The Galveston Daily News. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 55, No. 294, Ed. 1 Tuesday, January 12, 1897 Page: 4 of 8
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THE GALVESTON DAILY NEWS, TUESDAY. JANUARY 12. 1897.
Jluihi Jlems
A. H. BELO & CO., Publishers.
Also of The Dallas Morning News, Dallas,
Tex.
Distance between the two publication of-
fices, 315 miles.
Entered at the Fostoffiee at Galveston as
Becond class matter
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1897.
THE NEWS' TRAVELING AGENTS.
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D. Linthicum, Ed A. Gebhard. K. Womack
and A. J. Sowell. A. H. BELO & CO.
December 15, 1896.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC.
Any erroneous reflection upon the
character, standing; or reputation of
any person, llrm or corporation,
\Vhleli may appear in the columns of
♦'The News," will be tfladly corrected
upon its being brought to the atten-
tion of the publishers.
DEATH OF COLONEL SINCLAIR.
The older citizens of Galveston were
shocked last night on receipt of the news
of the sudden death of Colonel William H.
Sinclair yesterday at Rochester, N. Y.
Mr. Sinclair has been closely identified
with the growth of Galveston since the
civil war. In 1861, at' the age of 21, he en-
tered the federal service as a private and
ro^e to the rank of colonel. He was
throughout the war conspicuous because of
his bravery and ability. Soon after the
war he settled permanently at Galveston
and became closely identified with the
city's interests. He was sent to the
Twelfth legislature, where he was elected
speaker of the house. He later held the
position of internal revenue collector and
was postmaster at Galveston under Pres-
ident Harrison's administration. Galves-
ton's fine system of street railway is in
large measure the result of his energy.
He was the organizer of the Brush elec-
.tric light company and the Island City
ice company and was the founder of the
Beach hotel. He was a Mason, a Shrlner,
a Knight of Honor, a member of the Army
of the Cumberland and of the Grand Army
of the Republic. He was a loving husband
and a good father. Since the death of his
wife, in August, 1895, Colonel Sinclair had
not been the same jovial spirit of former
years. It was apparent to his closest
friends that he never got over the ter-
rible blow he suffered in the loss of the
gentle helpmate of his inaturer years.
William H. Sinclair was one of the most
enterprising citizens Galveston has ever
ligd. To enumerate his sterling qualities,
he was generous to a fault, always just,
kind and true. He possessed the esteem
and honor of all who came in contact with
him. It is said by his friends that his
mission to New York was to work up an
enterprise to be started in Galveston.
In his death Galveston meets with a
greet loss.
AFRAID TO FACE THE MUSIC.
Senator Sherman has written a letter, in
which he declares that he is opposed to the
policy of retiring the greenbacks, since,
with a gold reserve of $100,000,000, they save
the interest on $246,000,000 and give no trou-
ble in ordinary times. The important thing
about the statement is not the argument he
urges against the retirement of these notes,
but the fact that he opposes such retire-
ment. Senator Sherman is regarded as the
highest financial authority in the republican
party, and it is fair to assume that his op-
position to the retirement of the greenbacks
will have more weight with his party than
any movement in favor of retirement in-
spired from any other course which may be
commenced in republican circles. If Sher-
man is speaking for his party, there is in-
deed little hope for currency reform dur-
ing the McKinley administration. It would
be discounting Senator Sherman's intelli-
gence to assume that he regards the green-
back feature of our financial system as
either prudent or desirable. He is well con-
versant with the entire history of the legal
tender currency, and has observed the evils
it has precipitated upon the country in the
way of shaking confidence in our financial
system and in propagating among tho
masses the idea that the government can
make money with paper and presses. Yet
the senator is not willing for the republi-
can party to undertake the removal of this
flatistic monster, which is now retarding
the wave of prosperity which McKinley is
supposed to precede. Plainly, it seems that
the republican party Is bankrupt of the
courage which Is requisite for a proper set-
tlement of to-day's problems. It is afraid to
brave the furies of liatism which would
break forth at the first move toward the
retirement of the greenbacks. It prefers to
trust to luck for a temporary return of
good times in the hope that it may pull
through without arousing a storm, so as to
have a smooth road in 1900. All sound
money men are agreed that tho first step in
the direction of adequate' currency reform
is to retire these demand obligations of the
government. We will never have a rational
financial system until this step is taken,
and depend upon it. we will never see a i
general revival of enterprise and the pro- I
gresslve development of the country's re-
sources until the uncertainty as to what a
dollar consists of is removed. If good times
are not forthcoming in due season after
McKinley steps in, the republican party
will get a deadly touch of righteous doom ,
in the elections of 1898 and 1900.
THE LIBEL
PENNSYL
LAW IS
VANIA.
The Philadelphia Times has won in the
supreme court of Pennsylvania the libel
case in which a man named Smith recov-
ered against it a judgment in the lower
court for $45,000. In the fall of 1892 in
warning the people against Mr. Smith, who
was actively engaged in municipal politics,
tire Times alleged that he, as mayor of
tho city, had formerly been impeached for
misappropriating city funds; that as col-
onel of a (militia) regiment he had been
tried by a court martial and dismissed
from the service for misappropriating mil-
itary funds; also that he had put out
worthless checks, and had "skipped" to
avoid his creditors. On the trial of the
case all these charges were shown to be
true save the last. Mr. Smith had not
"skipped" to avoid his creditors. The pub-
lishers of the Times admitted that there
was not sufficient evidence to substantiate
this charge, which really amounted to
nothing after the graver accusations had
been shown to be true. In mitigation of
damages the defendant proved the impeach-
ment, the dismissal from the military, ser-
vice, and the existence of outstanding and
unpaid Smith checks. Evidence was also
offered that the appearance of the alleged
libelous matter in. the Times was as com-
plete a surprise to all the officers of the
company—Editor McClure and Publisher
McLaughlin Included—as to Smith himself.
