davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13
A Premature Work.

We publish to-day letter from Washing
ton explanatory Of the scheme for estab-
fishing an uninterrupted line of interior
water way from Boston to the Gulf OF Mex
leo by the cutting and enlargement of new
and existing canals and the connecting OF
the great navigable lagoons that extend
along the Atlantic coast The scheme is,
of course, urged by those whose interests
would be promoted by the enlistment OF the
government in the work. and into whose
pockets the greater portion Of the enormous
and indefinite outlay involved would find
its way. These people maintain the practi-
cability of the undertaking. and if the pre-
liminary steps should be managed as they
usually are in such propositions there can
be little doubt that their opinion would
receive high engineering Endorsement
There will also be found an ample supply
Of patriotic advocacy Of the scheme on the
ground that such line Of saltwater navi-
CATION would be of vast benefit to our coast.
ing trade as we'll as valuable aid to ourcoast
defence in the event Of war, in supplying
safe transportation for troops and war ma
terial. These advantages are not to be
sighted or undervalued, and in future
years the proposition may deserve the
serious attention of the government. But
the country is not now in condition to un-
dertake o scheme whose cost would be I'M
known, unlimited and certainly enormous.
We must Just nov sail close to the wind.
It is not time for vast expenditures on i'm
provements that will not be needed for half
a century to come. however desirable it
may be to individual interests that they
should be undertaken at once.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13
Two Remarkable Cases.

The Probate Court in Dublin and the
Marlborough Street Police Court in Lon
don have recently been engaged on two re-
markable scandals, which would not dis
credit Brooklyn or Chicago. The Dublin
case arises from contest over will made
by Mr.. Bagot, who had realized largo
fortune in Australia, which ut his death he
left principally to his brothers and sister,
making only q small provision for his
wife and son born after we'd
lock, but whose legitimacy the tosta-
tor denied. Mr.. Bagot, after leading
q dissipated life in London, after his return
from Australia, met with on accident which
crippled and disabled him. Miss Werner.
the daughter OF baronet, became his wife
subsequent to this accident. II is alleged
that she enticed him into the marriage, and
her career appears to have been most ex-
tfaordinary one. The evidence shows that
sho was fond of entertaining army officers
at hotel dinners, and one bill was produced
for dinner for the lady, her sister and two
officers, footing up nearly six sovereigns
or about thirty dollars. In addition to
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

which might otherwise prove dangerous.
1t is to be regretted that British India, or
any other country, is under the necessity
of muzzling the press. 1t would be we'll il
all civilized governments were based on
such just and liberal principles, and all
peoples were SO intelligent, as to render
the most unrestricted freedom of opinion
and discussion an advantage rather than
peril But tho British government
in India is surrounded by dangers which
the greatest vigilance and sometimes the
most severe measures alone can avert, and
while it exists it is bound to protect itself,
especially in o crisis like that OF Russian
war. The Vernacular Press act is neces-
sity Of the system. Whether the British
rule in India is benefit or an evil to the
country is altogether different question.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

Mrs. Bagots inclination for officers OF the
Lancers she was accustomed during her
husbands sickness to play pianos and drag
heavy furniture about in the room over his
head, because he insisted on having MS
sister with him. Altogether the deceased
does not appear to have lived very pleas
ant married life, although the attractions
of his wife are said to be so great as
to enable her to capture the doctors
who attended on her husband and all
who approached her except Mr.. Bagot's
iron-clad relations. The evidence given IN
the case is of the broadcast and most out
spoken description, and the reports In the
Dublin papers throw the publications even
of the Western press into the shade.
The English case takes the form Of .
criminal prosecution for malicious SANDER.
instituted by Mrs. Dixie against her brother
in-law. Major w. G. Featherstone-D Dixie.
for malicious libel. Mr.. Dixie, the hus-
band of the complainant, was Of unsound
mind and committed suicide. The defend
ant persisted in alleging an improper in
timacy between his sister-in-law and the
Earl of Aylesford. The lady, who
is the daughter OF Lady Dixie and highly
connected, brings forward the most positive
testimony denying the assertions Of Major
Dixie and entirely clears away the sus-
picious circumstance of her occupation Of
Lord Aylesford's London house for several
days while her husband was absent through
an accident in proving that she was sick, was
all the time surrounded by her own family
and servants, and went there in preference to
being alone at hotel. The case is compli-
Gated by divorce suit brought by Lord
Aylesford against his own wife, but Major
Dixie appears to have been too rash in his
charges, and is likely to suffer the penalty
Of malicious libel. which in England is
severe
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13
Tightening the Reins in India.

