The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 4

THE BROOKLYN DAILY EAGLE. NEW YORK, SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 1900. 4 MISCELLANEOUS. DINNER TO JOHN B. MC DONALD MISCELLANEOUS.

NEW YORK DEMOCRACY NOT OPPOSED TO JONES 20.000 PEOPLE SAW TUNNEL WORK TRANSIT PROBLEM SHIFTS TO BROOKLYN, Transit Commission had made up Its mind whether or no its jurisdiction extended further than the boundaries of Manhattan and the Bronx. Now with all doubt of the commission's right to penetrate other boroughs removed it would seem that the Mayor, the Controller, both as city officials and as members of the Rapid Transit Board, and the Rapid Transit Board itself are a unit on the subject of improved transportation facilities for and to Brooklyn. Borough President Grout, when asked last night for an opinion apropos of the Mayor's speech, said that the tenor of the address pleased him very much. "I was particularly impressed," said Mr. Grout, "with that portion of the Mayor's speech in which he spoke of tunnel extension to Brooklyn.

That something should be done Immediately is even more necessary, because. If a tunnel is constructed in Manhattan, unaccompanied by a contemporaneous one In Brooklyn, it will turn the tide of population northward to the Bronx and beyound. This would be detrimental to the best interests of Brooklyn. Values in the Bronx would begin to boom, but at the same time they would necessarily depreciate here. "I do not think a tunnel to South Brooklyn should be the first one built under the East River.

Of course, there Is no reason why we should not have, in time, two or more tunnels, but for the present the urgent need is for one penetrating the heart of Brooklyn's business center, as the Mayor said in his address. This would mean a tunnel having an out let in the neighborhood of the City Hall. The South Brooklyn tunnel would undoubtedly be of great benefit to the people who in future will populate our outlying wards, but It should be the city's purpose to accommodate first the people who are here now, rather than those who are to come." BURGLARS BAFFLE POLICE. Entertained at Delmonico's by R. A.

C. Smith Guests Numbered Forty. A private dinner was given last evening by A. A. C.

Smith to Contractor John B. McDonald at Delmonico's. Covers were laid for forty. Before the guests assembled. Mr.

Smith said that it was only a little private dinner partv. at which McDonald and his friends were being oniert. and that there was nothing of Interest to the public. The guests sat down at 7:30 o'clock. Among those present were: Perry Belmont.

R. A. C. Smith Dolancev Nicoll. Corporation Counsel John Whalen.

l'ark Commissioner Clausen. ex Mayor Hugh Grant and John B. McDonald. ALLEGED BOER PLANS. Think They Can Hold Out for Several Months "Until a Foreign Power Intervenes.

Durban, March 24 It is learned from an authentic source that the Beer leaders are aware that they are beaten, but think they can hold out for four or six months, within which time they believe foreign intervention will force Great Britain to grant favorable terms, including independence. They expect Germany or the United States to intervene. The mission of Messrs. YVolmarans, Fischer and Wessels to Europe is to hasten this so far as Germany is concerned. The Boer plans include a stand at Kroon standt, the Vaal River and other points, culminating in the defense of Pretoria which has been preparing for a siege.

The ranges of the guns have been tested, mines have been laid and the forces in the field have not allowed themselves to be cut off with their heavy guns which are needed in the forts at Pretoria. The majority of the Transvaalers are ignorant of the gravity of the situation, and, though tired of remaining so long from their farms, will fight hard, believing that their m.artv nfi nnorrv p. at. stake, and con fident of ultimate success. LIGHT ON BANKRUPTCY LAW.

Judge Addison Brown Benders an Important Decision Bearing Upon Reservation of Assets. Judge Addison Brown of the United States District. Court in Manhattan, yesterday filed a lengthy decision on the application made by Benjamin Barker, trustee in bankruptcy of Lesser who were adjudged bankrupts on May 12. 1SW. upon an order directing Metcalf Bros.

judgment creditors of the bankrupts to the amount of to show cause why further proceedings by them upon a judgment creditors' bill, pending in the Supreme Court of the state and seeking to have applied to their judgment certain assets of the bankrupt alleged to have been fraudulently conveyed, should be stayed. Judge Brown in his decision tells of the appointment of receivers James T. Franklin and Morris Moses, now said to hold $27,000 and describes in detail the litigation for and against, the Lesser which has been before the state courts since October 2. and resulted recently in an order by the Court of Appeals directing payment of the complainants' claims and adjudging all the transactions fradulent, including also the appointment of the receivers in the partnership suit as a fraud and imposition upon the court. Judge Brown says: "The present bankruptcy act (section 67), unlike the previous acts of 1S41 and 1S67, declares that all judgments, attachments or other liens obtained through legal proceedings, within four months prior to the petition in bankruptcy, shall be deemed null and void and the property affected by the levy, judgment, attachment or other lien shall be wholly discharged and released from the same, and shall pass to the trustee as a part of the estate of the bankrupt, unless the court shall, on due notice, order that the right under such lien, judgment, shall be preserved for the benefit of all the estate, and thereupon the same may pass to and shall be preserves by the trustee for the benefit of the estate as aforesaid.

