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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 18, 1904)
Of f -mm u..- o 40 PAGES a - - - .1 . - a PAGES I TO 5 VOL. XXin. NO. 38. POKTLAND, OREGON, SUNDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 18, 1904. PRICE FIVE CENTS. IE DF STATE Payne Says Roosevelt Will Carry New York. MAJORITY WILL BE LARGE Sherman Is Equally as Confi dent of Victory. PARKER IS LOSING STRENGTH Representative Declares the Demo cratic Candidate Has Never Been as Strong Since as He Was Day of His Nomination. VOTE OF STATE SINCE 1SS3. Dem. Rep. 1S83 Secretary of State. 427, 525 446,103 1884 President - 5G3.048 502.001 18S5 Governor 501.4GB 400.331 1886 Appellate Court... 03,455 460.637 18S7 Secretary of State.460,8SS 452,811 1888 President 635.757 648.759 1885 Governor 630.464 631.293 18S9 Secretary of State. 505,804 485,367 1891 Governor 582,893 534.950 1892 President 654.865 609,350 1893 SecrtTary of State.520,614 515,008 1894 Governor 517,710 673,818 1895 Secretary of State.511.0G0 601,205 1896 President 551.369 819,838 1S97 Chief Justice 554.6S0 493,791 1898 Governor 643,921 601,707 1900 Governor G33.7S3 S04.S5& 1900 President 678.3S6 821.992 NEW TORK, Sept. 17. (Special) The Tribune Quotes Representative Sereno E. Payne, Republican leader In the House, as declaring that Roosevelt and Fairbanks -would carry New York by 75,000, if the election were held to day, and by even a larger margin in November. Representative Sherman in an inter view today says: "President Roosevelt is as sure to carry New Tork State almost, II not quite as any state in the Union. I do not niean New Tork will be carried by the same majority as Pennsylvania, Iowa and some other states, but that he will receive a. substantia majority Is (just as certain as anything can be. "In the state, other than New Tork ' City, he will receive a larger majority than we did -in 1902, and in Greater New Tork it will be impossible lor our opponents to come anywhere near the majority of 1900. "Judge Parker has never been so strong as he was the day he was nomi nated. "Roosevelt will poll the full vote of his party. I have yet to find a Re publican who has announced, publicly or privately, his Intention of voting against him." JEROME WON'T BE TIED UP. He Could Have Governorship If He Would Make Certain Promises. NEW TORK, Sept. 17. (Special.) The Sun, in an editorial, today says: "Judge Parker, Senator Davis and those in charge of the National cam paign have decided that to carry New Tork State it will be necessary to choose for the head of the state Demo cratic ticket a man who can be de pended on to make a forceful campaign, and who can be relied on to win the votes of up-state Republicans who are dissatisfied with the Odell administra tion. It is the opinion of the most prominent Democrats here that District Attorney Jerome Is the man who can fill the requirement which the- leaders want. The nomination would probably have been his already, provided he had been willing to make certain, promises. His friends say that while we would be willing to have his name go before the convention, he would not accept the nomination with a string to It. "There now remains one signal, ef fective and characteristic service that David B. Hill can render to Judge Par ker, and that is to bring about a Demo cratic nomination for the Governorship of this state repugnant enough to all decent citizens to secure the election of Higgins. Hill will do it if he can. He needs no urging." PARKER CHILLS BELLBOY8. They Shiver When His Name Is Men tloned, and Are for Roosevelt. NEW TORK, Sept. 17. (Special.) The following story appears In the Tribune to day! "The bellboys of the Hotel Astor held a meeting last night and unani mously resolved to vote against Judge Parker on election day. 'Cold say the Astor bellboys, and they shiver. They refer to Judge Parker. N "'Wouldn't loosen up, not even i nickel. The tightest bunch of geesers we ever went up against-' "And they looked, disgusted. They refer to the Democratic conferees who have, since Parker came to town, been trying to extract harmony from a tune less Instrument." SHOWS HILL IS BOSS. Tender of Place on Ticket to Jerome Was Made by ex-Senator. NEW YORK, Sept. 17. (Special.) The Tribune today says: "Judge Parker is expected by Tam many Hall to decide on a candidate for Governor at Esopus. Parker wrestled with the problemall day yesterday at the Hotel Astor, but went home to JEsopus no nearer a solution tha.n he was when he came to town to Thurs day. "David B. Hill offered District At torney William Jerome the Attorney Generalship, and his political gener osity was spurned.