davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times., 1898-04-07
Quinn Tndependence

The refusal Of the President 10 rec
ommend recognition Of the independ-
ence ~ Cuba. has caused an unpleasant
feeling throughout the country. His
determination not to take the course in
this matter popularity demanded by
ninety one-hundredths Of the
American people is greatly to be re-
gretted for his own sake, inasmuch as
II is contrary 10 American ideas Of lib
erty and the right Of revolution to gain
il. and moreover appears to be based
upon a denial OF existing and notorious
facts
Whatever may be said 10 the contra
y. armed Intervention in Cuba, with
cut recognition Of Cuban independence.
Is war upon the island patriots az well
as upon their Spanish enemy. To say
that We decree the independence Of the
Cuban people without recognizing the
organization under which for three
years they have waaed successful war.
wen and maintained d. facto sovereign
y. and exercised civil government over
foUr-ffths Of the territory in dispute.
Is t0 avoid the issue and the duty i'm
posed upon US by the plain canons Of
international law.
4 brave population which has so
maintained itself in a military man
ner" is al least entitled to a recogni-
lion II beIIiserency, if not Of independ-
ence. The Administration reasons
for refusing the latter only convict il
of having withheld the former without
reference to right justice or precedent
In the event of hostiIities with Spain
and an American invasion Of Cuba
what position win the armies Of Gomez
and Garcia occupy toward the Amerl-
can troops? VIII they be allies or en-
emies2 Technically they viii be enc.
mics. unless their beIlieerent rights are
recognized and they are invited "a
Join with US in expelling Spain from The
island
But that would give them a status,
They would become party TO the wal
settlement. which Messrs. Hanna, Nc.
Cook and Rothscnild certainly would
relegate. If they could, 10 a European
tribunal Even recognized as beilie-
erents. il would be difficult To faster
the Spanish war debt upon the country
without the consent Of its de facto gov
eminent
The -McCook plan is brilliant,
Ii admits that the people Of Cuba
ought 10 be and are free. but it denies
that they have organized themselves in
10 what Bluntschli Vattel and the rest
would call something too like a state tc
be ignored by the powers Of civiliZa-
tion." which in fact they have. But
have not, the difference between recog-
nizlne the government Of Cuba Libre
The times., 1898-04-07

and an unorganized people is both i'm
portant and plain. In the second case,
when the military and naval power of
America is in possession, the patriots
in arms can be ignored and treated as
Klopsch outlaws and bandits and the
Spaniards, autonomists and reconcen-
trados can be made to hold elections"
providing for autonomy" and for a
solution which will leave the Roths-
childs flag of Spain floating over Moro
Castle, and guarantee imposition of the
Rothschld Spanish debt forever upon
stricken and devastated Cuba.
These are some of the things which
might happen if the gallant struggle
for freedom, and its results in Cuba
are ignored What would have hap
pened TO us if France had refused to
recognize the American colonies, and,
instead, had interviewed to force upon
them autonomy and the debt incur
red in their attempted subjugation?
Congress must answer to the nation
The times., 1898-04-07
THURSDAY. APRIL Z. 1895.
How Long. o Lord.

Yesterdays sun set upon the most
dissraceful day in American history for
over a hundred years. Emperors have
been assassins, kings have been
thieves, but it remained to be developed
that an American President could take
seventy-five million people into his
confidence and then at the crucial mo-
ment deliberately deceive them.
President Mckinley is not to be trust
ed So far from being the man for
the hour, he is not to be relied upon
for minute
His mind is not his own and the last
Testise Of his patriotism has passed
into the keeping Of other hands.
Yesterday was the test. The coun-
try's eyes were upon him He had
solemnly promised Congress a message
which, in a grave international crisis,
should state the position Of America.
He broke his word.
There is not man, woman or child
within reach Of the telegraph wires
this morning who does no: know this
truth and who, together, have not the
same opinion of it.
Gen. Fitz Lee and the Americans in
Cuba were in no more jeopardy yester-
day than they have been for six months
no peril threatened from which the
feet at Key West could not and should
not have rescued them. But the Amer.
ican President throutled in the White
House by the Hanna-McCook bond
conspirators saw their danger only.
The American people have been and
viii be patient: but how long. o, Lord
o. God how long?
The times., 1898-04-07
Oar Madrid PnciGco.

