davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
The Misuse of College Degrees.

The refusal by Mr.. Cleveland of the
honorary degree OF Doctor Of Laws
proffered to him by Harvard univer-
sity was in excellent taste, but the sat-
isfaction which this declination would
otherwise impart is weakened by the
intimation that he will not put aside
a similar honor If it shall be proffered
to him by Princeton.
The impropriety of comforting upon
man like Mr.. Cleveland this supreme
title of scholarly distinction is very
manifest; and in saying this we speak
absolutely without political bias. The
fact that he has twice held the highest
Office within the political gift of the
people does not make him a fit subject
for this distinction. nor would ii have
made him such had he been a Repub-
lican. The sole test which should
govern the distribution of collegiate
the cause of education. He whose ac-
curate scholarship and intrepid think
ing along the lines Of public usefulness
add to the welfare of his country and
his age is indeed bepefactor to whom
the higher institutions Of learning may
without fault offer tokens OF the pub
lies esteem. but Mr.. Cleveland is not
such a man. He is instead a man of
narrow learning; an economist of
shabby qualifications and a states
man whose state craft has resulted
simply in disaster. In oil probability
he could not pass freshman's exam
inations and to confer upon such a
man the title Of Doctor of Laws would
be to cheaper that title in the estima-
tion Of right-thinking men.
The practice OF scattering these de-
grees around among men whom for
tuitous circumstances have lifted into
undeserved prominence, while lifelong
students are ignored, is discreditable
and vicious. We have honored Mr..
Cleveland for the discretion which he
has heretofore shown in declining these
misconceived tributes. and we win
honor him further If he shall resist
the temptation soon to be put before
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
The Exact Situation In Cuba.

The opinion formed by Correspond
ent Pepper after his sojourn in Cuba
is that the rebellion there, if continued
along present lines. will go on indef-
nitely. The division Of sovereignty is
so nearly equal that only the exhaus-
tion Of SPANS resources, necessitating
the abandonment of the island, would
given the insurgents the victory. on
the other hand, the insurgents have
thrown practically their full force into
the struggle and stand about 10000
against 100000, or one against five.
They cannot grow stronger and may in
time tire out.
Mr.. Pepper says there is no doubt
that the Spanish campaign has been
characterized by great atrocity. Many
instances Of the slaughter of wounded
prisoners and the putting TO the sword
of insurgents or suspects found In cap
tured hospitals are abundantly suthen-
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
Two Senators Who Are Right.

1t has become known that at the
caucus of Republican senators held on
Saturday to discuss the proposed alb
rogation of the reciprocity treaty with
Hawaii, a sharp difference of opinion
developed. Senator Nelson of Mime
sofa, so the information goes, favored
abrogation and intimated that those
who opposed it had "a substantial
reason for their attitude. This
brought his colleague, Senator Davis,
to his feet. The latter is reported to
have said:
81 have a substantial reason for op-
posing this outrage upon American
honor and upon international decency.
1 do not know what occult influences
have been at work to bring about the
proposed violation of our reciprocity
agreement with Hawaii The proposi-
tion is extraordinary, unreasonable
and unprecedented. 1t is true that
Hawaii is a weak government as COM
pared with the United States: but
while I am chairman of the committee
on foreign relations l shall resist every
attempt to violate an international
convention, except according to the
terms of that convention, no matter
whether the nation with which we sus-
tain relations shall be the weakest or
the strongest in the world. Moreover.
neither threat, inuendo, insinuation nor
direct insult shall affect my determine
tion that justice alone shall marx our
vyit OF -
the world"
Following this Senator Frye said:
"No matter what influences are
brought to bear to bring about the
consummation of this outrage, 1 tell
you that it cannot be perpetrated; and
certainly not in this cowardly manner.
If the treaty of reciprocity with
Hawaii is TO be abrogated it must be
approached in a manly manner. The
proposition must come directly before
the senate. and not as rider to an
appropriation bill or to a tariff bill or
TO anything of a like measure. Hawaii
shall have her full twelve months
notice of our intention to terminate
that treaty. Senators should know
that if this government declines to deal
Justly with Hawaii that government
has a strong recourse. The govern
ment Of Great Britain stands ready
to establish a protectorate over those
| islands; and a protectorate would
mean the maintenance of intelnation-
al rights of Hawaii, according to inter-
national law. Talk and buster will
| accomplish nothing that is not right;
and it is not right that an important
matter of international law should be
dealt with in a revenue bill"
Assuming these quotations to be
true, it remains to be said that public
sentiment will support the attitude of
Senators Davis and Frye in this mat
| ter. The very idea of trying to annul
a treaty in tariff bill is preposterous,
and but for the pressure of interests
which fear the competition of Hawaii
an sugar growers it would never be
suggested.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
A LONG FELT WANT.

