davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24
The herring Sea Award.

1t is fortunate that the American and
Canadian commissioners considering the
question of damages due to the sealers
from the United States have agreed with
out the aid of a third party upon a figure
representing the limit OF the liabilities of
this country. With the payment of this
award, which is reasonably to be expected,
will close a case that has caused friction
between the United States and Great
Britain for upwards OF eleven years. AT
times during that period the two nations
have beer uncomfortably close to a serious
misunderstanding but good judgment has
happily prevailed at every juncture and the
difficulty has been settled in the regular
course OF diplomatic negotiation.
Interest attaches particularly to the
amount agreed upon by the commissioners.
1t is practically the same as that which
vas suggested for settlement by Secretary
Gresham and President Cleveland in 1884,
with the interest to date added. bringing
the lump sum up to s410.Go0. 1t is crafty
ing that an apparently equitable award has
been reached through the medium of semi
judicial proceedings. rather than by general
estimation Had the compromise of S425, $50
as recommended by the preceding adminis-
trattion been accepted there would never
have been any feeling of certainty and en-
tire satisfaction on either side of the
boundary line. Each side would have been
tempted TO assert that the sum was out of
proportion. the Canadians aSSaling it for
lnsufficiency and the Americans cherishing
the belief that it was too great. in view OF
the evidence in plain sight
The commission plan is far preferable to
the other for the adjustment of such differ
ences. especially when the issue is financial.
The Paris tribunal passed definitely and
negatively upon the main contention of this
government that Bering Sea was a closed
sea to the extent that this country had
jurisdiction over the waters for the pur-
pose OF preserving the seal life. 1t then re-
manned question as to the amount of
money due the sealers who had been ar
rested in the sea
The United States appears TO have won
lis contention that the awards to individ-
uals should not include the value of the
prospective catch of the scalers during the
season when they were arrested The
amounts claimed on this score were plain
~ exorbitant and there might have been
serious difficulty in satisfying the people OF
this country that they had not been
ihnlc'ed II the claim for the prospective
rotts had been granted even in the least
degree.
Inc United States will of course cheerful
iy live up to the deere of an international
tribunal passing upon matters affecting it.
these awards ought to make for a
STRENGTHENING of the bonds of interest and
good feeling between the United States and
Great Britain, and to this end Congress
should not in the least delay in paying the
sum row proclaimed to be due the sealers.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24
A Party Must Keep Faith.

Some of the republican opponents of the
civil service law have persuaded them
selves, or are trying to persuade the coun-
try. that unless the law is repealed. or its
application very materially modified, the
party at next years Congress elections will
go to overwhelming defeat. Let us exam
inc this proposition in the light of incon-
tEovertible facts.
1t cannot be denied that the republican
party is in power as the result of d cam
paign i'll which the civil service law was
dis tinctly championed. The platform of the
democracy was revolutionary in every line
and specification. 1t declared against the
civil service law as 1t did against the ex-
listing financial policy, the existing eco
nomic policy. the practices Of the courts.
and what not. AS the canvass progressed
/, took on the aspect of fight in which
one party was speaking for and the other
against everything that was in govern
mental operation. Cuba afforded the only
ground upon which the two parties met in
any sort of agreement.
Not much, 1t is true. was said in the cam
paign about the civil service law. Silver
became SO prominent and important a
topic that it overshadowed all other topics.
Besides, it was not considered necessary
for the republicans to lay any especial
stress on that question. The party's rec
ord was entirely clear. Nothing had oc-
CURED at st. Louis to even suggest any OPP
position to policy which had come to be
regarded quite as much republican
policy protection itself. But the subject
was not avoided. and whenever it came up
1t was dealt with frankly. The country
thoroughly understood that republican sue
cess would mean a continuation of the pol
icy of civil service reform.
The country so voted. The popular ma
jority was large There was no mistaking
where the people stood on all the PROPOSE
tons that had been submitted. How can
1t be seriously conteEded then that on
this particular proposition there has since
occurred so marked a change? What has
taken place to produce such changer
How is it possible that the party which
won handsomely last year partly by
reason of it's championship of civil service
feform should now be threatened with ex-
pulsion from power unless it violates the
faith 1t then plighted to the people?
The real situation very likely is that a
few republican leaders have pledged them
selves extravagantIy in the matter of re-
wards to faithful hustlers, and are mistak-
ing the opportunities of these men for the
sentiment of the country. But, anyhow,
the republican party could better afford to
go out of power for keeping it's promises
than obtain a brief extension of its lease
by violating them. Bad faith means dis
aSter.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24

