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VOL. XIX. NO. 16.
PORTLAND. OREGON. SUNDAY MORNING. APRIL 22, 1900.
PRICE FIVE CENTS.
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RENEWED ACTIVITY
Boers and British Fighting at'
Several Points.
WEPENER SIEGE NOT YET RAISED
Relict Column Engaged the Burgh
era Near De Wet's Dorp Ar
tlllerr Dnel In Natal.
LONDON, April 22. Dispatches arriving
from the seat of war. though mea
ger and, unsatisfactory, clearly Indicate re.
newed activity at all points where the
British and Boer forces are In striking
distance of each other. Interest for the
moment centers nt De Wet's Dorp and
Wepener. where fighting evidently Is in
progress. A dispatch received from All
wal North, dated April 21. says that there
was heavy firing the previous day be.
tween De Wet's Dorp and Wepener, and
around Wepener Saturday, but that no
particulars have been received. A spe
clal from Maseru, dated Saturday, says:
"The Investment of Wepener continues.
The Boers seem determined to do their
utmost to capture the garrison before re
lief arrives. Severe fighting appears Im
minent." The activity of the Boers at Eland's
Laagte apparently has failed to draw
General Buller. If that was Its object, into
doing more than repel the attack made on
his advance posts.
A dispatch from Warrenton, dated Sat
urday, says:
"There has been intermittent and Inef
fective sniping by Boers, who also fired a
few shells, both during the day and tha
I nirtit. nt the station the nnst tiro rinvs "
A special dispatch from Zwartkop, Jos
fonteln, dated April a. saysr
"This morning ljno Boers made a deter
mined attack on a convoy returning to
Boshof. The British succeeded In repuls
ing the attack, and their fire became so
heavy and well-sustained that the Boen
fell back with considerable loss. The Brit.
Ish casualties were 16 killed and wounded.
The convoy reached Boshof safely."
FIGHTING IX NATAL.
Boer mid Brltlwli Shelling: Each
Other Xenr Eland' LaaKte.
ELAND'S LAAGTE. April 2L A com
mando of 1000 Boers came through Wes
sel's Nek this morning. They crossed
Sunday's Itlver bridge and advanced to
the crest of a ridge, but fell back when
they saw the mounted infantry, who
opened fire. Later the Boers shelled
Eland's Laagte colliery. Ten shells fell
close to the mine, but did no damage.
The work at the mine was stopped, but
It Is hoped work will be resumed tomor
row. The British guns opened fire. Thj
Naval Brigade on the right sent a few
shells in the direction of the Boer guns,
which were posted on a long ridge 4000
yards to the right of the bridge. They
were difficult to loc&e. bul the Boera
were soon en-rcrrcathrg-oVer the hill
trrtjaj-ds Wessel's Nek. Several of the
shells caught them, and must have done
some damage. On the left the squadron
of Afrtcin Horse was engaged all day In
.exchanging shots with the Boers. .No cas
ualties are reported.
Late In the day the Boers showed ac
tivity In the trenches on the ridges in
front of Eland's Laagte. A few 4.7 shells
forced them to relinquish their work. This
position was only 4S00 yards distant from
Eland's Laagte. It 13 difficult to under
stand the Boers' object. Native desert
ers say that they contemplate attacking
In force: others state that they are pre
paring to retire.
COLSON ACQUITTED.
The Jury Wan Ont but Eighteen
Minute.
FRANKFOBT. Ky.. April 21. Ex-Congressman
David G. Colson. who has been
on trial here for the last four days for the
murder of Lieutenant Scott and Luther
Pemarec, was acquitted by the verdict of
the Jury, which was returned this evening.
The Jury was out only IS minutes. The
crowd of spectators had remained In the
courtroom waiting for a report from the
Juryroom. There was silence as the Jury
filed into the room, but there was no dem
onstration until Circuit Clerk Ford fin
ished reading the verdict, which read:
"We. the Jurv. find the defendant not
V guilty."
As the last words were read the crowd
piled over the railings surrounding Colson
and Insisted on shaking hands with him.
They gave an ovation to the Jury, and
Colonel James Andrew Scott. Colson'z
chief counsel. Tonight he Is receiving
dozens of telegrams from all over Ken
tucky and from other states congratulat
ing him on his acquittal.
The tragedy In connection with which
Colson was tried occurred January 16.
In a duel with Ethelbcrt F. Scott, in the
lobby of the Capitol Hotel, crowded at
that time by people attracted here from
ail over the state by the political con
tests, Colson killed his antagonist. Scott,
and Luther W. Demaree and Charles Jul
ian, bystanders, and wounded Captain B.
B. Golden, who accompanied Scott, and
whom Colon's friends charge with having
taken part in the battle. Both Scott and
Colson emptied their pistols, 15 or 20 shots
being fired in alL
PARIS EXPOSITION.
Hnch Work Vet to Be Done Before
It Is Complete.
