davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
LOAFERs IN THE TREASURY.
How Clerks Have Been Accustomed to
Draw Salaries for No Service

How Clerks Have Been Accustomed to
Ca. Draw Salaries for No Service.
WASHINGTON, May 14.-It is expected
that the committee investigating the Sixth
Auditors office will recommend such
changes in the method of Business as will
reduce the force very materially and help
to bring up the work, which is at present
greatly in arrears. The Sixth Auditors
Office, like that of the Second Comptroller
of the Treasury, has long been known as
one OF the most delightful places for a
lazy clerk that the government has at its
disposal. The work in that bureau Is
what is technically known as Quarterly
work. Under the old regime it was so
divided among the clerks as to give each
one what was supposed to be a good
three months allowance each quarter. 1t
was a dull clerk who could not after a
years experience do his quarters work
in seven or eight weeks, and have the re-
mainder Of the time virtually to himself.
This was especially true Of what is called
the stating division, where a force of
probably fifty clerks Was employed. The
chief was an easy-going, kind-hearted
man, who asked no questions, but allowed
ms clerks. TO do as they chose, provided
the work Of one quarter was finished be-
IOre tnaL OF anOIhef began.
The NEWS correspondent once visited
the division to obtain some information.
The clerk addressed had an immense
number Of accounts piled up on his desk
he was smoking a cigar and deeply inter.
ested in nOvelhe had in his hand. Chow
can you find time 10 read when YOU have
80 much work on hand 7" was asked
"Oh, that's only blind" answered the
clerk, indicating the pile as he spoke. ~
cleaned those up last quarter, but you
see / have 10 make a pretense Of doine
something for fear the Auditor might drOT
in and get on TO my little game"
This young man was drawing a salary
of $1,000 a year, and confidentially in
formed bis visitor that he had five weeks
remaining in the quarter without so much
as an hours work TO occupy bis attention
His case may be taken as fair sample Of
all the others. According 10 his own state
ment he could bride messenger with d
dollar occasionally 70 report him present
at o'clock each morning. lie would
then drop In at 10 or IL, and read or writ,
until lunch time. He would then 20 out
al noon and remain until nearly 4O'clOck
when he would return 70 the building II
time to Join the other clerks ut the Close
Of Office hours. The new Sixth Auditor
IS rapidly changing the order Of things. II
is not surprising that Cleyeland's admin
istrati0n Is an unpopular one with the
clerks in that Office.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
The Prison BARRIERS shop.

From tho LeteiSton Ae.) JournaS.
Here is the prison barber down in cor
ridor lighted by pair Of lamps, which
makes his shop look in the distance like a
rude altar with perpetual tapers burning
before It. His chair is not one of those
fat, swelling diyans in whose cushions
you recline for a shave, but a hard wooden
seat with shorter legs behind than before,
80 IL tips back "A little, and high back.
The barber does a wholesale business.
He shaves all the conyicts once a week
and cuts their hair once month.
When he Is on shaving expedition he
plants his chair in one Of the shops. One
man sits down audis quickly lathered and
scraped. Then there is none OF your bay
rum, on magnCein, or puff balls, or cam
phOrated ice, or magnolia balm, or those
other toilet mysteries which the tOnsorial
artist performs on the face OF his Gus
toners outside the prison. Alter the man
Is shaved the barber does not fret over
him any. but 10 Is "Get out and wash
yourself" The prisoner tumbles out aud
goes 10 the sink, while another man takes
his place In the chair. In this way the
prison barber goes through the shops.
lie shayes the prison officers, and they
say he is good barber. Perhaps he Is,
and he may be good fellow-but no
man who Is in the State prison may
draw n razor over your humble servants
throat. IL is bad enough to be shaved
by man who ought 70 be in prison.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
PAYING A 4O-YEAR-OLD DEBT.
The Surprise Which Was Given to a
Reading Firm.

