davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
GAS COMPANYS FRANCHISE
Representative White States That Seven
Million Dollars Has Been offered.
A Syndicate That IL Said to Iuclude
Letters Name Mentioned.

An offer has been made to the Washing
ton Gasiigft Company by a syndicate Of
Investors, including nvmbar Of Chicago
people, for the purchase of the franchises
and privileges Of that company. interest
ed In the plan, 1t is said, are Mr.. L. z.
Letter and Representative White The
sum that was offered was $,00O,OOO cash.
1t is understood that the gas company re-
fused this and demanded $SOOO,OOO. The
negotiations are stiil pending.
Representative White Of Chicago, when
questioned by Star reporter on the mat
ter today, said he stood willing. In behalf
OF those whom he represented, to pay ST.
100000 for the gas companys franchise
any day.
III we can mako this DEAL" said Mr.
White, I'VE will begin to furnish gas to
the people Of the District from the outset
at ninety cents a thousand feet. After
while 1t might be possible to reduce the
/ price S Ice below bel that sum. We de- not feel that
$S,OO0O0O would be a fair price for the
gas company's franchise and plant. ana
hope that the management win agree to
taks the $7.OOO,OOO which we have offered ("
Mr.. White declined to mention the per-
sons interested in the proposed purchase
beyond stating that Mr.. Letter was aware
of the negotiations and would verify the
statement that responsible people were
backing the undertaking.
1t was impossible to obtain today any
local ver1fication Of this story, as Mr.
Letter was out Of the city and Mr.. Mclean
could not be found. Those, however who
keep we'll posted in such matters know that
for some time past there have been various
efforts made to purchase a controlling in
terest in the gas plant of this city These
efforts have been attributed to various in
fiuences, located In New York, Philadel-
phia and Chicago, but so far as known no
positive result has been reached thus far
1t is matter of surprise to some when
the statement was made, as credited above
to Representative White, that an offer of
$',0O0.0OO had been made for the gas COM
pany's franchise. A control of the stock is
G5.0O0 shares. and IL that amount could be
bought at an advance say, of $40 over the
present market price which In $40 per
share, the entire expenditure would be less
than $4,oOO,OOO. IT, however, there is in
cluded the purchase of the control in the
Georgetown Gas Company. at fair vaiua-
tion, the total would be about 81 100000.
OF course the above calculation is based
only on securing a control OF the stock. 1t
is not known what proportion OF the stock
Is embraced in the offer referred to by Mr..
White.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
DISASTER DUE TO DESIGN.
DR.. BfgGar Found This Sentiment
Among Maine's Survivors,.


CLEVELAND, Ohio, March 4.-Dr. II. II.
Blggar one of the most prominent ply.
sicians and surgeons of Cleveland. has Just
returned from Key West. where he was in
the midst of the excitement which follow
ed the blowing up Of the battle ship Maine.
and conversed with several Of those who
were on the Inflated ship at the time OF
the disaster.
He found that all of those who were
willing to discuss the matter at all were
convinced that the explosion had been
caused by an outside force, probably a tor
pedo.
THE officers we've very reticent. but from
their manner 1t seemed that they had no
doubt as to the origin of the trouble" said
DIR. Biggar.
Some of the younger officers ami sail
ors were more oItspcken, and did not hes
itate to say that the work had been done
by a torpedo. They offered several reasons
for this belief, ali of which seemed 10 JUS
tify them in thinking as they did.
For instance, the mast was lifted right
out of its place in the vessel and the men
were sure that this could only have been
dcne by force from underneath. II the
explosion had been on the inside, they ar
gued, the mast would have been shattered
and thrown sideways.
THE bow of the Maine was split just as
II wedge had been driven at the bottom
of the boat on the outside, and the hull
vas bent forward, as IL by an external
force applied directly under it.
''The diver of the Maine. Martin Riorden.
was also at Key West. He was decidedly
of the opinion that the Maine was tamper-
ed with on the outside.
Il was told that shortly before the ex-
plosion ripple was noticed in the water,
as IL some smaller craft were moving
around the Maine. No particular attention
was paid to this at the time. but it is re-
membered now."
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
She Secures Two Cruisers Built for
Brazil by Armstrong;.
WANTS GUNS AND AMMUNITION
Rumor That French Fiinanciers Fur
nished the Necessary Funds.
AFTER THREE OTHER SHIPS

