davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
A PRISON FIRE.
The Columbus City Lookup Bursts
Into Flames.
Scenes of Indescrlbable Excitement In
the Cells, Where the Helpless Prisoners
Wall for Their Lives-The Fire WAS
Under Control at Last Report.

COLUMBUS, O., Dec Sire broke
out in the upper story of the city prison
at 2 o'clock Tuesday morning. 1t
started in the drill room. Cause un-
known. One hundred and eleven pris-
oners are locked up in the cells be-
meath, and the greatest excitement pre-
walls The entire fire department has
been called out.
At 8 o'clock the fire had spread
through the upper stories of the prison,
and the volume of water thrown
drenched the entire building, soaking
the cell-rooms beneath.
OF the Ill prisoners eleven were fe-
males, and during the height of excite
ment 1t was thought best to turn these
out. The female prisoners were let
loose, and, Notwithstanding the cells
were being drenched, the male prison.
ers although they yelled Justify for
liberty, were kept locked up.
The firemen assured the police that
there was no danger of the fire reach
ing the cell rooms, and on this assur-
| anCe uhc police rcluoeo w ioV Uh0 Ah"ie
prisoners out. The scene was one OF
indescribable excitement, and hun
dreds of people gathered outside OF the
prison and cried vociferously for the
release of the unfortunates within.
The spectators feared the flames
would reach the cell rooms but on be-
ing assured by Chief Heinmiller that
the prisoners were not in danger
ceased their demands that the prison
ers be released and turned in with {
will to assist the fremen with theil
work. At o'clock the fire was under
control, and indications are that thu
loss will be confined to the upper stories
of the prison. The origin of the fire i
mystery.
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
DYNAMITE BOMB
Hurled at the Head of millionaire
Russell Sage.
1t Bursts, Killing the would-Be Assassin
Several Clerks Injured-Mr. Sage
Seriously hut Not Fatally Hurt.

New YORK, Dec. 5. Shortly after
noon Friday stranger entered the
office of Russell Sage, the well-known
millionaire, at II Broadway. He de-
manded that he be given $1,000, 900.
He opened satchel which he was
carrying, and seizing bomb, threw
it at the head of Mr. Sage. The lat.
ter lodged and the bomb struck the
office wall exploding with fearful
crash.
Mr.. Sage was taken from his Office
and carried across the street to the
drug store. He is badly burned about
the face and shoulders, but his injuries
are not serious. He gives the follow
ing account # the affair: Shortly af-
ter 10 o'clock a man whom l had never
seen before entered my office. He ear
ried large satchel, and gave the lame
Of W. II. Wilson. He inquired for me,
and demanded that | give him Sl,000,-
600, | tried to talk with him, but he
became excited, and, opening the va.
lise, he took from it long bottle and
threw it at my head.
81 lodged the missile and it struck
the wall opposite and instantly explod'
ed. There was fearful crash and |
was thrown out of my chair. / do not
remember much more about the affair.
The explosion completely wrecked the
interior of the Office and several of the
clerks were seriously, if not fatally
injured. The man who threw the bomt
was instantly killed by the concussion
Mr.. Washington Connor, the well
known broker was in the Office at the
time, and was seriously injured
"The whole second floor of the build
ing had been torn in'pieces Russell
Sage's office is wrecked completely.
Mr. Sage was somewhat injured, He
says that man who gave his name as
II. D. Wilson came to his Office | haC
never seen him before. He had a car
pet-bag in his hand, and said If yo'
will not give me $1,000, 600 will blov
you all to pieces know nothing
further except hearing the great ex
plosion, falling on the floor and regain
ing consciousness here. The dead maj
lying on the floor of the drug stor
there is believed to be the man VIII
asked me for the money"
The latest report is that four person
were killed, one being the young lad
typewriter in Russell Sage's Office
Mr.. Slocum, the chief clerk Of MI
Sage, is badly cut about the head.
The safe was broken open and tn
securities scattered over the buildin
, and street. Slocum is making an e
fort to save as many of the securitle
as possible,
Mr. Sage walked out of the building
assisted by Officer Hummel, AS h
passed the door he said: THAT was
terrible explosion; they meant it tn
time"
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12

