davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14
THE PANAMA CANAL
A Review Showing the Amount of
Work Done, and Money Spent and
to be Spent Before the Enter
prise Can be Completed.
A Poor Exhibit For an Immense Ex-
penditure OF Money.

New YoRK.-The Engineering News
publishes this week an article on "ActuaI
Status of the Panama Canal" giving the
results of recent expert examination of
the entire length Of the canal, and accom-
panied by a progress profile, showing the
amount of work done and undoRe to Jan
uary 1 of the present year, both for the
sea level and lock canal. The profile
shows that the only work which is any
where near completion is about eleven
miles of dredging on the Atlantic end and
about mile at the Pacific end. On the
remainder of the work the proportion is
very small in comparison with that IN
done.
The estimate given in connection with
this profile shows a total of S4OS1, 900
cubic meters remaining, without allowing
for the changes of river channels, gamooa
dam, stc., which raises the aggregate to
100000 cubic meters. The company
had admitted 100000 to 100000
meters.
At the highest rate yet reached of
100000 cubic meters per month, it is
estimated that at least four years will be
necessary to finish the canal, if there is
no lack of money.
The total amount of cash actually ex-
pended up to the present date is SI77,-
$4,000, represented by 1851, 10000, of
securities. The amount necessary TO be
raised to complete the canal is estimated
by the Engineering News at minimum
of $239,G00,000, which would be represen-
ed by at least $5OO,0O0,OOO of new seouri-
ties.
The article declares that the progress
T1rnfiln II hot NOD o,,o 49,,
tn of the work nor one-tuentieth of the
money has yet been spent which would be
required to open sea-leveI canal, which
Lesseps declared last November would
be opened February 3, 1890. Therefore.
we can only escape from the conclusion
that the impossibility of completing a
sealevel canal has been known for three
or four years at least, by assuming coIos-
sal ignorance, either of which equally IA
tai TO their credibility in regard to the
lock project. The worst feature of the
progress profile, TO those familiar with the
proper conduct of public works, is not so
much the small aggregate of the work
done, but the distribution of it, in the
damning evidence it hears that all has
been done for theatrical effect, to facili-
tate raising the Wind by producing an i'm
preston on the ignorant and unthinking,
rather than so conduct the work as to
complete it in the least time, at the least
cost. The worst feature of all is the COM
pleted section on the marshes, which
should not have been touched at all until
the heavy work was nearly done. The
next worst is doing so much work where
it is likely to be washed out by floods in
the Chagrss river, without first complet-
the costly and doubtful damming and
diversions of that river, which are hardly
yet begun.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14
Across the Russian Frontier.

George KEENAN, contributes to the
Century description of his trip across
the Russian frontier, and the following
extract shows what the author and the
artist found when they reached the
boundary. 4 picture Of such Il scene
as the one described here forms the
frOntispiece of the number. eve
sprang out of the tarantas and saw,
standing by the roadside, a square
pillar ten or twelve feet in height, of
succeed or plastered brick, bearing on
one side the coat Of arms Of the
European province of Perm, and on the
other that Of the Asiatic province of
Tobolsk 1t is the boundary post
of Siberia. No other spot between St
Petersburg and the Pacific is more full
Of painful suggestions, ana none has
for the traveller more melancholy in
terest than the little opening in the
forest where stands this GriGf-conse-
Grated pillar Here hundreds OF
thousands of exiled human beings
men. women, and children; princes,
mobiles, and peasants-have hidden
goodbye forever to friends, country,
and home.
mo other boundary post in the
world has witnessed so much human
suffering. or been passed By such a
multitude of heart-brokcn people.
More than 170, 900 exiles have Travelled
this road since 1878, and more than
half million since the beginning Of
the present century. As the boundary
post is situated about halfway between
the last European and the first Siberian
etape, it has always been customary to
allow exile parties to stop here for rest
and for a last goodbye to home
and country. The Russian peasant
even when a criminal, is deeply at
tached 10 his native land; and heart
rendin@ scenes have been witnessed
around the boundary pillar when such
u party, overtaken perhaps by frost
and snow in the early autumn, stopped
here for q last farewell. Some gave
way to unrestrained grief; some COM
forted the weeping: some kneit and
pressed their faces TO the loved soil OF
their native country, and collected
little earth to takewith them into exile;
and few pressed their lips to the
European side of the cold brick pillar.
az if kissing goodbye forever to all
that 1t sylnboiIzed.
AT last the stern order sStroisar
(-form ranks.') from the under officer
of the convoy put an end to the leave
taking, and at the word March, the
gray-coated troop of exiles and con-
victs crossed themselves hastily all to-
gether, and, with confused jingling
of chains and leg letters, moved slow
~ away past the boundary post into
Siberia"
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14
An APPALLING DISASTER.

