davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1901-08-08
THE 56TH ILLS FIRST "scARE."

]. NJ. Dixon, Co. X, seth H., Gilbert,
La, writes of one of his first experiences
in the army, when, he believes, the gal
liant old seth Ill. received its first scare"
and probably its last, as the boys soon
became veterans, and no ordinary force
of the enemy would make any impression
upon them ComraIe Dixon SAYS:
I'VE enlisted i'll 1861 and drilled at
Shawneetown, ILL.,; then we moved down
the river to Paducah, where We were sta
toned during the battle of Shiloh, after
which We went to Pittsburg Landing, and
then under command of Gen. Pope
marched toward Corinth. We remember
FOpe because of the 100 roGnis of am
munition he compelled us to carry.
When near Pennington the seth Ill.
and a four-gun battery-I do not remem-
Der the name of the battery-wera de-
tailed to outpost duty on the flank. After
marching two or three miles We came
to an old field. Lieut.-Col. Green B.
Rum was in command. He formed US
Oh an elevation in the field, and we hastily
threw up temporary breastwOrks. Soon
We heard firing, and a minute later wa
saw our pickets coming in on the run, fol-
lowed by cavalry. Then it was that we
were scared. Our artillery prepared to fire,
while we got behind our breastwOrks. We
could plainly see the cavalry forming to
charge us. Our artillery opened up on
the cavalry, but the shots went into the
timber beyond. Col. Raum advised US 70
keep cool and fire low. The cavalry
charged, the artillery opened upon them,
the first shot killing one trooper. Then
carried the Stars and Stripes-we had
been fighting our own cavalry. That
ended our first scare, by which one pool
fellow lost his life"
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21

crouched their women, some ten iD
number. mostly mere slips of girls
not more than twelve or thirteen
years old. Many of their soldier hus-
bands We're not much older.
One little corporal of the guard, who
carried a huge Remington rifle of .5S
calibre. and who proudly took charge
of curly headed Indian girl of even
more diminutive size told me that he
was thirteen years old. His captain
told me that the boy had been with
the colors for two years, and had
served in three battles, earning his
rank of corporal through bravery in
the field.
In the last fight between the liberals
and the Government forces in the out
skirts of Panama, the insurgents
charged up the railroad embankment
five times in succession, and werc
beaten back each time with unusually
neavy losses on both sides. Herbert
Jeffers, an American soldier of for
tune, who commanded the Govern
ment forces on that occasion, told me
that the fighting on both sides be-
came so fierce that his gunners We're
cut down with machetes while serv-
ing their pieces.
BY way of side comment to this
story Colombian general told me pri-
vately that Jeffers would have lost all
his guns had he not taken them apart
in the midst of the melee and sent
them back to a better position piece
meal JefIers himself was seen to
stagger out of the trenches with the
best part of his favoritc machine gun
strapped to his back, while he kept
the most persistent of the insurrectos
at bay with revolver.
Presently the order came to embark,
and all were bundled aboard without
further ado.
Next morning we drew near the
coast until we came within a mile of
the shores said to be held by the en-
emy. All hands were called to quar-
ters, and the soldiers were ordered to
lie down on the upper deck and to re-
move their red caps. Be it that our
information was false or because of
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21

ninent the country is fairly ablaze
with local color.
Foreign war ships ride in the har-
bors of Colon and Panama, the flags
of all nations are hoisted over the
huts of the frightened inhabitants,
while tatterdemalion native soldiers
roam at large through the streets.
Martial law is in force, and the af-
fairs of life are regulated by drum
taps and bugle calls. Especially is
gold lace somewhat tarnished) in ev-
idence in Panama.
A few days ago an uncommonly
noisy fanfare called us to the Alcal-
dia. A platoon of barefooted, under
sized soldiers was drawn up in front
of the portal. From the veranda the
Alcalde, surrounded by half a dozen
dusky policemen, read aloud a long
Spanish pronunciamiento I'm the
name of the President
The crowd that had gathered list
ened to this proclamation with length
ening faces. What it meant was soon
made apparent when the Governor of
the province, General Alban, who had
hastened from Cartagena summoned
a bakers dozen of the most prominent
citizens to the Alcalde's office, and
locking the door behind him, required
each of them to extend to the Govern
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21

