Jasper County Democrat, Volume 3, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 July 1900 — Page 3

BRYAN AT THE HEAD

Stevenson Gets Second Place on the Democratic Ticket. PLATFORM FOR 16 TOl Imperialism Is, However, Declared to Be the Paramount issue, National Democratic Convention Nominate* William J. Bryan by Acclamation Amid Scenes of'Wild Demonstration—Resolution* Adopted Without the Expected Fight— Imperialism the Chief Issue—Trusts and Militarism Denounced—Convention’s Dramatic Close. ,_J£jMraas City correspondence: William J. Bryan was nominated for President by the Democratic national ionvention at 8 o’clock Thursday evening, after a day of immense enthusiasm. The convention had two sessions, both uproarious. A 16 tt> 1 platform was- adopted nad imperialism was named as the lead-

WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN.

ing issue of the enmpaign. The convention then adjourned until 10:30 o'clock Friday morning. It was after 11 o’clock when Permanent Chairman Richardson called the convention to order Thursday. Bishop Glennon of Kansas City offered the opening prayer. The weather was cooler and the great crowd that packed the hall beard the proceedings with more comfort than ou Wednesday. After the prayer there was so much noise that the chairman had to appeal for order. While waiting for the committee on resolutions to report the convention listened to speeches by several orators, among whom were <»ov. Hogg of Texas, Alex. Dockery of Missouri and Mayor Rose of Milwaukee. The resolutions committee being not yet ready to report a reecss was takea until 3:30 o’clock. It was not until 4 o’clock that Chairman Richardson picked up the gavel and brought the convention to order. The resolutions committee, headed by Senator Jones, D. J. Canipau, Senator TiUman ttud Judge Van Wyek, pushed their way to the front. Mr. Tilinran read the platform in a voice easily heard. Amid a roar of cheers and applause the platform was adopted without dissent. Synopsis of the Platform. Imperialism Is held to l>e the most Important Issue Immediately before the Amerfean people. Extensions of government without the consent of the governed Is opposed, independence U promised the Filipinos. Expansion to territory which can be made Into States without Injustice to the inhabitants of the United States, and with the consent of the people annexed, Is favored. Militarism, with a strong standing army, is held to threaten the liberties of the peopie and the stability of a free government. strict construction of the Monroe doctrine is demanded. The Chicago platform of 18»C Is reaffirmed, with special declaration In favor of free coluage at the ratio of 10 to 1. The Porto Itleo hill and the Republican policy in Cuba are denounced. Trusts are charged with robbing both the producer and consumer, and rigid legislation for their suppression is called for. Free

A. E. STEVENSON.

trade In articles used by tbe trusts Is urged. Tbe Dtugley tariff law I* condemned. The new currency law Is denounced as being a measure In the Interest of the uatloual banks. The retirement of all national bauk notes Is demanded. Arbitration Is urged as the means for settling Industrial disturbances, and a department of labor, with a seat la tbe cabinet, Is advocated. Liberal pensions are promised to soldiers. The construction of the Nicaragua canal by the Uulted States Is demanded, and the Huy--I'unncefote treaty denounced. Statehood Is held out for New Mexico, Arlsuns and Oklahoma. Sympathy la expressed for the Boers In their atruggle for liberty and Independence. Reduction and repeal of present war taxes nre demanded. Nominations for President were next in order. Alabnmn yielded to Nebraska mid W. D. OldUntn presented the name of XV. J. Bfiynh. Then followed a tvlfd demonstration. When tbe enthusiasm ■ffirtli'iMT fdPYteffirhT’ttfVMJP minutes Chair-, man Richardson begun to pound vigorously for order, lie was lost beyond till pbwer of bearing for acreral minutes, and was not until -twenty-seven minutes had elapsed that the cheering had subsided fl"d the convention was in order osce

