davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09
FRENCH EXPOSITION.
Report Relating to the Proposed
Display.

The acceptance by this government OF
the invitation of the Republic of France
to participate in the universal exposition
OF 1900 at Paris was Immediately followed
by the appointment OF special commits
sion to represent the United States In the
proposed exposition, with special reference
to the securing Of space for an adequate
exhibit on behalf Of the United States
The special commissioner delayed his
departure for Paris long enough to ascer-
tain the probable demand for space by
American exhibitors. His inquiries de-
vcloped an almost unprecedented interest
in the proposed exposition, and the infor-
nation thus acquired enabled him to
justify an application for much larger al
lotment Of space for the American section
than had beeen reserved by the exposition
authorities. The result was particularly
gratifying in view Of the fact that the
United States was one OF the last coun-
tries to accept the invitation OF France.
The reception recordee our special COM
missioner was most cordial and he was
given every reasonable assurance that the
United States would receive a considera-
ticn commensurate with the proportions
of our exhibit The report Of the
special commissioner as to the magni-
tude and Importance Of the coming exposi-
ton and the great demand for space by
American exhibitors supplies new argu-
ments for a liberal and judicious appropri-
alton by Congress to the end that an ex-
hibit fairly representative of the indus
tries and resources of our country may be
made in an exposition which will illustrate
the worlds progress during the Nineteenth
century. That exposition is intended to be
the most important and comprehensive of
the long series of international exhibitions,
of which our own at Chicago was bril-
liant example and Ii is desirable that the
United States should make a worthy ex-
hibit OF American genius and skill and
their unrivalled achievements in every
branch of industry.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09
DUTY TOWARD ALASKA.
Much Must He Done for That Remote
Territory.

A general system of public surveys has
not been extended to Alaska and all en-
tries thus far made in that district are
upon special surveys. The act OF Congress
extending to Alaska the mining laws Of
the United States contained the reserva-
ton that 1t should not be construed to put
in force the general land laws of the coun-
try.
BY the act approved March 3, 1891, au-
thority was given for entry of lands for
town site purposes and also for the pur-
chase Of not exceeding 160 acres then or
thereafter occupied for purposes OF trade
and manufacture.
The purpose OF Congress as thus far ex-
pressed has been that only such rights
should apply to that territory as should
be specifically named.
1t will be seen how much remains to be
done for the vast and remote and yet prom
io.ng portion of our country. Special au-
thcrity was given to the President by the
act Of Congress approved July "a, 1897, to
divide that territory into two land districts
and to designate the boundaries thereof
and to appoint registers and surveyors Of
said land offices, and the President was
also authorized to appoint a surveyor-gen-
eral for the entire district.
Pursuant to this authority a surveyor
general and receiver have been appointed
with Offices at Sitka. IL in the ensuing
year the conditions justify It, the addi-
tlOnal land district authorized by law Will
be established. with an Office at some point
in the Yukon valley. No appropriation.
however. was made for this purpose and
that Is now necessary to be done for the
two land districts into which the terri
tory Is to be divided.
/ concur with the secretary of war in
his suggestions go to the necessity for a
military force in the territory of Alaska
for the protection of persons and property.
Already small force. consisting of
twenty-five men. with two officers, under
command Of Lieut.-Col Randall OF the
Eighth infantry, has beeen sent to St.
Michael to establish a military post AS it
is to the interest of the government to
encourage the settlement OF the
| country and its duty to follow up its
citizens with the benefit of legal machin-
cry l earnestly urge upon congress the es-
adjustment Of a system of government
with such lexibility as will enable 1t to
adjust itself to the future areao of
greatest population.
The startling though possibly exagger-
atcd reports from the Yukon river country
| OF the probable shortage of food for the
large number OF people who are winter
| ing there without the means of leaving
| the country are confirmed In such measure
as TO Justify bringing the matter to the
attention Of congress. Access to that
country In winter can be had only by the
passes from Dyea and vicinity which is a
most difficult and perhaps an impossible
task. However, should these reports of
| the suffering OF our fellow citizens be
further verified, every effort at any cost
should be made to carry them relief.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09


