davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22

At a dinner in Norfolk, Va, in 1916, Com
modore Decatur gave the following toast:
Our country: In her intercourse with for
but our country, right or wrong" The
United States never had a drawer naval
officer than Commodore Decatur, though it
has had many. The year before the giving
of the toast above quoted he had admins
tered deserved punishment to the Barbary
powers and compelled them to pay indem-
nifty for injuries done to American COM
merce and citizens. For this service he re-
ceived the thanks of Europe, and, on the
assembling of Congress in December 1876,
President Madison began his annual mes
sage with euogy Of Decatur, of whom
he said: THE high character of the Ameri-
can commander was brilliantly sustained on
the occasion which brought his own ship
into close action with that of his adversary
as was the accustomed gallantry of all the
officers and men actually engaged
Commodore Decatur was just the kind of
man to propose such a sentiment as the
one quoted. He was a typical representa-
tive of the early school of naval officers
who made American war ships known and
feared throughout the world--men who pre-
eminently patriotic in time of peace,
thought of nothing but fighting and victory
in time of war. They laid the foundation
for the traditions which still inspire our
navy. Decatur's sentiment has sometimes
been criticised as being morally wrong. The
critics have said that right and wrong are
immutable principles, that justice is above
patriotism, and that the country does not
deserve the support of those who con-
scientiously believe it to be wrong in any
line of action. This is dangerous and UNI
patriotic doctrine. The whole is greater
than a part, and the country is greater
than any portion of its citizens. The voice
of the people is the voice of God, and the
action of the government is tho action of
all its citizens. Especially is this true in the
matter of war. Logically speaking, war is
always a question of the life or death of the
Nation. There is a vast difference in the
magnitude and danger of wars, but, logical
iy speaking, every war involves the ques-
ton of national existence. Therefore it is a
situation which should exclude all individual
differences of opinion and compel absolute
unanimity in favor of the prosecution of the
war by the most vigorous means to a sue
cessful ending. 1t is desirable that the
country should always be right, as it is es-
scntially in the present case, but, war being
upon us, every American should echo De-
catur's sentiment-"Our country, right or
wrong,'
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22
NO AMERICAN pRrvATEERING.

The decision of the United States not to
resort to privateering is in every respect
wise and timely, and, from an international
point of view, is good politics. Technically
we have the same right to resort to pri-
Watering that Spain has, because neither
power is a party to the Paris declaration
abolishng privateering. But, besides the
declaration of the European powers, except
Spain, the sense of the civilized world is
against it as a practice savoring of mediae-
yalism, if not of barbarism and piracy.
The United States cannot afford to take adj
vantage of technical right to resort 10
such practice, especially as she has al
ways stood out for the doctrine that free
goods make free shfps"-that is, that neu-
trail goods, not contraband of war, found on
board neutral vessels, should not be subject
to seizure. To express the principle in an
other FORM it is that a neutral flag will
protect everything, even the enemy's goods,
except contraband of war, and neutral
goods will be respected, even if found under
the enemys flag. The Importance of this
determination by the United States is that
it is a voluntary recognition of q principle
which, among European powers, is interna-
tional law, and the recognition of which
will secure complete immunity to foreign
commerce so far as the United States is
concerned. If Spain chooses to engage in
privateerng-tha is, in interfering with the
commerce of other nations-she will do so.
at her own risk, and that risk will be in
creased by the fact that the United States
has decided on different course. 1t is not
likely that England and Germany would
submit quietly to having their ships
searched for enemy's goods and their COM
merce preyed upon to enrich Spanish pri-
vateers. The London Times does not see
how Spain can avoid following the good ex-
ample of the United States, and adds that
lit ought to be made clear to the world
and especially to the belligerents that we
do not intend to allow British trade to be
ruined while we have a navy capable, we
hope, of protecting it, The United States
will not interfere with British trade, and
il Spain does so she will soon receive an
other message quite as explicit as President
McKinleys ultimatum.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22
THE BRITISH ExCHEoUER.
Income Tax Has Increased $4,000, 900,
and Reduction Advised.

