davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19
TIKI; PERCEPTION AND TIMBER CUI-
TURE LAWS.

THE PERCEPTION AND TIMBER CUL-
TURE LAWS.
The bill to repeal The presumption and
timber culture laws is meeting sturdy oppo-
sition from the Western Members of Con-
gress. 1t has, for some three years, been a
hobby of the Commissioner of the General
Land Office to effect the repeal of all land
laws but the homestead act, alleging the
large number of frauds practiced as the rea-
son for removing these provisions from the
statute books.
Congress two years ago met him half way
by granting all the appropriations needed
for filing the Western Territories with spies
upon the settlers. Their anxiety to earn
their per diem has, it is alleged, resulted in
more hardships to poor but well-meaning
settlers than in good to the Government in
the protection of the public domain from
illegal occupation. There has been good
deal of straining out Of gnats and swallow
ing Of camels, it is complained, by North
western Congressman in the cancellation of
entries for quarter sections, while non-resi-
dent foreigners have taken dukedoms
The bill for the repeal of these laws passed
the House Of Representatives some time ago,
and last week was put through the Senate
also, but it was amended in various places.
so that it goes back to the House, where it
Will die on the Speakers table unless it can
be resurrected and the amendments con-
Cured in.
Delegate Raymond, of Dakota, who OPP
poses the measure, was very active III having
it amended for the benefit Of settlers through
his influence with Senators. Two important
amendments are: First, to postpone the ap-
piication Of the repeal of the presumption and
timber culture acts till late in the Summer in
order TO give the Western Territories the adj
vantage of the Spring immigration; and
second, give the settler year instead of six
month as now, to make his necessary i'm
prOvements.
Should this law pass, this last feature
would prove a great boon to settlers, who
are struggling through the hard times Incl
dent TO season of unwonted severity and
financial prostration all over the North
western Territories.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19
RECENT LITERATuRE

THE PIONEER HISTORY OF AMERICA By
Augustus Lynch Mason, A. NJ, with introduc-
tion by John Clark Ridpatb, LID Published
by Jones Bros. 4 Co., Cincinnati o.
This is one of class of books that should be
In every home Although it is historical. it is
as entertaining as a novel and embraces every
thlng OF interest connected with pioneer life
from the days of Capt. John Smith down to
the present time. 1t is a handsome half
morocco-bo book of / ,030 pages including
more than 100 most excellent full-page engrav-
lngs. Sold by subscription.
A TRUE HISTORY OF THE CHARGE OF THE
EIGHTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY AT
CHANCELLORSVILLE. By Col PennocI<
Huey: Published by Porter & Coates, PhiI-
delphia.
Although so much has already been written
and said about the battle of charlottesville.
this little volume of Col. Huey will doubtless
be read by many with great interest, as it does
much to put in a clear light an engagement
about which there are so many conflicting
statements
WOMEN. PLUMBERS. AND DOCTORS; OR.
HOUSEHOLD SANITATION. Ry Mrs TT NJ
New York
This work of Mrs. Plunlkett should be in the
hands of every housekeeper in the land IL
tells IN plain, practical way OF the many
dangers arising from imperfect sewage and
kindred subjects. and shows as the author saws
do their whole sanitary duty there will be
comparatively little occasion for the services of
doctors.
LIFE OF FORTUNY. From the French of Baron
Davillier with notes and "reminiscences BY a
Friend. Published by Porter * Coates, Phila-
dephia.
This little volume tells the story, in pleas
ant way, of the life of the famous French
painter, Mariana Fortuny. from his birth in
1888 until his death in 1874. The translator
has done his work well, and his notes and
"reminiscences add much to the interest of the
work
THE GRAY AND THE BLUE. BY Col. Edward
Reynolds Roe. Published by Rand AcNaly &
Co, Chicago, III. Price, S1O0
This story is founded on incidents connected
with the war for the Union, and cannot fail TO
be highly interesting TO every old soldier,
while those who took no part in the great
struggle will find it a charming book. The
story is written in Col. Roe's best style, the
plot happily conceived, and the book alto
gether splendid addition to the war litera-
ture of the day.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19

