Times Union from Brooklyn, New York • 1

The Brooklyn Daily Times. FIFTY-SECOND YEAR. BROOKLYN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1899. PRICE TWO CENTS. THE CONKLIN STORE WAS CLOSED TO-DAY.

The Son Made an Assignment, This Morning. BUSINESS IS NOW RESUMED. THE DEATH OF MR. CONKLIN EMBARRASSED THE FIRM. Employees are Preferred Creditors -J.

M. Fuller One of the Financial Backers of the House. At 10:05 this morning the department and dry goods store of John M. Conklin Son, at 436 Fulton street, in the heart of the dry goods district, closed its doors and turned the holiday shoppers who crowded the place, inthe street. The people gazed with some tor curiosity this notice, which was immediately posted on the Fulton street door: A general assignment of John M.

Conklin Son, has been made to the undersigned. The store will be closed for a few "EDWARD J. DRUGAN, "Assignee." When the employees started to clear the establishment of its patrons there were between 300 and 400 people in the store. Shortly before 10 o'clock George William Conklin, a3 surviving and general partner of the firm of John M. Conklin Son, had executed a general assignment for the benefit of the creditors of the concern to Edward J.

Drugan, the General Superintendent of the establishment, the papers being drawn by C. L. Harwood, a lawyer of Manhattan. As soon as he had affixed his signature to the instrument, and Mr. Drugan had accepted the trust, Mr.

Conklin left his office a and gave orders to the heads of departments that no more goods should be sold, and that the shoppers must be requested to leave. By 10:05 the big store was empty and the doors were closed, the employees being directed to remain inside, Mr. Conklin making the announcement that the doors would be opened again in a few hours and business resumed under the direction of Assignee Drugan. Lawyer Harwood, accompanied by the assignee, then went before County Judge Hurd in the County Court and made an application on behalf of the assignee for leave to continue business and to file a temporary bond. In his petition the assignee athe stated that George William Conklin, a surviving and general partner of John M.

Conklin formerly composed of John M. Conklin, deceased; George William Conklin and William Howard, special partner, had made a general assignment to him, and' that the assignment had been filed in the office of -the County Clerk. assignee called the attention of Judge Hurd to the fact that the firm conducted a large department and dry goods store, and that the busy holiday season was at hand. He said that trade was unusually active and stated that if the court allowed him to conduct the business during the holiday season a large part of the assets of the firm would be turned into cash. In his petition the assignee further said that he had not as yet prepared schedules but gave the following statement of the assets: Stock on $125,000 Book $35,000 Actual value of book 30,000 Total assets $155,000 Judge Hurd granted the order asked for and fixed the assignee's temporary bond at $25,000.

The bond was furnished at once by the Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland, and filed in the office of the County Clerk. The assignee then expected to reopen the store by 2:30 o'clock. George William Conklin, who made the assignment as surviving and general partner, lives at 219 Berkeley place, and is a son of the late John M. Conklin, who died in September last. John M.

Conklin was connected with Journeay Burnham from boyhood, and when Journeay Burnham became a stock company, he was one of the chief men interested in firm. There was a disagreement between Mr. Conklin and the directors of Journeay Burnham, the result of which was that Mr. Conklin broke away from Journeay Burnham and started John 'M. Conklin Son, the firm taking a lease of the old Liebmann "Arcade" building, 436 Fulton street.

The firm was composed of himself, his son, George William Conklin, and William Howard, son of Mr. Howard, of Howard Fuller, as a special partner. John M. Conklin died in September, and the firm has since been in difficulties, and found itself unable to contend with the fierce competition among its rivals in trade, although it was reported recently, that Mr. Howard, the special partner, had added $25,000 to the $25,000 he had originally put into the concern.

The general assignment filed in the County Clerk's office is ratified approved by William Howard, but the instrument does not affect his individual There are no preferences, except wages of the employees. The firm employees, about 400 persons, about 250 of whom came over from Journeay Burnham with John M. Conklin, At 1 o'clock the assignee was in consultation with his lawyer, Mr. Harwood, and the members of the firm, the consultation being held in the office in the store. The doors were still closed, but it was announced that the assignee would have a statement ready.

as soon as the consultation was finished. The store of John M. Conklin and Son, which has fallen into the hands of an assignee, owing to its failure, was opened for business shortly after 1 o'clock this afternoon, Neither Mr. Conklin nor the assignee could be seen, but it was said that a statement of the firm's liabilities would be given out later. This afternoon the firm of H.