book he handed me two little gold
lars done up in tissue paper which
had kept months for me.
81 was getting an order in II
carriage mandatory when q man
ting by, and whom | had not e
asked to buy a book, said: I'll {
one of your books If you'll agree &c
liver it at my house, I, of course,
willing, and he put down his name
don't know to this day what that I
could have had against me, for WIN
delivered the book his wife abused
frightfully. She told me ought =
ashamed Of myself going round /
country and wheedling men ou'
their money. Wasn't that delight
II shall never forget one night In
lonely outskirts of philadelphia. l
secured nine orders and was anxiot
get the tenth before returning. 1t
a dreary autumn evening, nearly d
and the neignborhood was very lor
knocked at a high gate, which
opened by a little old man. | st
my business and was told 10 com
did so, and he shut the gate
locked it behind me. was In the
of tannery, and to reach the c
was obliged to go through long.
dark shed. The old man went q
carrying : candle Tou Ans5t ,
more gloomy place than this hori
old building. The candle aickered
fore me, my feet slipped on the s
floor. l stumbled against a projet
beam and down l went, my book 6
one way and muff another, spoiled
gown and was sick in bed for a,
from that fall. However, ! got
order.
There were some curious chara,
among the agents with whom can
contact. There was Sophie, who
always sent to the wharves and an
the shipping. She was big bic
afraid of nothing. She would g
any ship at any hour. If the
plank did not happen to be laid
would seize rope and swing he
over the ships side. Sometimes
| would go in an office, pick up bl
and sweep the floor, saying she cou
sell book in SO dirty room
talking away continually as to
merits of her book. She would ta
the rough 'longshoremen in their
language and always make them
"Then there was Kitty. who VII
saucy little beauty. She would
into an Office, throw down her boz
if in a rage and say: There! l
care a rap if l don't sell the
founded old bookr OF course. st
ways got orders from her very II
ference.
II could train class of girls be
fully to do this business, but, a.
me, | will wash dishes, make
sweep, bake and mend before l
ever go into it again. You are 81
a nuisance; nobody wants to see
and everybody despises YOU
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
THE CIVIL SERVICE.
Report of the Commission to the Presi-
dent-A Number OF Alterat' ons In the |
Rules.

Report of the Commission to the Presi-
dent-A Number OF Alterst ons In the
Rules.
WASHINGTON, Dec. THE U. S. civil
service commission, in their annual re-
port Just submitted to the president,
state that several noteworthy steps in
the advancement of the service have
been made during the year. There has
been an important extension of the
classified civil service to include por-
tion of the Indian service.
One of the most important is that al
lowing the establishment of competitive
examinations for promotion within
classified service. :
Another very important alteration,
the report states, was the abolition OF
the provision allowing the promotion Of
persons in the non-classified service to
positions in the classified service, after
non-competitive examination.
Tho commission states that they are
thoroughly satisfied with the way in
which the civil service law has been en-
forced in the departmental service at
Washington. The report says that no
state now has materially less than its
quota of appointments.
A fair proportion of the men appoints
ed from the southern states have been
colored, those successful In colored ap.
plicants being in many cases graduates
of the colleges, or higher institutions
of learning established for their race.
1t is noticeable that much larger pro
portion of the colored race have ap
pointments under the civil service Law
than under the old patronage system.
The commission complain that theil
work is hampered by the fact that the
local boards are not properly under it!
control
The commission recommends that, a
rapidly as can be done, the service b.
extended to all the customs and inter
nal revenue districts in which ther
are twenty-five employees; to the clerk
and writer's in the navy-yards; to tn
employees of the District of Colum bia
to the sub-treasuries and all free -deliy
cry post offices. There is also urgen
need for legislation that will plac
the fourth class postmasters and tn
remaining officers out of partisan pol
tics.
The report concludes by saying tina
no question before the American pee
pie to-day is so important as the ques
tion of working thorough and radici
reform of the civil service by separatin
it entirely from partisan politics.
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
,ciproc,tv With British West India.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4.-Sir Julian
Pouncefote and the representatives OF
the British West Indian colonies have
had another conference at the depart'
ment of state with Mr., Foster, relative
to the negotiations of reciprocity
agreement under the tariff act 1t ap'
pears that there is more ground for con-
cession on the part of the colonial rep
resentatiyes than was at first ap-
parent, Figures have been collated to
show that while the United States takes
more than half the products OF the
islands, the average rate OF duty upon
our imports is nearly twice as large as
that paid by other countries AS the
colonists appear to be willing to make
such reductions in duties paid by United
States products as will not discriminate
against the mother country, there Is
reason to believe that success VIII
crown their efforts to secure reciproc
itv agreement with the United states
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
REMlNtS CEN
The sky is bleak and overcast;
The leaves are turning now,
And tremble in the chilly winds
Which shake each slender bough,

