davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29

PROPHETS FOR TRE NAVE.

Secretary Tracy is said to be very
well satisfied with the general compost
tion of the house committee on naval
affairs. The chairman, Colonel Herbert
of Alabama, has been Il member of the
committee during the last three con
crosses and is in favor of increasing the
strength and effectiveness of the navy in
ships and armament. Mr.. Elliott of
South Carolina is in sympathy with this
policy, as also is Mr.. Cummings of New
York. The four republican members of
the committee can be relied Upon to vote
for liberal appropriations for increasing
the navy. Thus there is an assured
majority of the house committee on
naval affairs favorable to p ltting the
naval establishment of tho United States
in a condition to meet any emergency
either for defense, for the protection Of
our commerce, or for the enforcement of
our rights. OF the other six members
of the committee, several may be safely
assumed, by reason OF their location, to
be we'll disposed toward the policy of
building up an adequate navy.
In his annual report the secretary of
the navy stated that the estimates for
increase of the navy for the coming year
amounted to Sl2, 800, 900, which is So 300, =
900 less than the appropriations for the
current year. A still further reduction
will take place in the following year,
which will substantially complete all the
work in progress under existing author-
i~zations of congress. In view of this
the secretary suggested hat it would
seem that some new construction might
properly and safely be authorized during
the present session. 1t Is probable, how
ever, that all that can safely be ex-
pected from this congress are sufficient
appropriations to carry on and complete
the work already in progress, and the
country is to be congratulated upon the
fact that there is fair promise of this
being done. OF course, in tho event of
an extraordinary demand upon tho
navy, which is quite possible, If
not probable, congress would un-
doubtedly regard the recommeuda-
tions of the secretary of the navy
in the matter of authorizing the CON
struction of additional ships, but othe,-
wise the spirit of economy will prevail
and nothing more will be done than TO
make provision for tho vessels now IN
course OF construction, These include
the formidable battle ships authorized
by tho last congress and several cruisers
that when completed will be among the
finest in the world. 1t is mau,festly inn
portrait that there should be constructed
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29

The fact that Secretary Blaine at
president of Chilli and proposed his
health, together with the official assur-
ance that the CHILEAN government in
tends to be properly represented at the
Columbian exposition, are incidents
which ought to go far toward convinc-
ing the country that there is really no
good reason for experimenting serious
trouble with Chill. The fact is that the
intelligent opinion of both countries is
opposed to any conflict, and desires that
everything be done consistent with the
self-respect of each country to avoid u
rupture OF friendly relations. That
selfish influences have been actively at
work in Chilli creating a public senti-
ment hostile to tho United States is not
to be doubted, and it has unquestionably
been more or less successful, but it must
not be supposed hat the men who con-
troll the affairs of that republic are all
victims of prejudice and are so inconsid-
crate. and unreasoning AS not to know
that the greatest mistake Chilli could
possibly make would be to provoke Il
war with this country. For her to
attempt to carry on such a conflict
single-handed, and it is not possible to
see from whence she could hope for
assistance, could only result in disaster
to her, and the ambition of her people
to make Chill the foremost country of
the southern continent would be defeated
for n century TO come. The ChilIans are
a high spirited, brave people, rs their
history since they cast off Spanish dom
ination abundantly shows, but they are
not devoid OF common sense and tho
instinct of prudence, and, giving them
credit for these qualities, it is safe to
assume That they will not plunge their
country into a conflict, the consequences
OF which would certainly be most calam-
itous to them. Reports regarding this
matter are confusing, but we arc in
clined to think that those which hold
out the promise of a peaceful settlement
of tho issue are best entitled to CON
iidence.
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29
TO CiRRY RON no RUSSIA.
Navy Officials Will Probably Send the
Old constellation.

