Corvallis gazette. (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, February 20, 1903, Image 1

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Corvallis gazette., February 20, 1903, Image 1

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Newspaper Page TextSSM'VlVJttmrtlfiiled Feb., 1899. COB V AIjIjIS, BENTON COUNTY, OREGON, FKIDAX, FEBRUARY 20, 1903. VOL. XXXX. NO. 9. EVENTS OF THE DAY GATHERED FROM ALL PARTS OF THE TWO HEMISPHERES. Comprehensive Review of the Import ant Happenings of the Past Week, Presented in Condensed Form, Mos Likely to Prove Interesting to Ouf Many Readers. - United States Minister Squiers baa sailed for New York from Havana. Robert E. Peary tbinks be can ieach the pole if be is given backing to the extent of (200,000. Ex-Senator C. H. Simth, of Jackson, Mich., has accepted the office of prose cuting attorney at Manila. : Sasan B. Anthony has just sent to the congressional library at Washington a large number of valuable books, auto graph letters and scrapbooks. A syndicate of New York capitalists, headed by Charles Green, formerly with the International paper company, will build a big paper mill in Kew Hamp shire. f Hay is to be, distributed on the Teton Yellowstone forest reserves to save from starvation 10,000 elk, whose feeding ground is covered with snow 10 feet deep. - The Merchants' national bank, one of the oldest institutions in Philadel phia, has gone out of existence and transferred its business to the Girard national. - - - A section of 200 seats in the Lakeside auditorium, at Racine, Wis., gave way, creating a panic among 1,000 specta tors and injuring many people, two fatally. Two bills have been reported to the Kansas legislature making it a crime for a railroad to confiscate any coal con signed to a shipper, no matter how great its need may be. As a penalty for violation, a fine of $1,000 is pro vided. ' The Newspaper Deadhead. 'Why should people ask for free newspapers, asks the Toronto Evening Telegram, any more than they look for free cigars, free um brellas, free walking sticks, free collars, free cuffs or free beef steaks? Every copy of a news paper is a product, which costs money. The tailor, the- tobac- coni-t, the gents' furnisher or the i grocer is not called upon to sup ' ply free copies of the products which' they handle. The people who are aggrieved if they cannot i get a free copy of a newspaper would not think of struggling for i a place on the free list of a groc ! ery store, a dry goods store, or butcher's shop. . . . , It is the principle more than the cost of the free newspaper idea which is repugnant to all sound business notions. The 83d birthday of Susan B. An thony February 15, was celebrated at her home in Rochester, N. Y, Monday. A local passenger train on the 'Frisco line was wrecked near Pittsburg,, Kan., and five passengers were injured. Memorial services for the late Presi dent Charles Kendall Adams, of the TTtii tmratt.v nf Wiarnnain varA liAlrl " ftt. Madison, Wis. The Standard oil company ' has de clared a dividend of $20 per share, pay able March 16, which is $10 more than the last dividend. . The Carnegie trust, will issue a scheme which it has drawn up for the endowment of post' graduate study in Scottish universities. Nathan Doros, a diamond broker of Philadelphia, was robbed of.. $7,000 worth of diamonds within 10 minutes after stepping from a train . at Cincin nati. annual maneuvers of the regular army add the state militias, as authoirzed by t.ha nsaim nf the Dink bill, at Fort Sill, Okla. Commander-in-Chief Thomas J. Stew art, of the G. A. B.,- left Harrisburg, Pa., for San .Francisco, to make ar rangements for the annual encampment of the G. A. R. in August. ' ' .Funeral services over the body of the late Rear Admiral Frank Wildes were held at the Emmanuel Episcopal church, Wets Roxbury, Mass. The in terment was at Kennebunkport, Me. Seven men were held up, robbed and marched at the muzzle of revolvers into the icebox in a South State street, Chi cago, saloon and kept prisoners for half an hour while their captors delibreate lv earn ded liauors. Two of the men have been captured. The blockade has been raised. on Venezuelan ports A Moro stronghold in the Philip pines has surrendered. China is buying arms' in violation of the treaty with the allies. Mrs. Roosevelt is ill and has can celled all social engagements. Beet sugar men have again blocked the passage of the Philippine tariff bill An exceedingly rich sold strike has been made in Josephine county, Ore gon. . The bill creating a " department of eommerce has been signed by the presi dent. A bill has been introduced in the house to prevent hazing at the Anna polis naval academy. NEW PHILIPPINE CURRENCY BILL. Measure Passed by Senate Provides for Coinage of Sliver Pesos. Washington. Feb. 19. The Philip pines currency bill, passed by the sen ate today, prescribes that the nmt of value in the Philippines shall be the gold peso, of 12.9 