New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-16

INTEREST IN FIGHTING BEYOND THE
SEA-CONDITION OF THE SUTRO ES-
TATE-TRYING TO COLLECT
NOTE RUNNING FOR TWEEN
TY-TWO YEARS.
lsr TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBUNE, ]

TI-TWO YEARS.
10y TELEGRAPH To THE TRIBuSEl
San Francisco. April 15.-There was an at
tempt made here by certain newspapers to
arouse war excitement over Samoa. but the
Californians are hard headed people. not easily
swept off their feet. and the prompt disclaimer
by Germany appears to have ended any prospect
Of hghting between the Powers over the petty
quarrel at Apia. The greatest interest is taken
here in reports Of lighting near Manila. as a
large number OF coast in the ranks.
The release o. the LIST California Regiment will
come soon. but IL the matter OF mastering out
were left to vote Of the men IT is doubtful
whether many would choose to return before the
close Of the campaign. From letters received
from the men in the ranks II Is plain that the
soldiers are in a far better physical condition
than was expected and that the percentage or
Illness Is small for hard service In tropical
country
IT is probable that Sutro Heights and Sutro
Baths will he stripped OF statues. curios and
other interesting objects in order that these
may he sold for the benefit Of the estate. The
income from the estate amounts TO only $4,000
year. which barely pays the interest the
S650OOO mortgages held by the Hibernia and
Nevada banks. Legaces OF $3.50 600 TO persons
not belonging TO the family cannot be paid un-
I'll some Of the real property and all the per-
sonal property is sold. The result will be the
selling Of many blocks of outside land which
sutro IN his lifetime would not consent to part
with.
The Supervisors after making a buff last
week Of cutting gas rates almost in two, this
week reconsidered the resolution reducing rates
20 81 10 thousand cubic feet, and decided to
recommend a compromise rate OF 81 90 for city
lighting. This action laid the majority open TO
the charge Of having been seen by agents OF
the gas monopoly. especially the members
could give the minority good reason for their
radical change Of opinion in regard 10 the value
Of gas.
A picturesque local character Captain Themes
Francis OMalley Baines. died this week. He
was a Papal Zouave and afterward in 1866,
sent to the penal settlement in Australia with
John Boyle O'Reilly and other Fenians He
came here in 1872. and was prominent as an adj
herent of Kearny In the Sand Lots movement
He was always conspicuous by his dress and
by his fondness for wearing antique sword
IN Irish parades.
Mrs Ellen Henrotin. Of Chicago. had recep-
ton this week by the Laurel Hall Club, and de-
livered an address on the advantages Of tho
Federation of Women's Clubs. She urged the
union Of women on this coast and especially in
California. as the only means of strengthening
the organizations and enabling them to have
their Just influence in educational and social re-
form.
The Bostonians finished a successful fifth week
with Robin Hood" which though given
every visit seems to have lost none of its draw
ing power. Next week they give three operas
and bring to a close of their best in
San Francisco. Coming almost at the end OF
the grand opera season. their success has been
noteworthy. Sauer appears next week for two
piano recitals at the Grand Opera House.
II is expected that the Rev. H. E. Cooke,
rector of Trinity Episcopal Church. will present
his resignation tomorrow. During the year ne
has been In the service OF the church there has
49, .t~g. -
introduce rituaisn': and also over the weakness
of his voice. He is son IF jay Cooke, and
came here from New-Hampshre.
celebrated case is on trial at Willows Glenn
County, involving the payment Of a note for
$4,000. made twenty-five years ago. with in
terest at ] per cent a month. The note is
alleged to have been made by William Murdoch
wealthy ranchman to Samuel Murdoch. his
cousin who had loaned him sums Of money for
many years The note drawn in favor Of
Mrs GAVIN Murdoch. daughter-in-law of Samuel
and made TO fall due about the time of the
majority Of her two sons who favorites
of their uncle. Samuel died several years after
making the note. and the document was pre-
served all these years by the woman, who now
brings suit for it's value. The defendant
eerts the note is forgery and has imposing
array OF handwriting experts to prove the
eertion.
Judge Roos Of the District Court at Los An
geles. this week rendered an important decision
which gives to the Government nearly $4,000
acres heretofore claimed by the Southern Pa
cihc Railroad Company The disputed land
overlapped the old Texas Pacific Railroad grant.
and when the latter grant lapsed for lack Of
fulfilling the conditions imposed by the Gov
eminent this tract which was claimed by the
Southern Pacific Railroad. should have reverted
20 the Government The lands are situated west
of Yuma on the Colorado Desert, and are now
arid, but they may he brought under the pro-
posed Colorado irrigating system. and thus be-
come valuable. as the soil will produce fine
crops with abundance of water.
Temperance Is a living issue in many OF the
Southern California towns. In Pomona this
week a desperate effort made to get rid of
two high-icense saloons which had been running
for year, and revert to old strict prohibition
rules. All-day prayer were held in
the churches. and the took active
hand at the meetings and eXhorted the voters
to cast their ballots against granting any IL
censes to saloons The result the Prohibi-
ton party won by a majority OF 80 votes eff
ter the most exciting election ever seen in the
state.
The upward movement in Hawaiian CONNER
cial stock continues. the advance for the week
being from 90 to 81. Edward POLITE. broker
returned this week from Hawaii where he
bought the controlling interest in the Walluku
plantation. which will be added to the other
acreages OF Hawaiian Commercial. making Il
the largest sugar estate in the world. San
Francisco Gas has fuctuated but there has been
no material change the stock closing at 13ls
Alaska Commercial closed at 40. Spring Val
ley at 102. and Market Street Railway at 62i2.
RECORDS or POLICE BRAVERY WANTED.
Chief Devery has sent order to all commanding
officers to report 10 him all acts OF heroism per-
formed by policemen in their commands in the
year 1898. The Board will then decide which officer
fs entitled 10 the Rhineiander Medal for Valor for
that year. The medal is awarded each year at the