more. The nomination was seconded by ex-Senator White of California, D. B. Hill of New York, Senator Daniel of Virginia, Judge. Thompson of Illinois and others. The vote was unanimous,,trad the convention adjourned till Friday. The presidential kite was swiftly flows and across it was emblazoned the name of Bryan. But as to the tail of the kite —the nominee for the vice-presidency—-there were various opinions. ’ i Friday** Session. Everybody knew that Friday was the last day of the convention and accordingly most people came early. They witnessed the nomination of Bryan for President Thursday night and wanted to see the choice made for second place on the ticket, before 10 o’clock all the 20,000 seats were filled and those who appeared after that hour jammed the aisles and doorways until there was not space for anybody to even make a motion to adjourn. At 10:45 Chairman Richardson, with a sweep of the gavel, cut off the strains of the band, slowly stilled the confusion, and brought the convention to order for its third day’s work. After prater th* call of States for nominations for Vice President was begun. Arkansas yielded to Illinois nud Congressman Williams placed Adlai E. Stevenson’s name before the convention. A burst of applause and great confusion followed. Minnesota presented the name of Charles A. Town* and the demonstration was renewed. Then Senator Grady, of New York, got the floor and named David B. Hill, and pandemonium broke loose. Hill leaped to the platform beside Grady and tried to stop him, but it was useless. The naming of Hili almost stampeded the convention. The riotous scenes of Wednesday, when Hill was the center of interest, were repeated, but the New York mah declined the nomination. The convention named Stevenson as its choice, after a thrilling contest.

Jones la Chairman. The national Democratic committee, chosen by the convention, met shortly after the adjournment of the convention' and organized by the re-election of all the old officers, with the exception of the treasurer. The old officers, who had charge of the 1890 campaign of Bryan, were: Chairman, Janies Iv. Jones of Arkansas; vice-chairman, ex-Gov. William J.'Stone of Missouri; secretary, C. A. Walsh of Iowa; sergeant-at-arms, John I. Martin of Missouri. Convention Notes. Alpaca coats were au fait. W. A. Clark was cheered as he came in, and there were cries of “Hill.” The furniture on the platform was sold at auction by the firm that owned it. Michigan came in with a gold and blue banner with the arms of the State upon it. The mass around the platform was a first cousin of the jam at a bargain counter. Gov. Hogg of Texas is built like a grip car and wore ten yards of alpaca in his coat. Some delegates wore ribbons which read: *‘l do not live in Kansas City. Be good to uie." A picture of a phoenix was at one end off the hall and a portrait of Mr. Bryan at the other. The convention hall was decorated with flags, shirt waists, palm leaf fans aud Postal messenger boys. Bishop Glennon of Kansas City, who offered the prayer, decorated the steeple of his cathedral with American flags. Arizona had a milk-white flag ou its standard. It was the only unofficial decoration ou the floor of the convention except that of Hawaii. The gavels used by the temporary chairman and wioldcQ by the permanent chairman were the ordinary sort dallied with by presidents of unobtrusive debating societies. While the rally of the standards to the platform was going on at the night session two photographers worked incessantly at flash lights. Some delegates thought the smoke m*:unt a'celebration und cheered accordingly. It was a convention or It is no exaggeration to say that nine-tenths of the male persons in the convention hull Wednesday afternoon and evening were coatless; and more than half were minus waistcoats. The Fourth of July in Kansas City meant n gun in the hands of every small boy. There was no prohibitory proclamation by the Mayor. Blank cartridges, sometimes those with bullets, were exploded with nerve racking promiseuousness.

Chinaman's Books.

A Chinaman merchant in a California town, not knowing his customers by name, used the following system for keeping his accounts: Red shirt man $27 00 Man comes 1ate..... 10 00 Fat Frenchman 30 02 Whiskers man 0 25 Whiskers man's friend (5 25 Lame leg man 40 00 Fat man 9 25 Old workman 8 (X) Red whiskers 7 50 Steamboat man 10 00 (let tight man 7 00 In the InstMustnuce the quaint storekeeper lias used n hit of American slaug, which Is, nevertheless, expressive. The word druukenness had evidently not been tulded to ids vocabulary at that time.

