Indianapolis Sentinel, Volume 34, Number 76, Indianapolis, Marion County, 17 March 1885 — Page 4

. . THE INDIANAPOLIS DAILT SENTINEL TUESDAY MORNING MARCH 17 1885.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17. OrriCEi 71 and 73 Waat Market Street. Dice Buioiit says he it not a candidate for Public Frinter or any other Federal office.

B. 8. Gray, Ks , the ion of the Governor, will be the next Fostmaster at Portland, Ind. so rajs onr Washington special. A somewhat pretentions city dally alluded yesterday to an appointment as being "temporary fcr the present." Why not add for the time being. A WAsmxaTo paper says that John W. Foster, of Indiana, will continue to represent the Government at Madrid until pending treaty negotiations with Spain are conclude. 1. How tiic Blaine editors do itch tissy lomething derogatory of a President who cats breakfast at 8 o'clock and is at work in his shirt sleeves ;before ! o'clock. Sail In, Messieurs, and relieve yonrse!va. Tue eclipse of the sua occurred yesterday on schedule time, but the clouds sadly in terfered with satisfactory Observation in this locality. The ensemble was not so brilliant as the eclipse of the g. o. p. last fall. Tbe former was partial the latter total. Ex Sixatob McDoxald and Hon. John C. Shoemaker arrive! in Washington City yes terday morning and called on President Cleveland. Oar WashlngUju correspondent says the President expressed himself as be ins "even better pleased with the noble and brainy Iloosier statesman than before he saw him." The ghouls cf the Gould system were overmatched by the strikers. The day has passed when monopolists cm throttle labor. The triumph ot Democracy means the undoing of corrupt legislation enabling monopoly frauds and oppression. Jay Goald V Co. may make the most of their watered stocks; they will not' swell their millions by any more of them. The workingmen, in the meantime, are gaining confidence and will not be ground down by further starvation wages than they have been receiving. Democracy is the friend of the people. It favors payment to laboring men ot living wagea. We must not have the order of "Jacques" in America from the oppressions ot "Mousier the Mtrquls" and hie clw. Thr Republican organs make themselves very ridiculous by their constant coarse and almost Tulgar attacks upon the Vice President. They have asserted all along that ht is a rxere figurehead, with "no influence with the administration,' etc. Something must have changed their opinion, for sure it is that he is the subject of their most virulent attacks. Their mud batteries are constantly on the spatter. For a man who "has no influence with the administration," Mr. Hendricks seems to ba rather a lively sort ol a quantity. It is prec'sely because ne is not 'a mere figurehead," aod that he has "influence with the administration, "lht Mr. Hendricks stands exposed to the vulgar attacks of the Republican organs. e would suggest that a proper sense of the decency of the situation demands that if it is necessary to drsg the name of the Vice President's wife into the newspapers that it be done In a digDificd and courteous manner. Blackguards will differ with ns on this point. UNDO THE RED TAPE. Within the recent years, to a cttien having business with them, the departments at "Washington have each been so many ostentatious covernments, ruled by pompous king? and princes, with self-important lackeys to receive the cards of callers and dieUte tbe season of waiting before permitting admittance to the royal presence. Allowing the necessity for imposing regulations to save the officials from annoyance from placehunters, cranks and idlers, there was never need or justification for the lordling air, tbe haughtiness and even insolence that many Government otfl cials assumed. 8tllted in their positions, these men of "a little brief authority" looked upon themselves as favorites of fortune or fate, something high above the common herd, whom to approach was honor masters they, not servants, of the people. Their offices were bound about with red tape as imposing aa the regalia of drum-majors. Ad attorney from a distance, representing a claim allowed by a ronimlaaion, found it neceiry to accompany the papers to the oitice of the Second Comptroller. After waitlog from 10 a. m. until noon that utllclat arrived In his earrings accompanied by two boon companions, woo were requested to smoke and wait for an hour. Kinging the bell for his clerk, the latter submitted certain papers to which he ostentatiously afttxed his signature Two or three social callers consumed the remainder of the hour, when, telling the attorney his papers could not be examined before the morrow, Mr. rBccond Comptroller announced his day's work over, and departed with his companions for a drive. It was the third day before the attorney secured the signature ot this olllclal, and accompanied the papers to the First Comptroller, who Imposit! an other day ot waiting. After two days more the claim was approved by the Kegttter, when tue Assistant Hecretary of the Treasury held It for two dajs. It was ten days utter the claim had Itft the commiMion before tbn Trenurer givahNchfCk: Installment of It. Whenu month later the attorney was starting on the an:e round with a similar claim, a Ken ator who, had heard of bis ilrtt experience accompanied him. Wlthjn three hours Comptrollers, Keglatera and Secretaries had signed the papers and the Treasurer glren Lis check. If oar Democratic administration frees the .sevtral departments of to tu ach" da turnery"

and red tape, it will fill a long felt want The gentlemen who occupy the leading ounces in them, when at home are in toeir law o&ces or places of business early and remain in them late: why should they not give as much time to the business of the Government? They are polite and accessible to ciients'or patrons when at home: why become ostentatious and wear red tape when employed to serve the people temporarily at .Washington? Bach practices Ibelittle the oflicera and insnlt the people. We are rejoiced to think that under the example of President Cleveland red tape will be undone in the departments.

