The Press., 1897-10-28

N. r., about six o'clock Sunday morn Ing. The engine, express car, the com blnation baggage and smoking car, one day coach and three sleepers plunged in- to the Hudson river, and twenty lives were lost. The accident was caused by the retaining wall, which supported the track, slipping out under the weight of the train, which was moving at rapid rate. Of late the tide in the Hudson riv- CT has been very high, and to this, 1t Is said, was due the undermining of the wall.
 Washington Letter.
 Washington, Oct {, 1sS7.
 Senator Bacon, of Ga, is the only man of prominence seen in Washington for some time who publicly opposes the rati- fication of the treaty for the annexation of Hawaii, and expresses the opinion that the treaty will fail Tn the senate. Mir. Bacon says Hawaii Is only lot of vol canoes fringed by land, and that he does not consider 1t consistent with our form of government to add a state that Is z, 2,00O miles from our nearest coast, and to ac- centuate his view, he adds :" It would be a matter to which the American people would never be reconclled, If in some close presidential election, the choice of of president should be determined by the vote of Hawaii. It would be equally objectionable If in a closely balanced sen- ate, the question of the passage or defeat of a bill affecting the entire country should be decided by the vote of the Hawaiian senator's" MT. Bacon ex- presses the belief that a majority of the senate favors the treaty, but that the two thirds necessary for ratification will not be secured. Opinion Is almost unani- mously the other way in Washington, and that If the opponents of annexation do not resort to fllibustering to prevent a vote, a treaty will be ratified within sixty days of the opening session of congress.
 Gov. Brady, of Alaska, says in his annual report to the secretary Of the in- terior: "Ship-load after ship-load of gold seekers and their freight has been rushed to the extreme limit of salt water navl- gation( Lynn Canal), and there they have been literally dumped upon the beach, some above high water and many below, as they learned to their sorrow when the water oov"Ied them as they slept. The gold seekers have had a terrible time, but they are brave and started out to en- dure hardshlps. As a class they rank far above the average manhood of the country. Skagua Is being built up rapid ly. Lumber is In demand, and lots are selling as high as $15OO. Americans are anxious to secure q route to the Yukon, which shall be entirely upon U. s. terri tory. Different parties are now out, and are carefully examining the mountains between Yakutat and Cooks Inlet, This ls the third season of the work in Cook 8 Inlet. The excitement over the Klondike has drawn many away from there never theless the output of gold this year will be no mean sum. The possibilities of the whole region bordering upon this in- let and upon Prince William Sound will draw crowds of adventurers in the near future"
 The secretary of the treasury who doesn't change or attempt to change the designs of the paper money Issued by the government Is regarded by the old-timers in the department as freak. It will be remembered that new and highly artis- tic series of designs for silver certificates was secured and put Into use by the last administration. That these designs are the most beautiful ever used for the pur- pose Is admitted, but goodly percentage of the banks of the country have entered protest against continuing their use be- circulated awhile In distinguishing the denominations at a glance, and the case with which the value of the notes are raised and passed upon the ignorant. That Is why Secretary Gage has decided to have another change in design. If Secretary Gage's idea Is carried out, and it probably will be, the same design will be used upon all notes of the same value and 1t will be made simple and distinctive SO as to become associated in the minds of the people with notes of that value, thus making it almost impossible to fool anybody with a raised note. Secretary Gage's idea was discussed at the last meeting of the cabinet and was favored on the account of It's simplicity. Bankers and all who handle money in large quantities will favor the Idea because il will enable them to handle and assort notes with greater speed.
 Senator Platt was in Washington a short time within forty eight hours, and although he denied that his visit was foI any such purpose, 1t Is believed among the politicians that his principal object was to get President Mckinley to write ( personal letter expressing his desire fol the election of Gen. Tracy to be mayor o New York. While there Isn't the slight est doubt that President Mckinley wishes the success of Gen. Tracy, 1t is doubtful whether he will consider 1t either gooC policy or good politics to say so over hil signature. He has a dread of being charged with meddling with local affairs even In his own state. He considers i perfectly proper for Secretary Bliss to b, actively working for Gen. Tracy, becaus, he is a citizen of New York, and as sucl Is a personally interested in It's cit, government.