davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-31

II might be premature If not altogether
untrue, TO say that Lord Roberts has
abandoned Mafeking to its fate, although
the return Of Lord Methuen to Kimberley
looks very much that way. 1t seems to be
assumed in London that the general-in-
chief is unwilling to detach the six thou
sand soldiers required TO succor Baden
Powell, as he will need them on his ad-
vance against Kroonstad. 1t may be, how
ever. that the old gentleman, who is a
foxy warrior. has column somewhere in
the open which will suddenly appear at
Mafeking and surprise everybody.
1t is interesting to note that the Beers
appear to be about to take the offensive in
the northern part Of the Free State. Presi-
dent Krugers boast that be would recap
ture Bloemfontein within a week is not
likely to be realized, but there may be
fighting. II Olivier has succeeded in join
ing the main body of Beers with his six
thousand men and sixteen guns there will
be force north Of Roberts strong enough
10 make a stout resistance TO anything
like a frontal attack. But that is the kind
Of assault Lord Roberts is not apt to
treat them TO. Il is hardly to be appre-
hended that the topography Of the terri
tory around Kroonstad is Of such char
acter as to compel the British to fight
over any ground their enemy may choose
TO select. II we are right in this opinion,
Lord Roberts will simply apply his old
tactics Of fanking and enveloping his OPP
pcneut. and every time he does it, the lat
ter will have to fall back.
Sir Redvers Butler is still hating in
front Of the Biggarsberg range, where be
is probably confronted by only small
force compared with his own, but having
the advantage OF natural and almost i'm
pregnable defensive positions. He is ex-
pected to move when Roberts does. per-
haps before, and there should be some stiff
work ahead in the neck Of Natal The
army IN that province. as well as the one
over the mountains, must be pretty well
rested and supplied by this time, and
should be nearly ready for active business.
Some military critics seem to think that
the advance will not occur for ten days OF
two weeks, while others argue that it
ought to be under way at the present mo-
ment. Some delay is necessarily occasioned
by the operation Of Quitting a hundred
thousand men for a winter campaign. Cold
weather will soon be UPON the Queens
and their general is unwilling to
move until they are prepared to meet it.
But when he does get ready, st may be
predicted that he will go straight FOR his
goal without much lettering on the way.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-31
AMERICAN WHEAT ABROAD.
Use of the Cereal for Macnroni and
Edible PnStes.

The Bureau Of Foreign Commerce has
received another letter from James B.
Simpson. OF Dallas, Tex, in regard to the
wheat which was sent 10 France to be
tested as 10 its fitness for use in the manu-
facture Of macaroni and similar edible
pastes. Mr. Simpson says, in part;
1T has been demonstrated beyond ques-
ton that all northern Texas is perfectly
adapted to the growth OF the hard, glu-
tinous wheats now in such great demand
in France and Italy. The grain trans
mitted through your kindness to Consul
Covert. OF Lyons. upon analysis, shows the
value Of this hard wheat to Texas. With
the port Of Galveston now open. giving Us
easy access to Marseiles this wheat Is
calculated to revolutionize production herr.
But the difficulty lies In this: Our
farmers here, through negligence, have
mixed the hard and the starchy wheats.
and we find it almost impossible to obtain
the pure hard grain. l did the best / could
in sending Consul Covert the two bushels
for analysis, and IN sending five bushels
at your request to the Paris Exposition.
but all had some grains Of soft wheat in II.
II the farmers here could obtain the T6g-
anrog hard wheat for seed. it would be but
a few years before Texas would control
the French and Italian markets in this
hard wheat
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-31

has taken the world a long time to under
stand that prevention is better and easier
than cure. and a great many people do
not understand it yet.
The Junior republics address themselves
TO the tash Of preventing the develop
ment Of children along criminal lines.
They take youngsters who have an in
heritance Of vice and crime. and put them
IN surroundings where everything is
against the development Of these inherited
tendencies. The junior republics cost the
community very little. but even if they
were expensive. they would still be cheaper
than reform schools and jails. II IS not
safe to have a large class OF youthful
denizens Of the slums growing up without
respect for themselves, for the rights Of
other people, or the power Of the law;
without education. habits Of industry, or
any Of the finer instincts of humanity.
The advocates Of rescue work, whether
for children or adults, generally base their
arguments on religious or altruisuc
grounds: but Il is not necessary TO do
this Common sense dictates that the
community shall protect itself against
crime and pauperism by preventing these
things If possible
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-31
THE WAR REVENUE TAX.
The President Considering the Adj
visibility of Reducing Ii.

