Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 19, 1904)
4 VOL. XLTV. 0. 13,737. PORTLAND, OREGON, MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1904. PRICE FIVE CENTS, Ml DTH DNTHEWAY lermann Comes With Senator Mitchell. 0 GO BEFORE GRAND JURY lonfident of Establishing Their Innocence in Land Cases. IEMAND FULL INVESTIGATION )regon Representative Says Christ- mas Holidays Give Him Oppor tunity He Has Desired to Give His Testimony. OREGONIAN NEWS BUREAU, Wash- Iington, Dec 1& Senator Mitchell and Representative Hermann left Washington I tonight on the 7:45 train for Portland, to appear before the Federal grand Jury and lace charges which, they have been ad- I vised, have been made Implicating them In Oregon land frauds. Both Mitchell and Hermann declare in most positive terms that they are absolutely innocent and have nothing to fear from return ing to Oregon. Both assert with equal positiveness that the tlmo has come when ; "this outrageous persecution must stop." ! They will insist upon their right to go before the grand jury and make answer to all charges that may be made against them, confident that they will be able to establish their innocence. They will ar rive in Portland Friday night, and ex pect to have a hearing on Saturday. Yesterday and today Senator Mitchell received telegrams from friends advising' them that it was currently reported in Portland that S. A. D. Puter, Mrs. Emma "Watson and others recently convicted of conspiracy in the Oregon land-fraud case had made confession implicating both himself and Hermann, and advising him to hasten to Portland to defend himself. He determined to do so at once. Hermann Decides to Come. Similar telegrams were sent to Her mann, but it was not until this afternoon that he concluded to .accompany Senator Mltche.U and. appear with, him before the grand Jury. Beth Mitchell and Hermann are satis fled that the move against them has been directed by Secretary Hitchcock from "Washington, and attribute it to his per sonal hostility toward them. Up to the time he refused to go to Portland as a witness against Puter, no public effort has been made to implicate Mitchell in the land frauds, but, so far as Hermann is concerned. It is declared that the pres ent effort to bring-about his Indictment is a culmination of a systematic cam paign which has been directed against him for the past two years. Senator Mitchell was seen as he was taking the train tonight. 'This afternoon," said he, "I telegraphed Francis J. Heney, Assistant Attorney General, and "United States District At torney Hall, as follows: " 'I will be in Portland next Saturday. I demand a thorough Investigation before the grand Jury of all charges, if any, against me. I also demand the right to appear as a witness before the grand jury " Mitchell Gives His Reasons. Asked why he had decided to return to Portland at this time, after- having de clined to go as a witness when summoned by subpena a week ago. Senator Mitchell said: "I was advised yesterday by telegrams from Portland that it was reported there that Puter, "Watson and others of that gang had made confession Implicating me, and that there would be an effort made to indict me and Hermann before the grand Jury which meets tomorrow. A week ago. when I was called as a witness, I had no intimation that it was claimed I was implicated in any way, and I did not feel It my duty to go and sacrifice public business; but the moment I was advised that I was being attacked personally I concluded ! was Justified in sacrificing public business and everything else to go and defend my character . against the assaults I know to be without any foun dation whatever." Senator Mitchell declined to be quoted as to the motive, which he believes Is be hind the move now being made to drag him into the land-fraud cases, but did say that the statement of tie case made In a "Washington dispatch to The Oregonlan, printed last Sunday, set forth the facts exactly as they exist. Comes to Meet Charges. Representative Hermann, before leaving, made the following statement: 1 "Information having been received that probably an attempt would be made to involve Senator Mitchell and myself in the grand Jury investigations as to land frauds In Oregon, I believe It to be my duty to proceed to Portland and there ask the privilege of meeting any charges which may be preferred. 