davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1898-12-30
Matias Romero.

Washington will in many wavs mise
Matas Romero. the ambassador FROM
MeNlc" who died this morning For nearly
seventeen years he has been the official
representative at this capital of a renuhlic
Wh!ch stands in close relation with the
'hlted states During the trying times of
the MdXimilian reign he strove arduousIv
III behalf Of its overthrow, accomplishing
hiuch III this city as the agent of the Mex
LCdh people When the present govern
hieht arose from the wreck of Napoleon's
creation romero was Of great aid in estab-
i4s'liliS AFFAIRS on a substantial basis His
remarkable qualities lay not alone in the
cAhi'ihdtn channel His skill in financial
administration WAS striking Twice ba
served at the head OF the treasury danart-
mrnt or his country. and on several occa-
sl'hs n" secured loans from European capi-
tdlists when the countrys resources vera
at low ebb. Within a short time he uas
summoned home TO take charge of tha
finances once more when they were i'm en-
harrassment. without being relieved or bts
official duties here. So successful had h..
been in conducting the diplomatic raI,,to,.
OF Mexico with the United States that he
was generally regarded as ner,nana,c,,
at Washington as long as his desire to hold
this post continued This dfsposiIIo, on
the part OF the Mexican government was
in every way acceptable to the American
authorities and the citizens Of Washington
Senor Romero was so thoroughly American
In his understanding of the principles and
traditions of American government that he
was In many respects 4 part of the COM
munity In which he was, officially. only =
visitor. Socially and personally he was
welcomed. His sterling qualities Of mind
and heart endeared him to those who. dur
ing the many years of his service here. had
come to know him.
Matias Romero was one of the century, S
notable men Of this hemisphere. His op-
Evening star., 1898-12-30

portunites and his disposition did not lead
him to Ope.. displays of his talents. He
was quiet worker but his labors were
effective for the betterment of his people
and the strengthening of the ties between
the republics. There are many reasons
from an official point of view why Senior
ROmero's death at this time is ta be deeply
regretted. Recent events and the logical
DEVELOPMENT of the national policies have
caused the relations with the regions to the
south to become far more involved and i'm
portant than ever before. The canal prob
lem and kindred affairs will all require the
more careful international dealings. The
time will demand the services of men who,
like Senior Romero, know all the clrcum-
stances of the situation. While the late
ambassador might not have become directly
involved in any negotiations caused by the
new isthmian regime, his high standing
here and his prestige with the diplomatic
representatives from the countries adjacent
and near to his own would have been
wholesome and helpful factors for Il salts
factory resultant. Such careers as his,
which has been so suddenly closed, Illus
trate the national value of retention in
such office of men of capacity and special
aptitude regardless of political or partisan
prejudiceS.
Evening star., 1898-12-30
A Suggestive Coincidence,

One sentence of the press dispatches
from Iloilo IN regard to the recent sur
render Of the Spaniards to the insurgents Is
likely to be read by many Americans with
some degree of suspicion. This was: 1.-The
only foreign warship in the harbor was the
German second-class cruiser Irene. The
coincidence of this cruisers presence at
Iloilo on the occasion of the remarkable
surrender of the Spaniards may never be-
come a subject OF diplomatic inquiry but II
is certain to be considered by the people
nevertheless. The Irene has already figured
unpieasantiy in the German maneuyers
among the Philippines. On at least two oc-
casions she played a part which strongly
suggested that it was the German policy to
foment trouble In the islands to embarrass
the United States. The German chagrin
over the American occupation and posses
sion of the archipelago Is well known.
This surrender at Iloilo bears many ear
marks of a trick to give the Americans
trouble. The insurgents Were besieeing the
city, but the Spaniards, according to all ac-
counts, were well supplied. According to
present information there seems to have
been no pressing emergency leading to sur
render In view of the treaty stipulations a
surrender to the insurgents should have
been regarded as the last resort. That sur
render not only places the insurgents In
possession of large area. but it gives them
hold upon an important city as head
quarters. 1t puts upon the Americans too
the necessity of taking affirmative action
TO remove the Insurgents from this holding
In establishing harmonious military govern
Evening star., 1898-12-30
ar. Grout and the Senatorship.

