davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
AN INCOMPLETE DEFENSE.

The remarkable increase in appropriations
which appears as one of the achievements
of the Congress just closed has received the
defense is that the increase is caused by the
enlarged payments for pensions, and the in
creased expenditure for the navy and coast
defenses The argument is that these ex-
penditures are such as no correct public
opinion can object to, and therefore the ac-
tion of Congress is justifable.
Beyond the begging of the question as to
the propriety of the immense increase in
pensions to three times the amount fixed
upon, by such an authority as Garfield, many
years ago, as the utmost limit for legitimate
pension expenditures, the fault of this ex-
planation is that it misstates the facts. 1t
may be necessary, or at least excusable, to
make a large increase of expenditures in
certain specified directions; but wisely
economical public policy would, when such
increase amounts to the scores if not
hundreds of millions, try to make up for a
part at least of the increase by cutting down
expenditures in other directions. But so
far from doing this the Fifty-frst Congress
did not even hold down the other expendl-
lures to their former level.
AS compared with the preceding Con-
gress-which spent larger sums than any
former Congress except in war times-the
appropriations of the Fifty-frst show an in
crease of s1e6, 100000 The increase in
pensions, in naval appropriations and on
Notifications, which are offered as an ex-
cuse, was Ss7, 900, 900. This leaves an in
crease of S1O9, OOO,0 600 on the other appro-
priations as compared with a standard
which was in itself surely liberal and
many believed an extravsgant one. The
fact is that of the seventeen departments of
appropriations, every one shows an increase
except two-the diplomatic and consular
and the military academy; and the saving
on these two items is less than half a million
dollars.
The fact can hardly be avoided that the
Congress Just closed was the most lavish in
expenditure ever known in the history of
the Government. 1t completely disposed of
the surplus so that its disposition will not
trouble this country for many years to come.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
PUNIsHING THE UNsUCCEssFUL.

The sentencing in Philadelphia of q
group Of bank wreckers who got control of
two financial institutions and, by convert
ing the assets for their own speculations
brought them TO ruin, furnishes warning
against the use of trust powers for private
profit. 1t is true, as the Philadelphia Press
saws, "that these men did more harm to the
security Of property than any number of
burglaries aud highway robberies."
But, with the truth of this assertion recog-
nized and the justice of the sentence ap-
proved, there is pertinent consideration in
the fact that the punishment is only
likely 10 reach those who fail in
the attempt to secure wealth by the abuse of
trust powers in this way. The men who use
their authority as directors to enrich them
selves, and succeed in it, are able to ignore
the law which Furnishes those who get
caught in exactly similar practices without
the funds which they have misappropriated.
1t is the case of Ives and Staynor over
again. Their stock manipulations deserved
criminal punishment, and no sympathy
need be wasted upon them. But they were
not more criminal than men who haYe car
ried exactly similar transactions to great
success and are now rulers of the corporate
world.
The law will make an effective example
who is in the possession of millions made by
the misuse of his trust and sends him to
prison despite his ill-gotten wealth.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
THE PROBLEM oF BAD DEBTS.

The fact that the New York tailors' organi-
zatiou has resolved to try that resort against
bad debts of advertising a public sale of
their uncollectable accounts strikes tnat city
as a new idea. One Of the New York papers
discovers in it the germ of great idea, in
the shape OF issuing what may, by stretch
of the imagination, be termed catalogue
TdisoRnee, descriptive of the bills TO be sold
and the gilded youth who have got the
clothing without parting with cash. This
it declares will be ''the book of the year"
The idea may be new one in New York;
but in This respect Pittsburg reverses her
usual character by appearing as city whose
tailors have tried this plan for some years.
A fidelity to historical truth compels us to
say that the advertised lists of the sales did
not create the sensation expected. The pub
LEGATION OF the uncollectable accounts was
made at due intervals, and the sales were
presumably held in accordance with the
notice; but it is doubtful whether the pub
locations or the sales resulted in any material
enlargement of the sartorial bank accounts.
The makers of the man, from the fash
ionable point Of view, have better remedy
for the trouble of bad debts within their
own hands than the resort to publicity.
The remedy is the simpler one of running
their business on a cash basis A good
many Pittsburg tailors, after trying the sales
OF judgments, decided to adopt the cash
plan, and some of them say they have found
that it enables them to sell clothing cheaper
and 10 do larger business than the old
practice of running long accounts and
making paying customers pay for the
raiment Of the non payers.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
GATHERED ON ALL SIDES,
The Jury System of Sunny France-Some-
thing About the Chinese-Blind People
Are Not Peculiar-A Statesman's Mistake

