t THE WEATHER TODAY. ♦ + For North Carolina: ♦ 1 Showers; Cooler. | VOL. LII. NO. 109. Loads all Month Carolina Dailies in Mews and Circulation THE FIREMEN ARE TILLING THE CITY lioming in Fast From all Parts of the State. TO-DAY THE CONVENTION A Fire Alarm Will Be Turned in this Afternoon. EXHIBITION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER Ladies’ will Be Cordially Welcomed at the Con" vention. There Will Be Baseball Wed nesday and Thursday and Possibly Today. Firemen and firemen’s friends were coming in fast yesterday, and the city was beginning to look crowded and fes tive last night. Several of the visiting companies, with their apparatus, got in during the day; but today's trains will bring the great majority. Today is to be convention day, and will be devoted to the business of the State Firemens’ Association. The con vention will be called to order by Presi dent James D. McNeill at 11 o'clock in the Metropolitan Hall. The opening prayer will be offered by Rev. l»r. I. McK. Pfttenger, rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd. Mayor Powell will give the delegates the freedom of the city and introduce Mr. R. N. Simms, who will deliver the address of welcome. Responses will be made by several prominent delegates from different parts of the State, among whom may be men tioned Mayor Eaton, of Winston; Hon. R. I>. Douglas, of Greensboro; Col. T. H. Gain, of Goldsboro, and T. A. Green, of New Bern. These are not all, but the names of the others could not be learned last night. After the speech-making is over, the regular order of business will be taken up. All of the officers of the associa tion will make reports. Any ladies who care to attend the con vention will be cordially welcomed. ALARM OF FIRE. An alarm of fire will be turned in some time during the afternoon today, to which all of the Raleigh companies will respond, for the benefit of the con vention and the visitors generally. There wlil also be an exhibition of a chemical lire extinguishing apparatus on Fayette ville street. A large w r ooden box will bet set fire to and put out with the ex tinguisher. The program for Wednesday and Thursday is as follows: Wednesday, 3 a. m.—Street parade; 11 a. m., engine contests; 2 p;-m., horse hose wagon races; 4:20 p. m., baseball; 5-30 p. m., championship reel races; s p. m., band conceit. Thursday, 1) a. m.. Hook and Lad der contests; 11 a. m., hand-reel con tests; 2 p. in., grab-reel contests; 3:30 p. in., special feature races; 1:30 p. m., baseball. PARADE TO-MORROW. The line of march will form at the foot j of Fayetteville, march up Fayetteville to the Capitol, thence to Wilmington street, thence north to Eden ton, west to Salis bury, and thence to Hillsboro, and out Hillsboro to the bridge, and counter march back to the Capitol on the same street. Thence down Salisbury street to Morgan and back to Fayetteville, and down Fayetteville to the graded school. The grand stand on Hillsboro will com mand an excellent view of the counter marching. Further particulars of the parade will be published tomorrow morning. The or der of march will appear with the full program. BASEBALL. There will -be baseball games at 4:30 on Wedn 'aday and Thursday and possibly today, between a picked team from Greensboro and one from Raleigh. Among the Raleigh players will be Curran, ‘'Billy D.” of last year’s “Red Birds,” Will Wynne and Bronig. Morris, of Durham, will pitch one of the games. The full line up has not been decided on, as several of the players are still to be heard from. The games will be genuine bona-fide, snappy ball. An admission of 25 cents and 15 cents for grand stand will be made. There will be no charge for ladies, except for the grand stand. JUDQE TAFT LEAVES HOME. A Final Interview With tha Pope Who ia Much Pleased With Results (By the Associated Press.) Rome, July 21.—The Pope received Gov ernor Taft and the members of his jarty ia farewell audience at noon today and welcomed them with marked cordiality. To mark his satisfaction at the success of the negotiations he prsented each member of Governor Taft’s party with a Personal gift enclosed in a magnificent morocco case adorned with the papal arms. The pontiff commenced the interview by saying he was most satisfied and happy at the results obtained and was confident that the negotiations would be the starting point of a complete and sat isfactory solution of the question under discussion. II(j added that the apostolic delegate soon to be appointed would he instructed most strictly and precisely re- j The News and Observer garding the carrying out