davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
AUDITOR BENSON HEARD.
Resumption of Investigation Of Canal
Affairs,

q. 8. Benson. general auditor for the
Panama canal commission and the Panama
railroad, testified yesterday In the investi-
cation Of canal affairs which Is being con-
Quoted by the interoceanic canal committee
Of the Senate. He devoted some time to
an explanation Of the workings of the &C.
counting department, which, he said, was
sadly neglected under the old isthmian
canal commission. New books were opened
by Mr.. Benson when he took hold of this
department in April, 1908.
Inquiry by Senator Morgan developed that
the accounts on the isthmus were not sub
jected to examination by the general au-
ditor's office in this city. and apparently I'M
der the system followed there was no check
on the accounts kept on the isthmuS by SUD
ordinate officials. Another interesting fact
brought out was that the Panama canal
commission bought stamps from the Pana-
man government, surcharged canal zone
for 40 per cent discount, and sold them at
par He could not say whether the trans
action was d government speculation IN
stamps.
Mr.. Benson said he could not have az
forded to take the place at less than
salary Of $4,000, as he received $1,000 from
the Southern Pacific before going with the
canal commission.
In the purchase of supplies Mr.. Benson
said he thought the chairman of the COM
mission passed upon the recommendations
of the purchasing agent, but that the COM
mission itself did not pass upon the items.
At the close of Mr.. Benson'S statement
the committee held an executive session. at
which 1t was decided to examine CHIEF En-
canal to be constructed. The session Will
ba
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
LIVING ON THE FR1ARs' LANDS.
Squatters Ignoring the Title of the
Government.

Governor General Luke r. Wright of the
Philippine Islands today gave some inter-
esting information concerning the occu-
pancy of the friar lands in the islands. In
a hearing on the bill reorganizing the Phil
ippine governmental departments. before
the House committee on insular affairs.
Nearly every prominent Filipino in Cavite
has suuatters on the friar lands. who are
paying him rental. ignoring the title held
by the United States, said Gov Wright. He
said the lands were occupied in this manner
when they were purchased from the friars
80 we have bought a lot OF law SUITS
suggested Representative Rucker of Mis-
souri,.
"Oh. no, I don't think so," said Gov.
Wright. when 1t comes to the Show
down I think it will be shown that the
titles claimed by these landholders are fic-
titious While many men of the Aguinaldo
type declare the friarS' title was given by
a despotic government by despoiling the
holdings of the people, the courts have up
held these titles in many instances. think
all of the landholders will recognize the
governments claim when it comes, as
said before, to a showdown.
1t was explained by Gov. Wright that
these lands were being turned back to the
occupants or actual tiilers of the lands at a
price equal to that paid by the United
States and that the purchasers were given
'loug time contracts on easy terms He
thought the number of purchasers augured
a general acceptance of the governments
title.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
RAILWAY RATE BILL
PROSPECT OF A UNANIMOUS
AGREEMENT ON A MEASURE.

At a late hour this afternoon the MEM
bers OF the House committee on interstate
and foreign commerce were in session, and
rather hopeful of coming to unanimous
agreement On the railway rate bill TO be
reported to the House. While 1t Is pos
sible that the democratic members OF the
committee may insist upon the insertion
OF long and short haul clause In the bill.
1t Is known that the main point of diff
ference-and practically the only one-is
that which has to do with the use Of the
word 'imaximum'' as applied to rate. In
the Hepburn bill. the interstate commerce
commission was originally empowered to
fix a maximum reasonable rate" Tne
democrats on the committee objected TO
the use Of the word "maximuna.' claiming
that 1t was not sufficiently definite. 10
meet the objections OF the democrats 1t IS
committee have agreed to change the
wording so that 1t will read, "a just, rea-
eonabie and fairly remunerative rate,
which shall be the maximum rate The
republicans have also practically decided
to change the bill so as to provide for
seven members on the interstate commerce
commission instead Of nine. as was provid-
ed in the first draft of the measure.
The hopeful sign in the heavens, which
argues favorably for a unanimous report
on the rate bill. Is the conciiiatory spirit
and get together attitude OF members
of the committee, republicans and demo-
Gratis alike. 1t is probable that the Dill
will not be reported before Friday.
This morning the committee gave q
hearing on the Stephens bill, to increase
from twenty-eight to forty hours. the
length Of time that live stock may be KEEP
ON cars. This afternoons conference began
ed by the time the House ad1ourns, the
committee will meet tonight.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
ADMIRAL SANDS HERE.
Confers With Secretary Bonaparte in
Regard to Hazing.

