davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

In explaining its position upon the pension
question Harper's Weekly shows an ignor-
ance of the whole matter that is quite sur
prising when it is recalled that it claims
to have the full intelligence of journal of
civilization. 1t asserts, for instance that the
number of survivors on the pension rolls
is 6.4O5 more than there are actual survivors
of the war. The number of survivors who
are pensioners was 1852 when the last re-
port was made. Would Harper's Weekly
have us believe that that number is 6,4O5
in excess Of the veterans of the war who
are living? 1t is preposterous. Those who
have the best information, and others whose
judgment is of value, put the number of
survivors of the war at about a million.
There is reason to believe that the number
of men who were not in the service, and
who are drawing pensions as eX-soldiers,
does not exceed two hundred. 1t is here
cause there is no process by which any con-
siderable number of names can be put and
kept upon the pension roll by fraud Pen
sion agents and the special agents of the
bureau would detect them.
1t is we'll in this connection to recall tho
experience of the Cleveland administration
The examiners of the bureau dropped about
H. 600 names upon the assumption, after ex-
animation, that the men answering them
were not entitled TO pensions. These ex-
perenced officials did not take these names
by hazard, but upon careful examination,
and yet all but few hundred of the drop
ped names were restored by the same
bureau officers. Most % those really drop
ped were under new rule which made no
lower rate than Sc per month under the law
of 1880. The bureau has always had
corps of inspectors or detectives constantly
looking after frauds. During Mr.. Cleve-
lands term this branch of the service was
increased, and postmasters were asked TO
report TO the bureau the names of those in
their vicinity who, in their Judgment,
were not entitled to pensions. If the PEN
sion rolls are honey-combed by fraud why
were not thousands of fraudulent pensions
detected instead OF few score?
The late President Garfield is made to do
duty In behalf of those who assail the pen
sion roll because he predicted in 1873 that
the high-water mark OF pensions had been
reached. What are the facts? The Pension
Bureau. until General Garfield became
President, was used to repress the granting
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

Some time since paragraph which gave
the silverites elation was going the rounds,
to the effect that the output of gold in South
Africa was falling off. This was assumed
because gold seekers Were going from South
Africa to Klondike. They did so because
the South African gold comes from quartz
deposits and must be worked with ma
chinery, which requires capital, while the
Klondike gold is secured by placer mining,
where each man works for himself. Recent
reports indicate that the output of the
Transvaal region was never so large. The
yield during December was at the rate of
$70,OOO000 year-a gain over December 1896,
of nearly so per cent For the entire year
the increase was at the rate of 81 per cent.
1t is estimated that the output of 1898 will
reach $75,000000, which is more than the
American mines Will yield with Klondike
added. When it is recalled that, in 1886, the
output of all the gold mined in the world
was but s1O6,OOOOOo, the yield of $50 100000 by
a single country indicates a development
which can be found in few. if any, indus
tries in like period.
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24
ANOTHER POSSIBILITY.

