The Tribune from Scranton, Pennsylvania • Page 1

LICiN XThe Republican is Delivered at flore Residences Than Any Other Scranton Newspaper.vX THIPiTST YEAE FRIDAY MORXIXG, JMAECH 18, 1898 PRICE TWO CENTS LAIMLOPINTS An Acute Stage May Be Reached at Any Moment. COURT OF INQUIRY'S REPORT The President Expects It Today or Tomorrow Almost a Foregone Conclusion that Its Finding Will Be that the Explosion was Caused by Outside Agency. SPANISH COMMISSION REPORT It is Semi OfHeliiily Stated that It Contend the Explosion was from Internal Causes and that Spain "iVill Indignant ly Repel any Demand for Indemnity. WASHINGTON', March 17. The trend of today's news in the Spanish Anit rican imbroglio indicates tnat an acme stage may be reached before many more houis have passed.

Jt iSr stilted that the president expects the report of the court inquiry tomorrow or next day and that it may even now be on its way from Key West. It is almost a foregone conclusion that the document will attiibute the cause of the Maine disaster to an external agency. In the face of this comes a semiofficial declaration from 'Madrid that the Spanish commission will almost undoubtedly aver that the explosion was due to an internal accident, and that if such be their finding, any demand for an indemnity will be indignantly repelled by Spain. The other important developments were the determination to form a new eo.ua.lron of warships at Hampton Roads, and Senator Proctor's exposition to the Senate of what he saw and heard in Cuba. Upon the court's arrival at Key West yesterday, Admiral Sicard communicated with Washington and it was at once determined, to maintain the secrecy of the court's verdict, the report should not ibe telegraphed in cipher or otherwise.

Admiral Sicard was therefore instructed to place the documents in the custody of a naval officer, who should carry them to the capital. Whether or not he has yet started is not known, any more than his identity. Lieutenant Commander Marix, judge advocate of the court, will probably be the man to undertake this grave mission. SAFEGUARD THE REPORT. Every precaution, that human ingenuity can suggest will be adopted to safeguard the report, the main apprehension being that there may he somehow a publication in the newspaper press that may interfere seriously with the successful working out of the policy of the administration.

The 'document will be sealed at Key West under the personal observation of Admiral Sicard and the naval officer will be expected to deliver the envelope with the seal unbroken into the hands of the secretary of the navy. As Admiral Sicard is the very incar natiom' of caution in the discharge of official matters and as he is technically responsible for the safe delivery of the court's report to the secretary of the navy, it may be safely set down as a fact that any publication that attempts to set out either in full or in substance the court's report will be absolutely conjectural in. its basis. SPAIN'S REPORT," The semi official statement of the Spaniards comes under Madrid date and reads: "The report of the Spanish commission on the Maine is not yet known, hut the statement of several technical effi cers'who have made a "close examination, of the scfne of the disaster show it was indisputably due to an internal accident. American assertions to the contrary are therefore deplored in official quarters as tending to mislead public opinion, and render the situation still more difficult from the standpoint of maintaining friendly relatione between the two countries.

It may be regarded as certain that should the American technical commission present a report declaring the disaster to be due to an external explosion, the public here will refuse to accept such a finding, and any demand for an indemnity 'based thereon will be Indignantly repelled by Spain." WILL STAND BY THE REPORT. This statement has attracted much interest in official circles. There has been little doubt for some time that Spain was preparing for the contingency of an adverse report by the American court of inquiry and to that end was preparing to anticipate and offset it by making clear the government policy of standing by the r. pnrt of the Spanish commission The report of the latter body was due in Madrid yesterday, and while its conclusions are not sufficiently known, it is a foregone conclusion that it will find that the Maine disaster was due to accident resulting in internal explosion. This was foreshadowed in the advance utterances of Captain Peral, head of the Spanish commmis sion, who stated publicly several days ago that the theory of external explosion was untenable.

WILL NOT PAY INDEMNITY. Both governments have been sounding each other on the. activity of the other in searching for ships, but there lhas been little ground for objection on rither side as both have, been in the same markets. The administration explains its buying of shlp3 on the ground that Spain's attitude has been so menacing as naturally to call for any augmented while Spain takes the same view that the activity in the United States requires suitable preparations by the Spanish army. The report that Spain had protested against a filibustering expedition to Puerto Rico cannot be verified as officials here say this expedition has not yet got away.

