davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
OUR MAIL POUCH.
Thar Electric Lighting at the Court House
Putting the Blame Elsewhere.

Tint Electric Lighting at the Court House
Putting the Blame Elsewhere.
To the Editor of the Dispatch:
DEAR SIR-Referring to an article published
in your paper, January 8. regarding the work
ing of the electric lighting plant in the new
Court House in your city, we would like to cor
rect several misstatements made therein. In
the first place the United States Company's bid
was not the lowest, but on the contrary the
highest, based on the specifications submitted,
the award being made after the most spirited
competition, solely on the merits of the system,
as compared with those of the so-called "de-
tractors"
Further the contract of the United States
Company did not include wiring of the Court
House building, nor did they assume response
bity for any defect in the wiring system, this
part of the installation having been awarded
to and completed by the local Edison az ents.
The character of the wiring is matter of pub
lie notorIety and discussion IN electrical circles
in Pittsburg and the commissioners rightly
place the responsibility for the p oor lighting
Service on the grounding" of the wires.
The United States system has been too long
before the public and too successfully installed
in prominent buildings and institutions through
out the country to suffer from the malice of in
terested defamers, and in this instance it only
desires to place the blame for any dissatis-
faction with the Court House plant where it
properly belongs.
Yours respectfully,
THE U. s. ELECTRIC LIGHTING Co.
NEW YORK, January Il, 1889.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
CHEAP WATER GAS.

The article copied from the London Globe,
with regard to the use of water gas in the
Leeds Forge Works, presents a statement of
keen interest both to our manufacturers and
our gas companies. The experience of the
concern in question indicates not only that
the supremacy of natural gas in steel man.
ufacturing is threatened; but that another
competitor for natural gas is within the
reach of our manufacturers and domestic
consumers. Water gas at 4d-equal to 8
cents-per thousand feet, is possibly little
more than natural gas costs our manufact-
urers at present. but it is less than the cost
to domestic consumers. Yet that is the cost
which nine months experience has shown
for water gas in England, with coal al the
equivalent of 50 90 per ton and labor at
S71Ec per day. The fact is full of importance
for Pittsburg, and in connection with other
developments in manufacturing gas should
have decided bearing on the fuel question.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
AN UNPREpICTABLE WINTER.

The country receives the pleasant assur-
ance from General Greely, that the continu-
ance of the present open winter does not
necessarily imply late spring. This is
official; but, on the other hand, Wigs
Virgins, and the other cranks are certain
that it will give us billiards and storms
into April. There is reason to suspect that
one knows just about as much concerning
what the weather will do this winter as the
other. The weather this winter has devel-
oped such eccentricities and refusal to con-
form to preconceived notions, as to defy both
science and the guesses of the weather
cranks. Only one thing can be regarded as
a certainty in connection with the present
winter. That is, that if it does not give us
some billiards and light freezes between
now and April, the lordly iceman will rule
the public next summer with an iron hand.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
CHALLENGES COMPARISON.
The Truthful Testimony of Cotemporal
HearfiIy Tudorsed.


Heartily Indorsed.
From the Forest Republican
We can heartily indorse the following truth
full statement regarding one of the great lead
ing newspapers-not only of this State, but of
the country as well-from the Franklin EUe1l-
ing Ne,cs:
THE PITTsBURG DISPATCH, daily and Sum-
day. is the leading city paper in this part of the
Union. In its variety of contents, its thorough
grasp of the news of the day, its enterprise,
judgment and general ability, The DISPATCH
can challenge comparison and dispute for
precedence with the rest of the group of metro
politan dailies. It's progress and success have
been remarkable, keeping more than abreast
of the phenomenal growth of that wonderful
hive of industry from which it issues. The
daily edition steadily increases, and its Sunday
editions now average over A, 900 copies. In the
case of The DISPATCH, its success is the meas
ure of its merit. its management spares no
effort or expense to give all the news of inter-
est, all that may be profitable. entertaining and
instructive. 1t has brilliant staff of special
correspondents. Its full and accurate market
reports and business department are of special
value to the farmer, the consumer and the busl--
ness man. THE SUNDAY DISPATCH, in addi-
ton to its regular contributions from the most
prominent and popular writer's of the day, an
nounces series of novels by well-known En-
glish and American authors as among its spe-
cialties for 1889. That which we like most
about THE DISPATCH is its cleanness and its
healthy moral tome This, with its newsy quail
tiles and general brightness, give it a lasting
hold upon its widening circle of readers. Try
III for 1890
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
WATER GAS.
An English Forge Works Believes 1t Has
Solved the Problem.


