davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
SO Says a Friend of the
Los Angeles School
Director.
Witness HeIlman'S Testimony
Creates a Profound
Sensation.
Mass Meeting of Citizens Called to
Discuss the DIsgraceful
State of Affairs.
Special Dispatch TO THE CALL

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9.-In the School
Board investigation this evening there
came the first rift in the cloud that sur
rounds :he reputation of Director Webb.
James w. Hellman of the Furrey Hard
ware Company tonight swore positively
that he heard Building Superintendent
Axtell tell his attorney. Frank Davis. that
he did not pay TO Webb the money OBJ
tained from Janitor Cooper as the price of
holding his position. HelIman engaged
DAVIS as Axtells attorney. He took AK
tell to Davis and introd uced him. Davis
told Axtell that he must tell HIM he truth
about the whole business or he could not
take the case. Axteli then told Davis that
the story be had told the Grand Jury was
not true. The money he received from
Janitor Cooper he paid TO a man. He'll
man heard the name of the man as told
by Axtell 10 Davis, but lie declined 70
give it. That man he did say, however,
was not Director Webb.
This opens up new line in the case
and would indicate that some one else
was about to be drawn into the blackmail-
ing line the members of the board had in
augurated with regard to employees. He'll
man was subpenaed as witness for the
prosecution. He at first declined to come,
but finally did so, and when hA did come
he made good witness for Dire ctor Webb.
lie admitted that he had assisted Axtell
in his trouble, but he positively denied
that Webb had anything to do with what
he had done for him. He swore that AK
tell had, during his connection with the
School Board, thrown him $20, 900 worth
Of business. For this he felt obligated,
and then, ne said, he thought he owed
AXtel a double obligation.
Hellmaa's testimony created a prof ound
sensation and n.porarilv dismayed the
prosecution. The Grand Jury has re-
rorted recommending that the District
Attorney proceed in civil action against
Directors Webb and Adams 10 oust them
from office on the ground of malfea sance.
The city is thoroughly aroused over the
state OF affairs and a mass meeting has
been called for Saturday evening at Music
Hall 10 discuss matters. a. II. NatZger
will preside. y hot time IS anticipated.
School Director Adams late this even.
int placed his resignation in the hands of
the president of the board. This will
have the effect OF stopping the legal pro-
ceedings the District Attorney was about
to institute TO oust him from office on the
ground OF malfeasancP.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
Will NOT FIGHT AGAIN.
Bob FtzSimmons Declares That He
Has Won Al the Glory in
the Rnq He Desires.

MILWAUKEE, Dec. 9.-Notwithstand-
ing an interview with a representative of
an afternoon paper in which Mrs. FItz-
simmons, wife of the champion pugilist
of the world, was made to say that she
would put no block in the way of another
meeting between Corbett and Fitzsim-
mons, Mrs. FitZsimmons, in a card to the
Sentinel, states that Fitzsimmons will
never enter the ring again with her con-
sent. and he is sure he won't without it.
ROCK ISLAND, ILL, Dec. Bob
FitZsimmons i'll an interview here this
afternoon said the statement that his wife,
who is now in Milwaukee, had consented to
his entering the ring again, providing he
would first meet Corbett, was untrue.
My wife" said he, would not have
me fight under any consideration. [ know
that, and what is the use of trying TO
make out anything different. ANYHOW,
even though she gave her consent, l would
not give Corbett another r chance. AS have
said many times before, L am through
prizehg hting. l won the championship,
and l won it fairy. 1 have got enough.
Now, the other Fellows can fight it out
among themselves. l am doing well,
enjoying good health, and am contented.
| have got all the glory ! want"
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
THE GOVERNOR rs RIGHT.
So the Navy Department Makes an
order Turning tyer the Marion
10 tie Naval Militia.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9.-The Navy De-
partment recently granted the request of
the Governor of California that the old
wooden ship Marion, which had become
unservlceable after long stay at Homo
lulu, be turned over to the State of Cali
fornia for the use of its naval militia.
The department decided that as San Fran
cisco had ship the Marion should 60 to
San Diego. But the Governor objected to
this, contending that the vessels loaned
for naval reserve purposes were loaned TO
the State and not to any particular BODY
OF the naval m ilitia. Therefore the STATE
and not the Government controlled their
SPECIFIC assignment. The department
studied the law on the subject, and came
to the conclusion that the Governor was
right Today the Marion was placed out
OF commission at the Mare Island navy
yard, and orders were issued that she be
turned over TO the Governor of California
for naval militia purposes.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
Southern Pacific Must
Pay or Lose the
Kentucky Charter.
Attorneys Argue EefOre the
Board of Assessment and
Valuation.
There Is a Wide Difference Be-
tween What Is Due and What
the Road Wants to Pay.
Special Dispatch to THE CALL

