davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26
FIRE AT THE CAPITOL.
Flames i'm the File Room Of the House.
NARROW ESCAPE OF VALUABLE HISTORICAL RECORDS
FROM DEST RUCTION.

The Capitol was thrown into a state OF Wild e1-
citement this morning by the discovery OF nre
under the iron roof of the House of Representa-
tives, just over the file room, where are stored all
the valuable records Of Congress. About q quarter
before eleven O'Clock this morning. before many of
the members had arrived, a few large sparks were
seen to fall upon the floor OF the House from the
roof above, which in q minute increased to quite
a shower Of f1re About the same time some one on
the dome was.seen to wave his hands and shout. TO
attract attention to the roof below him The few
pages rushed for the doors and for a moment they
seemed to expect an explosion and see repetition
Of sa5nrGays scene in the British house
upper loft OF the n,e-room The fear OF dynamite
for the narrow iron staircase that leads to the flag
platform about the stan and tho stan itself were
through.and the flames were eating away the wood
work IN the room and the leather covers of the old
records had begun TO curl up with the heat Assist
ant Doorkeeper Chauncey and couple of Capitol
policemen were the first on the scene, and handed
out the boxes OF papers to the employees OF the
nleroom ne % and Others who were soon gathered about
burnt through in several places. For several min
utes nothing could be dbne, as there was no water
and narrow iron staircase running up three stories
upon which two men cannot pass each other. Az
ter some delay, however. buckets OF water were
hre alarm, but before the fire department could
spond and get the hose on the roof the IRE was all
out except few smoulderng embers
In the room to which the IRE was confined were
stored the records OF the first session OF Congress-
with all the original reports OF committees Of the
proceedings of the House, and reports Of the var-
GUS heads OF departments. including some valuable
reports dated $780, The close proximity Of the fire
TO these volumes rendered 1t almost miraculous
that they were not burned They could never nave
been replaced, and their loss would have been q
great misfortune.
The members OF Congress expressed surprise and
uneasiness that there should be such a lack OF
means OF extinguishing fire breaking out In this
way. The fire was remote, not easily accessible
and its origin could not be traced. Had II started
In among the musty volumes, it might have been
accredited to spontaneous combustion but the fact
that the books were not burned at all-the fire
starting in clear, open space-excluded such
theory. The exact amount OF damage done could
not be estimated at once, but 1t will not prove to be
great-not beyond two or three hundred dollars,
perhaps-though the sparks falling through to the
door OF the hall may have done more damage than
is known.
Later.-The fire is supposed to have been started
by electricity, as number OF the wires used in
lighting the hall pass the point where the fire
began.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26

BALTMoRE, January 26-The annual meeting OF
the members OF the Corn and Flour exchange was
held to-day, when the report OF the president and
directors was presented The report shows tho
exchange TO be In a good financial condition: tho
receipts have been sufficient 10 meet all expenses,
with surplus The trade OF the past year was not
so large that OF the year preceding, but the
suit was gratifying In comparison with the grain
trade OF other ports The annual election Is now
prOgreSSing.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26
From waIl Street To-day.

NEW YORK, January 26-Mall street, IL a m
The stock market opened duh and the movement
was slow during the morning. The principal trad
ing was in Delaware, Lsckawanna and Western
which was 4 better at opening ana sold h higher.
Traders sold the stock. Other coalers were Trac-
uonally better. Erie EDS strongest at = advance.
Business In bonds was confined almost exclusively
TO Lachawanna and the GrangeTs. Northwest
opened . on and sold up y 10 seT. 81 Paul
gained q I'm the first hour. NanderbilIs a better
for Central ana "a for Lake Shore. Brokers report
supporting orders in the market
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26
Letter of Gen. R. T.. Lee.

