davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30

amnations are open to every citizen,
and the best are eager to compete be-
cause their employment, retention and
promotion are made to depend solely
upon their merit and fitness, and be-
cause the work is honorable, the pay is
certain, and the opportunities for ad-
vancemcnt are many. The public
should always be able to secure the
most desirable applicants, but the plan
of selecting employees for any other rea-
sons than merit and fitness for the
duties to be performed, would be ruin
Gus to any private corporation. and
there is no reason why the public inter-
ests should be subjected to a system
which is so utterly absurd and unbusi-
nesslike, and so prolific in all kinds of
corruption and bad government"
This is the theory of civil service re-
form. The practical weakness of the
so-called merit system as it is eXempli-
fled in parts of the federal service is
that it has been applied often dishon-
cstly and generally without intelligent
discrimination. The advocates of the
reform, instead of applying it to minor
positions involving routine qualifica-
tions such as clerkships, clerical posi-
tions and the like, have fought to in
clude confidential and responsible posi-
tions which should he appointed at the
discretion of the administration and in
this way they have encouraged unnec-
cssary opposition. Real civil service
reform should put the public service on
the same footing as private service
under competent supervision. 1t should
give full scope to administrative off,
GERS in working out essential features
of public policy without establishing an
auction block for minor positions. II
should encourage conscientious and
faithful work but create no illusions as
to indispensability 1t should, in short,
apply the principles which govern the
successful conduct of private business
enterprise, and neither more nor less.
1t should go light on red tape examin-
ations with their abundant facilities for
fraud or favoritism and place greater
emphasis on actual ability as demon
strated by actual work.
Real civil service reform is bound to
come in this country. but not until a
good bit Of the present sham masquer-
aiding under its colors is cut away.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30

Another attempt is to be made to put
the state and municipal governments OF
panusvlvania on a civil service reform
basis. The Pennsylvania Civil Service
Reform association is supporting bill
known as the Woodruff bill, which -
substantially identical With the bill pre-
pared by the Republican state commit
Tee in 1895 and indorsed by the Republi-
can state convention in 1896.
The hill introduced by Mr.. Woodruff
provides COR the appointment by the
governor of three commissioners who
shall make the necessary rules and
regulations and establish and supervise
the system of open competitive exam
nations of a thoroughly practical char
actcr for ascertaining the comparative
fitness of all applicants and for secur-
ing the appointment or promotion Of
those who are found to be best fitted
to perform the duties of the positions
TO he Glled The act applies to the sub
ordinate employees of the state and Of
the cities, and Of counties CO-termin-
Gus With cities, and counties contain
ing over 100000 inhabitants. Elective
offices and certain special positions are
excepted. So far as practicable there
are to be for each locality separate eX-
aminations and eligible lists
In circular explaining the prOvis-
ions Of this measure the association
presents the general argument as fol-
lows: "Under the spoils system the
head of a department, instead of being
free to exercise his own judgment, Is
practically forced to select those who
have the most political influence, and
to pay but little if any regard 10 their
ability or fitness. Under the merit sys-
TEN the appointing officer is not only
enabled but obliged TO select for APP
pointment or promotion those who will
give the public the hest obtainablc ser,
vice. Under the spoils system each ap,
pOintment makes more enemies than
friends. Under the merit system no un-
successful applicant can complain OF
1nythlng but his own DEFICIENCIES. Under
the spoils system the offices are almos
monopolized by men OF small capacity
and few scruples, and the most desr
able class Of employees are unwilling tC
apply. Under the merit system the ex
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30
THE SCRANTON TRIBUNE-THURsDAY, MARCH 80 1859.