PARIS. April 2L Though work goes on
incessantly night and day. the installation
of exhibits at France's colossal exposition
is still greatly retarded. The gates "are
closed to visitors at C o'clock In the even
ing, when freight cars and wagons loaded
with exhibits are allowed to enter the
grounds, and from that time on the exhi
bition resembles a vast workshop, with
its clanging hammers and swarms of
French workmen busily engaged on the
completion of the Interior of the buildings
and In arranging the exhibits. Even dur
ing visiting hours the work Inside the
palaces goes steadily forward.
The Immense crowd present on the open
ing days Easter Sunday and Monday
have now dropped to about half their
number, but the exposition officials declare
themselves thoroughly satisfied, as the fig
ures still exceed those of the opening days
of the exposition of 1SS9. The attend
ance now averages about 109,000 dally,
about one-half of whom pay for admis
sion. The rolling sidewalk, copied from the
original at the Chlcapo exposition, prom
ises to be a great feature, taking the
place of the Eiffel Tower of 1SS9. It Is
crowded all day long by Parisians, who
regard it as much a source of amusement
as a means of locomotion.
Installation day. May 10, has been form
ally designated for the opening of th.
American Pavilion, which is rearing com
pletion, though work on the interior still
continues. After the opening of the Amer
ican National building, the other struc
tures erected by the United States will
be Inaugurated at brief intervals. Ar
rangements for the unveiling of the La
Fayette Statue on the Fourth of July are
progressing rapidly. President Loubet, M.
Del Cas&c. the Minister of Foreign Af
fairs, and other French dignitaries, are
expected to be present at the ceremonies.
The idea to have young ladles, represent
ing each state in the Union, pull slmul-
tane u ly on cords which will c: use the un
veiling, is a popular one, and there is
some rivalry to secure this honor. Among
the selections thus far made are Miss
Porter, daughter of the United States Am
bassador, for New York; Miss Trumann.
for California; Miss Peck, for Illinois, and
Miss Jones, daughter of United States
Senator Jones, for Nevada.
i
CAUGHT IN BUSH FIRE.
Fire Hundred Persons Trapped In
Manitoba.
WINNIPEG. April a. The city tonight
Is In a fever of excitement, caused by the
bush fires now raging along the line of
the Southeastern Railway. All the coun
try from La Brouquerie. about 50 miles
down the line, to Warren, Minn., a dis
tance of 75 miles. Is known to be In the
grasp of the fire, which Is sweeping
through the forest, fanned by a strong
easterly wind. The number of human
beings entrapped Is estimated at fully 500,
composed chiefly of scattered settlers and
men employed in the lumber camps of J.
A. Buchanan, Nell & Keith and J. Hylan.
who has on aggregate of 300 men and 150
teams at work In the district near Vassar,
a station about 80 miles out.
No messages have been received since 9
o'clock tonight; when the operator at
Woodbrldge, about 10 miles this side of
Vassar, reported that the special train
bearing Buchanan's and Keith's men and
railway officials, when within four miles
of Vassar, had been driven back by the
flames. From stragglers who have es
caped It was learned that 100 teams with
camping outfits had been abandoned, and
that the men scattered for their lives In
all directions. One hundred thousand ties
and 10,000 cords of wood were burned, and
the camps were entirely encircled by the
flames. The special train has Just left on
another trial to break through the flames
and attempt additional rescues.
Since that time no word has been re
ceived, and the officials conclude that
Woodbridge Is burned and the train "en
trapped. The forest along the track is
dense, and retreat will be Impossible. A
train with a strong force of men, doctors
and supplies was dispatched at noon, and
reached La Brouquerie safely. Beyond
that the whole forest Is a mass of flames,
and advance is impossible, as the track
is burned and the retreat of the special
train it cut off. Tonight the wires ore
down and no news whatever can be ob
tained. TAYLOR IS IN NEW YORK.
Snld to nave Fled From the Ken
tucky Indictment.
NEW YORK, April 2L The World to
morrow will say:
"W. S. Taylor. Governor of Kentucky,
Is In New York. In consequence of the
finding of an indictment against him by
the .Grand Jury xt Frankfort, charging
him with being an accessory before the
fact of the murder of William GoebeL He
appealed to Governor Roosevelt yesterday
morning, asking that any demand for ex
tradition be denied.
"Governor Taylor arrived in New York
from Washington, where he has been pre
paring hta case for the Supreme Court.
Definite news that the Governor had been
Indicted In Kentucky caused him to leave
Washington, as It was feared that If he
remained there the requisition of Gov
ernor Beckham would" be honored. The
most feasible plan and the one offering
to the Kentucky Executive the greatest
hope of Immunity was his trip to New
York arid an Interview with Governor
Roosevelt.
Governor Roosevelt would not say
whether ho had promised to refuse to sign
extradition papers if the warrants against
the Governor of Kentucky were pressed.,
Governor Taylor will remain In New York
until he hears what action the authorities
of the District of Columbia will take upon
a requisition from Governor Beckham.
WASHINGTON. April 2L Republican
Governor W. S. Taylor, of Kentucky, who
has been In Washington for some time
past, preparing the papers in his appeal
to the Supreme Court, has gone to New
York. He will return to Washington next
week.
hi
NO LEGAL OBJECTION.
