davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27

In these days of enormous fortunes the
distribution of the estate of multi-ml
lionaire Is relatively of slight public con-
Germ Exceptional circumstances, however,
attend the division OF the Vanderbilt mil
lions and cause widespread interest The
total of Mr.. Vanderbilt's fortune appears to
have been overestimated by the people who
had no means of accurate knowledge. 1t
is approximately $4,000, 600 sufficient, Of
course, to leave all OF the legatees of .he
family very wealthy. Even Cornelius, the
son who displeased his father by choosing
a wife without reference to parental wish
es, is given 100000 directly and $1,000, 900
In trust, fortune of million and half
1t Is interesting spectacle to find a
younger brother elevated to the position of
head of the family and then. out Of what
is proclaimed to be pure brotherly affec-
ton, but incidentally with the effect of
preventing an embarrassing and costly con-
test. presenting the disinherited brother
with S5,S75,0OO, thus bringing Cornelius
portion up to that OF the younger children.
There will, of course, be varying opinions
as TO the justice of Mr. Vanderbilt's disiu-
heritance of his son for the latters display
of independence. Notwithstanding the fact
that such families live constantly IN an
intense light of public scrutiny, their real
motives are as rule generally unrevealed.
They preserve something of the privacy
which most men and women crave. The
Vanderbilts have never been seekers after
notoriety. and when the social world was
agitated little more than three years ago
by the announcement that young Cornelius
had brought his father to a desperate con-
dition of health by his firm determination
to marry as he pleased. there was a mini
mum Of Information to be obtained from
authoritative sources. 1t Is evident that
the father was greatly shocked by his sons
refusal to obey him. 1t is no light matter
for young man with the prospects of the
Vanderbilt eldest-born to fling away the
| chance of becoming one of the money kings
of the world for the sake of a wife. 1t may
bespeak qualities which will enable this
young man to advance himself into The
front rank by his own efforts-aided by the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27

either to indorse the present system or to
make effective demand for return to for
mer methods.
In the matter of spelling the critics of
the school processes now in vogue appear
to have a good case. 1t Is notorious that
the average ability of a graduate of the
public schools to spell correctly is far lower
than that of Il few years ago. The former
process was to teach the child how to spell
by sheer memory, to drill him with words
and letters until he became mechanically
perfect in an ever-increasing vocabulary.
The present method is to rely upon the
child's absorption of the proper spelling in
the course of his reading and school work
1t is to be borne in mind that spelling in
the English language is far from being a
matter OF accuracy or of reason. The con-
struction of words is almost arbitrary.
There is virtually no system. and the
formation of the word appeals but slightly
to the child's constructive faculties.
In consequence of this fact. in the alb
sence of thorough-going system of SPELL
ing reform, that study demands direct
memory work, such cannot accurately
or effectively be given to 1t as an incident
Oh otner studies. This is an important mat
ter One of the first signs of an incom-
pIete education is a looseness in spelling.
However profound may be the individuals
learning in general, failure to construct
words properly is accepted as a sign of
loose information. of carelessness in prep
aration and a symptom of an imperfectly
trained mind While this Judgment may
often be unfair. it is nevertheless almost
universal. and it behooves the educators of
this day to accept it as sign of the cur
rent demand.
There may, of course, have been an ex-
cessive degree of attention paid to the old
fashioned spelling class, just as there may
De too much figure memorizing in any
grade OF school. The happy medium is
always to be preferred to any extreme.
nat the people of the District apparently
demand is that their public schools be de-
Veloped along rational and practical lines,
with the most acute attention paid to the
lower grades, and with constant care of
the young mind in all the essentials
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
Our Title to LuZOn.
From the Providence journal.

Secretary Roots assertion that the title
of the United States to the Island of Luzon
is better than the title we had to Louisian ma
In the years Immediately after its annexa-
ton may seem startling at first, but it does
not overstep the truth. The fact is that If
the United States and France had been
private parties the conveyance of Louisiana
to the former by the latter might easily
have been set aside in court of law. When
Louisiana was coded to France by Spain in
1913 II was on the condition that France
should not ALLEVIATE the territory or the
usufruct of 1t and that 1t should be given
back to Spain If the Spanish kings son-in-
law, the Duke of Parma. should ever lose
the whole or the greater part of his es-
tates. A few years later he did lose them:
nevertheless Napoleon sold the territory to
the United States despite the protests of
Spain Morally he had no right to sell and
could not give a perfect title; and had
spain then been more powerful nation
ne would not have been allowed to sell.
SPANS weakness was our good fortune for
the Louisiana territory was bound to come
into our possession sooner or later, and that
was about the cheapest and most conyen-
lent way In which 1t could be acquired
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
Local Educational Problems.

