davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08
THE oRoN1E MURDER AND CLAN.NA.aAEL.

Developments in the Cronin murder
case reveal some unpleasant features of
Irish secret society organizations. 1t is
now plain beyond shadow of doubt
that the murder had its inception and
origin in one of these societies called the
Clan-na- Gael. Of course, we do not
mean to say that this is an organization
for murder, or that it would countenance
such methods. But such an organization
is apt to embrace some bad, vindictive
men, and its secrecy makes good cover
for the wreaking of personal revenges.
1t is evident this was the case in the
Cronin murder. The roots of that crime
run back into the Clan-na-Gael. The
only motive for the murder or removal
of DIR. Cronin had its origin in the mys-
teriOus recesses of that order. Sullivan,
the ice-man, who was undoubtedly i'm
plicated in the murder, is member OF
it, So are others who are held under
suspicion or as witnesses. This may not
reflect on the organization, as such, but
it shows how easily secret society OF
that kind may become plotting ground
for crime.
Another disagreeable suspicion is that
the efficiency of the Chicago police in
connection with this particular crime has
been seriously impaired by Clan-na-G Gael
politics. In no other way can their in
ertness and inefficiency be accounted for.
1t appears that two former chiefs
of police were members of the
order. Naturally enough, they fa-
vOred its members, and the result was,
several were taken on the force. They
made good policemen until case arose
in which the secret obligations and pol
itics of the Clan-na-Gael interrupted,
and then they failed. At least one,
COughlin, is suspected of completely in
the crime. sand several others have
shown an ardent indisposition to do their
duty in unearthing it. No city can afford
to have its police hOney-cOmbed or
handicapped by allegiance to or sympathy
with secret society of any kind.
Finally, there are plain indications
that some of the high officers of the or
der have been acting dishonesty, spec
ulating with its funds, and losing more
or less. This will probably prove to
have been the main cause of the murder.
DR.. Cronin knew too much. 1t is no
more surprising to find dishonesty
among the officers of the Clan-na- Gael
than it is among those of banks and
other institutions, but it is rather dis
and to honest men everywhere, to find
that its chosen representatives have
been speculating with its funds. Aside
from the criminal aspects of the case,
the revelations thus far are not calcu-
lated to commend the Clan-na- Gael as
an American institution.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08
COMMENT AND OPINION.

EXPERIENCE has shown that in some
great emergencies when the act of God has
left an afflicted people homeless, starving
and helpless it is only wise and just policy
to leave the State free to aid them through
its duly constituted MISUNDERSTANDING
Constitution.
IT is not perfect world by any means,
and no judicious man would call it so, but
it is a good enough world to live in. work
in and die IN. And 1T may be added, for the
benefit of Bishop Potter and his class, that
it is now as steady on it's sturdy legs as it
has ever been befOre.-Philadelph In
quirer.
THE rich may grow richer and richer, but
when the rich are persuaded that the
wisest disposition of wealth is to return it
TO the common fund of society instead of
squandering 1t upon themselves, 1T means
that the principle of human brotherhood
controls individuals no less than it ami
mates society at large.-Boston Herald.
THE law must lay its strong hand on
whatever hreatens, as well as on whatever
thwarts the general veal. Legislatures,
State and national. must be far-sighted no
less than clear-sighted Both primary and
secondary results require attention. South
Fork fishing clubs and importers of Hunga-
rians have no rights Incompatible with the
rights of all the people.-BostOn Advertiser
THE policy of establishing soldiers homes
under national and State auspices should.
be literally extended so as to provide a
home for every honorably discharged vet
eran who may seek One This would be far
more liberal to the poor and infirm soldiers
than the passage of an INDECENT pension
bill, as the small amount from this source
could not possibly maintain them in any
degree of cOmfOrt.-Phladelph Record.
SERVICE pensions would sweep away the
entire expense of the present bureau. be-
cause mans discharge papers would be
his pension certificate. The old soldiers are
as much entitled to have their pay made
equal to that of the stay y-at-hOme workers
as the buyers of bonds were entitled to
have their securities enhanced in value and
equalized by being made payable in gold.
instead of silver or currency.-New York
Graphic.
THE suppression of suffrage in the South,
the fraud and violence which characterize
elections and the practical notification of
the constitutional amendments designed to
protect the rights of the negro cannot be
treated as matters of merely local concern.
They touch the framework Of our govern
ment. They involve a potent and some
times a controlling influence In national
legislation. They are in their essence a
defiance of the national authority.
Journal.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08
AS TO THE RESPONSIBILITY.

