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T ELLOW Citizens: In obedience to tbe will of the people and in their presence, by authority vested in me liy this oath. I assume the arduous and re­ sponsible dutiesof President of the United States, relying on the support of my coun­ trymen and invoking the guidance Of AI- > mighty <Jod. Our faith teaches that there is no safer reliance than upon the God of our fathers. who has so singularly favor­ ed the- American people in every national trial and who will not forsake us so long as we obey his commandments and walk • humbly in his footsteps. The responsibilities of the high trust to "Which I Lave been called--always of grave importance--are augmented by the prevailing : business conditions, entailing idleness upou willing labor and loss to use­ ful enterprises. The country is suffering from industrial disturbances from.which speedy relief must be had. Our financial system needs some revision; our money is all good now. but its value must not further^ be threatened. It should all be put upon an enduring basis, not subject to easy attack, nor its stability to doubt or dispute. - Our currency should continue under ihi>. supervision of the Government. '•( The several forms of our paper money offeivin my judgment, a constant embaf-. . i-Bssmeut to the Government and a safe bal suici* in the "treasury. Therefore. I be­ lieve it necessary to devise.;, a system which, without diminishing the circulat­ ing Uiediiini or offering a premium for its contraction, will present a remedy for those arrangements, which, temporary in their nature, might well in the years of our prosperity have been displaced by i " wiser provisions.. With adequate revenue secured, but not until then, can we enter upon such changes in our fiscal laws as will, while insuring safety and volume to our money, no longer impose upon the Government the necessity of maintaining so large a gold reserve, with its attendant and in­ evitable temptations to speculation. Most of our tinaqcial laws are the outgrowth,-of experience mid trial and should not be .>• amended without investigation and dem- I onstration of the wisdom of the proposed changes. We must be both sure we are right and "make haste slowly." If. therefore. Congress in its wisdom shall deem it expedient to create a com­ mission to take under early consideration the revision of our coinage, banking and ' currency laws, and give them that ex­ haustive. careful and dispassionate exam­ ination that their importance demands, I shall cordially concur in such action. If such jiower is vested in the President, it is my purpose to appoint a commission of prominent, well-informed citizens of dif­ ferent parties who will command public confidence, both on account of their ability and special fitness for the work. Business f' experience and public training may thus be combined, and the patriotic zeal of the friends of the country be so directed that such a report will be made as to receive the support of all parties and our finances cease tu be the subject of mere partisan contenti<Vq. The experiment is, at all events, worth a trial, and, in my opinion, it can but prove beneficial to the entire country,^' International Bimetallism, The question of international bimetal­ lism will have early and earnest attention. It will !>e my constant endeavor to secure it by co-operation with the other great commercial powers of the world. Until thart condition is realized when the parity between our gold and silver money springs from and is supported by the relative value of the two metals, the value of the silver already coined and of that which may hereafter be coined must be kept constantly at par with gold by every re­ source at our command. The credit of the Government, the integrity of its currency and the inviolability of its obligations must ~"be "preserved. This was the com­ manding verdict of the people and it will not be unheeded; Economy is demanded in every branch of the Government at all times, but espe­ cially in periods like the present depres­ sion <^f business and distress among the people. The severest economy must be observed in all public expenditures, and extravagance stopped wherever it is found and prevented wherever in the future it may be developed. If the revenues are to \ remain as now, the only relief that can come must be from decreased expendi­ tures. But the present must not become I the permanent condition of the Govern­ ment. It has been our uniform practice to retire, not increase, our outstanding Obligations, and this policy must again be ^ resumed and vigorously enforced. Our revenues should always be large enough to meet with ease and promptness not only our current needs and the principal and interest of the public debt, but to make proper and liberal provision for that most deserving body of public creditors, the soldiers and sailors, and the widows and orphans who are the pensioners of the United States. The Government should not be per­ mitted to run behind, or increase its debt, in times like the present. Suitably to pro­ vide against this is the mandate of duty; the certain and easy remedy for most of our fiuancial difficulties. A deficiency is inevitable so long as the expenditures of the Government exceed its receipts. It , can only be met by loans, or an increased revenue. While a large annual surplus of revenue may invite waste aDd extrava­ gance, inadequate revenue creates dis­ trust, and undermines public and private credit. Neither should be encouraged. Between more loans and more revenue, there ought to be but one opinion. We should have more revenue, and that with­ out delay, hindrance or postponement. A Burplus in the treasury created by loans is not a permanent or safe reliance. It will