Newspaper Page Text
. THE MORNING NEWS. 1
\ Established IS'O. Incorporated 1888. >
'l J. H. ESTILL, President. )
CZAR REED’S NEW RULES.
THE IWJORI.Y AND MINORITY
REPORTS FILED.
Tha Difference Between the Proposed
Code and That Previously in Force
Explained in Great Detail by the
Majority -The Minority Report a
Caustic Criticism.
Washington. Feb. B.— Though not for
mally presented in the House, the majority
and minority report* upon the new code of
rules proposed have been filed with the
journal clerk, and ordered printed. The
majority report, in great detail, explains
the difference between the proposed code
and that previously in force, but in most
instances the explanation is unaccompanied
by any argument.
COUNTING A QUORUM.
In regard to the rule authorizing the
speaker to count a quorum, the majority
ivn>r reads:
Clause 3 of Rule 14 directs the method of
ascertaining a quorum when members present
refuse to vote on a roll call. The proc gs
of ascertaining the presence of a
quorum to do business under the con
siitution would ordinarily be under control
of the s( eaker, who would derive his informa
tion from bis own senses or by the aid of the
clerk or in any way which would satisfy his
mind of tDe accuracy of the count. Under our
system of roll calls it has been deemed more
convent 'lit to ascertain and announce the
votes of members, and the presence of th se
wiio refuse to vote at the same time and by the
same mean*.
DILATORY MOTIONS.
Discussing the new clause of rule 28 that
*‘no dilatory motions will t e entertained by
the speaker,” the report says:
This clause is merely declaratory of parlia
mentary law. There are no words which can
be framed which will limit members to proper
ue of proper mo ions. Any motion most con
ducive to progress in the public business or
most satisfactory for the comfort and conven
ience of the member* may be used forthe pur
pose of unjust and oppressive delay. The
majority may be kept iu session for a long time
against reason and good souse, sometimes at
the ■ ill of a single member, and sometimes for
a still longer period at the null of one-fifth who
are misusing the provision of the constitution
for the y as and nays, by the aid of simple mo
tions proper in themselves, but which are im
prop rly used. Iu the early days such
prostitution of legitimate motions caused by
anger, willfulness and partly zeal, was
not so much as named by the legls
lators. To-day the abuse has grown to
such proportions that the parii amentary law
v, .ich governs American assemblies has found
it necessary to keep pace with the evil and to
enable a majority, by the inteivention of the
presiding officer, to meet by extraordinary
m ans extraordinary abuse of power on the
part, sometimes, of a very few members. Wuy
should an assembly he kept from its work by
motions made only to delay’ and to weary even?
Tti original de-d rn of the motion was salutary
and sensible. Why should one-fifth even be
entitle I to waste tile time of half of themselves
and of the four other fifths by a motion to
adjourn, when the majority manifestly do not
want to adjourn’ If a suggestion should be
made tiiat this pow r r is here conferred the
answer is that ns the approval of the House is
the very breath in tue nostrils of th *
speaker, and a* nobody on earth is
so jealous of it* liberties and go impa
tient of control, we may be quite
sure that no arbitrary interruptions wi 11 take
place, and indeed, uo interruption at ali, until
not only such misuse of proper mo lon is made
clearly evnl tit to world, but also that such
action has taken place on the part of the House
as will assure the speaker the support of the
body whose wishes are his law Ho that in the
end it is the power exercised by the House,
through its properly constituted officer.
QUORUM IN COMMITTED OP THE WHOLE.
Considering the question providing that
a hundred members shall constitute'' a
quorum in committee of the whole, the re
port says:
This proposition is not anew one. For many
years past, since the Thirtieth Congress, as the
business of congress has steadily increased,
numerous propositions have been introduced in
the House by members of Jong service looking
to the reduction of the number necessary
for a quorum in committee of
the whole, but the issue has never
been presented to the House, owing to the fact
that until recently it has never been confronted
with the question of want of a constitutional
quorum, through the refusal of members
present in th- House to vote when their names
were called in the House or by division in com
mittee of the whole, thus breaking the quorum.
It has i ever been made a political question, and
never should be. It goes directly to the bottom of
the question of transacting business in com
mittee of the whole. The committee of the
whole, like a standing or select committee, has
merely advisory powers and jurisdiction. Its
action concludes nothing, and must be reported
to the House, which approver or rejects as it
pleases. The same principle is true
with respect to a quorum of stand
ing and select committees. The House
has never adopted a rule on this subject,
and it has been common practice for such com
mittee in arranging its days of meeting for bus
iness, etc., to fix the number of its quorum,
which is legs thau a majority of it.- wnolo num
ber. So far. therefore, as the constitutional or
legal question is concerned, it has never been
denied or questioned that it was entirely
competent for the House to select any
number it might please as a quorum
of the committee of the whole. The only ques
tion involved is one purely of legislative ex
pediency and propriety. The reason tnat the
issue has never heretofore been presented is due
entirely to the fact that until r-cout years mem
bers have not sat in their seats in the House
and refused to vote when their names
were ca led. The House for conven
ience commit* temporarily its jurisdiction to
standing and select committees. It never parts
with or p rmanently surrenders it. That juris
diction so committed is returned to the House
with the bill or proposition and is again referred
hv the H uss for convenience to the committee
of the whole. That the action of that commit
tee is purely preliminary and advisory' is dem
onstrated by the fact that no proposition pend
ing th rein can be laid upon the table; that
the previous question cannot b* ordered
thereon; that a motion to reconsider cannot be
made; that the yeas ami nays cannot be taken;
ond. Dually, that it cannot adjourn. The action
of the committee of the whole, being, therefore,
purely advisory, and concluding nothing, it is
clear that this provision cannot lie in contraven
tion of the constitution, which is silent on the
subject and is in harmony with well recognized
principle* and practice of the English parlia
ment, the original source of our parliament
ary rules and practice, and ot modern
constitutional governments.
