davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
GAGE ON BANKS
Head of Treasury Wants n System
That is Safer Than the
Present.

Washington, Dec. 6.-Secretary
Gage. in his annual report, declares
that "our banking system is devised
for fair weather and not for storms -
The secretary recites some of the
causes that produces financial and in
dustriaI depression. such as the bad
management of large financial insti-
tuition, the Insolvency of commercial
houses. failure of harvests, the immi-
renee of war. and says:
These evil circumstances are not
peculiar to any one country; they are
common to all countries. The striking
contrast is to be found in the way i'll
which they are met and overcome, and
the comparison is wholly unfaVOrable
To us. Explanation is to be found in
our defective banking system. No
sooner do the symptoms of financial
and business trouble appear than the
banks, under the ruling principle of
self-preservation. suspend to the far
thest limit possible their operations OF
leaning and discountinG. They cease
to give credit upon their books in eX-
change for debt obligations from their
dealers.
THE daily creations of the necessary
medium of exchange. bank credits,
cease. or become entirely inadequate
To commercial requirements. The daily
natural liquidation of credits continues,
resulting in contraction. Business
men. carrying goods and securities by
the aid of bank credits. are obliged TO
sell with little regard to cost.
Contemplated enterprises are aban-
dcned: orders for future delivery of
goods are rescinded, and as these sue
cesSive steps mark the downward
movement the banker becomes the
more reluctant to perform his impOr-
tant function of leaning his credit for
commercial and industrial uses.
I'VE thus perceive that the bracing
support which had promoted and sus-
tanned business representation
which. indeed. such progress would
have been impoSSiblef-is withdrawn
Mt the very moment when support is
the most needful. What should he.
under such circumstances. an orderly.
movement to more secure
becomes Il diSorderly flight,
an unreasoning panic. jim which ut last
the entire business public is helplessly
involved
He believes that the establishment
Of Il large central b;flk with multi
piled branches would he the safest de-
fense against panic. The secretary ad-
mitS that such a system may fairly
be looked upon as at present impoSSi-
BILE of realizatioH1 He suggests in
stead of this. federation of the banks
ny which they could be united in Il
great central institution while still pre-
serving their Independence of action in
heir local relationships
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
w. M'FARLAND RETURNS
AND rs AGAIN ARRESTED

William Mcfarland. who about a
year ago attempted to kill his wife
and who left with a fine of 500 hang
ing over him in case he returned,
struck town last night and proceed
ed to the rooms of his former wife.
who lately secured n divorce, and
made his way into her apartments in
the Sturgeon flats on Twentieth
street by climbing through win
dow. Just what his intentions were
does not appear, but he succeeded in
accomplishing no harm beyond
frightening the inmates of the house.
and an officer was summoned and
took him into custody. This morn
ing he was placed under 5000 bonds
to keep the peace for 80 days and
was committed to Jail.
Frank Greenwood, a Viola young
man who has been taking in the
town. reported to the police this
morning that he had been relieved
of a pocletbook containing $25 and
a certificate of deposit. He was not
able TO give any idea as to where the
loss occurred.
The police were asked today to
look for half-witted young man
named Scheuermann, who left his
home in South Rock Island yester-
day and failed to return.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
A LITTLE HEROINE.
Only q Years Old, But Shows Both
Bravery and Cool
ness.

GreenyiIle, Ia. Dec Ga little blue
eyed heroine of years in the person
OF Clara SchlOsser is receiving homage
from scores of thankful travellers and
the members of the Chicago, AIilwau-
kee and st. Paul crew of passenger
train No. 4. BY her presence of mind
and bravery she averted n wreck that
must have been disastrous but for her
act. The railway through this city
makes sharp turn near the Schlosser
home aud the little girl knows as. well
as the trainmen when the train should
arrive y large dray horse i'm crossing
the track became fastened i'm the cul-
vert just before the train was due.
Without a thought of danger to her
self the little girl threw Off her red
jacket and ran down the track till she
met the passenger train. Wildly wav-
ing the red jacket as she ran she
warned the engineer. who managed to
stop his engine within n few feet OF
the child. When it was all over the
passengers had cheered her and cried
over her and shOwered her with silver
and some gold coinss
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
FIGHT WITH KNIVES
Negroes Slash Each Other While
Alone in a Dark
Room.

