1902 
357 
Events of the IVeek 
DOMESTIC.—A false alarm of fire raised among the 
girls employed in the American Tobacco Company’s cigar 
factory, in Philadelphia, Pa., April 30, caused a panic 
that resulted in the deaths of eight of the employees and 
the more or less serious Injury of 30 others. The disaster 
was caused by the screams of girls who witnessed an 
accident to a youth employed as a stock boy, and who 
was struck on the head by a descending elevator on the 
fourth floor, where he was leaning over a rail of the ele¬ 
vator shaft. In addition to fire escapes, there are two 
large stairways in the building, one at each end, but the 
BOO workers who were on the fourth floor when the cry 
of Are was raised, and as many more on the third floor, 
became panic-stricken, and made a mad rush for one of 
the stairways. One of the fleeing girls fell on the land¬ 
ing at the second floor, others fell over her, and soon 
those behind in their frantic efforts to get away from 
imaginary flames became a tightly-wedged, struggling 
mass on the stairway above.Fire, following an 
explosion, destroyed the Hagers Steel Company’s plant 
at Madison, Ill., April 29; damage, $250,000. . . . Prank 
R. Biddle, a retail meat dealer, of Philadelphia, Pa., 
brought suit against Swift & Co. to recover damages for 
injury to his credit, resulting, he claims, from their put¬ 
ting his name on a “black list,” in consequence of which 
he was unable to purchase meat of Armour & Co., A. A. 
Jewett & Co., the Morris Company or others in the al¬ 
leged “Beef Trust.” .... April 28 a tornado passed 
over Glen Rose, Texas, killing seven persons, injurying 
40 more, and destroying much property.Con¬ 
gressman Amos J. Cummings, of New York, died May 2. 
He was born in Conklin, N. Y., in 1841, became a printer’s 
apprentice when 12 years old, and was employed in print¬ 
ing offices in nearly every State of the Union. He served 
in the Army of the Potomac, and afterward held editorial 
positions on the New York Tribune and Sun. For 14 
years he had been a member of Congress. . . . Arch¬ 
bishop Corrigan died in this city May 5, aged 62. He was 
born in Newark, N. J., of Irish parentage. After being 
graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College he studied in 
Europe, winning several competitive medals for scholar¬ 
ship there. For nine years he was connected with Seton 
Hall College, being president for five years. He was 
made third Metropolitan of the Province of New York 
In 1885. On account of his great ability as a theologian, 
his interest in education and frank and kindly manner, 
he was highly esteemed both by his fellow-churchmen 
and members of other denominations. . . . The United 
States Supreme Court on May 5 rendered opinions on 
two test cases affecting the transit of Chinese through 
the United States to other countries, sustaining the Gov¬ 
ernment’s action in detaining them at San Francisco; 50 
Chinamen thus detained will be deported at once. . . . 
. . Bret Harte, an American writer of note, died in 
London, May 5, aged 62. He was best known for his 
poems and short stories of Western life, many of which 
are surprising combinations of humor and pathos. . . 
. . Rear Admiral W. T. Sampson died in Washington, 
D. C., May 6. He was born in Palmyra, N. Y., in 1840; 
was graduated at the head of his class at Annapolis 
when 21; served on the Patapsco during the blockade of 
Charleston harbor in the Civil War, and was on the ves¬ 
sel when it was blown up by a mine, killing three-fourths 
of the men on board. He was next assigned to the Colo¬ 
rado, Admiral Goldsborough’s flagship, on the European 
station, and in July, 1866, was commissioned lieutenant- 
commander. Then he was three years at the Naval 
Academy as instructor. In January, 1871, he was ordered 
to the Congress as executive officer, and on that ship, 
under command of Captain H. K. Davenport, was sent 
on to Greenland, with supplies for the Polaris expedition. 
In August, 1874, he was made a commander. During 
1882-5 he was Assistant Superintendent of the Naval Ob¬ 
servatory at Washington, and during 1885-6 was on tor¬ 
pedo duty and a member of the Board of Fortifications. 
He was Superintendent of the Naval Academy from 1886 
to 1890, and was a delegate from the United States to the 
International Maritime Conference at Washington in 
1889. In 1889 he was made captain, and for three years 
subsequently was in command of the San Francisco on 
the Pacific station. From this service he was transferred 
to the Bureau of Naval Ordnance, and remained there 
until placed in command of the Iowa. After the begin¬ 
ning of the Spanish War he was made acting Rear Ad¬ 
miral and was in command of the fleet during the block¬ 
ade of Cuban ports, which ended in the destruction of 
the Spanish vessels. On February 9, 1902, he was placed 
on the retired list, having reached the age limit. 
