The Tribune from Scranton, Pennsylvania • Page 1

a of the the a the the of the the the the the 86. 106 PAGES The THIRTY-FIRST REPORT OF THE COURT Not Known When the Document Will Arrive. IS EXPECTED IN A FEW DAYS The President Has Suggested that the Report Be Made as Soon as Possible--Cabinet Discussed the Matter Yesterday. ACTIVITY IN NAVAL CIRCLES Pay-roll of the Construction ment for March for the Army and Navy. Contracts for Projectiles.

WASHINGTON. March 18. An air of suspense was noticeable in the navy department today due to the approach of the time for the delivery of the report of the court of inquiry. It is not known just when the document will come to Washington and of course in view of the reports of the determination of outside parties to obtain possession of it before the department receives the report, the officials, if they know, will not say how the papers are to be brought to Washington. All that is known definitely is that the president has suggested that the report be made as soon as possible and in consequence, it is expected to reach this chine in the course of two or three days.

cabinet today talked over the matter and the time stated was the general opinion of the members when they had heard all that Secretary Long had to report on the subject. There is an impression that Lieutenant Commander Marix will bring the document, though it is within Admiral Sicard's power to choose any other officer. A cabinet officer expressed the belief that the repor: will require careful consideration on the part of the president and his cabinet before given to the public which seems postpone publication to some time about the middle of next week. although nothing is certain on that point. THE NEW NAVAL SQUADRON.

The new naval policy embodied in the creation of another squadron to rendezvous at Hampton Roads was also discussed at the cabinet meeting at length today and received unanimous al. In fact some surprise was expressed at the delay on the part of the navy department in taking some such step to ensure the protection of the more valuable ports along the North Atlantic, the gathering of a uselessly surplus fleet at Key West being regarded in the nature of putting all of our eggs in one basket. THE AMAZONAS. The San Francisco reported her arrival from Lisbon at Gravesend today. Under orders the commander will divide his crew with the Amazonas and sail at the earliest possible moment for the United States convoying the new ship.

Beyond the Amazonas, her sister ship Abreuall, and the Mayflower, no purchases of ships have been made by the navy department. A number of fleet steam yachts owned in the United States are being offered to the department and it is probable that some of these will be purchased. Secretary Long takes the view that failing to secure the torpedo boat destroyers he wants, the best plan is for him to equip some of these speedy boats with torpedo tubes and light batteries and improvise torpedo boats. THE ITALIAN CRUISER. The navy department is convinced that the Spanish government has not acquired possession of the Varese, the Italian armored cruiser.

It would not, how ver, be a matter of deep concern if the report were true. The department itself had the vessel in mind as possible acquisition, 'but abandoned the idea upon learning that she could not be made ready for service in less than three or four months, which practically her out of consideration as an emergeney purchase. The gunboat Newport reported her arrival by cable the navy department from Greytown. She will bring back to the United States the Nicaragua canal commission and will then be attached at once to the North Atlantic squadron. ACTIVITY IN NAVAL CIRCLES.

Some idea of the activity prevailing in naval circles is given by the statement that the pay roll of the construetion department, only one of several departments in the Mare Island navy yard, for March was $50.000. This great expenditure for the month, it is said, was not equalled during the late war. It is said to be the purpose of the president and his advisers to keep a separate and distinct account of all funds expended from the $50.000.000 emergency appropriation made by congress for the national defense. In accordance with this intention a separate form of requisition has been prepared, and all amounts allotted from the are made upon the direct order signed by the president himself. "The president wants to report to congress just how every cent of this money is spent," said a member of the cabinet today, "and for this reason is adopting the course above outlined." The amount paid for the Mayflower was about 6400,000.

RECRUITING IN ARMY AND NAVY. Recruiting is going on apace at all stations for the army and navy. The Michigan at Erie. has enlisted 35 anen so far, and good reports come from all quarters. The Columbia.

and the Minneapolis are still 210 men each short of their proper force. This is accounted for by the fact that firemen, machinists and coal passers are wanted. An officer at this department said that 5,000 landsmen could be secured in a day if they were desired. MOVEMENTS OF VESSELS. The Marblehead is at Tampa.

The little Bancroft, on her way across the ocean, reported by cable her arrival today at Horta, Fayal. She appears to making about as good time as her large consort, the Helena. The Samoset arrived at Key West today, as did the Montgomery, while the Detroit sailed from that port for Tortugas. The Massachusetts has arrived at Boston, where she will have slight repairs made. CONTRACTS FOR PROJECTILES.

