davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07
THE RAILROAD COMMISSIONER
SHIP.

The question as to who would sue
coed Dana c.. Lamb as railroad Com
missioner, owing to the extreme reti-
cence of Governor Smith, became a
very interesting one at Madison pend :
inc the final result which was attained
last Thursday. On the Oath of Janua-
~ the Governor sent TO the Senate for
confirmation to this Office the name of
Hon. j NJ. Rusk, of VirOqua, eX-Con-
gresham from this District. This po-
sition was much sought after, but it
appears that RuSk was not an appH-
cant FOR it and his nomination went
into the Senate like bombshell; every
body was surprised and it soon became
evident that this nomination would
not be confirmed. Hon. w. L. Price,
Of the SD district cannot swallow any
thing of RuSk flavor since the gal
liant General carried too many guns
for HIM in the Congressional contest
Of 1870, and this nomination being re-
ferred to the Committee on State AT
fairs, of which the Senator from the
SD is a member, tended to- make a
bad matter worse-fOr Mr.. Rusk.
General Rusk learning unoficially
that he had been rendered the position
of Railroad Commissioner by Gov.
Smith, on Monday Of last week ad-
dressed letter to that gentleman ask
ING that his name be withdrawn and
accordingly on the following morning
an executive message was sent to the
Senate requesting a return of the let
ter nominating Rusk, without action
thereon. Then it was that the news
papers of Madison and the politicians
there assembled gave VI ace to all
sorts of conjectures as - who would
he the looming man." General L. 5.
Allen, of the Oshkosh Northwestern.
formerly Secretary of State, was loud
est talked of, but Gov. Smith, who ii
appears has decided to be ''advised'
by no one, held his own council and
allowed the prophets to continue their
guess until Thursday morning last
when lie sent to the Senate the name
of its Chief Clerk. Hon. A. j. Turner,
of the Portage Register, to be Rail
road Commissioner for the term COM
mencing February 18th, 1878. Mr..
Turner's nomination being at once
confirmed by the unanimous voice OF
the Senate, without reference to com
mittee-a handsome compliment to
the gentleman in question. And this
ended the contest for this position, one
not an applicant taking the ''persim
mons an indication of refreshing
absence of political iobbery. Mr.,
Turner's nomination and confirmation
will give general satisfaction, and he
/ is a gentleman abundantly qualified
for the position.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07

On Friday last, the thirtieth ami
versary of the signing of the Constitu-
ton of Wisconsin, reunion of the
surviving members of both the first
and second Constitutional Conventions
WAS held in the capitol at Madison, the
result OF which will contribute mate
rally TO the history of our prosper
Gus commonwealth. The meeting was
called to order by Morgan l.. Martin,
OF Brown county, who, as the presid-
ing officer of the second convention,
just thirty years before declared that
body adjourned without day. There
were present at the reunion seven
members of the first convention and
twelve of the second. Of the men,
bers of the first convention fifty-fOur
are known to be still alive and of the
second, twenty-four. There were
many others concerning whom those
present at the reunion knew nothing
as to whether they were still living or
dead. A resolution was adopted pro-
viding for the publication of biograph-
ical sketches of all the members, sec
retaries and reporters of both conven-
ti0ns. Of the reporters of those con-
ventionS but two were present at the
-union-H. A. Tenney and David At
wood. Speeches were made by ex-
Gov. Lewis, j. Fl. Roundtree, Moses NJ.
Strong, Geo. B. Smith and others who
had been members of one or the 9th
er of the conventions, containing rem
iniscences of the past. The meeting
was one of much interest and the
| thought that suggested it was happy
one. These veterans of the govern
| ment Of Wisconsin as State adjourn
ell to meet again in one year.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07
ONE of the most iniquitous measures

