The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 2

2 THE BBOOKLYK DAILY EAOLE. NEW YORK, SATUBDAY, PEGEMBEE 3 1898. UARTEH MAY BECOME MISCELLANEOUS, ot ouagets upon which t'ne tax levy of the next year should be based. or inadequate records were the rule ratbsr t'liati the exception as to these matters, and the LATEST LONG ISLAND NEWS, NATXTRAIi GAS EXPLOSION. Red Key, December 31 An explosion, followed by Are at the Ohio and Indiana Pipe Line compnay's compressing station near here caused aloss estimated at $100,000.

Engineer W. E. Robinson was badly burned. Thirty or more towns are deprived of natural gas by the of the station. MR.

COLEB DESCRIBES THE CHAOS HE FOUND When He Assumed Charge of the Greater'City's Financial Affairs. 'COMPETENCE OF OFFICIALS. I'he Accounts of the Various Corporations Consolidated in "Wretched Condition. A was given out from tho Controller's I'lTire day, bearing upon ihe working. ot the finance department during the first yfar.

'The statement tbtf i.tW!:rSJlor in greater parti; as fol '''rc: 9 opinion as to the success or of' the" plan of consolidation'" and in seeking the information for the ba'sis or this Oi'iu ion frem the Ccutroiler. it is nscessary that a sior. on should understand, in some maure. the difficulties which have beset the city's financial administration since January 1. ISsliS.

If the surmounting of these d'iffiutil tios constitutes a cruciai test, then the future cunvess of consolidation is assured. It is the option of the Conn oiler that the firs: tw. lvo months has furnished su. a crucial rest. It should be rem'e robertd at the outlet thai tile consolidation of the municipal and public corporaiions in the Greater iev a was the greatest consolidation evtr known in the history of the world.

This is an era of consolidation principally of mercantile, comtnercia: and financial interests but municipal consolidation, such, as is exemplified in the Greater New York, is comparatively new to the citizens of this country. "While consolidation of. private interests are (made in much ehe same manner in which any now. manufacturing interest might be started, with public interests at stake, it is vastly different. The inactions of munieinai cor poration.

are necessarily exercised within The limits eseribed by legislative acts and are o' restricted to official action which, under the law, cannot secure the best results for emergent cases. "Commercial consolidations are accomplished simply enough as far as t.heir actual tkai is concerned, a'f'ttt tu idea of consolidation 'has been entered info. The officers of the corporations involved or tine owners of imttmrti be asorb ed. prior to Jae opera tl ci uniting the vast interests under one common system of control or man age mem, arrive at a definite agreement. As a preliminary step the entire system ct" accounting and status of each corporation involved is subjected, to a thorough and expert investigation to determine "the relative strengiih and value of eacCi party to the compact.

The result is t'aat wrnen ti'ae actual consolidation goes into operation the controlling force has a complete and perfect machine, wich simply needs the pressing of a button to start it in mottion and thereafter it runs as regularly as a clock. The executive body w.hcee acts scar; the wheels of tJhe machine have before tihom a complete balance sheet representing every interest and t'he operative mind starts "wi full knowledge of ch condition and adaptability of each part of tlhe machinery which is to perform ohe work. Once started, all th machine needs is the replacing of a cog or wheel worn out by the running. "In marked contrast to this system of consolidation was the problem presented to the Finance Department when," on January 1. ninety five municipal and public corporations, whose affairs had been administered by separate and distinct boards of officers, under various general, special and local laws, not applying alike to all, but necessitating, or at least causing, the keeping of multitudinous books, accounts and records, with more or less absence of system, be fiaiise.

by operation of law, consolidated with the teener City of New York. Those in nyth of these corporate governments had been ample of consolidation. Instead, of employes" the interval to make this consolidation "easy, officials had made other use of "their time, They apparently combined in a wild rush to get hold of as much money for iHebeneih of the respective territories which they represented as the prospective responsibility of Greater Xew York for their debts gave currency and sale to their bonds. School vfrstricts which had "never borrowed more than a few; thousand dollars went into the market and sold tens and hundreds of thou eand dollars worth of bonds; others already heavily 'hardened with debt took on greater burdens; hamlets far distant from populous centers built pretentious school houses, paved their streets and exercised the right to enter into long term contracts for gas and electric ifghts and for water supply, country roads sewered and macadamized for miles. As a result debt was piled upon debt until the aggregate of bonds issued in some parts of the greater city was more than 50 per cent, ot the a'ssessed valuation of real estate in the districts.

''While all this going on and. with the jdea that the greater city must become responsible for all debts of the consolidated ter 'fitbrfesY wh'Kher ibo ttd, contract or otherwise, the officials in these cities, towns and villages incurred obligations am'cuniting. to millions of dollars for current supplies and expenses. Th.ey did this "with full knowledge that "there were no funds in the treasuries which they 'controlled to discharge them. It was a road scramble in every quarter to get as much in band and expend It as quickly as if no was at hand, to incur the oiiTiigatibh and leave the greater city to settle it as best it could.

In their extrava "gajice the officials stopped' at nothing and even taxcs. lvhiich had been levied in 1S97 for. the expenses of were, in many instances, as J'ajSt as they were, collected, applied to the pavement of other indtfotedn.es.s than that for which Hi Was' Tlscd. "When, many localities developed suddenly, financial centers, where financiers heretofore been unknown, it was natural hat am added, evil should develop and that the" keeping of "books, and records should he equally' as varied as the previous experiences of those who took charge of them. Such, Meed, was the case.

