davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times., 1897-06-27
PILED into THE POTOMAC
Colored ExcurSiOnists' Exciting
Experience at Motley Hall.
WHARF SINKS UNDER THEM
Scores of Men and Women Founder
in Five Feet of Muddy Water
Fortunately, Owing to the Low
Tide, There Were No Fatalities.
Rotten Planks the Cause.

A section OF the wharf at Motley Hall
collapsed about 9:15 O'Clock Friday night,
while crowded with coJored excurslonists,
and between twenty-five and thirty mcn,
women and ch ildren were precipitated into
the river Fortunately, the Potomac was
at low tide, and no fatalities resulted,
although there We're several narrow es-
capes from drowning, and also few
minor accidents.
An all-day excursion had been given
by the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church
to Motley Hall, which is a resort on the
Maryland side of the river, about eight
miles below this city. The steamer Mat
tano made four trips during the day,
carrying down nearly 500 people. She
had Just reached the wharf at the Hall
70 bring back to this city the remaining
500 to 35O excuTsionists when the acci-
dent occurred.
The steamboat sounded several" toots" on
her whistle to announce her arrival. These
we're mistaken by the colored people for
the ''all aboard signal, and a rush was
made for the outer edge of the wharf.
AS the forward part OF the crowd reached
the apron" or chute, on which the gang
plank is placed, there was loud cracking
sound, followed by crash
The warning cry of man; Look out,
the wharf is going down!'' came too late.
a section of the wharf about twelve feet
long by six or eight feet wide sank a few
feet and then slid outward, carrying it's
freight Of humanity into the stream. Pierc-
ing shrieks mingled with the hoarSe shouts
of men, added to the exciting scene.
The women struggling in the water
clutChed each other by the garments and
the river surface presented wriggling
mass of hum anity Special Officer Edward
Brockenborough, who was on the steamer,
used the safety rail as an inclined plane.
while several members of the Mattanos
crew sprang overheard and assisted the
men and women TO climb up TO place of
safety.
Manager Woolen and Capt. hfilstead, Of
the steamboat, threw overheard all the
hawsers and ropes as life lines, and col
ored men with poles assisted In fishing
out the floundering excursionists They
were all finally landed, and brought back
20 this city, thoroughly drenched and
frightened at their experience.
The water at the scene of the accident
was Only about five feet deep at the time,
owing to low tide. Had the river been
high, there might have been number of
drownings- young man named Mat
thews had his head and face severely cut
by floating planks, chains and other arti-
cles thrown 10 those overheard.
Mr. william d. Montague, of the District
license office, who is an officer of the
Fifteenth Street Church, and was present
when the wharf collapsed, stated that the
accident ives due TO rotten planks and
supports. He places no blame on the steam
boat company.
The times., 1897-06-27
.FO2ECL0s|NG THE LINES
Pacific Railroad Committees Re-
port Presented in the Senate.
TRANS-CONTINENTAL ROUTES
National Policy Involved in the
Construction of the Systems-Ac.
Against Insolvency OF Failure.
Conditions That Require Protests.

