Times Union from Brooklyn, New York • 1

The Brooklyn Daily Times. FIFTY-FIFTH YEAR. BROOKLYN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1902. PRICE TWO CENTS. GERMANY DISCLAIMS CHARGE OP SCHEMING Says She Is Acting in Thorough Accord With Great Britain In Venezuela.

BALFOUR ON THE BLOCKADE. SEEMS TO BE IN DOUBT AS TO WHETHER ONE EXISTS. His Statement Given Out To-dayWashington Still Playing a Waiting Game -Castro's New Troubles. BERLIN, Dec. prominent Government official to-day told your correspondent that Indignation is growing in Government circles because of the accusation that Germany is scheming in Venezuela.

He said: "Germany has acted in full and open accord with England from the beginning. The German Commodore received orders only to seize Venezuelan ships, but their sinking proved a military necessity. Germany and England continue to act with the most cordial co-operation. There are no designs against the Monroe Doctrine. "All the Powers will receive notification that a blockade in Venezuela will be declared within the next few days." Balfour Repeats That England Does Not Intend to Land Troops.

LONDON, Dec. to questions in the House of Commons to-day, Premier Balfour repeated the assurances that England had no intention of landing troops in Venezuela or occupying territory. He believed, he said, that the Germans had other grievances besides those arising from financial claims. The British Government, he added, was most anxious that the blockade should be carried out with as little inconvenience to the neutral Powers as possible. Nothing further, he said, had occurred with regard to the arbitration of the claims England and Germany.

If the selzure of the gunboats had not the desired effect, he said, it would be necessary to proceed with the blockade. This would be carried on by the fleets of England and Germany. The two nations would operate in different parts of the coast and would not act as one force. Later, in reply to a question by the Right Hon. Balfour Sir said:" Charles Wentworth Dilke, "There is a controversy as to whether there is such a thing as a pacific blockade.

1, personally, think not. Evidently a blockade involves a state of war." Previous to this statement Premier Balfour had said that the blockade of Venezue- lan ports had not yet begun. AS WASHINGTON SEES IT. Phases of the Situation in Venezuela Which Give Alarm and Satisfaction-Instructions to Dewey. WASHINGTON, Dec.

nation that joins in the coercion of Venezuela adds just so much to the difficulties and complications of the situation. This statement was made yesterday by Government officials with reference to the netice served by Italy, that she had joined the concerted action Germany and Great Britain. Spain and Belgium have traveled 80 far along the same road as to notify President Castro that when a settlement is made with others, their claims must also be considered, and it is reported that Holland and Denmark will take similar steps. So seriously is the regarded here that even at the risk being misintertangle, preted, of. giving some of the Powers conan opening to that the United States is a personal interest in the subject, Secretary Hay has instructed the Ambassedors at Berlin and London to again call the attention of these Governments to the proposal of arbitration.

Advices from those capitals indicate that arbitration will not be acceptable except if accompanied by a guarantee of eventual payment whatever award might be obtained. Castro has said plainly that of all the great Powers of the world only the United States have refrained from attacking him. In view of this, self interest on the part of the United States might easily be alleged, the hypothesis being that this country 18 now holding aloof and suppressing the importance of its own claims that eventually It may become a preferred creditor. The position of France is much the same since up to the time that force was employed by Germany and Great Britain her claims were in a fair way of being satisfactorily settled. As regarded by the Administration no violation of the Monroe Doctrine has yet 00- curred, but there is serious danger that with the majority of European Powers struggling to extort money and satisfaction out of Venezuela the insolence of combined strength will lead to some overt act.

Then it will ba a question whether the United States can enforce that policy against such odds. If it is not so enforced, a purely American principle will have to be abandoned. At least Germany and Italy would welcome such an overthrow. Great Britain might assist the United States in maintaining it; in fact It is the opinion at the State Department that Great Britain looks upon the doctrine AS essential to world peace, and for that reason is as much interested in its integrity as this nation. The position of France is in doubt.

One of the most agreeable features of the whole affair to the Administration is the attitude of the Senate. Although President Roosevelt would not be averse to a public discussion of the affair by Congress, he is pleased with the expressions in the executive session of the Senate late yesterday afternoon to the effect that It is a matter to bo handled by the executive branch of the Government. Senators have individually assured the President that while keeping A watchful eye upon developments, they will refrain as much as possible from interfering with the President's policy. There is a more aggressive spirit displayed in the House, which will likely adopt a resolution asking for information on the subject, in which event the President will send in Minister Bowen's report. There is a strong feeling among South American States against Venezuela, and particularly against the administration of PresIdent Castro.

