Evening star from Washington, District of Columbia • Page 1

No 13,598. WASHINGTON, D. THURSDAY, 1, 1896-TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. THE EVENING STAR.

PUULESHED DABfY 3ACEPT SUNDAY. AT TH STAR BUILDINGS, n0i Pnsyhlasla Avaun, Ow. nth by The LI' Ceq aopny. S. Pres'.

New York Ofe, 49 Petter B'Iug. The Evening Star i served to subscribers In the city by carriers, en their own account. at 10 cents per week, or 44 cents per month. Copies- at the coanter 2 cents each. By mail-anywhere In the United States or Camda-postage prepaid-0 cents per month.

Saturday Quintu Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign ptage a Entereei at the Post ce at Washington. as mail matter.) E7AII mail subscrtDtton must be Vaid In advance. Itates of advertising made known on application. FLOOD AT STAUNTON Pent-Up Waters of the Lake Turned Loose. THE CIES SUELY ENUIME Loss of Life and Property Yet Unknown.

A GREAT CALAMITY RICHMOND, September 30 (Delayed by city of Staunton, In the Shenandoah valley, was visited by a terrible flood today. Many lives were lost and great damage done to property. The great storm yesterday caused the lake to rise and flood the city. All the water courses in the valley became raging torrents and swept over their banks, carryir.g destruction in their paths. The Water invaded the lower portion of the city, rising so rapidly that many were unable to escape in time and were engulfed.

Others barely escaped with their lives, leaving their property to the mercy of the water. Houses were swept from their foundations. In several cases persons were with difficulty rescued from the roofs. It is Impnssible at this hour to ascertain the extent of the loss of or the extem of property damage. The latter will exceed balf a million dollars.

Heroic attempts are being made to rescue those in danger. Families Homeless. The flood came so suddenly and inexpectedly that all was confusion for some time before the extent of the calamity was realized. Telegraph poles are down and wires hopelessly entangled. Scores of families are homeless and many are anxiously seeking to ascertain the whereabouts and safety of friends, or are making tearful search for the bodles of those who they know have perished.

It is the worst catastrophe which Staunton has ever experienced In times of peace and the dawn of tomorrow is dreaded because of the extent of the disaster which its light will unfcId. The search for vktims and the work of saving what property is not hopelessly ruined, is being prosecuted as best it can in the dark. but little can be done until tomorrojvW. Drowaed. The boilies of the drowned persons are James Smith, better known as "Horse Radlah Jim," his wife, granddaughter and grandchild.

One man was seen to be swept from his feet at the Virginia Hotel corner and then seen r.o more. Another went down in a livery stable trying to get his horse out, and he has not since been seen. Perhaps the worst sight of all is around the Vailey depot. Approach to It is only by the high embankment of the C. and 0..

or by Coaltar street. A portion of the tracks between the freight depot and the bridges of the C. and 0. are washed away entirely. On another part of It in several places there is a mass of wreckage piled to the height of fully lifteen feet.

The rells are bent and distorted as if they were mere suppliant willow wands. The gts works are practically gone. In the midst of the flood, working in water up to their waists, Superintendent Waodson and his assistants endeavored to draw the fires and let the gas escape from the tanks. An explosion followed. Mr.

Woodson and a helper were slightly burned and' one tank was destroyed. On Pump street the water rose with amazing rapidity, and a number of negroes would have been drowned had it not been for the efforts of Benjamin Bagby and H. B. Mliddlekauf, who rescued forty-two persons from their various houses along 'the creek. Further Details.

The Starnton News of yesterday has the following details: "Staunton was visited between the hours of 10 and 12 o'clock last night by the most disastrous downpour, flood and destruction to life and property that has ever occurred in Its eventful history. Fine pressed-brick, stone-trimmed buildings went down with a crash, other fine brick and stone structures were badly damaged, horses were drowned and some lives were lest, while other rpersons are reported missing. "Lewis creek comes down from the park parallel with Churchville avenue on the northern suburbs of the city, flowing eastward until about the middle of the city is reached, when it flows down through a large arched sewer under Central avenue southward nearly to Main street, where it deflects slightly to the right, and. still pursuing Its underground course, turns to the eastuard again after it crosses Johnson street, parallel with Main. Between the hours named this creek became a raging torrent.

and the water soon began Its work of destruction, The water being in too great volume to -pass in the tunnel, backed and quickly swamped the neignborhood, including many large "ardens. "A handsome brick, stone-trimmed building, owned by S. M. Wilkes, and located cn Central avenue south of Main street, was totally wrecked, the occupants barely' escaping. Along the line of the creek in the southern part of the city the water rose several feet in a few seconds.

Csease of It. "Northwest of Staunton and adjoining it is the fair ground lake, which includes nearly the entire space inside of the halfmile race track, and its natural drainage is into Lewis creek. What caused the flood was the bursting of this lake and the emptying of its waters into the already swollen Lewis creek. It was another Johnstown flood on a smaller scale. WATCUUAN KLLE.mn "Old an Joines" at His Crosslng in Baltimere.

