davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24

/
In his second Princeton lecture Mr..
Cleveland enquired:
Why do we indiscriminately hate those who
seek Officer
This query suggests a state of things
| which can hardly be said to exist OF
! course, the term "oficeseeker" is rot
! always used in a complimentary sense,
but that may be due to the fact that there
Is a small army of people who se,i; Office
and are in no way qualified for it, and
consequently never get it-people who re-
gard position under the Government as
a sinecure, in which the only important
| duty is to present ones self on pay day
! and draw more or less munifcent salary.
These people are much in evidence and
have reflected no credit on their class.
Washington probably knows more about
ofiiceseekers than any other city, be-
cause in the nature of things it has had
constant experience with them. The type
of man who comes here, proud and con-
hdent. soon after election day, to secure
a position as chief clerk of some depart
ment, or a diplomatic post abroad, on the
strength of his power over number of
voters. is known to all Washingtonians
The downward course of this gentleman is
also familiar. From a suite of rooms
with board, in some hotel, he passes to
one room, Boarding at a restaurant; from
the hotel he migrates to the lodging house;
from this to cheaper lodging house, in
which he gradually asCends from the Sec
ond to the fourth floor; finally his money
gives out and he goes home, if he has
any home, a sadder and not always a
wiser man. There is also the officeseeker
who secures some small position in the
city. and lives in the hope of place with
a fat salary, to be secured at some future
time, through influence. But, after all,
1t does not follow that there is anything
despicable in the nature of these people
4 man may look for a situation in some
other walk of life, and not get it; or he
may not be fitted for it If he does get it,
There is great deal of incompetence and
favoritism in all lines of business.
1t is not necessary to say that it is most
undesirable for the people in general to
have the idea that anybody can I'LL the
position Of a Government clerk, and that
influence counts for more than ability /
The civil service laws have done much to
prevent such a condition of things and 1
faithful and efficient clerks no longer live /
in the expectation of having their posi- !
tons taken away whenever there is a
change OF Administration. The way In .
which the Departments were managed dur /
ing at least one generation in the forma-
tive period of Washington life has proba-
bly, something to do with the present char
acter of the city. Even now, there is an
atmosphere Of restlessness. of imperma-
nence, about It; the population is con-
stantly changing; people come here, go
into business, and continually talk of NOV
ing in year or two and going somewhere
else. 1t is noticeable, however. that a
large majority Of them do no such thing
They remain in a semi-detached state OF
mind. always ready to move, but more and
more firmly planted in their places.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
Fnds in the Public schools.

The methods OF teaching established by
Superintendent Powell in the Washington
public schools have been undergoing a
thorough ventilation. and it must be con-
fessed that they need It. But there viii be
little good In the agitation, even in dis
placing Mr. Powell, unless something is
done to counteract the effects Of his work
and reduce the public school system to a
common-sense basis. II viii not do to re-
move him and put in his place somebody
who viii make mistakes just as bad and
exploit hobbies quite as Objectionable
One OF the things alleged against Mr.
Powell is that be has piled upon the Shout
ders Of the teachers a great many unnec-
essary burdens. The curriculum Of the
grammar schools is complicated to such an
extent that the children are forced to
study inBumerahie things without learning
anything thoroughly. This may seem an
exaggerated statement. But the number
OF misspelled words found in examinations
for promotion to the high school would
rather surprise the teachers in the old
fashioned district school, where they fol-
dow the good old plan Of placing each class
OF children in a row and allowing each to
spell his way up or down the class. Under
that plan not many children reached the
age Of fifteen unable TO spell simple words.
They did not evolve such photographed
combinations as witch +" "thay." "surroin-
eted' for surrounded" or "seperape" for
separate. though not all Of them reached
the point where they could survey IN
daunted the big words In the last pages
Of the spelling book In the ungraded
school they taught small children TO spell
small words, and advanced them gradually
10 words Of three and four syllables.
But il may be said these mistakes we're
culled from the examination papers Of
several hundred children. and are not typi-
cal Of the results Of school work That is
true. but would It not be a good thing 10
make sure that each and every child Of
fourteen. who has had six or eight years
traiuing in the District schools, should be
able to spell ordinary words Of enc sylIa-
bic in an examination paper? Could not
the possibility OF such blunders as those
mentioned be avoided, if the teachers and
children were not overworked. and would
It not be Of more advantage to the average
child TO be able to spell with absolute cor
rectness than TO know geology?
The idea that children in the eighth
grade are given lessons in geology and the
Constitution Of the United States may seem
too absurd for belief, but that is actually
the case in the Washington schools. They
are also given lessons in various other
branches Of natural science. Il is quite
impossible that there should be time for
these things in addition to all the subjects
which the children ought to master during
the FIRST seven or eight years Of their edu-
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24

