davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-06-04
DEAF AND DESTRUCTION REIN
SUPREME IN ST LOUIS AND
VICINITY.
WILD WORK OF THE WIND
SCENE Or DISASTEH. SHROUEED
IN AP:LL DARKNESS.
HUNDREDS ARE DROWNED

! Death-Dealing Cyclone Tears It's
Noy Through ST. Louis Shortly AZ
ter O'cloCA and for Thirty Minutes
Kills and Maims-It Is Estimated
That at Last 1000 Must Have Per
i ed, Many OF Them Now Lying
Cola and Liteless Beneath the sVa-
tiers of the Observation-Disclosures
and MorgueS Are Utterly Incapable
to Accommodate the Countless Vic
tims-With Ali Electric Service De-
stroyed Almost Inky Darkness
Closes Over the Appalling Scene
The Destruction of Property Impos-
sible to Estimate
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-06-04
FUTURE DECORATION DAYS.

When from this earth we've pass71
away,
May others keep this holy day
And children's children still proclaim
Their noble deeds, their deathless fame
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-06-04

much the wire failed him. Shortly af-
ter 5 o'clock the Wabash operator at
Decatur reported to the main despatch
er's Office at Forrest, Ill.,, that the cy-
clone had just passed through the
country to tie south of Decatur and it
was reported To have done great dam
age. In a few minutes he sent word
that the second storm had passed
through the country almost exactly IN
the track of the first, and that he was
unable to get any more information re
gardilg it, but that it was thought to
have done great damage in the country
lying east of East St. Louis. The op-
orators on the Alton road were unable
10 get any information from their men
in the neighbOrhooG of St. Louis. but
reported that just before all their con-
nections with that city were broken off
they had received word that there had
been a severe cyclone at Rush Hill,
which is a small town on the Alton
road, not far from Mexico, Mo. The
dispatcher's office Of the Illinois Cen
trail was unable all night to get any
information from any point on the
lines south of Centralia. 1t was re-
ported to them, however, that the cy-
clone had swept through all the coun-
try south of that point.
One Of the worst features of the dis
aster is thought to have taken place at
race track III st. Louis where races
were in full swing and the grand stand
crowded with people. Returns from
the st. Louis races were received at
the track at Lakeside, and at a few
minutes after 5 o'clock the operator
sending the report of the races stopped
work long enough to remark: There
goes tie gran stand" and then tbs
wire collapsed and nothing more was
heard from him. In a few seconds the
same message was reported from Lex
ington, KY, with the additional infor-
nation that fully one hundred ond
fifty people were dead. This informa-
ton was substantially corroborated by
the operator of the Wabash road at De-
catur.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-06-04
Renick Wiped Out.

Kansas City. Mo, May 28.-Ten peo-
pie were killed in a tornado whicl
struck the village of Labaddie, Frank
lin county, last evening and the town
OF Renick, Randolph county, was CON-
pletely wiped out.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-06-04
At BROOKLYN.

Decatur, ILL.,, May 28.-Word has
been received from Brooklyn, near
East st. Louis, that the vandalia
freight house was destroyed and thir-
ty-fve people killed in it. The Wa
bash round house is destroyed Part OF
the east appro ach to the Eads bridge
was blown away. 1t is said one hun
cred and fifty people are killed at East
ST T,nI1iS
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-06-04

The house committee on pensions has
authorized a favorable report on bill
providing a service pension for all SOL
diers and sailors who served ninety
days. 1t is estimated that it will add
30,000,000 a year to pension expendi-
lures
John Lemley, the student on trial at
Metropolis, ILL.,, for killing Benjamin
Laid at Brooklyn May, admitted the
fact and said he killed Laid on behalf
Of Nora Lesley, aged IA, who, pursued
by Laid, ran to him for protection.
He was put under bonds of $4,000.
At Fond du Lac, Wis, Judge ellison
has sentenced Charles Blanchard, an
eastern crook, tc two years in states
PRISON for burglarizing Roblee &
Thompson'S hardware store, and David
Graves to eighteen months for larceny
committed in his home town, Waupun.
The democratic territorial convention
OF Oklahoma, after the stormiest time
ever seen in Oklahoma, Endorsed Bland
for president and instructed the six
delegates of Oklahoma to vote for him
and to favor the free and unlimited
coinage of gold and silver at ratio of
Is to l.
Fire at Brillon, Wis, destroyed the
Brillon Manufacturing cOmpany's fac
tory, Barnes Lumber company's yard,
Weigand's block, c. Tesch's store and
residence, Union opera house, North
western depot, Werner's elevator and
a number of dwellings and barns.
Loss, S150,000.
The supreme court, in an opinion by
Justice White, passed upon the right
of the Bannock Indians to kill game
Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-27
A JOB FOR WILEY BRITToN.
His Friends Urging Him for Deputy
CommisNioner OF Pensions
Under NcKi iuIcy.