BALTIMORE, October was a fatal accident at the Russell street crossing here Tuesday afternoon. The Royal Blue train, which left here at 1:50 O'clock on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, struck Thomas Jones and instantly killed him. Many Washingtonians were cn the train and saw the dead man, Jones was the night watchman at the crossing. He was crossing the track and evidently did not see the train comingr. His body was picked ep by the railroad men and taken in the railroad round house to await arrival of the cororner.

The deceased had been in the employ of the railroad company for a number of He was about fifty-Ave years old, and was known among his associates as "old man Among the railroad nien the deceased had many friends. Both Duenltets Killed, MIDDLESBORO', October Newkirk and Henry Asheraft fought a duel last night with Winchesters on the Long for of Shelb cre.They were both CARLISLE AND BLACKBURN Not Likely That There Will Be a Joint Debate Between Them. Mr. Carlisle's Friends Would Be Surprised If He Accepts the Proposition. It will surprise some of the warmest of Mr.

Carlisle's admirers if he accepts the proposition to divide time with Mr. Blackturn at the engagements he is soon to fill in Kentucky. The challenge is regarded as one of those bold plays of the silver men inaugurated by Mr. Tillman in his message to Gen. Harrison, and followed by the effort of certain men in Chicago to bring about a joint debate between Mr.

Bryan and Mr. McKinley. Mr. Blackburn and Mr. Carlisle are wholly unlike in their equipment as political leaders.

The one is a popular stump orator, with a resonant voice, a picturesque vocabulary and a turn for pleasing phrases. The other Is classed by his frierds as an intellectual giant, with a lucid and convincing style of statement, and as a real leader of thought in the country. Could Be No Joint Debate. As the friends of Mr. Carlisle look at the matter, there could be no such thing as a joint debate between these two men on the financial question.

Their appearance togather on the stump would, of course, attract enormous crowds, but in the present state of politics in Kentucky more acrimony than anything else would likely be aroused. Already at one or two places sound money democrats have been denied a hearing, on the ground that, being bolters, they were not entitled to a hearing. This spirit does not as yet extend very far, but if it could be fanned into flame at all it would be by the hot cross-countering on the stump of the two men in the state who Aivide democrats so sharply on the current issue. Blackburn's Position. Besides standing for free silver, Mr.

Blackburn stands for what is called "regularity" in politics. Ardently as he supports free coinage, and i.ecessary as be it to be for the salvation of the country, he would yet today be standing on a gold standard platform had the Chicago convention so decreed. He appraises parti.an duty as Mr. Hoke Smith, Mr. George Fred Williams, Mr.

Gorman, Mr. Faulkner, Mr. Sheehan and other democrats of that school do. Mr. Carlisle is of the Bryan type when it iomes to submitting one's convic.ians to party behests.

He refuses to follow party mn a matter involving, as he considers, the credit and welfare of the country. The report that Mr. Carlisle Is likely to meet with personal Indignity upon his appearance in the canvass at home is not credited here. Such a proceeding might be possible in some small community where partisan feeling runs high, but in the cities where Mr. Carlisle is to speak nut only would such a thing be'entirely-out of the calculations, but it could be prevented by Lhe Secretary's friends and followers.

Sound money democrats are numerous and influential in the cities, and the assurine is that they will see to it that the leading n-n in the state, coming home to definT his position and justify it before his pedople, in a speech free from the personalities of a joint debate, shall have a suitable hearing. Only In His Own State. While the demand for Mr. Carlisle from Dther states is strong and pressing, there is said to be no likelihood of his participating in the campaign outside- of his own state. Other members of the cabinet take this same view of their duty.

They will in their own way exercise their rights as citizens at home. but away from home they might be charged with bringing the uluence of their respective offices to bear on the situation. The President agrees with them in this. and what they may do within the lines they have- prescribed for themselves will be with his entire approval. POLITICS IN VIRGINIA.

Lawyer Jones Thinks the State May GO for McKinley. "So far as politics in Virginia are concerned, it takes a prophet possessing the forecast of a John the Baptist to tell what Is to be the final result in this canvass," said Lawyer Jones to a Star reporter. "However, if it be true that the several republican factions have become earnestly and honestly united, it is entirely probable that McKinley and Hobart, in spite of any ecmbination which populists and democrats may make, will carry the old dominion by a majority worthy of note, aggregating from 5,000 to "So far as the great body of the republican voters of the state is concerned, there can be no doubt as to their determined and fixed purpose to support their party. There Is no division among them. The negro vote of the state, like the negro vote In every other southern state, is republican, and it matters little what policy his party announces or what candidates it puts in nomination, he proposes to vote solidly without question.