At Lynn, Mass., an anti-beef league has been formed, 
numbering nearly 2,000. ... A cyclone struck New 
Castle, Pa., May 6, wrecking the Shenango Tin Plate 
Works, in which were more than 1,000 people at the time. 
No lives were lost, but the property damage will ex¬ 
ceed $100,000.A volcanic eruption on the island 
of Martinique, West Indies, has done great damage. It 
is reported that the town of St. Pierre is buried with 
ashes and lava, and that nearly all of the 25,000 inhabi¬ 
tants have been killed. 
CONGRESS.—April 30 the House passed the Agricul¬ 
tural bill. On the same date the Senate Committee on 
Foreign Relations reported favorably all the reciprocity 
treaties, except the treaty with Argentina and the treaty 
with Great Britain pertaining to Jamaica, which were re¬ 
ported adversely. The Ways and Means Committee took 
no action on the bills to place meat on the free list or 
the resolution to investigate the beef trust, which has 
been referred to it, and it is thought that nothing will 
be done pending the investigation which the Department 
of Justice is conducting.Secretary Hitchcock 
has sent a communication to the Senate Committee on 
Public Lands, which may be taken to be a declaration of 
the policy by the Administration on the disposition of the 
public domain in reference to the demand for leases for 
cattle grazing purposes. There have been many "graz¬ 
ing” bills introduced at this session of Congress, the gen¬ 
eral purpose of which is to protect cattlemen against the 
encroachments of homesteaders. It has been accepted 
that Secretary Hitchcock and the officials of the General 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
Land Oflice would administer the Land laws with strict 
consideration for their original purpose, which was the 
promotion of homesteading. The theory of the Adminis¬ 
tration is that the best interests of the people will de¬ 
served by getting farmers on the public domain as rapid¬ 
ly as possible. This is the rule to be applied to public 
land and to Indian lands which may be acquired by 
treaty. Acre for acre, well tilled Western farms will send 
five head of cattle to market to one produced under the 
prevalent system of grazing on the public lands in the 
West. The President, it is said, is not only thoroughly 
in sympathy with this policy, but, being familiar witli 
conditions in the cattle lands of the West, he has become 
emphatic in his advocacy. He has, therefore, taken a 
strong stand for the farmer as against the large cattle 
barons, it may be expected, therefore, that Lhe leasing- 
policy, hitherto followed, will be gradually restricted. 
FARM AND GARDEN.—Great mortality is reported 
among sheep in New Mexico, owing to drought. 
Fruit growers of California, representing 88 per cent 
of the trade, have organized to control eastern shipments. 
May 5 rain fell in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Indian 
Territory, breaking the drought and greatly benefitling 
crops. 
May 7 lire destroyed three large barns at Lhe State Ex¬ 
periment Station, Geneva, N. 1'. Loss is estimated at 
$25,000. The lire is supposed to have been started by a 
drunken man, who w'as found lying in a field nearby. 
FARMING IN THE RED RIVER VALLEY. 
PART II. 
The last week in April was rather unfavorable for 
seeding here. A heavy hail and snowstorm that lay.er 
turned lo rain occurred during the forepart of the week, 
and another general rain at the end of the week. About 
two inches of snow fell and snowbanks over two feet 
deep were formed around our drills which were standing 
in the lield. Our machinery is always left in the held 
at noon and night, and, after we are through with each 
set, it is housed in a large machinery shed. This prac¬ 
tice of housing machinery is not common out here, how¬ 
ever, and most of it is housed in the “great shed.” 
We use three 22-shoe, four-horse drills, and are able Lo 
seed from 75 to 8t) acres a day. We are now seeding a 
field a mile long, and each round with all three drills 
seeds eight acres. Many farmers are using the disk or 
the press wheel drills, but we think that the common 
shoe drill with the chain covers is the best for general 
use as it is much lighter than the disk, will not clog as 
quickly in wet spots, puts the seed in on a solid bottom, 
and covers it with loose soil, so that moisture will he 
drawn up from below. 
