davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
RUSSO JAPANESE
CONTROVERSY
The Situation, While Serious, Does
Not Involve an Extension of
the Present Crisis.
At LEAST that is The OPINION
Entertained IN FRENCH CAPITAL.
Toxic Adyices, However, Indicate
an Agitated State Of japanese
Public Sentiment and an Intense
Feeling Against Russin-st. Pc
tersburg Adsices Hopeful.

Paris, Dec. 22.-Reports received here
from both centers of the Japanese-Rus-
sian controversy lead the officials to
conclude that the situation, while se-
rious does not involve an extension Of
tho present crisis. A dispatch re-
ceived Monday from Toxic, dated Sun
day, says that Japan has not yet an
swered Russia's first proposition, The
officials say this shows, first, that the
a1armst reports Of the English war
correspondents saying Japan has an
swered In the negative are incorrect.
Second, that Japan continues to seek
means for meeting Russia's overtures
On the other hand, another Toxic dis
patch frankly sets forth the agitated
state Of Japanese public sentiment and
the Intense feeling against Russia, and
also foreshadows the possible dispatch
Of Japanese troops to Corea, but, It Is
added, If this Is done, 1t will be with
the assent OF Russia, which will relieve
the expedition Of having, the lgnif-
canoe OF a war move against Russia.
The Official adyices from St. Peters
burg continue to have hopeful tone,
and with advices from Toxic OF the
same tenor, the authorities here as
sert they have good reason to believe
that the situation, although serious,
has not reached the point Of a war
crisis being imminent
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
At ABySSINIAN CAPITAL
Arrival of Consul-General Skinner
and Party in Menelik's Capital.
Reception and Personally Re
ceived by King Menclik.

Ads Abeba Abyssinia, Friday. De-
cember IS, by courier to Jibutil, French
Somaliland, December 2l-Escorted by
several thousand Ethiopian soldiers.
the American mission to Emperor
Menelik. headsd by Consul General
Skinner, entered the Abyssinian capital
to-day. The reception Of the Amerl-
cans was most brilliant and pictur-
esque. Emperor Menelik personally
received Mr. Skinner, The emperor,
surrounded by the principal function
aries OF the capital, delivered a cordial
discourse Of welcome, to which Mr..
Skinner responded, presenting an invi-
tation to the emperor to visit the ex-
position at St Louis.
The Americans we're then conducted
to the palace of Ras Georges, where
they are lodged.
Mr. Skinner and his party are recelv-
ing every attention. A formal audience
and conference with the emperor to dis
cuss the purposes Of the mission will
follow later,
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
THERE'S NO SIGN OF PEACE.
The Livery Drivers' strike In CHI
cage shows No signs ~ 1mme-
diats settlement.

Chicago, Dec. 22--No sign OF peace
had entered into The livery drivers
strike Monday when the fourth day OF
the tie-up OF hearses and carriages
came, with a renewal Of the desoate
funerals and the prospect that police
may be put on the plain wagons" now
used for carrying tho dead, Ambu-
lanccs have come under the ban OF the
striking pickets, according TO reports
received from under.akers and livery
men, who declare that police will be
necessary to man the convcyancos OF
tho sick as well as those Of the dead
A number OF extra business agents"
we're posted throughout tho cl,y by tho
Livery Dslyers' union, FOR the purpose.
say the union officials. Of preventing
interference on tho part Of the unions
on the movement Of hearses, should
tho undertakers attempt to substitute
them for the black "dend wagons"
Tho undcrtakers and livery men are
accused by the union officials Of seek
Ing TO divert public sympathy from tho
strikers,
Twelve independent undcrtakcrs arc
reported by the union "a having
signed the wage and hour agreement,
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
ON THE ISLAND OF PINES.
One Hundred Colombian Troops Said
to Have Established Base
Upon Panama Territory.

Colon, Panama, Dec 22--lnforma-
ton has been received here that about
100 Colombian troops have landed at
the island Of Pines, northwest Of Cape
Tiburon, which Is situated at the west
ern entrance Of the Gulf Of Darien.
The island of Pines is on Panama ter
ritory and is the only island along that
coast which is wooded, peaked with
mountains and also well watered, thus
offering every facility for camping and
being used as base of observation. 1t
is significant IN this connection that
the United States auxiliary cruiser
Mayflower left this harbor Sunday
bound in the direction of the island of
Pines, to obtain confirmation Of the re-
port.
The United States gunboat Bancroft
is still on that coast, in the vicinity OF
Nombre de Dios
The United States cruiser Nashville
has returned to Colon from Bocas del
Toro
Rear-Admiral Coghlan has trans
ferred his flag TO the United States
auxiliary cruiser Prairie
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
Alexander Mcdonald Dead.

