re cited the history of the attempt made last session to get recognition by getting an initial appropriation for the new project, and said that it was evident that this con gress did not propose to begin that work. CONSIDERED TOO COSTLY. He said that ho thought the committee on rivers and harbors thought that project entirely too costly for Savannah and that congress seemed to agree with them. He thought if Savannah would ask only 26 feet of water in her harbor to correspond with the 28 feet on her bar that she would itand a better chance of getting it. The two feet additional depth on the bar necessary to make the 28-foot channel would be too costly. He said those two feet would cost perhaps a million apiece. Now for a 26-foot channel no ad ditional dredging would be necessary on the bar, and he estimated that all the chan nel work would only cost a little over $2,000,000. MIGHT BE OBTAINED. “Now that,” he said, “you might get in time, and you might get your initial aopro priation in this year’s bill in eitner the House or the Senate.” So Mr. Norwood desires to submit the matter to Savannah. He will sta and out for the 28-foot project if desired, although he does not think the House will sanction it, and is not sure of the Senate; or he will ask for an initial ap propriation on the 20-foot project, which lie has some hope of getting. Senator Col quitt told Mr. Norwood to-day that he was waiting to take the matter up in the Senate and push it through. A BAD OUTLOOK FOR THE BILL. In reporting the river and harbor bill last year the Senate commerce com ittee said: “The bill as submitted to the Senate appropriates $21,502,783 77, exceeding by $2,823,908 77 the largest at pronriation ever made in a river and harbor bill, but when it is considered that no appropriation for rivers and harbors was made la t year, ad that in the short session following a presi dential election it is hardly probable that any appropriation will be made for the sue ceediug fiscal year, the bill practically rep esents a period of three years, on a basis of $7,000,000 a year, considerably less than the average expenditure of recent years for river and harbor improve ments.” This is now quoted to support the prediction that the Senate will bury the House bill this year if the House republi cans let it get to them. Chairman Frve of the Senate commerce committee is quoted as especially opposed to it. RIVERS AND HARBORS. The Bill as Reported to the House Calls for $11,900,850. Washington, Dec. 12.—1n the House to day Mr. Blanchard, of Louisiana, reported the river and harbor bill, and it was referred to committee of the whole. Some changes were made in the bill, and as finally agreed upon, it appropriates sll,- 906.850. Following are some of the princi pal items of the appropriations: Norfolk and approaches $ 50,000 <'barleston, including Sullivan s Island. 800,000 'Vinyab Bay, South Carolina 100.000 Cumberland sound, Georgia 90,000 Mobile, Ala 170.000 James river. Virginia 135.000 Great Kanawha river 150,000 Mouth of the St. John's river, Florida. 100,000 Black Warrior ri or. Alabama, from Tuscaloosa to Daniel's creek 100,000 Tonnes.ee river, below Chattanooga 850,000 Cumberland river above Nashville 130,000 APPROPRIATIONS UNDER $50,000. Following aro appropriations below $50,- 000 by states: GEORGIA. Brunswick SBO,OOO Savannah 80,000 Altarnaha river. ti.ooo Chattahoochee river 12,000 1 "la JB.OOO Lint 12,000 Ocmulgee 7.5 0 1 Icouee 7,500 Savannah, bet. Augusta ami Savannah .. 12,000 Jekyl creek 3,000 FLORIDA. Apalachicola Bay $12,000 Cedar Keys 5,000 l’ensacola 10,000 lain pit, Bay 18,500 Choctawhatchle river 5,000 Escambia and Conecuh rivers 5.000 nttwanee river 6,000 Apalachicola 2,000 Manatee 3,000 Volusia bar 500 " 1 th lacooeheo 2,000 MOUTH CAROLINA. Georgetown harbor $6,000 Great Peedoo 8,000 Santeo 15,(00 wnreamaw 7,000 Wappoo cut 10,000 store# 5,0 st Kdisto river 4,000 Salkehatchie 2,500 Congaree 3, mm) Mingo 4,000 Little I’eedeo 5,000 Wb *t 2,500 VIRGINIA, Appomatox river. . S 6,000 Bappahannock river 10.000 etaunton river 5,000 York river 15,000 Lhmcoteagiie bay to Delaware bay 15,000 wausemoud river 5,000 NORTH CAROLINA. Beaufort $15,000 waterway between Beaufort and New river 10,000 Between Newberne and Beaufort 10,000 tape tear river above Wilmington. 20,000 ■ ittrituck sound, Coanjok bay and North liver bar 6.000 sense river lO.(MK) Roanoke river 15,000 ALABAMA. Alabama River $13,500 1 arrior und Tumblgbeu rivers below 1 uskuloosa 10,000 „, MISSISSIPPI. “doxi llay SIO,OOO ! The Morning News. Pasagmila River 18,500 Pearl River, below Jackson IO’IJS Yazoo River 17,000 TENNESSEE. Cumberland River, below Nashville $ 5.000 French Droad River jt.OjJj} Tennessee River, above Chattanooga 10,000 ESTIMATES OF THE ENGINEERS. The report presented by Chairman Blanchard to accompany the bill says that the estimates ot the engineer officers upon which the bill was basis 1 aggregated $36,- 012,250, and that the appropriations made are in each case for the continuation of projects already begun. The report says: The purpose for which appropriations of the character embraced in the bill are made is an entirely proper and legitimate one. Taking into consideration the number and extent of our waterways and the enormous value of the com merce created by and dep n le t upon them, an annual allotment of even 820,000,000 a year would be comparatively a moderate sum for a country of the continental