The Inter Ocean from Chicago, Illinois • Page 1

The Only JjtepaBttcan Newspaper fa Chicago The Only Repahllean Newspaper Chicago. XXXI. NO. 288. MILLER SURE TO BE CHOSEN BY CAUCU Strengtli of Rival Speakership Can- didates Shown at ROWE POSTS A CALL Sherman Men Decline to Formally Recognize It.

Hetlceat to Their Plan Coaeree for. Bath Faetloa Fall to Acrtc Fpx-ial Dispatch -to The. IntiT Ocean. SPRINGFIELD. I1L.

Jan. 6. John H. Mil ler's nomination-by the. House Republican caucus tomorrow was clearly shown by tbe conferences of the rival groups In the Speak-.

cranio- contest held tonight in the Leland hotel. In a conference of the Miller men there were forty-two present: Mur- ray, John H. Miller, and Edwards, who were In town, were accounted for; Clettenberg, Morris. Drew, and Uppendahl had not yet arrlTed. making fifty In all.

V- The conference transacted no business be yond talking orer the situation. Another conference will be held at 10 o'clock tomor row to agree on slate of candidates for the minor offices of the House. As the forty-two mesrehed down the stairway from the conference they rare three cheers for Miller The Sherman people had a conference which was attended by thirty-seven mem bers. This is the extreme of the Sherman strength. Amen the thirty-seven were at least two who may be for Miller tomorrow.

The principal matter discussed In the Sher- man caucus was the question of the House caucuses. Committees In Conference. Last night John H. Miller appointed as a committee of conference Representatives Llndly. Gallagher, and Shurtleff.

There was held after midnight a meeting of the Sher man men In' town and they named as their committee Representatives Beitler. Bundy, and Tice. This Joint committee met twice today, but came to no agreement about any-: thing, because the Sherman men could not say they had full authority to act. The Joint committee met at 10 o'clock and again at 4, and then agreed to meet again at 10 tonight. At midnight they were still in session.

The Sherman conference discussed this committee and ita powers. It was agreed to formally appoint the same committee. The preposition to give the committee authority to act for the Sherman men wa All the power conferred on the committee was to talk-over vmaUers wtth a Millet committee and wpert beck to a eftnlcresr" Joe Sher man meauTbe held at This lack of power ofl the part oflhe Sher man members of the Joint committee will delay final action till tomorrow. -The trouble on the Sherman side aeem to" be over the proposition that Fred H. Rowe, as chairman of the state committee, shall call the House caucus to' order and precide till a chairman Las been selected.

Sheraann Men Object to Rowe. A number of the Sherman men object strongly to Mr. Rowe acting In this capacity. In their caucus tonight several members spoke again consenting to allow him to appear In the caucus. Charles -J.

Cherry, after the Sherman conference adjourned, eatd: "I am opposed to Rowe calling the caucus to rdj or having anything to do with Its pro ceedlifgs. Ton might as well get John H. Miller, to preside. I will not go into a caucus whrre'Row is." That other Sherman men share Mr. Cherry's opinion of Rowe Is known.

What the result of all this may be will not be known till the -Sherman conference tomorrow. Tonight Mr. Rowe said that he had no spe cial desire to preside temporarily over the caucus. He said be would be satisfied if the Joint committee would select as temporary presiding officer any man acceptable to Mr Miller's friends. Call for Caieai Posted.

A call for the caucus to meet at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon in the tearoom of the Leland hotel, signed by Fred H. Rowe, as chairman, and L. T. Hoy, as secretary, of the State committee was posted In the hotel lobby this afternoon. The question as to whethei Rowe should Issue the call fcr the caucus was discussed in the Joint conference committee at Its first meeting In the forenoon.

The Sherman men would not formally agre to Rowe'a Calling the caucus. One of them, Mr. Butler, was reported to be less strecuous in his opposition than the others. Finally the Sherman eanfreertold the Miller men that if they allowed Rowe to post a call for the caucus over his signature, tbey would do so at their risk. With this the meeting closed and this afternoon the call was posted.