Alexander Mcdonald. an ex.member
Of the United States senate, from this
state, passed away at Norwood, n. j.
on the 18th inst He will be remem'
bered by the older residents of the
state as active in political affairs dur
Ing the latter sixties, and at that time
was considered the wealthiest man In
the state. He served one term as
United States senator, his successor
being Gen. Powell Clayton. present
minister to Mexico Mr.. Mcdonald
was born in Clinton county, Pennsyl'
yania in 1882 When the war between
the states broke out he was a resident
Of Kansas, and at his own personal ex'
Dense raised and equipped three regl'
ments In the Union army In 1863 he
settled in this state and was proml'
hent In banking and business circles
In Fort Smith and Little Rock.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
THE SOUTH IS INTERESTED
The Atlanta Constitution Comes Out
in Favor Of Canal Treaty.
The Progressive, Producing and
Business Interests of the south
Demand Its Ratification.

Atlanta, Ga, Dec. 22.-Clark Howell.
editor of the Atlanta Constitution,
comes out editorially in Endorsement Of
the Panama canal policy OF President
Roosevelt and the administration. and
criticises the attitude OF Senator Dan
lei, OF Virginia, in opposing the treaty.
The editorial says the Republic OF
Panama was not born too quickly. con-
sidering the circumstances, nor did the
American government recognize 1t any
too soon. In conclusion. It says
Suppose we withdraw our recogni-
ton and reject the treaty? What will
be our position, then, as viewed by the
other governments OF Europe and
America that have also recognized the
new Republica OF Panama? Are we to
do this ridiculous thing, abandon our
treaty rights In Panama, give up the
canal there, withdraw our guardianship
Of rail transit now going on, and 50
hunting for terms with people who
would be fools II they did not profit
themselves tremendously by our pre-
dicament?
Senator Hoar can afford to fight the
canal so long az Boston is building
enormous terminal facilities to handle
the ocean-bound freights of the trans
continental railroads. Senator Hale, of
Maine, can afford to join him, since
Portland is becoming the entrepot and
export depot of the Canadian Pacific
and the Grand Trunk systems, Senator
Teller and other senators may be indif-
ferent, because the canal does not APP
peal to any specific interest In their
states.
But southern senators can not es-
cape the certain conviction that vote
from any one Of them adverse to the
treaty Will be a vote against the ur-
gent interests and demands Of the pro
gressivc, producing and business inter-
ests OF these southern states
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
Civil SERVICE
EXAMINATIONS
Digest of the Report Of Frank M.
Higgins, Chief Examiner,
for the Past Year.
EXAMINATIONS NOW REDUCED
TO TESTS OF SPECIAL FITNESS.
The Consolidation OF IA Large Num-
hcr OF Boards of Examiners
Urged, in Order TO secure Closer
Supervision and More Effective
Administrations.

Washington Dec 22.-Frank NJ. Kig-
gins, chief examiner Of the civicil serv-
ice commission, in his annual report,
says that during the last fiscal year
there were 1l2,624 persons examined
for the classified service of the govern
ment and 40,423 appointments to all
branches Of the service. OF the ap-
poin:ments, "a per cent. were purely
clerical positions, three per cent. to
professional technical or scientific po-
sitions, SO per cent to mechanical po-
sitions requiring no educational exam
nation, and seven per cent to skilled
labor positions not exactly mechanical
in their character, but requiring no ed
ucation examination, OF all those ex-
amined, so per cent. passed, and 36 per
cent Of all examined were successful
in securing appointment. Mr. Higgins
says the commission has reduced its
examinations TO essential tests for spe-
cial fitness, and urges the consolidation
of large number Of boards of exam
iners throughout the country, to Sc
cure closer supervision and more eff
fective administration.
Conditions In the Philippines.
The report states that conditions OF
employment in the Philippines are i'm
proving, and the salaries for technical
men have been increased, with the re-
suit that within the last five months
more applications have taken examina-
lions for that service than for the pre-
ceding year
THE number of Americans in that
service now constitutes more than so
per cent. Of the entire force. there be-
ing 2,777 Americans and 1857 Filipinos
in public employment AS the Filipinos
acquire knowledge Of English end
become more familiar WITH American
customs they are expected to take the
place Of Americans.
Examinations In Porto Rico.
Several examinations were held In
Porto Rico for the federal service OF
the island and for employment In the
United States. In those examinations,
given in both English and Spanish, In
which the Americans and Porto Ricans
competed, It appears that a larger pro-
portion Of Porto Rics.ls passed than
of Americans, and the showing made
by the natives OF the island In those
examinations was extremely credita
BILE
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
SECRET NAVAL CONFERENCE.
Its Purport Did Not Transpire, Ex-
cept That II Concerned the
Isthmian situation.

