davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
JAPs REACH CHE FOO.
sailors Who Sank Vessels in por
 Arthur Har11o~

sailors Who Sank Vessels in Port
 Arthur Harbor.
 Che FOO. Feb. &.-The Japanesa ~aii. ors Who arrived here Saturday are from the hinsen Mura and the Bushiu two or the hve merchant vessels with which Aomiral Togo attempted to block, the en- trance to Port Arthur on the morning of the 24th. Lieutenant Sailo commanded the Jinsen Maru. and Lieutenant Tarisaka the Bushiu. Each steamer was manned by thirty men. One man of Lieutenan Inf Sailos command was killed while lower Ing a boat on the Jensen Maru.
 The details Of how the steamers were taken into the entrance to the harbor and sunk are being withheld by the sailors, but Lieutenant sailo stated that they got so close to the Retvtsan that had they been armed with rifles they could have fired into her crew.
 When 1t was found the scheme was a failure they dropped anchor and the crews crowded into the remaining boats. They then blew up the steamers. A strong wind and the glare of the lights prevented the men from reaching the tor pedo fotilla, and at daylight they were out of slght of the fleet. having been driven in an easterIy direction by the wind to the Mao Tao Island. which they reached the same evening, The boats did not land together, but the tnen found each other on the islands. They chartered a junk in which they went to Tungchow Foru. They walked forty miles to Che Foo. going two days without food. The fate of the crews of the other steamers Is not known by the men here.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
REFORM OF THE ARMY.
REPORT OF THE LORD rsHER'
 COMMITTEE.
Most Important Departure Urged Is the Creation of General Stan. Frederick System
 Abolished.

London, Feb. 2S.-The second report cs the Lord Fischer committee has f%fn ls- sued and gives details of the proposed war office reform.
 Tho most important recommendation of the committee consists of a department devoting undivided attention to military problems in the widest sense and body of officers occupied in time of peace in the field" the organization of the army by brigades lnsted of army cofps. the creation of five generals commanding in chief' com manding troops in five districts, freed from routine work, which will hence- forth be entrusted to eight administra- tive districts under major generals, and the abolition of the linked batilion sys- tenn.
 With a view to ensuring the infusion of new blood, the committee urges four years as the maxim period during which an fiicer shall serve as military member of the army council. He should then re- sume active service for at least one year before again serving in the council. Tho same rule. the committee urges, should be enforced throughout the military staff of the war office.
 In order to emphasize the allegiance O. the army to the king, the committee re. commends that nobody except the king or his representative abroad should hold levees and the committee also urges that no levees should be held except by royal command,
 A feature of the report which meets with general approval is the final disap- pearanee of the Brodrick system involved in the abolition of the army corps with the exception of the first, or expedition ary army corps at Aldershot, which Is still retained.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29

the harbor of Port Arthur. The report was to the effect that four battleships and two transports had been sunk and this created so much enthusiasm that ses- sion of the council of the Empire imme- diately ordered a to deum.
 A member of the council just from the winter palace burst into the session and said: Gentlemen, countermand the or der Only four old steamers were sunk. The Emperor does not wish thanksgiv- ing service to be held"
 k In connection with this attempt on Port Arthur, a story is current here that the ships sent in were painted to represent warships and that on arriving close to the channel they dropped contact mines. This story, however. lacks confirmation from any authoritative quarters.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
TWOMAlL CLERKS SHOT
ONE KILLED AND OTHER BAD
 LY WOUNDED.
Crazy Negro Boards Alabama Great Southern Train at Meridian and Uses Pistol With
 Deadly Effect.

Birmingham, Aia.. Feb. 2s-A negro supposed to be crazy shot and killed Pos tai Clerk Stockton and possibly fatally wounded Postal Clerk Bass on the north bound Alabama Great Southern train No. 3 just two miles this side of Meridian this morning at 1:30 o'clock. The negro evidently boarded the train when 1t made its stop in Meridian.
 A posse with bioodhounds Is on the trail of the negro and it Is thought he will be caught, as latest reports state that the hounds were started within an hour Of the hold-up.
 The train was backed to Meridian where two other clerks were secured and 1t proceeded on it's way. It is due here at 5:45 this morning. The first reports of the affair stated that 1t was an at tempt to hold up the train with view to robbing 1t. but when 1t was discovered that there was only one hishwaynaan and judging from his actions 1t vas de- cided that the negro was craxys The initials and the homes of the two clerks are unknoyn here
 Details are rather meagre as only hrisf messages have been received at the local dispatcher's oftice of the Alabama Great Southern.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
RUSSIANS CROSS THE YALU
 AND DISPERSE KOREAN TROOPS