A NEW SQUADRON. The Hampton Roads squadron will first consist of five Vhips all the best of their types. Two oS them, the battleships Massachusetts and Texas, are withdrawn from the present North Atlantic fleet at Key Vest and Tor tugas. It would be a giave mistake to suppose that in ordering this movement, the navy department is animated by any purpose of yielding to representations or intimations that may have come from the Spanish ministerAas to the mischief caused by the gathering of so large a naval force as Admfral Sieard's fleet In the vicinity of Cuba, On the contrary the formation of the new squadron was brought about purely strategic considerations, although, it appears from the nature of he force so far under orders to rendezvous at Hampton Roards that this strategy is of the defensive nature. The new squadron cannot be called a "flying squadron," because the association of heavy battleships with fleet cruisers like Brooklyn, Columbia and Minneapolis reduces the available speed of the whole to 'the speed of the slowest vessel and the squadron could not do much "flying" in the naval sense.

The indications rather are that when reinforced by smaller cruisers, the squadron will constitute an ideal naval defense. For the past two months influences have at work in the navy department to bring about this change and as a policy 'board, headed by Captain Crowninshield has been in frequent session of late at the department, it is believed that it has endorsed the plan at last. Although t'he other ships to be added to the squadron have not yet definitely selected, it is surmised that they will include some of the other 'battleships at Key West and the armored cruiser New York, in which case Admiral Sicard. it is believed, will command the new force. BIG 'MONITOR PURITAN.

In place of the cruiser New York the people of Key West will look upon the grim outlines of the Ibig monitor Puritan, supposedly the most powerful ship in smooth water in the whole world. 'She will have to assist her on guard the double turreted monitor Miantono moli and the monitor Amphitrite. The Puritan is now at Norfolk almost ready for sea, the Miantonomo'h is at League Island quite ready and so is the Amphitrite at Port S. C. So the order will in the end result in the gathering of the pick of the 'North Atlantic squadron at Hampton Roads.

The point is said to 'be the best strategically on the Atlantic coast. It is almost centrally located and the ships from that point can reach any portion of the coast in short order, which is regarded as desirable, since no one can tell just where a flotilla of torpedo destroyers or a fast cruiser may turn up with hostile intent to attack a town. BOATS FOR KEY WEST. The gunboat Helena reported to the department that she had sailed today from Funchal, 'Madeira, for Key West to join the squadron. It is now said that it has been definitely determined to bring the battleship Oregon around South America to Key West.

The new torpedo Iboat Rodgers will also join the flotilla at Key West. The Columbia and Minneapolis are still each 200 men short of their full quota, but it is expected that enougn men will be secured In t'he course of a few days to enable t'he shjps to be sent to Hampton Roads to execute the orders issued 'to day. The naval recruits officers in the south are meeting with success at New Orleans. Yesterday they secured 'forty men who were professionally fitted for the navy. The Spanish minister called at the state department at 3 o'clock and remained with Judge Day something over an hour.

Both 'parties to the conference were extremely reserved at its conclusion. It is understood, however, that it developed no new phase, but was a general talk in which pacific assurances were exchanged and a hopeful view of the situation expressed. At that time the naval orders taking tne battleships Texas and Massachusetts from Key west and assigning them to the fleet a Hampton Roads was not known at the state department, so that the ministe was not officially informed of the fact ine nearci it later, however, and was naturally much gratified at the gradual withdrawal of the American fleet at Key West, which has been the source grave apprehension by the Spanish government. UNSETTLED GUATEMALA Gen. Morale's Move Portend Fresh Outbreak.

'MEXICO CITY, 17. Twelve Guatemalans of the staff of General the Guatemalan rebel leader. leave here today for Vera Cruz, and will disembark at Chapuperico. They win go well armed and take tents for IL'O people. General Morales will follow in a few days, and it is 'believed that this portends a fresh breaking out of the rebellion.

Spaniards are said to be aiding Morales. FROM KEY WEST Uncertain as to When the Court Will Its Report. KEY WEST, March 17. No member of the court of inquiry came on snore rrom tne lowa today and it was impossible to learn on board the battle ship what, if anything, had been done iNot until a late hour tonight was the correspondent of the Associated Press able to ascertain from Rear. Admiral faicard the status of the investigation Admiral Sicard said: "It is impossible at this stage to state how soon the court will be ready to make its report.

The members are continuing their labors. When they are rea'Jy to re examine the officers of the Maine whom I have de inmeu nere, tney win eitner do so in the federal building or summon them to the Iowa. "The court's report has not vet been made and I am unable to say when it will be made. The notion, that it would bo in Washington, by Saturday was probably based purely on inference. It should be borne in mind that the work of the court necessarily progresses slowly.

Before reaching Washington the report must pass through the hands of Rear Admiral Sicard. If it 'did not leave here today it could not reach Washington by Saturday. There is good authority for the assertion that the court will probably return to Havana before reaching its conclusions. Greater secrecy than ever is maintained, but it was ascertained that most of the time of the court today was occupied in revising the testimony. Marine Intelligence.

