davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-07

that the conditions such as he sketches are
the normal and healthy ones of the great
body of American citizenship; while those
of workers in city tenements are abnormal
and unhealthy. But supposing it to be the
case that the economic and social tendency
of the time is to increase the abnormal and
unhealthy conditions, and to diminish what
he calls "the sequestered, wholesome and
contented communities" which are ga fair
type of the or ganization of basal American
society,"" does it not afford the most cogent
reason for earnest inquiry as to how that
unfortunate tendency may be checked?
There is little room for doubt that such a
ieudency is workingto an alarming extent.
the census statistics leave no question as to
The fact that the great mass of our increase
of population is largely in the city popula-
tIons, while, except in the newer States, such
communities as that which President Eliot
describes are either stagnant or are going
backward. When we recognize that the
economic forces of the day are causing the
decay of the typical American communities,
there can be no higher duty for thinkers and
patriots than the investigation of these false
tendencies, and the search for the remedies
which will preserve the normal conditions
under which American democratic char
acter obtains Its healthiest development.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-07
TYPICAL AMERICAN LIFE.

A very important and fundamental feat
ure iii our social economy is made the sub
ject of an article in the Century by Presi-
dent Eliot, of Harvard University, under
the title of ''The Forgotten Millions" The
idea which this writer brings out, is that
the normal condition of American citizen
ship is not that which attracts so much at
tention in the crowded condition of Ameri-
can cities, but that which three-fourths of
the population enjoys scattered over great,
vast areas. While we cannot ignore the
abnormal conditions of the suffering
minority, to understand the true state of the
country, we must rem ember the normal con-
ditions under which the great masses of the
population live.
As an example of the typical American
political unit, President Eliot takes the
town OF Mount Desert, in Maine, small,
selt-governing community that has pre-
served its institutions practically un-
changed from the first settlement to the
present time. 1t is a community of indus
trious freemen, levying and appropriating
their own taxes in town meeting, and hav-
ing their public business administered for
them at a very small cost, maintaining their
schools, and taking care OF their own poor
and living quiet, but comfortable and con-
tented lives on their little freeholds, much
as their fathers did before them, and quite
untouched by the vagaries of the social re-
formers.
Possibly the fairness of the illustration,
as a typical one, might be criticised on the
basis of the fact that the thrifty inhabitants
of Mt Desert have enjoyed prosperity
superior to that Of the average agricultural
community, through the expenditures of
the summer tourists, including the Presi-
dent of Harvard, who make Mt. Desert one
of the fashionable resorts for hot weather.
Yet the type is nearly representative of the
democratic and American local govern
ment; and we can accept the principles that
with the majority of the people OF the
United States, under those conditions,
popular institutions rest on the broadest
and safest foundations.
But the conclusion which seems to be in
dicated by the Harvard presidents study of
the fundamental conditions of American
politics is none the less open to criticism, as
failing to take in the whole subject. 1t is
evidently deduced from the allegation that
these healthy political customs rule over
the vast majority of Americans, that
alarm about the growth of less healthy con-
ditions in crowded communities is unwar-
ranted, and Legislation against such evils is
empirical. Purely alarmist views are
always foolish if they do not tend to a
remedy; but tho study Of tendencies in an
unhealthy direction is essential to guard
against future evils II anything is brought
out clearly by President Eliot's article it is
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-07
THE OLD FASHIONED GARDEN.

How dear to my heart is the old fashioned yard,
Where laylocks and hollyhocks grew;
Where along by the path that led to the door,
Were flowers of many hue.
Just down by the gate q syringa tree waved
Its feathery blossoms of white;
On the opposite side. like grand flaming bush,
Stood scarlet hued saliva bright.
There tall tiger lilies in oran ge and black.
Looked down on the harebell SO blue;
There were English primroses and fragrant Glove
pinks
Sweet williams and candytuft too.
There old damask roses were scattered about,
And dafry-down-dillies were seen;
There we're pink ragged-robins and cockscombs
SO red.
And delicate ribbon grass green.
There were bachelors buttons and Johnny-jump-
ups,
With tulips and peouies gay.
And plain margolds, and the dear mignonette
That's found in our gardens to-day.
There were asters, and phlox and feverfew white.
With bright portulaca around,
Nasturtiums, lantanas and pretty iarkspurs.
And low creeping myrtles were found.
A honeysuckle vine ran oyer the porch,
And some dainty sweet peas grew quite nigh,
While down in the grass. in cool, shady nook,
Were vfolets blue as the sky.
There wers sweet smelling shrubs Of various
kinds.
SO dear to our grandmother's heart;
Southernwood, lavender and rosemary sprigs
In ev'ry nosegay had part.
The old fashioned gardenI see 1t again,
With the scenes or my childhood's dear home,
Though now, In the land Of the orange and pine,
Afar from its pleasures roam.
-Nck's Aaoasfns.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-07
TOO FAT TO DROWN.
Strange Adventure of Man Who Could
Neither sink Nor Swim.


