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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 30, 1900)
pttttttt VOL. XIX. 2sT0. 52. POKTLAXD, OREGON, SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 30, 1900. PRICE FIVE CENTS. I PAGES 1 Ta THIRTY-TWO PAGES mW ,11 I S III, I I 111 (Ci. I I ' Ullr ly lr THE TIDE TURNING British Regaining Ground Recently Lost. BOERS ARE IN A SORRY PLIGHT Klmberley Is Said to Be Nearly Iso latedGeneral Colville Defends His Actions In Lindley Affair, Blaming: Lord Roberts. . LONDON. Dec. 30. Inst night's cable dispatches from South Africa add little or nothing to the Information concerning the situation, though the general trend of events seems to show that the Brit ish are regaining the ground recently lost. A special from Naauwpoort, dated De cember 23, reports that Colonel de Lisle assaulted Hertzog, 18 miles -west of De Aar, capturing a number of -wagons and releasing the prisoners captured at Phil llpstown. X.leutenant-Colonel Grenfell forced back General Knltzenger toward "Venterstadi. Both commandoes are In a desperate plight, and -will probably never recross the Orange River." A Standerton dispatch, dated December 23, says It is estimated that 3000 Boers were engaged in the operations in "North Natal, hoping to break the British lino of communication. This plan failed, and the Boers were driven off, in each case with more or less loss, their casualties In the last day or two numbering 50, while the British casualties were slight. According to a Johannesburg dispatch of Friday's date. General French, occupied "Ventersdorp that day without opposition. This place, being a great telegraphic cen ter, has been much used by the Boers for the dissemination of information. Tho possession of Ventersdorp, Rlchtenburg and Zeerust gives the British a strong hold upon this part of the country. From Carnarvon, under yesterday's date, comes a dispatch saying tho Boers occupied Vosburg December 27 in force, and were reported to be moving on Car narvon, where martial law has been pro claimed. The loyal Field Cornets and farmers have assured the authorities that they will remain loyal and will suppress disloyal talk. It Is credibly reported., according to a dispatch from Newcastle, December 29, that Louis Botha has informed Command ant Sprulght that Kruger has sent word that the burghers must lay down their arms or continue fighting on their own account, as no support from Europe can be expected. Klmberley Almost Isolated. CRADDOCK. Cape Colony. Friday, Dec C&. lsnberlrr is almost Isolated br Boer rallera. Tfo malls reached there from December 10 to December 25. Provisions ars at famine prices. The military took charge of all the foodstuffs December 22. The Lelnster Regiment, commanded by Major Barry, had a skirmish laBtlng four hours with the Boers at Drelfonteln, De cember 27, suffering slight losses. The Boers at Gluunk captured a convoy of 25 wagons Christmas eve. Boers Attacked Bnprsnge Colnmn. IONDON, Dec. 29. General Kitchener, telegraphing from Pretoria under date of Friday, December 2S, sends a summary of the number of attacks made by the Boers at various points. The only im portant incident was an attack upon a baggage column near Greyllngstad. A company with a pompom made a sortie -from Greyllngstad and drove off the Boers. Captains Radclyffe and Harvest were wounded, eight men were killed, 27 were wounded and 20 were reported miss ing. Roberts' Homeward Trip. GIBRALTAR. Dec 29. The steamer Canada, with General Lord Roberts on board, which arrived hore from South Af rica yesterday, sailed for home this after noon. British Occupy FlcUsburjr. BLOBMFONTEIN.-Dec 28. The British have reoccupled Flcksburg, which for some time has been in tho hands of the Boers. COLYILLE'S COUNTER STRIKE. He Blames Lord Roberts for the Lindley Affair. " LONDON, Dec 29. Major-General Sir Henry Colville, whose resignation has been demanded by the War Office, but who refused to resign and came to Eng land from Gibraltar, arriving at Plym outh today, to demand a trial by court martial to establish the responsibility for the Yeomanry disaster at Llndley last May, has made a counter strike at the "War Office in a 3000-word statement which ho has given to the press. He says he has come home to demand a free inquiry, and does not intend to be made a scape goat for the sake of the staff. He avers that the Lindley dlsatter could never have happened had he been informed of Lord Roberts' intention. The primary cause of tho surrender, he says, was the insuffi cient Information given by the headquar ters staff to Colonel Spragge and him self, and he declines to accept the blame." Ho lays out the facts and blames others. General Colville and his Influential friends, in and out of the army, are thus beginning a campaign against the new Secretary of State for "War, William St. John