davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04
ADMINISTRATION OF LAND LAWS.
Promptness Urged i'm Adjusting the
Claims of Settlers.

Promptness Urged i'm Adjusting the
Claims of Settlers.
In the administration of the land laws the pol
icy of facilitating in every proper way the adj
justment of the honest claims of individual set
tiers upon the public lands, has been pursued
The number OF pending cases had, during the
preceding administration, been greatly increased
under the operation OF orders tor a time sus-
pending final action III large part of the cases
originating in the West aud Northwest and by
the subsequent use of unusual methods of ex-
animation. OO1y those who are familiar with
the conditions under which our agricultural
lands have been settled can appreciate the seri-
and often fatal consequences TO the settler of
policy that puts his title under suspl cion or de-
lays the issuance of his patent. While care Is
taken to prevent and to expose fraud 1t should
not be imputed without reason.
The mani est purpose of the homestead and
pre- EN- ptiOn laws was TO promote the settlement
of the public domain by persons having bona
fde intent to maze home upon the selected
lands. Where this intent is wei established and
the requirements of the law have been substan-
tally complied with, the claimant Is entitled to
promote q friendly consideration of his case,
but whe-e there is reason to believe the claimant
Is the mere agent OF another, who is seeking to
evade a law intended to promote small holdings,
and TO secure by fraudulent methods large tracts
of timber and other lands, both principal and
agent should not only be thwarted i'll their
fraudulent purpose, but should be made to feel
the penalty of our criminal statutes. The laws
should be SO administered as not to confound
these two classes. and TO visit penalties only up
on the latter.
The unsettled state OF the titles to large bodies
OF lands in the territories of New Mexico and
Arizona, has greatly retarded the development
of those territories Provisions should be made
by law for the prompt trial and final ADJUSTMENT
before judicial tribunal or commission, of all
claims based upon Mexican grants. 1t is not
just TO an intelligent and enterprising people
that their peace should be disturbed and their
prosperity retarded by these old contentious.
express the hope that differences of opinion as
TO methods may yield TO the urgency OF the case
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04
RAILWAY GISLATION.
Enactment Urged for the Protection
Life and Limb of Brakemen.

Enactment Urged for the Protection OF
Life and Limb of Brakemen.
The attention of the Inter State Commerce
Commission has been called to the urgent need
of congressional legislation for the better proec-
ton of the lives and limbs of those engaged in
operating the great interstate freight lines OF
the country, and especially OF the yardmen and
brakemen: petition, signed by nearly 900
railway brakemen. was presented to the
commission, asking that steps might be
taken to bring about the use OF
automatic brakes and couplers on
freight cars. At meeting of state railroad conf
missioners and their accredited representatives,
held at Washington in March last. upon the IN
v1tatlon o. the lot Estate commerce Commits
sion, resolution was unanimously adopted uTg-
ing the commission Ito consider what can be
done to prevent the loss of life and limb in
coupling and uncoupllng freight cars, and in
handling the brakes of such cars During the
year ending June So 1888, over 1000 railroad en-
ptoyes were killed Ill service. and more than 90
900 Injured.
1t is competent, 7 think, for Congress to re-
Quire uniformity in the construction or cals
used III inter state commerce. and the use OF I'M
proved sa ety Appliances upon such trains. Time
will be necessary 10 make the needed changes,
hut an earnest and intelligent beginning should
be made at once 1t is reproach TO our civil
cation that any class of American workmei
should, In the pursuit of q necessary and usefu
vocation, be subjected to peril of life and limt
as great as that OF a soldier III time OF war
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Revision of the Laws Regulating the Sale
of Intoxicants.