dimensions and limitless resources of the United States to expend upon their improvement. The objection to the river and harbor bills urged by a portion of the pub lic press of the country, your committees con ceive to be based largely upon editorial pro vineialism; that is. carelessness and want of knowledge of the needs and conditions of other localities than their own. FEELINO OF THE PEOPLE. So far as the people thesnsel ves are concerned, your committee is satisfied that there is no bill before congress that embodies more popular interest and urgency, and gives more general satisfaction than the bill for the care and improvement of our harbors and wa terways. While it may be true that now and then an objectionable appropriation creeps into sucii bills, upon the whole the actual proportion of the objectionable items is really very' small. The value given the improvement has no direct relation to its magnitude or cost. The opening of a comparatively small stream or chaunel entrance may be of as gr. at importance to the community interested in and to be affected by it as a vastly greater one to some other. With the opening of water navi gation freights are reduced and railroads are forced to be reasonable in their charges; trade improves, production increases and the com munity thru os—all because a few thousand dol lars were spent in dre ging away a bar at the mouth of a stream, or removiug obstructions which rendered its navigation dangerous or costly. THE PEOPLE NOT SELFISH. The people of such a neighborhood can never be convinced that the money was unwisely or unrighteously appropriated, nor will they ob ject to similar expenditures elsewhere. So also of cases where a stream furnishes the sole means of transportation to a re don otherwise inaccessible. Jt is not necessary in order to establish the right of congress to make an appropriation that the commerce to be bene fited should be actually existent. It is sufficient if its ;>Sdevelopment can be reasonably anticipated from known and r,-corded facts. Otherwise some of the most valuable waterways would await development forever. Glasgow would be a fishing village had not the Clyde been dredged. The foreign commerce of the Mississippi valley depends upon opening the mouth of the river and keep ing it often. Nor does custom house rating es tablish the character of au improvement. Do mestic commerce outweighs many times for eign trade, and does not need to pay custom dues to prove its value or national character. SAVANNAH'S POSTOFFICE. An Effort to Induce the Purchase of More Ground. Washington, Dec. 13. Congressman Norwood has had several letters from Post master Lamar stating that the plan adopted by the supervising architect for the new Savannah building cramps the postofßce quarters. To-day Mr. Norwood saw the supervising are itect, who told him that he had done the best lie could with the ground he had. So Mr. Norwood will try to-mor row io get the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize the purchase of soventy-two feet of ground adjoining on the west’ the ground now owned by the government. Mr. Norwood thinks the secretary will authorize the purchase when he tells him how much ground is needed and that it can be had for $15,00;). If it is purchased, the supervising architect will add to the plan mailing rooms with a covered approach at the west end. PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS. Interstate Commerce Commissioner E ragg in the List. Washington, Dec. 12.—The President to-day nominated William H. Merris to be postmaster at Birmingham, Ala., and Wal ter L. Bragg of Alabama, to be interstate commerce commissioner. Commissioner Bragg’s term expires on Dec. 31. The law provides that all appointments subsequent to the original ones shall bo for six years. Commissioner Bragg’s nomination to-dav if confirmed, will theref re extend his offi cial term six years from Jan. 1, next. The Pre-ident also nominated to be post ma tors: Ambrose B. Megrue at Bessemer, Ala.; Miss Fannie Shuford at Oxford, Ala.; John B. Roberts at Sandorsville, Gn.; John C. Hunt at Lexingt >n. N. C.; John M. Thomas at Monroe, N. C; John C. Hunter at Union, S. C.; William C. Penn at Hum boldt, Tenn.; John S. Yearwoodat Sweet water, Tenn.: Richard J. Haller at Marion, Va.; Robert H. Jones at Martinsville, Va.; James H. Rhodeffer at Woodstock, Va. TO REDUCE THE SURPLUS. A Bill That May Make an Extra Ses sion Unnecessary. Washington, Doc. 13. —Mr. Browne of Indiana, a republican member of the ways and means committee, and a candidate for speaker, is quoted as saying: “I think that there will be a considerable reductiou of the accumulating surplus this session. Ido not think there is a..y prospect of the Senate tariff bill going through the House: What I am very certain will bo done is that on some suspension day the House will pass a bill repealing the tobacco tux, enacting the free list of the Senate bill, and maybe a few "ther things to which there is no ob jection. I expect a bill of thi< sort re ducing the reveuueabout $40,000,000 will be come a law this session. This will obviate the necessity for a spring session.” GEORGIA’S GOVERNORSHIP. The Delegation in Congress Think Present Talk Premature. Washington, Dec. 12. —The members of tbo Georgia delegation, including Mr. Blount, declare that it is entirely too soon to talk about the next nomination for the governorship of G rorgia, inasmuch