davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1897-02-03

that Butler was the man suspected of
bush, but as Butler was a good worker
and an obedient man he was allowed to
work without molestatlon. The captain
thought he had no authority 10 place the
man in irons. He learned OF the identity
of his man about ten days after the Swan
hiIda left Newcastle, the information be-
ing contained In newspapers obtained
from the steamer Taupo.
After his arrest the prisoner was hur-
his effects were scheduled, copy being
kept by Captain Lees ana one by the Aus
tralian detectives. The navigation papers
of Captain Lee Weller were cons picuous
among the more valuable pieces of evil
dence. 1t should be remera bered that the
bodies of Captain Lee Weller and other
victims of the murderer were not discoy-
cred until after the Swanhi!da sailed, SO
Buffers ignorance of what the world
knows did much to encourage him in his
bold claim that he is Lee Weller.
Butler was turned over to the United
States Marshal about IL A. NJ, and thou
sands of people we're allowed to see him.
At P. NJ. he was examined for identifica-
ton before Commissioner Heacock and
the hearing of evidence of probable cause
on the petition for extradition will come
before the same tribunal at 1880 A. NJ
Monday next.
The British Consul appeared by attor-
ney and made the formal demand for ex-
The San Francisco call., 1897-02-03
Revolver at His Head and Ordered Him

nary size, murmured, That's your man."
and a slight gesture left no doubt as to
which one he meant.
Already close up, the sturdy-built Egan
and the TALL wiry Ferguson together made
a sudden thrust for the mans wrists and
gripped them as in a wise, while Sergeant
Bunner, flashing cleaning pistol toward
the mans head, commanded him to throw
M his hands. But he could ret throw up
hands The officers had seized him in
stantIy and had him held securely before
he could make the slightest move.
1t was p-oud moment for Detective
Egan as he drew out his own bright steel
handouts and snapped them on the wrists
of his prisoner.
Detective Silvey had in the meantime
gone round behind the line to cut off
possible attempt of the murderer to Jump
overheard, but the precaution proved un-
necessary.
Then for the first time the Australian
detectives were permitted to show them
selves. Conrey came first, and after him
was McHattie, the faces of both well dis
guised by false boards.
Conroy was to identity the man. He
alone of all the officers knew and was
known to the murderer. He stepped up
to him as he sat on the edge. of the MAIN
hatch.
He's the man." said Conroyr after only
a moments look at his face, Ibid you
ever see me before2" asked the Australian
sIeuth. addressing the captive. No" an
swered the man the crew knew as
wv eller.'
Drawing himself up and still engaging
Buffers attention, Conroy, standing very
The San Francisco call., 1897-02-03

the ship went DR.. Rosener, ,!the quarantine
surgeon, United States Marshal Bald win,
HarDor Police Sergeant Bunner, Detec-
tive Egan, Detective Silvey and Officer
Ferguson.
None of the police officers were in uni
form, and there was nothing to give but
ler'' hint of their real business. Sergeant
Bunner went aft at once in search of the
captain to ascertain from him if Butler
was already in irons.
Butler" was not in irons. But the cap
tain declared that he had suspected NJ ur-
derer aboard and had known it for six
weeks. But his name was not Butler but
Weller. He had thought it better not TO
arrest him as the man was good worker
and was not aware that his secret was
known.
Coming quickly forward, the sergeant
ordered the mate to muster the crew for
inspection by the Health Officer. Up the
men came from the forecastle in twos and
threes and tours, and formed line along
one side of the deck. Some were bare
foot. Many were but half clad. There
must have been thirty men. including the
Chinese cook, in that irregular, close
formed line that was not dress parade.
Cautioning tho officers in a low voice to
make no sign, the mate with Egan and
Ferguson very near to him, and the gray
haired but erect and active old sergeant
close behind, passed slowly along in front
of the men, peering into their faces.
They moved slowly along, scanning
each face. They had got half way down
the line. They were directly abreast OF
the main hatch. In low undertone the
mate, pausing opposite seaman of ordi-
The San Francisco call., 1897-02-03