LONDON, March 4.-Spain has purchased
two cruisers which the Armstrong; have
been building for Brazil, the Amazonius
and sister ship. unnamed OF 1000 tons
each. twenty-three knots and ten guns.
Spain is also negotiating for and will
probably secure two cruisers of a similar
type which have been building in France
for Brazil.
The Amazonius is ready for launching
and her sister ship will soon be ready
The Spanish government is also endeavor-
ing to secure guns and large supplies OF
ammunition in England and on the conti-
nent for immediate use.
The government OF Spain seems to have
funds, for 1t is understood TO be paying .
large part Of the purchase money In cash,
giving good security for the balance. these
being the only terms upon which the Arm
strongs would deal
Some weeks ago Spain attempted to pur-
chase ships and supplies in England on
credit, from prominent firms having close
relations with the government, but after
inquiries the firms refused to give credit
Since then Spain has raised funds from un-
known sources.
Diplomats in London express the belief
Spanish government.
1t is known that Spain is trying to pur-
chase three other ships which are being
built by the Armstrong;, but she has not
yet succeeded in making a bargain conse-
quently there is still time IL the United
States wishes to forestall her.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04

carry clubs or weapons of any kind.
anything about this feature.
Andrew Slvar, No. 2. said he had sworr
that they agreed not to carry clubs.
John Laughran Gid not remember any.
thing he said last September, and neither
did Frank Kupa.
Ario Pardee Platt. the last witness, was
asked IL Chief Of the Coal and Iron Police
Hampton was at Lattimer at the time OF
the shooting. He said he was not. This
vas for the purpose of contradicting some
Of the comm oLwealth's witnesses.
The closing of the defense was then an.
rounced and the commonwealth was given
a short time to prepare its plan Of rebuttal
testimony.
COmmOnvy ealth In Rebuttal.
The commemorative witnesses in rebuff
tai began their testimony at IL o'clock. T.
P. Ryder, I. H. Strauss and c. K. Keck,
who met the sheriff few minutes after
he reached this city from the scene of the
shooting, said they saw no mark. discolor-
alton or bruise on the sheriffs face.
Joseph Costello was then recalled by the
commonwealth for the purpose Of showing
additional facts in regard to threats Of
violence made by Deputy A. e. Hess
against Costello. who was helping wound
ed striker. Counsel for the defense OBJ
jected to this evidence, but the objection
was overruled by Judge Woodward.
Il was helping a wounded striker" said
the witness. when Hess came up. I said:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
WILL BE PERFORATED.

All Money Orders When Received by
the Post Omce Department. s.--e
There will be no more counterfeit money
orders cashed by dishonest clerks. The au-
ditor for the Post Office Department today
issued an order that all money orders re,
ceived by the department be Immediately
Cancelled by q perforating stamp bearing
the word void" thereon. ~
There seems to be a false impression OF
the opportunity offered by the methods Of
the department for defraudfng the govern
ment. Twenty-six million money orders
are received annually and fled away, but
that does not mean that there are as many
cashed. It is only In those cases where the
department receives mone1 orders that
have been spoiled by tmShterf that the
opportunity for forgery is etvsns and this
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
IrALY's JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY.

King HumbeFt Reviews the Troops
Mt R0me's Garrison.
ROME, March 4.-The jubilee anniver-
sary of the Italian constitution was cele-
brated today with general rejoicing. The
city was filled with visitors, who throngsd
the Handsomely decorated streets.
At O'Clock in the morning the great bell
at the capitol signaled the opening Of he
fetes. and an hour later King Humbsrt, on
horseback. accompanied by tho Count Of
Turin, the foreign military attaches and
the minister Of war. attended by brilliant
suite, rode to the San Marco Esplanade,
where he reviewed 5000 troops Of the gar
rison.
The queen viewed the march past of the
troops. Their majesties met with an en-
thusiastic reception from the crowds
present.
Ths ceremony Of laying the corner stone
of the monument to Charles Albert, King
of Sardinia. has been postponed until to-
morrow.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
JUMPED INTO NINE SHAFT.

