The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-12-20
MEN ABOUT TOWN.
Stray Stories Picked Up in the
Hotel Corridors.
A Bottle-Chart OF the Atlantic Ocsan-Chewed
Pistol-Barrel-Whea No
Longer Profitable.

John Taylor, an old sea captain, who ia at
the Commercial Hotel for few days, has in
his possession "bottle-ehart" of the Atlantic
Ocean, which is about as unique specimen
of its kind as could be met with in sum-
mer's day. 1t was printed in 1878. under
the auspices of the Government at WASH
ington, and was the result of extended
observations made by officers of the United
States Navy. Prior to that time, it seems.
all commanders of men-of-war were
required, while on voyage, to
amuse themselves at stated periods
by heaving bottles overheard containing
slips of parchment showing the latitude and
longitude of the ship at the time These
bottles, driven by winds and currents,
would, after the lapse of months and in
some instances years. float ashore, and when
picked up the time and place Of their arrival
would be noted. From these observations
the bottle-chart" was compiled. One
instance is cited of a bottle being cast into
the sea off the west coast of Africa which
was picked up among the West India
Islands, while another thrown near the
same spot drifted ashore on the coast of
France. In spite of these eccentric yaria-
lions, however, it is probable that much
valuable information was thus CLEANED rela-
tive to the ocean currents and prevailing
winds.
CHEWED THE BARREL.
The sight of an old pistol" said a veteran
newspaper man yesterday, as he carefully
inspected an antiquatei Derringer which had
probably seen service in the flush days of
49, always reminds me of once we'll
known San Francisco gambler who went by
the name of Sick Jimmy Rodgers. A
great many years ago he became involved In
a dispute with rough character about town,
in Billy Meehan'S saloon, at the corner of
Commercial and kearny streets. Words
led to blows and in the fracas which fol-
lowed the muzzle of a Derringer was thrust
into Jimmy's mouth. For some reason it
failed to explode, and in his desperation
Jimmy clenched the barrel in his teeth.
When the weapon was examined afterward
the prints Of the teeth, above and below,
were found plainly indented in the steel of
the barrel 1t was kept on exhibition in the
Office OF the Chief OF Police for many years,
as an evidence of the strength Of the muscles
OF Jimmy'S jaw"
LADY CLERKS NOT WANTED.
understand" said a country politician
at the Grand Hotel yesterday. that Frank
Coomb, WHO expects to be elected Speaker
of the incoming Assembly, has announced
that in the event of his being chosen lie will
oppose with all his might the employment of
female clerks in any capacity in the lower
branch of the Legislature. In this, think,
he is altogether wrong and he will probably
ind that he will be unable 10 carry his idea
into effect. While isolated cases in the past
have given rise 10 Scaudalous rumors, there
are, no doubt, many worthy and deserving
women seeking minor places, and there Is,
SO far as can see, DO good reason why they
should be kept out of employment"
KEPT HIM BUSY.
Ting! ting! ting!
Front! 222-221-26s. Ice water, quick!"
ND lofa fb..ra -
feet up the stairway at the Occidental, fol
lowed by muttered imprecation from the
CLERK on duty as he tracked" the bells.
Funny, now, isn't it," with glance at
the Office clock, which pointed to ten.
that this thing should occur Just at this
hour every night? Eve kept count, and
that last one is by actual tally the thirty
Sc venth call for ice water within fifteen
minutes. Prior TO that there hadn't been
bell Tor an hour. Winter and summer,
month In and month out, year after year
the same thing happens as sure as night
comes OF. and by hal1-past 10 everything
relapses into the same old quiet groove until
morning. have never been able 10 under
stand it, and he shook his head mournfuIly
and turned back 10 his task.
WHEAT PLAYED OUT.
"Rain? Yes. plenty Of it," was General
Chipman's response to an inquiry last night,
as he sat in a chair at the Palace Hotel and
stroked his long, white beard thoughtfully.
hen pausing moment, he added: " But
it is not the great blessing to California that
it WAS a few years ago. Why? Well. SIM
ply because Understanding as profitable
industry in this State is a thing Of the past.
There is no money in it now, and farmers
are turning either to fruit or stock in lis
stead. Rain is not Of such vital Importance
under the new condition of affairs, and if
you Will notice you will observe that less is
said year after year about the necessity for
copiOus rains at certain periods of the year.
California as great wheat State has seen
her best days." and he lapsed into medita-
tive silence.