Broderlck, Lord Roberts and Gen eral Kitchener. It is expected to be fought out with some ferocity in Parlia ment. After he returned from South Africa, General Colville says he fully acquainted the "War Office with the facts. After some time he was informed by General Sir Evelyn Wood, the Adjutant-General, that Lord Lansdowne, then Secretary of State for War, had directed him to say that General Lord "Wolseley, the Commander-in-Chief, approved of General Colvllle's resuming his Gibraltar command. He learned unofficially that an army board of Ave of the highest officers of the War Office had considered his statements and Lord Roberts' dispatches on the subject. His reappointment was the result of the Inquiry. To his intense surprise. Adjutant-General "Wood, December 2L notified him that William St. John Broderlck. the newly appointed Secretary of State for War, held him responsible for the loss of the Yeomanry, and ordered him to quit his command Immediately and hand over his resignation. General Colville. going into official de tails, says he wis ordered to concentrate h.s division at Hellbron May 28. and names the disposition of the other divis ions, which extended across the Orange Free State. He assumed that Lord Rob erts Intended to advance, sweeping all before him. His orders were absolute, and he had to carry them out. Hence he could not go to the relief of the 500 Yeo manry without risking the success of the grand operation. Under the circum stances, ho said, he considered it his duty to pass on, even If he were sure it would entail the loss of the Yeomanry. Be sides, he had only food enough for two days. He pushed on, and the Yeomanry surrendered. Lord Roberts hrokc up Gen eral Colvllle's division and expressed his dissatisfaction. "On my pointing out that I had obeyed his orders to the letter," declared Gen eral Colville, "he said his orders were only intended as a guide" General Colville alludes to some of the aeomanry being millionaires, and quotes Lord Roberts as saying It was his duty to sacrifice Ids force for the Yeomanry. Tt will be remembered," General Col ville says, "that the corps d" elite num bered 500, and my force nearly eight time3 that number." General Colville recites two examples of what he considers Lord Kitchener's de fective work. THI COMEDIE FRANCAISE. Brilliant Spectacle on the Return, to Its Old Home. PARIS, Dec 29.A brilliant spectacle was presented at the Theatre Francals tonight on the return of tho Comedlo Fralncalse to Its old home, which has been rebuilt upon scientific methods since it was gutted by fire last March. The oc casion was celebrated with a gala per formance, and it is doubtful If the his toric playhouse ever held a more distin guished gathering of representative Frenchmen. The Chief of State and Mme. Loubet occupied tho Presidential box, whilo the King of tho Belgians made a special trip from Brussels to attend the function, engaging the balgnore formerly belonging to his uncle, tho Due d'Aumale. M. Waldeck Rousseau, the Premier, mem bers of the Cabinet and all of the leading lights In politics, literature and the drama were assembled within the famous edifice. United States Ambassador Por ter and his daughter sat in. the Ambas sadorial box. The programme consisted of the fourth act of Corneille's "Le Cld," the third act of Mollere's "Femmes Savantes," conclud ing with a prologue on the reopening of the theater written by Richepin. Mounet Sully, Salvain, Coquelln. Cadel and Mmes. Dudley (who escaped the fire when Mile. Honriot perished), Bariotti and Bartet took the leading roles. Tho traditional ceremony which at tends every historical performance at the Theatre Francais was a most picturesque scene. The stag represented a Baronial hall, with two stone benches on either side. The bust of Moiere was decorated with the tricolor anc a golden wreath. All the mombers of the troupe, attired in scarlet and ermine, entered two by two, bowed to tho audience and placed a laurel wreath around the bust, to which they they bowed, afterward taking their places on the benches. Mounet-Sully in the role of tho doyen of the company. Mme. Bari otti as tho Muse of Comedy, and Mme. Bartet aa the Muse of Tragedy, then spoke an eloquent poetical prologue, and the curtain fell to the strains of the "Mar seillaise." , The theater has undergone little struc tural alteration, but numerous improve ments have been introduced, such as a new fireproof curtain, better staircase arrangements and safety exits for both the public and the artists In case of flre. One of the principal innovations is an ele vator. The auditorium is tastefully dec Orated in gold and rich red. Houdon's statue of Voltaire, which nearly perished in the fire, owing to the difficulty of re moving it, is now placed on wheels. Tap estry from the famous Gobelin factory, representing the crowning