THE NEW COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE. Another splendid appointment wai made yesterday by the Faealdent. We refer tu the naming of Hon. Joseph 6 Miller, of West Virginia, to the Commissionership of Internal Revenue. In referring to the matter we do not care to make any comparison with the defeated Kentucky candidate, Mr. Thompson. We are prepared to agree with his friends as to hbs eminent qualities and entire fitness for the position. The best consolation for an aspirant who has failed to win the prize is to know that hij successful competitor is a foeman worthy of his steel and that he is every inch a man. Mr. Thompson has this consolation. Mr. Miller is not unknown to this community. Having relatives and friendi here, his frequent visits have given him an opportunity to become well acqnainted with and appreciated by our people. His record as a public ollisial is impregnable, not only as to its efficiency and trustworthy character, but as to the entire satisfaction which it gave to hi constituents and to all the J who are interested in him. His experience's as a county official, in the State Legislature, and also as State Auditor for tflro terms running through a term of nearly fifteen yearshave equipped him thoroughly and with rare precision for the new field of labor to which he was called yesterday byMr. Cleveland. In addition to this equipment of actnal experience in office routine, Mr. Miller adds a valuable aptness for executive management with gentlemanly instincts and courteous manners. Using endorsed by much of the best element of the Democratic party, we anticipate that his appointment will meet with a general and generous welcome throughout tbe country. Mr. Miller's administration of the Internal Revenue Department may be looked forward to with no anxiety on the part of his friends. IWOUUIIT HACK. J. T. Roaeberry, tho Tippecanoe Forger, Arrive From Chicago In Custody of an Officer, A well dressed and rather good looking man, with a srucoth face and weary aspect, paced restlessly back and forth In the cell room at the Central Station last night, seemingly unconscious of his surroundings, and apparently deeply engrossed in hia own thoughts. This individual was none other than Joshua Koteberry, the Tippecanoe County forge?, who, by reason of representing himself as being the guardian of heira who do not exist, is ahead of the State about $CS5. Tbe story of his operations has already been related in the columns of the Sentinel, and it is unneceslary to rehash it. Rose berry looked anything but happy as he peered at a Sentinel representative through the iron grating Ut evening. He answered nearly all of the interogatories propounded without hesitation, bat when asked whether or not he would plead guilty to the charge of forgery, he raid he had not yet made up his mind as to that. He said he had a number of influential friends in Lafayette, bnt whether any of them would come to his aid he could not say. lloseberry denied the statement that he left Lafayette in female attire, and eaid that be went as far as Templeton on a pay car, at which place he took the regular train for Chicago. On his arrival in that city he went to one of the principal hotels, where he registered under his own name. He had been there but a few hours, he says, when he became homesick, and felt that he would gladly welcome anybody from Lafayette, even the Sheriff. His pocket-book wai ex hausted by Ssturday, and he telegraphed io hie wife for some money, which she willingly tent him. When the money arrived he intended to take the first train for Lafayette, but on second thought changed his mind, and going to the Central Police Station gave himfelf up. Cbiuf Doylo at once telegraphed the local authorities that lloseberry wis in custody, and Captain Colbert went on after him. A preliminary examination will be held this morning, unless it Is waived at the instance of Mr. lloseberry. Dane Dall Matters. The base ball season is coming, and with it the members of the Indianapolis Club, the following having already reported for duty: Collins, s.S.; Morlarlty, 1. f.; Don nelly, 3 b: Casey, Miller and McKeon, pltrbers; Mctjoery, 1 b; Thompson, o. f., and Keenan, catcher, i'oorman, r. f., Mc (lulre, catcher, and Crane, extra, will arrive In the city to day aod report to Manager Watkins. The club will leave for the South on Thursday, opening at Augusta, da. They will be gone until April 8. President Hchwabecher hat appealed the case of Kib inion. the contract-breaker, to the Arbitration Committee, and It is hardly probable that tbey will tustatn the action ot Mc Knljrht In permitting him to sign with Brooklyn. Amusement. "A Cold Day When We Get Left" wai played last night to a good audience at the Grand. As our epaca is limited thin morning we will give full review to-morrow. The play will be repealed to night. Alvin Joslln" at Kogllih'e last night, fame bill to-night. Dime Museum preianted new Uli lust night. We will give details to morrow. .0 matinee to day. The new programme of the wrek bean last night. Death From Heart Dlean, Mrs. Samoel Wlnlna dUd suddenly yeaterday morning at bor residence, six mile from the city, on the Hockville read, of heart disease, aged seventy-eight jc are. Her hue band died about a v ear aco. and one eon, In ' business on West Wathlngton atrt, died a few months since rather suddenly. Mie is the mother ot Daniel Wlnlnna, wellkuown in the city. Flenner A lUmmown took charge of the remains, and will place tbe tu in the tault at Crowa Ulli to day.

