davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
THE GRADE CROSSINGS BILL.

The rather warm discussion In the House
of Representatives yesterday, on the grade
crossings bill, was largely a conflict OF
special interests. The opposition came
mainly from the the Allegheny City men,
bers, obviously from fear that their city
might get into the second class before its
Embarrassing problem is settled. Yet at
present the bill does not apply TO Allegheny;
while Pittsburg, at least, retains its usual
attitude of sublime Indifference to the whole
subject of grade crossings.
On the face of it, the provision of the
bill, dividing the cost of changing streets
now crossing railroads at grade, seems to
be as equitable compromise as is practical
BILE. There may be- some ground in the
criticism of a Philadelphia member that
the provision with regard to new streets puts
a check on the opening of streets in city
suburbs But if we are to get rid of the
danger of grade crossings, it is clear that
new streets should be kept clear of them.
1t is the worst possible economy to let new
street cross a railroad at grade and wait un-
til both traffic and damages are heavy, be-
fore remedying the evil.
The worst fault of the bill that can be dis
cerned by the newspaper summaries is that
il is practically special legislation for
Pittsburg and Philadelphia. If the prInci.
Piles on which grade crossings shall be abol-
ished can be enacted into law, there is no
reason why their operation should be con-
fined to these two cities. The law should
be based on such broad and general justice
that 1t can apply to every municipality in
the State where there is any need for it.
Nor is the need for it any greater now in
the two large cities than in the dozen smaller
ones. We doubt if either Philadelphia or
Pittsburg have more dangerous grade cross
ings than those on the main streets of Allie
gheny and Harrisburg.
1t is hardly the right remedy for danger
of such widespread character, to put the two
bigger cities in safety and to let the slaugh-
ter go on in the rural districts.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
THE WEAK SPOT

The formation of the Sewer Pipe Trust,
which is to control the manufacture OF
those useful articles for drainage purposes,
is announced, with the familiar feature of a
central corporation which is to distribute
the orders and fix the prices.
This is the fashionable method of remedy
ing the recent prevalence of prices too low
to suit the manufacturers. But our friends
the manufacturers should consider what
means they have of making the remedy a
permanent one. If we are not mistaken
there was sewer pipe pool some years ago,
which held up prices just long enough to at
tract new concerns into the business, and
smash prices worse than before.
If the new combination has any method of
keeping new concerns out of the trade, it
may sustain prices above the natural level
fixed by competition. But in default of any
such lever every advance in prices above
the level at which the present concerns have
done living business for some years, will
be direct premium to the building Of new
fac ories, with the result of cut prices and
further subdivision of the business SO long
as the combination effort shall last.
Our trusting friends should take care lest
in casting out what seems to them to be the
devil of competition, some other devils
worse than the first do not enter in and
abide with Them
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
GAMBLING WITH FOOD.

Wheat is again turned into gambling
product, the manipulators at Chicago
having squeezed the market up to about
81 10. There is not any change in the sta
tistical position of wheat and the advance
is purely the result of manipulation.
If no one but the gamblers in wheat were
caught by this class of brace game, the pub
lie would not care very much. But the
legitimate work of bringing wheat from the
producers to the consumers is blocked by
every such squeeze, and the greatest damage
is inflicted on both producers and con-
sumers.
A specimen of the way in which this
gambling is made the excuse of extortion is
shown by the promptness with which West
ern miilers advanced the price of -four the
day of the advance in wheat. When wheat
went down from the 81 10 level last fall the
millers did not reduce flour; but when it
goes up, the price of bread to the workmen
OF the country is put up with it.
The New York SUMS remark that eff
wheat has ceased to be food and become a
gamblers plaything the people can eat
corn" is pertinent. But it should be added
that when wheat ceases to be food for the
people it ought to become food for some very
earnest and fruitful thinking.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
THE PRODUCERS TRUE POLICY.