It was toward the culmination of all these enterprises that the date for consolidation arrived. Then all who had been administering school dls viltage, town amd city affairs, dropped Shelr'official duties like a cloak; retired to the Tour, quarters of their neighborhoods and took up thoir usual avocations. "It is' the 'fact that no city or town or village "or any other corporate bodv of all the filncty flve hlrTa now form the greater city turned over a balance sheet, or a trial balance to the Controller. every case he has been' "obliged to gain this primary information as best ho could, in scores of cases sending his men from farmhouse to farmhouse In the ru districts and from one business place 'to another in the cities, to gatiher up the records and collect facts upon which lie could "eafely administer the affairs which these iofficlals laid down. These officials, if they had bulances of public funds in the bank Biimpiy turned over tihese balances and left the Controller to determine whether thv wera correct or not.

"Despite the mod dies which those corporations left their finances In, there was one feature of their administration whierj was They ler; contractors with contracts These contracts, if they were cn into, were valid claims against city. addition to an examination of the fund.s a the Controller of such jeon tracts was ncote. arj" to ascertain: Whether these were iegii. "Stcond Hoy much and what kind or Vork had been 'dene nnfler them; and "Third What balance. If an v.

was due the eon tractor. "At the sitae time fta: the Contr engatfeO in examioations of the dlsbur rnents miiiior.s of. the proceeds of bends, it was hu flnf fUm minrt ath cse map.ifoid bond issues were legai and ''oeirstirMtfd v'aiid cialms again'St t'ae greater City. Hence developed asorhcr eot of inves iigatior.s of, an entirely different character. Viieze difficult px; with re grird to expfndlttires and obligations conse iipon the 'ia'lf of bonds and the lv.

wa the entire machinery of the ninety five corr ora'tlons to he iookeil after. The cities, towns and districts had to "bp mainrt. the kept rpn; the roads cleaned; witcr ctiil supped and many, public functions continued. Tiiis reouired tho analysis ''of thee oendituree of the districts in the' I 'paratioa of flsancla: budgets and finally tQ r.c.IJara. 0 hi HILL OBSEQUIES II SENATE CHAMBER.

Assemblage of the Highest Officials of the Nation Honors the Distinguished Dead, PRESIDENT MC KINLEY PRESENT Remains to Lie in State in the Chamber Until Taken to UYTontpelier To morrow. Washington, D. C. December 31 Funeral services over the late Senator Justin S. Morrill of Vermont were held in the United States Senate Chamber at noon to day.

They were conducted with impressive" dignity, in the presence of a distinguished assemblage, including the President and Vice President, members of the Cabinet, Justices of the Supreme Court, Senators and Representatives, the Speaker of the House and representatives of the Army and Navy and of the diplomatic corps, as well as a concourse of private citizens, who took this means of testifying to the affectionate regard in which Mr. Morrill was universally held. Early in the day the remains were borne from the' family residence, on Massachusett avenue, to the Capitol. There was no service at the house, and the funeral cortege to the Capitol vras simple and formal. Arriving there, the casket was carried direct to the Senate cham 'oer and deposited in the semi circular area immediately in front of the presiding officer's desk.

The casket was of rich but simple design with black broadcloth covering and heavy oxidized sliver handles. A silver plate on top bore the inscription: JUSTIN SMITH 1S10 After the willing hands of the Senate employes, who had so long served the Senator In life, had arranged the multitude of flowers which had been sent, the lid of the casket was removed, disclosing the calm and peaceful face of the dead statesman. In the repose of death the features still showed a rugged strength and firmness. Banked 'high on the lower Dart nf rhe rac ket all about it and cohering the desks up to the presiding officer's desk, was a profusion of plants, flowers, floral emblems, palms and garlands of leaves. From the White House conservatory came an exquisite wreath from President and Mrs.

McKinley of pale and purple orchids, dark russet brown galax leaves of North Carolina and long wisps of palm. The family flowers were hanked on the casket, half burying It in a wealth of orchids, dark meteor roses cala lilies and ferns. Back of those were solid tiers of flowers rising like richly colored terraces to the upper dais. It was such an outpouring of flowers as Is seldom seen, even in the senate. The chamber itself bore eloque.nt testimony to the life long service of the Vermont senator within its walls.

The vacant chair and desk in the front row and to the left of the presiding officeir, so long used by Mr. Morrill were heavily draped In black crepe. From the walls of the chamber hung long garlands and festoons of galax leaves and In all the recesses about the chamber stood palms, ferns and plants in profusion not before undertaken In the senate. By 11 o'clock the public galleries were filled to overflowing with crowd3 who had braved a driving rain. Exactly at noon the ceremony began, Vice President Hobart accompanied by Speaker Reed, taking seats at the presiding officer's desk while the Pre Idont, cabinet, (supreme justioes, senators ana representatives entered unannounced.

The scene was one of profound solemnity as the President and distinguished officials entered the chamber with bowed heads and eyes turned toward the pallid, upturned face of the dead senator. Mr. Mc Kinley walked with secretary Gage preceding up to the aisle to a large leather chair facing the casket and immediately alongside it. This was occupied by the President while next to him, In a semi circle facing the casket sat Secretaries Gage, Long, Alger, Bliss, Wilson, Postmaster General Smith, Attorney General Griggs and Secretary to the President Porter. The large assemblage on the floor and in the galleries rose and remained standing until the Presidential party was seated.

Ranged back of them were the honorary committee, of senators and representatives, most of them' white and venerable associates of Mr. Morrill. They wore wide white mourning bands from shoulder to hip. Chief Justice Fuller and Justices Brown and Mc Kenna were with the large representation of senators and representatives filling the body of the chamber. Former Senator John Sherman, who became a member of the House with Mr.

Morrill in 1855, was present. Directly across the aisle from the President and to the left or the casket sat the family group. Aside from the officials present, a number of ladies were admitted to the floor. A hush fell on the assemblage as the last of the officials were escorted to their seats and a choir, stationed in tne gallery back of the presiding officer, in subdued tones, sang "Dead Kindly Light." The Rev. E.