LEGISLATIVE NOTES.

Tho IIotjso Again Discusses tho AbundooiUfUt of Oilico 11111. The Senate Metropolitan Police Hill 3Iade the Special Order Tor Thursday. Tho Colorod People Ratify Senator Thompson's Civil Rights Bill With Much Speech. Making. Resolutions Introduced Congratulating1 the Legislature and Tendering1 a Vote of Thanks to Messrs. Thompson, Gooding1 and bmoefc. Senator Faulkner has returned from the National capital. A resolution, introduced by Senator May, authorizes the Doorkeeper to appoint an extra employe. The Senate Metropolitan Police bill came up yesterday on a second reading and led to tome animated discussion. A motion to lay on the table wm defeated, as was also a motion to indefinitely postpane. The billwa then made a special order for Thursday at 2 o'clcck. Senator ThomrsDD, rising to a question of privilege, read a paragraph from a newspaper yesterday morning in which he was represented es eayinc that he voted for a certain niea&ure because the "Vice resident hud to!d him to do so." Mr. Thompson demut. ed the statement a9 false, aud Biid that the Vice President had never said anything to him aoout his vote, and that the author of the statement was a falsifier and a liar. Senator Adklson has introduced a bill which provides for the appointment ct a commission of three members, to be appointed by tbe Governor and Lieutenant Governor, who shall meet in the city of Indianapolis, for a period not to exceed over sixty days, and shall draft a bill fixing the fees and salaries of caunty otbears and employes of the state institutions and General Assembly, and report the saine to the next Lecis'iature. The House assembled yesterday morning, and the roll-call was about to develop the fact that no qucrum was present when a motion was made to take a recess, which tho House did till 2 o'clock. At. that hour but llftyulne members were present, and the doors were ordered closed and a list of the absentees wss furnished the Doorkeeper, who went out to corral tbe delinquent members. Messrs. Barney and McMlchael were brought in and made their excuses, which the House received, as the gentlemen had exercised great diligence in trying to reach the hall on time. An hour or more was lost in this way. and the discussion of tbe unfinished business was continued without a quorum. The Senate discufbedthe bill yesterday which permits County Commissioners to erect monuments to the memory of the sol diers, the question being on an amendment authorizing the boards to act upon tbe petition of a majority ot the taxpayers. Those In favor of the bill claimed that th ynendroent would render It practically inoperative, as it would doubtless be impossible to get persons to theke charge of the petitions. A substitute for the amendment ccauging the the word "taxpayers" to "citizens" was adopted, and the bill and amendments were referred to a special committee, with instructions to take under consideration the erection of a State monument. The questiors involved In the Abandonment of OfSce bill, introduced by Mr. Reeves, of Johnson County, came up for discussion again yesterday afternoon. Mr. Reeves declared that the people of Johnson County were opposed to the passage of the bill, and he had in his possession a petition signed by l."0 good, 'substantial citizens, who are large taxpayers and who are opposed to the paetage of the bill. A memorial also was submitted from the bondsmen of J. K. Clemmer, the Recorder who abandoned his cilice, eaying that they did not desire to be released from the bond. The motion to indefinitely postpone was lost, and a motion to recommit, with Instructions to amend the bill so that it would not apply to any ollicer who has abandoned his oilice and left the eame In charge of a competent Deputy, was trade by Mr. Adams. A motion to table the acendmcnt failed by a vote ot SO to 20, de veloping the fact that a quorum was not present, and the House adjourned. Tho matter will come up attain this morning as unfinished business. r.ATimXO THR CIVIL KKiHTS MLf.. Tbe colored people of the city, to the number of perhaps 75 or ICO, met last night at tbe Supreme Court Room to ratify the passage ot the civil rights bill by the Legislature, Alfred Harrison was chosen President of the meeting and W. A. Sweeney Master of Ceremonies. A committee, consisting ot U. Wilson, William Carter, W. G. Kobinson. J. 1). Hill, J. I). Mahoney and Andrew Heron, was appointed to draft resolutions. Pending the report of the committee Dr. Thompson, the author ot tbe civil rights bill, was celled ur on for an address. He eald that the prejudices existing on account of slavery In tuls country are very considerable, and he often felt when he saw a colored man refused a passage in a street nr, not more than fifteen ynri ago, that s'nnethiogoQKht to bn done. He alsoratd he believed Ibe colored man of the country knew s thoroughly as anyone what was due to the lady or tbe gentlemen In public, There prejudices have existed in every coun tr. Lere slavery hmexlited. Tb American will not alhw anyone to l deprived ot his rkhta If he can help lt. I think that the element of selfrepect In th colored man la neceisnry to hia etsTatlon. 