davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-15
TIE AURORA AND THE PROPHETS.


The prophets of approaching millennial
disturbances and the astrological calcu-
lators of the influence of the heavenly
bodies on stock gambling and politics dis
cover after the fact that the auroral dis
play of Saturday night was very signif-
cant. The-distinctive quality of this post
fdct0 prophetic wisdom is that it is un-
usually hazy as to the relation of cause
and effect>.
Thus we have had placed before us an
almanac published by Berlin astrologiSt
in which February 13 is named as critical
day. Whether the crisis foretold was
astronomical or mundane is not specified;
but even when the heavenly display of
Saturday night is claimed as verifcation
of the prediction, it is permissible to ask
what crisis took place on Saturday night.
The heavenly bodies still move in their
regular orbits and politics are more than
usually dull except in the constantly boil
ing pot of New York factional fights. So
far as the returns are in, we shall have to
conclude that if Saturday last possessed
such an article as crisis it has managed
to keep it successfully concealed up to the
present writing.
Lieutenant Totten, on the other hand,
takes the boreal lights to be brilliant
fOreshadowing of something to come and
sagely deduces from their cold illumina-
ton that the world is on the eve of
great trial. The world is constantly un-
der trial, and many people find reason for
expecting that it will be found guilty in
the first degree; but it still remains to be
asked what the aurora has to do with it.
Brilliant displays of aurora borealis have
been seen and recorded as far back as
1864. without fastening the verdict of the
jury of the universe 1t needs no prophet
to foretell that their calm effulgence will
be seen for ages to come without hasten
ing the battle of ArmageddOn or serving
as the dawn of millennial light
Finally, if astronomical science and the
study of prophecy are able 10 foresee such
heavenly displays and trace their effect on
mundane affairs 50 accurately, why did
not the prophets tell us plainly that we
were to have on Saturday night brilliant
display Of magnetic polar lights, so that
everyone could have enjoyed that beauti-
full spectacle?
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-15
NOT so REVOLUTIONARY.

From a Chicago telegram elsewhere it
will be seen that what is called a ''revolu-
tionary'' project has been formed, to con-
sist of connecting the railroads entering
that cityNby belt line which will enable
them to transfer freight and passengers
without sending them into its crowded
portions.
So far as the performance of that func-
ton is concerned it is entirely legitimate
and beneficial 1t is far from revolution
ary, as the policy has been adopted by
railroads in other large cities with the best
results. l. is exactly what is wanted to
prevent the overcrowding of railway
tracks within. city limits, when the proviso
is added that the belt line eshall be open to
the use of all railroads connecting with it.
Indeed, an enlightened municipal policy
will seek to realize not only the establish
ment of such belt lines, but also demand
that all tracks penetrating business and
manufacturing sections shall be open to
common use on payment of reasonable
tolls
The intimation, how ever, is made in the
dispatch that the revolutionary nature of
the scheme is to be in the abandonment of
all tracks penetrating to the center OF
Chicago, and in forcing passengers and
shippers to come to the Outskirts in order
to obtain railway facilities. To such
bluff as that Chicago need pay little atten-
ton. The railways have secured terminal
facilities. of great value well down in the
city for the simple reason that they
gain business by the superior facilities
thus afforded None of them will be
likely to abandon that business to their
rivals for'the sake of punshing Chicago
for trying 20 abolish the evil-o grade cross
ings.
In addition to which, even if we accept
the inflated statement of 5000, 100000 to
5000, ,009, 900 as the cost of elevating the
railway tracks above the street crossings,
the railways will discover, before they
abandon their Chicago business, that for
one per cent of that sum they can elevate
the street crossings above the railway
tracks
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-15
HEEH ADFOUATE CAUSES.

