davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
A. OAKEY HALL SUES
The Author Of The American Com
monwealth"
FOR $4,000 DAMAGES,
The English Commission Now Raking
Over Buried Tweed Ring Iniquities
in New York-And After All, Pro-
fessor Bryce Did Net Write the Al
legged Libel.

New YORK, Dec. 30.-The British con-
sui in this city is now taking testimony in
a case without precedent in the history
of literature, and which raises questions
that are new in international law, and IL
lustrates the dangers which beset the
modern historian when he treats OF events
which are within the memory OF people
still living.
No one would have imagined when ''The
American Commonwealth" was published
little over two years ago, an | least of all
the author of that work, that a. Oakley
Hall, then living in London, would see ut
To raise all the buried memories of the
Tweed ring in New York by bringing n
suit for libel against Mr.. Bryce, the author
of the work.
Mr.. Bryce was member of Parliament,
professor i'm Oxford University, and one
of the most distinguished historians in
the United Kingdom. He was a Liberal
in thought and politics, almost a Radical,
and he had long been an admirer of Amer
lean institutions.
After years of thought and study, dur
ing which he made many extended trips
through the United States, he wrote 1.-THE
American Commonwealth" IL was the
largest and most complete and the most
painstaking study Of the American insti-
tutions which has been written by "a for
eigner
Yet it was at the very moment when
the literary world was ringing with the
praises of the new work, that A. Oakley
Hall brought the suit for libel that is now
engrossing the attention of the British
consul in this city.
He took exceptions to the chapter on the
Tweed ring in New York, and asserted in
his complaint that the assertions therein
made were untrue, and damaged him to
the extent of $4,000.
A curious fact is that the alleged libel
lous chapter was not written by Prof
Bryce. Its author was Prof. Frank j.
Goodnow of Columbia College, and il was
copyrighted by him and published under
his name as separate part of " The
American Commonwealth" One of the
objects of this. it is presumed, was to
bring the book under the operation of the
American copyrigaisIaw of that time.
In the subsequent editions of the book
the chapters were left out. Merely leav-
ing IL out, however, did not satisfy A.
Oakley Hall He was determined to press
his suit and seek vindication even II 1t
required opening up again the whole mat
ter of the Tweed ring.
And that is just what has taken place.
Under the operation of the English libel
law the burden of proof rests upon the de-
fendant. Prof. Bryce has therefore been
put TO enormous expense already and may
be impoverished before the case is decided.
Prof Bryce, acting through an eminent
firm of English solicitors, retained Sir
Charles Russell as his counsel. Then came
the issuance of commission TO take tes-
timony in New York. This is the com
mission issued by the high court of justice,
and now in the hands of the British con-
sui in this city.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
1T Is ALMOST FINISHED.
[Contiaued from Page IL
Judge Mscon's Plea.

DENVER, Col, Dec, 30.--Judge Macon
was brought TO court this morning in a
carriage, very weak, but determined to
fulfil his duty to his client and to address
the jury.
He was too weak to stand but sat in a
chair facing the jury. The court in
structed counsel that Belford would fol-
low Macon and Furman follow him, while
Stevens would close for the government.
Macon said he would come from a sick
bed TO do his duty by a friend even il il
caused his own demise. He knew OF no
nobler death than 10 die in the cause of an
innocent man.
Judge Macon's address was delivered
with deep pathos, and as much earnest
ness as his enfeebled condition would al
low. He spoke more particularly as to
the law, and its application TO the evi-
dence submitted.
His one fervent plea was that better
ninety and nine guilty men escape than
that one innocent man be punished.
He spoke of the terrible attacks on the
defendant by the Denver press early in
the history of the tragedy, then took p
the instructions given TO the jury yester-
day by the court.
Macon held the attention OF the jury O
the end, making splendid effort in b. :
half of his client. Many were moved u
tears.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
Market Notes.

