davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-11
CHEAP READING.

In these days of storm and strife letters
take back seat. But still. In war as in
peace, people must read, and it is we'll to
nots the growth Of the taste for whole
soma reading. 1t is not too much to say
that never since books began to be pub
lished in the United States has good read
ing been within the public reach at so low
a price as at present.
The CALL publishes list of $50 books
which are for sale to buyers of this paper
at the price Of 10 cents. The list includes
not only some of the choice standard
works of the past, but likewise the pick
of current fiction. II embraces such
books as "Gulliver's Travels" Fenimore
Cooper's historical romances. Charles
Lambs tales, the best of SCOTS novels,
Washington IrVing'S History of New
York" and sketch Book" Natha mel
Hawthorne's masterpieces. Goldsmith's
"Vicar of Wakefield" Carlyle's "Sartor
Resartus," Saint Pierre's Paul and Vir-
ginia," TX MarvePs "Reveries of
Bachelor" and Dream Life" Charles
Reade's best novels. Mrs. Stoves Uncle
Toms Cabin" and the poems Of Lowell.
Bryant, Tennyson, Poe and Owen Mere
dith; and besides these standards 1t con-
tains the most popular books of the day,
such as Rudyard Kipling's stories. the
novels of j. NJ. BARRE. William Black,
F. c. Phillips, NJ. E. Brad6on, Mrs.
Alexander, the Duchess, Ouida, Clark
Russell, Walter Be.ant. Leo Tolstoi,
Robert Louis Stevenson, Rider Haggard,
Thomas Hardy. Bertha NJ. Clay, Hugh
Conway. Beatrice Harraden, W. E. Norris.
When these books first appeared they
were published at 81 or 81 30 a volume,
and the circle of readers which they
reached was necessarily limited. that is to
say. they were enjOved by persons of means
and literary taste only. Now they are pub
ished at figure which brings them within
reach of the most modest purses. and their
usefulness is correspondiugly enlarged.
For the price of two car fares young per-
son may purchase book which some of
the leading men of the day had to deny
tn emselves for want Of means. For 81 a
young man or young woman can lay the
foundation of a library which will be a
training. For $40 father may present
mis- children with a library complete which
shall acquaint them with the masterpieces
of modern English literature and shall
supply sUbstratum Tor thorough educa-
ton in the English branches and the phi
losophy of life.
That these cheap publications work
hardships to modern literary toilers can
not be denied. 1t is hard for writer OF
the day to get dollar for his book when
an equally good book by more famous
author is to be had for 10 cents. The ex-
cuse urged for the wrong is that the in
terests of the minority must yield to the
interests Of the majority. and that the
growth of an American scho oil of letters
must be held subordinate to the diffusion
of pure literary taste among the masses.
Another plea in mitigation is the one
which urges that the publication of good
works at a minimum price is likely to
kill off the pestiential brood OF vile novels
which has lately sprung up at Chicago.
and of which "The Licentious Baron"
and 1.-THE Deluded Milliner" and "The
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-11
A CLERGYMAN's PROTEST.

The Rev. John C. HOlbrook protests
against an assertion in THE CALL that the
ministers Of the gospel in this State are in
sympathy with the strike. Mr.. Holbrook
admits that there may be here and there a
sympathiZer, but does not regard this fact
as a basis for an assertion that elergymen
generally are. Perhaps the only way to
determine on which side a majority Of
clergymen have arrayed themselves is by
a rising vote. Each may declare his own
position as voters decide whether to accept
or reject a constitutional amendment. THE
CALL might not be able to find space for
an extended argument by each clergyman,
but would willingly give the ayes and
noes. In the communication in which Mr..
HOlbr0ok records his protest there is the
assumption that the strikers are vi0lators
Of the law. This assumption is not fair
in the face of the repeated orders from
headquarters to keep the strike within the
limits of the law. While lawleSs acts have
been committed, there is no evidence that
such acts were part of the purpose of the
strike. Mr. Holbrook concludes his pro-
test as follows:
And here let me add that 1t is unjust to charge
the railroad with dereliction of duty for not
transporting the overland mails in existing cir
cumstances. Their contract was to carry them
on passenger trains with sleepers. OF course,
the contract price is not sufficient 10 warrant
their running mail trains without the cars from
which they derive their principal income. If
the com pany is compelled TO drop The sleepers
the Government should increase the pay pro-
portl0nally.
Mr.. Holbrook writes under a misappre-
henson. The suspension of the Pullman
service does not involve a suspension of
the passenger trains. a frst-claSs ticket
does not authorize the holder to step a
foot in the Pullman cars. The mail might
have been carried on an ordinary passen-
ger train had the company been inclined
to serve the public Aside from this the
question of expense does not cut much of
a figure. Carrying the trains the year
through and year after year might net a
profit even if two or three mail trains
should be run at loss.
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-11

