Times Union du lieu suivant : Brooklyn, New York • 1

FOUR FIFTY SECTIONS. PAGES. The Brooklon Doid Times, FIFTIETH YEAR. BROOKLYN. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26.

1898. PRICE THREE CENTS. GETTING READY FOR TROUBLE. Seoretary Roosevelt Issues Some Significant Orders. CONCENTRATING THE SUPPLIES.

NORFOLK AND TAMPA THE TWO IMPORTANT POINTS. Secretary Long Still Peaceful Spanish Cabinet Awfully Friendly -Echoes of the Maine Explosion. Special to the Brooklyn Times. WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.

-Assistant Secretary Roosevelt, of the Navy, Is very active this morning in his position as Acting Secretary. He has already begun the movement of nayal stores and ammunition. He has instructed the commandant of the Brooklyn Navy Yard to make immediate preparations for the transportation of all the spare supplies of ammunition and shells which are stored in the yard under his command, to Norfolk and Tampa. The commandant has been instructed to advise the department by wire just how many shells of each size he has on hand and just how many tons of naval powder are stored in the magazines. All the: movements of 'the stores will be made by rail.

The department realizes that there is danger in the sea route and the least dangerous method of transportation is being used as a precautionary measure. Similar instructions are being forwarded to the commandants of other naval supply depots, and the Inspectors in the factories where shells and ammunition are being made under contract have been advised to ignore the matter of expense in shipping the supplies and to adopt the land route rather than the sea, in every instance. H. Secretary Long Hopeful -Thinks Peace is Much in Evidence -Survivors Coming to New York. WASHINGTON, Feb.

-As to the outlook, Secretary Long said he thought things were looking much better to-day. He said the public ought not to be under any misapprehension with regard to naval movements; that so far, they had mostly been the ordinary dispositions which are made from time to time. For instance, the shipping of guns to New York -is to supply the Chicago and other vessels which are under reconstruction there, and they would 1 go in any event. The gun factory at Washington is where they are made and they are sent to various points, as the occasion requires. So, too, the call for more men, he said, is simply the revival of the recommendation in his annual report.

This statement by the Secretary evidently was made to allay the impression caused by the reports of heavy shipments of guns from the Washington Navy Yard, and other warlike measures. The movements of some of the warships, such as the Detroit and Marblehead, toward Key West, has already been shown to have been in accordance with orders not only made, but published 1p the newspapers, as well, before the Maine disaster, SO the Secretary's explanation on this point 1s only confirmatory of the statements of the subordinate officials of the Navy Department. The telegraph brought news this morning of the arrival at Key West of the two vessels named, the Detroit coming from Mobile, where she was sent to participate in the Mardi Gras festivities, and the Marblehead from New Orleans, where 'she went for similar purposes. The Detrolt is going up to the naval station to take on coal and both vessels will remain attached to the North Atlantic squadron. It is again stated at the Navy Department that the Montgomery, which has been ordered to drop down to Key West from Tampa, where she landed Capt.

Crowninshield, has not as yet recelved any orders to proceed to. Havana, and it is not yet decided when the orders will issue, if at all. Col. Heywood, commandant of the marines, acting upon orders from the Navy Department, is preparing to send all the marines at Key West, survivors of Maine, who are able to travel, to New York, where they will be placed on the receiving ship Vermont, there to be held for further assignment. They will go by steamer to New York.

The sailors at Key West will be disposed of in similar fashion. Spanish Cabinet Very Friendly Bread Riots 'in Salamanca. MADRID, Feb. Cabinet having considered the situation to-day: no incldent was reported as altering the "cordiality of the relations between Spain and the United States," though the Ministers expressed "regrets at the passion which has crept Into public opinion during the present incident." A million pesetas was voted to develop the navy. SALAMANCA, Spain, Feb.

crowd of about 3,000 workmen, accompanied by groups of women carrying flags, paraded the streets to-day, shouting for work and bread. Many houses were stoned and the railroad station WAS stormed and considerable wheat was stolen. The authorities promised to find work for the unemployed, and as this despatch was sent they were restoring order. Senator Proctor in Havana Says His Presence Has "No Significance." HAVANA, Feb. Proctor, of Vermont, arrived here this morning from Florida, via Key West.

He says his coming here has no significance in connection with political matters. The Senator is accompanied by Mr. M. Parker, a real estate man of Washington, and it is given out that the two gentlemen are engaged in a business venture. Senator Proctor says he was in Florida for A week and concluded to run over here.

