davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15
THE LEVELING INFLUENCE OF
PROSPERITY

In recent letter by a man whose voca-
ton, If he has one, is the practice of dema-
gogy, it was declared that the present dan
ger of the country was in an increasing
wealthy class whose influence upon society
and upon the institutions of the country
is pernicious. This is an old story, and
now it is very absurd one. The recent war
with Spain made it very clear that the
wealthy families Of the country responded
as quickly and literally to the call of
the country as did those who are not
wealthy. The Astors the Goulds, the Nor
gans and the Vanderbilts responded prompt
~ and generously. They put vessels in the
hands of the government, free of cost, which
were valuable as cruisers, and several Of the
young men were in the service. The first of
the Rough Riders who was killed belonged
to a wealthy New York family. This exhi-
bition of patriotism is so recent that the
professional demagogue should not have for
gotten it.
AS a matter of fact, one of the most no.
ticeable effects of the country's industrial
activity is a lowering of the rate of inter-
est, which must seriously affect the in
comes of many people who have been re-
garded well-to-do. A few years ago men
outside of the larger cities who possessed
property or business worth from 900 to
$4,000 were regarded as very weI-to-do.
Such estates, with interest ranging from 7
to 10 per cent, yielded from 81, 500 to $4,000 a
year, which made them competencies The
general fall in the rates of interest may be
said to have, cut these incomes in two. The
country over, he is a skillful manager who
can get as much as per cent on the
equivalent of money in property More
money fails to net per cent. than exceeds
that rate. When such properties earned I
to 10 per cent. there was wide separation
between such owners and salary-earners
who received from 500 to $3.50 year. The
thirty or forty thousa nd-dollar man could
afford an expenditure for living to which
the mass of salary men in the same COM
munity could not aspire. Very naturally
they constituted separate layers in the
structure of society founded on income.
During the past few years, while the in
comes from investments and most property
have fallen from 81 $50 and $1,000 to 5000 and
$1,000, the compensation of the large body
of wage and salary-earners has not ma
terially changed. so that the annual incomes
of the two classes are about the same, or
so near alike that both live on about the
man has rather the advantage. because the
tendency of prices has improved his condi-
ton, while there is no compensating factor
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

that at the urgency of the Russian he OBJ
tanned a Dakota divorce and married her.
emitting, however, to mention either occur
renee to his Marion family. Evidently he
hoped to conceal his course from his Ma
rion friends, but for some reason the sec
ond wife was not satisfied with the manner
in which she was being treated, and dis
closed his perfdy. With true Adam-lize
instinct, he endeavors to lay the blame on
the woman by picturing her as a designing
adventures. and himself as an unsophist-
icated Jay" But, admitting both propo-
stions to a reasonable extent, it is diff
cult to regard even a man from Marion as
so extreme a specimen of jay that he could
become wildly infatuated or hopelessly
wound up in the tolls OF a wicked woman
before he had ever set eyes on her. 1t is
evident that Adam in this case must have
swallowed at least a portion of the apple
of his own free will and accord, and indi-
cations are that when the facts are all
known he will be found 70 have climbed the
tree to the topmost limb to get it. But, in
spite of his erratic course the erratic
Baker probably retains some instincts of
decency and a regard for public opinion,
to say nothing of a longing for the esteem
of his first and rightful, if not at the mo-
ment lawful wife 1t is not for the mere
newspaper chronicler of events to picture
his torments of mind during the past three
years-torments not of remorse, perhaps,
but of regret and the fear CT being
found out. The pen of a skilled novelist
might approach reality, but could hardly
reach it, and yet the novel built upon such
a theme be voted by careless readers as
overdrawn. The truth is that the in
stinctive objection to such novels is not
rightly understood. 1t is not that they are
untrue to nature, but that they touch upon
situations of which there are too many in
actual life, and which to a healthy mind
are unpleasant reading, either as matters Of
fact in newspapers, or when reprinted in
fiction. What the average reader of fic-
ton prefers is not an object lesson on the
wages of sin, but an illustration of the fact
that virtue and truth exist in fair measure
and have due reward.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

dead at the age of eighty-one. An exem-
p!ary Methodist Church member for fifty
years, acquainted with the grief of a large
household gone before her. she has departed
genius in them will no longer name her to
trouble her repose. Indeed the unwrftten
history of "Cape Cod Folks" and its still
living characters would furnish ore Of the
very quaint pages Of our current literature.
1t has been assumed by a large number OF
people. especially in England, that Gibraltar
has always commanded the straits which
bear its name. That belief was erroneous
until recently. The straits are twelve and a
half miles wide. and the best guns mounted
at Gibraltar heretofore could not possibly
cover that distance A few weeks ago, how
ever, two Of the newest 9.2-inch wire guns
pounds weight were mounted on Europa
Point These guns have a range of fifteen
miles and are most formidable weapons.
Rudyard Kipling sent Captain Robley d.
Evans, of the Iowa, a set of his works and
with them these lines:
Zogbaum draws with a pencil,
And l do things with pen,
But you sit up in a coming tower,
Bossing eight hundred men.
Zogbaum takes care Of his business,
And take care of mine,
But you take care of ten thousand tons
Sky-hooting through the brine.
Zogbaum can handle his shadows,
And l can handle my style,
But you can handle ten-inch gun
To carry seven mile.
To him that hath shall be given,
And that's why these books are sent
To the man who has lived more stories
Than Zogbaum or l could invent.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

