davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24

Certificates have been issued to the fol-
Iowing-named Indianians:
Originally Franklin Moore. Evansville, $40;
Samuel Patton, Ligoner, IS; Alexander Gill
more, Berne, IS; Allison Gamble, Evans
vile. s.; Edward Jordan. Marmont, s..
Additional--George w. Johnson, Madison,
Sc TO IS. i.
Increase-Isaac Reed, Cannelton, Sl4 to
SIS; James A. Rodgers, Xincennes, Sc to $12:
John f. Bullock, Franklin. SlI TO $50:
Reissue-John NJ. Donaldson, Washing
ton, S.
Original Widows. etc.-Mary S. Davis
Anderson, IS: Mahala Cruzan, Madison $12;
Peggy Champion, Amo, So; reissue Especial
March III. minor of Christian Berkeley,
Monroe City, $ll.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24
SALES OF REAL ESTATE.
Nine Transfers, with n Total .COnsid-
Grafton of 500. oSA


Instruments filed for record in the recorders
office of Marion county, Indiana, for the twenty
four hours ending at p. m. March 49, 1898 as
furnished by Theo. Stein, abstracter of titles
corner of Market and Pennsylvania streets In
dianapolis. Suite 22s, first office floor, The
Lemcke. Telephone 1850:
Sarah Fryberger to William A. Thomas Lot
o. Floral Park addition Observation-Disclosures. 500
James M. Fitch to Catharine e. Slawson,
Lot 267 Clarks second addition, Haugh-
Nancy M. Malott to James L. Pierce, Lots
lib and 1872 Morton Place. .................. 400
James s. Cruise to George G. Morrison part
OF Lot ~, Fletcher ct ais subdivision.
Outlot y6 etc 200
James +. Elliott to Luther j. A. Campbell
Lot 49, Olleman ct ais Belmont addition $50
Emma F. Metzler to John Metzer ct al,
Lots 125 and 1876 Mobiles subdivision, Out
lot 45, ETC., part of Lot T. Goes subdivi-
sion, Square Al, and Lot 90 Asbury Or
phans Home addition ..................... 1900
William s. Garfield to Iona NJ Stark, Lot
10, McCarty's subdivision, Outlet 10 ...... 2S5O
Iona M. Stark to Amos Clifford ct al, same
lot :.::................. ESQ
William s. Garfield to William T. Haus-
mann; Lot 1877, Reynolds North Tuxedo
Park ........,....s..... ...........,...... 200
Transfers. 9; consideration. ............$ $50 $50
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24
wednesdny,s Bank CIearinms

At Chieago-CIearings, SIG $50, oCo. New York ex-
change, 4vc discount. Foreign exchange posted
rates, A.S2 and SASH.
At New York-CIearings. s11O 1885, $40; balances,
S7l33047
At Boston-Clearings s14.s7s.94S: balances,
81 $685. 49,
At Baltmore-Clearings. $2,3l2,O19; balances,
s4O6, O9S
At MISUNDERSTANDING $40, 500, $685. balances,
81 433599
At st. Lous-Clearings, So, 7S4, S64; balances,
$634. csc.
At New Or.aans-Clearings, $1Os5. 744.
At MISUNDERSTANDING, $345, SIG; balances.
$l07. 553.
Al CillcinnatI-Clearings. s.. Sol. O50.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24
VITAL STATISTICS MARCH %.
Deaths.

Christopher c. Glass. sixty-six years, 17s Had
sley avenue. Bright's disease
Infant Benedict, 2310 Talbot avenue. heart
trouble.
Charles Durkey, seventy-fve years. city, sui
eide
Eliza Searle, seventy-one years, Colorado ave-
nue. and Michigan street, pneumonia.
M. J. Uphold. seventy-three years IA North
West street, heart disease.
Lewis Parker. 'thirty-four years, 514 Fulton
street. la grippe.
Mary McGinty. five years. Harding and Sample
streets congestion.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24

NEW YORK March 23.-Although quiet the
market for metals shows a disposition to do still
better. At the close to-day the Metal Exchange
called pig iron warrants quiet at 1915 bid and
$3.50 asked Lake copper unchanged at H. S712c bid
and 12c asked. Tin firm at 1435c bid and IA 40c
asked. Spelter firm at 4.25c bid and 4.35c asked
Lead steady at 3.72Rc bid and .3.7711c asked. The
firm fixing the settling price for miners and
shelters calls lead unchanged at 3.5Oc.
ST. LOUIS March 2S.-Lead quiet at $3.50
3.5712c. Spelter nominal at 4c.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24
Births.

