The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 1

FOUR O'CLOCK EDITION. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1896. VOE. 56. NO.

33. 14 PAGES. THREE CENTS. SYMPHONY SOCIETY GETS IT. A MILLION FOR THE NEWBRIDGE PLAZA PLANS ADOPTED AT LAST STEPHEN FRENCH A SUICIDE.

A ROYAL ARCANUM BUILDING, handsomely furnished. I had several conversations with the Johnston Bros, and they finally named $225,000 as their price. Considering the large amount of rental the building would bring I consider that a reasonable price and the Johnston Bros, aro willing to sell on very easy terms. Mr. Rao presented a detailed statement at Saturday's meeting and everybody seemed to be unanimously in favor of the project." Mr.

Sherrill said that the company purchasing the property would take the shape of a corporation and that eventually there might bo evolved a Royal Arcanum club where the members of the order in this city and from other cities could meet and bo entertained. He added: "The music hall could bo used for grand lodge meetings. It is proposed to convert the cellar and first floor into bowling alloys, while other parts of the building could bo used for lodge meetings, business meetings, social parties, etc. Such a building would be whether there will be another staircase here, leading down to the lower floor, or whether according to Mr. Rosslter's Ideas the walk will bo extended to tho first staircase, which is tho one by which the bridge passengers coming from Now York reach the street.

If this Is done it will afford great convenience for passengers coming from Now York, who will descend this staircase to tho middle landing, cross the plaza by means of the elevated walk and down the staircases to tho railroad car stands. But what accommodations are there for the morning traffic, for the people going to New York? If the elevated walk terminates in a staircase leading to tho floor level of the terminal, does anyone think It possible that the public will climb the fifteen foot staircase to get on the elecated walk, then walk across and climb down again? Nothing of the sort. They will get off tho cars and walk across the plaza in front of all the vehicles and cross all the tracks In the world In order to save this double climb. One solution of the difficulty might be that the railroad people wish to extend the walk to the middle of both terminal staircases. But this would be objectionable because, while it would accommodate the people during both the morning and evening rush hours, it would almost entirely prevent any traffic going in the opposite direction.

In the morning with a steady stream of people going to New York, it would be impossible for people coming from the other side of the river to come down the Incoming bridge stairs and make headway against the crowd to the railroad cars stands. In tho rush hours of the afternoon the same difficulty would exist, only with the condition reversed. I can't say whether I will vote for the adoption of this plan or not. It is probable that I will. If the other trustees are in favor of It, as the matter has been hanging fire so long that I will be glad when It Is settled." SanmiOTY a 777 3: TROUBLE OVER THE ACADEMY DATE SETTLED TO DAY.

Tho Brooklyn Symphony society will give its first concert in tho Academy of Music on March 20, with Theodore Thomas and orchestra as the attraction. The second concert will bo given on March 20. A settlement of tho difficulty concerning the date was reached this morning, Henry Wolfsohn representing the Symphony society. The agreement was later ratified by Miss Anna Millar, manager of the Thomas orchestra. Afterward a conference was held between Miss Millar, Mrs.

Laura C. Langford, president of the Symphony society, and young Mr. Thomas. It was decided that tho formal announcements for the concerts should be made to day and that tickets should bo placed on public sale to morrow. The tickets have been in tho hands of the members of tho society for a week past and would have been put on public sale sooner but for this complication, which is deeply regretted by the officers of tho Symphony society.

Mr. Wolfsohn said to day: "I wanted to help Miss Miller as well as the Brooklyn Symphony society out of the difficulty and avoid any legal complications, which latter would have proved a great impediment to the sale of tickets, as well as the artistic work of Mr. Thomas, who is very sensitive in this respect. I therefore offered a financial consideration for the disputed date at 'the Academy, which was finally accepted, and I received a written release assigning all rights and claims to the date at the Academy on March 20, as well as any other claims to a supposed conitraot with Miss Millar. I then went to the Academy, took the 20th in my name and gave a check for the required deposit.

By my contract with the Brooklyn Symphony society they have the date." MOVED THE ST. PAUL AGAIN. THIS TIME THE TUGS MADE A GAIN OF 25 FEET. Long Branch, N. February 3 Captain Mulligan of the Monmouth beach life saving station reports that the efforts to float tho St.

Paul thiB morning resulted in moving her 25 feet. After the tide went down the tugs stopped working. Captain Mulligan says that in his opinion the prospects are good for better results at the next high tide. The wind was blowing strong from the east this morning and there was quite a sea on. The conditions to day were more favorable for the release of the St.

Paul than at any time since her stranding. The wind at 8 o'clock was blowing at the rate of twenty miles an hour from tho northeast at Long Branch, with the promise of brisk to high northeasterly winds to night and to morrow. The official report of the grounding of the St. Paul was to day filed at the office of tho United States local inspectors of steam vessels In the federal building, New Y'ork. It 13 as follows: U.

S. M. S. St. Paul, Long Branch, January 30.

Captain S. G. Fairchlld. Mr. Thomas H.

Barrett, U. S. Local Inspectors: Gentlemen I beg to report that on January 25, at 1:47 A. the steamship St. Paul took tho ground at Long Branch.

