Newspaper Page Text
the MORNING NEWS. )
establish' 1 1850. - Incorporated 1888. >
*• j H. ESTILL, President. )
SPAIN'S GOOD FAITH AT STAKE.
p r, j.l’Vf ES IN DE LOME'S LETTER
NEED DISAVOWAL.
ghonld tlie Spanish Government Fall
t 0 itepndiate Them They Will Ilr
fom,. tlie Subject ol Diplomatic
Correspondence— They Leave in
Do „l,t Spain's Sincerity in tlie
Matter ( Reciprocity and Auton
omy*
Washington, Feb. 32.—The policy of the
administration concerning- the De Lome
)r .i t can be stated briefly and definite
ly ion authority not open to question,
follows: - *
Ti President is awaiting the full re
por: of United States Minister Woodford,
~ in tho brief report already made,
EijLc.l that fuller details would follow. So
far tis the personal allusions of the late
minis'era to the President are concerned,
the incident is undoubtedly closed. No de
mand has been or will be. made, according
to the present intentions, for a disavowal
of them, though, should it be made, it
would be regarded as a graceful act. But
the inferences in the letter which bring
In question Spain’s good faith on questions
of reciprocity, and in friendly autonomy
for Cuba, if not disavowed voluntarily,
may become the subject of further diplo
ma;. correspondence, though, as to this
matter, as has been stated heretofore, the
President will await Minister Woodford's
fuller advices before anything is decided
upon. This feature of the ex-minister’s
letter is entirely disassociated from the
personal aspect which resulted In his re
tirement.
1 is confidently expected by this govern
ment that Spain, will take early opportu
ne!- to disavow the statements of its late
representative, so far as they tend to com
mit Spain to a policy which leaves her
good faith open to serious doubt. It is
f.*;t to be most desirable that this gov
ernment should have no doubt as to
fl tin's real purposes and feelings on those
vital questions which have been subjects
of negotiation or are likely to become such
in the immediate future.
At the Spanish legation affairs have as
sumed a normal condition. Senor du Bose
is in charge. He did not go to the state
and. irtment this morning. This afternoon
he made a call on the foreign representa
tives, thus fulfilling a social and an offi
cial duty by which tho fact of his assum
ii g . barge of the post is made known to
them.
Senor Do Lome is busy winding up his
affairs, preparing for departure. The
time of leaving has not been set. Mme.
De Lome is directing the unexpectedly
hasty work of packing, and-reports of her
being prostrated by the recent occurrence
are groundless.
No intimation has come to any one at
t: legation as to the new minister. The
... vtral names mentioned in the newspa
pers were well known, but all comment is
i.‘girded as purely conjeetural. ,
Late to-night the state department re
ceived a cablegram from Minister Wood
ford. It relates presumably to the Inci
dent created by the publication of Minister
de Lome's letter to Senor Canalejas, al
though owing to the late hour of its re
ceipt its contents will not be known be
fore to-morrow.
The cablegram is in the department ci
pher and is between 200 and 300 words long.
It is supposed by the state department of
ficials to be in response to the instructions
to Minister Wdodford to advise the de
partment concerning the action taken by
the Madrid government with reference to
the De Lome incident, and to be supple
mentary to Minister Woodford’s dispatch
announcing the acceptance by the Span
ish ministry of the resignation of Minis
ter De Lome.
I'n til the arrival of the cablegram to
night nothing had been heard from Mad
rid by the state department since Min
ister Woodford announced the acceptance
of Minister De Lome’s resignation and
th f brevity of the dispatch is taken to be
tm indication that it .contains nothing of
a particularly serious import.
Pi nLOINER OF THE LETTER.
'the Thief a Business Associate of
Senor (.onalejns.
New York, Feb. 13, 3 a. m.—The Press
f iys: "Through a source known to be
absolutely trustworthy, the Press has
learned the identity of the person who
sole the famous De Lome letter. The
1 ulting missive was not abstracted from,
1 1 mails, and it was not a thoughtless
or unconsidered memorandum, never in
i 'del for transmission by post as has
I"* n contended in some quarters.
ihe letter, which encompassed De
I.ouu's downfall, was stolen by Manuel
•■ i in Pichardo, son-in-law of Senor
- 1 uro Amblard, deputy of the Cortes in
i Senor Pichardo is the close busi
-- associate of Senor Canalejas, the ed
’ °f El Heraldoof Madrid, to whom the
, er "a* addressed and delivered, and is
1 Havana correspondent of that news
paper.
11" is a young man of brilliant intellec
attainments, and the vigor and Icau
<’■ his poetic writings have given him
"" '"i of "The Poet of Cuba.’’
> nor Pichardo was in a position where
1 "Old obtain access to the correspond
of Senor Canalejas. He had been ad
! ' i' l advance, of the writing of tho
' r and its probable contents; at least,
' v is the story told now. But whether
v l>e true or false, he resented the r.:o
--' ' i ’ he saw it the insulting reference it
' ‘ined to Amblard—“there goes Amb
• " I believe he comes too deeply taken
' '•'ith little political matters, anti there
' he something great, or we shall lose."
