davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The morning times., 1895-12-30
Millionaire Billinrdists.

A prominent member of the firm OF Roths-
child, upon entering one of his clubs, was
spoken to by afellowmemberw whose name he
had for the moment forgotten. After a
time the two proceeded to the billiard room
to have a game together, and in order to
give some interest to it they agreed To play
for shilling. Forever half an hour the two
played carefully, the advantage never being
considerably in favor of either. However,
If $1,000 had depended upon the result
neither of them could have been more
absorbed in the game than they were. After
1t was over and the other player had left
the room the member of the firm of Roths-
child inquired the name of his antagonist
He had been playing with Mr.. William X.
Vanderbilt. The two men together were
probably worth some $25o, COO, 900 Of
money, yet they had been struggling eagerly
for the possession of one shilling! AS no
one would ever dream of imputing mean
ness TO any member OF the firm of Roths-
child, all of whom are celebrated for their
generosity, the incident admirably HIS
trates tue strange power which tlie Instinct
Of gambling exercises.
The morning times., 1895-12-30
We Need Better Fire Protection.

The Times presents this morning a fun
report of the condition of our fire depart
mcnt. 1t shows conciusively that Wash.
ington is without adequate fire protection,
and is convincing appeal for a more
efficient fire service. No fault can he found
with the department as it now stands, ex-
cept that it cannot, like the magic squash
vine, of is own volition. grow large
enough TO cover the territory ii is expected
to serve. Therefore Congress should give
the question of increasing our fire depart
ment a careful consideration and make the
necessary appropriation to carry out the
recommendations of Chief Paris.
There are several reasons why this should
be done, chief of which is the terrible
consequence OF a disastrous fire. Prop
erty thatrepresentsprosper architectural
beauty and the work of n lifetime can in
few moments be laid in ruins when there
is insufficient fire protection. Nor does
the loss alone fan on the owners, because
citizens are usually thrown out OF en-
ployment or are rendered homeless, aud
frequently circumstances prevent the i'm
mediate rebuilding of the burned structure.
Another source of loss to the public
through a defective fire service is the
The morning times., 1895-12-30
ANGEL IN DISGUISE
Warm Welcome for u Burglar who
Expected Harsh Treatment
Med ford w iufl mill

The proprietor of large store on High
street went to his place of business at au
unusually early hour this morning: in fact.
the sun had not yet risen when he turned
the key In the door. On entering he was
surprised TO find a man trying to open the
door of his safe.
He stood and watched him for some time.
apparently deeply Interested In the proceed
ings, when finally the burglar swung open
the door OF the safe with a delighted
chuckle; but, happening to turn. he saw
that ne was discovered and became very
much alarmed. He jumped up and was
about to make his escape through a back
window, when the merchant called to him:
Don't be in hurry, my friend, come
back and sit down a while and smoke
cigar, while I straighten things up a bit,
and then come home to break kfast with me.
You have done me q great favor"
.why, how's that" asked the burglar in
great surprise.
''Well. you see I had the combination of
the safe on a bit of paper. and las night l
accidentally locked it in the safe and for
got how to work it; spent most OF the
night trying to get the thing open. and
came In early this morning to have an
other try at it,
The morning times., 1895-12-30
REVIEW AND RESOLVE.

Unique Service Held at Luther Pluce
Church.
y service of "Review and Resolve" was
he'd last night at the Luther Place Me-
mortal Church. corner Fourteenth street
and Massachusetts avenue, which proved
very interesting and instructive. The pur-
pose of this service, which is held on the
last Sunday each year, is to give the con-
gregatIon an opportunity to learn what
has been accomplished by the various Or
ganizations In the church during the past
year, and to make resolutions for the
coming year.
ia unique custom has been followed
by ) church for a number of years, and
has T. oven to be very helpful in many
ways. e.
Tue reading of the reports of the diff
icrent organizations, and Of the Sunday
school, was followed by q short address
by the pastor, Rev. J. g. Butler, In which
lie reviewed the work of the church for
the past year, and made many helpful
suggestions concerning the work to be
done dur'ng the coming year, closing with
an earnes' appeal to his people to work
'not as uEtD mau, but unto God"
The morning times., 1895-12-30
Keep Faith With the Indians.

