davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01
A STRIKING LETTER.

In connection with the Dreyfcs contro.
versy, Jewish officer Of high rank in the
French army has written a striking let
Ter 70 Paul de Cassagnac, whose anti
Semitic sentiments are wen known and
have been often proclaimed through his
paper, PAutorlte. The letter was not in
tended for publication, bat M. de Cas-
sagnac prints It in l'Autorite. because ne
says he thinks impartiaIity in such grave
discussions IS a duty.
The writer Of the letter does not de-
fend Dreyfus, but he asks would II not
DO possible with the argument used In
the case OF that unfortunate officer TO
condemn any other religious cooperative,
or chronological group in whose ranks
might be found an unworthy representa-
tive. The writer then calls NJ. dc Cas-
fagnac's attention to the services Of his
race TO France Il would remind YOU"
he says that one Of the first officers to
enter the breach at the Malakon was
Captain See. Jew. and that the last
Jlaraliels were only traced under the
deadly Gre Of the Russians. thanks to the
coclness and fertile resources OF another
iraelite officer OF engineers, Command
ant HInslen. would remind you that in
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01
The poII-Tnx Prerequisite.

To the Editor of the Dispatch:
/ have read your editorial OF the 2Sth.
relating to my proposed constitutional
amendment. providing for payment of
the capitation tax as a prerequisite to
voting.
While, in the main, you recognize the
necessity for some such amendment, you
express some doubt as to the practical
operation of such a law, based upon past
experience, and some apprehension that
1t would not be acceptable to the people.
| think the force of your objection has
been met by the provisions of the pro-
posed amendment in question. The propo-
stion provides that no person shall be
allowed to vote who is delinquent as TO
the payment Of the capitation-tax; in
other words, who has not paid the capita
tion-tax by the first day of July. i admit
that this particular date has been fixed
with some idea of conforming to another
amendment proposed by Senator Keezell,
RELOCATING the county elections Of May
TO the date of the November elections.
But you will readily see that the main
objection to be urged against the poll-tax
prerequisite can be readily obviated by
limiting the time for payment 10 any date
sufficiently in advance of the date OF cleo
ton to prevent the use of tax-receipts
for political ends.
The date proposed will fall at least four
months before the date of the November
election, and even before conventions are
usually held for legislative, State, or
congressional nominations. With our
present system of voting-by secret bal
lott is inconceivable. think, that any
successful attempt could be made TO pros
titute the law to the service of party
purposes.
That there is a crying need for such
constitutional amendment cannot be
doubted.
The Auditors report shows that the
State is annually losing, on capitation-
taxes alone. S122 9i7. The loss Of this large
sum to the public schools necessitates
the burdensome assessment under which
the property of the State is grooming.
Richmond city participates in this loss
TO the sum of s470S annually, and in
many of the counties the figures are pro-
portionately astonishing.
/ believe the present Assembly will
commit itself to this proposition, and
from the number of concentrations
have received from different parts of the
State since this resolution has been on
it's passage, l believe there is a wide
spread and popular demand behind it,.
One of two good results would certainly
follow the practical operation Of this
law-the State would get more money, or
a class of votes would be eliminated from
a share In State Government that might
profitably be dispensed with In my own
judgment, l am frank TO say that If this
tax could be annually collected, and
plan devised by which a proper assess
ment could be laid on the personal pro-
perties of the State, the serious problem
which now confronts US would be solved,
to the satisfaction of our present neces-
stiles. Respectfully,
GEORGE LeCATO.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01

this same campaign one OF the chie'S ~ =.
the medical service. IN the mios' -
cholera and typhus, was Dr. Michei s'e's'
And have you" he anks, read "na'
General Ducrot. who was anything oo'
phllo-semltic, says In his 'Deieh'e ue
PARIS about commandant Franche'u'
Killed by nis side. and about comman'a"'
Cohen? And do you know he queries
further. that in our last coionlai cam
palgns three Jewish officers feh III 'nc
Dahomcy and Tonquin wars?'
In the same issue Of his paper NJ DC
cassaenac replies to his correspondent
but If the cabled summary Of that reply
docs him justice, the director OF rAuto-
rite begs the question. and that too III
ignoble fashion. He makes no case
against the race on the ostensible issue
that OF conducting the campaign against
The French army" but he does make
sad case against the anti-semites IN the
matter OF desiring to keep down the race
because of its ability to prosper.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01
BANQUET GIVEN ny GENERAL LEE
Honor TO the Omcers of the Mnine--
A BnIi-FigIsf.

