davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
EASTERN RAILROAD ASSOCIATION.

AT the annual meeting of the Vanderbilt
roads the other day favorable action was
taken on the proposal to form an association
of the Eastern railroads, similar to that into
which the principal Western roads have en-
tered. The roads elected delegates to an ad-
visory council, as follows: New York Gen.
tral, President Chauucey NJ. Depew and
Cornelius Vanderbilt; Lake Shore, Presi-
dent John Newell and H. Mex. Twomblv;
Michigan Central, President H. B. Ledyard
and W. L. Vanderbilt The Pennsylvania
companies have already approved the plan,
and the "Big -Four" will be in. The only
important roads not heard from are the Erie
and Baltimore and Ohio.
There would seem to be little doubt that
the Eastern railroad trust will be formed.
The holdings of Gould and the Standard
Oil party in Erie and Baltimore and OHIO
are sufficient to control them, and neither of
these interests can be suspected of being un-
friendly to the trust principle. If they re-
fuse to join the association, it will be from
other motives. In fact, the only question is
whether the Gould and Standard people
have had revenge enough upon the Pennsyl-
vania and Vanderbilt systems to satisfy
them for the present.
When the Eastern association is formed
the country will be permitted 10 enjoy the
spectacle afforded by the domination of
half dozen men over three-iourths of the
railroad mileage of the United States. The
other fourth is composed principally of short
lines and narrow gauge feeders. 1t will be
an instructive exhibit. And it is not hard
to see it will not be one calculated to COM
mend the present conduct of corporate
affairs. Those agitators for Government con-
troll of railroads and teiegraphs will find in
it a pointed argument in support of their
theories. They will make the most they can
OF it. 1t will be still stronger argument
in favor of rigidly enforced income tax.
After all, the proper view to take of this
combination is that it is the legitimate result
OF wandering away from fundamental prlnci-
pies, and the logical remedy is to force re-
turn TO those principles in spite of the power
full corruptiVe influences of such an aggrega-
tion of capital. Corporate franchises are
granted by the commonwealth for the COM
mon good. They are manipulated for private
greed. Justly considered, they have forfeited
all rights under their charters, by reason of
their violation and wiIlful neglect of their
public duties. They should be brought to
account for their lapses.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26

Taken all iu all. Christmas was very en-
io7able and much enioved day in Pittsburg
and Allegheny. The remarkable prosperity
OF this region for a number of years past
very naturally led to a condition of things
favorable to Christmas enjoyment. Bounte-
Gus tables were spread everywhere for ma
terial endowment. In these cities of homes,
q quite general cessation of business enabled
employer and employe to give themselves
up 20 enjoyment in the household circle il
they SO desired.
OF course, there were the usual amuse-
ments and social attractions Tor those who
enjoy those things. The reports Of mer-
chants prior TO the holiday are indications
enough of the thousands OF hearts gladdened
BY tokens OF friendship and love. Net the
most costly presents caused the most joy,
perhaps, for modest gift may be priceless
treasure to tine recipient. And really those
young people with fresh, pure minds and
healthy bodies were the greatest benefici-
aries regardless of wealth or station.
Evidences are not wanting that Christmas
was as generally enjoyed throughout the
country as in this section. Sorrow certainly
wrapped many homes in its dark mantle,
for death is always busy. But the sorrow
was far outweighed by the JOY.
One festure is not so pleasant The holi-
day produced a chapter of crimes. No
fault OF the day, no, indeed! But the ia ault
OF people. We narrowly escaped Christ
mas murder here, and other places
were not so fortunate as to escape at all.
There was some drunkenness and minor Of
fenses due TO the idea some people have
that holiday cannot be celebrated without
registering. This is a pity. 1t is q pity
anything should be done wIllfulIy to mar
this greatest feast holiday of the year.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
WAIFs FROM wIT-LAND.

