davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
CHANGES IN THE ROAD BILL,

As will be seen by our Harrisburg special,
the subcommittee of the Road Commission
have made some changes in their bill from
the form which it was first reported. As
of course the bill has got to pass through
several bodies before it finally becomes a
law, these changes are by no means de-
cisive, but they are of interest as showing
the tendency of the movement toward legis-
lation.
The changes reported are three That
abolishing the present system of working
out road taxes and substituting in its place
the privilege OF the farmers to work for reg
ular wages if they wish, is a good one. 1t
permits farmers who are short of cash to
pay their taxes in labor, and it makes
shillyshallying less probable. The pro-
vision for county civil engineer to take
general charge of road work in each county
is a necessary part of the whole project.
The change making State aid in pro-
portion to the road expenditures of
each township, independent of whether
the township uses its money to
make permanent roadways or not.
looks like distinct falling away from the
principle which is at the basis OF the whole
reform, namely inducing the construction of
permanent roadways instead of the annual
patching which is now the general rule.
The new rule would require that the State
appropriation should be spent in making
permanent roadways; but it would offer no
especial premium which does not now exist
for the townships to turn their efforts in that
direction.
The whole subject, however, is under such
keen and interested consideration that it can
be taken as practical certainty that legisla-
tion will be adopted this winter working a
decided reform in our country highways.
This is very gratifying result of the agita-
ton which The DISPATCH has given to
the subject.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
DIR. sCHLIEMANN AS A WORKER,
His Methods of Archaeological Exploration
at Tiryns in OrgoIis.

His Methods of Archaeological Exploration
at Tiryns in OrgoIis.
From Tiryns.l
My habit was to rise at 3:45 A. NJ, swallow
four grains of quinine as a preservation
against fever, and then take a sea bath; a
boatman for l franc daily awaited me
punctually at o'clock and took me from the
quay to the open sea, where swan for five
or ten minutes. After bathing I drank in the
coffee house Aganemnon, which was always
open at that hour. cup of black coffee with
out sugar, still to be had for the old sum OF
10 lepta Ia penny, though everything
had risen enormously in price. A good COB
lat francs daily stood ready and took me
easily in % minutes to Tiryns where l ALWAYS
arrived before sunrise, and at once sent back
the horse for DR.. Dorpfield. Our breakfast
was taken regularly at s A. M, during the
first rest of the workmen on the floor
of the old palace at Tiryns. 1t con-
sisted of Chicago corned beef. of which a
plentiful supply was sent me from London,
bread, fresh sheep cheese, oranges and white
resined wines (reznato) which, on account of
wholesome during heat and hard work than
the stronger red wines. During the work
mems second rest, beginning at IL and last
ing at first an hour, In greater heat one hour
and three-quarters, we also rested, and two
stones of the threshing floor at the south end
of the AcroPolis, where we afterward found
the Byzantine Church, served us for pillows
One never rests so well as when thoroughly
tired with hard work, and 1 can assure the
reader that We never enjoyed more refreshing
sleep than during this midday hour in the
Acropolis of Tiryns, in spite of the hard bed
and the scorching sun, against which we had no
other protection than our Indian hats laid fat
on our faces.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05

loose to the same effect as follows: SIT is
unfortunate for his pretension that higher
duties mean for him only higher wages,
that there is always trouble with the work
ingmen at the Edgar Thomson Steel
Works" And goes on to give specifications
in support of this allegation to the effect
that there was trouble three years ago, and
there is trouble now.
1t would probably not make much differ
ence with the attitude of these esteemed CO.
temporaries whose political function it is to
make bugaboo out of the ''Star Spangled
Scotchman;" but it might contribute to
their comprehension of the subject if they
should investigate it thoroughly enough to
find out two things. The first is that the
product of the Edgar Thomson Steel
Works is steel rails; the second that the re-
cent tariff act reduced the duty on steel rails
from S17 per ton to s12 per ton.
The strike of portion of the Edgar
Thomson workmen was for higher wages
Is it the theory of our free trade cotempor-
aries that it is obligatory upon manufac-
turer to raise wages when the protective
duty on his product is cut down one-thirdP
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
THE DELAMATER FAILURE.