cation. Something must be dropped if
these extra lessons are put in. U appears
that the arithmetic and spelling Ter.
OF course. it would be nice II all children
could know something about the way this
country is governed. as explained in the
Constitution. but it would certainly be bet
ter TO wait until they can read the Consti-
tuition intelligently and spell the words in
it correctly before discussing problems Of
government with them The average youth
Of eighteen or twenty finds that this sub
ject requires all his ability and attention
for its mastery. Why should there be an
attempt to cram college studies into the
grammar school. and use the whole school
system as a forcing house for freak sys-
tens Of teaching2 Anyone who has tasted
Strawberries. raised in April or May. in a
dollhouse. knows that they are inferior to
the fruit ripened in the natural way. be-
sides being more expensive Why not let
the child's mind develop naturally. and not
try to raise exetics while native fruits go
to waste? How much can class Of fifty
children. all under fourteen. be taught OF
geology in the time which the oyerworked
teacher can give to the business?
There is no objection to teaching even
the youngest children something of nat
ural science. If It is done in the right way.
A teacher who is enthusiastic on this sub
ject viii probably contrive 10 impart her
knowledge 10 her pupils, il there is any
time for it and they are capable Of taking
it in. But when all the teachers are made
to teach all the children botany, or geol-
ogy. or some other subject extraneous to
the natural lines OF study, the result is
apt to be confusion and disaster.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
TO ACQUIRE NEW YORK LINES.
The Pennsylvania Planning to Alb
sOrb IA New Road.

NEW YORK. April 23.-Men connected
with the Western New York and PennsyI-
yania Railroad admitted today that Penn
sylvania Railroad interests controlled a
majority Of the securities, and would
eventually take possession of the property
and operate it as a Buffalo branch of the
Pennsylvania system. Influential New York
fnanciers went to Philadelphia today to
attend a special meeting Of the Western
New York and Pennsylvania Company at
which it was expected the details for the
transfer of the remaining junior securi-
ties would be arranged.
A large proportion Of the bonds Of the
subordinate lines are already In the hands
Of the representative OF the Pennsylvania
Railroad. The acquisition of the Western
New York and Pennsylvania will cause
the Abandonment OF the Pennsylvania
plans to build an independent line into
Buffalo. The Western New York and Penn
sylvania has more than 600 miles of rail
road in Pennsylvania. and Western New
York railroad men say that the transfer
Of the Western New York and Pennsylva-
mia Railroad makes the acquisition of the
Buffalo Rochester and Pittsburg to the
New York Central matter Of logical Sc
quence
With one Of the Western New York coal
roads in the hands of the Pennsylvania
Company the other. it is asserted, must
naturally gravitate toward the New York
Central. A difference as to price is the
only thing that has prevented the Wander
bilts from buying the Buffalo, Rochester
and Pittsburg. Negotiations are even now
pending in a perfunctory way.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
CIRCULATION STATEMENT.
TUESDAY,. APRIL q. 1900.
congregational Duty to the Navy.