New York, Dec. 6.-George Harris
and Richard Anthony, negroes, who
for some time have borne Il grudge
against each other. met at night in
Harris room and fought it out with
knives The men were alone. and be-
fore beginning the duel locked the
door. Soon after they got at each 9th
er the lamp was eXtinguished and the
fight was continued for fifteen minutes
in the dark. None of the occupants of
the tenement dared not break in.
The police came aud the door was
broken open. The furniture was
wrecked and on the floor lay Harris
and with Il dirk sticking
in his breast. His face. body and
clothes were slashed with cuts. An
thony had as many cuts, but none so
serious as the one which laid Harris
low. Harris is believed to be fatally
wounded. Anthony was locked up.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
STRUCK 1T RICH
Man Who Went to KIondike Returns
Home With $780,
900.

Marion. Ind. Dec. civilian Boyd
WHO was mOurned as dead, returned
from the Klondike Tuesday with $Go,-
000 that he has accumulated by pros
pecting in the Alaska gold field. Boyd
formerly lived ut Great Falls, Mont.
was Il prOSpector and miner I'm the
western states and made Il number of
small finds. Seven years ago he came
to Indiana Boyd. four years ago, pro-
cured an outfit and went to Dawson.
He returned TO his wife and daugh-
ter after Il years absence and report
ed that he had not located paying
claim. He went back to the frozen
north three years ago with all the
money he had. As nothing was heard
from him it was thought that he had
perished. His wife was compelled to
work as Il servant in Il hotel to sup
port herself and daughter during his
n hSaOcp
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
HopeIessly Insane.

When The Village Parson was pro-
duced here. about month ago, the
soubret, Miss Sadie Clafiin, made Il
fine hit. At FIT. Dodge, two or three
days later, she became insane and
was placed in the Kline sanitarium
undergoing treatment. A Ft. Dodge
dispatch says she has again lost her
reason. She left this place a short
time ago and it was thought she had
completely recovered. The strain of
travel, however, was too much for
her and she lost her reason a sec
'ond time. She is now in Chicago
hospital. Miss Clafllin became insane
over spiritualism. She brooded over
what a medium told her concerning
the death of her husband from
whom she is separated. This so
preyed upon her mind that she went
stark, raving crazy and was taken
from the train at Ft. Bodge.-Daven-
port Democrat.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
NEWS IN OUTLINE.

A coal famine is causing genuine
hardship at Akron, o. The Akron Gas
company has been compelled to close
its works.
The Lenofr City bank at Lenoir
City. Tenn. has closed its doors. De-
positors viii lose nothing, it is stated.
Yesterday was the 12Jth anniversary
of the organization of the Phi Beta
Kappa fraternity III -America.
s. B. Boren and Michelaf NabOnely,
working at the La Belle Iron works.
SteubenvilIe, o., were fatally injured
by a fall.
New York so far has raised $43,49S
for the Mckinley memorial fund.
The Dresden Germany Savings and
Loan bank has made an assignment.
Its deposits aggregate 100000 marks.
Joseph Martin. forty years fresh
water sailor. died in the hold of Il scOw
in the Chicago harbOr.
John ID. Rockefeller has promised
Bryn NIawr college $23O,O00 if $250,000
is raised from other sources before
commencement next June.
Joseph Crcelman. years old. was
stabbed TO death by Eddie Armines,
II years old. in n schOOlboys' quarrel
at Newport. Ky.
The city council of Fort Dodge. Ia.
has ordered that all dogs must wear
muzlzes for thirty. days or be shot.
HydrophObia scare.
]. Z. Morgan is said to be the prime
mover in plan To combine the indie
pendent mines in West Virginia.
Ella Reed, II years old. in a ging-
ham apron was married at Camden,
y. l.. to George II. May, aged Il.
To win a bet of So w. 5. Morrill,.
Harvard sophomore, ateN one meal
three beefSteaks. two dishes of peas.
and two mutton chops and drank a
quart of apollinaris and two cups of
coffee
1t is reported at Sioux City, Ia. that
the county supervisors are losing"
their insane charge in other cOmmuni-
ties.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
BALM FOR HEART
Young Woman Awarded $4,000
From FickIe Lord OF
Creation.