Summer time is with us and the skies is
warm an blue,
An the flowers is a-smilin' ON the hill;
An the world feels kind o. satisfied with
all that comes to view
Cause everything seems goin' on jes' as
1t orter do
Everything excep' the tarifr bill.
The roses scatters perfume an the
honey-suckles climb
An the ivy's trailin' round the window
sill;
The criclk is softly ripplin' with the oil
familiar rhyme;
Everything we wished fur is arrivin' right
on time
Everything excep' the tariff bill.
The wind goes billowin' lightly through
the fields OF ripenin' wheat
That shows the farm Is good fur some
thin still:
Nature spreads the promise OF her bounty
at our feet:
Everything We need Is here to make our
JOY complete
Everything excep' the tariff hilL
Washington Star.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
THE HARRISBURG SITUATION.



According to various information made
public respecting the late conference De-
tween Senator Quay and certain members
of the legislature, together with the au-
ditor general and state treasurer, III was
substantially determined that the state
Is now raising about as much revenue py
taxation as 1t ought to expect TO gel that
1t is not n good time to increase taxes
and that what seems to be most nsces-
sary Is a readjustment and reduction pl
expenditures. If this really was the con-
clusion 1t is to be commended. The mis-
take about II Is that II was not agreed to
four or FIVE months ago, and promptly
acted upon. 1t would be an exceedingly
dangerous movement, from party point
of view, for the legislature at this time
to enter Upon the policy of a next-to-
wholesale increase of taxation. Follow
ing upon a period of depression and busi-
ness stagnation it would be looked upon
as almost a crime.
The proper course for the state at such
time Is that which the individual is
compelled to pursue, reduction OF ex-
penditures to bring them within the reve-
nue.. The practically unanimous popular
Endorsement of Governor Hastings ring
ing and admirable message Of a week ago
is a revelation of pL bile sentiment on this
question which must command not only
respect but obedience. None can afford
to presume upon the great party major
tiles of tho past In a year when state
issue may become so commanding as to
force aside the exceptional national is
sues on which recent victories have been
won.
1t has been estimated by the auditor
general and state treasurer that the net
revenues of the commonwealth FOR the
fiscal years of 1897 and 1898 will amount
to about $19, $4,000. BY net revenues is
meant what will be available to the gen.
eral fund after returns of a proportion
of certain taxes have been made to the
several counties. Comparing with the
expenditures for 1895 and 1896 which were
large, 1t will take about $7,400,000 of the
estimated $19,500,0O to cover the ex-
penses of the state government, 1nclud-
ing the state departments, the legisla-
ture, the insane hospital and peniten-
tiares, the judiciary. Dational guard, pub
lie printing and binding, interest on the
public debt and miscellaneous items. AS
Stunning that as much will be appropri-
ated for the above indicated expenses for
the next two years as for the last two,
there would still be left $l2,1O0OOO to be
given to the schools and to charities and
out of which to get $360,0O0 TO erect the
new legislative building.
The figures show plainly enough that It
is possible, with the exercise of proper
Judgment aad a little courage, to adjust
the expenditures to the present revenues
and not compel en- increase of taxation.
We shall hope 1t is true the recent confer
ence has reached this conclusion. and that
It will be demonstrated at Harrisburg
this week by prompt and effective action
which will end the humiliating demoral-
ization so long existing.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
Tau ght a Lesson.