Just north of the Iron Pier, during a dense fog. When the ship stranded she was nineteen miles ahead of my reckoning from the last observation taken at 7 hours 23 minutes before the ship stranded and careful soundings were taker, frequently, and seventeen fathomo of water reported four and one half milee east of the beach. The last cast was taken only 13 minutes before we came ashore. The ship was and had been running dead slow for one and three quarters hours before we stranded. I remain, gentlemen, very respectfully yours, J.

C. JAMISON, Commander. FOUR FIREMEN INJURED IN A CONFLAGRATION WHICH DESTROYED A CHURCH. Boston. February 3 The hlstorio First Unitarian church on Meeting House hill, Dorchester, a familiar landmark and the oldest church in the district, was destroyed by Are this morning.

The loss Is estimated at $30,000. This amount is nearly covered by insurance. Four firemen were injured by a falling wall on the east side, which completely enveloped them, but they were rescued by their comrades. The Injured are: Captain Blanchard of Engine No. 20, severely burned and Internal injuries.

Fireman Hoyt, Engine No. 20, wrist broken and burned. Samuel Ridler, combination wagon, burned about head and other internal injuries. John Gavin, Ladder No. 4, bad scalp wound.

Captain Blanchard and Fireman Ridler were conveyed to the city hospital while the others were taken to their homes. It is thought all will recover. The blaze broke out. presumably from an overheated flue In the basement, soon after 7 o'clock, and in less than half an hour the building was doomed, the whole Interior having become a roaring furnace. The most valuable appurtenances of the church, which were kept in the vestry at the.

rear, were saved. A new organ, presented to the church by Deacon Humphrey In 1892, which was directly above the placo where the fire started, and tho clock and chime of bells in the tower were a total Iosb. COLONEL MORTON'S PLUM. TO RUN THE CITY CLERK'S NATURALIZATION BUREAU. Colonel Charles B.

Morton has been placed in charge of tho naturalization bureau of the city clerk's office. The state constitution provides that no person can vote at a state election who has not been a citizen for at least ninety days and every person applying for citizen papers must give notice In writing to the city clerk at least fourteen days before tho, Dual hearing. The' city clerk to make a complete record of each ease and give othe applicant a certificate showing that the law has been complied with. The name, age, residence and occupation of each applicant must be given, together with a statement of the court in which his application for citizenship has been made. For at least seven days this notice must be posted In two public places in the city.

DIED FROM HIS INJURIES. Andrew Mavbutt, 9 years old, of 251 Berri man street, while playing in an unfinished building at the corner of Belmont avenue and Bcrriman street yeBterday, fell and injured his spine. He was removod to St. Mary's hospital, where he died this morning from the effects of the injury. Coroner Nason will hold an inquest.

TO STAND BY THE CONSTABLES. Justice Schnitzspan of tho Leo avenue civil court decided to day to stand by the constables in their light for business against ex constables and ho posted in his court a notice that ho will refuse to deputize any person other than a regularly elected constable to serve papors except in special cases where tho parties to a suit or their counsel appear and ask for the same. BRIDGE JUMPER CAHILL IN JAIL.T3 (Special to the Eagle.) Long Island City, L. February 3 Patrick Cahill. who five years ago leaped from tho Brooklyn bridge for a wager, was sent to tho Queens comity jail by Justico Duffy, this morning, for ton days on a charge of intoxication.

Cahill is 31 years old and resided at Brown's Point, Astoria. SIX MONTHS FOR AN ASSAULT. John Owens, who said ho livod on Stono nve nuo, near Livonia, was sent to tho penitentiary for six mouths by Justico Harriman to day, for assaulting William Ellborg, a nows doaler of Z02 Watkius streot. SUDDEN DEATH OF HENRY GISH. Henry Gish, 77 years old, died' suddonly this morning at fiCO Third nveuuo of hoart failure A doctor was called when Mr.

Gish bocamo ill, but arrivod too Into. BISHOP NEWMAN ARRIVES. Bishop John P. Newman arrived this morning from Havana on tho steamer Yucatan, lie went to tho Murray Hill hotel. Bridge Trustees Approve the Suggestions of Mayor Wurster.

FOUR TRACKS ARE PERMITTED Henriques Was the Only Trustee Present Who Opposed This Action. He Tried to Sidetrack the Resolution. This Attempt Was Unavailing Mayor's Position What the Plans Are. Not Wholly Satisfactory. The long delayed plaza question which has been before the board ol trustees for nearly two years, was settled at an adjourned meeting held in President Howell's office this afternoon.

Tho plan decided upon was in accordance with the suggestions of Mayor Wurster and gives the Brooklyn Heights railroad company the right to lay four tracks on the plaza, directly beneath tho structure of the Kings County Elevated road. Mr. Henriques was the only trustee present who opposed the plan and Ske offered several to sidetrack the eubject. Both Mayor Wurster and Controller Palmer were of tho opinion that the question had been delayed long enough, and backed by President Howell the question was put to a vote. Tho meeting to day was an adjournment from the regular January monthly meeting, when a quorum was present.

Promptly at 2 o'clok the meeting was called to order by President Howell, with the following trustees present: Messrs. Henriques, Palmer, Keeney, MAYOR WURSTER'S "Wurster and Howell. Presidents Rossiter and Littcll of the Brooklya Heights and Atlantic avenue roads were also present. After the meeting had been called to order Trustee Henriques announced that he had seen Mayor Strong, who was unable to be present and who requested' that tho final disposition of the plaza question be adjourned until he could press his views, on the subject. President Howell then called for the tabled report of the terminal committee, which was Mr.

