davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
RATIFICATIONS EXCHANGED.
Last Ceremony Needed to Give Effec
to the Samoan Agreement


to the Samoan Agreement
The exchange of ratifications of the Sa-
moan treaty took place today at the State
Department. This Is the last ceremony
necessary to give fun effect to- the Samoan
agreement, though as a matter of form and
OF public information, here in the United
States at least, it may be necessary to pro-
claim the treaty.
Secretary Hay represented the United
states, Lord Pauncefote representing Great
Britain and Mr.. Won Holleben representing
Germany. Owing to the fact that there are
three parties to this treaty, the method of
efecting the exchange differs considerably
from the usual order. Secretary Hay has
decided to retain for the United States the
copy or the treaty which was ratified by
the United States Senate He handed to
Lord Pauncefote and to Mr. Won HolIeben
copies of the treaty, bearing the signatures
or the President and himself. The recipi-
ents of these copies next signed formal ac-
acknowledgements or receipts for these con-
Ventlons, and the ceremony was complete.
AT London Mr.. Choate and the German
ambassador at the Court of St James were
to receive copies of the treaty from the
hands of Lord Salisbury, while in Berlin
Mr.. White and the British ambassador
We're to be handed exchange copies by
Baron Won Buelow.
The State Department has taken steps to
notify Mr.. Osborne, the United States con-
sui at Apia, of the contamination of the
agreement. 1t will make no difference in
the status of Mr.. Osborne; in fact the ne
cessIty for the presence of an American
fore.
LONDON, February 16.-The formal rat
hcatiohs OF the Samoan treaty have been
eAchahsed between London and Berlin.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
LEVEL OF THE LAKES.
Considering How 1t Will BE Affected
by a Proposed Canal

The House river and harbor commlttea
today gave hearing upon the question Of
the levels of the great lakes as affected
by the proposed canal of the Michigan
Lake Superior Power Company. The hear,
ing grew out of the recent report of tho
Secretary of War upon this subject.
E. V. Douglass and f. II. Clcrgue. presi.
dent and vice president, respectively, of the
power company; Chase S. Osborn repre-.
senting the interests of the $500" Harvey
Association; G. Y. Wisner of the deep wa
terways commission, and Col. G.. J. Lydeck-
er, who filed the original protest against
the project upon the part of the War De-
partment, were among those present.
Mr.. Clergue made the first statement on
behalf of the power company. He said
that one-third of the excavation for The
canal was completed after two years of
constant work. The canal would be COM
pleted in the spring of 1901. He declared
that the company had employed the most
expert hydraulic engineers in this country
and Canada, and that they could prove 10
the satisfaction of the committee that tho
canal in conception was practicable and
correct, and that instead of interfering
With navigation 1t would prove an aid.
The hearing went over until 1.30 ID M,
when the lake Carriers interests will be
heard.
1t is understood that one of the main
questionssto be raised is as to the right to
tap navigabie streams, not only at the
500" but elsewhere, when the general
level of navigation may be affected with
out an act of Congress.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Outlining the Work of the New
Philippine Commission.
considered At THE CABINET MEETING
Regarding the Selection of An
other Commissioner.
R. P. PORTER CALLS

