davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09
A PIONEERS PTTFUI TALE
Captain Arthur Kelly Is Starving in San Francisco

| to provide for. But, unable as she is to
keep him, she has not the heart to turn
the old man out into the street to die.
| Kelly is stranger to San Francisco,
although he was a California pioneer of
40. He came here from Portland, Or,
about three weeks ago in search of wealthy
relatives, as he became too old to work
and his sons and daughters turned him
out. Since he has been here Kelly has
been through an experience such as few
men have to pass through, particularly
old men. With his age and intirmities it
seems miracle that he is alive.
"John Kelly of the banking firm of
Donohoe & Kelly was my brother" said
the old man while seated in his dingy
room. "The first Mrs. Donohoe was my
sister, and we all came to California to-
gether in 1S49. John, who became the
banker, remained in this City, but
stayed only few years and then deter
mined to try my luck in the Sound coun-
try. From the first luck came my way.
l had large interests in the lumber busi-
ness, owned a couple of small ranches and
steamboat, and was really pros
perous."
In additionto working for his own in
terests Kelly, according to his own story,
has worked for his country. He distin-
guished himself in the Indian wars OF
1856 and also in 1856. When Governor
Chadwick called for volunteers he was
one of the first to come forward. 1t was
he who, singIe-handed and alone, captured
one OF the most beiligerent of the Indian
chiefs and so ended the trouble and
brought about peace between the Oregon
authorities ard the red men.
Officially Arthur Kelly has served six
teen years as Sheriff in different parts of
Oregon. Part of the time was spent in
Multnomah County and part at The Dalles.
He also served as deputy sheriff at The
Dalles under James Crawson.
Until about fifteen years ago things
came Kelly's way. He was prosperous
and his children were all doing well. At
that time ne was worth nearly 500, 900 and
in the best of health.
Just what was the start of Kelly trouble
he does not remember, but he knows that
after certain lawsuit his money began to
go. Gradually he had less and less, and
his children wanted to have less and less
to do with him. When he had nothing at
all they turned him out to shift for
himself.
For the last FIVE years Kelly has, he SAYS,
managed to earn his own living, although
he was compelled to live in cheap board
| ing-houses. His sons and daughters were
all married, but they would have nothing
to do with him. They would not even
board him unless he paid in advance.
Once be got sick and not one of them
came to see him. They said they had
enough to do to take care of themselves
without having to look out for an old man.
This is the story as Captain Arthur Kelly
| himself tells it.
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09

respect, presenting her remarks with a
timidity that suggested that these flowers
of speech would wilt promptly unless en-
couraged.
The room was full of the fiipfap of fans
and disiointed sentences rose suddenly
like mild explosives from sudden lulls OF
conversation, and then after the little pop
fell down again into shocked silence.
A few immortals had seats, the rest
stood like monuments, silent and very
straight and immovable as though their
feet were attached to the floor. When
anybody sang or recited all the heads
moved simultaneously up, down or from
side to side like Chinese mandarins, all
the eyes were raised in rapture and all the
lips widened into an ecstatic smile.
Mrs. Whitehat found a corner. It is a
curious and noteworthy fact that sooner or
later a shudder of movement Is percert-
ible all along the line of solemn young
men who support the walls, and that
gradually they edge along and at last form
a solid phalanx around whatever remote
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09

