Newspaper Page Text
the MORNING NEWS. )
rgU&llßhe.t ISSO. - Incorporated 18SS. -
J. H. ESTILL, President. )
long learns nothing lurid.
[II mors of startling' discover
ies UNFOUNDED.
> Department Knows Nothings
More About the Cause of the Din
imler Than It Did at First—Cable
gram Heeeived From Capt. Sigsbee
4 ontalns Only Information About
the Routine Work on the Wreck.
Dead Too Radiy Mutilated to lie
Jl match t Home for lliirlal—Naval
Militia a Valuable Adjunct in Case
of War.
Washington, Feb. 24.—Rumors of start
ling discoveries in the wreck of the Maine
■B i re less frequent, but there were enough
of them stiil afloat to-day to warrant Sec
r. iary Long in making this statement to
newspaper men as he left his office:
".Summing up the situation, I should say
H at the navy~Hepartment knows to-day
r hing more about the cause of the dis
aster than it did five minutes after the re
c. ipt of the first dispatch from Capt. Sigs
bee.”
The secretary’s attention was drawn to
the published statement that Capt. Crown
inshield, chief of the bureau of navigation,
has just arrived at Tampa on the Mont
gomery from a trip to Cuba, where he had
Inn inspecting the prospective coaling
stations near Mantanzas.
The secretary’s comment was simply
this: “Capt. Crowninshield has not been
to Cuba. He has been off on a trip with
bis boy on matters not connected with any
business of the navy.”
On conclusion of the investigation of the.
court of inquiry at Havana the principal
business of the Viavy department in con
nection with the Maine will consist of
conducting the wrecking operations.
The only exact Information received by
the navy department from Havana dur
ing the day was conveyed in Capt. Bigs
bee's telegram, as follows:
"Havana, Feb. 24.—Long, Secretary
Navy: Wrecking tug Right Arm arrived
yesterday. Begins work to-day. Much
incumbering metal must be blasted away
in detail. Navy divers down aft seven
days, forward four days.
“Bodies of Jenßins and Merritt not
found. Two unidentified bodies of crew
found yesterday.
“Aft compartment filled with detached,
broken and buoyant furniture and fittings,
mud and confusion. Spanish authorities
continue offers of assistance and care for
wounded and dead.
"Everything that goes from wreck to the
I'nlted States should be disinfected.
Wrecking company should provide for
this.
“Surgeon of the Maine, after consulting
with others, recommended that all bed
ding and clothing should be abandoned.
Might go to acclimated poor.
'Useless fittings and equipments might
be towed to sea and thrown overboard.
"Will take all immediate responsibility,
but invite department's wishes.
“Shall old metal of superstructure and
like be saved?
"Friends of dead should understand that
we are in the tropics.
"Chaplain Chadwick, charged with all
matters relative to the dead. His conduct
is beyond praise.
“Don’t know what reports are being
printed, but the intensely active represen
tatives of the press here have been very
considerate of me and my position.
“Slgsbee.”
Secretary Long immediately answered
Capt. Sigsbee. approving all his recom
mendations. He was directed to have
Lieut. Wainwright, the executive officer
of the Maine, make arrangements with the
wreckers for the disinfection of every
thing sent to the United States.
The same approval was given to the
suggestion that useless fittings end
equipment be towed to sea and thrown
overboard. It being left to Capt. Sigsbee’s
judgment to determine how far this de
struction should be carried on.
To the captain’s Inquiry as to the saving
of old metal and parts of the superstruc
ture the answer was given that such ma
terial was of no use to the bureau of
equipment. It was left to Capt. Sigsbee
to say what of this shattered material
was worth preserving. His statement that
much blasting wouid be required to clear
away encumbering material indicates that
it is essential further to destroy the up
per portions of the wreck in order to get
at what is more valuable beneath.
Capt. Sigsbee’s statement that the divers
down aft seven days and forward four days
gives the navy department information for
the first time that the divers had been in
the vicinity of “the zone of the explosion,”
us he termed It. The zone was confined to
the forward part of the ship and, while
the divers have been down aft for the
last week, their work forward In the vi
cinity of the large magazine has been In
progress only four days, which presumably
began on Monday and concluded to-day.
The statemem in the Sigsbee dispatch
that “the friends of the dead should know
that we are In the tropics” is understood
nt the navy department to refer to the
urgent pleas of the relatives of the dead
that their remains be brought to the Uni
ted Slates. These appeals continue to be
received here, and while they excite the
deepest sympathy of the officials, no hope
can be held out (hat the dead can be
brought back. There are circumstances,
which, if they could be made known,
would end such appeals and show that the
department has not been wanting in a
desire to bring the remains to this coun
try. These circumstances have been with
held mainly through a desire to gave
friends and relatives from the pain which
would be caused by a full disclosure of
the effect of the explosion. The press rep
resentatives have given in part the ac
counts of the terrible mutilation of the
bodies, out it is feared it has not been
fully realized by friends and relatives. The
men were sleeping on the berth deck when
'he metallic floors and ceilings, by the
force of the terrible explosion, ground
them together in a mass.
