davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-12-11
THE PENSION ROLL.

The diminution of our enormous PEN
sion roll and the decrease of pension ex-
penditure which have been so often conf
IDENTIFY foretold still fail in material real
ization. The number of pensioners on the
rolls at the close Of the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1896, was 97U,67s This is the
largest number ever reported. The
amount paid exclusively for the pensions
during the year was $138 214, 1914, q
slight decrease from that of the preceding
year, while the total expenditures on ac-
count of pensions, including the cost of
. maintaining the department and expen-
ses attending pension distribution
amounted to $142 zoe, 550.59, or within q
very small fraction of one third of the en-
tire expense of supporting the govern
ment during the same year. The number
of new pension certificates issued was co.
$40. OF these 4O, 374 represent original al
lowances of claims and 1873 increase of
existing pensions.
The number of persons receiving PEN
sions from the United States but residing
in foreign countries at the close of the
last fiscal year was 1871, and
the amount paid to them during the year
was $582, 1858.
The sum appropriated for the payment
of pensions for the current fiscal year end
ing June so, 1896, is S14O,0OO0O0, and for
the succeeding year it is estimated that
the same amount will be necessary.
The commissioner OF pensions reports
that during the last fiscal year 335 indict-
ments were found against violators of the
pension laws. Upon these indictments 1877
convictions resulted.
In my opinion such statements as these
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-12-11
SPAIN SHOULD GRANT AUTONOMY.

1t would seem that if Spain should offer
to Cuba genuine autonomy-a measure Of
home rule, which, while preserving the
sovereignty of Spain, would satisfy all
rational requirements of her Spanish sub
jects-there should be no just reason why
the pacifcation of the island might not be
effected on that basis. Such result
would appear to be in the true interest of
all concerned. 1t would at once stop the
conflict which is now consuming the re-
sources of the island and making it
worthless for whichever party may ulti-
mately prevail. 1t would keep intact the
possessions of Spain without touching her
honor, which will be consulted rather
than impugned by the adequate redress of
admitted grievances. 1t would put the
prosperity of the island and the fortunes
of it's inhabitants within their own con-
troll without severing the natural and
ancient ties which bind them to the
mother country, and would yet enable
them to test their capacity for self govern
ment under the most favorable condi-
TONS 1t has been objected on the one
side that Spain should not promise au-
tonomy until her insurgent subjects lay
down their arms; on the other side, that
insufficient without assurance of the
promise being fulfilled.
Realizing that suspicious and precau-
tions on the part of the weaker of two
combatants are always natural and not
always justifable-being sincerely desir-
GUS in the interest of both as we'll as on
its own account that the Cuban problem
should be solved with the least possible
delay-it was intimated by this govern
ment to the government of Spain some
months ago that if a satisfactory measure
of home rule were rendered the Cuban in
surgents and were accepted by them upon
q guarantee of it's execution, the United
States would endeavor to find a way not
Objectionable to Spain of furnishing such
guarantee
While no definite response to this init
nation has yet been received from the
Spanish government, it is believed to be
not altogether unwelcome, while, as al
ready suggested, no reason is perceived
why it should not be approved by the in
surgents. Neither party can fail to see
Importance of early action, and both must
realize that to prolong the present state of
things for even a short period will add enor-
mously to the time and labor and eXpen-
diture necessary to bring about the indus
trial recuperation of the island. 1t is
therefore fervently hoped on all grounds
that earnest efforts for healing the breach
between Spain and the insurgent Cubans
upon the lines above indicated may be at
once inaugurated and pushed to an imme-
date and successful issue. The friendly
offices of the United States either in the
manner above outlined or in any other
way consistent with our constitution and
laws, will always be at the disposal of
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-12-11