A Thief Locked Up.

A thief broke into a large mansion early the other morning and found himself In n music room. Hearing footsteps approaching, he hid behind a screen. From 7to 8 o'clock the eldest daughter had a lesson ou the piano. From 8 till 9 o’clock the second daughter took a singing lesson. From 9 till 10 o'clock the eldest son had a violin lesson. From 10 till 11 the other son had a lesson on the tlute. At 11 nil the brothers and sisters assembled nud studied nn ear-splitting piece of piano, violin, flute nud voice. The thief staggered out from behiud the screen at half past 11. and. falling at their feet, cried: •'For mercy’s sake, hove me locked up. or give me a rest.” Montreal Is only 471 miles north of Washington.

DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM

Full Text of the Resolutions Adopted by the National Convention at Kansas City*

CjpIIE official text of the platform as w l| adopted by the Democratic national convention at Kansas City is as follows; * We, the representatives of the Democratic party of the United States assembled la national convention on the anniversary of the adoption of the declaration of Independence, do reaffirm our faith lu that Immortal proclamation of the Inalienable rights of man, and oar allegiance to the Constitution, framed In harmony therewith by the fathers of the republic. We hold with the United States Supreme Court that the declaration of Independence Is the spirit of our government, of which the Constitution is the form and letter. We declare again that all governments Instituted among men derive their lust powers from the consent of the governed; that any government not* based upon the consent ol the governed Is a tyranny, and that to impose upon any people a form of government of force Is to substitute the methods of Imperialism for those of a republic. We hold that the Constitution follows the flag und denounce the, doctglpe that an executive or Congress dcrlvingihelr existence and tbelr powers from the Constitution can exercise lawful authority beyond It or In violation of It. We assert that no nation can long endure half republic and half empire, and we warn the American people that Imperialism abroad will lead quickly aud Inevitably to despotism at home. Denounce Porto Rican Law. Believing lit these fundamental principles, we denounce the Porto Itleo law, enacted by a Republican Congress, against the protest and opposition of the Democratic minority, us a hold and open violation of the nation's organic law and a flagrant breach of the national good faith. It Imposes upon the people of Porto Itleo a government without their consent, and taxation without representation. It dishonors the Auiericau people by repudiating a.solemn pledge made In their behalf by the commanding general of our army, which the Porto Ricans welcomed to a peaceful and-unie-Uti d occupation of their land. It doomed to poverty und distress a people whose helplessness appeals with pe--eu+tar fcTee-to-tmr jwtHctrntid magnanimb y. In this, the first act of Its Impetlalistic program. the Republican party seeks to commit the United States to a colonial pol.ey, Inconsistent with republican institutions and condemned liy tlie Supreme Court In numerous decisions'. Demands flood Faith with Cuba. We dtmnnd the prompt an l honest fulfillment of our pledge to the Cuban people and' the world that the United States has no Uis position nor Intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction, or control over the Island of Cuba, except for its pacification. The war ended nearly two years ago, profound peace reigns over all the Island, and atlil the administration keeps the g rvernment of the Island from its people while Republican carpetbag officials plunder its revenues aud exploit the colonial theory, to the disgrace cf the American people. We condemn and denounce the Philippine policy of the present administration, ft has Involved the republic In unnecessary war. sacrificed the live* of many of cur noblest sons, and placed the United States, previously known and applauded throughout the world as the champion of freedom. In the false aud un-Amertcau position of crashing with military fort e the efforts of our former gibes to achieve liberty and self-government. The Filipinos cannot be citizens without endangering our civilization; they cannot be subjects without impellllug our form of government, and as we are not willing to surrender our civilization or to convert the republic Into an empire, we saver au immediate declaration of the nation's purpose of give to the Filipinos first a stable form of government: second, independence, and third, prt>tet*:h>u from cut-dde Interference such as has been given for nearly a century to the republics of Central and south America. Scores Philippine Policy. The greedy ccnimerola jsm which dictated the Philippine policy of the Republican administration attempts to justify it with the plea that It will pay, but even this sordid ami unworthy plea falls wheu brought ,to the test of facts. The war of criminal aggression against the Filipinos, entailing :.u annual expense of many millions, has sjreudy cost more than any possible profit that could accrue from the entire Phlilpp.ne tra»lo for years to come. Furthermore, wheu traj* Is extended at the t xpense of liberty tat, price Is always too high. We are not opposed to territorial expansion when It takes In desirable terrltyr/ which can be erected into States In t'uiou aud whose people are willing and fit to become American citizens. We favor trade expansion by every peaceful aud legitimate means. But we are unalterably opposed to the seizure or purchase of distant Islands to be governed outside the Constitution and whose people can never become citizens. Holds Imperialism I*ar amo lint.

