Daily Wabash Express, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 6 December 1889 — Page 1

Weekly Established in 1823,

RASCAL TURNED OCT.

The Cashier the Office of the House Sergeant-*!-Arms

Runs Away.

HOW A PUBLIC TRUST HAS BEEN A PRIVATE SNAP.

The Defalcation Will Amount to $71,000—Members of Congress Who Are Losers.

WASHINGTON, December 5.—From present appearances Edward Silcott, cashier of the serjeant-at-arms of the house of representatives, has fled, carrying olF about $12,000 of the funds entrusted to his care. The history of the case, as far as it can be gathered at present, id as follows:

Silcott was a trusted employe, who came here from Onio and was appointed by Mr. Leedom, when that gentleman assumed ofii 3Bix years ago. He had grd business qualifications,'and soon P'jasassad himself of the unlimited confidence of his superior. List Saturday he notiHed Mr. Lsedom that he was going to New York and would be back Sucday night.

A mes3i ge was rec ivod from him -Monday morning, dated Monday morning, saying he was detained but would rsach home that night. A similar message reached his wife in thiscity. Ash© did not appear Tuesday, Mr. Lisedorn was fearful that he had been overtaken by some accident but to satisfy rising suspicions, began an investigation. Tho information that Silcott hsul drawn his bank balance, deepened these suspicions had the inquiry wus pursued. The enormous ollice safe could not Jba opened at the moment, as Silcott had the combination but when an entrance was finally effected, it was l'Jund that some 830,000 sot apart for the use of the paying teller was intact. The next inquiry was made a', the treasury department, and Mr.

Leedom was stunned by the result. lie was informed that Silcott had called there Saturday and had drawn about 872,000.

It was possible for him to draw this large eurn without exciting comment, as he had for a long time been charged with the duty of collecting the money with which the salaries of the representatives are paid, yiloott is under bonds in the sum of £50,000, his sureties numbering about fifteen persons. This is, however, an indemnity bond given to the sergeant-at-arms, and Mr. Leedom, who is himself bonded in the sum of $50,000, is directly responsible for the shortage.

The first news of the state of affairs came out just before the house met at noon to day, and there was an excitiug scene in the cilice of the sergeant-at-arms. Mr. Leedom, who WBB sitting in the rear of his otlice, was surrouuded by a number of members of the holism, who were tendering advice of all kinds. The most practical suggestion was adopted at once by Mr. Leedom, who appeared t,o be completely unnerved and unable to act for himself, and telegrams were dispatched to his sureties notifying them of Silcott's disappearance, and expressing a willingness to co-operate fully in every effort to find him and secure the return of the missing funds. Outside the bank-like railing acros3 the room stood another crowd of members, evidently as anxious for themselves as for Mr. Lieedom, as they put many queries as to the amount of money left in the nafe and the prospects of getting their salaries.

Mr. L-'edoiu says that he would have trusted Silcott with any sum of money, lie knew his brother well, and believed that Silcott himself was entirely trustworthy. Sd firm was he this belief that he had even hesitated to begin the investigation which had such a disastrous conclusion, fearing that Sillcott hail been sandbagged in New \ork or hud been detained by some untowatd happening.

What to do next he does not know yet, and is seeking advice. He was just about to turn over his cflice to the newly elected sergeant-at-arms, Mr. Holmes, but this event necessarily delays the transfer.

Mr. Leedom says that it was within Sicott's power to have carried off not less than s?15(,000 instead of 672,000. which is missing. It was suggested by a person standing near that to have carried (.IV the balance would have changed the nature of the crime from embenzie ment to theft, and have subjected the perpetrator to extradition, eveu in C'inadi, whither it is already rumored the missing man has tied.

This is on the theory that Silcott was the custodian of the money drawn from the treasury for the payment of salaries, and that his retention of this money would constitute simply embezzlement, while, if he had taken the money in the paying teller's drawer of the safe, it would have been a direct theft

It is stated that Mr. Leedom was victimized once before by the immedi ate predecessor of Silcott, but to an amount ins'gniticent in comparison with his present loss.

During the afternoon the employes in the sercennt-at arms otlice were busy going over the?books and accounts. A statement secured from the treasurer shows that Silcott in three days drew S133.-U2 from the department. The payments were as follows: November 27 th, fo'J 00S November 29tb, $3(3,20(5 November 30th. (50,(528 total, 51.,V442 Out of this total a considerable sum was paid out to members, some money was turned over to the paying teller to meet currant needs, and the exact balance miBsing. according to the books, is 571,S59. But a number of representatives were in the habit of keeping individual deposits with the sergennt-at-armF, and, in fact, a general banking business was done in the otlice on a small scale. What these losses are has not yet been ascertained. Inquiry at some of the banks this afternoon developes the tact that. Silcott paid 840,000 in notes at the National Metropolitan bank Saturday. There are also rumors that he overdrew his account elsewhere but, ^.with their customary reserve, the hanks fail to say anything in confirmation. The heavy total of notes paid Bbove referred to, goes' to confirm stories that are ntloat here of extraordinary living and rash speculation by the defaulter. Later information is to the effect that the paying teller'6 funds,

