davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times., 1899-12-13
Consul Pratt Explains,

ITO the Editor Of the New York Evening Post)
Sir: Believing in the principle of govern
ment of the people for the people and by
the people / can but sympathiZe with the
FilipnOs In their present struggle. At the
same time l must refute the assertion, so
often repeated, that it was 1 who, by
promises made to Aguinaldo. inspired the
Fihpinos with the hope that independence
would be accorded them, and that / am
therefore primarily responsible for the de-
pIorable state OF affairs now existing.
Whatever my personal feelings in the
matter. I had been too long in the service
and had too keen an appreciation OF my
duties as a Government agent TO allow
such feelings to influence me in my official
dealings.
My action with regard TO AguinaIdo was
limited to obtaining such information as
he was able to furnish concerning the
situation in and about Manila enioining
him against allowing his people to con
duet hostilities except in accordance with
the principles of civilized warfare and
upon learning that he was ready and Will
ing to confer with Admiral then Commo-
dore, Dewey with a view to corporation.
communicating this to the commodore in
compliance with whose request AguInaldO
proceeded to Hongkong. being thence taken
in an American Government vessel TO
Cavite
1t will be seen. therefore. that I did not
act of my own accord in the matter. but
in response to instructions from superior
quarters.
l entered into no agreement with Aguin-
aldo nor did | make any promises
Let the responsibility for what has oc-
CURED accordingly rest where it belongs,
and the American public understand that
the present conflict in the Philippines
arose from the misunderstanding engen-
dered Sy the vacillatng policy, or rather
want of policy. 50 long displayed by the
Administration and the action of the rep
resentatiyes of American authority on the
spot in furnishing the FilipinOs with the
means of prosecuting the war against the
common enemy. from which they very
naturally assumed that We considered
them. if not actually allies, at least aux
iliaries.
Did our Government, I ask, act squarely
by the Filpinos from the start. and in
form them then that they had nothing TO
expect from US but benevolent assimila-
tion?" Z. SPENCER PRATT
New York Dec S.
The times., 1899-12-13
A RECEPTION TO DELEGATES.
The Gathering OF the Washington
Memorial Association

The George Washington Memorial As
sociation viii meet in annual session at the
Raleigh Hotel at 10 o'clock this morning.
An informal reception was rendered the
delegates from $50 to 1880 last evening
at the hotel the president OF the associa-
tton, Mrs. Ellen 4. Richardson, OF Boston,
receiving them.
At the meeting this morning at the
Raleigh the president Of the association
will introduce several amendments to the
charter besides reading au address Of well
come 10 the members present and a rumor
that there were conflicting factions in the
body viii, 1t is trusted. be fully eradi-
Gated.
Tomorrow evening. at SIS. at the Lafay-
ette Opera House commemorative memorial
services viii be held BY the association.
for which the following programme has
been arranged
Bishop Satterlee will open the exercises
with prayer and read the XIV Psalm.
| following which the hymn Before Jeho-
vah's Awful Throne will be rendered by
| $50 voices of the Washington Choral So
! ciety, and others Bishop Satterlee viii
/ then deliver a short address. followed by
( Hon. John A. KassOn. who viii speak for
I the president of the association on their
J present purpose. and viii read an auto
! graph letter from Washington just prior
/ to his death. and one from his secretary,
/ announcing his death. Assistant Secre-
! tary Of State d. J. Hill viii read the item
/ in the Will of Washington making the be-
[ quest for national university, and Prof
I p 3. Barringer viii speak upon Wash
/ iugtons interest in education Senator
I Kyle viii speak for the National Uniyer-
+ sitY: a hallelujah chorus by the Choral
/ Society viii follow. and brief addresses
+ will be made BY DR. John L. NJ Curry
/ Charles W. Dabney. President Of the Uni
versity of Tennessee; Prof C. d. Wolcott
I Senator Hawley. and DR.. Swisher. OF Co
lumbar University. The hymn America
/ will close the exercises.
/ At the reception last night the following
/ were among those present:
Col and Mrs. Henry A. Adams. jr.. OF
/ Connecticut; Mrs. Mary A. Chapman
/ Massachusetts; Mrs. Charles Washington
/ Coleman, Virginia: Mrs. Charles NJ
I Ffouke. Mrs. Archibald Hopkins. Mrs
( Van Sindereu Lindsey, Miss Stevens. Mr..
/ John l., Smithmeyer, and Mr. j. Madison
Cults, all of Washington; Mrs. William
I Reed Baltimore; Mrs. Washington A
I Roebling, of New Jersey; Mrs Weyler
/ New York: Mrs. Fannie Brush Gaffney
I New York: Mrs. T. st. John Gaflney, New
/ York; Miss Elizabeth T. King Baltimore
/ Mrs. John L. Mcneil, Denver Mrs. Charles
Frederick Naething. New York; Dr. and
Mrs. Frank Northrup. New York Mrs
{ Ansel Oppenheimer, St Paul, and Mr.
4 Louis Prang, Boston.
The times., 1899-12-13