of Mollere by celebrated members of the Comedle Fran cals, which it has taken, several years to execute, hung in the foyer for the first time tonight. During the entr'acte Presi dent Loubet conferred upon Mounet-Sully the decoration of an officer of the Legion of Honor. Alliance In the Balkans. NEW YORK. Dec. 29. A special to the Herald from Vienna says: Reports which have arrived hero from Bucharest give an account of a new configuration of the Balkans of the greatest political Interest, which, if it should turn out to be true, will throw a curious light on the rela tions of Germany and Austria to Rus sia. It is stated In the Bucharest press that at the suggestion of Count von Bu low. an offensive and defensive alliance has been concluded between Turkey and Roumanla which was -directed against .any power which would try to disturb tho peace in the Balkans. This is perhaps only designed to distract Russia's atten tion to a certain degree from the Chinese problem. With a view to paralyzing this alliance an entente has been arrived at between Servla and Bulgaria under the patronage of Russia. In well-informed circles in Vienna tho news was at first received without com ment, 'but the fact that the information has been circulated allows of the conclu sion being drawn that the convention be tween Russia and Austria regarding the Balkans Is no longer as solid as it for merly was. A Flre Brigade Exhibition. WASHINGTON, Dec 29, The United States has been invited, through the Ger man Ambassador at Washington, to take part la the international exhibition of fire-preventing and fire-saving apparatus, to be held In Berlin during June and July next; In commemoration of the 50th anni versary of the organization of the Berlin flre brigade. Cordial Invitations are ex tended to municipal authorities, fire-brigade associations, national unions, manu facturers and Interested persons of every country to compete and to promote the object In view by the exhibition of sult ablo apparatus. , Parcel Post Convention. "WASHINGTON. Dec 29. Lord Tn.nnrf -fote, the British Ambassador, had a con ference witn tne beoond Assistant Postmaster-General today upon the establish ment of a parcel post convention with Great Britain. The convention established with Germany has ben largely experi mental, and the department Is collecting data upon Its operation during the past year In order to determine whether or not it is desirable to establish a parcel post convention with the larger European countries. These reports will probably be completed about the middle of January. German Cuban Claims. BERLIN, Dec 29. Negotiations for the settlement of German claims for damages In Cuba during the war have been going on with the United State for some time, the National Zeltung learns, but have not reached a definite conclusion. Kansns City Hotel Burning?. KANSAS CITY. Dec 39. 2:45 A. M. The large Pennock block, at Twolfth and Main streets, across the alley from the Baltimore Hotel, Is burning. Tho loss will be heavy- Guests ire leaving the Balti more Hotel, but there Is no confusion, and it Is not likely that there will be loss of life. Quarantine Asrnlnst Smallpox. ST. PAUL, Dec 29. John Justus Chage, health commissioner of this city, has is sued stringent quarartine orders against the City of Winona, where there are said to be 500 cases of smallpox. THEGERMAH8PHYHX Von Bulow's Attitude Is Still Enigmatical. LEANING TOWARD AGRARIANS But Unvrillinsr to Involve the Empire In a. Commercial War Prince Henry Is Ordered to Stady 1 1 State Affairs. BERLIN, Dec 29. The recent speeches of Count von Klinckowstroem. the Agra rian leader, and the attitude of the Im perial Chancellor, Count von Bulow, to ward tho Agrarians have furnished the press O1I3 week with the main subject oi discussion, withdut any new facts. Count von Bulow has not uttered a word pub licly to Indicate his position, and his si lence wins him the designation of the sphynr of German politics. The Vosslsche Zeltung assumes that the Chancellor, from his political associations, is an Agrarian, but his diplomatic edu. cation and experience In foreign politics render him unwilling to concede the Agra rian demands wholly, since he must seo that a grain duty of 60 marks would ren der a commercial treaty policy impossi ble. The Vosslsche Zeltung assumes that such a duty would cause a tariff war with tho United States and Russia, the former answering with measures directed against German sugar, and the latter replying by increasing the duty on German iron. The Liberal newspapers understand that Von Kllnckowstroem's utterances were Intend ed to prepare for a compromise below the Agrarian demands, pointing out that It was Count von Klinckowstroem who checked the extreme Agrarian demands In connection with the meat bill. The press this week has much comment ed on a semi-official article