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EDGER SEMI-WEEKLY-PUBLISHED TUESDAY AND FRIDAY. WE GUARANTEE The Reliability of Every Adver tiser Who Uses the Col umns of This Paper. A Newspaper in ail that the Word Implies and Devoted to the Best Interests of the People of Cherokee County. IIED FEIL 16, 1894. GAFFNEY. S. C., FRIDAY, JUNE 81, 1901. $1.50 A YEAR. FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD /DOWN IN LOUISIANA )eath of Two Bad Negroes Deemed Necessary. GO THEY WERE LYNCHED ' Good People of liossitner, Lu., Put Two Had ( haraclers Out of Way. Edwards, Head Devil of Uaiiji, Still at Lar^e. Nkw Orleans, Juue 20.—The lynch ing of two negroes last night near Shreveport created a sensation today, as with the excitement dying out it was thought their lives would be spared at least until the murderer Edwards was ; Ca'ptnred. A special from Shreveport, howler, says that evidence was discov ered so clearly establishing the guilt of Smith and MeLaud as enemies of the whites and dangerous eiemeuts to be left at large amoug the negroes that the people of Bossier regarded their execu tion essential to the preservation of or der in the parish. The evidence ob tained by the police showed the follow ing facts: The organization of which “Prophet” Smith was the head had its origin in Houston, and was known as the “Church of the Living God.” The three mem bers of the supremo council as indicated by regular printed letter heads which were found were: Smith and Me Land, who were lynched, and Prince Ed wards, the murderer of Foster. Smith, when he came to Louisiana, established himself at Shreveport, but was finally ordered away by the chief of police as a dangerous character. After the shoot ing of E’oster a search of his premises was instituted and the “Ark of the Cov enant,” a rudely constructed box, with hoo doo designs on and within it, was found. When is was touched by the searchers the negroes were greatly ter rified and stated that but one had ad vanced far enough to lay hands on the sacred box. flow Business Was Done. The members of the church, known es “princes,” held regular meetings, at which Smith presided, with the desig nation of “king.” The following is an exact copy from the minutes of a meeting held on the Foster plantation, showing how busi ness was earned on and the enmity that existed between Smith and his followers and the chief of police of Shreveport and Foster, the murdered man: “The royal archive of the Kingdom of God met in supreme couucil. Sang ‘Dark Was the Night.’ Opened by reading the thirty-second chapter of Isaiah. “After F. K. Smith, the king, an nounced the meeting, he stated that he was advised of God to call tho princes together in couucil to decide what should be done with the chief of police and his force for interfering with the king of the Church of God in Shreve port. “Six Month’s AlHictlon.” “Priuco Webb, being the first to arise, said he was in favor of demand ing six months’ aftlictiou upon the chief. Prince liicks said he was in favor of the same. Also, Prince McLand. Also, Prince Johnson. Also, Prince Edwards. All concurred iu demanding six mouths’ aillictiou ou Chief Lake of Shreveport. “Next case was the rockers of the building. Tho case was decided. All that rock the building must be punished with death in four days. A complaint was taken against J. M. Foster that he should be tormented until be give con sent that all saints leave the place. ” Evidences of Conspiracy. Before he was lynched last night, Smith confessed that he had loaded the gun with which Foster was killed. Many letters of an incendiary character written by Smith and his gang have been found. Thu discovery of these evidences of conspiracy led to last night’s lynching. Sheriff Thompson of Bossier made no attempt to interfere, in view of the su perior numbers of the mob. f LYNCHED AT LAST. Two Louisiana Negroes Die For Mur der at Foster. Shreveport, La., Juno 20.—Frank, better known as “Prophet” Smith, and F. D. MoLaud, held at Benton for com plicity iu the murder of John Gray Fos ter, were tak'-n out by a mob last night and strung up to a tree. They were left dangling side by side. The lynching occurred on the Arkan sas road, about 1 mile and a half from the jail. Both negroes made statements before death, denying that they had anything to do with the killing. Smith, who was at the head of the “Church of God” movement in that eection, and was blamed as being re sponsible for the sentiment against the whites which led to the death of Foster, died praying. McLand wasiilewt as he was swung np. As Smith was being led from the jail prior to the execution be was beard to aay: “Lord, you promised to be with me now.” There were about 200 armed men in the mob, and they overpowered the sheriff and jailor, taking the keys away from them. The lynchers claimed that the execu tion of these negroes was necessary to the {.reservation of the lives of white men in this locality. * I’ub.le Sentinirnt Approves. Shreveport, La., June 20.