University of South Carolina Libraries
WATCHMAN. Kotabliahed didated Aus. 291881. Lblisked Every ^sdaes&ay, -B5T ?34-, Oste?n5 SUMTER, 8. C. SEBKS : 50 per annum?ia advance. adtsstisskset: ju&re first insertion-..51 00 subsequent insertion.> 50 ttracts for three months, or longer wilt ide at reduced rates. communications which subserve private its will be charged foraoadvertiements. ituaries and tributes of respects will be ted for. TBE W?SL?lF TRADE. ^street's Optimistic View of] the Situation. m York, December 30.?Brad its' review of Ihe business year, to ted on Saturday next, will have ?llowing to say: say that 1902 was the test year country has ever experienced, truthful enough in the main, not suggest fully the enormous ies which the United States took ie year just closed. Piactically branch of ordinary trade and tufactures showed an increase above best of previous years, and yet immense enlargement of cutput not sufficient of itself to satisfy growing, it might be termed in liable, demand for all kinds of ma ials. In many cases the usual sign outlet for our products was^ e neglected by American pro who confined their efforts to ng insistent domestic demands, tile in others foreign production [as called upon to reinfoxce domestioj ttput, with the results that new :rrents and channels were created our foreign trade. Our export trade, ierefore, shrunk, while our imports ;panded to unprecedented figures, ie railroads of the country, in their :orts to handle the. business offered tern, suffered as never before from Ingestion, and complaint of interfer ence with production and distribution if the products of the farm, the mine, rhe shop and the loom was practically universal.' Industrial unrest was na-, irally marked, as it always is in ies either of prosperity or of depres ion, and serious disorganization of ?me of the country's basic industries listed for a time. In many cases, owever, resort to extremes was avoid : or rendered unnecessary . by liberal :-cognition by employers of changes :he standard of living, and it is b fe to say that two men obtained /-?gher wages or had their working me reduced without resort to strikes it every one who actually quit work. Speculation, it is true, felt the checks ^imposed upon it by conservatism, by . s??>rt crops in the preceding year and Llast, but not least, by 'high rates for Fmoney, but despite the fact that stock I market operations were only about -one-half those of 1901, bank clearings, those usually reliable guides of busi ness, showed aggregates practically ' equal to the hitherto unheard of totals I of 1901. All this was accomplished with a minimum of friction as re flected in the form of business em barrassments. Tillman's Shot at Depew. I - Just before the closing of the last ' session of Congress Senator Benjamin R. Tillman was stopped in the corri } dor of the Capitol by a reporter, who ' informed the South Carolina senator that the newspaper which the reporter ' represented was about to publish an article on the favorite recreations of the members of the senate. Senator Tillman looked the reporter over quiz zically and after a moment's hesita tion said: "Everyone in Washington knows my favorite recreation?having fun with McLaurin. My favorite book is 'If Christ Came to Congress.' " The reporter thanked the senator, and then asked if the latter could tell where Senator Depew might be found. "Why," Senator Tiliman replied, "Chauncey is in Europe. But," he added, with a look in which malice I and humor struggled for the mastery, "lean give you the information you seek, for I know Senator Depew's habits and tastes thoroughly. His favorite recreation is playing pinochle and his favorite author is E. P. Roe." "Can you tell me his favorite work?" "Certainly," was the reply, deliver ed in.the blandest of tones. "Senator Depew's favorite work is 'The Open ing of a Chestnut Burr.' "?New York Times. Lets the Judge Out of Jail. (From the Chicago Record-Herald.) Kansas City, December 23.?Judge Thomas Nevitt, of St. Clair County, Missouri, who has been in jail in Maiysville for failing to obey a man date the United States Court, was ..Released today by Judge Philips, so he " could spend his Christmas with his ' family. After the holidays he will re turn to Marysville and jail. Judge Nevitt is the presiding Judge of the County of St. Clair. He has been in.jail ever since he was elected. For m^ny years the Judges of that f^ave "^refused to vote money to Iroad bonds for which a jadg was obtained in the