About a week ago Maj. Heber Smith,
proprietor OF the Joanna Furnace, near
Reading, Pa, was surprised at receiving
the following note
PHILADELPHIA, April 80, 'S5-Heber Smith:
We send YOU $500 on account for Darling &
Smith. We owed them 1902 a long time ago
We want to send you s605. which will be
double what we owe you. Keep this till we
send the whole OF the s6O5, when we want YOU
to divide the sum between Daring & Smiths
families as they held interest in Joanna thirty
or forty years ago. IL NAV be awhile before
we send The rest, but 1t will I'll come In good
time. Two STOVE MEN.
Inelosed were two crisp new 500 bills.
The handwriting was apparently that of
a nervous old man. Mr.. Levi &. Smith,
Of the firm OF Darling Il Smith, was the
father OF Maj. Heber Smith and Special
Deputy Collector Of this port, William ID.
Smith. The middle name of the Collector
is Darling, after his fathers partner. The
firm was dissolved in 1915, and the manu-
facture Of stoves was discontinued before
that period. Who the sender can be
is mystery. At the same time the
above letter was received the +. & &.
Brooke Iron Company. OF BirdsbOro, re-
eeiyed $50 from this city With the state
ment "we owed you this long ago" 1t
was signed James Brown. COMPARE
son of the handwriting IN the two epistles
showed it TO be the same. IL 10 presumed
the name signed is an assumed one.
Collector Smith said the books OF his
fathers firm were destroyed by fire, and
that no one now living connected with the
establishment could remember any stove
men who failed TO pay their bills at the
time mentioned.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
ATTACKING A STAGE COACH.
California Robbers Bafhed by Startled
Horses and COoI-Headed Messenger.

From the San Francisco Chronicle.
CLOvERDALE, CAL, May 13.-Ever
since the last robbery of the Big river
stage a messenger in the employ of " ellis,
Fargo IL Co. has been travelling over the
line as a guard to the treasure box, which
usually contains large sums of money at
this season of the year. Last evening the
stage left Cloverdale at the usual time
with some $g7, 900 in the treasure box, to
he used in the building of an immense
fiume and saw mill in Humboldt county.
The passengers consisted OF two men and
one woman.
While about nine miles from town,
short distance beyond the Mountain
House, while going down hill on an easy
trOt, two masked men suddenly appeared
and commanded the driver TO halt. 1t
being impossible to bring the horses to a
standstill on such grade, the stage con-
tinued for few rods. The robbers imme-
diately fired, sending a shot through
the drivers hat, and almost binding
the messenger with the smoke. Re-
covering himself instantly he returned
the fire, and it Is thought hit one of the
robbers. Startled by the noise the horses
started on run down the road, the rob-
bers firing a parting shot, which took ef-
feet in the messengers hand, causing a
painful and serious wound. The stage
passed on to It's destination without being
further molested Henry Z. Ward, the
messenger, returned to town and took the
early tram for San Francisco. A Wells,
Fargo & Co. detective arrived on the noon
trait, and, in company with the town
Marshal, started for the scene OF the at
tempted robbery.
A great deal Of excitement prevails
and the general belief is that the robbers
are parties well known in this community
This is the fourth attempt since the first
Of this year that has been made 10 rob this
same stage, three others having been sue.
cessful, there not being any messenger
aboard heretofore. The wounded messen.
ger IS well known in every State and Ter.
ritory west of the Rocky Mountains, hav.
ing been in the employ Of Wells, Fargo 4
| Co. over % years in the various positions
OF driver, shotgun messenger, etc, and
although he has been attacked many
times, has never yet yielded to the de
mands Of the robbers.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
A shark Obstructing the Mails.

From the Corpus christi critic.
The mail carrier between here and
R0ckport, last Tuesday, while crossing
the bay at the reef, was accompanied by a
male companion, who was in advance,
aud when midway in the channel the fore
most horse reared suddenly backward,
striking his rider so seriously in the face
as TO cause the blood 10 flow freely. The
cause OF the hOrse's freight was Il large
shark, which Immediately aiterward
struck the carriers horse blow on the
left hip, knocking him down and throw
ing the rider. one OF whose feet was
caught in the stifrup, and be was dragged
some distance before he could free him
self. The parties attacked got OF with
feet long
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
A COWBOY IN A SLEEPING CAR.
How He Quieted the Conductor and
Made the POrters France Around.
From the Rocky Kountatn yetos.


