davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times., 1899-03-01
& Sign of the Times.

It may be observed by all theatregoers
that the theatre is, in some ways, the
most accurate barometer of public opin-
ion in our American life. 1t is consider
ably more accurate than the church, be-
cause it appeals to all classes. There is
no city church in which rich aud poor,
the cultured and the ignorant, the banker
and the workingman, can be found assem-
bled in the same building and listening
TO the same words; and this condition Of
things is nightly to be found in almost
every theatre in the land. OF course there
are some playhouses which appeal ex-
clusiyely to the cultured, and some which
are frequented only by the dregs of So
cietv, but in the average theatre all classes
are adequately represented, and now and
then a play comes to town which at
tracts people even from the comparative
ly small portion of society which objects
to the drama on general principles. When,
therefore, the average theatre audience
gives it's vote on any public question, it
is likely to be the vote OF the whole COM
munity and not of any one class. II is
not the vote Of the wealthy and aristo-
cratic, for these, although represented
largely in the theatre audience, are not by
any means the controlling element; it is
not the vote OF the ignorant, because even
the gallery gods" are as a rule quick
witted and intelligent. and it has often
been said that they are remarkably good
judges of a play. 1t is the vote OF the
great middle class. Joined with that of the
very rich and the very poor.
This being SO, it would not be a bad
idea for anyone who really wants to know
what the American people think on some
OF the political questions of the day TO OBJ
serve the behavior of the theatre audience
when it is invited TO give an opinion. II
President Mckinley could some night
OCCUPY box, and listen to the reception
which the audience would give the names
of Sampson. Schley. Wheeler. Alger,
Miles. and Dewey, respectively. he could
not fail TO be impressed with the vigor
and earnestness with which the American
people express their opinion. At present
several topical songs are on the stage,
both in first and second rate theatres. in
which Sampson and Schley are mention
ed In turn. Inc result Is anyways the same
| SIMPSONS name is greeted with grim
silence. But at the name of Schley the
cheers break loose and all action on the
4 stage has TO be suspended for several
minutes. As for Alger. no singer of topI-
cal songs has dared mention him for sew
eral months.
This index OF public opinion is practi-
cally infailibie. During the months pre-
ceding the declaration of war. the state
of national feeling was indicated in this
way as accurately as the thermometer
records the rise and fall of temperature.
There are two especial reasons why this
' should be 90. One Is that in q theatre
The times., 1899-03-01
Quny's POstpOned TrinI.
From the Philadelphia Ledger.)

That District Attorney ROthermel's announce
ment of protracted postponement was a sur
prise and disappointment to the public is un-
questionable. The public desired the truth estab-
lished; the question involved in the cause was,
and is, one of general concern, to wit, the al
legged improper use by trusted public servants Of
the money OF the public. II this grave charge is
false the community desires to know it; il it Is
true it wishes 10 know it. The public wants the
case iudically tried and determined, 10 the end
that the truth shall he made manifest; that
the defendants, il innocent, shall be relieved of
the charge OF wrongdong; If guilty of it, pun
ished 1t ia. consequently, natural that the pub
lie was disappointed by the announcement Of
the postponemcnt for another long period Of
the trial -
The times., 1899-03-01

people are accustomed to express their ap-
proval or disapproval with more freedom
than at any other place. In church no
one can applaud; at a political meeting
interested motives are at work. But a
a theatre practically nothing but indi-
vidual taste and feeling rules the au-
dience No really poor play can be made
to hold public attention, even by the
trickery of spectacular attraction; that is,
no play can succeed which does not satisfy
some want in the nature of the pubic.
Therefore the expression OF approval or
disappToval on the part of a theatre au-
dience is more unbiased and spontaneous
than almost any other proof of feeling.
The other reason why this sign of the
times is important is that theatrical peo-
pie know better than members of other
professions how to adapt themselves to
public sentiment. The career of the
actor depends on his pleasing the public.
His business is peculiarly dependent on
the popular taste. In hard times theatre
tickets are among the expenses which
must be cut of; therefore the dramatic
business feels every fluctuation in the
market. Competition is sharp among the
player-folk; therefore the manager who
does not please must lose money. and lose
it in large slices of his income. The
theatrical man. above all other men, must
give the public what it wants; and if he
sees fit to introduce into a topical song
verse in honor of Schley and leaves
Sampson out in the cold, it is because he
knows what will arouse enthusiasm and
what will not. There is food for thought
in this
The times., 1899-03-01
Our Disconten.ed Friends.
CFrom the St. Louis te-Democrat.y