h0SdIu W adL1hS.
Secretary Bonaparte said today that the
cases of Midshipmen Decatur, Miller Meri-
wether and others recently tried at An
napolis for hazing, have not yet been pre-
sented to him for action. but that they
probably would be presented in day or
two. These cases are being carefully re-
viewed by the Judge advocate general Of the
navy to make sure that the proceedings of
the court were in regular legal form.
Rear Admiral Sands. superintendent of the
Naval Academy had a conference with
Secretary Bonaparte at the Navy Depart
ment this afternoon In regard to the gen.
eraI subject of hazing at the academy and
the probable number of cases yet to be
presented to the court-martial for trial.
Attorney George H. Mann of New York
is in Washington seeking to have the court
martial verdict declared void by the United
States Supreme Court in the cases of Mid
shipnen Marzoni. Bloebaum and James.
Mr. Mann thinks the whole situation at
the Naval Academy should be investigated
by Congress and the mainSprings of the
real situation uncovered.
He contends that the superintendent of
the Naval Academy never complied with
the law of 1903 relative to hazing.
Representative Weeks tMaSS) introduced
a bill today providing for the repeal of the
present statute to punish hazing at An
napolis and authorizing the superintendent
OF the academy to Investigate all haZing
charges and inflict whatever punishment he
may see fit for minor ofenses. When bodily
harm or great humiliation is inflicted ON mid
shipmen the superintendent is authorized to
summon court-martial. Offenders found
guilty by such a body may be expelled.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
PROGRESS OF THE DEWEY.
The Big Dry Dock Reported About
LOO Miles Southwest Of the Azores.

--
The Big Dry Dock Reported About
LOO Miles Southwest Of the Azores.
The Secretary of the Navy this morning
received the following wireless telegram
from Rear Admiral Dunlap at San Juan.
dated yesterday, in regard to the move
ments of the dry dock Dewey and its con-
voy:
Later Information from Maine gives po-
sition of dry dock Dewey at midnight, 10th
instant, as latitude %, longitude 44.6 Hos
ley reports Caesar buried seaman dead of
beri-beri"
The position Of the Dewey indicated by
the above telegram Is about LOO miles
southwest of the Azores and about l,4Io
miles west by south of the Madeira Islands.
It Is believed now that the expedition Is
headed for the Madeira, and that 1t may
not even stop there, but proceed direct TO
Gibraltar.
Later in the day Admiral Dunlap at
San Juan forwarded to the Navy Depart
ment the following wireless message. re-
ceived from Rear Admiral Evans on the
battleship Maine:
Maine, 2:15 p.m.-Following message
received from West Virginia: AT As
am. intercepted the following: Have
latitude. %; longitude. AZ 15'. Every
thing all right. Thank you very much.
Two Caesars Chinese dead, one more
(suffering) beri-beri. Heading east. With
best wishes from all. (Sig) Hosley."
Message was probably being sent Gla-
cier to Maryland when intercepted
The Caesar recently concluded tour
of duty in Chinese waters. which probably
explains the presence of beri-beri among
her crew.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
FIVE LOST IN sNoWsLIDE.
Fatal Accident to italian Miners in
Colorado,


SILVERTON. Col, January 23.-Five ItaI-
ian miners employed at the Sunnyside mine
lost their lives in an immense snowslide
late yesterday afternoon. No particulars or
the names OF the men can be obtained, as
the telephone line is down and communica-
ton Of all kinds destroyed The mine black
smith shop and several tram cars are also
known to have been swept away.
No trains from Durango and Denver have
arrived here since last Wednesday, due to
slides and immense drifts of snow, which
have blocked the tracks.
All Short-line roads running to outlying
camps are showed in. There are eleven
slides between Silverton and Elk Park The
slides average from seven to thirty feet
deep and from fifty to four hundred and
fifty feet wide. One immense slide went
into the Animas river. forming dam OF
snow and lee which caused the stream to
back up and overflow the Rio Grande
tracks to a depth of four feet. 1t will be
two weeks before traffic can be resumed
between Silverton and Durango.
The Iowa mill. in AriSita gulch, has been
crushed in by heavy snowslides which
came down Little Giant mountain.
The storm, which has about spent it's
force. has been one of the worst ever known
in this section.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
Alleeed to Have snatched Purse.