of the ideas de termined upon between the United States and the Vatican, saying: ”1 will see that orders be given him as to his work, over which I will watch him personally.” The pontiff then showed them the mosaic, which he is sending to President Roosevelt in return for the President’s present of a box containing Mr. Roose velt’s literary works. The mosaic is a copy of Corridis well known picture of Pope Leo sitting on the terrace of the Vatican gardens surveying Rome. It was made in the Vatican workshops. The Pope then gave Bishop O'Gorman an autograph letter to President Roose velt. Governor Taft and his companions then called on the Papal Secretary of State, Cardinal Rampolla, with whom they ex changed somewhat similar courtesies. Later Governor Taft, accompanied by Judge Smith and Captain Strother, left Home for Naples. Bishop O'Gorinan will sail for the United States next week. He will take with him a letter from Cardinal Ram polla to Secretary of State Hay. FIRE AT OIL WELLS OUT. After a Struggle of a Week the Flames Are Extinguished. (By the Associated Press.) Jennings, La., July 21.—The fire in the Heywood oil wells was distinguished this afternoon. Nine boilers of large capacity were set in the field to the northeast of the burning well. They were connected with tow- lines of four inch pipe. One of the lines was station ary and the other movable, so as to fol low the flames, and a man was stationed at each boiler to keep the steam pres sure up to 125 pounds. It is estimated the combined boilers gave a 225 horse power force. Two four-inch water lines were laid from the north with four two inch connections and fifty feet of hose on each connection and w-ere so arranged that the flames could be covered from the east, north and northwest. One of the pumps on the Jonnings-Heywood oil syndicate well was used to force the water and the other to force chemicals. The steam did the work, extinguishing the flames whiich have been raging for a week. The chemicals were not used. FIFTEEN ARE DROWNED. The People Perish Like Rats in Their Flooded Basements. (By the Associated Pres?.) Xieff, European Russia. July 21.—Fif teen persons were drowned yesterday by a sudden inrush of water into the base ment of various houses in the lower por tions of the town. A torrential rain sotrm, accompanied by violent wind and rain, broke over Kieff during the after noon and turned the streets into verit able torrents, flooding cellars and drown ing their occupants before they were able to escape. Large trees were up rooted and railroad embankments were washed away, necessitating the suspen sion of traffic. The losses sustained are very heavy. THE PUBLIC LEDGER SOLD. (By the Associated Press.) Philadelphia, July 21.—The Philadelphia Public Ledger was today purchased by Adolph S. Ochs, from George W. Childs Drexel and the Drexel estate and posses sion was at once given Mr. Ochs. The purchase includes all the Public Ledger estate, comprising about half a block of improved property on Chestnut and Sixth street, facing Independence Hall. /The price paid is not made public, but I it is stated on goed authority that over two and one quarter million dollars are involved in the transaction. Mr. Ochs has no associates in the transaction ex cept that a substantial interest has been acquired by James M. Beck, of Philadel phia, who represented the purchaser in the negotiations. There is no underwrit ing and with the exception of Mr. Beck's interest, Mr. Ochs is the sole owner. The new owner says there will be no radical changes in the appearance or policy of the Public Ledger. L. Clarke Davis will continue as edi- j tor and John Norris, of the New York Times, will for the present act as busi ness manager. TO BUY OUT BRITISH SPINNERS. (By the Associated Prog3.) London, July 21.—The Westminster Gazette says the directors of a number of spinning companies in the Ashton and Stalybridge districts of Lancashire have been approached by agents of Am erican cotton growers with the view of the sale of the former’s properties. Meet ings of the shareholders of the concerns affected will be held at an early date 1 to consider the matter. Shot and Bobbed. • (dy the Associated Press.) Lafolletto, Tenn., July 21.