'For nearly six years I was Commissioner-General of the Land Office here In "Washington, and during that period of time I performed the duties of -that office according to the law as I understood It, and to the best of my ability, and with out favoritism to any one. "No act was ever done by me as Com missioner that was not believed to be conscientiously right, and in strict ac cordance with law. "I was necessarily compelled to rely upon reports and recommendations' of many subordinate officials. If any of these reports or recommendations were erroneous cr false. I had no knowledge of the same. Persons guilty of defraud ing the .Government of any portion of Its domain should he prosecuted and sevreiyj dealt with; and I shall be only too iglad to render the Government any aid 'within my power to that end. Much to Do at Capital. "It was with deep regret 1 could not appear a second ' time as a witness at Portland, as desired by the Government, because of urgent matters pending before the committees of the House, bills to "be reached on the calendar and votes on Important matters to be cast, such as on the Swayne impeachment, and other matters, during the past week. Most of these I have attended to, and, as Con gress is about to adjourn for two weeks over the holidays, I feel that now is the time 1 can be spared from official duties here, and that It is my duty to go to Portland, and there ascertain upon what basis the reflections upon me rest" Mr. Hermann said that. Inasmuch as the President advocates a "square deal for every man," and as the grand jury In Portland has established the precedent of allowing the accused to appear before it "to answer charges, he felt confident he would be permitted to reply to whatever accusations may be lodged against him before the grand jury. Promises of Immunity. Private advices received hero today In dicate that the confession of Puter and his associates implicating Mitchell and Herman was obtained upon promise of immunity extended to these several par ties recently convicted. It Is known that such immunity was promised 'or principal witnesses in the Benson-Hydc-Dliitond-land-fraud case, all of them employes of the General Land Office, who confessed either to accepting bribes for furnishing inside Information of benefit to the land ring, or who admitted having been tools In the hands of the ring, making reports and recommendations at dictation from San Francisco headquarters. "Woodford D. Harlan and William E. Valk, who admitted receiving bribes, are still employed as clerks in the General Land Office, though their confessions were made last February. Forest Super intendent Benjamin F. Allen and Forest Supervisor Grant I. Taggart, both of California, who admitted they had been controlled by the land ring, aro still fill ing their original positions in the land service. All four were promised and have enjoyed Immunity, and It Is intimated a similar promise was held out to Puter and his associates, in order to obtain their confessions. Developments of the last few days seem to fulfill the prediction made by Secretary Hitchcock last week that before long per sons more prominent than any heretofore implicated would become prominent fig ures In -the land-fraud cases. Keen Interest at Washington. The outcome of the case against Mitchell and Hermann will be watched with keen interest from Washington. If one or both are indicted. It will be construed as a vindication of Secretary Hitchcock; if both are acquitted by the grand Jury, nnd no indictments brought In, Secretary Hitchcock's deep-laid plan will fall through, and the drfor will be opened for him to pass ,qut of the Cabinet without delay. Baker Comes With Congressmen. WASHINGTON, Dec lS:--ChaIrman Frank Baker left for Portland tonight with Senator Mitchell and Representative Hermann. MITCHELL ON THE WAY.. Senator Coming Home to Appear Be fore Federal Grand Jury. This morning, at 10 o'clock, the Fed eral grand jury will meet In its little room down at the Postoffice building, and out of that little room many big things are expected to come in the next few days. The air is rife with conjecture and sur mise and prbphesy. The public is very deeply Interested in the doings of the 12 men Injto whose presence will be led the testimony and evidence of the Govern ment, gathered through many weeks and months of tireless search. Last night, according to the expecta tion, Senator Mitchell should have start ed from Washington to make the long journey across the Continent to be pres ent and appear before the jury in an at tempt to clear his skirts from assumption of guilt and complicity In the frauds which have been perpetrated upon the Government and the people. "But what is this assumption?" is the question that Is asked. "In what manner Is the Sen ator connected with the crooked work that has been partially revealed In the trial just closed, and which was to have been further unfolded In the cases post poned?" Answers Are Indefinite. The answers are Indefinite, but the ru mors are many. "Pierce Mays is scared," those who seem to have the second sight will say, as they shake their heads In sorrow and sympathy. "He sees trouble ahead, and has frightened the Senator into a belief that he will be interested in the proceedings of the jury, in order to have him here that he may help the Port land attorney out of any trouble Into which he may fall." But there are other surmises as. to why the senior Senator of Oregon should make his long trip. The -testimony of the trial which showed that Senator Mitchell had taken Puter and Watson to