Pittston Gazette from Pittston, Pennsylvania • Page 1

I I WEATHER. Warmer tonight, followed by show- Wednesday, showers. WEEKLY ESTABLISHED 59TH YEAR DAILY EST. BY THEO. HART.

MRS. SAMPSON FLATLY APT A District Attorney Makes the Opening Address at Trial. OFFERS TO PROVE MURDER Public Sentiment Seems to Be With the Young Woman, and the General Impression Is That Circumstantial Evidence Will Have to Be Very Conclusive to Get From the Jury a Verdict Against the Prisoner -Jury Quickly Obtained. Lyons. N.

April twelve jurors in the "box. trial of Mrs. Georgia Allyn Sampson, charged with the murder of her husband, a nephew of the late Rear Admiral Sampson, began in earnest today in Justice Rich's court here when District Attorney Gilbert made the opening speech for the prosecution. He made the most of the circumstances under which Harry Sampson was found shot to death in his home and said he could prove the murder. He flatly accused young Mrs.

Sampson of the crime. Entering the courtroom. Mrs. Samp-1 son was escorted to a seat inside the rail close to the counsel table at which sat her lawyers, George S. Tinklepaugh and Assemblyman Edson W.

Hamn. They greeted her with cordial hand- clasps, and she quietly took a seat be- GEORGIA ALLYN SAMPSON. tween her father and her friend. Miss Collins, and turned her big black eyes on the jurors. Mrs.

Sampson wore garments of deepest mourning and a black veil. but there was little in her toilet apart from its somber coloring to suggest her widowhood. It was: a distinctly jaunty toilet. Her coat was of the latest directoire cut that emphasized the lines of her graceful. girlish figure.

Her wide brimmed hat of black WV was coquettishly looped up on the left side and held in place by pins of cut jet. Around her neck she wore a modish feather boa, her black gloves new and fanltless in their fit so also were her shoes that showed plainly below the hem of her short walking skirt. The large majority of people here discuss with perfect candor the strong circumstantial evidence against Mrs. Sampson, but no one believes conviction to be possible. There is nothing but circumstantial evidence to offer for the state, and against it is arrayed powerful social and family Influence and a public sentiment that leans to mercy.

The rapid selection of 3 jury WAS gratifying to every one connected with the case. Ten of the jurors are Wayne county farmers, hard headed, intelligent men, who will render an honest verdict on the evidence. Of the two others one is a merchant and the other a carpenter. Frankly a majority of these jurors admitted that circumstantial evidence would have to be very conclusive if it were to get from them a verdict against the prisoner. BATHING SUIT CENSORSHIP.

Bill to Make It Misdemeanor to Walk Abroad Uncloaked. Albany. N. April 6. -Assembly- man C.

F. Murphy, chairman of the codes committee, introduced a bill making it a misdemeanor for any person to wear a bathing suit in any publie place other than on a beach without covering his or her suit a cloak 01' other garb concealing the body below the shoulders except the hands and feet. DISASTER IN NEW HEBRIDES. Cyclone and Tidal Wave Work Havoc In the Islands. Sydney, N.

S. April terrific cyclone swept over the New Hebrides, and the island of Teouma was inundated by a tidal wave, which destroyed the crops and hundreds of buildings. Many vessels were stranded on the shores of the various islands. Fifty Years For Kidnaping. Albany, N.

April senate passed the Hill bill increasing the penalty for kidnaping from twenty-five to fifty years. The bill was introduced after kidnaping of Willie Whitla. Pittaton. 1850. PITTSTON.

STRIKERS INSIST ON OREMAN'S DISCHARGE Contention that Keeps Keystone Colliery Employes From Returning to Their Work. The strike at the Keystone colliery continues. At a conference yesterday, agreement was reached on all points except the demand of the strikers that Mine Foreman Pary be discharged. President Schlager, of the Traders' Coal stated today that he made a proposition to the men to go back to work and let a committee representing the men and the company make a complete investigation, and if it is found that rates have been cut they will be restored and the difference paid the men. "We went over the entire matter at issue," said Mr.