Sunday morning United-States-consal-
Lee gave a banquet at the Habaua Yacht
.Club-House. at Mariana Beach, Habana, to
the officers Of the United States warship
Maine. The guests Of the occasion were
Commander SIgsbee. Lieutenants Cattlin.
Holman. Hood. and Jungcn, Chaplain
Chadwick, Paymaster Litt!eheld. DIR. Hen
rsberger. Chief-Engineer Howell and
Cadets Holden, and Boyd.
The company included also several we'll
known American residents and represent
tatlvcB OF the English and American press
residing IN Habana. Mesgrs. Atkins. Cal6-
wen. Halstead. Hilsert, Lame, Pepper,
and Scovel
Consul-General Lee presided, assisted
by Mathematician Springer. The
former proposed Commander Sigsbee and
the splendid officers Of the Maine"
Commander Sigsbee responded and then
proposed "rhe United States and Consul
General Fitzhugh Lee. It's representative
in Cuba" There were no other toasts.
Consul-General Lee, Eice-Consul-Gene-
raj Springer. and another member Of the
party distributed aims among a number
of poor people whom curiosity had at
tracted to the clubhouse.
After the banquet several officers Of the
Maine witnessed bull fight, a box having
been provided for them by Acting-Cap-
tain-General Parade. The attraction
was Mazzantini, SPANS most celebrated
bull-fghter.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01
Easy Solution of Our Financial Pro-
bIem.

! To the Editor of the Dispatch:
The fame of the present session of the
! Virginia General Assembly has reached
| far beyond the confines of her own mar
| row borders. Not so much for what our
| solons have done. Not so much for what
they have not done. But for what they
| have attempted to do. However, II is but
due some of these honorable gentlemen
| that we add that a minority can accom-
plsh little.
The various climatic differences. the
varied industries, and the diversity of
conditions brought about by the hand of
Nature in the construction of this old
Commonwealth, make it almost impos-
sble to levy special tax within her
borders now, as what falls upon the
fruits of the sea or bay cannot effect the
mountain and what effects the valleys
can effect neither mountain nor the sea.
Let a representative arise in our halls
here to retrench. II he be from the
mountains, he will suggest a tax upon
the oyster. The gentleman from the
Tidewater is on his feet, and In turn
tells of how his constituency are now
already overburdened. This brings on a
debate of perhaps a day. The next day
the Tidewater gentleman finds relief in
introducing a measure that will solve the
problem and bring immediate relief. He
names hemlock, coal, iron, MOSES (other
than sea), lichens. and mountain goats
This brings the champion OF the noun
tain district to his feet. and another dis
cussion. They agree, however, TO COM
promise and levy the much-needed reve-
nue. where no one can complain. and they
agree to jointly assail % the interest of
the "betwXt and between" representa-
tive, by suggesting the fruits of the Val
ley. And so IL goes, ad infinitum. No
thing done-no retrenchment no reform
The writer wishes to lay bare before
this august body a few stubborn facts
The dog industry is to-day one of the
largest in the world. 1t Is confined to
no particular class. No particular coun-
try. No peculiar conditions necessary
that they may propagate, multiply, in
crease, and replenish the EARTH but
wherever mans feet has trodden, here
we find his best friend-the dog. He Is
used by some as a protection to their
homes. BY others as a helpmeet TO pro-
vide food and raiment for the family. BY
no few TO search In the snow-storms for
missing friends or relatives. He Is
used by cities and States 10 run down
criminals And lastly. and by no means
least he is being used to-day In place OF
wealthy TO Klondke. Yet the rog Is I'M
taxed. He presents q source OF revenue
that falls alike upon the just and the
unjust. Adapted TO no peculiar locality.
we do not see how a representative of
any section could use the defence here
tofore set forth In the General Assembly
Every dog-owner would be architect OF
his own taxes. II he wished to evade this
tax a means OF escape is offered--kill or
dispose OF his animal.
Taking tho last census as basis, we
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01
What the Legislature Ought to
Know.