Hermanr. upon a letter from Mays, had introduced them as friends of his to the Commis sioner; had told that Puter was one of the best citizens of Oregon, and had asked that the cases, in which the visit ors were Interested, be expedited; all this Is recalled as showing that the Senator had some connection with or Interest In the proceedings. That part of the business is open, so the Senator says. He was simply serv ing his constituents, as any official should. All of this Is admitted, but there aro other circumstances, the reply comes back. Why did the Senator take so much Interest in these particular cases; why did he, upon the simple recommendation of a letter of Introduction, take Puter to the Commissioner and vouch for him as one of the best citizens of the state? Why did he ask, upon such short notice, that the cases be taken out of their, reg ular, order in the department and made special to the probable retarding of other claims equally as meritorious? Having asked these questions, the story is told In answer that the committee room of the Senator was the camping ground of the majority of the land deal ers, tlmbermen and speculators who were in Washington to lobby through the ses sions ny legislation favorable to them or to prevent anything unfavorable It Is recalled that the Senator has boon active In any changes made in the laws as affecting the West particularly, and all sections in general; that he took in terest In the lieu land laws. In the forest reserve enactments and In all legislation. This Is all perfectly proper and right, so the conversations run, but under cover of all these changes the great work of de- (Concluded ec ,?ate 12.). ENDS In UPROAR Citizens' Meeting Mael strom of Passion. SHERIFF WORD COMMENDED Attempt to'Endofse District At torney Causes;Upheava!. . MOTION IS FINALLY LOST H. W. Stone Makes Statement That Mr. Manning Would Be Indorsed Whenever He Did Anything Worthy of Indorsement. The citizens' meeting in tho interest of honest municipal government, at JLho Marquam Grand Theater yostorday after noon, wae attended by a very large audi ence, which demonstrated Its approval of the sentiments of the speakers by -hearty applause and other manifestations of cor dial sympathy. The purpose of the meet ing was to make public expression of ap probation of the recent movement to en force the laws against gambling 'and other vices, and It was carried out to the let ter. X. J. Blagen was chairman, and the speakers Included: Dr. A. A. Morrison, of Trinity Episcopal Church; R. W. Monta gue, Samuel Connell, Robert Livingstone, Dr. Andrew C. Smith, who appeared in place of Rev. Father Thompson, of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Father Thompson being unable to te pres ent; Dr. S.' S. Wise, of the Tomple Beth Israel, and Dr. B. P. Hill, of the First Presbyterian Church . At the close of the meeting occurred a very Interesting episode that arose over an effort to Indorse District Attorney Manning, after the resolution had been presented commending Sheriff Word and others. After the speakers had concluded, the commendatory resolution, as follows, was read: Resolutions Are Read. Believing that the strict and Impartial en forcement of law is of the highest Importance In the preservatlon of public morality, and the development of the best Interests of the community: therefore be It resolved First That thin meeilnjr does hereby xpresa Its deep appreciation of the faithful de25stos of the bench In recent proceedings against public vice, and of the continued and decided action of the Sheriff and other officials wlta hare contributed thereto. Second That the work of the Portland Mu nicipal Aradcl&tlon is heartily Indorsed, the continuance of Its policy earnestly recommend ed, and that said association be, and hereby Is, reauested to undertake the raising and disbursing of such funds as may be necessary for the further diligent prosecution of the present campaign against gambling and other vices, as well as official dishonesty and neg lect of duty of any and every nature. Effort to Indorse Manning. District Attorney Manning was there, and evidently he had friends there. They noticed that his name -was omitted, and they concluded it was their duty to make some effort to repair the omission. There were loud cries of "Manning, Manning," from various parts of the house. Seated behind the District Attorney were several gamblers, who we're particularly noisy in their demonstrations. Mr. Manning arose and endeavored to speak, and was vocif erously told to go forward and take the platform. He declined, but said what he had to say standing in the aisle. Mean while, John R. James had offered an amendment to the original resolution in cluding Mr. Manning's name, and the chairman in the confusion declared that not only had the original motion .carried but the amendment as well. There was much objection to this procedure, and the matter was Anally straightened out, afiter an explanation of the