_• ,. «r

Eeen

1

although in the same safe where Silcott kept his money, were protected by a separate lock and'steel door, which may explain their preservation. Mr. Leedom is reported as having said that he could raise about $22,000, which would leave a deficit of S49.SC0 to be made good by his bondsmen. It appears that the'Unit.ed States treasurer has repeatedly called attention in hi9 annual reports to the necessity for the appointment of a suitable disbursing officer by the house for the handling of its funds, and some heed is now likely to be paid to these recommendations. The present system under which it was possible for a defalcation to happen is as follows: The speaker certifies that a member is entitled to 3417 salary for a stated month. These certificates are signed by the members and given to the sergeant-at-arms, who collects the money from the treasury where the certificate is received as a receipt and places it to the account of the members. Siicott collected the money last week on a number of these certificates. The total was not beyond theordinary drafts, and he had been making the same collections for several yeurs. What concerns the members of the house most deeply just now is whe^e the loss is to fall. Some of the ablest lawyers in the house (arid particularly those members who have drawn all of their salary and have it in their pockets.) are of opinion that in signing the certificates the members have given a receipt to the treasury and releasedjthe government from liability, in which case they must look to Mr. Leedom or his sureties for their money. Others, the great majority, who have not drawn their November salary, hold that, as the c?rtificates were sintred and presented before December 3d, when the salaries W6redue, the treasury must have taken notice of that fact, and could not legally have paid the certificates. Meanwhile, many of the members will be, for a time, at least, kept out of their November salaries, which, bb representative Butterworth say?, is pretty hard with Christmas so near at hand. The committee appointed to day to look into the defalcation will meet to-morrow and begin its investigation.

Craven E.I ward Silcott came from Youngstown, O., where he has been a merchant for many years. Mr. L?edom says that he seemed to have no more than the ordinary man's share of vices, and was one of the most economical men he ever saw. Persons who knew Silcott's habits, however, do not give him a good name. It is said he was intimate with a disreputable woman going by tho name of Louise Barrett, whom he had supported for some time, and it was asserted she was now his companion. This latter statement is open to some question, as it is certain that the woman did not go away with Silcott, although it is true she has left the city. He also had the reputation of playing the races steadily and of lending money to his associates at the capitol to back the houses. On Saturday last it was the gossip of the sergeant-at-arms' cilice that Sdcott had won $2,4C0 from the local bookmakers just beyond the city limits. Silcott leaves a wife and three children behind. The oldest is a married son 22 years of age, employed in the house document-room.

The object of SilcotL's visit to New Vork last Saturday, it is said, was for the purpose of collecting S12,000 from exCongressiuan Faige, of Ohio, now living in New Vork, which amouut Silcott had loaned him out of the funds in his cus tody. It was necessary to have this money in order to have the cash balance when turned over to the incoming Eer-geant-at-ftrms. A number of members made a practice of using the office as a bank and through courtesy this was permitted, although the sergeant-nt-Brms was under no obligations to allow this use to be made of his ofiice. Among the members who lose personal deposits are: Rife, of Pennsylvania, 82,500 .J. D. Taylor, of Ohio, 83,000 Boutelle, of Maine, 81,500 Bayne, of Pennsylvania, 81.000 Butterworth, of Ohio, 8900 Hermann, of Oregon, 82,500 Pickler, of North Dakota, SG00 Purnel', of Nebraska. $2,100, and Owen, of Indiana, 825. Nearly all the members lose some money on account of salary due them, but affairs are in so much confusion that a list of the members and their losses can not be

giveD.

Some

members permitted their salaries to remain untouched for eeveral mouths and they are the greatest sufferers by the defalcation. Belden, of New Vork, loses his entire sslary since the 4th of March, about 82 400. Some few members made assurauce doubly sure, however, and are indebted to the ofiice, having overdrawn their accouuts. Among the reports in circulation te-night was one to the effect that Representative Turner, of Kansa?, would state that be had

Silcott in the sergeant-at-arms'

ollice Tuesday morning. Mr. Turner 6.ays he did make such a statement, but that it was a case of mistaken identity and he had discovered he had been confounding Cashier Silcott and Paying Teller Ballentine.

Speaking of the probability of the members of congress being out of pocket by the defalcation, M\ Turner said it would depend on whether the act creating the ollice made the sergeant-at-arms the government represent*" or whether, as seems probable the fact that the members signed authu.izations, he was the representative of the members. In the first case the government and in the second the members themselves would be losers. The law would hare to be very clear and indisputable in support of the first proposition before he would vote for a resolution to reimburse himseif and other members for the loss of their salaries.