The administration OF the affairs of the
Indians is u tanding disgrace TO the name
and fame OF this government. There is
nothing especially new in this declaration;
in fact, it is rather trlte, but it is repeated
because it happens that fresh proof of its
truth has come to hand. News comes from
the West that Chief Ignacio and his band
Of Utes are starving on their reservation.
because the promises made them by act Of
Congress less than year ago have not
been kept. But for the kindness of neigh
boring settlers and business men the red
skins would perish from want and hunger.
Nearly all Indian troubles have had their
origin in the rapacity of Indian agents and
in the failure OF the government to keep
its promises. In fact, what is termed by
courtesy the governments Indian policy,
The morning times., 1895-12-30

Caracas, the capital and chief city of
Venezuela, has a population OF 10000, or
less than that OF Fall River. 1t Is built on
an elevation OF 5000 feet above the sea
level. 1t was founded in 1867. Caracas is
an Indian name; the name of the Indians of
the neighborhood which the Spanish pioneers
affixed to the original title of the new town,
Santiago de Leon. In 1912, the year of the
latest American war with Great Britain,
an earthquake in Caracas buried 1900
persons in the ruins Of part of the city.
The date OF this earthquake was March 26.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

The Spanish commanders in Cuba, who
have heretofore shot prisoners, butchered
citizens, and destroyed properly without
fear of reproof, are not finding the situa-
tion SO lovely and serene since the Cubans
have begun a war of reprisal. Instead
of burdcning the ocean cable with bombas-
tic announcements OF glorious victories,
they are now sending out fearful laments
OF the brigandlike warfare Gems. Gomez
and MaceO are waging in burning the
sugar cane fields to prevent Spain from
collecting a revenue from this years
crops. The Cuban worm has turned on
its oppressor, and in struggle for liberty
is singing TO death the hand that has SO
long been plundering its treasures.
War cannot be successfully waged with
stuffed clubs and gentle words. Blood
must be shed and misery created. The
sword and the fircbrand are legitimate
weapons, and the Cubans are justified in
burning property to hasten the end OF the
conflict. For years Spain has used Cuba
as raiding ground TO recuperate her
diminishing treasury. The maintenance
of her army and her ability TO suppress
the iDsurrection depend largely upon the
collection OF revenue, and it was a
master stroke OF warlike strategy on the
part of the Cubans to destroy the source
OF Spain's chief income.
The plant OF the spaniards and the
devastation that follows the wake Of the
The morning times., 1895-12-30

The salary OF the American minister 10
Venezuela Is 81 800. The rank of Vene-
Zuela's representative at Washington is
that Of envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary. Although Venezuela has
been for many years repu bile, It's official
representatives are profound believers in
a conventional observance OF official eti-
quette. a considerable number of diplo-
matte disputes have taken place between
the Venezuela state department and the
representatives OF various foreign govern
ments over details OF routine and usage.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

Inevitable increase of insurance rates. Fire
insurance companies ara not in the business
for fun, nor are they reckless enough to
take risks without compensating returns.
If the fire protection is poor they charge
higher rates of insurance, aud property
owners are made to pay dearly for the
neglect OF authorities to supply efficient
fire protection.
1t is perhaps unfortunate that Washing
ton must rely on Congress for its municipal
legislation. There are so many specula-
tive schemes and ring jobberies presented
to that body that generally Congressman
become impressed with the idea that they
are being bored beyond sufferance by
lobbying demands for local laws.
In the pressure brought to bear to urge
the enactment of these schemes the real
needs of the public are overlooked. Wash
ington today should have better school
facilities, better fire protection, a better
water supply, better sewerage, better
street aud park lights, better police sur
veillance and other public Improvements,
and they should not be forgotten by Con-
gress in the demands of private specu-
lators.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

Q ENAToR ELKINs of West Virginia is
- a power among West virginians. 1t
is nothing unusual to see three of the
four representatives from that State gather
around his chair In the Senate getting sug-
gestioDs or asking advice. This is pretty
well known by this time. Just before the
bond bill vote was taken Saturday men,
Der of the Ways and Means Committee was
hurryiDg through the corridor when he ran
against friend.
Seen anything of Steve Elkns here to-
day." he queried.
Being answered in the negative and asked
why lie wanted him in such hurry, he
said:
II want Elkins to come over to the House
and slug some OF his fellows. They are
going 10 bolt the bill. They are kicking
like fools.''
The morning times., 1895-12-30

