davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20

the business, and there seems to be gen.
eral assent that it should be regulated.
If the idea of a monopoly in the sleeping
car business is conceded, of course the
necessity of legislative regulation would
follow. But the weakness of all such at
tempts to simply impose aregulative curb
on monopoly that is left undisturbed, ap-
pears in the fact that this provision only
touches the surface of the excessive charges
of the sleeping car companies. If every
sleeping car company had the right to at
tsch its cars to any night train the COM
petition between them would reduce prices
or increase Accommodations just as it has done
in the case of hotels. Legislatures have not
vet got the value of this principle, clearly
into their minds; but it will be much more
complete remedy than such measures as
those in favor at present
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
ORIGINAL OIL WELLS.

The Fairview oil field is showing some
unique characteristics which are highly
agreeable to the owners of the wells that
are taking the unprecedented course re-
ferred to, although they may not be so pleas
ant to those who have been speculating on a
decrease of production. One well, after de-
clining to little over two-thirds of its initial
production, after the usual manner of oil
wells, reversed the process, and is now turn
ing out its original 400 barrels day. But
this record was beaten by the unprecedented
action of a hole which was abandoned
as a cluster" and, after the casing was
pulled, evidently concluded that it would
make Its record, and is now gushing out a
large yield. The perversity of oil produc-
tion has been noted heretofore; but these
wells seem determined to break the record.
If that tendency should become general the
prophets who have been foretelling the fail
ure of the Pennsylvania field viii be ut
terly confounded.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
THE POLICE DISABILITY BILL.

The bill authorizing the creation of a
fund to provide payments for disabilities
incurred by the police in the discharge of
their duty, is intended to attain an object the
worthiness of which no one will dispute. 1t
hardly needs demonstration that officers who
are charged with duties hazardous in their
very nature, will do their work more bravely
and faithfully if they know that there is a
provision Tor themselves and their families
in case of injuries. The bill permits the
revenue rom certain fees, such as those from
city licenses for dogs, the fees of the police
themselves, and a share of the fees of police
magistrates, to be used to constitute the fund
which is to be distributed by board of city
officials. The bill which is now before the
Governor for his approval makes its adop-
iion optional with cities of the second class
1t is to be hoped that the Governor will sign
it, and that the police of this community
will soon be given the satisfaction of know
ing that they are provided for if they sus-
tain injury while on duty.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
HELPS TO HILARITY.
Why do the front rows always glare

"Why do the front rows always glare
With baId-headed men?'' said she.
ITO let the girls who high hats wear
See what is on the stage, " said ne.
Puck
Customer Tin the wrong establisbment)-
Can secure piece Of good stilton cheese hereS
Dealer (politelyl-well, mum, the back yard,g
at your seryice-if the neighbors don't complain
-Nebo York Telegram.
An Unpleasant Reminder.-Mrs. Bingo-
What do you think of my new dress. dearP
Mr.. Rngo-I try not to think about il. CLOAK
Reutelo.
Diner-Here. waiterl 1 ordered cornbeef
and cabbage and you have brought me only the
meat.
waiter-De cigar, sab, will be on Iatah.-sIudgs.
''But, doctor, you said, you know, that T
must avoid all excItement.n
Certainly, IL hurts you. I have always told
you So
''why, then, did you send me your bill yester-
day?''-FIiegende Btatter.
Were the costumes pretty?" asked Mrs.
Pfollibud OF her husband, who had been TO the
theater without her the night before, and Mr..
Pfollibud stammeringly replied:
Ill didn't see ny."-SOmeruiue JouTHaL
Mrs. Neuwed-Charley, love, why was \
plain gold ring adopted as the symbol Of mar
riage?
Charley-Because by the time q fellow psys all
the expenses incident to average courtship ne
Is not able to buy anything more saborate.-Ss>'.
stsr's Weekly.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
A Cats Furious jealousy,

