davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

aiding of the canal and the exercise
of any right Of war or act Of hostility
within it, but the United States is at
liberty to maintain such military DO
lice along the canal as may be neces-
sary to protect it against lawlessness
and disorder"
There is nothing in the treaty re-
strictive of the use of our navy off the
terminals of the canal in order to pre-
vent the violation of the pledged neu-
trality of the canal by any maritime
power.
The treaty abrogates the treaty of
1850. which has been a standing OBJ
stacle to the construction of an 18TH
milan canal, and the national honor
is unstained by the violation of inter-
national usage which requires the as
sent of both parties to a treaty to Sc
cure its abrogation. 1t omits the
clause of the former treaty which
made the maritime nations associate
in the maintenance of the neutrality of
the canal, devolving such work upon
he United States. 1t is we'll to recall
that the Suez canal convention does
not give the sultan any right to close
the canal when he thinks it is neces-
sary for the defense of Turkey, but for
the defense of Egypt in case Of war
like demonstration against it. Not a
power would have signed the suez
canal treaty had it authorized England
to close the canal when she thought
such action vas needed for her own
defense.
The new treaty ought to satisfy the
most extreme lingo, for American con-
troll of the canal is about as complete
as it can be. Our responsibility is
correspondingly increased. The great
est trouble in connection with the
canal will come from the generally
turbulent and revolutionary popula-
lions OF Central America and the 18TH
mus OF Panama or wherever in the
connecting link between North and
South America a ship canal is cut for
the use of the maratime nations.
The treaty being ratified, the serious
work of construction follows. We
have come to that stage Of the pro-
ceedings after a quarter of a century
active talking. 1t will now require
very statesmanlike work and
work to prevent the canal from
becoming a preserve for predatory
politicians. The expenditure of some
S2oo,Ooo,000 is a powerfully enticing
process for political harpies.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20
HIS OFFICE.

Like the one on the hand of the
late lamented Lady Macbeth's hand
the spot which was made on the name
and reputation of Montana when the
cause of fusion prevailed on that
momurnful November day of a little
more than a year ago will never out.
Whenever it seems that the last, sad
lingering reminders of that fearful
event have disappeared something is
bound to occur to refresh the memory
and bring back a flood of ~recollections
OF that unfortunate occurrence. After
the fusion legislature had adjourned
and about the last flaw in the laws
passed by that unique assemblage
had seemingly been picked out by
those trained in matters of that kind
the people Of the state began to draw
long breaths of relief and congratulate
themselves that the relief afforded by
forgetfulness was their. But, as usual.
fate, which has a way that at times
seems revengeful, was not minded
that they should thus escape and en-
ployed n of the results of the fusion
to which so many of them had lent
themselves as the instrument with
which to prick their memory and give
them fresh cause of regret.
Frank G. Higgins, by the grace of
fusion elected to the exalted position
OF lieutenant governor of the state,
so far forgets the dignity of the posi-
ton he holds and the respect due the
people that he becomes a participant
in an affair as %disgraceful as it seem
1ngly was cowardly.. With two other
men he waylays and assaults after the
manner of the thug three men, who,
un~suspectingly pass along a dark
street, and one of the victims Of the
outrage is beaten so badly that even
now there is doubt as to his recovery.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20
TRUE TO TRADITION,

The inability of democrats when
such course is necessary to originate
legislation calculated to meet any ex
igency in which the government may
find itself has again found ample il
lustration in the proceedings of the
house of representatives during the
past few days. Although it would
be supposed that among the many able
and presumably brilliant men who
represent the party in the lower house
OF congress at least one would be
found capable of advising something
calculated to take the place of the
measure which was then under consid-
Grafton and which they opposed. But
during all the days of the debate and
the time given them beforehand to
prepare for what many of them be-
lleved was coming not one arose equal
to the occasion, and when tainted by
the republicans with their inability
to offer some alternative for the meas
ure pending the best they could do
was to present a substitute for the
existing tariff laws of the country
oy an amendment to the bill so as to
bring h present tariff duties down to
a revenue basis. The effort. of course.
failed, but it served to show the bar.
renness of ideas that marks the demo-
cratic legislative mind and it's indif-
ference to the wishes of the nation
ever a characteristic of the democrats
IN congress. Notwithstanding that
the American people by overwhelming
maJorltles twice declared themselves
in favor Of the republican policy Of
protection, the democrats in congress
are willing to again place the country
on the free trade basis of Cleveland
and invite all the attendant suffering
n horrors simply because they are
incapable of originating a form of leg
lslatlon calculated to meet an emerg-
ency that has arisen as a result of the
many changes in the nations affairs
ina have been brought about by a war
Tor which they clamored the loudest.
Or course, they knew that the
amendment they offered had not the
Slightest show of success and conse-
quently felt themselves safe in recon-
mendlng it, but that does not free
them OF the charge of incompetency
and lack OF originality. 1t would be
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20
DIFFERENT IN CUSTER.

