davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

on 1t, and a bicycle. I havs got three
wheeler. but even Oster can ride that.
1 want a two-wheeler Woger says you
don't come when it is warm weather,
but it is cooler to-day, and i am going
to wear my overcoat. Please don't for
get Manner and Leslie; he was sick nine
weeks, but he can go all about now; and
please don't forget, L amt named Dick.
Brooks's horse is named Dick. Don't
forget my Mama calls me
CEsTON SYDNOR.
Dear Santa Claus:
Come as of old
And bring to me
From out the cold,
A doll baby, scrap-book, and tree,
Some cakes and candy,
If you will 10 me.
Don't forget Cousin Doris
Bring a doll that goes to sleep;
She is good and will not peep;
And little Clarence, he's so cute,
Bring to him a gun to shoote;
Cousin Henry has a nice boy,
Bring to him a pretty toy.
HONOR FLOURNOY.
Dear Santa Claus:
Please bring me doll,
A table, tea-set and all;
Some candy, nuts, and everything;
But please don't forget my ring.
When you come, If l am asleep,
Down the chimney softly creep,
Leave me a carriage full Of toys,
I'll awake If you make much noise.
MARY l.. HERNDON.
December II, 1897.
Dear Santa Claus:
When you come out to visit
The boys in the cold,
Bring me something to suit
A boy seven years old.
CABELL c. DAVIS.
Dear Santa Claus,
Without a pause,
And for a very good cause,
I'll tell you what 1 want.
When you come in the night
Bring a tricycle. bright
A box of handkerchief5 small,
And a game that can be played by all.
There are some kinds Of candy like
very much
Though there are others l will not touch.
Now, don't forget my brother, two,
And dear little baby Lou.
MARGARET MAUDE SMELL
To Santa Claus:
As Christmas is approaching fast,
Some Christmas gifts I'd like to ask,
For Little Nita and Sister Nan,
OF Santa Claus, that dear old man.
First OF all I would choose
A pretty doll with golden SHOES.
With large eyes Of color brown,
And a real, pretty, nice blue gown.
Again, want a pretty mug;
Also. a japanese painted Jug;
A set Of nice dominoes,
Cakes, candies, and niger toes.
Now, 1 want a pretty book,
With many pictures at which 10 looh'
And firecrackers-I want some;
And with this request l am done.
Miss ANITA HANCOCK,
years old.
Mr. Editor: Please send this to santa
Claus.
Dear Santa Claus:
| don't want You TO think
That am greedy. for l want
A nice mink,
And nice. pretty doll
All dressed up in pink
And you can bring anything
Else that you think.
remain your little friend
JULIA HALL1HAN.
Dear Santa Claus
please bring me a gun. have wagon
M would like TO have a drum. l nave
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

a. a box OF wr1shting paper and little
S,llcss and n lock bracelet. o. Sandy
Laws would be just delighted.
Snow sandy Claws, is poor for Christ
mas things for the children. Let the
children have their merry Christmas. Let
su the children be well and thanking for
christmas. l will close my letter as It
% getting late and near bed time. Your
Soar friend ANNIE HENDRICKS.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

Dear Santa Clause:
want a big picture book.
And a cane with a crook.
want a pair OF skates,
And some candy and dates;
And a skyrocket and squibs,
Now, Santa Clause, tell US no fbs.
BLEDSOE BEAL.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

Dear Santa Claus:
Please bring me gun. nave WASH ,"o
NJ would like TO have a drum. l have
se,,oral brothers. and we can have SOL
,,ior comnany. and 1 can be the drummer
no not forget to bring me some fireworks.
am not greedy, but would like some
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

Dear Mr.. Santa Clause:
Please bring me saddle and horse
IN mt Il on. / would Ike to have
bicycle or a BILLY Goat, box OK
marbles and some horn agates, cannon
a air rifle, a train OF cars, and a track
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

Dear Santa Claus:
MY papa told me you had left Klondike
n month ago for the beauty spot OF the
globe RichmonD, with something ! prize
moxe than gold. because l told him L
wanted a shoo-fiy hobby-horse, a drum
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

We are so many ] seriously fear
ola santa won't stop with his deer
To remember each one. He would find
Ills sleigh too small. he too kind;
Whatever my deserts, will wait and see
And ever thankful 10 Santa Will be.
Am good as average girls of eight,
But mamma and papa says not first
rate. ELSIE NOEL
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

an years old and stout.
And love 10 run around and out,
With good boots and overcOat
Can run and ride the billy goat.
LEON NOEL
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19
Dear Santa Claus:

