davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The evening times., 1896-12-21
POINT L'OUTRE CREvASEE.
Senate Committee on Commerce Or
ders a Favorable Report.

The Senate Committee ON Commerce this
morning ordered a favorable report on the
bill appropriating $3.50 600 for the stop
page of the crcvasse in the mouth of the
Mississippi at Point loutre Messrs CAT
mittee to draft the bill
The hearing on the matter was concluded
this morning. Ma jor Quinn, of the Corps of
Engineers and in charge of the work at
that point, stated to the committee that
the crevasse was 1000 feet long ard was
drawing away the water that secured the
South Pass.
He thought it absolutely necessary to
make the Improvement. not only to keep the
channel clear during the time of the Eads
estate obligation, which expired il a little
less than three years, but that after tnat
period the channel might be niaint aimed at
the requisite depth. Major Quinn believed
the work could be done for something less
than the amount asked for.
Mr.. McHenry, representing the Eads es-
tate. said that by dredging, which the es
tate was now doing, they could keep the
channel at twenty-siX feet, as required
under the contract. He admitted, however,
that the stoppage of the crevaSse would
help greatly. That the Eads people be-
lieved this was evidenced by the fact that
they had at one attempt expended $40 900
to stop the break when the work was torn
away by tornado.
In a second effort SIS, 900 was spent
when a hurricane wiped it all out He con
tended that the Eads people were not Ie-
gally bound ta.N .Nop the creyasse so long
as they maintained the depth of water de-
manded by their contract.
The evening times., 1896-12-21
Morning Arrivals.

ARLINGTON-bronson Howard and Dan
lei Frohman, New York; G. Proughty,
Newport, VT; W. Ii. Ii. Childs, Brooklyn;
A. Fassett, Baltimore.
EBBITT-J. l. Britain, East Palestine,
Ohio; W n. Backus, Cleveland; D. u. Con-
ingsby, Frankfort, KY; John j Pershing,
U. s. A; James A Fleming, Arizona.
MtsTRUPOLIrAN-Geo NJ. Rose and
Hon. j. u. Shaw, North Carolina; A. II.
jenkins, Boston.
NATIONALS. w. JamisOn, Roanoke
Va: j. Ii. Ferguson, Rochester. N. Y;
Z. Hoffman, Meridian, Miss; C. W. Dillon
Fayettesviile, W. Va.
SHOREHAM-AlfredE E. Hunt and James
v Blackwell. Pittsburg;'Stephen NJ. White,
Los Angeles, Cal; James Townsend Rus
sci, Brooklyn; Frank Mckee, New York.
RlGGS-R A. Carter, Pittsburg; John
A. Wimser, New York.
ST. JAMES-G. e. Hicks, Norfolk, Va;
William Wakeman, New York; George j.
Murray, Cincinnati; 4. b. Rickerson, Den
yer; r. W. Morris, Grunnel, Iowa; John L.
Uendorf, Richmond; c. b. Moore, Boston;
J. Colv1lie, Trenton, N. j.
RALEIGH-D. H. Watson, Roanoke, Va;
Mrs r. F .Clay;P hiladelphia; A. BAndrews,
North Carolina; MT. and Mrs. Gordon Han
nah, Chicago; Estill McEnery, ST. Louis;
&C. Stephens, Columbus ONO.
The evening times., 1896-12-21
INCONGRU.
ITY OF
DIVORCE
LAWS.

