davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The National tribune., 1904-07-14

Comrade ]. s. Vincent, Cos. C and X,
18th Iowa, now in Oklahoma. writes: MY
wife is the girl left behind me and she
is still with me. If l pass to the Great
Beyond before she does / want the way
made easy for her to get her just dues"
A comrade of Co. A, 7th Wis, who
forgot to sign his name, writes: Your lasr
move to benefit soldiers widows is the best
of all. The National Tribune, under its
present management is gaining fame and
love with true patriots" The comrade is
requested to send his name that we may
answer the question in his letter.
Comrade Charles Sellmer, U. s. A., re-
tired, writes from Florida: Il was so
much impressed with the soundness of
your article. The Solemn Duty of Married
Soldiers and the great liberality of your
offer, that l make out and send herewith
my Preliminary Report"
Mrs. J.. NJ. N, of New York State,
writes: Il am the wife Of soldier, and
goodness knows ! have no desire to be a
widow, but If such trouble should come
to me l can see the proofs ought to be in
your Office, SO / fill out the Preliminary
Report Of my husbands service and Of our
Comrade +. ID. Ellsworth, Co. D, 1O6th
n. T., writes from the State of Wyoming:
Il inclose my Preliminary Report. 1t is
The National tribune., 1904-07-14

1T does not follow. matter of course, if man
| was soldier, even if he is pensioner, that it
will be an easy matter for his widow to get
pension. AS matter of fact widows claims are
delayed, and in some cases never
allowed for lack of evidence, which the husband,
usually, could have supplied during his lifetime.
This important matter has been discussed, from
time to time, in the columns of The National Tribune,
and has been made the subject of orders by Com
manders-in-Chief of the Grand Army, but every
appeal heretofore deficient in essential par
ticuar: safe and permanent place was suggested
for the custody of the information.
: The National Tribune Co., in practical way,
proposes to supply this deficiency. In fireproof
room, in its own building, and under lock and key to
insure privacy, it will for such papers and infor
nation until such time they may be needed, even
such time is many years distant. The National Tribune
Co. is Incorporated. Having perpetual existence,
the death of the present managers of the Company
will not disturb the business or change the custody
The National tribune., 1904-07-14
~. Campaigns; @Me
w Army @lHpRh10mur
w
Critical History of Operations in Virginia, Maryland and PENN
syvania from the Commencement to the Close the War;
86l-l865
CHAs. SONS, CITY. 1882
Ry WILLIAM SWINTON,

powerful line of redoubts was pushed for
ward, and a series of heavy batteries was
placed in position to cover an assault, in
case suitable opening therefor should
present itself. BY the close of July. a sys-
tenn of earthworks covering the front then
held by the army had been constructed and
armed. Grant was then in position either
to undertake direct assault or operate on
the TANKS of the Confederate line.
THE MINE FIASCo.
AS soon as the system of works had been
completed, it was determined to make an
assault on the enemy's position on Burn
sides front, and it was resolved to work
into the plan the explosion of mine which
that officer had prepared.
This enterprise had been undertaken some
weeks previously by Burnside of his own
motion. and was allowed to proceed rather
by sufferance than sanction. Having at
The National tribune., 1904-07-14