The navy department to-day gave out
the figures showing the strength of the
fiaval militia up to date. This shows a
total force of 4,445 officers and enlisted
which is a gratifying increase from
•■.Pll shown last year. New brigades are
forming which promise to swell the total
at much larger figures at an early date.
In his last report Mr. Roosevelt gald
•hat the state naval mllita in the event
of an emergency could be utilized at once
for manning the smaller cruisers. It can
be depended upon mainly, he said, as a
second line of defense, and can also be
She Mofnin® ffetoi
used in placing mines and the establish
ment of signal stations for coast defense.
The appropriation *50,000 made by
Congress to aid the work of the naval
militia will be apportioned among the
states in a few days.
Thanks to the promptness and efficiency
of the chief of engineers and chief of
ordnance of the army, the city of Wash
ington is now regarded as being well nigh
safe and secure from attack by water.
The fortifications at Fort Washington
and Sheridan Point on the opposite side
of the Potomac are sufficiently advanced
to be able to repel any ordinary fleet of
invaders, and in case of necessity they
could be strengthened in a comparatively
short time. These defenses are consider
ed sufficient to keep all hostile vessels
out of range of gunshot of the national
capital.
Late to-night the navy department re
ceived two brief telegrams from Capt.
Sigsbee at Havana. One related to some
routine matter of expenditures in connec
tion with the work on the Maine and the
other is as follows:
“Divers report more bodies in wreck.
Some in hammocks involved in debris.
Probably not recognizable."
This dispatch Indicates that the divers
have finally secured at least a partial en
trance to the quarters in the forward part
of the vessel where the crew was asleep
when the explosion occurred, and under
which were the magazines. One fact that
the divers were unable to extricate the
bodies shows the fearful obstacles against
which they are laboring, and bears out the
belief that the work of submarine investi
gation will necessarily proceed slowly.
Representative Boutelle, chairman of the
House committee on naval affairs, con
ferred with Secretary Long %gain to-day.
He said that his visit was confined wholly
to the question of relief for the sufferers
of the Maine. The bill which he has pie
pared will carry about *167,000 If passed in
its present form.
Mr. Boutelle stated positively that his
call had nothing to do with the question
of new ships and naval equipment to be
provided by the naval appropriation bill
now in course of preparation under his
chairmanship. Referring to the rumors
of treachery in connection with the Maine
disaster, Mr. Boutelle said: “I feel that
any man who, by spoken or written ut
terances, adds a spark to inflame public
sentiment at this juncture is as guilty as
the man who would touch a match to the
powder magazine of a vessel. This is a
time for the calmest judgment instead of
unguarded talk, wholly without basis of
established fact, of a war which would en
tail a loss of hundreds and thousands of
our people.”
This was diplomatic day at the state
department, and brought the usual num
ber of callers upon the Secretary and
Assistant Secretary of State.
Mr. Dubose, the Spanish charge d’af
faires, called early, but did not remain
long, and it is believed that the purpose
of his visit, aside from such matters of
routine business as usually bring the di
plomats to the state department on
Thursday, was to ascertain if the officials
had any news from the wreck on the
Maine further than had been printed that
could properly be communicated to him.
In this request he was disappointed, be
cause there has been no telegraph ad
vices from Consul General Lee of recent
date, while thp naval dispatches all have
been made public from time to time.
IMPARCIAL WARLIKE.
Charges the United States With Piny,
ing the Hypocrite.
Madrid, Feb. 24.—The United States
Minister, Gen. Stewart L. Woodford, gave
a banquet to-day in honor of the new
Spanish minister at Washington, Senor
Poloy Bernabe. The guests included the
Austrian, Russian, French, German, Ital
ian, Turkish, Dutch and British ministers,
and the Duke of Veragua, the lineal de
scendant of Columbus, who was the guest
of the United States at the time of tl>o
Chicago fair; the premier, Senor Sagasta,
two members of the cabinet, and the staff
of the United States legation.
Much political importance was attached
here to the incident and the banquet “cou
pled with the peaceful utterances of
President McKinley,” according to a semi
official report, has been "optimistically
utilized by the ministerial press.”
But the Imparcial to-day takes the
Spanish government to task for its "ap
athy, contrasted with the patriotic feel
ing of the country,” and warns the nation
against the “hypocritical Yankee policy,
whloh really aims at the independence of
Cuba.”
Continuing, the Imparcial says: “Presi
dent McKinley may make and reiterale
protestations of friendship and pacific in.
tentlons, but his actions contradict his
words. While the President of the United
States is cajoling us with words, he
sharpens his dagger to stab us behind.