Senator Harris OF Kansas yesterday
recting Ike foreclosure of the Union Pacific
road In the report Mr.. Harris says the
most casual examination of the acts of
Congress relating to the Pacific railroads
fully establish the fact that these roads
were Intended, a nation al policy, to
constitute one great continuous national
highway from the Missouri River To the
Pacific Ocean, and, while for the sake OF
expedition the work OF construction was
intrusted TO several companies, the practi
cal and effective unity OF the line was
constantly and carefully kept in view, and
al possibility OF interference with that
object was strictly guarded.
The possible danger u insolvency or
failure OF any OF the companies was pro
vided for in the act OF March 3, 1887, and
ample power was conferred upon the Ex-
ecutive tn use money in the Treasury or
in the sinking fund To prevent tue possible
action OF any creditors of the company TO
in any way interfere with the action aud
operation OF the roads as great instru-
mentality OF the Government. When,
therefore, the executive department con-
sents to an arrangement by which this
fundamental object OF the law is abso-
lutely and forever defeated and the great
line SO highly priced is to be divided up
among warning and conflicting Interests
it is time for an earnest and emphatic pro-
test on the part OF Congress. and when.
th..r ic tha ~ ri ..,,.r
only permits, but actually participates and
aids in the execution OF this destruction,
az is shown by the correspondence. and ac-
tualiy proposes to consent To the surrender
of the sinking fund. and the enormous
sacrifice of the pecuniary interest OF the
Government, it would seem beyond the
power or the most able OF corporation
agencies to satisfactorily explain such
action.
This correspondence shows letters from
various Government directors highly ap-
proving this unlawful proceeding IL we
arc To believe the current news OF the day
some OF these directors are largely inter
ested in the proposed new organization.
and history seems To about repeat Itself,
and the practice of the Credit Mobilier
aud the construction companies OF the
past to be once more revived and put in
operation.
No information has come TO the com
mittee as to the plan of reorganization
which is proposed as a sequel to the pur-
chase Of the interests OF the United
States in the Union Pacific and the sink
inG fund, except statements in the news
papers which have not been contradicted
IL the Government has knowledge OF this
plan OF reorganiZaii ion IL has not been com
nunicated 90 Congress. and the haste i'm the
sale OF the property under the existing
egreeme5t a'ith the former Executive.
which is evidently a part of the plan, re-
quires the active intervention of Congress
in demanding full knowledge OF the plan
I'm course of execution.
The times., 1897-06-27
PROGRAM FOR THE FOURTH
Democratic Arrangements fof
Celebrating the Day.
ORATORS OF NATIONAL FAME
The Thirteen Original states 10 he
represented by as Many Spea kers.
singing of Patriotic Odes- SibIey.
of PENNSYLVANIA, and Daniel. of
Virginia, 10 Speak.

Tie program for the Independence Day
celebration at the Grand Opera House. on
Monday, July 3, under the joint auspices
OF tie National Association of Democratic
Clubs and the Democratic clubs of the
District, IS now practically complete
The exercises will commence promptly
at 10 o'clock a. M with an invocation by
the Rev. Alexander Kent, of the Peoples
Church. Of this city. to be followed by the
singing of America by the audience
Ar. Lawrence Gardner, secretary of the
National Association of Democratic Clubs,
will then Introduce the president of the
day. Hon. Joseph {. Sibley, of PennsyI-
vania, who viii, without doubt, make a
strong adc.ess. After this the usual list
of officers will be presented and con-
firmed
Hon Andrew A Lipscomb, of Virginia,
will real the Declaration of Independence.
this TO he followed by the singing If the
''Star SpangIed Banner Miss Machnicnl,
of the Castle Square Opera Company, has
accepted an Invitation TO sing the. solo
part of this grand national song, provided
her professional engagements will permit
OF her doing so. She will surely be
here unlessit becomes absolutely necessary
for her to be in Philadelphia on july 3 To
attend a final GTess rehearsal of new
opera in which she is to sing the leading
Iole.
The Grafton of the day will be delivered
by Hon John W Daniel. OF Virginia Az
the Conclusion af the oration .The Jeffer-
sonian Banner viii be sung This is a
beautiful new patriotic song, which was
written and dedicated to the National As
sociation of Democratic Clubs by Mr.. W
I. Whelan, Of this city.
Short addresses viii be delivered by rep-
ressntative men from the thirteen original
States. the following gentlemen hav-
ing thus far accepted invitations To speak:
Hon. L. I. Handy, Delaware; Hon. William
d. Daily, New Jersey; Hon. Alexander
Troup, Connecticut; Hon. John McLaurin,
South Carolina Hon. James Kerr. Pennsyi-
vania: Hon. William Sulzer New York; Hon.
L. F Livingston, Georgia: Hon. Barnes
Compton Maryland; Hon. Claude swan
son. Virginia: Hon ]. III. 0berly, New
Hampshire; Hon 10 hn F. Fitzgerald Mas
sachusetts, and Hon. Josephus Daniels,
North Carolina
The exercises OF the day win conclude
with the singing by the audience OF eco
luBsia, the Gem OF the Ocean, and Benz
diction.''
The times., 1897-06-27
WRONG TO STEAL THE TINES.
For Doing So Small Boy Is in the
Laws Clutches.