Revision of the Laws Regulating the Sale
of Intoxicants.
The interest of the people of the District OF
Columbia should not be lost sight of in the con-
sideration of measures affecting the whole coun-
try. Having no Legislature OF It's own, either
municipal or general. its people must look to
Congress for the regulations o. all those concerns
that the states the subject OF local control
The people having an interest," that the national
capital should be made attractive anu beautiful,
and ABOVE all that its repute for social order
should be well maintained. the laws regulating
the safe of Intoxicating drinks in the District
should be revised with a view OF bringing II I'M
der stringent laws and control.
The execution of the power conferred upon me
by The act making appropriations for The ex-
penses of the District of Columbia for the year
ending June so. 1889. l did OH the 18th day OF
August iast. appoint Randolph Herring, of New
York; Samuel NJ. Gray, of Shore Island, and
Frederick p Stearns. of Massac husetts, three
eminent sanitary engineers TO examine and re-
port upon the system OF sewerage existing in
the District Of Columbia. Their report, which
is not yet completed, Will be IN due course SUBJ
nit ed to Congress.
The report of the commissioners of the Dis
trict is herewith transmitted, and the attention
of Congress called to the suggestions contained
therein.
The proposition to observe the 4COth anniver-
sary OF the discovery of America by the opening
OF the worlds fair exposition in some one OF
our great cities. will be pushed for the consider
alton of Congress. The value and interest of
such an exposition may well claim the attention
OF the general government.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04
EVANSTON'S BRAVE CREW
The Life Savers Rescue the Crew of
teambarge,

The Life Savers Rescue the Crew of n
Steam barge.
A Chicago dispatch of the 2Sth saws:
The steambarge Calumet is ashore and
la bad shape at Fort Sheridan, near
Chicago. Capt Orville Green, her com.
mander, ran her ashore about 2 O'Clock
this morning 10 keep her from founder
ago, while going down through the
rivers lost her forefoot, and since has
been compelled to keep her steam sv-
phon going in order to keep the boat
tree. Last night, while endeavoring to
cross over from the east shore the sy-
phon gave out and the vessel began to
I'LL rapidly. All steam was crowded on
and the barge pushed for this shore.
She made the land abreast
of Edpewater and was beached
below that point. She is lying on q
bowlder-strewn bottom and is already
punctured badly. The iie-saving crew
at Evanston took the vessels crew of
and they are now in this city. The
steamer was coal laden for this
port, where she was to 60 into winter
quarters. She was built by the Union
Dry Dock Company in 1884 fer Ash and
others of Buffalo has an AL rating in
Lloyd's and valuation of 800, 900. The
tug Morford went to the scene of the
disaster to-day, tut the sea was running
so high that it was impossible to gel
near the vessel. Little hope is enter.
tanned of rescuing the steamer. She il
pounding heavily tonight.
Capt. Green, commander of the CAL
umet, was the last man to leave the
disabled vessel. Tee Calumet is owned
by Buffalo parties. She is a fine
three-masted steamer. 256 feet in
length, 81 feet in breadth and 20 feet
deep. The cargo of coal aggregates l..
SO tons. She is lying with her head to
the north, pounding on the rocky bot.
tom and will in all probability be to-
tai wreck. The total loss will be $780,.
OGQ
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04
AGRICULTURAL DEPAR rMENT NEEDS

err Bureau Changes.

err Bureau Changes.
The creation of an executive department. to be
known the Department of Agriculture, by the
act of February last, was wise and timely re-
spouse to request which has long been respect
fully urged by The farmers of the country But
much remains to be done TO perfect the organizs-
zion OF the department SO thSt it may fairly real
lie the expectations which its creation
excited. In this connection attention is
called to the suggestions contain
ed II the report OF the secre-
tary which is herewith submitted The need of
law officer for the department, SUCH as is pro-
vided Tor the other executive departments, Is
manifest The failure of the last Congress to
make the usual provision for the publication OF
the annual report should be promptly remedled.
The public interest in the report aud its value to
the farming community am sure will not be dl-
unfinished under the new organization of the de-
partment
1 recommend that the weather service be sep
arated from the War Department, and esta bllshed
n bureau in the Department of Agriculture.
This will involve an entire re- organization both
OF the weather bureau and of the signal corps,
making, of the first purely civil organization,
and OF the other a purely military staff corps.
The report of the chief signal officer shows that
the work of the corps on It's military side has
been doteriOratiDP.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04
LIBERAL PENSION ENACTMENT.
Relief to Every Veteran Unable to Earn
Living.


