K'v.'Jrt . VOL. XLV. 2tfO. 13,796. PORTLAND, OKEGON, SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25, 1905. PRICE FIVE' CENTS. vIWj JP I ik MEETS HIS DOOM Russian Terrorists Slay Number Two. HE FOUGHT THE POLES Prince Vasiltchykoff Murdered in Warsaw. NEXT IN LINE FLEES LAND Two Other Brutal Officials Are Warned Peasant-Rising Against Land-Owners Czar Yields p to Railroad Men. SPECIAL CABLE. LONDON, Feb. 25. The Warsaw corre spondent of the Indon Morning: Leader wires that Prince Vasiltchykoff has been murdered. The Prince, who has- won for himself great hatred becauso of his active work against the students and strikers of Warsaw In his capacity of head of the military, wap labeled No. 2 on the list of assassinations drawn up by the revo lutionists, says tho correspondent. The dispatch adds: "Count Priezdrletzki. the brutal Hussar officer, who wa No. 3 on tho list, on re cleving his death warrant from, the ter rorists, bolted the country. VGeneral Novosllleff, No. 4 on the list, has drawn the death penalty on himself by his recent order for the arrest of the officers who refused to fire on women. "Baron Nolkcn. Chief of the Warsaw police. Is No. 5 In the death list. He re ceived word that in a day or two he woujd find his proper release in hell." The correspondent also reports further disorders in Warsaw Friday afternoon. Troopp. he says, fired on 400 workmen who were about to resume work at the VIstulan RallroRd workshops. Five of the workmen were killed and 20 wounded. Colonel Lltclcnoff, the superintendent of the railroad, requested the military offi cers to arrcM. the officer who had com manded the firing:. On tholr refusal, the superintendent resigned hjhs post. PEASANTS SEIZING THE LAND Revolt Now Extends to Rural Dis tricts Reservists Desert Colors. ST. PETERSBURG. Feb. 2T. (2:15 A. M). Thfe beginning: of a dangerous movement has been observed among- the peasantry of some of the southern provinces, where agitators are circulating reports that the Emperor will on March A issue a mani festo providing for a general division of lands. A new allotment has been tho dream of tlus Moujiks over since eman cipation, and, according to private re ports, the stories have spread like wild fire and are Implicitly believed. In tho government of Toula a large proprietor went to his estate last week and found the peasants at work meas uring and staking their shares. In re sponse to his demands for an explanation ihey told him of tho coming manifesto. Refusing to listen to his declaration that the report was absurd, they would only sa : "We have heard the Little Father has derided." When the proprietor asked what would become of him, they replied: "Oh, we will leave you the buildings and 40 acres." Once the peasantry becomes possessed of the Idea that the Emperor has "willed n division of land. It will be exceedingly difficult to disabuse their minds, and agra rian troubles on a large scale arc feared. The Moujiks are likely to turn on the pro-i pnetors. as they did several years ago In the Provinces of Saratoff and Poltava, when anarchy reigned for some time. Among the reservists agitators are spreading the story that the war is over. A case is cited which occurred a fort night ago at Rlazan, where 500 reservists who had been called on flatly told the officer they did not intend to serve. "The war Is over," said tho leaders. "Wo know you simply want to make money out of a contract for feeding us. We will not serve." and off they marched. An instance Is also given of reservists who actually left a Tailway train after they had been started for the front. Private reports also leave no room for doubt that the strikes in the whole re gion below Moscow are almost entirely political in character. The situation in the South of Russia Is becoming worse Instead of better, and contains many factors -which are causing the authorities the greatest alarm. The possibility of the necessity for the dispatch of troops to the Caucasus is already being considered. UNITE AGAINST THE OPPRESSOR All Races in Caucasia Combine in Revolutionary Movement. SPECIAL CABLE. MOSCOW. Feb. 25. Private Jotters from leading people in the Caucasus suggest that the outbreaks in that section of Russia arc assuming more and more the character of a general uprising. These letters also show that the censor is mu tilating all telegraphic news. The dominating nationalities concerned are tho Georgians, who number 2,000,000; the Armenians, 2,000,000 and the Circas sians 1.000,000. These peoples are united In their detestation of Russian oppression. These