The rates Of sterling exchange are L.s6.7. The
rate Of demand sterling bills at rhtch gotd can
be exported 10 London Withoit loss Is L.sS5s for
bars and 1. .s94 for coin, and the rate at ichich
can be imported ipttiout loss is L.S524.
New YoRK-The rates of sterling ex-
change are 4.S212-4S $50.
LoNDoN-Prices all higher. Il to e per
cent. We look for some realizing OF trad
ers and consequent continuation of reac-
tion.
HAvRE Coffee market opened quiet.
Sales 5000 bags at noon. Prices are un-
changed from opening, sales, 1000 bags.
HAMBURG-Coffee opened quiet at un-
changed prices. Sales IL, 900 bags.
SANTOS, Brazil-S 5. Button cleared
from this port for New York with $4,000
bags. The market is quiet 600 reis de-
cline.
NEW YoRK-New York Central declared
~ per cent. dividend, and "a per cent.
extra.
NEW YoRK-Clearing House statement: I:
Exchanges, S12S 96l COS balances, s6,47l,-
W6 United States Treasury at New York,
debit balance. Ssl3,337.
LoNDoN-(Special)-T Bank of Eng
land sends 1000 pounds of gold to the
United States, aud 100000 pounds TO Rus
sia.
RAILROAD EARNINGS.
Omaha, month Of November Increases 15S,7l7
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
The Steps Which Are Being Taken to
Get the New Wheels Going.

The registration figures keep piling up at
the City Clerks office and the Republican
voters are in large proportion to the whole
number, although the Democrats have
made great deal of noise. Yesterday
97s persons registered, which is away
ahead of any day this year or last.
The caucus of the aldermen and coun-
cilmen, which will be held Saturday
night, to nominate the officers for the two
bodies, etc, will not have long session.
The contest for president of the Council
was between the present incumbent, Ar
thur H. Watson, and John +. Kendrick,
but there seems To be no doubt OF Mr..
Watson's reelection.
The new Mayor has been around the
Office for a few days and said to a NEWS
man yesterday that he had his message in
the printers hand and was getting ready
To be inaugurated Monday forenoon.
At that time the two boards will meet
in joint session, the mayor will be inaug-
urated and read his message and then the
Joint business will be transacted and the
two boards will separate and transact
their own business and adjourn to their
regular dates of meeting
Alderman Burrows will no doubt be re
elected president of the Board of Alder
men.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
THE FINANCIAL NEWS.

Quietness still governs the market both
for money and stocks. Six per cent. is the
ruling rate for time.
Preparations are now making by local
investors To meet the closing years busi-
ness and but few investors are In the mar
ket. IL may be expected that some stocks
will be offered at low rates between now
and Jan. /, or even n few days afterward,
and those looking for bargains Will do
we'll TO watch the market. New Years
presents can be often made in local stocks.
The nine shares of Blackstone Canal
Bank sold to-day were at a low figure: by
our figures given yesterday the book
value of this stock Is now nearly 81 per
share, and with all paper, that there is
any slight doubt of thrown out, the stock
figures at nearly SO. A stock that pays
per cent. and figures at 20 per cent.
above par should at least be worth par
The same could be said of Eagle Bank:
1t is worth on the books to-day s62.42, and
the price of s55 to-day is low.
Mr.. James NJ. Scott is a recent and wei
come addition to the active local tnanc iai
interest. We use active in special
sense Mr.. Scott is we'll known
as one of the pushing young. men
i'm local circles. He is director
in the Atlantic National Bank and
has acquired an enviable reputation as n
straightforward man OF good judgment.
His long connection with the insurance
business will be of material assistance to
him in his new business. He will make n
speciality OF loaning on insurance policies,
but will eventually work into stock and
bond business. The convenient location
of his Office and the confidence which his
experience and reputation Will inspire
should ensure him success in his new
venture.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
VETERANS ELECT OFFICERS.
Annual Meeting and Chowder at Fire
mems Hall Last Evening.