s. 0O0, 900 more revenue than was received
from tariff duties in the preceding year.
There was nevertheless, deficit between
our receipts and expenditures of a little
more than $25,OO0 900. This, however,
was not unexpected.
The situation was such in December,
seven months before the close Of the fiscal
year, that the secretary of the treasury
foretold deficiency of $17,OO0,00O. The
great and increasing apprehension and
timidity in business circles and the de-
preston in all activities intervening since
that time resulting from causes perfectly
well understood and entirely disconnected
with our tariff law or it's operation seri-
ously checked the imports we Nould have
otherwise received, and readily accounted
for the difference between this estimate of
the secretary and the actual deficiency, as
well as for continued deficit
Indeed it must be confessed that we
could hardly have had more unfavora-
BILE period than the last two years for the
collection of tariff revenue. We cannot
reasonably hope that our recuperation
from this business depression will be sud-
den, but it has already set in with prom
Use OF acceleration and continuance. I
believe our present tariff law, if allowed
AdII opportunity, WILL III Un6 near IuUur6
yield a revenue which, with reasonably
economical expenditures will overcom.
all deficiencies. In the meantime no de-
fcit that has occurred or may occur need
excite or disturb US
To meet any such deficit we have in the
treasury, in addition to a gold reserve,
100000, 900, surplus of more than $685.
100000 applicable to the payment of the
expenses of the government. and which
must, unless expended for that purpose,
remain useless hoard, or, if not extrava-
gantly wasted, must in any event be per-
verified from the purpose of it's exaction
from our people. The payment, therefore,
OF any deficiency in the revenue from this
fund is nothing more than its proper and
legitimate use.
1t is UNNECESSARILY better to appropriate
our surplus to the payment of justifable
expenses than to allow it to become an
invitation to reckless appropriations and
extravaganza expenditures. l suppose it
will not be denied that under the present
law our people obtain the necessaries of
comfortable existence at a cheaper rate
than formerly. This is a matter of SUI
preme Importance, since it is the palpable
duty of every just government to make
the burdens of taxation as light as posi-
BILE. The people should not be required to
relinquish this privilege of cheap living
except under the stress of their govern
ment'S neceSSity made plainly manifest
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-12-11

neither affirmed nor denio,,. T.: . Uaited
States has, nevertheless, a character to
maintain as nation, which plainly die
tates that right and not might should be
the rules of it's conduct.
Further, though the United States is not
q nation to which peace is a necessity, it
is in truth 1ie most pacific of powers, and
desires nothing so much as to live in am
ity with all the world. Its own ample and
diversified domains satisfy all possible
longings for territory, preclude all dreams
of conquest, and prevent any casting of
covetous eyes upon neighboring regions,
however attractive That our conduct
towards Spain and her dominions has con-
stituted no exception to this national dis
position is made manifest by the course of
our government, not only thus far during
the present instruction, but during the
ten years that followed the rising at Yara
In 1858.
No other great power, it may be safely
said, under circumstances of similar
perplexity, would have manifested the
same restraint and the same patient en-
durance. 1t may also be said that this
persistent attitude of the United States
towards Spain in connection with Cuba
unquestionably evinces no slight respect
and regard for Spain on the part of the
American people They view with won
der and admiration the cheerful res0lu-
ton with which vast bodies of men are
sent across thousands of miles of ocean
and an enormous debt accumulated that
the costly possession of the gem of the
Antilles may still hold it's place in the
Spanish crown. And if neither the gov
ernment nor the people of the United
States have shut their eyes to the course of
events in Cuba or have failed to realize
the existence of conceded grievances
which have led to the present
revolt from the authority of Spain, griev-
ances recognized by the queen regent and
by the cortes, voiced by the most patriotic
and enlightened of Spanish statesmen
without regard to party and demonstrate
ed by reforms proposed by the executive
and approved by the legislative branch
of the Spanish government. 1t is in the
assumed temper and disposition of the
Spanish government to remedy these
grievances, fortified by indications of in
fuential public opinion in Spain, that
this government has hoped to discover the
most promising and effective means Of
composing the present strife, with honor
and advantage to Spain and with the
achievement of all the reasonable objects
of the instruction.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-12-11
SOME TARIFF SUGGESTIONS.

desire to recur to the statements else
where made concerning the government s
receipts and expenditures for the purpose
of venturing upon some suggestions
touching our present tariff law and it's OPP
Grafton.
The statute took effect on the Goth day
of August, 1894. Whatever may be it's
shortcomings as complete measure of
tariff reform, it must be conceded that it
has opened the way to freer and greater
exchange of commodities between us and
other countries and thus furnishes a wild
er mGrket for our products and manu-
featuring.
The only entire fiscal year during which
this law has been in force ended on the
30th day of June, 1896. In that year our
imports increased over those of the pre-
vious year more than 6,50J,000, while the
value of the domestic products we export
ed and which found markets abroad, was
nearly S70,000,000 more than during the
preceding year
Those who insist that the cost to our
people of articles coming to them from
abroad for their neCdful use should only
be increased through tariff charges to an
extent necessary to meet the expenses of
the government as well as those who
claim that tariff charges may be laid upon
such articles beyond the necessities of
government revenue, and with the addi
tional purpose of so increasing their price
in our markets as to give American
manufacturers and producers bet
ter and moro profitable opportu-
mites, must agree that our tariff
laws are only primarily justified as
sources of revenue to enable the govern
ment 10 meet the necessary expenses Of
its maintenance, considered as to its suf-
ficiency in this aspect, the present law can
by no means fall under just condemna-
ton. During the only complete fscal
year Of its operation it has J, elded nearly
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-12-11
ARMY HAD LITTLE TO DO.

