davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
The Play Writers.
And the Way Their Plays suffer.
lN.x. Letter to Boston Adverti.erl

N.X, Letter to Boston Advertiser)
The other day, having attended rehear-
sal at one of the theatres, with some knowl-
edge of the play as originally prepared,
was struck by The extraordinary changes
and curtalment it had undergone in being
fitted to the stage. was not in the least
surprised at this, for vas we'll aware of
the mutilation that most pieces suffer before
presentation to the public. Outsiders are
apt to think that there is very little differ
ence between a drama as written and dra-
ma as acted. Novices in authorship are
also inclined to the opinion; but their first
experience rud-ly awakens them from their
pleasant delusion. They may have been
prepared for some retrenchment, some tech
nical alterations, some intensifying OF dia-
logue. But when they see some of their pet
passages, which they have worked over day
and night, ruthlessly expunged, whole
scenes rejected, new acts substituted, the
child os;theirs cut and carved out of all rec
ognition. they would be more than mortal,
and far less Than literary, if their tortured
self-l0ve did not scream with pain. They
usually protest; then get angry ard storm,
and finally submitting 10 The inevitable,
make oath that they will never write anoih-
er piece.
An author is not compelled to yield to
this oismemberment of his production. If
he insists on its integrity, he may withdraw
il. Henry James was unwilling hat his
Daisy Millrr," converted into comedy.
should be changed in the slightest from the
form in which he had cant it, and the Mad
son Square theatrs consequently refused IT.
de afterwards, as you remember, published
IL IN he Atlantic, and so proved to his read
ers that 1t never could have been acceptably
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
POSTAL MATTERS.
Rspor, Of Chief Of division j. G. sn,it


WAsH1NeToN, Feb. 10.-James G. Smith,
chief of division in the office of the Audi
tor OF the Treasury for the Post Office Depart
ment, who was detailed to examine into the
postal methods and accounting of the govern
ments of England, France, Switzerland and
Germany, has presented his report. OF the
$4,000 pest offices of this country 4l 800 derive
their entire revenue from the sale of stamps.
Mr.. Smith recommends the disconiinuaDce of
direct accounting with postmasters, and sup
plying them with limited stocks of stamps ON
credit and requiring them to purchase at
designated money order office in their viclnity
all required thereafter, and at such supply
offices they would receive compensation and
authorized expenditures
When postmaster went out of Office his
successor being advised of the amount of the
stamp credit, would know what 10 demand,
and delipquencies would thus be known witn-
out waiting for the tedious processes of finally
stating the late postmaster's account. The re-
suit wonld be that the responsibility of sure
ties would be more exactly measured and the
penalty on bonds smaller. The remaining
postmasters should account monthly direct to
this office. With quarterly accounting the
Postmaster General cannot be Informed OF the
receipts and disbursements for the first half OF
the fiscal year until the last quarter has COM
menced; and the liabilities under his control
lor the entire year have therefore been in
CURED. With monthly accounting q could
be advised of the revenue and expendi itures
within thirty days from the expiration of each
month. The work of posting and stating the
general post office accounts, now requiring 80
clerks, would be dispensed with, am the duty
Of verifying half dozen transcripts of stamps
cancelled monthly or quarterly would not add
appreciAbly to the labors of postmasters.
A return to fixed salaries ould sill further
reduce the labor of q postmaster. The COM
plaiuts under that system arose not so much
from defects 10 the law as in its indesirabiity.
AS to the practicability of extending the
benefits of the money order system TO Al 800
smaller post offices, Mr.. Smith says: Zone
form in which it might partially be done bias
occurred to me by furnishing, as stamps are
furnished fractional notes of convenient de-
nominations less than 81, PAYABLE at their face
value at any money order office thirty days af-
ter date stamped thereon when sold by the is
suing postmaster, and after such date to be re-
deemable at Washington at fixed discount.or
to be- absolutely void, thus keeping it out of
general circulation. This note would be issued
without lee, being simply substitute for
stamps in remitting. Whether snch note
might not be found a full substitute for the
postal note is worthy OF consideration. The
security of money order offices would prevent
the proposed notes from being used for large
sums, and thus reducing the revenue"
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
WENDELL PHILLIPS.
Meeting Held in New York Yesterday
what the London Press Say of I'll inn.