tradition, resisting the application of two
young men, who appeared for Butler, for
a delay of Ten days.
In response to the only question asked
by the court, "What is your true name2"
the prisoner replied. in clear tone, Lee
Weller is my name.' He seemed cool and
deliberate.
Butler looks like coarse Englishman
of the seafaring type. His eTes are a
sluggish pale blae and his jaw is heavy.
lie speaks with burr like some of the
dialects of the north and is at times face
tious in his manner.
Since the SwanhiIda left Newcastle the
Australian officers have unearthed a
great deal of damaging evidence against
the suspect arrested here yesterday. They
believe they can establish the fact that
Butler was for some time engaged in the
business of numbering men for their
money, shooting them while they were
practically digging their own graves un-
der the belief, however, that they were
prospecting for gold.
An account of every feature of the
great criminal story is subjoined, en-
bracirg q succinct story of the murders,
furnished by THE CALLS Australian news
service.
The San Francisco call., 1897-02-03

seized by the officers and charged with
the crime OF murder. He seemed stohdly
indifferent and insisted that he was Lee
Weller. Among his effects were found
many of the private papers of the late
Captain Lee Weller, also song books and
other personal property of one Frank
Harwood and OF Captain Weller. The
significance OF the possession of Har-
woods property hes in the fact that Har-
wood Is a mining expert in Australia,
whose goods are supposed to have been
stolen by the prisoner. Harwood made
that charge months ago.
One OF the most important incidents of
the search of the prisoners clothing was
the discovery of ten grains of sulphate OF
strychnine secreted in his hatband. He
tried to induce Detective Egan to let him
see it, expressed surprise that it had been
found and professed that he knew not
whence it came nor what it was. Later in
the day he said he had never intended to
end his own life.
1T transpired that Captain Fraser knew
The San Francisco call., 1897-02-03
STRYCFININE WAS FOUND IN HIS
HATBAND.
On the Way Up Here He Held Prayer-Meetings
~ for the Crew-He Will Be Examined as
to the Blue Mountain Murders
Next Monday.

e The four-masted English ship Swan
hilda, long looked for and overdue from
Newcastle; New South Wales, arrived at
he entrance to the harbor at half-past 4
o oelock Yesterday morning.
q. One of her crew was Frank Butler, sup
posed to be the N ost cold blooded and
notorious murderer OF the age. He was
arrested and is now in custody.
Detectives from England and Australia,
supplemented by sn able corps from San
Francisco, whose vigil for the man ac-
cUsed of many crimes had lasted for
nearly three weeks, boarded the good
ship in the stream and arrested the sus.
pect without delay and without resistance
.oa his part.
Butter, who is also known as Harwood
and who has many other aliases. was serv-
ing before the mast as Lee Weller. the
name OF an unfortunate sea captain for
: whose murder the prisoner must soon
answer in the criminal tribunal of Aus
tralia.
The suspect did not seem surprised when
The San Francisco call., 1897-02-03
CAUGHT AT LAST.

Handouts, After Weeks of Waiting,
Sharply Snapped on Buffers
Wrists.
About 4:30 O'Clock yesterday morning
The San Francisco call., 1897-05-10
HELPLESS cUBANS SLAIN.
Another Awfui Hospital Massacre-Rivera
Dying of Cangrene and Neglect
Neqototfon R1mors.

HAVANA. CUBA. May 9.-Dr. Seulino,
Cuban physician, has been assassinated
by the Spaniards, with eignty-four sick
and wounded men In the hospital under
his charge In the province of Havana.
The women nurses were also massacred.
General Ruiz Rivera is worse from his
wounds. He is still in Cabanas fortress.
Gangrene has set in on one of his wounds.
The Cubans attribute this to deliberate ill
treatment.
Latest news from Madrid says it is
generally believed that negotiations of
great Importance are being carried on be-
tween the Governments at Madrid and
Washington in regard to Cuba. Canovas'
announcement that he will not commu-
nicate to the coming Cortes the diplom attic
notes passing between the two Govern
ments has REINFORCED this belief.
The leaders of the opposition are ready
for parliamentary fight, and the first to
speak in the name of the Liberals will be
Maura, ex-Minister OF the Colonies under
Sagasta's leadership. Silvela will speak
for his own faction of the Conservatives,
but the Silvelists will vote with the Lib
erals on the Cuban question. Any secret
OF Spanish diplomacy in Washington must
be revealed in spite OF all efforts to the
contrary the Government may make.
The San Francisco call., 1897-05-10