III
1t must be confessed that the Canadians
have proven very Troublesome neighbcrs for the
United States. Four out of every five Of the con-
troversies which have occurred between this
country and England in the past three-quarters
Of a century have been due to disputes in which
the Canadians have been involved. All along
tue Canadians have exhibited petty and grasp
ing spirit which has aggravated all the disputes
between the two countries, ard rendered our re-
lations to England, which is virtually forced to
assume the Canadian side OF the controversy,
unsatisfactory. Ii England were the only party
to be dealt with settlements OF all the questions
in dispute would have been reached long ago;
but Caua,I'S wishes have 10 be consulted and
Canada has usually shown a perveTsity which has
troubled both England and the United States.
1t is TO be hoped that in the resumption of the
work Of the Commission in August Il more rea-
sonable spirit Will bc manifested by the Cana
diars. The United States is sincerely anxious
to reach an agtceneut on the boundary question
and all the other points in dispute with Can
ada and England
The times., 1899-03-01
"Currency BiII,s,, Bnnnuet.
From the Washington Correspondence OF I
Chicago Record)

From the Washington Correspondence OF the
Chicago Record)
The largest private dinner ever given in
Washington will be spread at the Airing
ton Hotel next Saturday night, when John
Murray Mitchell. q Representative from
New York. has invited all the members of
the Senate and the House to meet Senator
elect Depew. the Cabinet and other PROM
inent people are also invited and the
table will be spread for about 400 people
Mr.. Mitchell is known as the ''Adonis'' OF
Congress, and is considered the handsomest
man in public life. He represents one OF
the downtown districts of New York. which
usually gives 10000 TO 1900 Democratic
majority, but has been twice elected be-
cause of his own popularity and a split
in the ranks of the opposition. He is
also q member of the Committee on Bank
ing and Currency. and was a member of
the subcommittee which framed the cur
rency bill which caused so much dispute
and was withdrawn from the calendar at
the demand of some of his colleagues. A
few weeks ago Mr.. Mitchell became the
father of boy as handsome as himself.
and by unanimous vote by the Committee
on Banking and Currency-and it was the
first time that body ever agreed on any
subject-the youngster was ordered 20 be
christened Currency Bill" The resolu-
tion of the committee has been handsome
ly engrossed on parchment and forwarded
to Mrs. Mitchell for her action
The times., 1899-03-01
The FiIipino: His Virtues.
(From CoIlier's Weeklr.l


The Filipino is artistic and his cloth
ing is clean-two tremendous strid s to-
ward civilization. The men do clever work
III wood, silver. and brass. Their old war
knives are highly embellished. Their pot
terry is often picturesque. and the clothing
of the women. made of the indigenous
fibre that abOunds throughout the Islands.
is picturesque. and has Il iaunty. attrac-
tive style which their straight forms and
exposed shoulders carry OFF well. The fl
bre is often woven as finely as 81 k, and
some of the drawn work of the Filipino
ce-makers is most exquisite and expan-
sive. l have seen single handkerchief
which could not be purchased under $3.50.
The Filipinos love jewelry. and some of
the crude settings contain magnificent
pearls, found along the shores of the ISL
ands. The women, as a class are itrac-
tive-many are really pretty. While es-
chewing shoes, gloves and hats, thsy often
wear dresses of the finest texture, bzauti-
fully embroidered, and made with a flow
ing train. Both sexes love music. and the
Filipino music is not the wild banging of
tom-toms and the beating OF cymbals and
drums; nor is 1t the squeak of the two
stringed violin and the pounding of sticks
attune. as with the Chinese and japanese;
but it has melody and air. for the Tagal
plays all the instruments of the European,
and outplays him on many. Aguina do s
band of sixty pieces is one Of the fin ST
on the island
The native is in evidence everywhere
He is your servant. your day laborer, your
blacksmith, carpenter, farmer. stonecutter,
cook, and. in fact. represents to the Phil
ippines what the cooie class does to China.
the negro to the South; only, as you study
his character and take note of his works
in artistic, intellectual. commercial, and
musical lines you are compelled to admit
that possibilities exist in his makeup that
do not in other native races. 1t is con-
tinually dinned into your ears that the
Filipino is hOpelessly lazy. | am willing
to admit that he is lazy. but not hopelessly.
The is a climate of lazy conditions.
The times., 1899-03-01
The Treatment of senator Grox