The Sherman men are all reticent tonight as to the attitude they will take tomorrow with regard to the Rowe call. They will not fay whether or not they wilf recognize it at all. As to the temporary presiding officer of the caucus, several propositions were "ad vanced in the Joint conference committee. one 'was that Mr. Sherman and Mr.

Millar each five men, and that the commit tee of ten thus named should select a man to call the caucus to order and preside till a chairman bad been selected. This was talked around for a time and finally dropped without action being taken. Kaatora of Sherman Plaas. Meanwhile the air Is full of rumors as to hat the Sherman men may do. One story la that they may refuse to abide by the decision of the caucus and vote in the House for Sher man.

By doing this they could prevent the election of a Speaker for days, and In this way might wear out the Miller men to the 'tent of either compelling the selection of another man for Speaker or to giving the Eberman men satisfacVs assurances of their receiving good committee assignments. Another report was that the Sherman men might refuse to vote at all on the Speaker-, ship, or might absent themselves from the organization meeting of the House. This course would give the Democrats a majority of those voting and enable them to elect a Democratic Speaker, as they would have a majority of the votes cast in case a formal ballot for Speaker was had. Still a third rumor waa that the Sherman might vote for the Democratic candidate. These rumors were In the nature of gossip, and it could not be learned that any them represented the definite policy and plans of the Sherman people.

The political atmosphere Is stormy look-tug tonight, atd no one can tell whether the-re (Continued on ieccd I'age.) "SWINE WHO EAT SULTAN CALLS AMERICANS ott-oncress laaaaao.aa Paaa- u.iiingtou Jj Ptaee Send D- flii l-tr. Caap WASHINGTON, D. Jan. 5. "Swine who eat swine.

Is the late-compliment ten dered American soldiers In Mindanao by the Sultan of Bacalod and the Panadungan of that place. These two Filipino "braves" of the Moro tribe have caused the American troopa no little annoyance since the occupation, by their guerrilla warfare. The following Is an example of the letters received at the War Department in the last Philippine mall. It was sent to the American officers In Mindanao bearing the Imprimata of the Sultan and the Panrdungan of Bacalod; "We want war if you do not get out of here and go back to. the sea, because neither the Sultan of Bacalod nor the Panadungan want to be your friend.

Within this month we want the war to begin, and if you do not want it, you are a lot of cowardly rascals. "Follow our Mohammedan, religion. "Do not look for the Mauser, for we have They, were raptured by Bantuas and Buarsings, people Of the Sultan. of BaealoaV 'We send our regards to the four Generals and their vermin. If you do not want to go from here, como to this place and the Sultan and Panadungan will take care of you.

for you are a lot of hogs that cat hogs, and In not presenting yourselves at Bacalod, look out, for we shall go to fight The advice show that neighbors of the Bacalod chief are quite friendly to the Amer icans, the Sultan of Uato having visited Camp Vicars. PROSPECTOR'S JOY OVER GOLD FIND KILLS HIM Strikes Fabalonsly Rica Vela After Seveateea Years' Search and Excite neat Raptare Blood Vessel. Special Di.pa.tch to Tbe Inter Ocean. ROUBAIX, S. Jan.

5. After prospect ing for gold in the Black Hills for seventeen David Thompson yesterday struck a fabulously rich vein of quartz, and was so overjoyed at bis good foriune that be ruptured a blood vessel in his brain and died immediately. The gold ledge Is eatd to be twelve feet wide, and great chunks of free gold can be seen In tbe white quarts of which the ledge la composed. Assays made today run aa high as 1500 per ton. Thompson has been "grub-staked" for years, but has never made a strike of any value whatever.

There were five partner in the mine, and Thompson's share will be divided among the others, as he had never confided; In any one aa to where his people resided and no mall has ever come for him. FIST FIGHT IN A CHURCH. Pad.r's Son aad Alleared Diet ar fee Km- araare In Fierce Battle. Special Dispatch to Th Inter Ocean. KOKOMO.