OF the laws Of chance. thinking perhaps
to hit something and brighten the intrud-
ers away. Even to an expert wielder of the
weapon cat on fence fifteen yards
away. in the dim uncertain light of the
areaways. is a small target, and the likli-
hood of the shot finding its true mark is
slender. 1t should be made plain by the
courts and the police authorities that he
who undertakes to rid his surroundings of
the. vociferous cats is taking a risk of in
volving himself in serious trouble The
laws against the firing of guns within the
limits of close habitation must be main
tanned even If some of the cats do make
night hideous. Some safer way of guarding
SAUNDERS from interruption must be de-
vised.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24
The Curfew.
From the Chicago Times-Herald.

rOW tnr VHlCaSO TIWtS-f1efdIu.
Although the so-called curfew ordinances
have encountered considerable ridicule, the
police reports from Lincoln, Neb.. Omaha,
St. Joseph Mo-, Denver and Des Moines
declare that IL has been a success. There
Is large decrease in the arrests of youths;
there is an improvement In study, and a
reduction in commitments to the reform
school. The law in many places no longer
needs enforcement, for the children are no
longer on the streets.
with the exception of Omaha, no attempt
has been made to put such q law in force
in any metropolis. There is no question.
however, about the evil it undertakes to
remedy. The steps in many instances of
free night roaming on the streets are
clearly marked and Inevitable. First.
amusement; second, mischief; third, crime.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24
Need of Bankruptcy Law.
From the Norwich Comm Bulletin.

From the Norwich tCOnn.) Bulletin.
The conflicting laws of the various states
for the collection Of debts and the serious
obstacles which often interpose to prevent
the collection of claims of foreign creditors
against resident debtors, greatly hinder
trade between the states. A uniform bank
rupt law would greatly facilitate business
and put creditors and debtors in all parts
of the country upon the same footing,
which would be fair and just. 1t is hoped
that the present Congress will pass q ma
tional bankrupt law, but the failure of sc
many Congresses to act does not inspire
the business men with confidence that
much more Is to be expected of this than
of past Congresses. 1t would be an agree
able surprise If this Congress should pass
the law.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24
Christmas Eve,

wonder how Oh Sanity Claus kin keep his
cheerful looks
When he gets right down to business, a
balancin' his books;
When he realizes all that folks alvin far
an near
Is wishin' ne could find a way to do fur
'em this year.
We need cheaper brand O. coal to cook
the poor folks meals,
An overcoats Of extry-heavy armor fur
the SEALS
Poor Cuby needs her freedom. and all
Europe needs rest,
An were hangin' up our stockin's an
a-hopin' fur the best.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24

1t is claimed that competition among coal
operators requires the philanthropically
disposed to waive their sentiments. Per-
haps Mr.. j. Pierpont Morgan proposes to
show how much easier 1t will be for the
poor when one man can have his own way
in the business.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24
Merry yn0s.

Il thought you disapproved of writing
Merry Xmas when you mean Merry
Christmas remarked his friend
Yes; but it's so appropriate this year.
have been writing it so often that my wife
said that her gift to me was going to cost
only $40"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24
before CoIInr Ru,ton.

WHAT'S the matter?' inquired the lady
fair.
On, nothing" replied the knight, who
was down on his hands and knees, mutter-
ing wrathfully. Nothing, at all events.
that could expect you to interest yourself
in"
"But what is it?"
wei, If you must know, I've just lost
one of the rivets out of this shirt of mail. ="
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24
A Definition.

You once spoke as if you regarded 'au-
tonomy' as a very praiseworthy and hope
1ul idea, remarked the Cuban's friend.
That wasn't any idea" was the reply.
1T was rose-colored hallucination."
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24

y jury in New York state decided that
1t was the use of X-rays and not the bull
let in his head which caused a mans death.
This case at least affords variation in
the nonsense which the X-ray has brought
into existence. along with its benefits
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24
The Correspondent.
From the New York Press.

proceedings is the immunity of the CO.
respondent. Ought not he or she be pun
ished? Any man can hire a correspondent
for few dollars to make up a case against
ruin her husbands conjugal felicity. There
is a large traffic In this business. Punish
the correspondent.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24

The only plan that suggests itself by
which Mr.. Simpson can continue to be
great is to buy himself kilt and to make
some speeches in Scotch dialect.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24

The customs officials have registered an
objection to the exchange of kisses by re-
turned travellers and waiting friends. These
are goods that Mr.. Dngley's bill somehow
overlooked.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24
What May Happen.
From the Chicago News.

From the CHICAGO News.
The Chinese Equal Rights League Is ap-
parently about to succeed in securing
American citizenship for its members. That
il, with China partitioned among the great
powers, the Chinese can come in as Eng
hshmen, Russians and Germans. Thus per-
severance ever wins.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24
APPREHENSION.

