davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12
A FEW FIGURES,

A republican State Legislature and e1.
ecutive Is a very considerable luxury, when
one comes to think of 1t. Years ago the ex'
cuse for high taxes In Illinois was laid to
war and the State debt for which latter a
special tax of two mills on the dollar was
annually levied In addition to the 7 per cent
paid In by the Ill. Cent, Il. II. on Its gross
earnings, The republicans used to tell the
good people then that as soon as the debt
had been paid, the ILL., Cent. fund would
pay the biggest part Of the States bills. Of
course, nobody expected that; but no one
had reason to expect In 1887 that State
taxes would be nearly double those OF 1886,
since the State debt had long since been
paid off to the last dollar.
Yet In 1887 the State taxes Dere nearly
doubled. The actual figures of increase
are as follows:
State tar levied in 1888 was. M, Az a
State tax levied in 1887 was ......... 4,22SOfO ~
Increase in one year 81 ,i5O6lS G2
OF this enormous increase La Sale Co.
WAS made 10 bear her share, of course, and
that share was modest $33, 357 dollars -
La Sale county for 1895 paid State tax s6s0s6 50
La Sale county for 1857 paid State tax. 96iii 81
An increase in one year Of. .... s3S, 1851 SO
Where the money goes would be an in.
teresting study. The last Legislature used
up a greater share than Legislatures have
averaged; the printing combine gobbled
$4,000 in spite of the fact that the expert
gave the State officers who let the contract
fair notice; every department iD the State
house spent more money than ever before
and honest Dick Og!esby's residence for
two years cost the State some $4,000, al
though the law allows only $1,000. The
State paid for his toilet soap and toilet arti.
cles; for renovatng pillows, curtains and
carpets; for his tablewares, table linens
cutlery, &c; for dry goods, flowers, hire of
riding horse, &c. Cigars and liquors dc
not appear In the bills, nor do meats and
vegetables; but good many other things
that other housekeepers do not charge to
public accounts do. Little things like
these give pointer to the innocent farmer
who scimps 10 keep even, as to the way a
public officer on So, 800 a year manages to
live at a 5000 rate. and still save money.
This information Is useful, perhaps; but
after all, 1t is just rs well-as general rule
not to give any crowd of fellows too
much time to broaden their experience.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12

A MERIToRIoUs CLAIM BY the pro-
cesdings of congress Geographically re-
ported from day to day by the daily press,
no doubt many of our readers have seen
mentioned the introduction of bill to
compensate Col. +. d. Taylor for services
to the government during the war. Now
as Col. Taylor is not known to have held
any position either In the military or civil
service during that time, the question nat
urally suggests itself, what services does
he claim compensation for? The matter is
fully explained In the following brief aft
davit which companied quite bundle of
statements and vouchers laid before con,
gress in connection with his memorial ask
ing the compensation indicated:
State of Illinois, Cook County, SIS
Edmund ID. Taylor, being sworn. says that
during the war, at the special instance of
Mr. Lincoln then President, he devoted a
large part of his time to the service of the
United States, travelling day and night,
whenever called upon, between Washing
ten and Cairo and other points In the West,
AS the confidential agent and bearer of
dispatches, both written and verbal, be.
tween President Lincoln and General
Grant. That during all that time he paid
his own expenses, which were not less than
5000. and that he has never received any
compensation whatever for his expenses,
or for his time and services. And further
deponent sayeth not.
Subscribed and sworn TO, &c.
AT that time Col. Taylor was wealthy
man, regarded as worth million or more,
and being on very friendly and confiden-
tial terms with President Lincoln, and a
citizen of the highest standing was freely
called upon by the President for aid and
advice in many an important and urgent
contingency, and every call was promptly
assumed without hesitation. OF course
the President had no other idea but that
Col T. would not only be paid all his ex
penses, but also for his services. But be-
ing wealthy, and devoted to his country,
and knowing Its extremity for want of
ready means, the Col. never presented any
formal demand. Now, however, through
a series of misfortunes, having become y
comparatively poor man, he really needs
all the government so justly owes him. and
It is earnestly hoped that the bill now be-
fore congress In his behalf may speedily
become law. Surely, congress Is seldom
called upon to grant q more righteous
claim.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12
lucky Jerseyman who happens to be the
owner Of a chalk hill.