—Affairs are as quiet as a summer sea in this lo cality today. The only evidence of mob violence at Benton when day dawned was the lifeless forms of two negroes fwingiug lightly to and fro in the breezy. The u-ual verdict. “Hung by parties unknov is the verdict. The execution create'! no excitement what ever, either in Shreveport or Benton. It is probable that noefrort will bo made by the grand jury, which meets next week tu B nton. to fix the responsibility for lart night’s dual execution. Public sentiment here is not condemnatory of the mob’s work. /- OVER THE STATE. Newsy Items from Other Counties Urouped Together. Lollie, the 10-year-old son of W. F. Stubbs, had his leg severely crushed while trying to board a swiftly moving train in the Seaboard Air Line yards at Abbeville Monday. Doctors were called and the leg amputated just below the knee. The thirtieth annual meeting of the State Teachers’ Association was held Monday and Tuesday at Con verse College, Spartanburg, with the following officers : President, J. W. Thomson, Kock Hill; chairman exec utive committee, W. H. Hand, Ches ter; secretary and treasurer, L. W. Dick, Aiken. The governor has pardoned Ansel Bridges, convicted in Horry county in March last of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and sentenced to the county chain gang for six months. The county officials, Congressman Scarborough and many others asked for the pardon saying that Bridges shot a very bad man and had been sufficiently punished. During the thunder storm Sunday afternoon a bolt of lightning srtuck near Mrs. Coats’ house in Helena and James Williams, who was ou the piazza in a hammock, was knocked off, Miss Nellie Coats who was sitting on a chair was knocked off, and Mrs. Coats received a stroke on the head, which was not serious, but left her with a headache the next day. A crowd of drunken negroes drove a valuable horse belonging to Messrs. Glenn & Allison, of Yorkvllle, to death last Sunday. The negroes hired a hack team to go to “preach ing” in, and notwithstanding tho heat, kept the team on the go for hours until one of the animals dropped dead in the road. As to whether or not there will be any prosecutions cannot yet be stated. An investigation of the law and facts of the case is in progress. The South Bound is in trouble. A receiver was asked for and Judge Gage appointed W. D. Melton. A motion was argued before Chief Jus tice Mclver at Cheraw last week to stay the appointment. After much argument tho stay was granted and the road is running as formerly. At the close of proceedings Attorney W. H. Lyles and Mr. Melton began to accuse each other of making false statements, which resulted in a fight. The police interfered and the fun came to an end. Mr. R. T. Castles, of Smyrna, says there is money in sheep raising. Speaking upon the subject to a York- ville Enquirer reporter last Saturday, he remarked: “I had a flock of sheep some time back and was doing splendidly until I took down with typhoid fever. At that time I had about fifty head. I was down with fever about three months, during which time the sheep had to take care o' themselves and most of them died. But there is profit in sheep raising and I have no idea of giving up yet awhile.” Monday night before an excursion of colored people left Columbia for Savannah there was a homicide. Henry Banks, colored, was killed by Willie Pearson, also colored. Pear son was a soliciting agent for the ex cursion and had some dispute with a party of negroes who had not paid for their tickets. Banks, it appears, came on as a peace maker and Pear son stabbed him in the left side. He died in a few minutes. Pearson jumped into a back and escaped, but about midnight he went to Sheriff Coleman's residence and gave him self up. He was taken to jail where he now is. Eugene Pettigrew, aged 18 years, son of G. P. Pettigrew, was drowned Saturday afternoon at Jackson’s mill, 12 miles south of Anderson. The river was*very .high on account of the freshet and the water was around the mill. Young Pettigrew and two other young men attempted to swim to the mill to protect some of tte machinery from the water. The other young men reached the mill safely, but the current carried Petti grew past the mill and he sank and was seen no more. His body was re covered the next day a short distance below where he was drowned. Capt. J. H. Montgomery has re signed the trusteeship of Greenville’s colleges, and in his place Rev. L. M. Roper has been elected. The degree of I). D. was conferred on Rev. I. W. Wingo and he was elected lecturer on the Bible for the next