Democratic Sentinel, Volume 21, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 March 1897 — Page 2

=a—ex . a- ■» ■ •T. W. MoEWEX, . a,, , - _ . .. . ■ RENSSELAER, - - - INDIANA..

INSURANCE MEN MEET

WESTERN FIRE UNION CON. VENES IN ST. LOUtS. Plan to Amicably Adjust Differences with Non-Union Companion-Asso-ciation Favors the Fire Marshal System of Holding Inquests on Fires. Unite to Fight Bills. The Western Fire Insurance Union, .composed of presidents aud managers of insurance I’ompanWs.uiet in semiannual convention in St. Ixiuis for a four days’ session. The most important question discussed was the relation of the union Jn non-union companies. There are about eighty-five union companies and feeventy-tive non-union. The rivalry between them has often led to bitter fights, spreading over a large territory. At the convention a plan was adopted to secure an amicable adjustment of differences. The question of legislation also received considerable attention. In a number of States bills have been introduced hostile to insurance companies, while in others bills encouraging the business are being considered. The committee on legislation advanced this as an argument for the alliance of all insurance companies, union and non-union. The fire marshal system was also considered by the convention. This system is in vogue in several Eastern States, and an unsuccessful effort was made in Missouri to get a law for the apiwintment of a fire marshal and deputies, whose duty it should be to investigate every fire, holding an inquest in due form, with a jury and witnesses, and making an official report. The insurance companies are in favor of the idea, as they believe it would greatly prevent incendiarism and careless tires. MILLION HINGES ON A WORD. Important Suit in Which a Chicago Company la Interested. The ownership of $1,000,000 worth of land in California depends upon the legal construction of the word "brought.” The act of Congress approved March 3, 1801, provides that no suit shall be "brought” by the United States to vacate ar annul any patent to public lands issued before the date mentioned within five years from the passage of the act. This "period of limitation,” as the lawyers style it, expired March 3, 1896. Consequently it appears that all patents to public lauds issued before March 3, 1891. became absolute and irrevocable March 3, 189(5. unless previously attacked by suit brought as the Jaw requires. The case in which the point has been raised is that of the United States against the American Lumber Company of Chicago aud the Central Trust Company of New York. The Government seeks to have canceled, upon the ground of fraud and conspiracy, more than one hundred and sixty different patents to railroad timber lands in California, situated in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties. The American Lumber Company holds the patents to these lands, which embrace 27,000 acres, and their value has been estimated at in the neighborhood of $1,000,000. The Central Trust Company issued mortgage bonds on the security of the lands to the amount of $300,000. The bill of complaint was tiled in the Circuit Court in San Francisco Feb. 3, 1896. That was just a month before the statutory period of limitation expired. after which the Government could not institute suit. The question to be decided is, Was the suit brought when the bill was filed? The decision will thus afford an important precedent for both courts and lawyers.

FLAME 9 LICKED UP MILLIONS. Record for the United States and Canada,for Two Months. The New York Journal of Commerce and Commercial Bulletin says: The fire loss of the United States and Canada for the month of February, as compiled from our daily records, shows a total of SB.676,750. The loss for January and February compares with the figures for the same months of 1895 and 1896 as follows: 1895. 1896. 1897. Jan $11,895,600 $11,040,000 $12,049,700 Feb. 12,360,200 9,730,100 8,676,750 Tot. $24,255,800 $20,770,100 $20,726,450 --fne fire loss lor li’9 7 . so far. it will be noticed, is very close to the figures for the same period of 1896. Mu. has opened up very expensively, and it is not unlikely that the record for the first quarter will exceed that for the first three months of 1896.