Were it not this it is probable that there would formed some sort of an alliance of Latin republice to resist Great Britain Germany. Such an event would have caused an almost Impossible tangle. As it is, there will prob- WEATHER AND TIDES. Fair, colder to-night and to-morrow; fresh westerly winds. High water to-morrow: Gravesend Bay, 9:51 A.

M. Sandy Hook, 10 A. Governor's Island, 10:27 A. Canarsie, 11:04 A. Rockaway Inlet, 10:12 A.

Holland's LandIng, 10:47 A. Wallabout, 11:07 A. Hell Gate, 12:23 P. Willet's Point, 1:29 P. Oyster Bay, 1:28 P.

M. Port Jefferson, 1:21 P. M. ably be a general flocking of adventurers to Venezuela. In Venezuela itself there 1s that recent events have unifled all parties.

A particularly strong indication of this was shown yesterday when Gen. Hernadez, "the cripple," formerly a popular leader, but for some time kept in prison by Castro, returned to Caracas. There was the usual tumultuous reception, but the speech which followed was, according to reports, conservative and patriotic, binding the speaker and his followers to the defense of the country, and the wiping out of former differences of politics and principles. Orders will be sent to-morrow to Admiral Dewey to despatch several of the battleships which have been engaged in the maneuvers 375 off miles Colebra from to La Trinidad, Guayara; which other is only vessels about of the fleet will be ordered to Curacoa, 167 miles from La Guayara. This order will be in line with a programme mapped out some time ago, when there was little thought of trouble between Venezuela and the European powers.

The United States, therefore, will not be placed in an attitude of seeming interference in the present crisis, but will, nevertheless have powerful fleet at hand in case the necessity for its use should arise. Officials of the State and Navy Departments do not attempt to conceal their satisfaction with the fact that the Venezuelan embroglio 1s coincidental with the presence of the combined North Atlantic, South Atlantic and European squadron in the Carribbean Sea. The dispute could not possibly have arisen at a time more favorable to the Interests of the United States, should forcible interference found necessary. Trinidad is only one day's sail from the Venezuelan Coast and Curacoa only a half day's sail. The State Department is still hopeful that the preparation for arbitration, advanced by President Castro, through Minister Bowen, and supported by this Government, will acceded to by both Great Britain and Germany.

In fact, these countries will be obliged to accept this manner of settlement through force of circumstances. It seems to be the only practicable method by which they could hope to be reimbursed for their claims. To Give President Power to Pay Debts. (Special to the Brooklyn Times.) WASHINGTON, Dec. House Committee on Foreign Affairs will take up tomorrow several resolutions recently introduced for the purpose of securing arbitration of the Venezuelan trouble, and giving President Roosevelt power to guarantee the payment of the debts owing to the allied powers.

There seems to be no opposition to this proposition, except such as arises from the feeling of certain Congressmen that the American taxpayer is getting the worst end of it. It is argued on the other hand that if the United States gets mixed up in a contess of arms, the taxpayers will suffer. No jingoism has been displayed in the committee, by either Republican or Democratic members. All of them take the conservative view, and it is the sense of the committee that the best policy is to go slow. No war-like propositions, therefore, have been considered, or is it likely that any such will be.

If it had been thought that immediate action was necessary, the committee would have held a meeting earlier than to-morrow, which is its regular meeting day. As an earlier meeting would have been inconvenient to members of other committees who serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee, it was thought best to wait till to-morrow. CASTRO SENDS WORD HERE. In Reply to Request for News He Says His Country Appreciates American Sympathy. CHICAGO, Dec.

to a request of the Tribune for a statement on the gravity of the Venezuelan situation, President Castro cabled as follows: "CARACAS, wishes to express in the name of his country his appreciation of the sympathy of the United States, manifested toward Venezuela. In this invasion on Venezuela he sees a threat at American interests, and believes that the situation may be interpreted as a blow aimed at American integrity. (Signed) "TORRES CARDENAS, "Secretary to the President." Belgium Joins Forces in Demand for Money. BRUSSELS, Dec. report that Belgium is sending a diplomatic note to Venezuela regarding the settlement of Belgian claims against that country was officially confirmed to-day.

