davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1897-03-13
The Change of IBauguration Dax

For years The Star has been calling at
tention periodically and in season to the
recessity for change in the rational
chronology which will place the Inaugural
lion day on more generally agreeable date
than March and Will readjust the present
system Of Congressional sessions which *
II convenient and tends to produce a mini
II um Of good from a maximum of effort
This endeaVOr has been heartily s4copd.5
both by the citizens of the capital. who are
direct Witnesses of the evils of the exlstipe,
arrangement. and by the people of the
ration at large. who contribute great
throngs 10 the Inauguration hosts and
therefore feel the bitterness of early March
Gays and know the need OF change The
past efforts. however. have failed to culrni-
nate in the desired legislation but the
propaganda is to he continued until some
measure of reform has been accomplished
Twice in the past eleven years the Sera, g
has unanimously passed a joint resolution
providing for change of the inaugural 20
April 30 The first action was taken in
leS6 and the second in 1855 on one
occasion the House failed to act upcn
the matter. although 1t had Teen favor
ably reported from the Judiciary COM
mittee- The other time the plain propo-
siiion CT a change OF date was submitted
10 vote IL received a maj 1rity of one but as
j, involved an amendment Of the Cons1iti,-
tion IL required the assent Of two-thir.i. of
the House, and therefore failed. Later in
the same session 1t was again offered in
connection with plan for a readjusirnent
of the sessions of Congress proposed BY
the late Representative Grain and the COM
pcsite proposition was defeated by de-
Evening star., 1897-03-13

cisive majority. Since then the question
has been agitated from time to time by The
Star but il has been found difficult 20
a sufficient interest in the matter to
secure the overwhelming support necessary
TO the adoption of a constitutional amend
men; by Congress. 1t is to be remembered
that almost without exception the amend
ments to the great fundamental law OF the
land have been secured either as the results
of war or under the threat Of war. The
degree of public opinion that secures ordi-
nary legislation does not suffice to start in
motion the ponderous machinery that
srnds out new clauses or notifications of
the Constitution.
There is in the proposed change affecting
the time OF the sessions and the day of in
auguration no hint of harm to any interest
but on the contrary 1t is directly in be-
half OF the people. In the only form in
which the proposal to change the date of
inauguration would probably appeal strong
ly TO the nation and to Congress it is to be
coupled with some measure of reform
which provides a more speedy meeting of
the houses after election than is possible
under the existing law, which, except in
case of extra sessions. such as that about
to begin. compes a delay of thirteen
fore their desires can begin to produce re-
suits. Once a necessity created by the
lack of means of rapid communicat ton and
transportation. this system now becomes a
positive hindrance to good government The
Grain plan was for a continuous session of
Congress. the newly chosen members be-
ginning work January l and taking such
recesses as their health and comfort made
necessary and as the state of business per-
mitted. But this scheme was not sane
toned by the House and consequently the
proposition has never been laid before the
states for the approval of three-fourths of
their legislatures The question of inaugu-
raj weather. it is thus to he observed, is
merely incidental to other and greater con-
siderations. yet it is of sufficient conse-
quence to warrant its being urged as a
strong reason for the adoption of an amend
ment postponing Inauguration day until
say. April 30. the day on which George
washington became the first President OF
the nation Thus history and patriotic SEN
timent unite with practical caution and
care Tor comfort to suggest a far more
suitable date than that which was arbi-
trari.y set by the constitutional convention
as the time on which the newly drawn in
strument should take effect 1t is to be
called TO mind that Washington himself
urged by conscientious motives, ignored
the constitutional provision that the Presi-
dent should serve four years by ending his
first term nearly two months before that
term legally expired. Good lawyers have
since questioned the validity of this act
but the date thus established as Inaugural
ton day has remained the fixed starting
point for all subsequent administrations
Evening star., 1897-03-13
Successful Charity Work.

