Oakland Tribune from Oakland, California • Page 1

tesm Til Ii. XXIX. OAKJLAND, CAIjIFOBNIA, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1889. 94. 1 1 1 vi Ml I SI II CITY ATTORNEY JOHNSOH A SECOND TIME.

YOTES. ON TBE QUIET. Mr. Hackett Declines to be a "Wicked Partner." MIES. A Terribly DestrnctiYe Fire in Petersburg, Ya.

Groiar Glayeland Unbnrdens Himself on Tariff Reform. tractor that the occupation would not be deemed an acceptance of tbs building. Dr. Fish recalled the time that the Prescott school was building. It was occupied by the School Department before.it was formally accepted, and the contractor presented a claim for damages for detention of work caused by occupation of tbe building and would have collected his claim, bat a compromise was made.

Then tne directors sooke about the cause of the fire. Superintendent Mc-Clymonds said that the fire could not have been caused by tbe heater, for there had been no fire in tbe furnace at all. He went into tbe basement last evening, felt the beater, and found it cold. Mr. Everett said that be bad seen the foreman for George H.

Tay the contractors who supplied the beaters, and be said that men had been through tbe ceiling ot every room except two, one in the south side and one in the northeast side of the building, The efforts of the firemen were mainly directed to preventing the fire from extending to the second story. Three streams kept constantly pouring water into the second story." The Chief Engineer savs that bis new assistants worked faithfully. He released First Assistant Ball early, because bis father's dead bodv lay at home. After the fire was controlled the Chief sent Second Assistant O'Kane home to change his clothes, as he was thoroughly drenched. O'Kane returned and remained on duty until 2 A.

K. Wben asked bis opinion about the cause 'of the fire the Chief Engineer said that it seems impossible for two fires accidentally to occur in the same building within six months, bat be cdhld discover no evidence to indicate, the source of the fire. Tbe flames must have been burning" in the building for some time, perhaps for an hour or two Hours before they were seen from the outside. The fire is not so serious as tbe one six months ago. The salvage is much greater, and the firemen worked with less danger to life and limb.

The Chief says that the firemen were present almost to a man. He noticed the absence of only two mn on a foreman and the other an extra man. The Oakland High School Again in Flames. ANOTHER MYSTERIOUS COINCIDENCE. A Question a to Whether the Contractor or the City Is Responsible for the Loss.

It is fortunate that the Oakland High school is constructed of redwood. It is fortunate, also, that redwood is the material of which most of the houses ia California are built. Redwood, in the progress of an ordinary fire, burns' very slowly, and, unless there is a high wind, simply chara and smoulders out. Wherever water falls on burning redwood tbe fire is almost' immediately extinguished. It was owing to these conditions, more than 'anything else, that the Oakland High school was not totally destroyed by the fire which Special Officer Poalcon discovered in the building at half past seven o'clock last evening.

It was owing to tbe same conditions that the building was not entirely destroyed seven months ago, for in both Instances the flames had ample opportunity to get under good headway before the -fire department were fairly at work. On tbe arrival of the engines last evening tbe roof was in flames, and only one hydrant within easy reach. This hydrant, located at the corner of Twelfth and Market streets, was taken bv Phoenix engine. No. 1, throwing two streams.

The hydrant at the southwest corner of Twelfth and Linden streets supplied a stream from Felton No. 2. The Point engine took water from a hydrant at the northeast corner of Twelfth and Brush streets, over 1500 feet from the fire. Manhattan No. 5, was located at the hydrant on the southwest corner of Fourteenth and streets, two blocks from the fire.

As a consequence, it was sometime before- water played on tbe flames, even after all connections had been made. The fire originated in the garretof the building, and, creeping down tbe ventilator shaft, bad ruade considerable headway throuKh the second story before tbe firemen could check it. While the fire was burning fiercely at tbe rear of the building Professor B. McChes-ney, principal of the school, assisted bv a number of pupils, succeeded in saving a Urg quautity of books and furniture in the south wing. Says That tbe Citj Conaci! flu ti Power Which the Good Mr.

