The daily morning Alaskan., 1901-03-01
A HORRIBLE DISASTER
Steamer Rio de Janeiro Strikes Rock in San Francisco Harbor-- Mitchell Is Elected Senator From Orsgon--Sprung As a Dark Horse. Bo CTS Are SuinggFor1 Peace.

Washington, Feb. 23-The President today issued a proclamation calling a special session of the senate for exec utive purposes immediately upon the dissolution of the present Congress, March 4. The text of the proclamation is as follows:
 By the President of the United States of America-A Proclamation:
 Whereas, public interests require that the senate of the United States be convened at I2 o'clock on the 4th day of March next to receive such com munications as may be made by the executives; now, therefore, 1, William Mckinley President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim and desire that an extraordinary occa sion requires the senate of the United States to convene at the capitol in the city of Washington, on the 4th day of March next, at I2 o'clock noon, or which all persons who shall at the time be entitled to act as members of that body are hereby required to take no- tice.
 "Given under my hand and the seal of the United States at Washington, the 23d day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and one, and of the independence ot the United States the one hundred and twenty-fifth. VIM. M'KINLEY.
 By the President:
 JOHN HAY, Secretary of State"
 The extra session of the senate is called in accordance with the usual custom, for the purpose of confirming the Presidential nominations.
 San Francisco, Feb. 22.-The Pacific Mail steamship Rio de Janeiro ran ON hidden rock, while entering the Gold, en Gate early this morning in a dense fog. She sank a few minutes after striking. It is thought that nearly I22 persons were drowned, but it Is i'm possible to ascertain the exact number owing to the fact that Purser Jhon Rooney, who had the passenger list and roster of the crew, is among the missing.
 At 5 o'clock this afternoon 10 bod ies had been recovered, two white wo men, one white man and seven China. men.
 The most prominent passenge- on the steamer was Rounseville Wildnan United States consul at Hongkonp who was accompanied by his wife and two children. It is thought all were drowned
 The ship was in command of Pilot Frederick Jordan when she struck. He was rescued. Captain William Ward went down with his vessel
 As near as can be learned there were POI people on board the Rio de Tanei- TO, as follows:
 Cabin passengers. 20; steerage (Asi- atic), 58; second cabin, 7; white off. cers, 3o Asiatic crew, v.
 The saved number, 70, chased as fol- lows: Cabin passengers, r2 white of ficers. II; steerage (Asiatic), IS; crew (Chinese), Al.
 The lost number I22, classed as fol- lows: Passengers, 24; officers, Io, crew (Chinese) 36; steerage (Asiatic) 43.
 Salem, Or, Feb 24.-John H. Mitch, ell for the fourth time was elected United States senator from Oregon at I2:25 a. m. this morning on the sd ballot of the session and the 25th bal lot tonight, His election was brought about by a combination of Republi cans and Democrats.
 Senator Mitchell's name was not proposed until II o'clock tonight after the goth ballot. when Senator Brown. ell placed him in nomination.
 Mir. MitchelPs name was received with the widest cheers by the vast throng which had assembled in the galleries and the lobby.
 The first vote after Mir. Mitchell's name was proposed resulted as fol- lows: Corbett, 36; Mitchell, 8; scat tering, 10.
 There were practically no changes until the 25th ballot. when members commenced to go to Mitchell. Before the result was announccdche received 46 votes and was declared elected
 The important announcement is made in London that General Botha has sued for peace It is now announc. ed that the beginning of the end of the war is now near.
 Right Rev. William Morris Barker, bishop of the Episcopal diocese of Olympia, died on the 2Ist at Tacoma.
 A special from Ottawa says the Do minion government has decided to op, en an assay office at once in Vancou, yer, at which gold will be purchased from returning miners at its full value.
 J. G. PRICE