davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1899-03-09
Typhoid in PhiIadeIphia.

Philadelphia is suffering just at present
fl ON a most serious prevalence of typhoid
fever. which is attributed to the water SUM-
piled to the people. The disease is spread
ing in alarming proportions Since the he
ginning of the year there have been 2 fee5
cases and 321 deaths IN the city. There Is
no present sign of dminution but, on the
contrary, every sign OF Increase. The dis
ease is OF a malignant type in some sections
OF the city, and the authorities who have
by their negligence in the past permitted
the conditions to accumulate to the present
point of danger. are now being urged by
I the people to take adequate measures to
root out the causes of the fever. The foul
waters of the Schuyikfll river, which is be-
lieved TO be the worst excuse for a water
supply in America. are pumped direct to
the mains and thence to the houses. carry
ing untold millions of typhoid germs into
the homes of the people. One section of
the city is supplied from reservoir which
does not till from the river itself and there
is notable difference between the health
reports from that area and those from the
others which are thus being poisoned by
the fever-laden fluid.
Philadelphia's emergency arises from the
fact that politics and municipal govern
n.ent have been allowed for years to be-
come so inextricabiy mixed that it IS diff
cult, if not practically impossible, for the
taxpayers to secure adequate return for
their money. Good government is there
| measured by the degree of fidelity of the
administration TO the behests of the state
and local bosses. The overwhelming repah-
lican majority permits appalling amount
OF mismarsgement by professional Office
holders, while the councils are consistently
| opposed to any scheme of public improve
| nent based solely upon the public necessi-
| ties This state of affairs has grown to
| seandalous proportions ard now Phaaael-
| phia is reaping the harvest of disease and
| death. A proposition to filter the Schuylkill
Evening star., 1899-03-09

to be open to political arguments on the
side.
Director Merriam doubtless understands
Al the beginning that his sincerity will be
Immediately challenged thus. 1t is well.
therefore. that he should appreciate the
size of the task which he cuts out for him
self in seeking to staye off the spoilsmen,
unaided by any statute or custom. 1t will
be a tremendous struggle. 1t will sorely
test the backbone of the director and prove
his metal. If he is equal to the strain he
will demonstrate himself to be one of the
most remarkable men of the time, worthy
of every praise. He has a rare chance to
make good reputation. but it will cost
him many anxious months of resistance to
clamor AMI pressure from all quarters.
Thus far everything looks we'll The man
chosen for first assistant is noted for his
abilities as statiSticiun. The director
himself is man of high business qualities,
of executive power. He has been long in
pul5lic life and understands how to view
large questions in a large way. His pre-
lminary actions are reassuring. He is con-
sulting with men of intelligence and spe-
cial skill. All that is needed now is sand to
complete the equipment.
This census will be the most important
yet taken in the United States. The world
is watching us as never before. Conditions
are exceptionally favorable for good
showing. Business is bright, wages are
high and the present affords fine point of
view from which to inspect the fluctuations
of the past decade, marked by depression,
reaction, peace and war. A new century IS
about to open, the course of which for the
United States no man can now we'll foresee
1t is necessary that it should be started
with information of the most reliable char
acter concerning the country, the people
and the times available for the guidance OF
the men who are to steer the ship through
the channels For this reason every con-
sideration points to the necessity for
census which shall stand every scrutiny and
shall be accepted as true accounting of
49, IL;
Evening star., 1899-03-09
Change of Program.