Extra Expenses of Array Officers In
Cuba.
WASHINGTON. April 2L Secretary
Root made a brief statement at the War
Department today in -reference to the
charge that extravagant allotments had
been made to the principal Army officers
In service in Cuba for the maintenance of
their establishments out of the revenues
of the island. He said that about a year
ago. before he came into office, represen
tations were made that It was Impossible
for Army officers to live on their salaries
In Cuba. The question of providing for
uieir extra expenses out or the revenues
of the Island was suggested by Secretary
Alger, and the Attornoy-General was
called upon for an opinion on the sub
ject. The latter held tnat there was no
legal objection to such procedure, and
his opinion was approved by the then Sec
retary of War. Secretary Root said that
allotments for extra expense were mads
at that time, and have since been contin
ued to four officers, namely the Military
Governor of the Island, the Military Gov
ernor of the City of Havana, the Collector
of the Port of Havana and the Treasurer
pt the Island. The Secretary said alto
gether they did not exceed 15.000 or "16,
000 a year. The Secretary was asked if
similar allowances for extra expenses were
made In the cases of officers in Puerto
Rico or In the Philippines, and he replied
most emphatically, "No."
Cnt in Nails and Wire.
NEW YORK, April 21. At the. local of
fices of the American Steel & Wire Com
pany, an employe confirmed the rep-rt that
a reduction of CO per ton had been or
dered In the price of wire nails, barbed
wire and galvanized fence wire, with an
$8 cut In annealed fence wire. This Is
equivalent to a reduction of 1 cent a pound
In wire nails, making the price 2 20 a
keg. The price for barbed wire Is $2 80
a hundred pounds, and for galvanized
fence nails $2 25 a hundred pounds. The
cut In annealed fence wire Is from 3 05
to $2 15 a hundred pounds.
THE DEATH ROLL.
Rev. Chnrlea Beacher.
HAVERHILL. Mass., April . Rev.
Charles Beecher. brother of the late Henry
Ward Beecher, died today at his home in
Georgetown, aged 84 years.
Alexander T. McGIU.
NEW YORK. April 2L-Chancellor Alex
ander T. McGIII died today at his rest
dence in Jersey City. He had been 111 for
about a year, suffering from a general
break-down from overwork.
FOREIGN MISSIONS
Ecumenical Conference Opens
in New York.
HARRISON AND McKINLEY SPOKE
Delegates Present From All Quar
ters of the Globe Tito Sessions
-Were Ileld.
NEW YORK. April 2L Nearly every
nation In the world Is represented at the
Ecumenical Conference on Foreign Mis
sions, which began Its session here this
afternoon, and Carnegie Hall, which will
be the ecene of the conference until May
1. was crowded to Its .greatest capacity.
Ex-President Benjamin Harrison occupied
the chair, as honorary president, at the
opening session, and tonight the delegates
were addressed by President McKlnley
and Governor Roosevelt.
When the time came for the opening of
the conference, there were representatives
from every branch of the Christian
Church, except the Soman Catholic, the
Greek and that bnuich of the Anglican
Church known as the Society for the
Propagation of the Gospel. There were no
decorations In the great nail, except huge
maps of the Eastern and Western Hemis
pheres, showing the fields in which the
missionaries labor. These were suspended
back' of the stage.
Ex-President Harrison, escorted by a
committee, appeared on the platform at
2:25 o'clock. He was applauded and bowed
his acknowledgments. He at once took
his seat as presiding officer. Rev. Judson
Smith, D. D.. as chairman of the general
committee, introducing him. General Har
rison then introduced Rev. H. C. Mable,
of Boston, who offered prayer.
General Ilarrlson's Speech.
General Harrison then took the platform
and delivered his speech, reading from
manuscript. Mr. Harrison was applauded
many times. He said In part:
"The gigantic engines that aro driving
forward a material development are be
ing speeded as never before. The din of
the hammer and the ax, and the hum of
wheels have permeated the abodes of soli.
tude the world has now few quiet places.
Life Is strenuous the boy Is started in
his school upon the run and the pace Is
not often slackened until the panting man
falls Into his grave.
"It is to a generation thus Intent to a
generation that has wrought wondrously
in the realms of applied science that God
in his word and by the preacher says: 'AH
these are worthy only and In proportion
.as they contribute to the regeneration of
mankind. Every invention, every work,
every man, every nation must one day
come to this weighing platform and be
appraised.'
"To what other end Is all this stir among
men, this increase, of knowledge? That
these great agencies may be put in livery
and lined up in- the halls of wealth to
make life brilliant and soft; or become
the docile-xnessentrers'of a countmg-h$cse
or a stock exchange, or the swift couriers
of contending armies, or the couriers who
wait in the halls of science to give glory
to the man Into whose hand God has given
the key to one of his mysteries. Do all
these great Inventions, these rushing In
tellectual developments, exhaust their min
istry In making of men rich and the rein
forcing of armies and fleets? 'No. These
are servants, prophets, forerunners. They
will find a herald's voice: they will be an
annunciation and a coronation."
