davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
THE Spanish Torpedo FIotillo

Key WEST. Fla, March 25.-It was
not until to-day that the news of the
departure of the Spanish hotilla from
the Canary Islands became known here
One of the most prominent naval officers
said to-day: "If the United States a.
lows the Spanish boats to get to Porto
Rico it will be the biggest mistake ever
made. They are greater menace to
the safety of our feet than if ali the rest
of the Spanish navy was brought to
these waters. The Iowa, New York
and Indiana, lying six miles off the
land, would practically be at the mercy
of say dozen Spanish torpedo boais
which could run over from Porto
Rico in a short time should war
be declared. We have no protect i
harbors here and We have not
single torpedo destroyer, and unless
feet powerful enough to be proof
against these torpedo boats is quickly
concentrated in these waters, or unless
the Spanish fotilla is warned to keen
farther away, l should Judge that
would be better to take every United
0tateo HdIsuip as ldT away as possible
from this menacing force which Spain
intends to concentrate within such
convenient distance. 1t is all very
well to say that. there is no probability
of war, but, at the same time, while
international relations are strained.
displays of force should be met with
slacrity and, as torpedo expert.
must say that if every ship in the
United States navy was brought into
these waters it would be none too for.
midable display when the strength of
the Spanish hotiils is considered"
WATERFORD, Ireland, Mar. % The
Spanish torpedo boat destroyer Audsz
has arrived here with her bows stove
in and her stem twisted completely
around from about 10 feet from the
stern.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
Bank Troubles and Suicide.

PHILADELPHIA, Mar. 25.-The sud
den death yesterday of Cashier Hop
kins, of the Peoples Bank, the official
statement that the bank would remain
closed pending an examination of its
affairs, and the assignment made by
the Guarantors' Finance Company,
has again caused considerable agitation
in financial circles, which had about re-
covered from the effects of the seDsa-
tional failure of the Chestnut StreetBank
and Trust Company. The Guarantors'
Company and the Peoples Bank had
close business relations and it is under
stood that the bank is a creditor of the
finance company. A gentleman close
ly connected with the institution stated
to-day that the liabilities of the bank
are about 100000. He expressed
the belief that the bank is solvent. 1t
was reported on the street to-day that
MIR. Hopkins, the dead ccshier, was the
fiduciary agent ex-senator Quay and at
tended to ali his money affairs, both in
political and personal matters. 1t Is
also said that Mr.. Hopkins handled the
moneys of the republican State commit
tee. 1t was learned to-day from an au
thoritalive source that the Guarantors'
Finance Company owes the Peoples
Bank over 100000 and that the Sc
curities given for the loan are practi-
cally valueless. This aggregate was
obtained in loans at various times DUR
ing the last few years by Richard F.
Lopez, general manager of the Guaran-
tors Company, from Cashier Hopkins,
the latter granting the loan and accept.
ing the securities without knowledge of
the officers and directors of the bank.
The personal assignment of Richard
F. Lopez was placed on record to-day.
No real estate was conveyed by the as
signment.
John S. Hopkins, cashier Of the Peo-
ple's Bank, committed suicide by shoot
ing and did not die from heart disease
as announced by the family.
HARRISBURG, Pa, Mar. 25-The
State had on deposit in the Peoples
Bank of Philadelphia s505, 900. This is
the second time within few months
that the State funds have been tied up
by the failure of 8 bank, The State,
however, will not lose cent.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
NEWS OF THE DAY.

