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About Oregon City courier. (Oregon City, Or.) 1896-1898 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 25, 1898)
A COURT OF HUM T Investigation Into Cause , Maine Disaster Begun. of MANY ABSURD RUMORS AFLOAT RECOVERING THE DEAD. Special Telegraph lo Service Has Been Discontinued. QUESTION OF IDEMNITY. Frederick It tin Wreck 'Will Be Raised-Burial of the Dead and Caring for the Wounded Expressions of Sympathy. Washington, Feb. 19. The govern ment has settled back into a waiting -attitude in respect to the terrible Maine disaster in Havana harbor. The great shook caused bv the news has given way to a oalmer and more judicial state -of mind, and, realizing from the events of the day that the court of inquiry is the sole dependence in the search for the cause of the Maine's disaster, the naval officers uVe now resigned to await the results of that inquiry by a court -opened today by the navy department. There was little news to add to the sum -of information as to the disaster re ceived during the forenoon. No tele grams oame, and the only news gleaned was a denial of Borne absurd story or other that had crept into piint or be come ourrent gossip. All the news of the day came in the late afternoon in the shape of Captain Sigsbee's report of the authorization of the funeral of his dead sailors, and General Lee's graphic story of the terrible struggle for life in the dark hull of the Maine. The officials at the navy department devoted the day to the effort of correct ing the list of living and dead, to an swering frantic telegraphio appeals from relatives of men on the battleship, -and last, but not least, in meeting with unwavering courtesy and patience the exacting demands upon their time 'by the press reporters. The disposition of the Burvivors, Cap tain Dickens, acting chief of the navi gation bureau, has arranged for as well as could be done from this , distance. The wounded sailors in the Havana :hoBDitals, on the Spanish flagship and elsewhere, when not in condition to be brought back to Key West, will be oarefully looked after by Mies Clara Barton, who has been given carte blanche to buy anything and everything necessary, food and delicacies, and hire nurses and physicians. The wounded .able to get across to Key West will be taken care of in the marine hospital there. The sound survivors will be quartered in the army barracks there. As for the Maine herself, notwith standing discouraging reports from Lieutenant Howe as to her condition, the navy department will try to raise her. They say they are bound to re move the hull from the small havbor, in any caBe, and it may be as easy, or easier, to raise her as it would be to destroy the hull and machinery by the use of divers and dynamite. It is be lieved the work can be done by private wrecking corporations, and negotia tions are already afoot for placing the contract, based on work by the day, at .an estimated cost of $200,000. At the navy department specific de nial was given of the report emanating from Madrid that a torpedo flotilla was about to leave Key West for Cuba. It was stated that only two torpedo boats, the Cushiug and Ericsson, are at Key West, and these have not been ordered, and will not be ordered, ac cording to the present plans, to Cuba. It was strongly asserted that no pres ent purpose existed of sending another warship there. On the streets there was noticeably less excitement than yesterday, when the people were loth to believe that the loss of the Maine could be traced to other than Spanish sources. All the flags throughout the city, in cluding those on the capitol and the de partment buildings, are flying at hall maBt, and among the others is con spicuously that of "Cuba libre," which flies from the staff of the Hotel Raleigh, the headquarters of the Cuban .junta. Believes a Harvey Torpedo Did It. Chioago, Feb. 19. Emil Gathman, -the inventor, believes the Maine was destroyed by a Harvey torpedo. He is conversant with Havana harbor, and from personal examination is familiar with the equipment of the Maine Mr. Gathman served two. years as t naval apprentice aboard the training- ship Portsmouth when Captain Sigsbee was hej commander. Ihree years ago lie was a member of the engineering corps which conducted the second trial trip of the Maine. The Insolence of Weyler. Baroelona, Feb. 19. Lieutenant General Weyler, who arrived here to day, expressed the opinion, in the course of an interview, that the dis aster which had befallen the United States