Subscribers TO The Times will con-
fer a great favor by promptly report
ing any discourtesy of collectors or
neglect of iuty On he part of ca rrlers.
Complaints either by mail or in per-
son VIII receive prompt attention.
The Morning Edition should be de-
hvered in all parts of the city by $50
O'Clock a. M, including Sunday. The
Evening Edition should be in the
hands of subscribers not Inter than
$50 d. m.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

can be summed up in the statement that
we first swindle the Indians and then
shoot-them down. There have been, of
course, instances of honest dealing, but
they arc the exception rather than the rule.
1t Will not be many years before the
American Indian will be extinct. One after
another his lands have been taken from
him, either by force or by fraud and ar
tificial added to natural causes have
decimated his tribes. 1t is rather re-
markable that he still has faith in PROM
iscs made by the Great Father in Washing
ton. for he has been lied to, cheated, and
swindled at every turn. The government
at least should keep faith with the red
man and see that the obligations assumed
by the Congress of the nation are fulfilled
to the letter.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

There is perhaps no warike significance
in the visit OF Gen. Miles and Senator Sher-
man to the navy yard, but as neither of
these distinguished gentlemen Is given to
duck shooting 1t is not likely they went
there to make arrangementsfor a lighthouse
tug to take them on a ducking trip. Their
investigation of navy yard affairs, how
ever could not have given them very
exalted opinion of our local facilities for
manufacturing warlike armament. The
last Congress was so penurious in its ap-
propriations for that important place that
the force of skilled mechanics has been cut
down and much OF the important work
abandoned.
Notwithstanding the diminution OF the
war cloud that recently overhung the coun-
try and the assurances of peace by certain
smooth voiced statesmen, there is yet
danger that we may come in conflict with
Europe in our efforts to enforce the principles
laid down in the Monroe doctrine. In that
event itwoald take some time tocut the grass
in the streets OF the navy yard and clear the
The morning times., 1895-12-30

IN the House pension matters VIII not
| suffer during this session of Congress
Chairman Cannon of the Appropriations
Committee has looked out for that. He
has just appointed his subcommittee on
pensions.
Every member is a veteran and must
have kindred feeling when special
pension bill comes up. The subcommittee
iscomposed of W. A. Stone of Penns sylvania,
Blue of Kansas, Northway of Ohio. Robert
son of Louisiana, and Layton of Ohio. The
subcommittee will sit during the recess and
will be ready to report at an early day.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

The coffee crop OF Venezuela amounts to
81 ,O00,0 600 year in value. The aver
age crop is 10000 tons of coffee. Two
thirds OF this product is exported, mostly
10 England. Maracaibo is one OF the
centers OF trade; MaracaiDo coffee is known
everywhere.
The morning times., 1895-12-30
Total :. %!

soIemnly swear thar the above Is
. correct statement of the daily cir.
gulation OF THE WASHINGTON
TIMES for the week ending December
2'5. 1895, and that all the copies were
S''iially sold or mailed for q valuable
ro:o-ideration and delivered to bona
ta.'. purchasers or subscribers; also.
,h.,. none of them were returned or
r""..,in in the office undclivered.
MILTON YOUNG. Cashier.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

The arInyofy enezueia, ona peace footing.
consists of 900 horsemen, 1000 infantry
soldiers and 1000 artilierymen, exclusive
of the local militia and irregular troops.
BY the law of Venezuela all citizens be-
tween the ages of eighteen aud twenty-five,
both Inclusive, are liable to service in the
national militia.
The morning times., 1895-12-30
Jackson,s capltol Unsafe.

Memphis. Tenn, Dec. 29.-Adispatch'rom
Jackson, Miss, says: Recent investigation
of the condition of the State capitol has
demonstrated the fact that it is il IN m
safe condition. Experts who haze ex-
amined the building say it is likely to
collapse at any, mo1,ent.
The morning times., 1895-12-30
Etruria Delayed by Fogs.

Queenstown, Dec. 3o.-Fogs at Liver
pool yesterday and here today delayed at
both places the sailing Of the Cunard
Ii = steamer Etruria. She was expected
70 all hence for New York late yesterday,
bGi she did not proceed until / O'Clock
tbs morning.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

Senator Hills experience on the lecture
platform will not necessitate his insisting
on plank in the national platforms posi-
lively prohibiting the income tax.
The morning times., 1895-12-30
AMERICA STILL AHEAD.
Pillsbury Leading in the International
Chess TOurna ment.

