davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The sun., 1899-07-14
Decrease In tho Birth Rate OF Europe

The vital statistics of England for a series
Of years show that the birth rate has de-
olined materially in the twenty-five years
between 1875 and 1893. The causes as
signed for tho retardation Of the growth
Of population are deferred marriage, the
decreased number OF marriages and d.
minlshed fertility OF marriage These de-
populating influences are less active in the
farming than in the manufacturing and in
dustral counties; but the tendency OF
population is to leave tho rural districts
and move into the manufacturing centres,
and this tendency, therefore, may be added
TO the causes for the decrease in the birth
rate In the past two years England has en-
joyed unusual prosperity, and the result is
seen in slightly increased marriage rate.
These facts supplement and confirm, as
far as England is concerned, the striking
information recently tabuatcd by Mr. BO-
do, the eminent Director of the Statistical
Bureau in Italy. He has shown that in
nearly all the countries Of Europe the birth
rate is diminishing. In other words, while
the population in all the countries is still
Increasing, the rate Of increase Is diminish
ing and this dimnution is q little more
rapid in England and Scotland than in any
other country of Europe publishing vital
statistics.
Based upon the statistics OF q long series
OF years. Mr. BoDIo gives the mean annual
rate OF decrease in England and Wales as
nearly a third Of one per cent or o BOG per
cent; in Scotland. O.267; in The Neither
lands and Germany each O.2+4; in Bel
Rium, 0.239 in Greece, O2O9; in France,
o.l7o, and on account Of the low rate OF
births the population Of France increases
moro slowly than that of most civilized
countries; in Russia. O.15S in Sweden,
o,l47: in Switzerland O12S in Denmark,
o.O7S; in Austrin. O.O7G; in ROumanla,
o.o33, and in Hungary, O.O24. In several
countries the rate OF growth of population
is increasing, the mean annual increase in
the birth rate in Portugal being O.475, or
nearly half ot one per cont. in Italy q. Os3 :;
In Spain, 0.040, and in Norway, O.Ol2.
Except where emigration or immigration
prevails cd u large scale, the main factor in
the dcpopulation or ovcrpOpulation Of
country is the birth rate. There is nothing
alarming in decreased birth rate in dcnscly
peopled regions unless, as is usually the
case, the decrease is due to causes that dI-
minish tho comfort and well-being Of the
Inhabitants. For one cause oranother there
The sun., 1899-07-14
OUR FOREIGN COMMERCE.
Value of Exports Greater Than in Any Pre-
eeding Year Except 1908.

WAsHtNoToN. July l3.-The figures showing
the total exports and imports OF the United
States In the fiscal year ending June 30. 1899.
wero completed by the Treasury Bureau Of
Statistics to-day. They show the total OK.
ports OF the year to bs 81, 1,227. 443 425. against
I'll, ,23l 49,, 800 in the fiscal year 1893. The eN-
ports OF the year thus fall but $4O3SSO5
below those Of 1898. md are S175,0O0OO0
larger than any preceding year except 1898
The chief reduction in the value OF exports
during the year is in grain. OF which the sup
ply abroad In 1898 was unusually short caus-
Ing high prices as well as greater demand
for the products OF the grain fields OF the
United States. the average price per bushel CT
wheat exported in the fiscal year 1898 being
$3.50 cents. against an average OF 74.77 cents
In the fiscal year Just ended The reduction
In expectations OF grain is chiefly In price. the
quantity OF wheat exported being but abo It
iO.OOO;OOO bushels less than that OF last year.
than Offset by The increns.d exports of aonr. OF
which the exports Of 1899 are about 3.O0O.00O
barrels In excess Of those of last year. this in
considerable reduction in quantity Of ex-
about 340OOoO0 below that OF 1898, when our
,orn exports were abnormully large because OF
the shortage in other breads:uffs abroad
There has also been n reduction OF about
$2O,OOG,0OO in value OF the exports OF cotton.
also due largely to the reduction in price. the
average price per pound Of cotton exported In
1893 being 5.nS cents. and in 1890 5.55 cents.
The decrease In value OF exports Of breadstuffs
and cotton is thus nearly made up by the in.
creased exports OF manufactures. which seem
likely to amount to S335. .OOO. 900 in the fiscal
year 1899. as against $3.50 UtW7.354 in 1898. an
details OF the exports by classes cannot be
given for som e.days.
The imports OF the year amount 80 $697,-
1893. an increase OF SSl. .O27, ,734. The In
crease OF importations Is largely in sugar and
articles used In manufacturing. The details
OF the years imports by articles or classes are
not yet completed. to-day's figures being SIM
ply the totals OF imports and exports for tho
The sun., 1899-07-14
xLLELUIA OR HALLELUJlHp
TIL. Use Of Ualieluiah Defended.