warship in Havana was due to the insolence of her crew." He an nounced his intention to ask the gov ernment's permission to go to Havana and stand as a candidate for the cham ber of deputies for the Havana district Washington, Feb. 23. Today's de velopments in the Maine disaster were of a negative character, greatly to the disappointment of a considerable num ber of persons, who were looking for some Btartling discovery by the divers working in the sunken hull. What threatened to be another inter national incident growing out of certain alleged utterances by Lieutenant-Com-mandei Sobral has been dismissed sum marily as shown by the following state ment given out at the department of state: "The department of state learns from the Spanish charge d'affaires that Lieu tenant Commander Sobral, to whom unfavorable utterances respecting the discipline of the United States navy had been attributed in a newspaper in terview, was relieved of his functions as naval attache to the Spanish legation in the United States some time ago, his sucoessor, JUoutenant-Uomnianuer uon Ramon Carranza y Reguera having been appointed on the 24th of January last in his capacity." For very obivous reasons, Captain Sigsbee at Havana is making the most strenuous efforts to hasten the recovery of the bodies,' probably 100 in number, still imprisoned in the wreck of the Maine. It was a knowledge of the cap tain's desire that probably led Consul General Lee to inform the navy depart ment of the need of more divers. Tlis had the desired effect, for the navy de partment took action to send more help. Admiral Sicard telegraphed from Key West this afternoon that lie had sent five divers to Captain Sigsbee and asked if that was sufficient. The acting chief of the navigation bureau, Captain Dickens, at once took the sensible oourse of directing the admiral to put himself in communica tion with Captain Sigsbee and learn his needs at first hand.. The business of the navy department is getting back to its normal condition, aa is evidenced by the fact that an order has been issued to discontinue the special telegraphic servioe which was established with Key West, and hereafter the office at that place will close at 10 o'clock at night, as formerly. Commander Forsythe, the command ant at Key West, has also asked permis sion of the department to stop his daily bulletins, and this has been granted, with an understanding that he will re port any deaths that may occur among the sufferers in the hospital there. To day he reported that they were all get ting along nicely. The exchange of official condolences still oontinues. Today, Secretary Long sent a telegram as follows to Captain Eulate; "Commanding Officer of the Spanish Cruiser Vizcaya, Tompkinsville, N. Y. I have the honor to acknowledge Jthe EXPECTED TO BE BLOWN UP. Coudert Interviewed , on Maine Matter. New York, Feb. 22. The Herald tomorrow will say: Frederick . R. Coudert, formerly counsel for the United States before the Behring sea commission, and a well-known author ity on international law, was inter viewed regarding the matter of an in demnity, if it can be shown that the Snnnish nt Havana ' failed to take proper precautions to insure the safety of the Maine. "Spain should pay indemnity for the loss of the Maine," Mr. Coudert said, "provided the accident is found to be due to the negligence of Spanish officials. The vessel went to Havana on a friendly visit and was entitled to full protection. It was proper that extraordinary precautions should be taken to insure her safety. It was well known that there were individuals be longing to the Spanish nation who had ill feelings towards the United States. If any danger was known to exist in Havana harbor, it was to be expected that Spain should inform the oaptain of the Maine of the fact and use every means to nrevent anv accident to the vessel. If, on the other hand, a man with a basket of dynamite should have oome aboard the Maine and blown up the vessel, the fault plainly would have been with the officers of the vessel. It was their duty to keep the strictest watch over everybody who came on board. The destruction of the Maine by acoident or by the act of ir responsible individuals would not justi fy a declaration of war. Carnot, for instance, was assassinated by an Italian, yet France did not blame Italy. Italian subjects were killed by a mob several years ago at New Or leans. Italy was justifyed in demand ing an indemnity, which she received, because the men when slain were in charge of officers of the