davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18

Juana Diaz 1,O00), and there are
about ten other towns with a popula-
ton of Is, 900 or over.
In the past fifty years about half
the population has gravitated to and
around the towns, particularly those
of the seaboard. They live in COM
Portable houses and many of them
have the means to purchase all the
wares of the civilized world. Porto
Rico abounds in sugar, coffee, tobacco,
honey and wax, which have enriched
the island, and many of the people are
well-to-do. A very large part of the
islands trade has been carried on
with the United States, whose corn,
flour, salt meat, fish and lumber are
imported in return for sugar, molasses
and coffee. Tie natives have little
taste for sea faring and most of their
foreign trade is carried in foreign bot.
toms.
Porto Rico is rich in natural bless
ings, and for tropical region is very
healthful. For some inscrutable rea-
son Spain has given the inhabitants
far better treatment than she has the
natives of Cuba. She has dealt with
the island as though it were Spanish
province instead of merely colony to
be bled by Spanish officials for the en-
richment of themselves and the mother
country In fact, the island has been
politically province of Spain for over
twenty years. Spain has had little to
do directly with internal improve
ments in the island, but she has so far
K ept her heavy hand off the people
that there was an opportunity for the
spirit of enterprise to develop. The
result is that Porto Rico has about $50
miles of railroad, and as much more
under construction; and system OF
wagon roads leading to all the impor-
tant trailing centres that surpass any
thing of the sort seen in most parts OF
Spain herself. The stretches of rail
road parallel with the coast are long
links in the line that is to make the en-
tire circuit of the island, with short
branches to all the seaports and the
inland markets.
The mode of life is very similar to
that of the European countries except
for some slight differences due to the
hot climate. Fashions for men and
women alike are introduced from
Spain, and especially from Paris and
London. The we'll to do in the prin-
cipal towns dress just like people in
European countries, men wearing wool
en- clothes all the year round. The
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18
Care for Yellnw Clover.

Just after the wheat harvest the
young clover plants, which up to that
time have been protected by the wheat,
are apt to suffer from the sun unless
the stubble is left high. After the
clover plant hardens it should be
clipped, which will force out branch
ing growth near the ground, afford
ing, with the wheat stubble, sharp
sickle or grass hook, and may be c.
complished at small expense. The
first clipping should be done about
month after the wheat is harvested,
and if the ground is weedy or the
drought prolonged second clipping
may be done early in September.
Close attention must be paid to weeds.
None should be allowed to go to
seed to ruin an otherwise fair crop of
clover.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18

to set out at any time when the
weather and the condition of the
ground will permit. But to grow for
home use, early planting not being SO
essential, the seed may be sown later
in open beds. Another way of secdr-
ing an early crop is to select some Of
the earliest varieties. Nearly all of
these produce much smaller heads
than the late varieties, yet for an
early supply, either for home use or
the market, they answer very well.
For this purpose the early Jersey.
Wakefield OF the early Winningstadt
are good varieties. These yield fair
sized heads, and are at most only
week or SO later than the earlier
sorts. Have the soil rich and fine on
which to SOW the seed whether in cold
frames or open beds, and wherever
the plants should not be kept too
warm. This is likely to cause too
rapid growth, which makes tall and
weakly plants. The ground on which
the crop is to be grown should be
made rich by the application of man
ure. Cabbage plants are gross feed
ers and can consume considerable
manure without injury If the manure
is not applied the fall previous it
should be we'll rotted when applied in
the spring and then worked we'll into
the soil. AS matter of course the
soil should be deeply broken and we'll
pulverized. For early cabbage the
rows may be marked off about 80
inches apart; for larger varieties
little wider, and the plants Is inches
apart in the row. To give the plants
an early start, work into the soil
about them about a gill of commercial
fertilizer. When setting. if the soil
is not fairly damp some water should
be used about the plants. Set the
plants down quite to the leaves
and press the soil well about the roots
then little loose dirt over this. This
prevents evaporation and tie plant
from scalding. The cultivation should
begin early, be frequent and thorough,
to obtain rapid and large growth.
Stir the soil at first close about the
plants rs they grow larger, cultivate
shallow, just to break the crust and to
keep down the weeds.
AS to insects and worms, which are
so destructive among cabbage, and
which are so difficult to successfully
combat, we can only recommend con-
slant vigilance and the use of the
best known means for destroying
them, among which slug g-shot is rec
commended. Agricultural Epitome.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18