Congregational Duty to the Navy.
There are not many subjects of legis-
lation or government upon which all po-
litical and patriotic elements in this
country could or ought to agree, but there
is one. at least and it is the Navy. That
military arm and servte and their extern
SIGN are so imperatively necessary TO the
present and future safety and progress
of the United States that partisanship
should disappear the moment the naval
ensign is run UP in debate in Congress,
on the hastings. or anywhere else where
loyal Americans are gathered together.
In making this declaration, We do not
lose sight of minor sacrifices that must
be made by honest men in advocating
increase Of power and command of public
treasure in the hands Of persons who have
scandalized the Navy by their intrigues
and conspiracies against the brightest or
naments and most efficient and faithful
commanders. Navigation Bureau rings
and Sampsonism Notwithstanding. we must
ell stand by the grand old institution and
never think of starving or throttling it.
1t is a choice of two evils. perhaps, but
the lesser is to keep on building and hope
for the day TO come soon when Longs and
Crowninshields will no longer block the
way TO good administration and reform.
It is naturally unpleasant to feel that ne
cessity compels the nation to hand over
almost unlimited means and authority to
such people; but, during the short remain
ing time of the Mckinley Administration,
there does not seem to be any alternative,
and it is better to take the chances than
10 stop the work.
We are impelled to offer these remarks
because the Naval Appropriation bill, in
the shape in which 1t has passed the House
of Representatives, is very unsatisfactory
piece of legislation. What the Navy De-
partment asked, in the way OF new vessels
and means for the completion OF vessels /
already provided for, was reasonable. II
anything we have thought the Administra-
ton culpably modest in not urging greater
progress. The question Of armor, among
other matters. is one which should not be
zaised at this moment. Admitting that
there is a favored contractor and a trust
Job in the proposition, 1t is also true that I
we have half dozen partly completed 4
ships OF the. most useful and necessary |
types rotting on the stocks for want Of 1
the armor 10 cover them. 1t would be 1
far better to submit to whatever extortion /
we must at this time, than to consign them I
20 destruction. Aside from this considera- !
ton, there are world conditions which /
plainly warn the people OF America not |
to delay in increasing their sea power. |
Fortunately. there is good reason for be |
lieving that the Senate will send the Naval |
bill back to the House cured /
of most Of its present vices. and that it /
will ultimately be enacted into law under /
calculated to meet the ext i
gencies OF the service and the demands OF 4
the public.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
A PRIESTS HOME BEsIEGED.
His Polish Flock Angered by Re-
marks on the Liquor Question.

marks on the Liquor Question.
ALTOONA. Pa. April 23.-The popuIous
Polish part OF the mining town Of Dubois
is excited, and the pastoral residence OF the
Polish Catholic Church in a state Of siege
as a result of a campaign against liquor
selling began a few weeks ago by Father
Szyuski. pastor of the congregation. The
priest has demonstrated in vain with GER
tain members Of his flock against the
speakeasies which he alleged they con-
Quoted His admonitions took on the form
OF sermons, and he was waited on by
committee of the Poles and informed that
if he preached another sermon on the
liquor question he would be driven from
the town.
Placards we're posted on the front door
of his residence that were insulting and
threatening Goaded by these persecu-
tions. Father Szyuski caused warrants to
be issued for the arrest of several leading
members Of the congregation, and last
Sunday morning publicly denounced them
from the pulpit. During his remarks half
Of the congregation left the church. Out
side they held meeting and determined
70 drive the priest from town.
Entering the church in a body they drove
out the non ympathizers and declared to
the priest who stood unmOved before the
altar. that unless he retracted he would
be shot down on the street and the dogs
would lick up his blood" Father Szyuski
hurled defiance at the mob who finally be-
came so threatening that he was forced to
Zee to his residence, which adjOins, reach
ing It by a side, entrance.
The Poles followed and proceeded to
lombard the parsonage with stones. The
assault was continued until dark. when
-. ~ -
sufficient number to guard the place. About
midnight a candle light was seen at one
Of the windows on the second floor and
two bullets we're sent in its direction. At
last accounts the parsonage was still sur
rounded by the angry Poles who had car
ried their campaign to the extreme OF
opening up a speakeasy in the pastors
yard.
Tonight the local authorities are organ
zing with the intention Of raiding the
mob The Poles are armed and an ugly
fight is anticipated. They threaten to burn
the parsonage before they will surrender
to the authorities.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
A Historic Hint.