Ind Jan. 5-Tbere waa a fist fight, lasting two. rounds, at the Dunkard church west of here last nighc Tbe combat ants were, Isaac and Frnk Crlpe. the latter a oa of the Studebaker was accused of disturbance and on refusing to retlrecame to blows with the preacher's sen. At the altarrailing the belligerents pummelled each other with pugilistic skill, the encounter lasting several minutes.

Studebaker waa thrown out in the snow. but returned and another round was fought Thla time Studebaker received a knock-out blow from the preacher' son and was taken home unconscioua. $8,141 FOUND IN TIN BOX. Heir, of Jaaaea TkoapUa Coaae Aeroaa I'aexpeeted Treaaare. Special Dispatch to Th.

Ocean. MARION, Jan. relatives of James Thompson, deceased, were taking an inventory of his property today, at his coun try home, five miles north of this town, a tin box, containing S8.ltl.29 ia gold, silver. and copper coins, was found. Thompson died Dec.

30, and was burled Jan. 1. He never mentioned the hidden treasure during his Illness, and none of his relatives knew It existed. Thompson waa the father of two sons and three daughters, who are all mar ried. He gave each a farm and 1.000 on their wedding day.

His will was probated today, which showed that he had an estate valued at about STATE FIGHTS SMALLPOX. Board of Health Take. Proaapt Aetloa to Resist Spread. epecial Dispatch to The Intsr Ocean. SPRINGFIELD, 111., Jan.

6. Several cases of smallpox exlatlng in Sangamon. Macon. and Christian counties have been reported to the state board of health. The cases are confined to a territory lying close to the boundary lines of the counties, and the neceseary precautions are being taken to prevent a spread of the disease.

At Boody several caies were at first pro nounced "chicken pox" by the local phy sicians. The quarantine work in the in fected territory has been placed in the handa of E. S. Baker of Jacksonville, inspector for the atate board of health. The appointment of William J.

Hartner of Danville aa a deputy flan warden, to suc ceed Harry H. Moore, deceased, was an nounced today by Governor Yates. INDEX TO THE NEWS. Page 1 Miller aarV of speaker a I a. Traiamea deaaad laereaw.

Sagaita ale. at Madrid. I'realdeat aapnorta Mra. Cox. Jail wrsxed for coal eoaaplratora.

Coal qaeatloa before Seaate. Kevra of Wltrasala, Mra. Tlaajley on thoasht vraTea. Cr.ak'i reforaa pad fall bared. Cblld plekpoekete arre'ated.

Calloaa to pash tab a treaty. 4 Haelas at Xew Orleaaa. 5 Western Jockey elab snoot. Power to eoatlaae bloekade. Moorish preteader la fall fllajht.

Holland' Xevv York letter. Chleaaro money In Wall street. Decision In Down eaae. TLoeal flaanelal new. The Hmm'm flaaaelal review.

Corn lead balare la sraln. E4vo atock market. lO Jadlclal primary eneeK tiarina. City boad iaaae plan killed. 12 Salt over nsto of ehleken.

Delay may spoil art exhibit. Women not ood reformer. CHICAG TUESDAY" MORNING, JANUARY 1903. SAGASTAiEX-PREIVIlEp OF SPAIN, EXPIRES A Former Prime Minister Dies of Bronchitis at Madrid. KING SHOWS SORROW His Majesty Desired to Visit Coun try's Old Servant.

Peraautdee. to Observe Cetart Etfaett ad Re rat a (rem CarryiaK Oat Ilia Psrpoie. Special Cabl. Difpatdi to Tb. Inter Ocean.

MADRID, Jan. Senor Don Praxedea Mateo Sagasta, former Prime Minister of Spain, died at half-past o'clock this even ing. He had been Buffering for some time from bronchitis. This morning bis condition became perceptibly worse, and by afternoon it was evident that his end waa approaching. His heart and lungs were becoming affected.