Richard Croker has found his Jeffersonian
dinner too big thing to handle according
TO the original design. 1t will not he a
national but strictly local affair Ihe
great leaders of the party from outside the
empire state are not to be present Only
the faithful who guide Tammany and its
up-country allies in their political course
are to gather at the board and refresh
themselves with recoIIections of the shin
ing apostle of expansion.
The reason given for the change of pro-
gram Is that no hall could be secured large
enough to house the company. But this is
to be received with many grains of allow
arce One may easily see the real difficulty.
There was peril in the proposition thus to
seat so many men of such diverse views at
the same table and give them as the sub
iect of discussion the name of the man
about whose teachings and the meaning OF
whose performances no two of them are en-
tirely agreed. Controversy. therefore, has
been provided against. The eloquent and
disputat tious strangers are to be left on
their respective reservations outside the
gates.
There will be no peril at all with only
the home folks in attendance. Mr. Croker
is always able to regulate the New YORK
output of democratic opinion and interpre-
IdtloH. II Iiit SUBJECT Is HURRY 4tS NeAi
secure the Endorsement of the gold stand
ard If that proves unpopular. he can have
it withdrawn and an Endorsement of free
silver issued in its place. If no expression
at all is the thing. he can impose silence
like a schoolmaster with a rod in his hand
There will be dangerous deliverances
about jefferson with Mr.. Croker at the ta-
ble and the diners all under his eye and
from his baiiiwick.
Mr.. Croker was asked about Mr.. Cleve-
land. He appeared to think \ moment. and
then replied: I'M He lives in New Jersey
doesn't he?'' Which of course shuts Mr..
Cleveland out. Et tn, Richard, Mr.. Croker
is one of the men principally responsible for
the result which sent Mr.. Cleveland from
Albany to Washington instead of back to
Buffalo. where he doubtless would have re-
manned As a citizen of Buffalo he would
now be eligible 10 a seat at the jefferson
dinner.
Evening star., 1899-03-09
Director Merriapl's Policy

The present prospect for the taking of
The next census is bright enough, if the
words Of the new director Ex-Governor
Merriam, are To be accepted at their face
value And, under the conditions as they
exist today, there is no reason for accent
Ing them otherwise. Director Merriam saws
That his chief aim will be to secure the best
men available for the work of enumeration
bnd analysis, that he will observe the suirit
% the merit system in his appointments.
that ne will subordinate all else to the con-
S4deratiOns affecting the general questions
Oi population, vital statistics and the NE
chdnicsd and agricultural schedules. This
Is = far platform. which needs only a sim
adheFenee 10 insure a satisfactory census
Of course the new director understands thar
his words will be Immediately chaHepse-d
by the place hunters that the Politician
Who are after jobs for themselves or their
friends will assume that he is only talking
10 the galleries and that eventually he will
throw open the ranks to the faithful re-
sarJiess Of the merit system or any other
corFs sideration affecting the statistical value
of the census. Accustomed themselves to
talk one way and act another. they will ap-
p!a1d Mr.. Merriam for his astuteness in
thus reassuring the believers in civil serv-
Ice and business-like administration while
they will accredit him with willingness
Evening star., 1899-03-09
The House Minority Leadership.

VIII the minority leader of the next
he have potent voice in shaping the mi
nority's course as the session lengthens. or
Will he simply carry out a general policy
which not even the minority itself has been
permitted to shape?
one may see at a glance that the situa-
ton will be very difficult in every partic-
uIar. The presidential race will be coming
on. and whatever is done or attempted in
Congress will have bearing on it, one way
or the other. The initiative will be with
the republicans. but mere opposition will
not discharge the obligations of the demo-
Gratis. They must oppose a policy with
policy They. as well as the republicans,
must show their hands.
For instance: The republicans will be ex-
pected to propose a measure for currency
reform. What will the democrats propose?
The free coinage of silver? Mr.. Bryan
and his friends insist that free silver will
cure all the ills that afflict both the cur
rency and the finances. The republicans
may propose something in the way of tax
ation-a change Of some kind in the law as
il stands. VIII the democrats meet this
with a measure drawn after a pattern of
free trade? The republicans will bring for
ward the question of government for the
new possessions. which will open up the
whole matter of expansion. How will the
democrats meet this2 Will the Croker or
the German advice be taken?
The democracy is so very much divided on
all the leading questions that d general
caucus or consultation would appear to be
a necessity i'll order to frame a congress
sional policy. Not a caucus of the minority
Of the House acting alone. nor yet of the
minority of the House and of the Senate
acting together. but of all the national
leaders of the party, both in and out of
Congress If a policy should be devised at
such meeting and stamped with the party
authority there need be no great trouble
about securing party support for il in Con
gress- But if. on the other hand the party
divisions should prove too much for even
the combined leadership to handle then
mere congressional baking will be of small
consequence.
The minority will have some capable men
in the next House. Mr. Bankhead has par
Jicipa,ed but little in debate, but ne is a
cool. clean and clear-headed man, and is
not unlike Judge Crisp III the respect he in
spires. His associates of both parties like
him. Judge De Armsnd is alert and ag-
gressive. but maybe a bit too sharp of
tongue at times. Mr. Richardson is an ex-
perienced parliamentarian and very
II ady debater. and has. besides, the quail
les Of a good mixer And then there is
Mr. Bailey. who. despite the action he has
taken. may Yet prove to be d factor in the
race He is a capital speaker has resoIu-
lion and decision. and II he could arrange
with the fates for d better control of his,
temper would be one of the most influential
men in his party.
Evening star., 1899-03-09
The Public Building Problem.

