davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1894-12-21
The Judge Advocate General to Be
Retired This Month.
MANY COMPETITORS FOR THE PLACE
Prevailing Impression That Col.
Norman G. lieber Will Get It.
WELL PAID AND IMPORTANT

Brig Gen. David G.. Swain, judge advo-
cate general of the army, will be placed on
the retired list before the close Of the
present month, and an appointment to
that mCst desirable office will be at the
disposal Of the President. Gen. Swain's re-
tirement will be compulsory, and will be-,
so 1t Is said, In strict accordance with an
arrangement made with that officer when
the President recently RENTED the unex-
pired portion Of his sentence of suspension
and restored him to duty. His retirement
will be ordered under law which au-
thoriZes the President to retire an officer
of the army who is over sixty-two years
of age. Gen. Swain will celebrate his six
ty-second birthday tomorrow, and will be
eligible for compulsory retirement from
that day.
Col. Lieber is Really Judge Advocate.
Although Gen. Swain was nominally re-
stored to duty several weeks ago, he has
not exercised any of the functions Of the
office. except in the matter of salary and
emoluments. All the duties have been per-
formed by Col. Norman G. Leber, assist
ant judge advocate general, who has. in
fact, been acting judge advocate general
of the army since Gen. Swain was sus-
pended many years ago. Although there
are a number of strong candidates for the
prospective vacancy, 1T is generally accept
ed as an assured thing in military circles
that the appointment will go to Col. Lieber.
He Is next in line Of promotion and has
shown his capacity for the position by per-
forming all the duties pertaining to 1t
without receiving the salary.
Form fdubIe Competitors for the Place
Gen. Doe. assistant secretary Of war; IL
not a candidate for the office, and 1t Is
said has no expectation of being appointed
to it. Col. Winthrop and Col. Barr Of the
Judge advocate generals department. are
considered Col Liebers most formidable
competitors, for the alleged reason that
the President has decided to confne his
selection to that branch Of the army
They rank next below Col Lieber in the
order named. Col. Winthrops chances are
believed to be hurt by the fact that he
will retire for age next August. Col. Barr,
who is well known In this city from his
long service here, is now on duty at New
York
The office pays $500 a year and the in
cumbent retires on an annual compensation
of 81. 1e5. 1t is an important Office, as its
incumbent is the legal adviser of the SEQ
retary of War, and is called on to deter
mine all legal questions arising In the mill
tary service.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
THE POTOMAC FLATS.
District Supreme Court to Decide on
the Question of Title.

The House today by unanimous consent
passed the Senate bill confirming in the
District Supreme Court jurisdiction to de-
eide the questions of title to the Potomac
flats. The necessity for the passage of the
bill was explained by Mr.. Culberson, who
said:
In 1883 Congress passed a law which
required the Attorney General to bring
suit in the Supreme Court of the District
of Columbia to settle the question OF tilie
to the Potomac flats, which the govern
ment was improving. Later on, in 1881.
Congress passed an act creating the Court
Of Appeals, and in that act there was
provision which transferred the jurisdic-
tion of the Supreme Court of the District
of Columbia to the Court Of Appeals. The
Attorney General commenced suit under
the act of 1889. A large amount of teSu
mony has been taken. and the case Is
nearly at issue. There are numerous
litigants, all included in one bill, to try the
question of title to these Potomac flats,
which the government is now improving.
"A question has arisen in the court as to
whether or not the clause or provision in
the bill creating the Court of Appeals did
not oust the supreme Court of the District
of Columbia of it's jurisdiction, and the
case has been delayed until Congress can
settle the doubt, without having this liti-
cation proceed in the midst Of confusion
and uncertainty. This bill simply provides
that the Supreme Court of the District of
Coioi'ipia may pioSecu W d maj nearing III
this case, which has been pending for the
last two or three years, to settle these
questions. L state to the gentleman from
New Jersey that the President the Attor-
rey General and all the officers of the
courts. especially the district attorney
who is representing this case, desire this
bill to be passed, to save the government
what, L believe, will be an immense bill of
costs, If 1t proceeds without the passage of
this BILL
The bill having previously passed the
Senate, goes now to the President for his
signature.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
THE FITHIAN FREE SHIP BILL.
Probabilities of It's Passage With.
out Many Important Changes.