While talking concord, he utilizes his Sun
days in unusual -war preparations at the
docks and cancels the furloughs of the
marines. Can we trust those who are pre
venting the pacification of Cuba and fo
menting rebellion and filibustering expe
ditions, sending warships under the pre
text of friendship and preaching peace?
We must prepare fo- war. There is no time
to secure warships, but we should fit im
mediately what we have, send the Playo,
Colorado, Carlos V and Marie Teresa to
follow the Almiranle, Oquendo and Viz
caya to Cuban waters, and the rest of the
fleet to guard the peninsula.
“Other policy Ilian preparedness is only
to play the American’s game, which is to
exhaust our resources and gain the intte
pendence of Cuba without receiving any
thing. How long does the government
mean to favor the Americans’ plans? How
long will the agonizing nation tolerate the
apathy of the government?”
This language from a semi-official organ
was much commented upon.
The Paix frankly declares that Cuban
independence Is Imminent.
LOOKS LESS LIKE AN ACCIDENT.
Divers Finds Evidence Pointing to
an External Explosion.
Washington, Feb. 24.—The Evening Star
has received the following cablegram from
Charles M. Pepper, Its staff correspon
dent in Cuba:
"At this writing divers are developing
Important results. I’torn an examination
of the Interior wreckage they have se
cured evidence which seems to conclusive
ly'-; show that the explosion came from
unc’flrneath the ship. Some of the smaller
magazines may have exploded. The main
10-in#h magazine dkl not explode. The
condition of the Interior of the ship shows
m (Continued on Fifth Page-i
SAVANNAH, GA.. FRIDAY. FEBRUARY 25, ISOS.
ALL ON THE ALERT AT ATLANTA
TROOPS AT FORT M’PHERSON LOOK
FOR ORDERS TO MOVE.
Railroads Reported Requested to
Hold Cars in the Yards Heady for
Use at Any Hour—Gen. Merritt to
Inspeet the Troops This Morning.
Supply of War Monitions Greatly
Inerensed Within the Fast Fexv
Days.
Atlanta, Ga., Feb. 24.—Activity has never
been so great at Fort McPherson as at the
present time. The arrival of Gen. Mer
ritt has increased the work around the
fort to have everything in readiness to
move the. regiment to any point that may
be designated within a few hours.
After a consultation to-day between Col.
Cook, commandant of the fort, and rail
road officials, at which time Col. Cook
was assured that the men could be trans
ported to Florida within a night, it is said
Col. Cook told the railroad men to have
cars in the yards for use at any hour.
Gen. Merritt will go to the fort fo-mor-
morning and inspect the troops*. The
munitions of war have been greatly in
creased during the last few days and
many of the officers are arranging their
private affairs to leave, as they are con
fident they will be called upon to do so.
Gen. Merritt was seen to-night and ask
ed if his arrival in the city was an indi
cation of immediate action on the part
of the regiment.
“No,” said he, “it is a part of my duty
to inspect each post in my division every
year and I have come here merely as a
part of my routine work. It is not a war
like move, at all. Atlanta is a very pleas
ant place and I think I shall enjoy be
ing here awhile.”
FORT SAM HOUSTON’S BATTERY.
The Command Ordered Held Instead
of Going for Target Prnetlee.
Sen Antonio, Tex., Feb. 2i.-r-The sensa
tion to-day at Fort Sam Houston, the
large military post at this place, was the
order from, headquarters's-uspending for
the present the order sending the light
battery K, First Artillery, into the moun
tains on its annual thirty-days’ target
practice. The battery, consisting of four
pieces and 165 men, under command of
Capt. Dillonback, were to have started
for the artillery target range in the moun
tains on March 1, but last night instruc
tions were received to keep the battery at
the fort until further orders.
Col. Louis H. Carpenter, commander of
Fort Sam Houston, stated that no reasons
were given for "detaining the battery at
the post, saying that it was surmised that
the artillery was to remain here to await
the arrival of Inspector General Col. Law
ton. Col. Carpenter had no idea when
the Inspector general was due to arrive at
this post.
TROOPS FOR SULLIVAN’S ISLAND.
Report Tlint 700 Men Are to Re Sent
From Krittucky.
Charleston, S. C., Feb. 21.—Private ad
vices received here to-day stated that 700
troops from Fort Thomas, in Kentucky,
were ready to be sent here at any moment,
and were awaiting orders to that effect.
The garrison on Sullivan’s Island now con
sists of but eighty men, detachments from
Battery C and Battery M, United States
Artillery.
It is reported that the government Is tje
gotiating for the purchase of the Atlantic
Beach Hotel to be used os a barracks for
the troops.
Capt. Hubbell, United States army, de
clines to say anything for publication in
regard to thsse matters.
