davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23

they would have reached Franz Josef
Land, whose northern extremity has not
yet been located, and if making their
their way southwark over this ultima
thule they may have fallen in with Mr..
Leigh Smith, who promised last sum-
mer, before he left Peterhead in the
Ezra, to keep bright lookout for the
gallant De Long, for allowing that he
got to the pole, from which all points
are south, he may have made for the
northwestern extremity of the American
continent, which has been explored as
high as 80 degrees. With Mr.. Leigh
Smith at Franz Josef Land, Commander
Wadleigh at Spitzbergen, Lieutenant
Greedy at Lady Franklin Bay, Lieuten-
ant Ray at Point Barrow and Captain
Berry in the Rodgers rover to the
north of Siberia, all possible points
about the Arctic basin we're well covered
this summer. 1t is only TO be hoped
that some of these expeditions will have
better luck than the Alliance, whose
commander was not less anxious than
they to recover the gallant commander OF
the Jeanette and his companions.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
RsaCk-MaII.

A plot to extort valuable information from
Jay Gould by threatening him With assassina-
ton eliminated In the arreat Of Colonel J.
Avenue, New York. who is now under guard in
the police headquarters, to prevent him from
committing suicide. The first letter was sent a
month ago. and announced that by the will of
God the life of Gould would be taken within
SIX days. Gould offered to pay the salaries of
fifty lelter-carriers for one dav, to keep an eye
On the letter-boxes in a certain district. and
Postmaster General James consented. With
this force and fifty-six detectives, Inspector
Byrnes put two men at each letter box on the
13th,-a carrier familiar with Welles' hand
writing, to open each box as letters were de-
posted, and an officer to seize the culprit. At
P M. a tall gentleman with a cane posted a
letter a the corner of Seventh Avenne and
Thirty fourth Street. A carrier opened the box
soon afterward, raised his hat as a signal, and
the chase was over. The missive was the
twenty fourth Welles had written.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
CONCERNING CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.

In fit of righteous indignation over
the bungling work made by the official
who superintendent the hanging of a
prisoner named King, at Plattsburg, N.
Y, recently, the Troy Times advocates
the appointment In states where capital
punishment is in vogue, of regular ex-
ecutioner, as is the custom in England,
whose duty it will be to put to death all
criminals convicted of q capital offense.
The writer holds that so long as such
terrible duties are left for inexperienced
sheriffs to perform, SO long will the gal
lows remain means of needless torture
instead of an instrument of speedy death
for condemned criminals. The Roches-
ter Union pronounces the gallows relic
of barbarism and suggests that the vic
tim be put to death by being locked up
In a close room away from morbid sight
seers and asphyxiated with carbonic
oxide gas, in the same manner superfuous
CANNES are disposed of in large cities.
Death, under these circumstances would
be almost painless and instantaneous.
ANY suggestion looking toward the pre-
vention of needless torture to criminals
condemned to death will meet with favor
from all humanitaIians.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
Heavy sSObberieS.

A package containing $8, 900 was stolen from
the express Office in Grayling, Mich, on the
night of the 18th inst The package was des-
tined for the county treasurer, and when given
to the station agent was specially mentioned as
valuable, but he put it on the platform with
the other parcels, and discovered the following
morning that it was gone.
While the treasurer of founding institute
was on his way to bank at Moscow, Russia, on
the 18th inst, he was robbed OF 10000 rou-
bles.
Near Laredo, Mexico, on the night of the
18th, masked men overhauled a stage, robbing
the mails and the seven passengers.
The Biddle Market Savings Bank, at St.
Louis, was robbed of $4,000 by party of fonr
cunning thieves, three of whom completely
absorbed the attention of the officers and en-
ployes.
Some time since Jesse Baldwin, of Youngs-
town, o., created q sensation by appearing at
the treasury department at Washington and
demanded gold for S17 00G IN bonds Baldwin
was taken in charge by police officers, who
guarded him until he was safe out Of the dis
trict with his lucre. About 8 o'clock the
morning of the 18th burglars entered the
Baldwin reaidence at Youngstown, and robbed
the safe containing the treasure. Three shots
were fired after the thieves, but they escaped.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
Tragicah 8Jps.