The present discussion of the public
school methods IN vogue in the District
which originated in a communication to
The Star. printed about a fortnight ago.
and has been continued in the lexington
Citizens Association. is assuredly whole
some It insures thorough ventilation of
b the arguments for and against the recent
changes in the curriculum of the graded
schools. and thus II will at least result in a
more adequate understanding of the matter
on both sides. 1t is TO be assumed that
there are fairly substantial reasons behind
the changes. The public schools of Wash
instOn are in the charge Of competent men
and women who have doubtless thought
fully considered the proper methods of
training the mind Of youth 1t Is conceiv-
able therefore. that they will be able to
defend themselves against the charges
which have been brought to the effect that
the Present tendency IN the arrangement of
studies IS not conducive to good results
There are two points Of attack just now
relating respectively to arithmetic and
spelling 1t Is disclosed that the study of
arithmetic has been dropped at the seventh
grade and algebra substituted in the eighth
The critics Of this method declare that as
a result children are advanced to the higher
grades without having a proper understand
ing OF the study, and that at the present
rate the graduates OF the high schools will
be unable TO pass examination in arith-
metic- The school authorities contend that
the study OF arithmetic Is based upon rea
! son. and that II is progressive the atten-
ton given to 1t In the lower grades being
sufficient to train the mind to grasp the
higher principles II the child IS but atten-
tive and diligent. They also claim that the
present methods Of teaching this. study in
yolve greater use OF the reason and less
Of the memory. and. dealing especially with
the practical application of figuring pro-
cesses, give sounder ideas OF the principles
and uses Of arithmetic than the old meth
DDS. notwithstanding the greater amount of
time consumed under the latter.
Whatever may be the precise truth as to
this matter, It Is evident that there is a
good deal OF dissatisfaction on the part OF
parents who are not as yet fully informed
as 10 the reasons for the change. Further
debate on this point will probably elucidate
the matter sufficiently to permit the public
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
The Pacific Cable

mere Is increasing need for the Pacific
caole- TWO years ago it was required be-
cause OF the development of the American
interests in Hawaii. Today it is impera-
uteiy necessary because of the extension
Vi american sovereignty not only over Ha-
WALL out also over the Philippines Hith-
erto the project has falte~ed because of the
great cost involved, and now events have
combined to add heavily to the cost by
stretching the area to be covered far to the
west and south. Notwithstanding this in
crease in the money burden to be assumed
by the government if it should undertake
the project of laying or substituting the
CABLE there Is no escape from the need
"hlch presses most heavily upon the ad-
mlnistration- With an army engaged in
active campaigning, it is very costly to
rely upon the commercial lines which tray
erSe Asia. Europe and the Atlantic ocean.
Doubtless a sufficient sum has already been
srent by the government in cable tolls on
its messages about the wars with Spain
and the Tagals to pay twice over for a
comprehensive survey of all the practicable
routes over which a line might be laid
Now that the government has determined
upon its policy and there is no present pros
pect of a reversal, ii is imperative that
Congress approach this subject at the ear
Hest possible moment, to make sure that
the costly process of relying upon the COM
merctal lines shall not continue longer than
necessary. The cable must in any event be
laid to Hawaii, which is at present utterly
Isolated, probably the solitary instance in
the world of a large, civilized community
thus cut OFF from contact with the imme-
date thought of the nations. Whatever
course the government may adopt toward
the Manila cable, 1t should no longer OBJ
struct the laying of a commercial cable by
England to Hawaii If that power still de-
slreS to engage in such an enterprise and
the United States remains unwilling to I'M
dertake the task itself. There was a
good reason, before annexation, why it
was undesirable to allow England to
secure this means of communication
in advantage over the United States.
But the union of the republics has lessened
the force of the excuse for an obstructive
policy. There are many projectors willing
to undertake the work of the Hawaiian
cable, and with a proper guarantee by the
government, perhaps private enterprise
would construct the entire line to Manila.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
A Hint to AguinaIdO.


