davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
DAMAGED BY FIRE.

Costly Flames in the St. Louis Merchants' Exchange Entire Department Called Out tc Fight the Flames. Which for Awhile Dciied All Efforts to subdue Them A Water Tower Thrown Down ENtin- guished.
 ST. Lotus. Feb. 2f.-At 2:20 o'clock this morning the magnificent Mer- chants Exchange building, on Third and extending from Chestnut to Pine streets. was discovered to be on fire, and three alarms were turned in, call ing out nearly the entire fre-fghting brigade of the city.
 The fire was first discovered in the elevator shaft, but quickly found it's way to the roof. where, in spite of the efforts of the firemen, it held high car nival, at times lighting up the sky and the surrounding streets for blocks.
 The fire engines were soon on the scene, but from the nature of the build ing and the location of the flames could do little toward checking the blaze. To add to the difficulties of the situation the water tower, which had been placed in position and was doing good work, was pushed over by the force of the stream ejected, and fell across the network of wires becoming useless
 1t soon became apparent that noth- ing could save the upper stories of the great building. and that the whole in terior would be greatly damaged by the floods of water being poured into it by two score engines.
 In addition to its uses as an exchange, the building accommodated no less than 60 business firms.
 The building was erected in 1872, and was 233x1s7 feet. The grand hall, in which for 21 years the Yelled Prophet has held his annual ball. is 22zx92 . feet in dimensions
 As soon as the water tower fell, the fremen broke open the south doors of the building, and carrying their hose up the stairs began q hand-to-hand fight with the fire king, and at 5:30 a. III. the flames were practically extin- guished.
 It is impossible, at this writing. to even estimate the damage. but it will be very heavy.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
LATE NEWS ITEMS.

Silver republican senators and repre- sentatives have called national com mittee meeting for June in Chicago.
 An alleged horoscope of the baby of Mrs Benjamin Harrison foreshadows all sorts of ailments and an early death for the infant.
 Miss Montaine, a society young wom- an of Knoxville, Tenn, attempted sui eide by jumping from hotel window at Bristol, Tenn.
 A joint resolution was introduced in the house providing that warships be sent to Havana to back up consul-gen- eral Lees demands.
 The five-year-old daughter of Antoine Zacher. residing near Malvern, Ark, was burned to death by her clothing catching fire at a grate.
 The people of Jefferson City are up in arms against the bill requiring all executions of criminals to be performed in the state penitentiary.
 The sixteenth annual convention of the United States benefit society of the Junior Order of American Mechanics is in session at Newark, \. ].
 Mrs. Cleveland is at Princeton. N. J., getting the children settled in their new home. She will return to Wash ington for the inauguration.
 Cholera has broken out among the people employed on the relief works of the native state of Rewah. India. In two days l60 deaths were recorded.
 A Delgado, who was imprisoned in com unciado has been found dead hanging by the neck in his cell, at Sagua. Cuba.
 Nellie Mcienry sang for charity in the streets and public places of New Orleans. Tuesday. and collected S247 to aid the north Louisiana drought suffer CTS.
 Mrs. Lucia Marotte Tesson. a we'll known and estimable woman. died in St. Louis at the ripe age of s2. She had been resident of the city since 1882
 John Wolf, an old and prominent citi- zen of Olney, H.. is dead He was pioneer of Riehland county. settling there in lsS6. He surveyed and laid out Olney.
 There will be mass meeting of all MissourianS in sympathy with the free silver movement in the hall of the house of representatives Wednesday evening. March 3.
 Ben Whittonton, the alleged murder CT of the four McFadden boys at Fron- tenac, Kas.. and in jail at Fort Scott. has begun habeas corpus proceedings to secure his release.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
DE LomE's PROMISES
Result Of a Coaferenes BetWess w,....--
 De Losae and S~erst.rs os,..-


 De Losns and secretary oln.,.
 WAsHtSGTOS, Feb 24-~en,- n. Lone and Secretary Olnev ha8 ,..e ference Monday. during which tb. ..ss. ister took lt upon himself to eua-,rs.- that If the facts in relation to Dr Rn,., death were as indicated by Gen T~. the spanish government would ,ss. steps to locate the responslbill,v .n4 punish the guilty ones to the fsll s,. tent of the law.
 Senor De Lome promised also ina, there should immediately be reform !. the methods of treating prisoner !. Cuba, and that if necessary Spain wonla even yield in the matter Of permi,.s,~ all such prisoners to be removed to Hs. vana, where Consul-General Lee eeria be present at the trials. This wanla involve the granting of a change os venue for Sylvester Seovel from san,. Clara to Havana. Senor De Lome a.- sured the secretary that his govern ment would not be found wanting in courtesy to the United States. He haa fully presented the matter to the an thorities at Madrid. and could pledge favorable response.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
STANDING ALONE.
Consul-General Lee Unsupported by the Government in His Defense of American Citizens.

