davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-30

MOVEMENTS TOWARD RELIGIOUS LIBERIf.
few items OF foreign news which have been
autographed during the last week have an I'M
portant bearing upon the religious life OF the
world. There Is, first, the accommodating evil
dence that tho False Prophet is causing serl-
ous disturbance among adherents OF the
Mahometan faith. Not only in the regions Of
the Upper Nile where his authority seems to be
acknowledged by oil Mahometans, but in the
greater part of Egypt and in other adjacent
lands, the victory of Ell Mahdi over force led
by Europeans has done much to strengthen the
belief that he is indeed the true prophet for
whose coming the children of Islam have
longed. The expected deliyerer, who was to
rouse the faithful to new crusade against in
Hdels Of every sort, and eventually conquer the
world to the true faith according to prophecy
was to be In many respects such person us HI
Mahdi Is, or Is believed to be, and to other
credentials he now adds the prestige of decisive
victory over an army led by Christians and sent
to subdue him. But, while his power has grown
so that some competent authorities believe a
considerable army would be required to arrest
his progress, the Sultan and the nominal head
of the Mahometan Church denOunce him as
an impostor, and call upon the faithful to resist
him. 1t is remembered, Of course, that large
portion Of the Moslem world has disputed the
authority of the present Sultan, as being not
the legitimate Caliph, and Of the present Sheik
of Mecca, as being mere creature Of inhdel
power and not the rightful representative of the
Prophet. This division among the faithful
renders the pretensions of Ell Mahdi dangerous
to the Sultan and to all who are welding power
derived from him, and 1t Is not without reason
that the Khedive, nominally IL not really his
representative, declares that he will abdicate
unless England at once takes measures to sup
press the False Prophet.
But England has other questions to face.
Lord Ripon, Viceroy of India, is said to have
arranged that bill for the disestablishment Of
the Church of England In India shall be intro
duced into Parliament. This brings into neon
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-30
IN OLD SUBJECT.

Wine ON New-Years Day-an old SUBJECT
savs the reader. SO il Is. But IS 1t any the less
imnortant because 1t has come up many years
before now and will do so for many years 10
comeP The habit Of reckless and indlscrlml-
r,,e Offering Of wine not only on Ncw-lcars
Day but on many other occasions is responsible
for a great deal of misery. This is not the view
~ atemnerance fanatics but of many who use
wine themselves, who offer 1t to friends wheh
they know there Is no reason why they shouiu
not do so. and who believe in wise enjoyment
~ all the pleasures in which re ned and cul-
tiyated people indulge themselves.
We have in mind now the case OF a young
man who was entertained at the mousse OF
friends belonging TO q gay, well-Dred circle as
far removed from tho atmosphere OF Blue KID
hon societies and Sunday evening temperance
meetings as could well be imagined. what was
their dsmny and grief TO find, two years later,
that the glass of wine taken mt their table hhu
been the means of sweeping the young man
hacl, into habits he had fought his way out OF,
and had been the beginning of two years
dohauch. leaving him fairly ruined man. ms
was startling to them. They had heard OF Such
things only in tracts and speeches, and II lhey
believed them, never did realize them. IL was
with sudden shock that this experience came
into their happy, unoycntful lives. IL taught
them lesson. How many of those who give
large parties, and make point OF generous
bospitality in furnishing wine and liquor to the
men. stop to think what habits they may be
belplpc to form among the boys and young
men The last Sunday of the year is not bad
Jov 70 think of some of these things, and the
first day of the New-Year will be a good day to
profit by such reflection.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-30
TIE Study OF MODERN LANGUAGEs

