davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14
rnr FIRsr CONVICTION.

Less attention than it merits has
been given TO the first convection on
criminal indictment under the inter-
state commerce act. The case was that
OF the United STATES (for the Hayward
Grocery company against George X.
Tozier, agent of the Missouri Pacific
railroad company, and it was tried be-
fore Judge Thayer, at HANNIBAL, Mo.
The question was as TO whether dis
elimination in the rate charged the
grocery company on u local shipment of
sugar was unjust in comparison to q
lower proportionate rate charged on
through shipment OF similar con-
signment of sugar for much
longer distance. The difference
between the local rate charged by the
Missouri Pacific and that company s
proportion OF the through rate was
twelve cents, and the court instructed
the jury that il they found this an
undue and unreasonable difference they
should convict. The jury found that,
in their judgment, the difference was
undue and unreasonable, and returned
Il verdict of guilty.
Amendment were made to the inter-
state commerce act by the last congress
which impose heavy penalties OF fine
and imprisonment, and make them
thoroughly effective by summary judi
cial process. The law was thus changed
to q stringent penal statute, under
which the railroads must obey or face
the consequences of criminal prosecu-
ton. Before the passage of these
amendments the instructions to freight
agents and other employees were to
obey the law as far as possible, but to
get the business at all hazards. Now
the instructions arc rather to avoid the
danger Of prosecution under the law,
whatever the effect on the business.
The law will be fairly tested under
these changed conditions, the case in
Missouri being precedent that will
very likely be widely followed where
merchants discover that they are being
Disseminated against. The iu-
fluence of this first conviction
in inducing greater care on the part of
railroad officials to avoid infractions OF
the law must also be wholesome. The
fact that the law was in operation for
more than two years without an attempt
having been made to enforce its penal
provisions tended to create an impress
sion that these provisions would remain
imperative. This feeling will now be
given up, and railroad officials conclude
that they are not to be allowed to enjoy
special immunity from punishment
when they deliberately violate the law.
When they shall have fully realized this
the operation of the Interstate COM
merce act will become much
more effective. Meanwhile it is under-
stood that the commissioners have
promised to cooperate with the prose-
cutting officers of the government in en-
forcing the penal sections OF the law,
and the country will probably not have
long to wait for Il thorough test of the
constitutionality of the law and the
meaning and validity Of its disputed
provisions.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14
4 MONOPOLY DEFEAT.

A case possessing general interest,
because 1t resulted in the defeat of the
greatest monopoly in the country, was
recently decided by Judge Jackson, in
the United States court at Nashville.
The Standard Oil company supplies
natural gas to Toledo at an agreed prlce
of twelve and q half cents per one thou
sand cubic feet, but it virtually charges
what it pleases. The people of Toledo
became convinced that they were pay
ing excessive rates, and they obtained
from the legislature an act authorizing
the city to issue bonds for borrowing
money to construct pipe lines to connect
the city with natural gas wells.
The preliminary steps to this arrange
ment were vigorously fought by the
Standard company, and finally it ap-
piled TO the United States circuit court
for an order restraining the city OF
Toledo from issuing bonds. The COM
pany did not bring its suit in Ohio, but
went all the way to Nashville. Its de-
feat, however, was quite as complete as
it could possibly have suffered in Ohio,
the judge promptly refusing 70 grant
the order asked for. The result will be
the absolute independence OF Toledo,
but more than this it will show the
other communities being supplied with
natural gas by the Standard the exac-
tions to which they are subjected by the
monopoly. The success of Toledo will
very likely lead the people of other
places to demand more favorable terms
OF the Standard or they will seek relief
IN the way Toledo has done. The won
der is that the shrewd attorneys of the
Standard did not soc this as the possi-
bic outcome OF an exposure Of the mo-
nopoly's methods. ''In itself the To-
ledo enterprise" remarks the Cincin-
natl Ce'apisrcial- Gazette, lis not big
one, bat it will prove an object lesson
Tor tho whole country. 1t will show the
open door through which people may
pass frcm under the yoke of most
gigantic, unscrupulous and odious mo-
n0poly. We are only on the verge OF a
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