Thomas Meekins. colored, was arratgn-
ed in the Police Court this morning for
snatching pocketbook from Mrs. Emma
Wilson of 1903 4th street northwest last
Saturday evening. After hearing the
testimony of Mrs. Wilson. who identified
the man as the robber, Judge KimbaIl
held the defendant for the action of the
grand jury. In default of bond for 81 .0De
he was committed to jail. Meekins was
arrested by Precinct Detective Fortney
OF the second precinct while he was in
vestigatfng a case of assault on Police
man Osterman Of the second precinct.
While that ofiicer was trying to take
Robert Johnson in custody for disorderly
conduct Meelkins helped out Johnson in
getting away from the officer. After Nee
kins was arrested. however, Mrs. Wilson
Identified him as the man who had stolen
her pocketbook. and charge OF robbery
was placed against htuk
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23

A letter from Secretary Taft stated this
ceremony was to oe held February IA next
and was to be participated in by the Cuban
government, which had furnished number
of cannon TO embellish the monuments.
Consideration Of the urgent deficiency oiii
was resumed with discussion regarding
purchases for the Panama canal. Mr.. De
Almond CMo.l inquired If purchases had
beer, made abroad.
Mr. Mann Qll.) replied that purchases had
been made by the commission In jamaica
Mr.. Tawney, chairman of the appropria-
tons committee, stated that with the ex-
ceptton of $2S3.O0O everything SO far pur-
chased for the canal had been purchased as
the result Of advertising in the principal
cities in the United States. The. $2S3,0o0 was
expended for absolute necessaries upon the
order OF the chairman of the commission
without advertising.
Mr. Tawney said foreign manufacturers
had opportunity to bid should they see At
to do so.
Unsuccessful attempts were made by Mr..
Fitzgerald On. " and De Almond CMo) to
amend the bill so as to make 1t plain that
purchases should not be restricted to the
United States.
Both amendments received democratic
support, but were defeated. A succession
of democratic amendments regarding pur-
chases and transportation Of laborers fol-
lowed and were defeated.
Employment of Press Agent.
Mr.. Macon (Ark.) moved to amend, the
section for the payment of salaries by pro-
viding that no amount should be paid for
the employment Of press agent
The amendment did not prevail.
Salary of Commissioners.
The House adopted an amendment to the
bill which provides no member of the canal
commission shall be paid any compensation
in addition to his salary as a commissioner.
This was for the purpose of preventing the
allowance of additional comp ensation to J..
B. Bishop as acting secretary to the com
mission in addition to being member of
the commission.
Eight-Hour Law on Ithmus.
The effort to abrogate the eight-hour law
in connection with the work on the isthmus
of Panama failed. The provision to this
end in the urgent deficiency bill was strick-
en- out on point of order made by Minority
Leader Williams.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
Floods at Johnstown, Pa.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa, January 23.-Exces-
sive rains IN this city and vicinity during
the past twenty four hours have caused
the rivers to rise to a flood stage and thou
sands of dollars worth of damage has re-
suited to dwelling and business houses.
Traffic on the street car lines was suspend
ed for several hours today on account of
high water and the trains on the Balti-
more and Ohio railroad are at a standstill
owing to several landslides. Reports from
all parts of northern Somerset county are
g the effect that a number of houses have
been wrecked by the water and much live
stock drowned. AS far as known there
have been no fatalities.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
FRANCE IS FREE TOACI
Cabinet Council Held at Paris
Today.
IN THE VENEZUELA AFFAIR
Ambassador Jusserand's Communica-
ton Discussed.
POSITION OF THE UNITED STATES
This Government Does Not Consider
French Naval Demonstration
Violation Of Monroe Doctrine.
IN THE VENEZUELA AFFAIR
ton Discussed.
POSITION OF THE UNITED STATES

