davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
THE MYSTERY OF A CRIME.
Was John Kennedy Compelled to Dis
 His Own Grave?

Was John Kennedy Compelled to Dig
 His Own Grave?
 SULPHUR STRINGS, Tex, Feb. 25.-Last Sunday night John Kennedy, a tenant on the farm of MT. James Smith, twelve miles south of this place, left his house after supper and never returned His prolonged absence caused uneasiness to his wife, and Monday morning she got the neighbors to search for him. Search was continued until Wednesday even- ing, when Kennedy's body was found near an old house one mile from his home. The back of his head was horribly crushed in four places. Inside the house signs could be seen of preparations to hang the man and the print of a rope on the ground. The house had no floor. There were also prints of the rope about the neck. Near where the body lay was hole dug in the grounding evil dently by himself.
 On the preceding Friday a man well mounted and armed had made sharp inquiries of the whereabouts of Kennedy. When Ken nedy was told of this he displayed much un- easiness, and declared he would immediately leave the country if he knew this to be cer- tain man with whom he made mysterious allusions of having had tragic difficulty in western Texas. The general opinion is that the hole by the side of his dead body was in- tended to be his grave, which he was forced to dig, while others think he committed some robbery in western Texas, and that his enemy was making him search for the stolen money.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
STILL THREATENING.
Fears That the Great Ice GorRes May
 Break Down Bridges,

Fears That the 6Ee0C 1C0 GOrgO0 14Ay
 Break Down Bridges.
 HARRISBURG, Feb. 25. The ice gorge between Marietta and Columbia, on the Sus- quehanna river, is threatening great destruc- ton of property. Cars standing on what is called the river track are almost submerged, and others have been swept of the railroad The bridge spanning the river between Columbia and Wrightville is in a precarious condition, and has been moved over a foot by the piled up ice and the force of the current. The ice has reached the bottom of the bridge, and fears are entertained that the structure will be swept away. The gates have been closed to people The Pennsylvania rail- road track between Marietta and Columbia is covered with several feet of water, and all trains are being run by way of Mountjoy.
 Between Renovo and Lock Haven, on the west branch of the Susquehanna, there is an ice gorge. four or five miles long, of threat ening character.
 LANCASTER, Pa, Feb. 25.-Great fears are entertained that the Philadelphia railroad bridge over the SusquehannA river at Colum- bia will be carried away. The water last night was up to the bridge floor, and the river is still rising. Another flood is announced to be coming from up the river, and when this arrives it is feared the bridge, which is a mile and quarter long, will not be able to with stand it.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
Prote.,ional Arabian Berr,r,,

PROVIDENCE, Feb 25.-The Arabian pa- drone system of begging peddlers, which i. occupying the attention of the New York police, has reached here, and already two oi the dirty wretches are in custody. A party of five arrived Thursday morning, and before sunset dozen complaints were received ai police headquarters. The men frightened women by entering and wandering aboui houses until discovered. They had a few trinkets, but could give no prices Their game is to frighten defenceless women into giving them money to withdraw. On one of thost arrested were found envelopes with printed directions for No. 242 Hudson street, New York, the supposed headquarters of the padrone, to whom returns were to be made
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
NAUGATUCK NUGGETS

Herbert Gooding, who is employed by the Shoe company, met with serious ac- cident yesterday afternoon. While feed ing a soling machine he got his hand caught in the rolls, mashing it badly. Dr Mears attended him.
 The concert at the opera house last night for the benefit of the new chapel was a success, about S25 being netted.
 Aladdin" at the opera house tonight. This is a first class company and deserves a large house. They have car load of their own scenery.
 Antoin Turk died yesterday, aged. 43 years. The remains will be taken to Sey- mour for interment.
 ''Nevada" by home talent at the Main street theatre tonight A large number of tickets have been sold, which insures them good house.
 The railroad company have a gang of men at work repairing the gates at the Ma pie street crossing.
 The stagings around the stacks at the works of the Glove company were taken down this morning.
 St Michael's church will be lighted for the first time with electric lights tomorrow night.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
A NEW "BUNKon GAME.
Wow Q Massachusetts Granger Lost 05l
 in . Hdrse Trade.