Not only was the task of caring for the
POOR during the past winter well and thor
OUshly dol.e. as shown by the reports sub
mittrd at the final meeting of the central
relief committee yesterday afternoon, but it
as accomplished with economy and with
cut Cnduly burdening the generous citizens
of the District. The showing made by the
various subcommittee indicated that prac-
tIcaIly every applicant for aid found to be
worthy was promptly relieved and that
after assistance had been extended to more
than two thousand families there remained
in the treasury a balance of considera oly
more than fifty per cent of the total amount
collected from various sources for this pCr-
pose. Good administration in the conduct
of the work is thus indicated as well as
success In appealing TO the charitable resi-
dents of the capital. The experiment of
utilizing the Associated Charities as a dis
tri5gtinG agency proved successful and
evidently reduced the labor and the cost Of
reaching the needy to a minimum. One
lesson taught by this successful work is
that the preparations for the season of cold
and hunger should be undertaken earlier
than Is usually the case. The community v
has shown its ability to cope with the
emergency when il arises but this power
can not be safely relied upon to the exclu-
sion of dnticipatory central organization
The work of systematizing. with the view
"i enlisting the aid of every possible source
oi revenue, should begin early In the
autumn. and to this end the central COM
mtttee which has just conducted such a
satisfactory campaign should be continued
as a permanent institution. Vacancies in
IL ranks can be readily filed from time to
time. and the authority which II possesses
shoulf not be permitted to lapse. The
great diffcu1ty in such endeavors is TO
overcome the Inertia of the wel-to-do po--
tion OF the community. The preliminaries
.. organization take time and the suffering
Increases in a Tremendous ratio To reduce
the chance of suffering 10 the lowest pos
sihie point the present scheme of planning
and conducting the work should be made
perpetual. al least until Congress has de-
vised some better plan.
Evening star., 1897-03-13
Spain Rendjusting Her Policy.
From the Philadelphia Press.


1t Is plain that the change of admins
tration at Washington has brought a modi-
fcation Of Spanish policy respecting the
treatment of Americans in Cuba. The
difference In tone and method Is palpable
The Cleveland administration had created
the impression throughout the world Of not
being stout and resolute in defense of
American rights and interests The Span
ish government in Its action not only reck-
oned on this general spirit. but it had spe-
cial reason to count on the friendly dis
position of Mr.. Cleveland. The result was
seen In the arbitrary and rigorous treat
ment Of Americans In Cuba. The Spanish
government appears to be conscious that
II has to reckon with a different force 1t
Is at least giving evidence of desire TO
conciliate and appease the new administra-
tion. and leave 1t without the ground of
complaint which has existed before. The
change at Washington has had a whole
scme moral effect and If the new admin
istration shall in due time. ard without
any threat. station a warship at Havana,
1t will be understood that the American
government means TO give rightful protec-
ton to American citizens.
Evening star., 1897-03-13
Conpromixing the OIeO Cases.

There is grave doubt whether the prin-
cipIe of compromise as applied to criminal
cases. operates to the advantage of the
community by the discouraging of crime.
IL has even been asserted by some observ
erS that compromises tend to foster daring
operations in defiance of the law. especially
when no question exists TO guilt and con-
viction is within reach In the case of the
pending oleomargarine prosecutions the
officials of the Internal Revenue Bureau
acknowledge that they are now consider
ing the advisability of accepting an offer
made by the alleged violators of the law
prohibiting the sale as butter of limitations
of that product. who propose to pay a heavy
sum i'm consideration of the dropping of the
cases against them. This method of set
Ting proceedings under the law is permit
ted by the statutes. and involves no i'm
parchment of personal integrity. but it is
serious question whether the best purposes
OF the law are furthered by acquiescence
in such suggestions The chief purpose of
the penalties provided by the law is not to
mulct the offenders to the enrichment of
the treasury. but to discourage further vio-
latIonS. The people of the District and
others who suffer from the operations of
these dealers in limitations of butter. who
persist in marketing their products as the
genuine article. are not concerned in the
least in he state of the fraud fund of
the Internal Revenue Office into which
theS@ compromise payments are paid. but
they are deeply Interested in the success of
the efforts to stamp out the frauds and
to This end they hope to see the law relent-
iessi.' applied and the just penalties incur
red exacted TO the letter when convictions
are obtained. An offender who is confident
of securing acquittal will not generally
offer to compromise and such an offer may
be taken fairly good evidence that he
fears conviction If he anticipates benefit
from the lack of positive proof from the
interference of some technicality. he will
save his funds and defy the officers of the
law 10 prosecute him. His offer to pay
large sum. even when more in amount than
tn" fine that would be imposed in case of
conviction. would not serve the full pur-
poses of the law which also calls for a
Term of imprisonment. 1t is this latter
mode Of punishment which is most likely
to deter an evil-doer from a repetition of
his crime. The money fine may only be
partially representative of the profits of the
Illegal practice at which the law aims and
a system of fines without Imprisonment
would practically amount to licensing a
fraudulent business. The Imprisonment is
dreaded by violators. and as long as there
is the least opportunity to secure convic-
tiOn which will result in the application of
this penalty all offers of compromise should
he rejected. II. however there should be
enough doubt of success in case of active
prosecution 10 warrant the acceptance of
compromise offer. the fine exacted in this
way should be large enough to put a heavy
premium on good behavior in the future.
Evening star., 1897-03-13
In the District.