three nationalities In 1ES3 concluded a pact which stipulated that In the event of revolution tho Mussulmans Georgians, Circassians and Abhaslans. who emigrat ed in tens of thousands to Turkey dur ing and after the Russian conquest of, the high mountain region in ISO and 1872, should return and renew the struggle against the oppressors. It was thought at that time that war was on the point of breaking out between England and Russia; but this did not happen. Thereafter the Russian government, which had learned of the pact, sought to incite hatred among the nationalities. Prince Galitzin's administration distin guished Itself especially In this direction. This policy succeeded for a time, but finally failed. Now, when the central power at St. Petersburg Is paralyzed, the united revolutionary elements in the Cau casus are bringing everybody possible under their influence. Detailed reports of conditions In Catf casla from official sources indicate that fighting is general between the troops and the strikers there. The severest en counters have occurred In the towns and villages of Georgia. The demonstrators ask exactly what Father Gopon and his friends demand- In Georgia, during Feb ruary, disturbances have been unceasing. Jn Tlflis four demonstrations have taken place, involving not only the workers, but also the shop assistants, railway clerks and telegraphers. In Samtredi, Kvrila and Rion, where there are railway works and offices, the clerks have Joined the mechanics and shop laborers. From Samtredi to Batum and Samtredi to Poll the railway service is disorganized and at some points suspended. The ports of Georgia arc also tied up. In Georgia, Just as in Poland, the na tional separatist movement has been ab sorbed in the general revolutionary struggle. EMPEROR YIELDS TO STRIKERS Railroad Men Get Concessions, and May Elect Representatives. MINSK, Feb. 24. The manager of the Llbau-Romny Railway says that Emperor Nicholas has ordered the es tablishment of a nine-hour day In all railway stations and workshops and that employes will be allowed to elect representatives to present their griev ances. An increase of pay Is also prom ised. The statement created great sat isfaction and work on the road has been resumed. WILL TRY CAPTAIN DAVIDOFF Court-Martial Ordered for Man Who Fired on Palace. ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 24. Grand Duke Vladimir, Commander of the mili tary district of St. Petersburg, has Issued an order of the day, ordering the trial by court-martial of Captain Davldoft, of the Seventeenth Battery of the First Regiment of Horse Artillery the Guards, and three other officers and men of the First Battery of the Guard Artil lery Brigade, in connection with tho fir ing in tho direction of Emperor Nicholas of a charge of case shot, at the cere monies of blessing the Neva, January 19. The Grand Duchess Elizabeth has been appointed Commander of the Fifth Kieft Grenadiers, In sucesslon of the late Grand Duke Serglus. MORE SOLDIERS ARE NEEDED Troops in Caucasus Unable to Sup press the Outbreak. ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 24. The latest private reports from the Caucasus say trouble has broken out at Balaksany, near Baku. The military force of the whole region Is declared to be Inadequate to suppress the disorder and a spreading of the racial contest Is generally antici pated. Potl cannot bo reached by tele graph. Thousands of Armenians are said to be leaving Baku and Batoum. The Are menlans and Mussulmans are practically in a state of siege. CITY EMPLOYES MAY STRIKE Just in Resentment for Censure on Liberal Prefects. MOSCOW, Feb. 24. The employes of the City Council are threatened to strike in order to show their sympathy with Prince Gallitzln, prefect of Moscow, whom the Imperial government has censured for having sanctioned resolutions adopt ed by the City Council and provincial Zemstvo demanding liberal constitutional reforms. The employes regard the Prince as their special advocate. If tho strike takes place, it will be the first purely political strike. FOR MURDERING A JEWESS Anti-Semitic Rioters at Kishinef Sentenced for One Month. KISHINEF. Bessarabia, Feb. 24. The trial of 31 Christians accused of the mur der of a Jewess named Splwok during the anti-Semitic riots were concluded today with the acquittal of nine of the defend ants, while 22 were sentenced to a month's Imprisonment. The latter de clared that they were exempt from pun ishment by virtue of the Emperor's am nesty manifesto on the occasion of the birth of the heir to the