Washington. Dec. ESPECIALLY The
National Tribune refers to an old-time
Kans,,n as follows:
The friends OF Wiley Britton, or Kansas
City Kas are urging his name for deputy
COMMISSIONER OF pensions under the incom-
ing administration. Comrade Brittcn has
been Il citizen of Kansas for upwards of
thirty-iiye years; served in Il Kansas reg
iment Tor three years and half in the late
war: Is The author OF The Civil War on
the Border in two volumes. published by
the Putnams. New York, and favorably re-
viewed 10y nearly all the leading journals
in the United States. lie is "A member of
the American Association for the Advance
ment of Science and other scientific socie-
ties; was a clerk and special agent of the
war department. and special examiner of
tho pension office for twenty-five years,
and lost his official head under Mr.. Cleve-
land nearly four years ago on account of
his principles. lie took an active part in
the recent campaign in Kansas. under the
direction OF the Republican state central
committee. in endeaVoring TO hold the state
IN the Republican column
Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-27
EDWARDS URGES REFORMS.
Authority to Revoke I'm
used Charters.

Topeka. Dec. 26.-(Special.) Secretary of
State Edwards to-day completed his bien-
NAL report and sent 1t to the state printer
for publication. Besides advocating a
change in the constitution SO as to enable
the state to own and operate its own print
ing plant, as told in the Journal few
days ago. the secretary makes a number of
other recommendations. He says that at
least 10000 copies of the session laws should
be printed, instead of 6,eOO as at present.
The present supply is not equal to the de-
mand
He also urges the legislature to enact
law which will authorize the secretary of
state to revoke all charters where it is
known that their provisions have not been
complied with. There are now 10000 char
ters outstanding, and he asserts that less
than 1000 are in active operation, SO far
as he knows. Only about that number
comply with the law by reports annually
in that office. Secretary Edwards states
further that the work of engrossing bills
by the legislature is a useless waste of
money and he recommends that the secre-
taries of the senate and house be required
to file the original journals in his office.
Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-27
NO RED CROSS AID.
Clara Barton Says Nay TO an Appeal
for Assistance for the In-
surrent Wounded,

Jacksonville, Fla, Dec. ga few days
ago Joaquin Forum, a well known Gu
ban leader in Jacksonville, wrote to Miss
Barton. president of the American Red
Cross Society, asking for assistance for
the insurgent wounded on the island. The
reply has been received from Miss Barton.
1t is dated Washington, December 20, and
says, in part:
ut is not possible that you will attribute
any inaction on my part to want of SYM
pathy with, or respect for the all-engross-
ing subject which you bring before me,
but you will understand that, holding the
position that 1 do, L am the last person in
all our country who could act independent
ly in q cause at once so delicate and so
national. The proper and necessary condi-
tions given. l trust that there will be no
lack of sympathy found in the American
Red Cross. Hoping for better days for you,
and all lovers of humanity, / remain. most
sincerely yours, CLARA BARTON,
President American National Red Cross. "
Mr. Forum wrote a rather caustic letter
in reply, saying in part:
Noble Madame:-I am in receipt of your
favor of the Goth inst, in answer to my ap-
peal to the American National Red Cross
in favor of my suffering countrymen in
Cuba.
ut is;a conclusion so extraordinary that
an AollS " diIS7u ~ h-piihSlh6 ~ ~ ~
knowledge of the American people, that
they may know that existing circumstances
of a nature that you do not disclose make
it impossible for the highest institution of
charity in this country to offer aid to an
American neighbor and friend. 1t is my
duty as a Cuban to bring this fact before
| the American people, that they may decide
conscientiously if such. circumstances can
subsist consistently with American charity
nd Awe arfr dao- Of roIi ioin
And I. therefore, joyfully publish your
letter and my answer. giving both to the
public press. that this great people and
| their congressional representatives during
their holidays may reflect on what these eX-
listing circumstances mean, feeling assured
that the 100000 who are just and brave
and generous, will not tolerate conditions
against the handful which are neither just
nor brave nor generous.
Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-27