Chicago papers are not quite prepared to
uphold General Eagan in the use of insult
ing language to General Miles, but they are
unanimously of the opinion that General
Miles was very wrong in Offering testimony
that tended to discredit q great American
industry. and that it was his duty to hold
his peace until he was able to substantate
his charges. That Miles is not ready at any
moment 10 support his assertions is a hasty
assumption, but It is at least reasonable to
suppose that he had full belief in the truth
Of the statement he made concerning the
beef that was furnished to the army. This
being the case, 1t was his duty to testify TO
that effect. He had no duty whatever in
regard to the great American industry in
question. His business was to cali attention
to what ne deemed to be a defective army
management and to do what he could to
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

The contest between Brooklyn and Chi
cago for possession of Rev DR.. N. d.
Hills has became quite earnest Plymouth
Church offers very strong inducements for
him to come, while his present congregation,
which is very wealthy, offers perhaps even
stronger ones to retain him. 1t is said the
trustees of the church have offered to build
a magnificent new church on the lake front
near the art building, let him name his own
salary and to furnish means to enable him
to carry out an idea which he has long cher
ished. This plan contemplates the erection
of large building in the most thickIy pop
ulated part of Chicago, from which would
radiate intellectual as well as moral and
spiritual influences. On Sunday there would
be three sermons, each by different men Of
power and influence over the class of people
to whom they would speak There would be
music hall, where free concerts of the best
order would be given, and there would be
lecture rooms for the education of the
masses Such plan as this is worthy of a
man for whom two of the strongest churches
in the country are bidding
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15
what's in a Name:
Providence journal.

Let US consider the sad case Of Mr.. Possel-
wizzle He is in love with a young woman
who also loves him. But she objects strong
w to becoming Mrs. Posselwizzle. She
thinks that the name is inharmonious and
absurd The unhappy man points out the
fact that the PosselwlZZles have always
been a respectable and respected family
and that he cannot endure the thought or
abandoning his fathers and grandfather's
name. This is certainly proper pride on his
part and If the lady really loves him. he
thinks she does, she will respect him for II
and yield her preiudices. AS matter OF
fact, we see nothing Objectionable in Possel-
wizzle 1t is unfamiliar to be sure. but
there is an advantage IN that. There are
other names which might just as readily
raise a smile on the lips of the thoughtlesS
if they were less common. We advise Mr..
PosselwiZzle to stick 70 his guns.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

8. 500, SEQ: twenty-nine tugs. s1ss5,s6s: four
cruisers, 1888. 542; three lighters and barges.
$3.50. and two torpedo boats. $97,Sa7. Thir-
ty-five of the vessels were built in foreign
ship yards, namely. twenty-five steamships,
five yachts, three cruisers and two torpedo
boats The only regrettable feature in the
case is that it was necessary to purchase
any foreign-built vessels. 1t is to be hoped
that long before we have another war Amer
lean ship building and the American marine
will have so progressed that we will be in
a position to sell ships instead of having to
buy them
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

prevent recurrence Of that evil. In this
connection it may be mentioned as rather a
curious fact that the investigating commit
tee is apparently making no inquiry into the
beef contracts 1t would seem to be a COM
paratively easy matter to find where the
beef on any given transport came from and
to ascertain definitely whether any of it was
'embalmed' or not. There is seemingly a
good deal of travelling around Robin Hood S
barn by the committee in getting at facts
that might be learned bv more direct means
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15
SCARCITY OF GOOD PLAYS.