How Massachusetts Granger Lost 011
 in . Horse Trade.
 BOSTON, Feb. 25.-James Wilson, of Orn-ge Mass, came to this city on Wednesday to buy horse He went home Thursday a loser ir money, but gainer in experience. On leav. ing the cars he went to the stable of a horse dealer whose advertisement he had seen in the paper, met the dealer, and both were en- gagged in conversation when a young fellow entered the stable and asked the dealer to let him take the horse in stall No. for a few hours
 'No, sir" said the proprietor, snappishly, ''you don't get that horse again; you abused him too much when you had him the other day"
 The young man denied this altogether, and for his seeming impudence was forcibly ejected He waited outside for Wilson, and when the latter appeared the young man told him that the horse in stall No 3 could make mile in 2:15, and could be bought for a few hundred dollars Wilson did not want fast horse, but he agreed to buy tn. animal for S2O0, take him to the Fitc..bur, depot, and there sell him to the young man for S..,5o Wilson fulfilled his part of tho bargain, but failed to find the man with the $50 Yester- day, with the aid of the police, he sucree led in selling the horse back to the dealer for $125, thus losing S75 by the transaction.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
"Bummar" Is Not Slang.

Even students of language may be sur prised to hear that the word "bummern is not only not slang, but it is not even an Americanism, being found in the English Market By-Laws' of 200 years ago, and ap- pears in several advertisements in The Lon don Publick Intelligencer of the year 1860 under the form bummaree. It originally meant a man who retails fish by peddling outside of the regular market. These per sons being looked down upon and regarded as cheats by the established dealers, the name became one of contempt for dishonest per son of irregular habits. The word first ap- peared in the United States during the sos in California and travelled eastward, until dur ing the civil war it came into general use.- Chicago News
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
Germany's Anxious Royalty.

BERLIN, Feb. 25-The empress anxiety over the condition of the crown prince has thrown her into state of nervous excite ment which is becoming alarming to her physicians She has lately become unable to shed tears, and continues in that state despite all efforts to produce 8 reaction. The grand duchess of Baden has also reached condi- ton of semi distraction over the death of her son, Prince Louis and the emperor constantly implores his physician to permit him to jour- ney to San Remo and remain by the bedside
 f his son.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
THE PRESIDENTS TOUR.
Coming Hundreds of Miles to See Mr.
 Cleveland and His Charming Wife.

Coming Hundreds of Miles to See Nr'
 Cleveland and His Charming Wife.
 ROCK LEDGE, Fla, Feb. 25.-The president and party arrived here by special steamer at II o'clock yesterday morning. After partak- ing of lunch Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland walked half a mile among the beautiful palms and orange groves, and on returning were photo graphed on the front steps of the hotel Indian River The building was beautifully dec orated with large variety of tropical plants, fruits and flowers, artistically arranged. Ae D. m magnificent lunch was spread under the giant live oaks on the banks of the broad river A formal reception was rendered the party, and the guests were introduced by J. M Lee, of the hotel. A large number of peo- pie living on the river came hundreds of miles to see the president and Mrs. Cleveland, and the latter was greatly amused at some of the strange craft that landed at the docks.
 A huge channel bass was presented to the president, and he made the donor happy by saying: ''I don't believe I could pull in that fellow myselfn
 The party, who are all in the most genial spirits and speak highly of their delightful trip so far, left here in the afternoon for San ford, arriving there at 4:45, and were greeted by the booming of cannon and the cheers of multitude of admirers. The presidential party was escorted to the exposition grounds, and, after the usual honors had been paid to the distinguished party, left at 5:3O on the re- turn journey to Washington.
 CHARLESTON, s. C., Feb. 25.-President Cleveland and party arrived here at o'clock this morning. He was received by Mayor Bryan and a committee of eighty aldermen and citizens. A salute of twenty-one guns was fired on his arrival The Fourth Brigade %,,oo ;%oIn n1 Io%c ;D societies were reviewed on Marion square The people had decorated their houses lav- lishly, and the distinguished visitors received @ most enthusiastic welcome
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
A $1OO,OOO Fire in Pittsburs.