In the speculation as to the probable sue
cessor to Senator Morrill, mention has been
made Of Representative Grout as likely to
receive either the governors appointment
or the favor Of the legislature when that
body shall meet to fill the vacancy. Wash
ingtonians are concerned in this as in few
senatorial contests. Mr.. Grout has been
one of the best friends the District has ever
known In many ways he shared with
Senator Morrill, a high ideal of the true
capital. q city of modern equipments. of
adequate architecture. of liberal mainte-
nance. For several years he has had direct
opportunity to participate in the work of
capital making. by virtue of his position on
the committee on appropriations, and par
ticularly on the subcommittee in charge
of the District bill In his work in this
line he has exhibited d spirit of wise lib
crafty in keeping with the requirements of
both the citizens and the treasury. In his
work on the foor of the House he has
displayed an intelligent appreciation of the
fiscal and moral relations between the Dis
trict and the government which has had
beneficial influence upon the action of the
House at times when there was danger of
d departure from the right path of capital
maintenance. OF course Mr.. Grout has not
been always successful in his efforts in
behalf OF the District. But for everything
he has done in this direction he has re-
Ceived the thanks of the people, who have
learned TO appreciate this sort of intelli-
gent constructive interest on the part of
the legislators from the states. Under these
circumstances the people Of the District
while they would regret to lose Mr.. GrOut
from the House, where he has been So
helpful 10 them. will rejoice if the people
of Vermont shall utilize the opportunity to
reward this faithful servant by promo
tiun. Mr.. Grout has earned his chance to
step from the House 10 the Senate by his
long. unremitting and intelligent labors.
Local appreciation of Mr.. Grout finds Its
most emphatic expression in the hearty
congratulations which the people of Wash
ington extend TO the Vermont man upon
this favorable prospect of a transfer,
though it threatens to deprive them of a
strong friend in the House. where thought
ful consideration is most needed.
Evening star., 1898-12-30

ment in the islands. This necessity may in
volve more friction with the natives than
is desirable. OF course the Spaniards have
nothing now to gain from placing the
Americans in such a predicament. They
can have no hope to recover the islands.
On the other hand. it may be considered by
some there is in fact such a motive on the
part Of the Germans. The European pow
ers have of course taken cogniZance of the
dispute in progress in this country as to the
propriety of holding the Philippines perma-
nently. 1t is not improbable that hope has
been born in some official breasts that the
archipelago may soon be on the market
1t is barely possible that Germany believes
the time now ripe for contributing to the
reasons which might appeal to the timorous
among anti-expansion Americans for desr-
ing to withdraw from the islands. OF
course this is all theory. It rests wholly
upon the suggestive circumstance that the
only foreign warship In the harbor was the
German second-class cruiser Irene"
Evening star., 1898-12-30
The Situation mt Hayann.

The situation at Havana calls for good
temper as well for frmness. 1t is not
sufficient that American authority should
he asserted and enforced. That should be
done in way to command the confidence
and respect of the people. We have not
gone to Cuba to bully the inhabitants. or
blackgUard them, or to post them as de-
generates unworthy of respect. The work
in hand calls for the cooperation of the
Cuhans. If We are not their friends we
have no business in the island. We are
pretending to be their friends. We are
their friends and we should act as such.
That the Cubans should desire to partici-
pate in the ceremonies attending the for
NAL assumption of authority by the Amer
leans is both natural and praiseworthy In
difference on their part at such a time
would be as discreditable to themselves as
unassuring to us. As matter of fact, they
are overjoyed at the coming change, and
are asking permission to help celebrate it.
Their program may be a trife flamboyant.
They are hamboyant people. But it in
dicates. in the main. such a demonstration
as in like circumstances would take place
in the United States.
General Brooke is quoted as vetoing the
Cuban program on the score of danger. He
doubts the ability of the Cubans to restrain
themselves. He fears riot. His RESPONSE
bility is very great. He is first in COM
mand. riot, 1t is to be admitted, would
be a pretty bad start. AT the same time.
ii is TO he hoped that General Brooke, if
he holds to his present determination may
deal with the Cubans without offending
them severely. There would be no excuse
for q repetition of General Skaters blum
der at Santiago The man whom General
Shafter snubbed on that occasion was sub
seGuentIy received by the President in the
White House and conferred with about
Cuban matters. and in death was escorted
to his grave by company of United States
soldiers
Outside of circles openly in sympathy
with Spain there is no desire to foment
trouble between the Cubans and the Amer1-
cans The Cuban problem cannot be solved
except by the cooperation of the two peo-
pies and the American official IN Cuba who
does the most to invite Cuban respect Will
serve his country best.
Evening star., 1898-12-30
Taxing Bicycles.