Henriques here Interposed with on amendment to the effect that the trustees lease tho vacant space underneath the storage yard, between Tillary and High streets, to the railroad company at an annual rental of $8,000. This was not seconded and President Howell refused to allow Mr. Henrlque3 to speak In favor of his resolution. ot discouraged Dy this Mr. Henriques "then offered a resolution to refer the whole plaza matter to the bridge engineers, but this also remained unseconded.

Mayor Wurster next took the floor and said: "It seems to me we have been working on pdaza plans for two yars, and In the meantime, since the terminal was opened, the public has been obliged to walk 300 feet in mud and slush "Without any relief from this board. I don't think we should delay this matter longer by referring it to engineers or any one else. The plan about to be submitted does not take anything from the plaza and gives the citizens of Brooklyn the accommodations they need. I am in favor of settling the question at once and Controller Palmer said: "For five meet ings wo have adjourned this question to sat isfy New lork trustees. The plaza belongs to citizens and they should be afforded proper facilities.

We nave sent plan after plan to New iork commissioners without hearing anything from them and it is time the ques tion was settled. President Howell added: "I think this is Brooklyn matter and should be decided by Brooklyn members. I am in favor rot any feasible plan favored by the mayor and con roller of thiB city." Mayor Wurster then offered to amend the resolution of the terminal committee, substituting the plan suggested by him. The Chairman then called for a vote and all thn trustees but one, Henriques, voted In favor. The plan submitted to the board of trustees to day is a solution of the plaza problem which was suggested by Mayor Wurster, after a personal inspection of the plaza about a fortnight ago.

It provides that the railroad company bo allowed to erect its car stands about 1 20 feet on the plaza, directly under the Structure of the Kings County elevated. Four tracks will be laid here with' covered platforms on each side and staircases leading from tho platforms to an elevated walk about fifteen feet high, which will be connected with the terminal. In the morning the cars of the railroad company will come down Pulton street and will be switched on one of these four tracks and, after discharging their passengers, will either go on down to the ferry or will be switched to tho uptown tracks at Sanda street. In tho afternoon all cars will be switched to the tracks adjoining the car stands by tho switches Indicated in the accompanying map. President Rossiter of the Brooklyn Heights railroad has declared his intention of having one car of each line constantly standing at these plaza car sttands and it will not be dispa tched until another one takes its place.

This will prevent long waits lor a car. which will be appreciated in cold or stormy weather, and is a point which has been especially favored by Mayor Wurster. Bridge Trustees Are Not Delighted With the Plan. A copy of the plan was sent to the bridge offices this morning where It was closely examined by several of the bridge trustees, who. were not favorably impressed by it.

One of them, who occupies a high position ip the bridge management, said that It was probably the worst solution of the problem that had been suggested. "In the first place," continued this official, "the Ideal way would be for the cars to come down Liberty Btreet and then around the plaza In a loop, with tho car stands right against the terminal. But if this cannot be the present plan, which follows cut Mayor Wurster's idea, has many objectionable features. A glance at the plan will show In what a congested stato the plaza will be, with tracks crossing one another and with the necessity of continually switching the cars. While the truck nearest to tho terminal comes about 120 feet on the plaza and brings tho railroad passengers that much nearer the terminal they will then have to walk nearly three hundred feet.

The elevated walk by which the passengers arc to got to the terminal will have to no at least fifteen feet high to allow trucks and vehicles to pass under it. Tho public will have to climb staircases to this height and will then walk across the plaza to tco terminal. the olaa does not show 4 L. 'Bmooe roadway New York's ex Police Commissioner Shoots Himself in Bed. WORRIED ABOUT HIS BUSINESS.

Some Time Ago He Told His Wife i She Would Be Better Off if He Were Dead His Inanimate Body Found by Mrs. French, at 10 o'clock This Morning Was Well Known on Long Island. Ex Police Commissioner Stephen B. French of New York committed suicide this morning at his home, One Hundred and Fortieth street and the boulevard. He shot himself through the heart and was dead when discovered by his wife.

Mrs. French and her son breakfasted together at 8 o'clock. At that hour the ex commissioner was still In bed, having indicated that he did not feel well enough to rise early. At 9 o'clock Mrs. French went upstairs, her son having in the meantime gone down town to his office.

As she passed her husband's room she opened the door and looked in. Mr. French was sitting on the side of the bed as though ho were dressing. Mrs. French closed the door without saying anything and went downstairs again.

An hour later, her husband not having yet appeared at the breakfast table, she returned to his room and saw him lying on his back in bed, apparently asleep. He did not answer when spoken to. Going to the' bedside, Mrs. French discovered blood on her husband's side and on the bed clothes. She called the cook and the two did their best to lift Mr.

French from the bed. Being unable to move him, they sent across the street to the Monto floro home and asked for a doctor. One of the resident physicians responded. After making a cursory examination he found that Mr. French had shot himself through the heart, probably while sitting up in bed.

On the floor lay a revolver, one chamber of which was empty. The doctor said that death had probably been Instantaneous. For some time Mr. French had been troubled over business matters. He was frequently despondent and on one occasion told his wife that she would be better off if he were dead.