Mattoon. Ills, Dec. G.-In the Edgar
county circuit court at Paris Miss Rosa
Ella Graham. daughter of Il wealthy
citizen here. has been awarded $5.COO
damages against Barnett T. Morrow
for breach of promise. Morrow be-
longs to wealthy family and for two
years was openly devoted TO Miss Gra-
ham. Miss Graham alleged that the
wedding day was set, but three days
before Morrow left fer Oklahoma with
out bidding her farewell
Several months later he returned and
refused to keep the enga cement. Miss
Graham 0declared she still loved Nor
row and cared nothing for the money
IL he would make her his wife. The
jury almost instantly found Judgment
for the amount sued for.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
OIL TRUST VICTORY
Against the state of
Nebraska.

Lincoln. Ncb.. Dec. 6.-The supreme
court Wednesday accepted the report
of the referees i'm the suit of the state
against the Standard Oil company.
The court thereby dismissed the suit,
declaring there is insufficient evidence
against the company to debar it from
the state on the grounds that it is
trust.
The court also handed down an opin-'
ion in tho Omaha fire and police COM
mission case. vesting the power Of ap
pointment of fire and police commits
sioners in the government of Nebras-
ka, instead of the mayor and city coun-
ell of Omaha. BY this opinion the
court reverses its own decision of two
years ago. chief Justice NOryal dis
Senfpd
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
DIVORCES Asked.

II. NJ. Schriver today, on behalf of
Mrs Maud Newberry. of Moline,
filed a bill of divorce alleging deser-
ton on the part of her husband,
Louis Newberry.
Two livorce bills were filed yester-
day by Attorney w c. Allen in be-
half of Moline women. Anna Ander-
son accuses her husband, Louis, Of
cruelty and asks the custody of her
children and alimony. Mrs. Alvina
Handle also brings the charge of
cruelty against her spouse, Moritz
Handle. and asks the care of her
children.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
POINTS FROM GOMPERs' REPORT
Gain OF 364.iIO Observation-Disclosures on
Strikes of I'll !, Year.


Gompers' report showed net in
crease of 81 local unions for the year
and gain of 3G4,41O members. On
Oct. 81 last there were affiliated with
the Federation: National and interua-
tionaI unicns. 81; city central labor
unions. 32I: state FederationS of la
Dor. 20: local trade unions having no
national or international, $50; and fed
eral labor unions. 800.
There were four strikes of a general
character during the year. About these
the report says: That of the river
and dock workers of San Francisco
was distinct victory. The purpose
for which the strike of the Amalga-
mated Association of Steel and Iron
Workers WIS inaugurated was not
achieved, and it was terminated upon
conditions less advantageous than per
haps could have been obtained. Owing
10 the widespread interest this strike
aroused a large number of iron and
steel workers employed by other com
panies than the corporation against
which the strike was inaugurated have
been organized under the jurisdiction
of the Amalgamated Association.
Officers of the International Associa-
ton of AIachinists report that their
strike has very largely succeeded in
ESTABLISHING the nlne-hOur rule in that
trade. They claim that the settlements
reached have given G0.0C0 machinists
a shorter work day, 15,0O0 others are
affected by compromises reached, and
5000 machinists will receive an aver
age of % cents day increase in
wages.
The report recommends authorizing
4 committee to meet with representa-
tives of the Western Federation of
Miners looking to their affiliation. 1t
dcnounceS the employment of young
and contends for greater or
ganiZation among women workers.
Gompers says he has arranged All
active campaign for the re-enactment
of the Chinese exclusion act. and eX-
presses surprise at the patience OF
the Pacific coast citizens in submitting
to a state of affairs so horrible and
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
TIN CAN COMBINE
How 1t Proposes to Economize in
the Management of It's
Business.
NEARLY HALF THE PLANTS CLOSED
Wetmore Tobacco Company Pays a
Million for Going Up Against
the Trust.

