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MINES FOR SAVANNAH HARBOR
SIBMARne WORKS READY TO BE
PIT IN OPERATION.
Foartrrn Tons of Torpedoes mul
Shell* Received for the Comple
tion of the Unrhor Defenses—Tlie
ExylMlrm to lie Stored In Fort
Pulaski 1 mil Their Ie 1* Re
quired—How Harbor Mine* Are
Opernted.
Thirty-eight submarine torpedoes and
thirty-seven shells for the submarine
mines in Tybee roads were received from
New York by the City of Birmingham
yesterday.
Many people at once concluded that
the government is making ready for the
defense of the city in the probable event
of war with Spain. It seems, however,
that no special significance can be at
tached to the tori>edoes being received just
at this lime, as they have been expected
for Quite a while.
The equipment is to be sent to Fort
Pulaski. It came consigned to Cupt. Oil
lotto, who is in charge of this district
of the United States engineering service.
Capt. Gillette Is in New York, but a
talk with Lieut. Morgan of the Engin
eering Corps disclosed the fact that there
is no occasion for alarm in the receipt
of the parts of the mines. Work com
pleted some two years or more ago at
Fort Pulaski rendered it necessary that
equipment for the mines be sent on. It
has been expected ever since.
The work to which Lieut. Morgan re
ferred is the mining casemate, intended
for the operation of the mines from the
fort. This casemate is built at the rear
of the fort near the detnl-lune, or earth
works. The electrieol appliances are
ready, and it has only remained for the
mines to be received. These mines are
to be sunk out in the channel of the river,
eo as to offer obstructions to the passage
of an enemy's vessels. Connection with
the casemate is so arranged that any one
of the mines may be exploded upon the
signal of a vessel having struck it being
received. These signals are transmitted
to the casemate by mean£ of a buoy,
cither on the surface or immediately be
low, attached to the mine. Contact with
a vessed causes the buoy automatically
to send in an alarm in the casemate,
where the officers operating the mines
are able to see what has happened. The
electric current Is then turned on and the
mine is exploded.
The parts of the mines that were receiv
ed by the Birmingham from the navy
yal-ds at New York will be lightered down
to the fort, whore they will be stowed
away. It is said that there has been no
detail of men for the sinking of the mines,
and this is taken as an indication that
their speedy use is not regard'd necessary.
It Is necessary, however, to have them
on hand in the event of war. A force of
men could place them in position in a
short lime, and they would then be a
perfect safeguard against the passage of
vessels from the sea to the harbor. There
are no troops at Fort Pulaski, so there
will be nothing but to store the mines
away. The ordnance sergeant in charge
will thus have additional munitions of
war under his care.
The bill of lndiitg of the Ocean Steam
ship Company shows that thirty-eight tor
pedoes and thirty-seven shells were re
ceived. Lieut. Morgan, however, includes
the entire shipment under the name of
ports of the submarine mines. Thev
resemble shells, and the explosives may
be taken for torpedoes. When they are
plaeed in position under water they lx>-
eome torpedoes of a certain kind, though
they are usually called mines.
LOUKIXU INTO THE FIRES.
Fire Commission and Insurance
Men In Conference.
The Fire Commission met yesterday to
confer with a committee of insurance men
on the burning of Conklin's hardware
house some time ago, the facta concern
ing which the insurance people are anxious
to get at.
The investigation, such as it was, did
not take formal shape by summoning
witnesses on the regular plan. It was
for the purpose of giving all possible in
formation to the committee which was
chosen by a number of the local insurance
men. The commission considered that
Chief Maguire and Assistant Chief Mouro
could make all necessary explanation, and
accordingly had no other members of the
department present. Both officials answer
ed all questions asked them concerning
the fire.
The theory concerning the manner by
which the Conklin buiidlng took fire has
been published several times in the Morn
ing News. The fire seems to have started
near the top at the northeast corner. The
smoke from the burning timber on the
wharf, where the fire originated, was so
dense that the firemen say they did not
discover the Conklin fire until it had got
under considerable headway. Besides, the
firemen were In a disadvantageous place
to work and the tire on the north side of
River street, impeded them very much.
There was a pile of excelsior near the
place where the fire started in the Conklin
building and on catching this the flames,
of course, spread rapidly.
There is some conjecture about the ob
ject the Insurance men have in Investi
gating these matters. It ; s believed t.y
some that the Southeastern Tariff Associa
tion desires the information for the pur
pose of establishing a basis on which 10
raise rates. By those who are in a posi
tion to know, however, this is not given
much credence. Special agents of the prin
cipal losing companies have been, in Sa
vannah since the recent fires to Investigate
the causes and obtain other data for their
companies. For most of this Information,
it Is said, they depend largely on the local
agents, and it was, therefore, the confer
ence with the Fire Commissioners was irk
ed, merely as an auxiliary.