Leach Would Deny Them Why Ha Leach JCi represented Johnson Tbe following correspondence ex plains itself: ii Oakland, November 7. 1889. amen A. Johnson dig Attorney, Oakland Deab Sib: Has the -City Council the power under the Yroomanr, -street law to designate the newspaper in wbich notices for street wore shall be published? Has the Council power to incur in-' -debtedcess for work and supplies, as are necessary for tbe convenient transaction of public business without refer -ence of the subject matter to the Board of Public Works, when the expenditure to be incurred is $100 or less By answering the above yoa will -oblige yours respectful! W.E.DABGIC -J CITY ATTORNEY JOHSSpX'S OPHflOJT. Oakland, November 7, 1889.

-W. E. Dargie Deab Sib: Answering, your favor of this date, I reply, first The Act of the Legislature generally -known as the Vrooman Street law pro vides thai notices for street work shall r. be published in one or more newspa- pers. to be designated by theCity Coun- cil.

The street work in this city is be- ingdone under the provisions of -this. statute. I therefore am of the opinion that the City Council has the power to designate the newspaper in which no--tices for street work shall.be Second. Section 17 of the charter of the city of Oakland reads as follows: -''The Council shall have power toy provide for the pub ic printing, and to provide suitable rooms and buildings for tne courts, boards and officers of the city, and such furniture, fuel, lights aud stationery, and otner supplies pf any kind as are necessary for the public business, all of which shall be provided by the Board of Public Works, upon- requisition of the Council whenv-v the expenditure to be incurred exceed one hundred dollars," From this section it appears that when tbe expense to be incurred is $100' Or less, the City Council may take ac- tion concerning the subject matter of this section, without referring the same, to the Board of Public Works. Very respectfully, i James A.

Joitssoir. uiiraMMafiitti XZrz II tl II II IT hi fl II II FRISK LEACH'S PSOPOSIIIOH. An Assumption ef Virtue That Is Not Confirmed by Praetical Demonstration. The ibcne's proposition to do the city printing free of charge, which was accepted by the Council at their meeting last Monday evening, is entirely satisfactory to the citizens and property owners of Oakland, whose interests are materially subserved under the arrangement that has been entered upon between tbe Council and the publishers of The Tbibuhe. Only one protest has been offered and that is plainly induced by self interest, being the objection of tbe publisher of an evening newspaper printed in this city.

The affectation of virtuous indignation assumed bv Mr. Leach that the city printing should be awarded to a newspaper other than hn own, is so that it excites the ridicule of even his own readers. His intimation that the Council not protecting the interests of the city and that if he had been accorded an opportunity to do this printing he wonid have neglected his iudividnal interests to serve those of his fellow citizens is also a glittering absurdity, sparkling wih the tinsel of a sophistry as gauzy as the attire of a premiere danseuse in a horse opera. As a matter of fact, Mr. Leach has, for months past, been vigorously and persistently conspiring to effect a combination whereby Oakland shonld pay the same rates for all advertising as is charged for street work.

Counciman Hackett is an authority on the motives of Mr. Leach. He says that Leach came to him repeatedly and asked him to use bis influence with Mr. Moffitt, publisher of the Morning Times, to bring about a combination of the newspapers of Oakland, whereby the city should be compelled to pay the same 'ates for advertising as are charged for stree' printing. "Mr.

Moffitt was to oe the arbitrator." said Mr. Hackett. "and Leach, under this agreement, desired to get his share of I declined to urge tbe negotiation, and did not see Moffitt, and because 1 declined I have oeen attacked through the columns cf Leach's Mr. Hacketais an outspoken, honest, straightforward man. As a rule be is fearless of consequences when his action is formed on right and justice.

In this matter he owes it to the people as their representative to express openly and publicly what he has mentioned freely enough in private. Mr. Hackett might also, with eminent propriety, repeat the conversations he had with Mr. Leach in relation to opposing the interests of a certain 4ocal corporation, the data for which Leach offered to produce and to publish. Mr.