THE republican governor of Connec-
ticut, having followed the example of
the democratic governor of New York
in vetoing ballot reform bill con-
structed after the Australian method,
he has been sharply criticized by re-
publican journals and as warmly COM
mended by democratic organs. Thus
the New York Sun refers to him as "a
true statesman" while it characterizes
the members of the legislature who
voted to pass the bill overthe veto as q
''venomous crowd" The motives of the
two governors were unquestionably
widely different, and Governor Bulk
eley. of Connecticut. must, in fairness,
be credited with having acted
from a conscientious convic-
tion that the proposed
law was unwise and would do far more
harm than good. His reasons for Veto
ing it are forceful, and it does not
necessarily detract from them because
in some respects they are similar to
reasons given by Governor Hill for his
veto of the Saxton bill. The truth is,
s"7 iiii- ''iHi> AOHS o5o ouio, ulC
that spread over the country for the
Australian method of voting had very
little sound Judgment in it. 1t consid-
cred very little, if at all, the difficulties
in the way of adjusting that method to
our political system, being content with
the assumption that because it had
worked well in the land of its origin it
must necessarily do SO here. 1t is not
questioned that the method has good
features, but as Il whole we greatly
doubt whether it could be successfully
applied here. Everybody agrees that
there is need of reform ~ our election
methods, but Il great many thoughtful
people do not believe it necessary to
import Il system framed to meet politi-
cal conditions different from those
which prevail here.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14
--------------
The Disfrict Cn,upt-

The case of Joseph Burns VS. the City of
Lincoln has awakened deal of interest
here. 1t is still in the hands of Judge Chap
man anda jury. Plaintiffs petition in detail
was published by THE BEE at the time the
case was filed. Tt seems that
the issue hinges upon the ques-
tion: Did Burns fulfill his part of the con.
tract! The defense ls to the effect that the
plaintiff contracted to furnish pure water,
which he failed to do. Burns sets up IN an
swer that when the wells were finally passed
upon by the board of public works, they gave
up pure water and continued TO do so for
over twentyfour hours afterward; that he
could not be held responsible for the water
after the wells had been passed upon and ac
cepted. The defense insists, however, that
the wells were only conditionally accepted
and that the money claimed had not beer
paid to the plaintiff because the terms of the
contract had not been kept intact. 1t seems
that the question the jury will be called upon
to decide will be: Did Burns fulfill his CON
tract or not! The case will hardly be sub
mitted tonight, and if it is the chances are
strong that the jury will have as tough a
pull as the lawyers. The case has attracted
deep interest throughout the Clty
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14
WARNING TO THE UNION PACIFIC.

WARNING TO THE UNION PACIFIC.
The enormous number of passengers
handled promptly and safely by the
bridge motor trains yesterday is strong
proof OF the benefits of cheap and con-
,venient transit between Omaha and
Council Bluffs. 1t is striking illustra-
tion of the good results of the liberal
policy adopted by the bridge company.
Low tolls mean increased patronage and
greater profits. This has been proven
so often that it has become fixed prin-
ciple in railway management. The
construction and operation of the
wagon bridge and motor line have revo-
lutionized the business and social rela-
tions of the people of the twin cities.
The Union Pacific, needless of all
complaints and protests, kept the Two
cities apart for years by stand-and-de-
liver policy. Instead of encouraging
commercial freedom between the two
states, it places an embargo on traffic
and forces it to seek other markets
where tribute is not levied at the thres-
hold.
This system OF commercial piracy can
not last. The company must encourage
business by a generous reduction of
tolls, or it will soon suffer reduction
of traffic. What the wagon bridge ac-
complished for local trade, another rail
road bridge will accomplish for general
traffic.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14
A GOOD FoREIoN EXAMPLE.


