The Washington times., September 14, 1894, Image 1

About The Washington times. (Washington, D.C.) 1894-1895

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THE WASHINGTON TIMES
VOL.1. ISO. 180.
WASEDCTOTOK, D. C, FRIDAY MOBNlltfGr, SEPTEMBER 14, 1894.
COTE CENT.
FIRE AT SOLDIERS HOME
Totri Destruction of the Big Barn
and Two Hayricks.
HORSES BURNED TO DEATH
Xncon&i&risi Caused It Home Tin Apparatus
Could Hot Beach the Building Engine
So. 7 Responded, but It Coal and Water
Coca Gsr Oat Two Ken Arrested.
About 12:S0 o'clock this morning & bright
blaze was seen from the windows ot Tks
Txkxs editorial rooms to light up the north
east horizon. Subsequent investigation
proved that there had been a Are
In the grounds of the Sol
diers' Home, where a large barn with
three horses, sundry vehicles, and a hundred
tons of hay, and three hay ricks were burned.
There is no doubt that the fire was the work
of Incendiaries.
About 12 o'clock Watchman Meyers saw
& blaze start from two hay sheds in the
roar of the Home. Ho gave the alarm at
nee and the hose from the Home was hur
riedly brought out and turned on the burn
ing hay.
A. few moments later flre was observed to
break out at the large two-story bam about
half a mile from the home. Gov. Stanley and
Deputy Gov. Irwin quickly called out all the
force of watchmen and tried to reach the fire
with the hose but found it was too short, al
though there was plenty of water.
By this time a crowd of 300 had gathered.
The fire burned rapidly, catohlng to the hay
And other oombustible material in the barn.
In fifteen minutes the barn was beyond nope
oteaving.
A little later engine No. 7 arrived from the
city and turned on water. After playing
upon the naif-burned building for half an
hour, both coal and water gave out.
Just at this moment fire was noticed to
bretk out it. th Mtf hayrick situated about
SOO yards west of the barn, but no effort was
made to save it. "
The barn was filled with 100 tons of hay and
si lot of machinery. There were Also de
stroyed in the barn three horses, a hearse, and
two oucgies. One of the buggies and a horse
belonged to Dr. Nichols, the assistant to Dr.
Fernwood. Two of the animals were ambu
lance horses. Every effort was made to save
the poor beasts, but without avail, as the
flames were all around them. The aggre
gate loss is about $10,000, without insurance.
It is almost certain tnat the origin of the
fire was incendiary. It caught in the two
hayricks and in the barn at practically the
same time, and the last hayrick was In such
position that it could not possibly have
caught fire from the burning barn.
An examination was made to see if attempts
had been made elsewhere to set fire, but none
was discovered. As the blaze sprang up from
tbe hayrick west of the barn a man was seen
to run away from there. Officer Matthews
and another gave chase and succeeded in
capturing two men. whom they took to the
Eighth precinct station.
About three or four years ago a similar fire
occurred at tho Home andthe incendiaries
were convicted and sent to the penitentiary
for a term ot years.
It is learned that some twelve or fourteen
pensioners were discharged from the Home
yesterday and it is suspected that some of
these may be the guilty parties.
Officer Matthews also arrested Berdie John
son, a colored woman, who was 6een coming
from the third haystack in a suspicious man
ner. It is thought she had nothing to do with
setting the place on fire.
PITTS PLEADED FOR KIYETT.
But Judge Kimball Refused to Release the
.Man Who Shot His Brother-in-law.
The case of Bobert Kivett, who, as stated In
Thx Times yesterday, shot at and narrowly
escaped killing his brother-in-law, John M.
Pitts, on account of tbe alleged intimacy of
the former with the latter's wile, came up in
the police court yesterday before Judge Kim
ball. Pitts begged tbe judge to dismiss the cost,
as Mrs. Kivett, who is hie sister and is solely
dependent upon her husband for a living,
would, if Kivett should be sent to jail, be de
prived of her means of support. Judce Kim
ball 6ald be was very sorry for Mrs. Kivett,
but that the public had a right to be protected
In such matters.
The proposition was also opposed by As
sistant Attorney Mullowney. who stated thnt
he would be willing to have Kivett released
on 8200 bonds. F. P. Closs. counsel for
Kivett, said that his client was unable to give
any bond at all, and Judge Kimball said then
he would have to go to jail. 'Even if Mr.
Mullowney was willing to dismiss the case,"
said Judce Kimball, I would direct that he
prosecuted for cnrrylnga concealed weapon.1'
Mr. Closs then asked that Kivett be released
on his personal bonds, but Judge Kimball
would not consent to this, and directed that
the accused be held in $200 for the action of
the grand jury. Kivett went to jalL
HO WORE PIECE WORK.
Public Printer Benedict Adopts a Plan by
Y hich lie Can Employ .More People.
It was learned yesterday nfternoon at the
Government Printing Office that Public
Printer Benedict would return to-day or to
morrow wben, it is understood, the abolition
of piece work might be looked for and time
work substituted in many of the departments.
The Record office will not be affected by
any change in the policy of Mr. Benedict,
and this office will continue to be run on the
time plan until Congress convenes, when it
will, as usual, be at once placed on the piece
basis. The new scheme, it is thought, will
immediatelv take effect in the soeciflcatlon
El room end the second and third rliriInne
This plan, Mr. Benedict thinks, is going to
make room for a number of additional em
ployes, thus holding forth some chance of re
instatement to many discharged men and
women. The rate of pay will be materially
decreased all around. As a. result thoso who
are at present on tho rolls do not view the
prospective change with favor, while on the
other hand, there are a number of people who
are ovorjoyed at the contemplated time work
Idea.
t
ONE DOLLAR PER DUPE.
Henri Gnraer Did Thriving Business by
Pretending to Get People Work.
Boston, Sept. 13. C. Henri Gurney, at one
time a well-known business man in this city,
was to-day arrested by Post-office inspectors
on the charge of having UBed the United
States malls to defraud. Gurney has an
offloe at 244 Washington street. It is alleged
that he sent out circulars tinder the heading
of "Guarantee Collection, Loan and Trust
Company," offering inducements to agents
and to provide employment for those out of
work. The fee charged was 61, and it is
claimed that ho obtained many hundreds of
dollars without giving any equivalent for the
money. He was arraigned before United
States Commissioner Fiske this afternoon,
and held in bonds for hearing.