The house faced a square and was about
as broad as an elevator shaft. Some very
ponderous females, evidently British ma
! irons, went in before us, and in their
shadow two very tall girls, with round
shoulders and tight sleeves, whispered to
each other and exchanged sighs and
glances of the most profound anguish.
"It's beast of place to be dragged tor
1 heard one OF them murmur, nothing
but singing and the piano, and the"
"Gladys," said the British matron, turn
ing her head solemnly, 81 hope you'll
listen to Mr.. Saville Penup when he recites
his own poetry. It's a great treat to hear
him. Ii you will observe his repose OF
manner and emulate it when you recite it
will give me great satisfaction"
eyes, mother" murmured the daughter
addressed. and gave her companion q
savage pinch.
| The entry was so microscopic that it
seemed almost necessary to press against
! the wall and enter the tearoom sideways.
| The tearoom was crowded, everybody ex-
hibiting a ravenous appetite and shame
| less haste about satisfying it.
| Three neat maids hurried distractedly
| from one side of the table to the other and
kept up timid flow OF nervous interroga-
| tions, to which we could hear the answers
in voice of every range and quality from
q umbling and majestic bass to mere
! little silver thread of sound.
'.Yes, if you please, little more straw
berries; claret emp. If you please, a let
| tuce sandwich. Yes, 1 would like another
! ice, and just little more tea. Yes, two
Jumps, and cream
We followed Mrs. Whitehat's example
| and industriously consumed everything
we could reach; then we once more joined
the procession ana sided up the stairs to
greet our hostess.
! A tremendous blast of sound reverber-
ated in the hall; stout gentleman with
| pale red whiskers was asseverating at the
verytop of his voice that he would ride away
and be free. We could just see his head
over crowd of bonnets, and his express
sion of agony was little like that on q
Chinese mask. There was an ac-
compartment of minor chords on
the piano, with a violin obligato
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09

powder our letters with titles or nobody at
home would be impressed, but we're really
not on familiar terms with the arlstocracy,
are we2 Not that we're not as good as
they are, and great deal better in many
cases, or that I'd walk across the street to
see the biggest duke of them all!''
"Brayo, Madame Independence ~ | ex-
claimed, for there was something quite
lofty about the poise of her head and the
spirited turn of her shoulders.
The evening was perfect, like a softened
daylight; the trees in the parks were
wrapping themselves in delicate wells of
mist.
We permitted ourselves the delicious ex-
travagance of hanson, and were soon
one of the innumerable carriages on the
way to Covent Garden.
Mrs. Whitehall did not spare us one de-
tail of her programme for the three days
she had determined upon. In that heavy
and sweltering heat, we attended teas and
dances and the third day we spent ardu-
ously arranging costumes for the fancy
dress ball, which was to end this period of
festivity. BY this time / felt ten years
older; Mrs. Whitehall had not los: one
touch of her inexhaus.ible radiant charm.
The studio TO which we were invited to
dine was an ideal one, great lofty rooms
opening upon an English lawn, with old
fashioned flowers growing in prim rows
along the low stone walls, and over it the
sheep grazing under the great trees of an
English park.
Our host, Langham Graves, met US
with an expression of delight.
Mrs. Whitehall was certainly the old
picture she had intended to be. Soft curls
fell forward over her flushed cheeks, ana
great monument of hair uprose in coils
and twists most intricate and remarkable
for to seel'' She was as demure as a
China shepherdess. Verdantina was
Spanish dancer, ell in vivid crimson (ahl
the tears and despair of that costumeD
Our host was as brilliant as a bird OF
paradise or the macaw that screeched con-
tinually and swore behind our chairs.
Mrs. Whitehall affirmed he was a "sweet
Bird but she remained at respectable
distance from him and confided to us
afterward that it was very distracting to
have that piratical animal squawking be-
hind Der.
Our host was severely classic; his velvet
mantle was worn with carelessly regal
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09