few days ago the question Of establishing
Modern Language "Trpos" or examination came
up in Cambridge University England, and the prop
Osition was defeated The majority against it,
however, was so slender that the friends of the
measure Co1fdent that they will before long
gain a victory. The incident marks great change
of sentiment in England on The subject of educa-
tlon Greek and Latin have long ceased to be re-
garded the sole basis of liberal education and
Cambridge University itself is the best possible
witness that mathematics at least must be consid-
cred level with the dead languages in the
scheme of modern education. Natural science too,
has gained firm and enduring footing both at
Cambridge and Oxford. But for some reason not
clearly discernible these great universities have
drawn the line sharply at modern languages,
and have declared that no degree shall
be conferred on those who engage in the
study Of the living tongues which may become most
valuable to them in later life. No good reason can
be urged for this course. Any study of practical
value which is large enough by itself TO take up
several years of a students life in mastering it de-
serves recognition by an institution claiming to be
a university. When a better view of education OBJ
tains in England, the present unwise policy will
doubtless be reversed, and the study of modern Ian
guages will take its place side by side with the
study of Greek and Latin.
While the study of the classics must still hold an
hOnOred place in all comprehensive schemes of edu-
cation, care must be taken to recognize the just
claims of other studies, many of which have
arisen into being during the last hundred
years The day is past if indeed ii ever existed,
when a merely classical education is of any great
value in the pursuit of wealth or fame liberal
education now must include not only such studies as
discipline the mind and improve the literary facul-
ties but also such will enable those who engage in
them to make their way IN the world with at least
| modest comfort. Although England stands among
the greatest commercial nations of the globe, there
is little or no provision made in her seats of learn
ing for the acquisition of modern languages neces-
sary in commerce This anomalous state of affairs
! cannot last much longer. II the great historic
universities shall refuse to offer facilities for their
study, other institutions will be established which
will more truly reflect the needs and desires of the
modern world. And 1t Is evident from the discus
sion of the modern language professors who have
been in session at Columbia College during the last
week, that in this country also the importance
Of the study of modern languages is fully appre-
/ ciated,
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-30
CASES OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY.

A curious case of mistaken identity has re-
cerftiy been recorded In THE TRIBUNE. A man
died some months ago in city hotel. The body
was identified by one John Brown as that of his
brother James. The Identification was assured
by reference to q certain peculiar scar on one Of
the supposed brothers legs. On examining the
corpse the scar vas found. answering the ds-
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-30
TWELVE PAGES.
THE NEWS THIS MORNING.

FoRFIGN.-A rumor yesterday stated that China
has withdrawn her troops from Bac-Nlnh' -
The forces of FL Mahdi are said to have divided
- Froncc bos been warned that England holds
claims for damages to property OF English suoeotS
On Madagascar. - Fears entertained In
France that Congress will make repriSals for pro-
hib,ting the Importation of pork - IL was
rumored that another American Cardinal would Oe
appointed. c-,.,,.
DoNysTIC.-Mr Shcard leads in the Speakershlp
contrast at Albany. - Smith NJ. Weed appeared
before the Senate Adirondack Committee. -
Governor Butler has explained his latest blunder
= Thomas II. Wheeler a New-Haven merchant
committed suicide - The Emma Bond case
will probably go to the jury on Monday.
- The races of the Louisiana Jockey Club
1ecan Yesterday. - The Allan Line Steamship
Company is to be sued by friends of Mrs. William
Henderson - Corn and wheat dropped In the
Chicago market. - Adam FOrepaugh has at
ranged TO buy a white elephant. - John Nc
gipnis. Philadelphia murderer, has been declared
insane 60 Refs Brothers & Co., Cincinnati,
have failed
Cry AND SUBURBAN-The estimates Of the
BOARD of Education and the Fire Department were
passed yesterday by the Board OF Apportionmeht
without being reduced. "A reorganization Oh
the Health Department was decided on 60 An
Italian was arrested on Athe charge OF extortmg
money from afellOw-countryman - The funeral
of Professor B. N. Martin took place. - An
action TO dissolve the Eclectic Medical College was
begun by the Attorney General. 80 The Rev. j.
G. Wood lectured on 1.-THE Mole. - Trouble
over church fair caused the resignation OF a
Staten Island rector. "A great many sleighs
were ont, and there was amile dash for pr zes. -
Gold value of Observation-Disclosures dollar (4lZ2
grains) 1914 cents. - Stocks generally were
dull some were active, with sharp declines, and all
closed weak.
THE WEATHER.-TRIBUNE local observations In
dicate clear and warmer weather. followed by in
ereasing coudiness and chances of rain late in the
day. Temperature yesterday: Highest, 49, low
est, 21S; average. 800.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-30