The Belgian claims amount to 10,000,000 francs. The principal creditor is the Compagnie Des Eaux de Caracas, founded in Brussels by Belgian capitalists. Customs Will Be Protected. LONDON, Dec. Exchange Telegraph Company's Paris correspondent today wires that French Foreign Minister Delcasse has obtained assurances from both England and Germany that prior to any demonstration against Venezuela, the customs of that country which have been put up as guarantee for the payment of French claims, will be protected.

Italian Minister Leaves Caracas. WASHINGTON, Dec. Bowen cabled the State Department from Caracas that the Italian Minister had left the city, and that he had aSsumed 'charge of the Italian legations' affairs according to instructions. Navy Backs Up German Policy. BERLIN, Dec.

Navy party is urging unflinching carrying out of the present plans in Venezuela. It is stated that Germany will be allowed the leading hand In the settlement in Venezuela by the British, and the naval enthusiasts see in this a grand oportunity to play up large naval proposals 'before the public imagination. More Internal Dissension in Venezuela. BRUSSELS, Dec. private telegram from Caracas states that.

Gen. Matos and other revolutionists have refused to unite with the Government in repelling the foreign Invaders. Instead, It is said, they will at once begin a new revolt against the Castro Government. HE BATHES EN ROUTE. Bathing facilities, a barber and a stenographer are Special.

appreciated features of the Pennsylvania PENN. TUNNEL MEANS MUCH TO LONG ISLAND Work on Ward's Island Bridge and Other Improvements to be Rapidly Pushed. NEW ROUTE TO NEW ENGLAND. LOOP TO BAY RIDGE INCLUDED IN THE PLANS. Will Begin Operations as Soon as Engineers Are Ready--Expect to Spend $40,000,000 in Three Years.

The plans structure, to run from Port Morris straight across the "Kills" to Randall's Island, and then by a graceful curve to the shore of Ward's Island on the side opposite Astoria, de and cross the bridge. In fact, that portion of the line from the Port Morris shore to Astoria will practically be one long steel bridge. According to the official map of Long Island City, which is the First Ward of the Borough of Queens, the pier for the Astoria end of the bridge will be on the river line between. Ditmar and Potter avenues. That point is now part of the Barclay and Potter estates.

The ground is high, and the Barclay family mansion stands in the centre of a knoll surrounded by stately trees. The Potter family residence was destroyed by fire shortly after the close of the Civil War. The bridge pier, according to the present plans, will stand on the shore line directly in front of the main gateway to the Barclay property. The shore at that point is very rocky, and the company has had a considerable space cleared away, where soundings for the foundation were made. There is an excavation like a crescent in form, and the stones and rocks removed are piled up around it.

Back of the high ridge where the houses stand there is a broad, level space that extends beyond Steinway village. Following the railroad line the country where it crosses, to a point near North Woodside, is partly farm land and partly wooded. The line of the tracks, as laid down on the official map, shows that they cross Potter avenue, near Purdy street, and strike Flushing avenue, at Luyster street, Long Island City, and then turn and run close to North Woodside, passing parallel with Charlotte avenue, between Third and Fourth streets. The line crosses the Long Island railroad tracks at Kelly and Woodside avenues, Woodside, and cross Schroeder street at an angle, and then run across open country to Maspeth, passing south of Mount Olivet avenue, that place. The line then swings to the south, and comes near East Williamsburgh, crossing Metropolitan avenue, near there.

There is a turn near East Williamsburgh, and the line turns off and connects with the Long Island Railroad at St. Park. The passage by the Aldermen yesterday of the ordinance for the Pennsylvania Railroad tunnel under the North River, Manhattan Island and the East River, means much to Brooklyn and Long Island City, although apparently the comment and criticism has been confined to the central station, Manhattan. It was stated this morning that work will be commenced on the gigantic undertaka ing just as soon as the working plans of the engineers are ready--the assent of Mayor Low to the franchise being already practically assured, and it is estimated that withing the next three years $40,000,000 will have been spent on the tunnels and connections and the bridge that is to cross Hell Gate at Ward's Island to join the Pennsylvania, Long Island and New York and New Haven Railroad systems. The announcement was recently made by officials of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company that the plans for the big tunnel were 80 much for the purpose of securing tor that great railroad system through connection with the New England States as for an entrance to New York City.

