davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31

London, May 2S.-When Lord Rob-
erts wrote his first dispatch on Trans
vaal territory yesterday, shortly be-
fore two o'clock in the afternoon, he
was 81 miles from johannesburg and
II from Pretoria, His immensely SUI
perior forces had passed the Vaal
river, their last great natural obstacle,
at three points. The Vaal forms a
curve of 50 miles from Parys on the
west to Zand drift on the east. The
concaye of the current is toward the
Free State. Thus Lord Roberts adj
vancing along the railway, was in a
position to strike any part of the
crescent by shorter lines than those
by which the Beers could reinforce
the threatened points. The Beers re-
treated without a show of defense.
Gen. French and Gen. Hamilton appar-
emily did not fire shot.
While Lord Roberts 10000 infantry,
10000 horses and $50 guns are moving
ON johannesburg and Pretoria,
through parched and deserted coun-
try, the situation at the Transvaal
capital as il was last Friday, is thus
described by an observer who sent his
message by private hand to Lourenzo
Marques yesterday "rhe situation.
both from a military and political
point of view, has become very critical.
President Kruger yesterday admitted
that for the first time matters are
very grave. The Boer determination
is to trust to everything to last
stand on the Cats Rand mountains,
to the north of Potchefstroom. where
5000 kailirs are digging trenches. To
that point every available man and
gun have been sent, The whole of the
western border of the Transyaal from
end to end is defenseless and Gen.
Baden-Powell can march in when he
likes, Lord Roberts, on the other
hand, will encounter the greatest re-
slstance. The Boer endeavor is to
lure the British into appearing to
threaten Johannesburg with attack,
an excuse thus being given them for
the destruction of the property. The
Transvaal government will not dare
destroy the mines and property with
out an excuse. Much dynamite has
been sent down the line, and 100000
cases lie ready at Zuurfontein, near
johannesburg. Gen. Louis Botha and
Gen, Lucas Meyer have pleaded for
the preservation Of property. Both
are large landed proprietors and fear
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31

New York, May ga Herald let.
Ter from Hong Kong, dated April
81, says: After one has been in Ma
Mia and had few candid talks with
people who have been on the ground
for a long time he begins to suspect
that the islands are in no such
"pacified' condition as the people
the United States are prone to be-
love
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31
Beers In a Hurry to Get Away.

London, May 2G.-'rhe latest intelli-
gence from Lord Roberts headQuar-
tiers at Vredefort station, filed Nlurs-
day 5.45 p. M, was that the British
were rapidly advancing. Gen, llamil-
ton had effected junction with Lord
Roberts. The country in front of
them was clear of Beers to Vilioen's
drift. The Beers were eyacUating all
their positions south of the Naal river
and 5000 had already crossed to the
north bank. Probably Gen, French's
cavalry is already accommodating the
fords of the Vaal,
While the British in overwhelming
force are thus rapidly approaching
the Transvaal, the movements of the
Beers are enveloped in mystery. The
last Pretoria newspaper to reach
Lourenzo Marques was a week old.
Everyone seeking to cross the portu-
guese border from the Transvaal is
searched for newspapers and letters.
Dispatches and mail letters containing
even harmless references to the war
are suppressed. The only news that
hns emerged from the Transvaal dur
ing the last ten days has come by
word of mouth, According to these
oral reports yesterday the Beers were
quarreling among themselves. Trans
raal paper money was circulating at
so per cent. discount Bccket's firm
was giving one pound In gold for five
pounds in paper Krou2 and Klmke,
the engineers who opposed the blow
ing up of the mines, have been dis
missed. Commandant schutte had
been appointed to defend Johannes.
burg and all the British subjects had
been turned out, The Transyaalers
fear that the British will blow up the
bridge at komati poort, thus cutting
off their supplies from Dclagoa and
commando of 500 is guarding the
bridge against any such attempt by
British raiders.
II is reasserted that President Kru-
ger will retire to Lydenburg when
fighting is imminent at Johannes.
burg and Pretoria. Concern is ex-
pressed at Pretoria with reference to
the possibility that Gen. Darlington
may come down from Rhodesia with
5000 men to cooperate with as many
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31

Clinton, Mo-, May 2s.-Steps have
been taken here in the circuit court
to test the constitutionality of the
pure beer law, generally known as the
"Billy Ryder" beer law. A special
grand jury was summoned and two
saloon men were indicted, one the
agent of W. J. Lemp, the other of An.
heuser-Busch, for selling beer without
a state stamp on it. This case will be
fought by the brewers, who will 60
to the supreme court as soon as pos.
sible to have that court pass upon the
constitutionality and validity of this
law. The law provides for the taxa.
ton of beer through charging for its
inspection.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31
STORIES Of FRAUD.
Bristow Sent to Cuba to Prevent
Explosions In Washington.
A FEW CLARINC IRREGULARITIES.