Bradford Leavitt began the burial service with selections from the Psalms. His tribute to the memory of the deceased was heartfelt and eloquent. In closing, Dr. Leavltt said "Proud Vermont, how idle to attempt to eulogize thy son. Here lies a grand old man one of America's grand old men; an example of civic virtue and integrity; a pattern for our young men, a vision of the best and noblest citzenshlp in the onward and upward sweep of this great republic." Again the the choir floated in subdued tones through the chamber, singing "Nearer my God to Thee." Then, with uplifted hands, the blind chaplain of the senate the Rev.

Dr. Milburn delivered the closing invocation, his voice trembling with emotion as he extolled this sweet, gracious and noble character. was one o'clock when the ceremony concluded, and the President and cabinet led the way past the casket, taking a final look at the calm, silent face and the other officials retired. The casket remained in the senate chamber, where it will be left until borne to the train to morrow morning en route to Montpelier, Vt. THE ADAMS POISONING CASE.

Police Have as Yet No Arrests in Prospect. No solution has yet been found of the mystery surrounding the death of Mrs. Kate J. Adams of 61 West Elghty sixtih street, Manhattan, whose funeral took place this nionn ing. Captaiu McCluskey said that he had nothing to divulge new in the case nor had Ihe any arrests in prospect.

Chemist Whitturs has begun an analysis of the orgaas taken from the body of Mrs. Adams and until his report be made. It is doubtful any radical action will be taken by the police. Captain McCluskey denied the truth of several pub! fished statements attributed to him, among others that he had any suspicions Implicating a former member of tJie Knickerbocker Athletic Club. He said he had information from the post office authorities as to the place whore the package sent to Cornish had been mailed.

District Attorney Gardiner, who talked about the case this morning, said ha was satisfied that the crime had been committed by a woman. There is some question as to the where a bouts of the bottle containing the substtuice lrom which Mrs. Adams toek the deadly dose but It Is believed it will be in the hands of lhe chemist this afternoon. THE FARRAGTJT IS ACCEPTED. San Francisco.

December ,11 The torpedo boat destroyer Farragut will be formally turned over to the government at once. The trial board which had to pass on her construction as well as her speed has completed its inspection and Is thorcsghly satisfied with the crift. 1 I whole field had to be traversed practically anew oy tae uepartment of F.aance. in many cuses the records of official action had been kept in such a loose and rjjyatomatte manner 'that the avenues of itilcrnu tton were necessarily obstructed. In seme minute books had not been written up, and even to I'ais day no trace can "be found nf the procecd'insa of one town dur ng several months, w'hen contracts or Ug'rJcing ar.d Cher purposes were entered into.

Analyzing the budgets of t'he various corporations iuvoivt months of comi'nuous work and a corps of expert accc unta.n'ts and clerks worked a.nd day straightening these out. J'J i was ooliged 'to dc'termlin Wac: i t'he deficiency would be in the amount pro vicVd by the ccrborations for current govern mental expen.ses. for 1S9S. WirMe the amount of the deficiencies hats been determined I other a ccounts extending back for years I will fake an extended period to anolyze. Each day brings fresh liabllitie.

of which no record wais kept, and the Finance Department been obllgetl to make hundreds of special examitiations and analyses to rurnls'j material to be used evidence in the niuT. reds oi euits which have been against Controller, as 'the el'ty'e chief fiuan cial officer. Hundreds of these re sitl'tc from contracts entered into by the eorp'oratious and involve millions of dollars, for wak'h toe contractors are trying to make 'the liable, and each of 'chose requires a special examination and investi gation ais to the facta connected with their execution and to tiie nf funrl i whic vfiwv are chargeable. "In the matter of examining old bills and claims, Controller hais found one of Ui s. most arduous duties.

In many cases the outgoing officials left their pigeon holes filled with these claims, aggregating thousands of dollars, witaout a word or line as to their legality or justness. The examination into these claims, to ascertain as to their validity has, in a number of eases, resulted in the dis c.osure of official corruption, which has been one of the unpleasant features of the first year of consolidation. These claims, which were left unsettled by the former ties, amount to millions of dollars. In many instances the failure to nay them has heen due to misuse by former officials of the funds trom which the claims should properly have been paid. In Brooklyn alone these unpaid ciaims have reached a large figure i "The facts indicate, in some measure, the chaotic state of affairs at the time of consoli daticn, but they give only a faint idea of the problems Which have developed since.

These conditions and problems have had to be taken up. and not. since January lSflS, together with the current business of a city which is second in the volu rne of its collections and disbursemnts of moneys only to the Treasury of the United States at "Washington. An example of the work accomplished by the Finance Department during the year" from January 1. 1S0S, to December 29.

Is furnished by the following summary of 'the amounts of money paid through the office. Taking an average of three hundred working days for the yeart there were S40 warrants paid dally, requiring the signature of She Controller to each, beside the auditors and other examiners. WARRANTS RROISTERED FROM JXUVRY 1 to de'ceimber 2a. lsss. ixcr.rsrvE Class (payroll) 1 10.S12 So.fiU! 0S3.11 Clas.1 Xrva.

1 CI.T44.143.T4 flaws "O' Xcs. 3 1.W2 1.702,784.8(1 Class Nos. 1 S3S.2.S7.G0. Total 72.614 "That the wheels of the Finauce Department harve revolved steadily and that, so far as the daily affairs of the City are concerned, no unusual delays have been caused by the complications thrown upon the financial administration of the annexed territories, Is. perhaps, th 'best answer to the question of th a success or failure of consolidation.

The Finance Department which, of all the departments, has felt the shock and stress of consolidation most keenly, is on a business "basis. Seme of the most difficult adjustments have been made; many must yet he made, and consolidation, in all" its minor features, may not "be perfected In this generation or the next. There is nothing, however, either in the present or the future prospect which hedes anything hut ultimate success for the plan or threatens difficulties of a financial nature which cannot be surmounted." TERMINAL CO. WILL NOT SELL. President Ambrose Says Saalfield "Was Jtfat Engaged to Negotiate "With an English Syndicate.