LONDON, April 2.--Sir Michael Hicks
Beach, the chancellor of the exchequer. pre-
sented. the budget statement in the House
of Commons to-day. He said the country
was prosperous and that the apex of pros
perity had not been reached. The surplus.
he added. amounted to G3.67s000, OF which
sum s2550,O00 had been appropriated for
public buildings. The chancellor OF the
exchequer also informed the House that the
national debt had beer reduced by e6,G05O OO.
The revenue the chancellor of the exchequer
added. reached the gigantic total of G1l6-
014.O0o The lncome tax has increased e6OO-
go (sSCOOOOO)
The chancellor of The exchequer estimated
the expenditure for the coming year at
efO6 500 Geo. and the revenue at clos, 6l5 0ll9.
He proposed reduction I'm taxation abate-
ments of the income tax upon incomes up tq
Goo instead of Goo, reduction of / per
cent i'm the death duties where a legacy
duty is also paid and other reductions. After
these changes the net surplus will be G2Si.-
Cos. I'm conclusion, the chancellor of the eN
cheQuer said AN event, so important
to us as d probable war between mem
bers of the great FAMILY of civilized nations,
must cause anxiety to us. however remote
il might seem from anything connected with
our own immediate interest II war comes,
must pray that il will be brief. tCheers.l
/ have carefully considered the matter, but
| can see no reason 10 consider that we need
anticipate anything which Will injuriously
affect materially our revenue or our govern
soundness Of our financial policy. will enable
us to bear successfully any strain, however
great that might he put upon the endurancG
on patriotism OF our country.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22
THE ovERsTREEr SANDERS.

The charges made against Representative
Overstreet by utterly irresponsible parties
would not be noticed if silence would not
be construed as an admission of truthful
ness No man has done so much in Con-
gress to forward the expressed wishes of
the Indiana and National EncamDment CT
the Grand Army During the last Congress
he presented and pushed the bill requiring
that all pensions be paid by check. The
Indiana encampment urged the passage of
the bill, and Mr.. Overstreet pressed it to
passage in the House That bill is now a
law, and it has saved thousands OF dollars
in this State to veterans who were dccus-
toned to come here and be robbed. The
only persons who can object TO this law
are the men who robbed the old men CT
their money. The bill which Mr. Overstccet
pushed to passage in the House a few days
ago was demanded by the Na.ional En-
campment in. Pittsburg in 1894. When it
shall become a law the name of pen
sioner can be stricken from the roll with
out hearing. The bill makes the pension
as near a vested right as it can be. 1t
may be added that no representative gives
more time TO looking after the interests of
pensioners than does Mr.. Overstreet, as
the records of the Pension Bureau will
show. Much of the time of Mr.. Nixon, his
clerk, is given to looking after such mat
tiers.
In regard to the charge of nepotsm, it
can be said that Mr.. Overstreets brother
in Oklahoma has lived there since the OPEN
ing of the Territory and was appointed
assistant prosecuting attorney by the Har-
rison administration. He went out of office
during the Cleveland administration. He
was Mckinley delegate to the st. Louis
convention, and was appointed to the Office
he holds in Oklahoma solely on the recon-
mendations of Republicans in that Terri
tory. The brother-in-law in the Treasury
Department was appointed in 1875 by the
Grant administration. He was removed by
the Cleveland administration but restored
in a few days because his services were so
valuable as an expert. One brother is q
clerk in Washington upon the recommended
ton of the Johnson county committee and
Republicans in that county generally Mr.
Overstreet has no cousins in any federal
ONCE. In regard 10 private secretary Mr..
| Lee Nixon, it can be said that he has been
| for years a worker in the Republican or
| ganization He was a most acceptable city
| clerk, and has the Endorsement of the Typo
| graphical Union. Mr.. Nixon receives the
whole of the $1,000 which Congress has
| voted for clerks for congressman. Mr. Over
street has no relatives who are applicants
| In regard to appointments and restora-
| tions Mr.. Overstreet is responsible for the
| filling of twenty-five places in Marion coun-
| ty, twelve of the appointees being soldiers
whose names can be given
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22
PROMPTLY coNEIRMED.
NO Objection Made to the AppOint-
ment of Editor Smith.