B. Clatlin Company, Jacob K. Stiefel and Adolph Meisel, composing the firm of J. Stiefel Company, and the Charles E. Ryeroft Company filed a petition with the clerk of the United States District Court to have George W.

Conklin, doing business as John M. Conklin Son, declared an Involuntary bankrupt. The creditors claim W. Conklin committed an act of bankruptcy in that he made a general assignment to Edward Crugan to-day. The creditors claim the following amounts to be due them: H.

B. Claflin Company, J. K. Stiefel Company, $162.98, and Charles E. Ryeroft Company, $392.74.: Chicago Frauds Attended to.

WASHINGTON, Dec. Post Office has issued a fraud order against A. B. Stevens, 179 Franklin street, A. B.

Stevens 220 Monroe and 313 East Fortieth street, Chicago, for conducting an' Illegal scheme through the mails. New Priests Ordained. BALTIMORE, Dec. the Redemptorist College, lichester, yesterday, Cardinal Gibbons ordained to the priesthood Peter Back and James Barron, of New York, and William McKenna, of Pittsburg, Pa, WEATHER AND TIDES. Fair to-night and to-morrow, variable winds.

High water to-morrow: Gravesend Bay, 11:09 A. Sandy Hook, 11:26 A. Governor's Island, 11:45 A. Canarsie, 12:30 A. Rockaway Inlet, 11:38 A.

Holland's Landing, 12:13 A. Walla bout, 12:25 A. Hell Gate, 1:41 A. Willets Point, 2:47 A M. Moon rises sun rises to-morrow, 7:21.

COLLISION NEAR BUFFALO. Bradford Wrecked--Engineer Killed, But Passengers Safe. BUFFALO, Dee. Bradford express No. 103 on the Buffalo and South Western Railroad collided with a Lackawanna engine at Buffal.

Junction shortly before 9 o'clock this morning. Engineer Lannigan was instantly killed, and Fireman Schults fatally injured. The Lackawanna engine wag unattached, and was running east 10- wards the Buffalo station. The passenger train left Buffalo at 8:30 and was running west. The passengers were severely shaken up, but none seriously injured.

ACTOR RUSSELL TO RETIRE. Ane Comedian Must Take a Rest of at Least a Year. CHICAGO, Dec. Smith Russell will retire from the stage for a year or more at the conclusion of his interrupted engagement at the Grand Opera House. He has already recovered sufficiently from the attack that compelled him to discontinue his performance Monday evening to resume next Monday afternoon.

ELEPHANT ACQUITTED. Sid, Who Killed His Keeper, Will Not Be Executed. COLUMBUS, Dec. the big elephant which killed its trainer, Pat Meaat the barns of the Sells-Forepaugh circus at Sellsville Wednesday, was tried and acquitted on a charge of murder yesterday. Two men stated that keeper had given the "wrong order, which Sid obeyed, and when he was punished it he turned upon Meagher.

It was decided to kill the elephant, but on the evidence, a verdict of "justifiable homicide" was rendered. THE KENTUCKY'S CREW. It Will be Composed of Men From the Massachusetts and Indiana. NORFOLK, Dec. crew of the battleship Massachusetts and possibly that of the Indiana will here to the receiving ship Franklin, to await the going into commission of the new battleship Kentucky, which vessel they will man.

VIKING FOR HAVANA. Armed Yacht to Sail for Cuban Shores Immediately. NORFOLK, Dec armed yacht Viking, now at the Navy Yard, is to sail for Havana at the earliest possible moment. It is reported here that the Viking was ordered to Havana because of a possible Cuban uprising on New Year's Day. The Viking has modern armament, and, if neecssary, can land a naval battalion.

GOVERNMENT DEPOSITS. There Will be No Favoritism Shown in the Selection of the Banks. WASHINGTON, Dec. Gage decided this morning to make a group of the first fifty banks that have requested deposits of United States money and let them have the full amount they request before distributing to others. "About fourteen millions have been apportioned to the first group," said Assistant Secretary Vanderlip.

favoritism is shown, despite what some of the New York papers are claiming, and none will be shown. The next fifty banks that apply from now on will be considered group number two, and SO on. After group number one is filled to the amount they are entitled to group number two will be treated likewise. This process is a little slow, of course, for we cannot distribute more than one million dollars a day." THE VICE PRESIDENCY. Woodruff is Still the Most Conspicuous Candidate.

(Special to the Brooklyn Times.) WASHINGTON, Dec. latest name suggested as the New York candidate for the Vice Presidency is that of Cornelius N. Bliss, former Secretary of the Interior. The contest between the friends Lieut. Gov.

