Indianapolis Journal, Volume 49, Number 244, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 September 1899 — Page 1
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IMBIAMAPOLI w As WEEKLY KSTAP.LI?IIED 1?23. jVnT MIV-XO M4 DAILY ESTABLISHED 1S3. VlJ. -VIjIV J. . INDIANAPOLIS, FRIDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 1, 1899. 1T 1 PD Q rl? VfrC i RAILWAY NEWS FTANDS. CW X IVlV-Tj O i!ii J O. TRAINS AND SUNDAYS f CENTS.
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DREYFUS CRIED
CAVE WAY TO HIS FEELINGS AND S0VC1IT RELIEF IN TEARS. Yesterday Most Trylnpr Day the Prisoner Una Had Since the Rennes Conrt-Martlal Opened. HIS ALLEGED CONFESSION REPEATED BV CAPT. LEBRtN-RE-NAULT AND OTHER OFFICERS.
Very "Fishy" Evidence Given by the - Jew-Hater Who Conducted Dreyfua ' to the Desradatlon Parade.
MAJOR FORZtNETTTS STORY OF THE DEFENDANTS TE3HTATION TO TAKE HIS OWN LIFE. tter Moved to ?r that It Is Dae to III Wife that He In Alive To-Day A Judge's Question. RENNES, Aug. 2L Dreyfus had the most trying day he has gone through yet. The strain proved too great for him and for the second time In the course of the trial he gave way to his feelings and sought relief in tears. The generals have branded him as a traitor before the court, their eubor dlnates have pointed the, finger of scorn at him. But he only once flinched when the official report of his treatment on Dev il's Island was read before him and the pictures of his sufferings, mental and phys IcaL were thrown vividly on the screen of his memory. Then he hid his feature and wepL He passed through another such crisis to-day when, after CapL Lebrun-Renault and witness after witness had brought up before him that cold January morning which ushered the scene of bis degrada tion. Major Fonlnettl, a man of heart, told in simple words and unaffected manner, the atory of Dreyfusfs struggle with the mad denlng temptation to take his life and the intervention" of his wife, as an angel, point Ins out the road to duty: Then again the prisoner's breast heaved with emotion and tear drops trickled down his cheeks. He rose, and after a forced effort to remain calm as he spoke a few words concerning , his denial to Col. Du Paty de Clam that he wrote the bordereau, he turned to Forzlnettl with a look of thanks for his con solation ao needed. Dreyfus then uttered these words of heartfelt gratitude to his wife for the courage with which she had inspired him: "It U due to her," he cried. ""that X am alive to-day." The prisoner could articulate no more, but sat down abruptly to conceal his distress. The proceedings concluded a few minutes later and be was taken back to his prison, where his wife visited. him, and in the presence of Mme. Dreyfus and the gendarmes on guard he broke down completely. The tension ad been too much for him. He sobbed convulsively and the partner oC his sorrows Joined him In a solace of tears. QUEER EXPLANATION. Capt. Lebrun-Renault and the supporters Of his assertion of the Dreyfus confession had an inning lasting nearly the entire session, their depositions containing little but what had already beeen stated before the Court of Cassation. Capt. Leorun-Renault Introduced -the new assertion that the fact that he had not related the incident of the confession to President Casimer-Perier wa9 because he overheard himself called canaille." "cur" and -traitor" while waiting in the Elysee. He, however, could not explain why he kept this to himself so long a time Instead of recounting the incident before the Court of Cassation. Nor did his explanation as to why he destroyed the page cf his note book containing the record of Dreyfuss confession sound very convincing. The other witnesses were a repetition of Captain Lebrun-Renault. Colonel Guerin repeated his evidence before the Court of Cassation to the effect that Captain Lebrun-Renault told him after the degradation of the prisoner of the words the latter uttered. After being asked by Colonel Jouaust if he had anything to say, Dreyfus declared he 'could only repeat his reply to Captain Lebrun-Renault. Another officer. Major De Mltry. wearing pretty hussar uniform, a light blue tunic trimmed with black braid and bright red trousers, also testified that Captain D'Attel had declared he overheard Dreyfus confess. Array Controller Peyrolles next repeated his evidence as given before the Court of Cassation, recounting that Colonel Guerin the day Dreyfus was degraded told him Dreyfus had confessed. At this point Dreyfus rose and denied he had ever said there would be a revision of his case at the end of three years, and, speaking directly to Colonel Jouaust, begged him to have the letters which he (the prisoners) wrote to Genera! De Bolsdeffre read in court. The prisoner said he mentioned the term of three years because he realized that the government would need time to carry cut the necessary investigations. A SIGNIFICANT QUESTION. A very significant question was put to Colonel Guerin by a member of the court. Lieutenant Colonel Brongniart. who sits at Colonel Jouausfs right hand and always put pointed questions. He has thoroughly studied the Dreyfus case and is rsputed to be one of the best authorities on the case. It is certain Colonel Jouaust consults him frequently during the proceedings. Brongniart is said to be a rabid antiDreyfuaard. and he to-day, in a quiet tone, siked Colonel Guerin if he thought M. Well, who is a friend of Esterhazy. also knew Dreyfus. The latter at once rose and declared that he never before heard of Well. The point of this question was that Esterhazy has written to Colonel Jouaust. as announced, and has undoubtedly ment'jned Weil as a go-between for Dreyfus. This is the person referred to in yeterday's dispatch as "V a mistake for "W." If relations can be proved between Dreyfus and Well, and Esterhazy admits obtaining treasonable information from Well, then he could assume Dreyfus was a traitor. The generals. If sufficient evidence of a Dreyfus- ' Weil-Esterhiay connection can be produced, can abandon the contention that Dreyfus wrote the bordereau and admit Esterhazy is . tha cuthcr of it. This Is pos-ibly the cl-.