NEW YORK. March 17. Sailed: Nomadic, for Liverpool. QUEEN STOWN. March 17.

Sailed: Germanic, for New York. ROTTERDAM. March 17. Sailed: Rotterdam, for New York. BREMERHAVEN.

March 17. Havel, from New York. GENOA. March 17. Arrived: Saale.

from New York. Sailed: Ems. for New York. Supplies for Starving Cubans. PHILADELPHIA, March 17.

The Red Cross society of this city today shipped Its second contribution of relief supplies to the starving Cuban reconeentradoes. The shipment weighed pounds and was sent on the steamer Kennett. The destination Is Matanzas. The cargo consisted of clothing, cornmeal, beans, condensed milk, canned goods, flour, bread and medicine. Another shipment will be made on April Confessed and Won Lynched.

GRENEDA. March 17. Alexander Anderson, a young negro, attempted to criminallv assault a school girl last night at 9 o'clock. Three hours later he was captured by a mob, confessed and was hanged. Anderson was made to climb a Cottonwood tree with a rope about his nrck.

He was then pushed off a limb and strangled to death. Senator Proctor's Deliberate State ments in the Senate. WEYLER'S STUDIED CRUELTY The senator's Inquiries Were Entire. ly Outside of Sensational Sources, 300,000 Persons Have Died from Actual Starvation Spanish Army Inferior In Men, System and Equip. WASHINGTON, 17.

From many view points the statement of Senator Proctor to the Senate was re markable. Every element of sensation alism has studiously eliminate. from it and except so far as the facts recited were sensational, it bore not the slightest evidence of an effort to arouse the public mind, already keenly alive to t'he condition of affairs on the island The utterances of the senator aroused breathless interest. He said in part: "Outside Havana it is not peace, nor is it war. It is desolation and distress, misery ana starvation.

'He read sec tions of the order Issued by Weyler to the reconcentiadoes. They forbid the transportation of provisions from one town to another without permission the 'military authority, direct the own ers of cattle to bring them into the towns, prescribe that eight days shall 'be counted from t'he of the proclamation to the head town of the imunici'pal districts and state that news is furnished of the enemy which can be made use of it will serve as "recommendation." "Many doubtless did not learn of thi orders. Others failed to grasp its ter ribie meaning. Its execution was left largely to the guerrillas to drive in all that had not obeyed and I was satisfied that in many cases a torch was applied to tneir homes with no and th inmates fled with such clothing as they might have on, their stock and other belongings appropriated by the guerrillas. When they reached the town they were allowed to build huts of palm leaves in the suburbs and vacant places within the trot has and left to live if thy could.

Their huts are about ten by fifteen feet in size and for want apace are usually crowded together very closely. They have no floor, but the ground and no furniture and after a wear but little clothing except sucn stray euostitutes as they can ex temporize. With large families or with more than one in this little t'he commonesc sanitary provisions are Impossible. Con ditions are unmentionable in this Te spect. Torn from their Jiomes, with fou.1 earth, foul air, foul water and foul food or none, what wonder that one half have died and that one quarter of the living are so diseased that they cannot be saved.

"Death in the streets have not uncommon. I was told by one of our consuls that they have been found dead aoout the markets In the moraine where they had crawled hoping to get some stray hits of food from the early hucksters and that there had been cases where they had dropped 'dead inside the marKet surrounded by "I went to Cuba with a strong con viction that the picture had been over drawn: out a few cases of starvation and suffering had inspired and stimu lated the press correspondents and they nave given iree play to a strong, natural and highly cultivated Pagination. I t.aw plumy as oact ana, worse; many that should not be photographed and snown. could not believe that out of a population of 200,000 had died wfthin these Spanish forts, practically prison walls, within a few months past from actual starvation and disease caused by insufficient and improper food. My inquiries were entirely outside or sensational sources.

They were made of our medical officers, of our consuls. o.f city alcaldes (mayors), of lief committees, of leading merchants ana bankers, physicians and law vers. Several of my informants were Soanish born, but every time the answer was that the case had not been overstated. What I saw, I cannot tell so that others can see it. It must be seen with one's own eyes to be realized." After an enthusiastic tribute to the relief work of Clara Barton, Senator Proctor said he did not learn that 200, 000 Spaniards in the island had con trlbuted largely in blood of treasure to suppress the insurrection.