grams of gold, nine- tenths fine, said gold peso to become the unit of value when the government shall have coined and made ready for circulation not less than 5,000,000 of the silver pesos provided for in the bill. The gold coins of the United States, at the rate of one dollar for two pesos, shall be legal tender in the is lands. The bill also provides for an addi tional coinage of 75,000,000 silver coins of the denomination of one peso, which shall be legal tender except where pro vided by contract. Coins of the de nomination of 50 centavos, 20 centavos and 10 centavos also are provided for, all such coinage to be under the author ity of the government of the Philippine islands, in such amounts as it may determine, with the approval of the secretary of war. The bill also provides for the issue of certificates of indebtedness to main tain the parity of the silver and gold pesos, such certificates at any time to be limited to 20,000,000 pesos. The Mexican dollar and the Spanish coins heretofore used shall be received for public dues tt a rate to be fixed from lime to time by the civil governor of the islands, preference, however, being given to the Philippine coins and cer tificates. The option is given for the coinage of the -silver pesos either in Manila or any mint in the United States, which coin shall bear inscriptions or ' devices- ex pressing the sovereignity of the -United States. "The act making any form of money legal tender after December 31, 1903, is repealed. Tbe Patterson amendment, providing for an international conference to fix a commercial exchange, was adopted by the senate. Chairman Cooper, of the house com mittee on insular affairs, says that as soon as tne bill is received irom tne. senate from the house it will be sent to conference. - JAMES R. GARFIELD PROMOTED. Son of Dead President is Appointed Com missioner of Corporations. Washington, Feb. 19. It was an nounced today at the white house that President Roosevelt would appoint James R. Garfield, of Ohio, commis sioner of corporations under the act creating the new department, of com merce. : Mr. Garfield is a son of the late President Garfield, and is at pres ent a member of the civil service com mission. Mr. Garfield is an Ohican by birth and residence. For some time the president has had him under consider ation in connection with the position of commissioner of corporations, which is regarded as second only to that of the secretary in importance in the new de partment. . The law provides that the commissioner shall have the power to make, under the power of the secretary, "diligent investigiation into the organ ization, conduct, and management of the business of any corporation, joint stock company or . corporate combina tion engaged in commerce among the several states and with foreign nations, excepting common carriers, subject to an act to regulate commerce,' ap proved February 1887, and to gather such information and data as will en able the president to make recommend ations for legislation for the regulation of such commerce, and to report such data to the president from time to time as he shall require." It also will be the duty of the com missioner or corporations to gatner, compile and publish useful information concerning corporations doing business in the United States and engaged in interstate or foreign commerce, includ ing corporations engaged in insurance. GIVE COAST BIDDERS A. CHANCE. Cushman Wants 4 Per Cent Differential on Contracts for Warships. Washington', Feb. 19. Representative Cushman called on Secretary . Moody today to secure departmental recom mendation for the incorporaion in the naval appropriaiton bill of a "provision allowing Pacific coast bidders on naval vessels authorized under the pending measure a differential, of 4 per cent over bidders on the Atlantic coast. Such a stipulation was incorporated in the bill last year, and in Cushman's opinion is neecssry to piace racinc coast firms on an equitable footing Furthermore he says such a differential would tend to hold down bids on tbe Atlantic coast. Would Annex Isle of Pines. Washington, Feb. 19. Representa tive Richardson,' of Tennesese, today introduced a resolution asking the pres ident" why that portion of the Piatt amendment regarding the Isle of Pines had not been enforced. He also intro duced a concurrent resolution declaring that it is the sense of congress that the Isle of Pines is territory belonging to the United States, and that no sov ereignty can be lawfully exercised there except by the United States. Mine Sale at Thunder Mountain. Weiser, Idaho, Feb. 19. An import ant transfer of Thunder mountain min ing porperty has been made in this city. D. J Brown, who .is better known as Thunedr Mountain Brown, has sold to D. McKenzie, representing Eastern capitalists, four mining claims on Profile creek. The claims are in the best portion of the district. The price paid has not been made public, but i was a cash