ported by cross-Sirder WORK, hung on
A-shaped trestles.
Each car has two pairs of wheels,
bending from one side over the centre
of gravity of the carriage, which hangs
in suspension from a single line and
is worked by electricity. Obviously
such railroad could not be inspected
by a person on foot.
To meet the difficulty an ingenious
adaptation of the bicycle was sup
piled. The framework is that of an
ordinary bicycle. and the machine is
operated by means of an ordinary ped
al and chain gear-the difference be-
ing that the bicycle is suspended from
the wheels which run on the single
line of railway over the riders head.
Despite his exalted position the rider
is in perfect safety, he even runs no
danger of being arrested for scorching.
as he flies along well out of reach of
the policeman. VINO regulates the traf-
fic below.-New York Herald.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21
clear water of the lagoon and put into

clear water of the lagoon and put into
port.
At the wharf we found large
crowd assembled in an indescribable
state of excitement. The debarking
soldiers were received with wild
cheers. 1t appeared that an attempt
to rush the town had been made but
the night before.
1t was determined to send a recon
noitring party at once, so as to pre-
pare for counter attack on the rebel
island.
The "attack' was made at dead of
night l was invited to accompany
the expedition. We ran into thick
ly shaded cove and waded ashore. De
ploying to right and left, the troops
made a rush on the rebel hamlet. 1t
was found deserted. Somebody from
the town had given the alarm. All
night long we secured the bushes
without finding soul. At last, at
daylight. l heard distant bugle call.
1t was repeated again and again. and
the officer in charge of our detach-
ment led us in that direction. Pres
emily there came quick call of Hal
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21
to! quien vivew with the simultaneous

to! quien vivew with the simultaneous
click of a ritle-loading. Our captain
gave the cry, "Colombiaw and was
answered at once by the countersign,
"Por Siempre." 1t proved to be the
second detachment, that had effected
a landing on the other side of the isl
and and was manoeuvring into the
thicket without any better success.
In the end it was decided to return
to Bocas del Toro, to ascertain from
reliable sources whether the liberal
forces had not crossed over to the
mainland. Once more life in town re-
turned to the intolerable conditions of
martial law.-Edwin Emerson, Jr., in
Golfers Weekly.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21
Had Seen 1t Before.

Dr.. c. w. Crawford, manager of the
Grand Opera House at Spencer, Iowa,
voucheS for this:
At recent performance at this thea
tre an over-dressed woman, after rust
ling ostentatiously into her seat,
finally composed herself and looked at
her program. Opening it at the Sec
ond page of the bill she saw in prom
inent letters, Synopsis" which she
mispronounced in an audible tone.
"Pshaw!' she remarked, turning to
her companion, we've seen this here
play before; let's go home"
But after whispered objection on
the part of her friend, who probably
explained her mistake to her, she set
tied back in her seat somewhat dis
comfited.-New York Clipper.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21

the sea. 1t was afterward found that
he was convicted ON false testimony
Hon. John Byng, a British admiral,
was also charged with the same of
fence. The court-martial acquitted
him of cowardice. but decided that he
had not done his utmost when in
charge of the British fleet at the siege
of Minorca. Sentenced to death, he
was taken on the quarter deck of his
own flagship. file of marines drawn
up and Admiral Byng was shot.
One of the most extraordinary cases
in American naval history, although
it did not involve an admiral, brought
about the most sensational court-mar-
tial in this country. A commander of
a small American war ship returning
from Europe, when only one days sail
outside of Sandy Hook, had two of the
midshipmen hung at the yard arm.
One of these young gentlemen was the
son of the then Secretary of War.
An immense sensation was produced
when the war ship arrived here. A
lengthy court-martial was held in
Brooklyn Navy Yard, presided over by
Admiral Charles Stewart, grandfather
of the late Charles Stewart Parnell.-
New York Herald.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21

ment "voluntary' cash loan Of $4,000
in Colombian silver.
For few days the Government Off
cals We're jubilant over their success
full coup.
The starveling soldiers received
some of their arrears, besides the reg
ular pay of four and half cents per
day, and Panama's crack battery OF
artillery was even equipped with new
uniforms. l seized this auspicious mo-
ment to obtain photographs of the en-
tire corps, and of their young colonel,
Esteban Huertas. the hero Of a recent
encounter with the liberals, where he
lost his arm.
Then came bad news. In the face
of threatened naval demonstration
on the part of Venezuela and Ecua-
dor, wrctched crew of native sailors
had managed to founder the Colon
bian gunboat La Poppa off the coast
of Cartegena. She proved total loss
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21
The Trouble in the
ISthmuS of Panama.