suffice while it lasts, but it cannot last long while the outlQ3&.i)f the Govern­ ment are greater than its receipts, as has been the case during the last two years. Nor must it be forgotten that, however much such loans may temporarily relieve the situation, the Government is still in­ debted for the amount of the surplus thus accrued, which it must ultimately pay, while its ability to pay is not strengthen­ ed, but weakened, by a continued deficit. Lei&ns are imperative in great emergen­ cies to preserve the Government or its credit, but a failure to supply needed revenue in time of peace for the mainte­ nance of either has no justification. - - u Larger Revenues Necessary. The best way for the Government to maintain its credit is to pay as it goes-- ' not by resorting to loans, but by keeping , v . out of debt--through an adequate income secured by a system of taxation, external or internal, or both* It is the settled pol­ icy of the Government, pursued from the beginning and practiced by all parties and administrations, to raise the bulk of our v revenue from taxes upon foreign produc­ tions entering the United States for sale and consumption--and avoiding for the most part every form of direct taxation, except in time of war. The country is clearly opposed to any needless additions ,g " to the subjects of internal taxation, and Is committed by its latest popular utter­ ance. to the system of tariff taxation. There can be no misunderstanding, '•* either about the principle upon which this Sllli# IWMMc -;.V >• " ' • •' tatiff taxation shall be levied. Nothing has ever been made plainer at a general election than that the controlling princi­ ple in the raising of revenue on imports is zealous care for American interests and American labor. The people have de­ clared that such legislation should be had as will give ample protection and en­ couragement to the industries arid the development of our country. It is there­ fore, earnestly hoped and expected that Congress will, at the earliest practicable moment, enact revenue legislation that shall be fair, reasonable, conservative and jttst, and which, while supplying sufficient revenue for public purposes, will still be signally beneficial and helpful to every Section and everj* enterprise of the people. To this policy, we are all, of whatever party, firmly bound by the f\>iee of the people--a power vastly moK? potential than the expression of any political plat­ form. The paramount duty of Congress is to stop deficiencies by the restoration of that protective legislation "which lias al­ ways been the firmest prop of the treasury. The passage of such a law or laws would strengthen the credit of the Government both at home and abroad, and go far to­ ward stopping the drain upon the gold re­ serve held for the. redetnption of our cur-' rericy which lias been heavy and well-nigh constant for several years. Reciprocity. In the revision of the tariff, especial at­ tention should be given to the re-enact­ ment and extension of the reciprocity principle of the law of 1890, under which so great a stimulus was given to our for­ eign trade in new and advantageous mar­ kets, for our surplus agricultural ami manufactured products. The brief trial given this legislation amply justifies a further experiment and additional discre­ tionary power in the making of commer­ cial treaties, the end in view always to be the opening up of new markets for the products of our country, by granting eon- cessions to the products of other lands that we need and cannot produce our­ selves. and which do not involve any loss of labor to our own people, but tend to in­ crease their employment. The depression of the last four years has fallen with especial severity upon the great body of the country, and upon none more than the holders of small farms. Agriculture has languished and labor suf­ fered. The revival of manufacturing will be a relief to both. No portion of our pop­ ulation is more devoted to the institutions of free government, nor more loyal in their support, while none bears more cheerfully or fully its proper share in the maintenance of the Government, or is better entitled to its wise and liberal care and protection. Legislation helpful to the producer is beneficial to all. The depress­ ed condition of industry on the farm and in the mine and factory has lessened the ability of the people to meet the demands election, which all can rejojee in, is that, the citizens of the United St'ales are both law-respecting and law-abiding people, not easily swerved from the path of pat­ riotism and honor. This is in entire ac­ cord with the genius of our institutions, and but emphasizes the advantages of inculcating even a greater love for law and order in the future. Immunity should be granted to none who violate the laws, whether individuals, corporations or com­ munities; and as the Constitution im­ poses upon the President the duty of both its own execution and of the statutes en-, acted in pursuance of its provisions, I shall endeavor carefully to carry them into effect. The declaration of the party now re- stpred to power has been in the past that of "opposition to all combinations of cap­ itals organized in trusts or otherwise to control arbitrarily the condition of trade among our citizens," and it has supported "such legislation as will prevent the exe­ cution of all schemes to oppress the peo­ ple by undue charges on their supplies or by unjust rates for the transportation of their products to market." This purpose will be steadily pursued, both by the en­ forcement of the laws now in existence and the recommendation and support of such statutes as may be necessary to car­ ry it into effect. Naturalization and Immigration. Our naturalization and: immigration laws