davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17

In shipbuildlng. the budgets for increas-
ing the navies OF the powers OF any
note are about equal. In the list Of
coast defense vessels are classed the
monitors of the United States navy.
These vessels, while not having the
speed OF the larger and seagoing fight
ing ships, are capable OF doing more
than coast defense service They could
easily hold off a large squadron of fight
ing ships or prevent them from entering
or leaving a place where the channel
was narrow. Even IL called into action
In deep water they would be certain to
give a good account OF themselves
or the armies that could be mustered
in a war IA poutrance" opinions differ.
but IL is safe TO say that more than
100, 900, 900 men would be put in the fleld
from the time the affair started until
peace was declared Military scientists,
after long study OF the resources OF the
nations, have decided that in a dire ex-
tremity one In every six OF the popula-
ton OF civilized countries can be called
for military duty. and as such a war
as the one described would naturally
bring out the greatest possible strength
OF each power the following table has
been compiled that the reader may
get some insight into the amount OF
human fighting material that would be
involved in what would practically be
war in which the whole world would
be engaged. As the struggle would be
one to the death IL seems needless 20
say that every male capable of bearing
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17
AN ANECDOTE OF
ADMIRAL SCHLEY.

When In doubt, play trurnps-"
Many stories have gone the rounds
concerning Admiral Schley since he has
again come into prominence. Some OF
these have brought out the lighting
spirit OF the quiet old gentleman" as
he is sometimes called by the officers
of the ''steerage mess" There Is cne.
however. which has never been told
IL happened last year. when he was
captain and only a few weeks before
he was detached from command of the
flagship New York and ordered TO duty
as president Of the lighthouse board.
The flagship had arrived at the an
chorage off Tompkinsville. ~ ". one
day last summer after completing the
maneuvcrs with the squadron then un-
der command OF Admiral Sicard. The
ship was ordered 20 the Brooklyn navy
yard for repairs and needed alterations
after the long cruise. On the morning
the ship started for the yard and while
she was on her way up the bay smoke
was seen issuing from the matches over
the forward s inch magazines. The
alarms did not work. and the FIRE was
well under way before 1t was discov-
cred. Word was passed to the officer
of the deck. who in turn notified the
executive officer. Fire quarters" were
sounded. and in less time than II takes
to tell 1t the men were at their stations.
The matches were opened. and several
men jumped into the magazine. out of
which the dense smoke poured. They
groped their way in the darkness in
search OF the fire. They were brave
fellows 1t was dangerous place, for
no one could tell when the powder
"A. ~ oh xs-tx n,
her officers and men. into eternity.
Captain Schley was on the bridge
when he was Informed OF the trouble
1t did not take him long to act He
promptly ordered the men to come out
of the magazine and to have the place
| flooded. This was done with dispatch
and as the ship entered the navy yard
there was no sign of nre or any kind
Of disturbance on board. The men went
about their duty as IL nothing had hap
pened.
Captain Schley made his report OF the
incident and recommended the men who
went into the magazine for promotion.
Since then three of these brave fellows
have reached the highest rating to be
obtained by enlisted men.
When spoken to concerning the ac-
cident. Captain Schley was asked how
he felt when he learned that the ship
was on fire In the magazines and what
| he first thought of doing. His reply
was az follows: 1T IL mighty uncom
Portable to be on any vessel when II II
| on fire. for II Is a place one cannot run
away from even II he has the desire 10
| do so. but to be on vessel when there
is Are in the magazines Is more than
| an ordinary person can stand. II Is an
occasion when one must think quickly.
| I had some doubts, but being whist
| enthusiast ] have always followed the
| same rule in everything. and that 10.
When In doubt, play trumps. WHICH
4 did by having the magazines Hooded.
| thereby avoiding all danger
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17
UNCLE SAM JOHN BULL AND THE JAP

the three powers composing the new al
lance Will have in every class more ves-
sells than either OF the alliances OF Eu-
rope. Not only Is this SO. but in many
cases the vessels of similar type In the
different navies have not equal powers
OF destruction. That is. many OF the
cruiser class Of vessels In the foreign
nsvies are old, and. while they mount
modern guns. they do not have the Inn
proved rapid fire guns that the cruisers
of the United States and Japanese ma
vies carry on their vessels and that
are not only of more recent construction.
giving them the advantage OF the many
improvements that have made their ap.
peorance recently. but also have the ca
paciiy for throwing more weight OF pro-
jectiles in given time. OF course all
the nations are keeping abreast OF the
times In the matter Of construction. ar
NOR and armament. but with the excep-
ton Of England. which leads the world
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17

