davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
THE CITIZENS MEETING.

The meeting of citizens called by the
Mayor to discuss aud take action on pend
ing street legislation will be a valuable op-
portunity for clear expression of public
opinion. The questions to come before it
affect all taxpayers, and it is to be hoped
that citizens generally will be present. On
the understanding that all legislation pend
ing for the conduct of municipal business is
to be submitted for free discussion and an
unbiased expression of popular opinion, it
will mark the introduction Of a new ele-
ment in the framing of legislation.
Of the bills to be discussed, two-the one
providing for the improvement of streets
and that for the assessment to pay for i'm
provements already made-are likely to be
indorsed with very little dissent. As to the
first, it is no expression of doubt that it is a
proper provision for future Improvements,
except on the very debataDle question whether
Improvements should be made on petition
of majority in interest or majority in
number of the property holders benefited.
As to the curative street bill, more
doubts are expressed, but they are
mainly directed to the doubt whether
it will hold water than to actual opposition
to its enactment. There is no question that
it is to the interest of the public, and the
wish of the majority of the people, that the
81, 200, 900 to $4,000, 900 that must be paid
for street improvements finished and in oper-
alton. shall be raised by assessment on those
benefited, if it can be done. instead of by
general taxation. The objection to the
policy of conducting public business by
illegal methods and then going to the Leg
islature to legalize 1t, is obvious. But IN
this case it is overshadowed by the fact that
the business was conducted BY what were
supposed to be legal methods, and that great
injustice will be worked if those not bene-
flied by the Improvements have to pay for
them.
Two other bills occupy a more doubtful
position. That providing for park pay
ments is in one view curative, for it is in
tended to legalize transactions already con-
summated in the acquisition of park
property, besides changing the law for
future purchases. But in its curative aspect
it is to be distinguished from the street bill
in the fact that the trouble in the former
case was caused by reliance on law sup
posed to be constitutional, while with re-
gard to the park difficulty it is due to
simple negligence to find out what
the law was. For the future it
it decidedly debatable question
whether popular vote on the acquisition of
public parks, is not q desirable provision.
The measure making a rather indefinite
grant of power over the wharves, if pre-
sented to the meeting, is also one that will
provoke considerable debate, and seems to
call tor a clearer limitation of powers over
ground dedicated to a specific use.
AS to the scheme for the indefinite issue
of 6 per cent certificates of Indebtedness by
the city, we do not think that any repre-
sentative body of citizens will be likely to
endorse measure of such doubtful consti-
tutionality and worse policy.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
TAX THAT WAS TAKEN OFF.

The sharp reduction in the price of sugar
likely to be more decided when the full
effect OF the reduction of duty is felt-stimu-
lates the Philadelphia Record to a rather
frantic attempt to prove that it is a disproot
of protectionlst theories. 1t asserts that it
proves the tariff on sugar to have been tax,
and that it was paid by the American con-
sumner.
Exactly. But it may not be amiss to
remind our free trade friends that the un-
varying attitude of the protectionists in
Congress was that revenue duty like the
sugar duty is tax, and therefore when an
attempt is made to relieve the public from
taxation it was especially eligible for reduc-
ton or removal
1t is also pertinent to recall the fact that
the platform of the free traders on the re-
moval of the sugar duty was that it was the
kind of tax they did not wish to have taken
from the people. A movement started by
their leader on the avowed necessity of re-
ducing the revenue, duty which their
organs now claim was an undisputed tax,
was not to be selected for accomplishing the
professed purpose of their crusade.
Finally, the conclusion is pertinent that
since the free trade press have so unan-
imously discovered from experience that the
sugar duty was tax, they will have to give
the Mckinley bill credit for reducing tax
ation-which they have been industriously
denying for the past six months.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
A ROYAL BUSINESS MAN,