The officials of the South Brooklyn Terminal Company deny mosii emphatically today that they intend ito dispose of their valuable franchises and property in Brooklyn and Manhattan to an English syndicate for 000,000, or, In faot, for any price. The property is not for sale, and the officials are unable to understand why Richard A. Saalfield 'began a suit against "William Bayard Cutting, one of the stockholders, for the recovery of $52,000, whlcn he claims is due to him for commissions earned and expenses incurred in selling the ferry, its rights and properties, to the alleged English syndicate. John W. Ambrose, the president of the South Brooklyn Terminal Company, when seen by an Eagle reporter ithis morning, said that there was absolutely not the slightest truth in the report that the company intended, to sell out to an English syndicate.

"The property is not for sale and cannot he bought," said Mr. Ambrose. "Within the past two or three years perhaps a hundred people or more have called at my office and Inquired as to whether or not 'the property was for sale. Mr. Saalfield was one of these.

He was in my office about five minutes and during that time 1 quickly informed him that we did not care to dispose of our property rights or franchises. I do not believe ithat he ever had an interview with Mr. Cutting, and I am unable to understand how he happened to commence this Surely everyone who knows Mr. Cutting must be satisfied that he.never repudiates any of uis just debts and that if he was indented to this man he would certainly pay him without the necessity of a suit. Furthermore, I will say that while Mr.

Cutting is interested in the ferry, he is not empowered to enter Into any agreement for the disposal of the property, and it is, of course, foolish to "believe Saal field's story. I am the only man "who is entitled to engage any one to sell this property, and I am sure that I have not done so." YEOMTAttT KNIFE'S FAIL. Perhaps Fatally Injured by Falling Into a Hatchway. Yeoman Knlpe, attached to the Paymaster's Department aboard the United States cruiser Newark, now lying at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, this morning slipped on the deck of that vessel and fell down an open hatch, fracturing his skull and sustaining internal injuries, vie was Immediately taken to the N'aval Hospital on Flushing avenue, where the physicians stated the injuries would probably prove fatal. Yeoman Knipe was highly regarded in the service, to which he had been attached for several years, and was on the cruiser Newark during the recent war with Spain.

MORE MEN" GO. Another Hot Discharged Prom th Water Department. Deputy Water Supply Cocmroi'ssioner James Moffett this morning discharged the following twenty men: Framlc J. Cclgan, James P. Noonan, Thomas Hector, Dennis Buckley, James Sheridan, Patrick oDennsU, Law ronco McAlpin, John Hines, Joseph Carroll, Bugene O'Neilll, Nicholas Hughes.

Edward H'igglns. George V. Mills. Patrick Can ill, Will'iam Janob Uske, Charles Mc Clennan, Dennis Eagati, Daniel Mullen, Bernard Den on. They were all employed as laborers.

There were no other discharges to d'iv. excont those prevtjusiy naica tn vne iua.z e. rnose cluded 100 in the Park Department. r. uucti'cn or file force was made in the Departmet of Street Cleaniag.

Higtlnvays or i Pub.te Kuild.uKs and lighting and Suppl ies. VIEWED IN THE LIGHT of its labor and time saving properties, KIRKHAN'S BORAX SOAP is a PUBLIC BENEFACTOR. To try it is to be convinced. For sale by 'l grocers. BOROUGH PRESIDENT.

Croker Said to Be Corwsidering the Former Police Commissioner for Peters' Place. NO FEAR OF POLICE CHANGES. Democrats Bo Not Believe Piatt "Will Tamper "With, the Metropolitan Force. It was. the belief of several Tammany leaders to day that James Martin, the ex police commissioner, would be named to succeed the late.

Augustus C. Peters as president cf the borough of Manhattan. The hews proved more than ordihariiy for. up to a short time ago and Mr. Croker have not been on friendly terms.

Of late years Mr. Martin has been referred to as a Sheehan man. Since the deposition of Sheehan by Croker, however, Martin has grown very friendly with the latter until now the Tammany leaders say the two men are good friends. The basis for the story that Martin is likely to succeed Peters is the fact last night Mr. Martin and Mr.

Carroll, Mr. Croker's lieutenant, had a long talk together at Cue Democratic Club. Several Tammany men who were In the place at the time said the Interview concerned the question of succession. Whether it did or not, the belief seems to be well founded with the Tammauy leaders that Mr. CroTter, having entirely forgiven Martin, is about to s'aow him some material mark cf friendship.

The talk of Martin's probable assumption ot the place will be interesting, inasmuch as it well indicated the elimination of what is known as the Sheehan element and make their merging into Tammany a matter of a very short time. Democrats Have little Fear of Police Legislation. T'he Democracy of the Greater New York 1 does not seem to be DarticulaTlv worried over the talk of police legislation at the coming session of the Legislature. They do not believe Senator Piatt will go so far as to make a metropolitan police district, and believe further that If he did seek to put through a metropolitan system, it would not he passed In the Senate. In that body the Republicans will have a majority of only four.

Colonel Roosevelt, the Democratic leaders expect, may make a recommendation for a single headed police beard In his firsit message to the Legislature. They passed around to day the following clipping from his report as president of the New York Police Board in 1896: The boa.rd believec the commission should single heeded or, if It is kept many headed, that it should consist of an uneven number of commissioners, with the majority rulins. It alew believes that the commission fthould have full power over the force, as it Is convinced that nothing: but evil comes from giving: power to some of its tubort! ir.atei9 who cannot be lielii fully responsible for lte exercif e. No subordinate can be re movd save upon legal evluer.ee of misconduct ajid it is often Impossible to gel such proof, even when there Is no reasonable doubt that pow er is exercised for political or evem for corrupt reasons. If Governor Roosevelt does not resurrect his single headed commission idea in his inaugural message, a reporter for the Eagle was Informed to day, it would "be Incorporated in a bill' to be introduced in the Legislature early in tne session.