New York, Feb. 10.-A large meeting was
held this afternoon by the New York abolition
union in the Presbyterian church in honor of
Wendell Phillips The pulpit was adorned
with a large tablet of flowers bearing portra t
o. Mr.. Phillips. The proceedings were OPEN
ed with prayer by Rev. Charles Ray (colored)
an auti-slavery worker over fifty Years ago.
aud addresses were made by Rev Edward
Beecher and Mr.. Hamilton Wilcox, vice presi-
dedt of the American anti-slavery society un-
der Mr.. Phillips presidency. A letter was
read from Hon John JOY and Rev Phoebe A.
Hanaford Sinclair Soussey, G. G. Leigh, Sallie
Holly, Hezekiah ID. ~harpe, Rev. Anna Oliver
and many old abolitionisys were present. Res
olutions of regret and sympathy with Mrs.
Phillips we're passed and a very deep feeling
generally shown.
NEW YORK, Feb. 10.-The Tribune's Lon
don correspondent says: The London papers
published full accounts of Wendell Phillips'
illness, death and funeral. There were many
just eulogies though they were not always ac-
curste in facts. The Times misiudges Mr..
Phillips supposed hostility to the South and
makes mistakes on other points of his bistory
II censures some aims of MIR. Phillips later
life but says that the American Republic has
lost in him one of its most remarkable citizens,
and its most brilliant anti-sfavery orators, a
man of whom any people might be proud
The d lily News describes him as essentially
man of an heroic order belonging to the mar
tyr age of American freedom and thinks that
Americans even of the present day can but
partly appreciate the courage of men like Mr..
Phillips, and Americans have re easons to rejoice
that such men have been among them There
are many other similar public tributes and
many private letters.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
Teemer and Coniey.

Articles of agreement for the Tsemer-C Conley
race have not yet been signed. Saturday Con-
ley received the articles he had forwarded to
Teemer, and discovered that they were nm
signed. Accompanying the first set was a
draft of new articles signed by Teemer, in
which Pullman. ILL.,. is named as the scene
of the contest aud the Chicago Sporting jour
nal the stakeholder. Conlry is anxious to get
OH race, and will go as far as Pullman to get
one with Teemer, but there are some points
10 the articles which call for consideration,
and the Portland sculler will have made up
his mind about them by Monday or Tuesday,"
The boat which W. W. Ruddock OF Boston
has finished for Teemer is S1i feet long, 5 Z 8
inches deep in the middle, III inches beam,
u inches deep aft, IL inches deep forward
and weighs 27 IL pounds, fully rigged. The
spread of the outriggers is 56 inches, and the
slideis % inches long, Or two inches longer
than Hanlan's slide.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
THE PEOPLES CHURCH.
Dedication of Rev. y. w. Hamslton's 4
Church i'm Boston Description of the
Elegant Edifce.

BosToN, Feb. 10 The dedication of the new
Peoples church. (Methodisl), at the corner of
Columbus Avenue and Berkeley St., began to-
day. Services held morning, afternoon and
evening and at each service large audience
were present. Bishop Simpson of Philadel-
phia preached in the moroing, Joseph Cook in
the afternoon and the pastor j. w Hamilton
in the evening. An elaborate musical pro-
Crane was provided at each service. Preach
ing services will bs held every evening this
week at which 40 or 80 elergymen will assist
The building has been built at a total coast of
Sf04, 900. Nearly $4,000 of which has been
contr buted in small sums but over 40 600 snb-
scribers and there now remaius debt OF S42 :
600 on the land. The indebtedness will be
greatly reduced dursng the coming week The
building is of brick and its interior handsome
" finished in oak and ASH is finely freseoed
and has seating capacity OF about 2500 The
chapel will seat 700 more and when required
the two rooms can be thrown into one, Their
are no psws, the seats being orchestra chairs
which will be free to all. A handsome win
dow is 10 be placed in the Columbus Avenue
side of the church by Eben Jordan to Hon.
John NJ. Clark in memory of the late Bishop
Haven.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
STRUCK BY AN ICEBERG.
The steamer Noting Hill Abandoned in
Mid Ocean-Rescue of the Crew.