who had assigned. and among the pur-
chased stock was bell. A week or so
later. when the foreman was looking
over the metal with view to having 1t
sorted, he discovered an inscription on
the bell. and his curiosity got the bet
ter OF him, and he ordered IL secured.
When IL had been frightened the let
tering Fort Dearborn" was plainly to
be seen. When Mr.. Leonard sold out
and moved TO Fond du Lac. he took the
bell with him, and for years 1t did serv-
ice on the Forest church. When that
edifice was blown down. Mr.. Leonard
had the bell conveyed to his home in
Empire. where Ii has remained ever
since, doing service as a call bell. 1t
can be heard for long distance and In
of great service in calling men from the
field. Though tarnishcd and showing
plainly the long period Of time II has
been I'm use. II is still In fairly good con-
ditlon. BY careful examination the
word Fort" is still to be seen, but the
balance OF the lettering has disappear
ed. The bell Is mounted on an iron plat
form. which. with the bell. weighs about
ESQ pounds.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17

Admiral Sir John Hay says that Ad-
miral Farragut during his visit to Eng
land told the following story OF an
American heiress who was pestered by
suitors. among whom she found 1t diffi-
cult to decide:
She was travelling on a Mississippi
steamboat where five OF her admirers
were passengers. and they exerted
themselves SO warmly 10 obtain her fa-
vor that she became much perplexed
and laid her difficulty before the cap
tain.
He took her to his stateroom, put 4
life belt on her and advised her TO fall
overheard. promising that he would
make every preparation for rescuing
her. She could thus ascertain which one
of the FIVE was most truly devoted TO
her.
Her part Of the programme was faith
fully carried out. but four OF the FIVE
jumped after her. The steamer picked
them all up. and the lady retired to her
stateroom 10 take of her life belt and
change her clothes. Then she sought
the captain.
Well" said she, what am I ia "a
now?"
Miss" said he solemnIy. 'ft Is q
difficult question, but I think II I were
you should take the dry one.' 49,
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17

The wars that have ragged with the
new and improved methods which have
served to add to its horrors have taught
the nations sewers lesson. and ii is
with the hope of preventing these
bloody conflicts, II possible, that com
binations maybe made by powers which
nay ally themselves to overpower those
which wish TO continuA the barbaric
methods employed in the past to settle
differences.
e During the past decade some of the
European powers have allied themselves.
anc peace In general way has prevail
Cd. SO successful have been these alli-
asees from time TO time that others
more powerful have been arranged uu-
II! now the peace OF Europe. IL not of
the whole world, has in great meas
ure beer. assured. with the new CEN
tury and the plans that arc forming
greater changes will be made. and with
an alliance OF the most powerful and
civilized nations the long hoped for
guarantee OF peace will have been OBJ
tained. "a
The nations which are now looking
for friendship from each other and
which many shrcwd diplomats think
Will eventually come together and
form an alliance 10 control the peace
Of the world and exercise a greater con-
troll in the management of its affairs
are England and the United States.
sNhen they have formed their copart-
nership. IL they should ever do II, Japan
will OF necessity join, and with the
three countries combined for a common
purpose their power will be so great
that the combined forces of the Euro
pean continental nations will be un-
able TO cope with them. The mighty
neets OK battleships and the standing
armies of this suggested alliance are not
kept for the purpose OF waging war,
but as means of maintaining peace.
20 long as the lighting power OF a ma
ton Is kept up to the demands of the
country. 80 sure Is that nation to have
a peaceful existence.
Alliances are regarded by many deep
thinkers az being as necessary as the
laws that govern countries. This is
especially true as the nations grow
and their possessions In different parts
OF the world increase. The territory OF
England and America has increased,
and their commerce. which Is the main
cauFe for the enmity displayed by all
the powers OF continental Europe. has
held first place for many years and Is
rapidly growing. II trouble should ever
arise. IL Will be over the commerce ex-
pansion Of these nations. The breaking
OF the weakest cord or friction over the
most trivial AFFAIR may cause rupture
that would let loose the whole weight
of continental Europe upon the two
powers whom the world envies.
For many years the Latin races have
been made to feel the contemptuous in
difference with which America and
England look down on their policies
and mensces. and it is no wonder that
they hate the Anglo-Ssxon with all the
passion OF their bot blood.
Germany Is believed by scme ex-
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17


Within the past ITO years have oc-
Cured moro important events in the
history OF the world than during any
similar period OF time since civilization
has become factor In the government
OF nations. Not only this. but with the
closing years OF the century have como
changes in the affairs OF the more i'm
portant end powerful countries These
are not mere changes in the laws. but
in the form of government. Almost
from the day the stars and stripes were
recognized until the closing years of
the present century Mars has held sway
and one power has risen against an
other.
Nations which were powerful both In
territory and armed strength have be-
come secondary powers New ones have
sprung from their loins. and IL is one
of these which in little more than 100
years has come TO lead the world in in
dustrial progress and from a small pow
er. with no voice in the affairs OF ma
tons. has become one OF the greatest
among them.
The century was baptized In blood.
which has never been allowed to dry.
At it's opening the stains were many.
and now. In the closing years. fresh
vpots are incarnadincd in every quarter.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17
Bees In Warfare.