Federal and Judge Philips has kept m in jail, week ago Judge Nevitt wrote to udge Philips and begged the privilege of going home for Christmas. He promised Judge Philips that he would not hold Court in St. Clair county, but would return after the holidays. The contract for a 250 ton steamer to ply between Columbia and George town has been let. The river will be open for navigation by spring. April, 18S0, "Be Jui SUMTE THE PARDON OF S. 1 MsSSTOSH. The Action of Gov. McSweeney Criticised by Mr. Graydon. Hon. Ellis <5. Graydon, of Green wood,, who assisted Solicitor JBoggs in the trial of the Mclntosh case at Greenwood last summer, has written to the Columbia State the following criticism of Governor McSweeney's ac tion in granting Mclntosh a pardon: To the Editor of The State. Tho action of Governor McSweeney in pardoning S. A. Mclntosh is so un usual as to call for some comment from those who are in a position to know the facts. I assisted the solici tor in the prosecution of that case and ought to know something about it. Of course, we are prone to look at things from our point of view. There were only four persons pres ent when George McKinney was killed by Mclntosh, the deceased, the defen dant, Rufus McKinney, a son of the deceased, and Jack Haskell, a black negro of infamous character, who went with Mclntosh to the home of Rufus McKinney, whero George McKinney was killed. Jack Haskell, on whose testimony the governor seems so much to ,rely, was shown to have sworn falsely, by the testimony of disinterest ed witnesses of high character. Mclntosh's testimony was very much confused. He- did not seem to remem ber much that was said or done. In fact, it seems that he was under the influence of liquor. Rufus McKin ney's testimony made out a clear case of murder. Mclntosh's declaration that he went to Rufus McKinney's house to do what he did, the fact that he and Haskell left George McKinney dying and that he* fled from The State, seem ed to corroborate Rufus McKinney's statement of the affair. Mclntosh was first tried at Abbeville, and the result was a mistrial; It is understood that the jury stood ten for guilty of murder with recommendation to mercy and two for manslaughter. He then made a motion for change of venue, which was granted, although men from al most every section of Abbeville. Coun ty swore in open court tha't they be lieved he could get a fair trial there. Governor McSweeney pardoned him without asking the advice of the solici tor. Mr. Boggs told me last Monday that the had not been consulted, and thought of coarse he would be, es pecially as there was an appeal pend ing. Now, let us see what manner of men the two were. George McKinney was .an honest, industrious, peaceable man. No higher tribute was ever paid to a man in our courts than Mclntosh's at torney paid him on the trial of Mc lntosh. He was shot down like a dog at his son's home, and his slayer gets off with the punishment of staying in jail only two or three days. What about Mclntosh? ? In about 1891 or 1892jhe killed his friend, Newby, at his (Mclntosh's) breakfast table. On his first trial he pleaded insanity. Result, conviction of murder and a sentence to be hanged. He appealed to the supreme court, which granted him a new trial. On the second trial he pleaded self-defense. Result, con viction of manslaughter and a sen tence of five years in the State peni tentary. In a short time, I think about a year and a half, Governor Tillman, whose wife is a first cousin of his wife, par doned him. I have heard that this pardon was so continue in force only so long as he behaved hims$elf. 1 do not know that to be a fact. In a few years after he got out he came near killing a respectable merchant at Bor deaux for a fancied insult. Then came the killing of McKinney. Since he has been out on bail pending his ap peal he came near killing a young man by the name of Sanders. The magis trate at McCormick consulted me to know what to do, and I advised him to issue his warrant and have Mc lntosh committed to jail for breach of his bond. That was not done, and I am informed that tfce reason for it was that Mclntosh's friends promised to look after him and see that the like should not occur again. The people of Bordeaux and vicinity in Abbeville county are surely devout ly thankful that the pardon is coupled with the condition that Mclntosh is to leave the State. May God help the community in which he concludes to stay! I am not one of those who are in clined to criticise the governor for too