—William De- , lap was shot and afterward robbed of 51,100 and a gold watch by highwaymen on the outskirts of this city late last night. He was riding through the woods and hearing the Odd Fellows distress signal, responded to it when three men accosted him. Delap will recover. NEWSPAPER MAN DEAD. —t— (By the Associated Press.) Washington. July 21. —John Thomas Harris, a well known man, died this morning after a brief illness from a complication of diseases. He was 47 years old and a native of Winchester, Va. The funeral, which will be held to morrow, will be private. The average woman doesn’t care any more for the privilege of voting than the average man does for the privilege of | putting a baby to sleep. RALEIGH. NORTH CAROLINA. TUESDAY MORNING. JULY 22. 1902. IN DEMOCRACY IS TREIR ONLY HOPE Industrial Slavery is Drawing Steadily Nearer. IT IS BORN OF PROTECTION Which Fosters the Trusts and Oppres ses the People. THE OPINIONS OF WILLIAM F. VILAS He Speaks on Political Conditions and Possi bilities of Democratic Harmony. H* Points to Protection as the Great est of All Issues. (By the Associated Press.) Milwaukee, Wis., July 21.—lion. Wil liam F. Vilas, who was Secretary of the Interior in President Cleveland’s Cabi net, was recently asked by A. F. War den, chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee, to give his opinion respecting political conditions, the possi bilities of Democratic harmony, “and the assurances of the party’s restoration to ; power and the relief of the people from I Republican maladministration,” Mr. J Vilas replied today in part as follows: I “Whatever the alligments on past is sues, the Democratic party remains to day the hope of the people of this land. On no other can be placed any just ex pectation of a rescue from the menacing conditions that beset us. Anyone can see. who will s-ee the truth, that all the J combinations of greed, all the plotters j who work upon our government to win special gain at the cost of the people at large, are to he found supporting the party now in power, for the Democratic party they have, as always, only hos tility. “The overruling need is of concentra tion of opinion and a co-operation in po litical action by the people. “Under the false and deceitful name of protection to industry, there has arisen such a system of combining devices of legislation with the vices of business management to obtain mastery of the people as was never before seen in this or any other land; the iniquity of which it would be hard to find any parallel for, unless in Oriental countries. “At the pace the movement has attained it can be but a few years, if it go un checked. before substantially the entire range of manufacture, mining, trade and transportation will stand composed of a few masters and millions of employes, the latter constrained to trade only at what may be called practically ‘com pany's stores,’ and all agriculture will be helplessly ensnared, as it already is to no small extent. Liberty in the pur suit of livelihood will well nigh have disappeared, for, with the devices of our modern invention, it is unnecessary lon ger to manacle the condemned with ball and chains. “The people must aim their stroke at the root of the poisonous tree. It is idle to complain of mere incidents, to merely attack particular evils, to begin lawsuits against some special conspiracy. The policy of the illustrious Grant, whose objective was not the capture of towns or the subjugation of districts, but the destruction of the armies of secession, must be ours in the intending conflict. The victory to be won, which alone is worth winning, is the overthrow of the grand central, governing conspi racy of protection. When that “crowning mercy” shall be vouchsafed, the very purification of the nation’s soul by the fires of the strife will easily enable it to subdue the lesser forms in which satan is embodied in our national life. “The contest cannot be longer post poned, but with the utmost peril to the rights of our countrymen. Though mas ter nov/, protections knows its danger, and is vigilant t? secure every element of strength, every ‘coign of vantage,’ and, as ever on both sides of the field. It is making new alliances, controlling more industries, increasing its political pow er. How arrogantly it has but just de filed the appeal of national kindness and justice, bound by the law of its self preservation, to stand by every confed erate in whatever exactment. “It is a painful record we have written on the pages of three years past, for Americans who look to Washington, Jefferson, Madison, the Adamses and their compeers o fthe Declaration and the Constitution, for the rule of national conduct that should enlighten the world with the love and truth of liberty. And that same must yet be wiped off by fu ture treatment of the unhappy Filipinos, according to the principles wo have in herited, or so surely as justice rules the world, America will bitterly atone