The jury System of Sunny France-Some-
thing About the Chinese-Blind People
Are Not Peculiar--A Statesman's Mistake
Leather That Is Costly.
To be eligible for the jury in France. SAYS
Mu'rdyS Magazine. it is necessary to be a
French citizen, not less that 80 wears of age to
enjoy all the political and civil rights, and
know how Co read and write; but, by exception.
neither magistrates nor Government function.
aries, nor salaried domestic servants are eligi.
Die. Men of 70 years of age are dispensed with
as also those whose labor is necessary for their
uany oread or those who have served as jury
men during the current previous wear.
Every year list of eligible iurymen is drawn
up by the Government authorities. Three
Thousand are chosen for the Department of the
seine; In all others the proportion is that of one
to every 800 inhabitants; but fixed residence is
necessary to be eligible. Ten days before the
opening of the sessions of the assizes the
names OF 80 jurymen are drawn by ballot
out OF the annual list, with the addition of four
supplementary jurymen, to serve during the
session, which lasts fortnight AS in England,
IL men make up the jury, but in criminal cases
one or two extra jurymen are present during
the trial, in readiness to take the place of any
one absolutely prevented from attending. The
complete list OF 81 names is handed to the prs-
oner the day before the trial begins ANY iury-
man falling to attend without sending notice of
impeachment to be submitted to the Court is liza.
pie to fine of from 200 francs to 500 francs for
me Eed nrsS onense oo0 francs for the second and
I,oOO francs for the third. which also involves
the forfeiture of mis- right in future to sit in any
Jury.
When the trial opens the SO names are thrown
togetner into jar and drawn one by one. the
prosecution and the defense using the right of
rejection till only Il names remain. If these
are nnally accepted the jury is Immediately
called and the trial begins.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
The Blind Not Peculiar.

Some people, said a prominent instructor to
reporter on tho ST. Louis Republic, fall into
the error of believing that blind persons are
pre-eminently peculiar; that their habits and
manners are not like those Of the general run
of mankind This IS a great mistake and has
gained vogue simply because blind people by
their infirmity are conspicuous. This is true of
persons with int1rmIties of any kind. If you
take dozen blind persons and study their
traits of character and single out those that
strike you as being peculiar, and then take a
dozen persons possessing all their senses and
note their peculiarities you will find that there
is but little difference between them. One of
the most important points in the education of
the blind is to impress upon them that they are
not unlike their seeing fellows except that they
cannot see. In fact, the successful teacher OF
the blind forgets that his papils are sightless.
After l6 wears of active work among the blind
ought TO know that my pupils cannot see. and
yet at this late dayif go into dark room
where blind children are studying their books
the first question that will spring to my lips is
likely to be. "How can you study in the darkf'
terested' 1 find myself gesticulating as energet-
lcally as II were addressing an audience that
could see. We never use any expression in
talking to the blind that reminds them of their
condition unless it is done In light vein. If
blind boy or girl stumbles over a chair, don't
say: "Poor thing, you are blind, you couldn't
help it." but instead 1 rally them on not keep,
ing their eyes about them, and :ell them that
they must be getting near-sighted. This has
the effect of removing embarrassment and
causing smile, when ill-judged pity would
produce tears. If 1 go into the yard to hunt
one of the boys will likely inquire of the FIRST
boy encounter: John, have you seen Henryf'
The answer will likely be: mo, sir; saw him
just before dinner in the hall, but haven't seen
him since" Now the fact is John never saw
Henry nor anybody else in his life, but he uses
the same expression as he would if blessed with
vision. In the classroom when teacher hands
model of some kind to a pupil for examination
ha d0as nota or La falt
thlsf" but Look at this" or "Have you seen
this?n
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
EIeDhant Leather ia Dear