preached the Japanese fleet and then retired. being unable to entice the enemy to engage them.
 From . long range two shells struck in the city. The Retvizan is serviceable as an auxiliary fort. but the foreign en- gineer has abandoned the hope of rais- ing her. as the patching on the forty foot cleft made by a Japanese torpedo has given way. and stopped progress, and the Russian engineers have fnterfered with the original plans of raising the vessel
 The Czarvitch Is kept afioat by constant pumping: the Novik has been repaired and the Paliada has been docked.
 Repeated attacks by the Japanese dur ing the past week have resulted in the constant shifting of the troops. includ- Ing the naval contingent organized from the crews of disabled and idle warships, to all parts of the defenses and also to the hinterland.
 Refugees who have arrived here re- port that the Russians monentarily fear a land investment of Port Arthur from Pigeon Bay.
 Four trains of Russian refugees from points south of Taschischias went north yesterday. One American citizen and two British subjects who were expelled rom Fort Arthur without being given the right to remove their property, de- ciare they were expelled because of alleged relations with newspaper cores pondents. which charge they say was untustihable. though the authorities de- ciare they are justified in expellinR all fence.
 The authorities have refused to permit tne British Captain Riddle to take his snip. the Foxton Hall to Che Foo. It is unuers.ooo' If the ship is released a Rus sian skipper will be sent with bS, so- .h. purpose of preventing intelligence os ths russians opjeratIons being given to inc Japanese blockaders. '''s
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
CENSORSHIP IN JAPAN.
Hldylaslzf Says ExiNencies of War tf Compel It


 London. Feb. 2s.-In reference to the severity of the censorship exercised by the Japanese government over the news despatches. Baron Hayashi, the Japanese minister to England, said to the Asso- ciated Press to-day:
 T have had numerous representa- tions from English and other newspapers on this subject, but believe that out po- sition is not only right but will be ad- mitted to be such by those who look into the circumstances.
 We are fighting against numerical odds which are quite out of proportion to the odds against any combatant in recent wars. We are fighting for our existence and our hope of maintaining 1t is to strike out swiftly and secretly at the beginning. To get in the first blows means more to us thans think, 1t ever meant to any belligerent. and to insure thls it is vital for us to demand a system of secrecy which had not been necessary in even re- cent warfare. Even at the risk of alien atipg temporarily the. friendship of the press of the world, we must prevent even whisper of our intentions reach ing our powerful enemy.
 Before war was declared know that our military authorities had decided that our censorship must be more rigid than ever before attempted. One line would thur-one line might ruin our projected land operations
 When we fought China we gave the war correspondent free latitude and in many eases they took advantage of this to predict our movements That did not matter much when China was our enemy, but against a power like Russia, so im- mensely superior in eventual resource, 1t might turn the scale. When you fight for life, everything else becomes of minor importance.
 T cannot believe that Japan will lose friends hecausR she has heax nhlIOaH to impose such a censorship. I do not think that the present rigor of the censorship will be continued very long, but mo- mentarily the conditions of the campaign make even insignificant movements clues towards our main naval and military ob- 5ectiyes. When our operations are conn plete, have no doubt the censorship will be relaxed.
 "orr own press and people are under going the same regime. There Is no dis crimination and I think you will find as much If not more news of the war from the, Japanese side in the New York and London papers as you will in the lead ing Japanese papers.
 The Baron does not expect that his government will issue any proclamation of the blockade of Port Arthur until the Japanese are able to cut the com munications by which food supplies now reach that place. He points out that New Chwang is practically blockaded by the ice. When the ice breaks up and if the naval necessity still exists, the minister says that Japan probably will issue a blockade proclamation.
 It does not look as. if there would be any immediate serious land action, but 1t appears probable that Admiral Togo may make an attempt to bottle up Port Ar thur by sinking across the channel one of the old captured Chinese battleshIps captured in the var between China and Iauaul
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
DISREGARD OF TIE LAW
InhuIlan Practices Tend tos
 Spread.
No shadOw of Excuse for Dspartux< from Legal Forms when Muz-
 der is ths Crime charg~
 sd. He ssys.

