davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times., 1897-12-31
I'd. They dent stop to thinS of the

end. They dent stop to thina of the
serious.
"A welI-kncwn writer recently said that
of pros teritv. In other words, 1e a IS
that the twenty years between 1878 AMI
1893 " ere the must prosperous ever known
ill America. Then he shows, by a long
series of deductions, that such period
will never return gain. L believe, my
friends, that among the many financiers
in this room there is hardly one but that
agrees with the statement.
but to get to the serious part of ci,il
duties, we Will find that they cannot nc
ia ken i'll I he usua happy go-lucky American
style. They require the deepest study. 70
this country 1t is fast growing to BE- more
than serious. Government in this country
has become 2 huge mechanism. Puritj OF
government, integrity, efficiency and .1ure
mindedness, the essentials that should be
in every official, are ofte1 lacking
"Amt ricens have not the same vigila ice
and interest in the government as the Eng
lish people have. In Ecgla nd every nan
is interested in the government. And
what is the result? Is there 4 better
governed country ia the world than Eng
land?
Americans are deficient in their criti
cisms Of the various local gOvernm >n;s.
don t mean adverse criticism SO much as
do prrisc. They do not reward m ri
torious service as they should, and rs is
done in other countries"
The times., 1897-12-31
The Pension list

At esteemed correspondent who signs
himself Veteran" but wio, possibly be
cause he las not the courage of his
Convictions or confidence in the Justice
of his cause, fails TO sign his name to
the communication he sends us. complains
that The Times is unjust TO the vet
Grams of the wat' in its demand that the
national pension list shall be purged Of
fraudulent pensioners.
If il happens that our esteemed CORE
spondent is veteran of the right sort, he
will see his mistake and feel sorry. If
he is not, ii does not matter.
1T would be futile to attempt to sh wv
that tie Democratic party is or ever has
been anything but willing and anxious
to do all fol the disabled survivors OF
the a'var- er rur their dependent widows
and children that the extreme of IA
tionai duty and generosity could call
for. This has been conclusively demon
.strated in the history OF Democratic Con
crosses, where tie balance OF power and
voting domination was held by South
;ern and. TO an extent, ex-Confederate in
fuence. In every such case tie millions
drawn from patriotic people, ever grow
ing sf,uurer, have been cheerfully inl en-
thuslas:ieaIly Appropriated Tor the ben
Eft OF The soldiers.
1t is q; opce to the interest OF the country
and TO every worthy recipient of the
nations bounty, that the pension system
should be freed from fraud. Is il con-
ceirable that any genuine, disablei vet
eran, whose service and disa bTities prove
him to be entitled to the aid he receives,
should wisf TO support one not deserving
II it Ga the position OF a fraudulent bene-
ficiary2 We are not prerared ia believe
IT, II 1t Were otherwise, and it could .e
shog1s ii.at any considerable element Of
The times., 1897-12-31
FRIDAY. DECEMBER 81. 1897.
New Year Calls.

II is a custom handed down from the
days OF Dutch New Amsterdam that On
New Years Day people sholld make it
their business TO call on their friends
The cbston is a pretty Dne, dignified with
age, but owin. TO the imm enSe increase
in the size cr our cities, and to the general
Quicl; eniEe of business and social life, it
has almost entirely disappeared from
every cit. except Washington. Here it
is kept alive in official circles. The
President receives ON New Years Day
and SO do the Cabinet ladies, and al
the town consequently used to follow
their example. But al no time since tie
Dutch settled in tins country has il been
appropriate tc print the calling list of
the entire town in a local paper for
the perUsal of the public. The idea IF
mans being able 20 nip out a page con
tanning the addresses of his friends and
acquaintance from . newspaper, carry
1t about in lis pocket, and scratch off
the names OF his hostesses one by one,
was never contemplated by the people
who made tie custom Of New Years calls
a dignificd and delightful one.
II there is any reason for the custom
at all, il is reason OF sentiment. II
there is any person on whom We wish to
call, we should he able to recall that per
sons lame and residence without having
it poked into our faces by a newspaper.
To refined people, the prociama ton thus
issued wcaid be a good deal like having
their names called through the streets by
the towr crier, which might, of course, be
a useful pra ctice ia some cases. but not
desirable as q part of our social life.
So FAR az The Times is concerned, people
may call on tLeir friends, formally and in
formally, atteId Watcltmeetings and re-
ceptions. snd have all sorts of delightful
social times on the first Of January, but
there seems TO be no reason why it should
he deenIeu necessary to publish in sort Of
supplement, tn names aud ad-
dresses cf all the people who viii be at |
home" on that day. If people have friends |
whom tney wish to see, their friends Will |
know where tC find them, and there is no |
reason WHY any one else should know, or
want {, EI4ow, anything about it,
The times., 1897-12-31