Gen. Loe&n's Sister Attempts Suicide.
HnnrnTSBOEO, I1L, Sept. 13. Mrs. Ann
Rogers, slsterto the late Gen John A. Logan,
took -morphine yesterday with mlcldal intent.
It Is thought her life will be saved. Despon
iWCj it euf posed to be the cause.
SOYBREIGNS OF THE J0NADABS.
Ths Report of Secretory Younc Shows that
There are 700 .Members of the Order
Which Was Founded Here.
The Sovereign Council of the Sons of Jona
dab was in annual session last evening at No.
419 Tenth street northwest. Sovereign Chief
Andrews delivered an address, and later
Sovereign Secretary Young prosented his an
nual report, which showed an active mem
bership of over 700.
Delegates were present from West Virginia,
Maryland, and the District. The order now
embraces twelve subordinate councils, located
respectively, in Baltimore, Md.; Alexandria,
Ya.; Harpers Ferry. W. Ya., and the District.
The sovsreign officers for the current term
of two years nre: Judge John J. Weed, past
sovereign chief; W. H. Andrews, sovereign
chief; Edward Mullen, vice sovereign chief;
William H. Young, sovereign secretary; John
Humphrey, sovereign treasurer; Warron Lin
coln, sovereign patriarch; C. B. Allen, sov
ereign marshal;' James J. Hare, sovereign
watchman.
The order was founded In this city Septem
ber 13, 1867, by Samuel C. Mills. E. C. Eck
loff, James Croggln, J. P. Lasaelle. James
Campbell, and Asbury Lloyd. They gave It
the name it now bears, "Ihe Sons of Jona
dab." The principal tenet of the order Is based
upon a scriptural incident related in the
thirty-fifth ohapter of Jeremiah. When the
sons of Jonadab were invited to participate in
certain festivities that Included the indul
gence of the taste for strong drink they de
clined. They said: "We will drink no wine,
for Jonadab, the son of Ilehab, our father,
commanded us, saying: 'Ye shall drink no
wine, neither yo nor your sons forever.' "
It is related that these sons ever remained
true to the obligation, and all who unite with
this modern order named in their honor nre
forever bound, by the same inexorable com
mand, to abstain from all intoxicants for tho
romainder of their lives.
The order has upon its rolls a number ot
eminent gentlemen whose names are widely
known. It teaches fraternity, and is ot re
ligious tendency, but liberal as to theology,
no faith being excluded. Every Christian
denomination, probably. Catholic and
Protestant, is represented upon its rolls.
'About 3,000 have subscribed to our
pledge," said Sovereign Secretary Young, last
evening, "though they do not all actively
affiliate. But all have kept the obligation."
The sovereign council is composed of rep
resentatives and past officers, and has a mem
bership of about seventy. The delegates who
are in attendance from the several councils
are:
Pioneer Council John W. Thompson, J. J.
Weed, Edward Mullln. and Dr. Dexter. Cen
tennial Council William H. Young, D. P.
Brown, Henry Jenny, J. H. Mitchell, and
William Beron. Hope Council Sergt Daly
and Thomas Maloney. Goodwill Council
Joseph Osborn. A. 8. Dent, H. P. Moore, J. J.
Hoyre, S. W. Deekman, nnd John Schopp.
Faith Council C. B. Allen, A. G. Toone, and
A. G. Bishop.
Refuge Council, Alexandria C. M. Han
cock. Empire Council C. M. Gates, A. B.
Show, ana Joslah Gray. Spartan Council
H. W. Andrews, John Ryan. C. P. Hodges, C.
H, Moulton, Thomas Humphreys, G. B. Ben
nett, and John Humphreys. Potomac Coun
cil, Haiper's Ferry Wllraer Benjamin and
E. G. Deoker. Washington Council C. A.
Bossltor. G. L. Johnson, and W. W. Mc
Kenney. Monumental Council, Baltimore
Warren Lincoln.
The condition of the order is in general
very encouraging, but the palm is by com
mon consent awarded to Harper's Ferry
council. It ranks as the banner soolety,
having over 100 members and owning its own
hall. The second meeting of the sovereign
council will be held this evening at the same
place, when tho business of the grand body
will probably be concluded.
CUT WITH A SCYTHE.
William Parker May Have Gotten Ills
Death Wound from II is Friend's Hand.
William Parker, colored, aged thirty-five
years, is apparently in a dying condition at
the Emergency Hospital, the result of a terri
ble cut in tho abdomen made with a scythe by
bis friend, Charles Green, also colored, early
yesterday morning.
According to the statement of the Injured
man, be and Green have for some time post
occupied a room in n small house on the farm
of Mr. Zach Havens. In Prince George's
county, Md., about four miles north of Ben
ning's, on the Baltimore and Potomac Bail
road. On Wednesday night Parker remained
away from home longer than UBual and did
not return until 2 o'clock yesterday morning.
On entering the room Parker struck a
match in order to see how to get across the
floor without stumbling. The noise made in
striking the match awoke Green, who mis
took Parker for a burglur, and picking up an
old scythe, which stood by tbesideof tho bed,
rushed at Parker and gae him a terrible cut
With it
The encounter took place in a dark room,
and Green did not know whom he had cut
until Farker screamed out with pain. A lamp
was hastily lit and then Green saw what ho
had done. As soon as possible he informed
Mr. Havens, and the latter sent Parker to tho
Ninth precinct sntion, whence he was sent
to the Emergency Hospital, where, last night,
his condition was regarded as extremely
critical.
Green was inconsolable over his dreadful
mistake, but yet, as soon as he bad secured
help for his friend, left the neighborhood.
Policeman Boland. of Benning's, was in tho
city yesterday looking for Green. He also
had a conversation with Parker, in which the
latter told hltn that the affair was a mistake
on Green's part, and that if be should die ho
wanted Green to be acquitted. Green ame
from North Carolina, and it is thought ho
may be trying to make his way back there.