In the course of the trial some extraordina-
ry incidents occurred, showing clearly that
the jury was stocked and that the court
house was rank with dangerous politics.
Counsel for the defendant asked the judge
at side-bar to withdraw a juror and con-
tinue the case to the next term, giving for
reason the conduct of a member of the jury
who had twice been seen to leave the box,
just before the beginning of the day's pro-
ceedings, and engage in talk with the plain-
tiff. Judge Gordon said the-motion must
be made in open court. Counsel protested,
but the judge was immovable. Because of
this and the license allowed to the plain-
tiff's lawyers in questioning witnesses, Edi-
tor McClure, the other members of the
Times company and their counsel left the
court room. The judge charged the jury
that if they found express malice or wan-
tonness in the publication complained of, it
was a case for exemplary damages. The
jury gave Smith a verdict for $45,000. A mo-
tion for a new trial was promptly denied.
The Times publishing company took an ap-
peal, giving security in the sum of $90,000.
The supreme <?ourt has reversed the judg-
ment. Mr. Justice Mitchell delivered the
opinion, in which all the justices concur.
The following is a portion of the opinion:
We are still constrained to believe that
the penalty was disproportionate to the of-
fense, and that the interests of public jus-
tice and the administration of the law,
which always suffer in the reaction from
undue severity, require that the verdict
should not be allowed to stand. .As to the
exact forjn which the order shall take the
court is not entirely agreed. It \A customa-
ry in setting aside verdicts as excessive,
for tlie common pleas to fix an amount
which in their judgment would not be un-
reasonable, and to give the party the choice
to accept it or take the chances of a new
trial. Speaking for myself, I think that
course should be pursued here. The plain-
tiff has won a signal victory, and I do not
think that he should be deprived of the
whole fruits of it except at his own option.
I would, therefore, name a sum, which,
though large and substantial, would not
have been deemed unreasonable had the
jury fixed it, and would give plaintiff the
choice to reduce the verdict to that
amount or go to another jury. But the
majority of my brethren think it inexpe-
dient to enter into the consideration of
amounts, and in obedience to their direc-
tion the verdict must be set aside general-
ly. Judgment reversed and venire de novo
awarded.
Referring to the matter, the Times says:
"It Is entirely proper to fine and imprison
the editor or other writer who maliciously
and falsely libels a citizen, but when there
is such a penalty for the crime, the ques-
tion of damages in civil actions should be
limited to the actual damage sustained, and
not make a double punishment for a crime
to invite the cupidity of characterless suit-
ors to summon perjury for the recovery of
damages not suffered, solely as a punish-
ment." Since the trial of the Smith case
"civil actions for libel have been instituted
against the newspapers of Philadelphia ag-
gregating over $1,000,000 in claims for dam-
ages." It is encouraging to find the su-
preme court of a state determined to dis-
courage blackmail and robbery of this
kind.
OBJECT LESSON IN FORESTRY
FROM FAR OFF GREECE.
A few weeks ago they had a terrible
storm in Greece, something in the nature
of our western cloudbursts. It was espe-
ially severe in Attica, the most populous
province, and great loss of life was the re-
sult in Athens and its seaport of Periaeus.
The classic streams of the Cephissus and
the Ilissus overflowed their banks and be-
came raging torrents, filling their valleys
and carrying all before them. These rivers
are usually mere brooks and the Ilissus is
entirely dry in summer but for a few pools.
Even in this instance of superabundant
water the floods subsided so rapidly that
the next day the people, including the king
himself, who went to look at the damage
done, could walk in the bed of the stream.
This points but one lesson, that one, how-
ever, very forcibly, the value of forests.
Greece and particularly Attica, is a country
almost denuded of trees. In olden times it
is probable from what we read that most of
the land was well wooded In the lowlands
at least, and consequently we hear of no
such disasters as the present one. In course
of time men cut off the forests little by
little, not thinking of the ultimate result,
and now the country has little vegetation
worthy the name. Trees bot^i make and
hold the soil; therefore when it rains the
water soaks in and does the good work to
shrub and tree it was intended to do, and
what remains trickles through and forms
springs and streams, which carry it off to
the sea, leaving fertility and prosperity in
their course. In the denuded region there
is no soil, the water tears along in torrents
and stops not to be of service in any way.
It rains not during the summer and it
seems a pity that the abundant winter
rains should not be made of some use. All
this is self-evident. The value of forests in
increasing and distributing rainfall may not
be accurately determined, but their part in
converting what rain there Is to our pur-
poses of life is clear. Yet it is the very
hardest thing to teach the people. They
won't learn. The Greek shepherd still burns
up the few poor little trees to make a sheep
pasture and the American farmer still hews
down and cuts up our magnificent forests
for any most trivial purpose. Neither logic
nor experience seems to have any effect.
Forestry as a popular sclertce makes little
progress and yet it is of most pressing im-
portance. Make Arbor day as great a holi-
day as Labor day; let not only the children
take part, but let it mean something to
those who have in charge our parks, woods
and forests. Village improvement societies
are all very well, but they should get out
of the list of the impractical so-called "re-
formers," and prove to every property own-
er the money value of every standing tree
on his place. The planting of hew tracts of
woodland is perfectly feasible and should
be undertaken with a hundredfold more se-
riousness than ever. Irrigation has taken
a place among the practical sciences and
has brought forth fruits worthy of a
science. Let forestry do the same, they
should go hand In hand. The impractical
Greek shepherd and the presumably practi-
cal American land owner, thus far have
shown surprising indifference to their own
interests. Agitation has a larger field here;
it is to be heped it will proceed to occupy it.
