davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
ON TO HAVANA.
United States Warships Making for
Its weakest Point.

st. Paul, April 24.-The New York
Herald'S special cable to the Pioneer
Press from Havana says: From the
hills of Guanajay 1 saw United States
warshipS this afternoon. They are adj
vancing on Havana from the west
ward. The news has reached MORO
castle. There all is alert, for fear is
in the hearts of the city's defenders.
Havana's weak point lies dead ahead
of the American fleet. The course of
the ships is in direct accordance with
the plan of war which the Herald first
published. 1t means-and everybody
here admits 1.-THE bombardment of
Havana unless the city surrenders.
Gen. Blanco, in full uniform, which
he has worn about two days in the
last month, is at the Santa Clara bat
terry, the strongest of the city's de-
fences. With him are all the officials
of his staff and the chief officers of all
the regular volunteer regiments.
Orderlies are rushing through the
city shouting the call to arms and car
rying orders to the batteries and re-
ports to the captain general.
OminouS is the situation. Every
body granted that fact; but everybody
is rushing out of the city or to its forti-
tications. The number who have
sought the latter place to fight is ehor-
nous.
The United States ships could not
possibly select better place for land
ing men than they can find in the
neighborhood to which they are point
ing. Blanco realizes the danger and
has rushed large bodies of troops to
Santa Clara battery. He has sent 9TH
ers in hurry by railroad to Vellado
and Carmelo
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
PURPOSELY DISABLED.
Engineers Cripple the Machinery of
the Spanish TOrEedo Boats.

Engineers Cripple the Machinery of
the Spanish Torpedo Boats.
Galveston, Tex, April 24.-The Brit
ish steamer Asloun, Capt. 2. III. Bar
nett, has arrived from Las Palmas,
Grande Canary, one OF the Canary is
lands group. Capt. Barnett arrived at
Las Palmas March 81, two days after
the Spanish torpedo fiotilla left that
port He was reliably informed that
the machinery of the several torpedo
boats and torpedo boat destroyers was
purposely disabled in pursuance of Il
plot by the engineers. They did not
relish a trip across the ocean in tor
pedo boats, and finding the Spanish
government determined to make them
CO. as a last resort crippled the ma
chinery. None Of the engineers were
allowed to repair it, the work beng
done by a local machine shop at Las
Palmas. Capt. Barnett says the tor
pedo flotilla did not want to encounter
"a United States fleet if it could be
avoided. They will likely keep out
of the track of our vessels and may
content themselves with picking up al
occasional prize. The torpedo hotllia
left Las Palmas March % and their
destination was unknown. A disabled
American barkentine at Las Palmas,
from Philadelphia, was undergoing re-
pairs by Spanish dry dock men, but
the latter were delaying the work IN
the hope of selling her upon the out
break of war. Her captain is MI.
McDunough. He carried crew OF
nine men and had his wife with him.
Great crowds of Spaniards would
gather about the American craft and
hlJrl vile pDithetS at the crew and cap
tain and insult the United States and
it's flag. The only Americans at Las
Palmas are the American captain and
those aboard his ship. Capt. Barnett
expresses fears for their safety.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26

Some reformers at Washington have
brought up the question of the desira-
bility of changing the metals out of
which the minor coins of the United
States are made. After some consider
alton of the matter the house commit
tee on coinage, weights and measures
has reported favorably resolution au-
thorizing the secretary OF the treasury
to make experiments to determine the
best materials for minor coinage and to
submit new designs for coins to con-
gress. AS the result of it's deliberations
upon the subject, the committee has
reached the conclusion that the copper
cent is undesirable because it becomes
dingy and dirty and by corrosion poi
sonous, and that the five-cent nickel,
three-quarters copper, should be dis
placed because it is too soft.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26

One SANDER directed against mis-
sionaries represents them as men of
an inferior grade who would make a
failure at home. What a fine reply
to the insinuation is furnished by the
life of a young English missionary
lately murdered in Africa! He gradu-
ated at Cambridge University with a
first-class in the classical tripos. With
in three months after beginning his
missionary work he had prepared a
handbook and vocabulary of the Ian
guage with which he had for the first
time come in contact. The Bible,
hymns, a devotional book, and other
uplifting English, have been opened to
the natives through his labors. Now,
only ten years out of college, he has
finished his life's task. Measure the
worth and the far-reaching results of
such career, by any standard, and
the conclusion can be reasonably Ques-
toned that declares such life short.
or a failure
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
CHANGE IN CABINET.
Postmaster General Gary Is Succeed
ed hX Charles Emory Smith.