the time we reached Colon the news
was spreading like wildfire from the
1sthmus into the interior. Even the
rebels in the military prison heard the
news.
The results were soon forthcoming.
Word reached Panama that Honda
del Aqua, small port not fifteen
miles inland, had been captured by
the liberals, and that number of ref
ugee Panamenos had Joined their
ranks
There was talk of an expedition
against them, but before the military
governor of Panama could secure
suitable ship for the purpose, even
more urgent requests for reinforce
ments We're telegraphed across the
Isthmus from Colon. A trainload of
soldiers was shipped over to Colon on
the morning train, and another train
load followed on freight train at
midday.
At the wharf I found the soldiers of
both detachments drawn up for in
spection.
Behind the ragged line Of soldiers
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21

the drizzling rain, no enemy showed
himself-nothing was to be seen but
thick groves of palmetto, prickly pear
and high cocoanut palms. A few ten
tative shots into the thickets brought
forth no response.
AT last we skirted the jutting point
Of the last island in ChirriQuisito La
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21

which enfolds the lower part of the
arm little above the elbow, and
which is connected with belt that
can be heightened or shortened accord
ing to the size Of the arm. Its main
usefulness lies in the fact that it pre-.
vents muscular fatigue, keeps the
shoulder in a proper position and final
ly gives the arm that power over the
instrument which it must have in Or
der to produce the best effects.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21
DRASTIC TREATMENT OF ADMIRALs
In Olden Times They Were Hung on the
Yard Arm or Thrown Overheard.

Yard Arm or Thrown Overheard.
In the olden times the treatment
meted out to admirals charged with
dlsobedience was somewhat more
drastic than it is to-day. They We're
shot on the quarter deck, hung at the
yard arm or thrown overheard.
One of the most remarkable cases
was that of Prince Caraccioli. popu.
lar admiral Of the British Navy. He
was charged by Nelson with treachery,
cowardice and disobedience. He was
tried by court-martial in 1905 and
found guilty. He was then hung at
the yard arm of his own ship and af-
ter being allowed to swing there for
some time his body was thrown into
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21

In vain did the Government try to
suppress the news of this misfor-
tune. AS I travelled by rail across
the Isthmus 1 heard the train hands
and passengers shout the joyful It'd
ings to the disaffected mosos who
gathered at the little palm-covered
stations to see the train 60 by. BY
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21

needed no war nor revolution to
make the Isthmus of Panama one
of the most picturesque spots on
earth, but now that both are i'm
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21
Riding an Aerial Bfcycle.

Here is the picture of an inspector
making his daily round of the sus-
pended railroad in Elberfeld, Ger
many. This railway is suspended in
the air on supports fastened like an
inverted L, the line itself being sup
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21
A Helm to Young Musicians.

A support for the arm, intended for
the use of youthful students of the
violin, has been invented by 4 distin-
guished French violinist.
The support consists of semi-circle
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21

Swiss papers record decline in the
export of wood carvings, and attrib-
ute it to the lack of variety in the
carvings. the few subjects being mo.
notonously repeated.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-11-21

A volley of shots sent into the hamlet
sent some women and children flying
came from high bluff further inland.
The bullets splashed into the water
some twenty or thirty feet short of our
vessel. was in hopes that an imme-
diate reconnaissance in force might
be made, but those in charge decided
otherwise. The engineer was ordered
to put on full steam. With fine
burst of speed we cut through the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-09
fe26-tu, th&s-1m 30

