davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17

One day the political situation in Europe
appears OF the point Of simmering down
and cooling to a condition Of peace and
inertia. on the next IL presents every in
dication Of immediate war. All the time.
however. it cannot escape notice that Rus
sls. France. and Great Britain are actively
preparing for trouble, and that very
little incident might set them to lighting.
No doubt hostfities were well in sight
when "a short time ago Russia and France
urged Turkey to reopen the Egyptian ques-
ton. which. under advice from Berlin. the
Sultan refused TO do. That matter blew
over. and now Turkey is again made q
centre Of disturbance by the demands OF
Russia for railway concessions in Asia
Minor. II is said that Abdul Hamid is
only temporizing until he can get time to
find out what outside help may be avail
able. before deciding whether 10 submit
OF to night There are sensational reports
concerning Russian movements in Persia,
and the continued mobilization Of Russian
troops in places convenient as bases for
an advance on Herat
II is difficult to give proper value to the
reports and rumors from across the ocean.
But that something Of wide Importance
is brewing and may be expected to de-
velop shortly. appears a reasonable deduc-
ton from general conditions and circum-
stances.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17
GERMAN SHIPPERS COMPLAIN
Methods of American COnsuis the
Subject of Much Criticism.

Secretary Hay yesterday transmitted TO
the Senate a letter from Ambassador
White. at Berlin. calling attention to the
complaints Of German shippers Of the ac-
ton of United States consuls in Germany
in the authorization of invoices Of goods
destined for the United States. Mr.. White,
under date Of February 10. writes that the
matter has not only been discussed at sew
ersl OF the conventions OF the various
chambers Of commerce and other political
commercial associations which were held
in great numbers throughout Ger
many at that season Of the year, but
also that at the Foreign Office the hope
was expressed in an informal manner that
the regulations might be changed so that
invoices could be presented to the consuls
by mail.
Mr.. White quotes a speech delivered in
the Saxon Diet recently. in which the
speaker complained OF the cumbersome
methods under which American consuls
operated in the matter of invoices. The
speaker said that a consul would refuse
to authenticate the invoice until the ship
per had answered numerous questions con-
corning the manufacture Of the goods. IN
GLIDING the price Of the raw material. OF
the dye Gin cases OF textile goods. the pay
OF WOrkmen. and Of apprentices II the
shipper refused the information, the
speaker charged. the case was reported TO
the American customs authorities and
the goods were put on the black list. re-
sulting either in being refused admittance
or annoying and costly delay.
He also complained Of the heavy fees
charged by the consuls for legalizing the
invoices. and charged that the consuls
were in reality agents for American in
dustries and obtain the trade secrets for
the advantage of American manufacturers.
He stated that in consequence Of the re
strictiOns many German manufacturers
were commencing to manufacture their
goods, In the United States. He referred
TO the decrease Of 80 per cent during the
past few years in the German exports to
the United States and said it was not the
American tariff but the kind Of irritating
treatment mentioned which made the eN-
port of German goods to America i'm
possible.
Mr.. White also calls attention TO the in
PRODUCTION OF bill in the Reichstag 10
hermit the establishment Of German cham
bers Of commerce in foreign cities and
particularly in the United States.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17
Tea in America

