davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26
THE GROWTH OF FRATERNITY.

1 \ VIEWED merely from the secular level, the birth | N of Christ was the pivot of history In intro | duced to mankind new element, incongruous amid its original surroundings which has manifested an uextnguishabe vitality and is rapidly dominating the world That element was love between and man as the deepest recognition of the Supreme Being. The conception of an invisible God presiding the universe and the Creator of all things had been pre- served by the Hebrews. Among them and among the Greeks germs of fraternity had struggled to- ward the light But mankind at large was steeped in selshness, and hatred, malignty and ferocity were controlling forces Now dawned the Christian era, when simple creed of sef-sacrihce and tenderness was not only proclaimed but illustrated and enforced by perfect life and by vicarous death These were facts mighter than the Eeusinian mysteries and yet ntelgible to babes And for almost nineteen centu- ries amid all the diversities of race of governments and theologes amid all the complexities o literature, of science and of philosophy, these simpictles have slowly leavened and developed civilization and mod erated and narrowed the range of barbarism
 Against the advancing power of ,fraternityy brutal depravity in the savage or in the bigot has struggled in vain. Even through crimson 1t has steadily marched toward the white goal of peace Wars have ceased, but they have been gradually dlvested ot their hideousness. As late the sixteenth century, and even later victory meant the destruction of
 
 panied by rape spoliation and every other sort of monstrous excess. History records many instances where besieged cities taken, their treasures loot ed, and their populations exterminated. In our late with Spain, in which modern appliances wrought their perfect work the entire loss of life both sides was not tenth of the holocaust at single minor bat tie in the Netherlands.
 l Constitutional and representative government the protection of life liberty and property, increasing so cal refinement the sanctities of domesticy, ruer latons between the sexes the general elevation of the masses through dfused education, the triumphs of science the universaty of literature alike in its tran sient and in its permanent forms, the extensions Of commerce and of trade throbbng and through dark continents-al these and more, ele ments in ever-rising human progress, which Christ mas at once typihes and celebrates.
 And, best of all, the Christmas bells ring their melodous chimes around and over the globe, they reach all hearts with the spell of universal charity
 There are untold evils still to be and conquered but, from Christmas to Christmas, indivduazed grows toward finer intelligence pervaded by moral beauty, while pessnlism becomes and more ob- scure in the splendor of realized truths.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26
THE ALASKAN MALLS.

FROM historical point of view article on ! the Alaskan mail might be made brief as Sternes famous chapter on snakes in Ireland there IS Even during the the mail service not only with Dawson and the Yukon Valley, but with the island of St. Michael, was scant and unsatisfactory, and of late it has fallen off altogether, For month there has been no mail from the Yukon region at all.
 No sufficient reason is apparent for this lack of mail facilities Dawson and the other Yukon River communities The Government has had year in which to make preparations. There great diff faculties in the way to be overcome. Hundreds of prospectors and trappers go up and down the river at all seasons and where these go mail carriers | follow
 Last winter Mir. Sam Wall, the representative of The Call in the Yukon country, made trip in the depth of the codest season from Dawson up the river all important points and gathered news of the mining parties along the route. This news was the
 first information that thousands of people received of their friends for months and was in many respects the most important newspaper achievement of the year It clearly demonstrated that winter travel in Alaska is possible, and that mail service could be provided if the Government would exert itself.
 When the rush to the gold fields began last spring a promise was made that adequate mail service would be furnished throughout the year. Last fall the promise was repeated that arrangements would be made for mails Dawson and the principal river points at least once month during the winter It further announced that certain contracts had been
 let for such service The failure of the mails is there fore that merits investigation, for it seems clear there has been gross careessness if not crim inal neglect of duty, the part of the postofhce officials or the mail contractors.
 The issue is by small one There are large business interests represented by agents in Alaska and communication with those agents is a of grave importance to all concerned. More over, the number of Americans in the Kondike re- zion is large that perhaps not less than half million people in the United States are concerned in their welfare and eager to learn of their stua ton and their prospects. Something should be done to stimulate the activity of the Postofice Department in this respect The mail service in the region involves the United States and the British empire the two greatest and richest nations of earth and the two most enterprising and progressive peoples It is strange, indeed if the two combined cannot accomplish the comparatively simple service of sending mail-carriers up and down the Yukon River and the pass to Juneau at least once month.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26
THE EXCLUSION ACT MENAcED.