Mrs. French, however, attached no importance to what he said, believing It was merely the result of an ordinary fit of melancholy. An hour or so after 'the suicide was discovered. Roundsman Patrick Meehan was sent to the house to make an investigation. He had a conversation with Mrs.

French, although she was on the verge of hysterics. Later she became completely prostrated. She She told Roundsman Meehan that for the last two weeks Mr. French had been moody and even despondent. She at one time asked him what was the matter and he replied that he was worried over business troubles.

At another time he made this remark to her: "You would be better off if I were not here." Mr. French left beside his widow, three sons and one daughter. One of tho sons, Stephen B. French, lives at 166 York street. New Haven, Conn.

The house in which the Frenchs live is a two and one half story frame one, on the southwest corner of One Hundred and Fortieth street and the boulevard. Deputy Coroner O'Hanlon said to day that one day last week he was speaking to Colonel Nugent of the Morton house, when Mr. French came in and joined in the conversation. Ab Mr. French left, tho deputy coroner says he remarked to Colonel Nugent, fear the commissioner is not all himself.

There is certainly some thing wrong about him In looks and conversation. He appears to be a very sick man." Stephen B. French was born at Riverhead, Suffolk county, N. on January 16, 1S29. His father, Peter, came from Montreal, and on his mother's side he was descended from one of the old Huguenot families that settled In Orange county.

The family moved to Sag Harbor in 1831 and he there went into the office of Captain John Budd, a whaler. After that he went to sea on a whaling trip and was away three years. In 1849 he sailed for San Francisco and went to the California gold fields and worked In tho mines. He also ran a hotel there. After this he sailed between San Francisco and the Sandwich Islands and in this business and other ways made and lost several fortunes.

In 1865 he entered politics. He was first a whig and afterward a Republican. He succeeded Joseph W. Goldsmith as treasurer of Suffolk county in 1S69 and was afterward re elected to that office. He was an unsuccessful candidate for congress in 1872 and was defeated for county treasurer in 1S76.

He was appointed an appraiser at the port of New York in 1S7C by President Grant. He succeeded Joel B. Erhardt as police commissioner on May 26, 18S7, and served as such until May 22, 1889. He was succeeded by James J. Martin.

During the last part of his term he was president of the police board. TURLER FELL DOWN STAIRS. UPON HIS DEATH BRADY WAS FOR THE SECOND TIME. Robert Turlor, 74 years old, died at his home, 41 Taylor street, last night, and Coroner Nason will hold an inquest in the case to morrow. Turler's neice's husband, Alfred Brady, of 122 Schaffer street, called on the old man two weeks ago to ask if he was harboring Mrs.

Brady, who had separated from her husband. The men quarreled and Turler fell down a flight of stairs. He did not appear to be seriously injured, and Brady, who was arrested, was paroled pending trial. The old man developed serious symptoms last Thursday and Brady was rearrested. He is now held without trial awaiting the result of the Inquest.

WILL ENTERTAIN THE CORONERS. EliBha W. Hinman, tho undertaker of 246 Seventeenth street, will entertain at dinner to night the old and new coroners of the city with their clerks. Several of tho latter havo been in the service of the department for many years. The party with a few outside friends will number about twenty five, and Prospect hall will be the scene of the event.

There will be music and speaking. RYAN GOES TO NEW JERSEY. Justico Boach in tho supremo court, New York, to day, held that tho identification proceedings before Judge McMahon in the court of general sessions in tho case of Michael Byau, tho green goods man, wore sufficient to provo that Evan was thn man wanted, and ho accordingly remanded him to tho custody of tho Now Jersey authorities. Brooklyn Atlicitrauni. A Most Intensely Interesting Lectcke Cottrse Free to All Here is a rare treat for very one in tho city and suburbs, and'the beat of it is, it is entirely free to nil.

All lovers of tho beautiful should not fall to attend. Tho well known and successful Dr. Greene, of Xi "West Fourteenth st. Now York City, will Klvo a grand free lecture courso in Brooklyn Athenfoum. Monday, Tuesday, Wednosday, Thursday and Friday evenings, February 3, 4, 5, fi and 7, at 8 o'clock, illustrated by the most magnificent stereopticon dissulvinic vlows over seen ill this country.

Friday afternoon, at 3 o'clock. Dr. Greeno will give a free, graphically Illustrated, private lecturo to ladies only, which will bo most deeply intorosting and instructive. Every lady should attend this free lecture. Friday evening, February 7.

nt o'clock, tho doctor will deliver Ids grandly Illustrated froe private lectures to men only, containing information upon thoso vital points of a private naturo which all men should, but too often do not, understand. Every man will find it to his interest to attend these froe private lectures. Dr. Groone is one of tho best orators In the country, and all of his lectures aro o'f marvelous Interest. Everybody will attend thorn.

Admission la entirely froo to all Darts of the house, Adv. Another $500,000 to Follow That Amount Already Agreed Upon. TO BE EXPENDED THIS YEAR. After the TJhlmann Charter Has Been Paid For $800,000 Remains to Carry on the Preliminary Work The $50,000 Already Appropriated Is Not IncludedThe Plaza May Extend as Far as Marcy Avenue. Work on th new East river bridge will not be delayed this year for lack money.