tFr0m the Omaha WOTId-HerIId)
-Four times has the occupant Of the White
House been candidate for reelection against
the man whom De defeated four years before, and
never yet has the President been Successful in
the second contest. In 1900 John Adams defeated
Thomas jefferson. but in 1901 jefferson defeated
Adams John Quincy Adams defeated Andrew
Jackson, but four years later Jackson defeated
Adams Martin Van Buren, defeated William
Henry Harrison, but four years later Harrison
defeated Van Buren,. Benjamin Harrison defeated
Grover Cleveland in 1858, but in 1892 Cleveland
defeated Harrison. IN 1896 William Mckinley de-
feated William J. Bryan. Every indication points
to the fact that these two men will be the op-
posing candidates in 1900 And the indications
are that the history given above viii repeat it.
self in this same year Of 1900.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
FOREST FIRES DYING OUT.
fhe Reports of the CONGREGATIONS
Somewhat ExnEUcrated

ST PAUL. April 23-Reports OF forest
fires in northern Minnesota and Manitoba
have been somewhat exaggerated. In
northern Minnesota the scare is over and
the fires are dying out. Many thousands
of dollars worth Of timber have been de-
stroyed, largely owing to the dry condi-
tion Of the underbrush
Rain would entirely remove all danger.
and until il comes some anxiety will con
tinue to be felt in the timber country. Re
ports OF heavy loss of life In Manitoba
are denied. Sixty thousand ties Of the
Manitoba Southern Railroad have been de-
stroyed. Stephen, Mimi, reports a prairie
fire raging in Kitson County near Beaton.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
BURNED WOODWORK FOR FUEL.
A Steamer Runs short of Coal white
in Nfd-Ocean.

NORFOLK. Va. April 2s.-The spsnish
steamer FL salto. which had been adIiit
at sea without coal managed 20 make this
port today. When she came poking IN
through dense fog. she had Httle aboard
mat would burn The coal gave out s,v-
eral days ago and the twenty me n
aboard we're engaged after that in chuck
ing everything that would burn into the
furnaces. During the twenty-fonr hours
last preceding her arrival at Hampton
Roads, steam was made by burning wood
work. and when she got here she was
bare Of many fittings which only dire need
would have caused her captain to dis
pense with.
The Spaniard sailed from Rio de Jsuei-
TO. March p. with a cargo Of manganese
ore. she has been OF Cape Henry for sew
eral days The captain agreed to save
heavy salvage by the sacrifice OF much Of
the ship. Coal was barged down to her as
she lay on the quarantine and she sliled
for PHILADELPHIA
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
PLENTY OF WORK FOR ALLEN.
PuzzlinE Problems Confront Porto
RtcO'- New Governor.

ffp We" GOVERNOR.
SAN JUAN, Porto Rico, April 1.-THE
news that Charles II. Allen, Assistant Sec
rotary Of the Navy, has been appointed the
first Civil Governor of Porto Rico, was pub
lished throughout the island few hours
after it was made known in Washington.
1t is hoped that the new government will
be a success. 1t promises to bring content
where there has been discomfort and order
out of chaos
When Mr.. Allen arrives he will find that
there are problems which will tax his
abilities to the utmost. He will have no
sinecure. Political difficulties are to be
worked out, politicians to be steered clear
Of, systems OF taxation to be inaugurated,
and any number of rural and municipal
matters to be attended to-
As a whole the people have a good word
for General Davis. 1t has been his policy to
govern the island in such manner that
the people themselves had as much voice
as the principles of military government
would allow. They rejoice that civil
government is at last a reality. yet they
grieve to see General Davis forced to va
cate the palace
Munoz Rivera. in his organ, Eel Diario."
in referring to a personal antagonism
against the Civil Secretary, Colly Tosto.
says:
I'VE care not what the Governor (Davis)
says about his secretary. General Davis
will sooner or later return to America to
reflect that he could have been-and he
was not-a beloved Governor OF the island.
During Spanish rule we never speculated
by fattering the generals ncr did We ever
aspire to merit their applause. General
Davis has erroneous ideas and painfully
confounds New York's and Washiugt0n's
politicians with Porto Rica's patriots; the
former exploit politics the latter sacrifice
all for their country. Speculations, bust
ness. and fat plums constitute the aims
of those over yonder. while dislnterested-
ness, self-sacrihce and civil courage are
only to be found here"
That is simply an opinion of Munoz Ri
vera. and nothing stands back of it except
that man. who. it has been said is Porto
Rica's only statesman. Under General
Henry, Rivera was Secretary Of State until 7
too late. General Henry discovered his
treachery. and then he was asked to re- /
sign. He is the boss of the Federal I
party-the party which attained the island
majority in the recent municipal elections. [
His paper, Ell Diario." has printed article {
after article in both English and Spanish (
languages. severely criticislng America (
and all things American.
Some weeks ago it was reported locally !
that Rivera intended to resign his posi- /
ton as leader Of the Federal party and oc- J
cupy himself in opposing the govern 7
ment." The Porto Rican is vascillating in I
his political character and it is not i'm
probable that he will expect to pluck (
some of the plums of civil government /
growth. 1t is to be hoped that Mr.. Allen |
may be informed Of the nature Of the /
man.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
YARMOUTH AT NEWPORT.
The English Earl Planning Some
summer PheafrfcnIs