cablegram from London says the Brit
ish government has advices that France and
Germany are casting covetous eyes upon
liberia. and are contemplating it's annexa-
ton. This would be in accordance with the
general policy of European aggression and
colonization in Africa, in which France,
Germany and Great Britain are each trying
to get the advantage. Great Britain has
already had her bite at Liberia, for the
area of tho latter, formerly estimated at
10000 square miles, was reduced by nearly
one half few years ago through encroach-
ments of the English colony of Sierra Leone
and the cesson of territory to France. The
present area Of Liberia is about 14,0O0 square
miles-more than one-third and less than
one-half that of Indiana. Though not an
extensive country territorially, it is rich in
natural resources, agricultural, mineral,
timber, etc., and is susceptible of great de-
yelopment 1t is probably as desirable as
any other portion of Africa, and has doubt
less excited the cupidity of European pow
ers by reason OF its incapacity for self-de-
fense Although republic and an 1nde-
pendent government in name, with treaties
ana established relations with all other
powers, the government is very weak. The
population is about 100000, all negroes, OF
whom about 1900 are of American birth
and emgrants. There is no standing army,
and the militia is composed of one brigade
of four regiments. There is not a mile OF
railroad in Liberia, and the country is utter
ly defenseless. 1T would be surprising If
such a country had not excited the cupidity
of European powers, and it IS quite credible
that they are contemplating its seizure and
partition. An attempt to do so would raise
some interesting questions. First, they
would have to encounter the censure and
odium that attach to the cortiuest and over
throw of a weak power, for while Liberia
is one Of the weakest of independent pow
ers she is nevertheless independent. If the
European powers should decide upon the
seizure of the country they would probably
foment a war between the Iiberian govern
ment and the natives and make that a pre-
text for intervening. Blu. more impor-
tant question than the opinion of the civil
lized world would be the attitude of the
United States. Liberia is the fruit of
American colonization. The constitution Of
the republic is modelled that Of the
United States. For many years the Ameri-
can Colonization Society paid the expenses
of American negro emigrants to Liberia,
and provided for their maintenance there
for six months after arrival. Some of the
schools and most of the missions are sup
ported in whole or in part by American
cieties In short, the republic of Liberia
is essentially an offshoot of the United
States, an American plant. 1t Is not known
whether any of the colored emigrants from
this country have taken the oath OF al
legiance TO the Lberian government, but
such as have not done are still technical
ly American citizens. Under these circum-
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24
THE PRECEDENT AND CUBAN
AUTONOMY.

It seems not unlikely that the tension re-
garding the Cuban question may be in
creased by the forthcoming reply of the
President to the request of Congress for in
formation on the subject. 1t is said this re-
ply will embrace letter from Consul Gen
eral Lee stating that autonomy is a failure.
Outside evidence is almost conclusive on
this point, and General Lees testimony
should be entirely so. That being the case,
the question will arise, What will the
United States do next? In this connection
it is of interest to recall what the President
said in his annual message in December
last. AT the conclusion of the discussion of
Cuban affairs he gave the main points of
the scheme of autonomy which had been
promulgated by Spain. and said that, as the
scheme seemed to be honestly and fairly
intended, he could not question it's SINGER
ity. Then he added:
1t is honestly due to Spain and to our
friendly relations with Spain that she
should be given reasonable chance 10
realize her expectations and to prove the
asserted efficacy of the new order of things
to which she stands irrevOcably committed.
The near future will demonstrate
whether the indispensable condition OF a
righteous peace, just alike to the Cubans
and to Spain as WELL equitable to all our
interests so. intimately involved in the well
fare of Cuba is likely to be attained. If
not the eXigency of further and other ac-
ton by the United States will remain TO be
taken. When that time comes that action
will be determined iii the line of 1ndlsputa-
BILE right and duty. 1t will be faced, with
out misgiving or hesitancy in the light OF
the obligation this government owes to it
self, to the people who have confided to 1t
the protection of their interests and honor,
and to humanity. Sure of the right keep
ing free from all offense ourselves, actuated
only by upright and patriotic considera-
tions, moved neither by passion nor selhsn-
ness, the government will continue lts
Watchful care of the rights and property or
American citizens, and will abate none of
it's efforts to bring about by peaceful
agencies a peace which shall be honorable
and enduring. If it shall hereafter appear
to be a duty imposed by our obligations TO
ourselves, to civilization and humanity to
intervene with force. it shall be without
fault on our part, and only because the ne
cessity for such action will be so clear as
to command the support ana approval Oh
the civilized world.
This is the Presidents latest official ut
terance on the Cuban question. In effect 1T
asks for a fair trial for the scheme of au-
t0nomy, and says if that fails he will shape
his action accordingly. In the light of this
extract from the Presidents message his
announcement of the failure of autonomy
may mark the beginning of a new Cuban
policy.
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