One of the most iniquitOuS measures
yet brought before our State Leglsla-
ture, during the present session thereof,
is the bill introduced by Senator Wing,
on the 3lst ult., $40 provide for the
inspection of boilers in mills and man.
ufactories, and for the licensing of en-
gineers." The title of this bill sounds
very agreeable, but the provisions of
the same seek to impose an onerous
tax upon all mill owners and manufact-
urers whose machinery is propelled by
steam and the owners and operators of
engines of whatever capacity-no mat
ter for what purpose used. Besides
being oppressive to all manufacturing
interests where steam is used, the bill
creates fat office in each COMPRESSION
al District-that of inspector, and IA
yors one class as against another by
forbidding the employment of any but
licensed engineers. The proposition
that none but licensed are competent
to take charge of steam engine is alb
surd; among all the extensive and
varied manufacturing establishments
constantly in operation in the city of
La Crosse not & single licensed engi-
neer is employed. The bill in question
was drawn up and introduced at the
instance of licensed engineer" out
of a Job who doubtless desires the APP
pointment of Inspector and is a most
pernicious scheme to rob manufactu-
rers, and drive from their positions,
or else COMPEL them to pay tribute as
a license fee, hundreds of competent
engineers. 1t is bold strike for class
legislation which should be sat down
upon by an ignominous defeat of the
bill
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07

Hon. JAMES L. LEWIS, of Columbia,
has filled the offices of Governor, Lieu
tenant Governor and Secretary of
State, of Wisconsin.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07
i. ". CuRTIsS.

MANUFACTURER Of, and Dealer in Harnesses
ItlOiis. v hips. and all other articles pertaining
20 tirst-class establishment Satisfaction guar
snteed. Shop Wells & Bradford livery stable.
River Falls, Wis. 21-35
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07
Vol. 81

CHAs. E. BRoss, of Madison, succeeds
A. j. Turner as Chief Clerk in the
Senate.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07

ONE of the bills brought before our
State Legislature at its present ses-
sion which will command pretty gen.
eral attention is that introduced by
Senator NJ. P. Wing, of the 31st dis
trict and chairman of the Committee
on Judiciary, providing for the taxa
ton of telegraph companies and fix
ing rates. BY some this bill regard
ed as a deep stab at telegraph cor
porations. while others urge its favor
able consideration as a protection OF
the people against an outrageous mo-
noply.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07

BLACKSMITH, Shop on Main ST., south of Braek-
- EFT House. Particular attention given to shoe
ting horses
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07

Hon. II. NJ. STRONG, of Mineral Point,
one of the early pioneers of Wisconsin,
delivered a lecture before the State
Historical Society in the Assembly
Chamber at Madison, last Thursday
evening, upon the ''Indian Wars of
Wisconsin" a valuable contribution
to the history of this State.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07
MISSES LEvINGs,

IL EEP Bookstore embracing School and Miscel-
IN ianeous Books. Periodicals and Magazines. A
full supply Of Stationary. Main ST.. River Falls,
Wis. Y-35
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07

\ RESOLUTION for an amendment to
the Constitution providing for bien-
NAL instead of annual sessions of the
Legislature was made the special or
der in the Assembly for 10 clock this
forenoon. An amendment of this ma
ture would save thousands of dollars
to the taxpayers of Wisconsin and
ought to be adopted.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07
BUSINESS CARDS.
P. D. PIERCE,
b. I'll. PILLAR.

A TTORNEY s. COUNSELOR AT LAW, Ellsworth.
"A Wis. Office in stone building Court House
Square.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07
III. T.. WADSWORTH.

MANUFACTURER and dealer in Boots, Shoes
1Hl and Hosiery, and everything in that line ut
the lowest possible prices for ready pay. Custom
work made to order. Repairing done with neat
ness and Dispatch 21-35
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-07

ExPERas in the treatment of the in
sane advise against the separation of
the incurable insane and the hopeful
cases, which will doubtless confuse
those of our Lawmakers who had made
up their minds to favor the provision
OF Il separate establishment for the
protection and care of the incurables.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-27
Thoughts Anent Hanging.