He may go back on the next steamer or he may conclude to remain for some time. A number of newspaper men returned to Key West to-day in anticipation of the transfer of the United States Court of Inquiry into the loss of the Maine to that place. The arrivals here are not many and the departures are about up to the average. The wounded sallors of the Maine a are doing well, according to the last report, except Holzer, who was very low last night. The extra divers and apparatus on the Mascotte were gladly received here.

The Navy Wants 1,500 More Men. WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. Chairman Boutelle, of the Naval House Affairs Committee, has recelved a letter from the Navy Department, together with a draft of a bill providing authority for the enlistment of 1,500 additional men to man the Columbia and Minneapolis, which have been ordered into commission. 'The latter is signed by Acting Secretary Roosevelt.

Chairman Boutelle, of the Naval Committee, received it last night, but up to noon had not decided on calling a special session of the committee to consider it. He says the request is practically identical with that preferred by ex-Secretary rierbert in the last Congress. At Key West -The Board of Inquiry Expected There To-night. KEY WEST, Feb. United States Coast Survey steamer, Bache, arrived here this morning from Havana.

She had on boa. four of the Maine's wounded men. Two of them were well enough to walk. Admiral Sicard to-day explained the departure yesterday of Commander West for Havana. "There is nothing particularly signifcant about it," he said.

"Commander West asked my permission to run over to Havana, to talk with Capt. Sigsbee and the officers of the Court of Instaff, has all the papers in the case and quiry. Commander West, as chief of my we keep in close touch with what is going on at Havana." Commander West will probably return to-day. Regarding the movements of the fleet, Admiral Sicard said: "The boats at Tortugas are doing some target practise, but the elaborate plan of meneuvers which I had laid out has had to be postponed, pending developments. I brought the New York in here because I wish to be in close and constant communication with the Navy Department." Referring to the land naval station here the Admiral remarked: "Only nominal forces are here now.

Should anything added the Admiral guardedly, "it would have to be strengthened considerably." The officers composing the United States Court of Inquiry into loss of the battleship Maine are expected here to-night. A prominent naval officer said the court would almost certainly return to Havana after its session here. Maine Victims Honored in Paris. PARIS, Feb. members of the British American colonies here were present to-day at a requiem mass celebrated at St.

Joseph's Passionist Church for the repose of the souls of the victims of the Maine disaster. The British Ambassador and his staff, the British Consul General, United States Ambassador, Gen. Horace Porter and staff, the United States Consul General and the Japanese Minister and Spanish Ambassador and their staffs were among those present. Hosts of Volunteers -These Men Want to Help Uncle Sam Thrash Spain. PORTLAND, Feb.

B. Campsen, late Brigadier General of the Oregon National Guard, has sent the following message to the Oregon delegation in Congress: "In the event of war with Spain, I request you to tender my services to the President. I agree to furnish two regi. ments of infantry, one regiment of cavalry and a battery of artillery, to be called the 'Oregon DENVER, Feb. officer and every enlisted man of Colorado National Guard will immediately enlist in the United States service if President McKinley asks for their services in 'case of a war with Spain," said Attorney General Carr at the Glenarm Armory last night, and his statement was greeted with enthusiastic cheers by the officers of the guard from different parts of the State who had assembled at the call of the Brigadier General of the State.

The meeting was called to discuss the subject of what the Colorado National Guard would be expected to do in case of a war. During the meeting 'Adjt. Gen. Moses is sued an order which gave the officers to understand that they must be prepared for an emergency call at any time. QUINCY, Feb.

Moorehead, the commander of the Quincy Company of Naval Reserves, has received orders to notify members of the company to hold themselves in readiness to report on six hours' notice. There are elghty men in the company and they say they are ready to respond to any call for their services that may come. The order came from Lieutenant Commanded Porter of Moline, the chief of the battalion. England Doesn't See Any War in Sight. LONDON, Feb.

Pall Mall Gazette to-day says: "In spite of all manner of reports, we cannot for the life of us see any immediate prospect of war between Spain and the United States. There is absolutely no evidence that anything but an accident occurred. Even those who stick to the torpedo explanation chiefly attribute it to a fiendish and irresponsible fanatic. In that case, Spain would instantly right herself by making amends. There is essential for the American Administration--to keep its head--and that.

it seems to be doing." ELIZABETH GERRY SCHOLES DEAD. Expired Suddeniy From Heart Disease This Morning -Her Charitable Work. Residents of the Eastern District will be grieved to learn of the a death of Mrs. Elizabeth Geery Scholes, wife of Henry Bride Scholes, who passed quietly away at hers residence about 10:45 o'clock this morning. Mrs.