Living.
The law now provides pension for every SOL
der ana sailor who was mustered into the SER
vice OF the United States during the civil war
and JIG now suffering frGm wounds or disease
having origin in the service and in the line of
duty. Two of the three necessary facts. viz mus
ter and disability, are usually susceptible of easy
proof; but The third origin i'll the service. is often
difficult, and in many deserving cases impossible
TO establish. That very many of those who en-
dured the hardships OIL our most bloody and ar
duOus campaigns are now dlSa bled from diseases
that had real but not traceable origin in the
service, do not dou bt Besides these there is
another class composed of men many OF whom
served an enlistment of three full years. and of
re-enlisted veterans who added fourth year OF
service, who escaped the casualties OF battle and
the assaults o. disease. who were Always ready
for any detail, who were in every battle line OF
their command, and were mustered out sound
health. and have since the close OF the war while
lighting with the same indomltable and indie.
pendent spirit the contests of civil life, been
overcome by disease or casualty.
am not una ware that he pension rolls involve
very heavy annual expenditure; neither am 1
deferred from recommending that Congress grant
pension to such fonorR bly, discharged soldiers
and sailors OF the civil war as, having rendered
substantial service during the war, now de-
pendent upon their own labor for maintenance,
and by disease or casualty are incapacitated IRON
earning 1t. Many OF the men who would be ill.,
cluded in this form of relief are now dependent
upon public aid and it il not i'm my Judgment
consistent with the national honor that they
shall continue to subsist upon the local relief
given indiscriminately to paupers instead of up
on the special and generous provision of the
ton they served gaIlantly and unsei 6shly. Cur
people will. am sure, very generally approve
such legislation And | am equally sure that
the survivors OF the Union army and navy will
feel grateful sente of relief when this worthy
and suffering Class of their comrades is fairly
cared for.
These are some manifest inequalities in the ex-
1siing law that should be remedied. OF these
the secretary OF the interior has called attentit n
Ii is gratifying 10 be able to state that py the
adOptit II of new and better methods in the War
Department, the calls of the pension office for
information TO the military and hospital rec
oTds of pension claimants are now promptly
answered, and the injurious and vexatious de-
lays that have heretofore occurred entirely
avoided. his will greatly facilitate the adjust
meat OF all pending claims.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04
ONE RIOTER CONVICTED.

Ver lot in the Case of the Navassa MUIR
derers Tried at BatiJnorme.
BALTIMORE, Nd, Dec. 2.-The jury in
the Navassa case brought in a verdict
this morning. They find George S. Key
guilty of murder in the first degree
Moses Williams alias Dakota not guilty !;
and not agreed as to the other sixteen
prisoners. The verdict does not release
the sixteen for trial on other indict-
ments. Key has appealed. The trial
of Henry Jones and Cas Fisher for
the murder of Fales is set for December
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04
GOVERNMENT OF ALASKA.
Organization of b-Districts Under Mu-
nicipaI Council Control Favored.

Organization of Sub Districts Under Mu-
nfcipaI Council Control Favored.
We have fortunately not extended to Alaska
the mistaken policy of establishing reservations
Tor the Indian tribes and deal with them
from the beginning as individuals with. am
sure. better results. But any disposition of the
public lands and any regulations relating to
timber and to the fisheries should have kindly
regard to their interests. Having no power to
levy taxes, the people OF Alaska are wholly de-
pendent upon The general government,
TO whose revenues the seal fisheries make
a large annual contribution. An appro-
ration for education should neither be over
looked nor siiuted. The smailness o. the popu-
lation aud the great distance between the settle
ments offer serious obstacle 10 the establishment
of the usual territorial form OF government.
Perhaps the organization of several sub-dIs.
tricts with a small municipal council of limited
powers for ea Oh, would be safe and Use III.
Atieutit II is called in this necton to the
suggestions OF the secretary OF the treasury re-
lating TO the establishment OF another port OF
entry in Alaska, and of other needed customs,
facilities and regulations.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04
LABOR DEMONSTRATION.
dwelling of the Armstrong Monument
at Pitt>burg.

