davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
OPPOSES MOUNT VERNON FEES
F. R. Whepler Before Legislative
Committee at Richmond.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
RICHMOND. Va, February 9-The
House committee on public property
today partially heard f. r. Whepler
of Washington. counsel for the asso-
citation which is protesting against
the collection of fees for~entrance to
Mt. Vernon and against commercial
iZing the national shrine = y
Roosevelt Page opposed any, effort to
recommend the repeal of the charter
of the Mount Vernon Association. The
matter went over for a further hear
ing.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
Rural Mail Carrier browns,

MARIETTA, Ohio. February s.-While
crossing the Muskingum river on the
ice here today Rural Free Delivery
Carrier Leslie Burrows broke through
and was drowned.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
Former Mayor Adam Dead.

BUFFALO,, February 9-James Noble
Adam, former democratic mayor Of Buff
faio and founder of the dryHgoods house
of j. N. Adam & Co., died here at 8
O'Clock this morning, after brief illness.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
KAISER EN7ERTAINS
WSCOUNT HALDANE
Gives Luncheon in Honor of
Visiting British Secretary
. of State for War.

BERLIN, February 9.-The German en-
peror and empress today gave luncheon
al the imperial palace in honor of Wis
count Haldane, the British secretary OF
state for war. Among those invited to
meet Viscount Haldane were DR.. Won
BethmannH Hollweg. the imperial chan
cellor: Admiral Fred Won Tirpitz, min
lister of marine, and Gen. Josiah Won
Heeringen, minister for war.
1t is now generally admitted that one
of the aims of Viscount Haldane's visit
to Germany is to relieve tile tension
which has affected Anglo German rela-
tiOns for some time Nothing definite as
to the. nature of the discussions between
the British statesman and his German
confreres has become known.
France and Russia Notified.
LONDON, February 9.-It is now Of
ficially admitted that both the French
and the Russian governments were in
formed Of the Viscount Haldane's triI
to Berlin by the British government be-
fore the British secretary of war reached
the German capital.
1t was specifically stated in the notifi-
cation to France and Russia that the
visit was Of private character, but il
was added that in case political questions
should be discussed France and Russia
would be kept Informed.
To Survey Political Ground.
This confirms the prevailing impression
that behind the ostensible purpose of his
trip Viscount Haldane is charged to sur
vey the political ground and put out
feelers. especially in regard to possible
slackening of Armaments. The speech OF
Winston Spencer Churchill at Glasgow
in which he notified the world that Grea,
Britain would go one better than any one
else in naval matters, is thought to be
part of plan to encourage the belief III
the uselessnesS of Germany trying to
outstrip her rival in sea power.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
CORTELYOU DENIES HELD IT AN INSULT
Says No Influence Caused Gompers Resented the Sug
Lewis Fraud Order. gestion That He Apologize.
PLATT NOT INSTRUMENTAL JOHN MITCHELL IN TEARS
Disagreement With Edwin Being Summoned for SEN
den Explained to Committee tence on Christmas Eve
ORDER OF INQUIRY REVERSED CLAIM FREE SPEECH RIGHT
Declare They Felt No
He Guilt in Upholding Con-
press sttuiona1 Guarantee
Gompers Resented the Sug-
gestion That He Apologize.
JOHN MITCHELL IN TEARS
Hurt at Being Summoned for Sen
tence on Christmas Eve.
CLAIM FREE SPEECH RIGHT
Labor Leaders Declare They Felt No
Guilt in UNFOLDING Con-
stitutiona1 Guarantee.

