davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1903-11-08

they had increased from s1O.O00,O00 to
SIG. 900, O00, 5ut in the next three years
they fell of even more rapidly to
100000 The influence of the depres-
sion of 1885 is very clearly marked In
the small importations for the follow
ing year. while the tide OF prosperity
which set in IN 1898 has carried the fig
ures far beyond all previous records.
Thus the total value Of diamonds and
other gems brought into the United
States IN the year just ended was half
again as great as in the preceding year.
more than twice as great as in 1899 and
three times as great as in any year
down 10 1887. Verify the love for jewels
must grow by what il feeds upon.
At present there exists a discrimina-
ton Of 10 per cent in favor of the cut
ting or precious stones In America, with
the result that a steadily increasing pro-
portion OF the total imports a1s in uncut
FORM Thus the value OF uncut stones
imported has increased from 81, SOC. 900 IN
1885 TO 100000 in 1903, OF about one
third II the total.
While nearly all the diamonds are at
present produced, as everybody knows,
by the mines OF South Africa, most OF
those brought 20 the United States are
shipped from Antwerp, Amsterdam. or
London. and enter the port OF New
York. The two former cities are the
center OF the diamond-cutting industry.
while London is the great diamond
market OF the world, and New York &C.
cupies a similar position in America.
The greatest quantities Of gems are
brought in by the Red Star steamers
from Antwerp and by the American line
from London via Southampton, though
nearly all the fast liners have a share
IN the trade.
One might suppose this an extremely
profitable kind OF cargo for the steam
ships TO carry since the freight Is paid
according 70 value and since a small box
six inches long and less than that In
width and depth may pay 500 or $500 in
transportation charges. But this same
box may contain 500. 600 worth OF gems.
and OF course, part Of the freight rate Is
really paid for the insurance OF their
safe carriage. In carrying packages OF
this tremendous value extraordinary pre-
cautions must be taken They are I'M
INJURED IN strong safes and are carefully
guarded and IN addition the shipper
usually takes the precaution Of insuring
them with the martlle companies against
the possible loss OF the vessel.
The Washington times., 1903-11-08

Great Britain. because the few Ameri-
cans who have ever visited Addis-Abe-
ba-big game hunters in search Of eie-
plants and tigers-have spoken English
and presented much the same appear
ance as the English envoy at his court
To convey to the King what a distinct
and wonderful place America really IS
Consul Skinner Is armed with great
portfolios OF photographs OF Uncle
Sans most famous show places-Ni-
agara Falls. the public buildings at
washington and the giant industrial
establishments Of the country.
Country to Be Explored.
Not only viii the handful Of Ameri-
cans make quite stay at the Abyssin-
ian capital. but they wiz explore the
entire country IN order that Consul
Skinner may prepare for the State De-
partment a full report upon the resourc-
es and trade possibilities OF this COM
paratively unknown Ell Dorado. when
Colonel Marchand. the French explorer.
had completed his journey across ART
ca. he5said: From the cape to the Nile.
from the Atlantic 10 the Red Sea. the
most wonderful thing found was a
meteor fallen straight from heaven
among swamps and deserts-Abyssinia
a Switzerland. an African Tyrol with
an area greater than France Meme
likes domain is a great plateau. lifted
into a separate existence out OF deserts
and wilderness and smiling with green
prairies. an abundance Of water and
vast herds.
over and above ali the other aims Of
Consul SINNERS pilgrimage is the sig
rsificant purpose to pave the way for
Uncle Sam to take hand in what viii
prove one Of the liveliest International
games of this century. Now that France
is aiming at 4 protectorate over Aioroc-
co Abyssinia remains the only indie
pendent state in the desirable regions
Of Africa BIenelik. one OF the great
men Of his time-a monarch who has
consolidated the empire and now rules
over Il. O10. O09 people-has no recognized
heir. whereas three great powers wait
and watch Ike devouring monsters for
what the future may bring forth. On
the south this coveted prize OF the
seekers after territory is menaced by
Russian concession, on the east b.
French railway. and on the west
by British mining company. Unless
Uncle sam acts quickly We VIII see the
last corner OF the Dark Continent per-
manently closed to American commerce
and influence, and our products shut
out Of a domain where the true coin
Of the realm is strips OF cotton cloth
from America. and not the pieces OF sil-
yer bearing a representation OF King
Meneiks head.
The Washington times., 1903-11-08