1 feel fortunate because 1 have your (rood will. Tbere hn been a great deal said la the hat of political strife which wt ail feel, Is nnjuit, but the Inculcation of t orrert Idom never cbangta bacauia ot hellWe and actions la political life, The future for you la very prom Ulng, but see to It that your children keen the state of the school room full. There 1 now a movement to secure a law fr compulscry education, I hope you will join in this mova. I hope no colored man will he anything but a gentleman. You ar worthy of all rralie fcr what you nre,but let It be the rule to rrogrtii ineyery day life. (inral Manton was next Introduced. The (ieneral said he did not ome out to peak, but that he understood this was a meeting which wa to b addrened bv lr. 1 hompion and Hon. D. ti. Uoodlnjr, He did not knew what h) could say that would be appropriate to the occasion, lie reviewed ibe'J-oyrari of tho bondage of the African lu America. The children of Itrael were

held over 100 years as slaves In Egypt, bat they finally were led out to the Land of Promise. . The process of the colored people in this country bir.ee their liberation has been wonderful. Tie colored people of the United States seem destined to become the musicians and orators of this country. Oar law ssys that all men shnll be free and equal, and now the colored men should ask only for what is risht aüd for nothing wrong. Every man in this country ha3 tbe right to vote as he p'tates, and no man has any right to lead another to the polls like a dog by a string, and tell him what ticket ha r.iuät vote. You owe no man, no party. You owe it to yourselves to be men. The colored men were to a certain extent tc cau. of the war. The two classes of labor fre labor and slave labor were ttv o causes of the late war. No man and no party freed yon; tbe war freed you. I hope the time will come when the enti:9 country will be at peace. Hon. I). S. Gooding wai the next speaker. Heeaidhn had had no time to prepare au address. When this Government was orCBtdzed all but one State were slave States. The old parties were both of the opinion that tbe Government had no power to free elaves under the Constitution, and Piesidcnt Lincoln held to this idea at the time of his election in IK) A small fragment of men called Abolitioimti were alone in their dispute on thia proposition. The war went on until it became evident that rebellion must destroy the Government or the Government must destroy the clave gyetem. The reoellion was finally suppressed, and then it was f r the fiist time that the colored man was ihn rcrmitted to vote. The Republican pirty thought tha by adopting the Thirteenth Amendment thvy could ruase the r-'omhirn Stales K-publican. Now, the De -icocracy of the North as a rule believed tbtt slavery was wrong, and the Republicans b:ive tried to convince you that if the Do ocratic party came into power you would be put biefc into slavery. You've heard tb&t Ileheis were to bo pensioned and the slave-holders were to be paid for their slaves. At last we have came into power. We have the President, the lower house in Conpioss, and a Demooratic Governor in this State. Now, are we trying to put you back into clavery or pay your old maeteis for you? The Republicans have been in power in thisState nearly all the timenince the war, and yet it has remained for the Democratic party in this State to pass the only