Neither sink Nor Swim.
NEW YORK August 6-The remarkable ad-
ventures of Ferdinand Schiller en- route from
South Beach to this city last night indicate
that if ever there was person correctly named
1t is this unusual navigator OF the waters.
Schiller weighs 90S pounds. and when it is as
hot as it was yesterday exudes moisture and
readily becomes somnolent. He went to South
Beach yesterday, as usual, to get cooled off.
He started for home from there on the steam
er Thomas Morgan at $50 o'clock last night
ana as he could not very well sit on a camp
stool he spread himself out on the guard-rail
aft where he famed himself with his hat until
there was sudden lnrch of the vessel, and
away he went over the side into the briny Deep
No one saw him go over apparently, for the
Morgan did not stop.
Finding himself alone in the water, Mr.
Schiller prepared to die. as he could not swim,
and he saw not the slightest chance of succor
about him. Much to his astonishment he did
not sink. He had often heard that a drowning
man goes down and comes to the surface of the
water three times before he goes to the bottom
for good. He counted the time when he fell off
the boat and went under the waves as once, but
he did not go under a second time. Then it be-
gan to dawn on him that the fat which had
heretore been the bane of his existence was
now acting as ife-saver for him, and he could
not sink.
Finally the steamer Hanco, Captain Post
came along, and the Captain had block and
tackle rigged by means of which Schiller
was swung on board Then he tainted, after
being nearly an hour and half In the water.
Restoratives were applied and he was all right
by the time the city was reached.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-07
PARAGRAPHS CONCERNING PEOPLE.

SENATOR PLUMB takes 200 newspapers and
pays for them.
MISS ROSE ELIZABETH CLEvELAND's
novel has fallen fat.
GENERAL LoNGsTREET's new war book is
looked for with much interest
THE Spanish statesman. CASTELAR,, is writing
life Of Christ, and is also busy on history of
Spain.
LADY DuNLo, who has Just defeated her
husbands divorce suit, will go on the stage as
Venus.
MRS. o. s. GRANT is spending her summer
months with her son Ulysses in Westchester
county, N. Y.
ROBERT PURvIs, of Philadelphia, the ven-
erable colored Abolitionist, celebrated his sOth
birthday on Monday.
MISS MoLLIE E. SEAwALL. recently sue
cessful novelist, who took the $500 prize offered
by Boston periodical, is a niece Of President
Tyler.
MRS. FREDERICK W. VANDERBILT and
other ultra-fashionable people at Newport have
developed Whatsoever Circle of the Kings
Daughters.
REV. JOSEPH PARKER, of London. now
breaches one minute sermons after his more
elaborate efforts. He directs these brief dis
courses to some particular class.
MRS. HETTY GREEN'S estimated wealth is
put at s4O,OOO.O0O Three other women have
each $50 00OO, ,0o0 and Mrs. Terry's 3-year-old
baby is the happy, or unhappy, possessor of
$50 000. 600 in its own right.
IT is reported from the City of Mexico that
the famous castle of Chapultepec, one Of the
most imposing structures in the world. is to be
sold to Jay Gould for S. 000 900, and will be the
winter home of the Goulds.
MRS. ROBERT T. LINCOLN, wife of the
American Minister, sails with her two daugh-
ters next Wednesday on the City of New York.
These ladies have the finest suite of rooms on
the steamer, for which they will pay the re-
spectacle sum of $3.50.
AMONG the guests already assigned to one
hotel in Boston for Grand Army week. this
month, are Miss Clara Barton. Mrs. Logan, Mrs.
Wittenmeyer, General Alger, Secretary Proc
tor, Secretary Noble, Secretary Rusk, General
Sherman, General Sickles, General Hoyey,
General Berdan and Ex-Governor Foraker.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-07
MORE PERTINENT WARNINGS,

