davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
CONCERNS.

Montgomery, Ala Dec. 3l.-Gcorgc b.
wilkins, vice president of the CONNER.
cal National Bank, of Selma, which
failed for 5000 yesterday, committed
suicide by shooting himself through the
head iii the Episcopal Church ut Selma
at 4 o'clock this morning. He had been
vice president of the bank and treasurer
of the church for thirty wears and was
one OF the best known men in the State.
Wilkins was treasurer of the Episcopal
diocese of Alabama and Il devoted church
ncmJcr. In his distress he sought refuge
in his church, where he remained all
night, and on the appearance of search
ing friends ~ the church door this morn
ing lie fired the bullet into his brain His
accounts with the bank are thought TO be
all right and distress ut the failure is as.
cribed as the cause of his self destruc-
ton.
New York, Dec. 3l.-The Evening
Post to-day says:
Some very unpleasant stories were in
circulation this morning in connection
with the failure of the Commercial Bank
of Selma, Ala, which was announced
yesterday These rumors included talk
of the existence of sonlc fraudulent or
forged paper which it was said had been
put out by the bank. So far as can he
ascertained to-day, however, the only
basis for this report was the sale by the
vice-p"esident of TIE bank George
Wilkes, to firm Of foreign bankers in
this city, of draft in rechsmarks
equivalent to about $4,000, which was
subsequently returned unpaid from Ger
many. The draft bore the endorsements
OF course, of the Selma bank, and when
1t was returned unpaid the foreign bank
ers, 1t is said, obtained security for the
payment OF the draft but what cXplana-
ton was given for the drawing and sale
of I'M unauthorized draft is not known.
Vice President wilkins sold the draft
when he was Just passing through the
town 1t was learned to-day that the
total amount in seven or eight banks in
this city to the credit OF the Commercial
Bank, of Selma, exceeds 5000, 600 or
SlJO,OCO more than the amount stated in
yesterdays Post, and that the total
amount owing by the bank for borrowed
money in this city, Louisville, Cincinnati
ana Chicago, is about 100000. The
largest creditor in this city is the Nh
tional City Bank, the amount owing to
IL exceeding 800, 900. All the bank, hold
collateral for their loans, but they are
considered of rather doubtful value un.
der the constitution and law of Alabama,
which makes depositors OF IL bank pre-
!errcd creditors. All banks in this city
TO whom money is owing by the Selma
bank have been fully aware of its condi.
ton for the lust two or three months and
nave had joint agent in Selma looking
after their interests. One or two of the
banks. however, broke their agreement
ana precipitated the failure.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01

jacksonville, Dec 3l.-Thc steamer
Commodore cleared at the custom house
at , o'clock this afternoon with n cargo
of arms and am munition consigned to
Salvador Cisncro". president of the Cupan
republic, ut Cientuegos, Cuba \ crew
OF twenty seamcn were carried, despite
the fact that the Commodore is only of
W tons register. Most of these were Gu
bans. Among the number was Stephen
Crane, the novelist, who signed as IL sea-
man at $50 per month.
The cargo consists of the following:
1000 pounds OF dynamite. two boxes OF
electric apparatus, 200 rifles, 2S3. coo
cartridges, 300 machetes II boxes of
drugs andthree bundles of clothing.
Clearance papers were issued notwith.
standing that II formal protest was made
by Senior Soils, Spanish consul for Flor
ida, which was made in writing to the
collector The grounds were that the
rules ana regulations of ports OF entry to
Cuba prohibit the importation of NUM-
lions OF war, except upon the written per-
mission OF the governor general of the
island, and also upon the ground that it
is the best belief of the consul that the
arms were &c DC used ny the insurgents
against the kingdom of Spain, and also
the Port TO which they are consigned
The Spanish consul also refused to wise
the clearance papers, which is IL necessary
requisite in going to Il foreign port, for
the leason that the regulations do not
permit the importations of arms upon
the island without permit, and thi,
Captain Murphy did not have
The consul issued certificate, how
ever, stating his refusal and the reason
therefor.
The Commodore went down the river
about O'Clock, an officer from the rev
cnnc cutter boutwell, having been placed
on board to see that no one should be
taken on board while going down the
river. The officer was instructed to leave
the boat at the mouth of the river. Ii
is not believed that the Commodore will
attempt to land its cargo at Cienfuegos.
but Will make II landing at some conve-
nient point along the Cuban const
The steamer Three Friends arrived in
portly shortly after noon to-day from Key
West, with Peter o. Knight, deputy col.
lector of customs at Key West, on board.
Mr.. Knight ut once reported to Collector
oil Customs Bisbec, and the latter, acting
under the instructions from Washington.
had an officer from the Boutwell, placed
on board. The boat Will he held until it
shall he libeed by the district deputy,
VINO was out of the city to. day.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
CUBAN AUTONOMY.
The Spanish Council ut Madrid Has De-
cidcd Upon Il Programme.