Schlager, "particularly want with to say regard that to there cutting was of wageten! tion on the part of the company at any time to reduce wages. "To show our faith in the mater and our desire to bring about an amicable adjustment, the company agrees to the appointment of a committee of two representing us and two representing the miners, this committee to conduct an investigation in detail. If it is found that wages have been cut in the least the company will restore the rate in question and the miners will be paid any deficiency. "We agreed on this. there was one thing that we did not.

and that was the demand of the Foreman Parry should be removed." ANTHRACITE MEN CONFER TOMORROW ment will be Continued. The Philadelphia Press speaks as follows concerning the relations be- Impression Seems to Prevail in Phila- delphia That Present. Agree- tween the anthracite onerators and miners, who are booked for a joint conference in Philadelphia tomorrow afternoon: "To decide upon the terms of a final offer to be made to the anthracite operators, President Thomas L. Lewis of the United Mine Workers of America, has called a meeting of the executive officers of the three district boards of the hard coal region to be held in this city next Wednesday morning. A meeting with the operators will be held at 2 o'clock in the afternoon of that day.

"President Lewis will make an effort to arrive here Tuesday night to hold an informal conference with the presidents of the three districts. These officers are Adam Ryscavage, of trict No. 1. John McElhenny, of District No. 7.

and John Fahy, of District No. 9. Miles Dougherty. of Shamokin, a member of the national executive board, is also expected to be present. "The belief is growing steadily that the miners will consent to a renewal of the wage agreement that expired on March 11.

but President Lewis has given 110 intimation that he would waive his previous statement not to sign an agrecinent unless as the executive officer of the miners' organization. Many believe. however. that he will do this before he leaves the conference with the operators on Wednesday afternoon. "As has been announced, the operators will not permit the miners to work after Wednesday unless they sign some agreement for a stated time.

No formal lockout will be ordered, but the operators will declare that they have more coal mined than call be sold several weeks. and the collieries will be kept idle while repairs are being made to the machinery. the miners continue their refusal to sign, notices will be posted from time to time at the collieries that the men who desire to work can do so at the rate of wages paid under the former agreement. The operators are determined that some agreement must be signed before the summer season is ended so that an ample supply of coal can be mined for next winter's consumption. "President Baer of the Reading.

has recovered sufficiently from his recent illness to be present at the conference on Wednesday, but if he should suffer a relapse, President E. B. Thomas, of the Lehigh Valley Coal will be the spokesman for the operators. J. L.

Cake. an ent operator, will be chairman of the conference, and George F. Parker, for the operators, and George W. Hartlein. for the miners.

will be the seeretaries." DEATH OF DURYEA MAN. Duryea has lost one of its best known citizens in the death of Henry Rummerfield, who passed away at 1 o'clock this morning at the age of three score and ten years. Death was due to Bright's disease, from which he had been suffering for the past month. His form was a very familiar one on the streets of the borough. The deceased was a veteran of the Civil War and participated in several of the important battles.

For the greater part of his life he had been a resident of Duryea. He is survived by four children: Thomas, of Iowa: William and Mrs. Alex. Brown. of Duryea, and another daughter.

The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Interment will be in Marcy cemetery. TWO BOYS KILLED. Pittsburg, April -Two boys were killed and several others were severely injured here today in an accident on the South 42nd street incline. The dead are: Arthur Miller, 16 years old; Albert Klunkenberger, 16 years old.

The cause of the accident is a mystery. When the car was nearly half way to the top of the incline there was a sudden jerk, then the cable parted and the with its load of passengers shot downward. MOVE TO DISBAR ATTORNEY. Pottsville, April Judge A. J.

Shay, of Schuylkill, handed a decree, signed by the full Schuylkill bench, disbarring C. O. Burkert, an attorney of Ashland, and directed that his name be stricken from the personnel of county lawyers. Burkert absconded after misappropriating number of Schuylkill bonds held in trust by him. involving several thousand dollars.

Best quality peanuts. wholesale and retail. Peter Piovesana. 109 S. Main Pittston.

Old phone 578-B2. Gasette, TWO CENTS A FORTY CEN ure for rock work was $2.17 a cubic vard, cubic with yard, a which deduction is the of 50 cost of cents or- a I dinary dirt digging. Several members took exception to the figures of Saxe Abbot. Mr. Loughney said he understood there had been fine digging and Mr.