New York. Dec. G.-According to a
good authority, the directors of the
American Can company Will make pub
/ lie some time between Jan. l and Jan.
20 statement showing the result of
operations for the first nine months or
the cOmpany'S career. As yet there
has been no directors meeting. though
the executive committee has been in
session frequnetly. The number of
factories closed and dismantled has
been increased from thirty-fve as last
stated in these dispatches, to forty-six.
This means n reduction in the number
from 115 to sixty-nine- 1t is said this
policy of concentration viii be pursued
until the number of plants is not mere
than fifty.
Has Orders for Next Year.
1t is the intention to transfer all the
machinery now operated in leased
buildings to plants owned in fee. In
one instance five factories are con-
solidated into one, doing away with
four leases and four SuperintendentS.
The price of cans has been reduced. the
policy being 10 discourage competition
and at the same time to make good
profits possible through reducing the
cots of production. The shortage in
the fruit crop hurt the can business
greatly. but the company has orders
for Il large number of cans for delivery
next year This consolidation is at
tended by more sweeping changes i'll
business methods than have marked Il
like merger in any other industrial
line.
Paid 81 100000 for Experience.
IT is learned that the brief operations
of the Wetmore Tobacco company. OF
st. Louis. resulted in a loss Of $1.000,-
600. The price to be paid for the prop
erty of the concern by the Continental
Tobacco company is only about $780,
900, and merely covers the fair value of
the stock on hand and the machinery.
In tobacco circles WetmCre was known
as the last of the fire CATERS" and the
dissolution of his company makes com
rlete the victory of James Is. Duke
over the leading plug tobacco interests
Of the country after a six years strug
gle.
Trust Was Too Much for him.
This commercial war with the Amer
lean Tobacco company on the one side
and the DrummOnd Tobacco. company,
L. Lorillard & Co. LegEett & Myers
and Il. J. LOrk & Co. joining their
forces on the other. was one of the
greateSt-if not the @rcatest-in his
tory. Mr.. WetmOre. of the Leggett *
Myers company. tried to combat the
trust but without success, after his
firm had yielded.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
nominy MnIin Ashes.

Terre Haute. Ind. Dec. 6.-The r.
G. Jencles d Co. hominy mill. ele-
vatOr and corn crib. three shanty resi-
dences and three box ears bu.ned early
Wednesday. In the corn crib and ele-
vator there were 25.COO bushels Of
corn. The loss on all the buildings
and contents is complete. The ma
chinery in the mill building is beyond
repair. Mr.. Ray Jenckes. the owner
of the mill, says he cannot now tell If
he will rebuild. The loss is placed at
100000. with insurance at half that
a por1nt
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
Dawes visits IsIoo,nington.

bloomington, Ills. Dec. G.-Wednes-
day G. G.. Dawes. eX-comptrOller of the
currency and candidate for the United
States senate. paid his first visit to
Bloomington in the interest of his can
didacy. He was met by State Senator
Stubblefield and introduced to the lead
ing business men and bankers of the
city. a reception was rendered him at
the Illinois club rooms and prominent
Republicans from all parts of the coun-
tN chilled TO nav their resnectS.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
ASSOCIATED CHARITIES MAY
BE FORCED TO pIsBAND

y meeting of the Associated Char
tiles will he held at the Masonic tenn
pie at 1880 tomorrow evening for the
purpose of effecting a reOrganiza-
tion, if possible. People of the city
are not backward about coming for
ward with the money and goods for
distribution but the latter work falls
too heavily upon the few who have
been carrying it on and unless 9th
ers are willing to take hold and do
their part it is thought a disband-
ment of the association will be nee
essary.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06

Des Moines. Ia, Dec. 6.-About 6 p.
IN. yesterday fire was discovered in
the National Starch Manufacturing
companys plant in the southeastern
part of this city. which is one of the
largest plants of the kind in the world.
1t belongs to the starch manufacturing
trust. The plant was entirely de-
strOyed with the exception of the grain
elevator and engine house. The loss
is estimated at about $2O0,OC0; inSur-
ance unknown.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
IN LABOR'S CAUSE
Federation Delegates Get Togeth.
er the Number of Nearly
Three Hundred.
ATTEMPT TO SHUT OUR MINERS,
Because They Are Behind in Per Cap
ita, Fails-COlOr Line-Gomp.
ers' Annual REPORT.