The Steamer Noting Hill Abandoned in
Mid Ocean-Rescae of the Crew.
New YORK, Feb. 10.
The steamer State of Nebraska from Glas-
gov, which arrived at New York yesterday as
on board the crew of steamer Nottinghill, Lon
dor for New York which foundered at sea.
New YORK. Feb. 10 10-Captain Bennett, of
the steamer Noting Hill, reports: Left Lon
don January 10Th with general cargo and at
crew of go men. On February ID, at 9 p. m.
fell in with field of ice and slowed ship. At
11.55 p. M, ship going dead slow, was struck
by an iceberg on the port side near the bridge;
the berg returning was struck again near the
engine room, s.aving two big holes into which
the water poured rapidly, putting out the fires.
Put canvas over the holes to stop the leak
and let the vessel drift To keep the canvas
in place jettisoned all the after cargo. Got out
of the ice Sunday. Sd. On the same day, at 3
p. NJ, large three-masted steamer with
black funnel, bound west, passed us, and al
though we had signals of distress flying she
went by without taking any notice of US. On
the 5tb, in lat. 10th, Ion. 1920, fell in with
steamship State of Nebraska, which laid by
until we put off in our boats. We had eighteen
feet of water in the hold when we
abandoned the Noting Hill. She was four
years old, 1926 tons burden, hailed from Liver
pool, aud was owned by the Twin Screw
Steamship Company.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
Very Good y.r,,.

New HAVEN, Feb. 10.-Professor Warren of
Dover, N D., i'll q lecture yesterday told re-
remarkable story concerning John Hancock,
one of the signers of the Declaration OF Inde-
pendence, who he stated was under an indie :
ment for smuggling $4000 900 worth of liquor
into the colonies. A friend of The eCtur.
was approached not long since by descendants
of H"ncock 10 gather material and tn wrie
history of Hancock's life. The material was
collected and read, when members OF the
family mediately offered the rter $1,000
to baud over the work and not make further
investigation. The writer took the money
and the book was never issued.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
Failures.


The Boston Journal announces the following
failures in Maine:
N. b. Lans grocer, Scarboro, has been at
tached for $400
j A Macurda, stoves and tinware, Wscas-
set. has been att iched.
Henry W. Csry. manufacturer of potash,
Jefferson, has been attached.
j. E. Jenks, Great Chebeague Island, has
been attached.
Perry & Flint, wholesale fruit and canned
goods, Portland, have assigned to @. P. Mat
tocks.
Brunell q Co., stationery, etc, Portland, will
al asss t. 81, $40.
L. E. Gordon, general store, Winn, Is COM
promising at 80 cents on 81.
w. H. Pennell, gas fixtures, Portland, will
settle i0 insolvency.
f. b. Parcher, gsteral store and grist mill,
Saltwater, Bah, is compromising at 20 cents
ON 81
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
A Chinaman Who Cannot Become al
Au,ericun s'stixou
ANOTHER CONFESSION.
The Townsend and maybee Murders i'm a
New Eighs.

New YoRK, Feb. 9-After his examination
as witness at Coroner Baylis' inquiry into the
Townsend outrage at Oyster Bay, Charles H.
hugg (the colored man who is now alleged to
have committed that crime, aud the murder
OF Mrs. and Miss Maybee, at Brookville), while
Detective Wood that he alone assaulted and
robbed the rownsends. Rugg's confession
will enable District Attorney Fleming to
grant the request of John Tappan's Counsel
that Tappan be admitted to bail 1t is thought
prooaole tha' Edmund s. Taprau, who made
a confession duplicating himself and brother
John IN the Maybee murders, will also be re-
leased on bail next week, the evidence thus
far discovered showing his statements to be
without foundation.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
MASSACHUSETTS.
The SONS of Veterans, Convention,

LYNN, Feb. 9-At meeting OF tue national
comnitiee of the Sons Of Veterans, held III this
CITY last evening, eleven members were pres
eht 1t was voted to hold the nstioaal con-
ventioa III New York city, February 22d, and
to extend an invitation To the New York de-
partmsnt 10 be present with the view of con-
soiidaton. The officers will be chosen at this
convention. Provisional departments of the
CT Ter have been formed in Nebraska and Illi-
nois, and applications for provisional depart
ments in Indiana and Iowa.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
WHILE DEFYING CAPTURE.
imenlt Shot of an ex-Confederate
shnrpsh otter lust i'm the Nick of Time

