davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
BLIND TOMS FATE.

The Famous Negro Pianist Believed TO
Have Perished at Johnstown.
1t is believed that Blind Tom, the famous
negro pianist, perished in -he deluge at
Conemaugh. lie had play ea in the Bijou
theatre at Pittsburg the night before the
awful calamity and was billed at Johns
town that night. The dispatches state that
he and his manager started for Johnstown
and neither of them has been heard from
since. He was the greatest musical prodigy
the world has ever produced He was
born into slavery on plantation near Col
umbus, Ga, May 25. IS49. He was given the
name OF a member of his former owners
family. Thomas Green Bethune was born
sightleSS, and the only sign Of intelligence
that he exhibited in early life was his
markable aptitude for distinguishing and
Initiating sounds, such rs the cries of ami
mails, the singing OF the wind through the
trees, the rushing of waters and the patter-
ing of rain. He could speak fat an earlier
ege than most children and with greater
disrinctuess, but there was n relevancy ia
his words. while repeating an entire con-
versatiOn he had overheard or a newspaper
article that he had heard read, he expressed
his own ws1ts by signs or inarticuiate
idiot, with the exception OF the possession
of this one faculty IL is related in history
that when he was years old piano was
brought 10 his masters house for the use
of one of the young ladies Of the family,
and one night he startled the entire house
hold by stealthily obtaining access to the
instrument and reciIing with wonderful
clearness one of the pieces that be
had heard played. He sub
seQuenUy permitted to play when
ever he chose. lie would run about the
fields, return to the piano, and when asked
what he was playing he would reply.
''what the birds said to me-" He was pho
netic in all his performances. AS he grew
elder he developed this one talent TO such
an extent that he astouDded the critics of
the whole world. He could play one air
with his right hand, another with his left
and sing a third. all the same time and in
different keys. No combination on the
piano was too intricate for him. Not only
could he play from memory any piece of
music, however elaborate, after a single
hearing, but he could initiate the impro-
visation of another. note by note, then
give his own idea OF it and accompany il
with variations. His capacity has been
subjected to the seYeIest tests, and never
failed TO reproduce with accuracy any
thing that he heard; besides, be had over
FIVE thousand pieces at the disposal of his
lections from such masters OF Bach,
Beethoven, Chopin. Gottschalk and
Thalberg. During his performances he
was apparently overwhelmed with ecstasy
and frequently paused 10 applaud some
marvellous passage by the clapping of his
hands. He could repeat With accuracy
anything that he had heard uttered in
having no appreciation OF the meaning of
a single word. He was entirely initiative
and had no faculty of originality or indi-
viduality.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
HAVE TAKEN THE TOWN.
First Days Session OF The Montana Pre-
Association at Missoula

First Days Session OF The Montana Press
Association at Missoula-
MIssoULA, June 27.-[Special to the In
dependent THE Montana Press AssOcia-
tiOn met here to-day with tWenty-seven
members in attendance, several more ar
irving by late trains after the days bus
iuess had been completed. K. Z. Fisk, of
the Helena Herald, presided. The annual
address was delivered at 2:SO by Judge
Hedges, Of Helena, on the subject Of
"Bricks Without Straw" Hon. Jerry Col
Inns, of the Great Falls Tribune, read the
years history of the association, showing
that there are forty newspapers now pub
lished in Montana. He paid feeling trib-
utes 10 the memory of J. 5. Dickerson and
W. j. Mccormick, members of the associa-
ton who died during the year. In
the evening public reception
was given the association by the citizens of
Missoula at Knights of Pythias hall. The
band of the Twenty fifth United States in
fantry from Missoula, under the leadership
Of Prot Peterson, was present and rendered
numerous selections in good style. An ad-
dress of welcome was made by Hon. ). g
Murray, responded TO by members of the
association as follows; Capt. Mills, of
Deer Lodge; Daniel Searles. of Benton; 5.
A. Robertson, of Boulder; Major w. w.
Anderson, of BozemAn; A. g. Mcknight, of
Great Falls, and G. G. Martin, Of Helena
Speeches were also made by Hons. +. II.
Woody and W n. Bickford, of MissOula
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
NATIONAL CAPITAL NOTES.
Phelps The Lion of the Hour The Presi-
dents Mail Increasing.