Family at HI Bedside. His family were by his bedside throughout the day. Several Liberal ex-Mlnlsters also passed the day at the house of their old leader. Klag Desired to Visit Saaaatau King Alfonso aeojt twice to inquire as to Senor Sagasta'a condition. Hia majesty had expressed his intention of going to the bed side to bid farewell to the country's old servant, but high officials objected, on tbe ground that it would be contrary to court etiquette, and the King regretfully abandoned his purpose.

His msjesty, however, wrote a touching letter of sympathy to the family. Despite Senor Sagaata'a physical weakness. hla intellect was not clouded. He conversed ith his daughter, the Presi dents of tbe Senate and Chamber of Deputies, and the Cardinal Archbishop of Toledo. It la underatood that the latter administered the sacrament to tbe dying statesman, i Deep sympathy waa shown by officlala and public throughout the day, the four physicians ia attendance not concealing the fact that Senor Sagaata'a condition waa extremely critical.

Ambassadors, statesmen. and politicians of all parties called at the house, and the populace crowded the streets to obtain the latest newa. Tbe Queen mother. Christina, and other member of the royal family aent messengers to Inquire concern ing Senor Sagaata'a condition. Tamed Early to Politic.

Don Praxedea Mateo Sagasta was born at Torrecllla, in old CattUe, In 1827. and was therefore -in hla eeventy-alxth year. He was educated as an engineer, but turned early to politics and was elected as a radical Deputy to tbe Cortes for Zamora In 1854. Two years later he was obliged to flee to France for a short time, and on bis return became professor in the Madrid School of Engineering, editor of tbe progressive news paper Iberia, and was elected to the Cortes. He was driven out of Spain again in 1866 and returned in 1868, after the deposition of Queen Isabella becoming a strong par tisan of General Prim.

Under Prim be be came a Minister for the first time, holding office also in the following years under King Amaaeo and provisional governments that preceded the accession of Alfonso XIL With the holding of office bis political views changed. He became more conserva tive and broke away from the radicals like Ruls Zorrllla, and Republicans like Castelar. His party, waa the conservatlve-wtag of the Liberals. He accepted the return of the Bourbons, and from 188V to hi retirement hardly a month ago. as leader of th Liberals be was generally Prime Minister whenever the Conservatives met with a parliamentary reverse.

1 Master of Politic. It would be fruitless to try to unravel tbe tangle of Spanish political parties, and equally fruitless to count how many times Sagasta held office or bow often he was turned out. Spanish "parties," as a rule, grouo themselves around Individuals for the aake of acquiring office rather than to uphold principles, and In the Juggling with groups so- as to obtain a parliamentary majority Sagasta was a master. Under Queen Chris tina's regency the see-aaw between Con- Continued on Third Page.) WAGE CRISIS WEAR ON WESTERN ROADS Trainmen Meet to Press Demand for Higher Pay. WANT 20 PER CENT Special Dirpaich to Th.

Inter Ocean. BLOOMIXGTON, I1L." Jan. 5. That the wage situation on the Chicago Alton and other roads Is approaching a crisis teenta to be generally The differ, races on the Altotr assumed a new. phase to cay when General Superintendent J.

Bar rett came down from Chicago-and held conference with the various committees of the brotherhoods. The sessions were secret, but It was gla out after -the" conclusion of the conference that the officials made concessions on every point except the Increase in pay. They re ferred the employes to the new scale which went into effect Dec. and declared that thla increase waa the best they could do. The federation gathering will doubtless seek to adjudicate matters after today: Thlak Aa-reemeat Will ne Reached.

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 6. Tho meeting of zoo eelegates representing the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen and the Order of Railway Conductors of Western roada. to aak for a 20 per cent increase in wages, was of a secret nature, and Just what haa been accomplished is conjectured.