Scranton. Pa, Dec. 6.-Two hun
dred and eighty-fiye delegates, repre-
sontin2 more than million and a half
of workmen, responded TO the roll call
ut the opening session of the twenty
first annual convention of the Ameri-
can Federation of Labor. which was
called to order by President Gompers
liz st. Thomas college hall at 1890 n.
m. yesterday. The convention is said
To be the largest congress of workmen
ever held in this country. Organiza-
tion, settlement of questions involving
contested seats, and the reading of the
annual reports of the president, secre-
tary and treasurer, took up the entire
time of the convention. During the
course of the day there was one sur
prise sprung on the delegates and one
important decision was also made.
End of the Two Features.
The surprise came in the form of an
objection to the unseating of the Unit
ed Mine Workers delegates because of
an alleged arTearage in their per cap
ita tax. The objection was overruled
by an almost unanimous vote of the
delegates. The important question de-
cided related to the contested seat of
the delegate from the Central Labor
Union of Richmond. Va. which body
refused to admit negro wOrkmen to its
organization. The dispute was adjust
ed by seating the Central Labor Union
representative and inStructing the eX-
ecutive board of the American Fedora
tion of Labor to form n separate cen
trail union for colored men.
Mitchell Defends His Organization.
In springing the surprise c. L.
Shamp. of Chicago. international secre-
tary-treasurer of the Brotherhood of
Stationary F'iremen, maintained that
the mine workers were not entitled to
representation in the convention be-
cause the per capita tax of $1,000 had
not been paid to the Federation. PreSi-
dent Mitchell. Of the Mine Workers,
replied that his organization was not
asking for special privileges. Several
thousand of its members were on strike
almost continually for the past two
years. ard he said he had asked the
executive board to remit the levy be-
cause the miners had paid an assess
ment of 5000 for the aid of the ma
Chinists. He said if the convention. de-
cided that his organization was i'm ar
rears he would, Immediately draw n
check for the amount due.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
THE SCHLEY VERDICT
Various Impressions as TO What
IL Will Con-
tain.

New York, Dec. 6.-Admiral Dewey
and his associates on the Schley
court of inquiry are putting the fin
ishing touches on their findings, says
a Washington dispatch to the New
York Herald these findings are be-
ing closely guarded, and will not be
made public until after their submis-
sion to Secretary Long, but in we'll
informed naval circles it is believed
the court Will find Admiral SchIey
derelict in these particulars:
That he failed to promptly determ-
inc whether or not the Spanish
squadron was in the harbor of Glen
fuegos.
That he ordered the flying squad
ron to proceed to Key West, after ar
rival to the southwark of Santiago.
WITHOUT attempting to ascertain if
the Spanish squadron was in that
harbor.
That he disobeyed the depart
ment's instructions to proceed to
Santiago TO ascertain if the Spanish
ships were there and not to permit
them to leave without a decisive ac-
ton.
That ne regarded the coal supply
of the ships under his command as
insufficient to enable him to remain
at Santiago when there was sufric-
lent fuel for this purpose.
That he failed to fairly deal with
Lieutenant Commander III. c. Hodg-
son in the famous damn the Texas
colloquy.
The gOssips who believe Admiral
Schley will be found guilty on the
above counts are convinced that the
court will thus dispose of the re-
naming and perhaps the more i'm
portant specifications of the pre-
cept:
That he should not be censured for
the alleged slow voyage made by the
flying squadron from Cienfuegos TO
a point to the southwark of Santi-
ago.
That there is no foundation for
charges of cowardice directed
against him. he on the other hand
showing himself to be a brave and
gallant officer.
That the bombarClment of the CO. I
lon at the ranges employed by him I
was justifiable. in view of the prohi- |
bition against the exposure of armor |
clads to the fire of shore batteries. |
That the blockade maintained by |
the flying squadron at Cienfuegos
and Santiago was entirely effective.
That the loop made by the Brook
yn was a maneuver the necessity for
which had to be determined by the
officer at the moment it was order
.d; that throughout the battle the
played conspicuous part,
and that in the battle Admiral Schley
lid his full duty.
Washington. Dec. ct is an
nonnced at the navy department
hat the court martial in the case of
:oI. Robert l.. Meade of the marine
.orps who was tried on the charge
If drunkenness. resulted i'm acquittal
md he has been restored to duty at
he Brooklyn navy yards.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
Van Horn on Deck Again.

Benton Harbor. Mich. Dec. 6.-F. NJ.
Van Horn, of this city. secretary of
the state board of examiners of bar
bers. who was depOsed by Governor
Bliss. and who was put back into officc
again by the supreme court. has taken
up the duties of the Office again. He
has arrested William Cone, the cele-
brated poet barber. of this city, who.
he alleges. has violated the barber law
continuously since he has been out of
office
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-12-06
st. Lnsenh a Model Town.

St Joseph. Mich. Dec. 6.-In his
monthly report to the police commits
sion. Chief of Police Morton declares
this city TO be free of crime since the
last crusade by the police. The report
for the month shows only ten arrests.
as compared with fifty or sixty in the
previous months. He reports only one
disrepIable house in the city and no
saloon omen after hours.