Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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a THE LEDGER: GAFFNEY, S. C., MARCH 3, 181>8. INQUIRY DRAGS ALONG Maino Board Still In Session at Key West. WILL RETURN TO HAVANA The Examination of Enlisted Mon Ko- suinod - Nothin^ (ilvon Out Regard ing the Probable Verdict — Crowd About the Courtroom—Much Anxiety In Madrid. Key West, March 1.—The second day’s session here of the United States court of inquiry into the loss of the bat tleship Maine in the harbor of Havana on Feb. lo, began in the United States district courthouse shortly after 10 o’clock this morning. Most of the officers who were ex amined yesterday had been infonuet that they might be recalled, and thu lieutenants and cadets of the lost war ship were all on hand, though it is re-j ported that they will not be re-examined j until the court returns from its second visit to Havana. j Groups of enlisted men also gathered about the courtroom door, awaiting their turn to be examined. A high naval official said today: “Perhaps the court of inquiry will re- : turn to Havana on board the cruiser ! Marblehead or the Nashville, instead of ; the coast survey boat Baehe. The Mar blehead would l>e specially suitable. She has a remarkably strong electric' light | plant.” WELLINGTON IS FOR WAR. Maryland Senator on Blowing l p of the Battleship Maine. CrMUEULAND, Md., March 1.—Sona nt or Wellington said today: “If the inquiry develops the fact that the Spanish government committed the treachery of destroying the Maine, then war cannot be avoided, and the sooner we get at it the better. No money com pensation would repair the wrong. We should forcibly seize Cuba and destroy the Spanish power. “This is a contingency which I do not anticipate, for I do not believe treach ery should have been committed by the Spanish government. I doubt the good policy of having sent the ship to Ha vana harbor. “I have never believed in the wisdom ®f recognizing Cuban belligerency, my Judgment being that such a step has not legal justification. Although there are tome very bad Spaniards, the; revolution in Cuba seems to me to be a revolt against any government rather than against the Spanish authority. “I do not believe the Cubans capable of self government and hesitate at the prospect of having another Hayti so close to our shores or a territory an nexed that might give us trouble. 1 Lave not given up the theory that the explosion occurred accidentally.” HERE’S ANOTHER THEORY. Memphian Thinks the Maine Blown I’p by Internal “Electrate.” Memphis, March 1.—J. B. Cook of M omphis, who originated the torpedo system of warfare in the confederate service, one of the directors of the American Institute of Architects, mem ber of the Academy of Science of New York, publishes a remarkable article to day on the explosion of the Maine. He holds that the theory of a torpedo or mine explosion is not tenable. Mr. Cook insists that there is now in all warships free electricity, a result of imiK-rfect insulation. “May not this free electricity,” he says, “form a new destructive element in combining itself with certain foreign elements of the atmosphere to insidi ously enter into the various elements of construction in our building, more es pecially iron and steel, acting slowly but surely in destroying the cohesive jiowor of the atoms of these materials, destroy ing the crystalline character of iron, ♦hereby rendering the same brittle?” This new element he calls “electrate.*' federates west of the Blue Ridge for service during the war. ALL IS QUIET AT HAVANA. No Word From the Olvera of Anj • mportant Work. Havana. March 1.—There is a strong breeze blowing today and active prepa rations continue for the public welcome to be accorded to the Spanish cruiser Viscava, which, the Spaniards hojie, will arrive here today from New \oru. Senator Proctor, after his visit to Captain General Blanco today, will make arrangements to take a trip to the provinces, probably first going west to Pinar del Rio. He will accompany Mr. El well, Miss Clara Barton’s business manager. The steamer Montevideo left Havana for Barcelona last evening with about 500 soldiers on board, some invalided and others whose time of service had expired. There is no word from the divers, thus far today, of any work of importance. Much Anxiety In Madrid. Madhid, March 1.