Woodruff and the supporters of Secretary Root has extended outside of the State and it is thought likely that it will result in the retirement of both gentlemen direct word comes from the President to the effect that he will be entirely satisfied with Mr. Woodruff as his running mate. Up to the present time, the President has not done this. Mr. Hanna believes that the delegates from New York should name the candidate and as Woodruff, with the aid of the Senators, is likely to win easily as against Root, it is hinted that a compromise may be arranged which will enable the New York delegates to get together without creating any animosities.

Woodruff, should his friends insist upon presenting his name to the convention, is sure of the support of Pennsylvania as well as a number of Western States, and unless he consents to withdrawing he will prove a formidable competitor against any other New York man. H. Georgetown Convent amaged by Fire. WASHINGTON, Dec. historic Vis- itation Convent of Georgetown was damaged by fire to the extent of $10,000 this morning.

At about 8:30 o'clock flames broke out in the northwestern corner of the building near the roof, and created somewhat of a panic among the inmates. Only about twenty of the girl boarders were in their rooms, and they were hurried out without any one being injured. That portion of the convent is devoted to boarders, and the fact that most of them were away on their Christmas vacations probably prevented a loss of life. The loss by water will probably exceed that done by the flames. Didn't Know it Was Loaded.

ROANOKE, Dec. Fisher, a prominent Franklin County farmer, who was arranging to kill hogs, was accidentally' killed yesterday while attempting to blow through the barrel of a loaded shot gun: He was holding the hammer with his foot when it slipped, discharging the weapon. Hig head was blown almost entirely off. Carnegie's Generous Gift. EDINBURGH, Dec.

Andrew Carnegle has offered the town of Dunfermline. in Fifeshire, £20,000 for public baths: and gymnasiums as a Christmas gift. great human prop," so long needed and never before discovered, is found in Orangeine. EXPERT POINTS TO MOLINEUX'S GUILT. Most Important Witness the Prosecution Has Yet Produced.

PROF. TOLMAN ON THE STAND. OSBORNE GETS IN OTHER BITS OF DAMAGING TESTIMONY. Witness Clinches Arguments Advanced by Former Handwriting Professionals- Writing Identified. Henry L.

Tolman, of Chicago, was the new handwriting expert for the prosecution in the Molineux case was put on the stand at the opening of proceedings. who, Mr. Tolman was a newspaper reporter twenty years ago in the Windy City before he took up the handwriting business. He is rated the best expert of his kind in Chicago. Mr.

Tolman has testified in many celebrated cases, including the Cronin murder case in Chicago, the famous Davis will case in Montana, where millions were involved; the Gordon will case in Jersey City, the Hurley will case, affecting valuable property in Broadway, Manhattan, and others. All told, he said in reply to Assistant District Attorney Osborne's questions, he has testified in between 700 and 800 cases, beside doing much office work. He is retained by the Federal Government in cases involving disguised handwriting and is held to be highly valuable to the prosecution in this case because of his great experience in that line of work. Assistant District Attorney Osborne 18 credited with a change of plan as to the expert testimony on handwriting to be adduced. It that he has decided 10 materially increase the number of experts to be put upon the stand.

He refuses, however, to talk about his plans. Expert Tolman, who is accustomed to wear the title of professor at the front end of his name, told the jury he had been summoned to New York in connection with the Molineux case by a telegram, which said in effect: "You are requested to come here to work on a very important case." Prof. Tolman came to New York first when the Coroner's inquest was held, and again several weeks ago. He has devoted his time during his stay in New York to a close study of the handwriting exhibits in the case. Mr.

Weeks did not question the witness as to his qualifications as an expert. Prof. Tolman said he had first studied the admitted handwriting of the defandant. He talked along in flowing style, describing how he reached and what he considered the characteristics of this writing. Molineux's handwriting, he said, showed strong muscles and weak will power.

It was a very variable hand, exhibiting unsustained impulses of energy." The witness' speed in delivery of his exposition of Molineux's handwriting characteristics was so great at times that the stenographer could not keep up with him, and Mr. Osborne repeatedly requested him to speak with more deliberation, in order that the ideas conveyed might be the better assimilated. Osborne declared that he was getting new ideas on the subject every minute. Prof. Tolman first took up what he described as the "pictorial effect" of the writings and told its various characteristics, running rapidly through the letters for 11- lustrations of his meaning.

He laid stress upon the fact that the character of the writing was affected by the state of mind of the writer at the time of its production. By means of triangles the witness illustrated what he meant by "unsustained impulses of energy." Thus at the beginning of a word the writing showed big and strong letters while the letters following grew smaller and at the termination of the word were 1n many cases not even completely formed. From the illustrations given, Prof. Tolman's "impulse of energy" notion seemed to be about the same thing as Expert Tyrell's "hand-measure." Prof. Tolman's testimony was interrupted in order that a witness might be put on the stand to identify Harry Cornish's handwriting.