throne. WHY WRITERS WERE ARRESTED Police Are Running Down Literary Leaders of Liberals. MOSCOW, Feb. 24. The reported arrest yesterday of Leo Andref and 15 other writers has no connection with the assas sination of Grand Duke Serglus. but is believed to be connected with the gen eral reform programme carried on In Moscow by the literary wing of the Lib eral party. It Is believed the police may bo endeavoring to establish the exist ence of an alliance with the liberal or ganization In St. Petersburg. Gorky Will Soon Bo Liberated. ST. PETERSBURG, Feb 25 (3 A. M.) The report of the release of Maxim Gorky is premature, but it Is expected he will be set at liberty In a day or so. He Is suffering from the effects of his confinement, and the authorities regard the case as not sufficiently strong to de mand his retention In the fortress, since he and other Liberal leaders have shown no disposition to escape their responsi bility, but on the contrary show a willing ness to be made martyrs to the cause, If the government should be able to make out a case. Railroad Strike in Moscow. MOSCOW, Feb. 24. The employes of the Moscow-Kazan Railroad struck to day on account of not having received the management's reply to their peti tion. The men, however, decided not to interfere with military trains. Other trains will not be allowed to leave. Troops are guarding the railroad sta tion. Liberal Newspaper Is Suspected. ST. PETERSBURG. Feb. 23. Tho gov ernment has suspended the circulation of tho newspaper Russ.'. BREST BOTTLE ON Japanese Have Begun the Attack TURNING THE FLANK They Force Russians to Re treat on Defenses. THROUGH MOUNTAIN - PASSES Decisive Battle of War Being Fought on the Russian East Flank Attempt to Capture Redoubts. ST. PETERSBURG, Kcb. 25. X cll pntch from Sachelun, dnted February 24, nays: "The Japanese In nnpcxlor number forced the Rnnalan detachment at Tlnkhetchen to abaadon their bane at BereancfT Hill. The battle han been desperate on both aidea. The result is ot yet knoTns.' TSINKHETCHEN. Feb. 24 (via Muk den). There was fighting along the whole line In this district today. The Japanese, continuing their persistent and system atic advance, drove in the Russian van guard posts and came Into touch with Rues lan fortified positions. A stubborn combat is expected tomor row, the Japanese apparently intending to attempt to drive out the Russians and capture their redoubts. The Japanese are circling eastward. GREATEST BATTLE OF THE WAR Kuropatkin Now Ready to Hurl His Army at Oyama. SPECIAL. CABLE. ST.( PETERSBURG, Fob. 25. An other great battle to the south of Mukden is imminent. If It has not al ready begun. Tho preparations for the fight, which havo been progressing over since the cessation of heavy fight ing in the beginning of tho Winter, are now complete. aodGenoral Kuropatkin is ready to ThrowSls entire force against that of Field Marshal Oyama In a clash beside -which tho past battles of tho -war are liable to sink Into com parative Insignificance. It now seems certain that the of fensive movement begun by Kuropat kin on January 25 was, as he himself stated, but a preliminary move, more in the nature of an extended scouting tour than an actual general battle. The Russian Commander-in-Chief knew tho position of the Japanese forces, but he did not know at what points they were strongest, and the forward movement, which ended so disastrously, showed beyond a doubt that the Japanese were ready to meet any move which the Russians might make. Both sides are now in better condi tion to fight than they have been at any time since the beginning of the war. Both armies havo been heavily reinforced and the probabilities are that tho forces -which -will clash -will be greater than in any. of the conflicts thus far. That the Russian Com mander feels the coming clash will bo terrific is attested by the fact that the Red Cross Institutions at Mukden, Harbin. Tiding and Irkutsk have been instructed to prepare for tho accom modation of from 80,000 to 100,000 wounded. RUSSIANS; BEGAN MOVEMENT They Occupied Advanced Positions, From Which They Were Driven. ST. PETERSBURG, Feb. 24 (3 A. M.). Official dispatches given out today dispose of the rumor of General Kuropatkln's re tirement from the Shakhc, but, taken in connection with tho Associated Prees Tsinkhetchen dispatch, show that opera tions of an important nature are in prog ress In the mountain region to the east ward. The movement was precipitated by the Russians, who last week sent out two di visions and occupied well-advanced posi tions. The Japanese attacked