There was young fellow named Kipling,
Whose thoughts were both merry and rippling;
His work was much sought
BY public that thought
That he did mighty well for a STRIPPING. g.-Puek.
There are only nine parts of speech, but
you wouldn't think it to hear two women lighting
about their children over the back fence. -PhiLG-
deLphiG Times.
The sexton helped his worthy wife,
He peeled potatoes well;
He next peeled of his overcoat,
And then he pealed the bell.
-BGshfngton Post.
Amy with a broken engagement, to
Mary. about to be married)-My dear girl, do not
make the mistake did with my Charlie. Don't
ask George to eat any Of your cooking until after
you are married.-Herdtd.
Two ladies met to fight it out,
Somewhere where no police is:
And Mary Christmas quickly knocked
Sal AIRY all to pieces.
Washington Star.
When the announcement was made that
sBig Foot'' had surrendered it created the
momentary impression that Chicago had Riven up
the Worlds Fair in favor Of New York.-EsD
York Herald.
1t is shocking, nv boy,
To find that st. Nick
Has put big stick
In your stocking, my boy.
Judge.
A New York man blew out his wifs's
brains Monday and then madly fred ballet
through the brtln Of his hat. New Yorksrs are
desperate fellows whose courage Is simply mag.
nihcent.-Chicd0o Times.
Cleopatra and Helen fair
Were forty when their rows began;
And Mrs. O'Shea was older yet
When she upset the home rule plan.
philadelphia Times.
The mother and aunt of Chicago 5.year-
old had spont the greater part OF their time at
the stores downtown for several days, and he had
got tired Off
swell. - he said yesterday morning. in the tone
of deeply disgusted young man, Il suppose you
tuo are going shoplifting again to-day.''-Ohs-
eago Tribune.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
THE TOPICAL TALKER.
Polite Under Difficulties.

Soon after the snow began to fall last night
an alarm of fire was given in a LOFTY building
IN the lower part of the city. One OF the ten
ants was writing in his office at the time when
the shout of fire broke upon his ears. He went
TO the speaking tube, which connected his
office with another one several floors above.
and whistled up
what's the matter?" he inquired when an
answering hello" assured him that someone
was at the other end of the tube
Building is on fire." was the laconic reply.
IL was enough to make man hurry and this
particular individual was making splendid time
Tor the door when there came a whistle again
at the speaking tube. He ran back and yelled
up the pipe "hello?'
"Hello!" came back the answer. 81 beg your
pardon. it's not fire, it's hoodr'
Could such polite exactness be surpassed? 1t
proved strictly correct also. The fire had
never existed and the alarm had impelled some
sagacious person to turn on the water in the
fire apparatus on the top floor
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
AS WHITE AS SNOW.

Ask me not my heart to give thee,
All my heart was, long ago,
Buried meath the waves of yon sea,
With q soul as white as snow.
Ask me not some song to sing thee,
In lighter strain might flow
AS loves harps would WOO and win thee,
or as birds sweet overflow.
All my soul seemed made for singing.
But deaths angel, as it flew
starward, left this sadder singing,
And loves lighter music slew.
ASK me not. this late, to cherish
Dreams of gold, though bright as day;
I would rather die, and perish,
That the truIh might have its way.
w. II. Thorns.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
ADeplorable Mistake.

Philadelphia Times
The failure of the prosecution in the bribery
cases recently tried in Lawrence county is now
generally admitted to be due to the mistake of
trying first the case that should have been
tried last. The mistake was that of the Court
however, and not of the special counsel who
had been designated by the Court to prosecute
the cases. They asked TO try Downing first,
Intending to follow his trial with those of Tate
and Shatfer, putting Wallace on trial last The
Court directed that Wallace be tried first 1t
must be assumed that the Court erred only in
Judgment, as it had sent the cases the second
time to the grand jury. and on petition of the
prosecutor had appointed special counsel TO
try them. The error was fatal to the prose-
cution, no matter how honestly made, a fact
that is much to be deplored, as the result can
not fail to encourage bribery in the future.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
Is Christmas So Cheerful