IN III e''s Hsr'e e1 I'M
Chess TOurna ment.
st. Petersburg, Dec. 29.-Play in the in
tcrnational chess tournament was resumed
yesterday, when steinitz tblaok) beatTschi-
gorin in an Evans sGambitaftersixtym moves.
Today the results we're as follows:
Steinitz (white) and Pillsbury drew a
Petroff defenseafter thirty-five moves. and
Lasker (blackl beat Tschigoria in n Guioco
Piano, after forty-five moves.
The record up to date: Laskcr, won
1-2; lost 1-2; Prlsbury. won 5; lost
2; steinitz. won 8; lost 4; Tschigorin,
won 1 1-2; lost 5 1-2.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

The distancefrom New York to La Guayra
the port Of Caracas, is 1900 miles. In ad-
dition to coffee gold and fine woods Vene-
zuela exports hides, cocoa and cattle. The
distance from La Guayra TO London is
nearly 5000 miles.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

Venezuela first made declara ton Of its
independence in 1910. The present re-
public was formed in 1880. in the same
year that Belgium became an independent
monarchy. The rival political parties in
Venezuela are the Unionists and the Fed
eralists. The former favor a centralized
government; the latter are for home rule
Both are opposed to foreign invasion, en-
croachmcnt, or couriscation.
The morning times., 1895-12-30
Critical Community.

1t is indebendent fair
and just. NgiveS its great
army Of readers the news
Of tile day JuILy t5velOe
hou1s AHEAD gift sIo0v-go-
ing CONTEMPORARIES. IT is
fearless, hNthfuIana clean.
1t is for Washington and
Washington interests first
last and all the time. The
morning, eveHfng and SIM
day editions of The Times
are delipered TO any address,
in the city for SOC a month.
Begin Jour SUBSCRIPTION
zvStk the ne5U year.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

On the north shore OF Venezuela, or
rather to the north of that republic, are
several islands of greater fame than large
area, particularly the island of Curacao,
Dutch possession; the island of Trini-
dad. a British possession; the island of
Tortuga, AMI the British isle of ST. George.
The morning times., 1895-12-30
Am ON Board were Lost,

Cork, Dec. 29.-It is reported here that a
large unknown vessel was wrecked TO-DAY
at Tochead and that all on board of her
were lost. A number OF boxes and other
wreckage have been washed ashore,
The morning times., 1895-12-30

IT MEMBER of the House calls attention
n to the fact that Mr.. Cleveland prob
ably attends personally to more of
his correspondence than has been the case
with any President in the last half CEN
tury. Nearly every letter of Importance
he receives is answered by himself, ard
t is only ordinary communications which
he dictates to his stenographer.
His chirography is In marked contrast
TO the hand which pensit Like many other
large men he writes an exceedingly small
hand. The letters are well formed, how
ever. and the paragraphing and punctuation
could not be improved upon by the most
expert editor.
President Cleveland naturally has a great
many requests from autograph hunters.
He might easily delegate one of his clerks
to look after this matter for him and TO
sign his name 10 every album received at
the White House, but he prefers to do
this business himself,i 'snd no matter how
big pile of autograph albums is laid upon
his desk each morning he carefully writes
his own signature in each OF them.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

IA ORE than one member OF the Senate
III is bald-headcd. So 1t Is not giving
away state secret TO say that an
..eminently bal6-heuded senator"is is on one
young lady's list OF good fellows
1t was Friday afternoon, and the Senate
gallery was crowded with visitors. In
the front row leaning over the railing was
charming youns lady. She had taken
off one of her new glovesfor some purpose
was it on purpose?-and was holding it
in her hand-.t
Just then the '.eminently bald-headed
Senator" passed along going to the clcak
room, and just at that moment the glove
dropped. The young lady's aim was sure
and the glove fell on the bald spot.
For an instant the Senator did not know
what had happened, but the glove slid from
the shiny pate TO the floor. Then he looked
up and his eyes met those OF crimsoned
faced young lady. The Senator lapped his
hands for page, then changed his mind
and dertly tossed the glove up to its owner.
She would have clapped her hands had it
not been that she was afraid.
The morning times., 1895-12-30
The Cubans Are Marching to Victory.