as it is not to be made for two years. They regard the newspaper discussion of it as totally premature. It seems hardly necessary to stato that the other members of the delega tion deny having "guyed Mr. Blount in connection with this subject.” New Pontofflces. Washington, Dec. 12—The following new i ostoffleoshave lieen established: Brag, Bulloch couuty, Georgia, with William V. Waiters as postmaster: Gladdens, Fairfield county, S iuth Carolina, with Charles S. Ford us postmastor: Racy Lint, Ht. John’s county, Florida, with John F. Geigor as postmaster. Carrio M. Sjiarr has been appointed post master at Sparr, Fla. Contingent Fund of the House. Washington. Dec. 12. —In the Houso to day, on motion of Mr. Bayers of Texas, the joint resolution was iiassed appropriating $12,0(X) to meot the deficiency m tku contin gent fund of the House. SAVANNAH, GA., THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, JBBB. DUTIES O.V COTTON TIES. NO VOTE REACHED ON THE AMENDMENT OF MR. JONES. Mr. Morgan Characterizes the Proposi tion of the Senate Bill as Heartless ness Toward the South—Mr. Call Declares the Tax Unconstitutional— Mr. Coke Offers an Amendment. Washington. Dec. 12.—1n the Senate to-day, there was but little morning busi ness, so the tariff bill was quickly taken up, the question being on the amendment offered by Mr. Jones of Arkansas to admit “hoop or band iron” (cotton ties, etc,) free of duty, instead of taxing it two-tenths of one cent per pound additi nal. A POLITICAL DIVISION. Mr. Hiscock, member of the finance com mittee, avowed his own understanding that the substitute was a political measure. The division between the parties upon the tariff was a political division. The repub lican senators on the finance committee had prepared the substitute from the republican standpoint, illustrating by it tbo principles of their party. The tariff discussion was temporarily in terrupted and, on motion of Mr. Hale, the House bill making au appropriation for the contingent fund of the House was passed. The presiding officer at 2 o'clock pre sented, as the special order for that hour, the Union Pacific funding bill; but as Mr. Allison insisted on proceeding with the tariff bill (and said be would do so until it was concluded), tho funding bill went over, retaining al< its rights as asp *cial order. Mr. Riddleberger gave notice that he would move every morning to take up his resolution for co sideration in open session of the British extradition treaty. A HARDSHIP ON I THE SOUTH. Mr. Morgan characterized the proposition to tax cotton ties as a very hearties ami cruel thing. It was the duty of the Senate to try and lift the burdens off the southern people, instead of raising (as the substitute proposed) the duty on cotton ties 100 per cent. He spoke of the increase of the cotton product of the south from 3,000,000 ales in 1860 to over 7,000,000 bales in 1838, and said that the increase was the pi oduct of the labor of white men, white women and white children. Black women no longer worked in the cotton fields as they did before th war; and black boys no longer worked at that or at any other industry. In fact, the Bedouins in tho streets of Alexandi ia. in Egypt, were a more promising race of peo ple to-day than were the young negroes of tho south; and that was not the fault of the white people of the south. TWO CLASSES IN ALABAMA. Referring to the suggestion that the cotton ties industry might be successfully pr sacuted in Alabama, he said teat there was no doubt of that, but he found two classes of people in his state—one class pros pering and the other class continually going down; one earning money by tariffs or independent of the tariffs, and the ot! er losing money by the drainage of the tariffs; and that it was his duty as a legislator to relieve those in distress first, to try to build up the indus tries that need help, before trying to make men rich who now got rich in spite of competition from Pennsylvania or Eng land. That was the situation of the iro industry in Alabama. It did not need tariff legislation. He ! esought the Senate, in behalf of the groat cotton industry, not to impose higher Durdens upon it than now existed, but to reduce such burdons. But here was a bill, he said, that raised the duty on cotton ties 100 per cent. A TAX ON EXPORTS. Mr. Call argued t lat the tax on cotton ties come within the consti utioual inhibition of laying a tax on exports. Finally the amendment was voted on and was rejected by a strict party vote. Yeas 18, nays 23. Mr. Coke moved an amendment reducing the duty on cotton ties to 35 per cent, ad valorem. The clause in the substitute reads “provided that hoop or band iron, o hoop or band steel, cut to lengths, or wholly or partially manufactured into hoops or ties fer baling purposes, barrel hoops of iron or steel, and hoop or baud iron, and hoop or band steel shall pay two tenths of oue cent per pound more duty than that imposed on hoop or band iron or steel from which they are made;”and Mr. Coke’s amendment is to strike out all after the word “shall” and to insert the words, “be admitted on the payment of 35 per cant ad valorem.” a glaring inequality. He made an argument in support of it. He declared that the substitute went out of its way to create a most glaring inequality against tho cotton planters, by raising the existing tax of 35 per cent, to a tax of 108 per cent. Without action on Mr. Coke’s amendment, the Senate, at 5 o’clock, ad journed, after agreeing to a request by Mr. Platt that if tlia paragraphs on cutlery and firearms should be reached be fore Monday, tney should be passed over informally, as he would be absent from the Senate until then. SHERMAN AND THE CABINET. The Fact that Foraker Would Become Senator Cuts No Figure. Washington, Dec. 12.