deal, and it stated by those claiming to know, that the price paid was a good round one. THE LEGISLATURE WHAT THE LAWMAKERS OP OREGON ARE DOING AT SALEM. Bills of Importance That are Being Intro duced and Acted Upon in Both Houses Measures Signed by the Governor Progress of the Balloting for United States Senator. Tuesday. The vote Fulton 33, Geer 25, Wood 15, Williams, 6,' scattering 6, paired 5. The senate To create office of state examiner of public lecords, passed. To authorize Indian war veterans to .bring suit against tbe state upon their claims, passed. To repeal law exempting pub lie officers from garnishment proceed ings, passed. The senate adopted a resolution to adjourn Friday, February 20, at 12 o'clock P. M. The House To provide "for flat sal ary, passed. To change name of Re form Echool to Industrial school, passed. To fix boundary of Wallowa county, passed. For new bridge across Willamette at Portland, paseed. Monday. The vote Fulton 32, Geer 15, Wood 14, Williams 17, scattering 3, absent and paired 9. The Senate A' joint resolution was adopted calling upon congress to order a constitutional convention for the pur pose of framing an amendment for the election of United States senators by direct vote. To fix salary of superin tendent of public instruction at $3,000, passed. To regulate employment of fe males, passed. The House To pay Indian war vet erans, indefinitely postponed. lne greater part of the day was taken up in introducing new bills. Appropriations already provided for amount to $2,386,866.82. Governor Chamberlain vetoed the bill classing bicycles with horses in the statute defining larceny ; also the one to prohibit stock running at large in. Marion county. - " - Friday. The vote Fulton 33, Geer 16, Wood 16, Williams 17, scattering 3, absent 5. The Senate Tc declare press associa tions common carriers, defeated. To provide a matron at ' the - penitentiary, passed.? To repeal law granting rebates to owners of wide tired wagons, passed. The House To use convict labor on public roads, passed. A 't measure was introduced to regulate railroad rates. To provide a great seal for tbe state, re ferred to a special committee. r . . , Thursday. - The vote Fulton 34, Geer 15, Wood 15, Gtorge 13, scattering 6, absent or paired 7. The Senate To require district at torneys to render legal services for school districts without additional compensation, passed. To create Baker county the Eighth judicial district, passed. To regulate sale of explosives to children, passed: . The House To appropriate $20,000 for experiment station at Union, passed. To regulate chid labor, passed. A reso lution that no bills be introduced after February 13, except by commit tees, adopted. .Wednesday. ' The vote Fulton 33, Geer 15, Wood 16, George 15, scattering 3, absent and paired 8. The Senate To authorize the con struction of a portage railway between Celilo and The Dalles, passed. To in crease term of office of assessor to four years, passed. To make eight hours' labor a day's work, indefinitely post poned. The House To create the office of commissioner of labor statistics, failed to pass. To extend Australian ballot to cities of 2,000 people or over, passed. To authorize Portland to constuct an additional ferry, referred to Multno mah delegation. - A concurrent resolution was adopted by both houses asking the historical society to preserve the old blockhouse on the Grand Ronde reservation. PORTLAND MARKETS. Wheat Walla Walla, 76c; blue stem, 88c; valley, 78c. - - Barley Feed, $23.50 per ton; brew ing, $24. Flour Best grade, $4.304.85 ; grah am, $3.458.85. Millstuffg Bran, $1819 per ton; middlings, $23 24; shorts, $19 20, chop, $18. Oats No. 1 white, $1.15 1.20; gray, $1.121.15 per cental. . Hay Timothy, $1112 ; clover, $89; cheat, $91Q per ton. Potatoes Best Burbanks, 6075c per sack; ordinary, '4050c per cental, growers' prices; Merced sweets $2 2.25 per cental. .Poultry Chickens, mixed, 12)c; young, ll12c; hens, 12c; turkeys, live, 1516c; dressed, 1820c; ducks, $77.50 per "dozen; geese, $78.50. Cheese Full cream, twins, 16 M 17Kc; Young America, 1718c; factory prices, llc less Butter Fancy creamery, 3032c per pound; extras, 30c;' dairy, 20 22c; store, 1518c. . Eggs 2325 per dozen. Hops Choice, 2227c per pound. Wool Valley, 1215c; Eastern Oregon, 814c; mohair, 2628c. Beef Gross, cows, 33Mc per pound; steers, 44c; dressed, 7&c. Veal 7XZKc T - Mu tton Gross, . 