The ordnance bureau of the war departinent today awarded contracts for a large number of steel armor-piercing and deck-piercing projectiles for the fortifications guns. There were several bidders, but instead of giving the contract to one concern, the bureau dividTHE Republican is ed the contracts so that supplies will coming from several quarters at the same time. The award is as follows: Carpenter Steel company, 150 eightinch shot, 300 ten-inch armor-piercing shot, 150 ten-inch armor-piercing shell; 250 twelve-inch deck-piercing shell deck 800 pounds each; 228 twelve-inch shell pounds each. Sterling Steel company, 100 eightpiercing 150 ten-inch armor piercing shot; 250 inch armor piercing 250 deck piercing shell of 800 pounds each; 205 twelve-inch deck piercing shell of 1,000 pounds each. Midvale Steel company, 680 twelveinch deck piercing shell of 800 pounds each; 344 twelve-inch deck piercing shell, 1,000 pounds each.

THE CABINET AND CUBA. Nothing of special importance was developed at today's cabinet meeting beyond the fact that the report of the Maine court of inquiry is not expected before the early part of next week. A's has been the case at every cabinet meeting during the last month and more, the entire session was consumed in the discussion Cuban situation and it can be stated good authority then 'that no plan of action will be definitely decided upon pending the arrival of the report on Maine investigation. Every phase of the several questions involved is being carefully thoughtfully considered and it is believed that very soon after the report received, the president, possibly in conjunction with congress, will announce a definite policy. Until then nothing of 8.

decisive character will be done or decided upon. Senator Hawley of Connecticut today said that it was the to get through congress as possible the three battalion military bill which was introduced at the suggestion of the department in both houses yesterday, for strengthering the military arm of the service and providing for its increase to 104,000 men if necessary. WAR NOT LOOKED FOR. Senor Manuel Rafael Angelo, who here as special delegate of the Cuban cabinet to the conference for the negotiation of commercial treaties between the United States, Cuba and Spain, said today: do not believe there is to be conflict between the United States and Spain over Cuba, 'because since the death of Senor Canovas, the policy has been such that the United States have no pretext or cause of resentment, neither as a nation nor as fender of the rights of the people of the western continent, in their conflicts with the European nations, because Spain in the use of its sovereign will, following the suggestion of the United States go government, has granted to people of Cuba all the liberties compatible with the historical rights Spain over the island of Cuba, as recognized by all civilized nations, United States included." NAVAL PERSONNEL BILL. By request of Secretary Long, issue as to the enactment into law of the naval personnel bill will not be precipitated until the naval appropriation bill is passed by the House.

This change of view of the administration was communicated to the House committee on naval affairs by Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt, who appeared before the committee at the request of Secretary Long. The object of deferring the personnel bill is that its bill adoption as a rider on the appropriation would jeopardize its passage at this time. VESUVIUS' MOVEMENTS. The report that the Vesuvius had been sighted early in the day coming through the Virginia capes headed for Washington gave rise to a rumor that she was bringing the report of the naval board of inquiry to Washington. This, however, could not be confirmed from any official source.

At the navy department it was admitted that the Vesuvius was bound for Washington, but it was explained that she was coming merely for repairs to her armament. and it was denied that she had on board any member of the naval board or that she was carrying the report of that body. The Vesuvius did not reach Washington tonight, but it was reported at the navy yard that she anchored off the government proving grounds at Indian Head about 8 o'clock, when she was met by the big navy yard tug Triton, which returned to the yard about 9 p. m. It was denied that the Triton brought any one from the Vesuvius to Washington.

Secretary Long went to bed at 9 o'clock with strict orders not to be disturbed. and Assistant Secretary of State Day spent the evening at the theater, stopping for a few minutes only at the white a house. where he had a talk with the president in the presence of the other members of the family. THE SPANISH FLOTILLA. The navy department has the following list of the Spanish torpedo flotilla now halted at the Canary islands: Torpedo destroyers Terror, Furore and Pluton, each of 380 tons and a speed 28 knots: torpedo boats Azon, 127 tons.

25 knots: Ragor, 120 tons. 2 knots; Artiste, 128 tons. 25 knots, and Ciudad de Cadiz, 120 and 22 knots. METHODIST CONFERENCE Interesting Statistics of the Sunday School Union. DANVILLE.

March third day's session of the thirtieth annual session of the Central Pennsylvania conference of the M. E. church was called to order by Bishop E. Andrews. Devotional exercises were conducted by Rev.