Washington, Dec 22,--Rear- Admiral
Taylor, chief Of the bureau OF naviga-
ton and executive head of the general
naval board, Monday was In conference
with Capt, John q. pillsbury, assistant
chief Of the bureau; Capt. William w,
Swift, chairman Of the general boards
committee on feet; Commander Wins
low and Lieut. Bcknap, Of the bureau
Of navigation, In the secret Office OF
the chief Of the bureau OF navigation.
Several cablegrams which arrived from
Rear Admiras Glass and Coghlan over
Sunday were taken up for consldera-
tion and instructions IN reply we're
prepared and submitted TO Secretary
Moody for approval, Nothing official
regarding the conference was an
nounced except that It concerned the
isthmIan situation
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
STARCH FACTORY CRIPPLED.


KeolSuk, Ia, Dec. 22.--Flre. Monday,
destroyed the main buildings OF Hubin-
Der Brothers starch factory, the largest
Independent factory In the country. The
loss is $4,000: insurance, 100000, An
explosion in dryer room started the
blaze, The factory was new, COM
mencing operations April 20, when
President Roosevelt started the ma
chlnery by pressing button while On
visit here. A workman, reported
missing, il thought to be dead In the
ruins.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
A Scheme That Failed.

Many citizens of this state were
picked for victims in a swindling
scheme whereby they were appraised
by circular letter from Memphis that
they We're the fortunate parties in a
premium distribution of a defunct ag-
ricultural journal. However, before
the swindler received any money from
his intended victims the federal au-
thorities got onto his racket and he
was placed under arrest. The scheme
was to induce victims to advance a
sum to pay freight on a valuable artl-
Gle supposed to have been awarded
subscribers Of the defunct publication.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
Was It a Joke?

A Little Rock bank has sued
hackman for the amount of a worth
less check cashed, presented by a
woman who was Identified by the
hackman. The check was made pay
able to Miss Bertha Grooms for $50,
and the dollar mark and the figures
90 were there, but on the line below.
instear of the word fifty" before
the word dollars" the word windy"
was written. The check was signed
"Nulln Void" The point in ques-
ton is whether the author of tha
check is a swindler or a practical
joker.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
TIME EXTENDED A WEEK.
Time For submitting BrIefs In the
ZlcEier Extrndition Case Ex-
tended One Week.

Albany, N. y, Dec 22--Cov, Odell
has extended for one week the
time given the Missouri authorities TO
submit briefs In the extradtIon pro-
ceedings beftro him against VIM, Zieg.
lor, OF New York, charged with byib-
cry OF Missouri legislators In connec-
ton with baking powder legislation,
The time originally set expired to-day.
1t was extended at the request of
Atty,-Gen, Grow, OF Missouri, on ac-
count OF the latter's illness.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
C0ALED AND READY FOR SEA.
rhe Torpedo Doat Destroyers Paul
Jones and Prcbie simply
Awaiting officers.

San Francisco, Dec. 22.-The torpedo
boat destroyers Paul Jones and Preblo
are lying at the Mare island navy yard
coaled and ready for sea, awaiting the
coming OF officers from the east The
officers are now on their way 10 the
navy yard and II Is expected that the
warshlps will sail next Wednesday for
Panama. A crew from the training
ship independence has been placed on
the Paul Jones, and the Prebe also has
o full complement, Both vessels, how
ever, lack "A number OF officers
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
RECIPROCITY WITH CUBA.
rhc Recently aatiHed Treaty VIII
become Effective After Mid
niEha Of sunday Next.