bill for the colored man and his rights which has ever been passed. Rejoice, my friends, for the day of your deliverance is at band, l ou colored ;uen are naturally Democrats, for the Democratic party has always been tbe party of tbe people, of the sons of toil, and you will liud your home is with tie Democrats, and you are getting there now. At this point iir, uooumg turned to a reroiter, sayim;: "Mr. Reporter, you are not taking down all I am saying, are you? I am onlvr here having a god time with the brethren." Continuing, he spoke of our country as baing ''the land of the free and tbe home of the brave." If yon want to accomplish your destiny you will do it through work and education. You have it in your power to be a power in this land. You can make your children the equal cf other children by teaching them that labor is always honorable. The man who is ashamed to labor needs to be born again. Ahe land oi liberty, recognizing the God.of our fathers for if we would be a free people we must never forget our Uod, aad if we do tli:s we shall eoou lote all sight of the color line. Senator Johnson, of Dearborn County, came forward on invitation. He also hal not expected to be called upon for a speech. lie eaid his ancestors were slave owners, but on coming to this country they set their slaves tree. Uue or tnosa slaves went to ohelby County, where ho became well off and was the owner of a farm. I once told this story to a young lady who charged me with being a pro tlavery man, but after she heard it she never again charged me with that. If we get down into idleness, poverty and igno r'rice, we are no better than any one else in that condition. If you improve your opportunities you will never fail to be recognized by every man, and especially by the Dem ocratic party. Edward Horn and a number of other col ored gentlemen spoke brieily on the order of the business before the meeting, but ou motion the Committee on Resolutions reported as follows, Mr. Hill reading the report: Whercan. Government are instituted for the beueüt of all citizens, for tho purpose of aupprcBHleu crime, and lor the redress of grievances; and Whert&p. Tne constitutional right to pass on tue question ot civil nl political rights ha been üclcgated to the various fitatcs by a recent de cision ot the supreme court ot tne united males: an 4 Whereas The passage of tho Civil IHsshts bill by the Indiana LvulxlHturo o( 18n will nave a tendency to remove tho prejudices that havo heretofore, existed by one class of citizens against the other: therefore be it Kcsolvcd, That we, the colored citlens of IndiauapoiK in mass-in oettns assembled, congratulate tue numbers of the Legislature in their eilorU to tneto out Juntico to all the citizens of the State. lUfiolvcd, That It Is very opportuno for the DcrrccrHtip party upon their ascendency to power lu bo'h National and Htate Government at a nlitnal of victory to snirm tho cardlule principal, "I he greatest good to tho greatest number." Keiolvcd, That wc, as American citizens, rooog n)ze the fact that permanent reco could not enue while we, ns in the minority numericallv.yet fcoldtuR tho balance of fower politically, aatnonlzed one-half of the voting population by biding ideutliled with one political party as a race. r.cfolved, That in tho futnre as lnthopat, cither ou tho battlc-tiel t or In the forum, wo will always bo found defending the tight of American cli Irene. Kriolvcd. That our highest aapiratlous are to compete with all nationalities lu rellulon, education, wealth, and every avenue of lite that tends to our happlncFS. Kcsolvui, That wo tender a vote of thanks to tho members of tho prcucut lr.llature. aod especially to Dr. W. Clinton Thompson, of the Senate, aud lion. David . U nod but, of Hancock, and lvl Mock, of Wells and ltlacktord, ot the lloutc, for their !e ctrorts lu ecutlug tho passago of the civil Rights bill. Following tbe report of the committee on Ibe adoption of tho resolution, Mr. VY. A. hwecney, as master of ceremonies, an nounccd the name of 0. V. lloblnson, a colored man, as the next speaker. He said there had been a time in the atlalrsof this Government when he had nothing over which to rejoice. When tho Bupreme Court ured to announce that 1 an my peoplo had no rights which a white man is bound to re pect, 1 felt no respect for tbe Government. I ran now rejoice, and I thank the gentle man who so ubly assisted in se urlng to ns our rights. I am a citizen, end I love the rlghta which have tren alien tie. In the future we hall ihow tbnt we are capubl of the j-rcateat ratine mentand the greatest culture, and wo In tend to ba it financial and an intellectual power In this CJovernmnnt. The Damocratlo party and the Republican party both hurt claimed to ba the friend ot the poor man. If both tell the truth, then Uod bleu both partita, The Bpe alter did not feel particularly erateful to any one who voted for the civil rights bill, for they only gave colored j eople their rlghta. Mr. Horn, of the World, was next called out. He felt It was eminently proper that eury man pat hltmclf on record In thli matter. Home time ao Senator HarrUon, Mr, Teclle and others told us no bill wai neocitary to lecure for in our cl?ll rights, I went to a restaurant for a meal and was refused. I went to these men for advice, and tbey felt lorry for me, but did nothing. 1 found that If I would give them $100 for retaiulng fee, and promise them two-thirds ot the judgment obtained, they would an