And the court may order such conveyance as shall be necessary to carry the purposes of this section into effect. This provision, it has been held, applies to voluntary petitions. "Section 70 declares that the trustees shall be vested by operation of law with the title of the bankrupt as of the date he was adjudged a bankrupt, to all property transferred by him in fraud to his creditors. 'There is no judgment authorizing payment of the complainants, or to any persons for their benefit, except the judgment entered within less than four months of the proceedings in bankruptcy, and that judgment, so far as it confers any preference upon the complainants is made null and void by the bankruptcy act." Judge Brown also says: "Although the partnership receivers under the adjudication in the Court of Appeals have no legal title to the property, they are still the custodians of it, as officers of the State Court appointed in the second equity suit. "The fund is.

therefore, in the custody of the State Court, and the trustees should ap ply to that court to make the proper order for the iyment thereof by its receivers to the trustee, it is vested by the bankrupt act. The obligations of the bankrupt act are as binding upon that court as upon this, and it is not to be doubted that on proper appli cation the State Court will give appropriate i directions." I of where the nart.v on I whom the burden has fallen loses the fruits of laborious litigation, and the full benefit of it accrues to others it is competent for the court to make a reasonable allowance as to indemnity for the costs and expenses by which these benefits have been Wedding Invitations Messrs. William Wise Son Respectfully suggest the early placing of orders for Spring Wed ing invitations, that ample time may be allowed to complete the work in the best manner. Work done on our own premises. Flatbush Av Fulton St.

monies with a short address, after which th invited Ruests went into the council chamber, where refreshments were' served. The crowds of thousands slowly melted away happy In the knowledge that at last dirt had been broken on the long prayed for rapid transit tunnel. An Historic Silver Spade. It was noon yesterday before Tiffany Company completed the beautiful sterling silver spade used by Mayor Van Wyck. The Inscription on the blade gives a comprehensive explanation of tho purpose iqr.hich it was made, and reads as follows: SILVER SPADE USED BY THE HON.

ROBERT A. VAN WYCK IN. MAKING THE FIRST EXCAVATION FOR THE UNDER GROUND RAPID TRANSIT AT A PLACE IN FRONT OF THE CITY HALL ON SAT URDAY, MARCH 24, 1900, AT I IN CONNECTION WITH THE INAUGURAL CEREMONIES ATTENDING THE EVENT, Aside from the interesting event which this spade records, of so much importance to tho people of the city, the spade is of considerable) Interest in itself, as in addition to the sterling sliver employed in its construction it contains interesting historical material, associated with the early history of the country. Starting up from the blade the handle is composed of wood taken from one of the historic thirteen gum trees planted in 1803 by Alexander Hamilton at Washington Heights, now One Hundred and Fortieth street, to symbolize the thirteen original states. The grip part of the handle is composed of a piece of old oak taken from the famous flagship Lawrence of Commodore Perry's victorious fleet on Lake Erie in the battle of September 10, 1813.

The introduction of this wood recalls Perry's immortal dispatch "We have met the enemy and they are. ours." In addition, to the Inscription the decorations consist of a representation of the coat of arms of the City of New York etched on the front of the blade, and a fac simlle ol tne coat of arms of the State of New York on the reverse side. Vines or oak leaves, symboliz ing strength, complete the decorations, on the handle and blade. AMONG THE CLUBS. The Union League Club members have apparently settled upon Colonel Hibbert Masters for the next president of that organization since W.

E. Pulslfor has declined a reelection. Roll In S. Dawson will deliver an illustrated lecture at the Union League Club Thursday, March 29. The demand for tickets being made at the office of the club Indicates that the attendance will be very large on this occasion.

During Lent the Union League Club has abandoned the regular Saturday night affair which had been given during the. winter for members onlv. A "Dutch" was given at the Hanover Club last night. These regular Saturday night affairs are well attended by the members. A "military" euchre will be given at th Lincoln Club on Thursday, March 29, at o'clock.

The next art show at the Lincoln Club will be given early in, April when the works of William Morgan will be on exhibition. Tha pictures of George H. McCord were on exhi bltlon last week. On Tuesday and Thursday; nights the Polytechnic Mandolin CliiB' rendered the music. Senator Chauncey M.

Depew will be entertained at dinner by the Montauk Club on his birthday, Saturday, April 21. The club has been entertaining Mr. Depew on the anniversary of his birth for a number of years. Many prominent speakers will be present on thl3 occasion. The Brooklyn eiub wil hold Its annual, election of officers oh April 10.

The thirty fifth annual dinner of the club will be held during the latter part of April. The following new members have been received by the Brooklyn Club during the past year: L. E. Abraham, W. S.

Benedict. W. J. Coombs, W. T.

Diefendorf. P. H. Flynn, Edmund Fish, M. Furst, William R.

George, T. Ellitt Hodgskln, Hugo Hlrsh, William B. Hurd, George Lucas, H. M. McKean.

John M. Moser, Bert Relss, Elbert Snedlker, Robert Stewart, C. F. Stoppanni, C. Melville) Weeks, Francis H.

Wilson, A. F. Wobcke. The second club night at the Crescent Athletic Club will be observed next Tuesday evening, March 27. A Bpeclal programme has been provided for this occasion.

On Tuesday evening, April 10, Lieutenant Godfrey L. Gordon of the United States Revenue Cutter Service will deliver a lecture at the" club' house on "The War In South Africa." The annual election of officers of the Hanover Club will be held on March 27. All of the present officers will likely be re elected. At this time seven new members will be added to the board of directors. The annual dinner of the Hanover Club will be held on Thursday, March 29.

Among tha speakers will be James Covert, Bernard Gallagher and Judge Aspinall. The subscription list for the annual dinner ol the Invincible Club, which is to take place Saturday evening, March 31, at 7:30 o'clock, is almost filled up, a few tickets being reserved for out of town members. It Is expected that three hundred covers will he laid. About two hundred women attended the regular euchre last Tuesday afternoon. The prizes were won by Mrs.

