Indianapolis News, Indianapolis, Marion County, 4 December 1900 — Page 1

Page PDF (2.97 MB) Locked

Back to issue view

MMl] THE INDIANAPOLIS NEWS

VOL. XXXIiSSKFi-o t SJI TWELVE PAGES

TUESDAY EVENING, DECEMBEK 4, 1900.

TWELVE PAGES <

JTVE DOLLABS A YEAS.

^TWO CENTS.

aciiinsi HieeiNS

Judge Alford’s Ruling Grants No New Trial.

THE dTY COUNCILMAN MUST GO TO PRISON.

NOT FREE PENDING APPEAL

THE SENTENCE IS TWO jTO FOURTEEN YEARS.

THggHrf Once Mot« Declared that He was Innocent—Sheriff will Take Him North. “ Therefore, qeirtlemen, the Court over- _• rules the motion for a sew trial is the cause ef the State of torfana against John M. Higgins; sentences the defendant to from two to fourteen yearn imprisonment is the Prison North; disfren- ' chines im from voting or holding any office of public trust or profit for « period of two years and fines him in the sum of SI and costs.” Thl* was the sentence pronounced this moraine by Jud#e Kremont Alford, of the Criminal Court, on John M. Higgins, councilman froth the Fifteenth ward, who, one week ago last Thursday, was found guilty by a Jury of .ollcltlng a bribe from D. M. Parry, of the Parry Manufacturing Company. Henry N. Spaan and John S. Duncan, attorneys who have conducted the case of the councilman through the trial and subsequent .proceedings. Immediately gave notice that they would pray an ap- ; pe&l to the Supreme Court of Indiana. They also filed motion In arrest of the Judgment of the court. Sixty days were allowed them to perfect their appeal. There was no scene In the court room ■when the Judge announced that he would refuse the new hearing. Higgins appeared shortly before 9 o’clock. He was accompanied by Jailer Wlltale. In whose charge he has been since his confinement in the county Jail. Higgins was pale, probably from lack of exerclsg, for he •was unmoved by the words of the Court. When he first entered the room he did not take his place in the prisoners dock, as Is customary with men awaiting sentence He walked over to the railing •which incloses Bailiff Mendenhall's desk and chatted for a few minutes with some news paper reporter*. He told one, in a “JSSkI ton.. th.t h. nolloveo h. was going to win’, that the point brought out by his attorneys, while he did not thoroughly understand It, seemed to him to be a good ons. Over on ons tide of the room some colored women were waiting to be called n another case. They were talking in rather a loud tone and Higgins gave them a frown of displeasure as he took his sokt behind his lawyers. Hie head rested on his band all during the time the Judge read his decision, but Ws eryee roamed about the room, now and then resting on eomo face familiar to him. Not until hs reached the aechialon of the tele-rhone-room did he show that he was In the least affected by the ruling of Judge Alford. Higgins Telephone* Hi* Wife. He telephoned to Mrs. William Flynn, Vfco was to convey the news of his fate to his wife. His wife and those relatives who were by his slds all during the trial vrers all abeent this morning. As Higgins held the telephone receiver his hand trembled, and there was an unnaturat tremor In his voice as he told the woman gt the other end of the line what had happened. All of the time he was in the telephone room Jailer Wlltale lingered on the outside. He did not get more than IWe feet from hla prisoner during the whole time. «*. After he was sentenced Higgins walked «p close to ths bench, behind which Judge Alford was sitting, and aald: “Judge, as sure as there Is a God In Heaven, I am innocent. D. M. Parry Is the man who la guilty In this case. I bellevs that he will confess that he has perjured himself and exonerate me before he dleg" Judge Alford simply answered: “Well, John, If what you say la true. It fti a bad state of affairs.’’ When It was all over, and Judgj- Alford had ordered bailiff Mendenhall to “call the next case for trial,” Higgins was led away. Even then there was no demonstration. He preserved that stoical silence that characterised him In all of the - more momentous events of the case. .He was returned to his old cell In the Jail. Higgins must go to prison, pending the decision of the Supreme Court. He will be taken to the prison north, at Michigan City, by Sheriff Clark. It la the first time Mr. Clark has deemed bill presence necessary on a trip to the prison. They will probably leave some time to-morrow, as the commitment was delivered to the sheriff to-day by Jchn McGaughey. clerk of the Criminal Cturt. • It was signed by Edwin B. Pugn, a a prosecuting attorney. It was b's last official act. Judge Alford’s Decision. The substance of the decision delivered by Judge Alford follows: “In the motion for a new trial. In this cauae. counsel for the defendant argue - that the verdict of the Jury la contrary to the law and the evidence. “The Court will admit that he can not tell Just what reason was In the mind of the Jury for basing Ita verdict on the second count, it is true that the third and fourth counts of the* indictment were certain and specific as to the amount solicited The first and second counts were not specific as to the amount solicited. The question then arises. Is there any evidence to sustain the verdict and flndParry testified as follows: On hla second visit Higgins Informed me that had come down to see me again rejeering that switch; that he had been talking* to some of his friends In the Council respecting It, and that while It was 0 worth a hundred dollars for each street, or two hundred dollars for each •tredt which would make * thousand dollar's, he thought he could get It through for half, five hundred dollars, and before leaving he Informed me he felt satisfied he could get It through if l would pay him two hundred dollars, and fii ally informed me that If there wasn’t some money forthcoming he would beat the matter entirely, and tt would not go through at ail. Evidence to Sustain Jury. . * "I am of the opinion that in the last conversation there la evidence that this defendant wss demanding $1,000, and that f i», he was ready and willing to accept the and In fact he then and there lit this was the proper sum he be paid. Then the last demand by defendant was that if so™* Is not forthcoming he would beat Iter entirely.’ _ r _J of the opinion that the last eonf/v- .

