The times., 1897-11-08
NEWS FROM ALEXANDRIA
A COIOred Boys Freak Nearly
Causes a Serious Accident.
Contract Awarded for an Ice-Break-
er in The River-Notes and
Personals.

Alexandra, Nov. William Epps,
colored boy, caused an accident in the
yards Of the Southern Railway Company,
near this city, today which came near
resulting in the killing OF railway em-
poye. \ heavy freight train had been
left standing on the steep grade in the
yard and Epp drew a pin and allowed
several Of the cars to be released. Tie
detached cars plunged down the steep
grade at q rapid rate. Fortunately the
crack was clear and but little damage
resulted TO the rolling stock. Several
tIainmen were stauuinE OH the track ut
the time and one Of theu came near
being caught beneath the descending cars.
Epps was captured by Policeman Knight.
Mr. F q. Rodgers, OF this city, has been
awarded the contract Tor driving 4Oo piles
in the river off Fort Sheridan. The piles
viii be driven Tor the purpose OF forming
an ice-bTeaker. The work VIII be com
menced tomorrow.
Several prominent Alexandnans We're
swlndled last night by confidence man
who had just reached town, and was
little short OF cash. lie has the cash
now aud the citizens have some cheap
jewelry, which he gave them in exchange.
The stranger entered a barber shop on
King street last night, ana approaching
a prominent citizen, begged the AleXan-
drian To advance him Accents on gold
filled" chain, which he exhibited.
The stranger stated that he was in hard
luck, had lost a sum Of money, and WAS
unable TO secure package of clothing
which he had in the express office. The
AIeAandrian cungraUuIa ted himself that he
had struck a snap, and handed over the
amount asked for. He realized, however,
too late, that he had been swindled, but
was somewhat consOIed when lie learned
there were others. 1t is said the swindler
who operated in this city last night has
reaped a harvest in Alexandria county.
Special Officer Parks, or the Washing
ton Southern Railway, today shot mad
dog on Henry street, between Prince and
| Duke streets.
Policemen Knight and Lyles today raided
a gang Of negroes, who were enga ged in
gambling. The officers captured Temple
| Carter, James Harris, John Green, Dan
Mason, aud Mat Brooks, all cOlored- They
were locked up at the police station.
Policemen Knight and Proctor today ar
rested Richard Williams, colered, who is
charged with having assaulted Celia John
son, also colOred, and della cling the home OF
the woman. Lewis Carr was arrested by
Policeman Atkinson, charged with being
drunk and disorderly.
Mr.. Thomas Slick, OF No 1902 King
street, called at the office OF DR., Purvis,
/ on South Columbus street, about 0 clock
last evening, and told the physician that
! he suspected that George Chichester, W no
| boards with him, had attempted TO kill
himself by swallowing dose OF lauGanum.
Dr. Purvis directed Mr.. Slick to have
| Chichester removed at once to the in
| Urinary for treatment. Mr.. Slick returned
| home, and finding that Chichester " as not
| IN Immediate danger, placed him In car
/ rlage anddrOve 10 Une doctor office. When
! confronted by the physician, Chichester at
| urst denied that he had taken any lauda-
| mum, but subsequently, acknowledged that
! he had swallowed the drug. II Chichester
| did swallow a dose OF laudanum, he was
not thought by the physician to be in
! serious condition.
! James Elliott, Harrie Bryant Peter
! Jackson and Samuel Bunday, all coiored
were arrested Tor fighting and disorderiy
conduct, near the corner OF Columbus and
/ Wolfe streets, last night, by Policemen
Dean and Proctor They were locked up
and VIII appear before Mayor Simpson TO-
! morrow.
Mr.. James McCue. formerIyofA lexandria.
is in this city viSiting'friends.
\ chewing gum machine was stolen from
! in front of the drug store at the corner
or Queen and Patrick streets last night
/ Later the machine was found in an alley
/ near the locality named by Policeman
| Roberts. 1t had been broken open and
/ robbed. The thief has not been captured.
Anniversary exercises were heId in Trim
/ ity n. +. Church TO-DAY and were very in
teresting.