lucky Jerseyman who happens to be the
owner Of chalk hill.
On the same principle thousand indus
tries can be built up In this country that no
one dreams Of now Pay any Illinois
sorghum firm sufficient bounty and they
will fiji the market with sugar at cents
per 10, though II may cost them 80 cents
pound 10 make II. Pay our gardeners
enough and they will erect enough hot
houses 10 flood the market with pineapples,
infinitely better and at no greater cost than
we pay for the West India article.
The present mOnstrous tariff Is honey.
combed with just such abuses AS these
chalk and borsx swindles Every trade,
every occupation, every industry Is taxed
millions on millions a year for raw mater.
ials In the same way, and the labor of the
country In the end must pay all In prices
fearfully enhanced thereby,-all TO enrich
a few individuals, or grinding, conscience.
less syndicates and trusts And yet any
Interference with this wholesale public
robbery is denounced by the Republican
press and party as Striking at the great
American principle OF protection to our
home industries!"
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12

The Tribune and IaterOcean are having
a very interesting discussion, the Tribune
accusing the Iattr Ocean of interpolating
with the State platform high tariff plank.
And the burden of the argument so far is
rather against the Tribune And this is
not surprising, considering the unanimity
with which republican State conventions
throughout the Union, and republican
members Of congress In the tariff
debate have adopted the high tariff
propaganda as a party plank and purpose.
The Tribune will have an uphill task by
the endeavor to put the republican party
in the position Of having tariff reform.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12

Fer the next fifteen days we will offer 60
doz. assorted sizes, mems moleskin pants,
the new fabric for working men, for sum
mer wear, at 75c, 81 and $l.25, according
to quality. These goods are new, just from
the manufacturer, and while they are at
tractive in appearance, having the look and
feel of me worsted, will outwear any wooden
goods on the market. They come in neat
checks and stripes, and are made especially
for working men. buying them as we have,
in large quantities, we are able to offer them
at a very small profit to ourselves. To see is
to buy. A. AsHULER.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12

The general conference of methodists
now In session In New York, on Tuesday
last, after long debate, voted to exclude
women from taking part in the proceed
ins; but generously agreed to pay the
expenses Of those who had attended expect
Ing to take part. The vote shows that the
clergy are responsible for the defeat
OF the ladies, there being 81
clerical majority against the ladies and
only 2 among the laymen. Considering
the part the women have to sustain In all
church work, II seems that the innovation
proposed should have met with better
reception among the clergy. Were the
women counted out of all churches the
remainder would make pretty small army
of christian workers In all congregations.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12
A New Fabric.
Fast Black Henrietta Sstines at 35c pc
YaFh

Fast Black Henrietta Sstines at 35c per
Yard.
A new cloth just introduced, made from
the best Sea Island cottons. They are light
weight, glossy in finish, and perfection in
black. the manufacturer wishes US to guar.
antee these goods to be fast black: water,
sun, or perspiration will not change the
this black. They have oil the appearance Of
q silk warp Henrietta, without their
weight or warmth. These goods are finer
than any French satines. Any dress not
proving as above represented, the money
will be cheerfully retired.
Samples mailed on application,
J. Z. Soorr & Co.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12