The statement of the assets and liabilities
in the Delamater failure, published else
where, although showing somewhat better
condition than some of the worst fears have
indicated, is still a sufficient indication of
wreck to provoke decided comment. 1t is
some mitigation to learn that the showing
of assets of the banking firm. less than 25
per cent of Its liabilities, and of the indi-
vidual members for even a less proportion,
is calculated at forced values; but it is a
subject of pertinent inquiry how bank
could be reduced to that condition in accord
ance with business principles.
The creditors of Delamater & Co. would
certainly be justified in asking information
as to the losses or business disasters which
could reduce to this pass firm which less
than year ago was held up as synonym
of wealth and stability. Such statement
involves the grave fact that unless some
recent disasters have occurred which
wiped out not only the capital of the firm
and the fortunes of the individual members,
but three-quarters of the assets, which
should balance its liabilities. all the politi-
cal expenditures which the Republican can
didate for Governor INDUCED in last year
were paid for, not with his own money, but
with the money of his depositors. The ap-
praisers' report is not expected to give any
account OF the causes of the failure; but
when it is shown to be one in which SO large
share of the assets of the depositors have
disappeared it is to be wished that the lesson
and warning afforded by full statement of
the causes of the disappearance, could have
been secured.
Another interesting inquiry is raised by
the report of an offer of fifty per cent on the
liabilities. Since the assets of the firm are
not expected to realize over 25 per cent,
there is likely to be good deal of curiosity
concerning the people who are SO public
spirited as to put up the one or two hundred
thousand dollars more necessary to pay the
other 25 per cent
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
IN A SEA OF ICE.
Arrival in Port of a Steamship Which Was
Long Overdue

Arrival in Port of a Steamship Which Was
Long Overdue.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 4-The long overdue
British steamer Amy, whose safety for the past
week has been despaired of, has at last been
heard from. Messrs. Taylor & Moore. of the
North Atlantic Transportation Company, yes
terday received the following story from Cap
tain Nichols, her commander: 1.-The steamer
is now at Halifax short of coal" Captain
Nichols said he left Hamburg on November IL
for Philadelphia via Belfast, leaving the latter
port on December 9. The weather was ex-
cept1onally stormy. with high winds and heavy
seas, and on account of the storm he was un-
able to make much progress, and, as his ship
had run short of coal, he was compelled to put
into st. Johns. N. f., on December 81
After leaving ST. Johns the Amy again en-
countered tremendous seas and gales accom-
panied by intense cold, so that everything
movable on the decks was frozen solid, the rig
ging being one mass of ice, and all the crew
suffered intensely from the cold, as none were
it.
The watches of both the officers and the men
had to be reduced to quarter of the time pre-
viously observed. When putting out from st.
Johns the Amy again, owing to the severe
weather, ran short of coal, and a great deal of
the woodwork had to be burned to keep the
engines going. The sails could not be used
as the upper ropes were frozen, and
in this dilemma Captain Nichols resolved to
days he and his crew battled with the storm
and ice, and at last reached it in safety without
any other damage to his crew than from the
severe cold. Several of the Amy's crew are
frost bitten, and one man is SO badly injured
that fears are held that he will not recover.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
OUR MAIL POUCH.
To the Editor Of The pispa.en:

To the Editor OF The Dispatch:
In your editorial columns a week ago read
an article which afforded me much satisfaction.
Since 1t has become necessary again for our
manufactures and establishments of the differ
ent kind to resume the use Of coal for
fuel, think the press should do all in her
power to promote, agitate the use of some kind
of smoke consumers. 1t is only but a year ago
when in the columns of your paper a boast
OF cleanliness was written. It Is no doubt a
pride to any city to appear as clean az possible,
which is no hard task and the outlay but small.
l feel assured that business will further
itself. 1t makes life happier. more cheerful.
and living pleasanter and reputation un-
biemlshed. Why is 1t that Chicago declared
war on the smoke nuisance some time ago, and
as understand that since an ordinance was
passed to that effect that the large con-
sumers OF coal have adopted such a devise and
Its inha abtants feel happy over it.
Allegheny City is where measures should be
taken to compel number of establishments
TO resort to smoke consumer. 1t can't be de-
MED that since the natural ges came in general
use In our cities that noticeable change has
take place in the erection of so many handsome
buildings. Before that time our monied men did
not think worth their while to spend any extra
money in erecting such fine edifices, and you
can take it for granted that II there is not
compulsory law enforced it will not be very
long before our cities will be completely distig-
ured and resume the old name of being the
dirtlest city In the country.
Just imagine when the Worlds Fair will
De opened in Chicago, which will bring thou
sands OF people through our city on their way
there. what the result will be. / firmly believe
that if the press will advocate the matter in the
form. A CITIzEN .
ALLEGHENY, Jan. 2
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
TERMS OF THE DISPATCH.
pITTsBURG. MONDAY, JAN. S, 1891.
TAXATION OF STREET CAR LINES.