W. A. Stevens. After the reports of E. M.

Allen, statistical secretary, and Assistant Treasurer E. M. Piper, Rev. W. W.

Cradle presented a resolution relative of restricting the Central Pennsylvania conference, concerning which the conference will vote tomorrow. Dr. Freeman, secretary of the Sunday School union, was introduced to the conference told of the great work of the union, there being 31,000 Sunday schools, 350,000 officers and teachers, and 2,600,000 scholars of the Methodist denomination. There were 127,000 conversions in the Sunday schools during the year past, and an average of 100,000 during the last six years. Dr.

Sheldon of the Boston School of Oratory, spoke of the work of the school. Dr. Sheldon occupies the chair of systematic theology there. He said their attendance was 160 in the last year, 100 of whom have college diplomas. Fifty men have gone from this school into the foreign mission field.

Dr. Sheldon cordially invited the members of the Central Pennsylvania conference to attend their commencement exercises at Boston next May. Dr. Payne, secretary of the Methodist board of education, stated that this educational board had aided in educating 1.754 students in 132 institutions of learning, in 24 different languages, between 30 and 40 of whom are supported by the $1,700 given last year by this conference. The collection taken on children's day, which goes to the board of education, might easily be doubled, and in consequence a double advantage gained.

Shipment of Guns. BETHLEHEM, March 18. The Bethlehem Iron company tonight shipped three five-inch guns. jackets and hoops to the Washington navy yard. SCRANTON Delivered at More SATURDAY BUSINESS SITUATION No Change in the Onward Current of Prosperity.

FOREIGN ORDERS FOR GOLD Exports of Products Have Considerably Increased--The Great Industries Show Steady Expansion--The Outgo of Cotton Surpasses all Expectations--Wheat Moves in Spite of Speculation. NEW YORK, March G. Dun Co's. weekly review of trade tomorrow will say: Neither peace nor war reports have changed the onward current of business. Orders for more than $2,500,000 gold from Europe have blocked the way stringency for rates in money and treasury receipts of about $1,100,000 per day have kept in check any question about the currency, while exports of products continued and were considerably increased, and the demand for products great industries shows steady expansion.

Prompt action by the Senate and House has removed all fear of embarrassment through conflicting purposes at Washington. The government is making ready without any waste of time, while frankly assuring everybody that it looks for a peaceful settlement and hopes that its preparations: may MERCHANDISE prove unnecessary. EXPORTS. The backbone of the situation is the excess of merchandise exports, again more than $41,000,000 in February, with an increase of $2.600,000 in miscellaneous products, $2,100,000 in provisions, $4,500,000 in cotton and 000 in breadstuffs compared with last year and $15,100,000 in all products. two weeks of March exports have been 16 per cent.

larger than last year, and imports have gained but 8.7 per although especially swelled by receipts of India rubber, sugar and hides. The outgo of cotton surpasses all expectations, though the price was stronger last week, and the export demand apparently paid no attention to market fluctuations. Receipts from plantations continue much greater than at the corresponding date from the largest crop heretofore produced, SO that guesses future crop are now the main reliance of speculators. MOVEMENT OF WHEAT. 'Wheat also moves in spite of all speculation.

Atlantic exports, flour Included, have been 1,824,569 bushels against 1,253,380 last year, and from Pacific ports 1.371,826 bushels against 268,505 last year, making for three weeks from both coasts. 10,659,125 bushels against 4,338,441 last year, The price has varied with conflicting reports, but closed higher for the week. Wool shows no change in quotations, though eastern markets are extremely dull, and the indifference of manufacturers has made transactions only 300 pounds, against 10,981,900 for corresponding week last year, and 1 5,088,200 for corresponding week in 1896. The London market is rather higher and holders in the interior are expecting a material advance in prices. COTTON AND WOOLEN GOODS.

Little encouragement appears in the market for cotton goods, with print cloths a sixteenth lower than a week ago and standard grades undersold by many of less note. The demand is large, but not large enough. In woolen goods, on the contrary, the advance in prices has raised the only obstacle to increased transactions, and somewhat frequent cancellations indicate that dealers have been disappointed in their distribution. The small yielding in wool may result in a greater decline if this tendency in the manufacture continues. IRON AND STEEL MARKET.