JUDGMENT FOR 43 CENTS.
Policeman Branson, of Anacostia, Had to
Pay That Sum to Peter Gingon.
A judgment for 43 cents was rendered
against Policeman John T. Branson, of tbe
Metropolitan police force, in a trial beforo
Justice Carroll W. Smith in Anacostia yester
day. For more than flvo years Mr. Branson had
been a tenant of Peter Gingon, but during
July concluded to remove to another house,
and on the 23d vacated tho premises, taking
most of his furniture. As he intended to pay
the rent for tho entire month ho thought
there was no objection to his allowing a part
of his goods to romnin for a few days.
J. W. Bartlev, Mr. GIngon's son-in-law,
who was the agent for the property, looked
at the matter in a different ligbt, and when
Mr. Branson movod out he considered that
the latter had no rights in tho house. So
when a committee from St. Terosa's Catholio
Church asked for the uso of tho house for tho
purpose of having an entertainment there Mr.
Bartley responded favorably and willing-.
Persons who attended the entertainment
destroyed some of Mr. Branson's goods, and
when Mr. Gingon sued the former for twenty
three day's rent at 15 por month, amounting
to $9.43, Mr. Branson asked to be recouped
to the extent of $9 for damages to his goods.
Justice Smith deoided in Branson's favor,
but also gave a judgment in GIngon's behalf
for 43 cents, the difference between tho
amounts in question, which Branson paid.
Fiendish Incendiary Attempts.
New Yobk, Sept. 13. At attempt was mnde
at about 8:S0 this morning to fire the tene
ment house, 138 Norfolk street, in which 100
people were sleeping. Shortly after that
time a policeman saw the black smoke pour
ing from the building. The Are was put out
when it was discovered that the cellar of tho
building had been sprinkled with kerosene
and then fired. This is the latest of a number
of similar fires which have occurred in East
Biao tenements during the cummer.
JOGGLING WITH A CORPSE
Singular Disappearance of a Body from
the Frcedrnen's Hospital.
SLATE ONLY IN THE COFFIN
It Had Never Contained the Komains Coro
ner Woodward, and Deteotive Lacey on a
Wierd and Tiresome Search At Last the
Body Was Boturned to the Officers.
A rather peculiar case of body-snatohlng
has been engaging tbe attention of the police
for tho past twenty-four hours. Tho matter
was greatly complicated and it was largely
duo to tbe Bplondid work of Detoctlvo Lacoy
that the mystery was solved last night.
On Sunday last a colored man, named
Anderson, died at Freedmen's Hospital of
some pulmonary trouble, after a short illness.
He was a good citizen and was in fairly good
ciroumstances. His niece, Miss Jennie
Anderson, of No. 1503 Eleventh street north
west, was notified of his deatn and made
preparations for his burial, notifying
tho hospital that tho body would
be taken care of. Sho secured
the services of Undertaker Winslow, of No.
1203 R street, who, on Tuesday morning nt
6:30 o'clock, telephoned tho Freedmen's
Hospital that he would come and take the
body for Interment, to which message a reply
was sent that tbe body was thero awaiting
him. On application at the hospital Mr.
Winslow was Informed that the body had
been interred In tho potter's field Monday,
and tbo authorities of the hospital could give
no explanation other than that it was a mere
oversight.
The undertaker thon applied to the health
office for a permit to open the grave and take
out tho body. His astonishment was great
when, after taking out tbe coffin and open
ing it, he found nothing but about fifty
pounds of broken slate and some old clothes
He at once informed Miss Anderson of the
Btnte of affairs, and she, in great distress, ap
pealed to Detective Lacey at 9 o'clock
Wednesday night to help her find the body of
her uncle.
Mr. Lacey referred her to Inspector Hollin
berger, who yesterday morning detailed De
tective Lacey on tho case.
BENT ON A GBPESOMZ QUEST.
The first step in the affair taken by the de
tective was a report to Health Ofllcor
Woodward, who at once went with him. Un
dertaker Winslow was first seen, and with
him, the coffin, which was still in his estab
lishment, was examined.
"The body has not been in thocoflln at nil."
said Mr. Winslow, "for there is no odor about
it and there are other things which lead me
to think that the body never rested in that
cose."
After a thorough examination of the coffin,
which showod no signs of rough usage, Mr.
Lacey and Dr. Woodwnrd repaired to the
Freedmnn's Hospital, where Dr. Francis, the
act'ng surgeon, placed everything possible in
tbo way of expediting the search.
It was a gruesome task. The huge pick
ling vat, in which bodies are preserved for
dissection, was first examined. This vat is n
rectangular structure nine feet long, four feet
wide, nnd five feet deop, made of a
kind of sonpstone. A briny solu
tion fills it nearly to tho top,
nnd In this solution all bodies are placed,
and an iron covering placed on thorn, henvily
weighted down. Nothing was discovered in
the pickling vat, and an inspection of the
dissecting-room gave no evidenco of any re
cent operations.
Dr. Francis said that the body had loft the
hospital, being delivered to the driver of the
dead wagon nnd ho hnd tho driver's receipt.
The next field of operation was the potter's
field.
SEVXBAIi COItrSES IN ONE GRAVE.
In potter's field the method of burial Is
revolting In the extreme. At times half a
dozen bodies, men, women, and babies, nre
interred in tho same grave. This was some
thing of the condition which confronted
Mr. Lacey and Dr. Woodward, for
on opening tho grave in which
tho coffin had been, the remains oi a colored
man and three bnbios were found. The body
of tho man was badly decomposed, but not
beyond recognition, and it was recognized as
that of one who had died on Monday in tho
hospital.
"Nothing here," said Detective Lacey; "we
aro drawing tho lines pretty close now."
Tho search was resumed at the Columbian
Medical School, on H street, between Thir
teenth and Fourteenth. Again were pickling
vats nnd dissecting rooms inspected with no
results, nnd Dr. Ruflln.in charge, disclaimed
all knowledge of tho nfatter.
Georgetown Medical College on H street,
between Ninth and Tenth, next came in for a
sbaro of attention, and the ghastly Inspection
was gone through. Dr. McDonald was very
courteous to the visitors and did everything
possible to facilitate matters.