1t occurs to us TO suggest that Gen.
Stewart l. Woodford-albeit subject to
the explosive risks of his mission
might, in the course Of his service near
fitting opportunity TO inform the civil
lized world that America and Spain are
just now engaged in threading together
the mazes of a Virginia reel, and have
no prospects before them, other than to
parade down the line. shake legs aud
turn corners. 1t is bitterly true that
there is a long line in the figure! Legs
may be shaken. Half a hundred dis
membered ones were shot up into the
air above the wreck OF the Maine. Also
The times., 1898-04-07
ANOTHER WAR MEASURE.
An Amendment to the Sundry Civil
Bill offered.

An amendment was offered to the sun
dry civil bill yesterday by Senator Pet
tus of Alabama. The amendment pro-
vided 5000 600 for the removal of the bar
in the entrance of Mobile bay.
The senator said in discussing the
amendment that it was war measure
That there was dearth of water in NY
Tortugas. and that Mobile harbor was the
most convenient place for the navy to
he provisioned, watered and coaled.
Senator Allesen, VINO is in charge of
the bill, said that he did not like TO
object to the amendment but that he
should he constrained to do so unless it
went through by the unanimous consent
of the Senate. He explained that unless
he took this course the bill would be
loaded with river and harbor amend
ments and it was not the intention to
make the sundry civil bill a river and
barber bill
Senator Gray urged that the amend
ment be adopted and also gave notice that
he had a similar one for another harbor-
Senator Allison suggested that the bill
be dropped until today to allow all such
amendments 10 be presented to the Com
mittee on Rivers and Harbors and get
the approval of that committee. This ac-
tion was taken.
The times., 1898-04-07
THE SINEWS OF WAR.
An Issue of Government Bonds Could
he Easily FIoatcd.

New York. April G.-Would an issue Of
800 600 900 three per cent. Government
bonds payable in gold be taken by the
New York banks in case of war? was the
question asked twenty financiers this af-
trnoon. With one exception the answers
Were in the affirmative.
\During the past few days several New
York bankers have been In conference
with Mr.. Gage Secretary of the Treas
ury and the president of one of the
largest trust companies in the west, ad-
mitted today that he had conferred with
the Secretary on the subject of a war
loan.
Should the Government issue gold
bonds, at three per 9cent- there is little
doubt that the amdunt would be sub
scribed for in less than twenty-four
hours. AT the outbreak of the civil war
the bankers took the bonds known as
Skies of 1861. on a seven per cent basis
and the subsequent issues of 1000 900
each were foated without difficulty.
The bankers point out, however, that
conditions are far different now. They
say that even if the Government wanted
two hundred millions and put in the gold
clause, Europe would step in and buy all
the bonds offered. Then there is the pop
ular loan. Some bankers believe that the
people would absorb at least $500, 000, ,001
three per cents. and that practically the
Government could have all the "sinews
of war it needed without difficulty.
The times., 1898-04-07
HEARS HIMSELF TALK.
Senator Mason Drops Nickel in the
Slot


Senator Mason is being made the vic
tim of good story that has been float
ing around the Capitol for several days.
1t appears that an enterprising phono-
graph company contrived to capture the
senator's famous outpouring of eloquence
on the Maine disaster as it went ringing
through the Senate chamber few days
ago. In it's downtown Office windows
this company is now displaying a glar-
ing red sign which reads:
Come in and hear Senator Mason's de-
scription of the Maine horror"
Inside over a larger upright phonograph
is displayed another sign redder and
more glaring than the first. 1t reads:
Drop a nickel in the slot and hear
Senator Mason's famous rhetorical effort
on the destruction of the Maine
The story goes that Senator Mason
wandered down Pennsylvania Avenue
the other day and saw himself starred as
q slot machine attraction Rather sheep
ishly. and through mere curiosity. mind
you, the senator stepped inside as per
the red-Iettered notation and found him
self a great favorite. A dozen or more
persons were lined up to await a turn at
the machine that reproduced MI Ma
sons fiery Cuban speech Nobody SEEM
ed to recognize Mason as he. too. fell INTO
line and presently surrendered nickel
to hear himself talk. With the tubes IN
his ears he smiled. frowned. chuckeied,
grew excited and unconsciously began
to gesticuIate with great vehemence
while listening to his own stinging vo-
ciferations Presently with click the
machine stopped. 1t was all over.
That's a great machine, unused Ma
son as he gave place to another man with
a nickel Now if somebody would only
invent machine that would make some
other people say something CUBA mlgh'
he free y
The times., 1898-04-07
A DULL, GRINDING CRASH.
Chaplain Chidwick's Graphic De-
scription of -tthe Maine Disaster.