Consul-General Lee Unsupported by the
 Government in His Defense of American
 Citizens.
 HAVANA, Feb. 24.-Charles Francis Scott. the American who was arrested in Regla on the morning of January 9, and has since been detained in a span ish jail, was released from the state of ncommunicado. in which he was placed as the result of representations made to the acting captain general. the marquis of Ahumada, by ConsuI-Gen- eral Lee yesterday.
 It is understood here that Gen. Lee is disposed to resign if support of his actions is withheld by the American government, but nothing positive is known here as to what Is thought of the matter in Washington.
 Americans here are free in their criticism of the weakness of the Wash ington government in the matter of backing up Consul-ieneraI Lee and the report that the Spanish navy is con- centrating is at present impossible of confirmation, no positive information regarding the statement being obtain able. Numbers of Spanish war vessels are continually arriving and depart ing.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
CREATED A FuRop

The President'. Authoritx
 Burton Gang oue~tion..a Pnesiara.
 bmctais Claim the Pr.si,..,.. =. ierriia,,.
 Have interfervd with m. ~""nid Su
 supreme Court. New Ae...
 SAsra FE. N. M. Feb O,
 Cleveland's action in gran,,. le''asni prievc Co The four member. os s- ton gang. sentenced Co be b,r.s e.'s s1r. still creates a furor. m. nefs, officials. members of the ,'l'ofial most of attorneys agree ' ,t.. sns the crime for which thu A are doomed Co die is no, on1 zsa can be ciasssd as ''offenses s1.'s. Naiet United states that the p-,.sil.''' s.''s' iAs absolutely no authority in ,ha ". has iseS '''e prsa-
 Gov Thornton again wired ...
 General Harmon Monday. sa,,.l .''asT this was territorial and no. .a4t states case. and insisted on t.s. eA''ed sonaliy advised as to wh.,s- P-f- president had intcrfersd |. u@ ported In the meantin,-
 governor, in order to @e the safe side. was n,.,..s- "a issue proclamation to repriers . days when response cam. s...- ~ v attorney-Esneral which lnd.rs,.s ., s'e therr i- also serious question ,h.-s " ~ to whether or not the prrsiaen, ..s q terfere with the execution of -. - |. the New Mexico supreme eourt ..s v v questing the governor. in or.s-- avoid all questions of authoritg = sue a like reprieve. This vas d.n.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
COULDN'T FORGE A PASSAGE
Failure of the Attempt to Open Navigation
 Lake Erie.

DETROIT, 'Mich.. Feb. 24.-The at- tempt of the Grummond line of steam CTS to open navigation between this city and Cleveland is failure, and the steamer State of Michigan is now tied up at d dock at Amherstburg, having failed to break through the ice belt in Lake Erie.
 The steamer had little difficulty in passing down the river, but when she struck Lake Erie clear blue ice Is inches thick was encountered and after forcing her way, by the aid of the tug swain, for mile through it. both boats became fast in the ice The wind loosened the ice this morning and al lowed the boats to back out and they at once put up at Amherstburg. The Michigan suffered no damage beyond the loss of stern plate. No further attempt will be made to force d passage until the ice breaks up
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
BURNED TO DEATH.
A Mob Sets Fire to a Disorderly House, and
 Four of the Inmates Burned to Death

A Mob Sets Fire to Disorderly House. and
 Four of the Inmates Burned to Death.
 SIsTERsvHLE, W. Va. Feb. 24.-Iu- telligence has reached here of d calam- ity in the interior of the county by which several persons are reported to have lost their lives and a number were injured. In the oil fields there has been d disorderly house and speak easy running, and the neighbors de- cided to get rid of the objectionable characters.
 The mob at first attempted to tear down the house, but as this was slow work torch was applied. The in- mates made no attempt to get out while the crowd was tearing down the building and it is said four of them two men and two women. were unable o reach the street after the place was st on fire, and perished in the flames.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
KING TO EDITOR.
George of Greece Personally Sends Thanks
 for Sympathy.