Yellowstone Journal: The Billings
Gazette is responsible for the truth of
a whimsical incident that it relates of
two neighboring Yellowstone county
ranchers who were nurturing the us.
ual neighbors' quarrel about some
trivial matter. The met in a corral
and from words, came to blows. One
reinforced himself with a club and the
other drew a gun. In a clinch both
fell to the ground and as a result of
the conclusion the gun was discharged
but nobody got hurt, yet such was
the p%aralyzing effect of this salvo of
artillery that neither of the combat
ants dared move from his position,
and there they lay contemplating each
other until some Of the neighbors
came along to investigate the cause
and possible effect of the shooting.
The not unexpected sequel to this
story is, that both men eagerly and
earnestly promised the justice of the
peace before whom they were hail
ed to give the strictest observance to
the laws governing disorderly conduct
and breaches Of the peace. OF course
this was a good deal the best way
to adjust the quarrel and it would be
far better for every rancher who is
nursing a grudge against his neighbor
for some petty trespass of fence or
land, to swear off hostilities and meet
the other fellow half way. Nor do
we mean to impugn the courage of the
county ranchers any more
than to adversely criticise their final
of their trouble, but it
is an odd story to emanate from Mon
tana and as such we treat it.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20
THE SENATE RAT,FIEs.

Minneapolis journal: The action of
the senate, yesterday, ratifying the
Hay-Pauncefote isthmian canal treaty
by the vote of " to 6, shows how
great a change has come over that
body with respect to this subject. In
the last congress the text negotiated
was slashed quite vigorously and Great
Britain refused, naturally, to concur
in the arbitrary declaration that the
Clayton-Bulwer treaty of 1850 was off
on the motion of one of the parties to
the treaty. The jingoes in the senate
insisted that the canal should be
fortified as an indispensable condition
of exclusive American control.
In the debate upon the new treaty
there was no very vigorous opposi-
ton to the elimination of the Davis
amendment. Senator Bacon argued
that the new treaty did not place the
canal entirely under American control,
as the Davis amendment did, as he
thought the latter gave, the United
States a free hand to do what was
necessary for the protection and de-
tense of the canal. That amendment
gave our government the right to take
such measures in reference to the
canal as it thought necessary for the
defense of the United States" which
that, if we are at raj with any
nation we can close the canal against
the enemy even if he has made no
attempt to violate the neutrality of
it. The new treaty forbids the block
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20
The men who were made the objects
of the murderous attack declare their

The men who were made the objects
of the murderous attack declare theil
innocence of any wrong to Higgins
and say they are at a loss to account
for the attack. But ven if an alleged
reason for it had existed the lieuten
ant governor would find it difficult tt
justify himself in the minds of the
people whom he has outraged and dis
graced by his ruffianly conduct. II
any or all three of the men whom he
and his assistant sluggers SO UNI
mercifully beat had been guilty of a
wrong there was another way of Sc
curing redress and both justice and
decency would have been ~subserved.
BY STOPPING to the method of the thug
and coward Mr.. Higgins forfeited all
claim to the respect and regard of the
citizens Of the state and debased him
self in the esteem and regard of the
people to an extent from which he
will never be able to recover. The
official position he holds and upon
which he may have relied to carry him
above popular censure and condemna-
ton will avail him nothing, in fact it
but tends to intensity the nature of
the ofense of which he is guilty and
makes his reprobation all the greater.
What may sometimes be overlooked
in the private individual as something
concerning no one except himself, be-
comes an offense and crime when COM
mltted by n in public life and es-
pecially if his position is one as high
as that held by Mr.. Higgins.
Should the men whom he helped to
assault appeal to the law, and they
say they will, and he be convicted,
competent attorneys give it as their
opinion that such conviction would
be sufficient ground for impeachment
proceedings against him. They base
their opinion upon Article 5, sections
-16 and II of the constitution, which
apparently applies to his case. It spec
lfles misdemeanors among other things
for which the governor and other
state officials, except justices of the
peace, are liable to impeachment. AS
he could not be convicted of any
lesser offense than a misdemeanor. it
would seem that he is clearly liable
to the provisions of the sections men
toned. But whether he is convicted
or not in a court of law, his own adj
of completely in the disgrace
1ul affair has already convicted him
in the opinion of all decent and re-
spectacle persons.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20
HANNA's NOBLE o

