The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1895-04-11

Trade Extraordinarily Discovered
Counterfeit Stamps Examined at the
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Tests of Explosive Shells.
Washington, April 1o-The cable re-
ports that seven of the eight terms of
peace between China and Japan have
been agreed on occasions much specu-
lation here as to the eight terms on
which Japan insists. The japanese Of
ficials say they have no information of
the eight conditions. There is no
doubt, however, that five of the most
essential conditions are those given
in these dispatches at the outset Of the
negotiations, viz: a new Japan-China
treaty conceding Japan extra terri
torial courts in China, but denying the
latter country extra territorial courts
IN Japan; independence of Corea; an in
demnity of about s200, 900, 900; occupa-
ton of Port Arthur and Wei Hal Wei
for term of years; cessation of the is
land of Formosa. The five terms are
now fully confirmed by the later devel-
opments OF the conference. Three ad-
cltlonal ones have now been added
and these, it is believed. relates TO
trade matters. Which one OF these
eight terms of peace is the cause Of de-
lay is not known here.
COUNTERFEIT STAMPS.
A quantity Of the recently discover
ed counterfeit stamps We're sent from
the postofffce department to the bu-
reau of engraving and printing to be
examined by the chief of the bureau.
After careful stury the chief said that
from certain peculiaritieS he believed
the paper on which the counterfeits
were printed was manufactured in
England and was gummed before il
was printed. 1t could have been made
in this country, however, without vio-
lation of law as the manufacture of
paper for postage stamps is not pro-
hlblted as is that intended for green
backes. Recently the bureau has de-
clded TO adopt paper having a certain
distinguishing water mark and the
manufacture of paper with this mark
will fall within the counterfeit laws.
The ink used on the counterfeits, Mr..
johnson says, is of an ordinary char
acter and could have been obtained
easily. The specially weak point of
the present counterfeits is in the plate
and press used. The impressions are
good enough to deceive ordinary in
spection, but their fraudulency is
clearly evident on close inspection with
superintendent Wright of the rail-
way mail service has issued an order
directing pOStmaSterS and railway
postal clerks making up mails for Chi
ma, Japan and other countries west of
the Pacific to mark them .'trans-Pa-
cific foreign" The practice OF labelling
these packages 'San Francisco, Cali
fornia," and Tacoma. WASH" will be
discontinued. Under the new arrange
ments packages Of Pacific mail will be
forwarded by the steamer first sailing,
whether from San Francisco or Ia
coma.
TEST OF SHELLS.
There Were several interesting tests
at the naval proving grounds at In
dian Head today. First came an ac-
ceptance test of d semi armor piercing
13-inch shell carrying large explosive
cnarg, and representing n lot of fifty
such shells. This was required to
pierce seven inch nickle steel plate and
carry its burst charge through in condi
ton to explode on the other side. The
shell tested today was of the Sterling
type and completely met the conditions
imposed. IL was made of forged steel
and penetrated the plate without SEN
sible reformation or fracture of the
shell. Next came "a test of fixed am !
munition for a six-inch rapid-fire gun, |
the largest of this type intended for |
naval use. The shells were made by the |
Winchester Arm works and functioned |
perfectly. a few days ago some tests !
were made of the service percussion |
fuse for shells of the five-inch guns |
when fired at two-inch steel armor |
plates. The fuse then carried through !
the plates before exploding. There were I
further experiments today to settle an
important point that had been left I'M !
settled, namely, the distance that the /
shells carried beyond the plates before |
exploding. \ plate was supported on |
piles over the water. Behind this stakes /
were placed at intervals of six feet and !
an observer stationed to one side to |
note where the explosions occurred. |
1t was found that the shells after per-
the plate burst at distances /
from ten to thirteen feet in the \
rear. This was exactly what was want /
ed. as il insures the explosion of the /
shells In the interior Of a ship if it gets /
the side.
OUT OF COMMISSION.
Captain Mahan of Chicago, called at |
the navy department today to confer 1
with Secretary Herbert relative to his /
future duty, as he is about to be relieved |
of the command of his ship. which is /
going our of commission. The secre- 1
tary offered him the post of chief of the /
navy intelligence Office, with the IN
deVStanding that he would be relieved I
Of all purely routine matters or special /
duty in connection with the war col /
lege. The captain chose the latter and /
it is expected will contribute to the lee |
ture course of the institution this sum- 1
mer.
Assistant Secretary Reynolds OF the I
interior department has affirmed deci- /
sion of the pension office, refusing to al I
low a pension to "A man receiving a 4
gunslot wound while on a veteran fur |
Tough. In doing this he overruleS a de- !
cision of the last administration hold /
ing that a soldier while on a veteran 1
was in the line of duty.
The comptroller Of the currency has f.