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

The methods OF teaching established by
public schools have been undergoing
thorough ventilation, and it must be con-
fessed that they need 1t. But there will 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
common sense basis. 1t will not do to re-
move him and put in his place somebody
who will make mistakes just as bad and
exploit hobbies quite as Objectionable.
One of the things alleged against Mr..
Powell is that he 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 innumerable things without learning
anything thoroughly. This may seem an
exaggerated statement. But the number
of lnisspelled words found in examinations
for promotion to the high school would
rather surprise the teachers in the old
fashioned district school. where they fol-
low the good old plan OF placing each class
OF children in 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 orthographical
combinations as witch, !" "thay,' "surroin-
eteG" for surrounded" or "seperape" for
separate" though not all of them reached
the point where they could survey I'M
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 ii 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 good thing 10
make sure that each and every child Of
fourteen. who has had six or eight years
trairing in the District schools. should be
able to spell ordinary words Of enc sylla-
Bile In an examination paper? Could not
the possibility OF such blunders as those
mentioned be avoided. IL the teachers and
children were not overworked, and would
II not be of more advantage to the average
child TO be able to spell with absolute cor
RICHNESS 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 actuari, |
the case In the Washington schools. They |
are also given lessons In various other |
branches of natural science. It 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

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 "officeseeker" 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 seek office
and are in no way qualified for it, and
consequently never get it-people who re-
gard position under the Government as
sinecure. in which the only important
duty is to present ones self on pay day
and draw more or less munificent salary.
Fhese people are much in evidence and
have reflected no credit on their class.
washington probably knows more about
ofaceseekers 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-
fdent. soon after election day, to secure
a position as chief clerk of some depart
ment. or diplomatic post abroad. on the
strength of his power over a 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, il he has
any home, 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
Tat 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
man may look for situation in some
other walk of life and not get 1t; or he
may not be fitted for it II he does get it,
There is great deal of Incompetence and
favoritism in all lines of business.
1t Is not necessary to say that il is most |
undesirable for the people in general to
have the idea that anybody can fill the !
position of Government clerk and that |
Influence counts for more than ability.
The civil service laws have done much to
prevent such condition of things, and |
faithful and efficient clerks no longer live |
in the expectation of having their posi-
tons taken away whenever there is
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-
hence. about 1t; 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

cation. Something must be dropped if
these extra lessons are put in. 1t 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 intelligeutly 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 forcing house for freak sys-
TENS of teaching? Anyone who has tasted
Strawberries. raised in April or May. in
dollhouse. knows that they are inferior to
the fruit ripened in the natural way. be-
sides being more expensive. Why not let
the chiid's mind develop naturally. and not
try to raise exotics while native fruits go
to waste? How much can a class of fifty
children. all under fourteen. be taught OF
geology in the time which the overworked
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 TO impart he's
knowledge TO her pupils. if 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
DENVER JoBBERs PROTEST.
They Claim Discrimination Against
Them by Railroads.

OMAHA. Neb,. April 23.-The Interstate
Commerce Commission began 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 jobbers 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. ana
other Eastern jobbing centres. The Dem
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 lecis-
latiOn.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
MORE STEEL MILLS SHUT DOWN
President Buff nGton snys the Srs-
pension Is Due 10 Repairs.

JOLIET. Ill, April 23.-The three rod
mills of the Illinois Steel Company were
closed down this morning Nearly 1000
men were thrown out of employment. 1t
is rumored that other plants will be shut
down. The Illinois Steel Company is one
OF the constituent companies of the Fed
eral Steel Company.
President Burlington of the Illinois Steel
Company said the mills are closed down
for repairs, that is all. They viii be re-
opened in a short time.
There is no truth in the report that
other plants of ours are to be shut down"
Superintendent Thorp of the steel COM
pany said. We have closed down our
three rod mills here. as there is a tenn
porary lull in the demand for rods, and we
will take advantage of the situation to
make some repairs that are greatly need
ed in the rod mills. The other depart
ments OF the mill will be kept running on
reduced tonnage. The blast furnaces
Will not have to be shut down. and | do
not anticipate any extended closing down
of the rod mill
There is a well-defined rumor that the
blast furnaces and converters of the I'LL
nois Steel Company will be closed down
within a few days. II these additional
plants are closed down it will bring the
sum total OF men out of employment up to
$500. 1t is not thought the billet mills of
the Illinois Steel Company will shut down.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24