year. A mili tary feature has been added to the Fitting School and John W. Moore has been elected Commandant. A. H. Miller has resigned as assistant to Prealdent Montague and he will take charge of a school iu Orangeburg. There were ten members in the class of 1901. Both institutions are in good trim and the year’s work has been highly satisfactory. John Wilson, alias John Brown, an escaped convict and suspected of criminally assaulting a thirteen year old white girl named Della Garret at Springfield, Ala., last month, was captuted at Wellford last Sunday and lodged in Spartanburg jail. When told that he was to be takeu back to Springfield he became agitated. Monday night be attempted to com mit suicide by cutting his throat with a piece of glass. He left two letters, one addressed to his wife at Wellford and another to his father in the country. In each letter he stated that he would rather die than go back to Springfield, Ala. He bit terly upbraided his wife, accusing her of infidelity and stating that she was the cause of tis being captured. Iu these letters be did oat acknowl edge bil guilt. NORTH CAROLINA NEWS. Happenings and tlie Uolngn of Onr Neigh bor* Aero** the Line. Eight young Salisbury men will join the American navy in a few days. The young men in question are all members of the Rowan Rifles and have been seized with the desire to | enter the naval service. They will go to Charlotte either the latter part of this or early next week and enlist for the required term of years. Their salary at first will $10 per mouth. A beautiful carrier pigeon fell a victim to the storm at Salisbury and was swept by the storm into Dr- R. Fames’ garden. The nigeon landed on Dr. Eames’ premises at 5:30 o’clock and was taken inside. On the right leg was a silver ring with the mark “N. H. 6115.” On the left leg was a gold ring, not solid, with the mark “Y. P.” Dr. Eames pro poses to take care of the carrier until the owner calls for it. He thinks the pigeon came from the South. There is possibly going to be a genuine railroad smashup attraction for the State fair at Raleigh, so Sec retary Jos E. Pogue says. He has been negotiating to have two b<g locomotives daah headlong into each other on the track near the fair grounds and let the people see the terriffic effects of a head on collision. This will be a fin de siecle attraction and if arranged will draw an immense crowd to Raleigh. It will be a star attraction. A colored woman in Greensboro, whose name could not be learned, received a flesh wound in the left arm Saturday night by a bullet from a pistol in the hands of a man who has not been apprehended. It is stated by parties who ought to know that the woman met the man on the A. & Y. railroad in the southern part of the town and asked him for money. He declined to comply with her request and she made a rush at him and attempted to cut him with a knife, when he fired with the above result. The Supreme Court Judges were in demand Tuesday. Chief Justice Furcbes tried the case of the gold brick swindlers in Statesville to see If their bond was excessive, and Jus tice Douglas, of Greensboro beard a habeas corpus petition. Tho latter petition was brought by a white man of thac city, G. W. Mills by name, for the possession of bis child. The case was continued until Wednesday at ll o’clock. Anent habeas corpus petitions, this is the last time that the gold brickers will get a whack at such proceedings. Revenue Officers Carl Wheeler and Price Easly, of Groensboro, went out on a raid in the Gibsonville section Saturday afternooo. They raided a blockade distillery and arrested a negro named Willis Holt, who was found at work in the place. They also arrested a young whits man named John Holt, who was riding along in a buggy near the distillery. He had a keg of whiskey in the bug gy with him. Amother man was also in the buggy, but be took leg bail. The two men were taken to Greens boro and John Holt gave bail while Willis Holt was oommitted to jail. Gov. Aycock has extended an invi tation to the editors of the nation to meet in North Carolina next year. Wednesday the fallowing telegram was sent to senator London and Mr. H. B. Varner, conrumissioner of labor and printing, who are attending the meeting of the National Editorial association In Buffalo, N. Y., Gov. Aycock: “Extend to the National Editorial association a cordial and earnest invitation to bold its next annual meeting in the state of North Carolina.” If the editors come to the State it is expected they will meet in Asheville and then tour North Carolina on a special train. Having become suddenly insane, Jeff Huffsteller, one of the most sub stantial farmers of Lincoln county, attempted to commit suicide at bis home, two miles east of Crouse, Friday morning by cutting his throat with a