to the correct appreciation of the action
and its result, it is due to say that that
corps could not be considered the elite corps
Of the army. The old Ninth, than which
there never was better, had been reduced
by long and varied service to mere nu-
cleus. with which had been agglomerated
(not fused) a mass Of new, heterogeneous,
and inferior material. The first division
was largely made up of foot-artilierists and
dismounted cavalry, and the fourth divi-
sion was composed exclusively of Blacks
10 such an extent had the morale Of the
Ninth Corps become impaired, that its in
specting officer short time before the as
sault declared the three white divisions to
be in SO bad condition that the division
OF Blacks was to be preferred for the duty.
If, in view of this circumstance, it be
asked why another selection was not made,
an answer does not readily present itself.
There is, however, in CarnOt's work, De la
Defence des Places Fortes, remarkable
passage that closely touches this matter
The reasons why our assaults occasionally
fail, says he, "are, in my opinion, various.
In the first place, it is a rule that the
troops Immediately on duty, or near the
spot, generally storm or do whatever serv-
ice may be required. These troops may be
most unfit for it, and by this mode the good
adiers or chosen men for occasions Of diff
Guilty. There are no troops in the world
that can be taken unfortunately for bril-
liant services, and undoubtedly none more
SO than for stOrming works. Besides, the
ohcer to whom the command falls may be
very unfit for the particular service
But, what is even more extraordinary
than the selection itself, is the mode in
which the selection was made Gen. Grant
refused to permit the black division to be
chosen for the assaultng column, and it re-
mained to appoint one of the three divi-
sions OF white troops. Gen. Burnside then
resolved to determine the choice by casting
lOts-or, as Gen. Grant has expressed it,
by pulling straws or tossing c0ppers." The
lot fell to the First Division, under COM
mand OF Brighten. Ledlie. With such a
mode of determining such question, need
1t be wondered that an elfish fate turned
up OF all the divisions the poorest-a divi-
sion fitted neither in respect of its compo-
sitipn nor Its commander for the glorious
but exacting duty assigned it.
THE EXPLOSION.
The hour for the explosion of the mine
was fixed at 30 in the morning of the
3Oth. At that hour the match was applied,
but, owing to the defective fuse employed.
the mine failed to explode. After waiting
some time, commissioned and a non
commissioned ofiicer(7) volunteered for the
perllOus duty of entering the mine and as
certaining the cause of the failure The
fuse being relighted, the mine exploded at
~ minutes past in the morning. A solid
mass OF earth. through which the exploding
powder blazed like lightning playing in a
bank OF clouds. arose slowly some 200 feet
into the air, and, hanging visibly for a few
seconds. 1t subsided, and heavy cloud of
The National tribune., 1904-07-14
SECTIONAL AND PROFILE VIEW OF TUNNEL.

| first excited only ridicule. the mine, now
that it was finished, began to receive more
i serious consideration, and il was resolved
| to bring it into play in the proposed plan
OF assault. Burnside occupied a position
very close to and within $50 wards of the
enemy's line,t2J which happened there to
form an angle, that was covered by fort.
lt was under this fort that the mine had
been run. The location of the mine did
not promise well, the fort to be destroyed
being In re-entrant of the enemy's line
and therefore exposed TO an enfilading and
reverse fire right and left.(3) Still, it was
| seen that II the crest of the ridge behind
the fort, and distant from it by only 400
yards, could be carried. it would secure
| the most important results, carrying with
| i. Petersburg: and probably large part
| OF the enemy's artillery and infantry. (4)
| About the time fixed for the assault,
which was the morning of the Both of July
there happened a conjecture Of events that
promised happy bearing on the result
! -Four days befOre-that is, on the 26th Of
July-an expeditionary force under Gen.
Hancock, consisting of the Second Corps
with two divisions of Sheridan's cavalry,
nad Deen sent to operate toward Richmond
by the north side of the James. Hancock
crossed at Deep Bottom on the night of the
10Th. with instructions to proceed RAPIDLY
to Chapin's Bluff. where Lee had estab-
lished pontoOn bridges that were his means
OF communication between the two parts of
his army. Hancock was to prevent Confed-
crate reinforcements from being sent to
the north side of the James, while Sheri-
dan with his cavalry was to proceed to the
Virginia Central Railroad, to operate to-
ward Richmond, the works of which being
| thinly held were supposed to be open to
surprise. (5) As will presently appear, how
| ever, there were circumstances that tbwart-
ed the execution OF this part Of the plan.
| sHERIDAN's PROPOSED EXPEDITION BAULKED
Fosters lodgment at Deep Bottom had
caused Lee to send body of troops to OBJ
serve him. This force held position on his
| immediate front, and had already made
one to two unsuccessful sallies to dislOdge
him. Hancock determined, next morning
to disengage this force by a turning move
ment by the right, while Foster threatened
| IT In front. The operation was successfully
accomplished, and the skirmish line Of
Miles's Brigade, of Barlow's Division, (G)
by well-executed manuver, captured four
guns. The enemy held this front weakly:
| and, when thus assailed, retired q short
distance to another line of works. behind
Bailey's Creek, where he effectually barred
Hancock 8 approach to Chapin's Bluff This
position seemed SO formidable that Hancock
preferred TO flank it. The cavalry, mean
while, moved to the right, and, By one or
| two spirited charges, gained possession Of
some high, open ground, which it was hoped
might enable it to get in the rear of the
enemy's line. Night came on, however
before anything was accomplished, and the
movement being now fully disclosed, Lee
drew to this point very heavy force from
The National tribune., 1904-07-14
Views of Comrades.

THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE exceedingly grifed
of the widows
the heading Of "The Of Married ders"
maketh
informed Men who smed batteries
There world why careful
all inevitable Of
a Spirits smorI o
be foundso
The National tribune., 1904-07-14
Widows.

