davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The morning call., 1893-03-23

preserving the precious dust will appropri-
ate these singular heirlOUms TO their own
purposes.
The mourning period is by no means over
for the near relatives After two weeks
the dead body, III its treasure casket
wound and stamped in cloth and deposited
in powdered charcoal, will be dispatched to
China, where several other widows of the
deceased will participate in the long mourn
ing
This mourning period varies ins length
with the degree of relations ship to the de-
ceased. For instance, a nephew must
mourn for one year, cousin three months.
widow or son three years, a daughter one
year only II she marries, but three il she
remains single.
Ii Po Tai left one son q years of age.
three younger sons and five daughters.
His wealth, which has been variously
estimated from $1,000 to $500, 600 in prop
erly, was all left TO his widow Lee She, who
only came over from China in the Gaelic,
which arrived here in the middle of Febru-
ary last. His first wife died some years
ago in China.
The nearest relatives comprising the
widow, sons, daughters and nephews. have
tasted since the death OF Dr. Lii Po Tai, and
VIII continue their abstinence a period OF
seven weeks
The little sanitarium at the corner of
BRENNAN place and Washington continued
crowded last night.
True, the funeral. with all its "pomp and
circumstance" was successfully over.
But there remained a seething excitement
over the brilliancy of the function. Humble
friends rallied to congratulate the managers
on thelr success, leave condolences with the
relatives and incidentally accept little red
stIlnged packages OF luck dimes.
Even the feyerish excitement OF DR.. Ii
70 IarS funeral could not be allowed 10
lnure to the bodily prejudice of his poorer
patients
The morning call., 1893-03-23

fdently. pointing to the deceased mans
''Do they let the wives live ?" asked an
Other-a woman-evidently confusing the
Chinese and the Indian Woman's fate of
Sutteeism.
Curiosity was early rampant around the
corner of Washington street and Brenham
place, where DR.. Ii Po Tai's establishment
stands draped in white. the MOngolian idea
Of mourning.
On the north the banners were stitched
with appropriate sentiments inscribed In
gold characters.
On a table three or four mlnistrants
arranged long rows of roasted pig of the
smoky, oily color, without which no roast
pork Is considered genuine in Chinatown; !;
sheep also cooked whole 6nd having the
heads dressed and kept in position by cum
nlngly placed sticks; goats, kids, basins of
rice, roast chicken. piles Of delicate china
teacups, an array of wicker-haudled tea
pots. pyramids Of rice cakes of all colors
from pink to green, heaps of little sugar
cakes Of queer shapes and tints stamped with
mystic signs,apples and oranges skewered TO-
gether with some evident attempt at SYM
metry or design, baskets of gaudy. artificial
flowers and wealth of real flowers in
every kind of device.
The crowd pressed round this gargaran-
tUan table, loaded with sufficient for the giant
OF some fairy tale, and when its burden was
being packed away in baskets for future
crowded closer In and eargerly accepted the
cakes, flowers, etc, thrown among their
wondering ranks.
About 2P. NJ the press was becoming too
dense to be easily handled when relief came
In the signal for the mourning coTtege to
start.
First of all, paired off with a police off,
Ger, walked the master of ceremonies, Ii
Jun. cousin of the late doctor and his
confidential business agent On his should
ers the responsibility of the ARRANGEMENT Is
OF the day rested and he it was by whose
counsel the marshalling Of the procession
had been decided upon.
After him came the First Regiment band
with twelve pieces discoursing a dead
march. followed by two picturesque fellows
The morning call., 1893-03-23
First cana the ehIsf monrners

firSL came Lle cHlbI MOuTHefS.
They were LIE King nephew of the de-
ceased, Ii Teck, another nephew, and Lee
She, the doctors chief wife.
They were pTOfusely overwhelmed with
white mourning, and their heads were COW
cred with a species of light-brOwn gauZe,
giving the appearance Of ashes, distinc-
ton only permitted to near relatives. Little
could be seen of their heads, however, for
the white enwrappings, aud because, to-
gether with the other hired mourners, they
kept their faces bent to the ground and
were almost carried by supporting friends
rather than walked.
Behind the chief mourners tottered other
female mOurners likewise held up each on
either side by stalwart female attendant
who whispered consolation as they toiled
along.
They were preceded and followed by
priests, dried and wien OF feature, but gay
of vestment, who, with cymbal, bell and apt
invocation, directed the rhythmic threnO-
dies, all the while maintaining a superior
air of impassiVeness.
Clash! clash! went the big brass cymbals
and the big American hearse, drawn by six
black horses covered with black net,
dropped dexterously into line. In It re-
posed the handsome modern casket with its
polished metal ornaments, and narrow
strip of red cloth covering tho lid length
wise. Beside the remains of the dead physi-
clan walked the pallbearers or official guard.
distinguished with the white mourning in
the form of capacinus cowls.
But the end Of the cOrtege had not come
yet.
Then followed more musicians in a hack,
then the Chinese Consul and mem bers of
the legation In a private carriage, after him
the vehicles containing the presidents of
the Six Companies and the most prominent
merchants, then more musicians, udilastly
the apparently endless succession of hacks
and cOupes with friends and acquaintRnces
OF the famous doctor.
The morning call., 1893-03-23
DIAMOND DIGGING.
The Life Is Hard One and the Re-
suits Uncertain.
jewelers. Circular.