these posi tions In force. The Russians retired elow ly, fighting, and Thursday evening were driven within their fortified lines. The latest dispatches prophesied heavy fight ing on Friday. The War Office attaches considerable Importance to the blowing up of the bridge south of Halchcng, and predicts y. will Interrupt the transportation of muni tions for some time. CLOSING IN ON RUSSIAN FLANK Japanese Movement Seems to Be to Outflank Enemy. SHENKIN. Manchuria, Feb. 24 (via Mukden). It Is reported here; that the Jap anese arc closing In on the Russian east flank. As a result of this movement it is possible that there will be either a gen eral engagement or at least a counter movement by the Russians along pome part of thje line, especially If, as is thought, the Japanese have returned to their original tactics of making flank ing movements from the mountains. The early advent of Spring now makes possible operations in and from the mountainous districts. For the past three week? the Russians have suffered no material disturbance, with the excoptlon of comparatively un important damage to the railroad and to a bridge near Kuan Chla Pass, as the re sult of Japanese raids, aided, it is al leged, by Chinese bandits. Since- the re ceipt of: news of the movement of an un identified armed force of unknown num bers -behind the Russian right wing, the Russians' have taken measures for the purpose of minimizing the opportunities for brigands, tho .belief that Chinese bandits are t mc 'extent being organ ized and dir. d, by Japanese cavalry. Reports of . uvity at Vladivostok in an ticipation of aa attack on that place by tho Japanese arc' confirmed, but the town continues In its accustomed gaiety, in which the civil and military elements par ticipate. The channels of business Inter course there are in their normal condi tion, notwithstanding the fact that the stringent patrol by the Japanese of the straits between the Island of Sakhalin and tho coast of Japan has completely in terrupted the movements of shipping. Sup plies at Vladivostok, it is reported, are plentiful, though prices are high. The naval attaches of foreign governments are leaving Vladivostok by request of the Russian authorities. The number of refugees at Mukden has been greatly reduced because of the trans fer of them to the government reserva tion east of Kuachengtzu. The very con siderable number remaining at .Mukden, however, are now In receipt of adequate care, this being rendered possible by the free Import for helr use of grain from the north. VLADIVOSTOK BLOCKADE TIGHT Crew of Wyefleld Returns and Tells of Capture by Japanese. VICTORIA. B. .., Feb. 24. The steam er Iyo Maru, wch arrived this after noon, brought 1 members of the crew of the British garner Wyefleld, which was seized by.-he Japanese gunboat MusashI on .duary 28 in Tsugaru Straits. The W.3$fleld carried hay, bar ley and foodstcSs from San Francisco via Comox. Stni, tried to reach Vladi vostok through' La Pcrousc Straits, but encountered ice" -and injured some plates on her bow. causing her to leak. Then Captain Watson steered for Tsugaru Straits and was half way through when the Muasbi signalled her. in reply to signals, Captain Wat san answered that he was bound to Vladivostok and was seized a.iu taken to Hakodate, thence to Tokosuka. -where the vessel was condemned. Cap tain Watson and officers will leave for San Francisco without delay. The steamer M. S. Dollar, which was seized was through the Tsugaru Straits when a Japanese gunboat sig nalled her. The Dollar put about and ran. The gunboat followed, but, being: short of coal, was obliged to go to Hakodate and the M. S. Dollar escaped. The gunboat coaled and followed, seiz ing the Dollar when near Yokohama. She was also taken to Yokosuka and condemned. Her crew will bo sent home by the next steamer. Five Japanese warships aro guarding Tsugaru Straits, wh'oh seoras to be the only available Winter prs:agt to Vlad ivostok. There is also a signal station and lookout on a hill overlooking the straits whence communication Is main tained by wireless telegraph with the guurdshlps. It is considered hopeless to attempt to evade the blockade there. One German ship was at Shlmonosekl, which managed to reach Vladivostok, going: thronjrh too Sea of Japan. CONTENTS OF TODAY'S PAPER The Weather. YESTERDAY'S Maximum temperature, 67 de treea; minimum, 49tde8Teea. Precipitation, trace, TODAY'S Increaalnc cloudiness followed by showers; cooler eoutheastorly winds. Tho War la the Far East. Greatest battle of tha war begun, Japanese outflanking