If Silcott has gone to Canada, as is generally assumed, this defalcation will give a most powerful impetus to the movement for BB extradition treaty with Canada.

Mr. Leedom made the following statement to-night: "The committee upon the celebration of the inauguration, of which Mr. Hiscock is chairman, was in my otlice on Wednesday about helf past 3 o'clock. Whiie there Mr. Ballentine. paying teller, called me aside and said: 'I am distressed. I believe something has happened to Mr. Silcott. fear he may have been killed. Here is the combination that unlocks the safe." I told him I knew nothing about the matter and asked him to unlock the safe, and then he said we had better wfcit until the committee 6houid go out, which it did at 4 o'clock. I told the messengers close the door, and then Ballentine took the combination that Silcott had given him some four years ago, and as I was by his side, he unlocked the safe Bfter considerable trouble. Mr. Ballentine said he wanted me to count the money. The first package

I picked up was a package of 81 bills with a 8100 bill on the back of it. The next was a similar packBge. That was 8 very unusual thing. I said 'Ballentine the jig is up. Something is wrong. We went through the work of examining the contents of the safe and found there was 833,400. He should have had in the safe $105,000. I told Ballentine that was the first intimation I had of anything wrong, and that we had Getter suspend criticism. I said we knew but little about the matter and that I wanted to go to the bank and see how much was there, thinking perhaps Silcott had gone to the bank and deposited money to our credit. We closed up the safe and went to dinner, going back at 7 o'clock. We stayed there until 12 o'clock, but our minds were in no condition to deal in figures. Ballentine and I went away. At 2:30, having gone home, I dressed myself and again went to the capitol. Joe Lee, a policeman, was there, and I asked him to go to my office. He asked me what the matter was, and I told him I wanted to go over the books and see if anything was wrong. That kept me from 3 until 5:30 o'clock, when I went to Representative Crisp's room, Bt the Metropolitan hotel, and told him the situation. I then went to Mr. White, the cashier of the National Metropolitan bank about six o'clock this morning." The rest of the morning was consumed, according to Mr. Leedom'a statement, in calling on Mr. Carlisle, telegraphing to Mr. Felton, one of the bondsmen and preparing the statement for Mr. Reed.

The house committee, to investigate the sergeant-at-arm's ofiice, held a meeting at the Arlington hotel to-night, and made arrangements to begin the investigation to-morrow morning. The investigation will be Becret for the present, at least.

The real name of Silcott's female companion is Louise Thiebault. She is a French-Canadian, living in Quebec. Last Tuesday she told the woman of a house in which she jhad lived that Silcott had asked her if she would come out and live with him, after ue had got located in the West. She told him she would do 60, but that she wanted to go home first. It is not believed that she knew of Silcott's embezzlement, as she said nothing of it.

MR. V00RHEES AND THE TARIFF.

His Long Freamble »ud Resolution Offercl In tlie Seimte.

WASHINGTON, December 5.—Mr. Voorhees offered a long preamble and resolution in reference to tariff taxation which he asked to have laid upon the table for the present, [t declares that all existing tariff taxes on foreign merchandise should be so revised, repealed or amended as to provide:

First—For the collection of a sufficient amount of revenue to pay the expenses of the government, economically administered the principal and interest of the public debt as they fall due, and liberal pensions but not a dollar more:

Second—For the taxation of all articles of luxury at the highest practicable rates, and for the reduction of taxes on all necessaries of civilized life, such as salt, sugar, woolen goods, iron, steel and other staple commodities, to the lowest possible rates consistent with a tariff for revenues for nothiug but revenue.

Third—For the curtailment and overthrow, as far as possible, of all monopolies in trade by the enlargement of the free list to the full extent that the same can be done without impairing and endangering the necessary revenues of the government, having iu view at all times and under all circumstances, a liberal policy of trade with the people of foreign countries, and the establishment of equal and exact justice amongst our own citizens, with exclusive privileges to none.

Mr. Voorhees will hereafter call up the resolution and address the senate upon it. Special to the Indianapolis Journal.

WASHINGTON, December 5.—Senator Voorhees introduced in the senate today a number of bills which he introduced in the last congress. They embrace measures for the relief for the legal representatives of George McDougall, deceased authorizing the secretary of the interior to pay the judgment found by the court of claims to John Paul Jones, administrator, amounting to $81,250 increasing the pension of those who have lost a limb, or limbs, or both eyes repeal of the arrearage of pension act: for the relief of Willis Benntield and Nicholas J. Bigley for the ascertainment of the amount "due Sylvanus Sanford and Harry A. Hays, for the payment to Sewell Coulston BBd Porter, Harrison & Fiehback fof legal services in defending ex Union officers and ex-soldiers during the late war while in the discharge of their duties.