population, which some historians
place as large as 100000, in less than
century. Every branch of the ad-
conducted under system of corrup.
ton, the law was constantly violated
by the Spaniards and the natives were
deprived of their rights. At elections
the Spanish or Conservative party al
ways won, Notwithstanding the fact
that it was in large minority.
The liberty of the press was un-
known. Articles printed in the Mad
rid or other Spanish papers attacking
the Government could not be repro
duced by any Porto Rican paper with
out the editors being punished, even
if the article in question had not been
considered ground for prosecution by
the authorities in Spain.
No more than nineteen persons were
allowed to meet in any place on the
island without special permission Of
the Government, and representative
of the Mayor OF the town had to at
tend meetings to see that nothing was
done or said against "the integrity of
the nation"
Licenses were required for every
thing, even for dancing party.
These are some Of the things which
caused the people at Ponce to cheer
the Americans who took possession of
the town.
Chief among the staple products is
coffee. The average yearly export
from 1892 to 1896 was 49,229, 900
pounds, valued at $10,S72,0O The
area Of production can be doubled.
1t grows almost without care.
Next to coffee comes sugar. Mo-
lasses, too, has been exported in large
quantities. and the product could be
increased.
Cotton has been almost at a stand
still for the same reasons as in Cuba
because of the heavy taxes imposed
by Spain. Besides, coffee is more
profitable and demands less care. The
tobacco yield is large. Between 1892
and 1896 the average yearly exports
were 1854, 900 pounds, with value of
$642, 900. Annatto, mace, cocoa,
ginger, rice and oranges are also Gull
tivated.
Under the Spanish rule the vast
forests were never turned to profit.
Hardwood is abundant. Fancy cabi-
net woods and beautiful grained woods
resembling marble are among the
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18
Rees and Fruit.

The fruit grower does not appreciate
the value of a colony of bees as rule,
but on the other hand is inclined to
look upon them as detriment. 1t is
a well known fact that bees seldom if
ever disturb fruit that has not pre-
viously been injured by birds or in
sects, while the value of the bees as
pollen distributors is we'll known.
Among orchard fruits especially bees
are of great value, as has been proved
by many fruit growers, who, until the
advent of the bees, had been unable
to obtain full crops or large fruit ow-
ing to the imperfect fertilization of
the blossoms by other means. In the
peach orchard, where the pollen is
scant and many of the blossoms OBJ
tain little OF none through the agency
Of wind or insects, the bees will prac-
tically solve the question of falling
fruit, which is mainly due to lack of
vitality from the imperfect fertiliza-
ton of the blossoms. It will be neces-
sary to avoid the use of the spray
when the trees are in bloom in locali-
ties where bees are kept.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18
Plant Strawberries Early.

So soon as the strawberry runners
have fairly rooted it is best to take
them up and set them in new beds
rather than wait until the plants have
attained large size. The smaller
plant has much less surface exposed
to evaporation, and it will become
well rooted more quickly than will
those set later in the season. If the
runners are cut as fast as they are
put forth from the transplanted plant
it will make large crown full of
buds for next years bearing. All the
buds for fruit IN the strawberry are
provided for the year before it is to
bear, and no amount of spring cult
vation can increase them.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18
Farm and Garden Notes.

