davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
A PATENT REFORM.

The abuse of Interference" jobs in the
Patent Office has already been CON-
mented on in these columns. 1t is practi-
cally admitted that case of this sort is
being kept standing there on vital inven-
ton for the use of the telephone. Both
the original claim and the interference, %
or claim that it interferes with previous
patent, are really owned by the Bell Tele-
phone Company. They have been kept
standing for some years, and the manifest
purpose of this suit of a corporation
against itself is that the patent may date
from the decision of the interference
claim, and thus practically prolong the
life of the telephone monopoly for another
seventeen years.
The admission that this is so consists not
only in all absence of denial, but in the
preparation of bill by one of the officials
of the Patent Office to correct the abuse.
This bill proposes that interference claims
shall be taken into the courts, and as the
process of courts of equity is put forward
as Fastening the decision we can gain an
idea of the exemplification of eternity
presented by suits in the Patent Office
The measure is moderately good one
to cure this single evil. But if Congress
is going to undertake to reform the patent
system why not begin at the foundation,
and prevent the creation of monopolies in
patents by giving the inventor a royalty
on the use of his idea, which is to be free
to all?
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
THE POOR FARM AGAIN.

The Poor Farm business came I'D in
Councils yesterday by the report from the
Chief of the Department of Charities of
his selection of the Alexander farm, at
Hutton, at $3.50 per acre, or a total price
of S112,700. As this is one of the proper
ties previously offered at $500 per acre, it
will be seen that the criticisms of the
press with regard to the former purchase
have had gratifying effect.
A reduction in cost of some $4,000 on
this property, and a saving of about $780,
600 on the first purchase is decided miti-
cation of the eXtortionate sums originally
presented as the cost of Poor Farm. But
since so much progress has been made il
is worth while to consider if more cannot
be secured. Mr.. Elliot has demonstrated
how much can be effected by private ne
gotiation; and he may also profitably re-
feet on the further saving and consequent
improvement in the buildings to be Sc
cured by limiting the quantity of land to
what is necessary, and locating where it
will be Just as useful as on the river
front
1t needs no argument to establish the
fact that the attempt to raise corn and DO
tatoes by pauper labor on land costing
$3.50 an acre is an economic absurdity.
The more land used that way the greater
the loss. One hundred acres will give the
buildings complete isolation so far as
necessary and will furnish inmates with
all the exercise they can be induced to
take. As to the necessity of river front
for water supply, very emphatic COM
mentary on that idea is presented by the
fact that adjoining the site is thriving
suburb of between 1000 and 1000 popula-
ton, which, although located along the
river, prefers the water supply to be
drawn from the springs and streams of
the hills back of them
The reduction in the cost is very well as
far as it goes But why not go farther?
Why not get site for $50, 200 to $50, 900,
and use the money saved for other public
purposes?
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
POOR OLD BRAZIL.

Dom PEDRO would like to get his old situa-
tion as Emperor back again. 1t cannot be.
American revolutions never go backward
". Y. Recorder
Poor Brazil! If she keeps on produc cling
convulsions and "crises" she will! soon drop
to the low plane occupied by Salvador and
Chile.-ia. Louis Globe Democrat.
BRAZIL is also having domestic trouble. In
borrowing ideas from the United States, the
South Americans have evidently overlooked
the free schools.-Kansas City Star.
ATTEMPTING to play the dictator is dan
gerons in these modern times of free ideas
Da Fonseca, of Brazil should recall the fate
of Boulanger and Balmaceda.-6h Chicago Inter-
Ocean,
OLD man Brazanga is doubtless in deep
grief over the new turn ofAffairs in the Bra
lillian republic. The BraZilians are all de-
termined to be brigadier generals.-Lo,dsuille
Cotrier-JoundL
1T is suspected that the latest revolution
in Brazil has forits object the restoration of
the monarchy. The reignmakers there are
exploding powder just as Dyrenforth did
here.-Chicdgo Times.
If it is true that revolution is impending
and that martial law has been proclaimed,
the outlook is far from pleasing. The back
ground to which the recent monarchy was
removed is not far enough in the dim dis
tance to prevent good many regrets, which
may ripen. in the case of an upheaval, into
a determined effort for restoration.-Detrok
Free Press.
If anybody has set himself up as die
tator III Brazil, the occurrence is unfortu-
nate for that country, as it will retard its
developments and the progress of trade; but
the change will not be permanent There
- A. 4 - tt
will restore the republic. The state Of equi-
librium to which the political oscillations
tend is one Of self-government.-Ph Philadelphia
Inquirer.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
STRAIGHT ROAD TO BALLOT REFORM.