Only Two Out of Thirteen Persons in Burn
ing Hotel Escape None We're Above the See
Ond Floor.
RooKDALE, Texas.-Monday, morn
ing about o'clock the Mundine hotel,
three story brick building was found to
be on fire. Inside were only thirteen per-
sons, only two of whom escaped alive.
DR.. W. A. Brooks, proprietor, was pulled
out of the burning building with his hair
and beard singed off and otherwise BADLY
burned, leaving behind him his wife
and four children who persisted.
Pemberton Pierce, a representative of
the firm of George Fl. SeigIer, Of Phila
delphia, jumped from the burning build
ing and was killed. D. M. Oldham, of
Dallas, escaped badly singed. The mys-
terry about the thing is that so many
should have persisted when none were
higher up than the second story and
there were galleries and exits on both
sides of the building occupied by
the sleepers. No one was heard
to call or scream, all dying without cry
for help, though a great crowd quickly
gathered and exhausted every effort to
afford relief. The remains of several
have been recovered from the ruins; but
they are unrecognizable.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14

MILWAUKEE, with its large German
population, has naturally had German
taught in the public schools, but a, SEN
timer is developing in the city which
MAJ lead to the abolition of the study TO
make room for more generally useful
courses. st. Louis has only recently
abolished German,-the high and normal
schools of course retain the study,-and
the falling off N attendance which had
been predicted has not taken place. On
the contrary there was a gain in the
total enrolment and in the average daily
attendance. Twelve per cent. of the
school time was formerly given to German,
but is now used for writing, language les
sons and arithmetic. The teaching of
foreign languages IN the lower grades of
public schools is wholly opposed to
American ideas, ana must go sooner or
later.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14

The Presidents horses are by no
means the best looking ones of Wash
ington, and the beauty of the seal
browns has been overrated. Whitney
drives housekeeping blacks, and his
fOotman and cOachman have cream
cOlored livery with silver buttons. His
harness is silver-mounted, and it was
imported from Europe. Colman, the
Commissioner of Agriculture, has Il
coachman in blue livery, as the farmers
will be delighted to know, and his team
is of chestnut color. Senator Chand-
ler's livery is green, and his harness is
silver-mounted. He has black coach
man, and his horses are of the color of
Senator Blair's hair, which is sOrrel
The British Minister has an elegant
pair of grays, whose tails are banged
in English fashion. Don CamerOn's
cOachman and footman have dark
green livery, and his horses are worth
$500 and upward apiece. He has two
bays which he values at 81, 800, and
these are clipped. SAbin has a couple
of fine black horses, and he keeps Il
good stable. Leland Stanford has d
stable which cost him between $25, 900
and $4,000 to build, and he has the
biggest landau in the city. 1t cost, L
think, $4,000, and it hangs so lightly
on its springs that a touch of the finger
will move the body of the carriage. In
this landau Senator Stanford drives
team of big blacks which are worth
their weight in silver, and he has in
addition to these a number of fast
horses, and Mrs. Stanford has her own
team. Senator Stockbridge lately paid
SO, 600 for a horse Of Leland Stanford,
and Stanford did not know he was sell
ing it to StOckbridge at the time
Alexander Gregor sometimes drives a
Russian drosky here at Washington,
and he has big fat driver with a Rus
sian cap, who is as broad as he is long
and who weighs in the neighborhood
of an eighth of ton. A black stallion
is driven in this vehicle, and there is a
big hoop over the collar of the horse
The President usually drives in vic
toria and his livery is buff, with sill
yer buttons. The Italian Minister has
pair of bays. His harness is mounted
in silver, and his coachman comes out
in green. Endicott has the stiffest
coachman in Westinghouse ashing-
ton Letter.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14