The idea that the Pennsylvania Railroad Cmpany purchased a controlling interest in the Long Island Railroad Company for the purpose of developing summer traffic on Long Island and eventually 09- tablishing a steamship route from Fort Pond Bay, at Montauk Point, to England was exploded by the statement. Since the Long Island Railroad system passed into the control of the larger corporation several years ago, speculation has been rife as to the intentions of the Pennsylvania officials. All sorts of suggestions were made and when the first tunnel plans were disclosed it was taken for granted that the up-building of Long Island was the sole object of that large expenditure ot money. During all the talk and work upon the tunnel project a little railroad, planned several years ago, was lost sight of. It had bobbed up occasionally as a scheme wat would be carried out in the future, but no one seemed to pay much attention to it and it was almost forgotten in the thought and attention centred upon the Pennsylvania's tunnel plans.

This little forgotten railroad has been known as the New York Connecting Railroad Company, and it was created to bulld a bridge from Port Morris over Randall's and Ward's Islands to the Astoria shore and then across country to intersect the Long Island Railroad tracks at a point just beyond Bushwick Junction and known as St. James' Park. The company was incorporated and plans filed and such steps taken as were necessary to the building of the line. The Legislature authorized the erection of the bridge across the East River and in order to comply with the terms of that charter some little work in the line of excavation was done about a year ago on the Astoria shore. The line near Maspeth was graded for a short distance and other work done to indicate the sincerity of those back of the enterprise.

Now it develops through the statements the officials of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company that this little scheme to cross the East River on a bridge at Astoria is connecting link between their plans for tunnels to Bay Ridge and Long Island City and is in reality a very m- portant part of a great railroad enterprise, and one that calls for the expenditure of a large sum of money. The route of the New York Connecting Railroad Company has all been surveyed and laid down on the official maps. It has appeared on all maps of the Borough ol or any part of the First and SecQueens ond Wards issued during the year. in All the necessary soundings have also been made for the bridge piers, and a vast amount of preliminary work done on this scheme. Port Morris is diagonally across East River from the Astoria shore, and the about opposite Berrian's Island, where the Astoria Light, Heat and Power Company are preparing to erect Immense gas and electric plants.

Randall's Island is separated from Ward's Island by Little Hell Gate. for the railroad call for a steel The Manhattan Beach line shoots off from the Long Island tracks at that point, and It is by that route that the New York connecting railroad will reach Bay Ridge. It is believed that when the Pennsylvania Railroad Company has secured everything necessary to carrying out their extensive plans for reaching New England, that there will be a change in the route of this connecting railroad, and that instead of it running to James Park, there will be a branch that will curve around through Woodside and enter the East River tunnel In the Hunter's Point section of Long Island City. The purchases of real estate In the vicinity of the proposed mouth of the tunnel indicate that the company is going to make some very extensive and important changes. Besides the parcels of land already bought, options have been secured that show a desire for more room along the present route to Woodside.

The connecting railroad ready has arranged for its right of way, and it will be an easy matter to build a branch or turn the line around through Woodside and connect with the tracks leadIng Into the tunnel. Regarding the Pennsylvania franchise. Mayor Low made a statement to-day in which, after expressing his pleasure over the action of the Aldermen, he said: "The terms secured for the city, in connection with this franchise, mark a new era In the dealings of municipalities with such subjects. They are particularly, gratifying to me, for it has been fortune to secure the insertion in the Rapid Transit act, of the provision for a periodic revaluation of franchises, when such franchises, from the nature of the case, have to be granted without term. Franchises that are complete in themselves, and wholly within a city, should not be and need not be made perpetual; but franchises that are mere fragments within a city of perpetual grants on the outside, must probably be given for many years to come in the form adopted in this instance; that is to say, with a reservation to the city of the right to share in the growing value of the franchise, by a provision for the periodic adjustment of the payment to be made to the city for the grant." SAVED ATLANTIC EXPRESS.

Young Indian's Act Also Spared Life of Dr. Wheeler. BUFFALO, Dec. young Indian named Albo Jamison, who works on a farm at Akron, N. a few miles from Buffalo, saved from possible destruction, the West Shore fast Atlantic Express last Monday night.

A. C. Wheeler, who is doctor and a well-known local contractor, was driving home Akron, when he fell asleep. His horse, instead of following the road, turned up the West Shore track. Between Akron and Alabama, there is a wooden bridge over a creek, and the horse in trying to cross it fell through between the ties.

Wheeler slept on unconscious of what had happened. Young Jamison discovering the horse and wagon rushed frantically up track to meet the Atlantic Express, then only a few miles away. He had a barn lantern and waved it wildly in front of the speeding train. When the express came to a stop, Jamison explained Wheeler's predicament, and the passengers, against the Indian's desire made a purse for him. The horse, hadly injured, was shot, the obstruction removed and the train proceeded.