-rs cf tsetfes on the part of the gener,r' :,-v lri fcrm tinted at recently. ' Ci: afternoon that Gn-
Cavalgnac. who are staying quietly at the
house of a friend some miles outside Rennes, met to-day at General- Mercier's house and discussed the evidence Colonel Schwarzkoppen's housekeeper, Mme. Badtlan, could give If she was subjected to a severe examination, with the result that It 'was decided her evidence was not con clusive enough to Justify summoning her as a witness for the prosecution. TESTIMONY IX DETAIL. Capt. Lebrnn-Renanlt'ii Account of Dreyfus' Alleged Confession. RENNES, Aug. 21. When the public session of the Dreyfus court-martial was resumed at 0:30 this morning there as a stir in the audience and considerable curiosity was manifested a the name of Captain Lebrun-Renault. of the Republican Guard, the recipient of the so-called confession of Dreyfus, was called. The president of the court. Col. Jouaust, said: "On Jan. 1S93. the day of the prisoner's degredatlon. you were intrusted with the task of conducting him from the Cherche-Mldi prison to the military school, where he remained some time in your charge. Tell the court what passed between you and him at that time." Capt. Lebrun-Renault On Saturday, Jan. 3. 1S93, I was ordered, with my squadron, to proceed to the Cherche-Midl prison and take charge of Dreyfus, who was to be degraded at 9 o'clock in one of the courtyards of the military school. Starting at 7:13, I arrived at the place indicated at 7:43. The office of the garrison adjutant was pointed out to me as the place to keep the prisoner until the hour of the degredatlon parade. He began to protest his Innocence, and to Fay that with considerable means at his dls posal, and a bright future In store for him, he could have no motive in being guilty of treason. He said: I em Innocent. In three years my innocence will be acknowledged. The ministry knows it well. He toM Du Paty de Clam to tell me so some days ago in my cell. He knows that If I communicated documents to Germany they were of no Importance, and It was to obtain more serious and more Important documents. The witness added that Captain D'Attel was present whn the statement was made. ' Continuing. Capt. Lebrun-Renault said that as soon as four artillerymen, con manded by a corporal, came to take the prisoner to the courtyard for the ceremopy of degredatlon, he (witness) left the office and was immediately surrouned by several officers, to whom he repeated Dreyfus's re marks. He also repeated them at the cap tain's mess of the Republican Guard. Referring to the articles in the newspa pers in regard to the confession, Capt. Lebrun-Renault said: "General Mercler said to me: Go to the Elysee and repeat to the President cf the Republic what you have told me. While I was in the ante room I heard some one make remarks about me in very discourteous terms. M. Dupuy ush ered me before the president, who said: You have had, relations with Journalists and have been indiscreet. Certain articles have appeared In the newspapers.' "I replied that perhaps Journalists were among the persons I had seen, but I said I had not spoken directly to Journalists. No mention r,as made of the confession and I left after. having received a lecture from the President. M. Dupuy took me Into an other room and drew up a semi-official note to the effect that I had no relations with the press." HIS MEMORY WEAK. .. .One of the Judt- a.ked the witness if he did not remember hearing Dreyfus say that the documents deliveied were only copies, to which Capt. Lebrun-Renault re plied: I do not recollect. I do not remem ber that phrase. He may have said it. 1 talked with Dreyfus for a quarter of an hour. The sentence I have quoted was that which I Jotted down in my note book.' A Judge What did General Mercler tell you .when you mentioned the confession to him? Captain Lebrun-Renault He asked what Dreyfus had said, and he told me to go to the Elysee and describe the confession. But I was given no time to mention it then. The Judge Did you go there for that pur pose? Captain Lebrun-Renault I went there for that purpose. ir.i judge It is a great pity you said nothing on this subject. Captain Lebrun-Renault-I had no time to speak of it. The President, moreover. seemed much more concerned about a re mark by Dreyfus concerning the writing of the bordereau, which had been published in a newspaper. a v m . a juage uia tne president know what you came to the Elysee for? v,apiain Leorun-Renault The president was notified that I was coming. For my part, I was somewhat Intimidated, which 13 easily explained. I heard myself described as a traitor." "canaille," and "cur." That was not encouraging:. M. Demange asked the witness if it was really a conversation with Dreyfus, or if the prisoner's remarks consisted of a broken dialogue, as General Gonse had said. Captain Lebrun-Renault Dreyfus spoke to me, but I did not reply. M. Demange asked how the witness could detect confessions in a sentence containing the words, "I am Innocent. In three years my Innocence will be ackiu vledged." Captain Lebrun-Renault u is not for me to reconcile the inconsistence of a sentence in which the material fact that material documents were communicated were con ceded. It is not for me to give an explana tion. It is for Dreyfus and the defense to explain. I heard this sentence. I was only a kind of phonograph, and I repeat U without commentary. Excitement. Replying further to M. Demange. the wit ness refused to say whether or not he re garded the words of Dreyfus as a confes sion. "I have no impression whatever," he said. "Dreyfus said a great deal to me. I reiamea tms sentence, and I repeated It when asked. If I did not mention it in my report, it was because I had the task of conducting Dreyfus from the prison to the place of degredatlon. and it was not my d'aty to make Dreyfus talk." Excitement.) M. Demange How could General Gonse and General Mercier. on hearing your story. believe they had to deal with a confession, and how could they rend-ou to the Elysee? captain Lebrun-Renau r-l have no idea. m. uemange remlnde ,'the witness that before the Court of Cas the sentence of the quoted to be a kind of tlon he considered Isoner which he xplanatlon or ex cuse. EVADES THE QUESTION. Captain Lebrun-Renault Why, Monsieur le President, that Is a personal question. 1 have no opinion to express on that point. I am no juage or thing?. I repeat simply what Dreyfus told me. Certain rersons may consider his remarks as embodying confes sion, others as being an explanation. That is their business. Commotion. 11. xaoori capiain i-eorun-uenauit was not content with entering on his report of Jan. 5. "duty commenced" at such an hour and ended at such an hour, but he espe cially added. "Nothing to report." when, as & matter of fact, he alleged, an Incident or this importance occurred. Captain Lebrun-Renault I had nothing to report. My duty was to take Dreyfus from the prison and guard him. I had nothing ts say in regard to that duty. M. Labori Why did the witness keep the itJf cf H notebook with the note of the
M'LEAFS PLANS
HE HAS NO HOPE OF BEING ELECTED COVERXOR OF OHIO, llut AVUIiea to Ilednce tlte Republican Plurality and Then Fight for Senator Foraker's Seat. DEMOCRATS WANT FUNDS AXD MAY FORCE THE CIXCIXXATIAX TO niN "WITH Bit VAN. Sewul! Gave Only r,000 In 1S00. and It Is Hoped to Get f 100.HM from the Ohio "Moueybngs." WARM CAMPAIGN PROBABLE OHIO IlEPt llLICANS. HOWEVER, ARE XOT MICH ALARMED. President McKlnley and Hl Advisers Confident the Ambitions' Clnclnnatlan Will De Defeated. Special to the Indianapolis Journal. WASHINGTON. Aug. 31. The nomination of John R. McLean, of Cincinnati and of the District of Columbia, for Governor of Ohio has given the . politicians, who have assembled in Washington during the past two or three days, considerable food for thought. John R. McLean Is everywhere regarded as a man capable of taking care of his own Interests, either in business or politics. He has had an ambition to force himself to the front in politics during the past ten years. It was his sole ambition in 1S?6, when the Democrats, with their Popu Hstlc associates, assembled in Chicago to nominate their national ticket, to advance himself as a candidate for the vice presl dency. The Cincinnati editor was of opln Ion that, with the money he had to back his candidacy, he would be the biggest and strongest man that Bryan could have for his running matt in that year. The dele gates at the Chicago convention, however. thought otherwise, and Arthur Sewall, of Maine, probably many times more able to put a big campaign fund Into the hand3 of the national committee than McLean would be able to do, was selected. There Is good authority for the statement that Sewall contributed only 15,000 for the nomination he secured for the vice presidency In 1896. The supposition is the managers of the Chicago convention were of opinion that he would advance to the campaign managers anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000, In stead of 55,000. The' lack of money, thj Bryan men say, Injured their canvass in 1S96, and this is the reason why they pro pose this time to get on the ticket with Bryan In 1900 a man who will contribute liberally to the campaign fund, and It the Ohio campaign turns out successfully for John R. McLean, there is no man in the country, it is believed here, who will ad vance more money for the national Demo cratic ticket than the man nominated on Wednesday for the highest place In the gift of the people of Ohio. Of course, there Is very little hope on the part of McLean's friends that he will be elected. He is running against the strong est man the Republicans have for this great office, and, while he may reduce the usual Republican majority In the Buckeye State, there is no show whatever of his election. John R. McLean is wise enough to under stand that he will not be the next Governor of Ohio. He is, however, shrewd enough to understand that if be is able to reduce the regular Republican majority