free a use of the pardoning power. There, are, doubtless, many persons who have been sufficiently punished and ought to be pardoned. But it seems to me that to pardon such a man as Mclntosh, without consulting the solicitor or hearing the other side at ail, is an abuse of the parponing power, which cannot be too severely condemned, and I am informed that ail the good people of Mclntosh's neigh borhod, who know him well and know all the facts of this case, are of the same opinion. Ellis G. Graydon. Greenwood, S. C, Dec. 27, 1902. A New Labor Union. ? Albany, N. Y., Dec. 31.?Rev. E. M. Fairchild of Albany, who has been called into consultation by the work men interested the formation of the National League of the Independent Workmen of America, said tonight: "The league will bo organized in the near future. It is proposed to put a national organizer in the field and to organize local branches all over the country and" demand that employers run their shops as open shops in which "union" and "league" men can have an equal and fair chance for employ ment. "The league will be strictly a labor ing man's affair, but it will be in corporated, so as to command the confidence of employers and the gen eral public and be in a position to defend the rights of its members through the courts. Only American Citizens will be eligible to member ship. st and Fear not?Let all the Ends thou !B, S. C. WEDNESD. i STEEL TROST TO SHARE PROFITS. j Pian, Proposed Whereby Every Employe May Become a Stockholder. New York, Dec. 31.?In a double circular, one to the stockholders and the other to the officers and_[employes, the United States Steel corporation announces its intention to inaurgate a system whereby the humblest work man on its roll may, if he deisres, be come a permanent stockholder and I share in the profits of th# corpora tion. The scheme is the result of months. of preparation by the finance committe of the corporation, and the circulars are signed by George W. Perkins chairman. The plan is said to have originated with Mr. Perkins. The circular to the stockholders points out the apparent advantage of the plan which was devised "with equal fairness to every man, from the president of the steel corporation it self, to the man with pick and shovel working for one of the subsidiary com panies." The circular goes on to say that at this time there are about 55,000 stock holders, who, it is believed, would feel a greater sense of the security in the corporation's earning power if they knew that officers and managers were willing to enter ino a contract by which part of their compensation for services rendered shall be only after the realization of 880,000,000 of profits. This represents interests on bonds, dividends on stocks and reserve for sinking funds, r The plan inviting officers and em ployes to participate is divided into two parts.. Part one prescribes that from the earnings of the corporation during the year 1902 there will have been set said at least $2,000,000 and as much more as is needed for the purchase of at least 25,000 shares of preferred stock, which will be offered as follows to employes of the corpora tion and constituent capital. At pre sent the corporation and subsidiaries companies employ about 168,000 men whom it is proposed to divide into these six classes: Class "A" will include all those who receive salaries of S20,000 a year or over. Class "B" will include all those who receive salaries of from $10,000 to $20,000 a vear. Class "C" will include all those who receive salaries ox from $5,000 to $10,000 a year. Class "D" will include all those who receive salaries of from $2,500 to $5,000 a year. Class "E" will include all those who receive salaries of from $300 to $2,500 a eyar. Class "F" will include all those who receive salaries of $800 a year or less. The preferred stock will be offered tc any employe during January at $32.50 per share (its closing price to day was $85.873-2). ? Employes can subscribe for an amount of stock not exceeding the sum represented by a certain percent age of their annual salaries as shown in this table: Class "B." 8 per cent.: class "C," 10 per cent. : class "D " 12 per cent. : class "E," 15 per cent. ; class "F" 20 per cent. In part two of the plan, it is ex plained that the corporation has been and is now making-changes in the salaries of men occupying official or semi-official positions, and the direc tors have approved these recommenda tions of the finance committee. Whenever $30,000,000 and less than $90,000,000 