davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
,therwise cond uoted herself in WAYS that

otherwise conducted herself in ways that
lady should not. He said also that
Mrs. Luhrs accompanied her daughter
wherever she went and aided and encour-
aged her in her unladylike actions.
A time when Sieber was sick with quinsy
was mentioned, it being alleged that his
wife substituted carbolic acid Ior his medi-
cine and almost killed him. When he
was recovering. he says, his wife told him
it would be no loss if he were dead, as she
had five men waiting for her in San Fran
cisco. Sieber also charged that when his
wife left him she confiscated $1,000 worth
of his personal property.
While on the stand yesterday Mrs. Sieber
explained the causes whic led up to tn e
occurrences of February / and Is. She
said that on the former occasion her hus-
band had obtained possession of $500,
portion of which she wished him TO leave
with her for safekeeping. He refused, and
when she insisted he struck her over the
knuckles with cane and threw her aside
as he left the room.
The New York episode, she said, was
caused by her refusal to give her husband
certain jewelry which he had pawned and
which she had redeemed. He wished to
again get possession of it, that he might
pledge it once more, and on being refused
drew out pistol and threatened to kill
her.
Mrs. Sieber explained her husbands
failure to appear, after having filed an
answer, by stating that he was in jail in
New York. on charge of em beZzement.
Judge Slack granted the wife decree
on the ground of cruelty, and, if the ex-
husband is to be believed, so made five
other souls happy.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
RIGHTS OF SUPERVISORS.
San Joaquin Irrigation Company to Test
Their Latitude in tho courts.

San Joaquin Irrigation Company to Test
Their Latitude in the courts.
An action which parallels to a certain
degree the famous horizontal cut of the
Railroad Com missioners was begun in the
United States Circuit Court yesterday in a
suit entitled ''The San Joaquin and Kings
River Canal and Irrigation Company VS..
the County of Stanislaus and the Board of
Supervisors thereof"
The present litigation grew out of the
somewhat summary manner in which the
Supervisors or Stanislaus County in Feb
ruary last slashed the water rates of the
irrigation company. At the time men,
toned and on the protest OF some twenty
five citizens the Supervisors inaugurated a
cut averaging so per cent.
The corporation now comes forward
seeking an injunction, basing their claim
10 hearing in the Federal courts on the
ground that the act of the Legislature per-
mitting Supervisors to enact laws detri-
mental to the rights of private citizens,
com panys or corporations is in direct
violation and repugnant to section 1,
fourteenth amendment of the constitution
of the United States.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
A VICTIM OF
ILLEGAL PRACTICE
Mrs. Gertrude Hunt Sue
cumbs to a Criminal
Operation.
Mrs. Wegner Accused Of Causing
the Young Woman's
Death.
THE POLICE ARE NOTIFIED
Detectives Search for the Suspected
Woman, but Are Unable to
Locate Her.
THE POLICE ARE NOTIFIED

Mrs. Gertrude Hunt, the young and
pretty wife of George E. Hunt. city agent
of the Union Mutual Lie Insurance Com
pany, and mother of a baby girl years
of age, died last evening IN her rooms, 511
Turk street, from the result of criminal
operation performed aDout two weeks ago.
Shortly before the unfortunate woman
died she accused MRS. Wegner, who re-
sides at 419 Eddy street, with having COM
mitted the crime.
Drs. Taylor and Stone. who were called
in to attend the dying woman. notified
the Coroner and he ordered the body re-
moved to the Morgue and an autopsy
held. He then informed the police re-
garding Mrs. Wegner and instructed them
to place her under arrest.
81 was called to attend Mrs. Hunt last
Saturday evening"" said DR.. Stone, "and
immed lately saw that the case was the
result of criminal malpractice. AS the
young woman appeared to be in danger
Gus condition l called DR.. Taylor in con-
suItation. At first the patient refused to
mention the name of the party who per-
formed the operation, but as we refused to
attend to her case without that informa-
ton she gave in and accused Mrs.
Wegner."
Mrs. Hunt fingered between life and
death for several days and for the
last twenty-four hours of her life was
delirious, which prevented getting Q
complete statement from her. She go,
weaker and weaker and this evening al
$50 o'clock she died. The immediate
cause of death was blood poisoning di.
rectly caused by the criminal operation.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
THE LABOR UNIONS.
Pictures of Tenement House Cigar
Makers to Be Presented