have heard" said a clergyman to me yester-
day, some people declaring that the old-fash-
Toned merry Christmas is dying out; that it Is
not an enjoyable festival any more; that those
who celebrate it do not do SO with any honest
and sincere jollity. In way l agree with
tnem. am not speaking of the religious side
Oh the day, but the secular, of:course. / think
the reason the day is not so joyful as it used to
be Is partly to be found in the expansion of the
custom in giving presents. OF course the Gus
tom in itself under proper conditions IS most
laudable and thoroughly in keeping with the
best traditions of the day. Christmas ought to
be the festival of charity, and far as it is so
to day have no fault to find with 1t But is
the giving OF presents, when 1t is merely IN
compliance with the laws and customs of So
ciety. often without regard to the real feelings
of the donor, charity at all7 The giving of
presents at Christmas has become in many
cases l know at best a system of exchange. A
feels he must give present because he knows
by experience, or thinks it likely, that B will
give him present. Too much money is spent
on the presents also. In the old days the pres
ents were merely emblems of good will; now
they are often of the costliest character. L
should say that the cost of celebrating Christ
mas In the conventional manner has become so
great as to lay heavy burden upon the spirit
of the average man, and thus largely to dimin-
ish his capacity for deriving pleasure from the
anniversary which he celebrates. This explain
alton, of course, does not fit the case OF the
utterly destitute, who spend nothing on Christ
mas. nor the case of the very rich. to whom no
expenditure is burden. But from the level of
the well-to-do down to a point just above the
lowest depths of poverty 1 am persuaded that
it does account for vast amount of worry and
detection and not a little real inconvenience,
If not distress"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
APISH SCIENCE.

Scientific men occasionally make grew
some predictions about the future, on the
easy assumption that science leads to
that conclusion. The latest instance comes
from a Smithsonian Institution man at
Washington. He epredicts a speedy degrada-
tiOn of the people of this country to saw
agery. His assumption is based on the
theory that this continent is not adapted to
support animal life in its higher forms. By
way OF proof-of course such theories must
be accompanied by proois-he cites the con-
trast between the anthropoid apes of Africa
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
JUSTICE BROWN.
President Harrison's Ante-Chrisrmas Sur
prise Talked OF.

Large Experience for n Young Man.
Philadelphia Ledger, Rep.l
President Harrison has selected for the su-
preme Court Bench a man who has scarcely
been mentioned for the place in the news
papers and one who is little known to the pub
lie. But that does not argue that he is not a
sound lawyer. qualified to serve as Associate
Justice Of the Supreme Court. Judge Henry
B. Brown, of Michigan. had a liberal education
before he began the study Of law. and, after
few years of practice, became a Judge of the
District Court, in which he bas served for Is
years, so that he has had large experience for
man not yet "a years of age.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
Good in a Negative Sense.

New York Star, Dtm.J
The nomination of Henry B. Brown. of Michi-
gan, to succeed Justice Miller on the Supreme
Court Bench IS political surprise that falsifies
all predictions and upsets many calculations.
IN a negative sense. the appointment Is entitled
to commendation, as it has avoided the scandal
which would have attended the selection by the
President of his own law partner, in the person
of the Attorney General.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
viii Give General Satisfaction.

Philadelphia Record, Dem.l
The nomination of United States District
Judge Henry Billings Brown, of Detroit, to fill
the vacancy on the bench of the Supreme
Court occasioned by the death OF Justice Sam
uel F. Miller will be received with general ap-
proyal. There is double reason for it. It is
a choice much better than the public had been
led to anticipate. and there is no doubt of
Judge Browns ripe attainments. He has had
a long experience as lawyer. both at the bar
and on the bench. and is in the prime of life,
having been born in 1895
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
but the consumer has to foot the bill, just the
Paid the Penalty.

same.
Paid the Penalty.
"she's my Annie, Pm her Joe"
Sang he meath her shutter;
But just then the old mans toe
Sent him to the gutter.
IMAGINATIoN is the magnifying glass upder
which lie and rumor are too frequently
tested.
A DULL companion always manages to keep
you on edge.
BANKER KEAN. of Chicago. was keen
financier, but his keenness has landed him in
prison.
PERHAPS if the closure was applied to the
cold tea department Congress would jog along
faster.
SAILORS always call stiff wind a fresh
breeze. in spite of the fact that it is salted
THE barber fishes for patronage with pole.
PEOPLE who show good taste in dress may
have bad taste in the mouth.
WAS there skeleton in the mince pie and
ghost IN the plum pudding?
KoCH's lupus cure has been successfully
weighed in the scales which the patients fur
nished.
AFTER all the snow is shoveled off the tramp
will ring the door bell and ask you for a job.
THE actor or actress who idealizes compels
raaliZn re-
IF life is a melodrama it is bound to end hap
PLY.
IN the study of humanity you must learn to
read types. WILLIE WINKLE.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
Murder Should be Quickly Punished.