Q. Van. Wart, Mrs. J. Thomas.

Mrs. Horton, Mrs. Hulett, Miss Hamilton, Miss Alice Ball, Mrs. J. K.

Neal, Mrs. C. H. Parley, Mrs. Cameron, Mrs.

Trau and Mrs. C. F. Sinclair. PASSION WEEK SERVICES To Be Conducted by Brotherhood of St.

Andrew, and Open to All. Arrangements for the aeries of special passion week Bervlces throughout Brooklyn, under the auspices of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, have been completed. These services are to be missionary In character and are not only for the members of the brotherhood, but for young men generally. They are to be addressed by eminent clergymen and are open to all.

Tha.servlces, their location and preacher are: Sunday, April 1, 7:45 P. M. St. Luke's Church, Clinton avenue, near Fulton street, the Rev. E.

Walpole Warren, D. of St. James', New York, "Will Power the Important Factor In Salvation and Service." Monday, April 2, 8 P. M. St.

Ann's Clinton and Livingston streets, the Rev. C. H. Brent of St. Stephen's, Boston, "The Splendor of Temptation." Tuesday, April 3, 8 P.

M. Christ Church, Bedford avenue, near Clymer street, the Rev. O. A. Glazebrook, D.

of Christ Church, Elizabeth, N. "The Administration of the Spirit." Wednesday. April 4. 8 P. M.

St. Paul's Church, Carroll and Clinton streets, the Rev. C. W. E.

Body, S. T. of the General Theological Seminary, "My' Life; What Can I Do With It?" Thursday, April 5, 8 P. M. St.

Thomas' Church, Bushwlck avenue and Cooper street, the Rev. C. M. Niles, D. of St.

Paul's, Sing Sing, "Living Service of Living Men to 1 Living Lord." Friday, April 8 P. M. Church of the Incarnation, Gates avenue, near Franklin, tho Rev. C. H.

Brent of St. Stephen's, Boston, "Tho Triumph of Self Sacrlflce." BROOKLYNITES AT OLD POINT. (Special to the Eagle.) Fort Monroe, March 24 Mr. and Mrs. Frederic A.

Neergard, Thomas H. Thompson, Mrs. D. W. MoWllIlams, Miss McWllllams and Miss Helen McWllllams of Brooklyn arrived, at the Hygela Hotel here, to daj.

THE "SOHMEB" HEADS THE LIST OF THE HIGHEST GRADE PIANOS. Solimer Building, Bth. cor. 23d X.T.'. Only Saleifoem in Greater New York.

BRITISH OFFICERS CUT OFF Lieutenant Lygon Killed and Three Others Seriously Wounded Near Modder River. FRENCH'S FORCE IS RESTING. Cavalry Brigade on the Free State Border Boer Army Expected to Concentrate at Pretoria. London. March 24 At a late hour to night the War Office posted the following dispatch from General Roberts: 'Bloemfontein.

2 1 Yesterday Lieutenant Colonel Crabbe. Captain Trotter and Lieutenant, the Hon. E. Lygon of the Grenadier Guards, and Lieutenant Colonel Codring ten of the Coldstream Guards, rode eight or nine miles beyond their camp on the Modder River without escort except one trooper. They were Sred upon by a party of Boers and Lieutenant Lygon was kiiled and Lieutenant Colonel Crabbe, Lieutenant Codrinston and Captain Trotter were seriously wounded.

The trooper also also was wounded. Ono of the officers held up a white handkerchief and the Boers came to their assistance and did all they possihly could, attending to their wounds. The Boeers then conveyed the wounded to the nearest farm house, where they were taken care of." Trench's Force Resting on Free State Border. Bloemfontein. Friday.

March 23 Advices from Thabanchu, between Bloemfontein and Ladybrand. on the Orange Free State border, dated March 21. says General French's force is resting there and distributing Lord Roberts' proclamation. Brand, a son of the former president of the Orange Free State, Sir John Henry Brand, continues his duties as Lauddrost. He appears quite willing to co operate with the new regime.

The people generally outwardly express satisfaction with the advent of the British. The insurgents in the northern part of Cape Colony have been detected in an ingenious swindle. It appears that before the departure of the Boers they purchased quantities of the notes of the Boer force, which they are now presenting to the British authorities, demanding compensation for property alleged to have been requisitioned or damaged. The loyalists, who are the actual losers of the goods, are infuriated. Boers Expected to Concentrate at Pretoria.

Ladysmith, March 24 The scouts freqtient engage the Boers beyond Moran, under the Biggarsberg, but no important fighting has taken place. The Free Staters continue to enter our lines, surrendering under the proclamation issued by Lord Roberts. They declare that the Transvaalers are determined to fight to the bitter end. The majority of those who have hitherto taken part in the fighting have been Free Staters. The Transvaalers have been held in reserve.

The Boers are preparing for another campaign and will occupy a strongly fortified position in the Transvaal, necessitating heavy fighting before they can be driven out. The Boers are not expected to make a stand at Johannesburg, but to concentrate at Pretoria. Review of the Situation. London, March 24 Spenser Wilkinson, reviewing the situation at the seat of war. Bays: "The two points of acute interest are jus now Mafeking and the Boer column trekking1 north from smitnheld and Rouxville along the Basuto border.

"About Mafeking we are in the dark. Colonel Plumer has but a handful of men and is not strong enough to attack Commandant Snyman and raise the siege. Commandant Snyman, therefore, has attacked him an.l Colonel Plumer has prudently retired, ex pectins, no doubt, to return afier Com maniiant Snyman, whenever the latter goes back. "Lord Roberts never forget? saiali things i while attending to great things. It may be taken as certain that he knows how and whoa he shall have Mafeking relieved, supposing the garrison can hold out, but ho doesn't dis close his plans in advance.