CHEAP GAS IN BELFAST. Costa Consumers Only Sixty Cents Per 1,000 Feet. The city of Belfast, Ireland, has been making a large profit on the gas works controlled by it. Last year’s profit was £67,377. It has been decided to lower the cost to consumers, although the present price is ridiculously low, according to American standards. Hereafter gas will be sold for 60 cents per 1,000 feet, instead of 66 cents, and there will be a discount of from 5 per cent to 20 per cent, dependent upon the amount consumed; all this, too, with coal at $3.09 per ton. Woodmen in Session. The second biennial convention of the Sovereign Camp, Woodmen of the World, was called to order in St. Louis, with about fifty delegates present from nearly every State in the Union. Joseph Cullen Root, sovereign consul commander and founder of the order, was in the chair. Eckels Says Nay. ~ Eckels has refused to acdrcept the appointment as monetary envoy nto Europe, and will serve term as ii ■ Comptroller unless removed by President i' McKinley. o iniif. 11 • -■>» Singers’ Train a Wreck. *A’ special train bearing a French opera ■■'frotope of 150 people, bound for San Fran■*ocidtW, was wrecked near Casa Grande, Ariz. There were about ten tramps on tEe train and several were badly injured. iiAW P f the opera troupe was injured, but o ?lW|y. _ '1 "Li McKinley’s Mail. / lll( /£he mail is piling up, despite rP 8t efforts of a number of officials, t by Private Secretary Boyle. The, Ip the' letters concern appointments congratulations. j/’ .ibnconrages Railroad Building. jXhe bill has passed both houses of the u Legislature exempting from taxa,(l|iop,,;lor. fifteen years, all railroads commencing operations within six months, were introduced favoring female ~ suffrage, the right to lapse on marriage be,restored on widowhood. ti _ - Pine Tree Clubhouse Destroyed. The Pine Tree Clubhouse, a well-known sbintiiet resort conducted by P. E. Water‘’bifrt; vtirt’ burned at Solon Springs, Wig. ■’TSrfrati# building was destroyed in half an iiUUL. nWra? WMs by fishermen from

PRESIDENT M'KINLEY'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

FfTXLOW Citizens: ‘ In"obediStfde tß' the will of the people and in their presence, by authority vested in me by this oath. I assume the arduous and responsible duties of I*resident of Ibe United. States, relying on the support of my countrymen and invoking the guidance of Almighty God. Our faith teaches that there is no safer reliance than upon the God of our fathers, who has so singularly favored the American people in every national trial and who will not forsake us so long as we obey his commandments and walk humbly in his footsteps. The responsibilities of the high trust to which I have been called—always of grave importance —are augmented by the prevailing business conditions, entailing idleness upon willing labor aud loss to useful enterprises. The country is suffering from industrial disturbances from which speedy relief must be had. Our financial system needs some revision; our money is all good now, but its value must not further be threatened. It should all be put upon an enduring basis, not subject to easy attack, nor its stability to doubt or dispute. Our currency should continue under the supervision of the Gorerument. The several forms of our paper money offer, in my judgment, a constant embarrassment to the Government and a safe balance in the treasury. Therefore, I believe it necessary to devise a system which, without diminishing the circulating medium or offering a premium for its contraction, will present a remedy for those arrangements, which, temporary in their nature, might well in the years of our prosperity have been displaced by wiser provisions. With adequate revenue secured, but not until then, can we enter upon such changes in our fiscal laws as will, while insuring safety and volume to our money, no longer impose upon the Government the necessity of maintaining so large a gold reserve, with its attendant and inevitable temptations to speculation. Most of our financial laws are the outgrowth of experience and trial and should not be amended without investigation and demonstration of the wisdom of the proposed changes. We must be both sure we are right and ‘‘make haste slowly." If, therefore, Congress in its wisdom shall deem it expedient to create a commission to take under early consideration the revision of our coinage, banking and currency laws, and give them that exhaustive, careful ami dispassionate examination that their importance demands, I shall cordially concur in such action. If such power is vested in the President, it is my purpose to appoint a commission of prominent, well-informed citizens of different parties who will command public confidence, both on account of their ability and special fitness for the work. Business experience and public training may thus be combined, and the patriotic zeal of the friends of the country be so directed that such a report will be made as to receive the support of all parties and our finances cease to be the subject of mere partisan contention. The experiment is, at all events, worth a trial, and. in my opinion, it can but prove beneficial to the entire country.

International Bimetallism. The question of international bimetallism will have early and earnest attention. It will be my constant endeavor to secure it by co-operation with the other great commercial powers of the world. Until that condition is realized when the parity between our gold and silver money springs from and is supported by the relative value of the two metals, the .Value of the silver already coined and of that which may hereafter be coined must be kept constantly at par with gold by every resource at our command. The credit of the Government, the integrity of its currency and the inviolability of its obligations must be preserved. This was the commanding verdict of the people and it will not be unheeded. Economy is demanded in every branch of the Government at all times, but especially in periods like the present depression of business and distress among the people. The severest economy must be observed in all public expenditures, and extravagance stopped wherever it is found and prevented wherever in the future it may be developed. If the revenues are to remain as now, the only relief that can come must be from decreased expenditures. But the present must not become the permanent condition of the Government. It has been our uniform practice to retire, not increase, our outstanding obligations, and this policy must again be resumed and vigorously enforced. Our revenues should always be large enough to meet with ease and promptness not only our current needs and the principal ami interest of the public debt, but to make proper and liberal provision for that most deserving body of public creditors, the soldiers and sailors, and the widows and orphans who are the pensioners of the United States.

