davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15

"GUN FORTY LOOKING INTO cAsEMArE
stand watch for the chaperons who may be on
the lookout for her charge. Gun forty,
SO called because there are thirty-nine others
Just Ike 1t In the row, Is the that is al ways
pictured, and almost everyone remembers the
popular drawing that made Snch a success a
few years ago, representing pretty girl and
handsome officer from the fort telling the same
old story to each other in the dark and rather
gloomy casemate.
to surrender this famous old point of vantage
as he has had to give almost everything
else about here, to his brother from the
other branch of the service and not content
with the long sweep of deck on board the
men-of-war the scene of his conuuests the
graduates of the Naval Academy, VINO are here
In the Roads now with the fleet in rendezvous
have hunted up all the choice locations in the
fort as well and the merry game goes on right
gai.y here.
Next week or the week after the same cadets
Will be making love to a different set OF girls in
New York at the great ball and on all the other
festive occasions which are being organized for
the amusement and entertainment OF the men
VINO will be aboard in the naval review The
sailor Is proverbiaily Fad dog in his love
affairs, and there would seem to be some foun-
datIon for the story that he has sweetheart in
every port.
But In the fort a most shocking case of sacri-
leSe has recently been enacted and one that
should receive immediate attention at the
hands OF the War Department. Whether it be
that the West Point boys want to keep
the best for themselves even during the
time the heet is here or whether it be simply a
case of oversight on the part Of the powers
thai be the fact remains the same. The case
mate that holds the good old gun has re-
Gently been transformed into u store room
for army supplies and when the Annapolis
youth starts OF with his best girl for the time
being and heads for the gun OF which he has
heard SO much, there to whisper sweet nothings
In her willing ear, be finds that about the old
gun have been piled big boxes flied
with Shells for the guns of the fort.
He must needs ME himself to another case
mate, but what is gun thirty-nine or twenty
seven or any other in the long line as compared
with the one that stands good second as the
place where most matches are made?
GAY ONCE MORE IN THE ROADS.
Life here has become decidedly gay once
more now that the squadron has returned to
the roads. Yesterday afternoon the Chicago,
Rear Admiral Walkers flag ship. was
espied coming up the roads and followed
in long line by the other vessels composing
his squadron. They were steaming along
slowly and in good marching order. showing
clearly the good results OF their three DAYS
practice cruise at sea and their exercise in
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15


fleet evolutions. As soon as the first Of the
white ships was sighted from the hotel
there was an instant excitement and the W ord
passed about with surprising swiftness that the
looked for had happened ut last and that the
ships were home again with their precious car
goes of natty uniformed beaux and gallants
A tine rain was falling at the time and it was
not at all pleasant to be out of doors, but this
could not deter the crowds from hurryng ont
and seeking desirable points of view along the
board walk and out on the covered piers 1t
was beautiful sight to see the big white ships
passing slowly by. They csme SO near to the
shore that with the aid of glasses it was posi-
bic to distinguish faces on board.
boon after the return of the squadron to
their anchorage grounds. and soon as its re-
turn had been signaled officially to the
Philadelphia. number of small boats
launches, and the waters of the roads were
once more lively with the passing to and fro of
the boats from the men-of-war. 1t was as it
mad been before their departure and almost
instantly the cloud that had hung for three
Gays over Old Point lifted and gayety ruled
supreme once more.
sDuring tine absence Of the feet the army sue
ceeded in gaining something of its lost prestige
and the boys from the fort made the best OF
their opportunities while they lasted. 1t looked
as though they had either increased immensely
In numbers or else made Q better showing by
comparison. when about all that was left Of
the navy was the Philadelphia and the two
Russian cruisers.
In the evening. however, things took another
turn, and the cadets and older otiicers who were
entitled to shore leave hurried off in the boats
that ply between the wharf and the vessels.
Now they are easily first again. Some of the
boys had such jolly time last evening working
OF their accumulated energies in the mazss Of
the seductive waltz. that the last of the boats
had gone before they were ready TO leave, and
they bad to put up - best they could ON shore.
THE RussIANa
The Russians seem to work it better. Either
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15
ACROSS THE MOAr.