THE people of Minneapolis are having
rather an expensive lesson as to the crimi-
nality of the reckless destruction of forests.
Z ven the great water power of the Mime
haha Falls, which has certainly been as fine
rs any in the world, is becoming so irregu-
lar as to greatly diminish its value, and the
immense flour mills there are putting in
costly steam engines to do the work when
tina water power fails, and to provide for its
almost total failure, which seems likely TO
happen IN the near future if this stripping
Of the woods from the head waters of the
Mississippi continues at the same rate that
it has gone on for the last decade.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19
THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE.
(EsTAeLIsHEo 1879
PUB LIS H E d w ZEE K L Y :.
One Dollar per Year,
Invariably in Advance.
Blk months, IS cents. No subscription for a
less period received.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.
ESTABLISHED 1871

MONEY sent rs, oicTc;ss than Unregistered letter,
postal notes postal Saoacy order. draft on Ne'c
York. scilI be CT The r:St Of the sender.
AGENTS-Ec eaploy agents. THE NATIONAL
TRIEUNE has BGrg c0iSuIfocr ccRrGSSers, and they
are generally honest end fIj'hfd; but persons seho
copfde their subscriptions 10 them must be their otcn
Judges of their responsibility. The paper tria be sent
only on receipt Of tie subscription price.
ADDRESSES RENEWALS Ec.-1ddresscs wiH
be changed often desired, bit each subscriber
should ia ererg ec The o' tcoH address
In rene,ciag subscribers should be careful TO Send ats e
label The ast paper receired cd specify any cor
rocfjoRs or changes tcy desire made i no'e or adj
dress
CORRESPONDENCE-Co Correspondence is solicited
from erery section ia regard 10 Grand 4rrRy PEN
sion Military 1GriculttuGl Industrial and Household
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only Ne do not gcinTR communications iadnu-
scripts unless they accompanied By request 10
that effect and The accessory postage and under no
circumstances Guaraa:ee a,eir publication at any
special dote
address all communications to
THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE,
Washington, ID. C.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19
A Night of Horrors and Suffering.

The 800 inhabitants of Jones Island desc
late strip of land in Lake Michigan at the
mouth of the Milwaukee River, narrowly es-
capped destruction on the night of the 9th inst.
A fearful gale ragged on the lake, and the waves
began washing over the icy barriers. The peo-
pie were aroused by the flood, and many mar
rowly escaped death trying to cross the ice TO
the mainland. This ice was found broken. and
they had to return. They were thoroughly
drenched by wading through the slush. ice, and
water knee deep. when it was found escape
was cut off they repaired to the second stories
of the larger houses, and wherever they could
perch out of reach of the water. The night
was one of horror, and the suflerings OF the
poor people were excrueiating as the mercury
was 1S0 below zero. The gale subsidized by day
light, and the angry water reeeded. Many of
the people were almost crazed by fear and
their terrible sufferings.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19

GEN. MILES, the noted Indian fighter, has
very positive ideas as to the solution of the
Indian problem. The whole matter, he is
sure, could be disposed of inside the next
five years. He would divide up the lands
among the Indians, giving each Indian his
share, and have the Government help him
for three years with seeds, tools and cattle,
but impress upon his mind that after that
he must take care of himself, come what
may. He says that the experiment has been
tried in Oregon with the best results. Three
years ago all the Indians in that State were
given their lands in severalty, and were
furnished with what they needed to begin
farming in good style. They are now quite
prosperous, and within year or two will
be entirely self-sustaining.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19

CONGRESSMAN HoER, ofMichigan, in whose
retirement from Congress, for two years at
least, the country loses the services of an
able, experienced legislator, has been exceed
ingly active during the past week in fight
ing against the parsimony of the House
Committee on Appropriations. He secured
large increase over the amount proposed
in the Post-Offic Bill for the letter carriers
and railway mail service. 1t is public
misfortune that so broad a man should be
replaced, owing to the accidents Of Presi-
dental campaign, by unseasoned timber.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19
TIE WATEREsURY WATCH

and THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE for one year
can be obtained tor $3.50, and as we charge
the same price for the watch alone, we prac-
tically make a present to all purchasers of a
watch of a years subscription to our paper
If, however, you do not feel inclined to make
this small outlay, we will present you with
a Waterbury watch in a pretty satin-lined
case if you will send us a club of 10 new
subscribers We will send you sample cop
les to aid you in getting up clubs. You will
be at very little trouble in getting 10
subscribers as you will only have to show
sample copy of our splendid paper to your
neighbOr to get him to subscribe
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19
WHY ALL SHOULD JOIN.

