davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
A FUTILE INQUIRY.

One of the literary features of the last
North american Re0ieU is an effort to de-
termine by verdict of seven selected
judges what is ''the best book of the
year" There are several criticisms to
offer on the attempt First, jury made
up as any of the sort must be cannot come
to any conclusion. That consisting of Sir
Edwin Arnold, Gail Hamilton, Agness
Repplier, Amelia E. Barr, Julien Gordon,
DR.. Briggs and William A. Hammond is
not one from which impartial criticism-if
there is any such thing-can be expected
1t is just as good as any other jury likely
to be selected, but its decisions, collective
ly and individually, are simply the express
sions of the tastes of individuals more or
less prominent, but hardly more infallible
as judges than the average reader.
Another reason .inseparably related to
this one is that there is not nor ever will be
an absolutely "best book The value of
book varies with the people into whose
hands it falls and the success with which
it affects the class it addresses To one
man, scientific work may be the best: to
another, historical work; to third, a
work of the imagination, and so on ad
6nTn6tum. To attempt to rank the relative
merits of Robinson Crusoe," ''The Essay
on Man, and Humes' history is like dis
cussing whether air or water is most
necessary to life This consideration
makes it natural result that the North
american ReUieU's inquest ON the best
book should result in the specification of
seven chest books with such variety as
two novels, volume of essays, two theo-
logical works, Herbert Spencer's Justice"
and dictionary.
A third criticism may appear cynical,
as to the paucity of material for these
judges to work on. If they had been
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
DEPOPULATING THE COUNTRY.

GRIP is assisting the "green Christmas" to
fulfill the old saw about "fat graveyard."-
Chicago Mail
IT is no longer "La Grippe" but the grip.
1t has got pretty thoroughly anglicised.-
Boston Herald.
GRIP, the railroads and dynamite are all
conspiring against the next census.-Louis-
Vile CO,rier-Jouu7,dL
IT is high time Secretary Rusk was turn
ing little cold weather loose on the grip
germs Washington Post.
THE grip is epidemic in New York, but Mr.
Cleveland is exempt. He has had his and
lost minneapolis Tribune.
THE Tuscarora Indians in this State are
down with the grip" II the "grip" is
strong enough they will be kept on the
reservation.-NeU York Advertiser.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
GRAINS OF CHILE PEPPER.

CHILE is evidently coming to her senses.
handy club is great peaceihaker.-Mnre-
apolis Tribune
WITH Chile it happily looks now as if
ehamnague was the only thing we are going
to spill.-Ne,1 York Recorder.
WELL. ChiIe's investigation of the Balti-
more episode is completed. What does
Uncle Sam propose to do about it?-Chicago
Nail
ALTHOUGH the troubles with Chile are
,ikely to be amicably adjusted, it is we'll
that the navy be prepared for action should
occasion require.-C Cleveland Plain Dealer.
THERE WAS Chile sauce on many Christ
mas dinner table in the United States but it
does not follow that this Yankee nation
will take much sauce from Chile.-New York
Press
BRER MoNTr. of Chile, will please take
notice that Uncle Sans new smokeless
powders beat the compounds offered by John
Ball and his European rivals "aIl hollow
Boston Globe.
THE day Chile "burns the American lega-
tion," as threatened, she can date as the
start on her down track to ruin. Uncle Sam
is a little slow to get mad, but when he does
sthe nitrate beds" will be open to new occu-
pants.-C Chicago Inter Ocean.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
RECIPROCITY WITH NEIGHBoRs.
The British West Indies Come in Under the
New Order Of Things.