The proposition to tax the bicycles in use
in this city is not as yet sufficiently ex-
planned to make it clear whether this step
is to be taken solely as a revenue measure
or is designed to accompany movement
to regulate the riding of wheels more strict
ly than at present. Usually where this
form of tax has been applied it has tended
in the direction of bicycle regulation.
Wherever the tax has been proposed it has
at first been vigorously opposed by the
wheel users as disproportionate burden.
The average tax on bicycles is about 81
year. When the high-grade wheel sold for
800 this tax was at the rate of per cent.
But the average cost of q first-class wheel
has been greatly reduced of late. 1t has
been practically cut in half, although few
makes maintain the $40 price on some ex-
ceptional lines. 1t is the general expecta-
tfon that within at most two more seasons
the $50 rate will be virtually a maximum.
The Commissioners propose as an amend
ment to the bill submitted to them that e
tax be not less than 81, which would be =
per cent on the basis of $50. This is prob
ably as near to the prevailing local tax
rate as 1t Is possible to get in this measure.
As the Commissioners say in their MEN,
orandum of reply. the exaction of this tax
Npulu grant l1lc "HteliilcU lnc rlSnC 10
pect some measure of return. The payment
of the tax would doubtless be marked by
means of tag metal certificate fixed
securely and prominently to the wheel, as
is the case In Berlin. This tag would be of
assistance In the recovery of bicycles stolen
from their owners. 1t would not be diff
cult, of course. for the thief to remove the
tag. but an untagged wheel would be an
nh Of III
be put to more proof of ownership than at
present. The Commissioners suggest that
part of the funds collected be placed to
the credit of the police department. which
would be called upon for much extra labor
in connection with this tax. 1t would be
in this direction that the tax could be
utilized in aid of a more effective regula-
tion Of wheel use BY the employment of
more cycle policemen the improper riding
of a bicycle on the streets would be less
frequent, it being more certain that vio-
lators of the regulations would be caught
II is plainly to the interest of the wheel
men that their use of the streets be sub
jected to reasonable rules The proposition
to apply the tax secured from them TO
make more certain their arrest If they mis-
behave may at first sight appear harsh
but 1t reflects after all, a spirit Of justice
which will doubtless be recognized by the
careful riders.
In some communities it is arranged that
a certain proportion of the revenue derived
from the wheel tax shall he applied to the
repair of country roads for the benefit OF
the wheelmen. This might be adopted in
the District. There is ample opportunity
for such efforts in this vicinity and it might
be that some plan could be devised to keep
this funu. in a measure, separate from the
general fund. The wheelmen would then
be. as rule, more willing to pay such a
tax.
Evening star., 1898-12-30
Well-Earned Praise for Gen. Wood

The gold medal presented by thu Spanish
residents of Santiago to Gen. Leonard Wood
has been well earned, and honors both the
givers and the recipient. 1t is perhaps not
too much to say that Gen. Woods adminis-
ira ton there has shown Cuba the first eX-
ample Of good municipal government in the
history of the island. He has displayed the
highest talents for that kind of work, of
which we shall henceforward have more to
do than form erly. and the agents to whom
it is confided cannot do better than to take
Gen. Wood eXemplar. There are
plenty of men like him in the country but
the standard he has set in the swift and
complies rehabilitation of shattered and
disordered and always badly governed
municipality is high as any of them are
ever likely to reach.
Evening star., 1898-12-30
The Neglected Pacific.
rem the st. Paul Globe.