GREAT ACTIVITY IN ARKANSAS.
An Army of 110,000 Could lie Ready In
;tO Ilnys If Needed.
Little Rock, Ark., Feb. 24.—Great activi
ty prevails In military circles in Arkan
sas. Brigadier General C. R. Schaer of
the state guard, is being overwhelmed
with letters from all parts of the state,
containing offers to enlist and go to the
front. New companies are being organ
ized, and the older companies are mani
festing unusual interest.
Brigadier General Schaer said to-day
that he could mobilize 20,000 Arkansans in
less than thirty days, should their ser
vices be needed.
MONITOR LEAVES NORFOLK.
Tlie Terror Starts Seaward Under
Sealed Orilers.
Norfolk. Feb. 24.—The monitor Terror
left Norfolk at 10:15 to-day on her way to
sea under sealed orders, but will cruise
in Hampton roads at least a short time.
The vessel had been ready for sea since
noon yesterday. On leaving the yard the
Terror was saluted by the Franklin’s guns,
but did not respond. Her departure cre
ated considerable excitement and it was
witnessed by 1,000 spectators.
There was, however, no cheering from
the shore or the docks.
NEW BAYONETS ISSUED.
Moil nt Fort Thomas More Apt to Go
to Key West Thun to Charleston.
Cincinnati, 0., Feb. 24.—Under instruc
tions from Washington, Col. Cochran,
commandant at Fort Thomas, Ky., to-day
issued orders bringing the men on rifle
range at Culbertson, Ky., back to the fort.
New bayonets that can also be used fir
trenching tools W'ere issued to all the
troops. The men are daily undergoing
fatigue drill, and expect to go to Key
West Instead of Charleston, 3. C., as re
ported.
The first regiment of the Ohio National
Guard, located here, Is filling up with
recruits.
Several unauthorized recruiting stations
for volunteers have been opened in this
city, and their enrollment would more
than fill a regiment.
CONNECTICUT’S NAVAL RESERVES.
Commander of the Battalion Called
to Washington.
New Haven, Conn., Feb. 24.—1n respo*- e
to orders from the Secretary of the Navy,
E. O. Buckland, who commands the naval
battalion of Connecticut, left for Wash
ington to-day. The order received read
as follows:
“Commander Buckland of the Wyan
dotte will report to the navy department
at Washington on Friday."
Although nothing definite as the im
port of Mr. Bucklatid’s summons to Wash
ington is known, it is thought he is to
receive instructions about getting his men
ready for service at short notice if neces
sity arises.
COURT OF I Nil I IHY’S WORK.
A Number of Wltnenno Examined,
lint Nothing Given Out.
Havana, Feb. 24.—The Court of Inquiry
held its usual sessions to-day. Capt.
Sampson reports that Chaplain Chadwick
was examined as to his personal experi
ence at the time of the disaster to the
Maine, and that the testimony was taken
of tiio captain of a British brk, tying at
anchor in the harbor, and the superintend
ent of the West Indian Oil Works, across
the bay at Regia, l>oth of whom witnessed
the explosion.
Mr. Rolf, the British engineer of the
floating dock in the harbor, wrote a letter
to the court, but it is said, did not add any
thing material to what was known.
The session of the court this afternoon
was devoted to the taking of the testimo
ny of two civilians, Americans, who saw
the explosion from the deck of the Ward
Line steamer City of Washington, which
was moored a few hundred yards from the
Maine and of two div.ers who have been at
work on the wreck for several days.
Although it Is probable the Mangrove
will leave for Key West to-morrow, Capt.
Sampson Is not yet certain. All depends
on whether the court finishes the work
possible here. The news given out by the
court Is strictly confined to that already
sent out by this correspondence and is
scanty at best.
The explosion Is no longer the sole topic
of conversation. The public here apiiears
to be content to await the report of the
court of inquiry and to lie well assured
that nothing except surmise is possible un
til tho report is made.
The coast survey steamer, A. D. Ilache,
after many delays, left for Dry Tortugas
this afternoon with three wounded. Ow
ing to American quarantine regulations
the wounded, having been in hospitals
here and exposed to fever, must be taken
to hospitals in the Tortugas for quaran
tine.
No bodies were recovered to-day from
the wreck.
Chaplain Chadwick rejsorts that mil the
wounded here are doing well, with one ex
ception.
Neither the officers of the court of in
quiry nor the witnesses will give tho
slightest Indication of the testimony or the
conclusions deductble from it, and all say
that the men employed in the wrecking
have been warned to observe an absolutely
strict reticence. This course Is regarded
as eminently wise -by Americans and all
intelligent Spanish officials, as there Is no
telling what passions might be aroused or
what evil results might lie brought about
by talking freely on official matters In
the present state of public feeling in Ha
vana.