Mayors Wurster and Strong have agreed to favor an appropriation of $1,000,000. if that amount shall be found necessary. It was announced in the Eagle last Thursday that the appropriation for this year was to be $500,000. After deducting $200,000 to pay for the Uhlmonn charter there would not be sufficient left to carry on the work. The two mayors have, therefore, agreed that an additional $500,000 shall bo furnished nexit August.

The assessors of this city make another assessment in August. The increase in the assessed valuation will then be known and it will then be possible to issue such bonds as may be needed. The appropriation of $1,000,000 will not include the $50,000 for which bonds have already been Issued. Engineer Buck, Assistant Engineer Nichols and the young men on the engineering staff are now busily engaged preparing plans. The plans for the caissons are being altered.

They were originally made when Engineer Buck had in mind the building of a four track bridge. The adoption of the six track plan makes the alterations necessary. The complete plans for the caissons will probably bo ready for adoption in lour weens. aids lor the work will then be received. Tho estimated cost of the structure has been placed at and the property necessary for the approaches will probably increase that amount to about $12,000,000.

Until detailed estimates have been prepared by the engineers no estimate of the total cost can be obtained. The exast location of the bridge which was determined by the commissioners when the contract with the East River Bridge company was signed will not be made public for some time. The commissioners hoped to have suf ficient money at their disposal to buy most of the property that will be needed for approach es before they allowed the puoilc to know the exact line selected. No money will be furnished for that purpose, however, and if the bridge booms real estate along the line of the approaches, the commissioners say they will not be responsible for the additional expense imposed upon the city. It has frequently been stated that the terminal on this side of tho river, is to be situated on Bedford avenue, between South Fifth and South Sixth streets.

The plaza would then extend to Driggs avenue and as far north as South Fourth street. The property facing Broadway, between Bedford and Driggs avenues, would not be disturbed. The expensive Williamsburg Savings bank property would not be required. There are a number of people in the astern district who say they have good authority for believing that the plaza will extend as far as Marcy avenue. Excellent remlnal facilities could be secured at the junction of Broadway and South Eighth street.

Uhlmann planned to have his Brooklyn xerminus there. If the plans of the East River Bridge company are followed, therefore, the pljza may extend as far as Marcy avenue. an arrangement would be satisfactory Mr. Flynn, nose trolley cars, would sweep along the" southern Bide of the plaza and the Canarsle line, which runs along Marcy avenue, from Broadway to South Fifth street, would 'have the advantage of being the only road on that side. NEW EXCTSE BOARD ORGANIZES.

COMMISSIONER GASCOINE SUCCEEDS FORRESTER AS SECRETARY. The first meeting of the excise board with Commissioner Gascoine as a member was held this morning. Mr. Gascoine was made secretary of the board and Commissioner Hacker re elected treasurer. Police Commissioner Welles is ex offlcio chairman of the board.

The board decided that hereafter their meetings shall be held at 3 o'clock P. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. A license a.gainst which a protest had been entered, was granted to the Otto Huber Brewing company for a saloon at Ninth street and Fifth avenue. The protestants comprised members of the Hebrew church and several property owners in the neighborhood, who thought there were enough saloons there. JUDGE DICKEY ON THE BENCH.

HIS FIRST CASE A SUIT FOR DAMAGES AGAINST THE TROLLEY. Justice William Dickey occupied a seat on the supreme court bench in this county today for the first time since his election. The case to which he gave his attention was the suit of William Thomas Tompkins against the Brooklyn Heights Railroad company for $25,000 damages for injuries. Tompkins alleges that on May 7, IS94, he attempted to board one of the defendant's cars on Columbia street, hen it was suddenly started and he was thrown to the ground and run over. One of his feet was so badly crushed as to necessitate the amputation of two toes.

JOHN C. 8HEEHAN SUED. (Special to the Eagle.) Long Island City, February 3 Tammany Leader John C. Sheohan and Contractors Thomas Riddle and Wallace Rielly are being sued to day for 55,000 damages in the Queens county supreme court by Mrs. Oliver D.

Smith, who claims that her health was shattered and her bvsiness ruined by the construction of the Broadway trunk sewer. Sheohan sublet th contract for building the Bower to Rielly and liddle. PALMA GOES TO WASHINGTON. Signer Toinas Estrada Palma, the delegate to this country of tho Cuban insurgents, left this morning for Washington. His mission is for the purpose of agitating tho granting of belligerent rights to the insurgents.

Tho spies hired by the Spanish government, who have been keeping a close watch on tho Junta's headquarters, at 06 Broadway. New York, promptly conveyed the news of his departure to their employers. MR. AND MRS. ZIMMERMAN SENTENCED.

Samuel Zimmerman and his wife Minuio, who were arrested two weeks ago on a charge of keeping a disorderly houso on Watkins street, near Blake avenue, wcro found guilty by Justice Harriman in the Gates avenue police court to day and sentenced to throe months each in tho penitentiary. Tho complainant was Charles Ruben 107 Hester street, New l'ork. A PRINTER ASSIGNS. This afternoon Joseph E. Rhodes of 259 Jefferson avenue, a printer at 7, 9 and 11 Chambers street, New York, made a general assignment to Robert Gair for the benefit of his creditors as follows: Robert Gair.

