davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13
BURSTING SHELLs.-John Russell. co

BURSTING SHELLs.-John Russell, col
ored, was engaged in blowing near Alum
Spring, on Saturday, the 3rd, and had set
fire to the stubble SO it would burn off.
While the fire was burning near the bank
of Hazel run, he sayst occurred to him that
he ought to unhitch his horse and shelter
himself behind tree near by from some
danger he knew not of at the time. This
thought so impressed itself upon him that
be did unhitch and took stand near the
tree He had been there but few minutes
when loud explosion took place, followed
by another and another in rapid succession
until the eleventh one had taken place
John says he was terribly frightened aud
for some time pieces of shells and balls, &C.,
fell all around him. 1t is supposed that
pile of shells was left there during the war
and had never been found and when this
fire reached them they were all exploded
Frcdtricksburg Standard.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13
Washington, D. c., May -.

A HORRIBLE CRIME.-Lawrence Spiller,
residing in Grant county, W. Va, on Tues
day broke into the bridal chamber of Ed
ward Taylor, who had married Spiller's 16-
year-old ster-daughter the same day, and
shot him as he lay in bed beside his bride.
1t is said that Spiler was very much in love
with his step daughter, who is very pretty
girl, and for several months has been excess
ively jealous Of Taylor. The latter, who
was % years old, was determined to win the
girl, and when Spiller furiously repused his
offer of marriage determined to run of with
her. They drove nearly fifteen miles in an
open wagon to get married, and when the
knot had been tied they proceeded leisure
~ to Petersburg. They were soon traced
thithcr by Spiller who arrived about 8 o'clock.
Looking on the hotel register he discovered
The number Of their room, and then asked
bell boy to show it to him, pretending that
he occupied it. He instantly burst open
the door and stood over the couple as they
lay in bed. The bride sprang up in terror,
and, recognizing her step father, shrieked
for mercy, but Spiller jerked her on the
floor and fired at Taylor as be lay in bed,
not more than three feet away. Spiller
then fled, and has not since been seen.
Taylor cannot recover.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13
SUDDEN DEATH-THE CROPS-HAIL
STORM

Correspondents Of the Alexandria GAzETTE)
BRANDY STATION, Culpeper county, Va,
May 12.-This community was very much
excited and shocked yesterday by the sud-
den and peculiar death most estimable
lady, whose funeral services are now being
held in the very church in which she died.
The lady, Miss Martha Therwald, about 50
years of age, attended the Episcopal Church
of which she was member, yesterday
morning, and had barely seated herself, and
lust before services had commenced, re-
marked quietly TO her niece, Miss Yancy,
that she felt quite faint and although up to
that moment she was in perfect health, In
less than half an hour after being assisted
to the vestihule she quietly and peacefully
breathed her last What great consolation
it must be to her friends and relatives, the
knowledge Of the fact that the time and
place was 80 BETTING the life and death Of
Christian. Oh, that our end might he
like hers.
The whole face Of nature is smiling with
brightness and greeuness and the prospect
for hountiful harvest was never more
promising.
The hail and thunder storm that visited
our section of county this day Monday
afternoon) one week ago did comparatively
little damage, the accompanying rain more
than counterbalapcing the damage done BY
the hail or lightning, excepting in the case
of Mr.. John Kemper, near James City.
Madison county, who lost some five or six
head q: young cattle, by lightning, that
afternoon. Yours respectfully, B.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13
NEWS OF THE DAY.


It is believed the reports placing the liza.
greatly exaggerated.
At the Methodist mass-meeting at the
Academy of Music, in Baltimore, last night,
So, 900 was subscribed towards the found
ing of Methodist female college in that
city.
During lengthy discussion in the Metho-
dist General Conference as TO the needs of
India, resident bishop, Ram Chaddra Bose,
of the North India Conference, declared that
his country wanted no bishopjust now. Five
bishops will be elected by the conference
next Thursday.
There is now on exhibition in Philadel-
phia n sketch model for an equestrian statue
of Gen Meade The model is about three
feet in height, and was executed ny Mr..
Alexander N. Calder for the Paramount
Park Art Association. which has fund CT
$50, 900 for the proposed memorial. i.
Spanish exporters of flour are dissatisfied
with the commercial treaty Of Spain with
the United States regarding the elect oil
that agreement on the flour trade OF the
United States with Cuba. The Spanish gov
ernment will reduce the duties on -four i'm
ported from Spain at Cuba in proportion to
the reduction on American -four.
At the conference Of the Baptist preachers
in New York, last week, the Rev. Mr.. Spen-
Ger, Of Utah, said that the Baptist Church in
Salt Lake City had built and paid fnran edi'
| fee which cost $l3 Goo and was the best in
the city Ninety Mormon children attended
| the school connected with the church, and
from forty to fifty Mormon adults attended
the church service
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13