Thus far Americans are treated with the
utmost courtesy and kindness, and It
seems the special desire of citizens of Ha
vana to show friendliness. '
Consul General Lee says there ts no truth
in the report that he has asked Capt. Gen.
Blanco to dismiss from Cuba certain news
paper men for sending sensational slories
to the United States. On the contrary,
Consul General Lee lias never interfereit
with American newspaper men in any
way.
Gen. Solando, the second chief of staff,
returned to-day on board the Mangrove,
tne visit of the court of inquiry, acting
as the representative of the Governor Gen
eral.
The insurgents have raided the Smith
and Fischer plantation on the Canambo,
in the Trinidad district, and killed one
and wounded five of the defenders, who
numbered only seven. They burned all the
buildings and dwellings of Mr. Smith, and
according to the Spanish account of the
affair, took away or destroyed *2OO,(KM
worth of provisions and merchandise and
gol *4,000 in money.
HAVANA CALM.
Gen. Lee Has Not Advised Americans
to Leave.
Tampa, Fla., Feb. 24.—The United States
cruiser Montgomery, which arrived ut
Port Tampa yesterday, remained at the
coal docks all of to-day, taking on coal,
getting ovcl 300 tons. One of her officers
said to-night that the ship would sail for
Key West to-morrow unless otherwise or
dered. The revenue cutter Forward sail
ed to-night for Key We?t afttr taking on
a full supply of provisions at Port Tampa.
The Plant steamship Olivette arrived
this afternoon from Havana, and a num
ber of passengers from that city said that
the report to the effect that Americana,
had been advised by Gen. Lee to leave
the city was absolutely false- that the city
was quiet and no one expressed uneasy
fears for their safety.
The government’s mail on the Olivette
this afternoon was very heavy and the
greater portion was directed to the navy
and navigation departments.
Juan l’aian was among the arrivals of
the Olivette from Havana, and he left
immediately for Washington. He Is said
to carry documents from the government
officials in Cuba to the Spanish charge
d'affaires at Washington. He did not up
pear at all warlike, and while he did not
rare to discuss affairs very much, he did
say that the relations between his gov
ernment and the United States were of
the friendliest nature. With eloquent ges
tures he declared that war between the
two wan entirely out of the question,
HE LOME AT QUEENSTOWN.
Reiterates That Klin In Did Not Illotv
Up the Maine.
Queenstown, Feb. 24.—Senor Dupuy de
Lome, formerly Spanish minister at Wash
ington, who was a passenger on the White
Star steamer Britannic, from New York,
which touched here at 7 o’clock this even
ing, on her way to Liverpool, was inter
viewed with reference to the disaster to
the Maine.
Senor De Lome said he could only te
peat his expressions of deep regret, and
that he knew it was quite impossible for
Spaniards to view it tn any other light.
"Whatever the cause of the accident,”
he said, “it could never have been due
to the agency of the Spanish people.”
CHAMBER TAKES UP ZOLA CASE
CONFIDENCE IN THE GOVERNMENT
VOTED 111 Itll TO 40.
Socialist Deputies Complain Tlint
the I’ower of the Clxll Courts Wits
Made Subordinate to Military
Power at tlie Trial of the .loiy
naltst—Premier Mellne Denies the
Allegation mill Gix-es Notice That
the Government W 111 Take Steps
to Suppress tlie Agitation.
Baris, Feb. 24.—The Chamber of Depu
ties was thronged to-day and it was de
cided to request the premier, M. Melina,
to immediately discuss the interis-llalions
of MM. Hubbard and Gautlerre relative
to the conviction and sentence of M. Zola
yesterday.
M. Hubbard, Radical, asked whether
Gens. Pellieux and Bolsdcffre, had inter
vened at the trial by authorization or or
der of the minister of war. (Jett. Billot.
The deputy spoke amid Incessant Inter
ruptions, on the danger of a religious war,
and concluded by Inviting the government
to end the tumult and rioting In the
streets.
M. Vivian! declared that the socialists,
although they might be divided relative
to the Dreyfus case, were in entire ac
cord in regard to the prerogative of Civil
over military power. The speaker then
referred to the coalition of the chiefs of
the army with the clergy and expressed
the belief that liberty was menaced,
Therefore he asked the chamber to pro
test against the attitude of the generals.
(Applause from the Leftists and uproars
from the Centrists).
In reply M. Meline said: "Popular
democratic justice has given a verdict
ofter a military court and you will accept
It.
"Gen. Billot, minister for war, gave no
order to generals summoned to testify be
fore the tribunal of the country. One gen
eral had been accused on account of his
utterances. Undoubtedly he spoke a word
too much, but you must remember the
frightful charge thrown in hie face.”
Continuing, M. Mellne said the proceed
ings against the army wore unjust and
he asserted there was not a single officer
who had been guilty of plotting against
the country, even in his dreams, adding:
‘Our officers ’are haunted by other
dreams.’ " (Cheers.)