Two instances are recorded In whicH
bees have been used as weapons OF dej
fense in war. When the Roman 0ener>
al Lucullus was warning against Mith<
ridates and sent force against the city
Of Themiscyra, the besieged threw down
on the invaders myriads OF swarms Of
bees. These at once began an attack
which resulted in the raising Of the
siege. Tho insects were also once used
with equal success In England. Chesteg
was besieged by Danes ana Norwegianss
but its Saxon defenders threw down on
them the beehives Of the town. end ne
siege was soon raised. ~r<
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17

more than double that Of the other ma
tions combined
Withsrhe supremacy OF the sea under
their control the new alliance would
have little to fear from a combined at
tack OF the other nations. and with the
food, which is mainly supplied from
America, cut off peace would be a mat
ter of but making terms satisfactory
to the victors
II is no wonder that with these facts
staring the nations in the face they look
with fear and trembling on the still
merely whispered suggestion of an al
lance or England, America and Japan.
and yet such an alliance. II ii should
by any chance eventuate, would be the
greatest safeguard the continent could
have, as il would insure the peace not
only OF Europe. but OF the whole world.
FREDERIC A. VERDI.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17
The Two Countries, With Japan as Friend
Through Force of Circumstances,
Would Be More Than Match
For the Rest of the World.

tremists TO be ready and waiting for a
chance to strike, at both England and
America and Is only held OF by fear OF
the consequences. Russia is not friend
OF either and would willingly lend her
forces to drive the two nations from
the sea and confscate their power.
which all the Latins see growing every
day. The idle blare of war from the
concert OF Europe has met with indif-
ference In England and America The
time when such news or action could
give concern has passed.
There are many reasons why an alli-
ance between England and America
might be entered into. Their commerce
is growing rapidly and their territory
increasing, and neither one of them
could cope successfully with the allied
powers OF Europe. Should general
wa be declared against either the
United States OF England by Euro
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17

II Is said that lightning may be rec
ognized at a distance of 200 miles when
the clouds among which II plays are AZ
a high altitude. but thunder can seldom
be heard at greater distance than ten
miles. The sound Of thunder Is also
subject TO refraction by layers OF dif~
ferent density in the atmosphere. ~
well as TO the effects of sound shade
ows." produced by hills and other ins
terposed objects. These are among the
called sheet" or summer" lightning
which seems to be unattended by thuns
der Isl - ,
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17
copr1g5lsI89a

alliance. Russia has no ships in the
Mediterranean, and the only way in
which they could be got there would be
from her squadron now in the Black
sea. They would have to be brought
through the Dardanelles into the 41gean
sea. fleet OF powerful coast defense
vessels placed at the entrance to the
Dardanelles would end the career OF
this fleet In a short time. as IL would
be impossible for more than one to come
through at a time. The other fleets
that would have to be taken care OF In
that section would be those of France,
Austria and Italy. They contain the
flower OF these navies, but as England
holds the mastery there. with the ships
OF the American squadron that would
be sent to cooperate with her, there Is
no doubt OF their being ultimately sue.
cessful, though only after a battle a de-
scription OF which would be impossible.
for IL is safe to say IL would be the
greatest In the annals OF naval history.
Englands coast Is well protected, and
little damage could be done TO IL. Her
channel feet. the most powerful in the
world. would be materially strength
ened and would be capable of resisting
any squadron that the other powers
might send against Il. The strait OF
Dover would be closed and patrolled.
thus keeping the sea forces OF Germany
and France from combining near the
English coast. Germanys coast line on
the west is very small, while Russia
would be compelled TO find an opening
into the sea through the Cattegat and
Skager Rack, both OF which are mar
row and dangerous to navigation and
would not admit OF maneuvers. while a
well selected fleet stationed outside
could command the situation with COM
parative ease.
When Russia began 90 show an In
creasing friendship for France some
years ago. Germany became more anx-
ious for another outlet for her fleet.
whose headquarters. like that OF Rus
sla. are in the Baltic sea, and promptly
built the canal at Kiel. This was done
so that her warships might have easy
access TO the outside world. In a fight
with the powers. however. the canal
would be OF very little practical use
unless Germany and the rest OF her al
lies could protect her ships from those
OF the enemy as they might come
through the narrow channel. with the
western coast of Germany patrolled by
a powerful squadron and a number OF
heavy coast defense vessels stationed
of the Skager Rack the fleets of Rus
sia and Germany In the west would be
Of little use.
England. the United States and ia
pan are supreme In the far east. They
control the situation, and their power "
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17

l.. ID. Leonard. n farmer residing at
Fond du Lac, Wis. owns bell that did
service on Fort Dearborn in 1916. When
the fort was torn down in 1866 the bell
disappeared, and no trace OF 1t could be
found. Some time later Mr. Leonard
bought at auction large amount OF
metal, the property OF junk dealer
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17
What Might Happen if the Suggested Coali-
ton Between the United States and
Great Britain Should Develop
Into "Un Fait ACcOmpli."

