The century digest
May 1890 edition
iSSUE 2  May

   Back to Issue One  

   Forward to Issue 3

The European community was shocked to learn that Emperor William II has dismissed his Chancellor Prince Otto von Bismarck. Rumors have it that the Emperor was impatient with Bismarck’s cautious attitude in foreign relations and the heavy handed methods he proposed for dealing with domestic issues. Graf von Caprivi has been appointed to replace Bismarck as Chancellor. Prince Bismarck has retired to his estate Friedrichsruh near Hamburg.

February 18, 1890

Ellison Mounts, nephew of Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield, was hanged today in Pikeville, Kentucky for the 1882 murders of Tolbert, Pharmer and Randolph McCoy, Jr. It is hoped that this evidence of justice will put an end to the bloody feud that has raged between the two families for nearly 30 years.

February 10, 1890

A large tract of Sioux Indian territory, ceded to the U.S. government last year, has been opened for settlement. The acreage, surplus lands left over after each Sioux Indian was allotted a generous 160 acres per family, is located on the Missouri River plateau, otherwise known as the "west river" region.

April 14, 1890

U.S. Secretary of State James G. Blaine today announced the formation of the International Union of American Republics.

The new organization is the result of meetings between the U.S. and the nations of South America that have been going on since October of last year. It will take under consideration such matters of common concern as arbitration of territorial and financial claims, criminal extradition between nations and the codification of international law

Luxembourg's campaign for independence, simmering since 1839, heated up rapidly last November upon the death of King William III. William's daughter, Queen Wilhelmina succeeded her father, but rule by a woman was declared completely unacceptable in Luxembourg.

Adolphus William, former Duke of Nassau, has been named ruler of the newly-declared nation of Luxembourg. The new Grand Duke's elevation signals the end of the union between the former Duchy of Luxembourg and the Netherlands.

Atlantic City officials announced today that the new boardwalk will be finished in time for the Easter holidays. Much wider and sturdier than the previous boardwalk, the mayor assured all that this boardwalk will survive the type of storms that destroyed the earlier versions and that the season will not be delayed.