davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
KENTUCKY sENATORsHIP.
Situation mt Frankfort Looks Like n
Permanent Deadlock.

Frankfort, KY April 2.-The republic
can and democratic steering committees
this afternoon reached an agreement by
which only formal ballot is to be taken
for senator tomorrow, and no effort will
be made to elect. Nothing of interest
is expected before next week. The stu
alton looks more like permanent dead
lock, ending in no election, than it has
at any time during the fight
When the two houses of the Kentucky
legislature met in joint session at noon
today there was no prospect of a break
in the deadlock, although negotiations
have been in progress for the same by the
sixteen gold democrats and the silver
democrats looking towards combination
of their forces on some man who would
be acceptable to all and who might pos
sibly capture two or three republican
votes. 1t is believed by the leaders here
that such combination can be effected
if Senator Blackburn will consent to give
way
The democrats and republican boilers
feared that the Hunterites were about
to put up some job on them when the
joint assembly was called to order, and
declined to answer to their names at roll
call. Sixty-fve answered, but sixty
nine were necessary to a quorum. How
ever, President Worthington, who has
ruled very literally on this point, ordered
the twenty-sec0nd ballot, which resulted:
Hunter, SO; Davie, q Boyle, 1. Total,
W. No election, and the joint assembly
adjourned.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
GEN. RUGER RETIRED.
Order Issued by Secretary Alger.
Promotions to Follow.

Washington, April 2.-Secretary Algcr
issued an order today placing Mai. Gen.
Thomas H. Ruger, commanding the de-
partment of the east at New York. on
the retired list on account of age. Ills
retirement will make large number OF
promotions and cause the shifting OF sev-
eral department commanders.
Although the orders have not been IS
sued, it is known that Maj Gen. Wesley
Merritt. commanding the department Of
Missouri, will be transferred to the com,
mand of the department of the east. and
Brig. Gen. Brooke. commanding the de-
partment of Dakota. will succeed to the
command of the department of Missouri.
Brig. Gen. Frank Wheaton. commanding
the department of Colorado. who will be-
come a major general, has expressed his
Willingness to remain where he is until
he retires, early in May. The vacancy
in the command of the department OF
Dakota will 60 to Gen. Coppinger now IN
command of the department of the Platte,
if he desires to make change of station,
otherwise it will be filled by the detail OF
Col. Shafter, who has been booked to sue
coed to the vacant brigadier generalshlp
When Brig. Gen. Wheaton retires next
month. il is probable he will be succeeded
in the command of the department OF Col
orado, at Denver, by Brig. Gen. Gus, now
commanding the department OF Columbia,
at Vancouver barracks. Gen. BROOKE,
now the senior brigadier general. VIII pc
promoted TO major generalship on the
retirement of Gen. Wheaton.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
c.,5 Rootiug in GreenviI1e.

Creencvillc. Miss. April 2.-Ihe pro-
faction leyee built yesterday and last
night has kept the water from the cmet
residence portion and business portion OF
Creeneyille. but today scores of skiffs are ar
1n;ng ahout in the northern part OF the
e eity. The water is in the plant Of. OF the
fnot deem. The city is still furnished
IU Nth water. A splendid levee has been
h M,;It around the Planters Oil mill . ana
t nun 10 Soto Oil mill, which protects them
from the water On Nelson street young
rnoni and their girls were taking a pleas
,r y trip with two feet of water under
thor, in row boats, while on the next
street stree, Young men with their lady friends
are enjoying drives with horse ana Dug
py Such is life in Greeneville.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
1t Was to the Point.

Washington, April 2.-The closing
chapter of the correspondence which has
passed between the United States and
Spain respecting the prohibition of to-
bacco exports from Cuba as shown in
the foreign relations report just publish
ed, will be comfort to the tobacco i'm
porters. Secretary Olney had complain
ed of the detention in Cuba of tobacco
which had been contracted for or was
even in the hands of exporters before the
decree was issued prohibiting imports.
The following note was transmitted to
Minister Taylor on February II:
"You are authorized to inform the
Spanish minister for foreign affairs that
his government will be held responsible
for the indemnification of citizens of the
United States in every instance, whether
heretofore specifically presented or
through loss from retention of tobacco
owned or contracted by them prior to the
order prohibiting the expectation of to-
bacco. (SigneD RICHARD OLNEY."
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
A Brace of Brothers Hanged.