pocket knife. As soon as the family discovered his deed, Dr. J. L. Beam was summoned and dressed the wound, which he says will not prove fatal but is a very ugly gash. His mind has not been exactly right since the death of his daughter about a year ago, and this, coupled with other troubles, Is thought to have cause 1 him to attempt to take bla own life. Bam Glenn, a negro, discovered a negro child in an old well, on the place of Chas. Elmore, near Gastonia, Friday afternoon about 2 o’clock. Others were notified and it waa taken out and wae thought to be Hattie, the two year old child of Annie Bran non. She did not deny that the child wae dead, but said that it bad been buried at a cemetery near Bt. Mary's College and that her lister waa a witness to the burial. But when further questioned by the con stable she said that she passed by the well Saturday (Juno 8) and that she carried tbe'obild out to the well, and whllo the child stood on the plsnk that covered the old well she pulled the plank from under It and let It fall into the well. She says the child screamed and grasped at her, but she took it by its little arms and pushed it into the well. The well is about fifty feet deep and about thirty feet In water. The woman was com mitted to jail to await trial for mur der. Thu Heat PrMCrtptloa for Malaria Chills and Fever is a bottle of Grove’s Tssteless Chill Tcnlo. It is limply Iron sod quinine Id a tasteless form. No oars—no psy. Fries &Oo. CUBA’S SOGAR CROP QOITE ENCOORAGING Reduction of Trade Balance Against Island. ACREAGE IS INCREASED It Is KMlmuted That Another Year Mill Urinx Most of the Plantations Up to Their Normal Production—Old and New ('auditions. Nkw York, Juue 20.—The corre- spoudent of The Tribuuu writing from Matauzas says: The sugar crop figures tor this season arc encousagiug cnougn. Iu round num bers the production is fix'‘d at GUO.OOO tons, and this has brought uot far troru $30,000,000. The payment from the crop has helped to reduce the unfavorable trade balance against the islaud. While the price has been fair, had it been a shade higher the production would have reached 050,000 tons, but many of the planters preferred not to grind, believ ing that prices will be u little better next year. The cane acreage for tho coming eeasou is about one-third larger tbau during the last year. New Lands Planted. It is uot likely that much of the new lauds which are being planted iu the eastern end of the island in the belief that tariff concession will be made by the United States will have cane ready to grind within the next 12 mouths, yet there is every reason to look for a crop of 800,000 tons to 850,000 iu the season of 1902. In this, the great central su gar belt, another year will bring most of the plantations up to their normal production before the insurrection. There are still many estates argund Matauzas which have not been cleared and replanted, but they grow fewer with each mouth, and the probability is that their distressed owners either will be closed out under foreclosure pro ceedings or will be able to finance their plantations through outside aid. Estates Fully Recovered. In the Cardenas district there are few estates which have uot fully recovered, and it has happened this year that Car denas has gone ahead of Matauzas iu its !>hipments, but both ports have handled more than ?00,(X>0 bags, or 10,009 tons each. Some of the bad belt, ns it is known, is still under partial recultiva tion, but this is because these poor lands do not pay for raising sugar at present prices. Most of them are held out as bargains to Americans who think that all sugar lands in Cuba are the same who sometimes are led into buying wherever they see cane growing. The Old and tfie New. The Cuban planter is going through an industrial and social revolution. Tne old baronial estates are passing away. The individual planter is becoming less and less a factor. Ho talks of the old- time feudalism just as the southern cot ton planters used to talk of it, and he grieves over the new conditions which reduce his own importance, but there is no remedy. His hospitality, where he has the means, is as princely as iu the past, and if he has been able to get large enough advances ou his crops or to find some corner of the plantation which was not already mortgaged, be still counts ou the season in Paris, London or Saratoga with his fatrily; but with the creditors pressing him and the new conditions of production to be met, it is only iu a few cases that he is able to take this vacation. EVENTS IN CHINA. Allies Penult Native Troops to Occupy (mall Places. Tiejj-Tsin, June 20.