Submarine lines are vastly important to
the mercantile interests OF a country. and
the fact that We have been without Pacific
communication when our facilities for such
line have been so adequate is surprising.
Furthermore, II is subject for wonder
that, except along the coasts, the Pacific
has had no cable at all. Engiand's commu-
nication with the antipodes being via
Gibraltar. The North Atlantic alone has
fifteen lines, and the total capital invested
In submarine cable facilities is $225 600 OOO.
The slight put upon the Pacific thus far
is not in harmony with the Importance of
that sea as n commercial pathway. =
Evening star., 1898-12-30
Neyark's Public Library.

FROM lbe Newark Advertiser.
The coming year will witness the erection
OF handsome new public library building
IN Newark, the property of the city We
shali then be on par with the large cities
that own and maintain public libraries in
dependent entirely of private control.
Our city is deliberate IN every undertake
ing. We were ten years in getting to a re-
form in our water supply. There were
years of discussion about new city hos
pltal. new high school and a new tech
meal school before the public mind was
made up as to their construction.
The county talked for years about a new
insane asylum and new court house. One
has long been established and the other
VIII soon be an accomplished fact. a new
city hall has been discussed for many
years. and may expect to see the idea
take concrete shape before the new century
opens.
When the new library building shall have
been erected the library. which has grown
in a short time from small beginnings to 4
respectable size and Importance, will really
then begin its existence as a public insti-
tuition, and its growth will be rapid, be-
cause ii VIII attract the aid and donations
of private liberality. Thus far it has had
very little assistance in that direction.
y Swiss review of the work of free libra
rtes says that not only do the people of the
United States publicly and privately con-
tribute five times as much annually for
public library purposes any other nation
in the world, but that they spend nearly
as Hluch annually Tor educational purposes
as do England France and Germany COM
bined. This unbiased testimony will doubt
less be surprise to many Americans who
have believed that in respect to public
library enterprise We We're behind, rather
than ahead. of such countries as Germany
The spirit that is revealed in this f1atter-
ing exhibit exists in Newark, the same as
in other large communities in our country
and it has only been necessary to invoke
that spirit. The one thing needfui was an
established institution and fitting home
for the same, and that we shall have be-
fore another Christmas season comes
around
Evening star., 1898-12-30
Expectancy.

Lifes not all romantic sweetness
AS the poets love to sing:
When they rhyme with grace and neatness
On the Elossoming of spring.
Yet hope each song discIoses
And We all await the day
When the violets and roses
Scare these microbes far away.
Now they linser on the highway,
They are lurking In the hall;
There is grip in every by-way
Where your footsteps chance to fall.
We may scorn poetic poses
And all seriously say,
Haste, ye yiolets and roses;
Scare these microbes far away"
Evening star., 1898-12-30
Making COucessiOns.

'E9very mau ought to marry said tht
lady with the positive manner.
Yes answered the Utah citizen, "but
not too often.''
Evening star., 1898-12-30
Following Their Instincts.
From the London Mail

1t might at first sight be thought that
the anti-imperialistic spirit is growing in
the United States. for Mr. Bryan. the dem
ocratic candidate for the presidency. has
thrown IN his lot with it. But we doubt
whether he has discovered a sounder nlank
for his next platform than the rotten one
of free silver. Neither biblical plagiarism
nor red-hot diatribe will check imperialism,
in the states. The American people are but
following the instinct of the Angio-Saxon
race,
Evening star., 1898-12-30

L. ;. Grant jr., is conducting a plucky
senatorial fight in California in spite of the
ready-made encouragement which is bound
10 assaiI d man in his position in the way
OF reminders that he Will never be as great
as his father
Evening star., 1898-12-30
SHOOTING STARS.
The Great Gift-Taker.

