Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 28, Number 32, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 5 February 1898 — Page 6

fywfcfl

AFTER SOME SCALPS.

THE PROPOSED LAW AGAINST RAILWAY TICKET BROKERS.

Pro and Con of aLive Problem—The Railroads Favor the Bill, bat the Ubiquitous Drummer Opposes It—Goulp From the

JNTational Capital.

[Special Correspondence.}

WASHINGTON, Jan. 81.—There are Bomu large sized thunderclouds still hanging over the capitol as the debate progresses over the annexation of Hawaii and the proposed antiscalping law against the ticket brokers.

These two questions, though at first sight so divergent, yet appeal to the people, each in a different way—one in a political sense, the other as a personal matter. Hawaii is now being debated in executive sessions and is beyond the ken of tho people, but the proposed antiEcalping law is now being tried on its merits. I do not think I am at fanlt when I state it as my conviction that this latter subject will sooner or later cause a great disturbance. As many view it, it is a fight between the people and the railroads—that is, ultimately. At present the matter in a nutshell is an attempt by the railroads to secure the abolishment of the ticket brokers, otherwise known as "scalpers."

These latter are now posing as the friends of the people, because through them the public can generally purchase tickets to various points at lesser rates than they can through the authorized agents of the railroads themselves. The scalpers claim that they stand between the public and extortion. The railroads claim that but for the scalpers they could afford to sell tickets at lower rates and if the brokers were abolished the public would get the benefit of the large commissions of the Iattei".

Demoralizing to the Drummers. But would theyj, Would the railroads give the public the benefit of all, or even of half, the commissions saved to themselves by the extermination of these middlemen? The scalpers echo the question, "Would they?" And then they "wink tho other eye," as much as to say it will boa long day before the railroads voluntarily yield up a goodly portion of their receipts for the good of the "dear

GEORGE M. MfKENZIE.

publio." On the other hand, the railroads declare tho brokers to be mere parasites, with no other aim in life than to benefit themselves, and who are only incidentally and occasionally of service to the people. They have taken- the high moral ground that such a business is in itself demoralizing, and in this view generally coincide with them the great "merchants'associations" of New York and Chicago, who have sent their attorneys hither to plead for the passage of tho bill. They urge that it is demoralizing to their traveling men, or drummers, who Bpond the time they ought to use in forwarding their legitimate business in running around looking for cheap tiokets when they are provided by their employers with ample means for first class travel.

Said one of them: "The first crooked step of tho drummer generally begins in the shop of the ticket broker. As a legal proposition it should be remembered that so long as the government regulates the railroad tariffs it ehoald at the same time guarantee reasonable protection to its receipts."

That is tho gist of the matter, and the problem for the interstate commerce committee, Vafore whom the subject is now having a hearing, is to control the railroads, squelch the scalpers and at the same time to protect the people. The question is complicated by many collateral ones and side issues, and if they succeed in giving satisfaction to all concerned they will have accomplished a task worthy of praise.

The members, of the interstate commerce committee who are now giving both sides a hearing are: Senator Cullom, chairman Aldrich, Chandler, Chilton, El kins, Gear, Gorman, Lindsay, Smith, Tillman, Wolcott. Their evid&nt disposition, as evinced at the several meetings of the committee, is to be fair and impartial, and they have given both sides careful attention and courteous treatment. I was impressed with this fact during my attendance at some of the meetings and came away

others are ou record as for or against one side or the other. For example, Senator Tillman, the stalwart ex-gov-ernor of South Carolina, is most pronouncedly gainst the railroads, shown by bis outspoken championship of the brokers aud his previous declarations in public. I met him alter one of the meeting*, in which the representative of the brokers had apparently refuted a statement of the railroad men, and he said, in answer to a question,

1

with the feeling that, whichever way to a broker who advanced him the price the matter should be decided, tho vari-1 of a ticket to Chicago and trusted bim ous conflicting interests would have due until he received bis rebate (three regard. months without mj other security

While, however, some of the senators jthan his word, which was to the effect have not expressed an opinion as to the that he would divide profits with the respective merits of the controversy, broker.

"Sir, somebody has been lying, and we are going to subpoena the whole crowd and find out who it is."

Heads the Opposition.