NEW PUMPING STATIONS. Department of Water Supply Plans to Increase the Supply in Brooklyn. Flans have been prepared by the local bureau of the Department of Water Supply, which, it is believed, will fully meet the requirements of the borough in the matter of a sufficient supply of water for next summer. Bids will be advertised for this week for the construction of two new pumpstations on Long Island, one at Seaford ins, the other at Lynbrook, at an estimated cost of $100,000, and with a pumping capacity of sixteen million gallons of water daily. In a few weeks bids will be advertised for the construction of two additional pumping stations, one in the centre of Nassau County, and the other on the easterly border of that county.

These two stations will pump a supply equal to the amount provided for by the two stations to be advertised for this week. These four additional pumping stations together with improvements to be made at the Prospect Pumping Station at an estimated cost of $75,000 will supply a sufficient quantity of water to prevent all danger of a famine for some time to come, and in addition will permit householders in the higher sections of the borough to use the water faucet on the top floors of their dwellings, something they have not done in years TAMMANY CHANGES. Leaders Already Looking Around for a Candidate for Mayor. Notices were sent out from Tammany Hall to-day calling for the election of executive members this week. There will be several changes, including the substitution of Battery Dan Finn as leader of the First Assembly District for ex-Police Commisstoner Michael Murphy.

In the Ninth Assembly District big Chief Devery will take the place of ex-Councilman Thomas F. Goodwin. Two new members will come from that part of Harlem which was controlled by ex-Street Cleaning Commissioner Percy E. Nagle and ex-Park Commissioner Moebus. Messrs.

McGuire and Haveron are slated for election. There is some talk or electing Alderman Gaffney in place of Chas. E. Murphy, in the Twenty-second District. Since Mr.

Murphy has become the leader of Tammany Hall, it is thought he desires to relinquish district leadership. Several conferences have recently been held by the big leaders in the wigwam for the purpose of informally discussing candiates for the Mayoralty nomination. It is well known that Leader Murphy prefers to see Congressman George B. McClellan the nominee, and is grooming him for that contingency. There is opposition, however, to the Congressman on the part of several of the district leaders.

The consensus of opinion is that the time has passed when a yellow dog ticket can win, and that some big bug who has not been subservient to the wigwam must be made the standard bearer. Among the names to be discussed are exComptroller Theodore B. Myers, J. Edward Simmons, ex-Congressman Joseph C. Hendrix and Lewis Nixon.

Judge Has Been Too Lenient. Mary Johnson, of 63 Raymond street, was convicted of shoplifting in the Court of Speclal Sessions to-day, and was sentenced to 30 days in jail. She was charged with stealing 20 1-4 yards of lace from a local department store. Justice Keady, In imposing sentence, said the storekeepers must be protected; that the court had been too lenlent in the past, but would not be so in the future. Dewar's Scotch Whisky-Purest Imported.

King Tone of the World. DID ANARCHISTS TRY TO CARRY OUT THREAT? Fire in Stable Next to Coal Dealer Reimers House Was Very Suspicious. HIS FAMILY IS TERRORIZED. ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR ARREST OF INCENDIARY. And Five Hundred Dollars More for the Writer of the Postal Card Signed Hands." The East New York police believe that the Anarchists or others who threatened last Saturday that they would burn down Coal Dealer Reimer's house at 124 Williams avenue attempted to make good their boast last right by setting fire to the stable next Coor at 120 Williams avenue, owned by Dr.

James P. Jamieson, a veterinary. surgeon. The stable is in the rear of Dr. Jamieson's house.

Mr. Reimer's house is a large two-story and a half mansion located on two lots. The family have lived in it ever since New York was a village. It is a rambling, roomy, old-fashioned affair, with a large hall through the centre, and parlors on each side of the hall. Although the neighborhood is not what it used to be, Mr.

Relmer has persisted in living in the old house because of early associations, and has had it renovated with all modern improvements. There is a space of about fifteen feet between Mr. Relmer's house and the end house of a row occupied by Dr. Jamieson, south of the old homestead, and in the rear of Dr. Jamieson's house is the stable, in which the doctor keeps habitually half a dozen horses.

Last evening, at 6:10 o'clock, Dr. Jamieson. who was at his desk in the rear parlor, heard a great stamping and nelghing of the horses in the stable, who were evidently terrified. Upon going out into the rain he observed smoke issuing from the crevices of the door. doctor lost no time, but ran back to the house, and, jumping to his telephone, sent in an alarm to headquarters.