Mr. Weeks objected strongly. "I propose to show," said Mr. Osborne," that the signatures on the 'Cornish' letters which are exhibits in this case are forged and in order to do this I must begin by proving that they are not in Cornish's The Recorder permitted the witness to be examined. The latter was Charles Elliott Warren, managing clerk of the Lincoln National Bank, who swore he knew Cornish.

knew his handwriting and had seen as many as ten checks a month signed by Cornish for the last five years. Cornish was asked to stand up in the courtroom, and Warren identified him. He identified a number of signatures of Cornish on cards used at Warren's bank. When Mr. Weeks got a chance he brought out the point that Warren had never seen Cornish write.

Mr. Osborne called Cornish forward told him to write his name while the witness looked on. The signature thus produced went in evidence, along with the others identified by the witness. They were offered by Mr. Osborne as "standards of comparison," and were admitted.

The prosecution had at last laid a basis for provthat Cornish did not write the "Cornish" letters in the case. In spite of all Mr. Weeks could do to prevent it, Osborne got out the "Cornish" letters on the three crescent egg-blue paper, and handed them to the witness. He also got Cornish to write some more. The witness swore that in his belief the signatures attached to the letters were not in the genuine writing of Cornish.

Mr. Osborne then took another step forward, with Weeks trying hard to block him. He had the "Barnet" letters fished out of the big pile of exhibits, and showed them to the witness. "I want to show by this witness." said Osborne, addressing the court, "who knows Cornish's signature, that Cornish did not write the 'Barnet' letters that the same hand that did write them wrote also the 'Cornish' letters." The Recorder let Osborne have his way and witness said "Barnet" letters were signed by Cornish, and that they the, were in the same handwriting as the "Cornish" letters, Mr. Osborne next handed the witness a copy of the letter which is exhibit in the case, and which was made by Cornish only a few minutes before at the, District Attorney's direction.

In order to prove that Cornish really wrote this, he put Deputy District Attorney Kenyon O'ConAssistant, stand, who had watched the writing process. Mr. Warren promptly delivered the judgment that this writing and No Doubt About It. Service on the Pennarivania Railroad. Short line to Chicago, Cincinnati, and St.

Louis, See time table. that of the Cornish letters were not identical. Witness Tolman was put on the stand again. His examination was expected to cupy the rest of the day in court as it was the expressed intention of the Recorder to omit the customary recess for lunchcon and take an early adjournment until Tuesday morning. Ex-District Attorney Backus, of Kings County, and Supreme Court Justice Wiswell, of Maine, were among the visitors at the trial to-day.

STEAMER WERKENDAM INJURED. Holland-American Liner Collides With the Silvio. ROTTERDAM. Dec. HollandAmerican line steamer Werkendam Just after leaving for New York to-day collided with the British steamer Silvio in the Maas Luis.

A fog prevailed at the time. The Werkendam had five of her plates broken. NEW ORLEANS AT MANILA. The Cruiser Reports Her Arrival at That Port. WASHINGTON, Dec.

Bureau of Navigation of the Navy Department was notified this morning of the arrival at Manila of the cruiser New Orleans. The Dahlgren has arrived at Portsmouth, N. and the Detroit at Key West, Fla. BUTCHER SHOPS ROBBED. Police Watch and Capture a Trio Charged With Chicken Stealing.

Policeman Grels and Detective O'Rourke, of the Stagg Street Station, were sent out last night to investigate a number of small robberies which have been reported by storekeepers along 04 Ewen, Siegel and Moore streets. On Graham avenue they came across two women and a man who were acting rather suspiciously. Grels and O' Rourke decided to watch the trio, especially one of the women who carried a basket. The three visited several stores along Ewen street, returning without making any purchases, and then went to Moore street where they entered a butcher store. Upon coming out the woman with the basket gave something to the man, who went around the corner and asked a man at a soda water stand to keep the goods.

He then returned to the women, who in the neantime had entered another butcher store. The woman again gave something to the man who went around the corner to the stand. For two hours the officers followed the three, and when finally they entered the butcher store of Herman Samuels, at 95 Moore street, the policemen decided to act. When the woman with the basket came out of the store she was seen to give two chickens to the man. He left them at a soda water stand at Siegel and Ewen streets.

