davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-03-31

An awful mine disaster occurred at n
coal mine near Rich Hill. Mo, on Thurs
day last. There was an explosion which
completely wrecked the mine, burying In
the debris over 100 miners, who were cut
of from all means of escape. More than
40 dead were taken from the mine on
Thursday. The explosion was terrihc,
shaking every house In Rich Hill, six
u, lies distant, and In most cases horribly
hanging and disfguring Its victims.
The G., b. d q car works paint shop at
Aurora were burned on Thursday night,
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03
SHOULD HAVE YELLOW COVERS,
A Story Which Outdoes the Writer of
Dime Novels.

CHICAGO, Dec. O. Edison Vance, of Rut-
lam, Vt, who has been visiting his uncle, a
wealthy bachelor, living ON farm near Sar-
dinia, Ohio, tells an interesting story of his
recent experience with the White Caps.
While riding one night with his uncle, they
met White Cap on horseback His uncle
denounced the organization, and said he
knew some of its members and would spend
every dollar ne had to land them in prison.
The next morning, on the front door, they
found transfxed to the handl of a sharp
pointed knife, a rough drawing of a human
heart, skull and crossbones, and the picture
of a coffin with the following inscription:
aaron Vance, you'd better be careful as TO
what you say and dose. This is warning. II
you try to do us harm you will lget the worst Of 1t.
lSlgnedl, WHITE CAPS.
switches with a tag bearing. the words,
weapons of reform" After breakfast the
uncle went in town and bought two shot
guns, three revolvers and quantity of am
munition. On the fourth night thereafter,
thirty White Caps surrounded the house.
who are you and what do you want?'
asked the uncle. The foremost horseman re-
piled, I'VE want you and we are going to
| have you"
"Ail right" replied the old man, "come
on" With that he fired into the middle of
| the gang One man fell from his horse and
was picked up and all galloped away. In
about two hours they returned and were met
went away. "The third night" says Vance,
''about ten o'clock, we heard noise in the
barn. Hardwick and went to investigate
and were struck down and bound with cords
and half carried to the barn. One said, we
mean you no harm if you keep still.
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03
g. 1888

the dining room looking as fresh and spry as
a man Of much younger years. In the face
Of the storm the Governor and small party
left Dixfield on deer hunt, and his Excel
lency tramped all day in the woods. The
Governor failed to get shot at deer, al
though one member Of his party shot one.
He camped out. Monday night, and enjoyed
venison supper Mr.. Marble, speaking Of
the large number of deer in this section, as
we came down to Canton In the stage. Thurs
gay y morning, said: Deer are very plenty
In this section, more so than i have ever
known before. L intended to remain in the
woods another day, and should have done so
but Tor the storm. One more days hunt and
have little doubt that | should have brought
down buck"
Governor Marble likes the rod and gun.
over In Penobscot county many years ago,
coed shot.
Not many men in Maine Of his age had en-
loyed days tramp in the woods on stormy
Monday last. Enjoyed It'll" said the Gov
ernOr, every minute. l should have en-
joyed 1t little better II good buck had
come In my rifle range"
Gov. Marble, as 1t Is known, Is native Of
Dixfeld, and spent the early years Of his
life here. Owning considerable real estate
in town, necessarily he makes annual visits.
he knows every man, woman and child In
town, and Is conversant with the history OF
almost every Dixfield family. In his boy
hood he has tramped over every hill and
mountain for several miles around Dlxfeld.
His granfather was one Of the earliest set
q union district school in Dixield, boarded
round as they say. and thought nothing OF
q tW0-mlle morning walk to the school house
In swapping cold winter morning
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03
SOME POINTS FOR CABINET MAKERS.
General harrison IntInates that ne
Is an Attentive Listener
But VIII Not Begin to Talk by Making
Rash Promises.
Mr.. Blaine and the Leading Place In
tho Cabinet.