The publication in THE CALL of last
Sunday of an article stating that any man
willing to work could make q living at
gold-minlng with the old-fashioned cradle
or sluicebox has attracted q great deal of
attention from men interested in such
subjects. Many business men have de-
clared that they have advocated gold
mining as a relief for hard times ever
since the industrial depression started.
The general opinion is that men can do
better in California than in Alaska.
The opinions of different men have
been most varied. Many old miners have
declared that the amount stated by THE
CALL as possible for a man to earn is
much too low; others declared it was just
about right. Several other men, not
miners, declared that the whole idea was
unreasonable. They said they had tried
it and found that it would not work. But
questioning of these men showed that they
had not tried it as suggested in THE CALL.
They had expected to make fortune in a
few hours, and finding they could not gave
it up as useless.
A man giving his name as Herbert Green
said that he had tried it few weeks ago
in Yuba County. He was completely dis
gusted. He said he worked for an hour in
the hot sun and took ont only 8 cents
worth Of gold. Mr.. Green, however, failed
to consider that if he had worked twelve
hours he would have taken out SO cents
worth, even though he had no better luck
than he had the first hour. This small
amount would have been enough to
have bought all the food he needed for the
day, and another days work might have
brought him in large amount. In fact,
he might be considered to have been in
pretty good luck. and had he kept on he
would not now be walking the streets of
San Francisco and attempting to live on
good deal less, such as he can obtain by
different methods. But, of course, he
had 10 work there, and he doesn't here.
Inquiry at the State Mining Bureau as
to what was the best locality for man to
work with cradle so as to make enough
to live on brought the information that
any of the canyons of the Sierras where
gold was known TO exist were good. al
thou gh the Mojaye Desert seemed to
promise the greatest returns at present.
1t has been estimated that millions o1
dollars worth of gold are contained in
the sands of the mountain streams Of
California, and all that is necessary is for
man to work in order to get some of it,
There is many times more gold in the
mountains than has ever been taken out,
and there is room for 100000 men TO work
at getting it.
man who contemplates this work will
do best if he will go deep into the noun
tains. Strike for any OF the small towns
and find out where men are at work is a
good plan. Or follow any of the rivers. up
into the mountain and investigate the
gravel beds. But, of course, he must find
place where there is water. 1t is best for
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09

frightful attack of mental dyspepsia. But
isn't everything a joy? And did you
ever-did you ever see such delightful
people?''
II never did, )" remarked Miss Grey, with
suspicion of acldity in her weary little
voice. 'They are so informal and so
ready to make your acquaintance and so
humorous.
WELL" said Mrs. Whitehall, superbly,
81 wish we could initiate little of their
sauvity: a little of their cordiality when
they do know you; little of their simplic-
ity and generosity and"
Our point of view, am afraid, was an
unstable and most personal one, and
shifted with the ease and agility of .
weathercock.
"Of course" said Mrs. Whitehall, as we
demolished our supper, with more speed
than elegance, ''the people we see are not
swells at all, they just hang on at the
edge. We write home about all the dukes
and dukesses we meet, but we really don't
meet any; now do we? OF course we must
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09

when be first went out there he declared
to the representatives of the different San
Francisco papers that he had only few
dollars. His plant consisted of sluice-
box and hole in the ground, where he
caught seepage water. His habitation
was very poor tent. Patterson used to
dig his sand from the hillside near by,
throw it into his sluice-b box and dip the
water out of the seepage hole with a dip
per of the crudest description. Contrast
that with his present surroundings. He
has two good houses and q workshop. A
windmill pumps the water into tanks, so
that 1t is under his control at all times.
His washing machinery is nearly all
homemade, but it is quite elaborate and
capable OF handling considerable sand.
When seen by CALL man Patterson was
very uncommunicative. He admitted that
he was taking out little gold, but was
disinclined to talk at all. Some of his
neighbors say that he is making big
money and others say that he Is not max
ing anything. That is the way the case
stands, but the fact that Patterson has in
creased his plant so would seem to indi-
cate that he has been making something.
1t is known that there is plenty of gold in
the sand on the ocean beach, but it is very
fine and hard TO catch. A man could
hardly be advised to try his luck on the
sea shore but men are going to do it. J..
Eastwood is putting in a small plant not
far from Patterson's and several others
viii soon be started farther down the
coast.
The CALLS article has called forth in
quiries from several inventors who have
gold out by The ton. They figure that If a
man and cradle can make dollar
day their machines can make ten times
that much, if they can only go to the
same place. But all of the machines ex-
am1ned had some s'if." One of them
needed big stream Of water and fiume;
another weighed several tons; it could do
as much work in one day as man could
IN three weeks. As many OF the gravel
pits will not keep man busy week it
Will be seen that the machine would have
TO De moved two or three times every day.
Not one of the machines would I'LL the
place OF the man and the cradle.
The accom- panyine drawings will give
an idea OF the construction OF the cradle
and siuice-box. Any man can make them
OF lew boards that can be cut to the re-
qulred shape and then carried to the
mining country. The idea of digging a
hole tor the water to run into after it has
passed through the machine and then
using it over again is good suggestion
Tor places where water is scarce. 1t is by
this method few barrels of water will
wash several tons OF sand. The larger box
can only be used by men who have the
money to buy large amount of quick
silver-that is, about 81 worth. But it
will hold large amount of gold, making
1t necessary to 'clean up" not more than
once week.
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09