An impassioned criticism of the action
of Justice Wright in imposing sentence
on the labor leaders. December 23, 1908,
on the eve of Christmas. despite an ap-
peal by him for a delay because he had
his grip packed with Christmas presents
for his little ones, from whom he had
never been separated on Christmas. was
made today by John Mitchell. vice presi-
dent of the A. F. of L., during the cross
examination on his testimony in defense
of the charge that he is guilty of con-
tempt of court
Mr.. Mitchell pointed out that he is an
American citizen. the son of soldier.
and occupies no ncOnSp1cuOuS place
among his countrymen, and saw no rea-
son why he should be hailed into court
for sentence on the eve of Yuletide. Mr..
Mitchell declared he had been able to
render some service to the country. and
had been commended therefor by more
than one chief executive of the United
States. The witness said he had sent a
telegram asking for delay and had re-
ceived word that his request had been
denied.
Court Takes Exceptions.
Justice Wright took exception to the
statement of witness, saying: "You have
shown much bitterness toward the court
i'm what you have just said, as to the
effect that was had upon your personal
situation at the time of the rendition of
the opinion. What justification have you
for assuming that your personal and
domestic situation was made known to
the court 1t was made to appear to the
court that YOU assumed an attitude of
antagonism toward the court in the very
demand by the vice president of the
American Federation of Labor that the
courts opinion should be rendered when
you chose to fix it. That is the attitude
in which the demand reached me.
Il do not say you made the demand
but am stating the way the matter
came to the court was with an at
mosphere OF antagOnistic demand that
the decision be postponed until it suit
ed the convenience of the vice presi-
dent of the American Federation of
Labor
/ Tears stood irf the eyes of the wit
ness as he referred to the fact that he
was called from his anticipation of
bringing joy and presents to his little
ones to-4-feceive a sentence of nine
months in Jail. Because he was able to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
SOME FAVOR HOME RULE:
OTHERS DODGE THE ISSUE
Speaker Clark Leaves No Room for
Doubt of Attitude.
WOODROW WILSON EvASIvE
Thinks he Will Be Able to Act lin
the Spirit of Reasonable Desire"
Underwood Unwilling to
Express Opinion.

That the several prominent democrats
who are being mentioned as presidential
possibilities are in favor of appointing
residents Of the District of Columbia to
offices within the District is clearly out
lined by an expression of opinion from
several of them with whom Edwin A.
Newman local member of the democratic
national committee, has been in COM
munication. Mr. Newman sent letters 20
prominent democrats throughout the
country asking whether or not they We're
in favor of appointing Washingtonians to
offices of the municipal government of
this city.
Replies have been received from
Speaker Clark, Gov. Woodrow Wilson OF
New Jersey, Representative Oscar W.
Underwood Gov +. l.. Foss Of Massa-
chusetts, Gov. Simeon A. Baldwin OF Con-
necticut, Mayor Gaynor of New York.
Senator John w. Kern OF Indiana and
Senator George L. Chamberlain Of Ore
gon Some of the replies evade the ques
ton, but the general tone Of the letters
is i'm support of local self-government for
the District.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
Speaker Clark Emphatic.

Speaker Clarks letter in reply is shore
but there is no doubt about his attitude in
favor Of home rule" He says:
81 have received your letter and in rec
ply / will say that / believe the local ofA
fees of Washington ought to be filled by
residents OF this city. 1t would ba
strange indeed. if out of 100000 Amerh~
can citizens there cannot be found q
dozen or so who are mt to fill those Of
fees.
Il have always believed i'm home rule.
and have insisted on 1t in Washington as
well as in Missouri.
Gov Woodrow Wilson does not makd
so strong statement:
You may be sure,' says his letter.
that I shall always prove a true repre-
sentative of local self-government L
hope that l shall always be able to act in
the spirit of reasonable desire of the resi-
dents of the District of Columbia in re-
spect of the appointments of which YOU
speak"
Representative Oscar w. Underwood lS
another short letter writer:
Il do not care to express an OPINION
publicly on the matter referred TO IN
YOUR letter OF course, / believe in tnSf
democratic doctrine of local self-governS
ment: and AS far as II is practicable L
believe it should he carried t.by our
rfy -
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
ENGLAND EVERREADy
FOR NAVAL WARFARE
Churchill Declares Britain
Neither Seeks Nor Fears
a Quarrel.

GLASGOW, February 9.-WinstOn Spen-
GER Churchill, the first lord of the ad-
miralty, today attended a luncheon ar
ranged by the Clyde Navigation Trust,
and in the course of a speech painted a
roseate picture of the preparedness of
the British navy to meet all eventualities.
Mr.. Churchill spoke at length on the
subject of German and British sea ri
valry, taking the view that. while naval
power was necessary to the existence Of
Great Britain, it was luxury for Ger
many
No Cause for Panic.
Touching on the subject of the pro-
spective naval increases in the two coun-
tries, Mr. Churchill said there was no
need for excitement or panic Great
Britain had the situation will in, hand,
and there was no chance whatever OF
her being overtaken in naval strength.
Whatever happened abroad, there would
be no whining in the British Isles, no
signals of distress would be hoisted, and
there would be no cries for help. All
the money, all the ships and all the men
that were necessary could be supplied by
Great Britain.
Seeks No Quarrel, Fears None.
Mr.. Churchill said he would welcome a
retardation Of naval construction, but if
there was to be an increase of naval
Strength on the continent it would only
result in foreign powers being further
outdistanced by the measures which the
British government was ready to take,
which would enable Great Britain to pur-
sue her path through the world not seek
ing a quarrel and fearing none
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09