TIE wrecking of part of a railroad ex-
resulting in the death OF large number
Of children and others, led to the
prompt arrest not only OF the men in
charge of the train, but also OF the
traffic managers and clerks. There was
no waiting for coroner's jury to inves-
tigate and report. There had taken
place n terrible disaster for which some-
body was responsible, and the way to fix
the responsibility was to take into Gus
tody all who could have anything
whatever to do with the direction
or control of the ill-fated train.
OF course all who were arrested will
not be punished. Undoubtedly most of
them had nothing to do with directing
the train. But they have been taken
care of in way that will enable the
authorities to get at the bottom facts
and to speedily know whose stupidity or
carelessness is chargeable with the very
sad calamity.
The example is worthy of general imi-
tation. The great majority of railroad
accidents are due to gross carelessness or
inexcusable Dlundering, and very often
it is the higher officials who are most to
blame. But these are never held to
an accountability, at least in
this country. There have been
instances of the arrest OF en-
gineers and conductors, but none where
the men high in authority have been
required to show why they should not
be held to some responsibility for avoid
able disasters. The Irish magistrate
proceeded wisely and justly. He does
not expect to convict everybody whom
he summoned before him, but the par
ties who deserve conviction will be
more easily and surely reached than
would perhaps be the case il he had
simply placed the train men in custody,
who, rs the circumstances seem to
show, are not wholly responsible for
the disaster.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14
BESSEY STILL AT THE HELM.
The University Regents Will not
Gall a Chancellor.
HAVE HAD ENOUGH CHEAP JOHNS
They viii Wait Till Such Induces
ments Can be offered as
Will Secure an Able
Man.
LINCOLN BUREAU OF rus OMAHA BHs,
1929 p STREET,

LINCOLN June 13.
Prof. Bessey will continue as the acting
head of the state university. At the meet
ing of the board of regents, which concluded
to-day. it was deemed best to make no call to
the chancellor's chair. Tho board decided
that the university appropriation was too
small to warrant the attempt TO secure the
right man for the place. 1t is understood
Bessey objected strongly to the arrange
ment and urged his desire to devote his
whole time TO his speciality. The board of
regents made arrangements to provide him
to'lift some of the burden from his shoulders.
tive, one of the members of the board said
"Unless a man thoroughly fitted tor tho
chancellorship can be obtained it would be
worse than folly to fill the chair. Compe-
tent men can not be secured for a song and
the late legislature left us without the means
to employ such man Is needed. 1t seems
to me that Nebraska has had enough Cheap
Johns, and for one shall use my influence
to continue Bessey where he is, for a time
at any event l do not think Manatt's place
will be filled for at least two years.
Bessey is doing well and giving general sat-
isfacton. 1t would not be IA bad idea to give
him The chancellorshp proper, but he would
probably kick harder against that than.to
continue as the temporary head.
The board transacted general routine
work, issued diplomas to to the graduating
class and adjourned the sitting. Aside from
the transactions stated the session was an
unimpOrtant one.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

TIE city ordinance requiring the
street car companies to pay in advance
for pavement taken up is needlessly
burdensome and unjust. The companies
are entitled to equal treatment with
property owners on abuting streets. If
pavement has been in use onesor more
years before tracks are laid on the
street, it is manifestly unfair to charge
the original cost. A more equitable
way is to charge a pro rata of the cost,
basing the life of the pavement at ten
years and deducting one-tenth for each
years wear before the street is occupied
by the railway. Payment can be ex-
acted from the companies in annual in
stalments. But they can not hope to
escape their share OF the cost. Under
the old law they evaded paying the cost
of paving by waiting till the street had
been paved a year, thus throwing the
entire burden on the property owners.
The charter explicitly provides that
they shall pay for paving between their
tracks, and the city council should not
be swerved by threats from carrying
out the intent and purpose of the law.
Corporations are entitled to equal treat
ment with individuals, but favoritism
should not be tolerated.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14
Assault With Intent to Kill.

Charles Ward, who was arrested Monday
for assault with intent to kill, had his pre-
liminary hearing before Justice Cochran
to-day. The state rested it's case at noon. At
3o'clock the defense was still on. and it is
somewhat hard to determine what
the decision of the court will be. II
seems that Ward got into q saloon row a,
West Lincoln Saturday hight, pulled his
revolver and shot, but according to his story
only with the intent to scare, and as he
was the assaulted party there is more or les 3
plausibilty in it, Ward was to have had
his hearing before the West Lincoln justice
but the adverse side failed TO appear, but
went before Cochran and secured another
warrant for the arrest and filed the complaint
befo;o him.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14
City News and Notes.