The President is considering the adj
visibility of sending a message to Con-
gress recommending a reduction of the
war revenue tax. The proposition was
brought up at the Cabinet meeting yes
terday and discussed for some time but
nothing definite was decided. II is pos
sible, however, that the message will be
deferred until the next session Of Con
gress.
The proposition to reduce the revenues
has been under consideration for some
time, and Secretary Gage has consulted
with members OF the Ways and Means
Committee Of the House and OF the
Finance Committee OF the Senate, with
that end in view.
There has been some opposition TO a re-
duction during this session of Congress.
the argument being advanced that there is
already as much business before the two
houses as can be conveniently attended TO.
During the nine months Of the present
fiscal year already passed the surplus Of
receipts over expenditures has amounted,
in round numbers, to S53. 900 900, and it is
probable that this will further be in
creased to $50 100000 al least, by the end
Of the year.
Secretary Gage believes the accumu-
lation of so large a surplus to be preju-
dicial TO the financial interests Of the
country, and is urging a reduction on that
account. 1t is not proposed to repeal the
revenue law bodily, as it is uncertain at
this time, on account of the military oper-
ations in the Philippines, just what the
expenditures may amount to. The Presl-
dent has in mind reduction OF about one
half This would ensure a very comfoIta-
bla Cfrrf1luG and in NJ culdau
crease in expenditures, would be ample, it
is thought, to provide against a possible
deficiency
The President has not thought 1t ad-
visable TO reduce the revenue before, be-
cause of the uncertainty attending any at
tempt to estimate the exact income under
the law. The measure now has been in
operation long enough to form a fairly
accurate idea Of what amount it will yie,d,
and as the surplus has been found 10 be
so large, measures VIII be taken as soon
as practicable to stop its increase.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-31

and loyalty Of his men will compete sue
cessfully with the one who has neither.
The Morris Furniture Company in Eng
land proved that 1t was possible to make a
success Of the manufacture Of artistic
furniture and wall paper under conditions
which promoted the health of the work
men. This factory is situated in a beauu-
full country village. and all possible care
is taken to promote progress and indie
pendence among the workpeople. Every
employe is given to understand that what
ever ability he may have will be encour-
aged and good work appreciated The same
conditions prevail in the Roycroft pub
fishing house, established by Ebert Hub
bard. But in both these cases the work
done is of a sort which necessarily com
mands high price from its peculiar quail
ity. Whether such principles could be
successfully carried out in an ordinary
furniture or shoe factory remains to be
seen.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-31
THE PHILIPPINE COMMISSION.
proposed Instructions to Members
Discussed by the Cabinet.