purpose of the resolution by H. W. Stone, who made a politic statement that Mr. Manning would be Indorsed whenever he did anything worthy of Indorsement, by the decision of the chair thai the original resolution only had been adopted. So the meeting indorsed Sheriff Word, the Circuit Court Judges "and other officials," and the Portland Municipal Association. While the Manning amendment appeared in the first instance to have carried, the record shows that it did not carry, and the meeting appears to have acquiesced in this action. Chairman Blagen Opens Meeting. In opening the meeting. Chairman Bla gen said In part: "We have come here- this afternoon for the purpose of considering vital questions affecting municipal affairs and govern ment. We want to strengthen the hands of those officers who are enforcing our laws, without fear or favor. This meet ing did not originate with Jacob A. RIls, but is the outcome of public opinion. But if you want the burden to rest upon Mr. Rils, you can place It upon no better shoulders than his, because he Is friend of one we respect, Theodore Roosevelt.' The meeting also stands for the growth of the Municipal Association. We stand for the enforcement of law as it Is placed upon our statute books." Rev. Dr. Morrison Speaks. "The safety of city, state and Nation depends upon the public conscience and the high standards of its citizenship," be gan Dr. A. A. Morrison. "At intervals one or other of political parties busy them selves with political reforms, but these do not relieve Individual citizens of their duty to awaken in the public mind a sense of responsibility. There are times when the publlc conscience slumbers and some times )aies. There Is constantly a plea, be ing made by public officials that business men In the community are not In favor of this or that. We don't argue the ques tion with officials as to their right to judge what laws they shall or shall not en force.. I am satisfied that there are many decent people in the City of Portland. Yet at intervals during the past five years public gambling has ' opened, and it has slumbered again only to arise more ven omous than ever." Montague Praises Council. R. W. Montague was the next speaker. "I think It Is the duty of. every man who can spare time from the earning ot his bread, or teaching hip children, to -became a politician," started - off-Mr. Montague. 'Politics aro good when God-fearing men and women start out to work along lines of reclamation, and bad when politics do not posses the salt of righteousness. There Is the question ot the elimination of National politics from local affairs. I am told that there Is nothing politicians? dread as a meeting like this, because they fear that men who have hitherto held aloof from politics will take part in the latter. Go to your homes, read, get the facts, and become politicians. Do not rely altogether upon newspapers, but read the reports of the men who went through tho Tanner-Creek sewer. There's one city official " "Inpeach him," Interpolated somebody, speaking from the body of the house. "Don't condemn the bad with the good," went on Mr. Montague. "For Instance, the City Council has acted like a vigilant Inveftlgatlngwmmlttce in looking after Tannor-Creek sevfer-Tnaters. Look after your share of public affan-as you would look after your own business. I?on't quit and go home. It Is only In fairy tales that the good people start life tbgether and live happily ever after. If you run against one swindle in office, don't stop at him. Get the others." Samuel Connell Talks.. "Every two years officials bring forward a policy that Is d'agraclng the name of our fair city, an J is an insult to the law-abiding citizens of our community," stated Samuel Connell. "When our of ficials suspend the operations of the law 23 days every month and enforce the law on the 30th day, that Is anarchy, pure and simple, destructive alike to public morals and good government. (Applause.) That laws might as well not be enforced, and that the city might as well have the reve nue. Is repugnant Tho dignity of the law must be malntaTqed8rtdaittnt not be the means of raising revenue. When we have a Prosecuting Attorney and Judges working together, that is a matter for congratulation. I am here to speak to day for the maintenance of the public peace and good order." Livingston Is Applauded. Rpbert Livingstone was greeted with a round of applause, as his tall figure came forward. "I don't care about officials who may have the best policy formulat ed for the government of the Philippines or Cuba," he said, "but I want officials, when they become responsible for the government of a city, to look after its affairs, Just as a good business man looks after the details of his business. In the recent campaign, when so many kept office with the Republicans, Roosevelt spoke about giving and getting a 'square deal.' Well, have we got a 'square deal?' " Here the speaker read from an Oregonlan newspaper report