On the other band, if we may judge by the leading qnestions to' witnesses, the forefront of the opposition is an equally stalwart and outspoken senator, Stephen B. Elkins frotn West Virginia. Ocre may have his convictions aud oven prejudices and at the same time not allow them to sway him from a just decision, and doubtless of such a character is Senator Elkins. I was present when he expressed great surprise—as well he might—at the testimony of the ticket brokers' representative, Mr. G. M. McKenzie of Chicago, who so far has borne the brunt of the severe questioning with plaoid equanimity and has apparently answered all queries truthfully and honestly.

He had, at a previous meeting, stated that but for the railroads themselves— but for the collusion of their agents—rthe brokers could not do a profitable business that full 90 per cent of their business came from the general agents, and not from casual travelers.

This assertion having been promptly met by the agents of the railroad lines, he offered to prove it by producing affidavits from brokers and checks signed by agents of various lines. This he did, and it was in questioning Mr. McKenzie subsequently that the senator elicited

the astounding information that the witness himself had done a business in Chicago which for. several years bad averaged §660,000 per year! When pressed to declare his percentage of profit, he reluctantly stated that it was probably 5 per cent, at least his last year's profits were $30,000! "No wonder," exclaimed Senator Elkins, "you are fighting the'bill so hard!" He then asked why it was, if 90 per cent of the total business was done with the roads, that they should desire this bill. Mr. McKenzie answered that there were many roads that did not desire the bill. He further stated that, according to his calculations, if the antiscalping law should go into effect it would cost the traveling public of the United States an average of $5,875,000 per year, based aponan esti mate that the brokers sold 20 per cent of the tickets in use and that they save their customers an average of .about 12 per cent.

Now there are, of course, two sides to this question of "scalping." In the first place, the railroads declare that they should have, and that they have, the undoubted right to manage their own business in their own way that the scalpers have no more right to sell their tickets than any other body of men has to sell another's groceries or dry goods. They also claim that many of 'the alleged tickets are forged or stolen and could not be sold but for the interposition of the scalpers. They claim that millions are annually lost to them which but for the brokers might go to the-people, or at least be shared with them. j*, .jp 'rx*

On the other hand, tM Btftfkei'S pomt to the millions they have saved to the traveling blic by compelling the roads to nuke fair rates, which they would not otherwise have done. There is no doubt, they say, that the sympathies of the people are with them as against the railroads, since, say what we will, our feelings areoftenest touched through our pocketbooks.

Meauwhile there are many signs that the people all over the country are becoming interested, as manifested by numerous petitions. The Traveling Men's associations, representing the drummers, are as opposed to the bill as the Merchants' associations are in favor of it. Even the unclassified masses have taken the matter up, and only yesterday the colored people of this District declared themselves as unalterably opposed to an antiscalping bill by holding an enthusiastic meeting in opposition at the Lovely Zion church. The "sense of the meeting" was as stated, even though the alert railway men captured it by sending one of their most eloquent speakers, who made a strong argument for the bill and against the scalpers.

Tho Brolcers' Representative.

The representative of the brokers is, as stated, Mr. G. M. McKenzie, who has headquarters at the Metropolitan, while the railroads have united under the leadership of Mr. Daniels of the New York Central and have opened an antiscalping bureau of information" at the Shoreham aud are "putting up a big fight."

I presume it is no secret that most of us who have traveled have at some time or another availed ourselves of the scalpers' wonderful fund of information. I saw a man exhibit a 1,000 mile book on a train one day which he said he had purchased from the ticket agent of the road we were on through an order from the local broker. More than that, he had paid the scalper for only 5C0 miles, and the broker trusted him ij return the remainder of the book by mail without any guarantee whatever.

Another traveler told me that'be purchased a round trip ticket to the Pacific coast not long ago with the understanding that if he used it only going west there would be a refund of cost, leas full rate one way. Finding when be reached his destination that tickets east were one-half what his cost, be applied'

It is probably because they are such acute judges of human nature and take sure risks en tb6 "right people'* that the 400 members of the Ti. T'r r* association have become to an so powerful that they dare to at t»it,

railroads. P. A. Uptx

A correspondent of The Lancet writes that scarlet fever in the east is not ocly not the scourge it is in Europe, but is extremely rare in both Asia and Africa. treatment.

FASHION GOSSIP.

Olive Harper Discusses Spring Millinery, Pretty Gowns and Stylish Waists. j?9l [Special Correspondence.]