should be further improved to the constant promotion of a safer, a better and a higher citizenship. A grave peril to the republic would be a citizenship too ignorant to understand or too vicious to appreciate the great value-and benefit of our constitutions aud laws--and against all who come here to.make war upon them o.ur gates must be promptly and tightly closed. Nor must we be unmind­ ful of the need of improvement among pur citizens, but with the zeal of our fore­ fathers encourage the spread of knowl­ edge and free education. Illiteracy must be banished from the land if we shall at­ tain that high destiny as the foremost of the enlightened nations of the world, which, uuder Providence, we ought to achieve. Reforms in the civil service must go on, but the change should be real and genu­ ine. not perfunctory or prompted by zeal in behalf of any party, simply because it happens to be in power. As a member of Congress I voted and spoke in favor of the present law and I shall attempt its enforcement in the spirit in which it was enacted. The purpose in view was to se­ cure the most efficient service of the best men who would accept appointment un­ der the Government, retaining faithful and devoted public servants in office, but shielding none under the authority of any rule or custom who are inefficient, incom­ petent or unworthy. The best interests of the country demand this and the peo­ ple heartily approve the law wherever and whenever it has been thus admin­ istered. Coiigress should give prompt attention to the restoration of our American mer­ chant marine, once the pride of the seasi in all the great ocean highways of com­ merce. To my mind, few more important subjects so imperatively demand its intel­ ligent consideration. The United States has progressed1 with marvelous rapidity in every field of enterprise and endeavor, until we have become foremost in nearly all the great lines of inland trade, com- POST *£2 /I iSKE PRESIDENT M'KINLEY'S CABINET. upon them, and they rightfully expect that not only a system of revenue shall be es­ tablished that will secure the largest in­ come with the least burden, but that ev­ ery means will be taken to decrease rather than increase our public expenditures. Business conditions are not the most promising. It wiK take time to restore the prosperity of former years. If we cannot promptly attain it, we can resolutely turn our faces in that direction and aid its return by friendly legislation. However trouble­ some the situation may appear, Congress will not, I am sure, be found lacking in disposition or ability to relieve it, so far as legislation can do so. The restoration of confidence and the revival of business, which men of all parties so much.desire, depend more largely upon the prompt, en­ ergetic and intelligent action of Congress, than upon any other single agency affect­ ing the situation. Duties of Citizenship. It is inspiring, too, to remember that no great emergency in the 108 years of our eventful national life has ever arisen that has not been met with wisdom and cour­ age by the American people, with fidelity to their best, interests and highest des­ tiny, and to the honor of the American name. These years of glorious history have exalted mankind and advanced the cause of freedopi throughout the world and immeasurably strengthened the pre­ cious free institutions which we enjoy. The people love and will sustain these institutions. The great essential to our happiness and prosperity is that we ad­ here to the principles upon which the Government was established and insist upon their faithful observance. Equality of rights must prevail and our laws be always and everywhere respected and obeyed. We may have failed in the dis­ charge of our full duty as citizens of the great republic, but it is consoling and encouraging5 to realize that free speech, a free press, free thought, free schools, the free and uhmolested right of-religious liberty and worship and free and fair elections are dearer and more universally enjoyed to-day than ever before. These guarantees must be sacredly pre­ served and wisely strengthened. The constituted authorities must be cheerfully and vigorously upheld. Lynchings must not be tolerated in a great and civilized country like the United States; courts-- not mobs--must execute the penalties of the law. The preservation of public or­ der, the right of discussion, the integrity of courts, and the orderly administration of justice'must continue forever the rock of safety upon which our Government securely rests. One of the lessons taught by the late merce and industry. Yet, while this is true, our American merchant marine has been steadily declining until it is now lower, both in the percentage of tonnage and the number of vessels employed, than it was prior to the civil war. Commendable progress has been made of late years in the upbuilding of the American navy, but we must supplement these efforts by providing as a proper con­ sort for it a merchant marine amply suf­ ficient for our carrying trade to foreign countries. The question is one that ap­ peals both to our business necessities and the patriotic aspirations of a great people. ..Foreign Policy,-' It has been the policy of the'United, States since the foundation of the Gov­ ernment to cultivate relations of peace and amity with all the nations of the world, and this accords with my concep­ tion of our duty now. We have cherished the policy of non-interference with the affairs of foreign Governments, wisely in­ augurated by Washington, keeping our­ selves free from entanglement either as allies or foes, content to leave undisturb­ ed with them the settlement of their own domestic concerns. It will be our aim to pursue a firm and dignified foreign policy, which