- The tender of the Attorney-Generalship nomination to Jerome demonstrated that Hill is the boss and that he and Parker are work ing unitedly. Hill tendered the nomi nation to Jerome after a consultation with Parker. "That whole deal, or attempted deal, has been made public through indis cretion. Jerome, In telling too much to a dear friend, has disgusted the Hill men and has shattered his guberna torial boom into a thousand- fragments." "TANK SCRAP" AT PURDUE. Clash Between Freshmen and Sopho mores Results Seriously. LAFAYETTE, InL, Sept 17. After one of the roughest "Tank scraps" ever held In Purdue University, the sopho mores danced about-a group of about 400 freshmen, bound hand and foot, and fastened to a long chain. The annual clash between the freshmen and sopho more classes resulted in SO Injuries, some of which are thought to be serl- ous. Seriously Injured: Fred Hass, of West Lafayette, sopho more; collarbone broken. McNeal, freshman; kicked In the stomach. ' Jacobs, freshman; kicked In the head. Trumbull, sophomore; wrenched spine. Earl Chandler, freshman; injured about head and chest. McCoy, sophomore; internally in jured. A complete list of injured students is difficult to obtain. The faculty Is much disturbed, and the- leaders will be ar raigned by President Stone on Monday. STRIKERS IN ITALY BOLD. Socialist Agitations Assumes Charac ter of Rebellion In Some Places. ROME, Sept 17. The socialist agitation is on the increase, and especially in the northern part of Italy. In some places it is assuming the character of a rebelllon. Another fight has occurred at Genoa between the strikers and the police. The whole night was passed in darkness there, owing to the strike. The Mayor and ottier municipal officers of Milan came to Rome today to present to the government an expression of the indignation of the population of Milan as the result of what they term the slaughter of the people. The real cause of the whole agitation Is an attempt of the extreme party to overthrow the Cabinet since, In spite of the fact that it Is a liberal ministry, it energetically keeps the extremists In hand. The strike was begun here today, but It Is not general. At Naples It has been de cided to strike on Monday. In other towns troops are kept In readiness and the po lice everywhere have been reinforced. PALMA. ASKED TO EXPLAIN. Cuban House Desires to Know Why Mayor of Havana Was Removed. HAVANA. Sept 17. The House of Rep resentatives today voted to request Presi dent Palma for a record and the reasons for the removal by Governor-General Wood of Miguel Gener from the Mayor alty of Havana, and the appointment of Senor O'Farrlll, the present Incumbent This Is considered as the first move on the part of the Moderates, who now have small majorities In Congress, to take the control of Havana from the Nationalists by reinstating Senor Gener. (In January, 1902, pending an investiga tion by Senor Nunez, the Civil Governor of Havana, Governor-General Wood sus pended Mayor Gener, 23 out of 28 Council men having petitioned General Wood for the Mayor's removal. It was stated at the time that the Mayor's suspension was the result of an investigation Into his con duct in relation to political affairs In Cuba In general and with the Presidential elec tions in particular.) TAKE IN SIGHTS 0P DENVER. Parliamentarians Accompanied on One of Their Trips by Bryan. DENVER, Sept. 17. After a day of sightseeing In Denver and the surrounding country, the members of the Interparlia mentary Union departed for Chicago this evening, their two special trains running over the Union Pacific to Omaha. Fea tures of the day's entertainment were ex cursions to the mountains and a tour of the city In automobiles. William J. Bryan accompanied the members of the peace party who made an excursion to Mam mouth, the present terminus of the new Moffatt road In the mountains, and there, by invitation, delivered a short address to the excursionists. Mr. Bryan emphati cally denied the report published In the East to the effect that his health Is Im paired. Before returning East, Mr. Bryan will visit Rawlins, Wyo., as the guest of John E. Osborne, the Democratic candidate for Governor of Wyoming, and may deliver an address there. HIGH PRAISE TO ROOSEVELT. Prominent