NEW YORK, Jan. 31.—While it is true that the soft and solid braid hats will be the most desirable ones of the coming season from every point of view, there are still many new designs in coarse, rough braids, and these will be worn before those of the fine leghorn and tuscany hats, for they are essential-

1

SPRING MILLINERY.

ly hot weather millinery. The very latest idea in the way of trimming these fine "fiats," as they were called in the long ago, is a whole armful of flowers scattered around the brim in partial shape of a wreath and partly as if tbey had accidentally fallen there. Others have gauze draperies all around the low crown, with high bunches of flowers at one side and a half wreath of the flowers along under the brim close to the crown. The hats are all intended to set far back on the head so. as to show the pompadour roll. The wide brims to the soft straws will droop in front to shade the face. They are made to wear with the dainty watteau shapes which we shall see in the summer dresses and which will form a part of the costume. The rough, coarse strawB are in all the colors of the season, some very vivid green and red being among them. Jonquil yellow, turquoise blue aud pinks, mostly verging on the coral or salmon tint, are among these colors. Some of the rough hats have the crowns covered with roughly braided ruffles of straw, but the most of them have plain, rather low crowns. There are capotes with brims a little wider than usual for these and pompadours with the brim bent upward and dented irregularly. There is a."shepherdess" Ehape, with two or three variations.* j,

Another style is called the "mushroom, "and these come down round over the face, which would be partly hidden but for the fact that the hat is to set far back on the bead and show the wreath of flowers. There is the gypsy shape, a low round crown and a mushroom shaped brim, curved sharply. I saw also a few flat disks of fine soft straw. These are to be pinched together and trimmed with a wreath of flowers, and these will be brought well down over the forehead instead of being set back^to show the forehead as are the others.

A pretty and effective design has two rows of velvet arouud the skirt, square yoke and sleeve caps of a melrose black gown. Above the velvet is a small and close design of black soutache. The yoke in question is of lilac and cream brocade. Melrose both plain and striped is among the handsomest of the new black goods. Some pieces are all wool and some are silk warp. It folds very richly, nearly rivaling the silk warp crape cloths. Eudora in its lustrous silk aud wool warp and exceeding fineness and solidity is still the unrivaled goddess of all black goods. Nothing can approach it for richness or quality. Cravanettes are foremost among the outing fabrics tor spring and summer. They are twilled somewhat like serge and are absolutely waterproof, while still porous and light in weight. Last season they resen:bied fine serge more closely than anything. Now it takes sharp eyes to distinguish them from English covert suitings. Tbey wear well, too, and can be washed like serge if necessary. Some of them are double faced, particularly in the heavier qualities. There are dainty new shepherd's checks in light colors for the special benefit ^f young ladies, for whom they seem to have been designed. They may be made in any way they are girlish and pretty in all ways. Blouse waists are neat. Strap trimming of ribbed silk of the darkest shade in the plaid made one frook for a 16 year girl

NKWGOWSS.

TERRJE HAUTE SATURDAY EYESlXd MAIL. FEBRUARY 5, 1898.

Vv,:

dressy without being conspicuous. White, pale blue:, ivory and pink are all seen in a new stuff particularly designed for children, It is stilt like wool fouJard, glossy like mohair and woven like nothing ever before seen, and I do not know what the material is, whether it ia silk, wool or cotton, for it feels like all and none. Being so stiff and unyielding, it requires only the plainest

OLIVE HABPKH.

Lord Alvanley.

Lord Alvanley followed Sheridan and Brummell as a sayer of good things, but those most generally quoted have a touch of sarcastic malice, for cynical talk was a fashion of the time. When Brummell made his midnight flittiiig to Boulogne at the suit cf the J«ws, he remarked complacently, "Brummell has done quite right to be off it was Solomon's judgment." He was a kindhearted man and gave many proofs of generosity to acquaintances in distress One of those he had assisted was the well known Jack Talbot, a reckless prodigal, who had repeatedly borrowed cf him. "When Talbot was beggared and lying on his deathbed, Alvanley met his doctor and inquired about the invalid. The answer was: "My lord, I fear he is ia a bad way. I had to use the lancet." "You should have tapped him, doctor," said Alvanley coolly. "I fear he has more claret than blood in his veius."