''BalmGceda was OverthrOwn in Chile
because he was not sufficiently subservient
to English anG other European interests, -
Is the latest contribution of that steadfast
Ialmacedist organ, the New York Press,
tothe modern history of the South Ameri-
can republics
The statement requires correction in
the interest of historical accuracy The
ultimate cause of Balmacedas overthrow
was hat he pursued a quarrel with the
legislative and representative body Of
Chile to the extent of usurping the Iegisla-
tive power and establishing himself as a
military Dictator The proof of this lies
in his own proclamation declaring that on
account Of the action Of Congress within
lis constitutional powers he had, to quote
his own expression, assumed all the
powers of government.
The immediate cause Of Balmaceda's s
overthrow was that the Congressionalists
who were upholding the cause of consti-
tutionai government fought better than
his troops The evidence of this is to
he found in the decisive victories of the
Congressional army after it had made its
final advance on Valparaiso.
These two causes are amply sufficient to
account for Balmaceda's S overthrow with
out searching for foreign influences which
neither changed the nature of representa-
tive governments Tor won battles.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-15
BLAND'S SILVER BILL.

THE reporting of the BILL with the approval
of the committee. indeed, is by no means
equivalent to it's passade.-Bostors Post.
THE free coinage silver ghost will plague
the Democratic majority in Congress, de-
spite tho efforts of the party ghost DOCTORS
Kansas City Journal
Mr.. BLAND's vigor in pressing the silver
bill shows that he knows what the Demo
cratic bosses are afraid of and what the
Democratic masses want-T. Louis Globe
Democrat.
THERE is a strong Democratic anti-free
coinage minority, and the minority,toget
with the Republican side of the House, can
tion.-Detron Tribune.
THE entire bill is n mistake. Its passage
would be infinitely disastrous to the coun-
try. Every honest man should raise his
voice in protest against this scheme, which
has not one sound reason for its enactment,
but every possible reason against 1t.-1o.edo
Blade.
THERE is no chance that the bill wi become
law. President Harrison can be depended
on to veto it, and it cannot secure the re-
quisite two-thirds vote for passing over his
veto in the Senate. The silver men are sim
ply seeking to show their strength and put
themselves on record.-BtDdto Express.
Mr. BLAND, in his free coinage of silver
bill, proposes surrender to FRANCE This
exemplifies the Democratic capacity Tor
government. Our standard of value must
be fixed at home. not abroad. This is the
honest American doctrine, and unfortunate
lv Mr. Bland does not seem to be in it.-Nslo
Yorh Recorder.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-15
TAKEN Up TENDFRLY

The esteemed New York Post, which has
keen eye and unmeasured criticism for
the shams and dishonesty of politics,
adopts an entirely different tone when
dealing with the sophistries of combined
capital. The subject of the combination
in the anthracite coal business, involving,
it is asserted, some 500, 900, 900 of corpo-
rate capitalization with probably about
$3.50, 900 of legitimate investment, is
approached with much more awe than the
misdeeds of politicians. The idea that
such combination is to effect advantages
to those engaged in it at the cost of the
public, is declared BY the Post to he unwar-
ranted by a study of the anthracite trade.
After reviewing what it presents as the
situation it concludes that, to the extent
of avoiding over-production, ''the public
may acquiesce in more harmonious rela-
tions among tie anthracite carriers and
producers. -
This interesting periphrasis is sugges-
tive of one or two pertinent questions.
The laudable purpose of avoiding over
production warrants the inquiry what
overproductiOn is. 1t is well known that
the set policy of the anthracite trade for
years has been to prevent the production
reaching the total which could be attained
by reduction of the profits of mddlemen
and railway carriers, to the level as
signed by competition in kindred indus
tries. The price for years has been sus-
tanned above a natural level by artificial
suspension of production The best preof
of this is the fact that at the first whimper
of open competition, as was the case only
a lew weeks ago, the price is cut fifty
cents per ton-a drop utterly impossible
when values are fixed by competitive in
fluences
Now, with regard to the rather weari-
some iteration of the assurance that this
combination does not intend to advance
prices, which the Post gravely endorses, it
is obvious that it will not permit their re-
duction to a competitive basis. If there
was no intention to maintain prices
higher than would be fixed by competi-
ton, or the common reward of labor and
capital when they can get no more, it
would be necessary to secure the
adhesion of all the anthracite interests.
A combination of industrial, interests
does not require the support of its
rivals to introduce economies in handling
or marketing its product. But it does re-
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-15
BOTH WENT INSANE.
Twin Brothers Become Strangely Affected
on the Same Day.