Hackett is a prettv shrewd ob server, and can draw inferences from the actions of men as well as any bod v. It might be interesting to hear Mr. Hackett's opinions regarding Mr. Leach's reasons for calling upon the corporation within forty-eight hours of the time that he made his proposition to the Councilman to oppose the interests of the concern. Moreover, Mr.

Hackett might offer suggestions as to why Mr. Leach has not yet attacked the corporation single handed, as 8t. George went for the big dragon. If Mr. Hackett is so minded, and if he is sincere in his efforts for the good ot this community, as everybody believes him to be, be can easily show that Mr.

Leach, in his conversations regarding the city printing, intended that tbe city should pay for the work which The Tribune is abont to perform free of charge, and that be. Leach, desired to receive one third of the receipts for the same. DEATH OF C. L. DINGLEY.

It Occurred in Cincinnati of Can cer. C. L. Dingley of East Oakland died in Cincinnati yesterday from cancer. He bad been troubled for three years past with cancer on the lip, and he had an operation performed.

Then it went to his chin. About three months ago he and bis wife and third son, Fred, went to Cincinnati for treatment. Up to about three days ago reports were favorable, but death came suddenly. Captain Dingley was a member of the firm of C. L.

Dingley fc Co. of 2y Stuart street, San Francisco, lumber and shipping agents. He was born in Hull well. ard was about 00 years of age. He came to California early in the fifties, and became engaged as a coast seaman.

He came to be captain of a schooner and then of a Sacrament) river steamer and finally of a clipper ship which he afterwards owned. At the time of bis death he held the following offices: President of tbe First National Bank of 8eattle, President of the Central Milling Company, We President of the Gnalala Mill Company and Trustee of the Ban Francisco Chamber of Commerce. Captain Dingley left wife and six children, one daughter and five sons-Charles, Bert, Fred, Frank amJ William. A Liverasore Valley 8c heel. The following are the names of those who are on the Harris school.

Liver-more, roll of honor for tbe month ending November 1. 1889; Johnny Leary, Willie Leary. Willie Richards, Martin Richards. Penny Richards, May Richards, Emily- Copetand, Katie Leary, Maggie beary, and Delia Leary. We RADAM' PJIICROBE OaWond High School.

HENRY MILLER'S C0MPLA1XT' Taken Under Adrlsement by the Di-- trlct Attorney. Henry Miller, the attorney, whose I slight unpleasantness with Prosecuting; Attorney Church was related on Mon- day, did not apply to Justice Snook -yesterday for a warrant for the arrest of Frank J. Moffitt on a charge of libel as has been stated. He laid the matter -before District Attorney Reed and the-'. latter bein? pressed for urn the matter under advisement.

He has not--refused to issue tbe warrant. Mr-r Miller was spoiceo of in the account 'f published in The Tbibuhe as a sufferer from palsy. He is not afflicted in thai- way, but suffers from the results of a fever contracted in the Union army during tbe war of the rebellion. It is a misfortune due to an honorable- cause. Buffueated While Diving.

Word has been received In of the accidental drowning ef Peter 1 McNeil at the Mare Island navy i Mr. McNeil resided with hit family at 1812 William street and wa employed as a diver at Mare Island. He had gone down to do some work on the bottom of one of the dry docks and remained down over an hour. Not hearing any-. Tha Result in Iowa Is not Yet Certain.

Bepnblicans Concede tbe Governor, But Claim the Legislature. No Noteworthy Change in the Massachusetts Count. Ohio Elects Campbell, But the Rest of Ticket In Doubt. Special to The Tribune by the Western Associated Press. Thinks the People are Approving Tariff Reform.

Wabhirgtos, Ndvember 7. Ex-President Cleveland was interviewed last night on the election results. "It is evident," said ha, "that the leaven of tariff reform has at last leavened the whole tamp in the West, which baa suffered most from the unjust burden of tariff taxation. It has awakened the State platforms of both Iowa and Ohio, that are now abreast of tbe St. Louis platform on the subject of tariff reform.

The people have -considered them and passed judgment. It was for the people to decide. They are now deciding. "It is enough for me to say that Tarn satisfied at the indications and results -of Tuesday's elections. The verdict in -Virginia ihdicates that the South is still faithful to the Democracy of Jefferson and Jackson." AGAINST TDK MtJGAR TRUST.

