davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The herald., 1897-04-20
Easy to Start a Fire

The ease with which fire may be
started and the apparently inexplicahle
causes which may produce one are both
emphasized by the happening in an up
town house last week. The mistress of
the house was seated In the extension
parlor in the afternoon alone. and per-
fectly quiet. when without warning a
hanging book shelf broke from its fast
enings and slipped to the floor. On its
way it struck a small table standing be-
meath 1t and knocked over a box of
matches, igniting two or three of them.
These flew off, one touching the light
gauze scarf which had hung from the
the table. which fell blazing against the
curtain near by. The frightened screams
of the mistress brought servant, and 1t
took energetic measures on the part or
the two women to extinguish the rapidly
spreading fire. Had the room been un-
occupied, as 1t had been in the morning,
and would have been again fifteen min
utes later, 1t would have been case Of
fire department succor to have saved the
house.-New York Evening Post.
The herald., 1897-04-20
POLES A-PLENTY

The city council yesterday passed over
the mayors veto the amendment to the
anti-pole ordinance, allowing existing
telephone and lighting companies to
erect such poles as are necessary to
properly conduct their business. 1t was
plainly stated on the floor of the coun-
Gil by Mr.. Toll that some influence out
side of the business men had been at
work to induce the mayor to veto the
measure, and that the business men had
simply allowed themselves to be made
cat's-paws of. Not only this, but it
was stated that the amendment had
been prepared practically at the insti-
CATION of the mayor who was not sat
isfied with the original ordinance be-
cause no provision was made for just
such emergencies as the amendment
was designed to cover. This latter
statement was corroborated by the city
attorney.
At any rate, the amendment was
passed over the veto, and from hence
forth for one year any existing telephone
or lighting company can erect such poles
and wires as it may need on making ap-
plication to the council and receiving
the necessary permission.
There was, Of course, the usual talk
The herald., 1897-04-20

manner to the tourists who are yearly
increasing in our midst. as more edfinite
knowledge is spread abroad in the east
regarding the beauty and natural ad-
vantages of the southern portion Of the
Golden state.
It is scarcely necessary at this late
day to enlarge upon the natural attrac-
tions of Southern California These
have been described so extensively, not
only by our own writers but by enthusi-
astic visitors, that this southland has
become a favorite resort not only for
Americans, but for many residents of for
eign birth. Few there are who have
charged that the picture has been paint
ed too bright. But to people dwelling
on the Atlantic coast Europe is as near
as California. and in figuring upon the
relative attractions Of both places 1t
has often been the case that the varied
attractions of the old world turned the
scale. To this large leisure class La
Fiesta is a unique attraction that Is
each year drawing a larger number
across the continent. Having once
tasted the sweets Of life in this land
of sunshine and flowers" a fair pro-
portion of the visitors elect to settle
here.
In Los Angeles, as the metropolis of
that portion of the state south of Te-
hachepi, the pulsations of business in
the seven counties are felt. 1t serves
as a point of inquiry and departure for
the tourist, the investor and the modest
home seeker, and so throughout the
entire southland the interest in La
Fiesta de Los Angeles is and ought to be
founded on other reasons that mere
regard for annual Jollification. But
even on this SCORE something may be
said. The human animal is not built
upon lachrymose lines; he needs the
tonic Of pleasure to counteract the cor
rosion caused by the turmoil of our
high-pressure civilization. So If for
week the city surrenders some of its
liberties for wider liberty of fun and
frolic, there is no reason why everyone
should not be all the better for it. In
this belief all will join hand in hand'in
wishing a large measure Of success to
La Fiesta de Los Angeles.
The herald., 1897-04-20
RAILROAD BUILDING