French Deputy Shows He Saved The Hague Court. PARIS, Sept 17. Baron D'Estournelles de Constant the Deputy, who was the most prominent figure In the peace move ment which led to the British-French cor dial understanding, writes to the Asso ciated Press that he deeply regrets his Inability to attend the Peace Congress at Boston, owing to the approaching French election, in which he is a candidato for election to the Senate. The Baron adds: "I had hoped at Boston publicly to rec ognize the grand and decisive services rendered to the cause of international ar bitration by the United States and par ticularly by President Roosevelt Better than any one, I know that the court at The Hague stood deserted, abandoned and ridiculed until the day when he had the courage, generosity and foresight to save it That act alone has entitled him to the thanks for his pacific and liberal spirit of all Europe." Forger Admits Guilt. NEW TORK. Sept 17. Gerhardt von Progen, who was arrested recently and charged with forging pay checks which he acquired while serving as a clerk in the Quartermaster's office, at Governor's Isl and, has pleaded guilty to forgery. He was remanded for sentence. Von Progen claims to be a German Count, and was having a good time with the sojourners at the beach when the hotel proprietor had him arrested on ac count of checks which had been cashed and came back later from the banks. In WA T FOR SHIP American Monitor Held on Puget Sound. SLAV CRUISER MAY ENTER Wyoming Is Held Ready to En force Neutrality, SHIPPERS FEAR THE KOREA Sailing Date of Oriental Liner Will Be Extended Until the Where abouts of Russian Commerce Destroyer Is Known. SEATTLE, Wash., Sept 17. (Special.) Believing that the Russian cruiser Korea Is on this Bide of the Pacific Ocean to overhaul ships' bound for the Orient the Navy Department has wired instructions to tho officers of the Puget Sound Navy Yard at Bremerton to hold the monitor Wyoming In readiness to enforce neutral ity, should tho Korea put into this port While the Navy Department has no definite Information that Russian cruisers are bound for Pacific Coast ports, there Is considerable talk to that effect, and it has been deemed advisable to have a vessel ready In case of an emergency. There are several vessels now loading on the Puget Sound for the Orient and It Is possible that the Korea has been or dered to overhaul the boats and search for contraband of war. The' Boston Steamship Company's freighter Hyades Is now loading at Tacoma for Japanese ports. It was learned today that the vessel's sailing date would probably be extended until It has been learned whether the cruiser Korea Is in this vicinity. It is the general opinion that if the Korea is outside Cape Flattery, she will soon be compelled to enter Victoria" or Seattle for coaL It Is possible that the Korea may cruise to the Inside of Van couver Island, and go to Vancouver or Ladysmlth for fuel. At the beginning of the war President Roosevelt issued a proclamation which es tablished a numbertofruleg,p be In force until peace had been declared In the Far East Article 2 forbids vessels of a bel ligerent to use American waters for the purpose of observing the movements of their enemy's ships of war or merchant men. If the Russian cruiser Korea is now off Cape Flattery, in American waters, wait ing for tho Hyades, Macheon or other' ves sels to clear for the Orient, it is the opin ion of tho local shippers that the vessel Is violating one of the rules laid down by this country. If the Korea arrives In Se attle she will be allowed coal to carry her to the nearest homo port The local representatives of the Japan ese government are waiting anxiously for. some news of the movements of the Korea, ORDER TO DISMANTLE LENA. American Gunner Will Supervise the Work to Begin Tomorrow. VALLEJO, Cal., Sept 17. Official orders have been Issued by Captain Drake, ord nance officer at the Mare Island Navy Tard, to Gunner Shuttleworth to com mence dismantling tho Lena on Monday morning. The breechlocks of the larger guns, all the small arms except the of ficers' sldearms and revolvers, ammuni tion, ordnance, stores and torpedoes will be removed. The officers and crew are anxiously awaiting a final decision regarding their disposition. v Russia Desires Crew Come Home. ST. PETERSBURG, Sept 17. The ne gotiations between the United States and Russia relative to the disposition of the crew of the Russian aux iliary cruiser Lena at San