on the Same Day.
KANSAS CITY, Mo-, Feb. H.-One of the
most remarkable stories OF insanity on
record comes from the little town of Olathe,
20 miles southwest OF this city, in Kansas.
John and Marshall Burdye are twin BROTH
ers So years of age. On their 35Lh birthday.
upon which occasion they had a reception
in olathe both showed signs of insanity..Up
to that time they had been engaged in busi-
ness in Leavenworth and other Kansas
towns and had everywhere ranked as men
of brains and. business capacity. The very
next day following their reception they
closed all business, however, and, renting
house near Gardner, in johnson county,
Kas., they entered upon the life of hermits.
Friends and relatives went TO see them, but
no one WAS admitted.
When they came to town they saw no one.
Business affairs demanding their attention
were suffering SO that after u few onths
legal steps were taken by relatives with Il
view to ascertaining the mental condition
of the once popular and prosperous twins:
They were summoned to court Uut refused
to come. The Sheriff was ordered to attach
them, and when he went to their house he
was assailed and fired upon from an upper
window. He then procured posse and,
after blowing sulphur under all OF the doors
and windows, waited a few moments, when
the twins broke out OF front way and ran,
were chased and soon captured, without in
jury to any one. The men have been locked
up and will be sent to an asylum. The
Burdye twins bear a perfect resemblance to
each other. No one has offered theory as
to the cause of their insanity.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-15
IN AN EAGLES GRASP.
A Baby Seized and Carried in the Air by
Huge Bird.

Huge Bird.
RATION, n. NJ, Feb. IA party OF tourists
witnessed u strange sight near this place a
few days ago. Late in the afternoon while
going by little house near the road they
eral of the men ran to the house and found
her standing in side door screaming, "My
child. my childr' and pointing to the barn,
on the top of which sat a big bald eagle with
child about year old in its talons. Be-
fore any of the party could shoot the bird
the noise had frightened him, and, picking
up the child, he tapped his enormous wings
and started away. The half crazed mother
and the party of tourists, wild with excite
Tnent, ran along. keeping as near the eagle
as possible. Thinking the boys death was
almost a certainty in any event Mr.. Roberts
took careful aim and fired and broke the
birds wing.
1t was almost minute before the strength
of the bird gave out and it began to fall.
still holding the boy in its alons The talons
of the eagle had gotten well tied up in the
The mothers joy was something indescrib-
able. She told the tourists that the eagle
had been about the house for long time and
had almost become pet. It had seemed to
be much attached to a dog owned by her
husband and spent much OF its time near the
dogs kennel. A few weeks before the dog
had showed symptoms OF madness and had
been shot. Since then the eagle had seemed
very vicious. Two days before it had taken
seen until the mother, attracted by the cries
of her child, ran to the door and saw it
perched upon the barn with the baby in its
claws.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-15
TO GET RID OF GRADE CROSSINGS.
Chicago Railroads May Sell All City
Property and Build a Belt Line.

OhicaSo na1iroads may sell AA Siy
Property and Build a Belt Line.
CHICAGO, Feb. H.-The Times says de-
cfdedly revolutionary move is contemplated
by the various railroads entering Chicago.
Rather than elevate their tracks they will
transfer their base of operations 1t is pro-
posed to build new belt line, with which
each road will make connections; all tracks,
depots and other property within the city
limits to be absolutely abandoned. The
Chicago and Northwestern Railroad estl-
mates that to elevate the 100 miles of sur
face tracks which it owns in the city will
cost $50, ,C0o,000 There are nearly 800 miles OF
surface tracks in Chicago proper, and on
this basis the cost of complete elevation
would run into figures somewhere between
5000 ZOO coo and 5000 000, ,0O0 nearly twice the
amount it would cost to duplicate the great
Atkinson system, which, with its l0,OoO miles
world.
Under the proposed plan, the Chicago and
NortnWcstern'S main passenger stations
would be at West Eightieth street, and
passengers would be obliged to use cable
cars, road trains or other means OF local
transportation to reach the city. In the
case OF passenger arriving at Chicago on
the Northwestern and beyond to some point
farther East or South, transfer train on
belt line would take him at once to his
proper destination. It is proposed to sell
all railroad property in the city limits, ana
it is believed that the amount SO realizedlw1ll
build the belt line, all new depots and pay
all expenses attending the change, and then
leave a surplus of more than $40, 900, 600 in the
aggregate. Behind the scheme are all the
Vanderbilt roads, including the Chicago and
Northwestern and six other companies. The
motive for this radical departure is the
at grade crossings, the loss OF life, in the
aggregate, being appalling.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-15
CONGRESS AND THE WORLDS FAIR.
The Two Boards Don't Seem to Agree on
What Will Be Asked For.

