davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23
THE PANAMA CANAL.

Data have been recently furnished to the
public by the Technical Commission en-
ployed on the survey of the Panama ca
nal TO show that q feasible and financially
practical plan for its construciio has
been devised. 1t is also reported hat the
plan has been adopted and that the canal
company is now making preparations for
the vigorous prosecution OF the work.
According to these reports, the harbor
of the canal at the Atlantic end will be
about the mean sea level, the tide being
of no account at that point. On the Pa
cific coast the harbor will vary between
the elevation of high tide and low tide.
The highest point of the canal will be "a
meters above the sea level. This rise will
be provided for by five locks on each
slope. The supply of water for the canal
is to be taken from the Chagres River,
and at the summit level the normal wild III
OF the canal VIII be 25 meters at the bot
tom and so meters at the water-line.
The reports given do not include esti-
mates of the cost. 1t is stated, however,
that the company, which has now at work
more than 300C men. has sent an agent 10
Jamaica TO arrange for several thousand
more to push the enterprise. The con-
struction is to be carried forward rapidly
and it is said that the promoters are san
guine OF success.
1t is not clear whether these statements
deserve full credit or not. It has been no.
ticed that whenever there Is a prospect
that the United States will enter seriously
upon the work of constructing the Nicar-
aguan canal reports Of increased work on
the Panama enterprise are at once put
forth. Whether these are intended
to discourage the Nicaraguan pro-
ject or are to be used for the
purpose Of stimulating Americans to
carry on that work in order that our
Government may have control of the great
interocean waterway is doubtful. They
are calculated TO work both ways, and 1t
is not easy to decide in which direct ction
the chief effect will be found.
As for the Panama scheme itself. de-
spite the favorable reports which are so
often made public, IL hardly seems likely
that 1t will ever be accom- plshed. At the
present time it appears to be very little
more than means whereby the company
which holds the franchise is enabled TO
draw money from the French people.
Roth the Panama ana Nicaraguan routes
have been surveyed by competent engin-
eers ana the weight of authority is decid-
edly in favor OF the Nicaraguan plan.
The statements issued by the Technical
Commission, therefore. are not to be ac-
cepted without hesitation. Thev are in
teresting, but it is by no means certain
that they are reliable.
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23
DEMOCRATIC POLICY.

According to a statement recently made
to correspondent of the New York Herald
by Senator Mills of Texas, the Rer bli-
cans will experience no difficulty in se-
curing the passage OF the tariff bill either
in House or in the Senate. "It is the
intention, said Mr.. Mills. "of the Demo-
cratic Senators to point out the evils of the
measure and some long speeches on that
line may be expected, but you may de-
pend upon it the Democrats will not
throw any obstacls in the way of the final
passage of the bill"
The statement of Senator Mills is in ac-
cord with statements on the same subject
made by Senator Jones of Arkansas, Sem
ator Morgan and other influential Demo
cratic leaders. 1t may be regarded. there
fore, as The settled policy OF the Demo-
Gratis in the Senate to content themselves
with speaking and voting against the
bill, without making any attempts to de-
lay its prompt adoption.
II this policy is carried out the treas
ury will derive great benefit. Importers
have already begun to bring large quanti-
ties of goods into the country 20 as to
avoid the higher duties which the new
sAASSS
importations that the customs receipts at
New York are now abnormally high.
The New York Herald reports that on
March Is the customs duties paid in that
city were the largest for any single day on
record. The high-water mark had been
for customs duties August 1 1872. when
the total receipts were So 30S, GOO but those
OF March Is amounted to $685., 979, or
nearly $500, 900 above the highest record
hitherto made.
In his speech on reporting the bill to
the House Mr.. Dingley estimated that if
the tariff could be enforced by May l, in
stead OF being delayed to july l, the
country would save over SIS, 0Oo,0 600 in
revenues. This statement is hardly an
exaggeration. From this time on until
the new bill goes into force foreign goods
will be rushed into the country as rapidly
as possible, and it is therefore in the
highest degree expedient that the new
tariff should be pu' into effect at date
not later than the time fixed by the Ways
and Means Committee.
There will be some change made IN the
bill as reported. That much seems evil
dent from all reports that have come 10
Us. California may gain by these changes
TO the extent at least of having higher
duty placed upon Zante currants and
possibly in soma other schedules. Ample
time will be given for consideration of all
amendments of this nature. 1t is not the
intention of the trainers of the bill. nor of
the Republican ajority, to rush it
through without allowing full and proper
consideration of every feature. All these
Legitimate amendments can be made.
however, without prolonged debate, and
the country will give the Democratic
party credit if those who represent it in
Congress will follow the wise policy out
lined by Senator Mills and others and ab-
stain from throwing any obstacle in
the way of the final passage at an early
date
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23
THE MAYORS APPEAL.