4c per" pound ; dressed," 7Kc. Lambs Gross, 4c per pound; dressed, 7c. Hogs Gross, 6Jo per pound; dressed,77)c. CONFERENCE ON LAWS FOR WEST. Game Preserves and Land Commission Considered by President. Washington, Feb. 18. President Roosevelt tonight held a conference with Representative Jones, of Washing ton, Mondell, of Wyoming, and Lacey, of Iowa, atVbich the bill authorizing the president to set apart within forest reservations areas to be known as game preserves, within which game, fish and birds shall not be killed, was briefly discussed. Both Jones and Mondell objected to the bill, asserting that it would render state game laws inopera tive within such reserves, while Lacey contended to the contrary. The presi dent, while deeply interested in the proposed legislation, was inclined to admit the claim of the two opposing members, and it is believed no further effort will be made this session to pass the bill. The president also discussed with these memberspending resolutions providing for the appointment of a public lands commission of five persons, to investigate and report, upon the workingsof the timber and stone, des ert land and homestead commutation laws and to make recommendations for needed changes in these laws, together with legislation looking to the disposal of timber on unreserved public lands and providing an adequate means of regulating grazing on the public do main. ? The president and members agreed that such a commission properly con ducted would gather much valuable in formation, which would be useful in guiding congress in future land legisla tion. The resolutions provide for five commissioners at ?4uu per montn. This legislation will be urged and prob ably adopted before adjournment. MORE TRUST , LEGISLATION. - Senate Committee May Favor More Dras tic Action on Question. Washington, Fetrl 18. There is pos sibly some embarrassment ahead ; for those senators who have arranged that there shall be no more trust legislation at this session than is contained in the Elkins act and Nelson amendment. Here is the judiciary committee of ; the senate pounding away on a measure, and it may report the Littlefield bill, so as to make it more drastic than as it passed the house. . Should the com mittee report it, it would mean that the skillfully arranged program of the senate leaders might be upset. Men who know eomethips about the . feeling against trusts in their states will not be willing to sidetrack legislation like the Littlefield bill that passed the house unanimously. More than this, the reports that have been so rgenerally circulated that the Littlefield bill was only a "bluff," have caused ! comment throughout the country of a character to ditsurb senat orvs who are closely identified with big corporations. - . . The imputation of bad faith on the part of the president may also have some effect. Because ; the president urged the Elkins bill and the Nelson amendment, it has been assecrted that he was aparty to a program of "mild" trust legislation. .'As a matter of fact, the policy of the president has been to get all he could when he could. He found the Nelson'amendment could be procured, and that the Elkins bill could be passed, and he accepted both. By threats and methods scarcely in keep ing with his office, he might have forced more drastic legislation, but as the two propositions offered were as sured, he gladly accepted them. If more can be obtained he will be pleased, but if not. he, as chief execu tive, will see what an enforcement , of the new legislation ' will biing about, and when the next congress assembles he can urge such additions as are found necessary. - CAN'T RESCUE FISHERMEN. Ice Still Blocks the Way of Revenue Cut ter done to Their Relief. St. Johns, N. F., Feb. 18 The United States revenue cutter Seminole, which is on her way to the Bay of Islands to cut Out a number of icebound American fishing.schooners, is still on able to enter the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the conditions are most uncom promising. The Canadian naval schooners Stanley and Mintoare already frozen up there, which is an - indication of the probable fate of the Seminole should she be caught in the ice. Captain Delaney,-the master of the Newfoundland steamer Bruce, and the most experienced ice navagitor in this region, believes that the Seminole will be uanble to venture toward the Bay of Islands until the prolonged easterly winds drive the noes well off the shore All Exploded at Once. Foetoria, O., Feb. 18. Eight persons were killed and four injured by an ex plosion in tne reter & jox magazine cane factory this afternoon. The mag azine contained a large supply of high explosives, used in the manufacture of eups for magazine canes. It will never be known how it happened that some of the explosives let go. There was a terrific report that shook the whole town, and in a moment the whole fac- torv was in flames. Immigration Under New Head. New York, Feb. 17. Commissioner William Williams, of the bureau of im migration, who has just returned from Washington, where he aopeared before the senate committee to argue for cer tain clauses which he wants inserted in the new " immigration law, says that it is virtually settled tnat tne immi gration department would be under the control of the department of merce. - WORK OF TORNADO PASSENGER STEAMER SWAMPED ON A VIRGINIA RIVER. Eighteen Persons are Known to Have Lost Their Lives Accident Occurred In the Evening When All Were Below and They