In the Muen chener Allgemeine Zeltung. National Lib eral, quoting Count von Bulow as saying: "Above all things, no Internal crisis." Many of the papers fear the Chancellor's conciliatory spirit will prevent any vig orous policies, and others interpret his ut terance as meaning that he Is ready to sacrifice Count von Posadowskl-Wehner, Secretary of State for tho Interior, in the interest of harmony In the Cabinet. Thfc Count's trip to South Germany, conclud ing with the highest decoration being b. stowed upon him by the Emperor, gives occasion for tho frequent remark that the Chancellor Is on very good termB with His Majesty. Nevertheless, the Cologne Volks Zeltung. the leading Centrist or gan, sarcastically asks what there will be left to confer on Von Bulow when he actually does something. The trip has undoubtedly had a good political effect. The Stuttgart Schwae blsche Mercur. the semi-official paper of Wurtemburg, remarks that the relations that the Imperial Government have later grown somewhat strained, and adds that Count von Bulow's object was to restore the former cordiality, which he has fully succeeded In doing. "Hereafter," con tinues the paper mentioned, "the Soutti German Government will have a promi nent participation in imperial affairs." Nevertheless, the Pan-German press continues to attack Count von Bulow. The Relnsche Wostphaellsche Zeltung, Na tional Liberal, accuses the Chancellor of hanging on to Great Britain's skirts, rfnd expresses fear that this may involve Ger many In complications with Russia and France. The LustJge Blaette prints a striking cartoon of Count von Bulow peer ing into a looking-glass and asking tho question: "Who is the Chancellor In the land?" The looking-glasa reflects Em peror William's face. The newspapers. this week refer In an aggrieved tone to the continued attacks of tho Russian press upon Germany, in stancing the dissemination of the deplora ble story that Cologne and Berlin newv papers were bribed by the De Beers Com pany to oppose the Boer cause. The United States Senate's action on the Hay-Pauncefote treaty is much dis cussed; The National Zeltung. National Liberal, generally friendly to the United States, devotes a long leader to this sub ject this morning. The general tone of the press is condemnatory of the Sen ate, without sympathizing with Great Britain. It Is announced that an enlarged canal bill will be presented to the Prussian Diet January S. The Post, Conservative, has already opened war against the measure, warning the government that It will meet with as severe defeat as it did In 1S&9. The diet will also deal with the question of reform of tho secret police. The heavy movement of the population toward Berlin causes a chronic scarcity of houses and a general rising in rents. A conference of over 70 Social Democratic Aldermen of the Brandenburg cities mot In Berlin this week to discuss the matter, and passed resolutions advocating various measures of relief by the municipality. The Berliner Pollscho Nachrlchten, the mouthpiece of Dr. Miquel, the Minister of Finance, discusses the subject, opposing restrictions being placed on the free movement of tho population and says the Prussian Government Is deliberating on the question. The Central Agricultural Association, of East Prussia, has pass-ed a resolution In favor of half-day schools, as a measure for the relief of the scarcity of laborers. The German ship yards In 1900 completed 250.000 tons of vessels, which is three times above the tonnage turned out in 1S56, and a fifth above the tonnage of 1S9S. British yards built in 1900 100.000 tons for German account, and German yards built In 1900 113,000 tons for foreign account. Seven hundred ships, in all 760.000 tons, are build ing for German account In German pri vate and foreign yards. Forty-eight war ships are being built In German private yards. An imperial order, dated December IS, commands Prince Henry of Prussia (brother of the Emperor) to repair to Berlin by January 1, and remain at tho capital for some time, with the view of attaining a more intimate knowledge of state affairs. His Majesty desires that, while at the capital. Prince Henry shall maintain close touch with the Foreign Of fice. The Nord Deutsche Allegemalne Zeltuns explains that the order Is duo to the wish of the Emperor to have him learn the affairs of government. Prince Henry will be attached to the Foreign Of fice beginning January 1. Porto Rico Labor Unions. NEW YORK, Dec. 29. The American Federation of Labor has sent word to the unions in this city that It would begin Immediately the organization of the work- iinsmen. of Porto Rico into branches of the unions of the Federation. The work outlined by Samuel Gompers, President of the Federation Includes $he appointment of a special committee of American labor ing men, who will be sent to Porto Rico. The