publish morning Mayor Phan to the citizens
directly the point
advantages of the work. All
pushed forward
small
OF
the generosity public spirit
o undor
theref
of M o
public spirit
completed
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23

CATION is required, has increased very rapidly
In population. Dairying, fruit-growing and
grain-raising are the principal industries.
The mountain lands have been decreasing in
population. The latter attribute to the de-
preston in the wool market caused by the
tariff issue"
Mr.. Feigenbaum says that from his own
knowlsdge the owners of a number Of large
sheep ranches were obliged to surrender their
entire possessions to the banks. Ten years
ago the same parties were in excellent circum-
stances, refusing $40 an acre for their land,
while now the same could not be sold.
MT Feigenbaum has had tons of wool stored
In his Humboldt warehouse for months Be-
lore Mckinley's election 1t was impossible for
him 10 get an offer for WOOL Since the cleo
tion he has had number OF offers, and he
now predicts that the lonely wool-grower Of
the north will soon realize just and honest
reward for his industry through the Mckinley
tariff law
He Is close observer, has travelled exten-
sively, and says there is no richer or better
soil under the skies for pastures, fruits and
grains than Eastern and Southern Humboldt.
He compares the low lands with the Egyptian
soil, the richest In the world.
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23
PELAGIO SEALING.

If DR.. Jordan is right in his estimate OF
the views of the administration on the
subject of the protection of seals in Bering
Sea, IL is probable we shall soon see the end
of that laundering and ineffective policy
which has been too long pursued. DR..
Jordan reports that he had talk with
President Mckinley, and says, "Before
finished an explanation Of the sad condi-
ton OF affairs In Bering Sea. 1 thought /
saw blood in Mckinley's eye."
1t will be remem bered that under the
Cleveland administration the task of pro-
tecting the American seal fisheries was
regarded as so hopeless that it was seri-
ously proposed by the Government to ex-
terminate all the seals on the islands.
That would have been like curing dis
ease by killing the man who had it, and
the very fact that it was even considered
shows how futile was the foreign policy of
the Cleveland administration not only in
action but in counsel.
DR.. Jordan believes it is probable that
Great Britain will not refuse to unite with
US in taking steps to preserve the fur seals.
This belief is based upon the fact that the
conclusions of the British commission
agree in ali matters of fact with the find.
ings of the American commission, and
therefore both Governments have basis
of agreement on which to rest a harmoni-
Gus course of action.
Ii Great Britain does not consent to the
terms proposed by the United States it
will be possible for our Government to
undertake the protection on its own re-
sponsibility. 1t is proposed to brand the
female seals on the islands in such a way
as to destroy the value of their skins. and
also to protect the males by herding them
in the salt lagoon on st. Paul Island dur
ing the sealing season. According to DR..
Jordan, experiments made last summer
have demonstrated the feasibility OF these
two measures, and If carried out their
effect will be TO put an end to pelagic seal
ing by rendering it improbable.
1t is certainly time the United States
Government should take some deter
mined action in the matter. While years
have been wasted in fruitless negotiations
with Great Britain, the practice OF pelagic
sealing has been carried on to such an ex.
tent that the great herd of seals in Bering
Sea has been well nigh exterminated. It
is gratifying to learn from DR.. Jordan that
the present administration will put q
speedy end to this condition of affairs.
Pelagic sealing will be stopped and the
fur seal herd will be preserved.
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23
COTTAGES FOR YOSEMITE.
There Will Be Better Accommo.
dation for Visitors 10 the
Valley.
Commiss toner's Want a Survey IF the
Line Between the Valley AMI
the Reserv,.

