The Tribune from Scranton, Pennsylvania • Page 1

The EPUBUClN Cloudy today; followed by snow Daily, Sunday and Weekly editions. or rain. FRIDAY MORNING, MABCII 10, 1899. PRICE TWO CEXTS. XL.

TEAK. 1 PRfllGTHESCAIiDAL Developments Before the Bribery ilnvestigating Committee. ANOTHER MAN APPROACHED to Vote to the Vote by which the McCarrell Jury Bill was Postponed Repre sentut Ito 31 lller Explains his Testl mony The Part the Jenks Paper Played Money to be Divided Among the Boys Statement of Represen tatlve Itosenborry of Montgomery. HARR1SBUKG. March 0.

George A. Jenks, the Democratic caucus nominee for United States senator, was an interested spectator at tonight's session of the bribery investigating committee. The committee met in the hall of the Mouse of Representatives and there were present many members and senators and state oflicials. George Nox McCain, staff correspondent of the Philadelphia Press was recalled and testified that Representative Sylvester W. Smith, of Cameron, told hu'ii that he had been offered SS250 to viHe to reconsider the vote by which the McCarrell jury bill was postponed by the House until March 21.

The name of the party making the offer was not developed. Representative B. Frank Miller, of Northampton, explained a portion of his testimony at last night's session. He repeated his allegation that Representative Charles B. Spatz( of Berks, had told him that there was $50 in it for signing the paper in the hands of ex Senator John J.

Coyle, of Philadelphia, to stand by Mr. Jenks for senator and that afterward Mr. Spatz offered him $100. The conversation at which these otters were made took place after Spatz had taken Miller to Coyle's room at the Lochiel hotel. "A reputable member of the House," Mr.

Miller continued, "told me that he thought the name of Representative John F. Hoy, of Clarion, was onthe paper." 'Mr. Miller produced a small memorandum book from which he read the following: "On January 25, offered by Spatz 550 to Heil and Milter, later $100. Coyle on the even ing of the same date to sign my name to a paper pleding support to Democratic nominee and binding myself so to do. MONEY FOR THE BOYS.

Miller said there was a general understanding with Coyle and Spatz that cer tain legislation was to be supported for which money would be divided "among the boys. "That memorandum was made, when?" Mr. Voorhees asked. "On January 20, the day after the transaction." Mr. Miller replied.

Representative Peter J. Criste, of Northumberland, was recalled and testified that when ex Representative Thos Moyles, of Luzerne, spoke to him about the motion to reconsider the vote by which t.e bill was postponed, Moyles had said that Representative Gruver of Luzerne, was to second the motion. Mr. Criste afterward asked Mr. Gruver if this was true and he made no reply.

Mr. Criste knew of no member of the House who had been corruptly approached on the bill. Represertative Irvin N. Johnston, of Northampson, said he had a conversation with Coyle in the corridor of the capital just prior to the House Democratic caucus to consider the McCarrell bill in which Coyle said: "You help us out, and 1 11 see you right after. "What do you understand Coyle meant by that?" Mr.

Johnston was asked. "I thought that If we would stand by him he would give me some money. PLEDGING DEMOCRATS. Mr. Miller said he understood Coyle's offer of money at the Lochiel hotel was intended to induce him to sign the paper pledging the Democrats to stand by Mr.

Jenks. Coyle promised Miller if he would vote for the McCarrell bill he would send a party to Easton and get 1U0 signers to a paper endorsing his action. Miller did not see Coyle after the Democratic caucus. Mr. "Miller said Representative Hersch.

of Montgomery, told him that he was corruptly approached on the bill. The witness said he went to Coyle's room frequently for the purpose of finding out what was going on and "possibly a man might tumble to the big reward that was offered for bribery." Representative Daniel K. Hoeh, of Berks, stated that he made a social visit to Spatz's room at the Lochiel hotel and that no mention was made of the McCarrell bill. He was never asked to sign the Jenks paper or been corruptly approached on the McCarrell bill. Mr.

Hoeh was told by Mr. Miller that there was something in it for those who signed the Jenks paper. Representative Lot W. Reiff. of Berks, testified that he made a social call at Mr.

Spatz's room at the Lochiel hotel in company with Representatives Hoeh. Hersch, Johnston, Heil and Miller. No reference was made during the visit to the McCarrell bill or the senatorship. The Jenks paper was talked about, but Mr. Reiff did not see it, neither was he asked to sign VOLUNTARY STATEMENT.

Reresentative Wellington H. Rosen berry ot Montgomery made a voluntary statement relative to his connection with the McCarrell bill and the Jenks paper. He stated that he came to Har lisburg at the opening of the session of the legislature a stranger and that being seated beside Mr. Spatz they became friends. Spatz invited him to the Lochiel hotel and he went there several times and saw the Jenks paper.

