The National tribune., 1897-02-04
ported with the amendments made ~ tho Com.
mittee on Foreign Relations.
Mr.. Villas spoke against the Niearagnan Canal
In the House several bills were passed and
then the Diplomatic bill was considered.
BRIEF NEWS

One Of the most valuable business blocks in
Philadelphia, bounded by Market, Thirteenth.
Filbert and Juniper streets. was totally de-
stroyed BY fire Tuesday Of last week. Wana.
makers, on the opposite side of Market street,
was scorched. The total loss is something over
100000.
Attorneys for Arthur Duestrow, the St. Louis
millionaire murderer, have completed motion
for new trial, and make sensational allega-
ti0ns against the Supreme Court of Missouri.
The principal point on which q rehearing is
asked is . direct charge that the court did not
read the record of the case as required by law,
and that the States prosecutor was allowed to
write the opinion.
dispatch from the London Daily Mail
from Odessa says that the present Russian
military activity has only been equalled dur
ing the period which immediately proceeded
the last two great wars. The Turkish Gov
eminent has been unable to secure horses
from Russia, all the stud farms having been
closed BY order of the Russian Government.
The report that the Gar is suffering from
the effects of blow dealt him by Japanese
fanatic, and that an operation will be per-
formed to relieve him, has been denied by
Count Vorontsof Daschkof, Minister of the
Imperial Court. who states that the health of
the Gar is excellent.
A dispatch from Madrid to the London Daily
Mail states that negotiations are in progress be-
tween Spain and the Cubans, Secretary Olney
acting as intermediary for Cuba. The new au-
tonamy program which it is said will be pre-
scented by Spain gives Cuba two legislative
chambers, and reserves to the island the power
to initiate all tariff and revenue bills, Cuba
paying an equitable share Of the expenses of
the Spanish army and navy. The Governor
General 10 to have full power to appoint all
subordnates. 1t is claimed that Cuba will
accept
Estrada Palma, of the Cuban Junta, at New
York, referring to the report that Spain is
about to concede home-rule measure to the
Cubans, said: Unconditional and absolute in
dependence is all that Cuba will ever accept
from the Government of Spain. If she cannot
have it she prefers determination. 1t is
scarcely worth while to discuss q home.rule
proposition. It has not been made, and if it
should he it will receive no consideration at
our hands,"
A bill has passed the Oklahoma Legislature
prohibiting the making of gold contracts in
that Territory.
It is reported that over 1000. 600 people are
now employed upon the relief works in the
ADMINISTRATOR districts of India.
It is stated that Lieut.-Gen Azcarraga, the
Spanish Minister of War, will be appointed
Governor. General of Cuba. Gen. Weyler. how.
ever will remain in command of the military
forces on the Island.
Last Friday ono of Gen. Weyler's supply
trains was wrecked near Ceize, by the explosion
of dynamite which had been placed under the
rails by the insurgents. 1t is reported that Of
the hundred soldiers on the train As we're killed
or died from wounds. The others surrendered.
Tho insurgents captured a small feldpiece, be-
sides number of small-arms and ammunition.
The Captain of insurgents was an American
named Burke.