the matter was brought to their attention, the German authorities
denied the right of the United States to interfere, saying that Mayer was
the son of a German subject, and therefore was a German citizen.

This Government has, however, made a formal demand for the release of
Mayer, and there is little doubt that the request will be complied with.

* * * * *

The trouble is not yet over for the trusts. You remember about the
Investigating Committee appointed to look into the affairs of the
different trusts. The members of this committee had a good deal of trouble
with the Sugar Trust.

Seven of the most important persons connected with the trust refused to
answer the questions asked them by the committee.

Among these men were such prominent persons as Henry O. Havemeyer and John
E. Searles, men who are known as Sugar Kings.

The impossibility of getting any information from these witnesses made the
work of the committee very difficult; and when the investigations were
over, complaints were made against the men who had given the trouble.

One of them, Mr. E.E. Chapman, a stock-broker, was arrested by the United
States Marshal, taken to Washington, and tried for contempt.

His offence was that of breaking the law which binds witnesses to give
their testimony before Committees of Congress with the same care that they
have to exercise before the judges in the courts of law. A witness in a
law court who refuses to obey the court is guilty of contempt of court,
and can be fined or imprisoned as the court pleases.

Mr. Chapman was found guilty of this misdemeanor, and sentenced to thirty
days' imprisonment.

Having disposed of Mr. Chapman's case, the United States District Attorney
has sent word that he intends to try the other six refractory witnesses on
May 17th. From the printed accounts at the time of the investigation, they
all seem to have given as much trouble as they possibly could, and as Mr.
Chapman has been found guilty, the chances are that the others will be
also, and that the jail of the District of Columbia may contain some
distinguished millionaires before the month is out.

If we are to have Investigation Committees, it is just as well that people
should learn they are not to be trifled with.

* * * * *

New York has just had a visit from Chief Joseph of the Nez Perces Indians.

Next to the old Sioux warrior, Red Cloud, Chief Joseph is