giving a statement pf what Mayor Williams said during the campaign in this city In May, 1902, about gambling, and In which he promised to enforce the city ordinances as he found them. "We do not wish Mayor Williams to en force this ordinance and not that," went on Mr. Livingstone. "I suppose you have hoaTd of a story that the Mayor recently told at a banquet that Scotchmen have told him and others how to run the city. He may have said this in fun, and you can't believe all a man says at a banquet. But It is not as Scotchmen we speak it Is as taxpayers of the City of Portland. I hope Mayor Williams will not listen to the alluring voices that want him to run for a second term of office. Ho is an In telligent man and a Jurist, and I do hope at the expiration of his present term that he will retire to the seclusion cf his li brary and busy himself with literature. V-qjwu. ialth in Sheriff Thomas Word "when hie says: I am here tp enforce the laws of this city, and Pro. going to do If.' We ought to keep him. in office as long as lie Is willing to stay. We are told that, if there is no public gambling, business suffers. Well, the beer business has not suffered In erecting that magnificent building on Washington street. People of (Concluded on Page Nine.) CONTENTS OF TODAY'S PAPER The Weather. TODAY'S Rain ; southerly winds. YESTERDAY'S Maximum temperature, . 54 deg.; minimum, -IS. Precipitation, 0.05 inch. National. Senator Mitchell and Representative Hermann leave Washington to appear before Federal grand Jury in land-fraud "Investigation. Pa ge 1. Four feasible plans for construction of the Panama Canal. Page 3. Congress. Senate and House will adjourn Friday for the holidays. Page 4. Place ot holding inauguration ball the burning question In the Houe. Page 4. Secretary Metcalfe approves new rules for steamboat inspection. Page 4. Russia. Moscow in hands of rioting students for hours. Page 1. r Charging police wound and captum many in the mob. Page J. Leaders of St. Petersburg students in Jail or in the hospital. Page 1. Russian peasants may become tree citizens with certain safeguards. Page 1. War in ITar Eaat. General Stoessel tells ot stubborn defensa of Port Arthur. Page 4. Japanese struggle of nearly a month, with frightful slaughter. Page 4. Guns of victors, hidden , behind crest of cap tured 20C-Meter.Hlll, pound ships In harbor. Page 4. Ferocious struggle at 203-Meter Hill recounted by Commander MltzenroCf. Page 4. Domestic. Heavy gale and snow storm on Atlantic Coast; 13 schooners driven ashore at Vineyard Haven. Page 1. Woman at Preseott, , Ariz., helps husband to Keal by the wagonjoad. Page 3. Mrs. Chndwlck will refuse to testify at hear ing today. Page S. Xude body of young woman found dead at Colorado Springs; face Is mutilated. Page 3. Political. 'Democrata lose control of Colorado Legislature in throwing out fraudulent ballots. Page 13. Puget Sound lumbermen are rallying to the support of Senator Foster. Page 5. Pacific Coast. Linn County collect taxes from wagon 'road . company en timber lands. Page 5. Dr. Hunt will bring fresh lot of Filipinos to Lewis and Clark Fair. Page 5. Drill sticks in safe and spoils haul for Oregon City robbers. Page 3. Marine. Portland leads all American porta in Novem ber wheat exports. Page 33. Foreign shipowners combine extends the time limit on present freight rates. Page 13. -Sports. Brltt Is within a pound of weight; Kelson in frisky mood. Page 10. t ' Dofoated Multnomah football team roturns from Seattle and explains Page 10. Portland and Vicinity. Marquam Theater packed to the doors at citi zens' meeting. Page 3. Multnomah legislators to decide Presidency ,of State Senate. Poko 14.- . Hundreds of houses being erected on the Bast Side. Page 8. Director of Exhibits Dosch has optimistic view of Exposition. Page 8. Harry B. Smith, teamster, commits suicide because he stole money' from a friend, page 0. Dr. Short speaks on choosing a husband. Page & Records of .Oregon . Historical Society, are .abundant, but needtsorlng'r.PagejlS. RIOT IN Ki Students and Police Bat tle for Hours, SABERS USED BY POLICE Many Rioters Wounded and More Are Arrested. SHOPS BECOME HOSPITALS Factory Workmen -Are Kept From Joining the. Revolutionary Demon stration by Threats of. Dis charge From Employers. MOSCOW, Dec. 18. This city was the scene of a revolutionary demonstration today from noon until nearly evening. Probably 5000 persons actually participat ed. Fortunately, the agitators did not succeed in drawing tho worklngmen from the factories Into the disturbances, and after many collisions, the police firing blank volleys and charging with their sabers, tho crowds finally were dispersed. Many- were wounded, and more were ar rested. As far as known, none of tho rioters was killed. One policeman is re ported fatally Injured. Many on both sides were roughly handled. The authorities knew In advance that trouble was impending, and many houses along the Tverskaia street were special ly