The officers waited until he joined the women, and then they placed the trio under arrest. At the Stagg Street Station two pawn tickets for two gold watches were found in the pockets of the man, and in the basket a number of packs of cards were found. The prisoners were locked up and in the Ewen Street Court this morning Were charged with petty larceny. Rosie Samuels testified that five chickens had been stolen from the store, and upon the testimony of Greis and O'Rourke that they had seen the three coming from the store with the chickens, Magistrate Lemon held the prisoners for the Special Sessions. The officers recovered eight chickens from the stands.

AN OLD BUNCO GAME. Delivery Boy Charges Rall With Stealing His Parcels. Detectives Raleigh and Lynch, of the Grand Avenue Station, last night arrested John Rall, 22 years old, of 243 Herkimer street, on a charge of stealing two packages containing clothing valued at $4.30 from George Carhart, 17 years old, of 850 Atlantic avenue. Carhart is in the employ of Jacob Voght's Express Company. He says Rall worked the old game of holding his bundles while he did an errand.

"The boy says when he returned Rail was nowhere in sight, neither were the parcels. Rall was intoxicated when arrested, and this morning he was arraigned in the Grant Street Court on two charges, one of larceny and the other intoxication. He pleaded guilty to the charge of intoxication and was fined $2. but denied the charge of larceny. He said he did not know Carhart, and had never seen the packages.

Magistrate Steers held him for examination in $200 bail. PLACE SUES FOR DIVORCE. His Wife Denies His Allegations, and Makes a Counter-Charge. An action for absolute divorce is on trial before Justice Garretson in the Supreme Court to-day. The plaintiff is Edward W.

Place, the defendant being his wife. Jeannette E. Place, and the co-respondent named Thomas F. A. Gibney.

The plaintiff alleges that Gibney lived with Mrs. Place at 61 Pineapple street and 71 High street as man and wife. Place and his wife were married at New London, in December, 1887. Mrs. Place is also charged with having violated her marriage vows with a man called Frank, and others, at 155 Sands street, 35 Lawrence street, and at Woodside.

Borough of Queens. The plaintiff and defendant have one child and the plaintiff asks for the custody of the child. Mrs. Place denies every allegation in the complaint, and makes a counter application for divorce, with a reasonable allowance for the support of herself and her offspring. Comic Opera Politics in Alabama.

GENEVA, Dec. unique political sensation has developed in this county. Several weeks ago the Probate Judge received the resignation of Circuit Clerk Purtis, and he notified the Governor. Later the Probate Judge notified the Governor to withhold appointment as there was 110 vacancy. It now appears that a politician wanted Purtis' place, and his friends laid a scheme to get it for their favorite.

lt is said they got Purtis very drunk and when he commenced to sober up, represented to him that while drunk he had killed a man, that they had spirited him away from the authorities and that in flight lay his only safety. It is asserted they gave him $200 in consideration for his resignation in favor of their friend, a clerk, and advised him to flee to Florida, which he did. Later on he sobered up, concluded he had not killed anybody, returned and now demands that resignation be returned to him. There is doubt whether he can withdraw it, and the matter has been referred to the courts. Legal Whipping in Virginia.

NORFOLK, Dec. the first time in its history, the city of Portsmouth yesterday had a legal whipping for theft, by consent of the culprit's parents. Pierce, a fourteen-year-old colored youth, stole $17, and upon conviction he was sentenced to fifteen lashes in lieu of a jail sentence. For headache' and women's suffering "Orangeine" is a godsend. Relieves, benefts.

BURDEN FALLS ON GEN. BULLER. He is Expected to Do All the Fighting at Present. HE CANNOT WAIT FOR ROBERTS. BUT MUST PURSUE THE NATAL CAMPAIGN WITHOUT HELP.

Other Commanders Will Take it Easy for Awhile-Methuen May Fall Back-War News. LONDON, Dec. is learned at the War Office that Gen. Buller will pursue the campaign in Natal without waiting the arrival of Lords Roberta and Kitchener. The other British commanders, operating in Cape Colony, have, however, been ordered simply to hold their own until a new campaign is set on foot.

In line with this plan, Gen. Methuen will possibly fall back from his position at Modder River. Buller has already fallen back five miles and any aggressiveness on his part is pretcertain to be met with firm Boer ty resistance. MACRUM MYSTERY SOLVED. Our Concul's Financial Interests Made His Tenure Impossible.

LONDON. Dec. mystery which has surrounded the actions of United States Consul Macrum at Pretoria, including his unexplained desire to be recalled, has been solved. This morning an ex-resident of Johannesburg called upon Ambassador Choate and Mr. Adelbert Hay, who is to be the new Consul at Pretoria, and after convincing them of his good faith, explained his desire to clear up the Macrum mystery, and afford Mr.