Francisco have not yet been completed. The re quest of the United States that the crew be Interned at Mare Island until the end of the war has been transmit ted through the Russian Embassy at Washington, and is being considered by the Admiralty, where it Is desired that the crew be allowed to return home under an agreement that the officers and men are not to fight again during the war. The Admiralty has no confirmation of the reports that the Lena had been en gaged in a fight In the Pacific. TO ENFORCE NEUTRALITY. Government Orders One Ship Remain at San Francisco. WASHINGTON, Sept 17. Instructions were sent to Rear-Admlral Goodrich at San Francisco today, directing him to de tach one ship from his squadron when he leaves for Magdalena Bay to hold the Au tumn target practice. The vessel detached will remain In the vicinity of San Francisco prepared to en force neutrality should other Russian or Japanese vessels put In at the Golden Gate. The department has no Information that there are other Russian cruisers bound for the Pacific Coast but there vls talk to the effect around San Francisco, and It was thought advisable to be. ready for any emergency. Sail for Target Practice. ' SAN FRANCISCO. Sept 17. The ar mored cruiser New Tork, flagship of the Pacific s'quadron; the protected cruiser Boston, the gunboat Bennington, the torpedo-boat destroyer Paul Jones and the collier Nero sailed from this harbor today for target practice at Magdalena Iay. The cruiser Marblehead remained In port to protect the interests of the Government It is said that the New Tork will meet tho Chicago, now. en route from the At lantic station, and that Rear-Admlral Goodrich will transfer his flag to her, the New Tork continuing her trip to the New Tork navy-yard, where she Is to be re paired. The other vessels, with the excep tion of the Paul Jones, which Is to be stationed at San Diego, will return to this city. Orders Not Yet Received. ERATTTVR. Wash.. Set)L 17. Admiral Barclay, of the Puget Sound navy-yard, tnnJjrht mifl i hsu received no orders re garding the Korea from the Navy De partment although a dlspatcn rrom Washington stated they had been sent MINERS TO CONTINUE STRIKE Colorado Union Will Also Have Moyer Assist in Directing It. PUEBLO, Colo., Sept 17. The conven tlon of the United Mlneworkers of America, District 15, adjourned today after nominating officers to be chosen by .referendum vote. The result of the con vention Is a decision to continue the strike In the southern coal fields of Colo rado and a more thorough understanding with the Western Federation of Miners. While there was nothing formally decided upon. It was agreed that President Moyer and Secretary Haywood, of the "Western Federation, shall. In a measure, assist In the conduct of the strike. The nomination of officers was spirited and resulted as follows: For president William Howells (Incum bent); R. M. Smith, Trinidad; T. L. Camp bell, Lafayette; Charles Bllington, Erie; Harry Dorthwalte, Lafayette. For secre tary, John Simpson (Incumbent), Trini dad; John Filate, Trinidad; W. G. Isaacs and J. D. McLennan, Curtis. For mem bers of the National committee, James Kennedy, Trinidad; Charles Demolll, Trin idad; James D. Ritchie, Broadhead; "Wil liam Price, Colorado City. , CANCERS ON SURFACE CURABLE Berlin Congress, However, Says the Bacillus Is Still Unknown. NEW TORK, Sept 17. A lively debate has been held In the Dermatologlcal Con gress on the subject of canter, says a Times dispatch from Berlin. Conclusions eventually were reached that cancers on the surface are curable; that In Incurable cases the pain can be lessened and life prolonged, and that the haclllu3 of cancer Is still unknown. CONTENTS OF TODAY'S PAPER Basso-Japanese War. DESTROYERS OF COMMERCE Monitor' Wyoming ordered to remain on Puget Sound to lnforce neutrality If tho Korea comes In. Page 1. Work of dismantling the Lena will be begun tomorrow. Pago 1. Russian and Japanese diplomat on steamer have unpleasant meeting at card game. Page 2 OTHER WAR TOPICS Russia believes it rests with Kuropatkln whether there will be & big battle at Mukden. Pago 2. Japane.se are reported to be advancing on Mukden. Page 2. Russians expect Japanese to outflank Muk den and prees on to Tie Pass. Page 2. Political. Republican Leader Payne is ' aura Roosevelt will carry xew Torlc Page 1. Parker directs, that "Democratic campaign book contain -no reflectlonon the. honor or Integrity of Roosevelt Page 3. Illinois