Governor Alt geld now goes out and the
good people of Illinois will proceed to refill
their penitentiary.
Louisiana led the world with twenty-five
lynchlngs during 1S96. Alabama came sec-
ond with fifteen and Tennessee had four-
teen. There were 131 summary unofficial
executions in the United States last year
and 122 executions by the sheriff.
Senator Vest will disturb the peace six
years more in congress.
It is now in order for the Texas solons
to make the comptroller's estimates con-
form to the platform promises.
Governor Black ofl New York has ex-
pressed his determination to do right in
spite of the press.
War is the old method of settling public
questions.
The "grand old man" continues to roast
the sultan.
If the Texas farmer would make himself
independent let him diversify his crops.
An Osage Indian claims land in the heart
of Kansas City said to be worth $50,000,000.
The gold movement during 1896 was as
follows: Exports, $48,740,730; imports, $80,-
619,801; in 1895, exports, $71,009,850; imports,
$29,094,060.
The "secretly-married" wives of million-
aires are always considerate enough not to
say anything about it until after their hus-
bands die and the division of the estate is
being made.
There seems to be an impression in Ten-
nessee that Governor Turney will consent
to vacate his office as soon as his suc-
cessor qualifies.
The Philadelphia Press speaks of a darky
as "one of the ablest colored boxers in
Pennsylvania."
The Chicago Inter-Ocean says: "Arizona
last year mined 6,000,000 ounces of gold
and 2.000,000 ounces of silver, and yet she
stood on her head and yelled herself hoarse
for Bryanlsm." What are you talking
about? Tho entire annual gold product of
the country is only a little more than a
third of 6,000,000 ounces.
Governor Plngree admits that he will give
Michigan the best administration it ever
had.
King Menelik is contemplating the dis-
banding of his army. He doubtless thinks
that a few thumps on his piano will drive
an invading army out of his kingdom.
That Texas company which was butcher-
ed in Cuba several weeks ago has been
heard from again. They licked the Spanish
this time.
Sam Jones said In Boston that the rea-
son why going to heaven in that town is
difficult Is because the streets are crowded
with people going the other way.
We shall soon be hearing from Corbett
and Fitzsimmons as to how each expects
to knock the other out.
Lynching promises to lead legal execu-
tions during 1897. The mobs are making a
great January record.
SNAP StfO'lS.
The mistletoe season/Is now over and
leaves the pretty girl with a monster ling-
worm on either cheek.
A hug is the original pressing demand.
Too much oratory is the curse of man-
kind.
A full man is a man who is loaded with
either wisdom, hope or whisky.
An experienced editor can tell whether
a spring poem will go as soon as he scans
the author thereof.
Do not permit the poets to mislead you.
Love is not merely a hypnotic spell.
There are a few generous people who
will actually talk themselves down in order
to make their hearers feel the happy thrill
of superiority.
When a demagogue asks you to lend him
your ear he wants to put a flea in it.
A great many people seem to labor under
the impression that the advance agent of
prosperity is a generous fellow with money
to lend.
Earl Russell will go up into history as
the only man who ever downed his mother-
in-law.
The north is richer than the south in
many respects and enjoys many advantages
which we are not able to reach yet, but It
is worth noting that the south is not en-
tirely out of luck. The Cherry sisters have
not been down this way.
"It is not possible to make a proposition
that will meet with unanimous approba-
tion," writes a correspondent. Perhaps this
is true, but if a fellow were to undertake
to make such a proposition and should sug-
gest that Senator Mills go to Cuba and
join the insurgents, It would score so near
the bull's eye that the bell would ring in
Texas. _______
When McKinley's cabinet is completed
there will be more Bliss in it than there is
among the 6,000,000 fellows who were mem-
tioned for a portfolio.
The country should think kindly of Texas
at this season. This state is not among
those that will contribute to the personnel
of the senate this year.
Sam Jones told them In-Boston that hell
was not half a mile away from that city,
•and every suburb of the town is pawing up
the sand.
From tho wonderful loquacity of young
Gonzales de Quesada we suspect that he
has served no small portion of his life as a
barber.
RELIGIOUS MATTERS.
^Minister Neville RcsiKns.
Beeville, Tex., Jan. 11.—Rev. Mr. Neville,
Episcopal minister of various places in
southwest Texas, with headquarters at
Beeville, has resigned his mission and will,
about the 15th instant, leave for British
Honduras, where he has accepted another
parish. Rev. Neville has been here for over
a year, and during his stay has done very
extensive work in the interest of his con-
gregation.
Father Brunnau's Lectures.
Hearne, Robertson Co., Tex., Jan. 11.—
Fat her P. F. Brannan, an eminent Catholic
divine, last night delivered the first of a
week's series of lectures. A large audience
tilled the opera house and gave close atten-
tion to the forcible arguments the sneaker
put forth In defense of his faith. His ob-
ject in thus coming before Protestants is to
explain away the many prejudices which
exist toward his church. He is also hold-
ing dailv services at St. Mary's church*
LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Tim REPORT OF THE ATTORSHV
CiE\ERAI< OF TEXAS FOR TW O
YEARS PAST.
THE BONDS AND CHARTERS.
A Record of Matter* Approved by the
Department—Criminal Matters.
Judgments Rendered.