lFrUm The Philadelphia KccOTd)
Probably man in the United States has
rendered more efficient aid to the Mckinley Ad-
ministration in dealing with the particularly
delicate and troublesome questions growing out
of the acquisition OF Spanish territory and the
negotiation and subsequent ratification Of the
Peace Treaty than has Senator George Gray, of
Delaware; yet few Administration Republi-
cans in the Delaware Legislature have persis-
tcntly refused to accept the opportunity to Sc
cure for their State a continuance of his dis
tinguished service, and 10 make proper acknowl-
edgment Of a patriotic indebtedness by giving
him the few votes which he needs to send him
back to the Senate, where such men are SO great.
ly needed
The times., 1899-03-01
SLAUGHTERED BY FILIPINoS.
Distressing News to the Cortez
Brothers From Manila.

The Cortez brothers, of Manila, the two
Filipinos who came to this city to Sc
cure the return of their property. which
had been confscated by the Spanish au-
thorities, received a cablegram yesterday
from Hongkong. stating that their agent
at Manila had been killed during the con-
fict at Santa Anna.
Maxine Cortez one of the brothers,
stated last night that he hardly knew
what the effect of the news would be.
but that the loss of his agent would COM
plicate matters and make a restoration
of the property a matter of great diff
Guilty.
Angelo Cortez stated that the cable
gram came from his uncle, Janales, and
that the whole of the Florentine family
had been exterminated. Their agent at
Manila was a member of this family.
The brothers have decided to appoint an
other aeant to receive the property, but
it will be several weeks before this can
be done.
The times., 1899-03-01
Texas and Lonisinnn.

(From the st. Lonis Globe Democrat)
The persons having charge of the Louisiana
Purchase banquet in Washington on Saturday
night did the proper thing in having Texas repre-
sented at that affair. By an incxcuslble blunder
that State not invited to the conference of
delegates of the States Of the Louisiana region
held in st. Louis in January, but that mistake
was avoided this time. Texas was part NJ
Louisiana when the purchase was Anade, and
remained part of it until sixteen years later
when, in the treaty in which We obtained
Florida, gave up claims TO Texas as mart
of the price which paid for Florida. Texas
has as good right TO be represented in any
Louisiana gathering have the Stutes of Louis-
lana, Missouri, any other part Of the great
empire which came under the Stars and Stripes
through the cessiOn OF lS03
The times., 1899-03-01
The Case rs 1t Stands.
(From the Brooklyn Eagle }


The results of the have not been unani-
mousiy accepted; party lines have been redrawn
The Senate OF the United States has resolved
that our occupation of the Philippines shall be
temporary. The Army bill and other measures
have furnished the minority in the House of
Representatives with opportunities for playing
politics. That is 10 say. the country. as repre-
sentcd at the National Capital, is no longer
undivided. 1t is no exaggcration of the case to
saw that the Bay of Manila may at any moment
be converted into 4 great international storm
centre According to advices from Berlin, there
is no disposition TO crowd the American Ad-
mral The Berlin correspondent of a London
newspaper says he is authorized to deny that
Germany has any intention OF interfering in the
Philippines, but the situation speaks for itself.
The immediate custodian of German interests
in the bay is German sailor with whom
Admiral Dewey has already had some experiences.
These experiences have not been altogether pleas
ant Disagreeable contingencies have already
risen in the capital at Luzon; others may arise
at any moment. With some discretionary power
the German admiral has certainly been invested.
He probably has wholesome respect for
Montoio's conqueror, but it is possible that he
is looking for pretext for taking some sort Of
a hand in the game we playing in the Far
East II is within his power to strike the
match,
The times., 1899-03-01
Cost of Living in Venezuela.


