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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 13, 1903)
-V ,.,. fcf-.,-. mm ptttam j FORTY PAGES j . it j ! PAGES I TO 5 VOL. XXIL NO. 50. PRICE FIVE CENTS. PORTLAND, OREGON, SUNDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 13, 1903. v 0u OTH MAY G HitchcockFavorsaNew Man at Roseburg. REGISTER IN LUMBER FIRM Secretary Fears Private and Official Duties Clash. LITTLE HOPE FOR THOMSON Report of Inspector on the Record of the Suspended Receiver Places Him in an Unfavorable Light. it J. Henry Booth, Register at Rose fcurg, is a brother of State Senator B. A. Booth. Previous to his appoint ment he was connected with a lumber ing concern at Grant's Pass. It la understood ho urges in his defense that hio connection with the Booth-Kelly Lumber Company is simply that of a stockholder, his brother being the man ager of the business. The late Congressman Tongue was largely instrumental in having Mr. Booth appointed. OREGONIAN NEWS BUREAU. "Well ington, Dec. 12. The Oregon Senators are likely to be called upon to recommend a new man for Receiver of the Roseburg Land Office In place of James H. Booth, whose reappointment, as well as that of IReglster Bridges, they requested some time ago. A careful and thorough Inves tigation has been made Into the records of both men. No objection Is raised to. Bridges, but Booth Is shown to be a prominent officer in the Booth-Kelly Lumber Company, and his relations with that company, which has been extensively operating in timber lands In Southern Oregon and Northern California, leads Secretary Hitchcock to believe that Booth should not hold Government and private office, simultaneously. Booth has already' served a year and a half beyond his ap pointed term. Little Hope for Thomson. Try ad he .may, at the solicitation of the Oregon Senators, to set aside his convic tion that Asa B. Thomson should not be reinstated as Receiver of La Grande Land Office, Secretary Hitchcock, after review ing all the facts as he sees them, comes back to his original conclusion that Thom son should sever his connection with the Interior Department "for the good of the service." He does not see his way clear again to turn over to Thomson the Im portant office of Receiver of a busy Land Office when reports from Inspector Greene confirming charges made by Individuals, allege that Thomson, during his term In office, accepted, without question, the check of one man In payment of 40 dis tinct timber entries Initiated by as many individuals, and this In the face of ex plicit Instructions to use every means to bead off every attempt at violations of the timber and stone act. Regardless of whether the numerous charges are true, the Secretary's convic tion that Thomson allowed so apparent 8a attempt to violate the timber and stone act to be made without even ques tioning the motive or purpose of the one individual In making payment on 40 sepa rate entries, is sufficient evidence that Thomson cannot be Intrusted with the duties of Receiver. Fears a Second Acquittal. Beyond this, however, the Secretary, after reviewing the 30 or more affidavits making as many charges against Thom son. Is forced to ponder over the ad visability of restoring to office the man recently acquitted, but who. In the light of pending charges, is ilkely again to be indicted Just as soon as the next Federal grand jury meets, If ho is Installed in office. Secretary Hitchcock appreciates the In jury that is being done the community by prolonging the suspension of Thomson, which virtually closes the La Grande office, and Is anxious that business shall fce resumed. He is, therefore, brought lace to face with two propositions. He must either reinstate Thomson and dis regard the swarm of affidavits and the adverse reports of Inspector Greene, which have just been received, or he must call for Thomson's resignation and re quest the Oregon delegation to nominate a new man. Greene's mall report does not encourage the Secretary to abandon his avowed Intention of dispensing with Thomson's services, and the charges that are sworn to, and which are varied and numerous, Indicate to the Secretary that there must be something wrong. His present conviction Is that Thomson should go, and within a very short time he ex pects to announce, to the Senators his final decision. HEARING ON FAIR BILL PUT OFF Senate .Committee Will Have Oregon Men Appear Next Saturday. OREGONIAN NEWS BUREAU, Wash ington, Dec 12. The Senate committee on expositions has postponed its hearing on Senator Mitchell's Lewis and Clark hill until Saturday, December 19, when it is expected that the Oregon committee, consisting of H. W. Scott, president of the Exposition; H. W. Goode, director-general; Whitney L. Boise and Jefferson Myers, president of the state commission, will make earnest pleas for a liberal Fed eral appropriation. It was originally ln- tended that this hearing should be had on December 17, but as Senator