for it in resulting suffering of her own. But not at once can all national wrongs be redressed and those borne by our coun trymen must challenge first relief. I fear distraction. Protection is quick to profit by it. Its shrewd counsels have fomented war, have set the nation in j of military glory, and find its ac- j count in the controversy over imperial ism. We may justly hold protection it self responsible for these conditions; it will craftily keep agitation of such ques tions alive, and we may be sure, also, as the careful observer cannot but see the . fact now to be, that it will prevent array j of parties on any issue arising from j them that may imperil its own party's strength.” i A BUlr FOB SLAXDEB Mrs Victoria Roberts to Proceed Against the Virginian-Pilot. (Special to News and Observer.) Winston-Salem, N. C., July 21.--Mrs. Victoria Roberts, of this city, has em ployed counsel here and at Norfolk, Va., to insiitute suit in the United States Circuit Court against the Virginian-Pilot, of Norfolk. Mrs, Roberts considers that she has been slandered by an article which appeared in the paper connecting her name with that of Charles F. Os borne, accused of murdering two wives. Mrs. Roberts and Osborne's second wife were good friends during their residence in Winston. It is probable that a suit v.ill also be instiuted against a North Carolina paper, which published the sub stance of the Norfolk paper’s article iii a telegram sent by a correspondent. Hanged for Murdering a Blind Man, (By the Associated Press.) Atlanta, Ga., July 21.—W. R. Wells Was hanged in the tower here today for the murder of Frederick Pierce, a blind man, on February Ist, last. Wells, who conducted a v'ood yard, be came involved in a dispute with Pierce, because Pierce had ceased buying wood from him. In the altercation that fol lowed, Pierce, It is alleged, assaulted Wells. Wells left the place accompanied by friends, but returned a few months later and stabbed Pierce to death. MC LAURIN SAYS NAY fT ■ And 1 bus Becomes Roose velt’s White Elephant. Declines Position on Court of Claims Bench. Stung by Paper’s Sayieg He Sold Himself for Office. (By the Associated Press.) Oyster Bay, N. Y., July 21.—President Roosevelt is in receipt of a letter from Senator John L. McLaurin, of South Carolina, declining the proffered ap pointment to the vacancy on the bench of the United States Court of Claims. The President much Senator Mc- Laurin’s decision, as he believes that McLaurin’s Senatorial experience and his career as Attorney General of South Carolina would have rendered him a particularly good addition to the Court of Claims. The President now is uncertain what he will do about Senator McLaurin. It is understood that he is anxious to ap point him to some position in recogni tion of what the President regards as his services to the country and his demon strated ability in public life. Senator McLaurin’s letter is coushed in thd most positive terms and evidently was based in particular upon a newspaper article which accompanied the letter. The ar ticle stated that t lie Senator had sold himself for the prospect of getting such an office as that offered to him. It can be said, however, that the President re garded such a type of accusation as be neath notice and sincerely regrets that Senator McLaurin should have deemed it necessary to pay any attention to it. Senator McLaurin evidently has changed his mind about accepting the proffered appointment since he was in Oyster Bay July 11. At that time he indicated his readiness to accept the va cancy on the Court of Claims and the only question then was when he should resign from the Senate. SHOT TBROUGE. THE HEART Pistol in H A- Loman’s Hands Goes oft With Fatal Results. (Special to News and Observer.) Greensboro, N. C., July 21.—The night telegraph operator, 11. A. Loman, 18 years old, was instantly killed by the accidental discharge of a pistol at 5 o’clock this afternoon. He was a fine operator at Banaja, a station fifteen miles from here, and had just purchased a pistol and was exhibiting it to friends when it fired, the ball going through the heart. His father is Jake Loman, a freight conductor of forty 'years’ service, who is now sick and fatal results are apprehended to him from the shock. British Steamer Still Aground. (By the Associated Press.) Norfolk, July 21. —The British steam ship Comcric which stranded off Sewell’s Point while on her way to Lambert’s Point Saturday for bunker roal, was to day still hard aground. Her cargo was being lightened, however, and the Mer ritt wreckers at work on the steamer expressed the hope of being able to float her at high water tonight. The Comeric is bound from New Orleons to 'Ylamburg and carries a general cargo. Mocksville’s Annual Pic Nic. (Special to News and Observer.) Mocksville, N. C., July 21.