The Legislature must then take the responsibility for its defeat, while the Interest ot the Governor in that kind of legislation will be tested. A man high in the Police Department, in speaking of the matter to day to a reporter for the Eagle, said that he understood Colonel Roosevelt would not stand for the creation of a metropolitan, district of police, including New York City, whose control and management would be directed from Albany. Neither did the Eagle's informant expect a suggestion for a single headed commission, for that would mean the designation of a Tammany man and satisfy the Democracy to a dot. Senator Piatt has put himself plainly on record as favoring the kind of bipartisan board that is in existence to day. WORK ON ROAD CONNECTION.

Contractors Begin the Task of Building the Spur at Flatbush Avenue. The contractors who are engaged in constructing the Incline from the tracks of the Brooklyn Elevated Railroad, at Flatbush avenue, to the surface tracks of the Long Island Railroad, at Atlantic avenue, have had a large force of men at work yesterday and to day tearing down the brick building and removing the frame structure at the easterly end of the Carlton avenue freight yards, preparatory to building the viaduct of solid masonry tbat will extend through the yards from east to west before coming out to Atlantic avenue. The tfacks of the Brooklyn Elevated Road extension will branch off from the main line Nof that road at a point a short distance east of the Flatbush avenue station of that road and be continued easterly up Atlantic avenue over the tracks of the Long Island Railroad, at their full height until they' reach a point opposite the westerly end of the Carlton avenue freight yard of the Long Island Railroad. A spur will then be built over the landing or sidewalk In front of that yard and upon the private property of the railroad company at its extreme westerly point, where the descent iln grade will begin. The work is to be completed by February 1.

LONG ISLAND OBITUARY RECORD Death of Mrs. Ruth Raynor and Mrs. Ann Sillman, Each Over 90 Yars of Age. Manorville, L. December 31 Aunt Ruth Raynor, who had passed her SOth birthday anniversary recently and who was the oldest woman in Manorville, died yesterday.

She was the widow of Richard Raynor. She leaves one son, Charles Raynor of Manorville; one daughter, Mrs. Sarah M. Peterson, arid many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her funeral wili be held at the residence of her son, Charles Raynor, Manorville, to morrow afternoon.

Central Islip, L. December 31 Mrs. Ann Sillman, mother cf Lawyer Walter Thorn of Brooklyn, died hero last Wednesday, having attained the ripe age of 90 years, being the oldest person in the village and one of its original settlers. With the exception ot a comparatively recent impairment of her'hear ing, she retained full possession of all her faculties to the last and died as she had lived peacefully, quietly and universally respected. The funeral will place at her home here at 3 o'clock to morrow afternoon.

Jamaica, L. December 31 Abiatha Hlg bie, 85 years of age, died yesterday at 9 A. at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Fox, 30 Puntlne street. Mr.

Hlgbie was formerly a farmer in this town. College Point. L. Decemlber 31 Philip Millet College 'Point died at his home in Twelfth ukreet yesterday, after a lingering illness. Trao deceased lived in College Point over forty years, and cearly all this 'tlme was employed in the India Rubber Comb Factory 'here.

He was old and leaves several grown children. A Creaf Tonic Ranks as the best remedy tor deblli tatea men. and women. iUUC UU OUUSL1IUL6. MIBMBM Ml 1 "Standard of Highest Merit.1 ARTISTICALLY and MUSICALLY PERFECTS Inspection is invited to thn snlfindidVi mont of Grand and Upright Pianos Vt oar wnrerooms during this Holiday season.

Caeed' in the very latest designs and choicest ioods. World ltonowuea for their pure svmpakhetic Tone, staying Tune quality and durability We also have a largo number of aloiost new and pood second Hand Pianol of our own and other celebrated makes. YA.11 in good ordor and will be sold at reasonable prices. Special Terms Until Jan, 1899. 33 Union Square Wes Between 16th and 17th Streets, New York.

NEWS QUEENS BOJROUGH. The Board cjt: Supervisors Pays 0bm Road and Dis tributes About $100,000. Jamaica, L. December 31 The Queeni County Board of Supervisors has pajd all the road contractors engaged In the building of the macadamized roads of the county in fuli on all completed, roads and took new bonds the sus'ety companies protecting them against any loss or damage in case the work should not prove satisfactory on the breaking; up ui tne irost in tne spring. They decided! also to pay all but 20 per cent, on the uncompleted portion of work.

Many of these sections have not been inspected for the reason that they are still covered with great snowbanks. The contractors have received over on the amount due them under the contracts. "WANT A HIGHWAY MADE. 'December Leonard Ruoff, held an Inquest on 'the deith: fgn'alz Mastows who was, killed at Laurel Hill December 12, by being struck by a Long Island Railroad train. The verdict of the jury as 013 follows: We find that Igrnatz came to his death December 12.

1S0S, at Ivaurel Hill by a. fractured skull, and we, the Jury, exonerate the engineer and crw of the train from ii.ll blame cf said death. We further recommend to the Highway Commissioners that they, expend tlv J2O.O0O voted by tlhe former Town of Huntington jor the. erection ot a hlgh batwaan, CLatfel Hill a nr MasD'eth 'to' 'be used fot Hbe purpos mentioned at as early a date as possible, as It Is nn absolute necessity for the protection of life and property, there belns two factories at, thto place, P. Haberman's Agate Ware employing some 1,200 or 1.500 hands, on the south side of the road, and the Chemical Works on north side, and the large majority of the employes have no choice in going and coming from work but to use the tracks of the Long Island Road.

QUEFjNSiBOROUGH NOTES. The first me E'ttag of the voice culture class, held under the auspices of the Floral. Park Woman's Club' 'at' tBe TKime' of 'MrS. J. on Thursday evening, was a decided sucoesa.