NEWPORT. r. T.. April 23.-Eric Hope.
better known in Newport social circles
as the Earl Of Yarmouth, arrived in New
port this afternoon for brief visit 1t
is understood that he comes to make ar
rangements for the presentation at the
Casino Theater during the coming season
OF a series of plays, both OF an amateur
and professional nature. This afternoon
he visited the Casino with Miss Hunter
who appeared with him last lsOu. TIE
report that a theater is to be built is with
out foundation, as the Casino is admirably
adanted Tor the nurnnse-
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
DENVER JoBBERs PROTEST.
They Claim Discrimination Against
Them by Railroads.

OMAHA Neb. April 23.-The Interstate
Commerce Commission began a session in
Omaha today that is likely to develop into
a very lively affair before the issues raised
are disposed Of. The commissioners came
TO Omaha primarily for the purpose Of in
vestigating the charges that rates to in
terror Nebraska towns are kept up in the
interest of Missouri River jObbers. Now
Denver iobbers have filed petition asking
that the commission at the same time
hear testimony showing that the railroads
are discriminating against Denver in the
interest of Chicago. Buffalo, Cleveland and
other Eastern jobbing centres. The Den
yer jobbers assert that their business is
deserving them for the points much farther
east than the Missouri River and demand
some form OF protection under threats Of
going before Congress for remedial legis-
latiOn.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24

II we may believe reports from Pretoria.
all the European Red Cross ambulance re-
cruits in the Transvaal have followed the
example of the Chicago corps and taken
service in the Boer foreign legion. This
is a rather serious thing. Under the strict
letter of military law these men may not
be subject to punishment as outlaws The
Boer authorities outlaw their service,
however. in accepting such illegitimate aid
will consider the subject and provide
against such perfdlous practices in future
wars.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
Politics In Kansas city.

Vl"i' t"e nil-''' ''t '''-ri
Missouri newspaper has discovered that the
reason for the failure u the Bem1cIIiic osElnl-
zltion to carry Kansas tIty hitherto was the
rows among newspaper men who sought office in
stead Of the welfare of the party This is car-
t5iuiy a uuiIue idea Now. SAYS the Missouri
newspaper. there is harmony ia the editorial
rooms and tine Democrats were victorious. 10
NAV be interesting 10 interior Missouri editors
10 learn thJt one IF the principal reasons why
the Democratic argahiAitiou carried Kansas city
this spring was that it captured the negro vote,
which is the balance of power IN this community.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24

aries go home from their meeting in New
York We are not likely to hear much
about ultimatums naval demonstrations,
or the severance Of relations with Turkey.
II the Porte is willing to cali the thing
square as between brothers the chances
are that it will be met more than half
way in the same spirit of diplomatico-
piOus accommodation
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
Roosevelt and the Ticket.

IFTJm Inc TnIllnlp0Ils NtWs.)
II the Administration and its managers have
made up their minds that they will have Mr.
Roosevelt as the Vice Presidential CANDIDATE.
willy uilly, it looks very much as ii they were
going to have him. As a matter Of sympathy we
are wholly with the Governor and wholly against
Messrs Hanna, Plat Co., but a matter Of
entertainment and legitimate instruction wthal
in the perfect workings Of the finest organized
machine we look with interest on the Rough
Rider struggling in the tolls.