Bessemer pig and grey forge are both slightly stronger at Pittsburg, the proposed combination of valley furnaces helping, but pig is not changed in price elsewhere, nor are finished products at any point, excepting wire nails, which are 5 cents per keg weaker, and steel rails, which are said to be sold at $17.50 at the eastern establishments. Contracts have been made for 10,000 tons, with eastern works for domestic delivery service, 12,000 tons for Australia, 8,000 tons. with 7,000 tons bridge work for South Africa, and the Illinois Steel company is filled with orders for the year. The Carnegie company has sold 5,000 tons plates to ship builders of England, and several Chicago orders for plates exceeding 1,000 tons each a are for railroads, car and agricultural implement manufacturers and projectile works. Failures for the week have been 208 in the United States against 216 last year and 27 in Canada against 50 last year.

Bradstreets' Report. NEW YORK, March will say tomorrow: The aggrevolume of the country's business continues sufficiently large to allow of favorable comparisons with past riods alike in this and in preceding years, Aside from a quieting in deat a few leading eastern markets, where uncertainty as to the outcome of foreign complications is advanced as a reason for unwillingness to embark in new business, the situation is one possessing nearly ali of the favorable features noted for some time past. KEYSTONE ACADEMY Prize Declamation Contest of the Young Ladies. Special to The Republican. FACTORYVILLE, March prize declamation contest of the young ladies of Keystone academy took place in the Baptist church this evening.

Long before 8 o'clock every available seat in the house had been occupied. The aisles were filled with chairs, and still some persons had to stand. At 8 o'clock the march was begun, and as the fair contestants gracefully advanced the audience involuntarily burst into applause. After the invocation special chorus of mixed voices rendered Geibel's "'Tis Morn' with good effect. Miss Kemerer was the first speaker.

She described a Russian Christmas and a skating scene with great vividness. Her gestures were harmonious with the plece and graceful. Miss Agnes Button pictured the death of a Roman sentinel during an eruption of Vesuvius. The speaker had a very good conception of her piece. The audience leaned forward with intense interest as Miss Burroughs, with considerable dramatic skill, told of "A Ride for the Great rapidity of action characterized the piece.

Miss Paterson's story won the sympathy of the audience at once by the delicacy of her touch on the pathetic parts of her piece. fine appreciation of the charREPUBLICAN. Scranton punishment that awaited them." It is asserted, the central and western provinces being pacified, General BlanCO is about starting extensive operations with eighty battalions and large volunteer forces, to destroy the insurgent power in Eastern Cuba. General Blanco will direct his efforts especially to demolish what is described as "the more or less embryonic ization which has enabled the rebels to maintain the appearance of government." It is understood that the report of the Spanish naval court upon' the Maine disaster will be retained until the American report is published. Senor Sagasta, premier, says that the journey of the torpedo squadron, now at the Canaries, to has not been indefinitely postponed.

The tone of the press is more hopeful, but financial circles are still uneasy. WANAMAKER'S FIGHT CONTINUES HIS CAMPAIGN IN LANCASTER COUNTY. The Two Wars That Threaten the American People -He Favors Arbitrating the Whole Spanish Question. LANCASTER, March John Wanamaker continued his campaign in this county when he addressed a big mass meeting in the borough of Ephrata tonight. At 8 o'clock the hall in which the meeting was held was jammed to the doors and hundreds were turned away.

The candidate in his opening remarks dissected the Quay circular distributed at the close of the Wanamaker meating in this city last Wednesday night in which he was designated as a member of the importers' syndicate. He said he employed 7,700 workingmen and if any one should show that circular to any of these, such person would be in danger of being mobbed. In the course of his address, he said: "Two wars threaten the American people today-Spain and Quay. One is a national question, in which Pennsylvania Pennsylvania is interested. in The which other the is la question nation is interested.

The United States cannot embark in war without involving Pennsylvania, and the Republican party of Pennsylvania cannot engage in battle upon fundamental principles without involving the Republican party wherever it exists. "It is not a question of de Lome, the discarded minister of Spain, and President McKinley. ped of all verbiage, it is a serious is a an question of principles. Stripdowna'ble question of right and wrong. "In times of peace Spain stands for the same custody of our battleship Maine that America stood for Spain's battleship Viscaya while she was afloat in New York harbor.

"Quay stands not as an individual. I have no quarrel with him personally, but as a representative of the state administration and defiant fortified leader of public affairs in our commonwealth for the past twenty years, more or less. Spain must make an accounting for our buried ship and entombed seamen-for the dignity of our flag. We are not fixing the responsibilities of the present situation or indulging in untimely reflection. "Do we demand war? Never.