Then, rushing back to the stable, he threw open the door, darted into the stalls and unloosening the halters the horses, allowed the animals to make their way to the yard, where he caught and led them through gate at the side of the house Into the street and tethered them. In a very short time the firemen were on the scene, and managed to extinguish the blaze promptly, with a damage more than $25 to feed and hay. The building was only slightly scorched. The police of the Liberty Avenue Station look upon the fire most seriously, in view of threatening postal card which was sent to Mr. Reimer last Saturday.

At the time of the fire the several policemen stationed by acting Captain William F. Early to watch Mr. Reimer's house lent all the aid possible. After the fire thorough investigation was made, but no trace could be found of its origin. The conclusion reached is that it undoubtedly was incendiary.

The cordon of police neighborhood of the Reimer home is continued. When the reporter of the Times saw Mrs. Reimer this morning she said: "I belleve that the card received by Mr Reimer was really written by Anarchists. There are many bad people in East New York. I think we did right in sending the card to the police of the Liberty Avenue Station, for their action.

No one can tell what might have happened if the police had not been around last night. The women in the Reimer home, including Mrs. Reimer and the daughter, did Saturday night or Sunday night. They had just managed to feel some sense of security through the constant presence of the police by yesterday. After the fire last night their fears returned and no one In the Reimer home slept last night.

It was said at Police Headquarters this morning that Mr. Reimer is so alarraed over the condition of affairs that he has offered $1,000 for the apprehension of the incendiary of last night, and $500 additional for the apprehension and conviction of the writer of the threatening postal card. When an attempt was made by the Times reporter to see Mr. Reimer at his coal yard to-day it was said that he was not in and It was not known when he would return. SHARKEY'S TRIAL BEGINS.

Three Jurors Chosen to Try Alleged Murderer of Nicholas Fish. Private Detective Thomas Sharkey, who is charged with having killed Nicholas Fish, the prominent society man, in the Ehardt Cafe, at Thirty-fourth street and Eighth avenue, Manhattan, on September 15, last, was arraigned before Magistrate Davey, in the Crimnal Branch of the Supreme Court, Manhattan, this morning. Abe Levy has been retained by. Sharkey as counsel and Assistant District Attorney Clarke has been given charge of the case for the State. A special panel jurymen was summoned and the morning session was taken up with the examination of talesmen.

Three jurors were chosen before noon recess was taken. Sharkey was present at the session this morning and took careful notes of all that transpired. NEW EVIDENCE FOR BLONDIN. Report That His Wife Was Seen Alive Later Than April 30. BOSTON, Dec.

piece of new evidence has come to the counsel for Wilfred Blondin, the convicted murderer. It is no less than the fact that Mrs. Blondin was allve after April 30, 1901, the day on which the Government alleges the defencont carried her body to Chelmsford. When the exceptions are argued the evidence will be offered, and Blondin's counsel are so convinced of the importance of the testimony that they already feel elated over the prospect of a new trial. The new witness is 8 woman who knew Mrs.

Blondin. She says she saw Mrs. Blondin on the street in Lowell, at a time SO much later than April 30, 1901, that it disproves entirely the contention of the Government in the trial. The name of the new witness is not made public. Steamers' Movements.

Arrived-Port of New York. Vaderland-Antwerp. -Hamburg. MatanzasTorgorn-Barbadoes. U.

S. DEMANDS $1,500,000. That Amount Said to Be Due Builders of Railroads by Corea. LONDON, Dec. St.

Petersburg despatch says that the United States Minister to Corea demanded the payment of 500,000, due the builders of railroads. EARTHQUAKE IN CENTRAL ASIA. Andjan, 30,000 Inhabitants, Wiped -Loss of Life Not Known. ST. PETERSBURG, Dec.

town of Andjan, in Central Asia, has been practically destroyed by an earthquake. No details of the loss of life have, as yet, been ascertained. The town has 30,000 Inhabitants. GERMAN, CRUISER STRANDED. The Wittlesbach Goes Ashore in the Great -Relief Sent to Her.

COPENHAGEN, Dec. German first-class cruiser Wittlesbach has stranded in the Great Belt near Kosver. The battleship Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse and other vessels have been sent from Kiel to attempt to refloat the cruiser. The Great Belt is a strait connecting the Baltic with the Cattegat. It Is thirty-seven miles long, with a depth varying from six to twenty-six fathoms.

The strait is full of shoals, and very difficult to navigate. Duke of Manchester's Son Baptized. LONDON, Dec. infant son of the Duke and Duchess of Manchester was baptized in the Chapel Royal, St. James Palace, at noon to-day in the presence of Queen Alexandra, who acted as godmother.