—Greater anxiety is visible here in regard to the verdict of the naval court of inquiry into the loss of the battleship Maine than was appa rent a week ago. The constant rumors of possible hostilities are hanassing and weakening the government and they are also trying the patience of the public. The “jingo papers” publish exhaustive dispatches from New York and Wash ington to the effect that the relations be tween the United States and Spun are hourly becoming more strained, and at tributing to President MeKinley a se ries of anti-Spanish declarations. Ad miral Benncjo, the minister of marine, is actively seeking the best means to procure additional warships. TAKE MORE TESTIMY Nava,! Officers In Session Key West Now. at Otero Calls It an Outrage. Santa Fe, March 1.—“If the Maine disaster should be shown by the court of inquiry to be due to Spanish treach ery,’’said Governor Otero, “the trans fer of all Spain’s West Indian posses sions to the United States would not in my judgment be sufficient atonement for the outrage and our government would be justified in deferring all nego tiation for indemnity until merited chas tisement had been inflicted. Cuba’s free dom isn ot necessarily involved in thi* affair of ours. Incase of war, Now Mex ico’s Spanish speaking soldiery will be found at the front with the United States troops.” FAKES AT TO THE FINDING Said That No Inkling of the Board’s Dccission Will Be liiunvn Out of Due Season—People Gather About Courtroom and Try to Learn of the Proceedings. Key West, March 1.—The United States court of inquiry into the loss of the battleship Maine in the harbor of Havana on Feb. 15 began its session here this morning. Those officers and civilians here who believed the rei>ort from Havana saying that the court had already decided that the loss of the Maine was due to treachery ( have appa rently changed their minds, for today the universal question is “What has the court done’/” while yesterday one heard all around, “Whejr / will war be declared?” Brought face to face with the court, men realize for the first time how un likely it will be for the court to allow any inkling of its conclusions to be known out of due season. Unusual bustle prevailed in this little town from early morning hours. The torpedo boat Cushing went over to the New York and brought to shore Captains Sampson and Chadwick and Lieutenant Commander Porter. Lieu tenant Commander Murix, the judge ad vocate, who is staying on the island with Commander Forsythe, was already at the federal building directing the prepa ration of the United States district court for the sessions of the court of inquiry. A small crowd gathered outside eagerly watching for developments. Long before the officers were ready to go to the courtroom the enlisted men saved from the illfate 1 v©|sel were up and waiting at their temporary home in the barracks. It is not known whether any of them will bo called, but all preparations were made so that the court should not be delayed in its work. WRECKED FROM island’* Independence Insured. New York, March 1.—A dispatch to The Herald from Paris says: In the In- tansigeant, Henri Rochefort writes: “To really grasp the situation, the explosion on the Maine must be; regarded as the first battle lietween Simin and the United States; we only see in it the last stage of the advance of the Cubans to ward independence. The catastrophe has caused the death of 254 unfortunate Bailors, but it has also saved tin- lives of millions of combatants, for it insures the final triumph of the insurrection be fore many weeks.” PARIS PRESS PESSIMISTIC. Teiii|m Thinks Matter Will Not Be Settled Without Trouble. Paris, March 1.—The French news- ixqs-rs generally do full justice to the attitude of the United States in view of the loss of the battleship Maine, al though they contend that the “jingo newsjKiis-rs have dangerous influence.” The Temps is inclined to be pessi mistic. It refers to the warlike spirit of the Americans and the pride of the Bpamnnls, “who, if an indemnity were demanded in case tin; disaster proves to be the result of a crime, might refuse point blank and haughtily indignant at the thought that any one could suppose them guilty,” and continues: “Cuba is a royal morsel which tempts a people in toxicated by their strength and con vinced that Monroeism is the alpha and omega of international law. “But it is still to lie hoped that the conservative forces .ire so powerful that they will at the last momer’ stop the I iconic and the government on the thres- »old of an adventure which would ho not only fraught with the gravest con sequences from an international point «>f view, hut which might induce at home a sort of revolution and the de velopment of the most dreadful phase of Caesarism, that evil which gnaws the vitals of every Democracy.” CAROLINA CONFEDERATES. Ready to Organize Two Heglmeiits In Case of a Rupture. Ram.iuh, March 1.