Evening star from Washington, District of Columbia • Page 2

educational system of this olty." said Mr. Ooulden, "has been apparent all tills year and has found expression within the District of Columbia Itself by public resolution In favor of an unpaid board of education passed by such representative bodies whs the Washington Board of Trade, the Business Men's various useisiatlons. the District Federation of Women's Clubs, and in Congress by the Foster. Olcott. Cullom.

Oal linger. Piatt and Ooulden bills to reorganise the school, "All of these bills embody many features in other cities which are new to the District. Both the Ooulden Foster bills provide for better salaries for teachers. but the Ooulden bill Is more generous to the grade teachers, who do the drudgery work. Both of these bills also provide for a board of education of nine members, who shall serve without compensation.

to be appointed by the President of the 1'nlted States." The Ooulden measure provides that all meetings of the board of education shall he open to the public, the author of the bill believing that much of the dissatisfaction tiie teachers and of the public with the i ondmt of the schools lias been laid to the fai of the star chamber The P'iMi. itv of all records, as Is the custom elu where, is also provided for, and Mr. Ooulden said that the provision to have tiie hoard appointed by the President meant 110 inflection on the Commissioners. The President now appointed the recorder of and the register of wills, and various other officers of the District. The Superintendent of Schools.

Mi Ooulden pointed out that his bill provides a salary of $7,000 for a superintendent of schools. who must have had at least three years' experience as a superintendent of itools, and who must hold the degree of donor nf pedagogy from an accredited college certified by the 1'nlted States commissioner ot education, or who shall have a principal's certificate and at least ten years' successful experience In teaching or supervision, and shall hold a degree obtained In course from an accredited college certified by the commissioner. He Is to arrange and fix the course of study, and both ti-gular and special studies are to be under his immediate supervision. In providing that the superintendent of schools shall hold the degree of doctor of pedagogy, shall fix the course of study and have direct supervision Mr. Ooulden thinks he has made it possible to do away with all the top-heavy lateral supervision which Washington alone of all the cities of the 1'nlted States has allowed to encroach on the time, patten and salaries of the rank and file of the teachers.

Heretofore," he said, "each teacher has been marked like a schoolboy three times: or by the principal, once by the supervising principal and once by the director, and it Is needless to point out that the low salaries, white a very large factor, have not neen the only cause for the threatened disappearance of male teachers. The bill the wide educational provision of creating a board of examiners to consist of the superintendent of schools, a professional edie ator and a special examiner certified by the civil service commission, and provides that an eligible list of successful candidates shall be kept open to Inspection. It further safeguards the tcachers by providing that a two-thirds vpte of the board of education after a trial upon written charges shall be necessary before a teacher can be dismissed." tloulden said that both his bill and that introduced by Representative Foster of Vermont provide for a new superintendent of buildings and supplies. A hoi .1 110,000 and such additional security board of education shall prescribe is named and Mr. Ooulden thinks will peril.

agent repairs to be made by the superintendent without waiting for the prior approval of the board of education. Mv measure." remarked Representative Ooulden, also names an office whlc? a.lv been in existence for two years, ti supervisor of free lectures to the peoNo salary Is provided for the supervisor because one of the many public-spirited services to this community of the pub11 educational association of Washington during the past two years has been to give "he services of one of its officers to this which has been so successful as to suggest the wisdom of continuing it under t' same generous and educative guidance. T1 duties prescribed for the unpaid supervisor of lectures are the same as those prescribed In the New York Uw School for the same office." Mr lioulden then told the subcommittee some length of the success which had followed the Inauguration of free lectures to the people In New York city and the Bronx. Submit Estimates to Congress. The Ooulden bill further provides that th? board of education shall submit its estimates directly to Congress.

It may be remembered." said Mr. Goulden. that Oen. Boynton, the late preside! of the. board of education, dted while in midst of a courteous controversy with lie District Commissioners, In which the g-n? il held that the lav was plain tint Commissioners should transmit to fongicss the estimates of the board of edi.

ition. and Oen. Boynton protested that law was not complied with when the every year scaled down the l.o.ird of education's estimates before transmit IVrhaps nothing has helped more to ep tin. real educational and financial needs hidden from the Knowledge of annual report from the board of to the President for transmittal to Congress la alio provided for. Both my ine.i-.ure and the Foster bill have the longevity principle of the tegular and automata increases up to a certain maximum for li class of teachers.

The Commissioners' bill introduced by Repiesentatlve Babcock appoints new dlre.t'cs and supervisors and provides for longevity Increases in the salary of supervisors the latter provision being absolutely without precedent In this country In fact, ho city Is so burdened with supervision as Is Washington. There la ot'h one other director of high schools in Me oil l'nlted States, consequently (I i 1 provides for no lateral supervision. I makes the superintendent of schools for the Instruction in all Consequently almost the entire sum of for supervising principals Mi' Ooulden then pointed out that his 1, easiire that a college degree and postg'ad'iite studies shall each mean better hal.uy to the teacher, and also that all rs are encouraged tovlslt other school and other educational conferences 1 being granted leaves of absence for this purpose. Written reports of observations in i recommendations resulting from these visits are to be submitted to the board of ailoii. This provision Is called In many other cities "teachers' Institutes." and show clearly that the bill was drawn by a master of educational administration.