 THE programme of the expansionists, defined by the Chronicle, Is to admit the Philippines as
 territory and to define the status of the inhab- tants mot subjects, but citizens and being Ion an equal footing" with ourselves.
 This programme, if followed, would be a deadly blow the Chinese exclusion law and would produce the cheap labor which many expansionsts want. We told over and over again. that neither Hawaii nor the Philippines is place for workingmen but that both to furnish enormous capital at present idle earning small interest Ten millions of Fipinos could easily the Pacific States and Territories, and, in various occupations, crowd out men and women of the white race. It is sug- gested that they would not migrate. The Chinese and the Japanese have migrated. Perhaps some Of the expansionists answer this proposition. We are unable to find any possible restriction under the stituton upon migration from part to another of the territory of the United States If an Asatic ct- could be held in the Philippines then American could be imprisoned in Arizona or Alaska.
 Perhaps, however, the constitution has become a back number, which the nation has "outgrown."
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26
OLD TIME AND I.

Old Time and the other night
 Had a carouse together; The wine was golden, warm and bright Aye, just like summer weather. Quoth I, Heres Christmas come again, And no farthing richer; Time answered. "Ah the old, old strain I prithee pass the pitcher. "Why measure all your good In gold!
 No rope of sand is weaker; Iris hard to get, 'tis hard to hold
 Come, lad, fill up your beaker, Has thou not found true friend more true, And loving ones more loving?" could but say, "A few, few!
 So keep the liquor moving" Hast thou not seen the prosp'rous knave Come down precious thumper? His cheats disclose?" "I have, 1 have!" ''Well surely, that's a bumper!" May, hold while, I've seen the just Find all their hopes grow dinner" "They will hope on, and strive, and trust, And conquerr' That's a brimmer." Iris not because to-day is dark;
 No brighter days before them; There's rest for every storm-tossed bark; ''So be it. Pass the jorum! .Yet must own I should not mind
 To be little richer" Labor and wait and you may find"
 "Halloa, an empty pitcher. er.'-Exchange
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26
THE.PEacE COMMISSIONERS RETURN

CUCH ceremonies as accompanied the reception N of the American Peace Commissioners their D arrival at Washington to make their report to the President, when contrasted with the pomp and circumstance which attend similar occasions in Eu- rope, affords a striking illustration of republican sim plicy. A matter of private business could hardly have been transacted with less ostentaton or accom- panied by less displayof state or popular triumph
 When the British Commissioners at the famous treaty of Berlin, after achieving peace with honor, returned London the Government and the populace vied with another in making stately and mpos-
 ig demonstration. HgA dignitaries of state, civic and military authorities long lines of guards in bril- liant uniforms formed escort of honor for the Commissioners, and all along the route tumutuous thousands waited to cheer and applaud the men who had worthily represented the empire at the great council of the nations and maintained both its inter ests and its prestige.
 Very different the scene at Washington on Sat urday afternoon, when Commissioner Day and his Lcolleagues arrived in that city, bringing back the treaty of peace which crowns the of and liberates islands of two hemispheres from the tyrannical rule of decadent monarchy On that oc- casion there display whatever. When the Commissioners dsmounted from their they met by some of their personal friends but the Gov ernment represented simply by clerk from the State Department.
 As if fortune had designed to make the incident more striking it happened that the special train bear ing the Commissioners reached the railroad station at Washington at time when the depot was crowded with holiday excursoniss. In Europe the excursion sts would have been cleared out to make way for the dignitaries. At Washington the other thing hap pened The special train was sidetracked and the Commissioners were made to get off outside the depot.
 There is in this simplicity of republican state meth ods dignity not inferior to that displayed in the courtlest ceremonies of Europe America has reason to be proud of such simple ceremonies these and it is to be hoped they will long continue to mark the methods of our national officials.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26
CONTAINS ELEMENTS OF TREASON