We publish to-day the text Of tho not
''for the better control of publications in
Oriental languages" which was passed by
the Viceregal Legislative Council of British
India in March last, and is known rs the
"vernacular Press act" The probability
Of q war with Russia, during which efforts
might be made to incite discomfort and re-
bellion among the native population. has
been doubtless one Of the reasons for the
hurried enactment Of the law at this time,
although tho spread of intelligence among
the natives and the publication Of papers in
cisms OF the government and its officers
which are not relishod in official circles.
These would, Of course, be more harmful
md dangerous should the government be
involved in war than in times of
peace. The Governor General in coun-
Gil is empowered, under the pro-
visions Of the act, to apply its more
oppressive sections to such parts Of the
country as may BIO deemed expedient, and
to decide when and where they shall cease
to be in operation. Any restriction of
free speech and free press is to be de-
plored wherever or whenever it may be ut
tempted. In government like that Of the
United States no such policy can be
necessary or would be submitted to,
because the freedom Of discussion is not
only natural right, but is In re-
ality safety valve for excitements
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

we should have much more important
trade. and nothing but the continuance OF
unwiso legislation, the want OF adequate
means of steam communication or lack OF
enterprise can stand in the way Of an early
and profitable development of our commerce
in that quarter.
1t is notable fact that ninety-seven per
cent of our commerce last year with Aus
tralia was carried on through only three
ports of the United States, New York having
ffty-six per cent, Boston tventy-one per
cent and San Francisco twenty per cent.
The proportion carried in American YES
sells was fifty-two per cent and in foreign
vessels forty eight per cent.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13
nosdsl's Attempted Rsgioid..

The gallant old Kaiser Wilhelm has been
widely and warmly congratulated on his
escape from the bullets Of the young social
list, Hoede1, who, however, states that he
only desired to take his own life in public
manner as u protest against the condition of
society which left him poor and suffering
amid the wealth and luxury Of others.
Unfortunately for the acceptance Of this
theory Of his pistol practice in the greatest
thoroughfare Of the Prussian capital he
did not wound himself any more
who fires at himself rarely misses altogether,
as the statistics of suicidal acts abundantly
prove. We do not wish to PREJUDICE the
case of this wretched young man, but we
may we'll take up the bearings of his act
upon the social and governmental problems
Of Europe. In an attempt upon the life Of
the Kaiser the thoughtful in Germany are not
only led to picture what might follow its
success, but to examine with some earnest
ness the bent of thought of which this
young mans act was product It is easy
to imagine that after the horror of tho act,
if successful, had passed it's first stage, the
governmental system of Germany would
move onward as if the old King and Emperor
had died q natural death in the fulness Of
his years; but the main question for serious
study is how far the anarchical party which
produced this young desperate has laid
hold of the poorer classes Of the Empire.
In the act itself there is nothing
~ sp% -
as recommending it, even for policy's sake.
The long roll of attempted assassinations
of sovereigns during the past quarter con-
fury proves that the bombastic generaliza-
tons Of radical leaders have been accepted
with terrible literalness by some man or
tempt has followed which frightened the
radicals in general as much or more than
the person assailed. Nothing can be moro
plainly taught by history than that assassi-
nations cannot change the current Of events
in civilized nations. Caesars did not pre-
vent the fall Of the Roman Republic; Lin
coins did not help the South. Assassinations
and attempts. thereat are almost COM
monplaces Of history. They may be
symptoms Of great discomfort, but they are,
as rule, sign that the discontinued are
In hopeless minority; for masses con-
scious OF their power do not begin by shoot
ing stealthily at solitary individual whom
the whole system he represents must be up
rooted before the desired end can be at
tanned. Coming SO shortly after the
acquittal of Vera Sasulitch in her trial for
the attempt upon the life of Trepof. the
St Petersburg Chief of Police, there will
probably be hasty endeavors to connect
Hoedels act with hers, through the holding
Of similar opinions-that is, they will both
be pointed to as outgrowths Of the socialist
movement which gave the Commune to
Paris, and which is called nihilism in
Russia and anarchism in Germany.
Attention directed to these matters has re
suited, we ore informed, in grave misgiv-
ings; on what foundation we shall probably
shortly know. The escape Of the Emperor
is, however, matter for general and hearty
congratulation here as well as in Europe.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