CHICAGO, Dec. 2.-Politlcians are curious
in regard to visit which Senator Farwell,
General Martin. chairman Of the Republican
State Central Committee. and Colonel ''Fred"
Grant paid to General Harrison at IndIanap-
oils on Wednesday. Every one insists that
the three were summoned by the President
elect to help him in the distribution of
Offices.
"My visit to General Harrison was a social
one Of course" said the Senator, but he
told me something which shows that you
newspaper men are away of the track, as II
were, in your speculatlons regarding Presl-
dent Harrison's plans.
49,. Senator he said to me last Wednesday,
~ - nave got big ears and very little mouth
ihere is more talk about my alleged inten-
tl0ns than ever dreamed there would be,
Dut VIII tell you one thing and that Is this
90 not propose to make a promise, or ap-
point any man 70 office for some time %
come. Most Of my predecessors, as soon as
elected, adopted the course Of at once max
Ing promises and quieting this and that fac
ton by appointments. Some Of cur Presi-
dents succeeded so we'll that they gave away
more oiflces than they had at their disposal
ana the resulL was not exactly a. thoy
wished. | shall do nothing OF the kind. /
snail look about me, carefully examine
everything and then be deliberate about my
selections, making no promises that am not
absolutely certain that can fulfill
That" continued the Senator, sis Just
how affairs stand at present"
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03
REscuINc AN ENGINE.
The Maine Central Locomotive
Hauled Out of the Lake.

WINTHROP, Dec. 2-Operations were be-
gun last night to raise Engine 25 which has
been lying in Lake Maranocook since the
wreck.of Monday. The rigging crews arrived
Saturday afternoon and began work imme-
diately after the eastern passenger train
went by. A diver placed chains about the
engine last night and the crew got derrick
and one set Of shears arranged and the other
ready to hoist early this morning. The loco
motive was about eight feet from the track
in ten feet of water. Early this morning
large crews were on the ground and began
work. At three o'clock the engine was on
the iron. The engine will be tOwed to
Waterville. 1t was built some four years
ago at cost of $4,000. and is damaged
about half its value. Seven cars have
been burned. They cost some 81, 600, which
with the injury to the cars hauled away for
repairs makes $4,000 loss aside from the
freight. This added makes rough estimate
Of $4,000, the damage from the wreck.
Hundreds visited the scene today from miles
around. Much of the sea wall has been Just
put in place and the rest will be completed
at once.
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03
CERTAINLY REPUBLICAN.
No Doubt About the Organization ot
the Next House.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2.-Among the arriy-
ing Congressman it seems to be conceded
that the next House is Republican and that
the Democrats might as well give up the
fight Mr.. Mills and few of his stamp in
sist that they will not give up until the last
return is in, but they have no figures to show
for their hopes and no arguments except
the general assertion that they would fight
for one majority. Secretary Mcpherson of
the Republican Congressional Committee.
who has returned to Washington, says that
he still figures the Republican majority at
nine, though by some possibility it may be
reduced to seven.
The Maryland certificates have been re-
ceived at the clerks office giving Mr.. Stock
bridge the place in Rayner's district and thus
settling one Of the disputes In favor of the
Republicans. There is little doubt that the
Republicans will get three districts In West
Virginia, and it is thought there will either
be Republican certificate from the doubt
fUl district in Tennessee or that the Governor
will refuse to give it to either Evans or
Bates.
The Post Gives u Up.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2.-The Washington
Post which for long time claimed a ma
jority in the next House for the Democratic
party now admits Republican majority Of
seven.
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03