Dear Cuntl LEdU5'
/ am little girl years old, ana have
always loved you very dearly, SO please
don't forget me this Christmas. Wouio
like a book. a doll. and little bed 10 put
INV doll I'm. will not write for anything
else. as / know you have so many stock
ings 10 fill. Dear Santa Claus, do not
forget TO bring my little brother John
something, too. Your little girl,
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

candy. nuts, oranges, raisins, and other
things included at Christmas times. VIII
be satisfied with these, and greatly
obliged. Yours truly,
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

to run on; little dog and pretty pic
ture book, a horn, and overcoat.
'man-in-ring" set. Yours very truly,
CHARLES ii. STOUT.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

I am wears old and busy all day.
And bad as most boys, mamma and papa
say.
VIII try and be better with express
wagon
VIII stay in yard and have my own fun
And pray Old Santa. my wish may come
CARLISLE NOEL
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19
NV Dear Santa Claus;

Nv Dear santa Claus;
I'm "A good little girl,
lexccpt when I'm naughty. my hair
doesn't curl.
Tboueh II Il grows longer twill hang
on NY 'forrid."
And when am bad. am certainly "hor-
rid"
G, now. II YOU think deserve anything,
I would like new dolly, a pretty gold
ring,
table with dishes. so dolly can eat,
Ana a little red chair when she wants a
nice seat;
And. dear Mr.. Santa, Ia welcome with
pride
A cute little carriage, 80 Dolly can ride.
Rut n YOU should find that you cannot
bring all,
lust set Dolly's presents. won't cry
at an
II you've nothing for me; but please
don't forget her,
rrsouch DO want a nun, and collar Of
fur,
And now az you drive through the bleak
winter scenery,
please remember
TrTZABETH CALDWELL CHENERY,
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

lam G. 1 been so most half year.
am a red-hot railroad man. l am Dig
per'n oster tosier, and ] am Z: ana W
man. too. One day Tom said was
mean little Gus. / amt none. When
was walking with "Buckwheat tha'
sunday, he said ] was good NUT pos
I want a dunn and yelIoH hIu' az y
candy basket, and train WIN - anu
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

Dear Santa CLAUSE
I want a little race-track, what hae
little round fence to II, and IL has three
men what is riding bicycle, and bring me
a sled, and bring mo billy goat, jumper.
and a little whip and a little pair OF
reins. HANSON M'KENNEY.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

Dear santa. -
How do YOU do? ] am well,
And hope you are, too.
want a baby and set OF dishes
some nuts. and few candy hshes'
This will do, so good by to you.
HETTIE II. MELTON.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

Dear Santa Claus;
Please bring mo zilophone, Win rouho
things going across and red Things on ,ns
side, and balls on the end OK inc sucxs'
a clowns suit and soldiers suit; a
banio. trombone, hunting horn with a
black mouthpIece on II and red and white
strings; goat and wagon. Bring me a
Christmas-tree with things on 1t. want
some baby-wakers and little popcrackers,
and sky-rockets and Roman candies.
Dear old Santa Claus, I'm going TO leave
a dollar on the mantepiece for you
Goodbye,
TOM WINSTON BOILING.
p. ST. forgot; / want tomahawk ana
dog-Inife II. w. Is.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

wish you woud bring me lttei car.
with Httel iron horses hooked TO fhsr
IittI car. This here you can read. Am ~
Intel boy years old, and am littel 10
go to schol and can't make written LETT
tors vet GORDON GRACE.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

Dear Santa Clause: ,.u.
There are six OF US, and l am the QUEST
They asked me TO write 10 you Tor lne'n.
Johnny is the 9-months-oid paoy' WILLIS
n shoo-fy rattle or something he can
bite on. Eunice Is years old, wants TWO
doll-baby's carriage. Emma, who Is
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

Dear Santa Clause:
am a boy OF 9 years old. have no
mama this year, for God called her away
from Johnnie and I last winter, SO
know. dear Santa, you won't forget us.
will you? We live with Grandma and
Aunt Kate, SO you can find US there.
would like TO have a wagon and oox
OF tools. and some fireworks. Brother
Johnnie wants a magic lantern and some
fireworks. With love and kisses, am
your dear little boy,
MARTIN TRAYLOR.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

Dear Santa Claus:
don't want you TO think
That / am greedy, for l want
A nice mink,
And a nice. pretty doll,
All dressed up in pink,
And you can bring anything
Else that you think.
I remain your little friend
JULIA HALLIHAN
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-19

Dear Santa Claus;
Please bring me a pair OF skates,
box of handkerchiefs, gold watch. and
lots of games, and that Is all. Please
bring them. From VIRGINIA,
To Santa Claus.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-10-16
EAST PROVIDENCE.
Town Council Holds a Special Meeting.
Tn: BaStariy Case Discontinued.