The Government should not be permitted to run behind, or increase its debt, in times like the present. Suitably to provide against this is the mandate of duty: the certain aud dasy remedy for most of our financial difficulties. A deficiency is inevitable so long as the expenditures of the Government exceed its receipts. It can only be met by loans, or an increased revenue. While a large annual surplus of revenue may invite waste and extravagance, inadequate revenue creates distrust, and undermines public and private credit. Neither should be encouraged. Between more loans and more revenue, there ought to be but one opinion. We should have more revenue, and that without delay, hindrance or postponement. A surplus in the treasury created by loans is not a permanent or safe reliance. It will suffice while it lasts, but it cannot last long while the outlays of the Government are greater than its receipts, as has been the case during the last two years. Nor must it be forgotten that, however much such loans may temporarily relieve the situation, the Government is still indebted for the amount of the surplus thus accrued, which it must ultimately pay, while its ability to pay is not strengthened, but weakened, by a continued deficit. Loans are imperative in great emergencies to preserve the Government or its credit, but a failure to supply needed revenue in time of peace for the maintenance of either has no justification. Larger Revenues Necessary. The best way for the Government to maintain its credit is to pay as it goes—not by resorting to loans, but by keeping out of debt —through an adequate income secured by a system of taxation, external or internal, or both. It is the settled policy of the Government, pursued from the beginning and practiced by all parties and administrations, to raise the bulk of our revenue from taxes upon foreign productions entering the United States for sale and consumption—and avoiding for the most part every form of direct taxation, except in time of war. The country is clearly opposed to any needless additions to the subjects of internal taxation, and is committed by its latest popular utterance tb the system of tariff taxation. There can be no misunderstanding, cither about th* principle upon which this

■orw agamr'gonr wuma:™ xaang has ever been made plainer at a general election'-'! Iptjiat{rhj? cpjirrt^lp^(>riutty. pie in the fatsm/ otrevenue on Imports .ixifiSlouajwre^ut. Auuxs£*aduura»U.<pdAmerican labor. The people have declared tba-t sucl) jegisjatiup phvuld beii|»d. as wjll give amp|e, a fid encouragement to the industries and! the devAl6pmeiit of’otiF cduutry. It is therefore, earnestly hoped audAzpeciecl (hat Congress will, at the earliest practicable moment, enact revenue legislation thatt* shall be fair, reasonable, conservative and just, aud which, while supplying sufficient revenue for public purposes, will still be signally beneficial and helpful to every section and every enterprise of the people. To this policy, we are all, of whatever party, firmly bound by the voice of the people—a power vastly more potential than the expression of any political platform. The paramount duty of Congress is to stop deficiencies by the restoration of that protective legislation which has always been the firmest prop of the treasury. The passage of such a law or laws would strengthen the credit of the Government both at home and abroad, and go far toward stopping the drain upon tbe gold reserve held for the redemption of our currency which has been heavy and well-nigh constant for several years.

Reciprocity. In the revision of the tariff, especial attention should be given to the re-enact-ment aud extension of tbe reciprocity principle of the law of 1890, under which so great a stimulus was given to our foreign trade in new and advantageous markets, for our surplus agricultural and manufactured products. The brief trial given this legislation amply justifies a further experiment and additional discretionary power iu the makiug of commercial treaties, the end in view always to be the opening up of new markets for the products of our country, by granting concessions to the products of other lands that we need and cannot produce ourselves, t»nd which do not involve any loss of labor to our own people, butriend to increase their employment. Tbe depression of the last four years has fallen with especial severity upon the great body of tbe country, aud upon none more than the holders of small farms. Agriculture has languished and labor suffered. The revival of manufacturing will be a relief to both. No ]>ortion of out population is more devoted to the institutions of free government, nor more loyal in their supi»ort, while none bears more cheerfully or fully Its proper share iu the maintenance of tbe Government, or is better entitled to its wise and liberal care and protection. Legislation helpful to the producer is beneficial to all. The depressed condition of industry on the farm am) in the mine and factory has lessened the ability of the people to meet tbe demands