In Greenup County, Ky. on the night Of the
18th inst, Allen Richards married Mrs Burke.
aud large party gathered to celebrate the
nuptials. During the evening Samuel Burke,
sou Of the bride, and his new stepfather got into
an alteration, when Burke was shot by Rich
ards, and is in a very critical condition. The
bride refused to accept her sons slayer as her
husband, and after the lively wedding the par
ties separated
negro barber named Jones fatally shot his
wife during domestic quarrel at Grand Rap
ids, Mich, on the night Of the 18th inst. Jones
was arrested.
Patrick Hurley, trucker in Armour & Co. s
packing house, Chicago, was murdered on the
18th inst, by James O'Shaughnessy. fellow
workman, who struck him on the head with q
bung-starter.
The body of Miss Ellen Kessner, pupil of
Engelwood Ga Chicago suburb) normal school
was found near the Wabash railroad on the
18th in a horribly mangled condition. The
theories of suicide while temporarily insane or
accidental death are generally accepted by Miss
Kessner's friends
At Scandal, Kan. DR.. w. H. Woodward was
MORALLY shot by J. G. Humphrey, editor Of the
Telescope. The affray grew out of local
political contest, and there are threats of
lynching.
George Park shot, at Charleston, W. Va. on
the 18th inst, his half brother. Henry Rey-
nolds, from the effects of which he died. The
shooting took place at their home.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
Worse Than a Bull in a China Shop.

John Taphore and his wife, who keep
a saloon In Cincinnati, were aroused from
their slumbers the other night by what
seemed to be an authentic announce
ment that the world was coming to an
end instanter The floor sank and their
bed gave way, weird and uneartEly
shrek resounded in their ears, bell
began to toll solemnly just behind the
footboard, huge volume of smoke and
steam rolled over them, a miscellaneous
din tortured their ear-drums, and the
whole situation indicated nothing less
appalling than the crack of doom. After
waiting moment for their own particu-
lar summons they gained courage to get
up and investigate, when thty found that
a freight engine had run off the track
and into their saloon, where It was at
that moment standing, very much IN
need of refreshments, with the smoke
stack shamelessly thrust up through the
ceiling into the proprietor's bedroom.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23

for President Arthur, has rendered his reslgna-
ton, to take effect December ], or as soon
thereafter as may suit the Presidents conven-
ieuce. 1t was President Arthur's desire that
Brown should continue to occupy the place
during the remainder of his administration,
but, at the request of Mrs. Garfield, Brown has
undertaken to prepare for the biographer the
papers, letters and literary remains of the late
presi ent. and he finds it necessary to devote
to this work more time than he could consist
emily give it, occupying his present position.
Lionel Sackvile Wesr, the new British minis
ter, presented his credentials to President
Arthur on the 14th inst.
The President accepted Attorney General
MacVeagh's resignation on the 18th inst. The
employees of the department called upon him
and made official farewells, and he turned the
department over to the charge of Solicitor
General Phillips, Who will be acting attorney
general until an appointment is made.
The arguments in the Star route cases at
Washington, on the motion to quash the crimi-
nal information, were concluded ON the 9th
inst. and next morning Judge Cox rendered
his decision, granting the motion, and General
Thomas j. Brady and bis CO. conspirators were
discharged. The judge decides that the pre-
Hmlnary proceedings for the prosecution ought
properly 10 have been in the nature of an in
d1ctment, instead of information. This will
probably end the proceedings, unless the prose
cutting attorney at Washington shall have the
accused indicted by the next grand jury, not
outstanding the protestation of some of the
lawyers that the statute of limitations is a ban
to their indictment
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
M0THHR,FV.