Lafayette, La, April 2-Scott and Alex
is Blanc. brothers. were hanged on the
same gallows this afternoon for the muir
der of Martin Begnaud of Scott, La They
had nothing 70 say on the march to the
scaffold, except to warn all evildoers to
listen to the advice of their betters.
Scott and Alexis Blanc were French,
and born near Paris. When their mother
died, about year ago, they had neither
money nor occupation. They emigrated
to America and tramped from New York
to New Orleans without securing work
They reached the latter city with so cents
in the purse. They sought employment
for two weeks. and then set out to beg
their way to Texas. They met planter
at Scott, who gave them home and work.
They educated themselves in English, and
read all the books they could find. The
life of Jesse James decided them to win
fortune at bold stroke. and then re-
turn to Paris.
The robbery of Begnaud's store was de-
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
AT ST. LOUIS.
mississippi Has More Than Fulfilled
weather Bureau Predictions.

st. Louis, April 2.-The aggrava.ing
conduct of the Mississippi at st. Louis in
persistently refusing to abide by the
height set for it by the weather bureau
is causing alarm. Observer Franenfeld
said this morning that Sunday morning
might find the river at 2S.2 feet: At II
o'clock tonight the gauge stands 2S.4
feet old river men say the river will 60
much higher, the weather bureau not
withstanding, and they are making prepa-
rations accordingly. Cellars along the
the river front are already Hooded. Mer-
chants along the levee are taking no
chances, and the river front tonight pre-
sents n busy scene, hundreds of laborers
being engaged in transferring merchan-
disc and other movable material from
the levee stores to places of safety and
arranged to keep as much out OF water
as possible.
The situation at East st. Louis is more
threatening. The water has already
risen to an uncomfortable position, and
n further rise will bring it up to the rail-
way tracks. The bottom lands on both
sides of the river north and south OF ST.
Louis are already under water, and the
overflow is being slowly backed M mo
the country behind it.
The Coakojia creek, from which trou-
bic is expected, runs through the town
from north to south In dry weather ms Is
creek is scarcely foot deep. Today 1t
contained 20 feet of water. Profiting by
the experience of 1892, at which time the
creek left its banks and inundated the
town, the banks have been raised five
feet. To reach an overflow now II will
have to rise five feet higher, but it rising
three feet in twenty-four hours, ana Is
likely to increase. The forecast points
to rise, as heavy rains and thunder
-
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
vICKsBURG AND VICINITY.
Situation Is Very Grave-A TwO-FOOt
Rise Expected Soon.

Rise Expected Soon.
Nicksburg, April "A slight decline in
the river was noticed here today, insig-
niticant as far as protection went. EX-
element is high on account of the breaks
in the levees, and people are waiting for
the next act in the drama. the return of
the water through the Yazoo. Some APP
prehension is felt as to the safety of the
Fifth Louisiana levee district, particular
ly those at the parishes of Madison and
East Carroll. The situation is very grave,
as there is anticipation of rise of about
two feet on the levees from Henderson,
East Carroll parish, to Benson, in Madi-
son, a distance of forty miles. In this
almost stupendOus task of protecting the
levees they will have the enthusiastic sup
port of the people.
President Maxwell of the levee board
said that never before had his admins
tration had such hearty support. Plant
ers were asking where they should send
their teams and men so as to do the best
work. The police jury of Madison par
ish has offered the board loan of S1O,-
600, an additional evidence of the gen
erai determination to fight back the
swelling tide. Everything is being made
subservient TO carrying on the struggle.
President Maxwell left on the United
States steamer Vidette, in charge of
Captain W. S. Brown, assistant engineer,
to meet Lieut.. Newcomer, coming down
the river on the steamer Florence, and
hold a conference with him. The VidertC
will do patrol duty between the Bedford
levee and Lake Providence. She leaves
with a number of sacks and other ma
terial for Pitcher point Maj. II. w. Hol
comb of Louisiana left here at noon IN
an open boat TO inspect the leyees from
here to Vidalia. Lieut.. Newcomer ar.
rived here this evening, having inspected
the levees from Helena to Vicksburg. lie
will leave with President Maxwell on the
Vidette.
In consequence of interruption to traffic
Oh the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Rail
road, Riverside division of that road
through its local officials, has opened he
gotiations with the Greenville and Nicks'
burg Packet company to induce it tc
make six trips to Greenville a week. in
stead of three, as at present Lieut.. New
conner was seen tonight and said he came
down the river in order inspect the levees
by daylight. He could say that every
thing possible would be done to maintain
the lines, and in view of these efforts he
believes they will be held. He goes tc
Memphis tomorrow, by rail.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08