Federation has already made an ap propriation of $5000 to pay the expenses of the committee Santiago Igleslas, the Porto Rican la bor leader who represented the working men of his country at the recent national convention of the American Federation of Labor held in Louisville, will accom pany the commtltee to Porto Rico and assist its members In their work. The Federation asserts that tho Porto Rican workmen complain of the enforcement or the old Spanish law on the Island, which prevents them from holding even union lodge meetings without first obtaining a permit from the police for each meeting. The American Federation of Labor. Presi dent Gompers declares, will appeal to Congress If necessary, to establish the right of the Porto Rican workmen to hold meetings. To Enter California-Panama Run. SEATTLE, Dec 29. The steamship Roanoke, Captain H. P. Weaver, sails Wednesday for San Francisco, to enter the run between that city and Panama. SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT NEWS. Foreign. The Boer invasion of Cape Colony la thought to be successfully checked. PageL Klmberley Is eald to ba nearly Isolated. Page L General Colville has made & counter strike. Pagel. Von Bulow's attitude toward the agrar ians is the subject of Berlin press dis cussion. Page L Prince Henry of Prussia has been ordered to take an Interest in state affairs. Pagel. Tho Comedie Francals reopened the Thea ter Francais. Page 1. Cunnlngham-Oraham, an English writer, makes a bitter attack on Anglo-American friendship. Page 13. Politics. Cleveland discusses Presidential tenure and election by popular vote. Page L Middie-of-the-Road Populists refuse to join with the Socialists. Page 2. Federal Government. The Government makes an offer for tho Danish Antilles. Page 1. . The hazing hearing at West Point was concluded. Page 2. Legislation of 1900 summarized by New York Stato Library. Page 9. China. Prince Chlng says China wiTl accept the note. Page 3. Earl Ll Is paralyzed. Page 3. It Is rumored at Shanghai that China will accept. Page 3. China asks for an explanation of the powers' note. Page ,13. The Empress Dowager will not be per mitted to name a new Emperor. Page 13. Domestic. The Cudahy kidnapers threaten to steal another child unless the reward is with drawn. Page 2. Crowe and McGee, the kidnapers, are sup posed to be in St. Joseph, Page 2. Tho economic convention concluded Its session. Page 3. Alger makes a bitter attack on General Miles. Page 3. Pacific Coast. Tho clerkship abuse In the Oregon Legis lature, and the main features of the law intended to remedy It. Page 4. Forest Grove business men may establish a sawmill and light plant at that place. Page 4. Tho Oregon Teachers' Association closed a successful four days convention and adjourned, to meet at Eugene one year hence. Page 4. A bill will be Introduced at the coming Oregon Legislature to reduce the rail road fare from i to 3 cents per mile Pago 4. The Oregon farmers' congress will be held at Salem, January 7, instead of January 8, as first announced. Page 4. Commercial and Marine. Wheat advances 2 cents a bushel In Chi cago. Page 23. New York banks show loan expansion of nearly $10,000,000. Page 23. Thirteen stockbroking firms fall In Lon don. Ptfae 13. Gloomy outlook for finances In England. Page 13. Bradstreefs review of year's business. Page 23. Another disabled vessel at Port Town send. Page 6. Portland grain ship given quick dispatch. Page 5. Many lives lost In European gale. Page 5. Overdue coasters reach San Francisco. Page 5. Portland and Vicinity Travelers' Protective Association holds annual meeting and banquet. Page 8. Olds & King firm name changed to Olds, Wortman & King. Pago 24. Commercial Club team won sliver cup at whist tournament. Page 8. State Senator Mulkey wants office of State Printer abolished. Page 9. Afro-American council will observe Eman cipation day. Page 24. Negotiations are In progress for & flour mill at Fftlrvtewv Page 8. Features and Departments. Social events of the week, In and out of town. Pages 14 and 15. News of the dramatic and musical world, and happenings at the local theaters. Pages Ifi and 17. Reviews of recent publications, and mat ters of Interest to book-lovers gener ally. Page IS. Advent of the new century, from a pic torial standpoint. Page 25. The week's review of the sporting world Necessity for draining Multnomah field; local and general sporting gossip and comment; McGovem and Gans fight was not a fake; introduction of the English partridge among Oregon game birds. Page 28. Funny things in prose, and poems that are worth reading, clipped from the newspaper exchanges. Page 27. Reading matter and illustrations for chil drenNew Year's feast and dance of Oregon pioneers; story of a brave dog that sacrificed his life for his young master: an adventure on the frozen Wil lamette with a maniac In