davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24

Francisco street. Francisco-street people
came to the courtroom as spectators and
witnesses by the dozens.
Thomas Walker. father of George, was
there with his wife, his 9-year-old daughter
Ida and little Louis Contreras. aged also
about 9. Mr.. Walker was the complainant.
He accused Billy Watt, aged about q, of
placing George Walker in barrel, after
tying his hands, knees and feet, standing
him on his head and gagging him with a
stout cloth tightly fastened over the lads
mouth. This. Mr.. Walker stoutly averred,
was after threats had been made by Billy
Watt against the Walker children, and
Mr.. Walker also expressed the belief that
Billy Watt intended, as soon as night
came, to throw the barrel and the lad into
the bay.
The testimony developed most remark
able and positive contradictions. which
caused the court and Attorney Dare, who
prosecuted the case, to outwardly indi-
cate amazement. Little George Walker
stood up as witness before the court and
swore positively that Billy Watt seized
him in the backyard attached to the Watt
home. on Francisco street, and not only
tACO A4n1 oAQ kdEkCu nlIQ Us has Oee1 Qc-
scribed, and stood him on bis head, but
also promised to throw him into the bay.
The small Walker boy described the oc-
currence in great detail.
The rope with which he was tied was a
bale rope. He was sure that it was Billy
Watt who tied him because he had known
Billy Watt very well for some time, hay
ing frequently been playing in the Watt
yard when Billy was at home. He did
not see Billy put the head in the barrel.
but he heard the blows as the barrel head
was pounded down. All this time and for
some time after he, George, was standing
upon his head. The ropes were tied
around him so tightly that they hurt him
and the gag also hurt. He did not ex-
actly know how long he was in the barrel,
but when his little sister Ida came near
the barrel he called to her. Soon after he
was released and went home. He was not
quite clear who united him or took him
out of the barrel. He was sure that he
stood there, head down. for a time.
The little sister of George Walker testi-
fed under oath that she went out to search
for George at her fathers request. She
called the brothers name when she was
in the Watt yard and an answering voice
came from the barrel. She was sure that
the voice was Georgie's. and she at once
ran to tell her father about the matter.
Louis Contreras. little Greek boy,
whose eyes are as black and round as bulbs
of Jet, told what he saw. His story was
simply corroborative of George Walkers
story. He seemed to be perfectly clear
concerning his recollection OF the occur
renee so far as he observed it. He de-
scribed just how Georgie was tied, and his
statement coinclded with the Walker bows
testimony. Cross-examination by the at
torney for the defense did not phase him
in the least.
Thomas Walker, the father Of the lad,
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24

removed. George was not placed in the
barrel. "Oh-h--h no; he jumped in
there himself. There were no ropes on
the arms or legs of the Walker boy. There
was no gag in his mouth. Billy Watt was
not around the place at all, but was away
at work. George entered the barrel to
hide from and tease his little sister. He
was not in the barrel long, and he jumpe :.
out by himself"
Jumped out when he was standing on
his head?" asked Judge Joachimsen sur
prised.
He jumped out"
Jumped out head first or feet frst?"
The witness was not clear about how
George jumped, but was sure of the main
fact.
Then Billy Watt, the defendant, con-
tradicted the story for the prosecution.
He was not at home, he said, until hours
after the occurrence. 1t had been testified
that George was missed and also discov-
cred not far from o'clock in the afternoon.
The defendant was confident that he could
prove an alibi for himself between the
hours of z A. NJ. ana P. NJ. He is ped
dler, and was out with his cart all day
between A. NJ. and P. NJ, and this fact
he could substantiate by the man who
went along with him on the cart. He did
not see George Walker once during the
entire day in which the barrel episode
occurred.
Jacob Kahler, neighbor, who lives on
Francisco street, midway between the
Walkers and the Watt family, was at
home all day, and was quite sure that
Billy Watt did not return until after 7
P. NJ, but admitted that Watt might pos
sibly have come home unseen to him.
William Watt, father of the defendant,
testified that his son. the defendant, was
not at home from 7 A. NJ. until P. NJ, or q
little later.
By this time Judge Joachimsen looked
very much puzzled. So was Mr.. Walker,
who brought the complaint. The court
at this point took recess until this
morning, when Billy Watt will try to per-
feet his alibi.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
STREETS MISNAMED.
A New System OF Nomenclature Adopted
by the Streetcar Con-
ductors

