The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-09-07
ROUND ABOUT GOTHAM.
TALK or THE WEEK IN THE AME RI
CAN METROPOLIS.
A Remarkable Though Helpless Cripple
Opposition to Electric Railways In New
Rcna- miscellaneous Gossip.
NEW YORK BUREAU }
RICHMOND DAILY TINES. ,

NEW YORK BUREAU
RICHMOND DAILY TINES.
Sept q, 1901
There is in Brooklyn n helpless cripple
who has been a bedridden invalid for the last
twenty years or more. Her name Is Molly
Fawchcr, and twenty three years ago she
was one Of the most promising pupils in
one Of Brooklyn's foremost educational in
siitulcs. 4 serious accident, from which
she never recovered, deprived her Of the
use of her limbs, and reduced her TO a state
Of complete helpcssness. Although seem-
ingiy ncapaciiatcd, Miss fawcher has sup
ported herself all these years. The treatment
for her injuries required that her arms
! should be held rigidly upright, her hands
meeting behind her head, for long period
While her arms were in this position she
made quantities OF fancy work that for de-
sign and finish could not be eXcelled. Her
mental faculties are wonderfully keen. and
| she seems 10 know by intuition what il
happening around her. Some time ago She
opened bazaar on Gates avenue, and by
means Of a speaking tube she di-
rccted her two assistants. She lives
on the floor above the store, and
the speaking-tubc i just besider her bed.
The books are kept by her. and she watches
! the progress Of her enterprise very closely.
Her ease is marvellous one. For months
at time she never touches food. Looking
at her on her couch she seems at times
hardly mortal.
ELECTRIC ROADS IN NEW YORK.
Electric roads are without doubt profit
! able 10 the companies, but as public con-
yenience there is considerable delusion
about them. Many obstacles will no doubt
| be put in the way Of their introduction here.
In the first place the network Of overhead
wires. besides being dangerous for fireman,
will interfere considerably with the use of
| the telephone. The wires Of the telephone
are grounded and the earth acts as
| a conductor. Many Of the electric
roads are conducted on the same
| principle, and when the two currents
meet the telephone becomes useless. The
! telephone company, Of Albany, has enJoin-
ed the West Troy railroad on the ground
| that it interlcred with its business. The IN
| teresting question as to the ownership of
! the earth is involved in this suit. some
electric car systems have an extra wire for
the return current. This wire is sometimes
! laid along the tracks or IN the earth
! between the tracks, and sometimes
! IL is carried overhead. In the streets
| HhtH NNil " Ait iA'fhiiu ANNh''
| how the overhead system can be
| operated will be nice problem for engi-
neers TO solve. The practicabiity OF the
underground conduit is still undetermined,
| but it seems as if II would Ice the only way.
! I'm a crowded city the overhead system
would be more than a nuisance.
GREEN-ROOM ECHOES.
Mrs. James Potter will play an engage
ment in India.
| The hegira of theatre managers from New
| York lOrcshad0ws the speedy opening OF
| theatres in all parts of the country.
Rudolph ArOnsOn has been deferred by
| the large number Of opera companies from
sendins a Casino company out upon the
road.
| Nine. Janauschek will, at an early day,
produce Essex " from the excellent play
/ OF DR.. Heinrich Laubc. Graf Essex Ii
is dramatic throughout its five acts.
| 1t is asserted on what Is generally rccog-
nized as good authority that Mary Ander-
| sod is seriously considering returning to The
stage next season to fulfil her contract with
| Henry L. Abbey. Great pressure is being
| brought upon both her and her husband.
Mr.. Navarro 10 induce her to do this, and If
| she finally consents. as now seems probable,
she Will appear under the name OF Nine.
| Navarro. instead Of Mary Anderson. II is
! believed too. that Mr.. Abbey will succeed
/ i'm peTs uadng Rubenstein 10 Sfit America
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