what is called in politics the old soldier
vote We're committed to such an idea
OF perfid5, the question at large in its
patriotic aspects would be radically
changed. But we are glad to see convinc-
ing evidence that il is not so. From maay
directions We Learn that such organizations
as the Grand Army of the Republic and
the Union Veteran Legion, through their
local arc district encampments, are pass
ing ie' 'oiutions favorable to the demand
OF the Pension Commissioner that the lists
shall be published and light let in on the
system. as it has been administered dur
ing the pastfewyears.
We are quite certain that any such
thing would be a serious business for many
Republican politicians, and for the pen
sion agerts apd others who have as
sisted them in passing pension claims, de
sired rather for their political effect than
on account OF the merits OF particular
claims. But that consideration does not
concern rs. Democrats want to see every
old Soldier in the full enjoyment of his
to the extent OF their ability, to bring it
about that the fraudulent pensiona ries
or the nation, and all who have con-
tributed through corruption, perjury, AMI
forgery TO the pension scandal, shall be
exposed and punished.
The times., 1897-12-31

There h5s been a great deal said and
written aboHt he sudden and unex
pected return to this country of the Ameri-
can minister to Venezuela Mr.. F. B.
Loornis, of Chic. 1t was promptly given
out upon the arrival of Mr.. LoomiS IN
New York that he was the bearer of in
formation pf such vast importance to ,he
State department that he could neither
trust 1t tc the cables nor to the mail bag.
An effort ST ems to have been made to
shroud tho whole visit i'll n deal of mysterl
and all that sort of thing. Perhaps Nj.
Loonlis enjoys mystery. Mr.. LoomiS
was soncc upon time newspaper reporter
and knows the value of n little judiciouS
advertising. However that may be Mr.
Loomis does not return to this country
laden With important news. 1t has been
officially ammo unced that Mr.. Leomis returns
simply or leave OF absence at his Jwn
request. He and Mrs. Loomis Were
little bit horncsick and wanted to visit
their old home. This Mrs. Loomis is now
doing and hen Mr.. Loomis gets sired
of Washington he will go to Springfield
Ohio, fot few days, and then they viii
return TO Venezuela. That's all there
is to this mysterious visit of the American
tC Venezuela.
The times., 1897-12-31

Representative Ia ylor. of Ohio, returned
yesterday from his home, where he Las
been spending few da Us. He is quite
confident that Mr. Hanna viii Su3c .ed
himself in the Senate. .'I ha ppen to know
that scme OF the statements made by those
VINO are ella inning Mr.. Hanna's defeat are
without reason said tie yesterday. In
the list of those who are put down a.
being against Mr.. Hanna / see the ma NJ.
of Representative TIA vlOr, of Mahonin.
county. Now it happens that that Mr.Ta yfor
is brother Of mine, and / know whereof
/ speak wneft l sa Y lie is Hanna nan
ana VIII vote fer him. There cal oe
no doubt about that Representative
James, of Stark county, is also claimed to
be against Alr. Hanna. Mr.. James WI
vote for Mr.. Hanna, ami l know that I
can sa y the same of Representative ASH
ford, of my own county. These are three
men who have been cIaSsed in the opp0-
sitiun. If the claims relating to ot;lsr
members are no sounder than these | DO
not see how There eau be any opposition
at all. The fight VIII be short and sharp,
and Mr.. ia ma VIII be chosen
The times., 1897-12-31
EXPOhTS FROM NEWPORT NEWS.
Shipments During the Year Now
Closing Leading the Record