The Hon. WI Ting Fang, the Chinese
Minister TO the United States, is OF the
opinion that Americans know nothing
whatever about tea. In a speech at a ban
quet given by the Board Of Tea Experts in
New York on Wednesday he asserted this
positively
It is obvious that a tea expert. charged
with the duty OF examining importations
Of this article and passing upon their fit
ness for the American table should know
something about tea, and # is equally clear
that Chinese merchant. familiar With the
commodity from his childhood, and having
dealt IN il both here and in his own coun-
Try. would know more about the different
grades and varieties OF tea than almost
any American who could be found. Min
lister WI expressed this opinion. and said
that the examiners at san Francisco often
condemn teas which deserve good rating,
and that this has caused the tea trade be-
tween the United States and China to fall
of considerably. In conclusion, he re-
marked:
"You Americans don't know how 20 make tcs
You rUf lemon ann AlEtT ali rum dlt hhlfi
Things 30 Do and spoil IT, j wc gave sou rea!
good tea. you would moi know what 20 DO with
This statement Is one which many Amer
leans will be ready to believe It is quite
true that tea, as frequently prepared in
this country. is a vile beverage. having an
effect upon the nerves which resembles
that Of the unholy connections said to be
sold in the gin shops Of the Orient. Il does
not intoxlcate but It makes dyspepucs, and
that IS nearly as bad.
As 10 the disgusting Of the favor by the
addition Of lemon. sugar, cream, rum.
branded cherries and other things which
are sometimes put in tea, that is and must
remain matter Of taste. Most people
would not care for tea at all II they
were obliged 10 take it without some such
addition. But there is not much doubt that
these concomitants are often added to make
nore psIatahle the taste OF tea which has
not been properly made. At cheap hotels
and boarding houses and sometimes at pri-
va.e tables. where the mistress Of the
house ought 10 know better, beiled tea.
rank, strong, hno blt'ei' O@A NC iV"Nu' anu
IL would be about as delectable, without
milk. sugar. or lemon, as dose of what
old countrywomen call thoroughbred Coffee
is bad enough when not well made, but it
is not as bad as tea, either in taste or eff
feet. and that may be one Of the reasons
why it has largely superseded tea in this
country OF late years. The tea leaves,
when boiled or allowed TO steep too long
favor the beverage with tsnnin, e sub
stance which is actually poisonous. and the
effect upon the human constitution is ruin
Gus. II the tea is OF cheap quality and
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17

tFfou the Philadelphia Ledger.1
eff Che United States is 20 have tie COM
ntrge of the world. says Marquis Ito. ,hc l'ia-
nese statesman. "-hc must mix in foreign poll
tics" AZ first glance this seems like an alarm
ing attack on our Monroe Doctrine, with its abe
horreucc Of any interference in foreign affairs.
but what the marquis evidently means il not s
local politics Of any nation but It's general dir H-
macy. fog he saws ,hJt each nation wishing %
engage in The newly developing commerce Of The
East must protect its interests with a show 90
power. In other words, wc shall not have 60 bare
gain with other commercial nations for our share
Of trade; $50 have only to step forward and tsse
il. merely demonstrating TO the satisfaction Il
possible rivals cur ability TO defend it. We cen
DO that
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17

From the indianapolis News.)

(FT0m the Indianapolis News)
England can no more permit mediation than we
could have permitted it with Spain as to Cuba.
The Transvsal has been a thorn in England's side
for wears, Just IS Cuba WAS in ours. When war
was declared Is to England, when the Maine was
blown up as 10 us, then war was inevitable, and
when war was begun, there was TO be no end
that either people would accept but submission.
II we relieve ourselves OF prejudice, try the mat
ter by our ogn situation, and remember that Our
views Of public questions our s.nsitiyeEess on
points Of honor, our convictions as to fair play
are the same as the English, we shall be able to
realize ths. an attempt al mediation now be
only an attempt; and we may congratulate our
selves that our Government, having made the at
tempt. and so done all that could be done, mad,
il in a way to leave no regrets
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17

Urom The Indllnap0IIs NtNsJ
Tie concern Of Marx Hanna for the poor work
ing1nen is most touching, He insists that the
Porto Rioan Tariff bill is in the interest OF the
wage eamers. TO his sympathetic mind the
granting Of free trade to Porto Rico seems to
point TO the adoption Of the same policy with
reference to the Philippines. And 50 he urges
the Republicans to stand firmly together for the
bill" Yet this is the same Hanna who is strain
ing every nerve to secure the passage Of a ship
subsidy bill, the effect OF which will be to put
millions Of dollars into the pockets Of the stand
ard Oil magnGtesi When the American working
men have to rely on Mark Hanna to take ca" Of
their interests they Will be in = bad way.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17