David Stevenson, small boy of thenorth-
west section OF tile city, was yesterday
morning arrested by OFFICER Doyle while
in the act of stealing copy OF t he Morn
ing Times from the door OF No. 1928 Fifth
street, lie Droit Park.
The paper at that house mad been taken
regularly every morning for the past few
days, and complaint was made to Agent
Edward Eshleuan about the tEefts lie
kept close watch yesterday, morning and
succeededin capturing the culprt, W ho was
fined So by Judge KimbaI in the police
court.
4 number of complaints have been made
to Route y gent Eshleman by the residents
OF that vicinity and steps have been taken
toward having the houses of these patrons
of the paper watched, with the hope of
bringing 70 justice a number OF youthful
thieves W no have for some time been ply
ing their trade with success.
The times., 1897-06-27
Debate ON Cuban Belligerency.

The East Washington Deba ting Club win
hold its last session at Wtthafts Hall,
corner Third and b streets southeast, on
Wednesday, June 80, at p. m. The Off
Gers of the organization are: Messrs.
Thomas j Tydings, president: w. Trow
vice president; h. G. Gauss, secretary; W
w. Bride, assistant secretary: and H. Win
ship Wheatley, sergeant-at-arms. The
subject OF the debate for the occasion will
be: Resolved, That the United States
should recognize the Cuban belligerency."
Messrs. Thomas j. Tydings, j. Prate and
w. w. Bride viii be heard in the affirma-
tive, and Messrs. E. G. Palmer, w. e. Nc
Sulty and n. Winship Wheatley for the
negative. The judges for the debate will
be Hon. Champ Clark of Missouri, Hon C.
A. Swanson of Virginia, and Hon R. B.
BAPTIST of Tennessee.
The times., 1897-06-27
CONTAGIOUS Hosp1rAL SITE.
Commissioners Think Washington
Asylum Grounds a Bad Place.

Hon. JAMES Mcmillan, chairman of the
Senate District Committee, recently adj
dressed to the Commissioners a communica-
tion asking them whether it would be
well to locate on the Washington Asylum
grounds one Of the contagious disease
hospitals, provided for in the District
appropr iation law for j S9S.
They replied yesterday that on account
OF the character OF the institution and the
renoteness and insalubrity of the To-
cality, they deem it inadvisable to do So
They add that they have reason TO believe
that at least two of the established hos
pitfalls in the city willsbe willing TO erect
contagious disease aceosAm odations on their
grounds, as contemplated by the law max
ing provision therefore.
The times., 1897-06-27
East washington Debating Society.

One of the most interesting debates OF
the East Washington Debating Society
was, Resolved, that an income tax Is
beneficial to the United Stetes.' The
cause of all this interest was that the
debaters were obliged Co take sides against
their personal views on this subject. The
debaters were: Affirmative, Gauss and
Palmer; negative, Bride and Wheatley. The
judges decided In favor of the negative
The next debate was, Resolved, that the
pension system is both beneficial and
proper" The debaters were: Affirma-
tive, Palmer, McNulty and Dietrich; mega
tive, Bride, Wheatley and Tydings The
judges decided in favor of the negative.
On this debate the debaters were allowed
TO take sides according to their views.
Resolutions Were passed ordering the as
sistant secretary to send The Times an
invitation to send reporter to the de-
bate to be held at Witthaft's Hall,
June 80
The times., 1897-06-27
GUILFoRD INJURED.
bicycle Rider Run Into by Dayton
Wagon. Is Badly Hurt.