FRAN KFORT, KY, Dec. 9-General B.
w. Duke, Judge Alexander Hum phrey
and other attorneys for The Southern Pa
chic Company appeared before the State
Board Of Valuation and Assessment to-
day, compose I Of Auditor Stone, Secretary
Finley and Treasurer Long. The attor-
neys presen ted voluminous ana detailed
report OF the property of the company for
each year since 1892 to 1897 inclusive, on
which the board is asked to assess a fran
chlse tax. Humphrey made a statement
OF several hours in length, explaining TO
the board the stocks and bonds of the va
nous roads, express panies and other
property owned by the company, their
value, earnings of the road, etc. Hum
phrey contended that many of these roads
were operated at an actual loss, and while
the total aggregate capital stock of the
company was aboGt $12O, OO0, 900, the total
value OF stock. bonds, etc, was only $2O,-
O00,OOO, and at forced sale would not
bring half this amount
Humphrey presented the legal aspect of
the case in tue light of Judge Brewers
decision. He maintained that under this
decision the State could not tax the prop
erty owned and operated in another Stale,
but admitted that the road had a valu-
able franchise in the charter granted un-
der the laws or this State. He said he was
authorized to state TO the board tHat the
South ern Pacific Company was willing TO
pay a reasonable franchise tax if it was
assessed by the board and that they had
already offered the State $75, 900 annually
in lieu OF franchise tax, but they we're
going 10 resist payment of tax on all
stocks and bonds OF the company if such
corporations. This tax would be about
500, 900 annually. He said the company
paid about $50, 600 in California and other
amounts in other States on real property
represented By bonds, and presented the
various complications that would arise in
determining the value of stocks OF roads
etc, entangled the more by the Brewer de-
cision.
He did not suggest an amount, but one
OF the attorneys suggested on the outside
that the company would be willing to pay
on 81, 200 coo This would be a bout $l2, 600
annually to the State and with back taxes
would make the company now owe the
State over $50, 900.
The board took the matter under con-
stderatton without an expression, and will
Tx the franchise tax in few days. II Is
SAID 1t Will fix q tax on many millions.
Attorney-GeDeral Taylor said tonight
that il the com pany refused to pay the
tax fixed by the State board and he was
compelled TO bring suit, he would file
SUIT Tor a tax on the whole bonded prop
erty. A refusal to pay the tax will be fol-
lowed by bill in the Legislature in jan
uary to re pea! the charter.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
TWO LEGATIONS
REMAIN CLOSED
Nicaragua and Hondu-
ras Out in Assigning
Ministers.
Captain Merry Proceeds to
Costa RiCa and DR.. Hunter
to Guatemala.
Diplomatic Tang,e in Central
America Owing to the Stand of
the Greater Republic.
Special Dispatch to THE CALI.
CALL OFFICE. RIGGS HOUSE,
MASHINGTON. DeCem Der 9