In my view II IL of the utmost import
ance that the government should be re- 70,
lieved from the burden of providing all
the gold required for exchanges and ex-
port. This responsibility is alone borne
by the government without any of the
usual and necessary banking powers to
help itself. The banks do not feel the
strain of gold redemption. The whole
strain rests upon the government. and the
size Of the gold reserve In the treasury
has come to be. with or without reason.
the signal Of danger or of security. This
ought to be stopped. ~
II we are to have an era of prosperity
In the country. with sufficient receipts. for
the expenses OF the government, We may
feel no immediate embarrassment from
our present currency; but the danger still
exists and will be ever present. menacing
us so long as the existing system contin-
ues. And besides, 1t is In times OF ade-
quate revenues and business tranquility
that the government should prepare for
the worst We cannot avoid without Sc
rious consequences the wise consideration
and prompt solution of this question.
The secretary OF the treasury has out
lined a plan in great detail for the pur-
pose OF removing the threatened recur-
renee OF a depleted gold reserve and save
us from future embarrassment on that ac-
count To this plan / invite your careful
consideration.
l concur with the secretary Of the treas
ury In his recommendation that national
banks be allowed to issue notes to the
face value OF the bonds which they have
deposited for circulation. and that the tax
on circulating notes secured by deposit OF
such bonds be reduced to one-half of /
per cent. per annum i also join
him in recommending that authority be
given for the establishment OF national
banks with minimum capital OF S25, 900.
This will enable the smaller villages and
agricultural regions of the country to be
supplied with currency to meet their
needs.
l recommend that the ISSUE of national
bank notes be restricted TO the denomina-
ton of $40 and upwards. IL the sugges-
lions ! have herein made shall have the
approval of congress then ! would recon-
mend that national banks be required to
redeem the notes in gold,
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09
CAUSE OF BIMETALLIsM.
still Room for Hope of an Interna-
tiOnal Agreement.

Under the provisions of the act of Con-
gress approved March 3, 1897 for the pro-
motion of an international agreement re-
specting bimetallism, i appointed on the
14th day of April 1897 Edward o. Wolcott
Of Colorado, Adlai Il. Stevenson OF Illinois
and Charles J. Paine Of Massachusetts as
special ENJOYS to represent the United
States. They have been diigent In their
efforts to secure the cooperation OF Euro
pean countries in the international settle
ment Of the question, but up to this time
have not been able to sec ure the agreement
contemplated by their mission.
The gratifying action of our great sister
republic of France In joining this country
in the attempt to bring about an agree
ment among the principal commercial ma
tions of Europe. whereby a fixed and rela-
tive value between gold and silver shall
be secured furnishes assurance that we
are not alone among the larger nations Of
the world in realizing the international
character of the problem and in the desire
of reaching some wise and practical solu-
ton of 1t. The British government has
published a resume of the steps taken
Jointly by the French ambassador In Lon
don and the special ENJOYS OF the United
States, with whom our ambassador at Lon
don actively co-operates In the presenta-
tion OF this subject to her majesty's gov
eminent. This will be laid before Con-
gross.
Our special ENJOYS have not made their
final report, as further negotiations be-
tween the representatives OF this govern
ment and the governments of other coun-
tries are pending and In contemplation.
They believe that doubts which have been
raised in certain quarters respecting the
position of maintaining the stability OF the
parity between the metals and kindred
questions may yet be solved by further
negotiations
Meanwhile 1t gives me satisfaction to
state that the special ENJOYS have already
demonstrated their ability and fitness to
deal with the subject and IL Is to be earn
esly hoped that their labors may result In
an international agreement which will
bring about recognition Of beth gold and
silver as money upon such terms and with
such safe guards as will secure the use OF
both metals upon basis which shall work
no Injustice to any class of our citizens.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09
THE CIVIL SERVICE.
1t VIII he Placed on a still Tirmer
Basis.