He compared the Spaniard with the Cuban to the latters advantage and next discussed the military situation there, asserting that the Spanish army in men, system and equipment, is of a very inferior character. On the political situation In Cuba, Senator Prostor said: "I inquired in regard to autonomy of men of wealth and menof as prominent in business as any in the cities of Havana. Matanzas and Sagua. With one expection they replied that it was "too late" for that. Some favor ed a United States protectorate, some annexation, some free Cuba, not one has been counted favoring the insurrection at first.

"'To me the strongest appeal is not the baroarity practiced by Weyler, nor the loss of the Maine, if our worst fears should prove true, terrible as are both of these incidents, but the spectacle of a million and a half people, the entire native population of Cuba struggling for freedom and deliverance from the worst misgov ernment of which I ever had knowledge. merely speak or tne systems as I saw them but do not undertake to prescribe. Such remedial steps as may be required may safely be left to an American president and the American people. THE WINDWARD COMING Peary's Gift Boat to Sail from Enaj lana Tomorrow. LONDON, March 17 The British steamer Windward, which was used by the Jackson Harmsworth arctic expe dition and which was presented In De cember last to Lieutenant R.

E. Peiry, the American explorer, by Alfred Harms worth, proprietor of the Daily 'Mall, 3tarts for New York tomorrow. Mr. Harmsworth, who bears the ex pense of overhauling the Windward and sending her to the United States, In making the presentation him self as being "actuated by a desire to i continue the international courtesies as sociated with the gifts of the Resolute to Great Britain and of the Alert to the United States." Pennsylvania Postmasters. WASHINGTON.

March 17. These fourth class postmasters have been ap nolnted for Pennsylvania: Banksvllle. 1 MORE COLD FROM AUSTRALIA The Steamship Alameda Bringing $3,500,000 to San Francisco. SAN FRANCISCO, March li. The Oceanic Steamship's company's liner the Alameda, now on her way from Australia to San Francisco, Mas on board $3,000,000 in gold, the largest amount of treasure ever brought into this port by a single vessel.

SPENDING THE $50,000,000 Tlie First Disbursement Sent to the Armstrongs for Guns. WASHINGTON, March 17. The first disbursement under the recent act of congress appropriating for the national defense has been made by the treasury department on an execu order for fcfO.OOU sterling, or to be ealbled to London to the credit of Sir William Armstrong in part payment for twelve rapid fire guns including and ammunition, The purchase price, including mounts, is $31,000 for each gun, or for the twelve. In addition to this payment the treas ury department tomorrow will cable Rothschilds at London in payment in full for the Brazilian cruiser Amazorcas and in part payment for the Breu. The twelve rapid fire guns are for the use of the war department.

FLAG AND PULPIT BISHOP WALDEX'S KINGING DECLARATION OF PATRIOTISM. Tire Sentiments Greeted With an Outburst of Applause Patriotic Scene at the Philadelphia M. E. Conference. CHESTER, Pa March 17.

Today's session of the Philadelphia M. E. conference was notable for a ringing declaration of patriotism by Bishop John M. Walden of Cincinnati, and the outburst of applause with which his remarks were greeted. The bishop, who is about to sail for Europe, was warmly welcomed by the conference when he appeared on the platform.

In a brief addresss he referred to the pending difficulties with He said the country is at a critical period, but he had an abiding faith in the sober judgment of the American people and the president of the United States. "The influence of the church," he said, "should be on the side of peace. There is enough influence on other side. The cause of our country will not suffer by the delay, and somehow I have come to the belief that we shall preserve the peace and obtain the freedom of Cuba. I am glad to see the interest of our brethren in the flag which ornaments this church.

It is right and proper that the church should be so decorated, and I. for one, would be glad to see the flag stand alonogside of the pulpit in every church in the country. It means to us the guardianship of our civil and religious liberty. Finally, brethren, while I deprecate war, as most of you do, still I will venture to say that if war should come there will be as many Methodists answer the sail as there were in the last time." Bishop Goodsell of Chattanooga, who presided, endorsed all that Bishop Walden had said and added: "The spectacle of a great nation conscious of its strength, waiting patiently day after day bafore it strikes, is a most edifying one. I have seen war, and when I say it is to be deprecated I know whereof I speak, and trust that none of the brethren will join the ranks of those Who are crying for war.

We are men of peace, and we cannot afford to see this glorious country of ours descend to the level of those European nations who grab each other by the throat for the sake of gaining a little more territory. Our cause must be declared a righteous one before we resort to the Apart from this feature of the meet ing, most of the time was taken up by the reading of district reports, all of which showed an encouraging condition. The question of lay representation was mads a soecial order for Monday. A resolution was also introduced providing that graduates from the Methodist Episcopal colleges be admitted to the ministry without a second examination by the conference. CONFERENCE AT DANVILLE, PA.