A Cincinnati family, according to the Times
Star, had two objects of Affections large tor
toise-shell cat and baby. The cat was there
first; the baby, girl, arrived but recently.
During the years pending babys arrival Mad
anne Tabby had what sporting people call IAN
all-round cinch." Everybody petted her and
fed her and made much of her, until she be-
came the tattest, biggest, sleekest tabby cat in
the neighborhood.
But at baby's birth. few weeks ago, Madame
TaDby found her nose out of joint right away.
This was one of the few and far between
babies who like angels visits, are appreciated
all the more because there aren't many of
them. Every man, woman and child in the
house handled baby and wanted to kiss her red
face and declared that she was the only infant
in the world. Madame Tabby. in consequence,
was relegated to the kitchen and the cook, and
dined off cold bones and fiatirons. Jealousy
grew rampant in the breast feline and she
s.aid for' the baby.
Yesterday baby's mamma laid her on the
floor to see her kick>he tiny pink toes and
then turned her back for an instant. With the
snarl of a miniature panther Tabby leaped
from behind the door, where she had lain in
ambush, and attacked the baby. Amid tu-
multi of shrieks from the mother, screams from
baby and vicious snarls from baby's assailanr,
the cat swept her claws across the little ones
face until it was scored like a narrowed field.
1t was nip and tuck between the mother and
the cat for the childs life, when grandpa came
in. The kick that he gave Madame Tabby
raised her with such force against the wall that
two ribs were broken. The beast has been
sulking in the yard ever since.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
WELL KNOWN TO FAME.

GENERAL BUTLER will soon visit New
Orleans.
CAPTAIN Won PLUEsKow is said to be
the tallest warrior in the German army, his
height being feet s inches.
TENNYSoN was once asked to supply q
dozen birthday poems of eight lines each for a
thousand guineas. The poet refused.
The Golden Club lost one of their oldest
members by the death of Prince Napoleon.
He has been on the books OF the club since
1869
Mr. THEODORE THOMAS is so well
known as a conductor that it is almost forgot.
ten he is also violinlst. Nor has he forgotten
his craft.
E. CORA DE PUY, a brilliant news
paper woman of Southern Michigan. is
trying to start prohibition daily in the State
and wants to be managing editor of it herself.
PERHAPS the oldest maiden in the coun-
try is Miss Permelie Wright, who recently
turned her Tooth birthday at her home
in Benton Harbor. Mich. She never had but
one suitor-so far.
MRS. WILLIAM K. VANDERBILT is an
earnest and ardent student and collector of
ceramics. She Is also deeply versed in the pc
riods and comparative artistic values of furni-
ture. She has studied seriously the French
authorities cabinet making, inlay and up
holstery, and in her Fifth avenue home, where
at one period naught but dazzling splendor and
somewhat crude luxury prevailed, she has in
stituted almost entire redecoration and refur-
nishing on q more harmonious and aesthetic
plan.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
UNCLE SAM AND THE KONGO.
Why the United States Should Not Be a
Party to an African Treaty.

Why the United States Should Not Be a
Party to an African Treaty.
New York World.l
1t will be grievous pity if the refusal of the
United States to become party to the Brussels
Kongo treaty shall impede or delay the sup
preston of the slave trade in Africa or give
license to the rum traffic there. But the treaty
is one with which the United States ought
never to have had anything to do, and the
effort now making to reopen the matter and
secure its ratification by our Senate ought to
fail.
The powers of Europe are engaged in stealing
the continent of Africa. Under cover of the
plea of civilzing IL they are pare elling it out
among themselves in grab game of conquest.
They are setting up governments there which are
in fact the servants and agents OF the European
powers, and whose function is conquest. Out
of their rivalry are sure to grow European
complications and almost certainly European
wars. For us to join in the treaty of partition
for that IS what iI must ultimately amount to
would be for us to assume an attitude and oh
legations which must inevitably entangle US
with European politics, diplomacy and conflict
in ways which we have hitherto resolutely and
wisely avoided.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
PITTsBURG. MONDAY. APR %, 1891
MkNLEY AND HARRISON.