At the conclusion of this address. Gen.
cral Harrison Introduced Rev. Judson
Smith, of Boston, who delivered the ad
dress of welcome. He told of the growth
of mission work during the closing cen
tury; and urged co-operation in all fields.
Addresses were mode by Rev. R. Wardlow
Thompson, of the British delegation; Rev
A. Schrelber, of Berlin: Rev. Joseph King,
of the Australian delegation, and Rev.
Dr. Jacob Chamberlain. Robert A. Speer
read the report of the general commit
tee. This closed the afternoon session.
In the evening an enormous crowd of
people went to Carnegie Hall, in the hope
of getting admlmlon to the meeting of
National welcome extended to the dele
gates on behalf of the Nation by Presi
dent McKlnley. Nearly 5000 persons were
present. At the main entrance a crowd of
several hundred people assembled, attract
ed by a desire to see the President.
The President, escorted by President
Morris K. Jcssup, of the New York Cham
ber of Commerce: Rev. Judson Smith and
other members of the conference com.
mlttee and a police escort of six mounted
men. reached the halt at 8 o'clock. The
President and party alighted at tho rear
entrance, "and In this way escaped the
crowd, which was In front. Governor
Roosevelt and ex-President Harrison ar
rived about the same time. The President.
Mr. Harrison. Mrs. Harrison. Mr. and Mrs,
Lucien C Warner, Governor Roosevelt,
Bishop Potter and Morris K. Jessup came
upon the" stage together. Rev. Dr. Ar
thur J. Brown, secretary of the Presby
terian Foreign Board, Introduced Morrli
K. Jessup, who then Introduced Bishop
Potter, and the latter offered prayer.
President MeKlnley's Address.
Mr. Jessup then Introduced President
McKlnley, who waited for some moments
until the applause died out. The President
said:
"Mr. Chairman, members of the Ecu
menical Conference. Ladles and Gentle
men: Words of welcome are unnecessary
here. This representative gathering this
earnest and sympathetic gathering pre
sided Over by One Of Amerl-n'a mn.t II.
I lustrlous statesWn, General Harrison, is
your irue ana Dest welcome. It attests
the profound pleasure and (satisfaction
which all of us feel that the representa
tives of more than 200 societies engaged
In the work of foreign missions. In every
part of tho globe, are guests within our
gatca To them are extended the hospital
ity of our homes and the devotion of our
hearts In acknowledgment and encourage
ment of their faithfulness and unselfish
ness In a great movement of uplifting the
races of men, teaching them the truth of
tho common fatherhood of God and the
brotherhood of man. and showing that
ir we are not our brothers' keepers we
can be our brothers' helpers. I am 'glad
of the opportunity to offer, without stint
my tribute of respect to tha missionary'
effort which has wrought such wonderful
triumphs for civilization. ,
"The story of the Christian missions Is
:.;r.." ."".:.'"'" " man -e-
r .ii ju n OI tne missionaries
for their fellow-men constitute one ol
the most glorious pages of the world's
history. The missionary, of whatever
church or ecclesiastical body, who de
votes his life to the service of the Mas
ter and man. carrying the torch of truth
and enlightenment, deserves the gratitude
and homage of mankind. The noble, 'self
sacrificing, willing ministers of peace and
good-will should be classed with the
world's heroes. Wielding this word of
me spirit, iney nave conquered Ignorance
and prejudice. They havo been the pio
neers oi civilization, xney nave illumined
the darkness of Idolatry and suspicion
with the light of intelligence and truth.
They have been messengers of right
eousness and love. They have braved dis
ease and danger and death, and In their
exile have suffered unspeakable hardships.
but their noble spirits have never wa
vered. They count their labor no sacri
fice. 'Away with the word In such a view
and with such a thought, says David
Livingston; 'It Is emphatically no sacri
fice; say rather it Is a privilege.' They
furnish us an example of forbearance and
fortitude, of patience and unyielding
purpose, and of a spirit which triumphs
not. by the force of might, but by the
majesty of right. They are placing In the
hands of their brothers, less fortunate
than themselves, the keys which unlock
tha treasuries of knowledge and open tho
mind to noble aspirations for better con
ditions. Education Is one of the indis
pensable steps of mission enterprise, and
In some form must precede all success
ful work.
"The labors of missionaries, always dif
ficult and trying, are no longer so peril
ous as In former times. In some quar
ters Indifference and opposition have
given place to aid and co-operation. A
hundred years ago many of the fields
were closed to missionary effort. Now al
most everywhere Is the open door, and
only the map of the world now marks the
extent of their thought and action.
"Who can estimate their value to the
progress of the nations? Their contribu
tion to the onward and upward march
of humanity Is beyond all calculation.
They have Inculcated Industry and taught
the various trades. They have promoted
concord and amity and brought nations
closer together. They have made men
better. They have Increased the regard
for home, have strengthened the sacred
ties of family, have mado tho community
wen oracrea, and "their work has been
a potent Influence In the development of
law and the establishment of government.