on Page 3, Column &

INDEX OF TO-DArS ISSUE.

THREATS OF LYNCHING.

HE WOULDN’T FOOL HIS UNCLE

Page. 1—Higgins Sentenced. Cost of the Nicaraguan Canal. Subsidy Bill Up. Morrison Murder Case. S—News from Washington. Secretary Gage’s Report Recommendations by Root S—Amusement*. School Topics. To Tax Outside Corporations. 4—Editorial. Scraps. The Dally Life Study. Questions and Answers. Men and Women. 0—Sport* New British Cabla Tenement House Evil. What to Eat. C—State News. 7— Classified Advertisements. 8— Divorces Too Common. Emperor William and Kruger. Christmas Decorations Favored. 10— Markets. 11— Live Stock at Chicago. Hotel Men’s Meeting. Gossip About Legislators. 12— -No Probing for Council. Through the Microscope.

SIX MEN KILLED. Others Injured in Chicago Explosion May Die. CHICAGO. December 4.—The list of killed In the explosion late yesterday afternoon of one of the botlers in the lighting and heating plant of the Chicago & Northwestern railway, near the Well street depot, numbers six, while five others were so badly Injured that they may not recover. Nearly a score of persons were more or less injured by the explosion. Three of those killed were section men, working over a hundred feet from the power bouse. The list of dead Is as follows: AUGUSE WEISE. HENRY SCHNUR. JOSEPH SPECHT. AUGUST CLAMMAN. ANTON KRAUSE. Hugh m gregor. August Beck and his bride, of Milwaukee, who were reported last night to be only slightly hurt, were said to-day to be In a critical condition and their deaths expected. At the time of the explosion the Ashlaad limited train was passing the spot, and Mr. and Mrs. Beck were In the parlor car, which was partially wrecked by the flying boiler. Buildings for a distance of three blocks from the explosion were shaken as If by an earthquake, and many narrow escapes from flying bricks and debris of all kinds were reported. A peculiarity of the explosion was that the dynamos and Immediate connections were practically uninjured by the explosion, although the walls of the building on three sides were almost completely blown away. TWO FREIGHTS IN COLLISION.

The Vandalia Suffers a Heavy Pecuniary Loss. [Special to The Indianapolis News.] BRAZIL, Ind., December 4.—An eastbound coal train and a west-bound 'through freight collided on the Vandalia railroad at Cloverdale. this morning, at o o'clock. Both engines and many cars were derailed, and rolled down a steep embankment The engine and can. are badly broken, as the trains were running at high speed when the collision occurred. All traffic Is delayed on the road, and the loss will be Immense. The Blame Not Yet Located. (Special to The Indianapolis Kews.] TERRE HAUTE, Ind., December 4.At Superintendent Miller’s office It is said the damage to the engines will amount to $2,000. Seven coal ca>v, two of merchandise and one of lumber were ditched. The coal train waa west-bound, and the extra freight, which was eastbound, was almost at a standstill when the engines came together. The coal train was under control, but moving at fairly good speed. Engineer Davis, of the eapt-bound freight, had engine 170, and engineer Pritchard, of the coal train. No. 174. At the superintendent’s office It Is said that the blame can not be placed until an investigation has been held.

