davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
GEN. AINsWORTH's REPORT
Recommends a Reduction in His
Force of Thirty-Two Clerks.

Washington, Dec 15.-The annual re-
port of General F. c. Ainsworth, chief
of the record and pension office of the
war department, shows that the enor-
nous business of the office has been
ninety-six per cent of the cases re-
ceived during the fiscal year, aggre
eating 1S3,O1S, were disposed of within
twenty-four hours from the time they
reached the office, and not one case
remained unacted upon at the close of
business hours at the end of the fiscal
year. These cases related to the SER
vices of volunteer forces of the United
States during the revolutionary war,
the war of 1872, the various Indian
wars, the war with Mexico, the war of
the rebellion. and the more recent
Spanish war. By the reproduction Of
the records of individual military SER
vice by the index record card system
the application of that system to the
current correspondence and the adop-
ton of other improved methods, the
business of the office has been greatly
expedited and it has been possible to
materially reduce the clerical force.
On the recommendation of the chief
of the Office, a reduction of 300 was
made in the clerical force in 1894, fur
ther reduction of fifty was made in
1895, and a still further reduction of
twenty five in 1897. In the estimates
submitted by General Ainsworth, for
the coming fiscal year, still further
reduction of thirty-two is provided for,
making a total reduction of 4O7 clerks,
representing a permanent saving of
over $4,000 annually, in the appropri-
ations for the clerical force of the
office. Adding to this the saving ef-
fected in contingent and other ex-
penses, it is shown that the cost of
maintaining the office has been per-
manently reduced by fully 100000 an
nualIy. General Ainsworth says that
in all of the reductions that have been
made in the clerical force of the office
the selections for discharge have been
based strictly upon the efficiency rec
ords of the clerks, a liberal allowance
being made in the ratings on account
of honorable military or naval service.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
PHILADELPHIA GETS IT
Time of Republican National Con-
Vention June IS.

Washington, Dec. 15.-The republican
national committee met at the Airing
ton hotel today to select the place of
meeting for the next republican ma
tional convention. Chairman Hanna
presided. After a brief executive ses-
sion delegations from various cities
presented claims.
After the presentation of the claims
of the four cities was completed the
committee, upon the suggestion of
Chairman Hanna took a recess until
2:SO.
Philadelphia was selected as the
place of meeting of the next republi-
can national convention, and June 10
was finally decided upon as the date
for holding it.
The proceedings throughout were
enthusiastic and harmonious. Every
speech that was made empha-
sized the fact that President Mckinley
will be renominated and that the con-
vention will be in effect simply a rat
ificatiOn meeting.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
A RIVAL COMBINE
Gathering in California's Unattached
Canneries.

San Francisco, Dec. 15.-The Call will
say tomorrow that a large deal affect
ing the canning industry of California
is on foot. 1t involves an amount over
one million dollars. According to
very good authority Frank S. Johnson
of the Johnson-Locke Mercantile COM
pany, who is at the head of the deal,
has secured subscriptions in the east
principally in New York and Philadel-
phia, amounting to S750,OO0 for stock in
a new corporation, which has for its
aid the acquisition and operation of
certain California canneries that are
outside of the combine. The first ef-
feet of the deal, if it is finally per-
fected, will be that practically all the
canning business of the state will be
under the control of two concerns, the
present combine and the new one to be
formed.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
THERE WAS LIGHT LATER.

London, Dec. 15.-There was little
news this morning to throw fresh light
on the situation at the seat of war.
Artillery firing heard near Co
lenso was taken to indicate the prelim-
mary to the expected big battle. Cen
eraI Barton is reported to have sixty
eight guns in good positions and the
Beers are apparently pursuing the same
tactics as at Magersfontein, not reply
ing, with a view of concealing their
position until the infantry is brought
into play.
1t was feared the first war dispatch
announcing fighting at Zoutspan drift
indicates that General Methuen has
been forced to return to Orange River,
but apparently it only involved a brush
with the troops protecting the line Of
communication at the Zoutspan drift
considerably southwest of the Orange
River base. Some of the specials esti-
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16

IS. I'd. Secured skins brought fancy
prices. T. E. c. sold at IS. 4d.; Pine
scoureds and slipes were largely shown,
sold at full values. The United States
secured Cambridge, Dawns and Orion.
Dawns brought Is. 4d., wellshot, Is. 3D.
Continental buyers bought Adelaide in
grease at the extreme price of Is. 4d.
for Kulnide, which was in excellent
condition. Home and German buyers
supported Cape woods. Scoureds turned
against buyers. Greasies sold irreg-
ularly, and in some cases were with
drawn
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
TALK OF CHARITIES.
Continuation of the Convention of
Michigan Delegates.