Russian. Page 1. Russian advanced poet driven in and re doubts attacked. Page 1. Blockade of Vladivostok complete, but food not scarce. Page 1. Crew of the- Wyefleld returns and tells of Ita capture. Pace 1. Peace proposals were made by Japan through President Roosevelt, rase B. Affairs In Russia. Terrorists murder Prince VaslHchykoff. com mander of troops In Warsaw. Page 1. four other officers aro marked for death. Page 1. Teas an Is, misled by agitators, poize the? farm land. Page 1. Reservists desert colors, saying war Is over. Page 1. Czar yields to railroad Krlkers and traffic will be resumed. Page 7. Whole ot Caucasia In revolt, all races com bining. Page 1. Foreign. Norway threatens to dissolve union with Sweden and establish republic. Page 5. King Kdward favors Irish liberty as step to Anglo-American alliance. Page 1. Prwela compares her railroads with those o: United States. Page S. National. Morgan tries to talk statehood to death la the Senate, rage 4. Senate will vote on Swayne Impeachment on Monday. Page 4. House refuses appropriation for rent ot New York Custom-House from Standard Oil Bank. Page -1. Bill dividing Oregon Into two Judicial dis tricts Is killed; similar Washington bill pawed. Pace 3. Move to prosecute armor-plate trust. Page -1. Judge Swayno will be acquitted. Page 3. Politics. Governor VTarfleld of Maryland supports Presi dent's policy towards negroes. Page 7. John J. Long says Monroe doctrine Is carried too far. Page 7. Kansas begins criminal proceedings against Standard Oil Company. Page 4. Somes tie. Strange dinner given to divorced people in Chicago. Page 1. Mrs. Cbadwick refuses to testify and baffles lawyers; her Jewels found. Page 5. Governor Vardaman persuades Mlsslssipplans not to lynch negro murderer. Page 7. raclflc Coast. Kennedy offers substitute for drastic railroad commission bill to Washington Legislature. Page 1. Fishing laws pawed by the. last Oregon legis lature are in effect now. Page 8. Suit for extensive water rights in Milton,- Or., neighborhood begun by Teacock Mill Com pany. Page 6. Eastern millions for electric Toad Into the Palouse country. Page 0. San Francisco scandalized by "Seeley" dinner given Englishmen by local swells. Page 0. Portland and Vicinity. First step to test primary law as applicable to Portland Is taken. Page 12. Roosevelt's Dakota cabin will be an exhibit at the Lewis and Clark Exposition. Page 11. Appeal made to civic pride for the abolition of billboard and rubbish -nuisances In Portland. Page 10. Bill Introduced In New York Legislature In creasing appropriation for Lewis and Clark Fair. Page 11. Municipal Association plans Its, policy for June election. Page 10. Mrs. Ballington Booth's mission is prison re form. Page 14. Four rockptle vagrants break City Jail and escape. Page 11. State roclrtles hold banquets and meetings. Page 11. Commercial and Marine. Bulge In corn helps wheat prices at Chicago. Pare 15. Resumption of strength In stock market. Pace 15. Trade condition Improve-'throughout country. Page 15. i . All San Francisco markets., active. Page 15. Sttamer- Olympla ordered to 'proceed to Yok'o i hams- Page 14.' f " -' PARES ITS CLAW! Kennedy Has Substitute Commission Bill. SATISFACTORY TO SENATE House Shows Disposition to Get Off Its High Horse. ' ELECTIVE BOARD PROPOSED Lower Branch of Washington Legis lature Struggles All Day With Drastic Measure Requires Two-Thirds Vote. OLTMPIA, Wash.. Feb. 24.-(Special.) The House and Senate are now on the verse of a deadlock over the railway com mission bill. "While the House labored all day over the Crane-XHckson bill, de bated proposed amendments, .answered to roll-calls, and finally brought the bill to the very verge of passage, another bllf was In course of preparation, and just before the adjournment of the Senate it was submitted by Senator Kennedy as a substitute for his drastic measure intro duced earlier in the session. There is no doubt as to the ability of the friends of the Dickson bill to pas3 their measure in the House, as they have almost two-thirds of the members, and there Is no doubt as to the ability of the friends of Kennedy's new bill to pass that measure In the Senate. But one house of the other must recede from its position within the next 13 days or there will be no commission bllL Kennedy's new bill Is a wido departure from his bill introduced In the early part ot tho session. The points of widest di version are In the selection of the com missioners and in the Initiative rate-making and Joint-rate features. It also con tains several features not