davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18
Carp PINE KNOT IN 7EE
ADzRONDAGk5 WHERE COILS
p. AEWZXNE7IlW DIED.
park cost the magnate the sum of $780,

park cost the nagnate the sum of $780,
0OO
Yet another millionaire who has ex-
tensive holdings in the Adfrondaeks is
William West Durant of New York.
Mr.. Durant is entitled to the honor of
being the original promoter of the Adj
rondacks as a place of recreation for
the moneyed classes. His holdings to-
day amount, according to common re-
port. to close upon $4,000 acres, and
during the past ten years he has sold
many other thousands to fellow mil
Honafres, including Levi P. Morton, AL
fred G. Vanderbilt and the late Coils
P. Huntington. It was at his Adiron-
dack lodge, Camp Pine Knot, on the
shore of beautiful Raquette lake, that
the railroad magnate passed away.
Camp Pine Knot is in a class by itself
so far as the lodges of that part of the
Adirondacks are concerned, but it has
been little occupied since the death of
Mr.. Huntington.
Not far from Raquette is Saga
more lake. wherein stands Sycamore
lodge, the feature of the estate which
Mr.. Vanderbilt purchased from Mr.. Du-
rant. All through this section wealthy
men have established country homes.
On Raquette itself are camps tenanted
by Frank Platt, son OF. Senator Plat of
New York; former Governor Lounsbury
of Connecticut, and John N. Golding,
the New York real estate man. The
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18
GEYZE HOUSE AND GUIDES OF TIE
WHITNEY, ESTATE nv TIE
ALxROJZlACK5.

abode, however, as is well known, is on
his Vermont estate, called Shelburne
Farms, which lies about seven miles
south of Burlington and borders Lake
Champlain for distance of over twelve
miles. The estate was formed by the
consolidation of twenty-five farms and
has been greatly improved since DR..
Webb purchased it in 1887 Landscape
gardeners and skilled road builders
have contributed their services toward
making it one of the show places of
Vermont, and the Webb house and out
buildings are famed throughout the
countryside. The residence, known as
Shelburne House, commands a splendid
view of the lake and is a rambling
Queen Anne structure of more than
sixty rooms, finished in mahogany, oak
and other beautiful woods. Large house
parties are entertained here winter and
summer Scattered throughout the
farms are sixteen cottages, homes of
the employees In addition to these
two large dwelling places are kept
ready for instant occupancy should the
doctors guests be too numerous for
even spacious Shelburne House itself
The Dexter estate, scene of the recent
murder, is located in Franklin and st.
Lawrence counties. the country home of
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18
he Importance Of a Trade Treaty With Abyssini5

His most signal triumph as a war
rior was attained in 1886 when he de-
feated the pick of the Italian army, led
by officers of no small generalship. The
Italo-A byssinian war will long be re-
membered with shame by the people of
the sunny kingdom. Its roots extended
back to 1870. when trouble originated
over trade matters, as trouble so often
originates, and when Italy finally pro-
claimed a protectorate over the dusky
empire clashes became frequent But
there was no real war until 1895, when
Italy assumed the aggressive. 1t was
now too late, however, to teach the
Abyssinians the lesson Italy desired
them to learn. Menelek had formed
and equipped an army of men and wo-
mentor the Abyssinians amazons are
every bit as stubborn fighters as the
male warriors-and defeat after defeat
followed the Italian standard until a
huniliating treaty of peace was signed
Oct. g. 1896. Since then MeneIek has
not been troubled by an army of inva-
sion.
Although savage, the king of
kings of Ethiopia and conquering lion
of Judah" as MeneIek styles himself
can teach many civilized nations les
sons in conduct and manners. He is
neither a hard drinker nor given to
immortality; he is alive to the needs of
his people and has framed laws for
their government which have been de-
scribed as models of wisdom and JUS
tice. Pereeiving the necessity of being
prepared for war, he maintains a well
disciplined standing army, and doubt
less Mr.. Skinner will be afforded an OPP
portunity of witnessing one or more of
the drills which form part of the rou-
tine of palace life. Nor is Menelek an
indoors monarch. He constantly tours
his kingdom. haranguing his subjects
who, as a whole view him with feel
ings almost approaching alteration. IN
passing it is of interest to note that
Menelek lays claim to a wonderful lin
cage, tracing his descent to a MeneIek
who was the son of King Solomon and
the queen of Sheba an Abyssinian ira
dition that is not borne out by the Bib
Iica1 narrative, although supported by
the Koran and Arabian folklore. The
Abyssinians, living as they do in the
ancient kingdom of Ethiopia, believe it
firmly and point to the wisdom of their
ruler as proof of his connection with
the immortal Solomon
This is the sort of man with whom
Mr. Skinner will have to deal. That
the latter's mission viii be no sinecure
is the opinion of those acquainted with
King Menelek's past rf1istrust of for
eigners, but the fact seems to be that
the United States government must
have reason to be sure of its envoy be-
ing favorably received and succeeding
ia his task, else it would not go TO the
great expense involved in the long jour-
ney by caravan. There is every reason
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

