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THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
7o9 
Events of the Week. 
DOMESTIC.—There Is another outbreak of smallpox at 
Cape Nome, Alaska. .... Two men held up the Kan¬ 
sas City passenger train on the Burlington road near 
Council Bluffs, la., October 4. They broke open the ex¬ 
press car with dynamite, but the express messenger shot 
and killed one man, the other escaping without securing 
any plunder.At Skagway and Nome, Alaska, 
the W. C. T. U. and similar organizations are closing 
dance halls and gambling houses, and opposing the re¬ 
granting of licenses to many saloons.October 
1, fumes from fermented wheat in a Virginia steamer 
intoxicated a large force of men, and so prostrated one 
that he died without regaining consciousness. The fer¬ 
mentation was caused by fire in the hold.The 
Italian government has sent to Washington a protest 
against the “excessive liberty” accorded to anarchists in 
the United States.October 6, the bodies of those 
killed in the storm at Galveston were still being recov¬ 
ered at the rate of 15 to 25 a day. It is now certain that 
the dead within the city limits will reach 5,000; beyond 
the city limits and on the mainland more than 2,200. 
.... The upper pier of the Atlantic Transport Line 
in New York City was burned October 7; loss $100,000. 
.... At Trenton, N. J., October 6, a 12-year-old boy 
died of burns received while playing Indian. He was 
representing an Indian captive tortured to death; his 
clothing caught fire, and some of the boys threw gaso¬ 
line over him, believing it to be water.A tor¬ 
nado at Biwabic, in the Mesaba iron range of Minnesota, 
October 6, killed 10 persons and caused a property 'loss of 
$300,000.Severe floods have occurred in the Tam¬ 
pico district of Mexico. Near Chila, October 7, the Tames 
River was over 50 miles wide. In the State of San Luis 
Potosi thousands of acres of crops have been swept away 
and many deaths have occurred through drowning. . . . 
At Pittsburg, Pa., October 8, a trolley car ran into a 
wagon filled with picnickers, and 17 persons were injured. 
.... By the breaking of a levee, the Wisconsin River 
flooded a portion of Portage, Wis., October 9. 
There was a fatal clash between strikers and deputies at 
Oneida, Pa., October 10. One deputy was killed and two 
fatally wounded. A number of others were wounded. 
The mob had repeatedly charged the breaker where men 
were at work, and had intimidated the village for 10 hours, 
when the trouble began. Shots were fired on both sides. 
.... The Governor of Texas has issued requisition 
papers, which were served on Gov. Roosevelt in St. 
Louis, for the extradition of John D. Rockefeller, H. M. 
Flagler, and other Standard Oil men on the charge of 
violating the Texas Anti-Trust law.The 
Georgia State election gave a Democratic majority. . . . 
October 8, the Mississippi River was rising rapidly at La 
Crosse, Wis., and the Chippewa River was also in flood. 
Serious damage is feared. 
PHILIPPINES.—Gen. Hare has gone to the Island of 
Marinduque with 12 full companies, having orders to 
stamp out the insurrection there absolutely. Nothing 
has been heard of Capt. Shields and 51 men who were 
captured there. A detachment recently met with a 
rebel force at Bohol Island, one of the Visayas, killing 
30 of them. One American was killed. 
PIAWAIIAN ISLANDS.—Republican and Democratic 
conventions were held at Honolulu, September 24. Each 
party named a native Hawaiian for delegate to Washing¬ 
ton. The independents are sure to put up Robert W. 
Wilcox. The Republican nominee is Samuel Parker, 
chairman of the Hawaiian delegation of the National Re¬ 
publican Convention at Philadelphia. The Democrats 
have put up Prince David Kawananakoa, who would 
have been in line for succession to the Hawaiian throne 
if the monarchy had lasted. Wilcox is an avowed 
royalist and an enemy of annexation, and has a large 
following of natives. The Republican Convention adopted 
a platform endorsing President McKinley’s administra¬ 
tion. 
PORTO RICO.—October 8, four persons, one of them 
a woman, were killed in a political street riot in 
Guayama, which lasted all night. The rioting started 
in a caf6, when a member of the Federal party shot and 
severely wounded a Republican. Several of the latter’s 
party friends tried to lynch the Federal, but were pre¬ 
vented by eight Americans. Federals from Arroyo has¬ 
tened to reenforce the Federals in Guayama, and a bloody 
street fight followed. The rioting was kept up during the 
night, and three men and a woman were killed, while 20 
others, including several policemen, were wounded. Sev¬ 
eral of these will die. Armed bands paraded the streets 
October 9, shooting and shouting, and terrorizing the 
town. The whole district is arming, and the police force 
is utterly unable to cope with the rioters. The parties 
are about equally divided in numbers. Leaders of the Re¬ 
publicans are urging their followers not to engage in riot¬ 
ing, but the Federals are determined to avenge the San 
Juan affair, and further bloodshed is expected. Animosity 
between Federals and Republicans is increasing as the 
time for the elections approaches, and all over the Island 
are evidences that trouble may break out at any moment. 