law, who should have made every effort to pre vent their prisoners from being killed. It did not result in war." ANOTHER RUMOR. BIG COLONIZATION SCHEME Prediction of One of the Men on the Battle-Ship. Detroit, Mich., Feb. 19. A special to the News from Bay Cty, Mich., says: A letter was received today from Elmer Meilstrup, a gunner on the Maine, dated February 11, in which Meilstrup wrote that he would not be surprised if they should be blown np any dav; that the ship was surrounded wth tor pedoes and could not leave the harbor without the consent and direction of the Spanish authorities. Meilstrup's letter says: "The Spaniards have a couple of gun boats and a cruiser and there are two German gunboats. The guns of Morro castle are pointed at us as I write. The whole bottom of the harbor is covered. with torpedoes, so, if they did not want to let us out, we would not be able to go very well. We are lying between the Spanish and German men-of-war, and they have picket boats out all night watching us." In a letter of February 7, Meilstrup says: "Don't look for any trouble unless something very unexpected should hap pen. In a letter of January 15, Meilstrup told of an accident aboard the cruiser Marblehead, when five men were in jured by a shot. Commenting, he says: "It is a wonder some of the ships don't blow up; they are so careless." These letters were addressed to the writer's mother, Mrs. James Meilstrup. Washington, Feb. 19. Elmer M. Meilstrup, of West Bay, Mich., accord ing to the naval records, was not a gunner, but waB rated as an ordinary seaman on the Maine. SAILORS WANT REVENGE. Diver and Wrecking; Gear. Key West, Feb. 19. The coast sur vev steamer A. D. Bache arrived this afternoon from Dry Tortugas in com mand of Lieutenant Barnet. Early to morrow morning she will leave for Ha vana, taking divers and such wreckagi gear as is obtainable. Major Myrlck Not Surprised. Savanah, Ga., Feb. 19. Major John R. Myrick, of Fort Wadsworth, N. Y, here attending the Carter court-mar' tial, said today that he was not sur prised at the explosion on the Maine, as the Cincinnati came near suffering similar fate in almoBt exactly the same epot in 1895, her coal igniting from spontaneous combustion and eating its way almost to the compartment for storing explosives. eceipt of your telegram of condolence for the loss of the Maine and to thank you for the exression of sympathy." A similar response was made to a cablegram from Vice-Admiral Spann, at Vienna, expressive of sympathy for the terrible disaster to the Maine. The social courtesies which the gov ernment intended to extend to the offi cers of the Vizcaya have been aban doned on account of the Maine catas trophe. As a result the stay of the Vizoaya at New York probably will be materially shortened, and she is likely to Bail within the next three days. The ship will probably proceed direct to Havana, not stopping at Charleston or other ports, as had been suggested during the earlior preparations. The Vizoaya will not coal at New York, ac cording to the understanding here, nor ill it be necessary for her to take coal before reaohing Havana. This deter mination gives relief to the authorities, as the taking of coal in time of publio excitement is attended with more or less risk, the coal affording an opportu nity to extremists for the secretion of explosives, despite the utmost precaU' tion that may be taken. Numerous letters and telegrams have been received at the department from individuals desiring to join the navy. asking to be enlisted immediately. A telegram was received tliiB morning from an organization in Detroit, offer ng the immdiate services of 10,000 citizens of that city in case oi war. Patriotio offers also have been received lrom other places. Owing to the delicate situation, the board of inquiry, which is now in ses Bion, has uecmeu to mane noming whatever public It is not known what the testimony may develop or when, and it is only fair to the Span ish government not to tell the publio the testimony until all has been re ceived and the findings have been con sidered. Untimely Indignation. Dayton, O., Feb. 23. Great indig nation was shown toward the Spaniards today. The National Cash Register Companv is holding a convention of agents from all over the world, and among other countries Spain is repre sented. In honor of the various na tions, the different flags were displayed at the faotory. Objection was made to the Spanish flag by the workmen and 12 Spanish nags displayed about the works were pulled down and torn