After a short consultation Detective Lncey
advised that thoy await developments for a
few hours, and if there were no results to re
sumo the search. Mr. Lacey and Dr. 'Wood
ward had been busily engaged from 11 In tho
morning until 5 in the afternoon.
At 8 o'clock Health Officer Woodward was
telephoned that the body would bo delivered
to him at once. Miss Anderson was notified
nnd identified tho body, which was at last
turned ovor to the undertaker, after one of
the most oxpcditiouB searches in tbe local
records.
"It's just this way," said Detective Lacey.
"After we found that tho body was not at tho
hospitnl nor in potter's field, we knew just
where it was. Wo never do find anything at
the medical schools, but the iuspection always
6nn rej the professors and the bodies aro al
ways forthcoming."
4lt-
PRAYED, SWINDLED, AND STOLE.
Frank Griffin Robbed the Lady Who Had
Taken Pity Upon Him.
Frank Griffin, agenteel-lookingyoung man
of pleasing address, applied for board about
three months ago to Miss Clara Marsh, No.
411 Eleventh street northwest, and was ac
commodated. He was a stranger in the city
and his applications for employment were
unsuccessful. After a short time his menus
gave out and through the charity of Miss
Marsh he continued to live at the house.
On Wedncsdny he was notified Unit sho
could not afford to keep him longer, and
yesterday ho decamped with a gold watch
and chain nnd sundry other articles, the
total value of which will amount to over
100.
Griflln, it has been ascertained, was n
regular attendant nt the Central Union Mis
sion and at various churches, where he
worked a confidence game- upon various
generous hearted persons. No traco of him
has as yet been found.
--
Bookmakers Opposing Breckinridge.
St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 13. The bookmakers
at tho two race tracks on the east side of the
river from this city, who claim Kentucky as
their native State and tho Ashland district as
their home, have arranged to take part In tho
Congressional campaign now on there, and
In opposition to Col. W. O. P. Breckinridge.
A party of fifteen, including W. P. C. Huppu,
P. H., T. M.. and G. T. Newmnn. John Ober
land, J. N. Little, BIchard De Honey, and
John Weitzel. will loav hero Ho-morrow to
Mittend the primaries next Monday and to use
mo umo at mcir disposal, as wen as mui jn-
Auucuuo, uguiuBt xrocKuiriug,
HE UNDERSTOOD HIS ART.
Richard Clarke Roped in Two Men Who
Trusted Him with Cash and Is
Now Under Arrest.
Richard Clarko, claiming to bo proprietor
of tho Clarko Art Compnny, is in tho toil3
oharged by hlB clerk, John Y. MnoLain, with
defrauding him out of $250 cash deposited as
a bond prior to entering the former's service.
The Dusinoss relations between the two nre
Bomewhat peoullur. Clarke began his opera
tions here by opening an office in the vicinity
ot the court house last spring and advertisod
for a man to take charge of the ofllco for
"good wnges." etc MaaLain was one of
those who "bit," and ns ho found Clarke to
be an apparently prosperous and well inten
tloned mnn, was engnged at $15 per woek,
and in compliance with tho request of his
employer, who asserted that the handling of
considerable money would be involved in tho
work of the office, drew out $250 from a
local building association and guvo It to
Clarko as a bond for his honesty. A further
understanding was a written agreement for
bIx months, specifying some partnership be
tween thorn at tho end of that period.
MuoLain testified on the stand in tho police
oourt yesterday afternoon that tho business
was a myth; tbut ho had nothing to do since
Juno when ho began to 'work," except tond
dress envelopes occasionally, nnd thnt the
salary agreed upon was not paid. Clarko of
fered him various kind of paper in payment,
valueless ohocks. etc., until wearied, MacLnin
demanded his $250 bond, failed to get any
satisfaction, and then had his employer ar
rested. Another witness named G. W. Minnlck told
a similar story, only he had turned oyer but
$125. Intending to make up tho remainder of
the sum out of his salary. Ho did not make
it up. In fact, things, ho said, looked vory
"fishy" from the outset.
District Attorney Mullowney said "there
were others," and that the complaints war
ranted holding Clarko for tho grand jury.
Clarke's attorneys tried to provo tho legiti
macy of the negotiations nnd defended
Clarko's business, but Judge Kimball would
have- none of it, and held CInrke on a charge
of larceny, under $500 bonds, to appear be
foro tho grand jury.
HIS SECOND WIFE TURNS UP.
After Years of Silcnco Sirs. T. C. Gcssford
Claims Her Lato Husband's Estate.
Money draws a long bow. Thomas G. Gess
ford before his death, a few weoks ago, bad
heard very little from his wife for many years.
A petition was filed for administration on his
estate last week, and on Tuesday C. T. Yoder,
on behalf of his wife, put in an appearance
at tho probate court.
Yesterday C. A. Brandenburg, for the heirs,
filed an amendment to the original petition
for authority to settle the estate. He says
the wife, who It is understood lives at Johns
town, Pa., had not communicated with Gess
ford in a long time. She took not interest
enough to learn of his last illness, and had
not for a long timo borne her part as a com
panion to him m his declining yoars. She
was n second wife, nnd it is supposed was
much younger than her husbund. though
nono of the fumily here seem to Know much
about her.
Thomas C. Gessford came hero about two
years ngo from his furm, where he had spent
his life, near Johnstown, Pa. Ho had two
brothers horo, Charles Gessford, at No. CGI
South Carolina avonuo southeast, a well
known contractor and builder, nnd James
Gessford, of tho police force. Younger mom
bcrs of the family aro Harry L. Gessford,
clerk at police headquarters; George W. Gess
ford, of No. 200 Tonth street southeast; Jo
seph G. Gessford. the photographer; Oliver
C. Gessford, tho renl estnto man; Raymond
E. Gessford, the architect, and Ros3 Gess
ford, tho Instrument maker.
"Uncle Tom." when he camo here, mnde
his home with his brother Charles at his lino
brick house at South Carolina avenue and Sev
enth street. One of his sons, Edgar, was
already living here, and another, James,
camo soon after. Tho two brothers died
within a few weeks of each other in the early
part of this year. Both loft considerable
properties.