The important branch of our government
known as the civil service the practical
Improvement of which has long been a
subject of earnest discussion has of late
years received increased legislative and
executive approval. Duri the past few
months the service has been placed upon
still firmer basis of business methods
and personal merit. While the right Of
our veteran soldiers to reinstatement in
deserving cases has been asserted, dismiss
sails for merely political reasons have
been carefully guarded against, the ex-
aminations for admittance to the service
enlarged and at the same time rendered
less technical and more practical, and
distinct advance has been made by giving
a hearing before dismissal upon all cases
where incompetency is charged or demand
made for the removal of officials in any
of the departments
This order has been made to give to the
accused his right to be heard but without
in any. way impairing the power of re-
moval which should always be exercised
in cases OF inefhciency and incompetency.
and which is one of the vital safe guards
of the civil service reform system, pre-
venting stagnation and deadwood and
keeping every employee keenly alive to the
fact that security of his tenure depends
not on favor but on his own tested and
carefully watched record OF service
Room for Improvement.
Much of course still remains to be ac-
complished before the system can be made
reasonably perfect for our needs There
are places now in the classified service
which ought to be exempted. and others
not classified may properly be included.
shall not hesitate to exempt cases which
think have been improperly included in
the classified service or include those
which in my Judgment will best promote
the public service. The system has the
approval of the people and II will be my
endeavor to uphold and extend IL.
am forced by the length of this mess
age to omit many important references to
AFFAIRS OF the government with which
congress will have to deal at the present
session. They are fully discussed In the
departmental reports, to all of which I
invite your earnest attention.
The estimates Of the expenses of the gov
eminent by the several departments, will.
am sure. have your careful scrutiny.
While the congress may not find II any
easy task to reduce the expenses OF the
government. It should not encourage their
increase. These expen YES will, In my
judgment, admit of a decrease In many
branches Of the government without injury
to the public service. ID is commanding
duty to keep the appropriations within the
receipts of the government and thus avoid
q deficit. WILLIAM MkiNLEf.
Executive Mansion. Dec. o. 1897.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09

ofense ourselves. actuated only by upright
and patriotic considerations. moved Meth
er by passion nor selnshness. the gov
eminent will continue its watchful care
citizens and will abate none OF it, efforts
to bring about by peaceful agencies a
peace which shall be honorable and en-
during. II II shall hereafter appear to be
o duty imposed by our obligations to our
selves. to civilization and humanity to In
tervene with force. 1t shall be without
fault on our part and only because the
necessity for such action will be 30 clear
Gs to command the support and approval
OF he civilized world.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09
CONGRESSIONAL LIBRARY.
Hoped Tint Additions VIII he Made
to the Treasure House.

The library building provided for by the
act Of Congress approved April, Is. 1885,
has been completed and open to the pub
lie. 1t should be matter of congratula-
ton that through the foresight and NUM-
fcence of Congress the nation possesses
this noble treasure house of knowledge.
1t Is earnestly to be hoped that, having
done so much toward the cause of educa-
ton, Congress will continue to develop the
library in every phase of research to the
end that 1t may be not only one of the
most magnificent but among the richest
and most useful libraries in the world.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09
pAN-AMERICAN RELATIONS.
Difficulty Encountered by n Minister
to the Greater Republic.


AS to the representation OF this govern
ment to Nicaragua. Salvador and Costa
Rica, l have concluded that William l..
Merry, confirmed as minister to the
states OF Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Saliva
dor from the United States shall proceed
to San Jose, Costa Rica, and there tenn
porarily establish the headquarters OF the
United States to those three states. i took
Thu, action for what regarded as the par
amount interests Of this country. Ii was
developed upon an investigation by the
secretary OF state that the government OF
Nicaragua, while not unwilling to receive
Mr.. Merry In his diplomatic quality. was
unable to do so because OF the compact
concluded June 20, 1895. whereby that
republic and those Of Salvador and Hon
durao, forming what Is known az
the Greater Republic Of Central
America had surrendered to the
representative diet there OF their right to
receive and send diplomatic agents. The
diet was not willing to accept him be-
cause he was not accredited to that body.
I could not cccredit him to that body be-
cause the appropriation law Of Congress
did not permit It. Mr.. Baker. tho present
minister at Managua, has been directed to
present his letters of recall.
W. Godfrey Hunter has likewise been
accredited to the governments 81 0uate-
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09

mala and. Honduras. the same ~ his pre-.
decessor. Guatemala ID not Z member Of
the Great Republic Of Central America.
but Honduras IL.
Should this latter government decline
to receive him he has been instructed to
report this fact to his government and
await Its further instructions.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09
NICARAGUA CANAL.
a Report of the Commission Is Be-
Ing Awaited.