into shreds. President John H. Patterson, of the company, ordered 24 Spanish flags put up to replace the ones torn down. This made the. 3,000 workmen angry, and trouble jfi feared. No Doubt In Their Mlmls That Spain Did It. Jacksonville, Fla., Feb. 22. A spe cial to the Citizen from Key West, says: Sailors of the battleship Maine suffering from wounds, in the Key West hosDital. are smarting over the delay of the government in punishing what they term a Spanish outrage. In their minds there is no doubt aa to the cause of the explosion, and they think the delay in taking summary aotion by the president saying he is morally cer tain that there was an acoident, is to soothe Spaniards into a feeling of se curity to secure time for his ultimatum. If no action is taken, not a man among them will again pace the deck of an American man-of-war, but if business is meant, it will take a strong force to keept them from hurrying to the front, wounded though they are, to taKe a hand in what they look upon as per sonal vengeance. We were warned not to go to Ha- . . i . , ill : t 1 1 vana,' one saw touay, ueing ioiu that danger awaited us there. hen we got there it was current rumor that the harbor bottom was honeycombed with mines. We first chose our an chorage and rested there for several lours, but the harbor master compel led us to weigh and proceed to a Bpot marked by a buoy. We were reviled on the streets of Havana, sneered at until our blood boiled, and found out for our own safety that it was safer for us to make our visits to the city in force. No man dared to go alone. There was no knowing what would happen to him. The explosion itself is the best evidence that it was a mine or torpedo. There were two sharp and distinct reports. The first was like a peal of thunder close at hand, and then darkness and chaos, made more horrible to the screams of dying men, the fierce shouts of those flghing for egress and the moans of those hemmed in to die by fire or by drown ing. COMMANDER BARNET'S VIEWS. Messages of Condolence. Washington, Feb. 19. A number of messages have been received at the state department from foreign govern ments, expressing regretB in connection with the Maine disaster. Among them are the following: "Secretary of State: I have the honor to inform you that I am com manded by the queen to convey to the president the expression of her majesty's sympathy with the American people on the ocasion of the sad disaster which has befallen their navy by the loss of the battleship Maine and the mem bers of her crew. I request that you will be good enough to transmit the above message to its high destination. I have the honor to be, with the high est consideration, your most humble servient "JULIAN PAUNCEFOTE " Berlin, Feb. 19. To the President of the United States, Washington: "Let me express my sincere sympathy to you and your country at the terrible loss of the Maine and the death of so many brave officers and men. "WILLIAM III." Secretary Long received the follow ing cablegram from the Russian min ister of marine at at. Petersburg: "Ihave just reoeived the news of the Maine's terrible disaster. I beg you to accept my own and the Russian navy's sincere sympathy. "VICE-ADMIRAL P. TYRLOW, "Minister of Marine." Secretary Long received the follow' ing during the day: "I reeret with all my soul the ter rible catastrophe of the Maine, and send my condolence for the victims and their families. The Spanish navy is in mourning for the American navy. "SOBRAL, "Naval Attaohe, Spanish Navy." WRECK OF THE FLACHAT. A Wounded Sailor Claims to Have Seen the Torpedo. Washington, Feb. 21. A wounded sailor in the marine hospital at Key West has told a New York Herald cor respondent that while looking over the Maine's bows into Havana harbor just previous to the battle-ship's destruc tion, he saw an illuminated missile apparently a torpedo approaching in the waters, and that before he could give the alarm the explosion occurred. If true, this story settles all doubts as to the destruction of the Maine having been the work of an enemy of the Uni- ted States. Later dispatches from Havana fail to confirm the rumor. A joint resolution passed both houses of oongress today, appropriating $200, 000 for the purpose of raising the Maine. Until this has been accom plished it is probable that the manner of her destruction cannot be definitely learned. The feature of the day at the navy department was the large number of rumors of a warlike tendency that re quired attention and in every case con tradiction. So