early days in Portland, and other matters of interest. Page 28. Weekly New York fashion letter; latest things In opera wraps; typical New YgtJc women of the present day; minor items of interest. Page 29. Correspondent Carpenter writes of Macao, the gambling hell of Asia; Captain Pierce, of the United States Army, writes from Manila, upholding the Army canteen; Mary E. Bell Indulges in reflections concerning Christmas presents, and presents code of New Year resolutions: Frances Elmina Cox contributes "A Song of the New Cen tury." and "Janus" takes up the pros and cons of the McLean - Washburn controversy In poetic strain. Page 30. "Norman Holt," a story of the Civil War, by General Charles King, Is con tinued. Page 31. Record of principal achievements of the nineteenth century and views of noted people concerning what the forthcoming 100 years hold forth for mankind; Francis R. Wardle writes from Shang hai of the difficulty of understanding John Chinaman in his native land, pic torial representations of "The Twentieth-Century Girl" and of Uncle Sam, as he looks today and appeared In 1S01. Page 32. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Government Makes an Offer for the Danish Antilles. THREE MILLIONS IS THE LIMIT The Negotiations Are Belnjr Conduct ed by Minister Swenson at Co-pcnhOGrcn-rSpeedy Action la the Matter Is Necessary. COPENHAGEN, Dec. 20. The United States Minister, Mr. Swenson, has in formed the Danish Government that tho EUGENE J. WHO SUCCEEDS ASA BIRD GARDINE R AS DISTRICT ATTORNEY IN NEW YORK. United States offers 12.000,000 kroner for the Danish Antilles, and will not give more. NEGOTIATIONS "WITH DENMARK. Minister Svrcnson Is Trying? to Close the Deal. WASHINGTON, Dec. 29. The negotia tions between the Government of the United States and the Government or Denmark have been in progress, though Intermittently, for the past two years. In the earlier stages, something was at tempted here through the resident Minister of Denmark, Constantln Brun, and one Captain Christmas DIrkfeldt, but while these efforts laid tho foundation for what followed In Europe, they could not be regarded as successful, and after mature consideration the Stato Department de cided that Mr. Swenson, the United States Minister to Denmark, was the best person to deal with the case In the interest of this country. Therefore, he was given full instructions and some measure of authority. He had nearly succeeded in his object last Spring, when, through an internal change in Denmark, the 'Minister of Foreign Affairs was displaced. The new Minister was opposed to the transfer of the islands to the United States, and a wave of patriotic feeling swept over the country, to which the government was obliged to yield, and the negotiations were" suspended for a time. Now, a change has taken place in the public mind of Denmark, and the pres ent Minister of Foreign Affairs has. It Is believed hore, reluctantly come to the conclusion that for financial reasons it Is scarcely advisable to hold the Islands. Their export trade, normally done In large part with the United States, has been greatly depressed, and. though the com merce might yield sufficient taxation un der restrained Intercourse with the States to make the islands self-sustaining, at present they are a drag on Denmark, and the Danish Government Is obliged to ma&o good a considerable deficit on their ac count. The sum named in the Copenhagen dis patch as offered by Minister Swenson, 12. 000,000 kroner, as the price to be paid for the Islands, Is roughly equivalent to about 53,240,000. It Is Impossible to learn whether this Is the maximum price to be offered. Purely business reasons would account for the official silence on this point. It is gathered that Mr. Swenson was allowed considerable latitude In dealing with the matter, but it Is inti mated that ho has about reached the end of his ability on this point. Of course, an acceptance of this propo sition by the Danish Government would not complete the transaction. The trans fer can be accomplished only under a torm of treaty which must be accepted by the Senate of the United States. And, In ad dition, owing to the necessity of providing the money to be paid for the Island, the House of Representatives must have Its say, being called upon to make the necessary appropriation. The treaty would undoubtedly consume much time in its consideration, and, as scarcely moro thiln two months remain of the present session of Congress, speedy action would be re quired on the part of the negotiators at Copenhagen In order that there may bo a reasonable chance for action upon the treaty before adjournment. United States Buys Ladronc Islet. NEW YORK Dec 29. Secretary Long has purchased for tho United States Gov- eminent another Pacific island, avers the Washington correspondent of the Herald. This island Is under