Senator Turpie introduced a bill to pay Acquilla Jones, late postmaster at Indianapolis, 82,-13S, stolen from the office December 31, 1S8S also, measures for the relief of George B. RobeitJ, administrator of the estate of William B. Thayer, deceased, partner of Thayer Brotheis and others, and for the relief of Sarah K. McLeon. widow of the late L'eutenant-colonel Nath'anial N. McLeon.

A FEDERAL ELECTION BILL.

A Plan by Which Supervisors May Act in Cities. Washington, December 5.—Senator

Spooner, of Wisconsin, to-day introduced a bill, declaring the chief supervisor of elections officers of the circuit courts of the United States, and charging them with the enforcement of the national election and naturalization lawe, both in person and through their subordinates, the supervisors of election. It provides that whenever a chief supervisor of elections shall have received notice asking for the guarding or supervising, of an election any city having 20,000 inhabitants or upwards, or whenever the court shall te asked to permit an election to be scrutinized in any town having less than 20,000 people, it shall be the duty of the chief supervisor to prepare and present to the circuit court a petition setting forth the desire to hate the election scrutinized, and a writ shBU then be issued charging the supervisor and his subordinates with the duty of enforcing the United States electicn laws. This writ shall contain a warning to all person?. at their peril, neither to molest-, hinder, assault, delay, nor in any manner to interfere with the chief supervisor or any subo-dinate in tho discharge of his duties. This writ is to be'published at least twice before the day of election in not exceeding two daily or weekly papers in the county in which is situated the place ^here the election is to be scru-

A-.j-.-t, ...

TERRE HAUTE, IND., FRIDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 6, 1889.

tini zed. If at any federal election any pereon shall cause any breach of the peace, or use threats whereby any part of the election shall be impeded or hindered, or the lawful proceedings of the supervisors interferred with, he shall be liable to instant arrest and summary bearing BB for contempt of court. Any person found guilty may be puniehed by line not exceeding $3,000, or imprisonment not exceeding three years, or both.

RELIEF FOR SAIHOAN SUFFERERS.

A Hill In trod need in the Senate to That Knd.

WASHINGTON, December 5.—Senator Hale to-day introduced a bill for the relief of the sufferers by the wreck of the United States men-of-war Trenton and Vandalia and the stranding of the Nipsic in the harbor of Apia, Samoa, last March. The bill provides that the survivors of the officers and crews of-the wrecked vessels shall be paid 3 Bum equal to the loeses sustained by them, but in no case shall the compensation for 6uch loss sustained exceed the amount of twelve months' sea pay of the grade occupied by the sufferers. In case of death the widow or children are to be entitled to the money and the expense of the removal of the bodies already recovered shall be paid to the relatives. The bill also directs that the relatives of Pay Clerk H. D. Alexander, who died on board the Trenton while en route to Samoa, be compensated for his personal effects lost by the wreck. Also that the sum of $120 be given to Lieutenant J. C. Wilson, being the amount of public money stolen from him while going from the Samoan islands to Aukiand to communicate to the navy department the news of the stranding of the vessels. The bill authorizes the secretary of the navy to remove the remains of the lost officers buried at Samoa to the United States at the expense of the government and to have them interred in the National cemetery at Mare island, California.

The Four Huuriredth Anniversary.

WASHINGTON, December 5.—Senator Ingalls to-day introduced a bill to aid and secure the commemoration of the four hundredth anniversary of the scovery of America. The bill provides that the president shall appoint by and with the consent of the sennte a commission, consisting of two members from each state of different political atlilations, two from the District of Columbia and one from each of the territories. The president is authorized to extend an invitation to all the American nations and states inviting them to uuite in celebrating the anniversary. Should Spain or other European powers desire to join in the celebration they shall be invited. The bill provides that the commission shall secure a site by purchase or otherwise for the convocation of nationsof an area not less than 300 acres of ground. The president shall apportion the land for the buildings of the various countries, each one to select its own style of architecture. The appropriations are as follows: For the purchase of ground 515.000,000, for grading and clearing $1,500,000. for building of the United States §500,000, for incidental expense $1,000,000 total 88,000,000.

Making Arid Lands I'roductlve.

WASHINGTON, December 5.—Secretary Rusk has received a report from the agricultural experiment station^in southwest Kansas, near Garden City, stating that it has been demonstrated that the arid lands of the West can be made pro ductive without the aid of irrigation. Experiments at the station named have proved that the desert land unirrigated, will produce plentiful supplies of grasses and forage plants, including sorghum, and it is believed that wheat, corn and potatoes will grow equally as well. Oaly two things were necessary to accomplish these results—first, the ground was pulverized deeply to make a bed for holding the water that falls in the rain, and second, the planted surface was covered after the sowing of the first crop with matted straw to keep the loam from blowing away and with it the seed. Subsequently crops will require no straw, for the reason that the matted roots will keep the dry earth from being blown away.