The measure further provides that an amount of ot less than five mills on each dollar of the assessed value of real property in the District shall be set aside from the District revenues and an equal amount appropriated by Congress, the two amounts to constitute a joint school fund A ti achers' fund." said Mr. Ooulden. "Is created to be administered by a board of trustees consisting of the president of the board of education, the chairman of the committee on teachers, the superintendent of schools and other employes of the board of education. The annual benefit Is to be 00 per cent of the average annual salary of the retiring teacher, providing It does not exceed a year for teachers or a ear for principals. "Furthermore, the board of education Is cateil a legal person representing the District of Columbia In owning school property now in existence.

A commission consisting of the superintendent of schools, the superintendent of buildings and supplies, tne supervising architect of the Treasury Department Is creatcd by the measure to to Congress a general plan for the consolidation of the public schools al for i Iim I Ilk II and sale 6f school sites, a general plan for the character, size and hh-tttlon of the schools. In accordance of which the educational nnd business Interests of the ptrblic will be subserved. This provision shows a knowledge of local conditions and Is very wise, becausc owing to the small sums of money given at any time ess for bullclngs and sites we have anomalies In the city of Washington two-room school buildings and fourloom school buildings, grouped more or less together and forming together one moderately fair school with one principal. It is time that this condition should be rectified, and this bill will perform a public service in the sections creating this commission." Noted Michigan Masor Dead. CASSUfOUlH, February Oeorge Kingsbury, grand scrbe of the Orand Chapter, oRyal Arch Masons, of Michigan, died at his home heie last night from consumption.

Spreckle's 111 With Grip. SAN FRANCISCO, February D. rn is seriously 111 at his home In this I in in attack of grip. He Hi 10 be In ou Immediate danger. Point of Order Against Force of Chief of Staff.

ARMY BILL IN THE HOUSE Increases Had Been Proposed is the Measure. WILL THY TO REINSERT THEM Minority Leader Williams Declares Bill Has Over 8100,000 in It Without Legal Authority. Before proceeding with the army appropriation bill today the House passed several bills by unanimous consent as follows: To provide for sittings of the United States circuit and district courts at Miami, a Senate bill extending for one year the time for bridging the Cumberland river at Carthage. to authorize the Cairo and Tennessee River Railroad Company to bridge the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. To authorize the sale of forty acres of government land in Dakota county, to that state as an addition to the grounds of the State Hospital for the Insane at Hastings.

Minn. The army bill was then taken up. Force of Chief off Staff. By sustaining a point of order made by Mr. Tawney.

Chairman Bouteil ruled out of the bill a provision for practically the entire clerical force, amounting to more than 300 clerks, messengers, watchmen, charwomen, carpenters and one gardener, employed in the office of the chief of staff and at headquarters of divisions and departments of the army. The point of order was made to paragraphs of the containing Increases In the clerical force, and by the ruling of the chair, not only the increases but the whole force were declared without authorization of law. Chairman Hull remarked that an effort would be made "elsewhere," indicating the Senate, to get the appropriations replaced in the bill. Commenting on this action. Minority Leader Williams said the point of order had developed the fact that there was between $100,000 and $900,000 in the bill without any authorization of law.

It also revealed that notwithstanding the army had been decreased from 100,000 to 57,000 men, the clerical force was constantly Increasing. He predicted that the bill would come back from the Senate with all these clerks back in It. besides others. Mr. Williams saw cause for criticism In the provision for a gardener.

He had just been told he was for the million-dollar war college with its seven students. Why should we not provide barbers and bootblacks for the army, he asked. "Don't 30U think we could afford one gardener for the field service?" interjected Mr. Olmsted (Pa.) "Oh. well," continued Mr.

Williams, "the frills we provide make our army cost three times per man more than that of any other country." The Best Paid Army. Mr. Hull agreed that the American army was the best paid of any, and gloried in that fact. SENATE. Immediately after the close of the routine business of the Senate today Mr.

Foraker took the floor to deliver his promised speech on the railroad rate question. The announcement that lie was to speak had the efTect of filling the galleries and there also was a large attendance of senators. Notwithstanding the senator departed from his custom of extemporaneous speaking and read from manuscript, lie received careful attention. An outline of the senator's remarks will be found In another column. DISTRICT IN CONGRESS, The Senate has concurred in the resolution which passed the House of Representatives recently directing the Commissioners to submit to Congress a report upon the of the Anacostla river flats from the mouth of the river to the District line.

The Senate had passed a bill in language identical with the House resolution. A bill to provide for the further purification of the water supply of the District of Columbia has been introduced In the Senate. It directs the chief of engineers of the United States army to construct, at such point as he may consider advisable, a plant for the occasional chemical treatment of Potomac water necessary to produce clear and wholesome water In accordance with the recommendation contained In the report of the board of engineers, the cost of the plant and Its operation and maintenance during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1906, to be paid from any balances of appropriations made for the construction of a filtration plant which are made available for that purpose. AMERICAN SCHOOLS IN SYRIA. 1 Demand They Have Equal Advantages With Other Natives.