Birmingham. Feb. zs-~The Ass@Fzer- al1 tomorrow will publish the xoiloqF~ l ing letter from Booker IT. Washington. Within the last fortnight three msnn@ befs of my race have been burned at kne stake; of these one was a woman N0& lone of the three vas charged with any crime even remotely connected with sh1 abuse of white woman In every nnAa murder was the sole accusntion.. All of these burnings took place in broad dAx- llght and two of them occurred on Sunday afternoon In sight of Christian church. Tn the midst of the nations huav as;8 prosptrous life few. fear, take tfSnA fp consider whera these brutal and snnan1an practices are leading us. The custom r{ burning human beings has hecouha s0 common as scarcely to excite interest or attract unusual adtenki0ns
 Condemns the Grimes.
 have always been among those who condemned In tho strongest terms crimes of whatever character committed hw members of my race, and Is Iscon4egnu them now with equal severity: but maintain that the only protection of our civilizas tion ls a fair and calm trial of all the people charged with crime and in fhelk legal punishmenk if proved guilty.
 There is no shadow of excuse uf de- parture from legal methods in inc eases Of individuals accused of murder. ThN laws are as a rule made by the Whlke
  hands of the white people, SO that fherH is little probability cf any guilty eoioFsd man escaping.
 sThese burnings without trina arc ks the deepest aense unjust to my Eacs5 but tt is not this inauatice alone whieh sklfa my heart Thes barbAr0ns scenes followed. as they arc. hy the publicufioR of the shocking details arc more diaRFana fsll and degrading to the people who sil~ tiict the punishment than theSe who xAs esive iE
 uisreRard of Law
 IF khe law g AisrsKaF4a4 sefeh m4HY4 is concerned, it will soon ha 6lsregaraa1 when white mss is eoncaknsd and hs- 1ld&ss She rule oz tA& ns66 neSSt1S8 xiSa friendly rslatioass which nfacaid exist be- tween the races and injures and inter- feres with the material prosperity of the communities concerned.
 Worst of ali these outrages take place in communities where there are Christian churches; in the midst of people who have their Sunday schools, their Chris tian Endeav0r societies and Young Mems Christian Association, where collections are taken up for sending missionaries to Africa and China and the rest of che so- called heather world.
 "Is It not possible for pulpit and press to speak out against these burninas in A manner that shall arouse a public sanki- ment that will compel the mob to caasa Insulting our courts, our Governors ana our legal authority; cease bringing shame and ridicule upon our Christian civflInaz ton? Booker T Washington. s''TusSegee, Ala. Feb. 22. 1904.''
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
ELECTIONS IN CUBA.
Republicans Will Remain in Char,

Havana, Feb. 2s-The ConRresslonal elections, the first ever conducted enffre@ ly under Cuban auspices, were duiet ana well conducted. Predictions of aisturb- ances at certain points caused some ap. prehension. but so far as reported nothA ing unusual occurred
 Secretary of the Interior Yero and Gen. eral Rodriguez. commander of the rural guards. received dispatches throuRhouf the day from all parts of the island ard informed the Associated Press that not iu 6 single instance was disorder reporEsdv Cienfuegoes, which was the scene of 6ls4 turbances during tho campaign, was nd exception to this freedom from disorder. Rural guards had been placed there with view to their quick availability should they be needed, but they were found to be unnecessary.
 The Government ofElcaaI say that the peaceful election shows the competency of the Cubans for self government.
 While the Liberal representation in tie lower house of Congress appears to have been increased by several seats the small Republican majority in the Senate wflR prevent any radical change of policy
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
A World,a Fair Ranlr-

St. Louis, Feb. 2s.-To facilitate the handling of large sums of money during the Exposition period. seventeen of the largest banks and trust companies 0f St Louis have organized the Bankers Worlds Fair National Bank, chartered by the federal government and capitAiiE- ed at $20,0oa The specific purpose of the bank Is to have a convenient depository for the government funds, the gate re- ceipts of the worlds Fair and the con cesstonaries and for all those who wish to deposit their money for safe keeping. The bank will be located inside the grounds and will cease to exist with the close of the exposition.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
JAP VEssETg DIsABLED.