PRESIDENT M’KINLEY’S CABINET.

upon them, and they rightfully expect that not only a system of revenue shall be established that will secure the largest income with the least burden, but that every means will be taken to decrease rntber than increase our public expenditures. Business conditions are not the most promising. It will take time to restore the prosperity of former years. If we cannot promptly attain it, we can resolutely turn our faces in that direction and aid its return byfriendly legislation. However troublesome the situation may appear, Congress will not, I am sure, be found lacking in disposition or ability to relieve it. so far as legislation can do so. The restoration of confidence and the revival of business, which men of all parties so much desire, depend more largely upon the prompt, energetic and intelligent action of Congress, than upon any other single agency affecting the situation. Duties of Citizenship. It is inspiring, too, to remember that no great emergency in the 108 years of our eventful national life lias ever arisen that has not been met with wisdom and courage by the American people, with fidelity to their best interests and highest destiny, and to the honor of the American name. These years of glorious history have exalted mankind and advanced the cause of freedom throughout the world and immeasurably strengthened the precious free institutions which we enjoy. The people love and will sustain these institutions. The great essential to our happiness and prosperity is that we adhere to the principles upon which the Government was established and insist upon their faithful observance. Equality of rights must prevail and our laws be always and everywhere respected and obeyed. We may have failed in the discharge of our full duty as citizens of the great republic, but it is consoling and encouraging to realize that free speech, a free press, free thought, free schools, the free and unmolested right of religious liberty and worship and free and fair elections are dearer aud more universally enjoyed to-day than ever before. These guarantees must be sacredly preserved and wisely strengthened. The constituted authorities must be cheerfully and vigorously upheld. Lynchings must not be tolerated in a great and civilized country 'like the United States; courts—not mobs—must execute the penalties of the law. The preservation of public order, the right of discussion, the integrity of courts, and the orderly administration of justice must continue forever the rock of safety upon which our Government securely rests. One of the lessons taught by the late

election, which, all can rejoice in, is that the citizens of the United States are both ting and -.law-abiding people. syjfltxedifroak -V path of patrWpsiHTtmrffiuor. H in-etftj-ejac-dA with t>| Iflajiius of our Iqstftjßti&as. aji but tpe of WAldating aten a greater lore and order in the future. Immunity should be granted to none who, violate the Jaws, “Uh ether indiviaimfs, corporations' or'cdm-’ munities; and as tbe Constitution im•poses U(>on the Presidenf'the 4Atii' its own execution and of the stgtptes en- " Acted ‘in purs’iiariceoftts t shall endeavor to carry them Sfarwcuj-ji.l eVixincL The declaration of the party now restored to power has been iu. the past that of "opposition to all combinations of cappygynized }u, trusts or otherwise to tbe conditioq ?f trade amping bur citizens,” and it has supported “smel? legislation as Will prevent* the 4xecutjpu yf all schemes to oppress the people by undue charges on their supplies or 1 by iAijust rates for the transportation of their products to market.” This purpose will be steadily pursued, both by the enforcement of the laws now in existence and the recommendation and support of such statutes as may be necessary to carry it into effect. Naturalization and Immigration. Our naturalization and immigration laws should be further improved to the constant promotion of a safer, a better and a higher citizenship. A grave peril to the republic would be a citizenship too ignorant to understand or too Vicious to appreciate the great value and benefit of our constitutions aud laws—and against all who come here to make war upon them our gates must be promptly and tightly closed. Nor must we be unmindful of tbe need of improvement among our citizens, but with the zeal of our forefathers encourage the spread of knowledge and free education. Illiteracy must be banished from the land if we shall attain that high destiny as the foremost of the enlightened nations of the world, which, under Providence, we ought to achieve. Reforms in the civil service must go on, but the change should be real and genuine, not perfunctory or prompted by zeal in behalf of any party, simply because it happens to be in power. As a member of Congress I voted and spoke in favor of the present law and I shall attempt its enforcement in the spirit in which it was enacted. The purpose in view was to secure the most efficient service of the best men who would accept appointment under the Government, retaining faithful aud devoted public servants iu office, but shielding none under the authority of any rule or custom who are inefficient, incompetent or unworthy. The best interests of the country demand this and the people heartily approve the law wherever and whenever it has been thus administered. Congress should give prompt attention to the restoration of our American merchant marine, once tbe pride of the seasi in all the great oceau highways of commerce. To my mind, few more important subjects so imperatively demand its intelligent consideration. The United States Ims progressed with marvelous rapidity in every field of enterprise and endeavor, until we have become foremost in nearly all the great lines of inland trade, com-