formidable had grown the list that at the close of office hours Secretary Long was induced to make a statement, as the easiest manner of disposing at one time of all these stories: "Really no information has been re ceived, since Captain Sigsbee s flrBt dispatch, adding anything to our knowledge of the disaster. All we know is that the Maine blew up. There is abundant room for speculation, but no conclusion can be arrived at until an examination has been made by the divers, und more facts obtained, rather think it was accidental." New York, Feb. 23. A dispatch to the World from Havana says: The divers have made only three descents to the wreck of the battle-ship Maine. Captain Sigsbee's state documents were rescued from a private drawer in his cabin. The keys to the magazines were found just above the hook over the head of the captain's bed, the usual place. They had been floated upward by the rising of the mattress. About 100 of the Maine's heroes are yet in the wreck. Investigation May Show tho Magazine Intact. Havana, Feb. 22. Lieutenant-Com mander iiarnet, ot tne coasi survey boat B.iche, said to a press correspond ent today: "You want the faots. I cannot tell you. mere are vo cnanoes out oi iuo that the investigation will show that the forward magazine of the Maine did not blow up first, if it exploded at all, and that it was not the cause of the terrific consequences that followed. The condition of the wreck when flrBt studied and a later careful scrutiny make this an almost absolute cer tainty." ' Chaplain Chidwick has recovered considerable sums ot money with let ters and other personal property from the bodies taken from the wreck. In the effects, the initials can be seen on the coat lining and may Berve to iden tify the wearer, but the harbor water is so filthy that the marks are nearly all illegible. Chaplain Chidwick is one of the hardest-working officers, and upon him devolves eome of the mot revolving duties of the situation. It is apparent that efficient work is not possible with the divers and ap paratus at hand and the arrival of others is anxiously awaited. Father Power, of the Jesuits, arrived yesterday from Tampa, and immedi ately visited the Maine's wounded in the hospital. The lighthouse tender Mangrove with the court of inquiry and addition al divers and apparatus, is expected here tomorrow. Neither Spanish or Cuban divers will be employed. To day divers recovered the cipher book, the logbook of the Maine and many offlical and private papers. Only Survlng Passenger Tells of the Disaster. Teneriffe, Canary Islands, Feb. 19. M. Munoz, the only surviving pas senger of the Campagnie Gcneralo Transatlantic steamer Flaohat, bound from Marseilles for Colon, that was wrecked at Anaga point, this island, early yesterday morning during thiok weather, says: "When the Flachat grounded, her engineers let off the steam and thereby prevented the boilers from bursting. The passengers, under charge of the doctor and the second officer, were shut up in the deckhouse under the bridge. The captain ordered the boats out, but the vessel took a heavy list to port, and ihree of the port boats were car ried away by a heavy sea directly after launching. An attempt was then made to launch the starboard lifeboat, and, after working steadily from 2 till U in the morning, it succeeded. "Those on board made a rush and 50 jumped into the eea in an endeavor to reach the boat. Only 16 succeeded, and two of these were washed out The boat was full of water, and it was impossible to use the oars. After half an hour the steamer Susie arrived and picked up the 14 in the boat. "There were still about 40 people on the wreck, but when the Susie re turned from Santa Cruz not a soul was to be seen, and the eea was washing over the wreck. , The captain and officers did their best, but owing to the mountainous seas it was impossible to save the women and children. All were obliged to jump to save their lives. The captain was in bed when the vessel struck, and the second officer was in charge. The fastest railroad in the world is "the Flying Welshman;" its fame hag extended around the globe. Vizcaya Reaches New York. New York, Fob. 21. The Spanish armored cruisei Vizcava is in New York waters. She dropped her big anchor five miles south of Sandy Hook lightship at 5:80 P. M. When her officers and men learned of the startling disaster to the American battle-Bhip Maine, in Havana harbor and of tl downfall of ex-Minister de Lome, they broke into a wild uproar of talk. For a couple of minutes all