to believe also that Mr.. Skinner will
be indirectly aided by the presence in
Abyssinia of another American, Will
liam H. Ellis, who is said to be going
to the realm of Menelek on the kings
personal invitation for the purpose of
establishing a bank, part of the pro-
gressive monarchs scheme for devel-
oping his country along commercial
lines. Already trade relations have
been esta blished between America and
Abyssinia, as was shown by the quota
ton from the Italian consurs report,
and in addition to the cotton mentioned
by him the Abyssinians purchase other
staples from US, while we for our part
bring from Abyssinia such commodities
as ivory, hides and carpet woods. That
Mr. Skinner may succeed in placing
business connections on an even firmer
basis must be the wish, of all interested
in the development of our foreign trade.
THEODORE W. FINCHON.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18
HOW PLANETS ARE WEIGHED.

The planets exercise as certain an in-
fiuence upon each other as do two
pieces of wood floating upon water in a
basin. AS they fly through their pre-
scribed orbits and approach or travel
from each other they are observed to de-
viate from the course which they must
have pursued but for the increase or de-
crease of some influence of attraction.
BY making observations of this tend
ency at various times and by compare
ing a number of results it is possible to
weigh accurately any planet. however
vast and however distant. All such
calculations are founded upon the law
of universal gravitation. The mass OF
a planet attracts other masses in the
solar system, so that certain move-
ments result We can observe the char
acter of these movements with our
telescopes and ascertain their amount,
and so from our measurement and es-
Inmates we can calculate the mass ana
weight of the planet by which such
movements have been produced
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

VIII organize caravan at Harrar
Abyssinia's leading commercial city. to
take him and his escort of marines to
Adds Ababa. the capital, distant about
300 miles from the coast. The journey
Will not be an easy one, for the coun-
try to be traversed is mountainous.
heavily wooded and devoid of good
roads But Mr.. Skinner does not an
ticipate encountering any extraordinary
difficulties. for the natives of the Abys-
slnian country are friendly to whites.
Again, the date chosen for the consul's
departure from Marseilles comedies
with the end of the rainy season in
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

outdoor life and his training as war
rior have combined to strengthen his
frame and to endow him with the vigor
of men much his juniors. According to
Explorer Wellby, he is a man of keen
perception, of a frank demeanor and
Of an engaging appearance. Five feet
ten inches in height, he is strong in
constitution and muscular of build, his
features being large and expressive of
pride, intelligence and energy. His
transformation of Abyssinia from a
country of continual internecine strife
into a land of peace and plenty proves
him every inch a king and statesman
Of no mean parts. That he must also
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18
HOW TYPOGRAPHY STARTED.