The sky is bleak and overcast;
The leaves are turning now,
And tremble in the chilly winds
Which shake each slender bough.
No more the honeysuckle sweet
Geeets me at blush of dawn,
Anc sverythings 50 sad and drear,
1t lakes my heart forlorn.
So Twill draw my sssy-c
Close - ,ho cheerful FIRE,
Stretch out my feet upon the rug
And watch the sparks go higher
And when the logs begin to burn
With warm and ruddy glow,
I'll close my eyes and sweetly dream
OF summers long ago
And Of the day when first met
My golden-haired Elaine,
Whose heart won, so warm and true,
Upon the coast of Maine.
All, in my dreams see her now,
Elaine, so shy and sweet,
And see the waves rush up the shore
To kiss her sandaled feet.
still can see the happy blush
That tinged her damask cheek,
When, taking her small hands in mine,
dared Of love to speak.
My name hear her softly call,
1t fills my heart with pain:
"I wish you'd take the baby dear,
He's just woke up again"
And for two hours, more or Tess,
I'll have to sit and keep
A rocking him before the fire,
Until he goes to sleep.
F. Parker, Jr., in Brooklyn Eagle.
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
A SCOURGB

Entirely DepopuIates an Island-Th. Ma.
eovery of Il sea Captain on the Pacific
Slope.
GuAYMAs, Mex, Dec. 4.-The can.
TAIN of coasting lugger, who arrived
here tells strange story of a discov.
cry made by him when his vessel had
been driven out of its course during q
storm some weeks ago. He traded up
and down the coast, doing business
among the inhabitants of the islands
and coast villages between here
and San Diego, Cal, and while
on his last trip, a heavy wind
drove him far out of his way.
and when the storm abated he found
that he was so far out of his usual path
that he had lost his reckoning. He was
out of sight of shore, and when they
saw land they bore down upon it and
found an island that was not down on
any of rhe charts. He sent a boat
ashore, and the men returned saving
that no one lived there, but there were
many houses and evidences OF the place
having been at one time inhabited.
The captain then went ashore himself,
and found that the island had undoubt-
edly been swept by scourge of some
kind, which had carried off every living
being.
There were numerous nuts, showing
that at one time there had been many
people living there, but not living
thing was to be found. An examina-
tion revealed the fact that the former
residents had died in such numbers that
they had not been buried, but the skel.
etons We're lying around the island
where the people had been when death
had overtalten them. In one hut were
found the remains of seventeen
people, while in many others were
the bones of a great number They had
been dead for such a time that the
bones were beginning to decay There
was little to be found to show what
kind of people they were, but it is sup
posed that they belonged to one of the
island tribes which were so abundant
in this part of the coast fifty years ago
Of course there can only be conjecture
as to the probable cause of the wiping
out of an entire tribe, but the kuowl
edge of the fearful sweep of scourge:
on other islands leads to the belief tha
a pcstilence swept off the inhabitantA
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
A RUSH FOR LIFE.



Through a Turning Tunnels
LOUISVILLE, KY, Dec 4.-Passengers 4.
on the St Louis express over the Air
Line due here early Thursday morning,
had thrilling experience in Pallon
Hill Tunnel, west of New Albany. The
woodwork of the tunnel had become
ignited, and it was not discovered urtil
the train had entered. 1t was too late to
reverse, and the engineer drove the
train through, the smoke rolling into
the coaches. The open air was gained
in time to prevent any catastrophe. A
special train with the New Albany fire
department was sent to the tunnel, and
all day the fremen have been battling
with the flames. This tunnel was
almost destroyed year ago by the
burning of the wooden supports which
held up the rocks and earth.
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
TREATIES SIGNED.
America VIII, 1t Is Said, Derive the Great
est Advantage From Them.

est Advantage From Them.
BERLIN, Dec. 7-The German-Au,
trian commercial treaty has been sign
ed in Vienna The remaining treaties
will be signed during the coming week.
They were discussed by the bundesrath,
Minister Won Boetticher presiding.
There is no doubt that the reichstag
will ratify the treaties America will
derive the greatest advantage from
them. The Boersen Courier says
that the duties on corn will be re-
duced from fifty to thirty-6ve shillings
per ton. Americas favored-nation posi-
ton depends upon theClay treaty OF 1929.
Russia, excluded by the favored-nation
clause, will be adversely affected by
the new treaties, and will be virtually
compelled to make overtures to Ger
many to prevent the total exclusion OF
Russian grain from the German market
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
rns Bible and the Worlds Fair.