II Is proposed TO execute BENJAMIN
HUNTER sentenced TO be hanged at Cam
den, New Jersey, Jan. 10, 1s79-in the
court room where he was convicted. There
seems, at first thought, something shocking
in converting a court room TO such an UNI
accustomed use. shudder may very nat
urally come over Judge and jurors as they
take their seats where a few days before a
fellow mortal was deliberately put to an
ignominious death.
HUNTER is deprived even OF his eye
glasses, for fear he might put himself to
death with them. So he Is unable to read
his Bible.
This, too, affords food for reflection. II it
is right for Sheriff to put criminal to
death, why may not the criminal be allowed
by law to put himself to death We do not
say he ought to be, but we ask what reason
there is why he should not be?
II wretchcd convict prefers to die by
himself is there anything gained by forbid
ding him that poor privilege? The right to
commit hari-kari is rather a forlorn and
desolate right at best. There is nothing 50
delightful about 1t that IL need be dreaded
as holding out new inducement TO m urder
The theory OF modern times In regard to
executions is that they should be private.
But this theory cannot bo carried out so
completely any other way as by suicide.
In former times men were sentenced to be
discmbowelled and quartered; but We sup
pose death in any form would now be con-
sidered sufficiently awful as a punishment.
It is true we often hear the remark, Hang
ing is too good for him. but We do not inn
agine that any one in sober earnest would
consider hanging too good for his worst
encmy-not n luxury Of which he would
feel disposed to deprive the person he hates
most.
OF course It Is nm awful thing for a person
to kill himself We entertain tho greatest
adherence Of suicide. But the question still
remains, which is worse, for IA to. hang a
man, or TO let him hang himself? 1t would
only be constituting the condemned, pro hdc
rice, sheriff.
Very possibly sufficient reflection on the
whole subject would lead to a conclusion
unfavorable to capital punishment, by
| whomsoever inflicted.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-27
Reform IL Altogether.

We are surprised TO learn that several
members OF the present House are getting
sick, and oven dying or going crazy with
grief, because they were not returned to the
next Congress. Their sore disappointment
sprang in some instances from the refusal
Of their party to rcnominate Them and in
others from the refusal OF their constituents
to reGlect them.
We are sorry for these gentlemen and
their surviving friends. We assure all con-
ccrncd that they lay this matter altogether
too much to heart. Onlceholdlng is about
the most unsatisfactory business in which a
person can DO engaged. We know OF only
ono other thing which is more Improbable
in the long run, and that is Office seeking.
However, we must have Office holders and
there must be members of the House Of
Representatives; and the best way for mem
bers Of ono House TO secure n reelection TO
the next, is to thoroughly and fearlessly do
their duty while there.
The disregard Of this common sense rule
Is the main reason why such an unprcce-
donted number Of members OF the Forty
fifth Congress, and especially OF the Demo
Gratis failed to get returned to the Forty
sixth.
Our advice to these one hundred and fifty
disappointed gentlemen is, not 10 get sick or
go crazy or die. but TO resolve that II they
over hold another Office, they will discharge
It's duties couragcously, earnestly, intclli-
gently, and faithfully. Then 1t will make
very little difference to them whether they
are reelected or not.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-27

To THE EDIroR OF THE SUN-ST: School
teachers are persons without either trade or proics
son and yet from the tact that they are employed by
city, they protected from the natural law OF sup
ply ami demand and treated privileged class They
say that the minimum pay Of teacher $40 year Is
only about 81 IS day II would he only that II they
worked whole year but the fact Is they work less than
2Codays of nve hours each In year that computing
a days time las IL done IN the case Of mechan.
les aud other workmen at ten hours, they re-
81 day 81 for i've hours day But the aver
age nay teachers $3.50 for less than ~ days service
which $3.50 day of ten hours or IS Is day of i've
overtime between the hours OF q A VI. AMI + NJ The
fact that after T. Mtrum TO IN the even
ing schons-they paid at average, - for ihgsc
hours, which h additional to their regular
salary II Is also quihblc TO say That
they are hired By the wear. AMI that. therefore.
they ought be paid much tor ~ days A. tor inll
year mechanic is hired by the week OF month hut lie
ploycd $50 YEAR u mot contracted that she SHAH
bc keUtfor the year any more than mechanic can claim
pay tor whole month or week when discharged be-
fore the expiration oi his time. teacher n hired az a
certain rate per year, and IL paid at that rate every
month accor INK tu the service rendered.
In frnnsyvauia aud IA the rural districts 81 ts state
teachers. durng the long vacation. seek uuer employ
mcnL A. they receive Nc uaN, aud ~ New Hampshire
they Ia The hotels IA the White Mountains, and gvt nm
plovmcnt waters A. for the aNpaYtr- of New lurk
paving the education Ot the children Of other dis
trict. through spirit u pride IN their schools ~ -l
grsted bN ou~ of Your core sponicnts think mat The
teachers ought Tor tie rpa.uu o. Nurk tot uuut TX
best IN the world" but best only tor-te teachcr~
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-27

