Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-03-13

HOLES SIX FEET DEEP EXCAvATED IN SOLID
ROCK AT A DISTANCE OF 900 YARDS.
The second test of dynamite projectiles took
place yesterday afternoon OH the banks OF the
Pot mac, about half way between the Aqueduct
and the Chain bridges the District authorities
having refused permission for further expert.
ments within the city limits. Four shots were
fired, six-inch shells carrying eleven-pound
charges of nitro-gelatine being used. Nitro
gelatine contains 95 per cent Of pure nitro
glycerine. The range was one thousand yards,
and the target was a perpendicular ledge of
solid trap-rOck ON the south bank of the river
The first shell struck near the eastern margin
OF the ledge and exploded by concussion SHAT
tering the face Of the rock for q radius of about
thirty feet, and carrying away several tons OF
debris which were hurled for hundreds OF yards
up and down the stream. The second she'll
struck nearly in the center OF the ledge, expiod.
Ing as before. 1t opened a cavity In the lace of
the ledge about twenty-five feet in diameter,
ana eXcavated pit or crater about SIN feet
deep. Some of the fragments of rock from this
explosion were hurled half mile, one piece
weighing nearly twelve pounds being thrown
clear across the canal and lodging near farm
house adjoining the Georgetown reservoir.
Of ra
Anon: nose present were several olncers OF
the ar -, and navy, the military and naval at
taches "a the German, French and Italian lega-
tions. and the Russian minister in person. The
trial WAS regarded as success in every respect,
and as q conclusive proof of the destructive
power of the siX-inch shells. The next test In
the series will be made in few days with eight
inch shells, carrying thirty-five pound charges
of nitro-gelatine. 1t is possible that the next
trial will have to be made at Fortress Monroe or
Sandy Hook. The members of the foreign lega-
ton present manifested great interest In the
trial, particularly the Russian minister and the
German military attache, who took cOpiOus
notes of the proceedings.
some OF the military ana naval experts pres
shells fired would have completely wrecked any
unarmored ship atloat, and seriously racked the
strongest ironclad.
The total weight of the six inch brass shells
used In yesterdays experiments IS about fifty
pounds. After the second shot small frag
mcnt OF rock was Embedded in thetrunk of q tree
near where DIR. Bliss was standing watching the
experiments. The doctor dug the piece OF rock
out and kept it as souvenir. The cost of each
shot yesterday was about So.
THE EASTERN BASE BALL LEAGUE-Man-
ager Seaman represented the Nationals at the
meeting of the Eastern Base Ball league in
Philadelphia yesterday. 1t was decided to
objection Of Manager Barne, OF the he Baltimore
American Association club. Mr.. Currie, of
Philadeiphia; Quinn, of Brooklyn Holland, of
appointed official umpires, at salary of S16O
month, they to pay their own travelling ex-
penses;: It was decided; however, that the
cities on April 25. A large force is now at work
enlarging and improving the National grounds
in this city.
THE CARROLL 1NsTIrUTE.-The Carroll Insti-
tute last night adopted resolutions of regret at
Is oA - hoiitui cicCtSu
the following delegates to the convention of the
Archdiocesan Union to be held in Baltimore on
the 23d instant: Delegates, Ed. J. Hannah,
Thomas j. King, A. +. Bart, Thomas V. Smith,
i. +. May; alternates, j. Z. Stack, A. j. Doyle,
d. NJ. Kennedy, George Bogus, John b. Murray.
FOUND $500 AND CAME TO WAsHINGTON.-
William McCullagh, u liquor dealer, lost $500
i'll Il saloon at % West 18th street, New York
city, on March 2 A man who picked up the
roll of bills gave half the money to Charles H.
Ellis OF 40 West 18th street, who was in the
loon, and the two came to Washington to at
tend the inauguration. Ellis went back to New
York last Tuesday night and was arrested.
Affairs I'm West Washington.
ACTION OF CANAL BOATMEN.-At meeting
Of canal boatmen, held at Williamsport Md,
several days ago, action was taken declaring
twelve cents per ton trippage too high with
frelghtS at seventy cents. Ten dollars per trip
was agreed upon as fair compensation, and
hearty Endorsement was given the acton of
the Cumberland bOatmen in regard to the
IN; tier.
4 SLIGHT FIRE.-Last night, about halfpast
nine o'clock, a fire was discovered in the fur
nisbing store Of Mr.. A. Baer, No. 1928 NJ street.
4 lot of clothing, valued at $50, was destroyed
by fire and water. The fire was caused by some
clothing igniting from stove. The house was
slightly damaged.
THE EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION.-A mass
meeting was held at Potomac Hall ON WedneS-
day evening by the colOred citizens of West
Washington, to perfect the arrangements for
the emancipation celebration on the 10th of
April. Committees ON finance and arrange
ments were appointed.