THEIR ROME IN ASHES. Two Families Escape in Time to Avoid Cremation. (Special to The IndlanapdMa News.] PERU, Ind., December 4.—Last night the families of Charles and Harvey Hann were awakened to find their home In flames, and the house was entirely consumed. In the face of a cold, bitter wind the families, with several of the children In very light attire, were compelled to trudge pvc;* the fields to the nearest neighbor, three-quarters of a mile away. Meanwhile the home of Peter H&nn was visited by burglars, and booty, valued at $9)0, was carted away. A portion of the stolen stuff was recovered In this city, and two men were arrested on suspicion

THE DUKE IS BARRED. Can Not Sit with Statesmen — The Routine in Parliament. LONDON, December 4.—The House of Commons, after a vflilt to the House ot Lords to-day, where a royal approval of the re-election of the Speaker, William Court Gully, was signified, proceeded to swear in the members of the House of Commons. The only interesting feature In the House of Lords was the lord chancellor's announcement of the receipt of certificates showing the Duke of Manchester and Baron Sudelry had been adjudicated bankrupts, precluding their sitting.

A $6,000 LOSS AT STAUNTON. Cooper A Biller’s Mercantile Store Completely Destroyed. [Special to The Indiana.poll* Newa.] BRAZIL. Ind., December 4.—The large general mercantile store belonging to Cooper A Biller, at Staunton, two miles west of here, was completely destroyed by fire last night. Incurring a loss of over $0,000. The origin of the fire Is unknown. but when discovered the flames were under such headway that it was Impossible to enter the building to save the goods. NO. 7,342. Gan. Wm. X*. White, of Michigan, Now a Convict. JACKSON. Mich., December 4.—Ex-Quartermaster-Qeneral Wm. L. 'White, who waa yeaterday sentenced to ten years in the penitentiary for fraud and embezslement. In connection with the State military frauds, was received at the prison here to-day. He was numbered 7.342 and assigned to the tailor •hop. ' • ' . : . QUARRELED OVER MONEY. Lexington Mofcrxnan Kills His Wifs and Hixnaalf. LEXINGTON. Ky.. December 4,-Robt. L. Bailee, a street car motorman. shot and killed his wife to-day and killed himself Both were shot through the brain. He left home last night after a quarrel over money left her by a relative. The quarrel was renewed to-day and the shooting took place. —

Two Men Who turned Constable Bans Taken to Ft. Worth. FT. WORTH, Tex., December 4.— Eugene Faulkner and J. W. Chapman, accused of murdering constable Pete Bane In Dallas, Tex, by saturating his clothes with turpentine and then firing It, were brought here early this morning by a strong sheriff’s guard and lodged In Jail. They narrowly escaped being lynched. The officers here are apprehensive that an effort may be made to take the men from Jail. The excitement Is Intense, and threats are made that the men will be burned at the stake If they fall into the hande of the friends of the dead constable. The prisoners refuse to make any statement.

“there’s nothing in it for me, of course, but IT’S just what you need.’

Conference to Consider the Best Measure.

REPRESENTATIVES OF SEVERAL BODIES PRESENT.

ALL LEGISLATORS INVITED

FIGHT OVER OFFICES. Will Probably be Renewed in Kentucky. FRANKFORT. Ky.. December 4.—The contests over the minor State offices seem likely to be renewed. From motions and affidavits filed in the Court of Appeals to-day It Is evident that ex-Gov-ernor Bradley and other attorneys will try to bring the former Judgment of the courts In the contest cases up for review by the Court of Appeals after Its reorganization In January, when Judge O’Rear (Rep.) goes on the bench, giving the Republicans a majority In the court