Discussion as to the responsibility for
the Johnstown disaster may be fascinat-
ing, but can lead to no practical results
so far as the case in hand is concerned.
The evidence is conflicting as to whether
the dam at Conemaugh lake was weak
or not. 1t could not have been plainly
or nOtOriously weak, or its existence
would not have been tolerated. Evi-
IDENTIFY there has been some distrust in
the minds of some persons, sort of
vague apprehension of calamity, but it
has not found positive expression. A
few years ago report that the dam was
unsafe became SO current that the Cam
bria Iron Company instructed its sOlic-
itOr to institute proceedings in court to
have the water released. The COM
pany's property lay in the path of de-
struction, and it had large stake in the
question of the safety of the dam. The
solicitor informed the company that any
legal action against the dam would
have to be supported by evidence show
ing that it was unsafe, and in order to
ployed number of engineers to exam
inc and report upon the dam. "These
engineers" says the Philadelphia Press,
"were the best obtainable by that COM
pany, but after thorough examination
they reported that the dam, as origin
ally constructed and as enlarged by the
club, was perfectly safe. This indorse-
ment of engineers employed by those
who wished to condemn the dam settled
the matter, as the Cambria Iron Com
pany accepted their judgment that there
was no danger to be apprehended, and
the contemplated legal proceedings
were abandoned" The dam has been
subject to frequent examinations,
and no fears have been expressed
as to its safety other than
the occasional vague fear that
something might sometime cause it to
give way. 1t was built originally by
the State for public purposes, and was
considered as safe as other structures of
its class.
Mr.. John G. Parke, a young Philadel-
phian, and civil engineer, is the person
who first realized the imminent danger, a
few hours before the disaster. Early Fri
day morning Mr.. Parke discovered that
the fast increasing waters of the lake
must either have an additional outlet
Immediately, OF that the dam proper
would give way and destroy the entire
population of JOhnstOwn and vicinity.
Hastily securing force of thirty Ital-
ians, he set to work to prepare another
sluice. In half an hour his purpose had
been accomplished, but still the water
continued to rise. Something had to be
done, and that quickly. Giving orders
to his men to cut another outlet, Mr..
Parke jumped into the saddle, and with
his horse started at breakneck speed to-
ward the village below, shouting the
warning. He says, in a published inter
view:
No blame can be attached to any one. 1t
was a calamity that could not be avoided.
For several DAYS prior to the breaking of
the dam storm after storm swept over the
mountains and flooded every. creek and
rivulet The waters from these varied
sources flowed into the lake, which hnally
was not able TO stand the pressure forced
upon 1t. Friday morning L realized the
danger that was threatening, and although
from that time until 3 o'clock every human
effort Was made to prevent nood' they
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

the city. Social and business ostracism is
the price paid by every member of the
Board of Aldermen for their action. An
alderman, who holds a strect-sprinkling
franchise. was compelled 10 remove his
sprinklers, yesterday afternoon, because OF
age. which is entirely voluntary. Grocers
have also withdrawn their patronage from
another alderman who owns market gar.
dens and lighthouses. Other aldermen are
being similarly treated as a result of the.
boycott. number of citizens, armed with
cow bells. paraded the streets last night.
and serenaded the aldermen. large
chorus of lusty voices joined in singing
topical songs written for the occasion.
Prominent business men refuse to con-
tribute to the 4th of July celebration fund
until the obnoxious ordinance is rescinded.
1t is thought the aldermen cannot with
stand the pressure much longer, and will
repeal the ordinance at a special session.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

them as laborers, and cannot spare
them;" and the Atlanta Constitution
says the Appeal "is right; it would cost
a great deal to expel the negroes;
great deal more than it did to expel the
MOors from Spain," and it advises to ''let
them drift to the regions that attract
them." The Constitution is a statesman
and philosopher, and in behalf of the
entire body of American citizens of
African descent we pledge them to do
just what the Constitution recommends.
They will drift to the region that at
tracts them
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