—Chinese troops, with tho permission of the allied forces, are occupying small unimportant placte iu the neighborhood of Yaug-Tsun, re cently vacated by the foreign troops. General Lome Campbell says the de linquents iu the recent difficulties be tween soldiers of the allies will be se verely punished. Similar troubles are not likely to oocur again. General Voyron, the French com mander, has heartily co-operated with the British commander, and is de termined, so far as the French are con cerned, that order shall be maintained. To Divert Flow of Rivers. Washington, June 20.—Acting under the direction of Chief Hydrograpber Gcnell, surveying parties have just be gun work in the Jennison river valley iu western Colorado, near Montrose, which looks to diverting the river by means of a great tunnel through a mountain range into a dry and fertile vailey. Another party has begun pre liminary work of diverting St. Mary’s river into the Milk river valley in Mon tana. (loverniueut luteront Sold. Washington, Juno 20.—Tho govern- meot’s interest iu tho Sioux City and Pacific railroad company was sold to day at auction at the treasury depart ment for |1,872,000 cash and a credit of $250,000 for the transportation of mail and troops. The tale was made to the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad compauv. which has operated the Sioux City and Pacific for some time. University President Elected. Athens, O., Jane 20 —The Rev. S. D. Hutsenpillar of San Francisco was to day elected by the trustees president of the Ohio university at this place for a term of throe years, in place of Presi dent James Super, resigned. Honorary Degree* For Americans. London, June 20.—At the convoca tion held at Oxford university the hon orary degree of Doctor of Laws wasoon^ ferred on Dr. C. A. Briggs and Dr. Francis Brown of the Union Theologi cal seminary, New York. Klux Proves Hatnl. BcotthdoRo, Ala , June 20.—There is an epidemic of flux in this section, which is fntal to children in almcst everv rt -e, with tuauy fatuhuea amoug (he adulu. REVIVAL AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. llev. John A. Wray an Kloqurnt nn<l Talrntcd Divine of M illt-dget ille, (Aa.. to AHnUt It» v Ai > li. C. Crec In aSerlex of Moetlii|;x Next Week. The accompanying illustration is a representation of Rjv. Jm. A. Wray, tl.e able and talented young preacher, who will aid Pastor Arch. C Cree fer the next week or two in a series of special services at the First Baptist Church. Mr. Wray is a native of North Carolina. He received his collegiate eduep. tion at the Wake Forest College and afterwards took a post-graduate courae \ i m 'A I V v C' if t REV. JOHN A. WRAY, OK MILLEDGEVILLE, GA. at Harvard University. While at Harvard lie decided to enter the ministry He also attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Ky., and the Nell School of Oratory at Philadelphia. Mr. Wray comes of a family of great preachers. He is a cousin of Rev. A. C. Dixon, who is per haps the strongest gospel preacher in the country and also of Rev. Thomas Dixon, the noted lecturer. God has wonderfully blessed Mr. Wray iu his evangelistic efforts. The editor of The Tribune at Rome, Ga., where Mr. Wray held a meeting last month, says of him : “Few young tneu have been given more earnest ness and spiritual power to preach the gospel to sinners than Mr. Wray. This earnestness and Christain zeal seems to come out of the very tips of his fingers and from every portion of his body. His power as an evangelist to touch young men is marvellous, and he has done a great work in Rome.” Mr. Wray will arrive in Gaffney next Monday. The services will be held in the First Baptist Churc!i in the morning at ten o’clock and in the eve ning at a quarter past eight o’clock. All the people of our town and com munity are most cordially invited to attend and cc-operate in these services. WOMEN AND SOCIETY. (All ('Oimnulocations to this column should be addressed to 1*. O. Box 153.) The Epwortb League of the Bufort Street M. E. church, held their reg ular literary meeting at the par sonage. Quite a largo number were present. After recitations and read ings, a “biblical spelling bee” took place, which was quite interesting and amusing. Delightful refresh ments were Indulged in, which were very daintily served by three little Misses, Lula and Freeman Garrett and Clara Sarratt. Rev and Mrs. Hodges are ideal entertainers. ♦ -♦■♦••• The Daughters of the Confederacy held their regular monthly meeting Thursday afternoon at the residence of Mrs. Lemmond. A great interest is being shown and all the daughters are very much encouraged. The charter has been received, and the certificates of membership have been signed by the president and secretary and delivered. Miss Pauline Pettit, of Ravenna, spent a few days in the city this week. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Mrs. R M. Gaffney entertained delightfully Wednesday evening in honor of Miss Grace Martin, of Beau mont, Texas. Elaborate courses were served to about thirty young people, and the evening was one dream of pleasure. Care* Kcsemaanri-ltcliliiK liumorMTIirouKli the Mlood—Cost* Nothing to try 11. B. B. B. (Botanic Blood Balm) is now recognized as a certain and sure cure for Eczema, Itching Skin, Hu mors, Scabs, Beales, Watery Blisters, Pimples, Aching Bones or Joints, Boils, Carbuncles, Prickling Pain in the Skin, Old Eating Bores, Ulcers, etc. Botanic Blood Balm taken internally, cures the worst and most deep-seated cases by enriching, purifying and vitalizing the blood, thereby giving a healthy blood sup ply to the ekin. Botanic Blood Balm is the only cure, to stay cured, for these awful, annoying skin troubles. Other remedies may relieve, but B. B. B. actually cures, heals every sore A and gives the rich glow of health to the skin. B. B. B. builds up the broken-down body and makes the blood red and nourishing. Over 8000 voluntary testimonials of cures by Botanic Blood Balm (B. B. B.) Druggiat, $1. Trial treatment free and prepaid by writing Blood Balm Co., Atlanta, Ua. Describe trouble, and free medical advice will be given until cured. Admiral Cervera predicts the breaking up of Hpain into small states. You may as well expect to run a steam engine without water as to find an active, energetic man with a tor pid liver and you may know that hie liver is torpid when he does not rel ish his food or feels dull and languid after eating, often has headache and sometimes dizziness. A few doses of Chamberlain's Htomach and Liver Tablets will restore his liver to its normal functions, renew his vitality, improve his digestion and make him feel like a new man. Price 25 cents. Bam pies free at Cherokee Drug Co 's drug itore. TIRED OF POLITICS. A Man Who Ha* Heeu iu the Thlt-kegt of the Frar< Talk*. [T. Larry Gantt In Spartanburg Herald.] I have been very much amused at the gyrations of our Senators and that Gaffney fiasco turned out just as I expected. In this day and age, it isn’t often you hear of a man resign ing $5,000 a year and an easy job. Personally, I am tired, sick and dis gusted with politicians and offico- seekers, for they are six, one-half dozen or the otter. All they care for is to feather their own nest, and only think about the “dear people” during campaign years. For twelve years South Carolina has been kept in a turmoil of excitement and for a long time families were divided, friends estranged and neighbor array ed against neighbor, solely for the benefit of publican. And yet, I would ask, who has been benefited by all of these dissensions? Have they put one copper more into the pocket of the average farmer or laboring man? Have they taktn one moment’s toil from the hands of our poor women? Have taxes been reduced one mill, or any section of our state any better off for it! No. Taxes are higher today than ever before and all of those roseate promises have proven like Dead Sea apples, but ashes in the mouths of the people. A few men, who hold the offices, have gotten rich or are able to lead easy lives, but the great masses of the people—the honest and confiding voters—are still plodJing in the same old ruts. I conceive it the duty of every man to cast his ballot, but we are fools to become so wrought up over politics as to fall out with friends and neighbors. The candidates for whom you vote, and over whose success you are so ex ercised, care no more for the humble voters than were they dumb animals. As far as I am personally concerned I have gotten enough of politica and am happy and content on my farm. I propose to continue my writings for the press and will always advise the people as to what I believe their best interests. Bo far as the senatorial situation is concerned, there is plenty of time to consider that. I am what I term a “progressive Democrat,” and am aw ful tired of making our party a tail to the political kites of modern crooks and politicians. Our next platform ought to he formed with a view to the changed condition of things, and don’t let one man dictate It. My little son had an attack of whooping cough and was threatened with pheumonia; but for Chamber lain’s Cough Remedy we would have had a serious time of it. It. also saved him from several severe at tacks of croup.—II. J. Htrk’Kkadkn. editor World-Heraid, Fair Heaven, Wash. For sale by Cherokee Drug Co. The fool had hia own private opin ion about the red hot horseshoe, but he soon dropped it. Yon Know Whnt Yon are Taking When you take Grove’s Tasteless Chill Tonic because tho formula Is plainly printed on every bottle show ing that It is simply Iron and Quinine in a tasteless form. No cure. No Fay. (K)o, WORK OF EXPANSION GOES BRAVELY ON Acquisition of Danish West India Islands. NEGOTIATIONS PROGRESS Story of Demand Upon Great Britain Is Denied—Congress Will Be Asked at Its Next Session to Ratify Annex* atlou Treaty. Washington, June 20.