—The annual Masonic Picnic and Confederate Veter an’s Picnic will be held here this >eai cn the fourteenth day ot August. General Julian S. Carr will deliver tin- address to the Confederates and Hon. Chas. H. Mebane will deliver the annual address. Durham, N- C., July 19.—News has just reached here that several days ago a colored child about two years old was killed on the Oxford and Clarksville road, near Shipwith, Va. The child was killed in the presence of its mother, who was rushing to save it. The engineer did all in his power to stop the train. [A STEAMER IS CUT INTIIYAII BY ft TUG Fifty People Drowned in the River Elbe. MANY SAVED BY THE IUG The Steamer Sinks 300 Feet from Place of Collision. A STAriMENT BY THE TUG’S CAPTAIN. He Says an Attempt by the Primus to Cross the Bows of the Hansa at Close Quart* rs Rendered a Collision Un avoidable. (By the Associated Press.) Hamburg, July 21. —The steamship Primus, of Hamburg, with 185 passengers on board was out in two and sunk by the tug Ilansa on the river Elbo at 12:30 o’clock this morning. So far as is as certainable about fifty persons were drowned. Thirteen bodies already have been recovered. The disaster occurred between Blanknese and Nionstedton. Among the passengers were the members of the Eilbck Male Choral Society. The Primus was an excursion steamer from Buxtehude (Province of Hanover, Prussia). At ihe time of the accident the Primus was crossing the river chan nel near Blakenose from the southern into the northern Fairway. According to witnesses aboard the Ilansa, the movement was pre cipitately. The Primus struck The tug's engine room and the Hansa endeavored to push her ashore but the grounded and the ships parted. The Primus thfn sank. In the interval however, about fifty of her passengers were able to reach the Hansa by means of ropes and ladders. Seventy more were picked up by the tug's boats, while others swam ashore. The disaster caused deep gloom. Many children lost both their parents. The Choral Society, which was on board the excursion steamer, consisted mainly o? workmen. There were no foreign pas sengers. Captain Peterson, of the Primus, swam ashore and gave himself up to the police. Captain Sachs, of the Hansa, also sur rendered. The Primus was the oldest boat on the Elbe. She was built in England in 1844 and had never before met with an accident. The Hamburg-American Line which owns the Hansa issued a statement to the effect that the weather was fine and the moon shining and both vessels wore stering absolutely clear of each other. Suddenly the Primus when about 450 feet from the Hansa put her rudder hard aport and crossed the bows of the latter. “This mistake” continues the statement, “rendered a collision unavoidable. The only possible step for the Hansa to take namely, to go full speed astern, was carried out immediately hut without avail. Less than a minute elapsed be tween the time the Primus changed her course and the collision. Boats were im mediately lowered from the Hansa and ropes and ladders were thrown over hoard. Fifty persons were rescued by the boats. At the same time the Hansa tried to push the Primus ashore but be ing of deeper draught, grounded herself before the passenger boat. The Primus floated down stream and sank 300 feet from the Hansa.” GALLERT FOR CONGRESS Rutherford Solid for Fim. Thirty fourth Dis trict Senatorial Convention (Special to News and Observer.) Rutherfordton, N. 0., July 21. —The Thirty-Fourth District Senatorial Com mittee mat here today. M. L. Shipman, of Henderson, was elected chairman and George Gigg>rstaff, of Rutherfordton. secretary. The convention is called to meet in this place August 18th. The county convention to appoint delegates to the Senatorial and Congressional con ventions was also held today. Solomon Gallert gets the county solid for Con gress. D. F. Morrow having withdrawn. The convention adopted a resolution com plimenting Judge Winston upon the fair and impartial manner which character izes his conduct on the bench. This is the fourth week Judge Winston has pre sided over our Superior court. Had to Shoot. (Special to the Nows and Observer.) Tarboro, N. C., July 21.