TOT sympathy.
 NEW YORK, Feb. 24.-The king of the Hellenes, replying to cablegram sent to him, has sent the following message in reply:
 AHIEys Fab = To WILLIAM K. HEARST, EUIrU. NgW YORK JOURNAL, NEW YoRK:-Sinc. thanks for your sympathy in our struggle slpp9rting the persecuted Christians of the island of Creta Our wishes are union: our hopes a toler- able existence in the future for our fellow Christians. GEORGE
 King of the Helenex The consul-general of Greece in New York, MT. D. N. Botassi, when he had read the personal message of King George, said:
 The message to the American peo- pie from his majesty, King George of Greece, is most notable communica- tion. It is unparalleled for crowned head to personally address the editor of great newspaper. and exemplihes the noble character and high aims of his maiesty.I-
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
"COMPONTE'S" VICTIM.
How Dr. Ruiz is Supposed to Have Beea
 Done to Death.

HAVANA, Feb. 24.-Dr. Ricardo Ruiz ~ho, it is said, was assassinated in the prison at Guanabacoa, was probably victim of the torture known as com ponte.' The prisoner is beaten to death by degrees with heavy cane or iron bar. When he becomes thoroughly exhausted his wounds are dressed, and when he recoyers the beating is resumed. This torture is carried out until death relieves the suf- ferer. Ruiz torture is said to have lasted four days. This is the informa- tion given to Consul-General Lee oy other prisoners in the Guanabacoa jail which is now in state of panic for fear that Fondaveilla will seek revenge upon other prisoners because of Lees attitude.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
Rise at Louisville Drowned.

LOUISVILLE. Ky. Feb. 24.-The Ohio river has risen s16 feet here since Mon day morning, and is sti1l rising at the rate of three inches an hour. The stage of water on the falls is 21 feet. and 1t is expected to reach ? feet. which will flood the river front. Two thirds of the town of Corbin is under water The damage is estimated at S25. .000.
 The damage from the food in south eastern Kentucky is estimated at s2oo.- GOO. The Kentucky river rose 40 feet in two hours, and in the lpouatain coun- try swept everything before t.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
 JOHN D. HART GUILTY.
Convicted on Charge of Aiding cuoah
 FilibusterinG Expedition.


 FilibusterinG Expedition.
 PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 24.-The jury in the case of the government against John D. Hart, of this city. on the charge of aiding Cuban filibustering expedition on the steamer Laurada. ID August last, this morning, in the unitea States district court. rendered verdie' of guilty.
 When the verdict was announced aF torneys W. W. Ker and John F. Le"'A for Hart, made an application for ne" trial. Mir. Lewis also asked that ms client be released on bail pending .ne argument on the application, wniea would, in the ordinary course be neAfu within four days
 Judge Butler received the applicatlon for new trial, but suspended ms ue cision of the question of bail, ana hSis was remanded to the custody oi u'' United States marshal.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
The Flood in the Kentucky.

LOUISVILLE, Ky, Feb. 23.-At Jack son the Kentucky river flooded the Ar ington hotel and broke three log booms. letting out 5000 logs Abe Reed, colored, was drowned while try ing to save them.
 Beattyville is reported flooded, but the wires are down and the tracks of the Richmond, Nicholasville. Irvine & Beattyville railroad are washed away for a considerable distance, render ing communication impossible
 The town of Farmer is under water. Fifty thousand logs have been lost in the Big Sandy valley. The mountain streams are full of wrecks of cabins and barns of the mountaincers. The Ohio is still rising here tonight with p feet on the falls, but no serious dan ger is apprehended, owing to the cold wave which arrived to-day.
 Salyersville, East Point and Aberdeen are almost entirely submerged. The lower portion of Maysvillc is under water
 At Bristol, Tenn. this morning q Hood poured down the valley and but for the blowing of alarm whistles sev- eral families would have perished.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

K regard to the Ruiz case in Cuba. 1t was said at the state department. on the 22d. that his naturalization was not wholly incontestible; that his natural ization papers, as matter of fact, have not yet been approved, and to this cir cumstance is attributed his long impris- onment without trial.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

TnE first regular session of the an nual meeting of the American News paper association was held, on the l7th, st the headquarters of the association in the Hoffman house, New York city. One hundred and fifty publishers. rep resenting newspapers all over the United States. were present. Charles W. Knapp. of the St. Louis Republic, presided.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