Washington, May 2S.-Sensationa
stories are current here relative tt
wholesale purchases of office furni
ture for the general post office here
and in Cuba and Porto Rico, school
furniture for the islands, safes, horses
and carriages and variety of Other
articles that Uncle Sam authorizes
his agents to buy. 1t is being charged
among other things, that Fourth As
sistant Postmaster General Bristow
who has earned reputation for ex-
IRENE severity in dealing with fraud
and evasion, was sent to Cuba not
alone because he was deemed the
most desirable man to clean out that
involved postal service, but because
there was a demand for his expatria-
ton to prevent possible explosions in
Washington.
1t is known that Bristow for sew
eral months before his departure had
not spoken to another high official of
the post office department and that
the only communication between his
office and that of the official in ques-
ton was of perfunctory character
Bristow has demanded that certain
conditions which he condemned in un
measured language must cease and
made no concealment of the fact that
his condemnation was intended to be
applied to the acts of the official with
whom he had quarreled.
The charges brought against the
men who have been juggling the frauds
of the Washington post office can be
stated in the following condensed
counts:
Funds of the Washington city post
Office have been disbursed improperly
for more than two years, the irregu-
larities FOR the quarter ended Septem-
Der 30, 1898, amounting to between
$4,000 and 100000, according to an ex-
pert's report to Comptroller Trace
WELL.
Numerous favorites carried on the
pay rolls in two, and sometimes three,
positions not only inWashington, but
other cities. Oliver H. Smith, of In
diana, at present superintendent OF
the local service, was for year stimuli
taneously auditor of local postal sta
tions, laborer and painter of street
letter boxes. He drew three salaries,
another Indiana man, n b. Baker, sue
ceeding TO these emoluments.
Six women were carried on the roll
as cleaners, Notwithstanding they per-
formed no work. Four men were paid
to investigate shortcomings OF car
riers, but the jobs were sinecures.
Travelling expenses of department
officials who were not on public bust
ness and cost of trips for private eiti'
zens only nominally connected with
the government have been paid to the
extent of tens of thousands Of dollars
out of the funds belonging exclusively
to the Washington post office and the
military postal service.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31

New York, May 2s.-Temperance
people are greatly agitated over a
handicap beer drinking contest an
nounced. in the programme of the
Columbia college seniors class day.
The comic athletic games, it is an.
nounced, will conclude with beef
drinking contest in which the class
champion must be scratch man and
consume certain number of glasses
before the handicapped ones start.
Mrs. Ella L. Boole, president of the
state W. C. 7. IT,. has written scorch-
ing letter to President Seth Low, of
the college, on the subject. The mat
ter was also discussed Sunday in Cal
vary NJ. +. church, the principal Meth
odist church in this city. Mrs. Boole
in the church told of the beer
drinking contest, and. the congrega-
ton of 1000 gasped.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31

connscarion, put they nave not re-
ceived satisfactory replies from Pres
ident Kruger. Gen. Lucas Meyer says
surrender would be at once proposed
by the Beers, but everybody fears
the ignominy of being the one TO
make the proposal. He declares that
he is assured that his men will not
stand. President steyn and Mr.. Reitz,
the Transvaal state secretary, are
strongly opposed to peace. but Mr.
Kruger is not SO much against it,"
President Kruger's proclamation to
the burghers asking their votes for or
against continuing the war is under
stood to say they can quit now with
the prospect of retaining their farms
or continuing to the bitter end. Ru-
mors are current in Lord Roberts
army that the Beers intend to sur
render.
Several correspondents wire the
London papers that there are 100000
foreigners in the Boer ranks, but
this is hardly credible.
The indications are that a pitched
battle is imminent at Laing's Mex,
where Gen. Butler faces the Beers,
reinforced and seemingly determined,
with an estimated strength of from
5000 to 10000 men. The reinforce
ments include large party from
Ladybrand and fresh commanders
from Pretoria. Gen. Buffers officers
are doubtful of the ability of the !
Beers to display the same tenacity as
in the fighting at Ladysmith. The
British are confident that when he
moment arrives they will be able to
force the passes.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31
The German Meat Inspection Bill.