Edwin Gulford, a messenger In the
Treasury Department, living at No. 81 4
Third street northeast, while riding
bicycle on F street near Twelfth yeste:-
day was knocked down by a dayton
wagon, and painfully, though not serious
ly. injured.
Another wagon passed between NJ.
Guiford and the dayton tust before they
coliided, so that neither he nor the driver
saw the other until too late.
Mr.. Guilford was struck by the iron
step Of the vehicle and all the skin scTaped
from his left side, and two of his Iibs
fractured. He was carried in the dayton
to his home, where he Will he confined by
his injuries for some time to come.
The times., 1897-06-27
ROBBED HIS YOUNGER BROTHER.
Joseph Escaville Testified Against
in Court by His Father.

Joseph Escaviile, welldressed young
man, was yesterday brought before Judge
KimbaIl in the upper police court on the
charge OF stealing money from his younger
brother
The father of the young man, Mr. william
NJ. Es:aville, took the stand against lis
son and testified that he was incorrigible
He said that he had tried to reform him
by sending him to school, TO college and
TO the Navy, but without success He was
recert tly discharged from the Navy, and
since that time had committed various
thefts-
,Ioseph pleaded guilty and was sentenced
to sixty days in jail.
The times., 1897-06-27
Reauisitions for Pensions,

The Secretary OF the Interior granted
requisttolss ON the Treasury for the pay
ment OF pensions as follows: Washington,
D. c., S4hn,o0o; Topeka, Kas., 100000;
San Francisco, $275, 900. Pittsburg, ST.
S5o,0oo; Philadelphia, $175.OO0; New
York, $175,oo0; Milwaukee, $4,000 600;
Louisville. 100000; Knoxville, $780, 900:
Indianapolis, $4,000: Detroit, $3.50, 900;
Des Aoines. So, ,275, 900; Concord, $775,0OO;
Columbus, $40e, 900; Chicago, So, 100000;
Buffalo, 81. $50 900: Boston, $3.50, 600; Au-
gusta, Me-, $3.50 900; total, $14.65O, 900.
The times., 1897-06-27
Evidences of a Wreck.

New York. June 26-The steamship
Chnstiani, which arrived in port this
morning, from Hamburg on June "a
passed evidence of IA recent wreck. in lati-
tu,le Al 20, longitude So so. Floating
in the water with several pieces of wreck
age was part of cabin deck apparently
of sailing vessel. 1t had beea in the
water but short time.
The times., 1897-06-27
Death OF Miliionaire Troop.

Scranton, Pa, June 26.-Dr. Benjamin
H. Throop died here this morning, aged
nearly ghty 81 X years. He was Il
native Of Oxford, N. Y. In the early
part OF the rebellion he was appointed by
Gov. Curtin as surgeon of the Eighth
Pennsylvania Reserves, and he originated
the field hospital service OF the Union
army. He leaves an estate of nearly
e2. 900 900.
The times., 1897-06-27
THE EASTERN BRANCH FLATS.
Commissioners Signify Their Ap.
proval of the Senate Bill.


The Commissioners yesterday signified
their approval of Senate bill No. IS, pro-
viding for the Improvement and reclama-
tion of the Eastern Branch flats The
bill reads that 1.-The Secretary of War is
hereby directed to prepare and submit to
Congress on the first Monday in Decem-
ber, 1892, project for the improve
ment of the Anacostia River and the
reclamation of its fats from the lines
OF the District of Columbia to the mouth
Of said river, with an estimate of the
Cost of same, and report on the area
and ownership of the land 60 be re-
claimed, and, il any portion or said land
is vested in private persons, an estima te
OF the cost OF acquiring the same, and
the sum of $4,000, or SO much thereof
as may be necessary, is hereby appro-
priated to pay the costs OF survey and
other expenses
The times., 1897-06-27
THE KILBRErH FUNERAL.
Simple Service Over the Remains
of the Late Collector.