It is evident that Secretary Long has
gained wisdom from his connection
with the now celebrated case of Ensign
Stone. 1t will be remembered that En-
sign stone. while on leave of absence,
recently undertook to wed the daugh-
ter of a pompous old millionaire named
Conde, of Oswego, N. Y. The ensign
and the daughter had been regularly
betrothed; the girl was of age and will
ing to marry, but the purse-proud papa
was obdurate. He put the girl under
lock and key, and when Stone and a
friend tried by strategy to communi-
cate with her, he telegraphed a COM
plant to the secretary of the navy and
the secretary, on the strength Of that
telegram, ordered Stone to report at
Brooklyn Eor an investigation.
The inquiry has resulted in the en-
signs complete exoneration; and Sec
retary Long, whose readiness to accept
the unsupported charge of an interest
ed accuser as ground for the humila-
tion of a subordinate of his depart
ment drew the episode into the broad
est possible publicity, has been COM
PEELED. in justice to Ensign Stone and
to himself, to make a public acknowl-
edgment of his mistake. SO far as the
ensign's love affair goes, that may
with propriety be returned as soon as
possible to the domain of things which
are none of the public's business. He
has the public's sympathy and it's
hearty good wishes; but more import
ant point just now is that the secretary
of the navy has been taught lesson
and that he has the good sense to see
it and the good judgment to profit
by it.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
The Duty on Coal.

In the Dingley bill as It passed the
house the Mckinley duty of rs cents
per ton was restored on bituminous
coal, In place of the Accent duty inn
posed by the Wilson bill. In the Ding
ley bill as amended by the finance COM
mittee of the senate the duty of rs
cents was extended over all coal, an
thracite as wellas bituminous,s save such
as is imported from countries which
shall hereafter put no higher than a
60-cent duty on American coal. Coal
from these countries is to have a re-
ciprocal rate of go cents ton.
Announcement Is made that the
senators from West Virginia, Mary
land, Pennsylvania and Ohio, whose
states are largely interested in bitumin-
Gus coal, will resist this reciprocity ex-
emption clause of the finance commit
tee, for the reason that it would in all
probability be taken advantage of by
the Canadian coal interests to flood the
New England and Atlantic seaboard
markets with Nova Scotia coal The
fact that the Nova Scotian product
found the 40-cent rate of the Wilson
bill no barrier to entrance into this
valuable American field is cited as
tending to prove that a 6O-cent reciprc-
cal duty would also be insufficient
as a protection for the home market.
The 75-cent rate, however, would shut
this foreign coal out, and therefore
these senators intend to fight for the
75-cent rate.
1t is to be hoped that they will not
rest their case after the bituminous
interests are properly shielded. The
sensible thing to do is to make
the coal duty applicable to bituminous
and anthracite alike. Then, come what
may, the coal industry in all its branch
es will cease to fear destructive foreign
competition,
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
YOU MAY BE FOOLED,
From the Philadelphia Record.

From the Philadelphia Record.
If the affairs of the state were turned
over to a recever-any competent busl-
ness mamie would instantly lop off un-
necessary offices and unnecessary outlay
and so manage with the magnificent reve-
nue. at his disposal as to leave the state
treasury at the end of the next two years
with a fine surplus. But not so the Re
publican managers. They have no more
idea of thrift or frugality in administer
ing public affairs than a COW has of dane
ing a Virginia reel. They will find out
new subjects of taxation, and win rob
the counties and raid the oorporations,
end rifle the estates OF dead men; but they
will not abolish an office nor cut down a
salary. Watch theml
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15