The Providence Veteran Firemen's As
sociation held its annual business meeting
and election of officers, last evening, at
their hall, 9S Weybosset street. A chow
der was served in their hall at 6:30 o'clock,
and after IL had been disposed of the busi-
ness meeting came to order about o'clock.
Unfinished business was first taken up
and under this head came first the report
of "A com mittee which had been previously
appointed to see what arrangements could
be made for the annual banquet. The
committee reported in favor of holding
it in Tillinghast's Hall, and it was voted
to hold it there on Jan. -. Provision was
made for the entertaining OF the mayor
and several guests from here and abroad.
James w. Carpenter and Theodore De
Groat were elected new members.
The reports of the secretary and treas
urer were read and passed TO the auditing
committee. The report of the obituary
committee expressing grief at the death
of thirteen of the members was read and
received.
An amendment TO the constitution max
ing the annual dues - instead of 81, which
was proposed at the last monthly meeting,
was adopted after some discussion.
The association then proceeded to the
election of officers for the ensuing year.
Edward w Hall was elected president;
Samuel II. Cornell, Lewis Il. Davis, Ed
ward Havens and Thomas b. Ross vice
presidents; Albert G. Winsor, secretary,
and w. /. Williams, treasurer A vote of
thanks was rendered to the retiring treas
urer, Joseph Kelley, for his faithful work
for seven years in that Office.
Right here Capt. John III. Kenyon said
he had few words TO say, and with few
well chosen remarks he presented To
President T.. w. Hail. on behalf Of his
many friends, n beautiful gold badge set
with diamonds and rubies, and at the
next instant George w. Cady also pre-
sented him with "a hadsome cane made
from the wood of the old Gaspee house
mounted with an oxydzed silver head.
These remembrances from his friends
fairly took the president OIL his feet, but
he managed TO respond i'm ~ few words
thanking the members for their kind feel
ings toward him.
a motion was then made TO withdraw
from the uniformed division, the privi-
lege of choosing their own officers and
selecting the men, but it was lost. Vice
President Thomas B. Ross was appointed
n committee TO confer with the agents of
the hall and obtain new lease on adj
vantageous terms IL possible, as the three
year lease expires December 81. The
meeting then ad diourned.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
PROF. wINCnEsTER's LECTURE.
He Talked About the Lake Poets of Eng
land at the Y. NJ. &. A.

The last but one of the Y. NJ G. A.
members course of lectures and entertain
ments took place in Association hall last
evening and consisted of a lecture 10y Prof.
Winchester Oh The Lake Poets of Eng
land" Owing TO the inclemency of the
weather the audience was a small one.
Prof. Winchester took his audience
through the lake region of England, de
scribing with realistic word picturing
thi section which has become prominent
as l. homes of three of England's most
famous poets. A meeting of the families
of Southey, Coleridge and Wordsworth
was described in Prof, Wincnester's char
acteristic way which has gained him the
name of lecturer of high standing.
The lecture was interesting throughout.
Prof. Winchester will lecture this evening
on can Evening In London One Hundred
Years Ago"
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
The George Riddle Readings.

Mr.. Riddle gives the third of his read
ings tomorrow afternoon at Dramatic
hall. at o'clock.
His program will be scenes from "Romeo
and Juliet with two miscellaneous Sc
lections for the second part.
II would be difficult 20 imagine a stage
setting of any work, given with the same
relative strength and even balance of all
the characters that Mr.. Riddle gives 90
everything that he does. His great
strength Of individuality is thrown into
each character, and the result is one har-
monious whole that cannot possibly be at
tanned where each part is taken 10y per
son Of different powers.
The story of Romeo and Juliet is
probably the one most familiar of all
Shakespeare's works, and with such a
master as Mr.. Riddle TO read IL, there
should be a full house
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
S0UCEY GETS SIXTY DAYS.
Sentenced for Malicious Mischief and
Assault.

NEW BEDFORD, Mass, Dec. 30.-.Joseph
Soucey, known as French Joe, was SEN
fenced in the District Court to-day for
sixty days for malicious mischief on the
land of Thomas Brayton at Westport
Harbor, and fined s120 for assault on Bray
ton, his son Elmer and Lysander w. Man
chester.
If Soucey cannot pay, it will take a year
TO work out the fines. He was arrested
yesterday on the borders of Westport,
being decoyed acros the Rhode Island
line as he lives in Little Compton where
he is hired TO protect the property OF Ed.
ward w. Rowland, the Monte Christie Of
Little Compton.
Soucey and Joseph Wilcox of Little
Compton, also employed by Rowland, are
under bonds TO keep the peace. A requi-
sition may be issued for the apprehension
OF Wilcox. Rowland may pay Soucey's
nnA
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
C0RBETT ISN'T DEAD.
The Former Providence Man Still
Alive and Out of Danger.

A report was published in a local sheet
last night which purported to be "A "dis-
patch" from Chicago TO the effect that
Charles c. Corbett, founder of the Ielc-
gram, had died in that city from Brights
disease
The well-known newspaper man is not
dead but on the contrary is out of dan
ger, if reports from his bedside to-day
can be relied upon. Wnen the article re-
ing. l.. A. Corbett, brother of Charlie,
telegraphed TO the latter's home in Chi
cago, and to-day received an answer from
the sick mans wife To the effect that
"Charlie is better, and out of danger"
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
To Hang on New Years.