Hannah and Fred Schwicho, 224 Kansas street
boy.
Anna and Herschel V. Allison, Jackson Park,
boy.
Mrs and Charles P. Benedict, 2S1o Talbot ave-
nue. girl.
Bertha and Walter C Wright, 1s Arbor avenue,
girl.
Emalena and Benjamin f. Shaffer 1916 Olive
street, hoy.
Rosa and Frank d. Ringer. Brightwood girl
Mrs and George Moore Brightwood boy
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24
Elsewhere.

CHICAGO. March 23.-The market for cattle was
weak and about 10c lower from the start. with
slow sales Cattle that good In quality sold
all right. hut other kinds moved of slowly. and
rough lots proved very bad sellers. Sales were on
a basis OF S3.se44 for the commonest lots OF
extra shipping cattle, the bulk OF sales being al
$4.35G5.l0. Stockers and feeders sold largely al
s4.2004.60. A few emaciated cows sold at 81. 75G
2.25. but most OF the sales TO Gamers were al
S2.ss4s, and fat butchering cows and heifers sold
as flign as ever. Bulls were steady. export bulls
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24
NTarrinwe Licenscs

John Cooley and Hester Cheslyn
Frederick NJ. Weber and Lillian b. Case
William III. Driftmeyer and Nora T. Harden
Walter Hays and Bessie l. Salter
Henry j. Thistlewaite and Minnie NJ Dillon
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24
Cotton.

NEW ORLEANS. March 23.-Cotton easy.
Sales 1900 bales. Ordinary, NC good ordinary.
4Bc; low middling $780, midding, SIC; good
midding, 7-16c; mfdding fair, 6Ac Receipts,
6,021 bales; stock, 429, 100 bales.
NEW YORK, March 2S.-Cotton closed quiet
Sales 800 bales
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24
THE INDIANA TRUST COMPANY

consults and advises at any time as to the
making of wills freely and fully, on any
and all points, and this is a matter entirely
separate from executorship. But it also.
in all relations of trusteeshir,
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24
Dried Fruits.

NEW YORK, March 23.--California dried fruits
quiet. Evaporated apples. common, 51Sc; prime
wire tray, Sss@S1sc; wood dried, prime. S4saShc:
choice, S%Q9c fancy, sAq9Ac. Prunes, sl4974c.
Apricots, Royal, 515GD7c; Moor Park, Sh0I0l3c.
Peaches, unpeeled. 5@sc; peeled, 12@l5c.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24

Hogs-Recepts, 1000; shipments. 1900. The sup
ply was light and. the quality generally fair The
market opened weaker and sluggish but the
age of prices was about steady. The extreme top
&c lower. A good clearance was made and
the closing was barely steady.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24
LIVE STOCK.
Butcher Cattle strOng-HOgs Scarce
and LOwer-Sheep Steady.

INDIANAPOLIS. March observation-disclosures
600; shipments. There was a fair supply
The market was strong on butcher grades, while
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24
building Permits.

M. & r. Buehler, porch and frame barn. 1870
North New Jersey street, $780,
Mamie Pfester, frame addition TO 2O2 Oliver
avenue, $780,
Rachel l. Wright, frame house, Frazee street.
Haughville, 81 900.
Lizzie Menefel. frame house, Frazee street.
A. Beckman frame house, Pill Chestnut street,
$780,
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24
The INDIANA TRUST co
Office: Indiana Trust Building.