Detroit, Mich, Dec. 15.-There was an
increased attendance of delegates at
today's session of the state conference
of charities and correction. ''Delin-
quent Children" was the subject dis
cussed at the morning session. Mrs.
May Stocking Knaggs of Bay City read
a paper on Home Life of Delinquent
Children and was followed by Rev.
James A. Blaisdell of Olivet, who
spoke interestingly on the subject of
Public Effort for Delinquent Child
rem Outside the Industrial Schools"
The subject discussed this afternoon
was THE Defective and Diseased" e"
The closing session this evening will
be devoted to the, subject of 'Reforma-
tories for Adults and Prisons" The
speakers will include Warden Cham
berlain of the Jackson prison and Rev.
Cyrus Mendenhall, chaplain of the
Ionic refornatOry
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
LONDON WOOL SALES.
Twelve Thousand Bales Offered and
Some Sorts in Good Demand.

London, Dec. 15.-At the wool sales
today 1880 bales, comprising a mis-
cellaneous selection, We're offered. The
offerings included several good lots of
Australian in grease, American buyers
were again noticeable, but they Sc
cured little. owing to the increased
continental bids, chiefly German. The
home trade supported all secured me-
rinos. Prices were again higher than
heretofore, Clydes fetching IS. s1Ad.,
and fine fifty-six crossbred therefrom
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
GOT TO SHORT ROWS
General Debate on Financial
Bill Ended.
The Members Will Be Held Down to
the Five Minute Rule Today-The
Closing Day of the Debate Was
Interesting.

Washington, Dec. 15.1The closing
day of the general debate0h the finan-
cial bill proved to be one of exceptional
interest at the outset. A sharp personal
colloquy occurred between Representa-
tives Wheeler and Berry of Kentucky
over the recent Kentucky. elections
and charges growing out of it. Con-
siderable feeling was shown.
Later in the day Mr.. Bailey of Texas
until recently, democratic floor leader,
received close attention in an hours
speech vigorously presenting the demo-
cratic view and eulogizing the time
honored and undying democratic or
ganization. In marked contrast with
Mr.. Bailey's utterance MT. Scudder of
New York, who followed him, an
nounoed that as a democrat he believed
in the gold standard and would vote
for it. Mr.. Payne of New York and
Mr.. Dalzell of Pennsylvania also spoke
during the day. The debate under the
five minute rule will occur tomorrow.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
WHITE HOUSE EXTENSION
The President Satisfied With the
Executive Mansion.

Washington, Dec. 15.-Practically
every member of congress agrees that
an addition should be made to the
White House, and yet it is possible, by
reason of a misunderstanding of the
position Of the president, that nothing
will be done after all to that end.
The president has from the first of
the talk about an addition to the ex-
ecutive mansion decided that he would
not offer any advice on the subject. He
does not feel that he wants to be put
in the position of favoring a costly ad-
dition at this time when the country's
expenses are so heavy. If he should
favor such an addition, and openly ad-
vocate it, the probability, he thinks, is
that his position would be misrepre-
appear to some eyes as Indifferent to
the large public expenditures. On the
other hand, there is no reason to be-
lieve that the president would oppose
he, more than any one else, knows the
cramped condition in the present build
ing.
Several weeks ago Senator Cullom
stated that he would introduce a bill
for the erection of additions to the
White House. He had seen the neces-
sity of using the main vestibule of the
building for placing hat and cloak
boxas 5,,rirr raoaDtiopc and though
this was a reflection upon the country.
In following out his intentions, he re-
quested Col Bingham to make estl-
mates of the cost of such a building
and to prepare a bill for introduction
in the senate. Col. Bingham, as sup
erintendent of public buildings and
grounds, has been at work for months
on estimates and plans, and is now
prepared to furnish anyone who seeks
such information with all that is need
ed to begin the first steps.
Since Senator Cullom made the an
nouncement, however, he has talked
with the president, and says that he
will not now introduce the bill, be-
cause he believes that the president is
opposed to an addition. The president
told Senator Cullom that he was sat
isfied with the present building and
does not desire any changes. 1t is be-
lieved from other information on the
presidents position that, although he
expresses himself as satisfied with the
house as it stands, he has no intention
of actively opposing any plans for
new building. This being the case, 1t
is still hoped that some one will inaug-
urate the movement for an addition.
While the expenses of the govern
ment are heavier than in many years
the receipts are growing daily, and
there is monthly surplus, which
which promises to be heavy by the end
of the fiscal year.
Col. Bingham estimates that the
cost of the additions he has in view
will not be over 81 ,OO0, 900. This will
make a mansion out of the building.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
CANCELLATION OF STAMPS.
A New Internal Revenue Regulation
Now in Force.