ment as deserter. That is the opinion
Of some Of the IeadinA lawyers connected
with either house of cong IS and the gov
eminent departments
"a presidential elector who as been con-
-Victed of dcsertion from the Union army"
said Colonel William r. Morrison, chair
man OF the interstate commerce commits
sion, who commanded Z regiment in the
war, would probably be challenged if he
attempted TO vote for his candidate, but a
great many men were marked deserters on
the rolls who were never tried. II is
nasty record, but It Is a question whether
the charge in itself would render him in
eligible from performing a civil function"
In the main, this is the view taken by
members Of the Judiciary committee of the
house. There is no doubt in the minds OF
these men that action GOULD be brought
against AN eicctor with a charge of ideser-
ton pending against him. and he might be
restrained from exercising his function as
such. That would depend largely. on the
closeness OF the electoral college. If the
opposition saw fit 10 do 50. his vote could
be challenged. and he could be made TO
stand trial. II convicted, his vote would
probably be thrown out. Whether such a
step will be taken in the present case IS
likely to prove an interesting one.
Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-27
HON. E. J. PHELPS OPINION.
Ex-Minister to England Upholds Sec
rotary OIney's Position on
the Cubau Question,

Burlington, VT, Dec. 26.-Hon. E. j.
Phelps, ex-minister to England, gives his
opinion upon the recognition of Cuba in
the following language: 81 have no doubt
that the position of Secretary Olney, as re-
Gently published, is entirely correct. The
question what government shall be recog-
nized in country where an attempt at
revolution is in progress is certainly for
the executive to determine and not for con-
gress. No legislation by that body can,
under any provision of the constitution,
decide it. They can, of course, pass reso-
lutions upon the subject If they please
but they in no respect can control the dis
erection or the action of the president. Be-
sides, no government can be recognized
until it exists. The government recognized
by other governments when a dispute in
respect to it exists is always a de facto
government. The recognition by other ma
tions of a government once in existence
must always continue until it is actually
subverted and a new one put in its place,
When 1t is overthrown and another estab-
liShed, that becomes entitled to recognition.
THE rebels in Cuba have no organized
government nor even an abiding place
which they can call their own. They are
merely a guerrilla force which could
speedily be annihilated if drawn into a
general engagement with the much supe-
rior Spanish army. 1t proves its existence
by its deNterity in aVerting an engage
ment. 1t would be absurd to say that such
a force constitutes government. or that
tho Spanish government in Cuba has been
overthrown. or that any diplomatic rela-
tions could exist between these rebels and
the government of the United States.
IF this country interferes by arms in
that contest it must be by assisting the
rebellion in Cuba to displace the Spanish
government and to set up another, and
this would he a declaration of war against
a country with which we are and always
have been at peace. 1t would be Il gross
and utterly unjustifiable violation of in
ternational law which no country can af-
ford to perpetrate.
1T would. in my judgment be fatal to
that restoration of business prosperity
which is now our most vital necessity"
Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-27
OUTLAW KILLS AN OUTLAW.
Two Members of the Famous Buzzard
Gang in Pennsylvania Have
n Fatal Quarrel.

