davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times., 1899-02-17
WAR AND THE FOOD SUPPLY.
An Interesting Question Raised in
the House of Commons

London, Feb. 16.-In the House OF Com
mons today Mr. Henry Seton-Karr raised
the question of Great Britain.s dependence
for necessaries of life upon foreign i'm
ports and the danger arising therefrom in
case Of war. His query took the form OF
an amendment to the address in reply TO
the Queens speech. 1t called attention to
the necessity for taking some measures 10
tlessen the dependence Of Great Britain for
her food supply on foreign powers
Mr.. Hugh Arnold Forster, member for
the west division of Belfast, recommended
the establishment Of a system of national
insurance of all war risks. The govern
ment, he said. should undertake to reim-
burse shipowners for their losses by cap
ture in time of war The Right Hon. c. T
Ritchie. president Of the Board of Trade
said he saw great difficulties in the way of
establishing a national insurance system
He added that he regarded the establish
ment of national granaries. as had been ad-
vocated by some persons, as impracticable
I IL the British navy were kept sufficiently
strong to protect the trade routes and the
| shores OF the country there was not the re-
motest chance of starvation, though corn
would probably advance in price He did
| not think that the United States and the
otner nations Would remain QuleScsnt II
corn were made contraband Of war. In con-
clusion Mr.. Ritehie declared that the sug-
| gestion of paying bounties on homegrown
corn was outside of practical politics
The Right Hon James Bryce, former
| president OF the Board of Trade. agreed
| that the various suggestions that had been
made for the prevention OF a scarcity of
/ corn were futile. He thought il was prac-
| tically useless to speculate as what would
! be Englands exact position in the event
4 Of war and that under any circumstances
4 that might arise, there would be no danger
| of a famine. Mr.. Seton-Karr's motion was
| defeated without q division
Mr.. John Redmond, the leader of the
| Parnellites, introduced an amendment to
the address to the effect that the estab-
! lishment of local self-gOvernment in Ire
! land only intensified the demand for home
| rule. He said he moved the amendment
! because Of the many declarations from
members of the Liberal party regulating
| home rule. and in the hope of extracting
| some clear prOnouncement from the Lib
eral leaders regarding their attitude toward
| home rule.
Mr.. Redmond quoted from speeches that
| were made by Sir Henry Fowler and Sir
] Henry Campbell -Bannerman the latter
! being the leader of the Opposition in the
J House. but both these gentlemen denied
/ the accuracy of his quotations. Mr.. Red
mOnd said that they should have an oppor-
tunity to explain. and if their declarations
resulted in the reputation OF the princi-
pies of the alliance between the Nation
| alists and Liberals as laid down by Mr..
| Parnell the outcome would be the imme-
diate revival of national feeling in ireland.
The times., 1899-02-17

1t must be confessed that the local con-
ditions yesterday and last night were 10
all appearance ominous of coming flood.
If the Weather Bureau be correct in its
forecast for today the danger may be not
imminent The heavy rain of the past
twenty-fo four hours. if followed by the clear
and comparatively cold weather predicted,
may not exert very baleful effect. But
the sewers have already displayed retro
active disposition, the Long Bridge is
ready to say dam" on slight proyocation,
the mighty Potomac is liable to pay one OF
its erratic visits to the heart of the city,
and the prudent man will move his cellar
TO the roof.
The lessons of past experience have not
been lost upon merchants and others in the
part of Washington exposed to the danger
of food. Day before yesterday number
Of downtown business men began to clear
out their Easements and to prepare first
floor stocks for elevation. The work has
been continued actively, and if a sudden
thaw and consequent freshet should come
it will not take US by surprise. AS things
appear this morning We have but to trust
in Providence and engage passage on the
Ark
The times., 1899-02-17
THE FIGHT AT APIA.
Rose and RaneI, German officials,
Were Responsible for II.