"If after a year's verdict," the premier
further remarked, “the agitation continu
ed, we shall know that the matter tins
been made a party question. Enough in
jury has already been done to the nation.
The life of the nation has been arrested.
A portion of the foreign press has gath
ered all the 111 we have been saying
among ourselves. It will always be pun
ishment for those who spoke 111 of France
to receive foreign applause.
“Every day there are cases of espionage
abroad. Did the French press get excited
a I >but the pi as the foreign press about
Dreyfus? No! There ts a moral to be
drawn therefrom that the present agita
tion must tie ended (loud cheer*)—must
cense In the interest of the army and tn
the Interest of public tranquility, In the
Interest of our exb*rna! safety and in tho
interest even of those who embarked so
foolishly and audaciously In this cam
paign, which might take us back to the
age of Intolerance.”
Tho premier then scoffed at "that Intel
lectual elite which closed its eyes and ears
to the country, and uncovered open
wounds which the go/eniment was trying
to cicatrize.”
The government, continued the premier,
“intends to impose peace upon all, arid
will take tho measures whloh the circum
stances demand. No one after yesterday's
verdict could raise the discussion in good
faith, and if the present laws do not si.f
fico the government will ask the chamlx-r
for another vote, which will prove that
patriotism is Involved among us, divisions
disappear.” (Prolonged applause.)
M. Gougon moved that M. Meiine's
speech be posted throughout France, and
the motion was adapted.
M. Cavlgnac, the former minister, then
reproached the government with not utter
ing the whole truth at the trial, and with
Insufficiently defending the officers. Ho
also said he wanted a powerful army, but
one subordinate to civil power.
The debate was then closed, and several
motions were presented.
The Premier accepted a vote of confi
dence In the government and approving
of the declarations of the government, the
vote standing 461 to 40.
M. Hubert, Revisionist, suggested the
ndditlon of the words, "And doing homage
to tho national army for the loyalty of
Its chiefs."
M. Mellne, however, rejected this pro
posed addition, on tho ground that the
army ought to stand outside of parties.
M. Casteltn asked if the government in
tended to “amnesty the Dreyfus syndicate,
or make inquiries as to the identity of the
responsible parties."
M. Meline replied that the government
could make an investigation, Wit, he add
ed, it wouid be within the limitsof exist
ing legislation.
M. Roche, Socialist, questioned the gov
ernment as to the alleged representations
made to the Dreyfus family in the name of
Gen. Billot, the minister for war, and at
tacked court mnrtlais, saying they were
tortures to private soldiers, a remark
■which brought forth protests.
Gen. Billot replied that he had sent no
one to see the Dreyfus family and Indig
nantly protested against the insinuations
made against him, asking for the passage
'of the order of the day pure and simple,
which was adopted by a vote of 426 to st.
M. Vivianl asked urgency for a motion
to grant amnesty to those who had been
arrested on the charge of creating dis
turbances In Algeria.
M. Milliard, the minister of Justice, ob
jected and the urgency motion was there
upon rejected by vote of 322 to 104.
Appeal In the /.nlii Cne.
"Paris, Feb. 24.—Maltre Lubori, counsel
for M. Zola, to-day lodged a. notice of ap
peal on txhalf of M. Zola from the sen
tence Imposed upon him yesterday. To
morrow a similar notice will be filed In the
case of M. Perrleux.
McCoy to Fight Hurley.
Hot Springs, Ark., Feb. 24.—Kid McCoy,
champion middle-weight, and Nlek Bur
ley of California have been matched to
fight flfteenrourds In Hot Springs March
4 for a purse of *2,500.
FINEUAI. OF MISS \\ 11.1.AIII).
Ttie Last It 1 1 ■ Pc r for iii ril Ur fore n
l.nrgc Concourse at Topeka.
Evanston, 111., Feb. 21.—The Inst riles
over the body of Francos E. Willard,
president of the Woman’s Christian Tem
perance Union, wore per form, si here to
day. The city was In mourning, Schools
and business houses being closed, anti
flags at half-mast out of respect for the
dead leader.
Private services first held at Rest
Cottage, Miss Willard’s homo, at which
were present only the relatives and most
Intimate friends, and the officers of the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
A prayer was offered by Mrs. L. A. N.
Stevens, acting president of the Woman’s
Christian Temperance Union, and after
the hymn, ‘‘Jesus, Lover of My Soul” had
been sung by those present, the casket
was conveyed to the First Methodist Epis
copal Church, which was packed to the
doors, and where the Until services were
held, led by Rev. Ur. Frank M. Bristol,
Miss Willard's former pastor.
Addresses were made by President Hen
ry Wade Rogers, president of the North
western University, Rov. l>r. Charles Lit
tle, Mrs. Louisa Rounds and several
others.