I "General Methuen has been nearly a I week near Fourteen Streams, probably wait ing for troops enough. I "The Boer general who is hoping to get past General French up at Kroonstad may be caught and made to light, but with a tuuusanu mounted men he ought to be able, by temporary dispersion, to elude the British. If he stands to flgbt he may be detained for somt; time. "Lord Roberts has now been mure tnan ten days at rtloemlor.tein. He seems to wish to settle 'he country behind him before going on.

Probably, too, he lias extensive preparations to uomplete. His next campaign will go into the dry season, when the nights are often very cold and the veldt, is dry and bare. He will want his men equipped for this season, and his transport service qualified to be as near independent as possible of grass and water. "The design, no doubt, is r.hat General Puller, in the next advance, will move simultaneously wiih Lord Roberts. General Buller perhaps is not yet quite ready.

"Lord Roberts will shortly have the Eighth Division, and may also form of the troops now available a new Tenth Division. He will then have in his own hands 70,000 men and General Buller will have 40.000. "The former force need not necessarily be moving all on one line, for it would be easy to form a third column to cross the Vaal River at Kimberley and turn any Boer de fense on that river. In view of these figures ana tne Known power ui noberts as a leader, I attach little importance to the Boer declarations that they will make a big fight. If they stand before t.hcy are driven into Pretoria I expect they will be enveloped.

They may defend Pretoria, but that can help them but little. It will be a question of weeks. Lord Roberts may be loked for north of the Vaal at the end of April and before Pretoria lf the Boers fall back to that place in the first lu.lf of May." SPIAN0S i Continued From Page I. Commission to arrive was Woodbury Langdon, who reached the City Hall at 12:30 o'clock. He was followed a moment or two later by President Alexander E.

Orr of the commission, who kissed his' daughter and then passed into the Mayor's private room with Mr. Judge Warren F. FoBter, Seth Low and Controller Bird S. Coler were the next to arrive. The following men then came in quickly In the order named: Judge Morgan O'Brien, William Berri, Herbert F.

Gunnison, ex Sheriff Tamson, ex Sheriff Dunn, Captain McClusky, Secretary Willis Holly of the Park Board, Louis. Wlndmuller, Registrar Fromme, Secretary Smith E. Lane of the East River Bridge Commission, Judge Fitzgerald, Police Commissioner Sexton, General Roe, General Louis Fitzgerald, Corporation Counsel John Whalen, John D. Crlm mins, Silas B. Dutcher, Judge Augustus Van Wyck and President Randolph Guggenheimer 'of the Council.

The third of the Commissioners to arrive was John H. Starln, who reached the Mayor's room at 12:45 o'clock. George L. Rives came a moment later. At 12:50 o'clock a sudden hand clapping announced the coming of Contractor McDonald, with August and Perry Belmont and DeLancey Nicholl.

Eight thousand invitations to the Park Plaza had been issued. These entitled the holders to any position they could by force of arms or strategem secure and hold. The crowd with these tickets was between a double wall of policemen, the bluecoats in many places being ten deep. Still the crowds would break through to the charmed inner circle kept clear around the excavation. At 1 o'clock all of the officials were ready Tho Historic Silver Spade.

and a few moments later they issued from the City Hall. The bands played an overture as the party marched out in the following order: Eergeant at Arms Padden and Coakley of the Council and Board of Aldermen. Municipal Assembly's Committee on Celebration. The Mayor, attended by hlfl Messenger, with the city's flag. The Rapid Transit Board.

John B. McDonald, Contractor, and August Belmont, President of the Rapid Transit Subway Construction Company. Presidents of both Houses of the Municipal Assembly, Councllmen and Aldermen. Specially Invited guests. Mayor Van Wyck Opens the Proceedings.

Mayor Van Wyck halted at the bottom of the steps, and when the last strains of the overture were hushed he made the opening address. He told of the Importance of Rapid Transit and of the Immense benefit It would bring to the city. The Mayor declared emphatically that the Rapid Transit system should not stop at tho Battery, but should cross to Brooklyn and make as ono the two great boroughs. Alexander E. Orr, president of the Rapid Transit Commission that made the long harbored scheme a definite project that will lead to a reality, followed the Mayor.

At the close of President Orr adaress Mayor Van Wyck led the party down the steps to the hole due through the flagstones. Then the real Ceremony of breaking dirt was begun. Eugene Wise, chairman of the committee on arrangements, opened a vei vet case and handed to Mayor Van Wyck the silver spade upon which was emblazoned the coat of arms of New York City. The Mayor took the spade and held it aloft for an In stant so that the crowd might see the tool that was to inaugurate such an important undertaking. Then he lowered it and placed the blade on the loose earth in the excavation earth that had already been shoveled out and thrown back again so that it might be handled easily.

The First Shovelful of Dirt. Leaning forward, the Mayor pushed the spade into the black earth until the shining blade was niaaen irm view, men he straightened up, lifting a shovelful of soil. Work on rapid transit was officially started. The Mayor reached for his silk hat, and taking the spade in one hand, poured the heap of dirt into the satin lined crown. Holding the hat under his arm with its prized con tents, the Mayor handed the spade to Con tractor John B.

McDonald, the man who Is to build the $36,000,000 tunnel. Mr. McDonald lifted out a spadeful of dirt and handed the spade to President Orr, who tossed out a spadeful of soli. Then, In turn, the following men shoveled up some ulrt from the excavation: Controller Coler, John H. Starln, Woodbury Langdon, George S.

