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This newspaper page contains 22 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Philadelphia Times
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Jun 11, 1897
Page
4
A legislative hearing reveals Judge Gordon accusing Eastern Penitentiary inspectors of falsehood cruelty and murder under oath. The contrast with Superintendent Richardson’s denial, and Gordon’s refusal to cooperate further, shapes a tense, partisan inspectorate probe.
The committee pressed Judge Gordon to present evidence for grave criminal charges against prison officials. He refused, demanding to examine witnesses himself. Critics call his action cowardly and accuse him of villainous cowardice for failing to justify sworn accusations of fraud brutality perjury and murder.
Even with tariffs not passed until August, people note disappointment in shorter days and a continuing loss of time elsewhere as Powers gain influence over Turkey and press for a further hearing.
The article argues the attorney general doubts overturning Judge Hanna and suggests a new bill taxing all inheritances uniformly while removing retroactive clauses. It warns a Supreme Court challenge could cripple revenue and notes the slow House action reflects caution in revenue legislation and foreign policy delays in Cuba.
The Philadelphia port's trade in the first five months of 1897 tops all prior years with petroleum exports up over 27 million gallons and grain shipments surging. Corn reached 12,867,656 bushels and wheat up about 300,000, while sugar imports hit unprecedented levels. Deep water channel prospects and harbor improvements fuel a belief in permanent export growth despite quiet riverfront activity.
The piece notes furnished freightage for twelve sailing vessels and says loading is now done by machinery, reducing need for stevedores. It asserts larger freight volumes with less bustle, the era of old methods is gone, and port prosperity will be permanent if merchants exploit growing facilities. It mentions a court decision about asphalt possibly changing public ways.
Common Council rejected a measure to have the rising departmental costs examined, deferring to the finance committee which already approved the expense accounts and salaries. The piece urges the Mayor to provide specific information for immediate referral to an appropriate committee and to push retrenchment in municipal spending. It notes Sergeants-at-Arms duties are largely revenue neutral.
The speaker is praised for eradicating deliberation as the House votes without discussion on measures Reed declares. Critics say committees are pointless under his rule and warn the body could be abolished, with revenue relying on beer taxes or alternatives.
The piece accuses forest reservation advocates of deceit aimed at the Legislature and warns against repeal. It argues the act requires no immediate major spending, predicts little expenditure this year or next, and says repealing the law would harm Pennsylvania while the Governor would suffer no injury. It endorses using current law for preliminary work toward a public reservation at river headwaters and condemns repeal as folly.
The article notes R Aldrich abandons amended sugar duties and a tea duty, expecting revenue loss. It questions Dingley tariff estimates, warns of a potential year one deficit, and cites Treasury figures as unreliable. Also, Fairmount Park cycle paths are deferred. funds used to widen East Park drive for more bicycle room.
The piece argues widening a short section of the East Park drive would reduce collision risk between carriages, pedestrians, and thronging vehicles on Sundays and holidays. It notes bikes remain a problem and ties political hopes to police aid for Tammany’s mayoral bid in Greater New York.
Congress cheerfully cuts the sundry civil bill and the Postal Congress budget, placing the burden on railroad corporations and private donors for delegate entertainment. Delegates will reach Philadelphia tomorrow for a brief stay, with city officials urged to provide proper hospitality for representatives from many nations and principalities.
Special Telegram to The Times from Washington reports General Bingham introduced a bill to appropriate 200000 dollars for a dry dock at the Navy Yard League Island Pennsylvania with total project cost capped at 1250000 dollars designed to accommodate the largest battleships at mean low water.
Washington June 10 Senator Warren proposed tariff amendments removing certain raw skins from the free list and imposing duties. The plan sets per pound rates for hair sheep skins and various unprovided skins, plus 50 cents per dozen for uncured sheep skins without wool. It also raises chamois and book binders calfskins to 35 percent ad valorem and rewrites morocco and related skins duties to 30 percent ad valorem on all tanned but not specially provided skins.
A reader letter commends Dr Worcester the rector of St Stephen s for a baccalaureate sermon noted as largely ethical and not religious in tone It lauds its wisdom elevation of thought and apt illustration and predicts wide value if reprinted across commencements with Philadelphia’s church audience hailed as gaining a mighty man of valor dated June 9 1897.
The piece praises Mr Bronson for his sharp attack on A Higher Critic in Dr Worcester's philosophy. It notes the critic’s stance against historical Christianity and reports clergy moving toward Worcester’s position. The article suggests the public will react when another candidate seeks offices of trust and responsibility.
This column revisits Stephen Girard’s life focusing on his physical build eye history and personal habits. It cites H H Wise and Henry Atlee Ingram detailing the painterly statue at City Hall and the Bank portrait and recounts Girard’s eye loss in childhood. It also discusses his reserve and self reliance shaping his later life and character.
The Penn Charter School closes its 208th year with a morning commencement at the Young Men’s Christian Association building. Thirty five graduates listed including Frank Disston and Norman Hugh Young, with top diplomas for advanced work and prize speaking featuring a deluxe Green’s History of England.
June 10 manuscript describes bunting flags and decorations for President McKinley and party in Nashville. J M Dickinson to present a hickory walking stick from the Ladies Hermitage Association. Cincinnati day features a mapos tion procession and a welcome by General W H Jackson. A dedication, reception, and government building briefing follow with Ohio visitors attending. The Women’s Board hosts breakfast for the presidential party.
President McKinley and party pass through Handley with the largest crowd on the trip. Mayor Swartz and Captain Parker present a gilded wooden key and a strawberry basket during a reception. The river valley views along the Kanawha cheer the president as plans for the heated term and possible Salt Lake City stop are discussed.
A collection of editorials criticizes congressional inaction on sugar policy and tariff bills, mocks Speaker Reed as a flawed “magazine gun,” and seethes at political alliances. Readers encounter sharp tones about McKinley prosperity and Bryan’s national campaigns amid calls for accountability.
The Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution plans a Bethlehem excursion with a 40 piece band and a formal program in the Moravian Church. Reverend George Woolsey Hodge will lead the prayer, James M. Beck will speak, and a bronze tablet at the old hospital site will be unveiled. Ten silk flags will lead a procession through historic Philadelphia sites tied to the war era.
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