guarded. Several squadrqns of mount ed gendarmes were concealed in the cqurtyard of houses, ready for an emer gency. Crowds Called at Midday. The crowds began to collect at midday in Tverskaia street, students,- young men and women, mixing with the general pub lic The thoroughfare was soon congest ed with a mass of humanity, which con verged on Strastnla Square. There 2000 persons assembled, many armed with clubs and carrying flags. The crowd, singing, moved toward the palace of Grand Duke Serguls, the Governor-General of Moscow. The police attempted to block the street, whereupon the trouble began in earnest. The crowd broke through .the" cordon, and' one policeman was knocked down and, it Is thought, fatally hurt. Battalions of police were brought up at double-quick to reinforce their comrades. Sticks and stones were freely used by the mob; and- the police, under orders of their chief, fired several blank volleys, while mounted men charged, using the flats of their swords. Charge Breaks Up Mob. The mob fought stubbornly, but finally broke and sought shelter in the side streets. Many of the demonstrators pa raded in side streets in smaller groups, waving flags and singing. A crowd of 500 collected In front of the theater, where revolutionary flags "were hoisted amid shouts of "Long live freedom!" The pollce were not prepared at this point, and the crowd, gathering in vol ume, moved, from the square to Negllna street and Koozninestkl bridge, the chief street of Moscow, where the police met them. Another stubborn fight ensued, ending with three blank volleys and saber charges. The disturbance continued at Isolated spots throughout the afternoon. Many shops were turned into hospitals, where the wounded were temporarily cared, for. The workmen held aloof from the dem onstration, employers having given them a warning that any who participated would be dismissed. LEADERS HURT OR IN JAIL. No Demonstration Is Attempted at St. Petersburg. ST. PETERSBURG., Dec. 18. The re ported disturbances today were con fined to Moscow. The Socialistic revo lutionary party in St. Petersburg has decided to abstain from further dem onstrations, many of their leaders hav ing been arrested or wounded on De cember 11 and no further trouble Is likely unless mobilization of reserves la proclaimed for this city or the event of the fall of Port Arthur. Meanwhile a group of lawyers Is collecting evi dence upon which they purpose to in stitute proceedings against the police for the alleged Ill-treatment of pris oners in the affair of December 11. A meeting of 404 undergraduate girls of the Medical Institute today passed resolutions of sympathy with Sasoneff, under sentence to imprisonment for the murder of Minister von Plehve. An other resolution adopted demands lib eral reforms. The meeting wound up with shouts of "Down with autocracy" and "Long live freedom." At a banquet of engineers tonight resolutions similar to -those adopted by the Zemstvolsts were passed. Censorship Laws in Force. MOSCOW, Dec 18. thief Censor Eb ereff has Issued a warning to the edit ors of the local papers to Insert noth ing In their papers in connection with the doings of the Zemstvos and Town Councils. He also has reminded the editors that all the censorship laws, though recently dormant, are still in force and will be executed rigorously in the event of any infringement of his order. Feeling Against Europeans. LONDON,. Dec 19. The correspon dent at Tangier of the Times, with rc'f erence to the fact that the French Mis sion to Fez was compelled to travel by sea by way of Larache Instead of directly overland, owing to the hostil ity of the tribes, remarks that there Is a strong anti-European feeling in Morocco and declares that Maghsen Is more than secretly hostile, and that th tribes are openly so to any European Interference with their affairs. The correspondent learns that tho Sultan is officially notifying the Lega tions of his intention to dismiss all foreign officers attached to the Moorish court and army, including the French Military Mission, the Italian officers employed at the Fez arsenal, Sir Harry Maclean and other British officers. PEASANT. TO BE A CITIZEN. M. Witte's Conclusion Said to Be In dorsed by the Czar. ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. IS. M. Witte. to whom, as chairman of the special committee appointed In 1902 to Investigate the question of the betterment of the con ditions of rural enterprise and general revision of the peasant laws, was, con fided the task of sifting the enormous mass of evidence collected, including tho opinions of 11.000 of the best-qualified peasants, landlords, merchants and man ufacturers, which filled several thousand volumes, has completed the gigantic task. His conclusions, which have just been published, are in line with the most en lightened opinion for ameliorating the peasants' condition. ' These Conclusions, which are understood to have the Indorsement of Emperor Nicholas and Minister of the