cided on. They bought revolvers and
sharpened two poinards, then waited their
chance. After two nights they were able
to get into Begnaud's store when he was
alone. Before retiring they diverted his
attention, and as he arose they put two
pistols to his head and forced him to open
the safe. They then bound and gagged
him, got the key to his money drawer
from his pocket and obtained about $4,000.
They then forced him to sit on his bed
and while helplessly pinioned, stabbed him
rest. He was wounded tfty-six times.
They We're convicted and sentenced to
DEATH the governor refusing too respite
them, although the French colony made
a hard fight and the first hanging took
place in this parish since the war.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08

warned people on this side of the river
and, at East st. Louis whose places are
in danger of being flooded that the dan
ger line will be reached within the next
forty-eight hours In addition warnings
were. also sent to Canton, La Grange,
Lewis, Mo-, and Vincennes, Alton and
Grafton, ILL.,, apprising them of the ap-
preaching rise.
Mr.. Frakenfeld says the two points
where the greatest danger will exist for
the next twenty-four hours are Hannibal,
Mo-, and Quincy, Ill.
Railroads running west and south were
in much better shape today than on We'd
nesday and Thursday. Two trains were
dispatched from here over the Iron Noun
tain, but none were due to arrive until
late tonight The Missouri, Kansas and
Texas trains and those on the Mobile and
Ohio are all late, but they are all getting
through Great care is being taken, for
the tracks are under water at many
points.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
THE TEXAN SHOT FIRST.
Deputy Sheriff of Taylor County
killed n Man in Wichita, Kan.


Wichita, Kan, April q. II. Cunning
ham, deputy sheriff of Taylor county,
Tex. shot and fatally wounded Jo-
seph II. McMahon in a hotel in this
city today. They quarreled over the
right Iof deputy sheriffs to take an EN-
ployelof McMahon's to Texas on charge
of Arson. McMahon spoke some sar-
castid words to Cunningham, and it is
said 10Th pulled pistols together. AT any
rate, the deputy sheriff got in his work
first, firing three shots into McMahon,
one Of which passed through the intes-
tines. Mcmahon is proprietor of what
is kn{ twin as Bond Bros circus, whose
headquarters are here. The circus men
were very angry, and talked about lynch
ing thu officer. Mcmahon is very popu
lar here. Inc man wanted by the Texas
officer is Steve Purdy, circus perform
er, who arrived from Fort Worth yes
terday to join the circus. He was ar
rested last night on telegram from
Texas. Sheriff Cunningham says the
charge against Purdy is the burning OF
the Windsor hotel, the best hotel in Abb
lene on which there was an insurance OF
$4,000. The hotel was burned March l
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
TYLER TRAGEDY OF ~.
Negro Arrested Cor Murder Commit
ted in the Days of Il. j. Davis.

ted in the Days of Il. j. Davis.
Tyler, Tex, April 2.-(Special.)-Sher-
if Smith of this county has received news
from mis- special deputy, Jesse Overton,
that he had captured Paul Johnson, one
of mob of negroes charged with the
murder of Capt. T. A. Cooley and Capt.
r. e. House in Tyler on the evening OF
October ), 1871.
The tragedy occurred during Il. j..
Davis administration as governor OF
Texas, and the county was under negro
rule. After the killing the negroes
charged with taking part in it made their
escape. Sam Johnson and Dan Evans
were subsequently captured, and Evans
was tried and given life sentence in the
penitentiary. Shortly after the trial OF
Evans the negroes broke Jail and all
made their escape, and none of them were
ever recaptured until Paul Johnson was
arrested in the territory by Deputy Sher-
if Overton. Smith has procured requi-
sition papers and will have the negro
brought to Tyler in few days.
House and Cooley were partners, and
constituted one of the leading law firms
of east Texas. They were employed at
the time to defend citizens of Wood coun-
ty who were charged with violating the
kukux law, which caused the assembage
of large crowd of negroes in Tyler, and
which resulted in the murder. While a
great many of the witnesses have since
died there are several old citizens here
who are familiar with the facts
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
Arrested His Mun,