The proposed instructions to the Philip
pine Commission were discussed at the
Cabinet meeting yesterday, the President
expressing fully his views regarding the
status Of the Commission in the islands
and the relations Of the Commissioners to
the Military Governor. 1t is proposed that
the Commissioners shall be the supreme
authority in the insular government In all
matters except those pertaining 10 purely
military administration
The Commissioners will study the needs
Of the islands and capacity Of the people
to take part in the government of local at
fairs The Military Governor will act as
the executive, but he will have no power
to dictate policies or plans OF government.
his function being merely to carry OFF the
laws and regulations devised by the Com
missioners.
For some time after the arrival Of the
Commission in the Philippines the mem
bers will probably remain in Manila, but
later on the members will travel extern
sively and examine closely the conditions
in such parts Of the territory as have been
pacifled through the operations Of the mill
AaA ,. II - tAIttltu Nuhl tNtuAudliA q 'OAll
missioner will have charge Of a certain
district in the island. and these districts
will probably coincide with the military
departments established by yesterdays or
der Of the Secretary Of War
Judge Taft the Chairman Of the Commits
sion, Will have his headquarters at Manila
and with him will be one OF the Commits
sioners. Each Of the remaining Commits
sioners will have special charge Of dis
trict or department
The last sessions in this city Of the Com
mission were held In the morning and after
noon Of yesterday at he rooms on Yer
mont Avenue The business transacted was
Of no special importance. being mostly
relative to the itinerary for the voyage out
and to the immediate work to be done
when the members arrive in Luzon. Dur
ing the afternoon the Chairman. Judge
Taft. held conference with the Secretary
Of War, and a cable was sent to Charles
". Pepper. the newspaper correspondent
who Is now in Porto Rico offering him the
post Of secretary Of the Commission. No
reply had been received up to last night
The transport Hancock has been given over
to. the Commission for the trip to Manila.
The members Of the Commission had
final conference with the Secretary OF War
during the afternoon, at which all the
phases Of the Philippine situation we're
discussed. The question Of cooperation
between the Commission and the military
was considered and it was
made plain to the Commission that the
military forces would give full support to
the Commission, and that General Otis
would use every effort to carry out the
ideas OF the Commission. 1t was explained
that the military authorities will be sub
ordinate to the Commission in the admin
istration of civil affairs
The Commissioners dined with the
President last evening, afteS which they
left the city for their several homes to
prepare for two years stay abroad.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-31
CIRCULATION STATEMENT.
sATrRpAY. MARcH 81. Loo.


The pointed allusion Of Speaker Hender-
son to towards In the Senate" is calcu-
lated to justify the inference that he does
not think there are any on his side Of the
Capitol; but this can hardly be the fact
since it is only upon the existence Of COW
ards that he and his associates can base
any hope Of carrying through the Porto
Rican infamy after its passage in the SEN
ATE.
It will be enacted into law, no doubt,
and from a political viewpoint We have
not the least objection 10 offer. The issue
as il stands could not be in better shape
for consideration by the people. The Ad-
ministration and the Republican party
stand guilty Of deliberately stulufying
their principles and promises and Cypress
ing Porto Rico at the dicyation Of the
trusts. The case against them is being
rapidly worked Up 10 a condition Of per
fection. We know now that the President
and Cabinet were completely agreed that
Porto Rico become a part Of the United
States that the Porto Ricans become Amer
lean citizens. and that the Constitution was
extended to the island at the moment the
treaty Of cession went into effect. That
was the legal opinion Of Mr. McKinley's
insular law officer. and the Administration
adopted and acted upon it until the hour
when the trust magnates rushed over 10
Washington and demanded injustice TO
Porto Rico and a violation OF the Consti-
tuition as the price Of their campaign sub
scrlptions. All the explanations and denials
possible to hypocrisy and mendaeity cam
not change the popular idea Of that record,
and it is a sufficiently plain one for every
useful purpose.
A few trust members of the House and
Senate are declaring that the opinion OF the
country is undergoing a change, and that
Republicans will generally approve the pro- |
posed crime after it has been committed. |
OF course, in this connection, the wish is
father to the thought. Public sentiment
beyond the Areghenies is just what IT was
ten days ago, only it is more completely
crystallized and outspoken, if anything
than at the start. The scheme to raise
corruption funds by means OF wicked and /
illegal legislation is just as obnoxious to |
the American people now as it ever has |
been, and il the creatures OF the trusts in |
the Administration and Congress do not /
appreciate the fact, they may enjoy a |
most eligible opportunity to do so on or |
about the seventh day Of next November
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-31
DEsERTIoNs IN THE NAVY.
Conditions Leading to Them in south
American waters.