McDonough expressed much doubt that 230 cubic yards 08 rock had been struck. Finally Mr. Loughney, secended by Mr. Smith, moved that John W. Berry be enaged to go to the new building and measure up the rock work and report to the next meeting.

This was a slap at Mr. Langan, whose brother is a civil engineer, and his friends promptly the measure. It was finally lost by a vote of 11-10, the division being as follows: Aves- Ormsby, Jordan, Murphy, Flynn, Connell. Smith, McDonough, Hastie, Loughney and Lewis--10. Nays--Langan, Lavelle, Schwab, Tuffy, Sloan, Kearney.

Churchfield, Burke, Kohnke, Connors and Gibbons --11. Some of the members who voted the they resolution could did see so no way because in which a proper measurement could be made, the excavated rock having been all hauled away. On motion of Mr. Langan, seconded by Mr. Connors, the price for excavating was fixed at $2.17 per cubic yard.

City Treasurer Kehoe presented his annual report as treasurer of the as follows: Balance on 1, school district. The main totals, were 1908. $16.439.32: receipts--State appropriation. redemption loans. People's Bank, taxes, total receipts, including balance on hand, total disbursements.

$80.463.67, leaving a balance on hand of 323,678.69. nearly all of which is in the sinking fund and interest account. ere is due the district on the duplicate for 1908 336.19. much of which. the treasurer reports, is uncollectable, owing to double assessments and similar reasons.

The report was received and ordered spread on the minutes. Mr. Lewis inquired what became of the interest on the $23,000 in the sinking fund, which Jae figured should amount to about $700 a year. No trace of any was found in the report and Secretary Langan said he believed the went to the treasurer and that it was no more than right that he should get it for taking care of the money. Mr.

Lewis couldn't see it that way but no action was taken. Attorney Walsh reported that he expected final arguments on the injunction matter to be held this week. He urged the board to be very economical as it was not very well within its two per cent. Mr. Gibbons replant of order.

This time it is ported without the Junction heating the shaft of the fan that has broken. Mr. Gibbons said he found a flaw in the shafting and the secretary was notified to write to the American Blower Co. and request them to make good the defective piece. Mr.

Burke wanted the schools closed down Good Friday and Easter Monday but a howl was made on the Easter Monday proposition and it was smothered under an avalanche of votes. Each day of the school that is omitted has to be made up at the end of the year, the law stating that school must remain in session 180 days of the year. It was decided to observe Good Friday as El holiday. as usual. Chairman Gibbons reported that Miss Burke's room in Jefferson building was closed down vesterday for fumigation.

The following bills were ordered paid: Pittston Transfer $11.99: John Fleming. $16.67: J. E. Patterson $6,88: Coursen Hardware $7.20: Christophe: Sower, $8.06: Wilkesbarre Record. J.

M. Llewellyn, $15; Y. M. C. $90: Mabel A.

Henley, the Raeder $54: M. F. Golden, Ambrose Langan, S. C. Har man, A.

T. Walsh. 55 cents; R. M. Keiser, $7.50: Saxe Abbott.

first payment, $1.819.90: Saxe Abbott, second payment. $6.684. 30; F. C. Smith.

Gompertz $1.20: William T. Watkins, $30.75. SCRANTON SALOONMEN FEARED FOR LICENSES Rescinded Their Previous Action Agrecing to licep Open After Hour Fixed tor Closing by the Court. By a close vote. midnight closing won at a meeting of those hotelkeepers of the central part of Scranton who decided last Wednesday night to disregard the order of court in regard to closing at midnight.

In taking the action the rescinded their action of a few days ago, and accordingly closed at midnignt last night. The city was as dry as a burnt cork this morning. Ever since the report was made to the court by Superintendent Day, in which was included the names of those hotelkepers who were caught redhanded with their open, consternation has rulel among the licensed retail dealers. For the past few nights the hotels have been closed very tightly in most instances and only a few of the places kept open at all after midnight. The action of the court in ordering the complaint of the superintendent of police to be filed, without making any comment, mystified the hotelkeepers and many were expecting the order revoking their license to fall any day.

There were many who were alarmed at the prospect and several of those who were reported saw gloomy times ahead. In most cases the hotels have been closed. It was running too much of a risk, with 100 little to gain. MRS. STEPHEN TENANT COMMITTED TO JAIL It is Likely Her Attorn Will Seek to Secure Her Freedom on Writ of Habeas Corpus.