PAVI NG CO.NTH ACT SIGNED.
Work, on Drayton Street will llegln
Monday.
A telegram was received yesterday by
Mr. W. R. Reaken, local representative of
the Southern Asphalt Paving Company,
announcing that the contract and bonds
for the paving of Drayton street had been
signed by the company. Mr. Arthur R.
Shreve, general manager of the company,
will arrive from Baltimore in a day or
two and will make his headquarters at the
De. Soto. He will be atfeompunied by his
family. A force of exisri foremen and
workmen will accompany Mr. Shreve and
work will begin Monday.
Gone Hack to Dale Avenue.
The J. J. McDonough, the county’s loco
motive which came to grief a I Bull street
and Estlil avenue Thursday morning, after
running a wild race of its own accord, v-as
put back on the track yesterday. Appar
ently the engine is no* much damaged, as
the result of its plunge tntu the- sand.
CLAIMS AGAINST l NILE SAM.
Hearing Begun in the Hutchinson
island Cason.
Evidence was taken yesterday before F.
M. Oliver, Esq., in the case of the claim
of Henry F. WllUnk against the United
States government for damages Incurred
by reason of the alteration of the harbor
lines on Hutchinson Island.
Mr. Wiilink was represented by Barrow
& Osborne, and the government by Mr.
George H. Walker of Washington, D. C.
The testimony of Mr. H. F. Wiilink, Capt.
F. G. Sirachan, Mr. C. C. Ely and Mr.
John A. Sullivan was taken.
The effect of the testimony was that in
August, 1892, Mr. Wiilink was conducting
on his property on Hutchinson's Island a
dry dock and ship yerd. A canal led
from the property to the river, with piling
along the sides, and connecting with a
marine railway, the canal and railway be
ing sufficient for the handling of vessels
of 2,200 tons burthen. It was necessary, tor
the safety of the work, that piling be driv
en along the sides of the canal and at Its
mouth to keep out the silt from the river.
The work of driving the piling was in
progress, when Mr. Wiilink was notified
by Capt. O. M. Carter ill August, 1892, to
make no further improvements on Ids
property on Hutchinson Island, as the con
templated river and harbor improvement
would widen the harbor lines and take
from his land a strip about 83 feet in
depth by 600 feet front. Work was dis
continued in obedience to this order, and
the driving of piling at the mouth of the
canal was never completed.
The capacity of the marine railway was
reduced to handling vessels of 200 tons and
the business of the claimant was inter
rupted from August, 1892, until January,
1898. when he was notified that the pro
posed change in the harbor lines would
not be made. The value of the plant
which was rendered useless during this
time is stated at SIOO,OOO, first cost and con
struction. The value of the property, as
testified to by Capt. F. G. Btrachan and
John A. Sullivan, was about $25,000, be
sides the loss by interruption business,
which brought the whole claim up to $198,-
000.
The evidence in the Parrott case, where
damages amounting to $71,250 are claimed,
was heard before Mr. J. S. Harrison, as
commissioner, by agreement of the attor.
neys, Mercer & Mercer, representing the
Tarrott estate, and Mr. Walker the gov
ernment. Evidence was laken showing
that the estate owned a valuable piece of
property in the shape of a saw mill on
Hutchinson's Island, which was rendered
valueless by the new harbor lines. For
the mill, together with the wharves, bulk
heads and other property, $20,000 is asked.
Rentals are estimated at $21,250 and the
value of the land Js placed at $20,000. As
the land has been restored by the recent
change in the harbor lines, the latter item
will probably be dropped.
The evidence in both cases will be sub
mitted to the court of claims in Washing
ton. .Mr. Walker does not know of any
claim having been preferred in behalf of
K. A. Smith, and has no instructions to
take evidence In any such case.
AVERT TO THE \\ KONG STATION'.
Hackman's Careless nellvery of
Baggage Got Him in Trouble.
The detectives spent considerable time
yesterday looking up some baggage be
longing to Miss Martin of Fitzgerald, who
visited in Savannah recently. The report
to Chief McDermott was that the young
woman delivered the baggage to a hack,
man to be taken to the Plant System de
pot, and that neither he nor the property
had been heard of since.
Policeman Garrlly, who has been doing
special detective woHc since Detective
Shea's absence, was put to work on the
case. Within a short time the officer suc
ceeded in locating the negro haekman who
hauled the baggage and took him to ac
count about the matter. The negro was
greatly surprised and said he delivered the
trunks as directed. For a time it ap
peared the haekman was guilty. Fur
ther questioning, however, revealed the
fact he had made the delivery gt the Cen
tral Railroad depot. An Investigation
showed this to be correct, and at once
explained the delay.