The scope of the work to be done by the
new Philippine commission was largely dis
cussed at the cabinet session today The
written Instructions under which the COM
mission will act have not been drawn up
at the State Department and the prelimi-
nary talk today was of value in bringing
out the ideas of the members of the cabi-
net. Before the commission leaves this
country written Instructions will be given
to The members.
The President never sends out COM
mission without defining its work so that
there may be no misunderstanding and no
conflict of authority. 1t is hoped that the
commission may be selected and ready to
leave this country by some time in April.
The Macrum incident was merely touched
upon in the discussion of diplomatic mat
ters brought up by Secretary Hay.
Selection of a Democrat
Although it is yet the Presidents purpose
to select ~ thern democrat on the COM
mission thee is considerable gossip of a
western democrat in case the right kind or
southern man cannot be secured. Three
western men have been mentioned-ex-Sen-
ator White and Ex-Governor Budi of CALI
forn.a and ex-Representative James Hamf-
ton Lewis of Washington. Mr.. Lewis is IN
the city, and it is SAID that he will see ;he
President.
In :. recent call at the White House Mr.
Lewis gave to a representative of The Star
his views on the expansion question. These
are such as might operate against his going
on the commission, although it is known
that the President has a high opinion of
him. Mr.. Lewis believes that there is abb
solutely 10 chance on the Pacific coast for
a democratic victory this fall with that
party opposing expansion
Cnudffions i'm, C,l,o
Robert p. Porter, who recently went 10
there. was at the White House this morn
ing and talked with the President. To a
Star representative Mr. Porter said that
there has been a great improvement in Ha-
Nana and other parts of the island since
this time last year, when Mr.. Porter WIS
there The people who are there all the
time don't aotice the Improvements like a
man who goes away and returns again"
he said
Mr.. Porter said that the innportations TO
Cuba continue TO be as heavy as a year
ago, when they amounted to $T5,eCp.o0O for
a year, and when the duties at the var
ious ports reached $l5O01, 600 or Sl6.apatEkL
All the money received on duties is spent
in the island. he said. Under the Spanish
regime only a small part of the tariff coi-
lecuons were spent in the island. the bal
ance being stolen or used in Spain.
Mr.. Porter says that the tobacco crut IS
good and that the sugar and other crops
are satisfactory.
Today's Nominations.
The following nominations were today
sent to the Senate by the President:
Army, u. S. V.-Commissary department
Capt. NJ. r. Peterson, commissary. with
rank Of major; First Lieut.. c. R. Kraut-
nom, l4th Infantry, commissary, with rank
OF captain Quartermaster's department.
Capt. l. W. Littell, quartermaster, with
rank of major.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
JIBILATIoN IN LONDON.
News of French's Success Received
With Great Satisfaction.

LONDON, February. Is, 1;45 pm.-while
there is tremendous satisfaction and jubi-
lation here at the success Of Field Marshal
Lord Roberts and Gen. French, those best
suited TO judge the situation are inclined to
the opinion that, pending more definite in
iermailon, the news had better be regarded
as assuring. rather than as accomplishing
the relief of the beleaguered CITY Of kim.
berley- a careful study of the ambiguity
OF the wording OF Lord Roberts dispatch
leads TO the belief that The actual reIiaf Of
the place Is still a matter of time. kim
oe[IeSs u ~ pointed out, can scarcely be
provisions there The rapidity of Cen
FIench's march indicates that ne was ~,
able to do this, and whether he IeTt nj
lines behind him open Is only a mattsr 30
s1rmise. II Is considered most prohahIa
that Lord Roberts and Gen. French's briI-
liant tactical success, for such IN is ,,nda-
any circumstances, resembles the first relief
of Lucknow, when the dispersal of the enc
nys forces was by no means immediateiv
effected
Roberts at JacObsdaI.
Anethsr remarkable feature OF Lord Rob-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
TO EXAMINE METHODS.
MT. Richardson PROPOSES an Inquiry
Into Treasury Expenditures.

AIC"sury expenditures.
Mr.. Richardson of Tennessee, the leader
of the minority in the House. has intro
duced a resolution directing the committee
on expenditures in the Treasury Depart
ment to make an examina ton of the ac-
counts and expenditures of that depart
ment and the manner in which the accounts
are kept to ascertain. the manner in which
the appropriations made for the benefit Of
the department have been expended, the
application of all public moneys disbursed
by the department, and the reduction or in
crease of the pay Of all the officers en-
ployed by the department.
The committee shall report their acts un-
der this resolution before May l. 1900.
A similar Investigation is proposed to be
made of the War Department by the COM
mittee on expenditures in the War De-
partment.
Il have been urged to Introduce these
resolutions said Mr. Richardson today,
by a number Of representatives, who have
said that such an investigation would in
their opinion, prove beneficial to the public
service and develop some interesting facts.
Il shall press the matter before the COM
mittee on rules, to whom the resolution has;
been referred"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
PLAGUE MAY BE CHECKED.
No New Cases in Honolulu From Feb
rUary to o.