Washington. Dec. 22.--The secretary
of the treasury has issued u circular
letter Of instructions TO officers OF the
customs and others Interested In bring
Ing into operation this treaty OF rcci-
procity with Cuba, approved December
II, 1909, and made effective by act OF
congress and the presidents proclama.
ton OF December II, 1903, The cir
cular declares that the treaty becomes
operative one minute after midnight.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
Iron Mountain Connection

A charter has been granted by the
state OF Kansas to the Tokepa and
Frankfort railroad. The Missouri
Pacific will finance the enterprise and
extend its line from Topeka to Frank
fort, connecting there with Its through
line to the gulf, and with It's Central
Branch line II will be a part OF a
through line to the gulf and Will con-
meet with the White River railroad at
Carthage Mo-, now building from that
point 10 Batesville.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
Stole Valuable Package.

A man by the name of Charles Free
man, who run as express messenger
between st. Louis and Texarkana dur.
ing the recent strike of expressman.
has been arrested and confesses to the
theft of package Of diamonds valued
at 81 1000.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
FRED. R. CoUDERT'S REMAINS


Washington. Dec, 22-Tho remains
Of Frederick h. Coudert, tho New York
lawyer, were taken to New York In a
special car Monday Mrs, Coudert the
widow; Mrs. Frederick Benedict, or
New York; Mrs Ballinger, OF this city,
and Miss Renee Coudert, Of this city,
all daughters, accompanied the body.
The funeral will take place Tuesday,
at st. Patrick's cathedral In New York
and the interment VIII be In Calvary
cemetery,
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
Es.Treasurer MORROW Dead.

Hon, II, Il, Morrow, ex'state treasur'
'r died At his home at Bonneville, De-
cember 10, Mr., Morrow served as
state treasurer from 1890 to 1894 The
deceased was one OF the best officials
the state over had and his death Ia
mourned by thousands OF friends
throughout the state He was "a
years Of age and had resided In Ar
Kansas nearly all his life, lie Is sur
vlyod by his wife, one son and one
daughter.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
THREE MISSING HUNTERS.


Chicago, Dec, s9,--search has been
abandoned for tho three hunters who
are supposed to have been lost on the
floating Ice fields out In Lake Michigan.
The men have been missing 20 hours
When they left shore they expected to
return in three hours The party con-
slated Of Swan Rundquist, George Mes
senger and Dust Nelson,
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26

Virgil Caldwell Of Bradford, was
stabbed 10 death at Newport by VIII
Galloway, 10th parties were drinking
and Galloway made no attempt to cs'
cape, apparently not realizing that he
had committed murder
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
PUZZLES A ROTusCHILD.
Lord ROthschild Doesn't Care TO Dis-
cuss the situation.

London, Dec. 22.--Lord Rothschild,
while declining to venture an opinion
as to the outcome OF the Japanese
sian crisis, said One Of the most i'm
portant factors is whether America
will seize the opportunity to press her
claims for open ports in Manchuria. II
she does so, It would certainly help
peaceful solution | have heard Of no
suggested loans, either Japanese or
Russian. What they would have to do
In case Of war Is hypothesis do not
care to discuss. So far, there Is no
war, and the present conditions are
quite puzzlng enough without endeav-
oring TO prophesy."
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
FOR WARD ELECTION FRAUDS.
Alderman John y, Brennan anu Two
Others Sentenced b, Judge
GAry In chicago.

Chicago, Dec, 22.--Aldcrman John J.
Brennan was sentenced to one year In
the house OF correction by Judge Gary
on a charge OF completely In ward cleo
ton frauds. A sentence OF six months
was given 10 Charles Mcfarland three
months to Herbert H. Kent on similar
phaIpeN
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
A Blow 70 LIQUOR Eealers.

Tom Powell, Pat O'Keefe and Dick
Reynolds, liquor dealers OF Fort
smith pleaded guilty before Judge
Raymond ut Wagner Ind. Ter, to q
charge OF introducing liquor into the
territory and were given jail sen
fences These cases establish n prec'
edcnt, and will destroy the liquor
trade with tho territory, which has
aggregated hundreds OF thousands OF
dollars annually
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
Judge kavanauqh Reelected.

AT meeting Of the Southern Base
ball Association, held in Atlanta, Judge
w. NJ. Kavanaugh of Little Rock was
reelected president, sec
rotary and treasurer. Judge Kav.
anaugh's administration the past sea.
son proved satisfactory to all the clubs
in the circuit.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
Peacemaker Killed.

