davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
OVER MUCH TERRITORY.
Ohciai Government Report Says the Great
 Flood Covers I5sSOO Square Miles.

Vihciaa government Report Says the Great
 Flood Covers I5,S0O Square Miles.
 WASHINGTON, April 13.-A statement relative to the agricultural interests of the submerged districts of the Mis- sissippi valley south of Cairo. H., has been issued by the department of agri- culture. The total area under water on April was about 15,S00 square miles, of which 7,o0O square miles was in Mississippi, 4,5OO square miles in Arkansas, 1,750 square miles in Missouri, 1,2O0 in Tennessee and 450 in Louisiana. This region con tained in 1890, so far as can be determined in view of the some what indefinite boundary lines of the flood, a population of 379,6 ,65S, of which 1S6,4S0, or about one-half, was in Mis- sissippi. loo, ,235 in Arkansas, and the remainder almost equally divided be- tween Missouri and Tennessee. The flooded district contains, it is estimat- ed, about 39, 800 farms, of which about 1S,500 are in Mississippi, nearly 10000 in Arkansas and like number about equally divided be- tween Missouri and Tennessee. These farms contain total area of $500, ,000 acres, one-half of which is in Missis- sippi and rather over one-fourth in Arkansas, the proportions in Missouri and Tennessee being about the same as in the case of the number of farms The total value of these farms, with their Improvements, farm implements, etc, is close upon $65, 100000.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
CHANGE QUARTERS s
convicts Transferred from the Two
 State Prisons in Indiana.
THE PRECAUTIONS TAKEN.
Kahn swering Fatally Shot by Henry Erb in St. Louis Saloon in Quarrel Over Political Mat
 ters.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, April 13.-At the Inst session of the legislature law was passed converting the southern penitentiary at Jeffersonvillc into a reformatory and making tho Michigan City prison the peliitentiary for the state, the law providing that all pris- oners under 90 years of age serving their first sentences should be trans ferred to Jeffersonville. Yesterday the transfers were prepared fer with the utmost secrecy, 291 men being selected at Michigan City to 20 to Jeffersonville and 356 men being chosen there to come here. All of the eonyictsat Michigan City were s.hackled in pairs early this morning and then after breakfast all were put on a train of nine cars, one a hospital car, six for convicts and one, coach, for company A of Indianapolis as special guard. In each ear were three strongly-armed guards The windows were not barred, but everything that might be used as weapon had been removed, even the doors from the closets and the air brake apparatus. The prisoners were not allowed to leave their seats. anything they might require being brought to them, and orders had been given to shoot at the first head that was pol1cd out of the window, At nine o'clock all was in readiness and the train started on it's journey south. Every foot Of track between here and Jeffersonyille was inspected E min utes before the train passed and every bridge was carefully examined five minutes before it went over. Even the switches were spiked and the trains were given the right of way over everything. No stops were made for crossings.
 At the Jeffersonville prison 369 incor- rigibles were put on the train which left at nine o'clol1 for the north. It was made up of one baggage ear, used for hospital purposes; eight coaches, containing an average of 50 prisoners zach; one parlor car, for use of prison officials, railroad officials and newspa- per reporters. Iwenty-eight men be- longing to company c of New Albany. state militia, accompanied the train.
 
 were shackled together at the feet and the others were handcuffed, while five of the 43 life men were not secured by irons. but were allowed to travel un- hampered on account of good behavior. Twentyfour guards were placed over the prisoners, one being stationed at zach end of each car and the third pa- trolling the aisle. The guards carried revolvers, which they were instructed to keep concealed.
 Fatal St. Louis Political Quarrel.
 ST. LOUIS, April 13.-As the result of B quarrel over politics in a saloon last night John Swering, ex-central repub- hcan committeeman of the Second ward, was shot by Henry Erb, ex- deputy city marshal, and died early this morning. Erb declares that Swer- ing fired the first shot.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
]. .nerieana Bcing Relcased.

KEY WEST, Fla, April 13.-Whole- sale discharge of Americans from Gu ban jails is about to take place. 1t will begin in the next ten days, and is the result of the entirely new policy adopted by Spain toward American citizens. Among the released will be several whose cases were the subjects of much diplomatic correspondence during the last administration. and in whose behalf Secretary Olncy made no rrorrass
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
GRAND MILITARY DISPLAY.