CHALLENGED THE CHIEF.
Letter Which It Took McDermott
Some Time to Unravel.
Chief McDermott received a letter yes
terday which did not at Jirst appear .oin
prehensible, but was amusing when the
meaning became manifest.
The letter was addressed to "Mr. Frank
McDermott, care of the police barracks,"
and started out by saying: “We want to
challenge your scrubs.” The meaning of
the challenge could not be figured out
by the ciief, anil he made up his mind
there was something wrong about it. He
examined the envelope to see if it was
directed to him, and, on noting it was,
became more perplexed. A majority of his
letters are complaints of robberies and lost
property, with an occasional anonymous
touch on political matters, but scarcely
any ever came as challenges.
Recognizing the ‘signature, the chief
readily solved the enigma. He had lost
sight of the fact that he has a very bright
little :>oy named Frank, and It wuq he a
schoolmate was challenging to a game of
base ball.
SAILOR FRANZ ALL RIGHT.
Ha* Been Discharged from Bremen
Asylum ns Cured.
The German Consulate in this city is in
receipt of an official letter from Dr. Lto
san <Jf St. Jurgen's Lunatic Asylum, in
Bremen, slating that the German sailor,
Jacob Franz, who was sent from this city
to Germany in October last, had been dis
charged from that institution as perfectly
cured, and able to resume his duties as
a seamnn.
Franz says that he either left his sea
man's papers with some friends qr lost
them,, and begs that if they can be found
they will Ik‘ delivered to the German con
sul here, who will forward them to ids ad
dress,
A <'orreetton.
In the report of the trial before Judge
Speer in the case of Waldron & Tainter
vs. Jfimes H. Johnston, this statement was
made, "three thousand dollars were ad
vanced to Capt. Johnston on cotton fu
tures by the firm of Waldron and Tainter."
No money was advanced by Waldron &
Tainter. but a loss occurred from diso
bedience of orders, mul because orders
were not obeyed the eluim was contested.
Judge Speer did not. go into the merit
of the case. He simply decided that a
claim for a transaction In cotton futures
could not be tried in his court.
For Coughs and Throat Troubles use
Rrown's Bronchial Troches. relievo
all Throat irritations caused by Cold or
, use of the voice.—ad.
THE MORNING NEWS: SATURDAY. MARCH 5. 1898.
EMMET'S MEMORY HONORED.
IRISHMEN PAY TRIBUTE TO THE
PATRIOT AND MARTYR.
The One Hundred and Twentieth
Anniversary of His Birth Loyally
Celebrated by the Robert Emmet
Association—Patriotic Speeches by
Nationnl President O’Connor of the
A. O. of 11., Mayor Meldrlnt, AV. C.
llurtridge, Esq., Mr. A. J. O'Hara
find T. S. Morgan, Jr.
The annual banquet of the Robert Em
met Association last night was one of
the most successful affairs of the kind
In the history of the society. The attend
ance was large and the occasion was a
very enjoyable one. At 8:30 o’clock the
members and guests to the number of
about 100 assembled at the headquarters
of the association on Ray street and short
ly afterwards marched to Manning's,
where the dinner was served.
The menu was satisfactory and appe
tizing and was much enjoyed. It Included
oysters on the half shell, celery, crab
soup, gelee au madere, shad broiled, egg
sauce, snapper boiled, caper sauce, trout
baked, parsley sauce, rib roast with po
tatoes, boiled ham with French peas, tur
key with Cranberry sauce, au vln de ma
dere, lobster mayonantse, chicken ala
francaise, shrimp au fromage, potato
l.vonnaise, cakes, coffee, fruit, cheese, and
Emmet punch, whisky, wine, ale and beer
were drank.
The room was liberally decorated with
flags, the flag of Erin and the Stars and
Stripes being most prominent. Behind the
president wns suspended a large Irish flag.
The tables were decorated with potted
plants.
President E. C. Gleason presided at the
first table. Seated with him were Hon.
Peter W. Meldrim, Mr. P. J. O'Connor,
national president of the Ancient Order
of Hibernians, Mr. E. A. Leonard, who
acted as toastmaster during the evening,
Thomas S. Morgan, Jr., Esq., Walter C.
Hartridge, Esq., Capt. John T. Ronan,
Mr. Arthur J. O’Hara, Mr. W. J. Hnrtv,
Jr., Capt. John R. Dillon, Mr. Francis
Hart. George W. Beckett, Esq., Mr. E. J.
Kennedy, Mr. James McGrath, Mr. M. A.