In this respect he is not blind, but wise. My opinion in these particulars lias fully confirmed by a recent visit which I made to the state. My observation extended over several of the more Important counties. "In Henrico county, in which Richmond is located, I had a fair observation of the democratic situation; and in Mecklenburg iceunty, the banner republican county of the state, in which Mr. Thorp, the candidate nominated by the republican party for Congress from the fourth congressional district, resides, I had a good opportunity to observe, and I found the republican prospects most promising.

"On the whole, while It is entirely that the democratic party will elect largely their representatives to the next Congress from the state, and may be its presidential electors, there is more than reasonable hope for republican success and victory." FAVORARE TO BRYAN, What Representative MaCreary' Says of the Kentucky Outlook. Representative McCreary 'of Kentucky was one of the most ardent advocates of the gold standard previous to the meeting at the Chicago convention. He was at the same time considered one of the closest friends of Secretary Carlisle and President cleveland, and it was believed that he would refuse to suport the nominees of the Dhicago convention. He has, however, come out squarely for- the Chicago ticket, and is now stumping the state of Kentucky for that ticket, In a letter to W. J.

Houghtaling of this city Mr. McCreary says of the situation in Kentucky: "I belleve Kentucky will go for Bryan and Sewall. The republians and bolto-. crats are -very active, and this state is a eattle ground. We have a hard fight, but the outlook now is favorable to Bryan." The Deeit Last Menth.

The comparative statement of the reiqpis and expenditures of the government for the month of September shows the otal reoeipts to have been and he expenditures leaving a deIcit for the month of The deicit for the three months of the present local year is 325,196,129, as conmpared witht deficit of for the corresponding nonths last year. Tble receipts during theast month show lass as compared with leptember of last year-of- oem enstoms and abouE from in enunciated in our platform and to oppose other measures antagonistic thereto. I am confident that, by proper efforts, control of the next Corgress of the United States can be secured, and important measbres be passed forever settling the status of American citizenship and proper control of Americal. institutions. Mr.

Reeord Given. "This clearly outlines the position the order is taking in the present campaign, and it becomes my duty not to endeavor to advance the interests any seeking political office, but simply to disseminate throughout the Union the past records of those desiring such offices. I am daily receiving a hobt of inquiries from all over the country, and not from members of the American Protective Association alone, asking for it.fo.mation as to the way members of Congress voted on such questions, founded or our principles, as have been discussed in Congress. "This information I am endeavoring to supply by distributing to all inquirers copies of the Congressional Record. covering the debates and votes on these questions.

"In printing this record special attention has been called to the vote of W. J. Bryan when in Congress in 1894, by placing his name in heavy type. This has been done for the reason that a large percentage of the inquiries made are for his record on these questions, and therefore it was thought better to print his name In such a manner that it could be readily recognized. A careful inspection of the record I am distributing will show that ao attention whatever has been paid to the political affiliaticns of the speakers.

Men of all parties have gone on record for and against our platform, and irrespective of the party to which they may chance to belong, they will be judged solely by this record. "I have made this statement somewhat lengthy, tut desire to place before the people of this country who believe in maintaining the liberty guaranteed us by the Constitution inviolate, means whereby they may readily ascertain those who are for and those who are against sound American doctrine, as enunciated in our platform." THOUGHT SHE WAS POOR A Mysterious Attempt to Oommit Suicide. The Pretty Young AMerican Who Sought Refuge at Vienna Was Col. McElroy's Daughter-tn-Law. LONDON, October Vienna dispatch to the Daily News says' "A pretty young American named Mrs.

Constance Elroy called upon Mr. Max Judd, United States consul here, on Monday, representing that her husband had not sent her money and that she was penniless. Mrs. Judd, the wife of the consul, gave her a bed room. On Tuesday morning the- young woman was found unconscious, it is supposed from an attempt to commit suibide with merphia.

She is not expected to recover." The person named in the above dispatch, the substance of which alpeared in yesterday's Star, has been iantified as Mrs. McElroy, wife of K. of the Agricultuial Departmt, UAIlaughter-inlaw of John McElroy, 'editor of the National Tritine and well-known in Grand Army circ es. "We are tetterly at a loss to understand why my son's wife should have attempted suicide," said Col. McElroy this afternoon.

"She has been abroad since last May. and is accompanied 'by Mrs. Fuerman, wife of Prof. Fuerman of the Columbian University. She went abroad to perfect herself in some studies, and at last accounts was all She has been supplied with money regularly and had a reserve fund.

The only possible reason that we can assign for her alleged attempted suicide is that she may have become discouraged by having lost her money and got separated from Mrs, Fuerman. We cabled Consul. Judd today money to send her home, and suppose that she will return immediately." HIGH WATEt UP THE RIVER. A Flood In the Potomac in the Neighborhood of Harper's Ferry. Private telegraphic advices from Cumberland ard Harper's Ferry are to the effect that the waters in the vicinity of Cherry Run and Sandy Hook are rising rapidly in consequence of recent heavy rain fall, and that a freshet in the Potomac river is threatened.