The San Francisco Labor Council held a
short session last evening. A com m uni
cation was received from the Journeymen
Bakers and Confectioners' International
Union of America, at Brooklyn, N. Y,
notifying the local council that the organ
lied bakers of the country have decided to
adopt a union crack-r label. The writer
asks the San Francisco unions to be favor
ably disposed toward certain cracker-bak-
ing com panies that have adopted the un-
ions blue label.
The delegate from the Cigar-makers'
Union reported that his union had de-
cided to ask the State LIE islature to
change Labor day from the first Monday
in October to the first Monday in Septem-
ber, so as to conform to Labor day all over
the country. He asked the cooperation
of the Council in this movement He
also reported that an eloquent speaker is
coming from the East in the cause of
unionism and the blue label, and to show
how many of the popular brands of East
ern-made cigars are made in cheap tene-
ment-houses. He will be provided with
stereopticon views to prove the truth of
his assertions.
Delegate Furuseth of the Coast Seamen's
Union stated there is no need for concern
in the reported reduction of wages of sail
ors by the ship-owners. Ali the vessels
going out are shipping at the regular
wages.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24

crossing the little yard from the direction
OF the Shotwell-street house, although no
one could enter the yard.
Step by step the visitor mounted the
stairs and loud knock on the kitchen
door followed. The lady quickly threw
open the door. The light from the lamp
instantly fell halfway across the yard, but
no one was1n sight. As soon as the door
was closed the sound of retreating foot
steps was heard going in the direction of
that house. Twice has this occurred, and
it is said that there will be more ITO let"
signs up in that neighborhood soon.
All this may be the stamping of the
horses IN the stable around the corner, or
the scampering of cats and rats, but what
ever they may be the disturbances are
productive of the 'creeps" to t1mid
people,
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
F|TzSIMMONS TO
FIGHT SHARKEY
The Blacksmith and the
Sailor Were Matched
Yesterday.
Tom Says He Will Give Him a
Harder Game Than Peter
Maher.
TEN ROUNDS. TEN THOUSAND.
The Contest Will Be Held in This
City Some Time in De.
cember.
TEN ROUNDS. TEN THOUSAND.

just as soon as Bob Fitzsimmons learned
that Jim Corbett had trouble with his
wife he concluded right there and then
that he could not do any further business
with the champion, and his manager
wisely decided that bird in the hand was
worth two in the bush and wired his ac-
ceptance to the offer made to him by
Manager Groom of the National Club in
this wise:
New YORK, N. Y, Oct. "a, 1896.
J. J. Groom, National Club. San Francisco !:
Conditions al right; will accept your offer:
Deposi forfeit of $4,000, the remaining half of
hich to be paid Us in case you fail to pull off
the match. Telegraph $500 for expenses at
once, as we will leave here Immediately for
Frisco. MARTIN JULIAN,
Manager for Robert Fitzslmmons
Tom Sharkey felt as frisky as young
colt last evening. He said:
81 don't know how I'll get along with
Fitzsimmons, but you can bet that I'll
give him different game to that which
Peter Maher put up. / can'tsay any more
just now"
Sharkey will. in ali probability, train in
Oakland under the care OF Danny Need
ham, who was also matched last night by
the National Club to fight George Green
in the latter part of November ten-round
contest.
According to the agreement, copy of
which was mailed to Fitzsim mons a few
| weeks ago, the pue illsts will fight ten
| roundsfor $40, 900 purse, the winner to
| take all. The referee will be selected by
the club.
| The general opinion of sporting men is
| that Sharkey will meet IN Fitzsimmons
much harder man to whip than Corbett,
and when the time for pool-selling will
arrive Fitzsimmons will surely sell very
strong favorite.
A prominent sport said last night when
| he heard of the match being eonsumma-
ted, hat Fitzsimmons would win the
fight the first good punch he landed on
Tom.
There are other ring-followers of more
conservative ways of thinking who believe
that Sharkey will stand first-class chance
OF whipping Fitzsimmons in ten-round
bout. They contend that when Corbett
failed to hurt the sailor in four rounds
the New Zealander's CHANGERS do not look
so very rosy.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
The House Shotwen Street That Has People Theabouts
Gossiping About Uncanny Things