The long official report from
Mr.. Osborne, the United States Consul Gem
eral at Apia. about the political troubles
refusal Of Chief Justice Chambers to rec
ognize the claims of Mataafa to the throne.
has been received at the State Department
II does not differ materially from the ac-
counts that have appeared in the American
press as to the exciting episodes at Mr.. os-
borne's post. The report indicates. as does
the official statement of the British Con-
sui, that the German Consul General Rose.
and the German president of the municipal
council Raffel, exceeded their authority
and were guilty OF acts which could nat b.
countenanced by Chief Justice Chambers
and the British and American representa-
tives.
All stories agree that Raffel made him
self very obnoxious, but the diplomatic
difficulties which would have been caused
by his retention in office have been dis
posed of by the renewal by the German
government of a promise made last No
vember that he should leave the island.
The latest advices to the State Department
show that DR.. Raffel has not yet departed.
His successor will be Herr Solf German
civil servant, who was nominated by Ger
many for the presidency of the municipal
council, and accepted by the United States
and Great Britain. The officials here have
completed consideration of the decision of
Chief Justice Chambers in favor of the
claims of Malietoa Tanu to the Samoan
crown. 1t Is regarded as an exceptionally
able paper. The Chief Justice, who is Cvi-
IDENTIFY not without keen sense of humor.
based in effect his decision that Mataafa
was not entitled to become King on the
ground that such a decision would be an
insult to the German government, which,
through its representatives, TO the Berlin
conference Of 1889. had expressly stated
that it would consent to the terms of the
act concerning the selection of King only
on the condition that Mataafa should be
forever barred because of his brutal .nur-
der of German subjects and mutilation Of
their bodies. Mataafa is now the candi-
date of Germany for the crown, was
brought back to Samoa on German war
ships, and is subservent to Germany in
everything. How Germany will explain its
inconsistency in regard to Mataafa has not
appeared.
The British government, which agreed
with Germany that Mataafa should be for
ever barred. is supporting the decision OF
Chief Justice Chambers in favor of Malie-
toa Tanu. This Government has not de-
clared in favor of either of the rival can
didates, but 1t is pretty certain to support
the decision of the Chief Justice
Difficulty in bringing Germany to recog-
nize the justice of the decision may come
from the fact that the Berlin treaty does
not say that Mataafa shall be forever
barred. The report of the proceedings OF
the conference show, however. that the
agreement to recognize Malietoa Lappepa
was reached after Germany had announced
that she would not agree to Mataafa ever
becoming King.
The times., 1899-02-17
The Attack on Miles.

tFTom the Kansas City Stlr.)
There are many people of the United States
who have not hccu ardent admirers in the past
of the personality Of General Miles. lie has 50
conducted himself, however, during his present
controversy with tile Administration to win
the respect even Of his enemies. His charges
have not been proved untrue, and though there
has been considerable bus,er on the part OF
his enemies, they have not succeeded in making
case against him.
The persistent efforts to ignore Miles and the
apparent method in the fight against him give
rise to strong suspicion that there is a delib-
crate scheme on foot to force him from his pres
cnt position in the army, to the point OF
designation. This would he an easy way ont Of it
all for the Administration, hut the American
people are fair and fight like this, even il
apparently successful, would be likely to cause
reaction so overwhelmingly in the favor OF
General Miles as to work disaster to lis enc
mics Just censue and punishment is one
thing. Persecution is another. One is believed
in by the people OF 4 Republic, but the other
is obnoxious 10 all. regardless OF party athliL-
IL
The times., 1899-02-17
THE CANAL PROJECT.
Way lie Added to the River and
H.rbor Bill.

The Hepburn canal bill was proposed in
the Senate yesterday as an amendment 10
the river and harbor appropriation bill
Mr.. Morgan will be heard today by the
River and Harbor Committee. having the
Dill in charge Senator Frye, chairman of
the committee, is known TO be a friend
of the canal project, and it is thought the
committee will take favorable action on
the amendment. II it does not Mr. Nor
gan, acting under the instruction of The
Nicaragua Canal Committee will propose
the amendment when the bill is under con-
sideration in the Senate. and let the Sen
ate decide the question.
There is known to be a large majority
Of Senators in favor of the bill, and there
are many reasons for believing that the
river and harbor bill, when it goes back
to the House, will carry as a rider the
Hepburn canal bill. In that event there
are two hopeful plans by which the friends
OF the measure hope TO get favorable action
by that body.
Representative Burton. Chairman of the
River and Harbor Committee of the
House, will, doubtless make point
OF order against the amendment
On this the yeas and nays will be
called, and it is argued there are not
enough Representatives who are willing
to go before the country as opponents to
the Nicaragua Canal to defeat the bill if a
vote is required. However, should the
point of order be sustained, the friends
of the canal hope to succeed when the bill
is in conference. The Conference Commit
tee on the river and harbor bill will
doubtless be Senators Frye. Nelson. and
Vest on the part of the Senate and Rep
resentatives Burton. Cooper, and Catchngs
on the part OF the House, all OF whom
except Mr.. Burton are friendly to the
proposition. and in this way it is hoped
TO force favorable action on the part of
the House.
The times., 1899-02-17