O’Brien and Mr. William Kehoe.
The first thing after the dinnner was
the customary reading of Emmet’s speech
from the dock, a feature which is never
omitted from these celebrations, by Mr.
William J. Harty, Jr.
This was followed by the song, "Three
Leaves of Shamrock,” by Mr. J. H. Heag
erty. The song was sung with excellent
effect, the guests Joining in, the chorus.
Following the song the band played “Who
Fears to Speak of Ninety-eight?”
The first toast, "The Day We Celebrate,”
was responded! to by Mr. P. J. O'Connor,
national president of the Ancient Order
of Hibernians. Mr. O’Connor remarked
that the occasion celebrated was the 120th
anniversary of the birth of Ireland's pa
triot and martyr, Robert Emmet. He de
scribed the condition of affairs in Ireland
during the several years previous to Em
met's active participation, incidentally
paying tribute to Theobald
Wofe Tone, one of the leaders
of the United Irishmen. The un
successful rebellion of 1798 was referred to.
Referring to the abolition of the Irish
Parliament in 1800, Mr. O'Connor said,
"Neither you nor your children should
ever be satisfied until you see another
Irish Paraliament.” Emmet’s career was
briefly described. While at Trinity Col
lege he became actively interested in the
movement to bring about a better state of
affairs for Ireland. The act of
union had excited such general op
position as to make the coun
try ripe for rebellion. Emmet visited
France for the purpose of enlisting aid
there, but without success. July 23, 1803,
an ’unsuccessful attempt to seize Dublin
castle was made. Emmet fled to the
mountains, but returned shortly after to
his former lodgings in order to be near
his sweetheart, Miss Sarah Curran. He
was betrayed, captured and upon trial con
victed of high treason, and died upon the
scaffold. Sept. 20. 1803. Mr. O'Connor spoke
of the effect of Emmet's death and quoted
Thomas More's poetic tribute to his
friends. “A people who cannot be con
quered in several centuries, but who grow
stronger with each effort, can never be
conquered,” said Mr. O’Connor. "Emmet
believed and taught the principle of Irish
independence. May we not look forward
to the day when proud America shall take
her sister Erin by the hand and introduce
her to the world as an independent nation.
Then will countless thousands of her sons
revisit Erin and help to establish there
the principles of free government which
they have learned in this.”
The music following this address was
“Come Rack to Erin.” The song, “O
Relieve Me, of all Those Endearing Young
Charms,” was delightfully rendered by
Mr. James Deaey.
The second toast was "The United
States,” responded to by Mr. Walter C.
Hartridge. An eloquent response was nat
urally expected, and none were disap
pointed. Mr. Hartridge was given an en
thusiastic reception. It Is eminently fit
and proper, he said. that on
an occasion devoted to the memory cf a
martyred patriot, that the United States
should l>e one of the toasts. This country,
he said, has become almost the ideal of
the patriots of former ages. The securing
of American liberty and the adoption of
the constitution, he briefly referred to.
The country to-day, with its 70,000,u00 of
people, its broad expanse of territory and
its Immense resources, he said, is the most
conclusive proof of the success of the re
publican form of government. It leadt the
nations of the earth In the march to the
ideal. The dignity and magnanimity of
the United States and its forbearance In
Its dealings with Spa:n in recent events
wns strongly presented. If the recent dis
aster to the Maine was by design, Mr.
Hartridge sijid, naught on God's -arth
can stop the power which twice brought
Great Britain to terms from exacting the
fullest reparation possible.
The music following Mr. Hartridge's ad
dress w’as "The Star Spangled Banner.”
This was followed by the song "The Star
Spangled Banner," by Mr. W. F Blois.
The song was rendered with splendid ef
fecl. the audience joining in the chorus.
“Savannah" was the third toast and Was
responded to by Hon. Deter W. Meldrim.
The speaker was greeted with cheers.
Mayor Meldrim Raid that he did not think
he would have ever been called upon to
respond to the toast of Savannah in an
official capacity had it not been for his
friends present. Much was due, he said, to
men like those present, men of the same
blood as Robert Emmet for their work in
upbuilding and developing the country. All
law Is from ihe people and no law can rise
above the people whence that law obtains.
The Judge who interrupted Emmet in his
last speech was the living representative
of the majesty of the law and yet, but for
the fact that he passed sentence upon Rob
rt Emmet, his name would have been
lost to memory.
Savannah can never hope, the Mayor
said, to rival the great cities of the past—
Athens, Rome. Venice—and the great cap
itals of Europe to-day will always sur
iContlnued on Third Page.).
AT THE THEATER.
Lunin James as ‘‘A Cavalier of
France.”