Mitchell delivers his speech on that "day, it has been found necessary to choose a later day, If a full and complete presentation of Portland's case can be made next Sat urday and there Is sufficient opportunity presented for the entire Oregon Congres sional delegation to be heard. In addition to the special committee, it Is possible the bill may he reported before the holiday adjournment, on December 22, but If a series of hearings-are found neces sary, they may be conducted during the holiday recess so that a favorable jreport can be made to the Senate when It recon venes after the holidays. Senator Mitchell and Senator Fulton will endeavor to secure the passage of the Lewis and Clark bill throug"hthe Senate early In January, so that as much time as possible can be given to Its con sideration In the House committee and later in the House. While the, bill Is likely to pass the Sen ate at an early day. It is apparent that it will not bo finally acted upon In the House until well toward the close of the session. It appears probable that It may be nec essary to attach the Lewis and Clark bill to the sundry civil bill as a rider, and If this is done, the efforts of the 'delegation will be concentrated in having the rider held on the bill. The sundry civil bill is always one of the last measures adopted by Congress, and should the delegation have to turn to that measure to secure an appropriation for the Lewis and Clark Exposition, the money appropriated will not be made available much before June. This, however, will be in sufficient time to permit of Its judicious expenditure at the Exposition grounds, and In the col-, lection of various parts of proposed gov ernment exhibit FOR POSTMASTER AT SEATTLE Humphreys Files Indorsements of G. M. Stewart. OREGONTAN NEWS BUREAU, Wash ington, Dec. 12. Representative Hum phreys today filed his personal recom mendation thatyG. M. Stewart be reap pointed Postmaster at Seattle. "With It he submitted numerous indorsements of Stewart from leading business men and other citizens of Seattle, stating that Stewart was the popular choice for the Postmastershlp. The Senators have not yet expressed themselves on this appoint ment. Humphreys believes that they will not Interpose objections to Stewart's nom ination and confirmation. Rural Carriers for Eugene. OREGONIAN NEWS BUREAU, "Wash ington, Dec 12. George L. Harwood was today appointed regular, Roy Boyd sub stitute, rural carriers at Eugene. TO SET ASIDE VULAED'S WILL Only Daughter of the Late Million aire Begins the Action. NEW YORK, Dec 12. -Mrs. Helen "VII-: lard Bell, the only daughter of the late Henry Villard, has brought suit In the Supreme Court in Westchester County, to set aside the will of the millionaire, ac cording to a story to be published in the World tomorrow. She names as the principal defendants Mrs. Fanny Garri son Villard, her mother, and her two brothers, Oswald and Harold Villard. The defendants altogether number 50, includ ing educational and charitable Institutions, to which Mr. Villard left about 5250,000. In her complaint Mrs. Bell says "on Information and belief said alleged will and testament was never executed by this Henry Villard In conformity with the requl-jp.ments of law. At the time of tho alleged execution thereof, said Henry Villard was of unsound mind and incapable of making a testamentary dis position of his property. The execution thereof. If the same were ever executed by said Henry Villard, was secured by fraud and undue Influence." Mrs. Bell further alleges that the will which was admitted to probate on De cember 29, 1900, by the Surrogate of West chester County, "Is not the last will and testament of the said Henry Villard." Of $3.Q0O.O0O personal estate left by Mn, Villard, Mrs. Bell received $137,000. Priest Illegally Gains Fortune. PARIS, Dec 12. A dispatch from Nice tells the story of the illegal acquisition by a priest of a fortune of ?20.000.000, left by a Corslcan sea captain named Costa. Jl man now employed as a railroad guard Is believed to be the rightful heir to the money. The djspatch adds that the re cent resignation of a high Italian official was caused hy a desire to be free in or der that he might endeavor to fathom the mystery. NAMED AS FIRSJ UNITED STATES MINISTER TO PANAMA. v : v a.' r jk s 4BB(HHEBBU.BflBEBCiSsB?v ji W. T. BUCHANAN, WAITS ON GERRY Young Man's Sickness , Delays Harriman. FAMOUS NEWYORKER'8 SON Special Trains Carry Rela- tives -Across Continent, DOCTORS- TALK OVER WIRE Great Railroad Magnate Tarries Un til Member of His Party Is Out of Danger From Attack of Typhoid Fever.' Peter Gerry, son of Elbridge T. Gerry, is sick of typhoid fever at St Vincent's Hospital. Though but 24 years, old he has detained several days at Por'tlanO, a man who deals in big railroads as a humble merchant deals In cabbages or collar but tons. ' E. H. Harriman is one of the greatest railroad kings on earth, but he stands J and waits until all doubt of young Gerry's recovery