Adventures of Old Sleuth" are types.
This class of books vas doing real mis-
chief. The cheap standards have given
them deathblow. There is not volume
in the library which THE CALL is scatter
ing lar and wide which mother would
object to place in the hands OF her
daughter.
People who want to furnish their homes
with good library should not neglect the
present opportunity, for it will not last
Publishers will not continue TO flood the
country with books which sell for less
than the cost of paper and presswork.
Such enterprises can only be explained by
assuming that the publishers either have
failed or were preparing to fail. mat
condition of the trade will not be endur-
ing. The day is not far distant when the
present ten-cent books will command
twice or thrice that price. As no one ad-
here's to a calling which is not remunera-
tive. when books sell so low that the pub
fishers cannot afford to pay royalty to
the author the race of authors dies out. or
their works are held at higher figure, so
that the acquisition of library costs
something like what it used to cost. Peo-
pie who are wise will stock up with good
books-when they are cheap-while they
have the opportunity.
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-11
THE PROCLAMATION.

The CALL hopes it is unnecessary to
remind the men at the head of the labor
organizations OF the country that they will
forfeit the measure of public support they
have so far received if they attempt TO
oppose Government troops. The public
will not hold the real leaders of the strike
responsible for rumors or for the turbu-
lent acts of the lawless element that
folio wS in the wake of all disturbances,
but if a plan of campaign is adopted
showing a purpose to meet force with
force the leaders of the strike will be held
responsible. No redress for wrongs can
be allowed in this country except through
lawful means. The Government is power
full not only in the resources under its
immediate control but in the loyalty of
the people without distinction as to class.
There are wrongs that ought to be re-
dressed, wrongs that will be redressed,
but they must be redressed within the
law. No man has a keener appreciation
of this fact than President Debs of the
American Railway Union. So far the
union has had the sympathy Of large
majority of our people. and we trust it
realizes the conditions upon which such
sympathy can be retained.
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-11
THE SAMOAN QUESTION.

