davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
InsuIar Postal Service.

In restoring peaceful conditions, orderly
rule and civic progress in Cuba, Porto
Riee and, so far as practicable in The
Philippines, the rehabilitation of the
postal service has been an essential and
important part of the work. 1t became
necessary to provide mail facilities Doth
for our forces of occupation and for The
native population. To meet this require
ment has involved a substantial recon-
strlction. The existing systems were SO
fragmentary, defective and inadequate
that new and comprehensive organlza-
tion had to be created.
Same system in Porto Rico.
Though Porto Rico and the Philippines
hold different relation to the United
States, yet for convenience of administra-
ton, the same principle of an auton-
omous system has been extended to them.
The development of the service in all of
the islands has been rapid an1 successful.
Domestic Postal Service.
The domestic postal service continues to
grow with extraordinary rapidity. The ex-
pei ditures and the revenues will each eX-
ceed $l00, 900, 900 during the current year.
Fortunately, since the revival of prosper
Gus times, the revenues have grown muci:
faster than the expenditures, and there
IL every indication that short period will
witness the obliteration of the annual de-
ficit
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
PREVAILED FOR THREE DAYS.
Animal Transport Caught in II Hur-
ricnne-AnimnIs Injured and
Upper Deck Carried Away.

Washington, Dec. 6.-Advices fron
San Francisco to the quartermaster
general report the arrival of the ami
nal transport Port Stephens at Homo
lulu, November 25. Sixteen days out
strong westerly gales were encoun-
tered and an unsuccessful attempt was
made to reach Kobe, on the northern
route.
For three days a hurrican prev'iled'
accompanied by tremendous seas. The
mules aboard were lashed in their
stalls. Two of the animals were killed
and Others were slightly injured. The
stall work all stood well, but the upper
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
THE PHILIPPINE CEssION.
Ratified by Both Countries.

On the 10th of December, 1898, the
treaty of peace between the United States
and Spain was signed. 1t provided, among
other things that Spain should celia To
the United States the archipelago known
as the Philippine islands, that the United
asss S daa oo shound Pay 10 spain the h. sum % o,
political status of the native inhabitants
% the territories thus ceded to the United
States should be determined by the con-
gress. The, treaty was. ratified by the
senate on the 9Th of February, 1899, and
by the government OF Spain on the 10Th
OF March, following fhe ratihcations
the treaty publicly proclaimed. On the
I'd of March the congress voted the I'M
contemplated by the treaty, and the
amount was paid over TO the Spanish gnv-
became United states Property.
In this manner the Philippines came to
the United States. The islands were ceded
by the government of Spain, which had
been in undisputed possession of them for
centuries.
The Paramount Authority.
That there should be no doubt as to the
paramount authority there, ON the 18th
ot August II was directed that there
must be no joint occupation with the in
surgents;" that the United States must
preserve the peace and protect persons
and property within the territory occupied
ny their military and naval forces; that
the Insurgents and all others must recog-
:
Of the United States.
Proclaimed TO the Natives.
On the 2lst Of December, after the treaty
was signed. the commander Of the forces
)f occupation was Instructed ITO an
poupce and proclaim in the most public
manner thGt We come not as invaders and
conquevers. but as friends to protect the
natives in their homes IN their employ
ments, and in their personal and religious
rights" on the same day. while order
ing Gen. Otis to see that the peace should
be- preserved in lloilO he was admonished
that. 1T IS most important that there
| should be no conflict with the Insurgents.
The Philippine Commission.
or the 21st OF January I announced nv
| intention Of dispatching 70 Manila "A COM
mission composed Of three gentlemen OF
| the Highest character and distinction
| Thoroughly acquainted with the orient
VINO. in association with Admiral Dewey
| and Mai-Gen. Otis, were instructed 10
| facilitate the most humane and effective
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
IS READY TO SURRENDER.
A Hong-Kong Dispatch Saws tbo.
Aguinaldo Is Willing to Sur
render to Wildman.
FILIPINO JUNTA ADVISED HIM TO Do "A
Gen. Hughes at Santa Barbar, n.
nay-he Has Occupied Twenty
Towns-AguinaIdof Mother c,.,
that Pence is Now Not F..
on.