1t is sincerely to be hoped that full ad-
vantage will be taken by Secretary Gage of
| the provisions of the Tarsney act in Secur-
| ing plans from private architects for the
multitude of public buildings authorized by
Congress at the session just closed. The
public demand for higher standard in the
governmental architecture is insistent and
well informed. 1t is based upon visual evil
dence Of the limitations of the official bu-
reau in this matter. 1t is inspired by the
knowledge that the salaries paid by the
government to the men in charge of the su-
pervising architects bureau are not such
as to command the talent demanded by
high ideals of construction. Great masses
of brick and stone here and there about the
country-and too often in the most con-
spicuous places-Offer tangible evidence of
the fact that in the past the official staff
of architects has miserably failed to appre-
ciate the true nature of the case, the ma
tional necessities, the esthetic opportunities
and the historical requirements.
The Tarsney bill law authorizes the Sec
retary of the Treasury to secure plans for
public buildings from private architects in
preference to having the designs prepared in
the bureau. 1t fails to cover the case 1t
should require this procedure rather than
authorize it. Ii should furthermore be sup
pISlhciIltu DS o SSuttd& ACT EtduIuStlHS Tue
organization of the bureau upon a new and
more businesS-like basis 1t may perhaps
be possible to anticipate such an enactment
by some Congress in the near future if the
inquiry into the methods employed in the
construction of the Washington post office
should be carried to finish. The results
as they appear in the building as it stands
speak loudly for themselves. but not with
sufficient emphasis to warrant legislation
as yet. The most diligent search must be
made for the causes which have produced
this revelation of official incompetence
The fact that the building is not yet fin
ished after over seven years of work alone
suftices to indicate the need for reformatory
measures. The admission already officially
made that bad management. bad judgment
delay and extravaganza have been dis
in the system.
OF course the securing of plans from pri-
vate architects will not cure the evils of
administration of which complaint has been
made. There probably will always be a
public building bureau. of necessity. The
problem at hand is how to secure an har-
moniOus mixture of outside talent and
official executive ability and honesty as
will lead not only to the erection of ma
tional monuments of architectural art but
TO satisfactory showing on the balance
sheets.
Evening star., 1899-03-09

water has been pending for years in the
city assembly, but 1t IS no nearer accom-
plishment now than several seasons ago.
1t may be that the present experience will
teach the people that in local government
the first duty of citizen is to interest him.
self in the election processes in order to in
sure the removal of the administrative and
legislative offices from the hands of the
men who seek only the fees and the sal
aries and the chance for political promo
ton which subservience to the behests of
bosses fnsures..
Good municipal government means bus
iress-like attention to every detail affecting
the health, peace and comfort of the peo-
pie. 1t requires the services of men bound
to no machine restricted by no party
pledges. actuated only by a conscientious
adherence to high ideal of city manage
ment. Washington does not, of course,
joy the spectacle of this great, beautiful
and important city suffering from so evil
a condition as that which now afflicts Phil
adelphia. Yet IT cannot avoid sense of
satisfaction that under existing conditions
1t Is immune from the perils of water poiS-
enng and other manifestations of corrupt
and 1nefhcient government. 1t feels secure
in the belief that no such calamitous condi-
ton as that existing today in Philadelphia
could possibly develop here, with Congress
in charge of the details of local legislation
and the administration in the hands of
three men chosen by the President of the
United States. Inquiries now under way to
determine the necessity and feasibility of
hitering the Potomac water will assurediy
minimize whatever chance there may be of
local epidemics from this source by leading
surely and swiftly to remedial enterprise
as soon as it may be discovered. if ever
that there is the slightest reason to appre-
hcnd here such a state of affairs as that
which now terrorizes Philadelphia
Evening star., 1899-03-09
The tprecOgniHed Statesman,

My Uncle Jim has gone back home
He minds me of the way
l celebrated when a boy
One Independence day.
| set off all the fireworks
'Ceptin' one-a rocket great
l somehow overlooked it.
When L found it twas too late.
My Uncle Jim was loaded,
When TO Congress he was sent,
With red-iire oratory,
Fur he's monstrous eloquent.
But his pyrotechnic glories
This unlucky world must lose.
In the rush an the excitement
They forgot to light the fuse.
Evening star., 1899-03-09
An Opinion inI0rsed.