the plain people may get the fact through
their heads that they were buncoed in
1896. Perhaps they may be willing to think
it was all for the best; and again march
meekly into the slaughter pen in 1900. fully
convinced that whatever may be the sins
and hypocrisies of their masters as far as
the currency is concerned. they are to be
trusted this time because they so hate the
trusts that helped to put them in power
and control them. that they will never aD-
pear hereafter without an octopus spear in
each hand. Perhaps this is the way the
plain people will see it; perhaps not!
The times., 1899-12-13
An Interesting Decision.

: somewhat celebrated case, decided by
the United States Supreme Court on Mon
day. Mr. Justice Harlan delivering the
opinion, is deserving of more than pass
ing notice on the occasion OF its final dis
position. In one way or another the La
Abra mine claim has been before the
Government and the courts for many
years-perhaps twenty or more. The case
has a peculiar interest at a time when We
are paying close attention to foreign
relations and snalyzing professions Of
friendship and good faith toward US
on the part OF foreign powers. The
reason being that the history of the
La AbEa claim from its inception
to the final act Of the Supreme Court
deserves to be always remembered in evi-
dence Of the loyalty and highmindedness
Of the Mexican Government in its observ-
ance OF an international engagement which
it had every temptation and could ave
had much excuse for Ignoring and de-
nouncing-
Certain Americans. claimed that they ac-
quired a property in Mexico known as the
La Abra mine. which they occupied and
attempted to work, but were driven away
from if and out Of the country by the
Mexican citizens Of the district. These
eXlles appealed TO the United States Gov
ernment for redress. The matter, with
other American claims, was presented to
the Mexican Government. Finally, as one
Of a number of claims OF Americans against
Mexico, and OF MeXicans against the
United States, it was referred by virtue
Of a convention to arbitration. COM
mission consisting Of one American, one
Mexican. and Sir Edward Thornton. Brit
ssh Minister at Washington, heard and
passed on all the claims presented to it,
and, among other things found that the
Republic OF Mexico was liable to the La
Abra claimants for a very large sum of
money, for the loss and destruction Of
their property and for damages. Mexico
accepted the award and proceeded TO pay
into our Treasury the amount amerced
against her, in installments After sew
eral payments had been made, the Gov
ernment OF President Diaz. acknowledging
and recognizing the award of the tribunal
as final and binding. represented TO our
authorities that II had discovered evidence
that the La Abra claim was unjust aud
The times., 1899-12-13
IN MEMORY OF GARCIA.
Anniversary of the Cuban General 5
Denth Observed in Havana.

thhlN RE~AFE III tnG >
Death Observed in Havana.
HAVANA. Dec. l2.-At meeting today
to commemorate the death of Gen. Ca
lixtc Garcia, General Hernandez said that
Garcia was one of those great Cubans to
be classed with Maceo and Marti. He had
saved at Santiago the honor of the Cuban
people which was so much maligned by
the Spaniards. In regard to the Spanish
flag he said it was impossible for Cubans
TO forget the Specification of the colors of
those Spanish guerrillas who were so
greedy for Cuban blood.
General Ludlow has written to Senor
Sagraria, the Spanish Consul General, in
regard TO newspaper articles, saying that
the widows asylum is private property and
therefore should not be treated as a GOV
ernment building by the Americans. Gen
eraI Ludlow says he has discovered that the
asylum was built with Government money
and asks Senor Sagrario if he has any doc
uments to prove the contrary to kindly fur
nish them. General Ludlow believes that
the building was not mentioned In the oih-
ciaI list OF buildings handed over to the
Americans by the Spaniards, owing to a
possible oversight.
/ AS III iAiullie4pe'lit . VI 1 ia - - ~ -
titioned the Secretary Of War in Washing
ton TO send aid TO the people, as they are
I without means 10 cultivate the land. a
! circular has been sent to all the judges
! and fscals in the island, ordering that il
the future any attempt at lynching OF muir
/ der by an individual or a crowd will be
! severely punished.
La Lucha" says that Governor General
/ Brooke owes his removal to the confidence
/ placed by him in the ill-adyised policy ol
! Secretaries Lanuza and Capote, which pol
| icy has been out of harmony with the de-
/ sires of the Cuban people.
The times., 1899-12-13
Cat overstreet Leaps From the Re
nmhIicnn BnG.
Qrom The New York sun.)