The Two Boards Don't Seem to Agree on
What Will Be Asked For.
CHICAGO, Feb. H-President Harrison s
special message on the subject of an appro-
priation in aid of the Worlds Fair will
probably be sent to Congress soon after the
members return from Chicago. Yesterday
afternoon members of the National Board of
Control, now in session, made report to the
President on the subject of the appropriation
The board informed President Harrison
that since the date of its last report the Chi
cago directors had decided that they would
not ask Congress to lend the 5000, 00O and
that the whole subject of an appropriation
was now being discussed by the two govern
ing bodies of the Fair. This step was taken
that the President might have official knowl-
edge of the change in the programme, and
not ask Congress to do thing that the Chi
cago directors have decided they do not
want.
At q conference yesterday of the commit
tees appointed to settle the disputed ques-
tions of transportation and installation.
President Baker brought up the question of
the Government appropriation. He asked
the Board OF Control to JON the directors in
trying to get 5000 900 from Congress. He
was in favor of an omnibus bill, and indi-
Gated that the Chicago Board ought to have
"a, 600 600 of the money and the National Com
mission 81, 100000. Mr.. Bakers plan was in
dorsed by members of the Board OF Control,
who have plan of their own by which they
expect to get "a, 600, 600 for the National Com
mission. The subject will be discussed to-
morrow.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-15
THAT COAL ROAD DEAL.
The Governor and Attorney General Will
| Not Move Without De,iberStiop.

Aho Uovernor and Attorney Generai w III
Not Move Without Deliberation.
HARRIsBURe, Feb. H-[SpecidL lit is known
to those well informed on the subject that
the question of the alleged illegality of the
Reading leases has not yet been presented
to the Governor and that there has not been
any consideration of the subject by the
Governor and Attorney General. Both have
been asked to say something about it for the
public, but they have studiously declined
for reasons which must be serious to all.
Two things can be confidently expected
from the Governor and Attorney General
they will not play for the galleries nor will
they act precipitately. They are the pre-
sumed guardians OF the interests of the
whole Commonwealth, and they are certain
TO judge so momentous movement as the
late harmonizing of the anthracite coal pro-
ducers and transporters largely by the as
sured results. If it obviously promotes
healthy finance, stable employment and
equality or exactions of our consumers, only
the clear mandate of the Constitution could
excuse the interposition of the State Govern
ment. And the results of the Reading leases
may be fortunate for capital. labor and trade
now and yet be perverted hereafter to op-
preston. Should that be done ut any time
it would then become the clear duty of the
Governor and Attorney General to summon
the extreme powers OF the Constitution to
overthrow an organized assault upon the in
terests of the public.
In the case of the South Penn Railroad,
the purpose and the results of the COM
o1nation were apparent as soon as the deal
Was concluded. 1t stopped great artery of
commerce ana trade on which millions had
been expended, and denied the southern
counties of the State the railway facilities
they so much needed, solely to hinder COM
petition in the transportation of the products
of our industries to markets. 1t paralyzed
a large section of the State, and benefited
only single corporation. If the Reading
deal presented such purposes and results
clearly to the public, there would be prompt
action by the Attorney General under the
direction of the Governor; but when such
action can result only in destroying millions
of legitimate values without benefiting any
class or condition of the people of the State,
the Governor and Attorney General will be
likely to interfere only under the accepted
absolute command of the Constitution.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-15
PITTsBURG. MONDAY. FEBRUARY Is,
THE SILVER BASIS CONTEMPLATED

