The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-03-07
NEWPORT news.
Business Men Talk of Exor-
bitant Insurance Rates.
Beginning Of the SIander Case in The
= Supreme Court.
Special to The News.

NEWPORT, March There was large
meeting OF business men OF Newport last
night at the Business Mems Association
when an open discussion was in order on
the, exorbitant rates OF insurance
changed in the Thames street district.
Representatives OF the New England Ex-
change were present, and although
not taking any part in the debate, in-
formed the meeting that the Exchange
would consider any proposition MADE 10
them. One speaker said that the citizens
did not wish TO resort to the measures
taken by the Boston Tea Party,
were seing made to suffer because
one millionaire's residence burned down.
This referred TO Cornelius Nanderbilts 3
house The Breakers. The comparison oil
fire protection was made with Fall River,
Salem, Lynn, and proved that Newport
was. better protected in this particular
than any other city of its size III New
England. In this district in five years the
total loss by fire was s2050, ana the aver
age loss in 20 years but s163SSo. Notwlth-
standing this the rates have been raised
five times since 1880. lt was finally voted
to send the minutes OF the meeting TO the
Exchange.
SANDER Case Begins.
In the Supreme Court yesterday the
Jury brought in a verdict for 800 for the
plaintiff in the case of John +. Holland
VS.. James Anthony ct al, and motion Tor
new trial was made. The next case In
order was the slander case brought by
Rev. James Murphy vs. Rev. Henry n.
Jeter. The old courthouse was liter
ally packed with people, mostly coiored,
and much difficulty was found in securing
jury. Finally, at 1925, all was ready and
the trial began. The charge Is that the
defendant called plaintiff "a grand rascal
and thief" Two witnesses were put on
the stand and the case was just getting in
teresting when an adjournment was made
to this morning at $3.50.
Marblehead Here.
The cruiser Marblehead, Commander
O'Neill, arrived here late yesterday after
noon from Norfolk for the purpose OF re-
ceiving two Howell torpedoes and before
night they were placed on board. Today
they will be tried from the bow tube.
The ship, ,coaled and she will soon sail di-
rect for Gibraltar.
Heard About Town.
Detective Richards has been presented
handsome gold badge by Detective
Sergeant McCauley of New York.
Mr.. Sidney Woollett will give reading
in the opera house this evening. His
subject will be "rhe Merchant of Venice" "
The local basebal association has voted
to join the Four-city League.
Miss Mary Sullivan of Providence, who
has been visiting friends here, has re-
turned to her home.
In the SupremeCourt this morning Judge
Douglas granted non-suit in the case of
Joseph Murphy VS.. Henry n. Jeter, and
the case will GO TO the appellate division
on a question of law. The defendant in
moving for non suit claimed there had
been no proof of slander and no special
damages'hss been proved.
The cruiser Marblehead, which arrived
here last night, broke her starboard pis-
ton rod when two hours out from Nor
folk and had to come here with one
engine. The rod has been sent ashore for
repairs and the vessel will be detained
here until Monday.