Republicans open the campaign, Sen ator Foraker and George A. Knight being the principal cpeakers. Page 3. Domestic Passenger train wrecked in Chicago; 12 people Injured. Page 3. Oregon wins prize for aged cow at St Louis Fair cattle show. Page 3. National. Minister Barrett and Isthmian Canal Commis sion disagree as to official rights. Page 1. Interior Department orders attorneys to Ore gon to investigate claims of Sherman Coun ty settlers. Page 1. Sports. Kelly Briggs, Coronado, Urbano, Scherzo and Nonle wlnnera at the Oregon State Fair Page li. , Africander wins the $10,000 Brighton cup Pago 14. Tacoma defeats Portland with aid of umpire Page 14. All but one of flnala played In tennis tourna ment. Pago 14. Northwest Politics. W. S, TJ'Ren explains workings of the direct primary law. Pace 6. Chehalls Republicans pledge candidates to work If elected. Page 7. Congressman Jones says 1010 census will settle redistrlctlng of "Washington. Pago 0. raclflc Coast Awards made In livestock department at the Oregon State Fair. Page 6. Eastern Washington High School student drops dead In gymnasium. Page C Representatives of four railroada protest on raise of assessment before Washington Board of Equalization. Page 7. Portland and Vicinity. J. W. Thompson asked to resign as secretary rreierau xsunuins .Association. Page 10. Two bicyclists arrive oa. a 12,000-mile tour. Page 10. Senator Fairbanks to epeaic in Portland Oc tober 1. Page 10. Brazil recommended to make exhibit at Lewis and Clark Fair. Pago 10. Portland schools to open In full swing tomor row. Page 13. Blunder of detectives misses Important evi dence In Breuer murder mystery: Judire George orders that Italians be allowed to consult lawyers. Page 9. Young ladles of Portland prepare to sell Lewis and Clark souvenir coins. Page 10. Oil explodes on board tank steamer at Ports mouth and fatally burns engineer. Page 1. Sheriff Word raids poker games. Page 11. Commercial and Marine. Four-cent break In wheat at Chicago. Page 15. Costlgan failure does not affect San Francisco grain trade. Page 15. Sharp reaction of prices in New York stock market. Page 20. Unfavorable New York bank statement Page 15. Wheat may be sent to Eastern markets by uape nom route, .cage m. Features and Departments. Editorial. Pago 4. Church announcements. Page 13., Claeslfled advertisements. Pages 23-27. Grave situation In Russia. Page 31. Wireless telegraphy over the United States pos sessions, .rage an. Mr. Dooleys lotter. Page 40. Pope Plus X as a preacher. Page 33. King too poor to buy himself a crown. Page SO. Frank G. Carpenter's letter. Page 30. Paul Passey, the Tolstoi of France. Page 31 Cartoons. Page 37. John Mitchell's letter. Page 33. ' How Smith was cured of vaudevillltis. page 33. Book reviews. Page 30. Prosperity as shown by the banks." Page 36. Togo ' and .Stoessel compared. Page 30. Dramatic Pages 20-21. Musical. Page 22. Social. Pages 1S-10. Household and fashion. Pages 34-35. Youths. Pages 3S-29. 1 CLASH IN PANAMA Officials Can't Agree as to Their Rights. BARRETT IS COMING HOME Minister Decides to Present His Case to the President WALKER IS HIS OPPONENT Head of Cana! Commission Objects to Diplomatic Adjustment of Issues With New Republic on Ground Time Is Being Wasted. WASHINGTON, Sept. 17. (Special.) The Times tonight prints the follow ing: "There have arisen serious mis understandings between John Barrett, American Minister at Panama, and the isthmian commission. Admiral "Walker, head of the Isthmian Canal Commis sion, prefers to deal with questions that have arisen between thl3 Government and Panama in his own way, desiring not to 'waste time' with diplomacy. "Minister John Barrett holds that there are questions bearing on rela tions between tho canal zone govern ment and the government of the Re public tf Panama that should be sub mitted to diplomatic adjustment "The pinch has come In determining whose authority shall be uppermost In settling a number of questions which might as readily come under Governor Davis' jurisdiction as under that of Minister Barrett. So serious has the dif ferences between the Panama officials become that Minister John Barrett has decided to come to Washington per sonally to present his case to the Pres Ident" This story cannot be confirmed, but probably grows out of the. fact that Minister Barrett is soon to return home on leave of absence, which the PresI dent promised ho should have this Fall. TO TAKE UP SETTLERS' CASES Government Orders Attorneys to In vestigate Sherman County Matter. OREGQNIAN NEWS BUREAU, Washington, Sept.' 17.