Unusual conditions at South American
caused considerable embarras sment to the
United States naval force on the South
Atlantic Station. In an official report to
the Navy Department, transmitted through
Rear Admiral Schley. the commander-in-
chief Of the station, it is shown that there
have been a large number Of assertions
from the cruiser Montgomery and the
gunboat Wilmington. the effect Of the alb
normal situation in South American ship
ping circles. No report as to assertions
from the cruiser Chicago, Admiral Schley's
flagship. has been received but as the
conditions referred to are general 1t is
expected that she has likewise suffered
considerable depletion of her complement.
The report SAYS that the British Gov
eminent withdrew its subsidized mail
steamers from South American service and
purchased a number Of other vessels en-
gagged in that trade for use in transport
ing supplies to Cape Town and other points
in South Africa. The withdrawal OF these
ships was naturally followed by an exodus
OF sailors from South American pc; Is. who
sought service elsewhere. In Consequence.
all ships putting into these places are
hard put to get men The British supply
vessels touch at Montevideo to get cattle
and dressed beef. All of them are in tie
need of men, and offer high wages for
sailors A large number Of American
jackies serving on the Montgomery and
Wilmington have taken advantage Of the
high price offered by the British ships for
seamen by deserving the men-cf-war and
shipping on the supply vessels While the
exact figures cannot be obtained, it is said
that about 20 per cent OF the Montgom-
hay deserted and ar
percentage of the Wilmington's crew.
Charges published in American news
papers. supposed to have emanated from
an enlisted man on the Montgomery. that
there had been a mutiny on board; that
more than 500 punshments for minor Of
fences had been inflicted; that a great
many summary courts-martial had
been held and that Lieutenant Commander
Green the executive officer. had been
driven to suicide by the attempt Of the
commanding officer and the navigator to
get him into trouble, are not sustained
officials say. by any reports on file at the
Department. The charge that there had
been wholesale desertions is answered by
the report mentioned. Lieutenant Com
mander Green did commit suicide and his
death was promptly reported to the De
partment Naval officers say that Com
mander j. =. MerreIl, of the Montgomery
is one of the kiudliest and most consider
ate officers Of the service, and they dc not
believe he has an unhappy ship. As to his
having been a party TO any plot which
drove Lieutenant Commander Green to
suicide, the Department knows that this
charge is absolutely untrue. The facts
and circumstances of Mr.. Green's death
are known 10 the Department and they
are such that any allegation that Com
mauder Merrell and the Nontgomerys
navigator drove him to suicide is unjust
and crucial.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-31
STATUS OF PORTO RICO.
A House RESOLUTION Calling for ~ Re
cent Legal Opinion.

Representative Richardson has intro
duced a resolution directing the Secre-
tary of War TO furnish the House with
any opinion or opinions, given the De-
partment by Charles E. Magoon, law Of
ficer Of the division OF insular affairs, as
to whether the Constitution was extended
ex proprio vigore TO the island OF Porto
Rico when the peace convention
between the United States and Spain
was ratified; and in furnishing such opin-
ion or opinions, If any were given, will also
furnish such arguments or reasons as were
assigned in support thereof.
The text OF the resolution follows:
Resolved. That the Secretary Of War be and is
hereby directed TO furnish the House with any
opinion opinions given the Department by
Charles L. Msgoon, law officer Of the division
Of insular affairs, as whether the Constitution
extended ex proprio vigore to the island Of
Porto Rico when the peace convention between
the United States and Spain was ratified. and IN
furnishing such opinion, II any given, viii
also furnlSh such arguments or reasons as were
assigned by aid Magoon in support thereof
The report is made up in the main Of
extracts from opinions Of the Supreme
Court that the Constitution does not fol-
low the flag This report it is said, served
as the basis for the majority report mon
the Porto Rican Tariff bill as presented
to the Senate
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-31

good story is told in West Virginia involving
two Of the Congressmen from that snug little
State and Thomas b. Reed, the gigantic Speaker
Of the last House. The two West Nirgiuians are
Hon. Blackburn B. Dovenor and Hon. Romeo Hoyt
Freer. Both are small ia stature and wonderfully
alike in their general appearance Together they
went up to the ponderous Maine man to De- intro
duced
'Humphl" said Mr. Reed, "is that the best
the Persimmon State can doF'
what do you meanT asked Mr. Freer
Nothing" drawled the cephantine Speaker
Il was only wondering al the uniformity Of things
down your way. l suppose the horses are all
ponies ana the persimmons all dwaTfs -."
WELL interrupted Mr. froer, there is one
thing in our favor. the persimmon has more taste
than tie pumpkin"
The laugh was on the Speaker and he acknoWl-
edged 70 by cordially graSping the hands Of the
Lillputiaus and joining in the meuimeut
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-31
DUN'S TRADE REVIEW.
An Optimistic View NotvfthstandtnI
the Heaxx IosIur.s snaaor..d