Since Lee's surrender at Appomatox the birds have built their nest in the cannon's mouth and the swords have been beaten into pruning hooks and plowshares, or shelved in museums to illustrate the history of emancipation of millions of blacks. "But, we do unitedly and unceasingly insist upon all possible reparation for the sinking of the Maine, and above all, for honors due to a peaceful nation. "Superbly has our president held himself in this irritating and distracting time, and nobly has our congress supported him. It is better to be slow than to rude, and it is better to be right than to be rash; but caution and resoluteness and rigid justice must march abreast to maintain the dignity of the United States--the greatest republic of the earth. requires from and Spain settlement prompt of recognition her rights, as the safeguard of her own standing nations of the best, earth.

"Let the whole question of: the strained relations between the tons be referred for adjustment to five of our sister a nations, two to be chosen by the United States and two by Spain, and these four so chosen to select the fifth arbitrator, with instructions to close up all questions in thirty days. Then the shadow of fear will lift and the country can start up again to develop its industries and fulfill its mission." ATTACKED IN A SALOON A Murderous Assault Last Night on North Main Street. PITTSTON, March about 8 o'clock a affray took place in a vile that is murderous, run by a Pole named Walukas 011 North Main street, and for a time the whole neighhorhood was brought out by cries of "murder." Yesterday was pay day at the Newton colliery, and in consequence these foreigners filled the saloons in the locality. One of these was in Walukas' place, and in a jiffy he was pounced upon, and with ten against one the stranger was murderously attacked. One of the offenders was a woman, who, with a knife a foot long, slashed the victim across the head and' face, while the others belabored him with chairs until he was insensible, and just as they were about to finish their murderous work Louis Hindman, ja broke in the door, which was locked, and knocked the crowd to the four corners of the dive.

The victim was brought down to the station, city ambulance summoned and he tas later taken to the hospital. At this writing he is in a precarious condition. Constable Bennett and Chief Loftus arrested the gang and they were lbcked up. House of Representatives. WASHINGTON, March House spent another day on the postoffice appropriation bill, but only disposed of two pages of the bill.

Most of the day was devoted to a debate on the merits of pneumatic tube mail service in New York, Boston and Philadelphia, and the advisability of continuing the existing contract. An effort to strike out the appropriation of $225,000 was defeated, but the opponents of the appropriation succeeded an securing the adoption of an amendment providing that no additional contracts should be made. Marine Intelligence. NEW YORK. March 18.

-Cleared Etruria, for Liverpool; Kaiser Wilhelm. for Naples, Genoa, Spaarndam, for Rotterdam. Arrived: Campanta, from Liverpool. LIVERPOOL. March 18-Arrived: Lucania, from New York.

HAVRE. March La Gascogne, from New York. NAPLES, March Ems, for: New York, via Gibraltar PAGES Residences MORNING, MARCH of her story she mirrored its subtlest emotions. The old lady's prayer and death were very affecting. Miss Potter is an artist.

Her "Royal Bowman" was her own. So thoroughly was she in touch with this great piece that it seemed almost as though it was her own creation. The heartless tyrant, the pathetic scenes all seemed to respond as to a master as she spoke. Her voice was powerful and clear, her gestures realistic. and the audience enthusiastic in applause.

The chorus rendered several songs and Prof. Fisk sang "Conquered," which was well received. Miss Watkins threw her whole energy into the terrific action of Ben Hur's chariot race, her facial expression, her clear voice, her inimical gestures all bespoke deep interpretation. natural dramatic power and careful training. The audience was completely captivated and greeted her with wild applause.

As she sat down Miss Bard caught the spirit of her piece and with masterly control of her voice and body made every one feel the excitement of the boat race; every muscle responded and uttered its thought and gave its vigor and grace to the piece. The judges were' Rev. E. K. Thomas of Montrose.

Rev. H. Pease of Eatonville. Fred L. Stark, of Scranton.

The decision gave the prize to Miss Sara Watkins. and honorable mention to Miss Anna Bard. ON THE BATTLESHIP. COURT OF INQUIRY CONTINUES ITS SESSIONS. Don't Know When It Will Report.

New York and Iowa Supplied with Ammunition--Double Watches. KEY WEST. March court of inquiry is diligently continuing its sessions on board the battleship Iowa, and judging from statements made by members, it is quite problematical how many more days will pass before the public learns its conclusions. "The court is still hard at work," said Captain Sampson. "I have just left my confreres.