Hogs at pasture need water to
drink. See that they have that that
is pure and fresh.
The hen likes change of diet, and,
with some grain, will eat all kinds of
insects they discover in the soil or
about the trees.
When the milch COW is growing fat
she is not being fed right to produce
the largest yield of milk, OF she is not
the right breed for the dairy.
The feed of chickens and turkeys
should be hidden in straw, or thrown
among the grass in summer, to induce
the hunting for it, and that for water
fowl is best put into water.
A COW will give about so much milk
in year, no matter what time she
comes in, and she should be bred so
as to produce milk during the whole
= of the season of best prices.
If the soil around the fruit trees is
kept loose and an occasional handful
of grain is thrown in and covered, the
fowls will spend much of their time
scratching and will efectually prevent
the borer from depositing its eggs.
The seeding of peas and other legu-
minous crops, clover, etc., should re-
ceive more attention as they supply
the most expensive part of the fertil
izer, nitrogen, then potash and phos-
phoric acid should be used in connec-
ton to make a complete fertilizer.
The use of wood ashes on the straw
berry plantation gives the fruit that
bright, glossy appearance SO much de-
sired and prevents the dark appear
ance 50 much like staleness to the eye
of the customer, which comes on ber-
ries that have been picked for some
hours.
In its natural condition all classes
of poultry were compelled to take
considerable exercise in order to OBJ
tain food This should be remem-
bered in caring for domestic poultry,
and feed should be given in such
manner that it cannot be gobbled
down without some effort to get it.
When eigh cen inches high nip of
the ends of the canes of blackberries
and black raspberries. This will caus
new laterals to grow, and these should
be trimmed in the spring also. By this
means the bearing surface is increased
and the bush is kept low and strong,
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18
products almost entirely Porto Rico's

products almost entirely Porto Rico's'
own. Like Cuba, the island has ex-
tensive mines and quarries. The
principal deposits are iron, gold, cop
per, zinc, coal and salt. Salt is the
only one worked to any extent.
Again, as in Cuba, there are
scarcely any railways, and the few are
short and disconnected. The wagon
ways are good, outside the cities as
well as in them. Water works are
needed everywhere, and the drainage
in all the cities except Ponce is bad.
In Ponce only are there underground
sewers. These flow into the harbor.
whose outlet should be widened, not
only to allow the escape Of the drain
age, but to afford easier and less per-
ilOus access,
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18

copies, which is equal to that of the
other papers combined. There is a
local telephone company, but no water
except that of the cisterns. A reser-
voir was projected and the plan was
approved by the Government some
fifty years ago, but owing to the man.
ana system it has not been finished
yet.
The history of the Spanish admins
tration in the island is one of cruelty
and corruption. The Spaniards began
by exterminating the native Indian
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18
Raise Better Cows.

The test of milk should not be con-
fined to ones idea of it's richness
Judging from its appearance, for there
is no sure test but that made with the
perfected tester. If dsirymen will
use such they will be surprised to
learn that some of their best mixers
are giving a supply very deficient in
richness. The sooner this class of
cows are disposed of the sooner the
dairy will be on a paying basis. Ii
these Improbable cows cannot be dis
posed of in any other way, turn them
into beef, and if possible raise the
herd from the stock which meet the
test as to richness of milk. If sew
eral of them meet the test fairly and
continuously under moderate ex-
pense for food. they will form the
foundation for profitable herd. The
other animals should be turned off
quickly. Even if two of them have
to be given for one whose milk will
come.up to the test it will be a pay
ing trade.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18
Trials of Field Marshals.

The London Naval and Military
Record says that new rule was re-
Gently framed for the guidance of field
marshals. It was, with other regula-
tions, put into type. and appeared In
proof as follows:
1912 Field Marshals-Field Mar
shals will wear buckskin pantaloons,
jack boots and gilt spurs only, at
drawing-rooms, and on all such occa-
sions."
It is almost unnecessary to add that
as soon as attention was called to the
fact that in such meagre costume
field marshals would create some SEN
sation at a drawing-room the order
was varied.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18

young women dress very elaborate
ly, and all wear hats, the Spanish
mantilla being worn only by elderly
women. In the small towns men dress
after the fashion of the cities, but wear
linen fabrics, as wooden clothes are
very uncomfortable, are considered o
luxury, and are worn on holy days and
Sundays only. Laborers and farm
hands do not wear coats or shoes.
They do not care to do SO. and. if they
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18
|PORTOR|CO, OUR NEWEST jewel
The True 1'Pearl of the Antilles Feat
ures of This Rich Possession