around the summit of the fertilization or hang
idly over the waters of the moat. Then, too,
the wall offers magnificent view off across the
broad sweep Of Hampton Roads, and all day
long one may see little groups sitting about the
big guns or closely scanning the horizon in the
hope of being the first to catch sight of another
ship heading for the rendezvous.
If the visitors are interested in the fort and
all that pertains to it no less it true that the
soldier is an interested spectator Of the sailor,
with the deep sea is limited to what
they can see of it from the fort
or from their sails about the Roads in small
boats, eye with eviden. curiosity all the doings
of the sailors and the marines from the ships at
anchor.
INTERESTING SIGHTS.
at is an interesting sight to watch the
privates from the regiments stationed in the
barracks who stand about the wharf and watch
the coming and going of the small boats
They hang over the ratings and
pass most remarkable criticisms upon
what goes on about them The man who knows
the names of all the different ships in the white
squadron and can tell them apart when he sees
them at once becomes oracle and is sur
rounded by admirers who pass remarks as to
whence the ships have come, whittier they are
going and how much of the world the bows in
the loose trousers have probably seen in their
wanderings.
The Russian sailors are an especial source of
wonder and interest. To the small darkies,
too. who infest the wharf at all hours. these
white capped sailors a revelation.
Talk about things that are amusing in this
world. One of the best of all is to hear
these small dusky youths from Fort Monroe or
Hampton giving an imitation of the way the
Russians talk. The Russian language, as picked
up in this way from one hearing and then
tinged with decided Virginia accent is
thing well worth coming miles to hear.
GETTING READY FOR THE FLEET.
AT no time of day, though, is the wharf such
an interesting place as it is during the early
hours OF the morning. though it must be adj
mitted that very few Of the guests of
the hotel are around at that time to see
what Is going on. Then the wharf is
lively with small boats from the ships that have
come off to load up with fresh provisions and
fish fo- the officers messes. The naval officer
Is always a good liver when the comforts
Of life are obtainable and the presence
Of the ships in the hsrbor has given
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15
THE ASPHALT PAVING,
Another Effort Made to Break the Allege
Monopoly in This District.

Another Effort Made to Break the Alleged
Monopoly in This District.
Another effort has been made to break the
alleged monopoly Of laying asphalt pavements
in the District of Columbia. When tine bids
were opened for laying asphalt pave
ments the coming fiscal year a new
bidder appeared, Thomas H. Thomas.
Very little is known of this contractor, al
though when the bids were opened Prof. De
Smedt, for many years District chemist. ap-
peared In his behalf, and, it is understood, is
connected with him in the business. The
first question naturally asked was where
the new company obtained its asphalt, for the
only asphalt used in laying pavements in the
District of Columbia is that which comes from
the pitch lake in Trinidad, controlled
exclusively by the Barber Asphalt Paw
ing Company. Some time ago an eff
fort was made to organize e company and lay
pavements in the District with what is known
as 'land" asphalt, or the overflow from this
pitch lake. Although the inspector of asphalt
and cements reported against the use of
this land asphalt. the Commissioners
determined to give the contractors a trial and
awarded them a street to pave on which they
were the lowest bidders, and requested the
posting of bond as a guarantee OF good faith.
But the bond never materialized and the order
Of the Commissioners was revoked, and the
street in question awarded the Barber Asphalt
Paving Company.
As stated, the Commissioners inquired where
this new asphalt came from, ard the reply was
that it was imported from Venezuela. The
only pavements laid WITH this asphalt by this
new company, as far as is known.
were in Detroit, Mich. but as they
have not been laid long enough to judge of the
wear and tear incident to heavy traffic and the
weather. it is believed that the Commissioners
will not attach much importance to
their present condition. A sample of
this asphalt will be sent to the
inspector of asphalt and cements for investiga-
ton and report and Capt. Fiebeger left today
for South Amboy, Nj, where the works of this
company are located. for the purpose of OBJ
tanning samples and examining their plant.
This new company has underbid the Barber
Asphalt and the Crawford Paving COMPANIES
and about S150000 Is involved in the matter
Today the Commissioners awarded the con-
tract for laying granite blocks on the following
streets to ]. W. Coburn of Baltimore. Md:
Northwest-F street, from 25th street TO New
Hampshire avenue; d street, New Jersey ave-
nue. TO North Capitol street, Missouri avenue,
~ to 9th street.
SOuthwest-South Capitol. to Il street; K,
South Capitol to LIST street; Canal, street east
ward.
Georgetown-Twenty-eigh street, Olive.
northward
County-Brightwood avenue, Irving, north
ward.
With vitrifed brick--F street from Virginia
avenue to 25th street.
They also awarded the contract for making
repairs to concrete pavements to b. l. Gran
ford.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15