The service was conducted by the Rev. Edgar Shepherd, sub-Dean of St. James', and the Rev. William McEndoo, private chaplain of the Manchesters. The Dowager Duchess took the child from the nurse's arms and handed him to the Queen, who, in turn, passed him to the sub-Dean.

The boy was christened Alexander George Francis Drogo. Among those signing the register were Queen Alexandra, the Dowager Duchess of Manchester, the Duke and Duchess of Manchester, the Marquis de Soveral, Count Albert Bensdorff, Earl DeGrey, Lord Charles Montague and Sir John and Lady Kay. The Queen's present was a silver bowl and spoon, sub-inscribed with the child's name, the title of which is Count of Mandeville, and the Queen's initials. Capt. Carstairs Names American Corespondent.

LONDON, Dec. divorce suit of Capt. Albert Carstairs against his wife came up in the divorce court to-day. Carstairs mentions Francis Francis, member of a well-known American family, as corespondent. Capt.

Carstairs served in South Africa with the Yorkshire Regiment. When he returned home he says he noticed a change in his wife's demeanor toward him. He questioned her and she confessed to him, he says, that she was guilty of improper conduct with Francis. Nun, Wishing to Marry, Escapes. MADRID, Dec.

young Marchioness of Pidal, the twenty-three-year-old daughter of a former Conservative Minister, who became a nun in 1901 at the desire of her parents, has made her escape from the monastery where she was living. She gives as her reason that the monastic life does not provide a full sacred vocation. She wishes to marry. Three other aristocratic nuns have made their escape for the same rea- son. Want Don Carlos to Abdicate.

MADRID, Dec. Deputies Lorenz and Prader have gone to Venice to try to induce Don Carlos, the pretender, to inaugurate a more active pollcy, or to abdicate in favor of his son, Jaime. If Carlos refuses to follow their suggestions it is possible the Carlists will reject him as their leader. Archbishop of Canterbury About the Same. LONDON, Dec.

Archbishop of Canterbury, according to the doctor's bulletin, issued this morning, continues to be about the same. He spent a good day yesterday, but no noticeable improvement in his condition is apparent. Sir Edward Stock Hill Dead. BRISTOL, England, Dec. Edward Stock Hill, the well-known merchant and ship owner, and former member of Parlinment from South Bristol, died here to-day.

Kitty Byron Sentenced to Death. LONDON, Dec. Byron, who shot and killed Stockbroker Arthur Baker some months ago, was to-day sentenced to death. DETECTIVE'S MEMORY POOR. Canfield Witness Unable to Tell Whether or Not He Killed a Man.

David Bucklin, said to be the manager of Richard Canfield's alleged gambling house in Manhattan, raided on December 1, by officers from the District Attorney's office, was arraigned for examination before Justice Wyatt, in the Criminal Court, Manhattan, to-day. Bucklin's counsel is Edgar Allan Fursman, while the prosecution is being conducted by Assistant District Attarney Osborne. This morning's session was occupied with the examination of Detective Joseph Jacobs, who hails from the West, and who claims to have played faro and like games in Canfleld's place. Jacobs was closely cross-examined by Counsel Fursman, who drew from the detective the story of his life. Jacobs said he had been at one time Sheriff of Skagit County, Washington.

Fursman asked him If he had ever shot a man. Jacobs did not remember. "Do you know how many men you have shot?" asked Fursman. Again Jacobs' memory went back on him. "Do you mean to tell me you don't know whether you have ever taken a human life or not?" asked Fursman.

Still the detective's memory was blank on the subject. An adjournment was then taken until 2 o'clock to-morrow. Memorial Exercises for Late Senator Sewell. WASHINGTON, Dec. exercises in honor of the late Senator Sewell, of New Jersey, were held to-day in the Senate chamber.

Speeches were made by the two New Jersey Senators and by a number of the statesman who served with him on the Mill- tary Committee. THE WELL-GROOMED MAN Uses the Pennsylvania Special, on which he can have his morning "tub" and shave as at home. TEACHER'S COOLNESS STOPS A FIRE PANIC Flames Unexpectedly Braak Out in Branch of Public School, No. 17. PUPILS ESCAPE IN SAFETY.