PITTsBURG, Feb. 25.-A fire on New Grant street last evening destroyed nearly $1OO, 900 worth of property, and for a time threatened destruction to entire block. The loss was distributed as follows: J. M. Peet & Co.,, $31,- GOO; Walter Hornung & Co.,, grain dealers, s5,Ooo; Shoemaker & Co.,, grain dealers, $7,00O; Henry Kemmler & Co.,, coffee roast CTS, $3O,O00; Orchard Preserving company, $25 ,OO0; Pan Handle railroad company, $500 The Peet building was insured for $2O, ,OOO The insurance on the other property could not be learned, but will probably reach half the loss. The fire is supposed to have been caused by defective fue.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
A TREAsuRER's SHORTAGE.
The Accused Omcial Himself Calls for an
 Investigation.

The Accused OmC18l H1m90if Calls Tor an
 Investigation.
 MIDDLETowN, N. Y., Feb. 25.-A second committee, appointed by the board of super visors of Sullivan county, which has been in- vestigating the accounts of ex-County Treas urer Charles s. Starr, assisted by Expert H. P. Langworthy, of Rochester, reports an in- crease in the alleged deficiency. The report was presented at meeting held at Monti- cello The figures are raised from SIS, 900 to $29,0 A suit was ordered to recover the amount, with interest.
 MT. Starr was treasurer for twelve years, and deficiencies are discovered in each year. During the investigation thirty-five tax books were stolen one night, but their loss did not prevent the discovery of evidence of the amount above claimed. Starr was very pop ular, and the members of the committees have been pleaded with in his behalf. He himself calls for a jud ;cial investigation. Both sides have employed numerous counsel. Up to year ago committees reported the treasurer's accounts correct. The sureties on Starrs bonds claim that these reports release them of liability.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
General Markets.

NKw YORK, Feb. .24.-FLOUR-Coseds steady at previous prices; winter wheat extra. S2eoG5i Minnesota do., S2.soG5; city mill extra, S4.% 04.75 for West Indies; Ohio do., S2.9oG5. South ern flour closed dull; common to choice extra, $3.30G350.
 WHEAT-Options were moderately active at irregular prices and closed steady at e slight advance for the day. Spot lots closed strong and N0Kc. higher. Spot sales of No. red state at 9109ac; No do., 9o14c.; uugraded mixed, S9G 9ac.; No. ? red winter, 9oc.; No. red winter March, SS1xGsSNc.; do., April, 9oss09o24c.; do. May, 9Ossc. bid.
 CORN-Options were dull and featureless clos ing after a few slighti fluctuations firm at yester days prices Spot lots closed dull and unchanged Spot sales of No. 2 mixed at 59c.; ungraded June, 5S1Sc.; do, Aug, 5916c.
 OATS-Options were dull and heavy. closing Nc. lower Spot lots closed closed weak and Mc lower. Spot sales of No. 1 white state at 42@ z21xc.; No. do., 3S3z0Sec.: No, mixed, May, S0S71sc.
 RYE-Dull; state, 75c.
 BARLEY-NominaL
 PoRK-Dull; mess. $15015.s5 for 1-year-old.
 LARD-Closed quiet, but steady; April, $s.os bid; May, s bid.
 BUTTER-steady; state, I70aec.; western, II 03Oc.
 CHEESE Quiet; western fat, 1II<01ac; New York cheddar, 1a0121fc.
 EGGS-Quiet, but firm; eastern firsts, 25c.; western do., 24026c.
 SUGAR-Raw dull: fair refining, z3<c. Refined steady; cut loaf and crushed, 7Szc.; cubes, 7c. {; powdered. 711 1.16c; granulated, 63zc.; white extra Q, Sic; extra c, e3Sc. c, Hs0S1fo.; yei- low. t36O556c.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
Sam Small's Lecture.