The Attorney General

1

Report.

WASHINGTON, December 5.—The annual report of Attorney General Miller was made public to-day. During the year 2.2S7 civil suits and 14,508 criminal prosecutions were terminated, and there are pending 2,950 of the former and 7,812 of the latter class. Mr. Miller rec ommends that provisions be made for a penitentiary or a United States reformatory, the latter being intended for the confinement of the milder class of criminals. It is also urged that a prison bureau be established in the department of justice, where could be gathered, col lated and recorded in a permanent form the criminal statistics of the United Slates.

PecrctHry Klaine on Deck Again.

WASHINGTON, December 5.—SscreBlaine having recovered from bis recent attack of iumbago resumed his duties at the state department to day.

Wanhlnirton Note*.

Amone

the numerous memorials and petitions

presented In ttie senile was one signed by E. Webster, asking that the national title be ciiangcd to that of "The United States of Columbia."

The vice president having informed the senate that he would be absent trom the city two or threfdays nexrwef-k, Mr. Ingalls was elected president pro tempore during the absence of the vice president. The senate then adjourned till Monday.

Mr. Chandler, of New Hampshire, offered a resolution (which was agreed to) calling on the secretary of the navy for a list of the rear admirals and commodores now on the active list, with statement as to their present duties, their pay, services. etc.

Mr. Reagan, of Texas, addressed the senate In explanaiion and advocacy of a bill Introduced by him yesterday, for the repeal of so much of trie third section ofThe act of 1876 «s provides for the sale of bonds, so as to produce a reserve for the redemption of legal tender notes.

Amongthe bills Introduced In the senate to-day was one by Senator Moody, directing the secretary of the interior to citise the necessary surveys to be made and artesian wells to be sunk to develop the artesian basin underlying the state of south Dakota with a view to the use of the waters for irrigation. An appropriation of {150,0.0 is asked for.

The IJaly-McAuliCe Flsht a Draw.

BOSTON, December 5.—The fifteenround glove fight for a purse of $1,000, winner to take al', between Mike Daly, of BBngorrand Jack McAuliffe, of New York, light weights, at the rooms of the Cribb club, to-night resulted in a draw. From the first McAuliffe landed his blows when and where he pleased and Daly acted on the defensive most of the time. Time was called on the fifteenth round. Joe Lannon was referee.

!lt

A PITTSBURG HOTEL* BURNED.

The Monongahela House, the Largest

in the City, Destroyed Yesterday Morning.

THE GUESTS AND EMPLOYES ALL MAKE THEIR ESCAPE.

The Hotel Dickens Praised Was to Have Been Sold in tb.e Afternoon.

PITTSBURG, December 5.—The Monongahela house, the largest hostlery in this city and one of the best known hotels iu the country, was damaged by fire to-day to the extent of aboui $100,000. The two upper stories were completely burned out aud the lower lloors were badly damaged by water. No lives were lost, but there were numerous narrow escapes of guests and employes. The fire was discovered by Thomas O'Brien, the bead porter, shortly before noon. He was going down stairs when he found that the blaze had just started at the bottom of the freight elevator. Almost as soon as O'Brien had a chance to give the alarm the fames shot up through the elevator shaft, which, forming a large chimney, gave headway to the flames and in an instant the entire upper portion of the building was enveloped in clouds of smoke. The cry at once went through the entire house that the building was on fire. There were upwards of 200 guests in the house, more than half of whom were in their rooms, when the cries rang out from floor to tlonr for the people to escape. A number of people were just preparing for dinner, and some were not completely dressed. Hastily donning whatever lay close at hand i-i the way of wearing apparel, they rushed for the passenger elevator, only to find that that shaft, too, was a solid volume of smoke. The stairs were then resorted to and every one got out iu safety. Those who were unable to walk were carried out by the tire men and employes of the hotel. Among the iBtler were several ladies who were sick or who were overcome by fright. The chambermaids and ot.her employed were forced to take the fire-escape, but all got out in safety.

Among the remarkable escapes were those of D. C. Mason of New York, N. Underwood of Milwaukee, and W. S. Hughes of Philadelphia. Mason was asleep and when awakened it was too late to leave by the stairway. Then he returned to his room and making a rope of the bed clothe', he let himself down from the fourth jor to the roof of an adjoining building, from whioh he w«s taken down 'n safety on a ladder. N. Underwood, who represents the Dixon rolling mill company, of Milwaukee, Wis., was the last man to get out of the hotel. He threw out a fire escape rope and slid down and escaped with slight bruises. W. S. Hughes, who was formerly clerk at the Continental hotel, Philadelphia, now traveling for the Marceaux wine company, distinguished himself by bursting open over 100 doors and giving the alarm to the occupants of the house. He was among the first to discover the fire. David Kaiser, of the firm of Lswis, Kaiser & Luther, New York, hastily packed $100,000 worth of diamonds and made "his escape just in time. J. L. Carringham, of New York, wns heramod in by the flames, but succeeded in making his escape.