fcet Iztaccihuatl, 1890 feet; Nevada de
Toluca, 1884 feet lt has long been said
that Popocatoptl was the highest noun
tain peak in Mexico.
Admiral Dewey's rank Is not equal TO
that of any naval officer in the world as
is generally supposed. In the British
navy there are seven "admrals of the
fleet who are superior to ordinary ad-
mirals and hold the rank corresponding
to that of field marshall in an army
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30

lieved in all sincerity that the Ameri-
revenues in bulk without sharing
penny of the spoils. The best informa-
tion from Cuba now Is to the effect
that this msconceptlon. natural enough
in view OF the prior conditions, has
practically been overcome. Tho same
merchants who a few months ago made
it their business to bribc the custom
house employees Systematically now
make 1t their business to help the
American overscer to keep a strict
watch upon his subordnates. The zone
price, one treatment for all" plan of
administering the customs is seen to
give a stability to business hitherto
lacking. The merchants of Havana no
longer fear that their rivals over the
way are getting better deals at the
port of entry; they can figure duty
charges in as a fixed factor in the es-
tablishment Of selling prices. and as
they come to realize this they appreci-
ate the change in systems.
This is only one illustration of the
progress we have in nina. 1t is not a
spectacular Kind of progress that fills
the American newspapers with startling
headlines but it is progress just the
same. And it means a great deal more
to all concerned than much of the sub
ject matter of the Havana dispatches
which do reach American readers every
week day and twice or thrice on Sun
DAYS
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30
Short Sirhted.

All kinds of reports are current as
to the effects likel! to follow the ex-
uerimer, %. til, New York Clearing
House ASSOCIATION in making a charge
for The collection Of checks on out-of-
town banks. The newspapers are di-
Nidcd on th, subject ard among busi-
ness men there is an equal diversity
of opinion. Newspapers and business
men closely affiliated with the banks
profess t. believe that the ado about
the new rule will soon blow over and
that the proposed charge will in time
come t. De regarded as necessary and
fair. On the other hand, there are
those vino donOunCe the action of the
association as little less than highway
robbery and who claim that the de-
positors will either force its repeal or
transfer their accounts to trust COM
panies or to banks not affiliated with
the clearing house.
There is one feature of this subject
which it seems to US merits careful
consideration. The Clearing House
or to cXpel any bank among its mem
bers caught waving the proposed
charge. IN Othc" words. we have here
the essential principle Of conspiracy
or combination in restraint of trade.
The constituent members of the asso-
riatian may all be willing to be bound
ny this combination, in which event
legal test of the associations powers to
tine or eXpel may never be raised. But
if any bank in the association should
make un it's mind to manage its busi-
ness in its own way and carry It's right
To do this into the courts it could prob
ably teach the association lesson.
At time when there is considerable
political prejudice agains. national
banks and when a great political party
has recently polled 6,5OO,OOO votes on Il
platform and by means Of arguments
and assertions largely aimed at the
banks the wisdom of the action taken
by the New York Clearing House as2o-
citation is no clear. From an outside
standpoint it looks more like stupidity
than wisdom.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30
UNPARALLELED Economy.

II do think" said Mrs. Dukanc, that
Miss Oakland carries her economical
ideas to an unwaGranted extreme"
"ln what particular?' asked Mrs. Cas-
we'll
she always buys her valentines on the
18th of February, when the dealers will
sell them for almost nothing rather than
put them away. and then she keeps them
and sends them the following year
Pittsburg Chrouicle-TeleGraph
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30
An Easy Diagnosis.

MY wife's got a cold again, Doctor" he
said,
Like 4 man who for grievance has
CaUSe,
despite all my protests, she would go
last night
To the ball in dress made Of %au2e."
the doctor tried hard to look
grave, on his face
Was a smile not SO hard to detect
AS he answered: "That settles the matter
at once.
It's a plain case of gau2e and effect
buffalo Courier.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30
JUST FOR FUN.
A True Briton.

At guard-mounting parade of one OF
her majestys line regiments stationed at
Richmond barracks, Dublin. the officer
inspecting noticed that one man did not
have the backs of his boots polished up
to the regulation brightness.
"What do YOU mean by appearing on
parade i'm dirty boots?" he stcrnly asked
the delinquent.
Tommy looked dcwn in innocent sur
prise at his toes.
Look behind" cried the officer.
"A true British soldier never looks be-
hind him." was the prompt reply
Needless to say. Tommy was let off that
time. ndOn Times
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30

abuse of alcohol In its evil results. The
manufacture of new chemical products is
supplying the public with endless carbon
derivatives Of high molecular power, and
of imperfectlS known physiological ac-
tion. Some are most dangerous, and their
continued Indulgence leads to confirmed
neuroses or hopeless ncurasthcnia, and
II thus comes to pass that as the thcra-
peutic activity of the profession tends to
abolish disease, that Of the public is
manufacturing II
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30
Then and Now.