Although there may be no danger to shipping in this city, it might be a wise precaution for all persons interested to render their property along the river front as secure as possible. More definite information as to the condition at Harper's Ferry is expected this evening. It was reported here today that wates from the Potomac was running in the streets of Harper's Ferry this morning ard that the river was almost up to the level of the Baltimore and Ohio tracks at Washington junction and above. TELEGRAPHIC BLOCKADE RAISED. Communication Established With the Outside World! Today.

The telegraph blockade was raised today, thanks to the hard and incessant work of large gangs of repair laborers, and the capital city is once more in teiegraphic and telephonic commurfication with the outside world. Mr. 5. M. Bryan of the telephone company today that he stood by the prediction mad'e to a Star reporter yesterday that the long distance telephone would have direct connection with Baltimore either of the telegraph companies.

Manager Marean of the Western Union Telegraph Company said that the situation was very much improved today. "We have ten wires working north," said he, "and are able to hatille without delay all business for Baltimore and all points east and west. "The damaged 'wires between here and Baltimore are being rapidly recovered and reset, and we will have thirty of them-in working order by nightfall, -We have no southern connections as yet, we have large repair gangs out, and expect to get some points south by tonight." Mr. Allen of the Postal Telegraph Company also spoke of the improved state cf affairs telegraphically. "We ae doing business with Baltimore and Philadelphia with no delay," said he, "and there is practically no delay in service with New York and eastern is, however, heavy delay with respect to Chicago, Buffalo, Detroit and western points.

We are 'iorking a slow southern circuit by. way of New York and Chicago. Rapid repairs are in progress on the Uines everywhere, and to have them all in good working Order, tonight or tomorrow, morning, With the exception of the southern circuit, the restoration of which will probably take a longer time" West Point Cadet. Appointed. Appointments of cadets at the.

Military Academy have beeh made as follows: Richard H. Jordan, Haymarket, Win. P. Buck, Sugar Hill, N. Benjamin R.

Andraws, Seneca Fails, N. Y. (alternate). A Appoi nt" The President has- appointed EFrancis F. elaussen of Iboniagna as assayer at the United States fant New Orleans.

Presidentiki -Postasters. The President has appoihted ths following postmasters: California-Berkeley, Ole C. Virzent. Iowa-Boono, John Hornstein. Michbran-Wllliamnston, Robert M.

Porter. Texauh-Georgetowm. John Brooi. AGAINST BRYAN The A. P.

A. to Formally Array Itself on That Line. RIS COIIG SIONIAL RECORD GI How He Voted on the Question of Sectarian Appropriations. PRESIDENT ECHOLS TALKS From officials of the Supreme Council of the American Protective Association, the headquarters of which are located in this city, a Star reporter learns that, while the order has not officially attacked W. J.

Bryan, the democratic nominee for President, there is a probability that it will do so shortly, after it concludes some investigations now being made. To all intents and purposes the order is now arrayed against Bryan, and It comes about in a way explained in an interview with Supreme President Echols, who was seen by a Star reporter this morning. The democratic managers here have charged that the republicans have been circulating the speeches of Representative Linton, made In the House June 7, 1894, on the question of sectarian appropriations. This charge has been denied by Chairman Babcock. At- the same time it has been known that these speeches of Mr.

Linton were being circulated by somebody to the extent of millions of copies. Work of the A. P. A. The people responsible for sending out the speeches are the head officers of the A.

P. in this city, and they frankly admit what they are doing. President EcholE this morning said to a Star reporter that millions of copies of the speeches have been'sent out by the force under him and Supreme Secretary Palmer, and that millions more will be sent out. It is thought that six million copies have already gone out. They are sent under the frank of Representative Linton, just like the campaign documents go out from headquarters here, and a large force is employed in the work.

Stacks of mail bags and documents lay around headquarters. There is no attempt to deny that the A. P. A. is taking a hand in congressional fights throughout the country, and that it is giving the records of members of Congress on the question of sectarian appropriations for the purpose of letting its members know how the public officials stcod on the questions which make up the principles of the A.

P. A. While this record of representatives is going out, Mr. Bryan's record is Included. His name is given along with the others, but is made conspicuous by being placed in black type.

President Echols explains this by saying that hundreds of inquiries have been received from A. P. A. members and from lodges, asking for Bryan's record while in Congress. What the Documaent Includes.

The facts of the distribution of the Linton speeches are as follows: The speech is included in a document made up of extracts of the proceedings of the House and Senate at the time the matter of sectarian appropriations was being, considered. The principal extract is the speech of Mr. Linton. Following this is the aye and nay vote on the question at issue. Tue recoa? shows that 158 members voted in favor of appropriations, among the number being 'Mr.

Bryan. Fifty-eight members, including Mr. Linton, voted against. The names, as stated, all appear, but that of Mr. Brya-n is conspicuously printed in black type.