Closing Leading the Record
Newport News, Va. Dec .3o.-F From data
given out this afternoon at the custom
house il is apparent that the year s9I will
be the greatest, in the matter Of exports, in
the history Of this Port. During the year
including today, 2l ,464,4TI bushels Of
grain were exported. These sbipm ants
We're c'Tided as follows. January-Corn,
1,s74,o1S bushels: oats, 0,214 bushels
FebfUary-Cur 2, 4S9, 1862 bushels; ll:s,
29, 200 bushels. Marct Corn, 3.6o3.S 30:
oats, 246, 1865; wheat, 21,6Uo; bari -.
81 900. April-Corn. ] $40. 200: oats. II.
sac. M&g-Corn, 7SS, Al 8; barley. 10000.
June Corn. ST. Al; barley, 37,797. July
Corn, 23S, 81; wheat. 10000, August
Corn, e97 13s; wheat. 1861 ,276. septern-
ber-Corn. .2sS. .697;oats, 2S6, 264 A: wheat.
10000. October Corr. Cos 5,565: ol:s,
502,s31: wheat, 224.562
Noven.her- CcrI, ,IS7 { 81: oats, ) H.. 353
rye, 2O7 ,421: wheat, 24t,Oo3 December
Corn, 2,S46 ,234. The most rena rka BILE b1>i.
ness at this port during the year was fine
expectation of flour. The monthly record
of tafrels Of flour shipped are: January.
1853; February, 1916; March, Is. =
] %: April, 25,75l; Nay. 124,6o5: June
S8,T4T: July, 33,s95; August, 43,I
September, / 1865 October, 93.6o3: NJ
vemher, 145,2 December, 2i1,s7o.
Approxmdted total ,I5e ,345 ba rreIs.
valued at $6.5I6,t61
During eleven months, ending November
80, 2o,I09 head of cattle, valued at
S2, 100000, ere shipped.
The times., 1897-12-31
- IT,
Is POTTER A PATRIOT?


Bishop of New York Eytols English
System of Goverur I.
New York, Dec. 80. Bistlup Henry C.
Potter's assertion that prosperity has left
this country and that England is d better
governed nation, iuade last night at the
monthly meeting Of the Church Club, Y rs
freely comm ented upon today. Criticisms
ON his speech Were for the most part adj
verse. Many expressed themselves as
greatly astonished that Bishop Potter
should liaye made such unmudified deel IRA
tions without giving definite reas asoas for
them.
Bishop Potter, in tie course of his ad-
dress, said:
s'The subject Which we are here to dis
cuss this evehingiis one of grave ;mpor-
tance. It is a subject which perhaps Las
Eot been Thought Of enough by chnrchmen.
Character is perhaps that which cunts
most in this world, and character is what
is needed iniGiyie life,
''If you travel some parts of Europe
especially eastern. Europe. you will find
tie general life without the exuberance
OF the young ife. Everything appears older
and staid. With Americans it is differ
ent. All take things as they come end
believe all things will come right in the
The times., 1897-12-31
Aranruren ON Ru,z.s Death

A letter from the patriot Gen. Aranguren
to the New York Hera finally diSposes OF
the charge that he shot Lieut.. Col. Ruiz,
Manco's aide de-camp, while the latter
was under the protection of n flag of
truce. and acting as a recognized military
envoy. The facts, as stated by Gen
Aranguieb, simply are, that Ruiz, who
was an old acquaintance, solicited ninter-
view which the Cuban officer refused to
grant, knowing that the other wishel to
present autonomy which. under the law
of the republic, would be tr reason and com
pei ArGEguret. to execute the emissary of
fering IL. He begged Ruiz to abandon such
fatal intention. and friends of both
parties In Havana also tried to diSsuade
him. IL was useless. Ruiz was fool
hardy enough 10 believe that his personal
influei.ce over ArangureI was greater than
The times., 1897-12-31

peror Franz Joseph Constitutes himself
absolute menarch for the next six months.
or until the reassembling of the Reichs-
rath. He Will levy taxes and conduct the
governmental business at the old stand
without the least reference to the people
or theil representatives. This is clear
cut coup d'etat," and the excuse for
1t is that factional fights In the Austrian
Parlian CT made it impossible TOR that body
to legisle te-w hich is true enough. But
it is painful to see such backward steps
taken In the last years of the century
whose glory onoe was the growth of free
government and popular rights.
The times., 1897-12-31
Republican losses.
(From the Boston Herald }