No objection Made to the AppOint-
nlent of Editor Smith. .
WASHINGTON. April 21.--The nomina-
ton of Charles Emory Smith to be post
master general was confirmed by the Senate
in executive session to-day without objee-
tion The doors had no sooner closed on the
executive session than Senator Gear. OF. the
postoffice committee, moved the confirma-
ton of the nomination Senator Quay then
! suggested that the nomination had not gone
to committee, and Senator Chandler moved
to refer to the committee on postoffices.
There was no objection to this course and
the nomination was Immediately reported
back and acted upon forthwith. no OPPOSE
ton being made. This expedition was rem
dered possible by the fact that the commit
tee had previously been polled, all the menu
bers voting for confirmation. The Senate
also confirmed Leander NJ. Shubert, of
Iowa, to be surveyor of customs for the
port of Council Bluffs John II. Shine. of
California, to be marshal of the United
States for the Northern district of Califor-
mia; Henry u. OSBORNE. Of California, to be
marshal of the United States for the South
ern district of California; Jacob Shaen, OF
California. to be assistant appraiser of mer-
chandise in the district of San Francisco;
Romie P. Dryer, to be postmaster at La
grange, Ind.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22
kind personal consideration viii ever remain
q. pleasant memory. Very sincerely yours,
JAMES A. GARY"

kind personal consideration VIII ever remain
a. pleasant memory. Very sincerely yours;
JAMES A. GARY"
Executive Mansion. Washington. April p.
MY Dear Mr.. Gary-I cannot express the
deep regret feel that you are compelled
general l had hoped that you would be
able to remain with me until the end OF
my term. Your resignation is accepted most
reluctantly, but | believe that In your con-
dition of health am not justified in asking
you TO remain longer In office. beg TO
assure you of my appreciation of the value
of your services in the exacting department.
over which you have so ably presided and
in the councils of the Cabinet. With pleas
ant recollections of our association which I
shall always carry with me, and with best
wishes for your restored health. | am. your
Hon. James A Gary"
MIR. SMITH INDUCED TO ACCEPT.
1t has been known only to Mr.. Gary's in
innate friends that the state of his health
was such as to make it desirable for him
10 retire from the arduous duties of post
master general. But it was not known to
the public that Mr. Gary contemplated Of
fering his resignation and there had been
no speculation about his successor. Mr..
Smith has been in Washington a consider
able part of the sime since the diplomatic
relations with Spain became strained and
it was known that he was here at the
IieSiuent 5 request. But. MIR. smith hlmSelL
did not know until Monday. the day after
Mr.. Gary presented his resignation to the
President, that ne under consideration
Tor a Cabinet office. The portfolio was Of
fered to Mr.. Smith. but as he did not desire
TO sever his relations with the Philadel-
Dhia Press as its editor. he did not see his
way clear to accept the honor. Mr.. Calvin
Wells, of Pittsburg the president of the
Press Company was summoned to Wash
ington and the President sought Mr.. Wells's
aid in the matter. The President said that
he was not looking so much for man to
direct the Postoffice Department as for a
man to sit at the council table. Mr.. Wells,
after full consideration of the matter, con-
scented to advise Mr. Smith to accept the
high honor that had been rendered to him
by the President When Mr.. Smith had in
formed the President of his willingness
TO accept the President sent for Senator
Quay and informed him that the nominal
ton would be made, and few hours later
" was sent to the Senate. Mr.. Smith and
Mr.. Wells took dinner tonight with the
PRESIDENT ut the White House and to-mor-
row Mr.. Smith will be sworn in as post-
master general.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22
The New Postmaster General.