CONSTANTINOPLE, February 28 necessity for prompt official recognition or the demand that the American scholastic institutes at Beirut. Syria, and elsewhere be entitled to Identical treatment with the schools of other nationalities Is being urgently impressed on the porte by the American legation. Recognition was promised on the occasion of the American naval demonstation In August, 1904. but It has not yet been officially promulgated. In some quarters the impending visit of Rear Admiral Slgsbee's squadron to Beirut Is connected with this question, but the legation points out that the warships will only remain three days at Beirut, their visit being part of the ordinary program of the squadron for its cruise In the Mediterranean.

The legation Is also pressing the porte to refund the customs dues paid under protest on consignments of educational material destined for the American schools, as it is recognized that these establishments ore entitled to Import such articles free or duty. COMIC OPERA FEATURES. Annual Walkout of the Lathers at Chicago. CHICAGO, February comic opera features unusual In the ordinary strike in Chicago will be seen tomorrow when the annual "walk out" of the Lathers' Union takes place. According to custom the strike will last about twenty-four hours.

It may be shorter, but the best of goou feeling between employers and strikers will exist all the time. In preparation for the annual "difficulty'' two adjacent halls were engaged yesterday. One is for the strikers and the other will serve as a headquarters for the employers. In another room a big blackboard will show the names of the various lathing firms Involved In the "strike." As fast as one firm "settles" Its name will be erased from the board. That also will be a signal for the men In the employ of that contractor to return to work.

The lathers hope that their employers will see fit to raise their wages from $4 to $4.00 a day. In the event of a refusal, however, it Is probable that no radical steps, such as the calling of a real strike, will be taken There are ISO In the city, all or whom belong to the union, and about fifty firms of lathing contractors. DESIRE OF FILIPINOS SECRETARY TAFT DISCUSSES WISH FOB INDEPENDENCE. Secretary Taft was before the Senate committee on the Philippines today and was questioned by Senator Hale concernins conditions in the Philippine Islands and the production of sugar there. He said that the production Is greatly limited for the want of market.

Mr. Hale also asked a number of questions concerning the wishes of the Filipinos in the matter of Independence. "What do you think," asked the senator, "is the general feeling of the Intelligent Filipinos on the subject of absolute independence Mr. Taft replied: "I think that a majority of them are in favor of Independence. but at the same time I do not believe that such expression would sent the real feeling of the more intelligent of them.

They are an idealistic people, and are often carried away by their feeling to an extent that wousd not be Indorsed by their own sober second thougnt. Relying on Democrats. Continuing his reply to Mr. Hale the Secretary said that the Filipinos think that the democratic party will some day come Into power In the United States and that when It does this country will give them their liberty. As a consequence those who desire to remain under American control refrain from expressing real sentiments for fear of the consequences.

He expressed the opinion that without the restraining Influence of the nlted States the violence of South American politics would be reproduced there; and the conservatives realise this fact." Secretary Taft was questioned about the healthfulness of -soldiers In the Philippines and replied that the health conditions are about the same In -the islands as own southern states. He said that as a rule private soldiers who have served In the Philippines want to return there, but that officers do not. "If a man complains or the impairment of his health on account of service In tne Philippines I should like to exam.ne him as to his habits," he said. He then expressed the opinion that much ot the poor health In the Philippines Is due to the drink habit, because or lack or opportunity for diversion. "We see the Indian liver advertised; as a rule, the Indian liver Is a hob-nail liver," he said.

Trade Prospects. At Mr. Hale's invitation Mr. Taft outlined hia views on the future trade of the Philippines, expressing the opinion that It would grow somewhat If the I nlted States becomes more liberal In the encouragement or llhlllpplne exports to this country, we thought, however, that the improvement would be gradual; that It would not be by leaps and bounds. as some had predicted.

have no wild ideas on the subject, he said, and added; "My triend Worcester talks on the subject like a promoter. His Ideas are. I think, tinged slightly by the oriental sun, and am not so sure but that mine have also been." He said that only about acres, or 10 per cent, or the friar lands In the Philippines are sugar lands. At the close or Secretary Tart's statement Senator l.odge announced that the hearings were closed and that he would call a meeting for next Friday to consider the bill and proposed amendments. Friends of the Bill Hopeful.

An effort will be made to get a vote on the Philippines tarlt bill In committee next Friday. The friends of the ir.asure are hopeful of being able to repor It favorably to the Senate. Although they say the vote is likely to be exceedingly close. It is not thought that it will have more than a majority of one. if it comes out of committee at all.

Once in the Senate the bill lo certain ta meet with serious and prolonged opposition. A number of western states are unalterably opposed to It in Its present form and will Insist upon amendment to protect the sugar and tobacco Interests. claims that the bill will hurt her tobacco and beet sugar farmers and protests have come from nearly every western state that the reduction of tariff will Injure the beet sugar Industry. Opponents of the bill are confident that they A'lll be able to amend it In the Senate In conformity with the feeling In the west. WARSHIPS IN THE ORIENT.