Ablent, Tex, April 2.-(Special.)-A
telegram was received here this morning
from United Staes Deputy Marshal j. v.
Cunningham, stating that he had secured
the arrest of Steve Purdy, alias G. H..
Meyers at Wichita, Kan, on charge
of setting fire to the Windsor hotel here.
Purdy was formerly employed in hotel
at Fort Worth. The indictment was re-
turned last Monday, and move was at
once made to capture, with above re-
suits. Purdy refused to be brought back
unless extradition papers were issued.
Judge Conner AZ once wired Governor
Culbuson the situation and asked him
to wire the governor of Kansas to have
parties hold Purdy until requisition could
be issued. and later received an answer
from the governor that his request had
been complied with. Sheriff Cook Will
start after the prisoner at once.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
REGULAR CABINET MEET|NG'
HELD AT THE WHITE HOUSE YES
TERDAY-LARGE NUMBER
OF CALLERS.
Mr.. ClEVAANDS Forestry DECREE.
timent Administrator. Ruger Put
ON the Retired List-PrOmO-
lions to Follow.

Washington, April 2.-Although this
was cabinet day at the White House,
there were a number of callers between
10 and II o'clock, the hour when the cab
met meeting begins.
Gen. Stewart Woodford of New York
was one of the early callers His name
Vas been mentioned in connection with
The mission to Spain. but he denied that
he had any aspirations in this or any other
direction.
81 am candidate for nothing" he said,
blandly "and l shall get it."
He then explained that he was pre-
pairing for n trip around the world, and
would leave, with his family, about
May 1.
Col Buck of Georgia, who is n candi-
date for the mission to Japan, succeeded
in arranging for an audience next week
TO talk over the question of the Georgia
patronage.
Senator Foraker of Ohio who leaves for
Ohio tonight to spend few days, had
n few minutes conversation with Mr..
Mckinley, and left large bundle of APP
plications for postmasterships and minor
offices.
All the members of the cabinet were
present at the meeting today. Secretary
Sherman who was unable to attend last
Tuesday on account of illness. was pres
ent.
The cabinet was in session a little over
an hour and n half. The only question
of public importance discussed was the
question of rescinging the order of Pres
ident Cleveland, setting apart twenty-Ont
forest reservations in the west. This
question has engaged the attention OF
Secretary Bliss for some time. The sec
rotary today took to the White House
the maps and papers relating to the mat
ter. The discussion of the forestry ques
ton was at times very vigorous, and al
the members took part The outcomt
was Instructions that the national Tor
| estry commission be summoned to Wash
| ington to talk over their work with thu
president. 1t was understood that thu
| sentiment was unanimous that Presl
| dent Cleveland's proclamation was ro'
comprehensive, and it is stated that th'
object of the commission who investl
| gated this subject and on whose repor
| the order was made was to take in enough
| territory SO MS to provide that no lant
| legitimately deserving to be reserved hat
been omitted. The president expressed
his intention to act on conservative lines
| and not to act without information.
| Sylvester Scovel, the newspaper CORE
| spondent who was recently liberated from
a Cuban prison, saw the president.
| About 500 to 1000 people attended tn
public reception this afternoon. The!
| were ranged in line. and after the recep
ton President Mckinley went out To-
| his daily walking exercise.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
FLOOD IN THE NORTHWEST.
The Flats Of ST. Paul F1OOded-Da-
kota Streams Running High.

st. Paul, Mimi, April 2-The river to-
night reached seventeen feet, three feet
above danger line, and the unoccupied
flats on the west side are flooded, while
the water has surrounded several shan
ties on the upper flats, driving their oc-
cupants to school houses and other build
ings The property loss will be small,
but will fall on the occupants of the flats,
who can least afford it.
Reports from all over Minnesota and
the jim river valley of South Dakota are
to the same effect. The melting SHOWS
and heavy rains have filled all streams
banksfull. Many points in northern Min
nesota and North Dakota along the Mis-
souri, and Red rivers have hand no mails
for three days. Loss from stoppage of
business and damaged property will be
heavy all over the northwest.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
Some shnrp Correspondence.

