Evening Telegram (St. John's, N.L.), 1882-04-01

              EVENING TELEGRAM. Vol. 4. Price—One Cent. No. 75 $300 Per Annum St. John's, N.F., Saturday Evening, April 1, 1882. Latest by Telegraph. Alarnte Agitation ii Catatonia. «♦*  A STATE OF SIEGE PROCLAIMED.! Illness of Prince Leopold. COMMUTATION OF DEATH SENTENCES. Assassination of a Russian General Halifax, N. S., April 1. An alarming agitation is going on in Catalonia, and a .state of siege has been proclaimed. The Czar has commuted all the death sen- j fences recently passed on Nihilists, with the ex- ! ceptiou of Lieutenant Suahanotf, to hard labor ■ in the mines General StrechnikofF, of Odessa, public prosecutor, was shot dead with a revolver while sitting on the boulevard. The German Parliament have passed the Ecclesiastical Bill. Familiar Short Acquaintances. (Bill Nye in Laramie Boomerang:J " Speaking about the sociability of railroad travelers," said the man with the crutches and the watch pocket over his eye. " 1 never got so ' well acquainted with the passengers on a train as I did the other day on the Milwaukee Isl St. j Paul railroad. We were going at the rate of I about thirty miles an hour, and another train i from tli3 other direction telescoped us. We were thrown into each other's society and brought into immediate social contact, so to speak. " I went over and sat in the lap pf a corpulent lady from Manitoba, and a girl from Chicago jumped over nine seats and sat down ou the plug hat of a preacher from La Crosse with such timid, girlish enthusiasm, that it shoved his hat clear down over his shoulders. " Everybody seemed to lay aside the usual cool reserve of strangers, and Ave made ourselves entirely at home. " A shy young man, with an emaciated oil doth valise, left bis own seat and went over and sat down in a lunch basket where a bridal couple seemed to be wrestling with their first picnic. Do you suppose that reticent young man would have done such a thing on ordinary occasions? Do I you think that if he had been at a celebration at j home that he would have risen impetuously and j gone where those people were eating by themselves, and sat down in the cranberry jelly of a j total stranger r I should rather think not. j •• Whv, one old man, who probablv at home led the class meeting and was as dignified as lloscoe Conkling's father, was eating a piece of costard pie when we met the other train, and he left his <>wn seat and went over to the front end | of the car. and stabbed that piece of custard pie I into the ear of a beautif il widow from lowa. " People travelling somehow forget the aus- i terity of their home lives, ;md form acquain- j tances that sometimes last through life." The Evening Telegram. SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 1882. AN APRIL SHOWER! —♦— Upil April! true Medea of the year ! That makest all things green and fresh appear, j What praise, what thanks, what commendations due, * For all thy pearly drops of mornjng dew. When we despair, thy seas 'nabLjf showers Comfort our corns and cheer the drooping flours! i " The contemptible and unforfnded rumors now BO industriously circulated,, with the view of j shaking confidence in the Railway Company, will soon receive their refutation by facts, i and these unworthy attempts will recoil on \ their originators." < " Evening Mercury,"' March 31. ♦  Sometimes, when " the days are dark and dreary," we get an unexpected gleam of sunshiny merriment from our contemporary of i "the Forge,*'—a regular '• sunburst" of silvery laughter—as Mr. Oscar Wilde would say. One of these " green oases" in the desert of life we encountered last evening, in castiug our eye over the Three-Hundred-a-ycar bonanza of our old friend. Not content with trying to relieve vr. Blackmau of the odium of having attempted to extract another money Railway subsidy out of the pockets ot* our unfortunate fellowcountrymen, he attempts to make v.s responsible for ir. True, he does'nt name the Evening Telegram—but he might as well do so. He evidently means us, and lie fulminates his anathemas against u£ as pitilessly as though we were another veritable Jackdaw of Rheims! What have we done to' deserve this r Nothing —simply nothing! We only informed our readers, as we were iu duty bound to do, of the " row" that had taken place between Mr. Blackman and the political Railway negotiators of the Government. We ouly told the truth, and we acted in a refined Jnd gentlemanly manner throughout. We didn't even reproduce the melancholy profanity that was popularly associated with the interview, and we mentioned not one word about the " emergency meetings" at the Agent's office, or the numerous visits of Mr. Blackman to "the Premier !" The fact is, we got quite disgusted with the miserable huckstering, and reckless pitch-and-toss gambling, of Messrs. Whiteway and Shea, with the public trusts confided to their gaardianship, and with the humiliating spectacle of three Honorable Members —Messrs. Shea, Little and Wtitteu a v--for the last is the smallest-sized man of the lot— bartering away our