The Visit of the Ohio to Hongkong Simply for Repairs. Whatever movements the battleship Ohio, tlagshlp or the Asiatic station, may ba making now are in accordance with the orders of the commander-in-chief of that station and arc not prompted by any suggestions from the Navy Department. The Department is informed that the tlagshlp has gone to Hongkong tor repairs. Meantime the squadron In command or Kear Admiral Sigsbee is continuing tts cruise eastward In the Mediterranean, and after a visit to Alexandria two cruisers lea--t In need ot repair will take leave of the tlagshlp ana proceed in accordance with the original program to tne Asiatic station, where they will replace the battleship Oregon, soon to come home tor overhauling. The cruisers selected for the east are the Chattanooga and Galveston.

The Tacoma has temporarily left the squadron to take certain parts of the engine needed by the dry dock expedition and has gone to the canaries. The plan provides that the tirookiyn shall return home In the spring tor needed repairs. and she will piobably be accompanied by the Tacoma, STEVENS NOTIFIED. Exemption of Canal Laborers From the Eight-Hour law. The President having signed the act malting appropriations for the needs of the Isthmian canal commission and exempting the canal laborers rrom the operations or the eight-hour law.

President Shonts sent a cablegram to Chief Engineer Stevens, who is now at I'anama, notirylng him of the approval of the act. It Is exDected that Mr. Stevens will proceod to trvake arrangements for the application ot the law to the working rorce on the isthmus with the result, according to his own statements to the congressional committees that an economy of about 20 per cent will' be effected In the cost of excavation and a corresponding diminution of the time necessary to complete the work. declared to be unlawful. Labor Representative Denounces Railway Relief Associations.

A general hearing on anti-injunction bills and bills to enable employes to recover from corporations for personal injuries was held today by the House committee on Judiciary. President Samuel Gompers of the American Federation of Labor; H. R. Fuller, representing the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and several other organizations of railway men, were among the representatives of labor in attendance. Relief associations of railway companies were attacked by Mr.

Fuller, who said employes were forced to Join them and to eign contracts exonerating companies from liability for personal injuries sufTered. Although these associations, Mr. Fuller said, were unlawful, the companies continue them. CHINA A GOOD FIELD. Resolutions Adopted by Now York Board of Trade.

NEW YORK, February on Chinese trade and exclusion laws werq adopted today by the New Tork board of trade and transportation. It was declared that China today offers the greatest field for the consumption of American products; that the volume of American trade with that country may within a reasonable time crow beyond the possibility ot and that Chinese unfriendliness toward American products Is directly to "the unwarranted Indignities which Chinese desiring to enter this countnr have been subjected to by subordinate officials of this government" RECEIVED iHin (Continued from First was reached at a meeting of the board of directors of the company. The witness emphasised the fact that the sunns so allowed Green were for his own private use. Mr. Stanch field asked if the directors had Mr.

Green any authority to attempt to corrupt Georgr W. Beavers or any other officer of the government. but this question was ruled out as Irrelevant. Justice Gould remarked that the Indictment was against Green personally and not against the International Time Recording Company. All of the commission due Green, the witness said.

had not been Mr. Wlllard explained how time recorders were supplied to the department. They would usually be furnljhed In response to a letter from the first assistant postmaster general. The dtstrlct attorney asked If those letters were still on tile In the office of the company. The witness thought they were not.

He was under the Impression that all of the letters had been turned over to Green at his request. The witness was not positive us to the time when this was done, but. In response to questioning, he said he thought the orders were given to Mr. Green Just before a hearing In whicih Green was defendant In the court at Blngharoton. This was corroborated by the evidence of Joshua Capon, an employe of the International Time Recording Company.

Harlow E. Bundy's Testimony. Harlow E. Bundy, who invented the device bearing his name, was called to the stand by the government to testify as to what disposition was made of the letters from the Post Office Department ordering the machines. He could not tell what had been done with all the papers, particularly a large batch bearing the initials W.

He only knew that when he went to search for the letters he found most of them missing. Under cross-examination Mr. Bundy said he thought he had been informed at the time thai the orders had been turned over to Mr. Green just before the hearing at Blnghamton. John Holran, bookkeeper of the Knickerbocker Trust Company, was Introduced to piove the connection of certain cliecKs which had beer offered as evidence or overt act? charged.

He Identified a cheel: for drawn April by th? Bundy Time Recording Company, payable to George E. Green. The bank ledger wis brought In and the witness was asked to explain an entry of $1,000 May 1, Tne ledger also showed another entry of the same day. The witness could not Identify either of these entries with the check drawn for that amount In favor of Mr. Green.

Other checks and entries were taken up. Checks and Deposits. The testimony of Mr. Holran relating to checks and deposits placed with the Knickerbocker Trust Company was resumed after the midday recess. The scope of the testimony reached to the consideration of papers other than those connected with the alleged overt acts, according to the previous ruling of the court to admit as evidence checks tending to show previous relations between Beavers and Green.

Under crossexamination Mr. Holran admitted that he had no personal recollection of the transactions brought Into question by the checks and records. He identified some of the signatures as being those of George E. Green, but was unable to associate other Items with Mr. Green's name.

Clerk Taylor's Evidence. Alfred T. Taylor, a clerk In the Mercantile Bank of New York, which succeeded the Seventh National Bank of that city, Identified deposit slips for amounts placed In the last named bank by Georgre E. Green. Mr.