Baltimore this year will have difficult
ty in keeping its lax rate down to ~.
There are now stored in the various
arsensls in this country over $4,000
new rifles, ready for use.
Resolutions of respe to the late Sen
ator Harris, of Tennessee, were adopt
ed and eulogies delivered in the Senate
yesterday evening.
The British Isles are being swept by
bitter northerly gale accompanied by
violent snow squalls. Reports from
various parts of the kingdom show that
widespread damage has been done by
the storm.
The body of Lieut.. F. W. Jenkins
was recovered from the wreck of the
Maine yesterday. 1t will be prepared
for burial in Havana and will probably
be sent to the home of his mother, in
Allegheny City, Pa, for interment.
On Wednesday night the temperance
people of Middleburg, Md, blew up
the saloon of George Downs, recently
erected. Dynamite YVES used, and the
report was heard great distance away.
One end of the frame building was
torD away.
The Italian Chamber of Deputies has
accepted Sig. francesca Crispi's resig-
nation, rendered Wednesday night at
ter the adoption of the committees re-
port, recommending political CEN
sure" for his connection with the Bank
of Naples scandals during his premier
ship.
Capt. W. T. Sampson was assigned
Yesterday to succeed Rear Admiral ST.
card in the command of the North At
lantic squadron. Capt. Robley D.
Evans, as stated yesterday, succeeds
Capt. Sampson in command Of the bat
tleship Iowa. Commodore w. S.
Schl3y will be placed in command OF
tho squadron at Hampton Roads.
Representative Barlow (pop., CALI
has proposed an amendment to the
Constitution to permit the levying OF a
tax on incomes in excess of $4,000 per
annum, common rate to be fixed fol
all incomes or graded rate according
TO the amount of income, as Congress
in its discretion may deem best for the
welfare of the nation.
The grand jury at Rockville, Md,
yesterday returned presentment
against Dennis M. Houser, charging
assault upon his Is year. old daughter,
Nellie. The little girl and her mother
declare that the crime with which
Houser is charged was first committed
last July, and has been repeated
through threats a number OF times.
Reports from the flooded portions Of
the country show that the damages
have been enormous and in some in.
stances lives have been lost. In most
cases, however, the rivers are falling
and it is believed that the worst is over,
although it will take some time to re-
pair the railroads, bridges and other
property which have been seriously
damaged. Much restitution has neces.
sarily been caused by the floods and
the work Of relief is being vigorously
prosecuted,
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
Eorai0n News.

PERM, Island OF Perrin, March %
The Peninsula and Oriental steamer
China is ashore on Azalea point, and
her double bottom has been pierced fox.
ward. The mails, baggage, specie and
the 403 passengers on the China have
been landed here.
LONDON, Mar. 25.-In the house of
commons to-day Mr.. George n. Curzon.
the parliamentary secretary of the
foreign Office, said the government had
no confirmation of the news contained
in a Pekin dispatch to the London
Times, published to day, to the effect
that China has agreed to all the Russian
demands.
LONDON, March 25.-There was
another hastily summoned cabinet
meeting here this afternoon, pre-.
sumably to further consider the grave
political situation 10 all parts.
COPENHAGEN, March 25.-Yioent
gales, accompanied by heavy snow,
have caused numerous casualties
among the shipping.
A dispatch from Bernholm, a Danish
Island in the Baltic, says that % boats,
engaged in salmon fishing, are missing.
FIUME, Austria-Hungary Mar. %
Lightning last night set fire 10 the docks
here, which we've damaged to the amount Of
$500, OCO. In addition, nearly the whole Of
the seasons jute imports were destroyed
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25

sent connected with the lighthouse board, has
been ordered to command the flying squad
ron at Hampton Roads with the Brooklyn as
his flagship.
Among the strangers here to-day is Mr..
Robinson, an applicant for the postofice at
Danville, Virginia. There are three other
applicants for the place, which, however, will
not be vacant until the middle of May, Messrs.
Pedigo, Johnston and Barksdale. The re-
publican executive committee of Virginis has
not yet recommended anybody for the place.
The naval appropriation bill will be passed
by the House to- day then there will only be
one more regular appropriation bill to be
p used by that body-the deficiency. Both
houses Of Congress and the President seem to
be anxious to have as early an adjournment
an possible.
Dealers in stocks and bonds were greatly
disappointed today. They were confident
that there would be q rally from the late
slump, but, instead of that, there was still
further decline.
The jingoes hore say the Spanish flotiils
will be allowed to come to Porto Rico, bnl
that should it attempt to reach Havana 1t vii
be stopped by American cruisers.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
FRIDAY EVENING, MAR. 25, 1898
IT IS now given out from administra-

IT'S now given out from administra-
ton headquarters that war will be made
upon Spain, not on account ofthe Maine
affair, but for humauity's sake, and to
put stop to the sufferings the Cuban
insurgents have been and are enduring.
But, leaving out Of view the snfferings
that will necessarily be inflicted upon
the people Of this country by war, who
caused the sufferings of the insurgents,
and who are continuing them? Surely
not tbs Spaniards, for, of all things,
peace is what they want and to obtain
which they have offered, and still Oh
fer, to make every concession save b.
absolute surrender of territory they
discovered and have possessed for mo
than four hundred years. War is tr'
last thing they desire, but they dc
want peace. so that industry and ousl-
ness may be revived in Cuba and the
people of that island find employment,
and have their prosperity restored.
Every question has two sides, and ali
the factors of humanitarianism are not
admirable.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25