A NOBLE LEADER.-The Hon. John S.
Barbour is man Of few words, but Of great
deeds. He looks at national question as
a national man, and hence bis votes and
acts prove him to be national represent
alive in National Legislature. A repre-
sentative in Congress is expected to leave
mere localities behind in representing gene.
raj interests, and in adopting this line of
action he draws to himself all who believe
in the democratic doctrine Of legislatng for
the greatest good to the greatest number.
Mr. Barbour, and the Virginia Congressman
who voted with him. saw the true point in
volved i'll the Morrison bill, and throwing
aside all other considerations, aided the
Democratic party in maintaining its oppo.
sition to high protective tariff, and used
their Influence to reduce taxation and pre-
vent the continued pouring into the Treas.
ury Of millions of dollars wrung by taxation
from the people of the United States. All
honor to Mr.. Barbour for his fidelity to prin-
cple. He is a worthy leader of the be-
trayed but unterrilied democracy Norfolk
Le1Upy
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13

AS Mr.. EDMUNDs, president of the Senate,
avails himself of the position he holds by
means OF the lottery Of assassination to
ignore with contempt respectful communl
cation from the State Of Virginia requesting
him, "a presiding officer Of the Senate, to
present to that body the resolution of her
Legislature asking one Of her Senators to
resign, it is hoped that at the extra session
of the Legislature, now soon TO be called, a
copy Of the resolution referred TO may be
sent to some other Senator, 10 be presented
to the Senate "a a petition. The right Of
petition granted by the Constitution has
not YET been set aside by the Supreme Court.
aud until that shall be done, not even Mr..
Edmunds, who wants the statute prohibiting
ex-Confederates from holding commissions
in the Army aud Navy to he continued in
order to show (which side was right" can
object to the reception of a respectful peti-
ton from one Of the States Of the Union,
praying that respectful resolution passed
by its Legislature msy be read in the Senate
of the United States.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13

MURDER AND SUICIDE.-Isaac D. Elrchi,
an old chemist ofNew York, last night NOR
tally wounded his wife, then killed his lit
tie son, and concluded the terrible tragedy
by blowing his own brains out. He and
his wife have not been living together for
some months, though it is stated that on
several occasions recently he had visited
her and tried to persuade her to return to
him. Last night, about 9 o'clock, he went
to her lodgings in the tenement house 124
East Seventy first street, and aske her ifshe
would not return to his home and live with
him again. She replied that she would not
On receiving her answer be coolly drew a
revolver from his pocket. AS be pointed
the weapon at her she exclaimed: My God.
hope you are not going to kill me-" and
turned to 1v from the room just as her hus-
band fred The bullet fractured her spine,
and she fell dangerously wounded Charley
Edrehi, their little tive-year-"d son. had
been PLAYING about the room while his pa
rents were talking and as soon az the brutal
father had shot his wife. he leyeled the pis-
tol at the child fred again and killed the
little boy instantly. The sound of the pistol
shots brought the other inmates Of the house
to the scene Of the tragedy, but as several
persons entered the room, Edrehi fled past
them and out on the street. He ran a short
distance. but when between Lexington and
Third avenues he paused and placing The
pistol against his right temple, fired third
time. The bullet pierced his brain, and he
fell to the sidewalk dead.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13
ALEXANDRIA, VA.
TUESDAY EVENING, MAY Is.