Taylor could not Identify the books offered In evidence as being those which the Mercantile Bank acquired from the other bank, but Louis E. I.eehart. a bookkeeper In the Mercantile Bank, testified as to the antecedent ownership of the records. He testified that Green had an account with the old Seventh National Bank. GREENE-GAYNOR TRIAL BARTER'S BUSINESS METHODS EXPLOITED BY WITNESSES TODAY.

SAVANNAH, February the United States court convened today in the Greene and Gaynor oase Tylee W. Hr.rtshorn of the Union Trust Company resumed the stand. His testimony related to the transactions of Carter with that company. Edward B. Lily, bookkeeper for the bank of the Manhattan Company, New York, testified as to Carter's transactions with that company.

M. Erland. an auditor of the National Bank of Commerce of New York, and VVm. G. Kinney, chief clerk of Harvey Flake Sons, gave testimony along the same lines.

The district attorney explained that the pertinency of the evidence would be elucidated by oral testimony which will be adduced when all of the documentary evidence is In. He said that it would be shown that upon Carter's return from Ehi.ro.pe he turned all of those securities over to Greene and Gayner at the Hoffman House In New York, but that subsequently, becoming afraid that -he mig'ht never get them back, got them transferred to Westcott, who, after a conference with Greene.t, turned them over to him. The value of the securities was considerable. George D. Weeks, secretary and superintendent of the Gartleld Safety and Deposit Company, testified to the correctness of a statement showing the transactions of Oberlin M.

Carter with that company as In other cases. Col. Meldxlm, for the defense, objected, but the objection was overruled. D. H.

Catherwood, bookkeeper of the Southern Bank of Savannah, Identified deposit slips and other bank records of the accounts of Greene and Gaynor. Adjournment was taken until tomorrow. No Insanity Plea In Haugh Trial. DAYTON. Ohio.

February Jury In the case of Dr. Oliver C. Haugh, Indicted for the murder of his mother, was secured Late yesterday, and the taking of testimony began today. It was shown in the statement of the defense that there is no intention of entering a plea of Insanity. The Issue Is to be met squarely and the alleged facts contested.

The first witness called was the county surveyor, who had made a plat of the house and Its surroundings. No Bid for the Zaflro. No bids have been received at the Navy Department for fhe steel steamer Zaftro, although It had been advertised for sale for six weeks past. The vessel was appraised at 127,000. The fact that she Is not entitled to American registry probably accounts for the failure of bidders to appear.

THE BA8E BALL WORLD THE CHANTS OFF FOB MEMPHIS? MUCKENFUSS DROPS OUT. Special Olapatrb ts The 8iar. NEW YORK. February hundred followers of the New York were on hand at the Grand Centra: station late yesterday afternoon to give a number of McGraw's players a parting salute as they started for Memphis, where the regular spring training wtll be held this year. In this consignment of riiamplonship ball tossers were Christy Mathewson and Brother Henry.

Gilbert. Kennedy, a new Infleld player, and Ilarry Tut hill, trainer. A number of men will Join the party at different points along the route, and the entire team is expected to bo ready for work by Friday morning. Bvery now and then a familiar figure drops quietly out of the base ball world, and the gradual change brings in a new set of club about once in every decade. After having served the Interests of the 8t.

U)ull National league club for thirteen years B. Stuart Muckenfugs lias been dropped by the Robisonj and will seek an engagement In another Muckenfuss was well known to the National League players and magnates all over the circuit. He made many trips with tho St. Louis club, and at one time was a factor In the league. Since tha Robisons gained control of the St.

Louis club Muckenfuss has been employed as the club secretary. NATIONAL EDUCATORS. Opening Session of Convention at Louisville Today. LOUISVILEE, Ky? February the opening of today's sesRlon of tho convention of the department of superintendence of the National Educational Association, Dr. Frank M.

McMurray of Columbia University made some suggestions on the improvement of the study period in schools. The class hour, he thought, should be a time for mutual exchange of Ideas and reflections between teachers and pupils, rather than a time for drill work alone. Dr. Martin G. Brumbaugh of the University of Pennsylvania spoke on "Ellm'inations and Modifications In the Course of Study." He made a strong plea for the cultivation of mental power in pupils, rather than the cultivation of memory.

The question. "How can the supervising Influence of the grammar school principals improved?" was answered by Lewis H. Jones, president of the Michigan State Normal School. Robert J. Aley.

professor of mathematics in Indiana University, reviewed Dr. Newoomb's address of last night on "The teaching of arithmetic in the American schools." Charles M. Jordan, superintendent of the Minneapolis public schools, and Calvin N. Kendall, superintendent of the Indianapolis schools, joined in a general discussion of the subject. Dr.

Nathan C. ScliafTer, the president of the National Educational Association, outlined the program for the next meeting of the national body, to be held at San Francisco In July, ami urged that all the delegates come to the meeting. Suicide at His Wife's Grave. HARRISBURG, February Marzolf, aged fifty-six years, shot himself In the Harrisburg cemetery today, falling dead across his wife's grave. Since his wife's death three years ago Mariolf was a frequent visitor to the cemetery and seemed inconsolable.