A BILL is now before the British par
lament to compel lawyers bringing
libel suits against newspapers, to give
security for costs in case they lose.
This is just bill, and similar one
should become law in this country. II
does newspapers no possible good to
publish libels, but much harm. and, of all
things, what they most strive against, is
the publication of one, and when, not
outstanding all their vigilance. one
gets into their columns. as soon ss in
formed OF it, they hasten to correct 1t
and make all reasonable reparation.
But as long as such cases can be brought
without cost to those who bring them,
and for large contingent fees, there will
be found lawyers to prosecute them. 1t
was not 30 formerly, but times have
changed. If they lose their suits, they
lose nothing else, but if they gain, they
get most of the damages, but lose OF
win, the defendant has to pay costs.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
TO-DAY'S TELEGRAPHIC NEWS
THE MAINE DISASTER.

The Report Of the Board OF Inquiry is
to the Effect That the Battleship
Maine Was Destroyed by Powerful
Submarine Mine.
WASHINGTON, March 25.-The board
of inquiry into the loss of the Maine
finds that the explosion which Destroy
ed the Maine was from the outside, but
does not FIX the responsibility for the
disaster. 1t does not. express an opin-
ion as to the character of the explosive,
but the testimony goes to show that it
was powerful submarine mine,
the exact character of which is
pot determined by the testimony,
though the belief was expressed that it
was what is known as floating sub.
marine mine. There were two eXplo-
sions, the board finds. The first was
from the outside, and that set off one Of
the smaller magazines.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
From Madrid.

MADRID, March 25.-The Spanish
government has received the Spanish
report on the loss of the Maine, which,
however, is said to be confused" and
explanations are said to have been It
quested. In any case, it is added, ii
will not be published until after the rC-
port ofthe United States naval court Of
inquiry has been made public.
The Correspondence says the Span
ish government will dispatch a note 10
Washington, requesting that the lie.
port on the loss of the Maine be net
sent to Congress until both reports ale
presented and considered by both gov
ernments.
The Spanish minister of marine, AZ
miral Bermejo, was engaged all night
in deciphering along the dispatch from
the admiral in command in Cuban
waters, containing complete details OF
the findings Of the Spanish court of in-
guiry into the loss fthe Maine. Par
ties cogni2ant of the affair unanimous
ly sdeclare the Spsniards report that
the explosion which wrecked the battle
ship was of internal origin.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
Purchasing Steamers.

New YORK, March 25.-The pur
chase by the United States OF NJ. G. D
Borden'5 yacht Sovereign has been
recommended by the naval board ap.
pointed to select vessels for the United
States navy. In addition to this the
board, it was said, had also recommend
ed the purchase of a number of tugs
1t was said to day that just as soon as
the bills of sale are completed the tugs
will BIZ delivered at the Brooklyn navy
yard, where they will be promptly At
ted out and equipped for service. Au-
other examination of John Jacob AS
tors yacht Nourmabal will be made
today. Lieutenant Sergeant, it is re
ported, has gone 10 Boston to examine
vessels in the harbor there.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
SPANISH AFFAIRS.