where Cupid can get in his work on
the hearts of the young people, and of
all these there are none more popular or that
have about them more of the traditions Of
romance than the Old gun that stands
at the farther end of the water battery just
outside the moat of the fort The mouth Of
the gun sticks out through its hole in the wall
and would seem to command a splendid sweep
over the waters of the roads, 1t is a most war
like looking object, and is but one of long
row Of big black guns that lie under the case
mates of Notifications
Gun Forty from all time has been sacred to
pretty girls. 1t is at a secluded end. and moth
ing could be more jolly than a short, stolen
conversation sitting the breech OF the old
weapon of war. Mars isn't in it here any
more now that Venus and Adonis have pre-
empted the place, with Cupid as a sentry to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15

their party, were telling "reminiscences OF their
early experiences in an uptown hotel last even
ing.
Il was a member % one II the frst ter
ritor'sl legislatures in what q now . thickly
populated western state, said q gentleman
with white hair. Il Was a young man and it
was with some fear aud tr,spidation that
iourneyed on horseback 10 the unprctcntious
legislative hall. which was for he first time 90
hear nv voice in public.
1t was the first dav 90 tho session which
had. IN fact, just opened. Al ~f my colleagues
were much older than myself and I was fig
uraiiveiy speaking. shaking ir my boots. for
Tear that L would make come break. Finally
one Of the solons got up and sid.
Mr.. Speaker, there INK in the ink
stands
"A tsil. lank member on the other side Of the
hall slowly arose aud said:
M Speaker. there are ink in the iuk-
stands. but the ink frozen and rise 20 in
form my honorable friend OF his error
After that" said the gentleman, Il felt
I perfectly at home.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15

BOAT FROM THE RUSSIAN GUNBoAT RYNDA.
great boom to the dealers and small truck
farmers in this vicinity. Every morning the
long shell road that leads over to Hampton is
alive with wagons and OK carts. bringing over
loads Of fresh vegetables. and the fish men and
oyster boats have also been doing q thriving
business for weeks past.
There are some close bargains struck between
the country people and the jolly jack tars, and
there is many lively war of words between
the old colored women and the stew
ards. who are here to look after the
the interests of their officers. Many Of these
stewards are little Japs. who seem to make adj
mlrable ships servants. They get together
what they want in big hampers and these are
loaded on the boats, and few hours later the
ward room officers know what Virginia can do
in the way OF making life pleasant go far as the
table is concerned, and they are then ready for
their more or less arduous duties of the day.
THE BUMBoAr WOMAN IN CART.
The bumboat womsn is here in all her glory,
but ahe is very little like the bumboat woman as
she was pictured in the old opera of '.Pinafore"
She is much more like the old ladies who have
stands on the south side of the Center
Market. Furthermore, she does not seem to
possess a bumboat, but she comes sailing down
to the wharf in an old cart that is drawn usually
by one slow-going old OK. She then takes up
her position on the wharf and is ready for
business. The customers have to come ashore
to her. With these small differences, however,
she corresponds all right with the character as
one meets with it in the sea tales Of Marryat
and other nautical writer's.
HOLIDAY SCENES.
The weather SO far this week has been any
thing but pleasant and it has been rather cold
for this time Of year at Old Point This
morning the sun came out as though it planned
to stay and the thermometer has gone up de-
cidediy. This change for the better has
been greatly appreciated and every one has
availed himself of the opportunity 10 be out
of doors once more. The electric cars that
run to Hampton and Newport News bring over
crowds on every trip, and this usually quiet old
place has constant holiday appearance Just
now that will continue and increase until the
fleet of ships haul up their anchors and start
for New York on the oath.
Every once in while one hears the booming
Of cannon from the men-of-war, and then there
is a rush for the windows and for the piazzas
and there is a general lookout to see IL
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15
A SEWER NUISANCE.