back of the room where the shadows
caused by the freight are fitfully play
ing. The local story is that OF haunted
house on Shotwell street, where strange
and uncanny things are said to happen at
times.
The house which is the subject of gossip
is IN the vicinity of Twenty-frst street.
1t is an old one-story and basement
structure, with wide porch in front and
a lot OF trees in the rear. A wide passage
way leads from the street to a large yard
in front of the house in question. A sig
niticant ITO Lett sign projects over the
sidewalk above a broken gate
All OF the neighbors have heard of the
mysterious noises and of the apparitions
that have at times trespassed into the
realm of everyday life. Yet these people
are 10th TO discuss such matters for fear
that they might be considered supersti-
tious or timid. However the good house
wives thereabout do discuss these matters
on the quiet and comment upon the fact
that those who have rented the house
have not always remained there very long.
This may be because there is stable near
by and that the horses hoofs disturb their
slumbers, or because the house is not of
modern construction. Be this SO or not
the house has been occupied many times
and vacant many times, and now the
Landlord is fixing it up for his own use.
The first time that the supernatural ever
intruded upon the natural was several
years ago, so the story goes. One night
one of the occupants of the house heard
distinctly the footballs of large man
walking up the front stairs, which was
followed by loud knock upon the door.
The woman, lamp in hand, looked out on
the porch and into the yard. No one was in
sight A little later this was repeated at
the back door with the same results-no
one in sight. On another occasion some
thing like scuffle in an adjoining room
was heard. The next day an express
wagon stood in front of the house and a
''to LETT sign appeared at the front gate.
Probably the most startling experience
was that of Mrs. Zimmer who lived at
2244 Folsom street, the small backyard of
which adioins the house in question. To
a friend she told the following story:
'One evening my little daughter was i'll
and as l was crossing the floor l heard
some one cross the back yard from the
direction of hat house, although no one
could climb over the high fences. Nv
door was ajar, but I did not close it, and
to my surprise second later / saw the
figure of very tall man dressed in a long
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24

coat standing by the side of the inside ha II
DOOR His right hand was over his heao
and his elbow against the doorjamb sup
ported the body. His face was white
except where covered by long beard. and
! noticed that he wore an old-fashloned
low-cui dress vest. | was startled, but !
managed to ask, Nv at do you want?'
He smiled and walked, or rather glided
over to the bed. where my daughter was
asleep. He reclined beside her on the bed
and / cried, If you come for good or evil.
CO.
HE arose and glided noiselessly TO the
back door. and q second later / heard
sounds like the tramp OF large man
going down the stairs. There were some
coops of poultry in my yard, and the fowls
set up terrible noise, but above theIracket
| could hear the sound of the footsteps
going toward that house. Several times
while in the basement my lamp was blown
out, although not breath OF air was NOV
ing, and this was followed by the sound
of retreating footsteps going to that
house."
Mrs. ZImmer moved across the bay, and
is no longer troubled by mysterious visit
ors or the sounds OF footballs.
Among the recent occupants OF the
house was J. Paul and his family, who
make oilcloth goods on Twenty-second
street, below Folsom. Mrs. Paul smiled
knowingly when spoken to about the
premises, and said that she never saw a
ghost during the time she lived there, but
she had heard the stories that were going
the rounds. Mrs. Paul was not desirous
of discussing the ghost feature of the af-
fair, nor would she tell why during all the
time she lived there she kept several
lights burning all night.
For some time past the pncanny mani
festations have not been noticed, as no one
lived in the house, but no sooner did the
landlord begin to repair the premises than
the spook began to strike up an acquaint-
ance with his neighbors. A few nights
ago a lady living in one of the houses in
the row where Mrs. thinner formerly re-
sided was busy late at night in the kitchen,
when she heard the sound of footsteps
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
SAD EXPERIENCE
WITH HUSBANDS
Mrs. Christine Luhrs.Cut-
ting-Siebel Again
Divorced.
She Has Run the Gamut From
a Congressman to an
Embezzler.
is STILL A YOUNG WOMAN.
Story of a Man Who Had Cham.
payne Appetite and Lager
Beer Income.