The British West Indies Come in Under the
New Order of Things.
WASHINGTON D. c., Dec GA reciprocity
arrangement has been entered into between
Secretary Blaine and the British Minister,
to embrace the British West Indian colo
nies of Jamaica, Barbados, the Leeward
and Windward Islands (excepting Grenada, },
Trinidad and the colony of British Guiana.
1t Is expected that the arrangement will go
into operation rs to the West Indian colo
nies named on February next and as to
British Guiana March 81 next. The official
proclamation and correspondence will
probably not be issued for ten days or two
weeks, as it must await notice that the tariff
legislation of the colonies rendered neces-
sary by the arrangement has been enacted
The following are the principal articles to
be admitted free of all duty and any other
national, colonial or municipal charges.
Animals alive: beef; beef and pork preserved in
p an an dss and
carts. wagons. cars and barrOws. not including
eggs fertilizers of all kinds. natural and articial
fish. fresh or on Ice. and salmon and oysters in
not canned timed Or bottled; gold and silver coin
Of the United States and baIlion hay and straw for
forage; ice; lndia rubber and gntts percha goods:
lime of all kinds all materials and appliances for
railwnys and and Of all kinds for
and chemicals: all accessories for printing; quick
silyer rosin. tar, pitch and turpentne; Salt:
ing machines; shiphuding materials. including
wire rope: starch of Indian corn maize: steam
and power engines; steam boilers and steam pipes;
sulphur; tanbark; electrical apparatus and ap-
pances of all kinds for communication or 1llumina-
tion: trees plants, vines and seeds and grains of
all kinds for propagation or cultivation; wire for
fences; proprietary medicines.
The following affect Jamaica only:
Coal and coke: sugar. refined; wire for fences.
for appliances for fastening the same; zinc, tin and
lead in sheets.
1t is understood that the packages or COW
erings in which the articles named in the
foregoing schedule are imported shall be
free of duty if they are usual and proper for
the purposes.
Articles to be admitted at 80 per cent re-
duction of the duty designated in the Gus
toms tariff now in force:
Bacon and bacon hams; bread and biscuit: butter;
cheese: lard and its compounds lumber of pitch
pine, in rough or prepared for buildings to be
duced to shings per !, 900 feet.
Articles to be admitted at 25 per cent re-
duction of the duty designated in the Gus
toms tariff now in force:
Beef salted or picked; corn and maize: corn
meal: oats; petroleum and its prouucts, crude
refined; pork, salted or picked: wheat.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
Social Chatter.

AT the second of the Monday evening
dance series the patronesses present were:
Mrs. A. E. W. Fainter, Mrs. B. F. JONES' Mrs.
| Henry W. oliver, Mrs. William H. Singer,
Mrs. Park Painter Mrs. George F. Robinson,
Mrs: Alex Laughlin. Jr., Mrs Wynn R. Sew
fsa Mrs Mrs. s0ssea senrEe ESeara f sn asn 1s
Mrs Walter L. McClintock, Mrs. John II. II.
Ricke.son, 1sc+J Mrs James , B. oIjysr Mrs Will
Wilcox. Mrs. Frank P. Sproul, Mrs. Mark
W. Watson, Mrs. John s. Hays. Mrs George
w. Jones, Mrs. George W. Dilworth, Mrs.
John s. Dickson, Mrs. Joseph 0. Horne. Mrs.
Wood.
In further protest against the propounder
of the query 'For what purpose, anyway, is
the Women's Committee OF the Worlds
Fair in existence?" a long circular has ap-
peared, purporting to throw a light on this
dark subject. From the way in which the
ladies and gentlemen connected with the
Columbian Exhibition are complimenting
each other, one would suppose that the
world Of gentle folk certainly was not repre-
sented in either committee.
The Orinda Club gave the third of its
dance series last night at the Linden Club
house, under the patronage of Mrs. Frank
Lindsey Mrs. W. F. Aull, Mrs Edw, Norme-
cutt, Mrs. Charles Curry. About 70 young
people were present. and took part in the
ENJOYABLE dance, afterward discussing one
of Kuhn's best suppers. The Committee on
Invitations is composed of MIR. Emory
bravo. MI. ]. A. Aull. Mr.. E. Kehew, Mr.. w.
Heppenstall and Mr.. George S. Proctor.
A. c. scRIBNER, Greek and English Litera-
ture Master at the Western University, was
married on Monday evening to Miss Mary
Leo Myers at the residence of the brides
father in PIainfleld, n. J. The guests in
cluded the families Of both and their most
intimate friends among whom were some of
Mr.. Scribner's acquaintance In town. Mr.
Scribner is u iavoiite in educational and so
cial circles, and naturally IA cordial welcome
will be given to his young wife.
ST. BRIDeEr's CHURCH, of Wylie avenue. will
give tea-party tonight in the new school
house, specially arranged for II festive pur-
pose, and which will continue ON the follow
ing evening. The tea-party will be in the
lower hall, and upstpirs there will be u
dance at u later hour The pleasing per-
sonality of the recently appointed rector is
having its reward in the ever increasing
growth OF his congregation.
A VERY English fashion some years ago was
to make use of old Christmas cards, always
taking care, sometimes with unfortunate re-
their givers OF q year before. The eco
nomical practice, therefore, has been spoiled
by fashion set this year, which rendered
imperative the use of the name and address
OH every Christmas greeting OF this nature.
Mr.. AND Mrs. TRUMP, of Edgewoodville,
will entertain with cards tonight in honor
of a PhiladelplIia friend who is their guest
at present. For the nonce the Pennsylvania
local system will provo a formidable rival
OF the electric road. rs Mr.. Trump has ar
ranged for q special train to carry home his
guests at o'clock in the morning.
WHEN the princely house on Ridge avenue,
which Mr.. Henry Oliver is enlargins and
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
PR1HczToH WILL Be Bzn1r1rzn
Directors of the Union Theological Sem
mary Likely to Lose Beouests.