CAPT. H. 0. HEisTAND. Maj. McKin- ley's confidential secretary, who has been i'll with grip, left Canton for Columbus. O., on the 23d, to arrange for the shipping of his household effects to Washington. He had been ordered by the secretary of war to report for duty in Washington.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

CoNstI.-GENERAI MoRATTA, at Mel bourne. reports to the state depart ment that 1,1S6. 5slh ounces of gold were received at the Melbourne mint last year, a considerable increase over 1895. The greater part, nearly S00,- 900 ounces, came from Victoria, west ern Australia following with 225, ,00O ounces.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

MARY ELIZABETH is the name given little Miss Harrison, who arrived at the Indianapolis home of Gen. Benjamin Harrison and wife on the 21st. Had the newcomer been boy 1t would have received the name of its great grandfather, William Henry Harrison the victor at Tippecanoe.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

of the Carnegie Steel Co. in London. forwarded to his company in Pitts burgh. Pa. during the week ended on the 18th, orders for steel rails for ex- port to England amounting to 100, 900 tons
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

TIE officers of the cruiser Brooklyn, which recently ran aground in the Delaware river have, been completely exonerated from all blame by the court of inquiry ar rpointed to investigate the capse of the accident.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

THE one hundred and sixty-fifth an- niversary of Washington's birthday was generally observed throughout the country. The national colors were dis played from public buildings and priv ate residences
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
A STRICT BLOCKADE
of the Coast of Crete by the Fleets of tn,
 Powers.

ATHENS, Feb. 24.-A dispatch to the Asty from Canea says that the foreign war ships are now vigorously blockad- ing the coast of Crete. The British torpedo boats are especially active. rapidly steaming along the coast and keeping sharp lookout to prevent the landing of troops, provisions or nuni- tions of war Many vessels have been stopped and no. allowed tc proceed until they proved that they were engaged in legitimate business.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

PROF. BIoNDIs, the celebrated tight rope walker. who was the first person to cross Niagara falls on tight-rope.. which feat he performed on August II, 1859. died from diabetes. on the 22d, at Ealing. suburb of London.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

All of the provinces of Crete have This fact has been communicated to the various consuls by the Greek repre- sentativcs.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
MARY ELIZABETH.
Would Have Been William Henry haa
 Been Built that Way.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Feb. 24.-n"s Elizabeth is the name which has oeen chosen for little Miss Harrison who e. rived at the home of Gen. Benlaill' Harrison and wife last Sunday moin ing. Mary is the name of the emu : mother and Elizabeth that of Mrs. hai rison's sister, wife of Lieut.. Parker, v. New York. Had the child been oo, it would have received the name or 'ne founder of its race, William hehis Harrison. the victor nf Tinnaeanna-
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

oS the 2ist Gov. Bushnell of Ohio authorized the statement that when Senator sherman resigns his seat to enter Mr. McKinley's cabinet, he will appoint Marcus \. Hanna as his success sor in the United States senate.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

the house, on the 22d. without his ap- proval two bills-one granting pen sion to Mrs. Mary Freeman. the other Q pension to Mrs. Mary A. Viel.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

TnE powers have agreed that the granting of autonom7 to the island of Crete must be preceded by a complete cessation of Greek interference in the island.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

FAILURES throughout the United States during the week ended the 18th, as reported by k. G. Dun & Co. were so3. against 2S0 for the corresponding week last year. For Canada the fail ures were 5s. against 66 last year.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

IT was announced in Constantinople. on the 23d, that the Cretan difficulties had been settled upon the basis of au- tonomy for the island, the porte nom mating the governor of Crete under the assent and approval of the powers.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
FLOOD IN THE OHIO.
The Waters Many Feet Above the
 Danger Line.

