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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.