ut seems to me-" said Mr. Plat of Con-
necticut in the Senate yesterday, ."that one
question lies in the forefront of this dis
cussion-one which has not been sufficient
ly dwelt upon by those who think Mr..
Quay is not entitled to seat here. and
one upon which there has been notable
silence by those who think he is entitled to
seat. That question is whether anything
can ever be considered as settled In the
Senate of the United States. Is the Senate.
now in the one hundred and twelfth year
of its existence. to observe the almost IN
broken line of presidents, or is 1t to be
governed by political and personal friend
ships?'
Here is the whole matter in a nutshell.
If Mr.. Quay is seated today it will be by
the votes of his personal friends.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
CIRCULATION STATEMENT.
TUESDAY, APRIL "a, 1900.


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 serv&e 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, 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 ana 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
Crowninshieids will no longer block the
way TO good administration and reform.
IT is naturally unpleasant to feel that ne
cesslty 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 II is better to take the chances than
TO stop the work.
We are impelled TO offer these remarks
because the Naval Appropriation BILL in
the shape in which it 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- |
tion culpably modest in not urging greater |
progress. The question Of armor, among |
other matters. is one which should not be |
raised at this moment. Admitting that |
there is favored contractor and a trust |
Job in the proposition, 1t is also true that |
We have half a dozen partly completed |
ships of the. most useful and necessary
types rotting on the stocks for want of
the armor 10 cover them. 1t would be
far better to submit to whatever extortion
we must at this time, than to consign them
10 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
conditions calculated to meet the ext
gencies of the service and the demands of
the public.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
The People Responsible.


In the people is lodged the source Of all power
Ii they are honest ard incouuptible their official
creations must be measurably OF like character
II they are not educated and held by enlightened
conscience to honest action, their public servants
will partake of the spirit in which they are
created and the Republic must eventually fall
Lift the individual citizen to ability to select his
official representatives, untrammeled by the cor
ruptng influences of pelf, and the safety of our
system of government is assured. Fail in this and
il matters not whether United States Senators are
elected by direct vote or ~ State Legislatures.
gold will yet be king and government by the
people the unrealizable hope OF a republic
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
PLENTY OF WORK FOR ALLEN.
Pu1ziing Problems Confront Porto
RtcO's New Governor.

| Rfco's New Governor.
SAN JUAN, Porto Rico, April 1.-THE
news that Charles H. 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 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 inaugura:ed
and any number of rural and municipal
matters to be attended to.
AS whole the people have 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 reality. yet they
grieve to see General Davis forced to va
cate the palace
Munoz Rivera in his organ, Eel Diario.
IN referring TO 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 fiattering the generals, ncr did we ever
aspire to merit their applause. General
Davis has erroneous ideas and painfully
confounds New York's and Washiugton'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 disinterested-
ness, self-sacrifce and civil courage are
only to be found tere''
That is simply an opinion OF Munoz Ri
vera. and nothing stands back of it except
that man. who, II has been said, is Porto
Rica's only statesman. Under General
Henry, Rivera was Secretary of State until, /
too late. General Henry discovered his /
treachery, and then he was asked to re-
sign. He is the boss of the Federal |
party-the party which attained the island J
majority in the recent municipal elections |
His paper, lei Diario.' has printed article !
after article in both English and Spanish /
languages. severely criticisIng 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 ard oc- J
cupy himself in opposing the govern !
ment." The Porto Rican is vascillating in /
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

fFrom the Omaha worId-Herald.