in the State, it will give him prominence in national affairs and may put him on the ticket with Bryan in 1900. The real purpose of the Cincinnati editor is to succeed General Foraker as United States senator. He has plenty of money to spend to further his own political ambitions. He will make a great race against the Republican nominee for the governorship of Ohio' this year. He will fall to be elected, and there Is no doubt that he realizes this as well as anyone else. However, there is something in the future in store for him, and Gensral Foraker will find it necessary to keep an eye on McLean whether or not he Is elected in November. President McKinley and hla advisers in Washington do not seem to anticipate that the Republican nominee will have very much trouble to defeat McLean, although they are willing to admit that the latter. with money at his command and his ex cellent natural ability in politics, may re duce the plurality of the Republican candl date. McLean's riatform Criticised. LONDON. Aug. 31. Commenting on the paragraph In the platform adopted yester day at the Ohio state Democratic conven tion denouncing the "secret and vicious alliance no'v in evidence between England and the Ropubllcan administration," the Globe to-day says that no such alliance is ever likely to come to pass. The paper be littles the effect of such an utterance upon the Americans and says: "The more cordial friendship which has latterly grown up between the great English-speaking nations has struck too deep roots on both sides of the Atlantic to be blown away by a puff of electioneering wind." Senator Morgan Prediction. BIRMINGHAM. Ala., Aug. 31. United States Senator John T. Morgan, who de clared fome time ago against Bryan's re nomination, and John W. Tomlinson, Bryan's lieutenant in this State, spoke at Maplesville, Ala., to-day. the former for and the latter against expansion. Senator Morgan said that Bryan was the only logical nominee of the Democratic party in 1900. He predicted McLean's election in Ohio. H00SIERS ON THE LIST. People Who Have Been Invited to Prepare Papers on Traits. CHICAGO. Aug. 31. Ralph M. Easley, secretary of the Civic Federation, announces the following list of persons who have been invited to prepare papers for the conference on combinations and trusts, a number cf whom have replied that they will have papers: J. Sterling Morton. Nebraska City, Neb.; John W. Hays, secretary Knights of Labor. Washington. D. C; Governor H&zen S. PIngree. Detroit. Mich.; W. C. P. Breckinridge, Lexington. Ky.; Jacob O. dchtirroan, president Cornell University,. Ithaca, N. Y. ; J. B. Foraker. Cln-c-tU. O.; L .V. Ycuz-j. JrartlL C
C; Judge U. M. Rose, Little Rock, Ark.;
William F. Vilas. Madison. Wis.; Fred W. Lehmann, St. Louis: W. D. Potter, Pittsburg; Prof. J. B. Clark. Minneapolis, Minn.; Aaron Jones, master National Grange, P. of H., South Bend, Ind.; Prof. H. T. Newcomb, U. S. Department Agriculture, Wash ington, D. C; John B. Conner, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indianapolis; William Fortune, president State Board of Commerce, Indianapolis: E. E. Clark, G. C. C. Order Railway Conductors, Cedar Rapids, la. . MRS. R1KERT IN JAIL Only Womnn Railway President Pun ished for Contempt of Court. SAN FRANCISCO. Aug. 31. The only woman president of a railway company in the United States was formally committed to the county Jail for five days for contempt of court by Judge Troutt to-day. The woman In question is Mrs. Annie Kline Rikert. The railway corporation of which she is the head is the Stockton & Tuolomne Railway Company. Some time ago Charles Hrickfon. a contractor, sued the company to recover 8.7S for labor performed and material furnished. When the case came up for trial on Monday. R. S. Clark, secretary of the company, was ordered to produce the books of the corporation in court. On the following day he reported that the president. Mrs. Rlkert, declined to allow the books to leave the company's office. The court thereupon ordered ,Mrs. Rlkert to bring the- book? Into court without fail. Mrs. Rikert again ignored the order, and the court fined her $250 for contempt and sentenced her to Jail for five daj;s. Mr. Clark was fined 25. with the alternative of five days' confinement Subsequently Judge Troutt remitted the fine imposed on Mrs. Rlkert, but the commitment to Jail vas allowed to stand, the same to go into effect to-day. The refusal of the company to pay Erlckson's claim was based on the fact that the contract was not authorized by the board of directors. "Erickson claimed that it was, and the books of the company would show It. To determine this point the books were ordered produced. STORY TOLD BY ft GERMAN MORE LIGHT" THROWN OX FEATURES OF THE DREYFUS CASE. Former Document Translator Says the Captain Had Nothing to Do with Betraying French Secrets. ATLANTA, Ga., Aug. 31.