Over 800, 900 people live in Porto
Rico, and about two-thirds of them
are white. Cuba is thirteen times
larger than Porto Rico, and its popu-
lation was not double that of the
smaller island even before Weyler ex-
terminated third of the native
Cubans. Besides Ponce and San
Juan, the largest towns on the island
are Arecibo 10000 inhabitants),
Utuado (31,OO0), Mayaguez (2S,0O0),
San German (2O,00O), Yauco US, ,000),
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18
Old Potatoes and New.

For some time after new potatoes
come into market the well-preserved
old potatoes are best, and are pre-
ferred by the careful housewife, who
cares as much for nutritive value as
for taste. In the old days, when
some potato grated fine was always
mixed with the rising bread, house
wives found that the young potatoes
with very little starch were not so
good for this purpose as potatoes
grown the previous year.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18
cERMANY's "woMAN BISMARCK"
Countess Waldersee, an American Girl,
Has Remarkable Influence With
Emperor william.

emperor ttIIlIHIns
AS little girl Mary Esther Lea
played among the flour barrels and
currant boxes of her fathers grocery
store on Front street in New York
City. But that was many years ago.
Now the little girl is a white haired
and regal lady, with the title of
princess. More than that, she it is
who is the power behind the German
throne, who is known as the 'female
Bismarck" and who, it is believed,
brought about the Kaiser's marriage.
Her title is Princess Won Noer, and
she is powerful influence in the
great palace at Berlin.
Her history is most interesting and
unusual Her father left Connecticut
in 1910 anG began small grocery busi-
ness in New York City. Though he
was financially successful, when he
died, in 1858, he left but very small
fortune to his family Mrs. Lea, nm
able to afford the expensive living in
New York, bundled up her little fam
lily and went to Stuttgart. Here the
eldest daughter married Baron Won
Waechter. He soon became Ambas-
sador from Wurtenberg to Paris, and
in due course of time Mrs. Lea and
her other daughters found themselves
IN the social set of the great French
capital. Other important marriages
came about. Mary Esther, the
youngest girl, found fast and affec-
tionate friend In Princess Louise of
Schleswig- -Holstein. Through her she
formed the acquaintance of the father
of the princess, an old widower, who
Immediately fell desperately in love
with the beautiful and bright little
American girl. To compensate for
marrying the daughter of a grocer the
Prince gave up his title and accepted
the simpler designation of Count Won
Noer, which was given to him by the
Austrian Emperor The groom was
sixty-four years old, the bride twenty
four. Six months later the venerable
husband died and his rich and youth
full widow settled down in Vienna.
There she won the esteem of the
Austrian Emperor, and he created her
Princess of Noer in her own right.
A few years after being made a
princess the. ono time daughter of
grocer met Count Won Waldersee. A
marriage between them took place in
1866 These two brilliant and tactful
people went to Berlin, and in a few
months the countess was social
power.
Her particular ambition was to
marry her grand niece by her first
marriage, Princess Augusta Victoria
of Schleswig- Holstein, to Prince Will
lam of Prussia, the present Emperor
of Germany. The mother of the
prince raised great objections, but the
Princess Won Noer was persistent and
tactful and planning. and the wedding
was celebrated. Prince William and
his bride were both devoted to the
one who helped along the rough way
of their courtship, and their gratitude
has been unceasing. When Princess
Augusta Victoria became Empress
she vas more than ever under the
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18

with the sea is winding and diff
E and can be navigated safely only
the aid of pilot.
ne Of the leading seaports of the
i'd is Aguadilla on the west coast,
ch has the advantage of a spacious
sheltered from the trade winds.
e are shipped the sugar and coffee
ihe northwest part of the island.
re are seven or eight ports Of les
importance.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18
CaNbase yulsure.