'Christmas?' said Lii Hung Chang
Whats that?"
ny, It's a day on which everybody
comes around and gives you something"
"Oh, yes. l have three hundred and sixty
five such days a year and don't notice the
difference"
Evening star., 1898-12-30

The closeness with which he keeps tab
on the calendar as the time TIL 1900 wears
away will probably exempt Mr.. Bryan
from that preverhial mistake in dating his
correspondence next week.
Evening star., 1898-12-30

If Aguinaldo is great a general as he
assumes to be he will show mis- strategic
abilities by keeping out of fight with
General Lawton.
Evening star., 1898-12-30
Where's Grover.
New York Mail and Express.

From the New York Mail and Express
E,x-Queen Liliuokalani has fled a protest
with the Senate against the appropria ZION
or crown lands OF Hawaii by the United
States. Her next step should be to engage
some Great and Coed Friend to act as
eeunse, IN prosecuting the claim.
Evening star., 1898-12-30

Experts say that the war taught little of
any value to military science. This is to
he regretted. although it should be borne
in mind that the war was not undertaken
for that precise purpose.
Evening star., 1898-12-30

The complications resulting from an alli-
ance of Carnegie and Bryan may be more
perplexinS than those arising from the
political relationships of Platt and Roose-
Welt.
Evening star., 1898-12-30

France is naturally mysti1ed as to how
this little misunderstanding In our army
has progressed 50 far without producing
any challenges.
Evening star., 1898-12-30
A Curious Fact,

Procrastination is the thief
OF time. the sages all declare.
And yet the man who'd just as lief
Sit round has time galore to spare.
Evening star., 1898-12-30

Senator Davis regrets 10 observe that
while he was endeavoring to make peace
arrangements in France an attempt AZ var
IN Minnesota was set under way.
Evening star., 1898-12-30

General Eagan will now take his turn at
experiencing the Inconvenience of sup
pressed Indignation.
Evening star., 1898-12-30

1t may be suspected that Russia will not
cease talking peace until it has succeeded
in borrowing all the money 1t needs
Evening star., 1898-12-30

Mr.. Roberts of Utah is now on the ground
with few solemn warnings against retro
active legislation
Evening star., 1898-12-30

The anonymous box of candy should be
regarded with even more suspicion than
the anonymous letter
Evening star., 1898-12-30

DIR. Parkhurst has, about given up ,he
tenderlotn and will hereafter devote him
self to the suppression of the Philippines.
Evening star., 1898-12-30
A COmparfsOn.

I've quit talking craftsmanship" said
the man with the sad blue eyes. Il remind
myself of an accordeon."
Because you utter Giscordant notes,
suppose suggested the jocose friend.
NO. I'm too susceptible to pressure in
any direction. One minute I'm an eXpan-
sionist TO the limit and the next L come out
fiat the other way"
Evening star., 1898-12-30

The Cubans must not fall into the error
OF assuming that they have the United
States government in their employ.
Evening star., 1898-12-30

The balance of base ball trade very sell
dom appears to be 4 favor of Washington.
Evening star., 1898-12-30
In Operation,

That motor you are interested in never
worked, did it?"
'Of course 1t worked was the indignant
reply. 1T never pulled any cars or moved
any machinery. But 1t made money for its
owners and that's more than most in
ventions do"
Evening star., 1898-12-30

Beveridge's. 1918 r ST.
Evening star., 1898-12-30
zxxH n I
~ ~
Closed All Day Monday.
The End of the Year,
The End to All Profits.

SOMORROWS shopping winds up the OF 1868 year.
pregnant with wonderful events the door OF time
We're closing period OF prosperity that has been little
favorable than Washington 1t has been
seltbegoen 1t has been predened
This
deang methods founded squareness Every
promise things then for the cycle: We're
peeve however First though and
looking round be accomplished The holiday
stocks be cleared all The standard lines
be tnned out Reductions we've
grasped the blue pencil with faed
where the expediency of reduction apparent.