The news of the fire created the greatest excitement throughout the city, and itui short time the crowds on the streets about the burning building became so dense that it was impossible for the police to keep them out. For years past the Monongahela house has been the most prominent in the city. General Lafayette, when he visited this country, was banqueted at the Mnnocgahelr.. General Grant, Abraham Lincoln and many of the celebrities of the half century past were guests at this celebrated hostlery. It will be rebuilt at once.

The insurance was divided as follows: Liverpool, London and Glob?, 823.000 Home, New York, $12,500 cenix, liar!for.1, $7,500 Insurance company of North America, $7,500 Hartford, $10,000 British American, Western of Pittsburg, Franklin of Pniladelphio, Delaware of Philadelphia. Alamenia of Pittsburg, Anglo-Nevadn, Canton of England, American of Philadelphia, $5,000 each New York Bowery, $7,500 Sun of London, $7,500 Queen. $1 000 Spring Garden of Pniltidelphia, $3,000 Hanover, Merchants' of Providence, Manufacturers' nnd Merchants' of Pittsburg, Peoples' of Pittsburg, Allegheny of Pittsburg, National of Hartford, Girard of Philadelphia, Fire nssociation of Philadelphia, Guardian of London. Providence of Washington, Nationnl of Hartford, Farragut, N. Empire, Rochester Pacific, New York Michigan, Datroit New Hampshire. Manchester: Firemen's, Baltimore National New York, N. Rsliance, Philadelphia British America assurance company. Toronto Canada Buffalo German, Buffa In Monongahela Pittsburg, $2,500 each: Firemens fund, Newark, $2,000 yal of England, WTestchester. $1,500 each Western of Toronto, $1,300 North of London. National of N-»w York, Fireman's of Baltimore and Farmer's of York, Pa., $11,000, divided among the four companies.

The building destroyed covered an entire blcck and was seven stories in height. It W88 owned by Charles J. Clarke, Florence Miller and the Crossan heirs and was valued by them, with the lot, at half a mill on dollars. The loss will be less tb»n $100,000. The insurance is $197,500, of which $1(30,000 is on the building and $37,500 on the stock. A peculiar feature of the fire was that all the papers were drawn for the sale and transfer of the building at 3 o'clock this afternoon, the price being $475,000. "Most of the guests lost all their personal property. The building was erected after the great fire of 1S45, and was one of the largest and most imposing blocks in the city. The hotel was known by all travelers, and was mentioned by Dickens in his "American Notes" as the model hotel of the West.

Another Hotel Kiro.

EAST TAWAS, Mich., December 5.— The Miner house took fire this morning from a defective chimney. Prompt work on the part of the firemen saved the west portion of the hotel, but the rest of it

was destroyed. Two charred bodies were found in the ruins, and it is supposed that one is that of Ed Rjney, the clerk, but it is not known whose body the other is. Five men were also hurt in fighting the flames. The house itself was one of the oldest in town, and WBS not very valuable. There was some insurance on the property.

NEWS IN THE LODGES.

The Annual Elections Being Held This Weok.

Sanford Lodge NJ. 330, F. and A. M., elected nnd installed the following officers last Wednesday evening:

W. M..-Tames W. Watts. S. W., Thomas Adams. AV., Donald DsWnr. Secretary, W. W. Fuqiui. Treasurer. John Wolf. S. D., Alexander Sanders. J. John Knight. Stewards. Ueorga A. Cord an-! J. M. Reese. Chaplain, William Fuqua. Trustees, J. W. I). Vi'oif, T. F. Brown and W. W. Fuqua.

The lodge is in a prosperous condition in every respect, even to enjoying an excellent membership.

Tammany Tribe No. 30, of the improved order of ^°d Men, elected the following otticerp, Wednesday night, to serve during the ensuing year:

Charles L. Feltus. P. C. 11. Traiiualr. 5. W. H. Ball, S. d, Frank Murphy. J. S. Charl-s Klam.C. of R. J. A. Winter. of W. Charles Murphy.) W. II. Bali. (-Trustees. M, C. Welsen.

Oriental Lidge No. 81, Knights of Pythias, hns tiled articles of association with Messrs. F. O. Froeb, C. O. Ebel and Reuben Butz as trustees.

The Prince Orients met Wednesday evening and conferred ranks upon Messrs. Silas Lynn. William Lawes and William Dorsey. The meeting was well attended and lunch was served in Castle hall after initiations.