Che Foo. Feb. 28.--whiIe the Japanese report that their fleet was unscathed in their latest attempt on Port Arthur, they are using every endeavor in attempting to prevent details of any injury to the Japanese fleet from leaking out,
 Survivors are said to be from sunxen junk trnrsports who landed here are not allowed to see any one. They will be sent homo on parole. The original fleet in front of Port Arthur consisted of six teen ships. Two battIeships and dis patch boat are missing. It Is learned from two sources that two of the missing warships were taisen, to Sasebo in 6 dis @bied condition. .. ....
 It is being circulated among the Chinese that Port Arthur has fallen.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
no BafIe. Yellow Jack.

Mexico City. Feb. 2S.-In representa- ton of President Diaz at Vera Cruz yes- terday, Minister of Public sWorzs Lean dro Fernandez inaugurated the new waterworlxs and inspected the new sewer system. Sir w. Pearson. the British contractor to whom this great work has of local authorities and people In hyiegene reforms there would come about com pIete banishment of yellow fever from the city Of Vera Cruz and in few years citizens would have forgotten what yel- low fever was.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
BOY WAS MURDERED.
Remains of Raymond ourrse youn

Remains of Raymond Curr4s Found
 Near Jacksonville.
 Jacksonville. Fla. Feb. 2s.--On New Years day. 1908. Raymond Currie, a F. year-old son of D. J. Currie, disappeared. Today his bones were found in a clump of palInettoes. three miles north of Jackson vile.
 The remains were Identified by the boys clothing. The skull had been fractured by a blunt weapon. About two weeks ago a rusty crowbar was found near where the boys bones were found today. It is supposed that he was killed with this.
 He was last seen riding a blcycle This was not found
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
auicida in camataru

Louisville, Ky, Feb. &.-LyinR beside the grave of his wife which he had inva. riably visited. rain or shine, three times a week since her death, eight years ago the body of George T. Cook, a retired contractor, was found in Cave FiII Gem etery today. Death had been caused by a bullet wound in the right temple and the dead hand still clutched revolver one chamber of which was empty. Cool was 55 years old and had gEieved con stantly since his wifes death.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
KRUezn WEARS THn CRAVE.
Intellect and Health of the old Bosr
 Tuarafrn8

&&1tAt4348Ae ], St. Louis, Feb. 8 LA lefter received by General Benjamin VilJosn. formerly oi the Boer army announced that former President Kruger of the Boer Republic, is slowly dying as an exile at Mentone, France, and that pr. Reitz. State Secr8- stary under President Kruger. is also an exile in Holland and . constant sufferer from nsrvous prostratiou, General
 My information regarding Kruger comes from member of his household. His mind is falling evidently his health is very poor and 1t is apparent to those close to him that tho end is approaching. He lives In almost seciusion ana never convsrses with any one. His ccmpafriots applied unsuccessfully to the British Gov ernrnent for permission for his return to South Africa to spend tho last days of his life in his native country.
 Mr. Kruger is sI years of aga At che beginning of the Boex war he was in nar- feet health and sound in intellect, Our defeat seems to have shattered his asnbi- ton and the loss of his wife and youngest son has left an unbeatable wound h his heart.'
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
LAPS COMPELLED TO RETLRE;AT.

St. Petersburg. Feb. 28.-A dispatch re- ceiyed here from Liao Chang. and dated February 8, says that Chinese on the Yalu River report that an advance guard of Russian cavalry, which had penetrated Korea for distance of about 200 versts across the river. had an encounter with a detachment of Japanese, and the latter were compelled to retreat, leaving their horses. which were seized by Cossacks. General Linevitch despatched cavalry and a body of infantry in pursuit with an or der to occupy Northern Korea.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
TariR ia Exfandad.