Mrs. Stephen Tennant. of Sebastopol, who shot her husband dead on the night of Feb. 23d. End who has since had her liberty on bail.

was again arraigned before Alderman Barrett this morning, or the charge A of murder, and was committed to the county jail. This action was taken in order to get her case properly before the grand jury. The jury is now in session, and the indications are that the charge against the woman will be ignored. In this event she will be given her freedom. Don't Forget the railroaders' ball at the Keystonehall.

Tuesday, April 14th. Ladies free. 6-7 Lace Curtains. Rag Carpets. Family wash, given sp attention at M.

J. Clarke's Laundm Get Ilot Cross Buns at Harter's. THE TIME To Advertise is When You Want More Business. VIRTUE TUESDAY, APRIL 6. 1909.

occurred was resplendent with trot phies of the duchess' African expedition, being hung with elephants' tusks, deer antlers and the skins of tigers and lions. which, however. she would not say had fallen before her gun. The good impression was mutual. while Mr.

Roosevelt was charmed with the duchess, the latter said after his departure that the ex-president was the most interesting American she had ever met. she might almost say the most interesting man. In accordance with Mr. Roosevelt's desire, the party made the trip to Posilipo, the ex-president was recognized and cheered all along the way. They sat in the balcony of one of the characteristic Neapolitan restaurants, overhanging the sea, the bay at their feet.

always glorious, whether in calm or in storm. The sunset was magnificent and brought out the colors on it slopes of Mount Vesuvius. Capri in the distance and the emerald sea. Kermit in Fight at Poker Game. On the way to Naples on the steamship Hamburg, Kermit Roosevelt played poker in the smoking room and had a fist tight with a German passenger.

who got angry because the president's son won several jackpots. The angry passenger called Kermit a stuck up, ill bred rowdy and declared that he must imagine himself to be the German crown prince. Kermit Roosevelt deliberately arose from his seat and went for the German. He put it all over his opponent, who was not only older, but had a considerable advantage in weight. Kermit landed some hard punches (that winded his opponent and then finished him at will.

His opponent was nicely decorated in black and blue when Kermit finally had him beaten to a standstill. FIRST OFFICER GUILTY. Commander of Steamship Massachusetts Not Blamed For Wreck. New York. April Officer W.

T. Holmes of the steamer Massachusetts has been declared guilty of negligence as a result of the wreck of that vessel near Martha's Vineyard. Commander H. F. Barrett of the ship is exonerated of the charge of inattention to duty.

The ressel went aground. it was shown. because the man at the wheel misunderstood an order given by Holmes. Homes failed to verify the course of the vessel. NICARAGUA YIELDS ON EMERY CLAIM.

President Zelaya Agrees to Compromise or Arbitrate. Washington, April gratifying information was conveyed to Secretary Knox that the Nicaraguan government would settle either by compromise or by arbitration the claim for damages of the G. D. Emery company. whose concession for cutting mahogany was cancelled about two years and 2 half ago for 20 alleged violation of the terms of the concession.

Through Mr. Espinoza, the Nicaraguan minister, the secretary was told that a special commissioner would leave the Central American country immediately for this city carrying full instructions for the minister. which would empower him to reach a settlement whereby the whole controversy would be adjusted. If compromise is not reached the minister will sign a protocol submitting the case to bitration. Diplomacy had well nigh exhausted itself in the efforts to reach a settlement of this case, and the temper of the state department was such that longer delay was becoming intolerable.

The last communication from Secretary Knox to the Nicaraguan minister was in the nature of an ultimatum, in which the state department submitted al protocol for the arbitration of the case. to be signed by the minister at the earliest hour ble with his instructions. AIRSHIP TEST CALLED OFF. Bad Weather Prevents Zeppelin From Making Endurance Trip. Friedrichshafen, April twenty-four hour endurance trip of Count Zeppelin's airship ended in failure aftper ten hours' Bight owing to unfavorable weather.

During this time the airship descended twice to the surface of the lake to take in water for ballast. Major Sperling, who acted as pilot in place of Count Zeppelin, finally decided to return to the hall to refill the balloon with gas. BIG INDUCEMENT TO WED. "Marrying Justice" of Belleville, N. Offers It as an "Ad." Belleville, N.