only one statutory cause for divorce. In
most of the other States there are several
such causes. In South Carolina no divorce
at all can be obtained In South Dakota
''any old cause will do. The facts in the
McGown case are that one Of the parties
obtained a divorce in Dakota, upon grounds
not recognized by the law OF New York,
and rema rried, a child being the issue OF the
last marriage. This union not being re-
garded valid in New York, the persons
who contracted it are living in a state OF
adultery and the child is illegi.imate in the
eyes of the law of that state. Such con
dition of things IS nothing less than shock
ing. 1t affords satisfaction, therefore to
learn that the clergymen of New York city
have been aroused by the exposure of the
wretched Dakota divorces, and will me
moriallZe Congress for the enactment of
general divorce law They will be joined
in their petition. by leading members of
the bar and as many OF the prominent and
respectable citizens in other walks of life
as can be induced to affiN their signatures.
At tpresent Congress unfortunately has no
power to pass such law. Ii involves q
matter jurisdiction over which was not
specially conceded To c1le general govern
ment by the States, and, therefore, comes
under the category OF reserved powers
The only way in which Congress can he
enabled to deal with it is by the adoption
of an amendment to the Constitution, CON
ferring upon 1T the power to legislate upon
this subject 1t is quite probable that the
votes OF three fourths OF the State leeisla-
lures could be secured to sustain such an
amendment, and thus make it Il part OF the
fundamental law. In that event, a care
fully elaborated marriage and divorce
law should be one OF the first acts Of
Congress, because it is needed in the inter
est OF morality, of the rights of wronged
women, and OF innocent children.
In the meantime, however, the reform
need not be Indefinitely postponed. Its
memorialize and importune COVE rnors
and legislatures, and bring them up to the
point of seeking to secure uniform action
through conferences held for that purpose.
This course has been repeatedly pointed
out by The Times as the only Immediately
practicable one, and it should be pursued
energctcally and pcrsistently.
1t is a matter OF which the American
Bar Association and the Par Association
of every State should take hold vigorously.
The former OF these bodies embraces the
leading jurists of the country, and Il law
drafted by 1t and submitted to the diffe rent
legislatures with the weight of its indorse
ment would not fail OF respectful consid
Grafton.
The evening times., 1896-12-21
THE HOTELS.
Last Nights Arrivals.

ARLINGToN-George ". Boyd, Fhiladcl
phia; Major J. u. Quinn, New orleans, La;
George T.. Lynn, 81. Paul, Mimi; Mr.. and
Mrs. j. s. Bailey, Boston; Otto Gresham
Chicago.
EBBITT-John White, Cincinnati: L. C.
Hutch, Cambridge: j. Z. Ii. Smith. Boston,
w p. Day, L. s. N; George W, Clio, New
l. London, Conn.
METROPOLITAN-w Spencer, Wv
.ap. W. Va: F. o. MurrIll and wife, Bing'
harntOn, N. Y; W. H. Flower, Boiling, Ala
NATIoNAL-W. Z. Jones Spokane, Wash.
John Z. Perry. Philadelphia. u. X. Davis
Indian Territory; DR.. Melvin, West Virginia;
George Ii. keinpf, Chelsea, Mich; George
\. Shevai, Nashville, Tenn.
NORMANDIE-Jerome Carty. Philadel
phia; o. ]. Victor, New York; Mr.. and Mrs.
Il. II. Warner Maryland.
NORMANDIE-E Maxwell, Mon
treal: ". II. Andrews, Titusville, Pa; o. c.
Burgdorf, pittsburg; w. l.. Hill and j. A.
Bailey, jr., Boston.
RALEIGH-L. Cunningham. Buffalo Mar
shall McCorkick, Virginia, Walton 7 Nc
Gihbop. jr., Chicago; Mr.. and Mrs. Fred
]. Pratt, Boston: Mrs. NJ Robinson, Savan.
nah, Ca; j. Golasol, Cleveland.
RiGGS-W B. wilkinson, AsheviIle, N
T.; j. III. Butler, New York; Mr.. and Mrs.
Z. ID. Seayey, New York
WILLARD S-J. II. Fitzpatrick, New
York; Lewis W. Washington, Pittsburg;
ID. r. wilber, Oneonta, N. Y; j. r. Mans
rield, Beaver, Ia.
The evening times., 1896-12-21

and deserved convictions. The fact, how
ever, that such failure is possible fur
nishes an incontrovertible argument against
the infliction of capital punishment. In
the case referred to above the governor
could at least SO far atone for the mis-
carriage of justice as to restore the inno-
cent man to freedom, though the State can
maze no reparation for the agony of mind
he underwent through his undeserved con
viction and incarceration. But in the sup
posititious case he could not have re-
stored life. and society and the law would
be chargeablc with legalized murder un-
lawfully committed. In view of the fact
that all human institutions are necessarily
affected by the limitations OF human in
sight, society should not make itself re-
sponsible for irremediable acts.
The evening times., 1896-12-21
BITTEN BY A RATHER.
Sam Patterson Tells OF His Expe-
rience In Florida Everglades.
(CorrespOndence OF The Tim.s.,