handsome gray travelling costume.
Felice Cert and Celia Hoffman acted as
bridesmaids and Sam Goldstein and
Elias Lobree acted as groomsmen. After
the marriage bans had been pronounced,
Rev. Joseph Waldrop, the father of the
bride. invoked blessing upon the couple.
Then Mr.. and Mrs. Meyer were driven to
the railway depot and boarded a train for
San Francisco. wnere they will remain a
few weeks. They will then go to Salinas
City, where Mir. Meyer has established q
general merchandise store and where
they Will make their home in the future.
The groom is widely known throughout
the State as prominent newspaper man,
having for many years been editor and
manager of the Healdsburg Tribune. He
is native of that city.
The bride is Southern lady, young
and beautiful blonde, petite and of grace
full bearing. She has but recently en-
tered the covenant of Israel, anC was con-
firmed in that faith by Rev. DR. Nieto.
This circumstance was somewhat un-
usual inasmucn as she is the daughter of
a prominent divine. the Rev. Joseph Wal
drop. pastor of the First Baptist Church
OF Healdsburg. Mrs. Meyer is highly
accomplished young lady, and as an elo-
cutionist has achieved success in the prin-
cipal cities of the Pacific Northwest.
The San Francisco call., 1897-05-10
SAN JOSE MiSER'S WEALTH
Government coshes United States Bond
Found in Hermit Rodman's

SAN JOSE, CAL, May 9-The CONNER
cial and Savings Bank of this city yester-
day received $1077 from the United States
Treasury al Washington in exchange for
the $1,000 Government bond belonging to
the estate OF Charles f. Rodman, and
which was recently recovered by Public
Administrator Secord from George Emory,
who found the bond in an old houseboa
in which Rodman had lived.
Rodman was a miser. For years he
occupied an ark on slough near Alviso.
Last August he was found dead in the
ark. After the inquest Coroner Secord
sold the craft to Emory tor $40 80. In
searching his purchase Emory found con-
siderable gold and several bonds, his find
amounting in all to over $1,000.
The gold he divided with George Beard,
who was in the secret, and then he started
out for a good time, taking a trip East
and drinking large quantities of liquor.
Upon his return rumors Of his find
reached Public Administrator Secord, and
he instituted an action to recover the
money or as much of it as could be found.
Beard had disappeared, but Emory was
hauled into court and closely questioned
by Attorney Beasly, and the facts were
drawn from him. All he had left of the
old hermit's wealth was a dilapidated
Government bond bearing the date of
1861, much Of the printing on which was
not discernible. This is the bond for
which the bank received payment yester-
dav.
Emory is now in the County Hospital.
The San Francisco call., 1897-05-10
SOUTHERN FLOOD SITUATION.
Energetic Work on the Levees-Farmer
Shot b. GHard-ToWa of Trinity
Under Water.

NEW ORLEANS, La, May 9.-Baton
Rouge took steps to-day to secure the
weak and broken levee which has threat
ened all the country below with an over
flow. At a mass meeting OF citizens,
presided over by the Governor, subscrip-
tions were taken up. The City Council
and police jury of the parish have also
made appropriations, ana an entirely new
levee will be constructed if necessary.
This has been for some time past the most
dangerous part of the lower river.
The third levee killing was reported to-
day from New Texas, Pointe Coupee Par
ish. where Benjamin Peters, farmer,
was shot by guard who mislook him for
a levee- cutter. The levees are naturally
highroads between all points on the river,
but the guards are quick at shooting
without asking questions.
In consequence of the break of the
Angola levee, all that fine estate of over
5000 acres is submerged, and there is not
q living being nor head OF stock rem aim
ing on the place.
1t is announced that the overflow in
Texas basin has not only destroyed the
fruit crop, but killed the fruit trees.
The town OF Trinity, Catahoula Parish,
at the junction of Texas, Ouachita and
Black rivers, is submerged.
The fight against the food is costing
New Orleans from $1,000 to $1,000 day for
the pay of leyee guards and laborers.
The San Francisco call., 1897-05-10