shall be dispelled. "The patient's condition is now satisfactory and there are no untoward circumstances," the at tending physician. Dr. IC A. J. Mack enzie, announcediast night; therefore Mr. Harriman will -start Eastward this after noon, leaving young Gerry behind. A special wire lias carried tidings of the patient clear through to his home at New York. A special train will arrive early today bearing the sick youth's brother, Robert T. Gerry, from New York. And a second special train will start from New York today bringing hltherward the father,' the mother and the two sisters. Mr. Harriman is said to have placed his railroads at the disposal of the family. One day he gave the father and mother the use of a through wire from here to New York. All regular business over the wire, was suspended for more than half Laohounwhile the, fcpiUy -physlclanati jthe Atlantic end-.conversed through opera tors, -with th'e attending physician here Young Gerry accompanied Mr. Harriman from. Chicago. Where he contracted the disease Is not certainly known. The pa tient fell sick' In California more than a week ago, but stayed on Mr. Harriman's special train. As he came northward the sickness grew. Mr. Harriman stopped thb train at Ashland to consult a physician, but the disease was not stayed. "When Gerry arrived at Portland he was in high fever. At once he was removed in an am bulance to St, Vincent's Hospital, where he received the best medical attention. The fever Is of mild type, however, and easy to control. The patient at no time has been In serious danger, but rumors got afloat In the East that he was dying. This morning Dr. Robert Jalnes, of New York, his personal physician, will arrive with Robert T. Gerry. Elbridge Tr Gerry, the father, common ly called "Commodore." Is famed chiefly as one of the founders of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The organization is frequently called the "Gerry Society," and was the first of pic kind ever founded. The Com modore was Its president for 25 years. More than 500 societies of the same model have been established in various parts of the world. The young man at the hospital bears one of the most noted names In American history. He Is great-grandson of tho famous Governor of Massachusetts, whose political methods engendered the political word "gerrymander." It Is now known OF NEW YORK. that the celebrated great-grandfather. Elbridge Gerry, did not lend his influence to such .a partisan purpose as that of cutting up the state into districts which looked like salamanders, and which en gendered the famous word "gerryman der"; nevertheless the word has a per manent place in the political vocabulary of the United States. Elbridge Gerry was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a member of the Continental Congress and of the Na tional Constitutional Convention, twice Governor of Massachusetts (1810-12), and died as Vice-President of the United States in 1814. This great-grandfather of Peter, in the hospital, was an enemy of theaters and horse races and advocated days of fasting, humiliation and prayer. If the British had captured him that night after the battle of Lexington, when he fled half dressed from Cambridge to a friendly cornfield, the great-grandson might not now be at the hospital, in fact, might not be any where at all. A monument at Washington marks the memory of Elbridge Gerry. It reads: V The Tomb of : : ELBRIDGE GERRY. : : Vice-President of the United States, : : who died suddenly in this city : : on his way to the : : Capital as President of the Senate, : ; November 23 1814. : : Aged 70. : The grandson of Elbridge Gerry and the father of the youth now at the hos pital is a lawyer of distinction and a philanthropist of renown. His law li brary numbers 30,000 volumes, but he has practically retired from the legal pro fession. His father, Thomas R. Gerry, was an Army ofllcer who died when the son was 7 years old. Elbridge T. Gerry was graduated from Columbia Col lege In 1S57 with honors and thereupon entered the legal profession in which he achieved noteworthy success. He is an enthusiastic yachtsman and was commo dore of the New York Yacht Club from 1SS6 to 1S93. The New York Society for the Preven tion of Cruelty to Children is Elbridge T. Gerry's chief handiwork. He secured the passage by the Legislature of laws enabling the society to pursue its work and conferring upon it corporate power (Concluded on Page 2.) CONTENTS OF . TODAYS PAPEE National. Register J. Henry Booth, at Roseburg, may be succeeded by another. Page 1. Hitchcock receives report of Inspector in Thomson case, and there is little hope for the suspended Receiver at La Grande. Page 1. Panama. Secretary Root calls General Bell to Washing ton to plan a campaign against Colombia; troops may go at any time. Page 1. Roosevelt appoints W. I. Buchanan, of New York, Minister to Panama. Pago 1. Political. National Republican Committee chooses Chi cago as convention