BUILDING OLD BLAKE MANSION ON NORTH SIXTH STREET. No Man in School When Fire Was Discovered-Smoke Was Blamed on the Soft Coal, at First. Fire broke out shortly after 1 o'clock this afternoon in the old Blake Mansion, at 569 Driggs avenue, which has been used for the past six or seven months as a branch of Public School No. 17, at Driggs avenue and North Fifth street, of which James Cusack is principal. There were between 180 and 200 young girls in the building at the time.

There was more or less excitement, according to several business men in the immediate neighborhood, but this was denied by Mr. Cusack and Miss Margaret Dowling, who had charge of the branch, when they were seen by a Times reporter. Fortunately, all of the children got out in safety. The fire was discovered by Miss Dowling. Her class was' divided from the others.

The blaze broke out In her room. mo After she recovered from her fright she rang a small bell on her desk and said: attention." The girls dropped their books and looked up. "Stand!" said the teacher. The children stood and remained standing while Miss Dowling addressed them. "I want you all," she said, "to march out of this room to the street, and as you pass the other rooms notify the teachers that the school is dismissed." Miss Dowling held her nerve.

She could see the flames shooting out of the fireplace but she never budged. She remained at her desk, with her hand on the bell, until the last child had the room. What happened after that, does not clearly remember. She was somewhat excited, 1 but the children did not notice it, because she held herself in firm control. None of the other teachers knew what had happened, but instead of waiting to ascertain, they dismissed their classes.

Then they hastened to the street, where they found Dowling. She explained why the school had been so suddenly dismissed. The teacherg were greatly excited and one of them ran to No. 17, where she informed Principal Cusack of what had taken place. Mr.

Cusack threw on his overcoat and ran the burning school a little over a block distant. In the meantime a business man at the corner of North Sixth and Driggs avenue, had sounded a fire alarm. The firemen were soon on the scene. They found large volumes of smoke issuing from the windows on the first floor. They tore away the windows and played large streams of water on the burning fireplace.

The whole building was filled with dense smoke. The firemen prevented the blaze from getting any great headway and it is probable that the building will be reoccupled in several days. There was no man in the school at the time, the janitor, James Keating, having left the building about twenty minutes before to go to his dinner. The escape of the children was almost miraculous. The fire had been smoldering all morning.

Miss Dowling noticed this, but inasmuch as soft coal had been used she believed that it was the coal that caused the smoke. When the children reached the street they stood in groups. They were immediately surrounded by a large crowd who wanted to take them to their homes, but Miss Dowling objected to this. She, with Miss Gowan, Mrs. Casey and Mrs.

Whalen, escorted the children to the school at North Fifth street and Driggs avenue, where they were crowded into other rooms. WANT TO REARREST WESTPHAL.Coroner Holds Police Back Until After the Leyh Inquest--More Poison Found. The inquest in the case of George H. Leyh, who died from poison in his store, 73 Broadway, two weeks ago, will be held next Tuesday by Coroner Williams. The latter expects that the chemists are making an examination of the contents of Leyh's stomach will be ready to report next Monday morning.

It was said at the Coroner's office to-day that the analysis had progressed far enough to show Mr. Leyh's death WAS due to cyanide of potassium poisoning. Robert Westphal, the boy who worked for Mr. Leyh, will be the principal witness. The police have shown a disposition to rearrest Westphal, but Coroner Williams has advised them against taking the boy into custody, as it might interfere with his, Mr.

Williams', efforts to get all of the facts out of the boy on the witness stand. As a prisoner, the boy would be privileged to refuse to answer many questions which may probably be put to him, when he is free. Coroner Williams said to-day that it was Dow certain that two bottles of beer had been tampered with. Count Potocki's Trial for Forgery. VIENNA, Dec.

17-The trial of Count HenPotocki a charge of extensive frauds, forgeries and dishonest speculation began here to-day. Count Potocki, after squandering his own fortune of $5,000,000, according to the charge, tried to reimburse himself at the expense of others. He took to gambling and in one Instance, some months ago, is said to have lost with his brother, Count August Potocki, In the neighborhood of $350,000 in a game of baccaret. The Count's relatives had him confined in a mad house and afterward in a reformatory. Subsequently he was sent to America.

He escaped from his watchers in the United States, however, and took steamship to Antwerp and returned here. He was arrested shortly after his arrival. Tunnel Victim's Watch Sold. There was an auction sale of the unclaimed property held by the property clerk at Police Headquarters, Brooklyn, to-day. The property was sold in and netted $766.

The largest amount bid was $117.25, for gold repeating watch and a da chain. The watch and the chain, It is thought, belonged to one of the victims of the Park avenue railroad tunnel disaster of last summer, The were not claimed..