The Yosemite Valley Commissioners
are preparing to extend the present ac-
commodation for visitors to that pictur-
esque locality, which has proved entirely
inadequate since tie destruction OF theI
Stoneman House by fire last fall. II
LEGISLATURE has increased the general y
preparation OF S22, $40 for two fiscal yea
by grant of $4,000 additional for needed
improvements such at the repair and con-
struction of buildings, &C.
At yesterdays meeting the board in
struc.ed the finance committee to make
arrangements for the renovation OF the
old Hutchings house and to make the
guardians office suitable for the reception
of guests.
The Sentinel Hotel can provide 43 rooms,
the Hu,chings house 20 and the guard
ian's office II, making total of 70 rooms,
but even this accom- mediation must be in
creased before July /. when the Christian
Endeavorers are likely TO pay the valley
visit. The board therefore instructed the
hnance committee to consult with an
architect, with view to the early con-
struction of five cottages near the Sentinel
Hotel. The board, having every regard
for economy, will endeavor to make the
extra $4,000 go as far as possible, but
should this prove insufhcient the unex-
pended balance, If any there be, of the
general appropriation will be devoted to
the above-named purpose.
The only other business OF public interest
transact ed at yesterdays meeting was the
boards acceptance OF letter drafted by
the secretary and addressed to the United
States Surveyor General, asking for q
proper survey of the line between the
Yosemite Valley and the National re-
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23

Hogan. H. Nathan. F. H. Trehiltox, J. c. TyreIl.
j. IL. COuyhein, J. Broms. H J. Campbell F..
Rose Frank M. Miller. w. Dbbe, w. ]. Morris.
]. W ales, ID. j. Diukrlman, A. j. Haskins, u. E..
Dunkley, J. Fon lin and g. j. Champion.
Thi-, like other side degrees of the order OF Ma
tive Sons, is attended win great deal of mystery,
but there Is no lack of un for all except hose VINO
take the degree, for they never know what Is COM
ing next. Ire accompanying cut is picture Of
the degree emblem Alter the ceremonies there
was banque;, at which Grand Secretary. Lun-
stedt acted as toastmsster and acquitted / imself
In a manner that astonished those who had seen
h m act in a like capacity on previous occasions.
TO use the expression of one of the banqueters.
"he was simily immense" number OF volun-
teer toasts ;oliow d the regular ones and then
there was a programme OF song and muse, inter-
The foilowing-named are those who took the de-
grees and now wearing lapei button on
which there is engraved the emb EN- of the de-
gree: j. F. Bernard, o. l.. Blsckman, L. "A. Bolde-
man. L. NJ Bsnnon. J. c. Conner, q. Davis. b.
Davis j. p. Dockery, NJ Ephraim, L. v. Fleury,
A. L. Frledander, f. H. Folsom, ID. l.. Fflz-
gerald r. Gauthier, L. GauthierJr.. f. j. GRADY,
+. f lierichten j. Goodfriend, Z. X. Heveriu, b
F. Hanlon, A. F. Holmberg. ]. X Hawkins; r.
Jausen, ]. J. Jamisou, r. {. avs, ID. Lach man,
K. Lunstedt, X. II. Morse. K W. MARYLAND +. w.
Martin, Maestretti ]. O'Dwver, j. OGara, ii.
r. Perneau. +. Ryan, ]. B. Stovall, w. H
Stanieis. w. D. shea, Leonard Stone, ]. IL. Sever
ance and X. TOPPING
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23
PERSONAL.

C. ]. Crosby OF Lincoln is at the Russ.
J. D. McDougail of Stockton is in town.
E. W. Runyan OF Red Bluff is at the Palace.
II. L. Green Of Fresno is at the International.
H. F. Doble of Boston is here on q business
trip.
John J. Mooney Of Los Angeles is at the
Lick.
II. NJ. Livingstone of New York is in the
City.
Simon Hansen Of Altamont is at the Com
mercial.
F. E. Van Buskirk of New York is a late ar.
rival here.
Jesse Pollard OF Boise City, Idaho. is recent
arrival here.
W. L. Pritchard, a acattleman of Sacramento
Is at the Grand.
George H. Berry and Mrs. Berry OF Michigan
are at the Palace.
G.. S. Smith and wife OF Haverhill, Mass, are
at the Cosmopolitan.
D. N. carithers, the merchant, Of Santa Rosa,
arrived here yesterday.
c. T. Stewart, a business man of Helena,
Montana, is in the City.
Senator ]. II. Shine of Tuolumne and wife
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23
DIPLOMACY AND MONEY.