Upon the death Of your soldier husband,
apply for pension promptly. 1t Is one Of
the provisions he leaves for your mainten-
ance. In most cases the pension viii COM
mence from date of application. Some
thing is lost by, delay. Write to r. w.
ShOppell, or The National T. -hune, Washs
iEgton, D. c.. and proper blank win -
mailed ynu without cost.
The National tribune., 1904-07-14
:. Lieut.. Jacob Douty and Serg't Henry

:. Lieut.. Jacob Douty and Serg't Henry
Rees. of the 4Sth Pa.
3. "On the morning of the 30th. as soon
as the mine exploded, our fire opened along
the whole line. Tie firing was from each
piece slow, deliberate AMI careful, partak-
ing Of the nature of target practice and
was very effective. YAe enemy's guns in
front of the Fifth Corps were soon s!lenced.
and his fire in front of the Ninth Corps
confined to battery on the bill behind
the mine and to one gun from another
work south of the mine, which could not
be e6ectually reached."-Hunt Report OF
Artillery Operations.
The National tribune., 1904-07-14

2. This was the pos ton secured by Grif-
fms Division. of Warren's Corps, i'm the
attack Of the 18th Of June.
3. For proof of the d.sadyantageous loca-
ton of the nine, see Meade's Report
Meade's testimony before the Court of In
quiry.-Iteport of the Conduct of the War,
p. 10. Testimony Of the Chief Engineer.
Ibid.
4. Meade's testimony.-Ibd. p. 1876.
8. Hancock Report of the Expedition to
Deep Bottom.
6. The skirmish line was composed of the
lS3d Pa. 2Sth Mass, and 2Gth Mich, un-
der Col. ]. G. Lynch.
The National tribune., 1904-07-14

at the age of 65: 6ve-sixths disabled at the
age of GS, and wholly disabled at the age
of 20. IL the claimant can not show that
he has greater disability at these respective
ages than is recited above. it is of no use
for him TO describe his ailments. 1t is a
disadvantage, in fact, because il will incur
the expense and delay Of medical examina-
ton. If claimant is in fair health for
his age, it is useless to apply for more than
is allowed by the age" order.
Any one, however. who is sure that he
is more disabled than is allowed for by the
AGE" Order should write to II. w.
Shoppell. or The National Tribune, WASH
ington, ID. c., and proper blank viii bs
mailed him without cost.
The National tribune., 1904-07-14

THE LAW OF JUNE q. 1890. AND THE NEW
"AGE" ORDER.
The laws Of June %, 1890, and May 8,
1900. provide for a pension. according to
degree of disability, from Sc to $12 per
month for any soldier of the War of the
Rebellion who served 90 days and was hon
orably discharged.
The new AGE" Order simply says that
any claimant who has arrived at the age
of 62, or 65, or 6S, or 20, is presumed with
out further proof (and, inferentially, with
out examlnation) to be suffering disability
sufficient to warrant So a month pension
at age of G.; $S month at age of 65; $40
a month at age Of 68 and $12 a month at
age Of 20.
To Those Who Have Never Ap-
piled for Pension.
We urge upon these comrades that
it is their duty to apply. II many are so
well-to-do that they do not need it. they
can apply the money to help those who
do need it. Under this "AGE"
Order an application can be made
that, in most cases. does not involve ex-
animation, which probably removes Q fea-
ture- that was, objectionable :. to many.
Write to 3. W. shoppell or The National
The National tribune., 1904-07-14
THE NINE FlAScO.

Promising Plan to Bloody Disaster-Where
the Fault Lay.
1t required no clearer demonstration than
that already given in the unpromising re-
suits of the several assaults made against
the Confederate lines. to show that the diff
cult problem of the capture of Petersburg
had passed beyond that stage at which sue
cess might be hoped from expedients. par
tial efforts, and coups de main. The task
was one of the first magnitude. in which
anauspicous issue was only to he expected
from systematic operations and weH-cOn-
sidered combination of effort. This will be
manifest from a brief description of the
relative situation of the opposing armies.
The National tribune., 1904-07-14
DIAGRAM OF CRATER.