Thomas owned renl estate in this city, in
Baltimore, and near Johnstown.
Besides Edgnr and James here there are
two other brothers Eugene, who lives in
Philadelphia, and Ernest, whoso homo is in
Washington State to come in for a sbaro of
tho property. It has been a subject of con
siderable discussion nmong the wide kinship
hern whotber tho second wifo. almost for
gotten, would put in a claim. Tho heirs show
a disposition to fight it to the end.
EDWARD LEEDS DEAD.
He Was a Fine Singer nnd a Member of St.
Paul's English Lutheran Church.
Mr. Edward Leeds, one of tho most accom
plished and best-known tenor singers in
Washington, died at 3:30 o'clock yesterday
afternoon. Death was causod by peritonitis.
Mr. Leeds hnd been sick less than a week,
and the announcement of his death will bo n
surprise to his many friends. Tho funeral
services, conducted by Dr. S. Domer, will bo
hold at 8 o'clock this evening at tho family
residence, No. 1314 Sixth street northwest.
Tho body will bo taken to Carlisle, Pa., for
interment, at 3:50 to-morrow morning.
Mr. Leeds was the son of Mr. Cbarle3
Leeds, a well-Known printer employed in tho
Government Printing Office. He was born
in Cnrlisle, Pa., twenty-eight years ngo, and
enmo to this city with his parents when a boy.
Ho possessed a tenor voice of exceptional
power and rnngo, and has sung in soveral
city churches and at concerts.
He contemplated visiting Germany In tho
near future to complete his musical educa
tion. Mr. Leeds has been a member of St.
Paul's English Lutheran Church since child
hood, nnd was also connected with St. Paul's
Sunday-school ns musical director. Ho was a
very bright, compnnionablo young man and
had n most promising future beforo him.
FOR A MESS OF POTTAGE.
William Trombley Signed Away n Big
Fortune for a Small Consideration.
Detroit, Mich., Sept. 13. What is regarded
as a singular event in connection with the
death of Charles B. Chauvin, tho wealthy
GrossePointe hermit who was murdered last
Sundny, transpired to-dny, when a deed wo3
placed upon record conveying a half interest
in tho Chauvin real estate from Willinin
Trotnbley to John H. Seitz. of this city. Tho
property Is worth probably $125,000 and the
stated consideration is but $2,000.
Trombley is a nephow of tho deceased nnd
one of his two natural heirs, there being no
will in sight. Tho story is that four years
ago Trombley. who w.i3 then a waiter in a
New York hotel and still resides there, was
anxious to borrow some money, and meeting
Seitz, who is something of n (Speculator
in New York, it was arranged that Soitz
should pay Trombley a stipulated sum per
year, in roturn for which Trombloy executed
to Soitz tho deed which was filed to-day and
which by the terms of their ngreemeut be
came valid upon tho death of Mr. Chauvin.
BRICE FEELS SATISFIED,
And He Fails to Understand Why the Dem
ocratic Party Shouldn't Be.
New York, Sept. 13. Senator Brioo was
shown this afternoon tho Columbus special
to the effect that his friends there understood
that he would resign in coso the Democrutio
convention next weok adopted a resolution
condemning him for his course against the
Wilson bill.
Mr. Brico said It was the first he had heard
of it, and that so far as he was advised the
great body of the Democratic party and him
self were on satisfactory relations. Ho did
not understand that there would be any con
test, as there seemed a general desiro to make
a strong campaign with a united Democracy.
WIRE TAPPERS IN A BOAT
Western Union Officials Unearth a
New and Oriqinal Scheme.
TRYING TO STEAL RACE RESULTS
The Wire Leading Across Long Bridge to the
Two Tracks WaB Tapped and tho Rogue
Wiro Was Carried Into the Water De
tectives Pursued but Failed to Capture.
Two men in a sailboat is not an unusual
sight on the Potomac, and especially in the
vicinity of tho Long Bridge. Yot there was
an extraordinary slgnlfioanco in just such a
picture yesterday afternoon at the locality
mentioned.
A new scheme of the wire tappers has been
unearthed through tho vigilance of the West
ern Union officials. Every ono knows that
books on the foreign races aro made at both
tho Alexander Island and St. Asaph tracks.
Tho Western Union supplies the necessary in
formation as to entries, jockeys, betting, and
winners, and tho company's wires run over
the Long Bridge, being elevatod above the
woodwork of the structure
For several days past the Western Union
people have been kept Informed of the sus
picious movements of a couple of men about
the bridge, their information going so fnr as
to make them aware men had been out in a
boat both Tuesday nnd Wednesday nights
and something might happen nt any moment.
Forewarned is forearmed, and when yester
day aftornoon a sudden unusual clicking was
heard nt tho Western Union central ofllco
Chief Operator J. Y. Collins and an assistant
at once jumped into a carriage and were
driven to the Long Bridge. Thoy made a sur
vey and nt first could find nothing out of tbe
way, but saw two men iu a sailboat about 100
yards from the bridge. To all intents and
purposes tho occupants of the boat wcro fish
ing and minding their own business.
DISCOVEBED THE CONNECTION.
Mr. Collins finally discovered that a con
nection hnd been made with the wires near
tho east span of the draw. A thin wire ran
down from the polo on the outside of the
bridge, and Mr. Collins climbed over to 8ee
whero the connection led. Ho found tho thin
wire had been brought just under the fiooring
and there caught by a brass piece with a
spring attachment. Inserted Into this brass
Eieco was a cablo wire whicn was securely
eld by the spring.
Upon this discovery Mr. Collins at once tel
egraphed to police headquarters for detec
tives, and then it was nocessary to discover
tho other end of the cable. To do this ho be
gan pulling on tho cable, and soon found it
led to tho sailboat. Tho occupants ot the lat
ter were thus warned of their plot being
known, and hastily cut tho cable.
The detectives arrived at this juncture, and.
seeing tho wire-tappers preparing to sail up
tho river, started in a carriage to head them
off at Georgetown. Collins and his assistant
hurried to another sailboat and set out in pur
suit, hoping, with tho ofllcers' aid, to catch
tho would-be criminals. But their plans mis
carried, as the tappers landed up the river
just two minutes ahoad of the arrival of the
detectives and escaped capture.