In conclusion, the majority says:
Your committee has thus gone over briefly
the proposed new co le of rules. They believe,
if followed out In good faith, it will at once en
able the House to have due control over its busi
ness, and at the same time provide those safe
guards of deliberation and debate which will
enable the House to act wisely.
THE MINORITY REPORT.
The minority report, signed by Messrs.
Carlisle and Randall, reviews the proposed
pode and criticises many of its features.
’J he first change antagonized is to rule 24.
On this subject the minority says:
Under clausi 4 of rule 24 no bill on the House
calendar can be reached for consideration un
less called up by the committee that reported
it, and under clause 5 of the same rule no indi
vidual member can : ake an original motion for
the purpose of considering any particular bill
in committee of the whole House on the state
of the union. When, however, a motion has
been made by direction of a com
mittee to go " into coinmitteo of the
whole on the state of the union to
consider a particular bill, an individual mem
ber may move to amend it by designating
another bill. This is the extent of his rigtit
Under the proposed rule, and it is evident tnat
he will be plac data great disadvantage. We
aw unable to discover any sufficient reason for
this discrimination against members who may
not be fortunate enough to secure the co-opera
tion of committees in makln ;their motion. If a
u ajority vote is sufficient to suspend Hie rules
hnu fix a day for consideration when a motion
“ m ada by direction ot a cuiUUlittee, 1 1-1 .1111 ly
the same vote ought to be sufficient when made
by an individual member upon his responsibility
and in behalf of his constituents. The only
reasonable explanation for this discrimination
Is that it ia the policy of the proposed rules to
suppress individual members of (he House o
far as possible and increase the powers of the
committee. In fact, under the propose i rules,
an individual member will scarcely have power
to make a motion of any kind except when he
acts aa the representative of a committee, and
by its direction. He will neither introduce a
bill, nor make a report, except by delivering it
to the clerk or speaker, and if his bill should be
erroneously referred he cannot himself move
to correct it, unless he does so within three
days after its reference.
Relative to the ooange in the rules gov
erning the committee of the whole, the
minority says:
It has always been universally conceded that
the committee of the whole House was simply
the House itself, and that it has never been con
sidered necessary to prescribe in the rules
what number of members should be necessary
to constitute a quorum in such committee. Still
it requires a majority of all the members-elect
to constitute a quorum to do business iu the
House, and without a rule on the eubject tne
same number has been recognized as ueeesaary iu
committee of tiie whole, and whenever it found
itself with less than taat number present and
voting it has been compelled lo suspend it*
proceedings. In addition to tnis proposition to
reduce the number necessary to Constitute a
quorum, it is also proposed by the mo utication
of old rule 24 to confer upon the committee of
the whole power to close all debate en
any section or paragraph of a
bill under consideration. Such power
has never neon before given to committees, but
lias always been exercised by the House, and.
in our opinion, it will be unwise to make a
change in this respect, as 10b members are to
constitute a quorum in committee. In pursu
ance of this same police of reducing the num
ber of representatives to pass laws and trans
act other business, it is proposed by the
majority to insert tho following clause in
rule 15: 8. On demand of any member or
at the instance of the speaker before a second
roll call is entered upon the record the names
of members (Sufficient to make a quorum) in
tiie hall of the House who do not vote shall bo
noted by the clerk and recorded in the journal
and i sported to the sp a-er, with the names of
the members voting, an 1 bo recorded and an
nounced in determining the presence of a
quorum to do business. This is the most radical,
an i in ouropi don the most dangerous innovation
proposed by the majority. If agreed to it
will not only overthrow the construction that
has been uniformly given to the constitution f >r
more thau a whole century, but it will enable
less than a majority of the representatives of
the people to pas, most important laws, affect
ing tiie interest of tho whoie country. Personal
and property rights of citizens pro ected here
tofore by laws enacted by the votes of a ma
jority. maybe Impaired or destroyel by the
votes of a mere fraction of the members
of congress, for less than a majority may con
stitutionally pass measures iu the House. Of
course the same thing may be dons in tue Seri
ate. In the sam 1 wiiy enormous sums of money
may be appr priated from the public treasury
for most unconstitutional and improper pur
poses, and tbe interests of the taxpayers com
pletely subordinated to the selfish de
mands of private individuals and corporations.
Without entering here into discussion of the
constitutional question involved iu this proposi
tion, we earnestly proc-st arainst it as a
measure of a most dang-rousand revolutionary
character. Any rule or practioo w iich enables
the speaker or clerk to pass bills by counting
members present an 1 not voting will inevitably
result in desrnying the confidence of the people
111 the integrity of legislation, engender con
troversy and litigations which might be easily
averted by an adherence to the mandate of the
constitution, as heretofore interpreted.
ABOLITION OF DILATORY MOTIONS.
Discussing the abolition of dilatory mo
tions, the minority is emphatic in its pro
tests. It says:
The proposed clause allowing the speaker to
refuse to entertain any motion which ho may
consider dilatory is absolutely inconsistent witti
other provisions of the rules. To provide that
members shall have the rigtit to make certaiu
motions, and at the same time to provide
that the speaker may refuse to
entertain them, and may also refuse
to entertain an appeal from his decisions is
simply to place the whole law of the House, so
far as pariiameutiary motions are concerned,
in the hands of the presiding officer, and deprive
members of every right in this respect which
the rule purports to confer upon them. A rule
abolishing all parii amentary motions heretofore
recognized in the House, and simply providing
that members may make such motions only
as the speaker may see proper to permit,
and take only such appeals from his decisions
as he may see proper to allow, would at least
have tho merit of direclness and sinjplicitv.