Scholes' death resulted from heart disease, of which she had been a sufferer nearly all her life. She had had many bad attacks, but the most violent occurred about three days ago. Dr. N. W.

Leighton, the family physician, called at the house three times a day. He made his morning, call to-day a little after 10 o'clock and considered Mrs. Scholes so improved that he notifled the family he would cut down his visits to two a Not long after he left Mrs. Scholes apparently fell into a doze, from which she never awakened. Her husband and three daughters, the Misses Miriam, Elizabeth and Beatrice, survive Mrs.

Scholes. For a great many years Mrs. Scholes has been identifled with philanthropic and charitable work. She was a Director of the Brooklyn Orphan Asylum, PresIdent of the King's Daughters of the Eastern District, and for years a member of Christ Church. She was born in New York June 9, 1882, and was therefore 66 years old.

Her marriage to Mr. Scholes occurred November 15, 1858. It is singular fact that at the time of her marriage Mrs. Scholes told her husband she was a sufferer from heart disease, and did not believe she would live six months. But she successfully fought the disease for forty years.

High Art in Railroad The New Pennsylvanta Limited is an example of the highest art in palace car construction and decoration. It is a club, a home, a hotel, and an observatory on wheels. The most perfect passenger train in the world. TO FIGHT FOR THEIR PLACES. Old Bridge Commissioners to Bring Quo Warranto Proceedings.

PAPERS WERE SERVED TO-DAY. HEARING WILL BE GIVEN ON THURSDAY IN ALBANY. 01d Commissioners Claim That the New Ones Secured Possession by Stealth. The Commissioners of the East River bridge who were summarily removed by Mayor Van Wyck have begun legal proceedings threatened by them when they were ejected by the Mayor's Tammany Commissioners. Yesterday H.

C. M. Ingraham, the counsel for the old Board, applied to Attorney-general Hancock at Albany for permission to begin quo warranto proceedings to test the right of the Tammany Commissioners to hold the offices. Attorney-General Hancock directed counsel to give notice of the application to each of the Tammany Commissioners and set the hearing down for Thursday next, at his office in Albany. If the old Commissioners are successful in the proceedings they will be reinstated.

Copies of the papers in the application were served to-day on 1 Tammany Commissioners James L. Boyle, Thomas L. Moore, Lewis Nixon, Julian S. Fairchild and John Weber. The others will be served in the course of the day.

The application is based on a series of affidavits and a petition, sworn to by the old Commissioners. The affidavits recite the facts connected with the assumption of power by the Mayor to appoint new Commissioners after removing the Commissioners in office, the manner in which the removal was effected. Shortly before noon Commissioner John W. Weber, was served with the papers. He was seen by a Times reporter, and asked what he intended to do.

"Make the fight," he replied. The fact that he had been served with papers didn't seem to worry him any. The papers state that the new Commisstoners "were appointed without legal warrant or authority," and that "by stealth and force they entered into and usurped said office commissioners, and "did eject your petitioner." The old Commissioners of the East River Bridge, six in number, were appointed under the provisions of chapter 789 of the Laws of 1895, by the Mayors of New York and Brooklyn, each Mayor naming three persons, who, with themselves, constituted the Commission for the purpose of constructing a permanent suspension bridge over the East River. It is claimed that the intention of the Legislature was that East River Bridge Commisisoners should not be moved from office and should be allowed to carry out the bridge plan to completion. HE LIKES IT, HE DOES.

Policeman Hoeffling's Testimony in an Excise Policeman William J. Hoeffling of the Hamburg Avenue Station was a witness in an excise C889 before Magistrate Lemon yesterday afternoon. The Magistrate asked hin: "Did you the tear 11 taste r. "Did you ever taste it before "Yes sir, and I like Magistrated Lemon nearly fell out of his chair. BRITONS GOING TO KLONDIKE.

A Party of Twelve Arrived To-day on the Paris. Twelve strong young Britons, all arrayed in heavy light coats, arrived here on the American liner Paris from Southampton this morning on their way to the Klondike They comprise doubtless the best organized private expedition that bas left these parts for the polar gold fields. Thev are of superior intelligence and they come with everything needed for their stay in the Klondike alprovided for. HEARD OF HOLMES' SUICIDE. Then Cut His Throat From Ear to Ear With a Razor.