WHAT OPERATOR COLLINS SATS.
Mr. Collins was seen last evening by a
Tuies ropresontativo and gnve tho above ac
count of the affair. He snid wire tapping
with a sailboat attachment was a new wrinkle
nnd was calculated to fool the most expert
official. "Wo wero aware thnt an attempt
would probably be made somewhere between
the river and tho race tracK and wero accord
ingly on tho watch.
"It was desired to catch the men in the act
nnd we waited developments. So when the
suspicious clicking, as if of a bad connection,
was heard wo started for tho Long Bridge.
The rest I have already told, but am sorry to
say the tappers were too far away to be recog
nized or identified. It would have been nec
essary for tho tappers to have first familiar
ized themselves with tho New York operator's
telegraphing, for it is a fact thnt every oper
ator ha3 a certain style, which is easily appar
ent to a receiver.
"The men in tho boat may have begun tho
task of studying tho New York sender's
method so as not to run any chance of a slip
up. They undoubtedly had confederates
stationed in tho poolrooms who could easily
bo tipped tho winner of n rnco by means of a
certain dash or series of dashes, equivalent to
a cipher, which thoy could understand with
out tho regular poolroom operator being on.
"After a sufficient lapse of time for tho con
federates to mako thoir play the regular mes
sage would bo sent by the men in the boat,
nnd tho follows would get nil the money. I
don't know whother they will try again, hut
if they do, nnother plan will have to bo fol
lowed, as wo are on to this one."
DEBS GAVE PERMISSION.
Ho Allowed Mrs. Stanford to Have Her
Private Car Taken to Snn Francisco.
Chicago, Sept. 13. The government nttor
noy in tho Debs enso to-day asked thnt Presi
dent Debs and tho other defendants be called
upon to testify. Tho defense objected and
Judgo Woods allowed the matter to pass with
out a ruling.
Joseph Elbors, night clerk nt the Leland
Hotel, testified that ho had delivered numer
ous telegrams to Debs and that the lnttor hnd
rend them in his presence. Wallace Rico, a
reporter, who, as a delegate from a local
union, was present at tho A. R. U., conven
tion, told of tho scones during the considera
tion of tho Pullmnn strike. The witness said
that DebB made a fierce speech, urging the
boycott and declaring thnt ho would rather
see tho A. R. U. go to wreck in so righteous
a cause than to drag along. Howard, Mr.
Rico snid, was much moro conservative, and
opposed the ordnring of tho boycott.
Manager Fulford. of tho Western Union,
was recalled, nnd produced a telegram from
Mrs. Lemnd Stanford to Debs on July 2 ask
ing him to grant permission to trainmen to
tnko her private car to S:iu Francisco. Miss
Bockor. n telegraph oporalor, testified thnt
Dobs hnd replied to Mrs. Stnnford. telling her
tho trainmen would take her car through.
This was tho first ovidenco that Debs had per
sonally sent messages relativo to the strike.
J. B. King, jr., a switchman, testified re
garding tho strike on the Illinois Central, and
at tho conclusion of tho testimony Mr. Walker
announced thnt the government case was
clospd with the exception of tho production
of tho Pullmnn contracts. Tho defense re
fused to outline its testimony.
WORSE DIDN'T KNOW.
Yet He Charged That Mrs. Gougar Got
Money for Making Speeches.
Boston, Sept. 13. Congressman Morso oc
cupied the stand most of the day in tho cele
brated libel suit for $25,000 brought against
him by Mrs. Helen M. Gougar, of Lafayette,
Ind., in the United States circuit court to
day. Ho told of his Republican principles
nnd long term as Congressman. He classed
the plaintiff in the list of vindictive speakers.
Judgo Putnam decided thnt Mr. Morsa'a
Bpeeoh on tho floor of tho Houso was privi
leged and could not bo put in as evidence un
less he wished it.
The cross-examination of Hon. Harvey N.
Sheppard brought out the statement from Mr.
Morse that he bad no knowledge ot Mrs.
Gougar being paid by the Democrats for
making political speeches,
DESTITUTE IN HER OLD AGE.
Pathetic Story of Ono of the Sufferers
from tho Recent Forest Fires in
Minnesota.
Mrs. Mary Schmidt, a venernblo womitn ot
more thun seventy-nino years of age, whoso
grandson was consumed by tbo fiamos, and
who lost nearly everything sho ownod, and
who herself was injured during tho recent
terrible forest fires In Minnesota, was at tho
First precinct station yesterday and last
night, and this morning will start for War
renton, Ya., whero she has relatives who will
care for her.
Mrs. Schmidt reached Washington from
St. Paul by tho Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
yesterday morning at 10 o'clock with 5
cents in her pocket and a amall quantity of
clothing iu a very small trunk. She hnd
been given 50 conts by a lady on the train
who pitied her forlorn condition, but ty
somo means sho lost it. Leas than three
weeks ngo Mrs. Schmidt was tho owner of
personal property valued at $16,000, but
when sho loft St. Paul on Monday for this
city she traveled on a ticket which had been
purchased for her by an Odd Fellows lodge
in Minneapolis, of which her husband had
been an honored membf r for ten years.
Arrived at tho Baltimoro nnd Ohio depot,
Mrs. Schmidt found herself a stranger in a
Btrango city, nnd her pitiable condition at
tracted the attention of a kind-hearted lady,
to whom in reply to questions she told her
story of woe. Tho lady told her that sho had
better go at once to police headquarters and
make her condition known, and generously
offered to conduct her there. Before reach
ing bendqunrters the old lady's nerves be
cume unstrung, and by tho time she got to tho
office of Sanitary Officer Frank, who has
charge of all matters relaUng to tho desUtute,
she was weoping bitterly
Mr. Frank received her" kindly and listened
to her btory with the utmost consideration.
Mrs. Schmidt told him nbout her losses in the
West, and said thnt she desired to go to tho
hamo of her sister, Mrs. Funk, about nlno
miles from Warrcnton, Yn., whero she would
remain until next spring. Mrs. Funk is tho
owner of 110 acres of land, and Is in a pros
perous condition.