Petersburg. In the morning hs assumed
the offensive, drove back Sher: dan from his
advance on the New, Market and Long
Bridge roads. and. though that officer was
and finally drive off his assailants, it be-
came obvious that his proposed expedition
was banked.
Ddring the 2Sth and following day Han
The National tribune., 1904-07-14

black smoke foated of. The explosion of
the mine was the signal for simulta-
neous outburst Of artillery fire from the
various batteries. This had the effect Of
leading division under Ledlie then advanced
to the charge. The place darmes was,
however. very restricted: no proper de-
bonches had been prepared for the assault
The National tribune., 1904-07-14

i. Report Of an Examination OF the
Snemys Lines, July q, by Gen. Hunt.
Shief OF Artillery, and Mai. Duane, Chief
Engineer.
The National tribune., 1904-07-14
Preliminary Report

o
Iwasi m
md
Twas
as- -------
"S""''
The National tribune., 1904-07-14
THE EXTRA COPY.

A1 extra copy 10 mailed 70 some sab
0erihefs this weak for distribution %
soldiers Who are net subscribers, that
thsir attention nay b called 70 "Ths
Solemn Duty Of Married Soldiers"
The National tribune., 1904-07-14

sCensiaass ON sasssd pass.,,
The National tribune., 1904-07-14

An extra copy 10 mailed to some sub
seribers this week for distribution to
soldiers who are not Subscribers, that
their attention may be called to "The
Solemn Duty Of Married Soldiers"
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-04-04
GRASS ON CANAL BANKS.
Recent Experiments Show That 1s Prevents the Washing Away
 of the Earth.

The engineers in charge of the wor8 of maintaining the Suez canal have din~ covered that the best of all methods os protecting the banks from crnmhling and decay is provided hy the natural growth of reeds which fringe the ehAm- nel for some distance below IsmasliA on the African side. and some rathcR Interesting attempts have been iatalR made to plant new beds in other parxa of the canal.
 It is stated that the local species of reed with which the sxpsrimenf has been so far made will not live in salk or very brackish water in the early stages of it's growth, though it win bear transplantation later, and that ak present the serviceableness of ths natural means of pTotection is eonses Quently limited.
 Where the water is sufficiently freq from brine. however, the network o& roots is found to put a facing on th& loose soil of the hanks more successful and permanent than 8 wall of brick oR stone, and 1t would probably not bs difficult to discover and establish some coarse sedge or other plant of the se& marshes
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-04-04
 THROW PRAYERS. AT IDOL.
If They Stick the Petitions of the Japanese Worshiper Will Be
 Answered

One of the most curious phases of idolatry exists in Japan, where on the sacred road to Nikko is located an idol about which centers one of the most peculiar Worships in the world Upon the surface of the statue are seen little pieces of what appears to be dried paper. If you stand by the idol for awhile and wait for 8 worshiper to come along. you will see what these bits of paper are. The devotee hadts in front of the image, then scribbles a prayer on a bit of pa per. The wad he then chews up into a ball and hurls at the god. If it hits the face and sticks the prayer is sure to be answered, and the pious pilgrim goes away happy. If the ball sticks to some portion of the body the omen Is not quite SC propitious and If it falls to the ground there Is absolutely no hope.
 Such mode of prayer is even more curious than the praying wheels of the Buddhists, who set the wheel revolving and reel off prayers by machinery. As John l.. Stoddard, the lecturer, says: 3tOne sees. of course, numberless strange rites connected with religion in travel ing about the world, but Japan is the only land I have ever visited where deities serve as targets for masticated prayers ]"
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-04-04
TOM coeAN.
Miss Roosevelt Won Money on the
 Hunters Steeplechase Winner.

5
 Miss Roosevelt Won Money on the
 Hunters steeplechase Winner.
 WASHINGTON, April 4. Clubhouse, grand stand and grounds of the Ben nings course were crowded to reple. tion. the attraction being the fifth run. ming of the Spring Hunters steeple- chase. This race annually attracts a great concourse, which was supple mented by many admirers of cross country sport from New York, Phila- delphia, Baltimore aAd various towns of Virginia.
 The race proved to be in every re spect a satisfactory exhibition of clev. CT jumping and fearless riding, and when the green jacket worn by Thom- as Hitchcock, Jr.'s, coIored jockey, C.. Green, who rode his four year-old Tom Cogan. was seen to be overhauling the fast tiring Dalliance and Montrip in the run through the stretch there was q great shout from those who like to bet on horses from this well managed, sportsmanlike stable. Tom Cogan won, carrying some large commissions, which made him fayorite over Dal- liance, who is owned by a Canadian turfman, Major Forester, a well known patron of this class of sport.
 Miss Alice Roosevelt, who was in the clubhouse inclosure, was one of the lucky packers of the Winner, although she lost small amount on some of the other races.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-04-04
TEN EYCK MARRIED
Former Amateur Champion Welded
 Miss Boyden Secretly Last June.