The Commissioners notified the steam
railroad companies whose lines enter the
city that they had reconsdered their de-
termination to enforce the order promul-
gated in October, 1895, and recently sus-
tanned by the Supreme Court and the Court
Of Appeals of the District. requiring all
steam trains to be brought to a full stop
before crossing rapid transit street car
tracks: the reason given for this reconsid
GRAFTON was, first. that the Commissioners
had decided that the public safety could be
well conserved by the giving of signals
to engineers before crossing the car tracks.
ard, second, that their main purpose in
pressing the regulation was to secure an
authoritative and final judicial decision on
their power to make such order. Capt.
Theodore A. Bingham of the Engineer
Corps detailed for duty as SIperntend-
coed Gen John NJ. Wilson. The work of
the inauguration committees was prac
tically finished, and from preliminary re-
ports as to tie receipts and expenditures it
was made evident that considerable sur
plus would result. after the entire guaran-
tee fund had been repaid to the subscribers
President Mckinley sent his thanks to the
committees for their endeavors to make the
inaugura ton ceremonies success. Judge
Cox appointed Job Barnard receiver of the
National Life and Maturity Insurance Com
pany, incorporated in West Virginia, but
doing business in this city. upon petition of
Frank Hume. who represented that such a
step was necessary to prevent loss. Prep
arations were made for resuming the work
of seining the canal above the city in the
effort to save the bass and other game fish
for stocking purposes. Unknown thieves
stole a tray of diamonds and jewelry from
the window of an F street establishment in
broad daylight. and made good their escape
John j. Johnson one of the oldest members
of the Washington bar. died during the
week. and appropriate action was taken by
the Bar Association
Evening star., 1897-03-13
Thomas Ii. Reed.

The great honor which the republican
caucus tonight will bestow on Thomas B.
Reed has been fully deserved, and the
country. without regard to party, will in
dorse the action taken and profit by it, Mr..
Reed will meet. he has already twice
net in the same place, the utmost REQUIRE
ments of a trying responsibility The office
of Speaker of the National House of Repre-
seEtatives is one of the highest Importance.
1t calls for readiness and firnness of de-
cision. and for a comprehensive knowledge
of public men and of the methods of trans
actir public business. The incumbent in
deed. is not infrequently confronted with
problems quite as difficult and momentous
as those presented to the President himself
ard for that reason the speakership is
justly reckoned next TO the presidency
in its influence on public affairs.
Mr. Reed is the man for the place A
readier man this generation has not seen
tirme, one 1t would be very hard to find.
He will bring to the Office again not only
experience in 1t. but a proven adaptability
TO its various requirements His first SER
vice was as fashioner of an improved
crder of business; and his second as a
"ieider OF power under the improved order
and with cumbersome majority to han
cie- iLt service required OF hlm now par
takes of both of those difficulties Some
notifications of the order of procedure will
he urged, and another large majority will
demand the care of skillful direction Mr.
Reed. there is every reason to believe, Will
rise to the occasion. as twice before. easily
and successfully
There is likewise cause for congratulation
ir the fact that as the two offices, the
presidency and the speakership are of such
II transcendent weight in our scheme of gov
eInment they should be filled at so critical
time In affairs by two men who under
stand and esteem each other and who
therefore may be expected to work to-
gether harmoniously for the general well
fare. Within the past week much disquiet-
ing but irresponsible political gossip has
Teen discredited. Mr.. Reed was represent
ed as indifferent to the President and in a
frame of mind that might easily develop
active opposition to the administration.
He has put this to rest by prompt call at
the White House. and by long conference
with the President on the subject Of coming
pears on the face of things and effective
Union is predicted by those in every way
qualified to discuss the subject
To be three times Speaker of the House is
indeed great honor. and to deserve the
Eonor adds TO the felicities of the occasion
Evening star., 1897-03-13
A Version.