JeNeleTS circular.
l have just spent few days among the
river diamond diggers near Hebron, on the
Vaal, says a writer. The work there is
carried on by individual dggers, each man
leasing his claim and working it himself
with the aid Of few native laborers. They
are a motley crowd, these diggers, and
representatives of almost every nationality.
1t is hard and precarious existence. Da-
monds are few and far between, but when
found, nevertheless, they are generally Of
first-cIass quality and realize high prices
The diggeTs are mostly men of very small
means. Their tools and washing gear are
about all they have, and they consequently
live very poorly. Meal Of rough quality is
often the only food that passes their lips
from one months end 10 another. This
they usually get on credit from some store
keeper. who furnishes them with the bare
necessities of life on the off chance of their
finds. Most of the diggers, of course, have
find some time or other, though there are
strange instances OF i'll luck following the
quest for diamonds year after year.
| had a conversation with one old man
who had been at this sort of work for nine
teen years, and | am afraid to say how
long 1t is since he has had a turn of luck.
he has lived nearly all this time on meal,
and there he was toiling away at about the
hardest work man can undertake, yet
seemed willing to go on to the end. This
labor, however. though heavy, has a Won
dorful fascination for those who once take
to it. A very fine stone had been found
few days before my arrival. 1t was valued
of last month two brothers had a marvellous
run of luck. They found stones to the value
of over $4,000 in a very short space of
time.
The morning call., 1893-03-23

Brish. that the boy had bsen guilty of dis
figuring the writing copies and deserved
punishment. The principal, knowing the
views OF Mr.. Wilson on the subject. sent for
him, and consultation followed. in which
Mr.. Wilson succeeded in delaying punish
ment until such time as he could lay the
matter before the board and endeavor to
get that body TO either change the mode of
punishment. or at least make this an eXcep-
tiOnal case. There the matter rests, and
Edward, the despoller of copies. is still
liable to punishment.
did Mr.. Wilson suggest any different
means of punishment as being better than
the one now in 2' was asked.
"Yes, he desires that Edward, at least,
shall have punishment administered In the
good oldfashioned way. That is that he
shall be Spanked
How about that strap? Is it on exhibl-
tion?"
Eyes. here 1t is." and Mr.. Sullivan took
from its place on the wall one of the straps
referred to. which very strongly resembled
razor-strOp. and which bore some marks
very strongly resem bling those produced
by the back of razor.
1t was the model strap of Alameda. 1t
was exactly 159s inches in length, IL inches
The morning call., 1893-03-23

enlightened New Englander has passed that
period in his moral evolution. II Is time
CaliforniaGs forget the viglance-committe
days and broke its school rods.
MY children are not Drought up by the
rod at home, and | will not have then
whipped by other people. They're neither
dogs nor cattle. We treat them as humans
at home, and l mean that they shall not be
treated otherwise at school"
QuOth another parent, mercantile man ::
I'm the first place don't want my children
whipped at all. except by their parents.
Secondly, l don't want them strdck on the
palms, for the breaking of bones is thereby
engendeTed. Nor do | want their ears
boxed, for it is a dangerous practice, some
times resulting in assesses and deafness.
Neither should the head be struck.
There is, however. portion of tho anat-
omy which nature has prepared to resist
chastisement, and here let the lash be ap-
piled, if it must be. No harm is done, the
blood is quckened. the reversed position OF
the culprlt is in itself sufficient humilia-
tiOn, and all necessary results are thus at
tanned"
Mrs. II. R Harris was interviewed at her
home, 1914 Sherman street, aud she was
very willing to talk on the punishment
question.
II don't exactly like to have anybody,
whether teacher or anybody else, punish
my boy on the hands" she said, because
the hand Is a very tender portion of the
body and should not be injured.
ut takes but slight blow to cripple one
of the fingers for life, and the slight blow
does not hurt the boy enough unless he
does get crippled.
Take it all Ia all, 1 prefer to have him
taken across the knee and an application OF
elbow grease administered that be will re-
member for Mt least a week, but which will
not bodily harm him."
The general verdict Of oil lose seen is to
the effect that the spanking process is far
superior to the regulation strap method,
but all concurred in saying that the best
way of all in such matters was to leave 1t
entirely with the teachers, who should be
kept within bounds regarding the severity
of the punishment inflicted by rules laid
down by the Board of Education.
The morning call., 1893-03-23
SHE WORE PTS.
Mayor Ellert Has a Queer
Visitor.
Dressed in Male Attire, She Con-
verses in German and Leaves a
Strange Manuscript.

