' , u cumulus; Jilin Hays Hammond and His Friends ' Will Not Be Executed. ‘ SENTENGES UNDETERMINED. It Is Very Likely That Lesser Offenders 1 Will Also Have Their Punishment , llIitigated —— Newspaper Com- l ment on the Situation. l PRETOBIA, April 30.—The sentences of death imposed upon Mr. John Hays Ham- mond, the American engineer; Colonel Francis Rhodes, a brother of the former premier of Cape Colony; Lionel Phillips. president of the chamber of mines of J o- hannesburg, and George Farrar, proprie- tor of Country Life of Johannesburg, have been commuted. CAPE TOWN, April till—Advices re- ceived here from Pretoria say that at the close of the trial of the leading members of the Johannesburg reform committee yesterday the presiding judge, after sum- ming up, said that it was his painful duty to pass sentence upon the prisoners who had pleaded guilty of high treason, but he expressed the hope that the executive would show the same clemency it had ex- hibited during the crisis which marked the beginning of the year. Then, amid the most intense, painful si- lence throughout the courtroom, the judge solemnly passed the sentence of death in- dividually upon Lionel Phillips, presi- dent of the chamber of mines of J ohannes burg; George Farrar, proprietor and pub- lisher of Country Life,,of Johannesburg; Colonel Francis Rhodes, brother of the Hon. Cecil Rhodes, formerly premier of Cape Colony, and John Hays Hammond, the American engineer, manager of the De Beers mines. . A few minutes later the remaining 59 prisoners. including Joel Barnato, a nephew of Barney Barnato; Mr. Bette]- heim, the Turkish consul and formerly at— torney general of Cape Colony; J. W. Leonard and Captain Mein, J. S. Curtis, 'V. B.- Clement, J. Lawley, H. J. King and Mr. Lingham, all Americans, were sentenced to 'two years’ imprisonment, three years’ banishment and to pay a fine of $2,000, in default of which they will undergo another year’s imprisonment. Sentence Caused Excitement. The news of the sentence was received with the greatest amazement here. at Johannesburg and even at Pretoria, and caused the greatest excitement everywhere, even though it was generally understood that the four men sentenced to death would not he executed. The telegraph wires throughout the col- ony and Transvaal were blocked with messages in.) and from Pretoria, business was at a standstill everywhere, and every man had a “What next?” expression on his face. The attitude of the British population was one of angry resentment. The Boers were sullenly defiant. A message from the secretary of state for the colonies, Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, was communicated to President Kruger last evening by Sir J. A. De Wetty the British agent at Pretoria. The president was calm, but it was evident to all that he felt the gravity of the situation most acutely. ’ Late last night a rumor obtained circu- lation that the president was carefully go- ing over the records of the trial and con- sulting with the legal authorities of Pre- toria,with the result that he had decided to commute the death sentences to heavy fines and long. terms of imprisonment, to be followed by banishment. This report caused a decided feeling of relief, which was intensified when a dis- patch from Pretoria this morning, from an Official source. announced that the sen- tenges of death had indeed been commuted. i, The president in exercising clemency has only followed the coprse which he was expected .to adopt under the circumstances, but his impulse in the matter was dictat- ed by his sense of justice alone and not from any fear of the consequences which might have followed the execution of the prisoners. Kruger's Firm Stand. i Indeed it is stated upon high authority that he had decided days ago upon the step just taken and that the firm stand he took in his letter declining Mr. Chamber- lain’s invitation to visit England was as- sumed in order that there might be no mistake as to the actual attitude of the Transvaal toward Great Britain. The president’s concluding remarks. it is pointed out here, distinctly outline the future policy of the Transvaal. He said: “Under existing circumstances the South African Republic will not at present press a reconsideration of the Lon- don convention and a substitution for it of a treaty of amity and commerce, but will rest satisfied with pecuniary compen- sation and with the assurance that no vio~ lation of:its territory will be repeated.” Later in the day the report that Presi- dent Kruger had commuted the death sentence was confirmed, and there was still further relief on all sides and rejoic- ing in many quarters. The step, it is added, will have a decid- edly beneficial effect upon the relations be— tween the British and the Boers. even though it was anticipated and to a great extent discounted. But the strain will be resumed when the question of Great Britain paying an indemnity to the Transvaal comes up. It is intimated here, however, that the Brit- ish government will endeavor to shift the whole responsibility in the matter upon the shoulders of the British Chartered South Africa company. and that the lat- ter will have to foot the Transvaal’s bill of expenses when it is