The financial troubles in the Argentine
Republic are used by the Chicago Times as
warning for this country. from the fact
that "cedulas" or loans by the Governmenton
landed security were a prominent feature OF
the policy of the South American republic.
This being an almost exact copy of Senator
Stanford's land mortgage scheme, the Times
thinks the warning is shown to be very per.
tinent
But why confne the warning to that as
pect of the case. The Times itself states
that one of the features of the policy by
which the Government credit was strained
was system of railroad expansion which
involved the Government TO the tune of
some $500, 900, 600. Other accounts leave no
doubt that the mere imitation might have
been got along with if the Argentine Gov
ernment had not been extravagantly admin
istered, and if that species of administra-
ton which made President Celman a ten
millionaire in a few years had not been
rife.
There is a more cogent warning for the
United States in these aspects Of the Argen-
tine troubles than in that on which the
Times enlarges. Senator Stanford's land
mortgage scheme is by no means an immi-
nent danger; but extravagance in appropri-
ations, railroad initiation and great fortunes
for the favored few are already upon us.
Why intelligent commentators should select
the most remote danger as the one which we
are to be warned against, by the fruitful ex-
ample of the Argentine Republic it is diff
cultto perceive, unless 1t is on the principle
of those who
Compound the sins they are inclined to
By damning those they have no mind to-"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-07
A LAW NEEDED.

If the Republican majority in the House
of Representatives were not so anxious to
perpetuate the hold of the party upon
power such a vital need as the
restriction or regulation of immigration
might stand some chance of legal relief. As
tits, the danger and disgrace arising from the
inflow of criminal and pauper immi-
grants. which are depicted in strong colors
by Immigrant Inspector Layton in our
news columns to-day. are likely to continue
without let or hindrance. The recent decision
of Judge Lacombe in New York, on top of
the conclusion of the Jeanette
case, makes it clear that the alien
contract law is not worth the paper
whereon 1t is printed, as a check to
the importation of foreign labor under
contract. But this evil is of small conse-
quence beside the greater one of unregulated
immigration. Europe persists in sending
us her surplus criminal and pauper popula-
tion, and Congress should supply, as it
alone can, remedy for that which is great
peril to the nation.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-07
A CHURCH LAWN FETE.
Many Attractions Prepared for wilkins.
burg socinl Event.

This evening and tomorrow will take place
the annual lawn fete of st. James R. C.
Church. Williamsburg. 1t is always o special
occasion in the borough, both on account of the
novelty and amusing character of the exercises
and because everybody makes point going.
Among the attractions promised are music by
St. Thomas Band, OF Braddock, in their new
s., 600 uniforms, cake walks, mand olin music,
fine military display by Hibernian Rifles under
command Of Major COyne illuminations,
unique decorations and grand balloon ascen-
sions.
Following are the off GERS in charge Of the
affair: President, Mrs. w. McCook; Vice Presi-
dents. Mrs. j. Lambing, Mrs. Weaver Mrs.
knoor. Mrs. Hodge, Mrs Vogle. Mrs. 7. J.
Moore, Mrs; Becker. Mrs. McAfee, Mrs. w.
Ward. Miss Hynes.
W. McCook, Mrs T. ]. Moore; aids, Miss
Brennan, Miss Aggie Lambing and Miss Katie
Brennan. Fine French candle es on sale at this
booth are made expressly for this occasion.
Lemonade booth: color, yellow-Mrs d. Nc
Afee; aids. Misses McGrath and Schroeder.
Ice cream tables; color, pale blue-Mrs j.
Lambing; aids. Miss Clifford and Miss Jennie
Lambing. Color, heliotrope-Mrs. Weaver;
aids, Miss Weaver and Miss Brownlee. Color,
red, white and blue-Mrs. Knoor; aIds Misses
Knoor and Miss Jennie Corkey. Color, pale
green-Mrs Hodge; aids, Miss Teresa Sherry
and Miss Hodge. Color, salmon-Mrs. Vogle;
aids Miss Ella Sherry and Miss Celia Gearv.
Coior, dark red-Mrs Becker; aids. Miss M. E.
Madden and Miss NJ. Madden. Color cream
mrs: w. Ward; aids, Miss Whalen and Miss
McSherry.
Lunch table; color, dark blue-Miss Hynes;
aids, Misses Corkey, Huges and Siville.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-07
THE NEW ENTHUSIASM FOR BLAINE.