—Governor Russell today received the following letter from Colonel William H. 8. Burgwyn, a con federate veteran who once commanded the Fifth Maryland regiment: “In view of the possible declaration of war lietweeu this country and Spain, and a call upon you to furnish North Carolina's quota of troops for that pur pose, I have the honor to tender you my ecrviccM to raise a regiment of infantry coiii)N)M-d of the sons of ex-eon federate soldiers to servo in that war.” Colonel J. M. Ray of Buncombe often io raise a rogimeutof ablebodied ex con More Guns Being Mounted. New York, March 1.—The work of mounting two new 8-inch disappearing guns at Willett’s Point, L. L, which was lie gun a week ago by men from Fort Shnyler, is progressing rapidly. Only a short time ago three new guns were mounted at Willett’s Point. One was an 8-inch Ixtre and the othor two are 10-iueh weapons, weighing Iki tons each. Dolphin In the Drydoek. New York, March 1.—The dispatch boat Dolphin has been floated in the drydoek in the navy yard, where she has been undergoing repairs for several months. It is the intention to have the Dolphin ready to go into commission by March 511. The Money Market Tight. London, March 1.—The money mar ket continues to lie very tight and then is little prospect of early relief. The commercial demand for gold to the United States continues to be very pressing, and, according to nqiort, is causing oxi*triers to sound the governort of the Ban.: of Franoe as to whether they will allow some of that Itank's gold to be withdrawn for export to New York. Adams Is at Work Again. San Diego, Cal., March 1.—Exeeu tive Officer Charles A. Adams of tht Monterey has been reinstated pending the decision of the department in Wash ington on the report of the eourtmartial convened to investigate the charges oi intemperance prefened against him. It is probable that Lieutenant Commander Adams will soon be transferred to an other ship. Incorporation Papers Filed. Taixahaskee, March 1.—Articles ol incorporation have been filed here writb the secretary of state for the Tendon; Perez company of Key West, a new cor poration, with $25,000 capital. Thi* company will buy and sell tobacco, make and sell cigars and own and convey real estate. The incorporators are Teodoru Perez, Juan Ebraaml Tino Sounilau, Jr. Albert Starts For America. Bremen, March 1.—The North Ger man Lloyd steamer Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grouse, sailing from this port for New York via Southampton, takes among her passengers Prince Alls-rt of Bel gium, nephew of King Leopold and heir apparent to,the throne, who is to make an extensive tour of the Uuited States. News Suppressed In Turkey. CoNSTANTixom:, March 1.—The press censor suppressed the news of the at tempt made on Inst Saturday to assassi nate the king of < Irci-oo. The ncw*]xi- fjers arc prohibited from even mention ing the thanksgiving service in com memoration of his majesty's escape from death, celebrated at the Greek legation. William at Wllhelmshaveu. Wii.HEi.Msnaven, March 1.—EmperoC William arrived here today to attend the ceremony of swearing in thu naval re cruits. WITHOUT? Divers About Maine Develop Impor tant Results For Dons. Washington, Feb. 25.—The Evening ptar has received the following cable gram from Mr. diaries M. Pepper, its staff correspondent in Cuba: At this writing divers are developing important results. From examination of the interior wreckage they have se cured evidence which seems conclusive that the explosion came from underneath the ship. Some of the smaller magazines may have exploded. The main 10-inch mag azine did not explode. The condition of the interior of the ship shows further S reliability of the wtcck having been ue to outside force. The further the investigation pro gresses the more untenable becomes the theory which the Spanish governrtsent adduced to show accidental causes. It is evident the Spanish case will Is* based on the claim that a fire preceded the explosion. Said one diver who liad been engaged in the work of getting bodies out from under the hatch: “God may be merciful to men w’ho blew those poor fellows to eternity, the United Stab's should not.” This was long before Long’s order pro hibiting officers from talking. This diver evidently thought the explosion was not an accident. He hud an ex pert’s capacity and opportunity forjudg ing- A WAR SPIRIT IN ALABAMA. The State Could Furnish Nearly Two Hundred Thousand Men. Birmingham, Ala., Feb. 25.