dertake the case and sue for damages. I am of Republican principles, but I am with and for the man who is tor me and my people. James T. V. Hill was the next speaker. He felt gla 1 to be present, and hailed with delight the pannage of a law which give a to the colored people their rights. We have never investigated the questions of political economy. Like the whale that swallowed. Jonah, we took down whole th statements cf the Republican party aud believed that party was the author of our political beinc The color line in politics is now obliterated. If the Democratic party had been the party it has been represented to be it would have been a bad day when It came into power with our 5,000,000 colored votes cast as a unit for the other party, i am glad to see the day when the darkness i to be dispelled. We can't be clannish. Tbe Indian is driven to extermination by his c'annishnets. We must divide. James T. Mahorney said controversy at his time of life is not desirable, but he felt he must do his duty. The Republican party was a grand one; it served its time and is parting awey. The Democratic party, as Judge Gooding said, I the party of the people. The first blood that Üowed to make this Nation was tbe olood of our race. It should be taid that Mr. Mahorney was the readiest speaker and one of the mcst eloquent of the evening, and spoke without preparation. Mr. Manorney is well known as a public speaker throughout the State, and bis ready manner of handling all question is something in tbe nature of a marvel. Mr. Sweeney was the next speaker. He too the zroutd that the passage of the" GUI U'ghtJ bill was an inevitable action. Rights are coupled with duties. The unsolved fntare of the colored man is in h a ojrn hands Yesterday we were chattels; to day cltizers; to-morrow wr must make our conditions for ourselves, Sidney Hlnton upon call rose and regretted the turn the meeting had taken. He had asked and hoped the meeting would be non-partisan. He was not present to praise either party, but was willing to compliment Judge Gooding and others for their part in the passage of the Civil Rights bill. I am here not as a Republican, but as a negro citizen, to plead for my people. Parties can take care of themselves. Several other parties were on the programme for speeches, but as tht hour was late a motion was made to adjourn, and in a few moments the meeting was ended.

K1LWAY SEWS. H. U. Hammond Appointed Receiver of the I., D. and S. Decrease In Shipments From New York to the West Other Items. J. 8. Lazarus has been appointed General Manager, J. N. McNeal, Auditor and Cashier, and George Bender, Superintendent of tbe I. D. and S. All of these gentlemen are practical railraad men, and will exert themselves to make the I. 1). and S. a good paying property. Several other appointments are to be made before the road paasess into tbe bads of Mr. Hammond. Oscar Vanderbilt, Indianapolis agent oi Northern Pacific, is receiving numerous applications for the latest piece of advertising matter iesued by that road: "Alice's Adventures in New Wonderland." This folder, or, ratber one sice of it, is covered with highly-colored pictures, while on the other is a complete map of the Yellowstone Na tional Park. Tne folder will be sent tree to any addrees on application. In epite of tbe reduction of about onethird in rates duricg the month of February tLrough shipments from New York to the West were much lighter this year than last. As rates are now so low as to be likely to attract the shipments that go by more circuitous routes usually the showing is not favorable and indicates that merchandise sales have been materially less than last year. What is more noticeable, however, is the fact that the decrease in rates has apparently no effect on shipments. Railroad men say that s me years ago, when rates were brought down to the present figures, tbere was a great increase in tonnage. They can not understand why business is light now. A petition was filed in the Federal Court yesterday morning by .1. D. Probst, who