One of the mysteries connected with
street-railroad travel in South San Fran
cisco is the proper names of the streets
leading into Kentucky. The railroad COM
pany has instructed its conductors on the
electric cars to name the streets running
east and west by the Mission designation,
such as Sixteenth, Seventeenth. Eight
eenth, and so on, whereas the official
names differ. Sixteenth stops at Harrison
and Center streets from that point and
runs to the bay.
Santa Clara becomes Seventeenth, Mari
posa and SoIano become Eighteenth,
Butte, Nineteenth, and Napa, where the
Union Iron Works is located, would be
Twentieth. This system of the railroad
change of names continues to Butcher
town. or First avenue, which would be q
continuation of Twenty-sixth street ac-
cording to the railroad nomenclature of
the streets.
AS consequence of this peculiar sys-
tenn people who may be travelling on the
cars with the intention of getting off at
some of the recognized streets, such as
Butte or Napa, have been compelled to
consult the map of the City as to the
proper place to get off the cars, otherwise
they are liable to be carried far beyond
their destination, with the result to them
of being compelled to pay an additional
fare to return to the place where they in
tended to alight.
The roadbed between the COM
pany's tracks the entire length of Ken
lucky street is in o shameful condition, SO
much so that the basalt blocks are forced
out of their places on the street, necessi-
tating the conductors getting off the cars
and replacing the stones so that the cars
may not be thrown off the track by the
distractions.
Com plant has been made to the Street
superintendent of the bad condition OF
this street from time to time, but no no.
tice has been taken of them.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
MEETING OF MILKMEN.
They Ask That Some Consideration Be
Shown Them in Condemning
Cattle,

The Milkmens' Association of San Fran
cisco, met at Forester's Hall yesterday af-
ternoon to discuss the grievances of its
members and regulate matters in reference
to the trade.
The principal topic of discussion was the
raids which the Health Inspector has been
making upon their herds. President L. A.
Hayward voiced the sentiments of the
more conservative members when he said:
I'VE do not intend to make any fight
against the inspection of our stock and
the condemnation of such diseased ami
mails as imperil the health of our GUS
toners.
IAN we ask is time to weed out such
cattle, and some consideration. so that
some of US will not be entirely ruined by
the notorieGy that we attain when one or
two cattle out of herd are found to be
infected. The milkmen want to do what
is right and have no desire to fight any
just law"
No action was taken on the matter.
For some time past the milkmen have
been seriously annoyed by petty thieves
who steal milk-bottles from doorsteps and
sell them to junk men. The latter have
signified willingness 10 return the bottles
for consideration, and committee, con-
sisting of Messrs. Green, Werner and
Robb, was appointed to arrange with the
junk-dealers to return the bottles to the
association headquarters, on Twenty-first
street, and receive cents apiece for them.
Other minor matters were discussed.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
The Marriage Was Celebrated
in Oakland, October
8, 1883.
HAWAIIAN HONEYMOON
Rollin M. Daggett Was Then United
States Minister to the King
dom of Hawaii.

Yesterday Judge Hebbard granted Liz
zie M. Daggett divorce from Rollin NJ.
Daggett on the ground of the defendants
willful neglect in failing to provide for his
wife. The parties were married in Oak
land, October g. 1888. As Mrs. Daggett is
abundantly able to care for herself by rea-
son of her own private fortune, the hus-
bands alleged neglect has not been
hardship from material point of view.
The defendant in this suit is we'll
known public man. He gained quite
reputation as a writer of ability on the
Nevada press in the early seventies. He
was elected to Congress from that State
and served with distinction.
Mr.. Daggett was appointed United
States Minister to Hawaii under the Gar
field administration, and at Honolulu he
met the lady in whose favor the divorce
was granted. She was a tourist, who
owned considerable property in Southern
California, and was making the tour of
the islands with her mother and sister.
She and the Min lister had similar tastes
and inciinatious, and so an attachments
for each other was formed, which culmi-
mated in the marriage at Oakland in 1888.
He obtained leave of absence from his
celebrated in the United States.
His duties as United States Minister
were resumed on his return to Hawaii.
He and his bride entertained American
visitors and others in a style becoming
their station He was gracious in the be-
stowal OF hospitality to their honored
guests, and he likewise was held in nigh
esteem by his fellow-countrymen and the
people OF Hawaii. She had large resources
OF money and property In his own right
and ne was In receipt of his official salary
and also OF sums of money earned by his
gifted pen in literary lines. King Kala-
kaua and Minister Daggett coliaborated
and delightful productions, full of island
traditions and poetry, were the result.
shortly after President Cleveland was
chosen to rule over the destinies of this
country Democrat was appointed United
States Minister TO HAWAII to succeed MT.
Daggett. Mr.. Daggett, ACCOMPANIED by his
wife, returned 70 the UniteI States. lie
had an ambition To represent Nevada in
the United States Senate, but MS desire In
this regard was not gratified. Percelvlng
that further honors and emoluments in
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
Wish TO CLOSE At SIX
Retail Dry-Goods' Clerks Desire
Their Evenings to Them
selves.
Representative Committee Appointed
to Wait Upon the Merchants
Who Keep Open Late.

