VOL. XUV. 20. 13,764. ' PORTLAND, OREGON, THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1905. PRICE FIVE CENTS. HIDES HIS HAN Sweeny Has Not Shown Entire Strength. WAITS FOR AN OPENING Furth Will Force Things if He Enters the Game. FOSTER MEN SHOW ANXIETY Second Ballot for United States Sen ator From Washington Shows Few Changes From. That of the Day Before. TALE OF THE BALLOTS. First. Second. Foster - 43 44 Piles 32 Bwecny - Wilaon llj IS Jones Turner (Democrat) X Cofgrovc ' Totals 136 1S5 Necessary to choice, 09. OLYMPIA. AVash.. Jan. IS. (Staff Cor respondence.) Tbe first Joint session ball-it for United States Senator was taken at noon today and the changes from yes terday's results -were so Inconsequential as to leave the matter as far up in the air aw ever. Tbe Jones vote had appar ently reached Its maximum strength, for the present at least, and two of the Yakima, statesman's supporters went over to the leading candidate?, Johnson of Yakima casting Ills vote for Foster, while Henderson landed in the Piles camp. There la no particular significance in these changes, and, contrary to all prece dent when the names of votes of the two men were announced, there was nof even a murmur of applause. None of the extra. Sweeny votes that are supposed to be floating around were oulled In. And If John A.. Wilson has anything in reserve it remained there. ATI' of tho candidates profess satisfaction with the outlook and are unanimous in the opinion that they received all the votes they expected, but despite this out ward show of cheerfulness, there is a heavy feeling not easily dispelled from the political atmosphere, and members and camp followers alike wear an air of ex pectancy. Foster Men Seem Disappointed. The line-up on the leading candidates is still sufficiently strong to prevent much vacillation, but thero i no disguising the fact that his followers arc disappointed because he fell so far short of the prom ised 60 votes which have all along been the basis from which his estimates of strength were made. There are a great many indications which point to a dead lock, especially if the claims of the lead ing candidates are taken seriously. The Sweeny people are entirely too confident of a continuation of the old feud between King and Pierce Counties, and the attendant opportunity for an outside candidate, to concede any weakness In their own ranks. The 11108 following is drawn up and counted with the same regularity that marked the Preston tight two years ago, and they seem determined to "stay put" for a while at least. Foster's strength outside of Pierce County will be sub jected to considerable strain before the rud of the week, but unless there is dan p. r of a King County man landing the pijze they will hold together for an in definite period. John 1- Wilson has a few firm friends who will go down the line to tho wind-up if he so desires, but his strength Is in sufficient to form the basis for a dead lock, even were he disposed to aid in perfecting one. AH of the candidates scout the idea of a deadlock and all arc equally confident that the other follow must eventually give way. Predictions are rather hazardous at this uncortain stage f the game, while It is probable that tomo of the principal candidates now being oted for will be edged out of the game either by the end of the present week or cry early next week. Furth a Prospective Candidate. The candidacy of Jacob Furth, like Banquo's ghost, "will not down." and. all of the assertions to tbe contrary notwith standing, it is steadily becoming more apparent that the bankor will fall heir to the Piles strength In case King County decides that It Is expedient to drop Mr. Piles. Just when the moment will arrive when it Is deemed to the. best interests of the King County cause to abandon the present standard-bearer is uncertain, and n largo number of Mr. Piles' friends still assert In positive terms that he can be elected. Som of thorn even go so far as to as sert that he can secure Pierce County votes as soon as there is a broak-up in the Foster forces. They also state that should anv attempt be made to swing the King County vote to John I. Wilson. Fos ter would be elected Immediately. This deduction is made from the fact that there is considerable antagonism to Wil son and among the men who are voting fcr Sweeny. Mr. Wilson is in bed with a severe attack of the grip, but is still feeling confident that he will yet be a cry prominent figure ia the tight. Sweeny serins to be playing a waiting game and his forces arc laying low, ap parently expecting of the more agsressive candidates to become winded in the raw drop- out. Mr. Swccnv and bis lieu tenants express complete satisfaction with the outlook, but the chances for a quick election are not as good as they were a few days earlier. Strength Has Not Been Shown. Sweeny can mass more strength outside