PhiladelphIa Record
Mrs. Pearcey was hanged in London on Tues
day for murder committed just two months
ago. English law is usually accounted slow in
its procedure, but it is evident that the Circum-
iocution Office has no connection with the
Criminal Courts in the British capital. One of
tice IN this country is the procrastination in the
trial and punishment OF murderers. They do
these things better in England-and likewise in
France, as was shown in the Eyraud trial the
other day,
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
DEATHS OF A DAY.
Rev. David GoodMilIfe.

rPEcIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DIsPArcHI
YOUNGSTOWN, Dec. 25.-Rev. David Good
willie, who was for so years pastor of the Presby-
terian Church at Liberty, three miles from here,
died this morning at the home of his son in CIeve-
land. The deceased was 90 years old. and early in
life adopted the ministry, remaining in active
service until ten years ago, when failing health
compelled him to retire. He was pioneer in the
Presbyterian Church in this section Of the State.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
Regrets Gresham's Failure.

New York Press, Rep.l
While the Press is disappointed that Presi-
dent Harrison has second time set aside the
eminent claims of Judge Gresham to place on
the United States Supreme Bench-claims that
were pressed by the whole country-we are free
to commend the choice he has finally made of q
successor to the late Justice Miller.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
PICKLE FEMININITY.
An Expectant Groom Deserted for He Who
Was to be Best Man.

An EXpectant Groom deserted Tor He Who
Was to be Best Man.
PETERSBURG, VA, Dec. 25.-Soms weeks
ago Mis-, Jennie Demaway. y beautiful and ac-
complished young lady of King William county,
went to Jarretts. in Sussex county, to visit her
sister, when she left King William she was
engaged to a well-known citizen of that county
and to-day had been fixed for the wedding.
During her visit to her sister Miss Demaway
met Mr.. W. G. Thompson of Jarretts who be-
came frequent visitor. The acquaintance
coon ripened into love and an engagement fol-
lowed.
On last Monday they took buggy drive, and
then it was decided that they should go to
eldon to be married. This they did on Fri
day last Yesterday morning the gentleman
from King William passed through here on the
southbound passenger train to claim his bride,
but to his utter astonishment when he got to
Jarretts he found the lady of his choice the
wife of another man. Mr.. Thompson who is
the happy bridegroom, was to have acted as
best man for the gentleman from King W ILL
lam,
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26

THE classification of English plum pud-
ding as building material gives rise to the sus-
picion that the customs official, who made the
classification, has been eating that savory
delicacy and Michigan pine plank in alternate
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
The Funny French Duel.
PHILADELPHIA Ledger. ]

Philadelphia Ledger.J
French duels are usually rather amusing per-
formances, in which nobody gets seriously hurt,
but one was threatened the other day where
tragic termination was almost insured by pro-
vision that the principals we're to begin with
pistols, at 25 paces and, if they failed to kill
to swords and fight to finish. The French
comedy turn has been given to this duel also,
for one of the principals has apologized and the
affair has been settled to the satisfaction of
both sides.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
An Excellent Appointment.
Sev York Tribune, Rep. :

NeH Ork Trlbune, Rep.I
In selecting as the late Associate Justice
Miller's successor District Judge Henry B.
Brown, Of Michigan, President Harrison has
made an admirable appointment. President
Harrison has now filled two vacancies on the
Supreme Court Bench. His appointments con-
trast most favorably with the two made by his
predecessor
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26

In view of the results of French duels as
they are fought, we offer the gratuitous sug-
gestion that honor might be satisfied equally
we'll if the disputants would set about to hyp-
notice each other.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
Scientific Humbuos.