H. S. NEW CHOSEN PRESIDENT OF COMMISSION.

Well Known Men Selected for VicePresidents from Congressional Districts—Plan of Discussion. The conference called to draft a new primary election law began at the Commercial Club this morning. The State Federation of Labor, the State Board of Commerce, the Commercial Club and the Republican State committee were represented. Politicians from throughout the State, who are deeply interested In the proposed legislation, arrived last night and this morning to take part In the deliberations. A number of men who will be In the House and the Senate are here to keep In touch with the proceedings. Members of the committee appointed by Republican State Chairman Hernly from outlying counties, confirmed, as a rule, the reports that their constituents were not taking much Interest In primary election affaire, and further would not in most Instances approve radical changes In their present plan of naming candidates. Enough was learned ffora those who either came to participate In or watch the conference to warrant the statement that the proposed legislation will be hard fought by the rural distrlcta Men representing the latter agreed that something ought to be done to purify the primaries in the cities. The Republican politicians did not seem to relish references to their State platform which declared In favor of a primary election law. A majority were apparently willing entirely to forget that part of the platform. George W. Self, of Corydon, Third district member of the Republican State committee, who waa here last night, said that he was against a primary election law that would be compulsory. The country districts, he declared, were not In favor of a new law in the form It Is now understood It will have, and further, he did not think they should be compelled to accept It if they did not want It. He held that amendments could be made to better advantage In the Australian election laws. Opening of Conference. The commission did not get down to business until 11 o’clock. It was calleo for 10. Twenty-five were present at the opening. President Fortune, of the State Board of Commerce, took charge. He explained the purpose of the conference, and how It had been organized. The names of the committee appointed by Republican State Chairman Hernly were read. Mr. Hernly. who Is now In Washington. sent his regrets, and promised to co-operate actively later. Senator Burns, of South Bend, wrote that he could not be present, but that he heartily favored a reform that would take the power of manipulating the elections out of the hands of the bosses. Senator Wolcott, of Wolcott, wanted to get the discussion down to a practical basis at once, but nearly an hour was consumed in the appointment of committees on program and permanent organization. Senator Charles N. Thompson, of this city, argued that before there was permanent organization the members of the Legislature should be made. to under-

Continued on Page 10, Column 6,

DEVOURED BY A PANTHER. Child Carried Away and Now a Hunt is in Progress. CARTWRIGHT, Wis., December 4.-An etght-year-old daughter of C. F. Riley, a farmer near here, was carried away by a huge panther and devoured. The community has organized a panther hunt, and the farmers will not lay aside .heir guns until the brutes are exterminated. Since they started out a panther measuring ten feet from tip to .ip bes been shot, and two other large ones have been seen.

KNOX AND DE WET.

Kitchener Reports a Fight Last Sunday. IJDNDON, December 4.—General Kitchener reports from South Africa that the mounted troops of General Knox were engaged all day long Sunday with part of General Do Wet's forces, norlh of Bethulie. The Boers, he added, were headed off and retired in a northeasterly direction.

WEATHER BULLETIN. United States Weather Bureau) Indianapolis, Ind., December 4. —Temperature—

December 4, 1899.

| December 4, 1900.

7 a.m. 12 m. 2 p.m.

I 7 a.m. 12 m. 2 p.m.

24 22 21

| 35 38 38

—Relative

Humidity.-

t a.m., 97. j 12

m., 90. | 2 p.m., 75.

—Local

Forecast.—

Forecasts for Indianapolis and vi-

cinity for the thirty-six hours, end-

ing 8 p. m., December 5, 1900:

Cloudy weather to-night; partly cloudy

on Wednesday.

—General Conditions.— The storm area moved eastward, with Its center over Virginia, It extends from the lakes southward; elsewhere the pressure Is high. It is warmer near the Atlantic coast and from the Rocky mountains to the Pacific coast; elsewhere It Is cooler. Light rain or snow fell near the northern Pacific coast, from the lakes southward to the eastern gulf coast, and near the Atlantic coast Heavy rain, 2.10 Inches, fell at Atlanta, Ga.; 2.06 Inches at Lynchburg, Va., and 1 Inch at Washington, D. C. —Weather In Other Cities.— Observations taken by the United States Weather Bureau, at 8 a. m., Toth meridian time:

Stations. Bismarck,

N. D...

Chicago, 111. Cincinnati, O. ... Cleveland, O. .... Helena, Mont. .. Jacksonville, Fla. Kansas City. Mo. Louisville, Ky. ..

*TlUUi 1x7, JXIU.. ••••. Moorhead. Minn.

1..

New Orleans, La. .. New York. N. Y.,... Oklahoma. O. T. J.. Omaha, Neb. ......... Pittsburg, Pa. Qu Appelle, Aasin.... St. Louis. Mo

Bar Temp. Weth

.30.10

Cloudy

.29.S8

Cloudy

Rain

.30.18

Cloudy

.29.88

Cloudy

.30.14

Clear

.29.88

Rain

Cloudy

.30.02

Clear

Rain

.30.12

Cloudy

.29.98

Rain

.30.20

Clear

.30.10

Cloudy

.29.80

Rain

.30 02

Clear

..30.02

Cloudy

.29.98

Snow

..30.26

Clear

.29.72

Rain

San Antonio, Tex. ... Washington, D. C.... C. F. R. WAPPENHANS, Local Forecast Official.

DIINCJMMENT Mrs. Castle Accused Miss Morrison of Murder.

SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE INTRODUCED AT ELDORADO.