Spatz told Rosenberry that he understood it was eventually the purpose of the Democrats and independent Republicans to combine on a candidate for United States senator and that he was opposed to such a combination. As near as Mr. Kosenberry could recollect the paper pledged the signers to uup port a Democratic candidate for United States senator und that if there should be a combination of the Democrats and Independent Republicans the signers would vote for whom they pleased. Sratz asked Rosenberry to sign the paper and he refused. Rosenbrerv said that he proposed to stand by Mr." Jenks to the finish and that he would not sign this or any other paper.

He next saw the paper in the room of Martin Lawler of Shenandoah, which communicated with that of Coyle. Coyle was there at the time and the McCarrel bill was broached. Rosenberry told Coyle that he thought the bill should pass. That was the only time he ever spoke to Coyle about the bill. "I told my colleagues," he added, "In good faith not to sign the Jenks paper.

I never asked any member to sign the paper or solicited him to vote for the McCarrell bill. I told Miller not to sign the paper as there may be something in It, to draw the conclusion that he had better not sign It. I have no recollection that I used the word money in our conversation. I was never offered directly or mdlrectiy one cent by Mr. Coyle or anybody else to vote for the bill." air.

Rosenberry said he had no regrets for ins vote for the McCarrell bill and ad mitted in answer to a question of Chairman Fow that he had received a petition from 400 people in Montgomery countv askine him to sunnnrt Ihe hill. I He had been asked by an official repre sentative of the Montgomery county Democratic committee to vote for the bill and declined to disclose the party's name. PERSONAL. TELEGRAM. Chairman Fow asked Mr.

Rosenberry several questions based on a telegram he had received with reference to the Montgomery petition to the witness to vote for the McCarrell bill. It was marked personal and confidential and the chairman refused to disclose the signer's name. 'Mr. Voorhees wanted it made a part of the record jind the chair man refused. Mr.

McClain moved that hereafter all information relating to the matter un der investigation received by any mem ber of the committee should be the property of all members alike. This was agreed to after Mr. Young had made it understood that such secret in formation should be made public, and that it must be positively known that the committee would do all in Its power to protect witnesses who might assist in the investigation. A BANK AT MANILA BEING ORGANIZED BY PARTIES IN NEW YORK. The Plnn, it Is Understood, has the Approval of the Administration.

A Bank for Honolulu. NEW YORK, March 0. Negotiations have been pending for some weeks past which have culminated in definite ac tion towards the organization of a cor poration to transact a general banking business at Manila. J. and W.

Seli; man Co. of this city are at the head ot the enterprise, and the new bank will be ready for business in a short time. The Manila corporation will be prob ably known as the Anglo American bank. The plan, it is understood, has the approval of the administration. The chartered bank of India, Australia and China, with the agency of the Hong Kong and Shanghai banking corporations controls now pretty much all the bussiness at Philippine ports.

It is also reported today that the Anglo California Banking company of san Francisco, in conjunction with bankers in this city, San Francisco and London, has arranged to start a bank in Honolulu. As the United States bank ing law cannot yet be applied to banks in Hawaii, the bill to that effect having failed of passage at the last session of congress, it is probable that the bank will be organized under the Hawaiian laws which are understood to be liberal, although not permitting the issue of bank notes. Under the laws of the is land the government absolutely con trols the issue of all notes. ECUADOR REVOLUTION There, was Quite a Slaughter In the Final Battle. "WASHINGTON.

March 9. Minister Sampson, at Quito, has reported to the state department that In the battle which ended the revolution In Ecuador; six hundred were killed and several hundred mortally wounded and also four hunderd prisoners taken. SMELTING AND REFINING All In the Combine Except One Plant. NEW YORK. March 9.

Announcement was made of the names of the concerns that have agreed to enter the newly organized Consolidated Smelt ing and Refining company. It includes all but the plants of M. Guggenheim sons in the United States and Mexico. Of the $05,000,000 capital, $11,0110,000 will be kept in the treasury, it is presumed for the purpose of negotiating with M. Guggenheim Sons.

STRIKE SETTLED Pittsburg Forge and Iron Company's Employes Return to Work. PITTSBURG, March 9 The strike at the Pittsburg Forge and Iron company's plant has been settled and the works are in full operation. The men went back to the old rate. The officials of the Pressed Steel Car company announced today that they would consider the advances of their employes as Individuals, but would not recognize the organization: also that the places of all' men refusing to re turn to work tomorrow would be filled with new men. All departments were in operation with slightly reduced forces.

SOLDIERS BACK TO CHAMBERSBURG Town In Holiday Attire Banquet at tho Armory. CHAMBERSBURG. March 9. Company Eighth regiment, Pennsyl vania volunteers, was publicly received here today. The town was decorated and the industrial plants closed.