The advocates Of the free ship bill who
hope to call that measure up for consider
alton as soon as the financial bill is dis
posed of in the House have been making a
canvass Of the situation. 1t is found that
there is considerable opposition among the
democrats, and of course a united opposi-
ton on the part Of the republicans, to the
Fithian bill. 1t is said that If q free ship
bill is adopted it will have to be based
upon the reciprocity idea. 1t is not believed
that the Fithian bill can pass the House.
and 1t certainly cannot pass the Senate
1t is said, however, that bill like that
proposed by Mr.. Tracy providing for the
American registration of foreign-built ships
under conditions exactly similar to those
under which the City of Paris was ad-
mitted to registration might be passed
through both houses of Congress, meeting
with very little opposition from the repub-
licanS. There is a strong objection to CIV
ing something for nothing, but a good
many Of the members of both houses would
be willing to permit the registration of
foreign-built ship upon the construc ton by
the same owners Of similar ship in this
country. This, it is believed, would not
only give the advantage of free ships to
American owners, but would so encourage
the ship-building industry Of this country
as in short time to enable us to success
fully compete with the foreign ship build
ers and give great impetus to commerce
In American bottoms. If this plan is not
adopted it is probable that there will be no
bill passed.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
TIL E SUGAR Tariff F
No Change Contemplated in Order to Pacif.
cate Foreign Countries
The European Policy of Retaliation
Upon Congregational Legislation.

Chairman Wilson of the ways and
means committee says no consideration
has yet been given to further tariff legisla-
ton which would overcome the disagree
ments between this country and Germany
France and Austria, as result of the diff
ferential duty on the sugars Of those
countries. After the German ambassador
had made vigorous protest against the
duty, Germany closed her ports against
American meat products; Denmark follow
ed suit, and a general commercial warfare
between the United States and sugar pro-
ducing countries has seemed imminent.
Under these circumstances II was believed
Congress would take off the differential
duty and thus restore commercial har-
mony.
The Senate Must Move First.
Mr.. Wilson says, however, that any steps
In that direction must be taken by the
Senate. where the House bill for free sugar
Is now pending with amendments. The
Senate finance committee, in reporting
back the free sugar bill, struck out the
entire text of the House bill and inserted
40 per cent ad valorem duty on sugars.
No reference was made to the differential
duty OF lilo of l cent against countries
paying an export duty on sugar, SO that
the omission to mention it is said to have
the effect of repeating the differential
TIE subject is therefore ready to be taken
up whenever the Senate considers the free
sugar bill, and Mr. Wilson does not con-
sider II necessary to get up an independent
measure dealing with the differential
against foreign countries
Meat Trust VS.. Sugar Trust.
Mr.. George H. Davis of Chicago, who is
hero tc urge the repeal of the differential,
In order that German ports may be re-
opened to American meats, has not yet
conferred with Chairman Wilson or any of
the members of the ways and means COM
mittee. Mr.. Wilson does not appear to be
greatly impressed by the effort to have the
embargo removed on American meats.
when We have the meat trust arrayed
against the sugar trust" said he there is
nope that the people may secure some con-
sidera tion."
Evening star., 1894-12-21
ATROCITIES AT PORT ARTHUR
The Japanese Minister Gives His Views on
the Alleged Outrages.
He Denies the Charges of Indiscrimi-
men by His Country's Soldiers.