About a century ago an artist named
Cranch was standing one day in front
of a fire in his house. Over the fire.
place was an oaken mantelpiece, and
it occurred to Cranch that this ex-
panse of wood might be improved by
little ornamentation. He picked up the
poker heated it red hot, and began to
sketch in a bold design. The result
pleased him SO much that he elaborated
his work, and began to attempt other
fire pictures on panels of wood. These
met with ready sale, and Cranch soon
gave all his time to his new art. This
was the beginning of what is now
known as typography.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18
RHzTHOREQV 90 GEORGE WEHNDER-
bits COUNTRY PLACE.

inclosed with a twelve foot high wire
mesh fence, strong enough to with
stand the most furious charges of the
buffaloes. All this work, of course, ne
cessitated the employment of many
people and the expenditure of large
sums of money, and in recognition of
Mr.. Whitney's assistance in the build
ing of good roads the town of Wash
ington, lying in the estate, voted last
year to place his profile on the town
seal. Mr.. Whitney learned of this and
persuaded the town officers to repeal
the measure, although the seal had all
ready been put in use.
Yet another Whitney estate is located
at Aiken. S. C. His construction of
Jaye cottage there contributed not a
little to the upbuilding of Aiken as a
popular winter resort. Jaye cottage is
a commodious house built in the old
southern colonial style and located in
most delightful scenery amid flowers
blooming all the year round. Here, too,
Mr.. Whitney built a large stable on the
same style of Architecture as the house,
and here until the construction of the
Wheat1ey hills stable and track many
of his famous race horses spent the
winter.
William Rockefeller's estate in the
Adirondacks, the scene of so much dis
Quieluue OF IdLe5 lies Twelve miles north
east of Paul Smiths and includes
Meaeham lake. a body of water we'll
stocked with fish. The camp itself
stands deep in the woods, and but a
glimpse of it can be obtained from the
nearest road. In all Mr.. Rockefeller
holds 1875 acres. His first purchase of
$4,000 acres put an end to the numbering
operations in that section of the coun-
try and created a hostile sentiment on
the part of the natives which, as recent
events have shown, has not been lessen
ed by the passage of time. Further
friction was caused by Mr.. RockefeI-
ler's attempts to prevent his 1umbermen
neighbors from fishing in the lakes and
streams of his estate. More than once
the disputes between the millionaire
and the natives were aired in court
and even today a contest is pending
between Mr.. Rockefeller and Oliver LIE
Mora, a habitant who refuses to con-
cede to the millionaire the right to pro-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

the victim overlooking a beautiful sheet
of water known as Dexter lake. one of
the best stocked trout ponds in the
Adirondacks. Ever since his acouisi-
ton of the estate Mr.. Dexter had had
more or less trouble with his neighbors.
the difficulties reaching a climax when
not long ago he purchased some land in
St Lawrence county through which
runs stream long used to float logs
to sawmills down the river. Mr.. Dex-
ter, undertaking to stop this, aroused
the enmity of those who had engaged
in the practice Few imagined for a
moment, however, that the quarrels
would be capped by his assassination
from ambush.
While the wealthy classes have in
vaded the Adirondacks in such num-
bers, it must not be supposed that
they have neglected other beautiful
portions of the United States. Through
out the country are to be found mag
nifieent estates owned by millionaires.
Perhaps the most interesting. just as it
is one of the choicest, is Biltmore, the
baronial North Carolina possession of
| George w. Vanderbilt, which enthusi-
asts have termed the finest country es-
| tate in the world and to which atten-
ton has recently been drawn by Mr..
| Nanderbilt's sudden determination to
| close his residence there for at least a
year ana lVe ABROAD. Ih1S estate had its
| beginning in the purchase of nine acres
! by Mr.. Vanderbilt some twelve years
! ago, since which time farm after farm
] has been added until the Vanderbilt
property now totals some 10000 acres.
| comprising forest and mountain, lake
and stream. and lying in three coun-
ties. The house itself, which is a cha
| teau in French renaissance style, with
! its conservatory, garden, tennis courts
and yards, covers about six acres.
| But of more interest to the casual
prise which is carried on at Biltmore.
| Mr.. Vanderbilt has not only interested
himself in experiments in forestry ana
| the cultivation of rare plants but has
gone in on large scale for the breed
/ ing of cattle, sheep, swine and poultry,
to say nothing of truck farming Jer-
sey cattle are his especial hobby, ana
Biltmore boasts herd of 400 of these.
The sheep are mainly Southdowns,
| while the swine are Berkshires, straight
backed and black haired. Here and
| there through the park are cottages
wherein live the heads of the various
l farm departments. Yet another fea-
ture is the village of Bi1tmore, where
Mr. Vanderbilt has caused to be erect
ed many attractive residences and
places of business. The main entrance
to the estate lies just outside the viii
lage and is in itself a promise of the
beauties concealed in the woodland of
the park.
FREDERICK L. ARDEN0.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

