The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-08-29

edited La Prensa, established Argentina's geo.
graphical society, and organized expeditions 10
Patagonia, the lands of the Araucanians and
other sections of country almost unknown.
Washington and Mount Vernon are soon to
be connected by trolley. For two years pat
the Washington, Alexandria & Mount Vernon
Railway has connected at Alexandria with the
Washington Ferry steamers at the river side,
and with the Washington Southern Railway at
Alexandria Station. connection with Airing
ton has been some weeks in progress. and is now
approaching comp leton. Within the past week,
however, an arrangement has been completed
with the Pennsylvania Railway Company by
which crossing at the Long Bridge is secured.
The road will meet with the Arlington branch,
| and electric connections will in short time DO
made with both bridges. Only the Long Bridge
Will at present be crossed, and Oh the Washing
ton side connection will be made SO as to
reach the central portion of the city. Outside
the city the overhead trolley viii be used.
rower-house will be built at crossing TO be
made at Four. Mile Run, near the present Wash
/ ground trolley will be used within tbs city.
II
The resignation of Solicitor Dabney, of the
J State Department, in order to accept the Chair
OF Law at the University of Virginia, viii leave
an Office vacant for which there will. IN all
| probability. be a lively competition. Mr.. Dab
ney lras rendered his res gnation to the Presi-
dent. TO take effect Sept. L. on which date lie
viii enter upon his new duties at Charlottes-
vile. TIE Office of Solicitor of the State De-
partment is position of much dignity. and
requires an official of wide legal attainments TO
fill it acceptably. The Office is practically an
al janct to the Attorney Generals Department.
and is one OF the most important connected with
the State Department. 1t is not expected that
Mr.. Dabneys successor will be appointed until
early Autumn. IN making the appointment it
is possible that one Of the Assistant Attorney
GeneIan may be transferred to the Office.
Il
final settlement of the long-pending Mora
claim is at last assured. Spain's positive agree
ment to pay at an early date was made some
time ago, but the patience of the United States
Government had been worn out through SPANS
persistent policy of making promises and then
failing 10 keep them. So seriously did this
Government view the refusal TO pay the inter
e-t that it was reported that plan that might
have involved the United States in a war with
f Spain was decided on by the President Secre-
tary oluey. and Secretary Herbert. This
no less than an intention to seize Havana
and hold that port until customs revenues
amounting 10 the full interest had been col
I
I United States officers. Rear-Admiral Bunce,
commanding be North Atlantic Squadron, now
cru;s ing in New England waters, was. it is said.
selected as the officer to command the expedi-
tion TO Havana and his fleet was to consist of
the New York, the Montgomery, the Raleigh.
and the Minneapolis. at present composing the
! Squadron Of Evolution; the Cincinnati, now in
/ Key West. Fia and such other vessels as could
be prepared for service IN time.
\
Now the owners of tine Mora claim have
agreed, it is announced. 10 accept the payment
of the principal, 81. 100000. without interest,
and an agreement to that effect has been
clnded by Secretary Olney and the Spanish
Minister; but question has arisen as to where
the payment is 10 be made, the Spanish Gov
]
enine its negotiations with the United States re-
specting Cuba, STIMULATING that Mora shall 20 to
Havana and receive the money in Spanish gold
dollars from Gen. CampOs, while Mora and his
various assignees insist that they shall be paid
either in Madrid or in Washington. Forty per
cent of the claim, or 5000, 600, is to be paid to
the attorneys in the case. according to a dis.
closure made in a local suit involving Nathan
iel Paige, who is one OF them
Secretary Morton, OF tho Department Of
Agriculture, gave what he regards as an Object
lesson TO the employees OF his Department the
-other day. He had heard arguments by many
Of his subordinates in favor of silver II being
/ the semi nonthly pay day he ordered the Pay
master Of the Department TO pay out $1,000 in
! silver coin, this money weighing 60 pounds
( The silver coin WAS paid 10 all the employees
about the grounds of the Agricultural Depart
paent. to messengers and well known Silverites
( in various positions in the Department. Tn.
/ less Mr.. Morton receives a petition TO the con-
trary. it is expected that silver will be paid out
again and again pay days to the men who
are known TO favor it as a currency.
4
The extension of the classified service 10
practically the entire force OF the Agricultural
Department has been formally announced in
circular issued by Secretary Morton. In a
commun icaton TO DIR. ID. f. Salmon, Chief of
| the Bureau Of Animal Industry. Secretary Nor
ton says the Classification affords protection
I from removal for purely political or personal
cause, adds TO the responsibility of every en-
ploye and should secure from each additional
! fidelity, vigilance and attention TO work. Dis
cussng the effect Of the extension, Secretary
Morton adds % classified service means an
/ improved service in all that contributed TO
thoroughness and efficiency. No person need
expect to be beld in place or promoted because
Of any political or other extraneOus influence
! which may he welded on his or her behalf:
meritorious service will be the sole grounds of
promotion, and reductions in grade or salary
viii be made only as the result of neilciency.n
Il
T..