WASHINGTON. December 81
The Department OF State is about TO
press to the end the issue that has been
raised between it and the Government OF
Nicaragua, growing out of the refusal OF
Nicaragua to receive United States Min
lister in the person of Captain Merry OF
California. The United States legation
at Managua, which has been closed
through the resident Minister, will be
permitted to remain closed for the pres
ent and Captain Merry has been ordered
to proceed to San Juan in Costa Rica to
take up his mission there.
DR.. Hunter of Kentucky who has been
appointed Minister to Guatemala, was at
the State Department to- day, and having
received his final instructions will sail
from New Y ork on the Goth inst. He goes
10 Guatemala City. the capital OF Guate-
mala, but as his case is in many respects
similar to that of Captain Merry it is prob
able that he will be confined IL his minis
try TO that country and will not be re-
ceived in Honduras, to which country he
Is also accredited. In that case Honduras
also will be without United States lega-
tion.
The trouble arises from the fact that
wnen the Greater Republic was formed it
was agreed among the party nations that
their relations be conducted through
Diet and they insisted shat Ministers from
other countries should be accredited to
this Diet. Congress had divided the mis-
sion OF Central America in such q fashion
that each OF the two missions includes
country within and one without the
Greater Republic. This fact was repug-
nan: to the nations il the league. Owing
to the terms of our appropriation act
the President was obliged TO accredit
the Ministers to the countries named In
the act. Captain Merry to Nicaragua and
Costa Rica and DR.. Hunter TO Guatemala
and Honduras, and had no authority to
accredlt them to the Diet, so the per-
sistence that Nicaragua and Honduras
have shown IN their position has resulted
In deprivIng one of them of the presence
OF any United States Minister and
threatens to do the same with the other
In this case il will be interesting to note
how the dip Omatic representation of the
Greater Republic in Washington, now
confined to a Charge, Mr.. Correa, viii be
affected.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
WILHELMINA FESTIVAL.
a Mass NJ eet:ng of Hollanders Was
Held Last Evening to Make Neces-
sary Arrangements.

A mass-m meeting OF Hollanders was held
last evening in Liberty Hall for the par
pose of devising ways and means for ap-
propriately celebrating the coronation of
Wilhelmina of Orange-Nassau. Queen OF
the Netherlands. E. I. Carvalho pre-
sided at the meeting.
A committee of arrangements was ap-
pointed which will take charge of affairs
The committee is as follows: DR.. J. Voor-
sanger, DIR, NJ. 2. Huss, E. T. Carvalho,
D. {. Henny, II. Moorrees, V. a. Ermer-
ms, a. Kinkeu berg. NJ. Van der Kamp,
DR.. G. a. J. Scheuer, J. Van Outren, E. J.
+. Peuninck and J. d d'Aqualn. The Con-
sui General was appointed honorary chair
man of the committee.
AS the coronation does not take place
until next Septem ber, meetings will be
held in the months of February, April,
June, July and August. 1t is thought a
large mum Der from outside districts will
come 10 this city TO assist in the celebra-
tion.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
Fresno Officers Unable
to Produce Her in
Court.
Interesting Fight for the Pos
session Of the Precious
Celestial Maiden.
An infatuated Stockton Merchant
Sparing No Expense to ThWart
Her Owner.
Special Dispatch to THE CALL