Our travelling correspondent who has
been for the Inst five or six weeks sending
US reports Of the condition Of various man
ufacturing industries in New England and
our own State is now directing his in
quiries to certain special branches OF pro-
duction. The immense boot and shoe
factories Of Lynn, the extensive cotton
factories of Lowell, the woollen factories,
carpet factories, the hosiery and knit
goods factories. the establishments for
making agricultural Implements cutlery
and all sorts Of tools for dressing
lumber having passed under review, he
comes, in the letter which We print to-day,
to the car shops at West Troy, which arc
more busy and successful than any other
establishments which he has yet visited.
In one respect he tells 3 pretty Uniform
story. From Lynn, where he began his in
vestigations, to West Troy and Watsrvliet.
described in the present letter, what has
most impressed our correspondent; and
what would most impress any intelligent
traveller. is the wonderful progre4 and
perfection Of American machinery. We
suppose that in mere handwork and maaua1
dexterity other races excel US, especialt the
Chinese and Japanese. But the kee.
instead of attempting to acquire TIN dex-
terity of hand and precision in the working
of his muscles, sets his inventive brain at
work to contrive mechanism, which not
only accomplishes the same work In npe-
rior perfection, but turns 1t out In o hum
dred-fold and, in some cases, . thousand
fold larger quantities. Americans are rsing
to the kingship of industry by their un-
rivalled skill in inventing labor-saving, or
as Daniel Webster aptly called them.
'labor-doing" machines. It Is by this
means that Lynn has distanced all the world
in the production Of cheap shoes; that
Cohoes has gained similar advantage in
the market for undershirts, drawers and
hosiery; that the making Of tags for all the
world has risen to be ON important branch
of industry; that, in spite Of hard times
and protracted business depression, so
many of our manufactures still thrive.
The car factories at West Troy are shin
ing complication of the same rule. The
readers Of our correspondents letter will be
able to understand this in detail. These
car factories, besides monopolixing the
home market, are great exporters Of their
products. They have orders from Germany.
the East Indies, South America and the
West India islands. The cars made at Birken-
head. England, arc sold at lower prices. but
30 superior in lightness and durability are
those manufactured at West Troy that they
are universally preferred, Notwithstanding
their higher cost. 1t is fact of local in-
terest here in New York that forty-five one
horse cars are now building at West Troy for
tho Seventh Avenue Railroad, in antelope
ton of the effect Of rapid transit. Our
correspondent also visited the government
establishments at Watervliet, and gives an
interesting description Of recent improve
ments in military equipments.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