Had, No Time to Seek Safety Before Vessel Sank. ? Norfolk, Va., Feb. 19. A tornado struck the passenger steamer Olive, which plies between Franklin, Va.,and Edenton, N. C, at 9:30 last night and sent her to the bottom of the Chowh river, off Woodley's pier, between Mount Pleasant and Oliver's wharf. Eighteen persons are known to have bean drowned rand others who were rescued are in a serious condition. The storm, when it struck the Olive,' caused her to go oVer on her beam ends, and when she righted it was only to sink on account of the water she had taken. A . majority of the passengers and crew were below at the time, and had no opportunity to reach the pilot house of the vessel. - This point was the only portion left above water, and in it, standing waist deep from the time of the accident until 6 o'clock in the morning, Captain George Withey and five others were rescued. According to the statement of Cap tain Withey there are 18 known to have been lost on the sinking steamer, and a lifeboat loaded with part of the crew and paesengers, which left the steamer in hope of reaching a' vessel whose lights could be seen in the distance, were . rescued after enduring severe hardships all night. The Olive was a small screw steamer, owned by J. A. Pretow, of Franklin, Va., and plying between North Caro lina and Virginia for several years. She left Franklin last evening for Eden ton, and had almost 'reached hsr des tination when the tornado struck her. She was built in 1869, and was of 287 tons gross, 120.9 feet long, - 20.4 feet beam and 27 feet depth of hold. PLANS OF ATLANTIC SQUADRON. Present Gun Practice May Be Followed by a Cruise to Europe. Washington, Feh. 19. Upon the re sult of three months' hard work at the target practice about to be undertaken will depend the summer plans-oJ the North Atlantic squadron. The fleet is working out an elaborate and progres sive set oi exercises and drills devised by the general board, the purpose being to familiarize the officers with naval movements on a larger scale than has ever before been attempted in toe United States navy. The fleet has worked through the program step by step, and the three months program now in execution will determine whether or not the "un work of the ships has been so far perfected as "to warrant the beginning ot tne next phase, namely, a long-distance cruise in fleet formation. If this work should be undertaken next summer, of which Secretary Moody is by no means cer tain,' the North Atlantic squadron will make directly for the Azores, and if tne combined movement is successful up to that point the ships may go on as far as Lisbon, but it is not intended that they shall visit Northern Europe under any conditions. CAST AWAY IN WILDERNESS. Terrible Sufferings of Shipwrecked Pros pectors on Vancouver Island. Victroia, B. C, Feb. 19. A story of shipwreck, privation and exposure was brought from the Vancouver island coast by tbe steamer Queen City today. Two prospectors, Pete Anderson and J. A. Ferguson, -were wrecked in a sloop off Cape Cook, and, losing all their food, they endeavored to get to the near-. est Indian village,. 60 miles away. They built a raft to cross Nespartz- in let, but a storm a- rose, the raft was bioken and the two men were washed ashore after suffering great - hardships on the logs, more dead than alive. Then they walked 60 miles around the beach, the impenetrable bush offer ing no trails, and had no food for six days until reaching an abandoned In dian hut they found a small supply which kept them alive until they reached an Indian village on KloBh in let, 60 'miles jf rom - where their vessel was lost, after suffering terrible priva tions and with just strength enough to crawl into camp. Hotel Burns at Midnight. Port Huron, Mich , Feb. 19. The St. Clair hotel, one of the largest botes in this city, was destroyed by fire at an early hour this, morning. A man named Worthy, employed at the hotel as a yardman, is missing, and is be lieved to have been burned to death. Milton Campbell, a fireman, was fatal ly crushed under the - walls. All the guests made their escape, many of them rustling out in their night clothing when they awoke. Lobs $100,000. ::. Government Gains Time. Washington, Feb. 19. The govern ment has formally accepted the offer of the Panama canal company to sell to the' United Staets the canal property and all , the company's rights therein for $40,000,000, subject to the ratifica tion of the pending treaty with Colom bia. The effect of this acceptance was to extend the life of the option held by tbe government beyond March. 