The New York Supreme Court Dissolves a Big Company. New York, November 7. The general term of the Supreme Court handed down decisions today and among them was the long-expected one in tbe case of the North RiverSugar Refining Com-1 i IJme ago incorporated in the sugar trust. The opinions affirm the decision of Judge Barrett ordering a dissolution of the company. OHIO.

Republicans Give TJp Foraaer, Bat Claim the Rest of the Ticket. Columbus, November 7 The State Journal (Rep.) says the Republican State Committee estimate Campbell's plurality over Foraker for Governor at 10.000 to 12,000. Tbe returns from nine of the leading counties show that Foraker ran 10,30 behind his ticket. In view of this, they claim that the rest of the State ticket is elected by an average plurality" of 5000. Cincishati, November 7.

-The unofficial returns, including a few official returns, received from all the counties, show a plurality for Campbell of 11,454. MASSACHUSETTS. A Slight Democratic Gain la the Legislature. November 7. The Senate will be composed of 29 Republicans and 11 Democrats, as Compared with 32 Republicans and 8 Democrats in 1888.

There were 142 Republicans and 78 Democrats returned to the lower House. Republican loss, 18. Borrow, November 7. The complete election returns from tbe State make tbe total footings for Governor Brack, ett Russell (Dem.) 120.817: Black. icr Marks Labor), 11L Bracket's plurality 5,984.

IOWA. Republicans Concede the Governor, But Claim the Legislature. Chicago, November 7. The Journal's (Rep.) Des Moines, special says: While the Democrats claim their entire State ticket is elected, the indications are that the result, except for Governor, is doubtful, and the Republicans have even majority in the House and one in the Senate. Chicago, November 7.

A Des Moines. special says tbe complete returns give 3uies. Democrat, 743 plurality for Governor. The entire Democratic ticket is probably elected. The Republicans will proba-bly retain control of the Senate by two majority, and tbe House will probably be Republican by one majority.

rjCNNSTXVANIA. Jtapublicaas Overwhelmingly Ahead In Keystone State. Philadexthia, November 7. Revised petunia from all the counties in Pennsylvania do not materially chance the figures already seat oat. The latest computation tbe plurality for Bayer Republican) for State Treasurer 2.

91ROISIA. BCe Kinney Democrat, Gets a Majerlty Richmok, November 7. Tbe Di- patch' tabulated statement of the vote ol the 8Ute gitea McKinney a msjority of 4IO0. VBWTORK, The BenmMleaaa Claim te Have Dl eevered Great Frauds. Naw Toax, November 7.

General Knppofthe Republican 8tate Committee announced this morning that most astounding frauds upon the franchise bad been discovered ia Troy and other places, on the part of the Democratic party in the recent elections. Ua would not slate what be expected to do about it, or whether the results In the election will be affected by tbe dis-closares. i A BiqPKAtCtOggD. An Xagllsh Synd teste Sbserbe KbMS apolls Iadastrlee. New Yobx.

November 7. A dispatch Jias been received in this city from C. Ju Pillsbarr, the l(inneapoUs miller. wbicb states that be baa been i notified by from London the $8,000,000 necewwary to purehase the PUUouryaud Washburn r.Sfills, and the Minneapolis water power and grain elevators have all been sub-' scribed and the deal closed. Toledo Has a Chnrch Member Who Embezzles.

Tbe lew York Supreme Court Knocks Out a Sugar Trust. Special to The Tribune by the Western Associated Press. Another Good Church Member Turns Out an Embezzler. Toledo, Ohio. November 7.

E. H. Vanboesen, a prominent church member and cashier of the Toledo National Bank, was arrested last evening and charged with embezzling $60,000 of the bank's funds. J. N.

McKee, teller of the bank, is also under arrest as an accomplice. The stealing was discovered a year ago, but the affair was bushed up on their promle to make good the loss. This they failed to do, and their prose-cntion was begun. DEVOURING FLAME9. Nearly a Million of Property Consumed in Petersburg, Ta.