native rights, for their own advantage, to a mere foreign adventurer ! Indeed, 'tis time for somebody to speak right out, in plain terms, about the dreadful gambling that is now going ou with the public property of our Island-home, and we are determined, if we have to go to prison for it, we will resist with all our might this fresh attempt to fasten the HALTER of CONFEDERATION around our necks ! We have it on good authority that Mr. Whiteway has expressed himself to this effect:— " I have one thing more to do before T give " up Office, and when thai is done I shall be "satisfied!" What can this be, we should like to know, but Confederation : Confederation it is, and no mistake; and unless we frustrate his benevolent intentions, the day will come, when, looking baek. the Evening Telegram will be able to say to " the people" of Newfoundland—" WE TOLD YOU SO !' Mr. Whiteway, Mr. Shea. Mr. Harvey. Mr. Fraser are all " Confederates"' at heart, aud have never ceased to be such. Their motto has been " Bide our time." We believe the correspondence between these gentlemen aud Canada on the subject has Lever ceased, but is going on to this day. Now we tell them, in the name of our fellow-countrymen, this one warning word :— " Gentlemen! if you attempt to conclude an" other Railway contract with Mr. Blackman, " except " the bear track," until after you " have consulted the people of Newfoundland" "at the next General Election this fall— "GOOD BYE!" The S.S. "Alhambra." The steamer " Alhambra,'" of the Cromwell Line, now loading at New York, will, it i» thought, be ready to start for this port via Halifax on or about Monday next. Letters from the Poeple. The Public Telegram, Again! —«— Editor Evening Telegram. Dear Sir,— I noticed in your valuable paper s ime time ago, one or two complaints about the public telegram from Halifax. I did not pay much attention to these at the time, as there seemed to be rather a fierce controversy going on between the two papers on things in general. I have to draw your attention, and that of the general public, to some veiy remarkable circumstances in connection with this same public tele- j gram, which have recently come under my notice, especially in connection with the telegram ; of this evening. It seems very singular to me, that while whole I columns of interesting telegrams, which appear iu the Halifax papers, and contain import- : ant items of general intelligence from all ! parts of the world are never sent to us at all, the public telegram should be so full and explicit about some particular kinds and classes of news. I notice jnst now, for example, that any items of news favoring the policy of the Canadian Government, or tending to exhibit emigration in a favorable light, are fully and graphically reported. Per contra. I observe that any items of tele- , graph news in the Halifax papers unfavorable to Canadian Government policy, or tending to show up the great extent of emigration from the Dominion, are iuvariably omitted, though these abound in the Colonial newspapers. Now, Sir, I object to this gross and palpable manipulation of the public telegram for party j political purposes. A large sum is paid for this telegram out of the general revenue (£60,1 think) : and besides this, a liberal contribution from the Commercial Society aud from the general newspaper pres? The telegram is therefore | public property, and should not be tampered with. It is a direct violation of an understood j agreement, to make such a news telegram a vehicle of political partisanship, and to " doctor j it" to suit the policy of particular governments, i Must we have this impertinent and underhanded ! interference with everything in the shape of public property r Must all our common possessions and institutions be cohred with political bias, and tinctured with fiction, to suit the objects of the Mercury, and its present political employers: I, for one, object to it, as an injustice to the public, and an intolerable outrage on common sense. If a general news telegram is to be of any real value, it must be impartial and unbiassed. What confidence can ;he public have in a news-message that is ** handled" for political purposes, and made to contain only what the politicians choose to have put in it r Such messages are a transparent fraud, and it is simply taking people's money under false pretences to make us pay for them as news. If Mr. Blackman's Syndicate, or the emigration policy of Messrs. Whiteway, Shea & Co., require to lead rublic opinion up to our acceptance of their interested views, let them have the manliness to pay for their own telegrams—both their manufacture and transmission. As one of the general public, I object that the public funds should be used for any such purpose. v< hen I want to read the touting of bogus emigrationi agents, I know where to look for, and where to ! get it, in abundant supply. If I want to read all about the Eden-like advantages of the Canat dian " Far West," I can find such fiction in Charles Dickens' Martin Chnzzhwit, or in the nice little blue-aud-gold