In an interview at Cincinnati Major Nc.
Rinley, while modestly confessing his
readiness to serve as the Republican can
didate fol Governor of Ohio, in answer to a
question who would be the next Republican
candidate for President. declared, "Mr. Har-
rison without doubt"
This, together with similar expressions
from Republican leaders, is to be taken as
indica ting the agreement that the President
shall have full opportunity for exploiting
his boom before other leading gentlemen, and,
if the evidence is that it will not come to any
thing, divide his political estate among
themselves. Mr.. Mckinley has a character
for observing pledges of this sort more
faithfully than the ordinary politician; but
there is nothing in his words to prevent
him, if the conditions should change, from
utilizing a successful fight in Ohio, to ad-
vance his own prospects in the national
field Perhaps the indications that the club
convention at Cincinnati will make Mr..
Blaine's name quite prominent, added a
little force to McKinley's declaration of
Harrlson's leadership.
Notwithstanding the evident agreement
among the Republicans to let the Harrison
boom run a full course this year, it might as
well be understood that his denomination is
impossible. except upon the theory that the
Republicans do not think it worth while to
try 10 carry the election. If the Republi-
can party wishes to take its stand on protec-
ton, broadened to take in the trade of the
American hemisphere, Mr.. Blaine will be
nominated. If it prefers the platform of
high protection and nothing else Major Nc
hinley will be its typical candidate.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
DEPEW,S BEST WEAPON.
One Of His Funny Yarns Saves the Wander
biIt Party From Arrest.

One OF His Funny Yarns Saves the Wander
bilt Party From Arrest.
CHICAGO, April l9.-Three suits for dam.
ages aggregating 1000 were filed in the Su-
preme Court yesterday against John I. Blair. a
capitalist and railroad man living at Blairs-
town. n. ].
Blair's fortune is estimated at from SIC, 900,
900 to S25 00O 900. The plaintiffs in the suits are
Theodore 6. Case, a Chicago lawyer, who sues
for $4,000 damages for services and sl0O 900 for
libel The other plaintiff is George Hiles, a
Wisconsin railroad magnate and landowner,
who figures his damages at quarter of a
million.
Mr.. Blair came to Chicago with Mr.. Deeew
and the Vanderbilt party last evening and
stopped at the Auditorium. Lawyer Case saw
the announcement of the arrival of the distin-
as they could be prepared. The summonses
sheriffs, who chased over to the Auditorium to
serve MIR. Blair, but they got there too late. as
the party had just left for the Northwestern
depot.
Deputy Sheriff Sheridan returned to the
Sheriff's office late this afternoon covered with
mud. His chase after Mr.. Blair had been an
unsuccessful one. Sheridan caught the special
as it was pulling out of the station. He boarded
the car and the first man he met was Chauncey
NJ. Depew. The latter greeted Mr.. Sheridan
heartily and at once began to relate one of his
side-splitting stories, but all of Mr. Sheridan's
ingenuity couldn't induce Mr. Depew to talk
about Mr.. Blair and finally the deputy left the
car in disgust, after having ridden mile.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
BOLIVIA DOESN'T CARE.

1t Is Not Making Any Fuss About the
Killing of Its New Orleans, Consul.
NEW YORK, April 19.-Consul General
CharrIo was seen by a reporter last night. and
said: Eyes, Macheca. who was killed at New
Orleans. at one time was the Consul of Bolivia
IN New Orleans. That was about seven years
ago. We are not always able to obtain the best
men for our Representatives A man is recon-
mended to our home Government, and his
credentials are sent to him. or course. we
always try and find out as much as we can
about him, but every country is liable to
be deceived about its representatives. That
was probably the way in this case. For three
or four years we have had no consul at New
Orleans, as he. without authority, some time
ago turned the Office over to his brother.
"WbateveE Macheca. the, Consul, may have
been to the Bolivian Government, am certain
that Macheca, who was accused OF the murder
of Chief Hennessey. had no recognized standing
with it. He may have represented US without
authority.
"Bolivia will not take any action in any event.
Be assured of that. Neither Macheca nor any
of the rest of them will trouble US or stir up
any ill-feeling between Bolivia and the United
States"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
The Dark Side of Jamaica.