GENERAL FOREIGN NEWS.—The British Parliament¬ 
ary elections are resulting in increased Conservative 
gains, thus showing popular confidence in Lord Salis¬ 
bury’s ministry.Germany has issued a second 
note to the Powers regarding the method of securing 
punishment for those guilty of the outrages in China, 
as a result of the edict of the Emperor of China begin¬ 
ning proceedings against Prince Tuan and others. An 
imperial Chinese edict degrades from all ranks and offices 
Prince Tuan, Lan Yi, Kang Yi, Tung Fuh Slang and 
others concerned in the Boxer movement. The modified 
proposal of Germany for a settlement of the Chinese 
complications has been accepted by the American Gov¬ 
ernment, and it is believed that it will be approved by 
other nations, and that peace negotiations will not much 
longer be delayed. Great Britain joins in the German 
proposal. 
FARM AND GARDEN.—It is estimated that the cotton 
damage caused by the recent floods and high water in 
Texas will reach 400,000 bales, worth at least $20,000,000. 
The second annual corn exposition and carnival at 
Peoria, Ill., opened October 3. A notable exhibit was 
made by the University of Illinois, and was in charge of 
30 of the agricultural students. A corn kitchen was con¬ 
ducted by the domestic-economy department of the 
Bradley Polytechnic Institute, and the Illinois Sugar 
Refining Company had an interesting exhibit showing 
32 products manufactured from corn. 
The New England Creamery Company has been organ¬ 
ized at Bangor, Me., with a capital stock of $500,000. The 
company is formed to make butter and cheese, handle 
farm products generally, and to buy and sell hay, grain, 
fertilizer and farm implements. A. Z. Cowan, Somer¬ 
ville, is president. 
The American Aberdeen-Angus Breeders’ Association 
will hold its annual convention at Chicago, Ill., Novem¬ 
ber 7; secretary, Thos. McFarlane, Harvey, Ill. 
October 5, the Pure Food Bureau of the Pennsylvania 
State Board of Agriculture entered 419 criminal suits 
against dealers in Allegheny County, charged with violat¬ 
ing the Oleomargarine act. 
The Illinois Horticultural Society will maintain an ex¬ 
hibit of fruit during the Pan-American Exposition at 
Buffalo, N. Y., next year. 
The annual exhibition of the Rhode Island Horticultural 
Society was held in Providence, September 18-20. The 
display was surprisingly good, considering the dry 
weather and recent hurricane. 
Reports of the Nebraska seed crops state that cucum¬ 
ber’s are disappointing, even with the low estimate put 
on the vines after the lice had ceased working. Sweet 
corn was injured somewhat by late rains. Melons show 
a fair yield of good seed. 
Pork continues to rise in the Chicago market, and it 
is expected to reach $20 a barrel. Heavy consumption 
and scarcity of live hogs is said to be the cause. 
Farming communities are asking for free delivery of 
the mails much faster than the Post Office Department 
can supply it. 
The Pennsylvania Railroad Company, which controls 
all the upper ferries between Camden, N. J., and Phila¬ 
delphia, has posted notices all through the agricultural 
districts of Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties, 
N. J., to the effect that on and after October 6 they will 
not carry any loose hay or straw to Philadelphia, and 
that in the future this product must be put in bales for 
transportation. An official of the company, in speaking 
of the order, stated that it was an old marine law which 
was being enforced by the Treasury Department. The 
order, which was received some time ago from the De¬ 
partment, was referred to the legal department of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, which resulted in the 
above notice. It is considered that loose hay or straw 
is a source of danger, through the readiness with which 
it catches fire. 
The State Board of Managers of the New York State 
Exhibit at the Pan-American Exposition has appointed 
S. D. Willard, of Geneva, superintendent, and F. E. 
Dawley, of Fayetteville, assistant superintendent of the 
State fruit exhibit. J. H. Durkee, of Sandy Hill, has 
been appointed superintendent of the agricultural ex¬ 
hibit, and Geo. A. Smith, of Geneva, superintendent of 
the dairy exhibit. 