| To the Editor of the Dispatch:
The bill which recently passed the Sen
ate of Virginia abolishing fees for wit
ness attendance in all misdemeanor
cases Is universally condemned here.
AS magistrates are clothed with ex-
elusive original jurisdiction In all cases
of misdemeanor, the obvious and logical
effect and purpose of the proposed law
Is to handicap and cripple the admins
tration of this useful. convenient and
economical adjunct Of the State judiciary.
Certainly, no fair-minded MAGISTRATE will
think of requiring a sovereign citizen to
lay aside his work on the farm. whether
II be an arabic or an oyster farm. or quit
MS shop or factory and travel anywhere
from one TO twelve miles. and, perhaps,
hlro conveyance or pay car fare, with
out just compensation for such public
service, when, IN almost every case OF
conviction, the State receives a fine of
from $3.50 to SO. or more.
The statute allowing mileage to men,
bers Of the General Assembly. Circuit and
County Court judges, jurors, and super
visors. and denying Il to witnesses. is
legislation Of the most reprehensible
type-legislation, which is forbidden by
the Constitution. and by every considera-
ton OF justice. equity. and common sense.
The supporters of such a measure would
do well to put on their thinking caps and
study their "torts," and especially. the
State and national constitutions before
again attempting to exercise the high
prerogatives and functions of solons.
Ii Is very much to be suspected that
these are they who, while elected on an
issue of economical reform and retrench-
ment. are really multiplying offices of
sweet and attractive SAVIOR We are
watching the result OF efforts to make
a sinecure of the office Of the central
figure of the State Board of Education,
by gently shifting its plain duties and
responsibilities upon those whose daily
pabulum is dry Greek verbs and roots
logarithms, euclid, and calculus, and
whose ethereal environment totally unfit
them to prepare practical examinations
within the scope of ordinary public school
teachers.
Article VI, Amendments to the Con-
stitution Of the United States. declares:
In ali criminal prosecutions, the accused
shall enjoy the right to a speedy and
public trial to be confronted
with the witnesses against him; to have
compulsory process for obtaining wit
nesses in his favor
Query: Can the State take the property
or compel the service of a citizen with
out adequate compensation. l reply: 1t
would prove a dangerous experiment
Mathews, Va. A. J. MILLER.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01

| estimate that we have 1.65c.o00 population
| In the State; 2S1 200 dogs subject TO taxa
| ton. consisting OF ''mongrel. puppy,
| wheip. and hound. and ours OF low de-
| gree Our plan Is to levy per capita
| tax Of 81 on the dog. regardless OF his
| or her ancestry: the minimum valuation
| OF this dog shall be SO. II Mr. A thinks
his dog worth more than Mr. DIS dog by
reason OF his individuality and distin-
guished parentage. let Mr.. A pay an
ad valorem tax on his dog for all over
$50. On the per capita alone this would
bring into the Treasury annually 1891 200.
We make this point: This tax would
fall Unfortunately upon every portion
Of the State. Then long. krotted prob
lem to the sheep husbandry, we think.
Will have been solved IL would have
tendency TO Kill out lot OF the worth
less ours with which we are to-day
afflicted, and as all will attest the love
OF this dclectable edible Is confined to
this degenerate strain OF the canine race.
The traditional fondness OF the "nigger
for the yaller dog Will lose none OF its
effectiveness. and II those who gain no
thing directly by the depredations Of the
aforesaid "yaller dogs" depredatons. do
let the State at large enjoy the revenue
In conclusion, we will summarize: Who
viii object to this measure? The humblest
darby on earth would part with his
cow before he would see the Sheriff
take "Oe Remus." The Valley farmer
would pay four times the tax rather than
do without the services of "Shep."
Rip Van Wrinkle would have yet been
quietly doing had he not feared that
some vandal would either steal or poison
his trusted watch" Poor Lazarus-and
we say II with all reverence and without
blasphemy-would, we believe. have con-
tributed literally to keep by his side his
ministering canine friend.
Lastly. the sportsmen, who are daily
advertising for lost dogs" would hail
with delight the law that allows him to
call his dog his own. This seems to us
feasible, and must come sooner or later.
Then, in the name of justice, why not
stop this giddy legislation. Anti-foot-
ball. anti-firting. anti-old maid. and anti
old bachelor. and let the dog become the
properly OF the owner, and whatsoever
the Virginia Legislature joins together
let no man put asunder. Very truly, etc..
X. r. RADCLIFFE.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01