The Fire Department and the Board OF
Education are the only two municipal depart
ments whose estimates for next years expenses
have not been reduced by the Board of Esti-
mate and Apportionmcnt. Tho grant to the
Fire Department will meet general approval {:
but there will be some doubt about the wisdom
of giving the Board Of Education so enormous
a sum as four and half millions. Judging from
the comments of the members of the Board of
Estimate and Apportionmcnt, their vote does
not so much indicate confidence that the money
will be spent carefully and wisely as n determi-
nation to give the Commissioners of Education,
for once, all they want inst to sec what they
will do with it, Let US hope that the money
will all be judiciously spent. There are con-
sentative and economical Commissioners in the
Board who arc exerting an excellent influence
in favor Of wholesome and adequate primary in
struction. When they become entirely in the
ascendency there viii probably be little cause
for complaint.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-30
PERSONAL.

Bismarok's voluntary reduction of weight from
237 to 1915 pounds has materially improved both
his appearance and his health.
The forthcoming Congressional Directory will
state that Thomas p. 0chiltree. Of Galveston, "
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-30

Frank r. Sherwin, once of Wall Street who was
sentenced to two years imprisonment in the peni-
Tertiary on Friday, at Albany, seems TO have been
greatly surprised by the action of the court. His
counsel, Congressman Spriggs, is said to have
turned white with rage" Neither expected any
thing more than fine, which Mr.. Sherwin, who is
wealthy, was ready to pay. 1t is difficult to see
that Mr. Sherwin had any good reason for relying
upon the court for more merciful treatment than
poorer man might have received. Mr., Sherwin
was convicted one count, and then pleaded
guilty on Others Of contempt of court in not obey
ing a subpoena In the trial of Charles II. Phelps
the defaulter in the State Treasurers office. Prob
ably the explanation of Sherwin's failure to attend
was to be found in the dying statement of Phelps
read by Mr. Moak in the courtroom, in which the
defauter declared that 100000 out of the $780,
900 stolen by him went to Sherwin. 1t
has always been believed that there were
men surrounding Phelps who profted far
more than he did by his thefts. II the
Judge felt that the evidence was strong on this
point against Sherwin-and his remarks seemed to
show that he did-it is easy TO understand why he
felt under no obligation to treat Sherwin tendery
in sentencing him for a crime Of which II had been
found possible to convict him.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-30

The appetite Of the French for colonial pos
sessions grows by what it feeds on AT first 1t
was only the Kingdom of Anam which was
wanted when that was secured the Ministry
set their hearts upon part of TOnquin; now all
of Tonduin is demanded, and a covetOus eye is
cast toward the large and valuable islands
of the coast The capture of SOntay has turned
the heads of the French, if one may judge from
the expressions in the most respectable journals
in Paris which directly or indirectly express
official opinions. Already they are discussing
the amount~of indemnity which the Republic
shall demand of China for all the trouble the
Celestial Empire has caused. Meanwhile
the rest of the world looks on in wonder at such
folly Some observers even 90 so far as to ask II
NJ. Ferry and his colleagues are not really seek
ing a defeat which shall prevent the solidifica-
ton of the Republic.
General Butler is making the best of the short
time that is left him, to insult the people who
did not re-elect him Governor last Fall. In a
letter correcting the ridiculous blunder which
he made recently, when trying to show that an
embezzler whom he himself had pardOned, had
been set free by Governor Long, he INDUCES in
the most uncalled for abuse of his political OPP
ponents, and all respectable men. He insin-
yates as broadly as possible that most Sunday
school teachers and clergymen are hypocrtes,
and that if they'were in their proper places they
would be in prison. This is the kind of talk
which is popular among "smart young men
who lounge about liquor stores and other dis
reputable places. Probably they will be pleased
by il but nobody else will. The reputable
people of Massachusetts are to be congrat-
ulated that the Governor who thus insults
them has only two or three days more to serve
Affairs in Egypt daily become more compli-
Gated The Khedive consents to all reforms
proposed, but does nothing to enforce them
He even talks of Indicating his thrones and
the Mahdi marches toward KhartOum. Thus
everything points to the practical annexation OF
Egypt by England. This will give especial de-
light to the enemies Of Mr. Gladstone. The
Premier has steadily contended against the
selfish influences which, ever since Arabs re-
belhOn, have been exerted to prevent the full
flment of the promises which England made to
the world when British troops were sent to
Egypt; and he must be seriously embarrassed
by the present phase of the Egyptian question
Those of his enemies who anticipate the states
mans utter discontinue, however, are mis-
taken in their man. Mr.. Gladstone is too wise
to place his own will In opposition to that OF
the Nation If he yields to circumstance:
finally, the long and earnest struggle which he
has already made against them will only be the
more to his credit.
Free Traders will be deeply panied at the con-
dition of affairs in Holland. According to the
American Consul at Amsterdam, movement In
favor of protective tariff has been started by
the Holland Chamber Of Commerce and Manu-
facturers; and, what is worse, the representa-
dives Of all the industrial interests of the King
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-30