Charles s. Hernly. the recently elected
Republican state chairman, has been In the
city for several days. He announced yester-
day that the state committee would be
called to meet March 8, at which time the
executive and advisory committees will be
announced and the date set for the State
convention.
Mr.. Hernly is enthusiastic over the plan
to hold district meetings, beginning at
Evansville about the middle of March.
These love feasts will initiate vigorous
campaign of education and patriotism. The
Democratic party" said Mr.. Hernly, last
night, will declare in favor of the Chicago
platform and will appeal to the preJudices
of the people in order to carry out their
balefui doctrine of reputation. The Repub-
lican party must combat the idea or repudl-
alton through d plan of education. The
young people, in particular, should be
reached. This country is commercial ma
ton and dishonest principles can never be
tolerated by it. In this campaign the Ma
tions honor and integrity are at stake and
there is more need of patriotism low tnan
at any time since 1861.
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

lantic station, to return to the squadron at
Key West as soon as the festivities closed
notice" but in accordance with plans laid
out two months ago. when the people of
the Crescent City asked for the presence of
a war ship to assist in advertising their
show. The New Orleans canards are merely
a sample of those printed in the yellow
journals every day under page-wide head
lines. and they have caused much annoy
ance to officials at Washington, who have
been doing their utmost to allay public ex-
citement over the deplorable disaster at
Havana. The heads of the Navy and War
Departments can be trusted to do, without
unnecessary noise or parade, the things the
situation calls for
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

The action of the sound-money Democrats
at their recent conference in this city shows
that they do not propose to abandon their
principles. They will maintain their organi-
zation and nominate a state ticket and a
candidate for Congress in each congress
sional district. They may prove to be an
important factor in the congressional cleo
tions next fall. To be consistent they
should also nominate candidates for the
Legislature and do what they can to pre-
vent the reelection of Turpie. There may
be some Democratic counties. and perhaps
ono or two congressional districts, where
the Republicans and sound-money Demo-
Gratis combined could defeat the free-silver
candidates for the Legislature or for Con-
gress and win a vote for sound money. The
money question is going to be the para
mount issue until it is settled, and the
friends of sound money should get together.
There would be nothing dishonorable in a
fusion of that kind
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24
THREATENED BY STRIKERS.
Witnesses Who Say the Lattimer
Marchers Were LawIess.

WILKESBARRE, Pa, Feb. 23.-The trial
of Sheriff Martin and his deputies was re-
sumed this morning with Michael Brennan
on the stand. He testified that he ran for
the brush when some strikers tried to cap
ture him. Two shots were fired at him.
August Winnock, who worked at Gram
berry, testified that on Sept. 8, seven days
before the fatal shooting, a crowd of strik-
ers told the workmen there they must quit
or they would be hurt. He and others went
home. On the day before the shooting they
were stopped the road and tod they
would be killed If they went to the work
ingS.
Ludwig Laube, of Cranberry stated that
he refused to go home when ordered TO do
so by the strikers and was struck in the
back with a stone thrown by a striker. He
WaS so afraid Of the strikers that he carried
a revolver for the first time in his life
number of witnesses were examined
during the afternoon, most of them testify
ing to belligerent acts on the part of the
strikers. Many of them swore that they
had been threatened and submitted to per-
important witness for the day was John
Beach, foreman Of Harwood colliery. He
said: ION Monday, Sept. 6, q crowd of Har
wood men armed with clubs and stones
came to the breaker and went through it,
looking for men who were hiding from
them. They found none. and the leaders,
Joe Obostki and John Kubitslx, told me
that if any of them came to work they
would be killed. Between Sept. and 10
we tried several times to get the breakers
started but each time the men who wanted
to work were driven back by the strikers
and threatened with DEATH
W. III. Snyder, master mechanic and as
sistant superintendent of the Silver Brook
Coal Company, said that a few days before
the Lattmer shooting the McAdoo strikers
marched there and told them to stop hoist
ing They did so, and then the strikers
pulled out the fires, chased out the firemen
and said if there was any more work every
body would be killed and the breaker torn
down They then smashed everything in
the blacksmith shop. A few days before,
while driving, q striker shot at him; Sny-
der returned the fire. Neither was hit, and
the striker ran away. This closed the teS-
tfmnnv of the daY.
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