of the contending King and Pierce County factions than any other candidate yet mentioned and undoubtedly has more men voting "in the air" than any other can didate. Just when these men will be called' in is uncertain, but it Is . believed that if Mr. Furth comes into tbe game the maximum Sweeny strength would be hustled together In a hurry. On a break-up of the Foster forces In Pierce County, it is said that Mr. Furth could gather in more strength from that quarter than any other man now In the race, but Sweeny would probably divide the honors with him in that particular county, and might pick up more Foster votes outside of Pierce County than could be secured by the banker. Congressman Jones, who lost a couple of votes on today's ballot, is scheduled to secure a number of new ones tomor row, but If they come they will be largely of a complimentary nature. The inaugural ball and reception at tracted so many of the Legislators to night that the various lounging-places and plot-incubators were almost deserted. Al though the air of uncertainty as to the final outcome is much greater than It was two years ago, when an attempt to stampede the Preston forces almost broke up the opening ball of the session, the situation tonight Is decidedly tranquil. At the .same time this tranquility is all on the surface and an outbreak fraught with great possibilities may happen when it is least expected. L W. W. STATE BALL AT OLYMPIA. Mayor Carlyon and Mrs. Mead Lead the Grand March. OLYMPIA, Wash., Jan. IS. (Special.) The Inaugural reception and ball in honor of Governor and Mrs. Mead and the incoming state officers and members of the Legislature given by the citizens of Olympia tonight exceeded in brilliancy all similar events of the kind ever given In the capital. Hundreds of Invited guests came from all parts of tbe state, and to night the hotels and lodginghouses are taxed to their utmost, while many late arrivals have been compelled to seek rooms In the residence portion of the town. The reception proper was given In the Capitol. In the office of the Governor the receiving line was headed by Governor and Mrs. Mead, tbe members of the Gov ernor's personal staff and their wives and Lieutenant-Governor Coon. In the Gov ernor's private office were the state offi cers and Justices of the Supreme Court and their wlvcs. The guests iiled through the corridors of the building to the Governor's office. They were presented to the Governor and state officers by members of a reception committee composed of Olympia people. The corridors of the Capitol were gaily decorated with bunting and flags. An orchestra dlsootu-ad music. j tie oaii was given in tne jonoy. wnictt was prepared for the purpose by Olympia people. The ballroom decorations were military in character and very elaborate. The grand march was led by Mayor P. H. Carlyon and Mrs. Mead, and the next In order were Governor Mead and Mrs. Carlyon. Justices of the Supreme Court, elective state officers. Speaker and Mrs. Megler, members of the Senate and House of Reprentatives. During the evening the entire Capitol was brilliantly lighted and all the offices in charge of deputies and open to guests. PERISHED LN THE SNOW. Terrible Sufferings of Railroad Gang in Colorado Mountains. DURANGO, Colo.. Jan. IS. After fear ful sufferings, during which one man was frozen to death and another became in sane, the surviving members of a party that tried to open up the Bigg Lumber Company's railroad from Lumberton to Elvado have been rescued. A train crew with a gang of shovelers left Lumberton last Wednesday morning. The road was blockaded by snow all the way to Elvado. 32 miles south of Lum berton. Drifts from three to 15 feet deep were encountered and the weather was intensely cold. The train reached a point 15 miles south of Lumberton, when the supply of coal and water ran out and the entire party was forced to remain there for 4S hours. Engineer Redmons had both his feet frozen and a number of the shovelers were frost-bitten. Two Mexican shovel ers started to walk to Lumberton. One was frozen to death and the other was rescued by Indians. He was terribly frozen and had become Insane. The party was finally rescued by a re lief train sent from Elvado. The road Is still blockaded. WILL HELP EM TO REFOBM American Commissioner Enters on Mission to President Morales. SAN DOMINGO. Jan. 18. Commander Albert C. Dillingham, U. S. X., yester day presented at an official reception Tils "credentials as special commissioner to San Domingo. Addressing President Morales, he expressed the desire of the American Government to assist the Dominican government to re-establish its credit, maintain order, promote the public weal and realize the object for which the President of the Vnited States had appointed him a special commissioner, namely, in conjunction with Mr. Dawson, to give the Domini can government advice as to how theise ends may be attained. Judge Hargis Ready to Shoot. LEXINGTON'.