city,- and. fixes June 21 a thrrdato,- Page-1 - ;-., Boosevrlt. tolls Illinois politician he "will not bs drawn Into slit Quarrel. Page 2. State Senator W. "W. Tolman will run for Governor of Washington on the Democratic ticket if McBride is defeated in tho Repub lican convention. Page C. Congress. Senate gives five hours to the discussion of the Cuban bill, Foster of Louisiana, in op position, making the principal speech. Page'2. Democratic Senators, In caucus, decide to offer no amendments to the Cuban bill. Page 2. Senate committee takes up protests of Smoot, and asks him to Eubmlt his answer In writing. Page 2. Domestic. John W. Procter, president of the Civil Serv ice Commission, dies suddenly. Page 3. Senator Clark is resting easy, and should be out In three w.eeks. Pare 2. Chicago Judge orders a judgment against a labor union, establishing a precedent. Page 11. .foreign. Emperor William unexpectedly returns to Berlin, and Is given an enthusiastic wel come. Page 3. Lord Ablnger, prominently connected in Amer ica, dies In Paris as the result of heart disease, following shock sustained In fall ing downstairs. Page 3. Sports. Fossil. 10 to 1, wins Crocker stake, worth $3750, at Oakland. Page 14. Walthour and Munroe win the six-day bicycle race. Page 14. Dugdale may possibly be elected president of Coast League, which 'would end war. Page 14. University of Oregon faculty 'consents to All Oregon game. Page 14. Tacoma Joins Pacific Coast League. Page 14. Commercial Club defeats Multnomah at bowling. Page 14. , Pacific Coast. ' Judge Eakln fixes date of hanging of Pleasant Armstrong for January 22, 1904, at Baker City. Page 7. Samuel Frnser, of Seattle, Wash., goes crazy on O. R & X. train, and attempts to under take the duties of the conductor. Pa.ge 0. Mortgage-holders of Boise-Payette River elec tric plant decline a receiver, and take in terest money. Page 0. Youth at Roy, Wash., watches burglar at work, and though armed is too frightened to shoot. Pace 7. Commercial and Marine. Irregular tone of New York stock market. Page IS. Week In Wall street. Page 15. Features of the New York bank statement. Page 15. Wheat weak and lower at Chicago. Page 15. San Francisco produce quotations. Page 15. Gatzert and Spencer race to The Dalles. Page 12. Japs who escaped from Indravclll may be drowned. Page 12. Portland and Vicinity. Illness of Peter Gerry starts special trains across the continent. Page 1. B. H. Harriman talks on Northwest railroad projects. Page 12. Livestock convention will indorse bill for livestock census. Page 10. State Lewis and Clark Commissioners will build their own buildings. Page 29. Arlington Club elects officers for coming year. Page 13. Farmers' Institute closes at Gresham. Page 13. Features and Departments. Editorial. Paso 4. Church announcements. Page 23. Social. Pages 20-21. Classified advertisements. Pages 24-27. Musical. Page 19. - In Portland toyshops at the holidays 50 years ago. Page 33. With an engineer that made eight miles in 4 minutes. Page 32. ' Mr. Carpenter's letter. Pare 30. Book reviews. Page 23. Christmas stories for young folk. Pages 3S-39. Dramatic. Pase 18. John Kendrlck Bangs' Interview with Santa. Claus. Page 36. Ten Years of Oregon. Page 33. Christmas in tha household. Pages 34-35. GHEGA9Q GETS The Republicans Select Convention "City. MEETING SET- FOR JUNE-2 1 St Louis and Pittsburg -in the Race to theLast. ALL BID HIGH FOR THE:H0N0R Socialistic Problem, Representation for Islands, and Political Rights of the Negro Are Referred to Special Committees. WASHINGTON, Dec. 12. The National Republican convention will be held In Chicago beginning at noon, onNJune 21 next. The Republican National Commit tee reached this conclusion today, and adjourned subject to call. , Pittsburg- and St. Louis were rivals of Chicago for the convention. Each city was well represented in oratory before the committee, and each also had cash offers to make. Pittsburg offered J100.000, Chi cago, $75,000 and a hall, and St. Louis, 540,000 and a hall. The vote stood 43 for Chicago, 7 for Pittsburg, and 1 for St. Louis. The work of the committee was har monious throughout. Its open session to day was attended by many Republicans. Several minor questions were referred to special committees. Included in this list was the representation asked for by Porto Rico, Hawaii and Luzon, the Socialistic problem, and the political rights, of the negro. A committee headed by Senator Scott, of West Virginia, was named to make all arrangements for tho convention. Sena tor Hanna dined with the committee at the Arlington Hotel this evening. The Executive Session. The executive session occupied an hour and 40 minutes. The first business taken nlPwaYtfie" ""question TSr"a"dnWrtTnga"ere pates, tcthe convention from, Porto Rico. The matter was referred to a committee consisting of H. C. Payne, N. B. Scott. J. H. Gallinger,' E. E. Murphy and D. W. lulvane. The committee has power sim ply to make recommendations to the con