A rather interesting item appeared yes
terday afternoon, in the shape of reported
plan to organize the producers of crude pc
troleum into a corporation, the shares of
which are to be paid for by the producers
out of a certain percentage of their
production. This property the corporation
is expected to convert, as opportunity occurs
into pipe lines, tanks and other means to
make them independent of the Standard.
This is virtually the plan of action which
THE DISPATCH has long urged upon the
producers, with the exception that we have
advocated greater scope in making the or
ganization encourage the establishment of
independent refneries. 1t is plain that if a
competing pipe and tank system were es-
tablished, so long as the Standard retained
Its position as the controlling purchaser of
crude petroleum, it could freeze out the in
dependent clement by the leverage of that
power. But ii, simultaneously with the ex-
tension of competing pipe lines, competing
refineries are stimulated-not only by the
encouragement of the existing ones, but by
efforts to establish new ones-the interest
can be placed on a basis of independence
which will. in time, enable it in the Ian
guage OF the report, to ''give the Standard
the go-by."
When the Standard had control of the
lever of railway discrimination it was able
10 choke off competing pipe lines and refn-
cries. Now it relies upon its control of the
pipe lines and its power as the chief pur-
cboSer Of cru1a IN maintain itS Sunramaor
With opposition to it in both branches of
the industry, the petroleum business ought
to secure its freedom. This was, as we un-
derstand, the original purpose of the Pro-
ducers' Protective Association; and if new
organization is started it will have to guard
against the danger which perverted the
former movement-just as a similar evil
strangled the South Penn-namelv, the
presence among them of agents of the
monopoly and their schemes to delude the
independent interest into playing the great
corporations game.
How much foundation there is for the re-
port we do not know; but we should be glad
to see the petroleum producers embarking in
a fair stand-up fight to secure their indepen-
dence. 1t would be hard fight unques-
tionably; but on the lines indicated it would
be winning one in the end.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15

for the appointment by the Governor of a
commission of three practical funeral direc-
tors, before whom all undertakers must pass
and secure license before embarking in
the business.
The only reason publicly assigned for this
action is that many undertakers unskillfully
handle bodies infected with contagious dis
eases. This, indeed, is sufficient threat
against the public health to call for some
reform. But it is limited that other forces
are behind the bill. There has been a
tendency in Ohio, we are told, to regard un-
dertaking as last resort. A statesman for
instance who has failed of his ambition and
to whom the trough OF official pap is no
longer accessible, has been known to seek
relief in burying his fellow men. The
burial of his hopes, perhaps, sug-
gests the appropriateness of this de-
parture. The poet, whose sweet songs
never get beyond the waste basket
of the unnatural editor, the tailor who
trusts not wisely but too much, the doctor
who kills more often than he cures, and, in
short, all sorts and conditions Of men who
have never felt success smile, are said, in
Ohio, to turn with shocking eagerness to
assisting mortal clay to its last resting
place. Consequently the profession of un-
dertaking is embarrassed by tie abundance
of its practitioners, and the direction of
Ohio's funerals has become prey to ex-
cessive competition. The proposed law will
doubtless prove timely remedy; Ohio's
undertakers will once again be happy and
select; and the vested right of charging
dollar for each pair of ten-cent gloves worn
by bearers will move along undisturbed by
infringements of rash competitors.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
AWHOPPER, SURELY.

Notwithstanding the recent enlighten-
ment which the British public has had
from Prof. Bryce, Max O'Rell and other
observing visitors upon the institutions and
tendencies in the United States there is
still, evidently, large capacity on the part
OF Cousin John to believe wonderful stories
about our politics. The most remarkable of
late yarns gotten up for his benefit is tale
that wealthy Republicans" propose raising
$500. 600, 900 to bribe the Canadians into an
nexation. How anyone could be foolish
enough to swallow this it is difficult to con-
ceive; but British credulity must be equal
to the task, or responsible papers at Mon
treal would not give currency to the report
in a long cablegram from London.
1t has been the fashion, and to some ex-
tent is yet. with certain class of English
writers and speakers to make much capital
about bribery on this side; vet it is seriously
to be doubted ifthere is more. or as much, of
that in our national politics as is practiced
even under the boasted British system. No
doubt Influence, occasionally pernicious,
has a good deal too much to do in our
icy SlSldIiOH, anu as d iHdtteT Vi course also IN
civil service appointments, but money con-
siderations are different thing, in kind at
least, if not in character.
But if Cousin John were so simple as to
suppose for moment that $500, ,0O0. 900 of
bribery in a single transaction could be
undertaken by wealthy Republicans" of
the United States, the slightest reflection
might suffice to convince him that Yankee
business shrewdness would forbid the pay
ing of any such sum for the Canada whistle.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
ODDITIES OF LEGISLATION.