out food" he told CALL man. "Then a
kind-hearted baker sent me biscuit"
His is a pitiful tale. He is known as
Captain Arthur Kelly, and at present is
occupying room in ten-cent lodging
house on Oregon street. That he is there
is due to the kindness of heart of the land
lady, as he has no money to even pay his
rent. Nor has he had for two weeks. Al
though the landlady can give him room
at great sacrifice to herself, she is too
poor to give him food. She makes very
little money, and has family of her own
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09
GOLD MINING BY POOR MEN
Some Suggestions to Those Searching for Work

and spends very little money. He has a
comfortable cabin and always keeps his
rifle handy for game. 1t is said that in six
years he has taken out $1,000 worth of gold.
But. of course, CoDp's case is an excep-
ton.
The fact that man named Patterson
was working mine on the ocean beach,
a few miles below the Golden Gate Park,
was mentioned at the Mining Bureau, and
it was claimed that he had been making
about 50 so a day. A CALL representative
visited Patterson and came away with a
confused idea as to the real facts of the
case so the reader will have to Judge for
himself.
Patterson has been at work in his pres
ent location for nearly five years and
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09

a man to spend several days prospecting
before setting up his rocker. 1t costs very
little to go prospecting, and man may
happen on ledge of good ore at any
time. There are Just as big fortunes wait
ing for finders as there ever were. only they
are a little harder to get at.
Many old miners who were visiting the
Mining Bureau were greatly interested in
the idea and expressed surprise that more
men were not taking advantage of the op-
portunity to earn living. They knew of
many men in the mountains who were
working that way and said there was room
for many more.
One case mentioned was that of Frank
Cobb, who is working OH a branch of the
Kaweah River. He works early and late
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09

Aged, helpless, friendless and starving,
in the midst of great City of wealth and
culture-this is the condition of Arthur
Kelly, who, according to his own pathetic
story, has rich relatives and ungrateful
children. Once lie was rich and power
IN the land. In his day he has held inn
portant civic Offices, has been man of
affairs, and was one of the wealthiest mer-
chants in Oregon. Now he is penniless
and deserted and on the verge OF starva-
ton.
"For three whole days I have been with
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09

Miss Kissam-You seem depressed tonight,
Mr.. Dexter.
Mr.. Dexter-Yes, am. went to fortune
teller to-day to find out my fate, and was told
that the girl loved would not marry me.
Miss Kissam-But, Mr.. Dexter, no fortune
teller is authorized to speak for me.-Detroit
Free Press.
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09

and secluded spot Mrs. Whltehat has
chosen to abide in. She regards them
with beautiful calmness, each cool ana
limpld glance impaling one of them as
surely as pin impales fiuttering butter
fly. They exhibit the most praiseworthy
soIicitude for her comfort, almost pull a
chair from under the slowly rising form OF
an immortal who has only thought OF
going. They pick up her handkerchief
and cardcase (she is perpetually dropping
something), and when she smiles upon one
OF them with little murmur OF gratitude,
he writhes down upon the floor and sits
on stool at her feet, with his own almost
dislocated in the attempt to keep them
from tripping up the unwary.
We go to four teas on this weary after
noon. We begin countless conversations.
which we find left on our hands, for the
listener has been suddenly and uncere-
moniously dragged off to meet some one
else. There may be greater humiliations
Il know OF none more bitter) than sem
tence begun in a clear voice with great
energy and ending in swallow in the
throat with an expression OF intense in
terest in nothing at all and vague smile
addressed to vacancy.
The fact that we are Americans is in
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09
SO Z q 90 90
QQQQQQQQQQ Q05