merce and industry. Yet, while this Is true, our American merchant marine has been steadily declining until it is now lower, both in the percentage of tonnage and the number of vessels employed, than it was prior to the civil war. Commendable progress has been made of late years in the upbuilding of the American navy, but we must supplement these efforts by providing as a proper consort for it a merchant marine amply sufficient for our carrying trade to foreign countries. The question is one that appeals both to our business necessities and the patriotic aspirations of a great people. Foreign Policy. It has been the policy of the United States since the foundation of the Government to cultivate relations of peace and amity with all the nations of the world, and this accords with my conception of our duty now. We have cherished the policy of non-interference with the affairs of foreign Governments, wisely inaugurated by Washington, keeping ourselves free from entanglement either as allies or foes, content to leave undisturbed with them the settlement of their own domestic concerns. It will be our aim to pursue a firm and dignified foreign policy, which shall be just, impartial, ever watchful of our national honor and always insisting upon the enforcement of the lawful rights of American citizens everywhere. Our diplomacy should seek nothing more and accept nothing less; we must avoid the temptation of territorial aggression. War should never be entered upon until every agency of peace has failed; peace is preferable to war in almost every contingency. Arbitration is the true method of settlement of international as well as local or individual difference. It was recognized as the best means of adjustment of differences between employers and employes by the Forty-ninth Congress, in 1888, and its application was extended to our diplomatic relations by the unanimous concurrence of the Senate and House of the Fifty-first Congress, in 1890. The latter resolution was accepted as the basis of negotiations with us by the British House of Commons, in 1893, and upon our invitation a treaty of arbitration between the United States and Great Britain was signed at Washington and transmitted to the Senate for its ratification, in January last. Since this treaty is clearly the result of our own initiative; since it has been recognized as the leading feature of our foreign policy throughout our entire national history—the adjustment of difficulties by judicial methods rather than by force of arms—and since it presents to the world the glorious example of reason and peace, net passion and war, controlling

the relation* between two of the greatest nation* of the worlds certain to lie followed respectfully eanie sct/A of 1 Senate thereon, not J|maftttx>f policy, but a* agdflfy to ’ Jewish ap&afr* ‘ nflnence of *u<Ae* tfHity can hardly be overestimated in ths'cause of ad- , y ageing civilizaqpp. .It .rat ay, thebest thought of the sta teamen” - an 3 people of every country, and 1 cannot "but dbn»ider it fortunate that it was rewpaLSM iie - leadership tn *o grand a work. •u President to avoid, so far as possible, the convening ot Congress In exirSofdlnafy session. It is an example which, under ordinary circumstance*-and in the absence of a public necessity, is to be commended. But a failure to convene the representative* of the people in Congress in extra seaaion when it involve* neglect of a public duty places the responsibility of such neglect upon the executive himself. The condition of the public treasury, as has been indicated, demands the immediate consideration of Congress. It alone has the power to provide revenue* for the Government. Not to convene it under such circumstances. 1 can view in no other sense than the neglect of a plain duty. I do not sympathize with the sentiment that Congress in sessiou is dangerous to our general business interests. Its members are the agents of the people, and Uieir presence at the seat of Government in the execution of the sovereign will should not operate as an injury, but a benefit. There could he no better time to put the Government upon a sound finan-' cial and economic basis than now. The people have only recently voted that this should be done, and nothing is more binding upon the agents of their will than the obligation of immediate action. It has always seemed to me that the postponement of the meeting of Congress until more than a year after it has been chosen deprives Congress too often of the inspiration of the popular will and the country of the corresponding benefits. It Is evident, therefore, that to postpone action in the presence of so great a necessity would be unwise on the part of the executive because unjust to the interests of the people. Our actions now will be freer from mere partisan consideration than if the question of tariff revision was postponed until the regular session of Congress. We are nearly two years from a congressional election, and politics cannot so greatly distract us as if such contest was immediately pending. We can approach the problem calmly and patriotically, without fearing its effect upon an early election. Our fellow citizens who may disagree with u» upon the character of this legislation prefer to have the question settled now, even against their preconceived views—and perhaps settled so reasonably, as I trust and believe it will be, as to insurer-great permanence—than to have further uncertainty menacing the vast and varied business interests of the United States. Again, whatever action Congress may take will be given a fair opportunity for trial before the people arc called to pass judgment upon it, and this I consider a great essential to the rightful and lasting settlement of the question. In view of these considerations, I shall deem It my duty as President to conven, Congress in extraordinary session on Monday, the 15th day of March, 1807.