- Assistant At torneys Francis W. Clements and J. 3. Parker, of the Interior Department were sent to Oregon today by the Act ing Secretary of the Interior to assist In the Investigation of the claims of Sherman County settlers. These offi cials will confer with the Eastern Ore gon Land Company, successor of The Dalles Military Wagon Road Company, and ascertain for what price, and on what terms, that company will relin quish to the settlers the lands claimed by them within the limits of its grant in Sherman County. They will also confer with Special Agent Neuhausen and The Dalles land officers In regard to the appraisement of the property of these settlers. This entire investigation was authorized by a special act passed at the last session of Congress. Two New Northwest Postmasters. OREGONIAN NEWS BUREAU, Wash ington, Sept. 17. Northwest Postmas ters were appointed today as follows: Oregon Foster, Linn County, Day ton Harris, vice Wilson H. Todd, re moved. Washington Husum, Klickitat County, Mrs. Cella M. Williams, vice. E. P. Williams, dead. Taggart a Failure as Money-Getter. PHILADELPHIA, Sept 1.7. (Spe-oIal.)-nA New York dispatch to the Press says: "Taggart has failed as a money-getter. The pursestrlngs of the East have no't responded to the tugging by Tag gart, and a stronger hand will be tried." CZAR WILL BE ALL. No Strong Man Like Witte Is to Be Allowed to Become Prominent. PARIS, Sept 17. One of the highest diplomatic ofllcers here has received an Interesting report concerning the court Intrigue going on at St Petersburg. The report says the Emperor has definitely de clared his opposition Jo having anystrong man like M. Wltte exercise authority to the practical exclusion of himself. This, It is added, is the chief cause of M. Wltte's continued retirement and of the Emperor's resentment against the late Interior Minister "Von Plehve'a autocratic power. The Emperor has, therefore, let It be fully understood that there will be no other strong man than himself. The report expresses doubt as to the wisdom of the Emperor's action, owing to his inability to play a strong role In statesmanship. ADDED TO G. A. R. STAPF. Commander Blackmar Announces a Number of Appointments BOSTON, Sept 17. In a general order Issued today. Commander Blackmar, of the G. A. R., announces -several addi tional appointments on his staff. The list Includes the following: Lee Es telle, of Omaha, Neb., Inspector-General; Jamea M. Schoonmaker, of Pittsburg, Pa., Senior Alde-de-Camp and Chief of Staff; J. Henry Holcombe, of Philadelphia, Assistant Quartermaster-General and Custodian of Records; W. F. Martin; of Decatur, HL, and Samuel Wright, of Boston, National Colorbearers. The general order also announces that the Commander-in-Chief, the Adjutant- General, the Quartermaster-General and the following named members of the Na tional Council of Administration win con stitute the executive committee of the National Council: Thomas G. Sample, Al legheny, Pa.; George W. Conk. Denver; William H. Armstrong. Indianapolis; L. W. Collins, St Cloud. Minn.; John W. Hersey, Springfield, Mass.; F. C. James. uenterville, la,, and J. Corey wmans, Troy, O. SHOWS PROGRESS OF MEXICO. President Diaz Reviews Affairs of Re public in Annual Message. MEXICO CITr. Sept 17. President Diaz's message, delivered at the conven ing of Congress, wa3 of the usual length, and dwelt particularly on the friendly re lations existing with all foreign powers. The arrival of the first diplomatic rep resentative of China was noted, and the President spoke of the progress of public Improvements throughout the Federal District He reported the result- of the sanitary campaign against yellow fever as gratifying. There has been no recurrence of the disease In epidemic form during this year. The President reviewed at length the notable advances made here In. education. During the first half of the current fiscal year 1600 titles "were granted to mining property. There ha3 been a notable acltv lty In mining production, and Mexico now takes second rank as a producer of copper. Many concessions for Irrigation have been granted and much has been accom plished In the line of port works and drainage systems. The railway systems of the country have increased greatly during the past year, and the federal telegraph system has steadily grown. The National finances are In excellent