question to the fore and emphasizes nv
remarks, as it was urged at the time that
arrests and convictions Of wealthy Vio-
lators of the law should be made and not
confined exclusively to the working and the
poorer classes.
There is one form of cruelty, however,
winch is to be especially condemned and
that Is the practice some drivers OF private
carriages have of flashing their horses either
in the alley upon which their stable fronts
or In the stable before bringing them into
the street to their owners residence.
Inc coachmen apply the lash, holding
the horses back by reins and bit, they
prancing and jumping about under the
blows in their efforts to go ahead until
spirit put in them. The LATEST horse will
naturally imbibe little spirit under these
conditions, as would a man writhe and
squirm if thrashed soundly with whip
while tied to a stake, and feel correspond
lngly worked up afterward.
The residents Of buildings which over
look stables should not be deferred from
making complaint, and ought to be humane
enough to follow up such cases Of cruelty
1t is the experience of the police that while
Offenders are repeatedly arrested for Vari-
Gus offenses second arrest for cruelty to
animals Is comparatively rare. It's effect is
most wholesale in knocking the brutality
out of men, and no cruelty to animal ca Sc,
In my opinion, should be compromised or
passed over. In addition to the fine and
the guilt attaching to an arrest and con-
Vfct1on there is a certain kind OF shame
which attaches to any man who so far for
gets his manhood as to be brutal to dumb,
helpless beings.
In the instance Of coachmen lashing their
horses to make them spirited the owners
of animals subjected to this abominable
treatment are in all probability in ignor-
aEce Of the brutality of their coachmen,
and would, no doubt, esteem il favor If
their drivers actions were brought to their
attention, either by letter or personally or
the better way, a complaint against the un-
feeling coachman in the Police Court.
Il consider 1t a duty 10 make such COM
plant, as 1t is the only way these heart
less men may be reached, they taking good
care to refrain from their vicious practice
when policeman is apt to be around Time
thus appropriated is well spent and no case
should be neglected. I believe that the
enough to go into court in the interest of
the horse, and l think they should be COM
plmented, as 1 believe they are.
THE Kidding of the streets of Washington
of lame, sore and horses otherwise unfit
for service is the result of the good work
Of some people who are rewarded by a
consciousness of doing humane and good
deeds. Were it not for these good people
and the police, INSCRIPTIONS owners would
drive and beat these poor horses without
mercy. So well, however, have the police
Judges sustained these cases that it is sell
dom that a lame or sore horse is seen on
the streets of this city, because their own
ers know they are likely to land in the
Police Court and emerge well fined. And
wealthy owners Of horses deserve no i'm
munity on account of their wealth, but
should be the more heavily fined"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-09

who came into daily contact with Mr..
Sprague noticed change. There were
periods however, when Mr.. Spragues mind
was clear as to deceive his family.
With his family the representative went
abroad last summer. ostensibly for pleas
ure trip. but in reality to consult noted Eu-
ropean physicians as to his condition. He
seemed to improve in Carlsbad, and after a
stay of some time there the family went to
Paris, where DR.. CharcOt, a specialist on
mental and nervous diseases, treated Mr..
SpraSue- Mr.. Sprague returned to America
and the family took a house in Washington,
D. c..
The family physician, a we'll known Bos-
ton doctor, has been constantly attending
Mr.. Sprague since his return from abroad.
At the close of last week this physician re-
ceived a dispatch to go Immediately to
Washington and assume complete charge of
his patient.
1t was deemed best to place Mr. Sprague
In sanitarium, and day or two later. in
the company of the physician and a valet,
he arrived here. He remained in a hotel
for few days, and on Wednesday the
family physician accompanied Mr.. Sprague
to the hospital in Waverley.
Mrs. Sprague Is in Nassau, looking after
the health of her little daughter. 1t is not
thought she is aware OF the complete break
down of her husband.
Mr. Sprague was born in this city forty
three years ago. He graduated from Har-
ward in 1879, and began his political career
in the common council in 1888. He was
elected In 1890 TO the state house of repre-
sentatives, in which he served two terms
He was elected to the state senate in 1896
and the next year was sent to Congress
from the eleventh district.
Mr. Sprague was a man of quiet. temper
ate, studious habits, transformations and
democratic in manner. Socially, he and
his family ranked as leaders His wife was
Mary B. Pratt, granddaughter of Commo-
dore Weld, and, with Mrs. Larse Ander-
son, heiress to the commodore's fortune of
about S1j, 100000. Their only child is a
s!x-year-old daughter
In Washington Mr.. Sprague rented the
mansion that had been rented and owned
by former Vice President Levi P Morton.
Here Mr.. Sprague gave several lavish en-
tertainments.
Mr.. Sprague recently came into promI-
hence on account of an invitation which he
sent TO members of the committee of the
District of Columbia, of which he was a
member. Another member of the commit
tee was Mr.. White, negro.
The refusal of certain other members of
the committee to accept an invitation to a
dinner at which this colored man was to be
present caused a great deal Of talk The
affair was finally disposed of by having the
invitations Withdrawn.
Former Representative Boutelle was told
OF the arrival of his former congressional
associate at the asylum. Mr.. BOutelle did
not express any great surprise, but simply
said: Charlie Sprague? Yes, | know him.
Well, where is he stopping?"
When told that Mr.. Sprague was at Hope
Cottage. he said We'll, we'll / must see
him soon. We will have some fine talks
tcgether-good talks of the good times in
Congress. Sprague is a fine man I shall
enjoy his company If we are only allowed
to be together
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-09
AMPUTATED ARM ACHED,
Put Under n Stove the Patient Ex-
pressed Relief