Yes. they all prophesicd a brilliant fu-
ture for him. When he was only s years
old he used to speak pieces at Sunday
school entertainments and hold the audi
enCe spellbOund."
And now"
"Oh he married and now he doesn't
even speak to mis- wife!'-CevCland
Leader.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30
INTEMPERANcE IN DRUGS.

From the British Medical Journal
There is a source Of nervous ailments
entirely special TO this age, and the un-
expected Outcome Of our nineteenth ceu-
tury chemistry and advertising. Intem-
perance i'm drugs Is becoming more COM
mon, and it may possibly outstrip the
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30
Law in Chicago.

"I notice that a Chicago judge has de-
cided that a department store has a right
to sell meat"
Next thing. s. Tpcsc he'll hand down
a decision to the effect that a butcher can
sell shocstrings. & leveland Plain Dealer.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30
A Ready Explanation.

Customer-My dear sir. your marbles,
bisques and bronzes are not well selected.
You have only standing postures.
Jeweler-Certainly, sir. My figures never
lie.-The jewelers. Weekly.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30
Force of Habit.

Have you no mercy?" she shriekcd
mo" hissed the villainous drug clerk
"but," he murmured absent -mindeGly,
1--WE have something just as good. New
York Journal
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30
Riotous Proceedings.

Superintendent--The neCkte department
will have to be moved further away from
the countingroom.
Manager-Why?
Superntendcnt--The spring styles make
so much noise that the Clerks can't work.
- Boston Post.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30

The melancholy days are come.
The saddest ever yet.
When we put our oVercoats in hook
Our summer suits to get.
New York Journal.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30

The recent death of George Bidwell
the celebrated forger, closes the final
chapter of a romance in real life which
reads very much like Sunday school
library story turned wrong end on
The Bidwell brothers, George and Aus
tin, as bankers, brokers and forger,
lived on the fat of the land during
their career of dishonesty until finally
captured and sent to prison for swind-
ling the Bank of England to the ex-
teEt of $5,O0O,OOO. Upon being released
from confinement at the expiration Of
long sentences the Bidwell brothers
attempted to live an honest life and
were successful in warding off starva
tion for several years. But both Of
ten suffered from want and their bod-
les now rest in the potters field. Hard
is the way of the transgressor, even
after repentance.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30

Mr. Cleveland has refrained from
critiCising the country recently. and
as he is writing a book it is presumed
that his complaints will all be en-
bodied in one volume.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30
SCRANTON, MARCH 30, 1899.

Most people will be contented to
forego the greater Scranton boom for
a time if we may have a cleaner
Scranton during the coming season.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30

There is one srain Of comfort LETT
for Colonel Bryan His cause Will no
longer be ospoused by Mrs. Mary EIiZ-
aheth Lease,
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30
The Ananias of Local journalism.

The Scranton Times has almo't from
the moment that it came under its
present management pursued a policy
Of sneaking misrepresentation Of The
Tribune's position. going out of its
way 10 call The Tribune a corporation
organ a defender Of monopoly and the
like impugning its motives. question
ing its honesty and urging its readers
to boycott The Tribune. When
after patient endurance covering
months and years We referred
Yesterday to its deliberate ly-
ing about The Tribune we stated Il
truth of long-standing notoriety and
one that could be described only by
the words we used. We are hopeful
that our ueIGhbor will some day break
itself of this bad and silly habit. whica
certainly does not injure us
nor benefit it, but until it
does il will of its own choice remain
nothing more nor less than a plain,
deliberate rrovaricator. whose false
hoods have neither proNocation. plaus-
jbillty nor wit.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30

A cabinet maker of Woodtown, n. J., suffered
with shortness of breath a11 debility tor sever
years and thought he had lung trouble. At last l.
was unable to do any work, and friend recon-
mcnded Ripans Tabulcs. "Atter uSirG one-fourth
of large bottle" he says, 81 was like new man,
and continue to feel So | can not say enough for
them"
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-03-30

It is announced In a city of Mexico dis
patch that Professor Angelo IIoilprin, Of
the Philadelphia Academy of National
Sciences has completed his calculations
Of the heights of the five principal vol
canic mountain peaks in Mexico, The
results OF his measurements are as fol-
lows: Orizaba as measured by the Dol
eros tables, 1S2O6 feet; Popocatepetl 1883
The Newtown bee., 1899-11-10
CHURCH NOTES.