The amount of railroad building In
any country is generally good index to
the development of that country. In
this regard Southern California is in
advance of any other section of the Pa
cific coast
hachepi pass was in 1S6S-twenty-nine
years ago-when the Los Angeles and
San Pedro road was laid from Los An
geies city to Wilmington. This line was
only twenty-one miles in length.
In 1874 the Southern Pacific took pos
session Of this line and Immediately pro-
ceeded with construction towards San
Francisco and towards the east. The
work of building feeders was also COM
menced. With brief intermissions this
work of construction has steadily pro-
gressed, until today this company has
625 miles of railroad south of Tehachepi
pass and is still at work building other
lines.
In 1881 the Santa Fe company COM
menced work and in 1885 had completed
its line across the continent, having one
terminus at Los Angeles and another
at San Diego, besides branches that
reached all the principal settlements in
this portion of the state and line to
Mojave ready to connect with one from
San Francisco as soon as the business
should warrant the building of such a
road.
A line is now building in the San Joa-
quin valley which the public generally
believe will soon connect with the Santa
Fe system at Mojave and also have
terminus on the bay of San Francisco on
the city side Of the bay.
During the past sixteen years the Santa
Fe company have built. purchased ami
leased lines in Southern California ag-
gregating length of 743 miles.
Other lines have been built in South
ern California, as follows: The Ter
minal system, so miles; the Los Angeles
and Redondo road, is miles; the New
port road, IL miles; the National City
and Otay road, 2S miles; the Coronado
Beach road, 20 miles; the Old Town and
Pacific Beach road. Is miles; the Cuya-
| maca road, 20 miles; the Pasadena and
Pacific electric road, 80 miles.
This gives Southern California total
railroad length in all the systems of 1867
miles. And still the work of construc-
ton goes on.
Southern California has population
Of about 320, 0,00o-comprising $4,000 fam
ilies-and the railroad mileage Is equal
to one mile of road to about forty fam
lilies. The population is increasing at
the rate of from $4,000 to 10000 families
year.
With the commencement Of work on
| the San Pedro harbor, and the buildin G
| of another transcontinental line to this
section from Salt Lake City, with more
feeders for the benefit of that line, the
future of railroad operations in this end
| of the state looks very bright. With
| that work will come more people to pay
| fares and freights to the railroad sys-
| TENS.
1t would seem that the development
of the material interests of Southern
| California have but just begun.
The herald., 1897-04-20

the reason that they could md no guar
antee of the localizat tion of the struggle.
Whatever may have been the facts II
was this one pacific purpose that was
published to the world as the explana-
ton of the remarkable course OF the
warlike fleets assembled in tho Aegean.
II this view OF the situation was shared
by those two autocrats they must have
applied the torch for a purpose. They
have alike inherited military establish
ments, the one of men and the other OF
material, such as the world has never
before seen. All the conditions seem
favorable to the success Of their project,
the precipitation OF conflict that will
involve the leading powers Of Europe.
A few weeks will suffice to determine the
in Russia that is friendly to Greece
which may prove too powerful for the
emperor. This is led by the dowager
empress, the sister OF King George Of
Greece. This influence made itself felt
last week in the acquittal of four Rus
sian officers. tried for disobedience ot
orders in refusing to lombard the in
surgents on the island of Crete. The
crews of the warships threatened to
mutiny If the bombardment should be
undertaken. This is a fair test Of the
attitude Of the Russian officer and SOL
der upon the merits of the controversy,
apd copuevs hroa ipfirna fiop that an
unpopular Russian policy today may
point to an army OF marching Muscov-
ties tomorrow. In the meantime the
brave Hellenes have diverted the deadly
work Of the Mahommedan scimitar from
the homes OF unarmed Christian peas
ants and have challenged its vengeance
against themselves
The herald., 1897-04-20
THE HERALD's FIESTA EDITION