1 as much as anything, fixed Senor
■ undo's determination. He realized
.importance of the indiscreet expres
(' in ihe letter and took the missive out
' " package in which it had been placed
" - nt, with other accumulated corres
nee, to Madrid. Whether he had any
, ‘."latlon from his employer. Senor Can
1, I that communication might be
y removed Is no’t dlsqlosed by the
• '"fity for this story; bt* he took IL
")w, and Intrusted It to a man who
. “D a remunerative position In Ha
dto br *ng it to the United States."
TO SUE FOR PEACE.
"oiinmtsts to > Open Negotiations
With the Rebels.
Havana, via Key West, Feb. 12.—The
i 11 w ‘ n g of the autonomist party,
a..i of Senors Ellso Giborga, Arturo
; ™ b: “ r d, Leopoide Sola, Cnrlos Fonte. Mi
t. mvi ,f . n ? r ’ Eduardo Dolz and others as
* ieu in secret meeting to-day to dis
gw* n
gJJje JEoftmg |
cuss the situation, which is considered
fery serious, owing to the continuance
of the insurrection despite the fact that
autonomy has been granted to Cuba.
nf S th r ■ A [ l,onio Govin, colonial secretary
of the interior, did not take part in the
deliberations, but sent his assent to the
reso.utions adopted.
thi m a , 9 - eSO ! t 0 open negotiations with
the bellef that the revo
lution could not be suppressed by force
wotiMnnt -Anticipating that the insurgents
would not accept the new terms, it was re
solved that the colonial government should
open negotiations, thus saving the Mad
rid government from the responsibility.
The following propositions will be for
mally tendered to the insurgents:
First. The volunteers will be dissolved
and a Cuban militia formed.
Second. The insurgent colonels and gen
erals will be recognized.
Third. Cuba will be called upon to pay
only $100,000,000 out of $600,000,000 indebted
ness due for both wars. >
Fourth. Cuba will pay $2,000,000 a year
for the crown list.
Fifth. Cuba will make her own (treaties
without interference by the Madrid gov
ernment.
Sixth. Spanish products will have only
a 10 per cent, margin of protection over
similar products from other countries.
Seventh. No exiles or deportations will
be made, even in war time, to Spain,
Africa, or to penal settlements whatever.
Eighth. Sentences for rebellion shall be
abolished.
Ninth. Martial law cannot be ordered
by the Captain General without the as
sent of both the House and Senate if
those bodies are in session, or without the
assent of a majority of the cabinet if they
are not in session.
Tenth. The Archbishop of‘Cuba shall
always be a native Cuban.
Eleventh. The actual insurgent party
shall have three seats in the first cabinet.
Twelfth, An armistice of fifteen days
shall be granted for the discussion of the
terms'of peace.
These terms are accepted by the autono
mist party in full with the exceptions of
Senors Galvez, Montero, Zayas, and De
lonte.
The annexation sentiment is growing
stronger among the Spanish res
idents, and if It were not for
the strict censorship exercised this
sentiment would be manifested
through the newspapers. Several mer
chants and planters—native Spaniards and
members of the Conservative party—upon
being interviewed declared the situation
in Cuba is terrible, and if the war con
tinues another year the island would dis
appear from among the producing coun
tries of the world. One of them said:
“Only the firm hand of the United States
can save us from the abyss into which
this most fertile island is sunk. Spain
has been unable to subdue the
insurgents in epite of Weyler’s
campaign to re-conquer the island. All
Spaniards ask with pain what has become
of the Spanish army of 200,000 men. Next
summer 35,000 soldiers will go to the hospi
tals and 25,000 will return to Spain as use
less, and inside of six months we will have
only 70,000 men in the island. Autonomy has
not brought, neither will it bring peace to
Cuba. We have spent $300,000,000, the re
sources of the treasury are exhausted and
its credit lost and the rebels continue to
lay waste the island. Under these circum
stances the best we can do is to let go the
colony which has cost us so
much blood and money. Cuba can
be sold to the United' States
which nation could establish a protecto
rate If it did not care to annex the Island.
Cuba, under the American flag, would pro
duce 8,000,060 tons of sugar. Perhaps
Spain, suddenly impelled by her exagger
ated pride, would refuse to sell the island,
but the United States can compel iter to
adopt this providential step. Should the
United States recognize the rebels, Spain
would not fight, as America’s action would
not form a casus belli, 'as formerly ex
pressed by Senor Canovas del Castillo.
Besides, we have neither the men nor the
money to sacrifice in a war, which would
be an immense disaster to Spain.
"I insist that an American protectorate
ought to be established over Cuba. ’
The report from Spanish sources of an
engagement with the forces under Gen.
Alejandro Rodriguez at Carmen Hights,
this province, is not confirmed. An engage
ment did take place, with the column un
der leader Jacinto Hernandez, tn which
eight men were killed, including Capt.
Martin Marnia and Lieut. Marco Diaz, not
Octavo Rodriguez, a brother of Gen. Ale
jandro Rodriguez. The error in the report
was due to the fact that Diaz carried the
letters to Gen. Rodriguez.
Reports from other provinces state that
the loss through the destruction of cane
by fire cannot be calculated.