lFrOm the New ork SUM
In his speech in the House Of Representatives,
yesterday, on the currency bill, Mr.. overstrcet Of
Indiana. the iutroduoer Of the bill, said that
tie Secretary Of the Treasury. by single order
directing the use OF silver in the discharge Of
our obligations, may completely destroy the
parity. and shift the standard to the metal so
used -
This is sheer nonsense. The Secretary of the
Treasury has no more power to use the metal
silver in the discharge OF our obligations than
he has to use the metal gold. He use only
gold coin or silver coin Gold coin is, indeed,
worth as currency no more than the gold it con
tains, because any owner Of gold can, at pleasure
have it converted into coin in unlimited quantities
free Of charge. but the case is quite different
with silver Silver dollars pass current as equal
to gold dollars to the number Of $50. .O0O. GOO al
though the metal of which they are composed
is equal in value to only about 40 cents in
gold, for the reason that the coinage Of them is
a Government monopoly, and is not open to the
public
Nothing but unlimited free silver coinage can
reduce the value of the silver dollars to their
value as metal, and Mr. Oyerstreet betrays on
the subject an ignorance Of fact and of law,
which in leader in Congress is ludcrous, not
TO saw disuraceful
The times., 1899-12-13
TO LEGALIzE POOLING.
New Interstate Commerce Commits
sion Bill introduced.


Senator Cullom, Chairman Of the Com
mittee on Interstate Commerce. yesterday
introduced in the Senate bill TO increase
the powers of the Interstate Commerce
Commission and TO legaiize pooling or joint
traffic agreements between railroads.
The bill provides for the formation Of
joint traffic associations under the control
of the Interstate Commerce Commission. all
agreements as 10 rates and conditions be-
ing subject to its approval. IL prohibits
under penalty of sic C00 fine, any rebate to
shippers on the agreed rates or the granting
of any special privileges in receiving. stoT-
ing, or handling freight. Il also provides
for a national freight classification by the
Interstate Commerce Commission which is
TO be binding upon all interstate carriers
subject to the Interstate Commerce act
Penalties of $1,000 for violations Of the
rates so fixed are provided, each day to bs
deemed a separate offence the fines 10 be
covered into the United States Treasury.
In order to enforce the through rates
upon the roads which are partly in the
United States and partly in Canada it is
provided that they must maintain the rates
agreed upon or else the freight shipped
from the United States and thence through
Canadian territory into the United States
shall be subject TO customs dues like
freight of foreign production. The bill
gives the Interstate Comerce Commission
power to award damages to compliments
and enforce its decision. and its powers are
further augmented as follows:
To fix a maximum rate covering the en-
tire cost of the service; TO fix both maxi
mum and minimum rate or differentials in
rates that may be necessary to prevent dis
elimination; to determine the division be
tween carriers of joint rate and the terms
and conditions under which business shall
be interchanged when that is necessary 10
an execution of the provisions OF this act;
to make changes in the classification, and
to so amend the rules and regulations IN
der which traffic moves as to bring them in
conformity with the provisions OF this act.
The times., 1899-12-13
COLLAPSE of IndnstrinIs.


Promoters and professional manlpulators have
succeeded in unloading upon weak investors a
great variety OF industrial stocks, nearly all OF
them having some merit but watered to the
limit. Whenever there Is a little pressure upon
the part OF money lenders these stocks collapse
by sinking 10 something near their actual value
Weak investors are shaken out; then ensues d
season OF recovery and rceuperation, and in due
time the game is played over again.
1t is a gross abuse OF terms to call these
collapses in speculative values actual losses.
They are a mere letting out Of wind-a beneficial
process of relieving the fatulency OF the mar
kets by enforced liquidations, with results which
are advantageous to legitimate business
The times., 1899-12-13

fraudulent; and rested upon the American
sense of justice and fair play for relief.
Nevertheless. Mexico continued to pay as
agreed. and finally made fun satisfaction
of the award
After much delay and discussion a meas
ure was finally passed by Congress au-
thorizing the Court OF Claims to consider
the question of fraud in the La Abra case.
with right of appeal to the United States
Supreme Court The matter came before
the Court of Claims accordingly. 1t de-
cided that the La Abra claimants had
never had a tenable cause of action against
Mexico. The claimants appealed to the
Supreme Court with the result that it
confirmed the decision of the Court OF
Claims and directed the return of the
money-or so much of it as remains-to
The Mexican Government. Part of the
fund had been distributed before evidence
of fraud was secured, and that portion
Mexico will unfortunately have to lose.
The point of interest in all the foregoing
is the upright conduct of the neighboring
and sister Republic. in continuing to pay
over important sums of money which she
knew to have been exacted from her
wrongfully. MeXico's confident reliance
upon our honor to correct the mistake and
remedy the injustice done her, was an in
ternational compliment. the delicacy and
generosity of which should not be for
gotten either by our Government or our
people
The times., 1899-12-13