Much more excusable, considering the man and the circumstances, was Alvanley's expostulation when he had been persuaded to dine with the eccentric millionaire Neeld in bis new mansion in Grosvencr square. The host, with the vulgarity of a nouveau riche, was expatiating on the sumptuous decorations of the apartment and, in the words of Milton, "letting dinner cool." "I don't care what your gilding, cost," said Alvanley bluntly, "but I am most anxious to make a trial of your carving, for I am famished."—Cornhill Magazine.

A Mediieval Feast

The banquet which was held here at the marriage of Count tJlrich with the Bavarian Princess Sabina has a luster all its own. Seven thousand guests were present, and for their serving 800 of the handsomest people that could be found in all the land were brought to the castle and costumed in red and yellow cloth and in the 14 colossal kitchens were serving day and night nearly the same number of cooks. The feast continued one week, and during this time there were consumed 36 oxen, 1,800 calves, 670 capons, 1,200 chickens, 2,769 fieldfares, 11 tons of salmon, 90 tons of herrings, 120 pounds of cloves, 40 pound's of saffron, 200,000 eggs, 8,000 sacks of flour and 1,760,000 gallons of wine. For eight days and nights a public wine fountain poured uninterruptedly through eight tubes red and white wine for all that wished to drink. —"Stuttgart," by Elise J. Allen, in Harper's Magazine.

Hood's Sarsaparilla is prepared by experienced pharmacists who know precisely the nature and quality of all ingrediants used. *.an at His Word.1 */"Have a care, oh, my daughters," saith the wise woman, "how thou takest man at his word when he speaketh concerning himself 1 He, glories in his strength and vaunteth it before his fellows and most of all before thee, but he would be handled as a fragile pieoe of bric-a-brac."—Womankind.

Mirror Used by Washington. Si In a house in Warrentown, Va., is hung the large mirror before wnich George Washington made his daily toilet. It was bought at tho sale of the personal effects of Laurence Washington, a great nephew of the first president, and has bung in its present place for 35 years. ...

Pains in the region of the liver and kidneys can be broken up almost immediately by using Dr. Bull's Pills," the best pre scription for liver and kidney troubles. At all dealers, 10 and 25 cents. r.-S ,' )?'Itcal Catarrh Cure.

The 10 cent trial size of Ely's Cream Balm which can be had of the druggist is sufficient to demonstrate its great merit. Send 10 cents, we will mail it. Full size 50c.^ vj[rc^\f.?

ELY BROS., 50 Warren St., N. Y. City. Catarrh caused difficulty in speaking and to a great extent loss of hearing. By the use of Ely's Cream Balm dropping of mucus has ceased, voice and hearing have greatly improved.—J. W. Davidson, Att'y at Law Monmouth, 111.

lHj Give the Children a Drink called Grain-O. It is a delicous. appetizing, nourishing food drink to take the place of coffee. Sold by all grocers and liked by all who have used it because when properly prepared it tastes like the finest coffee but is free from all its injurious properties. Grain-0 aids digestion and strengthens the nerves. It is not a stimmulant but a health builder, and children, as well as adults, can drink it with great benefit. Costs about. as much as coffee. 15 and 25c. Hi /f

Rebecca Wilkinson, of Brownsvalley, Ind.,says: "I have been in a distressed condition for three years from nervousness, weakness of the stomach, dyspepsia and indigestion until my health was gone. I had been doctoring constantly with no relief. I bought one bottle of South American Nervine, which did me more good than any 150 worth of doctoring I ever did in my life. I would advise every weakly person to use this valuable and lovely medicine a few bottles of it has cured me completely. I consider it the grandest medicine in. the world." Warranted the most wonderful stomach and nerve cure ever known. Sold by all druggists in Terre Haute, Ind.

Relief In One Day.

South American Kervine relieves the Worst cases of Nervous Prostration, Nervousness and Nervous Dyspepsia in a single day. No such relief and blessing has ever come to the invalids of this country. Its powers to cure the stomach are wonderful in the extreme. It always cores It cannot fail. It radically cures all weakness of the stomach and never disappoints. Its effects are marvellous and surprising. It gladdens the hearts of the suffering and brings immediate relief. It is a luxury to take and always safe. Trial bottles 15 cfcs. Sold by all druggists in Terre Haute, Ind.

K*«*r*lodjr So.