A paper published in Manila prints a re.
port that the vagrant Filipino juntas have
determined to send representative ia
Washington when the Congress meets
again. But no representative of theirs
Will be treated with the consideration that
was shown to Agoncillo during his stay In
Washington. He was not recognized as
representing anything or anybody to be
sure; but he was not molested. He was
allowed to come and go with the same
freedom that is given to any law-abiding
citizen of this country. Should another
emissary from Agutnaldo turn up in Wash
ington when the Congress begins It's ses-
sions. or at any other time while the in
surgents are continuing hostilities he
would be either placed under lock and key
or at least would be expeditiously dis
patched out of the country
However. If Agunaldo badly wants
some one to be his spy in Washington he
can accomplish his purpose. He need not
send one of his own people. All that he
need do is to send instructions to Edward
Atkinson of Boston or Samuel Bowles OF
Springfield or Congressman Lentz of Ohio
or to Carl Schurz. Any one of these allies
and supporters of his will doubtless be
glad to enter his active service.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
The wainwright Testimonial.

The project. initiated by a communication
printed in The Star. of presenting an appro-
pirate testimonial TO Commander Vain
wright IN token IF the Districts appreciation
Of his services during the war with Spainis IN
every sense commendable and worthy of
entire success. This officer became con-
sPicuous on at least two occasions during
the encounter. His position as executive
officer Of the Maine brought him into prom
inence. not alone because of his danger, bat
because Of his noteworthy heroism when
the ship was sinking. Washington then felt
proud OF him as a citizen Of the capital
and this pride was increased many fold by
his later achievements when in command of
the auxiliary cruiser Gloucester before and
during the battle Of July off Santiago
Indeed. MS conduct during that engage
ment was remarkable. His ship was I'M
armured. mark for the Spanish warships
AM vulnerable TO the slightest blow. Never
theleSS when the Spanish squadron emerged
from the harbor and started to run away
Commander Wainwright plunged into the
fight without a moments hesitation and
engaged the torpedo boat destroyers with
as much intrepidity as though his ship
were incased in impenetrable armor. It
is the judgment Of many critics Of the
that the early destruction of these tw ) dan
gerous craft by the Gloucester had an IN
portant bearing upon the result Of the bat
tie, removing the agencies on which the
Spaniards depended to sink at least one of
the American cruisers or battle ships.
II is noteworthy that there has never
been he least dispute as to the value or
the neroism OF this deed. 1t stands. there
fore, in conspicuous contrast to some other
achievements of the war which have caused
bitter discussions, and the capital city Is
thus unanimous in its sentiment that
Commander Wainwright is deserving of
memorial present. a sword. silver
service or some other substantial token Of
regard. Other cities have similarly hon
Ored their own citizens who have attained
distinction. and 1t Is most appropriate that
the capital should follow suit. No more at
tractiye parsonage could be chosen for such
attention than Commander Wainwright,
whose modesty and sturdy devotion to his
profession combine TO heighten the esteem
IN which he is held by the community.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
Remedies for LynchinEs
From the Salt Lake Utah) Tribune.

The Washington Star makes a suggestion.
1t thinks that the way to stop lynchings
throughout the country would be to arm
all sheriffs and jailers with kodaks, so
that when the crowd comes for a prisoner
their photographs can be taken and cir
culated through the country. That looks
like good suggestion, except that 1t might
be little dangerous to be using kodaks.
Whenever a snap shot could be taken on
one side. it could be taken on the other,
and it might be little troublesome to the
man behind the kodak. The best preven-
tives Of lynchings are, first, more school
houses; second, that all men are given
enough hard work to make them tired and
willing to sleep when night comes.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27

pittance of s7.375. 900 with which he is re-
quired to begin life on an Independent
basis. Cornelius Is something of a mechan-
ical genius and promises we'll in a practical
direction The whole affair is an interesting
commentary upon our western civilization.
which in a few decades has advanced to the
point where a father dying. can distribute
millions as ordinary testators divide thous-
ands.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
Worried.

Charley, dear" said young Mrs. Torkins
rs there any such thing as wireless teleg-
raphy?"
Why, it hasn't been perfected yet. But
L believe there is such a thing
We'll. they ought TO put stop to 1t right
away. The idea of scattering all those
messages unfortunately through the air
we breathe. 1t must be very unhealthy" ,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
The Sentiment of the Song.

These songs of the sea are very impress
sive,' she exclaimed when the full-chested
baritone had ceased warbling
Yes answered the young man who
lacks poetry, but they're misleading. You
get an idea that after a man has been in
the navy awhile he goes around singing
about his home on the rolling deep when
everybody knows that if he is lucky his
home will be right here in Washington
D. c."
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
The Dewey Arch.
From the Boston Herald

From the Boston Herald
1t has now been definitely decided that
the Dewey arch fund must amount to
round million dollars 1t is allowed that
this sum looks large, but 1t is the opinion
Of the committee that every dollar of it
can be well spent in charging the scheme
of artistic establishment. No doubt of It,
Now let New York go in and raise the
money without any delay and without any
further appeals for outside help. 1t is New
York'S affair.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
Mr.. Jones' Silence.
From the New York Tribune.