The Arena" publishes an interesting
paper from the pen Of Mr.. George B. Nc
Clellan. on the subject Of Army reorgsni-
cation. It should attract the serious at
tentfon Of those Senators and Representa-
tives whose influence will be potent in the
framing and passage Of whatever meas
ures for the reform of our military organi-
zation ultimately may be adopted by the
present Congress.
MIR. Mcclellan urges that in determin-
ing the size of our Regular Army in the
future, the fortress artillery ought not to
be considered. He says;
Eve have already in position on our coast 2o2
eight. ten. aud twelve-inch rifles, 81 tWeNe-luch
mortars, and Il large rapidfre guns. In addition
90 these there have been ordered, and ID less tia
two wears will be in place $50 eight ten, and
twclve-iHCh rifles and 1852 twclye-inch nortsrs
making a total Of 4gl great guns and 5I3 twelve
inch mortars. besides rapid-irc guns, to be cared
for within two years.
The modern great gun, as Mr.. Mcclellan
explains, is a delicate piece Of machinery
requiring a crew of expert machinists to
keep it in order and ready for effective
use. ANY failure on the part Of Congress
to supply men and means for this purpose
would lead directly to the rapid deterio-
ration and final destruction Of the ord
nance and emplacements upon which we
have been and are spending millions for
defensive purposes The coast artillery
according to conservative military opinion,
will require a minimum of eighteen thou
sand men. and, as the author declares,
should not be counted in fixing the maxi
mum limit of the Army.
We cannot review the paper at length
at this time. But there are several recon-
mendations contained in it which are OF
value. Mr.. Mcclellan says that it takes
longer to turn a recruit into good cav
alryman than into trained infantryman,
and still longer to make an effective ar
tilleryman. Hence, he argues, the units
OF organization requiring the greatest time
to increase their strength, should be
maintained more nearly on a war foot
ing in time Of peace than the others.
Hence he would have larger artillery and
cavalry relatively to infantry commands,
The question Of Army reorganization IS OF
vast Importance, and II is not receiving
the legislative attention that it deserves.
The problems of a technical character
which appeal to men like General Miles
and Mr.. Mcclellan do not seem so inn
portant to people like Mr.. Hanna and his
school Of politicians. One of the most
urgent questions in the connection, as il
looks to experts. is how to keep the
Army out of politics To get it into poll
tics is the aim of the Republican party
managers.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17
Municipai Aid to Private Charities.


Mr.. Bird s. Coler, Comptroller OF the
City Of New York. has been perceptibly
sstir during the last few months and his
proceedings have attracted much attention.
One OF the things which he has done is
10 write a book on municipal government
as illustrated by that Of New York City,
and in it he takes occasion to express very
vigorous opinions on the subject OF public
charities He says that the city is called
upon 10 aid numerous small private chari-
table societies-and some large ones as
well-which do nothing except waste mon
ey and pauperize the objects Of their be-
nevolence
This is an Indictment which is likely 10
cause some connection, for many Of these
private societies are supported and man
aged by people more or less prominent in
society. and they do no, like to have their
pet schemes OF benevolence fnterfered with
or criticised. The conditions which pre-
vail in New York can be found on a
smaller scale. in almost any American
city. so that Mr. Colers campaign against
these charitable associations will be Of
general interest. especially IL il succeeds
One Of the charges which he makes BE-
thar the money granted by the city and
contributed by the public 10 these socie-
ties is largely expended in salaries, so
that a comparatively small percentage Of
81 filters through 10 those who are sup
posed TO be benefited. Anyone who has
looked into the workings Of religious or
CARNATIONS in general viii be prepared to
believe this statement When a society
feels that 1t must rent Offices in the bust
nees section Of city, and furnish them
and employ secretaries and bookkeepers
and other sgents. a. comfortable salaries
the sums contributed by the public are
generally reduced 10 small fraction by
the time all these expenses are paid.
Like many other businesses in which the
middleman is employed, it is Improbable
Mr. Coler cites in his book an Instance
OF society. organized for the purpose OF
supplying clothing 10 shipwrecked sailors
which for several years obtained a small
appropriation from the city. The officers
finally requested an increase OF this sum,
and the city authorities. very properly
enquired what had been done. They found
on investigation that a sailor shipwreCked
OF the coast Of Oregon had received a
suit OF underwear. pair Of hose, and a
rubber coat: some shoes and Oilskin caps
hae been sent TO a crew wrecked on the
reefs Of Florida; IN addition TO the money
obtained from the city the society had re-
ceived several donations of second hand
clothing and one box Of knit bands TO be
worn on the wrists That was all-exeept
that there was a charge for salaries that
slmost balanced the amount received from
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17
Negro Emigration From virginia.