THE JURY WAS EXCLUDED

WHILE MRS. CASTLE’S WORDS WERE BEING REPEATED.

The Court Sustained Objetkion to a Portion of the Ante-Mortem Document. ELDORADO, Kas., December 4.—The ante-mortem statement of Clara Wiley Castle, which charges Jessie Morrison with provoking a quarrel with her and then slashing her throat with a razor, was presented in court to-day for admission as evidence. A lengthy argument between counsel ensued. 'The jury was excused and Dr. G. F. Ambrose was called to the stand. He described the manner in which the statement was made. Grouped around Mrs. Castle’s bed were the witness, Austin Brumback, Dr. Koogler and Mrs. Wharton, wife of the dying woman’s pastor. Mr. Brumback told Mrs. Castle to make a statement, and then, as he asked questions. she wrote the answers on a tablet of paper held by Mrs. Wharton. As she wrote the answers. Dr. Ambrose read them aloud, and as each answer was read, Mrs. Castle, unable to utter a sound, would nod her head In assent. This performance lasted nearly two hours, and during that time It was frequently necessary to wipe the blood from the patient’s throat to prevent strangulation. Dr. Ambrose, two days later, had again showed Mrs. Castle the statement. She nodded that she recognized the paper, signed It and wrote: “Before my God, it is true.” The defense objected to the admission of this last sentence, saying that the prosecution, when ordered by the judge some time ago to turn over all Mrs. Castle's writings to the defense, had not surrendered the slip of paper containing these words. The objection was sustained.

ANOTHER SUIT. Fraternal Co-Operative Association May be Barred from State. State Auditor Hart and Attorney-Gen-eral Taylor to-day decided to file a second suit against the Fraternal Co-Opera-tive Association, asking that it be prevented from doing business in the State. The suit for a receiver for the association Is still pending In the Superior Court.

MAURICE THOMPSON ILL Indiana Author in a Serious Condition. [Special to The Indianapolis News ] CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind., December 4.—Maurice Thompson is seriously 111 at his home In this city. For three weeks he has been indisposed, but he has been considerably worse since Sunday.

SUBSIDY BILL IS UP Takes Precedence Over Everything Else.

FRYE’S MOTION TO CONSIDER CARRIED IN THE SENATE.

ARKANSAS JONES OBJECTS

BUT THE CONTEST PROVES TO BE ONE-SIDED.

The Maine Senator Speaks on the Measure—Fairbanks Would Admit Oklahoma. WASHINGTON, D. C., December 4.As soon as the journal had been read and approved In the Senate to-day, Jonathan Prentiss Dolllver, who was appointed to succeed the late Senator Gear, of Iowa, took the oath of office. Senator Fairbanks, of Indiana, introduced a bill to admit Oklahoma aa a State, with two Representatives. The usual provisions for a constitutional convention and the grants of lands for State institutions are made. Senator Pettigrew introduced a resolution in the Senate calling on the Postmas-ter-General to send to the Senate any Information he may have in his possession concerning postal frauds In Cuba. Senator Platt (Conn.) made objection to Immediate consideration and the resolullcn went over for a day. •At 2:06 Senator Frye moved that the Senate pioooed to the consideration of the shipping subsidy bill. Senator Jones, of Arkansas, demanded a roll call on the taking up of the bill. The motion carried, 38 to 20. Senator Frye, of Maine, then took the floor and made a speech In favor of the bill Court for Philippines. Senator Stewart Introduced a bill creating a supreme court for the Philippine Islands, with five judges, who are to be appointed for life, and each of whom Is to draw a salary of $20,000 per annum. Ths bill provides for aii appeal or writs of error to the United States Supreme Court in all cases Involving more than $20,000, and In those In which the constitution of the United States is involved. Speaking of his motive for placing the salary at so high a figure, Mr. Stewart said he had done so In order to secure men of character and professional standing for the office of Judge. Among the bills passed by the Senate was one authorizing George D. MelkleJohn to accept a decoration of chevalier of the first class from the government of Sweden and Norway.

FAMILIAR SOUND.