presented. This seems to be the only way out of the difficulty, although it is difficult to see how Great Britain can furnish the Transvaal with an assurance that no vio’ lation of its territory will be repeated un- less the alleged grievances of the uitland- are are redressed. ' Later in the day another dispatch from Pretoria announced that Dr. W. J. Leyds, secretary Of state for the Transvaal, had informed Sir J. A. De Wett. the British agent at Pretoria, that it had not yet been decided what punishment would be im- posed upon the reform committee prison- ers in place of the death sentence, and he also intimated that the executive council was reconsidering the sentences imposed upon all the other prisoners. This leads to the belief that the minor sentences will be lightened. PRESS COMMENT. now British, French and African ‘Papers ‘ Regard the Sentences. LONDON, April 30. —Commenting upon the judgment of the high court at Pretoria pronounced upon_ the members of the Jo- -—Advertise in the GAZETTE. l bannesburg Reform-union yesterday. the -Dublin Freeman’s Journal says. “it"; is with paculiar' satisfaction at. the grim irony of the situation that Irishman now witness the authors of coercion in the act of makingapetition for mercy based upon the principle that political offenses must not be regarded as ordinary crimes.” The Pall Mall Gazette says: “The con- demned reform leaders do not command overmuch sympathy. They had no busi- ness to fail as egregiously as they did, yet the commutation of their sentences is im- perative. Their death in pursuance of the judgment of the Pretoria court would mean war.” The St. James Gazette says: “The out- rageous sentences imposed upon the re- formers is a more bluff to enable President Kruger to posture as a magnanimous ex- ecutive. but yesterday’s brutal injustice will still remain todoepen the indignation of the country." ' Theleobe is similarly sarcastic at t e expense of President Kruger’s dispatch o the government saying that he hoped for a peaceful settlement of the troubles. The Westminster Gazette counsels pa- tience, but foresees the gravest troubles, even if the sentences of fine, imprison- ment and banishment imposed upon the 60 lesser members of the reform committee are carried out. The editorials of the afternoon news- papers, written before the news that the sentences of death had been Commuted reached the editors. clearly state that Great Britain does not intend to allow President Kruger todo as he will with the lives of British subjects Mr. T. P. O’Connor in The Sun says: “There is little doubt that In a quiet way the Germans are doing their best to egg the Boers against us. I believe there is no doubt that within a few weeks six or seven hundred Germans, well trained and armed, have been landed in the Transvaal, perhaps to provoke such a collision be- tween us and German sentiment as may drag us into a great war, altogether a most grave and perilous situation.” The Evening News, during the course of a savage article, remarks, “President Kruger dare not execute the leaders nor carry out the sentences of imprisonment and banishment passed upon 60 of the fore- most inhabitants of the Rand. ” The United States embassy has not re- ceived any dispatches from Washington regarding Mr. John Hays Hammond, the American engineer who was among those sentenced to death, but The News states that many messages have passed on the subject between Mr. Chamberlain and Secretary Olney, resulting in a further message, which will be dispatched to President Kruger, being agreed upon. CAPE TOWN, April ail—The Cape Ar- gus, in an article upon the action - of the high court at Pretoria yesterday in con- demning to death the leaders of the Jo- hannesburg Reform union, says, “The awful sentence pronounced upon these men has created a painful sensation throughout the civilized world.” JOHANNESBURG, April 29.-—The Dig- ger’s News says that Barney Barnato, the “Kaffir king,” is very bitter in his feel- ings and expressions ooncernin the sen- tences imposed upon Rhodes, ammond and others at Pretoria yesterday and is showing his resentment by closing all his mines and selling all his landed properties in the Band. The people are paralyzed at the prospect, as the closing of the Barnato mines will throw thousands of men into the already overflowing ranks of the un- employed. PARIS, April 29.-—The Figaro, in an article upon the European situation, dwells upon the many difficulties which are besetting England and predicts seri- ous trouble for her in the Transvaal. The Gaulois says that President Kru- ger’s refusal to visit England, the assist— ance given to the Boers by Germany, the Egyptian campaign in the Sudan and the Venezuelan dispute, which is still unset- tled, place Great Britain in a position from which she may find it impossible to extricate herself without serious loss to her prestige. London’s Stock' Exchange. LONDON, April 30.—With the monthly settlement in progress and the anxiety in regard to the Transvaal the Stock Ex- change was naturally quiet today. The tone at the opening was inclined to be feverish, but was afterward more cheerful and hardened in all departments. Kaffirs, after falling one-eighth to one—half, began to recover. Missing Man’s Body Found. LOWVILLE, N. Y., April 30.