Postmaster General Gary Is succeed
ed by Charles Emory Smith.
Washington, April %. - The presl-
dent has sent to the senate the nominal
ton of Charles Emory Smith of Phil
adelphia as postmaster general, 10
succeed Mr.. Gary, resigned.
Postmaster General Gary resigned
on account Of i'll health. The Pennsyl-
vania senators were consulted before
Mr.. Smiths appointment was made.
It is stated at the White House that
Postmaster General Gary's resignation
had absolutely nothing whatever to do
with our present foreign complications.
It was owing entirely, it is stated, to
the condition of Mr.. Gary'S health. lie
has suffered a great deal Of late from
a general breaking down of the sys-
tenn which had continued to progress,
until finally Mr.. Gary reluctantly
reached the conclusion that he was un-
able longer to carry the burden OF his
office.
The nomination of Charles Emory
Smith to be postmaster general was
confirmed by the senate in executive
session without objection.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
WAR REVENUES.
Committee Preparing "a Bill That
Will Raise $1OO,OOO,OOO Annually.

VIII HalSe YIOU,OOUsOUU
Washington, April 24-The Repub-
1ican members of the ways and means
committee completed the revenue mea-
sure and seLt it to the printer. 1t will
be gone over again and probably be
submitted to the full committee on
Wednesday. Several questions are still
open. The bill as now prepared, it is
estimated, will raise between $95,O0O,-
600 and $1OO,O0O,OO0 annually.
The principal decision made was the
definite determination not to place a
tax upon either of the substitute prop
,oStionS, railroad and other tranSpOrta-
ton tickets or petroleum. 1t was de
.cided however, to place a tax of one
cent upon chewing gum and two and
four cents upon mineral waters, ginger
ale and foreign and native wines, two
cents on pints and four cents on quarts.
These additions are made to the stamp
act of 1866, which is re-enacted with
notifications. A tonnage tax which is
expected to raise $2,5OO,OO0 is also in
.cOrpOrated in the bill. The addition of
81 per barrel upon beer is expected to
raise $35,O0O,000. The question Of al
lowing q rebate on beer stamps is still
open.
The doubling of the tobacco tax and
the provision for a retail license of
$3.50 are expected to raise $3OG0O,O0O
and the provisions of the stamp tax
over $30,O00,OO0.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26

A Wyoming stock raiser, dissatisfied
with his surroundings and in haste to
be rich, recently sold his land and
started for the Klondike. A few
months later French mineralogist
discovered near the despised ranch a
mine of cobalt, rare and valuable
metal The whole district promises to
become a new center Of wealth. It
was upon land sold to enable the for
mer owner to start for the gold mines
of California, that the great oil wells
of Pennsylvania were afterward found;
and both these incidents accentuate the
fact that we are continually within
reach of important discoveries and
great opportunities, missing them by q
hairs breadth of Impotence, failure
to observe or lack of preparation.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
STRICTLY GUARDED
Extra Precautions for Protecting
the President


Washington, April %. Inc roo.
says: A military guard will be pIaceu
at the White House in a few Gays.
This has been definitely settled, put
none OF the details of the arrange
ments are known. Col. Bingham,
superintendent of public buildings anu
grounds. will have charge OF Tue
guard and such others as may pe
placed at the public buildings. A con
ference was held to-day between MAJ:
Moore. superintendent of police, anu
Chief Wilkie. of the United states se,
cret service, in regard to a civil guaru
at the White House. The force arounu
the grounds viii be largely Increased,
and many detectives in cltlzens
clothes will be placed on duty Every
precaution will be taken to protect the
president from any possible danger.
Torpedoes and mines are being placed
in the Potomac river below WASH
ington. They are being put there as
a safeguard in case of an emergency
and the exact locations of the mines
are being kept a secret. The majority
of the work is being done by night
and is being pushed forward with an
eve to the possible contingency OF
hostile fleet attempting TO she'll the
capital.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
WE ARE GENEROUS.
So Says ~ Leading Paper of