—Gover nor Johnston of Alabama, who was here today, was asked concerning the action of the state ordnance officer in employ ing a large gun establishment in Mont gomery to repair and put in order ull the guns and other equipment of the state troops, which establishment lias a force employed day and night in this work. He replied that overhauling the arms was not an unusual proceeding, but only laughed when he was questioned as to its significance. General L. V. Clark, commander of the Alabama National guard, said today that in the event of war Aktlmma could furnish 3,000 well trained men, mem bers of the National guard, at a few hour’s notice, and that the state has 175,000 men subject to military duty. The war spirit is alive in this state, and it is itelieved by many that the state authorities hare been told to have their forces in readiness in case of hostilities. PROCTOR REACHES HAVANA. Senator Declares His Visit Has No Po litical Nlgnlfieanr. Havana, Feb. 28.—Senator Proctor of Vermont arrived here today from Flor ida via Key West. He says his coming here ha*. no significance in connection with political matters. The senator is accompanied by Mr. M. M. Parker, a real estate man of Washington, and it is given out that the two men are en gaged in a business venture. Senator Proctor says be was in Florida for a week and concluded to run over hen;. He may go kick on the next steamer, or ho may conclude to remain for some time. A number of newsjiaper men will re turn to Key West today, in anticipation of the transfer of the United States court of inquiry into the loss of the Maine to that place. The arrivals here an; not many and the departures are about up to the aver age The wounded sailors of the Maine aro doing well, according to the last report, except Holzei, who was very low last night. Thi> extra divers and apparatuses on the Mascotte were gladly received here. reoplc of the United States In thcMnino investigation. Notwithstanding vexa tious delays, real progress is l>cing made bv the divers. Captain Sampson's naval Is ard has l>een able to gain the fullest information, showing that an accident through lads of discipline was im possible. This branch of the inquiry brings out what was well understood, that the otll- icrs and crew of the Maine were under the strictest discipline, because, although cn the surface the visit of the Maine W as friendly, Captain Sigsbcehad taken proper precautions against hostile ao- tion. The board has not yet directed the ex amination of the hull plates. While the divers’ examination shows that some of the smaller magazines may have ox- ploded, the fact that the main 10-inch magazine was not exploded seems to have been conclusively established. The story of the finding of a 10-inch coppt r-cylinder was correct. The Span ish authorities adhere to the story of a fire in the ship and the exph si >n after ward. Th'; result of the dm rs’ work is conclusively against that theory. GENERAL HAMPTON TALKS. Noted Confederate on Maine Disaster mid Threatened War. Columbia, S. C., March 1.—General Wade Hampton was visiVd at his home near Columbia and for the first time consented to give his views on the Maine disaster and the threatened war with Spai*. “I cannot express my opinion as to the cause of the tragedy,” said the dis tinguished confederate cavalry leader, “asth-’t is a matter which will be de termined by experts and divers. But as to what course the United Suites should pursue should |he disaster prove to be due to Spanish treachery or to the fanatical lint rod of the United States on the part of some Spaniard, I do not hes itate to say that we should demand a heavy indemnity and enforce the col lection of it at the muzzle of the guns.” General Hampton was asked whether he m ould offer his services to the gov ernment in case of war, but declined to answer directly. From his subsequent conversation the inforeuce was drawn ! that he would not serve under General | Miles. “He is a bigheaded fool; vain peacock kind of a fellow,” was General Hamp ton’s characterization of General Miles. He said that General Miles was re sponsible for having c>-President Davis put in chains when there was no de mand from other quarters for such action. His book on his Indian cam- g iigns contain nothing, said General amptou, but vainglorious praise of himself. FALLS CITY HAS FIRE Ono Million Dollr-ro Worth ol Property V/iped Out. NESBITTS WARNING NOTE. Agalu»t BLACKS FOR Colonel CUBAN ARMY. In Case PEOPLE MUST BE PATIENT. Inquiry Shows Accident Through Lack of Discipline InipOHsIhle. Nxw York, Feb. 2<J.—A dispatch to The Tribune from Havana says: Pa- tktuoe is aecosaary on the part of the Mallory’s Scheme There Is a Clash. Rov/., Ga., Feb. 25.