A special meeting OF the Town Council was
held yesterday afternoon and petition was
presented 10y the Union Telephone S Tole-
graph Company, successors TO the Nixon Tele-
phone Company giving the new company all
the rights and privileges Of the old one. The
petition WIS granted. petition was received
from Margaret Sullivan, Administrative of
the estate Of Cornelius j. sullivan, asking
that the liquor license belonging 20 tho estate
be transferred TO Patrick J. Monahan, and the
matter was continued with order OF not ice.
A license was given the Church of the Sacred
Heart for an entertainment. The Kings
Daughters of ST. Marys church were also
granted permission to hold an entertainment
in the town hall.
Yesterday afternoon in tho Seventh Dis
trict Court Joseph Charette, aliss Joseph
Carr, was placed on trial for bastardy. AT.
ter the testimony OF the woman had boon
heard the case was continued on the ground
that she was not a resident Of the town
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-10-16
CAPTURE OF CRIMINALS.

Chicago, oct. J6.-Chief of Detectives
Colleran and four OF his men have ef-
fected one OF the most important cap
lures of criminals recorded for years
past. Four of the most successful and
daring burglars of the United States and
Canada are under arrest and $4,000
worth Of stolen property awaits identi-
ficaton. The men under arrest are
"Sheeney Joe" Rubenstein, the leader
and brains of the gang; Harry Rogers,
James F'laherty and James Williams.
Letters in the mems possession showed
they had been taking a flying trip from
coast TO coast. robbing right and left.
They had agreed to meet in New York
city Oct. l and then st. Louis. where tho
goods would be disposed Of. Evidence
was found on their persons indicating
that they had committed robberies at
New York, San Francisco, Salt Lake
City. Denver, Colorado Springs. Rome,
Rochester. Dunkirk, Buffalo and Troy,
y. Y; Omaha, Galveston, Davenport,
Sandusiy. Milwaukee, Cleveland, Lon
don, Ont, Quebec and other Canadian
cities.
''Sheeney Joe" and Harry Rogers,
alias "the dip" are Canadian thieves
and Flaherty and Williams are New
York crooks.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-10-16
WARREN.
Death OF Mr.. X nnicut-G .neral Not.s
About Town.

Mr.. Robert Kinnicut, well known in
town, died Friday at his home on the
Swansea road, at the age Of 76 years. MIR.
Kinnicut was native Of Warren and
the son Of Shubael kinnicut. For many
years hs held the position Of justice of the
pence and was prominent speaker and
debater at all town meetings One sister,
Augusta, survives him at the advanced
age of SO years His ance' 'tors were
among the first settlers in Warren.
Miss Annie Ferris is visiting friends in
Steepbrook, Mass
Miss Annie Adams has returned from
Fall River. where she has been spending
a few days
At the weekly meeting of the Warren
Whist Club. the first prize, for ladies. q
loving cup. was won by Mrs. NJ. l..
Bosworth and the second, a silver fruit
spoon by Mrs. +. II. Champlin. The
gentlemen's first prize. Dresden China
clock. was won by Mr.. II. ii. Clark, and
the second a china match ana ash holder.
by N. l.. Boswortsh.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-10-16
CRANSTON.
POcass:t Fire Company Tests lis Engine.
G n raj Men ion.

POcass.t Fire Company Tests lis Engine.
G n raj Men ion.
About fifty members of the Pocasset
Fire Engine Company had practice
squirt with their hand engine last even
ing. The distance to which the water
was thrown was 1521l feet. The men en-
joycd the sport. They are becoming
adopts mt the business and are lengthen.
ing their records. After the squirt tho
company enjoyed chowdcr aud q good
time in their old quarters in the rear of
Town Hall
The Providence Gas Company intrs.
duccd gas into Princess avenue, Cranst9n,
to-day.
Several cases of scarlet fever are re-
ported to oxist in Crauston.
The Warwick band has kindly volun-
teercd to discourse music the first even
ing OF tho Pocasset Firemen's fair. The
kind offer has been accepted.
Tho man saw an animal in his way 1t
was dark and SO he thought it was cat.
The man kicked the animal and since
that time the 9entleman's clothes have
been airing on the clothes-line in the
yard. The animal was skunk. The
one in question was crossing the pave
mcnt on Cranston street. in Cranston,
when 1t so unexpectedly perfumed the
pedestrian 's clothes.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-10-16
THREE KILLED.
Panic In a Theatre Caused by Break-
ing of the Dome.