St. Petersburg. Feb. 2s,-A decision oi the Council of Ministers approved by the Emperor and published today, extends for period of one year the tariE on Euro pean imports to Russia, which was fixed February %. 1908. A similar extension of time Is made in the case of free admis- sion of tin. plate used in the manufacture of kerosene barrels and also on packing cases used in the export trade.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
AS TOLD BY A RUSSIAN.
Great Heroism Shown by Crew of
 fhA Mnvfk


 London, Feb. 29.-A Russian correspon- dent of the Associated Press at Port Arthur cabling under yesterdays date describes the combat between the Rus sian cruiser Novik and the Japanese who attempted to bottle up the Russian fleet in Port Arthur Feb. A as follows:
 "The Novik impetuously bearing down on the squadron of the enemy was ob- served to fire on the Japanese flagship and she then immediately opened fire with all her batteries. The Japanese answered with running fire.
 ''The gu1s of our squadron thundered ard the batteries of the forts roared. The battle had begun. The Novik. going at full speed. did not give the enemy a chance to aim. but flew by. her bow guns beIching forth solid shot Then. turn ing at full speed she showered them with shells from her stern batteries.
 'The Novick was in the very midst of the enemy's fire and shells hlssed past and fell close by, raising tremendous columns of water.
 ''The officers remained cool and calm SgSn.ak4,zsn0a Nrz D0o.a Ufwra
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
Twn rnrfnaaru Rillaa

San Francisco, Feb. S.--The west bound California Limited and the east bound Overland Limited collided a few miles south of Richmond to-day. Both en- gineers were killed. A misplaced switch caused the accident. Abram Taylor. who threw the switch open, Is under arrest He asserts that he was signalled by Ern- gineer Bennett to open the switch and obeyed without realizing the conse- uuenceS.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
RErv1zAN BLOCKS CHANNEL
Vessels Can Leave or Enter Only al
 Hiph Tide.

High I1ue. =, London. Feb, 29.-The correspondent or The Standard at Tientsin under date or February 2s in a despatch speaks of the Japanese fanking movement on Kirin as promising to be the most effective blow vet struck. This is probably re-echo of the Japanese landing at Possiet Bay which has not yet been given any au- thentic confirmation.
 The Daily Mails Newchwang corres- pondent says that the Retvizan is fast across the middle entrance of the harbor of Port Arthur and that there is only room for vessels to pass between her stern and the eastern side at high water.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
Concarninr the balkan.

Rome, Feb. 8.-Negotiations are pro- ceedlnR between Russia, Austria and Italy, with a view to reaching a complete concerning the questions affecting the Balkans, in which these governments are interested. They are intended to look into any possin:e even tualities with the object of avoiding dis a axreements fin the future.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
ACC1DnNT TO THE PLANT.
Steamer is Beaohed to Prevent Ha


 Going Down.
 Chester. Pa, Feb. S.-The steamship Ms P. Plant, captain Birdsall. from Bruns- wick for Philadelphia with cargo of ties which was beached near Marcus Hook last night to prevent her from sindnEs is still ashore.
 The vessel has a hole 9 to eight Inches in the port bow below the water line caused by heavy foe in the Delaware riv- CT. The steamer was making her way slowly up the river late yesterday afters noon against the lee. When off Marcus Hook the vessel suddenly listed and Cap tain Birdsall dropped anchor. An exaui- nation showed a hole in the port bow and it was believed that if the steamer had not beached she would sink. The anchor was quickly weighed and the big vessel was run on the mud bank. At high tide her deck at the stern Is awash A driver is at work repairing the
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
Fire in WashinptOn Hotel.

Washington. Feb. 28.-The Elsmere Hotel was damaged to the extent of $i0,- 900 by fire today. The whole interior was ruined or damaged by water and smoke Several Congressmen, including Messrs Klutz, Pou, Steenerson and Small, were among the guests at the house and these with the other occupants were obliged to find shelter elsewhere until repairs are made.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-29
MINn OWNER MESSING.
Whereabouts of Guy N. Dean is ur

Greensboro. Ky. Feb. 2s.-Guy N. Dean of Greensboro. one of the most prominent coal operators of the South. is missing His family know nothing concerning lsis whereabouts. Foul play is suspected Miss. for 0wensboro, Thursday. Febrn- ary IA Until today no c1sw as to his past whereabouts was obtained. It is claimed today Dean was seen in Greensboro Fri- day night. February 10 at the home of Mrs. ". c. Hardwick. a widow and dis tant relative of the missing man Mrs. Hardwick says he remained at her house only few minutes and came for aociaf cau. but while there he seemed to be ex- cited He married Susan Grifslth, one of the best known young women of tho South. His busfness partners claim his financial affairs are all right.