Included in the same document are the proceedings of the House, in which Mr. Bryan is alleged to have voted against teaching Englsh in the public schools of New Mexico, which Senator Faulkner has explained. This question was started on the coast by Senator Wilson, who made the charge aginst Mr. Bryan. The supreme A.P.A.

officers here say that as soon as Mr. Wilson began to make the charges in the west inquires began to roll in for Mr. Bryan's record, and it was found necessary to incorporate his vote on this question, as well as on the other. The foregoing gives an idea of what the A.P.A. Is doing and what it expects to do.

The supreme officers say that millions of their voters will vote for no man who has stood against their principles. The sending out of the documents does not mean that the order has declared directly against Mr. Bryan, but means, it is explained, that it wants to show his record. What is to come hereafter, however, will, It is said, place the order officially against Bryan. President Echols showed The Star representative many letters from all quarters asking for all the information obtainable about Mr.

Bryan. They indicated in their tone hostility to the nominee. Mr. Echols has recently been traveling through the eastern states. He says he finds the order as strong as ever, and "finds that in this contest the princIples of the order will guide many of the members in their President Echola Talks.

President Echois this gave an irnterview to The Star representative on the position of the order in the campaign and about the features of Bryan's name being printed in black. President Echols said: "I have had many inquiries as to the policy the American Protective Association is pursuing in the pR esent campaign, and, as I desire that no misunderstanding shall exist as to the motive prompting the actions of the members of the order, and especially those of the supreme officers operating from the national headquarters in Washington, I am glad to give you a statement outlining the policy of the order. "In the first place, I wish' it distinctly understood that the order does not seek to control the political convictions of its members, but rather to work in all parties for the advancement of the principles of the order, the principles that no true American who believes in his country, whether he be a meniber of the A. P. A.

or not, can deny are vital to its continuance as the freest and most enlightened nation of the earth. The principles briefly stated are as follows: No appropriation of public moneys for sectarian institutions; restriction of pauper immigration; externsion of the time for naturalization; an education qualificatlo'i for every voter; one generai non-sectarian free-school system; governmnent Inspection of all institutions where persons are under restraint, and government employment of American citizens only. "In a recent address to the members of the order I made use of the following language: 'We have next to consider the character and principles of the men chosen as the leaders of these parties. "1 advise, therefore, to look well into the records they have made for themselves, then to decide for ourselves how far they can he relied upon to advance the principies of our order. Both candidates have been heretofore in the public councils of the nation.

What are their records? Look well to them, 'for by their fruits ye shall know and their future con duct can safely be judged by their psast record. All that I can commend to you at the present is 'to 'actively, engage in primary election work, not only to secure nomination of proper candidates for local offices, but more particularly to see that none but friend. of our principles are nominated and elected to the national and state legislative bodies. We must endeavor by every and all honorable means to control the next.Congress, in order to thus secure the adoption of measures calateda to. m.foac th prinipls FOUND A DEAD BODY James Fitzgerald Was Killed in the Abert Building Wrek.

CHARGES OF POOR COMMTRUCTION Estimated Losses From the Fury of the Wind. LIVES LOST IN COUNTY About 8:30 o'clock this morning, as the office-going crowds were beginning to move up and down Pennsylvania avenue, the workmen who are engaged in removing the debris from the crushed-in building at No. 1215, raised a shout that quickly attracted a large gathering. One of them, in pulling aside a timber on the first floor, had uncovered a man's foot and ankle. The entire force was quickly at work pulling away the mass that covered the rest of the body, and in a few moments It was entirely exposed.

The corrse was lying on the left side, with the skull mashed until it was almost flattened, the trunk disfigured and one foot twisted almost directly around. The body was quickly recognized by Mr. Howard Driver as thtt of Mr. James Fitzgerald, a machinist employed at the ravy yard, who had been missing since the night of the storm. The dead man had been in Beatty's place that evening about 10 o'clock, but had acparted, and it was not known that he had returned.

It is thought that the increasing severity of the storm had driven him to seek shelter, and that he had just entered the saloon when the building collapsed, as his body was found a few feet from the entrance. Death was evidently instantaneous. The police ambulance of the first precinct was summoned and the body removed to the morgue at the sixth precinct station, on New jersey avenue, and the coroner was notified. An examination of the dead man's clothing discovered an open face gold watch, the back case of which was deeply dented, and the hands of which had stopped at 11:25, a key, a comb, a cigar mashed flat and some letters, including one from his sister, Mrs. M.

E. F. Jamison of Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Fitzgerald was a native of Boston, and his friends here will take charge of his body after the inquest, and piobably send it to Massachusetts for interment.

He was a handsome man of genial disposition and had made many friends since his residence here. He was slightly above medium height, with an athletic physique and wore a luxuriant brown mustache. He was about forty years old. At 2:30 o'clock this afternoon the coroner had not determined the time of holding the inquest, and nothing had been heard from him by the authorities at the morgue. THE ABERT BUILDING.

he Charges Regardini Defective Coustruction Desaled by 0Vteials. The Commissioners have ordered an investigation of the Abert building, 1211 Pennsylvania avenue, which was severely damaged during the storm, and which wrecked two other buildings and resulted in the loss of a human life. It has been charged that the owner of the building violated 'he building regulations, and it is for the purpose of fixing the blame that the investigation has been ordered. The specific charge is that the west wall of the building fell because it was not properly anchored, according to the requirements of the building regulations. The Commissioners today received the following letter upon the subject: "To the Honorable Commissioners, D.