Chaplain ChiGwick's Graphic De-
seription OF sdhe Maine Disaster.
New York. April 6.-Chaplain John p
Chidwick of the Maine. who arrived yes
terday from Havana, was in this city to-
day awaiting orders from the Govern
ment at Washington. When seen at the
rectory of S.. Stephens Roman Catholic
Church. where he was formerly an as
sistant, Father Chidwick spoke without
restraint, though every word was weigh
ed as he described what he had exper-
fenced of tie explosion and of laler
events.
I'VE had not the slightest inkling of
Spanish treachery." said Father Child
wick. "Our reception in Havana was cor
dial from the very start. Still, we were
not TO be caught mapping.
"Lookouts We're doubled and the orders
were that all craft of whatever sort
should be kept away from the ship. The
searchlghts. however, were not manned
Captain Sigsbee, if he had any suspicion
of danger, took care not to speak of any
thing of the kind. Without any warning
the explosion came. 1t was one dull
! grinding crash and the vessel listed far
! over to the port side. | ran out of my
| room. Others were doing the same. The
| officers were perfectly cool. ON deck or
| der was preserved.
We lowered the boats and with the aid
! of sailors from other ships, we succeeded
| in rescuing those of our men who had
| not been killed outright. The Spanish au-
| thorities treated us with every manifes-
| tation of kindness, and their sympathy
seemed to be sincere. They did all in
their power to help us. In all my deal
ings with them there is nothing that /
| should wish to forget. Whether the
! Spaniards were really implicated in the
| blowing up of the Maine | do not know.
Have [ no suspicious? Such, indeed [
! may have but it is not for me to express
| any opinion on an issue which is so vital
| in our Governments dealings with
| Spain"
When asked of the present danger to
| Americans in Havana, Father Chadwick
said that until recently he had con-
sidered the reports of that danger some
| what exaggerated. OF the crisis today
he could only imagine the possible conse-
quences.
But of the suffering of the Cuban re-
concentrates there has been no eXaggera-
ton in the printed reports" the priest
continued. THE country's desolation has
not been in the least oYerdrawn, for il
passes the power of words to express it.
1t is almost incOnceivable.'
The times., 1898-04-07
EXCITEMENT IN HAWAII.
Threatened Volcanic Eruption Caus-
es Consideration In the Islands.

San Francisco, April 6.-Passengers who
arrived on the steamer Alameda today
report great excitement in Hawaii over
the threatened eruption of the volcano of
Mauna Loa, which has not been active
for fourteen years. Two weeks ago the
lava in Mauna Loa from observations
taken by signal observers on the noun
tain, dropped 1,6O0 feet and shortly after
smoke was seen issuing from the mouth
OF the crater, sometimes in great volume
then again in short Jets. The natives
were terribly excited and prophesied when
the Alameda left a week ago that In
twelve days there would be a great erup-
ton.
For two weeks previous TO the falling
of lava there had been constant earth
quales, and it is also stated there had
never been so much and So continuous
rain in the islands. Shocks were not Sc
we're but one, just before the steamer left,
was declared to be the hardest that had
ever occurred there.
There is no fear that the lava flow will
extend TO IIilo. but the natives are anx-
ous, as they cannot tell at what place
on the side of the mountain the lava Will
break out.
The times., 1898-04-07

The Columbia Bicycse Company has
on exhibition The wheel belonging ITO
capt. Sigsbec which was sunk in the
Maine wreck and raised some days later
by divers. 1t is still in excellent order.
While we are talking about curiosties,
it might be pleasant to our authorities to
have shark or two from Havana har-
bor ANY one caught there recently
could be guaranteed to have fed on
American sailors. BY the way, is their
massacre to go unavenged? Or is ma
tional manhood thing of remote his
tarV2
The times., 1898-04-07
DOUBLE RATES FOR WAR RISKS
Marine Insurance Companies Believe
War Inevitable.

New York. April Cit is learned on
good authority that the marine insurance
companies are on the point of doubling
their rates for war risks, on the theory
that war is now inevitable. The news
that Consul General Lee had left Havana
today was said to be the chief cause for
this decision.
Officers of the Atlantic Mutual Insur-
ance Company said they should be eX
ceedingly disinclined to name rate for
sailing vessels for Cuban or Spanish ports
and that il was probable that the time
would soon come when such risks would
be refused by them.
one marine insurance company declined
TO quote rates on "a cargo of cotton in
a Spanish vessel sailing from New Or
leans for Barcelona, Il fortnight hence
Other Offices reported some transactions
at rates higher than prevailed yesterday.
The times., 1898-04-07

there are corners which the American
people have sworn to turn.
We only criticise Gen. Woodford, who
would be the typical pacifico if he were
not well fed and fat, for anticipating
the music. He is like the amiabe Mr.
Pickwick who would start off before
the fiddlers began to play. The dance
Will ccme fast enough, and God help
the fandango artists. A great many
of them will have to fall through their
eXertions before the Americans who
are vis-a-yis to them viii grow tired OF
the figure.
The times., 1898-04-07
A SPIRITED RESOLUTION.
Reparation for Maine Disaster ana
Cuban Independence.

