davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
SWEPT BY PRAIRIE FIRES.
Thousands of Acres in Kansas
Have Been Burned
Over.
One Town Has Probably Been De-
stroyed and Much Farm Prop
erty Laid in Ruins.

WICHITA, KANs., Jan. 7.-Portions of
Kiowa, Stafford, Edward and Pratt coun-
ties are being swept by prairie fires which
light up the sky until from the distance
its appearance is that of red sunset.
The extent of the destruction has not been
definitely learned, for the reason that the
desolated country is entirely cut off from
telegraphic communication.
The branch of the Missouri Pacific Rail-
road from Alcott west, which runs through
the fre-swept district, has been abandoned
for several months and all telegraph offices
along the line discontinued, hence the de-
tails obIainable are very meager.
There is no telegraphic communication
with Iuka, in Pratt County, on the aban-
doned branch, but reports from Dodge
City, Kinsley, Stafford, st. John, Larned
and other surrounding towns lead to the
apprehension that the town has been
swept away.
Thousands of acres have been burned
over, and the loss of property will be con-
siderable. Ten years ago, while Kansas
was having its wonderful boom, the
country out there was thickly settled and
the land was all plowed up.
The hard times five years ago drove
most of the people out, and since that
time the land has grown up in weeds and
sunfowers. That is the reason the fire
burns with such fury. Out in Finney
County, near the Colorado line, another
big prairie ire is raging. The latter fire
can be plainly seen from Pueblo, and COW
ers thousands of acres of grass lands.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
WESTERN FREIGHT POOL,
Practically Assured by All the
Railroads in the Asso.
citation.
Only One Line Remains Opposed to the
Great Scheme in It's
Entirety.

CHICAGO, ILL, Jan. THE formation
of Western freight pool by the railroads
which are members of the Western Freight
Association was practically assured after a
meeting to-day in Chairman Midgley s
office of the executive officers of the inter-
ested lines. The stun bling block in the
way of the freight officials, when they
were ordered last October to arrange a
percentage division of the total traffic, was
in regard to the business originating at or
passing through Kansas City. A disagree
ment on three points in that part of the
Western territory was reported to the ex-
ecutive officers, according to instructions,
and at to-day's meeting there was a sur
prIsing agreement on these points. The
officers adjourned the meeting until to-
morrow. when the only points unsettled.
Des Moines and Ottumwa traffic, will be
considered.
The Kansas City, Fort Scott and Mem
phs road was opposed to the pooling
scheme in its entirety as not being the
best method of restoring and maintaining
rates. and its antagonism prevented the
freight officials agreeing on the merchan-
disc and grain percentage to and from
Kansas City, the Fort Scott being an i'm
portant factor at that gateway. When all
percentages are fixed by the executive
officers they must remain in effect for a
year. and can only be changed then By a
disconnected party giving notice next No
vember.
At the quarterly meeting of the Western
Passenger Association to-day the agree
ment of local ageats who had honored
second class tickets on frst-class sleepers
was ordered rescinded. A committee was
also appointed to report tomorrow the re-
duced rates which will be made for the
Grand Army National Encampment at st.
Paul and the triennial conelave of the
Knights of Pythias at Minneapolis.
The passenger committee of the Central
Traffic Association at meeting held to-
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
How De Costa Says Judge Prick
Was Deceived by
Guardian.
PARTED WITH HIS MONEY.
A Clever Scheme Exposed by Which
1t Was Hoped He Would Re.
gain Possession of 1t.
OAKLAND OFFICE SAN FRAxc1sCo CALL