tial admirer-One of the ten great men OF
the nineteenth century On the contrary,
these would be Z source of danger, since
the temptation of such men to make use
of their own greatness and the ignorance
of the masses to establish a monarchy or
an oligarchy would be irresistible. 1t
would be imperative to educate the great
body of the inhabitants to the point OF
knowing their rights as the people and
knowing how to maintain them against
the burning ambition of shrewd adventur-
ers. This could not be accomplished in a
year. The process must be long and it
would call for infinite patience II is only
by gradually adding to the authority of To-
cal officials chosen from among the ma
tives that we could eventually form a gov
ernment of the people that would be stable
and proof against the caprices that lead to
perennial revolutions in the South Ameri-
can Republics
These Republics are still struggling for
light, and although they are advancing
ii is slowly and over rough road Even
France, so long used to popular FORMS
has never become truly republican in
spirit. The great body of the French peo-
pie stand by the army as against the civil
power in time of peace, and need only
an Aguinaldo, with the ability ascribed to
him by Senator Hoar. to cry for an empire.
Obviously a dictatorship under Aguinaldo
would not be the stable government we
are bound to establish before we with
draw.
years, We must maintain a military ad
ministration in the Philippines. We must
as in Cuba, charge capable natives FIRST
with small offices under the supervision
of American officers. while we educate the
people. We require a residence of five
years for an immigrant from Europe to
become a naturalized citizen of this coun-
try, assuming that it must take that long
for him to acquire a sufficient knowledge
of republican institutions. Here he has
the benefit of his surroundings. Can we
expect that a people who have been Span
ish colonists, with all that implies-who
have been denied the most elementary
schooling and even the prosperity that
would come of a development of the natu-
raj resources of their land-and who do
not have the intimate example of their
fellowcitizens TO instruct them, to become
fit to govern themselves in a less time
than is required for an immigrant from
Germany, where education is compulsory
to act as full citizen in common with
the millions reared TO citizenship from
birth?
Plainly, then. there is nothing TO be de-
termined in relation TO expansion in the
next national political campaign. We have
still much to learn about the varied races
in the Philippines. and there is reason to
think that what we shall learn will not en-
courage US to confer instant or early inde-
pendence on them, even with the best
will in the world TO get rid of their care.
The times., 1899-02-17
THINKS THE BULGARIA LOST.
\ Rescued Passenger Describes
Scenes on the Vessel.

Scenes the Vessel.
Ponta Delgada. Azores. Feb. 1e.-John
Hill. one OF the men taken off the Bull
garia and brought here by the Weehawken,
had charge of the horses on the former
vessel. He says that the Bulgaria en-
countered hurricane which lasted for
three days. a great number OF seas
boarded the vessel and washed away
everything movable. The horse stalls
and horses were thrown from side 10 side.
Many of the animals were killed while
others had to be put to death. owing TO
the injuries they had received The
weather moderated on the fourth day,
but the cargo had shifted and the COM
partme1ts were more or less full of water.
which rushed through the ventilators into
sighted the gale had again risen and a
furious sea was running. Eight children
and four women reached the Weehawken
in a lifeboat from the Bulgaria This
boat was pulled by FIVE men and it took
two hours of hard rowing for them TO
get to the Weehawken.
The remainder OF the women were afraid
to leave the Bulgaria. lest the small boat
capsize. The stewardess was not afraid.
but she refused to leave the ship while
the other women were aboard.
The crew OF the Iifeboat tried to return
to the Bulgaria, but their beat sank. They
saved themselves by jumping TO the Wee
hawken. The latter vessel lowered two
boats. one of which began to sink and was
abandoned. The other reached the Bull
garia, but was only able to take OFF five
men. who jumped into her at great risk.
Hill was one OF these. The increasing gale
prevented the return of the boat to the
Bulgaria. AS it was the men escaped with
much difficulty.
Hill confirms the statements that two
other steamers were standing by the Bull
garia, but they did not offer to help her
The Bulgaria's steering machinery was
broken, but her engines were running when
Hill left her. The chief engineer had said
that the vessel could not last four hours.
Hill thinks that the Bulgaria foundered
on the night OF February 5. He says that
there was excellent discipline aboard the
steamer and that there was no confusion
among the passengers or crew.
The times., 1899-02-17
The White Mans Duty.