To THE Ep1roR OF TIE SuN-Sir: The Rov!Joseph
F. sheahan's attempt to prove that "halleujsh" is
the most Questionable Of all forms" is quite
trary to the facts.
John Earle professor OF Anglo.saIon in tho Unver.
sity of oxford. in treatise on Tho Philology OF
the English Tongue" says; "a remarkable example
of phrase which has passed into the interjectonal
state Is ah or in its Greek aspect. alleua.
meaning praise ye the Lord. This Ia worldwide
interjection OF religious fervor. and II may safely
be said OF those who use 1t that not one in thou
sand understand 1t grammatically." Instead OF
"hallelujah" being . spurious word" IL has .
most eminent pedigree. being derived directly from
the Hebrew. in which the word. far ~ II can be
represented by English letters and sounds. 10
"halelooyah"
As an authority in English. "The Century Do
tiouary" cannot be lightly discreditodi and con-
cerning the word "hallelujah It reads as follows
"Halleiuiah. hallelujah. Derived from tho late
icuia representinv the Hebrew haleujsh. praise "
whSP fSp in s.
and S Ts G ssoT, aos
Your correspondents protest that this word
'hallelujah could not be derived in any rational
manner from tho Greek" is we'll founded; for the
above is in evidence that It is derived from tho
late Latin after the Greek allelouia," and as =
direct representative of the Hebrew word.
hblue from tne nature OF tb ueTlNhtOu, tno pro-
priety OF the English word "hallelujah 10 fully
warranted by reason of its by both ancient and
modern masters of English construction. as evt
denced by these quotations;
=" The .empyrean r,ing with halleeuahs ."-MLroN
Speak to me low, my Saviour. low and sweet
From out the hallelujahs. sweet and low, Co.
BRowSISG.
The argument for "alleluia." which your corre-
spondent bases upon the fact OF tho Apostle John
having used the Greek word alelouia" " to describe
what occurred in the Apocayptic vision CRsv xix
J-e). for which reason he asserts that the "muli-
tudes in heaven all give praise to God in that beau
tful musical word aleluia.'" ia not to be accepted
at its face value. To do would be equivalent to
asserting that Greek is tho language OF heaven.
which is far from being in evidence. The inspired
writer OF Revelations heard and saw after spiritual
manner tsee Rev. t., 10; !. Cor, ill., 9-l4, and we
are not TO understand that "allelouia" was the
precise word used by the hosts OF heaven in praise
ing God. but only that the Greek word "allelouia" I"
correctly represented the nature of their worship
PHILApELpHn, July 0. G.F.
The sun., 1899-07-14
violet-CoIored Glass Reveals smokeiess
Powder Vapor.
From the Baltimore Sun.