OAKLAND OFFICE SAN FRANCISCO CALI
sos Broadway, Jan. :.
\ very remarkable story was told Judge
Prick this morning during the proceedings
to have Jose Ignacio de Costa restored to
capacity.
4 few months ago De Costa was pos
sessed Of $500, with which he intended to
leave this country and spend the remainder
OF his days in his native land. Before
leaving, however, he met Martin Wences-
low, and II Is alleged that he persuaded the
old Portuguese to remain IN Oakland. and
that If he would turn over his money to
Wenceslow, the latter would provide him
with comfortable home for the rest of his
days. Not many days after De Costa had
parted With his money and W enceslow had
put him out OF his house
At this stage Of the proceedings J. Mar
tin appeared on the scene. He told De
Costa that the only way ne could get his
money back would be by being declared an
incompetent. Martin said that he would
see to the proceedings, and in the course OF
time the application 10 be declared lncom-
petent was filed, and after a hearing before
Judge Frick. Martin was appointed guar
dian OF the old man.
To keep the plan from being discovered
and suddenly exhibited evidence of a
falling mind. After a time he became
tired OF being treated as an lmbecile while
his mind was as strong as ever and he tod
the story to two OF his friends. His attor-
news had petition on hand to have De
Costa restored 10 competency, and were
ready to proceed against Wenceslow in a
civil suit when they heard Of the fraud.
The petition was on the calendar for this
morning and when De Costa's friends,
Gregory Zeilick and Silva, told the story
as they had heard il from the old man,
Judge Fr.ck ordered the Sheriff to produce
J. Martin, that he might explain his &C
tions. In addition to these witnesses, Rose
Andre, q niece, who lives with De
Costa family, testified that she had never
seen anything in her uncle's actions that
would lead her TO believe that he was in
sane or that be was in any way unable to
take care of his affairs.
The investigation will be continued to-
morrow morning and Martin Will have an
opportunity to explain mis- position in the
cOmpliCltIGn
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
TIE KIKKHAM SKELETON.
It's Dry Bones Are Given Another Rat
tie in Court.

Its Dry Bones Are Given Another Rat
tie in Court.
OAKLAND, CAL, Jan. The third pc
tition within year TO have appointed a
guardian of the person and estate of Kate
EdIth Kirkham was filed to-day. Mrs.
kirkham is the widow of the late R. w.
Kirkham, and desires to have her daugh-
ter, Mrs. Kate Kirkham Wheeler to be
named as such person. Mrs. Kirkham has
life interest in certain real and personal
property in Oakland and San Francisco.
The petition alleges that she is unable bv
reason of old age and physical infirmity to
manage her property and TO take care of
herself. 1t is presented by Attorney Kirk
ham Wright at her request.
1t was about a year ago that the late
Gustave i. Mix, brother of Mrs. Kirk
liam, applied for letters of guardianship
This application was afterward dismissed
and when Lady Leilah Yarde-B Butler ar
rived from England she fled petition for
letters. This was fought by the family
and some undesirable notoriety was
threatened, as her iadyshlp demanded 4
distribution OF her are OF the estate
she was finally induced TO return to Eng
land and TO promise TO stay away from
California.
Some months o the death of Lady
YardeBuller was reported, but it turned
out to be her husbands mother who had
died instead OF her ladyship. Mrs. Kirk
ter, who is the wife of DR.. ?. W. Wheeler,
on Oak and Eighth streets. There is an
other daughter in the East. The estate is
worth upward of half million dollars.
The application viii be heard Tuesday,
January Il, before Judge Greene.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
Morgan's Syndicate Yet Intact
and Will Soon Make
a Bid.
AWAITING AN OPPORTUNITY
Treasury Officials Watch With Inter.
est the Renewed Attack on
the Gold Reserve.

NEW YORK, n. Y, Jan. There were
no new Developments in regard to the pro-
posed $100,000,000 Government popular
loan to-day and the more prominent bank
ers, as usual, were not disposed to talk
freely on the matter.
The Morgan syndicate, according to
good authorities, is still intact and will,
in all probability, make bid for the bonds
at the proper time. A feature which at
tracted attention this morning was the en-
gagement of 100000 for shipment to
Europe by to- orrow's steamers. 1t was
said that as much more will probably 90
on Saturday.
Fears are entertained that the further
Withdrawals for foreign account might
start up demand from possible bidders
for the new loan. There is no way to pre-
vent this.
The Belmont-Morgan syndicate, 1t will
be remembered, expressly stipulated that
the gold for the bonds should not come
from the treasury. There were the usual
rumors of an issue of clearinghouse loan
certificates, but Manager Sherer of the
Clearinghouse states that no application
has been received from any of the banks
WASHINGTON, D. c., Jan. THE
treasury officials are watching with keen
interest the renewed attack on the gold
reserve and do not hesitate to express the
opinion that most of the gold now being
withdrawn is taken out by intending pur.
chasers of the new bonds. They condemn
such proceedings in strong terms, but with
the present law on the atute- books see
no way to legally stop such Withdrawals
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
Interesting Important County