A well known Eastern drummer says the
Louisville Courier journal, was in that city
last week, and had with him quite "a curiosity
in the shape of a pocketbook made from
genuine elephant hide. He was seen by re-
porter and in speaking of the purse and the
tanning of elephants hide, said:
1.-THE tanning of elephants hide is compare
lively a new industry. The method employed
is practically the same as in the tanning Of
cattle hides, except that stronger combIna-
tion of tanic ingredients is required and a
greater length of time-about six months-is
necessary to perform the work. When the
hide is taken out of the vat it is about one and
one-half inches thick. Articles made from
elephants hide are expensive luxuries. A
small pocketbook of elephant leather without
apy silver or gold ornamentation. costs about
$40 A small satchel made of the same leather
costs anywhere from $500 to S400.
sCigar cases, card cases and similar articles
vary from $50 to S100 Floor rugs are also made
out of the leather. In finishing the hide no at
tempt is made to glaze or polish it. Everything
is done to preserve its natural color and appear.
wear having but little effect upon il. The
scarcity of elephants and the great expense eu-
tailed in the tanning OF their hides preciudeS the
possibility of elephant leather ever becoming a
thing of popular and general use."
The pocketbook was only of an ordinary size,
with very plain trimmings. and cost s3S He has
carried it about three years. but it preserves its
color and is quite curiosity,
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
NAMES KNOWN TO ALL.

MRS. ISABELLA BUCHER HOOKER be-
lieves in women being judges, lawyers. jury.
men and justices of peace.
Mr.. MCKEE, President Harrison's SON.
in-law, is almost as short in stature as the old
gentleman, and slender almost to thinness.
ELIZABETH SARGENT, M. D., daughter
of our former Minister to Berlin, is an oculist
of exceptional skill. She lives in California.
PROF. HENRY DRIsLER, Dean of Colum-
hia College. who was supposed to have been lost
in a wreck of the Island of Zea, is reported
safe.
GOVERNOR GORDON, of Georgia, after
fooling the brethren three or four times finally
became a member of the Farmers Alliance on
the 9th inst.
SENATOR SAVERS vest pocket caught
fire while he was sitting in the Senate Chamber
last Wednesday. 1t is commonly reported that
he had car stove in it.
JOHN MCMAHON, once a partner of
Flood, FAIR and Mackey in San francisco,
after losing several fortunes is now attempting
to make another one in the coal fields of Idaho.
SPENCER PRATT, Minister to Persia,
now displaced, is a bachelor of 3a He is tall
ard slim with regular features and Vandyck
beard. His salary was S., 600, but his opportu-
mites great.
SENATOR HIGGINS, of Delaware, says
they still retain in modified form the whip
ping post and pillory. because the State is so
near three great cities that it is in danger of
becoming an asylum for criminals.
MRS. FLORENCE BALGARNIE was the
only foreign delegate to the Women's Council.
She is about 25, with tall fine figure and a smil-
ing face. Her statement of facts was clear
and concSa and the DaDer she read attracted
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
A Mistaken Statesman.

The Chicago Tribune tells a good story as
illustrative of the politicians tendency to
shake hands. 1t is as follows:
Colonel William F. Villas, of Wisconsin, was
travelling from Madison to Chicago. Colonel
Villas has some reason to be jubilant about
this time, and perhaps he has fair reason to
believe that everyone in the State of Wiscon-
sin knows him. Perhaps, also. he has heard
of those statesmen and politicians whose won
derful memory for faces and names made
them popular with the masses. At any rate IL
was apparent that he was going to see how 1t
worked, and if 1t was not success in one in
stance it can hardly be said to be the fault of
Colonel Villas.
He entered the smoking car a few miles out
from Madison and recognized the man in the
first seat behind the stove. He shook hands
with him and asked after the various members
of his family Then he passed on to the next.
His inquiries here were trife hazy, but the
man evidently knew Colonel Villas and was fat
tered. That emboldened the newly made Sem
ator to go on; in fact he was afraid to stop lest
he should offend some one.
Near the center of the car was an old man
with gray chin whiskers, fur cap and top
boots who was an interested spectator of the
proceedings. When his turn came Villas shook
him warmly by the hand and asked how every
thing was at the farm. The man grunted some
thing in reply and the Colonel passed on. After
he had left the car the old man turned to a
neighbor and asked:
"Who's that blamed idiot?'
"What?" cried the man addressed. Don't
you know hlmF'
Never saw him before"
"For heavens sake. where do you liver"
Madison"
"And don't know Colonel Vilas?''
The old man reused himself a little
10 that's Bill Villas, Is lt?" he said mo 1
never saw him before. and what in thunder
does he wantto make a pump-handle out of my
arm for?'
"Why, he's been elected Senator"
"Humph!" grunted the old man. "I suppose
that's why he asked me about my farm"
whats the matter with that7
Nothing, except that don't own a farm and
never tfd."
And so Colonel Villas diplomacy went for
naught
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
THE SOCIAL DOMAIN.