The casket was literally covered with
flowers, almost every country and slate
living represented l>y sorrfe floral piece.
After the church ceremonies were over,
the Immense crowd In and around the edi
fice were permitted to take a lust look at
Miss Willard's face- Then, borne on tho
shoulders of six stalwart students of
■Northwestern University, the casket was
conveyed to the hearse and then to Rose
111 J! cemetery, where it was deposited In
the receiving vault and will remain there
until spring, when it will is* burled at the
side of her mother.
LAKE CITY'S IIIM TAI, CRIME.
Letters From tile Murdered Negro
Asking Protection Turns I p.
Washington, Feb. 24.—The postofflee de
partment has directed Inspector Williams
at Chattanooga, Tenn., to detail another
inspector to proceed to Lake City, S. C.,
and assist Mr. Moyc, who arrived there
last night, to conduct the investigation In.
to the murder of the postmaster, Baker,
and the burning of tho jrostoffice.
A singular coincidence In the ease of
Baker Is that on Feb. 21, the day on the
night of which he was murdered, he wrote
a letter to the postofflee department say
ing that his life had been threatened, anil
asking that tho government extend some
protection to him. This letter'came to
hand yesterday afternoon.
Senator MeLatirln of South Carolina was
among ’Postmaster General Gary’s callers
to-dgjy and express'd his horror at the
crime Tn wltleh Baker lost his life. 11c
asked that tho department use every
means at Itfgcommand to discover the per
petrators of the outrage and assured Gen.
Gary that he would do everything in Ills
power to assist him.
A dispatch was received from Inspector
Moye at Irftke City this afternoon, saying
that he was pursuing the Investigation
directed by the department.
There was no clue to the perpetrators
and no part oif tho postt/fflee property had
been recovered.
The coroner's Jury, which is investigat
ing the crime, has adjourned until 12
o'clock Saturday.
ITALY’S CLAIM Oli HAYTL
'llii* Government nt Rome Decides on
Energetic Action,
London, Feb. 25.—A special dispatch
from Rome says: "The government ha*
decided upon energetic action to compel
Huytl to make reparation for the Illegal
sequestration of property of tin Italian
steamer at Port ou Prltiee.”
Italy has long had claims against Hnytl,
and these, It is al.eged, she has frequently
endeavored to press to a settlement. The
claim referred to In the foregoing dispatch
has been pending since 1893. It Is the case
of a merchant at Port de Pulx, whose
vessel and cargo, worth SBO,OOO, were, it Is
alleged, illegally seized and sold by the
Haytien government.
At the time of the recent Lueders Inci
dent, it was reported Italy Intended to en
force a settlement at an early date of this
claim, and also of a claim for indemnity
to the family of an Italian fisherman, as
sassinated at Port au Prince, last Octo
ber, whose murderer the Haytien author
ities have failed, it is alleged, to bring to
Justice.
FRENCH LINER STILL OVERDUE.
The La Champagne Now Five Days
Lute With Her 471 t Soul*.
New York, Feb. 25.—1 t is live days since
the French Liner La Champagne should
have arrived here, but yet no tidings of
her have been heard since she left Havre,
Feb, 12. She has 479 souls on board.
The agent of the French Line, however,
says he feels no alarm at the delay. He
cabled to Havre yesterday for a list of
the passengers and this, he says, will be
here to-day. His conjecture Is that she
may be In tow of some other craft. This
(Friday) morning, she had not been
sighted.
The North German Lloyd steamer Freld
• sighted
south of Fire island at 12:10 this morning.
She may bring some news qf the belated
Frenchman,
FA I NCEFOTE IN PERIL.
RrltiNli Ambassador Relieved to Ilnve
Written Strong Letters.
London, Feb. 25.—The Dally Mall this
morning alleges that attempts have been
made by newspapers in New York and
London to obtain some letters the British
ambassador to the United States, Sir Ju
lian Paunoefoto is supposed to have writ,
ten, containing strong expressions regard
ing the American Senate’s rejection of the
arbitration treaty. Tho idea, according
to the Dally Mail, was to compel Sir Ju
lian to follow Dupuy De Lome. The
paper adds: “The campaign failed, but
it is evident Sir Julian Pauncefote will
•have to tread warily."
f • DAILY, $lO A YEAR.
5 CENTS A COPY.
WEEKLY 2-TIMES-A-WEEK $1 A TRAN
DEVASTATION AT DYERSBURG.
PLANING MILL AND A SCORE OF
DWELLINGS BURNED.
Negro Seliool, Negro Itnptlst ClinrcN
and Negro Prrsby terlan Choreli
Also Destroyed—A Large tloantltr
of Lumber lliirued—Blase Also
Consumes Several Hundred Bnlea
of Cotton—The l.oss Estimated at
f2IHI,IKNI anti Hie I runes Light.