discipline on the creat warship seemed to vanish to the winds. Men rushed below to toll their comrades on the lower decks. Every policeman in this city was on duty today. Last night Chief MoCul- lah sent orders to all police captains notifying them to report back to their precincts immediately alter supper, and there to .remain in servioe until further orders. This action, it is said, was taken in compliance with a request made to the police department by The odore Roosevelt, assistant secretary of the navy, last night, that precautions be taken against a possible hostile demonstration upon the arrival ot the Spanish cruiser Vizcaya. Spain Buying Cartridges. New York, Feb. 21. An order for 8,000,000 Mauser rifle cartidges, chareed with antipvrite powder, has been placed with a powder firm in th city by the Spanish government. The order was given through a oontraoting agent, who has so far managed to con ceal his identity. The powder, aa its name implies, is smokeless. It is used bv the Russian and German armies and England. Attempted to Lynch Zola. Paris, Feb. 21. There were riotous woceediiiBS after the adjournment of court today, and Zola narrowly ecsaped being lynched by a mob. On leaving the palace of justioeall the officers were acclaimed by a crowd outside the build ing, and General Pellieux, who de scended the steps bareheaded, was given a great reception. Esterhazy was greet ed with shouts of "Vive 1'armie!" The polioe were powerless to maintain order in the immense crowds, and several Jews were objects of insult and menace. There was a general fight The mob threw itself on the Jews, yelling "Death to the Jews," "Throw the Jews into the Seine." Finally republican guards charged the rioters and cleared the square. The crowd fell back after the charge of the army, singing the "Mar- seillaibe" and shouting "Spit on .olai" The authorities were oblgied to pro tect Zola's carriage with a double oor don of police. On reaching St. Michael bridge, the mob made a murderous rush for the carriage, but the police threw themselves between the vehicle and the mob, and a sories of miniature battles ensued. Ultimately, the police drove the mob back, and M. Zola was enabled to proceed without further molestation. A number of arrests were made, but all those who were taken into custody weie released later. Departure of John Jacob Astor and Ilia Tarty for Honduras. New York, Feb. 21. One of the greatest colonization echemes the world as ever seen was practically begun yes terday when John Jacob Astor started for Honduras. He left New York in a private car for Palm Beach, where his yacht, Normanhal, is in waiting. With him are his cousin, Richard S. Peters, his private secretary, Mr. Hawkins; C. L. Sprague and Washing ton S. Valentine, the head of the syn dicate that bears his name. Among the other stockholders to whom Mr. Astor will tell his experiences and ob servations are Chauncey M. Depew, Walter Webb, General B. F. Tracy, F. J. Jennings, President McCullough of the ririe; George N. Scott, of the Pa oific Mail Company, and William Rad- cliffe, of London. The syndicate has also started a national bank in Honduras, erected lighthouses, established a revenue cut ter service and begun the extension of the Honduras railroad to the Pacific ooean. It has taken hold of the cus tom-houses on a guaranty to the gov ernment of $1,000,000 and has already confiscated $18,000 worth of smuggled goods. Mr. Alitor will go to the capital. The new raliroad has renched the great coffee belt now and there will be a colony formed there in which every . man will have a chance of fortune. Only men with families, with aome lit tle money, with practical experience and with the best of reputations will be taken. To them will be given con cessions of land, importation of imple ments, etc., and tip to a certain point finanoial aid will be given. The details of the colonization plan are not perfected, and will not be arranged and made publio until after Mr. Astor's return, in March. Dissolution Is at Mand. Chicago, Feb. 21. A special from New, Orleans says: Positive information has readied, this port from Sail Salvador that the Greater Republio of Central America has praotically ceased to exist, the principal state, Salvador, having with drawn from the union. This aotion was preoipitated by the step of Guiterez, president of Salvador, who is at present assisting indirectly the revolutionists of Nicaragua, and who has deolared officially that the liberal party of Honduras is unworthy longer to retain power. RATES