Hannibal A. Williams Gave Another of His
Delightful Readings Last Night at Car
negie HaII-A Chinese Reception-So-
ciety Small Talk.
Hannibal A. Williams, of New York, gave
another Of his delightful Shakespearean re-
citals in Carnegie Hall last evening. That
beautiful creation of the poet, '-The Tempest"
was rendered. Mr.. Williams gave a fanciful
and poetic reading of this dainty comedy. TAX
ing all the characters as easily as if he were
cast especially for each one. The play is so
different from that of last week. The Tanning
of the Shrew," that it enabled the reader to
prove bis versatility as we'll as his thorough
understanding of the spirit of the bard.
There was very large and appreciatve audi
ence, and the general verdict was that Mr..
Williams had presented the comedy as faith
fully as if it had been given with all the ad-
vantages of scenery, costumes and a full COM
pany. eMr. Williams is decidedly genius in
his way,
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
THE MORMON HEGIRA.

The statement that the Mormon Church
organization has secured large tract of
land in Chihuahua, and is rapidly trans
ferriug its adherents outside of the United
States, points to two interesting conclusions
besides the general and gratifying one of
the disappearance Of this relic of barbarism
from the country. In what light we are to
regard the addition to the Mexican popula-
tion of set of people whom we are glad to
get rid of may be question; but in view of
the removal of this plague, we may be well
content to let the Mormons and Mexicans
settle that between themselves.
The first conclusion is that the efforts of
tie Government to wipe out polygamy
which shields Itself under the cloak
o. religion are thus proved TO be sue
ccssful. For long time it was held,
not only by the Mormons themselves,
but by many people outside of that
sect, that the attempts of the Government to-
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
Harry Williams Academy,

Without any doubt the best aIl-ro variety
show seen here in some weeks was presented at
the Academy last night by MIaco and Morris
City Club Vaudeville and Burlesque Company
Harry Morris is well known as one of the pro-
prietors of the May Howard combination.
favorably known here, and the association of
his name with a show is sufficient guarantee of
its excellence.
''Studies in Black" most amusing operatic
creation of Harry Morris and Fred Solomon's,
introduces a number of fancifully costumed
girls, and several male performers. who
count among them some especially clever
artists. None too good a word can
be said for Miss Phyllis Aliens singing of
.Marguerite" and sally in Our Alley" The
young lady possesses particularly sweet voice
and rendered the old favorites with a care pre-
cision and feeling which warmly recog-
nised William Everett. as the stage man
ager," was very funny and proved himself
comedian of high order.
The performance, which was witnessed by
one of the largest houses of the season, con-
cluded with a burlesque on the "Old Home
stead" in which six of the prettiest dudes
imaginable made an appearance. In the COM
pany are two Pittsburgers, Messrs Lowry and
Evans, whose black-face act is well appre-
ciated.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
Bijou Theater.