Seventy five guests were present. Mrs. T. J. Flynn of Jaimal ea is spsn dlng the hoi May seuFon with her at North A daims, Mass.

Civil Magistrate of New town WOilam T. Momte verde has been cenflntd to his home In Maspeth with on attack of the grip for the past week. Justice McLaughlin of Jamaica Is taking his place on the bench. The Bay Side Are company will have to appeal to the Lefrtsloture to secure an appropriation for for: the. coming, year, George Broughton of Corona, who was 'alrrestei cn.

thi ctoarg of victaitlon of, the law. has been held In by Justice Smith for examination. FLUSHING ASSEMBLY DANCE. Flushing. L.

December 31 The second of a series of assembly dances to be given in Flushing during the w.inter.mbnths was given in the gymnasium of the 'Flushing Athletiio ClUb last eVenlne aud cvy oC tlso oooiety peopi ut Flushing graced the affair by their', presence. The patronesses were Mrs. John C. Wilmerdlng. Mi s.

John W. Weed, In graham, Mrs. Mrs. Talbot, Mrs.Buf lard. Mrs.

Wilmerding, who is the acknowledged leader of society, presided over the reception of the guests: The german was le4 by Craig Colgate. SWAMPED IN THE OCEAN. Rocko. way Beach, Decemftier 3iLYHiKe codifishing in the ocean' off the beach yesterday afternoon, John Mayer and Delkes, two fishermen ot Rockaway, were thrown into tne water by the swamping of their skiff, when aibout half a mile from shore. Fo.rr.unntlv.

they were near a sand bar, and upon ihte they stood up to their shoulders in water, with the sea breaking over their heads, until they were discovered by Robert Kreuscher, who went out after, the unfortunate and succeeded in bringing them eofe l.y ashore. HARRISON Flushing. L. December 31 George Clarence Harrison and Miss Lilian Anne Robinson were married at Manhattan yesterday by" the Rev. O.

Gregory. The groom is a son Professor and George W. of 259 Amity, street. He Is a graduate of, the 1 Flushing High School, a member of Mercury Wheel Wheel Club and 'is we'll' "iu Flushing. j' CHRISTMAS' TREE EXERCISES, The Sunday school of the Imanuei byterian Church held its first Chrfatnrais' exercises in the new chapel on Foster aVemie, Flatbush! last oight.

Superintendent F. 'C. Silleck was assisted in' managtrig the details by Oscar Smith Miss Carrle 1S6eph'ehs afd MiBs: K. McCreary. "The Marriage.

'of Santa Glaus;" a shadowgraph entertainment, was the principal feature of the evening and. afforded the members of the" school amusementl The charactei's and those who assumed them were: Mother Goose. Mlsa Louise McCrearv; Santa Claus, A. B. liewis; Bsd lildinc Hood, Everett Stephens; Little Boy Blue, Richard Tom, the Piper's Son.

Harry. Turtle; Uak ah'a Jill, Everett Ste.hen.3 and Xatllle Hyatt; Old Mother Hubbard. Sadie Leverlch; Margerle Daw. Florence Old Man Tattered and Torn, Jeroiwe Leverieh; iralcen. All Forlorn, Sa.die.

Iyev erk Mis trees Mary. Eva Hammond; Simple Simon. William Stephens; pieman, J. IevejriehltLit Bopeep. with Flock of Sheen, LlUlan man; Old Woman in Shoo, Sadie Levorlch; Llttia Jack Horner.

E. Stephens; To Tucker, Frank Hyatt; Tom Grace, Geors Taylor; Richard Lome. Harris Hauxhurst: Kliit Cole anv His Fiddtera Three. J. Leverlch, Frank Hyatt, George Taylor and William Taylor.

A poem was read by Miss Carrie Stephens and carols were sung by th'ei school. The distribution of gifts followed, the pastor, the Rev. George L. MaeClelland, assisting. At the Windsor Terrace Methodist.

last evening" the Christmas exercises pt the Sunday school were held and attended by a large audience. An interesting musical and literary programme was rendered after which William Palmer, as Santa Claus, distributed gifts, among Which was a pocketbook with a sum of money for the pastor, the Rev. Samuel Smith, from the school. IN FARKVILLE CHURCH The Rev. P.

Welcher, pastor dt 'the Parkvlile Congregational Church, morning and evening to morrow, his subjects being: "How Will, the New Year Be Happy?" and "Our "Work." There will be special music by the choir. Meetings wU.1 be held during the week and It is expected that the Rev. E. A. Marshall wili present Mr.

Moody's method of Bible study one: evening. HOLY APOSTLES' The Christmas festival of the Sunday school of the Church of the Apostles, Windsor was held In the edifice on. Thursday eveuuig. ji.uare55es were maae ov the' Vicar, the Rev. Charles Steele Davidson, and the Rev.

T. G. Jackson, rector of Paul's Church, Flatbush. Miss Hines "presided at the organ and Mr. Armstrong directed" the music, after which the gifts were! METHVEN UNDER (Special the Long Island City, L.

December Sheriff William, Baker announced) to day that S.had appointed Methven as Sheriff in. William; Nershon of Sea Cliff retains fclo Dlaca as chief clerfc 'Ci 3 Elbert, H. Bogart's Bequests to Jones Institute and Roslyn's School Illegal. SO THE SURROGATE DECIDES. Two Thirds of the "Estate Goes to tie North Hempstead Dutch Church, the Rest to the Heirs, (SpeclaMo the Eagle.) Jamaica L.

1., December 31 Surrogate A. N. Weller to day admitted to probate the will of the late Elbert H. Bogart of Roslyn, who died in July, 1897, leaving an estate valued at between $80,000 and $100,000. The Surrogate, however, gave a legal construction to the will, largely modifying the expressed InteSt of the testa'tor, which was to give one thid ot all his property to the Dutch Reformed Church of North Hempstead one third to the Roslyn sdhool district, and cae third to the Jones Institute, the poor house of the Towns of North Hempstead and Oyster Bay.

