Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-01-21
FROM WASHINGTON.
Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette

Minister Bowen, on behalf OF 'ehe-
zuela, is prepared to open negotiations
with Great Britain, Germany, and Italy
at once, but delay seems likely on the
part of the allies, particularly Germany.
Her representative, Baron Speck Won
Sternberg, will not arrive here for some
time to come. This, however, VIII not
be allowed to prolong the Periou oi
waiting as Mr.. Bowen will undoubtedly
proceed with Great Britain's and Italy $
claims. The United States has not
consented to conduct the negotiations,
nor will Secretary Hay permit the coun-
try to assume this role at any time.
Mr.. Bowen came to Washington as the
special envoy of President Castro who
paws his expenses, issues his orders and
instructions and alone is bound by his
acts. The State Department has not
even offered the use of rooms to the
conferees, preferring to wait until re-
quest shall have been made. The
preliminary step was taken yesterday,
when, after reporting at the state De-
partment, Mr.. Bowen made a series OF
calls at the three legations. 1t is as
sumed that he made known Castro's de-
sire that the blockade be lifted as soon
as possible. 1t is doubtful whether
Germany will consent to this action be-
fore she has secured her money, but
Great Britain and Italy are at present
disposed to listen to the request. They
may act independently of Germany in
the matter should they conclude to
grant it. Minister Bowen called at
the White House shortly after noon
and had a talk with the President
When he left he said that Venezuelan
matters we're not taken up but that he
expected to have talk with the Presi-
dent about the situation there within
day or two.
The first article "knocked down" to-
dav at the auction sale of old White
House furniture and other relics went to
local saloon keeper 1t was an antique
refrigerator, and sold tor 81. He
will use it in his place Of business. There
was a great throng Of professional anti
ouarians and other relic hunters at the
sale. and many of the articles sold at
figures better than their original cost, on
account of their historic associations.
Two carved chairs that were formerly To-
Gated in the lobby, and on which Presl-
dent Lincoln rested many times brought
s85. A battered mahogany washstand,
the top and one leg missing, sold for $40
and a billiard table on which President
Arthur frequently rolled the worries was
secured by local enthusiast for S1O5.
The sale will continue from day to day
until the entire lot shall have been dis
posed Of
Senator Elkins today reported the an
thrust bill which has been prepared by
the subcommittee of the Interstate
Commerce committee appointed for that
purpose few days ago. Its provisions
are principally directed against the ac-
cep;ance or givingof rebates by railroads
to shippers, and against rate discrimina-
tons in favor of special corporations or
individuals. Severe penalties are pro-
posed for any violations of the law. The
Elkins bill was rushed to the printer as
soon as introduced and has been referred
to the Interstate Commerce committee
which will make a speedy report upon
it, Senator Aldrich helped to frame it
and he and Mr.. Elkins will endeavOr to
secure its adoption before the session
ends. A feature Of this program is
the elimination of the commit
tees of the judiciary of both the House
and Senate and putting the trust curb
ing legislation into the hands of the
committee on commerce. This is In
Itself bound to expedite action. The
bill provides thatin case of misdemeanors
the corporations shall be subject to the
same penalties as individuals in the
matter of fines
Miss Helen Miller Gould was one of
the White House callers today.
Chairman Grosvenor of the House
committee on merchant marine and fish
cries, today announced the sub-com-
nittee of FIVE which is to 60 to Boston,
10 begin there the investigation of the
question of coal transportation.
Internal Revenue Commissioner Yerkes
reported today that the receipts of his
department for the six months ending
with December 81, amounted to $780,
494 1881 decrease of s22, 972, 93l from
the corresponding period Of the year
1901.
The "trust busters" of the House COM
mittee on the judiciary went into session
again this afternoon. The republicans
of the subcommittee called in the demo-
Gratis and will finish work on the bill to-
day. The text of the measure may be
given out tonight. A special meeting
of the full committee on the judiciary
has been called for tomorrow.
President Roosevelt told Senator'S
Aldrich and Spooner in their conference
with him yesterday that he would not
accept the moderate antitrust bill
which will hurt nobody" which he un-
derstood they proposed to send to him
for approval. IF such bill comes to
me-" he IS reported to havesaid. 81 will
veto it and | will call an extra session
Immediately after the 4th of March. "
The President it is declared insisted that
effective legislation to control the trusts
was demanded by the people and should
be given them.
The new issue of twO-cent stamps bearing
the portrait of Washington in new position,
with draped fages above the yignette, is be-
ing distributed by the postOfice department
AT the rate of about 20,000,000 a day. All OF
the old issue is exhausted except those IN
stamp books, and these will soon have been
used.
Congressman Lessler, who has announced
TO the House committee on naval AFFAIRS, OF
.nL;aL h IL a nnenher that he has been APP