of pensions. AT least such was the view
expressed by many senators and represen-
tatives. After that date the laws were
broadened, and the broadening eliminated
in the disability pension act of 1890. 1t may
be added that no one act did so much to
incite veterans of the war for the Union
to ask for more liberal pension policy
than the Mexican service pension agitation
which ended in the passage of such an act.
The agitation began in 1876 and was kept
up until the act was passed. under the
Cleveland administration. That was the
act which made the precedent for dis
ability pension for ninety days service by
establishing a sixty-day period for a service
pension in the Mexican survivor.
One Of the reasons which the Weekly
gives for pension frauds is really amusing.
1t quotes the letter of Commissioner Evans
to the effect that 6S per cent. of the claims
presented for original pensions during the
years 1894. 1895 and 1896 were fraudulent, and
that, for the same years. so per cent. of
the claims under the act of 1890 were of
the same character. And this stopping or
rejecting of fraudulent claims is offered as
evidence that fraudulent claims are allowed.
There are doubtless some abuses in the
pension system; some people have them
who should not, and few are without
them who should receive them; some re-
ceive more than they should, and others
less; yet, considering the vast number of
cases and the INSCRIPTIONS character of
some of the attorneys. the conclusion must
be reached, after considering the facts, that
the percentage of actual fraud is of little
moment compared with the pensions which
are genuine and deserved.
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24
UNIFORM TAXATION IN STATES.

One remedy for the lodging of taxes on
personal property suggested by General
Harrison is entitled to something more than
consideration. 1t is that a meeting of the
tax commissioners of a considerable num-
ber Of States be held, to consult as to some
plan for the taxation of personal property
that will secure uniform system. One Of
the embarrassments at the present time is
that when a State undertakes to adopt a
plan which will increase the taxation of
certain classes of property, it becomes a
serious loser by the removal of those who
are taxed under such a system. New Jer-
sey is said to be the paradise of New York
tax dodgers. Ohio is said to have lost a
number of wealthy citizens because the
State undertook to tax them. One was so
incensed, not long ago. that he disposed Of
all his property in Ohio and left the State
in something of a huff. Tax commissioners,
like insurance and labor commissioners,
could meet, consider plans and finally adopt
some one of them. This plan they could
recommend to the legislatures of the States
represented, and thereby uniform system
for more adequate taxation could be Sc
cured.
Taxation is not one of the topics which
the people generally discuss. They COM
plain of local taxation, but when the topic
is discussed it is federal taxation, usually
the taxation OF the poor to pay for bonds.
This may be important, but, compared with
local taxation, it is inconsequential. The
agitation of the topics which General Har-
rison has brought to the front in neighbor-
hoods, in village or township meetings for
the purpose would call public attention to
the injustice in manner which could not
fail to be generally beneficial
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

These be great times for the war cor
respondent" Every movement about a navy
yard or military post that he cannot fathom
is regarded as mysterious enough for a
scare special. If the commanding officer
receives telegram and does not make its
contents known, the correspondent watches
his movements, and If the officer walks
quickly 20 his quarters. great activity at
this or that fort or yard is specialized" to
the newspapers of the yellow brand. Tues
day night a correspondent at New Orleans
wired North that well-known line of
steamers had been impressed by the United
States Navy Department. the inference be-
ing that the vessels were TO be used as
transports or fitted out as cruisers. Yes
terday the agents of the steamship COM
pany denounced the story as a fabrication.
The same correspondent said the cruiser
hIarbIehead, which was at New Orleans
during the carnival. had received orders to
be ready 10 leave on moments notice" ="
Yesterday it developed that the Marbehead
was given orders. before leaving the At
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

The murder of the colored postmaster
Baker and his infant child at Lake City, S.
&C, was not only a most horrible crime. but
entirely unprovoked. 1t differs from ordi-
nary iynchings in that the man had not
and was not even charged with having COM
mitted any crime. He was negro. and
therefore offensive TO the white people of
the town as postmaster-that was all. IN
fortunately, the national government cannot
reach and punish the perpetrators of such
crimes 1t could discontinue the postofice
at the town, but that would be as much of
a punishment for many innocent persons as
for the marderers.
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

In the case of the Zola trial it is the
expected that has happened. His conviction
has been a foreshadowed certainty from
the beginning. 1t was probably a political
necessity, but it is none the less a dis
grace to France. The severity of the pen
atty imposed gives the appearance of vim
dictiveness to a proceeding which from be-
ginning to end has been travesty on JUS
fice
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

Did you ever hear the story about the
cause of the extreme paucity Of the rab-
bits tail?' asked the typewriter boarder,
who has been taking folklore lectures.
Before we proceed" said the Cheerful
Idiot, is this tale of hare, tail of
hare, tale of hair, or tail of hair?'
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24
The Subject.

"Oh. we had lovely time at the club de-
bate" said the lady of the house, as she
came IN.
What were you jaw-er-debating
about?" asked her husband.
(Which was the most to be pitied-the
woman whose husband growls at every
thing, or the woman whose husband growls
at nothing?"
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

When the platform of the Populist con-
vention referred to the deprecated cur
rency of the war period it gave away the
whole basis of fiat money. For years these
people have been demanding an unlimited
Issue of irredeemable paper money upon
the assumption that it will be full value
money Now it refers to the issue of $780,
100000 Of legal-tender greenbacks in cIrcu-
Iation during the war period as depre-
ciated currency.
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24
The wabash Color Rush.



We very much fear that the attempt Of
Wabash College at Charlottesville, Ind,
to substitute a color rush for football will
not meet with success. The color rush may
do for young ladies' boarding school or
a theological seminary. but there isn't
enough life and action to it to make it
a suitable and satisfactory substitute for
football in a. real live college, Why, the
Wabash color rush only resulted in one
broken leg, one dislocated kneecap, one dis
located ankle and half a dozen minor in
.t,fo-
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

1--WE got q Klondike scheme at last said
the amateur promoter
Some new gold extracting method?"
Nah! That's too tame. I'm going to or
ganize company to bore for natural gas
up there. 1t doesn't cost much to bore
hole in the ground, and if we should strike
it-oh, gee!"
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

The news regarding the situation at Ha-
vana is mainly unofficial and will continue
to be until the court Of inquiry shall make
it's report or give cut its conclusions.
Nevertheless the dispatches reflect local
sentiment and to some extent actual facts,
and they clearly indicate a growing belief
that the destruction of the Maine was not
due to an accidental explosion.
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

The solemnity with which Representative
that very small number of people own
the greater part of the wealth of the coun-
try leads to the suspicion that he regards
himself as the inventor of the declaration.
If any one sold it to him as an original
statement he is the victim of gold-brick
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

county clerk announced his withdrawal
from the contest yesterday. This leaves
George Elliott as the only candidate In the
field. Mr.. Hare finds his duties as chief
deputy in the clerks Office will not permit
him to make thorough canvass for the
nomination.
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

The vizcaya is carefully guarded and
protected in New York harbor, but her
officers will feel easier when they get out
into blue water. Then also, they will prob
ably quit masquerading over the loss of
the Maine and give vent to their real feel
ings in real Spanish.
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24
Rock-Ribbed Religion.

Brother Haicede'' said the minister,
81 am surprised to hear that you whipped
your son for saying that he didn't believe
in the weather predictions OF the almanac"
by the time you have lived as long as
L have" responded Mr.. Haicede you'll
know that the time to nip infidelity is in the
hlld
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24
kiIIed Her Drunken rather.

NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. Feb. 2S.--Mary
Kauwitzky a seventeen-year-old girl, to-
day shot her father in the head with a
shotgun while he was asleep. The father
came home drunk and chased the family
out of the house with knife and threat
cred to kill them. He was finally pacified
and induced to 20 to bed 1t Is supposed
that terror from frequent occurrences of
this kind drove the girl insane She has
been arrested.
The Indianapolis journal., 1898-02-24

The extreme precautionary measures
adopted by the United States for the pro-
lection of the Spanish cruiser Vizcaya, at
New York. do not support the theory ad-
vanced by some that nation is not re-
sponsibIe for the safety of friendly war
shin within its ports.