shall be just, impartial, ever watch­ ful of our national honor and always in­ sisting upon the enforcement of the lawful rights of American citizens everywhere. Our diplomacy should seek nothing more and accept nothing less; we must avoid the temptation of territorial aggression. War should never be entered upon until every agency of peace has failed; peace is preferable to war in almost every con­ tingency. Arbitration is the true method of set­ tlement of international as well as local or individual difference. It • was recog­ nized as the besfc means of adjustment of differences between employers and em­ ployes by the Forty-ninth Congress, in 1888, and its application was extended to our diplomatic relations by the unanimous concurrence of the Senate and House of the Fifty-first Congress, in 1890. The latter resolution was accepted as the basis of negotiations with us by the British House of Commons, in 1893, and upon our invitation a treaty of arbitration between the United States and Great Britain was signed at Washington and transmitted to the Senate for.its ratification, in Jan­ uary last. Since this treaty is clearly the result of our own initiative; since it has been recognized as the leading feature of our 'foreign policy throughout our entire national history--the adjustment of diffi­ culties by judicial methods rather than by force of arms--and Bince it presents to the world the glorious example of reason and peace, not passion and war, controlling the relations .between two of the greatest nations of the world, an example certain to be followed by others. I respectfully urge the early action of the Senate there­ on, not merely as a matter of policy, but as a duty to mankind. The importance and moral influence of |he ratification of such-a treaty can hard­ ly 'be overestimated in the cause of ad­ vancing civilization. . It may well engage the best thought of the statesmen and people of every country, and I cannot but consider it fortunate that it was re­ served to the United States to have the,, leadership in so grand a work. Kxtra Session of Congress. It has been the uniform practice of each President to avoid, so far as possible, the convening of Congress, in extraordinary session. It is an example which, under ordinary circumstances and in the ab­ sence of a public necessity, is to be com­ mended, But a failure to convene the representatives of the people in Congress in extra session when it involves neglect of a public duty places the responsibility of such neglect upon the executive him­ self. The condition of the public treas­ ury, as has been indicated, demands the immediate consideration of Congress. . It alone has the power to provide revenues for the Government. Not to convene it Under such circumstances I can view in no other sense than the neglect of a plain duty. - I do not sympathize with the sentiment that Congress, in session is dangerous, to our general business interests. Its mem­ bers are the agents of the people, and their presence at the seat of. Government in the execution of the sovereign will should riot operate as an injury, but a ben­ efit. There wuld be no better time tb put the Government upon' a sound finan­ cial and economic basis than riow« The people have only recently voted that this should be done, and nothing is.more bind­ ing upon the agents of their will than the obligation of immediate action. It, has always seemed to me that the postponement of the meeting of Congress until more than a year after it. has been chosen deprives Congress too often of the inspiration of the popular will and the country of the corresponding benefits. It is evident, therefore, that to postpone ac­ tion in the presence of so great a neces­ sity would be unwise on the part of the executive because unjust to the interests of the people. Our actions now will be freer from mere partisan consideration than if the question of tariff revision was postponed until the regular session of Congress. We are nearly two years from a congressional election, and politics can­ not so greatly distract us as if such con­ test was immediately pending. We can approach the problem calmly and patri­ otically, without fearing its effect upon an early election. Our fellow citizens who may disagree with us upon the character of this legislation prefer to have the ques­ tion settled now, even against their pre­ conceived views--and perhaps settled so reasonably, as I trust and believe it will be. as to insure great permanence--than to have further uncertainty menacing the vast and varied business interests of the United States. Again, whatever action Congress may take will be given a fair opportunity for trial before the people are called to pass judgment upon it, and this I consider a great essential to the rightful and lasting settlement of the question. In view of these considerations, I shall deem it my duty as President to convene Congress in extraordinary session on Mon­ day, the 15th day of March, 1897. Triumph of the Whole People. In conclusion, I congratulate the coun­ try upon the fraternal spirit of the people and the manifestation of good will every­ where so apparent. The recent election not only most fortunately demonstrated the obliteration of sectional or geograph­ ical lines, but to. some extent also the prejudices which for years have distract­ ed our councils and marred our true greatness as a nation. The triumph of the people, whose verdict is carried into effect to-day, is not the triumph of one section, nor wholly of one party, but of all sections and all the people. The North and South no longer divide on the old lines, but upon principles and politics; and in this fact surely every lover of the country can find cause for true felicita­ tion. Let us rejoice in arid