not be an italian. Strange to say, many car
dinals are in favor of the election Of Cardi-
nal Gibbons, of Baltimore, on the ground
that an American Pope would win the sym
pathy and support of the United States gov
eminent and people in the struggle for the
restoration Of the temporal power
Vidal, after pointing out the political OBJ
jections to selecting a Pope from any Euro
pean nation, asserted that the most available
prelate is Cardinal Taschereau of Quebec,
would win the support of both England and
France, and antagonize no one. Tasche-
reau is moderate Conservative, and would
conciliate the Liberals.
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03
THE ARMY AND COAST DEFENCE.
Secretary Endicott Recommends
Modern Coast Defences.
What Postmaster-Cenera Dickinson
Has to Say.
He Thinks our Postal Service is the
Best in the World.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2.-Secretary Endicott
in his annual report, alludes feelingly to the
death of Gen. Sheridan which, he says,
deprived the army of chief prominently
fitted for such a command, whose wide ex-
perlence, ready resources and personal quail
ities made him tower of strength in council
and action. The Secretary again invites the
attention of Congress to the defenceless con-
ditlon OF our sea coast and lake ports. 1t
appears more important than ever that
immediate and liberal action in this direc-
tion should be .en by the coming session
OF Congress IA view of the fact of the last
sessions appropriations for the construction
OF heavy ordnance. An appropriation of
$2,S4o,000 is asked for torpedoes and subma-
rine mines. The Secretary says these are
now acknowledged by all nations as abso-
lutely necessary to the efficient defense of
harbors and seaporis and the appropriation
is recommended for their purchase and the
necessary appliances for operating them and
for experimenting to ascertain the best of
the many torpedo inventions.
An appropriation of S1.S90,000 is recon-
mended under the provisions of the army
OIL Tor the procurement of pneumatic
dynamite guns. Necessary specifications are
now being prepared and advertisements for
proposals will be issued early this month for
guns OF Is inches calibre to three projecties
carrying charge of about 600 pounds of
explosive gelatine.
Discussing the operations of the ordnance
bueau for the fiscal year, the Secretary says:
l,l30 rifles and carbines were manufactured
at the National armory. Investigations
have been completed to determine the charge
and projectile fer an arm of smaller calibre
than the present service piece. 1t is intend
ed to use compressed and perforated cart
ridges but as yet powder makers have not
produced a satisfactory powder, the desired
velocity being accompanied by too great
pressure. This matter is still under study
and trial Results obtained in France with
the Lebel rifle seem to point to a radical
change in the manufacture of powder for
small arms. Land has been secured for an
arsenal at Columbia, Tenn.
The Secretary renews his Recommendation
Tor the appointment of an assistant secretary
OF war. The Secretary's estimates of appro-
prlations to the war department for the
year ending June 30 1890, call for S44 632,-
507; So. 1872 for the military establish
ment and $13, 7S5, ,234 for the public works
and river and harbor improvements. The
appropriations for the last fiscal wear
amounted to $41, 1,165.1O7, and for the current
year $59,679,934.
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03
The Nations Inc
THE UNION PACIFIC.
What the Government Directors Say
In Their Report.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-The government
directors of the Union Pacific Railway Com
pany, in their annual report to the Secretary
of the Interior, under date of Nov. 49, 1888,
say that they have assumed as premise
now beyond the scope of discussion, the ne
cessity of an adjustment between the govern
ment and the railroad company for the pay
ment of the fund heretofore advanced as
subsidy for building the road. Those moD-
eys will be due, says the report, by the terms
of the agreement between the parties, in a
few years, and it is manifest that the road is
not now, and will not then be, in condition
to satisfy its obligation. 1t is equally mani
fest that should such adjustment not be ef-
fected, the government will be compelled to
take possession of the road and to operate it,
a result so full of dangers and difficulties
that it should not be allowed to
enter into the discussion except as
last and unavoidable solution Of a
problem not otherwise to be solved
The government directors are still of opinion
that it would be better for the United States
to lose every dollar of its debt and execute
release to the company than to undertake
the duties OF common carrier of goods and
OF passengers, thereby establishing prece-
dent which would surely create mischief far
beyond the benefits to be reaped from so
hazardous an experiment The government
directors assume that some settlement should
now be made and commend the conclusions
Of the majority report of the commission
appointed under the act Of March 3, 1887. as
sound, judcious and practical, and they
earnestly hope that they will meet with
the approval of Congress. By adopting those
conclusions, they are of opinion that the gov
ernment will secure its claim beyond any
reasonable risk. Its lien, they assert, will
be placed in such shape as to make enforce
ment possible in case of a default in the pay
ment of interest, and every year in the fu-
ture will make ultimate payment of the prin-
| cipal more probable. In concluding the re-
| port, the government directors say that so
far as they have been able to ascertain, the
| Union Pacific Company has been In the past
| year managed with fidelity and intelligence.
Everything has been done that could reason
ably be expected to keep the road in the line
| OF Improvement, aud to satisfy the just re-
| quirements of the government The report
| is signed by A. @. Haskell, M. A. Hanna, f.
| X. Coudert, Frank McVeagh and +. w. Say
| age, government directors.
Maine Pensions.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-Pensions were
granted to Maine people today as follows
II. W. Soule, Augusta.
Nathan 5. Spaulding, North Anson
| INCREASE.
Charles w. Veazie, Bangor.
VIM. Lakeman, navy, National Military Home
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03
GOSSIP FROM NEW YORK.
Some Newspaper Talk Concerning
Mr.. Blaine and the Cabinet.