Railroad officials aay that no overturea were made to them today. The trainmen will continue their session tomorrow. J. B. Glimpe, chairman of the Missoprl division.

Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, of the Cotton Belt system, stated that the prospects for a satisfactory agreement were good. "The general managers have met our advances in the best spirit." he said. "There la no suggestion of a etrike, and we hope to adjust mattera without hoy Jar or friction. "This Increased demand affect over train-service employes on tho railroads south and west of Chicago. If only a part of the roada accede to the new scale we will remain until all come to an agreement.

If the demands are generally acceded to the amended scale becomes effective Feb. 1." Action Delayed at St. Paal. ST. PAUL, Jan.

6. Although today waa the day on which tbe trainmen were to meet the general officers to discuss tbe demand for better wages, not all the conference took place, although the trainmen representing each road called on their superior officers In order to formally keep the appointment. The reason for delay la the nonarrival of Vice President George Lee of the order of Trainmen. None of the grand officers of tb brotherhoodhaa yet arrived, and the trainmen will take no definite action until their arrival. sasla Fe Employe Waat Raise.

TOPEKA. Jan. 5. Delegates representing the Order of Railway Conductors and tbe Railway Trainmen are la session here. It la probable that the Santa Fe will be asked for a 20 per cent Increase in wages aa a result of the meeting.

This Is part of a plan to secure a raise of 20 per cent from all roads west of Chicago. Santa Fe officials here aay that they have not received any notice of such a demand, and that none has been made on the Santa Fe so tar. Metal Trade Worker Meet. riTTSBURO, Jan. Ej Representatives of twenty-four metal trades organisations affiliated with the American Federation of Labor are In session at the headquarters of the Amalgamated association In this city to arrange differences which threaten to become serious unles the cause of th trouble Is promptly adjusted.

The most Important dispute is the right of members belonging to one organization when they are eligible to membership in another. Walt for Dart nt Omaha. OMAHA, Jan. 6. The Joint boards of adjustment of tbe conductor and trainmen of the Union Pacific railroad gathered In this city todsy to meet President Burt and other officials of that system.

The gathering Is In conjunction with similar board meetings in other Western cities, and the basis of tbe demands of the meo will be for an increase of 20 per cent in wages. C. 8. McComber of North Platte Is acting as chairman tor the conductors' board, and J. E.

Murphy of Grand Island Is at the head of the trainmen's WILL GET 110 HIL IF ROWDYISM RULES Indianola, Miss. Must Protect Mrs. Cox, Says President. MAY REOPEN OFFICE Intimidation of Colored Postmistress Mast Stop, HoweyerV Cltlscns of the Town Open nn Independ ent Off lee nnd Rapport It Themselves. Special Dispatch to Tb.

Inlar Ocean. WASHINGTON, D. C. Jan. S.

The poat-office at Indianola. will be reopened-on one condition that the rowdy element be suppressed and protection be given to the postmistress, Cox, the colored woman who has held the office for eight years. Senator McLaurlnof Mississippi had a conference with Postmaster General Payne today, and he believes tbe decent people of tbe town will protect Mrs. Cox from further intimidation and insult. The Mississippi Democrats In the House and Senate have been inclined to raise a row ove-the President's action In closing this office, but they have been given to understand very plainly that nothing but the restoration of decency in the town of Indianola, and respect for the postmistress, will effect the- reopening of that office.

If they can give assurance that no more threats will be made against Mrs.Cox, the Indianola office will probably be reopened in a few days. Sontheraera I'rared to Assist. These Congressmen have been requested to assist the government in bringing to punishment the citizens of Indianola who have violated tbe law by intimidating the postmistress. Attorney General Knox has directed an investigation by the district attorney for Mississippi, and if the evidence can be secured, criminal prosecution will be brought against those who forced the postmistress to offer her resignation. If the Congressmen wish to make it a matter of public investigation, their efforts will be welcomed.