cultivate this -spirit; it rs ennobling and will be both-n gain and blessing to our beloved country. It will be my constant aim to do nothing and permit nothing to be done that will arrest or disturb this growing sentiment of unify and co-operation, this revival of esteem rind affiliation which now ani­ mates so many thousands in both the old and the antagonistic sections, but I shall cheerfully do everything possible to pro­ mote and increase it. Let me again repeat the words of the oath administered by the Chief Justice, which, in their respective spheres, so far as applicable^ 1" would have all my coun­ trymen observe; "l will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, pro­ tect and defend, the Constitution of the United States;" Tliis is the obligation I have reverently ^taken before the Lord Most High. To keep it will be my single purpose--my con­ stant prayer--and 1 shall confidently rely upon the forbearance and assistance of all the people in the discharge of my sol- emu responsibilities. TRUSTS AND THEIR PROFITS. tr BRIEF COMPILATION OF NOIS NEWS. ILLI- Awfnl Accident at a Chicago Grade Crossing Costs Three Lives--George Schneider Loses His Fortune, but Saves His Commercial Honor. " How Coal) Sugar, and Coffee Take Millions from the- People. COAL. Total amount mined...... v Amount mined by the coal trust Profit of trust every year (estimated at $1.55 a ton, the difference between what the trust pays for it and the price at which it sells it, the only expense being the cost of transpor- ta tiou) ...' SUGAR. Tons. 53,7.50,000^ 43,000,000 $71,650,000 Pounds. Total yearly output of re- fined sugar 3,000,000,000 Amount produced by the sugar trust 2,400,000,000 Profit of trust every year (based on average of 1 cent a pound). . $24,000,000 COFFEE. Pounds. Total output of coffee 650,000,000 Amount controlled by coffee trust (comprising tbe Ar- buckle company of this city; the McLaughlin mills of Chicago, and the Wool- son Spice Company, be­ fore the latter company was "acquired" by the Havemeyers) 495,000,000 Frofit of the trust every year, at Arbuckle's figures of 1 cent a pound $4,950,000 Profit of the trust every year, at Havemeyer's fig­ ures of 3 cents a pound... $14,850,000 7r-New York Journal. Miss Carrie Jewell, of recent years a belle in New York society, and the favor^ ite niece of the late Frederick K. Taylor, of St. Louis, has foresworn his liberal be­ quest to her, abandoned society and be­ come a nun in the Sacred Heart Order at St. Louis. • The sale of the natural gas plant of Columbus, 0„ is off, owing to disagree­ ment \ .. AUOFTNIV A RTft STA TI? Advance sheets of the forthcoming an- •0~U.VMJH.Lr a. -OXIT nual report of the Illinois" Railroad and Warehouse Commission have just been §erit to the public printer. It is for the year ending Dec. 31, 1896, and contains the following facts: There are now in ou- eration in the State 15,924.94 miles of railro^d track. of which 10,544.21 is main trackage, 1,399 is second, third and fourth tracks, while 3,985 is sidings. Illinois leads all other States in the Union in the total mileage, which is 19.02 miles of road for every hundred square miles of terri­ tory in the State, or 36 miles of road for every 10,000 inhabitants. The capitaliza­ tion of the railroads in the entire State and those doing business in Illinois is $2,- 669,164,142, which is $67,556 per mile of road. The amount paid by these roads during the past year in dividends in this State was $22,409,418, which is a decrease over 1895 of $52,75S, or 24-100 of J. per cent. The total passenger revenue during the year, including express and mails, amounted to $22,558,517; freight earn­ ings, $49,771,234, which is an Increase in both departments of several million dol­ lars over 1895. The operating expenses to operating income was 63.11 per cent. During the year the total number of pas­ sengers carried was 65,304,964; tons of freight carried, 63,776,151. The revenue per passenger per mile was 2.365 cents; revenue per ton of freight per mile was 1.248 cents. The total number of em­ ployes is given at 72,2-fO.' aggregating an annual salary of $40,762,247.20. The highest salary paid "per day to engineers was $4.62; lowest salary, $1.32. Highest paid firemen, $2.48; lowest. 99 cents. Highest paid conductors, $$.74; lowest, 96 cents. Highest paid general officers was $'i|9.80 per day. while the lowest one received a stipend of $1.20 per diem. Other employes, section hands, etc., highest $2.63, lowest 70 cents. During the year there were 9.263 locomotives in use. 7,450 passenger, mail and express cars. 290,262 freight cars, 8,815 in companies' service, 6,171 in fast freight service and 11,771 cars and engines leased. During the year there was consumed 3.948.119 tons of fuel in running 90,844,546 miles, or an average of 75.21 pounds per mile. ' During the year twenty-one passengers were killed and 104 injured; 173 employes were killed and' 1,399 injured; trespassers, etc., 401 killed and 477 injured. The foregoing shows an increase in number of passen­ gers killed during the year and a decrease in number/injured over 1S95, a decrease in the nuniber of employes killed and in­ jured. and a decrease in th^' nuniber of others killed, an increase in the number of others injured, and a decrease in the total number killed of 5 per cent, and a decrease in the total number injured of 3 per cent. There was one death to every 417 employes, one injured to every fifty- two employes. In 1895 there was one death to every 376 employes, and one in­ jury to every forty-five employes. >Of the 173 employes killed thirteen, or 8 per cent, met death while coupling or uncoup­ ling cars and engines, and of the 1,399 injured 479, or 34 per cent, was caused by the same accident. The amount of