the burned section, said the fire had hol-
lowed out the forward hold, but thaS the
hull was intact. The captain then de-
cided to return to New York. The vessel
reached the pier at 1880 O'Clock tonight
with the captain so badly exhausted ne
was unable to leave his cabin. The OH
GERS declined positively to give any infor-
nation even to tae police, and the watch
man would not let the police on the pier.
Mr. Mallory was hastily summoned from
Brooklyn and arrived after midnight he
SAID the officers had had no time TO make
a thorough investigation of the fire, and
had not been in the steerage to view the
bodies. He said the vessel had general
cargo and the fire must have been started
by spontaneous com bustion in the cargo.
He understood, though, the fire had only
been burning FIVE or ten minutes when
discovered. He said the men cut holes in
the deck for the pumps and did every
thing possible to extinguish the fire. The
dead were not disturbed. They lie where
they fell in the steerage. They will be re-
moved on order of the Coroner.
Those killed were: Bridget Sullivan, r.
Cataine, Mrs. C. Guzza and daughter,
Miss Hannah Solomonson, Miss j. Val
cyck, Sophie Schwartz, Maria Mades, all
of the steerage; Alfred Howry and Alfred
Land, stewards; h. Hartman, butcher.
and two unidentified children.
The Coroner arrived after midnight ana
put the captain under arrest. His inves-
tigation reveals further details. There
was great quantity of cotton bagging
and matches in the cargo. Some was
stored in the compartment for steerage
passengers on the port side forward. The
steerage passengers were berthed in two
small rooms. 1t is supposed that the fire
started in the cotton bagging stored on
the port side OF the steerage.
Within a few minutes after the fire broke
out the steamer City of Augusta which
was following the Leona south was gig
nailed. She came alongside and took off
all the passengers who could be mustered.
She stood by the Leona and Captain
Wilder had his crew of fifty men do moth
ing but fight the fire. All cargo on tween
decks forward was burned. The main
deck forward was burned through. The
upper deck was protected by iron sheeting,
which alone saved it. In the morning the
bodies of the victims were found in heap
where the door of their Impairment had
been. After the fire was subdued the
LeCna took back her passengers from the
CITY OF Augusta
The San Francisco call., 1897-05-10
the other side. Both Broach and Moores
are Republicans.
KENTUCKY FEUD RENEWED.
Captain William Strong, Union Veteran
and Victor in Score OF Gun
Plaks. Is Assassinated

LOUISVILLE, KY, May o. Captain
William Strong, the greatest mountain
fighter in Eastern Kentucky. died with
his boots on to-day after having success
fully lodged bullets for twenty-five years.
He had left his home, which is about ten
miles east of Jackson, to go to the house
of neighbor. He had been gone only
few moments when his family was startled
by shooting apparently not half mile
away. Mem bers of the family ran TOWARD
the place and found Strong dead on the
roadside, seven bullets having penetrated
his body. Strong was lying on his back
with a revolver in his right hand. The
revolver had barely been drawn from MS
pocket when bullet broke his arm.
Investigation showed that blind had
been constructed in place Immediately
above the road, commanding full view
for several hundred yards, and scraps OF
bread and meat showed that several men
had been hiding there. Relatives OF
Strong were notified and this afternoon
large posse has been searching for the as
sassins. The posse is headed by Lieuten-
ant Ed Marcum, who served with Captain
Strong as first lieutenant through the four
years that the captain fought Tor the
Union. Marcum says he thinks he knows
who murdered his uncle and intends to
run them down if it takes months.
Strong is credited with killing more
The San Francisco call., 1897-05-10
FIRE At SAN DIEGO.
Compiefe Destruction OF handsome
Building Held IN Trust for
R0ys' Home

SAN DIEGO, Call, May "a fire at
noon to-day conn pletely destroyed the
building known as the Boys Home on
Howard tract in the City Park.
The building was erected in 1890 by
Brya Howard, president of the Console
dated National Bank, out of the funds
left in trust from the estates of James NJ.
Pierce and o. S. Witherby. 1t was a
three-storv brick and frame structure de-
signed in Queen Anne style and cost $685.
900. The site was a beautiful one, COM
manding a magnificent view of the city,
the bay, the ocean and the surrounding
country After the failure of the Consoli-
dated Bank the building and land were
turned over in trust to the city and since
then have been so held.
At the time of the fire the home was oc-
cupied by Park Superintendent Havice.
Mr. Havice's family were attending
church and he had built fire in the range
for the noon cooking. He was entertain
ing few male friends, who had called to
see him. When they started to 60 he
went with them down the road for short
distance. Glancing back he saw fire COM
ing out of the chimney above the roof.
The men ran back and did all in their
power to save the building, but as there
was no water hydrant near and but little
pressure In the pipes their labors were
futile. The loss of the building is severe
blow to the city, as there was no insur-
ance.
The San Francisco call., 1897-05-10
CIVIL SERVICE FAH0RITISM.
hseres ting Material tor the Senate hvss.
hgatng committee-A Thrifty War
DaDarime1t Clerk