(LTN my day" said an old resident
Of Washington. 4 have seen
many races and some If them
famous ones on famous tracks-
have seen many of the stars OF the
turf at such great tracks as Monmouth
Park. Jerome Park. Saratoga, Sleeps
head Bay (Which. to my mind, Is the
finest course IN the country, and at
several other places, and consider that
the greatest contest 1 ever witnessed
was the four-mile heats between Harry
Bassett and HeImbold This magnif-
cent equine struggle was run on the
Pimlico course at Baltimore. during the
Club. in Oct which was about
third Of a ago. but / Will ven
ture TO say r ere is not a racing
man in tn who witnessed it
but who d recollection Of the
great ever nto this day.
OWE Stakes.
The ,or the Bowie Stakes,
post ent ages. I could not be-
gin TO c.sra-s-s the many Washing
tonians present on the occa-
sion, bI vas a multitude. and 1
grieve that l am among COM
paratiN wv of them who are now
living. allure OF the event was
that oae first, If not the original.
Of Fawspaper workers, Miss
Aust whose labors In this city
as a society and other topics
and " over the nom de plume OF
Mis- was present TO do the
pict' part OF the affair for a
New o3S ewspaper.
10Y IL was a glorious day!
Jus PARKING autumn weather as
2r vouchsafes to the people III
tn. at this season Of the year
II were fairly spangled with
n cen and azure tints OF falling
lie atmosphere was pure and
lg and the lovely country
ough which we passed to PIN
l- ] 10 the glory OF going TO the
One Of the approaches to the
as through the beautiful Druid
rk. and when these beautiful
The Washington times., 1903-11-08

hitherto neglected is but thinly yelled
in the comments upon a 1Squest from
this Government for the free entry and
free transportation through France of
the presents which Consul skinner is
carrying to the Emperor Of Ethiopin.
As matter of fact. however. this en-
try Of the Stars and Stripes into q new
field is no deeD-Iaid plot OF the Govern
ment at Washington, but is Mr.. skin
ner's own pet scheme. The port of Mar
settles in the south of France, where Mr..
Skinner has for the past six years serv-
ed as United States consul. might be
termed the gateway to AbyssInia
Hither come the ships laden with the
treasures Of this mysterious country
and from this port sail the vessels bear
ing the million dollars worth of
American and European-made goods
consumed annually by the dusky na-
tives. It is a sort OF base OF supplies
for the venturesome traders who barter
IN this richest corner Of the dark con-
tineEt. and here is located a banking
house which is really the fiscal agent
for King Menelik. In short, Marseilles
is the one point at which hidden Abys-
sinia touches the great outside civilized
world, and stationed at such a point Of
observation Consul Skinner was quick
to realize the wonderful benefits which
would accrue to the United States in
trade and other interests We're Uncle
sam to open definite relations with the
government Of MeneIik. He proposed
the matter 10 the late President McKin-
ley, but there were obstacles TO the I'M
dertaking. When the st. Louis Expo
sition officials. seeking the seemingly
unattainable, hit upon the idea Of an
Abyssinian exhibit. the ambitious young
consul seized the opportunity TO carry
out his cherished plan.
Consul Skinner is already well on his
The Washington times., 1903-11-08
Europe Deeply Interested.
RICH GEMS WORN IN AMERICA

TT HE value Of the jewels and pre-
cious stones imported into the
United States is often said to be
the best barometer OF the coun-
try's prosperity, and quite possibly this
Is the case, since very few gems are
produced In the United States and since
the demand for them, which must be
satisfied by transportation, is not likely
70 be widespread unless people are max
ing more money than they actually need
to accord with their standards OF Iv-
ing, says the Chicago Chronicle There
are said 20 be some people who win go
with empty stomachs in order 10 snort
diamonds. but these in the aggregate
are probably not numerous, and AT any
rate. their purchases through such pri-
vations cannot be very extensive. since
one good diamond or ruby or emerald
costs about as much as would feed and
clothe an ordinary person for a year It
is a well-accepted fact among dealers
IN jewels that when prosperity is wide
spread their sales Increase rapidly. and
that when hard times come theirs is
about the first business TO feel the de-
preston.
II It be admitted that the trade in
gems Is q faithful indication OF the in
dustrial situation one must acknowledge
that the fiscal year which ended with
the first half of 1868 was the most pros
porous in the history OF the country,
for the value Of The precious stones i'm
ported during that period was far in
excess OF anything previously recorded.
According to the compilation of the
Government officials which has just been
completed diamonds and other precious
stones Of a value exceeding SO. 900. 600
were brought into the United States be-
tween June 30. 1902 and June 30 1903
and even this enormous total is proba-
bly, below the actual value, for the ng-
ures are taken from th1 invoices Of the
importers. who are not likely TO over
value packages on rnich they must pay
high ilaport duty.
II Is Interesting 10 compare the fig
ures given above with those for pre-
vious years. In 1902 the importation on
this count amounted to SD 10000; in
1901. TO s20O009O0: IN 1893. 10 Sl4O00. 600;
in 1898. T. 100000. in 1897. 10 8. 500. 600:
In 1886. 10 $780, 900; in 1885. TO $750o.O geo;
IN 1884. 10 $5.5O0.O00. Between 1857 and 1880
The Washington times., 1903-11-08
WfEN BASSETT DEFEATED flELNIBOLD