A parade followed the arrival, with Captain John C. Gerbig as chief marshal. To night a banquet was tendered the sol diers at Franklin Guards armory where an address of welcome was made by Garnet Gehr. IRON BRIDGES IN DANGER No Marked Change In Situation in the Upper Delaware River. STROUDSBURG.

March There is no marked change in the situation in the upper Delaware river. There has been a fall in the water to about 12 feet above low water mark. Three iron bridges are in danger of destruction should the ice break away above before going out below. In some parts the ice is piling up to a height of nearly 40 feet. Those living along the river realize their peril and are ready to move at a moment's warning.

Elopement and Suicide. READING, March 9. Harry Kint zer, a prosperous farmer, aged 3. years, living near Womelsdorf, this county. eloped with Miss Becliler, daughter of a neighbor, and their whereabouts are un known.

When Mrs. Kintzer, the deserted wife, learned of the elopement she took a dose of paria sreen and died within a few minutes. Neighbors promise 'to make it hot for Kintzer, who had apparently lived happily with his wife. Petitions in Bankruptcy. PITTSBURG, March Four petitions In bankruptcy were tiled in the United States court to day.

Three of them were by George T. Cook, Frank L. Cook and Edwin L. Camden, all employes of L. W.

Cook, an Altoona merchant. Their respective liabilities exceed JS8.00D, and their assets are less than $1)00 each. They nil have the same creditors. The other petition was filed by Charles J. Devereaux of TltiisvlUe, whose liabilities are ($1,011 and assets nothing.

The Trolley Bill Killed. HARRISBTj'RG. March O. The Senate committee on railroads and street passenger railway companies to day killed the bill giving trolley companies the right of eminent Uomahl. DEWEY INJLL HEALTH Age and the Philippine Climate Against Him.

NO OFFICIAL INFORMATION Reports of the Admiral's Condition Are All Traceable to Private Sources For Many Years he lias Not Been a Strong Man Physically and has Been Under a Tremendous Strain Informed Some Time Ago That he Might Come Home Whenever he Wished. WASHINGTON, March 9. When his attention was called to the statement coming from Vancouver, to the effect that Admiral Dewey is breaking down and cannot last a month longer, Secretary Long said that he had no information whatever on this point. Reports of the admiral's ill health have been in circulation with more or less persistency for the past four months. They are all traceable to private reports, and, though officers of the navy who have returned recently from Manila say that his health, so far as it could be gauged from his appearance, appears to be about the same as it has been for the past year, they agree that the private reports probably have a basis of fact.

It is not denied by these officers that the admiral has aged in his appearance, notably within the past year; his hair is undoubtedly whiter and his figure shows signs of that weakness which might be expected to come with advancing years. Dew ey will be 02 years old next December, and for many years has not been a strong man physically. Meantime he has had imposed upon him the most severe and exacting duties, so that it is but natural that his frail physique should show the effect of the tremendous strain. It is said by persons familiar with the Philippine climate that the second year is hardest to bear for a Caucausin, and Dewey soon will begin his second year there. In addition to this he labors under the drawback of having undergone a most severe surgical operation for the relief of his liver.

A man needs a sound liver in the Philippines of all places. These facts lead naval officers to believe reports that Dewey is showing signs of physical strain. The full medical history of Admiral Dewey is among the records of the bu reau of medicine and surgery. They show every ailment that he has experienced since he has been in the navy, as well as the results of the physical examinations he has undergone when he has been promoted from time to time. But these do not disclose any complaint at this time, the admiral has not been made the subject of a sick report since he went to Manila.

Some time ago the president feared that the great strain he was under might overtax him. so he cabled to Dewey through Secretary Long permission to return to the United States. The admiral declined to avail himself of this permission and asked permission to stay saying that in his opinion duty required thit he should finish the task he had begun at Manila. The president accepted this statement, and Dewey remains by his own wish: he is free to return to the United States whenever he cares to do so, and the department will relieve him by cabled orders. In that case Capt.

N. H. Dyer, the commander of the Baltimore, who is the senior cap tain on the Asiatic squadron, would have command of the American squadron temporarily, and probably would be relieved later by one of the rear admirals recently created, nearly all of whom are anxious to assume active flag rank before retirement. NARROW ESCAPE OF THE FAMILY Burglars Robbed a House and Then Set it on Fire. FREDERICK, March 9 Between midnight and an early hour this morning a large store room and dwelling occupied by Daniel C.

Schaff at Jefferson, this county, was entered by burglars, robbed, set on fire and totally destroyed together with all the household furniture and a large stock of goods. Mr. Schaff barely had time to awaken his wife and two children all of whom escaped from the burning building with but scant clothing. The adjoining residence of Mrs. George Crum caught fire and was damaged to the extent of $1,000 before the flames were gotten under control.