Robbers Invaded Pesthouse. Speoi-l Dispatch to The Star. WILMINGTON. February had no terrors for burglars who entered the Newcastle county pesthouse at Farnhurst, near here, today, although there are several victims of the disease in The robbers proceeded to tear out thebrass fittings. They were frightened away before getting any booty.

The authorities have no clue. Rule to Show Cause. Justice Anderson of the District Supreme Court today laid a rule on Frederick I. Allen, commissioner of patents, to "show cause March 1) why a writ of mandamus should not issue against him to compel the granting of letters patent to Henry S. Blackmore.

Mr. Biackmore, through Attorneys C. Le Roy Parker and J. R. Nottingham, filed a petition, in wMch he claims to be the inventor of new and useful Improvements In methods of producing aluminum.

He declares that letters patent are illegally refused to him. Funeral of Mrs. L. F. Elliott.

The funeral of Mrs. F. Elliott took place at 2 o'clock this afternoon from the residence of her son-in-law. Capt. Lee M.

Lipscomb, former commander of the Department of the District of Columbia, Spanish War Veterans. 251!) University place. Among the floral offerings was a handsome piece from Capt. Lipscomb's comrades of the war with Spain, while several of the Spanish War Veterans were in attendance. Mrs.

Elliott, besides being of distinguished southern lineage, was noted for her deeds of charity. Will of Herbert G. Ogden. The will of Herbert Gouveneur Ogden, late assistant In the United States coast and geodetic survey, who died Sunday last, was today filed for probate. Bonds of the face value of $3,000 are given to Lucy Ogden.

a sister. Bequests of $50 each ara made to the domestic servants In the employ of Mr. Ogden. The remainder oif the estate is to be divided equally fmong the children of the G. Ogden.

Warren (T. Ogden. Mary A. Harvey and Joseph W. Ogden.

Herbert G. Ogden, Warren Q. Ogden and Norman D. Harvey are named executors. The will, dated May 11)03.

has attached a codicil dated June 15, 1905. by the terms of which the bequest to Miss Lucy Ogden Is changed from J3.000 In bonds to fifty shares of Greene Consolidated Copp-r ami 100 shares of Mitchell Mining stock. Countess Castellane's Suit. PARIS, February suit brought by Countess Benl de Castellane (formerly Anna Gould) against her husband for a separation was reached today on the docket of the first trblunal of the 8eine, but the court adjourned the case for a fortnight, when a date for the hearing will be fixed. Pittsburg Church Burned.

PITTSBURG. February J.aurence's Roman Catholic Church, a large brick structure of recent construction, located at the corner of Atlantic avenuo and Dauphin street. East End, caught fire from an overheated stove at 1 o'clock this afternoon and in less than an hour nothing was left standing but the walls. Norfolk Naval Notes. Special Dispatch to a he Star.

NORFOLK, February on torpedo boat Winslow, which recently became disabled at sea, was completed today and announced from Norfolk navy yard will take three weeks for repalffc. Chiller Abareda completed repairs at navy yard today, and with abatement of present storm will proceed at once for Baltimore to load coal for North Atlantic fleet In Caribbean see. Representative Bulaer of New York and Macreid of Washington are today at Virginia Beaoh witnessing the magnificent sights afforded by the present ocean storm. Attorney UMFBantf. i LOB ANGELES, Cat.

February Charles Ward, a young attorney, who came here from Boston six weeks ago, shot Mm Situation of the Coal Miners' Controversy. QUESTION IS NOW IN HAND Whether to Grant Wage Advance or Suffer Strike. SOME OPERATORS AGAINST IT Important Meeting at Pittsburg for a Oeneral Conference on March 19. PiTTSBi'RG, February 2S. The conference of bituminous coal of Pennsylvania.

Ohio. Indiana and Illinois, called for today by chairman of the Pittsburg Coal Company, In response to President Roosevelt's letter urging him to make another effort Jo avert the threatened general strike on April I. is expected to be Interesting In Its developments. Before the meeting opened today It was generally conceded that the proposition to grant the miners a per cent advance would be laid before the operators ot the four states in the Interstate agreement, and that it would meet with opposition from some of the independent operators, who freely expressed themselves as against any increase in at thU time. The conference opened shortly before now and all tout members of the state committees were excluded.

Those present were: Pennsylvania. F. L. Bobbins, John Jones, George A. Magoon; Ohio, J.

H. Winder, H. L. Chapman. F.

M. Oaborn. T. E. Young: Indiana, J.

C. Coulson, A. M. Ogle, J. H.

Selferth. Hugh Sherkll. J. Smith Talley; Illinois. If.

Taylor. Col. O. L. Garrison.

None of the leading members would make any predictions as to the probaible result of the meeting. It was stated, however, that unless the committees from the different states are unanimous on the proposition to renew negotiations with the United Mine Workers It Is likely that nothing will be done until a general meeting Is held. It is understood that some of the operators attending the meeting today have been urged by several Independent interests to demand that a general meeting be called. Conference Agreed Upon. The conference adjourned about 1 o'clock and the announcement was made that It had been decided to issue a call for a general conference to be held In Indianapolis on Monday, March 19.