Berlin, May 24.-The meat inspec.
ton bill in the compromise form is
regarded by United States Ambassa-
dor White as worse il its bearing up.
on the United States than il was or
iginally. "In taking this view" said
Mr.. White, 81 particularly refer to
the virtual exclusion of our corned
beef, which deem unreasonable after
its long use here and after the United
States has proved Its wholesomeness."
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31

Washington, May 24.-Attorney
General Griggs said yesterday that the
department of justice will make
strong endeavors to have Neely, the
alleged Cuban defaulter, give up some
of the stolen money. 1t is believed
that Neely's property interests are in
such shape that they can be seized
and made to pay part Of the defalca'
ton If one Is shown.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31
ABENE WEEK. REFLECTOR ABILENE AANs MAY 81 O-TWELy PAGES

llasr entering the .ransvaal by way
ii Ma.sking. Horse sickness is said
IT, aast broken ont among Gen. Car
IT, 4icu's animals
" Cecil Rhodes is at Beir, Portu-
rssSp East Africa. Mr.. Fuller, a
iarHifcr q The Cape parliament, who
+, 'E02osei % be a confidante of Mr..
Lhodes. said in the course of speech
a CAPE Town, Thursday, when pro-
posing the health of Mr.. Rhodes. that
the latter was working to CONSOLE
da'r South Africa from the Zoambesi
to Table Bay"
TIE retreat of Botha's forces from
the lihenoster TO the Naal serves to
convince military men that the end
Of the war is rapidly drawing near.
The date of the occupation of Pre-
toTia which is usually named among
officials is June Is. They expect to
see The British flag flying over Johan-
hesbmg by the end Of another week
and Pretoria under siege early in
June
The British are sweeping the coun.
t9y far and wide, selling horses, eat
tie and grain. Yesterday President
SteYn was reported to be at Bethle-
Lem with a small field force appealing
to the Free Staters to defend their
freedom and Independence. Appar-
emily he and all the Free Staters he
can assemble will not Join the Trans
walters, but will remain in the north.
eastern portion of the Free State
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31
KANSAS DEMOCRATS.


Wichita, Kan, May 24.-Absolute
harmony prevailed in the democratic
state convention yesterday Twenty
delegates and alternates to the demo-
cratic convention at Kansas City,
July 4, were chosen. The delegation
is headed by ]. G. johnson, national
committeeman; David Overmyer, John
H. Atwood and Mayor Nicely, of Leav-
enworth.
The platform announces the ad-
herence of the democrats of Kansas
to the platform of 1896, opposing gold
monometallism and favoring bimetal-
lism; demands tariff for revenue
only; demands the enforcement Of
federal laws against trusts; believes
in the theory of voluntary self-gov'
eminent and wants no imperialistic
construction; opposes militarlsm; de.
nounccs the Porto Rico tariff law as a
violation of American traditions; ac-
cuses the republican party of aban-
doning the Monroe doctrine by
thrnsting the nation into European
and Asiatic intrigue; protests against
keeping Cuba from the natives con-
troll; sympathizes with the South AT.
rican republics; indorses the income
tax, direct legislation wherever prac-
ticable, public ownership of public
utilities and the election of United
States senator's by popular vote;
urges congressman to support legisla-
ton to prohibit railroad discrimina-
ton against small dealers and ship
pers, excessive hours for railway en-
ployes and the blacklist,
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31

with the gas from the burning TIM
Der and started for the ladders for
their lives. One man fell behind and
had to be left. The men barely
crawled to the surface where the en-.
tire medical staff of the Calumet and
Hecla had been called to their as.
sistance. The missing man was final.
ly brought up from the ninth level
where he was found hanging on a
ladder. After half an hours work
over him he died.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31
Arthar Re. Elected Grand Chief Engineer

Milwaukee, May PAP. M. Arthur
was yesterday reelected grand chief
engineer of the Brotherhood of Loco.
motive Engineers for another term
by an overwhelming majority Other
officers elected were: C. II. Salmons
of Cleveland, second grand engineer
and editor; c. H. Pearson, of Rich.
mond, Que, first assistant grand en-.
gineer, and J. c. Currie, of Jersey City,
N. j., second assistant grand engineer
Other officers will be elected to-day
II is understood that Mr.. Arthur will
retire at the end of his new term of
office.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31

Houghton, Mich, May 2s.-Fire
broke out at the twentieth level in No.
shaft Hecla branch of the Calumet
and Hecla whine at seven yesterday
evening. The shaft was promptly
closed down, all the men escaping and
n force of men was sent down in No
3 shaft adjoining to putty up the
doors with clay to prevent the fire
from spreading. One of these parties
consisting of IL men, was overcome
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31
Critical situation Mt PekIn.