From the London Globe.l
Although 1889 will not be entitled to claim
credit as the parent of water gas, there seems
some likelihood of its being hereafter famous
as the year in which one of the most remark
able inventions of the century first became
generally known. 1t was no secret that the
proprietors of the great Leeds Forge Works
believed they had solved the problem of ex-
tracing from water gas far cheaper and far
superior for both heating and lighting to coal
gas. So many brilliant discoveries of similar
sort have. however, broken down in public,
that experts postponed judgment on the process
until the realized results were placed before
them. This is now DONE and, unless some un-
suspected defect be developed hereafter, both
coal gas and the electric light will stand in
jeopardy.
For the last nine months the Forge works in
question: very large concern-have used
nothing but water gas, with most satisfactory
results to the company. In the first place, it
gives a more intense degree of heat than can
be obtained by any other means, matter Of
immense Importance in the manufacture OF
steel and other metallurgical operations. For
instance, 1t is asserted that 80 charg of steel
per week can be turned out bya furnace heated
with water gas, instead of the IL charges which
were the weekly output with Siemen's pro-
ducers. Not less is the gain for Illuminating
purposes. the light being steady, powerful, and
entirely free from noxious fumes and SCOT.
But all of these advantages would count for
little were the cost much higher than that of
the previous agents.
1t is here, however, that the inventors claim
the greatest gain of ALL 1t is asserted that
with fuel at IS a ton, and labor at IS Sd per man
per day, the gas can be produced for a fraction
less than 4d per ], 600 cubic feet. At the Leeds
works the saving is estimated at fl0,0OO per
annum, with much better results, too. for the
smaller outlay. Even if the cost were thrice as
much, neither coal, gas nor electricity could
possibly compete on that ground. But it is one
thing to supply factory; quite another to
provide for the illuminating and heating re-
quirements of urban population spread over
certain limits for the former purpose. but when
it was attempted to be employed some years
ago as a public light the experiment was
crowned with utter failure.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
MEANT TO BE FUNNY.

Polish helps a man in society, but not
when it is on his coat.-BoSton Courier.
There may be difference between homeo-
nathic and aIIopathic pills. but there is very little
perceptible in the bills.-Boston Courier.
An exchange asks: Do women live
longer than men? Widows certainly live longer
than the men whose wives they were.-BostOn
Courier.
The professional contortionist may like
other people be little short occasionally, but he
can always manage to make both ends meet
Boston Courier.
A Tired Razor.-Customer (after shave)
Great Scott, barber, that razor Of yours is In
terrible condition.
Barber-Yes, sab, spect it am. 1t was out tos
darnce las night Epoch.
''Home, Sweet Home. ."-Flossie (in her
mammals dressing room)- Oh, mamma, wish yoa
wouldn't always be going out.
Mamma-Don't bother, Flossie. Run away,
like a good girl This is my day lat home, you
know.-Feto York Sun.
Tiresome Home Life-Mrs. Gadd-Why
do you spend so much of your time attending de-
batting societies and controversy clubs?
Mrs Gabb with an air of injured innocence)-
What else can do2 My husband never contra
diets philadelphia Record. '--~
Beats the Nickel in the Slot Machine
Tourist ito stage driver in the Yellowstone region)
Are there any wonderful curiosltes to be seen in
this region. driver?
Stage Driver-WOnderful curiositiesl Well, I
should say there were! Why, you drop rock
down that gorge, come back in three days and you
can hear the echo.-Dss Motnes Register.
CHOICE ADVERTISEMENTS.
A frst-class waiter wanted. One who
does not mind doing some work for his employers
customers preferred
A Young gentleman desires position in publish-
er's Office Has been employed for five years by Q
well-krown bookmaker.
Wanted. a brass fnisher to finish off book agents
after they have been kicked down stairs.
glass blower wanted. Parties who do their
blowing over a glass not required.
Breadmakers wanted. Must not be loafers
young gentleman of refinement and cultiva-
tion who has had first rate classical education
and can sing, play, OF dance. desires an easy.
lucrative position in mercantile frm.-Ee1t Y0rk
EuentHg Stts.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
FASHIONS F0LLIES.