The reasons why every soldier should join
the GAR. are many and strong. There are
no adverse ones worth considering.
In the first place, organization into groups
is the law of our community to-day. 1t is a
necessary law, and one the necessity for
which will grow stronger every year. Our
population has become so large, and orr
social system so complex, that subdivisions
into societies, associations, orders, etc, has
become imperative.
In earlier and simpler days neighborhoods
furnished all the subdivisions necessary.
Every little community was large family,
in which everybody knew everybody else,
and was quite ready to do proper acts OF
kindness, friendship or charity. Substan-
tally every mans house was open to every
other man; every man or woman was will
ing TO visit the sick, comfort the afflicted,
relieve the needy, and bury the dead. Being
neighb0r " was sufficient warrant for a
call upon the services or purse of another.
With increasing density of population the
duties and obligations of "neighborliness
are rapidly declining. We feel less brotherly
toward our next-door neighbor now than
our fathers did to the man who lived miles
away.
This is sufficient reason for men gathering
themselves into such Orders as the GAR,
Sons Of Veterans, Masons, Odd-Fellows,
Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of
Red Men, etc. Every organization of the
kind-every one which does not run counter
to the laws of the land and well-established
rules of public morality-is beneficial in
high degree to the individual members and
to the community at large. Every associa-
ton which draws men closer together, which
helps all bear the burdens of each, which
surrounds every man with sympathizing,
helpful brethren, should be encouraged by
word aud act. The community needs all of
these that can maintain an active, healthful
existence.
OF all these the GAR. is beyond question
the most mertorious. It unites men together
solely for their own good and for that of the
country. That community is best off which
has the largest and most Gourishing GAR.
Post Those ex-solders are best off who
are members of the largest and most flour
ishing GAR. Post.
There is not a principle or motive Of the
Order which is not extolled by every one.
Its existence, the respect accorded to it by
the community, and the devotion of the
members to ii, all make splendid object
lessons to the rising generation of the merit
of valor, patriotism and selfdeyotion. The
spectacle of eX-soldiers who have done their
duty iii trying times atiil;ating together as
brethren cannot help impressing and inn
proving every one who witnesses it.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19
TIE PENDING ZEE BILL.

The Union veteran is the only claimant
who meets from the Government resistance
carried to such an extreme as to interfere
with the relations sustained between him
and his counsel. There is pending at pres
ent in the House of Representatives a bill
which purports to prescribe regulations as
to the employment Of an attorney by PEN
sion claimants, which is calculated to do our
old veterans, whose cases should be settled
at once, il ever, incalculable harm. The enc
mics of the pension system have devised this
scheme TO embarrass claimants, and make it
practically impossible in thousands of in
stances to procure legal assistance 1t is a
bill to close the doors of the Treasury
against the old soldier under the pretense
of protecting him against his own representa-
tive, who is pushing his claim along the
devious road filled with hostile TECHNICAL
ties and adverse presumptions.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19

IT looks now as if Canada, which has SO
long been convenient asylum for our dis
honest bank officers and others, will soon
cease to be a sanctuary for that class of de-
linauents, as a new treaty Of extradition be-
tween this country and England is about to
be ratified. This treaty is modelled some
what on the pattern of the treaty now ex
listing between Great Britain and Belgium
but is somewhat enlarged in its scope, to
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19

A RHODE ISLAND man proposes to benefit
the country by the organization of a society
to improve the town nomenclature. The
first step of the society ought to be to call
convention of the % or 80 "Spriugields
and have them draw cuts which shall keep
the name-the others to take new designa-
tions. Then similar conventions ought to
be held for the Mt. Vernons, Romes, Viennas,
Londons, Berlins, ETC., in which the country
abounds, and Congress ought to pass law
prohibiting more than one place in the coun-
try adopting the same name.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19
RENEW IN TINE.