Now that the shock caused by the
great disaster at JOhnstOwn has some
what passed, there is time to survey the
wider field of ruin. The storm which
did the damage at Johnstown was ex-
tended, and covered most of the Middle
and upper Southern States, but was
most damaging insPennsylvania, New
York, Maryland and Virginia, the rain
fall ranging from two to four and half
inches. But for this greater damage a
dozen other localities might claim our
sympathy. At Williamsport eighty
lives were lost, and the whole valley of
the Susquehanna suffered. The great
lesson of the storm is that no section of
any country is secure from such excep-
tiOnal phenomena.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

IT is not impossible that Pittsburg and
Allegheny City may suffer terrible
consequences from the JohnstOwn dis
aster. Both of these cities derive their
water supply from the Allegheny river,
into which the waters of the Conemaugh
flow through the channel of the Kiske-
minitas. The fact that the drainage of
the JohnstOwn district will find its way
directly into the water supply of these
large cities is an imperative reason for
cleaning up the debris at the earliest
possible moment. Every day of warm
weather will increase the dangers of
the situation and the difficulty of deal
ing with them.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

The Pennsylvania railroad has acted
as well as any corporation possibly could
relative to the Johnstown disaster. AL
though its losses are enormous, it has
been foremost among the agencies of
relief. AT meeting of its directors in
Philadelphia they authorized the COM
pany to subscribe $4,000 in aid of the
sufferers, and the directors also sub
scribed $4,000 each as individuals. In
addition to this the company is furnish
ing free transportation for everything
connected with the relief movement.
All this makes large aggregate.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

History of a Damaged Nickel.

About a year ago some wag polished off
nickel till it only resembled the coin of the
realm in size and color. After it had drop
ped into the bottom of the bObtail car box
the dryer eyed it sucpiciously, and evident
ly thinking the other side of the coin light
and let It pass. From that time to this the
company has been endeavoring TO get that
nickel back on the rascally public. But.
strange to say, every man who tears open
the little envelope, containing it and its
nickel back into the box. OF course no driver
can now complain. because the coin always
comes out of the company's package.
During it's first year of service it has taken
about 2, 100 trips, and as it is getting timer
and smoother all the time, there is now no
hope of it ever escaping street-car service,
except through the romantic charity of
some kind deliverer, OF through the final
dissolution of the compaDy's corporation.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

OUR Southern contemporaries are dis
tressed about the negro. The Arkansas
Democrat wants him dispersed through
out the country; the Clay County Record
says that is impossible; but Congress
ought To set apart or acquire some ter
ritory and put them all in that" the
Memphis Appeal says that cannot be
done-they will not go voluntarily, and
we cannot drive them; besides, we need
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

ONE X. l.. Gomez, an educated cOlored
man, has been appointed postmaster at
Luverne, Ala. No one questions his
qualifications, but his color is distasteful
as a postmaster. The Enterprise, the
local Democratic paper, advises Mr..
Gomez not to accept, as trouble is sure
to follow. The Enterprise editor says
that if he were colored man, knowing
cepting such an office, he would not ac-
cept for half the total receipts of the
general government; and yet Mr.. Gomez
goes right along accepting.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

THERE is likely to be an interesting
contest in the Third Louisiana district
over the election of successor to Con-
gresham Gay, who died recently. A
fair election would give the district to
the Republicans, and the recent growth
of the protection sentiment leads them
to believe they can carry it by sufi-
cient majority to prevent their being
counted out. AS the Republican ma
jority in the next House will be very
narrow at best, it is important to in
crease it if possible. The South is fine
missionary field and the protection. issue
the one to push.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