Near Yngueranmus, close to the boun
dary of the Santa Clara and Matanzas
provlifces, a band of insurgents is report
ed to-have surprised and macheted seven
teen local guerillas.
Persistent rumors affirm that Gen, Em
ilio March recently left Manzanillo with a
strong force and that he was met at a
point several leagues from the city by a
party of insurgents and was defeated with
great loss. It is also reported that Gen.
March died at Manzanillo shortly after
his defeat, and his death is ascribed to the
disaster.
It Is denied in palace circles that to-mor
row’s mail will, as has been reported,
bring details of the death of a niece of
Gen. Blanco, which, it is said, has greatly
disheartened him. Politicians, however,
believe that failure of his military and
political campaign has discouraged him.
The yacht Buccaneer incidest Is much
commented upon. Merchants are greatly
elated and hotly discussing the subject,
calling the Americans h<sgs and declaring
that a gunboat should be sent to pink
the Buccaneer. One of them, while speak
ing In this vein, was Interrupted by an
other, who said; "Don’t talk that way.
The yankees will soon be the owners of
this island, and if they find out about
your conversation they will whip you.”
Many officers believe that before long
the island will belong to the United States
owing to the weakness of the Madrid
government and that its ownership will
be attained without a shot being fired.
SPAIN DOESN’T WANT WAR.
Senor Moret to Use Every Effort to
Avoid Fresh Friction.
Madrid, Feb. 12.—The Associated Press
correspondent to-day obtained interviews
with Senor Gullon, the foreign minister,
and Senor Moret, minister for the colo
nies.
Senor Gullon said the De Lome letter In
cident was regarded both at Madrid and
Washington as absolutely ended the mo
ment when Assistant Secretary of Btate
Day conferred with Senor Dubose.
Senor Moret said: "Although there ex
ists in the United States a party eager
for war and which strives to provoke a
war President McKinley will strive to
avoid one and the Spanish government will
(Continued on Sixth Page.) •
SAVANNAH. GA.. SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 13. 1808.
STEAMER LEFT TO SINK AT SEA
THE VEENDAM STRIKES A SUB
MERGED WRECK.
Breaks Her Propeller Shaft and
Tears a Hole in Her Bottom—lm
mediately Commenced Making
Water, and the Pumps Vnnble to
Keep It Out—American Liner St.
I.onis Takes Off All on Board—The
Sinking Vessel Set on Fire.
New York, Feb. 12.—The American Line
steamer St. Louis, Capt. Rabdle, which
arrived to-day from Southampton, re
ports the loss at sea of the Holland-Amer
ican line steamer Veendam, Capt. Sten
ger, from Rotterdam for New York.
Tho passengers and crew of the Veen
dam were saved by the St. Louis.
At quarantine Capt. Stenger of the Veen
dam reported as follows: "The Veendam
left Rotterdam Feb. 3 with a general car
go, nine cabin, 118 steerage passengers,
and eighty-five crew, bound for New York.
Had strong northwest gales and high west
and west-northwest seas. Fell. 6at 5:17
p. m. ship’s time, being in latitude 49:39
north, longitude 20 west, the steamer
struck a submerged wreck or wreckage,
which probably tore a hole in the ship’s
bottom and broke her propeller shaft. We
found that our Ehlp was mak
ing considerable water. We immediately
set all the pumps to work, but, notwith
standing this, the water gained on us. In
the meantime all our boats wpie made
ready in order, if necessary, to leave the
ship at a moment’s notice, because she
was now sinking rapidly by the stern. At
1:30 a. m. we observed the masthead lights
of a large steamer bearing about east by
south from us. We made signals of dis
tress, on which the vessel bore down on
us. We then decided, for the safety of
the passengers and crew, to abandon the
ship. The vessel poved to be tlie St.
Louis, of the American Line, bound from
Southampton for New York. We hailed
her and reported that our ship was sink
ing and that we wished to b# taken off.
At 1:43 a. m. we commenced to transfer
our passengers and crew, using three boats
of the St. Louis and one of ours. Our
men were kept at the pumps.
"At 4:53 o’clock Monday morning every
body had been transferred to the St.
Louis. When the last boat left the Veen
dam was laboring very heavily and sink
ing rapidly by the stern. The transfer of
the passengers and crew took, notwith
standing the 'great difficulties and high
seas running, three hours and ten min
ules, and was accomplished without acci-,
dent.
“As the wreck was a dangerous obstruc
tion to navigation, we decided to set her
on fire, which was done.
“On board the St. Louis we were warm
ly received and the captian, and his offi
cers did everything possible for our com
fort. We take this opportunity to express
our gratitude, also in the name of the pas
sengers of tho Veendam.”
The captain of the St. Louis said that
Capt. Stenger and his officers maintained
perfect discipline on their ship, and very
ably assisted In disembarking the passen
gers.
The passengers of the St. Louis passed
resolutions commending the gallant ser
vice, and splendid seamanship displayed
by the officers and crew of the St. Louis
in the rescue of the Veendam’s passen
gers and crew.