A siHty-Foot Stage Aimoet Certain All Tribuiarles tailsaf1g Ths.r isnk-- Driven from IHeff N prt~huP by
 tLe AdaauFlH- I1aod. ttc.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

JUDGE NM. T. THOMPSON. ex-treas- urer of West Virginia, died in Hunting ton, W. Va, on the night of the 2ist. Judge Thompson was shrewd demo cratic politician. and was frequently mentioned for governor of that state.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

OS ihc 20tb the associated banks of New York Ciiv held s55. .5g5. .250 in ex- cess of the requirements Of the 25-per- cent. ra-e.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
PortIons of oumberlnnd. nd.. 1nnn1.taa

BALTIMORE, Md, Eco. 24. Dispatches rom Cumberland. Haeerstown and other Maryland points, report that the heavy rains of the last three days and the melting snow have caused floods ana great damage to property. Atmid- nlght Baltimore X Ohio officials received information that all traffic had ceased on the second division of the road. from Brunswick to Cumberland.
 Portions of Cumberland were inun- dated at midnight. and the river was within a foot of being as high as in lss9' when the Johnstown flood oc. cured.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

AcoTroS mill company, to be operated entirely by colored labor, has heen or ganized at Concord. N. C. Warren Coleman. the originator of the idea. and a wealthy colored man, is secre- tary and treasurer. All the officers are eolored and the capital was subscribed by colored people.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

TisG navy department. on the 18th, received a telegraphic application from Maj. Carlson, of San Diego. for permis- sion for the British cruiser Comus now at that port. to land it's forces to take part in the great land parade on Wash ington's birthday. As the authority to act upon the matter seemed to be with the state department, the request was referred to Secretary olney.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26

DURING fight between Cretan in surgents and Turks on the hills east of Canea, on the 2lst, six vessels of the feet of the powers lying off the town opened murderous fire of shell upor the Christian troops. which, after zen minutes hauled down their flag. when the firing ceased. Afterwards. while carrying off their dead, the Cretans were fired upon by the Turks, but were too much dispirited by the attack from the fleet to return the fire.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
The Flood at Charleston. W. Va.

CHARLESTON. W. Va, Feb. 2S.-There is fully six feet of water in the capitol yard.
 Every newspaper in town is sub merged. The Gazette got out small edition on job press, giving the stage of water. Electrical light and gas plants are both under water The only lights in use are oil lamps and candles.
 It is impossible to estimate the dam age in the upper part of town. A bu- reau for the relief of the flood sufferers has been opened. The water is failing but a second rise is reported coming Business is almost entirely suspended Telephonic connection is broken, and scarcely business house is open. The post office now occupies an island.
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
THE FORREST CITY TIMES
avpvoI6T 6 yaDAxIs, Publisher.

FORREST CITY. ARKANSAS
The Forrest City times., 1897-02-26
Ihr FInr.L aL Cln.-nnall.

CINCINNATI. Feb. 2s-Ehe Ohio is still rising at the rate oi three inches an hour. and has been since li a m, before which foar inches an hour had been. the rate for several hours. Al nine o'clock 54 feet inches was thc stage.
 Reports from all up-rivcr points arc that the heavy rains of the past sf hours have left all tributaries with overiiowing banks and sending vast volumes into the Ohio. Unless there is sharp freeze to stiffen the water soaked grounl. it is estimated by river men that a GO-foot stage k almost cer- tain. The great tobacco warehouses of Front street are full of water Co the first floor. but the stock had al been safely removed yesterday. The wharf boats at the public landing are tied up' almost at the Panhandle railroad tracks.
 As yet no great damagc has been done on the Kentucky side, as 60 feet k the danger line there. Both the Licking and Bank Lick rivers are over their banks and threaten damage. At ten o'clock tonight all the cellars on Isabella street, Newport. from south gate to Fourth street were full of water and many residents were preparing to move out.
 The Licking river has inundated the Queen City Jockey club property at Wilders station. the track being almost covered with water. Water in the pits at the Licking rolling mill caused shutdown and 250 hands will be idle. The damage to the dam at the Ludlow lagoon amounts to sl, 900.
 The crops of the market gardeners in the Mill Creek valley are probably largely destroyed. It will take 65 feet to interfere with work at Union stock yards.
 1t II o'clock tonight the water was standing about five feet deep over the main tracks entering the Grand Central Railroad depot and all of the passenger trains of the following rail- roads abandoned the depot: Baltimore x Ohio Southwestern. Ohio X Missis- sippi, Big Four two divisionsl and Queen X Crescent. The Chesa- peake ,S Ohio and the Louisville & Nashville. by reason of their tracks being more elevated will not be reached in the depot under sixty feet The roads abandoning the Grand Cen tral have temporary depot at Eighth street that will be used until the water subsidies. There has been no delay on any road entering or going out of this city. and there will be none. Freight traffic it not interfered with at all. as the freight depots are on high ground.