Shanghai, May 2S.-Reports re-
ceived yesterday indicate that affairs
around Pekin are extremely critical
owing to the defeat of the govern
ment troops by the "boxers." 1t Is
now regarded here as certain that
foreign troops must he sent to Pelin
to protect the legislation, while the
withdrawal of missionaries from the
interior is considered imperative,
Large portions of the provinces Ct Pc
Chilli and Shan-Tung are in state
little better than absolute anarchy,
and disorder is spreading in the prov.
ince of Shang-Si in consequence of the
encouragement received from the
empress dowagcr.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31
struck by LIGHT ,inp.

Chicago, May 2S,--While returning
home from candy store yesterday
during a storm, Lucy Holden, 10 years
of age, was instantly killed by light.
ming and her sister, Irene. ten years
old, burned about the right side and
shoulder and fell by the side of the
dead girl in an unconscious condi-
ton, but will recover. The clothes
OF both girls were almost burned
from their bodies.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31
THE WAR IN AFRICA.
Lord Roberts Advance Delayed at
Rhenoster to Build a Bridge.
FREE STATERS BOLTIyC LIKE HARES.


London, May 25.-Lord Roberts in.
fantry advance is delayed a. the Rhe.
noster river for day of two by the
depth of the stream which is not ford
able. The banks, which are precip-
itlous, are 40 feet high. A pontoon
and temporary bridge constructions
are under way.
The railway has not been damaged
to any great extent between Kroon-
stad and Rhenoster. The Transvaal-
ers have offended the Free Staters
by destroying their splendid bridges
when retiring from Kroonstad. They
refrained from doing this on the re-
treat to Rhenoster, but now they are
destroying the railroad and bridges
almost completely north Of the Rhe-
noster.
l'oer kilograms say that 1000 Brit
ish, with ten guns, are near Vreede-
fort, which is close to the Vaal and
close to Parys. One correspondent
refers to the advance as prone
made" Another describes it as
"Boer hunt The Free Staters are
pictured as ''bolting like hares' at
the first sight of the British. The
latter, according to one writer, do
not even find women and children,
as the fleeing farmers take their
families with them, in consequence
of the reports current among the
Transvaalers that the British kidnap
Ill children over IL years of age.
What the Beers are doing is an
absolute mystery. The embargo OF
news out of Pretoria for the last "a
hours has been complete. Such shreds
of information as the correspondents
at Lorenzo Marques have picked up
do not illuminate the Boer designs |
and dispositions further than that
the movement toward Lydenburg con-
tinues and that a referendum on the |
question of continuing the war is
going on among the Boer fighting
men, 1t may be a fortnight before
the results of this singular vote are
fully brought before the Transvaal
government. If the English view of
Boer Encouragement is one-half right
the Beers will vote to quit.
South Africa has another infection.
An extraordinary issue of the Ga
zette at Durham announces the death
of an East Indian from the bubonic
plague. The government has put into
force the most stringent preventive
measures, but fears are expressed that
the pestilence may get among the
troops.
The Birmingham Argus, which
keeps in pretty close touch with the
colonial office, says: "NVe understand
that a general election will be ordered
AS soon as Lord Roberts obtains an
success. The government
will ask the country what it wishes to
do with the conquered republics"
Kruger Said to Favor Surrender.
London, May 25.-The Lourenzo
Marques correspondent of the Times,
.elegraphing Wednesday, says: "Ac-
'ording to private letter Struggled
through from Pretoria, President
Kruger now favors surrender on the
ground that continuance of the war
would ruin the property of the burgh-
rs. He has thrown upon the COM
the onus of what course
o pursue"
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31
ORDERED TO BE DEp0RTED.