+. Cabbage is very profitable ,egeta-
Bile to grow both for home use and
for marketing purposes. With proper
care in storing it is possible to have
it the greatest part of the year,
Market gardenS~s desiring an early
crop SOW the seed wy early in cold
frames, hence have the plants ready
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18
! FOR FARM AND GARDEN.


Thresh small grains as soon as pos
sible after harvest. Tue crop is never
secure in the stack, and the sooner it
is in the granary or the elevator the
better, No matter how we'll a stack is
made driving storm will wet it.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1898-08-18

sway of her American aunt. Princess
Won Noer's present desire IS to bring
about the most cordial relationship
between the country of her birth and
her adopted land. Her influence over
the Kaiser is as strong as in the days
when she made opportunities for him
to meet his pretty little German
sweetheart.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-12-15

States with respect to loans, and they
have accordingly been able to pay a higher
rate OF dividend than have those of Massa-
chusetts in particular on this account.
So long as money continues as plentiful
as at present there must be o downward
tendency in the price OF that commodity,
and savings institutions as we'll as other
financial concerns will be forced sooner or
later to recognize the changed conditions,
This move is not to he interpreted as evil
dence of weakened condition on the part
OF the savings banks; for 1t is just the
opposite. They have too much money al
ready in proportion to their demands, and
a reduction in the rate of interest allow ed
on deposits will serve to stlll further
strengthen them.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-12-15
The Work of the Investigation Com.
mittee


was in some respects as is becoming day
by day more evident, pretty poor work. 1t
was an inquisition, rather than a fair in
vestlgation. 1t was Il housing after facts
and figures by which two or three State
officers could be called down" AS has
been aptly said, it was inspired by poll
tlcs--and petty personal politics at that
instead of by principle. The committee ap-
pear to have manipulated the figures in
the auditors books to suit their purpose.
AS cX-Gov Grout shows in his statement
to the people, the amount charged to the
State as part Of the expenses of the Ma
tional Guard when acting as the escort to
the governor on great public occasion,
is treated ny the committee as an execu-
tive expense in the case of one governor.
and a precisely similar Uhough larger)
item, in the -ase of another governor, Is
not 80 treated; but Is placed in a different
category. There is no possible explana-
ton OF this remarkable circumstance con-
sistent with purpose to be fair and just
on the part of the committee. Evidently
they were trying 10 make out "A case
against Gov. Grout, and they seem to
have manipulated the figures to suit their
purpose. This instance alone goes far 10
destroy the value of the committees re-
port; for it destroys confidence i'm the
committee. No one knows how much
doctoring of figures and unfair classifica-
ton of items may have been made by the
committee in the cases of other State Of
ficers.
Again the committee allowed explana-
lions going to show the necesslt, and rea-
sonable character of certain expenses In
CURED by certain State officers, and ig-
nored explanations entitled to oqua. cred
[. made by other State officers. In one
case, instanced by Col Powell, the COM
mittee is chargeable with direct mis-
statement. They assert that Mr.. Powell
referred the committee to q certain Sec
ton in the statutes. as his authority for
allowing certain expenses, when ne was
auditor. This was not the case, and a
leading member OF the committee was so
informed by Col. Powell. He denied the
assertion in person; and In print over his
signature. yet the committee reproduce 1t
in the printed journal of the Senate! The
committee submit, in their report a table
Of amounts paid to states attorneys for
expenses which the committee claim to be
largely unauthorized for seven years.
stopping Just short of the year when Sem
ator Plat, the chairman of the investigat-
ing committee, was states attorney and
was repaid considerable bill for expen-
SEES. similarly unauthorized. tho committee
being the Judge Of authority!
How much more of this sort of thing
would come out, II tho report of the In
vestigating committee were scrutinized
and analysed throughout. We cannot say.
The things mentioned are enough to dis
credit the report as whole On the gen.
eral subject OF authorized and unauthor-
lied expenses of State officers we shall
have something to say. another day,