Interior Svlatopolk-Mlrsky, are expected to bo adopted by the commission as tho basis of new laws. Tho press hails the mem orandum, not only as a signal victory in the direction of real national progress, but as marking a definite shelving of the plan developed by the late Minister of the Interior Von Plehve for extending the powers of local officers over the peasant, and Increasing, rather than decreasing, the tutelage exercised over them. "Von Plehve's purposo was to rush through a law before the commission could complete its labors. Lin all points M. Witte's recommenda tions aim for completion of the emanci pation act of 1S61, by ending the treat ment of peasants as a class apart, giv ing them a method of enabling them to free themselves forever from the soli and placing themselves on an equality with other classes of tho population and re moving the restrictions upon initiative enterprise which have heretofore crushed out all ambition. In order to accomplish this he proposes to abolish practically the whole system of laws applicable to peas ants alone. At the same time the backward condi tion of the vast majority of the peasants and the fact that If placed on a complete equality In the matter of the holding and disposition of property they would soon become tho prey of the snrewder among them, as well as of merchants, who would like to purchase their lands and keep tnem in a state of perpetual debt, is fully recognized. M. Witte. therefore, recom mends the preservation of certain laws designed solely for the peasants' pro tectlon, such as the inalienability of com munal lands and Institutions. But the management of tho one and the freedom of the other from debt special laws will be recommended, supplemented by methods whereby peasants may leave their communes under certain safe guarded conditions or delimit lands for individual ownership. There also Is In contemplation the organization of a sys tem or land credit anu a scheme for the settlement of state lands by peasants, who want larger opportunities. The press halls the memorandum with the greatest satisfaction, the Russ remark Ing: "Like agolden thread through it all runs consideration, for the peasant as a 'cltl n- ui mo empire ana no longer- as a pariah." The memorandum is in sharp contrast wun tne draft prepared by von Plehve's assistant, Stlskinsky, which disregarded entirely tne opinions so laboriously col lected by the commission. SERGIUS IRRITATES CZAR. Complaint Is Met With Removal as Governor of Moscow. SPECIAL CABLE SERVICE. LONDON, Dec. 19. The Moscow corre spondent of the Dally Leader wires that the resignation of Grand Duke Sergius as Governor of Moscow, following upon the concessions made to Minister of the Interior Svlatopolk-Mlrskl. has caused a violent row between the Grand Duke and the Czar. According to the report Duke did not . resign outright, but only in timated to the Czar that his poal ion had grown irksome to him, since his best efforts to stamp out revolutionary agitation were neutralized by the favor shown Prince MIrskl. Thereupon the Czar Is said to have replied: "If you are not strong enough to fight down dangerous reforms and yymptoms of a revolutionary movement, the time has come to make room for some one else." To this the Grand Duke replied hotly, but was Interrupted by the Czar, who or dered him peremptorily from the room. Imperial Family Is Divided. SPECIAL CABLE SERVICE. LONDON, Dec. 19. The Copenhagen, correspondent of the London' Dally Leader Is authority for the report that the Czar is holding frequent family councils rela tive to the question whether he should support the policy of liberalism advocated by Minister of the Interior MIrskl. The Czar and the Czarina are said to favor Mlrskl's plan, on the ground that the granting of the reforms may put a stop to the attacks upon royalty by the dis satisfied element, while other members of the Imperial family hold to the opinion that the inauguration of reform would open the way for a constitution. SHE SEES NO ATROCITIES. Woman Explorer Says Congo Natives Have Complete Liberty. LONDON, Dec. IS. Mrs. M. Sheldon, African explorer and author, who has Just returned from a tour of the Congo Free State, says that her assertion that she had witnessed more atrocities In London streets than she had seen in the Congo should apply to the rubber country as well as to the rest of the state. She traveled, she says. In every part of the country. King Leopold having accorded her complete freedom and she was convinced that the allegations of maladministration were groundless and that it was quite false to say that King Leopold had sanctioned cruelty. Wherever she went she says she found the natives treated with kindness and consideration whilst the Improvements In the condition of the land and Its Inhabi tants were almost incredible. BISHOP PHELAff DYING. Roman Catholic Prelate at Pittsburg Can Live but Few Hours. PITTSBURG. Dec. 18. Late tonight the condition of Right Rev. Richard