Old constellation.
NEW GoRK, Dec. 2S.-lt was stated at the
navy yard yesterday the vessel that would
probably be sent to Russia with the contri-
buttons of -four and breadstuifs made by tho
people CT the United States in aid of the
famine sufferers was the Constellation.
There are three other vessels suitable for
this purpose-the Monongahela, the James
town ana the Portsmouth, all Of them in the
training course. The two latter are at Nor
folk and the Monongahela is on the way
from Gibraltar to Barbados. The Coustclla-
ton is at present at Annapolis as a practice
ship for the cadets ana could readily be put
into commission. The Constellation is one OF
the vessels of the original navy, having been
built and launched at Baltimore on Decem-
Der Z, 1899. Her first cruise was as flagship
ofthe Mediterranean squadron, commanded by
Captain Stephen Decatur in 1905. She was
afterward rebuilt and IS now q full rugged
ship of l., ITO tons dis placement. This vessel
was selected to carry tho American exhibits
TO Paris in 1857. In 1880 she carried 4 cargo
of provisions to the famine sufferers of Ire.
land, sailing from here on March ~ and ar
irving at Dublin on April 20, after an I'M
usually stormy voyage.
This was the voyage which Vice President
Levi u. Morton took SO generous an interest
in, but without letting his name be made
public. In a letter TO those who were receiv-
ing the contributions he said: You are
authorized to announce that a gentleman per-
scnally known to you, who declines to have
his name made public, offers to pay for one
quarter of tho cargo of the Constellation if
other parties will make up the balance.n
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29
RED INK.
New YORK Recorder: To Chill: Apologize

New YORK Recorder: To Chill Apologize
or fight!
Philadelphia Record: The headline in the
newspapers yesterday, "War with Chill I'M
minent" did not have any kindly Christmas
meaning in it. Itis pleasant to think that it
is merely a scare announcement. Only ln-
conceivable folly and faulty could induce
the Gillian government to engage in such n
hopeless contest upon such insufficient rea-
son. eHa.
Philadelphia Record: The result Of the
Gillian governments investigation INTO the
Valparaiso riot goes far to confirm the opin-
ion that it had its origin in a drunken sailors
row. Most of the seamen Of the Baltimore
who participated in the riot were aliens, and
the country has some knowledge Of the man
nor in winch these seamen conduct them
selves whom ashore in u foreign port. 1t
would be difficult for the government at
Washington TO make out of this affair a
cause of war against Chili. great as is the
eagerness for a fight which the officers of the
navy betray.
Philadelphia Press: We sincerely trust
that her (Chili's) frank apology will render
it unnecessary TO prove her error, but the
United States, the most forbearlng of
nations, cannot permit her seamen to oe
mobbed and insulted, her legation to be
.jesieged, and her Just demands for repar-
alton repulsed with scorn. One thing is
certain-if war does come, it should not end
until the three provinces torn from Peru
Tacua, africa and Chacua-are restored to
the power from which they were ravished in
a war without justification, excuse in it's
origin, or mercy in its triumphs.
Chicago Herald: Altogether the govern
ment's preparations, while not vet far
advanced, seem to be well conceived. The
one point where we will be weak, perhaps,
10 in the transportation and making avail
able Of a land force. To accomplish that
Will require n fleet of transports with ships
powerful enough to act as an efficient con
vOy. Tho naval vessels %e have are none
too many or powerful to take care of the
CHILEAN navy alone. But in the event of
war, a land force need not be employed until
it is necessary. The navy alone can make
things lively for a year at least, and by that
time tho Chilians will, perhaps, have come to
their senses.
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29
TORE DoTy rHEsTIRs AVID STRIPES.
Russian Officers Capture a Schooner
and tower the COiors.

and lower the COlors
SAN FRANCIsCo, Cal, Dec. %. .-Captain
Alexander Mclean, late commander OF the
American sealing schooner James II, LOWS,
has arrived from Siberia and is quartered at
Angel island. He brings with him a frag-
ment of an American flag which was cut
down from the Mast head Of an American
vessel by the sailors from the Russian cutter
Alert. Captain Mclean tells this story
"Wo were twenty five miles off Copper is
land when, on August ., the Russian cutter
Alert bore dow on US, and without any par
ley seized the James Levi and placed d
prize crew on board. The American flag
was floating at the mast head, and even when
tho halyGrds were cut 1T was no easy matter
to get 1t down. A young Russian sailor at
last climbed to the mast head and cut and
tore down all he could OF it. | regarded this
action as an insult 10 the American govern
ment, and said so, but the Russians on board
seemed bound to get the colors down,
and the crew of the Lewis, being prisoners,
were unable to prevent it. We supposed we
were on our way to VladivostoCk TO stand
trial for being found tilted out for sealing in
Russian waters. AS soon as the American
flag was torn from the mast, tho Russian col
ors were run up. The portion OF the Ameri-
can flag cut from the mast was thrown about
the deck and torn in small pieces, which
were thrown overheard. The remaining
ragged pieces at the mast head still flew to
the breeze and remained there until the
schooner was formally contiscated at Nladi-
vostock, where, the name James II. Lewis
was oblltcrated and a Russian name put on.
We were never tried by any Russian court,
but we were keptas government prisoners at
Nladlvostock for over two mouths. We we're
free to roam about the place, but not to
leave Siberia without the necessary per-
mission. | made formal protest to the Rus
sian officials against tho contiscatlon of our
schooner, but 1t was without avail. AT last
they got tired Of feeding US and gave us per-
mission to get out OF the country, which we
did IN short order. AS soon as we reached
Nagazaki, | complained to 1.-the U nlted States
consul there. | put the matter before the au-
thoritles at Washington and shall begin ac-
ton for damages against the Russian govern
ment.N
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29
Nv ND.
Dcnver's sensational : urdcr Trial
Witnesses for the Defense.