Rives, William Barclay Parsons, Charles Stewart Smith, Morris K. Jesup, Blon L. Burrows, Corporation Counsel Whalen, and the members of the Rapid Transit Subway Construction Company, President August Belmont, Vice President Walter G. Oakman, Treasurer William C. Emmet and Secretary Frederick Evans; Chairman Eugene A.

Wise of the. committee of celebration, Mernard C. Murray, Adolph C. Hottenroth, Frank J. Goodwin, John J.

Murphy, Isaac Marks, Robert Muh, Peter Holler, Owen J. Murphy and James C. Gaflney. The Bronze Tablet Set in Place. The bronze tablet bearing this inscription was then rolled Into place: AT THIS PLACE, 24TH MARCH, 1601), HON.

ROBERT A. VAN WYCK Mode the First Excavation for tho UNDERGROUND RAILWAY. RAPID TRANSIT COMMISSION. A Orr, President; Charles Stewart Smith. John H.

Starln. Morris K. Jessup, Woodbury Langdon, R. A. Van Wyck, May or; George L.

RiveB, Bird S. Coler, Con troller. WILLIAM BARCLAY PARSONS. Chief Engineer. i CONTRACTORS.

john b. Mcdonald. Rapid Transit Subway Construction Company. I AUGUST BELMONT, President Controller Bird S. Coler closed the cere Sofa? iff I "I Campbell Not Interested in Any Movement Looking to National Chairman's Retirement.

BRYAN SECURES INDORSEMENTS Candidate's Friends Looking for Signs of Favor From State and District Conventions. New York is making no effort to depose Senator Jones as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. If there is any serious opposition to him It comes from other states, and these are, no doubt, In the East. Frank Campbell of Steuben County, who is the National Committeeman from this state, has no part In the alleged movement. From his home in Bath he telegraphed the Eagle last night that he knew nothing of such a plan and had no part in it.

Elliot Danforth, who has evinced a deal of interest in the preliminaries looking to the next national convention, is rather a believer in Jones than an opponent. He has sent word to the Eagle to the effect that not only Is he not in any movement looking to the retirement of Jones, but is willing and anxious that the latter should keep the chairmanship of the committee if he so desires. The fact that neither Campbell nor Danforth is against Jones leads important members of the Democracy here to the opinion that David B. Hill has as yet evinced no interest in the question of succession in the chairmanship of the national committee. Croker is believed to be disinterested, and neither McLaughlin nor Shevlin has been heard from in the matter.

The only basis for an opinion that New York might be interested in Jones' retirement is furnished by Senator Murphy's close friendship and regard for Senator Gorman of Maryland. The latter, it is expected, will take a deal of interest in the national convention, as he has already shown by hia attention to the party's affairs in many sections of the country. The fact that Senator Jones is an elderly man furnishes, no doubt, the real reason for the desire to retire him. There have been many references to his age in connection with the position and many suggestions that a younger and more aggressive man could make a better showing for the party. If the change does come, the strong probability Is that it will go to ex Governor Stone of St.

Louis, who has been extremely active and who is on excellent terms with Bryan and his associates in command of the party forces in the nation. Bryan's Friends Hustling to Secure Indorsements From State Conventions. (Special to the Eagle.) Washington, March 24 A prominent Republican Senator from the West inquired of one of the leading officers of the Republican National Committee the other day, with a good deal of asperity, why it was that the committee was doing no work. The reply was that the committee was doing considerable work. The Senator rejoined: "Well, I can hear nothing of it, and so far as I can hear the committee Is doing nothing." The answer came back to him very promptly that the Republican National, Committee, when it was effecting organization and doing the preliminary work, never followed closely behind a brass band, and the fact that it was making no noise ought to be a guarantee that its work was most effective.

The committee in point of fact is doing a great deal of work, in the performance of which it is running up against considerable activity on the part of the Bryan National Committee. It would seem as though the latter committee is not altogether unconcerned as to the renomination of the Nebraska candidate and is incidentally performing a heroic effort to keep him In line and to secure indorse ments from district and state conventions. Chairman Jones evidently believes that the combination of prominent Eastern Democrat to defeat the renomination of Mr. Bryan, or to bring about radical changes in the Chicago platform, is formidable. At least, he is exercising his functions very actively in behalf of the Nebraskan.

There is a force of twelve or fifteen men employed by the Republican National Committee In this city and Senator Hanna is authority for the statement that a number of men are on the road ascertaining the condition of public sentiment and doing some sort of organization work, the character of which he and his associates decline to discuss. Leading Democrats here Insist that the Nebraska state platform was only put out as a sort of feeler, for the purpose of lining up the Populists of that state and not with any idea of making It the platform of the national Democracy. Ex Congressman J. Hamilton Lewis of Washington, an avowed candidate for the vice presidency, in speaking of this to the Eagle correspondent to day, said: "I believe the Nebraska platform was put together for the purpose of combining the most extreme views and sentiments of the different elements that will support Mr. Bryan in the next campaign, and not with the intention of making it the party platform.

In other words, the Nebraska declaration will be taken to Kansas City, where its opponents will bitterly assail It and, I believe, success fullv. The result will be a compromise all around. The most objectionable feature of the Nebraska platform will be eliminated, and a conservative platform made that Democrats throughout the United States can consistently support. I regard the action of Mr. Bryan and his friends In that state as wise.

a proper City convention. "Mr. Bryan is a very much more conservative man "than is generally believed. I have been in constant correspondence with him for a long time and I regard him as by no means an extremist; on the contrary, he is personally very much opposed to many of the issues advocated by the Populists. The suggestion that the Eastern and Southern Democrats were acting together for the purpose of dictating the platform of the next Democratic campaign, is ridiculous.