WINDSOR. Vt. Dec 30.-S II. Bell is to suf-
fer the extreme penalty of the law tor muir
der, within the States prison walls on Fri
day. Jan. 1st, 1892. On Christmas, 1889, he
committed one Of the most cruel murders
ever recorded here. His wife had LETT him,
but on the day mentioned returned with
an officer to get some of her things.
When they reached the house Bell re-
ceived them kindly, but when Mrs. Bell
went upstairs he followed her, and while
she leaned over a trunk he stole up be-
hind her, drew Winchester, and, aiming
at her head, fired He made no attempt TO
escape, but calmly walked down stairs,
handed the weapon to the officer, and said:
oI did IL -
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
TO KlDPAP HELEN GOULD.
A Scheme in Which Prince Won
MichaeIs Saw a Million,

New YORK, Dec. 30-"I am going TO
elope with Helen Gould. We will go
West and travel for some time. jay
Gould may miss his daughter, but he'll
gain good son-in-law, and he needs one.
What do you suppose he'll give us for a
starter yn
This and some more statements of the
same sort made up a letter received by
John +. Bassford, General Agent OF the
Union Mutual Life Insurance Company
the day after Henry L. Norcross de.
manded Sl,2O0000 of Russell Sage and
threw the bomb that brought death and
destruction to the millionaire's Office.
The letter was signed Prince Won Mich
aels, and Mr. Bassford recognized in the
writer "A man whom he had once befriend-
ed through pity. In effect the writer asked
Bassford to aid him in an attempt to kid
nap the eldest daughter of Jay Gould.
The plan was to induce the young
woman, OH some preteXt or other, TO enter
cab near her fathers residence, Fifth
avenue and Forty seventh street. Won
Michaels and companion were TO follow
her into the vehicle and draw the blinds,
and the driver was to carry the party TO
New Jersey, where a train would be
boarded for the West. Won Michaels en-
tered into no further details, but asked
Bassford for his advice and assistance.
Bassford took the letter To George
Gould and has turned over other letters
he has since received to the police. George
Gould has refused to ask for the arrest of
Won Michaels, who claims to be prince
by birth and heir To vast estates now in
litigation in Germany, and Bassford is in
low spirits because the crank keeps writ
ing TO him.
"This fellow" he says is crazy on the
subject of becoming Jay Gould's son-in-
law and don't know where he'll break
mt i "a tn wi
any more information for fear he'll think
Pm trying To gain something by it, and
yet | think Won Michaels ought to be ar
rested
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
CAMPBELLL NOT GUILTY.
A Jury Decides That He Did Not Steal
Fullen's Nhiskey.

John Campbell was indicted by the
grand jury for breaking and entering in
the night time the saloon kept by Patrick
Fullen on South Bend street, Pawtucket,
and the larceny of jug Of whiskey.
The culprit whoever he may he was
caught i'm the act and the whskey taken
away from him. On the following day
Campbell was arrested. lie was placed on
trial in the Court OF Common Pleas yes
terday and the trial was concluded to-day,
the Jury returned a verdict Of not guilty.
Tanner for the State, Osiield for the de
fence
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
SHOTS IN CHICAGO.
The Police Chased a Thief and Fired
at Him,

CHICAGO, H., Dec. 30.-Arthur Merfren
was arrested this morning on the request
of Chief of Police Murphy, of Columbus
Ohio, on a charge of grand larceny. As
he stepped from the Pan Handle train on
Washington street on his way to the sta
ton, the prisoner broke loose and was
only captured after long chase.
The officers were compelled TO fire at
him several times, which caused great eX-
citement, the streets being crowded at the
time. Two thousand dollars worth of
stolen jewelry was found in his possession.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
GARZA'S FORCES GROWING.
He is Ready to Show Fight and
Blood Nav be Shed Soon.

DRowNvILLE, Tex, Dec 3O.-Rumors
from the Mexican side of the border say
that about 1000 Mexican government
troops, stationed at Nier, have rebelled
against and killed their commanding Off
Ger, and have joined Garza's troops.
Advices from Ringgold, from Capt.
Hardie at CarreZo, say that Cara has
united about $50 of his men at different
points who are ready TO show fight at the
slightest provocation, and there are United
States troops enough to hold a desperate
battle, when their turn comes.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
Crescent Lodge Last Evening.