Washington, Dec. 15.-The new regu-
lations regarding the cancellation of
internal revenue stamps became effec-
tive today, and in order to avoid IN
pleasant complications with Uncle
Sam the users of the stamps will IN
future have to exercise more care in
cancelling.
Under the new rules as announced by
the commissioner of internal revenue,
in all cases where documentary stamps
of the denomination of ten cents or
any large denomination should be
used, the person using or afffxing the
same shall, in addition to writing or
stamping thereon with ink the initials
of his name and the date when affixed.
mutilate the stamp by cutting three
parallel incisions lengthwise through
the stamp, beginning not more than
one-fourth of an inch from one end and
extending to within one-fourth of an
inch of the other. Such mutilation will
render the methods of using ink hith-
erto used unnecessary.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16

Last Shipload of American Gifts for
Europe.

New York, Dec. 15.-The steamships
sailing for Europe today take the last
of the Christmas presents of money
and valuables to the people across the
Atlantic from friends and relatives in
the United States. In the marine cal
endar it is known as Christmas Ship
Day, although every mail liner that has
sailed for a month or more has carried
out hundreds of bags with registered
letters and packages and consignments
made through local brokers.
Since the middle of November scores
of additional men have been employed
in the postoffice, and even these have
had to work extra hours in order to
keep up with the rush. 1t is estimated
that more money and presents have
been sent across the water this season
than ever before. The records of the
postoffice show that England and Italy
lead all. Then in order come the
Scandinavian countries, Germany, Ire
land, France and Austria. ISis esti-
mated that nearly fifty thousand reg
istered letters and packages start
across the Atlantic today, and probably
an equal number of gifts that go as
merchandise.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
LANDMARK GONE.

San Francisco, Dec. 15.-The Comedy
theater was destroyed by fire this af-
ternoon. The loss will exceed 5000, coo.
The Comedy theater was originally the
one of the pioneer show
houses of this city.
Subsequently it was known as the
old Bush street theater, and more re-
Gently as the Comedy theater Almost
every actor of prominence in the old
school has played in this theater.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
PARKER WINS.
San Francisco, Dec. 15.-Parker wins
in the ninth round from Turner.
SPLIT ON NEGRO QUESTION.

Montgomery, Ala, Dec. Is The
grand lodge of Masons of Alabama to-
day passed resolution reiterating its
withdrawal from fellowship with the
grand lodge of the state of Washington.
About a year ago the Washington
grand lodge passed a resolution recog-
nizing the negro as a Mason, and at
the last June meeting of the Alabama
grand lodge fellowship with the Wash
ington lodge was withdrawn. Subse-
quentIy the Washington lodge modified
its resolution, but did so in equivocal
terms, and the Alabama grand lodge
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
MORE ARMY SURGEONS NEEDED

Washington, Dec. 15.-Surgeon-Gen-
eral Sternberg of the army has sub
of the bill for the increase of the medi-
cal department of the army. The bill
provides that there shall be added four
assistant surgeons-general with rank
with rank of lieutenant-colonel,t thirty
surgeons with rank of major, and
eighty assistant surgeons with rank of
first lieutenant.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
A CHANCE TO FIGHT.

San Francisco, Dec. 15.-M-s. Nettie
r. Craven, who claims to be the
widow of James G. Fair, won a partial
victory in Judge Trout's court today
when the court decided that she may
prosecute her claim for a family allow
ance of $1,000 a month. Mrs. Craven
will now be permitted to prove, if she
can do so, her contention that she is
the widow of the senator.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
A NEW QUESTION

Omaha, Neb., Dec. 15.-The question
has been raised as to whether William
V. Allen, appointed senator from this
state, can be seated. The contention of
some is that Hayward never having
taken his seat. the whole matter is in
the same position as in states where
legislatures failed to elect at expira-
ton of the term of his predecessor.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
FIGHT AT MAFEKING.