The Madrid government has ar
ragged for loan of 2O0, 100000 pesetas,
or s98, 100000, with the Bank of Spain.
A dispatch from Madrid says the coun-
try is ready, but unwilling, for war.
at meeting OF the Spanish cabinet
yesterday, the Minister of Finance de-
clared the resources were sufficient for
all expenses until the new parliament
met.
The Spanish cabinet and the United
States Navy Department both refused
to allow dynamite to be used on parts
of the Maine wreck. 1t is said that the
Spanish government wants the wreck
preserved as a possible basis for future
inquiry.
The report of the naval board of ill.,
quiry into the Maine disaster YVES re-
ceived in Washington last night. 1t
was in charge of four hawai- officers
Lieutenant Commander Mark, Lieu
tenants Jungen and Hood and Passed
Assistant Engineer Bowers. Secretary
Long notified Lieutenant-Commander
Mark that he would not receive the
report last night. The officers went to
a hotel and to-day the report was de-
livered to Secretary Long and submit
ted TO the President. The President
said yesterday that he will do every
thing consistent with the honor and
dignity of the country to avert war, aud
that he believes g conflict with Spain
can be averted. He gill. as stated yes
terday, treat the destruction of the
Maine as separate incident and will
send the report of the court Of inquiry
to Congress on Monday. No demand
will be made upon Spain, but the
Spanish government will be notified Of
the findings of the court of inquiry,
which will be considered equivalent TO
q request for an explanation and such
action as Spain may deem proper. It is
said that within a week or ten
DAYS the administration will intervene
in Cuba on the grounds of humanity to
relieve the suffering among the starv.
ing reconcent rados. Upon Spans at
titude toward this intervention will de-
pend the question of peace or war,
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
GOVERNOR TYLER'S SPEECH.

At the dinner at Old Point yesterday
after the launching at Newport News
of the two battleshlps Keersarge and
Kentucky speaking Of Virginia" Gov
Tyler said: "This is the first time l ever
knew OF a battleship being christened
with water. I did not know Kentuck-
ians did business that way" He said
if incidents like that of to-day contin-
ued, Kentucky would lose its reputa
ton for good battleships and good
cheer. He feared if things went op
old Virginia would become ashamed Of
her daughter. The Governor told o
story of a shark caught in the Gulf Of
| Mexico. In it there we're found the boots,
belt, and whisky flask of man from,
Paducah, KY. He gave notice that he
should like to hear Senator Blackburn
| account for the manner of christening,
and, after telling another anecdote, ad-
ded "This must have been the last bot
tie of water in Kentucky. 1t is the
first bottle ever heard of from Ken
lucky" Gov. Tyler then paid tri-
butte to tthis proud old mother Com
monwealth, always in the front in in
telligence and manly progress" The
spectacle of the launching of two bat
tleships from the historic shore of Vir-
GINA to the historic waters was one
never paralleled in the world. Gov,
Tyler eulogized "the young and beauti-
full daughter of Kentucky's chief execu-
tive" promised to issue requisition on
che Governor of Kentucky for great
many of the States fair daughters, and
concluded with the quotation, Il will
drink to my sweetheart with wine," &c.
Gov. Tyler evidently did not mean to
take sides on the temperance question,
but spoke in pleasant vein.
Abiding to what Gov. Tyler had said
about the daughter of Virginia" Gov.
Bradley said the State OF Kentucky had
warm feeling for the old mother
State, Virginia, "even if her Governor
has this day sneered and made faces at
the manner of her christening. The
usages had to-day been departed from.
The kentucky had been christened, not
with alcohol, as was the ship of politi-
cal vikings, but with water from the
sparkling spring at which Abraham
Lincoln had drunk. When this brave
ship sailed over the ocean che would be
followed by the prayers of thousands of
women because the curse of alcohol did
not hover over her. The curse of alco-
hol was not upon her. The spirit of
pure water blessed her.
"While Kentucky has retained all
the virtues of her mother (Virginia), she
has also inherited many of her vices.
Sha Is making an EFFORT to preserve and
maintain ali ii ~. .hA old virtues, and at the
same time is seeking to throS OF many
of the vices"
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
Activity ON the Pacific Coast.

VALLEJO, Cal, March 25.-Great &c
tivity prevails at the Mare Island navy
yard. The cruisers Philadelphia and
Charleston aid the gunboat Yorktown
fairly swarm with men at ell hours and
all three will be ready to go in commits.
sion in short time.
SAN DIEGO, CAL, Mar. 25.-Forty
thousand pounds Of ammunition for the
big guns to be at mounted Ballast Point
has arrived here. This port will soon
be in position to strongly resist hos
tile attack.
SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. pa new ~
inch rifed cannon with disappearing
carriage has arrived from the east and
will be mounted at once. 1t is the in.
tention of the War Department to have
fourteen more OF these disappearing
guns mounted in the harbor. Several
carloads of powder and projectiles are
now en- route for the East.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
COURT OF APPEALS.