From the Rocky Mountain Veaos.
"Where do ! camp?' he inquired, and
was shown the lower berth next to me.
THAT'S my pigeon hole, is it? Alright,
old son; just watch my motion while l file
myself away"
At this Juncture he was desired TO turn
over his revolver to the porter, which he
declined to do in very spirited manner.
"'Old DAD CHS revolver and me al
ways sleep together, and we don't want
no divorce" he explained.
The conductor demonstrated, put was
advised not to try to 'brald this mules
TAIL"
"This here's a sleepin' car, amt it?'' he
at length inquired.
eyes"
''Wel, why in 49, don't you let people
sleep, then, when they've paid and gone
into your game? If you're aiming to keep
people awake and want company, just
dance into the next car; there's lots Of
folks there dOr't want to sleep, no how,
and they'll be glad TO see you"
The conductor withdrew and my friend
pulled off his boots and stretched himself,
with many comments in an undertOne on
the poverty of the surroundings.
In about ten minutes this erratic person
had his head out in the aisle.
Say, you boy" to the porter.
"Well, sah."
"COme a runnin'."
The porter drew near and was handed a
pillow about as big as pin cushion.
"Take that goOseha'r thing away" COM
manded The cowboy.
Don't you want a pillow, sahT' asked
the porter
THAT amt no pillow, and l don't
want it no how; Pm afraid it'll get in my
ear"
After this silence, and for a short time
slept. l reused up, however, at an eX-
clamatiOn on the part Of my neighbOr.
''Hold on there, my son; jist drap them
boots"
81 was only jest gwine to black 'em,
boss"
"Drap 'em."
They drapped.
jest gwine to pull them spurs, ] reckon.
Now, don't monkey around my camp,
taking things no more. If you want any
thing speak for it. If you can't speak
make signs, and if you can't make signs
shake bush. You h'ar me?"
eyes, sab"
After this silence. The wheels and rails
again sang together, and the car again
kept approving time, and presently l
slept without interruption.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
THE BELL MONOPOLY.
Enormous Profits of the Company that
win Surprise Telephone Users.

~-~N
win Surprise Telephone Users.
BosTON. Nav ia subcommittee of
the Legislature has been examining the
books OF the American Bell Telephone
Company pending action upon several
bills affecting the corporation. The re-
port, which has just been made, contains
considerable information which will sur
prise telephone users. 1t appears that
the cost to the Bell Company OF the ordl-
nary rubber handle telephone is 81 o., the
Sransmitter costs 81 50; total, ~ AZ, de-
Iivered by the manufacturer to the inspect
ing department of the Bell Company. the
average rental charged the sub-companles
by the Bell Company is 81 per year each
for the hand telephones and lor Inc CTans-
nitter. Each set Of transmitter and teie-
phone brings TO the Bell Company there
lore an annual rental more than iCur
times the original cost. The net earnings
of the Bell Company for the year ending
March /. 1885. were $1.7l0, 1902 SO, and the
COMPANY, according to the statement of
its officers TO the committee, could have
paid a II per cent. dividend on its present
stock.
The company now owns 329,S26 tele-
phones. of which 50, 442 are in Massachu-
sets. The company received for rentals
during the year ending March I, $l,969,-
A42 "A. The company owns stock in local
telephone companies which is carried on
its books at $22,0l6,5 73 SO. 1t is imposs-
BILE to get at the real value of these stocks,
for the officers of the company have lodged
this point. "These stocks are not carried
On the books at actual cost. Stock re-
ceived for the franchise is carried at par,
while stock purchased above par Is re-
duced to par. All other purchases OF
stock are carried at cost These stocks
are not at present worth the sum at which
they appear in the cOmpany's books The
values of them cannot be readily ascer-
tanned, as many of them are not listed in
the stock exchanges and are unfrequently
offered for sale. The company bas re-
ceived en- these stocks in dividends$l ,O2l,-
$50 26.'
II is understood that a majority of the
Legislative Committee will report ad-
Yerselv on the question of State super
vision of telephone services and rates and
that the Bell Company will probably re-
ceive authority to increase its capital
stock to thirty millions, as asked. The
most expensive lobby that has operated
upon the members of the Legislature for
many years is working for the interests of
the Bell Company and it looks as though
the majority report Of the committee will
be successfully engineered through both
branches.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
BOTHERED BY A DEAF MAN.
President Cleveland Interviewed by 9
Statesman from New Mexico.