John Willkoum, a farmer's boy, aged 19, living on the Neck road, near Ocean avenue, has just returned from the State Hospital, where he was taken last November for melancholia, apparently cured. Yesterday he read the account of the suicide of Dr. Hollis, at the Arden Dale, near his home, and moved by a sudden Impulse he went to his room and with a razor cut his throat from ear to ear. Dr. Hill attended him, and he was taken to Norwegian Hospital.

The wound, though ugly, is too high up to prove fatal. JOINT COMMITTEE TO DINE. Theodore B. Willis Will Entertain His Colleagues. Ex-City Works Commissioner Theodore B.

Willis, chairman of the joint committee of fourteen appointed by Chairman Quigg of Manhattan Chairman Dady, of the Executive Committee will tender a dinner to his colleagues at the hotel Manhattan tonight. Only a few invited guests will attend among them Lieutenant Governor Timothy L. Woodruff, Congressman Quigg and Speaker James E. L. O'Grady, of the Assembly, if the latter is in the city.

The affair will be entirely informal and the few remaining Federal appointments will be discussed. AUSTRIA'S GERMANS. They March Out of the Bohemian Diet. PRAGUE, Feb, the Bohemian Diet to-day, Herr Lippert, in the name of his German colleagues, referring to the marked federalist tendencies of the Diet, which was shown in the address to Emperor Francis Joseph, on his approaching jubilee, which was adopted yesterday, said that the Germans remained true to the constitution and took no further part in the Diet. Then, amid cheers, the Germans marched out of the Diet.

The young Ozechs defended the terms of the address and the Statthalter said the government did not feel in any way bound to accept the views of the constitution put forth in the address. To. this replied nick cheers: The F. F. Williams Drum, Fife and Bugle Corps will give its annual masquerade and civic ball this evening at Military Hall, Leonard and Scholes streets.

RUN OVER BY A CYCLIST. Young Morrow in the Hospital Dangerously Injured. While John Morrow, 10 years old, of 1,221 St. Mark's avenue, was crossing that thoroughfare, at the corner of Albany avenue, yesterday afternoon, at 4:30 o'clock, was run down by Thomas 26 years old, of 650 Sixth avenue, who wAS riding a bicycle, Policeman Edward Young, of the Twelfth Precinct, called an ambulance and young Morrow was taken to the hospital, where he is in a dangerous condition. Alberts was arrested and held in $500 bail, charged with assault.

PEANUTS, LEMONADE, SAWDUST. WHAT BRITISH ROYALTY ENJOYED LAST NIGHT. Prince and Princess of Wales Visited the Barnum Show and Renewed Old Freak Acquaintances. LONDON, Feb. Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Fife witnessed the performance of Barnum Bailey's Circus last night.

The Royal party drove direct froth the Queen's dinner to the circus and took the greatest interest in part of the performance. The Prince of Wales sent for Mr. Balley and in his place George Starr went to the Royal box. "We want to see the freaks," said the Princess of Wales. So 10:30 P.

after the show, the general public were hurried out and Mr. Starr conducted the Royal party through the menagerie to the freaks. Royalties talked with each of the freaks, the Princess saying to the "bearded lady" and "skeleton dude:" "Oh, I remember you when you were in England before." The Princess also made a long inspection of the baby Incubators, where there were two sets of triplets, and inquired if they had received the "Queen's bounty," or donation which Her Majesty makes in the case of all triplets born in the Kingdom. The Royal visitors then went to the stables, the Prince of Wales talking with Mr. Starr most of the time and exhibiting the greatest curiosity regarding every detail of the management, food, etc.

His Royal Highness expressed the greatest admiration of the manner in which the circus was organized, and was specially interested in the plans for the Provincial tour and in the American cars. The Prince and Princess of Wales and their party remained at the circus until midnight. LA CHAMPAGNE NOT YET SIGHTED. PARIS DID NOT SEE HER ON THE TRIP ACROSS. The French Liner is Now Seven Days Overdue Agents Expect Her- To-lay.

Up to 10 o'clock this morning no additional news had been received of the overdue French liner La Champagne. The steamer Paris, which arrived this morning from Southampton, did not sight her on her voyage. From the report of the Bremerhaven, which sighted her a week ago, it was hoped that she would put in an appearance this morning and it is expected she will be reported off Fire Island some time during the day. La Champagne is now seven days overdue. The French liner sailed from Havre on Febraury 12 with 304 passengers on board.