Despite the unpleasant weather and the
fact that there has been a show at the the
ater every night th>s week, Sir. Louis
James was greeted by a good audienoe last
night in "A Cavalier of Ftance.”
Just now romantic plays seem to be pop
ular with the theater-going public. “A
Cavalier of France” is a romantic drama
of strength. The scene is laid in the p’c
turesque days of the sixteenth century.
The plot is awful in detail, full of intrigue,
hatred, love and ambition. It pictures the
almost impossible spectacle of a mother
conspiring to murder her son and of sister
against brother. The story is Illogical
even as a sixteenth century tale, but it
probably serves the purpose for which it
was written.
This is the first time Mr. James has ever
been seen here in anything but a tragedy
role. As Rene de Froisac, "A Cavalier
of France,” intrigued against by powerful
personages and tempted strongly, but al
ways loyal to his King. Mr. James was
strong and vigorous. He was the pic
turesque French cavalier of the time to
perfection, though the part did not allow
Mr. James to display those talents for
which he Is so much admired. Mr. James
is a tragedian of ability and is seen to
much better advantage in roles like
Othello and Virginius than he is as
Rene de Froisac.
Mr. Barry Johnstone made a capital
Henry 111 and Mr. Collin Kemper was ex
cellent as Due d’Anjou. Mr. Gilbert Gar
diner as Chicot, the court jester, was
clever.
Miss Mary Emerson as Gabriella, who
afterwards married Froisac, was emo
tional and delicately artistic. Mrs. Wells
as Catherine de Medici, the Queen Moth
er,' portrayed the intriguing queen and
ambitious woman remarkably well. Miss
Apliie James as Marguerite, the wife of
Henry of Navarre, could have been much
better. She lacked emotion and expres
sion, and did not seem to have the con
ception of seriousness which the part call
ed lor.
TOO VALUABLE A WATCH FOR HIM.
Detective Scully Took Possession of
a Handsome Timepiece.
Alexander Cheever was arrested by De
tective Scully yesterday as a suspicious
negro, having a gold watch in his posses
sion, valued at about SIOO. Cheever has
some acquaintance with the police, hav
ing been under arrest before on similar
charges.
Luckily for the officer, he went into a
pawnshop on business at the time the
negro entered. Acting as the detectives
usually do in pawnshops when there is
any one to be waited on. he stepped one
side and watched. Cheever produced the
watch, which was an elegantly engraved
design, and wanted what could be raised
on it. As he did so the detective walked
up and asked him where he got the
watch. He replied he bought it of another
negro for $1.50. Being unable to give any
account of the other negro,- Cheever was
arrested and sent to headquarters.
Chief McDermott has several reports on
file of stolen watches, and is looking them
over for the purpose of finding the owner.
He thinks it is possible is belongs to one
Alexander, who went asleep on a stoop a
few weeks ago and had a similar watch
taken from him by an unknown.
TWELVE MONTIiiS OR *IOO FINE.
St. John's Ex-Janitor’s Penalty for
Robbing the Rector’s Library.
The city court transacted considerable
criminal business yesterday. Three white
vagrants, arrested by the police, were be
fore it. Two were discharged with notice
to leave the city. One was sentenced to
six months on the gang, but the sen
tence was suspended, with the understand
ing that he leave the city at once.
William Rhodes, the negro ex-janitor cf
St. John’s Church, who made away with
eo many of the books belonging to Rev.
C. H. Strong, was sentenced to twelve
months on the gang, with the alternative
of SIOO fine.
Other parties were convicted and sen
tenced as follows: George Williams, sim
ple larceny, SSO or twelve months; William
Anderson, assault and battery, S2O or six
months: William Jones, simple larceny, $lO
or three months; William J. O’Keefe, sim
ple larceny, $lO or six months.
Julius Holmes was acquitted of the
charge of assault and battery, and Link
Williams was acquitted of the charge of
gambling.
LOCAL PERSONAL.
Mr. J. H. Crosiand was registered at the
Pulaski yesterday from Atlanta.
Mr, J. G. Bliteh came down yesterday
from Statesboro,registering at the Pulaski.
Among the visitors who spent yesterday
in the city was Mr. J. H. Perkins of Hines
vllle.
Mr. Charles P. Maury of Atlanta was
arhong the arrivals at the De Soto yester
day. I
Mr. and Mrs. George R. Lombard of
Augusta were among the visitors in the
city yesterday.
Registered at the Pulaski yesterday was
Mr. J. A. Robinson, who came down from
Denmark. S. C.
Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Preston arrived in
the city yesterday from Fiorlda and are
stopping at the De Soto.
Messrs. O. B. Overstreet and S. J. Over
street of Sylvania were among the visitors
who spent yesterday in the city.
