Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 April 1896 — SPAIN MUST REFORM. [ARTICLE]

SPAIN MUST REFORM.

OLNEY CABLES INSTRUCTION TO MINISTER TAYLOR. Calls Attention to Broken Promises— Awful Record of a Murderer In s Michigan Town Ancient German Bcandal Results in a Duel. To Intercede for Cuba. An important official dispatch bearing on Cuban affairs has been sent to Madrid from the State Department. It was signed by Secretary Olney’and addressed to Minister attitude of the administration in the Cuban question. The dispatch is ajong one. -lla fonr principal points ace: 1. The President proposes that Spain accept mediation on the part of the United States looking to a settlement - of existing differences between the Spanish Government and thp Cubans. 2. It refers to the correspondence between the State Department and the Madrid authorities in 1870, in which Spain promised to inaugurate go vernmental reforms In Cuba, which promise, it is said, has not been fulfilled. 3. It says the present rebellion in Cuba is more serious and widespread than any which have arisen in recent years, and , that the insurgents control practically all of Cuba except Havana and the near neighborhood. 4. It assures Spain of the kindliest motives on the part of the United States in seeking to bring about a pacific condition of affairs in Cuba, and urges that the good offices of this country be accepted in the spirit proffered. Shoots Five Dead. A bold attempt was made on the life of-William-B; 0. Sands, president ofthe Sands & Maxwell Lumber Company, of Pentwater, Mich., Thursday night. Mr. Sands had been at the office of the com : pany engaged In work and left for his home shortly after 9 o’clock. When within a lew yards of his home a man jumped from behind a corner of a street and commenced firing at him with a gun. Mr. Sands ran across the street to his home, the would-be assassin following and keeping up a fire. Five shots were fired in all, three finding resting places in Mr. Sands’ right arm and one in the leg. Suspicion pointed to H. B. Minchall, a local insurance agent and attorney, and it was decided to place him under arrest. The officers found his residence locked and broke in the door. A horrible sight was presented. Mrs. Midehall was lying upon the floor of the sitting room with a bullet hole in her temple. Near her was the dfead body of her daughter Ruby, about 16 years of age. In a corner of the same room lay Mincliall with an empty revolver clutched in his hnnd. He, too, was dead. In an adjoining bedroom were found the bodies of George, aged 4, and his infant brother. They were in bed together and death had evidently come upon them while they slept. The motive for Minchall’s crimes is still a mystery. Minchall came three years ago from Chicago. Ancient German Scandal Revived. There was a sensation in Berlin court and military circles Friday morning when it was announced that another duel growing out of the great cotfrt anonymous-let-ter scandals had'taken place in the woods near Potsdam, and that Baron von Schrader, master of the ceremonies of the Prussian court, had been shot and seriously wounded by Count von Kotze. The latter was formerly court chamberlain, and was acquitted on the jjharge of being the author of the anonymous communications alluded to. Baron von Schrader was taken to a hospital, where his wound was pronounced to be of a most serious nature. Count von Kotze’s arrest has been ordered, and his friends say he will surrender to the authorities whenever and wherever called upon to do so. This is the third duel of tlie scries of about a dozen for which challenges were sent out last April by Count von Kotze, and he repeated Friday his announce.ucnt of his determination to beep on fighting his enemies, one by cme, until he has settled accounts with all on his list. Those who know Count von Kotze feel confident that he will keep his word - . Budget for Fortifications. The House Committee on Appropriations Friday reported the bill for fortifications and other works of- defense, for their armament, and for heavy ordnance for trial and service, for the fiscal year wipeh begins next July, The hill recommends specific npproi>rintions amounting to $5,842,000, and in addition authority is given to the Secretary of War to make contracts for the further expenditure of $5,542,000 by the engineer and ordnance departments, making a total authorized expenditure of $11,384,000.