Phelps The Lion of the Hour The Presi-
dents Mail Increasing.
WASHINGTON, June 2.-Wm. Walter
Phelps, minister 10 Germany, is receiving
a series OF social hOnOrs before he leaves
Washington. Last night he was enter
tanned at dinner by Congressman Slit,
where he met Secretary Blaine and repre-
sentatives in the diplomatic service at
Washington. This morning, in company
with Secretary Blaine, he breakfasted in
formally at the white house with President
Harrison.
With the falling of in the number of Wis
itOrs at the white house, due to the hot
weather, the mail received is increasing,
and now nearly equals IN volume that re-
ceived AZ the beginning of the administra-
tion, when 10 surpassed al precedent
This morning Secretary Proctor called
on the president and IL is supposed the
succession TO the vacancy in the corps of
assistant adjutant-generals was discussed.
President HarrisOn's callers to-day were
Delegate Carey. of Wyoming, and Editor
HSllander, recently expelled from Guate-
maia.
The comptroller of the currency to-day
authorized the Washington National bank
of Seattle TO begin business with a capital
of SIOO,O00
Edward O. Graves has resigned the office
of chief of the bureau or engraving and
printing 10 accept the presidency OF this
haO
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
THE CRoNIN INoUIRY.
Young Carlson's story-worx OF the Grand


Young Carlson's StOry-Wors OF the Grand
Jury.
CHICAGO, JUne 27.-Young Carlson. who
was to-day in charge of the cottage to
which DIR. Cronin was so mysterously
called, says that among the visitors to-day
were two men who took occasion TO pass
remarks about informer Carey and the dan
ger of being too forward in testifying for
the police. Carlson processes TO believe
that he was being threatened, but failed to
explain why be did not telephone the po-
lice 20 arrest the two men, mo he says re-
manned in the neighborhoOd for some time
The grand jury took a new tack this
morning in the CrOnin case. In the con-
sideration of Alexander Sullivsn's specu-
lations Schwartz * Dupee were subpOe-
naed to bring in the books IL is believed
that a new light will be thrown ON those
features OF Sullivan's specuIations which
have hitherto escaped scrutiny. Actions
of the police Indicate that arrests will be
made soon Some one is reported TO have
sQuealed-
Detective Palmer says John +. Beggs
was arrested TO prevent his holding COM
munication with the outside world. Ii Is
claimed he has been visiting members of
the alleged trial committee. and il was
thought he had put fi-a into the ear of
more than one OF the trial committee.
Nothing of interest was developed at the
afternoon session and no indictments were
rafnrned
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
1t Touches Britain. Pocket.

LONDON, June 27.-Advices from Allegos
bay say British gunboat exploded there
Saturday. The railway employees are pre-
pairing to make forcible resistance TO the
attempt of Portugal to take charge of the
work of constructing the road. Meetings
of the company to whom Portugal granted
the concession TO build the Allega bay rail
way and of the chamber of commerce will
be held here to morrow, and Will request
the stock exchange and European bourses
TO cease quoting Portuguese securities until
Portugal makes reparation-
The action of the Portuguese govern
ment in canceling the concession
IL had granted for the building of q
railroad at Delagos Bay has created much
comment The Globe to-day says: Portu-
gal Is guilty of an unwarrantable breach
Of faith and shameful d shOnesty. Lord
Salisbury last night said in the house of
lords that the government had requested
Portugal TO refrain from hasty action II
is understood here that Secretary Blaine.
in response to q petition, will send an
American war vessel to Delagoa Bay 70
look after American interests.
IA dispatch to the Chronicle from Durham
says: The government at Delagoa Bay
has telegrsphed TO the Portuguese consul
here thai the decree canceling the railway
concession has been rescinded. and the
company will continue building the rail
road
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
CHINESE TRAVELLERS.
Lsborers for the West Indies to Go by
Way of Canada.

Lsborers for the West Indies to Go by
Way of Canada
WASHINGTON, June 27.-Some time ago
the treasury department was Informed
that IL was desired TO take a number Of
Chinese labOrers TO the West Indies, and
an application was made for permission 10
take them through United States. territory
in transit. provided a bond was given that
none of them would remain in this coun-
try. The matter was referred 70 the sOlic-
itOr OF the treasury and be gave an opinion
that there was nothing in the law 70 pro-
hibtt the landing of Chinese for the mere
purpose OF passing through the country.
Secretary Window, however, was not pre-
pared 10 change the existing regulations
70 this and directed the rejection OF the ap-
plication until the question could be con-
sldered more thoroughly. No further ac-
ton on the subject az all is likely, how
ever, IS IL Is understood arrangements have
been since made with Canadian tTanspOr-
tatiOn companies by which the Chinese
VIII be taken across the continent without
the necessity Of entering United States ter
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
NO NEWS FROM ARLEE.
Gov. white at the Reservation, Whel
the Troops VIII Remain.