In an interview with a representative OF
The Star today, Mr.. Kurino, the japanese
minister, stated it as his opinion that the
atrocities alleged to have been committed
by the japanese soldiers at Port Arthur had
been grossly exaggerated THE Japanese
government" he said, had frankly stated
that 1t has no desire and no purpose to con-
ceal the facts and has announced its in
tention of holding a strict investigation.
That investigation is proceeding at the
present time, and in due season the result
will undoubtedly be made public. In the
meantime there is no disposition on the
part either of the government or of any
of it's officials to deny that there may have
been unnecessary bloodshed at the taking
of Port Arthur, a fact which they deeply
deplore; but 1 have no hesita ton in de-
nouncing as false and misleading the state
ment that number of innocent, unoffend-
ing people were killed when Port Arthur
was taken, or that the japanese forces IN
dulged in indiscriminate slaughter OF such
persons for several days afterward.
What the stories show.
Most of the circumstances attending
tie unfortunate affair have already been
made known, not alone through govern
meht sources, but also through the
medium of the correspondents of American
exaggerate or distort the facts for the sake
of producing a sensation.
These accounts made it certain that
most OF the Inhabitants had left the town
before Port Arthur was taken; that those
who remained were armed, and were
directed to fire upon the Japanese troops,
which they did; that large number of the
Chinese soldiers had disguised themselves
in civilian dress, and in that guise con-
tinued their resistance. The Japanese sol
diers found, upon entering the town, that
their comrades when taken prisoners had
been murdered in the most heartless and
revolving manner, some having been
burned, come crucified, and all horribly
mutilated.
Some Angry Japanese Gave No Quar-
ter.
''Enraged beyond measure by these
CHASTITY sights, and by the resistance still
offered to them, some of the japanese
troops cut down their opponents without
giving any quarter. But there is every
reason to believe that the victims, almost
without exception. were soldiers wearing
the stolen clothes of citizens"
Mr.. kurino added that he knows his gov-
ernment has no disposition to palliate any
thing that may have been done on this
occasion. The exemplary conduct of the
Japanese soldiers during the whole Of the
war has, he thinks earned justly deserved
praise. They have behaved with patience
and forbearance under the most trying
circumstances.
Marshal Oyama, who commanded at
Port Arthur" said the minister, had Is
sued and strictly enforced orders against
every kind of excess. His high character
and great military ability are in them
selves the strongest guarantees that no
such carnival of murder could have oc-
CURED as has been depicted by one hySteri-
cal and sensational writer"
Evening star., 1894-12-21
HEBREWS IN AMERICA.
The Jewish Historical Society to Meet
Next Week I'm Washington.

The American Jewish Historical Society
will hold it's third annual meeting at the
Arlington Hotel on Wednesday and Thurs
day of next week and an elaborate pro-
gram has been outlined to follow the busi-
ness sessions of the organization, which
will be participated In by representative
Hebrews from all sections of the Union.
The opening address will be delivered by
Congressman Oscar g. Straus, and papers
will be read as follows DR.. Cyrus Adler,
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, "A
Trial by the Inquistion in Mexico:" Mr.
Lewis Abrahams, Washington. Addresses
of the Jews of the United States to WASH
ington and His Replies Thereto" "The
Statue Of Thomas jefferson in the Capt. oil"
Rev. Henry Cohen. Galveton, Texas, Some
Notes on the Jews in Texas" Mr.. Albion
NJ. Dyer. New York. First Chapters of
New York Jewish History Mr.. Jacob
Ezekiel, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1.-The Jews of
Additional Notes Concerning the Jews
in Surinam;' DR.. Herbert Friedenwald,
Philadelphia, Pa, Notes on the Jews Of
jamaica" "A Prayer Delivered in the Syn
agogue in New York, 1760;' DR.. j. II. Fol-
lander. Johns Hopkins University, Balti-
more, Md, Some Further References Re-
lating to Hyam Salomon;" Mr.. George w.
Hufnagle, New Hope, Bucks county, Pa,
n II eW EAlTdClS rom the anu REV.
o.utionary Services of Col. Isaac Franks"
DIR. NJ. Kayserling, Buda Pesth, Austria
The Earliest Rabbis and Jewish Authors
in America" Mr. Max j. Koher, New
York, PHASES of Jewish Life in New York
Before 18OO;" Incidents Illustrative of
American Jewish Patriotism" Mr.. George
A. Kohut, New York, Some Notes on the
Jews of Georgia and South Carolina"
Isaac de Castro Tortas and Joseph An
toEio de Silva-two South American Mar
tyrs;" "A Contribution to the History CT
the Jews in Jamaica and Barbados -
early Jewish Literature in America; An
Attempt at q. Bibiiography;'' Mr.. N. Tay-
lor Philips, New York, "The Levy and
Sexas Families of New York, and New
port" Mr.. Simon Wolf, Washington, THE
American Jewish Soldier"
Evening star., 1894-12-21
Guatemala Denies.

Senor Lazo Arriaga, the Guatemalan min
ister furnishes denial of the news recent
ly published about some claims made
against the Guatemalan government by the
ministers of Germany, Belgium and tho
United States on account of alleged out
RACES suffered by subjects and citizens Of
those nations.
1--WE have no trouble1 with foreign min
listers or governments said Senor Lazo
Arriaga. Except the last incident of the
boundary question with Mexico, and this, I
hope, will soon be adjusted. Foreigners,
as well as natives, enjoy in Guatemala the
most complete protection and they find
there not only pleasant and suitable homes,
but frequently amass considerable for
Evening star., 1894-12-21
Reducing Woodwork on Ships.