THE ACTION of Judge Meade yesterday
in reappointing the registrars and judges OF
election appointed by the electoral board OF
this city under the law which the Court OF
Appeals has recently pronounced unconstltu-
tional, was the best and wisest that he could
have taken and if followed BY ali the other
corporation and county judges will save the
State much trouble and expense. There
must be an extra session Of the Legislature
in order that Virginia may vote her full
strength in the electoral college, and there
is no doubt that at that extra session the
word freeholder, left in the election law by
mistake; but which would not have invali-
dated that law except for General Mahone's
Court of Appeals, will be stricken out, and
the law be renacted. So that any new regis
trars and judges Of election that may now
be appointed will only hold their offices
until the Legislature shall meet the election
law passed at its last session be again made
operative. and the officers appointed under
it be reappointed. To avoid the trouble
and expense incident to what can only he a
transient change in the officers referred to,
all the other judges in the State should fol-.
low Judge Meade's proper and reasonable
example.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13

A COUPON CAsE.-Tbe petition of Harvey
x Blair, wholesale grocers Of Richmond,
which was brought against the State of
Virginia some weeks ago in the United
States Circuit Coultat Richmond, was heard
yesterday by Judge lIuges.
The petition sets forth that Harvey 4
Blair had paid in money 10 the collector Of
Richmond their assessed tax of 1904, and
that they had at the same time rendered TO
the collector the equivalent amount Of cou-
pons, and demanded that they should be
received and delivered by the collector to
the proper court to be identified according
to law, and that the collector had refused to
receive them. Therenpon the firm filed this
petition and prayed that the court would
impanel 4 jury to verify and identify the
coupons rs genuine, with view to their
being substituted for the money that had
been paid, Ivy compelling the officers of the
State 10 refund the money and receive the
coupons
The court denied the prayer of the pc
titioueTS.
The court dismissed the petition, being Of
opinion that the summary remedy by petit
ton pursued in this case, even if it would
otherwise lie in a court @: the United States
because given in the State courts by the act
Of Assembly Of Virginia Of January IA, 1882,
relating TO frauds upon the revenue, does
not now lie. The act of January IA, 1882,
aforesaid, giving that remedy, having been
repealed a. TO all license Cases by the 1l4th
section of the act relating to Licenses of the
18th Of March, 1884
According to this view Of the law the
coupon killers are repealed as to license
taxes, and there is no law between the cou-
pons and the Treasury in license cases.
Therefore taxpayers may apply as of old
for mandamus to compel the collectors to
receive coupons for taxes
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13

The ANNUAL meeting of the hmencan
Fish Culture Association will commence to-
night in Washington, and continue to-mor-
row and next day. This meeting brings to
mind the great expense incurred by the
Government in its efforts 10 increase the
supply Of food fish Of the country. The
carp pond at Washington alone costs the Gov
ernment ST. 900, a yearand yet no man who
has obtained carp mud suckers from that
pond will say that he has eaten them.
Many of the ponds in this State have been
stocked with them, and though they grow
to immense size and propagate prodigiously,
they are not used for food. The negroes
will not eat them from prejudice, nor the
white people for better reasons. The carp
culture is only sample of the great ex-
pense referred to. The whole cost is so
immense that it would be cheaper for the
Government to give all the fresh fish eaters
money enough to buy mess or two week
than for it to keep up its present piscicultu-
raj service
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13
lCOMMUNICATED,


Miss DoRsEY's CALIsTHENIC ExHIBI-
TIoN.-Will you permit stranger to ex-
press through the GAZETTE his unqualified
appreciation Of the entertainment given in
your city last Friday night by Miss Dorsey,
AS we'll as his surprise at the absence Of en-.
thusiasm on the part of the audience, if,
perhaps, except the drummer, whose in.
discreet years led him to display more sound
tlan sense? 7 speak with the more assur-
ancc from myself, having had a military ed
ucaton and being now physician and sur
geou. am not writing puff for Miss Dor
sey, being an absolute stranger to her as
well as nearly every one else in your city,
which, | am told, boasts other calisthenic
teachers If their results are as grand,
beautiful and heathproducing as those
displayed Friday evening, by all means do
you, as ii public educator, use all your in
tluence TO encourage them. No nation, no
State, no city can ne powerful or great with
| out strong, healthy men and women. Es
pecially do We who practice medicine know
the prime Importance. physically, mentally
and morally, of perfectly formed, healthful
women.
could catch the names Of but few, SO
while all are TO be praised and commended.
there were few who brought the glow
ct other days and other scenes far less
beautiful-often grim and horrible, hut still
proud and grand-to the cheek of every
military man who watched the elegant pre-
cision of the fair paraders One little miss
mere baby, in her artless Inconsistencies,
was charming. Two misses Of more years,
dressed in white, moved together with the
easy exactnesa of tried veterans. Miss CT.
Waller heroicalIy bore the smiles and wiles
of group Of young Adonises, and acquitted
herself we'll. But the universal fayorite,
upon whom was lavished unstinted praise.
was demure little maiden in pink, who
with inimitable ease, led the opening exer-
else. Every move she made was simply
perfect, and, in our part of the hall, without
dissenting voice, Charlie King was voted
the Queen Of Grace and Beauty" AS
said before, all did well. and each one will
please accept thanks for pleasure given to
stranger who probably will never see them
again. And, Mr.. Editor, pardon my asking
this favor, and be assured of my good
wishes for yourself and city. Respectfully.
f. D. BINCOM.
Washington, D. c., May -.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13
FOREIGN NEWS.
aker Pasha has arrived in London.