It is utterly impossible to say when our report will be ready. If I surmise the date and you reported, I am afraid something would occur that would defeat the expectation and only serve to disappoint the anxious public. When the report is ready, it will not be for us to make the announcement. Washington, I presume, will do If a preliminary report had already been sent to Washington, Captain Sampson apparently knew nothing of it. It the course of the afternoon while the court continued in session without any coming out of the cabin, large quantities of ammunition was taken on board.

The same took place on the New York. Both ships are now better supplied with ammunition than they have been at any time before. At 4 o'clock this afternoon the regular hour during previous sessions of the court for adjournment, Captain Chadwick and Lieutenant Commander Potter entered a gig and were rowed to the New York. Judge Advocate Marix 1S staying on board the Iowa. The court will resume its sessions tomorrow.

Unusual precautions are observed on the New York and the Iowa, double harbor, passes watches on its way enforced. into Every the harbor craft is subjected to the closest scrutiny of searchlights. Both vessels are ready to pull out at 15 minutes' notice, and special attention is being given to the instruction of the sailors in small arms and firing practice. Tomorrow the court will devote considerable time to the preparation of diagrams showing parts of the Maine as found after the explosion. CHINA HELPLESS FRUITLESS MISSION OF HER AMBASSADOR IN RUSSIA.

Additional French Demands -A Reply Within Eight Days Insisted Up-Occupation of HalNan Threatened. LONDON, March is announced today, in a dispatch to the Times from Pekin, that the mission of Shu-KingChen, the Chinese minister to Germany, who was sent to St. Petersburg in an effort to prevail upon Russia to modify her demands upon China, has been unsuccessful, and there is no alternative but to to Russian demands, which included the surrender of sovereign rights over Port Arthur and Talien-Wan, and the right to construct a railroad to Port Arthur. PEKIN, March French demand of China in addition to those cabled last night, that China shall not cede any portion of the four provinces of Kwang-Tung, Kwang-Si, Yun-Nan and Kwei Chau; that the railroad from Lung-Chau-Ting, on the northern frontier of Tonquin, shall be extended. via Pase, Siam, into the Yun-Naen province, and that coaling station be granted to France at Lei-Chau-Fuf in the Han-Chau peninsula, north of HaiNan; that the director of the imperial postoflice be a Frenchman, evidently with a view to separating it from the control of Sir Robert Hart, the director of the Chinese imperial maritime customs.

The cession of a coaling station at Kwang-Chau is demanded on the same terms as those by which KiaoChau bay was ceded to Germany, with a railroad concession to include excessive mining privileges. Eight days are allowed China in which to reply to the French demands, and the terms of the demands are interpreted to mean that the French will occupy the province of Hai-Nan unless the Chinese comply. AT LEAGUE ISLAND Coaling of the Cruiser and Monitor. A Cargo of Torpedoes. PHILADELPHIA, March at the League Island navy yard today included the unlocking of the seagoing tug Leyden, the continuation of the coaling of the cruiser Columbia and the making ready of the monitor Miantonomoh for an immediate response to the sailing orders that are momentarily expected.

It is said that when the tug Samoset sailed for Key West recently she carried a cargo of torpedoes from the naval magazine adjoining Fort Miffin. The Samoset's first orders were to convey to Key West the barge Edith Howes, laden with coal for the fleet, but this mission has since been transferred to tug Leyden, which awaits sailing orders. Only 10 applicants for enlistment on the Minneapolis and Columbia proved acceptable today. Over 200 men are still needed. Father Aust Robbed.

HAZLETON, March Aust. a. member of the prosecuting committee having in charge the prosecution of Sheriff Martin and his deputies, was robbed at his home here last night of a gold watch, $75 in cash and other valuables. The inmates of the house were chloroformed by the robbers. Than Any Other 1898 PLANS OF M'KINLEY Recognition of Independence and a Peace Policy.

CONDITIONS OF SETTLEMENT Establishment of an Advanced Form of Autonomy an Alternative--Considering Advisability of Delaying Action Until After Cuban Elections--Significance of Proctor's StatementMaine Matter May Not Provoke War. I WASHINGTON. March 18-The events of the past 24 hours make it clear that the time is close at hand when the policy of the administration with regard to Cuba will be revealed. It is believed to involve the recognition of Cuban independence, or a demand for the e3- tablishment of an advanced form autonomy, and the assumption by the United States of an attitude of defense. The first was intimated in the striking speech of Senator Proctor yesterday afternoon.

This speech had more than personal bearing. Whatever disclaimers the Vermont senator might make was evident that what he said was with the knowledge and approval ot the president. He returned from Cuba on Sunday. Not a day has passed since then in which he has not been at the white house. On Monday he was shut up with president nearly half of afternoon.