is earned during 190-% 1 per cent, shall be set aside. Whenever $90,000,000 and less than $100,000,000 is earned during 1903 1.2 per cent, shall be set aside. - Whenever $100,000,000 and less than $110,000,000 is earned during 1903, 1.4 per cent, shall be set aside. Whenever $110,000,000 and less than $120,000,000 is earmed during 1903, 1.6 per cent, shall be set aside. Whenever $120,000,000 and less than $130,000,000 is earned during 1903, 1.8 per cent shall be set aside. Whenever $130,000,000 and less than I $140,000,000 is earned during 1903, 2.j per cent, shall be set aside. Whenever $140,000,000 and less than j $150,000,000 is earned during 1903, 234 per cent, shall be set aside. Whenever $150,000,000 and less than $160,000,000 is earned during 1903, 2}>? per cent, shall be set aside. The question of what constitutes profits is to be determined entirely by the finance committee, which it is stated will have no interest in the profit sharing plan. If $80,000,000 is earned injthe coming year $800,000 will be set aside, one-half to be distributed in cash quarterly, the other half to be reserved until the end of the year; in vested in preferred stock; the stock thus purchased to be divided one-half to employes entitled hereto, the other half to remain with the treasurer of the corporation. Each shareholder is! to receive a certificate for his inter est containing these provisions: First?That if he remains contin- j uously in the service of the corpora- j tion or in one or any of its subsidiary! companies five years, the stcok shall be delivered to him and he may do as he likes with it Second?That if ho dies or becomes i totally and permanently disabled while in the employ of the corporation or of one or any of its subsidiary companies, the stock will be delivered to his estate or to him. Third?That he can draw the divi- j dends declared on the steck while it j is held for his account and be remains ? in the employ of the corporation or one or any of its subsidiary companies. Fourth?That if without previous consent voluntarily he shall have quitted the service of the corporation or one of its subsidiary companies, he shall forfeit all right to this stock, and in such case, it will be held in fund which at the end of five years will be divided amongst such employes as shall have complied with all the con ditions. Thus, 25 per cent, of all the money Aims't at, be thy Country's, thy God's AY. JANUARY ?, 19( i set aside in this profit sharing plan will be held for five years and will be given to such only as at the end of that period shall be in the employ of the corporation or of one or any of its susbidiary companies from and since Jan. 1, 1903. High officials of the steel corporation declined today to discuss the reported approaching retirement of President Schwab. THE FAILURES OF THE YEAR. Only in the South Was Increase Shown Over 190!. New York, Dec. 31.?In spite of some crop shortages, added to record break ing strikes and reduced foreign trade; Bradstreet's January 3 will report that the failure record for the past year is on the whole a favorable one. In only on section, the south, was there an in crease of casualties over the record of 1901, and in only two, the south and central best, was there an increase of liabilities. During the year there was reported 9,971 commercial failures, which with liabilities of $105,693,623 and assets of $50,870,80, a decrease in number of failures of 5.5 and 7 per cent, are shown, but comparisons with prior years are markedly in favor of 1902. In liabilities an even better showing made, is those for 1902 being the smallest reported for 20 years. While the proportion of assets to liabilities was 48 per cent, in 1902, as against 46.9 in 1901 and 47.2 in 1900, it is lower than in any preceding year since 1885. With two exceptions the number of failures was the smallest in 14 years, despite the fact that the number of concerns in business is growing steadily, the increase since 1892 ag gregating 19 per cent. The annual "death rate" is shown to be only .80 in 1902, against .88 in 1901 and .85, hitherto the lowest records made, ? in 1900 and 1899. CHINESE CAN'T FAY III GOLD. Foreign Ministers Insist That Indemnity Be Paid in Gold Notes. Pekin, Dec. 31.?The ministers here of the foreign powers have tele graphed their governments the refusal of China to pay the international indemnity in gold notes and have dis cussed the matter among themselves. It is proposed to inform the Chinese government that failure to