Gov. White at the Reservation, where
the Troops Will Remain
MIssOULA- June 27.-lSpeciaI 70 the In
dependent I-Nofhing special has devel-
Oped at the seat Of war during the day, so
far As can be learned, except that the
troops have been ordered 20 remain upon
the reservation for an indefinite time. A
train carrying provisions sufficient to last
Col LawsOn's command thirty days left
here to-day, and the indications are that
the ofteials have made up their minds 10
fight It out on that line II IL takes all sum-
mer. Gov. B. f. White, accompanied by
Capt. John G.. Sloane and SupL @. w.
DickensOn, went TO the reservation this
afternoon, but up TO p. m nothing has
been learned Of their movements OF decis-
ion. The party Is expected 10 return to-
night, when the plan of action will be as
certaiued
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
ONLY A QUESTION OF TINE.
LegItIme Bound to Go Down Before HyP-
pOlyte's Forces.

LegItIme Bound to Go Down Before HyP-
pOlyte's Forces.
New YORK, June 27.-The first authen-
tic news from Hayu In two months came
yesterday. The steamer Prince Wilhelm,
which left Port au Prince June 20, arrived
yesterday aud brought twenty-five mer-
chants, who say it is only question Of
time when Hyppolite's army will drive
Legitime and his friends from Port au
Prince. The reason they left Port au
Prince was that affairs in Hayti had
reached such point that business is out Of
the question. Everything is stagnant and
the town is Overrun with ruffians. There
is almost no money at all and those who
can in any way get hold OF little are leav-
ing the country. Provisions are high,
-four selling at $50 a barrel, and the poorer
classes are suffering foo the necessaries of
life and are constantly on the verge of in
surrection. In the hills behind Port au
Prince the armies of Hyppolite lie en-
campsd around the city, and 1t Is in
measure in a state of siege.
Among the passengers on the steamship
Wilhelm was G. b. Wilson, resident Of
this city, who four months ago went to
HRyti to enter the employ OF Legitime as
engineer of a man-of-war. He said he re-
turned because he found the situation there
too warm for him. LegItims stood like
chance against Hyppoiite. whose army
was well equipped and was 10000 stronger
than Legitime's. When the speaker left
Hyppolite's troops were within four miles
of Port au Prince by land and fourteen
miles by sea. He said the reason for Hyp-
polite not rushing on Port au Prince i'm
mediately was that he awaited a signal
from friends in the city. Legitime's former
cOmmander-in-chief. Gen. Piqusnt evacua-
ted Grand Saline for a consideration Of
$3.50, 900 and succeeded in leaving the island
with the money. Three ministers of war
held sway within as many months and one
OF them, Gen. Prophet, appropriated $780,
900 of government money and resigned.
As to the Clyde steamer Ozama being cap
tured by the Haytien gunbosts, the truth
of the matter was. said Nilsson. that
the vessel was only held little
over three hours and was released
when Capt. Kellogg, of the United States
steamer Ossippe, made 9 demand upon
Legitime. At first the demand was re-
fused, except under condition that the
Ozama would not go to GOnayes. Capt.
Kellogg wrote upon the back Of Legitime's
note that If the vessel was not released
within I'VE hours and 5000 paid over by
Le2itime, he would lombard the city. The
demand was unconditionaily complied
with and the 5000 paid TO Capt Kellogg.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
ST. MARY'S ACADEMY.
Interesting Exercises Attending the Close
OF IA Deer Lodge school

Interesting Exercises Attending the Close
OF Deer Lodge school
DEER LODGE, June 27.-GSpecial to the
Independent THE closing exercises of ST
MAry's academy took place last night in
Cottonwood nall, with u concert given by
the pupils Of the academy. The attend
ance was large, the programme elaborate
and evinced the most thorough training
throughout While every part was enter
tanning, especially worthy OF mention was
The Little Kittens" a juvenile operetta,
by ten of the small girls; Il Once Had a
Sweet Little Doll, Dears." by Miss Aria
Bucher; an essay, fLs Sweet to be Re
membered," by Miss Rosa Picard; "The
Miracle of the Roses" IN TWO seer es, par
tieipated in by fifteen of the pupils. The
exercises ended with the presentation of
diplomas and an address By the Rev. j. A.
Van de Van, OF Butte.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28