The air grows warm; he dreams of days
OF glorious days to come again;
All golden with the suns kind rays,
All tender with the birds refrain
What joys will smile. what pleasures rare
The best of all the year Affords
When stoutly we once more may dare
The splinters on the bleaching boards!
Far from the grand stands maddng crush
Bidding the strangers do their worst
He watches Selbach. Brown and Lush,
While Cartwright holds the fort at first.
The pitchers box holds Mercer. still.
And Farrell boldly dons the mask
AS shortstop, there's DeMontreville-
What greater bliss could mortal ask?
Evening star., 1897-03-13
The "Still Hunt" Theory in New York.

About six weeks ago unknown thieves
entered the residence of wealthy New
Yorker and stole $500 worth of jewels
report was Immediately made to the police
who. following the usual police theory that
silence Is golden. kept the facts secret
Their ''still-hunt' has come TO naught and
now the citizen. his faith In the silent de-
tectives waning. advertises his loss in the
newspapers and offers a reward for the
return of the jewels. But for the activity
and enterprise of The Star the other day
local robbery of five times the Importance
would have been kept dark and the police
would lack the only clues and suggestions
they now possess. drawn forth by the pub
lication of the facts in this paper. There Is
certain analogy between the two cases.
with the notable difference that here the
news printed.
Evening star., 1897-03-13

The highest ambition of many people is
TO rear structures of brick or stone which
will immortalize them. 1t is safe to say
that Mr.. Raines of New York has had more
hotels named after him than any other
man in the world.
Evening star., 1897-03-13
Upholstery Department.

6inch Figured Silkalines per ward. 12lsc
3Oinch Plain Silkalines, per yard. Toe
3O-inch Figured Cretonne, per yard. ...... 12iAc
30 inch Square Denim Table Covers each. :. 50c
Fancy Recovered Head Rests. each ....... SOC
Denim-cOvered Fire Screens, each ......... s. 50
4O-inch Lace Striped Scrim, per yard loc
5O-inch Tapestry Is coors,. per yard. 81 1sc
Lace Curtains Cleansed, per pair. ........ Toe
Window Shades made to order, estimates free
Sash Curtains made to order. estimates free.
Furniture Slip Covers made order, estimates
free.
4th floor.
Evening star., 1897-03-13
THE WEEK..

The special session of the United States
Senate. havi7g conf med the Presidents
cabinet nominations and those Of a pen
sion agent and postmaster. adjourned
sine die. II. Clay Evans was rendered the
office of commissioner of pensions. The
democratic state convention of Rhode Is
land nominated Daniel T. Church for gov
ernor. The democratic city convention of
Chicago nominated Carter H. Harrison for
mayor. The Maryland conference. United
Brethren Church, adopted a resolution con
demning the United States Senate for hold
ing a session on Sunday. Robbers held up
a Louisville and Nashville railroad train
near Calera. Ala. and got $1,000 from the
express car. At least seven persons were
killed in wreck caused by a rashout on
the Evansville and Terre Haute railroad
near Hazleton. Ind. Capt John d. Hart
was sentenced at Philadelphia to pay a fine
of $.',W and costs and to be imprisoned for
two years for filibustering. Dr. w. H. Lips
comb and Guy Jack were indicted at Mert-
dian. Miss. on the charge of numbering c.
T. Stuart to get insurance money. General
Miles. commander of the army. issued an
order prohibiting admission to seacoast de-
fenses Of any person except an officer of
the army or navy. without a permit from
the commandant of the place. The Texas
Cotton Growers Association adopted reso-
crops. George Matthews was hanged at La
Plata. Md, for the murder of James J.
Irwin in Charles county. The deaths of the
week included Mrs. Henry Ward Beecher
at Stamford. Conn.,. and former United
States Senator Joseph N. Dolph at Port
land. Ore.
Foreign.
The Greek government made reply to
the note of the powers demanding the with
drawal of Greek land and naval forces from
Crete. offering to withdraw the Greek fleet,
declaring that it would be impossible to
withdraw the land forces, and proposing to
place her troops under the control of the
powers in Crete while the Cretan people in
dicatc their preferences between autonomy
and annexation. Honorary degrees were
conferred by Cambridge (England) Univer
sity upon United States Ambassador Bay
ard and upon Baron de Courcel. the retiring
French ambassador. President Kruger of
the Transvaal republic while on a visit to
the Orange Free State, said he hoped to
see union of the whole Of Africa. The
Swiss bundesrath selected ex-President
Frey, formerly Swiss minister at Washing
ton, to be director of the international tele
graph bureau. The Queen of Madagascar
was eXied to the Island of Reunion,
French possession. near the Island of
officers occupied the town of Boussa, in
British territory, on the west coast of
Africa. The government troops in Uruguay
were defeated by insurgent forces. By the
collapse of part of the old walls of the
town of Fee. in Morocco. $50 workmen were
killed. The deaths included Prof Henry
Drummond, author of Natural Law in the
Spiritual World, and Gen. Antonio EZeta,
ex-yice president of Salvador
Evening star., 1897-03-13