AMONG the latest importations from Paris
are a number of styles of black lace princesse
dresses.
LIGHT delicately tinted ball dresses are now
cleaned by a chemical process which leaves the
fabric uninjured.
LONG mantles are now noticeable for the
novel and leading feature Of double sleeves
with which they are adorned.
GREEN is combined with blue, although con-
trasting shades are used. If the blue is pale
the green is deep, and vice versa
THE two very latest shades of green are
known as ''nettle" and box" The French
name for these colors are 'ortee" and ''bues."
THIS is above all things "fur winter"
Wherever room can be found for bit of fur
ornamentation or trimming fashion demands
that it be seen.
THE new accordion-plaited cloaks have their
own peculiar style of trimmings-deep yokes
of passementerie. In very cold weather
pointed shoulder cape with fur collar may be
worn over this.
WHITE handkerchiefs are preferred and
they are now severely plain in style. Colored
borders are tabooed as old-fashioned, the only
permissible trimming being thread lace and
duchess borders.
FULL pink, WulLc anu ycilO" IOoco arc ChI-
Iied in loose cluster or pinned to the front of
the bodice for ball costumes. When the hair
is arranged high stiff loop Of ribbon and
few leaves or buds are quite admissible.
ALL Paris has returned to the wearing of
head-dresses which resemble small and very
airy bonnets. Elderly ladies modify them into
caps which retain enough of light grace to pre-
vent them from being classed with the cap of
the angular old-fashioned woman of 25 years
ago.
A TASTY dress which can be adapted to
women of almost any age is described as fol-
lows: The skirt was of the softest fawn-colored
silk, made to fit about the hips smoothly and
fall straight to the floor. Turned up from the
bottom was border or soft mauve-colored
lace nearly five inches deep and worked in
pattern of squares, finished in points. The
overdress of soft cashmere of the same shade
as the lace, opened on the left side from the
waist down and was drawn up on the right hip
to form long point. Both sides of this point
were edged with silk embroidery in long,
arrowhead designs. The back draperies fell
in long, simple. folds to the skirt hem, while
the close-ftting waist had touches Of silk and
embroidery at throat and wrists.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
for the fate of the structures in which they

for the fate of the structures in which they
are concerned.
There are certain lines of building as yet
comparatively new to Pittsburg. The erec-
ton of buildings over five stories In height is
one of them. Comparatively few years have
elapsed since the first of these very high
buildings made their appearance here. The
additional stories add greatly to the weight
and call for different calculations by archi-
tects from those that answered for the lower
buildings of the old style. Doubtless, also,
they call for a closer supervision of the work
and material throughout, from foundations
to cornice. 1t may be thought that all this
is so clearly evident as TO require no point
ing out-least of all to practical persons
whose very profession and everyday calling
it is to build. But it is not alone what hap
pened at the Wiley building that shows it
is timely to press the matter on the atten-
ton of those interested. There is room for
determined and legalized insistance here
abouts, upon much closer measure both OF
competence and of scrutiny than has been
exhibited in not few instances that might
be cited if occasion should arise to 60 into
particulars.
1t is to architects and builders that the
public must look for security. The former
avow themselves possessed of the technical
knowledge which goes to insure safe build
ing Where employed they must be held
strictly to its exercise. Where the con-
ditions are not safe, or where architects or
builders are hindered by limitations by own
ers of property being built upon, it is doubly
their duty to decline going ahead with
doubts upon their minds. The DISPATCH
trusts that the present generation hereabouts
will have no other experience similar to that
of last week; but to express the hope, with
out insisting on the vigilance that alone can
fulfil t. would b but vain and cruel
mockerV
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
VIGILANCE THE PRICE OF SAFETY.

