The Mena star., 1899-05-25
4 FLAG F|)R CUBAN SHIPS
The Question Presents Many Com plications and Much Injustice
 Is Caused to Owners.
ARTILLERY CAPTURED FROM SPkEIARDS
The War Department Is In Possession of About 40 Pieces-Many Applications Received Asking for the Loan Gift of Gun-A Patent Dinner-In- creased Pay for Postmasters.

Washington. May 24.-The main fea- ture of the cabinet meeting to-day was the reading and discussion of detailed report from Gen. Otis regarding the military operations in the Philippines. The report carried the operations up to April and is considered satisfactory. It was decided to make it public. Secre- tary Gage brought upthe question of a flag for the Cuban shipping. About Sc, ,000, ,000 worth of Cuban shipping is tied up and prevented from engaging in international trade because it had no flag to sail under. The owners have repeatedly appealed Cor relief and after explaining the situation to the cabinet to-day the whole matter was re- ferred to Secretary Gage for a solution, if one could be found. Relief was of fered so far as coastwise trade is con cerned by the recognition of the Cuban flag for this purpose, but foreign countries cannot recognize the flag of country that does not exist and American registry cannot be granted to ships owned by citizens of foreign country. The question presents many complications, and it is recognized that a great injustice is being done to the Cuban owners of ships under the exist ing state of affairs. Secretary Gage will confer with the bureau of naviga- tion regarding the matter in the hope that some solution may be found.
 Artillery Captured from Spaniards.
 Washington, May 24.-The war de- partment is in possession of about 140 pieces of artillery captured or stirren- dered as a result of the war with Spain. Many applications have been received at the department for loan or gift of these guns and n fewn of them have been granted. The act of congress under which the distribution is made sane tions such loans or gifts only to c. A. k. posts, soldiers memorial associations and municipalities. The depart ment is not yet settled in the acceptance of Gen. Otis decision that the Spanish government is en- titled to all of the cannon in the Philippines outside of those brought in by the American army. The paragraph in the peace treaty relating to the ownership of this artillery admits of a double construction, but the weight of opinion in the department is that the United States is at least entitled to the possession of the guns captured and surrendered before the signing of the peace protocol. This would include the batteries at Cavite, Corregidor is- land, at the mouth of Manila bay, and probably those in the Qualifications of Manila itself.
 Patent on Dinner.
 Washington, May 24.-The most novel patent ever issued by the United States government was granted yester- day to the patent law class of the Co., lumbian university of this city. The law class is to give dinner on May 26, and the patent issued was on this din- ner. The patent is made out in regu- lar form. 1t sets forth that, whereas, the patent class of the Columbian uni versity alleges the invention of new and useful improvement in dinner, Q description of which is given, the class is granted ''the exclusive right to en- joy and digest said invention through out the United States and territories" :" The patent is duly signed by Patent Commissioner Duell and Assistant Sec retary of the Interior Davis.
 Increased Pay for Postmasters.
 Washington, May 24. Hundreds of postmasters will receive an increase of salary July 1. Every year the salaries of the presidential postmasters are re- adjusted, and this year the phenomenal increase in the postal receipts will result to the advantage of many of the postmasters. The increase this year caa be estimated in the millions, and the total receipts will range be- tween 800, GOO, 900 and S100, GOO, GOO.
 A Family Killed in a Runaway.