Westboro, Mass, April 4.E. IT. Ten Eycl exchampion amateur scul- Ter has gone to Philadelphia to coach q crew. His departure came to light as the result of an attempt to inter- view him with reference to the pub lished challenge of James Wray.
 Ten Eyck has long be wooing Miss Eva Boyden of this town and the knowledge that he had been i'll the habit of visiting Westborr occasion ally led the correspondent to make inquiries at the Boyden house regard ing his present whereabouts,
 Not only was the fact of MT Ten Eyck's departure for Philadelphia learned in that way, but also another fact Miss Boyden is in reality Mrs Ten Eyck and has been such for many months. The explanation given by Mrs Boyden, the young woman's s mother, is that MT Ten Eyck and her daughter went to New York last June and were married. The. couple kept it secret. z she said because her daughter is exceedingly sensitive and was afraid of being "jollied by her mates in q Worcester establishment ill which she was working at the time
 Mrs Ten Eyclz accompanied her bus band on his trip to Philadelphia.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-04-04
NOTES OF THE BOXERS.

Arthur Cripps. the Australian mid dieweight, is matched to fight Jack williams next Friday night before the National 4. C., Philadelphia.
 Casper Leon will make his reap pearance in the ring tonight in Balti- more He is scheduled to box Jimmy F'arTen of that city before the Column bia 4. c. The boys will go ten rounds at 112 pounds.
 One year ago Philadelphia Jack O'Brien gave it as his opinion that Kid Mccoy was the greatest fighter in the light heavyweight class. Now o'Brien is anxious to get on bout with Mccoy.
 Joe Walcott has side-stepped a meeting with Young Peter Jackson, saying he is the toughest man in the ring to-day Jackson meets Joe But Ter for six rounds in Philadelphia next Thursday night.
 There have been many arguments in San Francisco over Referee Gra- nevis decision in the Britt-Corbett fight, and some of them have ended in rear fights. The Frisco soprts agree that Britt must fight Corbett again. i He may put Cerbett of for year, as Corbett did him, but eventually the public will force Britt into match.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-04-04
RASERALI NOTES.

s.I've got a slow one that is 2 cross between a Dad Clarke foater and Crazy Schnoidt's lob. I've also got T new one called the Della Fox curl. Then there's the loop-the-loop, the crazo, the ice-tongs, and a few other curves, and ought to be pretty good, { is the modest way Harry Howell speaks Of his ability as a pitcher.
 Denny Reardon who pitched for Roger Conner in Waterbury and two seasons ago was a good umpire in this league. has succeeded Tom DoWd as coach of the Amherst college team. Reardon Is a good judge of a ball player and ought to be able to help the Amherst college boys materially.
 Manager Lake of Lowell has been in communication with several old timers. The men in question are Tommy Lovett. the old Brooklyn twirler. Amos Rusie. the former New York slab artist, Jack Stivetts, former W of the Bostons. and Al Hemming, tho old-time Baltimore twirler, who was with Montreal last season. If he gets them he will start an old men home
 Bob Unglaub, formerly of Meriden, has little show of playing regularly on the New American team this sea son with Ganzel. Williams, Conroy and Elberfeld in shape. On the southern trip he is playing as often with the opposing club as he is with GriffithS bunch.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-04-04

April 19-Carlisle Indians at Cars lisle.
 April -Bloomsburg at Blooms burg.
 April -Mercersburg at Mereers- burg.
 April 27--Gettysburg at Gettysburg, April 2S-State college at Belleport. April 29-State college at Belleport. April 3Ov-Bucknell university at Lewisburg.
 May 2--Columbia university at Nil- lanova.
 May e-Univ Maryland 1t Balt- more.
 May 1o-Galleaudette at Washing ton
 May 11-Columbian university at Washington
 May 12--Mt St. Mary's at Emmitts- buzz.
 May 14Lehigh university at Villa nova.
 May Georgetown university at Villanova.
 May 24 Syracuse university at yil- lanova.
 May 26-susauehanna university at Villanoya.
 May 2S-G llaudette at Nil1anoya, May 30-Phillips Exeter at Exeter. May 30-Philips lAndover at An dover.
 June 1-Fordham at New York June T-Bueknell university at Vii. IanCya