The loss Is estimated at 53,000. UNITED BRETHREN Arranging for a Centennial Celebra tion of the Church. FREDERICK, March 9 The executive committee of the United Brethren Pilgrimage association of which Bishop Kephart, of Pennsylvania, is chairman, and consisting of a large number of the best known divines of the United Brethren church in the Unit ed States, convened at Middletown this morning to further arrange for tha centennial celebration of the V. B. church, which will be held in Frederck in May, 1901, continuing in session for one month.

About 00,000 members of that faith from the United States and European countries will attend the centennial. A resolution was introduced advocat ing the building of a handsome centen nial church edifice in Frederick. The celebration is to be the largest and most important ever held by that faith in this country. The church was found ed near this city, where the first bishops were ordained. VACANT JUDGESHIP No Reply has Been Received from Mr.

Watson. HAHRISBURG. March 9. Governor Stone has not yet received any reply to his offer to David T. Watson, of Pitts burg, to the vacancy on the supreme court bench created by the death of Judge Williams.

The governor expected to hear from Mr. Watson today, but up to 7 o'clock he had no word from him. Watson's friends here believe he will decline. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON Sails Today by Way ot Cicnfiicgos to Porto luco. HAVANA.

March 9. The North Atlantic squadron under Rear Admiral Sampson will sail at 1 o'clock tomorrow proceeding by way of Clenfuegos, Quanta namp and Kingston, Jamaica, to Porto Rico. Major General Lee. commander of the Seventh army corps, will go on the battleship Texas to Clenfuegos, returning from that point by rail. As Major General ,1.

Warren Keifer, commander of the First division of the signal corps, has received a dispatch an nouncing the dangerous Illness of his wife, he will probably sail'for the United States tomorrow, thus leaving General Arnold commander of the Second division, in 'temporary command of the Seventh, corps. LEHIGH VALLEY ROAD J. Plerpont Morgan Has now Absolute Control. NEW YORK. March 9.

The Journal and Advertiser tomorrow will say: J. Pierpont Morgan has now absolute control of the Lehigh Valley Railroad company. Since 'March l)y7. he has held an option on a block of 150.000 shares of Lehigh Valley stock Belonging to the Packer estate. The right to pur chase this stock was exercised yesterday and the cash covering the entire transaction, will be paid to the trustees of the estate in Philadel phia by Drexel Co.

At the time the option on the Lehigh Valley stock was given to J. P. Morgan and Drexel the Packer estate was heavily. In debt and the Le high Valley railroad found it difficult to meet its fixed charges. Certain improvements were necessary which would increase the earnings of the road and these banking firms undertook to float an issue of $5,000,000 of collateral trust bonds out of an authorized issue of 1j, 000,000.

The Packer estate gave an op tion on its holdings of 150.000 shares and other large blocks of stock were purchased by the banking firms. PACKING COIN FOR CUBA Boxes of Gold and Silver Ready at the sub Trersury. NEW YORK. March 9. Bags of silver dollars, some of which have lain unop ened In the sub treasury since 1877, are being packed today for shipment to Cu ba, where they will be used, in accord ance with the recent agreement of our government, to pay the Cuban troops.

in all, will be sent, of which $1,500,000 is In five dollar gold pieces, in silver dollars, and JjSloO, 000 in subsidiary coins. NEWS FR0MIL01L0. SKIRMISHING FREQUENT IN THE OUTLYING DISTRICTS. Troops Enthusiastically Received at Negros Amerlcans Landed at Cebu without Opposition. Spanish OHlcers Murdered by Mutineers.

MANILA, March 9. 4:10 p. in. The Maritime Steam Navigation company's Nustra ftenora del Rosano has arrived here from Iloilo and reports all quiet there, although skirmishing is frequent in the outlying districts. The Negros commissioners landed on Friday last at Bacolen and have since been doing excellent work.

The St. Paul landed a battalion of troops at Negros on March 4, Colonel Smith and the other officers were 'magnificently received and entertained by the natives who were extremely kind and courteous The occasion was generally celebrated with enthusiasm. Within an hour of landing the signal corps had established communication with Iloilo, Captain Tilley reporting the news of the reception to General Miller. Ooodall's battalion was subsequently landed at Cebu without opposition and is now quartered in the city. The steamer 51orla which has arrived here from Curimas, in the northern part of the island of Luzon, reports that the steamer San Joaquin stranded, that her cargo has been jettisoned and that her native crew mutinied on February 28 and murdered the Spanish officers of the vessel.

Some of the mutineers are reported to have been arrested a.t Vlgan, The British first class cruiser Power ful has arrived here from Hong Kong In order to relieve the first class crui ser. Narcissus. The United States transport Arizona has sailed. All is quiet a. Manila.