Lanson G. Curtis, of Columbus, O., CORE
spondent of the Chicago Times, the New York
Herald and agent of the Western Associated
Press. died on the 18th, aged Sc, of Brights
disease.
George Law, the well-known New York
capitalist, IS dead. He started in life with $40
and leaves an estate worth several millions.
John Simpson, of the old firm of Simpson
Bros, pawnDrokers doing business in New
York city, died on the 18Th inst. aged II. He
leaves an estate valued at $500. OO0. He was a
native of England, and arrived1n New York with
q single pound sterling in his pocket.
FL. Y. Redfeld, Washington correspondent of
the Cincinnati Commercial, died at Washington
on the 18th inst, of he1norrhage of the lungs.
Redfield had been seriously troubled IN this way
for some time, and since last spring had been
unable to attend to his duties.
Capt. William Henderson, one of the celebr1-
ties Of the upper Mississippi River, died at his
home in Rock Island, of Bright's disease, aged
IS. He leaves property estimated at from
$125,O00 to $4,000 to his two children who
are minors.
James L. Ridgely died at Baltimore on the
16thinst., aged 80years. He was corresponding
and recording secretary of the grand lodge of
Odd Fellows from 1912 to the time Of his
death.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
Shipwreck.

The schooner Enterprise capsized off PARIS
boro, n. S., and three men were lost in en-
deavoring to reach the shore in a boat. The
vessel was towed into Parrsboro next day.
The British bark Edith Lorne was wrecked
on the Columbus bar on her way to Portland,
Oregon, on the 18th. She was trying to cross
the bar outward without a tug, under the pilot
age of Capt Woods. She is bark OF 800 tons
burden: William Watts, master; was loaded by
Gibson, Church q Co., with $4,000 centals of
wheat, and valued at 544, 900.
Barge Number II, of the st. Louis and Mis-
sissippi Valley Transportation Company. which
was in tow of the tug Oakland, sank fifty miles
above New Orleans on the night of the 18th. 1t
contained 958 bales of cotton, and 80, 900 BUSH
els of corn. The cargo was valued at STE, 1000.
The cotton will be saved in damaged condi-
ton.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
a Town DeSfr0Vad.

A violent storm on the Goth of October, COM
pletely destroyed the town of Nanzanilla. The
gale commenced at 1870 P. NJ, and blew with
great violence for twenty-four hours. In port
at the time were the British ship Alenwiok Cas-
tie. of London the American bark James B.
Bel Of San Francisco; the American schooner,
Therese of San Francisco; the schooner AGA
pulco, of Manzanllla, and the American bark
Antioch, of San Francisco. Of these, all
were lost except the Antioch, which, after be-
ing driven on shore, was got off, although in a
leaky condition. The Alenwick Castle, the most
town was leveled to the ground, houses, huts
and storehouses overturned and blown to frag-
ments. Every launch and lighter in the bay
was driven on shore and broken up. The loss
is estimated at over $500, 900, independent of
the value of the shipping destroyed.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
WHERE IS THE JEANNETTE ?

OF the many problems engaging the
attention of scientists and explorers, that
Of the frozen north seems TO the lay
mind to have received more attention
than the most promising results warrant:
but the lives and property already sacri-
feed seems to have no deterrent influence
upon doughty navigators, else the many
search parties now III the ice packs
of the Arctic sea would be at home
amid civilized surroundings. o. the
latest "missing" explorers on the Jean
nette a correspondent with the United
States ship Alliance, writes: If the
Jeanette party made their way across
the pole from Wrangell Land and came
out anywhere between the longitude OF
Greenwich and % degrees east we would
have been able TO bring back some news
of them. That we have none to report
is no proof that they may not have made
their way across, in another direction.
Surprising that the Jeanette had made
her way north along the Hypothetical
coast line of Wrangell Land and that
when the ship became useless for further
progress the party continued the same
course on sledges, and having arrived al
the pole continued on a due southerly
course on the same great circle, they
would have reached Spitzbergen some
where about the fifteenth degree OF east
longitude and we would have met them.
This supposition as to the course of the
party is valid one in many respects, as
can be shown by glance at the circum-
polar charts. If the party reached the
pole ii would be about five hundred miles
shorter for the party to make south to
Spitzbergen, where they were sure oil
finding whalers and walrus hunters.
than TO return to Wrangell Land.
where the chances cf getting back to
civilization are very slim. From the
pole to the north coast of Spitzbergen is
about 600 miles, while from the
same point to Herald Island,
near which tue Jeanette was
last seen, the distance is about 1000
miles. Surprising, however, that the
party deviated to the eastward of the
great circle that runs across the pole and
through Herald Island and Spitzbergen,
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
PRIMARY ELECTIONS.