Charles Emory Smith was born in Mans
held, Conn.,, in 1912. and removed with his
parents to Albany n. Y, in 1S49. lie grad
uated from the Albany, Academy when six
teen years of age and Immediately entered
Journalism Mr. Smith purchased an inter-
est in the Albany Express and became
joint editor with Mr.. Dawson In 1876 lie
was delegate to the Republican national
convention at Cincinnati, and was the rep
resentative from the State of New York on
the committee on resolutions. On the 23d
CT January. 1879. Mr. Smith was elected by
Tho New York Legislature regent of the
New York University. He resigned the po-
Sltion in 1881, when he left the State. In
teDruary. 1880, he resigned the edtorship
or the Albany Evening Journal to assume
the editorship of the Philadelphia Press,
Wnch position he took on the Sth of March
Following, and has ever since edited the
paper In February. 1890, Mr. Smith was
appointed by President Harrison envoy ex-
traordinary and minister plenipotentiary to
Russia. In May, 1892, Mr.. Smith returned 10
TINS country and on the 9th of that month
formally rendered his resignation as minis
ter and resumed his labors as editor of the
'Press. When the Mckinley Cabinet was in
process of selection Mr. Smiths name was
frequently mentioned in connection with a
position in that body
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22
SPANS REPRESENTATIVES,.
The French Ambassa dor and Austrian
Minister Call on Mr.. Day.

WASHINGTON. April 21.--The French
ambassador. NJ Cambon, accompanied by
his secretary. NJ Thiebaut and the Aus
trian minister, Mr.. HengelmulIer called at
the State Department to-day and gave Of
fetal notice that they had assumed charge
of the Spanish interests in this country
pending the severance of diplomatic rela-
tons between the United States and
Spain. This does not mean, however,
that NJ. Cambon and Mr.. Hengel-
muller will have any diplomatic
functiors to perform for Spain Their
sole office is TO protect material Spanish in
tterests persons or property already iii the
United States. No negotiations will be car
ried on through them, and they will not be
III communication with the Spanish govern
ment. After making their call at the de-
partment the ambassador and minister con-
ferred as to the division of Spanish inter-
ests between them. These are very consid-
cradle Spanish consulates being located in
many parts of the country. 1t was deter
mined that the French consul general at
New York would take charge of the effects
of the Spanish consulate and Spanish in
terests in general at that point. AT Chicago
the Austrian consul general. Mr.. ProskO-
wetz, will perform similar service. The as
signments as between the French and Aus
trian officials at the several points is made
according to seniority.
The Washington Post, in its summary to
be published tomorrow, will say: Senior
Washington left the affairs of Spain in the
hands of the French ambassador and the
minister from Australia Hungary, and so i'm
formed the State Department. This arrange
ment is not acceptable TO the administration.
1t will recognize either France or Austria
Hungary, as authorized to act for Spain, but
will not concede the right of joints repre-
sentation The decision of the government
in this matter has been communicated to
the diplomatic corps. 1t is probable that
France alone will become Spain's represent
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22

Speculation as to the movement and des-
tination of the Spanish fleet continues. A
dispatch to the London News states that
the fleet was still at the Cape Verde ISL
ands at noon yesterday. awaiting orders
with banked fires AS London has cable
communication with the islands. this is
presumably correct. An American naval
oflcer whose opinion is said 20 be entitled
to weight, predicts that the fleet. at least
several of the seagoing battle ships. will
turn up in the vicinity of the Philippine
islands aud attack our Asiatic squadron.
That would verify The intimation which
came from Madrid q few days ago that the
first naval engagement would be in local
ity that would cause great surprise. Our
Asiatic fleet Is not very powerful and might
be worsted by such a force as the Spanish
could send against it, and still retain ships
enough 10 make q respectable demonstra-
ton in Cuban waters. 1t is to be presumed
the authorities at Washington are taking
cOgnizance of these matters.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22
General Currency BilI.

WASHINGTON, April Alt is under.
stood that ten of the Republican members
of the House committee on banking and
currency have reached an agreement to vote
for the general currency bill reported by the
McCleary subcommittee. The exceptions
are Messrs Brosius. of Pennsylvania, and
Van Vorhies of Ohio They are said TO
favor the proposition to reduce he tax on
banks from to 119 per cent, to allow banks
to issue currency to the par or bonds and
ital in towns Of less than 1900 population,
but disagree with some other features and
believe the administration recommendation
should have been followed. At least one OF
the majority however, will change his vote
when the bill is brought up in the House,
desiring to get il before the full House as
early as possible.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22