represents the second mortgage bondholders of the I,, D. and 8., asking for the appointment of a Receiver for that road. No opposition was ( tiered to the proposed action, and it was taken by the consent of all parties, Judge Woods appointing Henry ii. Hammond, who is President of the company, Receiver. His bond was fixed at $25,00o. The auretiesare R. F. Pierce, of Crawfordsville; Thomas P. Atkinr, Near York, and John R. Elder. The I., D. and W. people, according to the agreement, will operato the road until April 1, when Mr. Hammond will asiume control. A local railroad man said yesterday that Indianapolis would be greatly benefited by this transfer, for the I., D. and 8. woud now become purely a local read. While it will le necessary to expend several thousand dollars in improvements this spring and summer, it is generally conceded that tbe I., D. and 8. is not by any means in as bad a physical condition as many of the newspapers would hare the public believe. It la understood that aeveral new bridges will be built and tbe road bod and tiscfc strengthened at certain points along the lice A number of new cars and engine! will alro be purchased, TJIK At.BOl.UTr. tlMXK SYSTEM, The advantages enjoyed by the nse of the abeolute block system are forcibly illustrated by the experience ot the last month or two on a good many roads. Tj thoie familiar with tho actual practice In the running ot anow plowa, it ia a well known fact that Instances ate Irequent where the view Is ao obscured that It ia absolutely unsafe to procred except on the popular American plan of trusting to luck. Not only do the clouds of snow preclude any extended view ahead, bat especially ,lu a dart night, by costing the windows or otherwise, make it often utterly lmpoilb!e to fee a danger signal, In however fatthtnl hands It may be; and this at the time when torpedoes are the least available and the leait reliable. In the numerous and severe storm ot the winter, (vhlch we hope Is ,now bidding a good bye. the block ayatem mutt hav commanded Hielt (beiher bidden or unbidden) to tbe mtndi of a good ninny road-matters as not only an adiantaua and a convenience, but a an absolute neceantty. A road-maiter (or anybody o!ie) with any ort of development In Iba cautionary department of his cranium would certainly taha this vtftw (and would perforce Invent a block system it none ex fated), provided ha personally rod on the plow. Perhaps they don't all do this. Rvery read master certainly ought to, and In some i aaea invlta tba Knral manager and one or two dlrectora to go along with him and use the dillerence between this sort of convey anca wlthcracker-aml-ehteaA bulla t in winter and a director's c ;ir with dining car annex In snmmr. Kvery road whose telegraph stations are not more than a hundred miles apart should baye the facilities for luihroYUlug & station

to station block system at any time; for matter how long the sections or how much time it may take, it Is the only method tb.r. is even tolerable, not to ray absolutely safe, for a plow in a heavy, blinding snow. Different kinds of snow, damp and compact, or licht and fi-athery, and different depths, etc . require ditlerent rates of speed, so tbat the idea of eecurlng safety by merely relaclajr, speed is not always practicable. ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

Celebration by the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Rice Guard at Masonic Hall The Emmet Guards at the Orand Opera House. The celebration cf St. Patrick's day will be observed to day by the di2erent Irish orders of the city, but by consent, there will be no parade. This evening the Ancient Order of Hibernians will celebrate the occasion, together with the Rice Guard, at Masonic Hall. From the hails of Divisions 1 and 'J. A. 0. H , the line of march will be down Meridian street to Georgia, west to Illinois and north to the Grand Hotel, where General Manton will join the processior. Governor Gray and Speaker Jew ett will join the precession at the Dates, and march with it to Mafooic Hall. After the Orders have entered the hall and taken their seats the doors will be thrown open to the public, when the exercises will be carried ont according to the following rT.tKiP.tMXr, Music Miller's Graml Opera Hon Dud 1'rcMdeat Uoveruor Isaac r. Orav on Mr. A. fiinlUi Address. . v (Jh rlea L. Jewett borjf ..Mia Add Atroaat Address (Jcneral M. D. Matinoa sorK...... Miss Masgie Mciilynn Ktcltation Mlm Mollle War i cur Mr. Jainea torrcau 1'iano Solo......... Miss Llzz c Dugan and Urotter dr MiM Koae. Mculyun Recitation .Master Fieb:oms.n llano polo , MIsh Clara iireU Soap Co 1 nr. IreUa t Mcs.'rs, J. il. BullrTan, Hugh BUin anl Martin (ira-ly. V! : I T.I S1TENT. Hon. J. U. Rice, fi. P. 8hecrin. lr. h J. lircnaan, James Kenuihaa. K. M. ItyaD. t'aptala Thomas Mid lea, I 11. M Nells. Jonu K. WeJc.X Kdward Nolan, Joan (iaJvlu, J. J Ihnfihani, V. A Ward, I. K. llutler, .r . Robert Rw l. a Dial a C. 11. O'Brien, c&ptatn James McIIuli, Terrcixe Collen, Richard Rutler. I DM Mr TT TE ON D!.