Cincinnati. oct. 16.-About so o'clock
last night. as the performance at Rob-
inson's Opera House was in progress.
the plastering began to fall from the
centre OF the ceiling, 40 feet above the
heads Of the people i'm the parquet. This
continued three minutes, causing a rush
from the house. The theatre and gal.
lcries were partially emptied when the
dome in the centre OF the roof. with its
supporting timbers and trusses. came
laundering down. The dome extended
across the house and was about 30 feet
wide.
When II fell the ends struck both sides
of the gallery. crushing II, scattering
timbers in every direction and finally
landing in the centre of the parquet
Scarcely anybody was hurt in the bal.
Cony or dress circle. There were very
few in the gallery at the time. The in
jured are those who had not escaped
from the parquet
The list at the hospital showed three
dead, five dangerously. If not fatally
wounded, and 26 more or less seriously
injured. In addition 20 those a large
number. probably % or 30, were slightly
injured, but able 20 walk home. The
scene In front of the hospital doors was
a sad one. Hundreds OF people gathered
there, clamoring for the names Of the
injured.
The damage TO the structure was
nothing at all 20 the stage. compar.
atively little 20 the gallery. which suf
fered most. almost nothing 10 the dress
circle. and much less than one would
think from the debris scattered around
through the rarquet where the main
truss landed.
Among the first 10 enter the buildne
after the dome had fallen was Pre- sident
George W. Bapp OF the Cincinnati
chapter OF the American gstitute of
architecture. 1T was not the dome
said hp. pointing to the huge heap i'm the
centre ot the i'oor. that caused the
trouble. The fault lay with the root
trussos. The house has been built more
than - years. and the wood shrank until
the bolts and nails afforded the smallest
possible security. one of these trusses
had rottcd away from its fastenlugs:
it parted and threw the two sections
down. and these In their descent pulled
the dome with them The wood trusscs
are ~ pine and shrink very perceptibiy
In the course OF years They should be
examined every five or six years.
Modern structures are put up with
steel trusses. The roof of this theatre
Is liable to come down az any minute"
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-10-16
ViNCENT'S CONVICTION
That Mrs. Luetgert Wandered Away
From Her Homo In Chicago

Chicago, oct. 16.-During all the hot
afternoon session OF court cX-Judge
Vincent pleaded with the jury to spare
the life of his client lie argued that
there was nothing in the alleged love of
Luetgert for Mary Siemmerng the SER
want girl, that would inspire the sausage
maker to commit such a daboic crime
as was laid at his door. The attitude OF
Luetgert toward the girl was declared
To have been that OF father toward his
daughter rather than OF an employer
toward servant
EX-Judge Vincent seemed 10 realize
that his was the one last plea. and this
.'act inspired the orator with eloquence
of fire. During one of his outbursts ne
shouted, turning suddenly toward Luet-
CERT; They have for months been
throwing mud at him and mud at hin
and mud at him"
AT each repetition OF the phrase the
speaker reached down and dashed ar
imaginary handful OF mud i'm Luotgerts
face. Then he stopped suddenly. Fac
ing the jury he stood silently for a mo-
ment. and then added. And we have
been scraping It on"
Witney9es who had testified for the de-
tense wee praised while these who hao
appeared Tor the state were declared &c
have been for tie most part the per.
iured dupes cf the police Ex-Judgt
Vincent declared II as his firm conviction
that Mrs. Luetgert had wandered away
while demented. and II sne was dead her
death was not due TO any act OF her hus.
band
II will not say thar clrcumstant.a
evidence does not sometimes point {,
guilt" he observed. but : VIII say. anl
affirm with emphatic warning To you
that condemninE 60 death human be.
Ing on purely cIrcumstantial evidence Is
a dangerous proceeding. Can-any Of
you in the jury box sey that Mrs. Luet.
CERT viii not return before have ceased
this argument Can you say she vii
not come back noxt week. next month
next year or IN the dim future? Un;esi
yu can, q reasonable doubt exists in
your mlnd and ycu must give this prs
onor tho hrref' ~ g."
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-10-16
From Neighboring Towns.
PAWTUXET VALLEY.
Bicyclists in ColliSitn-Mr. Hackiey
Beaten by Two RulfianS.