Hay plain sailing in his new office. A long conference followed. It seems that Mr. Macrum WAS engaged in profitable financial schemes which he could not continue if he acted in the interest of England and thus run counter to the Boers. He therefore resigned because of "private affairs." The Johannesburger, whose name is not known.

promised Mr. Choate further light on Macrum's connections, and the reasons for his reticence at a second conference to-morrow. At the conference to-day he said Macrum had intended to act correctly in his official connection, but that the war had brought him unexpected embarrassments. When seen to-day Mr. Hay admitted the Macrum enigma had been solved, but he refused to discuss the matter.

ROBERTS' Commanding General Sees the Queen at Windsor. LONDON, Dec. Marshal Roberts. who sails for the Cape to-morrow, went to Windsor this morning to say farewell to the Queen. Her Majesty received the General with an unusual display of tenderness, expressing verbally what she had written him concerning her sorrow at the death of his son, and her gratitude for his prompt response to his country's call.

She dismissed him with an earnest prayer for his success and a Godspeed. THE TRANSVAAL'S TERMS. Leyds Tells What They Would be if Asked For. PARIS, Dec. Matin prints an interview with Dr.

Leyds, the agent of the Transvaal Government here, in which he says that his government is always ready to discuss peace with Great Britain, provided the latter will guarantee independence to the Transvaal. "We do not want glory, but peace." continues Dr. Leyds. "Regarding the mines in the Rand I am unable to say what would happen. if the Transvaal should be invaded.

The necessity of strategy must take precedence over the integrity of private property. We have every reason to be confident of the future." WILL DEMAND OUR RIGHTS. United States Will Not Consider the Transvaal's Unreasonable Protests. WASHINGTON, Dee. United States will insist, so it is stated, at the State Department, on the right of its citizens to sell arms and munitions of war to either England of the South African Republic.

Large sales have been made to both countries, but the Transvaal Republic was the only one that complained. Great Britain has shown that it recognized our rights as neutrals, and has not even objected to men leaving this country for enlistment in the Boer Army. IRREPRESSIBLE CHICAGO. She Suggests a Dazzling Scheme for Bringing Peace. CHICAGO, Dee.

C. Davison. a local manufacturer has evolved a scheme of arbitration for the war between England and the Boers. lie suggests that 10,000,000 citizens of the United States contribute a Christmas offering of a dime each to a 000,000 fund which shall be devoted to sending one hundred prominent Americans to London and Pretoria in a Government trnsport to present a monster peace petition to the warring powers. As a proper personnel of the commission, Mr.

Davison suggests President McKinley, Grover Cleveland, BenJamin Harrison, Theordore Roosevelt. Booker.T. Washington, Archbishop Ireland, Carter Harrison, Dr. E. G.

Hirsch, P. D. Armour, Marshall Field and others. Delegates from all the Irish societies of Cook County will meet to-morrow evening to discuss the question of aising a fund for the Boers. There are nearly 100 Irish socleties in the county.

A VAGUE REPORT. 1. Merely Says That the British Lost 'Twenty-one Men Somewhere. LONDON, Dec. general command- Expert Railroading.

On the Pennsylvania Railroad. Most popular line between East and West. Safety; accuracy; speed. ing the communications in Natal reports seven men killed and fourteen wounded the action of December 18, also three dead from enteric fever. The despatch is not thoroughly understood, but evidently refers to a new action of Buller's force not yet reported.

It may, however, refer to a sortie from Ladysmith. WON'T LEND TO ENGLAND. Bank of France Refuses a Request for 8,000,000 Pounds. PARIS, Dec. Libre Parole says the Bank of France has refused to loan the Bank of England 200,000,000 francs in addition to the 300,000,00 francs £12,000,000) supplied in October.

INTER-STATE COMMERCE. Frank Harriott Investigated in Regard to Discriminating Rates. WASHINGTON, Dec. investigation of complaints in relation to the new freight classification, to go into effect January 1, 1900, was resumed by the Inter State Commerce Commission this morning. Frank Harriott, general traffic manager of the Erie, and a member of the General Classification Commission, which formulated the new classification, explained that rates were generally advanced because more revenue is needed by the railroads, and then gave specific explanations in separate instances; for example, that the rate on agricultural implements was advanced because they are bulky and difficult to handle, and had been a contention for a good many years He explained that when the new classification does not meet the approval of some road on some particular commodity, this road might make a "commodity rate" for the article in question, lower than the classitication rate, so that, in order to advance rates, the railroads must be unanimous.