Former Postmaster General George b.
COrtelyou. testifying today before the
House committee on expenditures in the
Post Office Department. denied that the
late Senator Platt of New York, the eX-
press company interests Or any other
-'eXtraneous influences" had anything to
do with the issuance by him in 1907 of a
fraud order against the E. G. Lewis Pub
fishing Company of st. Louis or the
Lewis bank.
Mr.. Cortelyou was called to answer
charges made by Z. G. Lewis of St.
Louis that the Post Office Department,
by issuing fraud order against the PeO-
pies Bank and debarring the Woman's s
Farm Journal and the Woman's Magl-
zinc from second class mail privileges,
had wrecked the Lewis fortune of several
million dollars.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
Gov. Baldwin's Wsws.

Gov Simeon A. Baldwin of Connects
cut writes as followss
Home rule is a basic principle of de-
mocracy. and so far the District OK
Columbia has the proper men to NIL
the local offices. they should. in my
opinion always have the preference.
MAYOR Gaynor of New York counts
himself out of the matter entirely:
Il am in receipt of your kind letter
of January 80" he says, but the
chances of my ever having to appoint
auy officials in the District seem to me
so remote that l think j had better re-
frain from making any promises on the
subject.
Senator John w. Kern of Indiana is
as strong for local self-government in
the District as he Is in his expression
that he has not announced his candi-
dacy, and that a democratic Presidenr
will be elected His letter says:
Your request for my views on the
question presented by your letter
seems to be based on the erroneous as
sumption that | am a presidential cam
didate While disclaiming any purpose
of that kind, I am not aver*e TO saying
that as "A democrat. l am In favor OF
home rule and local self-governmentr
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
State Department Policy.

During the MaderO revolution, when
the same situation arose, and the inten-
tions of the United States were not well
understood, either at home or i'm Mexico
the State Department distributed circu-
lars among the consuls in Mexico, set
ting forth that the United States had nc
interest in the internal affairs of Mexico
but did demand the protection of Ameri-
can interests. Although there is no pres
ent intention of sending other such cir
culars. the State Department declares its
adherence to this policy.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09

secure bondsman. he said. he did ar
rive at his home Christmas day. and
thereby avoided spelling the. joys of
the children.
He disclaimed any demand for post
ponement. and said his request by tele-
graph had told of his domestic situation,
and his application was based thereon.
When he received the refusal he supposed
the court to be Iapprised of the situation.
An Insult, Says Gompers.
Il considered the suggestion to apollo
gze TO the court as an effort to humiliate
me, and break my heart. and break my
spirit. and it was thing that l was -.
inclined to permit. The very language
employed was an insult
In these words Samuel Gompers. presi-
dent of the American Federation of La
bor answered the inquiry of Attorney j.
j. Darlington of the committee of prose-
cutors as to why he had not availed him
self of the opportunity given by the COM
mittee, which had requested the court to
accept an. apology. if offered, in ac-
company With promise of future obedi-
ence to the courts order.
Mr.. Gompers resumed the witness stand
for redirect examination following the
close of the evidence given by John
Mitchell The cross-examination of Mr..
Mitchell was conducted by Attorney DAN
iel Davenport of Bridgeport. Conn. one
OF the committee of prosecutors.
The last witness to be offered by the
defense will be Frank Morrison, Sec
retary, who is expected also to disclaim
any intention to aid or abet in the
boycott when he signed the urgent
appeal, and when in his official posi-
tion he circulated the official report
OF the convention Of the A. F. Of L. in
Norfolk in 1907. and Of copies of the
American Fedora zionist containing ed =
itorlals in which were references to
| the boycott
| Vice President Mitchell also availed
himself of the privilege not to answer
questions Of counsel which called for
statements made by witness in the orig
inal contempt proceedings. Judge Parker
interpOsed an objection to the question
and Attorney Davenport told the witness
! ii was his privilege not to answer IL he
did not desire to do so.
No Sense of Guilt.
II considered the language of the sug-
gestion of the committee insulting when
l had been guilty of no wrong II had
been guilty of wronging any man or
woman. or the merest child on earth. .
continued Mr. Gompers. II would abb
! jectly apologize and endeavor to rectify
/ any wrong which / may have done; but
conscious Of the fact that my whole
4 fCoptjnued IN Ninth poWoN
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
The Letter of Inquiry.