Dressed in gray suit of mems clothes,
with the sackcoat buttoned up to her chin
and her blonde hair cropped closely, q
woman walked into the Mayors Office in
the City Hal on Tuesday afternoon.
She was about 40 years of age and could
not talk word of English
But what she lacked In the knowledge OF
the vernacular she made up in volubiity in
the German language.
That the woman was crazy no one in the
office doubted for a minute, but Just what
particular mania caused her to masquerade
in male attire and TO pay Mayor Ellert q
visit they could not make out at ALL
There were no interpreters on hand. and
her excited statements were beyond the
comprehension of his Honor's attaches.
1t did not make any difference to the
woman anyhow whether she was under
stood or not for she appeared perfectly
satlshed in the reception she met WITH and
leaving bundle Of manuscript on the coun-
ter she kissed eyerbOdY's hands and de-
parted
The papers she deposited contained twelve
pages closely written in the German Ian
guage, emanating evidently from an ilit-
crate and very much craZed pen.
Religion and money matters of a vague
and much tangled up nature seem to be the
main topic Of the long scrawl, which has
no beginning and no end, and also bears no
Signature.
The most expert translator could not be-
GIN TO make any sense out of the document,
or trace It's writer by a perusal Of it,
The men around the Mayors office say
that this was the second visit this woman
paid them, and that few weeks ago when
she made her first appearance She was
dressed in the same manner and acted
exartiy as she did on Tuesday. leaving a
written German document, which proved
undecipherable. when she left the office.
What is strange about the story is that a
demented woman in mems clothing and
bareheaded could wander around the City
Hall without attracting the attention of the
police.
Inquiries yesterday at the new City Hall
police station resulted only in the discovery
that nothing whatever had been heard there
The morning call., 1893-03-23

street, Alameda, appeared before the board
Tuesday afternoon and entered a protest
against the method Of corpoIeal punishment
prescribed by that body as a means Of
maintaining discipline in the public schools,
he voiced the hitherto unexpressed senti-
ments of large number of parents whose
children attend the different schools of Ala
media.
The punishment prescribed by the board
is laid down plainly in the book Of rules as
follows:
Pupils shall be punished only on the p aim OF
the hand or hands, the strokes TO be given by the
pain clpal with leather strap, which shall be
made after model placed IN The Office OF the
Board OF Education.
Not only this, but every teacher is re-
quired to keep a record of each pupil so
punished, in which is embodied the reasons
for such punishment together with a de-
scriptlon OF the pupil minute enough TO be
shining example for the description accom-
panying Chinese certificate of registration.
The rules further state that punishment
must be inflicted only in the presence Of
competent witnesses.
ID. j. Sullivan. secretary of the Board Of
Education and Superintendent of Schools of
Alameda. was seen yesterday by Il CALL
reporter and asked to tell what he knew
about the matter.
"Well." said Mr.. Sullivan, there has
been considerable complaint about the
method of punishment prescribed by the
board, but MIR. Wilson is the only one who
has thus far appeared before the board to
make objections. AS reasons for his objec-
tons, he said that the hands were made to
work with, and therefore should not be sub
jected to a punishment liable to disable
them or in any way tend to injure them.
He thought the strap very dangerous
weapon and liable to inflict permanent in
jures.
The particular cause of his complaint
lies in the fact that some time since his son 5
teacher complained TO the principal, Mr.. dc
The morning call., 1893-03-23