An anxious public is gravely informed
that the King of Greece may take up his
permanent residence in Lendon. and, in ex-
PLANTATION of such action, it is intimated that
the interests of a commercial house of which
he is the head require his presence in that
city. This bit of news is really interesting,
as it shows that one man, at least, has not
altogether the strongest faith in the doctrine
of the divine right OF kings. 1t also shows
that the profits OF a successful commercial
career are to him more desirable than the
adulation given to royalty, even when the
adulation 10 accompanied by a good, fat
salary. The only drawback to complete
enjoyment of the news is the fact that if the
King of Greece goes to London his son will
reign in his stead. His Majesty should not
do things by halves. He should take his
son as partner in'his London business, and
allow the Grecians to elect their own ruler.
No monarch of Europe has been freer
from scandals of all kinds than has His
Majesty of Greece. He is universally COM
mended as a gentleman and a scholar, and
as q man of more than ordinary kIngly
wisdom. These facts lead us to the sorrow
full belief that the other royal rulers will
not follow his example. If they would,
Europe would be happier, and kings would
learn that conducting successful business
is very much better than tyrannizing over
unwilling subjects.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
AN oLp-TIME CORPORATE PLEA.

The article of Mr.. Sidney Dillon on "The
West and the Railroads." in the North
american Reuielp, is a remarkable example
of the disposition of the corporate policy to
turn back public opinion to the point where
the discussion of corporate abuses COM
menced. Mr.. Dillon, as the associate and
representative of the Gould policy, has too
manifest an interest in effecting. if possible,
return to the old ignorance of the public
obligations and restrictions of railway cor
porations to require much commentary on
that score. Yet it might be supposed that
the knowledge of that fact would inspire
that interest with discretion enough to leave
the preaching of the doctrine of corporate
responsibility to those whose inter-
est is little less obvious. The
appearance of Mr.. Dillon to dis
charge that function suggests a reliance
on the theory that the attainment of stand
ing in financial and corporate circles wipes
out the public memory of the means by
which that power was reached, and endows
representatives of the corporate policy of
plunder with species of eg cathedrd au-
thority to enunciate dogmas concerning
their relations with the people.
Upon whatever theory he may base his
argument, Mr.. Dillon produces the once
familiar statement of the great benefits rail-
ways have conferred; that the charges of dis
elimination in railway charges, of building
up wealth among the railway favorites at the
cost of the masses, of stock watering and
manipulation, are all, in Mr.. DIllon's opin
ion, "too puerile to be noticed" He makes
All exception with regard to the charge
of over-capitalisation, which, he takes es-
pecial pains to argue, is entirely question
of private management and is no concern of
the public. All of this leads up to the con-
cluson that railways are private enter
prises, with few immaterial exceptions es-
tablished without public aid, and that
therefore the attempts to regulate charges
are wanton and wicked assaults on private
property.
This is almost replication Of the articles
which used to appear ten years ago, dem
Oustrating that any attempt to prevent rail-
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
NOT VERY SERIOUS.

"Is the Sphinx blind?" asked Mrs. Wa
bash, looking up from her paper.
'.Yes. - replied her husband, "stone onno."-
NeD York Recorder.
In the civil service rooms:
s'Wbat would be 4 good question toput into
the examination for a postofice clerk"
.sGiye him few sums In cancellation. Wash
fngtOn Post.
James-You are in high spirits, old boy.
Has the equity old uncle died and remembered
you in his will!
Jacx-No, not exactly, but he has called in a
faith-cure doctor.-Chfcd1o Times.
"And Is this your final decisiou?" NUT
tered the Young man, hoarsely, as he gathered up
his coat and and prepared to depart.
..It H., replied the beautiful creature as she
sank back Iistlessly into the Turkish divan which
bpr father who - as 4 well-known humOris;, had
placed at her disposal.
Then farewell " he hissed: and as he stood on
the steps outside a moment later and took last
look at the stately mansion, he Eurmured, 'tAnd
this is all. dress suit two nights week for
for it, ~ -CLothier and FurnlSher.
Litewayte-''Know thyself," as the old
Greek prover5 said.
BrUnson-But don't tell anybody, unless you
want to ruin your reputation Smith, Gray e
10. Mo"taiy.
He Cat II SOL hone you don't mind
helping me on with my coat?
She-No, indeed. It's the greatest pleasure In
the world.-Ct0thier and FgrniSher.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
RIVAL TO CoNNELLsvILLE