Capt. Ninnes of the tank steamship Bremerhaven reported yesterday that he sighted the La Champagne on February 19. He said she was going very slow and was headed to the northeast at a point about 1,350 miles due from Boston and 1,600 miles from Havre. None of the other vessels that arrived up to to-day had seen the French liner on their trips across. A number of the friends of the passengers on the La Champagne called at the office of the agents in Manhattan this morning to inquire about the overdue steamship.

They were told that the La Champagne would arrive here not later than Monday. If the vessel that Capt. Ninnes sighted was the French liner. EX-MAYOR LOW'S PRIZE. The Two Successful Candidates Names Made Known.

The successful candidates in the contest for ex- Mavor Seth Low's offering of one year's membership in the Brooklyn Library to the two scholars in the public schools getting the highest marks for the made known to-day. They are Charles A. Jaqueth, Grammar School No. 25, of 136 Schernerhorn street, and Miss Mabel A. Rapp, Grammar School No.

26, of 779 Lexington avenue. FEW PLUMS FOR DEMOCRATS. Patronage Committee Has to Wade Through 1,000 Candidates. The Democratic Patronage Committee met at the Constitution Club on Schermerhorn street, last night, and apportioned the bridge keepers who are the place of policemen on the various bridges in this Borough. Twelve appointments will be announced on Monday, when the men will take office.

A salary has been fixed at 860 month. There are nearly 1,000 candidates for the twelve places which are exempt from civil service regulations On Monday night the committee will meet again and reports will be received from the local Deputy Commissioners of the number of places that can be filled without conflicting with the civil service laws. COMMISSIONER BENEDICT. Clerk of Judge The mas'Court Holds a Dua Position. In the United States Court to-day Judge Edward B.

Thomas swore in B. Lincoln Benedict, clerk of the United States Cir cuit Court, as United States Commis sioner. The other Commissioners now sit ting in Brooklyn are Allen, John Oakey and Richard P. Morle. Judge Thomas also announced that hereafter he would sit Saturdays for nacuralizations, but that the court calendar itself would not be taken up until March.

Pensions Granted. Special to the Brooklyn Times. WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. Pensions bave been: granted residents of Brooklyn, as follows: Original, -Joseph Lyng, James Calkins, increase, Patrick Welsh, $8 ca Wragpt, $8 to $10? widows, Augusta L.

Brown, $19. H. Frank Harvey. Field will address tomorrow's meeting of the Young Men's Christian Association at the Bedford Branch, Gates avenue. THE GRAND JURY TO INVESTIGATE.

District Attorney Will Take up Coler's Findings. LOOKS LIKE CRIMINAL CASE. WILLIS SAYS THE PRICES CHARGED WERE NOT EXORBITANT. Also That Work Was Necessary--Still Mayor Wurster Was Not Asked to Certify it. Comptroller Coler to-day sent to Digtrict Attorney Marcan all the papers relating to his investigation of the affairs of the late Department of City Works of Brooklyn.

Mr. Marean, when seen this morning, denied that he had received any official communication from Mr. Coler, but his remarks implied that the matter had been called to his attention. If it shown that there 1g a probability criminal intent on the ole part of any one," said Mr. Marean, the Grand Jury will certainly have a chance of examining Into Pressed a little harder Mr.

Marean admitted that the entire transaction relatmento had the alleged received scandal his in attention the depart- since its publication in the Times yesterday, and that it would be laid before the March Grand Jury for their action. A Times reporter called on Comptroller Coler at his office in the Stewart Building this morning and asked him what steps he proposed to take to further sift the matter so as place the repsonsibility where it belongs. I have already taken action," said Mr. Coler. This morning I sent al the papers containing the result of my Investigation to the District Attorney of Kings County.

By my action, I do not mean to have it go forth that any one has been criminally guilty. I simply mean that the matter should be investigated by the authorities. If anya body is guilty they are people to find it out. My duty ended when I made the result of my investigation public." Is there any possibility of a suit being brought under the Tilden act to recover any part of the moneys alleged to have been illegally spent asked the reporter. time." am was not the prepared to say at this As a result of your investigation do you hold any one especially guilty was asked.

"I hold no one guilty," said Mr. Coler. "I have furnished you gentlemen with the information and you can decide for yourself." Coler would talk no further, but it is understood that an important conterence was held at his office this morning at which it was decided that besides laying the papers before District Attorney Marean, the whole subject should be laid before Corporation Counsel Whalen with a request to investigate as to whether or not an action could be brought to recover any of the money. In the Brooklyn department this morning Deputy Commissioner Moffitt, who was ignorant of the entire matter until it was made public, would not discuss it. He has orders to keep his mouth shut and he obeys them.