—The re- mains of James Farrell of Glendale, aged 26, who had been missing since Christmas day, have been found in Otter creek. Dr. Kirley today made an autopsy and gives it as his opinion that Farrell froze to death last winter and that the remains were washed into the creek by high water this spring. A Steamer‘s Narrow Escape. PHILADELPHIA, » April 30. -— A tidal wave, supposed to have been caused by a" volcanic upheaval at sea, nearly swept to destruction the Dutch steamship La Flan- dre. The mishap occurred on the banks of Newfoundland. The entire starboard how was stove and the iron bow plates broken and the frames bent. Emperor Will Not Go to Cowes. LONDON, April 30.-The Berlin cor- respondent of The Times says that The Hamburger Correspondent semiofficially announces that Emperor William will not visit Cowes this year to attend the yacht races. Lombard Investment Company. BOSTON, April 30.—In the United States circuit court today Judge Colt dis- charged the receiver of the Lombard In- vestment company at the request of the New York Security and Trust company. Hohenlohe Rumor Denied. BERLIN, April 30.—The North German Gazette says that t he statement that the imperial chancellor, Prince Hohenlohe, will be absent from the remainder of the session of the reichstag is unfounded. May Be a Big Strike. PHILADELPHIA, April 30.—It is said that at the meeting of the central com- mittee of the Amalgamated association it was decided to call a strike on the lines of the Union Traction company. White Springs, Fla., Devastated by Fire. WHITE SPRINGS, Fla., April 80.—White Springs was nearly destroyed by fire. More than half the town is in ashes. The loss will reach many thousands of dollars, with little insurance. Raines Law Amendments. ALBANY, April 30.—The governor has certified to the legislature the necessity of passing the Raines ballot law amend- ments. Queen Victoria Returning to England. NICE, 'April 80.—Queen Victoria and Princess Beatrice started for Cherbourg to- day on their way to England. Advertise in the GAZETTE. a T H E? 1435th . .w, . \ Throughout the Country. At the recent meeting of the-National Association of Dancing Masters a movement has been started to establish a. uniform set of dances for the entire country, so that a. dancer will appear to as much advantage in, ope ‘city as another and will not be embarrassed by the difference in the style of steps or by any sectional peculiarities. It is somewhat remarkable, says the St. Louis Republic, that this idea has never before occurred to the dancing mas- ters, but now that it has been agitated it should be pushed forward until it is successfully carried out. Americans are recognized as far and away the best dancers in the world, partly be- cause they are naturally graceful and agile, and partly because the national Style of dancing, while it differs in par- ticulars, is generally of a nature to en- able a reasonably graceful man to make a good appearance on the floor. But while a man may be a good dancer in New York he may make a. sad mess of it in Chicago or New Orleans, and vice versa. Not that the general principles of dancing are not the Same, but because in different localities certain apparently trifling peculiarities of step are allowed to creep in which confuse a. stranger and often throw him out of step completely until he has mastered the local style. The St. Louis man finds that he has trouble in dancing with the Pittsburgh girl, and the Kansas City man confesses that it requires a. good deal of patience to master the unaccustomed movement of the young lady from Boston. All four parties may be the most graceful and accomplished of dancers, but there is in each case that little distinguishing peculiarity, that bit of “local pride,” as it might be called, which is annoy- ing until the parties have danced with one another Often enough to accommo- date their steps each to the other. This is one of the difficulties in the art of round dancing which might be easily remedied by an agreement among the dancing masters to conform to the same steps and to popularize the same general styles of dances. BICYCLE RACING UNPOPULAR. in Country Places Draw Only Small Crowds. Bicycle racing in America is not a. pop- ular sport, and it never has been. It occupies a rather better position in the popular view ’than lawn tennis, but cannot compare with baseball or prize fighting. It has always been hard to get a crowd at a cycle meet, even in Meets 'the days of pure amateurism, when every man brought out his friends and acquaintances. Perhaps if cycling were as dangerous as football "and men were maimed and killed at every meet, more people would pay to see the fun, for Americans have a deal of the Roman in their make-up; or if men fell Off their wheels in a, dead faint, as is so oftcn the case in boat racing, or if quasi team racing could be introduced; or if men could race standing, with either foot on the saddle of a bicycle; in 'fact, if any scheme could be "evolved which would add more noise, bluff or spread-eagleism to the business cycle racing might become a. success finan- cially; but at present, outside of a few enthusiasts