there was no case against Mrs Carpmael.
and il was generally believed that Carp
maePs actions were part OF plan to Sc
cure divorce.
Later she was deserted by her husband
who is believed to have returned to Eng
land, whence he came to California after
graduating from the University of London
in 1892. Since her desertion Mrs. Carp
mael has been seriously i'll, and recently
she has been attem ping to maintain her
children by canvassing.
Board of Education.
BERKELEY, CAL, Jan. THE Board
of Education met last evening and trans
acted large amount of routine business.
Bills TO the amount of $15O7 90 we're
ordered paid. The position of truant
officer was declared vacant, after heated
discussion. Miss c. Germania Potevin
was appointed teacher in charge of the
Rose-street school without increase of
salary.
Principal Waterman reported the enroll
ment and attendance at the four East
Berkeley schools for the present month as
follows: Number enrolled, 1875: daily
attendance, 1167. High school, enrolled,
$50; daily attendance, 274, making total
enrolment OF 1866. ana daily attendance
of 1441.
Principal Warwick of the West Berkeley
and daily attendance OF 412.
Slow but Certain.
BERKELEY, CAL, Jan. THE sub
scriptions to the $1,000 fund to be used in
furnishing electric apparatus for lighting
the university grounds, according to the
plan of Regent Reinstein, are coming in
very slowly. Thus far only $500 has been
subscri bed, the latest contribution being
that OF Professor Soule. who gave S..
Though newly three weeks have passed
since the list was put into circulation
headed by a subscription from f. NJ. Will
son, and though only $130 has been raised
since, yet Regent Reinstein states that he
has implicit faith that the citizens of
Berkeley will subscribe the balance re-
quired.
Condition of John r. Perkins.
BERKELEY, CAL, Jan. John R.
Perkins, the victim of Albert Munzen-
meyers pistol shot at Lorin on Christmas
eve, has been removed from the Oakland
Receiving Hospital to the home of his
sister, Mrs. J. G. Rodgers, on Ellsworth
street Perkins friends entertain strong
hopes of his recovery, but the physicians
state that under the best of circumstances
it will be considerable length of time
before he can go about his business again.
Death OF Mrs. Hennessy.
BERKELEY, CAL, Jan. Mrs. C.
Hennessy died at her residence on Dwight
way last night of consumption. She was
a native of England and came to Berkeley
many years ago. The funeral will take
place from her late residence tomorrow
morning at II o'clock under the auspices
of the Episcopal church.
Installation of Officers.
BERKELEY, CAL, Jan. 7.-Berkeley
Lodge, No. 1941, Knights and Ladies of
Honor, will install their officers for the
coming year next Monday evening. The
grand protector. grand treasurer and
grand lecturer of the State are expected to
be present.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
DEVOTED ALL TO THE CAUSE.
Death of Nine. Sophie HeiTge. Who 81
HeroicaHy Gave Her Money and Ser
Hfce in the Var

NEW YORK, n. Y, Jan. "a Recorder
special from Cincinnati says: Unmourned
and without friend or relative to be with
her in her last hours, Sophie Helrigel, who
has for years been before the Cincinnati
public, died yesterday at the City Infrm-
airy, where she lived for months.
Nine. Sophie Helrigel was born in
France, whence, in 1850, she came to Gin
cinnati. She was brilliant woman, of
excellent education, spoke English, Ger
man, French, Spanish, Flemish and
Dutch, and had no trouble in establishing
successful private school for languages.
When the War of the Rebellion broke
out she had amassed q small fortune. She
entered the service, followed the Ninth
Ohio to the battle-felds, attended to the
wounded soldiers and devoted the greater
part of her fortune to the establishment of
field hospitals. Through her three years
service she carried an ordinary soldiers
canteen, and this, together with flag,
which she had also acquired in the service,
was the one treasure of her life.
So great was her veneration for the stars
and stripes that her dying request was that
she be wrapped in this flag before being
consigned to her coffin.
After the war Nine. Helrigel returned to
Cincinnati. Her health was lost during
the hardships of the war and her mind be-
came more or less affected and prevented
her from pursuing her occupation. Since
then she has practically been an object OF
charity. An effort was made to secure
her pension, but it failed. She left a last
statement in which she exhorted her old
comrades to stick to the flag.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
HISTORY OF A DAY.
Alameda County Happenings Told in
Short CHAPTERS.
OAKLAND OFFICE SAN Francisco CALL,
sos BROADWAY Ian z