Petersburg, November 7. A fire early this morning destroyed the iron block on Sycamore street. Loss $750,000. Lieutenant of Police Crichton was burned to death. The fire started in George.

H. Davis Co '8 dry goods house, and spread with incredible rapidity, burning down in a short time tbe whole iron front block and adjoining propeities. The flames leaped across the street and- destroyed the Odd Fellows Hull and five or six other buildings. Half a block; on ech side of Sycamore street is gone. An American Ship Lost.

Yokohama, The American ship Cheseborougb was wrecked on the northern coast of Japan. Nineteen of her crew were drowned. Dynamite Factory Blown TJp. Madbid. November 7.

There was an explosion -today in the dynamile factory near Bilboa. Four were killed aud many injured. A Volcano Breaks Out. Citt or Mexico, via Galveston, November 7. Tbe volcano of Colima is in a state of active eruption.

Many houses in the vicinity have fallen and the woeds for many miles around are on fire. Market Reports. Si Francisco. November 7. Wheat is quiet and steady.

Buyer season. $1 41 bayer, '89, $1 34. Barley is easier. Buyer season, 93c; buyer, '89, 84c. Chicago, November 7.

Wheat, November, 79; December, 80; May 85. Corn. November, 32 December, Sli: May, 8334. rrOOK THB WHITE VEIL. Kate Drexel, the auo.OOO.OOO Heiress Dead to the World.

Pittsburg, November 7. A heiress has bidden farewell to the world. Miss Kate Drexel, second daughter of the late F. A. Drexel of Philadelphia, today took the white veil of novitiate at the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy in this city.

She will be known as Sister Catherine. Ex-Secretary of State Thomas i W. Bay! ard Harried. Washington, November 7. Thomas F.

Bayard, ex Secretary of State, and Miss Mary W. Clymer, were married at 1 o'clock this afternoon, at the residence of the bride, in the presence of a most distinguished company. Tbe intention was to have the wedding as quiet as possible, and the invitations, numbering about 150, were confined to the relatives of the contracting parties and a few personal friends. Among the latter were ex-President and Mrs. Cleveland, and Mrs.

Fairchild, Hon. George Bancroft. Justice and Mrs. Field. Justice and Mrs.

Lamar, Mrs. M. W. Fuller. A reception and breakfast followed the ceremony, and soon after the newly married couple left for a tour to New Tork and other northern cities.

JS A 6) uaLLLK AG CB. The flayers Contract AaMsraeterlly Agreed Upon. At 2:15 o'clock the convention took a recess. Merrill announced that tbe con tract form had ben agreed upon and the players bad signed for three years. It was satisfactory to both capitalists and plajers.

The contract is virtually the same as the old league contract, with the exception that toe reserve clause is stricken out, and the one on tbe term of service provides from one to three years. Baseball Player Ins Conference. Nxw York. November 7. The Na tional Baseball players secret conference continued today.

The princi pal business is receiving the report of tbe tbmtnittee on Players' Contracts, and the appointment of a Committee on Permanent Organization, Rales, and Schedules. A Princes Dead, LosDOir, November 7. Princess Mane, wife of Prince Alexander of Batten berg, recently ruling prince of Bulgaria, died today at Grata in ebild-birta. The Pan- mertcna. PrrriBBBe, November All American party today visited tbe iron and (lass, works.

Tllden Wilt Case Reversed. Nxw Yobx. November Z. The de cision In the TT.den fU easefhsa been reversed by the Supreme Court, and at new trial ordered. at work in the basement, but only one man was at work in the upper part ol tbe building.

He was placing collars upon the pipes. Then tne ecnooi directors as sembled in the chambers of the board and held an informal conference. Directors Marston, Everett, Clement, Fine, Fish and San bom present. President Marston said that no formal business could be transacted, out tbe members present might decide how to accommodate the pupils temporarily and undoubtedly the board would confirm the action. Mr.

Marston said that Mr. Tyrrell; representing the Oakland Home Insurance Com pany, desired the appointment of an appraiser as soon as possible. Mrs Everett I should object to that. We do not know our relations with the contractor. Dr.