The figures given Of the settlement Of the judg-
mont obtained against the elevated roads by Major
Harold show what an excellent chance, as things
are now going, the lawyers have of inheriting the
earth The sum paid to Major Harold was $780,
283 1O-a good round sum TO get from a railroad
compapy for personal damages-and the sum which
the Major will have left when he has paid the
claims already pending against the money will be
lust S12, $40. The doctors have been comparative
lv moderate. Their bills are not expected to
amount, all told, to moro than $500. But one
lawyer Is to have $4,000, and another S7,740j
So 600 must DO paid for costs, and $5,032 must be
deducted which was advanced to Major Harold for
his support during the four years litigation. So
that at the end the lawyers get just much the
victim of the accident. We hope Major Harold
will not be so ungenerous or so unreasonable as TO
complain Of this.
Denis Kearney, the Sand Lots orator whose re-
cent attempt to start labor movement In this city
was wretched failure, has abandoned the political
arena and is at present engaged In the lucrative
employment of selling pies and kindred refresh
ments at Ocean Beach near San Francisco. Denis
seems to have hard time of it In finding out just
where his forte les Not satisfied with the dray
business which paid him handsome income, he
took ND the cry " The Chinese must co. and became
q Sand Lots ora or and labor agtator. For some
time he etwith success and had large following
but a year OF two ago he experimental sudden fall
IN popularity. Last summer, when IN New-York for
the purpose of founding worbingmen's party, he
was snubbed by his old supporters and given the
cold shoulder by the leaders and members Of all
labor organizations. After several unsuccessful
attempts to obtain a hearing from them, he ADAM
doned his mission, packed his grip-sack and
returned to his native heath When the profits
from the dispensing of pie and dOughnuts have
reached satisfactory figure, Denis will probably
like many other disappointed politicians open q
gorgeous liquor shop and make a bid for the FASH
ionable patronage of San Francisco.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-30

We have more light on the promises wmch
Mcssrs. Buckner and Bland are said to nave
given Speaker Carlisle in order to get places on
the Committees of Coinage, Weights and Meas
ures and Banking and Currency; and the
more light we have, the more apparent 1t Is that
these two willy Representatives must have de-
ceiyed the Speaker Mr. Buckner is reported
to be hard at work preparing bills opposed 10
the National Banking system as 1t exists
to-day; and Mr.. Bland makes the frank asser-
ton that he will not tolerate any bills to stay
the coinage of superfuous silver dollars. In
bis opinion what ought to be done to relieve
the Treasury of the present glut of silver is to
make the coinage unlimited, And yet Mr..
Carlisle says of these gentlemen: Neither OF
them will do anything hostile to the financial
interests of the country" Plainly, the Speaker
was deceived, or "hostile" does not mean to
him what it does to ordinary business men.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-12-30

dom, as well as the artisans and worklngmen'
heartily support it. Matters have reached such
a pass that petition has been presented TO tne
King asking for tariff, and declaring that
none of the promises of prosperity made when
the Free Trade policy was adopted have been
realized; but that, on the contrary, the pros
perity of the Kingdom has steadily declined un-
til now whole branches of industry have been
ruined" and Others are "tending toward total
decay" 1t is sad, very. These poor people
cannot. or will not, see that the prosperity
promised by the Free Traders was not the
prosperity of Holland; it was the prosperity OF
the world in general. Their blindness and their
love of self will, indeed, be highlp exasperating
to the apostles of Free Trade sweetness and
light
The Mineral argus., 1883-10-11
Personal NJ