WARRINGTON, July CASA result Of the expert
ments at the Army Medical Museum by Col Smart
Deputy surGconGeneral 1t is found that the use Of
violet glass ordinary Reldglass will reveal the
yRpor OF smokcless powder. To determine the
effect OF the different colored glasses, Col Smart
secured several samples OF smokeless powder eI-
tracted from MAuser cartridges These were lighted
and he observed the rising OF the vapor through
these glasses. piece Of Ordinary vio!et.colored
glass then held against tho eye and tho powder
lighted. lie Immediately noticed q thin, yelowish
white vapor rising in the air. 1t was sreAked with
tinges OF green and stood out in bold relief against
the shaded light 1t IL proposed to use tho ordinary
heldglAss now in the service but with tho addition
OF shade OF violet glass. which can be used when
needed to locate the position OF the enemy by the
YApor rising from tn cir guns.
The sun., 1899-07-14
SINGLE TAKERS 4 YEAR TOO SOON.
Planning for Georges Birthday in 1900,
"the First Year of tho New Century

"the First Year of tho New Century"
The Manhattan Single Tax Club. through
Director George p. Hampton. yesterday mailed
to all parts OF the civilized globe circular sug-
gestng that hereafter Henry Georges birth
day be set apart every year for special rejoicing
among single takers. As Georges birthday
Sept. 2-falls this year on q Saturday. the cir
cular suggests that the celebrations take place
on the next day. Sunday. and that the celebra-
ton this year should pave the way for a still
grander cele ebration on his actual birthday.
Sunday, Sept. .. 1900. tho first year OF the
new century which is destined to witness the
George devoted his life and in the service OF
which he died"
The plan is to have q series OF local m meet-
ings all oyer the world. A meeting is to be
held In few days in Tom l.. Johnsons ONCE
in this city to arrange with him. Henry George.
Jr,. and others. q plan by which telegraphic
messages may be exchanged by the meetinRs
on the day OF the celebration.
Tho statement in the circular that Septem-
Dor. 1900. W III be the first year OF the new cen
tury. instead OF the last year Of the present
century. IN the meantime Is amusing some OF
the people who received tho circular.
The sun., 1899-07-14

Says the Tax Commissioners Treated It Ar
bitrarily and Wrongly.

bitrarily and wrongly.
The Delaware and Hudson Canal Company
has obtained a writ OF certiorari from Justice
Stover Of the Supreme Court to review the tax
assessment for this year on its personal prop
erty at valuation Of $0.735. 900. The COM
pany puts its total assets at $40 462. IA. which
includes $3.50 900 in realty in this city. So. $780,
531 In other parts OF the State. and $25 9OS. 1896
outside Of this State. 1t has personal property
outside OF the State amounting to $3.769-,
on. Stocks held by 1t In other compa-
mics which are taxed in those compa-
O.S 1t =, DECLARES that 1t has a balance
Of only SG.42O. .2O0 which could DO considered
taxable, and that this is not taxable because OF
actual debts amounting to $S3l6.437. The
company presented this statement to the Tax
Commissioners with a view OF canceIling its
assessment. and it is alleged that. although the
Commissioners knew nothing OF the affairs OF
the company until it received this statement,
theyfefused to correct their erroneous valua-
ton.
The Hoffman House has obtained a writ Of
certiorari to review the, tax upon its realty for
the current year. II u assessed S1.735,O 900.
which II says Is about S5DO,OOO too much. II
Is Averred that the tax Is excessive and un-
equal compared with other assessments.
The sun., 1899-07-14
A Brave Soldier and True Patriot.

From Ne MtmphiI COMMERCIAL AppedI
Gen. Wheeler has set a good example TO his coun.
trymen While some are going about complaining
of the Government. he is defying the inhrmttes Of
age and the dangers of tropical climate in order to
suppress rebellion Sgainst the flag Of his country
and compel respect for its laws In justice TO the
young mon of tho country 1t must be said for them
that tile. not low in following the example set
them by "a II Wheeler Among these is the Gen.
ais own SON who seems t. he chip of the old
block. ThR ISGruitln: agents ] a!e been besoged.
and Gh6nth9 new agr ncIes open ne President will
nnd that his Additional rsgmSpJs NI!l 1 g rassd a.
soon as he Gap provide u .ispurts for tAsl4. Tie
The sun., 1899-07-14
Animals and Disease,