It seems the Cramps, of Philadelphia.
have a double reason for Fastening the
launching of the war ship Alabama. Besides
complying with the urgent request of the
United States they wish to make room in
the yards for the construction of two for
midable war ships for the Russian govern
ment each of twelve thousand tons dis
placement and sixteen knots speed. and
mounting the heaviest batteries carried on
any vessels of their displacement afoat
The fact that foreign governments are
sending orders for such vessels to this coun-
try is good evidence of the capacity of our
shipbuilders. 1t is expected now that the
Alabama will be launched in the latter part
Of May. about three months ahead of con-
tract time.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22

The failure of President McKinley's uti-
matum to reach the Spanish government
and Minister Woodford's dismissal seem tc
have resulted from his diIatory action. If il
is true. as stated, that the ultimatum was
in his possession nearly twenty-four hours
before he attempted to deliver it, in the
meantime getting his dismissal. his action is
censurable. The effect of it is to deprive
the United States of the moral advantage
OF having actually delivered an ultimatum
and waiting on Spain a definite time Tor ar
answer. General Woodford seems to have
been a victim of too much or too slow di.
plomaey.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22

a resort to privateering IT is one III the
terms of the declaration that the nations
which accede to it shall enter into no treaty
with nation not a party to it. on any OF
the subjects il embraces, which does not
adopt the four points of the declaration
proposals We're made to the United States
70 accede to the declaration. but Marcy.
then secretary of state. then declined to
sign. The United States, he held, was at
2 disadvantage with powers maintaining
large navies, and against them reserved the
right to employ priva teers. Its extended sea
coast, he pointed out. also placed ii at a
disadvantage. Since then. however. in the
Mexican war and the civil war, the United
states did not resort to privateers, although
congress authorized the use of privateers
IN the civil war. With a new navy fast
approaching the dimensions of other raval
powers and the extended seacoast fortified
az all vital points. the objections raised 10y
MI Marcy no longer apply. and this doubt
less contributed to the determine ton of he
United States TO accede To the abelishing
of DriVateering
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22
Amount OF Gold in the country

WASHINGTON,'Ap 21.-Secretary Gage
to-day sent to the Senate reply to the
resolution passed on the 5th inst, request
ing information from him as to his manner
of ascertaning the amount of gold in the
country. He says that all estimates begin
with the calculation made in 1872 by DR..
Ilnderman. then director of the mint, who
this time the estimates have been arrived
at by adding TO the stock of 1872 the annual.
coinage and The domestic coin imported,
deducting the Joss on account of recoinage
and expectation. The secretary says the es-
innate of the amount Used in the industrial
arts is based upon censuses made by the
Mint Bureau and upon annual reports re-
ceived from private smelters and refners.
The secretary also furnishes an estimate or
the loss by wear and otherwise of paper
money, the total stock of which on all is
sues he places at 3d. 300.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22

in the last forty-eight hours. If it IS stlll
there the United States should protest
War being virtually declared, Portugal a
friendly and neutral nation, has no right to
allow its islands to be used as a harbor of
refuge and base of operations for Spanish
feet against the United States. Having ac-
cepted the arbitrament of war the United
States should assert and enforce all Of its
rights
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22

The refusal Of Spain TO receive our ulti-
matum. If not the ultimatum itself. was
tantamount to declaration of war. and
followed by the departure of the Spanish
minister from Washington and the dismiss
sal Of our minister at Madrid it really ere
ates a state Of war. Under these circum-
stances the Portuguese minister at Washing
tor should be notified that the further har-
boring Of tho Spanish fleet at the Cape
Verde islands will be construed as an I'M
friendly act towards the United States.
There Il some doubt as TO the present To-
cslion Of the feet, but The last Trustworthy
adviees showed II was stiIl at ST. vincent.
II Il has left there II must have been with
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-22

A Richmond (va.) dispatch says Gen.
Fitzhugh Lee has told friends there that
he expected to be offered command in the
coming invasion Of Cuba, though he did not
say of what character. General Lee is a
West Point graduate. was a good soldier
on the Confederate side and is well quail
fed for an important command. The coun-
try would like to see him get it.