While remporarfIy Insane J. r. Arm-
strong Took q Fatal PaunGe.
IsHPEMING, Mich. March 4.-John r.
Armstrong. a mining man Of considerable
rote and well known throughout the Lake
Superior region and western mining dis
tricts. while temporarily ineane. brought
On by illness. walked to one Of the Lake
Superior Mining Company's shafts last
evening about o O'Clock and 5umped into
the opea4ng. falling ~ feet The remains
vill be sent to Marquette this smorsling for
iEterment- He was unmarried
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
ACTIVITY IN THE IRON TRADE.
Pennsylvania Companies Increase
the Production of Their Plants.

Pennsylvania Companies Increase
the Production of Their Plants.
PHILADELPHIA, March 4.-There Is
more than ordir1ry activity I'm the iron
trade Of eastern Pennsylvania at present.
ard several establishments are making ad-
ditions to the productive capacity of their
plants. Some of these additions to facil-
fties are about completed. The Lackawan-
ma Iron and Steel Company OF Scranton
will next week pls ce in blast the Colebrook
furnace Nc. 2 at West Lebanon, which has
been idle several months. Worth Brothers
& Company. iron manufacturers at Coles
vile. will erect a forge at their viaduct
mill to facilitate the supply of charcoal
blooms, and the keystone structure works
a Royersford will next week resume ope-
ratfons in all departments, some of which
have not recently been running in full.
The Central pattern works at Middle
town has added largely to its working force
as a result of contract for a large ice
machine for a Chicago packing company.
1t will weigh 600.000 pounds
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
CHARGED WITH rMBRAcERY.


Ell Shayv's Counsel and Others Ar
raigned at Camden.
CAMDEN. Nj, March 4.-Lawyer Henry
8. Scovel. Chief Of Police Samuel N. John
sen Of Stockton, ex-Justice Of the Peace
George w. Miles and John Meshaw, an
empaneled juror. were arraigned before
Judges Garrison and Armstrong today on
the Indictment charging them with em-
bracery. They all pleaded not guilty.
Their trial will probably take place at the
April term of court
The Indictment charges the defendants
with. attempting to tamper with tho panel
Of jurors drawn to try I'm Shaw for the
murder Of his mother and graudmothef
which trial was brought to an abrupt end
Ing by Judge 0Arrfson because OF rumorS
OF attempts to dx the jury. ocoyel waa
senior colnssl tor Shaw.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
PROwLER AT sAGAsrA's HOUSE.

Madrid Police Arrest nm Italian Who
Acted Quecrly.
MADRID, March 4-The police here have
arrested an Italian, who a month ago rush.
ed up to the carriage of Senior Sagasta. the
premier. and threatened him with a stick.
The man was shadowed by the police. and
has been found prowling around Senor Sa-
gasta's house. Inquiries are being made
to ascertain whether the Italian is con-
nected with suspected perscLs. The pris-
oper shows signs Of insanity.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
EXCEEDED THE REaUIREMExT

Speed Of the Gvsin and Talbot I'm Yes-
terday's Ohicial Trial.
Reports received at the Navy DEPART
ment In regard to the Official trial trips of
the torpedo boats Gwin and Talbot, built
by the Herreshoffs, which trials took place
yesterday. show that each vessel exceeded
the limit of speed called for by the con-
cording to the Official returns, the Gwfn
maintained speed OF 300 knots per hour
ard the Talbot speed Of 21-1 knots No
provision for premiums for speed was made
in the case Of these vessels, and conse-
quently the builders viii get no bonus for
exceeding the limit.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
BELT LINE EXTENSION.
Provisions Of Dill introduced by
Representative WILDER.


Representative WILDER.
Representative WILDER has introduced a
till in the House authorizing and direct
ing the Belt Railroad Company to extend
its lines by an improved underground cleo
trio system by double tracks from Its
present terminus at Florida avenue and
11th street eastward on Florida avenue TO
Grant and Sherman avenues; thence rorth-
ward on Sherman avenue to Whitney ave-
nue.; thence westward through HoImead
Manor. the Mattingiy property and Mt.
Pleasant, by route to be selected by ths
Commissioners, to 18th street and Kene-
saw avenue.
The extension from Florida avenue and
nth street to Whitney avenue must be
CT mpleted and in operation on or before
January l, 1Sv0. the remainder OF the ex-
tension to be completed and In operation
as soon thereafter as practicabls In the
judgment and discretion Of the Commis-
stoners.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04