II we were justified in interfering with Spain's
rule in Cuba the ground of humanity, TO put
stop to the oppression and murder OF Span
ish subjects there. are equally justified in
spending money TO prevent the murder OF our
own population. we'll of the Cubans, by
a pcstilence bred from the filth and slime Of
Havana. II the National Treasury could be prop
ery drawn upon to prosecute the war for hu-
manity, it can be for funds to prosecute war
against the yellow terror, which Stays thousands
while war Stays hundreds Congress should not
adjourn without liberal appropriation for the
cleaning up and effective sanitation OF Havana
and the other coast cities-unless money for that
purpose is available from the regular ap-
preparations.
The times., 1899-02-17
Time TO stop and Consider.

From the Philadelphii Times.)
II President Mckinley would save himself from
what must sooner or later become tidal wave
OF popular indignation, he will turn back to
the aims and records of Abraham Lincoln. who
made the considerate judgment Of the people
his guiding star. The people know that Shafter
was not the victor at Santiago and that Samp
son was not the victor in the destruction OF the
Spanish fleet, and they will resent with deter
mined purpose every effort OF official power to
rob heroism of the laurcls il has fairly won.
There is no place on the continent where so
little truth can he heard as in official circles
in Washington, and especially in military and
naval circles, honeycombcd they with
mean iealousies and petty despoti>m.
The times., 1899-02-17
Congregational Notes.

The Military Academy appropriation hill was
passed by the Senate yesterday without debate.
The hill carries $G0l ,sl7.0l.
The Senate yesterday adopted resolution aI-
thorizing the Secretary OF the Navy to pay Ia
borers and mechanics in United States navy
yards and naval stations 80 per cent additional
for work performed in excess of eight hours
per day.
The postofticc appropriation bill read in
the Senate yesterday and the committee amend
ments agreed 10 after debate on the one
granting subsidies TO certain lines of railroads
carrying mail. Tie bill will be put on its
passage Saturday.
The credentials of William Andrew Clark,
SenatOr-elcct from Montana. filed with the
Senate yesterday, also those OF senator Bate
OF Tennessee.
The times., 1899-02-17
INighting knnnnns.

FrOm the 81. LOUIS Globe DemOcrat.D
Kansas is well represented at Manila. Her
sons have been in the thick Of the different
battles and taken several positions by storm.
At Calooocan, in company with a Montana reg
imcnt they made splendid charge over diff
cult ground and routed the enemy. Kansas was
born amid scenes Of conflict, and for a young
State, took a prominent part in the Civil War
She comes OF fighting stock and every regimenta
flag carrying her name is 10 show up we'll
to the front. Several of the States represented
at Manila yet unthought OF during the
rebellion. But it makes difference. The
American volunteer has been the same from Lex
ington to New Orleans, Buena Vista and Manila.
The times., 1899-02-17

Aguinaldo is on sale for a cash consid-
Grafton, but it is not likely that the price
viii be forthcoming, unless the influence of
the Filipinos in Congress should be strong
enough to successfully syndicate the deal.
They, or, rather, their friends on the out
side. are already out great deal of money
on Aguinaldo and his patriotic" move
ment. which, of course, somebody had to
finance. Perhaps they, too, may be willing
to compromise on ready money basis.
The times., 1899-02-17

The affidavit of Frank G. Coburn, Sc
cret Service agent of the Government, is
very specific and is worth the attention Of
the court Of enquiry called by the Presi-
dent in the beef scandal. Mr.. Coburn
swears that ne saw beef doctored with
chemicals which Instantly killed the flies
and maggots and destroyed the stencil;
that this beef was then put on transports
and shipped to the soldiers in Cuba and
Porto Rico. What is more important still,
Mr.. Coburn says that he saw the secre-
tary of the Alger Relief Commission and
told him the facts
The times., 1899-02-17