So Says % Leading Paper of
Peru.
st. Paul, April 23.-The New York
Herald's special cable to the Pioneer
Press from Lima, Peru, says:
La Ley says editorially:
'"There has never previously been eX-
hibited a more generous international
act on the CHE side nor more deplor-
able one os the other A great nation
devoted to commerce and without pos
sessing a standing army, calls forth
its citizens to expel from Cuba an i'm
Dlacable tyrant that is DISCRIMINATING
its people. Spain must suffer a severe
and salutary lesson. 1t should have
been magnanimous by freeing Cuba,
which act would have merited the ap-
plause and sympathy Of the world"
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26

Scraping the lining of a chimney to
get gold and silver is a form of min
Ing which the books do not recognize,
but 1t may be profitable under certain
conditions. The chimney of the assay
office in Wall street, New York, is
nearly two hundred feet high. A new
lining of fire brick has been put In it..
The old lining, over forty years old,
yielded almost fifteen hundred dollars.
There were f1fty-two ounces of gold
and eight hundred and sixty ounces
of silver in the scrapings. Smoke which
has a market value through the de-
posits of precious metal it makes ought
to be treated with great respect.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26

Jacksonville, Fla, April 24.-Accord-
Ing to private dispatches received by
the Times, Union and Citizen the first
naval battle of the war took place op-
posite BOynton, about twenty-five
miles south of Palm Beach at 10
O'Clock yesterday morning. George Ly-
man, reliable man, and several 9th
ers who were fishing in Lake Worth,
which is separated from the ocean by
narrow strip of land, heard heavy
firing, and ran to the beach. They
reported to the railroad agent and
postmaster at Lantana that United
States monitor was chasing and firing
upon Spanish man-of-war or gun
boat conveying coal or transport
ship. The Spaniard replied shot for
shot. All the ships were travelling
with bone in their teeth. The men
say they watched the battle for an
hour, OF until only the smoke from
the tunnels was visible on the south
ern horizon, in which direction they
We're travelling. A special dispatch
from Lantana says: IAN eyewitness
has just arrived from Boynton and re-
ports a supposed transport vessel,
southwark bound, guarded by man
Of-war, pursued by a monitor, keep
ing up heavy running fire." This
dispatch was dated at 10 a. III.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26

The Russian government has decided
10 adopt the metric system. The Unit
ed States and the British empire will
thus soon be the only important coun-
tries which have not adopted the deci-
NAL system OF weights and measures.
An imperial commission has also been
appointed at ST. Petersburg to con-
slider dhe best means Of abandoning the
Russian calendar in favor of that which
prevails in other parts of the civilized
world
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
THANKED BY LEO.

Archbishop Ireland and Cardinal
Gibbons Hear From Rome.
London. April %. II The Rome cor
respondent of the Chronicle says: The
pope has thanked Archbishop Ireland
and Cardinal Gibbons for their efforts
in the cause of peace In view of the
war the Vatican has cabled inStruc
tons to Mgr. Martinelli at Washington
enioining him to preserve the utmost
prudence and strict neutrality The
pope is deeply disappointed that his
efforts during the past few days to Sc
cure from Spain a remuneration OF
Cuba have not succeeded.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
win DIVIDE ,Tbetr Du+ies.

Washington, April 24.-As result
Of objections raised by the state DC,
partment to the joint action of Tne
French ambassador and Austrian nln,
lister in representing Spanish Interests
in this country it is understood that q
satisfactory arrangement has been
made by which the ambassador anu
minister will divide their duties anu
will act separately in looking after
Spanish affairs and in dealing VIII
the authorities here
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
EXCITEMENT.
Prevails Among the Flying Squad
ron at the WarIiISe News.