The Herald will on Sunday. the 25th inst.
issue a special Fiesta edition Of forty
four pages. There is no occasion to indulge
In a flourish of trumpets or revel In proud
boasts. for The Herald will be satisfied
with the peoples verdict. which 1t conf
IDENTIFY believes will be that a finer or more
complete special edition has never been is
sued in Southern California.
The edition will be superby illustrated.
The title page designed by Miss Hattie E.
Crippen of this city and autographed by
Crocker & Co.. is a rare work OF artistic
merit, a voucher for which may be gath
cred from a glance at The Herald's hand
some Fiesta poster. The cover will also con-
tain beautifully executed full-page relief
maps of the entire state of California and
of Southern California, especially designed
to show the harbor resources at San Diego
and San Pedro. There will be half-tone
pictures OF la Reina de Ia Fiesta, her
court and prime minister. the president of
the executive committee and the officials
of the festivities. The financial institutions
of Los Angeles will be represented by por-
traits of many of the most prominent
bankers and business men.
Arrangements have been completed to
make this edition the most complete enter
tanning and graphic record of the weeks
festivities No pains will be spared to de-
pict by pen and pencil in faithful and
brilliant manner the proceedings of each
day
As a Fiesta record, The Herald's edition
will be eminently satisfactory, but its mis-
sion will be enhanced by much Information
concerning this land of sunshine that will
make it invaluable as a gospel of immigra-
ton.
80
California will be reflected by five illustra-
ted articles on the counties of Los Angeles.
Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino and
San Diego. An article describing the won
derful railroad development in Southern
California during the last twenty-five
years will also be of most valuable interest.
Prof. A. ]. Cook of Pomona college will
contribute a review of the farmers clubs
and institutes OF Southern California, and
d. Edison Smith, secretary of the Pomologi-
cal society, will write of the societys work
and research
Summer Days Among the Hills and
Streams" is the title of a charming paper
by T. S. Van Dyke. contributed to the
Fiesta edition. There will also be articles
on "Our Resources" THE Navel Orange"
"Our Summer Wild Flowers" by Lorenzo
G.. Yates. F. L. S., and on number of other
subjects. which will be invaluable as rev.
elation of our native wealth.
Advertisers who do not intend to let this
unexampled opportunity pass by should
get their copy in early, in order to secure
the best positions and to avoid the rush at
the end of the week.
The prices of TIE Fiesta edition will be as
follows: 10 cents per single copy; 20 cents
for three copies, so cents for six copies 81
for twelve copies. Orders for mailing
should be left without delay at The Herald
office, 222 West Third street.
The herald., 1897-04-20

The full text of the report of City En-
gineer Dockweiler on the estimated cost
of a new water system for the city. in
dependent Of the existing plant. Is pub
lished in The Herald this morning. This
report was prepared under the direction
of the council for use In the negotiations
looking to the city'e acquiring its own
waterworks. 1t is a very exhaustive
document. going into all the details. Two
estimates are presented-one on a basis
of a population of 241, 900. to cost "a, 462,-
900. and another sufficient for existing
needs, to cost SO, ,5s5, 900.
The herald., 1897-04-20

An angel is very much needed in East
ern Europe just now. and the United
States promises to supply one in the
person of the president of the University
Of Michigan. DR.. Angelrs special mis-
sion to Turkey will be fraught with
many perplsxities and difficulties, but
no better selection could have been made
than the man whose efforts of similar
character in China seventeen years ago
were so crowned with success. Should
DR.. Angelrs mission be cut short by the
overthrow of the sultan. civilization will
be satisfied with the denouement.
The herald., 1897-04-20
VIVA LA FIESTA

Experience has SO amply proved the
necessity that exists for an occasional
respite from business pressure and
moderate indulgence in healthful recre-
alton, that every citizen can conscien-
tiously join today in welcoming the
Fiesta Queen and assist in the innocent
revelries of our local carnival
While thus enjoying all the good things
of La Fiesta week, it is we'll to bear in
mind the deeper purpose for which this
annual festival was established. 1t is
reasonably certain that the branches
of industry that are benefited in direct
manner by the carnival are, compare
lively speaking, very few; but it is also
well to remember that very large pro-
portion of the fund collected by the
Fiesta committee is expended for labor
and the balance for material locally sup
piled. While the general community
does not reap direct reward in a mon
etary sense, from La Fiesta, yet there
Is probably not a capitalist, merchant
or artisan that contributes TO the Fiesta,
fund who does not realize the fact that
on purely commercial basis the invest
ment is good one.
The main purposes of La Fiesta may
be said to be of a twofold character.
First, to bring to this portion of the state
home-builders, men who will take up
ae fruit lands, engage in the numerous
dustries opening up with the growth
# this southern country ana aid in de-
yeloping the manifold resources of the
section of which we are SO justly proud;
and, secondly, to cater in a reasonable
The herald., 1897-04-20
First Fruits Already in Sight