THE Kansas Legislature has been petitioned
for law authorizing the lynching of horse
thieves.
A MAN in the Indiana Legislature proposes
that the State shall investigate the relation of
the grounding to the weather.
A WISCONSIN Assemblyman has introduced
humane bill that cows shall be milked twice
day except when milked by calves.
The Nebraska Legislature has before it
a measure for the artificial production of rain
storms by means of explosives and artillery.
THE Pennsylvan'a Legislature is considering
an anti-treating bill; also law to prevent
cigarette smoking by persons under Is years of
age.
A BILL before the Nevada Legislature makes
it misdemeanor for any woman to wear a
hat at any theater of greater height than three
inches"
THE California Legislature has evolved a new
word. 1t is 'diffiequiDble." meaning flank
attack OIL main question by criticising some
minor detail.
THE New Jersey Legislature is considering a
bill which forbids under heavy penalties any
employer asking an employe whether or not he
belongs to a labor union.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
SWELL SOCIETY In CHINAD0M.
The Bellies of the Almond. Eyed Coterie of
New York Enjoying Life.

New York Enjoying Life.
ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DIsPATcH.l
NEW YORK, February IA series of feast
ing and social gatherings of the Chinese ladies
of New York began last evening. They will
last for a week. and no man will be admitted.
Young Mrs. Yuet Sing gave o'clock tea at
the Whey Yuhg Lo restaurant The entire
second story was gaily decorated with red and
yellow bunting and lanterns, and a long table
was heaped full with the imported goodies from
the Motherland. A big red card was conspic-
uously posted at the foot of the first landing of
the restaurant, warning male patrons not to
prOfane the occasion by their presence. Only
single male attendant, the head waiter, was
allowed in their presence, to wait upon them.
The other attendants were the Chinese maids
of Mrs. Woo Kee, pretty Mrs. Linn Kivong On
and Mrs. Lee All Cham. They were maids of
several sizes and shades of colors, dressed in
short togas with great wide sleeves and spacis
Gus, black silk trousers, hatless and apronless,
each having neat black cue tied with rib
bons. These and the frolicsome children fur
nished the only life amusements to the guests.
When lady ent cred the hostess greeted her
by rising and tapping one big sleeve over the
other, and gently bowed her whole body two or
three times and singing. There were present
nearly dozen of these rich ladies. After
mutual exchanging of courtesies, the hostess
ordered tea in tiny little cups in silver saucers5
Then the famous "suay yen" or water smoke, in
long glittering Turkish pipes of white copper
was served by the maids to each guest. This
is the fashionable smoke of the ladies of China.
1t is a mild perfunred species of tobacco.
About o'clock the feast began in the same
style as the feasts of the men, only that the
wines, of which there are several brands, were
milder than used by the men. The wines were
drunk in sips. while the ladies partook of the
chow chop swey, sharksfins, and pigeon feet.
etc. 1t is at this time that the real sociability
of these ladies begins
Six hours are usually allowed for such din
ners. All the ladies and their children were
dressed IN the height of fashion of 5000 years
ago, like lot OF big and little butterflies
around spring daisy. Every one wore costly
diamonds, but the principal ornaments were
iPt
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
PROMINENT PEOPLE.