The Constitutional Convention juggle is
safely out of the way They have not yet
finished counting the vote against it in the
populous counties, but we know it is the
most completely snowed-under PROPOSE
ton that has been submitted to the people
of Pennsylvania for many year. 1t is
therefore time for the friends of ballot re-
form to stir up the question of obtaining
genuine measure by the direct method of
legislation.
Of course, those who were led off by the
dogma, that the repeal of the ballot num-
bering clause of the Constitution was
necessary to ballot reform, have still the
course open to them of moving for that
change by Constitutional amendment.
That would give the subject full chance
to be discussed on its merits without lug
ging in the possibility Of scores of other
Constitutional alterations, good, bad and
Indifferent. 1t is safe to say that in the
two years debate which that course would
ALLOW, the fact would be made plain that
the clause in question is safeguard
against fraud, not in conflict, but in har-
mony with the true purposes of ballot re-
form.
But in that case why not move for full
ballot reform at the next election of men,
bers of the Legislature? The secrecy of
the numbered ballots is one of the provi-
sions, and it can be enforced by legisla-
ton as completely as by any other meas
ures necessary to the reform. The election
officer who would violate the provision Of
secrecy would violate other provisions of
the law in respects less easy of detection.
A measure which shall supply the. def
ciencies of the act passed by the last
Legislature can be secured if the support
ers of the reform refuse to be led off again
into the devious paths into which they
were diverted by the Constitutional Con-
vention ruse.
The overwhelming vote against the Con-
stitutional Convention was not a vote
against ballot reform, but disapproval of
the needless expense and obvious danger
of tinkering anew at first-class Con stitu-
tion IS years after its enactment.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
TERMS OF THE DISPATCH.
PITTsBURG. TUESDAY, NOV. 10, 1871.
WANTS TO BE MAYOR IN FACT.

The State and county campaigns are
over, and now Mayor Gourley gives the
local politicians something to think about
by returning to an assertion as to his
rights as Chief Magistrate of the City, He
claims the privilege of supervising the es-
Inmates, plans and specifications of work
to be done and material to be furnished
for the different departments before con-
tracts are let; and he asks for an ordinance
by Councils directing the Chiefs to comply
with this programme.
Mayor Gourley's demand is in the public
interest. 1t is also consistent with the
plan of the city government. Otherwise
the Mayor is a mere automaton-some-
what more ornamental, perhaps, than the
wooden Indian which in the old times
stood for sign in front of tobacco stores,
but not a whit more useful.
THE DISPATCH supported the new
charter which was substituted in 1887 for
the heterogeneous collection of Acts of As
sembly under which an irresponsible and
inefficient city government was formerly
conducted. We have now much more
efficient administration in Pittsburg than
ever before. But at the same time it is
due to state that the theory under which
the Charter of 1887 was advocated in
cluded province of intelligent snd useful
work for the Mayor instead of the petty
function of Police Magistrate, of which he
was then stripped. The idea was that the
Mayor should have general supervision
of affairs, of legislation in Council, and of
the executive administration of the de-
partments as we'll This was not going as
far as in other cities where the Mayor is
vested with power of appointing the Chiefs
1t was grant of moderate authority
which the Mayor would have the leisure
to exercise intelligently and for the bene-
fit of the city.
The Chiefs of the several departments
should have no objection to provision of
this sort exercised in "a right spirit For
that reason the ordinance yesterday offered
ought to pass Owing to the well-known
friction some time ago between Mayor
Gourley and some of the Chiefs it may be
opposed But such opposition will not be
in the public interest All should aid in
giving facilities for the best city govern
ment possible. If there is any complaint
later on about the spirit in which the |
Mayor may exercise his power, it will then
be quite time enough for the public to
judge the particular circumstances of each |
case as ii NAV arise.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
A THREATENED COMPLICATION