There are indubitable evidences that Re-
publicans throughout the country are again
turning to Blaine-and this time with new
spirit of convIction-as the most capable
national leader. After trying the expert
ment of General Harrison as President and
Mr.. Reed as Speaker, with opportunities for
them and for others to establish capacity for
leadership, it has remained for Blaine to
arouse anew something like old time en-
thusiasm for the quality known as "brsini-
ness" in craftsmanship. This he has done
by his handling of the tariff and reciprocity
business. Just as the man who makes, or
promises to make, two blades of grass grow
where only one grew before, so does Blaine
win precedence again in peoples minds by
planning not merely for a home market as
all the high tariff men do, but by attempt
ing by the same stroke to secure markets
abroad. Whether he succeed or not, ex-
perienee will be required to show. But
nobody denies that his plan is specious and
inviting.
II any ambitious politicians in the Re-
publican party expected MIR. Blaine to drop
into obscurity in the State Department, or to
surpass him in the estimation of the people
by keeping themselves ostentstiously in
the foreground, they may as we'll drop the
delusion. Whatever the objections against
certain incidents in the earlier career of
Blaine, he still remains the man of quickest
apprehension and broadest grasp of public
affairs in the Republican party. Age does
not stale nor custom wither the nimble
faculties which have distinguished him
through life. Mr.. Blaine is now in better
physical health than be has been for several
years The quick recognition by the press
of all shades of opinion of the breadth and
ingenuity of his views on the reciprocity mat
ter, even by those, as THE DISPATCH. which
differed from the Secretary's conclusions on
some important details-shows that while
more recent brood Of statesmen may have
had the continuous advantage of the floor
for long while past, the man from Maine
still has the reserve power to come to the
front far in the lead of them in fixing public
attention whenever he chooses. Unless
politicians of the party are hopelessly given
to compromise candidates and dark horses,
Blaine will be the party's candidate for
President once again in 1892. Between him
and any others so far spoken of, there is
disparity of mental range which the public
are every day more clearly pereeiving.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-07
Selling ORIGINAL Packages,

To the Editor of the Dispatch:
Are original packages sold in Allegheny
county? Has not citizen of this county the
same right to sell them that q citizen Of Wash
ington or Beaver county has? ]. E. @.
M CKEEsPoRT, August 8.
[Original packages are sold in every county
where liquor is sold at all. An original pack
age is an unbroken package-a keg. vessel or
bottle of beer or liquor unopened and bear
ing Government stamp. Washington and
Beaver county citizens have no monopoly of
the business though some citizens in those
counties have been so bold as to open "original
package" houses and sell without gong
They RELY on the celebrated decision Of the
Supreme Court to protect them in the traffic.
Whether it will do SO is a question as yet not
fully determined. by Pennsylvania courts.
Certainly selling liquor without license is a
violation Of the Brooks law, and risky busi-
ness1
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-07
THE TERROR OF THE NE1GHBoRHooD
Wild Beast of Generous Dimensions Pur.
suing Pedestrians.

A Wild Beast of Generous Dimensions Pur.
suing Pedestrians.
RAvENNA, August 6-The citizens of New
ton Falls are greatly excited over strange
animal of huge proportions that has been ter
rifying them for the past two weeks by its noe
turnal prowlings. 1t is described by those who
have seen it as being feet in length and in
height, having sleek, slim body covered with
brown hair. Many people have been terribly
frightened by its sudden appearances from the
roadside bushes. One man was SO badly
scared at meeting the formidable looking
mile away. 1t followed him to his door in spite
of his efforts to scare it away, and he was so ap-
prehensive of his safety, that he called to his
wife to loose a big bulldog which he kept
chained in the yard. This dog has the reputa-
tion of doing up everything he ever came in
contact with, but he beat very hasty retreat
on seeing his strange adversary, and no amount
of coaxing or whipping could get him from his
kennel Many other well-known people have
seen 1t, and all agree as to its appearance. at
certain times, and are also agreed as to its
looks.
Lately an organized hunt was made up, and
over 80 guns were shouldered with the deter
mination to lay itlow. Five gli1npses of it and
of four went after the animal from this place,
but they were equally unsuccessful. They dis
covered unmistakable signs of some large ami
NAL. whose huge tracks made along the side of
the road were Sufficient to convince the most
skeptic. Many sheep and poultry have mys-
teriously disappeared, and there is another
grand hunt being organized.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-07
OUR NAIL pOUCH.
How Kentucky Solved the Road Problem
| nnd Secured system of Turupikes.