Such a rule would be no more unreasonable or
unjust than the one now proposed, and would
preveut conflicts upon trie door by advising
members in advance precisely what their rights
are.
PROSPECTS OF THB VOTE.
The Republicans In a Hurry, but the
Democrats Want lime.
Washington, Feb. 8. —Speaker Reed and
his followers are anxious to get a vote on
the new code of rules as soon as possible.
The discussion will begin on Monday, and
they have to limit debate so as to reach a
Tote on Tuesday or Wednesday. The demo
crats, though they say they do not want to
make any unnecessary delay, desire more
time for discussion, so as to fully state their
side of the case. A number of them want
to make speeches on the subject, and they
do not think it will be possible to say ail
they want in so short a time.
WANT FOUR OR FIVE DAYS.
They think fur or five days not too long
fort e discussion. No agreement has been
reached yet. Mr. Crisp to-day said that he
recognized that there was a popular opposi
tion to the extreme delays and obstructio is
that were pract ced iu the last House, but
that this fact was encouraging the other
side to go too far the other way. He said
he ooiißidered the code proposed a dangeroua
one, and that when they came to figure up
the aggregate of appropriations at the end
of the session there would be another reac
tion.
IMMENSE EXPENDITURES PROPOSED.
“When you considerjthe proposition* for
immense exponditu es of public money that
are being urged upon the congress,” he
said,'‘and that these rules make the way
clear for them, you do tot have to be a
prophet to see that the money asked for bv
congress is i pt to overbalance that held at
the treasury.” It is probable that the
rules will be adopted as reported, and a
vote taken not later tnan Tuesday.
HISCOCK STIRS UP A ROW.
Printers Refuse to Accept a Colored
Girl as an Assistant.
Washington, Feb. 8. —Senator Hiscock
has stirred up a hornet’s nest iu the bureau
of engraving and printing by insisting upon
the appointment of a handsome young
colored girl from New York. The woman
was assigned to work last Monday as a
plate primer’s assistant, but up to the pres
ent time has not had an opportunity of
doing anything in that line or any other la
tne bureau. When she reported for duty,
the printer whom she was to assist
refused to allow hsr to go to work, and
threatened to resign rather than accept the
new appointee as an assistant Sie was in
succession assigned to “lay fr” or assist
several other printers, all of whom indig
nantly protested. For the past three or four
days she has been sitting on a bench in a
small room occupied by the main plate
printing room, doing practically nothing,
although she is os ensibly acting in tho ca
pacity of a messenger.
Bond Purchases.
Washington, Feb. B.—The bond offer
ings to-day were $63,000; all of which were
accepted at 124 for 4s and 104% for 4;-k. The
4s were from the national banks iu liquida
tion of deposits.
SAVANNAH, GA., SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1890—TWELVE PAGES.
SHAROVS POSTMASTER.
HIS CASE NOW BEFORE THE POST
OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
Postmaster General Wanamaker
Promises the Appointee Federal
Protection—A United States Mar
shal Ordered to the Beene—Claims
that the New Official Was Threat
ened With Death by the Opposition.
Washington, Feb. B. —Edward L. Duck
worth, recently appointed postmaster at
Sharon, Taliaferro county, Georgia, haa
represented to the p< stoffice department
t at he is prevented by threats of personal
violence and hostile demonstratio. 9 from
taking possession of his office. Several
letters from Mr. Duckworth and others
corroborative of his statements have
lately been received at t e department giv
ing details of the situation. It appear* that
Mr. Duckworth, who is understood to he an
independent republican, was some tune ago
appointed post ’aster to succeed a demo
crat, who with hi* friends, it is represented,
have since used every me ms to prevent his
successor from taking charge of his office.
Threats of personal violence, and even
death, it is stated, were publicly made and
heaped upon him.
A COFFIN ON HIS PORCH.
On one occasion a coffin labeled “Radicals
must die,” was placed on the porch of his
house. A mob of angry men was almost
constantly in front of his door making
threaieni g demonstrations. On a iot. or
occasion a number of uiou representing the
unruly element, it is stated, en
tered his house, and by threats compelled
him to sign a letter of resignation. As soon
as they were gone, however, Mr. Duck
worth telegraphed the depar merit that i
was obtained while under threat',and asked
that it be disregarded. On the fifth of the
present month i e wrote the Postmaster
General that he could hold uo longer, fear
ing that he would bo killed, ami asked that
his resignation be immediately accepted.
FEDERAL SUPPORT PROMISED.
After consultation with the President and
First Assistant Post uas er General Clark
son, Postmaster General Wanamaker last
night telegraphed Mr. Duckworth as fol
lows: “Whatever power this department
has will be used to protect you, and put you
in possession of the office to w nich you have
been appointed. Communicate freely by
telegraph the fu l facts if interfered with
fur, her, and immediate action will be
taken.”
He also ordered two postoffica inspectors to
proceed immediately to Sharon andinvesti
ga‘ e the whole matter. Attorney General
Miller also ordered a United States mar
shal to the scene of the trouble. Mr. Duck
worth was recommended for the office by a
large number of reputable citizens, includ
ing one or more of national influence, as
au honest and capable man.
A WEATHER BULLETIN.
Tracing the Path of the Storms That
Broke the Drought.
Washington, Feb. B.— At 1 o’clock this
afternoon the signal office issued the follow
ing special weather bulletin: The storm
that developed in Southwestern Texas dur
ing Feb. 6, and moved eastward along the
Gulf coast, aud is now central over South
Carolina, has broken the condition of
drought in the Gulf and South Atlantic
states, where heavy rains have occurred as
far north as Kentucky aud Maryland.