Commander Bradford, who has been en-
gaged with a board at the Norfolk navy
yard in examining the new vessels of the
navy building there or in that vicinity,
with view to ascertaining to what ex-
tent the woodwork may be diminished, has
returned to Washington and submitted to
the Secretary of the Navy preliminary
report, indicating in a general way what
may be accomplished in that direction. 1t
Is made evident that the amount of wood
work included in bulkheads, Innings and
elsewhere aboard ship can be substantially
decreased without impairing any of the
qualities of the ships and at the same time
With the substantial advantage of reducing
The liability of the vessels to catch fire in
engagements and reducing the cost of the
ships.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
Letter Sheet Euypfoues

A letter has been received by the Post
Office Department from the international
bureau of the universal postal union on the
subject Of the international use of letter
sheet envelopes. 1t is thought good thing
by the postal officials of all the countries
composing the postal union, but the Amer
lean public seems to think that the only
way to send letter is first to fold It, in
sert 1t In an envelope, seal it, and then, put
on the stamp An effort will be made to
get the united action of the postal admin
istrations of the countries of the postal
union.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
TENTH ANNIVERSARY,
Bishop Paret to BE HOnored in BnIti-
Baltimore.

The tenth anniversary of the consecra-
ton of Bishop Paret of the diocese Of
Maryland Will be celebrated in Baltimore
January S. 1895, under the auspices of the
diocesan convention. The holy communion
will be administered at IL a. m. at st.
.Pauls Church, and addresses will be made
by Bishop Paret, Bishop Coleman of the
diocese of Alexandria, Rev. DR.. John H.
Elliott of this city, president of the stand
ing committee, and Rev. DR.. Currie of
Baltimore, president Of the board of mis-
sions. Following the service dinner will
be given the bishop and other bishops who
may be present at the Hotel Rennert, and
at night a public reception will be rendered
Bishop Paret and his wife at Hazazers
Hall.
D. Bishop Paret was rector of the Church Of
the Epiphany, this city, when he was
raised to the episcopate, and the church
people of Washington are also planning
to give a reception in honor of the bishop
and Mrs. Paret on the evening following
the exercises in Baltimore.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
SMALLPOX CASE.
One More Man Sent to the HOspita

One More Man Sent to the Hospital.
Another smallpox patient was sent to the
hospital today. This patient is colored
man named Henry Green, a hodcarrier who
lives at 1927 Madison street. Where he
contracted the disease is not yet known.
His friends say that he has not been
where any other smallpox patients have
been confined but had been at work most
of the time carrying the hod.
This afternoon aBOther suspected case
was reported. This supposed smallpox pa
tient lives In Marion court.
Green was attended by one of the ply
sicians of the poor, who was called to see
him this morning.
The suspected sick man had not been seen
by a health office doctor when The Star
went to press.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
HIS Second OGense.

Twenty days ago John II. Cole, a young
colored man, was released from Jail, where
he had spent three months for till tap
ping. Yesterday he said to an acquaint-
ance, I'm going to raise a stake,N and in
an effort to do so he stole a large mug
from Julius Lansburgh's store. Policeman
Holsey arrested him only short distance
from the store and he made no effort to
deny the charge.
A charge of second offense was preferred
against him and Judge Miller sent him to
Jail today to await the action of the grand
Jury.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
Government Maps for Public Schools

Scneme TO make general diStribu-
tion Of government maps among schools
throughout the country is provided for in
recommendation forwarded by Director
Walcott of the geological survey to Secre-
tary Smith and by him transmitted to Con-
gress. The amendment to the appropria-
ton bill. if adopted. authorizes the director
to print $4,000 copies of a set of ten to-
geographic atlas sheets for distribution to
the public schools of the United States
corresponding in grade to the grammar
normal and high schools, academies col
leges and universities. There are between
1900 and 14,OO0 of these institutions and
the total appropriation necessary for the
distribution would be 5000.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
Pensions Granted.

Among the pensions granted today were
the following:
District of Columbia-Thomas Goodwin,
Deanewood; Mary Liverpool, Elizabeth
Wayne.
Maryland-Mary Jane Bush, Keep Tryst;
Elizabeth Purnell, Cumberland
Nirginia-John Furlong, National Mill
tary Home, Elizabeth City; Pinkney Jor-
dan, Tanners Creek, Norfolk county; Mar
garet Crosby, Portsmouth.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
MIR. Russell in Opposition.
Hearing for Printers.