The New York State Experiment Station (Geneva) has 
received two first prizes for fruit at the Paris Exposition, 
one on apples and one on plums. The plums attracted 
special attention. Ellwanger & Barry, Rochester, N. Y., 
exhibited 118 varieties of pears. 
THE POTATO CROP IS SHORT. 
Reports from Farmers. 
The crop is very light in this section. Carman No. 3 
is considered the best hereabouts, most free from blight, 
etc. The market is not really established as yet, but 40 
cents is the price at present. We have had the worst 
drought in 92 years. No rain this Summer worth mention¬ 
ing until September 29. j. e. a. 
Medina, N. Y. 
Potatoes are now selling from the cars brought in from 
Washington Co., N. Y., for 60 cents per bushel. Potatoes 
are not half a crop in Columbia County, not near enough 
for our own consumpton. Many farmers will be very 
lucky if they get enough for their own use. The Rural 
New-Yorker is quite a favorite, and has done as well, or 
a little better than others. Charles Downing is a variety 
liked very much, also Green Mountain and White Star. 
The late varieties are much the best, as the early 
varieties in many fields are an entire failure, g. w. h. 
Columbia Co., N. Y. 
Potatoes are selling in this market (Mantua) at 30 
cents; yield reported by farmers one-half to two-thirds 
crop. Farmers seem to be selling freely. The late crop 
is said to promise little or worse. I took a load to mar¬ 
ket to-day and found 1,000 barrels on wagons waiting to 
unload. Potatoes are not I think selling above 30 cents 
on the Reserve anywhere, save in Cleveland or vicinity; 
there at 75 cents. I have been in 10 or 15 counties and 
one-half to two-thirds of a full crop is everywhere re¬ 
ported. My own is 100 bushels per acre, against 200 for 
the last three years. The acreage seems to be quite 
large. f. a. d. 
Mantua, O. 
The potato crop of this section is about 75 per cent, 
quality poor, and price 15 cents for field run or 20 cents 
per bushel for fair stock. The leading varieties raised 
here are the R. N.-Y. and the Carman; the R. N.-Y. is 
now quoted in the Twin City markets at the top price. 
We have had three weeks rain and very few potatoes 
are dry, and if rains continue for two or three weeks 
longer they will be high. Farmers would sell if they 
could dig, as the crop in the West is fairly good. Cab¬ 
bage have started in at $2.50 per ton for nice stock, 
which gives from $35 to $50 per acre. This amount will 
give about $15 to $25 net profit. Grain crops are light. 
River Falls, Wis. e. h. c. 
Potatoes are bringing 60 cents in Waverly, but can be 
bought elsewhere for 40 or 45 cents. One dealer told me 
he had contracted a small amount for 55 cents, to be de¬ 
livered as he desires before January 1. It Is a little early 
for digging the late crop here, and only small quanti¬ 
ties are being moved. Cannot tell what farmers are in¬ 
clined to do, but I shall sell if I can obtain present 
prices when my crop is ready to dig. Round white varie¬ 
ties sell best to shippers, and are generally all called 
“Rurals.” Potatoes, both early and late, with few ex¬ 
ceptions are poor in yield, but some are fair size and 
very smooth. I think it is safe to say that the yield 
is less than 50 per cent. g. a. p. 
Wilawana, Pa. 
This is quite a potato-growing section; the soil seems 
well adapted to the crop. In seasons when we have any 
rain at all we can grow from 200 to 300 bushels per acre, 
ail late varieties, R. N.-Y. No. 2, Green Mountain, Car¬ 
man and Sir Walter Raleigh, a few Wilsons; the price 
now is 35 to 37 cents per barrel of 60 pounds at car. In 
regard to the yield I think that they will average about 
60 to 75 bushels sorted potatoes per acre. Price last week 
40, going to 42 cents. There seemed to be quite a rush, 
but since the price has dropped, not near as many going 
in. I am storing mine in cellar for Winter prices. It 
seems to me that they will be good for 60 cents before 
Spring. h. j. b. 
Harford, N. Y. 
Crop here is considerably less than last year. Some 
fields on wet land well cultivated have done well, but 
most cases are 50 to 80 per cent of normal crop. They 
wholesale here now at from 60 to 70 cents, and retail 
from 65 to 75 cents. Not many stored, and those that are 
being held for 75 cents. No single popular variety; every 
farmer has his favorite, which is not apt to be the same 
as his neighbors. Red or rose varieties are preferred. 