Austin, Tex,, .Tan. 11.—The attorney gen-
eral to-day made public his report. Atten-
tion is called to the fact the the recent re-
funding acts have very largely increased
the duties of this department in the exam-
ination of bonds. Under the head Of
"Recommendations" the attorney general
calls attention to the following facts:
"The clerk of the court of criminal ap-
peals at Austin has only paid to this de-
partment $260 fees in misdemeanor cases,
while the clerks of the Tyler and Dallas
branches have paid much more. It Is rec-
ommended that prompt statements should
be required and a penalty fixed for failure
to comply therewith. It is proper to state
that the present incumbent at Austin, for-
merly of Tyler, is in no way responsible for
the delays above mentioned."
in speaking of the river walk property
here, which the attorney general recovered,
and held that the superintendent of public
buildings and grounds could lease, which he
did. his authority to lease has been ques-
tioned. "I think, therefore, it would be
advisable for the legislature to remove all
dcubt upon that subject."
The attorney general also wishes that the
legislature should indicate what should be
done with some lots in this city occupied
by colored churches under some sort of
arrangement made during the reconstruc-
tion period.
The bonds approved by the attorney gen-
eral's department for the years 1895 and
1896 are as follows:
Bonds issued by towns and villages,
$44,590.
County bonds approved for the board of
education for investment of the public
school fund, $819,201.
County bonds approved, $3,121,718.
City bonds approved, $1,385,500.
The above is only one-half the work
done by the department in municipal bonds,
as equally as many as embraced in the re-
port were examined and rejected, but no
report is made in regard to the latter.
The following railroad charters have been
approved by this department:
Port Bolivar, Galveston and Virginia
Point terminal railroad.
Vining and Coleman railway.
La Porte, Houston and Northern railway
(amendment.)
Trinity, Cameron and Western railway
(amendment.)
Orange terminal railway.
Missouri, Kansas and Texas of Texas
(amendment.)
Port Bolivar, Galveston and Virginia
Point terminal railway (amendment.)
Denison and Pacific Suburban railway.
Red River and Southwestern railway
(amendment.)
Dallas Rapid Transit and terminal rail-
way.
Marshall North and South railway.
San Jacinto and North Texas railway.
Belton and Northwestern railway.
Texas Southern railway.
Calvert and Brazos Valley railway.
Fort Worth Stockyards belt railway.
Aransas Harbor and Northern railway.
Chicago, Weatherl'ord and Brazos Valley
railway*
Houston East and West Texas railway
(amendment.)
El Paso and Northeastern railway.
Texas Midland railway (amendment.)
Marshall, Timpson and Sabine Pass rail-
W'lJ' CRIMINAL, MATTERS.
From records received and filed in the
attorney general's office from all over the
state the following summary of criminal
matters is derived:
caused him to lose his property, and finally
drove him to despondency, which induced
him to take his life. He was 55 years of
age, and leaves a widow and two sons.
OFFENSE-
Arson 1
177|
821
35|
38
Burglary
1,963
1,363|
1,053
276
Embezzlement
270
581
24
29
1,035
443|
346
78
Murder
1,054
666
336
284
Perjury
368
130|
82
48
Rape
208
116|
57
42
Robbery
271
118!
80
33
Theft (felony)
4,314
2.184|
1,345
699
Other felonies
3,906
11,6721
919
596
Total
Total misdemeanors
13,067
18.661
6.8321 4,2771 2,123
21,215|16,776| 6,390
Total informations, 24,747.
Nolle prossed, misdemeanors 11,710
Nolle prossed, felonies 5,562
Quashed, misdemeanors 977
Quashed, felonies 219
Death penalties 24
Life imprisonment 50
Total years in penitentiaries 2.96
Total fines imposed $388,139
Total fines remitted 13,517
Total fines collected 139,700
Total judgment on forfeitures 91,796
Total forfeitures remitted 27,158
Total forfeitures collected 9,777
Appeals in misdemeanor cases 393
Appeals In felony cases 619
The following Is a statement of appeals
in criminal cases filed during the two years
1895 and 1896:
FOR YEAR 1895.
Mlsde-
Felo- mean- Scire Habeas
Term— nles. ors. facias, corpus. Total
•Austin
Dallas 95 94 2 6 197
Tyler 167 47 2 7 223
Totals ... 262 141
13 420
* No report on account of vacancy in
clerk's office.
FOR YEAR 1896.
Mlsde-
Felo- mean- Scire Habeas
Term— nies. ors. facias, corpus. Total
Austin 163 104 4 7 278
Dallas 114 147 1 8 270
Tyler 154 67 4 8 233
Total 431 318 9 23 781
JUDGMENTS RENDERED.
Statement of the amount of land and
money for which judgments have been
rendered during the administration.
Amt. of
Style of Suit— judgment
State vs. Ertizy Taylor 610 acres
State vs. E. R. McLean 640 acres
State vs. F. M. Beaty 2,560 acres
State vs. E. R. McLean 1,920 acres
Stato vs. E. P. McLaughlin 1.920 acres
State vs. David Hoaz 1.280 acres
State vs. Geo. B. Zimpleman et al.
(River walk property)
State vs. H. & T. C. R. R. Co.... $673,190 00
Stato vs. G., H. «Vr S. A. Ry. Co.. 447,567 00
State vs. C. C. Akers et al 601 43
State vs. J. P. Baekham 2,803 94
State vs. King county 1,658 35
State vs. Mitchell county 1,062 16
Total $1,126,882 88
Statement of the amount of money which
has been collected by this department or
by proper officers on judgments recovered
by this department for' the state during
two years ending December 31, 1896:
On judgment against J. P. Beckham
$1,215 96
On judgment against C. C. Akers... 601 43
On judgment against King county.. 1,658 35
On rent from Finch escheat farm in
Wise county 452 1G
On rent from Finch escheat farm in
Wise county 82 80
On rent from Finch escheat farm in
Wise county 56 16
Cost refunded in case of State vs.