The manuscript from which he read his statements to the senate was pasted here and there and full of erasures and corrections, showing that it had been carefully edited and revised. The manner of delivery was impressive. The mere fact that the speech was interpolated into proceedings which bore no relation to the Cuban problein significant. For Senator Proctor does not often speak, and on this occasion was plain that he regarded his own utterance as having weight. It seemed to those who listened to him as though the president had seized this opportunity at this particular time to give to the public an idea of the sort of information upon which he intended to base his future action.

The Vermont senator described the dreadful condition of affars in Cuba with relentless simplicity, declared that the only thing Spain possessed in the was what her army sat upon, significant of ail, islands asserted that it was too late for autonomy too late for peace in Cuba under Spanish rule. Coming as it did almost directly from the president, the members of senate who listened closely to the speech the administration plan. regarded it as unerringly indicativated from consideration every proposed solution of the Cuban problem except that of independence, and left it to that this what recognizing, the president had in mind. The statement was emphatically made that the Cubans were able to govern themselves, and this is a sifinificant It appears from the trend of discussion in the caginet that the administration is seriously considering the adviability of accepting the Spanisn minister's suggestion to defer action er the elections in Cuba on April 23, in order that more may be learned of the sentiment of the voters of Cuba with reference to home rule. Should this programme be adopted it would mean the continuance of nominal Spanish supremacy and the Spanish fleet would still float at Havana.

It is regarded in administration circles that the establishment of an advanced form of autonomy would be equivalent to granting independence and would differ but name. Should independence be recognized, the other feature of the president's policy it is thought will be to prepare for any aggressive movement Spain may see fit to make. Not a step will be taken by the United States in the direction of an offensive war. Peace will be maintained unless Spain shall fire the first shot. This policy seems to be foreshadowed in the movement of ships which was determined upon yesterday, the secretary of the navy Issuing orders for the detachment of the first-class battleship Massachusetts and the second-class battleship Texas from the squadron of Admiral now in rendezvous at Key West and Dry Tortugas and their attachment to a new fleet to formed for the defense of the northern coast of the States.

fleet will consist, besides the battleships, of the armored cruiser Brooklyn at present at Norfolk and the fast commerce destroyers Columbia and Minneapolis. It is practically assured that the ram Kathadin and the monitor Miantonomoh, lately commissioned 111 Philadelphia, will also be added to this strong squadron. It this movement means anything, it means that Spain hittitude given no possible excuse in the of the United States navy for aggressive actionAs for the Maine incident, acute though it may seem to the people generally, there is no fear in administration circies that it will prove a cause for but it is thought that its settiement is close at hand. THE SPANISH FLAG TO FLOAT Rumored Proposition From Spain to Our Government. NEW YORK.

March was rumored today that message had been received in the city from Washington to the effect that the cabinet was favorably disposed to a proposition from Spain providing for the withdrawal of the Spanish troops from the island of Cuba, leaving the Spanish flag floating there in case the United States fleet should be recalled from Key West. When the attention of President Palma of the Cuban junta was called to this rumor, which purported to have its origin in an official quarter in Washington, he replied: "Well, that would satisfy the Cubans, and I assure you we see to it that the Spanish flag would be very quickly supplanted by our own, 'Cuba libre' is our motto, and it will never agree even ad interim to the acceptance of anything short of absolute independence." SPANISH TORPEDO FLOTILLA Why it was Stopped Denial, Blanco Takes the Field. MADRID, March Imparcial today says that the orders to the torpedo flotilla to remain at the Canary islands are due to the government's desire that the squadron should be escorted to Cuba by a cruiser and for no other reason. General Weyler denies the authenticity of the letter published in a New York paper yesterday in which he is alleged to have said the United States would not dared to send a warship to Havana while he was in mand there. Knowing "the terrible Newspaper.

PRICE TWO CENTS GALLINGER'S REPORT Nothing Can Exaggerate the Misery in Cuba. SITUATION IS INDESCRIBABLE A Condition of Utter Wretchedness and Destitution--The Reconcentrados are Perishing by the Thousands. The Spanish Soldiers Know Nothing About Modern Warfare--NaNa- tives for Independence. WASHINGTON. March Gallinger was at the capitol today for the first time since his return from Cuba.