The St. Louis was very slow in making
the dock owing to the dense fog to-day. A
great crowd awaited her arrival. When at
noon the American liner was finally moor
ed, Thomas B. Seagrave, first officer of
the St. Louis, who commanded the first
boat that was lowered and who, according
to all accounts is the real hero of the res
cue, told a modest story of the occurrence.
He said:
“It was shortly after 1 o’clock Monday
morning last that the officers on board the
St. Louis first noticed the signals of dis
tress. The rockets were being fired about
five miles to the starboard of us. Orders
were at once given, and the St. Louis
promptly changed her course.
"As soon as we got close enough to the
ill-fated vessel signals were run up that
the vessel was in sore distress. With the
aid of glasses we discovered that the ship
in -distress had an immense hole In her side
to the aft and was slowly, but steadily set
tling. A high rolling sea was running at
the time. Our captain ordered the life
boats manned and the work of rescue be
gan. I was given command of the first boat
lowered. We were then lying off about a
quarter of a mile from the Veendam. As
our lifeboats drew nearer we could plainly
hear the cries of distress from the fright
ened passengers. As soon as we got close
by Capt. Stenger told me there was no
hope of saving tho vessel and that all
haste should be made in transferring the
passengers to the St. Louis.
“The first to be taken from the Veendam
was a six-months’ old babe. Following this,
about twenty more children wtre lowered
into our boats. As soon as this was done
we pushed off and made back to the St.
Louis, where the youngsters were taken
on board.
“The Veendam was laboring in a heavy
sea and the work of rescue was difficult.
The passengers were lowered from the
ship’s side by means of life slings. The
excitement on board the Veendam was
intense. After all the children had been
taken from the Veendam the women were
transferred to the life-boats. Next came
the men, and last of all the ship’s crew.
Many of the women were so overcome
that they had to be picked up and dropp
ed overboard Into the arms of the life
boat crew. Capt. Stenger behaved like a
hero.
"The second boat to be lowered from
the St. Louis was commanded by George
Beckwith, senior second officer. No soon
er had this boat settled into the sea than
an Immense swell smashed it against the
ship’s side and crushed it: Another boat
was lowered and into this Beckwith and
his crew were transferred. This !*>at
took eighteen womeh from the Veendam.
"Henry Campbell, second officer of tho
St. Louis, commanded the third boat
which also took eighteen passengers. By
the time the third boat had pushed off
from the Veendam, I had again arrived
with my boat, and in the meantime, two
of the Veendam’s lifeboats had been low
ered. The second boat foundered before
any passengers had been taken aboard.
The crew, however, was quickly rescued.
“It was 4:53 a. m. when the last boat
pulled up to the side of the St. Louis, just
three hours and ten minutes after the
first boat had left our ship. My boats made
four trips and transferred ninety passen
gers. Beckwith made two and transfer
red thlriy-slx passengers. Campbell made
two and also transferred thirty-six, and
the Veendam’s boat made three trips, car
rying fifty passengers in all. The last to
leave the Veendam was Capt. Stenger. By
this time the stern of the Veendam had
deepened perceptibly, and her bow was al
most entirely clear of the water. Before
leaving the Veendam, Capt. Stenger set
lire to her.”
Archer Brown of this city was a pas
senger on the St. Louis. Describing tha
scene on the St. Louis while tlie rescue
was In progress, he said: "Nearly all the
passengers of the St. Louis were in bed
when the news quickly spread that a
wreck had been sighted. Then we crowd
ed on deck. We could see the glare of
the sky rockets as they burst In the air
and hear tile shrieks of the women. The
excitement on board the St. Louis among
the passengers was intense. It was per
haps three-quarters of an hour before the
first life boat returned from the Veen
dam. It carried about twenty-five chil
dren, huddled closely together.
"It was, a sight worth seeing the way
our well dressed American women min
istered to the wants of the poor wretched
creatures who were hauled on l>oard
more dead than alive. The rescued wo
men, after they had portly recovered, be
gan to cry for their children and when
they found them they cfled for joy. It
seemed to me that some of us men sniv
elled a bit about that time.
"As the last boat hove in sight a glare
burst out. The Veendam was on lire.
The rescued passengers huddled together
and set up a wall. They had nothing in
the world except what was on their
backs.”
Mendel MandofT and David Deviniske,
two passengers on board the Veendam’,
told a joint story of what befell the ill
fuied Holland-American liner:
"It was after 5 o’clock on Sunday and
we were throe days out when there came
a crash. We did not know what was the
matter. The women, for the most part
sick, sprang from their cots and began to
rush about shrieking. The ship stopped
and from tlie rushing around we knew
there must be some grave trouble and we
begun to pray to God for protection. Sud
denly we were ordered on deck and put
to work on the pumps. The crew of the
Veendam were brave fellows. Not a man
would get off until all of us were safe.
When we were on the St. Louis and found
not a soul was missing we fell on our
knees, and thanked God. We have no
clothing only what we are wearing."
The 118 steerage passengers of tlie Veen
dam wore taken to the barge office. Sev
enty of these were detained for lack of
visible means of support. The captain, of
ficers and crew of the Veendam sailed for
Rotterdam on the Spaamdam this after
noon.