Pretoria, Dec. 15.-It is officially an
nounced that Molopo west of Mafeking
was bombarded December II and sharp
fighting occurred. The Beers attacked
the British post at Mafeking during
the night of December 10. After Sc
we're fighting the Beers were repulsed
and retired to Suymans fort
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16

London, Dec 16.-The following is the
text of General Buffers dispatch an
nouncing his reverse:
"Buller to Lansdowne:
"Chievely Camp, Dec. 10.
81 regret to report a serious reverse.
moved in full strength from our camp
near Chievely at o'clock this morn
ing. There are two fordable places in
Tugela river and it was my in
tention to force passage through one
of them. They are about two miles
apart. My intention was to force one
or the other with one brigade support
ed by a central brigade. General Hart
was to attack the left drift, General
Hildyard the right road, and General
Littleton was to take the center and
to support either.
EARLY in the day 1 saw that General
Hart would not be able to force a
passage and 1 directed him to with
draw. He had, however, attacked with
great gallantry and his leading battal-
ion, the Connaught Rangers, 1 fear,
suffered a great deal. Col. 1. G. Brooke
was seriously wounded. I then ordered
General Hildyard to advance, which he
did, and his leading regiment, the East
Surrey, occupied Colenso station and
houses near the bridge. At that mo-
ment 1 heard that the whole artillery
had sent to support the attack-the
Fourteenth and Sixty-sixth field bat
teries and six naval 12-pounder quick
firers, under Col. Long-had advanced
close to the river in Longs desire to be
within effective range.
1T proved to be full of the enemy,
who suddenly opened a calling fire at
close range, killing all the horses and
the gunners were compelled to stand
to their guns. Some of the wagon
teams got shelter for the troops and
desperate efforts were made to bring
out the field guns. The fire, however,
was too severe and only two were saved
by Captain Schofield and some drivers
whose names 1 will furnish.
Another most gallant attempt with
three teams was made by an officer
whose name 1 will obtain. OF the
eighteen horses thirteen were killed,
and as several drivers were wounded I
would not allow another attempt. AS
it seemed that they would be a shell
mark, sacrificing life to a gallant at
tempt to force a passage unsupported
by artillery, I directed the troops to
withdraw, which they did in good or.
der. Throughout the day a consider
able force of the enemy was pressing
on my right flank, but was kept back
by mounted men under Lord Rundon
and another part of General Barton's
brigade. The day was intensely hot
and most trying on the troops, whose
conduct was excellent.
I'VE have abandoned ten guns and
lost by shell, one. The losses in Cen
eral Hunts brigade 1 fear were very
heavy, although the proportion of Sc
verely wounded I hope is not large.
The Fourteenth and Sixty-ninth field
batteries also suffered severe losses"
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
RECRUITS FOR MANILA.

Washington, Dec. 15.-The war de-
partment has arranged to send about
], 900 recruits to Manila to fill the regi-
ments which are running short on ac-
count of death, disease and discharge
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
Disastrous Attempt to
Pass TugeIa River
ABANDONED TEN GUNS
The Commanding General Sends the
War Office a Straightforward
Story of the Deadly Ford, His
Reverse and Retirement From
the Face and Range of the Beers
With Great Loss.

London, Dec. 16.-Q2:45 a. m.)-The
war office has received a dispatch an
nouncing that General Butler has met
with a serious reverse, losing ten guns.
General Butler was attempting to cross
the Tugela river. Finding it impossible
to effect his object he ordered a retire
ment in order to avoir greater losses.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
A RUMOR DISPOSED OF.

London, Dec. 15-The war office this
afternoon received an important dis
patch from General Butler under to-
days date. This indirectly gives a
quietus to the rumor of the relief at
Ladysmith.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
Thos G Alyord Jr [O]
Supt Art Dent
Library OF Congress

today emphasized its withdrawal of fell
lowship.
The Alabama grand lodge today re-
elected it's old officers, with B. Dudley
Williams of Oxford as grand master.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
THE SENATE COMMITTEES.

Washington, Dec. 15.-Today the
practical completion of the senate com
mittees for the F'ifty-sixth congress
was announced officially by Senator
Aldrich of Rhode Island. He presented
to the senate an order fixing the COM
mittees. and it was adopted without
dissent. Few vacancies in minority
are yet to be filed They
will be disposed of in a few days. No
other business of importance was
transacted by the senate.
Soon after the senate convened
on motion of Mr.. Hale it was
agreed to adjourn from today
until Monday next. Aldrich of
Rhode Island presented a special order
fixing the standing committees and
their personnel. The order was adopt
ed without dissent.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
w. C. T. L. CONVENTION.