—Senator Sher man malo his most significant cabinet statement to-day ns follows: “There is not the slightest foundation for the story now going tho rounds of the press to the effect that I would refuse to accept a position in President Harrison’s cabinet because I would be succeeded by Gov. Foraker. The possibility of my seat in the Banate being occupied by Gov. Foraker will not weight one hair in connection with my going into the state department. ” BOSTON’S WOMEN VOTERS. An Estimate that 80 Per Cent, of Those Registered Voted. Boston. Doc. 12.—The result of the vote for members of tho school committee was the election of the entire ticket nominated by the republicans and indorsed by the com mittee of IUO. The only member of tho pres ent board rt-elected is Miss Hastings, and among tho eleven thero ure no Catholh s. Taking the vote for Rabbi Schindler as representing very nearly the aggregate vote for the school commit ee, and subtract ing from it the total vote for ina or, gives 10,4'J7asthe approximate number of women who voted in the tola registration of about 20,300, or very nearly 80 per cent. As no separate returns were mado of the women voters, tho exact figures cannot be given. Butler’s Re-Election. Columbia, H. C.. Dec. 13.—The legisla ture to-day in joint assembly, formally re elected M. C. Butler as United Btates sena tor bra practically unanimous vote, the exceptions being three votes cast by colored members of the House for Thomas E. Mil ler, the defeated republican candidate for cangreas in the Seventh (black) district. Morton at Indianapolis. Indianapolis. Doc. 12. —Vice President elect Morton and wife reached India ispoils at It o'clock this evening and were driven at once to the residence of Geu. Harrison. Thero was no demonstration. HAWES’ RED HANDS. The Coroner’s Jury Charges Him with the Murders, Birmingham, Ala., D3c. 13.—The jury in tho Hawes murder case concluded its in vestigation to-day and a verdict wus ren dered that both the woman and tbe girl, May Hawes, camo to their deaths at tho hands of R. R, Hawes, and that Fannie Bryant and Albert Patterson were accom plices. Two more warrants charging Sheriff Smith with murder were sworn out to-day, aud he is again a prisoner in tbe jail. NO EXCITEMENT CAUSED. Tbe verdict was anticipated aid caused no excitement, as the military are still on guard. The disposition in regard to Hawes is to let the law take its course. The principal indignation is directed against Sheriff Smith, and it is probable that warrants will be sworn out for mur der against him for every victim of Satur day night’s shooting. In the coroner’s in vestigation of the riot, which will com mence to-morrow, all are invited to testify, and in this tribunal the people say they will be heard. B. & O.’S NEXT CHIEF. The Road's Presidency Offered to Charles F. Mayer. Baltimore, Dec. 12.—Various rumors recently circulated as to proposed changes in the executive officers of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company have resulted in the issuing of a statement by the parties now in control of tho board Of directors. The statement is to the effect that the presi dency of the road has been offered to Charles F. Mayer; that he has accepted it, and will be elo ted at a meeting of the directors to be held Dec. 19. SPENCER GIVEN NOTICE. The stateme t goes on to say: “An effort is being made by interested parties to create tbe impression that Mr. Spencer is being outraged, and that a change was to bo made without his knowledge. Such is not the case. He was informed of the proposed change three days after the recent annual meeting. We intend to run a railroad that shall be popular, profitable, and for tbe benefit of all interested. Every branch of the road will be put iu first class condition, and the now vacant vice presidency will be filled, though it has not yet been decided to whom the position will bo offered.” The statement is considered evidence that the Garrett party are to have thi igs their own way in the management of the r>ad. NASHVILLE CONVICTS. Another Plot to Escape Nipped in the Bud by Discovery. Chicago, 111.. Dec. 12.—A dispatch from Nashville, Tenn., says: “The failure of the desperate attempt of the convicts of the main prison at this city to escape four weeks ago was but the begin l ,'ng of a still more desperate attempt The prison officials for some time had suspected that another effort to get away was contemplated, and yesterday discovered concealed onMie per sons of the convicts and in their beds be tween fifty and sixty knives, fifteen or twenty razors, one revolver and three ropes. It is behoved by the aut o ities that the convicts had arranged to make a desperate break for liberty, and that the weapons were to be used to tho best advan tage against the guards who might in terfere. In one of the cells was discovered a lamp, ladle and white metal used for making counterfeit mo ,ey. Pieces of bogus coins wore taken from a convict, but no dies came to light." SAILED FOR HAY XL The Galena and the Yautic Start on Their Expedition. New York, Dec. 12,—The sloop of war Galena, manned by 280 men, and the Yantic Bailed from the Brooklyn navy yard at 3 o’clock this afternoon for Hayti. As tho war ships moved out they received a salute from the men on tho Richmond, who mounted the yard-arms and cheered lustily. Many spectators viewed tho departure. The delay in going to sea was on account of the ships b dug stuck in the mud. Tho second officer of the steamer Olaribo), of the Atlas line, which arrived in port to day, reports having heard that tho German steamer Cleme itinn had been fired into and sunk by the llaytiau man-of-war La Trusse. The Ciaribel did not siop ut Ilayti. THREE SOLDIERd DROWNED. Their Boat Capsized While They Were Drawing in a Net. Watertown, N. Y., Dec. 12.