HONOLULU. February 8, via San Fran
cisco, February 16.-No new cases of plague
have developed during the past four days.
The house to house inspection is being kept
up. The health officials are feeling easier
and have granted permission for churches,
schools and places of amusement to reopen
Abounty of 25 cents for live rats and IS
cents for dead ones has been offered. The
board Of health will also set day apart
for the wholesale slaughter of rats; every
householder will be supplied with a pack
age of poison for use on their respective
premises. 1t is expected that this plan
will prove effective one for the sup
preston of the bubonic plague
The Island of Lanai, with a population of
800, is sadly In need of provisions. A
launch came to this city on the 7th to no.
tify the authorities of a threatened famine.
Steps were taken at once to send a supply
of provisions.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16

erts' laconic cablcgram is the fact that it
is dated at Jacobsdal, which was Gen.
Cronje's advance base of supplies; yet there
is word ~f explaining the British COM
mander's presence there, nor word of any
opposition which he or Gen. French en-
countered.
Had Lord Roberts inflicted decisive de-
feat on the Beers, it is believed he would
have mentioned it, as such success would
be greatly paramount to the relief of KIM
berley, or the throwing into that place of a
garrison which could assure its holding
out. However, Gen. Frenchs entry into
Kimberley has been effected and doubtless
brings joy to the hearts of those who have
been shus up in the city for I'D days Their
defenders number about 1900 while Gen.
French'S force is estimated at between 5000
and 5000 men. The 9Th and 18th Divisions
have already crossed the river and are
probably with Lord Roberts at Jacobsdal
What has happened to Gen. CronJe and
the whereabouts of his forces puzzles the
experts.
Beers Desert MaGerSfOntein.
A dispatch from Cape Town, dated We'd
resday. February Il. received this morning,
says: THE Beers are leaving Magersfon-
tein TO reinforce other positions. 1t is esti-
mated that between 1000 and 10000 men
remain there
Lord Roberts wide turning movement,
via JaCobsdal, may have cut off these
troops from Bloemfontein But while the
British forces are endeavoring to intercept
the Boer communications there is parallel
Boer column trying to cut off the British
lines to De Aar, and it is apparently meet
ing with some success, though later dis
patches. referring to Gen. Clements retire.
ment to Arundel say the movement was
undertaken for strategic purposes, and that
during the course of the march the Beers
We're driven off by a heavy fire. the Innis-
killings charging brilliantly and infiicting
great loss on the burgherS.
A Boer dispatch from Lorenzo Marques
dated Thursday. February 15 says the in
itial attack on Colesherg, February r. re-
suited in federal loss of men killed, IA
wounded and prisoners. The British, it is
added. were driven out of their camp and
one of their MaXims was captured.
The news of General F'renchs entry into
Kimberley was received on the stock ex-
change here today with rousing cheers.
No boom in stocks was created, but a sat
isfactory strong undertone prevailed. De
Beers rose rs. but subsequently fell IA
on Paris rumor that General French had
merely fallen into Boer trap.
Satisfactory News From Ladysmith.
The dispatch referring to the condition
OF Ladysnlith is regarded as reassuriug.
There is no further word from General
Butler, and nothing startling is expected
to occur in Natal in the immediate future
According to a dispatch from Chieveley,
dated Wednesday, February H. it has been
ascertained that the British artillery dur
ing last weeks fighting rendered two large
Boer guns AMI one Nordenfeldt ineffective.
\ SterkStroom dispatch of Wednesday,
February ii, says that Colonel Eagar, who
was wounded and captured at StOrmberg
died February II. The Beers turned his
body over to the British at Molteno.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
ADVISABLE TO PURCHASE,
Property In Square 169 Needed by the
Government.