taxes paid the State by these roads dur­ ing the year shows an increase of over half a million dollars over^1895. Killed at Grade-Crossing. Three persons were killed and two seri­ ously injured Thursday afternoon as the result of an electric car being crushed at a grade crossing between two trains mov­ ing in opposite directions. A woman pas­ senger was thrown thirty feet, but mirac­ ulously escaped injury. The accident happened at the 103d street crossing of the Calumet Electric line and' the Chi­ cago and Eastern Illinois Railroad. One Of the. injured will probably die. The ac­ cident was due to the motorman losing control of his car. The dead: George O'Malley, motorman. head split open, kill­ ed instantly; F. Prins. face crushed, both legs broken, left leg severed below the knee, instantly killed: Roscoe W. Young, face and head crushed, limbs and ribs broken, killed instantly. The injured: .T. Madison, conductor electric car, cut in the head and body and legs injured, thought to be internally and fatally hurt; Robert Hines, employe of electric company, cut about head and body, injuries serious; Miss Mary Moschell, thrown thirty feet against a barbed wire fence, ,seraU he I and'bruised, but not seriously hurt. Fchneidet Gives lip All. George Schneider, president of the de­ funct Natioisal Bank of Illinois at Chi­ cago^ has entered into a settlement with Comptroller Eckels and Receiver Me- Keon, whereby, by the voluntary delivery of practically his whole fortune, he se­ cures his exemption from all liability on the calls which by law might be made on him as a stockholder in the bank. Two months ago he voluntarily deposited with the bank $200,000 as a guarantee fund with which to pay all debts of the buik. the existence of which might be charged to any lack of judgment on his part as the president of the bank. Since then he has also voluntarily assumed the obliga­ tions of liis two sons-in-law, Robert Ber- ger and G. A. Weiss, amounting to $1,- 000,000. His own personal debt to the Shank does not amount to more than $100.- 000, all of which was'contracted on his Indorsement of notes which did not prove good. It is said that he still has enough property left to pay his share, as bonds­ man, of the Dreyer indebtedness, amount­ ing in all to $318,000, but after paying this, which he declares he will if called upon, he will be left almost without a penny in the world, but with an honorable reputation to mark the close of a long and honorable business career. Live Stock Men Want Lower Kntes. The Illinois Cattle Breeders', Swine Breeders', Sheep Breeders' and Live Stock Breeders' Associations held a joint session at Springfield and listened to an address by J. Anderson of Chicago on "Freight Rates." The joint conference appointed the presidents of the several associations a committee to solicit from the Railroad and Warehouse Commis­ sion a freight schedule more favorable to stock shippers and to urge an appropria­ tion by the present General Assembly for the Illinois State Farmers' Institute. The annuul session of the Illinois Live Stock Breeders' Association then met sep­ arately. The annual address of President Judy and a paper by William Watson of Winchester on "Cattle Feeding" were read by A. P. Grout, who occupied the chair. R. P. Stericker of Springfield read a paper prepared by J. F. Berry of Chip cago on "Horses for the American Mar­ ket." C. E. Yigal of New City read a paper on "Our Hog Interests." The fol­ lowing officers were elected for the en­ suing /ear: President, Lafayette Funk of Shirley; secretary, A. H. I'ickrell, Springfield; treasurer, Charles Ridgely, Springfield; vice-presidents, A. P. Grout. Winchester; J. H- Kincaldr^Athan&^ Fred H. Rankin, Athens, and R. M. Bell of De­ catur. Charjje Editor Dunlop with Libc', Charles Dold and J. W. La Vine, busi­ ness agents of the Cigarmakers' I'nion, caused the arrest of Joseph R. Dunlop. editor of the Chicago Dispatch, for al- Veged criminal libel. The article accused bold and La Vine, by innuendo if not ex­ pressly, of attempted blackmail. Dunlop gave bail. The supposed attempt to ex­ tort money is connected with the strike at Eugene Vallens & Co.'s cigar factory. The Dispatch of Friday contains a statement purporting to be made by this firm to the effect that two men called at the factory Feb. 9 and exhibited a circular letter to druggists, which would not be printed if the two men received ascertain considera­ tion:* • 3?he paper claims to be in posses­ sion of evidence to prove no one could have been in possession of the ciKcuJar in question at that time without authority from Dold and La yine. Messrs. Dold and La Vine, issue a statement denying all the charges from beginning to end. They have also brought suit for $25,000 dam­ ages against Mr. Dunlop. ii§i . flK • " State News in Brief. At Moline, Frank I. Moll, a workman employed at Deere & Co.'s plow works, -walked out of an open door on the third floor and was instantly killed. Joseph Davis 1s" locked up at Chicago on a charge, of being implicated in the looting of mail boxes, by^ means of which bank checks were obtained and cashed by persons for whom they were not intend­ ed. The arrest of Davis grew out of the transactions in connection with a check for $1,373, sent by Fairbanks, Morse & Co. to Collector Hanberg of Hyde Park. It is now discovered that the check, as were a dozen others, was stolen from a street lott.ftf?'box.' The Government offi­ cials are working in conjunction with the police, but tlioy have failed to dis­ cover the manner of the thefts from the koxes. ' • : ~ • A.vast amount of sympathy has been vliown Sidney B. Davis, who was convict­ ed of stealing $1,200 worth of diamonds from Mrs: Charles E. Williams in the Hotel Munroe, at Joliet, six months ago. Many