—Sergb Darli gton and privates Fred Pettit and Beujamiu Wilson, all of Company A, Eleventh infantry, now located at Madison barracks, Sackett’s harbor, were drowned iu Lake Ontario, off Catfish Point, near the harbor yesterday afternoon. Provost Sergt. Retwright was tho only other person in the party, and he was saved after seeing his comrades sink, o e by one, into a watery grave. Tho soldiers were net filling, and their boat was capsized in an attempt to raise a net. DOWN AN AIR SHAFT. An Insane Mother’s Fatal Leap with Her Two Children. New York, Doe. 12.—This afternoon Mrs. Caroline Schmidt, aged 23, living at No. 434 East Seventy-sixth street, while in sane, threw herself down the air shaft from the fourth story of the fiat building, with her two children, Jenny, 3 years old, and Emil, 2 years old. The former mas in stantly killed, and the boy and his mad mother were takon to a hospital, where the boy died. The mother will also die from her injuries. Her insanity resulted from nulk fever. A BRUTE BEHIND BARE Torturing Horses Costs a Veterinary Surgeon 28 years in Jail. Taylorsville, 111., Doc. 12.—Charles W. Henderson, a veterinary surgeon, wor sentenced j esterday to twenty-eight years in the penitentiary for torturing about forty or more horses with sulphuric acid and croton oil during the progress ot a jxiliucal meeting be <1 here Nov. 3. Hender son made a confession in court. There was much excitement when scute ce was pro nounced. Henderson was hurried off to Chester yesterday afternoon. A Resignation Tendered. Washington, Dec. 12.—The President has received tho resign itiou of United Htutes District Attorney Emory B. Sellers of tho Indianapolis district, but has not ac cepted it., and does not wish to do so. Tho Attorney General lias telegraphed to Mr. Hellers that the President joins with him in requesting him to withdraw his resignation. Bond Acceptances. Wasinoton, Doc. 12.—The bond offer ings to-day aggregated $66,100. Die ac ceptances were $22,000 4>4* at 108 and 108 X. SCHEMES TO ROOM DIXIE A SOUTHERN EXPOSITION IN THE NORTH PROPOSED. An Immense Train of Cara In tho Shape of a Rolling Exhibition Suggested as a Better Plan—A Promise That the Railroads Will Aid in Securing Immigration. Montgomery, Ala.,Dec. 12.—Thesouth ern intet slate immigration convention met in tho city hall this morning, with about 200 delegates present, representing all the southern states and New Moxico and Cali fornia. Col. John D. Roquomore of Mont gomery was temporary president. Tho speech of welcome was made by Mayor Reese of Montgomery, and the response by Gen. Cameron of Texas. Committees were appointed and adjournment bad for dinner. At the afternoon sessiou the convention was permanently organized by tbe election of Col. W. Peeples of Mississippi as presi dent, and A. Str.ts-herger of Montgomery and Mr. Elliott of Florida U3 s cretaries] The vote of each slate iu the electoral college was adopted as the basis of its vote iu tho convention. A SOUTHERN EXPOSITION. W. H H. Ilurgwyn of North Carolina submitted resolutions proposing that in 1891 and 1892. the southern states join to gether and hold a s utiiern exposition in either New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Kansas City, or Bt. Paul, the ex hibits 10 be exclusively of southern prod ucts and manufactures. E. C. Drew of Louisiana offered an amendment that the exposition be arranged in the shape of an immense train of cars to be run from city to city through the north. The resolutions and umeudment went to the committeeou resolutions without debate. ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS, S. 11. Gruber offered resolutions me morializing tbe legislatures of all the south ern states to appropriate SIO,OOO each per annum for five years for immigration pur poses. Resolutions were offered by Col. Calhoun of Mississippi extending a general Invitation to all hoine-seokors and declaring that immi grants need hav no fear of negro suprem acy in the south, as the race question is settling itself by the logic of superior iu tel I igence. John H. Harris of Alabama presented a message from the Nationul Alliance, re cently in session at Meridian, cordially indotsiug the convention and the purposes for which it is called. A. B. Johnston of Birmingham offered a resolution providing for a committee on ways aud means to be composed of one member from each state to carry out wh t ever plan the convention may determine upon. All these were referred to the com mittee on resolutions. TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES. Mr. Nelson of New Mexico, offered a res olution appointing a committee consisting of one delegate from each state on railroad ra