Letter of Gen. R. T.. Lee.
ADvIsiEG JEFFERSON DAVIS OF THE DEsIRABILIrY
Or ENCOURAGING TIE PEACE PARTY OF THE
NORTH.
letter purporting to have been written by Gen.
r. E. Lee to Jefferson Davis and dated "Headuuar-
ters Army OF Northern Virginia, June 10, 1862 is
made public. The writer discusses the prospects
OF peace and calls attention TO the necessity of the
south doing what 1t can to encourage the peace
party at the north, In order to divide its enemies
II for no other purpose. After advertng to the S,(
perior numbers OF the enemy Gen. Lee continues:
''We should not conceal from ourselves that our re-
sources In men are constantly diminishing and the
disprOpOrtiOn in this respect between us and our
enemies, Ii they continue united in their efforts to
OF the aggregate OF this army as disclosed by the
returns, affords an illustration or this fact It's
effective strength varies from time to time but the
failing OF In It's aggregate shows that its ranks
growing weaker and that Its losses are not sup
piled by recruits Under these circumstances we
should neglect no honorable means OF dividing and
weakening our enemies, that they may feel some OF
the difficulties experienced by ourselves 1t seems
to me that the most effectual mode OF ACCOMPLISH
Ing this object, now within our reach, Is to give all
the encouragement We can, consistently with
truth, to the rising peace party OF the north Should
the belief that peace will bring back the Union be-
come general The war would no longer be sup
ported, and that, after all, iSwhat We are inter-
ested In bringing about"
FORMER U. S MARSHAL TO BE HANGBD.-At Nash
Col VIM. spence, formerly u S. marshal for the
middle district Of Tennessee, TO bo hanged on the
18th OF next March for the murder OF Col Edward
Wheat, his Son-in-law, and successor to the posi-
ton OF marshal spence, who Will be 20 years Old
next month, manifested no emotion whatever, but
sat upright In his chair while the opinion was
being read, and gazed with unflinching eye at the
judges.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26
into law for the punishment of such outrageS. Re-
ferred to the committee on foreign affairs
THE EDMUNDs DYNAMITE BILL.
BILLS int

into law for the punishment OF such outrages. Re.
IerTeo TO the committee on foreign affairs
THE EDMUNDs DYNAMITE BILL
Bills were further introduced and referred as
follows:
By Mr.: Dorsheimer (N. Y.>-The ''Edmunds" bill
Tor the punishment OF crimes committed by means
OF explosive compounds.
Capitol Topics.
THE ARMY APPROPRIATION BILL.
The House committee on appropriations to-day
reported the army appropriation bill. 1t provides
for an appropriation OF 81, O5a The estimates
amounted to 1049O. The bill further provides
that when any cadet OF the United States military
ceived regular degree from the academic stan, he
shall be considered aScandidate for commission
IN any corps for the duties of which he may be
corps he may be attached to it by the President
an additional second lieutenant until a vacancy
shall happen.
THE INDIAN LEASES INVESTIGATION.
In the Senate investigation Of Indian leases to-
day Mr.. Thomas E. Berry was recalled. He testified
that he wrote to Indian Commissioner Price In
June, 1888, making charges against e. B. Town
Send, the lndlan agent and the witness also pro-
duced an executive document (No. 5l containing q
letter which, he cOntended, advised Mr.. Price OF
the do1ngs OF Townsend long before the date the
commissioner admitted knowledge OF those charges.
Commissioner Price and his statement that the
charges against Townsend were not made until
Just before the latter went out of Office.
TO RELIEVE THE HOUSE CALENDAR.
There large number OF bills on the House calen-
dsr to the passage Of which there is not the least
objection, and they could get through in very
few minutes each, but they are so far down on the
calendar that there is no chance of reaching them
In the regular order. number OF resolutions with
the view of rendering 1t possible to dispose Of these
have been offered and referred to the committee on
rules. This committee will meet tomorrow morn
Ing, when an effort will be made to mature prop
ositfon that will enable members to call up and
dispose OF unobjected business
THE NICARAGUAN TREATY.
The prospect OF the ratification of the Ncaraguan
treaty at this session Of the Senate is not regarded
as very fattering. Senator Shermans recent speech
against 1t, showing that it had been the continued
policy OF this government to recognize the Clayton
Buiwer treaty as in force is said to have turned
number OF Senator'S. who prior to that favored the
treaty.
THE AGRICULTURAL BILL PASSED.
In the House, Saturday, after THE STAR report
closed, on motion OF Mr. Dibble Is. C.), an amend
ment was adopted to the agricultural appropria-
ton bill approprating s. 600 for the cultivation and
distribution OF the tea-plant OF the government
farm The committee then rose, and the bill was
passed.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26
James ID. Fish,s Trial po.,pouea.

NEW YORK, January 26.-1he Case OF James ID.
Fish, late president OF the Marine bank was called
for trial to-day In the United states circuit court
Mr Fish Is indicted for violating the United states
banking laws. His counsel asked for an adlourn-
ment, on the ground that a humber or material
witnesses were absent from the city, and the case
went over 10 the next term Of tie court.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26

OTTAWA, ONT, January 26-The minister Of
agriculture has delivered decision In the case OF
the Bell telephone company, declaring the patent
void for the reason that the company or Its repre-
sentaives had imported the patented articles after
twelve months from the date Of the patent; also
for not having manufactured n Canada such arti-
cles TO the extent required by law after two years
OF existence OF their privilege, and also Tor having
refused TO sell or deliver licenses TO persons willing
TO pay reasonable price for the private and free
use OF the patented invention.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26
Mail Contracts Awarded.