When requested to make a statement as to observations on the condition of affairs on that island he responded: "You can sign my name to any picture you may draw of utter wretchedness. destitution and hellishness in that country. The conditions of affairs. so far as I had opportunity to observe it, and I was only in Havana and Matanzas, is simply indescribable. I had not expected to find it half so bad as it is and I do not believe anyone who simply reads the accounts and does not see for himself can form an idea of the situation.

The reconcentrados are wedged into all available places in those cities and are perishing by the thousands for want of the commonest necessaries of life. The best information obtainable leads to the conclusion that there have been beyond a doubt 400.000 deaths as a result of Spain's brutal policy, and the tragedy goes on from day to day. The society of the Red Cross is furnishing some relief by its efforts, but the most of those people are beyond the reach of aid, whether through medicine or food. The mortality in Matanzas for the last four months previous to our visit had been equal to 10 minutes the ordinary death rate. "With reference to the military aspect of affairs in Cuba, I saw nothing which impressed me with the idea that Spain knows much about modern warfare.

The soldiers I saw are not drilled soldiers are. Indeed they lack every element of soldierly bearing, whatever may be said of their merits as fighters. The drills that I witnessed were a travesty on modern military ideas "Naturally there was much the Maine disaster. and SO could ascertain from my cont with Americans and with the entirely under the influence of the iards, the opinion was universe the Maine had been destroyed external agency and almost person with whom I discusse subject in Cuba expects that the of the Amrican court of inquiry, stantiate this view. "There is a divergence of opine the island as to the probabilities between Spain and the United States, and I am sure that I am within the a bounds of the truth when I say that almost the entire native population would welcome any turn: of events, however tragic, that would wrest Cuba from Spanish dominion.

This is true not only of those who are avowedly favorable to a war for independence, but of many of those who are ranked as ish sympathizers, but who are at heart advocates of Cuban independence. The fact is that even in Havana the allegiance to Spain is of a very weak and doubtful character. and if war should come. it will be found that there will be an uprising in that city against the mother country, which would be a most important factor in shortening the contest and deciding against Spain." SEVENTY CORPSES A Terrible Mine Explosion In the Province of Cordova, Spain. 'MADRID, March terrible explosion took place today in the Santa Isabel mine at Belmez, province of Cordova.

Seventy corpses have already been recovered and many men are as yet unaccounted for. Five of those res'cued alive died later. CRUISER AMAZONAS The Stars and Stripes Float Over the Big Warship. GRAVESEND, England, March cruiser Amazonas was formally transferred from the Brazilian flag to the stars and stripes here today. The ceremony was simple And dignified.

Lieutenant Commander Colwell, United States naval and Commander Corres acted respectively for this country and Brazil. The United States cruiser San Francisco arrived here this afternoon. She will sail with the Amazonas for Key West as soon as both cruisers have been coaled. PHILADELPHIA M. E.

CONFERENCE The Resolution for Equal Laity Representation Adopted. (CHESTER, March laymen's association of the Philadelphia M. c. conference held the largest attended meeting in the history of the association a this afternoon, over 700 delegates being present. Addresses were delivered by Hon.

John Field of Philadelphia, John E. Jones, M. of Philadelphia, William H. Maxwell of Pottstown, Bishop Goodsell, H. K.

Carroll. editor of the New York Independent, and Charles H. Harding of Philadelphia. The Rock river resolution, which provides that the laity shall have equal representation with the clergy in the conference, was endorsed. and a memorial was adopted.

to be presented to the conference on Monday night, asking that body to adopt the resolution. The following officers were elected: Pres. ident. Hon. John Field of Philadelphia; secretary, J.

G. Francis, Berwyn; treasurer. W. Tunnell. Germantown; vice president, north district, George L.

Horn, Frankford: northwest district, William H. Maxwell. Pottstown; south district, H. F. Bruner, Columbia: west district, Dr.

R. S. McCoombs, Philadelphia. Weather Conditions. WASHINGTON.

March extensive area of low pressure covers the central Mississippi and lower Missourl valleys and the valleys of the upper Arkansas and Red. The pressure is high along the Atlantic coast. An extensive area of clouds extends from the middle Atlantic coast nearly to the north Pacific coast, covering the lake regions, the Ohio, central and upper Mississippi and Missouri valleys. Clearing and cold weather 19 probable in the Southwest and continued fair weather in the east gulf states. The weather will remain cloudy and unsettled In the Northwest and probably with light snowfall.

Indications. WASHINGTON. March 18. Forecast for Saturday: For Eastern PennsylvaniaThreatening weather, probably rain; southwesterly winds. For Western sylvania-Rain: warmer: fresh southerly.

winds.