According to reliable information that
reaches me, it was something of a pity that a
shorthand reporter was not in o downtown
bookstore on Monday afternoon. when Judge
Collier made some pertinent and pungent re-
marks about scientific humbugs. How it
started does not matter, but the Court delivered
himself in good round terms and in such tone
that everybody in the store couldn't help hear
ing him. 1t is not fair to give my imformants
recollection of the little speech, but 1t was in
effect scathing criticism of some of the hum
bugs perpetrated in the name of science by So
called scientific men. The truth and cogency
of Judge Golfers reasoning struck my in
formant forcibly, and perhaps the Court could
be persuaded to hand down a written opinion.
1t has often occurred to me that Judge Golfers
controversial powers should have literary ex-
preston. and those who have been in constant
intercourse with him have expressed the same
opinion.
The late trains leaving the city on Christmas
Eve were pretty well filled with people Of both
sexes going home to spend Christmas. 1t is
pleasant to be able to say that very few of the
men were intoxicated-an unusual circum-
stance The night before Christmas last year
there were more drunken men in the smoking
car. in which the writer was unhappily COM
pelled stay than he has ever seen together at
one time before or since.
The exodus of young women employed in the
stores Of Pittsburg and Allegheny the night
before holiday takes on proportions that
most of us never dream of. The evening trains
on Wednesday carried great many more
pretty and well-dressed women than usual, and
it puzzled some Of the old commuters, no doubt.
The welcome passengers were saleswomen en-
ployed IN the great stores. Some of them had
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26

Ex-PREsIDENT CLEVELAND, speaking
to the Reform Club, attributed McKinley's de-
feat to tariff reform sentiment. He did not
state specifically, however, that it was the tariff
reform sentiment of members of the Ohio Leg.
isIa
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26

ASSOCIATE JUSTICE BROWN is quite
generally commended, now, on the ground that
nothing bad is known of him. The general
public admits at the same time it knows very
little good about him.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
Election Day Circulating Medium.

PhiIadeIphIa Inqulrer.I
The public is notified to refuse all 81 silver
certificates of the issue of 1888, as the country
seems to be flooded with dangerous imitation
of them. Perhaps 1t would be well for the
Treasury Department to recall that issue, if it
can give no better advice about it.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26

ANOTHER thing that contributed to every
body's enjoyment yesterday was the certainty
that no Congressional jawing was being done
in Washington.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
Ludun Hines.

INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 25.-Private dispatches
fIom Rutland. VT, announces the death of Judge
Hines. He lived here for many years and was the
law partner of President Harrison and Attorney
General Miller, the firm name being Harrison,
Hines Il Miller.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
Hard on the Celebrators.

Philadelphia Press.1
New Orleans Is trying to celebrate the festi-
val in the midst of 5000 cases Of grip. 1t is
sneezy merriment they are having.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
President Harrison a Lawyer Himself.

Philadelphia Press, Rep.I
The new Justice has made q creditable repu-
tation on the District Court bench, where he
has sat since 1875. We would suppose him to
be a solid and safe rather than brilliant
jurist. His strongest Recommendation is that
President Harrison. himself a lawyer OF the
first rank. selected him for this important po-
sition. 1t is to be presumed that the President
knows his man, and that the appointment will
not disappoint the country.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26

CHRISTMAS ought not to be marred by
murderous proceedings. OF all days it ought
to be the one to most effectually dispel the
homicidal purpose. Alas! that il is not so.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26

SOMETHING is evidently wrong. We
have had several cold nights without COM
plant of natural gas shortage.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
Nobody Expected ANYTHING.

Philadelphia Times, Dem.1
Mr.. Harrison's idea in appointing his new
Supreme Justice seems to have been to do what
nobody expected of him. Well, he has sue
ceeded. 1t was nobody that expected anything.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26
No Time to Look Him Up.

Michigan gets the appointment to the long
vacant place upon the United States Supreme
Bench in the person of Henry B. Brown. Prob
ably he Is good man-at least no one has had
an opportunity to learn anything to the con-
trary.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-26

WEST VIRGINIA as an oil field appears
to have plenty of oil which it is very expensive
to get at