We are in favor of extending ttie republic's lntlueuce among the nations, but believe that iuttufuce should be extended not by force and violence, but through the persuasive power es a high and honorable example. The importance of other questions now pending before the American people is in no wise diminished, and tbe Democratic party takes no backward step from its position on them, but the burning Issue of Imperialism,, growing out of the Spanish war, involves tbe very existence of the republic nud the destruction of our free institutions. We regard it as the paramount Issue of the campaign. ■ The declaration In th’ Ri ptib'.lcin platform adopted at the Philadelphia convention, held in June. IiXK), that the Republican party ‘•steadfastly adheres to the policy an non u el In the Monroe Uoetrlue" is mau.festly lut.-lu-cere and deceptive. This profession Is contradicted by the avowed policy of that party In opposition to the spirit of the Monroe doetiiue to acquire and bold sovereignty over large areas of territory and large numbers of people in the eastern hemisphere. Must Uphold Monroe Doctrine. We insist on tbe strict maintenance of the Monroe doctrine and In all its integrity, both In letter and In spirit, as necessary to prevent the extension of European authority on this continent nud as essential to our so premaey in American affairs. At the Mine time we ileclure that no Amerlcau people shall ever be held by fotxe In unwllllug subjection to Europmu j® tborlty. We oppose militarism. It means conquest abroad and Intimidation nud oppression at home. It menus the strong army which has ever been fatul to free Institutions. It Is what millions of our dtlaenn have fled from in Europe. It will Impose upon our pcacc-lovluK people n large standing army and nn unnecessary burden of tsxntlon and a constant menace to their liberties. A small standing army and a well disci pllned Htatc mllltin arc amply sufficient In time of peaice. This republic lias no place for a vast military service nud conscription. When the nation Is In danger the voluuteer soldier Is his country's best defender. The National Guard of the t'nlti-d States should ever be cherished In tbe patriotic hearts of a free people. Huch organizations are ever an element of strength and safety. For the first time In our history and eoevll with the Philippine conquest has there been a wholesale departure from our timehonored aud approved system of voluntacr organization. We denounce It a* un-Amerlean, tin-demo-cratic and un-republlean, and ns a subversion of the ancleut and fixed principles of u free people. a- n l > "■ Trusts Arc Scored. Private monopolies are ludefpnntble nnd Intolerable. They destroy competition, control the price of ail material, and of the finished product, thus robbing both producer and consumer. They lessen the employment of labor nnd arbitrarily fix the terms and conditions thereof, nud deprive Individual energy asd small capital of their ■ opportunity for betterment. They are the most efficient means yet devised for appropriating the frdlts of Industry to the benefit of the few at the expense of the many, and nnlesa their Insatiate greed Is checked all wealth will be aggregated In a lew bands and the republic destroyed. -