Among the guests at he Screven House
yesterday was Mr. T. O. L. Wilkins, who
came over from Greenville, S. C.
WIMPY GOT THE CONTRACT.
Will Karnlsli the Nesv School Build
ing' at Mlilen.
Mr. W. E. Wimpy has been awarded the
contract to furnish- the Mlilen school build
ing, which inis just been completed, at a
cost of about SIO,OOO. It is Mr. Wimpy's
intention to ship the furniture soon.
In view of the sharp competition with
which he was brought in contact, the fact
Mr. Wimpy was the successful bidder
speaks well, not only for Savannah and
for the business he has built up, but is a
step forward which is a source of pride
to all his friends, whom he numbers by
his acquaintances.
The leading manufacturing centers of
the country filed bids against Mr. Wimpy,
among them being firms at New York.
Philadelphia, Cleveland, Chicago and
Grand Rapids. While these concerns may
be extensive, still it remained for a Sa
vannah man to carry off the plum, whose
contract with the trustees of the school
is sure to lie satisfactorily fulfilled.
The greater Includes the less. Hood's
Sarsaparilla cures scrofula, and may be
depended upon to cure boils and pimples.
—ad.
THEY WANT AN AUDITORIUM.
LEADING CITIZENS THINK SUCH A
BUILDING IS NEEDED.
Many Cities the Slse of Savannah
Have Auditoriums— l.srge Conven
tions Can Be Secured Only Where
They Are Had—Such Conventions
Benefit n City—Savannah Could Of
fer Attractions for Winter Meet
ings—Political, Religious nn<| Mu
sical Meetings Require Larger
Buildings Than Can Be Secured.
There is considerable talk of an audito
rium for Savannah. It is not anew idea,
however. Several years ago a movement
wa started with a view to building an
auditorium on a large scale. It was never
carried to completion, and since then little
has been heard of the matter until recent
ly. There has been a revival within the
last few days of the talk along this line,
and the matter may be taken hold of in a
way that will carry it to a successful ter
mination.
An enterprising Georgia city has Just
completed an auditorium. It is a place
far smaller than Savannah, and If use for
one can be found there it would seem that
one here is in far greater demand. Large
assemblies can be accommodated in audi
toriums. They are constructed with this
particular object in view, and associations
and societies of large membership can only
be induced to hold conventionssin a city
that has such a place of accommodation
for their meetings.
Supl. Otis Ashmore was asked yester
day for an expression of his opinion upon
the need of an auditorium in Savannah.
“I regard an auditorium as an essential
for a city,” he said, “that expects to do
anything In the way of securing the con
ventions from time to time of the largi
bodies that hold periodical meetings, ife
vannah is especially adapted for such
conventions when they are to be held in
the winter, and there is no reason why
they could not be secured if a place of
sufficient size for the accommodation of
the delegates were had.
“Considered in a pecuniary way, apart
from whatever means of revenue it might
prove for those financially Interested in it,
an auditorium large enough to accommo
date several thousand people would be a
great aid to the city. Many of the organ
izations that meet annually or biennially
are made up of delegates running up into
the thousands. Each of these always
spends a considerable sum where the con
ventions are held, and hotels and board
ing houses are benefitted, while trade gen
erally is given an impetus and a stimulus
is felt some time. As an instance of what
may be expected from a convention of
one of the largest associations I may
specify the National Educational Asso
ciation. In this there is a membership
of between 15,000 and 20,000, while the
attendance upon the conventions always
reaches as high as 10,000. At a low cal
culation each of these attending mem
bers spend $lO in a city. Thus, SIOO,OOO
is spent in a few days.
“I should think the railroads would be
interested in the building of an auditorium.
The railroad fare of tsie delegates is the
greatest expense in connection with a
convention of the character I have men
tioned. For each delegate the fare easily
averages S2O, as, though they travel at a
reduced rate, they come from all over the
country, every state in the Union being
represented. When $20,000 is in it for them
whenever such a convention is held here,
I should think the roads would be wil
ling to subscribe liberally toward the erec
tion of an auditorium. Of course, the lo
cal lines would not get all of this sum, but
they would get their share.
"Cities all over the country of the size
of Savannah are building auditoriums.
They appreciate the need of them and find
them of great use when it comes to secur
ing big. conventions. The first question
ihjß comes up when an organization is in
vited to meet at a city is about the ac
commodations. If a large and l convenient
auditorium is offered the first point is
gained. I could never hope to bring the
National Educational Association here,
just as members of other large organiza
tions could never expect to get them to
come, as long as a suitable and adequate
place of accommodation cannot be offer
ed. I might reasonably hope to get the
Department of Superintendence of the as
sociation, with its membership of some
700, but even then it would be much better
if I could extend the use of an auditorium'
with the invitation. This convention Is
held in the winter. The theater might be
availably at the time, and it might not. It
would not do to take chances and then
find, after having secured the convention,
it could not be accommodated.