OF inviting the king to attend the Louis
lana Purchase exposition is no sudden
ly conceived undertaking, as may gen.
orally be supposed. For a long time
this government has been considering
the advisability of negotiating a trade
treaty with the powerful Abyssinian
monarch, and it is said that some time
ago a hint was dropped by him to the
effect that he would be happy to con-
clude such an agreement. The impor-
tance of the treaty is obvious. The Eu-
ropean powers have long been dividing
the African continent between them
selves until today Morocco and Abys-
sinia are about the only desirable por-
lions of Africa not under the control of
some one of the powers, and it is an
open secret that France designs to es-
tablish a protectorate over the former,
while Englandi is striving to obtain par
amount influence in Menelek's domain.
AS has been pointed out by diplomats,
the attainment of these countries aims
will result in the closure of virtually
the whole continent to American trade,
whereas the conclusion of a trade
treaty would effectually prevent any
such embargo.
By coming to favorable terms with
Menelek this country will be enabled to
enter into direct competition with the
powers for the trade not alone OF Abys-
sinia but of the northern part of At
RIGA Consul General Skinner has long
been urging the home authorities to
take the step now contemplated, and it
Is but fitting that he has been chosen
to execute what must be a most deli
cate undertaking, for there are few
shrewder diplomats than this same
Menelek,. pagan and barbarian though
he be. One thing that will be of great
service to Mr.. Skinner is the fact that
the Abyssinians are already familiar
with American goods and American
methods of doing business, and that
their prior experience has been pleasant
Is amply attested by the acknowiedg-
ment of the Italian consul in Abyssinia.
who, writing to his government a year
ago. said:
THE population of Abyssinia is about
100000. The products of the country,
Exclusive of cereals. are ivory, sibeth
II civet, wax. hides. coffee and gold.
he latter Astounding in the mountains.
where the mines are merely scratched.
n cotton North Americans have cap
ured the market against England.
france and Germany. In spite of the
Ugh price of labor and the enormous
Ost OF freight for such distance,
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

ingly picturesque spot near Lake Kora
is Camp Kill Kare, the summer home
of Timothy L. woodruff, who has Wis
tied the Adirondacks so frequently dur
ing the past two decades that he is
looked upon almost as a native by the
ubiquitous guides. The estate of the
former lieutenant governor of New
York is small compared with the hold
ings of many of his neighbors, consist
ing as it does of less than 700 acres, but
what it lacks in size it makes up in
beauty, being located in one of the most
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

is a small island boasting a lodge that
has often been the scene of political dis
cussions between the lieutenant gov
ernor and the congenial souls who
would HE with him to the country for
a few days outing.
Other well known people who have
homes in the Adirondacks are White
law Reid, Dan Hanna, son of Senator
Hanna; Henry S. Harper, Arson Phelps
Stokes, DR.. J. H. Woodward, Francis L.
Slade. J. c. r. Peabody, Augustus Low,
and DR.. w. Seward Webb. DR.. Webb
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18
AN INksTAND WITH A HISTORY.