Mr. Bryan will, in my judgment, make the platform on which he will run. and it will be a conservative one. and not one that will drive from the party the votes of business men of the country. There will be no necessity for ex Senator Gorman or his friends to make a combination, for when the committee on platform and resolutions meets at Kansas City it will be controlled by the strong and firm hand of the Nebraska statesman.

Make no mistake about that." ENGINE TENDER WRECKED, While responding to an alarm in the building at 32 Greene street. Manhattan, i early last evening, an axle of the right fronL wheel of the tender to Engine 13 broke as the driver turned the corner of Broome and Worcester streets and drooped the vehicle into the street. No one on the tender was injured. The fire was in the loft, of W. A.

Brown, dealer in veilings, and was quickly put out with little damage. DEWEY IN FLORIDA. Jacksonville, March 24 Admiral Dewey, accompanied by Mrs. Dewey and Lieutenant Caldwell, arrived in this city this morning at 10 o'clock, coming from Macon. There were thousands of people on the streets, which were decorated with bunting, etc.

The admiral and his party left for St. Augustine at 2 o'clock. NO AUSTRIAN MEDIATION. Vienna, March 24 It is semi ofllcially announced that the government of Austria Hungary has replied to the South American appeal for mediation in the war that it was only possible to take such a step when both belligerents desired it, and that, therefore, it was Impossible, under the present conditions, to accede to the request made. Mayor Van Wyck Definitely Committed to Underground's Extension to This Borough.

UNDER RIVER TUNNEL NEXT. Greater City's Continued Growth and Expansion Requires Homogeneous System of Rapid Transit. A wonderful thing happened in New York yesterday. In the breaking of ground for the underground rapid transit railroad the dream of over a million people was at last realized. But there is another dream, and more than a dream, that must be realized before a million and a half more of the citizens of the metropolis will rest content.

The underground upon which work was so auspiciously inaugurated yesterday, will serve but a part of the greater city. The great territory of the Bronx and the undeveloped northern end of Manhattan are at last in sight of relief that has been desperately needed for years. The system started yesterday is designed to give them an lmpetua that they have always lacked a boon for which they have cried incessantly for years. It took years of pains and years of striving, however, to reach the end gained. Brooklyn stands to day petitioning for the very boon granted her sister boroughs.

She has the assurance of the city's chief magistrate that her necessities shall be relieved in the same satisfactory fashion. The evident necessity of Brooklyn has appealed not only to the Mayor, but to the Controller and to all the members of the Rapid Transit Commission. They appreciate and have expressed their appreciation of the self evident fact that the harmonious up building of the entire city can only be accomplished by as close physical as political consolidation. The underground conceived for the benefit of upper Manhattan and the Bronx is recognized by the city's officials as the key to the entire transportation problem that is to day the most Important with which the city has to deal. It has been regarded by most of them as a foregone conclusion that any tunnel system of transportation perfected for the old City of New York must be extended to the new domains east of the East River.

Every day serves to strengthen this conclusion, and it is now admitted by all that the greater city's prosperity requires one homogeneous system of rapid transit. The Rapid Transit Commission, spurred on by the Controller, has already committed itself to the project of extending the underground to this borough. Equally is the Mayor committed to the same proposition in his utterance yesterday when he declared that "this road must and shall be extended under the East River to Brooklyn's business center, bringing closer together In every respect the different parts of our city, separated by the bays and rivers of its wonderful harbor." Mayor Van Wyek's Significant Remark. Mayor Van Wyck's address at the tunnel ceremonies contained no more significant reference than this to Brooklyn. He stated plainly as a plank in a political platform that municipal rapid transit mifit be extended across the East River to this borough.

The Mayor is not given to declaring himself on any subject, and until yesterday it was not known precisely just what stand he would take with relation to this and other boroughs beside Manhattan. In accordance with its decision the Rapid Transit Commission has already directed its chief engineer to prepare surveys, make the necessary soundings and report back to it upon a tunnel extension under the East River. It has furthermore authorized the expenditure upon such surveys of the sum of $19,000. The counsel to the commission and other eminent lawyers who have made a careful examination of the rapid transit law are convinced that the commission's powers are ample to carry out this proposed work, but in order to forestall the slightest question as to their authority the Legislature has been requested to enact additional legislation, granting in full all power to extend the tunnel to the other boroughs. A bill is now pending in the Legislature to this effect.

The physical consolidation of Brooklyn with Manhattan and the Bronx by means of a tunnel under the river will result In the practical annexation of nearly a million and a half of people. The underground, as at present laid out. Is calculated to serve but a few hundred thousand people. The population of Brooklyn exceeds several times over the whole population of the districts to be es i peclally benefited by the present under ground. In addition, a continuous route un der the East River will afford rapid transit I facilities for the vast territory of Queens, as yet on the mere threshold of development.

this great district has suffered, like the Inaccessible Bronx, from the very fact of its inaccessibility, not from any lack of physical charm or potential wealth. It has been beyond the reach of the very people who might have made It a garden spot and who are yet expected to work out Its splendid future. The underground system, as now laid out and contracted for, extends from the City Hall north. The Rapid Transit Commission, however, recognizing from the first that the natural terminus of any underground system for the old City of New York was at the Battery, had plans prepared, also, for the stretch south from the City Hall. These plans, prepared with the same painstaking care as were those for the stretch northward, are In the commission's hands.