Robert Mantelps performance of the dual
role Of Fabian and Louis def Ffanchi last
night, was splendid one. When it is known
under what circumstances he played, it was
simply wonderful. He has been suffering from
Sunday DR.. Dickson performed operation
upon his throat. Although the effects of the
operation will be beneficial ultimately they
made the patient very weak last night. Dr.
Gentry was on the stage throughout the per-
formance, administering cocaine to allay the
pain Of his throat. SO that he could his work.
In spite OF this physical disadvantage, it may
safely be said that Mr.. Maptell rarely gave a
more forcibe representation of the two brothers
than he did last night. His work is always
vigorous and soulful, and no one would have
thought that he was suffering acute pain all
last evening
Mark Price is a powerful Chateau Renaud,
while Charlotte Behrens, as Emilte, repeats
her clever performance of last season.
The supernatural effects are well carried out
and one cannot elp feeling thrill of awe at
each appearance of the ghost which is saying a
great deal for a stage ghost.
There are some very good specialties in the
masquerade ball scene in the third act. The
Davenport brothers are as clever as ever and
posturing help to make the interlude enjoy
able. The duel in the fifth act is exciting, both
Mantell and Mark Price being expert swords
men, while in the death scene of Fabian Mr..
Mantell has an excellent opportunity to display
his rare qualities as an emotional actor. One
cannot think of another man on the English
speaking stage to-day who could so ably fill the
performance is an intellectual treat that can
be enjoyed by all classes of theatre-goers.
The Bijou was packed last night, and the an
plauSe was wildly enthusiastic at times.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
with blare of trumpets, as he is not friendly

NEW York should be called the City oil
Neglect, for her negligence is monumental.
LOOKING BACKWARD" has turned the
heads of a great many people.
A CONNECTICUT man has not spoken for
90 years. aud he's not dumb either II a woman
to match him could be found what museum
team they would make.
BROOKS babble, but flushed surface
sewers have sort of gutteral sound.
Goldfish balls are the only ones that
should be patronized in Lent
FOUL play-Raising fancy hens for
amusement instead of profit.
THE Indian appropriation bill carries
war.
DIR. Fox has landed to take up a collec-
ton for Mccarthy. He may succeed in collecting
a crowd or two.
Mrs. WHEAT, of Baltimore, has secured
a divorce and her big brother thrashed Wheat
into the bargain.
MEN who lead dual lives are sometimes
forced to fight duels.
IT is now claimed that Fruits corporation
bill is wormy.
The bar of Justice is the only one open
on Sunday in Pittsburg, and the police then
rush the growler.
COMING events seem to be casting their
shadows before in the Ohio Legislature.
JACK THE PINCHER seems to be getting
in his work at Harrisburg.
WALES is supporting Dixie. Birds of
feather flock together
IF the Indian Messiah should be caught
and crucined couple of Congressmen who
voted for the billion haul would supply the
sinners called thieves for the side examples.
THE attention of the proper officials is
called to the beastly condition of the brick
pavements on Fifth avenue between Chatham
and Federal streets. Pedestrians walk on squirt
guns in that neighborhood every time it rains.
IF Annie Rooney ever marries she should
take her wedding trip in Jo-boat.
RIPPING good fellows frequently 60 on
tear.
A STAY sale-Disposing of pair of cor
SETS a
The game laws do not interfere with the
shooting of oil wells.
LAWYERS do not want retainer for try
ing case of champagne.
SUCCI and his followers might get some
consolation by reading stand Fast"
A LIVE corpse-The dead languages.
WATER fronts are delaying Pittsburg's
Poor Farm deal and the Worlds Fail,
WILLIE WINKLE.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-10
Grand Opera House.

The "Old Homestead" is chestnut So are
the "Pickwick Papers," But one goes to see
the "Old Homestead" just as one reads Pick
wick" over and over again. The very
biggest audience that the Grand Opera
House has known for several weeks,
greeted the old-tinle character play
last evening", and everybody laughed
at its humor and grew sad over its pathos Just
as though it had never been played before
Archie Boyd was a thoroughly natural Joshua
Whitcomb; as clever an embodiment of a fine
old fellow one would care to meer, Cu
Prime and Seth Perkins, those inimitable bits
of character. were excellently handled by j. F.
was DELIGHTFULLY."- hoydenIsh as Rickety Ann,
while Miss Henrietta Irving in the part of the
elderly spinster, was quite satisfactory. A
double male quartet and a choir of IL voices
pany is capable one, and the scenery, if old,
is excellent,