As there was no train save one late in the
evening, Mr. Frank suggested that Mrs.
Schmidt remain in Washington over night.
She ngeed to this and was placed in charge
of Matron Lewis at the First precinct station.
Mrs. Lewis did nil in her power to mako the
poor old woman comfortable, and by her kind
attentions succeeded after awhile in cnlming
Mrs. Schmidt's excitement. To kind words
Mrs. Lewis added kind deeds, providing her
nged protege with substantinl meals and also
with some money.
Mrs. Schmidt was seen in tho matron's
room at the station nbout 5 o'clock yesterdny
afternoon by a Times reporter.
"What paper do you represent?" she asked.
"The Washington TniEs."
"Is It Democratic or Republican," asked
the old lady?
"Independent," said the reporter.
"Then I will talk to you. My husband was
a Democrat up to the time of h!s death and
I have been one ever since ho died, eighteen
years ago."
Then she told the story of the terrible or
deal through which sha ha3 passed during tho
pnst two weeks.
"Of course wo wero ruined," she said,
after reoiting herexpenence. "Oursufferlngs.
especially our mental agony, were terrible,
and the physicians who were called to attend
us said that if we were to be spnred from be
coming Inmates of an insane asylum it was
absolutely necessnry that we should leave tho
scenes of desolation which surrounded us for
a time at least. So my daughter aud grand
daughter went to the homes of friends in St.
Paul nnd I am going to stay with my sister
near Warrenton, Ya., until next bpring.
"Despite all that wo huve pned through
my daughter, as soon as the proper season
arrives, will have a crop of whfat sown.
Some of our friends near Easton, Pa., whero
we lived many years 'ago, heard of our
troubles and mndo up a purse of money
sufficient to pay for the seed nnd tho labor."
COMMANDER OF5 THE G. A. R.
Col. Thomas G. Lavtler Elected Col. Ains-
worth Condemned for Discharging
Veterans for Testifying.
Pittsburg. Pa., Sept. 13. Col. Thomas G.
Lawler, of Rockford, 111., was to-day chosen
commander-in-chief of the G. A. R. by a ma
jority of eleven votes over Col. I. N. Walker,
of Indianapolis. Tho other officers elected
nre: Senior vice commander, Major A. P.
Burcbfleld, Pittsburg; junior vice commander,
Charles H. Shuto, Sew Orleans, and surgeon
general, O. W. Weeks, Marion, Ohio.
Col. Lawler was born iu England on April
9, 1844. When a child he was taken to Illi
nois and educated in tho punlic schools of
Rockford. At the ago of seventeen he enlisted
as a pnvnto in Company E, Nineteenth Illinois
Yolunteer Infantry. He saw much hard fight
ing. He commanded his company for two
months during the Atlanta campaign and was
elected captain by his company nnd placed
upon the roll of honor by Maj. Gen. Rose
crans, of the Army of the Cumberland. Col.
Lawler organizod tho Rockford Rifles in 187C
and was elected colonel, nnd commanded tho
Third Ilegiment, I. N. G., for seven years,
when ho resigned.
Ho was postmaster at Rockford under tho
Hnycs and Garfield administrations, and is in
tho coal and lumber business. Col. Lawler
has been commander of C. L. Novms Post, of
Bockford, for twenty-six consecutive yoars.
Ho has also served as a member of the de
partment council of administration and junior
nnd senior vico department commander.
Alter the election of Col. Lawler tho conven
tion adjourned for dinner.
At the afternoon session of tho encamp
ment tho resolutions condoming Col. Ains
worth for discharging eteans because of
their testimony nt tho inquiry into tho Ford
Thenter disaster nt Washington was taken up
and discussed.
At the nfternoon session of tho ladies of tho
G. A. R. officers wero elected, among thorn
Mrs. J. C. George, of Washington, D. C, for
treasurer.
This Is thu first time an encampment has
concludod its business and elected and in
stalled its officers in a sitting or two days.
The now commander-in-chief issued his
first orders to-night, appointing Comrade C.
C. Jones, of Rockford. III., adjutant general,
and Comrade J. N. Burst, of Syracuse. III.,
qu irterraaster general, and establishing
headquarters at Rockford, 111.
At tho afternoon session of tho encampment
representatives of the Big Four and of the
Cincinnati. Hamilton nnd Dayton Railroad
guaranteed a one-cent a mile rate for tho next
encampment. The Pennsylvania has given a
similar guarantee.
-o-
In the Held of Politics.
The Republican State convention of Colo
rado has nominated Mrs. A. J. Peavey, of
Denvor, for State superintendent of publio
instruction.
Tho Fifth California Congressional conven
tion renominated Congressman Eugene F.
Loud. The Fourth California district conven
tion nominated Thomas B. Shannon.
Col.Thomns Goode.of Mecklenburg county,
who is now contesting the seat ot Hon. James
F. Epes, In the Fifty-third Congress, wns re
nominated by tho Populists of tho Fourth
district.
Tho Democrats of tho Fifth Wisconsin dis
trict hnvo nominated Dr. Henry Blank for
Congress. t
Bolting Democratic sugar planters held a
mooting In Plnquemina pariah. La., on
Wednesday and declared In favor of the Re
publican party and of making a Congressional
nomination against tho regular Democratic
nominee.
The Independent American party has en
tered the campaign In Illinois by nominating
in Chicago a State and county ticket and also
tho following Congressmen: First district,
W. D. McComas; Fifth, W. D. Pickles, and
SoTentb, James B. Strucbel,
WEAR BLACK FOR GORBETT
Joe Freeman and Ben McCatiley Go
About With Eyes in Mourning.
BUT YET THEY ARE COMRADES
They Had a lively Set-to About tho Pugilis
tic Merits of the Champion Then They
Vowed Everlasting Friendship and Took
a Drink Together With Intertwined Anna.
A chance acquaintance with Pugilist Cor
bett, tho champion of tho world, yesterday
caused the eyes of two well-known men to b
draped black, and one, in addition, had his
mouth so badly cut that overy spoken word
will, for soma weeks, bo a painful reminder of
the honor which ho so long coveted, but so
briefly enjoyed.