New York. April Ga special meeting
of the committee on national affairs of
the Merchants and Manufacturers
Board of Trade was held at 2i Fifth
Avenue this afternoon and the following
resolution placing the responsibility for
the loss of the Maine ON Spain and de-
claring that Cuba's independence should
be recognized was adopted:
Resolved, That your committee on ma
tional affairs believes that Spain is re-
sponsibe for the loss of the Maine and
that a substantial indemnity and an
ample reparation should be demanded
from Spain without further delay; and,
further, the committee believes that tho
independence of Cuba should be recog-
nized and should be secured with peace
If possible but by force OF arms ir neces-
SarV
The times., 1898-04-07

How is it that President Nc cKinley is so
solici-ous about the lives of American
representatives abroad, who are under
the shield Of that power which he hugs
to his bosom. that he is afraid to send a
message to the American Congress
Does it not go to show that when the
Executive wishes to override the legis-
latiye branch of the Government some
kind of an ancient excuse is never want
ing?
The times., 1898-04-07

There are some European governments
with knowledge that the American Ad-
ministration of the day is not necessarily
the great American nation. One of these
is Great Britain 1t knows that, while
the Hanna Government would like inter-
vention, the people of this country would
resent it to the bitter end. Hence, Great
Britain refuses to be a party to the Euro
pean Intervention game cooked up in
Washington, Madrid, Rome and Vienna.
a very sensible thing for Great Britain
to do. by the way! Our compliments and
respects TO Sir Julian Pauncefote.
The times., 1898-04-07

According to the latest European gos-
sip the new triple alliance" Is the pope
Franz Joseph and Hanna! 1t is very evi-
dent that the first named is not ac-
quainted with his company, and we are
afraid that. when he learns the true in
wardness Of the Anglo-American game
he has been brought into, 1t will not be
q red hat but frozen foot that GER
tain ambitious Republican churchman
will get
The times., 1898-04-07

When the Hanna hurry-for-Gods s-sake
dispatches We're sent out Saturday in the
name of Righteousness and the business
interests of the country" some of them
were addressed to several thousand cler-
gymen, asking them to preach on Sun
day for peace at any price. As far as
heard from, the pulpit generally resented
the interference as unpatriotic and i'm
pertinent, which it was
The times., 1898-04-07
Top Notch OF Irreyerence

tFrom the Hartford Courant1
bombardment of Boston, besides being, I'M
pleasant, would be sacriiegous. Fancy an irreyer
ent shell pumping down the state house or
i'll COhlcy Square. The mind shudders at such
a vision.
The times., 1898-04-07

Communications intended for publication in
The Times should be tersely and plainly written.
and must in all cases be accompanied b. the
nsmo and address OF the writer. Rejected COM
munications VIII not be preserved, and only man
nscripts OF obvious importance viii be returned
10 their authors
The times., 1898-04-07

1t is very suggestive that on Tuesday
the leading journals of Europe editorially
declared that President McKinley's mes
sage would not go in yesterday Natural
ly, the foreign correspondents of the Ad-
ministrat ton get the first tip.
The times., 1898-04-07
Cbina's Sad Plight.
From the Rnston Iomrnal. !

(From the Boston .Iournal.)
There is something ulaintive in the complaint
OF patriotic Chinese that they have no oorts lett
in which receive the tve wIrshis which aIe
being built Tor them in foreign yards.
The times., 1898-04-07
Val Street ,gas not d ceired. Il hae,c,

While Hanna plays for delay Sagasta
concentrates his feet. That does not
bother Our best business interests" The
stock market jumped five points yester-
day on a straight tip that the pope and
the Administration had made arrange
ments to secure European intervention.
1t would be interesting to know how
many uncertain Republican statesmen
owe their next yachting trip to the rise.
The times., 1898-04-07
All Have Mental Reservations

(Erom the New York Mail and EXpress)
Forty or hfty ri the incest girls in Boston have
iormed an auii-mmrying club. 1t is doubtless
understood, rs a matter Di course that whenever
any member becomes engaged she must resign
from lhe organization.
The times., 1898-04-07
CIRCULATION STATEMENT.