The report that by recent discoveries
the line between Ohio and Indiana is too
far to the East and must be moved over IL
miles to the West, giving to the State of
Mckinley, Foraker and Sherman, the cities
of Fort Wayne, Richmond, and large
slice of natural gas territory, which is not
booming as much as it was, presents curl
Gus complications. "Here's state of
things" as they remark in Gilbert and
Sullivan's musical strains Indiana is not
much to be commiserated. For her deed
reads her title clearly to exactly SO much
territory measuring west from the Ohio
line. If Ohio sticks over on to her terri
tory there she will take the same amount
from Illinois, and as that will locate
Chicago in Indiana, the muddle will be
only the worse confounded
The sad plight of Illinois is indicated by
the fact that she cannot get similar COM
pensations on her Western border without
moving the Mississippi river over IL miles to
the West. Chicago has moved good
many things, including Libby prison, and
has demonstrated her ability to deal. with
streams by proposing TO make the odorifer-
Gus Chicago river run from its mouth to
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10

source, but with Chicago moved over to
Indiana, we fear Illinois would be unable
to cope with the Mississippi single-handed.
Besides, what will Chicago say to being
transferred to the State of Hoosiers and
hoop-pole back counties? The most obvi-
Gus gamer in that respect is Judge
Gresham, who thus finds the State of his
residence and the city of his popularity
brought together. But even he, will be
afflicted by the thought that under this
arrangement he ought to be President of
the United States. For with Chicago in
Indiana he would have had the Indiana
delegation in 1888, and the lightning which
struck Benjamin Harrison would have had
to hit him.
With all these and many other unnamed
complications the country should urge
Ohio to restrain her appetite for greatness.
Let her be satisfied with few more-Presi-
dencies and Cabinet offices rather than
take that twelve mile strip of territory
which would plunge the central basin into
woes unnumbered.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
THE PENNSYLVANIA EXHIBIT.

The Governors proclamation with ref
erence to the exhibit of Pennsylvania at
the Worlds Fair, published elsewhere,
should arouse people to active cooperation
in the work. The purpose of making the
alton and attract the attention of all the
spectators at the Fair is OF the greatest
importance to the entire State.
The Governor specifies special obliga-
ton upon Pennsylvania to do well bv the
the Fair in the support given to the Gen.
tennial Exposition by the rest of the coun-
try. This is a sentimental motive worthy
of weight; but there is a more cogent one
in the great industrial and commercial
gain to be secured by making the Pennsvl-
vania exhibit an attractive and command
ing feature. 1t is becoming apparent that
this is period when we must seek the
extension of our markets. The time is
past when Pennsylvania can afford to rely
on buyers for her products coming to seek
them. She must seek markets; and one
of the means by which such a quest
can be most successfully prosecuted is the
one which the Governors proclamation
commends to the public notice.
The Worlds Fair at Chicago will enable
Pennsylvania to bring her resources and
products to the personal notice of people
from every quarter of the land Beyond
that an exhibit that attracts and holds
the attention Of the observer will spread
the fame of Pennsylvania industries in
foreign countries Here, then, is the op-
portunity-by display of our industries,
not in commonplace form, but in some
shape that will be impressive and unique
to extend the sale of Pennsylvania man.
ufactures over an almost infinite field.
Every dollar expended in this way will
come back ten-fold in increased business
and will distribute its benefits to ali
classes by greater activity and larger en-
ployment for labor. The whole State
should unite in making the Pennsylvania
exhibit one that shall eclipse all other
efforts in its line.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
France and Sahara.
LIE SoleIl. I

Lie DOlelJ
France is going to take possession of the
oasis of Touat in the Sahara Desert. Where
upon the editor in chief OF La Justice makes
an outcry, declaring that the proposed step
would be grave mistake and embroil us
with Morocco. But Morocco will have no
reason to complain because we send a col
umn of troops to occupy Touat. 1t is France
that has the right to complain, because
the Sultan of Morocco has seized Touat,
TO which he is not entitled. II the
Sultan. in order to sustain any claim he may
make upon us, chooses to invade Algiers
with his 10000 cavalry, 1 suppose we have
cannon and guns enough to receive him and
escort him back to his own dominions It
Is not the intention OF France to take from
Muley- -Hassan that which belongs to him.
He ought to see the justice of our not allow
ing him to take that which belongs to us.
The only road between our Algerian and
our Soudan possessions is by the way of
Touat. To permit Morocco to make herself
mistress of Touat would be to cut our Afri-
can Empire in twain. Nothing could posi-
bly, justify such an act of weakness.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
POINTS THAT ARE PERSONAL,