THE wEArIlER.-Thc pressure Is low in the
Northeastern districts and in Texas. Light
rains III showers have fallen over the New Eng
land States, in the Upper Mississippi and Ohio
valleys, in the West and on tho southern shores
Of the lower lakes. The winds have moderated
very considerably, being at no point above the
force Of brisk. Temperatures in the Western
mud Central districts have fallen and have
slightly risen on the Middle Atlantic coast and
In the Southwest. Snow fell yesterday in Iowa
Little change has taken place in the other sec
tions. The weather in New York and its
vicinity today will be slightly warmer and
partly cloudy or cloudy, with occasional rains.
Tomorrow it will be warmer and cloudy or
partly cloudy, with probable light rains.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

of our second war with England, and was
tration: 1t was the unanimous sentiment
of one branch Of Congress in 1866 that the
time had come for emancipating ourselves
from statute which had been extorted
from transient national weakness.
Had the bill of 1866 become law the alb
surd distinction would have been abolished
between trade in arms and trade in ships.
The people of every nation are perfectly
free to sell arms and ammunition wherever
they can find purchasers. During our
civil war both the United States
and the Confederate States purchased
arms in Great Britain, and the right was
never questioned. During the great war
between France and Germany France pur-
chased large quantities Of arms in this
country, and Germany made no complaint
Bismarck loosely said that his government
would buy no arms in America, because it
was cheaper to capture them from the
French. There is no good reason why
trade in ships should stand on different
footing from trade in arms. When the
builders Of the Alexandra were tried in the
English Court Of Exchequer tho Lord Chief
Baron said, in delivering his opinion:-
'.Now, surely, if Birmingham, or any other
town, may supply any quantity OF
munitions Of war of various kinds
for the destruction Of life, why object to
ships? Why should ships alone be in
themselves contrabandY' These queries,
whatever may be thought Of them in point
of law, would seem to suggest the common
sense Of the subject.
Manufacturers of arms and dealers in
arms are free to pursue their avocations
both in time Of peace and time of war,
subject only to the belligerent right Of cap
ture after war has actually broken out If
they are seized at sea as contraband the
owners have no redress, but their own
government is under no obligation to re-
press or interfere with the trade. What
sense or reason is there in establishing
different rule for the trade in ships? If
there be any reason at all for such distinc-
ton it is founded on the rights of the neu-
trail nation, not on the rights of belligerents
If neutral permits trade in ships it is
bound to make it equally free to both par
ties to the war, and weak neutral would
thus be exposed to hostile collisions in
it's own harbors and waters between pur-
chasing belligerents. But nation strong
enough to maintain its rights and protect
the neutrality of its harbors and waters need
not be influenced by that consideration.
With Russia purchasing vessels both on
our Atlantic and our Pacific coast, and Eng
land forewarned Of her designs, it is the
clear duty of our government to call home
that part Of our navy which is cruising in
distant seas for the enforcement of our neu-
trail rights With possible crisis approach
ing tho government will be inexcusoble if
it keeps several pleasure yachts in the Med
iterranean when they may soon be needed
at home as national police for our coasts
and harbors
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

The PULPIT THEMES yesterday werc varied
and interesting DIR. Armitagc answered affirm
ativcly tho question, "Shall VIC know our friends
In heaven ~ Tho Rev. John Hall explained tho
miracle of the raising of the widows son from
death TO life; DIR. Chaplin preached on the human
heart, and the Rev. Mr.. Hcpworth upon reason
and faith. Mr.. Talmage counseled his flock Ito
make the best of things" and Mr.. Bcccher con
sidcred the universally of Gods mercy. Mr..
rockingham having laid down the premise that
the cry Of the poor is one Of the oldest cries on
earth wound up by declaring that the Christian
Church is responsible for The present condition
OF the labor market.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

The probabilities are hat Tie sreather in Ne,c
York and its picinity to-day ,ciH be Slightly
scarn,er and partly cloudy or cloudy, wiA Occa-
sional rains Tomorrow IL ,riH lie rarmer and
cloudy or partly cloudy, acih probable light rains
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

The REPoRT in other columns Of the inter-
view with Captain Semetschkin. who has charge
of the Russian naval operations in this country,
will be read with interest His government, he
says, has resolved, irrespective Of peace or
war, to increase the efficiency of it's navy. and
he may or may not purchase some of our ships.
His statements, which are exceedingly frank,
correct many erroneous impressions in regard
to the intentions Of his government.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

