New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-01-05
TOPICS IN CALIFORNIA.
A CHURCH SCANDAL - LAND GRANT
SWINDLE-AT THE THEATRES.
Try TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l

Try TELEGRAPH THE TRIBUNE.l
San Francisco Jan. 4.--The local newspapers
have been filed this week with details OF the
scandal that has clouded the First Congrega-
tional Church. This was caused by the Rev.
Dr. c. o. Brown. the pastor swearing to a
warrant for the arrest Of Mrs. Davidson. one
of his congregation. for blackmail. The story
Is unsavory, but the g!st Of it Is that Mrs
Davidson threatened the preacher with ex-
posture If he didn't pay her $500 and agree to
coz tribute sS5 monthly to the support Of Miss
Matte Overman. whom it is charged that ne
seduced Brown and Miss Overman declare
that the accusations are unfounded. The
preacher explains the payment of $500 to Mrs
Davidson by the excuse that he wished to Sc
cure evidence against her. although such EVIL
dence could have been gained by calling In the
aid of the police and having witnesses 10 the
mere tender Of the money. former case III
which the preacher was in trouble over similar
bIackmail has been unearthed, and. tnough
Mrs Davidson will probably be convicted anu
sent TO San Quentin. the preacher ana the
church will suffer severely from the scandal
The pity Of il is that this evil notorlety shouio
have followed so quickly on the Emahuei
Church crimes. San Francisco is not gwen 10
religion and hence any case like this which
brings church people into disrcpute has far
the East.
The withdrawal of Panama Railway compeu-
ton on this coast will cause much loss to san
Francisco merchants. The first affected were
the four-dealers. who see before theI2 the loss
of the trade in -four with Ecuador. Ever since
the Panama Railroads opposition line or steam
ers has been running flour has peeh shppeu
to Guayaqun at 81 ton. The shipments nav nay,
grown to 800 tons month. as CahloIha ue"r
ers were able to undersell the Chilian hour mer-
chants Now the freight has been suddenly
raised 81 a ton, which cuts off all the proht ai!u
will lose California this lucrative trade lne
excuse of the Pacific Mail is that IT has an
the merchandise it can hardle az higher rat nar
hence ii does not care for this nour OF o'"e'
low-priced freight.
The activity of the Government In securing eNI-
6ence against the perjured witnesses In CalnoT-
mia who hpned to bolster mp the fraudulent Pc
ralta-Revs claim has good moral enecl' No oiie
here who knew the insid, history OF TINS Arizona
land claim was ignorant OF the who,esae as 90
and forgery employed; but the CRIME was SO
planned that II looked at one time as tnousi,
Revis and his confederates would succeed anu
900 settlers the big Arizona grant Wouiu nave
10 pay a second time for their propert!
Investigation Of the condition Of the state Uni
versitv buildings at Berkeley shows that the sys-
fem of plumbing is defective as TO be menace
70 health The expert who inspected the build
ings estimates that it will require sS'oVo 10 put
everything into good sanitary conuitoh'
The holiday week proved most lucrative 10 a.
the theatres The chief nit has been made al the
baldwin with "Ixon." local version or the 0lo
taia hv Adolph Bauer orchestra leader. The
funniest thing in il is a burlesque or Irlipy 10y
Ferris Hartmann the comedian. and little Gerte
Carlisle who is only thirteen years old. Hart
mann assumes the roles of all the lovers OF
TriIby and the child plays her part with extreme
cleverness.
The New Year matinee al the Tlvol Tor the
heneit Of the Children's Hospital realized sl'Voo
At the local theatres on Monday next VIII ap-
near Louis James and Marie Walnwright, VINO
will be seen in the same city as rival stars Ior t,e
Trc, time James opens in "Virginius at the
california and Miss Wainwright in me Mer-
chant Of Venice at the Baldwin. Both are popu-
lar with San Francisco audiences.