—A complete denial is obtained at the state depart ment of the story emanating from a special correspondent in Copenhagen to the effect tbat the United States ad dressed a note to the Danish govern ment recently relative to St. Thomas and St. Croix, demanding that the Dan ish government fortify the island* if it refuses to sell them to the United States. The state department has had no com munication whatever with the Danish government ou the subject of the Dan ish West Indian islands for the past three months, and it never has contem plated making any such demand as that reported. Negotiations respecting the acquisi tion of the islands by the United States have progressed languidly but iu perfect good humor through Mr. Swenson, and there is no reason to qualify the origi nal expectation of the state department that they will be concluded iu season to permit the submission to congress of an annexation treaty for some time next session. Bravery ot a French Soldier. Washington, June 20.—Information bas reached tho French embassy here that, by a decision of the government of Juue 3, a French corporal has been deco rated with a gold medal of second class for an act of heroism toward two Amer ican soldiers daring the campaign in China. Tho recipient is Corporal Da- burou, a buglar of the Sixteenth regi ment of colonial infantry. While tho allied forces were marching on Peking, and just after they had taken Yang Tsun, two Americans fell into the Pei Ho river. At the risk of his life tho Frenchman plunged into tho stream and succeeded in rescuing both of them. COLOMBIAN REVOLUTION. Government Claims That It Has Been Stamped .Out. Washington, June 20.—Dr. Martinez- Silva, the minister from Colombia, baa received dispatches from the capital of Colombia which he regards as setting at rest the reports that the Colombian revolutionists are again in strong force around Panama. Tho minister’s dispatches state that tho uprising has been entirely •tamped oat, with the exception of a few small scattered bauds operating in the neigh borhood of Panama. The bands are said to have no strength iu Panama city, but their guerrilla tactics in the neighborhood account for the alleged fear experienced by American partiea In the vieVr of tho Colombian minis ter, the revolution is actually at an end and the bunds around Panama are treated as a part of the guerrilla move ment, like that going on in the Philip pines. As confirming the view of the gov ernment, the official dispatches state that the Bank of Bogota has offered to advance the national government all the funds it requires if the issue of paper money is discontinued. At the same time, leading banks in the interior have made loans to the state. Considerable trouble arises, owing to filibusters from Jamaica and other Weal Indian points. IN THE PHILIPPINES. Natives Killed and Wounded In Re* cent Engagements. Manila, June 29.—It is estimated that 40 insurgents were killed or wound ed daring the recent engagements which have occurred in Albay and Sorosogan provinces. Many insurgents are re turning to their homes. General Oailles, who was at Pagsan- jan. Laguna province, yesterday, is now at Cavinto, not far from Pagsan jan. Charges of theft and sale of pnblio property are made against a number of witnesses iu the commissary cases. Provost General Davis has submitted a plan for the mnuicipal government of Manila. The United States Philippines commission is modifying it. Fatal Wreck on N. & W. Cincinnati, Juno 20.—A special to The Times-Star from Sheffield, W. Va., •ays a wreck costing two lives occurred near there on the Clinch Valley division of the Norfolk and Western railway to day. An extra westbound train carry ing two camp cars and three other oars left the track and the five cars were barued. James Prnitt and ^overly Kinder, in one of the camp oars, were killed. The engineer escaped by jump ing. L. & N.’s Latest Scoop. Montgomery, Ala., June 20.—The Louisville and Nashville has bought the Birmingham, Selma and New Orleans railroad, which operates between Selma and Thomaston, end will take Charge July i. Colonel F. M. Abbott will re main president of the road under the new ownership. Mr*. McKinley’s Condition. Washington, June 20.—Mrs. McKin ley’s condition continues to improve and Dr. Dt*ey speaks most encouraging ly of her case. Preparations are jplog made at the White House for the dm parture of tho president and Mra Mo* Kinley to Canton the first week la July. Commercial Travelers. Atlantic City, June Wh—The Inter national Federation of * Oommetoial Travelers elected the fallowing offloore today: President, Edwaed Trevett, Utt cu; vice president, R. A Cavauat Chicago; secretarv and treast thur L Sheet*, Oaafc*