Linton, Fla, Dec. 10.-There are few
men who can tell the story of how 1t feels
to be bitten by a rattlcsnake. This is
true fer two reasons; first, because very
few men have permitted rattlers to bury
their fangs in them, and, secondly, fewer
still come back to earth to tell of how 1t
feels.
one of the small group OF men who have
had experience in this line is Sam Patter-
son, of New River. Dade county, Fla
Sam is as black as printer ink He has
lived in the flatwoods bordering the
everglades all his life.
His home is shack built OF pine poles,
thatched with saw palmetto, shaded by
great, restless, longleaf pines. There is
no clearing near.
Sam, during all his life, has never found
1t convenient TO clear any land, or to raise
anytruck. Heis not OF anagricultural turn
OF mind, and sulphur, charcoal and saltpetre
are the only kind OF fertilizer he has ever
used. He has not even been evolved as
The evening times., 1896-12-21
ZERTUCHA
AND
9IS STORY.

New York Herald.
Because of its publication i'll that paper
1t is invested with a degree of crcdibility
that would not otherwise attach to IT, ana
1t is, therefore, an important contribu-
ton to the current history of the war In
Cuba Upon the acceptablity of Ter
tucha's story will depend largely the ac-
quittal or censure of Spain for conducting
war by treachery and assassination, for II
his he truthful tale Macco's death was
not brought about by foul means.
Zertucha is either nucti-maligncd man
or an uncnnscionable liar. Briefly stated,
lie told the Herald correspondent that he
was near Macco when the latter was shot
Just a moment before that happening the
general laid his hand upon the physicians S
shoulder and remarked that all was going
well. As soon as MaceO was struck he
bent over the wounded man, who, however,
could not speak, anddied in few moments;
and lie then jumped upon the generals
horse and sped to Pedro BiaZ, another in
surgent commander, whom he Informed of
what had occurred, who secured the bodies
of Macee and Gomez, ard kno ws where they
are buried.
These facts were elected by the cor
respondent through persistent questioning
and one is impressed by the stiffness and
apparent insinccrity OF some OF Zertucha's
replies. For instance, in reply to the ques-
ton why he surrendered to the Spaniards
after having gotten safely away from them
upon leaving Maceo's body, he said: THAT
is something / cannot tell you. Ny posi-
ton is a delicate Une.' This is undoubt-
edly true. ZcrtuciIa's position is so deli
cate that the inhabited globe is too small
To shicld him against the vengeance of the
insurgents once 1T is established beyond
pcradyenturc that herealiy betra yed Maceo
for money. The suspicious fact initiates
against him that he hied to the Spanish
ranks the moment his leader had fallen
and that he has been treated by the
Spanish authorities with great considera-
ton ever since.
1t was the generally credited trcachery
through which Maceo's death was accom-
plished that aroused lie storm of indigna-
ton, resulting in the proposed action of
Congress, and the antagonstic attitude OF
that body and the President with refer
enCe to the recognition of the republics in
dependence. Zertucha's yindication, there
as the condemnation of him has been the
condemnation Of those from whom he is
believed to have accepted blood money.
like Judas Iscariot.
The evening times., 1896-12-21
Their Pet Ayersions.