New York, Dec. Ga special cable.
gram from Hong Kong to the Evenino
World says that Filipinos there an.
ltounce that Aguinaldo is ready to sur.
render if Consul Wildman will receivo
him at Manila. The dispatch adds that
the Filipino junta at Hong Kong was
in communication with Aguinaldo last
week, and advised him then to throw
himself on the mercy of the United
States.
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
OUR PENSIONERS.
The National Roll of Honor.

On the 30th of June, 1899, the pension
roll of the United States numbered 9.1.-
5l9. These include the -ensioners of the
army and navy in all our wars. The num-
ber added to the rolls during the year was
Az. .991. The number dropped by reason CT
death, remarriage, minors by Il gal limita-
tions, failure to claim within three yeorS
and other causes, was 43, 1885, and the num-
ber Of claims disallowed was 107,91 Dur
ing the year S9,054 pension certificates
were issued, of which 37,077 were for new
bursed for army and navy pensions ,iur-
ing the year was $13S,355, 052. So, which was
81, ,651, ,46l, 81 less than the sum of the ap-
preparations
A Simple Act of Justice.
With the approval of the secretary of
the interior the commissioner of pensions
recommends that, in order to make the
practice at all times uniform. and to 10
Justice to the dependent widow, the
amount of income allowed independent of
the proceeds of her daily labor should
be not less than $3.50 per annum, and he
urges that the congress shall so amend
the act so as to permit the pension office
to grant pensionabe status to widows un-
der the terms OF the third section of the
act of June q, 1890, whose income, aside
from the proceeds of daily labor is not in
excess of $3.50 per annum. l believe this
to be simple act of justice and heartily
recommend 1t.
The Twelfth Census.
In accordance with the act Of congress
work in connection with the twelfth CEN
stls is now fully under way The officers
required for the proper administration of
the duties imposed have been selected.
Pacific Railroad Settlement.
Under authority of the act of congress
approved July Z, 1885, the commission, con-
sistlng of the secretary of the treasury,
the attorney general and secretary of the
interior has made an agreement of settle
ment, which has had my approval, of the
indebtedness to the government growing
out Of the issue Of bonds to aid in the
construction of the Central Pacific and
Western Pacific railroads. The agreemert
secures to the government the principal
anu interest of said bonds, amounting 10
$jS. S12, 715.is. There has been paid thereon
$ll 1852 543. IL, which has been covered INTO
the treasury, and the remainder payable
within ten years, with interest at the rate
oe three per cent. per annum, payable
semi-annuallyi is secured by the deposit of
an equal amount of first mortgage bonds
Of the Pacific railway companies.
Protection of Forests.
Protection of the national forests, irau-
gurated by the department of the interior.
in 1897 has been continued during the past
the way of preventing forest fires and the
protection of the timber. There are now
large tracts covered by forests which
will eventually be reserved and set apare
for forest uses. Until that can be done
congress should increase the appropria-
for the work of protecting the forests.
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS.
Argentine-Chfli boundary.

review of our relations with foreign
states is presented with such recommen-
dations as are deemed appropriate.
The long-pending boundary dispute be-
tween the Argentine Republic and Chill
was settled in March last by the award of
an arbitral commission, on which the
United States minister at Buenos Ayres
served as umpire.
Progress has been made toward the
conclusion of a convention of extradition
with the Argentine Republic. Having been
advised and consented TO by the Unite.l
States senate and ratified by Argentina II
only awaits the adjustment of some slight
changes in the text before exchange.
Belgian Restrictions Mitigated.
1t is gratifying to be able TO announce
that the Belgian government has miti-
gated the restrictions on the importation
of cattle from the United States, to which
referred In my last annual message.
Our Relations With Brazil.
A convention OF extradition with Brazil
signed MAY a. 1897. has been ratified by
the Brazilian legislature.
During the past summer two national
ships of the United States have visited
Brazilian ports on a friendly mission anl
been cordially received.
A Settlement with Colombia.
The claim growing out of the seizure oi
the American-owned newspaper, tn,
Panama Star and Herald, by the authori
ties of Colombia, has been settled, after
controversy of several years, by ar
agreement assessing at $50. 600 the indem
nifty to be paid by the Colombian govern
ment in three instalments of $40, 600 each
Toward the end of October an insur
rectionary disturbance developed in III,
Colombian republic. This movement ha,
thus far not attained any decisive re-
suit and is still in progress
Controversy with Denmark
Discussion of the questions raised b,
the action of Denmark in imposing re
strictions on the Importation of America
meats has continued without substantial
result in our favor.
The Republic OF snnto Domingo.
The neighboring island republic Of Sant,
Domingo has lately been the scene Of rcy
oluuOn. following a long period of tran
guilty. II began with the killing %
President HeurcuN in July last, and cui
minated in the REIMBURSEMENT by the sue
ceeding vice-president Of the rcins e.
government to the insurgents.
Nicaragua, Honduras and salvador
The experimental association of Slc
zraeua. Honduras and Salvador, undo
ahe title OF the Greater Republic OF Con
trail America. when apparently on III
threshold of a complete federal organI
tztior by the adoption OF a constitution
aud the formation of a. national legia:G
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
THE NAVY DEPARTMENT.
Liberal Appropriations Justified.