It has been quite definitely established
that the French government proposes to
blockade the ports Of Venezuela In retalia-
tlon Of the treatment of M. Taigny by the
government at Caracas.
1t is understood that orders have been
prepared for the French vessels now in
Venezuelan waters. The blockade will be
French. German and italian governments
to the customs houses Of Venezuela.
PARIS January E-President Loubet
presided today at cabinet council held IN
fhe Elysee Palace, at which Premier Bou-
vier announced that he had received
communication from Ambassador Jusser-
and to the effect that the United states
does not consider a French naval demon
stration against Venezuela to be a viola
ton Of the Monroe doctrine.
France, 1t is pointed out, thus has her
hands free, but the situation is unchanged
for the moment, as the council will not
take decisive action until the report Of M.
Taigny, the former charge daffaires at
Caracas, is received.
The foreign office has received confirma-
ton OF the press report that the dean OF
the diplomatic corps and other ministers
a. Caracas have unsuccessfully demanded
explanations from the Venezuelan govern
ment with reference to their position after
the Taigny incident.
Two facts were officially established today
with respect to the embroglio between
France and Venezuela. One was that the
Washington government has not been In
formed by the French government as to Its
future policy toward Venezuela, except that
Secretary Root has been positively assured
by Ambassador Jusserand that France will
not take any territory from Venezuela nor
will it attempt any permanent occupation OF
that country.
In any other words the information is
entirely negative. The United States gov
eminent knows what France will not DO,
but IT Is entirely in the dark as to what
steps France purposes to take to secure re-
dress from President Castro.
The other fact established today Is that
the relations, official and personal. between
President Castro and United States Minis
ter Russell are cordial and friendly, instead
of being unfriendly and strained. as has
been represented in quarters inimical to
Venezuela.
The Importance Of this is that Mr.. Rus
sell is filing the extremely delicate posi-
ton of the representative OF france at the
Venezuelan capital. 1t Is declared at the
State Department that President Castro
seems to fully appreciate Minister Russelps
delicate position. and has treated him with
I the utmost consideration since the sever
ance OF relations between France and Vene-
zuela.
| aoumen of Secretary Root. scout as ridicu-
lous the assertion recently made that
France Is using the United States as
catspaw in the Venezuelan affair.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
CHIcAGo's POLICE FORCE.
Method for Increase a Knotty Prob
lem for City Council.

CHICAGO. January 23.-How to increase
the police force a means of preventing
crime was the main question before the
city council last night A proposition shat
the saloon license fees be raised from $500
to 81, 900 was sent to the license committee
for its first consideration.
The contrast between the reception given
this proposal and what it would have met
with If made a few years ago was the best
evidence Of the change which has come over
the city council in that time. AS late as
1900 II such a proposition had been seri-
ously advanced it would have been laughed
out of court and contemptuously referred
to some committee which was never ex-
pected to meet.
Today it is being most seriously cGns,d-
cred. 1t was sent to a committee, the chair
man and a majority of the members of
which are in favor of it, and the chaEces
of it's passage are more than good.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
INJURIES END IN DEATH.
Result of Assault Which Occurred
Nearly Two Years Apo.

An interesting question was presented to
the police authorities last night when they
We're Informed OF the death of Frederick
Miiburn. colored. at the Emergency Hos
pital He was assaulted the 10th day of
March. 1904. and his skull was fractuped.
AT that time he was treated at the Emer-
gency Hospital, but he never fully recovered
from the effects of the injury. 1t Is said
he received the wound at the hands of
Elias Cloyd. also colored. during a row
In q brick kiln. Cloyd was arrested and
sentenced to 364 days in jail. Coroner
hewitt reported that the death of Milburn.
who lived at 704 st. Mary's court. was due
to the injury he had received nearly two
years ago. Capt. Boardman consulted the
United States attorney and was informed
that as the wounded man had lived more
than year and day there could be no
further prosecution. The necessary death
certificate was then given and the body was
turned over to relatives for interment.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
BARK's LONG VOYAGE.
Arrived at Port Los Angeles I'll Days
From Antwerp.