Lancaster, Pa, Dec. 26.-Abe Henson,
colored, one of the members of the gang
of thieves and outlaws who reside on the
Welsh mountains in the eastern end of
this county, was shot ana killed last night
by his step-brother, Jerry Green, who is
also a noted criminal and member of the
same gang. Henson kept his horse and
harness in Green's stable and when he
went for it last night found Jerry had the
hreast-strap and refused to give it up. A
dispute followed. when Jerry ran into the
house and, returning with his shotgun,
showed the muzzle against Hensons breast
and fired. The latter's breast was prac-
tically blown away and he was killed in
stantly. After the shooting, Green, in COM
pany with his brother, drove to the resi-
dence of Squire Croft, in Salisbury town
ship, with the view of surrendering him.
self, but when he discovered the magis-
trate was in bed he refused to awaken him
and said he would give himself up to-day.
He also declined to return to the mount
aims and walked away. Nothing has since
been heard of him.
Henson was about 40 years old and sim
gle. He had figured on numerous occasions
as defendant in the criminal courts of this
and the adjoining counties on the east. and
has graced the jails of all OF them. Jerry
Green is also colored and has figured even
more prominently than his victim as law
breaker and resident of jai1s. He has al
ways been considered desperate man, and
carries a number of scars of wounds re-
ceived either in battle with his fellow out
laws or while following his vocation of
robbery and burglary. Both men were
members of the famous Buzzard gang
and since the last failing of those leaders
Green has been practically the head of the
outlaws.
Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-27
VICTORY OR DETERMINATION.
Major Ewing Price Says This Is the
Alternative That Confronts
the Cuban Patriots.

Cuban headquarters in this city was in
a state of fervid excitement yesterday aft
ernoon. AS is the case every afternoon,
crowd of men who have enrolled their
names as volunteers to serve in the Cuban
army as soon as the independence of the
Cuban republic is recognized by the Unit
ed States, had gathered in Colonel d. S.
Harriman's Office in the Sheidley building
TO read the newspapers and learn the lat
est news received by the colonel from the
Cuban junta at New York Yesterday
they were treated TO a description of the
war and condition of affairs as they exist
in Cuba from the lips of man who had
seen five months service in the Cuban
army. The stranger was young man
with a marked military bearing tall and
erect His sharply pointed mustache and
Soatee added to his general appearance
and impressed one with the feeling that
the man was strict disciplinarian wheth-
er it might be in the field or in his private
dressing room. 1t was only by a continu-
Gus interview that he would talk to a re-
porter. and then II was In a guarded man
ner. When asked questions concerning the
movements TO enroll men in this country
and procuring aid OF any kind for the
Cuban army, he simply stated that he was
not. seeking bunk in the penitentiary.
The stranger was introduced by Colonel
Hartman as G. Ewing Price and a COM
mission in his pocket showed that he held
the rank of major on General Roloff's stan
in the Cuban army. His parents live in
Wichita, Kas. He has been newspaper
man for several years. and last March was
sent by the Times-Democrat. of New Or
leans. to Cuba as It's war correspondent.
Il first went to Havaaa.' he said, "and
Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-27
WAR NOT so EASILY ENDED.
Iaration That He VIII Soon
Scatter the Insurgents.

New York. Dec. 26.-At the headquarters
of the Cuban junta to-day, General Es-
trada Palma and his secretaries were kept
busy answering questions as to the dis
position of the patriot forces in Cuba and
denying reports that General Maceo's
death was but the beginning of the end
of the war. In talking of affairs. General
Palma stated that the Cuban army was
now as strong in point of numbers and
enthusiasm as it ever had been, and that
the Cubans have full faith in General
Riviera, who has succeeded Maceo in
command. The Cuban forces in the prov
ince of Pinar del Rio, he said, are en-
camped on the mountain tops and could
afford to laugh at General Weyler's dec
laration that he would soon dislodge and
scatter them and wind UP the war.
General Riviera" said General Palma,
has 5000 armed men under him at pres
ent and with provisions enough to last for
six months in his mountain stronghold 1t
is simply idle talk for General Weyler to
make such sweeping declarations. There has
been and there will be no general laying
down of arms on the part of the Cubans,
such as has been reported. AS for DIR.
Zcrtucha's charges that Maceo was driven
to death by despair by reason of nom
support accorded to him by the Cuban
allies in this country, it is simply infamous
and unworthy of contradiction"
General Palma said that he had heard
nothing definite about the reported adj
venture of the Three Friends.
Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-27
A rifle was found by Viau's body. There
has been feud of long standing between
the two men over disputed tract of land.
LEADvlLLE MINER SLAIN.
Shot by One of n Party of Four Mis-
sourians-Trngedy May
Lead to TroubIe

Leadville, Col, Dec. 26.-About 2 o'clock
this morning, four Missouri miners, en-
ployed at the Bison mine, who were on
their way home from down town, met Pat
rick Carney and his wife. who had been
attending a ball. The Missourians called
Carney across the street and talked to him
a few minutes. Then one of them shot him,
killing him instantly. All the Missourians
were arrested. and Mrs. Carney has identi-
fled one of them. E. Evans. as the man
who shot her husband. The prisoners say
Carney was Intoxicated and attempted to
arrest them.
Carney is an elderly man, well known in
the camp, and is leaser, working on the
Star mine. From the standing of Carney
in the community, it is feared that this
murder will cause considerable trouble, as
the Miners Union people are highly in
censed over 1t.
Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-27
SAYS THERE ARE OTHERS"
PETERS Manager Declares. That He
Can Get "ExpOseS" for $3.50
Ench-TyYo for $3.50.