condition. The total revenues of the fiscal year ending June 30 were over 585,000,000. This is a gain of 58,000,000 over the pre vious fiscal year. In reference to military matters, the President said great progress has been made in Improving and modernizing arm aments and the artillery has been strengthened. He states that the new war vessels, constructed In the United States and Italy, will add to the importance and ofliciency of the navy. No mention 13 made of monetary reform, which may come be fore Congress this year or next Spring In a special session. The message Is replete with facts dem onstrating the great progress made here, and the business community regards it as contributory to maintaining domestic and foreign commerce, as it shows a remark able solid condition of the National finances. WOULD ABANDON ARMY POSTS Sumner Regards Several in Colorado and Texas as Unnecessary. WASHINGTON, Sept 17. Major-Gen-ral S. S. Summer, commanding the South western Division, comprising tho Depart ments of Texas and Colorado, In his an nual report makes some radical recom mendations looking to the abandonment of military posts In those divisions, re garded of the greatest Importance In the old days of Indian warfare. General Sumner thoroughly Indorses somo suggestions made by his Inspector General as to the agricultural colleges In the division, in which he says the mili tary colleges do not carry out the orders of the War Department He recommends that no army officials be hereafter per mitted to attend these colleges unless the provisions of the War Department orders are compiled with. General Sumner says he Intends to have maneuvers next Autumn on an extensive scale In the division, and Is preparing to submit problems for the same to the War Department He mentions Fort Sill and Fort Reno reservations as desirable fields for the maneuvers, but If It 13 considered advisable to go further South then the country north of San Antonio, generally known as Leon Springs, Is said to possess many advantages. DEVELOPMENT OP WARFARE. Grand French Maneuvers Show New Guns Are Capable of Great Work. PARIS, Sept 17. The grand maneu vers, just completed at Dijon, have shown the development of scientific warfare since the Franco-German war. The guns used throw shells which burst Into 240 deadly fragments, whereas the shells used In the war of 1S70-71 burst Into only 30. The present French shrapnel shells are calculated to scat ter 400 deadly particles, whereas the former shrapnel shells scattered only 37. General Brugere, the commander-in-chief, emphasized the necessity of ihe army concealing itself and expos ing the enemy during action. Therefore powerful searchlights were successfully used to disclose the movements of the enemy. Old-fashioned black powder was used to create a curtain concealing the army's advance. Captain T. Bentley Mott, the Ameri can military attache and other foreign attaches, speak In the highest terms of the .efficiency of the French troops. WOULD HAVE NATION VOTE. French Deputies Urge Question of Church and State Go to Referendum. PARIS, Sept 17. The movement for the separation of the church and state has brought out a proposition from a group of deputies to submit the question to a referendum vote of the country. The constitution contemplates a referendum, but it is only adopted in the case of ques tions of highest Importance. The proposers of the plan assert that the separation of church and state Is so vi tally Important that It should be sub mitted to the country. The proposition, 'although widely discussed, does not re ceive encouragement from Premier Combes, who says the municipal elections sufficiently show that tho country ap proves his policy. XOUBET WILL RETIRE. President of France Anxious to Be Freed of Political Cares. PARIS, Sept. 17. President Loubet, In the course of a speech to the Provincial Mayors today, said he looked forward with satisfaction to the serenity of pri vate life after the close of his term. The statement Is taken as a definite statement of the President not to seek a second term. Hl3 present term expires at the end of next year. Firemen Told of Colorado Strike. BUFFALO, Sept. 17. The convention of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen today listened to an address of C. D. Thomas, of the Western Federation of Miners, whose home Is at Victor, Colo., and who told of- the Colorado strike from the standpoint of the miners. OIL SHIP ABLAZE Explosion Wrecks En