April C. La Faucherie, the "marrying justice." finding business in that line dull, has taken to advertising. Among the inducements he holds out to sweethearts are a present to the bride. Mendelssohn's "Wedding March" played by his daughter and a large floral bell to stand under during the ceremony. Liquor Issue In Colorado Election.

Denver. April elections in Colorado outside this city will be held today, and in nearly every town the liquor question is the chief issue. In many eases the tight has been extremely bitter. COPY. MONTH.

8 PAGES ROOSEVELT SEES MESSINA RUINS Ex-President Piloted Over Stricken Sicilian City. KING AND QUEEN THERE. Mr. Roosevelt Expresses Deep Appreciation of Warm Welcome Extended to Him Emperor William Writes, "Hail to the Successful and Invites Him to Berlin-Duchess of Aosta Declares Him the Most Interesting American. Messina, April Ambassador Griscom as his guide and accompanied by his son Kermit.

Theodore Roosevelt arrived her today on the steamship Admiral to visit the earthquake ruins. King Victor Emmanuel and Queen Helena had arrived here previously oll the battleship Re Umberto. Mr. Roosevelt and his party left the steamship Admiral, on which they are en route from Naples for Mombasa, and were taken ashore on the Scorpion. under command of Lieutenant Commander Belknap.

A great crowd cheered them at the landing. Italian soldiers and gendarmes acted as escort. The party viewed the ruins and the new houses erected by American carpenters with lumber shipped from the United States. Everywhere Mr. Roosevelt went he found ample evidence of his personal QUEEN HELENA OF ITALY.

popularity and of the admiration which the people here have for the former president of the United States. Mr. Roosevelt expressed himself as deeply grateful for the warm welcome he had received at Naples. To all who paid their respects he repeated his thanks and cordial appreciation. Kaiser Sends an Invitation.

Emperor William showed particular interest in the former president. The German consul general. in the name of the emperor, carried to Mr. Roosevelt the greetings and a letter in which the emperor expressed the hope that he would see Mr. Roosevelt 111 Berlin 011 his return.

In reply to this Mr. Roosevelt told the consul general to inform the emperor that he would certainly go to the German capital and would tell his majesty "how the white man can live and light in Africa." The emperor closed his letter with to the successful huntsman." Mr. Roosevelt was particularly touched by this and in expressing his thanks for the gracious thought said. "In a year from now you will be in a position to see whether I deserve such a wish." At the Excelsior hotel in Naples the ex-president received with the greatest cordiality the Americans and foreigners who had gathered there to welcome him. He spoke for some minutes with Guglielmo Ferrero, the historian, who recently returned from an extended visit to the United States and whom Mr.

Roosevelt recognized immediately. Many of those assembled, however, could only receive a smile and a hand shake, as there was little time for words. The party at luncheon in Naples was a merry one, frequent outbursts of laughter being heard as Mr. Roosevelt described some of his adventures aboard ship. He seemed to be in the best of health and spirits and expressed himself as looking forward impatiently to his arrival at Mombasa.

Visit to Duke and Duchess. From Naples Mr. Roosevelt proceeded in a motor car with Ambassador Griscom to Capodimonte to meet the Duke and Duchess of Aosta at their palace, which is the most magnificent in the Neapolitan provinces, with its extensive gardens and splendid prospect. Mr. Roosevelt was warmly welcomed at the palace entrance, and the duke received him in private, the two conversing at great length concerning affairs in the United States, the voyage just ended, the ex-president's prospective hunting trip and the experiences of the Duke of the Abruzzi.

Later Mr. Roosevelt was presented to the Duchess of Aosta, and they conversed together for some twenty minutes, their conversation dealing almost entirely with hunting in Africa, where the duchess had spent some time. She gave Mr. Roosevelt many bints, which he laughingly promised to carry out, The room in which the meeting SCHOOL BOARD GIVEN SETBACK Could Not Award Heating Contract MUST CURB EXPENSES Members Have Finally Awakened to a Realization that they Have Expended Money So Lavishly They Cannot Go Further--The Two Per Cent. Limit Has Been Reached and a Cheaper Heating Plant Must Be Secured.