In THE OPINION of the Supreme Court of the
United States the Eight Hour law, SO far as
giving the worlSngman any special rights or
privileges, is mere waste paper. 1t merely says
eight hours shall be considered a days work,
but the question Of pay is entirely matter of
contract
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

THERE WAS joy in the prohibition camp yes
tcrday over the defeat of what is known MS the
Holahan Excise bill. Mr.. Mundy was particu-
larry jubiant and pledged himself that two
thirds of the liquor stores would bc closed be-
fore the next Legislature meets. In the Tam
many Hall wing OF the organization the Rev.
John p Newman, General Grants old pastor,
severely condemned the Church for its position
on the subject
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

The NEW COURT HOUSE. as it is called, con-
tinues to be q burden to the taxpayers and,
there is reason to fear, bonanza TO the con-
tractors. 1t seems that the addition on the
south side will cost several hundred thousand
dollars more than the estimate; in fact, no one
appears TO know exactly how much it will re-
quire to finish it. a little light on the subject
would be Of considerable interest.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

A SINGULAR SUIT has been brought in one Of
the New England courts. Forgetting the bitter
lesson Of her experience divorced woman went
back to her husband to live, under the dclusive
promise that he would marry her. She wants
fifteen thousand dollars to soothc her lacerated
feelings
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13
II RIPPLE SH e T. T i.
NEW YORK. MONDAY, MAY 10, 1878.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ADvERTIsERs.-Io
insure The proper classification Of advertisements
IL is absolutely accessory dat they be handed Ia
before eight O'Clock erery epe,,ing.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

A COMMUNIST SOCIETY is said to have been
discovered in Wheeling, w. Va. They arc
probably the railroad rioters of last summer.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

DIR. FELIX ADLER, the apostle of ethical cul
sure has COMMUNICATED the second anniversary
Of his society, and still the country is pretty
much the same as it was before his captivating
theories were unfoldcd to u wondering world.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

PENNsYLvANL's Republican State Convention
meets this week at Harrisburg, and the Cam
eron clans are, of course, the first in the field
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

THE REVIEW of our mercantile marine, else
where printed, is q dreary story of our deca-
dcnce in that branch of business. Our total tom
mage to-day is only thrcefourths of what it was
seventeen years ago, while that Of other nations
has been in some cases trcblcd in the same pc
ria cd
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

THE VOICE of the college graduate begins to
be heard in the land. Drew Theological Semi
nary heads tho commencement column this
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

THE ANNUAL REPoRT Of the American Board
of Commissioners for Foreign Missions shows an
exceedingly gratifying condition of affairs in the
foreign religious vineyards, particularly in
India. The number of converts in that country
is estimated at four hundred thousand.
The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-05-13

the age" This language conceded that the
law of 1918 is unjust to our people and
their commerce and behind the spirit Of
the ago. That restrictive statute was unani-
mously condemned by the House of Repre-
sentatives, and the bill for superseding it
would doubtless have passed the Senate had
time enough remained to oct upon it ct that
session.
Mr.. Orth. in arguing against Mr.. Ray
mond's proposal Of joint committee,
aid:--"Whenco the necessity of referring
this subject to joint committee2 Why
give to this statute-old, hoary headed with
error, which should never have been upon
our statute books at NIL, degree of con-
sidcration which is denied to the most inn
portant OF our other lawsp Let us
show that ~ q nation we will no longer
impose shackles and restraints upon
our people which other nations less
free and less liberal do not impose
upon theirs" Mr.. Conkling, then q
member of the House, after vigorous
recital of the unhandsome treatment we
had received from other nations, and es-
pecially Great Britain, during the war,
said FL remember oil these things, and
in the light Of all am unwilling to post
pone this bill, and am in favor of such q
change in our Neutrality laws as will give
to other nations neither more nor less than
we ourselves receive" The Objectionable
features OF the low of 1878 were passed at
the urgent request of the Spanish and Por-
tuguese governments, whose American colo
MES were then in revolt. 1t proceeded
from an excessive dread Of getting entangled