Sam Small will deliver his lecture, 'From Bar-room to Pulpit" at the Metho- dist church, Tuesday evening, March 6. Thursday evening he spoke in New Haven and here are some of the striking things he said:
 ''There is great cry against politics in the pulpit.
 "I never saw politics in a barrel of whis- key, though l have seen plenty of whiskey in politics and in politicians.
 ''If you could telephone to the devil in hell tonight he would tell you not to let the minister meddle with politics"
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
Safeguards on the Ocean.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.-The bill which passed the senate Thursday providing for an international maritime congress will un- doubtedly pass the house as soon as the for eign affairs committee can call it up. The bill appropriates $3O,000 to pay the expenses of conference to be held in Washington on Oct. 1 of the present year, and to which the president is to appoint five delegates, and in- vite representatives from each of the mari time nations. The purpose of the conference is to agree upon an international code of sig nals and other regulations to secure better protection at sea.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
Conference of Christian Associations.

BOSTON, Feb 25.-The sixth annual con- ference of the Young Mems Christian asso- citations of the colleges of New England, and of Princeton and New York city colleges was opened in this city last evening. Thirty diff ferent institutions are represented by over POO delegates An informal reception was held at the association rooms, after which brief addresses of welcome were made by President Derby, of the Boston association, and President Warren, of Boston university. An address by Rev. Joseph H. Twitchell, of Hartford, completed the exercises Three sessions will be held to-day and two on Sun day
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
A Peculiar Legal Controversy.

NEW YORK, Feb. 25.-John G. Marshall a well known man about town, formerly wealthy, is suing Mrs Elizabeth Workman, his sister-in-law, for s25, ,OOO damages, alleging that she aided his wife in palming off strange child on him as his own. The affair occurred four years ago. The child died, and MT. and Mrs. Marshall separated soon afterward Mir. Marshall has since become convinced that he was imposed on stated. He claims that the object of the trick was to secure for Mrs. Marshall larger share of his then large estate when he died. Mrs Wortham, who is quite wealthy, declares that it is case of money blackmaiL
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
1oe,ander. Going to Manitoba.

The total population of Iceland appears to be threatened. A scheme has been set afioat in Manitoba to transport 75,OOO Icelanders still remaining in their native country, together with their flocks and herds. This would be an exodus as complete as was that of the children of Israel. from Egypt. There has been steady flow of Icelandic emigration to Canada for the last fifteen years, yet the population is said to be still too large for the resources of the island. Several Aourishing towns peopled by Icelanders are alreaf found in Manitoba. Chicago Herald
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
The Trusts Investieatfon.

NEW YORK, Feb. 25.-In the trust investi- gation yesterday J. O. Mott, treasurer of the Cotton Oil trust, corroborated the testimony of MT. Scott as to that concern. Mr. Mott receives salary as trustee, and another as treasurer. He thinks the trust will last about twenty-five years Amzi Howell, editor of The Milk Reporter, said that the milk rate on western roads to New York is controlled by the Milk trust The present price 3x cents quarN to the farmer does not permit of proper feeding of the COWS. Counsel Root promised to have some Standard oil men present for examination to-day
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25

Wants Damages for His Wife's Affections.
 LITTLE FALLS, N. Y., Feb. 25--Society people are greatly startled over the peculiar law suit of s. A. Rhodes, jeweler here, who sues two Montreal gamblers for s1O,OOO each for alienating his wifes affections Mrs. Rhodes, who is preposessing woman, sum- mered at Saratoga last season. While there she met A. D. Maloney and Joseph Pont, of Montreal, and was continually in their society. Rhodes has entered an action against Maloney in the superior court of Montreal for $1O, 900 damages on account of improper conduct with his wife. A similar action has been brought against Pont.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
Strikers Places Filled.

PI:ovlIENcE, R. l., Feb 25.-The strike at Compton, this state assumed new phase Last night. The strikers were as- tonished at learning of the arrival of a large number of German velvet cutters whom the company had engaged to take the places of the men who have been on strike almost a week.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
Held for Jennie Osborne's Death.

EASToN, Pa., Feb. 25.-The coroners jury in the case of Jennie Osborne, the victim of malpractice, found a verdict yesterday after noon that in their opinion Dr. Cox, of Port Murray; Mrs. s. L. Ramsey, of Plainfeld, N. J.; J. w. Pace, proprietor of the Frank lin house; George Evans, of Jersey City, and Charles Haskell, alias Larne, were in meas ure responsible for her death. Dr. Cox, Pace and Mrs. Ramsey were arrested. Cox and Pace gave ball. Mrs. Ramsey is trying to secure ball. but thus far has been unsuccessful
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
CONDENSED NEWS.