Rassett by about two lengths. Time.
7:54A.
"On the second heat Bassett started
about half a length ahead. which was
not altered during the four miles IN
I'll entering the homestretch. when he
shot ahead and came down and passed
the judges stand, thus winning the heat
and the race When he was taken back
TO the stable his ears were erect and he
seemed almost as fresh as when he was
brought out. The cheers he got as king
of the turf and the best three-y ear-old
in the world must have been heard in
Baltimore.
Bassett the Victor.
1.-THE great horse" went on the old
racegoer. belonged to the ldcDanieI
Stables He was a chestnut colt; had
two white heels and star in the fore
head. He made his debut at Saratoga
when a two-year~oid. where he was de-
feated by Mary Louise. Bassett came
in third in that event. His next race
was in the same year at Saratoga. when
he won the Kentucky Stakes in a mile
dash. beating a field of seven,
''Hembold, who belonged to the Bah
cock Stables. was. until his defeat at
PiInlico. equally famous with Bassett
&c lAtu previously conquered lut great
i.ongfellow. 1 advise you. young fell
low" said the old sport in conclusion.
Ito look up in the records the summary
of this fOur-mile heat contest. 1t Will
interest everyone interested in racing
events il none else"
The reporter took the proffered advice
and finds tae summary in racing annals
as follows:
Pimlico Course,
Baltimore, Oct 30. 1871.
Bowie Stakes; post entry; for all ages:
four-mile heats; $3.50 entrance, half for
felt; club to add 5000; closed with
eight subscriptions; value $500.
d. Mcdaniel & Co, oh. c., Harry
Bassett. 3-y.-o.. by Lexington.
dam Canary Bird, 20 lbs.....-...... 1
W. r. Babcock's ch. c HelmbOld.. .
Time:
First heat-F'irst mile. 1854: second
mile. 1 $50. 1856: third mile 1:5Slz. 1854 !;
fourth mile. 2:0114-754%.
Second heat-First mile, 2:021; second
mile. 20I:1k. 4:04: third mile, 200, Cos;
fourth mile, 1:5955-S.0335-
The Washington times., 1903-11-08

The young and inexperienced girl is
not the attraction of the hour, II is
claimed by experts in these matters.
She waits until she reaches a more ma
ture and more experienced age, and
meanwhile the center Of the stage is
held by her older sister. In fact. the
older sister is sometimes credited with
a feeling Of pity for the young girl who
comes into the world in muslin and blue
ribbons with 50 much TO learn.
One of the older sisters expresses this
pity as follows:
zone thing I am thankful for. and
that IS that I am no longer a bread-and.
butter miss.
There IS no period OF her existence, I
think. wherein n woman appears TO less
advantage. 1t is impossible for a girl
of eighteen not 10 be conscious and she
has so little knOwl edge Of the world
that she is unable TO hide her awk-
Wardness.
1T is amusing. even pathetic, to see
the efforts of the poor thing to appear
natural and at her ease and to say her
little say without betraying that she
has prepared beforehand
The Washington times., 1903-11-08