gines of the Loomis. ONE- MAN COOKED ALIVE Receives Full Force of Blast and Cannot Live. FIREBOAT SMOTHERS FLAMES While Olltank Steamer Lies at Ports mouth Dock, Oil Explodes and Wrecks Engine-Room Fire Checked at Inception. An explosion on board the steel olltank ship George W. Loomis at her dock at Portsmouth at 1:50 o'clock yesterday af ternoon caused a fire which endangered the vessel and the docks at which she was moored, and fatally burned W. H. Whelan, the second assistant engineer of the ship. The flreboat George H. Williams an swered a telephone alarm and made a. record-breaking run to the scene. The flreboat was Instrumental in saving the ship and the docks. Exactly how the explosion occurred 13 a mystery. The great oiltanks In the boat were about half-filled with crude fuel oil. The ship gets her power from ollburners, and It Is supposed that the explosion was directly caused by a leak In the pipes Joining the burners with the main tanks. At the time the accident occurred, Mr. Whelan was about to start an Inspection In order to locate a leak he believed to ba In the pipes. He started to pass along the lines of pipes and had not proceeded far when there came a terrific explosion, which almost wrecked the engine-room, and the next minute the room was filled with smoke and flame. He cried for help and dashed toward the doorway, out of which he stumbled Into the arms of a shipmate. It was seen at once that he was badly Injured "and a ckke examina tion 3bowed that he was literally cooked alive. All the hair had been burned from his head by the terrific blast of flame which followed the explosion. Eyelashes and eyebrows were gone, his face was swollen and blackened and his eyes were almost closed. His clothing had been torn to shreds and the skin torn from the body. Flreboat to the Rescue. The unfortunate man was cared for as well as those on board could care for him, and attention was given to fighting the fire. Stopcocks were closed and by this means the flames were hindered from reaching the tanks of oil, which, had they been reached by the fire, would have started a conflagration which would have ended in a. los3 of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The walnscoatlng of the engine-room and the rooms adjoining was burned and the paint was scorched from the steel plates of tho vessel. A tele phone message was sent to the flreboat She left her dock at 1:57 o'clock and ar rived beside the burning ship In exactly 24 minutes. One stream was directed in side the engine-room and the fire wa3 quickly extinguished. There were grave fears of a second breaking-out of the fire, but they were soon dispelled. Whelan Cannot Recover. Whelan was In such agony that It was thought best to remove him at once to Portland. Before the flreboat. arrived three men connected with the Loomis started to take Whelan to the city In a rowboat They made the Journey as rap Idly as possible, but were an hour and a half In so doing, and when they ar rived with the injured man at the foot of Stark street he was still conscious, but suffering terribly. The police ambu lance was called and Whelan was taken to St Vincent's Hospital, where his In juries were dressed. It was announced this morning that Whelan cannot live. He Inhaled the flame when the flery blast struck him In the face. The George W. Loomis Is one of the largest and finest olltank ships on the Paclflc Coast. It was rumored about town yesterday afternoon that she was burned to the water's edge, but the return of the flreboat with the true story put an end to the rumors. Whelan, the Injured man, has been with the Loomis for some time and 13 considered an efficient of ficer. ABANDONS STAGE PLANS. Joseph Jefferson's Health Will Not Permit of an Engagement. NEW YORK, Sept. 17. Preparations for the Autumn tour of the veteran actor, Jo seph Jefferson, have been abandoned, and all engagements for the season cancelled, according to the Herald. Recently he' was attacked by Indigestion at Buzzard's Bay, and because of his advanced age, some alarm was felt He soon recovered, but, after a consultation with his physician, has" decided to abandon plans for the sea son and to remain at his Summer home, going later to Florida. To Open IH-Fated Iroquois. CHICAGO, Sept 17. Acting Building Commissioner Stanhope today approved the application of the Hyde &. Behman Music Hall for a license to conduct a the ater in the building formerly occupied fty the Iroquois Theater. 4