The whole proposition resolves itself into simply this, that 000 was spent without due authority for dirt for covering water mains in two streets. The entire amount spent was $72,000, but $6,000 was spent on the authorization of Mayor Wurster and City Works Commissioner Willis. The remained was spent without their knowledge. As to the matter of not advertising for bids it has been customary in the department ever since it was organized to solicit proposals for work whenever it was deemed necessary. There was an emergency clause in the Charter for just that purpose.

If bids had been advertised for it would have taken just twenty days before work could be begun and by that time the pipes may have broken from freezing or other causes. As to the price of dirt used Mr. Coler's statement that similar dirt could have been furnished for thirtyfive and fifty cents. a yard, respectively, is not borne out by the facts. No dirt was ever furnished as such a price and leading contractors said to-day that the charges were not exorbitant.

It was al80 admitted to-day that the work was necessary. Knapp, Fielding and Sutton Overstepped Their Authority. Ex- Wurster said this morning in regard to the matter: "When the whole affair is sifted down it simply amounts to this. Mr. Knapp had no right whatever to authorize the work.

He had no right to certify to the bills. Yet he did. Mr. Fielding had no right to certify the bills, and last of all Auditor Sutton had no right to pass on them unless he had looked into their minutia and was in 8 position to audit them consistently. He could not have taken any thought in the matter or he would never have let them go through as they were both audited and authorized by men who had no right to do it.

"When I was Mayor there were constant demands on me to let work be done under the emergency head without advertising. I wrote many letters to the departments telling them as plainly and forcibly as possible to advertise for everything. It is the only right and lawful way. This matter would never have come up if they had obeyed me. The first two or three of these contracts were signed by me as is alleged.

"I received a letter from the Commisstoner of the Department of Public Works asking me to authorize the expenditure of something less than $2,000 for an emergency. This I did, on three occasions, I believe. I had a right to do it. But I would not have continued to do so to the extent of $72,000. That was preposterous.

The men who took it upon themselves to authorize this work and signed the bills had no right to do it. The money should have been authorized by the Board of Aldermen. This the Auditor should have known and if he did not know it he did not know his business. Whether he knew It or not he passed bills that were not lawful. "The weight of blame falls on Mr.

Knapp, Mr. Fielding and Mr. Sutton alone 'They far overstepped their authority. I should never have authorized anything of the kind." Mr. Willis Disputes Mr.

Coler's Assertions. Ex-City Work Commissioner Willis, when informed by a Times reporter this afternoon that Mr. Coler had referred the matter to the District Attorney for investigation said that he favored the fullest investigation of the matter as he believed it could be shown that as far net the esume pursued by the department was perfectly legitimate. Mr. Willis disputed.

Mr. Coler's figures in relation to the price of dirt, however. He said that any contractor knows that the price charged was not exorbitant. As to the matter of soliciting bids he said that such a course had been pursued in the department for years and that it was absolutely necessary in many instances. This was shown when contracts of a similar nature were given out for cleaning the ponds for water sapply.

In the present case if the department had waited to advertise for bids the exposed p'pes might have been in serious danger of freezing. May Lead to Civil or Criminal Suits, Says Mr. Burr. Ex-Corporation Counsel Joseph A. Burr when seen by a Times reporter at his offices in the Manufacturers' Bank had not looked into the matter closely enough to tell just exactly what the legal situation was and seemed very much surprised that any such state of affairs should be in existence.

He said: "I knew nothing of any such contracts but this of course is not strange the legal department of the city was not confact seldom knew of it officially. If the sulted in the letting out work and in off facts shown by Mr. Coler are true there are two courses open. One is civil procedure when the amount of money lost to the city by the alleged excessive rates paid, would be the great factor and not 80 much the intent. The other course would be criminal proceedings when the intent and the crime must coincide.

I am not in a position to say whether the perpet, but proceedings whatever or the action is latter taken, would if any, it must be by the city against the person percontracts. If the rate paid per cubic foot were excessive then there would seem to be a good civil case for the city for it must have been a sufferer. But all this is yet to be proven." Mr. Burr refused to say what he thought would be the proper action under the circumstances, pleading that he did not know enough of the case. RUMOR OF BRITISH INVASION.