BERLIN, June Z.-The North Germa
Gazette renews its attack upon Switzer-
land and charges that Switzerland pro-
notes the dissemination of social demo
cratic ideas among the young men OF the
country. 1t says anarchists without Gre
dentials are allowed 10 remain in Swifzer-
land and without an effort on the part of
the authorities TO Identify them. Ii declares
the reply of the Swiss foreign minister 10
the recent lnterpelatiOnal OF the National
Rath, in which he declared under no cIrcum-
stances would Switzerland share with any
power the right to police her own territory,
was inadequate and unsatisfactory. Ii
says. however. the reply of the bundesrath
20 complaints made BY Russia and Austria
were more polite and less polemfc than
was expected from the wording of the in
ferDqlariOn.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
Family Trust.

Washington special: There is a halo Of
nepOtism around old Father-in-law SeOtt's
chair ia the pension Office. Dr. Scott had
held his place for years without the ability
to perform any valuable clerical labor. A
lady clerk, who had been long in the gov
eminent service, was one OF the first who
heard, Just following the presidents In
She called upon the commissioner and
urged her claims % the 81, 20 vacancy and
was Informed that the president reserved
the right personally 70 hll the va
cancy caused by the resignation OF DR..
Scott. A few days Afterwards an old lady
re- lafive Of the Harrison family holding an
$500 place In another bureau OF the govern
ment. was transferred TO the bureau OF
pensions and promoted 70 ST. 200.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28

HusbeDdman: Smith river valley is hav-
ing the greatest dearth Of water il has ever
known some crops have already been
abandoned and II water continues to fall A.
rapidly within the next ten days as IL has
in the last two weeks many more must 90
lt - anyhow safe 70 estimate that there
will not be more than half = crop Of grain,
The hay crop is thus far very fair, but
water 70 getting so low that many farmers
viii have 70 abandon iTrigaffng their
meadows, which is bound 70 cut this crOp
short OF last years yield considerably
The range in the hills IL fair and green.
but the valley proper is burning brown and
tne grass 70 short There is, however, n e
bulk OF last wears hay crop on hand am
considerable grain Grain has advanc d
70 $50 per hundred IL will go probably
go higher should the water continue 20
fan.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS.
Three Boys Drowned and Two EabOre
Killed at Kansas city.

Three Boys Drowned and Two LabOrers
Killed at Kansas City.
KANSAS CITY, June 27.-Three boys
from this city, ranging in age from u 10 IA
years, were drowned in the Blue river near
here this afternoon while bathing.
Later in the afternoon two fatal acci-
dents occurred. Five labOrers were max
ing sewer connections, when by mistake
one of the men knocked a hole In the
sewer vault The escaping gas Overeame
him so suddenly that he died almost IN
stantly. Two others, Winter and Albacb.
Jumped into the ditch TO rescue him, aud
they, loo, were overcome by gas. All
three were finally taken from the ditch
Winter died this evening, and Albach is in
a precariOus condition.
n. Z. Hill, laDOrer, was blasting away
a blum in the southeastern portion of the
city. The fGSe on one of the blasts failed
to burn properly, and while Hill was ex-
amininR It the powder ignited from the
fuse and literally blew his head off.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
Washington Park Races.

WASHINGTON PARK, June 27.-Attend-
ance 1900, weather pleasant, track good
but not fast
Three-quarters of a mile-LOng Boy
won, Kate Malone second, Lizzie b third.
Time l:16.
Three-quarters of q mile-Irene won.
Catalpa second, Maori third. Time I:l4h4
Five-eignths of mile, for 2-year-olds-
English Lady won, Alarm Bell second,
Extravaganza third. Time los.
Oakwood handicap. one and One-eighth
of a mile-Kaloolah won, BridgelIght sec
ond. LePremier third. Time I:54s<.
One and one-sixteeDth OF a mile-Fred-
erica won, Ernest Race second, Mirth
third. Time ] so
One mile for 3-year-olds-Winning Ways
won, Vadic Hemphell second, NeSgeoTd
third. Time 1:i4.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28

PARIS, June ga reporter of the Figaro
had an interview with Gen. Guzman
Blacno, the Venezuela minister, in relation
to the reports that there was much hos
tileity against him in Venezuela. Blanco
declared he would continue TO represent
Venezuela st Paris and denied that he had
any dispute with pr. Paul. president of
Venezuela He also denied that he ceded
TO England any portion of Venezuelan
territory. He said the relations between
Venezuela and England had been almost
ruptnred for year past on account of the
difficulty England had created
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
NOT THIS TINE.