fulfill the obligations provided in the protocol will entail grave consequences. Replying to inquiries from the lega tions, -the foreign offices today admit ted that there was some truth in the reports of warlike preparations on the part of Lung Fn Siang, although it characterizes the stories of his move ments were exaggerated. The foreign office says the viceroys of the northern provinces have sufficient troops to sub due him. This latter statement, how ever, is disbelieved. It is expected that government trops will join Lung Fu Siang in the event of his under taking a rebellion. Washington, Dec. 31.?The state de partment has been officially advised through its fiscal agents in China that the second installment of the Chinese indemnity fund which falls due tomor row must be paid in silver, or rather on a silver basis. The department will have placed to its credit the sum of $496,098, for it has without hesita tion decided to accept the payment on the basis proposed. The Chinese tael which was the basis of the calcula tion of the indemnity was worth 74 cents at the time the agreement was signed" in Pekin, is now worth only 61 cents. The impression prevails here among persons who have taken part in these settlements that the in demnities demanded by the powers are far beyond China's ability. Heads Should Never Ache. Never endare this trouble. Use at once the remedy that stopped it for Mrs. N. A. Webster, of Winnie, Va., she writes : "Dr. King's New Life Pills wholly cured me of sick headaches I had suffered for two years."' Cure headache, constipation, bil iousness. 25c at J. F. W. DeLorme's drug store. _ ^^^^ Methodists Have Raised $20, 000,000. Springfield, Mass., Dec. 31.?One of the most impressive services ever held here in Springfield was that in Trinity church tonight when Dr. E. E. Mills, secretary of Twentieth Cnetury Thank Offering commitete, made tbe formal announcement that the Methodists of tho country had raised more than $20, 000,000 in response to the movement inaugurated in Trinity church by tbe board of bis?ps four years ago. Dr. Mills announced that $9,000,000 had been raised on church debts through the country: $S, 150,000 for Methodist colleges and two and three quarter millions for philanthropies and chari ties, $600,000 had been raised for the permanent fund for the conference claimants and a little over $380,000 has been raseid to build chruches in destitute communities. About one twenty-fifth of the entire amount has been given by Methodist ministers' sons. Finds Way to Live Long. The startling announcement of a discov ery that will surely lengthen life is made oy editor O. H. Downey, of Churubuscc, Ind., WI wish to state," he writes, "that Dr. King's New Discovery for consumption is the most infallible retredy that I have ever known for coughs, colds and grip. It's invaluable to people with weak lungs. Having this wonderful medicine no one need dread pneumonia or consumption. Its relief is instant and cure certain." J. F. W. DeLorme guarantees every 50c and $1 bottle, and gives trial bottles free. GEBM?H INTERVIEWED PRESIDENT G?ST8?. Head of Republic Declared He Was One Demanding Apologies. Berlin, Dec. 31.? The German gov ernment's reservations in agreeing to submit the Venezuelan claims to arbi tration continued to be undisclosed in their entirety. From statements ap pearing today, however, it seems to be confirmed that Germany excludes from the claims which are subject to arbitration demands amounting to 300,000 of seizure of property and outrages on the persons of German subjects under circumstances which are here deemed so clear that it is use less to call in arbitrators. The pay ment of this sum will not be demand ed in cash at present, but a sufficient guarantee will be insisted upon. Great Britain's preferred claims are equiValentin amount $300,000. Ger many waives an apology for what are here called "diplomatic insults," ask ing only material reparation. The Lokal Azeiger, the only German newspaper having a special correspon dent at Caracas, prints a dispatch from the Venezuelan capital, dated December 29, relating the correspon dent's experience in interviewing Pres ident Castro. He found him at Gene ral A lean tares' estate at La Victoria, dancing at noonday. General Alcan tares, who was waiting with a bundle of dispatches, remarked to the corres pondent that it "would not do to in terrupt the president's pleasure, even with State business." But the corres pondent says he spoke to the presi dent between dances and "after con-, versational reconnaisance" inquired if he intended to give the powers satis faction. J "Why, no," repleid the president; "I am the one demanding satisfaction for insults." "At this remark," the correspondent continues, "a lady slapped the presi dent on the back and said: That's the way to talk, old boy." News From Venezuela. Caracas, Monday, Decebmer 29.? ' Barquisimeto, Cpaital of the State of Lara, which for some time past has been in the possession of the Vene zuelan revolutionists, has been recap tured by Government forces. The towns of San Carlos and Tmaquillo have also been reoccupied by the Gov ernment. There volutionists at Barquisimeto were under the command of Gens. Solagnie and Penaloza - They evacuat ed the town after losing 112 men kill ed and 325 wounded. There was hard fighting in the streets and suburbsg of Carquisimeto for two days. The'Gov ernment forces were commanded by Gen. Ceferino Castillo._ It now transpires that President Castro's recent visit to La Victoria was not ofa social nature, as reported here, but for the purpose of conduct ing personally by telegraph the opera tions of his forces at Barquisimeto. This victory for the Governmen ap pears to be a direct result of the Presi dent's initiative. It has been a most severe blow for the revolutionists. Caracas, December 29.?United; States Minister Bowen has received information that the Dutch steamer Prins Maruits has entered certain Venezuela ports blockaded by the. British fleet and dischiarged her car go, special permission for the Dutch steamer to do this being obtained from Commodore Montgomerie, of the British cruiser Charybdis. The Itali an cruiser Giovanni Bausan ordered the Prins Maurits away from port, but^. Commodore Montogmerie direct ed that she continue to discharge her cargo. In Caracas ths is considered to be a discrimination againts American steamers and the British commodore's action hsa been criticised. Caracas, December 30.?President Castro arrived here this morninfg. At 3 'oclock this afternoon Minister Bow en called on the President and com municated to him ho recommendation that the issues betewen Venezuela and the allies be taken to the Internation Peace Court at The Hague. Vene zuela's answer will be received tomor row morning at 11 o'clock. The victory gained by the Govern ment at Barquisimeto argues for Presi dent Castro's continuance in power. Castro Accepts Arbitration. Washington, Dec. 31.? The answer of President Castro to the proposals of the allies to submit to the arbitra tion of The Hague tribunal the Vene zuelan difficulties has reached Wash ington through Minister Bowen. The answer amounts to a general accept ance of the principles of the proposi tion-President Castro being willing to submit his case to the arbitration of fair and impartial authorities. The details of the answer will not be pub lished here in advance of its reception by the European allied powers, and in fact it may be withheld entirely from publication on the ground that it really belongs to those powers. Today the answer is being prepared at the state department for transmis sion to Europe. As it is quite long and undoubtedly will require careful consideration by the foreign officers at London, Berlin and Rome it is not ex pected that any further steps toward a final settlement can bo taken for a day or two. The feeling here, how ever, based on a knowledge of Castro's position, that his answer practically clears the way for the submission of the ease to arbitration. The answer has given great satisfaction here. New Century Comfort Millions are daily finding a world of comfort in Bucklen's Arnica Salve. It kills pain from burns, scalds;cuts, bruises ; conquers ulcers and fever sores; cures eruptions, salt rheum, boils and felons ; removes corns and \rarts. Best pile cure on earth. Only 25c at J. F. W. DoLorme's drag- store. ton. TBUE SGUTHBON, Established Jane, IS66 eries-Vol. XXII. No. 23 THE VENEZUELAN AFFII Castro's Reply to Arbitration Propc sitioi? Submitted to the Powers, NEGOTIATIONS PROGRESSING SLOWLY. Castro Attached Condition to Plan to Submit the Affair to Hague Tribunal. But His Condition Will Not Be Agreed To. Washington, January L?The re joinders of the European foreign offices j to President Castro's reply to their ar bitration proposal have not reached Washington. This, however, occasionj no surprise, as the holidays are mucj more closely observed in Europe? capitals than in Washington. Folkn ing the rule which it has adopted the treatment