There comes to mar our Christmas joy
That old-time fear about the boy
Who thoughtlessly neglects to wait
Until the Ice gets ripe, to skate.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24

Cincinnati Times-s.ar.

From the Cincinnati Times-Star.
A California judge has decreed that q
wife can be compelled to support her hus-
band. A great many husband-burdened
women win be pleased to learn that what
they have been doing for years has at last
been decreed legal.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24

There IL nothing to indicate that Senator
Mason is not still in training for bout
with the tip1e-kilIer
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24

The Klondike would be very glad to make
arrangements to take this part of the
countrys snow-less Christmas off its
hands,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24

The death of Col. Ruiz cannot fail to
awaken memories of the murder of Maceo.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24

A number Of gentlemen would like to
know for whom large bunch Of icicles on
the Ohio Christmas tree is intended.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24
willing to Adapt Himself,

Il never do anything by halves" re-
marked the man who was hurrying along
the street.
That's all right mister replied Me-
andering Mike, who had just overtaken
him; "a quarter or seventy-five cents II
do"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24
SHOOTING STARS.

Hawaii still fingers under the mistletoe
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-24

DIn order to nvoid delays, on ne
count of personal absence, letters tn
TIE STAR should not he addressed
to any Individual connected with the
Office. but timply to THE STAR, or to
the Editorial business Depart.
ments. according to tenor or purpose.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-02-16

bill representing the interests of Indianapo-
lis why should II not? The contract which
that company has made with the city. or
any other which holds under it, provides
that the city shall receive special advan-
tages. Not only is the City Company
pledged to pave the streets between its
tracks and sprinkle. but ii is under obliga-
ton to pay an average of 1874 per cent. or
its gross earnings for the entire period of
its franchise into the city treasury, begin
ming with 10 per cent. and to sell six tick
cts for % cents. Consequently, there Is
reason why men representing the people OF
indianapolis in the Legislature should sus-
the city large annual revenue, the people
cheaper fares and the taxpayers a large
part of the taxation incident TO paving and
sprinkling the streets. The Citizens Street
railroad Company has not only refused to
promise any compensation for it's Priv
leges, but it has shown a disposition to
seize all the streets of the city which X
cares for and hold them for it's use per-
petually without paying anything for such
valuable franchise. So far as Indianapo-
lis is concerned. it is a choice between a
large revenue. lower fares. with street paw
the control of the city government and
grasping corporation which ignores the au-
thority of the. city over streets and fran
chises and denies that the city has any
power over it,
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-02-16
A HALF-WON VICTORY.

The Journal congratulates the people of
Indianapolis on the passage of the street.
railway bill to engrossment in the Senate
yesterday by the gratifying vote of 30 yeas
to 10 nays. While the result is due TO a
sturdy sense of justice on the part of a
majority-to every Individual of which the
city make grateful acknowledgements
IS in special measure due to
the advocacy of the bill by Senators
Hawkins and Hugg, of this county; Sen
ator Hubbell, of Elkhart, and Senator
Ellison. of Allen. The two last named SEN
ators have in a special measure shown
their good will TO the people of the capital
city-a fact that should not be forgotten.
The contest has been Il vigorous one. All
that able and influential counsel could do
in argument, and an experienced pervasive
and well-paid lobby could do with individual!
senators was done by the promoters who
are attempting, to give perpetual life to
their corporation which has no other pur-
pose than to force exacting monopoly
upon the people of this city. But, in spite
of such potential influences, the Senate, by
vote of nearly two to one. has declared
that cities cannot be deprived of the power
to make contracts with street railway COM
panies. 1t has decided that the people of
Indianapolis have rights superior to those
of a coterie of professional promoters and
stock waterers.
The battle, however, is not won. The
stock jobbers of the Citizens Company
have great personal interests at stake and
will fight desperately to the end They
will now go to the House and renew the
fight they have lost in the Senate. They
Will caJole. and, If necessary attempt to
bride. The friends of Indianapolis should
make their influence felt in the House. In
that body the influence of the mayors
committee, who scarcely got into the fight
in the Senate, can be made potent. In
fact every citizen who realizes the real
import of the struggle should make it his
personal duty to speak to every member
of the House with whom he is acquainted.
Every citizen should remember that it is a
matter which IS of interest to him per-
sonally, the gu ,sstion being whether the city
shall be bound hand and foot and turned
over to the mercies of a combination of
foreign spectators or shall have the power
to control street railway franchises in the
interest of all it's jewellers.
Yesterdays action of the Senate makes
certain the ultimate passage of the bill by
that body by a handsome majority. and the
struggle will then be transferred to the
House, where the measure will be in
charge of the committee on affairs of the
city of Indianapolis. on which the Marion
county delegation is literally represented.
Last night the City Council gave the bill
it's unanimous Endorsement. and this
coupled with the Senate's action should
give it increased strength in the lower
branch of the Legislature. Gentlemen of
the House committee on affairs of the city
of Indianapolis the case is in your hands.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-02-16
THE MORGAN RESOLUTION.