A careful and exhaustive report, lately
published by the New Jersey Board OF Edu-
cation, contains some matter Of general as
well as local interest. Some useful data are
get forth touching the progress and present
condition OF public instruction In that state
and these are coupled with Iudicious suS-
gestlons as TO the proper method OF teach
Ing and the choice OF text books.
1t is noteworthy fact that while the
funds applicable 10 school purposes in Now
Jersey show n considerable falling on as
compared with the previous twelyemonth'
vet an increase has occurred In the number
OF teachers and Of pupils. The whole amount
appropriated from all sources for public ed
ucatlon during the school year ending Aug
81. 1877, was in round numbers S2,OoO,OOO, DO
ing some $4,000 less than the sum devoted
10 tho same end In 1876 This reduction If
plainly due TO the general shrlnkage In the
taxable property OF the State, which would
directly affect the proceeds OF the two-mll
tax. At the same time, the number OF pup'h
has boon augmented by some twenty-five
huuaIod, 80 that the fund DOW deriVapi'
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-27

and investigation OF their conduct is pro-
posed, common sense should suggest that
the Republicans should take the lead in ex-
posing them, and in casting them of as
dead weight which no party can afford TO
carry. GARFIELD objected vigorously, when
proper call was made for the names and
number OF supervisors and deputy marshals
employed at the fall elections, and the
amounts paid TO them. On the eve OF tho
adjournment, and after important disclos-
ures had been made in regard TO the public
printing, Mr.. FINLEY, who is conducting tho
investigation, asked leave TO sit during the
recess, so as to expedite the business. I'm
medatcly, Mr.. GARFIELD rose and said, 4" l
object" This was fatal to tho proposition
but this objection will not ultimately pre-
vent an exposure OF the rottenness that
GARFIELD is seeking to conceal.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-27
De Golyer Garfield.

The recognized leader on the Republican
side Of the House Of Representatives, is a
man who was proved before n packed com
mittee OF his own party to have accepted
bride In Credit MObilicr bonds and scrip
from CAKES AMEs although he swore posi-
lively that he never had the remotest in
terest in the job; and who also received five
thousand dollars for obtaining a large con-
tract from Boss SHEPHERD for laying wood
movements, in return for which he afterward
carried through, as Chairman Of the Com
mittee on Appropriations an appropriation
Of three and a half millions Of dollars for
the Washington Ring.
This notorious corruptionlst, whose whole
career In Congress is tainted with venality,
and who Is not held in the least respect for
those qualities which adorn manhood and
bring that confidence to public man with
out which successful leadership Is impossl-
BILE. is thrust forward by a faction and by
his own audacity, to take the front place at
n timo OF all others when the highest char
acter and integrity are needed for such
position How can party expect to gain
popular favor, or TO win trust, when pro-
fessonal jobber leads the House, Fraud Is
seated in the Presidential chair, and a Vice
Fraud presidcs over the Senate?
Whatever talents and culture Mr.. GAR
FIELD may possess are degraded by the abb
sence Of all moral worth, and only make
more conspicuous those dark traits which
| have rendered his name Infamous in the
annals Of Congress, No reelection by n
partisan constituency, blind in its adherence
TO regular nominations no matter how pro-
cured, and bigotol in It's devotion to Ropub-
lean candidates, can in tho least degree
remove the stain which rests upon him. No
whitewash, however strong, can disnicct
and purify his reputation.
Since he has assumed the leadership, GAR
FIELDS chief business has been to object tc
every proper inquiry from the Democratic
side, which good policy should have prompt
ly accepted. Tho only impression left by this
course is that tho Republicans are afraid tC
confront the demands Of their adversaries
He has blundcred, either from timidity
treaohery, or ignorance, from the start 81
that the Republicans have lost ground every
day
II there are coTupt Republican ofneiall
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-27