4 next nrwl nntil th . trnnt.v now before the com-1 senate has been ratified by both coun I tries. PRESIDENT APPROVES. Last Obstacle In Wayof . Deschutes Irrt gatlon Project Removed. ' - Washington, Feb. 17. President Roosevelt this afternoon advised Rep resentative Moody that he today ap proved the map and contract with the state of Oregon permanently segregat ing 84,707 acres of land - in the Des chutes valley, which it is proposed shall be reclaimed under the Carey act by the Pilot Butte development com pany, of jvhich A. M. Drake is presi dent. This action ends the long contro versy, and so far as the general govern ment is concerned, gives this company the right to proceed with the immediate construction of its irrigation system, according to the approved plans. Gov ernment officials here regard this as the most important and most premising Carey act proposition ia the state, and see no resaon why the project should not be carried through in the 10 years allowed by law to successful comple tion. Under the terms of the contract with the state, the Pilot Butte company will be allowed tocharge an annual water rental of $1 per acre, the lien of the company amounting to $848,557. .. Inia case is the first one in Oregon under the Carey act to be approved by the president. It has been hung up in the land office since early last summer. Representative Moody throughout the session has been urging immediate ac tion on all Carey act cases in Oergon, but .it was not until Commissioner Richards took hold that he wag able to get this case "jarred loose." COAL TO BE SCARCE. Strike of British Columbia Miners is Be coming Serious. Victoria, B. C, Feb. 17. The strike which has been declared in the coal mines of the CrowB Nest coal company. at Fernie, Michel, Morrisey and Coal creek ' will, it is feared, be almost as grave in its indirect .as in its direct effects, which threaten to close every smelter in tho Kootenai and Boundary countries. Becently the miners of Nanaimo affiliated with the Western Federation of miners, in direct antagon ism to Ralph. Smith, M. P., who warned them that in so doing they would be imperilling the good relations which have existed-bet ween them and the new Vancouver coal company. It is now considered likely that if the strike is not settled in Fernie, not only will there be great suffering there, but the miners of Nanaimo may be called out. This would paralyze the coal trade . of San FrahcisccC?" The situation is viewed with the greatest apprehension and coal retailers are hurrying scows to Nanaimo to insure a good reserve supply in case of trouble. A special dispatch from Fernie says the strike situation is not changed and there js likely to be a long struggle. The miners are determined that the union shall be recognized, and - the manager of the coal company is abso- lutey opposed to meeting them. A deputation consisting of three miners from Morrissey, Michel and Coal creek tried to present their grievances before Manager Tonkin, but he refused to lis ten. He will meet them individually but not collectively. Manager Tonkin says the miners are making better wages than in any other place in Canada. . BILLS FOR THE NORTHWEST. Report on Klamath Treaty Lifesavlng Station for Tillamook Bay. Washintgon, Feb. 17. Representa tive. Moody this morning secured a fa vorable leport on his bill introduced yesterday providing for ratifying ; the Klamath Indian treaty. He will try to have it put in the Indian appropria tion bill now in conference. The omnibus public building bill re ported to the house today carries $400, 000 each for the buildings at Tacoma and Spokane, with-which to begin con struction when plans have been com pleted. . .. . At the request of Senator Mitchell, a bill was introduced in the senate today authorizing the establismhent of a lite saving station at the entrance of Tilla mook bay. Representative Jones today escured an amendment to the sundry civil bill appropriating $22,000 for a lighthouse at Muckilteo point, near Everett. By request of Represetative Jones, a deputy .United States marshal is here after to be stationed at North Yakima to prevent sales of liquor to Indians on the reservation. Senator Mitchell continues to im prove. Bad weather, however, pre vents his going out. v: Coaling Stations In Cuba. Havana, Feb. 17. President Palma is ready to sign the naval coaling sta tions argeement on receipt of President RooesVelt's approval of certain minor changes. If a reply is received in time. Minister Squiers will sail for New York this . afternoon carrying with him the signed agreement for President Roose velt's singature. The object , of Mr. Squiers' visit to Washintgon is to con' fer with the authorities with reference to the permanent' treaty between the two countries which will cover the sov ereignty of the Isle of Pines. Meteor Falls in Utah. Salt Lake, Feb. 17. A special to the Tribnue fiom Bingham, Utah, says A mammoth meteor struck the earth in the vicinity of this place at 4 :45 o'clock this morning. The falling body when it collided with the earth caused win dows to rattle and houses to tremble, while a sound like a mighty clap of thunder awakened the inhabitants from their sleep. People thought there had been' an earthquake and much alarm I was felt for some time. CONTINENT WHITE BLIZZARD COVERS ENTIRE