FRESNO, Dec. 9.-Tne whereabouts of
Fong Sim, the Chinese girl who was alb
Quoted from Chinatown on Monday even
ing and who was recovered from her kip
napers yesterday morning by Deputy
Sheriffs Hi Rapelji and VIII Henry, is
again unknOwn. The two highbnders
who tried TO make away with the 16-year-
Old maid are sull confined in Jail and
they are a sorry-looking couple of China
men. The wealthy Chinese merchant of
Stockton, who became infatuated with the
girl and hired the two high binders TO steal
her in order that he might have her for
his wife, has not given up his efforts 10
obtain posse ssion OF her Now he is re-
sorting 10 law and to-day his attorneys in
stitu ed habeas corpus proceedings to
have Miss Fong Sim produced in court in
an attempt 10 have the Chinatown
brotheI-keeper show cause why he should
keep the young woman in life of slavery.
At the hearing Deputy Sheriff Rapelii
took the stano and swore that the girl
was no longer in his possession. On his
return to Fresno Yesterday he took her to
his house. as he had been instructed TO do
by Wong Tong, the keeper OF the place
from which she had been abducted. At
IL o'clock This forenoon he gave Wong
long an order for the woman and had not
seen her since. Rapelji swore that he no
longer knows where she is.
). L. Ragsdale opposition watchman
to RapeljI in Chinatown was called TO the
stand, and swore that this morning about
10 O'Clock he saw RapeliI and Matt Rosen-
thall drive up to the house and take from
1t q woman, with whom they drove away.
In his opinion il was the woman in ques-
tion- He investigated and was told al the
Valley road station that n woman, appa-
Tently much excited, nad just left for the
south on the morning Tram.
Rapelji explained his peculiar action
by stating TO the court that he did take a
woman from the house to his own home
to see the girl in his possession. He then
took the woman back to Wong Tonc's.
Rapelii swore that he had not been near
TIE station to-day. As Rapelji did not
have the girl, the habeas corpus proceed
lpEs against him were 4 smissed.
An interesting fight is at hand for the
possession of the precious maiden. The
Stockton merchant will spare no expense,
and the Chlnaman who owns her as one
would own a horse IS determined 10 keep
her. The Stockton merchant has en-
ployed attorneys TO defend the hig hbiad-
ers who are in iall
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
WzR On the l.. Il. W.
4 Chicago Wheel C!ub May Join IN.
California AssoctGfiOm.

Il chicago UheeL C'ub May JOfn The
California AsS0ctGfiOm.
CHICAGO, Dec. 9-War is to be de-
clared against the League of American
Wheelmen by the Southside Cycling Club
unless the permanent SUSPENSION placed
on George L. Weed is removed.
If the racing board OF the L. A. W.
ignores its request to have Weed reinstated
the CLUB will resign from the league, and
form an Illinois branch OF Associated
Cycling Clubs of California. Weed, it is
claimed, participated in a race on Garfield
Park track ii September and finished
second.
The referee, however, gave Weed first
place on the ground that the winner had
been paced by man who had been
ordered off the track, and presented him
with the prize, which was gold watch
The winner of the race appealed to
Henry S. Dixon, a member of the racing
board, who overrued the referees de-
cision, which the clnb claims is final, and
ordered Weed to return the prize
This he refused to do, and Dixon sus-
pended him permanently. The club laid
the matter before Chairman Mott, who re-
fused to interfere, as the case happened in
DiXou's territory.
Members of The Southside Club propose
to show their sympathy in a decided man
ner, and will fight the l.. A. w. to the
bitter end. With this in view, they are
negotiating to purchase track, so as to
be independent OF the League.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
AN EXCEPTIONAL STAKE.
Some High Glass Dogs Running at
IngIeside Course This
Week.

This weeks coursing at Ingleside en-
braces another two-day stake. The event
is Goa fined TO dogs that have not won
third or better during the past six months,
and the entry is exceptional for its class.
The nominations were made and de-
clared at Delta Hall last evening, a. fol
lows:
J. Byrne's Clipper VS.. G. Watson's Alice u
Gibson & Moores Monitor VS.. D. Flynn's Tom
Bell: J. DicksOn's Premier VS.. MontezumA
kennels Svlvanus; T. Buffers Susie vs. J.
Quane's Fireman; J. Byrne's Nelly B. VS.. Di-
Ion IL Rhey's Granuale; J. McDermOtrs Lady
Han kaWay VS.. Curtis d Sons Commodore; NJ
Mlcnalik'S Ta-ra-ra vs. J. Andersons Lady
Jane; D. Shannon's SwInnerton vs.. J. Byrne's
Mohawk, Maher & Lynch's FL Dorado vs.. j.
ByrEe's OCcidenal; C.. Gitugan's Blue
he'll VS.. B. Doughertys Tessie Fair;
f. J. Heeney's Harkaway ii VS. NJ
TiernaR's Belle OF Moscow; W. +.
ThOmpson's Victor VS.. Cronin Il McDonald's
vs.. Kay Il Trauts Sylvia; Safer IL Glbson's
Hercules vs.. D. ShannOn's Sarcastic; o. Men
denha.ps Cricket vs.. ORIENT Kennels Uncle
Sam; p McCNbes Playmate VS.. Montezuma
RennePs Joy Bells; J. McCOrmicks Write
Lily J. Grace's Lass of GoWrfe; W. E
Thompson's High Born Lady vs.. G. Cornelius
Sonoma Skip; 5. L. Portals At Last vs. J. Nut
names Valley Maid; K. Sheas Native DaugN-
ter VS.: Montezuma kennePs Magic; f. Mu1
dend.
The running Saturday begins at l P. NJ.
consolation stake will be run also. The
run down OF the latter and the ties of the
chief feature will be run off on Sunday.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
THE WILL OF MRS. BARNES.
Life Interest Bequeathed to General
w. ii. L. Barnes.