Rosa BoNHEUR is a work painting and de-
picting the last of the wild indians and buf
falo life from studies made when the Wild
West show was in Paris.
MAJOR ISRAEL B. DONALDSON, who was
United States Marshal in Kansas during the
wild days of the pro-slavery conflict, is still
living in San Marcos, Tex, at the age of 95.
A SCOTCH expert named Amos Clarke says
the only bona fide Shetland pony he has
seen in this country is to be found in st.
Louis. Thousands of go called "Shelties." he
SAYS, are crosses between the Irish and the
true Shetland ponies.
RUFUS HATCH amused the Chicago people
by making it a daily practice, during his
recent visit to the Worlds Fair city, to go
out on the walk in front of his hotel after
breakfast and feed the birds that were pick
ing up precarions living there.
JUDGE CULBERrsoN, the Texas Congressman,
recently replied to n TRADE of abuse from an
embittered constituent by. throwing his
arms around the mans neck and exclaim-
ing, "whar's the nearest grocery" This
was too much for the constituent.
FROM his dark hair and mustache and
swarthy face George Gould might be taken
for Spaniard. He has always been noted
for a spruceness of attire that is giving
place. as he grows in years, to a neglect of
dress, such as characterizes his father
Mr.. THEODORE TILTos resides permanently
in Paris. He has prettily appointed cham
bers upon the Isle of St. Louis, almost under
the shadow of Notre Dame, and opposite to
his windows, upon the other side of the
river. is the old house where Abelard and
Heloise are said to have lived and loved.
DR.. OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES states that
the original of the ancient worthy whom he
immortalized in 1.-THE Last Leaf," who wore
the "old three-cornered hat" "the breeches
and all that" and at whom the then young
poet used to ''sit and grin," WAS Major
Thomas Melville, the paternal grandfather
of the late Herman Melville the author.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
PHALANXES OF Plum,

Young Mangler Ito fair but total stran-
ger)-I believe have the pleasant memory Of hav-
ing met you once.
Fair Stranger-Then advise you to make the
most of fit-Boston Courier.
The people shout, the bands all play,
And louder every minute,
The bass drum has all things its way;
The ear drum isn't '.in it,
Philadelphia Press.
Mrs Hicks-There is one thing about .
man never could understand.
Hicks-What is thar?
Mrs. Hicks-Why he chains up his watch and
spectacies and gives his collar button the freedom
of the whole housc.-Ne,o York Herald. ....
Admiring Pupil-Master, you seem to
have taking way of doing things
Master Thief-Yes; fancy don't leave much to
be desired.-Puck.
A handsome, shiny, new silk hat
He wears to-day with proper pride,
The evidence conclusive that ..s
He voted on the winning side .-
-Ee,o York Press.
"Fair cbarmer," exclaimed the enrap-
tured youth ''be miner"
..Alas: Adolphus.'' sighed the lovely queen Of
..Name themr, he cried impetuously.
..Nannette Iphieenia. Lucille. Helene and Ara
belle-my grandchildren, you know. They might
not like you.''
And the wild winds moaned ana wnlstied WITH
ont and the sun sslAk like huge ball of frozen
blood in the gloomy west.-Chica0o Tribune.
The ng-delayed millennium
Would seem less dimly far,
Ifmen were only half as good
As their sweethearts think they are.
-Nec York Herald.
Mrs. Gazzam-Why, Mrs. Swaybaak, tho
last time sa w you your hair was blonde. Now it
Is dark.
Mrs. Swayback-Yes; you know my husband
died since then.
Yes"
..And dyed, too."-Smtth Gray . Ca
MONTHLY.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
The Future of Fassett.
Philadelphia Times.1