May this great meeting rekindle the spirit
of missionary ardor and enthusiasm "to
go teach all nations'! may the. field never
lack 'a succession of heralds who shall
carry on the task the continuous procla
mation of his gospel to the end of time.' '
The President read his address. His
reference to ex-President Harrison as one
of the greatest statesmen of the United
States was applauded.
Governor Roosevelt made a brief ad.
dress and received 'an ovation.
General Harrison then spoke a few
words, thanking President McKlnley and
Governor Roosevelt for coming to the
opening of the conference, and this was
followed by the benediction, pronounced
by Dr. Judson Smith. The President, the
Governor and General Harrison remained
on the platform for a short time, and met
many of the delegates.
PLAGUE AT MANILA.
Font Breeding- Place Discovered In
the Heart of the City.
MANILA. April 21. The sudden deaths
of Filipinos and Chinamen In Qulapo Mar.
ket have led to an Investigation showing
that 15 cases of the plague. 14 of which
were fatal, have occurred within a week.
The market is located InT the center of
the city. In 'a black, rotten wooden build
ing, the keepers of the sfJls live with
their families, huddled toge'her in great
filth. Some of the victims rem stricken
and died within an hour. a There have
been several deaths In otl f sections of
the city recently, which hal. been traced
to Infection from themart. The total
number-ol'bubonlc death. jK 119 China
men and C Filipinos. 'ThtPoUgue 'elie
where .has been suppressed -' .
Colonel Hardin and Major Case, with a
battalion of the Twenty-ninth Infantry,
have sailed for the Islands of Matinduque
and Mahbelo. It is reported that the In
surgents have 230 rifles and 7000 rounds of
ammunition. Dr. Burgos, a prominent na
tive of Matinduque, and a supporter of
the Americans, accompanied the expedi
tion to try and convince the inhabitants
of tho wisdom of surrendering.
PLAGUE IN AUSTRALIA.
No Hope for an Early Cessation of
the Epidemic.
VANCOUVER. B. C. April a. It is the
opinion of Dr. Thompson, president ot
the Sydney Board of Health, that there
is no hope of an early cessation of the
plague, and that the epidemic can hardly
be suppressed under eight or nine months.
The steamer MIowera from Sydney yes
terday brought new of the spread of the
plague In Australia, and of the ineffectual
efforts of the Colonial Government to
stamp it out. Thousands have been in
oculated, the Premier and members of his
Cabinet presenting themselves for volun
tary Inoculation to make more easy the
efforts of the health officers In the lower
parts of tho city. Continual and thorough
work has been done In the way of clean
ing the city, and war has been waged re
lentlessly against rats.
A peculiar feature of the epidemic has
been the death of thousands of fish, their
dead bodies covering the surface of some
portions of the harbor. It Js the theory of
the pleague experts that the disease has
been communicated to the fish by dead
rats. Even prawns, which, being a hardy
species of crustacean, would not ordi
narily be affected by foul marine bottoms
or carrion, have died in Immense num
bers. Under the direction of the health au
thorities, tho entire steamer traffic of Syd
ney has been rearanged. Wharves have
been Isolated, ferries removed and Jetties
disinfected, torn down and rebuilt. All
the Australian towns, especially those
upon the coast, havo been taking. extra
ordinary precaution against the plague.
Wharf laborers have gone on a strike, de
manding three shillings an hour, owing
to the risk of plague. They have been
receiving one shilling.
The Inhabitants of Norfolk Island are
In a state of dire distress on account of
drought lasting almost a year, resulting
In the total failure of two successlvo
crops and the death of almost all the live
stock In the Island.
New Britain has had a series of severe
earthquakes, the trembles being of dally
occurrence for a considerable period.
Dwellings have been shaken down and
great fissures In the earth caused by tho
shocks, which have been the cause of
especial uneasiness on account of the
cloe proximity of tho still active vol
cano at Maflipit.
In a mining disaster at Balmaln, March
18. five men were killed, being precipi
tated to the bottom of an 1800-foot per
pendicular shaft.
i -Reviewed
by the Queen.
DUBLIN. April 2L Special trains
brought thousands of visitors to th!s city
today to witness the Queen's review of the
naval and Infantry brigades and the boys
of the Royal Hibernian Military School.
Fifteen acres of Phoenix Park were occu
pied by troops, under the command of the
Duke of Connaught,
It is estimated that 200.000 persons wit
nessed the review of the 10,000 troops nd
bluejackets. When the Queen passed
down the lino the cheering everywhere
was tremendous.
Croton Strikers Arraigned.
CROTON LANDING. N. Y., April 2L
The 25 strikers arrested Thursday were
arraigned today and all but two were held
for the grand Jury, charged with carrying
concealed weapons and threatening life
and property.
n
Governor Allen Sails.
WASHINGTON. April a. The Dolphin
sailed from the navy-yard this afternoon
for Puerto Rico, carrying Governor Al
len to the scene of his new duties.