THE other day delegation of white
Democrats called on Postmaster general
Wanamakef to protest against the ap-
pointment of colored man as post
master. After listening to them while
he introduced them to First Assistant
ClarksOn as the man in charge of that
special department.. Mr.. Clarkson
listened to them patiently as they de-
clared that their wives and daughters
would not think of receiving their let
tiers at the hands of "nigger." Where
upon the Hoosier-born Clarkson piled
them with questions like these: "WhO
shaves you, gentlemenf At whose
hands do you and your wives and
daughters receive theirR coffee, their
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

THE point is raised that saloon licenses
already issued for the current year may
be brought under the increased tax. We
believe this is good law. A license is
not permit nor contract. 1t is simply
a tax, and under the new law it can be
increased at any time. But the first
thing to do is to pass the ordinance.
That must be done without further
dalav
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

bread, their food generality How many
of your wives and daughters, as well as
yourselves, were nursed at the breast of
a colored womanr 80, but that is a diff
ferent thing; we are used to that, and
like it, said the committee. Il think
you will like to receive your mail matter
at the hands of a colored man when you
get used to it," said Clarkson, and they
retired. and the man was appointed.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

JUDGE NINDE, of Fort Wayne, says
that in signing a paper recommending
Judge Woods for the Supreme Bench,
he and others acted without the Judges
authority or consent. We presume no
person believed the Indianapolis Senti-
ners contemplate insinuatiOn to the
contrary. 1t was as groundless as the
thousand other lies that have been told
about Judge Woods.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

A BILL has passed the lower branch of
the Massachusetts Legislature, and is
likely to pass the Senate, requiring all
persons elected to Office in that State to
file a sworn statement of election ex-
penses. The Boston Advertiser says:
"The bill is fitting complement to
the Australian ballot bill, and to-
gether these statutes will, it is con-
fidently predicted, do much to bring
about a needed reform in our pol
itics." Election reform is the order
of the day, and it will be strange if the
present agitation does not lead to con-
siderable advance in that direction.
Some of the legislation is more or less
experimental, and may have to be
amended hereafter, but what is good can
be retained, and the net results can
hardly fail to be beneficial. The bill
above referred to strikes at one of the
greatest sources of evil. The corrupt
use of money under the guise of election
expenses is thing that honest men of
all parties must fight against.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08
Relief for Johnstown.

The response of the country to the call
for help in the Conemaugh valley has been
prompt and generous Money and supplies
have been forwarded with degree of
open-handed beneficence characteristic OF
the American people. But the situation is
still very distressing, and it will be some
time before the necessity for outside help
ceases. Persons desiring to contribute and
who have no better channel of cOmmunica-
tion, can have their donations forwarded
through the Journal. The Journal fund
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

VOTERS in the Third, Fourth, Seventh
and Eighth school districts should not
forget the election for commissioners to-
day. The management of the public
schools is source of pride to every res
ident of the city, and should continue to
be. There is no politics in this election,
but the people should take care that the
hest mon ora alacfad
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08
TREATING WITH INDIANS.
Young and Old Members of the Sioux Tribes
at Loggerheads I'm Making Terms.