tFram the Richmond Dispatch
In Tie country districts the complain: is mats
that the negro labor has left for the eiiss IN
,,rr cifi,s the complaint IS that the supply u
domestic servants is sadly inadequate, lu consc-
auence OF the gICJt number or eoiol-u Women
Nc nf,rr Getting a little trsining herr, leave
Tor The North. where larger wsscs are paid Them
Homes for hundreds of COOKS, wa,hers, house
maids. etc.. are opln in RichmoDl 70 c0lorfd
uffufu
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17
No Need for subsidies.


We are now the greatest shipbuilders in the
world and can get along without subsidies. The
people would Willingly grant subsidies II IT were
front Of PROSPERITY, but it seems unnecessary. IL
nav therefore be true that the Republican leaders
in Congress are afraid to push this subsidy biz
when public sentiment IS already aroused against
Porto Rico.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17

The Senate, yesterday by vote Of thir-
ty-six to seventeen, tabled Senator Allen S
amendment to the Porto Rican Tariff bill,
declaring that by virtue Of the Treaty OF
Paris the Constitution Of the United Stat S
extends to Porto Rico. That places the
Republican Senators on record. On the
same day the executive branch of the Gov
eminent decided that it could not pay the
funeral expenses OF an officer who had died
in Alaska, whittier he had gone as wit
ness before the Federal Court, Alaska be-
ing part OF the United States. So it seems
the Constitution goes there; but not to
Porto Rico.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17

According to Administration gossip, ne
gotiations with Denmark, for the purpose
Of acquiring the islands of st. Thomas and
Santa Cruz, are sull in progress. There
are two things which seem to promise fail
ure If we need these Islands at all it is
for the purpose of terrifying them in con-
nection with the Nicaragua Canal. But,
with such an agreement as the Hay
Pauncefote Treaty in force. that would lie
useless expense. We should be entirely
outclassed by British West Indian fortifca-
lions and naval facilities. The second rea-
son is that the rum trust would raise a
riot against the annexation Of an Island
producing the pleasing beverage identified
with the name Of Santa Cruz.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17

aduIterated more or less in the beginning
he results are sim worse Minister WI
is quite right The American people need
to know more about tea, both in regard 10
importing it and preparing it for the table.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17
In a auapdary.-It is said that

In "A Quapdary.-It is said that Sen
ators Allisony Fairbanks, and Beverage are
more harassed by the Porto Rican Tariff
bill than any other members Of the Senate
As supporters Of the President, it was their
pleasing duty TO bring the pressure of their
influence TO bear upon certain members Of
The House in favor OF the measure when its
fate was uncertain in that body. Now it
rs oup to them" in the Senate, and they
are said TO be wavering in their support of
II. If they vote against the bill, and thus
save themselves trouble at home, won't the
House members whom they persuaded to
vote for the bill have something 10 say to
them either In private or ID public?
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17

The encyclopedia New Yors sun announces
that one Of its advertisers has received medal
from the Smithsonian College" u would ie
an addition 10 the sum Of human knowledge u
oar esteemed contemporary would tell vhorc this
college is located snJ he are It's leading pro-
fessors and graduates.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17
Mr.. Longs Experiment.