The impertnent proposition that the
American Government extend its sympathy
TO the Beers in their conflict with England
viii doubtless meet the painless death
that overtakes such measures in the judi
cial atmosphere of the committee room.
Without discussing the merits or de-
merits of such a resolution, it would be
d melodramatic absurdity, a piece of i'm
polite nonsense for an intelligent law
making body to even vote upon such a
proposal after the strictly neutral attitude
of the nation has been declared. If the
pyrotechnical Western Senator fees that he
must do something in the commissioning
line he might draw up a series of pre-
ambles and resolutions expressing Con-
gressional sympathy for the inoffensive
citizens who are almost daily held up
and maItreated in the precincts of the
Windy City.
The times., 1899-12-13
The SnhsidN nil.

(From the Philadelphia Ledger.)
It has every seInbance OF being a raid on
the Federal revenues to be continued for at
least twenty years. even ii Congress should repeal
the act at the session following that which
it shall have been enacted 1t involves legisla-
ton for the benefit OF a class at the expense Of
the general body OF citizens, and for neces-
sary or iustifabe public purpose. Such scheme
should find no defenders outside of the compard
tive few who expect to gain profit by it.
The times., 1899-12-13
Admiral CerXern.
From the Atlanta Journal j

TOM NIIITIII
Cervcra's ability as naval commander was
demonstrated III a striking manner when he sue
cceded in eludiug the large feet which our
Government expected to intercept him and had
anchored in santiago harbor before Admiral Samp-
son or any Of the officers under him knew that
he was even near that point, The developments
of the official enquiry in Spain as To the conduct
Of tbe war has brought out information which
shows how far superior geryera is 20 the men
who were above him in authority, whose orders
he had to obey and Of whose stupidity he was
the NiCIim
The times., 1899-12-13
gbe Oyerhnnging Fear.

IFIOm Ine HOurlon IusI-J
However gratifying 10 the gold standard de-
voices the unqualified determination of the Re
publican Administration to establish and main
tain the single gold standard may be, they can
not escape the fatal criticism that serious and
dangerous diminution of the currency volume is
thereby inevitably created, against which the pro
posed currency legislation has not presented 4
solitary safeguard
The times., 1899-12-13
The supreme Court.

(Fr0m the KIChmOnd Ilspatch-J
There is no question about the fact however,
that our supreme Court justices are greatly un-
derpaid. In Washington they occupy a high
social and official station and it is hardly prob
able that they can live in becoming style on
the incomes they receive Congress, at least,
could not make a serious mistake in increasing
the emoluments of their office.
The times., 1899-12-13
A seripturaI Character.
Trom IL 60 Herald.l

lFT0m nc DV7I1A II0'N'-l-I
Here's a new conuHdrum; " hat character IS
there in the Bible who possesses no name, who
Suffered death in different form nom any in
aictad hcfore or since thai time, a portion OF
Who's shroud IS in every household and the
cause Of whose death hes been made famous by a
sesscs no name: no one else met death through
being turned into a pillar OF salt; salt is in
every household. and Edward Beiiamy wrote
looking Backward "
The times., 1899-12-13

Fresh petitions are coming from Porto
Rico. begging the United States to release
the island from its present deplorable posi-
ton as a "reconcenuado" possession. 1t
is American, yet is without status. 1t is
loyal, yet treated as an alien enemy. Its
trade has been suppressed for no crime
on its part; but only for the greater
glory of Dingleyism. It hopes and prays
for mercy, and Congress ought to extend
it and not wait until after the holidays.
either.
The times., 1899-12-13

Mr.. Grosyenor of Ohio declared in the
House yesterday that two-thirds of the
Republican campaign fund of 1896 were
used in printing and distributing literature.
Think OF it! Nine million, three hundred
and thirty three thousand. two hundred
dollars for soft stuff and postage. With
interest and excitement We must ask,
which was the happy paper mill, and who
was the printer? And how was the sum
diyided2
The times., 1899-12-13
Fair Play In Kentucky.
(F4om the Boston cIobe.)