A statement issued by the joint committee In explanation of the action taken follows "In Issuing a request for a conference of the coal operators of the four states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and western Pennsylvania at Indianapolis on March ID It is positively stated by all the operators Joining In this call that said meeting has been called entirely In deference to the wishes of the President of the United States, and that no action has been taken or agreement of any kind has been made by any operator up to this date regarding any possible settlement of existing differences. No settlement is possible on any terms until after such meeting has been held and the Individual views of all of the operators of the four states have been obtained." The call for the general conference, which was signed by all the operators present today, follows: "PITTSBURG, February 28. 1900 "To the Operators of Western Pennsylvania, Ohio. Indiana and Illinois: "III view of the suggestion made by the Provident of the United States that an effov't be made to adjust the differences now existing between the bituminous operators and, the miners of western Pennsylvania, Ohio. Indiana and Illinois, we, 'The undersigned operators, acting In our Individual capacities, request that all of the operators of those states assemble for conference at the Claypool Hotel, Indianapolis, on Monday.

March at 10 a.m. The Corey Intervention. NEW YORK. February 28 reference to the report that President Corey of the United States Steel Corporation had intervened to prevent a possible strike In the bituminous coal fields. Judge Gary, chairman of the board of directors of the steel corporation, today made the following statement: "The management of the United States Steel Corporation is always in favor of harmonious relations between employers ind employes.

It is not in a position to dictate terms concerning the pending questions between the bituminous coal miners and operators and has not assumed to do so. "It would be unfortunate for both If the differences shall not be promptly and satisfactorily adjusted. The basis, of course, must depend upon the merits of the question raised by the respective parties." FORWARDED TO OPERATORS. Demands of the Miners Sent to President Baer. NEW YORK, February anthracite miners' demands, as formulated by the committee of seven, were forwarded to the operators last night, according to a statement today by John Mitchell, president of the United Mine Workers of America.

He said that the demands were sent to George F. Baer, president of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company. He said also that he did not look for a meeting between the miners' committee and the operators until arrangements for such a conference are made by the operators. RAPID TRANSIT FOR CHICAGO. Proposed Quick, Direct and Cheap Interurban System.

CHICAGO, February 28 Tribune today says: direct and promised to three millions of residence in the territory southeast, south and southwest of Chicago by tike proposed construction of one of the largest interurban traction systems In the world. Entrance to Chicago la to be by an elevated structure built over the Shore and Rock Island railways. The plans have been perfected, and the corporation which will build the lines will bo organized within a few days In New Jersey. Access to Chicago from all points In northern Indiana and northern Illinois, with the possible extension of the system to Indianapolis and St. l.ouls.

Is contemplated. In addition, a system of electric lines Interlacing the whole of this big territory and furnishing connections with every part -s projected Behind the undertaking is said to be large capital. Negotiations which have been in progress for several days In New York have been participated In by the Moore Brothers, President B. F. Yoakum of the 'Frisco railroad system and of Robert Mather of the Rock Island Holding Company.

WIlKam 8. Reed of Chicago, who president of three of the traction companies represented in the deal, also is interested in the proposed corporation and may be the head of the new corporation. The capitalisation, it is said, will be under the name of the Chicago Elevated Interurban Terminal Traction Company. The elevated structure be ten miles long, and will constitute the chief artery of tbe system. Cheapness of transportation will be ons of the aims of the promoters.

It is estimated that the road will be completed by 1900, the cost being placed at $6,230,000. WILL PKPOET A BAP MAM. Dangerous Italian to Be Sent Back to Italy. SAN FRANCISCO. February with Beri'dottn Tordlnl.

an Italian ar srehlst, who Is to vent home to Itnlr order of the Secretary of the Departmt-'t, and Labor. OmKlKto served ten rears In the tontkary of this state for burning a taouM At Petal After bis reieai. went to Italy, wbtn he wu imprlooi for carrying concealed When leased retun wj to Petahima with tt purpowe of murdering trie ofTc Who bad arretted Urn for arson. I iMfcu confltwd In the at Sairta Hnsu for wnwal months. lie openly declared hrtuself to bo en anarchist.

and aald tn answer to question that ha would aa soon kill the President of tho States aa anr other ANOTHER CHINESE COMMISSION. Arrived to Study American and Trade PORT TOWN8END, February steamship Dakota, which srrlved at thla laat night from the orient, brought a second Chinese commission to thla country to study (toMtlr-al and trada It includes thirty-nine persons, headed by Prince Tsal Tal of the royal Mwnchurtan household, the first cousin of the emperor. Two other high dignitaries In the party are governor of one of China's most civilised and modern provlncea. and Ll Rheugts. Chinese minister to the court of Belgium.

The three chief members of the party will not only Investigate conditions In the Cnlted States, but will take up similar studies In Great Britain, France and Belgium Their investigations In this country will only be of a supplementary nature, the real Investlgatlon of affairs In the 1'nlted States having'been delegated to the two royal cummlasioners who arrived In this country mux time ago. Included In the Imperial commission ar? of the hlgheat culture In the orient. In the party being lawyers, doctors, teachers, artists, musicians and merchants of the highest standlng. According to the Itinerary arranged for the commission, Port Townsend. Seattle.