The President and Postmaster General will be very glad to have the affair exploited. Jt now appears mat tne enort to nave airs. Cox give up the office was Inspired by the hope that some gold Democrat might be ap pointed. Nothing has yet appeared to ahow that Cox waa conducting the office differently from what abe had during a long term of service. She filled the office when It was in the fourth class, under President Harrison, was removed under President Cleveland, and again appointed under President McKlnley.

In the latter part of the McKlnley administration the office was advanced to the Presidential class, and the name of Mrs. Cox waa sent to the Senate. It was promptly confirmed, the Mississippi Senators offering no objection. Her record shows her to have been an efficient courteous, ladylike, and generally acceptable. System of Intimidation Beamn.

Some of the gold Democrats of the town conceived the idea that President Roosevelt, having appointed gold Democrats to office in other parta of the South, would do the aame at Indianola, If Mrs. Cox would resign. A system of intimidation and threats was Inaugurated against the postmistress on account of her color. Mass meetings were held, and her resignation demanded, and ahe was threatened with bodily harm if she tried to retain the office. She was frightened Into sending In her resignation, but Postmaster Genersl Payne held It up and brought it to the attention of President Roosevelt and the Cabinet.

Mr. Roosevelt did not hesitate aa to tho course to be pursued, and all the Cabinet agreed with him. It now rests with the people of Indianola themselves as to whether their mail facilities are to be restored. -If the office is reopened, Mrs. Cox will continue aa postmistress, and there must a guarantee that she will be protected in the discharge of her duties.

Colored Carrier Threatened. Postmaster General Payne received Information today that a posse of white citizens at Boeuf River, Isst night or-dered Charles Jackson, a negro mail carrier, not to return with the mail on his route, and threatened blm with death in case he did not heed their injunction. The reason given by tbe posse was tbe color of the carrier. The case waa reported at once to the postal authorities and Poetpfflce Inspector Peters of (Continued on laird Page.) 1L TERIUIS TiMD FOR COAL COHSPIilOilS Criminal Prosecution Are Taught Guilty of Hoarding Fuel for the Purpose of Forcing Up the Price Is Decided On by the Jacturers Association. City Council Passes -Resolution Calling Upon the State's Attorney to Take Immediate Action Against Members of the "Illegal Combination" -Prospects Are That Special Grand Jury Will Be Called Railroads Bringing Larger Supply.

Within forty-eight hours strong legal measure will be taken, and even criminal prosecutions begun, to break up the alleged conspiracy of coal operators by which maou facturlng plants are being crippled, and the people are being- made to suffer in their homes. Soft coal was quoted at from $6 to 88 a ton yesterday, and the cry of a shortage was kept up by the dealers despite the offer of the railroads to Impress every kind of rrelght car into service for coal tranaporta tion if Immediate criminal prosecution of the coat operators was practically decided on at an emergency meeting of the directors of the Illinois Manufacturers association, repre seating (50 manufacturing concerns, held at the Grand Pacific hotel at noon. A com mittee of five was appointed to push the case against tbe coal mea. and Attorney Levy Mayer, general counsel for the association. was placed in of the fight.

Strong evidence of the existence of a coal conspiracy is said to bo in the hands of the A special Cook county grand Jury to probe conditions acd return indictments against offending operators will probably be asked for at once by the manufacturers. The regular January grand Jury will not be convened till the 19th of this month. council Its sneering-hist, rvesv tng passed, a resolution that It was the sense of that bady "that the state's attorney- take such action as ha may deem necessary to put a atop teethe Illegal combination. of coal dealers." resolution was introduced by Alderman Hunter after the railroad) committee of the council, which has been investigating the coal shortage, had made a report of conditions. State's Attorney Deneen said that If requested to do so he would take up the coal matter and seek for a full investigation.

If the facts justify, a special grand Jury will be convened. Under the criminal code the penalties for conspiracy of this nature are fines for corporations and fines and imprisonment in the county Jail or penitentiary for their officers. Attorney General Hamlin la expected tomorrow from Springfield to resume hia inquiry into th coal situation here. He may request State's Attorney Deneen to act oa some of th evidence secured by the state. Unless relief Is secured soon it is reported that many manufacturing concerns may have to shut down, and certain lines of business will be brought to a standstill.