Most people have avcrSions of some kind
or other aud some very strange ones Tht
sight of a set Of false teeth makes John l..
Sullivan sick at the stomach. Napoleon die
not like to see white dog. AgassiZ could
not bear to touch polished steel The sight
of the rising moon, when it was full, alway,
made Nine De Stacl i'll. Barefooted chill
dren maGe Louis XIV nervous. Dean Swift
has said that Polingbroke W Guild "act like
one bereft should he cast his eye on a poor
harmless toad" Disraeli had n attack of
vertigo whenh he saw anybody chewinggum.
Dickens never liked stiff shirt bosom, a nd
Button woHld fly intoa rage If anyone put
an egg on the dining table atwhich he sat-
Chicago Oh ronicle.
The evening times., 1896-12-21

Chief Justice Bingham is occasionally Civ
en- 10 joking and often embraces an oppor-
tunity to Ike bon mot.
Last week, wb1ie occupying the b,..icn in
criminal court No .. and awaiting the
opening of the Barrow habeas corpus case,
lie had occasion to enjoy remark at the
expense Of Court Messenger John Hoilohan.
John, who was engaged in placing tuiihlers
of water on the tables for the lawyers,
suddenly let a glass drop. 1t fell with a
crash and broke in pieces. The Sound
startled Judge Bingham. who ordered that
the offender be fined 5 cents for the noise
and more for the cost Of the glass, or. as
lis honor eNpressedit,. - cents and costs, 10
be deducted from your s3iary.''
Fine minutes later the court rescinHed the
fine for good behavior.
The evening times., 1896-12-21
\ 2 IRGINIA is safely Democratic and will
- be so for years to come, is the claim

l lhuiNia y sdielg DtfiiotthtiC anu VIII
- be so for years to come, is the claim
OF ex-State Senator Marshall McCor-
mick, who Is guest at the NOrmandie.
In the Senatorial election which is to
take place at the next convention OF the
Legislature, Senator Daniel. Mr.. McCOr-
platform, the present Senator could have
anything he wants at the hands of the peo-
pie of virginia, but on free silver plat
form lie cansiupi Y sweep tine State. In the
coming election he will not only command
the votes OF the silver members of the leg
islature, but many of his Political oppo-
nents, attracted by the worth and ability
Of the man, will also cast their ballots for
him
GOV. O'Ferrall, in the opinion of MT Nc
Cormick, will not stand n ghost of a snow.
II is generally believed in the State that
the governor signed his political death war
rant when, for purely political reasons, he
cast aside his free silver sentirncnts and
came out for the indianapolis platform.
Gov. o'Ferrall's successor. the gentleman
at the NorrIandie believes, will also be
free silver Democrat. 1t is almost too
early in the battle. for the present term
does not run out until next fail, to predict
who Will be elected Ia the office, but Just
at present j. Taylor Eilyson, chairman OF
the State Democratic Cumuiittee,- looks ike
the strongest candidate. But any number
of dark horses may crop up between this
time and that.
The evening times., 1896-12-21
I AwYER HENRY TAzEwELLABBorI

I AWYER HENRY YTAZEwELLA BBoTT
IL of Asheville. n. c.. who is at the
Shoreham. believes. with Puddnhead
Wilson, that circumstantial evidence is a
mighty uncertain thing. To make good his
point Mr. Abbottcites case which recently
occurred in his State.
A farmer of Davidson county named
Ellington missed 81 1000. The police Were
put on the case, and found that all the evi-
dence they could gather pointed to the
guilt of Henry Smith, n railroad employe
He appeared TO be the Cnly one who knew
of the presence of the money in the house,
he had passed the house that night and
was afterward unusually flush. The police
made such a strong case against him that
he was convicted and sentenced to twelve
years in tie penitentiary.
A few weeks after the conviction Filing
tons own son confessed that he had taken
the money while on a spree He had hid
den the money and forgotten where he had
placed it, As soon as he found it he told his
father, who Immediately communicated
with Gov. Carr. The latter. of course, j.,
pardoned Smith, but probably if the farm
er's snn had not found the money the un-
fortunate victim of circumstantial evidence
would still be serving his sentence
The evening times., 1896-12-21
silver Movements.