Charles Green dropped dead on the floor of the New York Cotton Exchange. Heart disease is supposed to have been the cause.
 A special from Lebanon, Mo-, says that the man arrested there for the murder of Million aire Shell, in Chicago, is not Tascott.
 On the arrival of the steamer Saale at New York, from Bremen, two passengers, Carl Finstenwalder and Joseph Ripsberger, were arrested. They will be returned to Bremen, where they are wanted as escaped convicts.
 Mir. Louise Clark, aged S6 years, was struck by a train at Tonawanda, N. Y., and hurt, probably fatally.
 w. Carney, of Hornellsville, brakeman of the Lehigh Valley road, was crushed to death at Rock Glen, N. Y.
 A boiler in a sawmill at Golden, Mich., ex- ploded on Thursday, killing Fireman Lamb and severely injuring another man.
 Dan Wren, the Chicago boodler, is in state prison at Joliet. He is such a fat man that a special suit of clothes is being made for him.
 John C. New, of Indiana, says Senator Har- rison is the choice of the Republicans of the Hoosier state for president.
 Governor Hill heard argument yesterday on an application of the death sentence. of Oscar F. Beckwith to life imprisonment.
 By an explosion of still in the Atlas oil refinery at Buffalo Charles Swanson was killed and Superintendent McGrady was severely injured
 Turkey is ready to tell Prince Ferdinand that he is no longer wanted in Bulgaria as soon as the other powers request her so to do.
 Affairs in Peru are in serious state, owing to the depreciation of the paper money and the lack of coin to take its place; also on account of probable invasion of the country by Bolivia.
 The sale of the Libby prison, at Richmond Va, for removal to Chicago, will be perfected on Monday.
 A vigorous young man in Cleveland. O. died from excessive cigarette smoking.
 Bear Grinnen, Cherokee, who lived in the Indian territory on Saliswa river, was shot and killed by Ned Christies, an Indian des- perado.
 "Blinkey" Morgan, sentenced to be hanged at Massillon, O., March 16, for the murder oi Officer Hulligan, has been respited till Apxd] 8 to allow the hearing of an appeal
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
School Lands.

The secretary of the interior has informed the senate that if any legislation should be provided to place the original 13 on an equality with the public land states in the matter of grants of land for school pur- poses that Connecticut would be entitled to SS, Al acres, on the basis of one section of land out of every 36 contained in the state; and to 16S, ,SSS acres on the basis of two sections out of &C.,
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
RebelliOus Female Prisoners.

SOUTH PENNINGTON, Mass, Feb. 25.-The insubordination at the womans prison Thurs day night was more serious than was first reported. During its progress some of the window glass was broken by the unruly women. George O. Bent, carpenter en- ployed at the institution, while trying to enforce discipline, fell across table and broke several of his ribs Six of the insubor- dinate women were taken away yesterday, and others may also be transferred.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25

She Got Neither Husband or Money.
 NEW YORK, Feb. 25.-The city court yes terday decided that Mrs. Guion, victimized by matrimonial agency, cannot recover the money she paid the agency, because con- tracts of the nature involved are against public policy and therefore null and not en- forceable by either party.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25
Filling Up the Cells.

LONDON, Feb. 25.-Mr. James Lloyd, the delegate from the Lcndon home rule com- mittee, who was arrested at Ennis on Feb IS for melting tenants to resistance to evic- tions, was convicted and sentenced yesterday to one months imprisonment at hard labor. At the conclusion of the sentence MT. Lloyd told the judge that few more victories like those the Home Rulers had achieved at Edinburgh and Louthwark would sweep Toryism out of the country, whereupon two constables seized him and hurried him to Limerick jail
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-25

Three Hundred Idle Coke Workers.
 UNIoNTowN, Pa, Feb. 25.-Three hun dred men are indefinitely idle at the Leitl coke works of H. c. Prick 6 Co. on accouni of the discharge of four haulers who refuss to work overtime