Thereh never been time when any reader
missed copy of THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE
without repenting it, and now such failure
will be more regretable then ever, for the
paper contains much more of value and in
terest than it ever did Therefore keep watch
of your numbers, and renew before your time
expires. This weeks issue is No. 1S4 that of
Feb. 26 will be 1S5. If these are near the
number opposite your name on the yellow
address slip you viii know that your SUBJ
scription is nearly expiring, and You should
therefore send on your dollar at once for
renewal
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19

IT is understood that Congressman Deus
Cleveland as very fit person for Minister
to Mexico. Mr.. Deuster has been a very
successful editor, having for many years
published the SeebOte, German daily news
paper at Milwaukee, and is well off in the
matter of this worlds goods. He has long
been the most prominent German Democrat
in the Northwest, and would be, in any
diplomatic position, a credit to his party
and his race, as we'll his adopted country.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19
FAILURE OF THE RETIREMENT BILL.

FAILURE OF THE RETIREMENT BILL.
The House occupied Monday in action
upon bills proposed by Committees under
the rules on suspension day. Gen. Slocum,
| under instruction from the Committee on
Military Affairs moved that the Senate Bill
to place Gen. Grant on the retired list be
passed. The opposing parties were at once
arrayed against each other, aud the matter
became the subject of partisan struggle.
The Republicans favored the Edmunds
Bill passed recently by the Senate, which
was passed without naming Gen. Grant, in
order to meet the views of the President as
expressed in his veto of the Fitz-J ohm Porter
Bill
They interpreted the desire of the Demo
Gratis to push the other measure, which did
name Gen. Grant for the appointment, as
actuated by purpose to embarrass the Presi-
dent by forcing him to veto it or abandon
his position as to the unconstitutionality of
the Porter Bill. Upon this theory they OPP
posed the proposition of Gen. Slocum's Bill,
and either voted against it or failed to answer
when their names were called.
There was large majority for the bill,
but it failed 10 get two-thirds in the affima-
tive, and thus was defeated.
1t is fairly questionable whether the Re-
publicans acted wisely in thus antagonizing
a measure the object of which they unani-
mOusly favored. 1t is believed by many of
the Presidents friends that he might safely
have been left to meet the eXigency, and
that in the end the wishes of the country
would have been complied with more nearly
than appears possible at present.
There can be no installing public senti-
ment on this question. It is overwhelmingly
in favor OF seeing Gen. Grant taken care of
in his advancing years and days of trouble.
1t is eminently fitting that this should be
done by the Government which owes him so
much, and that he should be relieved from
the modification ofaccepting private charity,
however magnificent and spontaneous.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19
AN ECONOMIC PROGRESS.

Every one who has travelled through the
heavilytim bered regions of this country,
where the process of converting the mon
archs of the forests into ship and other
timber was going on must have sighed over
the awful waste of the enormous piles of
sawduSt and refuse of the timber, which, so
far from being made use of, was positive
remembrance In Europe such waste is not
permitted. Every particle of wood that is
not available for ship building, or other
purposes, is put into retorts and subjected
to what is called destructive distillation
There remains in the retort a charcoal
which, of course. is valuable: and what
comes over from the wood dstillation is
wood alcohol-a crude pyroligneous acid.
This latter is purified, and from it the acetc
acid Of commerce is obtained The wood
alcohol, under the name Of methyl alcohol,
is used to mix in proportion of 10 per cent.
with grain alcohol, forming what is known
in Europe as methylated spirits. The object
of this is, that the methylated spirit being
rendered wholly unfit for drinking, is made
free of duty, and used in the arts-some-
thing we could do in this country, but we
have not yet come up to it.
1t is stated that they have begun at last
to adopt the same process in this country.
At Elk Rapids, Mich, are charcoal works
which use up some 10000 cords of wood per
annum. Heretofore the gas which has been
driven off the wood has been allowed to be
wasted; but now better sense prevails and
they are condensing it and obtaining from it
alcohol and acetic acid, which will in time
pay for the whole process of charcoal making,
and greatly increase the profits. There is no
doubt that other establishments will follow
the example of those at Elk Rapids; and they
will not only get rid of their accumulations
of refuse, but greatly enhance their own
profits and the wealth Of the country.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19
A JOURNALISTIC FEAST.