Nrw YORK, Dec. 4--Whether or not
tho American Bible society shall have
an exhibit at the Worlds fair, and shall
distribute portions of the Scripture TO
the millions of visitors that will be az
tracted to Chicago in 1898, is the ques,
,;on upon which a special committee OF
that organization was endeavoring to
come 10 a conclusion at the Bible house
Thursday.
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
FLIGHT OF WILD GEESE
Their Curious Journeyings-Betray
Their Sociability.

Their Curious Journeyings-Betray
Their Sociability.
OF all the migrating birds nor
more interesting than these grea
far journeyers, which are, with II
ception of the wild swan, the bi
of them all. One of their myster
the wonder how they contrive to
as they do--till November, in tn
per regions of Baffin's bay, and
up to latitude of eighty degre
thereabout; for the waters on
shores where they live must 6
frozen hard and fast by that time
under such conditions how do the
the marine plants on which they
ly subsist?
How ever that may be, here
come, sweeping southwark, tn
the cold autumnal sky, either
strai ght line or las is quite ofte
case) in two great lines, divergini
point at the head, and flying gen
very high. That one object a
pointed head of the columns is a
an old gander. His loud honk,
heard family down the wind as {
table voice from the sky, lead
farmer or the pedestrian to 10
and to search the gray sky for a
of the well-known V shaped Ii
these sky voyagers who bring tn
weather following after them" !"
leaders frequent call is answer
the members of his large compa
a half gurgling, indescribable
notes-as if the leader had asked:
are you all getting on there bel
and his followers were respo'
"All's well-all's we'll" They fl
the continent in a direct line.
take the most direct route-be !
land or water; and they are lii
alight for rest or food on some
be it on the shore or inland, at
when they are not likely to bt
But their too sociable calls and
betray them-and in such places
ponds and coves about Long is
Montauk point, where they alwa,,
ferred to stop for good sociablt
they have been SO mercilessly p
by sportsmen that they are les
there now than they once were.
delight, like the wild swan, II
feeding grounds as are afforded
bays and sheltered waters-half
and half salt-of the extensive tt
the North Carolina coast kno'
Albemarle sound n region wher
linger long and stay late, and
perhaps, but for the hunters, r.
many Of them, all winter.-Hi
| Times
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
A Mad DE Scare.

M,pplErowN Md, Dee. "A mao
doc ran amuck Wednesday and Thurs
daT and not until Thursday afternoon
was he cornered and killed The brute
had h;tten n number OF other dogs, a
half dozen cats and hog. He also
n;nned a bow and savagely assaulted a
girl. The mayor has ordered that
every dog shall be muzaled for 'wo
months. Over thirty have already been
slaughtered by the fear-stricken 'nhao
itauts.
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
.,..., rdItorlai Association.

C,yc,NNATI, Dec. 4-Hon. W. o. .aP
,a,,sr of Mansfield, O., and J. NJ. Page
Of Jerseyville, ILL.,. president ana saia seer.
o, .a.u u'', ~ the National Editorial assoc'a.
.;nH . which has membership OF over
,i'M, ~ "oo editors and publishers were IL
the thee city Thursday and have called "a
ss .hs association to be held in THIS cl.s
,nv Ianuarv "SSv 20, 1904 at . p IN. The exec zee
utive committee will hx the an,;on .,a"o %
Mace Mace for holding the next ,'sen eonven''Ha a.
cI California, seattle, New Orleans, ,y,nn,ne' Ms
I", ,amtic CITY,, Ashevi.lc N; G. w. Winn'pot :, aet
and Roanoke, Va, are a. a,i ,insiv s,
shs u contest promises to be hve'y'
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
Mexican Duties on Cereals.

C1Ty OF MEXICO, Dec. 4-The bill
granting the president power to decree
the suspension of duties on cereals ana
all classes of animals coming from for
eign countries so as to meet the emer'
pency caused by loss of crops in various
states has passed the chamber OF depu'
ties without dissenting vote, and was
Mt once sent to the senate, where un'
ouestionably it will be pushed through
With haste. The passing of this bill
will furnish the farmers OF the west
GOOD market for their crops
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
RUINED BY RUSTLERS.
The Cattle Business in n Had Way, Says
Senator Durham.