Mr. Harriott was interrogated on the increase less than car-load lots. This classification was not discussed in the committee, but settled by correspondence at the request of the Western Classification Committee. He did not remember the reason for the advance. The witness admitted that on miscellaneous lots more full cars have been sent 011 "less than rate than before, because of improved conditions bringing additional revenue.

Judge Knapp, Chairman of the Commission, announced that the Commission could not further profitably pursue the investigation. Attorney General Frank Monnett, of Ohio, addressed the Commission and sprung a sensation by charging that the new classification is in violation of the Sherman anti-trust fact. The shippers had appointed a committee, composed of Monnett, M. Matthews, of the Proctor Gamble Company, Congressman J. H.

Bromwell, and had signed a petition last night to the Inter-State Commerce Commission, which Mr. Monnett read. The petition recites that the new classification inures to the benefit of large and to the detriment of small shippers, and asks the Commission to present the testimony given to the Attorney General of the United States that he may proceed to, enjoin the going into effect of the classification and take such further action as may be lawful under the Sherman act. Although Mr. Monnett presented the petition as the unanimous action of the shippers representatives of the Merchants' Association of New York, the Trades' League of Philadelphia, Board of Trade and Transportation.

New York, and Wholesale Grocers' Association. New York, disclaimed it on the ground that they desired the attorneys of their association to first pass upon it. LAWTON'S FUNERAL. Simple Services Held To-Day in Manila. MANILA.

Dec. simple funeral service was held over the remains of Gen. Lawton at the family's residence thns morning. The body was then taken to a vault In the chapel at El Paco Cemetery, escorted by a troop of the Fourth Cavalry. Members of Gen.

Lawton's staff acted as pallbearers. THE EAST RIVER BRIDGE. Many Months Will be Required to Build the Approaches. The following letter was received at the meeting of the new East River Bridge Commission, held yesterday afternoon, and is in answer to a request embodied in a resolution, which was, through the agency of Commissioner James D. Bell, adopted at last week's meeting: "To the Commissioners "Pursuant to your resolution of the fourteenth I respectfully report as follows: I estimate that it will require four months to remove the buildings on the Brooklyn side, and six months to remove the buildings on the New York side, after the Commission is in actual possession of the land required for the bridges.

The work of removal should begin simultaneously next to the anchorage and at the plaza on each side of the river, be continued to the middle of each approach. should begin immediately 'after the land is acquired, and continue as rapidly as posisble until fully completed. In my judgment it will simplify and facilitate tthe work of sale and removal and tend to avoid confusion among the ers of the buildings and in the neighborhood to sell all the buildings on a simple block, bounded by the city streets and the line of the bridge property, to one purchaser, and I recommend that they be sold in this manner. 440 I estimate that' after the buildings have been removed at least eight months will be required to meet the approach, and to grade and pave the plaza in Brooklyn, and that fully ten months will be required for doing the same work in Manhattan. The contracts for doing this work should be let at least nine months before the work of erection to begin.

In the foregoing estimate time required for the construetion of the following and the track laying, which are to be done under a separate contract, is included. "The following is summary of my estimate of the time Manhattan, removal buildings, six months; building proach, ten months: total, sixteen months. Brooklyn, removal buildings, four months; building approach, eight months; total, twelve months." L. BUCK." Chief Engineer Buck also submitted his weekly report on the progress of the work, in which he stated that all the piles for the north pier of the intermediate tower foundation on the Manhattan side have been driven, while the south pier is practically completed. On the Brooklyn work Is also rapidly nearing completion.

Several hundred cuble yards of masonry were laid during the week on both anchorages. Steamers' Movements. Arrived--Port of New York: Ethiopia--Glasgow. Columbia-Hamburg. El Mar- Orleans.

Yarmouth-Yarmouth. HOWE'S APPOINTMENTS CAUSING TROUBLE. 'The W. D. Republicans Threaten Retaliation.

EASTERN DISTRICT'S SHARE. THE REGISTER-ELECT DESIRES TO EVEN THINGS UP. The Discharge of E. D. Men in Custom House and Elsewhere is Threatened if Howe Persists.

The local Republican oganization is at loggerheads with Register-elect James R. Howe over the question of appointments in his office. A special meeting of the Republican Executive Committee has been hurriedly called for this afternoon at 5 o'clock to take up the matter and to try and force Mr. Howe to change his plans regarding his a selections. The cause of the trouble lies in the fact, which was announced in the Times several days ago, that Mr.