About sixty statesmen from local retail
dry-goods and clothing establishments met
in the hall of the Knights of the Red
Branch last evening in compliance with a
circular recently issued. The object of the
meeting was to devise ways and means of
inducing those proprietors who now keep
their places of business open evenings to
close at o'clock.
Jerome Donovan and J. M. Nye Jr. were
chosen temporary chairman and secretary
respectively. The chairman, by way OF
introduction, read a well-worded adyer-
tisement OF large dry-goods house Of
Toronto. Canada, which set forth clearly
and forcibly why that house closed each
dav at clock
On motion of Mr.. Phelps committee
of one from each of the establishments
represented in the meeting was appointed
by the chairman to wait upon those mer-
chants now keeping open evenings and
ascertain If they intend to make such ar
Iangement permanent. The following
were appointed such committee: White
House, M. Cousins; O'Connor, Moffatt &
Co., T. Noonan; d. Samuels, jacob Bow
man; Newman & Levinson, J. Capalass !;
Kohlberg, Strauss & Frohman, J. J. Ken
nedy; G. Curtin, J. Daugherty; Hale
Bros, ]. Clarkson; ]. ]. O'Brien & Co.,
I. Crowley; Maze, P. Slattery; City of
Paris, Mr.. Featherstonhaugh.
The next meeting of the body will be
next Thursday evening at 8 O'clock, when
a permanent organization will be effected
if the report of the investigating commit
tee indicates the need of such an organiza-
ton.
A number of the firms represented on
the committee are now closing early and
their employees have no grievances what
ever, but have entered the organization
for the sole purpose of aiding their fellow
clerks.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24

was hearsav witness, but added some
facts. He testified that the Walker and
Watt children have been in the habit of
playing much together, being near neigh
bors on Francisco street. The usual
troubles incident to children have oc-
CURED. Billy Watt has threatened to kill
George Walker if the lad came into the
yard. At first Mr.. Walker did not attach
any Importance to this threat, but he has
come to the conclusion that his little boy
was in serious danger, and that Billy Watt
meant to do just what he bad threatened.
The Walker family was sitting down to
dinner and Mr.. Walker looked about and
made sort of rapid mental census of his
numerous flock OF children and grandchi-
dren and other relatives. He sent his lit
tie daughter, Ida, out 10 look for George,
who was missing, and the girl soon came
back with the story that George was
in barrel. He thought very little
about this story; supposing, in fact, that
the missing boy had simply crawled into
a barrel for fun, then sent Louis Contreras
out. Louis is a small boy living also in
the Walker home. Very soon George
and Louis came in. George was very
white and pale and from his mouth and
nose blood was flowing, this being caused,
he supposed, by the tight pressure of the
gag, of which George forthwith told. He
did not see George until the ropes and
gag had been removed.
Three members of the Watt family took
the witness-stand and substantially agreed
upon story which entirely contradicted
all that had been testified to for the prose-
cution.
A small boy. aged II years, who con-
fessed to the name of "Shorty" Watt, wss
the first witness for the defense. He saw
George Walker in the barrel. The barrel
had contained wood, but this had been
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
THE ST. GEORGE CLUB.
1T Has Excellent Programme Ar
ranged for To-Morrow Nights
Entertainments

The st. George Club, 317 Mason street,
will give an entertainment on Saturday
evening which gives promise of being
most successful. The programme consists
of boxing, wrestling, sword contests, club
swinging and singing by the clubs quartet.
Jimmy Carroll, the clubs boxing in.
structor, who has challenged Jack Nc
Aulifte to meet him in this City for the
purpose OF deciding the lightweight cham
pionship, will box Australian Walker, the
ex-amateur champion of Sydney, four
rounds.
Ziegler, clever bantam, will meet
Jimmy Anthony for three rounds. Joe
Acton, the Little Demon, will wrestle
Professor Vincent White, best two out of
three falls. The Carter brothers viii also
wrestle. Fencing by Captain Martin, late
Instructor OF the Palace OF Arts, Paris,
with one OF his pupils will be feature
Members can rest assured of ENJOYING a
frst-class evenings entertainment.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
NO ACTION WAS TAKEN.
Why Smallpox on Angel Island Was
Not oficiaily Recognized.