New YORK, Dec. 29.-fSpecial 1.-The oppo
nents of Prof. Charles A. Briggs in the Pres
| byterian Church have frequently asserted
that Union Theological Seminary wonld
suffer In the end for standing by its pro
| fessor of Biblical Theology, after the Gen
eral Assembly of 1891 had disapproved ofhis
| appointment. 1t was said that the Pres.
byteries would not send their ministerial
candidates to an institution which had
practically cut away from the churchs
highest governing body by its action.
There is no appreciabIe difference in
the number OF students entering Union
this year, but nearly a dozen presby-
teries have passed resolutions directed
against Union at their fall meetings. Some
of these directly charge the seminary with
maintaining heretical teachings, and stated
that the presbyteries would not send any
more of their students to the seminary until
its Objectionable teachers were removed.
1t was plain to see that in these bodies Prof.
Briggs was considered a hereto in spite of
the decision of the New York Presbytery.
By next year there may be a falling off in
tile Unions students. but the seminary d.
rectors feel confident that the number OF
those who stay away will be made up by
lihernl-minded young men who will come TO
Union for theological instruction.
The point has also been made by the op-
ponents of Union Seminary that the endow-
nents she has received in the past were
given with the understanding that the insti-
tuition should always be under the control
of the General Assembly. They have warned
the directors, too, that they would lose
many bequests, which would not come to
them under the present condition of affairs
The directors have maintained vigorously
that many of the Presbyterians who
have done the most for the Union
Seminary were heartily in sympa-
thy with the directors in their
recent action. But the first news of q be-
quest to be cut off from Union in conse-
quence of the controversy over Prof. Briggs
comes from Maryland. John T. De Sellum,
of Rock vile, Nd, who has recently died,
made will some time ago leaving his prop
erty to the Union Theological Seminary.
But when his will was read 1T was found
that he had altered it a short time before his
death SO that his property valued at about
$21, 900 went to Princeton Theological Semi
nary instead of Union. Mr.. De Sellum had
taken a deep interest in the discussion
over Union Seminary, and when the
Presbytery of Washington City, to
which he belonged, passed resolutions
Seminary, he decided to leave his property
to an institution of whose orthodoxy there
could be no question. This action has ex-
cited no little interest in the Presbyterian
Church at large, and it will undoubtedly,
help to revive much of the feeling of Unions
friends against Princeton Seminary, which
was first voiced SO forcibly in DR.. Charles
H. Parkhurst's famous sermon, in which he
attacked Princeton vigorously. 1t is pretty
certain that If Union does suffer any
losses Princeton will benefit by them.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
A ROLL OF DEATH

Startling statistics are given this morn.
ing on the murderous work of the rail.
roads within Allegheny county. The loss
of go lives this year, of 259 the year be-
fore and the total of over a thousand in
the past five years will make the thought
full ponder on the sacrifice of human life
to the era of modern industrial enter.
prise.
A large share of this loss is OF course
furnished by people who persist in walk
ing on railroad tracks. A heavy proper
tion is also undoubtedly due to causes
preventable, such as grade crossings and
the antique coupler system. In default
of definite statistics ON these points it is,
however, public service to call attention
to the danger shown in these returns in
the practice of walking the tracks.
Nevertheless, it is question whether
the proposition to make track
walking misdemeanOr would mend mat
tiers much. If the example of five deaths
a week on railroads within the county
does not deter people from using the
tracks as thoroughfaresi it is likely that the
more remote contingency of arrest and
fine would have much effect? The law
could not add much to the penalty which
the nature of the case threatens, and those
who take the chances of the latter will be
likely to brave the former.
Finally, before the law makes it mis-
demeanor to incur this danger is it not its
business to provide that pedestrians shall
have at least as good pathways from point
to point as the railway tracks afford? Give
the people something as good or better
than the tracks to walk upon and they
will not subject themselves to the danger
of sudden death simply from love of ex-
citement
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
Rival Encampments of knights.