emigration " handbooks" specially got out by the Canadian emigration bureau, for the use of intending emigrants. But wheu I read my general news telegram, I expect to find facts and unvarnished truth ; tolerably accurate ; and at least free from the haunting imputation that I may be only reading a dish of political " hash" doctored up for me in Halifax. It is said this public telegram is under the the management of a Committee of the Athenaeum. Nominally it is. Really it is very much under the management of the political editor of the " Mercury." This gentleman made the arrangement for the transmission of the public telegram originally, with the editor of the Halifax " Presbyterian Witness," who still " makes it up ;" and I am aware that the former gentleman has transmitted special instructions about the telegram to its Halifax " compiler" from time to time since. Under the circumstances, therefore, nothing would satisfy me that the public telegram is safe from manipulation exce| | a change of agents; and, speaking for myself, I add, that the sooner the change is made the better I shall be satisfied. Yours, GLc, SUBSCRIBER. March 13th, 1882. From a Carbonear Man. Editor Evening Telegram. Dear Sir,— A petition was sent here last week for signature in favor of granting " substantial aid" to Mr. Blackman's new Railway project, and from one or two remarks that leaked out, I learnt it was sent by the Hon. A. Shea. That alone would have killed all chance of its success here, tor the very name of the inau is enough for us, since he hocussed us about our branch railway to this place. But anyhow, the Carbonear people don't care a peppercorn about " Railway," since they experienced the take-in to which I have referred ; aud you can tell the Hon. Ambrose for us that the next time he or Whiteway faces this way we'll let them know what we think of them. Yours, &e., A CARBONEAR MA>T Cwbonear, March 28th, 1882 A Wonderful Change! ♦  Editor Evening Telegram. Siu,— In looking over an old fyle of the " Morning Chronicle" lately, I lighted on the following amu*ing letter. It was published in the "Chronicle" of Saturday, Feb. 13th, 1875, and if it was't written by the present Editor of the " Evening Mercury," then I'm a Dutchman ! Of course, this was before the mercurial gentleman iB question had transferred his political services from the departed Bennett Government, to the ruling Administration. I have marked the most important passages. Yours, &c., ANTI-CONFEDERATE. March olst. -♦- VTo ike Editor Morning Chronicle Sir—Nothing is more spoken of now than the proposed Railroad' and above all the Government party are making it their shibboleth. That if a railroad were created through our country we would derive great benefit I make no doubt; that it would in a great measure set Newfoundland on a level with her sister Provinces I cannot deny, and I only wish we had the Railroad, but—through what means aro our present rulers to build it: // then can induce foreign capitalists to embark in the enterprise, then the project would result in practical good to the country, aud I should not object to a trijie of aid from the Colonial Chest, provided this could be done without increasing our tariffnor lessening our Road, Education and other necessary grants. But if it be, as there is too much reason to believe, that OUII DETERMINED CONFEDERATE PARTIZANS HAVE INTRODUCED THE MEASURE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENTAILING IRRETRIEVABLE DEBT ON THE COLONY. FROM WHICH NOTHING SHORT OF UNION WITH CANADA WOULD REDEEM US—then I say it behoves the Party who is so strenuously opposed to the continuance of the Telegraph Monopoly, and the concession of our dearest rights to Canada, to OPPOSE this also. I feel assured if the Shea-Carter clique succeed iu canning out their railroad schemes, it will not be without serious objection from our Anti Confederate party. If the "Chief Manipulator"' does not make another such pitfall for himself as he did by transporting our people on the Canadian Railroad mission, why I shall never again exhibit any preteusion towards " forecasting the future." Yours truly ONE OF THE PUBLIC. Bill Respecting the Law Society.Editor Evening Telegram. Mk. Editok. Permit mc to make a few remarks relative to the Bill respecting the Law Society. Under the existing statute an exemption of one year is allowed in the case of graduates, who consequently have to undergo only four years of actual service to qualify them for admission as Attorneys of the Supreme Court. The English law, however permits an exemption of two years in the case of University graduates, and one year in that of undergraduates whose matricu- • lation examination is accepted in lieu of the preliminary examination required by the Law Society's regulations. This too T believe is the state of the law in most of the colonies. So it will be seeu from this that our law refuses similar privileges to members of Universities as are accorded by the English and other colonial bars. To remove this anomaly is the object of the Bill introduced