An English dramatic critic complains of
the scarcity of strong and successful plays
in the last three years, and lays the blame
not on the theatrical managers but on the
men who write plays, the managers, he
AYERS, taking what they can get. Writers
of plays that have not been accepted will
have their own opinion of this statement,
but it is probably correct nevertheless. The
desks of the managers in this country and
England are said to be packed as full of
manuscript plays as are those of magazine
editors with literary contributions, and
while it is possible that the best are not
always chosen for presentation, the prob
ability is that not many dramatic gems are
hopelessly hidden in those recesses. Read
ers of plays, like editors and publishers, may
make mistakes. and what may suit the taste
Of one not meet the approval of another,
but, on the whole, it may safely be as
sumed that they would willingly present
high-class dramas if they had them and
the fact that so few OF that class are seen
is a proof of q want of originality and skill
on the part of majority of the dramatic
writer's Doubtless every manager would
production equal to 'Cyrano de Bergerac, :"
and there is little chance for such a play to
go begging. The English writer alluded to
says: ITO America we owe host of
actors. but no more. No drama comparable
to Secret Service was this year forthcom-
ing But he adds, in it's place came an
artist of rare and consummate gifts. Miss
Annie Russell, whose Sue was at once ac-
claimed nothing less than genius. America
has also given us Mr.. Robert Tabor, ro-
Mr.. Frank Mills, gifted also with the quail
ties rare among us-fire and picturesque
ness" With so many men and women try
ing their hands at dramatic writing it is
not likely that new material worthy
the power of the most talented actors
will long be lacking. The writing of
a successful play, however, is a much more
difficult achievement than the writing Of a
novel. 1t involves not only literary skill
and dramatic feeling, but a technical knowl-
Some of the most successful of recent plays
have been dramatizations of novels, but the
dramatizing has been done by persons of
experience in the work and of great IA
miiarity with theatrical art AS the thea
ter is every year becoming more and more
an important element in city life it is rea-
sonable to expect that it will advance ac-
cordingly, and that the complaint Of poor
plays will not be lasting one.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

When DR.. Depew goes to the Senate he
will have to practice a different style of
Ioratory from that on which his reputation
ana popularity as an orator chiefly rest.
The graces of after-dinner oratory and the
Hight and airy style Of the banquet hall will
be out of place m that grave deliberative
serious and argUmentative as well as light
and airy. and when he gets in the Senate
he will have to bring his heavy guns into
aef;on
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

The Philadelphia Press alludes to the con-
dition of the Lincoln monument at Spring
field, Ill, as national disgrace" 1t says
, THAI the structure is inartistic. cheap,
tawdry, unsightly and liable to fall. Illi-
nois claimed the privilege of providing for
the remains of Lincoln, but if that rich
State neglects to do so the Nation should
erect monument commemorative of his
great services to the country and to hui
roanftv
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

Dakota, has come to the conclusion that
there are too many churches in that State
for the success of any of them, and sug-
gests that the leaders of the different de-
nominations divide the State so that each
shall occupy portion to the exclusion of
others 1t is evident that the college man
has ignored the important element of con-
hicting creeds. which would be a very i'm
portant factor if people of one denomination
were forced. to Join another.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

Mr.. Foss. of Illinois, who has charge in
the national House of Representatives of the
bill to promote the efficiency of the navy.
has given notice of his intention to offer
an amendment abolishing prize money. The
amendment should pass. Prize money should
either be abolished in the navy or extended
TO the army and certainly nobody would
like to see looting legalized in the army
The practice savors of piracy, and probably
naval officers themselves would like to see
II abolished.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15
THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED.

The opponents of national expansion have
had much to say about the awful crime of
attempting to govern a people without the
consent of the governed. THE United
States" said Senator Mason, will never
attempt to govern the people of any country
without their consent" Senator Hoar also
made strong contention on this point as
if it were fundamental and vitaR principle
of all government 1t is nothing of the kind.
On the contrary, all government as the
word itself etymologically implies, is based
on force. A people have a right to change
their government and establish any form
they please, provided they have the power
and are not. prevented by some superior
power The right of revolution is an in
herent and inalenable one, but so is the
right to suppress revolution and enforce au-
thority. In the last analysis it is always
a question OF force, and that is true whether
government takes the form of con-
stitutional monarchy, a despotism or a
republic. Force is the basic principle of
all government. from the exercise of paren-
tai authority over children to the greatest
government on earth. The force may be
tempered with other qualities it may be
seldom and reluctantly exercised, and the
machinery through which it operates may
be kept in the background as much as possi-
BILE, but it is there all the same and is the
vitalizing principle of all government.
All the talk about government being based
on the consent Of the governed is based on
single expression in the Declaration of
Independence. 1t is. one of the rhetorical
tricks introduced III that document by its
adroit author to make it as strong and con-
vincing as possible. When jefferson wrote
that to secure these inalienable rights gov
ernments are instituted among men. deriv-
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15
The AiIment.
Chicago Tribune.