Howe intended to till thirty of the forty-two places in his office with men selected from the Sixth Congressional District. The western district leaders are indignant over the intended action of the Register-elect, and if they fail this afternoon to secure what they claim 19 be a more equitable distribution of patronage. they threaten reprisals in the shape of having men now employed in the Custom House and other branches of the Federal service from the Eastern District discharged and their places given to western district Republicans. This warfare is likely to lead to serious trouble in the organization unless the matter is smoothed this afternoon. The Eastern District Assembly District leaders are behind Mr.

Howe in favoring that the borough, and standing, say that they are ready to fight if the other people want to do so. It is possible that the western district leaders will be forced give in, and that Mr. Howe will select a majority of his apton pointees from his own section. It was expected that the appointments would be announced to-day, but the action of the executive members in calling a meeting to discuss the matter has caused delay, a and the appointments will not be announced until to-morrow morning. MONEY FOR LAWTON'S WIDOW.

Action Taken by Mansfield Post and the Zouave Guard. Mansfield Post, No. 35, G. A. met last night in Americus Hall, 208 Grand street, and after the transaction of regular business took action on the death of Gen.

Lawton. The post contributed $25 to help wipe out the mortgage on Mrs. Lawton's home, In California. Immediately after adjournment, the Zouave Guards, numbering forty men, held a special meeting, and also took action on the General's death. Police Captain Martin Short, who is the commander of the Zouave Guards, spoke about Gen.

Lawton, stating that he was one of the bravest soldiers this country ever produced. "It is sad," continued the Captain, "that men of such bravery should be poor. This association should take immediate action and contribute $25, and more if it is found necessary. Everyone knows of Gen. Lawton's fighting abilities.

He was always at the front, a General's place. It is such men that our children will look up to." John Tregaskis also spoke about Gen. Lawton, and during the course of his remarks, said that a book should be written for the youth of this country concerning him. Commander William M. O' Brien, of Manstield Post; and Quartermaster Brown also spoke.

"There have been a great many demands upon the treasury," said Quartermaster Brown, "but never have I been so well satisfied as I am upon demand. If it 18 necessary to contribute more, the post should take action." Mansfield Post is making arrangements for a public installation of officers. The date has not yet been selected. A request was sent to Mrs. Mary Newell, President of the Woman's Mansfield Relief Corps, and also Captain-elect William Mansfield Camp, Sons of Veterans, requesting that they hold their installations on the same night as Mansfield Post.

As soon as answers are received a date will be fixed. As is customary every member out of employment will receive a turkey as a Christmas present from the post. THE PRAIRIE AT HAVRE. Cruiser Carries American Exhibits for Paris Exposition. HAVRE, Dec.

auxiliary cruiser Prarie, carrying the American Government exhibits for the Paris Exposition, arrived here to-day. Albany Notes. Benjamin F. Daly, of Brooklyn, is one of the Directors of the Gomez-0' Brien Company, of New York City, incorporated with the Secretary of State, with a capital of $50,000, to deal in steam fitters and plumbers' supplies. The Sampson Gymnasium and Athletic Club, of Brooklyn, has filed articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State, Its Directors for the first year are Robert Bruce, John F.

Warth, Adolph Warth, Frank W. Foley and John J. Gabey, of Brooklyn. the Directors of the L. R.

Williams Among Company, of New York City, Incorporated with a capital of $20,000, to deal in heating are Lida R. Williams, Willapparatus, tam E. Williams and Samuel S. Williams, of Brooklyn. The Moller Schumann Company, of Brooklyn, has been incorporated with the Secretary of State to deal in paints, varnishes and printing inks.

The capital stock is $150,000, divided Into shares of $100 each, the Directors for the first year are Joand Moller, John H. Schumann, Edward W. seph Moller, John H. Schumann, Edward W. Mills and George Mayor, of Brooklyn, and Patrick F.

Sharkey, of Long Island City, Correcting a Stupid Error. "There's something wrong about this story," said the editor. commence by saying 'the father and his family were chatting about the cheerful yet, further on, you say that they lived In an apartment "Excuse me," said the reporter, taking the manuscript and making some marks it. will that do?" on The changed manuscript read thus: "The father and his family were chattering on the top of the cheerless Statesman. Christmas in St.

Peter's. ROME, Dec. has been decided to admit the public to St. Peter's on Sunday before the Pope enters through the Porta Santa, in order to avoid confusion. Hotel Metropole, 42nd Br'dway.

Table d'hote 8 9 P.M., $1,00, Music, Icestauranta Is carte all hours. Golden Rod Rathskeller, Deutsebe Kusebe..