Senator Morgan, of Alabama, who. a few
years ago, the intelligent people of the
country held in high esteem, has so changed
that nothing which he does would awaken
surprise unless he should appear with some
practical proposition affecting the real in
terests of the country. No one is surprised
therefore, that he appears with a joint reso-
luton declaring that the Bulwer-Clayton
treaty is hereby abrogated.
In regard to this treaty the prevailing
opinion in this country is that it had sole
reference TO the construction of an isthmus
canal. which was agitated as long ago as
1850. when the agreement was made, and
that it was not intended TO apply to flu
ture schemes of that sort be binding
upon future generations. That is the view
which Mr.. Blaine took of it when corre-
spondence was opened in~regard to it dur
ing the Garfield administration. 1t was the
view which the Harrison administration
took of it and which was subject under
consideration when Mr.. Cleveland came
into Office. The treaty contains no provi-
sion regarding the course TO be pursued TO
terminate ii, as Is the case with most
treaties. If 1T had been intended that the
treaty should be permanent 1t is possible
that the fact would have been stated.
Great Britain has always positively MAIN
tanned that the treaty is still in force and
that its provisions must be observed in re-
gard TO any canal which may be built, no
matter who builds it or when it shall be
built. Whenever the matter has been
brought up Great Britain has placed such
constructions upon the agreement of 1850.
There being a difference of opinion between
the two governments the proper way TO
settle the controversy is to discuss the sub
ject, that an understanding may be had.
That is the usual method.
Senator Morgan, however, has a different
way. He wants the United States TO de-
clare the treaty at an end by a resolution
of Congress. just as those who passed the
present tariff law put an end TO the valua-
BILE trade treaties which the Harrison ad-
ministration had negotiated with Germany.
France, Spain and the South American
countries. He assumes that joint control
has ceased to be desirable from our stand
point and all that is necessary TO abrogate
the treaty Is for Congress to resolve that
IL does not exist. If treaties can be ended
by a government whenever IL sees fit To do
so, governments will cease to make them
with nations which hold TO that method OF
terminating contracts and agreements.
Fortunately. there is no probability that
Congress viii adopt the Morgan resolution
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-02-16
SCHOOL OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES.

The department of superintendent,
whose members meet in annual session in
this city to-day, forms one of the most i'm
portant divisions of the National Educa-
tional Association. Upon superintendent
of town or city schools devolves much
more than the mere task of supervising the
work of the tea cheers; it is they who must
plan the work and lay out in detail the
course of instruction through all the
grades; il is they who are responsible even
more than the teachers for the character of
the schools their influence upon the educa-
tional progress of the children under their
jurisdiction is scarcely to be erestimated
though they do not come into immediate
association with them. 1t is not necessary
TO go outside of Indianapolis for illustra-
ton of these statements. The people of
this city have reason to be proud of their
public schools. Their excellence, not to say
their superiority. is not only recognized
locally by the most exacting critics, but Is
generally acknowledged in educational cir
cles elsewhere. They rank among the best
in the country, and their high character Is
due in large measure to the indefatigabie
labors of the superintendent of the past
thirty years. From the time the old dis
trict schools evolved into graded system
the city has been peculiarly fortunate in
having the services of energetic, intelligent
progressive men as superintendent. Pro-
fessor Shortridge laid the foundation broao-
ly. and to his wisdom and foresight much
of the present efficiency of the system is
due. but his successors, without exception,
have filled all requirements, taking up the
work as they found it and carryin, it on
with ability and Judgment keeping pace at
the same time with the newer educat omar
movements and methods. In many towns
and cities. as well as in country districts,
the school superintendent lack the support
of popular sympathy and approval which
they have had here, and are able to show
less satisfactory results. but, a class. no
men in public service work with such earn
estness in the furtherance of the interests
they represent as do superintendent Of
schools, and no class represents interests of
greater Importance to the community. The
meeting of such body of men cannot fail
to be productive of good results. Some of
the most eminent members of the teachers
profession will be in attendance and the In
experienced must profit by their counsel,
while all will derive benefit from d compari-
son of methods and views, and will each
take back to his special field newly ac-
quired opinions and information and a re-
newed zeal which will eventually work to
the advantage of the children in their
charge. The gain derived from national
conventions of special workers is not al
ways apparent 20 the closest Observers but
the possibilities in this case are clear. The
influence of the gathering will undoubtedly
be felt in the schools of the country and in
brief time. for the system is SO closely con-
nected in all its parts that vibration at
whatever center is speedily felt at it's utter
most limit.