Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-28
CRUELTY In A NAVY.
Apparent Severity Explained Away
in Germany's Reichstag.
U. S. MINISTER PHELPS IN EGYPT.
The Fatherland Wants Much More Space in
the Worlds Fair.
PERSONAL PALAvER. FROM BERLIN


OF the navy estimates in the Reichstag,
Herr Metzger, a Socialist, drew the atteD-
tion of the House to the cases of iIl-treat-
ment of marines at Wilhelmshaven.
Admiral Holman replied to Herr Metz
ger, declaring no, punishment had been in
fiicted except such as provided by law.
Several marines, he said, had been punished
for overstaying their leave of absence.
They had declared that, in spite Of this
punishment, they would repeat the offense
whenever they had chance. This insub-
ordination on the part of a few had led
their comrades to fear general curtail-
ment.of leaves of absence, and they, there
fore, avenged themselves on the malcon-
tents by thrashing them with ropes end.
This rough treatment had not been cruel.
The offenders had, according to the Ad-
miral, been suitably punished.
Germany's Need for a Navy.
Herr Richter, the Radical leader opposed
an increase in the number of torpedo officers
on the ground that the navy played only a
secondary role in war; Admiral Holman
defended the proposed increase, arguing
that the needs of the South American naval
station demanded it.
Chancellor Won Caprivi said there was
need that the number OF men-of-war on for
eign stations should be increased in proper
tion to the growth of the worlds trade. 1t
might become necessary to unite with naval
forces of other countries for the protection
of the mercantile marine, but, at the same
time, the German navy should be strong
enough to afford such protection unaided
It was true that in war the navy played
only a secondary role, but a strong navy
would relieve the land forces in afording
protection to the coasts. In naval warfare
the hrst important engagement was generally
decisive of the outcome of the entire con-
fict. The navy, therefore, must be strong
and quickly mobilizable.
Herr Richter, in a speech in response to
the Chancellor's, advocated alliances be-
tween the German navy and the naval forces
OF other powers.
Minister Phelps in Egypt.
Advices received here report that the
William Walter Phelps, the United States
Minister, now visiting Egypt, will start on
his return from Assouan March 16. He has
been to Luxor, where the American Consul,
Archold, an Arab, who has been there %
years, entertained Mr.. Phelps and his party
with fete, including a dance by Nautch
girls.
The same Consul entertained General
The Consul has General Grants portrait on
the wall, and all the windows of his house
are covered with American flags. Mr..
Phelps presented him with handsome
watch which Jesse Seligman, the New York
banker, had sent to him as recognition of
his services to Americans.
While the party were at Assouan the
garrison there got up races between natives
and camels and a tug-of-war between semi
nude denizens of the Soudan to amuse the
party.
Mr.. Phelps Meets Famous People.
Major Wissman, the well-known German
officer who is seeking to regain in Egypt
the health he lost on the East coast of
Africa and in the iungles of that country,
also entertained Mr. Phelps when he was at !
Luxor. Mr.. Phelps met Sir Samuel Baker |
aboard his ''Dahabeah," and was presented |
to the Grown Princess of Sweden on board |
the "Dahabeah."
Herr Wermuth, German Imperial Com |
missioner to the Chicago Worlds Fair wor-
ries over the lack of space for the German |
department. He was promised more, and |
has accepted offers from intending exhib- |
itors sufficient to fill all the space offered |
On receiving the plans he finds that nearly |
one-third of the available space is absorbed |
by promenades and other things. He has
written protesting against this. Herr !
krupp, the gun manufacturer, has notified
Herr Wermuth that he intends to make an
important exhibitsthat will involve the e1-
penditure of 500, 600 marks.
Stray Items and Personals.
A man named Howard, who claims to be |
q member of Buffalo Bills Company. has
been arrested for swindling
b. p. Belheld, of the United States De-
partment of Labor is here studying the
German school system.
Prof Virchow is writing an article refut-
ing the renewed charges that there is dis
ease in the American pork imported into
his country.
Colonel Murphy has started for st. Peters
burg under orders from Secretary Rusk to
attend the distribution of food supplies
'ent from the United States to help famine
sufferers.
An American known as Evans, who has
,een confined for years in the Ployzensee
prison, has suddenly became insane. The
authorities suspect that he is shamming.
BE is a dangerous criminal. When his SEN
ence expires in the Ployzensee prison he
Sill be sent to Austria. where he will be
ried on charges hanging over him there.
The name Evans is an alias. He belongs to
wealthy Philadelphia family. His real
lame is kept secret out of regard for his
ged mother.
mark Twain" was pleased at the treat
nent accorded him at the banquet given by
feDeral Van Versen. Mr.. Clemens sat at
he right of the Emperor and maintained a
lively conversation with him.
MRS. DEACON MEETS HER HUSBAND.