A dispatch from Binghamton, n. Y, yes
terday says: The seemingly impossible fact
that mans arm can convey sensation to
the brain after 1t has been amputated was
demonstrated at Norwich yesterday in the
case OF A. B. Knapp, a prominent resident
Of that village, who was injured on the
railroad.
After the amputation last evening Knapp
recovered rapidly from the shock until sud
denly he complained that the arm was cold
1t grew worse, and though the surgeons
and his friends laughed Knapp insisted thai
his arm was freezing and aching with the
cold.
The severed arm was taken from an ad-
joining room and placed under a stove with
out Knapp's knowledge, but he at once ex-
pressed relief, saying the arm was getting
warm.
Later Knapp again complained that some
thing tied about the wrist was making the
arm ache. 1t was found that a baadage
had been tied tightly just below the hand.
This was loosened without Knapp's knowI-
edge and again he felt the removal of the
pressure.
The surgeons are puzzled over these m
disputable facts, arguing that there Is a
psychological connection between each part
OF the body and the brain which cannot be
severed by a knife
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-09
THE HOTEL CHECK PROBLEM.
Question of Whether to Offend
Guests or Risk Losing Money.

Question of Whether to Offend
Guests or Risk Losing Money.
From the New York Sun.
The hotel clerk was standing behind the
desk with a disconsolate look on his face
Whats the matter%' asked friend.
Natter" said the clerk. why its the
same old story. I've been stuck for an
other check. This check business causes us
hotel clerks more trouble than anything
else in the world. There is a general rule
in hotels that no checks shall be cashed
but very often travellers run short of money.
1t Is good business policy to cash these
checks when you can be sure that they re
all right. No hotel can afford to be continu-
ally offending guests. At the same time If
a clerk cashes bad check he has to stand
the loss.
THE average hotel clerk has learned by
bitter experience to be pretty good judge
Of human nature but every now and then
he slips up Only week ago a big splen-
did-looking fellow came to me and got me
to cash check for $40. 1 sized him up and
decided that he was all right and that he
was good man to keep among the steady
patrons of the hotel. A few DAYS later
back came the check with No funds mark
ed across it. The result was that L was out
$20.'
While the clerk was talking swagger-
looking woman came up to the desk and.
smiling ~seetly at the clerk. said:
will you please cash this little check?"
The clerk was all graciousness He took
the check and examined it carefully with
out saying anything.
ooh, it's all right" said the woman. "Of
course. if you don't want to cash it you
needn't. Mr.. So-and-So knows me quite
well, and you can telephone him about it
il you want to; but it would save me a
great deal of trouble IL you could cash it
for me now
Certainly. madam" said the clerk. and
then he went over and held a consuIta ton
with the cashier.
They decided that the woman was a good
investment and gave her the money. She
went away smiling, and then the clerk
said:
Now, there is just about an even-money
chance If l hadn't cashed that check she
would have been highly insulted and would
have talked about this hotel as long as she
could remember. If she is all right she will
be good customer, but If she isn't 1 am
out another twenty-five