Mr.. NewmanS letter was AS follows:
You are one of the formidable candi-
dates for the presidency, and l take this
opportunity of acquainting you with a
custom which has heretofore prevailed.
very much to the disgust of the citizens.
of the appointment to District Offices OF
poReresidents asa reward for some sup
posed political service.
There has always been great diSsat-
faction over such appointments among
the residents OF the District of Column
bia, but so far the evil has not been
abated AS the democratic party has AL
ways stood for home rule. and I'm favor
of every community managing its own
affairs, L am appealing to YOU i'm behalf
Of the people OF the District OF Columbia
for an expression of your opinion on this
point alone, without considering at the
present time any change i'm the existing
form of government.
THE residents of the District are as
capable of governing themselves as any
people on the face of the earth. In the
District We have as loyal democrats a.
you will find In any state in ti,s Union;
means for the party.
The District of Columbia. with a pop
ulation of about :}50COo. has contributed
more to the democratic national commit
tee, in recent campaigns. than many Of
the states with five times the population.
and yet political parties have used our
local offices as a dumping ground to re-
ward politicians who could not be ap-
pointed to office elsewhere.
II also wish to correct an erroneous
impression that the democratic organiZa-
ton of the District of Columbia favorS
the nomination OF any particular candf-
date for the presidency. 1t is not the
purpose of our organization TO show any
preference for the nomination before the
primaries are held. At that time the
voters will have an opportunity to ex-
press their choice.
The District of Columbia will send siS
delegates to the next national convention.
in Baltimore, June rs, 1872, and as We
are anxious to know how the various
candidates stand on the question of Dis
trict people controlling their own affairs.
as to political appointments, We are send
ing each candidate copy of this letter.
Il therefore trust that you will give
this matter your careful consideration
and send us a letter which we may make
public, expressing your views on this
point
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
Thinks Men We'll Treated,

Miss Byington's investigation did not
go beyond the steel company plant.
Chairman Stanley assured Attorney Reed,
for the United States Steel Company,
that he believed the company treated it's
laborers as literally as any other similar
employing concern and perhaps better
than some. He said he regarded the con-
ditions at the Colorado Iron and Fuel
Company plant at Pueblo as the worst
of all.
I'VE have nothing to do with that"
said Mr.. Reed.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
Never Heard of Agent.

DO you know any agent of the So
called express trust who at any time OBJ
truded himself upon the department when
1t had the Lewis case under advisement?'
NO one ever did, replied Mr. Cortel-
you.
1T has been charged in one OF the Lewis
pubiica tions, continued Mr.. Britt, that
the express company trust owned the
Post Office Department. How about
that?'
Never heard of it," Mr.. Cortelyou
briefly responded.
why did yoa issue fraud order
against the Lewis bank and debar the
Lewis publications from the mails?" Mr..
Britt asked.
Il did i'd in compliance with my duty as
head of the Post Office Department.
He added that Lewis had been given a
fair hearing. and that his case had been
handled exactly as similar cases always
are handled by the Post Office Depart
ment.
Has there been, as charged any feel
Ing of prejudice antipathy on your
part toward l.. G.. Lewis" Mr.. Britt per-
sisted.
Il never knew Mr.. Lewis personally,
and I have no feeling whatever against
him. was the reply of the former Post
master General.
Mr.. Cortelyou began an explanation of
the disagreement between himself and the
then third assistant postmaster general.
. Edwin &. MADDEN, over the Lewis case.
Mr.. Madden is now attorney for the
Lewis Publishing Company.
What were the points of difference
between yourself and Mr. Madden as to
the issuance of these fraud orders@'
asked Mr.. Britt.
Points of Difference.
That is rather broad question, .
said Mr.. Cortelyou. The first point of
difference arose when Mr. Madden
waived the order in which l directed
that the investigation of the Lewis
publications should proceed. I wrote
Mr.. Madden to ascertain. first. whether
the two papers were entitled to second
class mail privileges. and, second,
directed him to determine how many
copies might be mailed if they were
entitled to such privilege. When Mr.
Madden sent me his memorandum
found that he had reversed the order
Of the inquiry and that he had first
taken up the question of the number
of copies entitled to admission, with.
out going into the right of the Lewis
publications to have the second-class
mail privilege at all"
The committee at this point took a
recess until 2:30 o'clock this after
noon.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09

