Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-02-12
From Washington.
Correspondence Of the Alexandria Gazette. J
Washington, Feb. II.

Washington, Feb. II.
The Secretary of Wer this afterno n
sent word to Governor Warfeld, OF
MARYLAND, that the President had de-
cided not to send federal troops to Balti-
more to guard the burned district. This
action was taken in consequence OF a
declaration by the Governor presented
by Adiutant General Riggs, of the Mary
land State militia, to the President this
morning, to the effect that troops we're
not needed, Notwithstanding the request
Tor them made by the Maryland legisla-
ture.
United States Minister Conger cables
to the State Department from Pekln
that China will declare absolute nell
trality as soon as the official declarations
of war between Russia and Japan shall
have beer received by the Office.
The Navy Department announces
that it has ordered the gunboat Will
mington from Hongkong to Chefoo,
China. The Wilmington will repre-
sent the United States at the theatre OF
hostilities until the arrival of the cruiser
squadron of Admiral Evans.
General +. c. Ainsworth, OF the record
and pension division of the War Dspart-
ment. today addressed the House commit
tee on reform in the civil service, which
is trying to solve the problem what to do
with the governments superanuated
clerks. General Ainsworth is of the
opinion that the trend is in the direction
of civil pension list. Among other
things he criticised the system of promo
ton now in vogue, which divides the
responsibility between the civil service
commission and the heads of depart
ments.
Minister Powell at San Domingo
cables the State Department that
fierce battle is reported as having
taken place as Sanchez and that
many were killed. A FreDch and a
Spanish cruiser have moved to Puerto
Plata, the port OF the railway.
Rear Admiral John l.. Bartlett, U.
5. n. retired spoke today before
the House committee on commerce
in favor Of the Lowering bill to pension
retired members of the life saving SER
vice
Word has been received of the death
at Memphis, Tenn, of ex-Representa-
tive Josiah Patterson. He 81 years
old, served in the Confederate army,
and was a member of the 52nd; ODD,
and 54lh Congresses. In 1896 he ran
tor Congress on the gold democratic
ticket and was defeated for his seat by
now United States Senator Carmack.
His son is a member of this Congress.
The annual convention of the North !
American Womens' Suffrage Association
is in session here. 1t is composed of
who have little to do at home.
A subcommittee of the House COM
mittee of postofiices and postroads has
agreed to recommend to the full COM
mittee that the maximum salaries of
rural free delivery carriers be increased
from 5000 to 1920 per annum, but that
the express and agents privilege be
taken from them, The postoffice apI ro-
priation bill be reported to the full COM
nittee next Tuesday.
Justice Pritchard this afternoon in
,tructed the jury in the postofice con-
'piricy trial to bring in a verdict OF not
guilty as to Mrs. Geo. s. Lorenz, of To-
edo. Arguments regarding the other
lie endents will 90 on Monday.
Certain diplomats here have raised the
question whether China will not have the
-ight'under general acceptance of Secretary
Hays note, if she does not already possess it,
o seize Manchuria by force and prevent the
continuation Of its occupation by Russia for
military purposes and this without in any
way violating her declaration of neutrality.
The question is pertinent in the opinion Of
many here, and although other nations would
hesitate to make any demand upon Russia
ooking 20 her evacuation at this time 1t IS
doubtful whether any Of the powers would
Oerce China should she attempt now TO re-
,ain her practically lost territory.