Baker Pasha has arrived In London.
The anti-socialst law passed the German
Reichstag last night.
Emperor Francis Joseph ana the Gar arc
to meet shortly at CTacow.
Emperor William has given his consent
to the retirement Of Bismarck from the
Prussian ministry.
The signing of the Franco. Chinese treaty
has been confirmed. China agrees 10 with
draw her troops from Tonquin.
Advices from DURHAM, South Africa. state
that on Sunday, May 4, the Christians at
Norwegian mission were massacred by ma
tiyes.
The Emperor William refuses his sanction
to the betrothal of the Princess Victoria,
daughter Of the Crown Prince, to Alexau-
der I, Of Bulgaria.
Mr.. Anderson gave notice in the British
House of Commons last night that he should
shortly move to condemn the existence OF
the House of Lords.
The Mexican Congress has granted Pres
Of S20,000,000, go that he way receive
100000 Immediately after the 18th inst,
when the banks combine.
DonSola Is IN state OF panic. IL Is ru-
mored that Gordon attempted 10 leave
khartoum, but fonnd escape impossible
Gen. Graham will command the expedition
for the relief of Kbartoum if we'll enough.
Sir Michael Hicks Beach led off last night
in the House of Commons in the attack up
on the English ministry, and was followed
by Mr.. Gladstone in defence, the latter
spea king an hour and quarter. Both
speakers were roundly appIauded. The
House was packed with visitors.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13
DEMOCRATIC MEETING,

At a meeting of the democratic voters of Dranes
vile District, held at Herndon. Fairfax county
Va. on Saturday the 10th of May, 1884, for the
purpose Of choosing two delegates and two alter.
mates to the State Convention, which meets in
Richmond on the 14th of May, Thomas E. Carper
Chairman of tho County Executive COMMITTEES
called the meeting to order. and on motion George
Rentield was called to the chair and j. 3. Cole.
man appointed secretary.
The meeting having been organized and its OBJ
ject stated, Lewis Schade and Alfred Leigh we're
appointed delegates and j. b. Coleman and A. C..
Blight alternatcs.
On motion the meeting adjourned.
GEORGE RENFIELD, Chairman.
J. r. COLEMAN Secretary
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13

A PHILADELPHIA SENsATIoN.-Blake
Walters, ex.cashier of the State treasury
and one of the most prominent politicians
in Pennsylvania, was arrested in Phliadel-
pbia yesterday on the complaint OF bis wl1e'
charged with infdelity. The correspondent
in the case, Miss Williams, was arrest
ed on the same warrant by private detec-
tiyes Randall and Bell, who bad been shad-
owing her for some time, while sne was
driving up Eighth street IN Dlr. Wahers
carriage. The arrest caused sensation on
the street. The carriage was stopped by an
officer, who said, II have a warrant for
your arrest" in low tone to Miss Williams,
land the best thing you can do is to 60
along with me quietly" "Get in car and
nobody will know anything about it," said
the other man. But the woman was obsti-
nate and excited. Il won't 60" she
mel Let me go Let me 60, you Villians!'
By this time crowd Of 500 people had
gathered on the corner A great many
ladies expressed the opinion that the whole
proceeding was an outrage. Several chival-
rous gentlemen were disposed to avenge the
insult, and would probably have done so
had not third man-Constable Grant, of
Magistrate Lemons ofice-who was stand
ing ut the horses head, exhibited legally
executed warrant calling for the arrest Of
Clara Williams on the charge of having
alienated the affections of ]. Blake Walters
from his wife. After a stormy discussion
the woman at last consented to re-enter the
cab and was driven to the magistrates
office.
The hearing was postponed until to-day,
and Mr.. Walters was arrested earlier in the
day. He submitted quietly and avoided a
scandal by going to the magistrates Office
and entering bail for an appearance.
Mr. Walters is one of the best known dem
ocratic politicians in the State, and is now
delegate to the national convention at
Chicago from Dauphn county. He was
cashier Of the State treasury under Treas
urer Noyes, and has been identified with
large mining interests in Arizona and Colo
RADIO for the last four or live years, and is
worth probably 100000. The case is GU
riously entangIed, and it is said that should
il reach court developments will be made
which will implicate one of MIR. Walters
former friends rs having caused the arrest
| from motives of revenge.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13

