Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-05-22
FROM WASHINGTON.
Correspondence OF tho Alexandria Gazette.
Washington, May %.

|
Washington, May %.
The criticisms of Gen. Shafter, as
made by Brigadier General Adelbert
Ames before the New Hampshire So
ciety of Colonial Danes, have divided
the department into two camps, the one
spplauding his sentiments, the other
deprecatlng the utterances quoted.
Gen. Ames is, however, beyond the
pale of official interference. He was
mustered out of the army January 5
and is at liberty TO talk as he pleases.
General Ames has been prominent
enough in civil, military and political
life to give his words considerable
weight. He was q brigadier general
in the civil war and has record of
which his friends are proud. He re-
signed from the regular army in 1870.
During the war with Spain he was in
command of the Third brigade, First
division, Fifth corps, at Santiago. He
is q son-in.lsw ofGen. Butler, was .. S.
Senator from Mississippi in 1903 and
governor of that State from 1874 to '76.
Neither the Navy nor the War De.
partment mas received any informa.
ton which would tend to confirm the
rumor that came from Colon that the
American cruiser Detroit had sunk the
Nicaraguan gunboat San Jacinto. The
report is discredited at both depart
ments, though its truth would be highly
gratifying to the jingoes.
The 14th of June is the day fixed for
the examination of Mr.. Henry 0. Hs-
vemeyer by the industrial commission
upon the Subject of trusts. During the
same week Mr.. Arbuckle, one of the
rivals in business of the Havemeyers,
will also be heard.
A large and deep sewer is being con.
structed through the Capitol grounds
here, causing the destruction of some
of the beautiful trees there and the dis
hgurement of the grounds.
The failure OF the proposed scheme
through which northern syndicate
hoped to secure control of the Wash
ington gas plant has had tendency to
prevent the same combination of CAPT
tai from consolidating all of the street
railways here. 4 bitter fight has been
going on for the past six weeks, but
the local capitalists appear to have the
better hand.
The friends OF Secretary Alger here
think he will enter the Senatorial fight
in their State regardless of the wishes
OF Senator Mcmillan, who has informed
General Alger that he is candidate
for re election. 1t is said that Secretary
Alger relies upon Governor Pingree to
help him in the fight.
The Supreme Court decided this af-
ternoon that telephone companies can
not appropriate and hold city streets
under charters granted by Congress.
This is against the Southern Bell Tele.
ohone Company which has been fight
ing the municipal authorities of Rich
mond, because in 1886 it was granted
telegraph rights. Justice Harlan, who
rendered the decision, said the court did
not intend to abridge the powers of
municipalities in controlling their own
streets. The court after it concluded
its business today took recess for the
summer.
The War Department is not rs one in
respect of the animadversions made by
General Ames, son-in-law of the late
General Ben. Butler, upon General
SKATER. in his speech before the New
Hampshire Society of the Colonial
DANES. General SKATER, though he
once recommended Secretary Alger for
dismissal from the army, now says he
is the best Secretary of War the coun-
try has ever had, but there are many
people in the War Department who
don't agree with him, and they think
of General Shafter as General Ames
does.
From Alexandria county, across the
river, it is learned today, that the ex-
element about the coming election
for county offices there on Thursday
continues ct fever heat, and that though
there was large crowd at the county
and circuit courts both OF which met at
the court house there today, nothing
was done in either of those courts, and
the day was spent in talking about that
election.
Senator Martin of Virginia is expect
ed here tomorrow on his way to An
uapolis, to attend q meeting of the
board of visitors OF the Navel Academy,
of which he is member.
Since the publication of General
Hampton's letter, the friends of Ad-
miral Dewey here are more pronounced
in their opposition tc the yellow journ-
ais scheme TO give him house here,
bought by handing around the hat.
They are supported in their opposition
by the Philadelphia Ledger and the
Army and Navy Gazette.
1t is said at the Treasury Department
today that though this government is
at war with the Philippine republic,
the captain of a vessel that arrived yes.
terday from Iloilo presented st the
New York custom house papers made
out by Filipino customs officials
People from Virginia here today say
that either Congressman Jones, Gov
ernor Tyler or Judge Buchanan will
be the candidate of the anti Martin
men for U. s. Senator, and that either
could have been, without any of the
talk and differences caused by the
Richmond conference.
member Of the Tenth Pennsylvania regi |
ment. in letter to a friend in this city |
says bis regiment when it started was 1850 |
strong, but now only 155 of It's members are |
on duty. 1t is said here that il tho true |
story of the American army now abroad were |
told, the Mckinley administration would be |
repudiated even in the Presidents OWL State. |
Pennsylvania avenue is literally decorated |
with U. s. flags today-to such an extent that |
Gen. Ben Butler, who had bunting mopopos |