Change in Command. WASHINGTON, March 9. A change In command of the United States forces at Iloilo will occur on March 27, resulting from the retirement of General Mar cus Miller, who on that date reaches the age limit of 04 years. General Miller is in the regular service, having been pro moted only recently to the rank of brig adier general. If he were in the vol unteer service his retirement Would not be compulsory, a precedent to the con trary having been established in the case of several other general officers who held commissions during the Spanish war.

General Miller's service in the Philippine have been recognized by the war department as of great value his capture of Iloilo without loss to the American forces having marked an im portant epoch in the operations in the islands. His compulsory retirement is a matter of regret to the department. He will be succeeded In the natural order of promotion by Colonel Thomas M. Anderson, who now ranks as a brigadier general of volunteers. MAMMOTH GOLD NUGGET One Weighing SO 1 3 Pounds Avoirdupois Found in Australia.

SAN FRANCISCO, March 9. The steamer Aiameda brings news of the finding of a golcj nugget in western Australia weighing twenty and a half pounds avoirdupois. The strike was made early In February by McFie brothers and a man named Parkes, about "0 miles from Marble Bar in the Pilbarra gold field. The nugget, together with more than 200 ounces of smaller size was uncovered just two miles north of where the Pantomime nugget, weighing ounces was found by a man named Boyle nine years ago. Rich Gold Ore in Washington.

SPOKANE, March 9. The richest gold ore found In Republic camp on the Colvllle reservation was discovered in the Flag Hill claim yesterday. Telluride ore was encountered In the shaft at a depth of 20 feet which assays $18,987 per ton. A strike of gold ore has also been made in the Bunker Hill mine on Palmer mountain in Okanogan county. The face of the tunnel is In remarkably rich ore and from 00 pounds of rock taken from the waste dump and pounded out in a hand mortar 14 ounces of gold was taken.

SHOE AND LEATHER MEN A Movement on Foot to Form a National Trust. BOSTON, March 9. The shoe and leather men of this city and the shoe towns of the state are greatly Interested in a proposition that has been made to form a national boot and shoe trust. It appears that the matter was broached to manufacturers by Smith tc Ryan, of Chicago. A small meeting was held but no action was taken.

The meeting adjourned with the Idea that the trade should be canvassed and the result bt reported at a later meeting. There seems to be a decided difference of opinion. The largest manufacturers generally throw cold water on what they call feeble attempts to form a combination. The project of an upper leather trust is being actively pushed. The movement is already considered a success although the promoters have not gone quite far enough to make an announcement of details.

OUTLOOK IS DISMAL A Deficiency in the State Treasury CONFERENCE OF OFFICIALS Consider Ways and Means to Raise Sufficient Revenue to Meet Current Expenses tor the Next Two Fiscal Y'cars All of tho Personal Property Tax to bo Turned Into tho Treasury Proposed Tax on Beer, Ale und Porter School Fund May be Reduced. HARRISBURG, March 9. A conference between Governor Stone, Attorney General Elkin, Auditor General McCau ley and members of the House ways and means committee was held this afternoon to consider ways and means to meet the deficiency of $3,600,000 in the state treasury, and to raise sufficient revenue to meet the current expenses of the commonwealth for the next two fiscal years. No definite action was taken, although the governor stated that he would not sign bills making appropriations to charitable and penal institutions in excess of the estimated revenues of The personal property tax bill, which provides that all personal property tax shall be turned Into the state treasury for the next two years instead of three fourths of such tax, which now goes to the counties was endorsed. This Is an administration measure and it is estimated would increase the revenue U00 annually.

The Hosack bill taxing one half cent a gallon on beer, ale and porter brewed In the state and the Creasy taxation bill were also discussed. A strong effort will be made by friends of the administration to reduce the public school fund unless additional revenue is provided by the present legislature. JUDGE M'PHERSON COMMISSIONED To be Tendered Banquet by Dauphin County Bur. HARRISBURG, March 9. Judge Mcpherson today received his commission as Judge of the United States court, for the eastern district at Philadelphia, and will be qualified next Monday.

The judge will return to this city to complete certain duties In connection with his present judgeship. A meeting of the Dauphin County Bar association was held this afternoon at which a committee was appointed to wait upon Judge McPherson and ask him to accept the tender of a banquet. The honor was accepted with thanks and committees will be appointed to complete arrangements. The time and place will be decided later. THE JOINT BALLOT Quay was Seventeen Votes Short Yesterday.

HARRISBURG, March 0. Ex Senator Quay was 17 votes short of the number necessary to elect oa to day's joint ballot for United States senator. Congressman Galusha A. Grow, who polled three votes yesterday, dropped back to one. These were the only changes in the vot ing.

