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Newspaper
Brainerd Dispatch
Location
Brainerd, Minnesota, United States of America
Date
Aug 20, 1886
Page
2
Brainerd Hispatch reports a novel elevated rail system tried in Cambridge Massachusetts. The line uses a single rail to allow sharper curves and steeper grades. Eight hundred feet of the road has been built and is operating satisfactorily with plans to extend to Boston.
De Lesseps has raised 450,000,000 francs in Paris to aid the canal project and aims to triple that amount to secure success. The article portrays him as a remarkable figure capable of obtaining the funds and completing the canal, suggesting no one else could accomplish these feats.
Public Opinion of Washington counts distinctively scientific schools at ninety two, manual schools two hundred fifty five, medical colleges one hundred forty five, women’s colleges two hundred thirty six, law schools fifty seven. Across the United States there are three hundred seventy universities and colleges with sixty five thousand five hundred twenty two students enrolled.
The article estimates that about 870 million in fractional currency issued historically remains 15.34 million outstanding and likely most has disappeared or been lost. If national bank currency suffered similar loss about 8 million of 1.237 billion issued has vanished, adding to treasury profit.
Gov Curtin's committee on strikes which traveled widely and heard volumes of testimony did not report to Congress. It asserts it lacked the evidence of the chief officer of the Southwestern railroad system involved in the strike and says no report could be made without that. The panel was authorized to continue during the recess, but it seems unlikely to act unless more serious labor disturbances arise.
The City of Paris holds a nine-teen volume collection of death warrants from April 7, 1808, to December 8, 1832 owned by Samson the revolutionary headsman. He logged summaries in each volume and executed 7,143 capital sentences over twenty-five years, averaging 217 executions annually.
Latham Nt. Rogers once vouched for 1st Atlee Howgate of the 20th Infantry U S A signing a 12000 bond. The U S government sued and the bond was forfeited in New York. Howgate’s whereabouts remain a mystery though some claim he could be reached if there were an arrest and punishment.
The passage notes two living ex presidents Hayes and Arthur and Cleveland as the lone democratic candidate. It lists surviving Republican contenders Fremont Hayes and Blaine. It laments the deaths of four Democratic nominees and several presidents within a year, naming Grant Seymour McClellan Hancock Tilden Hendricks and mentions widows Mrs Tyler Mrs Polk Mrs Grant Mrs Hayes and Mrs Garfield, all receiving liferouss annuities.
Southern California comprises fertile valleys between mountain spurs where irrigation is feasible. The San Gabriel valley is highlighted as a prime example from Los Angeles northward about thirty miles, bordered by the Sierra Madre and Santa Ana ranges. Land values for agricultural use are estimated at $100 per acre due to fall irrigation from nearby mountains.
The St Louis Globe Democrat reports a bureau of agriculture table on average agricultural labor wages in the states with and without board. Day wages in ordinary seasons without board range from 1 to 1.57 dollars in the north, while southern slave states run 98 to 60 cents, never reaching one dollar. The figures are for information only, with no argument about racial pay differences.
The Diario Oficial of Mexico City publishes the full text of Judge Zubia’s decision in the Cutting case. It shows the court treated the act as continuous across Mexican soil and Texas, with libel renewal circulated in Mexico. The report notes differing legal views and asserts the case resolves the cross border dispute.
The writer in Chicago urges strict boiler inspections and competent engineers as the only way to prevent frequent explosions. He cites state practice in Minnesota where approvers lack real expertise and even unsafe methods are used, stressing enforceable laws and careful oversight to avert disasters like the Jefferson WI incident.
Washington Aug 14 The Army and Navy Gazette reports Secretary Whitney has ordered armament of a large cruiser authorized two weeks ago. Plans by Chief Instructor White of England outline a vessel longer than any current cruiser with 335 ft length 40 ft beam 19 ft draft speed 19 knots and coal capacity 900 tons. Armament includes four 8 inch and six 6 inch breech loaders plus 57 mm Hotchkiss guns two 37 mm revolving MGs and a short Gatling. Hull steel with armored deck steering gear below belt armor 10,500 HP from triple expansion engines.
The library commission has plans ready to start construction once land passes to the government. Three squares will be merged into one site bounded by First Second East Capitol and B streets, totaling about 390000 square feet. The building front will face First Street with a 679 foot facade and 576 foot depth.
In a Austin dispatch, Governor Ireland denounces Mexico's handling of editors and asserts the United States must protect national honor and citizen rights. He says Cutting was legally convicted under modern law, but shifts the burden to Mexico and calls for readiness for war if necessary to prevent concessions.
Ex Representative Rice of Massachusetts, after three months in Mexico, argues that Mexico seeks peace to protect its interests. He dismisses claims Mexico wants war to seize northern states as baseless. He contends Mexico would sell territory only for a high price to replenish its depleted treasury.
A report from Miller East details Malkinson held in Huron Dak for safety as he is said to have gone stark mad and must be taken to an asylum. The item covers other distant incidents including deaths, storms, patents, royal rites, and political notes across North Dakota and the region.
A long Washington dispatch surveys diplomacy and war doubt, with notes on treasury payouts, postal inspector appointments, post office changes, bank failures, political appointments, and various local calamities. It cites frost, hail, theft, court actions, and international remarks, tying together disparate 1886 events and people.
A Chicago visitor to Newcastle keeps a dull citizen indoors by highlighting unfamiliar objects of interest. He notes the keeper Jones has never entered the castle and compares it to Chicago stockyards, which the citizen has visited rarely. The anecdote condemns neglect of nearby curiosities and urges appreciation of local treasures.
In a dated August 1 1886 Cole Younger responds to Minnesota Governor Marshall denying sensational histories about the James and Younger brothers. He says he never met interviewers or ordered killings, describes his Civil War service, and defends his conduct as a soldier. He ships a postscript correcting a general’s name and notes the source of the false stories.