tory murmur; that we are Californlans is
the electric fact that starts conversation
upon Bret Harte and the attractions OF a
country in which the gentlemen IN
variably go at MONDAY on a mad galiop
riding horseback through the streets
sweeping up gold with one hand and
busily firing off pistol with the other.
Any mild suggestion of less eccentric
form of daily labor IS met with so poig-
nant disappointment that we finally un-
patriotically encourage the love OF t~ro-
nance we have begun by attempting to
combat.
/ hear Mrs. Whitehall now and then CIV
ing descriptions of our wild customs, our
gorgeous fruits, our marvellous flowers.
which do credit to her taste and imagina-
ton. Her stories have a delicateiy pun
gent flavor; they thrive like wild black
berries and are almost as eagerly sought
for. She receives in return, with positive
radiance of gratitude, advice on every con-
ceivable subject and volumes of informa-
tion on the manners and customs Of the
enlightened people with whom she has
now the lneffable privilege of associating.
After the fourth tea even her energy
waned suddenly. 81 think would like
my supper" she remarked. 81 would
also like solitude. am suffering from
The San Francisco call., 1896-08-09

that shrieked and ran up blood
curdling walls, but the gentleman was
not singing. he was merely reciting. He
was evidently laboring under the delusion,
this stout gentleman with the beady drops
rolling down his polished brow, that he
was young slave in some burning cline
and that he was suffering cruel tortures
OF love and despair because the almond
eyed houri loved another gentleman with
very fatiguing name for warm climate.
"Let Us go in now," murmured Miss
Grey, Pm sitting. He seems to be over
itv'
"Wait momentp' sighed Mrs. White
hat, "he may have relapse"
When the tumultuous applause had SUBJ
sided we presented Our cards to the solemn
men whose duty it evidently was to an
nounce us. This terrible function was
performed with a brutal distinctiveness
in which the world was informed that We
were the happy originals who possessed
such names as Miss Wildcat and Miss
Hay. My own humble title subsided into
grunt.
Mrs Whitehall entered the room with q
chastened expression; her eyes demurelv
cast down. the graceful gravity of her
manner was something to remember with
awe. She greeted her hostess with deep
Birmingham state herald., 1896-10-25
ALEXANDER CITY.
Rifles in Fine Shape-A Great Revival |
 in Progress.

Rifles in Fine Shape-A Great Revival Is
 in Progress.
 The Alexander City Rifles are in good shape now They are out of debt, have money in the treasury have new uniforms and a safe, roomy armory, which they mean to fit up in handsome style within the next few months Committees have been appointed for this purpose, and the boys hope to make their armory thing of beauty In a quiet way they are plan- ming some kind of entertainment for a benefit, and they don't know what 1t is to fail-in fact the citizens are too proud of the organiza tion to allow any enter prise the boys may have on foot to fall through.
 Our city is in the midst of a great re- vival, which promises to be grand sue cess.
 Dr. Davis of this city is assisted by Dr. J. l.. Morrell of Gainesville, Ga.
 Mr.. Gilbreath, the noted Sam Jones singer, has charge of the music, and his sweet solos bring peace to the souls of congregation and prepare them to listen to the word of God.
 Everyone is stirred up, and are always ready to speak of the great good that is being done
 pr. Lloyd has been called to the pasto- rate of the Baptist church in this city for another year.
 The Outlook says: "The Outlook, through kindness of friends, now has on its table quite an interesting relic-a copy of the Wetumpka Free Press published at Wetumpka Tuesday morning, April 6, 1847, little less than fifty years ago. It Is interesting to know that this same copy was sent to one of the pioneers of this immediate. country and latterly the founder of Youngville, the primitive name given to our own Alexander City. now a live and hustling little city of 1900 souls and trade center of east Alabama. Those familiar with the history of our town can easily name the founder, R. G. Young, never-to-b -be-forgotten charac- ter"