Ph1ladeIph1a IImesJ
Mr.. Fassett was not much of q success as
a candidate, but he has been able to i'm
press himself on public notice with sufficient
distinctness to arouse mild sort OF wonder
as to what is going to become of him. Some
people in New York seem to consider the
question whether he has or has not political
future to be worth discussing, and there has
already been sprung that beautiful fake that
Mr.. Harrison was about to pour upon his
head the precious ointment of Cabinet po-
that were so how pleased Warner Miller
would be. But it will be some time before
Mr. Harrison and Mr.. Platt find occasion to
get together again in the Empire State, and
when they do they will hang out q sign:
"Boy Wanted"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
he WANTS BEssARAD1A.
The King Of Roumania VIII Side With
Germany and Austria.

The King Of Roumania VIII Side With
Germany and Austria.
London SPECTATOR
The King Of Rounlania, who Is Hohen zol-
lern, though of the Catholic branch, has
been received in Berlin with unusual honor
especially by the people, who are firmly con-
vinced that he has Joined the Triple Alli-
ance. 1t is stated that he could give valua-
BILE help to Austria, as, by calling out his Re-
serves and taking advantage of the new for
tifications of Bucharest he could delay the
march of Russian army into Hungary for
many weeks. ~
His heir-presumptive, Prince Ferdinand,
will also, it is stated, be betrothed to the
eldest daughter of the Duke of Edinburgh,
a Princess who is at once German and Rus
sian and English. Both stories need con-
firmation; but though there are probably no
treaties, the King of Roumania, In the event
Of war, is almost certain to join Austria and
Germany. He wants Bessarab bia back again,
and does not want to see Roumania turned
into vassai State, to be occupied by Rus
sian army under pretext of guarding the
road to COnstantinople.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
THAT BALTIMORE RUM0R.
What Would Have Happened II It Had
Been the Truth.

What Would Have Happened II It Had
Been the Truth.
New York Advertiser.l
Had the Chileans blown up the United
States ship Baltimore, as reported Saturday
evening-what then? In the first. place, it
would have been the worst days work that
Chile ever engaged in. Although n sister
Republic, she would have repented it in
sackcloth and ashes and nitrate. Mingled
with the church bells yesterday would have
been the loud blast of war. In every ship
yard in the country would now be heard
literally "the. sound of closing rivets up
Every ironclad that Uncle Sam could sum-
mon to his aid would speedily be steaming
south.
The number of Americans who would en-.
gage in the business of compelling respect
for the Stars and Stripes would be limited
only by the transportation facilities that
the Government could provide for them.
This Monday morning finds us at peace with
all the world, as we wish to be: but had the
Chilean ruffians made the grave mistake
which many-tongued rumor attributed to
her-well, we can say to Chile that she made
the hit of her life when she didn't do this.
May the ia te she has escaped be a warning
to her.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10
Edison's Mystery of Life.

PhfIadephla PresS.J
Mr.. Edison, who steals time from his lab
oratory to take an occasional dip in litera-
ture, contributes q brief paper to the press
on the mystery of life, in which he expresses
the belief that every atom is imbued with
consciousness. He makes no claim to be an
expert in the misty science of biology; nor
indeed is his theory strictly new. Still, it
derives new interest as q speculative theme
from his personality; and as a sweep at
materialism from one whose highest honors
have been won in the realms of material
science.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10

SOUTH DAKOTA cast total vote of 80, 900
at this election, or about as much as Pitts
burg. Yet the South Dakota vote elects two
Senators and three Presidential electors,
while Pittsburg elects little over a twelfth
of the two Senators. With regard to other
new States the ontrast is even greater. In
other words, the appetite of the last Congress
for creating new States gives the Western
vote fifteen to eighteen times as much
power in national affairs as the Pittsburg
vote. The results of this on financial and
business legislation may be perceived in the
near future
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-10

OF course, now that we are glorifying
ourselves, in the editorial columns of the
JiDgo press, by our vigorous foreign policy,
there will at once be universal call that
the Government make a demand on Russia
for reparation for the arrest and expulsion
of Pennell, the American artist. 1t is i'm
possible that any one expects us to take one
course with small Chile and another with
overgrown Russia. That policy would be
the reverse of vigorous.