S. E. Meeker, $2,500, and Van Allen Bough ton, $5,000. THE DEATH OF MR. BLISS.

The firm of Morton, Bliss Co. will not be affected by the death of Mr. George Bliss, as under tho articles of copartnership the firm name will continue as heretofore until 1S99. FIRE IN A HUDSON AVENUE GROCERY. Fire broke out at 4 o'clock this morning in tho grocery store of Anton Sachl, at 52 Hudson avenue.

The damaso did not exceed $300. New Johnston Building on Nevins Street to Be Transferred TO THE ORDER FOR $225,000. At a Meeting of Leading Arcanumites on Saturday Night a Committee Was Appointed to Carry Out the Project. Stock to Be Widely Distributed Five Per Cent. Dividends Anticipated A Fine Headquarters.

The Johnston grocers, at the corner of Nevins street and Flatbush avenue, and proprietors of the Johnston building, have offered to sell the latter to the Royal Arcanum In Brooklyn, and the offer has been tentatively accepted. The price agreed upon Is $223,000. "There have been a variety of projects for concentrating the Royal Arcanum order in Brooklyn. It is the banner city of the Royal Arcanum in the United States, with its membership of 15,000. New York is its nearest competitor, with about 10,000 members.

The schemo practically knocks in the head a project which was started in the fall of last year for a central building, of which the directors were as follows: Vincent L. Cooke, H. H. Shook, Dr. George Clinton Jefiery, J.

A. Grudchos. Dr. W. A.

Griffith, Charles A. Turner, Justin F. Price, F. C. Rhoades, T.

W. Franklin and A. H. Frost. This board issued a circular on November 1 of last year, stating that a location had been secured on Tompkins, between Jefferson avenue and Hancock street.

The building was designed THE JOHNSTON BUILDING. Which will be the Royal Arcanum Headquarter. to cover a plot 60 feet wide by 95 feet deep, having a front elevation of five stories. The total cost of the land and building was to be $75,000, and the circular stated that the directors already held the title to the land, having paid $2,000 in cash and given purchase money mortgages for $10,000, the balance of the purchase price. The circular added that subscriptions to the amount of $20,000 had been obtained and were being collected.

The circular was signed by Charles A. Turner, as chairman of the board of directors. The proposed building did not obtain general favor among the members of the order, the chief reason being apparently that the location was too far out of the way. Singularly enough, too, Mr. Turner was at the meeting held in the Johnston building on Saturday night, and Is reported as having expressed himself in favor of the purchase of the Johnston building, adding that it would.

In all likelihood, be the death of the project for erecting a building on Tompkins avenue. Robert Rae, who was chairman of Saturday night's meeting and is also a district deputy of tho order, said to the Eagle reporter to day: C. Johnston approached me a week ago and wanted to know if the Royal Arcanlum as an order could enter into the purchase of the building. This first started the project In our minds. I went into the building and sized it up.

I was so thoroughly satisfied with It for the purpose in question that I called a meeting of seventy five representative men in the ordor and about fifty of them responded to the call, among them the grand regent. At that meeting the offer of the Johnston to sell the building for $225,000 was presented and the following committee was appointed to look Into the details: Justin F. Pirce, grand regent; District Attorney Foster, L. Backus, William T. Holland, Arthur C.

Salmon, Mr. Nash, president of the Corn Exchange Bank of New Y'ork, ex Jus tlce William H. Relly, Dr. Byron E. Meade, J.

F. Chumasero, Thomas W. Kelly, Mr. Decker, William F. Schmidt, J.

W. Mc Keever, D. Lanigan, Mr. Macbeth and Jesse Van Brunt, with, of course, myself and Frank C. Vaughn as secretary.

In addition to that committee there were appointed all the district deputy grand regents and the supervising deputy grand regents of Brooklyn, bringing the committee up to about forty. This committee will meet very soon and will present a report to a general meeting of royal arcanumites which has been called for February 15, in the large hall of the Johnston building. "It is proposed," sold Mr. Rae, "that tho Brooklyn members of the Royal Arcanum should take the building on the stock plan, members only of the order purchasing stock at $25 a share. The stockholders will elect directors, and each council in Brooklyn will send a delegate annually, who will form an advisory board of trustees for the government and management.

The present Income and expenses of tho building under the Johnstons' management show an excellent net Income, which under the control of the 15,000 members of the Royal Arcanum in Brooklyn would be Increased to show a 5 per cen dividend annually on the stock that would be taken up by the members of the order. The conference listened to various expressions of opinion in regard to the adaptability of the building for the purposes desired and found, among other things, that the basement, now occupied by the Johnston Brothers could be altered into a bowling alley with a gallery surrounding the first floor, which would make the 'largest bowling alley in America." Mr. Rae pointed out that the accommodations In the building with Its galleries for women, its parlors, its commodious kitchen and its build would do much to popularize the order. He added that the Johnston brothers had become members of the order and added that they had offered to turn the building over to the Royal Arcanum to the exclusion of any other body. "I have no doubt about the idea going through, Mr.

Rae continued. "Everybody at the meeting was enthusiastic over It." Henry W. Sherrill, the real estate agent on Wllloughby street, is also a member of tho order and has taken a very active interest In the project to purchase the Johnston building. When an Eagle reporter called upon him to day or! the subject he said: "There have been different projects for a Royal Arcanum home and plans started and meetings held. It occurred to me that the proper place for such a home, where it could do the most good tor the order, would be In tho business focus of the city.