imcnIt Shot of an ex-Confederate
shnrpsh otter lust i'm the Nick of Time
SAVANNAH Ga, Feb. 9.-Oa Thursday
morning, Jacob WorEhington, weslh by
farmer of Madison, Fla, awoke to find that
during the night his two children, team of
horses and $500 in money had been stolen.
Suspicion pointed to laborer, whose wherea-
bouts search fsiled to reveal. Collecting an
armed band, Worthington started in pursuit,
and upon arriving at Boston, Ga, late at
night, learned that the kdnapper had passed
through there with his plunder just a few
hours before. Hard riding overlook the fugi-
tive yesterday afternoon at a gorge on the
banks of tie Chattahooche. The kiduapper
drew his revolver aud threatened to kill the
first man who approached. Several shots
were exchanged without effect. The kidnap-
per then placed the children between himself
and his pursuers, threatening to kill them if
further molested. While he was delivering his
haraDgue, Mr. Oxendine, an ex-Confederate
sharpshooter, pressed bis rifle to his shoulder
aud shot the desperate dead The children
snd horses vera recovered, but the money has
not been found,
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
Erapcis p1u,pbv in Ros,ou.

Since Francis Murphy, the famous temper
snce orator, who is at present conducting se-
ries of gospel temperance meetings at Grace
church, on Temple street, Boston, arrived in
that city week ago Sunday evening, intend
ing to remain but one week, he has met greet
success. The meetings are still held every
evening, end hundreds are turned away night
ly, after all available space in,ide the church
has been taken. Already $500 people have
signed the pledge, and Mr.. Murphy is to re-
maiu at least another week. Rev. Mr.. Bolton,
pastor of Grace church, has enthusiastically
secon ded the Efforts Of the reformer.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
A SERIOUS JOKE.
Result of "a "Funny'' Incident of the Mon
treaI Carnival.

ALBANY, N. Y Feb. 9.-The telegram re-
ceived yesterday by Speaker Sheard, announc-
ing the arrest of Hon. q. Donohue in Montre-
al, for having mysterious box in his possess
sion, is regarded as a joke. AT frst it was
thought there might be some truth in the re-
port, from the fact that Donohue was one of
the leaders of the Fenian invasion. Dispatch
es from the police authorities of Montreal de-
ny the arrest. The telegram was signed by
Assemblymen Taylor and Butler of Brooklyn.
If the matter is joke, it is regarded hy many
as very serious QUE. Said Senator Murphy
"If there is 10 truth In their dispatch, Messrs.
Taylor and Butler will find them elves iu a
pretty fix. The matter cannot be laughed
aside. They will undoubtedly be brought be-
fore the bar of the assembly for contempt.
Their offence is sufficient to cause their ezpul-
sion from the House. Had the telegram been
received an hour earlier, it would b ave been
read in the Assembly. 1t was evidently sent
for that purpose.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11

Tax collector William Keith who departed
from Broctpn, Mass two weeks ago leaving
shortage of $4,000 returned Saturday afternoon
with bis falher-in law who will IN Ike good the
deficit. He was found in Michigan.
Divers went into the hold Of the wrecked
steamer City of Columbus at Gay Head Satur-
day and State that the greater part of the CAR
go is still in her hold aud in good shane for
handling Very little was done Saturday on
account of heavy fog. The divers firmly be-
lieYe that number of bodies will be found in
the steeIage.
Or. E. d. Newell's three year old son in St.
Johnsbnry, Vt, who was shot by a playmate
two weeks ago died Saturday evening.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11

The interest in the New Orleans carnival
is increasing All the societies will give ele-
g'nt page nts and several military comman IS
ana many distinguished persons will be pre-
sent. The Costumes have a rived and the
fl as are nearly ready.
At an adjourned meeting in Boston Satur-
day Of the state board of heal h. lunscy aud
charity Hon. Thomas Talbot resigued its char
manship and Withdrew from the board. Chss.
f. Dopnely Of Boston was unanimously chosen
his successor.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
AN ARKANSAS TRAGEDY.
Seven Hot Springs Gamblers Resent nm
Attempt to Break Up Y heir schemes.