A recent issue of the Penn Monthly
contained an article suggesting a reform
i'll the system of nominating delegates
to political conventions. The writer
holds that when, through the machina-
tions Of ingenius and unprincipled men,
the majority of any political party are
prevented from placing in nomination
the candidates of their choice, the liberty
of the people is invaded by those per-
sons who have accomplished a perver-
sion of the elective franchise. Either
the primaries are carried by the "pack-
ing" process or the delegates chosen are
subsequently manipulated by self-con-
stituted political "bosses." The Penn
writer argues that the primary is the
cornerstone of all that is corrupt in
politics, for the wrongfully- chosen minor
officer elects those who hold more re-
sponsible positions. The legislature
elects the senator, and city councils
make up the roster of municipal officials.
Thus politics degenerate into trade,
and the study of the ofice-holder is to
please the gang that elected him and not
the people whose servant he is. The
remedy suggested by the writer is a di-
rect vote for the candidates, leaving the
people unfettered in their choice and re-
sponsible for the nominees on their
ticket. To the objection that there
would be large scattering vote and that
no candidate would receive majority
on the first ballot, and that second one
could not be taken, the writer argues
that by placing the candidates who re-
ceived the largest number Of votes in
nomination the will Of the people wouls,
be as well expressed as at present
where delegates are compelled to make
a second choice In convention. The
proposed plan is not devoid Of merit; it
certainly would decrease the ormy of
'lackers y who play such havoc with
calculations on election results.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
The Power of the Press

One of the old-time editors of Michi-
gan (says the Detroit Free Press was
Boosting the other day that he had neve
been sued for libel or attacked i'll his
sanctum, but he could recall many mar
row escapes. Twenty-Five years ago he
was running red-hot paper on the line
of the Michigan Central Railroad. A
man named Carson, who was running
for some county Office, was given a bad
racket: and the editor received a note
that, If he had anything more to say, he
might expect to receive good pounding.
He had still more bitter attack the next
week, and the paper was hardly mailed
before III walked Carson, the candidate,
accompanied by brother and two cou-
sins. The four were strapping big fell
lows, and each was armed with horse
whip. The two compositors and the
"devil y got out with all speed, leaving
the editor with no support. He realized
the situation at once, and began:
Walk in, gentlemen. Ipresume you
have come to horsewhip me %
eve have" they answered.
every well. Have you thoroughly
considered this matter 2"
'EIt does not need any consideration,
replied Carson. fYou have lied about
me, and I'm going to whip you within
an inch OF your life!''
''Just SO, my friend, but first hear
what | have to say. Did you ever hear
of the press being stopped because the
editor was cowhided %
(" [ dunno"
"Well, you never did. Lick me all
you choose, and my paper comes out
week after week all the same. The pow
er of the press is next to the lever which
moves the universe. It makes or breaks
parties, builds up or tears down, plants
or destroys. Aggravate the editor, and
the press becomes a sword to'wound and
kill Woliop me If you viii, but next
week I'll come out more bitter than
ever"
There waa an embarrassing silence
right here, and the face Of each horse
whipper had an anxious look.
{" It will go out to the world-to Eng
land, America, Canada, France-aye,
clear to Jerusalem thatthe Carson fam
j ohnny-cake; that they stole dog from
blind man; that they murdered ped
der; that the women are club-footed,
that the men work their ears when they
sing; that"
"What is the regular subscription
price to the Herald % interrupted Car
son.
"Only twelve shillings year.
"Put us four down."
every well-six dollars that's cor
rect Run in and see me, all of you,
and, if any of you want to see any OF my
Detroit exchanges, shall be only too
glad to serve you.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
Washington Gossip.