We haven't heard much about that pros
perity that Senator Jones couldn't find, now
that he is back in the country and able to
look around for 1t. He was sure he hadn't
seen any belonging here in Europe or on
the ocean, but he is wonderfully silent
about his observations in New York and
WASHINGTON and Arkansas.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
Indispensable,

Yes, yes said the manager, YEARLY, 81
know you have a fine wardrobe"
Well said the sensational actress
don't you think costumes count for any
thing?"
"Of course. l realize that the wardrobe
is necessity. You've got to have some
thing to take off in the disrobing scene"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27

Ex-President Cleveland can doubtless for
get partisan considerations long enough to
sympathize with Mr.. Mckinley as a Presi-
dent who is too busy to take day off and
go fishing
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27

Mr.. Roberts insists trying to be vindi-
Gated regardless of the fact that many gen.
tlemen in his position would feel very lucky
not to be accused of bigamy
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27

Senator Mason may be persuaded to re-
member that a public sentiment which
would consent to the absence of Thos. B..
Reed from public life may become very
reckless indeed in dispensing with talent.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27

Col. Clay's matrimonial affairs are consid-
cred matters of too much Importance to be
neglected even in the present press of Ken
lucky DoliticS
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27

The manner in which Mr.. Cornelius Van
derbilt's brother rescued him from the ne
cessity of skimping through life on a mil
lion and a half of dollars was heroic
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
NOyen Der.

Frost'll simmer on de rocks,
Mornin'S kind o. murkey;
Fust we'll stuff de ballot box
An den We'll stuff de turkey.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
Reed Not n Copperhead.

And is Tom Reed a copperhead, too?'
asks an Atkinson organ. No. Mr. Reed is
opposed to national expansion, but he is moi
talking against his government or trying te
give aid and comfort to it's enemies. He Is
practicing law and watching his bank &C.
count grow.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27

General Funston has now and then been
little embarrassed by the fact that Kan
sas is so accustomed to burlesque that it
finds difficulty in taking even a hero seri-
OuSly
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27

The administration hopes. with some as
sistance from General Otis, to make next
years Thanksgiving proclamation even
more comprehensive.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27

The Beers have not given much consider
alton to the authorities who state that one
of the fine points of any game for large
stakes Is knowing when to quit.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
The Spectator.

This world is but a fleeing show,
And sorrows must engage
The people who with words of woe
Would elevate the stage.
But they who greatest comfort win
Upon this rushing earth
Are folks who do not fret. but grin
And get their moneys worth.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27

Mr.. Hanna cheerfully admits that Jones
will be enough of factor in the Ohio cam
paign to attract large number of demo-
cratic votes.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27

Up to the present time no British diplo-
mat has had any application from Dom
Paul for blank forms upon which to exc
cute legal and binding surrenders.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
The Vanderbilt Millions.

No naval hero should be permitted to pay
rent when 1t is easy to own a home.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
SHOOTING STARS,
An Apprecintiye Comment.

THAT little boy of Binx's is a wonderfully
bright chap"
THE one who recited?'
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-27
''One of the brightest children 7 ,

One OF the brightest children I ever met.
Ill bet that when he gets to be as old as
his father he'll be too smart to make his
children get up and speak pieces
The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1899-04-27
The monsters in business these days


The monsters in business these days,
and in this country are the trusts.
And the smaller and individual con-
Germs that do not join or surrender may
consider the situation.
Those who join may be crushed by
the monster, and those who prefer in.
dependence may be also, but every
true American will prefer the latter con.
dition.
independence forever should be our
motto; and ever should be the motto
of freemen. Under Republican rue,
however, we have been getting into
bondage more and more.
Is it not high time we we're consider
ing the rapid progress we have been
making toward the establishment OF a
moneyed oligarchy?
The power of money cliques, the fran
chises and monopolies obtained through
government and municipalities; the
growth of industrial trusts and COM
bines, all show the dangerous paths We
are treading.
The mania now is for money, Hap
piness in this life does not depend upon
possessing millions. Those rather mul-
tiply cares. Remember, that earth's
most gifted children we're content with
small means and accomplished much in
comparative poverty. The men most
remembered and honored are not the
men Of money.