n the ninety third annual dinner of the New / \ England Society of New York, which is almost as old the country, in response to toast, General Merritt said in reference to expansion: "A great many people have insisted that the constitution forbids it. To these 1 have said We have outgrown the Constitution It not worth while to discuss it
 This expression has every element of treason except the act The intent is present if the speaker meant what he said. If he did mean it, he should have been more careful in the of language. He is a general in the army of the United States and owes his position to the constitution which he thus shameully reviled. toast to "Forefathers' Day" drunk at this banquet, and some descendant of the Pilgrim Fathers, who was an American in his heart should have suggested to General Merritt that if he had ex pressed himself accurately he should resign from the army, doff his uniform, and leave the country
 Here is little repetition of the history of the Roman republic which points the moral of imperial ism
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26
q BALLOT COUNTING REFORM.

~ RECOUNT now going in San Jose of the / \ vote at the last election in Santa Clara County is reported to have discovered so many errors in the original count that at feast two candidates and probably third declared by the first count to have been defeated will be found to have been elected
 With such startling showing in Santa Clara it is not unlikely that if recounts had been made in all other counties in the State they also would have re- suited in the disclosure of errors though the errors might not have been sufficient change the majority of votes from candidate to another
 It matters not whether these errors are the results of mistakes due to incompetent election officers or to fraud. The fact that they occur with such frequency shows the need of reform in ballot-counting system. That reform should be attended to at the coming session of the Legislature It IS urgent bus- affecting every locality in the State and matter of all citizens for each has right to have deposited in the ballot box.
 There are good reasons for believing machine bal oting would be the best remedy for the evil If that system however should be found unsatisfactory then some other should be devised. There is method of C, uniting long used in New York which is commend able in many ways. It is not free from defects not as good as we-adjusted baloting machine would be, but it is safer and better than ur own, and it would be worth while for the Legislature to give ii careful consideration.
 Whatever differences there may be as to the proper remedy there be about the desiratility of
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26
NEWS OF FOREIGN NAMES.

The British torpedo gupboat Sheldrake, built in 1889, has had her original boilers removed and Babcock and Wilcox water tube boilers substituted During recent eight hours trial under half power the boat made IS knots with 2600 horsepower and on November 30 In a three hours trial under full power the machinery de- veloped 4050 horsepower and gave speed of 201b knots, with a coal consumption of only one and a half pounds per horse power an hour. This Is fully one and a half knots better than with the old boilers. which never gave more than $500 horse power.
 A Parliamentary report, covering the expenditures of the British navy from 1887 to 1897, gives some very interesting data. One hundred and ninety war ships, built or building, have been added to the navy in this period of eleven years, of 955, ,O0C tons and 1,575,O ,OOO horse power. Twenty nine of these ships are battle ships, rep- resenting S115 ,0O0 900; twenty first class cruisers, representing $65 1000 900; forty-five second class cruisers, representing $47 800 ,- 900; thirty-one third class cruisers, close upon $20,000 GOO: twenty-nine torpedo gun boats, and thirty sloops, gun boats, etc., representing over SIP 500, 900 more. The total amount of money these ships and their armaments have cost is approxi- mately $500 900 900, and does not include ninety-siX torpedo boat destroyers, at a cost of S22 100000 more. The 19o ships enumerated carry 1875 guns of 4 inches and upwards. About one quarter of the money was expended in the Royal dock yards, while the rest went to private establishments
 Some months ago the Thames Iron Works of London made an offer to the Russian Government to establish a ship building yard at Libau, on the Baltic which would involve an expenditure of s5,000,0 900, to be ready in one year for ope- ration. The Government was to pay an annual subvention of s125 900, the company agreeing to divide with the Government any profit over per cent. After extend ed preliminary negotiations the Russian Admiralty finally invited the agent of the Thames company to St. Petersburg to take part in a consultation on the sub- ject. He came, but to his surprise and disgust he was kept waiting In an ad- Joining room to where the consultation took place, and when 1t was all over he was curtly informed that the English of fer had been internationally declined. It
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26
JACK CHENEY
 LOST THE RACE.