The inquiry which has been made by Con-
troller Morrow as to the taxation of street
car companies reveals some interesting con-
trasts to the exemption of taxation which
has marked the policy of Pittsburg in treat
ing its transit corporations. 1t appears
from the statements published elsewhere
that various cities realize various amounts,
with the range from s., 600 up to S140, 900
annually, from various methods of taxing
the street car lines, such as taxation by gross
receipts, by mile of track or by cars. The
variation in amounts may be partially
ascribed to the different size of cities; but it
is to larger degree evidently due to varia-
tions in the methods of taxation. Boston is
the one city which shares with Pittsburg the
lberality of letting its street car lines 60
free of special taxation.
1t is beyond doubt that immensely valu-
able franchises have been granted to Pitts
burg street railway lines during the past
few years, without due inquiry as to the re-
turn which the companies securing these
franchises might make to the city treasury.
If this business were as freely open to COM
petition as ordinary lines of trade, the the
ory would be correct that it was not wise
to impose any special burden of taxation
upon 1t which would then be Immediately
collected anew from the public who patron
ize the lines. But as the present methods
of granting franchises establish at least
partial monopolies, the conclusion is made
manifest thar the tax does not necessarily
come off the public. 1t does not appear that
fares are any lower in the cities where the
the lines are untaxed or where the taxes are
light than where they are heavy.
The figures give strong indication. as
was doubtless the intention in collecting
them, of the practicability of making the city
lines subject for taxation. How far the
city has power to impose special taxation on
that interest may be an interesting question,
but this showing of the availability of the
street car lines as sources of city revenue is
likely to lead to full examination of the
subject
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
A TERRIBLE Lesson,

The reports which come from Nebraska,
of battle on the frontier of that State, are
evidently colored, if not entirely produced
by the intense excitement and dread among
the settlers there, caused by the outbreak of
hostilities. But the excitement which pro-
duces such reports is an indication of the
horrors of the unnecessary conflict only
second TO the actual horrors themselves. 1t
has been fully pointed out that the present
outbreak is shown by the best testimony to
be due to mismanagement and bad faith on
the part of the agents of the Government
appointed to deal with the Indians While
the public Is daily receiving the reports of
the loss of life and atrocities caused by this
insurrection and the necessary work of
suppressing it, the thought should be laid
to heart that all this is due to the bad faith
permitted by the vices of our political sys-
tenn in treating with the Indians.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
THE INCONVENIENCE OF GAS.
Its Temporary Failure Deprives a City of
Water for Season.

1IS temporary talIure Depr1ves City OF
Water for Season.
DETROIT, Jan. 4-Shortly after o'clock this
morning the pressure of the natural gas ran
down so low at the water works that sufficient
steam could not be kept up for pumping pur-
poses. Fires were Immediately started under
the reserve boilers with coal, but before 60
pounds of pressure, the amount necessary to
do pumping. could be secured, the water SER
vice on an the high levels was shut off. 1t took
about an hour to get the pumps going properly
again, and Just as sufficient steam was secured
in the reserve boilers the gas resumed
its flow and all was well again.
The matter was laid before Superintendent
Byrne, of the gas company, and he is examin-
ing into the trouble which seems to have been
confined to the water board service, as COM
plants of lack of pressure had been received
from any other source. His first idea was that
some one, possibly some of the men who will be
out of job if the gas system is adopted by the
water board, had been fooling with the regu-
Iator but the fact that the outside gauge
showed no pressure in the main seems to kill
the theory.
The ten-day experimental run with gas
showed that at f5 cents per 600 it would cost
So A more per day than coal, even with the al
lowance for saving in labor of coal passers. The
average cost of gas for the ten days was S93 70.
and with coal it was $50 Al. The board will not
adopt gas unless it can be made TO do the work
at least as cheaply as coal.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
NOTES ABOUT PERSONS.