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUS-Sr: Perhaps
II cyrus ncd will recollect that near Huntington.
Long Island. Nathan Hale Captain In the Continental
armv captured and executed. he will be induced to
the spot suitable monument that shall Tor.
ever make that place haowed ground.
In January 1855 select committee Of the House sub.
mti,d report In favor Of appropriation Of ODD for
the erection OF a monument to his memory No action
was taken In the matter however In 1877 the state Of
Connecticut granted ~ 30 and through the energy OF
the women assisted bv tho men VI Coventry. his native
town, the amount increased 10 some thing over
500 with this sum pile OF granite fortytwo cet IN
height was built and 50 TAR as know this column Cor
history b. crncuy silent the suhiccU all that per
pctuates the of who regretted that life was all
he had To- give for ms country. J. ~ bILL.
Conn. Dee
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-27

Two days after the election OF 1876 every
body conceded that Mr. TILDEN had carried
is4 electoral votes. and needed only one
more 10 insure his election. At the same
timo 1t was universally admitted that
HAYES had carried 163 electoral votes, or
twenty-five short Of the number requisite
10 elect him.
The twenty-five votes in dispute were
those Of Louisiana, Florida. South Carolina,
and Oregon. The Republicans have all
along asserted that soon after the election
these votes were offered for sale, and were
kept on the market for some weeks.
There is truth In this assertion; they iceye
offered for sale. But TILDEN did not get one
OF them, and HAYES got them all. Then.
which side bought them? Why, tho HAYES
side, OF course.
Men are sent to the pcnitentiary and even
to the gallows, every week, on testimony
no stronger than this.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-27

This shows that during the period OF the
subsidy intended TO foster our trade with
these countries tho percentage OF our ex-
ports thereto materially declined as COM
pared with the whole export trade OF the
country. These facts and figures might
have been advantagcously Incorporated in
Mr.. EvARTs's report.
Notwithstanding the fact that JONI
Roach and his friends seem 70 have cap
tured HAYES and EyARTs, subsidy mon
gers are not likely 10 be any more success
iul in the present Congress than they were
In tho last
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-27
Hayes and Evarts on steamship subsi
dies.


In transmitting TO the Senate Mr.. EvARTs's
report on the commercial relations between
the United States and South America,
Mr.. HAYES accompanies it with a
message strongly advocating Govern
ment aid, or steamship subsidies,
as means Of promoting and in
crcasing our South American trade. Mr..
EvABTs, as an argument in favor Of steam
ship subsidies cites In his report the exam
pie OF Great Britain, and attributes her pre-
dominance in the markets OF Central and
South America TO the provision OF regular
steam postal communication through aid
from the British Government.
The argument is fallacious. 1t would be
an afront to the intelligence OF the COM
mercial public to assume that they
think that the only thing needful for
the establishment Of larger and more profit
able trade relations with South American
countries is ocean steamship facilities
with or without subsidies; or, in other
words, that II we had but transportation,
there would be no lack Of trade.
Great Britain and other European coun
tries established steamship facilities with
South America TO accommodate an already
existing trade. not to create it. Commerce
usually follows capital, and England, as a
great centre of capital, attracts trade TO al
extent which, with those countries less
iavorably placed in that particular, is not tC
be expected. Most Of these South American
countries are heavy borrowers in the Lon
don money market We have an enumera
lion OF them, as follows, in the Londor
Investors Manual
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-27

The debtor, as matter Of mutual inter-
est, naturally trades with his creditor, and
rs the creditor in this case has so framed
his commercial policy as 10 encourage the
closest business relations with his debtor.
II would be surprising indeed II the result
was not what 1t Is.
There are many reasons why our COM
merce with South America should be so far
behind that Of European nations. The
trouble is not so much the lack Of steam
ships as the want OF cargoes. The CONNER
eial enterprise OF our people will in due
time assert itself without Treasury nursing,
Some years ago we tried the experiment
Of subsidlZing steamship lines, but that
policy OF itself never did and never will
bring us any foreign commerce worth
speaking or Take South America for OK
ample. The Brazilian subsidy was cstab-
lIshed In 1867 and terminated in 1876. In
1865 our combined exports 70 Brazil,
the Argentine Republic, Uruguay, and Nene-
zueIa amounted TO go per cent OF the total
exports of the United States. For the years
during which the subsidy was in operation
the exports TO the aforementioned States
supposed to be influenced by the grant, wer,
in the following ratios OF percentage com
pared with our whole export commerce