Triumph of the Whole i’eopl-. In conclusion, I congratulate the coua try upon the fraternal spirit of the people and the manifestation of good will everywhere so apparent. The recent election not only most fortunately demonstrated the obliteration of sectional or geographical lines, but to some extent also the prejudices which for years have distracted our councils and marred our true greatness as a nation. The triumph of the people, whose verdict is carried into effect to-day, is not the triumph of one section, nor wholly of one party, but of all sections and all the people. The North and South no longer divide on the old lines, b.nt upon principles and politics; and ip this fact surely every lover of the country can find cause for true felicitation. Let us rejoice In and cultivate thia spirit; it is ennobling and will be both a gain and blessing to our beloved country. It will be my constant aim to do nothing and permit nothing to.be done that will arrest or disturb this growing sentiment of unity and co-operation, this revival of esteem and affiliation which now animates so many thousands in both the old and the antagonistic sections, but I shall cheerfully do everything possible to promote and increase it. Let me again repeat the words of the oath administered by the Chief Justice, which, in their respective spheres, so far as applicable, I would have all my countrymen observe: “I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” This is the obligation I have reverently taken before the Lord Most High. To keep it will be my single purpose—my constant prayer—and I shall confidently rely upon the forbearance and assistance of all the people in the discharge of my solemn responsibilities.

TRUSTS AND THEIR PROFITS.

How Coal. Sugar, and Coffee Take Millions from the People. COAL. Tons. Total amount mined 53,750,000 Amount mined by the coal trust 43,000,000 Profit of trust every year (estimated at $1.55 a ton, the difference between' what the trust pays for It and the price at which it sells it, the only expense being the cost of transports tion) $71,650,000 SUGAR. Pounds. Total yearly output of refined sugar3,ooo,ooo,ooo Amount produced by the sugar tru5t2,400,000,000 Profit of trust every year (based on average of 1 cent a pound) $24,000,000 COFFEE. Pounds. Total output of coffee 050,000,000 Amount controlled by coffee trust (comprising the Arbuckle company of this city; the McLaughlin mills of Chicago, and the Woolsou Spice Company, before the latter company was '‘acquired" by the Havemeyers) 495,000,000 Profit of the trust every year, at Arbuckle's figures of 1 cent a pound. $4,950,000 Profit of the trust every year, at Havemeyer's figures of 3 cents a pound... $14,850,000 —New York Journal.. Miss Carrie Jewell, of recent years a belle in New York society, and the favorite niece of the late Frederick K. Taylor, of St. Louis, has foresworn his liberal bequest to her, abandoned society and become a nun in the Sacred Heart Order at St. Louis. The sale of the natural gas plant of Columbus, 0.. is oft, owing to disagreement.

WM. M'KINLEY IS PRESIDENT

Reins of Government Are Placed in His Hands. SOLEMN OATH TAKEN. Thousands View the Inaugural Ceremonies. Patriotism of Seventy Million People Breathed Into the Inaugural Ceremonies—Uncounted Thousand* View Proceeding*-Beaplendent Scene in the Senate Chamber—Gorgeous Military Pageant the Great Spectacular Feature Brilliant Decoration* of the Capitol-Grand Ball. William McKinley, of Ohio, is now President of the United States. Standing with bowed head before an immense gathering of people, he took the oath to faithfully perform the duties of the office. The ceremony was performed by Chief Justice Fuller. With an expression of humility mingled with realization of the heavy burdens he was about to assume, Mr. McKinley bent his head and repeated in a clear voice the words: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the constitution of the United States.” There was a deathlike silence as the preparations for administering the oath were begun. The people could see the pantomime enacted, but only the favored few in the immediate vicinity could hear the words; then a cannon shot was heard. This marked the beginning of the term of William McKinley as President, and instantly a tremendous cheer went up. Hats, canes, handkerchiefs and other articles were waved as President McKinley step-

TAKING THE OATH.