ron AT IHe WaTIIINV NVEVs'
Fort Monroe, Va, April 23.-Begln-
ming with the reception of the first
news bulletins from Washington in
tense excitement prevailed here, both
on shore and among the officers and
men Of the squadron.
The officers who came ashore in the
afternoon were notified that they msst
report on board at 10 o'clock at the
latest and no 'all night shore leaves
would be granted. The officers OF the
Massachusetts were told that they
must report at $50 o'clock on board,
when leave might be granted Tor
few hours to see friends. These two
orders led to all sorts of rumors. an
annoying ere being that the Massa-
chusetts had been detached, which was
promptly denied.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26

Washington, April "a. 1t was
learned at the capitol that the presi-
dent, in conversation with senators,
asked them what they thought of the
proposition to take the Hawaiian is
lands as we'll as the Philippines as a
war measure Those in favor of the
annexation of Hawaii express the
hope that the San Francisco report is
true. Members of the senate commit
tee on foreign relations are generally
without information as to the plans of
the administration in Hawaii, but
some of them indorse the idea of Sc
curing the Pacific islands by seizure at
this time in view of their strategic i'm
portance. Senator Davis, chairman of
the committee, is among those who
hold this view.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26

1t may be, as the Spaniard, who
wants to fight him says, that Sena-
tor Mason would not resent slap in
the face, but we don't believe he would
turn the other cheek. There are de-
grees of courtesy to which a proud
and sensitive nature cannot submit
without feeling of extreme regret
and humiliation. But there is a way
to find out. Has it occurred to the
Spaniard that he might come north
and make the experiment?
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
DIOGENES SUNK.
Said to Have Foundered in Collision
With AIbatrOsS.

London. April "a. = The Daily Mail
says that it is stated in Falmouth
shipping circles that the American
cruiser Topeka, formerly the DN genes
which left Falmouth on the evening
Of April 10, foundered in collision with
the bark Albatross at midnight Of the
same day. According to the Mail the
captain of the Albatross asserts that
after the collision the steamer, whose
name he did not ascertain, flashed a
light and disappeared. He believes
she foundered.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
ATTACKED THE TRAIN.
Gen. WOOdfOrd Gets Across the Bor-
der After an Exciting Time

zen. WOOdfOrd Gets Across the BOr-
der After an Exciting Time.
Hendaye, Spanish Frontier, April a.
The United States Minister to Spain.
Gen. Woodford, reached the frontier
safely at a. NJ, after some exciting
experiences.
The Spanish police attempted to cap
ture a member of the United States
legation. but the attempt was frus-
trated by Gen. Woodford.
At Valladolid the United States min
listers train was attacked He slept
quietly through the disturbance.
Mr.. Moreno was the member of the
United States legation singled out by
the Spanish police for capture, on the
ground that he was subject of Spain,
but the attempt was frustrated owing
to the presence OF mind of the minister.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
spaniards Disguised.

London, April 23.-The Madrid cor
respondent of the Daily Mail, tele-
graphing Thursday, says: General dis
gust is felt here at Great Britain's
conduct in selling vessels to the United
States after refusing them to Spain
and in opposing priyateering while go
ing so far as to regard provisions as
contraband, in this way greatly favor
ing the United States These facts oc-
casios considerable popular bitterness.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26