~lnneapO Journal: Senator
Marcus A. Hanna, before leaving
Cleveland to- attend a conference in
New York, called by the Industrial
bureau of the American Civic FEEDER.
alton, said:
Il would rather have the credit of
making a successful movement to
bring labor and capital into closer
relations of confidence and reliance
than be president of the United States.
IF by resigning my seat in the SEN
ate | could bring to fruition plans we
are now fostering to make strikes,
lockouts and great labor troubles i'm
possible, I would do so gladly"
Such a purpose does honor to Sen
ator Hanna. Utopian as it may be for
one man to hope that he can find a
solution of the problems arising out of
the conflict of labor and capital, it is a
splendid sign of the good time COM
ing when a man of the senator's
wealth and business affiliations earn
estly addresses himself to a consider.
alton of means of reconciling the two
great active elements in the produc-
ton of wealth. The desire for a peace
able settlement is a sign that n will
be reached some day. Much a be
done by such men as Senator Hanna
to soften the asperity of the inevita-
BILE struggles, to prevent some alto
gether, to settle others ~peaceably and
satisfactorily to all concerned.
But not in an hour or a day or q
generation are such disputes to be
abolished forever. The organization
OF society must first be radically
changed, and the altruistic spirit must
succeed the selfish spirit which is so
largely the handspring of industry to-
day. The laborer wants and demands
more wages. The capitalist wants
and demands more dividends. Each
thinks that the other is getting the
big end of the wealth produced by
their united efforts. When we reach
a stage of enlightenment that
employe and employer can and do
work for the welfare of all as we'll as
for themselves, there will be little
difficulty in adjusting such relations.
We shall come to such a time just as
soon as we are prepared for it. The
best means of fastening that state
of preparation is through education.
is the great equalizer.
When, so far as natural limitations
will permit, all men are equally well
prepared for life's work, the social and
industrial problems will largely dis
In the broad sense of educa-
tion-as a sound and thorough prepar-
alton for life's work, as the preparing
ot the individual to realize all that is
possible to him-we have but begun.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20
TIE GAZETTE.

but natural to believe that the demo.
Gratis N congress had learned some.
thing from the crushing defeat their
party has twice sustained because it
insisted upon going before the people
on the very issue of which the propos-
ed amendment vas but a continuation.
bu it seems they are incapable of
learning even the simplest lesson.
What they could not accomplish
through an appeal to the electorate of
the nation they sought to bring about
through parliamentary channels, or
at least pretended to make an effort
in that direction.
The measure they opposed is along
the lines of the Foraker bill as it ap-
plies to Porto Rico and which the SUI
preme court has sustained as being
constitutional because within the
power of congress to enact. The rev.
enue that will be derived from the
impost of duties under the bill will all
revert to the benefit of the islands.
as not one cent of that evenue is to
be expended for the use Of the United
States. This the democrats under
stood and they must have also under
stood that under the existing condi-
lions no other measure devisable
could so well meet the requirements
OF the situation. The very fact that
they had no substitute to offer must
De accepted as proof of this. They
pursued the only course apparent to
the democratic mind-that of obstruc-
ton and delay.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

The fact that Senator Teller was an
active opponent of the ratification
must be accepted by his new party
relations as evidence of his earnest
intention of becoming a good demo-
crat. While he personally may not
believe the canal such a bad thing, he
felt that in order to attain standing
as a democrat he had to do something
in opposition to the administration.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

For the sake of the gentleman's per.
sonal comfort it is to be hoped that
Mr.. Croker will experience no bad
effects from the sudden change he
has seen fit to make in the character
OF the liquid he is drinking. There
is a vast difference between the stuff
waters of French Lick Springs,
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

1t is the sincere hope of Messrs.
Van SAINT and a few other distinguish
ed gentlemen that the distinguished
Mr.. Douglass may achieve the very
pinacle of success in his %endeavor to
show Messrs. Hill and the others that
while he may not know as much as
they do in regard to the game, he can
spoil a very pretty attempt at a
merger. a
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

With something like 5000. 900, 900 to
be expended in the construction of a
canal, many a man who has never
given the subject thought before will
suddenly awaken to a realization of
the great oversight of his constituents
in not recognizing in him the kind of
material from which first-class con-
gresSmen and senators are made.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