—Colonel Mal lory, a gallont ex-confederate officer liv ing in Rome, promises to organize 25,- 000 of the floating negro population into troops officered by experienced white army men and land them in Cuba. These negroes can stand the torrid cli mate better than white men and the pestilences that sweep the marshes of that island will not hurt them. Colonel Mallory’s plan is that upon the conclusion of the war every negro who returns shall receive 40 acres of land and a mule. There are millions of acres of land in the south, suitable for farming, which may be had for $5 j)er acre, or even less. This offer would be a great inducement to the negroes. i TO HANDLE THE TROOPS. Plant System Now Has All Arruug< > - ments Perfei/ted. Tampa, Fla., March 1.—Although the officials of the company have not so stated publicly, pretty much everybody here understands the Plant system has completed arrangements for the trans portation of troops and munitions of war to Havana on short notice. All the Plant ships have been placed in condition for emergencies. Should war be declared, it is said they have per fected plans' to land a largo body of troops in Havana within 30 hours after their arrival at this place. Wheelmen Prepare For War. Baltimore, Feb. 28.—An organiza tion is being formed here of expert cy clers who aro also familiar with hcliog- raphy. The plan is to form a bicycle signal corps whose services are to be offered to the government in the event of war. There was formerly connected w^th the Fourth regiment of the state militia a bicycle signal corps. This w s disbanded about a year ago and its members form the nucleus of the new organization. Confrds Respond to Call. Miedlekboro, Ky., Feb. 28.—A card in a local newspaper asking ex-coufed- erates to form a regiment to serve in case of war with Spain has brought more than enough responses to fill the ranks from southwest Virginia, East Tennessee and Kentucky. The origina tor of the idea n4w contemplates the format' u of a division to be commanded by Fitzhugh Lee. Spanish Cabinet In Session. Madrid, Feb. 28.—The cabinet lias considered the situation and no incident was reported as altering the “cordiality of the relations between Spain and the United States,” thourh the ministers expressed regret at the passion which lias crept into public opinion during the present incident.” A million pesetas was voted to develop the navy. Worst Must Be Expected. Madrid, Feb. 20.—Reports received from the United States to the effect that public opinion in the latter country is becoming more excited, owing to the impression that the loss of the Maine was hot due to an accident, are restirring popular feeling hen; and the conviction is increasing in ministerial circles that the worst must be expected. Submarine Mine Story. New York, Feb. 26.—A dispatch to The World from Madrid says: Admiral Team, secretary and chief of stuff of the minister of marine, says: "The harbor of Havana contained no submarine mine in the vicinity of the place where the battleship Maine and the Spanish cruiser Alfonso 11 were anchored. LOUISVILLE HEAVY L0SEE Big PlMt of the National Tobacco Company, Occupying Nearly an En tire Square, Burned—Hundreds ol People lu the Building at the Time, but Only a Few Hurt. Louisviltjs, Fob. 26.—The picldn?, drying iwxl steaming warehouses of the National Tobacco company, situated at Twenty fourth and Main streets, were totally destroyed by fire this morning. The loss will amount to $1,000,000, fully covered by insurance. Mr. W. B. Dunkc of New York, president of the American Tobacco company, of which the National Tobacco company of Louisville is a branch, is in the city and witnessed the destruction of his property. He said that it would at once be rebuilt. Three men were hemmed in by the flames and all were more or less injured before they could make their egress from the burning plant. The injured are: George Tisbendorf, foreman picking department, buck injured and severe in juries about head and chest. William Semple, picker, skull frac tured. John Packham, both legs broken and internally injured. Semple and Packham will probably die. The fire was discovered at 8 o’clock on the second floor of the building, nsed for drying purposes. Three alarms called the entire lire department to the scene, and though the firemen worked heroically they could do little else tkar. save the property adjacert, as the three big buildings, which occupy nearly the entire square between Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth and Maine and Market streets, were seen to bo