Sulzer Objects to Consideration of Army Bill. WASHINGTON, D. C., December 4.When the House met to-day, Mr. Hepburn, of Iowa, withdrew the credentials offered yesterday of J. P. Connor, of Iowa, who was elected to succeed former Representative, now Senator, Dolllver, and offered new credentials from the Governor of Iowa, certifying to the election of Mr. Connor. No objection waa made, and Mr. Connor was sworn In. Mr. Hull, of Iowa, chairman of the military affairs committee, reported the army reorganization bill, and asked unanimous consent that It be taken up tomorrow. Mr. Sulzer, of New York, objected. A Boer Resolution. Representative Sulzer to-day Introduced In the House the following resolution: “Whereas, The war in South Africa has degenerated into a reckless and ruthless extermination of a brave people, fighting for their homes and liberty. “Resolved, That the Congress of the United States protest in the name of humanity and civilization against a continuation of war which outrages the feelings of all liberty-loving people; and, “Resolved, That the Congress of the United States, being committed to the principle of arbitration for the settlement of International disputes, urge on the government of her Majesty the wisdom of adopting this policy for the purpose of stopping the awful atrocities now going on in South Africa.” HANNA WAS PRESENT.

Urged the Committee to Place Subsidy Bill Ahead. WASHINGTON, D. C.. December 4.Senate committee on Inter-oceanic canals held a meeting to-day at the Instance of Its chairman, Seriator Morgan, to consider the status of the Nicaraguan canal bill. The bill Is the special order in the Senate for next Monday, but there Is a desire on the part of the Republican managers to have It postponed for a time at least, pending the consideration of the subsidy shipping bill and the HayPauncefote treaty. Senator Hanna, who Is especially Interested In the shipping bill, sat with the committee, presenting the views of the Republican managers on the relative claims of the various measures to precedence In the matter of consideration. The committee did not reach any definite conclusion as to the line of action to be pursued. "When the committee adjourned, however, the members felt, from the expressions of the friends of the canal bill, and especially from Senator Morgan’s attitude as developed at the meeting, that there would be no effort on the part of the friends of the bill to obstruct the subsidy bill with the canal bill. Senator Morgan admitted that If the subsidy bill should be made the regular order of the Senate, as contemplated, that action would have the effect of displacing the special order. He did not seem disturbed over the fact, but appeared satisfied with the virtual assurances of other members of the committee that the canal bill should follow the subsidy bill for consideration. He also expressed his willingness that the HayPauneefote treaty should be acted on in advance of action on the canal bill.

ROOT BILL AMENDED.

House Military Committee Makes Some Changes. WASHINGTON, D. C., December 4.— The bill reported by the House military committee to-day Is the Root bill amended. Most of these changes have been reported. Two sections were added to the bill to-day, the first of which Is meant to cover the case of General Shafter, ana the last of Gen. Fltzhugh Lee and James Wilson. There sections are: 41. That the President Is hereby authorized to select from the retired list of the army an officer not above the rank of brigadier-general, who may have distinguished himself during the war with Spain in command of a separate army, and to appoint, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, the officer so selected to be major-general United States army, with the pay and allowance as established by law for officers of that grade on the retired list. 42. That the President is authorized to ■elect from the brigadier-generals of the 1 volunteer, two volunteer officers, without regard to age and appoint them brig-

adier-generals. United States army, for the the purpose of placing them upon the retired list. Other amendments are: The Increase of the officers of artillery shall be In proportion to the increase of the number of men. The adjutantgeneral shall have the rank of a majorgeneral during the active service of the present incumbent, and thereafter the rank of brigadier-general. The age limit for appointment to staff position is stricken out. The surgeon-general Is authorized in emergencies to appoint as many contract surgeons as may be necessary. BEVERIDGE IS UNDECIDED. He is Thinking Over the Subsidy BilL [Special to The Indianapolis News.] WASHINGTON. D. C.. December 4 - Senator Beveridge declared he has not committed himself in regard to subsidy legislation. “I am investigating the matter as I shall investigate all legislation which comes up,” said he. “When I have thoroughly studied the matter, I will say what I will do, and not before.” Judge Crumpacker is openly opposed and will speak against the bill if he can get time from the Democrats. Watson Is studying It and Is not committed. Landis said: ”1 am opposed to the principle, but am not sure I shall be against the bill.” It Is said Senator Hanna's friendship may convert Landis. Steele is In favor of It. Hemenway is uncertain. Brick Is non-committal, Overstreet is not committed, but will probably oppose the bill. Senator Fairbanks Is preparing data on the subject. Fairbanks does not anticipate a factious fight on W. D. Bynum, whose name went In to-day. PHILIPPINE CODE.

The Cabinet Listens to New Revei nue Rules. WASHINGTON. D. C., December 4The Cabinet meeting to-day developed nothing of special Interest. A copy of the civil municipal code for the Philippine island*, which had been prepared by the United States Philippine commission, was presented to the meeting, and the portion relative to the collection of the revenue was read. The code. It is said, follows closely along the lines of the laws of the United States, guaranteeing civil and religious liberty and protection for persons and property. The code will not go Into effect until it has met with the approval of the President. It was announced that General Chaffee has telegraphed the Secretary of War, asking for authority to provide more suitable quarters for the legation guard in Pekin, during the winter months.