The limit of our military force as fixed
by law is INSTANTLY and readily main
tanned. The present discipline and NOR
ais of our army are excellent, and marked
progress and efficiency are apparent
throughout the entire organization.
With the exception Of delicate duties in
the suppression of slight Indian disturb
ances along our southwestern boundary,
in which the Mexican troops co-operated,
and the compulsory but peaceful return,
with the consent of Great Britain, of a
band of Cree Indians from Montana to
the British possessions, no active opera
tions have been required of the army dur
ing the W r past
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-12-11
Much Space Devoted to Cuba
but No Positive Action
recommended.
SPANS Inability to End the
Contest Will Be the Sig
nal for Action.
When That Time Arrives the
Method of Procedure
May Be Plain.

WASHINGTON, Dec. THE following
is the message of President Cleveland
to congress:
To the Senate and House of Representa-
tives:
AS representatives of the people in the
you have assembled at a time when the
strength and excellence of our free insti-
buttons and the fitness of our citizens to
enjoy popular rule have been again made
manifest. A political contest involving
momentous consequences, fraught with
feverish apprehension, and creating ag-
eressiveness so intense as to approach
bitterness and passion, has been waged
throughout our land and determined by
the decree of free and independent suf-
frage, without disturbance to our tran
quillity or the least sign OF weakness in
our national structure.
When we consider these incidents and
eontem plate the peaceful obedience and
manly submission which have succeeded
O heated clash of political opinions, we
discover abundant evidence OF deter
mination on the part of our countrymeL
10 dDlu0 ny every VI popuiesI
will, and to be controlled at all times by
an abiding faith in the agencies estab-
lished for the direction of the affairs of
their government. Thus our people ex-
hibit patriotic disposition which entities
them to demand of those who undertake
to make and execute their laws such
faithful and unselfish service in their be-
half as can only be prompted by serious
appreciation of the trust and confidence
which the acceptance of public duty in
vites.
In obedience to constitutional re-
Quirement I herein submit to the congress
certain information regarding national af-
fairs with the suggestion of such legisla-
ton as in my Judgment is necessary and
expedient. To secure brevity and avoid
tiresome narration I shall omit
many details concerning matters with
In federal control, which though
by no means unimportant, are more
proftably discussed in departmental re-
ports. I shall also further curtail this
communication by emitting a minute
recital of many minor incidents connected
with our foreign relations which have
heretofore found place in executive mes
sages but are now contained in a report of
the secretary of state which is herewith
admitted
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-12-11
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES.

The secretary of the treasury reports
that during the fiscal year ended June 30,
1885, the receipts of the government from
all sources amounted to $409, 475, 408. Dur
ing the same period its expenditures were
$434 ,61S, 654.49, the excess of expenditures
over receipts thus amounting to $25, 203,-
245.7O. The ordinary expenditures during
the year were S4,O15, 1921 less than during
the preceding fiscal year.
The operations of the marine hospital
service, the revenue cutter service, the
lighthouse service, the bureau of naviga-
ton and other branches of public work
attached to the treasury department, to-
gether with various recommendations con-
corning their support and improvement,
are fully stated in the report of the secre-
tary of the treasury, to which the atten-
ton of congress is specially invited.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-12-11
AN APPEAL FOR ECONOMY.

In concluding this communication, Its
last words shall be an appeal to the con
gress for the most rigid economy in the
expenditure of the money it holds in trust
for the people. The way to perplexing e.
travagance is easy, but return to frugal
ity is difficult. When, however, it is coll
sidered that those who bear the burdens
of taxation have no guaranty of honess
care save in the fidelity of their publ
servants, the duty of all retrenchment s
plainly manifest.
When our differences are forgotten anc
our contests of political opinion are II"
longer remembered nothing in the retro
spect of our public service will be as fo:-
tunate and comforting as the recollectic'
of official duty well performed and Il
memory of a constant devotion to the l..
terests of our confiding fellow countr>
men. GROVER ClsAV ELAND.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-12-11
INTERSTATE COMMERCE.

The interstate commerce commission
has, during the last year, supplied album
dant evidence of it's usefulness and the
importance of the work committed to it's
charge Public transportation is uni
versal necessity, and the question of just
and reasonable charges therefor has be-
come of vital Importance, not only to
shippers and carriers, but also to the vast
multitude of producers and consumers
The justice and equity o. the principles
embodied in the existing law passed for
the purpose of regulating these charges
are everywhere conceded, and there ap-
pears to be no question that the policy
thus entered upon has permanent place
in our legislation
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-12-11
VENEZUELAN BOUNDARY.

The Venezuelan boundary question has
ceased to be matter of difference be-
tween Great Britain and the United
States, their respective governments hav-
ingagreed upon the substantial provisions
of a treaty between Great Britain and
Venezuela, submitting the whole contro-
versy to arbitration. The provisions of
the treaty are so eminently just and fair
that the assent of Venezula thereto may
confidently be anticipated.
Negotiations for treaty of general ar
bitration for all differences between Great
Britain and the United States are far
advanced and promise to reach success
full contamination at an early date.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-12-11
COAST FORTlFICATIONS.