Tho gentlemen in question aro Joseph
Freeman, the Thirteenth street florist, and B.
F. McCauley, who has a livery stable on
Fourteenth street, and whoso tally-ho coach
fa a familiar vehicle around town. Freeman
is a large, powerful man, while McCauley i3
of smaller stature, but compactly and strongly
built. It is not known that Freeman possesses
more than ordinary fistic ability, but Mc
Cauley must enjoy that distinction, becauso
one of the spectators of the fight remarked
after it was over: "I tell you when I saw Ben
slap his hands together I knew there was go
ing to bo trouble for some one."
The fight was short, but both combatants
were more successful thocmost professional
fighters, for they were decorated in red and
black almost before the erowd of onlookers had
a chance to recover their lost breath. The en
counter aiso possessed several humorous feat
ures arising from the faet tear after Wood
wa? drawn both men. were anxious to forgive
and forget and drink to future health and
prosperity from the loving cup.
Champion Corbett spent somo Umo yester
day afternoon playing billiards witbLeroy
Harris in the room attached to tha Randall
Hotel, which adjoins Albnugh's Opera House.
JIM XOT 3f CCH OF A BIU.IAR&IST.
The game was, of coarse, a center of at
traeUon for all the sporting fraternity in tha
upper part of town, and the news that "Gen
tleman Jim" was pushing the cue soon spread
around and drew a erowd of 200 people, who
tiptoed and shoved and erased their neck3
for a view not only of Corbett, bat a la
Charley Hoyt's "Rag Baby." afao to see tha
"men who shook hand with Corbett" In
passing it must be said that Jim is it-better
bag or nose puncher than he is a. eue shover.
and experts at the game are not very compli
mentary when they refer to his proweso.
While the game was in progress Florist
Freeman, who is a great admirer of Corbett
and the art pugilistic, poshed bis way
through the people surrounding the tabie.
He knows Leroy Harris and the hitter vry
shortly presented him to tbe ehampton.
Freeman had taken a driak or two, so it
is said by those who were present, and he was
consequently quite loquacious and took a,
lively interest in tbe rolling balls, voisateer
ing bis advice and trying to tell Corbett how
he should play.
About this time McCauley drove up in his
buggy and entered tbe billiard room. Ho
nodded to Freeman, and the othen whom he
knew, hail a drink, and then watched the
piay. Corbett and Harris soon finished, and
then got in a earriage and startod for the Isl
and to attend the races.
Freeman and McCauley followed the de
parting champion as far h? tbe sidewalk and
then, it is aid. got into a dispute as to tbe
ability of Corbett to whip Fitzsimmons. Free
man was loud in Coroett'a prabe. and Mc
Cauley was dead sure that Jim is afraid of
Fitz and keeps out of his way.
"I'll bet yon big money Jim can Mck him,"
the little knot of bystanders gathered around
heard Freeman angrily declare.
McCauley must have made some reply that
exasperated Freeman for tbe latter bardiy
waited for the words to leave McCantey'3
lips before he let out with his fist and struck
McCauley. who was half turned away from
him, squarely on the eye.
oh, xac! let rr bbopI"
"Do you call that fair play? Do you call
that fair play?" shouted McCauley, advancing
with fists up toward Freeman.
"Oh, Mack! Oh, Mack!" cried tho thor
oughly alarmed Freeman baeking away.
"Let it drop here. Let it drop here. Don't
hit me."
McCauley "let It drop." however, and
struck Freeman in the eye. He followed this
up by a back-handed lick acr33 Freeman's
mouth and cut a bad gash, which Wed pro
fasely. Freeman meantime was begging Mc
Caulev to desist, and the crowd, which now
was grent. laughed at tbe big man's fear of
his smaller opponent.
McCauley continued punching Freeman,
and at length gnve the latter a blow that sent
him flying across the pavement and down to
earth.
Then a funny incident happened, which,
although both men had bluet eyej and were
bloody, divested the affair of its sanguinary
character and sent the crowds into parox
ysms o! laughter.
Wheu Freeman went down McCauI7
rushed to him exclaiming anxiouslyr
'I'm your friend! I'm your friend!"
Freeman glanced up through one black
eyo at McCauley, his bloody lips parted in
a pitiful smilo of relief, and ho extonded his
hand. McCauley seized it and helped his
adversary up. They adjourned at once to
the bar. professing the warmest friendship
for each other.
Those who looked through tho bar room
windows a moment later saw them standing
in front of the bar with their arms around
each other's neck and evidenUy drinking
deeply of the loving cup.
Telegraphic Brevities.
President Cleveland entertained Joseph
Jofferson and wife yesterday.
Dartmouth college began Its 126th year
with tho opening ot tho fall term yesterday.
Sixteen of tho largest schools In the resi
dence districts of Chicago are to bo heated by
natural gas.
McKeesporr, Pa., celebrated its centennial
yesterday, ana uovs. x-aureon anu jicnjnioy,
with their staffs, wero present.
The Madison Car Works, ot St. Louis, has
resumed operations after boine idle since
July 1, 1393, and when in full blast will em
ploy 1,000 men.
Tho Now York State board of arbitration
hns arranged for n conference to-day between
tho striking New York city garment workers,
the contractors, and the board.
Merecd, Cal., is torrorized by firebugs,
seven fires having occurred in twelve hours
and phosphorus found in hay mows and
nearly all tho barns in the town.
G. N. Henson. president of tho Chattanooga
Citizens' Bank and Trust Company. wo3 yes
terday acquitted for killing J. B. West, who,
ho claimed, had debauched his wife.
It is believed that a basis of settlement ot
tbe difficulties between the mill owners and
spinners nt New Bedford, Mass.. has been
suggested and will bo submitted to the spin
ners fur action.
Bernard Baker, a coke worker at Connells
ville, Pa., was killed and his wife fatally
wounded by Frank Morris, a sixteen-year-old
boy, who then, after ransacking the house,
lied to the mountnins.
Ferdinand Ward, of Grant & Ward noto
riety, who since his release from prison has
made several attempts to kidnap his son from
tha home of the latter's guardian inThoms
son, Coon., tried again yesterday, bat failed.