A Chicago letter elsewhere states that the
coke strike is resulting in a considerable
transfer Of Western trade to the West Vir-
ginia coke makers. The fact that the
superiority of Connellsville coke gives it the
preference, even at higher price, is fully
brought out; but the concurrent fact, that
when Cornellsville coke is not to be had the
consumers must give an increased trade to
the West Virginia interests, is urged as one
of the strongest incentives for the early set
Element of this strike.
There is much force in this view, although
the temporary transfer of orders to the West
Virginia field cannot be regarded as per-
manent loss of trade to the Connellsville
interests An article which commands the
market by its superiority can hardly be
permanently excluded from the field because
its rivals have temporarily taken trade
during its enforced absence from the
market So long as the Connellsville
district can turn out the best coke for the
price, it can rely on getting the vast bulk of
the trade back again, whenever it is able to
re-euter the market with its product
But it is in another view that this gain of
trade by the competing coke field furnishes
the strongest incentive to the settlement of
the strike. Besides the transfer during the
strike of the entire revenue of the business,
in the shape of wages TO the men and profits
to the operators, TO the West Virginia in
dustry, the most serious aspect is that the
present condition of affairs stimulates the
growth of competing industry. Every
week the strike continues is premium to
the starting of new coke works in the COM
peting field. AS it is a well-established
economic fact that competition between diff
ferent fields has restrictive effect on wages,
as well as profits, and as the West Virginia
district is understood to be paying less
wages than those offered in the Connellsville
field, it should be PLAIN that the incentive
to a settlement: of the strike should be
equally strong with employees as well as
employers. The passions of the moment
render ii difficult to get a recognition of this
fact at present; but, when people are cooled
down, its force ought to be evident.
The growth of competing coke district is
not to be objected to, from the national point
of view. But it is worth while for the oper-
ators and workmen of the Connellsville dis
trict to consider seriously whether they wish
to offer a premium on it by the prolongation
OF their ruinous quarrel.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
ToIITIcs sHoULD NOT RETS 1T

Certain Democratic papers, tainted with
Southern Bourbonism, are deserving OF Sc,
we're censure for attempts to make political
capital out of the Italian imbroglio. No
sooner was the news of Baron Fava's recall
received than they raised the cry that a
Democratic administration would have
avoided all trouble. They conveniently for
got that the whole misunderstanding origi-
mated in State governed by Democrats. of
whose Bourbon tendencies there can be no
question. They also forgot to explain how
a Democratic administration could have
avoided the trouble without acceding to
Italy's demands. If they imagine
this country can promise that the
lynchers of the New Orleans Italians
will be punished, they forget their old
claim that the nation has no right to inter-
fere with the internal affairs OF the State.
The punishment of the New Orleans lynchers
is purely a matter for that State alone,
though the government of New Orleans
itself cannot promise that they will be found
guilty. To make any such promise would
deny the accused fair and impartial trial
By prearranging for conviction.
The Bourbon newspapers are not expected
TO have very much love for the present ad-
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
Mobs Must Beware.

Philadelphia North-American.l
1t is not question of wages now, but of the
right of the coke company to operate their
works without murderous assaults by the strik-
ers upon the employees. The pun
ishment already inflicted upon the rioters may
call halt, and good citizens certainly hope 1t
may. We can, however, confidently commend
the Sheriff's posse. which waited until attacked
with deadly weapons, and then shot to kill.
There is other way SO good. If anybody has
any blank cartridges let them be saved to fire
on parade on the Fourth of July. The way to
deal with mobs was indicated by Napoleon.
Not a shot should be fired save in self-defense,
but when a mob makes the assault shoot to
kill. This is the only way to save lives. The
military man who thinks to scare a mob by
burning powder over its surging ranks will sac
rifice more life than he will to fire ball and aim
low. There can be no parley with such mob
as that at Morewood. 1t has passed beyond rea-
soning. Not shot should be fired until the
mob attacks, and the firing should cease when
the mob retlres. In brief, the way to deal with
such bodies is to let them butt their brains out
against organized authority.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
brought here to defy our laws, and to court the
consequences of that disobedience.
The State Press.