Phelan, Roman Catholic Bishop of Pittsburg, is extremely critical. He may not, live longer than a few hours. Serafini to Become a Cardinal. MEXICO CITY, Dec. IS. Monslgnor Serafini, apostolic delegate to this coun try, wjll, it Is said. In clerical quarters,' be made a cardinal at the next consistory. DRIVEN BY GALE Many Vessels Go Ashore at Vineyard Haven, WIND STRONG ON ATLANTIC Liners Arriving From Europe Report Heavy Weather, DEEP SNOW FELL IN NEW YORK Army of Shovelers and Teams Clear Principal Streets Speedway Is Thronged With Sleighs When the Sun Comes Out. , NEW YORK, Dec. 18. The snow storct and gale which struck tho coast yester day afternoon and continued until the early .hours of this morning, was the most violent that has occurred for several years. Reports from the New Jersey and New England coast and from incoming steamers tell of furious gales and many disasters. At Vineyard Haven over 15 schooners, anchored In the harbor, were "blown ashore early today, and several others were damaged in collisions. Off the Bay Head, N. J.. Lifesaving Station, the schooner Lizzie H. Brayton, bound for Providence. R. I., from Baltimore, went ashore, the crew being rescued by the lifesavers. The Cunarder Umbrla and the American liner St. Paul, both of which arrived to day, reported heavy weather and adverse gales during the whole passage The An chor Line steamer Astoria, bound for Glasgow, went ashore today in the lower bay, but was later floated without injury and proceeded. Most of the Sound steam ers were late In arriving at their piers. In the river and harbor the traffic was for a while during the worst of the storm almost at a standstill. So heavy was the snowfall that lights could not bo seen on the river a boat's length ahead, and fer ryboats and other craft proceeded at a diminished speed, blowing whistles and feeling their way cautiously through the blinding storm. No accident of any mo ment was reported. t In the city he snow, which began yes terday afternoon, fell almost "without In termission until early this morning, by which time eight Inches had fallen. There was little interruption of tralflc. 13,000 snow-shovelers' and 4000 teams being set to work as soon as the snow ceased falling-to clean the principal thoroughfares. In the afternoon the weather cleared, and with the coming of bright sunshine Central Park and the Speedway were thronged with, sleighs. Three feet of snow on the level was the record ot the storm in the east end of Long Island, and as a result trains wera delayed. One train bound west from Sag Harbor is still stalled In the Shlnnecock Hills. Snow Is Two Feet Deep. NEWPORT, R. I., Dec. 18. As a result of the worst blizzard that has visited Newport in many years, all local traffic la practically at a standstill. The storm began at .midnight last night and abated at noon today. On a level the snow is more than two feet in depth, while a strong wind has piled up drifts that block the streets. The first train from Boston was five hours late. The Fall River Line steamer from Newi York was caught In the storm and reached here five hours late. Blizzard Off New England Coast. BOSTON, Dec 18. A blizzard of severity, prevailed today along the Southern New England coast. All wires on Cape Cod were prostrated and there has been no communication south of Wareham by land lines since early this morning. The captain of the Watch Hill Life-Saving Station reported that when the storm cleared this afternoon three barges were seen ashore on the south side of Fisher's Island. It Is believed that the crews were taken off. Fifteen Schooners Driven Ashore. WOODS HOLE, Mass.. Dec. 17. A tuff from Vineyard Haven this afternoon re ported that the storm early today drove 15 schooners, anchored in the harbor, on shore, while others were damaged through, collisions. The damage was the heaviest since the November gale of 1S98. As far as could be learned no lives were lost. Crew Rescued by Lifesavers. ATLANTIC CITY, N. J.. Dec 18. A schooner said to be the Lizzie H. Brayton, from Baltimore for Providence, Is ashore off Bayhead Life-Saving Station. The Bay Head life-saving crew rescued the crew. Mantollklng Life-Saving Station reports an explosion in an oil barge off that place this afternoon. It Is believed the crew .was rescued. PUITNEL STICKS ABOVE WATER Divers Will Search for Bodies on Burned Glen Island. NEW YORK, Dec. IS. The wreck ot the ill-fated Glen Island, with only the smokestack visible, -was found today near Hempstead Harbor. L. I. ' The general manager of the Starin Transportation Line has sent divers to the wreck, and will spare no effort to find the bodies of tho seven members of the crew and two pas sengers who perished in the burning steamer. Marblehead at Iquique. SANTIAGO DB CHILE, Dec. 18. The United States cruiser Marblehead has ar rived at Iquique. The remainder of the American-Pacific Squadron, under com mand of Rear-Admiral Goodrich, is ex pected to arrive at Coquimbo this week.