HOPE FOR HERNLY.

The Republican Chairman May Get a Good Job. [Special to The Indianapolis Newa] WASHINGTON, D, C.. December 4.Charlea 8. Hernly Is receiving some encouragement In hope that hje will secure a good appointment of some kind. He is talking with Senators and Congressmen about a job on the Nicaragua canal commission, a body still to be created. A bill has passed the Senate for a commission of nine to Investigate Panama and other routes and to forward the work. The Hepburn bill In the House gives the President authority to employ commissioners. The places would pay $5,000 salary and expenses, amounting probably to as much more. MAY EXCEED $30,000,000.

Proposed Reduction of the War Revenue Taxes. WASHINGTON, D. C., December 4.— The Republican members of the ways and means committee had another meeting to-day to consider the bill for the reduction of the war revenue taxes, but no Important conclusions were reached. There Is some talk in the committee of Increasing the reduction over the $30,000,000 at first agreed on, but no definite action has yet been taken. The Republicans probably will hold several other meetings before final action Is taken and a caucus of the Republicans may be held.

WM. D. BYNUM’S NAME.

Sent to the Senate aa a Recess Appointment WASHINGTON. D. C., December 4.— The President to-day sent to the Senate a large number of recess apolntments. Among them were William D. Bynum, of Indiana, to be commissioner to revise and codify the criminal and penal laws of the United States; Jacob Trleber, of Arkansas, to be United States district judge for the eastern district of Arkansas; William M. Johnson, of New Jersey, to be First Assistant Postmaster-Gen-eral. CARRIES $24,496,504.

Executive, Legislative and Judicial Appropriation Bill. WASHINGTON, D. C., December 4.— The committee on appropriations of the House to-day completed the executive, legislative and judicial appropriation bill. The committee expects to be able to obtain ccntdderatlon of the bill to-morrow. The bill carries $24,496.508, being $903,001 less than the estimates, and $239,496 more thar Is carried by the present law. The whole number of salaries provided for In the bill is 756 less than the number estimated for, and an Increase of 120 over that carried In the present law. OUR EXPOSITION EXPENSES.

Peck Says the Commission Spent | $939,465. WASHINGTON. D. C., December 4.Commlssloner Peck’s report of the expenditures of the Paris commission for the year ending November 15, 1900, was sent to the Senate to-day. The total amount expended was $939,466. The principal Items are: Experts’ salaries, $147,004; buildings, $191,427; Jury. $53,779; clerks’ salaries, $63,146; general employes’ salaries, $49,966: guards, $34,961; traveling expenses, $62,530. Fairbanks and Overstreet Called. [Special to Ttie Indianapolis Newa J WASHINGTON. D. C.* December 4.Senator Fairbanks and Representative Overstreet called on the Secretary of the Treasury to-day to urge that the present custodian of the old postofflee building be retained. They also straightened out some technical difficulties In paying checks to owners of the new site property who are non-residents. Overstreet’s New Duties. [Special to The Indlanapolta News.] WASHINGTON, P. C.. December 4.— Speaker Henderson to-day appointed Representative Overstreet to the chairmanship of the committee to supervise the expenditures In the judiciary department. It was formerly held by Dolllver, and carries the occupancy of a committee room, a thing much coveted by all members. (Other Washington Newt on Page 2)

WRECK IN CALIFORNIA. Five Laborers Killed and TwentyTwo Injured. 8UI8UN, Cal-, December 4.—A freight train and a construction train came into collision to-day, five mUea out of Sulsun. Five men were killed, and twenty-two Injured. All are laborers, ____

COST Of THE CHL

The Commission Estimates It at 8200.^40,000

THE NICARAGUA ROUTE TTRT.ti TO BE THE BEST.

REPORT GOES TO CONGRESS

ten years time needed to CONSTRUCT THE WATERWAY.

otten, rprth-

• Icar-X.

Why the Panama Route is Objec-tionable-Facts Set Forth by

the Commission.

WASHINGTON. D. C., December 4.The report of the Isthmian Canal Commission, submitted by the President to Congress to-day. gives as the unanimous conclusion of that body that “The most practicable and feasible route for an Isthmian canal, under ths control, management and ownership of the United States, is that known as the Nicaragua

route.”