EAST AND MIDDLE WEST. From Lakes to Oulf and From Nevada to , Atlantic Coast Fierce, Snow-Laden . Wind Sweeps, and Worse Is Predict ' d Even 'the Sunny South Suffers From Storm. ' Chicago, Feb. 18. The whole coun try from the Atlanitc to the western slope of the Rocky mountains is suffer ing from the coldest weather known in February for years. . The snow storm which swept over the Rocav Mountain states has traveled east and south until covers the whole reeion as far an New York on the-east and , the Gulf states on the south. Beginning in Wvomini? and TTtnh. where extreme cold and deep snow hav caused great loss of livestock on the range, the storm extended gradually until Kansas is under a foot of snow and has a temperature below zero. Oklahoma has had snow to take the place of rain, and Texas has snow a foot deep. In the far Northwest near the boundary of North Dakota and Canada, vviiiieton is tne coldest place in the United States, with the teniDeratnra 42 degrees below zero, and the thermome ter registers from 20 to 30 below all The snow reached New York Just night, when four inches had fallen, fol lowing close upon a sleet storm which had almost stopped traffic. The weath er bureau predicts gales, snow and ex treme coia lor tne wnole Atlantic coast. The same conditions prevail all alons the lakes. The South is iust escanins? from floods due to heavy rain, which extend from Louisville southeast to Georgia, only to fall into the grip of the bitter est storm of the winter. Trains and telegraph lines are demoralized all through the West, and in many cities street cars run only with great diffi culty. NO CHANGE IN LAND LAWS. Repeal of Timber, Desert and Commuta tion Acts Hopeless. Washington, Feb. 17. The senate committee on public lands today or dered a favorable report on the bill to repeal the timber and stone act, desert land act and commutation feature of homestead law. Amendments to omit repeal of commutation law and sell timber land on the basis of appraised VBine Wfirfl ncnauin Mnat(irnnnncort to the bill say there is no prospect of its passage at this session. .' The action of the committee is not significant, for there is no possibility of the bill passing the house, even though it might be railroaded through the senate. Even this is improbable, be cause it is legislation that would pro voke debate, and such debate is likely to prove fatal this late in the session. An attempt was made in committee to amend the bill to provide for the sale of timber lands in tracts of 160 acres to each settler! the price to be governed by the appraised value of the timber thereon, but this substitute was voted down. The committee also re jected a proposition to emit the com mutation clause from the acts to be re pealed. ; . , The report today was made largely for effect, and not with any intention of passing the bill, for' the senate com- jnitjtee is fully advised that a majority of tne public lands committee ' of the bouse will not for a minute consider the bill at this session. - ' CORTELYOU PROMOTED. President Has Appointed Him Secretary' of Commerce and Labor. Washington, Feb. 18. The president today sent to the senate and the senate confirmed the nomination of George B. Cortelyou to be secretary of commerce and labor under the act creating the new department. The nomination was referred to the senate after the senate went into executive session and the vote was polled on the floor. Senator Depew reported tbe nomination with a favorable recommendation. He asked for immediate, action and, as there was no opposition, Mr. Cortelyou was con firmed, i '-- Few in American public life , today are more widely or more , favorably known than Secretary George B. Cor telyou. For years he occupied a prom inent place in the interest of the people and the exemplary manner in which he has met every emergency that - has arisen before him has won for him the cordial esteem not only of those with whom he has been intimately asso ciated, personally and officially, but also of the body of the American public to whom he is known merely by reputa- UUJ1 Idaho to Olve $35,000. - " Boise, Idaho, Feb. 18. A bill has been introduced in the house by the appropriation committee appropriating $35,000 for the Lewis and Clark expo sition in Portland and the St. Louis ex position. Five thousand of this - is to be used for gathering exhibits for the St. Louis fair. The remainder is to be equally divided between the two expo sitions. A commission of five is to be appointed by the governor for both ex positions to serve without pay. : General Miles Returns. New York, Feb. 18.-! Lieutenant General Miles, commanding the United States army, his wife and party arrived here today on the steamship Lucania. The general,-who has been abroad fire months, has in that time been around the world. One of the features ot the trip' across the Atlantic for the general was the sending ' of a Marconigram to King Edward VII onIebruary 9.