An Optimistic View NotwfthstandtuE
the Heavy Failures Reported.
NEW YORK. March 3o-Dun's toner
row win say.
During the first quarter Of 1900 failures
have exceeded in amount OF liabilities
SsS'0o0.0 00. With steam railroads evident
y street roads like the Third Avenue
must be separately reported. and with
banks and other financial corporations
should be separately reported Industrial
companies like United States Flour MIL
ing Company, which control many distinct
works. The banking failures we're thir-
teen. with 1851. fS2 liabilities. receives
was appointed for the Appleton Publish
ing House, not TO wind up a bankrupt
business, but 10 give IL larger life and
value. But setting apart these. the COM
mercial values remaining we're much
larger than last year. liabilities amounting
to about $34. 3S5. SOS. according to reports
thus far received.
Progress toward better things has been
unmistakable. II was a year ago that the
frenzied speculation in Industrial stocks
reached its elimination. with the prices
averaging higher than at any time since.
while railroad stocks after some decline
rose Sis per share higher in September.
and after the fan in both which ended in
December have now risen 81 80 per share
TO the highest point Of this year. The ad-
vance during the past week has been re-
markedly vigorous and with more public
support than before The Industrial stocks
reached their highest point this year Feb
ruary 3, having advanced since December
Sb.i3 per share. but Notwithstanding some
rise last week and again this week $3.50
per share. are 50 % per share lower than
February g.
Foreign Indebtedness to this country
will soon be heavy II 10 such investments
are added merchandise reports like those
OF March thus far Exports from New
York alone for four weeks exceeded those
Of last year by $2i. s27. 032. or ss.7 per
cent. while the imports here. little
smaller. last week showed a gain 10 four
weeks Of only Is per cent. The March
exports may prove the largest IN the his
tory OF the country. as the maximum
hitherto was but about 1913 000. 900 greater
than The exports o. March last year
The wheat price has advanced . t-4c.
with statements that the crop o. France
is greatly reduced though &c IS rather
early TO make any such estimate The
exports Of corn again prove the magnitude
Of foreign demand for cereals. The West
ern receipts are nearly three times as
large as IN the same week last year. but
the price has risen ] lie
Cotton has declined f-sc this week.
but supplies are 50 small and easily con
trolled that the future cannot well BE- pre-
dicted- Wool has declined fully 1c on the
average Of revised quotations Iron is
growing weaker, except in Bessemer pig.
which is held at S24sO at Pittsburg in
spite OF small sales Of Eastern at lower
figures
Failures FOR the week have been 203
in the United States, against 1914 last year.
and 50 in Canada, against 26 last year"
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-31
LIQUOR IN THE PHILIPPINES.
Temperance Advocates Want the
Traffic There Restricted.

Several temperance advocates appeared
before the House Committee on Insular
Affairs yesterday 10 present their views
upon the liquor traffic il the Philippines
and other insular possessions of the United
States. 1t was said that since the occu-
pancy Of the Philippines by the Americans
drunkenness. which was practically I'M
known in Manila has become prevalent.
1t was also said that when the Ameri-
cans reached Manila there were only three
or four saloons, selling light wines, while
there are 450 to 500 saloons where whisky
and beer are sold.
The Rev. E. C. Dinwiddie, Of the Anti
Saloon League, declared that the military
authorities could have controlled the sit
uation. but that they have failed to do it.
Those who appeared before the commit
tee were the Rev. ]. b. Dunn. Of the Ma
tionaI Temperance Society; Mrs Ellis, OF
the National Womans Christian Temper
ance Union. and the Rev. Wilbur F. Crafts.