1 met Samuel Carpenter the veteran railroad
man yesterday, says a writer in the New York
Continent He has been in Kingston. Jamaica,
Tor a couple of months for his health He has
been sufferer from rheumatism for a number
of years. This is what he has to say about
Kingston. Jamaica, as a health resort: "Ja-
maica has probably the meanest climate in the
world. 1t is hot, damp and unhealthy. 1t does
not compare with the climate here. SO far as
health is concerned. Then, there isn't de-
cent cook on the entire blanked island; not one
that has the fatntest conception of how to cook
dinner. did not get respectable meal all
the time was there. The natives are too lazy
to do anything. Amy kind of vegetables will
grow there all the year around almost, but the
natives prefer to use canned vegetables from
the United States rather than take the trouble
to grow them. When strawberries are grow
ing in the field, or right at their door, these
lazy people do not make any attempt to gather
them, preferring the canned article; on the
ground, l presume. that they are the easiest to
get. Such shifrlessness is intolerable.
THE baths ar Kingston are supposed to con-
tain many curative properties, but took more
than so of them, and did not find that they
helped me one bit. Bad food, wretched climate
and good-for.nothing baths-you bet was glad
to get back Co the United States. Iwould only
advise people to go to Jamaica on the ground
that it would make them appreciate this
country all the more on their return. i have
been getting better every day since 1 got
back.o
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
THE BUSINESS TAX AGAIN.

By local article elsewhere it will be seen
that the City Assessors have resumed their
annual struggles with the business tax ques-
tion. They will now spend some time in
confronting the perennial problems of firms
with a frst-class reputation who claim to do
less business than would naturally be cred
tied to a second-class house; of people who
warmly claim that they have been assessed
too much, but decline to swear to it: and of
the final process of guessing at the total
business of most merchants, with the usual
result of stating it about 30 per cent too
low.
A large share of this is the inevitable re-
suit of form of taxation which is little
better than medieval. OF course, so long as
sors to do their utmost tor its full and hon
est collection; and they will have the SYM
pathy of the public in that arduous task.
But it is no less pertinent that it is a
sort of taxation that should be obso-
lete in this age of the world. Mr..
Henry George a few years ago re-
ferred to the income tax as tax
on enterprise, and general opinion has
condemned that sort of tax as inquisitorial
and inequitable. Yet the income tax is not
what Mr.. George claimed but is a tax on
prosperity; while the business tax is tax
on enterprise pure and simple. Moreover.
even if fairly assessed, it is inequitable
The wholesale merchant vino sells 500, 600
worth of goods and makes 1000 profit, pays
500 tax, while retailer, like the druggist,
who sells $40, 600 worth of goods and makes
the same profit, pays $40 tax.
1t is hard to give up an established source
OF revenue; bu: it is nevertheless to be
hoped that some day Pittsburg's fiscal sys-
TEN will become enlightened. enough to
abstain from offering premium on locating
business outside of the city.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
TIE EQUALIZATION BOARD.

While there is room for opinions on both
sides Of almost any proposition with regard
10 taxation, THE DISPATCH is hardly able
to recognize the validity of the objections
which have been made to the bill for estab-
fishing a county board of tax revision and
equalization. According to the statements
Of its opponents given in our yesterdays
issue, the objectors do not question the use
iulness or importance of the proposed board.
Their criticisms can be summarized as fol-
lows: First, they object to the appoint
ment OF the board by the courts, as bringing
the courts into politics; next they allege that
the constitution requires the election of the
board BY the people; and finally they hold
that the bill is special legislation.
The first point is far from cogent. The
effect Of having this board appointed by the
courts will evidently be, not to take the
courts into politics, but to keep the tax
revision out of it. The work to be done is
one requiring special abilities. and it is a
fair presumption that the selection can
be made more clearly with reference to
those abilities by The courts, than by politi-
cal conventions or popular elections. If
nothing ever takes the courts into politics
further than this measure does, the courts
viii be very fortunate.
AstO the constitutional question. that is a
matter which it behooves every one to ap-
proach with the utmost diffidence at the
present day. But recent events make lay
opinions on the meaning of the constitu-
tional provisions almost as good as legal
opinions. a reasonable construction of the
constitutional provision cited in this con-
nection, NAV or may not require popular
election; but the obvious advantage to be
gained by the method of appointment pro-
posed, is so great that it is well worth to try
it, until the Supreme Court holds that the
positions must be elective AS to the asser-
tion that the bill is special legislation, it is
no more so than any of score of measures
based on the principle of classifying counties
and cities by population, which have stood
the test.
OF course there is bound to be difference
of opinion on such measure. But the i'm
portance of having the equalization well
done is so clear that a bill calculated to
effect that purpose deserves general support.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
Obituary Notes.