inevitably doomed. From the 3-story drying building the flames spread rapidly west to the 4-story warehouse and east to the 3-story steam ing house. In the building which first caught 200 hands, mostly women and children, were employed, but the ma jority of these escaped safely, only a few being slightly injured, as did 200 who were at work in the steaming building. In the 4-story warehouse 1,000 men were at work, but they had plenty of time to escape. The flames gained rapid headway and the fire department was hindered by a lack of water, seven engines being ut one time useless. Fulling walls added to the danger of the work and the es- cape of some of the firemen was all but miraculous. When the alarm of fire was sounded in the picking department the employes of this building began to make their es cape in an ordinary manner, but George Tishcndorf, foreman of two of the floors, and John Packham and William Semple remained too long in the burning build ing and were forced to jump for their lives. Packham and Semple sustained injuries which will probably result in their dfiath. ROAST FOR GOV. RUSSELL. Hancock Brings Charges Against the Mini Who Ousted Him. Raleigh, Feb. 25.—Late last night Robert Hahcock was ousted as president of the Atlantic and North Carolina rail way. He declares he will hold the place and publishes un open letter to Governor Russell, in which he de nounce: the letter, who appointed him president, unfi makes this astonishing charge: i “Yon delivered your ultimation on Jan. 13, that I should make a violent as sault and buttdry upon the person of Josephus Daniel*;, editor of The News and Observer, and retain my position, otherwise 1 should lose it. Subse quently I received several messages urg ing this violation of law, in order doubt less that your private thirst for revenge might be satisfied, and each message contained an assprunce that this act would absolutely guarantee my reten tion in office, but 1' declined to lie your unscrupulous tool, aaid, however great the cost, I am thankful that my man hood repelled the temiptation even in my unfortunate condition. In these charges I have used no nameaof third parties, because I do not deaire to injure my friends while at the' same rime they have acted as messengers for you, but if yon deny you suggestedythe outrageous alternative published in ULI 1 " “ ' ~ Commissioner of Agrlrullnre Big Cotton Crop. Atlanta, March 1.—In the rrtm re port for March, just out, Commissioner of Agriculture Nesbitt warns soil tiillcrs against planting a big cotton crop sim ply because there has been a slight rise in prices. He says: “It is to be hoped that no sensible farmer will be misled into the oft re peated mistake of planting a ruinously heavy cotton crop, by the recent ex pected and predicted rise in the cotton market. Surely that game has been played often enough and wo have learned its meaning! “Concentration should always Ite the watchword among farmers, that is. tlio aim should be to cultivate only so much land as we can thoroughly manage, and from which we can obtain the largest yield at the smallest cost. “Cotton planting time is fast ap proaching, and the price of cotton has advanced more than half a cent! This is the usual program, and at this hope ful season of the year many an other wise sensible man, who has resolved on better plans, sees in this improved price reason for breaking his good resolutions. “Cannot farmers realize that they hold the key to their own prosperity, and that success the coming year lies only in a smaller cotton crop and am ple provisions for man and beast? The experience of the past should surely warn them of their danger." SEABOARD Road HAS HER SAY. to Files a Vigorous Exception Reduction In Rates. Raleigh, March 1.—The Seaboard Air Line’s exception to the rates of 2 and 2*^ cents for passenger fares, ordered by the railway commission, was filed today and is quite vigorous. It says the old rate is just and reasonable, and does not yield more than a sufficient return on the in vestment and barely pays the actual cost of operation with economy, and a reasonable interest upon the funded debt and does not yield sufficient income to pay any dividends. The reduction will probably result iu an actual deficit, as the order substan tially requires the carrying of passen gers without reward under the pretense of regulating fares and amounts to taking private property for public use without just compensation and without due process of law; that the commis sion reached its determination without any petition or complaint and without any evidence to show that the old rates I were unreasonable or the new ones just, and in actual disregard of the evidence i offered, and that it the order is enforced business will be carried on at a contin ued loss. COLUMBUS WINS HER CASE. Famous Vaccination Suit Is Decided In the City’s Favor. Atlanta, March 1.