THE RICHMOND Wing says Senator Rid
dleberger has achieved a victory in the i.
s. Senate in his fight for free bridge across
the Potomac for the people of Virginia.
From the proceedings of a meeting of the
people of Virginia" who will use the bridge
referred to, published in yesterdays Ga
zErTE, it seems that those people look upon
the victory referred to As anything else
than VICTORY" for them. The Wig, 4
short time ago, was felicitating the State
upon Attorney General Blar's victory" in
saving her large number Of shares Of
stock in the Alexandria Canal Company,
and yet Mr.. Riddleberger's victory" would
utterly destroy that canal.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13

If THE spirits of the dead are cognizant
of the words and acts of men now alive,
that of Chief Justice Marshall must have
been no little astouished last Saturday
when it saw among the most prominent of
the immense throng assembled at the un-
yelling of the statue erected to honor his
memory, members of the Supreme Court
and of both houses of Congress who pay no
more regard to the Constitution of the
country, of which he was the great ex-
FOUNDER, than if it were so much blank
paper. Truly the assurance of those who
fout the teachings Of a great man one day,
and profess unbounded respect for those
teachings the next, passeth common under
standing.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13

Hon. James G.. Blaine arrived at Natural
Bridge yesterday. His friends aver that his
visit is for pleasure and rest, but it is re-
garded as significant that Mr. H. c. Parsons,
vice president Of the Richmond and Ale
ghauy Railroad resides at Natural Bridge
Mr.. Parsons is prominent member of the
straightout republican party in Virginia,
and one of the delegates of that party 10
Chicago, besides being a warm personal
friend of Mr.. Blaine. 1t is presumed that
Mr.. Blaine's visit is for the purpose of con-
ferring with him as to the best policy to be
pursued by the straightouts at Chicago
Parsons il very astute man, and has from
first to last been an ardent upholder of the
straishtout republican party in Virginia, in
opposition to Malone.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13
ASHES OF DR.. GRoss.-The ashes of

ASHES OF Dr. GRoss-The ashes of the late
Prof S. D. Gross from the crcmatory at Washing
ton, Pa. arrived in Philadelphia Saturday even
ing in charge Of several members of bis family.
The ashes weigh about seven pounds. were her
medically sealed in Il tin box, aud placed in the
coffin in which the body was recently carried to
Washington. an reaching Philadelphia the coffin
was removed to the late residence of DR.. Gross,
and Yesterday the ashes were inclosed in marble
urn about three feet high, unornamented and
without inscription. and placed beside the coffin
OF DR. Gross late wife in the family vault in
Woodland Cemetery.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13
standing.

If EITHER one Of the three more prom-
nent candidates for the nomination of the
next national republican convention
Blaine, Arthur, or Edmunds-be successful,
the democrats will have no trouble in find
ing good and sufficient reasons for urging
his rejection by the people, for the republi-
cans themselves have already supplied them
with more than enough of such reasons.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13
ED.

tn Williamsburg. Va. March 26, 1884, Dr.
JOHN C. MERCER aged - years The deceased
was SON of the late Col hugh Mercer, of Fred
ericksburs, aud grandson of the illustrious
Gen. Hugh Mercer. OF the Revolution, who fell at
Princeton.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-05-13

Mr. HENRY GEORGE says that land
should be so taxed that its owners will re-
linquish it to the Government, which will
use it for the common good, as land should