The court holds that the "Dutch Reformed Church of North Hempstead shall receive two thirds of the whole estate and the heirs at law shall take the one third rjhat was intended for tihe school district. The court also holds' that there wae no illegal suspension by reason of the power of saie given to the executors after the decease of the sister of Mr. Bogart, the testator. The gifts to the various legatees vested at once, provided are and there is no Illegality in the bequest, to the Reformed Ohurcra. It is held that the gift to the school district is void, because the devise was made conditional upon the appointment of trustees at some time within two years to receive the bequest, and on their failure to do so it wae provided that the amount of their bequest go to rne church.

This, the Surrogate says, is illegal. The bequest to the Jones fund Is void, for the reason that the trustees of that fund have cot the power to receive It, as the fund was created for a. single gift. The heira at law of the deceased are ten grand nieces and nephews, Elbert Eloise F. and Abram S.

Brinkerhoff, Fred Daniel Charles Sherman William C. and Samuel L. Wooley and Phebe E. Van Nostrand, all of Great Neck. Henry A.

Mon fort of Jamaica represented the Brinkerhoff heirs. THE BULLOCK HOUSE BURNED. Oyster Bay, L. December 31 The country residence of George Bullock, one of the largest and finest houses on Center Island, was destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon. Nearly all the valuable furniture and bric a brac In the house is also destroyed.

The loss is estimated at over $50,000. The fire, It is thought, was started by some sparks from the furnace of Frederick Cheshire, a tinsmith, of Bayville, who was working on the roof. The fire was first discovered at 3:30 and as there' was a strong wind blowing from the south the flames soon got beyond control. The neighbors did what they could to put out the fire by buckets cf water as soon as nossible after It was discovered, but their efforts were of little avail. Mr.

Bullock's residence was near the Seawanhaka Corlnthian Club house, of which organization Mr. Bullock is a prominent member. IN LONG ISLAND CHURCHES. East Marion's Prosperous Baptist Con gregation Chooses Miss eorgiana Gardiner as Church Clerk. Bast Marion, L.

December 31 The aa nual meeting of the Baptist Church was one of the mottt euooovKful Jn 1'ta history Anil fo; the first time In the past five years the treasurer's report showed a balance in the treasury after the pnyment of all the current expenses. The' receipts for the year were $1,669, while the disbursements amounted to $1,630. The church carried a floating debt of several hundred dollars up to the past year, and its preset prosperous condition is attributed by the leading church members to the energetic and efficient pastorate of the Rev. Loren A. Rowley.

Mr. Rowley has proven himself a worker, both for the spiritual and financial development of ilhe church, and is much beloved by the people he serves. Among the new officers elected is Miss Geor glana Gardiner, who was chosen church clerk, and this is the first time that a woman has ever, been elected to this position. Her predecessor was B. Clark Tuthlll, who has held the office for ten consecutive years.

Misses Amy Clark and Ella Grlfflng were chosen church collectors and F. J. Tuthlll was elected trustee for three years, In place of J. A. Clark, whose term has expired.

The board of trustees now consists of C. H. Gardiner, B. T. Rackett and F.

J. Tuthlll. Rockaway Beach, L. December 31 The Society Temple of Israel is contemplating the erection of a sj nagogue. The society has already purchased a desirable site on Pleasant avenue, just south of the Boulevard, and expects to have work on its synagogue commenced early In the spring.

Ait present the society is worshiping at the Atlantic Park Hotel. POST OFFICE PROMOTIONS. The Proposition to Open a Night Money Order Department Being Considered. i Postmaster Wilson this morning announced the following promotion in the letter carrier force of the Brooklyn central office: Substitute carriers promoted to third class carriers from January 1 at $600 per annum each. Joseph W.

Funk assigned to Station Edward B. Denning assigned to Station D. J. Doyle assigned to Station Peter R. Mo ran assigned to Station David Wimpelfoerg assigned to Station Elisha F.

Snethen assigned to Station George H. Lang assigned to Station C. Substitute carriers appointed temporary carriers from January 1 at $600 per annum each: Edgar Vanderhoof assigned to General Post Office, Patrick J. Callahan assigned to Station V. William J.

Behr assigned to Station William C. Clair assigned to Station Edward T. Ward assigned to General Post Office, Robert T. Mason assigned to Coney Island Station, James T. MoKee Assigned to Station Robert F.

Barton assigned to Bath Beach Station. The first, experiment in establishing night money order departments in post offices has proven a success in St. Louis, where a window has been open till midnight for several months. Following this. Postmaster Van Cott of the New York Post Office will open a window on Tuesday next and continue it as long as the necessity for It exists.

In Brooklyn no movement in this direction has been made, although Postmaster Wilson has had the matter under advisement for some time. No great demand has been made for an extension of the hours, but there 1b no doubt that if a window is opened many wh are deterred at present from taking advantage of this method of transmitting money from lack of leisure during the regular hours would find the night window a great accommodation. This would necessitate the establishment of a new bureau of the money division of the post office, and the probabilities are that for some time money orders would be Issued only, and not cashed. Should any considerable demand be made on Postmaster Wilson to establish such a window, he would not wait the result of others' experience, but would doubtless proceed on his own responsibility If he secures the Indorsement of the Postmaster General. 4Sbolurfftefjr BPkajr "WANT RECEIVER FOR RAILROAD.