Life Interest Bequeathed to General
w. III. L. Barnes.
The will OF Mrs, Mary NJ. Barnes, wife
of General w. H. L. Barnes, who led
about three weeks ago, was filed for pro-
bate on Monday. 1t is an Photographic will,
and George H., Frederick 5. and Charles
w. Gould, brothers of the deceased, are
made executors without bonds. The will
is as follows:
l. Mary N. Barnes, wife of W. II. L. Barnes, in
the city and Comfy OF san Francisco State
OF California, being OF sound mind and
memory, do make, publish and declare this
hoIographic will, written, stated and signed by
myself:
Flrst-I appoint my brothers, Charles w,
George H. and Frederick S Gould, the sur
VlVors or survivor of them, executors or exec
utor OF this my last VIII and testament and
ulrect that no bonds OF any kind be required
OF them.
Second-lnasmuch as I have already made
considerable advances OF money TO my son
william ) On ford Barnes, give and bequeath TO
my son JohnNinthrOp Barnes the sum OF $1,000
ana ali ana singular the personal properly in
the mouse at No. 81 Suffer street, san Fran
cisco, including al, the silver linen pictures
statuaTy, books and furniture of every kind,
subject TO the life estate herei after created.
| also beque0th to my said son John Winthrop
Barnes all my JeweIry and articles of adOrn-
ment, my camePS-hair shawl and my wearing
apparel.
Thlrd-I give, devise and bequeath to nv
nus band, W. Ii. l.. Barnes, all and singular
my property OF W hatever name or nature the
same may be and wheresoever situated, to
have and TO hold the same and the rents, in
come and profits thereof for and during the
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
STARVING SOLOIERS.
FrightfUI Condition of Affairs on
Board the British Troop
Shin Evocn.

CAPE TOWN, Dec. The British ship p
Avoca, with about 1000 men on board
from Jamaica for this port, has arrived
here safely. A rumor prevailed in Hall
fax yesterday that the Avoca had foun-
dered, but the report was not credited in
London
LONDON, Dec. ga dispatch to the
Daily Mail from Cape Town says it is al
legged that the troops on board the Avoca
were half starved during the voyage. Men
offered torin for loaf OF bread and the
scramble at the galley was so terrible
that sentries were employed to keep the
soldiers away; yet the latter aver that
tons of good ood were thrown overheard.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
Boning Bouts at STOCKTON.

STOCKTON, Dec. 9.-The Stockton Ath-
letic Association gave physical culture
exhibition this evening. Lewis of San
Fran cisco bested Mcmahon of the same
place in seven rounds. Mcmahon was
stunned by Lewis swinging his shoulder
and striking him in the left side in the
seventh round. As Mcmahon could not
continue the contest Lewis was given the
decision by the referee. Rufe Turner,
brother of Charlie Turner. an old time
Stockton favorile, proved too fast Tor
Maurice Lee, who quit in the second round
when Turner had him going.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
PRESENT EEEDS OF THE NAVY.
Secretary Long WW Ask Congress to
Make an Appropriation to frayent
q QefciencK.