-The Jewish Sentiment in Its regular weekly edition tomorrow afternoon wiU print' a story bearing with almost startling directness on the Dreyfus trial. Several statements, apparently new to the now celebrated case, are given, together with the names of those who are said to be in possession of Information which will throw new light on the trial. For the first time, it is believed, the mode of carrying documents from the French War Office to the German government Is given. It shows that" dolls were used as the means of conveyance and that the papers went first to England and then to Germany. The identity 61 ths "Veiled Ladyis also made known. The story which the Sentiment will print comes from a man who was employed several years ago by the German government as document translator and maker of relief maps and who, after quitting Germany, served in the United States army during the war with Spain. He shows his discharge papers, which denote that he was a staff officer. The Informer says he was born in Denver, CoL The story, after some introductory remarks, reads: "I was translator of documents at the gteat etaff headquarters at Konlggratzerstrasse, No. 0, Berlin. I never heard the name of Dreyfus mentioned in connection with the Trench War Office merchandise shipped to the above address via Belgium and London. I translated the information regarding 'Gun No. 20.' The original document never left the French War Office and the copy could only have been given out through the direct agency or connivance of a chief of department. Dreyfus Was unknown at the German secret service bureau in person or by name from 1890 to 1S94. This I most solemnly affirm. The plans, specifications and details of gun No. 20, of the Robin shell and of the French war vessels Jauregulberry, Charles Martel and Lazar Carnot, together with the plans for mobilization, . were purchased through Germany's embassy in Paris, presided over by Prince Hans Heinrich Pless, and as much as $16,000 American money was sent by postofflce order and telegraph In payment for the merchandise. These payments were made in two parts through Mr. Franz, a doll manufacturer of Socnenberg, Germany, and Alvln Florschuets, bank director of Sonnenberg. The medium of women was employed In transacting the buslnes?. "I met Count Esterhazy several times In person a dinners given by Baroness Delden, who was Esterhazy's sweetheart. He furnished much of the information. These documents were never received at the embassyalways at a church, a public function or a private dinner party. The French spies were always on the alert and only through such means could their watchfulness be circumvented. The baroness is the party referred to in the Dreyfus trial as the 'veiled lady. She receives from Prince Pless a regular pension. Every six months remittances are made anonymously to Bar oness De Delden through the Credit Lyonnaise in Paris. It Is well known at the German headquarters staff that the amounts are forwarded by Prince Henry Pless. The Credit Lyonnalse is innocent of the purpose for which the money is used. I mention this fact because the records of the bank will corroborate my statement. I am also in position to name the postofflces in England where the money was paid to the agents of Germany employed in France. Mr. Frantz ared to send doils to Paris to be dressed. In the body of these dolls important documents were concealed and they were then sent first to a village postofflce Ir. England, forwarded from there to Sonnenberg, and then to Berlin." " THE SAMOflN PROBLEM. Chief Justice Chambers Says Annexation Is the Only Solution. ATLANTA, Ga., Aug. 31. Chief Justice William L. Chambers, of Samoa, arrived here this morning en route to Washington to discuss the affairs of the island with Secretary Hay. He has been at. his home in Alabama for several weeks. In speaking of Samoa, Mr. Chambers said: "My own opinion is that annexation of the islands by one of the treaty powers is the only solution. The Samoan islands are of small territory, and the people are weak In national power. But the situation in the islands, their location on the line of the great developing international commerce, and the excellence of the harbors make the islands a desirable possession to each of the three powers. And as none appears to be willing to give way to the others, every diplomatic expedient will be resorted to to continue th crt::st trrsrtizV1- .
MAY ROT FIGHT
BRITAIN AND THE TRANSVAAL TRYING TO REACH AX AGREEMENT, Frenldent Krngrr and Sir Alfred Milner to Hold Another Conference Over the Dispute. CHAMBERLAIN MORE PACIFIC XOW DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO AVERT A RUPTURE. HIS Xote in Reply to the noer Government Vltually an Acceptance of the Five-Year Franchise. ARMS FOR THE TRANSVAAL AVAR. MUNITIONS PERMITTED TO CROSS PORTUGUESE TERRITORY. Rehelllcn Possible In Cape Colon- If the Schrelner Ministry of Afrikanders Is Dismissed. LONDON. Sept. 1. The situation In South Africa has become rather complicated. The strong feeling of the Dutch element in the Cape Colony evidently Influences the secre tary of state for the colonies, Mr. Cham berlain, to do everything possible to avert a rupture, and explains the further en deavor after a conference at Cape Town to arrange for the constitution of an arbitration court and to deal with the question of suzerainty, which, rather than franchise, now takes the leading place in the controversy. A dispatch from Pretoria says: "The Transvaal's note to Great Britain offering the five-year franchise and other conces sions was strongly worded and explained that the concessions were made with a sin cere desire fully to settle all differences, to put an end to strained relations and to avert a disastrous war. Therefore a prompt answer was requested. The note of Mr. Conyngham Greene in reply was concilia tory and tantamount to an acceptance of the five-year offer. It agreed