interest the article Disease and Birds" in THE Sun
OF to-day Years ago knew two children who were
fond of cats. They kept half dozen more in tho
house and played. slept and ate with them. Not
only were they kissed fifty times day. but they
held close against the face during afternoon
nap.
Both of these girls zone when child and one
wnen IL years old. developed disease something
like epilepsy. One died. Tho other still lives. but
Is subject to spasms and is destitute of intelligence.
There were hve boys in the family. who have grown
into stalwart men. As a child associated the pois-
breath of the cats with the spasms fits. Is
there atom of reason In the conf ecturol
SIATFsvILLE n. c., July 10. ASUBscRIBER.
The sun., 1899-07-14
To Man Dswey's Ship.

To THE EDITOR THE sUN-Sir Please allow
me. through the columns Of your vAiHAblo paper to
make a suggestion to tho Dewey Reception Commit.
tee. My idea is this; To send down tho bay to meet
the Olympia sufficient force of enEineers oilers,
water tenders. nremen. coal pAssers. &o.. to take
charge OF the engines and nrerooms and bring the
ship up the hArbor.
This will enable the engineer force OF tho ship 10
como on deck and see tho festivities. In merchant
ship tits . case Of all hands stand by" IN the en-
gine and hrerooms leaving and entering har bor
and suppose 1t TO be the same In tho navy.
"AB OLD MEMBER OF THE BLACK sauAD.s
The sun., 1899-07-14
Costly Faro for Ostriches.


There was a happening at the ostrich farm
recently which disproves the theory that the
ostrich is satisfied with eating nails barbed
wire and the like: man who had visited the
farm the day before discovered that his gold
watch was missing. Thinking that he might
have lost It ut the farm. he returned to look for
It. When he arrived he enlisted the services
of youth and started in quest without enter
tanning much hope of finding tho watch.
About the first thing noticed by the youth was
an ostrich tossing something in the air. 1t
IL 1t had been glass faced watch. 1t happened
that both sides we're opened and lodged in the
beak The next day the valuation OF one OF
the birds was enhanced 500. 1t swallowed a
diamond from tho setting OF woman visitor
who inadvertently sought to console the bird
by caressing its forehead
The sun., 1899-07-14
RED CROSS WORK IN CUBA.
what Has Been Done in Puerto Principe
and What Remains to he Done.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SuN-Sir: Ifthrough
the columns Of your paper can obtain relief
for the sick and poor people here. am sure a
more worthy work cannot be recommended.
Since the 10th Of April under my personal
direction there have been distributed in Cuba
from the Red Cross Society 80 canvas cots.
90 light blankets. 80 heavy blankets. 80
pillows. $50 sheets. so suits pojamas. $50
pillow cases. 120 towels 120 handkerchiefs.
12O cheesecloth squares, % bottles as
sorted drugs. large bottles chloride OF
lime. They were but an aggrayation. ant the
poverty there Ia IN the fairest province OF Cuba
IL appalling, and were 1t not for the United
States Government the people must starvo. To
the many Red Cross workers that l met at
few articles Of clothing. IL only handkerchief.
Anything marked "Governmept charity" Is
free from duty. KATHERIN l.. EDWARDS.
The sun., 1899-07-14
Surprising Conduct of an Old Town Well.
From The Cincinnati EnalHrSr

FLEMINGsBURG. KY. July l0-Thc town well.
which has supplied citizens with water for the
past eighty years. to-day began filling with
cruda oil. Barrels Of the oil have hoen pumped
out and carried away and the supply seems to
be inexhaustiblc. Tonight the town is wild
organize company to develop the we'll The
town Is brilliantly lighted tonight by the
flames from oil poured in the streets and gut
ters and general celebration Is in progress.
No signs Of oil in this vicinity have ever been
observed before. and the ,superstitious ones
nomenon OF to-day as "uncanny." Business
men. however. are lubilant.
The sun., 1899-07-14