thought Davis was innocent and for the lack of money, they claimed, he did not have a fair trial and money was be­ ing raised to appeal the case. Saturday a different light was put upon the case, and his friends have given up their under­ taking on learning that Davis has been a lifelong criminal, having served a term in a Canada prison and another in a Colo­ rado penitentiary. Mrs. Sarah Sandifer, aged 66 years, died in Keyesport, Clinton County, where she had lived for nearly forty years. The Republican convention of the eighth judicial district will be held in Peoria at noon April 27. A meeting of the judicial committee was held Friday and was attended by many Republicans. The sentirnent was* almost unanimously in favor of a late convention. Washington Martin, aged 86 years, died suddenly in Arthur. He was well inform­ ed on the early political history of the country, and had a personal acquaintance with Lincoln and many other prominent politicians in the early part of this cen­ tury. . «• Senator Gcorpe II. Munroe. of the Drainage Committee, has presented in the Legislature an amendment to section 27 of the drainage bill, which will be in the interest of the valley people. It provides for the appointment by the Governor, with the consent of the Senate, of three commissioners, to be selected between Chicago and Peoria, with a civil engineer, each at a salary of $10 a day, to see that the present sanitary district law or drain­ age bill is carried out. and that 20,00^ cu­ bic feet of lake water per minute for eVery 100,000 population shall be turned into the channel: that the flow of not less than 300.000 cubic feet per minute of water shall be maintained, and that the original drainage law. and especially section 23. shall be carried out. The amendment will provide that in case the report of the commissioners so appointed is adverse and that the present law is not enforced then the commissioners shall file a bill to pre­ vent Chicago turning her sewage into the channel. The valley, people want the law carried out. and this new amendment is to secure the fulfillment 'of it as it now stands. Monday afternoon while twelve work­ men under . Supt. MePhail were working in a water tunnel at Chicago beneath Lake Michigan from the foot of OSth street, a portion of the tunnel caved in. The men were forced to run a distance of 700 feet to reach the car which drew them up to safety,and although the water rose so rapidly in the tunnel that it was a very close call for the men, they all managed to reach the cage in safety. McPhial, af­ ter getting his men out, returned for the mule that had been used in the tunnel and nearly lost liis life in trying to save it. being, however, unsuccessful. It is prob­ able that the tunnel will be abandoned, as it has caved in on several previous oc­ casions. At Rockford. Henry D. Engelkc com­ mitted suicide, putting a bullet in his head, at the home of his father-in-law, William Petter, who wanted him to marry his secbritTdaughter, .sister cf Engelke's dead wife. He refused to'do so, being engaged to another girl, and was desjton- uent: John A. Prickett, head of the Edwards- ville banking house of John A. Prickett & Son. died. The firm assigned in De­ cember for the reason that it was unable to realize upon investments,. and worry over its affairs hastened Mr. Prickett's death. ' Mrs. Mary Watson, of Jeffersonville, died from the bite of a horse. The ani­ mal was standing by the walk, and as she passed he snapped at her arm and threw her over. Death ensued in a short time. Gov. Tanner has issued a requisition for Benjamin Roberts, alias Curly Rob­ erts, wanted at Macomb for murder. He is in custody in Boonville, Mo. Thomas Tinkler, a pioneer of central Kansas, died at Gypsum City of heart trouble, aged 65. He was formerly of Galena. Dexter B. Sackett. father of Prof. D. L. Sackett. died at his home near Sycamore, at the age of 90. The man who rode over Niagara Falls thirty-seven years ago JOII the back of Blondin. the famous rope walker, is paint­ ing portraits every day in a little studio on" the thirteenth floor of the Chicago Auditorium. His name is Henry A. Col- cord. •Mrs. Bridget McCarthy, Congress and Green streets, Chicago, objects to detec­ tives prowling around her premises. The other afternoon she enforced her opinion by hurling a pail of hot water over De­ tective Thomas Farnsworth of the central police station, who was searching the alley near by for thieves. The trial of Harry Smetzer in the St. Clair County Court, charged with the murder of Henry Ludwig, a truckman on the Louisville and St. Louis Railroad, re­ sulted in the agquittal of Smetzer Oh the ground that lie was insane at the time of rthe murder and is still insane. John W. Whipp died at Bloomington, aged 73 years. He was a native of Eng­ land. Ife had for many years been prom­ inent as an accountant, a banker and as an assistant secretary of the State Board of Charities. He was a partner and cash­ ier of the Home Bank of Bloomingtori from 1S62 to 1878, when it failed. He married Elizabeth Van Nees in Beards- town in 1849. ILLINOIS LAtf-MAKERS. When the House convened Friday morn­ ing, out of 153 members only 59 were present. Speaker Curtis was obliged to announce that a quorum was not present. "And there won't be all next week," yelled - a derisive member. Six members then arose and requested ieave of absence for " the following ten days. Some made the plea of sickness in their families ami oth­ ers pleaded nrgent business engagements. . "The reason I desire leave of absence, Mr. Speaker," said Mr. Allen of Vermil­ ion, "is because I shall find it necessary next week to visit the tomb of the man who never told a lie." Whfetf&Htthe House roared and those who made other excuses looked