-Kv.. Jan. 1R. A. V Ri-ni attorney for the commonwealth in the i case against Bill Brit ton for the alleged ! assassination of James Cockrell at Jask- I son. in the feudal war. In his opening of the case today, made the sensational ! statement that he would prove that Judge store with a rifle In his hand, prepared ! 10 snooi. at tne tirao Brttton and Curtis Jett are alleged to have killed Cockrell. This b the first time that Hargis f-ame has been used as an actual participant in any of the Jackson feudal killings. Many Slain on Railroads. WASHINGTON. Jan. lS.-Thc Interstate Commerce Commission has issued a report on railroad accidents in the United States during the months of July. August and September, 1P04. showing ZS passengers and 183 employes killed and 2154 passengers and 1593 employes injured In train acci dents. The report says that, while these figures febow a gratifying decrease In the number of employes killed, the three months as a whole may be termed the most disastrous quarter on record In fatal accidents to passengers. WILL BE JUDGED House Votes to Impeach Judge Swayne. MAJORITY IS SMALL Division Is Almost on Party Lines, at First COMMITTEE TO PROSECUTE On Test Vote 24 Republicans Vote Against Swayne, Three Democrats for HimJudge Pardee Comes in for Another Scorching. WASHINGTON. Jan. 18. Tbe House today adopted the 12 articles of impeach ment against Judge Charles Swayne, of the District Court of the Northern Dis trict of Florida, which had been pre sented by its special committee of Investi gation. The Speaker was authorized to appoint members to present the case to the Senate and conduct tbe impeachment proceedings before that body. This action was tbe culmination of a debate which has been in progress for over a week, and which has developed partisan feeling. The first vote, that to table the first three articles, those relating to the falsi fication of expenses, went against Judge Swayne by the narrow margin of five votes. This was regarded as the test vote, as the charge regarding expenses was the only one concurred in by the members of the committee signing the minority re port. The motion to table these articles was lost, 160 to 165. Twenty-four Repub licans voted with the Democrats against tabling and three Democrats voted with the Republicans to table. On rollcall' these three articles were adopted. Articles 4 and 6, relating to the free use of a private car by Judge Swayne, were made the subject of a separate vote and adopted. Like action followed ar ticles C and 7, charging him 'with non residence in his district. This was the last rollcall, as articles 8, 9, 10 and 11. relating to the Davis-Belden contempt case, and article 32. relating to the O'Neill contempt case, .were declared adopted on viva, voce votes. The last time the House voted to pre sent articles of Impeachment was in 1S7S, when It voted the impeachment of W. W. Belknap, Secretary of War under President Grant. Close of Notable Debate. The debate today was chiefly notable for the closing arguments. That for Judge Swayne was made by Gillett of California and that for Impeachment by Palmer of Pennsylvania. Argument was opened by McCall (Rep., Mass.). He said he had no difficulty in reaching the conclusion that he should vote against all of the articles of Im peachment. After some further debate, Gillett. In charge of the floor for the minority, closed the debate against impeachment. Gillett read a telegram signed, he said, by the leading merchants and citizens of Pensacola, condemning the impeachment proceedings and expressing a sentiment friendly to Judge Swayne. Judge Swayne, he said, would never have been proceeded against and "persecuted" If It had not been for the O'Neill contempt proceed ings. Gillett spoke of the car incident as having occurred years ago and said it would be trifling to present seriously such a charge. He asked where they would end if they started to Impeach men for riding In a private car. He said he had statements showing It was the intention that $10 a day should be charged by Judges and that he had a statement from the Secretary of the Treasury showing other Judges had charged 510. Judge Pardee Under Fire. De Armond of Missouri said there had been an effort to dispose of this case, not on its merits, but by drawing a line down the center aisle of the House. Re ferring to a letter written by Judge Par dee and read yesterday by Grosvenor. De Armond said he was in sorrow and shame at that exhibition. He asked what would be the action of Judge Pardee it some one should write to a Juror in his court, and continued: If c knew that he (Judge Pardee) was one of thoe. like Judge Swayne. who has been Eetling aside the law regarding his ex pense allowance, for the purpose of draw Ins from the treasury money