Dyersburg, Tenn., Feb. 24.—Fire Was
discovered to-day in the planing mill of
tho A. M. Stevens Lumber Company, an.l
tveforo the flames could be checked tha
entire Stevens plant. Including a largo
quantity of lumber, which covered several
acres of ground, wits destroyed.
In addition to the Stevens company’*
Josh, twenty or thirty dwelling houses wero
consumed by the flames, causing & lost*
which is conservatively estimated at $200,*
000.
There is but little Insurance on the de*
strayed property and the city will suffe*
severely as a consequence.
A strong gale was blowing when the fir*
flrst made Its appearance and for awhile
looked as if the entire city was doomed. \
After consuming the various building*
of the A. M. Stevens Company, the flame*
attacked the houses of a large number of
laborers and completely destroyed them.
The heavy wind carried sparks and
burning cinders half a mile across tho
town and ignited th* slave factory of N.
W. Calluct, In the southeastern part of
the city. The factory was completely de
stroyed, together with a large number
of staves and stave timbers.
The colored school house, the colored
Ilaptlst Church and colored Presbyterian
Church were also destroyed and the flame*
next swept all the houses on Hardin
street, near the depot.
Many hundred bales of cotton was con*
sum ixl.
The loss of the Stevens company alon*
is estimated at SIOO,OOO. The company will
not rebuild.
The colored public schools suspend of
necessity for Che remainder of the year.
To-day’s conflagration has proved th*
most disastrous in the history of the town,
and is estH-rially hard on the hundreds of
laliorers who worked In the lumber yprtl*
and stave factory.
DAYAN I PEAK <4 AT TOPEKA.
ftla llundml Denu>era4s Gather a*
tlie Ramillet Hoard.
Topeka, Ken., Feb. 24.—William J. Bryant
addressed 000 Democrats at a banquet in
this city to-night. The gathering was In
the nature of a reunion of the Democrat*.
Its magnitude gives It considerable signifi
cance as showing the Democratic strength
as a balance of power party in this state.
Many B|>enkers of state prominence ad
dressed the meeting.
Mr. Bryan usserted that the money pow
er was to he the paramount Issue in th*
next campaign and cited the fact that th*
national committee or the Democrats, of
the Populists and of the Free-SUver Re
publicans have issued addresses In which!
they assert that the money question is th*
issue and call for the co-operation of thes*
forces that It may triumph.
In an interview, Mr. Bryan declined to
discuss the present crisis with Spain. Ha
said there was time enough to discuss that)
affair when the official Investigation com
mittee on the Maine affair had made It*
report.
NED AIKEN NOT LYNCHED.
blierllf Spirited Him Away Briar*
the Mull Arrived.
Ashdow * Ark., Feb. 24.—A mob of abou*
fifty persons from Franklin township
scoured the country In and about Rich
mond all last night In search of Ned Aiken,
the negro murderer of Constable Massey.
Sheriff Sandersons learned of the ap
proach of the mob and spirited Aiken to
Texarkana, crossing the Red river at $
o'clock this morning.
Everything Is quiet at Ashdown, excite,
ment being confined to Franklin town
ship, the scene of the murder, which I*
eight miles east of here.
Texarkana, Ark., Feb. 24.—Word was re
ceived here at 9 o’clock to-night that
Franklin township was up In arms, and
that It was probable that the mob would
make an attempt to take the two negroes,
Aiken and his son, from the Texarkana
Jail before morning. The mob wants to
lynch them both, and It Is probable that
Miller county officers are now rushing*
them elsewhere. It Is gradually leaking*
out that Texarkana is to have a visit from
the mob and great excitement prevails.
CHINA’S NEW lAt AN. • ‘
I I
Half the Issae I ndrrwrlttrn at 041
In England,
London, Feb. 24.—Half the Chinese loan,
amounting to £8,000.000 1140,000,000) whs
fully underwritten this afternoon. Bom*
of the applications had to be rejected. Tho
Issue price Is 90, and the Interest front
the loan Is 4(4 percent. It will be offered
publicly a week hence.
LYNCHERS OF AKHOYO.
Hearing of tlie Appeal Hrgna la th*
Upper Court.
City of iMexico, Feb. 24.—The appeal o$
VUlavlcenclo and the other Arroyo mur
derers began this morning before the up
per court. The proceedings were confin
ed to the reading of the records of th*
case when It was flrst tried by a Jury.
SCHOONER BOTTOM UP.
Wreck Sighted 78 Miles East Soothe
east of Cape Henlopen.
* New York, Feb. 24.—Capt H. Jarland of
the steamer Jarlsbcrg, which arrived her*
to-day from Tampico, reports that on Feb.
23, when seventy-eight miles east-south
east of Cape Henlopen,his vessel passed
the hull of an Iron schooner about 127 feel
4w.g, bottom up.