Harrisburg. Call
Had the military been ordered to the scene of
the Westmoreland riots when the Sheriff of the
county first made known his inability to cope
with the mob. IN all likelihood there would
have been no bloodshed. There is nothing that
will strike fear and terror to rioters so surely
as the presence of troops, even if they are mill
tiamen. Such fear is natural, in view of the
ever-present fact that they are unarmed and
wholly unprepared for receiving the hot lead
and cold steel bayonets the soldiers can give
them.
Erie Dispatch
Whatever may be the differences of opinion
as to the justice of the demands of the striking
coke workers, no doubt can be felt that the
Iiots which have grown out of their trouble
must be put down at all hazards.
Du Bois Courier.l
Yesterday Pennsylvania soil was dyed with
blood drawn in civil strife and at the cost of
many lives, and 1t is reproach on the efficiency
of some one in authority. There had been
warnings for week that such thing would
occur in the coke regions unless adequate steps
were taken to prevent it. Everybody knows
that labor disputes do not justify battle with
muskets and the slaughter of deputies and Ia
borerS.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
THE NORWOOD RIOT.

Press Comment on the Killing-Its Signif-
cant Aspects-Are More Complications
Possible? - Mobs Must Beware - The
Governor Blundered-A Terrible Lesson.
New York Morning Journal.l
The sharp and sanguinary reproof admins
tered to the strikers at the Standard Coke
Works in Pennsylvania will doubtless cause
the leaders to reflect on the deplorable nature
of violence as means of righting their wrongs.
Mobs of strikers starting out with the ex-
pressed determination of plundering and
burning for the sake of gratifying vengeance.
must expect to encounter the Winchester, the
militiaman and the Sheriff. If this were not so,
anarchy would very soon be established in
some districts.
The foreign toIler who comes here to share
American fortunes must never fancy that he
has left the law behind him. He must invoke
it when he is wrOnged. and expect the property
owner TO invoke it against him when he assails
property.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
Such Cheap Labor Too Dear.

New Y ork T1mes.l
The names and descriptions of the seven men
killed show that the riot was organized and
conducted by men who knew nothing of
American institutions and nothing of the
American character They comprised two
Slavs four Poles, and one italian. 1t is to the
indiscriminate hospitality of this country that
they owed the opportunity of making the DIS
turbaace that cost them their lives. Doubtless
their fate will for short time and in the region
Immediately affected serve as a warning to
their compatriots, but something more than
this IS needed. They were imported, or they
were encouraged to immigrate. because they
were supposed to be able and willing to supply
cheap and tractable labor, and they have
shown that the labor they supply is neither
cheap nor tractable. In this country, where
every laborer is a citizen, the question of a
mans economic value should De considered
with reference to the mans value as a citIzeu
In this aspect OF it cheap labor may be the
dearest labor possible, as has now been proved
Like almost every labor trouble" that occurs,
the riot in Pennsylvania shows the necessity of
sitting our immigration by general and ju-
diciOuS laws,
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
AFTER TEE QUARREL.

Our love is dead and YOU sayI
Have been alone 10 blame:
MY fault it was caused 1t to die,
Extingushed its pure flame.
Alas! can reas'ing such as this
Console you for its loss?
Are there no thoughts of by-gone bliss
AS back my heart you toss?
What though the fires of love seem dead,
The ashes yet remain,
And one small word If it were said
Would start the flames again.
That word from you, as 'twere boon,
/ crave my precious pearl:
But if the word comes not right soon,
J,II gat another girl. q, OiKAY,
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
HOW THREAD IS NUMBERED.
The Process That Gives the Seamstress Ex-
actly What She Wants.