Not Officially Recognized
The Board of Health held special
meeting at 8 O'Clock last night for the pur-
pose of taking some action in the way of
quarantine with reference to the reported
smallpox on Angel Island. Local In
spector Chalmers reported that be had
attempted to MAKE an inspection and in
vestigation of the matter at Angel Island,
but was stopped by the Government au-
thorities.
Hospital promised to attend the meeting
it was announced. After waiting some
time the doctor failed to appear, and, in
consideration of the additional fact that
the board recently decided to take no
notice of such matters unless reported to
it in writing, the meeting adjourned with.
out taking action.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
The Divorce Courts.

Mary A. Laurie was granted divorce from
David NJ. Laurie because of the latter's wiilful
desertion. The custody OF a minor child was
awarded to plaintiff. Judge Hebbard issued
the decree.
Judge DaIngerfeld grantee a divorce 10
Michael Curran from Kate Curran because of
the latter's habitual intemperance and willful
desertion.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
LAZAR'S LIABILITIES.
Preliminary Examination OF the Gras
Valley Merchant Commenced.

Preliminary Examin alton OF the Grass
Valley Merchant Commenced.
The preliminary examination of Sol
Lazar, dry-goods merchant, Grass Valley,
on charges of obtaining goods by false pre-
lenses from Murphy. Grant & Co. and
Steinberger & Kalisher, was commenced
before Judge Campbell yesterday after
noon. Henry Ach appeared as special
prosecutor, and Carroll Cook represented
the defendant.
The goods were obtained from Murphy,
Grant d Co. May g. and from Stein berger
d. Kalisher June II. 1t is alleged that La
Ear represented that he was worth $500
over and above his liabilities, whereas, it
is isalleged. he was practically insolvent.
II. /. Whipple of Murphy, Grant e. Co.
and other witnesses were examined, and
the case was continued till this morning.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24

of san Francisco Council No. z, Y. NJ. L, for
the ensuing year were installed by Council
Deputy M. f. Silk. The installed officers are:
President, Charles McAuliffe; first vlce,presi-
dent, G. w. Murphy; second vice. president, ].
B. Haggerty; recording secretary, George NJ.
Kelly; financial secre tary, F. F. Dunno; mar
shall secretary, ]. ii. Spring; treasurer, J. E.
Owens; inside sentinel r. Kingston; outside
sentinel, w. J. Miller; executive committee
E. j. Gallager, C. de Ardle, T. Cummings
James J. Loughrey.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
sAUsALIT0 WHEELRACE.
The Four-Mile Handicap Won Handily
by Henry Collins.

The Sausalito Cycling Club race in that
city last night attracted large number of
spectators.
The four-mile handicap prize was gold
medal got up by Grimmensten of Sausa-
Tito, who also managed the race. The
race was won by Henry Collins. Time,
14:24.
Therace was to Weldo Point and return,
distance of four miles. There was big
crowd at the finish. Other entries for the
race were: William Rutherford. Ed Ber-
atty, Dan Whaley, Ed Byers, Frank Thomas
and Frank Randolph. Randolph was not
contestant, but he came in first.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
He Testifes That He Knew
Nothing About the
Matter.
IN FACT. THAT he WAS ABSENT
Extraordinarily Hard Swearing Which
Seemed to Puzzle the Court
Badly.

Judge Joachimsen began yesterday
afternoon to unravel the contradictory
testimony concerning the packing of little
George Walker, aged Z, in barrel on
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
Both Jaws Broken.

c. Richardson, laborer, while working at
the corner of Fremont and Howard streets
yesterday morning, was struck on the face by
scantling that fell from the top of building
which is being erected there. The blow broke
Richardson's lower and upper Jaws. He was
taken to the Receiving Hospital
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24

AT 40 Cents.
and stripes will o a Oceach - - "
be a 5ceach. = = ' ' H
sleeves be osed douta 6each. oF
dered collar rprce$ 81, will rdat50c ~
"a
10 LADIES' in
closed doutat6 soc
close out -
in
esyle, regular be edoutat - ~ 0' -
regular 81 So will be 75c
yoke corded with black regular price 81 so, will be closed
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
All sui,s Guardian.