~ould.be Italians have tried to grind, hut
have failed. He referred to the Globe. no
applause.) The organ, according to MI.
Barnhart, had been recently repaired, ana
with new and supple organ grinder Was
capable Of eliciting donations Of tin cans,
etc, from almost anybodys window. He
wanted the organ declared the official organ
of the Prohibitionsts, and moved that it be
so entitled, The motion went through with
a whoop, and Chase Fowler, Dan Mason and
the Messrs, Youmsns smiled sweet, con-
tented smile, which any one might have
worshipped with perfect safety. In farther
eulogy Of the Organ Mr.. Barnhart said
that in the last campaign the Prohibition
party had paid full advertising rates to
papers, and they were scarce at those rates.
They had made contract with one Of the
proprietors Of an Ottawa paper (the Rep. y
fora column, at high price but just as
tho contract was about to DO oonsummstsd
the senior editor stepped in and said that he
was running the political department him
self and didn't want tho cold water matter
at any price.
Mr. Pussy remarked that he had often
sent communications to the Republican, but
when he was about to secure the best of the
argument they sat upon his manuscript with
remarkable celebrity and with even surplus
Of avoirdupois.
Mr.. Thurber desired the party to open its
purse strings aud donate to the little scheme
Of Mr.. Jewetts, known as the "Great Pro-
hibitiou Tent Side Show Mr.. Jswett had
demanded $llO, $35 on April 2Sth and $75
on June lst, or La Sale county would be
left alone, without even Prohibition Camp
Fire. He had attempted to raise the $35 BY
addressing polite demand for aid to sixteen
Of the most prominent men in the party,
whom he knew could stand the levy, but his
only consolation was two replies and $3.50.
The "organ' needed mending, too, and he
desired that all money possible be donated
it. (Mr. Fowler smiled.) Strange to say,
however, when the question was put to de-
nate $40 to Mr.. Jewetts little scheme, Mr..
Fowler and his man Farrell opposed it'll!
Then, when the motion was declared carried,
Mr.. Fowler arose and desired to be informed
as to "Where the Gieuc come, in?' No re-
sponse-"Ain't ssyin' word, am II"
In strictly party speech, Mr.. Thurber
said: ave are the lowly and down trodden.r
Someone objected, with the remark that it
was not true. The "only people who were
down. trodden were the anti saloon republi-
cans!' Applause.
A motion was made to appoint q new
County Central Committee, but Mr.. Fowler
moved to adjourn. The chair decided the
motion out of order. This decision nearly
evacuated the breathing apparatus of Mr..
Fowler and Mr. Burwell but still the chair
decided it out of order. At length, when
the convention was about to arise en- masse
to quote parliamentary rule, the chair put
the motion to adjourn, which carried, leav-
ing the Central Committee as it then existed.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12

The Grundy county democrats held a
convention on Saturday last, adopted reso.
!utions endorsing the administration and
instructing delegates to the State conven.
tion for Cleveland and Black, and for
Stevens for governor. The congressional
delegates favor the nomination of Hon.
Andrew Welch of Yorkville, far Congress.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12

The board Of arbitration 70 which the
city of Joliet, Illinois, and the Joliet Wa
terworks company submitted for final
settlement the question OF the value Of the
waterworks plant In that city, sent In their
decision, fixing their valuation at $3.50, $40
The city Is obliged 10 purchase and the
company to sell at that price.-E1.
This is the end Of long and heated
newspaper and legal fight. 1t has Its les
sons; not the least OF which Is that cities
affected by the waterworks craze had bet
ter go slow, feel their way and know Just
what is the best to be done before going
into Improvements of that kind. Joliet
was very enthusiastic when the subject was
proposed and In burst Of enthusiasm
gave away charter to private company
Then she was sorry for 1t; and began to
back up and start again. II was hard work
and costly work, She mas finally got back
to the starting poing again, but only after
costly experience.
There are good many waterworks en-.
thusiasts In Ottawa, already the best wa
tered inland city in Illinois. There are
unquestionably hundreds OF homes to
which water works would be a blessing.
There are scores of residences surrounded
by artesian water pipes whose occupants
are forced TO carry water from their neigh
bors' kitchens, or risk typhoid fever by
drinking we'll water. Very few wells five
years old furnish in midsummer water
supply to keep lawns of good, cool, green
color There are then hundreds of people
who would welcome water works; but the
subject has not been discussed enough In
this town as yet to warrant anything being
done off-hand Water works means also a
system of sewerage. The two go together
of necessity; and with all due respect, it
must be said that there is not city officer
or % civilians in the town that knows the
first letter of the A B Cs of sewerage con
struction. With Ottawa's sewers hap-hazard,
with her present ideas on the sewerage
question, water works would be curse to
the town
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12
to the neophytes Of that county as just the
right size and proper caper for Kendall,