Convict Bryson's Plans for Escape Frus-
trated by the sheriff.
BOULDER, June 27.-ISpecial TO the In
dependent. I-Sherid Halford, on search
ing the jail to-day, discovered that BrysOn
was attempting 70 escape. He had sawed
q hole through his cell into the adjacent
one, from which ne could get into the cage
and from there into the corridor. On
searching him a saw was discovered on
his person, while two we're concealed in
his boots. For the first time since con-
victed BrysOn weakened. A constant
watch both day and night viii now be
kept over him
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28

NEW YORK, June Z1.-The presidents
of the trunk lines went into executive ses
sion to-day. Commissioner Fink's resigna-
ton and other matters OF business will be
considered. Fink says the forenoon ses-
sion considered the differences between the
lines on emigrant rates and Fink was
chosen Arbitrator.
IL Was agreed 20 continue in effect after
July 2 the rate Of x 4 cent. per mile on re-
trigerator cars carrying dressed beef. At
a meeting Of the presidents held after
ward Mr. Fink's resignation. which he
pressed upon them, was accepted. The
0itice OF commissioner therefore becomes
vacant on Jufv 10
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
1T BROKE THEIR HEARTS.
Columbia Men Lose a Boat Race and Take
to Their Beds.

tOlutn Ola Men Lose n Boat Race and Take
to Their Beds.
NEW LONDON, Conn. June 27.-The
features Of tO-day's boat race were an ex-
citing contest between Cornell and Colum-
bis and the sensational collapse of the
Columbia crew the instant they crossed
the finish line, and when they stopped
rowing. Six OF them. Bradley, Mikelhen,
0'Brien, O'Gorman, Clapp and Foote. fell
over in a dead faint, completely exhausted.
Five OF tbesix broken down men recovered
consciousness within a few minutes, but
Mikelhen was unconscious for fully thirty
minutes The six men were placed on
board a steamer. Two other men on the
Columbia boat, TuttIe and Pelt0n, stroke,
also tainted and had 10 be assisted out Of
their boat. MhSn the Columbia launch
arrived at their quarters the entire Colum-
bta crew were lifted out and carried
70 their rooms and put 10 bed.
The men were in pretty bad
shape They had been rOwed to a
sta1dstill and had completely broken
down. Tuttle was quite excited and at
one time slightly deliriOus- Niklehen
and four others were slightly by sterical
and showed plainly the effects of the
severe strain under which they had been
and of the high tension of their nervous
ystem when they found themselves de-
feated. Jasper Goodwin. the famous Col
umDia Oarsman, admitted the men were
badly used up and were still under the
weather, but that there WAS nothing ser
lOus-
From other sources ii was learned that
shortly after the race boat was sent 10
Gales Ferry and a physician summoned.
This doctor is now with the men and il is
understood he will remain at Columbia all
night as a precautionary measure. Many
alarming rumOrs are current about
the condition of two of COlumbia's
men, but Columbia men ass IT they will be
all right in the morning; that they pulled
an unusually hard race, were outrowed
and exhausted and gave up broken hearted
over their defeat The Cornell men, who
pulled a wonderfully plucky race, are
around town tonight feeling bright and
sound as a dollar.
The following is the official time of the
race: Harvard, 1921; Columbia,
1928. In the triangular race Cornell won,
COlumbie second, Pennsylvania third. No
time was taken.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-06-28
WAS ONLY A BLUFF.
The Alton and Rock Island Roads Having
Little Fun.

Aht 3AAAoM anu Atltk AelAn0 Roads HAVING
Little Fun.
DENVER, Col, June 27.-George l..
Rhodes, assistant general passenger agent
Vt the Rock Island, was Ia the city to-day
investigating the charges made by the
Alton that the Rock Island had in the Of
hces OF Denver scalpers 900 Chicago tick
cts. Mr. Rhodes ma1e personal visit 70
the scalPers and found that their stock Of
tickets on ali lines was very low, only
few being held. He followed up his in
vestigatiOn bV Offering a premium Of zoo
per cent for all tickets over the
Rock Island found in the hands
OF scaipers in excess of six.
the number he discovered. lie further as
serts that he believes the statement of ths
Alton is only bluff, and that no cut will
be made. Scalpers here deny that there
are any Rock Island tickets in the market
and say the stock they were enabled 20 lay
in months sgO has been exhausted. IL Ia
learned that the Atoms contemplated
move was known here a week ago, but
held back for effect