Mr.. RUsKIN persists in using candles for il
Illuminating purposes at night.
THE German Emperor has started an elab-
crate daily Court Circular which he edits
himself,
LORD SALISBURY has expressed himself as
being ready to propose a grant of fl5, 900 year
for Prince Albert Victor whenever his Royal
Highness desires to marry.
Hon. JOHN DALzELL left Washington last
evening for brief business visit to New York
He will return to the capital by way of Pitts
burg, where he will be Saturday and Sunday
NJ JACQUES, who was defeated by General
Boulanger in the Paris Parliamentary election
the other day, was once college professor.
Failing at that, he became a successful dis
tiller.
THE Emperor of China, boy of II, has
serious hesitation in his speech, and speaks
with considerable difficulty. He is quiet in
disposition, but very obstinate when once he
has formed an opinion.
COLONEL "DAN" LAMONT was an expert on
the subject of pie before he ever began his now
famous series of pastry seances at the White
House. He was steward of his club at Union
College, and an uncommonly shrewd steward,
too. A privilege enjoyed by members of the
club was that of abstaining from any of the
delicacies of the table, receiving in exchange a
rebate from the weekly assessment A student
from Vermont, who did not particularly enjoy
pastry, one day announced that he would
henceforth eat no pie, but, instead would draw
5 cents day from the treasury. Lamont's
eyes twinkled when he heard the announce
ment, but he said nothing The next day at
dinner he had chicken pie, the next oyster pie,
the next veal pie, and SO on for fortnight.
The victim made no complaint, but at last his
patience gave out, and he left the club in high
dudgeon. Thereafter when any member an
grily withdrew he was said to have ''pied out"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
LEGAL ECONOMY.

The ingenuity of the laws methods in
prolonging the dreary course of litigation
has long been the subject of satirists; but the
novelty Of device for increasing the cost
of legal proceedings just developed in
Dutchess county, New. York, leaves all the
satires in the shade. 1t seems that an estate
inveutorying some 5000 at first, had just
got through probate at legal cost of So, 900.
Considering that perhaps $500 worth of act
ual work had been done by the nine lawyers
connected with the case, this was quite mod
crate, and the owners of the property would
have been lucky if they could have taken
the remaining $4,000 and gone about their
business.
But the lawyers still had card to play.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
TENNESSEE'S OPINION, TOO.

A Particular in Which Philadelphia and
Other Cities is Surpassed by Pittsburg.
From the Nashville, Tenn, American.1
Philadelphia is usually looked upon as the
metropolis of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl-
vania, but when it comes to publishing live
newspapers, she must turn the throne over to
Pittsburg. THE DISPATCH, of the latter city,
is altogether the best newspaper that reaches
the American's exchange editor-and this, not
only from the State of Pennsylvania, but from
anywhere. 1t is about the most carefully edited
paper we know Of and barring its politics. is the
most acceptable journal, in every detail, that
we know ANYTHING of
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
A GRAVE UNDERTAKING.

In this neighborhoud, as far as our obser-
vation extends, the undertakers are respon-
sible men, skilled in their important and
necessary, but not very agreeable, business,
and we have never heard that they or the
public have deemed it essential that an ex-
animation on technical matters should make
it less easy for man to become funeral
director. In Ohio, however, it appears that
a different condition of affairs exists. The
State Association of Undertakers has cast
into the Ohio Legislature bill to provide
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
DEATHS OF A DAY.
Rev. Michnal Stack

SCRANTON, Pa, February A.-Rev. Michael
Stack, the well-known priest, died last night at
the Lackawanna Hospital, this city. His death
resulted chiefly from the effects attending the
bursting of pipe while taking a vapor bath in
medical establishment hefe some weeks ago
Some years ago Father Stack was pastor of St
johns Catholic Church, at WilIiamsport but was
deposed from his pastorate by Bishop 0'Hara, OF
diflie in which he disputed the authority OF
the bishop, aud which eliminated in the cee-
brated Stack-O' Hara case. which was tried in
appealed, without result, to Pope Leo Kill.
the becoming worldwide question,
Although Father Stack and the bishop were af-
terward reconciled, the latter would not restore
him to his parish or assign him new one in the
diocese. During his illness he was mtnisterpd to
by two priests from the Cathedral parish, under
direction of the bishop, and he received the last
rites of the church previous to death, Private
funeral services were held to-day under the direc
tion of Bishop o. 'Hara, whose authority Father
Stack had SO long deted.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
CLIPPED BITS OF WIT.