To those who would like to try the ex-
pertinent of coming to establish them
selves in Caracas. or TO those sent here
by foreign administrations to represent
them, that is to say, to those who are not
common immigrants, IooF things who
have never seen or known anything but
misery in Spain or Italy, living on a mini
mum wage, and who may therefore be sat
isfied with change Of cline only, we 60
not hesitate to say. without fear of s)n-
tradietion. that the cost of living in Ca a
cas- is excessively high, and it costs gooI
deal to maintain any sort of social posi-
tion, and therefore TO come to live in
Venezuela on small salary is to partake
the life OF the immigrant.
"A little house for two" Small. clean.
and comfortable houses are very rare and
rent at from $40 to $50 per month
A cook costs so per month. and a maid
who does not know how to sew on a but
ton S.. and it requires three maids to
perform badly the service of an unframed
Limerick girl.
Provisions vary with flour. which is
usually at 10 cents per pound. The loaf
Of Il ounces sells at 10 cents; ordinary
beef at TO 10 cents. fiiet at 20 to %.
Mutton properly so called does not ex-
list; vegetables are three times as dear as
in the United States. and there is very
little variety of them: fowls sell at from
40 to so cents according to the size; win
ordinaire at 20 cents the bottle; oil 40
cents the bottle; eggs 80 to 40 cents per
dozen: fresh fish 20 cents per pound.
To pass to clothing: a suit to measure
readymade clothing does not exist-costs
from s25 to s35. and that of a very bad
material, but tolerabiy we'll made: shoes
from "a to So; washing: shirts, 10 cents
each; collars, 4 cents each; cabs. so cents
per hour and 80 cents per trip: cars
cents; stabllng of a horse, from $40 to SIS
per month; gas. &c bolivars per 1000 feet;
hotels charge $3.50 TO $40 per day: ami
when We end with the price of a wretch
edly made cocktail, namely, 10 cents. our
readers will have an idea OF the cost Of
living in Venezuela.
The times., 1899-03-01
Known. Hut Kept Secret.
nrrom the Hartford cnurnn.

lFrom the Hartford Couian:)
Ii is interesting TO read that, while Dewey
was able to cable to Washington that the Oregon
was needed for political reasons" the Cabinet
we're not able to understand what he meant
and devoted a whole meeting to discussing and
wondering. Strange that it did not occur to
anybody that the cable that leads from Manila
here leads from here back to Manila. The Ameri-
can people reasonably credulous. but. when
it is undertaken TO stuff them with the notion
that Washington officials give their time to
guessing what Dewey would say if they asked
him Il question instead of asking it, the limit
rrlchnl
The times., 1899-03-01
WAR VESSELS RENAMEp.
A Wholesale Christening of Troop
ships and Tugs

Secretary Alger yesterday issued an or
der changing the names Of troopships and
tugs The transport Arizona will hereafter
be known as the Hancock. the Panama as
the Hooker. Port Victor as Mcclellan. Rita
as Burnside. Manitoba as Logan, Mime
waska as Thomas, Mississippi as Buford,
Michigan as Fitzpatrick. Roumania as
Crook, OLDHAM as Mcpherson. Berlin as
Meade. Chester as Sedgwick. Hartford as
Terry, Clearwater as ingalls,. Scandia as
Warren. Bay State as The Aid, Mohawk as
Grant, Mobile as Sherman. and Massachu-
sets as Sheridan; the tugs Iron King as
Candy, Britannia as Reno. Sara as Ord
Gypsum King as Slocum. Major Mckinley
as Sumner. Olympic as Weitzel. Harry
Richardson as Richardson. j. C. Watson as
Reynolds. Eugene Churchill as Pope.
Adonis as Williams. and Edward Ward al
Baker.
The times., 1899-03-01
The Pennsylvania situation.

(From the Boston lieraidD
The Democratic party has sufficient sins to
carry at the present time without making itself
responsible for giving Mr.. Quay six years more
in the United States Senate. Its leaders ought
to be willing to act in this case in equitable
manner, and hardly, take it for granted that. in
State such as Pennsylvania, with hundreds of
thousands of Republican votes in the majority, a
Democrat should be chosen to the United States
Senate. II they can so far lessen Republican
strength in the national Senate to send an
independent from Pennsylvania, it is clearly all
that they have right to expect.
The times., 1899-03-01
REPORTED AS A DEsERTER.
Lieut.. James II. Everett Dismissed
From the Service.