~ay to his nigh inaccessible goal He
is provided with guard of United
States marines in command of a ser
geant This detachment of the sol
diers of the navy'' will serve the dual
purpose of protecting the traveller while
passing through a virtually unexplored
region inhabited by a semi-barbarous
people and infested with wild animals
and is also calculated to impress the
African sovereign with the Importance
of the special envoy and the dignity of
the nation which thus sends him to
make a first call" Aside from the
marines Mr.. Skinner is accompanied by
only one white maE-his brother-in-law.
Horatio w Wales. of Massillon, Ohio,
who goes as private secretary TO the
CONSUL Wales is a powerfully built,
blonde complexioned six-footer, who
graduated from Yale last June He has
something Of a record as a college ath-
lete and speaks French fuently. so that
he is tolerabIy well equipped TO take
care Of himself in any emergency.
To Be Absent Four Months.
Consul skinner anticipates that he will
be out Of the civilized world for fully
four months. In order 10 add dignity to
the pilgrimage, and also because mer-
chant ships are scarce in that part Of
the world. a United States gunboat con-
veys Consul skinner and his party to
Djibouti. the harbor of SomaIiland. a
French province on the east coast OF
Africa. From there he proceeds over
the new French railroad a distance OF
-bout go miles to Harrar. on the from
tier of Abyssinia. 1t is because this rail-
road traverses French territory that the
United States has. as an act of cour-
tesy. asked the permission of the
French government to allow the Ameri-
can marines 10 cross this strip OF coun-
try, under arms. From Harrar to Adds
Abeba, the Abyssinian capital. another
stretch of nearly 500 miles. the journey
will be made overland Mules and DON
keys viii furnish the motive power of
the caravan.
In speaking OF his mission just before
his departure Consul Skinner said to
me: ''The idea appears 20 prevail gen
orally that we have few if any Interests
In Abyssinia. whereas, as a matter OF
fact. the United States supplies fully
one-third of all the imports sent into
that country. As is true with much of
our foreign trade. however. the Ameri-
can goods almost without exception pass
through the hands of French traders
and middlemen Of other nauonalities.
believe that once we open direct re-
lations with King Menelik and his peo-
pie it viii be possible for American ex-
The Washington times., 1903-11-08

receive II. His thickly yelled Queen
Taitu. was equally gIeeful and although
she cannot understand a word of En-
glish she recognized her name when
spoken by the photograph.
However. Consul Skinner hopes to ac-
complish great things through the inter-
est which will be aroused in the
splendid collection of modern fire arms
which constitute his most important
gifts. The American manufacturers not
ably beat the world in the manufacture
of guns and reyolvers and the speci-
mems which the American envoy is bear
ing are well calculated to arouse the adj
miration Of mep who are as good marks
men as the Beers, but who have hereto
fore known naught but Russian and
" Consul Skinner VIII be doing a good
turn for the American gunmakers. for it
is worth while to impress a ruler who
keeps in the field at all times an army
of 10000 men-each soldier barefooted.
bareheaded and scantily clad but armed
with modern rife and cartridge belt
fighters who In one fateful day in 1886
inflicted upon 1890 of Italy's best
soldiers the most tragic death ever suf-
fered by a great European power at the
hands Of black men
Huge Silver Plate Invitation.
Another gift which may impress this
dusky dictator who has built up great
empire IN the land of the Blue Nile is
the silver plate three feet in diameter
upon which is engraved the invitation
to King Menelfk to visit the exposition
at st. Louis A visit from MeneHk
would give the visitors to the Louisiana
Purchase Exposition an opportunity to
catch glimpse of the most interesting
and picturesque figure on the stage of
the worlds affairs today, but it would
mean far more to the African ruler Not
only has Menelik never visited an ex-
position. but he has never been outside
of his own kingdom. never seen a boat
or wheeled vehicle. and speaks no
European language Heretofore he has
conceived of America only as a part of
The Washington times., 1903-11-08
An Old-Tinc Washington
RdCeQOer'S ReminiS-
CenCeS of the Great
FOur-MIe Heat Contest
Between Noted Horses

avenues were crowded with all sorts OF
vehicles, from magnificent four-in-hands
to ordinary single horse sulkeys. you
can gather III your mind magnificent
picture.
A Great Crowd Present.
THE Maryland Jockey Club is an emf
nentIy aristocratic association, none
more so anywhere. and on this day on
its grounds was one OF the largest
crowds that was ever seen there-be-
fore or since. The beauty and chivalry
of the Monumental City was present in
full force. Virginia sent a fine contin-
gent. and New Workers were in multi
tudes upon the quarterstretch. The
grandstand bloomed like a garden with
bright faces and rich autumn styles, and
the Bowie Stakes was the magnet. For
these there were originally eight sub
scribers, but on the day of the race only
Bassett and Helmbold entered the field.
This was known beforehand. however,
and the contest was, If anything, made
Of more Importance because of that fact
Rowe and Hayward "Up."
"Old turfmen declared they had never
seen two better conditioned horses on a
race track, and even to the Impractical
eye they appeared the very perfection
Of horses. Bassett was mounted by his
lOld rider. II. Rowe. and Hembold by
the old-time celebrated Hayward. on
the first mile when entering the home
stretch of the first heat, both horses
were side by side. which position they
maintained past the judges stand, when
Helmbold fell off a little. but on each OF
the four miles came up TO the quarter
stretch. The first heat was won by
The Washington times., 1903-11-08