mentioned In any other bill so far introduced. These include an anti-pooling provision and! a requirement for the posting of tariffs and giving of notices of change adapted from thv imejrstatejCprnmrco law, anL sl pro-v vision that when a railroad company Is unable to furnish all the cars needed; those on hand shall bo justly distributed. Provision fcr Elective Commission. The bill provides for an elective com mission. The Governor Is empowered to appoint tho commissioners tho first Mon day in January, who shall serve until their successors are elected at the gen eral election in 3506. Tho provision as to joint traffic provides that at all railway crossings there shall be maintained the ' necessary switches for an interchange of cars, but It does not compel one road to send cars over another line or to make joint through rates. The section defining discriminations is as broad as the similar provision In the House bill. The bill seeks to regulate the short and long haul rates only where the short haul is within the long- haul. It provides that any person may bring suit in a court of competent jurisdiction or before the com mission, but not before both, to correct discriminations or abuses. Railroad com panies are made liable for damages to any person Injured by violation of rates. The commission is empowered to hold special sessions anywhere In the state and may subpena witnesses. When the commission believes a railroad is violat ing provisions of the act or the rates fixed by the commission. It may file pro ceedings In court. Shipper May File Complaint. Any shipper who alleges Injury by discriminations may file a complaint, on the receipt of which the commission shall notify, the railroad complained of. The company is required to explain or satisfy the shipper and if the commis sion deems that the grounds reason ably justify an inquiry, it may inetl tue such inquiry within 30 days. If a company makes reparation to a complaining- shipper the reparation 13 an estoppal to further proceedings. There is a section which expressly confers upon the commission the power to hear complaints and regulate rates, and another section gives the com mission or any person Interested the right to file suits to exact penalties. Maximum penalties nre Hxed nt $5000. The right of appeal is given to the railroad company. Electric roads over 45 miles in length and running between cities of the fir3t class are exempted from the provisions. The bill 13 the outcome of the knowl edge that the House measure cannot pass the Senate, and while some of the Eastern "Washington members are not satisfied with it, most of them In the Senate are disposed to look upon the bill as the only one that can be passed. It will be put up to the House in that light. House May Accept Substitute. The possibility of the House, as a body, receding from its views In part on the railway commission measure Is Indicated by an analysis of today's vote as not altogether hopeless. The leaders of the commission forces had with them approximately 60 votesl Among these 60 members were some of the King County delegation who are stand ing by the commission bill in accord ance with the Plies Senatorial pledge that his delegation should support a bill acceptable to Eastern "Washington. There are others, like Huxtable, Booth and Molstad. who. In the joint rail road commljttee, voted for the railroad amendments to the subcommittee bill. y who were today with the Dickson- Crane forces, and the only accountable reason 13 that they know the House bill cannot become a law, and that they and the other members mentioned ex pect to say vrhen tho compromise meas ure Is brought before the House: "We, stood by your bill to the end, but it cannot become a law, so let us pass this as the next best thing." Men like Belter of Lincoln, however, insist that they will never consent to the passage of the Kennedy bill In the House. Belter is the only one of the Eastern Washington steering? commit tee of the House who has looked over the Kennedy bill. He condemns it in roundest terms as a measure drawn wholly in the Interest of the railway companies. Bad Day for Trading. The Eastern Washington steering committee accomplished nothing today in the way ot trades. The combination on tho Earles bill is now utterly hope less, but the committee has three pos sible means of bringing- men into line under consideration. These are sup port for or opposition to, whichever apears most advantageous, the closed sockcye season bill, the Davis factory inspection bill, and the various other bills that the