New York, May 2s.-James Fitzhar
ris alias Skin the Goat" and JOSEPH
MuIIett, the Irish invincibles who
were recently released from prison il
ireland, where they were sentenced
for completely in the Phoenix park
murders Of 1852, were yesterday or
dered excluded by the board of spe.
cial inquiry N the immigration sta.
tion and ordered deported. The ex-
cluson was made under the interpre-
tation of the law which forbids any
one being admitted to this country
who has been adiudged guilty of a
felony, crime, infamous crime, or
misdemeanor involving moral turpi-
tude.' The two men were recently
pardoned by Earl Cadogan, lord lieu
tenant of Ireland, from a sentence of
life Imprisonment, and reached this
city among the steerage passengers
on the Lucania Saturday last.
Choctaw Rond Needs More Equipment.
Philadelphia, May 2s.-The operat-
ing department of the Choctaw, Okla.
homa d Gulf railroad has sent to the
directors an urgent request for adj
ditional equipment. The wheat and
cotton crop will be larger than last
year. The development of the prop
erty, however, is in the mining depart.
ment. BY the end of the current year
the 30 mines along the Choctaw road
will be equipped to produce 10000
tons of coal Il day, in addition to
which there are $50 coke ovens. The
market for the company's coal is re-
ported to be steadily broadening, and
the sales this year are expected to
reach 100000 tons, as against 100000
tons last year.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31
Fighting Rt Heilbr0n.

Hebron, May A.-Fighting has
been in progress since Sunday, when
three British divisions started to
sweep the country as far MS Bethle-
hem Monday, after a slight rear
guard action, Col. Broadwell arrived
with cavalry in front Of the town, hav-
Ing attacked the commando which
held the railway and driven ii head
long, capturing 10 wagons and taking
a number of prisoners. The burghers
are fastening to surrender their
arms. President Steyn is at Frank
fort.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31
Beers RE7REA7IyG.
Transvaalers Going Toward the
Vaal with Their Heavy Baggage.
WOMEN TRIED OSJlMBOX KRUGER.
4 Feeling Against the Two Presidents Set
ting In Fighting at Hebron kru-
GERS Determination Beers In u
Hurry TO Get Away.

London, May 24.-Lord Roberts il
drawing near to the frontier of the
Transvaal. His infantry masses arr
SO miles north of krOOnsiad, at tht
Rhenoster river. Some thousands Of
cavalry are already across the river
The Beers are retiring toward the
Vaal, with their heavy baggage They
are reported from Pretoria as already
across that river. Twelve thousand
men and IA guns compose the re-
treating army. Trains continue to
run from Ver0nniging, at the Wal to
Pretoria. Foreign engineers assert
that Pretoria is able to stand years
siege. According to advices from
Lorenzo Marques, the Pretoria forti-
fcations are described as complete,
but Johannesburg has not yet been
placed entirely in state Of defense
The Transvaal government papers
and the war chest have been removed
TO Luxembourg.
} One of the curious pieces of gossip
sent from Lorenzo Marques is that
several women tried to sjambok Presi.
dent Kruger, who was rescued by his
body guard. He rarely leaves the
presidency now, but works incessant-
ly, holding councils at daybreak and
during the night.
Feeling Against Kruger and steyn
London May 24.-The Lorenzo Mar
ques correspondent of the Times says:
"Mrs. Reitz, wife of the Transvaal
state secretary, and her children have
gone to Europe on the Bundesrath,
which is believed to have taken a
large quantity of bullion and possibly
several important Boer politicians.
A popular feeling against President
Kruger and President Steyn is set
ting in heavily. Every newspaper ar
ticle is censored; and the people are
indignant at discovering that rub
bish and falsehood have been given
them"
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1900-05-31
krugrr's Determination.

London, May 24.--The Times this
morning prints four columns of mail
correspondence from Bloemfonten,
based upon original documents of an
official character not already accessi-
BILE, going TO show the settled and long
standing determination of President
Kruger to destroy British power in
South Africa. The minutes of two
conferences held in 1882 between the
representatives of the two republics
are cited.
Beers In Hurry tn Get Away
london, May A.-The Daily Tele-
graph has the following from New
castle, dated Monday, May 81; "When
the Beers passed Newcastle their
wagons raced over the vrdt Is
abreast In the hurry to get away,
A Boer remarked: If we shoot Brit.
ish soldier 100 pop up to take his
place. "