Prophecies have been made without number
that the Democratic election commissioners would
count in Goebel. Now we see they have done
nothing OF tie kind, but on the contrary, have
refused TO take advantage of their Republican
opponents in an election SO close as to have
afforded them many opportunities for giving
the certificates to their own party. All who
have demanded fair play of the commissioners
should be ready now to applaud the fair play
which they have displayed in the face OF great
temVtatiOG.
The times., 1899-12-13
Chirogrnphic Experts.
lrrom tbe Brooklvn Eagle.)

ITT0m IIG DIU0aIN 70 T-'---
Handwriting Is a subject on which as many diff
feriur expert opinions can be obtained, sworn
to and ''dem0nstrated' as can be paid for in the
world The thing came to its perihel9n N the
Drevfus case. II can hardly bc made the recipient
of unanimous confidence in this country After
while experts for MolineuX viii outswear ex-
perts against him, and then there VIII be pretty
state Of things.
The times., 1899-12-13
Department stores.
- - - - !

Until some plan is devised which wiz re-
strict the business Of the big department stores
IN the cities without equally restricting tla
freedom Of business in the small department.
stores in the country villages the tis -
adjustments VIII continue o. sell ail sorts ot
things under the sane roof and wiu e1ltinls
to- nav good salaries 60 the aIl-sims small
iudenenaent dealers who have been driven oil
~ business hy tae competition lf large c1oitA
and If,-a1f4r lnrerurI=e.
The times., 1899-12-13

The Boer report that Waschbank Bridge
has been damaged may possibly mean
that Sir Redyers Butler has sent a di-
vision around to the east of Colenso by
the Helpmaakar Road TO attack Joubert's
rear. Some movement of that kind was rea-
sonably to be expected. If feasible, it
would be natural one, and one likely 10
demoralize the Boer plan of defence on
the Tugela line. But if it has been exc
cuted it is queer that some more definite
hint has not crept out by way Of Pretoria.
The times., 1899-12-13
The Rights of the People.
From the s.. PAM pisnotcb1 !


There is an inherent feeling in the people that
their right Of participation in the councils OF the
party must not be curtailed. and when they find
A disposition among the leaders to ignore them
IA is the signal for uprising sometimes bois-
ferrous like that in Kentucky, but more generally
silent and well maintained-to crush the leaders
and establish a new order nl things
The times., 1899-12-13

What Philadelphia lacks in rapidity it
makes up in modesty. The Quaker team
organized to secure the next Republican
National Convention for its city came to
Washington yesterday, and with character
istic difidenee at once struck President
Mckinley TO use his influence in its behalf.
After that we shall confidently expect to
hear that Mr.. Quay has demanded two
seats in the Senate-one for himself and
one for the plum tree.
The times., 1899-12-13
Mr.. Richardson.

(From the Cincinnati Enquirer)
He is the ablest parliamentarian in the House.
The same might have been said Of him in the
last House He knew more about parliamentary
law and practice and was a better presiding Of
icer than Thomas b. Reed OF any other man in
the body on either side.
The times., 1899-12-13

Although General Butler is not likely to
reach Pretoria in time to eat his Christmas
dinner at the Boer capital, the elusive
Aguinaldo may manage to double on his
tracks and reach Manila in time to hang
his stocking on the gates Of the Otis
palace
The times., 1899-12-13
Tbc Limit.
I NJ IaiIiIINs
r., rr. rtfr1-1 N4g-. D

From the Chicago NeWsl
''I believe in earryIE- thc tag % the r1nt
said the youth iu re red. white. and blue t1suti-
Il don't believe in carrying 10 q tle shirt
front, though sid the sirl who hated display.
The times., 1899-12-13
The House Librariun.-


current yesterday that a change NAV be
looked for any day this week in the office
of House librarian, now held by C. b.
Brockway, of New York The Republican
members of the Ohio delegation are hot
after the place. They are urging the ap-
pointment Of Guy Underwood, of London
in that State. Mr.. Underwood for the past
three Congresses has been on the Iaborers'
roll of the House, detailed for duty in the
library, where it is said he made himself
very useful.
Mr. Bockway's sponsor Representative
w B. Hooker of New York one of the
prime organizers of the hog combine
in the Fifty fourth Congress. is now on
the bench in New York, and this, it is
asserted, explains why he will have TO
make way for some one with a stronger
pull The position comes under the Clerk
Of the Houst. who is reputed to think well
of the Ohio delegation