THE NAMES OF THE BIDDERS FOR ROUTES IN THIS
VICINITY.
Contracts for carrying the mails in Maryland for
four years, beginning next July, have been awarded
by the Post Office department. The following are
In the vicinity OF the District: From Washington
by Fort Foote, Fort Washington, Mount Vernon
Marshall Hall, Gunston, to GlymOnt, 29L miles
and back, six times week, Thomas Adams, s2l3O
From LnkwOot TO Vienna, six times week, W H
Smith, s2i9. From Salisbury to Quantico y. L.
John E. Dashiel, $3.50. From Leonardtown to Holly.
wood, J. B. C0legrove, 1929 From Piney Point to
Great Mills, F. A Smith, 1858. From Leonardtown
to COrnfeld, W. II. Smith, S1,140 From Glymont
TO Pisgah, Frederick Nelson, 500 From Laurel to
BroOkeV1lle, six times a week. B. w. Beedy, 1890
From Laurel to Dayton, six times week, B. w.
Beedy, $500. From Thrift to Marshall Hall three
ant TO Washington, eight miles and back. three
times week, A. T. Henderson, s139 50. From Rock
vile to DawsOnville, six times week, J. ID. Smith,
1885, From Rockville to MOntrosa, six times a
week, D. j. curtain, tl9. From Avenel to Bright
wood, six times week, ". II. Smith, $474. From
Brookeviile TO Rockville, six times a week J. d.
Smith, 1927. From Potomac to Rockville, six times
Cabin John, to Great Falls, six times week. j. B.
Coegrove s49l From Washington, by George
town, Saint Adams and Tenley to Bethesda
six times week, W. II. Smith, S244. From Ana.
costa to Washington, twelve times week B. W.
Reedy, $500 From Anacosta, by Suitland, Forrest
Vile and Meadows, TO Upper Marlboro six times
week, w. II. Smith. $500. From AnacoStia, by Gar
field. Oxen Hill, Temples and Camp Spring, to Gin.
ton, six times week, j. X. Lusby, $4OO.
The contract for carrying the mail from Wash
ington to COrnfield Harbor will be awarded after
Reimbursement.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26
Lieut.. Schwatka,s Resignation.

THE FACTS IN THE CASE.
The facts in regard to the resignation of Lieut..
Frederick Schwatka, L. s. A., as obtained from the
records Of the War department, are as follows In
June last he applied TO Brig. Gen. Miles, command
ing the department Of the Columbia, for one years
leave OF absence, with permission to 60 abroad,
with the understanding that he would resign from
the service at the expiration Of his leave The ap-
pcation was disapproved by the department COM
mander, who said, however that he would approve
an application for leave until December 81 Under
date OF July Lieut.. Schwatka rendered his resig-
nation, and applied for six months leave This
was forwarded TO the War department, and the
resignation was accepted to take effect January 81
1885, and leave granted until that date On the 18th
OF December communication was received from
senators Logan and DOlph saying that Lieut.
Schwatka had resigned but now desired TO be
placed on the retired list OF the army, which prv-
lege he believed himself entitled to because OF In
urles to his eyes received In the service The Sena
tors therefore asked that he be ordered before
retiring board, and that his resignation be held in
abeyance until the board reported. The applica-
tion was disapproved Consequently Lieut.
Schwatka's connection with the service Will cease
On the 31St inst
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26
CLEVELAND AND HIS CABINET.
His Visit to New York City to Consult
Leading DemOcrats-A Young Con.
necticut Democrat for Cabinet
Place.