Cubans are sure precursors OF Cuban sue
cess, and with or without the moral support
of the rest of the world the Cubans are
destined to become an independent people.
An observer graphically describes the work
of the insurgents when he says: The en-
tire province seems to be on fire since
the passage of the Cuban army. Great
clouds of smoke roll up from the burning
cane fields; giant tongues OF flame can be
seen Ieaping skyward, and a dun roar
comes from our left" But destruction is
the legitimate result of war, and of a con-
flict that will eventually drive the Spanish
army from Cuba.
It is reported that President Cleveland
hesitated between recommending Cuban
recognition and the position he took on
the Venezuelan question when drafting his
famous message to Congress. To his astute
mind the one involved complication with
Spain and the other diplomatic con-
troversy with England. Both would have
strdibeu tue cdpdci.y VI tHe Slate DePait
ment to carry on the necessary corre-
spcDdence, and In contemplating the mental
picture OF this burden of business the Cubans
were turned TO the wall But that is no
reason why Congress shall not recognize
Cuba. Her patriots are making a glorious
struggle, and in the name of freedom and
human rights their cause should be given
official recognition by cur national legis
lative body.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

in Venezuela and no cuckoos. The name
Venezuela means Little Venice.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

OENATOR WOLCOTT, of Colorado, has
- been greatly missed during the present
session of Congress by his associates
on the floor, and especially by those who
occupy the galleries on occasions out of
the ordinary. .H
Mr.. Wolcotb has many friends in the
Senate and great number Of admirers on
the outside. Nextsto John J. ingalls,, it
is probable that q he were to announce
that he would make a speech on any i'm
portant topic he would be able to draw
a larger crowd to the Senate galleries than
any man in the upper branch. He stands
head and shoulders, as an orator, over any
of his associates In the Senate or House.
1t is true that people like TO hear Mr.
Hill talk, though be failed as a lecturer,
and they also give due attention to any
thing that Mr.. German may have to say.
If he is discussing an Important issue.
Senator Wolcott, however, has no rival In
the Senate at the present time, and since
the retirement OF Bourke Cochran from
Congress, Is looked upon as the orator
par excellence in the National Legislature.
It IS true that Mr.. Reed, when he leS-the
small Republican minority during the last
two sessions, could interest the spectators
in the galleries, but he was never able to
make the impression that Wolcott or Cock
ran could whenever they prepared them
selves to deliver speeches which both real
izcd would attract attention everywhere.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

People who try to mend their ways by
turning over a new leaf on New Years
would also wipe out an old score by clos
ing their accounts with their creditors.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

Rejected manuscripts are usually
returned when accompanied by
stamps, but any obligation to do so
is expressly disavOwed.
Manuscripts unaccompanted by
postage viii not be returned.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

Since Chicago offers three drinks of
whisky for ten cents there is talk of
reorganization of the whisky trust.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

The population of Venezuela by the last
census WIS 2,550,0 This is more than
Dcnmark's and less than Switzerand's.
1t is about the same as that OF Massachusetts.
The last official estimate of the population
OF Massachusetts. made on January 1, 1894,
was 2,472,0OO. By the Federal census of
five years a go. the population of Massachu
sets was 2,23s 900.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

There are 0o,O0O,00O acres of forest
lands in the repab!ic of Venezuela. Rose
wood, satinwood, mahogany and white and
black ebony are found.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

The length OF Venezuela from east TO
west is 800 miles, and from north TO
south 776 miles.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

There are more than 200 lakes within the
boundaries of Venezuela. one of the largest
being 1900 feet above the level of the
sea. The orinoco River, the largest in
Venezuela, is 1,160 miles long 1t is
five times as long as the Hudson River,
but less than one-third the length of the
Amazon, and less than one-half the length
of the Mississippi. The roads OF Venezuela
are inferior. Communication is difficult.
The government, however, has expended
large sums of money for the Improvement
of the approaches to some OF the larger
towns. There are twenty States in Ven
ezuela, the official division being based on
the Const tuition of the United States.
There is also n federal district cores
poDding to the District of Columbia, AID
there are several outlying territories.
The morning times., 1895-12-30

Those Of our social element who intend
to kill time at New Years clubs will
probably also bury their cares in drink.