Plan to Mobilize the Entire Militia of the
 Government and Various States at
 Omaha.
 WASHINGTON, April IS. Representa- tive Mercer had an important inter- view with Gen. Miles at the war de- partment Saturday relative to a prop osition to make great military dis play oD the occasion of the Transmits sissippi exposition next year. Gen. Miles suggested similar display for the worlds fair, but the matter was never pushed to conclusion. The plan contemplates mobilization of the entire militia of the United States and concentration of all the state forces at Omaha for 8 series of sham battles and drills. Gen. Miles, in 1893, was not in position to carry out his plans, but now that he is in command of the army there is virtually no obsta- cle in the way except the cooperation of the state.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
STRUGGLE HAS BEGUN.

The sound of Artillery Announces the
 Opening Of Hostilities Between Greeks
 and Turks.
 ATHENS, April 13.-War on the Thes- salian frontier has at last begun and blood is now being spilled by the ac- knowledged codes of war over the island of Crete. Arms are now clash ing between Turkey and Greece and all Europe may be involved. The roar of artillery may be heard announcing that the struggle has begun. The soldiers of both nations are eager for the fight. The forces and chances are evenly matched, with the odds, if anything, on the Greeks, always providing that the powers keep their hands off. The ad- mirals of the fleet in Cretan waters no longer preserve the pretense of acting in concert, but the vessels of the vari- ous nations shell the insurgents or send their officers ashore to lunch with them, as the whim of the hour dictates
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
A GREAT COUNCIL.
A Coordination Formed at Chicago of
 Many Local Unions.
MEXICAN ToREADoR GoRED.
An Exciting Time Experienced at Ruu right-IlIinois Steel Works Resume An Heir to n Fortune
 Wanted.

CHICAGO, April 13.-The organization committee of the Building Trades coun- ell met joint committee representing 26 local labor unions composed of men in the building material trades last evening and formed new central body to work in conjunction with the Build ing Trades council. The name chosen for the new organization is the Build ing Material Trades council of Cook county, ILL" Its object is to union ize all factions in the city making ma terial used in building The committee represented over go, ,000 men and it is thought the new organization will soon have a membership of 30.000 or more. Labor leaders expect the new council to reach the elements that have caused so many labor troubles in the city. The new body proposes to go quickly into the unionizing of the manufacturing concerns, taking them one at a time, when there is no dis turbancc In case of persistent oppo- sition on the part of any manufactur- CT, a report will be made to the Build ing Trades council and the two bodies will unite in strike or other means deemed necessary to carry their point.
 \ Mexican Torca<sor Fatally esorss:.
 YUMA, Ariz., April 13.--rhe feature of the annual fiesta across the Mexican line yesterday was the Spanish bull fight by band headed by Capt. Carlos Garcia, of Juarez, Mex. including La Carlotta, female bull fighter. A black bull called Porfrio Diaz, used in the third fight, caught Capt. Garcia upon it's horns and ripped open wound. Then the bull charged full at the bull pen and, though it was strongly built, broke panel of the pen and charged into the grounds sur rounding the amphitheater, which were filled with people. Many were injured. The roulette table in the gambling place, covered with gold and silver coins. was tossed high in the air. and the money scattered. Straight through the crowd the enraged animal sped, out into the main street of Yuma, but fortunately no more people were in the way. After a long chase and hard work the bull was returned.
 Illinois Steel Works Resume.
 CHIcAGo, April l3 The Illinois steel works at south Chicago resumed oper- ation this morning. About 100 rail finishers, whose striking involved 2.50e men. were not rc-employe1. The fin- ishers were not upheld by the officials of their nnion, and as result their places were filled. and 2,400 men in other departments returned to their labors and the mills are now in full blast.
 An lieir to 2 Fortune Wanted.
 TEoY, N. Y., April 13.-A. D. Dwyer, of New Orleans, is here searching for John c. King. of DuQresnc. pa.. who has disappeared and is supposed to have come here. 4 brother of King died recently and left fortune Of about Sl00 GOO. to which the missing
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
MEXICO MAY RErALIArE.