When I looked around I found nothing to approach the Johnston building. It has everything necessary five lodgo rooms, a large music hail, kitchens and other meeting rooms and offices. It seemed to me that If the idea of having a Royal Arcanum home was to be carried out at all tho best thing we could do was to take a building that wasitlready completed and ii a in 1 of vast benefit to the order in Brooklyn, which is the banner city of the Royal Arcanum iu I Amorlca. Baltimore is not nearly so strong and yet It has a beautiful building. In Brook lyn we have no headquarters at all and it I seems to me the want ought to be remedied.

It ought to be borne in mind. too. that whatever, changes may take place in Brooklyn will simply Increase the value of the property we have under consideration. Nothing can be lost. The stock will be very widely distributed at $25 a share.

If this project is carried out, we will have the finest headquarters and club houses in the City of Brooklyn. It is not proposed, of course, that every council should meet in the building. That would be impossible in Brooklyn, with its fifty four councils, but it would be a grand central spot where members of the Royal Arcanum could meet on common ground. Oliver Johnston, one of the members of the firm owning the Johnston building, said 10 the Eagle reporter to day: "It is true that Mr. Sherrill and I have negotiated for the purchase of tho building for $223,000.

There was a meeting held last Saturday night, when certain members of the Royal Arcanum, who had been through the building, found that among other things the cellar was Just the spot for bowling alleys. Two years ago the Royal Arcanum convention was held In the building and we have just now a great number of councils holding their meetings here, among them Fern council, Fulton, Fort Greene, Gilbert, Brevoort. Vigilante and Oxford, My terms of $225,000 for the building as it stands, furnished, and all the rest of it were acceptable at Saturday's meeting. The Idea Is that we are to get out of our store here so that the Royal Arcanum could have the cellar and the basement. We have property that we own on Flatbush avenue and could locate there." The ground measurement of the building Is 62 feet by 90 feet.

The lot was originally purchased from Joseph Jefferson, the actor. SUPERINTENDENT SKINNER'S REPLY. BROOKLYN MUST FURNISH HYGIENE TEXT BOOKS OR LOSE $425,000. (Special to the Eagle.) Albany, N. February 3 State Superintendent of Public Instruction Skinner to day received the letter of Superintendent of Public Instruction William H.

Maxwell of Brooklyn announcing that the controller of that city has refused to supply the board of education of Brooklyn with any money for the purpose of buying text books on physiology and hygiene, and asking what action the state department would recommend the local school authorities to take under the circumstances. Superintendent Skinner this afternoon gave out the following statement in response to Superintendent Maxwell's letter: "This department has no power to direct the local school authorities as to what they shall do under existing conditions. The law provides that physiology and hygiene shall be taught in all the public schools to all children who can read from text books. Unless the local authorities can furnish these text books the law cannot be complied with. Furthermore, unless these authorities can make an affidavit that this law has been lived up to during the present school year they will lose their share of the public funds, which in the case of Brooklyn amounts to about $425, 000.

I can see no way out of the difficulty except that the local authorities shall come to some agreement among themselves by which they can secure the money needed to purchase the text books in question. Certainly this department cannot afford them any relief in the matter. FOUND DEAD IN THE STREET. THE BODY OF ROBERT CHAPPLE DISCOVERED EARLY THIS MORNING. The body of Robert Chappie, GO years old, of 1,640 Fulton street, was found on the sidewalk at the corner of Madison street and Stuy vesant avenue at 6 o'clock this morning by Herman Meyer of 228 Hamburg avenue.

He had been dead but a few minutes. The deceased was employed by a baker at 1,875 Fulton street and delivered bread in a push cart to customers. He had been drinking hard for some time. His body was carried to the Gates avenue police station and by order of Coroner Nason removed to his home. Death, it is thought, resulted from apoplexy.

MR. COUDERT IS NOT ILL. Shortly before the hour appointed for the opening of the rapid transit inquiry in New York this morning, James Dolan, the attendant, was called up on the telephone by Mr. George, secretary for Frederic R. Coudert, chairman of the commission, who stated that Mr.

Coudert hod been taken suddenly ill and would not be able to preside at the hearing. The persons interested in the hearing were notified that a postponement would be had on this account. Shortly after 11 o'clock, however, Mr. Coudert appeared in he court room and said that he was not ill and that he did not notify any one to forward such a notice. The hearing will go on this afternoon.

SEAMAN N. SNEDEKER DEAD. (Special to Hempstead, L. February 3 Seaman N. Snedeker, died at his home in this village last night.

He was at one time very wealthy, but lost a large amount of money in the Hempstead branch of the Old South Side railroad. He was supervisor of the town of Hempstead for two terms and served one term In the assembly. He was also police Justice in the village of Hempstead for a number of years. Mr. Snedeker was long a local preacher in the Hempstead Methodist church and also a temperance advocate.

He was married three times. His funeral will take place Wednesday at 3 o'clock from the (Methodist church in this village. TEACHERS PAID TO DAY. Tho public school teachers, about three thousand in number, will get their checks for January to day. The pay roll for the month for teachers' salaries, after deducting the 1 per cent, pension fund money, amounted to $215,000 in round numbers.