About 40 acres of our oldesL land have been seeded 
down with a mixture composed of seven bushels of Tim¬ 
othy, two of Blue grass and 25 pounds of Bromus iuer- 
ims. The grass seed is first mixed with the wheat and 
then the whole mixture drilled in the regular way. We 
consider Bromus one of the best grasses for filling the 
soil with roots in a short time. About three years ago 
we seeded some, and last Spring while plowing it for flax 
we found the sod very tough and thick. We raise all 
Blue-stem wheat with the exception of a few acres of a 
new variety of hard wheat, Minnesota No. 163, originated 
at the Minnesota Experiment Station. 
Our working day consists of about 16 hours. The men, 
five in number, rise at five, breakfast is ready by six, 
and we are in the field ready to begin work not later 
than seven. About an hour is taken at noon for dinner. 
The teams leave the field at seven and supper is over by- 
eight. The buildings are quite conveniently located, the 
farthest we have to go to get to a field is about a mile. 
We have three colts four years old and one three that 
we are breaking in this Spring. They were first taugnt 
to drive on a wagon, having been bitted last year, ana 
then used one at a time on a three-horse harrow a half¬ 
day each. Two of the heaviest of the four-year-olds, 
weighing about 1,300 and 1,400 pounds respectively, are 
now worked on the drill every day with two steady horses 
between them. 
Our garden is not yet plowed and all our energy for 
the next week will be used in getting in the remainder 
of the wheat, about 500 acres. A hotbed covered with 
storm sash has been prepared, and tomato and cabbage 
plants are doing finely. A smaller one is used for start¬ 
ing flower seeds. 
For several weeks large flocks of ducks and geese have 
been migrating northward. A small flock of 11 geese 
settled in a coulee near the barn for a few days. They 
were so very tame that they came within a few rods of 
the barn every morning. One of them weighing 11 
pounds graced our table later. Flocks of geese and brant 
have been seen numbering nearly 300 . J. d. b. 
Wolverton, Minn._ 
HIGH PRICES FOR BEEF CATTLE. 
I believe the present prices of meats are as legitimate 
as the lower prices of a year ago, and that the producers 
are getting 40 to 50 per cent more for cattle, sheep and 
hogs than they did then. There has been no greater in¬ 
crease in the price of meats than in other farm products. 
Why do not the high prices of corn cause a disturbance 
as well as beef? About this time last year I sold a string 
of heavy cattle in Chicago at $5.10 per 100 pounds. These 
were fed corn at an average cost of 24; cents per bushel, 
hay at $4 a ton, and cared for by men at $20 per month. 
April 19 I sold the same kind in the same place at $7 per 
100. These were fed corn at 55 cents a bushel, hay at 
$6 a ton, and by men at $25 per month. You will see that 
while the cattle increased 40 per cent in value, the cost 
of the feed consumed increased over 75 per cent. There 
is no question but these are prosperous times for the 
western farmer, and that he has made money whether he 
sold his grain or fed it to stock. When it is taken into 
consideration that the farmers and feeders suffered four 
years of discouraging low prices for all stock and grain, 
the present reaction is not to be wondered at. Another 
thing that has a marked effect on prices is the fact that 
the home consumption Is rapidly increasing. The western 
country is settliug up more closely, large stock and 
grain farms are being cut up in small ones, and a smaller 
per cent of the products go to market. Lands in the 
Northwestern States have increased in value from 30 to 
lou per cent in the last few years. Lands that could be 
bought in northwest Iowa five years ago at $20 per acre 
now sell at $50 to $75 per acre. The cheap lands and cheap 
help are a thing of the past in the West. I don’t see 
how anyone can expect to buy farm products at old prices 
under present conditions. If we raise good heavy crops 
this year we shall see somewhat lower values, but until 
then the consumer may expect to pay well for what he 
eats. h. swope. 
Marathon, Iowa. 
1 think that the high price of beef is on account of the 
scarcity and high price of corn, and on this account there 
have been less cattle put on feed and increased consump¬ 
tion. When average laborers are doing well they seldom 
look ahead for a “rainy day," consequently they live 
better. We are getting for our fat cattle, which are fed 
from 120 to 150 days, about $6 to $7 per 100 pounds in Chi¬ 
cago; this includes a good quality of cattle. They will 
dress on an average about one-half of their live weight. 