UNION JACK SAID TO FLOAT ON UNITED STATES SOIL. A Startling Report Brought by a Skaguay Steamer -Several Deaths in the White Pass. SEATTLE, Feb. steam schooner Noyo, which arrived here from Skaguay, Alaska, brings news which, if true, probably will cause international complications. Parties arriving at Skaguay before the Noyo left, circulated the report that the Canadian mounted police had raised the British flag at Summit Lake, which is twelve miles from Skaguay and fourteen miles inside of the American boundary as at present defined.

Capt. Linquist, of the Noyo says the report had not been verified when he left Skaguay and that he places but little credence in it. The Noyo also brings news of ma ay deaths on the White Pass, resulting from cold and exposure. On Tuesday, February 15, the bodies of five men who had died on the trail were brought into Skaguay. It was impossible to learn the names of any of them.

All died from what is called cerebral spinal meningitis, which is quite prevalent in Skaguay and along the trail. It has its origin in exposure and a lack of sufficient clothing to withstand the severe cold." The Noyo had as passengers three Dawsonites who stopped at Juneau. They were James Brownell, Frank La Roy and T. R. Flint.

They are reported to have brought about $60,000 worth of golddust and drafts from the interior. Stormy weather was encountered by the Noyo. Thirty vessels were passed, bound for the North. HER MOTHER DID NOT CONSENT, SO CAROLINE SOLZ WANTS HER MARRIAGE ANNULLED. The Officiating Clergyman Was Impressed With Craig's Peculiar Actions When He Married Him.

Caroline L. Solz has brought sult by guardian at litem to annul her marriage to James G. Craig, also known as John G. Craig. She alleges that when she was married in the Bushwics Congregational Church by the Rea.

Charles W. King, on October 22, 1896. she was under the age of legal consent, and that her mother who was her guardian, did not consent to the marriage. A letter written by Mr. King some time after he performed the ceremony has been filed with the papers in the case.

The minister expresses his regret that he performed the ceremony. "I was impressed with the peculiar manner of the man," he said. "He seemed so indifferent after the ceremony. He displayed no affection whatever. I recelved no fee." With the papers also are letters addressed to the friends of the plaintiffs from persons employed to look for the defendant.

A detective writing from Georgia says that he cannot fini Craig after a thorough search. He learned, however, that the defendant lived in the State with a woman who pazsed as is wife, and a diligent search disclosed no record of a divorce. Another letter from a Superintendent of Police says that Craig's whereabouts cannot be discovered and also that he is a man of unsavory reputation. A motion for judgment on behalf of the plaintiff was made yesterday afternoon to Justice Gaynor, in the Supreme Court. His Honor has handed down a decision declining to grant a degree of annulment until findings are presented and offering to aid 1 thep laintiff's lawyer in preparing them.

THE CITY OWES HER MONEY. Mrs. Alice Burns, a Scrubwoman, Seeks Wages Due to Prevent Being Dispossessed. Mrs. Alice Burns, a serub-woman, emings' Lighting and Supplies, called ployed in the 1 Department of Public Buildthe office of Auditor McKinney, in the Borough Hall, this morning and stated that she had received a dispossess notice for non-payment of rent, and asked Mr.

McKinney's assistance in getting the wages due her from the city. Mrs. Burns has received no money since the first of January. She was informed by Mr. McKinney that he could nothing for her and that he did not know when the city would be ready to.

pay what was owing her. Mrs. Burns will personally. visit Comptroller Coler. It is understood that this is only one of many similar cases caused by the failure of the administration to pay salaries.

Cut Her Throat With a Razor. Mrs. Annie Collins, aged 26, of 475 Degra street, cut her throat with a razor, at her home, at noon to-day. The wound is serious, and she may die. She was taken: to the Long Island College Hospital, The police say she has been drinking heavily for the past few days.

Neilson Takes Arsenic. Frederiok Neilson, 36 years old, of 158 Twenty-fourth street took a quantity of arsenic this morning at his home. He WAS d. to Sapey Hospital He had out of, work for some time and it is thought that that was the cause of his attempting to take his life, The Weather. Fair to-night and to-morrow; stationArY temperature; westerly winds NINE LIVES LOST IN TENEMENT FIRE.

A Terrible Disaster in Charleston, S. 0. IT WAS ONLY A LITTLE BLAZE. BUT THE MORTALITY THAT ACCOM PANIED IT WAS GREAT. The Fire Was Quickly Put Out, but Not Until It Had Killed Many Victims.

CHARLESTON, S. Feb. lives were lost in a fearful fire which raged for a short while in Church street this morning. At 2:10 a policeman on duty noticed big sparks flying from the tenement house at 160 Church street. The officer found that a blaze was issuing from one of the windows on the first floor.