ARTHUR HALL, well-known bandmaster and
cornetist, died in Boston Saturday. He was Il
years old.
MARTIN II. BLACK, probably the richest man in
Halifax, n. S.. died Saturday, aged 76 years. He
was u bachelor.
EMORY h. PoTTfE died at Naples, MY. Satur-
day, aged rs. He was member of the S5th and
36th Congresses
HUGH E. MACKIN, formerly member OF the
Legislature from Philadelphia, died in that city
Saturday. aged As.
MRS. HELEN GUNNELL, moth er of ex-Surgeon
General Gunnell, OF the Navy, died at Washing
ton Saturday. aged 50.
Mrs. HELEN GUNNELL, mother of ex-Surgeon
General iunnell, of the navy, die In Washing
ton saturday, aged SO.
PROF. SAM X. BRowDKR. a well-known educa-
tor in his State. died of dropsy of the heart at
Frankfort, Ky Friday night.
JOHN THOMPSON. founder of ThompSon's Bank
Note Reporter, and also of the First National and
the Chase National Banks of New York died at
his home in that city yesterday.
ALANsoN SWEET, who went to Chicago In 1892
and was one of the IL men who laid out that city
the following year, died Saturday. He was
wealthy at one time. hut met with financial re-
verses In his latter wears.
MRS. AGNES PITCAIRN, widow of John Pit
cairn, Jr., died yesterday afternoon, aged SO
years. Funeral services will be held at the
Eesidsnes of her son5in-aw, Alexander Pitcairn.
Ex-JUDGE THEoDoTUs BURwELL, founder of
the Buffalo Courier, died Saturday at Spuyten
Duyvil n. Y, aged 81 years. He has been pro.
fessor in a military school and the former law
parner of General Nye, Ex-Governor OF Nevada
Territory.
Mrs. RosINA OFT. wife OF Jacob OFT and mother
in-law of Undertaken William Semmelrock, of
No. 70 South sixteenth street. died yesterday
morning ut $50 O'Clock, aged IA years. The
funeral will take place from Mr.. Semmelrock's
residence tomorrow morning at O'Clock.
REV. THOMAS JAMES tcolored), born slave in
1904. is dead In Rochester N. Y. When II years
of age he traded for yoke of oxen. He was
the most widely known preacher of his race in the
United states, having preached all through the
South and West. In 1887 he ordained Fred DOUG
lass at New Bedford, Mass.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-20
PEOPLE WHO COME AND 60.

Sam P. White. of Beaver Falls, was in
the city yesterday.
w. 81. Crane, the actor, will spend the
week at the Schlosser.
Judge Harry White, of Indiana, regis
tered at the Seventh Avenue Hotel.
John N. Taylor, prominent East Liver
pool potter, was in the city yesterday.
w. II. Mcconnell, OF Wilmington, and
W. c. Clark, of California, are at the Duquesne.
w. NJ. Wright, OF GAINESVILLE, Wis, regis
tered at the Seventh Avenue Hotel last even
ing.
Postmaster Mexican returned last evening
from Charleroi, where NJ. j. Alexander and he
spent Sunday.
W. K. L, Warwick, of Massillon, a SON
Of the man who defeated Mckinley, was at the
Anderson yesterday.
Miss Svbil Carter, who has lately visited
Japan and China as missionary at large of the
Episcora al Church, will be in the city Thursday
and Friday of this week.
w. j. Rainey, the coke operator. and his
son registered at the Monongahela House last
evening. Mr.. Raineys plant is in operation,
and he says the strike does not affect him. He
Is serene over the fact that he is about the only
operator who is filling his orders.