The issue of standard silver dollars from
the mints and urea sury offices for the week
ended December 10 was $769,724. and
for the corresponding period last year
was SS96, 1928. The shipment of fractional
silver coin from December 1 to 10 aggre-
gated $72S ,699
The evening times., 1896-12-21

The Hon. Sam Aflefton should take the
precaution of adding an extra cold storage
department to his Chicago abattoir plant
SO that his Senatorial boom can find a
home after the Illinois legislature gets
through with it.
The evening times., 1896-12-21

On the first column, first page, OF a ten
pound New York Sunday newspaper is the
displayed line: Just a Minute" 1t is pre-
sumed to be no reference to time consumed
in attempting to read the edition.
The evening times., 1896-12-21

With Senator Quay declaring war On
with Spain, the Pennsylvania State senate
and house of representatives should pass
Joint resolution of REORGANIZATION.
The evening times., 1896-12-21
How It Looks

II architecture's frozen music,
Then bet my hat
That organ grinder on the streethas
Built himself fiat
Chicago Record.
The evening times., 1896-12-21
NHI II. FLOWER, a leading lumber
w dealer OF Buliine, Ala, is regis


Mr.. Flower says that the lumber men of
his vicinity are not particularly Interested
in getting a lumber clause inserted in the
proposed new tariff bill They find, he
says, business very good as affairs now
stand and do not see the necessity for
any change. In fact. they are now Ia wing
as prosperous n season as he remembers
in that industry.
As is usual in every prediction period.
business was very dull two or three months
ago, but since the Sd of November every
mill has been workiIs. full time and every
man in the region has had full employment.
The evening times., 1896-12-21
u MoNG the names which appear upo

n MONG the names which appear upon
4 the register of the National Hotel
is that of g. K. Davis, one of the
pioneer settlers in Indian Territory.
Mr.. Davis predicts the admission of In
dian Territory to Statehood, andthat before
many years have passed. Before Statehood
is possible 1t viii be necessary that the hold
ing OF Ia nds in comm"naty by the Indians
cease and that they be allotted To indiyid-
uals.
Sentiment is favor of allotment. however,
said Mr.. Davis, is rapidly growing. AS the
younger Indians come back from their
schools and colleges they are almost all in
favor of holding the lands individually. a S
tue white man does. Evcnnow tie um Der
of those holding this sentiment is almost
lasre enodgh TO carry the Territory.
Another great factor in the formation of
this sentiment is the rapid opening Of
mines and the spreading of railroads in the
section. For rprivilcges ofthis nature the re-
spective companies have to pay the Indians
large royalties.
The evening times., 1896-12-21

In the ma jority of
criminal trials, and
PITFALLS IN in not a few of those
deterninedin thecivil
LEGAL courts, the evidenceis
mostly of circum-
EVIDENCE. stantial character.
Eminent lawyers re-
gard this as of the
stronCest character, and in some instances
even preferable to direct evidence,
which, they say, rests too often
and too readily upon perjury. Proof
made up OF circunstantial evidence is like
a piece of mosaic, in which each individual
bit fits elose to the other until the combina-
ton Of them all presents a perfect and
harmonious whole. Like all things human,
however, there are defects sometimes in
the weaving of the net. In that event it is
Just as likely to happen that an innocent
man is found guilty and punished as that a
guilty man escapes the penalty of his crime.
case illustrating this fact is reported
from North Carolina. 4 man was accused
of having stolen large sum Of money. 1t
was shown that he of all the owners ac
Quaintances knew that the money was in
the house, and also that he passed ng was
near the house at certain hour of the
night preceding the morning on which the
money was missed. He WAS tried, con-
victed and sentenced to a tenn of impris-
onment Shortly after this the son of the
owner of the money, who had been on a
protracted spree, sobered up When told
OF the trial, he declared that the man had
been wrungfuliy convicted: that he himself
had taken the money while int oxicated,
and had forf often where he oonccaled it.
He now remembered the hiding place. and
restored it 10 his father. The innocenuy
convicted person has been pardoncd.
Suppose that this money had been taken
by q burglar and the owner of it killed
while resisting the robber. In that case
The innocent man might have suffered on
the gallows for the crime of another. 1t
s not too bold an assertion to say that
many a one has in this way fallen inno-
Gently a victim to the law. Now, this is
not an argument against the acceptance OF
circumstantial evidence, because one fail
ure Is offset by perhaps a hundred proper
The evening times., 1896-12-21

Lon Payn should take out policy against
Gov.-elect Blacks failure to make him in
surance commissioner.
The evening times., 1896-12-21
Be careful, Mister Spain,
Don't bring a bout a bout,
Fer the Texas II kctch ye
Eff ye don't watch out.