Bruceville cotton oil company 68 61
Fee for certified copies of office rec-
ords 1 45
Total $4,136 85
Driven to Despondency.
San Antonio, Tex., Jan. 11.—A pistol shot
through the heart put an end this after
noon to the earthly career of Miguel Rodri-
guez Garza, formerly a merchant in the
Mexican quarter of the city. Garza was at
one time well-to-do. but business reveries
\ HOItHIIlLE EXPERIENCE.
l,ocked in a Fruit Car With Fighting
T:i ra nt ulaw.
St. Joseph, Mo., Jan. 11.—In a Pullman
car on the south bound Missouri Pacific
limited last night were two pa&Sengers who
attracted sympathetic attention. The wo-
man was strikingly beautiful, while her
companion might have been either 30 or 60
years old. Sharp lines disfigured his other-
wise attractive' features, and there was a
quick, nervous movement of the head and
hands that suggested palsy.
The mans' name is James Payne, and he
is a resident of Parkersburg, W. Va.,
whero his family is well to do. Two months
ago he started for the Pacific coast. On
tho train, between Green river and Poca-
tello his pockets were picked. He was
even unable to telegraph home for money,
and determined to make his way through
by the box car route. On the second night
of his stay in Pocatello a west bound
special pulled in. in which were several
fruit cars. He climbed into one and pre-
pared to make himself as comfortable as
possible. He had scarcely concealed him-
self before the door was closed and sealed.
The car proved to have been loaded with
bananas, lie composed himself to sleep.
When he awoke ft was to find himself
in darkness, with the train flying along
with terrific speed. He had been aroused
by something soft and velvety creeping
across his face. He struck a match to see
what had disturbed him. To his horror he
saw several large tarantulas.
Payne did not care to strike another
match, and he Knew that he was in immi-
nent peril of his life. To leap from the
door of the car meant certain death. While
these thoughts darted through his mind
a cold, hairy substance dashed Itself into
his face and he fainted. How long he lay
unconscious he does not know. But when
he again came to life it was broad daylight
and the train was still speeding like the
wind. He tried the door only to find it
fastened, and he thought he was doomed
to suffer hours longer the prospect of an
attack at any instant from the hideous
creatures whose character he knew so
well. The straggling rays that penetrated
the cracks of the door enabled him to see
dimly the objects about him, and he rec-
ognized the visitors of the night before,
and saw that their number had been
trebled. He looked about for a loose board
and found a small one. but he knew if he
was attacked the tarantulas would leap at
him. and he could not ward them off.
His apprehension was Increased when he
saw that they had engaged in a fearful and
deadly combat among themselves. For
hours he sat there facing these dreadful
creatures, who neither advanced nor re-
treated. Then night came on and again he
became unconscious.
When next he knew what was going on
about him he was on a cot in a hospital in
Portland. He had been there a month and
had gone through a well nigh fatal attack
of brain fever. Meantime, the authorities,
having discovered his identity from his de-
lirious talk, had telegraphed tc his people,
and the young woman he was to marry had
hastened to his bedside.
He had not been found till the car was
opened at its destination, when he was un-
conscious and raving like a maniac. A
mark in his forehead indicated that he had
in reality been bitten by a tarantula, prob-
ably when he fainted the second time. As
soon as he was able to travel he started
for home by easy stages, first having mar-
ried the devoted woman who had joined
him under such peculiar circumstances.
TEXAS NEWSPAPER COMMENT.
THE STATE CAPITAL.
Greenville Banner: There should be passed
by the Twenty-fifth legislature a law re-
quiring every man subject to poll tax to
produce his poll tax receipt before allowing
him to vote. Why should a man who pays
nothkig for the support of the state have
a voice in its affairs? There are hundreds
and thousands of negroes and loafers who
take the field on election day. but who
never paid a poll tax in their lives. There
is no reason why these men should not be
made to do their part toward the support
of the government if they are to run the
elections.
Colorado Citizen: The Immigration move-
ment is rapidly becoming formidable and
will soon produce results. Thousands of
farmers in the north and east are seeking
new locations and the attractions of south-
west Texas appeal strongly to them as in
marked contrast to the conditions with
which they have struggled for so long. The
constitution of Texas specifically prohibits
the state from organizing a state immigra-
tion bureau, but a new constitution may
possibly be adopted before it's too late and
we can then open the gate a little wider to
modern enterprise.
Cuero Record: The cotton market is in
better shape than for some weeks and this
month will witness a good advance. Thurs-
day 100,000 bales were exported, the largest
amount for some time. It is a question, with
many experts whether the United States
has not over-exported herself on the esti-
mate of an 8,500,000 bale crop, which seems
to be the correct figure. The holdings in
the south are reported 25 per cent short
over this time last year. ^
Laredo Times: Some federal soldiers, who
received kindnesses from General Magruder
during the late war, write to find out where
he is buried. They desire to place a tab-
let on his grave. This incident is one of
those which it is a pleasure to think of in
connection with the vicissitudes of war.
General Magruder is burled at Galveston.
No objection can be made to the act pro-
posed by gallant men in memory of a gal-
lant enemy.