So long as the Coroner's jury is sitting on
the case, the press will refrain from judg-
ment of the causes of last Wednesdays dis
aster But there is no need to wait
moment to draw important general con-
clusions about the future course of build
ing in Pittsburg. Leaving the Coroner's
jury and evidence that may yet come to fix
whether there was negligence on anybody's
part, and il so on whose; whether it was
''green material" or want of regard for the
principles of true construction, or but an
''aet of Cod" as the phrase runs, which
nobody could have guarded against-there
is one sure thing, viz: That builders and
architects from now on will, in the light of
Wednesdays disastrous experience, be held
to the closest and most rigid accountability
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
PITTsBURG, WEDNESDAY, JAN. l6, ISIS
THE FXposTTIoNs PROGRESS

The meeting in aid of the Exposition
fund last evening started out with light
attendance, and the talk at first was not Of
the most sanguine nature. The lack oi
faith seems to have been rebuked by the in
creased enthusiasm and final result of the
meeting, which resulted in an addition OF
nearly SIS, 900 to the fund.
When a meeting, of small numbers,
results in raising that amount, we see no
reason for encouragement. We are glad to
see that some of our newspaper cotempora-
ries put themselves on record with pledges
of substantial amounts, and, while others of
perhaps equal or greater means are not, as
yet, on the list we hope that all of them
will Join in that action. The DISPATCH,
which has been heartily advocating the
project from the first, and will continue to
do so, will also be heard from in a material
form before the subscription lists are
closed.
One thing should be impressed thorough
ly upon all our citizens, whether capitalists,
merchants, manufacturers, salaried en-
pIoyes or mechanics. The Exposition will
not only be gain to them in their present
career, but, placed on permanent basis,
will be an advantage to their children.
Their investment in this enterprise will
yield dividends of increased prosperity to
themselves and to their followers. With
that fact understood, there can be no doubt
but that Pittsburg will promptly come for
ward with whatever funds are needed to
make the Exposition a complete success.
The attitude of the labor element toward
the project is also very encouraging sign.
We can hardly agree with the idea of wait
ing until the capitalists fail before the work
ingmen take hold and finish it. Why
should not labor and capital join hands to
make this signally and exceptionally the
Exposition of the whole people?
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
year; and his revelations should inspire all
men with his determination to put down the
stupid and uncivilized practice.

THE country Legislators, who are claiming
that their constituents have been ruined
by the importation of cheap meats, should
pay little attention to the fact that, while
prices of cattle have declined, the prices
charged by city butchers are as high for
meat now as they have been since the war.
Possibly, if they should investigate that
phenomenon, they might perceive some
better remedy than combining with the in
terests that stand between them and the
consumers for the object of securing legis-
lation to shut out the products Of other
States
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
THE WEIS-AHL NUPTIALS.
A Marriage Pleasantly Celebrated at the
Trinity Church.

A Marriage Pleasantly Celebrated at the
Trinity Church.
The marriage of Mr.. Philip T. Weis, the pop
ular leader of the Bijou Orchestra, and Miss
Frances Valeria Ahl. OF Allegheny, was cele-
brated at Trinity Church on Sixth avenue at
o'clock last evening.
The large church was filled with the many
friends of the contracting parties. During tne
time intervening between throwing open the
church doors and the ceremony Mr.. Leonard
Wales the organist, played appropriate selec-
tions. AS the bridal party proceeded up the
aisle of the church the wedding march from
"Lohengrin'' was played.
The bridesmaids were Miss Daisy Ahl and
Miss Jessie G. Grant. The ushers were Messrs.
Edward Brown, Edward Steele, Joseph Vogel
and c. +. Anderson.
Mr.. Weis, in company with his best man, Mr..
John Steele met his bride-eect at the altar.
Rev. Samuel Maxwell pronounced the cere-
mony.
A reception was held last evening at the
former residence of the bride on Center street,
Allegheny. Mr.. and Mrs. Weis left for an
Eastern wedding trip later.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
SLIGHTLY SINGULAR.
A Plaintiff in n Divorce Suit Claimed She
Never Knew 1t.