W tne neopnytes vi tndt Couhty as just .tno
right size and proper caper for Kendall,
Mayos friends there Will be seen to rally
quite rallyously, Du Page doesr want to
90 to congress. She has thrust aside
but just to keep up with the
procession Mr.. Bush, Of Downer's Grove
will consent" to run again for member Of
the State Board of Equalization, just once
more--just to please-Mayo. It is under
stood they have lately been holding a
robust admiration society meetings.
small, but very select company of two
Now It isn't possible that under the
circumstances win county can have the
gall to ask for more than the presidential
elector, and share of the delegates to
Chicago! SO, II the convention next
Tuesday should so turn out In this way
therell be no use bowling, for 1t won't be
the nice and purity thing to do under the
circumstances" Dern hog, anyhow.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12

The Senate on Wednesday passed the
great land forfeiture bill, declaring forfeit
ed to the United States, and restoring to
the public domain all railroad lands, grant
ed To aid In the construction, opposite TO or
coterminOus with the portions OF said roads
AS are not now constructed and In operation,
On Thursday, however, II was re.consid'
cred and series Of amendments offered
u H.
The International copyright bill has
passed the senate.
Senator CullOm in the senate has offered
amendments TO the river and hsrbor bill,
authorizing survey for the proposed I'LL
nois river ship canal and also for begin
ming of work on the Eenneptn canal by
purchase Of lands,
The tariff discussion still continues In
the house. and campaign literature Is being
manufactured in unlimited quantities IL
Is believed, however, that the bill Is gain
Ing ground.
Several democratic conventions have
been held this week, and in al cases the
President has been heartily endorsed, and
his name cheered TO the echo. In Michl'
gan over a hundred soldiers, delegates,
rose TO their feet and publicly Missed In.
gals name. In Vermont the platform
favcrs tariff reform and ClevelaEd's re cleo.
ton, as do also those OF Alab8ma and
Maryland,
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12
Police Court Notes.

Henry Melzgcr was fined $25 and costs
before Judge Weeks or Thursday, for keep
ing his saloon, on Madison street, open on
Sunday, May 9Th. He plead guilty.
Apropos of the Canty Rose interview on
Madison Ct, on Wednesday, Rose and CAVITY
appeared before Judge Weeks yesterday
morning, CAVITY upon charge of assaulting
Rose, and the latter for carrying concealed
weapons. Cantys case was disposed Of
quickly, with fine of 50 and costs, which
he paid. When it came to Rose, the sweet
exotic plant was disposed to fight. He was
represented by Mr. Nicholson, who endeav-
ored to Impress upon the Court that Rose
was a gentleman lat what time in life Mr..
Nicholson was slightly reticenD and war
ranted in protecting himself from the as
saults of a "ruffian." He also introduced
Mayor Allen, who swore to issuing per.
nit to Rose to carry 9 revolver two years
ago. But the judge failed to see where the
Mayor was given that power, and was sin
gularly unimpressed by the remarks Of Mr..
Nicholson, and stated in assessing fine Of
$3.50 and costs upon Rose, that the case was
q peculiarly aggravated one. The Lilly OF
the Valley had boosted in his cellar organ
Of being armed; had carried revolver for
two years and was observed in tho very
act Of threatening . mans life with the
weapon. Rose Of course appealed.
It is we'll enough to dispose OF the fool
ish charge that Melville W. Fuller was q
"copperhead" by saying that such consid-
erations about matters In 1851 have moth
Ing TO do with his fitness for the Chief
J usticeship In 1888. 1t is also we'll to pre-
vent false impression becoming current.
The truth is that Mr.. Fuller, pronounced
Douglas Democrat, adhered to the views OF
the Little Giant of Illineis throughout,
and was strong Union man. His opposi-
ton to certain law.defying arbitrary pro-
ceedings against citizens of Northern
States was shared by thousands Of Repub-
licans as we'll as Democrats. In those DAYS
many things were done by military and
political Upstairs which no sound lawyer
could excuse, for, except in ministering to
private ends, the existing laws providedlin
better ways for all contingencies that
arose.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12
CHAa !. HOFFMAN.

CHAS !. HOFFMAN.
Chairman,
LOUIS RoHRER,
s. X. PARR.
DANIEL KEENAN,,
SAML l.. MILLER,
f. y BROWNE
W. w. TAi LOR
&. b. ERICKSON,
ByJG. ARMSTRONG, Committee.
The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1888-05-12
Current Events.