IT IVTN CIlt BOStOH HtTaIUJ
This las been a cold year for the Re-
puhlicanS in municipal elections. At the
beginning Of the year they controlled
the guS ernment OF all the larger cities
of the Country with the single exception
of Boston, New York, Chicago, Phila
delphia, Brooklyn, Cincinnati, st. Louis,
Baltimore md a long list OF smaller
cities were classed as Republican. But
when 1858 begins they Will find them
selves ir possession OF only Philadel
phia, st. Louis and Baltimore, among
the larger municipalities, while the small
er cities the have lost re too numerous to
mention.
The times., 1897-12-31

Mr.. J A ddson Porter, secretary to the
him an Injustice yesterday in saying that
he had at first acknowledged that Secre-
tary Gage had resigned, afterwards den yine
it like a diplomat Mr.. Porter posi-
lively asserts that he has never at any
time Informed anyone that Mr.. Gage hal
resigned CT had offered to resign. So far
as The Tines is concerned, this decl 7ration
by Mr. Porter is final His word is d
sufficient guarantee TO us that our reporter
was misled.
The times., 1897-12-31
A Correction.

To the Editor Of The Times:
noticed that in recent issue OF your
paper you stated that my funda
mental pG tents of December 21, 1897,
which cover broadly the alternating cleo
trio system OF distribution for light and
power, were the property Of the General
Electric Company. Permit me to say that
you are liz error. The fundamental patent
upon this system has not been assigned to
the General Electric Company, or any
other company, and all users of the in
yention and manufa cturers of alternating
machinery are tnfringers. 1 make this
statement to correct an apparent and in
adyertent oversight on your part
RUDOLPH NJ. HUNTER,
PhiIaGelphia, Dec. 20.
The times., 1897-12-31

2 OUartered uaE Tables, 24x24. with
love- sheii Reduced from S45O 10 S2.UU
each
2 QtartPred Oak Tables. 2Ux2O, carved
legs EtduC ed from S3-T5 To Sl-5D each
2 Imitation Mahogany Fables. 21xZ4.
lower shell, curved legs. RefluceI from
S45t l., 81. 80 each.
Ma! oeauv Table, inIaiG. Red I ed from
'Gai. Table, c4x24. Reduced FROM
. OAK Tables, 2Ox20. Reduced from
g1lid oak Folding Tables. Reduced
from 500 t. Zoe. each.
: ChiId,ef's Rockers Reduced from 25c
to 10c .-,
These goods are scratched. marred ~
otherv .st imperfect
FourtI. floor.
The times., 1897-12-31
Mr.. Dingley's Riy.iI.

tFfom the Springfield Republican,
Young Joseph Letters father credits the
boy with hs wing added L. cents a bushei to
the world price OF wheat, Ind OF being "a
benefactor of the agricultural industries of
the country to that extent" This save
of an attempt to rob the Dingiey bill and
the Republican party OF the credit for pres
ent wheat prices. but 20 far as young
Letter is concerned Consumers of wheat will
appreciate his benefaction to agriculture
the more OF his deal lis through, as luite
likely it may
The times., 1897-12-31

Many peaceably disposed citizens VIII
be overjoyeG at the report that the lams
Express Company has found and delivered
the Hilton trophy to its Georgian Gus
todians 1t was absent and unaccounted
for during several days, and there we're
ugly suspicious iii tlanta that the District
staff had spOuted 1t for the harmless.
necessarr Chris trnas egg nogg OF the period.
Ali that is over. Between the Natioaal
Guard of these parts aud that Of Georgia,
there IL 10 ueed either for war or arbi-
tration. A terrible load viii he lifted
from the peaceloviug administr 1ti n.
Think of the horrors of another Civil war.
The times., 1897-12-31