The Rev. DR.. Joseph T. Smith, ex-Mode-
rator of the Presbyterian General AS
sembly. and pastor emeritus of the Gen.
trail Presbyterian church, of Baltimore,
has taken firm stand against the use
of unfermented wine at the communion
service. He is now supplying the pulpit
OF his old church during a vacancy in
the pastorate, and has positively declined
to take any part in the communion SER
vice so long as unfermented wine is used.
His son. the Rev. j. Richie Smith, of the
PRESBYTERIAN church of Peeksville, n. Y,
officiated in his fathers place at the last
communion service in the Central church.
when asked as to his objections to the
use of unfermented wine, DR.. Smith would
only say that men have their individual
tastes and opinions. and have just right
TO them. The General Assembly has
permitted the use of unfermented wines,
and the session of the Central church
decided some time ago to use it.
DR.. Smith was for nearly half a century
prominent in the Church councils. He
was chairman Of the Committee on Or
eanic Union with the Southern Church,
and a member Of the committee 10 re-
wise the proof texts of the Confession Of
Faith,
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01
CROPS OF THE COUNTRY.
Finnl Government Estimate of Acre
age, Production, md Value.

WASHINGTON, January S.-The final
estimates OF acreage. production, and
value of the crops in the United States
for 1897 made by the statistician OF the
Department of Agriculture, are as fol-
lows:
Corn, s,OO5, 101 acres; 1,9O2967,sS3 bushels;
$501. O72, 952 value.
Wheat. 80. 465. Oes acres; 5SO149,16S BUSH
els: si2S, 5i712l value.
oats. Is, 73O.s75 acres; 6sS,7e7,so9 bushels;
S147974,7l9 value.
Rye, 1,7O3,56l acres; 7,363,S4 bushels;
81. 239, 6i7 value.
Barley. 2n9.1I6 acres; 66.sS5,127 bushels;
S25.1421 1879 value.
Buckwheat, 717,S36 acres; 1897 5l bush
els; S6,3l9,1SS value.
Potatoes. 2.53457 acres; 16i,0l5964 BUSH
els sS9, 663, O5S value.
Hay, AZ, 426,77O acres; 6O,ssiS76 tons; siol,-
$780, 28 value.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01

The New York Tribune, which is
usually good authority in such matters,
announces that all of the Vanderbilt
railroad properties are to be CONSOLE
dated into one company and placed I'M
der one directorate. The plan is said 10
be William X. Vanderbilt's, but it is
said that Chauncey Depew VIII be re-
tanned at the head Of the management.
The Tribune, after referring to the
proposed amalgaration of Vanderbilts
railroads in New York. adds:
1.-THE next step 10 be taken. as was
learned yesterday from most trust
worthy source, in this gigantic plan OF
consolidation is the merging of the
Cleveland. Cincinnati, Chicago, and ST.
Louis railroad. generally known as the
Big Four, with the Chesapeake ana
Ohio. under the name of the former.
How this will be done can be readily
seen. Melville Il. ingalls, is now presi-
dent of both roads. The Big Four is a
Vanderbilt property. Cornelius Wander
bilt is chairman of the Board of d.
rectors. Frederick w. Vanderbilt, II.
Mckay Twombly ]. u. Laying, William
X. Vanderbilt, and Chauncey NJ. Depew
are all members of the board. The road
operates ,S3S miles of road, and is CAPT.
tailed at 1887 900. 1t connects with
the Lake Shore at Cleveland, and has
through line TO Cincinnati. going
through Columbus, and above Columbus
branches off TO Indianapolis and st.
Louis 1t is a great property, and has a
complete traffic understanding and
through-train arrangement with the
. New York Central and the Lake Shore.
1.-THE Chesapeake and Ohio's afhlia-
lions with the Big -Four, and incidental
" the Vanderbilt system. can be
readily understood when the president
is at the head of both roads The
Chesapeake and Ohio is not so openly
Vanderbilt line, but the Vanderbilt in
terests control. Samuel Spencer, George
T. Bliss, and Chauncey NJ. Depew are
directors in the road. The road operates
1916 miles of roads, and is capitalized
at Sl3. OOO 900 first preferred, S20O0,OO0 Sc
cond preferred and S6O.495O 600 common.
1t does a large freight. coal, and passen-
ger business out of Cincinnati, and
through Virginia and West Virginia"
If this statement means that the Ches-
apeake and Ohio is to have a closer work.
ing arrangement with the Big Four and
with the other Vanderbilt roads, it may
be true. That is quite likely, indeed; but
If the writer means that the Chesapeake
and Ohio is TO be recognized under a
new name and charter, we believe he is
grossly in error. The times are not OPP
perfume for any such movement, even If
it were desirable-as TO which there may
be much doubt.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01
Southwark Away.