Rcpors That q Irohibitive Duty May Be
 Placed on AmerEcnn Meat Products.
 CmcAGo, April 13.-The Times-Her- aids Washington special says: The framers of the Dingley bill are much interested in a semi-oficial report from the City of Mexico to the effect that a retaliatory tariff bill is to be intro duced in the Mexican congress. It is stated that, in view of the practically prohibitive duty on Mexican cattle, provided by the Dingley bill, the Mex jeans will place a prohibitive duty on American hogs and packing-house products, which comprise one of our most important articles of export to MaxicO
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
AMnnIcaN TRACT SOCIETY.
II Publishes the Gospel Truths in I53 Lar-
 crnnees and Di.alee.ts.

IL Publishes the Gospel Truths in l 53 Lsr-
 guages and Dialects.
 WAsnINeroN, April l3. The Wash- ington annual meeting of the Amer ican Tract society was held last night, Senator Borrows presiding. The report called attention to the faet that 30, GOO. : 900 of the population are outside the church, and that there is no more im- portant work to be done in- this eoun- try than that Of carrying the gospel truth to these millions. 1t stated that the American Tract society publishes evangelical truth in 153 languages and dialects.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
MAY 1NpIcr m,NAnL.

Federal Judge Foster, at TopeiSa, Scores
 the Insurance Commissioner for "Inwar-
 ranted Assumption of Authority"
 TOPEKA, Kan, April 13.-Judge Eos ter, in the federal court this morning, dismissed the contempt case against State Insurance Commissioner Webb McNall, holding that the court did not have power to punish the act com plained of because it was not commit ted in the presence of the court. Judge Foster gave McNall a severe scoring, however, and said if the facts were as alleged in the pleadings of the attorneys for the insurance companies the matter should properly come be- fore the grand jury for consideration and action. After the decision was handed down and the grand jury em- panelled, Judge Foster called especial attention to the McNall case, asking the jury to give the matter careful con- sideration The jury retired for q secret conference, but under the in- structions of Judge Foster, can hardly do otherwise than find true bill against MeNall for interfering with the administration of justice.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
Is She 2 Nfurderess l?

TRENTON, Mo, April l3.-There were startling developments yesterday in the murder case of $. c. Wilson, who was killed on the night of March 9, with an ax, in his own home. Jim Jones, a colored man, was lodged in jail, and upstairs in Sheriff Meyers residence Mrs. s G. Wilson, wife of the murdered man. was held under arrest charged with the murder
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
Hurt by Falling Walls.

sT. LOUIS, April 13.-The fve-story
 ouilding at Main street and Park ave- nue, occupied by the St Louis Re !rigerator & Wooden Gutter Manu- liactur;ng Co.,, was entirely destroyed oy fire this forenoon. An estimate ot she loss puts it at $60, ,000, covering the building and contents, which were partially insured. At the time of the
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
A GRAND DUKE 4 SUICIDE.
The Ruler of ciIeaburg-Schweri Threw
 Himself from a Bridge.


 Himself from Bridge
 CANNES, France. April 13.-The fact Aas become public to-day that the Grand Duke of Meclxlenberg-Schwerin, whose death here was announced as having occurred at nine o'clock Satur- day night, committed suicide. It had been stated his death was due to aneurism of the heart. The grand duke had been suffering from rheuma- tism and Saturday evening he asked his doctor to leave the room in order that he nligEt try to get Q sleep. Dur ing the absence of the medical man and. while supposed to have been de- hricus from high fever, the grand duke left his villa and threw himself from the parapet of a bridge near the house. He was found d few minutes later, still living, but so injured that he died in half an hour
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
yyuI I,ecome state p,nts

TOPEKA, Kan, April 13 State Bank Commissioner Breidenthal says that about D per cent of the private banks in Kansas have notified him of their intention to organize as state banks. The new law is even more stringent on private banks than on state banks.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
Receiver Asked for Town Company.

BRsToL, Tenn, April 13. A bill has Been filed in the chancery court at Ehzabethton, Tenn, seeking a receiver Tor the Cooperative Town Co.,, of Eliz- abethton, with purpose to subject the property of the company to the payment of it's purchase money debts These debts amount to S100,000. At torneys have been employed to bring suit against the shareholders of the town company in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland and the Dis trlct of Columbia, to make good the deficit
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
 A New pupLarey CoIIere.