Port Lavacaen: Galveston will now have
an opportunity to measure steel with Dal-
las. Fort Worth and San Antonio In con-
structing fine public buildings. The burn-
ing of the court house furnished the cher-
ished opportunity and it is needless to say
that the county officials will tap the peo-
ple's pocket to the last cent to have a
grand structure that will make other Texas
cities green with envy.
Calhoun County News (Port Lavaca):
More new business houses are now being
started hare than in any Texas town we
can hear from of less than 5000 population.
The only danger now is that some branches
of business may be temporarily overdonei
However, if the new dealers have the
proper "staying qualities," we predict that
there will be good business for all before
the end of 1897.
Brenham Press: Tho Texas game protect-
ive association has called a meeting at
Austin for January 25, and Invite all friends
of tho association to be present. This or-
ganization should adopt some measures to
get a game protection law passed by the
legislature, or soon Texas will be as bar-
ren of game as the much older settled
states.
Greenville Herald: "Uncle Sam is rich
enough to give us all a farm" is scarcely
l.-ss true to-day than it was when the song
was first sung. He still owns more than
600,000,000 acres of vacant land, not count-
ing Alaska with its 369,000,000 acres, and
there is a great deal of this vast area that
would yield first rate crops if properly cul-
tivated.
Fort Worth Mail-Telegram: It would be a
good thing for some Texas towns to plow
up the vacant lots in their suburban addi-
tions and convert them into garden patches.
The revenue would at least pay interest on
the investment, and employment might thus
be given to many idle hands.
Ode to the Grip.
Oh, thou insidious Grip!
Tho' we would give thee slip,
Thou hast us on the hip—
We must obey thee.
Thou most unwelcome guest,
Coming to spoil our rest,
Staying, tho' thou'rt not prest—
Leave us, we pray theef
Thou lay'st thy hand like lead
Upon the throbbing head,
Until we would be dead,
Rather than living.
Upon the limbs that ache,
Thy grasp seoms like to break;
If thou'lt thy leave but take
We'll be forgiving.
Thou smit'st the quivering ear
With pains that make us fear
Never again we'll hear
Aught but thy roaring.
When through our lungs ye thrust,
We think that soon we must
Leave this bright world, and trust
Aloft to be soaring.
Oh, thou remorseless Gripl
When of thy cup we sip
Fever com-os on the lip-
Bitter it tasteth;
And when thou tak'st thy leave,
E'en then thou dost deceive,
And oft return'st to grieve
Those that thou wasteth.
—Rowena W. Soillane.
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE BEING PRE-
PARED FOR THE PRESS—WHAT
IS SAID OF IT.
MESSENGER R. T. MILNER.
son county in the legislature for several
terms past. Is here to represent it in the
Twenty-fifth.
"Farmer" Shaw of Dallas arrived in the
city this morning.
Senator Heber Stone of Brenham came in
this evening.
Pfeuffer of New Braunfels arrived to-
day.
CURRENT COMMENT.
The Exist Texas Man Captared the
Pin in—Ranker Service and Cattle
Uiiuraiiline Legislation.
Austin, Tex., Jan. 11.—(Staff Correspond- |
ence.)—The governor's message to the leg- j
islature has been completed and Stenog-
rapher CJopton is preparing copies for the
press. It is said to be a brief, but very
pointed, document. There has been some
leakage here In regard to the contents of
the message, but as it may be unreliable no
mention will be made of the same. One
member observed, however, this afternoon
that he had It on good authority that the
executive would lecture the solons on cer-
tain subjects. He did that once before,
the time when he referred to "blandish-
ments" and other things.
The unanimity and punctuality with
which the statutory architects have
reached this city suggests tho idea that
they are enamored of their jobs. A major-
ity of them have been here since Satur-
day and but few of t'hem are yet to ar-
rive. Up to this time things have been
unusually quiet, for the reason that there
has been no contest over the speakership,
Dashiell lias had it all his own way. Even
the proposed caucus, which frightened
some of the members, and which won out
a victory for the new members, did not
enliven things for a great period of time'
for the reason that Mr. Dashiell merely
lifted his hat and Indirectly said that a
surrender was preferable to a battle.
As has been remarked before, the town
Is full of office-seekers. They are en-
countered on every corner. You can't turn
around In a hotel corridor without meet-
ing some of them. There has probably
been a hundred thousand cards printed.
Just such an army of them has never been
witnessed here before. They are simply
here spending their time and money and in
two or three days there will be more dis-
gusted sovereigns here than has been
gathered together In one place in many
years.
The ranger service will be in evidence
during the present session. There seems
to be a diversity of opinion in regard to
the merits and needs Oi this branch of the
citizen soldiery. Those members who come
from the far west, the border counties
and the Panhandle, will make a determined
effort not only to perpetuate the ranger
service, but to have the appropriation in-
creased so that six companies, instead of
four, may be maintained. This, it fj said,
will meet with hearty opposition from
members coming from tho Lnterior, who do
not appear to appreciate the need of the
rangers and who are in the saddle for re-
trenchment and reform. What the outcome
of the light will be remains to be seen. The
last appropriation was about $25,000. It is
said that $40,000 will be asked for this year.
The cattle quarantine law will challenge
the attention of the solons also. The pres-
ent statute is said to be ineffective. As
much was admitted during the Twenty-
fourth legislature by some of the members
and the dose to cure it was prescribed by
the committee having the matter in
charge. However, the amendments did not
land for some reason and the law has
been in its present inadequate state since
its enactment by the Twenty-third. It is
the general impression that there will be
a radical reformation in the quarantine
laws during the present session.
Messeufter It. T. Mliner.
Austin, Tex., Jan. 11.—The presidential
electors met this afternoon and selected R.