Good advice is needed in making will
Careful eustodianship is not all A will
wisely made is as important as a will well
made. One may bequeatk an estate as one
affection. and yet do so unwisely in terms
and conditions, and mar IT by faulty GUS
todianship.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24


Butter-Country, choice. Zoe; mixed. SAFE.
Poultry-Hens &c chickens. &c; broilers, Sc;
cocks 31ac: young hen turkeys Sc: TOMS &C:
ducks, SIC; geese, 40c for full feathered soc for
plucked.
Eggs-Strictly fresh. &c
Feathers-Prime geese. SOC per lib; prime duck.
10Q17c per lb.
Beeswax-sOc for yellow, Csc for dark.
Honey-10G13c per ID.
Wool-Medium, unwashed, 19@20c; tub-washed
20025c; bury and unmerchantable. &c less.
HIDES, TALLoW, ETC.
Green-salted Hides-No. 1. SIC; No g SIC;
No. l calf 1Oc; No. calf, SIC.
Grease-White. SC; yellow. 215c; brown, 2he.
Tallow--No. l. &c: No. 2. 2sc
Bones-Dry S12GlS per Ton.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24

1: total, s cars. Corn-No, white 10 cars; No. 4
white /; No 3 mixed. 3; total, IA, cars Oats
No 2 white cars; rejected. 2; total cars
PouIfrN and Other Produce
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24
GUN COTTON.

You might have magazines full OF it, in
stead of one or two torpedo heads. yet fire
on board ship or a shot from an enemy or
an explosion from within or without viii
not detenate this wet gun cotton. Gun cot
ton IS always stored and used wet Dis
titled water Is used 10 wet il and to keep
It wet; in this condition II is the safest ex-
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24

supply CONTINUE small and the market steady.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-24

Price per box Of so square feet Discount, IS
per cent
6x8 to lOx15-single: IA, $780, A, s1s.25; B.
11xI4 and l2x13 to 14x2o-Single: AA, $780, A.
$3.50; b, SHIPS; C. $780, Double: AA $3.50; A.
$26.25; b, $24.50.
lOx22 and 2Ox2O to 2OxsO-Single: AA, s25; A, $2s;
B. s2l. Double: IA $3.50; A. s3l.75; b, s2s75.
I0x26 to l6x24-Single: "A, S22; a, $40; b, $3.50;
c. S17.75 Double: "A. $31.25; A, $3.50; b, see 25
26x34 to 2Sx32 and 30x30 TO 3Ox40-Single: IA
$z2.75: b. $685.
isxsS to 24xSo-single; "A. ST. A, $3.50; B. s22
Double; AA, $50. so; A. 1875; b. $50. 60
2ex2S to 24xS6-Single: IA, $50; A. $2G.75. b, s24
Double: AA, Sal: A. 1878; b. 1876.
32xSS and 34xS6 to 30x5G-Single: IA, $40 A.
$3.50; b. $50. Double IA, $50; A. $3.50; B.
$3.50.
SOx52 to sOx54-Sngle: IA. sH.25; A. $3.50; b.
$50. Is. Double: IA $57; A. $51.75. b. $46.50
SOx56 to y4x56--Double: IA. $3.50: A. $50; b.
S4S.50.
slx5s to 24xso-Double: AA. $50; A. $3.50; b, s52
36xe0 to 40Q60-Double IA SEC 20: A. 5000; B.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-10-29

poses of commerce these dangerous
substances as to develop their power.
1t is now claimed that both these
desiderata have been reached, and that
the fiery gun. cotton and smokeless
powder can he handled as safely as II
child's toy.
Simple as the process may seem, a
visit TO the laboratory of powder
works is somewhat of q revelation.
All the acids used have to be just a
certain strength at every stage of the
game, constant work has to be done tu
insure everything being perfect other
wise the slightest carelessless or indis'
cretion may give the surrounding towns
one of those severe shocks which un-
fortunately are not uncommon. 1t Ii
without doubt very reassuring to be
told by self-contained expert that ev-
erything is perfectly safe, that child
could handle it, and there is no dan
ger so long as the people pay attention
to what they are doing, but while all
assurances are being given my mind
could not help reverting to The fact
that about once year it is necessary
10 hold an inquest over the remains OF
those who are never left in such condi'
ton as to explain how it happened.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-10-29
SNAKES To MAKE RAIN.
How the Mayor of Macon Broke Up a
Long Drought.