than those who take the easy way OF
ascending to the top of this wpnderfui
piece of engineering. The inside of the
monument contains many unique as well
as historical tablets donated by the wall
Gus commonwealths and societies in the
United States, and It is well worth the
time and exertlon spent In climbing the
great iron stairway leading to the apex
of the highest monument in this coun-
try. Last month there were 1887 visit
ors to the top Of the monument, of which
number 9,0St made the ascent by the ele-
vator and 1876 by the stairway. The to-
tai number of persons who have visited
the top of the shaft since 1t was opened
TO the public on Oct. Q, 1888, until May 81,
1897. was I,S96,9S5 The height of the
monument is 800 feet
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
The Common Sense Way.

The proposition of an increased state
tax on the gross premiums of foreign
insurance companies does not meet
with favor among insurance men, for
the reason that it's imposition would be
likely to provoke retaliatory taxation
by other states on premiums under
written in those states by Pennsylvania
companies. The entire theory of such
taxation, moreover, is bad. While a
corporation of another state doing busi-
ness in Pennsylvania ought naturally
to submit to equal taxation on its
Pennsylvania business with the domes-
tic companies, any discrimination
against it is in clear violation of
the principle of free trade among the
states, and therefore, in the long run,
harmful.
1t is not clear yet that any extraord-
mary expedients of new taxation will
have to be resorted to at Harrisburg
this session, Notwithstanding the hue
and cry which has gone abroad to this
effect. The fiscal estimate reproduced
on this page from the Philadelphia
Press would appear to justify the ex-
pectation that taxation VIII remain
practically unchanged, and that ends
will be made to meet by heroic abridg-
ment of non-essential expenses. This,
it is needless to say, is the common
sense solution, and if Senator Quay and
his rational advisers in the legislature
shall adopt it as their guiding principle
it will be well for them and well for
the party.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
BASED ON FACTS.
From the New York Sun.

z IUIl IIt NtW IOIh FouII'
We take pleasure in adding our corrob-
grafton to the opinion of Russell Sage.
There is a revival of business, not great
as yet, but decided. And our opinion is
not based upon hearsay or information,
but upon soMd facts. The weekly set
Elements of The Sun are now for the first
time showing an increase in profits over
the corresponding weeks of 1896; and there
is no other Indication of the general con-
dition of business so positive or so un-
equivocal as the accounts of a great, pop
ular, cash-paying, and eash-receiving
neWspaDer.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15

Suppose that upon the recommended
tion of the United States Spain should
offer genuine autonomy to Cuba and
afterward go back on her pledges, as
she is in the habit of doing. What
would the authorities at Washington
do then?
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
SOUND ADVICE.

From tho Springfield Republican.
If the states revenues are inadequate,
scale down expenses. Good housekeepers
cut off desserts when it is necessary to
economize, but the modern statesman,
whether of city, state or nation, when the
income runs short, only orders the more
pudding and shortcake.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
SCRANTON, JUNE Is, 1897.

The semi-oflcial announcement that
the president favors the annexation of
Hawaii and will soon submit to the
senate a treaty carrying this purpose
into effect will be welcome intelligence
to all persons who look ahead.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15

ticated. The starving of pacificos is not
campaign. His aim is to devastate and
depopulate the neutral territory, so
as to deprive the Cuban patriots Of re-
Inducements and shut off their source
of supplies. This campaign amounts
in fact to an attempted siege Of the
enemy's country with the added feature
of enforced starvation for all who
might otherwise seek the enemy's
camp. On the other hand the insur-
gents have not been above criticism.
Mr.. Pepper is not able to discover any
evidence that they have killed wounded
prisoners or put to torture Spaniards
caught in open battle, but he knows of
cases wherein they inflicted summary
punishment on fellow Cubans suspected
of betraying their movements to the
Spanish. These alleged informers were
generally hanged as a warning, but
sometimes they were also mutilated,
presumably to add emphasis to the
monition.
These deductions, it will be perceived,
agree precisely with the intelligence
heretofore communicated to the United
States government through official
channels. A condition of belligerency
undoubtedly exists, but it is a condi-
ton calling for more or less than for
NAL recognition. 1t calls for more If it
is any concern of the government at
Washington how humanity is abused
and valuable property destroyed near
the American mainland; and for less If
our moral obligations extend no fur
ther than tidewater.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
COSTLY REAL ESTATE.