which does not belong to him. we could find a reason for that letter here no reason can now be found to exist, tinier It should be the blindness of narrow partisanship. Press at Work for Swayne. Palmer (Tenn.). chairman of the sub committee, on behalf of the majority, re ported for impeachment. He referred to acts which he declared "reprehensible to the last degree." Members of the House ltnd been flooded through the mails with articles from the public press in behalf of Judge Swayne. One metropolitan dally printed three-quarters of a pago of garbled extracts of the testimony of the case, and this had been mailed to mem bers. If Judge Swayne or his advocates had committed such an offense in relation to a case In court, they would bo amen able to court action. As to the political aspect. Palmer said he was a Republican and party man to the last, but the Republicans had stumped the country on the clalm"bf honesty In official life. Tho people had Indorsed this platform by a majority of 2,500.000 vote. "We now have a chance to make good on that claim." concluded Palmer. Palmer asked for a vote on tho first three articles of impeachment, relating to the false certificates of expense. Little fleld moved that these articles be laid upon the table. The Speaker ruled that this motion had precedence, When the hour for the Aotp drew near the taller! os filled rapidly and ufaea the , voting began there was not a vacant seat and many persons were in line for ad mission to the corridors. Llttlefield's motion to table the first three articles was lost, 165 to ISO. Speaker Cannon had his vote recorded for the mo tion. Three Democrats Bell of Califor nia, Moon of Tennessee and Thayer of Massachusetts voted to table, while 21 Republicans voted against the motion. They were: Bede, Minnesota; Cooper, Wis consin; Darraph. Pennsylvania: Dayton, West Virginia; Driscoll, New York: Gib son, Tennessee: Haugen, Iowa; Holliday, Iowa; Jenkins, Mississippi; McCarthy, Nebraska; Olmsted, Pennsylvania; Otjen, Wisconsin; Palmer, Pennsylvania; Pearre, Maryland;. Perkins. New York; Roberts. Massachusetts; Smith, Iowa; Spalding, North Dakota: Sperry. Connecticut: Staf ford, Wisconsin; Thomas. Towa; Wanger. Pennsylvania; Webber, Ohio; Woodyard. West Virginia. Bourke Cockran and Gold fogle. of New York, voted "present," as did Hughes (W. Va.), Watchter (Md.) and Wilson (111.). Palmer moved to adopt the first three articles, and this was agreed to, 165 ayes, 100 noes. Palmer moved to adopt together the fourth and fifth articles. The motion was carried, 162 ayes, 123 noes. The same motion was made with refer ence to articles 6 and 7, charging Judge Swayne with nonresidence in his district LIttlefleld secured a rollcall on this mo tion. Articles 6 and 7 were adopted, 153 to 137. x Palmer at once moved the adoption of articles 8, 9. 10 and U, relating to the Davis-Belden contempt cases. A rollcall was not demanded on this motion, and It was declared on a viva voce vote. Tho same motion was made with respect to the remaining article. No. 12. relating to the O'Neill contempt proceedings, and it, likewise, was adopted. Committee to Conduct Case. Palmer offered a resolution empowering the Speaker to appoint seven members of the present House to conduct the Im peachment against Judge Swayne. This was agreed to without objection. He fol lowed with another resolution empowering the seven members to present the articles of Impeachment to the Senate In the name of tbe House and of all the people of the United States. This resolution was also agreed to without opposition, whereupon the House, at 5:40, adjourned. FORTUNE GIVEN FREELY. Hannah Elias Tells Life-Story and of Relations With Piatt. NEW YORK, Jan. IS. Hannah Ellas, the negress whom aged John R. Piatt is suing to compel her to return SSS5.O00, which he claims she extorted from him during an acquaintance of 20 years, to day told tbe story of her life heforo Jus tice O' Gorman In the Supreme Court, where the suit Is on trial. It was an extraordinary tale of sudden elevation from the lowest and most vicious sur roundings to a position of affluence, where money was literally rained upon her and where she had everything that great wealth could provide. She declared that she had nothing to conceal, and insisted that every dollar that Piatt gave her" had been given vol untarily. She believed, she said, that she was under no obligations to return any part of the money which she now possesses. How much money Piatt gave nor she could 'not sav, evan. j.proxlmaie ly. as she never kepi any account of his gifts, which were made In large sums at frequent Intervals during their entire ac quaintance. Mr. Piatt "was very generous, even from the first, she said, but he be came more so after the death of his wife in 1S33. He told her at that time that he wanted to provide for her handsomely and explained that If