ever. witnessed sach a funeral as that Of
Dr. Ii Po Tai, and, as the Chinese hold on
the city daily weakens, the opportunity
nav never occur again.
Here was one of the wealthiest, best
known and most respected Of the Chinese
20 be hOnOred with the last rites. 1t was an
exceptional occasion. No line of the ritual
should be omitted, not one single toTmality
should be siurred over
The Chinese Consul and members of the
embassy were present in person, the presi-
dents Of the SIX Companies attended, and
all the prominent Chinese merchants, to-
getber with many white people.
There was sacrifice Of scores of swine
and sheep, cooked whole, and of fruit,
cakes and sweetmeatS to prOptiate the del
ties; then there was s gOrgeOusly pictur-
esgue parade, the rear being brought up by
over $50 hacks and coupes; lastly, there was
the strange closing ceremonies of prayer
over the mortal remains.
The streets, through which the procession
passed and the scene of It's start, were
crowded with San Francisco people. A
special squad Of police was necessitsted TO
direct the crowd.
Very few paople understood what it was
all about, but enjoyed the stTangeness of it
as a spectacle.
1t was curious to hear some Of the COM
msnts as the unaccountable functions in the
quaint pageant proceeded.
They are feeding the corpse, noww haz-
arded one gszer on the disposal of the eata-
bies exposed to view 10 prOpitiate evil del
ties
That's hired mourner: she's expected
70 do the weeping" explained another con-
The morning call., 1893-03-23
ETA BODEL'S FLIGHT.
A Handsome Young Girl Runs Away
From Home


Eta Bodel, the 16-year-oId daugter Of
August Bodel, a French repairer of statu-
airy. is missing from her home, al 5l4 Post
street. and the police have been notified to
look her up.
Miss Eta. who is finely developed
blonde of more than ordinary beauty,
quietly arose from her bed during the early
hours on Tuesday morning and dressed her
self in her best clothes, leaving the house
before any other member OF the family was
sstr.
The girl occupied a room together with
two younger sisters, who were astonished
to find Eta gone when they awoke.
Mr.. Bodel fears that his daughter has
gone to join some man whose acQuintance
she had made in some manner unknown to
her family.
This theory is the only one advanced, be-
cause there is absolutely no other cause
known why the girl should have taken such
sudden aud mysterious departure. she be-
ing OF quiet domestic disposition and appar-
emily always satisfied with her home up to
the time she left il.
There Is so far no clew as to who Is res
ponsibe for the girls act and there will
probably be none until she Is found.
The morning call., 1893-03-23
LINED WITH GEMS.
The Dead Chinese Doctors
Last Bed.
A RICH, BARBARIC MOURNING.
Chinatown Is Turned Topsy-Turvy by
Picturesque Funeral-Its
Strange Rites.
A RICH, BARBARIc MOURNING.
Chinatown mourned Yesterday.

1t was picturesque mourning. perhaps. and
a little noisy, but mourning none the less.
There were no mutes or hldeous Grape
figures to frighten the children in this
funeral Of Ii Pc TaPs. the Chinese physi-
clan.
Rather was it funeral Of hopefulness
and belief in the futility Of death.
The gnyest colors, the loudest strains Of
music, the distribution of gifts, the offering
of eatsbles. the profusion of flowers. were
some of the coucomitants Of the ceremonial.
And what a ceremonial it was.
Artists consider San Francisco fortunate
above ell her sister cities of the continent
in having so strange, so bizarre rite pre-
sented before her. China is brought to
America Wholesale on such an occasion as
yesterday. they think.
But even San Francisco has seldom, if
The morning call., 1893-03-23

via Yokohama 13 days 30 hours and % minutes: I:
pass and mdse, to o and o $ S Co.
Schr Gotama, Brissem, 7 days from Knannton g.
ZoO NJ IL lumber. To simpson Lumber Co.
Schr Prosper. Schroeder, days from Coduille
RIVER: Z5U NJ n lumber to Simpson Lumber Co
Schr U NJ Kellogg, Iverson, days from Grays
Harbor; 500 NJ It lumber, 20 f Slade Lumber Co
Moyements of Trans Atlantic Steamers.
LIVERPOOL-Arriyed Mar 22-Stmr Michigan
from Boston.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES Mar 22-Stmr HaveI
from New York.
LIzARD-Arrived Mar 22-stmr Rugia, from
New York.
zeriand, from Antwerp.
The morning call., 1893-03-23

calico bouses, carrying incense bow Is
wreathed in flowers ana bag containing
charm pa pers. balanced on the inevitable
bearing-pOle slung across the shoulders.
More devices in artificial flowers repre-
senting old men-of-war famous in Mongo-
lian annals and more testimonials Of dis
tncliOn.
Then came two pretty little grandchilden
of the late doctor. They we're dressed in
black and white and were under the care of
a MISUNDERSTANDING Chinaman.
After them staggered some coolies be-
meath the weight of a faneiful shrine in
which stood a life-siZe picture of LII Po Tai,
in full professional robe and decorations Of
state. A guard of mourners accompanied it.
The morning call., 1893-03-23