The logic of the report of the majority
of the House Coinage Committee in favor
of the free coinage bill is illustrated by its
argument on a single point. 1t proceeds
70 demonstrate that there is no danger of
The foreign owner dumping his silver On
the United States, because if he should
bring it here he could get nothing but sill
Yer in return. If he should take out coin
notes for his silver. the report says, and
should present the notes at the Treasury,
s.the Secretary OF the Treasury could hand
him back the coin struck from his shipioad
of bullion.
This clearly contemplates silver pay
ments by the Treasury and the establish
ment of silver monometaliism. The
Treasury cannot discriminate between
holders of notes. and in ninety-nine cases
out of hundred it has no means of know
ing whether the real holder of the note is
4 foreign shipper or domestic producer
Of silver The moment that the Treasury
refuses payments of coin notes in gold
and makes the payments in silver that
moment gold goes to premium, the
country is placed on the silver basis, and
the savings bank depositor and the holder
Of railway bonds loses exactly the per-
centagp Of the difference between the in
trinsic value of gold and silver while their
debtors make the same gain.
The argument of the Coinage Com
mittee is based On facts, especially as it
appears 10 contemplate and welcome the
probability of gold premium. The Dis
PATCH has always held that the real mean
ing Of the present proposition for free
coinage is: 4 premium on gold, an eN-
clusively silver basis, with an initiation of
values on everything except the evidences
Cf debt, which suffer exactly the cor
responding loss. But it remains to be seen
whether the country will indorse this
proposition TO scale down debts % per
cent, which is the practical meaning of
the proposition. As to the bi-metallic
theory. the report confirms what THE DIS
PATCH has already pointed out, that the
proposed measure is not hi-metallsm at
all L is silver mOuOmetallism.
Finally. the report furnishes the most
severe commentary on Itself by painfully
irving to reasSure the country there is no
danger OF Europe sending us the money
metal the bill proposes to make free OF
coinage If it had any faith that the sill
Yer dollar which it proposes will be equal
10 the gold dollar. it would simply point
out that the more money We get from
Europe the better for this country.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-15
FuNsr THE WHITE HOUSE CRUSH
HumoroAb Incidents Noted During the
Crowded Card Reception.


WASHINGTON, ID. c., Feb. H.-[SpecidL J.
Many stories are still being told about the
remarkable jam of invited and uninvited
people that converted last Tuesday nights
card reception ut the White House into a
free-for-all scramble. Some of the stories
relate to serious mishaps TO persons and
clothing and others are amusing. One ac-
cident that occurred has caused consider
able gossip Mt the expense of Mr.. Paul
Desprez, the handsome first Secretary of the
French legation. He is the proud possessor
of the decoration known as the Order OF
Tunis, which he pinned upon his breast be-
fore going to the White House. men
the crush WAS ut its height he suddenly
missed the order, which was dearer TO D1m
almost than his life. He was in despair. ana
at once notified the ushers and servants OF
his loss, and systematic search was begun.
1t was quite unavailing for some time. and
Mr. Desprez was on the point of notifying
the police. in order that all possible precau-
tions should be taken. when being In more
than usually crowded corner OF the room,
he was jostled against handsome woman
in front of him. Raising his eyes to hers 10
apolozize for his apparent mistake ne us
covered his much coveted missing Je"ei
hrmly cau=ht in the meshes of her lux Nurlant
hair. The foreigner politely called the Iady
attention to her new decoration. ana sne
surrendered it with a blush and with an e1,
preston of wonder as to how in the "orIo
1t ever got into its new restin9 place
The wife OF a new Western Senator is tell
ing her friends another humorous incident
She. with party of friends were, like nund-
reds of other guests, absolutely unaOle 10
reach the dressing rooms after gaining
entrance to the White House. They were
undecided what to do when one of the party
spied a bundle of wraps in the corner ana
suggested that they all add theirs to the
pile. This was agreed to, and the three
ladies removed their carriage hats and
cioaks and threw them on the hcap of cloth
ing in the corner. As the last garment 1ell
into place the heap of clothing, which nap
pened to be another Senator's wife t1e1ng
her shoe, Indignantly arose and demanded
an explanation. This action showed the
absurd mistake that had heen made and the
whole party lost their embarrassment in an
outburst of laughter. They were hardly
clear in their own minds, however, as to VINO
waS the real victim of the mis- take.