Simple Service Over the Remains
of the Late Collector.
Southampton, n. Y, June The funeral
of the late Collector Kilseth took place at
noon today in st. Andrews Episcopal
Church. Rev. Gordon T. Lewis conducting
q simple service. A number of beautiful
floral pieces We're contributed by people
of the village, among whom the deceased
was great favorite. A party of one hum
dred from New York, many OF them en-
ploycs Of the custom-house, were present
Ex-President Grover Cleveland had ex-
pected to attend the funeral, but was un-
able to make connections with the train.
Mr.. Cleveland sent his regrets to the af
flicted family.
The times., 1897-06-27
Kniebts of St. john Election.

Erie, Pa, June 26.-The international
convention of Knights of st. John adj
journed today TO meet at Detroit in saS.
Supreme officers were reelected, except
Col. Speckert, of Kentucky, defeated for
supreme trustee by John B. Todenbier,
OF Detroit Columbus, Ohio, commandery
won the prize drill.
The times., 1897-06-27
TERRIFIC POWDER EXPLOSION.
Two Men Blown TO Atoms Near
Alton, Ills.

Alton, ILL.,, June 26.-An explosion &C
Cured at the Equitable Powder Works,
three miles east of Alton, last evening.
The corning mill was blown up, and George
Scott and John Boss, both single men,
were blown to atoms.
The shock of the explosion was felt
in all the surrounding country, and was
at first attributed to an earthquake. The
cause is unknown.
The times., 1897-06-27
Lnred 10 a Gxnsr Camp.

Boston. June 26.-The seven-year-old son
Of William Broadbent, OF Cambridgeport.
who disappeared on Thursday,is is believed
to have been stolen by gypsies. The gyp-
s;es We're encamped in the vicinity of the
Newton line and they have been seen neV
the Broadbent house.
The times., 1897-06-27
Juvenile Batbers Fined.

Four small boys, Luther Coleman. Irwin
Shelton and William Thomas. eolored, and
Joseph Chase. white, OF East Washing
ton, were yesterday fined 81 or three
dsys in Jail each for hathing in the Eastern
Branch near the Third street wharf.
The times., 1897-06-27
A vAGRANT BRIDEGROOM.
Part of WIN. Strang'> Honeymoon
Passes In the WorkhouSe.

Passes In the Workhouse.
william strang, an old soldier and a
Swe,le, pleaded guilty in the lower police
court this morning TO charge of va
grancy and drunkenness, and was SEN
fenced to serve ten days in the work
house to regain soberneSs.
Strang recently married Mrs Mary e.
Robinson. whose husband was suddenly
killed by being crushed beneath the wheels
OF the animal wagon of the health depart
rrent, of VIII ch he was the diver.
1t appears that the groom had received
about $3.50 back pay several days ago,
and with this the couple went TO Balt-
more on trip Strang returned to the
city in a drunken condition, and was ar
rested by Officer Bassford for vagrancy.
The times., 1897-06-27
Licensed to Wed.

Marriage licenses have been issued to
Charles A. Ewell. Of Boston, and Sibel G.
Minor, of Washington; and John A. BBe y,
of Howard county, Maryland. and Mamie
Wiley, of Frederick county, Virginia.
The times., 1897-06-27
cOLIIDED WITH A wHEEIMAN
Italian Seriously Injured by a BIZ
cycie at Athletic Park

II. Mcssineo. an italian shoemaker, living
at No. S26 Ninth street, met with a painful
accident by coiliding with bicycle ut
Athletic PARK yesterday afternoon His
coliar5one was broken and he was other
wise badly bruised. DR.. Bahr treated his
Injuries and reduced the fracture at the
Emergency Hospital
The times., 1897-06-27
linton pacific Reorpan,za tiop.

New York, June 26.-The Union Pacific
Reorganization committee, Louis Fitz-
gerald. chairman, gives notice that 1t has
declared operative Its plan of reorganiza-
tion, dated October 10, 1895, with the
notifications already published
The times., 1897-06-27
Tramp millionaire ON the Road.