"My interest in the matter is purely that
of a citizen who desires to see the proper
thing done for the welfare and advance
ment of the city. I am convinced that
an auditorium would -help Savannah in
many ways. It would be a great means
of advertisement after those who attend
conventions return to their homes. Of
course, those associations and societies
that meet in the summer could not well
be asked to come to Savannah, as they al
ways go North or West, but this city af
fords advantages that should secure con
ventions in the winter. With an audito
rium, a strong fight for meetings could
be made by Savannah delegates to winter
conventions."
Mr. Ashmore thinks the location of en
auditorium In Savannah should be central
in the residence portion.
The suggestion of the government prop
erty at York and Abereorn streets as a
suitable site far an auditorium has been
made. The city might secure It from the
government and erect a handsome struc
ture. Chattanooga erected last year a
handsome and commodius building, the city
bearing all the expense. Asa result a
far greater number of conventions are held
there than otherwise would be the case.
The government lot is a large one, 90 by
240 feet, and the adjoining property might
be secured from private owners tn case it
should be regarded as necessary for the
erection of the building.
At various times there have been as
semblies, political, musical and religious,
in Savannah that have indicated the need
of a larger meeting place than is afford
ed by any of the halls or churches. When
Rev. A. M. Williams was pastor of 'Wes
ley Monumental Church he negotialed
with Sam Jones to conduct a scries of
meetings here. He found the greatest
obstacle in the absence of a sultah'e
meeting place. He tried to get a tab
ernacle constructed by the street rail
ways, but they did not see their way
clear, and the plan fell through. Similar
need in the churches Is sometimes found
and an auditorium would no doubt be
welcomed by them as a place where com
bined meetings might be held tn the event
of the coming of any celebrated minisier
or evangelist.
Several years ago musical festivals were
held at the theater. Local choruses were
organized, talented soloists coining from a
distance. Ttie theater was packed and
jammed by the crowds. A similar festival
is to be held this spring, the Boston Fes
lical Orchestra coming here, May 3. The
interest aroused bf local choruses taking
pm
POWDER
Absolutely Pure
part would cause an attendance that the
theater would not be large enough to ac
commodate. Sixty singers are in the Bos
ton organization, and it is expected to or
ganize a local chorus of 200 voices.
It was thought some time ago that
something in the way oif an auditorium
or a building that might serve the same
purpose might be erected by the First
Regiment of Infantry upon a part of the
parade ground at the rear of its armory.
The matter was discussed by the board of
officers. The expenditure of the funds
made by the regiment at its bazar was
left with the officers, and they had the
erection of such a building under contem -
plation. It was finally decided, however,
that the funds were insufficient, and it was
determined to allow the money to remain
in bank.
SEWER WORK RESUMED.
Rain Has Greatly Interfered With
It* Progress This Week.
Work on the big sewer at the corner of
East Broad and Liberty streets will befe
sumed to-day after having been practically
suspended for two days on account of the
weather. Day before yesterday there was
no work at ail going on, the rain being so
heavy as to make it impossible for the men
to do anything.
There was just a small force at work
yesterday. While it was not raining all
day it was still too disagreeable for the
men to work. In very wet weather the
additional difficulty of getting the dirt out
of the ditches when they are several inches
deep in water is encountered. Deep
streams were running through like mill
races, and the full capacity of the pumping
engines would have been tested to keep
the ditches clear for the laborers. The
buckets would be carrying more water than
dirt if operations were carried on with the
conditions so unfavorable.
Several powerful negroes were busy driv
ing in the long planks that serve to pre
vent the banks of the ditches from cav
ing. These are absolutely necessary where
sewers are iaid as deep and in such soil
as here. The sides would sink right in
unless every precaution were taken to
prevent. The planks are started after
the ditches have attained a depth of only
two or three feet. The end that Is to go
into the ground is sharpened. Men force
the planks in as far as possible and then
begin to drive with sledge hammers from
stages. These are gradually lowered as
the planks sink under the heavy blows,
until at last are even with, or Just
a little below, the surface. Cross braces
are then put in as additional precautions
to prevent the dirt from forcing in the
planks. The lumber bill of the contractors
will be a considerable item of expense,
as the planks are covered in when the
dirt is thrown back into the ditches.
An example of the necessity for so fixing
the planks as to prevent any caving can
be seen on Liberty street, where the pave
ment has sunk in two or three places as
a result of the sides going down a bit.