"Gentlemen: Your attention is directed to the cause of the fall of the west wall of the Abert building on Pennsylvania avenue between 12th and 13th streets on the evening of the 29th of If you will examine for yourselves you can plainly see that the building regulations were grossly violated, and I may say criminally violated, in not having the proper anchors as provided for such structures by your regulations, and the east wall now standing is equally as faulty for the same reason and should be promptly condemned as dangerous to life and limb to the parties living on the east. "The building regulations say, section 4, paragraph 5, 'side end and party walls shall be anz.hored at each tier of beams at intervals of ten feet with good. strong wrought iron anchors, half an inch thick, one inch wide, well secured to side walls and fastened to the side of beams by not less than two wrought iron nails, a quarter of an inch in diameter, etc. "Now, had this been done as required, and where the iron girders rested on the walls had there been anchors bolted to these at the ends, the wall would have been there now. I write this as a warning, which every good citizen should do, who has the selfare of the community and the safety of the citizens at heart.

"There Is too much of this loose building going on in this city, and it is becoming dangerous to travel in the streets. If I were building inspector there are lots of buildings in this city which would be condemned at once. Hoping this letter will receive attention, as I am sure it ought, I am with great respect, "Your obedient servant, "JOHN H. HOWLETT, Builder." Brady's Statement. A reporter of The Star interviewed Building Inspector Brady upon this matter this afternoon.

He said: "There Is absolutely no truth in the charge. The building regulations have been complied with in every particular in the construction of that building. The beam. were anchored In accordance with the regulations, and the construction is first class in. every particular.

To meet the charge more specifically, I need only call your attention to one feature of the construction, that feature which appertains more directly to the charges. There are a number of iron beams in the building running transversely the width of the structure. They are supported by three beams-one in the center and one at each end. Further, at the ends of these transverse beams a U-shaped anchor is introduced, which engages the walls on each side. These anchors are of thre-quarter-inch iron rods and fully subostantial.

This is what the building department always requires in the construction of a building, and which, I have already said, was complied with in the Abert building. "This morning I made a careful inspection of the building and plumbed the walls. I found everything properly constructed, and the wall below the caved portion perfectly plumb. The evidence of the anchors haylng been ln place Is shown by the remaining portions still in the beams. The expcsed front and the closed rear of the building at the time of the storm is, in my opinion, responsible for the collapse of the iwest wail.

You see, the wind struck the building diagonally, and its great force was brought directly against the west wall. I wish to reiterate that the construction of the building was in every way first-class, and further, that the building regulations were observed to the letter." A Merchat's Views. A Pennsylvania avenue merchant, writing to The Star, takes a different view of the construction of the building. He says: should be responsIble for the loss ACCURACY CLAIMED What Ohairman Babock Says ate epablica move Eseouragias Reports Received at Headqaarters From the Diferent States. "There Is one characteristic of the literature sent out by this committee," said Chairman Babcock of the republican congressional committee today.

"and that is the accuracy of the figures and statements of fact. Before anything was sent out we had every figure verified. There is no buncombe in any statement, and they will all stand the closest serutiny. "We gave the people the facts that they wanted. We gave them early in the campaign, and were the first In the field with facts about the money question.

Take, for instance, our document, 'The History of I had two experts at work for weeks last sprirg verifying every figure from the official records of the government." Eneouraging Reports. Encouraging reports from the various state3 continue to come to republican headquarters. John W. Lewis writes Chairman Babcock from Letchfield, "From present indications this state will go for McKinley from 15.000 to 25,000. The republicans are theioughly aroused, and are making a close organization and a vigorous and effectivei campaign 0l1 over the state.

If we cannot carry it, it will be our fault." Mr. John A. Snider, prosecuting attorney of Girardeau county. who is actIvey engaged in the campaign in that district, writes: "I have just returned from a stumping tour in the west end of the district. covering a period of twenty-three days.

The outlook for success is brightening daily. There are three candidates In the field for Congress, and the vote for the populist will be nearly all drawn from the democratic party." Mr. E. Crumpacker, a prominent attorney of Valparaiso. who is the republican nominee for Congress, writes that the conditions in this congressional district are very favorable, and he will doubtless be elected by a majority of from to 3,600, and that in spite of the fact that his opponemt is the fusion candidate of all th-e free silver parties.

Mr. Marus It. Sulzer, a young republican who is making the race for Congress against ex-Congressman Holman in the Madison (Ind.) district, says: "The silver republicans are returning to us (not many to return), and sound money democrats are becoming more aggressive in our behalf The indications now point to better results than were attained two years ago." Joseph Albus. chairman of the republican congressicral committee of the fourth district of Missouri. who is managing the campaign of George C.