The Spanish Council at Madrid Has De-
cided Upon Programme.
Washington, Dec. 3l.-The form of au-
tonomy which Spain is willing to grant
to Cuba was decided upon in Madrid to.
day ut Il council of the ministry. presided
over by the queen regent. The decree still
lacks the official endorsement of the
cortes, but this, it is believed, will he easy
obtainahle when the conditions have
reached such IL point when the authori-
ties believe the reforms can be introduced
in Cuba. This information reached the
Spanish legation tonight and Minister
de LONE was authorized Ito make public
the concessions agreed upon.
Senior de Lone said to. night:
'Fhe objects of the reforms in Cuba
and Porto Rico is to transfer to the couu.
Gil OF administration of each island pow
ers which hitherto have been exercised in
Madrid. The reforms us announced state
that this council of administration is to
he composed in the case of Porto Rico OF
six provincial nssemblymen OF the region
in which the next biennial election shall
take place. and six councillors appointed
by the supreme government
The council is to deliberate upon the
general estimates of expenditures and
revenues of the island; upon the general
accounts; upon the removals or suspen-
slons of mayor or aldermen and upon the
petitions for Legislative reforms that en-
anate from the provincial assembly.
The provincial assembly shall resolve,
in accordance with the laws and regula
tons, whatever it may deem proper for
the management of the whole island.
1T shall be the duty of the governor
general. as supreme chief If the authori-
ties of the island, to carry out the rsolu-
tions of the council.
Although the budget for the island
must he finally voted upon by the Span
ish parliament the Antilles send..a numer-
Gus and powerful representation to the
cortes, enjoying in this respect II great al.
vantage over the English colonies
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
NOT JUST YET.
The Arbitration Cannot be Signed For
Some Time TO Come.

The Arbitration Cannot be Signed For
Some Time TO Come
Washington. Dec. 81 The new treaty
between the United States and Great
Britain, by which all differences between
the two countries for the next five wears
are to he referred to arbitration will not
be signed mt present. Mr. Olney and Sir
Julian Pauncefote closed the negotiations
about seventeen days ago and the final
draft was made and forwarded 10 Lord
Salisbury.
AS it embodied all the features which
had been agreed upon during the'negotin-
tions, no doubt was felt that n speedy an
proval would be given by Lord Salisbury
and that the signature to the instru.
ment thereupon would be affixed at
Washington.
1t was expected that tie document
would be si''ned concident with the
new year, but this expectation will not
he realized and the signatures, it is stat.
ed, cannot possibly be affixed before the
end OF next month The causes for the
delay cannot be stated, but they are
sufficient to defer the consumation of the
treaty. In the meantime there is no
reason to believe that the prospects of
ultimate agreement are less favorable
than they have been, the delay doubtless
being due to some unessential question.
as there is complete nnders tarliuc ON
all materials questions
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01