es, excu; sion facilities and immigration transportation. John Temple Graves of Georgia, tpoved to amend by creating two committees, one from tue states east of the Mississippi river, and one from th se westof the river. This provoked a long diseussi u, which was the most interesting of the ses sion. During tho progress, Col. E. B. Stnhhnau, vico president of the Louisville atid Nashville railroad, who wus present, was invited to addre s tho con vention. He pledged tho railroads to do their share, and peri aps a little more, to forward any plan the c Given in may adopt. The roads, he said, nre ready to co operate wiih the people. He closed am and applause. Finally Mr. Nelson’s resolution and Mr. Grave’s amendment wont to the committee on resolutions and the conven tion adjourned till 1(1 o’clock to-morrow, when they will meet in the hall of the House of Representatives of the state cap itol. IMMIGRANT RATES. The Regular Schedule to be Restored on Dec. 23. New York, Dec. 12.—Commissioner Pierson notified the interstate commerce commission to-day that the trunk lines would restore regular irainigant ratos to tho west on Dec. 23. This will make tho Chicago rate sl3 in place of #5, and tho Ht. Paul i ate $22 in place of $lO. The Lack awanna, and Ontario and Western roads have followed suit. NO TRUCK IN TIIE NORTHWEST. Chicago, Dec. 12. —Western aud north western pa-senger rates a-o not to be re stor'd immediately, A meeting was held at Chairman Abbott’s office to-day to con sider tiie proposition to advance rates withiirton days, giving immeil ate notice to that effect, but thero wero one or two dis senters, and without a unanimous agree ment no action could be taken. The matter was, therefore, left to the consideration of tho manager’s meeting, " Iticb has been ended for Dec. IS. Meantime tbo roads running out of Ht. Paul to Chicago and s uthwestern points aro openly cutting rates, another cut I icing announced to-day. AL A BAMA’B MBTBOD Is T3. Bishop Hargrave Presiding at the Ses sion at Mobile. Mobile, Ala.. Dec. 12.—The Alabama conference of tiie Methodist Episcopal Church, south, met to-day in St. Francis street church. Bishop R. K. Hargrave pro filed. One hundred aud sovontesn clerical and twenty-eight lay delegates wero prot on!,. Tbe b anl of missious repot lager collections than in any previous year. Examinations as to the character of candi dates for the ministry wen he'tin. The Convention will be in session six days. WOMEN HORRIBLY MANGLED. A Train Caught Them tin a Trestle on a sharp Curve. Nashville, Dec. 12.—A special to the American from Knoxville, Tenn,, nays : “Miss Dinum, aged 30, a school teachor, and Miss Lewis, aged 18, were run down by an J tco ning express train on the Western North Carolina railroad, near Alexanders, N. C., last evening, and both wero horribly mangled. Tney were literally ground to pieces. The accident occurrod on a trestle on a sharp curve of tho road.” RELEASE OF A RABBI. Ho Was Accused of Obtaining Mort gage Notes by Fraud. New Orleans, Ba.. Dec. 12.—Rabbi A. R. Lovy of Chicago, who was arrested In that city somo time ago and brougnt back to New Orleans, charged with having ob tained certain mortgage notes by fraud, was tried he e to-day and acquitted, the jury returning a verdict iu his favor with out leaviug their box. A Cavalry Cfflcer Killed. Phcenix, Am/., Dec. I2.—Maj. Spauld ing, of the Fourth cavalry, commanding Fort MoDowell, wus killed yesterday by the accidental discharge of his gun while hunt ing. DoLESSEPS VICTORIOUS. Frenchmen Subscribe for 410,000 Panama Canal Bonds. Paris, Dec. 13.—Another scene of excite m >ut was enacted at the offices of the Pau atna Canal Company to-day. The crash was oven greater than that of yosterday. At 4 o’clock a hush fell over the throng and Count de Lesseps appeared. Mounting a table he said: “My friends, the subscription issafe. Our adversaries are confouuded. We do not need the help of financiers. You have saved yourselves by your own exer tions. Tho canal is made. PK LESSEPS IN I EARS. Here Count do Lessons was so overcome that no wept. Amid cheering, weeping and mutual congratulations, all present shook hands with Count de Lesso|>s. VVbe i the excitement had partially aba od the nows went round that 410,000 bonds.had heen subscribed for in Paris, and the same number in the provinces. Mar seilles alone took Bfi,OOJ bonds. An official of the company replaced Count de Lesseps, and announced that the subscription lists would be kept open until Saturday noon. It is reported that numbers immediately re newett their subscriptions, the receiving clerks being completely overtaxed. (Several newspapers say that if the issue of tho Panama canal loan prov. s a failure, the government, in cou for ity with the proposal of the extra par liamentary commission, will introduce a bill in the chamber of deputies to enable the company to meet its engagements. A new company under the leadership of the credit fouoier will then purchase the canal. A CONFERENCE WITH THE MINISTERS. Charles de Lesseps had a conference with the ministers thii evening. La Petite llepublique Francaisc asserts that the Panama canal i ill will be presented in tile chamber of dep ties to morrow. Rumors that 800,000 bonds had been taken aro believed to be exaggerated, but itisoertiin that the applications largely exceed the directors’ expectations. Proba bly the necessary 400,000 will bo taken. WEBSTKR’B WIDE RANGE. Landlords from County Wexford to bo Called as Witnesses. I, on don, Dec. 13.