Client Tin New York law Office some
weeks hence)-I have now laid the whole case
before you. What action do you advise?
LAWYER Cleveland (absently)-Dan, what is your
opin- recovering himself) Sir, will take the
matter under advisement. Call around tO-mor-
row.-Chicd0o Tribune.
Loves Young Dream.-Little girl (at
school,-Wbat did the teacher send you here for?
Little boy-She said was bad and must come
over and sit with the girls.
II like you. Can you stay long?''
saGuess not. wasn't very bad"
"Well, you be Bladder next time. "-NeU Iork
Weekly.
Theory and Practiee.-Mistress-
on me- what kitchen! Every pot, pan and dish
Is dirty, the table looks like junk shop, and
why 1t will take you a week to get things cleaned
up! What have you been doing?
Seryant-Sure, mum, the young leddies has lust
been down here showing me how they roast .
potato at the cooking school.-Ne1o FORK Weekly
A.-Come now, old chappie, why so sad?
B.-Ihave been unfortunate in love.
Allows that? say on.
B. (dolefully)-You see, my first sweetheart
died. the second took the veil, and the third
(heaves sigh)- ah!
A-Wel the third?
B.-The third became my wife!-Manntg-
faLtiges.
A Clew at Last.-Police Captain-You
you?
Detectfve-Yes: been on 1t six weeks.
well, 1 see by the papers that fellow who
lives in the alley around the corner has confessed
that he is the murderer"
''By links! Maybe that's clew.''-PhttddeL-
phiG Record.
Mr.. Brefe Less-Did you read the account
of nv heroic rescue of a child from under the feet
of n runaway team?
Miss Edith-No, think not.
Mr. Brefe Lesson, yes, the paper had nearly
quarter of a column about 1t, headed 'Heroism
of a Prominent Young Attorney"
Miss Edith-Why yes saw the headlines, but
1 never dreamed of it being yOu!-Isrre Haute
Express.
A Horrifying Blunder.-Mrs. De Pink
Oil oh! oh shall go distracted.
Mr.. DE Pink (springing to her slde)-Mercfful
heavensl What has happened!
ssFhe washerwoman has made mistake and
sent me one of Mrs. Westend's lace handker-
Chiefs
.'WeIl what of it?''
..What OF it? What of it? Oh you-you-
Wby Mrs. Westend must have received my mis-
erably cheap imitation lace handkerchief and it
has my name on il. t.''-PhiLddeLphid Record.
A Young gentleman took his sister, a wee
miss. the other day to family in which he Is
regular caller. The little girl made herself quite
At home and exhibited great fondness for one OF
the young ladies' hugging her heartily.
elbow very afectionate she is, - said the lady of
the house.
sYes, Just like her brother,'' responded the
young lady, unthinkingly.
Paterfamilias looked up sternIy over bis specta-
cIes the young gentleman blushed, and there was
CONSERVATION in the family eirele-Londos
Ttd-Bits.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-02-15
AT CHEYENNE.

Young Lochinvar came in from the West
With fringe on his trousers and fur on his vest:
The width of his hat brim could nowhere be beat
His number ten brogans were chock full of feet;
His 2irdle was horrent with pistols and things,
And he fourished handful of aces on kings.
The fair Mariana safe watching star,
When who should turn up but the young Lochin-
var.
Her puchritude gave him pectoral glow
And he reined up his hoss with stentorian
''whoa,'
And turned on the maiden rapturous grin
And modestly asked if he mightn't step in.
With presence of mind that was marvellous quite,
The fair Mariana replied that he might;
So in through the portal strobe young Lochinvar-
Pre-empted the claim and cleaned out the bar;
Though the Justice allowed he want wholly to
blame,
He taxed him ten dollars and costs just the same.
Eugene Field, in the Chicago Nesos.