Interesting Report of the Hnrrlsburg District New York Rook Room. DANVILLE, March 17. Today's session of the Methodist conference was opened by Bishop Andrews. Devotion al exercises were conducted by Rev. George Leidy of Sunbury.

Statistical Secretary E. M. Aller read the names of those who handed imperfect reports and the bishop ad vised such persons to consult with Mr. Allen. Assistant Treasurer M.

G. Piper ead the names of those who handed in ncorrect financial reports After the haracter of Dr. W. W. Evans had been examined and approved, he read his re port from Harrisburg district.

In sub stance it is as follows: Membership of churches increased 2.000 converts. 1.000 of whom oined the church: $850 Increase in ej ections; aggregate three new churches built and one parsonage; sev eral hundred dollars received for the church extension society. The bishop then passed ppon the characters of all preachers in Dr. Evans' district. The bishoo then Introduced to the conference Rev.

Dr. plains, who repre sents the Eaton Mains book room of New York. He said the book room is flourshing. It was founded 109 years years ago, when the managers borrowed $000. Now it has a capital of 400.000.

The' first catalogue listed 30 olumes, which has grown to 3,000 volumes. Dr. A. B. Leonard presented the mis sionary society's work.

Dr. J. W. Buckley presented the work accomplished by the New York Christian Advocate, of which he is editor. At the afternoon session the anniver sary of the Sunday school Union and Tract society in St.

Paul's Methodist Episcopel church was celebrated. Rev. William Moses presided and an address was made by Rev. J. M.

Freeman, D. D. Statue of President Lincoln! WASHINGTON. March 17. In the Sen ate today a bill was passed to authorize the erection of a statue of President Lincoln at Gettysburg, to cost Snfl.tico.

tho etaHia fn be erected bv a pommfsqlnn compssed of the secretary of war. the commander of the army, the governor of Pennsylvania and the commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. Fatal Accident at Chicago. CHICAGO. March 17.

The two bier col iimna Cm miner the main SUDDOrt tn tho on trance of the Coliseum bulldlne destroveil by Are not long ago, collapsed without warninor today, kllline E. R. Parker nnrl Emma Hartley; Bushklll Center. Peter fatally Injuring John Rica. Several oth Wllliamson: ITillsview.

Ieiinon B. Mat ers were sllprhtly injured. All were work thews; Swartz, Charles Pettit. men engaged in clearing up the ruins. TAX DECREE Dues on Lands Devastated and Unproductive Remitted.

REPORT TO GENERAL BLANCO Its Effect In the Distressed Provinces Legislative Action Necessary Rich Tobacco and Sugar Lauds Through the Interior Have Suffered Greatly as a Result of War. (WASHINGTON. iMarch 17. The Spanish 'minister, 'Senor Polo, received a despatch today from Captain General Blanco as follows: "The council of secretaries, under my presidency, has resolved to prorogue in all parts of the island, up to 'March 31, INnt, a decree of April 1S07, relative to the suspension of proceedings against landed estates, unless tne insular legis lature takes special action on the sub ject. T'he effect of this, it is explained, is to do away with the taxes on those lands which have been devastated and have become unproductive.

'The rich tdbacco and lands through the interior have suffered greatly as a result of the war and the Spanish authorities assert that this has (been due mainly, if not entirely, to the use of the torch and other destructive methods adopted by the in surgents. These lands afforded the government one of its main sources of income, but it was represented to the officials at 'Havana that the lands in their present condition yielded little in come, and should not be taxed at the usual rate. These representations came from Americans as well as. Cubans, the former having considerable properties which had suffered. A provisional decree freeing the lands from taxes was about to expire, but the present order makes the decree effective for another year.

General Blanco's dispatch, it is pointed out, is noteworthy in calling attention to the fact that the decree made by himself and cabinet will stand only in. the event that the insular legislature does not take special action on the subject. This isi cited at the Spanish legation as another evidence of the completeness with which the management of Cuban, affairs is to be turned over to the Cuban legislature as soon as it convenes. Beyond the foregoing dispatch Senor Polo received nothing today bearing on the 'Spanish situation. As this was diplomatic day at the state department, the minister made the usual call, but It is understood to have been, one of courtesy and without special reference to any of the pending phases of the Cuban question.

ANGLO AMERICAN ALLIANCE Views of Lord, Charles Berrsford A Move ill the Right Direct ion. LONDON. March 17. Rear Admiral Lord Charles Beresford, member of parliament for York city, in an interview with the correspondent of the. Associated Press today, warmly advocated an Anglo American alliance as "a move in the direction of peace, and calculated to develop trade." He'said: "Such an alliance is natural, and I believe the mere fact of its conclusion would deter others from attacking any inadequately defended interests of either country.