The Veendam was formerly the White
Star steamer Baltic. She was built at
Belfast. Ireland, by Harland & Welff, in
1876. She was a four-masted barkentine
rigged screw steamer. She registered 4,-
036 gross and 2,767 net *ons, and was 416
feet long, 41 feet beam and 31.9 feet deep.
ELLSWORTH'S CARTOON HILL.
Editor of the Buffalo Newa Red-Hot
Against It.
Albany, N. Y., Feb. 32.—At the meeting
of the State Editorial Association here
last night tho chief Interest centered
In a speech, made by E. H. Butler, editor
of the Buffalo News, who in speaking
against the Ellsworth libel and cartoon
bill, said: “The bill is a damnable out
rage. It is the outgrowth of soured am
bition and petty spite. No Governor of
New York* state could sign such a bill
and hope for a second term. I will say
frankly that I would support a Democrat
rather than a Republican Governor who
would sign this bill.”
CHIEF OF POLICE A SUICIDE.
Rejection of a Claim for SISOO
Prompts the Deed.
Pittsburg, Feb. 12.—Henry Kline, Chief
of Police of McKeesport, committed sui
cide to-day by shooting himself through
the head.
Mayor Carrothers appointed him chief
of police a few months ago, but Council
refused to confirm the appointment and
yesterday rejected his claim of $7K> for
services. He left a note assigning this as
the reason for the. deed.
Kline was 28 years old and was mar-’
ried in December.
SLATTERY ARRESTED.
The Ex-Priest Charged With Selling
Indecent Rooks,
Edinburgh, Feb. 12.-Joseph Slattery and
his wife, the lecturing ex-priest and for
mer Sister of Charity, respectively, who
were mobbed at Savannah and other
American cities, were charged at Police
Court here to-day with selling Indecent
books, purporting to be an "exposure” of
Catholicism. The court was crowded.
Slattery promised to destroy tho books]
and the case was adjourned in order to
enable him to fulfil his promise.
COMMITTEE HEARINGS.
Arguments on tlie Hepburn and
Quarantine Rills to he Heard.
Washington, Feb. 12.—The House com
mittee on interstate and foreign commerce
has decided to give a hearing on Tuesday,
the 13th, to those who desire to be heard
on the Hepburn bill for the establishment
of anew department of industry and
commerce, and to give hearings on the
18th and 19th to those interested in a na
tional quarantine bill.
SHOOTS HIS WIFE AND HIMSELF.
He Is Dead and She Is Expected to
Die.
Council Bluffs, la., Feb. 32—'Mrs. Ada
J. Sclpel was fataiiy shot to-day by her
divorced husband. Michael Selpei, who
afterward committed suicide. Mrs. Seipel
was shot three times and there Is little
chance for her recovery.
\ CLEVELAND BLOCK CONSUMED.
The Hoyt Building Burned at n Loss
of #200,000.
Cleveland. 0., Feb. 12,—The Hoyt build
ing, a large five-story brick structure,
at the northeast corner of Rank and St.
Clair streets, occupied by stores and va
rious manufacturing concerns, gras entirely
destroyed by fire at an early hour this
morning. The loss Is estimated at $200,900.
WOMAN USES A WEAPON.
.Shoots Her Lover and Then Com
mits Salelde.
Middlesboro. Ky., Feb. 32.—A special to
the Herald from Gate City, Va., states
that Miss Moliie Vincent shot her lover,
Taylor Wyatt, and then committed suicide
to-day. They lived ia Moccasin valley.
ATKINSON HAS ANNOUNCED.
THE BRUNSWICK MAN A CAN
DIDATE for Governor.
Politicians Figure That Middle
Georgia Is to He the Bntlie Ground
Holding the linlnnee of Power In
the Campaign—Their Calculation
Concedes North Georgia to Candler
nnd South Georgia to Atkinson—
Gov. Atkinson to Help tlie Judge—
Meyerhardt Denies Cnndler's Let
ter AVns Confidential.
Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 12.—Judge Spencer R.
Atkinson is now an announced candidate
for the Democratic nomination for Gover
nor.
He shied his castor into the ring this
afternoon, after careful study of the sit
uation, and will make an aggressve fight
for the prize against Col. Allen Candler.
Judge Atkinson Is at present a member
of the State Railroad Commission, while
Col. Candler Is Secretary of State.
Judge Spencer Atkinson’s announcement
brought some quick developments in the
situation. One o< these was the resignation
of Col. Candler as Secretary of State. Af
ter writing a statement explaining the
Meyerhardt letter. Col. Candler held a
conference with some of his advisers and
the outcome of this was the preparation
of a letter of resignation. This letter has
been mailed to Gov. Atkinson. He bad not
received it late to-night, and It will not 1
given to the public until it comes from
him. It is understood that in it Col. Cand
ler gives as his reason for resigning the
fact that his whole attention will be re
quired by ills campaign for Governor, now
that the opposition has concentrated and
put out a candidate against him.