1t will be interesting to note the reDlies
that will be sent to the Senate after it
recohvenes in response to the resolution Of
Mr. Cullon bearing upon the civil service
reform law. Under the terms Of that resc
iutionthehead afeach executive depa rtralt
is required to inform the Senate ewhatp places
should heeXccnted from the classified service
and what changes or amendments are de
sirable us Indicated by their experience.
The rep:y Of Secretary Gage is one that
will he especially looked forward to with
more than the usual degree oil intere st,
The times., 1897-12-31

The announcement that Great Brit ain ha )
called out hcl naval reserves is important
as fndica ting that. after much doubt and
denial, fight finally may be arranged
between Fitzsimmons and Corbett. We
should remember. however, that after
these champions had called out their re-
serves it took five Years to get them
together IT, ring. They did get there
at last, and possibly-though We say it
with ieserye-Great Britain may, too.
The times., 1897-12-31
CAPITOL GOSSIP.

First ssistaLt Postmaster General Perry
Heath recently strolled into the cloakroorn
of the IIouse aud enjoyed chat with q
number of his old friends. While he vas
thus engaged member from rural dis
trict entered. He had mass of letters
and peTers in his hand and weary look
in his eyes. s-ss s,-.
II wis., ne said, after being introduced
to Mr.. Heath, THAT / had your position
and yoL had mine.n
Why curicusly inquired the First AS
sistant Postmaster General.
Because tlien could write and send all
the letters pleased without having to buy
stamps" replied the member seriously,
Lord bless You, man. calculated Mr.
Heath II have TO buy postage stamps like
any other pc ers6n. 1T costs me from So to
So week for my personal correspondence
The member gazed at Mr.. Heath for
momentif- a:nazement. and then slowly, but
with emphasis, exclaimed:
1.-THE deuce! Well, that's news to me -
and he departed for his seat, wondering ut
the smile he noticed on all the faces
present. p
The times., 1897-12-31
Neutralizing Newfoundland Fish.

->tutidlfLliiS NeW1Oun0tanu FISH.
The Paris Figaro is responsible for the
statement that NJ Hanotaux, French min
lister OF foreign affairs, is about to ..all
an international conference for the neii-
tralization of the fishing waters off the
Coast OF Newfoundland. The matter in
volved has been cause OF sore friction
between France and England for more than
a century, and il is an excellent idea 20
have it settled.
The principal parties AT interest are
America, GTeat Britain and France. al
though il is probable that the Scandinavian
nations are more or less concerned. An
International conference would be likely 10
establish al understanding which the Brit
ish government would be compelled to re
spect and Il precedent OF some value to us
in connection with our fishery troubles
with Csnada in American waters. Per
kaps the scope OF the conference might be-
extended to take them in as well. When
NJ. Cambon, the new French minister, ar
rives IN Washington, "UncIc John Sher-
man might mention il to him.
The times., 1897-12-31

the Spanish ruerrillas join in his protest
to the Queen aga inst President McKin-
Iey's unkind illusions to his slaughter
house methods in Cuba. 1t seems that
with one accord they We're all able to bear
his modification with such Christian
rcsignati ton that they refused to sign, and
the paper went in tn the Regent with the
appended sigma ture OF just one lonesome
We yIer.
The times., 1897-12-31
Suit Department.

. i'I wool Tauor-1nld4. Suifs. ravv
green d!r, brown, handsOfuei v trimmed yyIfi,
braid sizes ~. , / and Sc. ReSu,..d
from $4,000 to $1,000 each.
- Chaugeable Taffeta SILK W1is-s
Sizes % to :;S- Reduce,l from So 90 and
5000 tC $3.50 each 0N'
> Tar mixed FlT-fr0nt jacket SUITS
Sil..S - ar q 3s- Reduced fro-a $1,000
10 So OO caCh-
go fn.e French Satins Waists. bIaes.
sizes - to AZ. Reduced from $3.50 a.
15c cTci
% Figured FlanneIette Wrappers darl,
81 .Ot e 50c each.
Tlf:d f.ooT.
The times., 1897-12-31