Washington, April 2.-Samoan affairs
were much discussed last year between
Secretary Olney and Baron Thielman,
the German ambassador here. While
these did not result in any change of pol
icy in regard to Samoa, there was an ex-
preston of opinion outside the ordinary
range of diplomatic correspondence.
Baron Thielman, in calling on Secretary
Olney for the $12,650 as the United
States share for maintaining the govern
ment of King Malietoa, took occasion to
ask the intention Of the United States
government as regards Samoa. Secreta-
ry Olney paid the money and replied that
the treaty was unsatisfactory to the
United States. The German ambassa-
dor little later wound up a note to Sec
rotary Olney with blunt refusal to
transmit his views to Berlin as requested,
and added that the secretary must issue
suitable instructions to the ambassador
for the United States at Berlin If he
wished them presented on former sat
isfactory understanding.
Secretary Olney replied: 81 have been
unable to find any warrant for the occa-
sions you advance" and then the CORE
spondence ran on, Secretary Olney in
sisting on keeping the correspondence in
| Washington.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
MONETARY COMMISSION.
Indianapolis Conference Committee
in Washington for Business.


Washington, April ELEVEN of the
fifteen members of the executive COM
mittee appointed by the Indianapolis mon
etary conference last January are in the
city. That convention included men del
egated by boards of trade of 100 cities
1t appointed committee to inquire into
the currency system and confer as to
means for its reform and to establish
headquarters here with view to inau-
will probably be in charge of H. III.
Hanna of Indianapolis, the prime mover
of the conference. Those with him are
III. II. Harrison and Stewart of Phila-
delphia, w. B. Dean of st. Paul, J. Il.
Fried of Oregon, J. II. Crawford of Tex
as, Maj. J. Il. Hanson Of Georgia, John
p. Irish of California, h. o. Stannard
and G. Il. Peabody of Brooklyn.
The members Of the committee have
conferred with public officials and men,
bers of congress with reference to the
matter, and say they have met with no
Encouragement, though the situation is
such as to delay the bill or jeopardize it.
Mr.. Hanna said tonight:
First, we favor the introduction Of a
bill providing for the appointment by the
president of a monetary commission of
eleven members to inquire into the cur
rency system of the United States and
the laws relating thereto.
"The committee shall make, not later
than October 1, 1897, a report of their
deliberations, accompanied by proper bills
to carry their views into effect.
'The early appointment of such COM
mission is Of the first Importance to the
successful accomplishment of its work.
1t will be the purpose of this commission
to see that the report of the commission
is made the subject of study and action
thereon by manufacturers, farmers, bank
ers, laboring men and all business and
commercial interests.
at is the further judgment of this COM
mittee that the simple fact of the APP
pointment of such a non-political COM
mission would have an important bear
ing in aiding the revival of business and
confidence in the country"
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
General Assignment.

Fort Worth, Tex, April 2.-(Special, J.
The Standard Live Stock Commission
company, private corporation doing bus
mess at, the stock yards, north of the city,
by its president, A. $. Reed, made a gen
eral assignment for the benefit of all cred
itors. George Il. West is named as as
signee. The sum total of liabilities Is
stated at S1961 .95, and the assets of the
concern at $1,000. 1t is given out that the
instrument was executed by reason OF
the fact that the company desired to go
out of business.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
The Retroactive Provision.

Washington, April 2.-Secretary Gage
today announced that he had decided to
comply with section % of the pending
tariff bill providing for the retention OF
samples Of merchandise imported. into the
United States subsequent to April /,
when not directed by the importers, or
owners to be imported prior to April !.
1t is the opinion of the secretary OF the
treasury that no insurmountable difficult
ties will be encountered in the administra-
ton of this feature of the tariff bill. There
can be no difficulty, it is said, as to arti,
cles which are to pay specihc duty, ana
as the whole tariff bill was framed with
a more general regard to specific rates
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-04-08
Rose One Foot.

Alton, April 2-The river tonight
stands at II 3 feet. This is foot higher
than yesterday. Bitter creek is a raging
torrent, and people are moving out of the
levee district. Considerable live stock has
been drowned. Bridges have been washed
out on two railroads. making transfer
age will result in this vicinity, however,
unless another foot is added to the swollen
stream.