the American flag and lies In the harbor of San Luis d'Apra, Guam. It Is proposed to use It as the sits for a coaling station. The price paid for tho Island was WOO In American gold. It is 130 acres in extent, is healthy, and it Is believed will make an admirable site for the projected station. The Island was owned by several prominent natives of Guam, who, the Qfilclals say, will live In affluence as a result of the sale. MORE CHICAGO INDICTMENTS Grand Jury Keeps Up Its Crusade Against Vice. CHICAGO, Dec 20. Six more Indict ments against alleged down-town dive keepers and owners of disorderly houses were voted by the grand jury today, as a result of the investigation into charges of municipal corruption being made by that body. After receiving further instructions from Judge Gibbons as to the lines to pur sue in the conduct of the Investigation, the body adjourned until Monday. The cases against Charles B. Kohl, one of the proprietors of the Chicago Opera House, and Manager Lltt, of McVlckers PHILBRIN Theater, who were arrested some time ago for keeping their houses open Sunday, were today dismissed by Justice Everett, who held that so long as Sunday theaters did not actually disturb the peace and good order of society by creating a phys ical disturbance there was no violation of the law In giving a Sunday performance. The arrests, grew out of the recent agita tion against basement dives in the down town district, one of the alleged dlvekeep ers affected swearing out the warrants against the proprietors of the theaters. All saloons were closed as tight as drums at midnight, for the first time since the present Mayor. Carter H. Harrison, has held office. The order closing the saloons emanated from Chief of Police Klpley's office, and was read to every po lice officer detailed on night duty at even ing roll-call. Captains and lieutenants in addressing their subordinates told them, the order was "on the square." Slnsle-Headcd Police Bill. NEW YORK, Dec. 29. Governor-elect Odell announced, after a long conference with Senator Piatt and Chairman Dunn, that in his message he would recommend a single-headed police bill to be passed by the Legislature It is believed that the bill will be completed very soon and passed forthwith. Deputy Mclntyre Resigns. NEW YORK, Dec. 29. Assistant District Attorney Mclntyre resigned today and Charles E. LeBarbier has been appointed as assistant in his stead. Mr. LeBarbier has been an assistant attorney for some time past. CAUGHT BY A PRARIE FIRE Terrible Accident to a Party of "Movers." WICHITA, Kan., Dec. 29. Gotlleb Stacker and his entire family, moving from Stillwater, O. T., to Rogers, M1U3 County, were caught while asleep In their wagon in a prairie fire last night. A 17-months-old baby was roasted to dea,th and a boy will die. A young lady will lose both limbs, and no hopes are enter tained of saving the mother's life. In their roasted condition and the eyes and hair of their horses burned out, they reached a dug-out owned by Dennis Carr, a few miles south. The prairie flre was fanned by a wind traveling 60 miles an hour. Santo Dominsro Cabinet. SANTO DOMINGO. Republic of Santo Domingo, Dec. 29 (via Haytlen cable). The President has appointed the follow ing Ministers: Interior, Senor Hernandez; Foreign Affairs, Senor Henriquez; War, Senor Cuello; Finance, Senor Brache; Ag riculture, Senor Despradel; Posts, Senor Joubert. Th tribunal has confirmed Its previous declaration of the bankruptcy of the Na tional Bank, and the bankruptcy proceed ings are continuing. The country remains quiet. t Fnrqnhar nt Pensacoln. PENSACOLA, Flo., Dec. 29. The flag ship Kearsarge and the battle-ship Mas sachusetts, of the North Atlantic squad ron. Admiral Farquhar In command, crossed the bar and entered Pensacola Harbor at noon today. Other vessels of the fleet aro expected Inside of a week. FOR A LONGER TE Grover Cleveland on Presi dential Tenure. FOUR YEARS NOT ENOUGH In the Next Century, He -Says, the Present Indirect Method of Elect ing the Chief Magistrate Should. Be Done Array "With, NEW YORK. Dec. 23. Writing on "Tho President of the Twentieth Century," for the New York World tomorrow, ex-President Cleveland refers to the Presidential tenure In these terras: "Thoughtful citizens will more and mora appreciate the objections urged against the present Indirect and cumbersome modo of electing their Presidents. The circum stances in which this plan originated ought no longer to excuse such a baffling confusion of ideas as grows out of the proposition that in a popular Government, the chief officer and their most direct rep resentative may be made the recipient of their trust and the depository of their power in flagrant opposition to the de clared popular will. "Strong arguments are from time to time urged in favor of a change In the tenure of the Presidential office. These