Late varieties scarcely ever do as well in this locality as 
the early and medium sorts. There seem to be plenty ot 
potatoes in Wisconsin and Michigan; quoted Wisconsin 
seed at 38 to 48 cents, f. o. b. there. Michigan, 53 to 55 
cents delivered. Maine seed (Aroostook) we have had 
quoted $1.10 to $1.40 per 165 pounds f. o. b. there. e. m. 
West Winsted, Conn. 
The potato market opened up at 35 cents about the 
middle of September. After a week it declined to 32 
cents, and for the last 10 days 30 cents has been the 
price which our dealers have been paying. They are 
getting them quite rapidly at the latter figure, and I 
judge that the bulk of the crop of this section will be 
sold at 30 cents. There are but very few varieties grown 
here except the Carmans—I mean the R. N.-Y. No. 2, 
Carman No. 3, and Sir Walter Raleigh, 90 per cent of 
the potatoes grown are of these varieties. I notice that 
you frequently distinguish between these three—one a 
better yielder than another, but I can see no difference, 
and I defy any expert to come to my bins and tell one 
from the other. I purchased my seed from the intro¬ 
ducer, and have been extra careful to keep them distinct. 
I should judge that the yield would be about 75 per 
cent of a full crop. Not all harvested yet. No early 
potatoes are grown here. c. g. w. 
Gustavus, O. 
Caribou, our town, six miles from here, is the most im¬ 
portant shipping point of Maine for potatoes. Price 
paid at the station since digging began, 85 cents per 
barrel. Everybody expects price to rise when cold 
weather begins. It always does. Last year the price 
in Winter was $1.25, dropped in March to 60 cents a bar¬ 
rel. Many buyers, but all combine on one price. Yield, 
in opinion of many, much below last year, but not far 
below average. Much rot reported. Early blight did 
much damage, on account of very wet and muggy weather 
July 15 to August 15, and late season. Farmers who 
planted on well-cultivated, well-fertilized uplands, and 
were lucky in applying Bordeaux Mixture before a spell 
of dry weather, have defied the elements and are getting 
nearly 100 barrels an acre. Most of the big farmers 
are holding their potatoes for the Spring trade. Big 
risk, but they run it every year with various success. 
As you know, our terminal market is Boston. The 
favorite kind is varieties of the White Aroostook Hebron, 
such as White Elephant, Early Harvest, New Queen, 
etc., also in the second place for quantity, Green Moun¬ 
tain, which gets a higher price. Plenty of Early Rose 
planted, not here, but in the northernmost part of of the 
county. Nothing down here in the early business. 
N. Lyndon, Me. c. f. m. 
On the best potato farm in this county the yield is 
from 175 to 250 bushels per acre. The usual yield is 200 
to 400. The two next best are getting 150 and 125 bushels, 
which is about half a yield. For each of these three 
there are 10 which are yielding 50 to 100. Conservative 
people estimate the yield for the middle counties around 
Tompkins at one-third to one-half the average People 
are just beginning to dig, and find a large proportion of 
the tubers very small, and they do not fill the crate very 
fast. A large proportion will be too small to sell next 
Spring. The entire absence of rot, and general smooth¬ 
ness of the tubers, make it safe to store, and the waste 
In sorting is less than usual. There have been but few 
cars ioaded as yet, but at the price, 40 to 45 cents from 
the field, many are inclined to sell. Especially is this 
true of those who do not read papers, and who consider 
40 cents above the usual price from the field; of those 
who need money to use, and those who do not have 
storage, or do not like the heavy work of rehandling. 
Potatoes always advance enough to pay for the extra 
labor of putting in store in less than six weeks after 
colder weather, and one can get pay for time that way. 
I have no doubt of seeing 75 cents paid for potatoes be¬ 
fore Spring, and if every farmer would hold for 50 cents 
from the field all could get it. c. e. c. 
Peruville, N. Y. _ 
Crop Notes from the Government Monthly Report. 
The estimate on corn places it at 78.2 per cent of the 
average for the last 10 years. Oats are yielding 29.6 
bushels per acre. This is one bushel less than last year, 
and two more than for 1898. The barley yield is 20.3 
bushels per acre. Rye is of better quality than the aver¬ 
age, and yielding 15.1 bushels. The tobacco crop in Wis¬ 
consin and Ohio is above the average, while Kentucky, 
North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and Missouri fall 
from one to three points below. The condition of the 
rice crop has declined in all States but Louisiana, where 
it is 13 points above the average. In the same State the 
sugar-cane yield is slightly above the average. The po¬ 
tato crop is seven points below that of last year. In 
Washington, Oregon and California, hops are yielding 
1,100 to 1,300 pounds per acre, and in New York, about 600. 