Topeka, Kas.. Dec. 26.-tspecial) J. w.
Mcrphy. the manager of Senator Pefrer's
campaign. has received no word from the
senator since the story was printed Of the
proposition of Editor Stewart, of Califor-
MIA to expose his connection with the
sugar trust deal in congress. "All | WISH"
said Morphy to-day. lis that Stewart had
y, bIished the expose II would have
helped out the candidacy OF PETER wonder
fully. The senator may have many short
eomings, and may have made many mis-
takes. but the people of Kansas will never
believe that he has been dishonest. Had
the story come out it would have proven
4 boomerang.
Why. don't you know ! have n propo-
sition from a prominent Kansas politician
in which he agrees to make serious charges
against all of Senator PETERS opponents
i'll the race and prove them. 100, for a
consideration much less than what Sewart
asks for his expose lie agrees to make
and prove one charge each on the candl-
dates for $3.50, or make and prove two for
$3.50 l have not accepted the proposition,
because we are fighting nobody. We are
making campaign for w. A. PETER and
expect TO land him"
Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-27

Cuta. and you may add that tentative ne
gotiations for the purchase of Cuba began
before my abdication and were revived
az the moment when Spain was crippled
and harrassed by international struggles.
The leading London weeklies devote much
space to the Cuban situation, and the
Stats thinks there is very little prospect
that Spain will soon be able to assert her
/ authority in Cuba and urges Great Britain,
|! with or without the consent of some OF
! thesc reat European powers, to offer. her
! good offices TO the United SuItes and SPAIN
/ The Stats attaches little Importance 10
the general Continental objection that the
United States right to interfere would be
dangerous to every European government
with possessions in America and says:
Unless one or more of the great powers
are prepared to forcibly oppose American
intervention: a mere verbal objection will
not carry weight. In case of war, Spain
will be absolutely ruined in the end. The
best friend of Spain is he who tries to in
duce her to come to some arrangement In
time"
Kansas City daily journal., 1896-12-27
VAST COAL MINE ON FIRE.
All Winter at Spring Hill,
NOyu SCOTIA

Halifax. n. s., Dec. 26.-Another great
disaster has overtaken the Spring Hill coal
mines. Just five years ago, the mines were
wrecked by a great explosion and 100 lives
lost. 1t took the best part of a year to get
the colliery in working order again. 1t
was splendidly equipped. gave employment
to LOCO men in the pits and had an output
of $4,000 tons a year. From the meager
dispatches received, it appears that fire
has complete possession of the underground
working of two or three slopes. The fire
originated in the pipeway of the east slope
In the 500 foot level. 1t soon ate its way
into the 100 foot level and developed into
a raging furnace. Wheh Government In
spector Gilpin arrived, fire was issuing
from every opening of the mine. Two Gu
polas were burned down and the bankhead
had to be torn away. The miners wofSad
hard to save their source OF livelihood, but
all their efforts in that direction were
fruitless. They tried to prevent the air
goingsinto the mine by stopping up every
airway. Mr.. Giipln bad to call the men
from this work, as 1t was attended with
great risk to their lives. should an expIos-
ion occur. which might be expected at any
minute. The flames shot 100 feet into the
air, the reflection being visible at Amherst
The extent OF the fire Is not known, but
the most disastrous consequences are
feared.
The loss of the east slope Is believed to
be complete. The machinery will be ruined.
The fire caught from an overheated
steampipe connected with the driving ma
chinery. The men worked up to the time
the mine caught fire and got out in safety.
The mine has three slopes, north. south
and east.
The loss will be enormous and the fire
will cause great destitution among the
miners, as, even IL the fire does not spread
through the entire mine. it is considered
doubtful If work can be resumed. under
any circumstances. during the winter.