This storm was atteuded by a wet norther
on the Texas coast,with gales from Browns
ville to Cedar Key, It will continue a
northeasterly course, entering tbe Atlantic
on the North Carolina coast.
The storm that passed from the
northern Rocky mountain region
to the Canadian maritime prov
inces on Tuesday and 'Wednesday, has
bee.i followed by auother aloug nearly the
same track since Thursday, but with a
slower movement, and whicu is now over
Northern New York and the St. Lawrence
valley.
The>e storms have been followed by cold
waves from the Gulf northward. This
morning snows are reported from Tennessee
to the lower lak s, and heavy rain in tbe
New England and Middle Atlantic states.
Cleari ig weatuer is rapidly displacing
the cloudy conditions, and will farther ex
tend over the H uth and Middle Atlantic
states as far north as Maryland to-night,
and during Sunday the clearing condition
will probably m ive farther northeastward,
so as to include th* Middle At antio states
and part of New England. Sunday will be
cold and fair througa the greater portion of
tho country.
TRACY’S GREAT GRIEF.
Ho Hears the Recitals of tbo Chief, a
Fireman and a Policeman.
Washington, Feb. B.— Secretary Tracy
had the fortitude to listen this morning to
the dramatic story of the fire at his house,
which Chief Parris and Fireman Wright
and Policeman Catelle tell. He expressed
the wish at breakfast that he might hear
the story fr, -m their own l ps, so tne Presi
dent had them brought to the while house,
and for an hour the secretary and his son,
after thanking them warmly, listened to
them. They told their story substantially
as they told it at the inquest.
tugged at his heart strings.
Secretary Tracv bore up wonderfully, ex
cept when Chief Parris told how he found
Miss Mary Tracy lying in the hall, and
when he tried to lift her by her hands, the
flesh peeled off. For a moment Secretary
Tracy br ke down, but he recovered him
self. When they had finished the secretary
thanked them ogain, and in bidding them
good-by added, “Gentlemen, I owe you a
debt I can never pay.” On account of the
inclement weather the out of town trip has
been postponed. On Monday Secretary
Tracy will go to the navy departmo.it to try
to work. He will probably go for several
days, and the i take a brief trip west or
south.
LOTTERY DAY IN DAKOTA.
A Large Number of Petitions on the
Bill Laid Before the House.
St. Paul, Feb. 8. —A special to the
Pioneer-Press from Bismarck, N. D., says:
“This was petition day iu thp House, and
1.434 persons presented petitions agaijst
tue lottery bill, while 1,870 others
in lorsed it. Tue lottery bill did
not reach its second reading and
was not referred, which delay
looks like weakening. There are not two
thirds for it in tho House, and Senator
Winihip, the leader of the opposition,
claims three accession* to the Senate minor
ity, making 11 in that body, sufficient to
defeat its passage over the governor’s veto.”
Montana’s Captive Senator.
Helena, Mont., Feb. 8. —She iff Parker,
who is on his way to Helena with Senator
Becker, was arrested at Bozeman this aft r
noon by the sheriff of Gabatin couuty on a
charge of kidnapping the senator. He
waived examination aud was placed under
i onds. As the matter now stands .Senator
Becker is at Bozeman with the sheriff, and.
unless a special officer is employed, he will
not reach Halim* before tomorrow.
PATERSON HAS A BLAZE
Two Large Buildings Burned— Narrow
fc scape lrom a Horror.
Paterson, N. J., Feb. B.—Washington
hall, w hich occupied a p’at of ground on
Broad 'ay 400 by 600 feet in size, was
burned to the ground about 2 o’clock this
morning. The loss will not fall much
short of SBOO,OOO. A ball was in progress
when the fire was discovered, but ail the
fjuests got out in safety, some, however,
eaving their valuable wraps behind them.
Tne fire originated in the basement of the
building, and it was only when dense
smoke made its way into the ball
room that the guests were made
aware of their great dauger. The building
was three storhs high. Tne first floor was
occupied as < Alices and stores. Ti e armory
of the First Battalion National Guards of
New Jersey and the ball room were situ
ated on the second floor. Tho rooms of
Ivanhoe lodge. Free and Accepted Masons,
were on the top floor.
A NARROW ESCAPE FROM DEATH.
In the upper part of the building were
abo tho Sleeping apartments of Janitor
William Smith and his wife, both of whom
had narrow escapes from suffocation, the
latter being earned out in an unoousciou*
state. Tiie fire, it is now said, was caused
by an explosion in toe soda water manu
factory of B. Swiuley & Cos., in t ie rear end
of the building. At about 2:40 o’clock,when
the firo was at its bight, a rapid discharge
of musketry took place, frig itoning every
one away from the building. This was
caused by the ignition of 10.000 rounds of
cartridges in the armory. Ihe fusillade was
kept up for some time, bullet* flyi ,g in all
directions. No one wai hurt, however.
ANOTHER BUILDING BURNED.
The flames spread to the large three-story
building adj fining, w hich was entirely
destroyed, e .tailing losses footing up f2),~
000 on a number of families who lived
therein. The Hall building and the board
of trade rooms, with their valuaule
library, were comple’ely destroyed. In
the armory were 80J rifles and accoutre
ments, all belonging to the stare, and these,
together with a gatling-gun, were destroyed.
The only one injured so far as kuowa
was James Lindsay of engine company No.
6, who was thrown off the roof ami severely
injured.
A WHOLE FAMILY BURNED.
Birmingham, Ala., Feb. B.— A report
reac. es here to-day that the dwelling of a
farmer named Roth, near Stevenson, Ala.,
w as burned night before last, aud that Roth
and his family, consisting of his wife anil
f. ur children, perished iu the flames. The
neighbor* did not discover tho fire until
yesterday morning, when thev found the
charred romaius of tho family iu tho ruius.