ped to the edge of the Capitol portico and bowed his acknowledgments to the people. As soon as the President noticed a lull in the applause he began to deliver the Inaugural address. There have been many inaugurations in Washington, but in many respects that of March 4, 1897, will go down in history as excelling all that have gone before. The citizens of the capital city worked to that end with a degree of energy unknown, and the great popular demonstration was a unique and shining success in every particular. In beauty, in taste, in novelty the decorations of the city were incomparably superior to anything ever seen in Washington; the magnificent body of regular United States troops was more numerous than any gathered since Grant’s great display at the close of the war; seventeen sovereign States had their citizens in the line of parade and over sixty civil organizations helped swell its magnificent proportions. Bcowe in the Senate. The Senate chamber was the center of attraction. The presidential family arrived at 11:30. Mrs. McKinley, accompanied by her sister, Mrs. Barber, took a front seat which had been reserved for her. Following the wife of the new President came the venerable Mrs. McKinley, Sr., garbed befitting her years The diplomatic corps entered, followed a moment later by the chief justice and associate justices of the Supreme Court. They filed slowly down the aisle in gorgeous regalia and silken robes. The members of the House oT Representatives, headed by Speaker Reed, then entered the chamber. There was a stir of interest when Senate officials announced the Vice-President-elect. Mr. Hobart entered from the right door, bowed slightly to the standing Senators and officials, and stepped to the seat near the presiding officer's desk. All this was but accessory to the arrival of President Cleveland and Presi-dent-elect McKinley. It was just 12:20 when they entered the main doors, facing the Vice-President, and attention was riveted at once on these two central figures as they moved down the middle aisle. Mr. McKinley bowed to the presiding officer, and, with Mr. Cleveland, was seated immediately in front of the platform, facing the Senate and the crowds. As the presidential party took their seats Vice-President Stevenson rose and invited his successor to step forward and take the oath of office, Mr. Hobart advanced to the desk, raised his right hand and took the oath in accordance with the constitution. Mr. Stevenson then delivered his valedictory address.

Telegraphic Brevities.

John Jacob Astor’s $5,000,000 hotel, which is in course of erection next to the Waldorf in New York, will be called the Astoria. Crossman Bros., seedsmen at Rochester, N. Y., filed a general assignment for the benefit of creditors. The liabilities are estimated at $50,000. At a circus near Brownsville, Tex., a section of the elevated seats collapsed, precipitating 300 persons to the ground. Six may die. Many were more or less bruised. The election of the Manitoba Legislature, held in St. Boniface district, was carried by the Conservatives and separate school party, Lauzon, their candidate, being returned by 200 majority. The seat was formerly Liberal and is a gain in the Legislature f6r the separate school advocates. Ten Harvard students who had been out all night on a celebration at Boston, tackled Policeman William Linton and proceeded to use him as a punching bag. In the midst of the frolic three officers in civilian dress showed up and soon released Linton and then all four sailed into the Harvard crowd. When the dust had aettled four students were lying in th* street.

SENATE AND HOUSE.

WORK OF OUR NATIONAL LAWMAKERS A Week'* Proceeding* In the Hall* of im*cussed end Acted Upon—Au Impartial Beaume of the Business. The National Solons. The House Thursday, by a vote of 193 to 37, overrode the veto of the immigration bill. The conference report on the postoffice appropriation bill was agreed to. Then the tighten the naval bill was renewed, the price of armor plate being the matter at issue. The Senate amendment* to reduce the price from $563 tb S3OO and to build three torpedo boats and a practice boat, were agreed to. The Indian bill, District of Columbia appropriation bill, and the sundry civil bill were accepted as they came from conference. The Senate’s work was confined to closing business, and the measures considered by the House were the only ones in hand. All of them went to the President a* the House accepted them. Both Senate and House adjourned without day Thursday. In the Senate agreement was unanimous to resolutions expressing the appreciation of the Senate for the able and impartial discharge of the duties of presiding officer by Mr. Stevenson, and by Mr. Frye, president pro tem. Mr. Hoar announced that the committee of Congress bad waited on the President and that he had asked them to convey his congratulations on the close of their labors. There Was anxious awaiting for the announcement that the President had •igned the remaining appropriation bills. But it did not come. Gradually the identity of the Senate was merged into the more striking features of the inauguration ceremony, and the session came to a close without further legislative business. The general deficiency bill failed in conference, and the agriculture, sundry civil and Indian appropriation bills failed of executive approval. The House was still in the legislative day of Tuesday when it adjourned without day. The closing hours were uneventful. The statement bad worked hard all night to get the sundry civil, Indian and agricultural bills to the president, only to have them “pocket vetoed,” while the general deficiency bill failed of passage because the House refused to subscribe to the $500,000 of Bowman claims which the Senate Insisted upon. Mr. McMillin of Tennessee, with a few appropriate remarks, offered a resolution of thanks to the Speaker for his Impartiality as a presiding officer, which was unanimously adopted by a rising vote. As Speaker Heed mounted the rostrum the member* rose and cheered valiantly. He acknowledged the warm reception and then delivered his parting address. With a whack of the gavel at 11:56 he then declared the House adjourned without day and the members hurried over to the Senate to participate in the ceremonies there.