Mount Vernon, H., June 26.-James
Berry, the tramp millionaire, loaded his
horse and buggy and other belongings into
q box car this morning and left the town.
He said he was going to Buffalo, n. Y.
All suits against him have been dismissed
The times., 1897-06-27
TWENTY YEARS FOR hartley.

Nebraska's Ex-State Treasurer's
Long Term for Emhezz.ement.
Omaha, Neb, June 26.-Judge Baker
today sentenced ex-State Treasurer Joseph
Barley TO the penitentiary for twenty
years, and to pay a fine of S303, ,76s, dou-
BILE the amount he was convicted of steal
ing He took his sentence coolly. and gave
notice of appeal
The times., 1897-06-27

DR.. Henry's Blood Tess regulates the or
gans and makes perfect health 1t
The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1897-08-28
NEwsY CENTERvILIE ITEMS.
A Newspaper Change and Other
Matters OF Current Interest.

"A Newspaper Change and Other
Matters OF Current Interest.
Centerville, Aug. 21.-F. +. Hartford
has again taken charge of the Center.
vile Chronicle-lndex, o. w. Dingman
retiring. Mr.. Dingman expects to go
either TO Alton, Ia, or Nermillion,
S.. d..
Mrs. William Higinbotiam left for
Connecticut yesterday for a visit of
two months or more.
Centcrville has had to get along
without electric lights for ten days or
two weeks on account of the repair
ing of the dynamo.
Quite n number of C~cnterville's
young people are making arrange
ments to attend either the Vermillion,
Mitchell or Yanlston colleges this com
ing year.
Wm. Hufsmith and family have late
ly returned to Centerville from Ten
nessee, where they have been located
a year or two. They drove all the way
from Tennessee and are glad to get
back to South Dakota.
d. W.. Noble is in Missouri for a
short time looking up the apple crop
and.will purchase IL carload or two for
sale this winter.
Amateur photography is getting
quite a hold on the people of Center
vile, and quite Il number now have
god outfits and are doing very good
work.
Attorneys G. NJ. Madden and sister.
comprising the law firm of Madden Il
Madden, are working up II good prac-
tice.
Since Centerville defeated Parker so
badly at the last ball game, Il club
has been unable to get n game ar
ranged, although the boys want one
badly.
The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1897-08-28

proclamation.
In obedience to a. custom established
by my predecessor and in compliance
with the provisions of an act of congress
approved June IS. 1894, designating the
first Monday in September, celebrated
and known as labor's holiday as a le-
gal public holiday. !, Andrew j.. Lee,
governor of the state of South Dakota,
do hereby proclaim Monday, Septem-
ber6, 1897, as d legal holiday throughout
this state, and ask OF every citizen its
faithful observance.
1T is hoped that the public will not
view this celebration as q mere play day
for those who work with their hands at
hard labor. h occasion is much broad
er in its requirements and is worthy Of
the sincere devotion not only of those
who toll in the shops, in the stores and
at the desks in the offices of our towns
and cities. but of everyone. Since by la
Dor all must live, there is no place where
labor ceases to b. the prevailing inilu-
ence; it is everywhere; 1t is everything;
1t is the basic principle of mans exist
ence. There is no point at which the
truly honest nan can rest and say he
has no Interest in the work of others
oAANA % ~ 'oRNi NAN sSio Va " u III Liz
fruits thereof. Incidents are arising ev-
cry day to emphasize more wildly the
fundamental concern which all men
who are not masters of industry should
have in the welfare of their neighbors.
1T is suggested that this day be a fit
ting occasion for the people to gather In
their public houses and grove and take
under consideration the many problems
fresh in the public mind. Ar injury to
one is the concern Of ALL and those who
desire that Christian relations shall be
maintained between employer and m
ploye, who would elevate men without
capital to a place OF independence in the
nations economy and who would pre-
serve popular liberty at all hazards,
should cheerfully and enthusiastically
participate in h observance of the
day."