Surveys to Be Made for the East River Tunnel. The surveys directed to be made for a tunnel under the river and extension to Brooklyn will, therefore, relate almost wholly to the river stretch Itself. The only alteration that will be required in the plan from the City Hall to the Battery will be at the approach of the Battery Itself, where It will be necessary to carry the tunnel on a new grade, in order to make the dip below the bottom of the river. The chief engineer of the commission apprehends but little difficulty in the preparation of this river tunnel plan, as the character of the bottom of the river and the sub strata Is more or less known already. The possibilities ariBing from the completion of this East River tunnel have been in dicated clearly by the Controller In a report made by him some time ago to the Board of Estimate, In which he suggested the further linking together of the boroughs by an extension of the underground road through South Brooklyn down to a point near Fort Hamilton, and thence under the Narrows to Richmond Borough.

The Controller's plan was equally for the future as well as for the present. He looked with a broad vision toward the ultimate growth of Staten Island into a thickly urban community, and realized that its full development could come only by means of increased transportation facilities. The creation of an all rail all dry land route, giving quick transit to the heart of the city, was, he saw, the prime necessity of Richmond borough as well as of Brooklyn and Queens. There is no question, however, at present of carrying out such an enormous extension as the route to Staten Island would Involve, because the necessity Is not urgent, nor Is the city in a position to burden itself to this extent for the results that would flow. But with Brooklvn tho case is far different.

The necessity" is present, and the advantage to be gained so overwhelming that they have appealed with the tremendous force that compels conviction, even tojthe most unwilling'. Brooklynites Pleased With Mayor's Speech. Brooklynites take the Mayor's expression as the voicing of official opinion. Every whether he be an official of the city or not, realizes the urgent need which Brooklyn has for an Improved system of rapid transit, not alone within the limits of the borough, but more particularly in connection with other municipal territory. Controller Coler long ago put himself on record as favoring the construction of a tunnel from Whitehall street, Manhattan, to South Brooklyn.

This was before the Rapid Criminals Rob Two Houses Near the Seventy fifth Precinct Station in Long Island City. (Special to the Eagle. Long Island City, L. March 24 The police of the Seventy fifth Precinct, this city, are chagrined over their failure to capture burglars at work almost under their noses last Thursday night. The police kept the matter secret, as a burglary had been committed on Wednesday night within a stone's throw of the house that was robbed on Thursday.

The first residence entered was that of Mrs. McGee, at 168 Eleventh street. The thieves forced open a basement window, ransacked the place leisurely and took solid silverware, a valuable clock and some clothing. The second house visited was that of Frank G. Van Riper of 155 Eleventh street, almost across the street from Mrs.

McGee's place. The burglars got in a window there also and took many articles of value. Both burglaries were reported to the police and men in citizens' clothes have been guarding that section ever since, but not a clue have they obtained. From what can be learned policemen were seen about there on Thursday night when the second burglary took place. The burglaries have made residents in thai section very nervous and now doors are bolted and locked and windows are barred.

UPROAR IN ITALIAN CHAMBER. Obstruction Policy of Opposition May Cause Resignation of Ministry or Dissolution. Rome, March 24 In the Chamber of Deputies to day the resumption of the debate on the motion of Signor Pantano, Radical, first introduced yesterday, providing for the convocation of the Constituent Assembly for the reform of the constitution, was marked by scenes of disorder. The President, who yesterday refused to put the motion and was sustained by the House, to day prevented Signor Pantano from making a speech, whereupon the Socialists abused the President, whose action, however, was approved by the majority of the Chamber. This gave rise "to a tremendous tumult, the Socialists and Radicals shouting and cheering for the Constituent Assembly and the Conservatives and Moderates responding with cheers for the King and the monarchy.

Eventually the President was compelled to suspend the session, and, on the resumption, the President designated a Conservative as the next speaker, at which the Leftists violently protested, demanding that Signor Pantano be allowed to be heard. A deafening uproar resulted. The Chamber resembled a bear garden, each side trying to howl the other down. Finally the President pronounced the adjournment of the House. It is the general impression that in face of the opposition's determined policy of obstruction the only solution of the crisis is the resignation of the ministry or the dissolution of the Chamber.

CHRYSTAL WOELFEL. The marriage of Miss Olivia Woelfel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Woelfel, and Charles Bernard Chrystal, son of Mr. and Mrs.

John Chrystal, was celebrated on Thursday evening at the residence of the bride's parents, 1,083 Lafayette avenue. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. Harry Pethic of Trinity Baptist Church. The bride was gowned in white silk trimmed with Bruges lace. She was attended as maid of honor by Miss Carolyn Kirchner, and Andrew Woelfel, was the groomsman.

A reception followed the ceremony, after which Mr. and Mrs. Chrystal left for a visit to Washington, Old Point Comfort and other Southern points. They will be at home Mondays after April 9, at 614 Macon street. Many costly presents were received.

Miss Georgie Lawson was the pianist of the occasion. Among those present were: E. P. Benedict. Miss Louise Benedict.

Miss Jennie Benedict, Miss Florence Benedict, Mr. and Mrs. T. Harding Benedict, Mr. and Mrs.

S. B. Starr, Mr. and Mrs. F.

L. Harding. T. L. Harding.

Miss Lillian Harding, William H. Chrystal, Miss C. Chrystal. Mr. and Mrs.

Frederick C. Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Vanderbeck, Mr.

and Mrs. Nelson Vanderbeck, Miss Margretta Cooper. Mrs. H. A.

Wales, Miss Lillian Wales, Mrs. Qussie Porter. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H.

Chrystal, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Chrystal, John O. Hlllyer, Mr, and Mrs.