A head-on collision between two
bcvclists occurred ut Clyde last evening
anu both men were thrown from their
wheels one of them striking his face on
the car track and cutting "A cash nearly
the whole length of his jaw. Neither
bicyclist had light on his machine as
required by law, and both mon were
riding at tast pace at the time OF the
collision.
The funeral OF Herbert Handy who
died at his home in Phenix "Wednesday
afternoon was solemniZed from his late
residence on High street today, Rev.
Charles II. Smith of the Phenix Metho-
dist church officiating. Inc interment
was in Greenwocd cemetery on Phenix
Hill.
The hoard OF directors OF the Pawtnxet
Valley Park Association held meeting
at the office of President Martin Sinn,tt
at Arctic Centre last evening and voted
to pay oil OF tho outstanding bills against
the association at once.
Thursday evening two Of the residents
Of Lippitt, who had during the day, had
little difficulty with Robert HaoSley,
son of Engineer Hackley Of the Lippitt
mill, filed themselves with lighting fluid
and lay in wait for the young man on
the main street. When Haokley cane
along they pounced on him and while one
held him the other used him for a punch
ing bag.
Yesterday the affair was reported TO
Officer Cursor who paid the sluggers a
visit.
Mr.. Hackley did not wish to push the
case as the men were = foor circum-
stances, and they escaped arrest after re-
oeiying an emphatic warning OF the con-
sequeces if they were again caught in
breaking the law.
Ihe Jericho woman whose matrimoniaA
affairs have kept the tongues of the gos-
sips wagging for the past few days, has
become tired of the notoriety given her
by the publication Of her love affairs,
and last night left the home of husband
number one without giving her intended
address, but leaving word that she i'm
mediatsly intended TO procure "a divorce
srom husband number two.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-10-16
OLNEYVILLE.
Weayers Committee Did Mt WaiIon Mr..
Fletcher-The sHoar Children.

The grievance committee appointed py
the weavers of the national mills at their
meeting Thursday evening, in Textile
Union hall, failed to wait on Mr. Fletcher
yesterday afternoon. He remained at his
Office until o'clock ana then left. say
ing he would not return until this morn
ing As the committee is TO report to-
morrow afternoon it Is expected that they
will wait upon him today.
Jane Stewart was arraigned In me
Eighth District Court today on the
charge OF being a lewd and wanton per
son. She was sentenced TO SIX months IN
the state workhouse.
What may prove a very Interesting
episode IL the case Of the children oi
Thomas holr. vagrant, who Is mt pres
ent serving "a sentence in state prison.
Hoar, up TO the tinlo Of his arrest, IVed
in Olneyville, and was complained oi py
many people as being common drunkara
and vagrant lie was arrested ana
sentenced. He is widower and sup
ported five children all of them under ten
years of age. After his arrest the RE
vention OF Cruelty to Children Society
took charge of the children. Mi. JAWS,
the pastor OF the Methodist Episcopal
Church OF this place sent three OF the
children TO Boston TO childrcn's home.
he other two were found homes by in
tcrCsted persons. Although all of this
was done with Hoar's knowle ledge OF the
transaction, yet no one asked his consent
or that he would appoint guardian.
Father Grace. the pastor of St. Mary s
Church of this place, heard about these
children and made inquiries about them.
He went to 500 Hoar in prison and got
him to sign an agreement to let the X. l..
Catholic Home take care of the children.
Father Grace then went TO see John
Waloh. the overseer of the poor OF Johns
ton. who also gave his consent. The
trouble now is will the Boston homo give
up the children and will Mr.. Davis make
any trouble about securing the two boys
whom he found homes foi?
An attempt was made yesterday by the
Johnston highway commissioners TO
transfer the steam roller from the farm
of 4. T.. Perkins to the poor farm OF the
town. When the roller reached Hughes
dale IL broKe down. The work of repair
ing the breaks will be finished today
and another attempt will DO made to com
pleto the trip.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-10-16
ARREST OF YOUNG SHAW.

Camden. n. J., oct. 16.-Eli Shaw was
arrested and formally charged with the
murder Of his mother, Mrs. Shaw. and
his grandmother Mrs. Vane. which oc-
Cured Tuesday morning. The arrest
was based on newly discovered evi-
dence. including the finding Of revol-
Yer of wchih two chambers had been
fired. at the bottom of a chimney. The
pistol was thrown into the chimney
through a stove pipe hole in the room
which had been occupied by Shaw. The
police also discovered upon close in
vestigation of the floor Of Shaw's room
several bloodprints.