davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20
One Lesson of the oregon disaster.

The fate of the steel plated English
steamship Oregon, which, there seems to be
no good reason to doubt, was ''rammed"
and sunk by small wooden sail vessel
near New York last Sunday night, again
brings the marine ram as anengine Of naval
warfare up for discussion.
1t appears that the sail vessel rammed
the Oregon on her port side, cutting large
hole, and then rebounding rammed sec
ond time, making one hole about six feet
by three, and another somewhat smaller.
The new English iron steamship Edam
that was rammed and sunk in the North
Atlantic in 1889 by the steamship Lepanto
presented similar case. The following
graphic account was given by Capt. Taat,
OF the Edam;
When the Lepanto came in sight, out of the
fog, she was too near for us 20 do anything but
TO go ahead as fast as possible in the hopes OF
clearing her. Her stem struck us amidship
opposite the engine.room, cutting through our
boats, deck.houses, and bridge, and through
the englne.room bulkhead, thus letting large
volumes of water in the engine and firerooms
and extinguishing the fires. The Lepanto 70.
bounded and struck US again further aft, cut
ting another boat, the plating, and decks, and
making another large hole. She rebounded
and struck us third time near the cabin
making yet another large hole.' Seeing that
we were sinking rapidly, We lowered our three
largest boats and got our passengers and crew
into them. excepting the first oficer, one oil
he quartermasters, and the cabin stewart, who
went in one of the Lepanto's boats which had
been sent TO our assistance. When we got
aboard of the Lepanto we missed Third AS
sistant Engineer Nicholas Laedecker, who was
on watch, and supposed TO have been killed
outright by the collision. We also missed
First Assistant Engineer Yam Van Geyt. The
Edam was the largest, newest, and hRndsomesl
ship on the line, having a length of $50 feet
over all, and having been built In Glasgow In
1881
The Lopanto is an ordinary merchant
steamship, but yet, In the unfortunate col
lision, 1t "rammed" and sunk the Edam
without serious injury to itself; and after
Tescuing the Edam's passengers and crew,
proceeded to its destination, where 1t ar
rived In safety. Hundreds OF other similar
instances can be given, all showing the
efficiency and terrible destructiyeness of
the marine ram.
1t has been stated that experience with
marine rams is lacking throughout the
world; but such is not the case. The de-
struction of a number of United States war
steamers by the Anglo-Rebel ram Merrlmac
in 1869 and the numerous instances Of col
lision between merchant vessels, where the
stem OF one strikes or trans" the side or
stern of another, the latter in all cases
sinks to the bottom, while the vessel that
rams nearly always escapes with but slight
injury.
Rear Admiral Ammen has turned his ex-
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20
A Strong Indnraement,

To those who know what the st. Louis
school board is, the class of men who be-
long to 1t, the confidence reposed in 1t by
the people Of that city, and the work 1t has
accomplished, the Endorsement II has given
to the Blair educational bill carries more
weight than would similar action by the
common council of any city or the legisla-
ture of any state in the Union.
The peculiar pride and browning glory OF
st. Louis is its magnificent public school
system, scarcely equaled and certainly not
excelled in any other city.
This system is under the exclusive control
of the school board, which has power to lay
taxes to the extent OF four mills on the dol.
lar. The board selects and purchases sites
erects buildings, chooses all the officers and
teachers, and is utterly Independent Of any
other branch or department of local govern
ment-amenable only to the law.
The members of the school board arr
elected by the people, and such an election
is an honor priced by the best citizens.
Situated as this District is at this time
our citizens have not deemed 1t expedient
to move for an elective school board, but {
board-a board in reality, not sham-theN
do demand and mean 10 have.
Let the District commissioners make
note Of this determination.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20
DRAMATIC AND MUSICAL.