The following opinions were handed
down in the Court of Appeals in Rich
mond yesterday: Stringfellow vs. Som
erville, etc, judgment amended aud
affirmed, Judge Keith delivering the
opinion. By the opinion the court
afirms the decision of the lower court
and decides that the Misses Somerville
of Culpeper, are entitled to the custody
of their little nephew, Glassell Somer
Vile Stringfellow. The boys mother
died when he was Q few days old, By her
will she gave the child to her sisters to
be reared, The father recently sued
for the custody of the boy, and the Cir
cult Court decided against him. The
lower court is affirmed, except that the
decree is changed with reference to the
number of days in each month the
father may see the boy. Little Glassell
is now in the custody Of his aunts and
they can exercise their own judgment
as to when and hoW often the father
may visit the boy.
Guggenheimer & Co. vs. Rogers, af-
frmed, Judge Harrison delivering the
opinion.
Psce VS.. PAGES administrator, argued
and submitted.
Evans vs.. Rice, trustee, argued for
appellant.
The next cases to be heard are Will.
son, trustee. VS.. Hundley, No. Ct, and
James ys. Upton, No. &c.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
Severe Storms in Britain.

LONDON, March 25.-The storms con
tinue throughout the United Kingdom
Railroad trains are imbedded in heavy
snow drifts, telegraph wires are down,
people have been frozen to death a
hurricane has swept all the coast and
terrible seas have oeen running. Chan
mel services have been suspended,
there have been numberless wrecks OF
small craft, many people have been
rescued from drowning, and the snlI-
ping is everywhere seeking shelter. a
Swedish brig went ashore near GFlmshy
this morning, her crew persisted before
assistance could reach them. Inc
greatest anxiety is felt for the safety Of
the fishing fleets.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
Movements of War Vessels

LONDON, Mar. 25.-Lieut. Command
or Colwell, q. S. naval attache here,
has bought for the United States first
class torpedo boat, built at Schcbau
for Germany. She is ready to sail.
The United States cruisers San Fran
cisco and New Orleans were expected
to sail to-day for the United States, but
they will probably postpone their de-
parture until tomorrow, as they may
be unable to complete loading ammun-
ton,
KEY WEST, Fla, Mar. 25.-The com
mand of the fleet has not yet been
transferred from Rear Admiral Sicard
to Captain Sampson, as the necessary
order from Washington has not arrived
here.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25
Che Floods.

CINCINNATI, O., March 25.-The
Ohio river continues steadily to rise
about an inch an hour. From reports
from above it is certain the river will
continue 10 rise here more rapidly to-
day and tomorrow, reaching its limit
Sunday. 1t now seems certain that a
stage OF more than ffty-ive feet will be
reached. The Ohio is still rising at
Park ersburg three-tenths of a foot per
hour. The Kanawha liver has risen
FIVE feet at Charleston. The flood con
tinues at GAINESVILLE, where the Musk
ingum is still rising TWO inches sn hour.
Two persons are reported drowned.
More than two hundred box cars have
been destroyed, and the city is without
light or water supply. The loss in the
county is now estimated at millions.
Two thousand persons are sheltered in
public halls and the market house.
PITTsBURG, Pa, March 25.-As the
flood subsidies the inundated districts
in the two cities present desolate sp-
pearance and the residents are begin
ming to suffer the after effects of the
high water. From careful estimates
made it is believed that the loss in and
about Pittsburg and Allegheny will
reach 81 100000.
BALTIMORE, March 25.-The Bslti-
more & Ohio Railroad officials report
this morning that the water is receding
at Wheeling and all other points, ex.
cept Zane sville and near Parkersburg.
The water came over the track at the
latter place about six o'clock this
morning, tying up the line. Trains are
still running between Chicago and Bal
limore via Pittsburg, subject only to
slight delays.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-03-25

AS CONGRESS is making large appro-
priations for the support of the poor
people of foreign countries, Senator
Hoar, as was by no means unnatural to
him, has introduced bill in Congress
appropriating ten million dollars for
the construction of military and post
roads, go as to give employment to the
poor people of this country. The idea
that formerly prevailed in this country
was that the people supported the GOV
ernment, not the government the PEG.
pie. But that idea was dissipated by
the result of the war between the
States, for that war and its effects
brought so many poor people here from
abroad that they lake the bread from
each others mouths, and paterualism
will soon have to be resorted to in or
der to prevent bread riots.