to waive the suggested commission of inquiry, provided a representative, to be appointed by Sir Alfred MUner, should be given facilities in Pretoria to make an Investigation of the franchise question and provided the report of such representative should prove satis factory. Otherwise the Transvaal govern ment was requested to await further sug gestlons from the imperial government be fore submitting new proposals to the Volksraad. Mr.. Greene's note in conclusion sug gested a further conference at Cape Town." The Pretoria correspondent of the Daily Chronicle says: "President Kruger 'is not likely to agree to confer with Sir Alfred Mllner at Cape Town, but he might go to Colesburg, Just within the borders of the Cape Colony." The Cape Town correspondent of the Daily Mail says: "Much disappointment is felt here at the proposal of a conference, as tending to prolong the agony lndefl nltely." The Daily Chronicle published the fol lowing dispatch from Cape Town: "It is rumored hero that Sir Alfred Milner, gov ernor of the Cape Colony, contemplates dismissing the Schrelner Ministry under his special powers. If he does it is feared that a rebellion will break out, as the Dutch would believe that Great Britain Is again forcing Cecil Rhodes to the front. The dis missal rumcr caused an unusual episode in the House of Assembly to-day. Cecil Rhodes askcl for a speedy passage of the estimates In order to enable him to go to Rhodesia. The other leaders of the opposi tion supported the demand, but the minis teriallsts,. fearing that the completion of the estimates would be the signal for their downfall, declined to be forced, and after the passage of a few votes the House pro ceeded to other business. . Portugal's action in permitting the transit of the ammunition consigned to the Trans vaal by way of Delagoa bay occasioned some surprise at first, but after the action of the Cape government, and .until an actua state of war exists, it is recognized that the Portuguese government could hardly have acted otherwise. The British papers now solace themselves with the remark that England can easily prevent such shipment if the crisis demands extreme measures. and that the action of Portugal does not imply unfriendllneses toward Great Britain. The Standard, however, says: "Diplo matic dalliance only postpones the evil day and prepares for us a still severer conflict. Until we resort to decisive measures every day adds to the offensive and defensive strength of the Boers and proportionately fosters their infatuated belief in their own invincibility, which lies at the root of their obduracy. Thus we are confronted with an exceedingly grave question." The Daily News says: "Mr. Chamberlain's dispatches exhibit a game of patience almost in the aspect of comedy." The special dispatches from Johannesburg express the belief that the Volksraad will disapprove President Kruger going to Cape Town. General Joubert is credited with saying: "There will not be war, but Great Britain will not get all she wants." The outlanders are much Irritated at the prospect of further delays. IN SECRET SESSION. The Volksraad Considering: a Reply to 31 r. Chamberlain. PRETORIA, Aug. 31. President Kruger to-day announced to the Volksraad that he had received .a telegram from the Governor of Mozambique saying the detained ammunition would bo forwarded immediately. The entire correspondence between the imperial and Transvaal governments was read in cpen session, and President Kruger asked the Volksraad to meet secretly tonight for the purpose of considering a reply. President Kruger also claimed that in the convention of 1S51 the suzerainty of Great Britain was distinctly stated; but, he added, there was no mention of it in the convention of 1SS4. He denied the government had excluded the British from political rights. A member of the executive council explained that when the Transvaal's reply to the Joint ' commission's dispatch was ready the state attorney Interviewed the British diplomatic agent. Mr. ConynghamGreene. in consequence of which the last reply framed held that Mr. Chamberlain's dispatch was no reply to theirs. Mr. Greene then cabled to Great Britain certain eu;;extlons, to which Great Britain rcrllri till 11 itZzrzzl cili clzZLzs
proposals they would be cons'dered on their
merits. This was the reply containing the alternative proposals of yesterday. Ammunition for the Transvaal. LOURENZO MARQUEZ, E-elagoa Bay, Aug. 21. Instructions have b?en received from Lisbon to release the consignments of ammunition for the Transvaal. An additional large amount of ammunition ar rived here to-day on the steamer German. The latter is a Br'tHh steamer, which sailed from Hamburg, July 15, for Delagoa bay, via Southampton. The two Transvaal police officers who were arrested on their arrival here yesterday have been released. Dutchman Rearrested. CAPE TOWN, Aug. 31.-A dispatch from Buluwayo says that Tetrus Vilgoen. the Dutchman who was charged there a week ago, on a warrant signed by the British high commissioner. Sir Alfred Milner, with Inciting the natives of Bechuanaland to rebel against the British authorities, waa bound over to-day In heavy securities to keep the peace, but was Immediately re arrested on a charge of having stolen a wagon belonging to Chief Khama. Doer Women Arming: JOHANNESBURG. Aug. 31.