How the Mayor of Macon Broke Up a
Long Drought.
From the Atlanta Constitution.
Macon, Ga, had long season OF
dry, scorching weather. Vegetation
and "garden sass" it seemed, were
burned up under the fierce rays of a
southern sun the parched earth gasp
ed for sustenance and the Maconites
were in despair; but Macon has chief
magistrate who is wonder.
He remembered that before the days
of professional rainmaking, when he,
as happy, youthful genius, wanted
rain, he would proceed to catch moe
casin snake, or a ''coachwhip," or
"chicken snake" or some other of the
harmless species with which the fields
abound, turn it up, with the shiny side
of it's anatomy toward the glowing
heavens, and in the desired time would
come the refreshing showers sure
enough. He remembered that this
scheme never failed, and he so told his
astonished fellow citizens of Macon
when they called upon him to explain
the meaning of the following singular
advertisement, which, the Lancaster
Iutelligencer says, he inserted in the
local paper:
"Snakes Wanted-I will pay 81 each
for one blacksnake, one chicken.snake,
one coachwhip, and one moccasin,
dead or live, delivered to me at the
City Hall will purchase from person
first applying. S. B. Price, Mayor,
city of Macon"
The modest announcement brought
to the mayor of Macon an abundance
of snakes of the sort asked for-morr,
in fact, than the sagacious magistrate
needed. They came by scores; some
in boxes, some tied on the ends of poles,
while some, it is chronicled, crawled
up to the mayors Office on their own
account. The mayor took enough
snakes to decorate every tree around
the city hall, and that almost before
he had completed the task great banks
of cloud rolled over the heavens, the
mayor, whose greatness even permit
ted him to wink facetiously while this
was going on, triumphantly assuring
his admiring constituents that he
knew he had sure thing.
The downpour of rain that followed
that reptiian appeal to Jupiter Pluvi-
us under magisterial auspices fully US
tilted the experiment, and doubtless
assures the mayor another renomina-
ton. "Refreshing showers" The
Telegraph gleefully exclaims, "werr
the cause of much joy and gladness.
All the nature took on brighter and
happier look, and everybody felt bet
ter"
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-10-29

WHAT He FoUND.-A group Of
merry commercial travellers were seat
ed in a smoking room, when suddenly
Bodkins volunteered story of re,
markable find he once had. "When
was young man." commenced the
irrepressible B., II was employed in Q
large house in city, and, as usua
with persons of that age, fell in love
with a young lady, and in due course
of time was engaged. About two
months before our marriage was to take
place, was suddenly sent to Austria
liza, on very important business, occa'
stoned by the death of one of the firm
in that country. l took hasty and
affectionate leave of my intended
with the promise to write to each 9th
er often.
w was detained somewhat longer than
expected, but just before sailed fol
home 1 bought handsome and valua'
BILE ring, intending it as a coming
home present for my sweetheart. As
I was nearing the shore and reading
the paper which the pilot had brought
on board, curiously enoug n my eye fell
on the marriages. and there l saw an
announcement of her marriage with
another-a fellow I knew very well
too-which so enraged me that in my
passion threw the ring overheard
A few days later I was dining at this
hotel; fish was serve up, and in eating
it bit of something hard, and what
do you suppose it WASP"
"The diamond ring" exclaimed
several.
"No," said the merry Bodkins, pre-
serving the same gravity, ''it was
fish bone."
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-10-29
NOTICE OF ELECTION
For Member of Congress-Fifth
District.