Secretary Gresham's letter TO the Pres-
dent on the Samoan question, which was
laid before Congress on Monday. raises the
question whether it is sound policy for the
United States to adhere TO the treaty OF
Berlin. By that treaty provision was made
for the establishment of a native Govern
ment in Samoa under native King, who
was to be protected by Germany, England
and the United States; the executive
power Of the protectorate was vested In an
officer who was called Chief Justice, but
in whom in fact supreme power was vested
1t was stipulated that the Chief Justice
was not to be German or an Englishman
or an American. At the time this treaty
was signed it was condemned by far-See-
Ing Americans, who regarded it as set
tlement that had within it the seeds of
discomfort aud wranglng.
The first Chief Justice. swedish jurist,
after showing utter incapacity in the dis
charge of his duty, resigned. The Euro
pean powers entreated this Government
to appoint an American to succeed him,
and Mr.. Henry Ide of Vermont was Sc
lected He seems to have endeavnred to
discharge his duties with spirit and intelli-
sentation and factiousness.
Meanwhile the intestine broils which
have ragged in Samoa probably all throug h
history broke out afresh, and battles were
fought between two contestants for the
throne. These naturally interfered with
usiness, and the Germans and English,
pointing to the treaty of Berlin, called
upon the Government at Washington to
unite with them in a joint military occu-
patton of the Islands.
AS an alternative, Mr. Gresham now
proposes as practical solution of the diff
Guilty that we resiliate the treaty of Berlin
and leave the Samoans to settle their con-
troversy with the European powers in
their own way.
Both Great Britain and Germany want
the Islands. Each has announced that it
cannot think of permitting the other or
the United States to acquire control. Both
are trying to strengthen their hold, while
Mr.. Gresham thinks only of letting go.
The islands are worth more to US than
they are to either Great Britain or Ger
many. Their trade at present is not great,
partly because Of unsettled conditions.
Under American control it would become
considerable. and we of San Francisco
would get it. Under British or German
control it would 60 elsewhere. We have
a title to a naval station at PangO Pango.
What use would it be to US with the Islands
under European rule?
We do not want to have quarrel over
Samoa. and will have none. Neither dc
we want to give Great Britain or Germany
any more hold than they now have in the
Pacific. Some day our interests In Ocean
lea will exceed those of all other nations.
The only thing to do is either to continue
the joint control or assume control our
selVes
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-11
TIDAL ACTION ON WELLS.
Peculiar Subterranean Formation in
Nebraska.

There is a peculiar district, or rather dis.
trict over peculiar subterranean formation IN
the Platte River Valley in Nebraska, involving
more particularly the counties Of ColfaX, Butler
and Polk. This is the region OF the singular
roaring wells, whose waters also rise and fall a
clearly defined tidal action. OF the three coun-
ties mentioned Polk leads, having sixteen or
eighteen of these curiosities. There are hours
when the water will gradually rise, and during
this time the wells exhale such a quantity of
air as TO make a strong current, which is ac-
companied by a roaring sound which can be
heard 10 a considerable distance. After short
Interval OF quieSceDce the ebb sets In, the water
slowly falls and The inhalation that follows is
as If the air al the mouth OF the well were In a
mad rush to follow the recedng tide.
From these facts an impression prevails IN
many minds that Nebraska Kansas and por-
ton OF Indian Territory rest on an immense
subterranean sea. In support OF this position
il Is alleged that square miles OF land havr dis
appeared in Kansas, leaving lakelets of un-
fathomable depth instead. While IL Is true
that the other regions mentioned also 0cca-
siOnaly exhibit wells having this roaring fea-
ture there is nothing in this to sustain the view
of an underground lake or sea. certainly not as
we understand these terms when they are ap-
piled to bodieslof water on the surface. Nor is II
by any means uncommon Tor portion OF the
surface to sink from sight, a ease OF this Kind
having recently occurred during the earth
quake In Venezuela, in South America. and
the "sunken country" in the vicinity of New
Madrid, on the Mississippi River, having dis
appeared IN the prolonged seismic disturbance
of 1S11-12.
While it may not he generally known 1t Is
nevertheless a fact tnat some OF Pennsylvania
gas wells hav exhibited the peculiar tidal
tendency, and while in many Instances the grill
has been penetrated below the ocean level IL
does not necessarily follow that any OF these
wells, either OF wafer or gas, are IN c0mnuni-
cation with the sea. What would seem far
more probable is that these wells may commu-
nicate with areas that have more or less con-
nection with the mobile interior, and where we
may logically infer that there Is also tidal
manifestation. All the Nebraska roaring wells
extend down to porous stratum, presumably
surface In somer former age, and it is probable
that the water lying among the loose material OF
the former bed is in some way affected by
pressure exerted against it by the earth's In
ternal tides. When the recession takes place IL
is only natural that there should be suction
inward and an expulsion when the flow sets In.
The occasional subsdepce Of surfaces below
water level can be readily accounted for apart
from any theory of underground oceans, which
is entirely unteHable. But these remarkable
wells are worthy OF more careful observation
than they have yet MISUNDERSTANDING Dis
patch.
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-11
SMUGGLED CARRIERS.
They Were Adorned With Diamonds
and Valuable.