The riotous extravagance with The riotous extravagance with which the city school controllers have been conducting the affairs of the district for the last four or five years was brought to a sudden stop last night. The jerk appeared almost to break some of the hearts of the old guard. who actually had to forego the pleasure of giving out another $7,000 heating contract. Heating plants have been especial favorites board, but the members had to accept a choice between an expensive heating plant and a new school building, and the result was obvious. The injunction proceedings started Perchanar F.

stood Curry between some the months controll- ago ers and the new heating plant. Mr. Curry, with the backing of other prominent citizens who had become tired of school board mismanagement, went into court and petitioned Judge Puller to prevent by injunction the erection of the two new schools--the Fort Pittston and the Roosevelt. The judge, after directing controllers to do certain things that would their proceedings within the statutes, decided that they could Fort junction was continued against Pittston school. The preliminary" inRoosevelt school for several reasons.

one of which was a question to whether or not its erection could be accomplished within the two per cent borrowing limit of the district. The matter has been held in abeyance for several months, owing to the slowness district getting title to the land' for the new school, but it was recently revived. and final arguments will likely be held this week. Attorney J. L.

Morris, Mr. Curry's counsel. persistently argued that the can not be built within the debt limit and his position has been greatly strengthened the extravagance of the board. which had to borrow 000 to settle the January pay roll. The board solicitor.

Attorney A. T. Walsh, has tried to convince Judge Fuller that the building of the new school would not two per though it is generally admitted that the margin is very close. Mr. Walsh informed the board last night that it would not be safe to give EL heating contract for the Fort Pittston building that would cost a cent more than $6,500.

the estimate made to the judge by Architect McGlynn. Last night was the time set for ceiving bids for the new Fort Pittston heating plant. When the bids were opened they were found to be as follows: P. H. Haggerty, Gavlord Butler.

B. G. Carpenter $7,655: Gunster 495: Pittston Machinery and Supply A. S. Powers.

W. G. Poster, $8,675: Gaylord Eitepenz. $7.656. Mr.

Sloan stated that he believed the system too expensive and moved that all bids be rejected and the certilied cheeks returned. The motion was seconded by Mr. Langan and was carried without a dissenting vote. It was tough medicine, but the old guard decided they'd rather swallow it than put the new school building in danger. All the members Were present alt last night's regular session of the board.

excepting Mr. Hennighan. Chairman Gibbons started the proceedings by announcing the standing committees as follows: Supply Schwab, Flynn. Tuffy. Jordan.

High School-Hastie, Sloan, Me. Douough, Course of Study--Smith, Murphy, Lewis, Loughney, Kohnke. Insurance- Hastie, Kearney, McDonough, Heninghan. Text Books--Sloan. Tuffy, Kearney, Churchfield, Hennighan.

mfwyp hrdl HRSHRD mf Teachers- Burke, Connell. Loughney, Hennighan, Kearney, Schwab. Night School-Ormsby, Smith. Lewis, Jordan. Kohnke.

Printing McDouough. Hastie, Ormsby, Langan, Lewis. Building--Langan, Sloan. Connors, Burke, Connell, Lavelle. Churchfield.

Auditing--Murphy, Kohnke, Jordan. Ormsby. Smith. Discipline--Schwab. Sloan.

Murphy. Connell. Churchtield. Tuffy, Flynn. Janitors--Jordan, Churchfield, Murphy.

Loughney, Connors, Connell. Burke. Finance--Burke. Connors, Lavelle. Mr.

Burke, of the finance 'committee, gave the result of the committee's sale of $45.000 worth of bonds. He said that the issue was awarded to Jo-1 seph O' Brien, of New York City, whose bid was the highest of the following: Joseph O'Brien. Vaughan, Frank M. Foy, net premium of $225; Edward Hughes. $10,000 at par; Forrester net.

premium of $152. After the committee had reported there was a painful silence for nearly five minutes. Not a member of the board wanted to take the responsibility for moving to receive the report. Finally, Mr. Lavelle.

who is always depended on in the last ditch to make any unpleasant motions, moved that the report be received. Mr. Schwab, who has lately been lingering in the basking smiles of Mr. Langan and his lieutenants, seconded the motion. and it was adopted, about three members responding with faint yeas and the remainder refraining from voting.