Now is the time to accomplish it, when the advantages are apparent to both countries. A decade hence, when, if she desires, the United States can have become a first class naval power, and will perhaps have adopted the policy, of free trade, 't might not be worth her while to undertake the responsibilities of an alilance with Great Britain. AVhen America has built her navy, she will be in a position to enforce her demands, which will not take her long now, with her enormous latent resources and mechanical and engineering facilities. An Anglo American alliance would be the most powerful factor in the world for peace and the development of commerce." Speaking of the possibilities of the United States going to war, he remarked: "If she ever does, no matter what happens at the beginning, she must eventually win, because of the enthu siasm and intense patriotism of her people." PUBUC SCHOOLS Officers Elected nt the Annual Convention of Superintendents. PITTSBUiFM, 'March 17.

The annual convention of city and borough superintendents of public schools closed this afternoon after electing the following officers: President, City Superintendent. George J. Luckey, Pittsburg; vice president. W. W.

Rupert, Pottstown; secretary, C. V. 'Hotc hklss. Meadville; treasurer, E. Kauffman, Tyrone; executive committee, L.

O. Fcose, Harrisburg; J. 'M. Berkey, Johnstown, and A. D.

Colegrove, Corry. 'At the morning session papers were read by Superintendent ft. K. Buhrle of Lancaster; Superintendent W. Rupert of Pottstown; Superintendent John A.

Gibson of Butler. Superintendent Buehrle offered a resolution asking for the appointment of a 'committee of three to hasten the simplifying of the spelling of words in the English language. The resolution Was lost 'by a close vote. The morning session was concluded by Luckey who read a paper on the "Advisalhility of Establishing Kindergarten 'Schools in Accordance with 'Recent Legislation." At the afternoon session papers were read by Superintendent C. A.

of Oil City and addresses were delivered by Dr. W. J. Holland and Dr. J.

'D. Moffat, president of Washington and Jefferson college. IRON AND STEEL TRADE Review of the Mnrkets by the American Manufacturer. PITTSBURG, March 17. The American (Manufacturer in its weekly trade review will say tomorrow: "Our reports this week indicate no material change in the iron and steel market, as the trade is going on in about the; same way.

War talk is having some effect in holding back business and some lines are watchimg common developments. The eastern market is rather unsatisfactory. At New York (business is about at it was, with considerable doing, but prices remain low. At Philadelphia the pig iron market is rather dull and there is little doing in Bessemer steed. The 'demand for bar iron Is irregular, but the sheet mills have good orders and the plate mills are fairly well employed.

At Chicago some departments of the trade are quite active, while others, are dull. "The movement in pig ironi is less pro nounced than it was, but stocks are CUB scarce. 'Bar Iron is weak, although the demand is good. The sheet trade hardly what It was, but structural ma terial is active. Cincinnati reports the market as somewhat steadier, with prices a trifle firmer.

Considerable pi iron, that was brought for specula tiv purposes is now being put on the mar ket. At Cleveland, Bessemer pig iron is firmer, but bar quotations are shaled The demand for sheet iron at this point is good. It is thought that there will be immense trade in iron ore during the coming season. At Wheeling the trade shows little or no change, but the de mand forfinished iron is fair." EARLY MORNING FIRE Patrick Donnelly's Barn on Beech Street Destroyed. At 1:30 o'clock this morning an alarm of fire was sounded from box 48 at the corner of Prospect avenue and Beech street, due to a blaze in a barn on Beech street owned by Patrick Don nelly.

When the fire department arrlv ed it was found that there was not enough water in the main and there was some telephoning in consequence. Th building was entirely det troyed. It was subsequently learned that sev eral valuable horses and a number of wagons were destroyed. PREPARING FOR WAR BILL DRAFTED TO PLACE THE ARMY ON A WAR FOOTING. Isan Administration Measure and Will Raise the Army to the Full Strength of 104,000 Men Six New Torpedo Boats.

WASHINGTON, March 17. The lar gest measures of preparation yet made by the war department to meet the con tingencies of the future probably has just been completed. It is the preparation of a bill providing among other sections for the placing of the army on a war footing for the full strength of 104,000 mem. The bill has been care fully gone over by the war department and will be Introduced in the House by Representative 'Hull, chairman of the House committee on military affairs who, it is expected, will urge it vigorously, inasmuch as it is an administration measure. The basis of the bill will be the well known three battalion or ganization.