The regular permanent family
circulation of The Evening Star
in Washington is more than
double that of any other paper,
whether published in the morn-
ing or in the afternoon.
AS a medium for unobiec-
tionable advertisements it there
fore stands unequaled and un-
approachable.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
GOING TO ALAsKA.s :

Chief C1um Directed to Insrect the
Postal FaeiiitSes.
The facilities for Transporting The mails
in Alaska are shortly to b. fnspeEted by q
government agent. Postmaster General
Gary has dstailed Mr.J. p. Clrn. chef of the
mail depreciation. division, 10 p{bceed At
% ence to Alaska and report atlengsh the IA
inspection will cover a usffod 1of four
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
Witnesses in Martin Trial Cannot
Recall Former Testimony.
EVIDENCE FOR DEFENSE ALL IN
Commonwealth Begins to Hear
Testimony in RebuttaI.
COSTELLO ON THE STAND

WILKESBARRE, Pa, March 4.-The de-
fense in the case Of Sheriff Martin and his
deputies closed finally at II o'clock this
morning. after recalling some Of the COM
monwealth's witnesses to ascertain wheth-
er, at the preliminary hearing last Sep
tember, they testified that at the meeting
Of the strikers at Harwood on the night
before the shooting they all agreed not to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
CUBAN CONSULAR CORRESPONDENCE
Senator Morgan Intends to Make @
e. Second Call for Ii.

SENATOR Morgan intends to Make q
Second Call for Ii.
Senator Morgan ssid today that it was
his purpose to Introduce a resolution at an
early date making q second call upon the
President for tn, consular correspondence
bearing upon the condition Of affairs In
Cuba Il think he said. that the SEN
ate and the country are entitled to know
officially what the condition there is, and
tfat the reports Of the consuls should not
be withheld for an unusual length of time.
do not, however. wish to complicate this
matter with the Maine disaster, and shall
not introduce the resolution while the court
OF inquiry Is sitting, unless it's report is
unnecessarily delayed. 1 have set no time
Tor the pre- sentation of the matter, but will
be guided as to the time by circumstances
as they arise"
He said in reply to a question that the
resolution proposed by him would be
ccuched In terms den nanding the submis-
sion Of the correspondence.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
success. Perhaps Senator Proctor has had
better luck.
VIII Visit the INTERIOR

Will Visit the Interior.
The senator intends to go further into the
interior. What he sees Of the economical
condition will be valuable when the time
comes for measures to reconstruct the
wasted resources Of the devastated island.
1t is possible that the problem of Spain
letting go win begin to work itself out
while Senator Proctor is in Cuba.
Wedo not yet know the full meaning of the
demonstration with which the vizcaya was
greeted. The loyal Spaniards were glad to
see the ship, and they showed their glad
ness The demonstration was arranged by
them. The Weyler newspaper complained
that 1t was not allowed by the censorship
to republish a speech made by Canavos
when he was prime minister, but It man.
aged to welcome the vizcaya and to exhort
the people to loyalty to SPAN.
There will be another demonstration
when the Almirante Oquendo arrives next
week. The Spanish classes unquestionably
rejoice because they think the presence of
these two warships in the harbor of H.. :
vana will frighten the United States.
Their loyalty IL strengthened. However
the army be tainted with insubordination,
the navy is true. The presence Of the Viz
caya and the Oquendo should be a proof
OF the captain generals theory that there
is no excuse for an anti-American demon
stration. They also made a rising against
the palace hazardous.
CHARLES M. PEPPER.
DIVERS CONTINUE THEIR WORK.
Those of Spain Have Done Little at
the Wreck.
By Associated Press
HAVANA. March 4-Warm, rainy
weather prevailed here this morning. and
everything has settled down into regular
Lenten Quietude.
So far as can be observed the divers at
the wreck are working slowly but steadily
during such hours as 1t is possible to do so
In the turoid waters. The big barge has
been found so useful In carrying big pieces
Of wreckage that it is a wonder it was not
sent here before.
The Spanish divers have been down but
little to the wreck of the Maine, and any
reports sent as coming from them are like
ly to be incorrect.
A numbe~ of beautiful wreaths ard floral
pieces were sent 10 the Colon cemetery to-
day by the Americans of this city to dec
crate the graves of the victims of the
Maine disaster. The scheme will be con-
tinued, and the flowers will be renewed
when witheIed.
Cable dispatches from Madrid published
here say that Senor Moret, the minister for
the colonies, confirms the statement of
General Perrado that the government never
thought of dsmissng the volunteers.
The cable dispatches also deny the re-
ports that the f1otilla of Spanish torpedo
boats and torpedo boat destroyers are to
come to Cuba.
Senator Proctor and Col Parker went to
Artemisa, province of Pinar del Rio. early
this morning. They will return about mid
night. The seLator is not likely to leave
Havana tomorrow, as he cannot get his
he ealth clearances in time.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION.
Providing for Death of the Presi
dent-Elect.