HoT SPRINGS, Ark, Feb. "a terrible
tragedy Was acted here on Main street this
morning. Three brothers, named Jack, Frank
and William Flynn. were attacked in hack
by seven armed men who stepped from out of
saloon and opened fire. The Flynus also
were armed, but the attack was unexpected.
Jack was shot dead, and William will proba-
bly, die. Frank wss shot through the hand,
Frank Hall, the driver, was shot through the
neck and died in an hour. Robert Hargreaye Q.
by y-stander, was shot through the breast al d
will probably die. j.. 81. Craig, a prominent
lumber dealer, received charge of buckshot
in the back and is very low. The trouble be
gan in Frank Flynn trying to stop one Dor n
from opening gambling place and ended 1t
the time in Doran making cowardly attempt
to xii him. He returned few nights ago.
The seven men were soon arrested. They al 9
s. A. Doran, two Pruitt brothers, Howell al d
three others. Great excitement prevails, al d
threats of lynching are made.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
RAILWAY MATTERS.


At meeting Saturday in Boston OF the Mex
lean Central Railroad directors it was an-
nouuced that 81, ,076, 900 iu all had been sub-
scribed pursuant to the call for $1,000, 900.
The directors voted to increase the capt. Al
stock from S25 900, 900 to $26 $4,000.
A despa cn from 81. Paul, Miun., states that
it is officially announced there that the
Northern Pacific Railroad Company will on
March lst sever it's connection vito the Ore
gon Railway and Navigation, the Oregon aud
California Railway and the Pacific Coast
Steamship Companies.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
DISPUTE OVER AN ACCOUNT
Leads ro a Murder at Calgary, Northwest
Territory

WINNIPEG, Man.. Feb. "a foul murder
tory, last night, in the store of Graves 8,
McKelv 2. young man named James Fl.
Adams. carpenter by trade, was left in charge
OF the store in the absence of the proprietors.
Adams and negro named Jesse Willisms
were last seen 10 the store, disputing over an
account. Half an hour afterward. the lifeless
body OF Adams was found in the store,
with his throat cut, and the head nearly sew
cred from his body. Suspicion pointed to the
negro, who fed the town, but was captured
during the night, aud is now in custody.
relatives live. The town is greatly, excited,
and threats of lynchipg are freely made. A
strong guard. has been placed over the bar
RACKS TO Illustrate any attempt to get possession
OF the prisoner.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
WASHINGTON.
The work of mouse fommi,tee..

WARRINGTON, Feb. 9.--The House commit-
tee on labor today ordered favorable report
on representative Hopkins bill for the estab-
llshmeDt of a department of labor statistics. The
measure provides for the appointment of A
commissioner, who shall acquire all useful in
formation upon the subject of labor, and its re-
lation to capital and means of promoting the
service and the religious and intellectual PROS
perity of the laborDg mtn and women Next
Fridry the committee will hear arguments of
employers favor'pg foreign contract labor.
Arrest of Noted Post Once Thief.
Chief Inspector Sharpe, of the Post Office
Department, today received q dispatch from
| spe ctor Hender,on at Baltimore, announc-
ing the arrest of james Higgins, alias n
iel j. Smith, on a charge of robbing the
post off SO at Annapolis, Md. A complete set
of burglars tools we're found in his possession.
lie is said to have robbed the post office at
Bridgeport, Conn.,, and other offices. The
Stat and postal inspectors have been looking
for him for some time.
Visiting the Flooded Districts.
Miss Clara Barton, president of the Ameri-
can National Association of the Red Cross
accompanied by Dr.Hubbell SPECIAL field agent
of the association, will start tomorrow morn
ing for the scenes of the floods. They will go
first to Pittsburg, and will follow the Ohio
river down from Wheeling, w. Va. visiting
such places as have suffered Miss Barton re
quests that the Red Cross societies in the
North will until further notice, for ward sup
plies TO Cincinnati as the central point of dis
tribution.
A Chinaman Who Cannot Become an
American Citizen.
Cheeng Woo Tsang, native of Loo Chow,
Chioa, appeared of the office of the clerk
of the District Court, today, for the purpose of
becoming a citizen OF the UDited States. He
said he had been educated here and Joined
Christian church; that he came here when ID
years of age, and desired to remain as q citizen
OF this country. Ills application was refused
under section IA, OF the act of May 6, 1882,
" hich provides that hereafter no State court
or court OF the United States shall admit Chi
nese to citizenship.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-02-11
WEATHER INDICATIONS.

WASHINGTON, Feb. II.
The indications for New England are
cloudy weather. followed during the night by
rain or snow; winds generally from north to
east; generally lower barometer; slight fall,
followed by slight rise in temperature.
METEOROLOGICAL REPORT.
11.27P. MI