Terre Haute Lodge No. 19 held} ts annual election last night at its beautiful lodge rooms, and chose the following olllcers for the ensuing year:

Jacob D. Early, W. M. George E Pugh. S. W. William E. Lawes. J. W. Frank R. Byers, treasurer. Alexander Thomas, secretary.

Worshipful Master Early then appointed the following: William Durham, sr. deacon.

William Penn, jr. deacon. William Graul, sr. steward. Charles Carter. Jr. steward. Charles E. Cregar, tyler. Professor J. Bucuowliz, organist.

Thereupon Grand Master Thomas B. Long, assisted by Past Grand Master VanValzah as grand marshal, duly installed the officers. And one of the pleasantest things of the evening was the presentation to the retiring master, John W. Cruft, with a handsome past master's jewel as a testimonial of the ap preciation of the lodge of the manner in which he had discharged his duties of master during the current year, and of its esteem of him as a man and Mason.

Terre Haute Lodge, No. 19, is not only the largest lodge in Indiana, numbering 322 members, but also one of the oldest, being now in its 71st year, having received its dispensation in May, 1819, and having been presided over by some of Terre Haute's most noted and respected citizens, among them: Thomas H. Bourne, Demas Deming. Curtis Gilbert, Elijah TIllotson. Geo. F. Lyon, Richard W. Thompson, Arba Holmes, Robert Wharry, General Charles Cruft and Albert Lange.

THE LAWYERS AND THE LAW.

Steps Taken to Establlffli a Law Library In the Court Uou*e.

One of the most important steps by the attorneys of this city for some time was taken yesterday morning. In the presence of many members of the bar Judge E^'gleaton introducedthe proposition to establish a law library to be sustained by the bar and to be accessible to those who contribute and to be located in the court house. After a few remarks of general explanation he moved that a committee to prepare resolutions defining more minutely the nature of the proposed organisation. Tne turition met with general favor, and Judge Mack appointed the following attorneys on the committee: Judge Eggleston, R. B. Stimson, D. W. Henry,

G.

W. Kleiser anCT l'\ A. McNutt. The committee wns directed to meet at Judge Eggleston's office on Saturday at 4 p. in. Although the proposition included only the establishment of a library which should contain all standard works of law and all current law literature and reports of court decisions, yet many attorneys hare a much more extensive project in view. Sjtne members of the committee propose to organize a bar association and to make the library the property of the association. The necessity for a bar association as well as for the library has been recognized for yearp, and attorneys of tbis city have realized that they have been behind the times.

ANOTHER CLEVELAND LETTER.

lie Has Hope Hint tho Fnrty Is IJettcr Than It Used to he.

CLEVELAND, December 5.—The Young Men's Democratic club, of Canton, O., celebrated the second anniversary of President Cleveland's tariff message to congress to night with speeches, a banquet and ball. Colonel C. S. Brice ar.d other 'Tell-known Democrats were present. Letters of regret were received from ex-President Cleveland, Governorelect Campbell, ex-Governor Hoadly, Congres man Mi'ls and others. ExPresident Cleveland's letter was as follows:

NEWYOKR November 22ml.

I am phased with tne Invitation jou extend to Mrs. Cleveland and myself to be present at the anniversary meeting of the Young Men's Democratic club on the 5th day of December. If the exercises you contemplate and outlined In your letter are carried out. all who atend them are certain ly promised a rare exposition of sound doctrine from the el' quent and able speakers you have secured. I "in sorry that, owing to ether emj iutlin nts. we must he among the absent ones, flie spirit and tone of your letter. so far as It relates to the purposes of your elub. are very gratifying The constantly g-ow-hiE Interest manliested by our young men tn the principles of the Demofretic party constitute, in my opinion, the most reliable hope of their ascendancv. if at any lime tn the past It has with any truth been said that our party did not Invite to its standard the enterprislug and thouzhtful young men of the country, to-day such an allegation fliall be disputed. And these men. keenly aHre to their country's welfare, quick to discover the needs of the present, and read In the freedom of untramelled thought, to follow In the pathway of good citizenship, can be safely trusted with political responsibility. Hoplngyour mtellng will be very successful, I am yours trinj, (ittOVEB C'LKVKLAM).

The Crouln Case.

CHICAGO. December 5.—Mr. Hynes, for the proseoution, had not finished his address when the court adjourned.

Daily Established in 85 1.

TUB DEATH (IF JEFF DAVIS.

The Ex-President of the Southern

Confederacy Dies This Morning.

LAST OF AN EVENTFUL AND LONG LIFE.

A Sketoh. of the Life of ttie Secession. Advocate Who Died in the Belief.

NEW ORLE.-VNS, December G.—Jefferson Davis died at 12:15 this morning.