That is the ideal peace status of the army, but provision is made for the exercise by the president of full power to increase one of the existing companies from i.i men, the present strength, to 250 men. According to the latest report to con gross, based on returns for 1807, the total organized strength of the militia of the country is men, while the total of men available for duty (un organized) is Of these, to mention the chief states of the Union, Pennsvlvania leads the unorganized list, with K78.5RM. She has 8,521 organized. New York 'has 800.000 and 13.KU4. re spectively; Illinois, and Ohio, and 0,004, and Indiana, 500,000 and 2,875.

NEW TORPEDO BOATS. The House committee on naval af fairs has disposed of the question of increases in the vessels of the navy, unless there is some change of disposition among the members. The com mittee, by unanimous vote, adopted the motion of Representative Foss, Illinois, to authorize the construction of six new torpedo boats and six new torpedo boat destroyers, ana the provision tor tnis has been incorporated in the naval bill. It has not been decided what appropria tion will be made fpr thi? purpose. THE OLD MONITORS Five of Them Will Be Fitted Out for Harbor Defence.

PHILADELPHIA, iMarch 17. At League Island nnvy yard today it was learned that the board of experts who examined the eight old monitors have decided that three of them, the Canoni cus. Mahopac and Lehigh, are useless an'J cannot be put in condition for serv ice. These three were today returned to their old moorings. in the 'back basin.

The other five, the Nahant, Jason Cats kill, Montauk and Manhattan, can be fitted out for harbor dofonse. The principal work required on them Is to lay new decks and make a tew minor repairs to the machinery. Commandant Casey said today tnat the monitors could be made effective as defenders of torpe'io fields, or where they could be anchored in shallow water and their big guns used to advantage. The) battering capacity of these guns, ou of date as they are, ia formidable, and appearances indicate that they will be retained in their old turrets. Ammu nition for these ro inch muzzle loader, smooth lbores has been ordered an'd.

Is now being prepared at the government magazines at Fort Mifflin. Pennsylvania Pensions. WASHINGTON. March 17. These Penn sylvania pensions have been Issued: Orig nal J.

M. Wagner, urcen uasue, mi; nyi vester Rpldin, Emporium, Renewal and increase Henry A. Weiand, Allen own. s(i to S8. Increase James R.

Camp Mi Transfer. Mercer. to James H. Heans. New Wilmington.

Lawrence, $8 to $10; Washington McGowan. Rock Hill Furnace, Huntingdon. $8 to J10. Reissue Byron Smith, Townville, Crawford, $8. Reissue and increase Thomas O.

Cloyd, Or bisenia, Huntingdon, to $10. Original widow, etc. Mary A. Page, Pittsburg, S8; Ellen Huff. White Deer.

Union. Wil helmina Glascow, Chester, $8, special March Mary E. Smith, Cool Spring, Jefferson, $12; Eiiza Moon, Sharon, $12; Margaret A. Brown, Marion Center, Indiana, Mary S. linger, Reading, minor of James E.

Anderson, Fern Grove, York, $1(1; Mary Ann Hartranft, Terre Hill, Lancaster, Elizabeth Spoonholler, Pittsburg, Ann Lowthert, Mahanoy Plains, i in The Sheriff Closed It. COLUMBIA, March 17. Sheriff Myers today closed the works of the Columbia Brush company on two executions aggregating The company was one of the largest in the United States and employed 2Kt hands. Dr. Warren Resigned.

HARRISBURG. March 17. Dr. B. H.

Warren, economic zoologist of the department of agriculture, tendered his resignation to Hon. Thomas J. Edge, secretary of that bureau, yesterday. The resignation, which was referred to Gov. Hastings, was accepted tonight.

A Misunderstood Decision. From the Washington Post. The decision of the United States supreme court In the Nebraska maximum case has been misapprehended, and, therefore, misrepresented in a num bir of newspapers. It Is not "a denial of the power of a state to regulate freight rates within Its boundaries," but it puts a Unfit to that right, A state may reduce exorbitant rates, 'but it can not force a road to carry freights at a loss. GEO LEO'S SPEECH Banquet to the Officers of the French Cruiser.

OPINIONS ON THE SITUATION Spain Will Defend Her Possession of Cuba to the Last Drop of Blood. Found in the Wreck of the Maine. Gen. Lee Will Remain at His Post. HAVANA, March 17.

General Blanco at the banquet last night to the officers of the Viscaya and the Almiiante Oquendo. toasted "The king, the queen regent, the army and the navy of Spain." He said. "The present gener ation will never see another 'banner thaw that of Spain, at the entrance to the gulf of Mexico. That banner, representing civilization, progress, liberty, humanity and religion, will be eternal, like that of the first American nation." These sentiments were received with shouts of approval and cheers. Admiral Manterola, responding on behalf of the navy, said: "In union the army and navy will always be indestructible." La Union1 Constitucional publishes today numerous Interviews with leading politicians and other authorities on the atuation.