The dishonest paltering with the trust evil by the Republican party In State and national platforms Is conclusive proof of the truth of the charge that trusts are the legitimate product of Republican policies; that they are fostered by Republican policies; that they are protected by the Republican administration in return for campaign subscriptions and political support. Pledge War on Monopoly. We pledge the Democratic party to an unceaslug warfare in nation, State and city against private monopoly In every form. Existing laws against trusts must be enforced and more stringent ones must be enacted, providing for publicity as to the affairs of corporations engaged In Interstate commerce, and requiring all coruoratlons to show, before doing business outside of the State of their origin, that they have no water In their stock, and that they have hot attempted, and are not attempting, to monopolize atiy branch ot business or the production of any articles of merchandise, aud the whole constitutional power of Congress over Interstate commerce, the malls, and all modes of Interstate communication shall be exercised by the enactment of comprehensive laws upon the subject of trusts. To Amend Jrust Law*. Tariff inws should be amended by putting the products-of trusts upon the free list to prevent monopoly under the plea of proieotiou. The failure of the present Republican administration, with an absolute control over all the branches of the national government, to enact any legislation designed (o prevent or even curtail the absorbing power of trusts ami Illegal combinations, cr to enforce tbe anti-trust laws already on the statute books, proves the Insincerity of the high-sounding phrases of the Uepubllcun platform. Corporations should be protected In all tbelr rights and their legitimate interests should be respected, but any attempt by corporations to interfere with the public affairs of rhe people, or to control the sovereignty which creates them, shouUl he forbidden under such penalties as will make such attempts impossible. W c condemn the Dingley tariff law as a trust breeding measure, skillfully devised to give the few favors which they da not deserve and to place uputi tlie many the—burdens which they should not bear. We favor such au enlargement of the scope of the Interstate commerce law us will enable the commission to protect individuals and communities from fllscrhnluatlous und the public from unjust and unfair transportatjou rates. The IG-to-1 Plunk. We reaffirm and_ludorse the principles of the national Democratic platform adopted at Chicago lu ISUU, and we reiterate the demand ot that platform for an American niiaueial system made by the American peopie for themselves, which shall rcstoie amt maintain a bimetallic price-level, and as pari of such system the Immediate restoration of the free aud unlimited coinage of s 1Vcr and gold at the present legal ratio of ltt to 1 without waiting for the aid or consent of any other nation. We denounce the currency bill enacted at the last session of Congress us a step forward in the. Republican policy which aims to discredit the sovereign right of the ualloual government to Issue all money, whether coin or paper, ami to bestow upon national bank* the power to issue aud control the ve.urne of paper money for their own benefit. A permanent national bank currency, secured by government bonds, must have a permanent debt to test upon, and If the bank currency is to increase with population und business the debt must also increase, the Republican currency scheme is therefore a scheme for fastening upon the taxpayers * perpetual and growing debt. Demand Retirement of Bank Notes. We arc opposed to this private corporation paper circulated as money, but without legal tender qualities, and demand the retirement of the national bank notes as fast as government paper or silver certificates can be substituted for them. We favor au amendment to the Federal Constitution provlulug for the e.eotiou of United States Senators by direct vote of the peopie, and we saver direct legislation w herever practicable. We are opposed to government by Injunction; we denounce the blacklist and tavor arbitration as a means of settling di-put#* between corporations aud their employes. In the Interest of American labor and the uplifting of the Workingman, as ihe corner stone cf the prosperity of our country, we recommend that Congress create a department of labor In charge of a secretary, with a seat in the cabinet, believing that the elevation of the American laborer will bring with It Increased production and Increased prosperity to otir country at home aud to our commerce abroad. We are proud of the courage and fidelity of the American soldiers and sailors In all our wars; we favor liberal peuslons to them and their dependents, and we re'terate the position taken In the Chicago platform In INHH that the fact or enlistment aud service shall be deemed conclusive evidence against disease and disability before enlistment. We favor the immediate construction,ownership aud control cf the Nicaragua caual by the United States, and we denounce the Insincerity of the plank In the national Republican platform for an Isthmian canal, in face of the failure of the Republican majority to pass the bill pending In Congress. We condemn the Hay-Pauucefnte treaty ns a surrender of American rights and interests, not to be tolerated by the American people.