The Sinking Fund Commission voted yester-
day to issue $2.324 .7O546 worth OF bonds for
the North River dock improvement. President
Cram Of the Department OF Docks who was
present at the meeting, said that this money
would be used at once on the extensive i'm
provements which had been going on along
the Moth River water front. and that another
million dollars would be needed soon.
The COMPTROLLER told tho com m sslon that he
wanted more room in the Stewart building and
that he intended to bring all tho auditors from
the other boroughs to Manhattan. so that they
would be at work under his eye. The commits
aion decided TO hire the necessarY rooms.
The sun., 1899-07-14
CUSTOM HOUSE SITE COMBINATION
Expert Testimony Given in Favor Of the
LeRsehOlderL, DemandG.

Commissioners Townsend and InRersoll OF
the commission appointed to appraise and
condemn the site intended for the new Custom
House and the property thereon met at the
Federal building yesterday. Assistant District
Attorney LLOYD appeared for the Government
and W. 81 X. Olcott for the lease owners. Real
estate cIpertS who were eXamin cd testified that
the expectation Of the Government acquiring
the property had kept down rental rates and
prevented the execution OF leases for long
Is expected TO influence the Judgment OF the
Comm mssioners in fixing the amount 10 h. al
10 holders OF leases executed years a. : uuI
which have yet some time to run
The sun., 1899-07-14
Work of the Anti-vivisection Society.

The quarterly meeting OF the New York State
Anti yivisection Society was held on Wednes-
day at Saugerties. the society's headquarters
1t was reported that since February. 1893. 1853
lectures and addresses on tho subject OF vlvi-
section had been given under the society 8
auspices, and that its receints had been greater
asked to contribute to tho anti-vivisection ex
hibit at Paris in 1900. and it was decided to
confer with the members of the society. as
time and opportunity offered. In regard to the
amount Of money to be pledgad for the current
eIpenses Of this international exhibit.
The sun., 1899-07-14
Satisfactory Explanation.

From TIE Stanford Interior journal.
Jim Frye OF Hustonvllle tells this Of Jim
Coulter OF Middeburg One day when Mr.
Coulter was at Liberty very young man with
q very bald head came into the hotel He was
u stranger. and Mr.. Coulter by way OF COM
mencinR a conversation, said to him:
My friend. am not asking to guy you, but
I would like to know how II comes that so
young man Il so bald
ut was in this way" he replied. when my
time to get hair came. they said there was
none eft but red so. / told them l didn't be-
lieye | cared for any"
A Coulter has very red head. he was salts
fed TO let the conversation drop.
The sun., 1899-07-14
Now York leo Cream.

To THF FpIToR OF TEE sUE-Sir; Mr., Bruce howls
because the ico throughout the city Is bad
The reason. probably, Is that tho gentleman is .
bachelor and no has TO buy cream for tho girls to
account for his existence Now. good Ice cream IL
10 be had in plenty II wants to pay for IT, and IL
this proposition 10 offensive to his fastdiouS nature
he ind peerless ice free at tho demonHtrGs
ton stands in all the leading department. stores in
this city. II. Il. OWENS
SEw YoHK CIrT. July ~.
The sun., 1899-07-14
Married with Roth Her Arms In splints

CLARKsvILLE. Tenn. July l0.-Belng thrown
from buggy. breaking an arm and dislocatinl
ense Williams Of EGrnel, In Hickman county
who yesterday elopcd frop homo. with hel
sweetheart. G.; G. Bishop. She was driver ia r
puys,ciaH ONCE. and after tho .r''"''s aD
received attention she desired that tue mar,
riaRe be not delayed. aud til" ceremony wa.
rerlorpG !, though the prlde's arms We're boil
lucascd il 6LllnLA-
The sun., 1899-07-14
No Use for o,

To TIE EDIToR or TIE suS-Sfr: Why don't the
phonetic spsier fslers counsel the dropping the u
after e. II issaas Ssas CeF
B0o901s AnAA
The sun., 1899-07-14
Subscriptions by Mail, Postpaid.