The navy has maintained the spirit and
high efficiency which have always eharac-
teIized that service and has lost noll, of
the gallantry in heroic action which has
sienalized its brilliant and glorious past.
The nation has equal pride in its early
and later achievements Its habhudl
readiness for every emergency has won
the confidence and admiration of the
country. The people are interested in the
continued preparation and prestige of the
navy and will justify liberal appropria-
tons for its maintenance and improve
ment.
Naval Increase Recommended.
In the matter of naval construction
Italy and Japan OF the great powers, laid
down less tonnage in the year 1899 than
this country, and Italy alone has less
tonnage under construction. | heartily
concur in the recommendations for the in
crease of the navy as suggested by the
secretary.
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
IHEPRESDENT' MESSAGE.
President Mckinley Sends His An
nual Communication to
Congress.
THE COUNTRY, HE SAYS, is PROSPEROUS.
The Document Largely Devoted to Condi-
tions In the Philippines, Hawaii, Cuba
and Porto Rico, and, Incidentally,
Alaska, All of Which Must be Provided
with Governments.

TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF
REP At the threshold
of your deliberations you are called TO
mourn with your countrymen the death
of Viee-President Hobart, who passed
from this life on the morning of Novem-
Yer q last His great soul now rests in
eternal peace. His private life was pure
and elevated. while his public career was
ever distinguished by large capacity,
stainless integrity, and exalted motives.
He has been removed from the high Of
flee which he honored and digniiieo, but
his lofty character his devotion to dilty.
his honesty of purpose, and noble virtues
remain with US. as a priceless legacy and
example
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
Not Arrcsted in Montreal.

Montreal, Dec. 6.-Inquiry fails 10
confirm the story telegraphed from
here of the arrest of VIM. Il. Miller, inc
fugitive manager of the Franklin syn
dicate of Brooklyn, n. Y. 1t is posi-
lively stated that Miller has not been
arrested in MONTREAL or Quebec.
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
Surgeon Armstrong Dead.

Washington, Dec. 6.-Gen. Otis has
informed the war department of the
death of Maj Frank c. Armstrong
surgeon of the Thirty-third infantry
which occurred Monday, at Manila. The
cause of death is given as lymphatlc
leukaemin.
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09

our force in Cuba and Porto Rico. In
Cuba we now have 334 officers and TO- $50
enlisted men; In Porto Rico 81 officers and
2,SE5 enlisted men and a battalion of 400
men composed of native Porto Ricans.
while stationed throughout the United
Hawaii Il officers and 453 enlisted men.
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
RrNnIf sunnre.scd.

Berlin, Dec. Ga dispatch from
Guatemala received here under yester-
days date, says the revolt on the from
tier of San Salvador has been sup
pressed.
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Consulting Public Needs.

The department of agriculture is con-
stantly consulting the needs of producers
in all the states and territories. 1t Is
introducing seeds and plants of great
value and promoting fuller diyersificatlon
Of crops. Grains, grasses, fruits, legumes
and vegetables are imported for all Darts
OF the United States. Under this en-
enlargement the sugar beet factory null
tiples in the north and far west. semi
tropical plants are sent to the south aud
congenial climates are sought for the
choice productions of the far east. The
hybridizing of fruit trees and grains is
conducted in the search for varieties
adapted to exacting conditions. The IN
II reduction of tea gardens into the south
ern states promises to provide employ
ment for idle hands, as well as to supply
the home market with tea.
Public Highway Improvement.
There is widespread interest in the i'm
provement of our public highways at the
present time, and the department of at,ri-
culture is cooperating with the people in
each locality in making the best possible
roads from local material and in expert
menting with steel tracks
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
Gen. Hug hes in Panny.