The ballot follows: Quay Ifil RUer 2 Jenks Dalzell Stone Markle 1 Grow 1 4 Smith 1 7 Wldener li Stewart Irvin Tubbs 1 Huff 7 Rice 11 Total Necessary to a choice, 112; paired, 30; no election; absent without pairs, 1. U. S. CIRCUIT COURT Argument In Complicated Dispute Over Enforcement of Certain Liens. PHILADELPHIA.

March 9. Judges Acheson, Dallas and Klrkpatrlck heard argument today in the United States circuit court of appeals. On the appeal of the city of Pittsburg of its suit against James A. Murphy and T. J.

Hamilton, trading as Murphy Hamilton, arising out of a complicated dispute over the enforcement of certain liens. The case concerns exceptions to a return of the marshal reporting distribution of real estate in Pittsburg belonging to Mrs. Isabella C. Powell sold on levard facias. The marshal applied the fund in part to two municipal liens of the city against Mrs.

S. S. Sargeant and one against Mrs. S. J.

Sargeant to the exclusion of the mortgage given by Mrs. C. Powell to Murphy Hamilton. Judge Burlington held In the circuit court at Pittsburg that the liens in question were not filed in the name of the owner as returned, of a particular piece of the property, and that it would be Inequitable to enforce them against the present exceptants, and sustained the exceptions. By the finding of the lower court, the fund in court was decreed to the Hamilton Murphy mort gage.

Decision was reserved. BRITISH CONTRACT WITH CHINA Russia Must Keep Hands Off or There will bo 1 rouble. LONDON, March 9. In the House of Commons today, replying to a ques tion on the subject, the parliamentary secretary of the foreign office, Right Hon. William St.

John Broderlck, said her majesty government naa not modified its undertaking to support China against a power committing aggression In China because the latter had granted British subjects permission to make or support a railroad or public work. But. he added, the government did not anticipate that a question of this description would arise with respect to the British contract for the North ern railroads. The foregoing question and answer arose from the Russian protest against the British railroad contract and the statement of the British minister at Pe kin. Sir Claude M.

MacDonald, that any attempt to repudiate the contract will be regarded as a breach of faith merit nir retributive measures, tie at tne same time recalled Lord Salisbury's assurance of support for China If another power attempted to force her to re pudiate the contract POWDERLY AT BARGE OFFICE V'ncxpectcd, Visit of the Commissioner General of Immigration. NEW YORK, March 9. T. V. Pow Uerly, commissioner general of immigration, made at unexpected visit to the barge office today; he informed Commissioner Fitchle, who was somewhat astonished, that he had come "to get acquainted with the workings of the department at this port." He was as wlgned a room, where he sat alone, and tfent a notification, to the employes that ach one would be required to appear, before him for examination.

"I am her," Mr. Powderly said, "to find out from the members of my department what may be done for the good of the department. I am going to talk with them all. The tide of Immigration is beginning to set in, and I fear we shall be hampered for space. The Narragansett.

which is used to quarter the immigrants at Ellis Island, will be too small, and I find that the buildings going up on the island are not as near completion as I expected. Something must be done; and one of the things I am her to see about is whether we shaH have to enlarge our present quarters, hire a building, or make other arrangements on the island. I will talk with everybody employed here, no matter how long it takes." It is said that a steamship ticket agent has complained to the commissioner that immigrants have been forced to buy tickets from the "railway pool." This will be investigated, at any rate. The matter of salaries will also be looked into. Meantime the barge of fice employes are in great excitement TUBE WIRE GUN Official Government Test of thel Mon ster at Birdsboro, Pa.

READING. March 9 An official government test of the Brown segmental tube wire gun took place today at Birdsboro; this county, where fifty of these monsters are being built for the government. The gun in question is a five inch calibre and weighs three and one half tons and is ninetee feet long The charge is set off with an electrical device. The tests are under the super vision of CaDtain Ira McNutt. of the ordnance department, and Edward Gage, government inspector, had charge of the loading and firing, me mgnes pressure reached was over uUHH pounds with a velocity of nearly K.OOO feet a second.

These tests will be continued for some days until probably 500 shots are fired. So far they have been highly satisfactory to the inventor. H. Brown, and the government officials Twenty of these guns have been oru ered and 15 of the 0 inch. The latter weigh ten tons each.

The guns cost 10.000 apiece, and are intended for coast defense. A 10 inch gun of same invention and weighing u5 tons is now being built at the Scoit works in this city. This will be tested next jury. EXPLOSION OF GVS. THIRTEEN PERSONS BURNED AT MAHANOY CITY COLLIERY.