THE trustees of ShakespeaIe's birth
place held their annual meeting recently,
and congratulated themselves On the
good condition of their trust. Thirty
nine nationalities were represented
among the 16, 500 visitors last year, and
about $4,000 was obtained from fees
Five thousand of the visitors were Amerl-
cans. The trustees want to use part OF
their $4,000 surplus in founding a
Shakespeare scholarship in the Stratford
grammar-school, and in helping restore
the chancel of the parish church The
trust deed does not admit of these nro-
iects being carried out, and legal opln-
ion on the matter is to be asked for. AS
the restoration heretofore done in STRAIT
ford church has proved the managers
thereof boobies, it is probably to be de-
sired that the schemes of the trustees
shall fail.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14
THE EMPEROR AND BISMARCK.

As the Emperor Frederick gains
strength his liberal ideas of government
assert themselves more and more. Not
merely is the stern rule of autocracy dis
tasteful TO him, but the tyranny of Bis
marck in his name is becoming thorough
iy repugnant. Unlike his father he is
unwilling to become a passive instrument
the hands of the Chancellor. Under
late Emperor Bismarck was the real
ruler of Germany. Should the Emperor
die Bismarck's policy would continue I'M
der his successor. In view of all this the
early death of Frederick III. would be a
misfortune for Germany and the world.
The talk of the news writer's about the
influence of the Empress over her husband
has little significance. At most it is only
a display of English vanity. English cor
respondents would like the world to be-
lieve that the daughter of Victoria is a
power in German policy. The assump
ton is absurd. Ill or well the Emperor
Frederick is not man to submit his
Judgment to the will of his wife. On
the contrary he has always shown very
strong will of his own. The man who Is
strong enough to compel Bismarck to
obey is not likely to be weak enough to
be ruled by woman. In judging of the
Emperor's policy the influence of the
Empress ought to be eliminated alto
gether, not only because it does not exist,
but because its supposed existence is used
in Germany to hinder liberal progress
U nder the sway of the late Emperor Bis
marck had no curb put upon his will.
Through his tools in office he used all the
power of the Empire to enforce his policy
of blood and iron. He can no longer do
this with impunity. This is shown in the
Emperors reluctance to assent to measur-
es embodying Bismarckian tradition and
In mis- desire for reconstruction of the
Ministry. 1t is now evident that a crisis
Is imminent. If the Emperor's life i.
spared it is not likely to be long until be
compeis Bismarck to resign or submit
All this is very gratifying, because il
tends to bring the German Empire into
harmony with the spirit of the age.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14

ROLAND DUEB IRVING, who recently.
died at Madison, Wis, was an able special
list in geological research. He had been
professor of geology in the university of
Wisconsin for IS years, and since 1882 he
had had charge of the Lake Superior
division of the United States geological
survey. Prof. Irving was granddaughter
of Washington Irving, and was born IN
New York in 1911. He graduated from
The Columbia school of mines In 1869, as
a mining engineer, and soon after became
an assistant on the Ohio geological sur
vey. He had published monographs on
his specialties under the auspices of the
Wisconsin geological survey, and had
made large number of reports to the
United States geological survey. He
vas also a frequent contributor to the
transactions OF the various learned socie-
ties to which he belonged.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14