Chairman Mercer of the House committee
on public buildings and grounds was visited
today by Commander Baird, superintendent
of the State, War and Navy Departments
building, who handed him memorandum
in reference to House bill 1855, which pro-
poses to purchase property in square 169
bounded on the north by G. street, on the
east by 18th street and on the south by
the Winder building. for $243, 900, for the
use of the government.
Commander Baird, in his Communication
says:
1.-THE need for more space in the State
War and Navy Departments building Is
pressing. When originally occupied there
were not quite 1900 people employed there
but during the war with Spain the per-
sonnel was increased to 3, 100. Besides this
the War Department is now obliged to rent
six and the navy one additional buildings,
as follows. No. 1914 G street, by War De-
Department, 50, 400; 1929 New York avenue,
by War Department, $4,000; 18th and F
streets by War Department, 81 500; 1744 9
street, by War Department, s1.sOO; 1712
street, by War Department. $500; 1907
street. by Navy Department $3.50; total,
$13,9SO. This is the aggregate annual rent
for houses to take the present overflow
from the State, War and Navy building
THE government is now paying 3 per
cent on its last loan; S13,9s0 is per cent
on S4G6,dU0, but the property referred to in
House bill 1850 can be bought for S243, 600
1t Is, therefore, manifest, that it is very
much cheap per to own annex buildings.
The building on the lots in square 169
dots 49, 21, 90 49, 49, 62, 81, II and 49, will
be good enough, with q little Strengthening
of floors, for present purposes. The houses
on lots 60 and 60 are now rented by the
War Department for office work. The
house on west half of 10 Is equally fit for
ofhces. The other houses afford room for
drauShting purposes, for which there is
pressing need by the Navy Department for
files, storage records, etc. Seventeenth
street is but ninety feet wide and can easily
be connected by tunnel and by pneumatic
tubes with the State, War and Navy build
ing. The lighting can be done by the cleo
trio plant in the State, War and Navy
building.
1t Will be seen by the diagram (handed
the committee by Commander Baird this
morning) that the property already owned
py the government in square 1853 and that
which the bill refers to affords a rectangu-
lar lot of land about 26O by III feet. on
which may be built at any future time a
suitable han of records for the State War
and Navy Departments building
The Importance of having a haIi of rec
ords near this building is apparent not
only as a matter of economy, but con-
venience. The basement of the State, War
and Navy building and the basement of the
proposed annex may be readily connected
by tunnel under 18th street for a small
car and pneumatic tubes, exactly as the
capitol is connected with the library build
ing
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
ARRIVAL OF GEN. LUDLOW
Had a Conference With the Secretary
of War Today.

General William Ludlow, military COVE
ernor of the city of Havana, who is now
in this country on a short leave of alb.
sence, was at the War Department today,
and mad conference with Secretary Roor
and Adjutant General Corbin in regard
to the conditions in Cuba, present and pro-
spective. He will also give the President
personal account of his observations in
Cuba with a view to assisting the admin-
istration in arranging for the estab,ish-
ment of civil government in Cuba.
General Ludlow will be here for a few
days only, and expects to resume his duties
in Havana on the 18th instant.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
LIEUT.. soBRAL's REPORTS.
inaccurate AllnsiOn Made in Il
Spanish COrtes

Relative to the allusion in the Spanish
c"rtes yesterday to correspondence between
the Spanish government and the United
States, through Lieut.. Sobral, the Spanish
naval attache prior to the late war, it is
SAID at the State Department that there
was no such correspondence 1t is pre-
sumed that what was meant by Count AL
menas in speaking of this matter was some
correspondence of a confidential nature
which may have passed between the naval
attache, acting in his official capacity, and
his own government. Naturally such re-
ports are confidential, and the United
states government would be the very last
to come into their possession.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
District Appropriation Bill,
ADJOURNED TO FEBRUARY Fl.
Nothing Done in the kentucky In
junction Cases.

FRANKFORT, KY, February 1G-Noth-
ing done in the injunction suit of
Governor Beckham against Governor Tay-
lor and Lieut.. Gov Marshall before Judge
Cantrill today at Georgetown. BY agree
ment between the attorneys the hearing
was postponed until February 81 Mean
time the attorneys will try to agree on some
mode of procedure. The matter is then to
be brought up before Judge CantrilI at
Frankfort, February 3, II no agreement is
reached in the meantime.
LOUISVILLE. Ky. February 16.-Both
houses of the democratic legislature met at
noon today. A recess was taken until af-
ternoon, when, it is likely, concurrent
resolution to resume sessions at Frankfort
will be adopted.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
UATI0N AT LADYsMfTH.
An Escaped Correspondent Tells of
the PrivatiOns There.