Although not yet twenty-five years of
age Mrs. Christine Luhrs- Cutting -Sieber
has been twice married-both times un-
happily-and twice divorced. Her first
husband was Congressman OF the United
States; the second, according to her own
story, a globe-trotting mbezzler. The sec
ond chapter of her matrimonial expe-
riences was closed yesterday in Judge
Slack's court.
Her first spouse was John 7. Cutting,
representative from California, and her
more recent spouse, G. A. Sieber, subject
of the Emperor, with tendency to travel
and to acquire funds.
The maiden name of the fascinating
Mrs. Sieber was Christine Luhrs, she being
daughter of Mrs. A. e. Luhrs, widow of
prominent Sen Francisco merchant of
early days. Mother and daughter for q
long time lived at the Occidental Hotel,
where they met Mr.. Cutting. The first
marriage was il-starred, and in 1894 the
wife secured a divorce, alleging she had
been cruelty treated.
In the fall of 1895 Mrs. Cutting Left San
Francisco for a trip to Europe, but In
New York she met the dasning Mr..
Sieber, who, with tales of his adventures
by land and sea, won her heart.
Charmed by the prospect, the adventur-
Gus spirit of her Californian parents
stirred Mrs. Cutting and she yielded to
her lovers pleadings. On October "a, less
than year ago, she became Mrs Sieber.
In Very short time she awoke to a
realization of the fact that existence with
her new spouse was not to be one OF Joy
unalloyed. Not three months had passed
before he began to treat heI cruelty, and
in less than six months she had parted
from him forever. returning TO California.
In May last she applied for divorce.
The complaint contained the specific
charges that on February Mr.. Sseber, at
200 Dearborn avenue. Chicago, where they
were then living. struck her with his
clenched fist and threw her violently
against the wall of their room. February
10, while they were living at the Allen
House in New York, it was alleged that
the husband pointed loaded pistol at his
wife and threatened to kill her, at the
same time calling her vile names.
In his answer to his wife's suit Sieber
denied the charges of cruelty, and claimed
bis wife was not resident of California,
but only came here to obtain divorce.
For separate answer and cross complaint
he alleged that she was possessed of ter
rific. temper, used intoxicants to excess,
smoked cigarettes, used vile language and
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
DEATH OF A MINER.

Jerry Mccarthy, Formerly of Virginia
City, Suddenly Expired Yesterday.
Jerry Mccarthy, a miner who was for
merly we'll known in Virginia City, died
suddenly yesterday afternoon in his room
at 404 Post street He was attacked with
stomach trouble Thursday morning. but
his condition was not regarded as danger
Gus until he called for assistance yester-
day afternoon. Physicians were immedi-
ately summoned, but he was beyond
medical aid when DIR. Callandreau reached
his bedside.
Mr.. Mccarthy was born near Boston,
but during the past twenty years lived in
ceased reside in this State.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
Twenty Minutes with = Star

In this weeks Town Talk scribe relates a
chat with Julia Marlowe Taber under the title
of Twenty Minutes With Star" Politics.
however, are the leading feature of this
sprightly journal to-day, local and National
politics in all the subjects phases being re-
viewed in forcible and instructive, as well as
entertaining manner. National and local
tickets receive broad treatment, ana a eoodly
number of well-known candidates about town
are subjected to the 'sroast" that they deservs.
The brides OF the week. the music of the week
in fact everything else of interest on the
weeks calendar, is noticed in this thorouphIv
up-to-date publication of the hour.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
CLUBMEN FIGHT.
Aleck Hamilton and Harry Gray Settle
Their Differences on Post
Street

Street.
Pedestrians on Post street near Kearnv
late last evening were surprised to wit
ness what seemed to be fist fight between
two men, one of whom was arrayed in full
evening dress. Closer inspection showed
that one of the cembatants was acting
mainly on the defensive.
1t transpired that the latter, in evening
dress, was Harry Gray, and that he was
trying to good-naturedly keep off AIeck
Hamilton. The two men are prominent
m . m bers of the Bohemian Club. and
friends stated that Hamilton accused
GRAY of insulting him by splitting in his
face.
az was too much of a gentleman to re-
sent the insult in the club" painted Ham.
ilton, "but in the street here / EN- ready
for you," and he advanced on Gray.
Biff! biff! Clinch.
Friends interfered and had great diff.
Guilty in hauling Hamilton away. He was
not, they said, in condition to fight. Mr..
Gray, who was acknowledged to have had
much the best of the bout, denied having
insuIted Hamilton and said it was all the
result of mistake.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
INCENDIARY FIRES.

Attempts Made to Burn Down an old
Tannery.
Fire Marshal Towe is investigating two
incendiary fires in a vacant building at
twentieth and Alabama streets. but he
has little hope of finding clew to the
frebug.
The building is two-story one, and was
formerly used as q tannery by the owner,
Owen Kelly. The neighbors have re.
peatedly petitioned the Board of Health
to have the building removed, but nothing
was done.
At :15 P. M. Wednesday fire broke out
in the building, but it was quickly extin-
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
Eureka valley Independents.