Robert Carpenter. Frank Carpenter, Miss DaiBy Carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Irving Todd Miss Jennie Stevens, Mr.

and Mrs. John O. Chrystal Edwin B. Chrystal. Mr.

and Mra. Andrew Woelfel. Andrew Woelfel. Mr. and Mrs.

John Woelfel. Mr. and Mrs. Philip Woelfel, Mrs. A.

Huber, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Frohweln. Mr. and Mrs.

Hugo Stebenelchen. Mls3 Clare Stebenelchen, Mr. and Mrs. John Anderson, Miss Jennie Anderson. Mr.

and Mm. V. Green. Mr. and Mrs.

R. A. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. John H.

Geffkcn, F. W. Groby. Mr. and Mrs.

William M. Pattengell. Mr. and Mrs. Charles E.

Pattengell. S. Shannon. J. L.

Barker, F. Farker, Miss C. Kirchner. Mr. and Mrs.

John P. Kirchner, Mr. and Mrs. John F. Kirchner, Mr.

and Mrs. Frank Jonew. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Mead, Mr.

and M.s. Axel Fllleau. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Muller.

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Stevane. Mr. and Mrs.

Frederick Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Umber. Mr.

anj Mr. Frederick Boschen, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Henn. Mr.

and Mrs. Alfred Zalss, Mr. and Mrs. .7. Fltkln.

Miss Edith Bell. William Bell. Miss Flora Spencer, Miss Lillian Robus, Miss Lillian Howell, Miss Louise Rothlesberg, Miss Lottie Kotte rman. Miss Florence Henn. George Leywer, Tticnzl Bresee, Mr.

and Mrs. John Mason, Mr. find Mrf. John Kelly. Miss Fanny Duly.

Mrs. F. Duly. Miss Mabel Teasdale. Mrs.

Gertrude WcHtley. Mr. and Mrs. Bryant C. Willard, Miss Jennie W.

Wooster. HOME EUCHRE PARTY. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Nugent Entertain Their Friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Nugent of 267 Monroe street theJr friend with a euchre party on Thlrsday evening. Ten tables were arranged and six prizes awarded to the winners of the highest nurr.oor of games, as follows: Mrs. Edward Moore, Mrs.

Harry Green, Miss Jane Wright, Ward Smith. Wllbert Swain and Adam R. Guy. The booby prize was won by Howard B. Keppel.

The parlors were decorated with palms and ferns, supper was served about midnight and dancing concluded the evening's programme. Among those present were: Mr. and Mrs. H. B.

Keppel. Mr. anil Mr3. Donald Nllson. Mr.

and Mrs. Edward Moore. Mr. and Mrs. F.

13. Havilund. Mr. and Mrs. 15.

M. Jenkins. Mr. and Mrs. Ward Smith.

Mr. and Mm. Chnrles T. Pearson. Mr.

and Mrs. Adum n. Guy. Mr. and Mrs.

George II. Murray, Mr and Mrs. Wllbert Swuln. Mr. and Mrs.

Harry Ctteen, Mr. and MrH. William Bell. Mr. and Mr.

George Mlckleborough, Mr. and Mth. k. 1'arry Morgan. Mrs.

Frank Pearsall. Percy Snedick. Mrs T. Emerson, Mist A. Emerson.

Miss .1. Wilder, Miss Elizabeth Gillespie. E. B. Coo.

Vi'm. L. Gurdner. Miss Lotta Woodrurf. Miss Helen tilllet ple Edwin Tulford Ryder.

Edward GlilnKple, Mrs. Alwllda Smith. Thomas Hall. Mr. and Mrs.

Richard Nugent, Master Edwin Ellis NuKcnt. conservative declaration smPe they wouH perhaps have alien ed the Populists, and would not have had nt thfi KanBas basis for a compromise at the Kansas lamed; and accordingly, if the funds are the settlement of the order hereon. An order in accordance herewith may be submitted for settlement on two days' FENCE WAR ENDS. Mr. Gibson Removes the Structure He Built Between His Store and Mrs.

Perkins' Office. The Bedford district fence war ended somewhat abruptly last night when George E. Gibson removed the boards which he had caused to be erected in the vestibule between his furnishing goods store at 1.191) Fulton street and the real estate office which Mrs. Talbot. Perkins conducts next door at Fulton street.

Shortly before the fence was torn down Mrs. Perkins stated that she had consulted a lawyer reierence to mo mat tor and had secured an affidavit sworn to by fortv persons as to the nature of the wording on the sign she said that she had not decided to bring legal action against her neighbor and would not if he removed the obnoxious sign and apologized. Mrs. Perkin3, true to her prom ise. had a canvas nuns jeoteiuay auurnoun, so.

as to hide tne rough boards from view from her office. Mr. Gibson said he had removed the fence because his neighbor had placed a canvas so that his view of the real estate was shut off, and the fence was no longer needed for that purpose. He would hang another canvas, however, with different wording, he said. NEW $5 COUNTERFEIT OUT.

Washington. March 24 Chief Wllkie of the secret service has in hand a new counterfeit jr. treasury note of the series of 1891, check letter U. face plate No. 20, Tillman register.

Morgan Treasurer. The note is a very poorly executed lithographic production, printed on stiff, heavy paper, with no attempt to Imitate the silk liber, with the exception of a few purple Ink lines on the back of the note. CANADIANS AT THE CAPE. Cape Town, March 24 The transport MII I waukee with the Canadian troops aboard has arrived Ua onameu; ana acco. uiuS turn over to the trustee, without further unnecessary costs or expenses to the State, such an allowance should be provided for on.