The Senate committee on labor yesterday
granted a hearing to delegates from tho
printers and bookbinders employed at the
government printing office. who urged the
restoration Of the 50-cent hour rate for
these classes of work. The printers COM
mittee consisted of B. l.. Smith, chairman;
II. S. Sutton, H. L. Springer, c. b. Mo-
Donald and ]. w. Cross. The bookbinders'
committee was w. w. Hyde, chairman;
James Fogarty A., Alfred Thomas, James
Stockman and h. Il. Flynn.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
Cruisers to Go to Europe.

Orders have been issued to prepare the
cruiser Marblehead at New York for a
three years cruise on the European station
as the cOnsort of the cruiser San Francisco.
which will leave New York in a few days
20 replace the Chicago as flagship of that
station. The Chicago will come to New
York as soon as relieved and undergo ex-
tensive Improvements intended to increase
har Snppl.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
Examining Custom House Examiners

The examination of the boards of civil
service examiners for the custom houses
in New York has been completed by Sec
retary Babcock of the board Of examiners
of the New York city custom house. The
final reports submitted to the civil service
commission discuss the personnel of the
boards, describing the qualifications of
the examiners and making recommenda-
tions for the positions. The tour of in
spection, which required less than two
weeks, embraced the following offices:
Buffalo, Cape Vincent, Ogdensburg, OsWe-
go, Plattsbufg and Suspension Bridge
Evening star., 1894-12-21
OfHciuI Decision

In the matter of the Gulf and Ship Island
railroad, involving a number of titles to
lands in Mississippi. the Secretary of the
Interior has rendered decision on a mo-
tion for review of the departmental decision
of March 3, 1895.
The former decision is held to be in error
and should be revoked except a part MAX
frg a specific regulation concerning the
right of indemnity selections under the ex-
listing law.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
Personal NIPuf1OU.

Mr.. F'reeborn G.. Smith, jr., is stopping
with Mr.. w. P. Van .Wickle of this city
for few days.
DR.. Otto Voss OF st. Paurs Island,
Alaska. is in the city. visiting friends.
Mr.: Thomas Knowles is still in a very
critical condition.
General Doe, assistant secretary of war,
has returned to the city from a visit of
llspecton to the government arsenals in
New York and New England.
Adjutant General RuggIes has resumed
his duties at the War Department after a
short visit to New York.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
The Rcpnrt Was Exanreratnh

MOUNT VERNON, n. Y, December 2I..
DIR. Bremen, the resident physician of the
New York infant asylum at this place
said today that the reports circulated re-
garding the prevalence of diptheria among
the children there Were exaggerated. 1t
was true that the disease had prevailed
for the past month, but there had been
only one death in that time
Evening star., 1894-12-21
DISTRICT GOVERNMENT.
Cleaning the Streets.

A number of merchants and business
men In the vicinity OF 10th street and
Louisiana avenue have Joined in petition
to the Commissioners requesting that these
streets be swept after business hours. The
petition states that the sweeping COM
mences about dinner time. when business
is brisk, and when the teams are being
loaded or unloaded. and that the cutters
are not thoroughly cleaned. The matter
has been referred to the street cleaning
department for investigation.
Health Officers Report.
Health officer Woodward has transmitted
to the Commissioners draft of a concur
rent resolution calling for the publication
of the health officers report for the fiscal
year ending June 80, 1894. which, he says.
should be introduced and passed during
the present session of Congress. The reso-
luton provides that the public printer be
authorized to print and bind in cloth fifteen
hundred copies of the annual report of the
health officer of the District of Columbia !;
cne hundred for the use of the Senate,
three hundred and fifty for the use of the
House of Representatives, and one thous-
and and fifty for the use of the health
officer of the District.
Entirely Snfe.
The Commissioners have been Informed
by Building Inspector Brady that the
building occupied by Mr.. Lowenthal as a
furniture warehouse, at the corner of Ith
and Massachusetts avenue northwest, Is
entirely safe. A personal inspection was
made by him, after several complaints had
been filed in his office that the building
was in an unsafe condition.
Police Appoin tment.
The Commissioners have appointed j. G.
Calvert an additional private on the metro
politan police force for duty at the Bal
timore and Ohio coal yards.
Evening star., 1894-12-21
Gun Carriages.

The War Department has awarded to the
Kiiby Manufacturing Co. Of Cleveland the
contract for making ten disappearing gun
carriages for the 10-nch seacoast rifles.
Fresh proposals have been issued this af-
ternoon for supplying nine or more of the
same type of carriages.