Providing for Death of the Presi-
dent-Elect.
The Senate committee on the judiciary
held a special meeting today for the pur-
pose OF considering an amendment to the
Constitution Of the United States, offered
by Senator Frye, providing for the filling
Of the presidential Office in case the Presi-
dent-elect should die between his election
and his Inauguration. Mr.. Frye's proposed
amendment provides for the Inauguration
of the Vice President-elect as President
just as the Constitution now provides TO,
his succession after both are inaugurated
The committee did not reach q conclu-
sion.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
NAVAL COURT OF INQUIRY.
May Leave for Havana mt O'Clock
This Afternoon.

KEY WEST, Fla, March 4.-The United
States naval court of inquiry appointed to
inquire into the loss OF the battle ship
Maine is still here, inactive and awaiting
orders from Washington.
Hulse. the courts chief stenographer,
has returned to Washington, leaving Bis
cell, his assistant, here.
Later in the day 1t was said on good au-
thority that the naval court of inquiry will
leave here at o'clock this afternoon for
Havana, unless orders to the contrary are
received from Admiral Sicard.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-04
The Wilkesbarre Court House.

The WIkesbarre Court House.
It's d-d shame to treat these poor fell
lows this way Shut up cried Hess, or
I'll treat you the same way and he leveled
his gun at me-"
did you write me a letter during this
trial." asked Judge Woodward.
mo. SIR" replied the witness.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-19
CONSTITUTION ON CANVAS.
Picture of the Famous Ship Painted
on Her own Sail.
(Philadelphia Record.


An oil-painting, with something of
historical value, is owned by Louis
Anger, of Philadelphia. 1t is a realistic
picture of the Constitution, the famous
man-of-war which did so much active
service in the war of 1872. The canvas
on which "Old Ironsides" is painted is a
piece of the very sail which she carried
and the frame which holds the painting
is made Of a piece of a spar from the
famous naval fighter.
The painting has had quite an interest
ing experience. 1t was originally owned
by Lieutenant Fleming who was as
signed to duty on the Constitution. He
gave it TO Mr.. Anglers father about
forty years ago, but II only remained I'm
his fathers possession for a few days
when il was stolen by a servant. While
attending an auction sale about three
years ago. the present owner was greatly
surprised TO see the stolen painting
offered to the highest bidder Mr.. Anger
outbid the other buyers and brought the
painting home. on being questioned as
to how 1t came in his possession, the
auctioneer said II had been bought In a
paWnbroker's sale.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-19
The BOiIer-InspectIOn Bill.

To the Editor of the Dispatch:
Since Mr.. Opie's preliminary measure
reducing all salaries was defeated
have had but little hope that anything
in the way IF retrenchment would be ac-
cOmplished by this Legislature, but
write asking your aid in defeating the
Bland boiler-inspection bill.
1t is, Of course, with all proper defer
ence TO the opinion Of its patron that
assert that it would be a hardship on the
State, and especially on the small manu-
facturer. Say / have a fifteen-horse-
power boiler and engine on my farm,
and that it is used for grinding meal,
chops saving shingles, fencing, &C.. for
myself and neighbors-not running more
than two days week. As ! understand
the bill, l would have to bring the in
spector here and pay him 81. and would
be compelled to employ as engineer one
to whom the State board had given GER
tificate. This / consider the worst fea-
turc, as none to whom a certificate would
be issued by a competent board would
not be willing to work for less than 50
or 81 per day; and this, of course. would
shut down all small operators, and the
people, the buyers of lumber, would have
TO pay this tax. SUBSCRIBER.