Fine My understanding is that we have nothing to do with that building. It is in the control of tbe contractor, and not in possession of the city. Dr. Fish When we occupied the building we took possession, and are in charge of the building. Dr.

Fine disagreed from Dr. Fish on this point. He believes that the contractor is required to turn over a complete building to tbe city. The opinion of the City Attorney was desired, and a request was sent to City Attorney Johnson to attend the conference. Mr.

Johnson sent back a message that he was too busy to attend the conference. Jeremiah Tyrrel. representing the Oakland Home Insurance Company, said to the directors that the furniture should be removed from the building and cared for as soon as possible. The Oakland Home is the only company that has any insurance on the furniture, and the- company gives permissijn to remove tbe furniture. Mr.

Gilbert of the firm of Gilbert Moore, the contractors who supplied tbe desks, said that the desks should be removed hs soon as possible, carefully wiped and oiled to prevent rust. The School Directors authorized Mr. Gilbert to remove tbe desks immediately and attend to them carefully, for r- 1 TrrTl irTrH-s inn Ull the present storing ttrau in tbe sheds in the yard at the Hlghchool. Dr. Fine suggested that the lower floor of tbe Seventh Day Adventi-t Church might be engaged and tbe desk as they are cleaned and oiled might be removed thither and session? ot school might be held there.

He said it is a much more suitable place than Hamilton Hall. Finally the directors present authorized the High School Committee to make tbe best arrangements possible for piaces to conduct school and decided to take no action about the partially destroyed building until -the liability is determined. The directors then went to inspect the church of tbe Seventh Day Advent-ists. They were informed that they could not have the use of the lower floor, as it is now in use for schools and a kindergarten of the Adventists. Then tbe High School Committee decided to hire Hamilton Hall and the Hebrew Synagogue, and conduct the school in the same way it was conducted after the fire six months ago.

J. C. Gibson offer tho use of Hamilton Halls, upper and lower, for $1G0 per calendar month. Mr. Gilbert put a force of men at work to remove the desks and wipe and oil them.

This expense will be paid by tbe insurance company ibat has a policy on the furniture. A called meeting of the Board of Education wilt be held this evening. THE CHIEF ENGINEER. i Report Upon tbe luagement of tbe Fire Department. The Distribution ef th Apparatus and th Length of Hose Laid Tron Engines.

In reply to a request for a statement of tbe management of tbe Fire Department, Chief Engineer James F. Kennedy said this morning: "Tbe alarm was sounded at 7:40 o'clock from box 50. Corner of Fourteenth and Market streets. 1 was tbe fire within six minutes after the alarm sounded, and by that time two streams were playing on tbe flames. The distribution of apparatus was as follows: "No 1 engine, attached to hydrsnt at the corner of Twelfth and Market streets, hydrant tapping a main fifteen inchee in diameter; hydrant old style, with four inch connection and two and a half inch valve.

8Ix hundred feet of hose were attached to one pipe and 500 to the other. No. 6 engine, attached to hydrant corner of Fourteenth aad Market streets, tapping a four inch main. This engine sent a great stream of water with great force through 900 feet of hose. "No.

2 engine, attached to hvdrant, tapping fifteen inch main with four inch connection at the corner of Twelfth and Brash streets. A stream sent with strong force through 1050 feet of hose, "No. 3 engine attached to hydrant tapping fifteen, inch main, with four irch connection, at the eoraer of Twelfth and Linden streets. Stream sent through 900 feet of hose. No.

4 engine on the ground, bat not required. rt No hose burst. I No men injured. One patent nozzle on No. engine was disarranged and had to be replaced.

When the firemen arrived In response to the' the fir, had burned througQ the- entire attio and mi riSB ARCHITECT MATTHEWS Draws Attention to ao Important Clause in the Contract Walter Matthews, the architect of the High scbool that was burned, says that he is at a loss how to account for the fire. He farther says that the manner of fighting the fire showed an utter lack of knowledge of the buiiding. The roof was a tight tongued-and-grooved roof, and if the firemen had fought the fire from tbe inside instead of from the outside it could not have broken through. Then there was a lacs of streams, caused probably by the lack of hydrants, and what streams there were were badly handled. A great deal of water was wasted bv being thrown against the side walis, which were double studded add was difficult for- the fire to get through.