SNORT chapters.
OAKLAND OFFICE SAN Francisco CALL
sos Broadway, Jan. 7. {
To-day Incorporation papers were fled with
County Clerk Jordan Incorporating the Oak
land Exposition.
The place for holding the public exercises OF
installation OF 4. P. A. officers has been
changed from Masonic Temple to Hamilton
Hall.
The Police and Fire Commissioners will meet
this afternoon, but nothing will be done re-
garding q change in the head of the Fire
Department.
A meeting of the Republican County Central
Committee has been called for next Saturday
afternoon in Judge Aliens courtroom at 2
O'Clock. The call has been Issued by Chairman
Mautalen.
Members and attendants of the Second Con-
gregational Church are invited TO the farewell
serl ices to the pastor, Frank Z. Hinckley The
services Will be held on Wednesday evening
next at z :45 O'Clock.
Sammy McCres, a 14-yenr-old youngster
whose parents are unable to control him. has
been committed TO the Preston School al lone
His mother said he would run away from
home, stay out all night and would not go to
school.
A chattel mortgage was recorded to-day by
Maggie Rauch, wife OF Henry Raucl, to secure
jeremiah Moonan of San Francisco on some
furniture including a piano at $50 Natoma
street for the loan of $75 with interest at per
cent per month in advance or ga per cent per
annum.
G. ". Pickett, driver for the Standard Oil
Company, was arrested this morning on the
charge OF driving heavily loaded wagon over
the boulevard. This is the second arrest for
this offense and Street superintendent Miller
says he has sworn out warrants for three OF
four more parties yet.
J. H. Brown, a man about IS years of age,
was found dead in his bed at the Girard Hotel,
room 40, about 3:15 O'Clock this afternoon.
He had been complaining OF great nervousness
of late. There were no evidences of suicide.
The deceased had resided here eleven and q
half years, and was not engaged in business.
He has folks residing at Fresno.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08

lines and properties connected Herewith,
and their respective assets and amount of
any lien thereon prior to the lien of the
Government of the United States, and by
proper decree order and direct all of said
property to be sold within three months
after the rendition of the final decree. IN
less the parties defendant to said suit or
suits or other judicial proceedings, their
assigns or grantees, shall within said time
redeem said property from the Govern
ment of the United States by the payment
of the amount that shall be found due the
Government
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
Connolly aud Dime.

CLEVELAND, OHIO, Jan. Eddie
Connolly, the New Brunswick lightweight
pugilist. will arrive here tomorrow for his
fight with Jimmy Dime at the Cleveland
Athletic Club Friday night. The & hit is
at 133 pounds for purse and side stake
Dime has been IN training here and to-
night weighed 1872 pounds, and is in the
pink of condition. A damper was put on
the Connolly enthusiasm to-day, however,
when George Lahore offered $4,000 on
Dime at even money. The fight is the
biggest betting affair ever brought to an
issne here
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
THE PUGILISTIC CARNIV4L.
Stuart Has arranged Interesting Contests
for EI PdsO.

StduFJ mas arranged fhteTeSIlHU CohteStS
for EI Pdso.
DALLAS, TEX, Jan. Dan A. Stuart
finished all details for his FL Paso pu-
gilistic carnival this evening, and will
depart for Ell Paso at o'clock tomorrow
morning. He said tonight:
II received official notice to-day from
Sam Austin that Leeds had signed 10 fight
Everhart at the lightweight limit
"Everhart was very anxious for, and
aiming directly al match to finish with
Lavigne, but so far as l am concerned, |
am satisfied with Leeds. | leave for Ell
Paso in the morning, and will remain
there until this carnival has been brought
to a successful end. | have four fights now
signed, and within two days will have one
more, and all of them will keep the public
guessing the winner until the fateful ten
has been counted
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
DEBTS OF THE PACIFIC ROADS
Chairman Po,Uers WiH Only Permit
Brief Hearings.


Brief Hearings.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Jan. THE Pa
cifc railroad debt question was preached
for the first time this session when the
House committee met and organized to-
day. There was not much discussion, and
business was confined to the organization.
1t was decided that the committee shall
meet again next Saturday, when it is ex-
pected the various bills will be discussed.
Only brief hearings will be allowed, ac-
cording to Chairman Powers. This means
the funding bill will be "railroaded"
through.
Senator Allen of Nebraska to-day intro
duced a bill which will find favor with the
opponents of the Southern Pacific monop-
oily. 1t provides that the Secretary of the
Treasury shall compute and ascertain the
amount due the Government by the va
rious Pacific (bond -aided) roads. The Sec
rotary shall certify the same to the Attor-
General who shall imm ediately begin
a suit to foreclose on the roads and tele-
graph lines.
The court shall ascertain the actual cash
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
WHAT Is POKER?
Experts Discuss the Draw as Distinct
From Other Kinds of Poker.