Never allow it to be said that you ever
gave a bribe," said the man of high ideals.
.Of course not" replied the painfully
practical person. you don't want to let
anybody know about it except the man
who got 1t. And he doesn't dare say any
thing"
Evening star., 1899-03-09

Now here's the Brooklyn Eagle congratu-
lating President Mckinley upon entering
the last half of his term with hold on
plain Americans that cannot be mistaken
hold which Abraham Lincoln himself had
under circumstances analogous to those in
which Mr. Mckinley has been placed. And
the Brooklyn Eagle is a Cleveland demo-
cratic newspaper, too.
Evening star., 1899-03-09
Guarded HOSnitalitY.

He isn't exactly what Ia call an in
sincere man." remarked Mr.. Blykins, 'and
ne wants you to like him. But" e.
Yes" said the person who is always
eager to hear bad news about human
nature.
Well, he's the sort of man who will find
out what time you are sure to be too busy
to leave before he takes chances on asking
you out to lunch"
Evening star., 1899-03-09
SHOOTING STARS.
Injured Innocence.

That sir" exclaimed the indignant mer-
chant, 'fs what 1 call a gratuitous false
hood"
It's nothing Of the kind" replied the un-
scrupulous salesman; Il get salary and
a commission for telling that faisehood"
Evening star., 1899-03-09
Are Not Toying With Fire.

From the ST. Louis Globe Democrat
It viii be noticed that congressman who
have been repudiated by the people are put
forward to abuse the President No poli-
tician with a present or expecting q future
cares to undertake 1t.
Evening star., 1899-03-09
Plain Talk.
From, the Nashville American

From the Nashville American
As a democratic paper grounded in the
immortal principles of the party We hope
for success In 1909 but We must confess
that unwise leadership and indiscreet action
have clouded the horizon in SO many direc-
lions that the outlook is far from encourag-
tDg
Evening star., 1899-03-09
Better for Every One.
rom the London Chronicle.

With Luzon pacifed, and many of the
smaller islands submissive, the other large
islands will probably find it difficult to keep
UP hastiiftieS till the cold weather comes
II is better for everybody concerned that
rapid end shall be made of this savage re-
SiStance.
Evening star., 1899-03-09
A Plea.

Contrarious you seem to go,
Good weather-prophet, friend of mine
The blizzard flag 1 pray you show
And then perhaps the sun will shine.
Evening star., 1899-03-09
Cngrateful Cuba.
From the Havana Advertiser,

Republics are ungrateful and Cuba
Libre' promises to be no exception to the
rule. Veterans like ex-President Cisneros
and Maso are side-tracked or forgotten
while eleventh hour converts are being
honored and rewarded
Evening star., 1899-03-09
DiseoaraGinx for AsitatOrx.

With ninety thousand New England work
ingmen about to get an advance of wages,
this section ought to be for some time to
come rather discouraging field for the So
cialistic agitators and the prophets of dis
content generally.
Evening star., 1899-03-09

1t is a pity that Havana cannot be taken
into the league and given custody of the
tail-end base ball club. Havana Is new to
the game and would not feel the humilia-
tiOn
Evening star., 1899-03-09
Couldn't Snit Them Better.

From the Kansas City Journal.
The democratic platform next year is to
consist Of free silver and anti-eXpansion.
1t would consist of the same thing if re-
publican managers We're building it.
Evening star., 1899-03-09

Emperor Wilhelm proposes to take per-
sonal charge of the German navy He still
insists on trying to be as big a man as
Admiral Dewey.
Evening star., 1899-03-09

Aguinaido does not want to be the George
Washington of the Philippines He wants
to be the ]. Pierpont Morgan.
Evening star., 1899-03-09
- 0 =

Jesse James. jr., is going on the stage.
put ne will probably be too discreet 10 at
tempt any of the performances in which the
star asks some lady or gentleman in the
audience 10 kindly lend him a gold watch.
Evening star., 1899-03-09

TIE enthusiasm over Carl Shurzs birth
day celebration is reminder that a man
Need not remain continuously in politics in
order TO be considered great by numerous
influential people
Evening star., 1899-03-09

Mr.. Quay still behaves as if he had lit
tie surprise for Mr. Wanamaker ready for
delivery about April +.
Evening star., 1899-03-09
Dire Prophecies Refufed.
he st. Louis Globe Democrat.