The trend of all is to the effect that there is no reason for war, but that Spain would defend her possession of Cuba to the last drop of blood. Some of the prominent Cubans interviewed are represented as aaying that Spain can count on. the support of all peaceable Creolef j. La Lucha, in today's issue, says editorially that Juan Cemballos. of New York city, who recently visited President McKinley for an interview on the Cuban has no authority from or standing in Cuba or Spain, and asks, "Whom does Senor Ceballos represent in Cuba?" The American yacht Buccaneer, whi ti has been expected here to take the remainder of the congressional party north, is more than 40 hours overdue at the time thia dispatch is filed, and there are fears that some accident has befallen her.

Messrs. Money, Smith and Cummings decided not to wait longer and left for Key West today on the Arkansas. It is hoped the wreckers will find tampions in the big guns, and if this proves to be the case the guns can be saved. If otherwise and the marine growth has ruined the steel of the cores, the breech mechanism can be used in other guns. Today another one pounder and two of the three anchors, with their chains, all very valuable, were raised, and the sword of First Lieutenant of Marines Catlin.

and Lieutenant F. W. Jenkins. The two battalions of Havana volunteers are drilling in heavy artillery exercises at the Cuban fortress. 'rut Vtaraim ta tlll pnnliniy and it is liow announced that she will probably not goto Mexico.

The Montgomery left this port for Key West. General Paulo is expected to arrive tonight. Consul General Lee, interviewed today as to the report that he had applied for H. Maitland Kersey's former position as New York agent of the White Star line, said there was no truth in it whatever. 'I have not made and do not con template making application," said General "for any place of any kind.

I purpose staying here to look after the American interests until my own or the Spanish government demands my recall." DELAWARE REPUBLICANS Ex Sonator Thos. V. Cooper Endorsed for Governor. MEDIA, Pa March 17. The Repub lican county convention, here today was marked by perfect harmony.

it lasted only two hours. Ex Congressman John B. Robinson was chairman and ex Senator Thomas V. Cooper was endorsed for governor with a rush. He got 232 delegates to six for Henry W.

Myer of Radnor, one for John Wana maker. two for Thomas J. Clayton and two for W. A. Stone The ticket in cluded assemblymen Thomas H.

Garvin of Sharon Hill. Ward R. Bliss or cnes ter and Richard J. Baldwin of Birmingham. The state delegates are Jared Darlington, W.

S. Ellis, John B. Han num. Theodore F. Kreeger, William J.

McClure. W. S. McDowell and John S. Rogers.

AMONG THE PUGILISTS Tho Fight of Lavigne and Daly was Draw Twenty ltounus. ICT.EVEILA'ND. March 17. The twenty round go ibetween Kid Lavigne and Jack for the lightweight championship of the world at the Central armory tonight resulted in a draw. The fighting was fast and furious from the start, but the contestants were so evenly matched that neither could gain an advantage over the other sufficient to get a decision in.

his favor. There was good scientific work from the start, but 1, 4.... while both jaonert irequeniiy in me Lavigne landed oftener. The second and third were oom warm, Daly bruising the Kid's eye in the former with a left drive. In the fourth ILaviene went down twice.

The fifth. sixth and seventh were quick ones, with ihonors fairly even. 'rom this point to the end it was even up, men ranaing inaru anu uncit and both doing fine work. The decision was entirely fair. Barry Defeated Connors.

CHICAGO. March 17 Jimmy Barry of Chicago defeated Johnny Connors of Springfield. in a six round contest at Tattersall's tonight before a crowd of 7.000 people. Both men weighed close to 110. Connors having a trifle the best of the weight.

He put up a game right hut was never In it at any stage anu Barry battered him all around the ring in the last three rounds. The fight between Jack Kvernarat r.i Orleans and Kid mcuiynn ot Philadelphia was stopped by the polwe in the fifth round. MeGly.m was very groggy. English farthings are no longer likely 1c be mistaken lor nan crowns. iur now mcy are minted not only of different size, and design but even of a different color, being dull bronze.

Indications. WASHINGTON. March 17. Forecast forN Friday: For eastern rennsyivania air 3 nnrtherlv winds. For Western Pennsylvania Fair and colder; light ncrth rly winds, DecaminB varmuic NEW YORK.

March 18. The Herald's weather forecast: In the middle states and New England today clear and fair, colder, brlk to fresh northwesterly and westerly winds, with some cloudlnesa and possibly rain In the southern part of this section. i.