Even If we do get out of this trouble
with Spain, here's the dim vista of
Liliuok- t-cetera ahead of us.
The evening times., 1896-12-21

If the mania continues Health OFFICER
Woodward should have an appropriation
for q suicide clerk.
The evening times., 1896-12-21

Mr.. .WanImaker' OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES should
stock up with a few harmony dinners for
Senatorial purI oses.
The evening times., 1896-12-21

There is activity in the DR.. Zertucha ex-
PLANTATION department..
The evening times., 1896-12-21
CITY HALL GOSSIP.

1t is d custom among elderly people TO
hide away in some obscure place their will.
and frequently this leads TO an order Of
the court for Il search for the document
Recently Register OF Wills J. Nota McGil
had a search for the viii OF IA deceased old
lady. She had died at the house of 4
friend, and when Mr.. McGill called a few
DAYS later he ascertained that the death
chamber had not been disturbed, but was
in lust the same condition as tie day of
death.
The bed had not been made up. Upon tn.
arrival of Mr. McGill the windows Were
thrown open. Through trunks, closets
and bureau drawers he searched for the
will-in the pockets of the clothing OF The
deceased, and i'll every little nook of the
room. OF one thing he was certain, and
that was that there was no Will.
Finally, as If to exhaust their store of
suggestions, some one OF the family ven
tured TO sa Y that Mrs. Blank always seemed
particularly fond of a certain little bag
her contantly. This was told Mr.. McGil as
he was about to leave the house, and he
consented to another search. Finally il
was located under the poliow " hereon had
reposcd the head 81 the dying WON IN.
The bag was dra W n fort Ii and opened, but
hops, which had been used by the deceased
for some ailment. Thus fell the hopes OF
the heirs OF Mrs. Blank
The evening times., 1896-12-21

Mr. Olney has raised "A constitutional
point that will have to be decided by the
Supreme Court and Congressman Bailey.
The evening times., 1896-12-21

Hon. Dick Olney's thoughts about Hon.
Bill Chandler obviously stand in need of
n disinfectant.
The evening times., 1896-12-21

@ .HuNTINGTON. the Southern Pa
". cific Railroad magnate, is a guest
at the Norinandie.
He is evidcntiy desirous OF keeping his
presence in washington quiet, as his name
does not appeahupon the register. 1t is be-
lieved that his yistt is in reference to some
railroad bills in which his company is in
terested aRs
The evening times., 1896-12-21

We gather from the frequent temperance
speeches OF on Elijah Morse that he will
spend punchless Christmas.
The evening times., 1896-12-21

Senator Cameron backs up his resolution
with several columns of heavy artillery.
The evening times., 1896-12-21

Citizens of Oklahoma are still wonderin:
how Dingley Bill was killed
The evening times., 1896-12-21
HEIGHT & COMPANY,
SIS Seventh Street,
Open Evenings Late.
Get the
Gifts
on credit

take advantage of our liberal
credit system and gift-giving
Will be the pleasure it ought to
be, instead of terrible task.
You may buy as much as YOU
wish and make an agreement to
pay so much Il week or month
until the account is settled.
$500 and s.. 50 wrappers are
going at Soc.
$500 umbrellas are going at
79c.
5000 and 800 umbrellas and
canes are going at So. 9S-with
initials on them free.
$3.50 to 81 90 mackintoshes for
women are going at S3.9S.
81. so electric seal muffs-satiu
ilned-are going at 73c.
Lot of 75c fanuelette waists
are going at 27c.
Lot of S1.25 mink neck scarf
are going at 5Sc.
Lot of beaver and kersey coats
that were $3.50 are going at
81. 9S.
Lot of kersey and boucle coats
that sold for SIS, $50 and S22
are going at So. 9S.
Lot of seal plush capes that
should be $500 are going at s..
HECHT & COMPANY,
SIS Seventh Street.
The evening times., 1896-12-21

$3.50 to 81 90 mackintoshes for
women are going at S3.9S.