should challenge serious attention, to the end that the present constitutional limit may be removed and a, more reasonable and useful one substituted. There has been a continual increase in Federal leg islation of a peremptory character, and related to the Immediate and routine ne cessities of the country, ana so It has come to pass that of the four sessions of Congress held during the Presidential term two are so brief as to scarcely per mit the passage of necessary appropria tion bills, while of the others one occurs when the President" is usually etnnge in his new office ard burdened with impor tunities and labors inseparable from a change of Administration, and the remain ing one encounters during Its continuance the interruptions, timidity and demoral ization of a Presidential and Congres sional canvass. These conditions suggest the scant opportunity allowed for the in itiation and adoption of new and Impor tant remedial legislation during a Presi dential term. , "Another argument of considerable weight In favor of the change is based upon the complaint that the business and other Important interests of our people are now too frequently disturbed and dis quieted by the turmoil and heat of a Presidential election. It is not amiss to add that a substantial extension of the .Executive tenure would pave the way for estaoiisnmg tne meiigiointy or an in cumbent to succeed himself, which has long found favor with a large class of our people as a consummation much to be desired. "Thus American citizens of the 20th century will be charged with the duty of securing for themselves the actual sub stance of popular rule by establishing a more direct method of selecting the peo ple's chief Executive in, strict accordance with the people's will, and by so extend ing the tenure as to enable him to better serve his countrymen and more thor oughly protect and defend all their In terests." THE MARQUETTE STATUE. Said Not to Be a LIUenes of the Famous Explorer. NEW YORK, Dec. 29. According to the Washington correspondent of the Herald, the statue of Pere Marquette, In the Stat, uary Hall In the Capitol, about which there was almost a religious war a few years ago, turns out not to be the statue of Pere Marquette at all. The statue was presented to the Nation by the State or. Wisconsin. Objections were raised to lt3 installation In the Capitol by persons of other than Catholic denomination, and for many months the authorities hesitated as to what they should do. They finally gave Pere Marquette a place with other prominent men. A discovery has now been made of an oil painting of Marquette In Montreal, which indicates that the statue is as far from being an accurate representation of the famous priest as day is from night. The painting in Montreal, It Is said, is un doubtedly authentic, and was so covered with dust that no outline of the portrait could be had until It had undergone a careful cleaning. It is believed that thl3 painting is the only likeness of Marquetta In existence, and the face in oil is not ths face of the Marquette in marble at the CapltoL WANT DUTIES REDUCED. Petition of Cuban Planters Indorsed by General Wood. HAVANA, Dec 29. A delegation of 10 planters from the Province of Plnar del Rio 'visited General Wood today with a petition for a reduction of 25 per cent in the tariff on sugar to the United States against Cuba, and 50 per cent in the ex port duty on tobacco, in order to enable the planters to recoup on those important island Industries. Governor Wood Is fa vorable to the petition, and will recom mend to the Secretary of War that It be granted, as he considers it highly Im portant to the peace and -prosperity of Cuba. HENRY VILLARD'S WILL. Public Bequests Made hy the Late Railroad Builder. NEW YORK, Dec 29. The will of tho late Henry Vlllard makes these public bequests: Columbia University, $50,000; Harvard University. 550,000; Dobb's Ferry Hospital Association, $50,000; New York Infirmary for Women and Children. $5000; German Society of New York. $5000; So ciety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. $2500; Hospital at Speyer, Ger many, which he founded, 60.000 marks; Museum at Kalserlauterln, 50,000 marks; the town of Speyer, 50,000 marks, the in come of which Is to be applied to tho making of loans to deserving mechanics. Stlcteney to Be Married. ST. PAUL, Dec. 29. It is announced that Alpheus B. Stlckney, president of the Chi cago Great Western, will be married some time next month to MI3S May Cros by of Dexter, Me. Miss Crosby is a daughter of Judge Joslah Crosby, and sha and Mr. Stlckney became acquainted when he was a young lawyer in her father's of fice. They are about the same age. Mr. Stlckney Is a widower. The marriage will probab'y take place In Boston, and Mr. and Mrs. Stlckney will spend the Win ter in New York. Mr. Stlckney left for the East tonight.