It is just possible that Col. Candler and
his advisers believe that his resignation
will force that of Judge Atkinson from
the railroad commission earlier than it
might otherwise have taken place. Judge
Atkinson will doubtless resign in order to
devote himself to the campaign, but to
day, after his announcement, when he
was questioned about his course, he had
nothing to say. Mr. Dttnwoody, speaking
ing for him, said that this question hail
not yet been taken up. The chances are
that things are being fixed for his succes
sor. When that is done his resignation
will he announced, if this theory Is cor
rect.
Judge Atkinson’s announcement for the
Governorship was made in the following
brief, seif-written statement, which was
given out to the newspapers tills after
noon: "I have decided to become a can
didate for the Democratic nomination for
Governor. Within a few days I will state
my views in regard to such matters as
may be pertinent to the campaign.
"S. R. Atkinson.”
Hon. Hjtrry Dunwoody of Brunswick,
one of Judge Atkinson's close friends, hns
beeh here several days, together with
other prominent South Georgians con
ferring with him. Mr. Dunwoody was
present when the decision W)as reached and
the announcement given out. lie will
doubtless be the right hand man Of Judge
Atkinson in his campaign. Judge Atkin
son's candidacy is pitched on the theory
that he will have to make practically
no effort in South Georgia, Just as North
Georgia is considered as Secretary Can
dler’s without an effort.
Thus the battle will be fought out in tho
middle secllon of the state, where Gov.
Atkinson Is the strongest. From this it
can be seen that his candidacy Is a strat
egic move. It will not be denied that Gov.
Atkinson and his lieutenants will back the
Brunswick man In his campaign.
Attorney General Joe Terrell retired
from the contest saying In effect that the
Governor was a handicap to him, and this
mny be true, for he hails from . Middle
Georgia himself and would not he as much
benefited by the Governor's support as a
candidate from the coast.
Gov. Atkinson said when he returned
from Mexico that he had no personal in
terest in the coming campaign, when re
ferring to the retirement of Col. Terrell.
He will not say this now, ns he considers
that Col. Candler has levelled an insult
at him and his friends, and he will go into
the fight at the back of Spencer Atkin
son, determined to do his best for his
friend.
Judge Atkinson will not deny the Gov
ernor like Attorney General Terrell did,
but will go before' the people prepared to
stand or fall with Ills endorsement and
active friendship. If he can muster the
strength that is expected of him in South
Georgia, leaving the mountain counties to
Col. Candler and fighting only in the
fields of Middle Georgia, there Is no doubt
that with the active help of Gov. Atkin
son and his lieutenants he will stand a
much better chance of winning the prize
than the Candler enthusiasts seem will
ing to admit at the present writing. '
Although Judge Atkinson was defeated
for Congress when he ran against Henry
G. Turner eight years ago, his friends de
clare that he is one of the strongest men
in the southern part of the state. Many
of the South Georgia leader* belong to
the sound money wing of the party and
for that reason are not available timber
now for state offices. Judge Atkinson is,
however, referred to as tho original free
silver apostle in the state, having espous.
ed that cause in advance even of the
most orthordox sixteen to one’rs now. In
this respect, he may claim a little more
prestige than Col. Candler, who lay’s
great stress in his platform upon his un
faltering allegiance to the silver goddess.
The Judge has a good record in state
affairs from the legislature, upon the cir
cuit bench and on up to the Supremo
bench. He was hut recently appointed to
the Railroad Commission by Gov. Atkin
son, resigning from the Supreme bench to
accept the post. During his short career
in that position he has demonstrated again
that he possesses a high ordef of ability.
He is a very popular man? with his
friends and will undoubtedly have a
strong personal following In his cam
paign, which will be a brilliant one.
Tho announcement of Judge Atkinson’s
candidacy is coupled witli the famous
Candler letter, which has been so wide
ly discussed during the past few days In
the minds of many people. The popular
belief here Is that his announcement was
precipitated if not forced by this letter,
but Col. Candler’s supporters declare
that the reverse is true. They say that
they have been aware for some time past
that there was a plot being hatched by
"the men who control," with Judge Atkin
son as a chief actor, and that instead
of Candler’s letter producing him as a
candidate, his candidacy produced the let
ter.
This letter will be made the rallying cry
of the campaign. It will be used to divide
the party into fractions, for all it is
worth, and Judge Atkinson’s friends think
that it Is worth a good deal.
To-day Judge Max Meyerhardt of Rome,
to whom Col. Candler wrote the famous
letter, adds anew chapter to the story by
declaring that it was not a private or
(Continued on Seventb Page.) ,
PITTSIIIRG'S FATAL FIHE.
Eltlitrtn Corpses Foil nil So Fnr, and
Thirty-Five Pomona Missing.
Pittsburg, Pa., Feb. 12.—The results of
Wednesday night's terrible fire and subse
quent explosions on Pike street continue to
grow In all of their harrowing details.
At 10 o'clock to-night 18 bodies had been
removed from the ruins, nearly all of
which were found In 111-fated Mulberry al
ley.
AH the bodies were more or less mutilat
ed by the contact with flying timbers and
bricks.
Following Is the list of the dead taken
out to-day:
WILLIAM EDWARD FINCH, flre
, man.
GEORGE EDWARD NEWMAN, Phila
delphia gas Inspector.
WILL F. HORAN.