The Eureka Valley Independent Republican
Club organized with 81 members Thursday
evening, with w. g. Maves as president; John
Conlan, secretary, and John C. Murphy treas
urer. The following candidates were indorsed:
For Mayor, James d. Phelan; for Auditor, W.
A. Deane; for Supervisors-Frank Conklin, Dr.
C. A. Clinton and Richard Valentine.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
MYSTERIOUS RAPS
BY THE UNSEEN
Shotwell Street Said to
Have a House That Is
Haunted.
A Friendly Spook That Calls on
Neighbors Once in a
While.
THE SOUNDS OF FOOTSTEPS.
Once a Tall Elderly Man Appeared in
The House of Lady Who Had
Sick Child.
THE SOUNDS OF FOOTSTEPS.

There are strange stories afoat in the
Mission in the vicinity of Folsom and
Twenty-second streets, stories such as are
frequently told by the light of bright,
open fireplace on long winter evenings.
when the sounds of the storm are heard
on the outside and cause the listeners to
shiver and apprehensively glance to the
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
Struck by a Crowbar.

William Kennedy, a welldigger, is lying at
the point of death at the City and County
Hospital. Yesterday afternoon he was dig
ging well out on the Mission road, when
crowbar slipped from the surface and fell,
striking him on the top of the head. He was
removed to the hospital, where 1t was found
necessary TO remove several pieces of his frac-
tured skull, leaving the brain unprotected.
Kennedy was in a semi-conscious condition
late last night and signifed that he felt no
particularly severe pain
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
OPENED THE FURNACE.
John Drake Found Out What q Forced
Draught Means.

John Drake, employed in the Union
Iron Works, and whose curiosity to find
out what forced draught meant when
applied to hot furnace, has satisfied his
desire.
Last Wednesday it was necessary to use
the forced draught. While this was being
done, John Drake opened the door of the
furnace to see the effect. As he did so
flash of the fame struck him in the face,
burning it badly, besides stripping his
scalp of its hair.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
Mra. Manning Dead

Mrs. n. s. Manning, wife of H. S. Manning of
the Southern Pacific Company, and daughter
of N. K. Masen, financial agent OF the COM
pany, died at her home, in East Oakland, yes
terday. She was 33 years of age, and leaves
two children and her husband. Mrs. Manning
was an accomplished woman, who had host
of friends in this City and across the bay.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24

guished. At 2:15 Thursday morning it
was again set on fire, but little damage
done.
About year ago the first attempt was
made to burn it down, and on August 13
the second attempt was made, the loss at
that time being estimated at $500.
The Fire Marshal has advised Kelly to
tear down the building.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
NEW DRESS TRIMMINGS.

Our collection of Jet and Colored Bead
Gimp Trim nings em braces every new de-
sign. every width and quality, and we will
offer Special full line of Colored Bead
Trimmings at 10c yard.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
Young Non-Partisans.

The Young Mems Non-Partisan League will
give high jinks and a reception to the candi-
dates whom they have indorsed this evening
at O'Clock in Social Hall. Alcazar building.
The very best local talent has been secured,
and the affair promises to be a success in every
way.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
At 40 Cents.

At 40 Cents.
80 dozen MEMS HEAVY DERBY RIB
BED SANITARY UNDERSHlRTS
and DRAWERS. with anchor-stitched
seams, regular price 75c, on special
sale at 40c each.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
At 30 Cents a YARD

CHENILLE DOTTED TUXEDO VEIL
ING, three-quarter widths, regular
price 75c and S5c, on special sale at SOC
ayard.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
Barney Not to Be Retried.

An opinion has been filed in the Suprem
Court sustaining the decision of the Superior
Court of Stanislaus County in the case of F. L.
Barney, who was convicted of assault on q
child named Irene Boone
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
AZ 2S Cents a Yard.

CHENILLE DOTTED TUXEDO VEIL
ING. three quarter widths, regular
price 35c and 40c, on special sale at 25c
ayard.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
At 75c, $1.OO. $1.s5 and $1.5O a Yard.

CHENILLE DOTTED TUXEDO VEIL
ING, three-quarter widths, new de-
signs, on special sale at 75c, 81, 81 35
and 81 so yard.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
OSTRICH FEATHER BoAs.

BLACK OSTRICH FEATHER COL
LARETTES, 20 inch, best qualities,
lowest nricas.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
At $500

At $500.
cases LADIES JERSEY AND SWISS
RIBBED WOOL UNION SUITS, high
neck, long sleeves, ankle length, white,
natural and black, worth So so, on spe-
cial sale at 81 each.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-24
AZ 1O Cents a Yard

CHENILLE DOTTED AND PLAIN TUX
EDO VEILINGS, single widths, regu-
lar value zoe and 25c, on special sale at
10c yard.