—The state su preme court has sustained the action of Columbus in enforcing the vaccination ordinance. A decision covering the three cases of Morris, Newsom and Yar brough against the city of Columbus has been handed down, and it is in the fol lowing broad and sweeping terms: “The general assembly may, in exercise of the police power, confer municipal corporations in this state au thority to make and enforce ordinances requiring all jtersons who may bo within the limits of such corporations to submit to vaccination whenever an epi demic of smallpox is existing or may be reasonably apprehended.” This is the result of the appeal from the superior court of Mu-cogee county in the cases above named. The case will be carried to the United States su preme court. The pleading alleges that the vaccina tion ordinance is contrary to the consti tution of the United States in that it is an encroachment on personal liberty. BIG KICK FROM THE BLACKS. a tide npovi sure you I have full and \amyle proof to substantiate my statemen This morning HaucockVs letter was showr> the governor, who says: “Tell Robert Hancock he as a liar. I have never made such a proposition to anybody.” It is the current remark ttytt if Han cock proves bis charges Governor Rus sell's impeachment is a certainty. Trainmen Coming Together. Chattanooga, Feb. 2fl.-pOu March 12, 13 and 14 a massmoetii^g of repre sentatives of ull organized {railroad em ployes south of the Ohio fiver will be held in Chattanooga. The inational offi cers of the Brotherhood of '.Locomotive Engineers, Brotherhood of U/X'oniotive Firemen, Order of Railway {Conductors and Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen have promised to be present and an at tendance of several thousand members is expected. The object of jthe meeting is to bring about a more frutenial feel ing among southern trainmVn and put them on a harmonious working basis. Mrs. IVIiltiipy’n Condition. Aiken, S. C., Feb. 25.—iLhe condition ©f Mrs. William C. Whitney tonight is serious. Evidence of paralysis has set iu. The ltest medical attention to be hud is present, two doctor® being incon stant attendance. ! Forest Fire Faujlltles. Raleigh, Feb. 28. —/State Forcstor Ashe returned here todmy after a tour through the vast pine district swept by fire last week and reporc* the damage to Chicago Negroes Denounce the Double Killing at Lake City. Chicago, March 1.—Two thousand Afro-Americans at a massmeeting held here entered solemn protests against the recent assassination of Postmaster Fra zier S. Baker and his infant child at Lake City, S. C., and memorialized President McKinley and congress to take prompt action to punish the mur derers. The resolutions adopted recite that effective steps should be taken to , put a stop to lynching and proper protection afforded every citizen without regard to color. The gathorinfr was in many ways re markable. In point of numbers as well his letter, I us- j as iu personnel it was a most emphatic more tuun M wore lost and that 14 and significant protest. Among the speakers was Ida B. Wells Barnett of the Autilyuching league. Florence Has a Big Fire. Florence, S. C., March 1. — The large brick store situated on the comer of Evans and Dargan streets, belong ing to J. L. Barringer and occupied by , B. F. Penny, was totally destroyed by fire about 12:30 a. m. Nothing was saved from the store. Penny’s loss is about $15,000, Barringer’s about $.),000; insured. The fire department did ex cellent service, and but for their display of energy and ability the business por- 1 tion of Florence would have # now been in ashes. _ Shooting NcoV Statesboro. Statesboro, Ga.. March 1.—News of a fatal shooting affray at Robertson’s still, about 10 miles from this place, has just reached here. A negro man and woman were killec. ..fright; three oth ers w T ere seriously wounded. The woman is supposed to have been the cans - ; of the trouble. About 30 shots were exchanged. Mrs. Whitney on the Mend. Aiken, S. O., March 1.—A continued improvement is announced iu Mrs. 1 Whitney’s condition today. She spent a very comfortable night and is resting very well now, although it will be per haps two months before she is well. Lord Salisbury Better. London, March 1.—The Marquis of Salisbury, who has been suffering from a slight attack of influenza, is now rs- oovering.