PROF. JAMES MOXON.
DAVID BENTON WECKERLT.
D. A. GRAY.
JOHN CONTINE.
In tho Associated Press dispatches yes
terday. thirty-eight persons were roporled
missing. Of these four have tieen ac
counted for. and three added to the list
of the dead, leaving thirty-one still un
heard of. To this list have been added the
following missing reported since yester
day:
James Gibson, aged 34.
John Hunter, aged 35.
Charles Dauer.
Robert McCabe, aged 17.
This swells the list of missing to IS.
The Impression is strong that many of
the missing have met their death under
the walls.
A conference of the city officials was
held to-day in the ofiioe of Mayor Ford,
the result of which was that the city has
assumed the responsibility of taking full
charge of the work of searching the*rulns
of the fire for those dead bodies that arc
supposed to lie yet buried beneath the
huge pile of debris, and prosecute the work
without cessation until the ruins have
been thoroughly turned over and explor
ed.
Eight of the victims were burled to-day
and the interment of the others so far
found will take place to-morrow.
The origin of the fire Is still a mystery,
but Fire Marshal McFadden is of the opin
ion that It was caused by si>ontuncous
combustion.
LOt"ISIAY I'sVeav LAWS,
lllnslnsl ppt and Smith Carolina to
Furnish .PnMern for Saffrage.
New Orleans, La., Feb. 12.—The suf
frage committee of the constitutional con
vention got down to work to-day, after
being fully organized, and will on Monday
commence consideration of the various
bills already presented. Hearings will be
given to the authors of these measures,
and members of the convention will he In
vited to express their views.
It was decided, however, that there
should be no discussion of the question on
the floor of the convention until the report
of the committee on ordinance has l**en
presented, which will be Moitday a week.
The committee embraces some of the
strongest men in the body, and It Is an
ticipated the report they submit will ulti
mately prevail after some discussion. It
Is not yet disclosed on what lines the suf
frage will be reformed, but the general
Idea Is that It will Involve what Demo
crats consider best features of both
the Mississippi and South Carolina con
stitutions, with some amendments of Its
own.
To-day a variety of bills of state Interest
were Introduced.
The convention on Monday will hear tn
address by Dr. ,J. L. M. Curry, agent of
the Peabody fund.
LINCOLN HAY IN GOTHAM.
DuslnenN Generally Suspended—Sev
eral Speeches Made.
New York, Feb. 12.—For the third time
the birthday of Abraham Lincoln was cel
ebrated In this city to-day as a public hol
iday. All banks and public institutions
were closed, ub were also the majority of
stores.
The chief event of the day was presided
over by Chauncey M. Depew, who with
Congressman Charles A. Boutelle, Assist
ant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt and
others, made addresses.
Senator Thurston addressed the Union
League Club of Brooklyn to-night.
RAILWAYS ENJOINED.
Iloggott Against the Lone Star Line
Knocked Ont.
Galveston, Tex., Feb. 12.—Judge David
Bryant of the United States court this
morning Issued an order restraining the
Gulf, Colorado and Sante Fe, Internation
al and Great Northern, and Missouri,
Kansas and Texas railways, from putting
In effect the notices they served on the
Txme Star Line, us a result of the New
York conference that they would, after
Feb. 15. cancel all divisions with the Lone
Star Line, and accept no freight from it
without the prepayment of all charges.
POPULIST PROCLAMATION.
An Address to Re Issued to the Peo
ple This Week.
Washington, Feb. 12.—The Populist
members of the Senate and House of
Representatives held a conference to-night
for the purpose of considering the address
which Is to be Issued to the people of the
United Slates early next week.
The address, which was prepared by
Senators Butler and Allen In collaboration
with others, was approved and signed by
all present, after a general, but Informal
discussion of Its features.
It will probably be given out for publi
cation in the morning newspapers of Tues
day.
THOMAS W. WOOLLEN DEAD.
lie W'ua Formerly Attorney General
of Indiana.
Indianapolis, Ind., Feb. 12.—Thomas W.
Woollen, formerly attorney general of In
diana, died at his home In Franklin to
day. Ho held numerous official positions
In the slate, and was twice a member of
the Legislature, where he was a democrat
ic leader.
Gnnhont Sent to Sknirnay.
Seattle, Wash., Feb. 12.—A letter receiv
ed here from Sitka, Alaska, states that
the gunboat Wheeling, which Is stationed
there, has been ordered to Sknguay.
f DAILY, 810 A YEAR
•( 5 CENTS A COPY.
(WEEKLY 2-TIMES-A-WEEK HA TEAM
CASUALTY CM THE CUSHING.
ENSIGN RRECK F.NHIDGB WASHED
OVERBOARD AND DROWNED.
Carried Off Ills Feel by a Heavy Sen,
Clutched the Life Line, and Man
Swept Aft—The Line Parts and Ha
Goes Into the Ocean—The Cook and
Two Sailor* In the Wnter In n. He
roic Effort to Rescue Him.
Washington, Feb. 12.—'The following ca
blegram has been received at the state
department from Consul General Lee at
Havana, tinted yesterday: “Ensign J. R.