Readers OF The Times vino may at any time
be unable TO procure copies Of il at any news
stand railroad station or on railroad trains viii
confer favor upon the management by sending
20 this Office information OF the fact.
The times., 1898-04-07
IinFe HrHVery.

CFrom the Philadelphia North Amcricanl
An Altoona veteran has surrendered his PEN
sion on the ground that his health has been re-
stored Here is a brave soldier
The times., 1898-04-07
Should be Food for Powder.

(From the indianapolis News,)
Those men that are trying TO corner the coal
and sell it to the Government at high figures
should be drafted and sent TO the front
The times., 1898-04-07
4 Spanish Cipher.

(From the Richmond Dispatch
We wouldn't be surprised il Young Nnhonso
Nil should become Alphonso before lie rCaChos
year, of discretion.
The times., 1898-04-07
AT THE THEATERS.

This has been a big week all around
a week OF big productions and big houses
to witness them-a week unprecedented
in local theatrical history when it is
considered that the calendars point out
the fact that this is the end of Lent.
What the effect of Good Friday will be
cannot be told as yet but so far busi-
ness has been excellent. At the COlum-
bia. Richard Mansfield has played the
biggest engagement of his Washington
experience. His houses have been packed
at every performance and his magnificent
character por,rayals have been appre-
ciated to the utmost. His scenery. too.
is by far the finest ever brought here
with productions of tha, class. unless one
of Sir Henry Irvings presentations be
excepted. On the whole Mr. Mansfield has
the greatest reason to be proud of his
new local record. Tonight he viii pre-
sent The Devils Disciple: tomorrow
night, DIR Jekyll and Mr.. Hyde; Satur-
day matinee. Beau Brummel. ana Sat-
urday night a special bill consisting Of
one act from each of the plays presented
during the week.
r. H. Sothern has been doing his usual
wonderful business at the Lafayette
Square Opera House where he has play
ed to the capacity nightly and the other
houses have no reason 10 complain.
Mr.. Mansfield delved into the classics
last night and the numerous admirers of
Shakespeare were present in full force
to witness a most elaborate presentation
of "The Merchant of Venice" at the
Columbia Theater. In costumes. scenery,
accessories and music in accompaniment
and entire acts the production probably
approached nearer the ideal than any
since the days of Booth, if indeed that De
excepted. The beautiful fifth act. usually
eliminated. was presented in its entirety
forming a perfect ensemble to the eye
ear, and reason. Right here it may be
said that the work of Mr. Forrest as
Bassanio and Miss Olive Oliver as Portia
in this act is most commendatory, the
gentleman sustaining the previous repu-
tatiOn won by years of faithful labor and
the lady winning new laurels in hitherto
untried fields. Not only in Importance but
in art. all parts are subservient to that
of Shylock, assumed by Mr.. Mansfield.
/ He invests the role with care and intelli-
! gence so lacking in the many who have
{ attempted it, his voice, facial express
sion and all the power of his mind tend
! ing to perfect elimination Of pathos and
passion in the street scene. the poSsibili-
/ ties of which are so frequently disTe-
garded and unseen. The Shylock of Mr..
Mansfield is not the lofty Jew who seeks
to avenge the wrongs of his tribe be-
cause of his oath. but the revengeful in
fidel who drives the faithful Antonio into
the tolls to secure his pound of flesh in
return for his prosecutions, thus being
more natural if not tine ideal of many
scholars The audience last night was
evidently thoroughly impressed with the
genius of the actor and several curtain
calls were won by his splendid exhibition
/ of art. Tonight THE Devils Disciple
will be presented.
The times., 1898-04-07
Reciurocity iu Order.

OFrom the Cincinnati EGquirer)
THE country stands by the President says the
New York Tribune. Yes. indeed. Now, the
President should stand by the country.
The times., 1898-04-07

('rom the Cincinnati Commercial Tribunc)
havana. il is given out, is hot for war. She
isn't ha!t as hot as she'll be for a short time
ait.l silc gets il.
The times., 1898-04-07
An Antique.

(From the Chicago Record)
"Thoy have found out about Cleopatra's ncedl -
"What about it?''
at wasn't needle at all; it was il hatpin."
The times., 1898-04-07

And ii you cou'd kno,o Hc truth and the
reason FOR il st,tdH yeSterd0g'S transactions
IN tie Mar York Stock Erch0Hgc.