Crowther. sends very encouraging reports from the St. Joseph district, and speaks of the marked success which Mr. Crowther had in two joint debates with his popocratic opponent In one of the farming districts, Mr. Crowther making many votes by his good work.

Braeiag Up Ia AEmUS96 Chairman Frank Harlow of the big seventh district of Kansas. speaking Of the campaign which Congressman Long is making, says: "Mr. Long is now engaged in a series of six joint debates, three of which have already been held at Hutchinson, Newton and Wellington. all of which have resulted in a signal victory for Mr. Long, and have wonderfully braced up our party at the points mentioned." Congressman John E.

McCall of Tennessee says: "I find the republicans wherever I have been enthusiastically for sound money and protection, and manifesting much interest in the campaign. If there are any free silver republicans, they are not in my district. The more the people study the Bryan free silver heresy the less confidence they have in the wonderful promises held out by him and his followers. I feel confident of my re-election." J. K.

Crawford. justice of the peace at Barry, writes: "Things are in good shape in this part of our state. We will hold our own, although in the hotbed of populism." Rice H. Bell, a prominent attorney of Keokuk. Iowa, writes: "There is no question about the result in Iowa or in our congressional district." Figures From Wisconsti.

S. Sloggy, a well-known merchant of Ontario, writes: "That you may not be misled by the extravagant claims of the popocrats In our locality, I will say their claims are all unfounded. and we shall roll up in November the largest republican majority in old Vernon that was ever given before. Old-time democrats by the dozens are outspoken for McKinley and sound money. I feel justified in saying that the outlook never was more favorable for an overwhelming republican majority.

My figures on the state are 75,000. Everything is coming our way." Ross L. Hammond of the Fremont, Tribune, and republican candidate for Ccngress in the third district, writes: "I believe that the tide has set in our direction, and I would not be surprised if there a land slide before election Congressman L. Danford, who is the republican nominee for Congress this year, writes from St. Clairsville, Ohio: "I have been speaking in my district almost daily sarce August 1.

Have been over five counties, and while the district was doubtful at the beginning of the campaign, I am satinfled that If the election should come off now the majority for McKinley would not fall below 15,000, and If we make progress in the next five weeks as in the last five, the majority will be double that period. Our trouble has been not with the wage earners and business people, but with the farmers. They have been for years in their alliance meetin and farmers' institutes talking to each other about hard times and unfair legislation, and political demagogues have encouraged this delusion." Persoinal Meoties. Mr. H.

C. Snyder, stenographer to the Secretary of the Navy, who has been seriously ill for several weeks, is slowly convalescing. He was able to resume his official duties at the Navy Department this mcrnlng. Major Win. H.

Bixby, corps of engineers, is In the city on business with the light house board. Lieuts. S. D. Freeman, 10th Cavalry, and D.

B. Devore, 23d Infantry, are at the Soldiers' Home on leave of absence. Captain A. D. King, U.S.A., retired, who has been spending some time with his brother, Mr.

Tom E. King of the internal revenue bureau, has returned to his home in Ohio. Captain King made many new friends during his stay here and renewed many old service friendships. Lieutenant Commander B. H.

Buckingham, naval aid to Assistant Secretary McAdoo, has returned from an official visit tu the Newport War College. Mr. Ashmead Russell, with his family, lhas returned to his residence in this city, No. 1703 De Sales street, very much improved in health. Major Charles F.

Eagan, subsistence departmnent, is In the city on of absence. 0. D. Fitch, corps of engineers, Is in the city on his way to his station, Memphis. Lieut.

H. C. Clark, 1 Infantry, is in the city on leave. Lieut. F.

J. Hassler of the Amphitrite Is in the undergoing examination for promotion. PensIon Commissioner Murphy returned last night from a two weeks' trip down east, where he enjoyed himself catching fsoh and shooting ducks. His trip was very beneficial to his health, and he looks you want today's news today 1wu can find it only in The Star. SWEPT THE COUNTRY Terrible Havoc of the Midnight Gal.

M1 PiTH FIO FEII TORYOR Meager Reports Show Great Loss Of Life. TODAY'S SAD DETAILS MEMPHIS. October special to the Commercial-Appeal from Jacksonville, says: It is a conservative estimate to say that fifty people have lost their lives from yesterday's hurricane, and the number may a un much higher. News flom that portion of the state where the storm first struck is very slow in for wires are down and railroads are impassable. Wrecking parties which went out yesterday morning have not returned end it will be late before the full extent of the damage is known.

The hurricane struck Florida at Cedar Keys, and reports show that it passed in path of destruction over twenty towns and villages, and that between thirty and forty persons havt certainly been killed. Cedar Keys is about 106 miles southwest of Jacksonville. The hurricane. which had been churning the waters of the gulf, first struck this placc, a village of 1.5410 inhabitants. The only report which has come concerning Cedar Keys is that the town has been swept away and many lives have been lost.