KANSAS CITY, Mo, April 13.--Eldef William Sharp, a member of the reli- gious ectlxnown IS Dunkards,o ,or Breth- zen. has purchased the old seminary buildings aad grounds at fiattsburg, Mo, and will start T college which will be conducted as an educational institution for the DunAards.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
tfrlre Ont of the Race.

CLEVELAND, O. April 13. United States Senator Calvin $. Brice will not be $ candidate for reelection it the coming session of the legislature Th.s statement was made by John H. Farley. She acknowledged manager of Ericcs campaign six years ago.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
A SHORT SESSION.
The Senate Adjourns Out of Respect to
 the Deceased ex-Senator Voorhees.
PROTECTION IN THE SOUTH.
Higher Rates Wanted on Many Things by Southern Interests-The Arbitration Treaty May Not Be Voted On
 The President Returns.

WASHINGTON, April 13. The senate at noon adjourned for the first time since the death of ex-Senator Voor- hees, who, until recently, was a con spicuous member of that body. The opening prayer of Rev. Dr. Millburn, the blind chaplain, made eloquent reference to Mir. Voorhees, brilliant talent, impassioned ardor, kindling eloquence, genuine patriotism and the unselfish dedication of his great pow CTS to every cause, human and divine, which enlisted his career. Divine con- solation was invoked for the family of the man who had inscribed his name on the tablets which perpetuate the great orators and statesmen of this generation. Immediately following the prayer MT. German, of Maryland, moved that as mark of respect to their late associate the senate adjourn, adding that many senators desired to attend the funeral. The motion pre- vailed and at 12:05 D. m. the senate ad- journed.
 Protection in the South
 WASHINGTON, April i3.--The southern sentiment in favor of protection is likely to be quite as apparent at the senate end of the capitol as it was in the house during the discussion of the tariff bill. Amendments to the bill in- creasing the protective rates of duty are being offered by southern senators, and appeals are coming from the south to the finance committee and to mem- bers of the senate asking for higher rates than those named by the bill as it passed the house. Cotton, rye, sugar, oranges, pineapples and other fruits, tobacco, lumber, salt, iron, manganese, buxite and other metals are among the items named for which appeals are be- ing made by southern men and south ern interests.
 The Arbitration Treaty.
 WASHINGTON, April 13.--It looks now as if the arbitration treaty would not even come to vote in the senate. Since the document has been amended out of all original shape it's friends have become quite indifferent as to it's fate and there is no aggressive work in it's behalf. It is said to be practical l ly certain that if it should be voted upon it would be defeated, and to es- cape the clamor which this action might create, it is quite possible that the treaty will be allowed to lie un- disturbed Senator Davis may make another effort to have it taken up, but the general feeling is that no definite result will follow the endeavor.
 The President Returns.
 WASHINGTON, April 13.-President Mckinley and party returned to Wash ington to-day on board the dispatch boat Dolphin. At the navy yard car riages were in waiting and all went to the White house. All were in good health and apparently refreshed.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14

tornado last May, sn.s uu44>.lI.K was destroyed by the wind and then burned Two firemen and boy were injured by falling walls, but not fatally hurt.
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
cnniition of Wheat.

WASHINGTON, April 1s.-The report of the department of agriculture for April makes the average condition of winter wheat S1.4, against 99.5 Decem- Der i. and THO last April, and S1.4 on the same date iii 1895. Winter wheat states show the following aver ages: Pennsylvania, 96; Ohio, s3' Mich joan. s5; Indiana, 65; Illinois. 40; Mis- souri. 60; Kansas, so; California, ".
 The supreme court of Kansas has dc cided that there is no law in that state to prohibit man from holding a city and county office at the same time
The Mena weekly star., 1897-04-14
An lielr to IFortuno Wanted.