KEY West, Fla, April 24.-The first
Spanish prize is the steamer Buena
Ventura from Pascagoula, Miss, for
Rotterdam, with lumber. The Nash
vile fired a blank shot which the
Spaniard ignored. This was followed
bv a shot from a SiX-pounder The
Buena Ventura then surrendered with
her crew of twenty men.
The Nashville towed her prize into
this harbor at IL o'clock this morning
and put a prize crew on board. Both
ships are lying well out in the stream
The news of the capture of the Span
ish vessel set the people OF Key West
frantic with enthusiasm. All work has
been suspended and the docks were
crowded with people.
The United States feet was about
twelve miles off Sand Key light yes
terday morning at when the Spanish
merchantmen Buena Ventura was
sighted, bound north. The gunboat
Nashville ran her down and put shot
across her bows. The Spaniard ig
nored the shot; but another, closer to
her bows, brought her two.
A prize crew under Ensign L. F.
Magruder was put aboard. Capt. Lu-
carraga, in command of her, was as
u.
that war had been declared; but when
he was informed of the state Of af-
fairs, he shrugged his shoulders and
accepted the situation ph'losophically.
Commander Lyons, of the Dolphin,
has delivered to United States District
Attorney STRIPPING the papers Of the
Buena Ventura,
Captured by the Nashville.
TT ~, oI,s Al.
The unfortunate merchantmen is
still lying ir the harbor. Her captain
was allowed to remain on board, but
the crew of twenty-eight were taken
over to the Dolphin and made to as
Sist in the work of coaling.
The gunboat Nashville steamed
proudly out Of the harbor late this
afternoon, having achieved the first
victory of the war, although a blood
less one. She had gone about twelve
miles when the Dolphin signaIed her
to return. She steamed back and re-
ceived orders, the nature of which was
not divulged, and put to sea again,
finally to join the fleet and, incident
ally, to pick up any other vagrant ship
of the enemy that happens to come
within range Of her guns. The cruiser
Marblehead, the monitor Puritan, the
Algonquin and the Mangrove sailed
this afternoon to join the fleet. The
only ships of the squadron now re-
naming here are the Dolphin, the Ter
ror and the Helena, all of which are
likely to move within a few hours.
1t is reported this evening that the
Buena Ventura ran aground OH reef
about mile out and is leaking. Tugs
went to her assistance and pulled her
off. Considerable mystery surrounds
the affair."
On excellent authority it is reported
that the destination Of the fleet is
Matanzas. On board the flagship is
Capt. Aranguran, brother of the late
Brig. Gel. Nestor Aranguren. He
will pilot the fleet to Matanzas. The
Cuban pilots went On board last night
after u o'clock.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
Americans Seeking Protection.

Havana, April 23.-Many American
citizens are Fastening to take advant-
age of the protection of the British con-
sui, fearing personal harm. The Brit
ish consul general assures them that
the authorities will do their best to
guarantee them protection, both for
Americans and any other foreigners.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
THE PARIS IN PERIL.
Spanish Cruisers May Try to Inter
ceDt the American Liner.

southampton, April 24.-The steam
er Paris, of the American line, char
tered by the United States govern
ment, sailed at 2:15 p. m. yesterday
for New York, though her regular sail
ing day is Saturday. She had on
board $50 passengers and her cargo in
Guided quantity of guns and ammu-
milton. There was great enthusiasm
among the crowds on the dock and the
band of the Union Steamship company
steamer Britain played Yankee
Doodle" as the Paris steamed sea-
ward.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
CAPTURED A PRIZE
THE NASHVILLE RUNS DOWN A
SPANISH MERCHANTMAN.

Fired One Shot Across Her Bows,
which Was Unhcedcd. but An
other a Little Closer Brought Her
tO-Prfze Crew Put on Board and
the Captive lowed to Key West
Crew of TwentyEight Were
Made Prisoners The Ship Will
BE LibeIed in the Usual Way
Laden With Lumber.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
Spain Sore at England,

feeling here against Great Britain,
especially on the contraband of war
and privateer questions. 1t is the be-
lief of the general public that Great
Britain is playing in an underhanu
manner the same as the United States.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26

The editor Of the Voice, prohibition
paper, is as tickled as the daily news
paper that has a beat on it's besotted
contemporary across the way. He
hnds that Cornell is nearly as intemp-
crate as Yale
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
THE FIRST naval BATTLE
UNITED STATES MONITOR HAS AHOT FIGHT
WITH A SPANISH WARSHIP

Fishermen Report Having Seena United States Monitor
Chasing and Firing Upon Spanish Man-of-W War
Conveying Transport Shp-The Men Watched
the Battle for an Hour. or Until the Vessels Were
Out of Sight-Spaniard Replied Shot for Shot
Spanish Warships, It Is Believed, Will Attempt to
Intercept the American Liner Paris-Pacifc Squad
to Attack the Philippines Warships Sighted
Off Havana.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26
ANOTHER.

New York Captures Passenger
Steamer.
Key West, Fla, April 24.-An incom-
ing tug reports that the New York
has captured Spanish passenger
steamer plying between Havana and
Puerto Rico. The torpedo fleet is com
ing in.
The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-04-26

There's one thing good to be said
OF the battleship Texas. She has al
ways been able to rise to the occasion.