Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-25

ment for ten years in the West Virginia
penitentiary. 1t appears from the reports
In the case that this prisoner was a mere
boy at the time, and. while he was present
with his co-defendants, he took active
part in the affair. While it is considered
that the sentence of ten years imposed upon
his three co-defe ndants is entirely proper,
the Attorney General believed that two and
one-half years Imprisonment would be am
Pile punishment for this petitioner, and he
recommended Communication to that term,
which the President granted. This will re-
lease the prisoner on April 1. 1903.
Pardons Denied.
The President has also denied five appli-
cations for pardon.
Among the denials was the case of Lewis
E. Goldsmith, cashier Of the National Bank
of Port Jervis, N Y, convicted In 1900 Of
embezzing nearly 100000 of the bank j
funds He is serving a sentence of eight
years in the penitentiary. Another bank
embezzlement case was that of Fred E.
Harvey, convicted of embezzling funds Of
the Preston National Bank Of Detroit.
Report on Panama Canal.
Attorney General Knox made his report
upon the validity of the title to the Panama
canal to President Roosevelt today. 1t
was announced that the report was very
exhaustive, and covered about 300 pages.
| a
lie late this afternoon. Attorney General
Knox, who took the report in person to the
White House, declined to give any intima-
tfon of its character In advance of the Is
suance Of the synopsis this afternoon.
While no statement has been made as to
the tenor of the report, it is understood to
show that the title which the Panama
Canal Company wishes to transfer to the
United States in consideration Of the $40
100000 appropriated for the purchase of
this property is good. There may, how
ever. be some conditions in the report of
the Attorney General to be met before the
transfer can be made. Mr.. Knox, in ad-
vance of the abstract he is preparing, will
not indicate the tenor Of the report.
With clear title to Panama, the next
step in the work of securing an isthmian
canal Will be the ratification of the treaty
between the United States and the Colom-
bian government.
Mr.. Mahaney's Call.
Former Representative Roland B. Ma
haney of Buffalo. N. Y, saw President
Roosevelt today to enter protest against the
construction of a government dredge to be
used in clearing out lake harbors on Lake
Erie An appropriation of 100000 was
made on the last river and harbor bill to
be used for this purpose, in the discretion
of the Secretary of War. Mr.. Mahaney
represented the interests of private corpo-
rations in the dredging business, and de-
ment dredge would ruin the business of the
private firms. Mr.. Mahaney believes that
the administration will also take this view
although it Is understood the appropriat lon
was made at the solicita ton of Senator
Hanna.
Mr.. Mahaney remarked, with a smile,
that he did not discuss politics with the
President Il notified him some time ago
that If Odell was renominatsd / should not
support him. continued Mr.. Mahaney,
land that having been done 1 have an
nounced myself for Coler."
'Wiil Coler be elected?" was asked.
Yes, If the general belief in New YORK.
is safe indication. The democrats are
united from New York city to Buffalo as
they never were before"
Mr.. Mahaney says the high price of coal
will make democratic votes; that ilie coal
plank in the platform indorsed by Hill VIII
make democratic votes, and that the re-
pudiation of this plank by Coler will hold
those democrats in line who do not like
this plank.
Mr.. Root the First Visitor.
Business with callers at the White House
today was begun by the salutation of little
Miss Ethel to Secretary Root as he drove
up at 10 o'clock to have his regular morning
conference with the President
"Oh, there's Mr.. Root" she shouted. and
ran out to greet the Secretary Of War as
he ascended the steps. Mr. Root put his
hand affectionately on EthePs head and
together the two went up the stairs to the
Presidents apartments. Mr.. Root remained
an hour, and before he left he was Joined
in the conference by Attorney General
Knox. who bore under his arm the report
he has just completed on the title to the
Panama canal property.
Messrs. Wright and Moseley.
Mr.. Carroll D. Wright commissioner Of
labor. who is also the recorder Of the an
thracite coal strike commission, called with
Secretary E. A. Moseley OF the Interstate
commerce commission. who has been an
pointed. with DR.. c. p. Nell, as assistant
recorder. Mr.. Moseley had never met the
President until introduced by Mr.. WRIGHT
this morning. The selection Of Mr. Moseley
and DR.. Nell as officers OF the commission