CUT IN TWO. Tobacco is said to have been first brought into England from Virginia in 1583. THE NEVADA FOUND. Was SENATE OPPOSES IT. Action In the I'pper Hons on the Kan sas 1'aclfle Sale. Washington, Feb. 19. After a spirited debate, occupying more than two hours, the senate, today, by a vote of 84 to 29, agreed to the resolution of Turpie declaring the senate's opposition to the sale of the Kansas Pacific. The only reference thus far made to the Maine disaster was in the form ot a resolution introduced by Allen, Burned to the Water's Edge la I.ynil Canal. Seattle. Feb. 21. The steamerf. Queen and Humboldt, which arrived in Seattle Thursday morning, brought confirmation of the loss ot the steamer Clara Nevada. The little steamer Rustler, sent out from Juneau to learn the fate of the missing steamer, found the blackened hull, burned to the wa ter'a edge, in about six fathoms of water, but in two days' cruising along the bleak shores of Lynn canal failed to discover a single sign of a survivor The beach for miles was found strewn with wreokage ot all descriptions. Tortured by Turks. London, Feb. 21. The News' corre spondent at Constantinople tells a ter rible story of murder and torture in the moat horrible fashion of Bulgarians in Macedonian villages. Many have died under torture. Prince Wounded In a Duel. Vienna, Feb. 21. A duel was fought today between Prince Phillip of Saxe Cob lira and Gotha and Lieutenant M it tachich. The prince was wounded eeverely in the right arm. Canadian Pacific Makes a Bid for th Alaska Business. Chicago, Feb. 21. The Canadian Pacific road todav exploded a bomb among its American competitors, by announcing a wholesale reduction of rates. These cuts affect business in two directions. In the first place, the rates from all New England points to Minneapolis and St. Paul,, are slaught ered, and, again, New England points and points in the state of New York have had a blanket rate applied so far as all business to North Pacific ooast points is concerned. These trans continental rates have been cut almost in two. The present rates from the Atlantic seaboard to the North Pacific coast arej$79.85 first-class, and $07.40 second-olass. Tomorrow the Canadian Paoiflo will make these rates from all points in New England and New Yorkr $40 first-class and $30 socond-olass. Rates to St. Paul will be cut from $29.50 first-class and $28.50- second class to $20 flrst-cluss and $19 second class. On learning the Canadian Pacific's intention in the matter, the Grand Trunk road at once invited the Chioago roads to join it in meeting these latee via Chioago. They had been impbrtun ing the Grand Trunk for months to join them in meeting the Canadian Pacifio rates, little thinking that a soon as such an agreement was affected, the Canadian Pacifio, at one slash. would work such havoo with their rev- . .1 1 - .1 . 1 enues. II tney agree 10 me uranu Trunk's requeBt, it will mean the im mediate reduction of the rates from Ch'"ago to North Pacifio points from $81.50 first-class and $51.50 second class to $31.50 first-class and $20.50 second-class. Doubtless the Northern Paoiflo and the Great Northern roads will be af anxious as the Grand Trunk that the Chicago roads should join in meeting the rates. Their rofusal would simply mean that they had gone out of the business for the time being, and that would mean that the two roads named running weBt from St. Paul would get little or none of the business, because they would have no eastern connection to take it to them, and the Canadian Pauiflo is not likely to give them any. A meeting of the interested lines lias been callud for tomorrow to decide on some definite course of action, but it may have to be adjourned to the begin ning of next week, on account of the absence of many of the general passen ger agents in the East. At a meeting held here today, it was decided to ask the trunk lines to assist in fighting the Canadian Paoiflo. Northern Pacific's Announcement. Tacoma, Feb. 21. The Northern P cifio announces a big out in passenger rates. The rate from Taooma to St. Paul, Dultith and points in Minnesota, North Dakota and Manitoba will be cut in two. Great Northern In Line. Seattle, Feb. 21. The Groat North ern today announced a cut ineaBt-bound rates. The out 1b the same as made by the Northern Pacific. Another Cut by the Boo. Minneapolis, Feb. 21. The Boo Pa cifio has announced, as effective Febru ary 23, a rate from Minneapolis and St. Paul to Pnget sound points of $16 first class, $10second-cluss, and to Portland, $5 higher.