H
Statesman from New Mexico.
WASHINGTON, May 19.-SOme funny
scenes occur at the White House during
the daily interviews held by the President
in the library. A prominent Democratic
Senator from a Western State called with
a gentleman from New Mexico who was
interested in the appointments 10 be made
for that Territory. The visitor had the
misfortune to be very deaf, fact which
the Senator forgot to communicate to the
President. The deaf man was introduced
and proceeded to make his statement,
urging the appointment of certain resi-
dents Of the Territory. When he finished,
the President, who had been previously
bored about the New Mexico Offices, eX-
claimed:
81 am tired of hearing about New
Mexico. wish there was no such place
as New Mexico"
TO which the deaf man replied: 81 am
pleased to hear you say so, Mr.. President,
because 1t gives assurance that you APP
preciate the condition of affairs in our
Territory and that you will select good
men and residents for Offices"
The President was amazed at the re-
spouse. but when the Senator quietly ex-
planned the situation the President Joined
the Senator in a laugh, shook hands with
the deaf man, who left fully convinced
that he had the Presidents assurance
that his recommendations would receive
due consideration. The Senator did not
endghten his friend as to the purpOrt of
the Presidents reply to the set speech Of
the man from New Mexico.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
TRADE DOLLARS.
How Thousands of Them Are Bought
Up, Sent to China and Melted.

From the PbiIqdelDhia Times.
"Trade dollars are still offered, though
not In such quantities as they were at
first" said a member of the banking firm
of VIM. 6. Hopper ~ Co. on Saturday.
During the past thirty days i should
suppose that somewhere in the neighbOr-
hood Of 200,0 900 trade dollars have been
shipped from Philadelphia to New York,
and from there it is a fair presumption
that they 90 to China. To-day we pur-
chased twelve or thirteen hundred dollars,
and within a week we got 5000 in one lot,
but the general tenders are in small
amounts and come very largely from the
country. The price given is 80 cents if the
coin be in good condition.
81 am positive that no trade dollars are
held in Philadelphia by spectators" said
MIR. Stevenson, of Sailer a. Stevenson.
''Since Philadelphia brokers began buy
ing this repudiated coin after the adjourn
ment of Congress in March, l presume
that the shipments 10 New York must
aggregate close on ~ half million dol
lars. We have purchased largely, and
are still taking all that is offered, but
rarely receive at present any large
amounts in single lots. At one time, |
suppose, Philadelphia and immediate
vicinity had 100000 Of these dollars.
aud a great deal OF this is yet held here.
Most of it. however, is in the possession
of those who believe that Congress Will
eventually redeem it, and, as thew are so
situated as to be able to hold without In
convenience, they prefer to do so instead
of selling at fifteen cents discount. We
send our purchases to New York, whence
they go to London, and thence to China.
Here, l understand, the most Of it is
melted up and reissued."
At William G. Huey 81 Co.'s similar in
formation was given. $50 large have
been the China Shipments" said one of
the firm, 'that if Congress does redeem
the trade dollar it will find but few of
them on the market. We are purchasing
all that is offered us, and every day we
receive various amounts, ranging from
800 up. The offerings are not very large
at present. Most of the holdings now
are in the hands of the wealthy, who
believe in their eventual redemption, and
do not care to sacrifice the face value"
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
A Curious Hebrew Parchment.
From, the PAiladelphia Press.

ITUNI N7Je 7 IttJIIttl17tIU 7 Fc66s
A number of downtown lsraelites,
composing a religious society styled Che
bra Chesed She Emeth Mercy and Truth J.,
assembled Monday afternoon in Odd Eel
lows Hall. southwest corner of Tenth and
South streets, to witness the dedication Of
a Sepher Torah Book of the Law. The
Sepher is an immense roll of parchment,
in which is written in Hebrew the entire
Pentateuch, divided into titty-four Sec
tions. The letters are beautifully made
by the pen of a scribe, specially employed
for the purpose. No vOwel-pOints or
singing-accents, however, are marked in,
and therefore it requires considerable
study and experience before one can
read and chant any portion of it. These
scrolls are very expensive-the cost Of the
present one being $3.50.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
CARVER,s RIVAL.
A Dashing Amateur Msrksman who
Challenges the World.