Severe Comments by the Medical Director
of the Navy Yard.
The Secretary Of the Navy today forwarded
to the Commissioners with his recommended
ton the report Of the medical director Of the
navy yard concerning the condition of
9th street sewer near the navy yard
This sewer has been the source of much COM
plant from the Navy Department officials and
several letters have been written on the SUBJ
ject The report Of the medical inspector is
Is follows:
At the corner Of 9Th and NJ streets southeas,
near the northwest corner Of the navy yard
wall there is n large opening i'll the sewer from
which offensive odors escape. This opening is
about fifteen feet long and it's width is
that of the sewer. 1t has existed
for several wears and was made by the falling
in Of the roof. Several Of the iron plates Tor
covering the manhoies are missing, and this
also permits the escape of foul odors.
For a considerable distance from the termi-
nus the sewer has no roof, and from VI street
it is partly filed with everything which may
usually be found in an open sewer. Owing 20
this cause the water current is obstructed
and retained in the sewer. At and near the
terminus the contents Of the sewer are de-
posted and at low water are exposed to the
action of the sun. The condition of the sewer
and its faulty termination render it a nuisance
which threatens the health of the people
living in this vicinity. The should be thor
oughly cleaned out for its entire length. its
roof should be repaired. the manhole plates re-
stored and the sewer itself extended. so that
the contents may be carried off by the current
of the river.
Capt. Howell. the commandant of the navy
yard, referred the above to the Secretary Of
the Navy III the following Endorsement:
"Respectfully referred to the honorable Sec
retary OF the Navy Department with the request
that the department will try TO have the neces-
sary sanitary changes made. as the navy yard
authorities can effect rothing. having been in
correspondence with the District authorities
for the past over three years without any re-
sult."
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15
Eight of Way Through Arlington.

The Secretary of War has appointed board
OF officers to meet at the depot quartermaster' s
Office in this city at the call Of the serior msm-
Der to assess the damages, if any, which may
accrue to the United States by the granting Of
a right OF way across the grounds OF ihe Airing
ton RESERVATION. virginia. As provided BY act of
Congress approved March 3, 1898. The board
will report It's conclusions to the adjutant gem
erai OF the army. The detail for the board is
Lieut. Col. George H. Weeks, deputy quarter
master general; Capt James NJ Bell, Sth cav
airy: Capt William 3. Patten, assistant quarter.
master.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15

made trouble for awhile, but fortunately their
stay was . brief one
Seversl Of the men-of-war have had out their
small boats recently getting into trim for the
boat races next week. Next Wednesday there
are to be gig and boat races between rival crews
made mp from the different American and for
eign ships. for which medals and money prizes
are offered.
This morning the second division Of the feet.
commanded by Rear Admiral A. Z. X. Benham
made its appearance in the roads and came to
anchor some time before noon. 1t had
lain out over night in Lynn Haven
bay. When it came up today it sLuted the
flagship and also Rear Admiral Walkers ship.
the Chicago;and signsled for instructions to
anchor. They will all be here from now on to
receive the foreign ships they drop in Rear
Admiral Gherardi also returned from Wash
ington this morning and was received with the
customary honors yE.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15
ONE IDEA OF REFORM.
Army Officers to He Detailed to Act ~
dian Agents.