Two Men Probably Fatally Injured The Cuuseof tho Accident Is a Mystery Damage to the Mlno. phttjvti.T.E March 9. An ex plosion of gas oeurred snortly after 10 o'clock this morning at tne City colliery operated by tne rnuaaoi nnrl HpiirHllET Toal Ulld IfOh COnl pany, In which men were more or less sei ioualv burned and prooaoiy two la miv rrho evnlrmlnn occurred in the wn3f seven foot eanurway, third lit Tho tu a invstprv and what litt le is know is kept secret by the officials The injured are; Potrii Rrptitian. need 15 years, driv km, rttr ht loc nnd risrht hand broken painfully burned about head, face and hrir npnhnhlv fatal. George Bobumhuk, chest, abdomen and arms badly Durnea.

Michael Lenger, two fingers and a arm broken, probably fatal. John Mills, badly lacerated scalp. Dr.n.arH sinnp rlirht arm broken. John JunUetthead, face and hands burned. Steve Selisky, head, face and arms burned.

WilHsm Snnillfi. slichtlv burned Andro Dando, face, chest and arm burned. Two men, names unknown, slightly burned. There were two explosions, one five minutes after the other, ana tne men who were at work in the gangway a the time had no chance to escape. A nnl nf tlmhp" Olid COal ftll a.Xl(l hindered the work of rescue which was immediately instituted under the direction of Superintendent Reese Tasker.

Mining Superintendent jonn veun ai rived two hours later and rendered vntnahlo nssistance. The men were broueht to the surface as rapidly as possible where a force of physicians wno naa oeen nurrieuiy suihuwiku tem porarily dresed their injuries. uruui excitement prevailed at the colliery when the news became known. STEAMER HARD AGROUND, Has a Valuable Cargo and a Number ofPassensers PHILADELPHIA. March 9.

The toomar Anthnnv Groves, which plies between Philadelphia and Baltimore, is hard aground on Poole's is land in the cnesapeatce Day, wnere ane went aground on Tuesaay morning. She has a valuable cargo and a num hot rtf nnsspno pra nn board. A tug and lighter have been sent to thes teamer assistance. THE POPE'S WOUND Exaiftlnod and pound to bo Making; Excellent Progress ROME. March 9.

An examination of the pope's wound was made today by Dr. Mazzoni, who found It was making excellent progress. His holiness hopes to recommence his receptions speedily. The fact that Dr. Lapponi is again sleeping at the Vatican has aroused fresh crop of rumors including one to the effect that the pope is sunenng from asenile cancer.

But his physicians unequivocally deny this. They say the patient has a good appetite ana is convalescing rapidly. A WRONG 'SIGNAL An Engineer nnd Fireman Klllod In a Collision. ALTOONA, March 9. At 1:10 this afternoon Way passenger train, west bound, ran into the rear end of a freight train at Allegrippus, six miles west of this city, and Just west ot Horse Shoe Bend.

John Tarr, engineer of tho first engine, hauling the passenger train, and George Kcim, his fireman, were killed. None of the passengers were hurt. Both Tarr and Kelm lived here. The former's wife died one month ago, leaving five small children. The accident Is said to have resulted from a wrong signal which allowed the passenger train to go ahead while the freight rain was on the block.

In the Hands of the Jury. CHESTER. March tl. Jos. Brown, who.

with Minus Delaney, is charged with the murder of aged Mrs. Ann Leonard last September, was placed on trial to day. The principal witness was Peter Leonard, husband of the murdered woman, who said that Brown is the man who struck the blow that killed his wife. Chief of Police Berry testified nnd prpsented In evidence a confession made by Brown to him some time ago. Tho case then went to the Jury and a verdict Is expected In the morning, after which Delaney will be placed on trial.

A Practical Joke. PARIS. March 9. The Gaulols says the dynamite cartridges found near the Toulon arsenal were placed there as practical joke and adds that they contained a harm less blasting powder. The uauiois may oe correct, but the real truth will not be known until the official inquiry is concluded.

ARMOR PLATE Navy Department has Been Making Some Figures. WORRYING MANUFACTURERS Are Being Considered by Largo Iron and Steel Concerns Likely to Look "into the Matter Pretty Closely, as a Profit of $58 Per Tou will be Well Worth Conslelorlng Advnn tnues to Government by Manufacture of Krupp Armor for Russia. WASHINGTON. March 9. The navy department, has been making some figures regarding the supply of armor and the prices to be paid.

At present there has been authorized 23,0110 tons of armor and there is available for the purchase of this armor $0,000,000. At the time the Bethlehem armor plant was erected there was only (1,000 tons of armor authorized by the government and there has been purchased by the government in all only tons of armor, lo.OOO tons more than the government is now authorized to buy. Tho averago price for armor per tun has boon ij557.57. tho minimum being and the miximum thu higher price being when nickle was being introduced. It is estimated by the officials of the department that in case the estimates of $100 per ton as a sullicieiit price for armor are correct that the difference! from the price asked.