The coroner's jury at Russellville
decided that Charles Parker came to
his death, December IS, by knife
wounds inflicted by Tom Williams
The evidence tended to show that
Parker tried to quiet a disturbance
in which several young fellows were
participating.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
cation Fire NJ Galveston.

Galveston, Tex, Dec ga barge
laden with 900 belea Of cotton, berthed
nc the head Of Mallory douha, caught
Are, sunday, and before II was ex,in-
guIshed 400 bales were damaged by Are
and water.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26

New York, Dec, 22,--col John y.
uaynor, who He'd to Quebec 10 escape
trial In connection with the savannah
harbor contract scandals md left his
bondsmen in tho lurch for 10000, 10
reported, In u dispatch from Syracuse,
N. Y, To have made good the loss to
william u, Kirk,
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
cnnadn,s Latest Move.

Ottawa, Ont, Dec, 22,--The DomIn'
lon government hss now under consid'
GRAFTON the question OF uniting New.
foundltd with Canada and also tn,
purchase OF Greenland from Denmark
This Ia o result Of the Alaska boundary
decision,
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
Turning ou, psc.iicat,

Melbourne, Victoria, Dee, 2a--The
harvest generally Ia turning out on
oelent, II IN estimated lhe total
yield OF wheat FOR the six states viii
be 100000 bu.hes The previous
highest record was 100000 bushels.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
JAPAN's REPLY HANDED IN.
n 10 In No Way In the Nature OF an
Ultimatum,

Toxic, Dec 22.-Japan's reply to Rus
sia was handed to Baron de Rosen,
Monday afternoon, at conference be-
tween the Russian minister and For
eign Minister Kowura ut the Russian
legation.
Japan's reply is In no way in the ma
ture OF an ultimatum, but she asks
Russia to consider certain essential
points In her reply to Japan Baron Dc
Rosen Is now sufficiently recovered to
resume the negotiations.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
Ticket Office Robbed.

The Frisco depot ticket Office at Fort
Smith was recently broken into by
burglar, who secured between 5000 and
$500 In cash from the safe, which had
been left open for few minutes by
the agent who had stepped next door
to secure some small change
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26

The nominations OF the following
Arkansas postmasters have been con-
armed by the senatei ~, b. Parnell,
junction; Mamie H. Savage, Monti,
cello, H. l.. Floyd, ri Dorado i. u,
schooley England; ]. NJ McCIntock.
Devnlla Dlufr,
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
Price Of Coal in Colorado.

Although IL is claimed Arkansas coal
Is being shipped to Colorado, owing to
strike, a Cripple Creek paper carries
an advertisement of dealer Offering
the best grade of coal at $275 per
ton, Consumers of our home product
are paying from So to S. per ton.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26

BY the revision OF the military do
partments, Arkansas IL transferred
from the department OF the Missouri,
to the department OF Texas, with Brig
adIcrGcneral Leo as division com
mandor,
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26

ID. G. Boil OF Pine Blum has been
appointed commander OF Arkansas
Division, United Sons OF Confederate
Veterans. Mr., He'll will at once take
steps TO organize new camps and TO
strengthen the organization.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26

VIII Daniels, colorcd who killed
another negro by the name OF Allen
Bocage on n plantation In Pulaski
county, several months ago, was ac'
quilted by u jury In circuit court last
week.
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26

Omaha, Neb,, Dec 22,--Isaac Cham
bcrs stabbed to death his brother, Jo-
seph. Sunday night, IN the result Of q
quarrel, which began IN soun,h 0ma-
ha saloon, Both msn were half-broed
indiana
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
The Gooscbonc Prophet.

Rendng Pa, Dec. 2?,--lGias H6rts
tho S9-year-old goosebone weather
prophet. has made what no declares
win be his last prediction, Ho said
This winter surpasses all others, and
| want To warn tho people to be on the
lookout"
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
visitor Found Dcnd In ned.

81. Louis, Dec, 22,--George Eubanks,
from Springfield, Mo-, was found dead
in bed In his room a. tho University
hotel, Sunday THO body was removed
TO the morguc TO await word from rola-
lives, who have been notified,
The Van Buren press. [volume] (Van Buren, Ark.) 1859-1914, 1903-12-26
Es.chlef Of Police Surrenders.

William Craig, formerly chief OF po'
lice OF Pine Blum, who mysterlously
disappeared several years ago, hns re-
turned to answer charge of omboS
s'Ing city funds while In Office, Mr.,
Craig says he viii be able to dlsproye
Tho charge against him,