The Process That Gives the Seamstress Ex-
actIy What She Wants.
Dry Goods Review.1
The seamstress, whether she wants No. 30 or
40 or l20 thread, knows from the number lust
what kind of sewing it can be used for. When
$40 yards of yarn weigh 1000 grains, pound of
cotton, the threadmakers mark 10 No. ]. If
l,6S0 yards weigh pound, it is marked No. 2
For No. 50 yarn it would take so multiplied by
4S9 to weigh a pound. This is the whole ex-
PLANTATION of the yard measurement as used by
the spool manufacturer The early manufact-
ured thread was of three-cord, the number be-
ing derived from the number of yards to the
pound, Just as it is to-day. No. 60 yarn made
No go thread, though in point of fact the actual
caliber OF No. so thread would equal No. 20
yarn, being made of three No. 20 brand twist
ed together
When tho sewing machine came into the
market as great thread consumer unreason-
for mechanical accuracy, six-cord cotton had
to be made in place of the old and rougher
threecord, it being much smoother AS thread
numbers were already established, they were
not altered for the new article, and No. 90 six
cord and No. go Jhree-cord were left identical
in both size and number. To effect this the
six-cord had to be made of yarn twice as fine as
that demanded in making the three-cord vari-
ety. The No. 60 cord is made of six strands Of
No. 120 yarn. The three-cord spool cotton is of
the same number as the yarn is made Of Six
cord spool cotton is always made from double
its number. Thread is simple thing, but,
each kind goes through hundreds of different
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
From Gotham and the Hub.

New York World
Andrew Carnegie has given s2,OOO0OO to Pitts.
burg for public library, but the City Council
will not allow him to have anything to say
about where 1t shall be located. David Sinton
made gift to Cincinnati, and when he encouu-
tered this same spirit in the Council he
promptly withdrew his gift. Pittsburg should
be careful that Mr.. Carnegie hasn't a string TO
his So 100000.
Boston Traveler.l
They have some queer people in Pitts burg
Mr. Andrew Carnegie having given 81 600, 600
for free public library for that city asks the
privilege Of selecting the site for the building
Four members of the Council vote against Civ
ing him this privilege.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
Is the Policy Good i?

Philadelphia Times.
This is one feature of this lamentable occur
renee that should not be lost sight of by the
employing coke propretors. The names of the
dead and wounded rioters show that they be-
long. without exception to tho class of cheap
foreigners imported for the express purpose of
taking the place of other wOrkmen who de-
manded higher wages in a peaceable way. The
dangers to the peace and good order of Ameri-
can society from this class of foreign cheap
labor are shown by the Morewood riot to be
grave II is true that sheriffs' deputies and
militamen, armed with Wlnchesters. can put
down riots, but is it worth while for the sake of
a small saving in the rate of wages to encour-
age the importation of ignorant and fanatcal
foreigners who make little of attempting to en-
force their demands by violence?
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
The Governor BIundered.

Philadelphia InQuirer.1
On the S0th of March the Sheriff of West
moreand sent word to the Governor that he
needed arms and asked permission to use the
arms of the State to place his deputies in po-
sitlon to defend the property endangered. The
Governor refused. This was a blunder. Now
that a number of men have been killed a regi-
ment of soldiers is ordered upon the scene
This is very much in the nature of locking the
stable door after the horse has been stolen, but
still decided action in this case is better late
than never. When hundreds of men are bent
on mischief the best way to prevent bloodshed
is to overawe them. Had there been strong
body of armed men ready for emergencies it is
doubtful if the deadly riot would have taken
place. But the Governor has got hold of the
situation at last and let us hope that the
presence of the troops will bring order out of
lawlesSneSs.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04
A Dumping Ground for Europe.

PhiIade1ph Record.I
Nearly $4,000 immigrants from Europe were
landed on our shores during the month of
March. OF these. 1859 were from Italy, 7,0S7
from Germany. 1856 from Great Britain and
Ireland 1859 from Hungary, 34S4 from Austria
and 1928 from Russia. Much of this influx
may be classed under the head of pauper labor,
if nothing worse. Notwithstanding laws in
tended to be repressive. this country is still the
dumping groundfor the offscOurings of Europe's
most undesirable population. The Morewood
riot affords scarcely suggestion of the evils
that might naturally be expected to arise out
Of such unreguaued accretions to our popula-
ton.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-04

THE information that the old Union
Canal from Reading to Middletown, Dauphin
county, is now being sold out In lots to the
owners of abuttIng farms, shows that the last
traces of the old canal system of the State are
being wiped out about the time the State ought
to commence the work of creating new one.