too, l hope to induce Meneiik TO make
an exhibit at st. Louis. either erecting
building OF his own or taking space in
one of the regular buildings. and I will
urge him to visit the exposition in per-
son I expect to be gone fully four
months and hope to eat my Christmas
dinner in the Abyssinian capitaIS
Consul skinner is likely 10 enjoy in the
mud-hut ceSital of this far-oR land the
oldest experiences which have come to
any American in many decades. His
imperial majesty, King Menelik II, K. c.
NJ G., Negus Negast, Emperor Of Eth
opia, King Of Kings. begins his working
day at , o'clock in the morning. and his
hour for receiving distinguished visitors
Is a. n. which viii make it necessary
for Mr.. Skinner and the single member
OF his suite TO don their evening clothes
very soon after breakfast. King Meme
Hk VIII receive hts first envoy from
America Is his palace. which Is fimsy
structure that resembles a boathouse or
the starters stand at a race track. He
viii be attired for the occasion in a
black silk toga, and his csurtiers viii
wear white cotton cIoaks. slashed with
12-inch broad red stripe. and worn
toga fashion.
King Menelik II.
Menelik-secOnd Of that name but
reigning twenty centuries after the first
lis likely to receive 8Ir. Skinner very
Kindly. He is ordinarily very amiable
and his interest in all things new IS very
great. The necessity for wing with all
the other nations Of tie world in salts
flying this thirst for novelty rendered
rather perpIexing the selection Of the
presents which Consul Skinner is bear
ing TO this faddist potentate 1t is hard
~ possible that the American ENJOYS
can hope TO make the hit which the
British authorities did when just after
the invention of the photograph they
hurried one Of these wonder machines
down TO Africa with a message of good
viii which Queen Victoria herself spoke
into the monograph. MeneHk went wild
over the new toy and kept it in almost
continual operation for days after he
The Washington times., 1903-11-08
FIOURATIVE LANGUAGE

wherefore must facts be stubborn
things2
This earth would be like heaven
If we might prove in counting gains
That two and three made seven.
And when we salanced our bank
books.
What Joy TO calculate
That taking seventeen from six
Would leave us-let's say, eight
Our salaries would go so far
We'd all be we'll to do
II multiplying ten by five
Would give US seventy-twO.
How easily we'd pay our bills,
How little We would owe.
II things had happened TO be fixed
So three into one could go.
Confusion seize the moral fool
OF ages long gone by,
Who. in his blind. besotted way,
Taught figures not to lie
Life.
The Washington times., 1903-11-08
CO. lpos. By waldon Fawoett.l

%HE first American citizen who has
ever visited Abyssinia in an
4 official capacity has just set out
for the capital Of the only great
independent state on the globe with
which Uncle Sam has no diplomatic
relations. United States Consul Robert
7. Skinner. the young man who is to
invade Africa to strike up an acquaint-
ance with the least-known monarch in
the worlds is a veritable Poo Bah in
the variety Of interests to be furthered
by his unique mission. First Of all he
Is an accredited representative Of Presi-
dent Roosevelt. BEARING presents to the
Lion % the Tribe OF Judah and seek
ing t. establish friendly relations be-
tween the greatest of republics and the
King Of Kings. Secondly, he seeks to
induce King RIenelik to. forsalzo for the
first time his isolated domain and visit
the St Louis Exposition, or at least to
send what would undoubtedly prove the
most novel exhibit at the big show. And
finally, he goes as a Yankee trade drum
barbarous lard where. in the face Of
opposition OF united Europe. we now sell
one-third Of the aggregate imports.
Europe Deeply interested.
Although seemingly insignificant il.
itself no diplomatic move made by the
United States IN years has created such
q furore in Continental capitals as this
sudden determination to send a special
envoy t. the sittle known paradise wash
ed BY the Red Sea The German press
has been rapid IN denunciation Of what
is construed as another 'imperialistic
move on the part of the United States
and French Jealousy lest Uncle sam gain
an advantage in the country he has