A subject OF large Importance to our
country and increasing appreciation on the
part OF the people Is the completion OF
the great highway between the Atlantic
and Pacific, known as the Nicaraguan
canal. It's utility and value to American
commerce is universally admitted. The
commission appointed under date OF July
"a last, Ito continue the surveys and ex-
aminations authorized by the act approved
March 2. 1885," in regard to- the proper
route. feasibility and cost OF construc-
ton Of the Nicaragua canal. with a view
OF making complete plans for the entire
now employed In the undertaking. In the
future shall take occasion to transmit to
CONGRESS- the report OF this commission
making at the same time such further
suggestions as may then seem advisable.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09

Some Additions which are Thought
TO he Needed.
The present Immediately effective of the
navy consists OF four battleships of the
first class, two of the second and forty
eight other vessels, ranging from armored
cruisers to torpedo boats.
There are under construction i've battle-
ships OF the first-class, sixteen torpedo
boats and one submarine boat. NJ pro-
piston has ret been made for the armor
OF three OF the Ave battleships as II had
been impossible to obtain 1t at the price
ixed by congress. 1t Is of great import
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09

Tho Smith Syrup company ut Hast
ings. Ncb.. has just finished thrcshing Its
cane seed. Over $500 bushels Of seed
wxc threshed ont shd has already been
sold at good price,.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09

That the government OF Sagasta has en-
tered upon q course from which recession
with honor Is impossible can hardly be
questioned; that In the few weeks 1t has
existed II has made earnest OF the sin
certify OF its professions Is undeniable.
shall not impugn It's sincerity, nor should
impatience be suffered TO embarrass 1t In
the task II has undertaken. 1t Is honest
ly due to Spain, and to cur friendly rela-
lions with Spain, that she should be given
reasonable chance to realize her ex-
pectations and to prove the asserted
which she stands irrevocably committed
She has recalled the commander whose
brutal orders innamed the American
mind and shocked the civilized world
She has modified the horrible order oil
concentration and has undertaken to care
for the helpless and permit those who de-
sire to resume the cultivation of their
fields to do so. and assures them Of the
protection of the Spanish government il
their lawful occupations. She has just
released the Competitor prisoners. hereto
fore sentenced to DEATH and who have
been the subject Of repeated diplomatic
correspondence during both this and tho
preceding administration.
Not single American citizen In now In
arrest or confinement In Cuba, of whom
this government has any knowledge. The
near future will demonstrate whether the
indispensable condition of righteou,
peace. just alike to the Cuban and Spain
as we'll as equitable to ell cur interests sc
intimately involved In the welfare OF Gu
ba. Is likely to be attained. II not, tn,
exigency of further and ether action b,
the. United States will remain to be taken
When that time comes that action viii
be determined In the line of indisputabl,
right and duty. 1t will be faced. without
misgiving or hesitancy. In the light OF tn,
obligation this government owes to itself
to the people who have confded to II tn,
protection Of their interests and honor ans
to humanity.
! Sure OF the right. keeping free from al
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1897-12-09