This report comes from Gainesville, which is fifty miles away. Nobody has becn able to get anything direct fram Cedar Keys. Moving northeasterly, the storm struck Willistown, a small town, where eleven houseu were tlown down, one person was killed and several so badly hurt that it is expected they will die. Near here Is a large turpentine farm, where state convicts are employed. Twenty of these were huddled together in a cabin.

A heavy tree was blown across the cabin and six of the convicts were crushed to death. Fearfal Havee. In Alachua county the storm did frightful work. In Gainesville the Methodist Church and atout twenty residences and business houses destroyed, and while a number of people were hurt, no fatalities are reported. At Lacross.

fifteen buildings were desttoyed. Rev. W. A. Barr, Mrs.

F. F. McIntosh and her babe were reported killed. Near there four laborers, who were in a cabin at a turpentine farm, were crushed by falling trees. Newberry, in West Alachua, is totally wrecked.

G. J. Eastlin, Mrs. Nancy Moss, Frank 01. stead and David Jones were killed.

At High Springs Harden, Jsne Morris and Sallie Nobles, colored, are reported to have been killed. At this place a number ot people took refuge in a box car, which was in the path of the cyclone. It was blown along the track and then off it a distance of fifty feet and every person ir. it was badly injured. Steve Mason and George Johnson have since died.

At Grady. a small place, twelve houses were blown down. a woman was killed and a baby at her breast was uninjured, although it had been carried some distance by the force of the wind. At Lake Butler, Bradford county, Mrs. C.

H. Harkey, Mrs. J. M. Fitch and her infant were fatally hurt.

Many buildings were blown down. At this place the wind blew to pieces two cars loaded with bricks, and a negro. Harry Sullivan, who was some yards away. was killed by being struck by one of the flying bricks. On Judge Richards' turpentine farm four convicts were killed by falling trees.

Poer Towns Wreetoed. In Baker county four towns were almost totally destroyed. They were McKlenny, Sanderson, Glen St. Mary and Olustee. No one was killed outright in these towns, but many were injured, among whom was Mrs.

C. S. Richardson, James McAlphin and North Webster, all of whom wIll die. At Live Oak the destruction is complet, but no loss of life is reported. Near Welberne the house of Amos White was destroyed and two of his children killed.

At Lake City eight business houses and thIrteen houses were destroyed. Mrs. Sarah Fletcher and two boys were killed and Dora Jennings, Samuel Hudson and Jonas Mabrey were fatally injured. Six persons are reported killed at Fort White. in Columbiana county, but no names are given.

The hurricane passed over Duval county. striking the edges of Jacksonville, hut doing very little damage. There was no los of life. Just ncrth omf here, however, Is Nassau county, ecnsiderable destruction is reported. Five children were killed in the wreck of a school house.

Miss Stewart, the teacher, had her arm broken. Lila Hails, a twelve-year-old girl, was killed at her home, her mother being fatally injured. Harry Johnson was also killed. Many KMlled. At Hullyards another sohool house was wrecked and four children were killed.

At Kings Ferry Andy Johnson, Moaes Lassiter, Simon Henderson, May Jones and a child were killed. Mrs. F'ischer was nureing a sick child, and the infant died as the house fell, The mother was hurt, but will recover. Three mailors were killed em schooners that were loading lumber at Kings Ferry. Across the line into GJeorgia the devastation was continued, At Folkaten, which is near the Okefenokee swamp, time school house was wrecked and four chUidren killed.

Several casumanties are eported in Camaden county, Ga. The storm them continued on its way to Brunswick and Bavannah. There is no way to estimate the property louses in loridla. The losses ay seem heavier tItan when closely but the opinion of the insurance moen here is the Florida losses will feet up A3AIIND EATANWAM, The Tere Remes of the Gene Fimed the City With weessme. SAVANNAH, October city'e experiene with the West Indian harmone was dramatic and tagle.

Por an hour the people of Savannah lived and died. Never in the history of the city was such widespread excitemnent Even dSwig the hour of the storms moest terrific sweep hundreds of people, many of them wive. and mothers braved the trees end timbers and the gigantic tore of the wind, and rushed into the street in frantic eaert to find kindred and loved ones. It was a stampede and panic. At 9:80 o'clock in the moerning thle sky was dark and the breesas chIlly; there was no sign of an apprachng hurricnne.

It came suddenly. At 10 o'clock the wind began to blow at a great. fores, and the rein pc-ured down in torrents. At 11 o'clock the storm was in all its fuary, and in two hours the city was a mms of wreckage and ruin, The ricipal thoroughfares of the city were briaed in a fewr mInutes after the wind began to blow, Many delivery wagons, carrIages and hacks were caught in the streets, and could go neither backward or forward. They were eonmpelled to stand during the destructive sweep.

Theair theras were killed and a numbar of wagons smashed. One driver was eaght beneath a falling telegraph ked, Ther.