T. Milner of Rusk to carry the vote of
Texas to Washington. Mr. Mllner is an ex-
spcaker of the house of representatives and
hails from east Texas. It had been whis-
pered around the corridors hefe that east
Texas, the pine rosin section, which has
furnished nearly all the statesmen Texas
has produced, would be liberal and let this
small plum go to the west or central Texas,
there being applicants for the position rrom
nearly every portion of the state. It would
seem, however, that east Texas could not
afford to let even this little job escape It.
The aopointee or successful candidate is
understood to favor Culberson for the Unit-
ed States senate, ft is also intimated that
he favors Crane for governor. Meantime
Mr. Culberson is said to have written let-
ters to some of the electors In the Interest
of another candidate. Colonel Hogg sup-
ported the Rusk county man for the posi-
tion.
Irrigation Conference Call.
Austin, Tex., Jan. 11.—A meeting of mem-
bers Interested in a good irrigation law
was held this evening. Hon. S. P. Burns
of Brown presided as chairman and Presi-
dent J. G. Murphy of the State Irrigation
association acted as secretary. After a dis-
cussion of the subject the following call
was issued:
All members of the house and senate
who are interested in a practical and ef-
fective irrigation law are requested to
meet next Monduy evening, the 18th, at 8
o'clock, In the Avenue hotel.
T. II. C. PERRY of Baylor,
W. T. MELTON of Concho,
J. J. CALLAN of Menard.
H. E. CRO >. LEY of Midland.
S. A. THOMPSON of Jeff Davis,
R. P. SMYTH of Hale.
County Offlcera Present.
Austin, Tex., Jan. 11.—The presence of
rather an unusual number of county offi-
cers ,in the city suggests the thought that
opposition to the proposed fee bill has al-
ready begun to be exerted. All of these
visitors deny that this is their mission and
most of them assert that they are here on
business with the departments. Some,
though, who have not bethought themselves
of this excuse say they are here to watch
the opening. The opening of the legislature
has not heretofore been much esteemed as
a spectacular proceeding to attract people.
The condition ef this matter seems to be
that the 'office holders have about recon-
ciled themselves to the Inevitable and that
they will now only attempt to blunt tho
edge of the knife that is to pare off their
perquisites.
IIouno Forecast.
Austin, Tex., Jan. 11.—The legislature will
convene at noon to-morrow. The proceed-
ings will be of a routine character, tho
election of a speaker being the only busi-
ness that will be transacted. Adjournment
will Immediately follow, and then Mr.
Dashiell will devote himself to the forma-
tion of committees. The legislature will
transact but little business this week.
Greer AhNeiit.
* Beaumont, Tex., Jan. 11.—Senator George
C. Greer is sick in bed and unable to at-
tend the opening of the legislature.
Ainonu- the Member*.
Austin, Tex., Jan. 11.—Lieutenant Gov-
ernor Jester arrived this morning from Cor-
sieana and has secured apartments at the
Drlskill for his family, who will follow in
a day or two.
Senator Lewis of San Antonio came In
on the midnight train. Senator At lee of
Laredo was also expected to-night, but
failed t.o arrive and, according to report,
may not get here for two or three days on
account of sickness.
J. F. Onion, who represented Smith coun-
ty in the Twenty-third legislature, and sub-
sequently moved to San Antonio, where he
has since resided, is here to mingle with the
solons and see them organize to-morrow.
Hon. S. IT. Hopkins of Gonzales, presi-
dential elector from the Tenth district, is in
the city attending the meeting of the elec-
toral college.
A. S. Thurmond of Victoria arrived in the
city this morning. Mr. Thurmond is the
presidential elector from the Eleventh dis-
trict.
Senator W. T. Burns came in to-day.
Mr. Burns will represent the Houston dis-
trict in the next senate.
Hon. S. H. Thompson, member of the
house fi om Jeff Davis county, arrived In
the city this morning.
Guy Vaughan, who will represent Guada-
lupe county in the next house, got in to-
day.
M&ior Rudd. who has renreeented Harri-
The Minneapolis Journal says:
It. is very probable that McKinley's sec-
retary of state will have his time pretty
constantly occupied by the diplomatic ques-
tions involved in the future position of
Cuba, which the Cleveland administration
will leave unsettled. It is not likely that
the Cameron resolution can get through
the house, and, if it did, Olney's Intimation
that Cleveland would veto it would prob-
ably be verified. McKinley's administration
will have to settle the Cuban business.
* * *
In. the following the Savannah News
seems to intimate that the foundering of
the filibustering steamer Commodore may
be a fake:
When the list of the lost with the filibus-
tering tug Commodore, said to have been
abandoned at sea, and their occupations is
closely examined, does it not appear at
least singular that the engineer, assistant
engineer, mate, fireman, Cuban pilot and
guide and two colored firemen are the ones
said to be drowned. These are the very
men who are needed In the navigation of
the vessel and could take care of her in
the absence of all the others, in fact, these
men could safely run the vessel into a safe
harbor.
* * *
The Boston Herald says:
A son of Mark Hanna bet $250 that Mc-
Kinley would have over 50,000 plurality in
Ohio. -'The major had 51,950 plurality over
Bryan and Bewail, but only 49,398 over
Bryan and Sewall and Bryan and Watson.
The stakeholder gave the money to young
Hanna, but the/other fellow brought suit
in a Cleveland court and the judge com-
pelled Hanna to surrender. It looks as if
betting on elections had thus secured a
legal status In Ohio.
* • *
The Santa Fe New Mexican seems to have
no faith in the continuance of the gold
standard by the republican administration.