NEW YORK, Dec. "a Washington
special TO The Herald says: In orier to
prevent deficiency in The navy appro-
priation for repairs Of ships during the
present fiscal year, Secretary Long will
ask Congress to appropriate $500 600.
OF this sum 100000 will be required for
expenses Of the bureau of Construction
anu Repair, and 100000 for the Bureau Of
Steam Engineering. Since last July. when
The appropriation of 81. 500 600 for the
present fiscal year became avaIla Bile, the Bu-
reau Of Construction has spent more than
1000 600, and the appropriation for steam
engineering, amounting to $735, 600, has
also been proportionately reduced The
naval committee Will take up the ap-
preparation bill next week.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10

period of his natural life At his death
direct that all the property heretofore en-
joyed and possessed by him under this win
shall be equally divided between my sons,
William S. ana John W. Barnes in equal por-
tions. share and share alike, it being dis
unctly understood that this division between
my sons OF my property is not to be made until
John W. Barnes shall have received the $4,000
hereina bove referred 10 and the personal
property hereinabove referred to.
The will was signed May 8, 1894. The
estate thus disposed of is large and con-
sists OF considerable income properly
located in various parts of the city.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
TO MAKE 4 LIVING.
TIE Daughter of the late Admiral
Skerrett Win Become an
Actress.

NEW YORK, Dec. 9.-Edythe Went
worth Skerrett, daughter OF the late Rear
Admiral Joseph S. Skerrett, q. S. n, as
decided to 90 upon the stage, and has
been engaged Tor the Empire Stock Com
pany. Admiral Skerrett at his death, not
long ago, lett his family In stringent cir
cumstances, and since then his daughter
has been seeking for some means of self
support. Her mother is very we'll known
in Washington society, but Miss Skerrett
herself who is only Is years old, has never
been formally introduced.
Miss Skerrett's friends regard her as
very charming young woman and feel
confident she will make 4 success on the
stage
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
Sale of Trotting S.oob at Chtcago.

CHICAGO. Dec. 9-The third .dav's
sale of trotting stock by Splan & Newgass
was well attended. The quality of stock
was not as GOOD as yesterday, tut price,
were fully as strong. Following were the
5Ast sales: Fred B.. b. g., foaled 1886.
S1225; Jimmy Hague, b. G., foaled 1891,
winner at the Chicago show, record
2:l3M. $1i50; Newcastle, b. e.. foaied 1890,
grand circuit performer of renown, $1O5O.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
Clan Fraser's Election.

Clan Fraser No. 7S, Order of Scottish Clans
at its last regular meeting elected the follow.
ing officers for the ensuing year: Past chief
Edward Kerr; chief. DR.. J. A. j. McDona d
tanist, George 6. Gillespie; chaplain, Hugh
Fraser; recording secretary. william Cor.
mack; financial secretary, Thomas Wilson
senior henchman, William r. King; Junior
henchman, James Douglas; senesehal Alex
ander Brown; warder, Charles Reid; sentinel.
James c. Fraser; physician, DR.. George Ad-
ans; steesAJoseph Walker, James Driver,
John McLennan pipers-J. G. X. Tevendale,
John Napier; standard-bearer, John Ross
deputy royal chief for California, III. L.
Grove.
The San Francisco call., 1897-12-10
SALINAS GEL USES A WHIP.

Defends Her Reputation by IhrGshfng an
-iHeged SIanderer.
SALINAS, Dec "a sensational event
occurred on the streets of Salinas this
afternoon, when Josie, the 17-year-old
stepdaughter of Nick Irma, gave Patricio
Torres, married man, a severe horse
whipping. The young LADY had been
aroused by alleged defamatory remarks
OF Torres, said to have been circulated for
some time past. On meeting Torres to-
day she produced a small buggy whip and
began laying 1t over his face and shoulders
mercilessIy.