A Plaintiff in n Divorce Suit Claimed She
Never Knew 1t.
NEW YORK, January 15.-Marion E. Nc
Curdy, who lives in Washington, made an ap-
plication to have divorce granted in her favor
against her husband, John H. McCurdy, to
whom she was married in 1872 by the Rev. Mr..
Tillinghast, at Georgetown, ID. c., set aside in
the Superior Court In her petition she relates
a strange story. Her husband left her in 1886
at Washington and she believes he is in Colo
RADIO. Last month she was handed papers in
which she got Judgment against her husband
in an action for divorce brought in 1881 by her.
She says she never heard of such an action be-
fore and did not bring it.
But in the referees report she figures as
witness Two other witnesses swore to acts of
adultery on the part of her husband. Their
names are John Mcdonald and John E. Burns
They swore that she lived at 2S4 Fourth ave-
nue.. She says she was only once in this city,
and but for two days in 1872, and not at that
address. The court denied her motion.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16

1T is some time since we have heard from
Judge Edgerton with reference to the Civil
Service Commission. There is reason to be-
lieve that the Indiana politician has come
to the conclusion that under present circum-
stances the only function which civil
service reformer of the spoils variety can
discharge with entire satisfaction to himself
and the public, is to draw his salary.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
GLASS MEN GATHERING.
They Find They Have Number of Import-
ant Things to Discuss.

Special Telegram to the Dispatch.
WASHINGTON, January 15.-The advance
guard Of the glass men arrived this evening
who are to attend the annual convention, which
meets at the Riggs House this week, to canvass
the interests of their trade. Messrs. Thomas
Wightman and ]. A. Chambers are here from
Pittsburg, and dozen or so of other prominent
manufacturers are here from New Jersey and
other States.
The convention will canvass the question of
wages and prices, as usual and. aside from
this will be important in view of the fact that
the tariff discussion is not yet ended, and there
is still chance to secure hearing and revise
schedules. if that be advisable, though the
foremost representatives of the industry have
already been fully heard by the Senate Finance
Committee
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
ONLY A DOLL PARTY,
But Ii Gladdened the Day for Little Sweet.
hearts and Their Mnmmas.

An interesting and very pretty doll party
was given by Mrs. E. M. Ferguson. of Shady
side, yesterday afternoon in honor of her little
daughters Martha and Helen. The hostess was
ably seconded by Mrs. Park Painter, Mrs.
Chambers, Mrs. Miller. Mrs. George Dilworth
and Miss Mcclellan, who were present The
Pinch and Judy show was followed by dane
ing, and at 4:3O the entire group was photo
graphed. Tea was announced at 5, and was
discussed by the 40 little misses present with
Joy and laughter. After this dancing was re-
sumed until 6, when the happy party broke up.
Eleanor and Gladys Painter, Florence and
Alice Brown, Bertha and Lois Miller, Matilda
Clarkson, Pauline Dilworth, Marian Chambers,
Elsie Ashburner, Bessie Long Katherine Muir
doch and Louise and Lillian Donnelly.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
IT VIII be Fulfilled.

From the East End BuIetin.1
One of the best literary promises of the new
year is the statement that DR.. E. E. Hale,
Maurice Thompson, Joaquin Miller, Franklin
File and General Wallace, are to write series
oS short stories on American themes, for THE
PITTSBURG DISPATCH, and four other papers.
These well-known writers ought to attract
numerous readers, and show them that the best
kind of short stories are as interesting as the
trashy kind.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16

A NEW poem called 'Two Offerings, |"
which has recently appeared as hitherto
unpublished one of Longfellow's, is claimed
by lawyer out West As the circum-
stances prove that Longfellow had too
much literary judgment to lay claim to the
poem, the Western man can be granted the
credit of the verses-which in this case is a
decidedly minus quantity.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-01-16
Have to Fight the Matter Out.

The Chancellor in the Frazer Lee will con-
test told the di sgruntled relatives of the late
Mr. Lee to-day that they must fight the matter
out. They wished to compromise the suit for
$50, 900, which the Scotch Plains Baptist Church
should pay them out of the $500, 900 left to the
church society by Mr.. Lee. The Chancellor
thought, however, that such compromise
would be the excuse for dozens of similar con-
tests by other relatives