The times., 1897-05-18

The postal congress yesterday shut out
the members of the press. This was a
move which the newspaper men expected.
The congress is displeased that its dis
cussions and wrangles and strife nave
been made public.
The central commission of the congress
yesterday adopted a resolU ton COM
marding the exclusion from the second
floor OF the old Corcoran Art Gallery build
ing of all persons not directly connected
with the congress. Tins resolution was
aimed at tie two local reporters and the
reporter for the press association, whose
duty it has been to make daily visitation
10 the congress. The order viii not stop
the leakage Of important news.
President Batcheiler explained the rea-
son for the issuance of the order lie
said that it was a rule of the congress
that no information should be given to
the press of the proceedings OF the CON
sress, excepting such Us had been re-
viewed by the chairman OF the commits
sion affected 10y the dissemination of news.
The only important measures, from the
popular standpoint, which thus far have
been discussed have been considered by
the first commission. This is presided over
by Delegate Walpole, of Great Britain.
At the hour OF adjournment this gentle
man is too fatgued TO furnish informal
tion 10 the press, and then, again, the
work OF the commission is incomplete.
One of the local papers has presen ted such
garhed accounts of the session that consid-
eTal,le annoyance was given the dele
gates. President Batcheller said he could
not do Otherwise in view of the wish of the
congress than TO issue the order indicated
He said some of the best friends he rad are
news paper men. AsanAmerican, he Judged
men by the criterion of respectability,
and not by the amount of money they had
orthe social or political station they occupied,
Whenever the congress reached a decision
on any question he would be glad to furnish
tie facts to the press.
President Batch eller yesterday issued
an order calling a plenary session OF the
congress on Thursday. This will be the first
gathering Of the congress since its organ
iZation.
one of the principal features of this ses-
sion VIII be the reporUfrom the representa-
tive of China. When this report is pre-
sentcd it Will then be known just W hat he
attitude of China is toward the Postal
Union. 1t will be known then hether the
progressive or the retrogressive party in
| China wins. The first mentioned party de-
sires to bring China into the Postal Union,
/ but it Is said unoffcially at the congress
| that the delegates from China have been
| instructcdt to abstain from joining the union.
The congress will also hear reports from
| the committees, thought was thought yes
| terday that the first commission would
not render report on the transit and
that these matters have not reached the
committee from the subcommittee
The congress has received request
| from the Orange Free State that it be sd-
mtted to the Postal Union. This win be
done.
When the congress met there We're but
| three governments notincluded in the union.
These We're China, Korea, and the Orange
Free state. Since the opening OF the con-
gress Korea has joined the union the Orange
Free State VIII join, and only the attitude
Of China is uncertain.
The Navy Department has agreed to fur
nish the flags of the nations represented in
the congress for the purpose of decorating
the New National Theater on the night of
May "a, on the occa sion of the lecture,
"Scenio Glories of America by Postoffice
Inspector Johr p. Clum, of California.
The committee of arrangements met yes
terday afternoon and decided to give the
postal delegates trip to Baltimore and Old
Point Comfort They win leave Friday