In one place the damage to the pavement
is considerable, the caving seeming to
have been worse at that point than at any
other. Liberty is the first well-paved
street that the sewers have yet encoun
tered, so it is possible that there will be
no recurrence of the caving. The foremen
will understand better in their future work
how to keep the pavements from sinking.
The contractors will probably do all they
can to avoid any damage being done tho
pavements. After the sewer work has
been done along a street it falls to the
contractors to put the pavements in Ihe
same state of repair in which they were
found. If depressions and broken, uneven
surfaces are found after the line of sew
ers has passed, it is likely that the con
tractors will very speedily grow tired of
such work.
The contract for hauling away the dirt
that has accumulated on the north side of
Liberty east of East Broad street has
been let to the owner of a dray line. The
work Is progressing fast, a number of
teams being constantly engaged. Vacant
Jots on the Thunderbolt road are having
depressions filled in with the dirt. There
will probably be a vast amount of it to
be carried away, as a large proportion of
that which is thrown from the ditches
cannot be put back. The same solidity
that exists before the dirt is disturbed by
the pick and shovel is not found when it
is thrown back. In many places the
grades call for a depth of twenty feet
and, the ditches being four feet wide, an
idea of the quantity of dirt to be removed
can be gained.
The leak found Wednesday in the
naphtha pipe leading from the old to the
new works of the gas company, has been
repaired. This was the leak that came
so near being the means of sending sev
eral of the workmen out of the world by
the asphyxiation route. The fumes gath
ered in the bottom of the ditch after the
naphtha had run out and mingled with
the water in the bottom. After the men
who keeled over under the Influence of the
gases had been gotten from the ditch, the
flow of the naphtha was -cut off at the
works until it was possible to repair the
leak after the fumes had dissipated.
FIRST BAPTIST SERVICES.
Rev. Dr. H bite's Programme for To
day anil To-morrou'.
Dr. White will preach at the First Bap
tist Church at 8 o'clock to-night. No
morning service to-day. For Sunday Dr
White announces the following striking
programme: “
Morning, 11 a. m.-" The Regeneration
and Conversion of Peter." a sfrmon for
unhappy Christians.
. "The Fast Man" is the subject for 430
p. m Everybody invited. The prearh-r
promises to touch up clubs and social r-
toms.
"The Sin Against the Holy Ghost" will
be the subject at night.
Recorder Hnrtrlil K e's Off Day.
For the first time In many months there
was not a single ease in Police Court
yesterday. The department went twenty
four hours without an arrest a ai„.
which happens about as
streaks of good luck. 8 r y as
Just Arrived From Baltimore
Per schooner Morris W.Childs.cargo high
grade hard coal; per schooner Jennie
Thomas, cargo Big Vein George's Creek
steam coal; per Central of Georgia. Rail
way, two cars of the celebrated "Monte
X?, Uo ” '“!?P 8011 c °“l’ T. F. Johnson &Cos
Phone 566.—ad.
The Gorrie
Ice Mfg. Cos.
is still selling
ICE
—at—
-15 c
Per 100 Pounds,
Before making con
tracts call on us.
THE GORRIE
IGE MANUFACTURING CO.
Room 12,
Provident Building.
Open
Late
This P.M.
Late enough to per
mit the men folks
to take a hand in
our NO PRICE SALES
OF SUITS.
OVERCOATS
and TROUSERS.
You can save a week’s
wages here this evening.
SPRING HATS.
Coal, Coke, Wood
A large supply of all
grades and sizes. Consult
us before making your pur
chases.
Just received a cargo of
Foundry and Domestic Coke,
nice and clean. Just the
thing for grates.
An enormous supply Do
mestic Lump Coal.
Office and Yard Foot Lincoln Street
'PHONE 63
C. 11. DIXON & CO.
THE THIEF WIIO STOLE A H(1
STOVE found it loaded with our fra
burning coal, which, like MONTE VALLQ
makes things red hot.
T. F. JOHNSON & CO,
TELEPHONE .'<■
COAL.
Best quality. Prompt!?
delivered.
Anthracite ... .$5.50 per ton
Domestic Lump 5.00 per ton
Phone 507. Office 14 Bull st
BOND, HARRIiOS &, CD.
WOOD AM) COAL.
I). R. THOMAS & SO*
19 Hay, E. Tel.-phon* 1 8 J?
IUCVCLE9.
NAPOLEON AND JOSEPHINE BICYCLES. ■J’S
Rant, up-to-dnt** IftW model*: none better.
manufacturers to rider at wholesale prices.
pay iigents' profit. Hent on approra!.
Jenkins Cycle Cos., lb Custom House i'luce