Manila, Dec. 5, 1:20 p. m.-Gep
Hughes now occupies Santa Barbara
and Cabutuan, island of Panay, his
lines extending 35 miles north of Iloilo
He has occupied 20 towns. The inhab.
itants are returning with white hags.
their fear of the Americans is dimin.
ishing as they learn that they will be
well treated.
1t is impossible to get the insurgents
to fight They are retreating to the
mountains, and no more organized re-.
sistanee is expected. The artillery
wagon mules are being used for pack.
ing. Water buffaloes are also being
used for this purpose.
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
AguinaIdo's Mother Desires Pence


New York, Dee. Ga dispatch to the
Herald from Manila says: Aguinaldos
mother says she desires nothing but
peace. She is glad from the bottom
of her heart that the irsurrection is
near an end
Aguinaldo, she says, is not sufficient
ly civilized to keep from being mised
by bad counsel from his ministers and
congress, a majority of whom con-
stantly declared for war against Agui.
naldo's personal wishes to the con-
tray.
Gratifed at Kind Treatment.
She is immensely gratified at the
kind treatment of herself and Aguinal-
dons son by the Americans. She be-
lieved they would be shot, and tried
to keep the Identity of her grandson
caeled. Aguinaldon's mother says that
the death of his baby, recently born,
was due to falling from nurses arms.
and was not, as has been reported, the
result of exposure during the retreat
az the Filipinos: She adds that the
women and officers families are suf-
fering fearful privatiens and hard
ships. She declares she does not know
Aguinaldo's presnt whereabouts nor
bis ultimate destination.
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09
Nicaragua Canal Committee.
Pleasant Relations With chill.

A pleasing incident in the relations of
this government with that of Chill oc-
CURED in the generous assistance given
to the warship Newark when in distress
In Chilian waters. Not alone in this way
has the friendly disposition of Chilli found
expression. That country has aeceded TO
the convention for the establishment of
the bureau of the American republics
in which organization every independent
state of the continent NOW shares.
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09

! ture was disrupted in the last days Of
| November, 1898, by the withdrawal of SAL
1 vador. Thereupon, Nicaragua and Ho
4 duras abandoned the joint compact each
resuming its former Independent sover-
The Van Buren press., 1899-12-09

II must be borne IN MIND that since
the ceSsiOu Cf Porto Rico has been denied
The principal markets she had-song en-
ieVed. and our tariffs have been continued
4.-aiust her products as when she was
snder Spanish sovereignty. The markets
cf Spain are closed 10 her products eN-
cept upon terms 10 which the commerce
Of all nations L. subjected. The island ut
Cuba which used tu buy her cattle and
tobacco without customs duties, now i'm
poses .he same duties upon these products
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-09-07
Personal PARAGRAPHS.

Misses Kate and Elizabeth Booth, of
Emira, are visiting relatives and
friends at Bellevue.
Morgan p. Daniels, of Division
street, is attending the Grand Army
encampment at Philadelphia.
]. Myron Evans, the oldest registered
drug clerk in West Scranton, will to-
day assume a position at John j. Da-
vies' pharmacy. Mr.. Evans was for
many years at the Star Drug store
and also served at jenkins and Shry-
ers places.
Edwards Evans. Of the Pittston po-
lice force, is visiting friends and rela-
tives in town.
Misses Jemima Thomas and Jennie
Morgan are studying the millinery
styles in New York.
D. F.. Hughes, wife and son, of South
Garfield avenue, have returned from
Asbury Park.
Dr. and Mrs. A. A. Lindabury, Of
South Main aevnue, are entertaining
Herbert Thompson and sister Mabel, or
Carbondale.
Mrs. Frederick Gilmartin and daugh-
ter, of Mt. Morris are the guests OF
IllenuS On F'puIll fldlli avenue
Mrs. Thomas T.. Price, of North
Sumner avenue, and guest, Miss Susan
Young, left yesterday for visit with
the formers parents at WysoX, Pa.
Mrs. Daniel Barth and daughter
Bertha, of Price street, have returned
home from a two weeks visit with
relatives at IIawley.
Miss Gertrude Williams, of New
albany. who has been the guest of
Miss Edna SAKE. Of North Main ave-
nue, left yesterday to visit friends in
Pittston,
Miss Jennie Kresge, of Philadelphia,
is visiting at the home of Mrs. Moses
Ace. Of Browns place
Mrs. Marion Conklin, of Tenth street,
is the guest of relatives at Strouds-
burg.
Mrs. Frank Barber. OF Jermyn, Is
being entertained by Mrs. Samson, Of
Jackson street.
Mr. and Mrs. NJ. ]. Gallagher, of
Twentieth street. have as their guests
Misses Mary and Mollie Ford, of Bing-
hamton, n. Y.
Mrs. John Davis, of Wilkes Barre,
is visiting friends and relatives OIL
South Main avenue.
Miss Annie O'Brien of New York
city, is visiting her parents on SWEET
land street.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-09-07
NEWS NOTES AND PERSONALS.