TEoY, \. Y., April 1s. "A. D. Dwyer. of New Orleans, is here searching for John c. King. of Duqresne. Ia. who has disappeared and is sapposed to have come here. 4 brother of King died recently and left fortune Of about Sloo,oO0, to which the missing man is sole heir,
Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1897-02-26

4 -
In recent conversation with a re-
porter Of the New York Sun, the Hon.
Daniel S. Lamont, Secretary Of War
remarked that he had learned teles-
raphy as n boy, and that it had OFTEN
stood him in good stead He then told
the following story Illustrating this use
fulness:
Several years ago. after my fathers
death. wanted to bring my mother
to Washington. l was in IcGraw-
.ille. my home town in Cortland Coun-
ty. and it was necessary for Us to take
n number of railroads in order TO reach
the main line by which we were to 20
to Washington. 1t wss also necessary
TO change cars number Of times on
these local roads, and in enc or two il
stances the trains were late. so that
began to fear We could not make the
connection.
At last it became positively known to
me that unless we could make Ger
iain connection, my mother would be
compelled to remain over Sunday in a
small and cherries town. | LncW the
president Of a railroad. who, if he were
informed of my predicamcEt, be-
aeyed would help NE out. So | teie-
graphcd him. telling him that my
trains were late, ana asked him If he
would not telegraph the superintend-
aat to have the train on the main road
held until my local train arrived.
Before | got to the local station
where the main Ike train was to be
net. l had to change cars. 1t was 4
lreary little station. and l remember
well my anxiety while sitting-S the
waiting room with my mother, not
knowing whether iuy dispatch had
been received, till l heard clicking over
the wire an inquiry from the super
| intendent Of the road:
I rs Colonel Lamont thereF
The operator looked around the room
to see only two persons. my mother
and myself, and Immediately replied
No"
Just as he sent that word stepped
up and said:
MY friend. | lave unintentionally
overheard the inquiry going over youl
line as 10 whether Colonel Lamont is
here. That is my name"
The operator quickly corrected N;
mo and informed the superintendent
that was there, ana word came bacl
that the main line train woald be EclI
for me.
This is only a little incident, but i
demonstrates not only the value OF tel
egranhy. but the possible usefulnes
Of all practical knowledge that 4 be,
can obtain. SO l say that every be,
who has the opportunity TO learn tel
cgraphy should do so. Once learned
you never forget It, It may be OF SCI
vice at any time and it will Away
give a good livelihood.
Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1897-02-26

The earliest authentic mention OF
the matchless Kohineor, the "mountair
Of SIGHT" is by an Eastern monarch,
who refers to "iewcl valued at one
half of the daily expenses of the whole
world" A century or two later, the
Persian conqueror of India, seeing the
diamond glitter in tie turban of the I'M
fortunate Rajah, exclaimed with rough
and somewhat costly humor, Come,
let us change our turbans in pledge of
friendship" and the exchange was
promptly made.
The Kohinoor fell into the hands Of
the English, and pending its delivery
to the crown Sir John Lawrence, after
ward Lord Lawrence, was made its
guardian. His biographer, Mr.. Bos-
worth Smith, relates a curious incident
Of this custody.
Half-unconsciously, Sir John thrust
it, wrapped up in numerous folds of
cloth, into Lis waistcoat pocket, the
whole being contained in an insigniti-
cant little box. He went on working
-
his precious treasure. He changed his
clothes for dinner, and threw his waist
coat aside, still forgetting all about the
box contained in 1t.
About six weeks afterward n mes
,age came from the viceroy, saying that
The queen had ordered the jewel to he
Immediately transmitted to her. The
subject was mentioned by Sir Henry
Lawrence al the board, when Sir John
said, quietly:
send for 1t at once"
"Why you've got it, said Sir Henry
In a moment the fact of his careless
ness flashed across Sir John. He wa
horfor-stricken, but with no externa
sign of trepidation he said:
"Oh. yes. OF course, forgot about it.
and went on with the business of tn
meeting lie soon made an opportunit,
Of slipping away to his private room
and with his heart in his mouth sen
for his OLD bearer, and said:
"gave You a small box which was i
my w9isteoat pocket some time agoF'
Yes, sahib," the man replied, Il foun
it and put it in one of your boxes
Bring it here" said the sahib. "Ope
It." he ordered, when the little box ha
been produced, and see what is il
side"
lie watched the man with intens
anxiety rs fold after fold of the rag
was taken off.
There is nothing here, sahib,' sal
the old man at last, in 4 disappointe
tone. but a bit OF glass;"