Cincinnati, December 31 The Mercantile Trust company has made application for a receiver for the Baltimore and Ohio Southwestern railroad compnay and the appointment will be made to day. AFFIRMS ASSESSORS' REPORT. Justice "Ward Brings Blake Avenue Case Nearer to Settlement. The proceedings for the opening of Blake aveiauie, which have been pending for almost two years, have "been brought further towaTd settlement hy the decision, of Justice Ward to day in the Supreme Court, affirming the report or the assessors in the matter. The commis sioners of appraisal made their report, which was connrinea ny the Supreme Court, and in 1897 the assessments for the street opening, were fixed.

Dy the Board of Assessors, hut the' report was attacked toy certain property owners, who claimed that it was filed in the wrong department. Justice Ward has given the matter conslderalble attention for some days past and this morning rendered the decision that enables the whole matter to fe brought to a speeay settlement. HARRY B. HAWKINS THE VICTIM, The Man Marcus Moore Is Accused of Assaulting Is a Deputy in In ternal Revenue Office. The man Marcus Moore is accused of assaulting early on Thursday morning, and who is In the Homeopathic Hospital on Cumberland street, suffering, it is supposed, from concussion of the brain, as the result of a blow or fall, has been positively identified as Harry B.

Hawkins, a deputy in the local internal revenue office, under Colleotor Frank R. Moore. The Identification was at first made by a bartender employed in a saloon on Mvrtlp nnri WjJVArlv avannoc c.K.T.a TJnn, klns was a vlsltor. It is als 'inUmateQ that the trouble between Hawkins and Moore with resulted in the alleged assault, was of long standing. The friends of Hawkins put verv little cre dence in the statement made by Ambulance Surgeon Chamberlain of the hospital, that the patient was suffering from alcoholism at the time he was Injured.Hawkins is married and lived with his wife and family.

Moore was again arraigned In the Myrtle avenue court this morning on the charge of assault. Magistrate Teale received word from the hospital that Hawkins, although somewhat better, was still in a very bad condition. He is said to be in a semi unconscious condition, but at time talks quite rationally. The magistrate was obliged to again adjourn the hearing and set it down for Tuesday morning. Hawkins was appointed a deputy in the Internal Revenue by A.

Augustus Healy, when the latter was appointed collector by President Cleveland. When the office was put under civil service, Hawkins was Included within the latter provisions. He was, therefore, continued in office during the various changes that followed in the head of the department. MR. FARRELL REMEMBERED.

His Office Associates Give Him a Silver Tea Set. Deputy "Commissrcraer of Hlglhways Thomas R. Farrell was tfhrs morning presented with a solid silver tea sec five pieces and ninety knives, forks, spoons, etc. The gift was from his associates in 0ae office. His birthday anniversary Is to morrow and the Idea mu to commemorate that as well as the termination of a year's service with Ex Assemblyman McLaughlin.

Superintendent of the Bureau "Incumbrances, made lihe presentation speeoh. ARRESTED ON SUSPICION. Two Men Found on Seventh Avenue With a Revolver and an Iron Spike. Two officers attached to the Sixth avenue precinct, while patroiing Seventh avenue yesterday afternoon, arreaoed two' men who were acting suspiciously in front ot house No. 157.

The men were taken to the station house and when searched a Headed revolver and an iron spike were found in the possession of one of the men. He gave his name as Robert Smoflen. This morning tlhe men were arraigned before Magistrate Teale and Simol len was held lor further examination. THE NEW YORK LIFE. Enormous Business Done by the Company During 1898.

Among the staBistics of the present year which terminates to night, none are more interesting than those presented by the New York Life Insurance Company, as they show the enormous business being done by institutions of this Mnd. The system of life Insurance has become a science during the past decade, the relations' between the companies and policy holders having become cQoser and more remunerative, if possible, to the latter from year to year. The companies were the first to propose the sharing of profits their customers, while laws have been" made by state Legislatures to protect both interested parties. As a consequence, the life Insurance business at the close of 1898 is about as systematic as It can possibly be. The New York Life, located in its handsome building at 346 and 348 Broadway, Manhattan, has issued ltB annual statement today.

The books for the past year were closed at noon and they showed that during the twelve months, 73,000 individuals were insured in the sum of over $152,000,000, an increase of $17,000,000 over the preceding year. The company also announces that It has $467,000,000 more Insurance in force than on the corresponding date last year, accomplished at a lower expense ratio than heretofore. During the year, the company paid in death losses on the lives cf over 2,850 policy holders, a sum considerably more than $10,000,000, while the amount paid to living policy holders. In maturing policies and other cash benefits, passed the $11,000,000 mark. A total of $4,000,000 was loaned beside to 7,400 policy holders on the sole security of their policies Dividends were paid by the company to' its policy holders to the amount of $2,700,000, Increase of $300,000 over 1897.

The total Insurance in force at the present time amounts to $944,000,000, excluding policies outstanding and undelivered. UNDEFENDED DIVORCE SUITS. Justice Ward in the Supreme Court to day granted decrees of absolute divorce In undefended suits, as follows: Martha L. Devere from John Devere, Marie Mandier from Samuel Mandler, Harriett Curtis from Thomas Curtis, and George Hoffman from Madeline Hoffman. Pauline Rogers also obtained Judgment in her suit for a separation against Adelbert Rogers.

CURRIE BREWER. Sag Harbor, L. December SI Miss Margaret Brewer was married Wednesday to Mr. Jaimes Currie, both of Sag Harbor, at St. Andrew's Rectory, by the Rev.

M. H. Carey. The wedding was a quiet affair, only bhe immediate friends and relatives of ahe contracting parties being present. After a short bridal tour Mr.

and Mrs. Currie will reside In Southampton. APPOTJSTTMENTS ANNOUNCED. George B. Wheeler, Kenyon Fortescue and Feilx Warley, all of Manhattan, have been appointed examiners to the Commissioners of Accounts, and "William Homam has been made an Inspector of schools.

John A. McElroy has been appelated chief clerk to Deputy Bridge Commissioner Backus ot Queens, in place of Joseph Gavin, resigned. The place is worth $1,500 a year..