Chicago, Dec. 15.-The officers of the
national w. c. T. u. have decided on
Washington, D. c., as the place of the
next convention.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16

mate the Beers loss at Magersfontein
at 1000 men.
Arizona republican., 1899-12-16
A SOLDIERS FRANK STORY.

London, Dec 16.-The following is the
text of General Buffers dispatch an
nouncing his reverse:
New Iberia enterprise. (New Iberia, La.) 1885-1902, 1899-09-02
Ladies'
Gowns.

Lot 90, ,10S, made of good dOmes-
tic, has square neck and revers,
band of inserting across front,
sleeves, neck AID rcvers finished
with u next cambric rufile; price
5Oc. Lot 237Oia, ladies' muslin
gowns, with npther hubbard yoke
composed Of chester tucks, neck,
front and sleeves edged with en-
broidery; price soc. Lot 23lOS,
has mother Hubbard yoke made
of clusters of four tncks alterna-
ting with fine Openwork insert
ing, neck and front finished with
embroidery, sleeves ruilled, fine
value ut 65c. Lot 2433 has mother
Hubbard yoke of clusters, tuckS
with inserting forming square
effect at throat and finished with
edging Of embroidery, sleeves
rufiled, all seams finished; price
65c. Lot 2433, mother Hubbard
yoke made Of cluster tucks,
square neck with row of valen-
cienne inserting, throat finished
with rufflc edged with valencien
ne lace; price, 75c. Lot 2458,
broad V shaped yoke made of six
rows of small cluster tucks (each
cluster containing five tucks) al
ternating with handsome insert
ing; neck, front and sleeves fin
ishe'l with ruf1le; price 75c. Lot
New Iberia enterprise. (New Iberia, La.) 1885-1902, 1899-09-02

265S. mother Hubbard yoke with
broad bands of fine open-work
inserting with dainty ruffles Of
embroidery on both edges OF in
serting; sleeves and neck have
ruflles of Hamburg embroidery;
price 95c. Lot 1853 is a beauti-
ful garment with it's simple, but
very effective mother Hubbard
yoke composed entirely of tucks,
ten clusters of five very small
tucks alternating with one larger
one: sleeves have a band of small
tucks on cuffs; neck, front and
sleeves edged with embroidery;
price 95c. Lot 1888, yoke made
Of six rows Of fine Hamburg open
work inserting with a cluster of
fine small tucks between each
row; baud of inserting runs
across the front Of yoke; sleeves
and V-shaped neck finished with
rufile Of fine embroidery; price,
$l.25. Lot 2037, has circular
yoke made entirely Of fine tor
chon and Hamburg open work
inserting; neck finished with fine
beading and blue satin ribbons.
cuffs made of three rows of in
sertion and edged with fine tor
chon; back Of this gown has
three large box plaits-a cheap
garment at so. Lot 2O7R has
n mother Hubbard yoke and a
bewildering mass Of fine lace and
inserting; it battles description,
yet the price is only $3.50.
New Iberia enterprise. (New Iberia, La.) 1885-1902, 1899-09-02

The Western Union claims the sole right
to operate cable between this country
| and Cuba by virtue of an alleged exclusive
grant from Spain And the power of the
United States has been used TO defend
that questionable title.
The Commercial Cable Company wants
to extend its lines 10 Cuba il asks no
fav"rs from either country. 1t is willing
that the United States shall use its lines
ut all times on its own terms, with the
further andei landing the Government can
gain control of the cable at its pleasure
by paying its appraised value.
As a Legitimate business enterprise it
asks the privilege Of landing its cable on
the shores OF Cuba, but the United States
Government acting through the Secretary
of War, says NO, and orders its soldiers to
defend the prepos'crous claims of the
Western Union to monopoly of the cable
business in Cuba.
Why should the United States feel called
upon to pcrpetuato the franchises and ex-
elusive privileges which Weylor and his
thleving prototypes sold, in countless mum
bers, to line their own pockets A new
cable would increase the trade between
the two countries It is necessary to the
development of Cuba A reduction of
rates would Immediately follow the cstab-
lishment of rival line
This Government cannot afford TO guar
antee protection to the Western Union in
its attempt to fasten forever a monopoly
on country that will eventually be an in
tegral part of the United States