At the Illinois steel works 600 men are re ported to be out of work because of lack of coal. The Chicago Shipbuilding company and the Eckhart A Swan Milling company are "also among those who have suffered through the failure of the coal operators to fill contract. They were both running a usual yesterday, however. It was reported during the day that the breweries of the city were contemplating shutting down until the coal situation Improves, but this was denied by several leading brewer. Factories Rained by Extortion.

"A number of factories meat shut down If these exorbitant prices are raid an official of the Manufacturers asso elation. "This will be done whether there Is sufficient fuel supply or not. The manu facturers have decided not to submit longer to a 'hold-up. Factorlea In certain lines cannot run at a profit at this time with such ruinous prices for -coal. If they close, it will throw 80,000 to 40,000 workmen into idleness.

is not a question of supply, but of price. A thorough Investigation has shown us that there Is plenty of coal for all and that it can bo placed In the Chicago market on abort notice. We have learned, however, that the operators are using the anthracite strike of last summer and hampered railroad facilities as a pretext for robbing consumers, abrogating contracts if possible and even 'scalp ing some of their best patrons. "We can submit evidence to show that contracts providing for steam foal at $1.10 to 81.98 a ton have been dodged, and then other dealers have offered to supply the manufacturer with all he wanted of the same grade of coal as the contract called for if he would pay $3.60 to $5.25 a ton. At some plants this might make a difference of $1,000 a day In the price of the fuel used.

Manufacturers have received these' offer of coal at an ad vanceu price rrom men wnom they never heard of before as being in the coal business. It looks like collusion." Llsht on tho Matter Soacht. To get a maaa of evidence to aubmlt to the grand Jury letter were sent out yesterday afternoon to every one of the 650 manufacturers who are members of. the association, requesting Immediate information as to their experlencea in securing coal and any. Instances of failure of the coal men to keep contracts.

These letters read as follows: For some time the association has been making a thorough Investigation Into th. coal crisis sow prevailing in thla state. Y. hav. gathered th.

(acts ss vl.wtf by tb different railroad officials, and sr. now re-enforcing the dsta, already collected from manufacturers. At meeting of th. board of directors of th. association, specially called for that purpose, tt was todsy resolved that every member of th.

association should b. asked to furnish all Information which will aid In th. Investigation. W. would like from you by return mall.

possible, answers to th following questions: 1. How much ccal Is your dally average consumption? 2. What kind of eoalt PRICE TWO CENTS. of Operators, Who Illinois Manii- 8. From whom do you purchase the same? 4.

if under contract, state tb. particulars of the same and whether tbe contract contains any provision by wMca the seller of th. coal la excused from making livery, end. If so, the Its-gusg. of that particular provision.

If you do not object, w. would ilk. a copy of th contract, which wilt be held la absolute confidence by th. secretary. Hav.

you received any eommunicstlon terminating your contract or giving reasons for Its nonfulfillment? If so. please send a copy of such communication, which will likewise be treated in confidence. a. Give such further facts ss you possess ss to why there has been a failure to deM ver coal to you. 7.

Hav you received offer of coal from others, and. If so, from whom, and at whs price? 8. Any other details which you think will throw light npoa th. situation will be useful In enabling the committee to determine the action to be taken. Tbe association has been advised aa to the legality of the policy to be pursued, snd the commute of five members which was appointed at today's meeting and given full authority to act under the advice of Mr.

Lvy Msyer. general counsel for th. association, desires to bring about prompt and decisive relief. Itraag Measares Ar Manned. Thla call for further evidence was the first step taken as a result of the special meeting of the directors of the Manufacturers association.

B. A. Eckhart, vice president ef the association, presided tt the session. The. other directors ia attendance were Martia B.