An INTERESTING story revealing Q
fine trait in King Edwards character is
attached to a silver inkstand which
was long in daily use at Marlborough
House and Is now at Buckingham pail
ace. When prince of Wales King Ed
ward one day watched blind man and
his dog vafnly trying to cross the road
in the most congested part of Pail Mall.
Placing his hand on the mans Shout
der. the prince himself conducted the
man safely across. A few days later a
beautiful silver inkstand arrived at
Marlborough House with this fnscrip-
ton ITO the Prince of Wales from one
who saw him conduct blind beggar
across the street In memory of a kind
and Christian setinn." The donor d.
still unknown.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

liable concessions in the negotiations
for peace. His success aroused in him
a desire to become a titular chieftain
in more than name, and he persuaded
his father. the king of Shoa, to pro-
claim his sovereignty over both Shoa
and Abyssinia. But the result was dis
astrous, for, aided by the British, King
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18
Our Millionaire Some Of Their Baronial Estates
4lo a.a Z. 6AAloe n.-4e H.
In the Adirondack and
nd In Other Parts Of the CO

latter's place has been dubbed Camp
Fairyland from the brilliant illumina
ton which it boasts when the many
monster lanterns scattered throughout
the grounds surrounding it are lighted.
On Mohegan lake, less than two miles
from Mr.. Vanderbilt's lodge and in the
heart of hundreds of acres of forest,
stands Camp Uncas. ]. Pierpont Nor
gan's Adirondack home. An exceed
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

desirable portions of the wilderness.
The lodge is long and low. but comno-
dious, containing a total of thirty
rooms. A charming bit of romance at
taches to the lake wherein it stands in
that the body of water was originally
called Summer lake, the name having
been changed to Lake Kora by Mr.
Woodruff as a tribute to his wife,
whose first name is Cora. In the lake
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

Americans have succeeded in capturing
the trade by the low prices of their
products. Different nations sell these
goods, but they are all American
made"
According to the route mapped out by
Consul General Skinner before his de-
parture from Massillon, O., where he
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

game preserve wherein are maintained
all manner of game from buffaIoes to
pheasants. All this belongs to Mr.
Whitney. During the past few years
Improvements have been constantly in
progress here. Roads have been built by
skilled engineers, old bridges have been
replaced ha neat iron structures and
miles of bride paths have been con-
structed. The game preserve has been
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

is one Of the big Individual landholders
of the region At one time when en-
gagged in the promotion of his railway
enterprise through that section of New
York state DR.. Webb bought close to
$4,000 acres, all OF which he fenced The
greater part Of this he has since parted
with. His Nehasane residence is con-
sidered one of the finest homes in the
North woods. DR. Webb's favorite
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

be great military tactician will be
readily understood by those acquainted
with the history and traditions of the
tribes of Africa
The story of how he acquired his SOW
ereignty is of surprising interest. In
his youth Menelek was but a minor
chief. yet when scarcely out of his teens
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

hibit him from fishing in the St Regis
river, one of the streams flowing
through the Rockefeller park. Already
this case has been before the courts
more than once, the effect of the deci-
sions rendered being to negate Mr..
Rockefeller's efforts to insure the pri-
vacy of his lakes and streams. 1t is
said that, exclusive of the neat build
ings which he has erected, the great
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

Abyssinia, which means that the wealth
er throughout the journey will probably
be propitious.
The man with whom our trade envoy
will have to conduct his negotiations
is one of the most interesting personali-
ties in all South Africa. He is now
about sixty years OF age. but his active
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

he was widely 4aeraIded as the bravest
and most sagacfous Of Abyssinian war
riors. His opportunity came with the
memorable invasion of Abyssinia by
the Anglo Egyptian forces when. al
though signally worsted. he managed to
save his troops from utter destruction
and later by his diplomacy secured val
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

JOHANNA of AbyssInia put Menelek to
flight. Not until 1889, when JOHANNA
died, did Menelek assume the reins Of
Office. Since then he has compelled re-
beIlious chieftains to submit to his rule
and has gradually solidified his country
until dissensfon is a thing almost un
known.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

He approaching visit to
Abyssinia of our Mar
settles consul general,
Robert P. Skinner, for
the purpose of con-
Guiding a commercial
treaty with King Men
a1eLx and incident llu
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-18

HE murder of Orlando
P. Dexter near his
country seat at Santa
Clara, in the Adiron-
dacks, and the pre-
cautions taken to
guard the Rockefeller
camp from those who
are openly hostile to