The music has begun. Japan and Ar
gentina have energetically protested
against provisions Of the "completsst
tariff bill ever reported" which they
most unreasonably complain very SER
iously threaten the import trade which
these countries have built up with the
United States at great expense. Just
as if there was any good reason why the
Dingley bill should not become a law!
The office of protective tariff law is
not to encourage trade, but to kill it,
Grand Rapids Democrat
The herald., 1897-04-20
For Posterity

national museum at Washington a SEE
of Photographic films for the kineto-
scope taken during President McKin-
ley's inauguration. They show the pres
ident taking the oath of office. Cleveland
and Mckinley driving to the capitol.
and views of the parade. 1t Is intended
to have the films sealed hermetically
and marked: ITO be opened by the cura-
tor of the national museum thirty years
after President McKinley's Inaugural
tion."-Ex.
The herald., 1897-04-20
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BURBANK. THEATER.-The change
of bill last night introduced three-act
farce-comedy entitled 1.-THE Gutta Per-
cha Girl" piece more popularity known
as THE Arabian Nights" 1t was the
means of introducing Oracle Plaisted
once again to the notice Of her numerous
admirers. and the little soubrette made
the most Of her opportunities, as she al
ways does. Her costume Of the new wo-
man style adapted for bicycling. was
very fetching. The regular stock COM
pany took part in the piece, which was
amusing enough to keep the audience
in state of hilarity throughout the
evening.
The advertised ballet danced between
acts and made a very pretty showing.
The house was well filled.
ORPHEUM.-The new program which
went into effect last night drew house
that overflowed as usual. The new fea-
lures gave general satisfaction. The
child artist, Lola, was pleasing. and
Murphy and Raymond, billed as charac-
ter change artists, received a good share
of applause.
The vilona sisters. musical artists,
were attired in pink silk with pale blue
trimmings and pale blue satin shoes. The
audience was 10th to let them go, for
they are fair to look upon. If one may
judge by the applause they received.
Their smiling faces showed pleasant rec
ognition on each recall, beaming with
satisfaction at the well-earned tributes
to their artistic worth.
Werner and Reider, Tyrolean warb-
lers, made a decided hit. Their singing
is above the average in merit and was
applauded more expansively than any
other number on the program.
The Rays once more excited the mirth
of the big audience, the three Richards
did their fine acrobatic work and sew
eral hold-overs added to the strength Of
the program.
Tonight ST Perkins opens at the Los
Angeles theater.
The herald., 1897-04-20
The Terrible Wild Horse Of America

The Daily Mail prints q story that
some London sportemen, disgusted that
the big game has been nearly all killed
off in Africa and India. have in contem-
plation crossing the Atlantic early in the
autumn this year to try their hand al
shooting one of the fieetest and wariest
of big game, the wild horse. 1t is esti-
mated here that there are more than
1000, 900 wild horses in the Rocky mount
ain ranges, and that they have become a
terrible nuisance, so that the killing OF
them is as great benefit to Utah as the
slaughter of rabbits is to Australia. "And
so on for half a column more.-London
letter in the New York World.
The herald., 1897-04-20

about monopoly and anti-monopoly.
each side trying to show that the other
was on the side Of the corporations. and
In this connection a word on the side is
not out of place. It would have been
much better II some of the loudest anti
monopoly shriekers had been on the
right side in the start. If they had re-
ally desired to give the people the ben
eft of legitimate competition. 1t would
have been infinitely better to have first
granted one or two pending franchises,
and then have adopted the anti-pole or
dinance, with the amendment, and al
lowed all the companies to start out
on an equal footing. The council is not
elected to guard the interests of the
capitalists. and 1t is really none of their
business whether their ventures are
paying or not. 1t is to be presumed that
the men who make the money have the
intelligence to properly invest it, and
1t is really piece of assumption on the
part of the council to pretend to de-
eide whether an enterprise for which
a franchise is asked will be paying
one or not. What the people want is
honest, legitimate competition. When a
franchise is asked for, If it is honest
and straight. it should be granted, un-
der proper restrictions. and let the men
who invest their money take their
chances on coming out ahead. They will
take care of their own interests: LET the
council look out for the people.
The herald., 1897-04-20

The insanity OF the Dingley bill is
strikingly evidenced by the facts in re-
gard to bituminous coal. At present it is
taxed 40 cents ton, which the Dingley
bill will increase to rs cents a ton. Last
year the imports of bituminous coal were
1,243,S35 tons, and the exports 2,246, ,2S4.
If the Dingley rate is imposed. Canada
will retaliate with a high duty, and our
export business, which is worth nearly
twice as much as our import business.
will suffer accordingly.
The herald., 1897-04-20
Irish Justice