Witnesses for tho Defense.
DENVER. Colo, Dec. 2S.-In tho Barnaby
trial this morning DR.. Graves was recalled TO
the stand aud his cross-eXamination was
resumed by Stevens. The doctor thought he
was in Denver after his brothers death for
two or three days: he did not meet Judge
Furman while there. Mrs. Barnaby was a
Kind woman, but she was not easily influ.
enced. DR.. Graves denied having told Mrs.
Hickey that 1t Mrs. BarnabY took her money
out of his hands no would have her sent TO
an asylum.
Tho letter which the doctor had sent Mrs.
Barnaby at san Francisco, but which was
returned to him through the dead letter of
flee, was again the subject OF inquiry by the
prosecuting attorney. The envelope OF this
letter was stamped with 3 cents. The con
tents, as exhibited IN court, did not weigh
enough to require moro than the ordinary
2-Cent stamp. The prosecution insinuated
that DIR. Graves had replaced the original
matter contained in the envelope with II letter
which would AID him in his defense. The
doctor, however, gave his word OF honor that
such was not the case. When asked whether
on his return to Providence from Denver with
Mrs. Barnaby's remains he had drawn a
check on her funds for $4,000, tho doctor
could not remember. Several other things
DIR. Graves could not recall, or did not know
anything about, although they concerned his
dealings in the matter as agent for Mrs.
Barnaby. The prosecution here ended their
cross-eXamination of DIR. Graves,
The defense then caused a slight surprise
by introducing Daniel Smith as n witness.
Smith was the hostler who washed Mr.. WOr-
relrs buggy the night 1t contained the bottle
of whisky for Mrs. Barnaby. Smith has pre-
viousiy appeared as n witness for the prose-
cution, and then swore that he had not tam
percd with tho package containing tho bottle
while it was in the livery stable. He was put
upon the stand today, aud, contrary to tho
expectations of the defense, reiterated his
former statement that he had not opened the
package.
The defense then introduced three wit
nesses to impeach Smiths testimony, but did
not succeed to any great extent. T., II.
Bertram was the first of these witnesses. Ho
swore that Smith had told him that he had
taken a drink from the bottle OF whisky
good whisky. Bertram, -on c"oss-eXamina-
tion, then admitted he mad been under arr st
three times on different charges.
The other two witnesses testified that
Smith had told them that the bottle could
have been easily tempered with while in the
stable.
The testimony Of the above witness would
not have been admitted had not one Of the
attorneys for the defense given his word that
the defense had learned of this testimon
only Saturday last. The attorney afterwards
admitted to Judge Rising that il might have
been a few days earlier that no had heard
of it.
Mrs. John Conrad was called in reUuttal,
and swore that DIR. Graves had told her that
he thought Edward Bennett, the guide, had
sent the bottle OF whisky.
A few unlinportant witnesses were then
when the court adjourned.
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29

CHARLES S. GLEED of Topeka, who is
named as "a possible successor of the late
Senator Plumb, is u young attorney of
great popularity in his state, In 1880
he was employed in the general passen-
ger Office of the Union Pacific in this
city whore he made many friends among
the railway people, Afterwards he held
responsible positions in the Santa Fe
general offices and was for some time
managing editor OF the Denver Tribune.
For several years he has been practicing
Law with success in tho Kansas capital.
He was an intimate friend of the late
senator and is the probable legatee Of
the strength of Hon. George II Peck
who has withdrawn from the race. Poo
pie in Omaha who know Mr.. Gleed will
be delighted to see him attain the honor
OF United States senator.
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29
ON FIIiE Al SCI.
Thrilling Experience of Passengers
on the CITY Of Bird geport,