On the promise OF seeing something new, II
not startling, accompanied an acquaintance
to meet an incoming steamer from Europe. My
acquaintance had Informed me that his cousin
was bringing over goods of very great value,
and expected that considerable trouble would
be consumed in examining and appraisng the
articles. The cousin was an attractive young
lady and looked rosy and healthy as she tripped
down the gang plank. She had hau delightful
voyage, ETC., and had been good enough 20
bring only two trunks. These were found, an
inspector made hasty examination OF the con-
tents, saw that they were ouly ordinary veal
Ing apparel, cnalked the backs, and we started
of. We went up town and made for good
restaurant. The interesting small talk OF trav-
elers filed In the time until we three were
seated at a able and the order given for lunch
con. The lady sat next to the wall
II suppose everything is all right, julie?
asked my friend.
Eyes, indeed" she replied. smiling tri-
II promised to show this gentleman some
thing" he said. There's no danger that any
body will catch on, so If you've no objection
He paused. She blushed furiously and re-
piled:
"Wel don't know that 1 care, but it's I'M
usual"
Then she reached down toward the floor on
the side next the wall, and, of course, don {
know exactly what she did. but when her hand
appeared again 1t was closed over something.
She held it toward me, saving:
open both hands and be careful"
did as she tod me, and she laid upon my
palms garter that fairly Dazed with dia-
monds. l took one look and whispered
"Smuggled?' She nodded vigorously, while
marked
II shall keep that interesting piece of rib
bon. IL saves me several thousand dollars in
duties"
There's another like ii" said the fair cousin.
"But guess wont take that off"
The other OF course was not one the siue next
to the wall
"You have to get cab now for your curl
osity," she added. 'for that article was worn
for use as well as profit, and if l walk-well, 1t
might come down, and that wouldn't be pleas
ant"
And after luncheon the happy smugglers
went away In cab.-Atlanta Constitution.
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-11
WOULD Do 1T HIMSELF.
Because Magistrate Refused to
Have Woman FIop0ed,

curious application for justice. says st.
Petersburg correspondent, has just be u made
before one of the Police Magistrates of the city
of Noyotsherkassk, which throws somewhat
lurid light on the present state and future
prospects OF the woman's right question In
Russia.
"Call the next case; Michael Nobok off," cried
the Magistrate.
Here. your Worship" answered pale, ner-
vous man, who described himself as non-com'
miSsioned officer.
"Well. and what brings you here ?" asked the
Justice.
The fiogging of my old woman. your Honor
to within an inch OF her life."
What made you fog an old woman? What
right have"
"But she's my wife, your Worship"
her numerically
IL didn't fog her at ALL"
"WhO did, then?"
Nobody touched her; that's just where it is.
Pm not strong enough myself to undertake the
job-she's tough one, is my Lookeria. Be-
sides might oyerdo 1t bit and get into hot
water. so I've come to petition your Worship
in the station, house. They understand these
these things better, and they'll do her TO a
point. the worthless old bag"
"But why should he police fog your wife
1t was not for that she married you"
"Weil, The priest sald-Lord have mercy on
his soul-the same that married us, 'Ah,' he
said"
II don't care what he said. What has your
wife done that she should be punished? Come,
now, look sharp"
"Well, your Honor, you see she's a mother
in-law-and hateful old mother.in-law at
that My son died. and left his wife a widow,
and am her only protector, for my old woman
hates the ground she walks on. She persecutes
her from morning till night. Last tuesday,
what should she do, The old she devil She
gathered up all the family linen that the young
one had washed-it was hanging on the
clothes-llne 10 dry-she put it on her
head and round her neck, and climbed up
the water sRsalt right on The roof; there she
stood, your donor, ike monument, screaming
at the top OF her voice. TIL hall the town came
to gaze al her ugly features think ing she had
a screw loose somewhere. And what do you
think she did then? Put me in jail for five
weeks II she didn't hold up every scrap OF linen
al0ft and exhibit 1t 10 the 0pen.mOuthed crowd
crying: Look, good Christians, how my
daughterin-law makes clean linen dirty and
calls ii 'washing' One woman 10 the crowd
then shouted out your Honor. Now says
She"
ION. Eve no time TO listen to this rigmarole.
| cannot order any woman to be flogged for
such things. Perhaps the clothes were badly
washed. but that is a family affair."
Then the logging must be family affair,
get home TO your work. my good man. with.
out further loss OF time, and leave fogglngs TO
others"
And the nOn-commissioned officer followed
the advice, but not before he had fired Par
THAN dart as he left the court: well, I've
often heard IL said, and now | believe it's true,
II you want job done well you'd better go and
do it yourself. And | am going" And he
went.-Chicago Tribune.
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-11
HE MEANS BUSINESS.