Secretary Brown had a hard time preparing them, owing to the new pension fund act, which made at least 50 per cent, additional work. JUDGE MC MAHON TAKES OFFICE. Martin T. McMahon, who was elected a judge of the New York court of general sessions at the recent election, took his seat on the bench in Part I to day. Judge McMahon will preside In that part during the February term and will have charge of the grand Jury.

The first business was tho selection of tho grand Jury to serve during tho present month. BOY STRUCK BY A CABLE CAR. Frank Krokor, 14 years old, while crossing Ninth avenue. New York, near his home this morning, was struck by a cable car of the Broadway line. His back and left arm were injured.

He was sent to Roosevelt hospital. POSTMASTER SULLIVAN IN WASHINGTON PostmaBter Sullivan is In Washington today on official business connected with tho post office and treasury departments. He Is expected to return to this city to morrow. NEFF REAPPOINTS CHESHIRE. President Neff of the board of assessors has reappointed Charles W.

Cheshire as secretary. MBS. KUNZE EXPLAINED WHY SHE DIDN'T TELL ABOUT THE EECOYEEY OF HER PROPERTY. Mrs. Nettie Kunze of 521 Second street appeared before tho grand jury this morning to explain why she had not notified the police at BRIDGE PLAZA PLAN.

once when she found the watch and chain which she had accused her washwoman, Mrs. Lena Brauns, of stealing. Mrs. Brauns had been a prisoner in Rtynond street jail two months when District attorney Backus made an investigation into her case and had her released on her own recognizance. Tho watoh and chain were found in a bureau drawer by a nursemaid, where it was assumed by Mrs.

Kunze, they had been put by one of the children. She said nothing to the au however, and Mrs. Brauna might have been in jail yet had it not been for tho discovery made by tho district attorney. Mrs. Kunze and the nurse were both before the grand jury to day.

Thev were satisfied that there had been no collusion between Mrs, Kunze and Mrs. Brauns lor the eitituation of the property, and Mrs. Brauns was formally discharged from oustody. This end3 the connection of tho distrioc attorney's office with the case. Mrs.

Brauns has further redress in a civil action against Mrs. Kunzo. THE COHEN MYSTERY. CONTENTS OF A PHIAL GIVEN TO HIM BY A RELATIVE. Tho relatives of Julius Cohen, who died in Bollevuo hospital on Saturday last from soma unknown cause, are clamorous for a certificate of burial without an autopsy.

Tho reason why the certificate would not be signed by Dr. A. H. Brown, who had charge of the old man, was told to Coroner Meagher of New York to day. It was to the effect that on Saturday Coh in was visited by some friends who asked permission of the nuree to give the old man a glaso of Bherry, which was granted, as the man said he was Cohen's uncle.

The nurBO told Dr. Brown that he Baw the man take a phial from hid pocket and pour soma of it into tho glaa of sherry. Alter drinking tho wine he fell into a stato of coma and soon after died. Dr. Brown notifi id the polloe.

who are looking for tho mar. Coroner Meagher handed the mat.er over to Deputy Coroner Philip O'Hanlon who will make an autopsy to day. ALLEGED YOUNG THIEVES. William Bakrti'ell, alias Bakery, aged 16, of 829 Kent avenue, and atrick Gavan. alias Limerick, aged 15, of 75 Graham street, were held in the Myrtle avenue court this mornig on the charge of larceny.

The boys are accused of stealing eight pairs of rubber overshoes from In front of Nevins' dry goods store, at 633 Myrtlo avenue, on Saturday night. The boys were arrested by atrolman Tuite and Detective Fltzpatrick of the Twent first precinct. DR. EMERY'S STAFF RETAINED. Dt.

Z. Taylor Emery, the health commissioner, reappointed his personal staff this morning. They are Dr. R. M.

Wyckoff, deputy commissioner; Dr. George E. West, secretary and registrar of vital statistics; Frederick H. Johnson, private secretary; C. J.

Volcken n'lug. chief of the bureau of chemistry; Frank Locke, sanitary engineer; A. S. Ambler, M. medical suDerintendent of the cnntaloiiR eases hosnltal.

and Ezra H. Wrilsrm chief of the bureau of bacteriology. BUSINESS PARTNERS AT ODDS. 1 John H. Vanghn, a colored messenger in the tux office, wont into partnership last summer with another colored man named Willinm Halliday, starting a bicycle Htoro at 6 Third avenue.

Vaughn asked in tho supreme court court this morning for a receiver and a dissolution. Halliday opposed, claiming that Vaughn had sold out the business to him and had already rcceivod part of tho purchase money. He said that Vaughn had ruined tho business by bringing women into the store. ALLEGED BOER BRUTALITY. London, February 3 The correspondent of the African Critic.

Johannesburg, cableshehos collected "evidence of tho refined torture" of a captain and a trooper of Dr. Jameson's force by tho Boers, whose commander afterward ordered the two prisoners to be shot. BROADWAY MAIL CARS RUNNING. Tho new trolley mall service between tho general post office and East New York, via tho Kent avenue and Broadway lines, was successfully Inaugurated this mornlug. One car will be used regularly with a second as a reserve.

COTTON DUTY IN INDIA. Calcutta, February 3 Tho Cotton duties act has boon passed. It exempts all yarns from duty and imposes 3 1 2 per cent on all woven cotton goods Imported or made in India from homo consumption. i.