The commission estimates the cost of this route at $200,640,000. This estimate Is much In excess of any heretofore made, and is due to Increased dimensions and other features not heretofore considered. The commission also estimates the cost of a canal by the Panama route at $142,342,579, according to one route, or $156,378,268 according to another rout*. As between the Nicaragua and Panama route the commission sums up s number of advantages favorable to the former. It states also that under the concessions given by the Colombia government to the Panama Canal Company, that government Is not free to grant the necessary rights to the United States except under conditions made by the com- ,

pany.

Points Kept in Mind,

r * I>ort a document of about 17.000 words. Although the work of the commission Is not yet completed, many of the field parties still being out. yet it Is sufficiently advanced to make It practicable to present this preliminary report giving the essential findings. A thorough investigation has been made, not only of the Nicaragua and Panama route, but of other possible routes, the commission keeping in mind the industrial. commercial and military value of an interoceanic canal, and also the rights, privileges and franchises necessary to be secured for the construction of a canal under the control, management and ownership of the United States. In all, thirty-one working parties were organized and sent into the field, making a force of about 220 engineers and assistants, besides shout 600 laborers, boatmen and other workmen employed in the various countries, a total of more aoo. Meanwhile the members of fhe commission personally conducted various branches of the work. One party went to Paris, where details of the Panama canal project now being executed by the French company were examined. A detailed description Is given of the trip over the severaJ routes. Along the Nicaragua route. It was found that the short section of partially constructed canal is perhaps In as good a shape to-day as It was when the work was stopped. The buildings, however, are all rotten, and the dredges, boats, etc., are worth-

less. »

The commission visited President laya and other leading officials of Nicaragua and found them greatly Interested In the project. The occupation of their territory by the United Staes for canal purposes did not seem to be regarded as a serious obstacle, provided the sovereignty of the republic was respected.

The Panama Rout*.

Along the Panama route the commission found a large force of workmen engaged on the canal line, about two thousand in number, according to the Panama company. The canal had been opened to some extent at both ends. Immense quantities of machinery, implements and tools were found along the routs. Much of this property, the commission reports, is Ill-adapted to American methods of work, and all of it is now from thirteen to twenty years old, so that no value should be given to the plant now on th#i Isthmus. A visit was also made to President Igleslas. of Costa Rica, and his Cabinet. and a strong sentiment found to ex-i 1st for an American canal along the Nicaragua route. Trips were also mads

along the Darian route.

After going over the several routes, the commission considered the dimensions of the canal to be built, and it was determined to fix on a depth of thirty-five feet at mean low water, and a bottom width of 150 feet, with some Increase of dimensions at certain points. These dimensions are larger than those proposed for any previous canal scheme. While they may seem excessive to-day, the commission points out that the canal is not likely to be opened within ten years, during which time the increase in marl time dimensions is likely to continue. A width of 150 feet will allow all but the very largest ships to pass each other In the canal, while the locks are of a dimension to permit even the largest ships afloat to be maneuvered. The size of the lock* is 740 feet In length, 84 feet In width, la the clear, with a depth of 35 feet. Description of the Chosen Route. Taking up the Nicaragua route in detail, the commission says that the rout* adopted follows essentially the lines laid down by the Nicaragua canal commission m its report of 1897-99. It begins near Greytown, on the Atlantic side, follows the San Juan river, enters Lake Nicaragua, and terminates at Brito, on the Pacific side. The distance from ocean to ocean Is about 186 miles. Plan* are given for the great harbors required at Greytown and Brito. The most difficult engineering work is the dam across the San Juan river to regulate the waters of the lake. The time required to build the canal hinges almost entirely on the time required for the construction of this dam. The commission says eight years would probably be a reasonable estimate for the time of building it At least two years will be consumed In preparatory work and opening a harbor at Greytown, so that if work on the dam should be begun immediately thereafter, the time required for completing the entire wont

will be about ten years.

. Estimates of the Cost The commission then submits the following estimated cost of a canal on the Nica-

ragua route:

Eastern division (from Greytown to Boca, Sail Carlos dam), $82,662,000. Middle division (from Boca Sen Carlos dam to Las Lajas), $25,426,000. Western division (from Las Lajas to Brito), 151,680,000. Ninety-eight miles of railroad, $7,350,000. Total, $W7,U7,00«j(: Engineering, police* sanitation and general contingencies, $32.-

423.000.

Aggregate, $300,640,000. This estimate Is for a canal suitable for navigation by the largest ships now In existence, and thus. In accordance with the terms of the bill pending In Con', gress. It provides for a double system oj locks, so that navigation can be main*

Continued on Pftg* 2, Column^ ^

■ ■

pan

mvsu