BosToN, Dec. 2.-The Herald prints the
following New York despatch;
New YORK, Dec 1, 1883.
The atmosphere around the Fifth Avenue
Hotel. the headquarters Of the big Republi-
can politicians. and in all circles In New
York Interested In National affairs. has been
made very much clearer by the presence OF
Mr.. Blaine, Major Mckinley and other big
men, in the last "A hours, and this was par
ticularly demonstrated today. All the big
men cleared out. leaving Mr.. Depew, Mr.
Platt and Hon. Levi Z. Morton, the Vice
President-elect, in possession Of the field. 1t
was authoritatiyely announced that a good
deal OF bunc0mbe has been sent all over the
country concerning the presence Of some of
the headlights OF the Republican party in
New York just at this time. But their pres
ence has definitely settled one point, and that
Is that Mr.. Blaine will accept the State port
folio II it Is offered him. This announcement
Is made In the face Of an alleged long confer
ence between Congressman Mckinley. set
tive. and Mr.. Blair, Mr.. Platt and
Mr.. Morton, all Of them individually and
collectively for Mr.. Blaine and his
friends. A good deal has been said about
the visits OF Western statesmen to the Har-
ris0n shrine In indianapolis, and comment
has been made because none Of the Eastern
lights have yet appeared In Indianapolis.I Is
authoritatively stated that any reports tend
ing to show that the Eastern statesmen en-
bcItdin uupltaSant LnOuRntS concerning Lnes6
visits are untrue. The story here written Is
not based on hearsay evidence or gossip; ID
comes from the throne itself, and there are
letters from Gen. Harrison to the great
Eastern statesmen, as well as the cores
p0ndence OF the Eastern men themselves, to
back 1t up. 1t Is true that Gen. Harrison
has not yet invited Mr. Morton. Mr. Blaine.
MT. Platt, Mr.. Miller, Mr.. Depew or Senator
Hlscock to visit him at Indianapolis, but his
letters TO these gentlemen breathe the friend
IHAE g.
statement that, at the proper time-and that
Is not far distant-he will be- more than
pleased to see them and listen TO their sug-
geStionS concerning the cabinet and other
matters affecting his administration. All
the letters are written in the most dignifed
way, but through them all can be seen the
desire Of the President-elect TO have har-
mony and united Republican party. be-
side these sentiments are the cordial thanks
t1 all the Eastern leaders for their seryiee in
the campaign.
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03
THE BRAINTREE MURDER.
Thompson Thought to Have Gone
to Sea From Boston.

BosToN, Mass, Dec. detective Fur
nald of Quincy has given considerable
amount of patient investigation to the recent
murder in Braintree. he has found that
the suspected murderer, Thompson, and his
zinc trunk, left the South Braintree station
for Boston ON the Z o'clock train on the
evening of the murder two weeks ago to-
day; that on arriving at Boston, Thompson
and his trunk were conveyed in cab to
the Boston & Maine station, where the
trunk was checked for Portland, Me-. that
on Sunday Thompson reappeared and
changed the Portland check for "calP'
check, and that early on Monday morning
he came with companion, who looked like
sailor, claimed the trunk, and the two men
carried it away between them. Detective
Furnald is of the opiOnion that Thompson
went to sea the same day. Whether there
will be any further developments remains to
be seen.
The inquest before Judge Humphrey into
the facts regarding the murder was con-
cluded in the district court at Quincy at
noon yesterday. A number of witnesses
were examined in private, but no new facts
of special Importance were ELECTED. Judge
Humphrey will render his verdict without
delay.
HALIFAX, N. s., Dec. 2-Thompson, the
Braintree, Mass, murderer is reported to
have been seen near Dibent, Colchester
county, on the line of the Intercolonial
Railway.
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03