Young and Old Members of the Sioux Tribes
at Loggerheads in Making Terms.
ROSEBUD AGENCY, Dak.. June 7.-General
Crook was informed yesterday by the Indi-
ans that they could not make up their
minds as to the best action for them to take
before Monday. A week of vexatious delay
is likely to ensne, as the Indians and half
breeds seem to be working at cross purposes.
At the half-breed council the vote stood 6
to in favor of asserting. The Indian
council was terribly divided. A row be-
tween the old and yonng men was precipi-
lated. The young men wanted TO AXE the
lead in making the terms of the treaty with
the commissioners. They are not in favor
OF signing. The majority of the old fellows
oDJect 10 granting such authority TO the
younger men. The old fellows were also
divided as TO the best course to pursue. but
the majority seem TO prefer to sell the land
at the governments terms.
A later dispatch says the Indians are
talking with each other. They seem TO be
of the sale of their lands and is willing to
sign now; another is opposed, the third
party is favorable, but desires modification.
while the fourth will sign when its men,
bers are through talking. These parties
are now about equal in strength. The
mixed bloods and educated Indians as we'll
as the few white men belonging to the
agency, are favorable. The situation has
improved since the first dispatch
A still later dispatch says: The conf
missioner held another council with the
Indians this afternoon. The Indians ara
signing at three tables as rapidly as inter-
prefers can give name and identify them at
this time. At o'clock tonight four hun
dred have signed, including many prom
inent chiefs. Ten hundred and forty must
sign in order to meet the requirements of
the bill
Ex-Governor Foster of Ohio. chairman
of the commission, was formally adopted
as a member of the Sioux tribe, yesterday.
and was presented with a gorgeous war
bonnet.
Indian Nation Tribes Opposed to Selling.
PURCELL, Ind. T.. June THE Intern a
tional Indian Council adjourned last even
ing to meet at McAllister. Choctaw Ma
tion, Aug. TO- 1890. Owing to the absence
of the Chickasaw, Seminole and Choctaw
delegates, the confederation of the wild
and civilized tribes was not discussed. The
land question was discussed all day. Ev-
cry delegate opposed selling to the govern
ment on the allotment plan. and resolu-
tions were adopted in executive session
reprimanding the Creeks for selling Okla
homa; opposing the sale by the Cherokees
of the Cherokee outlet, or any other lands
in the Territory, and calling upon the vari-
Gus tribes and nations to stand by each
other in opposing a change In their land
system and further encroachment of the
whites.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08
A Damaging Admission.

boston JournaL
The Charleston News and Courier de-
clares that 1.-The protective policy will be
abandoned incontinently whenever it shall
be found to benefit the South exclusively
or mainly.n Isn't there contained in this
sentence rather damaging admission for
press is in the habit of insisting that pro
tective policy" benefits" nobody.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08
Think OF What Is Left.


In ordinary mood we 60 about with our
heads little down, thinking of our losses,
of what we have missed. Shall we not now
think for some time of the immense value
friends. VIII any one think for one minute
of woman holding in one arm her baby
and clutching the roof of house with the
other, and borne on in that awful mixture
of wreck and deathi Will any one of us
look at that and then complain and snivel
about some little thingl
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

ARGUMENTS have been heard by the
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ON man
damus to require the Philadelphia judges
to show cause why a license was not
granted to the Prospect brewery, of that
city. The decision is likely to be post
poned until after the 18th, lest it should
influence the vote on prohibition one
way or the other.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08
The Smallest Man in the Country.

to-day is Commissary- general Macfeely.
His action in refusing TO obey Secretary
Proctor's orders to send bread TO the Johns
town sufferers, taking refuge upon a mere
littleness Fortunately, the Navy Depart
ment got around his miserable objection
by doing the work of charity itself.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

The Standard Oil COmpary's contri-
button of $4,000 to the COnemaugh re-
lief fund will give persons a chance to
say they ought to have contributed
five times as much. But remember they
had no interests there, and were not
obliged to give anything.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08
A Feast ofFuneral Meats.

MIHntdpOIls IIlDunt.
There are party wounds in New York that
cannot possibly heal in four years. and tits
growing palmer every day TO the shrewd
political observers that Democracy must
abandon both Cleveland and Hill and look
for it's next presidential candidate else
where. Verify, the Cleveland dinner was
a feast of funeral meats.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08

Pittsburg Telegraph.
President Harrison, when appealed to for
governm ent sanitary corps. TO assist in
clearing mp the flooded region. replied:
"Our only sanitary corps consists Of n few
medical officers. one of whom. Dr. Caring
ton, is stationed III Pittsburg." There Is
not another civilized government of which
this could be said.
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08
AN article in the Journal of yesterd

AN article in the Journal of yesterday
contained a statement relative to Demo
cratic prostitution of the State institu-
tiOns which seemed to include the Re-
form School. This was not intended.
So far as known, no fault is to be found
with the management of that institu-
The Indianapolis journal., 1889-06-08
The Republics Gratitude.

Chicago Times.
This Republic" says gusher in the st.
Paul Pioneer Press, ''at least is not un-
grateful toward the heroic men To whom is
owes its life" No. sir; 1t is paying somo
IS 600 of them pension of 50 per month
each. If there is anything this Republic
can boast of ii is its gratitude.