It is significant of the conditions under
which we live that while at this time the
warships of the nations are gathering in
Grecian waters and men are being armed
along the Turkish border; while dipio-
matists and statesmen are fretting their
weary brains by day and by night, the in
telligent portion OF the world pays less
attention to what is being done either
by the warriors or the diplomatists than
to what is going on in the stock exchanges.
People are looking not to Crete but to the
London money market 10 see whether
there will be peace or war, and as long as
the market is quiet they are not disturbed
by anything which happens among the
warships or the soldiers.
During the whole period since the pres
ent crisis began the money market has
been quiet, the sale of stocks and bonds
has gone on undisturbed, and there has
been no evidence of excitement on the
side either of the bulls or the bears. This
fact is regarded as conclusive evidence
that there is no immediate danger of war
and that however affairs may go in the
Levant some means Will be found of
maintaining peace and keeping unim-
paired the value of the bonds of the ma
lions in volved.
To this extent the money power rules
the world. Warriors may be ready 10
fight, diplomatists may have arranged.
alliances which will justify their nations
taking action to settle the Turkish ques-
ton, but until the money-lenders and the
holders OF Turkish bonds see way to save
the capital they have invested in Turkish
securities 1t is not at all likely that any
Government will take the initiative in de-
claring war. Unless therefore the Greeks
and the Turks break away from the con-
troll OF their leaders and force the hands
of Governments and bondnolders alik e
the present crisis, like those which have
preceded it, will drag itself out into petty
sQuabbles and end in nothing.
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23
A TITLE. DEED DISPUTE.
Daughters of the Late Police Sergeant
McKenna Say He Was Mentally
UnsOuud.

Daughters Of tho Late Police Sergeant
McKenna Say He Was Mentally
Unsound.
Nellie M. Lewis and Lille G. Moran,
surviving daughters of the late Police Ser
geant Thomas d. McKenna, have insti-
tuted suit. by their attorney, ex-Judg dge
A. A Sanderson, to set aside deed which
ne executed shortly before his death con-
veying his real estate TO his wife, Frances
F. NJ, Kenna.
The ground stated for setting aside the
deed is that it was made without suffi-
cient consideration.
Il is shown by the complaint that Ser
geant McKenna's first wife died in this
City on he 10Th OF June, 1895, and that
on the 10th OF June. 1896. he was married
to his second wife. 1t was on the 26lh of
last February that he decided the property
to his second wife, and one week later ne
died.
The daughters of the decedent allege
that their stepmother planned TO defraud
them of any share in the property that
was accumulated by their father during
the time that he lived with their mother,
his first wife. They say that their step
mother falsely informed him that his
children did not care for him, and that as
he was sick and mentally weak she over
ruled and controlled his mind, so that his
act in signing the deed was not a volun-
tarv act on his part, and that he did not
understand the result of his attempt to
convey the title to the defendant without
consideration.
The property in dispute is on Valencia
street, near Seventeenth. adjoining Mayor
James d. Phelan's property on the south.
1t is worth about $4,000. The will of Ser.
geant McKenna has been contested on
similar grounds.
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23

solely for the purpose of paying thel amounts OF
insurance 10 the benefciaries OF member after
death. All such organizations claim, and do so
with knowledge Of the fact that there Is fraternity
and assistant as well as .ath bene fits and tina,
the obligation taken the time OF initiation to
sist fellow mem ber OF the order who is In dis.
tress is carried into effect There arr numerous
cases that verify this but 1t Is not often thai such
are known out ide OF the meeting-piace OF ~
body rendering assis .ance, but occasionally the
facts of case ge out
About two weeks ago Argonaut Council OF the
Royal Arcanum held an open n. eetlng and gave an
entertainment to it's friends in Native sons Hall.
At the close of the programme Regent George w.
Dixcn informed That member OF the order,
total stranger in this ,Ity, was SICK at 81 Lu
HoSpi al. lie made an inquiry the foiioWlng
morning, discovered that the man was member
OF Long Branch Council Of Long Branch, n. j.,
had come this City in the hope ofbetterlng him
SELF, but was unfortunate, and 18th the unem-
pioyed fled application for work ON the boule-
ward, but before he obtained a reply he was
stricken with peuro- pneumonia and was discov'
cred by physician, who had MIN placed In the
hospital Temporarily. dispatch was sent to the
council at Long Branch and the rep that came
instantly was Tase the best of cfre OF our brother
at our EXPENSE" and this was signed by the regent
OF the council and the secretary The stranger
who is thousands of miles away from home, is be-
ing cared for by strangers because he Is one Of
them, bound by the lies OF fraternity.
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23
THE VILLAGE La AT PLAY.