A COURT HOUSE BURNED.
Dallas, Tex., Feb. 8. The Dallas
county court house, with nearly all its con
tents, was burned yesterday. The district
andcounty clerk records and the contents
of the county treasurer’s office were saved
ia firo proof vault*. The 10-s is estimated
at SBO,OOO. The Insurance is $40,000, mostly
in leading eastern companies.
CRASHES ON THB RAILS.
A Train Pushes a Signal Station Into
New River.
Baltimore, Feb. B.—A railroad accident
is reported on the C esapeako and Ohio
railroad at Big Ben tunnel, between Hinton
and Lowell, W. Va. A freight train which
was approaching the signal statim ran
into a switch which had been left open.
Before the engineer could reverse his engine
it had crashed into the signal and puibod
the station into New river, and then plunged
iu after it. The tender followed the engine.
In tbe station was the telegraph operator.
He, tho engineer, aud fireman wore carried
into the river and drowned. The freight
cars were piled up all over the track.
WRECKED BY A SNOWDRIFT.
Pittsburg, Pa., Feb. B.—A special from
Connelisvillo, Pa., says: “A through mail
train from Baltimore, on the Baltunire and
Ohio railroad, ran into a mountain of snow,
three mile* east of O. dopy la at 7 o’clock this
morning. The engine ad combination pos
tal and baggage car went over the bank
into the river. The smoking car followed
half way. Engineer Henry Bush of Pitts
burg was badly burned, but not fatally in
jured. Fireman Lewis Burch sustained a
terrible sea in wound, but will recover. Bag
gage Master Isaac Ingle of Pittsburg
was bu nod by the car stove. The only
passenger injured was John Lindsey of
Gleawood, master carpenter of the road,
i e fell heavily over the seats, in juring him
self internally. Hi will probably not re
cover. A relief train was sent from Con
nelisvillo. aud the wounded are being cared
for.”
A CONDUOTOR’B FATAL CARELESSNESS.
Little Rock, Feb. B. — Early yesterday
morning at Dermott, a station on tne
Houston Central and Northern railroad, au
engine attached to a train of freight cars
rau into a car loaded with rails, cans! g a
most frightful wreck. Three men em
ployed in building were instantly killed
and others seriously injured. J. O. Castner.
the conductor, was arrested, charged with
criminal carelessness.
PORTLAND’B FLOOD.
The Water Going Down Fast and tho
Damage Not Very Heavy.
Portland, Ore., Feb. B.—i’he water in
the Williamett* river is falling rapidly and
business in the flooded districts is again
assuming it* normal condition. Considering
the volume of water carried down by the
river the damage in and around
this city is comparatively light.
The heaviest losers are sawmill owns s,
who suffered considerably by having
logs and lumber carried away. Many ot
the logs, however, will have lodged along
tbe river, and ie is thought they can be
saved. The wharves and docks have not
suffered seriously, though many of them
will have to undergo repair* before they
can be used. While merchants have lost
considerably from suspension of busiuess,
their losses in goods have not been great.
It is impossible to give any correct estimate
of the loss at present.
The situation of the railroad blockade re
mains practically unchanged. Supt. Bra id
of the Southern Pacific company said to
day: “We nave found our Waterloo,
and there is absolutely no telling
when we can got our througn
trains in motion. Our facilities
for securing detailed reports from the
wrecked portion of the road are so inade
quate tha: I cannot say just what condition
tue road is in, but i feel sure it could hardly
be worse.” The Houthern Pacific between
■ ere and Roseburg, it is thought, will be
running in a day or two, but south of Rose
burg the road is in a terrible condition.
Randall Rallies.
Washington, Feb. 8. —Mr. Randall ral
lied early this morning and was much bet
ter t,’ -day than he has beau for a week, but
this improvement can be but temporary,
unless he begins to gain the strength which
he ha* lost.
Pope Lao’s Brother Dead.
Rome, Feb. B. ard.nal Peed, brother
of the pope, who has beea ill for several
days with pneumonia, died this afternoon.
GERMANY’S SOCIALISTS.
THB EMPBROR’3 RESCRIPT HELP
ING THEIR CANVASS.
The Public Inclined to Leave the Con
summation of the Proposed Reforms
in the Hands of Their Friends In
stead of Entrusting it to Their Nat
ural Enemies—A General European
Conference Not Probable.
( Copyrighted, 1800, by the New York Associated
Press. >
Berlin, Feb. B.—Opinions incline to the
view that the emjioror’* socialistic proposi
tion will never lead to any practical result,
aud the mere closely the rescripts are ex
amined, the more the sk pticism grow* It
is already recognized as altogether improba
ble that the European powers, if ever in
vited, will consent to take part in such an
international conference ns that upon
which tho emperor addressed Prince Bis
marck in his first rescript. England,
France, Belgium, and Switzerland are
named by the emperor as involved
ia his scheme, but this use
of the names of those states has boon made
without any understanding with any one of
them. His majesty, lti fact, only says that
he desires that the ambassadors of thoso
nations be Sounded on tue subject, but ho
does not even direct the opening of negotia
tions, and, in fact, none nave boon op ined.
Not a single step has been taken toward
learning whether those powers approve of
such a conference.
SWITZERLAND OPPOSED.