All Of Mr.. Lawrence Barretts productions at
Albaughs Grand Opern House next week VIII
be presented with entirely new costumes, his
torically correct.
William O. Wills, tho man who on his first
attempt wrote the "Man o. Airlie," now In the
repertory Of Mr. Lawrence Barrett, is tho
author of the new, version OF Faust" which
Henry irving has Just produced,
Mr. Lawrence Barrett will next season pro-
ouce new play, "Glaucus, OF the Last DAYS
OF Pompeii,o and will open Aug. 30, and Nj.
Edwin Booth In September Both will be sup
ported with strong companies of twenty.fotir
people each, with new scenery and costumes.
Mr.. Lawrence Barrett amer his engagement
mere plays In Charleston, Savannah, Macon,
columbus, and Atlanta, and then one week.
April bin New Orleans after which a tour of
TWO weeks through Toxas will be made. lie
hTancisco four weeks, beginning May 8, at
Baldwin's Theater. - =
Miss Jenny Busk has rcappeared In Chicago.
and has won tho critical praises of musicians
anu me press. Her brother, John A. Busk.
died last May and left four orphan children TO
her care, and looking niter their welfare Is tho
happiness Of her life. The eldest, q girl of is,
S Mn1 p =, me &c which has
singing with success In English opera.
Mapleson had very hard luck in 81. Louis
last week. Despite his repented assurances
that Nine. Hauk would certainly be there to
appear. Mile. Bauermeister caught a severe
cold, and is Just recovering. Arditi, the veter-
an conductor, was very Ill in Chicago. His
place was taken by his assistant Bimboni,
The property master, the armorer, the leader
Of the chorus, and the ballet master were un-
der the weather, and Col, Napoleon was con-.
fined TO his room by n combined attack OF Rout
and rheumatism. To mako matters worse,
Nine. Lillian Nordica was detained by the Ill
ness OF her mother Who'll not expected to live.
Mr.. Jay Writ Kali, who is now engaged at
Herzog's TO handle the press is a young man
OF more than ordinary ability. He Is also an
actor of three seasons experience, having In
that time played nearly fifty parts. His first
appearance was in the character of Jacques
in Two Orphans" In September, 1881, he
engaged with Rose Eytinge for walking gents,
and remained I'm her company forty weeks, in
which time he played twenty-three parts and
had risen TO leading man and business mana
ger, both positions of which no filed very cred
itably. Early in the season of 1885 no engaged
with Mr.. Downing to play Sailor Bill, OF which
part he gave q finished performance, doing
one of the finest falls we ever witnessed. Dur
ing this latter season he travelled through
Texas and New Mexico.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20
"Publio Scandals" and ''scandaious Dis



Tn ooo.,u. - 49,. -, o. orroso tho
~ a., ~ vne S" ~. n NJ ~ tho
,"..s - .ne ~, p.oPtI " '.l1 oansomont oxy
- ~. IT, soao.i,,, o..
Noni,soionei iJeny nS9 49, o ho ,,.o.
,"nso oi9 ., nv o 80 ,to tIonso ni.tr,ot com.
Piuass" W -"'N' " WV
~ tho oooos,o, ro,orrod 20 Mr. Dont aio-
,,,oro5 1 ~, oornost,oss Iorooly In ovooss q,
tbc discrntion manifested. Ho wanted tho
commissioners 10 mo oll.in.oll There
sbonId, he said. mo NO school hoard with
onv mower. Init he was graciouslv pleased
10 Intimate that the people might have a
hoard of visitors. The reason piven IA tho
basis OF this oplnion was that uall tho
boards in the District had proven public
scandols Tho school hoard had had snan-
dalous lisooreements.n
II this abatement were tr1le. which its not.
Il would not furnish n good reason for con.
centratinp all power, authority. and duties
NJ locoI e,ovornnopt In tho commission
When t,nnblic scondals,, occnr in Congress.
IN state legislotures In Tho oxocutive and
iudicol donortnorts NJ tho no,Iop or tbe
s,otos NO 40 no, ,,ror,,so n ,no,,o,.ot,, ~. =
ditotorsbin as n remedy. Power will he
sufficiently concentrated in the District Of
Columbia when the school hoard bill shall
have become n law.
But n "publlc scandals,, and "scapdalous
disopreemen;sn were snflieIent ground for
doing owav with boards. what would no
come NJ the boord NJ commissIonersS
WIN cx.Commissione Dent cnst n retro.
s,oot,,o c,lonoo ,,,, ,ho ,,i.,a ~ vonisbod
yeors 10 the limo when tbe ossessment ON
HE nronertv was reduced be being then a
commissionor9 Wo do not CHARGE any I'm.
nroror notjyo or oct IN him In thot oor.
roc,ion, but no ,nnst admit that there was
= oroot ,oor % ,,oss,,, oyor tho a rroir--on,Io
cnongb 10 amonnt 10 n ,,nnblIc scondoin
W,n ov.Comnissioror Wost rocolI tho
,,no ,,hsn two mornlors ~ Tho bo,rd ~
commissionars, one Of whom was himself had
~ '
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20