Senator Durham.
OMAHA, Neb., Dec. s.-State Senator
Durham, of Wyoming, who is here,
saws rustlers have ruined the cattle
business in that state, and that a war
of determination is likely to soon be
begun against the thieves by ranch
men. Stock raisers are being driven
away, be says, by heavy losses
resulting from thefts. He himself
has suffered such severe losses
as to necessitate his closing out
$3.50, 900 business and leaving
the state, at least, so far as business is
concerned Other cattlemen are in the
same predicament. Mr. Durham says
the thieves not only steal steers and
calves and rebrand them, but shoot
cows, thus destroying the source of in
crease. These criminals are mostly
desperadoes from Texas, and are in
such mum bers as to render it impossible
for ranchers to cope with them. They
hold the law in utter defiance, and are,
Mr. Durham says, actually running one
of the largest industries Of Wyoming.
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12

PARIS, Dec. 5.-The Italian govern
ruent in reply to Frances note propos-
ing bined action on the part OF the
European M powers against China, says
that she is not directly interested in the
matter, and will wait until the other
mowers decide upon the course they
will pursue before she decides
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
rarred and reathered.

DALLAS, Tex, Dec, Al d. pean, :, =
s,nnosed correspondent of sensational
Tansas City newspaper, was abducted
,',hils ont driving last night taken
wiz WIN ,n;,ss ont Of town, tarred and
teatbered and ordered to leave gaila. ,a
,,;,hin four hours or his life would oe
forfeited. The authorities are WORK.
;,r nm the case.
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
Tore Away the Depot.

YOUNGSTOWN, O., Dec. S-Some mis-
creants opened switch on the Pitts
burgh and Western railroad at Girard,
throwing freight train No. 10 against
several cars, the force being sufficient
to send gondola car crashing through
the depot, tearing away the entire half
of the building.
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12

Iou,syILLE, KY, Dec. 4-The Tooac'
,o.Growers' warehouse will not be re-
~ r,ovsd TO Cincinnati. When 1t came
90 deciding vote Thursday it was
found that the loud talk about remov'
;ng Il from Louisville had slim BACK
;pn
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
r-xt,t In the Act.

AKRON, O., Dec 4-frans :, .hs nen.
O, who has served one term I'M. in .nS SI,or pem'
~, .s.,iapv wmp "r for burglary, and Burt Falor'
,'0m., Il ,na,l.l,nown young man. were cap !,
a ave wsil"n !, ,he net Of committing burglar,
s"rsv oar1v :, Thursday morning IT, They wen, sn,
snrs tSrouph the drug store of Warner rs oss, an,
theV%s thc bakery of John Wolf In sa'a ,~ist ssst
socy inc handles and breasing the co" 1n O,1I .1
ing nanu ,an"hs' hut couldn't get in In a.
tion knoo', s. s,so worth Of jewel' = per
they :%.1r got sus s,'H other good. The boys As q
: revoi ror but didn't 'a'e tue n' "
use II
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
Moxart's Centenary.

VIENNA, Dec. S.-The centenary OF
the death of the composer, Mozart, was
observed thror ghout Austria. Many
musical festivals marked the day. A
performance Of Mozarts opera Don
JUAN" was given at the Imperial opera
house here
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
Charged with Patricide.

SEATTLE, Wash, Dec THE sheriff
Of Barren county, Wis, arrived here
Sunday night with Gustave Erickson,
whom he arrested at Sidney, this state,
on warrant charging him with mur.
dering his father, at Chelsea, Wis, a
year ago.
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
Crisp Nominated for Speaker.

WASHINGTON, Dec. S.-Monday Chas.
F. Crisp, of Americus, Ca, was nomi-
mated for speaker of the house by the
democratic caucus on thirtieth ballot
with Il. Q. Mills close second. The
nomination was made unanimous.
James Kerr, of Pennsylvania, was
unanimously nominated for clerk, and
S S. Yoder, of Ohio, for sergeant.at'
arms. Chas, II. Turner, of New York,
received the nomination for door
keeper, and Lycurgus &. Dalton, OF In
diana, for postmaster.
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1891-12-12
rh,rtv-One Killed.

ST. PETERSBURG, Dec 5--The num-
her of persons killed in the accident
which occurred November 70 on the KOS
ion Rostoff Orel and Griasi railway is
now known to be thirty-one.