FINE MAIL SERVICE
Portland Now to Have Splendid
Facilities.
WILL GO INTO EFFECT TODAY
Double Service Dally Between Here
and the East Local Arrange
ments Improved-
Commencing with the inauguration of
the O. R. & N. Co.'s fast train service to
day between Portland and Chicago, an
important improvement of the mall serv
ice on this line will take place. Mall clerks
will be placed on both the fast trains, and
EX-PRESIDENT BENJAMIN HARRISON.
Z2k
HONORARY PRESIDENT OF THE
SESSION
a doub!e .daily mall service to and from
Ibe'EasC-wlll go Intoffect. leaving-here
at 9:15 A. M. and 6:3)YP. M. This change
has caused the appointment of eight new
mall clerks, making 24 in all on the route
between Portland and Pocatello. Malls
for Spokane will leave Portland on the
train departing at 6:20 P. M.. and will
make direct connection with the train at
Umatilla, arriving at Spokane at 10:20 A.
M. Spokane malls will arrive here on the
O. R. & N. overland tram due at S A. M.
Other moll which used to arrive here at
6:45 P. M. and was not taken out till next
day will hereafter arrive at 4 P. M... which,
as the malls will all be handled and dis
tributed on the train, will be in time to
catch the afternoon delivery, and business
men will get their letters before the
close ot business. Instead of having to
wait till next morning for them.
The trains on the Hc'pner branch ot
the O. R. & N. will connect with the fast
trains, as will also the trains on the Co
lumbia Southern, thus affording much bet
ter mall service to Heppner and the Prine
vllle country.
Arrangements have been made with the
Southern Pacific which will give Independ
ence and Monmouth a double daily mall
service from Portland. Train 6. of the
Southern Pacific. leaving Portland at 5:03
P. M., will make connection with tlie mo
tor line at Dallas, on which mall service
has Just been established. This will give
these towns a chance to send mall to and
receive mall from Portland both morning
and evening. In connection with this
service, arrangements havo been made to
carry mall on the motor from Monmouth
to Alrlle. This will give Atrile a dally mall
service both ways In place of a tri-wcekly
service as heretofore. A closed-pouch
mall service has also been established on
the Albany local between Portland, Or
egon City, Woodburn, Salem ami Albany.
Malls on this train will maka direct con
nection at Woodburn for Mount Angel and
Sllverton.
These Improvements In the mall service,
which will enable the Portland morning
and evening papers to be gotten much
farther out Into the country on the day
of their publication, are In lino with other
similar Improvements which have been
made since Herbert Thrall, formerly of
this city, was appointed railway mall su
perintendent at San Francisco, and are
only a sample of what he has accomplished
during the past year, and he has further
Improvements of the service In this section
In contemplation. He has had more rail
way mall clerks put on since his appoint,
ment than were added during the 10 years
before.
GOLD AND SILVER OUTPUT.
Decrease In Cnllfornln, bnt Alaska
More Than Donbled.
SAN FRANCISCO. April 21. The Super
intendent of the United State3 Mint at
San Francisco has forwarded to the Di
rector of the Mint at Washington a re
port showing the gold and sliver product
ot California for the calendar year 1S2)
amounted to 15.S40.043, of which tl5.2S.031
was gold and JS0I.01" silver.
Comparing the totals of gold and sil
ver with the corresponding figures ob
tained from the same sources in the year
1SSS, the gold yield of the state shows a
decrease ot $370,447. and the silver yield
an Increase of 1S0.9S7. making a net de
crease from the previous year of tS0.190.
This Is attributed to the fact that owing
to the dry season many mines were shut
down. The returns to the mint show the
employment ot 18,701 miners in the gold,
silver, lead and copper mines of the state.
Alaska has more than doubled Its bul
lion product In the -last year. The re
ceipts of Alaska gold at mints, asaay of
fices, refineries, smelters, etc.. for the cal
endar year 1S23 were 5.C02.012. and the
silver $223,313. a total of .S31.333. or
3,1$.S more than in the year IKS. Of
this Increase, it is estimat-d that J.400.000
came from the new placer camp at Cape
Nome last season, the first year In Its
history, and the rest of the Increase from
the quartz mines of Southeastern Alaska.
The receipts at mints, assay offices, pri
vate refineries and smelters for the cal
endar year 1899 from the Klondike were
15,9S,25 gold and 2S7,3S0 silver, a total
of J16.251.107. This shows a marked ad
vance In output for the Klondike field,
since the Increase over the previous year
Is S5.02S.1SS.
- m i
NEW YORK FINANCES.
Steady Addition to Snrplns Despite
Deposit Expansion.
NEW YORK, April 23, The Financier
says:
The New York banks are adding steadily
to their surplus, despite tho expansion in
deposits, an operation that calls for addi
tional reserve. The statement for the cur-
j rent week shows a gain of over '6.000.000
In cash holdings, the result primarily of
Treasury disbursements, although consid
erable cash come to this center from the
interior. The Increase In loans was 3,S00.
rO0. and in deposits. $8,300,900.