dwelling of the Armstrong Monument
at Pitt>burg.
PrrTsBURG, Pa, Nov. 2S.-The monu-
ment erected to the memory of Thorn as
A. Armstrong, editor of the National
Labor Tribune, by the members of
the labor organizations of the
country, was unveiled in Allegheny
Park to-day with imposing ceremonies.
The Grafton was delivered by Miles s.
HUMPHREYS, of this city, and the monu-
ment was unveiled by Thomas Arm
Btrong Highberger, the 5-year-old ne
phew Of Mr.. Armstrong, from Pueblo,
Col. Previous to the dedicatory SER
vices there was parade of all the labor
organizations of Pittsburg and surround
ing towns. The demonstration was one
OF the largest ever held, nearly $4,000
men being in line.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04
WRECKED ON LONG BRANCH.
Weird Night Scene Storm Beaten
Atlantic Coast.

Atlantic Coast.
LONG BRANCH, n. J., Nov. 2S.-A score
of great bonfres blazed on the beach
here last evening and lighted up q
scene of horror. An immense three
masted schooner, driven before gale
OF great violence, lay on the bar and
broke up in an hour, the terrific seas
pounding her to pieces.
An hour after dark people on the
peach saw a vessel driving before the
gale. headed straight for the shore. She
proved to be the Germania. At half
past the vessel was on the inner bar
not more than 100 yards from the shore.
When the life-saving crew arrived only
one spar was standing, about which
some five or six sailors were clinging.
The lifeline was fired three minutes
from the time of the crews arrival, but
at the same instant heavy wave struck
the wreck, carried off the last remaining
spar and the cabin, broke the vessel up,
and before the line reached the wreck
she had sunk. A furious, wind was
blowing from the southeast and the
waves were rolling high. The five or
SIX sailors that had been seen on the
wreck were discovered floating on
empty barrels and broken spars. Four
of them reached the shore.
The captain and some of the men
were into xicated when the vessel struck.
The captain drew a revolver to shoot
the man at the wheel, but was swept
from the deck.
There we're fourteen in the crew, of
whom the following were lost: Capt.
Windhorst, and Sailors VIM. Baltz,
Fractz Viarrossin, Ernest Bolter. Gus-
tav Holdenhainer, Richard Wittenberg,
Arthur Braner, John Schumacher, Gus
tav Bergenheim and the cook, whose
name is not known.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04

Mr.. Hoar offered resolution provid-
ing mode for assigning The senators
from the states Of North Dakota and
Washington to their respective classes
Tin relation to the period at which their
terms will expire) and moved it's refer
ence to the committee on PRIVILEGES and
elections. After some debate the reso-
luton was 80 referred.
Senators Edmunds and Harris were
then appointed a committee to join
like committee from the House to in
form the President that Congress is
ready to receive any communication he
may choose to make.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04
THE SENATE CONvENES.
Uneventful Opening of the Upper Hol
of ConRrees.

Uneventful Opening of the Upper House
of Congress.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec. 2.-The up
per house of the ifty-frst Congress as
sembled without formality.
There was little or no excitement at
tending the opening of the fifty-frst
Congress in the Senate side of the Capt.
toll. The public curiosity seemed to be
largely transferred to the House side.
Several of the foreign delegates to the
maritime and the pan-American confer
ences and number of ladies occupied
seats in the diplomatic gallery. Sir
Julian Pauncefote, the British minister,
and Admiral Kozenkof, of the Russian
Navy, were among those present. In
terest on the floor was devoted largely
to the senators from the new states.
They had had seats assigned to them on
the Republican side of the chamber.
Senator Casey, of North Dakota, took
his seat on the end of the second row.
hind MIN Sat the Washington senators,
Allen and Squire, while Pettigrew
and Moody, of South Dakota, were in
the fourth row, near the center of the
room. Senator Pierce. of North Dakota,
has the end seat in the fourth row, but
he was not present to-day. On the
Democratic side are two seats, so far.
unassigned. They will be occupied by
occupied by the senators from Montana,
when they shall have been chosen.
At noon Vice-President Morton en-
tered the chamber and the chaplain.
Rev. j. 6. Butler, opened the proceed
ings with an invocation for the
Divine blessing. The oath of office
was then administered by the
Vice president to Senator Chandler, of
New Hampshire, for his new term.
The credentials of Nathan F. Dixon,
senator-elect from the state of Rhode
Island, were presented and read,
and the oath of Office was admin
istered to him. The credentials of
Messrs. Moody and Pettigrew. senator's
elect from the new state of South Da-
kota, were presented ont by Senators
Plat and Spooner; and those of Messrs.
Allen and Squire, oil Washington, were
presented by the vice. President.
These several credentials having been
read, Mr.. Plat moved that the oath of
Office be administered to the four new
senators. The motion was agreed to
and the four new senators, each OF them
escorted by senator, proceeded to the
clerks desk (amid some applause from
the galleries) and took the oath of Of
fee.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04
THE MERCHANT MARINE.
Measures for thG Advancement of Ship
ping Int rests.