From Other Kinds of Poker.
OAKLAND, CAL, Jan. About q
month ago four young fellows named S. A.
Turner George Meader, P. Lestrange and
J. Cahill were arrested charged with
gambEng. The arrests were made in a
saloon conducted by Pete O'Brien and J.
Cahill, one OF the defendants, at Twelfth
and Webster streets, by Sergeant HodgkiRs.
They are seeking 70 escape conviction on
The plea That they played only draw
poker. The State law enumerates a lot
OF games among those prohibited, but
makes no mention of poker. On this they
claim that draw poker is not gambling
according to the law.
George c. kaufman, city expert and
private secretary to Mayor Davie, was
called as a witness in behalf of the prose
cution. He was asked if he had not gone
IS Sergeant Hodgkins and said Cahill, one
of the defendants. was friend of his
that Cahill had told him the party were
playing certain banking game. Kauf.
man denied making such statement,
but said he had told Hodgkins that Cahill
had said they were playing draw poker.
Sergeant Hodgkins took the stand and
swOre that kaufman did say that CahiIl
told him they were playing said game.
The defendant also took the stand and
swore they were playing draw" poker.
An outsider, however. swore that they
were PLAYING the other kind of poker. The
defendants attorney argued that even were
II proved the men were playing horse
poker 1t would have to be shown It was a
percentage or banking game to make it
gambling under the law. Prosecuting At
torney Melvin opposed such an argument,
claiming the law named the game and not
the way IL was played TO be a gambling
game.
Judge Wood accepted the latter view,
bat withheld his final decision upon the
men until tomorrow.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
CONTROLLING THE LIGHT.
Berkeley Still Wondering Over
the Electric Company
Changes.
Mrs. Carpmael's Sad Condition-Cres.
cent Club Election-Campus
Fund

BERKELEY. CAL, Jan. THE Berke-
ley Electric Lighting Company is no
longer an institution controlled by the
citizens of the town for their own self
comfort and accom- N oda ton
1t is mystery to the people of Berkeley
just how the old stock company, of which
j. George Gardner was the primogenitor.
gained such absolute control of the insti-
tuition which was primarily formed for the
purpose OF furnishing lighting service to
the residents of Berkeley at the lowest pos
sible rate, but which has been converted
into business for the benefit of a few.
The extensive transfer of stock to the Oak
land company has been the cause of much
comment, especially among those who
were interested in the founding. of the
original system, and every one is watch
ing with anxiety to see what move the
capitalists who now have it under control
will make. No changes have yet been re-
ported in the management, but there
seems to exist much apprehension along
the line.
President Britton, who was elected last
night, visited Berkeley, and spent part of
the morning in examining the books OF
the old company.
Cfescents Elect Officers.
BERKELEY. CAL, jan. The annual
electioniof officers of the Crescent Athletic
Club took place last evening. Prior to the
election the reports of officers for the wear
Just closed were read. In President Mix
klesens report it was stated that on Janu-
airy 1, 1885, the embe-ship of the club
was 80, and that during the year the roll
was increased to 1913. The gymnasium ap-
paratus was increased materially by the
purchase of bars, dun bells, Indian clubs
boxing gloves and other acc sories.
Treasurer Wilcox stated that he had re-
ceiyed during the year $1195 SO and ex-
pended Sl028.03, leaving a cash balance on
hand of S37 so. Following is the list OF the
newly elected officers President, H. ID.
Kelsey; vice. president, s. II Metcalf; re-
cording secretary, w. H. Gompertz treas
urer, Frank McClain; financial secretary.
W. II. Bone; leader, G. l.. Wilcox; field
captain, j. Armstrong; cycling captain,
T. 3. wilkins; directors-C. Mikklesen
A. L. Stamper, DR.. C. Anthony and A. b.
Quackenbush.
Deserted by Her Husband.
BERKELEY, CAL, Jan. Mrs. E. C.
Carpmael, who was deserted by her hus-
band several months ago after an unsuc-
cessful attempt to have her sent to the
insane asylum, is now in straitened cir
cumstances. and has made an appeal for
assistance, offering several fancy articles
to bs ratified The Carpmeel case elected
much attention last May when the lady
appeared before Judge Ogden Oh charge
of insanity preferred by her husband. who
was at that time student in Toland Medi-
cal College. Judge Ogden decided that