Milwaukee dispatch reports northern Wisconsin forests remain ablaze with danger easing only if rains come. Hundreds of homes, saw mills, and millions of feet of timber burn. 500 families homeless in Calumet Clark Marathon counties. Cattle losses are high, some residents survive by wells or streams as flames rage then abate. Smoke blankets Milwaukee area and lake ships, while losses in Spencer, Pewaukee, Shawano county areas mount. Fire vector shifts toward clearings, with winds feared to return.
A New York dispatch reports the will of S J Tilden read at Greystone with executors John Bigelow Andrew H Green and George W Smith. He leaves equal shares to relatives, except no specific bequests except to his sister Mrs Mary B Hilton who receives No 38 West Thirty eighth Street and 100000 dollars. Real estate and homes go to executors, with trustees to set aside funds for relatives and for public benevolence including free libraries in New Lebanon and Yonkers. The estate is valued around 10 million dollars but may be less, and the city library depends on trustees discretion.
Anamosa Iowa dispatch reports four convicts attempted a 5 PM escape from the state penitentiary. Paddy Ryan who was serving six years was shot through the shoulder and died instantly. Mitchell, a life-sentence killer, was wounded in the leg and may die. Lankens, from Maquoketa serving ten years for murder, escaped unscathed. Harry Blunt, from Jones County, serving eighteen years for murder, escaped uninjured. The break exploited a weakened west gate once knocked down by a railroad car. One man escaped. guards and warden praised for handling and marshaling citizens concur.
The decision states that brandy and other spirits in bulk must come in casks of at least fourteen gallons while wines and bottled spirits require packages of not fewer than twelve bottles. Malt and fermented liquors have no specified packaging size.
Minnesota Democratic State Central Committee met in St Paul and fixed Tuesday September 14 as the convention date and St Paul as the venue. Delegates were apportioned one per county plus one per 250 votes for Cleveland and one per major fraction, totaling 359 with 180 needed to choose. A resolution thanked Kelly and Doran for their efforts. C F Berch of Winona dissented.
London dispatch reports General Booth of the Salvation Army will travel to America in October. The piece notes the international movement of the organization and Booth's anticipated visit. The report is concise and framed as a dispatch from London.
A lyrical survey of ribbons as symbols across eras and figures from Cesar to Napoleon, tracing ribbons in crowns, banners, cockades, and medals. It ties their labor and love to military glory and national identity, ending with a defense of patriotic sacrifice and the red ribbon's meaning.
In the August Century Charles Leland profiles Charlotte Cooper, famed Romany beauty of early 19th century England. He recalls Romany life, fortitude, and loyalty, noting traits from nomadic hardship to famed boxing men and poetical depictions, including Walter Scott’s Hayraddin Mangrabin and Leslie’s portrait of Charlotte Lee.
The Pittsburg Commercial reports a recent festival at North Avenue M E Church Allegheny. Hosted by the Ladies Society to benefit Wood's Run M E Church the event featured a novel humaniphone device kept secret from most attendees until a willing donor placed a magic bit in the doorkeeper's hand.
A room opening reveals nine young women standing behind a screen. Each wears a mask and a neck cord bearing a musical note. Miss Nellie Schoyer manipulates a wand to trigger each performer’s note, producing tunes such as Home, Sweet Home and Yankee Doodle.
A historical overview contrasts Inca and Maya systems with modern wealth aims, detailing how land was divided among people, government ownership, and communal labor. It highlights annual land grants, universal charity, and strict social order, noting widespread happiness and absence of beggars, followed by reflections on contemporary selfishness and inequality.
A visitor recalls an evening at the Grant cottage with Mrs. Grant and her son Frederick. The piece paints the home, its grounds, and memories of Ulysses S. Grant, noting his revered status, family life, and the late General’s quiet dignity. It also discusses Nellie Grant Sartoris, dispelling rumors of domestic unhappiness and reaffirming her strong American ties.
The passage notes a woman choosing not to visit Long Branch this summer to avoid gossip about her family. She will remain at home this year while her husband cannot accompany her. Next year the whole family plans to rest by the sea where she once enjoyed a wide circle of friends.
The reminiscence recalls Edgar A. Poe's Boston lecture where he failed to deliver a promised poem after excessive champagne. He stunned the audience with an incoherent reading before delivering The Raven, an effective recitation that contrasted with critics who exposed his drunken lapse the next day. Whipple and Fields faced unwanted notoriety from the episode.
Washington post recounts a close friendship between Senator Butler of South Carolina and Senator Simon Cameron. Their kinship spans from Butler and Cameron fathers who were both U S senators and influenced Cameron to help Butler when a vote on political disabilities was adverse. Cameron’s effort reversed the House decision in minutes.
Five generations of females gathered in Janesville Ohio at the home of H T Perry. The family line included Sarah Moore 84 of Mansfield Mary Owings 56 Belle Perry 36 Nellie Logan 19 and Edna Logan 18 months. The five generations represent a remarkable direct-line lineage.
A Lancet report by Dr. Solomon Smith details a seventeen week plan using four daily hot water doses at 130 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and five pounds of lean meat daily. A patient recounts weight loss from 16 st 4 to 18 st 2 and waist drop from 44.5 to 35 inches along with relief from heartburn and kidney fears.
Jeff, George and Al Hawkins moved from Montana to Chicago in 1870 before the fire. The brothers, linked to McHenry County, prior to settling here gambled in Montana. Their first big win came after Wells Fargo stagecoach wreck. Jeff broke a leg and the firm paid 17 thousand dollars. They later built wealth in real estate, property, and cash, totaling about 200 thousand dollars.
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