he mentioned her In his will a contest might result. Mrs. Ellas admitted that she had served two terms In prison, one In Philadelphia for larceny and the other In this city for disorderly conduct. Mrs. Ellas had distributed her easily acquired wealth with a free hand among those who had been of assistance to her. She paid C. Nanse. a lawyer, $20,000 In fees, and Washington Brauns more than $10,000 In fees. Other witnesses told of large sums paid for comparatively trifling services. When the defense rested an order of the court directing the banks not to dis pose of moneys In their possession be longing to Mrs. Ellas was dismissed. Denies Kashgar Is Occupied. ST. PETERSBURG. Jan. 18. The state ment made by the Morning Post of Lon don that Kashgar, Eastern Turkestan, has been occupied by the Russians, Is not confirmed. The Associated Press inqui ries show there has been no change in the situation at Kashgar so far as Russia is concerned. T7NLTED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE SWA TNE, OF FLORIDA, DirEACHED Br THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. TOLD TO GET OUT Governor Folk a Terror to Lobbyists. BANISHED AS OUTLAWS Other Western States Follow Missouri's Lead. THIRTYHOURS' GRACE GIVEN Rules Laid Down Empty the Lobby and Cause Corporation Agents to Leave Capital Driven Out of Kansas and 'Nebraska. GOVERNOR ITJLK'S RULES FOR LOBBYISTS. On arrival la Jefferson City, or as soon thereafter as possible, any profes sional lobbyist must report his presence in the city by presenting himself at the Governor's office. Such lobbyists must state to th Gov ernor th object of their visit. A report must bo made to newspaper representatives, th same aa that made to tbe Governor. A thirty-hours" limit la placed ca their stay In tbe city. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.. Jan. IS. (Special.) Governor Folk has applied a heavy boot to the lobbyists and tonight corporation henchmen, who heretofore have brazenly crowded the corridors and chambers of the Capitol are packing their trunks, practically banished as outlaws after 30 hours of grace. The State Legis lature of Missouri, for years tho prolific source of stories of corruption and scan dal. Is undergoing reform, and, through a set of four drastic rules, posted by the Executive today, the army of buttonholers that has worked the lawmakers with gold-plated cajoleries Is under stringent surveillance. The lobby as axvJnstilutlon Is be ex purgated from the State Assembly. "There will be no exception to this general rule," said Governor Folk. "When you come here, you must report to me and tell mo the purpose of ycur coming. If a bill is pending which affects your em ployers, you have a right to appear be fore the committee in whoso hands it Is, but 30 hours is ample time for you to transact your business. After that you must vanish." SHUT OUT IN NEBRASKA. Not Allowed on Floor, Lobbyists Will Be Abolished by Law. LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 18. (Special.) No lobbyist will be permitted on the floor of the legislative houses this session. In addition, a bill will be introduced en forcing the suggestions of Governor Mickey, who is a thorn in the flesh of the professional lobbyist. He asks the abolition of the subsidized lobby. KEEP BEHIND THE RAIL. Illinois Legislature for First Time En forces Rule Against Lobbyists. SPRINGFIELD. HI.. Jan. IS. (Special.) Lobbyists are compelled to watch pro ceedings from behind the railing or from the gallery during the present session-of the Legislature. The Senate and the House have passed the customary rules excluding all but members from the floors of the chambers and have Installed an innovation by enforcing the rule. Further than that, however, the Illinois legislators do not think they could go. WISCONSIN WILL FOLLOW SUIT La Follette Recommends Severe Pen alties Against Offerers of Bribes. MADISON, Wis., Jan. 18. (Special.) Wisconsin Is preparing to follow in the footsteps of Missouri. The Legislature as yet has taken no action respecting Governor La Follette'a recommendation that a law be enacted imposing' heavy penalties on lobbyists found guilty of bribe-offering. DRIVEN OUT OF KANSAS. Even Standard Oil Does Not Await Order to Go. TOPEKA. Kan., Jan. 18. (Special.) Professional lobbyists are on the run In Kansas. A reform Legislature and a new kind of Governor form a unique combina tion that brings groans and execrations from the corporation agents every time they give it a thought. Even the repre sentatives of the Standard Oil Company have packed their grips and fled from Topeka m despair. They have chosen voluntary exile rather than face an ar bitrary order to leave the capital. WELCOME IN MICHIGAN. But Lobbyists Are Careful Since the Bribetakers Were Convicted. LANSINC, Mich., Jan. IS. (Special.) as to official warnings against lobbyists there is more likelihood of official wel come in Lansing. For years not a word has been uttered In protest against the machinations of the cloakroom workers. In fairness it must be said, however, that the corporation lobby Is not large nor formidable. It diminished in size six years ago, when a grand Jury Indicted a state official for offering bribes, a Speaker of the House for accepting one, and a Representative for soliciting one. Now the lobbyists remain under cover. SAY THEY ARE INCORRUPTIBLE Hoosler Lawmakers Have No Fears of Breakdown of Virtue. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Jan. 18. (Spe cial.) Hoosler Senators have given them selves a vote of confidence in their own incorruptibility, and the agitation for prodding out the lobbyists has fallen Into premature desuetude. Governor Hanley so far has not followed up the recommen dations in his inaugural address and has not made further request that the As sembly take steps to abolish the profes sional lobby. CONTENTS OF TODAY'S PAPER The Weather. TODAT'S Rain; southeasterly -winds. YESTERDAY'S Maximum temperature, 43 2eg.; minimum, 32. Precipitation, none. Wax la the Tar JEast. ScretaryHay secures pledges from, great pow ers to preserve China again Russia. Page. 3. Jaoan will save five Russian warships at fort Arthur. Pace 3. Foreign. Strike at St. Petersburg spreads and may lead to bloodshed. Pare 1. Minister Mlrsky retains office and calls con ferences to recommend reforms. Page, 1. German miners' strike now iuTolves 185 000 men and paralyzes Industry. Page 3. National. Tbe House decides to impeach Judge Swnyne by mall majority. Pago 1. Snator Stone speaks In support of investiga tion of campaign funds and condemns Roose velt and Cortelyou. Page 4. House and Senate leaders agree on railroad rat biU. Page 4. Chairman Burton opposes appropriations for Seattle. Tacoina and dray's Harbor, a: well as Celllo Canal. Pag 2. Professor of Mormon college testifies for Smoot. Paze 5. Tolltics. Governor Folk's rules against lobbyists causes panic among them; other states act against them. Page 1. Bolt from Nledringhaus prevents his election, and Missouri Republicans fear loss o: Sna torship. . Page 4. Repeaters give sensational evidence at Colo rado Gubernatorial contest. Page 4. Domestic. Fall Klver cotton-mill strike settled by Gov. crnor Douglas. Page 5. Mrs. ChaJwlck a physical and mental wreck Page Commercial and Marine. Weekly reviews of local produce and jobbing markets. Page 15. Chicago wheat market strong from start to finish. Page 15. Reading I feature of New York stock mar ket. Page 15. Apples In demand in Sin Franj.xco market. Page 15. Increase In war risks on cargoes bound to Orient. Page 14. Activity In coasting lines. Pasc 14. Portland second among wheat-shipping ports. Page 14. .Northwest Legislatures. Governor Chamberlain reminds Oregon Legis lature of the referendum law. Page 6. Business transacted In Oreaun Senate and House. Pages and 7. Second ballot for Senator at Olympia shows little change. Page 1. Two new Justices created by Olympia legis lature. Page 7. Pacific Coast. Road will be built from Spokane to open East Kootenai country. Page 5. Investigation of Montana Penitentiary affalrr will be undertaken. Page 5. HoQulam ex-Treasurer arrested on embezzle ment charge. Page 6. Portland and Vicinity. Council tables resolution appropriating $5000 for repairs on Tanner-Creek sewer. Page 10. Portrait of Mayor Williams Is presented to the city. Page 10. Military Board held to have exclusive control of Armory. Page 14. Tower of Government Building at Lewis and Clark Exposition to be equipped with chimes. Page II. One hundred Japanese leave for the front. Page 9. Sorenen bribery trial continued In the Federal Court until today. Page H. Chinamen attack Deputy Sheriff in a raid on a gambling den. and officer uses gun to quell them. Page" 10. Librarian's annual report shown that Portland public U reading lez fiction and more of " deeper subjects. Page 14. Plans made for big musical festival at the Lewis and dark. Exposition. Page 12. SOCIAL 1R ON Strike at St Petersburg Spreading. FEARS OF BLOODSHED Revolutionists Take Advan tage of Struggle, WORK ON WARSHIPS STOPS About 58,000 Ironworkers Strike and 50,000 Cotton - Mill Operatives May Join Them Demands of the Strikers. ST. PETERSBURG, Jan. IS. The strike situation is becoming- very grave. Tonight there are 58,000 men. out on strike, and the movement is. spreading- to the bigr cotton mills,, which employ over 50,000 operatives. Meetings have been called for tomor- row, at which Social Democratic lead- ers will use their utmost endeavors to convert the strike into a vast political demonstration, which at the present crisis might have most serious devel opments. The authorities are adopt ing every precaution to avoid an out break, but the Social Democrats arie spurring on the strikers, and