tFrom the Omaha WorldHerald)
-Four times has the occupant of the White
House been a candidate for reelection against
the man whom he 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 1883 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
YARMOUTH AT NEWPORT.
The English Earl PInnning Some
Summer PheafricniS

NEWPORT, r. l., April 23.-Erie Hope,
better known in Newport social circles
as the Earl of Yarmouth, arrived in New
port this afternoon for 2 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 season. TIE
report that theater is to be butt is with
out foundation, as the Casino is admirably
adapted for the purpose.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
BURNED WOODWORK FOR FUEL.
Steamer RIMS short of Coal white
in Mfd-Oceau

NORFOLK. Va. April 2s.-The Spanish
steamer FL Salto. which had been adiift
at sea without coal. managed TO make this
port today. When she came poklng in
through dense fog she had little aboard
thst would burn. The coal gave out sev-
erai Gays ago and the twenty eight me n
ABOARD were engaged after that in chuck
ing everything that would burn into the
furnaces. During the twenty-four hours
last preceding her arrival at Eanpton
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 Jenei-
70. March 81, 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 sailed
for Philadelphia.
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 call 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
The Militia.


N''oi' 'i'N '"Ni'''iNiAs iiili'SJ
Ii is generally admitted that if TO have
a national militia it should be effective. 1t
should be not only well drilled, but well armed
well uniformed, and well equipped. In the matter
Of arms at least, the militia should be as nearly
up to date the Regular Army. The unpltas-
ant experiences OF several OF the States during
the with Spain should prove i lesson. We
need no immense llndwehr. but the National
Guard. great or small, should he up to date in
every respect. and organized to be suscepti-
bic of prompt cooperation and even amlgaml-
ton with the Regular Army in case Of need.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
Politics in Kansas city.


VI"TII II'v NIIl''' V'IF 0'"EI
A Missouri newspaper has discovered that the
reason for the failure Of the Democratic OTglni-
zation TO carry Kansas City hitherto was the
rows among newspaper men who sought ONCE in
stead OF the welfare OF the party. This is Ger
tainiy i unique idea. New, says the Missouri
newspaper there is harmony in the editorial
rooms and the Democrats were victorious Ii
NAV be interesting to interior Missouri editors
to learn that OF the principal reasons why
The Democratic organization carried Kansas City
this spring 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
FOREST FIRES DYING OUT.
ihe Reports of the CONGREGATIONS
somewhat Exaggerated.

ST PAUL. April 23.-Reports of forest
hres 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-
ton OF the underbrush
Rain would entirely remove all danger.
and until il comes some anxiety will con-
unue 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 prairie
fire raging in Kitson County near Beaton.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
Roosevelt and the Ticket.


NF!VIH INT IIuIdHlI7VIIs NtWs-J
II the Administration and its managers have
made up their minds that they will have Mir.
Roosevelt SIS the Vice Presidential candidate
willy nilly, i. looks very much if they were
going to have him. As 4 matter Of sympathy we
are wholly with the Governor and wholly against
Messrs. Hanna, Plat & Co., but as a matter Of
entertainment and legitimate instruction withal
in the perfect workings Of the finest organized
machine, look with interest on the Rough
Rider struggling in the tolls.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
Copper and Electricity,


Copper is . be king In the future domain Of
industry, according TO the confident predictions
Of Old and New World scientists Electricity ia
destined 10 be the motive power of the new CEN
tury, and copper is needed for electrical trans
mission. How far this impending industrial revo-
luton has advanced already is shown in the
growth in single decade-from 1890 to 1900
Of American copper exports, the increase being
from So 800, 900 to $50, OK, 900 in annual value
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-24
The Naval war on schIey.



There may he Naval Bureau dreamers who con-
ceiye it possible to degrade Schley and promote
Sampson, they learn nothing and forget moth
the sovereign power OF the land and they arr
onripoteBt when they speak. as they have spoken
and ever will speak, million tongued in defence