into the House by the lion. Attorney General, which simply provides for an exemption of two years as regards graduates. This does not however entirely meet the case as the law respecting undergraduates remains untouched b\ the .Bill. Doubtless before the Bill passes through committee this defect will be remedied by the introduction of a provision for a reduction of the time of service for undergraduates. On this subject it is currently reported that an attempt will be made to import a section into the Bill, not giving only one year in the case of those not having obtained a University degree.but giving two years,or the entire exemption allowed to full Hedged graduates. That is, that a persot. who having matriculated or entered a University and subsequently undergo o a preliminary examination, and perhaps with no probability of obtaining a decree, will be on the same footing us a graduate. Though there can be no reasonable objection taken to the assimilation of ruir law with that of Great Britain and of other colonics, yet such an introduction  this, which 1 contend is merely substituting one anomaly for another, should not be permitted to suit the convenience of any * individual Legislation of a kind 80 invidious and ex post facto as the contemplated innovation, is alike unwarrantable by necessity or reason, and discreditable to the' outside parties, whose instigation is impelled from interested motives. Your.-. FAIR-PLAY. SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. CLEABED. April I—Thomas Ridley, Taylor. < ',w Bay. R. Prowae & Sous; ballast. March 10—Viola, Cuba, A Goodridge icSow 2S-Morns, Went Ladies, W. Grieve AO 31—Natalie, Europe, P. & L Teasier- Ada, Eun,p,, E. Dud-;r. f. April I—Golden Fleece, Europe. W. Gnaa * Co, Spark, Europe. Bowringr Brother* NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. T<a Meeting In St. Andrew's Basement Wanted—a Girl Apply at this Offic \ Wanted-a Norse . . ... Apply at this Office j Pi.ked-up-a >ea! Apply at this Office Hats. Taps an! >hirts M. Ifonnw i AUCTION ft AL&&. On MONDAY next, at 12 o'clock, ox  Mcßride's Hill, 30 BKii* I Oats: (ab.»ut 4 bushels «'acb.) 50 Baps YELLOW CORN 100 Bags Bran: ( Wn«\ii>-n l bosuel encU.) 2<' Canadian CHEESE j 100 New Hams. A Mils MUKR Y. match.*! I  At HARBOR REtO.V, Probably the day after ih< arrival of the S. S. -PLOV2E" FEOM KSRE, \ a'II i: Hull miri Materials mf the German Barque " HUNTRESS." For further particulars, apply to R. PROWBE A SON? ftarcfagg NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. LATESTI I M. MONEOE i*. now belling u is & m (NEW SHAPES.) ALSO,  EißE\<ril Regatta and White Brrm* SHIRTS, %V imh Fit with precision ami ease, sit very 8..«m Prli*rs. n. tio\roe. aprill.:h,s.t.'h A TEA-MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE Basement of Si. Andrew's Cbirrt, TUESDAY,'APRIL 4. '!'••.> .in the tables ar ' p.m. As an unusually attractive programme is being prepared, a very eujoyahln evening may be anticipated. Tickets—' : «jac'u. r»> be bad at the stores of Messrs Chisholm and M.-Conuan. aprill,3i WANTED. A Smart Olrl, To attend a On .cry and Spirit Store. Good reference required. Apply at this office. aprill.li wanted" A'l 1Y « li«» ?!:»■* liucl xiine experience in working An Automatic Air Drill. Must be able to give satisfactory references. Apply to aprill,2i A. J. HARVEY PICKtD-UP. O.Y WnJcr >-treef. a <»ohl <*eal **ilh i v*-*i and) ?lotlo. Owner can have same by proving ownership and paying advertising. Apply at "T'-legrauV* office. aprill.tf Masonic Assembly. (Under the patronage of Sir W. V. Whiteway, K.C.M.G.. D.G.M., and A. M McKay, Esq., P.G.M.) AS»KVIK!LV IIILL KE held in the MASONIC Hall on the evening Of Monday, the 10th day of April. Tea on the tables at 7 p.m., after which there will !>e dane ng. Tickets to be had from the Committee, at the following prices: Double Ticket (for lady and yent) 12s. <>d ,- Single ticket igent) b's; lady, "s. The following are the committee: H. Cook.*. M. Monroe. A. Pearce, H. D.Carter, A.Robertson. A. Hiscock, J. Stott, J. L. Ducheniin. J. W. M'Coubivy. E. Dickinson, J. Matheson, (I. M. Johnson. J. Jardine, P. G.Tessier, jr., A. K Lumsden, J. R. Hughes. G. Dicks, J. Anderson. Mnivhii'.i.fptV London and Lancashire Fire Insurance Co. LIVERPOOL. Capital £1,852,000. ESTABLISHED, 1862. HARVEY & CO., feb.y.ly agent*. Houses to Let! ilk. J3i «»n Blacnilti n tv«-mi«>. WITH GARDEN, STABLE, ETC. ALSO  A HoiiM> m iI li * hop h tttt c tied siiuateou Huichi g'» Street. For Dither particular apply to WILLIAM KMGHT, ntar.B,2iw t>. Spring Pottage. Water St., West THE GRAXD TBIIK. ♦— V<*r<li<'f of>ll 1.000 Atttiiii*! flit* < onipttiiy. —■♦— A Milwaukee report says : The jury has rendered ;i verdict in favor of the Northern Transit Company, operating a line of steamers and barges against the Grand Trunk Railway Company of Canada, iu suit tor breach of contract. The jury consider 8111,000 as the proper award for the plaintiffs for loss through failure of tho railway company to carry out its agreement with the steamers aud barge* of the line.