Judging from the descriptions of the
gowns he is to wear on the occasion
Edward will be excusable should he
stop in the midst Of the ceremonies
to make inquiry as to the exact posi-
ton OF his crown Robes of the sort
described as to be worn by him are
calculated to induce such a train of
thought, even though the wearer may
have whiskers.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

While its playing in that respect
may have been a little ragged during
the days just gone eastern Montana
hegs to call the attention of the grand
stand to the sort of weather it is put,
ting over the plate just now,
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

By the preparations they are making
for a little tilt between themselves,
Argentine and Chill are giving an ex-
hibition of what they could do when
working as a pair in defense of the
Monroe doctrine.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

Having finally consented to become
parties to a bargain sale ransom, the
brigands who abducted Miss Stone are
giving testimony to the severity of
the winter which RACES in their part
OF the world.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

1t is to be hoped that Messrs. Nc
Laurln and Tillman will take advant-
age of the pending congressional holi.
day to settle their little difficulty and
not take up the time of the senate by
giving exhibitions of grandstand plav.
ing when next it shall convene
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

Although Admirals Ramsay and
Benham are not the REGIMENTS of &C
many boquets as Schley and Dewey.
yet they have something to be CRATE
ful for. Their names have become
familiar to many Americans who had
never heard Of them before the court
of inquiry convened.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

Mr.. Marconi will greatly oblige the
Anglo-American Gable company by re-
moving his apparatus and going away
back and assuming a position indica-
tive of ease and comfort.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

Representative Griffith cannot read
the newspapers closely or he would
not find it necessary to open his reso-
luton for an investigation with a pre-
amble setting forth the confidence the
American people have in Schley. That
is a matter of record.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

10 express their thanks officially to
admiral Schley and the men who serv-
ed under him might add a little tone
to the matter, but it would in nowise
deepen the feeling of gratitude the
American people have always enter
tanned for them.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

While his name may not appear as
often in print as that of some other
man, the true philanthropist just now
is the one who keeps his sidewalk
clear of snow and ice.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

The applause from the boxes that
Ramsey and Benham are getting is
more than drowned by that accorded
Dewey from the pit and gallery.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

While committing suicide in pairs
may be distinguished by novelty. the
ONO way of crossing the divide in
tours will probably never be marked
py any degree of popularity. The old
method OF going it alone may still
be depended upon as claiming the
largest number Of followers.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

MI. Douglass is extremely sorry,
but he hastens to assure Mr.. Hill and
Mr.. Morgan that it is through no fault
OF his that he cannot give them their
little present in time to have it find a
place in their stocking.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

Were it not for the cost, the fact
that Omaha has proved that negroes
can be frozen stiff would cause the
erection of cold storage plants to be-
come immensely popular in the south.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20
Big Blaze.

Huntington, Pa, Dec. 19.-Fire to-
night destroyed the opera house block,
including the stores of A. S. Mullin,
dry goods; c. c. Read, druggist; E.
Y. Young, novelties; j. J. Parker,
confectioner and the Acme Depart
ment store. Loss $4,000 partially in
sured.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

All the same the chinook is mighter
than the blizzard, even if it does it's
work quieter and is accompanied by
less buster.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

The bleachers have passed on the
game and Admiral Sampson might find
1t advisable not to attempt an ap-
peal to the umpire. No matter how
the latter might decide his decision
would be drowned in the yells of the
crowd.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

The gun that was not loaded has
given way to the ice that was believed
to be thicker as a contributor to the
mortuary statistics Of the country.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

Judging from the weather news sent
out from this city the Mole st. Nicho-
las liar is now a resident of Billings.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1901.

Now it is proposed to canonize Joan
of Arc. If history is to be relied upon
the lady was fired long ago.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

Notwithstanding the cheering re-
ports his assistants send him from
South Africa, John would probably
better carefully examine his stocking
next Wednesday morning before put
ting it on. He may find a few Maui
sers and other like toys that Santa
Claus put there as a gift from his
friend DeWet.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

order for one Nicola TESLA to inform
the world that he invented the same
thing long before the other foreign
gentleman gave it thought. It is as
a claimant that Mr.. TESLA shines his
best.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

Marconi having demonstrated the
success Of his invention, it is now in
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

The democratic editors who profess
to see the hand of Providence in the
row which they say exists between
Foraker and Hanna would better go
slow in placing their bets as to the
outcome. Providence sometimes
changes it's mind.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

According to all reports from that
part of the country, Messrs. kid"
Curry and some of the more enter
prising gentlemen who erstwhile made
Montana their home are beginning to
realize that as a winter resort Knox
vile and the section contiguous are a
little too warm for comfort.
The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-12-20

Calling cards at Gazette office.