New York, Dec .-B,adstreet's or
Saturday will say:
General trade has been rather more
quiet and this week proves one Of the
dullcst of the dull season which has fol-
lowed the fortnight of revived demand
early in November. The unensness last
week caused by Northwestern bank fall
ureS is continual by similar embarrass-
ment ut Chicago and Minneapolis. These
bank failures seem to be the outcome of
condi lions originating in the banks and
not due TO the situation of general trade.
Unreasonable weather. the marking of
inventories and the customary absence of
demand III Wholesale lines have combined
Go produce more than the usual holiday
duilneSS. More favorable reports include
heavy exports of flour anu general mer-
chandisc from Tacoma to China and In
pan, the receipt ut Chicago OF II satisf;,c-
tory amount of orders for dry goods fer
spring delivery and au increased total vol
ume OF business III 1886 among St. Louis
shoe manufacturers and iubbers in dry
goods as compared with lS9I
Exports of wheat. flour included MS
wheat, from both coasts of the United
states amounts to 2,10i, 193 bushels as
com pared with 2,l1 900 bushels last,
week, 3,4j1 900 bushels in the week II,
year ago, l,Sli, 900 bushels twovears ago.
and with.2, 026. 900 bushels in the cores
pondng week of 1898. Exports of Indian
corn this week amount to y, 65G. 0g4 bush
els against 2,46S, coo bushels last week,
,S3'l,OO bushels in the week > year ago.
6i),OOO bushels two years ago, SO, 900
bushels three years ago. aud ms comnnrcd
with 2ii,oOO bushels in the like week of
1892
Total business failures in tie United
States in 1876. in which the liabilities ex.
cecil the assets. number i5.lI9 an in
crease OF III per cent. over 1898, when the
total increased , percent, compared with
lS9l, in which year failures fell OIL Is per
cent. from lSf3 when the total WITS 10
obo, the largest on record. Total liabil-
tues OF those failing in 1896 amounted to
S2i', Oo,UOo, % per cert. more than last
year ana 10 per cent. more than in the
year lSai. being exceeded only hy the to-
tai liabilities in the yesr 1898 %iO2. 600
o0O. The ratio of assets to liabilities
among those failing in 1896 was 60 ner
cent, I'm evidence of An unusually high
rate of mortality, which is exceeded ONLY
Nv the corresponding exhibit Of 1898.
The commercial death rate was i'm 1895
IL per cent, by which is meant that 4
per cent. of every 100 individuals, firms
and corporations in business last year
failed This death rate was exceeded onlv
- 'h"U 'ii 1910, when IL WAS I.ji IN lSND
the commercial death rate was l.23, and
in 1894 l.2l per cent
There are 2,l19 business failures re-
ported from the Dominion OF Canada for
lS'o, an increase OF 3tM. The larger pro-
portion of the gain is accounted for by an
increase of $50 business failures in On
tario AMI II in the province of Quebec
and III in Novia Scotia The increase of
about IL per cent. in number Of business.
failures in the dominion is accompanied
by II gain of only : per cent in aggregate
Liabilities, whicil.in 1896 amounted to $16,-
20S 600
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01

Washington, Dec. 3l.-The disputed
| existence of Il paper trust was Il bone of
contention before the ways and means
! committee this afternoon and furnished
the most interesting episode of the tariff
hearings up to date. There was Il warm
controversy between John Norris. the
business manager OF the New York
World, who attacked the alleged trust,
and eN. CONGRESSMAN William \. Russell
of Massachusetts, who is reputed to be
ut the head of the combination, and ok.
Senator Warner Miller, of lIerllimer, \
y, who has large interests in paper
manufacturing.
Mr.. Norris gave detailed description
OF what he understood to be the purposes
of the trust. 1t was formed by twenty
or twenty-five OF the managers of the
largest mills i'll the country he declared
controlling 80 per cent. of the output of
white paper used for newspapers and
had for one of its objects the advance
inent of the price of the product from
the current rate of two cents a pound to
12 cents
The combination had been first talked of
at meetings of the manufacturers held
year and II half ago and III. its details
had been agreed upon 10y the paper men,
while the lawyers We're now engaged in
drawing up the legal papers, which he
had been informed, would be perfected
within forty eight hours. The agents
who would Representative trust in Lon
don. New York, Chicago and san Fran
cisco. had been selected and Mr.. Russell
had been decided upon for the presidency
of the corporation. The result would
he increased profits of four or five mil
lions to the stockholders and Il tax on
knowledge coming ont Of the pockets OF
all citizens. lie suggested that nublish-
erS might start paper plants of their
own if the trust succeeded, and while
making no recommendations rs to duties
said that Congress should take action
against the combination
Messrs Russell and Miller denied alb
Solutcly the existence Of Il trust They
said that the manufacturers of paper
had met year and half ago thinking
that by means of IL combination they
might reduce expenses II million and II
half year by dispensing with many
agents and supplying all orders from the
nenrcst.mills. This project had failed be
cause of their inability to agree upon
valuations upon their plants. There was
now under consideration an arraugehlcnt
by which all the mills would he repre-
scented by the same agents. but Mr.. Rus
sell and Mr.. Miller declared they had M
hope that it would.be consummated and
in any event there had been no talk
among the manufacturers of raising
prices.
Mr.. Miller being asked by Mr.. Norris
whether the formation of the trust was
not being delayed hv the demand of the
American Manufacturing Company to he
appraised ut 800, coo, denied that this
was the case.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
EXISTENCE OF A
PAPER TRUST DENIED.
The Tariff Hearings the Scene Of a
Controversy.