Pledge to Territories. We denounce the failure cf tbe Republican party to carry out its pledg -s to grant Statehood to the Territories of Arizona. New Mexico and Oklahoma, and we promise the people of those Territories immediate Statehood and home rule during their condition a.< Territories. and we favor home rule au.l a Territorial form of government for Alaska and Porto Kieo. We favor an Intelligent system of improving the arid lands of the West, storing the waters for purposes of irilg itl n and the bolding of such lauds for actual sutlers. We favor the eontinuauce and strict enforcement of tbe Chinese exclusion law nnd its nppitcntloii to the same classes of all Asiatic races. Jofferson said: .'‘Peace, commerce- and honest friendship with all nations; entangling allluuccs with none.” We approve the wlic letouie doctrine amt earnestly protest against the Republican de parture which has Involved us In so-called politics, Including the diplomacy of Europe nnd the intrigue am! land grabbing cf Asia, and we especially coujleinu the 111-concealed Itepubilcnn alliance with England which must mean discrimination against other friendly notions and which baa already stifled the nation's voice, while liberty la being strangled In Africa. Pro-liner Plunk. Relieving In the principles of self government, nnd rejecting, us did our forefathers, the claim of monarchy, we view «lih Indignation the purpose of England to overwhelm with force the South Afitean republics. Speaking as we do for tbe entire American nation except Its Republican office-holders, and for ail free men everywhere, we extend our sympathies -to the heroic burghers In their unequal struggle to maintain their liberty und Independence. We denouucr the Invinh appropriations of recent Republican Congresses, which have kept taxes high and which threaten the perpetuation of the oppressive war levies. We oppose the accumulation of a surplus to be squandered in such barefaced frauds upon the tnxpnyers as the shipping subsidy bill, which, under the false pretense of prospering American shipbuilding. would nut unearned millions Into tbe pocketr of favorite contributors to the Republican campaign fund. We favor the reduction nnd speed* repeal of the war taxes, and a return to the limehonored Democratic policy of strict economy In governmental expenditures. Relieving that our most cherished Institutions are in great peril: that the very existence of our constitutional republic la at stake, and that the decision now to be rendered will determine whether or not bur eblldreu are to enjoy those bleared'privileges or free government which have made the United Btales great, prosperous and honored, we earnestly ask for the foregoing declaration of principles the hearty support of the t!b-erty-lovlng American people, regardless of 1 previous party affiliations.

GEN. SEN WAN LIN.

H* 1* n Convert to Christianity and a Friend of Foreigners. \ Gen. Sen Wan Lin, .who is4n commafad of forces whose duty is to pPotect/the Chinese from pillage by the Boxers, is a Baptist and a friend of the foreigners. The hope of every European in North China is in him, for it is thought that he is firm and able enough to give more help in time of danger than any other

GEN. SEN WAN LIN.

Chinaman.wlm is near the rebellious distriet. Sen Wan Liu’s detail as an officer of the Chinese army is the command of all the military forces of North China. When Dr. Sears, the Baptist missionary, was in Chicago he formed a close friendship with the general, converted him to the Christian faith, and made hint a member of the Baptist Church. Gen. Sett Wan Lin interprets his instructions as wide enough to cause him to take measures to prevent bloodshed wherever it threatens.

TROOPS GUARD NOME.

Martial Law Declared in New Eldorado by General Randall. Reports have reached San Francisco that Cape Nome, the new Arctic Eldorado. is in a condition of the most desperate lawlessness, and that Gen. Randall, in charge of the Government troops there, lias been compelled to declare martial law. This is the story brought by tbe steamer St. Paul, which arrived direct from Nome with forty passengers and sl,soo,<xhi of treasure. Tin- jumping of mining claims is tin* direct cause of the state of anarchy which prevails at Nome. Human life is held so cheaply that almost every discussion or argument ends in murder. Deadly affrays are of constant occurrence, and there is no law or order nor any safety for life or property. For fifteen miles the beach is covered with tents, so crowded that work of any kind is impossible. Any property left without gubrd is immediately stolen and redress is out bfTlie ’question. Tbe Nome Chamber of Commerce lias been forced to turn over the government of the city to United States Commissioner Uawsou.