—Willie Smith, colored, with a wounded ankle and foot, has been placed in jail for entering the dwelling of A. T. Daughtridge, of Rocky Mounty, and stealing some rings of Mrs. Daughtridge. Smith, gave a posse a lively chase, and it was necessary to shoot in order to capture him; W. T. Turner hit him in the ankle as he climbed a fence. Fire at Gold Hill. (Special to News and Observer.) Salisbury. N. C., July 21.—Fire at Gold Hill Saturday destroyed the company building of the Gold Hill Copper Com pany, of which Mr. W. G. Newman is president. Mr. Newman and a party of guests were dining in the building at the time. The fire was caused by a child Playing with matches in a store room in ♦ho building, which was filled with ex celsior, and the blaze immediately spread. Mr. NowmaYi and the guests had barely time to get out of the building. There were no means of fighting the fire and the destruction was complete. It was erected before the Civil War and has always been used as the residence of the company officials and for storage purposes. The loss is estimated at $5,- 000 or SO,OOO. New Brandy Gaugers (Special to News and Observer.) Asheville, N. C., July 21. —Collector Harkins has named twenty-five new bran dy gaugers who will soon go in the field. Their pay is $3 and expenses. Those ap pointed are: Cherokee and Clay, W. M. West; Ma con, Jackson, Swain and Graham, Milas Parker; Henderson, Transylvania and Polk, A. E. Hudgins; Rutherford and Cleveland, W. J. Mode; Yancey, Mitch ell and McDowell, J. L. Hyatt; Burke, L. A. Bristol; Catawba, J. F. Miller; Yadkin, E. Vestal; Davie, G. W. Slieek; Forsyth, C. R. Atkins; Stokes, R. F. T'ulk: Davidson, F. R. Liofton; Gaston, ,T. 1,. Hoffman; Anson, Rowan, Cabarrus and Stanley, C. J. Kestler; Surry, S. G. Brim and A. L. Sparger; Alleghany and Ashe, T. W. Lamlreth, M. L. Hen derson and J. F. Phipps; Wilkes, A. C. Phillips and D. V. Nichols; Caldwell, B. H. Dula; Watauga, W. H. Norris; Alex ander, D. A. Little; Iredell, A. A. David son. II BUTTLE FOR HONOR Two Attempts to Commit Criminal Assault. Woman Strikis Her / ssailant On The Head Wi.h a Pock. He Is Finally Away. (Special to Nows and Observer.) Winston-Salem, N. C., July 21.—A tele phone message to the Sentinel from Smith Groves, says an unmarried men named Robert Smith, made two attempts to commit a criminal assault upon the wife of Mr. Gregan Cash, one of Davie county’s best citizens. Smith w T ould no doubt have accomplished his purpose the last time had not Mrs. Cash's brother ar v lived and frightened him away. Mrs. Cash says she struck her assailant on the head with a rock, but this did not stop him in his efforts to commit a nameless crime. Mr. Cash and officers are looking for Smith, but up to this afternoon they had not been able to find him. On the Diamond. (Special to News and Observer.) Wilson, N. C., July 21. —Tarboro put up a “goose egg" which Wilson was forced to swallow whole. Tarboro played pret ty ball, while the home team was slow. Score; R. H. E. Tarboro 2 0 0 11 1 0 0 *—s 5. 2 Wilson 000000000—0 4 7 Batteries: Suggs and Sullivan; Cas sidy, Sullivan and Read. Umpire, Lewis. Attendance 300. Goldston Defeats Cumnock. (Special to New# and Observer.) Cumnock, N. C., July 21.—Goldston de feated Cumnock in a game of ball at this place Saturday. Score, 4 to 5. Batteries, for Goldston, Harrington and Willcox; for Cumnock, Harkey, Hood and Foster. Umpire, Beal. American League. (By the Associated Press.) At Philadelphia—v R H K Cleveland .. ..1 1 50 0 0 3 0 o—lo 16 a Philadelphia ..1 1 00 11 6 0 I—ll 15 1 At Baltimore— R H E Baltimore 00000000 o—o 6 6 Detroit 0 0212300 o—B 14 1 At Washington— R H E Washington.. ..00100001 x—2 C 0 St. lauiis.. .. ..01000000 o—l 8 2 At Boston— R H E Boston 10010210 x—s 11 2 Chicago 00000002 I—3 7 3 National League. At St. Louis— R II E St. Louis 0 0 00001 0 I—21 —2 9 3 Cincinnati 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 o—7 16 2 At New York— R H E Philadelphia ...1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0— 1 6 6 E rooklyn 4020 4 0 0 0 x—lo 14 0 Southern League. Memphis 0; Nashville 6. New Orleans 3; Atlanta 0 (five innings, rain.) Shreveport 4; Birmingham 3. Eastern League. Wrcest.er. 3; Prvidence 3. (Game called , on account, of darkness; eleven innings). Other games postponed on account of rain. Mr. J. J. Laughlin Dead, (Special to the News and Observer.) Warrenton, N. C., July 21. —Mr. J. J. Laughlin, a prominent citizen of this ' place, is dead. He was 65 years old, 1 and was ill about ten days. He had been in feeble health for some time. Capt. J. J. Laughlin, of Durham, a son of the i deceased, was here to attend the funeral yesterday. I ♦ THE WEATHER TO-DAY t For Raleigh: X | FAIR. ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦>♦♦*♦♦♦♦++++? 