Chicago Tribune.
What appears to be the matter with your
father?" inquired the doctor. as he hastily
put his clothes on.
He's got the plumbago." replied the boy.
Il think that's what nav says il is
Pain in the small Of the back, i pre-
sume? said the doctor
mo, sir: ne amt got no small OF the back.
Nv paw weighs 2S4 pounds
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

The Chickasaw Legislature has raised the
price Of a marriage license to a white man
for the espousal of an Indian girl from $50
to $500. The purpose of the increase is to
shut out Adventures who are attracted by
the 5000 to which each Indian woman Is
entitled in money or lands as her part Of
the tribal nronertY.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

There may be thirty-ive senators who will
vote to amend the Spanish treaty so as to
leave the Philippines in the hands of Spain
or to be sei2ed ~ another power, as the
New York World says, but the country will
not believe it before a roll call.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

Governor Pingree would have the Appel
late Court of Michigan pass upon the con-
stitutionality of acts of the Legislature be-
fore they are approved by the Governor.
Many of the Michigan Governors sugges-
tons are not so well worth considering as
this
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

The resources of all the national banks
Dec. l. 1888, were S4 S1S S94 519-a gain of $500,
sS3,474 since the reports of Sept. 20 The
increase of individual deposits during that
period was 5,272 while the increase in
loans and discounts was SIS, 4SS 21O.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

1t is reported that change of govern
ment in France depends very much upon
thu. success or failure of the Bonapartists
to obtain loan to defray the expense of
an emergency which viii make Prince
Victor ruler of that country. 1t is said
that the coup d'etat of Napoleon III in
1851 was financed in London.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

The high price of meat is likely to have
more to do with the opening of Germany
to American meats than any retaliation on
the part of this government. Germany's
population is increasing more rapidly than
its capacity to furnish food.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

1t is said the report of the American mill
tary commissioners who have just returned
from Cuba viii show that, under American
control the administrative expenses of the
island can be reduced $2O.O0O,OOO a year, CIV
ing, besides better government, large sur
plus for the Improvement of the island.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15
old Habits Cling.

Mrs Watts-I am afraid we made mis-
take in sending Uncle Bildad that self-wind-
ing clock.
Mr.. Watts-What is the matter with it?
He has written that he and Aunt Martha
seem to miss something from their Sunday
with no clock to wind"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

The people of Indiana will be surprised
TO learn that the Chicago Chronicle has
discovered that the right to lynch and
whitecap is dearer TO the Indianian than
that of life. liberty and the pursuit of hap
plness
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15
Not in 1t.


Mrs. Doolan-Only think, Mrs. Grogan:
thot dear Paddyrowsky has practiced so
har-rd at the PLAINLY fer the iasht six
months thot he has paraloized two fingers.
Mrs. Grogan-Begorrah thot's nothing,
Mrs. Doolan. Me daughter Mary Ann has
practiced so har-rd fer the lasht six months
thot she's paraloized two piannies.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15
His Mind Not Made I'm,

First Statesman-Wh is your opinion of
Aguinaldo? Do you think he is entitled to
any respect?
Second Statesman-Just between us, am
not prepared to say. 1 don't know the size
of the syndicate that is backing him.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

for the man who must reduce his living to
half the income of dozen years ago. Thus
1t appears that prosperity does not tend to
increase the very wealthy class. as has been
declared. but 1t is nroring q social Ieveler.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

Public opinion is running very decidedly
against General Eagan. The more people
think of what he said the more his conduct
-.is-regaFded as a reflection upon the official
decency of the country
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

us your husbands illness anything crit
ical?"
THAT is just what it is. He does nothing
but find fault all day long.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15
BUBBLES IN THE AIR.

The Slang of the Day.
The Idler-They tell me that the ossifed
man is very religious.
The Museum Manager-Oh, yes; he's a
pious one, good and hard.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

Spain is not to have an undisputed title to
the remains of Christopher Columbus, the
government Of San Domingo having set up a
counter claim. The United States consul at
San Domingo City says there has recently
been erected in a Catholic cathedral in that
city monument or mausoleum in honor and
memory of Christopher Columbus. which is
intended to serve as a final resting place fer
his remains. The consul general says that
en- Dec. 5 the remains of the great discov-
erer were placed in the new sepulcher with
appropriate ceremonies. This is merely a re-
vival of an old dispute. 1t is agreed on all
hands that the discoveries remains were
taken from Seville to San Domingo in 1886
and buried there, but it has been denied that
those which were removed TO Havana in 1876
were genuine. AS long as both claimants
are satisfied almost any old skeleton win do.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

Mr.. Carnegie seems to have been misrep-
resented. He win not pay s2OOOO,OOO for the
Philippines. He might pay good price if
the sovereignty were included in the title
deeds.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-15

The secretary of the navy has published a
statement of the purchases Of auxiliary ma
val vessels made by the department out of
the appropriation of S5o.oOo.ooO for national
defense at the beginning of the war This
statement shows that lo2 vessels were pur-
chased at total cost to the government OF
a7.956,s5O This included thirty-eigl1 steam
ships. costing slO.ls5.sss: twenty-siss yachts