Thrilling Experiences of Passengers
on the CITY of Bird geport,
BRIDGEPORT, Conn, Dec. 2S.-The steamer
City Of Bridgeport left New York Saturday
at 3 o'clock as usual, her fifteen passengers
little realizing the thrilling experience they
were TO undergo. Nothing extraordinary
happened on the trip until the boat reached a
point off Norwalk. II was then that the pas
sengers observed flames bursting from the
floor of the dig cabin. In a second the widest
excitement prevailed. The passengers, mostly
women and children returning from Il
shopping tour in New York, were panic
stricken. There was a rush for the life pre-
servers and women tainted. Many of tho
men on board lost their presence of mind and
thought only of themselves, some securing
three or four preSeryers while helpless
women and children had none. The
officers OF the boat were unsuccessful in their
efforts TO restrain the passengers. The crew
was ordered TO the pumps, but the latter
could not be- made TO work for several min
utes.
"In the meantime the flames, which started
at the bottom of the smoke stack, gained con
siderable Roadway. Tho captain ordered the
pilot to head for the Connecticut shore and TO
keep within three minutes run of land, and
the engineer 10 proceed at full steam. The
crew worked at the pumps for half an hour
and succeeded in eXtinguishing the flames.
The passengers could not be prevailed upon
to remove the life preservers fastened about
their bodies until the boat reached her wharf
in this city, when the flames again burst out
and for the second time were eStlnguished.
AS quickly as possible the passengers were
landed. Many women had 10 be transferred in
carriages 10 their homes, suffering with hys-
terra. Many passengers say they thought
their last hour had come. Thu Dipe about
the smoke stack had fallen from It's place and
the overheated chimney fired the wood work,
which was fanned into a blaze. Tho damage
to the steamer will not exceed $1,000. The
o~ficialss of the company are reticent about the
accident
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29

E,ET GEE u, XEIIEkS.

The first duty Of the new county and
municipal governments is to apply the
pruning knife to tho city and county
pay roll. The Board of Education can
perform a service in this direction also.
The city council should appoint a spe-
cial committee Immediately after its
organization, charged with the particu-
lar duty of ascertaining just how many
deputies and clerks are needed in each of
the departments. This committee should
reduce the force where necessary and
cut salaries where they are too high. In
some instances consolidation will De
found practicable. For instance, it hardly
seems necessary to maintain the street
and sidewalk inspection departments as
distinct organizations. A street COM
missioner and one deputy should be able
to supervise the work of both. In other
branches of the service similar CONSOLE
dations can be made which shall lop off
supernumeraries and ave money to the
taxpayers. The county offices will also
zeal overhaullng. a majority of the
new Board of County Commissioners
canno afford to ignore public sentiment
and hesitate to cut off supernumeraries.
There is u strong and we'll grounded
conviction in the minds of the people
that our county, municipal and Board of
Education pay rolls are full of wasteful
leaks, and they will never be satisfied
until the contrary is proved or the ex-
trayapanC abandoned.
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29
Chorus OF Millrons-Try it GA!

Whether sudden Joy often kills anybody
may be doubted, but tho sudden acquisition
OF money is probably at least as apt to prove
fatal as typhoid fever or diphtheria. The
case of the young man in Minnesota who
heard the other day Of his accession to a
barony and a fortune, and. receiving a re-
mittance OF s., 900, incontinently began a de-
bauch whicD ended in q few days with his
death, proves the danger OF an attack of sud
den wealth on a weak character. The risk is
great, but few would be wise enough to pray
to DO delivered forever from the chance of it.
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29

Chicago NJ an auditor, committed suicide in
a Turkish bath establishment here today by
shooting himself In the right breast with a
42-caliber revolver. MIR. Minor came here a
week ago from his home at Rome, where his
mother and sister reside, to audit tho &C.
counts OF the Armour company's branch
ofice In this city. Among the dead mans
effects was the following note;
December 2S 1891. | was in good health on
December I. and temperate, For the last fort-
night have suffered from the grip, which
has used me M NEWELL j. MINON.
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29
A Startling Performances.