lumbermen are anxious to have passed. Tho committee's efforts today wero confined to the factory inspection bill, and Belter declared tonight that It would never be allowed to pass the House unless the lumbermen assumed a different attitude regarding the rail way commission bill "I am opposed to a drastic course as a rule," said he, "but they have been drastic with us, and one must 'fight the devil with Are.'" Fairchild Receives a Shock. Perhaps the most astounded man In Olympla over the substitution to the Kennedy bill is H. A. Fairchild. Gov ernor Mead's friend and confidant, who drew the original Kennedy bill. When asked tonight what ho thought of the new Kennedy bill, ho pleaded Igno rance and asked Its Import. At the first mention of an elective commission Mr. Fairchild threw up his hands In horror. "You can't make me believe Ken nedy has introduced an elective com mission bill. You are stringing- me," and Fairchild rushed! oft to secure further confirmation of the statement. Every action taken by the House on the Crane-Dickson bill today was by roll call. Tho proceedings opened with a call of the House and after tho reading of tho bill had started, and amendments were permissible, roll-call followed roll-call. Every amendment of Importance brought Dickson to his feet, with the demand for tho roll and he was Indorsed by over a score of other member. The amendments that brought out the principal fight were intended to destroy tho initiative rato-maklng powers confer 'iTimpon .the-ccrm'nlissidh. All the amend ments were proposed by Huston ot King, and. as a rule, they were supported by Gleason. Both asserted, however, that they favored a Railway Commission bill. Gleason Has a Theory. Gleason's fight was on the theory that the commission should have Initiatory rate-making powers over article or mat ters cognate to other articles or matters brought to the attention of the commis sion by the institution of a complaint. He asserted, that the chairman of the railroad committee had informed him that this was all the framers ot the bill de sired. The first roll-call was on the striking out of the Inlatory feature and .gave the amendment CO votes with 61 against it. One by one amendments of lesser Import ance were voted down, but the amend ments never received over 42 votes and there were seven roll-calls. The debating was confined largely to those who favored the amendments. The Eastern Washington men whose agree ment to stay by the bill from top to bot tom and not debate Its provisions on the floor, kept most of them quiet, although they were forced Into short discussions at times. When the reading of the bill was completed Gleason attempted to have It retain Its place on the calendar at second reading for 24 hours to enable him to pre uare amendments that would express his Ideas regarding the Initiative powers. His motion was lost- Dlckson then moved to arjspend the rules and advance the bill to third read ing. This motion required a two-thirds vote to carry and was defeated, 50 to 32. A motion Interposed by Lyons that the House adjourn was lost. Crane then moved to have the bill made a special order for 11 o'clock tomorrow and the mo tion carried, and the House adjourned. The Kennedy bill was made a special order In the Senate for Monday at 2:30. SURVEYOR SNOW MAY GET JOB Slated for Highway Commissioner Created in Omnibus Bill. OLYMPIA. Wash., Feb. 24. (Special.) The statement comes from a semi-official source that Joseph M. Snow, of Spokane, will be the Highway Commissioner whose office was- created by the passage of the omnibus road bill over the Governor lie Bride veto. Mr. Snow Is the present County Surveyor of Spokane County and Is backed by the Spokane delegation. AH of the King County Senators called on the Governor today in behalf of Frank H. Paul; whom they wish to see appoint ed on the Tax Commission. The bill creating- the commission has passed the House, but not the Senate. Speaker Megler signed the capital re moval bill today and it was returned to the Senate enrolling committee, which It was decided had custody of the bill. This committee solved the problem of the further course of the bill by taking It directly to Governor Mead. Governor Mead this afternoon wired to the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce that he would give them an opportunity to be heard on the bill tomorrow at 2 o'clock. It Is practically settled that none of the score or more of bills that seek to change the present methods of disposing of state lands will be passed by this session of the