10 •TRICE FIVE CENTS. OUR THOMS WORTH SiXTEEU BILLIONS And a Few Hundreds of Mil lions More or Less. TALL CENSUS FIGURES, Average Size of Farms 146 Acres, 49 Per Cent. Improved. ) i IN 50 YEARS THE NUVIBER QU \DRUPLED. The Total Value of Farm Products for the Year 1899, $4,/39,118,755. The Most Important Agricultural Sta’es in the Wtst. (By the Associated Press.) Washington, July 21.—The census bu reau today issued a bulletin giving the condition of agriculture in the United States for the year 19<>0. It shows that there were at that time 5,739,657 farms in the entire country which were valued at $16,674,694,247. Os this amount $3,560,- 198,191, or over 21 per cent, represented the value of buildings, and $13,114,492,- 056, or over 78 per cent, represents the valu of oflands and improvements other than buildings. The value of farm imple ments and machinery was $761,251,550, and of live stock $3,078,050,041. These values, added to the value of the farms, gives a total value of farm property amounting to $20,514,001,838, The total value of farm products for the year 1899 is given at $4,739,118,752, of which amount $1,715,990,221 was for animal products, including live stock, poultry and bee products. The bulletin places the average size of farms in the United States at 146 acres, and jt is stated that 49 per cent of the farm land is improved. The total acre age for the entire country was $841,201,- 546. Tho number of farms in the United States has increased in every decade for the last fifty years, and so rapidly that in 1900 there were nearly four times as many farms as in 1850, and 25 per cent more than in 1890. The total acreage of farm land also has increased but up to 1880 less rapidly than the number of farms .thus involving a steady decrease in the average size of farms. Since 1880, however, the total acreage has increased more rapidly than the number of fams, so that the aveage size of fams has in creased. The total area of improved land had increased in every decade since 1850. A comparison by States indicate that the most important States in the agri culture of the country are, beginning at the West, Missouri, lowa, Illinois, In diana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New oYrk. Together they contribute 44 per cent of tho total value of frarn property and 38 per cent of the total value of farm pro ducts. Texas leads with the greatest number of farms, 352,190, and also with the highest acreage 125,807,017. But only a little over 15 per cent o fthe farm lands in Texas was improved, and the value of Hie farm land in Texas was less than in 1 ennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Missouri, lowa or Illinois, being $962,- 476.273. Missouri ranges second in the number of ifrrms having 284,886. Other States having, more than 200,000 farms are: Alabama 223,220; Georgia 224,691; Illinois, 264,151; Indiana, 221,897; lowa, 228,622; Kentucky, 231,667; Michigan, 203,261; Mississippi, 220,803; New York 226,720; North Carolina, 224,637; Ohio, 276,719; Pennsylvania, 224,248; Tennessee, 224,023. lowa leads the list in the percentage of improved lands, more than 86 per cent of the farm lands of that State being im proved. Illinois follows with more than S 4 per cent, Ohio comes next with 78 per cent, and is followed by Indiana with more than 77 per cent. Illinois occupies the first position in the matter of the total value of farm lands, the figures for the State being 2,004,316,897. Other State values are: Tennessee, $341,202,025; Texas, $962,- 476,273; Virginia, $323,515,977. The live stock farm lands of the coun try are put down at a value of $7,505,- 284.273, or more than 36 per cent of the whole; the hay and grain lands at $6,- 379,548,543 or 31 per cent of the whole, dairy products over S per cent; cotton over 5 per cent. There are 512 coffeo farms in the country, valued at $1,932,915. Mr. Stephen Starr Dead. (Special to the News and Observer.) Winston-Salem, N. C., July 21.—Mr. Stephen Ctarr died at the home of his son-in-lavy, It. C. Taylor, in West Win ston. last night, aged 82. He was a na tive of England and came to America in 1573, residing for three years in Ral eigh. He has been a resident of Win ston since 1876. He( laves a wife, six daughters and one Son. Death of Horner H. Hawei. (Special to the News and Observer.) Atkinson, N. C., July 21.—Ilorner H. Hawes, an unusually popular and tal ented young man, aged 19, son of E. A. Hawes, died at his home near Atkin son Saturday night. He leaves three brothers, four sisters and a mother and father. It is a shock to the entire com inunitv. .