A Bakersfield dispatch says that Mr..
William II. WoTswick of that city has a
plan to build railroad from Bakersfield
to tidewater and that be means business.
Probably the most radical difference be-
tween Mr.. Worswick's plan and other
plans that have been mentioned lies in
the assertion that he means business. Mr.
Worswick might find it 10 his interest 10
come to San Francisco ard lst our
moneyed men know how man looks
when he means business. The San Joaquin
road will be built by somebody and by
popular subscriptions. 1t will be a road
built by the people, with the peoples
money and for the people. One man will
put in cash. another labor, a third material.
1t will cost the men that build it less than
the strike, as yet unsettled. has already
cost. 1t will serve q better purpose to
regulate the rates Of the Southern Pacific
than any State railroad commission the
people are likely to elect. 1t will open the
eyes of the people as to the necessary cost
of moving passengers and freight. This
point upon which at present in Cali
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-11
SOMEWHAT INDISCREET.

c. ?. Huntington is reported as saying
that if our railroads were manned by
Chinese there would be no strikes. While
this is doubtless an honest expression of
opinion, the lime chosen TO throw il at the
people is not propitious. The American
people now feel the strain of the Industrial
depression too keenly to listen cOmpla-
Gently to suggestions to supplant them in
their own country with chattel laborers.
a man ought to have a right to live some
where. Tits right ought 10 include q
chance TO earn a comfortable living. But
ii Mr.. HuntingtOn'S preference for Chi
nese were INDUCED, the American laborer
would hardly know where TO turn. If the
dOcility Of Chinese recommends them for
one branch of service, it might not for
other branches. If they can run railroads
they can do most Of the other things that
workingmen find to do. And there are
many millions of Chinese who would will
ingly come to this country and work for
Mr.. Huntington. Mr.. Hayemeyer, Mr..
Pullman and Mr.. Rockefeller. Precisely
what American workingmen would be
doing while their places were being filed
by Chinese we may not know, but can
conjecture. They would not be idle. 1t is
not in the nature of the average American
to remain quiet while his right to earn a
living in bis own country is being taken
from him. Possibly the result of the
American laborer's effort to retain foot
hold in his own country would make life
as unpleasant for millionaires of M.
Huntington's turn of mind as the strike on
the Southern Pacific now makes it. Capt.
tai and labor nay yet live in peace with
each other, but it will oniy be when the
employer recognizes the right of his en-
nlnVa 10 live
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-11
SHORT ON GOULD LUCK.

a rich American who went to London
with a purpose to work his way into
society was told that if he wanted to make
a sure thing of it he should lose money
freely in betting either at horseraces or at
other games the British nobility devise
to kill time. 1t was especially enjoiued
upon him that he was not to lay his bets
in way to contribute to the losses of his
Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.
The morotony of the record of the
Vigilant In British waters brings this
story to mind. On this side the Vigilant
won three successive races against an
opponent that had defeated the Britannia.
On that side it wins nothing. 1t begins
to look as if the Vigilant would not win
race with mudscow if the mudscoR
happened to have an owner OF any social
standing. Mr.. George Gould may have
done the best he knows how to do, but If
so he either has much to learn about
yacht-racing or has been short on Gould
luck.