The doors were, broken open and the family on that floor were rushed out without any damage. Somebody yelled that a family of women were sleeping on the third floor. The police rushed up-stairs and when they reached the top story the flames which seemed to be playing over life-saving work was stopped a by the the entire building. Screams from dying women were heard and Officer Bagby rushed in and pulled out three charred bodies. The quick work of the Fire Department checked the fire and it was soon under control, not until nine lives on the third story.

had been lost. The dead are Mrs. Rebecca Knickmeyer, Albert O'Neal, Caswell O'Neal, Josephine Knickmeyer, seventeen years of age; Katie Knickmeyer, sixteen years; Leonora Knickmeyer, nine years; Francis Knickmeyer, six years; Lillic Knickmeyer, three years; a baby of Mrs. Knickmeyer, one month old. Mrs.

Knickmeyer Is the wife of Theodore E. Knickmeyer, a carpenter. MR. MEEHAN NEVER SWEARS. It Ain't in Me to be Blasphemous," He Says.

George Washington never told a lie in his life, and William James Meehan of 745 1-2 Kent avenue thinks he should have equal fame with the Father of his County because he never said a cuss word in his life. Meehan lives next door to Mrs. Celia Saunders, a woman about fifty years old, who accused him of calling her vile names, and of breaking three panes of glass in her dining room window. Meehan took the stand, he addressed Magistrate Kramer in these word: "Judge, your Honor, I'm not one of that kind of men who swear. It ain't in me, Judge, your Honor.

I never: say a swear word; never in my life, 50- you see Judge your Honor, it wouldn't be possible for me to be blasphemous against this woman, who, I must say it, veur Honor, this has woman a that very swore. sharp it was I did." Meehan nor Mrs. Saunders had with.esses and Magistrate Kramer dismissed the complaint. Mrs. Saunders, who dresses in a very old-fashioned manner put on an air of injured innocence AS she left the courtroom.

A REMARKABLE SENTENCE. Fred Rubeck Goes up for Life and Twenty Years More. Chicago, Feb. Rubeck, convicted Thursday of assault and sentenced to twenty years in the penitentiary, has been again convicted on a like charge, and a jury fixed his punishment at life imprisonment in the penitentiary. Rosa Reget told of brutality on the part of Rubeck which aroused both court and jury.

Rubeck is the first prisoner to be given a life sentence for this offense under the new law. Rubeck was also under sentence horse stealing and seven more indictments are pending. Rubeck said he would kill himself before he would go to prison for life, and was astonished when he was hurried to Joliet with a gang of convicts. HAS GEORGE WASHINGTON LIED? An Old Ex-slave Says He Knows Where "Massa's Treasure is Buried. LOS ANGELES, Feb.

the strength of the statements made by George Washington, an old negro; Isaac C. Crites, a painter, and a man named Watkins have started for a plantation fifty miles southeast of Richmond, on Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, to search for treasure buried by Henry A. Wise during the war. Washington was Wise's slave and body servant. He claims he helped bury the treasure and can find it.

It consists of three kegs of gold and silver coins. A son of Henry Wise, named George, is still living in Virginia. MANGLED ON THE "L' ROAD. A Porter in Manhattan Met an Awful Death. George Williams, a colored porter of the Manhattan Elevated' Railroad Company, was instantly killed and mangled out of shape this morning by a southbound express train on the Ninth avenue road at the Fifty-first street station, Manhattan.

He was thrown by the express train in front of a way train that was pulling into the station. His body had to be taken out in pieces and there was a long delay. The porter was about 40 years of age, THE SAME OLD GAME. The Little Note Marked C. 0.

D. Presented to Mrs. Harrigan. Yesterday afternoon Joseph Davidson, 17 years old rang the bell of 17 Sycanore. street, where John J.

Harrigan lives with his family. Mrs. Harrigan came to the door and the boy gave her a note purporting to have been bat Mr. Harrigan would not be home that written by her husband a and notifying her vening to meals. The note was marked 'C.

0. D. 15 cents. Mr. Harrigan himself was at home just at that moment and the boy was arrested.

He was arraigned in the Myrtle Avenue Court this morning. Magistrato Teal held him for the Specials Sessions, Caught Picking a Lock. David Belford, aged 16, was arrested by Detectixe Scarlet ing was arraigned in the Myrtle avenue court on a technical charge of vagrancy. The detective discovered him and com panion, who escaped, picking the lock storehouse in the cellar of the bosse at 979 President street: Belford was held pending an investigation of bis record..