St. Paul and New Y'ork are the only stops the delegation will make In this country. THE PACKERS HEARING. Court Declined to Admit Certain Letters as Evidence. CHICAGO, February 2H.

Judge Humphrey. preatdlng In the case. today declined to admit as evidence the correspondence that passed between sloner Garfield and Special Agent Durand while Durand was Investigating the beef Industry In Chicago. The court held that anything tending to show the mental attitude of the packers In.the case was admissible. but thai lhe letters were hearsay evidence, and would not be competent.

The court urged the attorneys to livelier efforts In the conduct of the ease and expressed the hope that "this case will not last until eternity." Special Agent Durand. who again took the witness stand, spent great pact of tha day in the identilicatlon of letters. Alleged Newspaper Attacka. After identifying a large miss of correspondence. Mr.

Durand was asked concerning his conversation with Arthur Meeker, general superintendent of Armour ft Co. Mr. Meeker professed himself, according to the witness, anxious to have the report of the bureau of corporations published "Mr. Meeker," declared the witness, "said tliat the packers were suffering from newspaper attacka to the effect that the government agents had discovered a combination. Mr.

Meeker Bald further the report of the bureau would dispel this. Mr. Garfield and myself were asked by Mr. Meeker If any evidence of a combination had been discovered. Mr.

Garfield replied that evidence had come to our notice tending to allow that there was a combination. Mr. Meeker replied that this might appear from the action of over-zealous employes who might do tilings not In accord with tho orders of their superior officers. At Oils time, or later, perhaps, Mr. Meeker said that he was willing to take his oath that there was no combination between the packers.

Mr. Meeker alao protested against a public hearing because of the sensational reports which might result." BEGINNING OF LENT. Ash Wednesday Services Held In Local Churches Today. Masses at the hours of 0, 7. 8:1.1 and li o'clock this morning were celebrated in the Roman Catholic churches of this city in servance of the first day or the Lenten Wednesday.

At each service ashes of palms blessed on Palm Sunday of laat year were distributed and placed upon the foreheads of the church members In token of their humility. Services will re held In many of the Catholic churches this evening. At St. Patrick's, loth and streets, at 7 30 o'clock Rev. Dr.

D. J. Stafford. the pastor, will deliver the llrst of a course or lectures on "Kxpianations oc Catholic Teachings." These lectures wilt be given each Wednesday evening during There will also be another dutn.mutton of ashes this evening at St. Patrick's.

Ash Wednesday services were also hold in the Protestant Episcopal churches at the usual hours today. Many of the churcfhes held special neon services to accommodate the people of their congrc gatlone. Arrangements have been made by the Churchmen's League of the Protestant Episcopal Church In this diocese, to present its twelfth annual course of Lenten lectures at Epiphany Church, street between 13th ahd 11th streets, each Tuesday of the penitential season at 8 o'clock p.m. The general subject wlli be "Aspects of Church Work." There will be a short devotional service on each occasion, the music for which will be furnished by a choir from an Episcopal churc'h in the city. The program for the lectures Is as follows: 0.

"The Layman In the Church," Rav. Frederick J. Kinsman, professor of ecclesiastical history in the General Theological Seminary, New York city; music by Epiphany choir. March IB, "The Church and Charitable Relief. Rev.

Grosvenor, D. rector of the Church of the Incarnation, New York city; music by St. John's choir (Lafayette square). March "The Missionary Work of the Church," Rev. W.

T. Manning, D. assistant rector of Trinity parish, New York" city; muslo by St. John's choir, Georgetown. March 27, "The Revival of Community Life," Rev.

Hamilton Schuyler, rector of Trinity Church, Trenton, N. muslo by St. Mark's cliolr. April 3, "The Ministry of Women." Right Rev. Leigh ton Coleman.

D. LL. bishop of music by St. Stephen's choir. IRON, STEEL AND TIN WORKERS.

Important Matters to Come Up at Annual Meeting, PITTSBURG, February 28 have been sent out by the Amalgamated Association of Iron. Steel and Tin Workers to all sublodges notifying them that tha annual convention will open at Cincinnati May 1 and requesting them to send resolutions regarding any changes in the wage scale or working rules to the national headquarters before March 81. An Important matter to be taken up at the annual meeting, aside from the wage scale, will be the unionising of the eastern plants. The officials claim that a majority of the men in the eastern district are now members of the association, but they are still working without an agreement. An effort will be made.

It la said, to the manufacturers to sign the sole this year. Griggs and Flood Candidates. Representative Griggs of Georgia anl Representative Flood of Virginia will probably be the most Important candidates for the chairmanship of the democratic congressional campaign committee at the meeting of the committee next Tuesday. Mr. Griggs has served twice before, while Mr.

Flood has not seen service outside of Virginia. It Is understood that the senatorial representation of nine votes Is pledged to Mr. Flood, but Mr. Griggs has the supror: of a considerable number of House Proposed Repeal Tabled. The House committee on public lands voted today to lay en the table the bill for the repeal mt the timber sad stone.