The statement does not balance by the
' usual rules for proving, but the result,
according to the published figures, was a
gain of about $4,000,000 In surplus reserve,
bringing tho total excess above $11,000,000.
The month of April so far has been
ECUMENICAL CONFERENCE, SOW IN
IX NEW YORK.
marked by handsome Increases In cash,
the expansion since the close of March
footing up about 01,000.000. At the soma
time loans have Increased "3,000,0CO and
deposits 3.OOO.O0O. Whether the rising
loan and deposit totals will keep paco with
the cash gains now being made Is a ques
tion, the answer to which will solve tha
probable range of rates In money over the
Spring season. As matters stand now,
the low rates prevailing encourage an ad
vance In sterling, and the spectacle Is pre
sented of a hardening exchange market in
the faco of a credit balance due the coun
try larger than at any time In its history.
This Is noteworthy .so far" as the United
States Is concerned, but it only goes to
show that a condition has been reached
whero surplus wealth Is seeking higher
Interest rates abroad. The dlxbursements
on bond premiums by the Treasury Is add
ing to the pressure, but above that a fac
tor wh'lch must be reckoned with Is the
Inflation which Is going on In National
bank Issues. Already the National banks
havo taken out '6.000.000 of circulation
abovo the average, and reliable estimates
made on the basis of careful official can
vasses Indicates that 10O.CCO.C00 of new
National bank money Is In contemplation
throughout the United States. This will
not be Issued Immediately, but Its gradual
Issue will have a clearly defined effect In
assisting gold exports.
Thf number of clearing-house banks has
been reduced by one during the week, but
nn Increase In the capital of another of
JIO.W.OOO makes the total clearlng-houso
capital. 72.22.7T0. and as over cn.O0O.O0O of
this Is National bink capita', the oppor
tunity for new bank circulation will bo at
once apparent. The total circulation now
Is 21.400.010.
Th bank statement Is as follows:
Surplus reserves. Increased $3,944,073
Loans, Increased S.".!)
Specie. Increased 4..1"
Legal tenders. Increased 1.423.200
Deposits. Increased ZM,y
Circulation. Increased 3GO.00
The banks now hold J14.SM.3rO In excess
of tho requirements of the 25 per cent rule
Foreljm Financial fe-r.
NEW YORK. April 21. The Commercial
Advertiser's London financial cablegram
says:
There was nothing whatever doing In
the markets here today, and the tone
was dull except In Americans, which were
fairly busy. The only feature was Balti
more & Ohio and reflecting New York
prices. Anacondas were down 1-16 to
101-16. Call money was steady and less
wanted. The bank got 5000 gold from
Australia end lost ilo.O'X) to Roumanla.
01
RUMOR OF CROKER'S DEATH
An Unconfirmed Report Clrcnlntlnjr
In London.
LONDON. April 22. A rumor of the
death of Richard Croker. the origin of
which cannot be traced, was the sole topic
of conversation In the places where Amer
icans most congregate last night- J. P.
Andrew, of the Irish Granite Company, of
which Mr. Croker Is a director, eald to the
Associated Press representative that he
had heard the report. He added: "If it
Is true, Mr. Croker must have died sud
denly late Saturday, otherwise I would
know."
Dr. Thomas T. Reynolds, one of Mr.
Croker'a phyeiclans. Informs tho Associat
ed Press that he has had no intimation
of Mr. Croker's death.
"I saw him within a few days." 6ald Mr.
Reynolds. "Mr. Croker was then well. I
recently examined him and found him
physically sound. If he died. It must have
been the result of an accident. Some time
ago I operated on Mr. Croker for car
buncles. I have heard nothing of hit
death, and I think It he had died I should
havo been the first person notified."
3
President Will Not Attend.
CHICAGO. April 21 The reception com
mittee of the Dewey celebration has re
ceived formal notice from President Mc
Klnley of his declination of the Invitation
to come to Chicago during the festivities
In honor of the Admiral. President Mc
Klnley expresses his regret at his Inabil
ity to come, and takes occasion to praise
Admiral Dewey highly.
VOTE WILL BE CLOSE
Friends of Quay Are Not So
Confident
EFFECTOF PENNSYLVANIAELECT10N
Bitter Feeling; in Puerto Rleo
Asnlnat Americans Investigation
of Japanese Immigration.
WASHINGTON. April 2L The vote on
the Quay case will be very close, and tho
friends of Quay are nowhere as confident
ns they were a few weeks ago. when they
were pressing so earnestly in favor of fix
ing a time for a vote. The majority
either way is not expected to be more
than two or three, and. in view of the
fact that eight or ten Senators are still
unclassed and have not made any declara
tions, tho uncertainty Is apparent. Tha
appearance of Senator Aldrich here today
and his conference with a number of
those who are opposed to Quay Is said
to have resulted In an understanding,
which means that, even if the Quay caso
Is not postponed, enough votes cannot bo
mustered by his friends to carry him
through. A number of Senators who are
said to have been affected by the argu
ments mado are Fairbanks, Kean of New
Jersey and Culberson of Texas, who were
counted absolutely for Quay In the be
ginning. A short time ago Penrose, who
is managing the Quay fight, counted on
a majority of seven at least. The threo
SenatoVs named were on his list, Bever
ldge Is another uncertain quantity, and
tho fact that Clark, of Montana will not
vote makes the result decidedly uncer
tain. Primaries have been held In a number
of Pennsylvania Counties, and a number
of former Quay strongholds have been
carried by the opposition, and this. In it
self, is said to have had considerable In
fluence upon the situation In the Senate.