Mr. Matthews was sure that, if properly handled, the roof alone would have been damaged. There is a clause in the contract that saves Robert Smilie, the contractor, from all loss. It says that he shall be responsible for all loss save that by fire. WHO WILL PAY? Will the Contractor or Intarance Company Rebuild the School? Several members of tbe Board of Education desire that the insurance companies rebuild the High scbool building, believing that the work could more quickly be accomplished than by the Board of Education acting through the Board of Public Works.

This suggestion was made this morning to Jeremiah Tyrrel of the Oakland Home insurance Company. He replied that the companies always prefer to pay tbe losses and allow the insured to construct tbe building. There is yet a question as to the liability, some be lieving that Contractor Smilie must rebuild the structure, because it has never been accepted from him. Others believe that the insurance companies mnst pay the loss to tbe city. JAMES SMILIE.

He Bays That en Were on the Roof Yesterday. James Smilie, the brother of Robert Smilie, the contractor of the burnt building, says that he does not know where his brother is. though he is in the neighborhood of Tacoma. He says that the men were at work on the heaters and that some steam fitters had been on the roof that afternoon, but they had not been doiug any work. He has no theory as to the cause ot the tire, for there had been no fire in the heaters, as he had made an investigation during the fire.

TBI POLICE AT THE FIKS. The Chief of the Department Takes Command in Person, Chief of Police, John W. Tompkins, lives on Thirteenth street, near Maiket, and saw the fire before the alarm was sounded. He sent a telephonic alarm to the City Hall. He took personal commavd of the police force at the fire, directed the stretching of ropes to keep back the immense crowd of people that gathered to watch tbe fire and was wet down by a stream from a hose.

LOSSES AND LIABILITY. The Insurance Companies Awaiting Results. The complications arising out of the contract-agreement muddle into which the Boaid of Education and tbe contractor have involved themselves regarding the completion of the High school building is watched with interest by the insurance companies, who are at present somewhat in doubt as to the extent of their liabilities on the policies which they have issued to the city on this building. Tbe agents of the companies exDress their willingness to pay all risks promptly after the losses have been adjusted. Until a decision is reached under advice of the City Attorney by the Board of Education, the matter mnst he held in abeyance.

The loss in school books was considerable. All the books left in their desks by the middle and senior classes were destroyed. It is estimated that the loss averages $5 to each of tbe 175 pupils in these two classes, making a total lots in this direction of nearly $1000. THE WATER FCKWSURE. It Was Ample for All Purpose Last Might, Tbe pressure in the water mains, a shown bv tbe automatic gauge in tbe water company's office at 7:30 o'clock last evening, was just fifty pounds.

The elevation of tbe company's office is thirty-two feet above sea level that of tbe High school building is twenty-two feet, giving ten feet additional pressure at that point. Tbe pressure indicated by these figures would cause water to rise in a pipe 123 feet from the ground at tbe High scbool. A fifteen inch main is laid along Twelfth street, which is large enough to supply nineteen hydrants on the cross streets near the High school. These facts are sufficient to dispose of the allegation of a short water supply- Te Meet the Principal. Professor J.

B. McChesney requests all tbe teachers of the High School to meet him tomorrow at 9 a. k. at Hamilton Hall, and the scholars to meet at tbe same place at 10 a. m.

Agieemeat. The jury that tried Jamed Symmes on a charge of battery upon Dr. E. J. reread could not agree upon a verdict.

Ber Life Insured. Michael M. Sullivan has applied to administer upon the estate of alia A. Sullivan, deceased, consisting of a life insurance policy valued at $1000. A Fersfdeatlat i WASHiKorojt, November 7.

President Cleveland this afternoon called on President Harrison. tmng irom him tbe men above water-pulled bim up, only to find bim The air tube, it seems, had become en- tangled in some wreckage and be was suffocated. Deceased was a native of Scotland, 54 years of age. He leaves a. widow and six children, and was a mem- -ber of the A.