Chauncey NJ Depew can console himself
with the reflection that while gentlemen
Of his talents may be more needed in Eng
land than in this country. they are less ap-
preciated.
Evening star., 1897-03-13

King Georges subjects are willing to
rush him into war. but refuse to forget
that he is foreigner. 1t seems scarcely
just 10 withhold the bouquets and make
him a target for bombshells exclusively.
Evening star., 1897-03-13
SHOOTING STARS.
CaFelesaness.

II guess" remarked the pugilist indig-
nantly. that might we'll discharge my
valet and have 1t over with
What has he been doing?"
"He came pretty near forgetting my
dress-sult case and my typewriter"
Evening star., 1897-03-13
Literary Activity,

The scratch of the steel pen Is heard il
the land:
Reports of long victories twill bring
The Presidents message some challenge.
and
number Of poems on spring
Evening star., 1897-03-13

II is not impossible that man of Mr.
Bryan's foresight may be even giving some
thought to the presidential possibilities of
the year 1904.
Evening star., 1897-03-13

5c.-Publisher's Price, $I.25:
10 copies Revised New Testament. 32mo; 4l9
pages; limp cloth binding.
5c.-Publisher's Price, $I.oo:
12O copies Cloud Riffs at Twilight. Poems 10y
Vim. B. Greene. 12mo. Cloth.
Sc.-Publisher' Price, 5oc.:
200 selections from Truth, 10y Johanna staatsi
12mo.; paper; 1892.
5c.-Publisher's Price. Ioc. to 25c.:
800 Paper-covered Books good subjects; clear
type.
sc. or 10 for 25c.:
5000 tby actual COUNT Seaside" Novels: paper:
old styla, fiat quarto choice authors. including
many titles which have been of print for years.
Ioc-Publisher's Price. $Ioo.:
so copies Of "A Washington Symphony" a story
Of society. by Mrs. VIM. Lamont Wheeler; limo;
1874 pages.
Ioc.-Publisher's Price, 75c.:
50 copies ''CyclOpaedia OF Eminent Christians''
nearly 800 pages, embracing notables Of all ages;
paper cover.
Basement.
Evening star., 1897-03-13

The week ended with only one hundred
and fifty men at work on the city post Of
flee building today
Evening star., 1897-03-13

1t is TO be suspected that nearly every
senator would indorse a method Of cloture
which would keep somebody else from
talking.
Evening star., 1897-03-13
A Mere Fiction.

ITS nonsense exclaimed the comic
opera soubrette. Ito insnuate that MEM
bers of theatrical companies have to walk
home every now ard then?'
Isn't it true?"
Certainly not. There isn't a lady in
this troupe who travels without having
her bicycle in the baggage car"
Evening star., 1897-03-13
FHOusefurnishim1 Dent.
Basket Department.


Are conceded by all who know them to be the practical
and economical infants made They against
sudden changes the weather lady Infants Department
demonstrating Anols Knit Speces and will pleasure
planning their advantages.