TwESTY.sEvEs indictments have been found
by the grand jury against dealers In oleomar-
garine, the accused being retail grooers. 1t
seems a positive pity that the manufacturers
should escape, while retailers bear the brunt
OF offended justice.-NeD York Star.
The retailers are the only ones who Of
fend justice, and should, therefore, bear
the brunt. The manufacturers sell their
product for what 1t is--a substitute for but
ter, generally believed to be more whole
some, and known to be more palatable
than much Of the genuine butter that is
sold for table use. But there are Gun ming
knaves who, buying the article for oleo-
margarine and paying only its value, palm
II of on consumers TO: honest butter.
These should beseverely punished wherever
they practice their rascality.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20

THE railway commissioners in England
having neglected to make any provision for
the protection Of brakemen against the
casualties incident to the coupling OF cars,
the employees Of English railways are rails
ing fund to stimulate inventive effort in
the direction Of automatic couplers. 1t is
stated that during the year 1884 In II. B..
Ms snug little island one hundred and
thirty men were killed and over thirteen
hundred injured while between the cars,
This should have prompted the govern
ment authorities to do what the employees
are now attempting. The Herald states
that in New York last year fourteen men
were killed and three hundred and seventy
injured while coupling cars. Under law
passed two years ago every new freight car
built or purchased for use after the LIST day
of July next by any railroad company in
New York must be provided with some sort
of automatic coupler, A similar law has
been in force in Massachusetts since March
last. Cousin Bull should brace up and
push along in our wake as fast as possible.
Brother jonathan is not afraid of having
his heels stepped on.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20
--773-777--77777ll----7
NOTES OF THE NIGHT.


The gas lamps blaze, the electric whistle
and flicker and start and almost go out,
then revive again. Many people pass In
one direction, many in another, some
slowly, some rapidly.
1t is growing late. Only a few stores
continue open. Among these, the "phar-
macies," never attractive, and the art tenn
poriums," ever so, where paintings and
engravings'ln big windows have their little
assemblages, assemblages always dissolving
and always renewed.
These are the days, and the nights, too,
OF art, when beauties pictorial, statuesque,
and in other forms abound, by their graces.
and cheapness Turing purchasers. Good
effects must result from such familiaritles.
with excellent productions Of taste and
skill; first, In pleasing the eyes, then in
improving the mind, and lastly the heart.
Even as
1.-THE undevout astronomer is mad"
so must he be who is daily, nay, hourly, In
the companionship Of the beautiful with
out feeling new and divine influence per-
wade and elevate his soul.
OF course, the restaurants still invite,
and will do so till the most numerativer
hour, 12-and after to the Initiated.
The theaters are over. This increases
the conflicting crowd Of passers. Aud what
was good, In the respective entertainments,
is heard fragmentarily, and what was bad.
as the throng goes by.
Never before were the dramas patrons
so numerous-the word universal is almost
applicable. The very low charges Of such
entertainments is the ready explanation.
Some Of these theaters, opera houses, or
museums, as they are variously designated,
offer fine fare for mind and heart, equal,
indeed, occasionally, TO the pest provided at
the highly fashionable and expensive tenn
Piles. Others, regret to say, are not So
seeking only, and content to be, providers
OF coarse and gross viands which must only
yitlate the blood now far from healthy.
Would 1t not be easy, by degrees, to supply
something better. There Is probably no
to knowledge, to truth, TO the appreciation
Of the right and the lovely. This expert
ment, trust, will be tried ere long, and
not many months will elapse from its be-
ginning, before, 1t seems, happy result may
be obtained
A pistol shot suddenly strikes the air. A
triae: two friends who had been drinking
together over-deeply,, misunderstood each
A poor fellow approaches. He takes you
for a gentleman, by your dress and assur-
ance-what judgment!-and halts his rag
gedness and hunger close by your excel
lency, with petition for food and lodging.
Being noble specimen Of the higher class.
| you either Disregard HIS contemplate APP
| plication, Or answering 1t, carefully ex-
| plore your weighty pocket for the smallest.
"change" therein contained, which you be-
stow withA magnificent air, as II calling
heaven to witness your liberality.
"God bless you, sir % says your poor
brother.
And you believe God will.
SEAToN Dosono.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20
FIrTY-Two lists from as many different