of correspondence pj sing between Venezuela and allies, the State department still clines to make public any informal respecting the details of Presi<" Castro's reply, but inquiry Tconf the Associated Press report from Rl to the effect that Castro did atta<; condition to the acceptance of th( bitration proposal, and that condi was not endorsed by the Washing1^ Government. However, it is pointeT out that it has not been regarded as' necessary at the State department to either approve or disapprove any of the details of the propositions now in ex change between the principals. As to the condition attached to the accept ance it can be stated that it is not of great consequence, nor is it likely to involve the loss of the arbitration pro ject, for it i,s understood to relate rather to the means of getting the is sue to arbitration than to any sub stantial principle involved. Eome, January 1.?This afternoon Foreign Minister Prinetti received, through Ambassador Meyer, Secretary Hay's note, communicating President Castro's acceptance of The Hague ar bitration in principle, but with an additional proposition, which the Gov ernment at Washington does not sup port. While reserve is maintained at the foreign office with regard to the Vene zuelan matter, it has been learned that the, foreign office considers the addi tional proposition made by President Castrot as net likely of acceptance. Communications on this subject are now being exchanged with Germany and Great Britain Berlin, January 1.?President Cas tro's reply to the Powers, through Minister Bowen, is substantially an unqualified acceptance of their pro posals to arbitrate and the accom panying conditions. The foreign office here received his answer today and is satisfied with its spirit. A further in terchange of views preparatory to sign ing the protocol, will take place in Washington. The only really important question to be settled" is what shall be done with the blockade. A continu ance of the blockade is relied upon to hasten the conclusion of the arbitra tion preliminaries, especially on the part of Veneuzela. Caracas, January 1.?The report current in Willemstad, Curacao, that the Government sustained a defeat in the recent fight with revolutionists at Barquisimeto is untrue. The Govern ment was victorious at Barquisimeto, and that town, as well as San^|Caris and Tinaquillo, was recaptured from the rebels, as was duly reported in' these dispatches. There have been persistent rumors in official circles and generally throughout this city since yesterday, that President Castro had refused to agree to the proposals of the allies to refer the Veneuzelan is sues to The Hague. The correspon dent of the Associated Press saw the President of Venezuela for half an hour this afternoon. It is not true that the President has declined the proposals of the Powers: the Chief Ex ecutive declares he wants only fair treatment. It was clear from what President Castro said at the inter view, that he believes it would be very easy to reach a full settlement of the entire controversy. President Castro said to tbe cor respondent: "If a settlement is not reached, it will be because a settle ment forms no part of the plan of tbe allies; ni this case the prolongation of the present situation would be dis astrous for all concerned. The solu tion of the present difficulty depends more on the Allied Powers than on Venezuela." The President was then questioned as to whether or net he would re nounce the Presidency, and if it was his purpose to make a change in the present Cabinet. He replied: "People are at liberty to talk whatever non sense they want to: I will make a change in'the Cabinet when the pro sent serious question is ended.'' Brussels, January 1.?It is said here that an arrangement has been con cluded with Great Britain and Ger many to submit the Belgian and Dutch claims against Veneuzela to the international Peace Court at The Hague at the same time the Angio German claims against the South American Republic are taken to that tribunal. The Secret of Long Life Consists in keepiEg all the main organs of the body in healthy, regular action,&and in quickly destroying deadly disease germs. Electric Bitters regulate stomach, liver and kidneys, purify the blood, and' give a splendid appetite. They work won ders in curing kidney troubles, female complaints, nervous diseases, constipation, dyspepsia and malaria. Vigorous health and strength always follow their use. Only 50c, guaranteed by J. F. W. DeLorme, druggist.