The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-01-21
BRIEF NEWS.

Daniel S. Lamont Secretary of War, has been
chosen Director in the National Union Bank
of New York City. From his acceptance of the
office it would be inferred that Mr.. Lamont ex-
poets to make New York his home after the
4th of March, and devote his attention to bust
ness pursuits.
Lord George Hamilton, Secretary of State for
the Indian Department. has given out state
ment regarding the famine sufferers in India.
He says that districts with population of 3d.
100000 will be sufferers from famine until the
end of March, and that it may continue in
some parts until the end of June. In other dis
tricts having "a ZOO, 600 of population the dis
tress may deepen with famine for shorter or
longer period, while 100000 people in the
native states may be victims of famine. The
destiny of the famished population varies from
902 per square mile in Mozafferpore and Bengal,
to 122 per square mile in Bhalagat and the Gen.
trail provinces There were 100000 people
on the relief work at the beginning of Janu-
ary, and this number will certainly reach 2, 00O,-
600 and may exceed 100000. 1t is estimated
that the FAM ne will cost the Indian treasury at
least 100000 to 100000.
Gov Evans, in his message to the South
Carolina General Assembly, recommends the
maintenance of the dispensary law and of
State control of the police of Charleston, in
order to aid in enforcement of the dispensary
law there. where it is very unpopular. His
message contains statistics to prove that crime
and drunkenness have been decreased in this
State by the dispensary law.
At the annual meeting of the American Geo
graphical Society, in New York City, last week,
Lieut.. R. E.. Peary, the Arctic explorer, was
presented with the first Cullum gold medal in
recognition of his services. In accepting the
medal Lieut.. Perry made an address devoted
to North Pole research. He expressed the
opinion that the Pole is attainable. and that 1t
is only question of time and money when it
will be reached. He suggested the raising of q
ploration continuously. The late Gen. Cnllum,
who left 500 900 to the Society, provided that
part of the income of the fund should be ex-
pended in giving gold medals to persons achev-
ing notable results in geographical research.
The London Daily Nems last week published
adispatch from Paris stating that high Spanish
official had left Madrid for Washington, under
strict incognitO, TO act as q private neg0tiator,
with full instructions from Senior Canovas. It
is stated that the object of the trip is to reach
q settlement with the United States based on
reforms in Cuba. The statement made by the
Nears has since been denied.
Two letters bearing postage stamps of the
Cuban Republic were received by the New
York Junta last week. One bore the pos.mark
of Los Villas and the other that of the CANA
Ruey postofiice. Each had the postage stamp of
the Cuban Republic affixed on the envelope
The port from which these were sent here was,
Of course, not made public. The Junta repre-
sentatives were much pleased at receiving the
communications, and say that Secretary Olney's
contention that they have no regular postoffice
system is refuted by the arrival Of the letters
and their prompt delivery by Uncle Sans
carriers.
Unnecessary severity Is alleged to have ac-
companied the arrest Of Gen. Carlos Rolof at
New York City last Thursday, when he WAS
taken into custody by the United States officers
armed with warrants sworn ont by the Spanish
Consul, charging him with violating the neau.
trality laws. Gen. Rolof is tho Cuban Re-
pHblic's Secretary of War. He was locked up
in the Ludlow street Jail, and was not allowed
TO communicate with his friends, and medicine
sent him was not delivered. Next day he was
released on bond.
Luis Someilan, a naturaliZed American citi-
zen, after q trial before Magistrate Maye. in
Havana, has been sentenced to life imprison-
ment in chains. The prisoner is native of
Cuba. but became citizen of the United States
many years ago. He was charged with rebel
lion against the Spanish Government
The Pail Mall Gazette states that the Spanish
Cabinet has decided to introduce new reforms
IN CuDa, 8uu Oh INC AluS lcto uay IOyai
decree will be issued.
Late news from Cuba tends to confirm the
story that Antonio Maceo was led into ambush
and assassinated. The insurgents insist that they
saw DR.. Zertucha among the Span ish guerrilas.
and point to this to prove that he was betrayed
by his personal physician. The body was fast
ened to the tail of horse by the Spanish, but
after the first volley the insurgents rallied aud
charged, obtaining possession Of the body Of
Mace0.
The Spanish gunboat Relampago was sunk
In the River Cauto Saturday by the explosion
of q torpedo placed in the river by the insur-
gents. At tho time the Relampago was accom-.
panied by the gunboat Centinela. Both were
going to Fort Guamo. Six of the officers and
crew of the Relampago were killed outright,
and many more were wounded by the insur.
gents, who kept up hot fire from the banks Of
the river One man on the Centinela was
killed.
Senator Butler has worked what he thinks is
q grapevine twist on Senator Pritchnrd, by
getting the Popuist caucus to nominate DIR.
Cyrus B. Thompson for Senator. He expects
this to solidfy the Populist vote and divide the
Republican, because DIR. Thompson was elected
Secretary of State. and if elected Senator his
Office, salary of $4,500 will be at the disposal Of