This puts the cuts across the counter at about 12 to 14 
cents respectively. Then there are the hides and offal, 
enough to pay the labor, capital, etc., invested by Lhe 
butcher. 1 believe that Lhe high price of meat is caused 
by Lhe law of supply and demand, and do not believe in 
any beef trust. a. w. bacon a son. 
Hurley, S. D. 
On beef cattle we are not making any more money now 
than we were five years ago when we got $4 Lo $5 per loo. 
At that time we could buy corn from 7 to 10 cents a 
bushel; hay from $2 to $3 per ton; labor was twice as 
good for half the wages paid. We could get fencing for 
half Lhe present price. Lumber for sheds and feed boxes 
is a good deal higher now than then. We are not getting 
any more money for our beef cattle now than what we 
need to make a living and a little profit, even with those 
high prices. We are getting $6 to $7 per 100 for good 
quality fat steers that have been fed from six to lo 
months, depending on the condition when put in yard. 
We have to pay from 50 to 60 cents per bushel ar our 
corn now, and it is scarce and hard to get at that price. 
Some predict corn going to $1 per bushel. Hay is from $6 
to $8 per ton now, and almost impossible to get at that 
price. Hired men are from $30 to $40 per month. Five 
years ago we could get them for $15 to $20, and they 
would work to keep their job, but now they are noL 
worth much because they are too scarce. But on hogs 
we are making good money, from $6.50 to $7.50 per 100 . it 
don’t take so much corn for we do not have to feed them 
so long, and it don’t take so much labor to take care of 
them as it does cattle. I do not believe in the beef trust. 
There is no more trust in beef than in corn and hay, for 
they are what make the beef. There was a small crop of 
corn and less and lighter cattle fed. This with the good 
demand for meat made the high price. If there was a 
trust we could only get so much for our beef and pork. 
We would have Lo live accordingly, and you people in the 
eastern cities would soon find it out, for if the farmer 
has no money it will not be long till the rest of the peo¬ 
ple will not have any, either. J. R. benson. 
Rock Valley, Iowa. 
Crop Prospects. 
The peach crop is ruined in the northern part of this 
State. Cherries, plums and small fruit promise a good 
crop. The Spring is late; very dry. Late wheat and 
clover are badly winterkilled. Oats are all sown; early 
potatoes planted; a large acreage of both. g. b. h. 
St. Joseph Co., Ind. 
The outlook in our vicinity promises a fine crop of 
berries and fruits. Apples and pears blossomed more 
fully than for years. Wheat only medium. Pastures 
growing. Some planting corn. Had a nice growing 
shower May 3. w. F. k. 
Dover, Del. 
Peaches in this section are mostly dead, but the fruit 
growers are not discouraged. Quantities of peach, plum 
and cherry trees are being planted this Spring. Aside 
from the peaches 1 believe a good crop of all other kinds 
of fruit may be expected. A few cherry trees in favored 
locations are in fine bloom. J. g. b. 
South Bend, Ind. 
The Spring has been dry and cold until April 20; since 
then grass and oats look very well; early potatoes are 
planted and coming up; garden also. Cattle and horses 
are thin; many have died, not from lack of food, but from 
some poison on the corn and cane fodder, which produces 
inflammation of stomach. The hay was very poor also. 
There has been plenty of roughage, but little grain. 
Pittsburg, Kan. e. m. c. 
I have a large fruit farm here (apples, pears and cran¬ 
berries) that has been sadly neglected for seven or eight 
years. The last (and my first here) season I used chemi¬ 
cals as a dressing for the trees, and am so well pleased 
with the results that I shall use a much larger amount 
this year, and will supplement their use by cultivating 
my orchards with a double-action Cutaway harrow. 1 
shall thin my fruit freely and turn sheep and hogs in to 
eat the fallen fruit and such weeds and grass as may be 
growing later. "What, O what will the harvest be!” 
Harrison, Me. w. o. b. 
Farmers here have finished planting potatoes; the acre¬ 
age is about the same as last year. There will be more 
corn planted this year than formerly and less cabbage, 
because the sauerkraut cutters have considerable of last 
year's stock on hand, and because Winter cabbage does 
not pay since cold storage of cabbage has become so 
general in other parts of the State. Land has Increased 
in value considerably lately. Many old farms have passed 
into the hands of wealthy men from New York, at prices 
ranging from $100 per acre (buildings included), to $1,000 
per acre according to location, land on north shore with 
a good elevation for building being most desirable. 
Syosset, N. Y. J. s. b. 