From the Chicago Record.
A lot of ground at the corner OF Fifth
avenue and Forty-fifth street, New York,
50 feet front by 100 feet deep, was sold re-
Gently for $4,000; that is $500 a front,
and $50 a square foot. That is the
highest price ever paid for residence prop
ertY
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15

An excellent impression appears to
have been made by the president at
Nashville, and in fact all through the
South. Sectional reconciliation, once
a beautiful dream, is fast becoming
an accomplished feet.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15
o.
BAZAAR.

That the production of merchandise far outstrips its
consumption. This will go far toward explainip the
apparent modesty of price many seasonable offer
ings. Hardly day goes by but we have shown Some
special thing which the manufacturer is over
stocked. He needs money and to induce us to b,rv
the goods are offered i'm many at less than the
cost of production It's wise loss for the maker.
good purchase for and big bargain benefit for ys
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15

Every decent woman in Christendom
will heartily rejoice that the attempted
assassination Of President Faure did
not succeed; and will just as heartily
hope that this will be the last attempt
in this generation to strike down the
executive head of any government.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15

1t is now announced that Judge CAL
houn will be appointed minister to
Cuban autonomy rather than outright
Cuban independence ought to make
him as acceptable at Madrid as any
American can be at this time.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15

We all hope the effort to raise a SUBJ
scription fund for the continuation of
the Wilkes Barre ball club will sue
ceed. 1t is such fun to defeat Wilkes
Barre.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15

If the report is true that the sultan
is pouring troops into Thessaly by
the thousands. with a view to forcible
resistance against ejectment, maybe
the powers will yet have reason to re-
gret that they coddled him so long.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15

from Havana that Weyler has par
doned q Cuban prisoner. We fear that
Weyler is in danger of straining HIM
self.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15

1t begins to look as if the Scranton
ball club was permitting its chivalrous
nature to carry 1t too far.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15

Pike county's murderer, Schulz,
comes az ne,r deserving the death SEN
tence as any- criminal can come.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15

him by the institution near whose
chapel he now resides.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-06-15

Very few people who visit Washington,
for the first time particularly, do not go
to the top of the Washington monument.
The large majority take the elevator.
Those who use the staircase see far more
The indicator., 1897-05-15
Gran; to I,uckncr.

The April Century" contains a num-
Der of articles relating TO the career
of the great commander. Mr.. John II
Proctor contributes "A Blue and Gray
Friendship" describing the relations
between Grant and Buckner, The lat
ter visited Grant at Mount McGregor.
and as General Grant could not then
speak he wrote message to his friend
and former adversary. This is repro
duced in fac simile fer the first time
The message was as follows
Il have witnessed since my sick
ness just what | have wished to see
feeling between the sections. have
always contended that IL there had
been nobody left but the soldiers we
would have had peace in year. Iubai
Early and Hill are the only two that
| know of who do not seem to be salts
fed on the southern side We have
some on ours who failed TO accomplish
as much as they wished, or who did
not get warmed up to the fight until
it was all over, who have not had quite
full satisfaction. The great majority
too, of those who did not go into the
war have long since grown tired of the
long controversy. We may now vel
look forward TO a perpetual peace n,
home and national strength that vii
secure us against any foreign complca
tion. | believe myself that the war wa:
worth all it cost us. fearful as tina
was. Since it was over have visited
every state in Europe aud a number IL
the East. know, as | did not befor,
the value of our Inheritance"