W. B. Conkey, Fred W. Upham, J. Harry Selx.

and William Duff Haynie. Secretary Jobs M. Glenn presented data that he-has bees gathering ie regard to eoai con. diuons. Attorney.

Levy Mayer told the di rectorate what legal action might be taken. It waa decided to adopt the strongest course possible' against tbe coal men. The most convincing evidence of a con splracy is said to have been secured In con. nectlon with the holding cf a meeting by the coal operators and large wholesalers at the Great Northern hotel In October. At this by concerted action, it la claimed, Illi nois was advanced $1 a ton to the Chi-' cago consumer.

Representatives of the In diana mines and of the railroads are said to have been present. A stenographic report of that meeting, showing that a conspiracy existed, is said to be now in the possession of the Illinois Manufacturers' association. Proof that this alleged conspiracy haa been carried out ia said to have been secured by the association In Its Investigations. Gnllt of Railroad Alleged. That the railroads were made use of in abrogating contracts and in otherwise carrying out the alleged conspiracy ts said to be shown In the following letter, formulated by the operators, and sent ont to holders of coal contracts: Dear Sir: Referring to th.

contract we have with you for supply of fuel to-your plant, dated 1102. you will note a clause In same as follows: "We not to be held liable or responsible for results occasioned by strikes, block.de or other contingencies beyond our control that may for a time cut off our supply of this coal-In refereac to this w. beg to notify you that conditions over which w. hsv. no control hav occurred during tho last month snd exist at th present, and look for a continuance of these contingencies throughout th.

entire winter. Blockades and shortage of th. car supply hav. existed for some time, and oa this account and poor serric. of the railroads we sxs unable to get In sufficient supply of now coaL V.

are not receiving, owing entirety to this poor service snd shortage of car supply, sufficient coal to enable us to ear. for our contract with, s-ou properly, snd w. may soon be out of this coal; and we write to ask. If such occasion arise, la It your desire for use to keep yeu supplied with other grades of coal at th beet prices obtainable? We will protect you as far as possible by supplying contract coat when w. can get it, but when tb.

service of th. railroads is such that w. are unable to obtain It. we think you would prefer that w. a.

liver yoa any coal may be able to obtain, with tbe assurance that the price will be made as low ss consistent with the prevailing conditions. Plesse 1st us hear from you by return mall. This notification is said to have been used by the operators to open the way to escape from the low contract price, so as to force up' prices to the highest possible figure oa contract buyers as well as on others. Council Committee I Active. The report made to the city council by ttbe committee oa railroads, which is making a special investigation, waa brief and formal.

It reads: Tour committee on railroads, to whom was re ferred th. Investigation of th. short coel supply, presents this preliminary report for your Information: Your committee has met with a hearty snd unanimous response on th part of tbe railroads. who have agreed to give coal cars the right of way over other dead freight and Insist on prompt unloading and return of cars to the mines. Tbe mine owners, shippers, wholesale and retail dealers were also Invited before tbe committee.

and. while not responding so generally, still were represented by a number from each branch of the trade, who gave the committee much valuable information. Quite a number of coal miners and dealers Who did sot attend the meeting for various resaons. have wrLttea to th. chairman, giving their state ments, and offering to appear at any time an in potntment tntsht be made.

Th. committee also conferred with Attorney General Hamlin, and will bar. further con ference with him upon his return to the city oa Wednesday next. Since the last meetng of th. committee th.

chairman haa received Important information, which will be laid before th committee at its next meeting. Your committee Is assured that this Investiga tion has already produced good results, and. believing that there Is yet much to be accompiuheui ill vigorously continue its labors. SUae Ownera Are Blamed. In discutslng the situation later Alderman Badenoch, who Is chairman of the committee on railroads, said: Notwithstanding the statements of tbe mine owners, that they are continuing to tell coal at the mines at the same prices as formerly, I have ascertained tbat they are selling at the top cf lie market tere, in -x.