THERE is bill pending in the BIRTHS
Parliament allowing newspapers more
liberty in publishing accounts of public
meetings. There are many disabilities
under which the Engllsh Journalist Ia
bors that must be eventually swept away,
AS general proposition there is more
harm than good done by the suppression
Of news by order of the government.
The German censorship is more offensive
than anything known in England. A
curious bit of police interference was
reported at Berlin Sunday. An audience
had gathered to hear the performance of
'Luther and His Times" drama written
by Pastor Trum pelmann to be Preform-
ed by university students. At the last
moment student appeared before the
curtain and announced that the the text
had been so mutilated by the censor that
the play could not be acted
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14

The negro is chang ng in appearance
ans losing some of the birthmarks pecul-
lar to the African race. The new genera
ton is showing the effects of higher
culture. Especially is this noticeable in
the towns where contact with the whites
shows its effect. The hat-aosed kinky-
headed negro is passing away and becom.
ing an unknown race. All the colored
children. no matter how dusky in
hue, show the change. Among the
females long hair of that peculiar woody
appearance hangs in long braids
or curls down their backs. Aquiline
noses and smaller mouths with thinner
lips are the rule. For years, and in fact,
ever since their freedom, the negresses
have endaavored to do away with the
short and kinky hair bestowed upon them
by their ancestors. Much of their spare
change is invested in various hair tonics
and inyigorators, and the long attention
and care bestowed upon it is shown in
their descendants. The south Georgia
negro is an evidence OF evolution-the
survival of the fttest.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14
IN GENERAL
THE CARNEGIE PARTY OFF.

Mr.. Blaine Starts on the Coaching Tour in
Excellent Health and Spirits.
LoNDoN.-The Carnegie coaching
party left the Hotel Moteropole Thurs
day at II O'Clock for their proposed tour
of England and Scotland. Among the
party were Mr.. and Mrs. James q. Blaine,
Miss Gail Hamilton, DR.. Eaton, and
Walter Damrosch, the young operate
conductor OF New York. They started in
fine weather, and a large crowd of Ameri-
cans saw them off in their coach and
four. The party proposes to be gone
twenty days, winding up at Cluny castle,
Scotland, which Mr.. Carnegie has rented
for the season. Mr.. Blaine was in excel
ent spirits and healthy, and appeared to
be quite active.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14
CONGRESSIONAL
TUESDAY, June 6.

HotgSe.-After routine business the
house went into committee of the whole
on the tariff bill on the pending clause,
wood manufactures declared not spec
tally enumerated or provided for) being
limited TO thirty minutes. Mr.. Mills
called attention to the fact that Canada
imposed tariff on sawed lumber, and
asked Why it was, if tariff meant high
wages, that it did not bring high wages
in Canada as we'll as here. The speaker
pro tenn. laid before the house a message
from the president returning without his
approval bills for the erection of public
building at Bar Harbor, Me-, and for the
purchase of additional ground for the
building at Council Bluffs, La. The en-
nouncement of the veto of the first named
bill was received with laughter by the
republicans. The conferees on the bill
relating topostal crimes presented their
report and the senate amendments were
agreed to.
WEDNESDAY, June 6.
House-The house today spent the
greater part of the time in dis
cussion of the tariff bill. Several
sections were considered. Reverse
amendments were offered and rejected.
The announcement of the denomination
of Mr.. Cleveland was greeted with loud
applause on the democratic side. Senate
amendments to the Indian appropriation
bill were non-concurred in and the bill
was seat back to the conferees.
THURSDAY, June7.
Ro;,se.-The house went into co nmittee
of the whole this morning on the tariff
bill. Mr.. Dingley, of Maine, speaking in
opposition 80 Mr.. breckenridge amend
ment to the provision attached to the
lumber schedules of the free list, which
proposes to admit Canadian fish free of
duty upon allowance by that
country of commercial rights to
our vessels and also for eciprocity. A
protracted debate followed but finally the
lumber schedule was completed without
change. Mr.. Weaver read a balletin
announcing the approya! OF the Mills bill
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14

From Queenstown to Sandy Hook IN
six DAYS, one hour and ffty-fYe minutes
Ia the latest achievement in steamship
travel. If the ocean steamers are 60 keep
on gaining in speed, some precautions
ought certainly be taken for security
against collisions. Now there is scarcely
any system of signals to secure safety.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14