THE journalists and resident correspond
ents of Washington gave a complimentary
dinner to Messrs. j. G. Pangborn and Charles
Selden OF the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
General Passenger Agent ofthe company, and
Mr.. Selden, Superintendent Of the telegraph
system. Both are old journalists themselves,
and have on various occasions shown gen.
erous appreciation of the press representa-
tives of Washington. The banquet was
spread for go at the Riggs House, and lasted
from $3.50 in the evening to l o'clock in the
morning
The following newspaper men were pres
ent William c. MacBride, Cincinnati En-
quirer; +. A. G. Handy, Philadelphia Netcs;
p. " DeGraw, United Press; John Alden.
Brooklyn Times; Deb. Randolph Keim,
Harrisburg Telegraph; a. c. Burton, Brook
Ign EagIe; Harold Snowden, Alexandria
Gazette; o. o. Stealey, rier-Jouiaag; ;
Charles F. Towle. Boston IraceHcr; E. B.
Wight, Chicago Tribune; Fred. c. Craw-
ford Chicago NerS; W. ". Burhans,
United Press; Charles T. Murray, Philadel-
phia Times; T. w. Ayres, Kansas City Times;
Fred. Perry Powers, Chicago Times; George
E. Gilliland, Cincinnati Enquirer; E. G..
Dunnell, New York Times; F. P. Ferris,
Eccniag Star; II. B. +. Mcfarland, Phila-
delphia Record i; Robert NJ. Larner, Ne,cs
and Courier; S. n. Clark, New York 7ri5-
uae i; w. b. Dobson, Toledo Bee Frank G.
Carpenter, Cleveland Leader; G.. M. Ogden,
oils Journal; W. f. Barrett Boston 44drer-
tiSer; c. A. Hamilton, Minneapolis Tribune;
Charles J. Hayes, Associated Press; Theron
c. Crawford New York World; David
Barry, Detroit Post; A. B. Cunningham,
Baltimore Herald; J. B. Mccarthy, Balti-
more Sun; w. p. Canaday, Sergeant-at-
Arms of the Senate; James w. Allison,
Comier-Journa.;; John NJ Carson, Philadel-
phia Ledger w. B. Shaw, Boston Transcript;
Thomas B. Kirby, Journal Of Commerce !:
Alfred J. Clarke, Associated Press; John
Boyle United Press; Ben: Perley Poore,
Boston Budget; Geo. I'll. Walker, Cleveland
Leader; Frank T. Howe, National RepubH-
can; r. Weightman, Times Democrat; F.
H. Trusdell, Baltimore american; Arthur
+. Francis, Baltimore Herald; James r.
Young, Philadelphia Star; George W. Ad-
ans, Erening Star; John s. Shriver, Balti-
more american; Henry De Witte, National
Republican; Byron Andrews, NATIONAL
TRIBUNE; F. III. Richardson, Baltimore
Sun; Edwin Fleming, st. Louis Republican;
j. J. Noah, Kansas City Times; L. @. Wash
ington, New Orleans Pieayuae and o. p.
Austin, Cincinnati 7Tmes-!Tar.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19

Col GEORGE K. DAVIS, who retires tenn
porarily from Congress with the close of the
present session, will leave splendid record
for usefulness behind him. 1t is believed
that he will be nominated for Mayor of
Chicago this Spring, and it is safe to say that
should he take the reins of the City Hall, the
notorious abuses which have thriven under
Carter Harrison will be brought to sud-
den termination.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19
CAPTURING A LOCOMOTIVE.

This book, while it possesses the intense
interest of the most thrilling romance, has
the merit Of being absolutely true in every
particular 1t is without question one of
the most intensely interesting books now in
print, and one which cannot fail to be of
deep interest to all who delight in tales of
daring and adventure. We will send the
book free to any one sending us club of
eight subscribers, or for So we will send you
THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE for one year and
Capturing a Locomotive. The price of the
book alone is 81 so
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-02-19

THE number of pension certificates issued
and signed during the week ending Feb.
8, 1885, was as follows: Original, 954;
increase, 1886; reissue, rs; restoration,
81; duplicate, 81 act of March 3, 1888, g.;
accrued pensions, 46; total. 2,70S.
Number of certificates issued and signed
during the week ending Feb. Is, 1885: Orig
inal, 491 increase, 393; reissue, 800 restor-
alton, 70; duplicate, 20; act of March 3,
1888, 2; accrued, Is; total, 1914.