( 01 VTiON. James Doherty, Tim Grllüa. F. M. Kyan, J. C. Daltoa. MAHSKAia. W illiam l'lynn. William Curry. COMMITTEE Or Al:RAN.EMi:MS. Jamea H. Deery. Peter Caron, Mlliam BroUcrick. WiilUm l'lynn, William Curry. The Emmet Cinartli. Tbe Kramet Guards will celebrate the day at tbe Grand Opera House this evening in a tirf t-cla-3 manner. Senator Willard will deliver an sddress, after which a special programme arranged for this occasion will be cerriedout in excellent style by a professional company, among which are such well fenown persons a Frank Girard, Vllllam Weich, Charles Harke. Frank Wills and others of note. The entertainment will be civen for the benefit of the Emmet Guards. There is a rich treat in store for those who attend. Irish wit and humor, Irish sentiment and music, will be the order of the evening; In fact, it will be one continual round of pleasure from beginning to end. You should not fail to go to the Grand tonight. A LIVELY AFFAIR Between A. J. Cutting1 and Councilman Wharton, tho Latter Bein? Worsted. A business disagreement between Councilman Wharton and A. J. Cutting, which U of several days standing, culminated yesterday in a set to between the gentlemen in front of Smith's queensware store on South Meridian street. After a brief coloquy a collision followed, Cutting eeizin a crock displayed in front of the store and throwing it at Wharton, knocking od his hat and rakicg the sculp as it dew across the top of his head. A second and heavier c.-ock was batter aimed, striking Wharton in the forehead and felling him to th) pavement. The sharp edges cut the skin for au inch or more, from which he bled quite freely, and at tint onvejed the impression that he was very eeriously Injured. Several gentlemen then interfered and the hostilities were brought to a cloee, Mr. Wharton's injuries being dressed at the Surgical Institute. Cutting gave bond for his appearance, t PE1WONAL, MENTION Dr. J. M. I unlap has returnee from a ih rt tripKast. Madame Sweenie leaves for New York the latter part of the week. Mrs. Chord, wltli her daughter, Mrs. J. F. Rtudebaker, are visiting Mrs. Drapier, at 01 North New Jersey street. Ulnk Note Manager Cutter, ot the College Avenue llink, promhea :i fine game of foot ball this evening for the amuteoient ot his numerous fcalrohs. The fourth fancy dress carnival of the sea eon will take place at the Y Ig tram Ulnk this evening. A fine list of prizes is o.Tcred for v.irloua superior coatumea. A private telegram from I.oulavllle to a friend In this city states that in a race between I'rlnce Wells, the champion bicyclist, and Walter lan champion roller abater ot this city, the latter was the winner by half a lap. The time for the ii rut mile was and for three miles 1 1 :u i, tbe fattest time ever made in t rink In the tjonth. Tbe Meridian Kink is doing a fine butinexa. The floor Is kept in excellent condition. Music evety evening and Wcdnnday and Saturday afternoons. Tho tderideU"Qhn Ho;Uty. The following la tha program inn of tbe oncert to be given to night by the MenJelehon Society at l'ly mouth Church i Part rtral Ofrrturc. "Uomo n l Jultrf I listUnit, by orchestral i art wu:,";'co tne It i c f j Plowinit" I Itrcy I. rhoru! !, ".ta oal rla IMuMeri, Mrs. Jhn r. Nw; Hti ymj i"f lUietliortni, Alaio atil Allrgw con rl, Atidanto LaiitaMlo ott Mulld. MiuucU). Adaslii and Allrtru Molto, by urt iitstra. , , I art Hi-rurnt-ijuartet, Uin. I .'. I , Alltsro Moderatn. Allegro W.Ito. Mtii.Ie.aaohii Mrlnic M'UMf ti alo. "liiou Jliifttot ! Jt btc 1 1, Mr. I.. A. Io hcrj fart som. "Hpf na I I .. Ulli, (honuj timturc "Aucuu t -lu-ruUoii, by orthc tra. The Younir I'eople a O. T. U. ' The Young People's Christian Temperance Union will hold II regular meeting this evening at theW.C T. U. lMrlors, 7d North l'ennaylvanla ttreet. A short a Idrara by Itev. K. A. Bradley, music by the bail talent in the cltf, elc, glte promise of a pleasant evening. All frienda, eapaclally younf people, t re cordially iavlteJ to ba pttieot.