there ia great danger of a collision with the troops, which would be almost sure to. be followed by red flag demonstrations, accompanied by great bloodshed. The community is full of sensational ru mors and rioting Is generally expected. In conjunction with the Epiphany celebration, which will occur tomor row, the meetings of strikers will make the day a critical one for the police. Thus far, however, the strike has pre served a purely economic aspect. The great Industrial quarter of St. Peters burg presents the appearance of an armed camp. The Idle factories are surrounded by cordons of police and patrols of Infantry march about thu snow-covered plains. The strikers are led by a priesfl named Gopon, who is idolized by the workmen- and who represents them in negotiations with the employers. This Is'. the flrst great strike in Northern Russia. Hitherto the work men have been unorganized, and pre vious strikes In St. Petersburg have not involved more than 10,000 men. The strike leaders claim to have funds enough to hold out for a month, but this is doubted, and the lack of money and the privations of "Winter and per haps government interference are ex pected to make the strike short and sharp. The strikers, who at flrst declined an offer of financial support, are re ported to have accepted a contribution: from Moscow. The strike has an important bearing on the war In the Far East, as every day's delay in completing government contracts with the iron works meansy the loss of precious time in the start ing of the third Pacific squadron. THE PEOPLE MAY SPEAK OUT, Mirsky Wins. Point and Calls Provin cial Conferences on Reforms. ST. PETERSBURG, Jan. 18. The Min ister of the Interior, Sviatopolk-MIrsky, has sent, a circular to the Governors oC the provinces In which conferences have been convened to consider reforms In the peasant laws, pointing out that the Idea that the imperial ukase of December 25 has radically changed the principles of tho laws is due to misapprehension. The--ukase, proceeds the circular, confirms anew the necessity for Incessantly striv ing to attain the goal marked out therein. Tbe decree of January 11, 1904. provided; for a revision of the peasant laws on the basis of the reforms of 1861. and ordered that due consideration be given to the in violability of communal property, while at the same time facilitating the removaL of Individual peasants to their respective communities without the expropriation of their holdings therein. These principles1 are fully preserved by the ukase of De cember 25, which ordered a revision of the peasant laws with the object of bringing them In unison with the general legisla tion of the Empire, enabling the peas antry to fully enjoy their rights . as free countrymen in accordance with the spirit of the law of 1S61. The circular calls attention to the fact that the ukase of December 25 especially dwelt on the urgent necessity of uniform ity In the judicial procedure In order to secure the legal equality of all classes and assure the necessary Independence of tho judicial authorities, and proceed?: This, however, must not be regarded as absolute predetermination of the question of the abolition of the peasant courts, th present isolation of which may be remedied and their independence assured. The im perial decree of December 25 does not make a change of any kind. On the contrary, it directly suggests the maintenance of the im portant functions; committed to the pro vlclal conferences. Regarding the Inquiry mentioned in the ukase into the most Important questions oC peasant life and the needs of agriculture by a special conference, thin inquiry Is con fined to the consideration of communications of opinions of local committees and can only contribute to the elucidation of the needs of the peasants without depriving of their importance the reports of the provincial conferences, which doubtless will serve as tho basis for the final elaboration of the peasant laws. In conclusion the circular says: The considerations above set forth by the Minister of the Interior have been approved, by the Emperor. The Minister therefore di rects tho Governors to take all measures to assure that the work of the provincial con ferences is continued and brought to a con clusion with the utmost rapidity and that the members of the conferences are granted, power to freely state their opinions, so that fult expression may be given to the true views of those conversant with the needs of the peasantry. The decision of the committee to consult members of the Zemstvos and Doumas on the reforms outlined In section 2 of the imperial manifesto, it Is believed, will insnire Minister Sviatopolk-Mirsky's con tinuation in office, at least until the com mittee's labors are concluded, and possi bly reconcile him to remain Indefinitely At meetings of tho workmen, wlth- (Concluded on Page Three.).