tivity Is a thing of the past, and not even a generous tip can bring a smile to their faces. This state of affairs exists because of the overthrow of their champion, Jack Gfbney, who Is member of Company C. First California Regiment. Jack is we'll known to the patrons of the Palace. He was a model bellboy and the champion sprinter of the city at 100 yards Many local contests he has won, and at church picnics no one dared to challenge him to a trial of fleetness When the war broke out Jack cast his fortunes with the First Regiment and went to Manila, taking with him his two feet and an untarnished reputation. All went well until c. =. Miller of Company G. who also does @ bit of sprinting on the side, took 1t into his head that he could cover hundred yards in less time than Gibney for any amount of money He was backed up by his company, while the boys of c were with Gibney to a man. and the rest of the regiment was divided in its opinion between the two. Finally 1t was decided to make a test of the two soldiers claims, and a race was arranged to take place on the beach. It attracted much attention and thousands were pres ent to witness 1t. Gibney opened at to 10 in the betting, but was backed down several points, while Miller went to the
  crack of the pistol the two men got away Gibney was slow in getting off, and was beaten out by three yards in less than Il seconds. Several thousand dollars changed hands on the event, and now the soldiers of Company c are penniless, while the pride of their champion Is in the dust Naturally the bellboys of the Palace sympathized with Gibney, and when they received news of his downfall they were so crushed and humiliated that they have not recovered.
 L. R. Vance of Vallejo Is at the Occi- dental.
 M S. Arndt of Stockton Is at the Cali fornia.
 B. E. Greenwood of Helena Is at the Palace.
 G. D. Plato. a merchant of Modesto, is at the Lick.
 Dr. E. Cook Webb, United States Army. Is at the Lick.
 S. A. Brown of Huston, Texas, Is a guest at the Palace.
 pr. A. c. Vim of California Is regis tered at the California.
 s. Englander. United States Navy, Is among the guests at the Lick.
 M. Newberger, merchant of Chicago, Is a guest at the Palace.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26
AROUND THE
 CORRIDORS

T. c. White of Fresno Is at the Lick. E. Evans of New York Is a guest at the Occidental.
 J. E. sibley of Tellenmark Is registered at the Russ.
 J: ., H. Barbour of San Diego is guest John Bouse of Boise City, Idaho. Is at the California.
 William O'Connor of Cheyenne is a guest at the Lick
 James M. Smith and wife of Fresno are staying at the Lick
 E. E. Biggs, prominent banker of Gridley, is at the Grand
 J. M Boynton, a merchant from visalia, Is staying at the Grand. s. Mitchell, rancher of visalia, is a guest at the California.
 H. H. Fakenstock and L. E. Barnes of Peoria, H., are at the Occidental
 w. A. and A. L. Hobson, prominent cat tie men from Ventura, are registered at the Grand.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

The Tien Tsu Hui, or Heavenly Foot Society, has for it's object the dissuad- ing of Chinese women from binding the feet of their children. When a member was demonstrated with for continuing the practice In the case of one of her daughters, she said: We really must have one lady in the family" The Chinese, like the American club woman, thinks that she should be the exception that proves the rule.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26
Mrs. Winslow's soothino Syrup

Has been used fifty Sears by millions of mothers for their children while Teething with perfect success. It soothes the child. softens the gums. allays Pain, cures Wind Collie, reg ulates the Bowels and Is the best remedy for Diarrhoeas. whether arising from teething or other For sale by Druggists in every part of the world. Be and ask for Mrs. Winslows Soothing Syrup. 25c bottle.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26
SPEAKER REED AND EXPANSION.