From the St Louis Globe Democrat
The prophets who said all sorts of ma
tional difficulties would follow the annexa-
ton of Hawaii unable as yet TO point
with pride to the slightest trouble of any
kind.
Evening star., 1899-03-09

There may be sufficient confidence es
tablshed in the grounding to cause
philanthropic movement to provide him with
a paraso next year.
Evening star., 1899-03-09

Georgia is convinced of the need of teach
ing the 10th Immunes that the razor is
the only weapon which can be tolerated in
their hands in time of peace
Evening star., 1899-03-09

The Texas Legislature felt called upon to
dilute its Endorsement of Mr.. Bailey to a
considerable degree.
Evening star., 1899-03-09

Complications have arisen in Delaware
which may make it necessary for Mr. Adj
dicks to go west and try another Iegisla-
ture
Evening star., 1899-03-09
Usually the Case.
Ike popular songs 2"

DO you like popular songs?'
NO" answered the perfectly candid man;
mot when anybody except myself sings or
whistles them"
Evening star., 1899-03-09

Mr.. Quay can hardly hep wishing MI
Hoar had thought of that plurality idea
for selecting senators sooner
Evening star., 1899-03-09

The Tsung Ii Yamen should hasten to
provide itself with corps of apology
clerks.
Evening star., 1899-03-09

Washington has already begun TO present
some powerful specimens of barsain-count
er base ball.
Evening star., 1899-03-09

Chicago canned meat is in line to secure
a tremendous advertisement or terrific
hackSet.
The evening times., 1899-09-14
ostend, December %, 1907.
The Jew Still Orphaned

This spirit making itself manifest in
France in 1907 has been gathering force
in all parts of the world, save and except
in the United States, until today, notwith-
standing all that the Jew has done on the
broad lines of citizenship in the various
countries of his birth and residence, he
has still to fight for his home, for his life,
and for his happiness He is still, to all
intents and purposes, an orphaned Jew.
His parents, in the shape OF recognition,
protection and equality, have been denied
him. and he is a castaway on the highway
of life, who has to struggle not only for
the chance of making life possible, but for
life itself. l admit much has been done in
Germany, in Italy, in England, and in
France up to 1894, which showed better
ment and an improvement for the condi-
tion of the Jews, and yet even this better
ment had to be wrested from the hands
of our enemies, wno never accorded it as
a right or privilege, but rather as meas
ure of policy. / confess that even l, opti-
mistic as have been, battling as / have
for more than half a century on and in
behalf of the rights of all men, and e5pe-
cially my co-reiigionists, am near the
brink when / observe the conditions at the
close of the century from which SO much
had been expected, and from which We
were to receive new inspiration for the
battle of the future. | am well aware that
this subject of Dreyfus and France has
been spoken of time and again, Until it is
almost nauseating, and yet nothing in his
tory is so dreadful and SO full of dire i'm
port as the action of France and the m Ii
tary cabal 1t is not the victim of their
hellish hate, but it is the Jews throughout
the world that are affected, for if such
things are possible in France where the
Jews have had since Napoleon's time more
or less equal standing, then what can you
expect from Russia, Roumania. Austria,
and Germany? However oft it has been
stated that one Jew stands for Ali and all
stand for one, it yet remains fact that
the sufferings of one as well as the mis-
deeds of one reflects upon the whole Jew
ish community throughout the world. AMI
this answers the question propounded by
Mark Twain in his splendid article in the
September number of "Harper's," that the
Jews are united. but not as he would like
them to be in the spirit of threat or oppo-
sition to inaugurate a universal boycott
but rather in the spirit of right. OF mercy,
of justice. and OF humanity. whose heart
| goes out beating responsive tofevery cause,
and ready to five or die in defence of those
| eternal principles which underlie not only
| every faith. but particularly that. Of Juda-