II il is Secretary Longs idea in creating
y new naval board with Admiral Dewey
al its head, to establish an equivalent OF
the general staff organization and control
common 10 European navies, it is COM
mendable. But it is to be regretted II the
President and his Secretary OF the Navy
really wish to moeernize the naval organi-
Eation. and to reform abuses due to divl-
sion OF administration among a number
Of segregated bureaus that they should
not have undertaken the task with greater
regard for simplicity and directness. II
a general staff is aimed al it would seem
easier TO constitute it OF all the bureau
heads with Admiral Dewey in professional
command. Such an institution would have
the fullest endorsement OF the country.
The change would naturally sntsgonize
the interests OF many corporate institu-
tons doing a large and remunerstive
business with the Department under the
odd system; but 1t would be FOR the good
Of the service and in the line OF economy
and honesty.
As the present scheme strikes us II
seems to give Admiral Dewey and the
board over which ne IS to preside great
deal Of advisory duty and responsibility.
but without the authority that a general
staff should, and in other countries does.
possess. It does not appear likely 10 cure
such evils as Ssmpsonism in the Navy,
for instance; nor are We able TO consider
il as one which probably will take pro-
motion. assignment. and coal contracts out
OF the control Of Republican headquar-
tiers. For these reasons We are rather
afraid that the plan is not so much one Of
reform as an attempt TO provide some
innocuous employment for Admiral Dewey.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17

DIR. Depew Triumpbnnt.-Since yes
terday it is believed the genial DR.. Depew
does not take such a pessimistic view of
craftsmanship as he has been wont to
express during his term in the Senate, be-
cause Of the difficulty he has had in get
ting places in the Government service for
a few of his admirers. DR.. Depew yes
terday morning received a letter from Di-
rector Merriam. Informing him that at
last place had been found in the Census
Bureau for Mrs. "Bin" Anthony, widow of
the Maine hero. This is my first appoint
ment since l have been Senator Of the
United States" gleefully exclaimed the
international orator to a newspaper in
terviewer. who went to see him about il.
Mrs. Anthony viii draw from the Gov
eminent $50 month as a clerk in the
Census Bureau. This, it is said viii
be enough TO keep her and the baby Of
brave Bill" in comparative comfort. Dr.
Depew seemed more delighted yesterday
over his success In at last getting some
patronage than over anything that has
happened since he~has been a Senator It
is believed now that he has learned how
to do It, that he will not have nearly so
much trouble in future in getting ap-
pointments for his constituents. 1t is sug-
gested. however. that such of his con-
stituents as want appointments would
better rush forward at this time and let
their wants be known, while DR.. Depew
has his sleeves rolled up and both hands
in the trough.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17
A Minnesota PerpIexity.

tFrom the 81. Paul Dispatch.)
Reports from Minneapolis are 10 the effect that
the sioblomers have captured Monitor hop and
are moving upon the Cedar Avenue krasl Of The
anti Ben tt romera
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17

The custom has long existed for hotel
managers at Hot Springs. Ark, TO send out
drummers to solicit passengers on incoming
trains for their hotels. The railway com
panies have prohibited persons from COM
ing upon their premises for this purpose.
and the courts have held that they had this
right Sandrigan VS.. State 81 Ark, 500.
In the recent case Of Osborn VS.. st. Louis.
etc. Railway Company t5j 5. W. Rep, 1872
the railway company was sued for damages
for ejecting forcihly and thereby injuring
the plaintiff, who it was cOntended, was
soliciting. The jury found in favor OF the
plaintiff. giving him $1,000 damages. and
on appeal the Supreme Court Of Arkansas
affirmed the judgment on the ground that
the question as to whether the plaintiff
was soliciting" at the time of his election
was submitted to the jury. and the finding
was that he was not, and that this verdict
is binding.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-17

The English Court of Appeals has been
recently called on in the case OF kimoer
VS. Adams GA S ]. 26D 70 determine the
meaning of the word house. by me
terms OF an agreement it was covenanted
hat no houses should be erected on GER
tain piece Of land Of Tess value than $500.
and that not more than ten houses should
be erected on said land. The defendant