FIFTY-Two lists from as many different
persons have been received by St. Louis
newspaper in response to an offer Of
three prizes for the three best lists Of ten
greatest books published in this century.
One Of the results is the fact that Victor
Hugo takes the lead among the authors
named. He appears in twenty-six lists,
Macaulay in twenty-five, Dickens in twenty
three, George Elliot in twenty-five, and
Thackeray in seventeen. This is simple
justice to the immortal Frenchman. In
this connection 1t may be worth mentioning
that the most popular author Of modern
times, according to the record Of circulating
libraries, is a lady who resides in Washing
ton. There are twenty calls for her books
to one for Hugo's.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20

There are three things, and three things only,
which make up the Republican policy, upon
which all Republicans are agreed; three
things in which the Republican party must
live or bear no life; three things inextricably
blended together upon which our national
life itself must depends aud they are, absolute
freedom of the ballot, universally of common
school education, and the maintenance and
elevation of the worklngman's wages. They
arc three things dependent upon each other
Not one of this sublime trinity can fail or per-
ish and either of the other two survlye.-Scnd-
Tor HOdr
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20

tiful and domestic drama Of "a Mountain
Pink" This character is one especially
adapted 10 the abilities OF Miss Dainty, being
one where the versatility Of the actress Is
shown to good advantage, being full OF senti-
mont and comedy, and from past record we
are positive Miss Dainty is equal to the emer-
gency. She will be supported by a most excel
lent cast including Miss Neddie Gregg, a
lady who has played star engagements
throughout the United States. Miss Dainty is
the lady who received and accepted an ifivi.
tation 10 give select reading before Presl.
dent Hayes and Cabinet.
IiERzoG's OPERA HOUSE.
" would be passing strange If people could
resist so tempting an offer as Manager Herzog
holds forth for next week. All who then visit
ms temple OF the muses. will receive BOX of
Cash." Seldom, II ever, is presented metal
more attractive"
TIE DIME MUSEUM.
The Leonzo Brothers, with their famous
trained dogs, are to possess the Dime through
next week, acting that ancient yet ever young
drama, "The Avenged or the Dogs Of Nom
targis." The BHltimoreans, who have wit
messed II in crowds, by day and night, during
the present week, are said TO be most 10th to
par, with their favorite. But give us chance,
good neighbour
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20
Justly Condemned.


The tone Of Mr. Cleveland's message on
the anti Chinese riots and the obligations of
the United States with reference to them IS
pretty generally and very justly condemned.
In a narrow, technical Interpretation Of the
bare language Of the treaty there may be
found no binding and explicit promise to
pay indemnity for wanton Injury to Chinese
subjects, but that does not leave such pay
On the contrary, the fact that our govern
ment imposes and has enforced ON China
precisely these obligations makes an i'm
pregnable basis for a reciprocal claim from
China. Our own rights, which we have in
sisted on at the cannon's mouth, rested
either on treaty provisions or on interna-
tional law. In either case China has the
same rights. We are shut off by the course
Of our own government from the pltiful
plea that anything we may do now is
tpratuitousU
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20

perience in the command OF ironclads In
active service to account by designing
and perfecting the details Of marine ram,
which it is believed by those best qualified
to Judge will, II properly constructed aud
handled, sink any Ironclad in the English
navy with the greatest ease-as easily as
the Lepanto sunk the Edam.
The first advisory board of 1882, of which
Rear Admiral John Rogers was president
and Engineor-in- Chief G. H. Loring was a
member, recommended that FIVE marine
Jams designed by Admiral Ammen should
be built, but was overruled by the new
board in 1888, which proceeded to copy the
plans Of the Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta
from the English designs of 1860.
Perhaps we shall he able TO have Amerl.
can plans adopted in our navy in the next
generation.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20

Cinnamon took hold of the manufacture Of
underwear some years ago, and have now
obtained almost exclusive control Of the
industry. The same story is true Of many
other departments Of labor, the total num-
Der of Cinnamon engaged in all being
81 600, who send $s,0OO,OO0 annually out Of
this country.
These are impressive facts, and they
should be carefully studied by the peoples
representatives in the capitol. The Knights
Of Labor are not responsible for and do
not encourage outrages upon the Chinese.
But they show that 1t is impossible for the
American workingman TO have life worth
living when he is compelled to compete
with the labor Of these Asiatics.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20