Cascaretal'fctHlv GaiharUe, the meat/wonderful nifd discovery of fit® age, pleasant aud re' -dung to the taste, act ffenily and positiv 'v on knitters, liver aud tJow«s«» cleansing tine entire system, dispel colas, cure headaclfe. ferw, l»abltual constipation and biilousucK#. Please boy and Uty a box of C. C. C. to-4«,v 10,2s\ cents. Sold and guaranteed to cure by ail druggists.

Up! Up! Up-to-date

nm

JQc

25c 50c

FIRST WOMAN CfflZE

Her Sturdy Lads and Glever Lasses Becom Prominent Citizens—What Some of them Accomplished.

V\- *_

Hundreds of thousands of men of foreisni birth have taken out papers declaring their citizenship in Indiana since that State was admitted into the Union in 1816 without creating remark or comment. It was a different matter, however, when along in the forties the first woman of foreign birth applied for and received papers of citizenship.

This first woman citizen" was an Irish widow who settled in southern Indiana with her progeny of sturdy lads and clever lasses upon a farm which she had bought. "The Widow Ryan" as she was known in Daviess County, Indiana, was a great woman with a clever business head and left behind her those who grew to be worthy men and worthy women, and who have left their impress upon the Slate.

One of these sons James B. Ryan became treasurer of the State of Indiana, and a son-in-law, M. L. Brett, also held that high and honorable position. Another son was the late Lieut. Col. Richard J. Ryan who was, probablv the most brilliant and gifted orator that Indiana ever produced, and who during the war for the Union served his country in the Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, better known as" the Irish Regiment."

Another son is Thomas F. Ryan who is now 59 years old, and with a few intervals of absence has been a resident of Indianapolis for forty-two years.

In the early fifties smitten by the gold fever he went by way of the 'isthmus of Panama to California. lie has been all over the far west engaged in mining and trade operations in Oregon, Arizona and Montana. From May, 1885 until August, 18S7 lie was the government agent at the Seal Islands off the Alaska coast, a highly responsible position. "For ten years or more" said Mr. Ryan in conversation with a group of gentlemen

From the News, Indianapolis, Ind.

B. G. HUDNUT. President, WILLAKD KIDDER. Vice-President. O. A. CONZMAN. Cashier.

Vigo County National Bank

Printing

TABLE

At

LOOK HERE!

If you are going to build, what is the use of going to see three or four different kinds of contractors? Why not go and see

A.PROMMB,

Greneral Contractor

416 WILLOW 8TB3ET,

As he employs the best of mechanics in Brick Work, Plastering, Carpentering, Painting, etc., and will furnish you plaas and specifications if wanted.

I®

CANDY

CATHARTIC

CURE CONSTIPATION

When You Order Your

Get the very best, and that

WKSR

at the Indianapolis Board of Trade, I ha been extremely sensitive in my lower limb to weather changes. If my legs had bee filled with quick silver I do not think the could have responded more quickly or mo disagreeably to climatic conditions. "During the past two years this infirmit became much worse, and I began to alarmed, fearing paralysis. My legs wer cold and recently ironi my knees down wer without sensation. I could walk only shor distances and would even then experienc great weariness. I became more and more alarmed. I naturally thought of paralysis or locomotor ataxia. The prospect was not a pleasing one.

I happened to meet.my old friend Capt. C. F. Shepard, of this city. He was chant ing the praises of Dr. Williams'Pink Pil' for Pale People and gave me his experienc* telling me that he had been brought by using them from a bed where he lay helpless, his physician having declared him a hopeless victim of locomotor ataxia, and wa* now as active as any man of his age, no even requiring the use of a cane. Upon hi recommendation I began the use of Pr Williams' Pink Pills. "I found positive relief, after taking a few doses. The numbness in my limbs disappeared as»if by magic and I can walk as thr as I like at a good rapid gait and without weariness. "The pills also drove the rheumatism of my hip for I have not been bothered wit' it since began their use."

Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Palo Peopl contain all the elements necessary to give nev life and richness to the blood ana restore shattered nerves. They are for sale by all druggists, or may be had by mail from Dr. Williams' Medicine Company. Schenectady, N* Y., for 50c. per box, or six boxes for $2.50.

Capital $150,000. Surplus $30,000.

O E E I W E A N E

624 Main Street. TERRE HAUTE, IND.

Moore & Langen's

ALL

DRUGGISTS

e~ product of the

TERRE HAUTE BREWING CO.