Out of abundant respect for the distin-
guished patron of our own, and, thanks be
TO God, only Sampson, We trust that the
historic structure for which the former was
named will not have to be blown up. Per-
haps 1t is a Long Bridge that has no need
Of dynamite at some time or other; but let
us preserve this one, if we can, in memory
of him who placed a subservient and harm
less captain in supreme command over
worthy and gallant fighting commodores.
The times., 1899-02-17

tFEom the 81. LOuIs stIF-l
How easily the thing could rc settled Quay
might drop his plums in WInlniaker's back
yard, or the latter might deposit his pcrsim-
mons On the latter's doorstep. Neither one
OF them seems TO realize that once they pos
scssed an apple tree in common; that they
slid down the same cellar door, and that the
rainwatcr in the same old barrel reflected their
pictures side by side For shame that poll
ties should separate such loving playultes
The times., 1899-02-17

Fr1m the Minneapolis TFihunc.)
The neichhors OF two old men in an Ohio
town found them drunk in their cabin with
4 hot fire in their stove. and for fear they
would he burned to death. put ont the fire
and left them. The pgecaution showed great
foresight, for in the morning both drunkardS
were found frozen stiff which science claims
is much more comfortable means of dying than
by fire.
The times., 1899-02-17

(FrOm the Cleveland Plain Dealer.)
One Of the best ways TO reform the consular
service is TO reform the salary list. If decent
salaries are paid men of capacity will be willing
to accept consular offices. There is doubt
that at present the sums paid various important
posts are insufficient. The country's foreign
trade now is enormous. Consular positions have
become extremely important positions. II is
necessary to send the best men abroad to pro-
tect our interests.
The times., 1899-02-17

The splendid and thoroughly American
speech of President Mckinley at Boston
last night furnishes incontrovertible evil
dence that he has read The Times to good
purpose, as far as his views on expansion
and colonial government are concerned.
This encourages us to hope that he may
now take another step upward and adopt
The Times platform on Algerism in the
army and Sampsonism in the navy.
The times., 1899-02-17
More Money for the 100.

An amendment to the sundry civil bill
yesterday increased the amount appropr-
ated for the Geological Park in Washing
ton from $4,000 to $4,000. The additional
$1,000 is to be used to widen Adams Mill
Road on its northeast side 10 a width of
100 feet that road to be an entrance to the
pa
The times., 1899-02-17
An Admiral of admirnIs,


There is no difference Of opinion anywhere re.
garding our admiral of admiraIs. George Dewey
deserves every mark Of distinction and special
regard that his grateful countrymen can confer
on him
The times., 1899-02-17
II Would Re Intere,tipr.

(From the Cincinnati Enquirer.)
If Mr.. Sherman writes another book it may
be depended on to be interesting, even to men
who have been attached to business rather than
to literature. Mr.. Hanna, for instance.
The times., 1899-02-17

Don Cameron and His Overcont.-
Il have heard ii said and used to have
the same impression myself, that Don
Cameron was cold -bIooded and selfish, d"
said a Senator recently. Il will tell you
how | came to change my mind. | was 4
member of party that went out to Pitts
burg a few years ago to attend banquet
at some club | think il was the Americus
1t was about this time of the year and
the weather was bitterly cold When we
started back from Pittsburg II was in the
teeth of n raging blizzard. Right on top
OF the Allegheny Mountains we ran into an
immense snowdrift and stuck hard and
fast In our party were Quay Chris Ma
gee, and perhaps a dozen Senators and
Representatives. We had a private car
and, OF course, were attached to the end
OF the train. II was so cold even in the
car that none of us removed our heavt fur
lined Overcoats. We huddled up together
shivering, and tried to make believe that
we were enjoying it. Presently brake
man entered the car carrying a lantern
but wearing no overcoat. AS he passed
Cameron stopped him. Cold out, eh?' he
said. Yes, sir said the brakeman
rather; about 10 or - below zero. | think
All of us except Cameron drew our coats
around US little tighter and shivered
Where are you going now? said Cam
erOn. Back to flag the second section,
which is running about ten miles behind
u.s. was the answer. But you have no
overcoat,' said Cameron. Oh. | don't
mind that; ! am used to it, Without say
ing another word Cameron sprang to his
feet, pulled off his ulster and had II on
the brakeman in a jiffy before he could
utter a word of protest Several younger
members OF the party Immediately ten
dered the use of their overcoats but Cam
eron waved them all aside 1t was two
hours before the brakeman returned with
Camerons coat. The incident placed
Cameron in new light in my eyes.
never hear him called cold blooded that l
do not think of it."