HOW hentucky 5oiveo tue houu fFoDiem
md Secured system of TurnpIkes.
To the Editor OF The Dispatch:
As THE DISPATCH has devoted so much
attention to the Improvement Of country roads,
IL may prove not unInteresting to present its
readers few items about Kentucky highways.
Every road of any importance in tho State Is
macadamized. This much desired end has
been brought about in most instances by the
joint action Of State. counties. towns and indi-
vidual subscriptions. At first the State under
took to solve the great macadam sphinx prob
lem alone but in time found the task too
herculenean. Next private corporations took
hold of the work, and to-day the writer is in
formed the corporations practically own all the
public roads In the State. Turnpike companies
multiply and flourish on every hand.
NAt present the usual method of starting q
company is to first bargain for bonus os SO
much per mile from some city to which the pro-
posed road leads. or to get help from the county
in the way of bonus. In case this plan fails the
promoters are content to accept from the city.
town or county regular subscription for their
stock of SO much per mile, and ISSUE therefore,
stock In the new company. thus turnpike stock
becomes a leading feature in the Kentucky
stock Exchange Tolls are collected by the
mile. toll gates being placed from five to seven
miles apart. Under old charters as high as
cents per mile is charged for toll, while later
chartered companies cannot charge over
cents mile for single horse and buggy.
The roads have had the pleasure of riding
over out into the blue grass region extending
south from Maysvile were as level as a q oor
and as smooth and hard as asphalt when you
remove the coating of lime dust seldom more
tnan quarter of an inch in thickness.
Inc next point to be considered was the ques-
tion OF the proper maintenance and repair OF
tnls net work OF macadam roads. In order to
OBTAIN correct information on the subject, the
writer called on leading attorney, who stated
there was two modes of procedure against a
turnpike COMPANY to compel the proper repair
OF road-one by any individual using the
road making a complaint before q magistrate.
After viewing the road. If it is badly in need Of
repair, the tollgates are thrown open on order
of the magistrate and no fares allowed to be
collected until the repairs are made. Another
course of procedure consists in regular ac-
ton through the Court, which includes severe
penalties for neglecting to keep pike in re-
pair. Efforts are now directed To abolish high
way tolls altogether, and maintain the magnlf-
cent roads system of Kentucky by levy1ng a
county tax for the purpose. Will it succeedH
p. d. NICoLs.
NASHVILLE, KY, August 5.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-07
FEW PITTsBURGERs THERE.
High Railroad Rates Kept Local Odd Eel.
lows From Going to Chicago.

ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DIsPATCH.l
CHICAGO, August 6-There seems to be no
Pittsburg Odd Fellows here at all. The local
press reports make no mention of P1ttsburg
cantons. They DO not appear as taking any
part in the contests and parades An Allie
gheny Odd Fellow. when asked what this
meant said that there were only II MEM
bers of the order here from Pittsburg
and vicinity. Special arrangements had
been made with the railways, and the
Gas City was about to pour a large contingent
into Chicago, which would have swelled the
ranks and made every resident Western Penn
sylvanian proud of his State, when all at once,
and without warning or expectation the rail-
roads refused to grant the special excursion
rates which had been bargained for and the
order was compelled either to pay full rates or
stay away. Almost to q man they chose the
latter alternative, and those who are here are
here through the special enterprise of one Of
their number who. by means of some device,
obtained special rates for them as theatrical
party
The Odd Fellow who related the above
story felt very indignant because his State had
been placed in such humiliating position
before the representatives of other cities, but
he took certain amount of grim satisfaction
in the fact that the railroads had certainly
lost more than they had gained by the
operation.