-The Standard and Diggers' News, of Johannesburg, describes the Boer women as very warlike. They are forming rifle clubs in many dis tricts and petitioning the Transvaal government against granting the franchise to the uitlanderson the basis of a five-year residence. Appeal to Queen Victoria. LONDON. Aug. 31. A petition from the Netherlands Woman's Disarmament League has been presented to Queen Victoria praying her, In the name of womanhood and motherhood, to avoid war with the Boers, and saying it would "cast a frightful blot on your Majesty's most glorious reign." 1 Artillery to Be Equipped. BLOEMFONTEIN. Orange Free State, Aug. 31. It is asserted by a local newspaper that orders have been given for the Imme diate supply of equipment and cartridges to the Orange Free State artillery. CALLED THEM TRAITORS Ml RAT HALSTEAD ALMOST 3IODDED BY ANTI-IMPERIALISTS. Sensational Scene In a Cincinnati Church Where the Editor Had Just Concluded a Lecture. CINCINNATI, Aug. 31.-Edltor Murat Halstead lectured to-night by Invitation be fore the Economic Club, which meets in the Vine-street Congregational Church. The audience was miscellaneous, in addition to the members of the club, which is largely anti-imperialistic. Mr. Halstead's subject was the Philippines. After the lecture, according to the rules of the club, Mr. Halstead was plied with questions. One of the questioners, with decided sympathy for Agulnaldo, after his question had been an swered, added the remark: "I hope Otis will be kept In and will ket-p on blundering till he and the whole army are driven Into the sea or captured." Mr. Halstead said: "A man with those sentiments Is a traitor to his country." Several men Jumped up and remarked: "Two-thirds of this audience thinks that wajv Mr. Hal3tead replied, "Whoever thinks that way is a traitor." Then there was a rush down the hall with raised fists toward Mr. Halstead, but a great number of men stepped in between Mr. Halstead and those who were rushing at him. There was a great noise and uproar, which disclosed the fact that the au dience was composed of men on both sides of that question. Mr. Halstead was quietly led out of the church by a side door and taken home. No blows were struck but chairs and seats were upset and there were loud threats and great uproarlousness. COLONIES BARRED. Cannot Benefit by the Reciprocity Ao-reement with France. NEW YORK. Aug. 31. The board of dassiflcatlon of the United States general ap praisers to-day announced a decision relating to the interpretation of the reciprocal tariff agreement between the Jnited States and France. The merchandise In the case In question was rum Imported from Martin ique, a colony of France, on which the col lector at this port assessed the regular duty of J2.25 per proof gallon. The Importer pro tested, claiming that the rate should be only 11.75 per proof gallon, as provided for In the section of the DIngley tariff act re lating to the reciprocity agreements. The board overrules the protest for the reasons stated In an opinion by Judge Somerville. He quotes the section of the law which pro vides for "equalizing the trade of the United States with foreign countries and their col onies," but, he adds, the particular agreement In question does not cover the colonies of France. In fact, the proclama tion of President McKlnley of May 30, 1898, announcing the reciprocity agreements, makes no mention of French colonies, but simply extends the reduced rates so as to Include the "products of France." Under a well-known principle of law the board holds that the specific inclusion of one must be interpreted at the exclusion of the other. The colonies of France, therefore, do' not benefit by the agreement. The view of the board is in acocrdance with that previous ly announced by the attorney general, who held that Tunis and Algeria, as colonies of France, did not benefit by the agreement. ELEVEN VESSELS WRECKED. The Coast of Labrador Swept by a Fleree Gale. ST. JOHNS. N. F.. Aug. Sl.-A fierce gale along the Labrador coast has " wrecked eleven vessels, which were driven ashore at different points while fishing. The extent of the damage done on the coast of northern Labrador, which Is more rugged. Is not yet known, but ifa feared the results there are more serious and are accompanied with large loss of life. Movements of Steamers. LIVERPOOL. Aug. 31.-Arrlved: Majestic, from New York. CHERBOURG. Aug. 31. Arrived: Patricia, from New York, for Hamburg. SOUTHAMPTON. Aug. 3L Arrived: Fuer3t Bismarck, from New York, for Hamburg. LONDON. Aug. 31. Arrived: Georgian, from New York. BREMEN, Aug. 31. Arrived: Trave, from New York: Wlllehad. from Baltimore. ROTTERDAM. Aug. 31. Sailed: Maasdam. for New ork. NEW YORK, Aug. 31.-Arrlved: Palatla, from Hamburg and Boulogne. Victim of a Kentucky Feud. LONDON. Aug. 31. James Roberts was killed Wednesday morning at nla heme on Big creek. Clay county, between Manchester and Hyden. He was sitting on his porch, a report ranar out from the woods and he fell dead, the chot patiinar through hia head. His r rz-rr'n - urrown. Tbtrs has been
PENSION ROLLS