SpflnBneid lHuSS.l hcDttDttcuh.
One Of the candidates for Senator Plumb's
place, an attorney for tho Atchison railroad,
has withdrawn from tho contest at the COM
mand of the company. This is au eXtraor-
binary performance-the first case of record
probably whore a railroad company has OBJ
iected to having its attorney IN the senate.
AS the Chicago Times observes, If the ex-
ample should be initiated by the other roads
designations from the upper branch of con
gress would be as plentiful as water in the
COnld stocks.
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29

PHILADELPHIA, Pa, Dec. 2S.-The dead
body of IA young girl named Ellen Winter was
found in a broom factory this morning lying
on the floor in a pool Of blood with her skull
crushed. The police have arrested John d.
Haney on the charge of numbering the girl.
Some years ago Hauey BETRAYED the girl and
lately the girl has been making frequent
calls upon Hanev for money TO support her
child, and, it is said, he had made threats to
kill her.
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29

MISSOURI VALLEY, Ia, Dec, ~2S.-[Special
to The BEE. Mrs. {. NJ. Woodward, asso-
ciate superintendent of the railroad depart
ment of the Woman's Christian Temperance
Union, addressed n large congregation in the
Methodist Episcopal church OF this city yes
day. In the evening, union services in the
interest of railroad men were held in the city
hall. The hall was crowded to overlooking.
Mrs. Woodward held the attention of the
people for more than an hour. A Woman's
Christian Temperance Union will be organ
lied as q result,
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29
Alliance NapoIcouism.
Chicdgn 0neS.

The farmers alliance of Kansas purposes
starting a joint stock bank with an enormous
capital with a view to taking up and refund
ing at a lower rate or interest all the mort
cages on the farms of Members of the ALI
ance. A good many small investors of the
east who have put their savings into bonds
based on Kansas farm mortgages, and have
seen them stay there, will ba glad that the
farmers are going to find out just how it is
themselves.
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29
PEAITENT UPON THE SC1FFULp.
Execution of an olive Springs, TIE, H.,
Man for Murder.

NASHVILLE. Tenn, Dec. 2S.-I.em Jones
was hanged at Olive Springs this morning
for the murder of his wife ard children June
26, 1890. Jones fled and, Disgusting himself,
worked as n herdsman on a Texas ranch for
three months before he was caught. The
prisoner had been county superintendent Of
schools and a deacon in the Baptist church,
and every effort YVES made to have a respite
granted, but the governor refused to favor
him. On the scaffold he said he had killed
his wife and children while under tho passion
of drink and hoped to be forgiven that if he
had TO live longer life would be a burden, as
the ghosts of his dead family would rise up
before him.
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29
Omaha AND FHE UORLD,s FAIR.

The Nebraska Worlds Fair commits
organizing the state for the Nebraska
exhibit Immediately after the new year.
Perhaps the Nebraska members of the
National commission will also perform
some service in that direction. 1t is
generally conceded that the state appro-
priation is altogether too small and
should not only be increased by the next
legislature, but should be generously
supplemented by contributions from
philosophical citizens and special
organizations for the promotion of The
state exhibit.
Omaha mas a deep interest in the
Nebraska exhibit. She should raise an
ample fund of her own and request a
special allotment Of space in the Ne
braska building where facts and figures
concerning her resources and future
prospects may be attractivelv shown.
Being but 800 miles from Chicago a very
large proportion of the foreign visitors
may be induced to continue their jour
ney west as far as this city if we shall
manage to excite their desire to visit
us.
An Omaha Worlds Fair organization
should be undertaken forthwith. With
n member of the National commission, a
member of the Ladies' Board of Commits
s%ioners, aud a member Of the State com:
mission all in our midst, we should be
able to accomplish something for this
city, especially, while assisting in max
ing a creditable exhibit for the state at
t,rra
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29
Results of HepnpIicnn Policy.

NcU iOyh RecOrI9T.
During ten months Of this year our exports
of American products were worth SI20,552
900. In the corresponding period last year
$3.50, $4,000 was the value of our shipments.
The gain is $500? 900, or 1917 par cent.
Thus our foreign trade, a. we'll as our homo
industry. lourIshes under the republican
nolICY of protection and reciprocitY.
Omaha daily bee., 1891-12-29

HONEST New Workers would feel
better over the approach of the end of
Governor Hills administration, if it
were not for the fact that the new gov
ernor is n creature of the old one. A
breathing spell with Pay-the-Freight
Jones in the executive Office would have
been d great relief.