WASHINGTON, D. c., May 9.-The
Senate committee investigating charges of
illegal operations of the civil service law
will resume its sittings next Saturday.
Much interesting testimony has already
been placed on file from Cabinet officers
and department officials generally, and it
is understood that at its meetings next
week some instances of favoritism for
which there is apparently no justification
in the civil service rules will be called to
the attention of the commi ittee.
One of the interesting cases of this kind
is that of clerk IN the record and pen sion
division of the War Department, the
chief OF which is Colonel f. C. Ainaworth
of the navy, who has made reputation
for maintaining the strictest discipline
among the clerks of his division.
One OF the clerks, hailing from Texas,
is said to enjoy the privilege of assisting a
claim agent, formerly a Congressman
from Bailey's district. during the day,
and reporting to the War Department for
some mysterious light duty until o'clock
in the morning, although tie War De-
partment closes promptly at o'clock
each day. While in Congress this claims
agent was largely 1nstrumen ntal in having
the Indian depreciation bill passed, and
he is now busily and profitablv engaged
in prosecuting claims against the Govern
ment under the terms of this act.
Section 1882, Revised Statutes. provides
penalty of fine and Imprisonment for
any clerk in the employ of the Govern
ment who receives any compensation for
work done in connection with claim in
which the United States is party.
Pro bly, this Texas case has not been
called to the attention of the Civil Ser
vice Commission, but the facts are avail
able for the use of the Senate committee
now gathering testimony on the subject
of the workin gs OF the civil service law.
The San Francisco call., 1897-05-10
BULLETS FLY IN
PRESC0TT'S JAIL
Three COnVictS Escape
From the County
Prison.
Shoot the JaiIer With His Own
Revolver and Dash for
Liberty.
Assistant District Attorney Norris
Wounded In an Attempt to
Check Them.

PRESCOTT, -ARIz., May 9.-Three pris-
oners made successful break for liberty
from the County Jail st noon to-day and
when last seen were riding southwark,
mounted on stolen horses procured at the
point of the pistol. At the Jail were found
Assistant District Attorney Lee Norris.
thought to be fatally wounded by pistol
bullet in the breast and Jailor Robert
Meador, beaten on the head and also sur
fering from bullet wound.
The escapes are Jim" Parker, who,
with his partner, who was killed on the
spot, held up the Atlantic and Pacific
train at Rock Cut, near Peach Springs,
several months ago, Mexican named
Cornelli, accused of murder, and l.. G.
Miller, forger arrested a week ago at
Tucson. The Sheriff and strong posse
are in pursuit. The trail is plain one.
1t is not believed that either Barker or
Miller will be taken alive. The former
was captured near the Grand Canyon OF
the Colorado, only after ne had been de-
prived of strength by starvation, while
Miller is notorious desperate, who shot
City Marshal Miles Archibald of Prescott
several years ago. and narrowly escaped
the gallows.
The escape is believed to have been due
to the carelessness of Meador, who has
been jailer for many years. He entered
the Jail corridor armed, and was seized by
the prisoners, shot with bullet from his
own pistol and pounded into insensibility.
Norris, who is a young man lately ad-
mitted to practice, was at the jail door to
see a prisoner He attempted to stop the
escaping criminals, and was shot down
with the jailer's pistol. The escapes are
believed to have had help from the out
side and to have been supplied with
weapons other than those they took from
the iailer. One thousand dollars reward
10 nj. rad for the men dead or alive
The San Francisco call., 1897-05-10

have the cream of the big fights OF The
future. AS outlined by Brady the scheme
is as follows: He and Corbett will lease
Menhattsn Field and erect boxing arena
capable of holding 1900 people. They
will also build a half-mile cycle track, ten
MS courts. ETC.. and in winter turn the
field into skating rink free to the public,
the only restriction being that II nlre lis
skates from the management. Brady also
hopes to have the big football games
pulled off here.
Already the club has two big fights, the
Sharkey -Maher and Creedon-McCoy, ar.
ranged for and is arranging for the
O'Brien-McCoy battle. A four-round bout
between Corbett and the winner OF the
Sharkey-M fight is contempt plated, also
a limitec-round contest between Fitz and
Corbett. Corbett is to be referee and man
ager of all fights, excepting. OF course,
those in which he takes part.
President Freedman OF the New YORK
Club, who holds the present lease OF the
grounds, will have an interest in the club.
Brady says that though there is a slight
hitch in the deal everything Will be
arranged by the end of this week. The
first OF the fights before the club will prob
ably be the McCoy-O' Brien, which will
take place not later than June TO-