THEY NOW CONTAIN THE NAMES OF 75.1,151 FORMER SOLDIERS, 2.17, 1 1 r WldoTvs or Dependent Rela. fives and G53 Nurses, and They Receive a Total of 13 1,017,1X31. WORK OF BUREAU REVIEWED AND RECOMMENDATIOXS MADE BY COMMISSIONER EVANS. Over 100,000 Claims Rejected Last Year, Mostly Those Asking for Additional Allowances. ACT OF JUNE 7, 1888, FAULTY CONDEMNED ON THE GROUND THAT IT ENCOURAGES CRIME. Over 7,000 Pensioners In Indiana W ho Last Year Drev 10, 1 134031 Treasury Stntrinrnt, WASHINGTON. Aug. 31.-The annual reporof Hon. H. C. Evans, the commissioner of pensions for the fiscal year ended June " 30, 1S99. presents forao very Interesting facts in connection with the condition of the pension rolls and the operations of the bureau. The pension rolls are made up of 753,131 surviving soldiers and 2C7.il 5 widows or dependent relatives end G53 array nurses. To them, last year, wa paid 5131,617,961. being $543,496 more than ever before. The average of each class of pensioners is also higher. The cost of bureaus, attorneys' fees, etc., brought the total expended up to 5125.550.052. being $1,641,948 less than the' appropriation. The payments for pensions for the year are classified as follows: General law, $71,115,703; Spanish war, $JS,606; act of .1SD0. 321,400. Fees paid to attorneys were $476.J63, against $730,000 in 1S9S. Total number of claims filed during the year, 48,765: allowed, 37,077; restored, 3,911. Total allowances, including increases, S9.034. Total claims pending June 30. 1S98, 635.0:,9; June 30, IK. 477.239. The total disbursements to pensioners since 1866 were $2,3S9,910,974- During the same s period $15,490.9S6 went to examining surgeons, $12,092,178 to pension agencies and $52,237,223 for salaries and other expenses of the Pension Bureau. The total number of pensioners In Indiana last fiscal year was 67.035. The amount paid to these veterans during the year wis $10,413,951. The number of pensioners residing In foreign countries is 4,306, to whom Is paid $633.209. Of this number, 2,329 reside in Canada, 415 In Ireland, 605 in Germany and 321 In England. There are four surviving widows and seven surviving daughters of the revolutionary war on the roll Hiram Cronk, of northwestern New York, Is the only surviving pensioned soldier of the war of 1S12. He is ninety-nine years old. The number of pensioned widows of the war of 1S12 Is 1,998. On account of the Indian wars 1.1CS soldiers and 3.SS9 windows are penslcmed. For service In the Mexican wir there are enrolled 9,204 soldiers and 8,179 widows. June 30, 1899, the total number of pensioners was 991,519, being 2.1S5 lets than on the same date In 189S. WORK IN GOOD CONDITION. The report says that considerable progress has been made in bringing up the arrears of work in the bureau. Thj work on original claims is practically current and the work of ordering medical examinations in increase claims is being pushed so that very little time now elapses between dates of filing and ordering the medical examinations. The commissioner reports the work in far better condition than at any time since April. 1897. and it is believed that further progress will be attained by the systems Instituted In the different divisions. The commissioner calls attention to the fact that the Order 223, Issued June 5, 5833, which provided for a readjustment of rates of pension previously granted under the operations of order No. 1C4 Is still In force, but he states that no revision of rates under said order has been made under his admin lstratlon. During the year 107,979 claims of all classes were rejected in the bureau. A careful analysis of the causes of rejection of so many claims is given, showing that a large percentage of rejections occur In claims In which additional allowance of come kind is claimed. A full and detailed explanation as to the causes of delay in the adjudication cf claims Is presented, from which It appears that In nearly every case of unusual delay the fault lies with , claimants or their attorneys and not with the bureau. RECOMMENDATIONS. In order that the present complex system of pensioning may be flmplifled, and to tveure a more uniform practice in the fu
ture, the appointment of a commission on the revision of the laws, rules and rcguUtlons is recommended. Legislation is . suggested extending the benefits of the act of June 27, 1S90, to persons who served In the Confederate army and afterwards voluntarily enlisted in the Union army or navy prior to Jan. 1, 1S65, and were honorably discharged. The re-enactment of the law requiring biennial examinations of pensioners who hav been recently discharged from the service is recommended, there being no way in which the recovery of a pensioner from the pensioned cause can be determlned. The repeal of the act of June 7, removed all limitations as to date of flllr.g claims by widows. Legislation la asked for to the end that no pension shall be granted to date prior to the date of filing the application. The act of June 7. 1SS. the report says, holds out Inducements and offers a premium to the vicious to file fraudulent claims, carrying large sums as arrearages. It le a bad law, that encourages crime, and the government has but little opportunity to disprove a carefully rrerarKi fraudulent claim under the law. Complaints have been made against the bureau for the stoppage of the pensions f those who enlisted or accepted commisilons In the war with Spain. These pensions ceased by operation of law, and not ly any order or instructions of the bureau. Up to this date the number of re-enlist-ments of pensioners for service in the war with Spain has been reported us thirteen of the navy, forty-four of the regular army and sixty-six of the war of the rebellion. . Qui ci .ea c-:;3 iz r. r-ccurs- en