The attorneys in the case of Lancaster
county vs. the Burlington 81 Missouri River
railway company, were granted permiss ion
to file briefs. The board of secretar les will
not find in the cause until this has been done
The Plattsmouth Liederkranz passed
through Lincoln to-day, at noon, en- route
for the Sangerbund, at Grand Island, which
convenes tomorrow. The Germania Man-
nerchor, of this city, will go tomorrow
morning, at o'clock.
Treasurer Hill received check for Si5. .63
to-day from the Grand Island Congregational
church for the Johnstown sufferers.
Governor Thayer went TO Ord to day to au-
tend a G. A II. camp fire, and address the
old boys in blue. He addresses the citizens
of Columbus on July Bird and the assembly at
Crete on the 4th.
Ex-Commissioher Scott has returned from
his visit TO Ohio. He is seemingly much i'm
proved in health His family are still in the
east.
The lady friends of Mrs. L. G. Backus
gave her very pleasant surprise to-day.
During the forenoon party OF ton called on
her at the home Of her daughter, Mrs q. h.
Chapman who lives at the corner Of Four
teenth and streets. The party was COM
posed of Mrs. w, j. Bumstead, Mrs. NJ S.
Stephens, Mrs. L. A. Finnev, Mrs. James
Aitken, Mrs j. E. Mockett, r.. =, j. Mont
gomery, Mrs. A. H. Davenport, Mrs. M. A.
Floyd, Mrs. @. p. Bushnell and Mrs. Cal
vert This might appropriately be called an
old ladies' party, but it was very enjoyable
one just the same rhe average age Of the
company was 63 years.
Hon. j. A. Wilcox, member of the legisla-
ture from Red Willow county, was in the city
last night. He reports McCook on the boom.
Ex-senator Sterling, formerly OF Fillmore
county, was III the city yesterday. Senator
Sterling was one OF the peoples defenders IN
the session OF 1887, and his MANY friends in
this state Will be sorry to learn that he Ia
now a resident of Kansas.
Hon. Thomas DarneI will open law
Office in the Richards block, in about thirty
days, in connection with the Hon. II. o.
Babcock, ex-state auditor.
Mr.. FL. S. Bronson, of Eimira, New York,
died last night at the residence of Major
Davis, at Wahoo. He had been employed
for time in one of the leading drug stores
of this city, where he made many friends
who will be panied to learn OF his demise.
His body was sent east this afternoon.
The following prominent state people are
registered at the Capital hotel DR.. M. w
Stone. Hastings; Barrett Scott. O'Niel; ID.
W.. Randolph, Fullerton; Charles Harvey
and wife, WilDer; Hon. S. w. Christy,
Edgar; WIN S. Bristol, Joe Teahon, II. L.
Savage. Omaha
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14
HITS AND MIS ES.

Is the subway scheme revived for the
general health or for the individuals in the
background. How much is there in it, any
howl
In the revised lexicon OF county democracy,
"a public Office is public bust"
When the contractors combine TO fleece the
city, it is time for property owners to unite
and lay IN supply of ammunition.
The Servian throne is again begging for an
occupant. Here's an elegant chance for
Frankie OBanlano, the retired Wabash
prince, to emulate his kingly sires and re-
iuvenate an humble Danubian province. The
light of his benign conutenance would lead
them out of the wilderness. Vive O'Han-
lano!
If the county commissioners can secure an
alphabetical list Of the friends OF the as
SCISSORS, they will have directory to the in
equalities of taxes.
There are less than two thousand lcens sed
dogs in the city, :, Thrice that number are
considered valueless by the owners.
There is a melancholy tinge to the prevail
ing joy in Plattsmouth An $4,000 court
house is a thing 10 be proud of, but SO many
memories cluster around the old county CAPT
tot like the moss and mildew which sur
rounds IT, that its demolition will strain the
heart strings Of the community. 1t was a
paradise OF pneumonia and consumption.
Death percolated through the roof. Bad
colds decked the grimy walls. To the under
taker it was an assurance of an annual job or
two, and the local, sections polished their
palms in gfastly glee as they furrively
glanced at the occupants. When political
parties desired to1effectively shelve an OBJ
noxious member, they gave him two years in
building, and sent coincidence to his family
friends
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

TRADE journals are pointing out the
fact that while the construction of rail-
roads for last year was only about one
half as much as in 1887, nevertheless
more iron was used in 1883 than in the
year previous. This is accounted for
on the ground that iron has come into
general use, especially in the building
trades, where vast quantities are con-
sumed. 1t would, moreover, indicate
that the demands OF the railroads no
longer control the iron market, and that
the price of that commodity is regu-
lated through other channels.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