nectAcut DemOCK8t 1Of u cabinet
Place.
1t Is pretty well understood that in short time
Mr.. Cleveland will visit New York city for the pur-
pose of consulting with democratic leaders. He
will take rooms at the Fifth Avenue hotel and WILL
it is said, be Eat home" to democrats who have
views TO the composition Of the cabinet and the
policy OF the next administration. In making this
move Mr.. Cleveland is consulting the convenience
OF those whom be wants to see and those who want
to see him, as New York city is much nearer Wash
tngtOn than Albany. The proposed consultations
Will have much to do with the construction of the
cabinet. The opinion prevails among some of the
democrats who have had facilities for learning
something Of the President-elect's ideas about his
cabinet, mat nat he wants active practical business
rally known as the "young democracy" 1t is said
that Mr.. Cleveland does not regard Old age as es-
Sential to success in the administration OF any
branch OF the government. but that on the con-
trary he has idea that men in the full vigor of
physical and mental life are likely to do better
than men who have fallen into the sere and yellow
OF late there has been some earnest talk about
Representative Mitchell, OF Connecticut, for the
accumulated fortune by business enterprise and
application. 1t is no secret that ex-Gov. Waller is
not popular among the democratic leaders OF his
state, or at least that he Is unpopular enough to
be strongly opposed for the cabinet. Ex-senator
Eaton, who has been mentioned, Is somewhat ad-
vanced In years, and Mr.. Mitchell is spoken of by
nlS friends as ''the very sort OF man Cleveland
likes' In the last campaign Mr.. Mitchell is cred
tied with having done more practical work towards
carrying Connacticut than any of his party as
SOcfates. He devoted himself entirely to the work.
knowing the state would be close, and succeeded
1nroiing up an increased majority In his district,
which carried the electoral vote through. 1t is
Claimed for Connecticut that she is entitled to a
caoinet position. and, taking such hints as Mr.
Cleveland has dropped about the kind OF men ne
friends maintain that he flls the bill more accu-
ratey than any other party leader OF the state.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26

The Heaviest Ever known.

TERRIBLE ACCOUNTS oF THE DISASTERS CAUSED By
THK GREAT SNOW STORMS IN THK ALPS
ROME. January e6-The snow fan on tie Italian
Alps IS the heaviest within the memory OF mau.
Terrible accounts arrive from the villages DESTROYED.
IL is calculated that 50 far as known, go lives
have been lost through the storms The trool<
have displayed much heroism In enecting rescues.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26

11Itt1uY NJ tRe C0f0mefCf6I ITe0tfes,
TO GET AN IMPRESSION OF NEMRERS VIEWS
There ia talk OF introducing resolution into the
House, similar to that of Mr.. Hurd's, considered
Friday, only that It is to apply to strictly revenue
bills. 1t is understood to be aimed at the CONNER
cial treaties The idea is to get an expression of
the House as 70 the authority OF the President ana
the Senate to make treaties affecting the revenue
The opposition to the treaties seems to be getting
stronger and its opponents say they can never be-
come effective They say that, besides the danger
attending any acknowledgment OF the Senate's au-
tnority, majority OF the members win oppose the
Ot fnsa fmnaafng any treaty with foreign gov
revenues, which might become necessary at any
time BY the government becoming involved In war,
or IN any other way placed under extraordinary
expense ME. Curtin, chairman OF the foreign
Affairs committee, says he believes the Spanish
treaty can never pass The Mexican treaty, he
thinke however, Is favored by the House, ard,
though he has not looked into the Nicaraguan
treaty carefully, he thinks II may 60 through.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26

GRE.GRANT'SWARR AR RELICS sSECURE.-MrS. Grant has
given her consent to Mr. VanderbiltS proposition
to secure to the government perpetual possession
OF Gen. Grants war relics and the souvenirs OF his
famous around-the-w world journey: The relics were
part OF the security for the $l500O0 loan that M
Grant Ward, and became Mr.. vanderbilt's prop
erty when Gen. Grant confessed judgment for the
to deed the relics and other property back to Gen.
Grant, but Mrs. Grant refused % accept the Offer
When he changed the oifer 70 proposition
to make her trustee Of the relics with
the understanding that they should become
the property Of the government &C Gen
Grants death, she readily consented, and, on jan
uary 10, deed was executed transferring the relics
to her.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26
THE DEADLOCK AT SPRsNGrIEID
The State Officers-eiecs Trying 90 ars
range 90 Get Their Names ON ths



SrRISGFIxLD. III, January 26.-The delay IN MAJ
ing the Official canvass or the vote Tor state ocerS
consequent upon the failure OF the house organ
lie, has kept Gov Oglesby and the other oficials-
elect who are not their own SUCCESSORS out OF their
respective positions for two weeks At the outset
the matter was only a source OF little vexatiol,
but IL has now become expensive. The men whom,
they 20 succeed not only In possession OF the
Offices but or the salaries Well These newly
elected officers want 10 compromise this trouble
10 an extent, at least that will permit them 60 get
INTO their positions and their names on the pay
roll During the recess OF the legislature they haVs
fixed up proposition which their friends Will sub
NIT when the two houses assemble. They propose
that a resolution be passed recognizing the house
as being under temporary organization only, yet
inviting the senate TO meet With the purpose OF
conducting the canvass.
Mgr. Benoit Dying of blood Poisoning
CHICAGO, January eG-A telegram from Fort
Wayne, Ind, says Mgr. Julian Benoit, CT Fort
Wayne, member OF the papal household. and one
OF the most eminent churchInen In America. Is dy-
ing OF blood poisoning. The dispatch states he IL
calmly waiting the end, surrounded by Bishop
Dwenger, oi the diocese OF Fort Wayne, and meIn-
DeTS OF The household
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26
6S FRENCH CAfERER
CHARLES r. RITZ.
Successor to J. p. Crutchet
Yo0A n -