It has been published that Switzerland
accepts the project, but this isappare tly
an inference bu ed upon tho fact that
Switzerland herself fornlerly endeavored to
initiate such a proceeding. The report Is
not based upon the existence of any official
document. ’lt may also be a misunderstand
iug, the Hwiss convention to bo actually
h. ld being confused witn the conference of
Emperor William’* scheme. On the con
trary, the probabilities poi.it to a
summary refusal ot the powers
to join in the scheme, if even they
are ever invited. The Marquis of Salisbury
declined the Swiss Invitation to a labor co.i
fe ence. It does not follow that lie would
refuso an invitation from the Emperor of
Germany because he ref used one from the
Helvetian republic, but it indicates, at least,
tnat in Downing street just now they do
not take kindly to political moonshine. Tne
French pr, ss,as a whole,treats the mere Idea
ofaconf re coasauinsult.TlieSwiaseveudo
uot seem to like the notion tlfat the move
may interfere with their conve ilioo to be
held in May, and are exclaiming against
such interference.
TALK OF RESTRICTIONS.
The obvious futility of the general propo
sitions touched In the rescripts has led to a
report that the conference will ignore ttio
subject of minimum wages and limit itself
to tne consideration of indu* rial employ
ment of women and children, the eocuomlo
and otner aspects of the Sunday
labor and the eight hours
for a day movement. There is no
authority for this report,which impliesjthat
the project of the rescripts has got to the
point whero a regular programme has been
drawn up. That is not n fact. But even
if the schema should got this far. and
be restricted as thus suggested, it
is considered that no practicable end could
be reached. The semi-official press admits
that this agreement upon the agenda of the
conference, upon the true basis of negotia
tion and limitation of the inquiry, will, in
consequence of the differences in the sys
tems In tho various countrios, bo roally a
difficult point, but private opinion in all
official circles is that no conference will
ever meet.
A POSSIBLE RESULT.
If any important fact is to flow from
these decrees it will be from that part of
them which proposes internal changes, now
labor legislation, and reform of the rela
tions existing between employers aud work
ers. Tho first fact w ill boa special com
mission wide i will be convened hereto
prepare bills for the next He chstag. Thi*
is to be composed in equal parts of work
ingmen and employers. Herr Htumin,
who next to Herr Krupp, is
tho largest employer of labor
in the Rhineland, is likely to preside
over this commission. Its projects will be
examined by the council of state before
they are submitted to tho Reichstag. The
council of state is not a body that possesses
in any great degree the confide ice and good
will of tho populace, and workingmen
murmur at the notion that it is the first to
sit in judgment upon the laws that are to
initiate their new Utopia. It is said, there
fore, that tee emporor will reorganize this
body. It is now composed of eighty
members, fifty of whom are
officials or generals, and there are only
eight men in it, of whom Herr Miguel is
one, who have anv knowledge of industrial
;u: j'ets. The emperor proposes to appoint
on this body a certain number of working
men to assist in these deliberations. For
this he has good precedent in the Prussian
economic council or Volks Wirtschafcreitb,
fifteen me liber* of wnich are workingmen.
EFFECT ON THB CAMPAIGN.
The effect of the decrees upon the elec
toral canvass is that they actually tend to
help the socialist party. Thi* is a surprise,
because at the first moment it did not look
that way. Indeed, the theory that the de
cree* ware played a* a groat stroke in the
game for votes seemed to lie confirmed by
the staggering effect they had at the first
moment upon the socialist propaganda,
for they seemed to make socialism
itself unnecessary. But sober
second thought is to tho effect that the
decrees are an imperial recognition that
socialism is right and wise, and that wbat
it proposes is necessary for tiie country, and
thereupon the people say: "If this is what
we need, it is better to have this gre t
reform carried out by it* friend*;
and why should we now abandon
them to put the good cause into tbe hands
of those who hitherto have al ways been it*
enemies.” Hence the socialists accept the
emperor’s decree* as a monument of their
victory over tho chano.filor, whose re
peated denunciations of their ideas as
purely chimerical are now forcibly quoted
against him.
TIIE SOCIALISTS BUSY.
Ilerr Vollmar, speaking at Munich, said
the party hailed with rejoicing the pros
pect of improvement and progi ess revealed
by the emperor’s attitude, hut insisted upon
the necessity that the socialists must close
up their ranks in order to make sure reali
zation of the emperor’s promises.
Ilerren flebel, Hi tiger and Liooknecht held
a consultation before permitting an author
ized ciiticism that appeared in the Berliner
Volksblalt. They agreed upon an ai tide in
tho ame vein as Herr Vollmar’* speech, and
advised workingmen to adept with wel
come approaches from the throne that
approved and justified their own theories,
but to accept ail this witu an ultimate reli
ance upon their own strength; Pi trust the
emperor, but to keep the party together.
THE FIRST CONCLUSION.
The first practical conclusion drawn from
the rescript is that the la or candidates will
take the place of importance lately assigned
to the ourtellers iu political combinations,
aud the carteller* are uneasy at tm* pros-
pect. The Kohnische Zeitung takes a c ol
view of the facts a* they staud now, ad is
also of the opinion that the imperial ma
neuver will not have the slightest effect in
reducing the socialist vote, aid other paper*
pie ict an inevitable large socialise gnin.
Since the publication of the decrees the
Socialists’ central committee ha* increased
the numbers of its candidates, and now cou
te.ts twenty districts. The campaign,
which is all worked by this committee from
Berlin, is a display of marvelous activity
energy and intelligence. Through it* perfect
organization a i abundant supnly of money
ha* lieen provided, and the richer districts
assist the poorer onos.
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM AMERICA.