in blue and yellow blouses carrying great
eongs suspend at the end Of poles borne on
their shoulders.
Then came garden OF bouquets and
banners inscribed with letters representing
the titles of nobility conferred by the Chi
nese Emperor upon the late doctor for his
skill.
Up in the sky the sun shone brightly
down, lighting up the vanguard as it turned
round Brennan place and marched up
Washington street.
Every window in the old-fashioned ouses
around was crowded with faces the frail-
looking iron veIandas fixed up by pioneer
taste and the stucco balustrade at the top
Of the houses fairly swarmed with queued
Spectators, while the Americans thronged
on foot in good-natured amusement or
climbed the Plaza trees and other coigns of
vantage in intelligent curiosity.
Another band of attendants In glazed
The morning call., 1893-03-23

musicians, the 'baked funeral meats" the
mourners, the offerings, the costumes, the
guards. the properties and other incidentals.
big slice Of the Tai estate. too, goes in
strange way.
The dead man lies in his casket amid
treasures said to be worth a princes ran
som. Jade armlets, gold rings, diamonds
and silver ornaments of all kinds are always
gwen to accompany the shell OF any promi-
nent wealthy Chinese. 1t is kind Of leg
acy to posterity and is always respected by
the immediate heirs. But some day in
China the grandsons OF the deceased will
disinter the body Of the rich progenitor and
The morning call., 1893-03-23
The Youths Directory Fair.

The "Grand Opera-house" Saint PatrIck's
day committee held a meeting last night at
the Youths Directory. and although no
definite returns have been made yet, they
are sure that there will be a large profit
from the exercises of that day.
The committee on the fair and festival OF
the Youths Directory reported that It could
have the Mechanics Pavilion for its enter
tainment about September 10. and that it
would probably engage it for that date,
Both committees will meet again after
The morning call., 1893-03-23
missing Harry I. Tborrton

The latest information concerning Harry
l. Thornton, who. on the 18th of last Noyem-
Der. started from Meyers ranch, in the
mountains of Arizona, to drive a band of
cattle to Hooker Hot Springs, is that he
undoubtedly was killed by "the Kid" a
notorious Indian desperate.
Ex-Supreme Justice Thornton, father of
the missing man, consulted Detective Harry
n. Morse, In relation to the advisabilIty Of
sending some of his men to hunt for his SON.
The detective declared that he is well ac.
quainted with that part of the country in
which young Thornton was last seen alive.
and that search for him would not result
in finding him
The morning call., 1893-03-23
Heads VIII Fall

The employees of the State Board of Har-
Dor Commissioners are 10 fear and trem-
bling, for their heads are in danger.
Several conferences between the men,
bers OF the commission and the gentlemen
who are now at the head Of the Republican
party have been held. and it is said that
many OF the old men in the employ of the
board must go. This was decided upon at
meeting last night which ex- Commissi ioner
Alexander attended.
The morning call., 1893-03-23
Death of CIaussen Smith.

News was received here to-day by Walter
Smith of the death in the City OF Mexico of
his father, Claussen Smith, at one time
well-known contractor of this city.
Claussen Smith conceived the idea of in.
PRODUCING the cement sidewalk into the CAP
ital Of Mexico and took up quarters in that
city some years ago. His scheme was so
successful that he amassed a large fortune
and became heavily interested in Mexican
mines. He rapidly became known as one
OF the solid" citizens of Mexico and was
looked upon as man of keen business and
executive ability No word has been re-
ceived as to how Mr.. Smith has willed his
large fortune. His death was very sudden
and was caused by typhus fever.
The morning call., 1893-03-23
LOVED A WIDOW.
c. M. Steffens Arrested for Threat
ening to Kill a Woman.

c. NJ. Steffens. an Austrian cook, was ar
rested last night for threatening to kill Mrs.
Sophia Martinovich, a widow who lives at
1916 Leavenworth street.
Steffens is believed to be insane. Heknew
the widow and was anxious to marry her.
He met her on the street and told her his
love. He followed her To her home, making
divers threats, and she called upon the
Chief of Police for protection. Officer
James Smith was detailed to protect the
widow, and found Steffens lettering near her
house last night He drove the fond lover
away. and followed him to his room at 5O41b
Cough street, where Steffens drew n pistol
and offered TO fight. He was subdued with
much difficulty and taken TO the City Prison