THE MANUFACTURERS TRYING
TO CONCEAL THE ALLEGED EN-
ISTENCE OF AN ENORMOUS COM.
BlNATtoN-THE CHARGE is
MADE BY \ NEWSPAPER MANA
GER, WHO SAYS TIE ONLY OBJ
JECT IS TO RAISE THE PRICE OF
NEWS PAPER.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01

A TRIUMPH FOR
AMERICAN sHIPDUILDERS,
Japan Comes TO This Country for
Two War Vessels.

THE CRAMPS, OF PHILADELPHIA,
AND THE UNION IRON WORKS.
OF SAN FRANCISCO, SECURE CON
TRACTS TO BUILD TWO CRUIS-
ERS FOR THE JAPANESE GOV
ERNMENT - THEY WERE Sue
CESSFUL OVER ENGI AND,
FRANCE AND GERMANY.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
LORD BERESFORD INJURED.

London, Dec. 3l.-Lord William Beres-
ford was seriously hurt. while. hunting
on "Wednesday last His horse rolled on
top of him and he was unconscious for
several hours. Lord William recently
married the widow of the late Duke OF
Marlborough. who is the daughter of
Commodore Price, United States nav.
Th" deta Is OF the accident to Lord Beres.
ford show he was hunting with the stag
hounds at Dorking, Surrey, when his
horse fouled a fence of the Gatwick race
course, turned Il complete somcvsault
and fell full on.his rider.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
THIS BANKS OFFICER
Committed SUICIDE.
A Tragic Sequel 10 The Failure al
Selma.

THE NICE-PRESIDENT OF THE
SELMA COMMERCIAL NATIONAL
BANK THROWS OFF HIS BUsI.
NESS TROUBLES BY SHOOTING
HIMSELF THROUGH THE HEAD.
HIS BANK WAS HEAVILY INDEBT-
ED TO NORTHERN AND WESTERN
CONCERNS.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
REFORMED HER WAYS.

Gibraltar, Dec }1.-The American
steamship I.aurada, formerly engaged rs
II lilibuster from the United States to
Cuba and whose proposed landing at Va
lencia, in Spain, caused apprehension of
IN unfriendly demonstration, has arrived
here from Messna, laden with fruit The
i.aurada took OH coal and sailed for Bal.
timore without any friction with the in.
habitants. The captain stated that the
steamer had no arms or ammunition on
board.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
a FUGITIVE KILLED.

Raleigh, n. c., Dec, 3l.-A Seaboard
Air Line freight train parted near Max
ton this morning, the two sections COM
ing together later in IA wreck. One man
was KILLED, n fugitive from Justice
named John Gresham, who was in one Of
the cars Nobody else was hurt. Near
Selma this afternoon two freights of the
Southern railway colidcd, five empty cars
being dcrailed and burned up. The fire
man was badly scalded.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
TO VISIT MR.. HANNA.

Canton, O., Dec. 31.-Saturday morn
ing Major and Mrs. Mckinley will leave
Canton for Cleveland. In that city they
will he she guests of the National Chair
man and Mrs Hanna for about n week
ut least that is the present arrangements.
The object of the visit. it is understood
is to consult with Mr.. Hanna upon ar
engagements for the inaugural ceremonies
matters of future policy. Cabinet and
monetary conference. 1t is also believed
that Mr.. and Mrs. Hanna will leave after
the week is over for Thomasvile, Ga, to
spend the remainder of the month.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
wALCOTT GOING ABROAD

Washington, Dec. 31.-Scnator VOL
colt, of Colorado, the chairman OF the
Senate special committee to arrange for
IL bimetallic conference of the nations of
the worlds going abroad to confer with
European bimetallists on the subject
The purposes OF his visit are known and
approved by PRESIDENT elect Mckinley
and his trip is made at the request Of his
associates on the Senatorial committee.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
WANT VENEER REMOvED.