—At a meeting of the Parnell commission to-day, Attorney General We ster, for the Times, announced that he would now proceed with tho exami nation of a number of landlords from county Wexford, in order to show the con dition of that county. Sir Charles Russell, for the Panel litas, protested. He said that the attorney general had not included Wexford In his opening address. If the other side were going ail over Ireland, the area of tho in quiry would be increased to an alarming extent. The attorney general rosjmnded that ho was bound to prove that the league terror prevailed iu almost every county. JUSTICE IIANNEN ALARMED. Presiding Justice Hannon said he could only viow tho future with bum. The court had boon engaged for mauy days, but had not yet. arr vel at the end of any branch of the inquiry Only two branches h id bre i enters I upon, and -overal branches of equal importance remained untouched. Ho ma t again make an earnest appeal to the e umol to ando 1 thoir utmost to com n ess the inquiry and to avoid wasting years of tho life of those engaged iu the case. GERMANY AND THE AFRICANS. Cos unt Bismarck Mokes Use of France's Hesitation. Berlin, Doc. 13.—The National Zeitung says Count Herbert Bismarck called the at tention of tho foreign committee of the reichstag yesterday to the fact that France has not shown the same frankness and goo l will ns the other powers appealed to in assisting in the suppression of the slave trade on tho oast coast of Africa. Tho gov ernment. the paper says, expects tho reich stag to giro decided support to measures for the suppression of the rising there and the protection of German interests. MORLEY SOUNDS A WARNING. London, Dec. 12.—John Morloy, in a speech at Clerkenwell this evening, con demned the government’s policy in East Africa. In regard to Huakim, he said: “If wo ure not careful we shall have ou our hands another abominable, profitless and purposeless (Soudanese war. We are drift ing into a policy that is cruel to the Arabs useless to Egypt and disgraceful to England.” Too speaker characterized as blazing i discretion Lord Salisbury’* reference to Nacraji as “a black man.” He eulogizod John Bright, and said that al ti ugh that gentljiuan dilferod with the liberal* on the Irish question, they would always remember hi* groat soi vim in the past w,th veneration and gratit ide. A MEETING AT NAPLES. Rome. Dec. 12.—Cardinals Lavigerio and Sanfclice will preside nt an anti-slavery meeting to bo hold at Naples to-morrow. ITALIANS IN AMERICA. The Church of Rome to Pay More Heed to Their Welfare. Rome, Dec. 12. —The Osservatore Ro mano publishes tho pope's letter to tho bishops in America with reference to the care of Italian immigrants. This letter says: “The pope doplores the fact that many It .bans, forced by poverty to emi grate, find themselves iu worse position than ever iu America. Great danger at tends t eir souls, both during the voyage and on their arrival, owing to tho difficulty of mceti ig priests speaking Ilnlinn. Being much preoccupied with these fact*,the pope charged the congregation, de propaganda fide to siudy the twu-lolil question of how to promote both the religious and mater ai welfare of tho emigrants, and it has been decided to dispatch priests from Italy to localities inhabited by Italian emigrants.” . The pope declares that it will afford him great, satisfaction if the American bishops will facilitate the task of these priests by referring to the propaganda in legard to any changes required in their sacred dutiei. His holiness co eludes with a bouediction upon the bishops, clergy and faithful in America. Temporal Power oi tho Pope. Rome, Doc. 12. —The Riformn formally denies ti.o statement of clerical journals that tho government has instructed its agents abroad to endeavor to combat the Catholic agitation in favor of the restora tion of tho pope's temporal power. A Destructive Rhell. Rome, Dec. 12.—The results of the ex periments made at (Spozia with anew shell lired from u JOO-tnn gun far surpass a I ex pectation-. 'i be destruc iveness of the shell exceeds that of a y ever lieforu used. Like the Wool oik Crime. Kt. Louis. Dec. 12.—A special to the Re public from Mount Pleasant to-day says: •‘.Ne.vs was received from Cookvfile last, night that the dwelling of John K. King win bur od at 2 o’clock tuis morning, and Mr. King, his wife, and six children were burned. It is believed that the family were murdered aud the house fired to conceal the crime." i PAR Y. |t A TEAR, I < 6 CKNTB A COT T. > (WEEKLY,!!.** A YKAJL) FIRE IN TWO THEATERS. ONE OF THEM CROWDED WHEN THE FLAMES BROKE OUT. Cool-Headed Men la the Audience Harangue the People eod Prevent a Disastrous Stampede-The Building Black with Smoke Before All Had Eecaped—Chicago’s Opera House In Ruins. Oswego, N. Y., Dse. 12.