During the past year rapid progress has
been made toward the completion of the
scheme adopted for the erection of fortif-
cations along our sea coast, while equal
progress has been made in providing the
material for submarine defense in connec-
ton with these works.
Arizona republican., 1896-09-22
K1eptonapia.

To believe a French writer, there are no fewer than four thousand women caught every year in stealing during their shopping expeditions, habit eu- phoniously styled kleptomania. The number of titled ladies seized with this strange malady while examining the fashions of Paris, he tells us, is incred- ible. Among the most recent culprits were a Russian duchess, a French countess, an English duchess and the daughter of reigning sovereign. As rule, these distinguished offenders are let off on the payment of round sum for the relief of the poor; when the shoplifter is known to be rich, the sum extracted rises to as much as ten thousand' francs. The police authori. ties consent to this sort of conformation
Arizona republican., 1896-09-22
APPLICATION OF A FABLE.
A Sheep's Skin Hides the Form of a Hu-
 man Wolf.

A
 man Wolf.
 The story of the ass who clothed him. self in lions skin in order to pass himself off as the king of beasts is well known, but the tale of the thief who got inside sheep's skin to be better able to carry on his nefarious trade has yet to be told, says the London Telegraph. Early one morning two policemen, who were on duty at the slaughter houses of Paris, were aston lshed to see sheep endeavoring to effect an entrance into the inclosure where creatures of it's kind were dou- bled when a mans hand protruded from beneath the stolen fleece. Their curi- osity became intensified and they care fully followed the sham animal, who stopped at the pen which inclosed the real article, and with great coolness chose the two largest and fattest of the flock.
 Still observed by the watchful guard ians of the law, this plagiarist of an ancient fable proceeded to kill and cut up his capture, and was on the point of making off with his booty when he found himself in turn the spoil of the law and was quickly marched off to the police station, where he gave his name as Eugene Lassot. From his ac- count he made a good living out of his occupation by selling the meat to vari- ous butchers. For some time, it least, it is to be hoped, that the animals at the abattoirs will cease to be sent to an earlier death by the depredations of this latest wolf in sheep's clothing. ::
Arizona republican., 1896-09-22
HUNG IN MIDAIR.
The Perilous Plight of 8 Soldier in Chi
 nese Thibet.

nese Thfbet.
 An amusing story is told of the Eng fish officer who determined to enter Chinese Thibet by stratagen. He man. aged to cross the frontier at night, and so escaped the guard.
 On the following day, however, while the officer was journeying deeper into Thibet, the Thibetan soldiers overlook him, and informed him that as the country was unsafe because of rob bers, they would go with him in order to protect him, to which arrangement the traveller was compelled to agree. In few hours they came to river, which was crossed by rope bridge.
 The Thibetans passed over first, in or der to show that the bridge was safe, and then the official got into the moose and was pulled along by the Thibetans, Suddenly, however, they ceased pull ing, and left the Englishman hanging in midair above the rushing torrent.
 In vain the officer shouted to the Thibetans to pull. They merely smoked and nodded their heads. The hours passed, and still the officer hung above the torrent. At last the Thibetans agreed to pull him back if he would leave Tibet immediately. This, of course, he was compelled to do, and took his departure from the forbidden land.
Arizona republican., 1896-09-22
THE REVOLUTIONISTS.
U. s. Cavalry and Mexican Troops
 Patrolling the Border

Captain Pitcher of the First U. s. cavalry has been ordered with his con- mand from Deming to assist the U. s. marshal, who is rounding up the gang of outlaws infesting the border, and made the attack on the Palomas custom house nhree troops of the Second Mexican cavalry under Lieu tenant Colonel Gonzales are also pa trolling the border. The soldiers at Fort Bliss hope thew will be orderedout them something to do.
 Deputy Marshal Loomis gives The - epublican this account of the robbers oi the Mexican custom house.
 There were twenty-six men in the party The guard at the building con- sisted of four soldiers and an officer They went upon the roof and fired a volley at the robbers. Cavalry and Infantry within sound of the guns soon arrived Two robbers were killed and four wounded. The rest scattered along the Rio Grande. The men are all known Mexican outlaws who are wanted for offenses in Mexico The marshalis deputies traced one of the raiders together with two of the wounded men to ,Mesilla park, where they had taken the o'clock train for El Paso Thursday evening. Deputy Sheriffs Brent and John Casey were on the trail and found that the men reached Mesilla park that morning and had remained in hiding until the train came in. The well man had been around offering to sell his revolver and probably succeeded in raising enough money to take all to Fl Paso. It is thought by Deputy Loomis that