1t was before an Irish trial justice.
The evidence was all in, and the plain
tiff's attorney had made a long, elo-
quent, and logical argument. Then the
defendants attorney took the floor.
What you doing?" asked the justice,
as the lawyer began. Going to present
our side of the case" II don't want to
hear both sides argued. 1t has a tin
dincy to confuse the coort:" So the de-
fendant's lawyer sat down.
The herald., 1897-04-20

The new assistant secretary of the
navy. Mr.. Roosevelt, may find his broad
experience as police commissioner in
New York exceedingly useful in the first
work that Secretary Long has laid out
for him. Mr.. Roosevelt is to make an
inspection Of all the navy yards and will
carry his night stick with him.
The herald., 1897-04-20

Judge Mcguire of San Francisco rep
resents that city in conglSss, having
been reelected on the Democratic tick
ct last November by an overwhelming
majority. The judge is an able man,
and firm believer in the single tax
doctrine. 1t is stated that on the 2Sth
of last month he preached in the Peo-
pies church in Washington. taking for
his text, THE earth is the Lords and
the fullness thereof" also, THE land
shall not be sold forever, for the land
is mine" There are many land monopo-
lists in this state. who. are just bold
enough to join issue with the Almighty
on that question, and carry the case to
the supreme court of the United States
for final decision. They do not appear
to recognize the validity of any appeal
to a higher tribunal.
The herald., 1897-04-20
The Decline of France

The latest official reports from France 60
far to confirm the fears of those who hold
that country to be actually dying out With
decreasing birth rate which has been
going on with strange regularity since the
tion can well be made than that France Is
in fair way to go out of existence.-
Boston Globe
The herald., 1897-04-20

The deliberations of the Bankers as
sociation, which is honoring Los Angeles
with its fifth annual convention, are
worthy of the attention of every citi-
zen. The foremost financiers of the
state are among u.s. and the protection
of the public is their primary endeavor.
The herald., 1897-04-20

The almost interminable Truman
street matter was settled by the city
council yesterday afternoon. The pro-
tests were denied and the street was ac-
cepted. Thus has another troublesome
legacy from the old council been dis
posed Of
The herald., 1897-04-20

The Monrovia Messenger has just pub
lished beautifully illustrated souvenir
edition, which is a revelation of the
wealth and resources of the San Gabriel
valley. and should prove an invaluable
factor in missionary immigration work.
The herald., 1897-04-20

For the benefit Of those who continue
to try to tear down the Democratic
capital made by the Chicago election, it
may be as well to point out that the Re-
publican vote in Chicago last fall was
2OO747. The Republican vote in Chicago
at the civic election, regular and inde-
pendent combined. was 124,63S. This Is
a net loss of 76109. and requires rSuch
studious eophistry to explain away.
The herald., 1897-04-20

Francisco l., la Reina de la Fiesta, has
a prime minister with a polished pen,
and her proclamation banishing perni-
cious care will be readily accepted by
men, women and children.
The herald., 1897-04-20

The death of DR.. Riley, the inventor of
false teeth, has just been chronicled. but
no movement to erect national memoir
ial to the philanthropic dentist has been
suggested.
The herald., 1897-04-20

The airship spasm has reached the
New York and Chicago newspapers, and
a generous field of enterprise and imag-
ination has been thrown open to the
country correspondents.
The herald., 1897-04-20
Took Her Revenge

A man having died at Darwen, Eng
land, his wife addressed long speech
to the corpse upon her sufferings dur
ing her married life. She then belabored
the body, smashing a chair over the
dead mans head. necessitating the in
tervention of the police.
The herald., 1897-04-20

The best war correspondents are said
to be with the Turkish troops. 1t may,
therefore. be wise to take the accounts
of Greek victories with a grain of salt.
The herald., 1897-04-20
Getting Into Training

Evelyn-I hear Jack is taking sulphur
baths.
Eulalie-Yes. The doctors gave him
up, so he is sort of preparing himself
New York Times
The herald., 1897-04-20

The London Times announces that
the prince of Wales has gone to
Graese." We thought he had done that
some years ago.
The herald., 1897-04-20
Costly Meal of q Pig

A peasant living near Milan recently
bought a pig, which, when killed, was
found to have swallowed a metal match
box containing two notes Of the value
of $3.50