,545 per ton, would in the manufacture of tons of armor be sufficient to build a government plant. If the government could purchase the entire amount of armor authorized with the available the average price would be Jjs'MU. It is said that these figines are being considered by large iron and steel concerns. Otiicials at the department say that if armor can be manufactured for per ton, and the government ha money to pay an average price of per ton. that the manufacturers are likely to look into the matter pretty closely as tho profit of per ton will be well worth considering.

In making these estimates the price of 100 per ton Is allowed for the ships already authorized under the naval appropriation act for the year ending June o0, 1H08. The figures given above have been discussed by otllcers of the department and representatives of the armor plate manufacturers. It has also been pointed out that the government will not need any of the armor until next February and meanw hile the armor plants of this country will be making Krupp armor for Russia. All this armor will be tested at the government grounds at Indian Head a.nd the navy department will have the knowledge of all the experiments and be ready to lake advantage of all improvements which may be effected PENROSE'S FAREWELL Ills Statement Lnst Night Before Returning to Washington. TTARRISBI'RG.

March Before returning to Washington to night Senator Penrose gave out the following statement: "I was, indeed, delighted with tho good feeling existing among the friends of Senator Quay and with the enrnestnessi and' the. fighting spirit expressed in the caucus last night. Senator Quay's colors are. in loyal hands, and they will not be struck to any band of insurgents. His candidacy represents all that is regular and stalwart in the Republican organization in Pennsylvania.

The few men who, for personul or other motives, are leading this light of the Republican bolters against th caucus nominee cannot succeed. I am convinced that when the Senate reconvenes Pennsylvania will have two representatives in that body, and that I shall still be the junior senator." BRITISH NAVY ESTIMATES Statement of RItrhr, Hon. Geo. J. Gos chen in House of Commons.

LONDON, March In introducing tho navy estimates In the House of Commons to dny, the first lord of the admiralty, the Right Hon. Georgo J. Goschen said never had estimates been submitted under mora unique circumstances. Ahead was tho conference for international disarmament, while behind were the incidents of laso November, and when a comparisniV'f tho naval strength of the various was In everybody's moulh the most striking confidence was shown in liriiish preparedness to meet all emergencies. The continental powers, he further said, were disturbed by the allegation that Great Britain was preparing with a particular purpose for aggressive action: but, the minister asserted, the idea never entered the mind of the government.

11a then proceeded to detail the naval programme. Mr. Goschen said her majesty's government proposed to make Wei Hui Wei (tho war port on the northern coast of tho Shan Tung peninsula), a secondary naval base, pointing out that it would be a most valuable anchorage and of the greatest Importance in any operations in Chines waters, and adding that it was proposed to expend pounds on Wei Hal Wei during the present year, and pounds next year. Continuing Mr. Goschen informed th House that the personnel of the navy for the coming year would be Increased by 4.2."i0 making a total of 110,1140, at cost of 7,704,000 pounds.

Murdered by Her Husband. HOWARD LAKE. March It. Mrs. Fred Kler was murdered by her husband last night.

She Is a daughter of Thomas Boxell, who, with his young wife, was murdered about a year ago. Kler Is sub ject to tits of disunity and has been in the asylum. Peace Conference. THE HAGUE March II. The peace con ference, otherwise the congress of repre sentatives of tho powers called by the czar to discuss the possibility or taKing steps toward a general disarmament, will mee her on May Vi.

Weather Condition. WASHINGTON. March O. Thcre has been no prcclpltatlcn during 'the past hours, east of the Mississippi except light rains' and snows In the lower flid north em upper lake regions and local snows in New Ens and and the extreme nortnwest. Low pressure Is general west of the Mississippi river except in the northwest, with a well defined center of, depression in western Colorado.

Tho temperatures have risen from 4 to degrees from the Mississippi valley eastward, except In tho Mlddie Atlantic states, the eastern lower lake region and New England. They have fallen from 4 to IS degrees in the central, west and extreme northwest. Increasing cloudiness wlfh rain Is indicated In the gulf and South Atlantic states, the lower Ohio and middle Mississippi valleys, and rain or snow in the Middle Atlantic states and New England and from the lake regions westward. Rain Is also indicated in the middle slope ana snow in i.oiorauo. Vrenh to brisk winds will prevail on the Atlantic coast north to east on the north portion and south to cast on the southern portion.

Indications. WASHINGTON. March U. Forecast for Friday: For Eastern Pennsylvania, cloudy, followed by snow or rain; warmer In southern portion; fresh to brisk north to east winds. For Western Pennsyiva nla, generally fair, iresh toibrlsK nortu to east winds,.