Jefferson D.tviswas born in Christian t, county, Kentucky, June 3, 181*3 hia parents removed to ^f^psippi in his infancy commenced l^^Pruoation at the Transylvania university, Kentucky, but left it for the West. Point academy, where he eraduated in 1S2S was a cadet front 182-1 to 1S'2S second lieutenant-of infantry from 1S2S to lS'W first lieutenant, of dragoons from 1833 to 1835, serving inc various campaigns aguinst tne In--: dians was adjutant of dragoons, ana at different times served.in the quartermaster's department resigned from the army in 1S35 in 1S41 was a presidential, elector in 1815 was elected a representative in consrress from Mississippi resigned in lS-lt! to become colonel of a?, volunteer regiment to serve in Mexico ?.: in Mexico received the appointment of brigadier-general in 1S17 was appointed a senator in congress, to fill vacancy, nnd was elected for the term ending 1851 resigned in IS O was reelected for a term of six years, but resigned was appointed secretary of war, by President Tierce, eervicg throughout his admtnietration in 1857 again took hie seat iu the United States senate for the term of six years, serving as chairman of the committee on military affairs, and as a member oft hose on public buildings nnd grounds nnd on printing in 18G1 withdrew from the seuate, became identified with the great rebellion, and was elected president, of the so-calflsd "Southern Confederaoj was subsequently COD lined as a prisoner of state in Fortress Monroe after remaining in thut

stronghold

as a prisonor

for two years, was, iu 18G7, released on bail, ar.d went tc.C anada: Bubeequf-ntly^ returned to Mississippi aud lived in retirement.

EMIN PACHA FATALLY INJURED.

Kescued From the Heart, of Afr!o* to Die From a Full.

Losnoji, December 5.—A dispatch from inzibar announces that Emm Pacha has met with a probably fatal accident. Being near sighted, he walked out of a window by mistake nnd felt on his head, fracturing his skull. He now lies at igamoyo in critical condition. All the doctors oxc-pt Stanley's physician declare that E.nin's injuries will prove fatal. Stanley's physician is hopeful of saving Kmin's life, but says that under the most favoraole circumstances the patient cannot bo moved for at least ten days.

A later dispatch from Zanzibar says Emin misjudged the height of a balcony parapet, overbalanced himself and fell distance of twenty feet. When found his right eye was closed and blood wns issuing from his ears. His body iB terribly bruised.

EIGHT PERSONS KILLED.

A Hoitor Kjrplo*Ion CHUMP* the Denth of Six Men and Two Women.

NEW ORLEANS, December 5.—The Picnjune's B.^yce, La., special says: The

boiler of Calhoun's gin ut Colfax, on the Meredith plantation, exploded

this morning killing six men, two women and wounding many others—all negroes' A part of the boiler wns blown 500 feet, while another part passed through a large brick chimney.

C'hariccti Willi Forgery,

II. W. Hendricks was'brought to this city yesterday from Fontanet by the town marelyjiiand put in jail, charged with forgery. He was arreete.d in the postollice at Fontane'-yesterday morning while calling for mail, and a description sent to the constable there by tho nu-.v Ihorities at Olney, II!., who charge him with forgery in representing himself to be an agent for school supplies. The fiicers at Olney have been notified by telegram and will be here as soon as possible.

Tlie Electric Sugar Swindler.*

NEW YORK, Dejt-mber 5.—Mrs. Olive E. Friend, Mrs. Emily Howard, Orin A.Halstead and George Ilalstead, the re-, maining electric sugar alleged swindlers, entered pleas of guilty, in the court general eessions to an indictment for grand larceny in the liret degree. They were discharged on their own reci'gnizance, some time Bgo when they pleaded not guilty. To-day they withdrew that plea for one of guily. They were remanded for sentence.

Secretary Noble itntl LltirrUotj. ST. LOUIS, MO.,

December 5.—G-foerai

J. W. Noble, secretary of tho interior, and Russell B. Harrison, arrived here this morning. Secretary Noble says his visit has no political significance and is entirely of a private nature, eimply to look after some personal business affairs. Mr. Harrison's visit is also of a strictly business character.

Sfguln* Hu«e Hull Contract*.

CLEVELAND, Decern her 5.—Catuher turner and Fielder McAleer, of last year's Cleveland team, lo-duy signed brotherhood contracts. President. A. L. Johnson to-day received a telegram from Mike Kelley,

in

San Francieco,

Buying

that he had secured the goaturesof Cirney, Richardson, Nash, Johcson, Daley and Radbourne to brotherhood contracts.

Death In it Sugar MUI.

PRAGUE, December 5.—A sugar mill in the village of Swoleniowes, near this city, in which 1,500 toes of sugar were stored, collapsed to-day. E ght persons were killed and many others injured.