GEORGE f. WORK, the PHILADELPHIA bank
wrecker, is President of the street railway lines
of Macon. Ga.
MRS ELIZABETH CADY STANTON is in the
heart of England writing out her "Remiuis-
cences." to be published in book form when
completed.
GENERAL SPINNER's unique signature has
taken rise In the autograph market since his
death. 1t delighted thousands in the years
gone by, but now its value is only sentimental.
DIR. LYMAN ABBOTT. editor of the Christiua
Union and pastor of Plymouth Church, Brook
lyn, wrote a novel when much younger than he
is now. 1t was work of collaboration. he hav-
ing for assistants two of his brothers.
ALICE WELLINGTON ROLLINS is writing out
her experiences among the Brazilian tropics
and in Alaska, and they will be published in a
series of articles to be called From Palm to
Glacier"
SIR JOHN POPE HENNEssY, who was re-
turned to Parliament from North Kilkenny,
in spite of Mr.. Parnelrs opposition, has a fel-
low and kindly feeling with the latter on one
account at least-they have both made the
London Times pay handsomely for the priyi-
lege of libeling them.
DR.. HENNEAGE GIBBEs, of the Michigan
University, the man who has helped discover q
consumption cure to rival DR.. Koch's, has a
daughter who is a mighty hunter. BE, too,
loves out-of-doors, and with his child is often
seen tramping afield with dog and gun. The
two are familiar figures on the hills and fields
about the Michigan Athens.
A PARAGRAPH being widely circulated
speaks OF the father of Miss Sarah Orne Jewett
as sea captain. The fact is thar the au-
thoress' father was physician and surgeon
well known in Name, at one time professor in
ar r. ST.
character which gave Miss Jewett the original
for her story of "The Country Doctor"
Mrs MACKAY's stay in Charles street is to
be brief, for her husband mas Just purchased
the splendid house in Carlton House Terrace,
on which Mr.. Sanford expended little over
100000. There is nothing more palatial in
London, for the marble staircase, only just COM
pleted, alone cost f20 600 and all the rooms have
been fitted up in the most magnificent manner.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
GEMS OF HUaoR.

Big Foot appears to have put himself in
his mouth.-St. Paul Globe.
Sitting Bulls body Remembering in the
grave, but his ghost goes dancing on.-Nfnns-
apoits Tribune.
Hell feel completely prostrated. Iwish
1 were dead.
she-WelI, why don't you let me send for
doctor.-Brooktys Lle.
Chappie-Excuse me, miss, for stepping
on your gownl
Belle Of the baIl-Don't mention it pray; you do
not weigh enough to tear it!-Heao forS HsrdIo.
sMr. Jimpson, if you marry my daugh-
ter, remember can't keep you two"
..Oh. no; 1 don't expect that, sir. Just keep
her. and I,il try to root for myself. ''-Epoch.
Suapper-They say Grover Cleveland
Canner-Yaas; I've noticed by the papers that
he's been running down Hill.-Totedo Blade.
slogan-You know those stories I tell,
don't you, Binks?
Rinks-DoI? 1? Well, rather guess. I've heard
,em often enough.
slogan-weI, I'm going TO publish them in
hook and want you 10 suggest a title.
Binks-'Gray, but Good. .'-Neto York Sun.
Young Mr.. Fits Cat breakfast)-You
look annoyed. my dear. Is 1t anything hays
done?
Mr. Fitts-I say, is it anything I've been doingf
Mrs. Fits -
there like q dumb imagel What's the matter with
you this morning. anyway?
Mrs. Fitts-You were talking In your sleep last
Observation-Disclosures
MIR. Fltts-And said
Mrs. Fitts-And listened and listened a. hard /.
that could understand. Therei-lsdsasapoi<s
JouTnGi<
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
ARailroad Train Adrift.