Manv contribution* of money have been
received outside of Get many, aud the lar
gest of these are from America. Many
workingmen are candidate* in the coal
regions. A number of miners selected as
candidates, in virtue of a union with the
carteller*, are running well, and what dif
ferences there might be between these par
ties ore avoided in the canvass. Herr
Mi :uel, speaking at Frankfort, predicted
that the Cartel party would agu e unou a
compromise to pass the socialist law "in the
next Reichstag. Sketching a pro
gramme of future legislative re
forms, he announced that the new
Reichstag would achieve'the long pending
unification of the civil code, and thus make
the law of the la id accessible and intelligi
ble to all nine; that it would roforiu tho
llnauc i of the empire end introduce a sys
tem and scheme for the extinction of the
national debt. He prophesied that tho
elector* would return a maj irity oompned,
of men earnestly desirous for real work,
and determined iu loyal support of the gov
ernment. iiis address Ims revived tho
droop! >g spirit* of the national liberals in
the Reichstag. In that Dart of the empire
ceaseless i emigration of Germans, sup
planting the French, is notably affecting
tho electorate, and some formor deputies,
radical opponents of annexation, have ro
fused to stand.
PREPARED BY THE PRIVY COUNCILLOR.
London, Fell, B.—The Berlin correspon
dent of the Standard says tho rescripts
were prepared by tho privy councillor, who
has been always understood to be Prince
Bismarck’* right hand man. Whatever
may be the fate of tho conference, labor
legislation will not be stopped A sueciil
coin nission composed equally uf employers
/•nd workmen will shortly no convened in
Berlin to prepare fresh bills on the subject.
I’he Times reports that rescripts were
placarded largely in tho stroots at Bredau,
the chief socialist stronghold of Germany.
Tiiis give* color to the sug estiou that tbo
rescripts are intended for effect iu toe elec
tion*.
ERIN’d NEW LAND BILL,
A Claim That It la On.y an Extension
of Lord Ashbourne’s Act.
London, Feb. B. —The Daily Telegraph
say* that the now Irish land bid Is only an
ingenious extension of the operation of Lord
Ashbourne’s act, but that it does not seri
ously involve the British taxpayer. It also
ays the report of tho Parnell commission
will tie published in the first week of the
session; that it i* precise and vigorous in
dealing with tuo forgeries, but finds it im
possible to exonerate Mr. Parnell from hi*
failure to separate political organizations
from organization* that wero openly crim
inal.
AN ADDRESS FROM THE PRESIDENT.
Lincoln, Neb., Feb. H—John Fitz
patrick, president of the Iri-h National
League, has issued an address to the org m
ization appealing for increased contributions
for u.o in wbat he believes to be the closing
fight in Groat Britain, the Impending gen
eral parliamentary election. Ho announces
the postponement of the national conven
tion t Mr. Parnell’s suggestion, and calls a
meeting of the national executive commit
tee at Ht. Louis for Wednesday, April 16.
BULGARIA’S CONSPIRATORS.
Those Not Under Arrest Fleeing for
Their Lives.
London, Feb. B.—A Vienna dispatch to
the Times reports that the prefect of police
of Sofia, who was arrested a few days ago,
has been released from custody; that
Pi emier Stambouloff, fearing to trust any
one, discharged the duties of the prefect
himsolf; that most vigilant military pre
cautions are exercised, and that there is a
censorship of all telegrams offered by
foreigners. On Tuesday Prince Ferdinand
offered to abdicate if it wai thought that it
would be for the benefit of the country, but
tbe ministers unaulinously opposed it.
News from Sofia of to-day’* date makes no
mention of tiie execution of Panitza and
his accomplices. It is stated that Zankoff
and Matliejeff were the ring-leaders in tbe
conspiracy. Madiejuff received from the
pan-Slavist *ocioty in St, Petersburg
$120,00U with which to wry on operations.
All tho adhere.its of Zankoff In Buigtria
are now flying for their lives aud taking
refuge in Her via.
PORTUGAL AND THE ENGLISH.
Tbe British Minister at Lisbon Chal
lenged to Fight a Duel.
Lisbon, Feb. B.—Senor J. d’Andrade
Corvo, a member of tbe council of state,
has sent a challenge to fight a duel to Glynn
Petre, the British minister, owing to the
nature of his reply to a manifesto of the
students.
The Commercial Association here has ex
pelled Knglish members because they fur
nished a statement to newspaper* in Lon
don complaining of the treatment to which
they were subjected.
The municipal authorities of Oporto have
decided to subscribe to the fund for the na
tional defense.
Tne English member* of the social club
whose house was attacked by students yes
terday, because the club permitted English
men to retain membership, have resigned.
A Strike Averted.
London, Feb. B.—The dock laborer* and
carmen have withdrawn their manifesto
against tiie employment of non-union men.
A conflict between the union and their em
ployers is thus averted.
Ex-, ditor West Out of JalL
Chicago, Feb. B.—James J. West, ex
managing editor of the Times, who has
spent five days in jail under a five year*’
Benton e for fraudulent lsiue of Times
stock, a id in whose case the supreme court
yesterday issued a supersedeas was release 1
from jail this morning under a SIO,OUO
bond.
lowa’s Deadlock.
Des Moines, la., Feb. B.—There were
eighteen pair* in the House this afternoon.
After taking six ballot* the House ad
journed till 2:30 o’clock Monday. Fresh
proposition* for a comproinue have been
sub nitte 1 try each party. Tney are much
alike. Each wants the same.as the other.
CoL Julian alien Dead.
Raleigh, N. C., Feb. B. Col. Julian
Allen of Statesville, one of the most promi
nent men of the state, died suddenly at hi*
home at Statesville this afternoon. He was
one of the projectors of the movement to
hold a permanent exposition of southern
products.
I DAILY. $lO A YFAR. )
7 5 ( ENTS A COPY. V
j WEEKLY. 1.28 A YEAR. J
FRANCE’S BOYISH PRINCE
THE GOVERNMENT MAY CONVICT
AND THEN PARDON HIM.
The Republican Majority In the Cham
ber In Favor of This Course —Tbe
Duke Aeke President Carnot to
Allow Him to Serve ia the Army.