The Senate went into executive session promptly upon the receipt of the Cabinet nominations, and as soon as the announce! ment was made of the appointment of Senator Sherman, whose name headed the list, he was confirmed. It is the prac. tice to refer all nominations to committee, but it was the desire of Mr. Sheman’a friends to signalize their regard for hinf by immediate action. There was mor* form than reality in the reference of th* other nominations to committee. Not on* of the committees held a formal meeting, they being polled on the floor of the Sen ; ate in every instance. No objection wai made in committee to confirmation. Whil* the Senate was in legislative session th< credentials of Mr. Hanna as Senator fror* Ohio, to succeed. Mr. Sherman, were pret seated by Mr. Foraker and he was swori in by Vice-President Hobart. Mr. Davit was also designated acting chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations t* succeed Mr. Sherman. Beyond the usual notification to the President, nothing fun ther was doue. Most of the new Senators were on th* floor when Vice President Hobart callet) the Senate to order at noon Monday. Th, other Senators were not so prompt i| making their appearance. The galleries, save that reserved for the diplomatic corps, were thronged with curious As soon as the blind chaplain had de» livered his invocation, Mr. Pruden, th, President’s executive clerk, appeared with the nomination of Oscar A. Janes, oi Michigan, as pension agent at Detroit, which was afterward confirmed. The last communication of ex-Secretary Lamont, transmitting certain papers called for by a resolution of inquiry, was laid before the Senate. The Vice President submitted some resolutions of the New York Chamber of Commerce praying for the early ratification and passage of the arbitration treaty. At 12:12 p. m.. on motion of Mr. Burrows (Rep.) of Michigan, the Senate went into executive session- • The remainder of the session wm- devoted to executive at 1.-0 S p. m. the Senate adjourned until Wednesday.

Told in a Few Linee.

The Arkansas Senate passed a bill appropriating $65,000 for the relief of the drouth sufferers in Arkansas. James B. Porter. Secretarv of State from 1861 to 1867, died at Lansing, Mich., of rheumatism of the heart. He was born in 1824. The Court of Appeals of Montreal has maintained the right of trades unionists to strike if the firm they work for refused to discharge non-union men. Gov. Black of New York has declined to interfere in the sentence of death of Arthur Mayhew, who was convicted of mur, dering Stephen Powell at Hempstead March 7,1896. Benjamin R. Bacon, an insurance agent who, a few years ago, was one of ths wealthiest and most prominent business men in Kansas City, Mo., committed suicide. Despondency following business reverses is supposed to be the cause of suicide. The liner Spree reached her pier in Hoboken after a rough voyage. Before reach, ing the Needles she ran into a dense fog and had to anchor. The seas pounded her decks, staving a lifeboat to pieces, tearing out a section of rail and inflicting other damage. Charles Burkman, a Keokuk (la.) bar-, ber, had just finished shaving a customer, when he went volently insane. He still had the razor in bis hands, and attempted to assault several persons, but was at last overpowered and locked up. He has a wife and four children. The California deep water harbor commission has submitted its report to the Secretary of War. The commission de-, cides in favor of San Pedro as the harbor on which the Government appropriation shall be expended. Commissioner Morgan does not sign the report. Paul Robert William Manning, a young Englishman of 24 years, sporting edito* of a Berlin paper, and his fiancee, Ida Margaret Helen Pankratz, a pretty, brown-haired fraulein, who is one year his junior, eloped to America. Miss Pan i kratz’s parents are wealthy. Judge Parlange, of the United State* District Court, pronounced sentence at New Orleans on the Texas Pacific Rail, road officials, E. S. Sargent and L. S. Thorne, who a few days ago pleaded guilty of violating the interstate commerce law. They were fined $4,000 each.