Brooklyn Standard Union.]
One hears of traine going off drawbridgas,
getting stuck in snow banks, and being delayed
by washouts, but it remained for New York to
furnish the novelty of a train lost in fog and
drifting about helplessly hither and yon, like a
ship without a rudder. That is just what hap
pened to the train from Washington to Boston
yesterday afternoon. There were three day
coaches and a baggage car. and the passengers
expected to reach Boston by p
M The train was rolled on the car
float Maryland at Jersey City, and
started for the New England depot at One
Hundred and Thirtieth street on the Harlem
river sailing round the Battery on the way
But sailing round the Battery is more easily
said than done, especially when there is fog
prevailing that could be cut off in slices to suit
purchasers. The pilot thought he had headed
the big ferry boat SO as to round the point all
right The event proved that he must have
headed her only too well, for. SO the story goes,
the big craft described several neat circles OF
ellipses around Governors Island, just as if
she were New Yorker trying to find the way
in Boston.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
A HUGE ENGINEERING TASK.
Detroifs Great City Hall to Be Raised and
Two Stories Built Beneath.


DETROIT, Jan. f.-+Something gigantic In
the line of engineering, being nothing less than
the raising of building that weighs nearly
100000 tons, SO as to permit two additional
stories to be constructed beneath it, is an un-
dertaking upon which Contractor Henry
Buestrin is figuring.
The building which is to be temporarily sus-
pended in air is the magnificent City Hall of
Detroit, a huge pile of brick and mortar, stone
and iron. 1t occupies ground space of look
20S feet and is about 20 feet high. Mr.. Buestrin
estimates its weight at 100000 tons. Detroit,
it seems has outgrown her City Hall, and the
object of raising the building is to add two
stories to it. Presumably it IS not considered
safe to build two stories on the top of the
structure, as it was not built with any such
addition in view, and hence the two new stories,
with heavy walls. will support the whole of the
present structure, if the present plans are
carried out.
Contractor Buestrln states that the Detroit
authorities have not definitely decided to raise
the building The matter will be settled, he
states, In few days. He considers the scheme
entirely feasible and will submit bid when the
proper time comes The job is considered the
biggest one of the kind ever projected in Amer,
lea. 1t will cost Detroit mint of money some
of the contractors figuring the expense at as
much as S250,00
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
THE SELFISH BRIToNs.
They Are the Only People Who Do Not As
sist Their Race.

They Are the Only People Who Do Not As
sist Their Race.
New York Star.i
1t is a peculiar fact, well known and FREQUENT
ly commented upon by emigration officials, that
the English immigrants who land IN New York
are the only ones who. if they are in
want or trouble, are not looked after
by their countrymen. The Castle
Garden Mission and the Irish Immigrant So
ciety have watchful eye and helping hand
for every Irish man, woman or child who steps
ashore at the Barge Office. The German I'm
migrant Society is active in behalf of
the newcomers from the Fatherland, and,
like the French Society and the Italian
Home Organization, have offices on State
street, from which they carefully watch their
incoming countrymen. The Hebrew Charity
Association never let's one of the faith leave
the pier without knowing his condition and
destination, whether he comes from far-off
Poland or the nearer continental countries.
But the English immigrant must go to
strangers for help or welcome. The wealthy
English organization, the Society of ST. George
pays no attention to immigrants, and, indeed,
belleve makes it a point in their bylaws to
have nothing TO do with newcomers though
watchful enough of the interests of English
residents of the city.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-01-05
A FREE TRADE FREAK,

Two Of our esteemed Democratic cotem
poraries of New York city are very much
concerned over the strike of a part of the
employees at the Edgar Thomson Steel
Works, and have an indefinite idea that il
has some connection with the tariff ques-
tion. The Star remarks concerning Mr..
Carnegie: ''of course he does not propose
to give his workingmen any increased
wages as their share of the enormous profits
that his business will derive from this Re-
publican monopoly scheme. The working
men were assured during the campaign thar
higher wages would be theirs, but that does
not matter now." The World also cuts