LONDON, February 16.-The correspond
ent of the Associated Press at Ladysmith,
from which place he escaped February 10
and arrived at Durham February il, sends
the following. written before he left Lady
smith:
Since the furious cannonade in the early
part of the week quietness has reigned
The hills on which the relief columns Iyd-
dite shells were bursting in hundreds a few
days previously are now occupied by graz
ing cattle. Further away on the north side
OF Spion Kop the Boer laagers can be seen,
evidently bigger than before, showing they
have no idea at present of retiring from
Il cir position
Much disappointment Is felt at the nom
appearance of General Butler, as from the
severity of the fire every heart was glowing
with hope and excitement at the prospect
OF immediate relief; not that we are at all
III the blues, for every one capable of shoul-
dering a rifle is confident in our ability to
mold the town against any force the Beers
are capable of putting in the field Still the
continued diet of horse and mule flesh is
getthg somewhat monotonous, although
the health of the camp, taking everything
INTO consideration, is better than could he
expected. Enteric fever and dysentery have
abated The camp fever is not yirulent. hut
is slightly increased.
Scarcity of Vegetables.
--4~ SNsNASity VI Vegetables Is very trying
TO the troops, and they are luxuries beyond
the means of the majority
Eggs are thirty-six shillings a dozen, a
small fowl is eighteen shillings six pence,
pumpkins twelve shillings each, a tin Of
jam twelve shillings six pence, a tin of milk
seven shillings six pence, box of sardines
three shiiiings, tobacco ninety shiliings q
pound A case of whisky was ratified for
f14J.
The Beers are smuggling tobacco into
camp through natives. A local factory is
turning out excellent horse sausages, and
another is making nourishing soup which Is
much appreciated by the troops, who GER
tainly have increased in strength since
these were served out"
The escape of the Associated Press cor
respondent was most adventurous and
arduous. Leaving Ladysmith the evening
of February 10. guided by native, he soon
encountered a Boer patrol, who fired upon
him. Escaping the patrol, he crawled
twenty-five miles of the toughest and ston-
lest paths, hiding in native huts and kraaIs
during the day and proceeding at night
Once a Boer patrol came to the door of the
hut where he was hidden under blankets
He swan the Tugela river and reached
Chieveley the morning OF February IL.
where he took the train for Durham
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
TELEGRAMs FOR KIMBERLEY.

Now Accepted by Cable Company at
Sender's Risk.
NEW YORK, February 16.-The CONNER
cial Cable Company at O'Clock this after
noon sent out the following notice:
1--WE are advised that kilograms can now
be accepted for Kimberley, South Africa
at senders risk, and not exceeding twelve
words"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
MUST FIT THEMSELVES FOR LINE.
An Opinion That is Not Pleasing te
Naval Engineer Officers.

Judge Advocate General Lenly has rem
dered an opinion to the effect that the
Navy Department has no power under the
provisions of existing law to give an officer
of the class referred to in section of the
personnel act any election as to whether
or not he shall fit himself for the duties of
the line.
all of the younger engineer officers who en-
tered the service since the grade of cadet
engineer was dropped to fit themselves to
pass examinations for the line. great
majority of them are indisposed to do this,
so the decision may have an important ef-
feet upon the personnel Of the service
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
GREAT BRITAIN's RESERVE FLEET.
FOrty-SeNen Warships Ready for I'm
mediate C0mmissioning

LONDON, February ia telegram from
Portsmouth says the admiralty inquiries
at the naval ports have resulted in the
assurance that forty-seven additional bat
tie ships, cruisers and torpedo boat de-
stroyers could forthwith hoist the pennant.
The admiralty today ordered the ships in
the fleet reserve at Portsmouth to be fully
manned and ready for sea. This Is re-
garded in some quarters as preliminary to
putting the whole reserve in readiness for
commissioning.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
TRAIN ROBBERS FOOLED.
Express Messenger Milton Stands by
His Post Successfully.

His Post Successfully.
Ell PASo, Texas, February 16.-Maslsed
robbers held up a passenger train on the
New Mexico and Arizona railroad at Fair
banks, eighteen miles south of Benson,
Ariz., last night.
When the train stopped one robber COW
cred the engineer with pistol. One of the
masked men went to the express door just
as Messenger ]. d. Milton opened it to pass
out packages, and the third robher had
charge of the station agent.
Milton opened fire, which was returned
When the smoke cleared away the robbers
had disappeared and Milton was wounded
One of the robbers was seen to fail. but
regained his feet and got away with his
comrades. officials claim nothing was Sc
cured by the robbers, but a large posse has
gene in pursuit.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-16
NOT FOR RAslIEs sculruRE.
Bill to devote the Botanic Garden I
This Purpose Smafherea

The House committee on public buildings
and grounds today laid on the table the bill
introduced early in the session, which pro-
posed to enact an impossible system of con-
demnation of land about the Botanic Gar.
dens. the suppianting of the present super
intenient of TIE garden and an elaborate
scheme for the cultivation of ramie. The
action of the committee eYectually disposes
OF the bill = -