O. D. Chosen Friends, United Endowment Society, and the" Ship Carpenters' Union. Tbe body-will be brought to Oakland for interment. A Muitlciil Evening.

A "Musical Evening" will bs given- tonight at Hamilton hall, and I pro-gramme of musical exercises will be- 1 -presented. The artists will be some of the most noted in California, including; the violinist, Hern.aon Brandt; 'cellist. Loiii Heine; the pianist. Miss Ella 8. Partridge; the accompanist Mils Ada E.

Wigel. from across tbe bay. Miss Sophie Newlands of this city, who has been attracting much attention in San Jose and San Francisco, will -also participate. i- A Lend Slid at Port Casta The recent heavy rains so soaked the-' ground that it caused a heavy laod- slide at Port Costa on Friday covering the easibonnd track tor many feet. This track bad to ha abandoned until Monday, when the slide was- cleared.

It was Professor McChesney's opinion that tbe fire or'ginated in the carelessness ot the plumbers, wb were at work on the heating apparatus, but James Smihe made a thorough examination of the premises during the progress of the fire and found the heating apparatus cold. Furthermore, it is stated that there had been no fire in the school since last Friday. Tbe fire was speedily extinguished after the streams began to play on it and the probable losses were estimated, these estimates ranging between $6000 and 510.000, with insurance as follows: Sun. $1500; Oakland Home, $000; Niagara. $2300; Phoenix of Hartford, $2250; Home, $2250: Home Mutual.

$3300; ALglo Nevada, $1000; Oakland Home (on furniture), $2000. Total. $17,000. There seems to be a question as to whether the loss of the fire last night shall fall on the city or the contractor, the contracts upon the building and apparatus not being completed in the time specified, and an extension of time never having been granted. The contract for rebuilding the High school after tbe fire of April 6th.

was let to Robert Smihe for $17,900 45, and he had received payments on this contract to the amount of $10,780. No notification had been given either tbe Board of Education or the Board of Public Works that the building was complete. When the time for which Hamilton Hall had been leased expired in October, and tbe Board of Education deemed it desirable to occupy tbe High School building, an opinion was asked from City Attorney Johnson whether its occupancy before completion would be a virtual acceptance and be gave as his opinion that it would. Nevertheless, the board obtained from James A. Smilie, as agent for the contractor, Robert Smtlie the following written permit and subsequently entered tbe building: THE AGBMXMXKT QW THE COKTEACTOB.

Oaelakp, Oct. 18, 1889. I hereby grant the Board of Education of th city of Oakland permission to take chare of and open school in the building now in coarse of construction, known as ths High school bulldlBj. situated on tbe corner of Twelfth and Market streets In th elty of Oakland, and waive all claims which I might have, or which may arise ia my favor hr virtue of the said occupation ef such building before completion, and In no sense is the occupation of said bonding be construed as an aceeptsnee of said bnllding under myeotitrar. The Board of Education to be respoast hi for all damages actually done to said buildiag by the pupils or tboe who may be In said building by virtue ef th permission here! a granted.

KOBEBT bKILIE. By as. A. Sxilie. i.

A TEMPORARY SCHOOL BimtltoB Hill cd tbs Sjfiagogns to Engaged. Am Informal Ceafereae of the School Direetora-A Speelal Meeting ef the Beard Called. Several of the Scbool Directors gathered this moraine: tbe office of the Superintendent of They discussed among tbemselve upon whom the loss falls. Ail 'present agreed (bat tbe board had made a mistake In occupying the bailding before it was for-mally surrendered by the contractor and accepted by tbe board, notwithstanding tbe 'agreement of the con- Lynch Wants te 811 Liquor. John Lynch is an applicant for a per mit to sell liquor at 1457 Seventh street The sureties on hi? bond are A.

Wester- -mann and W. M. Watson. The to- dorse rs of the application are Edstrom. P.

S. M-naid. Ed Marphy, Pstrisk Flynn and Patrick Deiopv See their Adveruse. meat. oa UP KlLLERl MICROBE KILLER OSGOOD; BROS: I Sort hew Ceraer i.