vention, but can report to Hawaii and Luzon as well. Socialism, as a political factor. Is to be Investigated by a committee which also Is to take up the question of guarantee ing the rights of the negro citizens. The committee consists of George R. Sheldon, New York; Myron T. Herrick, Ohio; J. E. Addicks. Delaware; J. G. Capers, South Carolina; J. W. Lyons, Georgia. Mr. Capers stated to the committee that his right t,o sit as a member of the com mittee had been questioned. Chairman Hanna replied, that under a resolution adopted at the last convention no one could question his membership. The pro test against Capers was laid on the table. Choosing Convention City. Tho question of selecting the city in which the convention Is to be held was then taken up. St. Louis filed a written guarantee of 540,000 In cash and the free use of a hall. For Chicago, Graeme Stew art stated that the citizens of Chicago were aware that a written guarantee was not necessary and consequently had none to offer. He, however, would give his per R. M. MINNEHAN NEW GRAND PRESIDENT OF THE sonal guarantee for 575,000 cash and the free use of a hall If Chicago were se lected. i . Senator Penrose gave his personal guar antee for 5100,000 In cash to secure the convention for Pittsburg1. A secret vote was then taken, each member writing his choice on a slip of paper. The result was: Chicago, 43; Pittsburg, 7; St. Louis, 1. It was requested that the Chicago offer be presented, In 'writing. June 21 was chosen as the date for holding the con vention. Chairman Hanna designated as a com mittee to prescribe the manner of elect ing delegates totlie convention from, the District of Columbia, Senator McComas, Maryland; J. W. Yerkes, Kentucky, and Representative Brownlow, Tennessee. A "committee to make arrangements for holding the convention was named, consisting- of Senator N. B. Scott, of "West Virginia, chairman; Senator M. A. Hanna, Postmaster-General H. C. Payne, H. C. New, of Indiana, and R. B. Schneider, of Nebraska. A resolution was adopted prescribing that the convention should be held in the exact language of the call of 1900, giving the states four delegates at large, and two delegates for each Congressional dis trict, and to the territories six delegates each. Delegates must be selected prior to May 2L At 1:40 o'clock Chairman Hanna announced the adjournment of the com mittee to meet in cago at tHe call of the chairman. WASHINGTON MAN SCORES. Crocker Gets Convention Called Later Than Leaders Desire. "WASHINGTON, Dec. 12. B. D. Crocker, of "Washington, who represented that state at the meeting- of the National Republi can committee, came into prominence to day, and won quite a signal victory in the face of determined opposition by prom inent men. "When the. National committee took up the question of fixing a date for the convention Eastern members suggest ed June 7 as the proper time. Crocker entered a protest, saying his state and the "West demanded a later day. Senator Lodge made opposition to Crocker's suggestion, as did others from the North and East, and an attempt was made to compromise on June 14. Crocker stood pat, however, and the extreme Northwest generally soon rallied to his support and then the solid representation from the "West and South, and his point was carried. Charles Olson, of Spokane, "Wash., was today appointed gauger at the Internal revenue office at Spokane, vice D. J. Sears, removed by Collector Crocker. ROUTINE WORK OF COMMITTEE Chicago, St. Louis and Pittsburg All Bid Highvfor Convention. "WASHINGTON, Dec. 12. It was 10:20 p'eje-ck when Chairman Hanna called the "comriilCTeo 16 order' and' a'nn'oimced there were two Porto RIcana present represent ing the Republican party of that Island. He said they would be given a hearing. Communications were read by Secretary Heath from the Federal and Republican parties of Porto Rico, both claiming rep resentation In the committee. Mayor Todd, of San Juan, representing- the Re publican party, then appeared before the committee and gave a brief history of that party, which he said was established In July, 1899. The Federal party was es tablished some time after this, he said. Each party Is represented by two mem bers in the local Senate. His party, he said, controls 5S.00O out of 131,000 regis tered votes. The aim of this party was to Americanize the Island and stand by the American. Porto Rico, he said, would like to be represented in the next Re publican National convention. Jose Brloso, also representing- the Re publican party, followed Mayor Todd. He emphasized the good that It would do the party to be given recognition by the committee. He declared the party "was coming any way" 'to the convention. The matter then went over to the execu tive session, where action was taken as heretofore stated. Chairman Hanna said that further con sideration of the matter would be had In executive session. .The question of selecting a city ''in which to hold the convention was then taken up. S. P. Raymond, of Chicago, was recognized to speak In behalf of that city. He said Chicago had not secured (Concluded on Page 2.) rBATERXAi ORDER OF EAGIS. 