Madrid, Dcc.31 The impartial to llay
prints violent article on the military
government of Cuba and urges that Can.
tain General Weylei be replaced by Gen.
AZcarragara, the present Spanish minis
ter OF war. The lleral do publishes an
article similar to- that of the Impartial
and they caused great sensation Roth
issues We're seized by the police.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
CARRIED A Cargo
FOR CUBAN PATRIOTS.
The Commodore Began Her Voyage
Yesterday,

CLEARANCE PAPERS WERE IS.
SUED UNDER PROTEST FROM
THE SPANISH CoNSUL-Ir IS
NOTHING BUT \ FILIBUSTERING
STEPHEN CRANE, TIE
NOVELIST, SHIPS AS A SEAMAN.
TIE THREE FRIENDS IN THE
HANDS OF TIE LAW.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01

The Farmers Supply Company, market
square. not only carry full line OF
farmers supplies but many things for
our city friends-hay, chop, bran. corn,
oats, etc, AZ the lowest prices.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01

Don't fail to examine our line of buggy
robes. Best in the city. Prices the very
lowest Farmers Supply Company.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01

Farmers Supply Company, market
square, can furnish YOU any Kind OF coal
that you may desire-nice and clean.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01

For buggy, surry and wagon harness,
brides, blankets, etc, 90 to Farmers
Supply Company.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01

Some dealers sell n combination Of coal
and slack. We sell them separately.
Farmers Supply Company.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01

Nothing would make nicer Christmas
present than one OF those handsome robes
at Farmers Supply Company.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
THE WEATREH

FL Forecast for Virginia.: Generally
iair but with incrensing cIoudiness
friday; northcrIy winds. shifting to cast
sr'y; warmer Friday night.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
A HIGH Rate OF !,
COMMERCIAL MORTALITY.
Bradstreet'S Brief Report on the
Trade of 1896.

"a LARGE NUMBER OF VERY BAD
FAILURES THROUGHOUT THE
COUNTRY DURING THE FAST
YEAR-TRADE DURING THE
WEEK HAS BEEN THE DULLEsT
OF THE YEAR-EXPORTs OF
FLOUR CONTINUE HEAVY.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01
1-7-----
ANOTHER EIDER OPT

Washington, Dee 3l.-One more rider
to-day surrendered his chances for IL por-
ton of the prize money in the big six
days international bicycle race ut Con-
vention Hall. Chappelle, the English
man, WAS the latest who has proven rn-
able TO Keep up the terrific pace set By
The leaders the closing score toll night
was: Waller, 5S3: Maddox. is2.tl: AS
hinger, s1s2 t; Lawson, 5St.2; Huntet.
ISO.9; Foster, ). 10. -
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01

Oysters in all styles by Norfolk cooks.
The best in town. Try them. j. j.
Catogni.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01

T.. IIibareer, specialist on fine and COM
plicatcd watches.
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1897-01-01

DO You ride horseback You can see
thc finest line OF saddles ever brought tn,
this city nj Farmers Supply Company.
Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1897-02-18
A REPUTATION FOR ONIONS.
The Odorous Bulb Is Exported to Eng
a-I by E..

The Odorous Bulb Is Exported to Eng
land by Egypt.
English imports of onions have in
creased from Egypt and It is acknowl-
edged that this country is at present
the most active and aggressive com
petitor in the onion trade, says a writ
er in Chambers Journal. Egypt has
been regarded by some people as the
land of the pyramids and mummies on
ly, but it has from time immemorial
had a reputation for onions. Ancient
Egyptians swore by the onion and re-
garded the plant as sacred. The in
scription on the pyramid of Cheops
tells us that the workmen had onions
given to them and from the bible we
learn that the Hebrews, when slaves
under Pharaoh, enjoyed these Sulbs,
and that when far away they remem-
bered "the leeks and the onions and
the garlic" The trade with Egypt for
onions is now so important that four
lines of steamers are engaged in the
traffic, bringing consignments from
Alexandria to Liverpool, Hull and Lon
don. The Egyptian onion is a hand
some and useful vegetable, and by
selecting the best strains of seed the
quality tends year by year to improve.
The Egyptians know two varieties
the "baali" and the 'miskaoui'-but
supplies of the latter kind are seldom
sent abroad, as they absorb so much
moisture from the frequently irrigated
ground in which they are grown that
they do not stand a sea voyage well,
The "baali" onion is the more popular
Egyptian onion and is grown in yellow
soil, which is sparingly watered while
the bulbs are maturing, in order that
the onions may stand a lengthy sea
voyage with little risk of ~''sprouting."
So excellent in quality are these onions
that efforts are, il is said, being made
in other countries to raise onions from
Egyptian seed.