PULSE of the PRESS

Guesses on Cliinev- Puzzle. China's teeming millions in the interior of the empire may have all the" passive powers of resistance claimed for them, but if ail their seaports fall into foreign hands the Chinese eau do little more than stew in their owu juice. —St. Louis Globe--1 lenioerat. If the Boxer troubles in China arose out of a desire to exclude foreigners, then the demonstration is bringing about the state of affairs which it intended to defeat, for it looks as if hereafter the foreigners would be dominant in the empire. Pittsburg Times. It may well lie that our military presence there in the midst of this profound disturbance may not only prevent the partition of China but may secure for ns the lasting friendship of that empire, which will lie profitably reflected in our commerce. -San Francisco Cull. it is now apparent that the powers have to deal not with a Chinese mob. hat the Chinese nation, Government nnd army. Chinn, after all. is not a nation, hut an ancient tnqsaic. They have not only to restore order, but to maintain it in the future. They must give the Celestial Km - pire stable government. This they -eau do by harmonious eo-operation, upon which they have already so happily entered. and by such plan as may lie mutually agreed upon. The result will lie to secure in every district that order and civilized government which nre essential to the protection of life nnd property. This will clear the way to progress and prosperity. Jt will thus secure China from the dead past and give it to civilization.- New York Herald.

The Silly Season.

Soda water sells better than hot cakes in this weather.—Buffalo Times. At summer resorts engagement lingers move in the most fashionable circles.Philadelphia Times. When a frout porch can't Ik> passed that has not nn occupied hammock Imaging on it, it's u sign the summer is in full swing.— Philadelphia Times. The only flutter caused by the announcement that furs will be higher is among the fans. Who cages? Sufficient unto the day is the perspiration thereof. -r-Mihvaukec Wisconsin. In western Kansas it has been known to blow twelve days on a stretch and hold n sheep tip against the Imrn until it starved to denth.—Harvard ileruhl. The first sea serpent of tbe season was captured at Seneca lake. It consisted of thirteen feet of eel nnd the robust imagination of the farmers in thnt immediate vicinity. -Washington l’ost. This is a busy season for the life guards nt the coast resorts. The numlx-r of inexpert hut foolish bathers who plunge into the surf only to hare the surf plunge into them appeark to be steadily iiacreaaing.— New York Mail and Express.

CORN WILL BE KING.