John Solosky, of Elm street, was
painfully injured while at work at the
Connell mine yesterday. A heavy
piece of coal fell on his left forearm,
intlictinG a deep cash. DR.. Kolb at
tended him.
Theodore Haas, of Pittston avenue,
is visiting a Philadelphia.
Theodore Resig, of New York city.
visited his parental home On this side
Monday.
Select Councilman John j. Schneider,
of the Eleventh ward, was forty-fve
years Of age yesterday. His many
friends congratulated him upon the
happy event.
George Lewis. of Wilkes Barre, has
returned to his home, after a pleasant
stay with John Detz, of Pittston ave-
nue..
Patrick Flaherty. of Pittston avenue,
left yesterday for Stroudsburg to at
tend the Normal school for the coming
term.
Thomas Fuller, John Burns, Charles
Meehan, Of Brooklyn. n. Y, are the
guests Of Joseph Brady, of Pear street
Miss Lillian Rink and Herman AL
bert, both of Stone avenue. will be
married at st. Mary's church at
o'clock this morning.
The elders and trustees of the Hick-
ory Street Presbyterian church met
last evening for the regular monthly
business meeting.
Miss Ellen Elwart, of Binghamton
n. Y. is visiting relatives here.
Miss Anna Walker, Of Reading, who
is visiting Miss Sophia Haas. of Pitts.
ton avenue. will return home Saturday
Oscar HOuck. one of the Visitine
postmen, of New York. called on Mrs
c. Haas, Of Pittston avenue, on Mon
day.
Mrs. Fred Herman, of Birch street
is spending a few weeks at Elmhurst
Mr.. and Mrs. Theodore Hettler lef
| for New York. where they will reside
Miss B. Heenan, of Cedar avenue
has returned home from trip tt
| HaZlptOn
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-09-07
TROUBLE IN CAMP.
The Proposition to Admit Spanish
War Veterans Arouses a Storm.

Philadelphia, Sept. G.-There were
lively times at today's session of the
fourteenth annual convention of the
national association of naval veterans
A resolution providing for the adms-
sion of participants in the Spanish
American war to membership in the
association started a rumpus and the
result was that there is now a split
in the organization. At the convention
held in Cincinnati last September the
resolution just mentioned was intro
duced and under the rules was laid
over until this year. There was much
discussion among the members as TO
the adVisability of admitting the
Spanish war Veterns, and when the
resolution came before the convention
today everybody was ready to fight for
or against it. The leader of the forces
i'm favor of the proposition was Past
Rear Admiral r. s. Osborn, of Farra-
gut association, New York city. He
delivered q passionate address IN
which he said that the naval Veterns
association should he perpetuated by
admitting the men of the late war and
not let the organization die with the
veterans of the Civil war. He was
followed by Surgeon a. Trego Shert-
ger, of Baltimore, who stoutly MAIN
tained that the association WAS or
ganized for the sailors of the Civil war
only and that it should die with them.
A number of other speeches were made
and the vote on the resolution was
overwhelmingly against admitting the
men of the late war. When the result
was announced the Farragut delegates
from New York and the delegates
from the Admiral BoCgs association.
of Newark, y. j., walked out in a
body. It is their intention of starting
an opposition association to be known
as the United States Veteran Navy, and
the headquarters will probably be in
New York. The hoters claim that
they will get nearly 200 members from
the Naval Veteran association and will
admit to membership all those who
were in the navy during the Spanish
war.
Outside of this episode the conven-
tion was a harmonious one. The prop
osition to parade with the Grand Army
of the Republic each year was de-
feated.