MINNESOTA wants free intercourse
with Canada and especially with her
next door neighbor to the north for she
purpose OF grinding Manitoba's surplus
wheat into -four despite the fact that
Canadian wheat would come into com
petition with the home production, But
when it comes To buying dressed beef
from Nebraska, Kansas or Illinois, Min
nesota draws the line in order TO "pro-
tect" her own local cattle growers.
Minnesota Is jewel Of consistency.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

GRINNELL, Iowa, is an unfortunate
town. A few years ago a cyclone lev
eled large portion of it, killing and
manning the residents and destroying
thousands of dollars worth OF proper ty.
The rebuilt city suffered a second de-
structive visitation two days ago. Fire
swept the city, inhicting severe losses
on its business men.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

RAILS have been distributed ove0the
Eleventh street viaduct and South
Eleventh street. The question is will
they be left to rust and impede travel
for months to come or will the street
car companies build and operate their
lines Immediately as they have prom
ised to do.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

A COTTON mill in Nebraska is one of
the possibilities of the. near future.
Well, why notY The spindle will spin
and the loom will work just as well in
Nebraska as in Massachusetts. And
as for climatic conditions best suited for
cotton spinning, science may possibly
overcome the advantage possessed by
the New England coast in this particu-
u.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

CHICAGO has just organized The
American Execution company whose
business will be to furnish unframed
sheriffs with professional hangmen.
This may be a grim business but Chi
cago is evidently we'll supplied with the
necessary qualifications.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14
Generous Republic.
Nslp York HOrld

Nearly S30CO,0OO had been ,aised in this
country. up to last night, for the sufferers
from the Cone nau yh valley flood. OF course
this is a small amount compared with the
material loss sustained, and for the destrnc-
tion of life there can be no atonement but
the sum is a vast one to gather in week In
the name of charity. If, as current slang
asserts, ''noncy talks" in this case it tells u
pleasing tale regarding the generosity of the
American people
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

CAPITALISTS OF Omaha have now the
long looked for opportunities to show
their public spirit by taking a hand in
several projected enterprises. The
most important of these is u railroad to
Southern Dakota.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

THE county clerks Of Iowa are hold
Ing convention for the purpose of de-
vising a system by which uniform
methods OF keeping court records will be
used throughout the state. There is a
suggestion here to the county clerks OF
Nebraska who can well profit by Ahe re-
suit OF this deliberation.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

revolution that is as sure to come as
that which followed the throwing over
board of lot OF tea in Boston harbor.
Neither the power nor the vulgarity of
capital can long rule the people,"
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

THE movement for week Of attrac-
tive fall entertainments in the city
should be vigorously pushed by our
merchants. In the hands Of competent,
energetic men, with q liberal sum Of
money, thousands of people will be
brought to Omaha, and all branches Of
business benefited.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

THE Sioux have dubbed Calico
Charley the Brave-W hose -Jaw-Shoots-
Far. Whatever be the result of the
conference with the Indians, the Hon.
Charles Foster, of Ohio, as member of
the Sioux commission, will have no
reason to complain of his reception.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14
State Industrial SchooI

The board of public lands and buildings
met day and passed upon bills of state
institutions and other routine matters. Su-
perintendent Mallalieu and Prof. Silvernail,
of the state industrial school, Kearney, sub
mitted plans for the work shops and boiler
house TO be erected there, which were ap-
proved and adopted. These buildings will
be credtable and are much needed there.
Mr.. Mallalleu says that the school is in q
highly prosperous condition, and in time
will become eself-sustaining The income in
the industrial departments is growing stead
lily, while the farm is source of consld-
erable revenue.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

GLADSTONE bears a charmed life.
The intrigues of political enemies, the
bullets OF assassins, and the reckless
ness of cabmen, fail to beat him down,
or disturb his mental strength.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

THERE are wheels within wheels in
he paving contractors combine and the
unlucky taxpayer is in danger of being
ground to atoms if he allows himself TO
be caught within their teeth.
Omaha daily bee., 1889-06-14

If the Haytiens are determined to
fight, the best thing this government
can do is turn loose Rosser and EARLY.
They have an abundance OF jawbone
with Which to slaughter the tropical
Philistines.