"Do you think, Miss Ethel" he inquir-
ed TREMENDOUSLY, shat | could see your
father this EVENING"" II hardly think so,
Mr.. Lastyn," she replied, with a soft and
not unbscoming blush. "Papa is in the
library with Mr. Getthere, and I expect
he will need me In few minutes. But
I am sure that any other evening papa
would be more than happy to have you
call on him. He is always pleased when
young people show him attention.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14

Bouml
On the little white bed, his face radi-
ant with delight. laughing, crying,
happy, the child clapped his thin little
hands and shouted, Bravo, His seven
year joyousness had returned, just like
fireworks. s.Boum-Boum; that's Boum-
Bouml How-dye do. Boum-BoumP''
he cried.
When the doctor returned that dav
he found a clown seated by Francois
bed-a pale-faced clown. The child
was laughing. The clown held a cup
in his hand, stirring in lump Of SUI
gar, and he was saying:
You know, little Francois, you
must take a sup of this; for if you
don't Boum-Boum will clear right out
and never come back"
And the child drank.
1t was awful nice. wasn't it?''
Very nice. Thank YOU. Boum-
Boum"
Doctor" said the clown to the phv-
stefan, mo jealousy, | trust: but it
seems to me that the ugly faces that |
make for him do him quite as much
SOONA oS oui p1SSCLl JtiOu.
Father and mother were crying. but
this time it was for JOY.
From that time until Francois was
running around there drove up every
day carriage to the house in the Rue
DIES ADDRESSES. Aman came out wrapped
in an overcoat, with Understanding
collar, and under all that was the
clown, with his painted face.
What do 1 owe you, sir?" Jacques
Legrand asked of the clown when
Francois went out for the first time.
''for l certainly owe you something"
The clown held out hands of Her
cules to the parents. 1--WE will shake
hands, that is ALL Then the clown
gave Francois Il good kiss and said,
with laugh:
well, there is one thing You might
do. Grant me permission to have
printed on my cards:
--''-- - -'-' -
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14

An infant was crying fretfully in his
mothers arms in street car the other
day, when she turned to man at her side
with the request of: "Wud you place to
look cross at him, sor; he'll think it's his
father and kape shtill."
b. Rider Eaggard, in spite of his sue
cess as novel writer, considers the prac-
tice of Law his chief occupation.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14
THE GRESHAM BOOM.
1t Pleases Washington Republicans.


WASHINGTON. = The Gresham boom Is
rapidly gathering Roadway among Re
publicaus. The favorable comments
evoked By the mention of his name in
connection with the Presidential nomi-
nation throughout the country, find sub
stantia! echoes in both halls of Congress.
Greshsm's candidacy is regarded with
special favor by those Republicans who
have either been lukewarn in their sup
port of Blaine in the past, or who, in con-
sequence of his public declarations, have
come to look upon the plumed knight as
out of the race. Those republicans in
the House, who for one reason or another,
have been hostile to Blaine have suddenly
exhibited willingness to place wonder
full degree of confidence n his written
and spoken utterances on the subject of
his candidacy and, with an implicit faith
in his sincerity which contrast oddly with
their past attitude towards him, have as
oepted mis- dictum as final and have turn
ed eagerly to Gresham.
The question of uniting with the
United Presbyterian Church was almost
unanimously opposed ia the General Sy-
nod of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church. The Constitution of the United
States was denounced as being a virtual
agreement to administer the government
without reference to Christ or the Christ
ian -eligon."
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14

A LOT of Chicago capitalists are en-
route to Canada for speculative purposes.
The dominion would better station an
armed guard around its borders.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14
Gorgeous rurnouts in Washington.

--TranSlated from the French by Jules
CLaretie, for the Nelc EOrk Times.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-06-14

BOUN-BOUM, ::
AcrObatic Doctor and Physician in Or !:
binary to Little Francois. {: