davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
The Nicaraqua Canal.

The war hes led np to meny grand re- suits beyond the conquest of islands here and there, but it Is doubtfui if any of the results will be more beneficial in the long run than the building of the Nicaragua canal. All parties and all shades of par ties are now practically agreed that the waterway between the two sides of the country is too long. The distance via the straits of Magellan from New York to San Francisco is 13OOO miles, and sailing vessels that go around the Horn have to traverse 15,600. There is too much water for either military or commercial purposes. The road needs shortening, and the Nicaragua canal fits the case. It would cut down the route of steam vessels to the extent of S,276 miles, and the sailing vessels that now go around the Horn would gain 1O,753 miles.
 The Clayton Bulwer treaty, which looks to the building of an glo-American canal Is not so objectionable, after all. England would perhaps agree to abrogate it; but there ought to be no contingency in the fu- ture that would bring the two nations of common language and common traditions into antagonism. Both are active in trade, but trade cannot prosper for either in times of war. The two nations could well af- ford to join hands in the construction and control of the canal
 When war does come. the nation that is strongest in the Caribbean sea, arriving there in force the soonest, will control the canal in spite of all the treaties that were ever written. Treaties are of no effect ir times of war. In times of peace all are in- vited, because tolls are needed in defrayina the expenses and cost of the canal Nc treaty in relation to the control of the cana is operative. If the United States is strong enough 1t can hold the canal against any enemy; if 1t is not, 1t cannot hold 1t, and a treaty will not help
 If this country is unaided to build the canal Great Britain should be asked to abrogate the Clayton-Bulwer treaty. Bui
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
GEN. WOOD AND THE CUBAN EDITOR

Santiago Letter to New York Sun.
 A Cuban editor landed with his satellite, a well-dressed sleek and cock persona ge, and he informed General Wood that he had come to etablish a political paper in Santiago.
 ''Not while am governor" said the gen. eral.
 "What! Do you mean to tell me that I not start a newspaper now the Americans are in possession?" gasped the editor.
 of you would like to, certainly" said Wood, quietly; "but you will have to con- fine yourself to the news of the day and let politics alone. I won't have any agi- tation here"
 "Why, cant insist on Santiago for the Cubans?" said the ruffied editor.
 ''There is no need of such insistence," !" explained General Wood. Santiago at present is as much for the Cubans for the resident Spaniards, and much for the Spaniards as for the Cubans. I shall see that every man has his rights and enjoys his liberties, be he black or white or whatever his nationality. Besides, the Spanish civil government Is still in office, according to our compact with General Toral, and is behaving itself. To let you come in here and exploit political ami mosities in your journal would amount to a breach of faith. No, print legitimate news if you will, but no politics." The parsonage flung himself out in high dud- geon, and in the Cafe Venus was after wards heard saying to satellite:
 "We'll go to Porto Rico, where we can get decent treatment"
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
DISPOSAL 0FUNCLAIMEDP PRIZE MONEY

From the Chicago Tribune.
 Reminders of the civil war in the shape of $500,000 of unclaimed prize money keep the auditor of the navy department in the treasury busy these days. Romance of the stirring times of the rebellion adds in- terest to the laborious work which that official and his clerks are compelled to do every day in order to prevent impostors imposing upon the government.
 Every claim which is registered recalls some interesting story of blockade run ners which were captured by patriotic in- dividuals and turned over to the govern ment. The fund of $500000 represents the proceeds of the sales of vessels which were captured without the aid of the navy by individuals who performed valuable ser vices during the rebellion.
 History records the fact that blockade runners did a thriving business during the civil war, but a fact which it does not re- cord is that which is represented by the unclaimed prize money. In every instance
 the items which go to make up this enorm- ceeds resulting from the sales of the block vateerS.
 It is wonderful fact that the individu-
 als who performed this service for the government never claimed the prize money to which they were entitled. For the most part the claimants are dead, but in | some cases thei heirs are unaware of the ! fact that money is waiting claimants at /! the treasury. The auditor receives claims | almost daily, but the claimants can not produce the evidence necessary to establish their right to any of the prize money.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

From the Anniston Hot Blast.
 At the next session of the legislature this state needs and must have some pro- gressive legislation. Alabama has all the resources to make it one of the first states in the union, but it has long been held down by the failure of it's people to under stand that there can be no real prosperity when many of the laws are practically pro- hibitory. But much of this desired legis- lation cannot be secured without a change in the constitution. All reasonable men will agree that the menace to our right of franchise is such a reflection upon the honor and intelligence of our people as can but be damaging to our every interest. When the men who are in charge of the machinery of elections can manipulate them and have such a result declared as they wish. which is frequently done, free government does not exist and a free ex- pression of the will of the people can no longer be had.
 This condition will exist as long as the right of franchise is in the hands of the ignorant, untutored, highly prejudiced part of our population.
 An educational qualification must be made the basic principle of our election
  dier whom all true men would exempt from the provisions of such a law, no man by any sense of justice, should have the au- thority to vote when that authority must be delegated to another. He doesn't vote himself but he really votes his proxy wills.
 In this era of educational advantages. no young man, white or black, can be of little consequence in this line, if he has not. at his majority, provided against an educational disqualification at the polls.
 The very moment that the elective fran chise is abridged in Alabama we can ex- pect great educational era to begin to sweep over the state. Young men would z~ser rest under the imputation that they could not vote beeausel they could not read and write. Alabama's school facilities are not what we would have them, but any boy with an ambition, can educate himself un- der the present system And he would do it rather than suffer the degradation which disqualification would incur. But a new constitution would enable us to add greatly to the efficiency of our com- mon school system, and would place the states and each county and each munich pality in a better position to help any poor but worthy boy who wanted to help him. self.
 The democratic party will have great majority in both state legislative branches and governor who will welcome any legis- lation looking toward a constitutional con- vention
 If the party doesn't provide for a special election on this great question of con- stitutional convention, and at least give the people opportunity to free themselves from the evils and burdens that now beset them, the democratic party will be held responsible for the failure.
 And it should be so.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
HEIR FOR LADY CURZON

From the New York World.
 London, Aug. 14-Much has been written
 about the beautiful Chicago girl who will
 soon be the vicereine of the Indias, and as
 such the ruler of a large fraction of the
 population of the world. But the most in-
 teresting part of the story has not been
 written. little viceroy, or his sister, is
 expected soon to grace the banquet board
 of MT. and Mrs. Curzon-a little prince or
 princess of the purple, one almost might
 say, the most interesting child of the year
 of grace 1898.
 Extraordinary as it may seem, no hint of
 this happy event has ever been let out
 from the charmed circle in which the
 mother lived. If Mary Letter had been an
 English woman, her natural expectations
 would have been public long ago. but being
 an American it was easy for the vicerine to
 keep her precious little domestic secret
 But now it comes from a source whose
 authenticity cannot be questioned. The
 World speaks by authority.
 The happy event is expected to- take place within a day or two. Lady -Curzon has been in retirement for some time. The r London season has not known her., Her own family has not lisped syllable re- garding the stork's looked-for visit and the Curzans have been equally circumspect. In spite of the fact that the eye of the world has been much upon the Letters Of late, it has been the grandfather and uncle or the coming one WnO nave attracted the attention. :" The viceroy and his wife have no other | children, nor has the elder Letter a grand | child to his name. As he still has 0,000- | 900 or so to his credit, it will pay to be a | Letter grandchild. Q" us Of course, everybody hopes that it will | be boy. They hope so on general prin- 1 ciples. Girl babies are not popular oin Ip- | dia, and though mothers of the same no | longer seek the sacred Ganges for the pur- | pose of casting their superfluous infants | into the waiting maws of expectant croco- l diles, it is certain that the social prestige l of the new rulers of that empire will be l greater if they cor:e pos 7s-T - - ald | heir
 l Miss Mary Victoria Letter and George
 Nathaniel Curzon were married in Wash | ington on April 22, 1885, They went to | England shortly after The husband had l then great expectations. and was known as | 8 most promising young diplomat. But | nobody believes that he would ever have | received the magnificent appointment l which has fallen to his lot had it not been | for the shrewd and successful politics | played by his wife And when one has a l fortune of s25,000,000 behind her-for her | father was her most ardent ally-one can l do great things in England.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
spanish-Like Ignorance
From Judge.

From Judge.
 Acquaintance--Going to leave the United States? Why, thought you were anxious to fight for your country?
 Uncle Mose-Ah, wuz, sah; but de gov'- ment man tole me dey couldn't tek me at enny price. but dey'd glib me $50 for nah mule. Spec Ans gwine toe lib in coun. try dat considahs mules wuff noah dan citerzens? No, sah. Ans gwine to shake de dust ob dis country off'n nah feet an emigrate over intoe Kantucky.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

From the Mobile Register.
 The Birmingham Age-Herald suggests that all the newspapers in the state ex- press an opinion upon the subject of hold ing a constitutional convention. The Age Herald recognizes that the press of this state, guided as 1t is by the loyal and true citizens, comes near to correctly voicing the public sentiment of the people, and that the expression of the editorial opin- ion will go far to guide the legislators in rendering a judgment as to what they ought to do to meet the popular demand. The suggestion is good one and we shall be pleased to see it followed throughout the state.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

From the Philadelphia Press
 The seven southern states along the gulf and Atlantic from Louisiana to North Carolina produced 156,275.7S6 bushels of corn in 1860 and only ,S49 in 1897. Southern newspapers are quoting this as proof that southern farmers are rot doing their full duty in raising food. This is great mistake. The reason why these states have not increased their corn is be- cause at most corn will bring $10 to SIP an. acre while truck and fruit farming yields from three to ten times this. Fast trains have put the Florida farmer within twenty-four hours of the great northern cities. Where he once raised corn and fed 1t to hogs he now raises vegetables and feeds them to New Workers, Philadefphians and Baltimoreans. They pay him more than the hogs did and offer a more secure and grateful market. Thanks to our fast railroad trains, the south is diversfyirg g it's agriculture as never before and soutE- ern editors who are urging southern farm CTS to raise corn are behind the times The southern farmer knows what he is about. Every carload of melons and to- matoes he sends north nets him more than corn would. The place to grow crop Is where nothing else can be grown
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

a better and sounder policy would consist in closer relations between America and Eng land, and a joint building of a great water way. Engiand's possessions in this continent resemble our own; they stand side by side, stretching from sea to sea- and If canal will bind the two nations closer together it will prove beneficial outside of commer- cial considerations.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
In Dashes
From the Chicago Tribune.

From the Chicago Tribune.
 .How does the proposition that Uncle Sam should retain a coalng station in the Philippines and turn the islands back to Spain strike your people?" asked the Amer ican citizen of the Englishman who was visiting him.
 ''Do your revenue laws require the pay- ment of a two-cent stamp when a man swears?" inquired the Englishman.
 "Of course not" responded the other.
 Whereupon the visiting Briton went ahead and expressed in strong language the Eng fish opinion of the "only coalng station" idea
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
OUR INDEMNITY
om the Columbia State.

From the Columbia State.
 It is to the Philippines we look for in- demnity Their possession would easily repay the cost of the war. Their possess sion would open the desired field for our congested centers to dump their surplus population. Their possession is demanded by all the reasons of the case and failure to get them would be a sad mistake and a slur upon the heroism of Dewey and his men. Finally their possession unlocks the golden treasuries of the Orient and affords boundless scope for the expansion of trade and for the dissemination of the doctrines of freedom.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
DEWEY
From the New York Commercial A6

From the New York Commercial Adver-
 tiser.
 We have grown so accustomed to pleas ant surprises in the career and conduct of Admiral Dewey that scarcely anything now from that resourceful sailor would make an American raise his eyebrows or rub his eyes. That's just like Dewey" we would say, and dismiss the incident as matter of fact. He has done much already to win the gratitude of his coun- trymen, but the distinct beauty of all he has done is the direct self-forgetful mod est and thoroughly scientific manner in which he has accomplished the work. Each act has only made him reader and apter for each successive act
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
THE WAR DID IT

From the Springfield Republican.
 It was a graceful act of the president to name the father of Hobson, a democrat, postmaster in the Alabama town. The war has had the effect not so much of re- conciling the south to the north as of re- conciling the republican party to the south
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
MAKING THEMSELVES AT HOME

From the Topeka Capital.
 Santiago Must Be Ours" is a headline in a paper published in Honolulu! It looks odd at first, but we will be accustomed to it in time The greatest jar of empire will come when the journals of the Philip pine islands will be heard in united howl for fair count in the election precincts of rGeater New York.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
Citing Authorities
From Life

From Life.
 Young Mokeby-Wut time does you t'ink is de bes' to git chickings, Uncle Nose? Ain't de bes' time jist after midnight?
 Uncle Moses Gan expert fancier)-Why, no, chile; don't you know de poet men say In de almanacs dat 'De darkey's hour Is jest before de dawn?
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

The Montgomery Journal claims as 1t turns into its tenth year that it has the largest circulation of any newspaper in Alabama, outside of Birmingham.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

men had much regard for the rules of or- dinary warfare Finally the unequal con- fiict would be ended by the force of over whelming numbers.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

The work of reconciliation to the new order of things is now the difficult task in all the annexed and transferred islands Aguinaldo and Garcia should take their incidence without grumbling.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

Everybody should be the sanitary com- missioner of his own premises. Don't wait until the city's inspectors come, for the latter will be very dictatorial.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

Germany's fussiness in the Philippines crop of sugar from Cuba, Porto Rico and Hawaii comes in. Reject German beet su-
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
Not Worth Inspiring

From Truth.
 That's a very old joke about the scarcity of men at the summer resorts"
 'It may be old, but it's no joke"
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

President Mckinley hopes to get the peace commission off his hands before he has to take on the worries of a session of congress.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

The democrats who talk against the ae- uuisition of distant territory, leave the in- demnity question wide open.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

Germany was at liberty to help Augusti escape capture before surrender, but the line of neutrality was dangerously near.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

La Lucha, formerly the bitterest anti American paper in Havana, now advocates annexation. It prefers annexation to a native Cuban republic.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

The government has given General Law ton orders to tolerate no nonsense from the Cuban army. As long as old g'ory flies over Cuba all must respect, it.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

The shore people of old Spain are se- curing long, undisturbed nights Of sleep. They like the protocol
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

It is thought that two-thirds of the vol unteer army will be disbanded as soon as peace is assured.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

The Chicago Record thinks it will be good while before another nation gets ga, with us.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

Those new Americans the Filipinas, must know this morning what flag they are under
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

Clean up every lot and every alley. Sep tember is yellow jacks favorite month.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

Captain Clark has nervous prostration, but the Oregon is not afflicted with that complaint.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

The coal oil Johnnies were judiciously snuffed out. They cannot legally inspect another barrel.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

The English language is advancing up the Nile, as well among the islands of the sea.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

A Madrid paper suggests out of grim irony General Weyler as peace commis- sioner.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

It is said that insanity is hereditary in the Corbett family. Jim's finds an outlet in a continuous flow of meaningless words.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

dreams Rough Riders. ten feet highs conn., ing over the Long Island bikes.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

Birmingham will be in the front rank when good times come.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

Havana, once a Spanish city, is now open to the world.
The age-herald., 1898-08-17
SOUTH GROWING IN WISDOM

The fall of Manila is an appropriate cur tain closer
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

Boss Platt down by the sea sees in his
The age-herald., 1898-08-17

More serious was the bloody struggle with the Cheyenne and Arapahoes in 1S61-65 these tribes had been peaceful but many treaties made by them had been broken and in 1861, losing confidence in the honor of the white race, they began hostilities While negotiations for peace were pend- ing Colonel Chivington destroyed a Chey- enne village, killing 100 men, women and children. war more fierce than ever fol- lowed, in which the United States lost several hundred soldiers and was put to an expense of 40000,0O0.
 The Minnesota Indian war of 1862 was waged by Sioux, who. under the leadership of Little Crow attacked Forts Ridgely and Abercrombie. killing 500 whites. General Sibley repulsed them, taking 500 prisoners, thirty-seven of whom were hanged. The outbreaks continued, and three generals took five years to end them.
 During 1865 there were seven other Indian wars the cost of which is estimated att: Northwestern expedition, $1,394190; New Mexico, s2sS S49; district of the plains. s13- 47O457; California and Oregon. $1 ,553. .S16; I<iowa, S1O0, ,713; Republican River. s30,173; and Northwestern Territory, $2415,16S. These figures are from government documents
 Since the civil war the chief Indian wars with their date and cost have been: Apache, 1873. s6,7 GOO Modcc. lsi', SS9' ,Sa7; Northern Cheyennes and Sioux. 1S76-77. S1. .S94,311: Neg Perces 1877. s931, ,s29; Banncck. 1878, $556, ,636: Northern Cheyennes. 1S78-79, S3i ,209, and Sinux. 1S90-91, s2, ,000, 900.
 There is no need to go into the details of these wars. Their causes were much the same-disregard of treaty rights caused by desire of the whites for their rich lands. They were waged in guerrilla style by the Indians, and neither red men nor white
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-07-03

found. There is n tradition In the servl,.
that many years ago a marine attached
10 one of our warships was foolhardv
enough TO practice on flute one evening
He never got beyond the second note
Allied 10 music as a means OF arnfsa-
ment Is dancing. Sailors are naturally
nimble-footed, and il does not .ake Ing
for them TO acquire the art. After ths
smoking lamp is lighted IN the evening on
board the flagship, the band. using
stringed instruments. plays popular airs
ana the port gansway as given over TO the
members OF the crew who wish to dame
Stag parties only are allowed except when
the officers give a dance and reception Ia
their fair friends ashore In auadriras
and all square dances the lady Is deSg-
mated by a piece Of spun yarn fastened
about the left arm.
Dinner Inspection.
1t Is far cry from music and dancing
to the inspection of bean soup and salt
horse. but In treating of the oddities Of
naval life certain ceremony daily enact
ed on board Uncle Sans warships must
not be passed over. In these latter days
the United States government looks well
after the commissary department OF the
navy
Contractors are required 10 furnish good
food and the naval cooks are compelled
to cook it in a palatahle manner. In the
old regime moidy biscuit. rancid soup and
salt horse with an odor like Chinese
war missile were supposed 10 be good
enough for the man forward. He got
what the authorities wished TO give him.
and IL he grumblei. an extra dose OF the
''cat" was added TO his portion.
In these times the naval menu is good.
and to see that 1t is perfect II Is required
OF the officer OF the watch tina, a sample
OF the crews dinner be officially tasted
by him exactly at seven bells. half-pasi IL
This duty must not be perfunctor.ly per-
formed. but tho spoon must be dipped
into the pot of soup and the contents car.
ried thence to the open mouth OF the Of
ffcer.
He must eat generous portion OF the
beef and then announce to the ships COOK,
who is the bearer of the sample. that the
dinner is all right or otherwise. This
duty IL not a hardship when the previous
hours of the watch have been spent by
the officer in an appetite-producing Walk
along a breezy deck. but II Is seldom ths
Kid containing the sample is materially
iightened OF it's load.
IL the ceremony answers no other pur-
pose il certainly forms a picturesque
scene to see a nattily uniformed Officer
eating bean soup out OF tin pan In fun
view of chance visitors, who are general.
ly OF the fair sex. IL is spectacles and IN
cidents of this kind that serve 20 lend an
air Of originality 10 life In the United
States naval service. and to make the Of
ficers and sailors "a class apart.