Even If Quay should secure a majority ot
the Republicans of the Legislature, there
Is no doubt a sufficient minority again to
prevent his election, as was the case in
the last Legislature, and the Senate would
bo again compelled to seat Quay as an
appointee of the Governor. This would
mean that a Senator would bo continued
in office where a Legislature has twice
refused him an election, and these facts
havo contributed to cause Senators who
were voting for Quay on personal grounds
to pause. The argument for a postpone
ment Is made on the ground that It would
be better to await the action of the elec
tions this Fall and see whether Quay can
control the Legislature, and It Is having
Its effect upon those wno are doubtful
on the Constitutional question. Quay's
frlcnd3 still declare that he has a suffi
cient majority, but this Is regarded by
the opposition as -mere braggadocio.
Pnerto Rlcana Are Bitter.
Chairman Cooper, of the Insular com
mittee, received a visit today from C. E.
Vrooman. a prominent Wisconsin lawyer,
who has Just returned from Puerto Rico..
This 13 what Vrooman says regarding tha
recent action of Congress on tho Puerto
Rlcan bill:
"The Puerto Ricnns are very bitter
against the Americans on account of tho
tariff Just enacted. The feeling of resent
ment Is Intense, and growing.. It Is a caso
of sentiment rather than business. They
don't mind so much the 15 per cent of
the Dingley rates. The tariff Itself is
relatively low. But they feel aggrieved
that they should be legislated against In
that way. and a discrimination mada
against them. It Is not the treatment
they expected. I think also that a mis
take was made In assuming that they
could not tax themselves. I think they
aro able to raise revenue from Internal
revenue taxes."
Influx of Japanese.
The Treasury Department has beert
urged to take some active step3 to put a
stop to the wholesale landing of unde
sirable Japanese on the Pacific Coast,
which has been carried to an extreme of
late. The department says that the only
way this can be stopped Is by proving that
these Japanese come under the "contract
labor" classification. The department will
make an extended Investigation all along
the Coast, and. If It Is possible, by see
ing where theso Japanese go and by
whom they are employed, to reach a rea
sonable conclusion that they are Import
ed under labor contracts, the department
will put a stop to the heavy Immigra
tion of undesirable Japanese.
A RcBlnter for the Garonne.
The Senate bill granting American reg
ister to tho steamer Oaronne. lately used
as a Government transport, and formerly
In the Puget SoumKHawalian trado,
passed tho House todsy.
I
A NEW ARMY BILL.
Senator Proctor Has Reported SI
Substitute.
WASHINGTON, April 2L Senator Proc
tor, from the Senate committee on mili
tary affairs, today reported a substitute
for the original Army reorganization bilL
The bill provides that hereafter any va
cancy in tho staff officers, except In tho
position of Chief of Staff, shall be filled
by details, which are to be for four years.
Vacancies In the line, caused by transfers
to the staff, are to be filled by promotion
In tho line, and officers are to be returned
from staff to line duties with the actual
rank held by them. When none of tho
present staff corps Is left to choose from,
the President Is authorized to select chiefs
of staff corps from the officers of tho
Army, not below the rank of Lieutenant
Colonel. The artillery arm of the Army is desig
nated as the artillery corps, the regiment
al organization being discontinued. There
are to bo two branches of this corps, to
be designated as the coast and the field
artillery. The chief of the artillery corps
is to have the-rank of Brigadier-General,
and there are to be 13 Colonels of artil
lery. The aggregate number of enlisted
men for the artillery Is placed at 17.448.
The senior Major-General Is given tha
rank of Lieutenant-Genera, and the Adjutant-General
the rank of Major-General.
- a
Conference on Hawaiian Rill.
WASHINGTON. April 21. The confor
rees of the two houses of Congress today
reached a second agreement on the dif
ferences in the bill providing a govern
ment for the Hawaiian Islands'. In this
agreement all provisions in reference to
taxes previous to registration are stricken
out and imprisonment for ordinary debt
or on account of taxes Is prohibited. A
provision also was agreed to making It
certain that the laws of the United States
In relation to seamen are extended to
Hawaii.
- o
Xewnpnpcr Office Burned.
ST. LOUIS. April 2L The plant of ths
St. Louis Chronicle, occupying the third
and fourth stories ot buildings at 14
to 19 North Sixtieth street, was practical
ly destroyed today by fire. The loss la
about 30,000; Insurance. 3,000.