foolish. A motion to adjourn until Monday night was carried. The House adopted a resolution reported by the Com­ mittee on. Rules, providing that no bills shall be introduced after March 19. The Senate was in session five minutes, with scarcely a quorum present. No business was done. Adjourned to Mgnday at 10 a. m. Senator Edwards (Rep.) arid 'Senator Hull (Dem.) held a purely perfunctory session of the Seriate-Monday, arid ad­ journed that body over one legislative day, all that is allowed under the consti­ tution. There were no other members present. Acting Speaker Selby, when he called the House to order at 5 p. m. was surprised to find nineteen members in ! their seats. Not more than one or two members besides the acting speaker had been expected. The members of the House present were: Selby, Daugherty, Murdock, Marquis,' Murray of Sanga­ mon, Funk, Nohe, Sharrock, Harnsber- ger, White, Wilson,-Scrogin, King, Cav- anaugh, McLaughlan, Blood, Morris, Sherman, Morey a Ad Metcalf. The House adjourned until 3sp. m. Wednesday. The House met at 5 o'clock Wednesday afternoon with twelve members present. In the absence of the chaplain, prayer was dispensed with, and after the reading of the journal Mr. Harnsberger moved that when the House adjourn it stand adjourn­ ed to 5 o'clock Friday afternoon. This motion was carried and then Mr. Murray, of Sangamon, moved to adjourn and this motion was adopted. Senators Temple- ton and Morrison held a perfunctory ses­ sion in the Senate, assisted by Senators Dunlap, Sparks (Rep.), and Manifold and McKinlay (Dem.). At 5 o'clock the sec­ retary announced that nominations for secretary pro tempore were in order. Sen­ ator Dunlap nominated Senator Temple- ton, who was unanimously chosen. The president pro tempore ordered the journal read, immediately after which Senator Morrison moved that the Senate adjourn to Friday at 9 a. m., which was carried. An Unusual Call. "The life of a country doctor Is not one of ease and luxury," commented an old practitioner. "A call at night and then a drive, perhaps of five or six miles, up hill and down dell in the darkness of the forest. One night I re­ ceived a call from a distant farm house. Upon arriving there, I found a lad of about eighteen tvith a bullc-t wound in his shoulder. I dressed the wound with much care and then the lad with much anxiety observed: "You won't say anything about this, doctor?" * ' w " 'Why not, my lad?' I pitied him in avwuy, for his eyes had a hunted look; and he appeared half famished and half dead.' " 'Because 1 received this wound In escaping from the sheriff.' " 'You needn't tell me.' "I must. I couldn't get work, sir, and not able to resist temptation, I stole. It was for tbe first time. I thought you might speak of dressing a wound and then they would know where to find me. If you say nothing, I may be able to leave the country. You have been kind to me, doctor. o this and--" " 'On one condition, my lad.' " 'And that is?' " 'You will not steal again.' " 'Would you believe a--a thief?' " '1 will believe you.' " 'I promise.' . "Many years afterward I received a box of good things for Christmas from California. The next year another box came and so for many years. The only cue I had to the sender were a few words in the first box: T have kept the promise I made you, doctor.'"--Free Press. ' tlii||i Remarkable Benevolence. The year 1896 was a twelvemonth of more than ordinary hardship in many parts of the world. The gains of the rich were smaller than in the average year in recent times; the fairly well-to- do were forced to exercise unusual economy; the very poor were in greater need of help. The Chicago Tribune publishes a rec­ ord of charitable gifts in the United States during the year 1S96, excluding small donations. It is a fine exhibit. The sums contributed by bequests or direct gifts reached the noble amount of thirty-three and a half million dol­ lars. The amount is said to have been greater in tbe year recently closed than iu any other twelvemonth since the be­ ginning of the world. There is no Tea- son to doubt that the statement Is true. The beneficiaries were churches; col- leges, charities of various sorts, libra­ ries, museums and the like. Not the least 4£fiBiog entries in the list, fill­ ing more than three columns of the pa­ per, are tbe offerings of unknown don­ ors. It is a pleasant thought that there are unknown gifts, as well as the be­ stowals of those recognized as givers, and that the quiet helping of deserving persons and worthy objects goes on all the time. . Grateful for splendid charities, the world has even more reason to feel a lively gratitude for the small, unre­ corded acts of benevolence that keep eyes from weeping and feet from fall­ ing. • . s$i! : \ mm An 111-Assortetl Marriage. The allusion of May and December j: in describing marriages between youth and age has been used so much that it has become trite. But if there ever was a case to which the expression ; could be properly applied it was one. that occurred in Richmond, Va.. a short time ago. The singular feature of the case is that the groom impersonated May and the bride assumed the role1 of December. The former was Hiram D. Ely, 15 years old, and the latter Mrs. Jane D. Ely, his sister-in-law, a widow on the shady side of 50 and the mother of four children. Both were from the country, and as the boy pro­ duced a permit from his mother to mar­ ry. a license was granted aud the strangely mismated couple were* mar­ ried. They were accompanied on their wedding, tour by the four children.-- Troy Times. A Ripper In Amsterdam. A series of Jack the Ripper tragedies is happening in Amsterdam, Holland. The last murdered woman, terribly mu- , tllated, was found, the morning before Christmas. \* ' ^ IliiS! - 4m