Brig. Gen. Duncan has been instructed
to provide an escort for the Mexican
federal soldiers who were granted per-
mission to pass through American terri
tory. There probably will be a captain
and five or six enlisted men. The arms
of the Mexicans will, of course, be packed
while travelling over United States terri
tory. The soldiers will enter the United
States in the vicinity of Laredo. Tex.
The purpose Of Lieut.. Col. Sturgfss in
making trip from San Antonio for
Houston. it was explained at the War
Department today. was for the purpose
of gaining information for site for
maneuver camps in the event of a mobili-
Zation. During the maneuvers at the
border last year several members of
Congress asked for troops in that vicinity.
and pointed out the advantages to be
found in the way Of facilities, such as
water. drainage, etc.
Although troops all over the United
States are still keeping themselves in a
state of preparedness for possible
mobilization along the Mexican border
line, no orders have gone out from the
general staff for actual movement.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
Foreigners Save Money.

Miss Byington said the foreign laborer
did save to go back to his native heath,
but that more of them saved to buy
houses. She said she never had seen in
such places any such insanitary condi-
tions as at Homestead
The witness said that 65 per cent of the
employees at the Homestead plant are day
laborers at about $1O.5O a week. Based
on personal investigation of ninety fam
lilies in 19O1-1%OS, she said that the Ia
borer there getting s12 week divided
his expenses in this way: Rent, $1.SS;
food, $4.16; clothing, 81 cents; furniture,
8 cents; fuel, 80 cents; insurance, 10
cents; miScella neOus ~ cents
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
Questioned by Mr.. Britt.

Third -<seistant Postmaster General
Britt. who represents the department be-
fore the committee, reierred TO the al
legged Platt influence early in the hearing
Mr. Cortelyou." he said. "it has been
intimated during these hearings that the
Post Office Department was influenced
in it's action by an alleged express COM
pany trust which objected to the pro-
posed object of the Lewis bank to handle
a form of express orders. 1t Is further
intimated that Senator Platt was instru-
mental I'm having you named Postmaster
General and that the Department was
subservient to the express company trust
presumably headed by Senator Platt. l.
That true2
II never heard of it," Mr.. Cortelyou re-
piled emphatically.
did Senator Platt or the express trust
bring any influence to bear whatever ir
the Lewis case?' Mr.. Britt continued
Not in any shape whatever" said Mr.
Cortely Ou
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-09
LEAD SORD|D LIVES
Miss Byington Tells of Condi-
tionS at Homestead.
FIRST WOMAN WITNESS
Says Slavic Laborers' Children Play
Among Garbage Cans.
FOREIGNERS SAVE A LITTLE
Sixty-Five Per Cent of Steel Plant
Employees Receive About
$1O.5O Weekly.

Miss Margaret Byington. of Pittsburgh
the first woman witness who has ap.
peared, testified today before the House
committee on steel trust" affairs re-
garding conditions at the Homestead
plant of the United States Steel Corpora
ton. Miss Byington once wrote a bool
on the subject
Miss Byington's picture of conditions
at Homestead was sordid one. She
told of the Slavic laborers' children play.
ing among garbage cans and of the fami-
lies living in tiny insanitary houses
AS to racial differences, she said tha,
the American laborers spent more money
on rent and the Slavs more money or
their food
rs it possible for the American unskll-
ed laborer or any other laborer to have
on their wages, sufficient clothing and
nourishing food?'
No"
rs that peculiar to the steel industry
Doesn't it apply to any other?'
Il should say no man could provide
sufficient for his family on $40 week.