% CO rrisettes. with and without collars.
RedUCe4, from 25c 10 SC each.
90 CiiidIeu's Sets of Collars an i Cuffs. in
dark blue. linen trimmed. with narrow
Tuffie Ot same. ReduLrd from 2Oc TO Sc
each
: AccC 'diOn-pIaited Liberty SILK POwS
purp,c ara green Reduced from SOC 70
25C facf.
tritfint Z witt, wild. lace. Reduced r ,nI
So. 90 II $500.
/ I.usSiaE Lace BOleTo jacket, trim ned
witt I,cTrow lace Reduced from So. 50
to $4.Co.
Firs. floor.
The times., 1897-12-31

that commanders oath and duty to his
country. We know the rest.
Guided by two deserters from the Cuban
army aid in citizens dress, without ere
dentials and ostensibly only in his private
guren. and at once, in the presence of The
latter's Officers and troops. not only asked
them to accept autonomy but heavy
bribe to betray the cause o + their nation.
AS Gen. Arangulen truthfully observes,
there was nothing for him to do but execute
the law upon the offender. 1t was hard,
butit was just. The sadevent shonldproye
wards Of treason to thechalnpions OF liberty.
The times., 1897-12-31

We are una BILE to think that Mr.. Hanna
viii be frightened by the idea that the
younger element of Ohio Republica lism
is opposed 10 him, and that its fresh and
vigorous youth will succeed in doing hirn
up in the legislature. Truth is a good
thing. but V hen it comes to Senatorial
elections mature experience combined
with the command OF patronage and plum
Ger, usually is much more effectual.
The times., 1897-12-31
Boys Department..

90 FeurtlerOy BlouSes. Sizes 3 I. ,
4 ara \ Reduced from soc TO 25c eaCft.
Is All wool Double breasted ) uits. >al;1..
collar Sizes 4. >. azd s. Reduced from
$50" 81 & S3.T5 TO S1.T5 each.
10 ANT2shaH Cloth Reefs~s. Handsorn ely
trirnmed. brown. and Greea- Sizes 4 ;
D and .. It duced from $500 % 81 50
each
IL Golf CspeS, all wool and sill lined.
Small sizes. Reduced from : Oc 10 sc
each
THlu floor.
The times., 1897-12-31
Fur Department.

10 thildren's White Imitation Ernjre
Sets. Reduced from So. .O0 to 75c set
l'cuch Seal Muffs. slightly damaged.
Reduced from 81 so to T5c each
} &c rJine BLACK Marten Neck Scarfs with
head. Reduced fr0m ST. 70 81. so each.
3 French Seal COllaretteS. Reduced fror,
$500 tC 81 90 each.
Third floor.
The times., 1897-12-31

100 dozen manufacturer sec
onds h Huck Towels. subject to
slight imperfections, such as an
Uneven hem, pinhole, variance
of size, e;c. Owing to the very
low prices they will be sold by
the dozen only.
The times., 1897-12-31

party from philadelphia and other Penn
sylvania tcwns5waS being escorted through h
the Capitol yesterday by guide whu
eVinced an earnest. effort to show the
strangers all the points OF interest. They
had pasSe Through tAcrotunda and Statuary
Hall anG had made their way to the east
corridor of the, House.
Here said the. guide. lis perhaps the
world"
Are You CERTAIN that is sJeffersouo'
inquired bIontle OF twenty, as She gaZed
intenuy at the statue.
Yes, ma'am: that's jefferson all
right replied the guide
My how he has changed since / saw
him, the blonde exclaimed.
Since You saw him." calculated the
amazed guide, turning to the girl o { twenty
Why, Yes; saw him last winter at he
Chestnut Street Theater in rip Van
Wrinkle, and he didn't look bit like this -
The gill did not smile. She seemed as
serious as an undertaken. The guide felt
embarrassed. The silence that prevailed
for moment was gently broken by the
Philadelphia girl, who earnestly, and With n
low Voice, inquired:
WleI did he die?"
But the guide had moved on, and he
made no reply.