From tho st. Louis Globe Democrat.
There appeared at the Southern Hotel
yesterday a man of most striking appear
ance and makeup. He was tall and
straight as a poplar and his erect figure,
as he moved about with the quiet, easy,
yet athletic gait of a panther, attracted
general attention. A handsome head,
with long, flowing locks that hung on his
shoulders, and surmounted by a glaring,
wild sOmbreTO, bespoke the "Oorder hero"
His features were delicate and unusually
handsome and he bore a strong resem-
blance TO Oscar Wilde. Early in the day
he was dressed in velvet shooting suit,
and in the evening he appeared dressed in
a -faultiessly fitting suit of cadet gray,
with long Prince Albert coat.
A cluster OF diamonds as big as a hens
egg sparkled from his shirt front. He
presented all the Dreeziness of O border
scout, with all the refinement OF manner
and grace Of a parlor knight. 1t was at
first supposed that he was q Wild West
Snowman, but he turned out to be DR..
George b. Mcclellan, called in the West
ern States diamond Dick" He is re-
markably fine rifle shot, and to a reporter
stated that, although he simply used the
rifle as an amusement, he considered him.
self the equal OF any of the celebrities aud
is prepared TO make a match with any
marksman, long or shOrt.haIred, in the
country. His visit TO st. Louis is for the
purpose Of challenging DR.. W. f. Carver
10 an all-round rifle contest for $1,000, to
be shot In st. LOUIS, Chicago, Philadel-
phia, Boston or New York az any time
within the next six months, in earnest of
which he will to-day deposit $500 at the
BOatmeu's or some other bank as a for
felt. DR.. Mcclellan is New Yorker,
who has nmassed fortune practising
medicine in Montana and Dakota during
the past five years.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20

MILWAUKEE, Wis, May 10.-Randolph
Harrison, Commissioner OF Agriculture
Of Virginia, under date Of May 1G. to $.
W. Talmadge, OF this city, says that be
has taken trip through some Of the rich
est counties OF Virginia, and finds the
condition Of wheat and oats wretched.
lie estimates that the State will not pro-
duce over 5000, 600 bushels Of wheat this
year against 100000 IN 1884.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
XYeathar Inntcnt1nna.

For the South Atlantic States to-day:
Colder, cloudy weather, occasional rains,
variable winds.
The height of the river at Augusta at
1888 O'Clock p. m. yesterday augusta
time) was 6.5 feet-no change during the
past "a hours.
Comparative statement of temperature
AZ Sauannah Nov 10 1894 aud 1881.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20

PETERSBURG, VA, May i0.-Henry and
Lizzie Stokes, colored, OF Blacks and
Whites, Nottoway county, have been ar
rested on suspicion OF having murdered
their son, who it is supposed was stunned
by blow and then buried alive. The
feeling against the prisoners is very
strong.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20

PTrTsBURG, May 10.-During funeral
services ut the residence OF John Halter,
on wilkins avenue in East End this
afternoon, the porch in front of the house
gave way precipitating 90 people to the
cellar 10 feet below. Two ladies We're
probably fatally injured. A number Of
others were aeYerelY brnisnd
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
smaIl.pox Spreading nd montreal.

MONTREAL, May 19.-small-pox is
spreading rapidly In all sections Of the
city. The health department is broken
down completely. but the Mayor, with the
assistance Of leading medical men, is en-
deayoring TO check the disease.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
Ospood a COS Statement

Boston, May l0.-At the second meet
ing OF the creditors OF James X. Osgood &
Co, publishers, their liabilities were
placed by the firm al $4,000 and the as.
sets in round numbers at 500, 900. The
firm Intimated a desire 70 discontinue
business.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
Thev Nevnr Saw.

why are persons born blind unfit 10 be
carpenters? Because they never saw A..
But when they have pain in the bowels
they eau soon feel the effects OF DR.. Big
gers Huckleberry Cordial, which cures
diarrhpa and dysentery.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
GAR. Posts or for I2ichmond

TRENTON, Nd, May l0.--Wilkes Post,
Grand Army Of the Republic, left this city
this morning for Richmond, Va. They 20
at the invitation of Lee Post Of that city
and will be joined there by other New
Jersey posts.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20
I Savannah Nav 10. 1s84 and 1SS6:

Cotton region bulletin for u hours enc
ing p. m.
SAVANNAH, May 10, II P. NJ. Eastern time &.
DISTRICTS. AVERAGE.
Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-05-20

LIMA, May 10.-lIt 80 reported that the
government Is about 10 accept the eervi-
vts 81 female operatives for the National
telegraph lineg.