land or sea against the new alliance
cannot even be conjectured. so 1t will
bc left TO the reader to figure for him.
self. The following tables OF the naval
strength OF the different nations will
give some idea of the standing OF those
that would enter into this supposititious
struggle. The sea war footing and the
number. OF vessels on the naval regis.
ters are given according to the English
and American standards:
Cruisers, pro-
tected and Coast Tor
Ships of the line. unp'ted. defse. pedo.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17

The late Mr.. Delane. wh1 u,
for wearing q wig were al. n
spite OF IL, complained or the d. Z !,
attending the selection OF a gift f,s d
daughter Of the house of RothrraHd
II should like 60 find." he cvrlrp L.
something not fntrinslcally vaical.e
his companion had the heartlessncss
to ask. Why not send her n lock Of
your hairrs :.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17

While some OF these figureS might
seem TO be almost wild, those referring
to the United States and japan are as
correct as II is possible to make them,
and the tables are given with the idea
OF showing what would happen IL the
nations should call upon every person
available to carry arms. as they would
surely do In a conflict which would
mean either the perpetuation or de-
structjon OF their national existence. 1t
would be the last CALI In the most ex-
treme sense or the term. and all the
strength of the nations would be
brought to the front.
On the sea would be the first and
most severe fighting until supremacy
had been assured to one or the other of
the antagonists. Not only would their
ships meet on the oceans, but the rea-
coasts would be attacked. and attempts
to seize or lay waste their strongholds
would be made. The first and greatest
of these sea fights would probably oc-
cur in the Atlantic ocean. The Mediter-
ranean would be closed by the power
full fleets of England and the United
States. Gibraltar, on one side OF the
strait. and Ceuta. which would be
quickly taken from the Spaniards by
these combined fleets, on the other
would block that entrance. while the
Suez canal would be closed at the other
end by another squadron from the same
feet. which would be composed OF some
OF the more powerful ships of the new
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17

BY this II will be seen the new allI-
ance has a greater population than the
countries Of the dual and triple alli-
ances combined. with which Il would
have TO contend. and. assuming that
the ratio OF one In six, as given by mill
tary scientists. be correct. the different
nations would be able 10 put the sol-
foxnf,,o .,stuahor NJ MON In, fha aofI.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17

The ships OF the line include not only
battleships, but the larger armored
cruisers of the New York and Brooklyn
type. 1t will be seen by this table that
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17

arms would be called upon by his gov
ernment. whose aim would be to place
its land forces on the greatest war
footing possible. The figures are taken
from the latest census statistics. The
population OF the nations. with their
colonies. that would measure strength
I'm this war is.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-17

ships Of the line. unp'ted. derse. pedo.
The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1898-09-09
NEVER GIVES UP ITS DEAD.
Lake superior Keeps Its Victim, in the

Lake Superior Keeps Its Victims in the
Depths of Its Waters.
From the Minneapolis Tribune: Lake
Superior never gives up its dead. Who
ever encounters terrible disaster-hap-
PLY infrequent in the tourist season.
and goes down in the angry, beautiful
blue waters, never comes up again.
From those earliest days when the
daring French voyagers in their trim
birch bark canoes skirted the pictur-
esoue shores of this noble but relent-
less lake down to this present moment,
those who have met their deaths in
mid-Superior still, lie at the stone-pav-
ed bottom. 1t may be that, so very
cold is the water, some of their bodies
may have been preserved through the
centuries. Sometimes, not far from
shore. the bodies of people who have
been wrecked from fishing smacks or
from pleasure boats overtaken by
cruel squall have been recovered, but
only after the most heroic efforts with
drag net or by the diver. Once on
tr,n down the lakes met a clergy
man who. as we passed point OF land
come miles before entering the mar
rowing of the lake at the 500, pointed
ant the place where the Inflated AL
.on,o went down on the reef some
e,ght wears ago, and as he looked he
eoid slowly, Il was at the funeral OF
ono man who went down with her,
and the only reason his body is not at
the bottom today with the other SO
that we're lost is because it was caught
in the timbers of the vessel aud could
not sink"