SANTA MONICA. Cal, January 23.-The
British bark Pass of Killicrankie, Samuel
yint, captain. arrived Off Port Los Angeles
yesterday after voyage of III days from
Antwerp. Her long voyage was occasioned
by delay several hundred miles off the
Chilean coast, where she picked up the
shipwrecked crew of the abandoned British
bark Dundreath Castle. Running low on
provisions and water, she put into Concep-
cion and left the crew of the Dundreath
Castle at Talcahuano, Chile, on December 0.
The Dundreath Castle sailed from an Eng
lsh port early in last April for Carrisal,
Chile. and was abandoned October - In
latitude 81 degrees 2 seconds, longitude 10
degrees west.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
ELECTION IN ENGLAND
IMMENSE MAJORITY FOR JOSEPH
CHAMBERLAIN's SON.

LONDON. January 23.-The east. or
Bromsgrove. division Of Worcestershire has
reelected Joseph Austen Chamberlain. lib
eral unionist, eldest son Of Joseph Chamber
lain and former chancellor Of the excheQuer,
by the immense majority Of over 1000
Otherwise. the election returns today con-
tinued to record liberal successes
Out Of ten seats for which liberals were
elected six were won from unIonists The
latter retain seven constituencies which
they previously held. The totals are: Lib
erals 277; unionists, 124; Irish nationalists.
20; laborites. AZ
The full returns of yesterdays elections
bring the liberal total to 278. The totals of
the other parties are unchanged.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
Depended on This Country.
THE HOUSE.

Legislation asked OF the House yester-
day by Secretary Taft was enacted withou.
objection on the converting Of that body to-
day. II authorizes the use OF the army
transport Summer to convey the Santiago
battlefield commission and representatives
of President Roosevelt and OF the State De-
partment from New York TO Santiago, Cubs,
and return to participate in the ceremonies
attendant on the dedication of the battle
monuments commemorating the battles of
l0l Caney. Fort San Juan. San Juan Ridge
and San Juan de MaYeras Hill, all in the
Immediate vicinity OF San Juan Hill.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
PRoFANE WITHOUT KNOWING 1T
Result of Judge Mullowny's Expert
ment With Two Friends.

James Reed, charged with disorderly con-
duct, was arraigned before Judge Mullowny
in the Police Court this morning. Police
man Hartman OF the first precinct testified
that he met Reed on the street and that
he advised him to go home Reed refused
to go and used profanity. Hartman then
took the man into custody.
Judge, I'll admit l was drinking. but I
didn't cuss, am sure" stated the defend
ant in court this morning.
"Why, you don't know when you do cuss, -
suggested his honor. II tried an expert
ment on two friends last night. L met them
on the street and talked with them a short
time Then l said to them You have been
using profanity, both of you Well, they
could not be convinced that they were. but
I noticed 1t particularly. They didn't know
it, but they did use a little profanity
Reed was fined s. for profanity.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23
Post Office Robbed.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Star
GOFFSTOWN. N. H., January 23-The
post office in this village was burglarized
during the night. small sum of money and
stamps to the amount of $500 being taken.
The office was broken into and the safe
blown open. An explosion was heard Short
y before o'clock this morning by resi-
dents nearby, but they assumed that II
was pieces Of iumber falling. as there Is
large pile near the post Office building
Suspicion is directed to two young men
who were seen In the village yesterday af-
ternoon and who gave out they were book
agents. Miss Bertha l.. Martin is the post
mistress. The robbery was not discovered
until the Office was opened for biisiness>this
morning at o'clock.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-23

ents of the order of the Merit Agriculture
College of France
The gifts that Great Britain wishes TO
thrust upon various members of the army.
navy and diplomatic corps include SOU
venir coronation medals, silver watches and
wristbands, swords, writing sets and war
medals.
Some OF the other eleyating offers In
publique OF GRANGE. gold medals and med
ais Of merit tmetal not stated. from the
Sultan Of Turkey, gold and silver Jubilee
medals from the King of Siam. another
academic decoration from France, the
Order of Saints Maurizioe Lazzaro of Italy.
a pendant ribbon, pin and star. and a
decoration of the bust of the liberator from
the King of Ethiopia. and an assortment
OF enameied crosses, silver cups, snuff
boes, decorations, more medals and more
orders from other sovereigns kings en-
perors. presidents, potentates and rulers IN
every part of the world.