-During Mrs. Langtry’s performance here to night of "As in a Looking Glais,” In tho academy of music, the curtain was about to ascend on the last act, when there was a cry of fire from the rear of the hall and tnick clouds of smoke poured up through a large register in the middle aisle, CRACKLING OF THE FLAME3. The crackling of the flames was beard underneath the floor, and tho large audience arose panic-stricken for tbe exits. Cool headed men sprang upon the stage n .id called out to the people that there was no da.igor. Others mounted their chairs in every part of the house and called upon the people to remain cool. This succeeded iu partially quelling tho people, and in t io minutes the theater was cleared, just a. the (lames sprang up through the floor. THE BUILDING SAVED. By this time tho fire department win at hand and streams of water were poll • :ig into tho building. Tho tire was soon extin guished. It caught from an overheated furnace directly under the center aisle and near the main entrance. But for its tmi ly discovery it would have shut off the i oo ple from escaping by tbe main door, and there would have been a terrible scene, as the house was packed. There are two rear exits. Mrs. Laugtry escaped through the crowd aud took refuge in a near-by saloon until ier carriage found her. Tho theater was black with smoke before all the people got out. CHICAGO’S OPERA HOUSE DAMAGED. Chicago, Dec. 13.-12:30 a. m.— Just twenty minutes after the auditorium of the Chicago opera house had been emptied of an immense audience to-night, fire was dis covered in the northeast corner of the top gallery. At 12:30 it appears that the building and the theater will both sustain the reputation of being“st.rietly fire proof,” and no damage will be sustained oxcept by smoke and water. Tho latter has almost flooded the theater, and tho furniture, carpets and costly fresooe* will prove a lotal loss. Tbo oei lings have dropped, and it seems that nothing can be suveil from the ravages of tho water. The loss to the theater will be nearly $15,000, aud to the building, which is u ed as an office building Above tho theater, tho loss at this wi iting cannot tie estimated. Tbe fire, it is claimed, was started by a defective calcium light. The members of the Mc- Cauli company, which wis p aving at tbe theater this week, will lone nothing. A BONFIRE OF TELEPHONES. Tbe Bell Company Burns tbe Instru „ monte of Its Rivals. New Orleans, Dec. 12.—Nine hundred a :d fifty telephones, heretofore the proper ty of tbe National, Improved, Crescent City and New Orleans Telephone Companies, were turned in this city to-day under direction of Frank B. Knight of the American Bell Telephone Company of Boston. These instruments were adjudged by the United States court to infringe patents of the Beli Company, and as they could not be utilized they were destroyed. This is the outcome of the leiral contest between tbe Bell Telephone Company and the above named companies, defendants, which suit occupied the attention of the United 8 ate* court in this city for several weeks. In de ciding the case tho court directed that all telephones IWonving to the defendants be delivered to the Bell company. Tbis order was obeyed, and the instruments were finally dispi sed of os stated above. STRIKE OF THE SWITCHMEN. The Men of Two Roads Resume Work on tbe Wabash Basis. Toledo, 0., Dec. 12. —The Pennsylvania and tbo Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton switchmen have gone to work upon a com promise. which gives them the wages paid by tho Wabssh. Whether the strike will go on depends upon the outcome of tbe de mand of the Wabash men, which will be considered to-morrow morning by Receiver McNulta. The Lake Shore switchmen re ceive the highest wages paid here, and the Wabash men the next highest. Tbe strike of the Pennsylvania and the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton men was for the I,ako Shore wages, but they have now both accepted the Waba h rates. The Wabash men struck for tbe Lake Shore rates, but wont back to work until the officials could get here and investigate tbe matter. If tbe advance is refused, they will strike. If they got their advance, it is probable that, the other switch men will makethii tbe ground for demanding the Lake Shore’s rates, and wUJ renew the strike. Trouble Brewing at Bevler St. Lours, Dec. 12.—The Republic has a special from Bevier, Mo , to the effect that tho striking minors aro becoming ugly, aud further trouble Is anticipated. One of the leaders of tbe strikers named Atkinson, as sorted that they are building a stockade to defy tbo militia. There uro only fifty-five troop* on the gr ound, and the threats of the strikers create considerable uneasiness. Bunk In Monday’s Storm. Norfolk, Va„ Doc. 12.—Tbe schooner Sis Church, bound from Cape Charles to Norfolk, light, sunk in the storm Monday night. Captain Frank Enoch, Mato Har ris, and oue of the crow, whose name is un known, were lost. Ths schooner belonged to New London, Conn. Four Men Killed. Montgomery, Ala., Dec. 12.—A sreoial to tbo Advertiser from Evergreen, Ala., says: “The boiler at Wilso i’s steam mill above Gravella, eight miles from bore, exploded late this afternoon, killing tour men outright and wounding several more.” 1 aet Tennessee Railroad Officers. New York, Dec. 12.— At the election of the East Tennessee railroad this afternoon, the following officers wore elertoJ: Presi dent, Gen. tSaunue) Thomas; rice-p e i lent, Calvin 8. Brice: secretary, L. il. Sen wain; treasurer, J. M. Mitchell. Chief Colorow Dead. Peiyvxr, Col., Dec. 12. —Word reached here to-day from the Ouray agency. Green river, Utah, that Colorow, the celebrated chief of the Southern Utes, had died at the agency yesterday of pneumouia. Depft’ tment of Agriculture BUI. Washington, Dec. 12.—1n tho House to day, on motion of Mr. Hatch of Maryland, the Senate amendments to the department of agricultural bill, were uon-coocarred ia and a conference was ordered.