ERIE, Dec. Special l-Some time ago
the Knights of st. John and Malta organized
an encampment in Erie, and now Evander
Youngs, the Deputy of Erie county, has
caused the arrest of C. j. Blushing, the
third officer in the Erie encampment, on the
charge of larceny of ritual. The animus
of tliis proceeding is that Blushing is
organizing q rival branch of the Malta
under the direction of CHAPTER General
Staltz, of Philadelphia Each branch
charges the other with being spurious and
clandeStine.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
DEATHS HERE AND ELSEWHERE.
Mrs. Aureiia Mills Wyncoop.

Mrs. Aurelia Mills Wynkoop died in
Washington, Saturday, at the residence of her son.
the Rev. Theodore s. Wynkoop. Mrs. Wynkoop
was the daughter Of the late Isaac Mills. of New
Haven, and the widow Of the Rev. r. s. Wyn-
koop, who was for many years Pres sbyterian mis-
sionary to India. Mrs. Wynkoop accompanied her
husband to India, and took an active part in his
work. After her husbands death she accompanied
her son to the same country. where he confined the
work begun by his father. Mrs. Wynkoop was of
great age but to the last was charming and
Vivacious woman a brilliant musician composer
and conversationalist with a singularly retentive
memory. She made several voyages around the
globe after reaching what is usually denominated
old age. She has resided in Washington for nearly
Is years, with her son, andhas always been active
with him in the work of the church Of which he is
pastor-the Western Presbyterian.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
Prize Songs for the Worlds Fair. as,

CHICAGO, Dec. 29.-Director General Davis
to-day received from prominent Eastern
manufacturing firm an offer to deposit with
any one he may designate $500 as a prize
for the best poem or song to be read or sung
Mt tie opening ceremonies of the Worlds
Fair. the contest to be open to the world
and the prize to be awarded to the writer by
a committee to be selected by the commits
sion. The Director General will at once
place tho proposition before the proper
committee,
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30

THE important news is reported from
Washington that Secretary Baine's large
mastiff got into heated argument with an
unofficial canine about n Christmas bone
picked up in the street. The diplomatic dog
promptly adopted the jingo policy and after
short period of hostilities sent the insur-
rectionary canine bowling down the street.
With the final remark that the Blaine dog
took possession of the bone people can apply
the augury to national politics or inter
national complications as suits their tastes.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
Pittsburgers In New York.

NEW YORK. Dec. 29.-[SpeciaL 1.-The follow
ing Pittsburgers registered at New York
hotels to-day: j. A. Alicock, Gedney; J..
Arbuckle, Morton House: Miss Barr, Hoff-
man House: P. T. and w. Bauman, st. James;
s. Bissel, st. Denis Hotel; Miss Crawford,
Holland; H. 1. Gourley, st. Denis Hotel; "
Preston, Hoffman House; Mrs. Reinhart, St.
Denis Hotel: J. H. Thomas, ST. Denis: W.
Fl. Appleby. Continental; j. X. Ellewood. st.
Denis; j. Hochberg, St. Denis: J. III. Laf-
terty, Sc. Denis: j. S. Mahon, Westminster;
c. NJ. Petit, st. Stephens Hotel; r. Shiel, st.
Stephens Hotel.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30

asked to name the worst book of the year
they would certainly have had wider
range of selection. Finally, if any man or
woman undertakes to say what is the best
book of year, do they not acknowledge
that they have read all published in that
time? Do these seven unfortunate per-
sons plead guilty to having committed
that dreary and preftless offense?
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30

THERE is an assertion in the New York
World that Mr.. Blaines entire work in the
State Department since his return has been
for the purpose of maintaining peaceful re-
lations with Chile Mr.. Blaine is sensible
enough to perceive that there is more per-
manent credit in extending the commerce
of the country thar in getting q war forthe
exaltation of the naval officers.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
Obituary Notes.