BreCkenridge of the Cushing was washed
overboard and drowned a few hours be
fore the arrival of the vessel In this port.
Tho body was recovered and I am arrang
ing to have It embalmed and sent homo
to-morrow."
Capt. Sigsbee of the Maine makes tha
following report to the navy department
on the same subject: “Ensign Brecken
ridge of tho Cushing fell overboard In
heavy sea by parting of life line and!
drowned. Body recovered. Department
break news to family. Will send body
back to Key West to-morrow by Olivette
If practicable. Otherwise by Cushing.
Will send Cushng back when sea sub
sides."
The navy department has given order*
that a naval officer shall meet the re
mains, which are expected to reach Key,
West to-morrow afternoon on the Oli
vette. They will he Interred af the home
of the young officer at Lexington, Ky.
Ensign Breckenridge was executive of
ficer of the torpedo boat Cushing. Tha
Cushing left Key West Friday morning
with stores for the Maine. Bhe pitched
heavily In a fearful sea. She slowed en
gines a 1 o'clock In sight of the coast of
Cuba. Immediately ufterward Ensign
Breckenridge, who was stationed forward,
was carried off his feet by a heavy sea.
He clutched the life line and he was
swept aft. The line parted, however, and
Ensign Breckenridge went overboard.
Seamen Everett and Coppage started to
go to the rescue In the life boat, but ft
was swamped In lowering and the men
were thrown Into the water.
Ensign Breckinridge's strength was fast
failing, as he was encumbered with heavy
oilskin boots. The Cushing was running
through the spu, deluged from stem to
stern. As Ensign ltreckenhrldge was go
ing under, the cook, Daniel Atkinson,
went overboard to the rescue. The Cush
ing Anally obeyed her helm and swung
around and maneuvered near the men In
the water. Atkinson, Coppage and Ev
erett were rescued by lines and Ensign
Breckenridge was taken on hoard In the
same manner, Atkinson fastening the line
to him. Quick medical aid was necessary
In save the ensign’s life, and the Cushing
headed for Havana with her throtllo
open, the crew meanwhile adapting the
usual method of resusltatlon. On arrival
In Havana the Maine’s surgeon was
ashore. A message was sent to Consul
General Lpe, who sent Dr. Burgess. Dr.
Burgess satd It was doubtful If medical
aid, If available, could have saved tho
ensign.
Ensign Breckenrldgo's father is Inspector
general of the army In Washington.
Tho chief officer of the Spanish customs
has asked the general government If ho
has the right to collect customs duties on
provisions brought by the Cushing to tho
Maine.
Havana, Feb, 12.—The body of Ensign
J. C. Breckenridge, who was carried over
board from the American torpedo boat
Cushing as that vessel was entering the
harbor yesterday, and who died shortly
after being taken from tho water, has
!een embalmed and will be sent to tho
United States. Capt. Gen. Blanco, imme
diately upon learning of the death of tho
ensign, sent a message of condolence to
United States Consul General Lee, and
through him to Capt. Slgsbee of the Maine
and the other ofllcers of that ship, and
of the Cushing, and offered facilities for
the return of Mr. Brockenrklge’a body to
the United States.
Gen. Blanco has ordered that provisions
and all other supplies for the Maine shall
he delivered without interference by cus
tom house officials.
IIRYAN SPEAKS AT LINCOLN.
Ills Remarks Largely Local In Theta
A ppllon lion.
Lincoln, Neb., Feb. 12.— The principal
fealuro of the Lincoln day observance
In this city was a meeting of the Ladlee
Bimetallic Club at the Opera House to
night.
W. J. fßryan was the principal speaker
and his remarks were largely local in their
application. He drew a parallel between
Abraham Lincoln and Alexander Hamil
ton. criticising tho latter with aorne
warmth.
Mr. Bryan’s tribute to Lincoln was a.
well prepared, eloquent effort, devoid of
partisanship.
EXPLOSION IN A MINE.
Giant Powder Kills Three Men an
the Result of un Accident.
Ironwood, Mich., Feb. 12,-Peter Blalzxl,
Michael Saida and Emanuel Naemo were
killed In the Newport mine last night by
an explosion of giant powder.
It Is thought that after the men had id-
Justed a cap In a stick of powder that tt
accidentally struck something, causing the
explosion.
CUSTOMS LAMS OF CANADA.
Parliament to lie Asked to Abolish
the Reciprocal Clause.
Ottawa, Ont., Feb, 12.—1 t Is officially an
nounced that the government Is going to
ask parliament to change the customs law
by abolishing the reciprocal clause and
making tho minimum tariff apply solely
to Great Britain, and probably the colo
nies. This has become necessary by the dis
covery that even with the German and Bel
gian treaties out of the way the preferen
tial tariff would apply to nearly all th®
world.
Three Warships at London.
London, Feb. 12.—The United States
cruiser San Francisco and the United
States gunboat Bancroft have arrived hero
and have Joined the United States gun
boat Helena.
Justice of Illinois Dead.
St. Louis, Mo. Feb. 12.—Justice O. B.
McFarland of the slate Supreme Court
died thlß moaning at 7 o'clock as a result
of an operation for appendicitis.