Thirty-five ftate* Show Increased Acreage Lver Last Year. Preliminary return* to the statistician of the Department of Agriculture, on the acreage of corn planted, indicate an increase of about 1,200,000 acres, or 1.5 per cent over the acreage hnrrested last year. Of the twenty-two States having 1.000,000 acres or lipward iu corn in 1899, all but Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kansas show an increased acreage, and the total decrease In the five States named is less than 000,000 nerds. The increase in,acreage is, in the main, well distributed, there being only ten States and territories out of the forty-five reporting that have not it larger acreage planted than was harvested last year. The average conditions of the growing crop is 89.5, as compared with 80.5 on July 1, 1899, and a ten-year average of 00.7. The condition in lowa is 102; in Missouri. 101; in Kansas and Nebraska, 93; in Illinois, 92, and in Indiana, 89, lowa being 10, Missouri 12; Kansas and Nebraska, T.‘ ainl Illinois 2 points above their respective ten-year average. The condition of winter wheat shows a further decline during June, being 80.8 on Jnly 1, ns compared with 82.7 on June 1, 05.0 on July 1. 1899, 85.7 at the corresponding date in 1898, and a ten-year average of 79.8. All the important winter wheat States except Pennsylvania, Texas and Tennessee, share in this impairment of condition, Ohio and Indiana falling ttr 25, and Michigan to 40. The average condition of spring wheat is 55.2 as compared with 87.3 one month ago, 91.7 on July 1, 1890, 95 at the corresponding date in IS9B, nnd a ten-year average of 89.5. The condition in Minnesota lias fallen to 48, in South Dakota to 44, and in North Dakota to 30, these figures lieing 44, 45 and 00 points respectively below the ten-year averages for the States named. The Northwestern States have been visited by a special agent of the department within the last ten days, nnd the reports of the department’* regular correspondents are fully confirmed. In Minnesota and North Dakota the condition of oats, barley, pastures and meadow lands is, like that of spring wheat.- the lowest on record. The condition of spring and winter wheat combined on July 1 was 09.8, against 7(1.2 oh July T, 1899 and 59.4 at the corresponding date in 1898. The amount of wheat remaining in the hands Of fanners on July 1 is estimated at about 51.0W.900 bushels, or the equivalent of 93 per cent of the crop of 1899. GREAT REUNION OF VETERANS. L'omingG. A. K. Encampment Expected to He a Record Ureaker. Preparations for what, is expected to be the greatest Grand Army encampment ever held in the history of the organization are now under way in Chicago, although the reunion of veterans will not otAur until the week beginning Aug. 20. It will lie tiie thirty-fourth in the organization's history and it is proposed to make it really notable. The eueamptneut will extend over five days and in this time the Windy City expects to entertain no less than 1,900.000 strangers, and to do this will spend more than SIOO,009. All this amount lias been pledged by the citizens for this purpose and does not include the thousands of dollars citizens will expend privately in the cure and entertainment of guests. One of the special features of the encampment will lie a magnificent court of honor to be erected along Michigan a Venn t from Van Boren to Twelfth street n distance of nearly a mile. This is to have great arches at either end, and the whole will cost in the neighborhood of $25,000. Each of the various parades will pass through this court of honor, at a certain point of which President McKinley and other distinguished guests will review the march of the heroes. There will be free band concerts in the various parks of the city and fireworks display at night, and also camp tires, dog watches, regimental reunions nnd other patriotic gatherings. All the men prominent in the G. A. It. in the United States are to be invited and 0,000 invitations will be sent out. In addition to the G. A. It. meetings, conventions will be held by the following associations: Grand Army of the Republic. Woman's Relief Corps. ex-Prisotiers of War, Ladies of the G. A. It.. Daughters of Army Nurses’ Association. Loyal Home Workers, and the Naval Veterans.

MAKE A RICH HAUL

Robbers Hold Up Illinois Central Train und Secure SIO,OOO. Five masked bandits flagged tin* through express train on the Illinois Central between Wickliffe and Bnrdwcll, Ivy., at 2 a. in. Wednesday nnd looted the express ear, estimates of the loss reaching as high ns SIO,OOO. The robbers made a sensational assault ou the train. Two of them boarded the engine ami covered the engineer and his fireman, J. J. Fryisch, with revolvers, injuring the fireman seriously. The others invaded the express car, where they covered J. F. Hickcox, the messenger, with guns and forced him to unlock tin- safe and turu over the contents. In the meantime a tiftli of the hand had uncoupled tile engine and tbe car. from the rest of the train and joined his companions in the engine cab. The engineer was compelled to proceed forward a mile, where a stop again was made. The desperadoes met, divided the plthidcr and darted in different directions into the surrounding woods. Witliio au hour n posse of Wickliffe citizens, with bloodhounds, were hot on the trail of the fugitives. None of the passenger* on the train was aware of the hold-up while it was being accomplished. The robbers throughout their operations were as quiet as possible. It appears that they were aware that the agent on tlje enr knew the lock nnd could open the safe. On other enra of the Illinois Central the agent himself is unable to unlock the recc|iiacle and robbers are forced to resort to dynamite.

“WINE AND A TIME”

Took All but SIH of Washington's * <1,134 lloer Fund. Out of $1,134.38 collected in Washington us contributions to the support of the widows and children of the Boers, $lB is the net amount to lie fprwarded to them. The balance, a correspondent says, has been spent in fireworks and entertaining the Boer*delegate*. Their hotel .bill amounted to more than $550, and hack fare and wine hills and advertising consumed the rcat.