At their supper, last Wednesday even
ing, the Ladies' Aid society of the Meth
odist church disposed Eof the autograph
quilt which they have been at work on
for some time. This quilt contains up
ward Of 800 names and ia unique in its
way. 1t was sold at auction, A. 81. Sen
Tor being the highest bidder.
Last Sunday morning communion was
celebrated in all the churches.
At the Methodist church, next Sunday
morning, Rev Mr. Yoder of Long Ridge
will preach. Mr. Wilbur Osnum will
preach in the evening.
w. w. Stevens of Danbury gave q very
pleasing address at the meeting of the
Junior Epworth League on Sunday after
noon. His remarks were interspersed
with recitations which were well receiv-
ed by the young people.
Several new members were taken into
the Congregational church, last Sunday.
Several members of st Thomas church
here expect to attend the young peoples
missionary meeting to be held in the par
ish house of st Johns church, Stamford,
Tomorrow Saturday.
Miss Grace Short was delegate from
st Thomas Episcopal church to the
Woman's and Junior Auxiliary held in
Waterbury, last week.
A conference meeting was held In the
Congregational church, last evening.
Subject, "Good Citizenship" Several
interesting papers were read by mem
bers of the church.
The Newtown bee., 1899-11-10
BROOKFIELD.
AT ST JosEPH's CHURCH.

On Monday night, November 20, at
7.30 8 non-catholic mission conducted by
the fathers of the Connecticut Apostolate
will begin at st Joseph's church and will
continue for one week. This mission
will consist of series Of lectures given
nightly, explaining some prominent
points Of Catholic doctrine which are Of
tentime vaguely understoodIby those out
side the church. The lectures will con-
tain nothing in them of a controversial
nature and will be only plain exposi-
ton of the subject matter in question.
The public Irrespective of creed, Ia invited
to be present each evening, and those not
belonging to the church need have no
fear that anything will be said that could
offend the feelings Of the most sensitive.
A feeling Of 1--we should bind together
the individuals on those evenings, into a
most fraternal gathering. All creed dis
tinctiong should be set aside and the i'm
pelling motive for the presence of each
Individual should be "to learn" In con-
nection with the mission there will be
what Is known as the question box. This
is nothing more or less than box placed
near the entrance of the church wherein
those wishing to ask any questions touch
| iug Catholic doctrine and discipline can
deposit slips upon which are written
their questions. These slips will be COL
| lected each evening and the questions
| written upon them publicly answered.
There is no reason why the attendance
on these evenings should not be large, as
the mind of man ia ever thirsting for
truth and enlightenment. Remember all
| { re invited to attend as the mission is
given for the benefit Of all and not OF any
particular class or classes.
The Newtown bee., 1899-11-10

Robert Stevens of Brooklyn has re-
Gently been guest at the Baptiet par
sonage.
Mrs r. H. Sherman has been quite
sick with severe cold
The tolling of the bell, Sunday morn
ing, announced to all withinshearing the
death of Helen Louise Burr, aged 10
years. She had been an invalid for
some time and her death, which occurred
Saturday, November 4, at the home OF
her aunt, Mrs Charles Beach, In Bridge
port, was not unexpected.
Mr. and Mrs John P. Fitch spent Sun
day at j. L. Perry's.
Miss lone Chevers Is visiting her friend,
Miss Hattie T. Perry.
Mrs s. N. Osborne, who has been sick
for some time, 10 much better. Mrs Pierce
Freeborne Ia staying with her for time
Mrs Beach Hill, who has been visiting
at Edward HIPS, has returned home.
Charles r. Silliman ia making extern
sive alterations to his house, besides en-
larging il by large addition in the rear,
McCollom Brothers are doing the work.
Editor and Mrs Floyd Tucker and son,
Master Floyd Stiles, of Bridgeport, and
MRS Anna Bowdy of DanburY were guests
over Sunday of Mr. and MrsSG. Burr
Tucker.
Mrs vii on Ferris recently spent sew
eral days visiting friends in New York
City and New Rochelle.
On Tuesday last, DR. O'Hara, Superin-
tendent Brennan, DR. Richardson and T.
Hancock Lyford of East Bridgeport
drove up to G.. Burr fuckers, accom-
panied by several dogs. The natural M
ference would be dearth of game in this
vicinity for some time to come.
Julius Rifkin recently had the misfor-
tune to lose his best cow caused by eat
ing too many apples. He has also sold
The Newtown bee., 1899-11-10
sTEPNEY.
LOCAL JoTTINGs.