Paris, Feb. B. —Tho Duke of Orleans,
who was arrested yesterday iu this
city for violating the decre*
of exile issued against the mem
ber* of hi* family, occupied a com'ortable
compartment in the Conciergorie prison.
Tho Duchess de Chartres and Princess
Marguirite, his aunt and cousin respec
tively, and other friends will be permitted
to visit him. M. Constant, minister of th
interior, has given orders that he be treated
with distinction. The monarchist member,
of the Chamber of Deputies have decided ta
interpellate the government as to its reason
for imprisoning tho duke.
PENALTY OF THE OFFENSE.
Tiie Bepiibliquc Praneaise, in comment
ing on the an o-t of the duke, point* out
that tbe or pulsion law provide! a penalty
of from two to five years’ imprisonment
upon the bead or direct heir of any fa oily
that lias rosided iu France who violates it*
provision*.
The Paix and the Journal des Debats
thinks the best polio V of the governme it it
to have the duke again conducted to the
frontier.
At a meeting of the cabinet to-day it was
decided to strictly enforce the provisions of
the expulsion law against the young duke.
TAKEN BEFORE TIIE TRIBUNAL.
The duke was takon b 'fore the tribunal
of tho Heine to-day, where ho was charged
with a flagrant violation of the law banish
ing from Franco pro under* to tho throne.
In reply he says ho came to Fiance to per
form his military duties. He uskel for an
adjournment of the case In order to allow
him to instruct his counsel. Thereupon the
judge adjourned tbe hearing until \t edues
day next*
At the conclusion of the judicial Inquiry
M. Consta s will replv to the monarchist
interpellation in tho Cluun >er of Deputies.
He will state that the government merely
executed the law, the provisions of which
are precise. He will explain to the Chamber
that article 4 of tbe law of exile enacts that
no member of tho Orleans family shall enter
the army. It does not mention the grade
from which they are debarred, and the cabi
inet will, therefore, not admit the argu
ment of tbe duke that be could join the
army as a private.
THE DUKE WRITES TO CARNOT.
The Duke of Orleans has written a letter
to President Carnot appealing for permis
sion to erve his country. The republican
majority in the chamber approves the atti
tude the government has taken in deciding
uponsimpli enforcement of the Uw. It
looks upon tie duke’s act as a mere boyish
escapade, and hold* that he should be tried
and sentenced to assert t ie majesty of the
law, but that after sentence he should be
pardoned and Bent out of France. Thu*
tho law would be uphold and there would
be uo royal victim of republican j>er*ecu
tiou.
The right ho* abandoned its Intention to
interpellate the government.
Tho Moniteur, an Orleanlst organ, ap
plauds the priuc for obeying n patriotlo In
spiration, which ho communicated to no
one, and upon which he acted spontane
ously with the generous ardor of youth.
FRANZ’3 BIDS OF THd STORY.
The Yarn About the Outrage at Aber
deen Exaggerated.
Louisville, Ky., Feb. B.— A special to
the Courier-Journal from Lexingtou,
Teun., gives an interview with H. J. Frans,
the alleged victim of vloleuce lit Aberdeen,
Miss., about whom so much ha* been
said in tho United State* Senate
recently. Franz sav*:. “I weut
to Aberdeen in October. After
the death of Jefferson Davis in December,
I went up on the roof of a building to work,
and found a rope, which I untied. I did
not know thou that it w-is one which held
the effigy of Secretary Proctor of th i war
department. When I camo down I learned
that it had been reported that I had
said no effigy should lie liung while I was
in town. William McDonald, a bricklayer,
asked me about it and struck me across th e
nose and eye, indicting a slight wound. I
concluded to leave town. Tne mayor came
and a'kod tne to stay, promising mo protec
tion. Citizens also asked ine not to leave.
I went off on the night train. I learned
that McDonald came to the depot
to talk to me, but I did uot see him. I did
not think much of it, and see no cause for
all this fu-s which has bean rawed. 1 ntn a
hot-headed democrat.” Franz has had os
yet no communication from Attorney
General Miller nor any other authorities.
He says he don’t want to hear any more
about it.
LENOX HILL BANK.
Deposits Received But Money Paid Out
Only on Checks.
New York, Feb. B.—The Lenox Hill
Bank reopened it door* at 10 o’clock thl*
morning. About 100 depositors who were
in waiting immediately rushed in. None of
these seeking to recover money from the
paving teller obtained it, unless they pre
sented checks. Those applying to withdraw
money deposited in the bank received
certificates promising payment within
thirty days. The bank closed its doors at
12:30 o’clock. The amount taken in was
160,000. The amount paid out on certified
checks was $15,000. President Jordan said
to-day that on Monday they would try and
pay some of the depositors.
OOIhAM AND THE FAIR.
The Executive Committee Considering’
the Situation.
New York, Feb. 8. —The executive com
mittee of the world’s fair held a meeting'
this afternoon which lasted for two hours.
The present situation was thoroughly dis
cussed, and it was decided t> call a meeting
of the general committee of 500 for Tuesday
noit at the coamber of commerce, when
the situation will be presented in a clear
and concise way for thoir action by a com
mittee of five appointed from the executive
committee. It was said taat a proposition
was olfored this afternoon before the com
mittee looking toward a compromise, but
that it met with decidedly strong opposition.
PHELAN TO RESIGN
Bad Health Compels Him to Retire
from congress.
Memphis, Feb. B.—A letter has been re- /
ceived by the Evening Scimitar from Con
gressman James Pnelau, in which he says:
“Sickness maxes it impossible for me to
attend to my duties here.'and will not only
prevent me from seeking re-election, but
will cause roe to ha-id m my resignation as
soon as the contest fur my seat is decided."
Mr. Phelan is now serving bis second term
in congress, and bis majority in t e last
election over L. B. Eaton was in excess of
8.000.