What matter that his trousers bear
patch on either knee
Since roses in his round cheeks glow,
While sparklii. glance aud light laugh show
A spirit blitne and free?
With grimy hand he knuckles down
To let a marble fly.
lntently scans the spheres swift flight
And chu' kies In his deep delight
Mnen luck approves his eye.
No mercenary gamester he
That Graves q rivaPs blood;
AS quick to share Dame Fortunes smiles
AS e'er he Is to court her wiles-
gentleman In bud.
He has not heari the city's FAR,
lnsistent voices call;
Yet not a tird in wood or field
Nests long from his keen gaze concealed
He knows AMI loves them /.
No cares oppress nor sorrows dim
The joys his projects bring;
For all life ong or for day
I'D rather De that boy at play
Than President or King.
tRANK PUTNAN. in Chicago Herald.
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23

are down from Sacramento and are staying at
the Cosmopolitan.
| Judge ]. w. Davis Of Tulare County Is here
on brief business trip.
Thomas Scattergood, wealthy resident OF
Phiiaoelphta, is on visit here.
e. G. Hogue, a leading resident OF Albany,
oregon, arrived here yesterday.
| F. P. Lyttaker of Merimac, Butte County, Is
on visit here. He is at the Russ.
J. A. Cranston of Portland, Or was one OF
the arrivals at the Palace yesterday
A. 0. Nelson OF saltwater, Cal. is in the City
and is registered at the opolitan.
The Rev. W. H. Story, an Episcopal minister
| OF Marysville, has arrived here and Is at the
Occidental.
Z. A. Storke, an attorney of Santa Barbara,
and ex-member of the Assembly, is registered
ut the Lick.
II. B. Gillis, an attorney of Yreka, is at the
Grand. He is one of the old residents OF that
northern town.
G. L. Hunter, q wealthy real estate owner
and business man of Chicago, and party OF
Eastern friends, who have been visiting South
ern California, are at the Occidental.
w. N. Babcock of Omaha long connected
with the Union Pacific Railroad passenger de-
partment ana for time stationed in Denver
and Wood River, is on q visit here. He is at
the Palace.
Otis A. Poole, an extensive tea buyer and
| importer of Yokohama, is at the Palace. Mr..
Poole has been for quarter of q century OF
more in the business and comes to San Fran
cisco nearly every year.
H. ]. Mayham of Denver, who owns large
mining interests in different parts OF Colorado
and who has lately invested heavily at Gold
Creek, Nevada, is in the City. He has recently
been visiting Southern California.
William R. Lloyd, prosperous miner OF
| Alaska, who only few days ago returned from
Europe, left yesterday on his return to Alaska.
| accompanied by ten other miners, who have
been wintering at the Commercial Hotel.
Labor Commissioner Fitzgerald and his Sec
retary. E. NJ. Green, will leave to-day for
| Hawaii to look into The possibility OF supply
| ing the islands with white labor to take the
place OF the japanese, Chinese and other for
eigners who work at sugar-growing at such
| ruinously low rates.
Ex-Governor w. d. Hoard of Wisconsin,
| who with his wife and son has been visiting
California for several weeks and who arrived
here from the south on Sunday, left yesterday
| for home. He is the editor aud owner of
Hoard's Dairyman and is q brilliant speaker
and capital story-teler. George w. Peck of
'Bad Boy" fame beat him for reelection. He
| has been away from home to get rest
The San Francisco call., 1897-03-23
FISH COMMISSIONERS.
Attention Has Been Called to the
Capture of Trout in Sonoma
Creek


The Fish Commissioners are doing all
they can to suppress illegal trout fishing,
but it seems that the poaehers watch the
movements of the patrol officials, and
when their backs are turned the capture
of trout by hook and spear goes merrily
on. The following letter was received to-
day from well-known angler who resides
In Sonoma and it speaks for itself:
SoNoMA, March 21, 1897.
Sporting Editor Call: i noticed some time
ago that fHE CALL stated that the Fish Com
missioners would dispatch deputies into the
country for the purpose of stopping illegal
fishing. Well there may have been officers
up this way Tor all know, but if there has
been any of the Commissioners patrolling the
Sonoma Greek, l think that they must have
looked over their shoulders quite frequently,
otherwiseSthey would certainly have seea any
number OF people fishing along the creek from
Glen Ellen TO Sonoma. To-day Sunday quite
q mum ber of fishermen were catching trout
above Glen Ellen, aud if any of the Fish COM
mlssioners will spend a few days on the stream,
especially on Saturday or Sunday, they can
make u good killing on poachers. / just men,
tion this because think it is q shame that the
trout law is not observed as it should be in
this part of the country. Yours, etc.,
A LOVER OF FISHING.