A N ELECTION will be held on 'TU ES-
n DAY, NOVEMBER Sth, 1898, at the
legally established polling precincts in
York county, for n REPRESENTATIVE
from the FIFTH Congressional District
in the FIFTY.SIXTH CONGRESS of
the United States.
The polls will he opened at a. M, and
kept open without intermission until 4
o'clock p. m.
The following named persons have been
appointed to manage said election, to-
wit:
Antioch-D. l.. Black, s. E. McFadden, T. L.
Bates.
Bethel-R. NJ. Barnett, R. A. Barnett, ]. B.
Ford.
Bethany. NJ. Thomasson, Felix Quinn, ].
Blairsville-s. A. Mitchell, ]. n. Russell, ia.
Maloney.
Bullock's Creck-Kelly Inman, w. f. Good,
Clover-J. q. Howe, J. P. siford, j. NJ. Ford.
Coates's Tavern-J. R. Gettys, w. P. Crook,
C!ark's Fork-E. n. Wilson, B. NJ. Love, R.
NJ. Wallace.
Ebenezer-A. X. Smith, ]. R. Poag. R. B.
Fort Miil-C. P. Blankenship, D. o. Potts, ].
ID. Withers.
Forest Hil-W. j. Anderson, j. j. Brandon,
Perry Ferguson.
Hickory Grove-Jos. w. Leech, H. R. Neel,
Robert l.. Pursley.
McConnelsville-S. H. Love, A. w. GLADDEN.,
J. Mack Moore.
NewpOrt-A. NJ. Black, T. B. Glenn, J. A.
ROCK Hiil.T. c. Beckham, j. F. wingate,
j. H. McFadden.
Sharon-S. S. Plexico, John NJ. Russell, ].
smyrna-W. c. whitesides, ]. w. Quinn,
w. W. Whitesides.
Tirzah-J. R. Conner j. S. Sadler, Jr., A. P.
Yorkville-E. A. Crawford, ST., T. w. Claw
son, l. B. Gordon.
The managers shall administer to each
person offering to vote, an oath that he is
qualified to vote at this election, accord
| ing to the constitution Of this state, and
that he has not voted during this election.
In addition to the oath, the managers of
election shall require of every elector
offering to vote at this election, before
allowing him to vote-in addition to the
production Of registration certificate
proof of the payment of all taxes, inclu-
ding poll tax, assessed against him and
collectible during the previous year.
The production of a certificate, or of the
receipt of the officer authorized to collect
such taxes, shall be conclusive proof Of
the payment thereof.
One of the above named managers at
each box will call upon the Board of
Commissioners at Yorkville on NOVEM-
BER 5TH, 1898, to receive the ballot box
es, poll lists and instructions, and to be
qualified.
J. II. H SAVE, FederalElections.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-10-29

AN INCoRRIGIBLE.-The kind heart
ed man was several miles from the city
when he dismounted in the middle o
the arid road because tramp dodgec
from side to side in front of his bicycle
"What did you do that for ?" inquir
ed the rider.
"Mister, l want to talk to ye."
"You're liable 10 get into trouble i
you act that way every time you ge'
lonesome"
81 won't detain you only minute
merely wanted to ask you for five
cents. An lemme tell you somethin
else. I don't want it fur Ticker.
know dat suspicion always come up IL
a gents mind whenever anybody ht
amt we'll acquainted with axes i'm ful
FIVE cents. But dis is a case where yol
amt takin' no chances"
"Well, here's your nickel. | hope
you are not deceiving me-"
"No, sir" he replied, as he pocketee
the money. II kin give We complete
assurance dat don't want dit money
to buy Ticker. What / wanted vic
your five cents was to pay me car fare
to de saloon"
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-10-29