who really understand the skill and speed of the game, the average cycle meet audience might be at- tending a funeral or a. suttee, so far as one could judge from the solemnity which they exhibit. Once in awhile, to be sure, when a well-known favorite or a couple of them make a game finish or produce a burst of extra. speed in an effort to catch the leader of a handicap. there is a howl from club members or other misguided enthusiasts; but, as a. rule, those who have spent their time and money to see the grandest sport. on earth sit like animated manikins, with apparently no appreciation of the fact that they are watching the greatest speed-producing combination in the world—good bicycles and well-trained athletes. A Molasses Pavement. Perhaps the oddest pavement ever laid is one .just completed at Chino, Cal. It is made mostly of molasses, and if it proves all of the success claimed for it it may point a way for the sugar planters of the south to profitably dis- pose Of millions of gallons of useless molasses which they are said to have on hand. The head chemist of a. sugar factory at Chino, Mr. E. Turke, was led to make certain experiments, of which the new sidewalk, a thousand feet long, from the factory to Main street, is the result. The molasses used is a refuse product, hitherto believed to be of no value. It is simply mixed with a certain kind of sand to about the con- sistency of asphalt and laid like an asphalt pavement. The composition dries quickly and becomes quite hard, and remains so. The peculiar point of it is that the sun only makes it drier and harder, instead of softening it, as might be expected. A block of the composition two, feet long, a foot wide and one inch thick was submitted to seVere tests and stood them well. Laid with an inch or so of its edges only. resting on supports, it withstood re- peated blows of a machine hammer without showing any‘effects of crack- ing or bending. Queer Place for a. Snake. Not long ago,‘ when a. clothing house advertised at special reduction sale, Jacob Shaw, manager of the electric light works in Ellicott City, Md. , bought an outfit for his little boy. The jacket included in the purchase was worn with the suit until, in the course of a month or so, the garment became unfit for wear and had to be put away. About it there was a most unnatural Odor. There was no living in the same room with the boy and that coat. The other day Mrs. Shaw ventured to make an in- vestigation, the Offensiveness of the garment having somewhat subsided, when in the coat’s lining, securely sewed in, were found the remains of .a. viper snake fifteen inches long. How the snake got there is a mystery of some sweat shop. REFORM IN DANCING. ” Planned to flaye‘fidre .Uniform System-1 Well as countries. . nation," ' In Trade. IIEW Ionx other, 442. BROADWAY. The Boston Store is in its Eighth Year of Business Life, and we intend lhal'lhis shall be our greatest. Why? Because we are now in ‘a position to buy from manu- fa'olurers and importers—from the same people that the New York houses buy their goods-and we buy them at the same prices. Therefore,“ it easy for us lo sell lower - than they do, for our expense is nothing compared with iheirs. - HERE ARE sum or THE Ensues FORTHIS WEEi‘. a... f IN OUR CLOAK ROOM—44 ' 50 of these Beautiful Figured Brilliantines. wide skirts, lined with rustling and interlined, $3.98: ' we shall ‘sell one eachsto a customer for $2.25. 10 Ladies’ Black, Fine Diagonals, $4.98, 25 Ladies’ Covert Jackets. $5.00 each; we sha’l sell at $3.49, 15 Ladi-.~s’ Black Cloth Jackets, $4.25 each; we shall sell at $2.98, 20 Silk Capes, $6.50 ones, for $4.25, 15 Black Velvet Capes, $6.00 ones, for $4.50. Light Colored Broadcloth and Covert Capes, at $4.50, 4.93, 6.58, 7.50 and 8.98. Children's Jackets. 98o, $1.25, 1.45, l.98, 2.25 to 5.93. ' ' . ' Children’s Suits, $IJ5, 4,98, 5,15 and 6,25. WRAIPPERS - We have just put in stock one hundred dozen new spring Wrappers. 25 dozen Lawn Wrappers. 790. 10 dozen Fancy Prints, $.25. 10 dozen Fancy Percules, $|.98. 5 dozen Persians, $2.15. 25 dozen Print Wrappers, best quality, 65c. 20 dozen Cambric Wrappers 98c. 10 dozen Check Percales. $.49, 5 dozen Dresden, $2.25. SHIRT WAISTS We were obliged to put ten salesladies behind our immense Shirt Waist counter last week. No Wonder 1 Our styles and prices are all right. Waists With or Without detachable collars and cuffs, 290, 39c, 49c, 69c, 75c, 98c, $I.25, L49, I.98 tmd 2.15. BflSlflN Slllll . Eur. Main an Wall 33. A POINTER.“ Is your plate glass or safe insured? If not, call on me and ,I will write you a policy in the Mutual Plate Glass and Safe, Insur- ance Company. Glass will "break and burglars use dynamite”. In case of Flre = f ., You should be insured. A policy in the Reliance of Philadelphia; Phoenix of Hartford; Scotland Union of Scotland; New Hampshire of Manchester; Rochester German of Rochester; United States and Pacific of New York; Security Of New Hampshire or Granite State of Ports- mouth Will protect you against the fire fiend. w. is. Yruonou, . Real Estate and General Insurance, ; : ROOM 1, GAZETTE BUILDING- LOANS NEGCTIATED AND'INVESTMENTS MADE. ~. ‘ _ . - m..— CORRESPONDENCE SOL/CITED ,7
Norwalk Chronicler