It was evident that the commitee sale of bonds, which had been wriggled through the board in a very unostentatious manner, was very heartily disapproved. Judging from spirit of the board last evening there are now enough independents the board to entirely outweigh the Langan-Burke-Gibbons combination. if only some leader of nerve and ability will take up the work of killing the I old methods. On a matter of much importance to him. Mr.

Langan wasn't able to muster a dozen votes last night. At the suggestion of Mr. Langan the question of the price for rock work in connection with the excavation for the new Port Pittston building WitS taken up for consideration. This matter was held over some mouths ago. Saxe Abbott presented a price of $384.10 for rock excavating and the bill was by the architect.

Their fig- I PAYNE BILL TO TAFT JUNE I. Senate Rejoices Over Closure Rule In the House. NO DELAY, SAYS ALDRICH Measure Will Be Reported In Upper House With Amendments Complete Within Twenty -four Hours After It Is Received -Lower House to Vote on Bill Not Later Than 3 p. April 9-Sessions Cut Short Two Hours. Washington, April Republican leaders of the senate rejoiced with exceeding great joy when information was received that the house had adopted a rule bringing the debate there to a close.

Senator Aldrich especially rejoiced. He now feels confident that a substantial majority can be secured in the house when the rewritten measure comes back as a conference report and that any reasonable changes will be accepted. Senator Aldrich says the bill will be reported to the senate, with all amendments complete, within twenty-four hours after it is received. and he prediets that it will be in the president's hands on or before June 1. Having passed the special rule providing for the actual consideration of the Payne tariff bill, the house will today take up the bill.

The house leaders have allowed three and one-half days to the task of passing it, the vote to be taken not later than 3 p. m. on Friday, April 9. In order to minimize the opportunity for debate the housed will meet at 12 o'clock hereafter instead of 10 o'clock, as has been the custom for two weeks. Late sittings are not to be tolerated.

The rule was passed by 194 votes to 178. with twenty-one Republicans votwith the Democrats and four Democrats with the Republicans. The rule as agreed to provides for amendments to bill by the committee and by the house. Separate votes are granted to allay the popular disapproval of the taxes on the breakfast table and the continued protection of industries which no longer need it. The house will vote on the tea and coffee taxes.

These amendments have been agreed to by the committee and will be adopted without opposition. The leaders also agree in their rule to a vote on hides, lumber, barley, barley malt and oil. The amendment tc oil paragraph in the free list takes the countervailing joker out and places petroleum and its products on the dutiable list at 25 per cent ad valorem. These concessions to the demand of western members are not thought te be dangerous to the interests which want high protection. It was stated that the lumber and hide men had been promised that the senate committee would restore those duties.

With this understanding, the opposition to the separate vote on hides and lumber vanished. It is thought that the vote in the house will be for free lumber and an indorsement of the committee's plan for free hides. The oil amendment may start another fight. The joker which is knocked out gave the Standard Oil company enormous protection. It was levied in the name of the independents, whose tight has been led by Representative Vreeland of New York.

The effort of Minority Leader Clark to recommit the bill to the committee for revision as to gloves, hosiery and woolens failed. CUBA WANTS NEW TREATY. President Gomez Favors Reducing Duties on Imports. Havana, April congress reconvened the sessions of both houses were devoted to the reading of the president's message. The president made an urgent plea for a new commercial treaty with the United States, favoring a reduction in duties on imports consisting the necessaries of life for the purpose of lowering the present high cost of liv.

ing. He also favored a reduction in the tariff on machinery, especially agricultural implements. KILLED BY SISTER-IN-LAW. Banker Shot Dead While Seeking Reconciliation With Wife. Buena Vista.

April W. Amos, a banker, was shot and killed here by his sister-in-law, Mrs. William Campbell. Mrs. Amos recently left her husband and went to live with her sister.

Amos called and sought a reconciliation with his wife. Mrs. Campbell fired three shots from A revolver at him. She then seized a shotgun and discharged it at Amos at close range, killing him. Amos was not armed.

GENERAL WOOD SAILS. Goes to Porto Rico Because of Trouble With Islanders. New York, April Leonard B. Wood sailed for Porto Rico on the Coamo in connection with the recent trouble between the islanders and Governor Post. He was put ep board the Coamo at the last moment by a war department tug from Governors island..