the worst man in each ward as a means
of purifying the city. In order that
there may be no mistakes made, he
proposes that the citizens of each ward
decide by vote who the worst citizen
is. The man receiving the highest
number of votes shall then be hanged
at noon January l by a hangman ap-
pointed by the mayor.
Candidates for the moose will he
those of moral and personal wicked
ness, and not only the men, but the
women should he entitled to vote.
Smyth is perfectly honest and serious
in his proposition, and he says it would
unquestionably result in purifying the
social conditions of the city quicker
than any other known game.
He advances the argument that
there are many wicked men in every
ward, and that the world would be bet
ter off if they were dead, but that it
would be impracticable to hang them
all. He believes that one would be an
example, a martyr to the cause OF
social purity, and that the natural re
suit would be that other wicked men
of the ward would at once realize that
another New Years day was approach
ing, and that unless they reformed that
they might get the largest vote at the
polls.
He states that the fear of this would
drive the men, perhaps, out of the
city, and that the law would have the
same result. He believes that such d
law could be enacted, and that ii
would be a just one. He argues that
every man would virtually be his own
executioner, and the only safety for
the inhabitants of the ward would be
good conduct. There are 90 wards in
St. Louis and Smyth says that if 29
thoroughly bad men were hanged Jan
uary l, it would have the effect ul
bringing those left behind to realiza
ton of the fact that another day OF
reckoning was coming.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-10-29
A LANGUAGE FOR THE LEARNED.

The following illustration of chllds
spelling lesson, and her apt conclusion
in regard to the photography of the
English language, is taken from the
New York Times:
"Spell toes" said the mother, who
was teaching her little daughter, seven
years old, TO spell.
"T.o.z e." answered the child.
"No, dear; that's not right. Toes
spells toes"
but it sounds like t-oz.e.'
II know it, but you cannot 60 by
the sound"
Then, i'm order to enforce the prop
osition, the mother called upon her
daughter to spell froze.
"F-r-o-e.s," said the child.
"No, you're wrong again. This
time we do use the z, and spell the
word f-r-o-z-e."
"Huh !' exclaimed the child.
"Now spell rose" said the mother.
The child hesitated. Finally, she
said ~ don't know whether to say
r-o.z.e or r-o-e-s."
"Spell it r-o-s-e," said the mother,
"though there is another word pro-
nounced just like it that's spelled
r-o-e.s. That word is the name of the
spawn of fishes"
The child looked perplexed.
"Just one word more," said the
mother. "Tell me how you spell
blows"
"Well," said the little girl, who had
quite enough nonsense, as she viewed
it, from her mother, and had suddenly
made up her mind to pay back in
kind, II spell it three ways. spell it
b-l-o.s-e for breakfast, b-l-o-e-s for
dinner and b-l-o-z.e for supper"
Ispell it b-l-o-w-s," said the mother.
The child was silent for a minute as
if wrapped in thought; then, looking
up, she solemnly remarked 81 think,
mamma, the English language was
made for people very, very well
educated"
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1898-10-29
MAKING SMOKELESS POWDER.
Old Clothes Enter Largely Into the Com
position of the Explosives.

Old Clothes Enter Largely Into the Com
position of the Explosives.
From the San Francisco Chronicle.
One million pounds of smokeless
powder, and if the manufacturers
could obtain a sufficient number OF
old white shirts and other garments
they would prefer to make every
ounce of the order from them
1t has been found during the expe-
riments of the past few months that
old cotton goods, commonly called
"linen," make the most perfect quality
of smokeless powder, and the powder
companies are busily searching through
every known channel to procure the
needed quantities of this kind of ma
terial.
At the works at Pinole there are
sacks of old cotton which has been
torn into strips and cleansed for the
purpose of making the very latest kind
of smokeless powder. Sacks by the
hundreds, sacks by the thousands,
sacks by the tens of thousands-old
shirts by the ton. These are gathered
from all quarters and stored at the
works to be used daily in enormous
quantities. The process of developing
sackful of old linen into material
that will blow up warship is neither
intricate nor comparatively expensive,
and yet but 80 years have elapsed since
the discovery was made that rendered
such transition possible. 1t was in
1888 that Pelouse observed that when
cotton fabric or paper was immersed
in cold concentrated nitric acid for a
short time, the free acid being subse-
quently removed by washing, these
materials became without important
alteration of structure converted into
substances possessed Of high explosive
properties. A little later Knop intro
duced the more advantageous method
of treating the cotton wool with a
mixture of nitric and sulphuric acid,
and from that date on various chem
ical experiments and discoveries have
been made until it is now believed that
the point has been reached where this
dangerous material is of the highest
explosive power possible.
While these researches were being
conducted it was almost as important
to learn how to handle for the pur-