ping Interests.
There is nothing more justly humiliating to
the national pride, and nothing more hurrful to
the national prosperity, than the interiority
of our merchant marine, compared with that of
other nations whose general resources, wealth.
and sea-coast lines do not suggest reason for
their supremacy OH the sea. 1t was not always
So and our people agreed, / think, that it
shall not continue to be SO. 1t is not possible in
this communication to discuss the causes of the
decay OF our shipping interests or the different
The statement of a few Northumberland facts
and some general suggestions as to legislation is
all that Is practicable. That the great steam
ship lines sailing under the flags of England,
France Germany, Spain, and Italy, and engaged
in foreign commerce, were promoted, and have
since been and now are literally aided, by
is generally known. That the American lines of
steamships have been abandoned by us in an un-
equal contest with the aided lines of other ma
lions until they have been withdraw, or, In the
few cases where they are still maintained are
subject to serious disadvantages is matter OF COM
mon knowledge.
The present situation is such that travellers
and merchandise find Liverpool often a neces-
sary intermediate port between New York and
some of the South American capitals. The fact
that some OF the delegates from South American
states to the conference of American nations,
now in session at Washington, reached our
shores by reversing that line of travel is very con-
elusive OF the need OF such conference, and very
suggestive as TO the first and most necessary step
In the direction OF fuller and more beneficial in
ter-course with nations that are now our neigh
bors upon the lines OF latitude, but not upon the
lines OF established commercial intercourse.
L recommend that such appropriations be made
for ocean mail SERVICE in American steamships,
between our ports and those Central and South
America, China, Japan. and the importa Mt isl
ands in both of the great oceans, will be lib
orally remuneratlve for the service rendered, and
as will encourage the establishment and in some
fair degree equa1ize the chances of American
steamship lines In the competitions which they
must meet That The American states lying
south of US will cordially cooperate establish
ing and maintaining such lines of steamships to
their principal ports do not doubt. .
we should also make provision Tor naval re-
serve to consist of such merchant ships, of
American construction, and specified
tonnage and speed, as the owners will consent
to place at the use of the government, in case of
need of armed cruisers England has adopted
this policy, and as a result can now, upon
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04

departments that t..ey consider whether record
might not be kept in each bureau Of all
those elements that are covered by the terms
made showing the relative merits of the clerks
of each class, this rating be regarded as test
of merit i'll making promotions.
l have also suggested to the postmaster general
that he adopt some plan by which he can, upon
the basis of the reports TO the department and ut
frequent inspections ind cate the relative merit
Of postmasters Of each class. They will be APP
propriately indicated in the official register and
In the report of the department That great
stimulus would thus be given to the whole ser
slce do not doubt and such record would be
,he best defense against inconsderate removals
frnro office
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1889-12-04
LAW STUDENTS SUICIDE.
K. 8. Bates Ends Ris Life at Cincinnati
With Gas.

CINCINNATI, o., Nov. 30.-E. S. Bates,
a young man here as law student from
Watertown, Mass, wac found dead in
his bed at the Geneva Hotel last night.
He had unscrewed the gas burner, at
tached paper tube to it and applying
the tube to his mouth as he lay
in bed, had breathed the gas un-
til he was unconscious. He had
been dead several hours when found.
He was much given to drink and dis
sipation, but was said to be sober on
Thursday night. On Tuesday he had
sent telegram to his people at Water
town, saying, Send me $40 immediate
ly to save family disgrace" but no re-
Spouse came. He was about Is years
old. He came here last summer from
Florida