n ready to send every part of the United Stataa his
exquisite Stewed Terrapn the national dish Of this
eoSSntry S which is the dssifht IN Dinner Reception.
Jelly iatss-ds foieseras and Game Chicken CroQuetts
and others Paties Shells. aud Vols au eIit empty or
garnshine: Oysters in every styis, and Sandwiches
Bel and Chicken Broth, Consoun.es and Soups Meat
Jelly &c always hand by the pint quart and galon
Delivered promptly BY teephouinx to the house Cali
@O< d6-2m
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26
Mr.. Cleveland to Stop i'm Baltimore
March I'D.

The Baltimore american says that rooms have
been engaged at the Mount Vernon hotel. In that
city, for Presidenuelect Cleveland. who will spend
March there, preparatory to the Inauguration on
the day following in Washington. The rooms
chosen are the blue suite, the handsomest In the
house, ana It is proposed to make his stay there as
pleasant as possible. No visitors VIII be admitted
eXcept those he wishes to see.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26
~p SAMUEL s. SHEDD
FINE GAS FIXTURES
cOLoRED AND DECORATED GLOBES AND
SHADES.
DUPLEX. MOEHRINa AND STUDENT Lamps
4Os NINTH STREET NORTHWEST

~e CHRISTMAS GOODS.
TTRrs add addition & to my large stock Of GAS FIX
Lamps Brass Andirons Fire Sets and Fenders Also
large assortment Of BRASS ORNAMENTS Fancy POP
celain Elowered Vases. Baskets. etc.
dl3 esl 18th street Corc,,-n Is,Us,e
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26

~a FRANCIS HUFTY. J. TARBELL DYER
HUFTY DYER
REAL ESTATE INSURANCE.. NOTE AND STOCK
BROKERS'.
1901 Street Northwest
Real Estate bought. sold and rented The collection
ance will receive special attention
We viii also buy and sell commission Government
Bonds District and other first class investments securi-
ties
Money to loan Real Estate ON collateral security
jal2 I'm
~ THE WASHINGTON GAsLIGHT COMPANY
The Stockholders Of the WASHINGTON GASLIGHT
COMPANY hereby notified that their annual meet
ing for the choice Of Directors for the ensuing year
viii be he'd at the Office of the Company MONDAY.
February 2 1855
Polls open from IL In to pm.
jal5-d CIiAS. b. BAILEY. Secretary
~ OFFICE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE INAU.
~ DURATION CEREMONl les Proposals. will be
received until THURSDAY January 29th at IL O'Clock
for the privilege Of public stands upon the
various Government reservations located on Pennsyl
vania avenue. between 18th street west
for the occasion Of the March 4h
1855 '
Communications will be addressed to Committee on
Public Reservations" 1877 NV 1a22 "a 26 % At
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26

LONDON, January 26- Intense anxiety is felt for
the fate OF Gen. Stewart The war ofIice had re-
ceived no further tidings from him up TO noon to-
day. Dispatches are expected every hour, and the
officials make no effort 10 conceal their deepening
disappointment as they stiu fail TO come. Alarm
ing rumOrs are flying about the city concerning
the fate OF the brave fellows who fought at Abu
Klea wells and then disappeared In the desert be
yond- The apprehension that serious disaster
has occurred Is gaining ground. The transport
Deccan has been ordered to be in readiness TO
convey q regiment 70 Malta, and from there TO
Egypt II occasion requires
dispatch from Alexandria 70 the Exchange
Telegraph company says Gen. Lord Wolseiey has
sent reinforcements from Koru TO Gen. Stewart,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26
SPECIAL NOTICES.

rp WESLEY CHAPEL-REvIvAL SERVICES
t~S TONIGHT at Z: 80 conducted by the pastor
Rev. RICHARD NORRIS. Lecture Tomorrow Night by
Rev Dr. CARRow. Admission free. 1t
rS REWARD ,-S25 REWARD FOR THE AR
eS rest and conviction OF any stealing white
porcelain letters put up by W. b. STOOPS, 3lS Sth
street northwest It,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-01-26

Comments Of the London Papcrs-Sat.
tsfactiOn at the Introduction Of the
Edmunds Hill I'm the Senase-kfun.
dreds of Rifles Destroyed i'm n e