Lieut. James B. Everett, of the Fourth
Wisconsin Volunteer Regiment. has been
dismissed from the service by order OF
the Secretary of War Everett has been
absent from his post without leave since
January 10. and was reported at the War
Department as a deserter and as criminal
ly negligent in his administration OF pub
lie business committed to his charge.
Lieut.. John NJ. Neall. Of the Fourth
Cavalry, stationed at the Presidlo of san
Francisco, has been absent from his post
without leave since Wednesday OF last
week. The case was brought 10 the at
tention Of the War Department by Major
General Shafter. commanding the Depart
ment OF California. who recommends that
he be dismissed as a deserter Unless
Lieutenant Neall can give n satisfactory
explanation Of his action this will be
done.
The times., 1899-03-01
Minnesotn,s sweet Tooth.
Trom the st. Paul Pioneer Pres

(From The st. Paul Pioneer Press.)
We hold this fact to he scli-evident: That
the man in the pursuit of happiness through the
pouring of alleged maple syrup upon his morn.
ing plate of buckwheat cakes and the follow
ing Utilization of his palate by the coInbina ton
thereby effected. should not have his said hap
piness impaired by a foreshadowing suspicion
that the maple" quality Of such syrup is only
alleged, and by the subsequent testimony of his
said palate that he has been made the victim
OF saccharine fraud! We stand up for the right
Of every son OF Minnesota to his full quota Of
genuine maple syrup.
The times., 1899-03-01
The Real Enemy.
lrrnm An Indinn.nnlis Newsl

But. after ALL it is not the mtiyes-the ig
nurant and uncivilized tribesTnen-that are caus-
ing the trouble in the Philippines These, when
they are made to understand the blessings thlt
follow law and order, Will no doubt welcome
civilized authority. 1t is the ha,f-civlizrd fol-
lowers of Aguinaldo that are causing the trouble.
and their force Is eenterrd in LUzon. and has
some symPatIiEers in Faray. The action OF the
people Of NeEIos assuTtS rs that when The resist
ance OF Aguinalto and his followers in Paray
and Luzon is overcome there will be little difi-
Guilty in extending the American authority every
where in the Philippines. except in the remote
quest VIII have TO be by kindness rather thas
The times., 1899-03-01
Titles in America.
CFrom the Pittsburg News }

Without doubt titles are dreadfully ovcrworked
in this country. Among those deserving of va
cation are colonel, major, captain. Judge and
those not meriting the distinction. Within the
last few years thousands OF doctors OF law
divinity. and philosophy have been created by
small. irresponsible colleges. principally in the
South and West. and sent forth to parade their
uncarued houors
The times., 1899-03-01
THE MILES TRIAL.
One Witness Appeared Against the
Alleged Embezzier.

Alfred NJ. Lambeth, chief clerk in the
Office OF the Assessor for the District, was
the only witness examined yesterday in the
case of Frank II. Miles. who is on trial In
Criminal Court No. 1 for the alleged en-
bezzlement of District funds while en-
ployed as a clerk in the Assessors Office.
His testimony was principally in reference
to the methods of conducting the business
and explaining the use OF different tabs"
and coupons" attached to tax certificates
in the matter of issuing statements of taxes
when applied for by property owners. II
| is probable-that the Government will close
its side Of the case about noon today
The times., 1899-03-01

That sterling strict t-constructionist, Bene-
dict Arnold. believed that the just powers
of government could only arise from the
consent of the governed. AS soon as they
ceased to have his consent he sold them
out. as far as he could, to the British, and
thencefOrward remained in the glorious
minority always maintained for such con-
scientious characters by the admiring
American people.
The times., 1899-03-01
Reeds Supporter.
From the Detroit Free Press

The death of the Rev. Myron ". Reed recalls
the ardent support the popular preacher re-
ceived from the newspapers of the mining
towns in Colorado when lie made his Congress
sional campaign. '.Damn catfish in trout
country wrote the editor OF The Solid Null
DOOM Of 0uray. Col, "vote for the Rev. Ny
ron W. Reed"
The times., 1899-03-01

We suppose it will occur sooner or later
to some one in authority to remove the
piles of filth-once snow heaps-which dis
figure the city. But let nobody be in
hurry. The sun will do the work for
nothing if it is only given time.
The times., 1899-03-01
CIRCULATION STATEMEN 7.

THE TINES in all It's editions, Morning, Even
ing and SUNDAY. will be mailed To one address
for FIFTY CENTS per month Addresses changed
a. often Is desired.
The times., 1899-03-01

Readers OF THE TINES who may at any time
be unable to procrre copies of it at any news
stand or railroad station or on railroad trains
will confer favor ,roon the management by send
ing 10 Ills Office ir.orTnation Of the fact.
The times., 1899-03-01

Communications intended for publication in
THE TINES should bc terseiy and plainly written.
and must in all cases be accompanied by the
name and address of the writer. Rejected com
,uunications will not be preserved and only man
tscrips of obvious importance will be returned to
their authors.