PARIs-Kiosqne No. IT, near Grand Hotel and
Kosque No. 10. Boulevard lcs Capucincs
The sun., 1899-07-14
Unexpected Meeting.

From hs Ohio State Journal.
Whselsr-I saw you at church Sunday morning
sprocket-Yes, had badly damaged tire. What
was the matter with your WhSsli
The sun., 1899-07-14
We SAlnte.

To THE EDITOR OF TIE SUS-Sir: This will In
troduce Hack Tuke WISH.
NEW YoRK. July l3.
To THE EDrToR THE SUN-Sr: New York is
not slow In the way Of names Worthy Niver. as
executor OF Atty Niyer had little trouble with vii
lAge of BAth-on-the Hudson. The details may be
found by the curious In volume 81 OF Miscellaneous
Reports. page 800. OH.D.
NEw YORK July 49,
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-09-06
BLOCKADE FOR PHILIPPINES.
The President Considering Drawing Dead
Line Around the Islands.

Washington. Sept. 5.-The matter Of
making an effective blockade in the PM,
lipines and especially around the island
of I.Izon. 50 as to prevent the Insurgents
from obtaining ammunition and supplies.
is one that is giving the administrator
considerable concern. 1t has not been
deemed feasible to proclaim blockade:
as it would indicate a state of war ana
possibly open "A way to the recognition 81
the insurgents. Whether or not ii Is
feasible to attack. subdue and garrison
ali the ports of Luzon which might serve
as ports of supply for the Fthpinos mas
not vet been determined. Heretofore
there have not been sufficient troops IN
Luzon to make this possible, and the
question will now arise whether troops
had better be spared for this purpose
The President has been advised That III"
navy should he utilized for the purpose
of preventing the introduction Of contra
band of war and supplies for the Filt-
pinos. At every port naval vessel cou!d
be stationed and under the military law
of the island every incoming vessel could
be made to exhibit its manifest. one
trouble about CARRYING out this plan Is
the fact that there is not suthclent
number of light draught vessels to go into
all the places whore the tilipinos can re-
cciVe their supplies.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-09-06
The STEEL FAMINE.
Naval Contractors Seriously Hampered by the
Lack Of Material.

Washington. Sept. 5.-Thc navy is be
ginning to seriously feel the effect of the
heavy advance in the steel market. To
day. the shipbuilding firm of Lally x Go.
of Boston. asked a years extension from
Oct. |, in building the torpedo boats
De Long and Blakcly. now under CON
struction in the firms yards. The NiXonS
at EliZabctnpOrt. y. J.. who are building
the torpedo boats Nicholson and o. Brien.
have stated to naval officials that it is
impossible for them to obtain forEinSs
and struts and it is expected that they
will have to ask an extension. There are
II torpedo boats and destrONers under
construction in various yards and all are
affected by the steel famine ana the
high prices so that it is expected that
extensions will be asked on all of these
craft. The prospect is that the bids ON
the six protected cruisers, to be opened.
Nov. !, will be much higher than was eX
pectcd when the appropriation for them
was made.
advance. not only in increased prices, bug
in an inability To secure materials and
buildings inside the limit fixed by Con-
gress. The bureau of yards and docks is
unable to proceed with a number of build p
ing projects at navy yards and stations
owing to the advance in steel.
Civil Engineer Cunningham of the bu -
reau of yards and docks. says structural
steel has advanced 100 per cent. and in
some cases 800 per cent. Admiral @ Neil
of the bureau of ordnance. says ordnance
is about the only branch not affected by
the rise in steel Gun metal Is used only
hv the army and navy. so that there *
no commercial demand. 70 send up prices.