THE Examiner publishes cartoon to show the
 possible effect of expansion Speaker Reed,
 who naturally is opposed to the acquisition of the Philippines It really astonishing to observe such evidence of returning sanity in the organ of fusion and of imperialism The suggested comparison between Speaker Reed and the United States is point ed and true. The Speaker IS fat man, with good constitution, but increase in his rotundty might be dangerous. The United States is fat nation bulging out two oceans, and possessing the best consttu- ton in the world but if it stretches itself take in the Philippines, six thousand miles of, it will surely burst
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

A turban generally consists of from ten to fourteen yards of cloth, and is, as a rule, only worn by Emaums (priests), those who have made the Hadj or pilgrimage to Mecca, and among theological students; also by some Eastern nations.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26
AMUSEMENTA

California-"Magda" Coumbia-Minsrel Jubilee. Alcazar-"A Midnight Bell" Tivoi-"The Yellow Dwarf Morosco' co's-"The White Squadron Orpheum-Vaudevlle.
 Couedy-"A Romance Hollow The Chutes-Gorila Man. Vaudeville and the Zoo Olympia Corner Mason Eddy streets specialties Ingleside Track-Races To-day. Metropolitan Hall-Rosentha Piano Recital Tuesoay even ng, January
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

some remedy The issue should not be postponed for another two years, in one of which there will be "a Presidential election. A ballot-counting reform of some kind is needed this winter '
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

HOTEL DEL CORONADO-Take advantage of the round-trip tickets Now only s60 by steamship. including fifteen days board at hotel; longer stay g 50 per day. Apply at New Montgomery street, San Francisco.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

Special information supplied daily to business houses and public men by the | Press Clipping Bureau (Allens), 510 Mont 1 gomery street. Telephone Main 1042
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

The best Xmas present: Townsend's Cal ifornia Glace Fruits, soc, in fire etched boxes or Japanese baskets. 6H Market st, Palace Hotel building.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

Populsts are gloomy. Although their Presidential ticket is already nominated they see into the future clearly enough to discern that they going to en- counter opposition.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

The two footpads whc have just been captured are welcome to all the comfort to be derived from the fact that their crime seldom leads to more than forty years in the pententiary.
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

The bellboys of the Palace are sad. Like so many automata do they go about their d u t 1 e S |. Their accustomed piOper apd oo
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

By the greed of crooked Board of Education the teachers of this city have been wantonly robbed Yet School Director is observed to be bound jail- wards
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

Yale divinity student has been caught after hay ing stolen 5000 volumes. Now he use himself for tex
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

Our famous broken candy, 3l1 lbs in hand
 some Japanese basket, soc. Townsends. s. .
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

Itwouldpa that Mrs Fuhrig has arisen to the
 dignity of an epidemic. ~~
The San Francisco call., 1898-12-26

canes in box, loc box. Townsend's.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-12-15

seamen Is propOseS: the rightful ap-
plication of the eg t-hour law FIJI tho
benefit of labor al of the principal
oil arbltration are .lggested for CON
sideration. and l G. nmend these sub
tects to the careful attention Of the
Congress
The several depal aental reports will
oe laid before YOU. They give In
great detail the conduct of the affairs
Of tn Government. during the past
year and discuss m ny questions upon
which the Congress may feel called
upon to act.
WILLIAM M'KINLEY.
Executive Mansicn.. Dec 5, 1898.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-12-15
Ra, iesnakes and White A h.

Rattles snakes are said to nave
natural antipathy to the leaves of tn
white ash Some naturalists assert
that the rattlesnake placed in circle
composed of half ash leaves and half
not Goals will cross the Goals before
se win euter the ash leaves.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-12-15
SECRETARY GAGE'S REPORT
Total For the Fi.cal Year 1890 1890 Is
Figured at More Than S503, 900, 900.

Washington, n. c., Dec. 5.-The Sec
retary of the Ire" sury to-day trans
mitted to Congress the estimates of
appropriations reqr red for the fiscal
gear erdirg June 80. 1900. Including
permanent annual aDpropriatiOns. these
aggregate S593. .04S 3TS. against $S02.-
slo.1l3, the amour. of the appropria-
tons, including dc ;ciencits and mis-
"al'aneous. for the ..scal year 1899, and
S462.6iI.SS5. the amount of the esti
tcs for 1899 IL, figures, compared
h those of year ago, are as fol-
vs.