It says:
The sagacious leaders of the republican
party know very well that no protective
tariff system can be devised by the ingenu-
ity of man that will restore prosperity to
the. diversified industries of the United
States. The play of protection will doubt-
less be made in order to satisfy the deluded
McKinleyites, who have swallowed the "ad-
vance agent of prosperity" nonsense, but
at the same time look out for the early
adoption of some policy—possibly a war
with Spain—that will force an inflation of
the currency and terminate the reign of
the yellow standard.
V * • •
The Florida Times-Union reviews the
business depression of 1896, and says:
It is greatly to be hoped that the business
experience of 1896 will not be repeated in
1S97. There is much reason to hope that it *
will not be; but it must be confessed that
the republican party, in preparing to treat
its victory of last November as a purely
partisan one, is not adopting the best means
of restoring the confidence of business men
in the future.
• * *
The Savannah News says:
President Cleveland told a friend the
other day: "I am counting the days and
hours until we get out of the white house."
Lord Rosebery said to a friend recently:
"There are two moments of happiness, one
imaginary and the other real. The first is
when one receives the seal of office from
the queen, and the second is when he re-
turns the seal to her." President Cleveland
is approaching the moment of real happi-
ness, and is anxious to be a free man once
more.
* • •
The Kansas City Star says:
Whoever starts the rumors of the intend-
ed abdication of Queen Victoria may well
save himself time and trouble. Queen Vic-
toria belongs to a non-abdicating family.
She has enjoyed being a queen and pro-
poses to continue the gratification as long
as possible. There is a story, too. which,
while possibly not true, is not improbable,
that Queen Victoria is not enamored of the
idea of the prince of Wales as a ruling
monarch, and that she will r#ver willingly
pass over the crown and scepter to him.
When the baccarat-playing prince succeeds
to those royal emblems it will be when his
exemplary mother has no longer any use
for them.
* * *
The Cleveland Leader says:
Every little while a pugilist is killed in
the ring or dies soon alter a fight, but the
victim of such hard hitting and hard work
is always a man of no great standing in his
"profession." When the higher world of
the "champions" is reached all this danger
is done away with. There the harmless
cloud of talk that covers and surrounds
pugilists takes the place of "slugging," and
blood clots on the brain are less likely
than corns on the tongues of the rival
boxers. This Is one of the numerous les-
sons which urge upon the youth of America
the desirability of rising as quickly as pos-
sible to the top of the ladder. It pays bet-
ter to be there, and It Is safer by far than
on the lower rounds.
* * »
The Albany Argus says:
A table has been compiled from the offi-
cial figures showing that the exports of
manufactures from this country during the
calendar year of 1896 aggregated more than
$408,000,000, which Is an increase of more
than $16,000,000 over the year 1894, when the
McKinley act was In force. The increase
in the exports of iron, steel, leather goods,
etc., is rendered the more noteworthy by
comparison with the fact that there has
been a decrease of nearly $11,000,000 in our
own exports of provisions, meats and dairy
products. I ^
The Nashville American remarks:
The day that passes without a fairy story
from Cuba is a rarity. The latest is that
Gomez is preparing to surrender.
M * »
Referring to Senator Wolcott's mission
to Europe in behalf of bimetallism, the
Washington Post says:
Now the subject is surely forging to the
front. An International agreement would
end the agitation, and if that can be se-
cured. harmony will reign. But, failing
an international agreement, which appears
to be only probable, the problem of what
this country shall do again rises to con-
front us. That Senator Woleott may find
Europe strongly inclined to an agreement
shouid be the hope and wish of every one
desiring the welfare of his country. Should
Mr. Woleott find such a sentiment in Eu-
rope he may at least discover the source
of the opposition, and, if that can be defi-
nitely located, his trip will not have been
in vain.
* * *
The Pittsburg Dispatch (Rep.) says:
Tariff hearings are of the old, familiar
kind. Each interest wants to be taken
care of without regard to the remainder
of the country, and it will be an exhibi-
tion ol wisdom If the committee cuts off
these demands on the fioor by reporting
separate bib's only for such schedules gs
expert and impartial investigation shows
really need changing.
NEWSPAPER RECREATION.
"Is Mrs. Bellingham a Daughter of the
Revolution?"
"I think so. Her father used to run a
steam lathe."—Cleveland Plain Dealer.
» • *
"1 want to buy a make-up box," said th#
young married man.
"A make-up box!" the confectioner
echoed. "We don't keep theatrical sup-
plies,"
"I mean a box of candy to take home to
my wife. I promised to be home three
hours ago."—London Spare Moments.
a • *
He: "When I was in the west the last
time I had a very narrow escape from a
burning hotel. I was awakened by the
smoke and with not a minute to spare
ruJhed down the fire escape—"
She (breathlessly): "Oh, what did you
have on?"
He (visibly embarrassed): "Ah—hum—a
very lively hustle, miss."—Cardiff Western
Mail.
*• * *
Then There Was a Sprinting Match.—
Willie: "Papa, I should think you'd know
better than to always want to keep me
doing just as you had to when you was a
boy."
Mr. Jones: "And why, sir?" *
Willie: "Well, you see what It made out
of you."—Cleveland Leader.
• * *
"The Bluvvlngtons keep up a very im-
posing establishment," remarked the gos-
sipy man, who had Just moved into the
neighborhood.
"They do that, Indeed," replied the corner
grocer, "and my store's the one that's
mostly been imposed upon."—Washington
Star.
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The Galveston Daily News. (Galveston, Tex.), Vol. 55, No. 294, Ed. 1 Tuesday, January 12, 1897, newspaper, January 12, 1897; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth465343/m1/4/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Library Consortium.