Richard X. Fox, owner of the Police Ga.
zette, is but thirty five years old, and has
an income of $500, OGO a year. He started
ten years ago with 9 cash capital OF $40.
Mrs. Caroline Barrett, wife Of J.. E. Bar.
rett master Of the Howard Grammar school,
Cambridge. Mass committed suicides her
home recently by taking poison.
Miss Grey, the professional fat woman Of
New York, whose weight is5I9 Is was
married recentlv to Moses, the cigarette skel:
eton. The wedding was a big time.
A telegram from Shasta, Cal, announces
the death at hat place OF 8. S. Montague,
chief engineer of the Central Pacific rail.
way, aged torty-six.
Gen. Fairchild has given a portrait OF De
Soto, which he bought in Spain, to the
Wisconsin State Historical society.
Charles 3. P~ettingill, a promine Mt Cleve
land politician is dead. he was a revenue
collector under Hayes.
japanese prince hiss arrived at Quebec,
to join her maiesty's ship, Northampie on as
a midshipmsn.
The Mineral argus., 1883-10-11
RECORD OF

Thomas Bear. of WInslow township, jeff.
erson county, Pa, went out hunting a few
days ago. He not having returned . search
was made for him. His headless body was
found in the woods, three miles from his
home. His head and portions Of his breast
and shoulders were found in the brush
twenty-dv feet away from the body. A
short distance beyord where the body lay
a large tree bad been felled. The irunk
was chopped only half in two and was
spht mp for several feet. 1t was plsin that
Besr had been choppIng the tree down,
probably to secure q racOOn which he had
freed, when the runk split and one-half OF
1t hyinf up struck him in tke breast with
such force as to tear his bead and shout
ders from his body, n hnrl him to the
spot where be was found.
San Francisco Special.-The recent ex
plosion at the California Powder works,
situated near the Pinole mine, on the Cen
trial Pacific railway, took place in the mill
ling room. The cause will pr badly never
be known, as all those engaged, comprisi 2
forty { hinamen aud one white overseer.
were blown to atoms. scraps of bodies be-
ing picked up in different directions at a
distance OF fully a quarter ola mile from
the scene of the disaster. The only white
man killed gss the Ovetseer Of the mixing
room. This makes the third explosion In
these powder works. rec oned sm ing the
largest on the coast, employing twenty
white men and 125 Cinnamon.
While being towed out Of the river In
Chicago, on the 2sth inst, the large scboon-
er David Vance struck the abutment of the
Adams street viaduct. knocking a section
OF il sixty feet long of the pier 10 me
ground below, a distance OF twenty or tbir-
ty feet. A number Of persons and one ar
two horses went 10 En With il, and several
persons were severely, but hone dangerous
ly hurt.
A lew days ago John limbs, son of A
widow, was shot and instantly killed bv a
baby brother, in the town OF Ashford Wis
The older boy was preparing for a squirrel
hunt, and stood his gun in be corper
where the little boy got hold Of the weapon
and held 1t in such a position th when il
expsoded the charge blew the top of the
elder boys head of.
A part Of Davis inter ocean circus was
ditched on the Missouri Pacific, near Boon.
willie, Mo-, and a few DAYS AGO the hand
wagon and chariot demolished. Two horsss
were also hurt, and two employees. broth
ers, named Tn mas, were badly injured.
Loss 10 the circus about Sl5 600.
G. s. Titus, Of the 6rm Of Titus & Co. of
Brohdead' Wis, went to GAINESVILLE, Wis
on the 29Jh and obtained a contract to tar
the ROOT Of the cotton factory. About 2
be fell from the roof strikiDg ON
bis head and killing him almost instantly.
A balloonist named Prof Dockstader
was dangerously injured at Lancaster, Wis
several limbs being broken. by the collspae
Of his balloon when some distance nom Inc
The Leasdale Touring mills at Batavia.