Our exports to Brazil during the same
period were as follows:


twill be seen that the balance of Brazil
years. In other words we paid this enor-
nous sum In cash
Our imports Of coffee, sugar, rubber
hides, &C., from Brazil amounted, during
the fiscal year ending June 80, 1884, for
example, to $50, 265, $50. Our total exports,
consisting of locomotives, steamboats,,
heavy machinery, agricultural implements,
flour, petroleum, firearms, hardware, cut
lery, &C., to that empire during the same
period, amounted to only $500, 900. The
balance Of trade against us, amounting to
$41 1854, 2S0, was paid In cash, which was
sent to Europeand expended mainly in pur-
chasing the products Of English and French
manufacture.
In the year 1921 the United States paid TO
Brazil $4,000 for sol 900 pounds of coffee.
Eleven years later, $2,259, 900 for 25,734, 900
pounds. Some years further on, $4,67O, 900
for OF 900 pounds. Ten years later yet,
S10,064, 900 for 1888, 10000 pounds. In the
year 1876 our importation Of 252, 532, 900
pounds cost $40,5l6,OO0, In 1889 the 315,-
1000 pounds of Brazilian coffee consumed
In the United States cost 500, $40, 000 There
has been no corresponding increase Of on
export to Brazil.
According to an official statement re-
Gently published by the government OF
Brazil, II per cent. of the imports into that
country come from England and France, q
trlne over per cent. from The United States,
and "a per cent. from all other countries.
OF the worlds production of coffee So per
cent. is grown in Brazil and 40 per cent
In all other coifee-growing countries. The
exports Of Brazilian coffee amounted last
year to 3,s07,ll3 bags Of 1872 pounds EACH
OF this amount, 2,40i, l05 bags were OK
ported to the United States, and but 1885,
COS TO all the other countries in the world
II. win be seen from the above that our
exports TO Brazil are meager indeed, as
compared with our enormous and rapidly
increasing imports from that country.
Numerous explanations are given by differ
ent writer's. Mr.. Joseph Mimic, jr., a
high tariff writer says;
The most important condition restraining a
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20

THE REV. SAM JONES has enough of
sclf-coneeit TO 1T out whole college OF
regular clergymen and a dozen bishops.
II ofrends his dignity and eXcites his tenn
per to be reminded that his clerical repu-
tOtion has been made by the newspapers
or that "they have made him famous" He
says; 81 don't believe 1t" and adds that
''while It Is true the newspapers have aided
him in his work, yet he is satisfied that
they would not have given him such a re-
Ceptlon had II not been for the vision of
dollars they had before them" Mr., Sam
Jones made the emphatic declaration also
that newspapers printed his sermons
only the money they saw In them"
"but they did not make his reputa-
tion. PIE Chicago Tribune justly re-
Dukes rne ReY. Sam Jones by frankly tell
irg him that ~ the press had not taken
him up and described his eccentrlcIties of
idea and popularity Of style and reported
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20

his sulphurous sayings and sermons, he
would have been utterly unknown and
unheard Of outside OF few illiterate per
sons in the backwoods down in Georgia.
All the knowledge that the public have Of
him and Of his hell-flre style Of preaching
has been made known to them through the
columns Of the daily press" The news
papers have made great many men who
had better have been left unmade, and we
suspect s. j. is one Of them.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20

GAS BETWEEN horse railroads and cable
railroads. says the New York SIN, "the
preference must be decidedly given to the
latter. Cable roads are better In every re-
spect. They cucumber the streets less, they
are cleaner, they run with greater steadi-
ness, and they make their distances In less
time than can be done with horses" 1t
may be added, in favor Of the cable, that it
relieves the horse from one Of the most ex-
hausting and destructive of his many hard
I.,fIaa
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20

The Indians have no votes, and, conse'
quently, congressman think they need not be
educated; they can remain in condition OF
ignorance iorever-Erchdn0e
Congressman who think that way are
scarce. Most of the members of both
houses are in favor Of educating the young
Indians in the belief that they will thereby
be helped along toward condition of self
maintenance.
National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-20

ONE WHO has studied astronomy and
familiarized his mind with the tremendous
figures representing the enormous distances
Of the planets and otherprominent celestial
bodies from the earth and from each other
may be said to have had that peculiar
mental training necessary to fair concep-
ton of the difference between what Pension
Commissioner Black says and what he
prOyes.