Legllature. The disposition to kill off these bills has been Increasing in strength, and with in the last few days It began to appear that the only bills that could pass would per haps be the Crane or Roth bills, with drawing all lands from sale. The . two bills were to have been taken up by the House committee on lands this afternoon. (Concluded on Pace 11.) m l ie Celebrated by Disunited in Chicago. GREAT ALIMONY FEAST Unique Gathering of Matri monial Misfits, TOASTS FULL OF CYNICISM Romaine Pieraon Invites Other DI vorced People, and Eight Mar riageable Women 'to an Original Celebration. CHICAGO, Feb. 24. (Special.) WhStS society in Kenwood is gasping after every; report that emanates from tho Chicago Beach Hotel, telling of tho "divorce feast and alimony" dinner given by Romalna Plerson In joyful celebration of the wreck of his ship of domesticity, society Is also asking itself Just why eight young ladiea who havo never tasted the gall of mar ried existence should havo been tha guests. The motto of the dinner, which was posted In the dining-room, ''United we stand, divided we stand it better," and the phrase from the host's invitation, "Many mlsmated persons will be pres ent," have caused tho friends of the young women to sit up and look about. ' From all reports the dinner was a suc cess. Every blasted marital hope was toasted till it was swamped, and the guests in the rooms above wondered If the corks were going to blow through tha floor. Some Were Not Qualified. Mr3. Marrit Wayland Barnes, who was divorced from a South Side physician just recently, was Invited, but her nams was not among those marked present when the rollcall was taken. One guest, who was asked to come from the East said he didn't want to hold a bacchanalian revelry in his own sepulcher, and another invited guest, who signed herself "Tha Widow," wrote In tears that she lacked . two' things divorce and time to qualify her for a seat. When Miss Elizabeth Mix and her sister Noretta entered the room there were joy ful greetings. Miss Elizabeth's engage ment, which was recently announced, of course was not mentioned. The toast that took the cake was given by the host himself. It was: "Here's to my mother-in-law. God bless her, but I do not Insist upon it." Soliloquy of the ex-Married. The little verse on the Invitation and score-card also was read with marks of approval for Its originality. It was en titled, "The ex-Married Man's Soliloquy," and was as follows: To wed or not to wed. That Is the question; Whether 'tis better to bo alon And disappoint several women For a time. Or to marry again And disappoint another woman. For life. This Nearly Spoiled It. J. Harry Cox, clubman, of New York came near spoiling everything. Unknown to the host, he wa3 recently married. Ha signed his regrets "Harry & Co., Lim ited, for Life and Eternity," and many were in favor ot sending him a messaga of condolence. Mr. Plerson was married 12 years ago the night of the dinner. Two years later; he was divorced. "I am going to celebrate the anniver saries in the same manner or better as long as I live," he sajd, as he took m sleeper for French Lick Springs. KING FAVORS IRISH. LIBERTY Regards It as Step Tcwards Anglo American Alliance. LONDOX. Feb. 24. The Daily Chroni cle's Dublin correspondent learns on high authority that the MacDonncll and Wynd ham correspondence included a letter from King Edward, which was omitted in tha reading of the letters last Wednesday, night, and adds: "The King. 13 greatly interested in Mac Donnell's Irish political work, which, ha says, is not to be Interrupted, and for that reason counseled MacDonnell's non acceptance of the post of Governor of Bombay. "According to the United Irishman newspaper, the King has set his heart on an Anglo-Saxon alliance, and for that reason Is anxious to conciliate Ireland, and therefore he supports MacDonnell and the Earl ot Dudley against the Cabi net." MAY BE PAUL JOKES' COFFIN Leaden Casket Dug Up and Opened by Ambassador. PARIS. Feb. 24. A leaden coffin which is believed to contain the body of John Paul Jones was opened in tho presence ot Ambassador Porter for identification. The copper nameplata on the coffin has been removed, but it Is so badly worn "as to be indecipher able. The coffin was found 16 feet below a grainshed. at No. 14 Rue Grange aux Belles. A foreign Protestant grave yard formerly was in that quarter. Croker Returns to England. NEW YORK. Feb. 24. The World says today: "Richard Croker, accom panied by his youngest son, Herbert, will sail for England this morning oa the Campania."