JAMES KELLEY, of HarrisvilIe, W. Va, a noted
young lawyer and orator, has died of the grip.
ALBERT GALLATIN LEONARD at one time a
Collector of Internal Revenue. and Joseph J. wetl-
erill, both prominent men of Parkersburg, have
died of the grip.
MALCOLM CARUTHERs prominent member of
the Chicago bar and son Of Judge j. Caruthers,
died very suddenly of heart disease Monday morn
ing, aged 4o years.
STARR MoRRIssEY. one of the best known of the
younger theatrical business managers of New
York, died at st. vincent's Hospital Monday morn
ing after two-months' sickness.
JOHN v. FARRAR, manager of Goods IOpera
House. South Bend, Ind. is dead, aged 43. He was
u native of Maine, and for many years had been
in the theatrical business as vance ageut Or man
ager.
REV. WILLIAM POTTER is dead at Hampden,
Geauga county, o., at the age Of %. Father
Potter. as he was familiarly known, had for three
years been the Oldest Congregational minister in
the world
REV. WILLIAM ABBY. well-known Presbyte-
rian clergyman, died recently at his home at Ma
rietta, o. He was CT years old. Mr.. Addy was
native Of Highgate. VT. and was graduated from
Middebury College.
BENJAMIN RUTHERFORD FITz, an artist OF ex-
cellent reputation and much promise, died on Sum-
day at his home at Peconic, L. l., of a eOmplica-
tion of asthma and heart trouble. His best known
work was in portrait and landscape painting.
JACOB ID. CONNER, Clerk of the Missouri Su-
prene Court, died at jefferson City Monday morn
ing from the effects of paralysis. with which he
was stricken ten days ago. Captain Conner was 55
years Of age and native of Maryland.
BUsHRop NoRTHRoP, who moved to Washington,
Pa, from Bolivar, \. Y, last June, died Monday
of apopexy aged II years. He was sitting in his
parlor playing with his grandchild when he was
stricken. He was the father OF X. ID. Northrop,
the well-known machinist.
DAVID HUMPHREY GILBERT. of Plymouth
Mass, an inventor of some note, died Sunday.
While working as carpenter for Isaac Crehor. the
playing card manufacturer of Boston. he saw the
disadvantages of hand labor In making cardboard,
and invented the pasting machine.
DR.. BASS RAwsoN, the oldest pioneer of Ham
cock county, o., having settled In Finday in 1879
at time when there were but IL white families
within the confines of the county, died there yes
terday in the residence he has occupied for over
half u century. His remarkable age, of nearly 93
has an older brother now living and In active
health.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30

"WHAT is the matter with Pittsburg
natural gas? 1t has just blown up another
dwelling. Is it the gas, or the way the gas
is used?" asks the Buffalo Express. 1t is in the
way the gas is used, dear cotemporary. If
natural gas is used to blow up buildings it
will do the work with equal thoroughness
and dispatch.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
Asked for a Day Off and Got Reduction

CANTON, Dec. 29.-[SpeciaL Thirty three
moulders employed by the Malleable Iron
Works and Elbel 4 Co. are out on q STRIKE
The trouble originated in dispute
about working a day after Christmas
and men wanting their pay Christmas eve
instead of on Saturday. The company then
discharged all and took them back as indi-
viduals under n 10 per cent reduction of
wages. This reduction has been contem-
plated some time. a nd leaves wages the same
as they were four years ago when the adj
vance was made.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-30
RHYNKLES ANu RHYMELETS.

| seThis mince pie is delicious" said Cad
| lev TO Mrs. Noorich. Have you the receipt for
| it?''
..Sir?', said the lady. Indignantly. ''Receiptf
No. sir, have not because have not yet received
the bill. .''-HdrpeT's Bdzdr.
While Past or Future Christmas makes
most important ghost.
All know the Christmas present is
What some folks prize the most
-Bashia1ton Star.
Boarding House Keeper-That Rathbone
takes after both his father and mother.
Friend-How so?
Boarding House Keeper-One eats a long time
and the other good deal.-Pack.
".Johnny, Johnny" said the minister, as
he met an urcnin one Sunday afternoon. carrying
string of fish, ..Do these belong to you?'
wees. sir; you see that's what they got for
chasing worms ON Sunday Spare Moments.
Oh. never, converse with dynamite fend,
Tho harmless TO You he may seem.
For he with his creed is SO well magazined,
So brimmed to the lip with his scheme.
so utterly crammed with the same thro' and thro'
That If on the theme you'd embark.
A deadly explosion would likely ensue
If he'd happen to drop remark.
boston Courisr.
Chappie-Aw, I'd like to dwop myself
into YOUR aw-beg pardon stocking on Cwismas
Eve doncherknow a a Cwismas present
Miss Flye-Thanks, but I'd prefer TO have some
thing different from what's In 1t every day in the
year.-BrookiyH Eagle.
Bunker-What's your hurry, old man?
Hill (a suburban residenD-Not a moment TO
snare II should miss this train, wouldn't get
home in time enough to take the train coming bacE.
Puck.
Of all things on earth there are
To drive q man to drink,
The worst is a rickety sleeping ear
Where you lie awake and think
-Seto York HsSy1lS
'Now look at the situation in Europe
II don't want to know anything about the Sit 4
uation in EUROPE n
''All right. Ii you don't want 10 know anythiH
sbout the situation In Europe read the cable&
patches about 1t. ii-Iyesc Tork Press