10 PLAN FOR WAR Root Will Be Ready for Trouble in Panama, CALLS BELL TO HIS AID Troops May Be Sent tojsth mus at Any Time. COLOMBIA MUST BACK DOWN Any Move Toward Hostilities Will Call Forth Prompt Action by America Roosevelt Names Minister to Panama. COLOMBIA iANDS MORE TROOPS. PANAMA. Deer. 12. Advices received here from Cartagena say that the Co lombian cruisers General Pinzon and Cartagena have landed 400 men under Generals Bustamente and Ortiz at Cape Tlburon, at the mouth of the Atrato River, -with, the object of cutting- paths across the mountains to enable the Colombian troops to invade Panama. According to these advices there is In Cartagena, a ctandinc army o 1000 men. WASHINGTON. Dec. 12. General J. Franklin Bell, commander, at Fort Leav enworth, was orddred to report here to day, and at once started East. The com ing of General Bell to Washington, while It has more or less to do with matters connected wltti the general staff college. Is admitted by officers of ttie general staff to be for the purpose of consulting with the officials regarding a probable cam paign against Colombia should that coun try continue the movement of troops to ward the Isthmus, it was intimated that matters had reached the point where troops might be moved at any time, whjch would seem to Indicate that the depart ment la in possession of Information the nature of which justifies actual prepara tions for the movement of United States troops toward Panama. Although the fact would not be disclosed the presumption Is that" in the event of troops being sent. General Bell will be put in command. MADE MINISTER TO PANAMA. W. I. Buchanan, of New York, Will Have Extraordinary Powers. WASHINGTON, Dec 12. The President has named W. I. Buchanan, of. New York, to be the first United States Minister to Panama. Mr. Buchanan's selection was brought about by a desire on the part of tho President to secure temporarily, at least, and during the crystallization of the re lations between the United States and Panama, the services of a trained diplo mat, having special reference to his knowledge of the Latin-American races. By reason of long service as United States Minister to the Argentine Republic, Mr. Buchanan fills that description in the es timation of the State Department. It is understood his assumption of duties Is not to be permanent, for he sacrificed large interests to undertake the work. Mr. Buchanan was director-general of the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo. Regarding It as very desirable that the new minister shall be at his post at an early moment, the State Department has adopted the unusual course of making out for him a special commission independ ent of tho nomination in regular form, today submitted. This commission desig nates Mr. Buchanan as envoy extraordi nary on a special mission. Under its powers he will be able to perform all the duties of a regular minister and more If need be. He will hold ' this commission until such time as the United States Senate shall have confirmed his regular nomination a3 Minister Plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary to Panama. Thu3 armed Mr. Buchanan will take the first steamer from New York to Panama, sailing next Tuesday. He went to Buf falo tonight to close up some business. Does Not Want Place Permanently. BUFFALO, Dec. 12. Mr. Buchanan when seen today said: "I have been asked to go to the Isthmus on a special mission for the State De partment which will occupy several weeks. I Intend to leave New York on Tuesday, and will doubtless return about February 1. My business relations and affairs are such that it would be out of the question for me to accept the Min istry to Panama, which wduld necessitate my remaining there a long time. It Is easy to see how that construction of the facts in the case might have been ap plied, because no representative of the kind is now in Panama." PANAMA CALLS ELECTION. Delegates to Prepare a Constitution Will Be Chosen January 4. WASHINGTON, Dec. 12. The State De partment his been informed that final steps have been taken for the formation of a permanent Republican form of gov ernment In Panama. The news came In a dispatch direct from Consul-General Gudger, dated Panama today as follows: "Election for constitutional convention called for January 4. The convention will meet January 20." This action is taken, It Is believed, to meet suggestions from Panamans In con sequence of the criticism of the new republic and In the belief that the status of the new treaty would be Improved If the final ratifications '-could be exchanged by the United States with a permanent and regular form of government on the Isthmus. The terrritory of Panama Is go small that, according to the .Belief here, the elections can be completed, within a week (Concluded on Page 3.)