On account OF continued sickness, Miss
Bradley concluded to give up her school
here and Miss Edith Roswell of Bridge
water, who taught the school last year,
has taken Mies Rradley's place, receiving
very cordial welcome by her former
scholars.
Mrs George Burritt is on the sick list,
this week.
Me- and Mrs George Drew Of WIN lite
Hills has been entertained at Burr Haw-
lev's.
John Burritt was in Bethel on Wednes-
dae, the guest of William Beard.
Rev Jesss Rollins was in New York on
Monday Letting books for the Sunday
school. He also attended the Methodist
Minister'S meeting at Bridgeport on Tues
day.
Mrs Leroy Sherman attended the flu.
neral Of her uncle, David Booth, in
Bridgeport, On Wednesday.
Seeley Perry and family sre soon to
go to Bridgeport, where they are to spend
| the winter.
Perry Hubbt Ii lost calf, last week,
| by being checked with al apple.
The place OF George E. Mattegat, next
the Lower Stepney schoolhouse, which
was reported in The BEE, last week, as
sod to jerome Nichols, was mistake.
Mr. Mattegat says the place is still on
the market.
John Webb moved his family to Bridge
port, last Tuesday, where they are to
make their home.
Mrs John Il. Porter visited relatives in
Hattertown, this week.
Charles Hawley entertained friends
from Norwalk, last Sunday.
Mrs r. B. Rockwell was in Bridgeport,
one day this week. the guest of Mrs
Henry Hurd.
Mrs Caroline Dayton Is spending few
days In Stratford, the guest Of her daugh-
ter, Mrs Nichols.
William E. Duncomb of Redding was
in town, one day this week, calling on
friends about the Depot.
In spite of the rice on all kinds of iron
O. l.. Smalley, the popular blacksmith,
is still shoeing horses all round new for
81. ~~-.
B. Curtis g. Son are making some alter
ations about their mill and are soon to
put inga new Sprout, Waldron & Co.,
steel mill, which is the finest on the mar.
ket.
The meeting of Baptist ministers OF
the Fairfield County association, which
was held, last Thursday morning and
evening, November 2, with the Baptist
church, was well attended and a very
profitable meeting to all present. In the
morning there were reports from the diff
ferent churches by the pastors and pa
per by Rev Mr. Braker, subject, "Finan-
ces of the church." In the afternoon, g
discussion with the topic, informing Sub.
cts," paper by Rev Mr. Prindle OF
White Hills with the topic, 1.-THE church
it's place in the community" and a Bible
reading by Rev Mr. Hubbard of South
Norwalk, ''The Holy Spirit" Refresh
ments were served at noon at the psrson
age. The meeting was very helpful
one to all.
The Newtown bee., 1899-11-10
Editorial Ink Drops.

The complete helplessness of the viii
lage OF Newtown Street in case of big
fire was freshly brought to mind, Sunday
night, by the fire at the Grand Central
stables. 1t was indeed well-nigh mira
Gle that the hotel was not burned. II
that had caught fire there is no telling
where the conhagration might have end
ed. This town or village cannot make
any material progress till water supply
is provided. One gentleman told a BEE
reporter he would be glad to put money
into a joint stock company for this pur-
pose, and II this sort of spirit were
manifested by all well to do people, we
could have ample protection in 80 days.
1t Is mockery to walk the streets and say
what a shame that Newtown has not a
water supply" when ones very pockets
are bulglng out with bonds, railroad
stocks and gold coin. Then again 1t is
a matter which concerns the people Of
lesser means. With proper fire protec-
tlon insurance rates would undoubtedly
be lower and everyone would have
greater peace of mind. Would that
some public-spirited person might take
the leadership in this matter Within
two years the village has been twice
saved from destruction by fire, almost
as IL by miracle. Ia it not time for
actinn2