(iaurice Thompson. in the Independent
Once more. o sweet. We southwark dip,
Bidding the snow good-by;
The frozen hills behind us slip,
The sounds of winter die.
Beyond Ohio's wandering flood
We hurtle. wing by wing;
Far, far ahead in some green wood
/ hear a moqueur sing!
The orange orchards CLEAN across
Dim miles of tender haze,
And through the wells of old, old moss
The roses burst and blaze.
The Gulf-caps greet US; full ard fair
The moon blooms en- the sea,
And shreds OF glory film the air
For love of you and me.
Harken, harken, soft and clear
The flutes Of welcome blow!
All nature speeds our coming. dear,
For Love goes where We go.
oh. all for us the Gulf was made.
The blue sky curved down:
For US was built, In sheen and shade.
Old Bay st. Louis town.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01
Mr.. Lewis's Affair of Honor.
Washington Post.O


Representative James Hamilton Lewis
OF Washington State, is a peaceful man.
but in his boyhood days he engaged IN
what is frequently termed IAN affair Oh
honor" for which he bears scar on his
person at the present time. Many people
know that Mr.. Lewis was born down AT
Danville. Va, and that he was educated
at the University of Virginia. The exact
details Of the affair have never been made
public. but Mr.. Lewis became involved
through the rashness of one of his college
friends. not as a principal, but as a Sc
cond. A sequestered spot was sefecteu,
the weapons were decided upon, and the
valorOus youths set out for the field Oh
honor to seek each others blood.
While II is uncertain how much the
principals bled to avenge supposed In
suits. IL is known that Mr.. Lewis, in some
unexplained manner, was mixed up in the
encounter so that he Withdrew, after the
action. with a badly wounded hand. 80
the Washington State law-maker bears
the scars of battle, not upon his race, as
German students are proud 10 90, out
upon one of those soft, velvety hands
with which he makes graceful gestures
when charming the House with his ora
tory.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01
coLIEaE CLAIMS.

The passage by the United States
House OF Representatives. on Thursoa,
last. Of the bill for the relief OF th'
Methodist Publishing House. OF Nash
vile. was largely due to the able leader
ship OF General Grosvenor, OF Ohio.
The claim Is perfectly just one
Upon the occupation OF Nashville by the
Federal forces. the property in question
was taken possession of by order Oh
tho commanding general. and was
long thereafter used for army purposes
Moreover. great changes In the buildings
were made to suit those purposes, and
thereby the buildings were much injured
All these facts were clearly shown du-
ring the debate In the House. and the re-
suit was the passage of bill appro-
priating S2SS.cOO to repay the Methodist
Publishing House for the use of and In
Jury to the property in question
The claim Of Richmond College Is an
analogous one. and we trust Congress
man Lamb will use his best exertions
TO interest in It the distinguished Ohioan,
General Grosvenor. Practically speaking.
the war was over in Virginia when the
Federal troops occupied the buildings or
Richmond College. It's claim against
the government is just and moderate,
and ought TO have been paid long ago.
1t has been the subject of special at
tention from all the gentlemen who have
represented the Richmond District of
late years. but no one was ever more
active in this behalf than is Captain John
I.ap,h
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01
THE RICHMOND DISPATCH,


The DAILY DISPATCH Is delivered to
subscribers az FIFTY CENTS per
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Subscriptions In all cases payable IN
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tered letter. Currency sent by mail VIII
be AZ the risk OF the sender. Subscribers
wishing their post-ofiice changed must
give their old as wen as their new post
Office. Sample copies free.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01
EmnOrin Mntters.

EMPORIA. VA, January a.-(Special)
Mrs. Mary Ann Powell an esteemed
Christian lady, died at the residence or
her son, william NJ Powell Esq. yes
terday morning. Mrs. Powell had been
sick for some time, and her death was
not unexpected. Mrs. Powell leaves three
children and several grandchildren TO
mourn their loss. The interment took
place this afternoon from the family
burying-ground, Rev. Vernon PAnson OFF,
ciating.
The Board of Supervisors met to-day in
called meeting and transacted routine
business. Mr.. Charles Baker, the newly
appointed member from Bellheld District,
took his seat for the first time.