Army Officers to BE Detailed to Act ~ In
dian Agents.
It is said that one of the Presidents ideas of
reform in the Indian service is the detailing of
army officers to act as Indian agents, instead of
the appointment of civilians to these positions.
This course will be q decided disappoint-
ment to many western Congressman
who havo counted upon finding places
for constituents as Indian agents. The
President, however, is said to be
firm in the position he has taken in this regard
and will not yield to the pressure being brought
to bear upon him by politicians. He believes
that an army officer, by reason Of . spirit Of
professional pride. has more incentive to make
a good administration Of an Indian agency
than man who takes the place merely for the
money there is in it, and that the public ser
vice will be benefited accordingly.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15

most unprecedented sum of s:06.sl0. With an
improvement in his fortunes he set about max
ing another collection, in the forming of which he
found great enjoyment. This ne also disposed
of at auction, with failure OF health. in 1891.
This included 307 paintings, and realized for
him the still greater sum of secs. 335.-an
average of over 81 900 each. which has prob
ably not been equaled by the results of any
sale that ever occurred in this country. The
popular painting In the Corcoran Gallery en-
titled .'The Helping Hand" was bought at the
first Serev sale. For this picture Mr.. Seney
paid Zoo. but the Gallery obtained it for just
half that amount. Doubtless its great size,
which made it unavailable for most private
collections, contributed largely to this result.
-.
The art feature OF the week in New York was
the sale of paintings belonging to Knoedler &
Co., to close an estate, which included 397 can
vases and lasted through four evenings. Some
of the pictures sold for good figures. but or
the whole the prices could hardly be called
high. as prices go nowadays. 1t is likely. how
ever. that a fair profit was realized
general result, though on some of the more
important csnvases a loss was doubtless sus-
tanned. For example, Knaus' Village Festival"
31x52 inches in size, which sold for 50. coo, was
held at 500 600 and Is said to have cost 900.
So, too. there was understood to be a quite
heavy loss on Heilbuth's Garden Seat" 46x64
which was knocked down for only 81 $50. 1t is
said, also. that the ''Going to Market" by
Troyon, which sold for SIS 100, and which has
been in this country for only about thirty days.
cost S24. 600. This canvas realized the highest
price brought by any painting in tine sale, but
1t was followed pretty closely by Vibert's
Gordon Bleu," and Breton's MIDDAY in the
Fields. the first bringing Sl47O0 and the latter
$500. These three are the only canvases
which sold for more than $4,000 each. The
whole collection realized the handsome sum of
$354,6i0, or an average OF less than II 600 each.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15

The long-anticipsted interview between
Lieut.. Gov. sheehan Of New York and Presi-
dent Cleveland regarding Tammany's share of
the federal patronage in New York state oc-
CURED last evening at the White House.
Mr.. Sheehan and Senator Murphy called at
$50 o'clock and remained in conference with
the President until 7:l5. Up to the present
writing. however, no one has been able to learn
the result OF the interview. Mr.. Sheehau and
Mr.. Murphy declined to talk about it further
than to declare that they had enjoyed - very
pleasant talk with the President"
Later in the evening Mr.. Sheehan saw Senator
Hill and returned ON . late train to New York
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15

The objects for which the Sanitary League
was organized appeal to every resident Of
Washington. Its purposes if accomplished
will promote The health and happiness of the
community. and in doing that will contribute
vastly to the material prosperity of the city.
IL you want to do something toward making
Washington the most heal.hful city, the best
city to hive in. well as the most beautiful CITY
on the continent, send your name in as a mem
Der Of the league. Fill out the accompanying
coupon and send it to the secretary Of the
league, Mr.. John Joy Edison, 1908 street
northwest:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15
Less Than the Other yerd,ct.

In Circuit Court, Division 2, yesterday in the
case Of Caleb Snashall ags. the Metropolitan
Railroad Company . verde. was rendered for
plaintiff for S4i5. Mr.. Snashall and wife
blamed . verdict for $1, 500 for injuries to
the wife by being jostled from . car ct New
Jersey avenue and d street northwest and q
motion for new trial is pending. In the previous
case s44s was awarded a. damages BY the loss
Of services Of the wife
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-04-15
TIE PHILADELPHIA LAu1icn.

there are any more arrivals. As Q rule
it is simply . salute to an admiral or
something Of that sort, for the foreign vessels
have not yet begun to arrive in any number.
1t answers Just - we'll for . little excitement.
and every shot makes the walls and
windows Of the hotel shake and Is
though there were . bonsbsrdment in
earnest To add TO the hubbub and confusion
today, minstrel company that il getting in it,
deadly work over ct Newport News sent it,
bras band over on the elsctrie cara. and thar