BY J. q. ARMSTRONG,
SecrptAT
The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1888-06-07
THE BIGGEST PAIR YET.
4 Pair Of Shoes Fourteen Inches Long and
Five and Half Inches Wide.
1Atlanta Constitution. |

SAGldlll(t
"To be made for actual use, believe
those are the largest shoes ever made in
Georgia. They were made from actual
measurement, and are a close fit. ]
have been in the business ever since
was ten years old. and Inever saw any
thing like them"
The speaker was Mr.. NJ. Gaines, the
veteran shoemaker.
Here are some figures" he con-
tinued, that l kept on purpose. 1t
took a piece of leather containing ,04C
square inches to make the uppers, and
1850 to make the soles. That is 5000
square inches altogether. The shoes
weigh eight and one-quarter pounds
If that leather were cut into strips an
eighth Of an inch wide, and made into
one long string, the string would
be $4,000 inches long-enough tc
reach around the capilol square. The
soles are FOURTEEN inches long, 5! wide
and 81 inches deep. That don't count
the heel, which would add another inch
to the depth.n
"What number are they?"
Fifteen and half. The last was
made to order in Louisville"
"And who are they for?"
"They are for darky named Bill
White-the one that has been with P.
H. Shook for twenty years or more. He
has the biggest foot l ever saw"
The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1888-06-07
NO END TO THE THING.
The Enormous Sum Republicans Want to
Take from the Treasury in Pensions.

WASHINGTON, May 2S.-There is the
highest authority for the statement that
the raid upon the Treasury contempla-
ted in the recently. reported arrears OF
pensions bill..will not be permitted by
the leading Democrats of the House.
The bill, if passed, would cost the tax
PAYERS cf the country the enormous
sum of 1881, 900, 900 according to a care
full estimate by the Pension Office Off
cials.
TO this sum would be added the
pending cases for arrears allowed by
law, which would still further increase
the amount to $430.000,0 900. The Re
publicans will vote for the bill if it
comes before the House, because they
dare not antagonize it. Many Of their
more prominent members, notably Mr..
Reed of Maine and Mr.. Mckinley of
Ohio, regard it as demagogical meas
ure, which will gain their support only
through protest,
Mr.. Carlisle, however, is outspoken
in his opposition to the bill. He said
to-day, when spoken with on the sub
iect, that before the Committee on
Rules, of which he is the chairman,
should be allowed to fix time for its
consideration he would prevent the
committee from meeting again this
session. In this he is cordially sup
ported by Messrs. Mills and Randall,
the other Democratic members of the
Committee.
The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1888-06-07
ESTABLISHED 1865.

Speaker, he makes it his business to
know every members capacity. Every
day he reads through the Congressional
Record, and if Il new member is prom
ising he makes it Il point to hear him
speak. He studies his men so carefully
that he is able to place them on COM
mittees to the best advantage. What
ever misses he makes are due to con-
ditions and circumstances that he can
not control. Since he has been Speaker
he has studied members as carefully as
he used to study crockery, pig-iron
steel blooms, and other inanimate ma
terials when he was helping to make
tariff bills. This is the reason that the
present Ways and Means Committee is
strong although it contains an unusu-
ally large percentage of new names.
With all his triumphs he is modest;
with all his labor he is genial; and with
all his i'll health-for his confinement
to his tasks does not help to make him
strong-he is patient, kindly, helpful'
and long-sutiering. He is accessible to
all but lobbyists.
The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1888-06-07
Writing in His Sleep.

Mr.. J. c. Darlington editor of the
Laurens Advertiser, is somewhat of L
somnambulist, according to the follow
ing from the Augusta Chronicle: While
glancing over the matter in preparation
for the issue Of his paper for the current
week, he noticed an article telling of
the destruction Of Laurens by an incen-
diary fire Efforts to ascertain who
wrote the article. or what printer put it
in type, failed. 1t soon leaked out that
Editor darlington had written and set
up the article while asleep, walking
from his residence to his office in the
dead of night to do so. The account of
the fire recited, among other things,
that the loss occasioned by the fire
would foot up $4,000, with one-eighth
insurance."