"a recognition of the independence OF
Cuba being. In my opinion, impracticable
and indcfensible, the question which next
presents itself Is that OF the recognition
OF beliigerent rights in the parties to the
contest In former message to congress
I had occasion TO consider this question,
and reached the conclusion that the con-
fiict I'm Cuba. dreadful and devastating as
were rs incidents. did not rise to the
fearful dignity of war. 1t is possible that
the acts Of foreign powers, and even acts
of Spain herself OF this very nature might
be pointed to I'm defense OF such recog-
milton Rut now. as In its past history.
the United States should carefully avoid
the false lights which might lead II into
the mazes o. doubtful law and of qucs-
ticnsbie prcpriety, and adhere rigidly and
sternly TO the rule which has been its
guide. Of doing only that which Is right
and honest and OF good report The ques-
tion OF according OF OF Withholding rights
of beiiigcrency must be judged in every
case. In view Of the particular attending
facfH-
Unless Justified by necessity, II 10 al
ways. and tuktIy. regarded as an unfriend-
| ~ act and a gratuitous demonstration OF
moral support to the rebellion. 1t Is nee
| cxsary. aud Il Ia required. when the inter
The sun., 1897-12-18
CYCLING.

Eddie Me1uffee willibe one Of Uhsse's &
head paceunkersan hiscoming race with
Michael. McDdfee hos the best aot Of
paoing msJhines at Ibis command ii any
inahe wotOd. BE win also prGbtbly be
engaged by Taylore, ,tthe Frenchman, in
|. his race with the little Wetslmsn. In
this case AlcDEffee is most likely to- bea
dangerous factor against ,MichaeFs s
chances Ror winning
An English manufacturer has placed a
saddle am,the MARKET which is'ealculS ed
ITO adj to the comforts eS ess,ling. 1t
consists of movenayire ssuIngs arraag ged
iin silnilarlmanHar to that :sdoptel in
;the genaraltonstrnction of spring anat.
tresses, and is ,either provided with
leather-covered pads OF covered 'com.
pleteh iniitlt or leather 1t is remark.
able sm itssaexiMlity.
The sun., 1897-12-18
.yELT-DEFENSE.

.Iaf}t: Ward, who rectntN bestetl Pal
Dougherty, will meet Young Farnll in 1
six-ralndGonteat before the Tuxedo A.
G., oisChester. There sill.be.a siIe bcj
of $40, each. Wcrc wi0 ako meet Jot
Laughlin.at some futun tire.
Teny ,Etannard has nsw secured three
men who in their classes ;llne considered
very fine. They are Ward, feather.
weight :; sGlynn, bantam-meight,; Rod.
gers, aight- weight He has secured en-.
gage,Dents for all of them an Washing
ton ON Christmas eve.
"Matty" Mathews and mike Leon
ard an matchedSo fight twenty rounds
before the Rienzi A. c., OF Rochester, N.
Y, on Deoembers1, at cat6Aweights.
"Jack" DAILY Of this City, has been
matched to meet "Jack" Drerl1anlt be-
fore the FuIane A. c., on Necember 80,
for twenty roundsat catchweights, for a
purse Of $500.
"Jimmy'' Sullivan, of iceland, and
1'Kid" Agnew, Of Boston, have teen
matched for finish fight to take place
ON December 81.
"Dar' Hawkins knocked out "Eldie"
Connolly in the tenth round sat San
Francisco. Tommy" Lansing knscke d
ont Joc" King in two rounds.
The sun., 1897-12-18

some of the most famous trotters that
eyer graced the turf, will not be seen in
the sulky again.
q. Grice better known as Jersey
George, looked very down hearted as he
sat in the train going home last night.
The dope couldn't have worked right.
Never mind old pal, get even on Feroc-
ious to-day.
Franciscan broke down very badly
during the race and had to be pulled UP.
Jockey 'Tommy" Burns will receive
$50 for winning mounts in stake races,
$l5 for all other winning mounts and S.
for losing mounts while riding next year
for ]. w. Schorr 4 Son.
Twenty seven two-year-olds belonging
to Burns and Waterhouse stable are in
training for the spring races.
Between the third and fourth events at
New Orleans yesterday, J. J. McCafferty
brought Requital and Hugh Penny out
and trotted them around the course.
"Harry" Griffin, the former jockey, is
now at San Francisco.
The California Jockey Club will in the
future give only one $500 purse day
All the Others will be at least $500. The
club has also decided to follow the Turf
Congress precedent and give the scratch
| money to the second and third horses in
the proportion of sixty and forty per
cent.
ClawsoA heads the list Of winning
Jockeys in California, and Tommy"
Burns holds the honor in New Orleans