We are going to teach Aaron a lesson to
went away. In short time we heard per-
feet broadside of firing. A lew minutes lat
er man opened the barn door and beckoned
to our guard. He Immediately left us. At
daybreak uncle opened the barn
door and cut our bonds He did not dare
come out of the house before. By the aid of
an old female servant who loaded the guns
he had been able to fire rapidly. Two days
before left my uncle got a letter which
said the White Caps would have revenge If it
took all winter. The old man said he would
fight the battle out from his own castle."..
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03
THE NATIONAL BANKS.
Recommendations of the comptroI-
Ter as to New Legislation.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-The 26th annual
report of the comptroller of the currency
contains summary of the state and con-
ditions of the national banks during the year.
The number reporting on Oct. was 314O, of
which the capital exceeded $592, 900, 900; sur
plus fund, $1S5,OO0,000; other undivided
profits, 100000; and the outstanding circula-
tion against bonds, S151. .702, 900. The indi-
vidual deposits amounted to 81, 1850, ,0OO, 900,
and government deposits to $56,0O0,OO0. The
total number of new national banks or
ganized during the year was 1872. Forty-two
banks went out OF the system during the
year, of which "a went into voluntary liqui-
dation and failed, making net increase of
80 banks: The net Increase of capital in the
year has been over $14,000,000, and the net
increase of circulation nearly SIT 7,0O0, 900.
Reports have been received from 1872 insti-
tutions not national banks, namely, state
banks, 1043; loan and trust companies, 120 !;
savings banks, S07; and private banks, 1908.
The whole body of these institutions report
capital stocks, $265, 900, 900; surplus fund and
other undivided profits, $24O, ,O00. 900; and
individual deposits, $2,127, 100000 Dur
ing the year 81 dividends have been paid
to creultors of insolyent national banks, ag-
gregating So, ,955, and the affairs Of five
failed banks have been closed, in each case
the creditors receiving payment in full, prin-
cipal and interest. Since the beginning of
the national banking system the total claims
proved against all failed banks have been
less than $52, 900, and the aggregate of
dividends payed upon those claims has ex-
ceeded 1888 000,0 900; total assessments levied
upon shareholders, ST., ,500, 900; gross collec-
tions from such assessments, sc, ,346, 900. The
recommendations of the comptroller as to
new legislation are: First, the funding of
the outstanding gTeenbacks and bonds bear
ing not over p per cent. per annum interest,"
available only as basis for national bank
circulation, and payable only upon the fail
are of the bank or upon its dissolution; the
banks to receive par of the bonds in circu-
lating notes. Second, the national bank
redemption agency at Washington to be
transferred 30 New York aud sub-redemp-
tion agencys established at each central
reserve city, all notes being redeemable in
discriminatory at any agency. Third-The
enactment of laws giving uniform effect to
commercial instruments, such as bills of
lading, bills of exchange, checks, etc.
The Nations Indebtedness.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2-The total debt, less
available cash items, is 1900, ,724, ,463; net
cash in the treasury, $52.234,6 ,6lO; debt, less
cash in the treasury, December 1st, $1,14s, :
489, 1858; debt less cash in the treasury No
vember 1st, 81 .137, ,036. Increase Of debt
during November, $11, 1882.
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03
A story current in washington last winter

A story current in Washington last winter
in regard to Lord Sackyille was that on one
occasion early in the season his trusted but
Ter asked for and obtained permission to
visit Baltimore for few days. Immediately
upon his arrival there he drove to one of the
leading hotels and registered as Hon. Lionel
Sackville West. An hour or two later note
was handed him, in which the writer stated
that, although personally unacquained with
the British Minister, they were desirous of
extending to him the hospitality of their
house during his stay. and closed with an in
yitation that he would be their guest at din
ner that evening. This invitation was ac-
cepted by the butler, who arrayed himself in
full dress attire and actually attended the
dinner, where, throughout the evening, be
maintained his assumed character with such
cleverness that neither his entertainer, nor
the guests asked in his honor, ever suspected
that he was other than just what he repre-
sented himself, the Minister Plenipoteniary
from the Court Of st. James,
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03
An American for Pope,

OTTAWA, Dec. 2.-Michael Vidal. for
merly member of Congress from the fourth
Louisiana district, and we'll known diplo-
matte agent. is in Ottawa, He spent some
recent years in Italy, and lately saw Cornell
ly of the Paris Gaulois, an authority on pa
pal policy. He had just returned from Rome
where be interviewed all the italian cardi-
mails and ascertained their views regarding
the papal succession.
1t seems to be the consensus of opinion at
Rome that the successor to Leo XIII must
The Portland daily press., 1888-12-03
The Young MONS cablne,.

New YORK, Dec. 1.-The Herald's Wash
ington correspondent says that ex-senator
Sewall Of New Jersey recently made jour
ney to indianapolis, where he had confer
ence with General Harrison. Shortly after
this he wrote letter to friend In Washing
ton. from which the following words are TAX
en-: Tell the boys that the old fellows will
have TO go to the rear. Harrison wants
young timber for his Cabinet, and we
have no chance" The letter further stated
that all signs pointed to Congressman Bou-
tella OF Maine as President Harris0n's selec-
tiOn for Secretary Of the Navy.