Crescent Lodge, No. ~, l. O. o. with
n good attendance, passed very pleasant
time last evening. One candidate was
elected TO membership. After the bust
ness that involves upon all az the last OF
the year had been transacted the broth
ers listened TO some very interesting re-
marks for the good Of the order by several
of the past grands, after which the fra
grant smell of Havana filled the hall.
Next Tuesday evening is the time for in
stallation, and the New Year looks bright
and prosperous.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
THE CENTRAL AROUSED.
II Has Given Out a Contract for a
Block system,

New YORK, Dec. 30.-The executive
committee of the New York Central road
has given out contract for constructing
the Sykes system of block signals over the
lay will reach three-quarters of a million
dollars. 1t is understood that work will
begin Immediately. The company esti-
mates that the Christmas Eve accident at
Hastings will cost il 5000, 900.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30

Last evening Manufacturer Lodge,
No. Is, held well-attended meeting at
their hall on Plainfield street, and after
regular business banquet was rendered
the society by retiring Noble Grand III. O.
Martin, who acted as toastmaster. The
evening was spent most pleasantly in
speech making
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
DAMAGE BY THE STORM.
Incoming Vessels Report Heavy Gales
at Sea,

NEW YORK, Dec. 30.-High winds are do
ing considerable damage in this vicinity.
The wires between the city and Sandy
Hook are all down. Incoming vessels re-
port heavy weather. The Wilson line
steamer Egyptian Monarch reports sue
cession of gales with tremendous seas
which washed away all loose furniture on
deck. A seaman was severely Injured by
being struck by wave and dashed
against an iron stanchion.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
MEETING OF MUSIC TEACHERS.
Masters OF Harmony Give a Practical
Illustration of Friendliness.

ILLUSTRATION tfltnbllntS-.
The annual meeting of the Rhode
Island Music Teachers Association was
held in room 81 of the Conrad Building
this afternoon. Robert Bonner, president
of the association presided over the meet
ing. A business meeting was held at 2;3O
O'Clock, at which the officers for the
ensuing year were elected.
Papers were read by ii. c. MacDougall
and President Bonner. a pianaforte re
cital was given 10y Clarence Hamilton, as
sisted by Miss Martha Helen Mathews,
soprano, and Gustav Saacke, baritone.
The evening session includes grand
concert by the following artists: Mrs.
May Bell Hill Brown of New York, plan
list; Miss Lillian Newell. soprano; Mr.. Al
bert Foster, violinist; Mr.. Edward Weir
lin, "'cellist," and Herr Hans Schneider.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
Insurance Rates Raised.

BOSTON. Dec. 3O.-Up go fire insurance
rates! The record of fires for the past
twelve months, has been such as to adj
vance fire insurance rates throughout Bos-
ton as follows An increase of 10 per cent.
on buildings, and 20 per cent on stocks of
goods in the business portion of the city.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
The Athletic Association.

The Providence Athletic Association
elected 1873 new members last evening,
making the whole membership S93. The
treasurer was authorized Co execute the
lease with the Industrial Trust Company
and deposit $4,000 IL was voted that
when the membership reached 1000 the
fee should Ls. $40
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30

Job w Whaley, for several years head
cashier Of the freight department of the
Whaley was the proprietor OF the stable
at 20 Mill street, and was universally
liked
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
DIR. CLARENCE GoDDING SICK.
A Consultation of Physicians Has Been
Called In the Case.

DIR. Clarence NJ. Godding, the we'll
known physician, is dangerously i'll at his
residence, 32l Benefit street. a consulta-
ton OF physicians was held at the house
his noon. r. Godding's condition is
critical though there is faint possibility
that he may recover.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
Stole EiXc Shirts.

William Lewis reported that between
the hours of and O'Clock last evening
his residence at Fields point was broken
into and five white shirts were stolen.
Later the shirts were found in n neighbor-
ing lot
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
Mr.. DORIS Paper.

Henry G. Dorr continued the paper on
williams and Harris on the Controversy
Between the ProDrietors and Freeholders
Of Providence" at the Rhode Island His.
torical Society last evening.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-30
A Big storm Coming.

BosToN, Dec. 80 The present storm has
Just passed over Boston. In spite of the
present clearing, which will continue to-
morrow, with colder weather. a terrific
storm is making its way from the West in
n direct line for New England, and threat
ems To be q severe one.