The President has said that he did not intend
to have any one appointed to office unless his
full record, showing fitness, WAS known. On
the other hand, it Vas bis purpose not to make
removals except for cause, and not until the
officer interested received full notice of the
charges against him and had been given proper
time to make answer to them.
The postoffice department has issued an or
der that section I'll of postal regulations pro-
viding for the redemption of postal cards that
may be spoiled VI lille i'll the hands of private
parties by printing or otherwise, be revoked, to
take effect on the LIST of February 1882. After
that date postmasters must not redeem postal
cards under any circumstances whatever. In
order to obtain credit for cards redeemed up to
the date named, postmasters should forward
them TO the department before the 31sG OF
March, 1892 after which no allowance of credit
for the redemption of postal cards will be
made.
The treasurer Of the Garfield memorial hos
pital announces that the contributions to that
object now amount to $40, 00C, and assurances
a1e received from ali parts of the country that
this sum will shortly be increased by large ad-
ditional subscriptions.
j. Stanley Brown, private secretary of the
late President, and acting III similar capacity
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
OUR PROPOSED NEW NAVY.

The naval advisory board, on reor-
ganizing the navy, has submitted it's re-
port to the secretary of the navy. The
board found that we have only twenty
one ships of war which are neither now
efficient Or worth repairing. In regard
to the need OF new ships, the board
takes the position that in order to put
the navy upon proper footing It is nee
cessary to build at once forty-one ships
of various classes, as follows: Two yes
sells of $500 tons displacement, able to
steam fifteen knots at sea; six vessels OF
1900 tons displacement able 20 steam
fourteen knots; thirteen vessels Of $500
tons, capable of thirteen knots, and
twenty gun-boats, capable of making ten
knots, each of no tons. The material
recommended for the gunboats is wood;
for all the rest the board decides upon
steel shells covered with wood and
sheathed with copper. The idea is to
have navy of swift iron cruisers, it be-
ing thought best to defer, for the pres
ent, the building Of ironclads. The con-
structiOn OF this latter class has been so
rapidly changing of late that decision
may well be delayed until the navy is
provided with ships of class more
needed for ordinary service. All of the
ships the construction of which the
board recommends are of a little heavier
tonnage and are stronger than the core
spending class of vessels in any other
navy. Their rate is also little faster,
and they will carry guns little heavier
than those now used on ships of CORE
spending grades in the best foreign
navies. These ships are TO be fitted for
full sailing power, and all are to carry
six days coal for full steaming. It is
estimated by the board that the time of
constructing this new navy, including
the repair and re6tting OF such as are
worth it of those now on hand, will be
eight years. The cost is estimated at
S31 ,000. 600. and the navy would then con-
sist of sixty-two vessels OF all kinds.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
Railway WrRcIxa

Fifteen passengers were injured by the fall
ing of a train through trestle bridge across
creek Oh the Pekin division of the Wabash,
four miles from Springfield, ILL.,, on the 18th
inst. The bridge was eighty feet long and
twenty feet high. Recent rains had weakened
the supports, and the bridge gave way beneath
the weight of the train. A passenger car was
left suspended at at an angle of forty-tive de-
grees, supported by timbers. None of the pas
sengers were killed, but fifteen were more or
less injured.
One man was instantly killed and five badly
crushed by the upsetting of flat cal of de
rallied construction train on the Canada South
ern road. near San Diego, CAL, on the 10Th.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1881-11-23
Work of the Flames.

While the steambarge Middlesex was lying al
L'Anse, Mich, on the 18th inst, she caught
fire and burned to the waters edge. The
steamer valued at $4,000. Nc insurance.
The asylum for feehle-minded at Columbus,
O., was destroyed by fire on the 18th. The
pupils, numbering GA, were safely removed
from the burning structure. Loss over $780,
QUO.
Fire at Picton, Ont, on the 18th inst, de
stroyed the st. Lawrence Hotel. Masonic Hall
and smaller buildings. Loss $4,000; insured
for 313, 600.
KlmbalIs mill in Pascoag, r. l.. burned on
the 18th, with some adjoining buildings. Loss
about $4,000 insurance, 100000.
A fire at Capetown, South Africa. destroyed
property to the amount of $4,000
The Clark House, Duluth, Min, was destroy,
el py fire GU the 18th inst. Loss about 1926, 900
insurance $4,000.
The cotton mills at Merton, Ont, burned Oh
the 14th inst. Loss $45, 900.
The dwelling of James Lagure, at North
Ferrisburg, VT, burned on the 10th inst, and
two children persisted.