Judge Coffey has appointed Mrs. L. P.
Williams the guardian of the person and es-
tate OF All Sui. little Chinese girl, whose
parents wished to sell her into bondage.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24

public life were not readily attainabIe,
Mr.. Daggett again resumed literary work,
contributing to THE CALL, Overland
Monthly and other publications. On a
ranch near Vacayille Mr.. and Mrs. Daggett
resided for several years.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
To Quiet = itIe

s. Kafka, assignee of the estate of John
Stefan, an insolvent debtor, has sued Stefan
to quiet title to piece of property on Steiner
street. near Waller.
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24

Installation of Offcers.
On Wednesday evening, July %, the officers
The San Francisco call., 1896-07-24
GIGANTIC SPECIAL PURCHASE!
1850 Dozen
LADIES
SHIRT WAISTS!

Our Great July Sacrifice Sale to-day additional
traction IN the shape of GIGANTIC SPECIAL PURCHASE OF
LADIES' SHIRT WAISTS comprising A PROMINENT MANU-
FAClURERS ENTIRE STOCK which, owing advanced
son. he CLOSED OUT TO US AT OUR OWN FIGURES thus
enabling in turn,
AT ONLY AROIJT Hal PRTCEl
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-07-25
THE COUNTRY AFL0AT.
Immense Damage Done Throughout Mar
ion County-The Adventures OF a Boy.

Immense Damage Done Throughout Mar
ion County-The Adventures of Boy.
Special to the Register.
Fairmont w. Va, July 24.-The Mo-
nongahela, Tygarts Valley and West
Fork rivers, which were so high on
Tuesday and Wednesday fell great
deal yesterday, but the rains of last
night and this morning have placed
them far above what they were We'd
nesday. Mail service in this place is
completely knocked out, and We have
only received one mail train today.
II came from Pittsburg, and arrived at
APO p. M, instead of its regular time,
1890 p. m.
AT this place the water is very high
and is rapidly rising. but so far no
damage has been done. From one TO
two O'clock the MonOngahela raised
twelve inches, from two 10 three four
teen inches, from three to four, six
teen inches, and from five to SIX, only
twelve inches.
A boy named Tot Daddysman, who
lives in this place, was up at Grafton
Yesterday, and as he wanted to come
home to-day, and as there was no
trains. he was foolish enough to con
ceiye the idea of coming down on raft.
In accordance with this idea he made
enc and boarded it two miles below
Grafton. For a piece he did all right,
but upon reaching Valley Falls he was
thrown from the raft into the rapids
on two occasions, but was lucky
enough to retain his hold en- the cross
tie raft. He arrived at this place this
afternoon and by swimming and being
helped by the many persons who were
watching the river, he reached the
shore safely more completely
scared boy never was seen, and it was
through him We learned Of the many
bridges going out at Grafton.
The following reports from places
near here were secured by your cor
respondent over the telephone and will
give an idea of the immensely OF the
waterfall in this section:
Mon0ngah-315 p. m.-The water Is
rising here about fourteen inches per
hour. A small creek which empties
into the West Fork river at this place,
overlooked its banks this morning and
raised 10 Nluu III lniGt ltAtAEo VI tiiN
mouth of mine No. 3. AS all the mines
are connected, 'the miners had TO quit
work, and ii was by the hardest work
that an embankment was made which
protects the mine from the torrents.
Farmington-5 p m.-The water here
has flooded the town and is in many OF
the business and dwelling houses.
Barnesville-4:5O p. m.-The water
here is raising at the rate Of seventeen
inches per hour Il is thought that the
large mill of the GAINESVILLE Manufac-
turing Company may go out before
morning.
Manning,on-4:5O p. m.-The water
is three feet deep on Main street and IS
lin some OF the stores.
New England M.nes-S:55 p. m.-The
water here is rapidly reaching toward
the mouth of he mine, but they may be
able 10 Withstand it by building en-
bankments. If the mines IN this sec
ton should be filled with water the loss
would be immense, but it is hoped that
the water will not get that high. Be-
tween this place and Morgantown the
railroad IS washed out in eight places,
but It has been repaired.