davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
SOUGHT AGAINST THE DIREC. TORS OF LEvEE DISTRICT
 NO. 1.
Suit Brought to Restrain Them From Issuing $I,2OO in War. rants to Richardson &
 May.

Wednesday afternoon Attorneys Bridges & Woodbridge filed suit in chancery for R. s. and J. s. Jack man against McH Williams, J. D. Crockett and John M. Oracle, as directors of Levee District No. to enioin the latter from issuing war rants to the amount of $1 200 in favor of the Richardson & May Land & Planting Go. Qimited), a corporation doing business under the laws of the State of Louisiana, for alleged improvements upon said leyee.
 The complaint further alleges at the time of making the contract there was money to the credit of the levee district in the hands of the County Treasurer, but there is none now; that the election of the said directors was unlawful, and therefore, null and void; that the directors are not property owners within the said leyee district, and that one of the directors is in the employ of the Richardson & May Land and Planting Go.
 For these and other reasons the complainants pray that the court enioin the directors from issuing warrants to the Richardson & May Land and Planting Co. to the amount of $1,20O, and that the County Treasurer be restrained from paying the same.
 Mr. J. D. Crockett, one of the directors, is in the city today, and to GRAPHIC reporter he stated that the contract had not been let for the improvement of the levee, and that when it was the warrants would not become due and payable until 1899.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
JIM DAVIS, THE MURDERER OF LAWRENCE WILLIAMS,
 IS ON TRIAL.
A Jury Selected and Two Witnesses Examined This Morning.-A Large Number of Speeta.
 tors Present.

Jim Davis, the murderer of Law renee Williams, is on trial before the Jefferson Circuit Court for his life.
 The murder of the Williams boy was the most heinous and brutal that has ever been committed in this county, and as the proof against Davis Is conclusive. he stands a good chance to danglc at the end of Q rope.
 Our readers are familiar with the crime, which needs no repetition here.
 The jury to try the murderer was made up this morning, and is as fol- lows: Vim. Pilkington, J " Bay liss, c. F. Hudson, c s. Collins, B. F Julian, J NJ. Whittle, J W. Harris. J. D. Holley, T. A. Phillips, H. c. Newell, j. H. Cobb, J. r. Seymore.
 On account of the sickness of Pros eeuting Attorney Martin, the prose cution is conducted by Judge B. r. Merritt, assisted by Mir H. k. c. Foster.
 For the defense of Davis the court appointed attorneys Charles L. Anderson and O. c. Porter, the defendant being unable to provide himself with legal counsel.
 Two witnesses have been examined up to the time of going to press, Dr. Beard and Master Ben Williams. the brother of the murdered boy. and who was also left out in the field for dead at the time of the murder.
 Jim Davis, the defendant. is low and heavy set, and is of qely low order of intellect He is apparently unconeerned about what goes on around him, and does not seem to realize that his life is al stake.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
Punch Robertson. .

A star in the popular priced theat- rical business, new to Pine Bluff, will open a full week s engagement at the opera house on next Monday night, the 11th of January, presenting a series of comedies and comedy dramas, which have never been seen in the city, at popular prices; which are 10, 20 and 30 cents. Tue compa- ny, while unknown in our city, is, nevertheless, a good one; in fact, 1t stands at the head of all popular priced companies now before the public. Memphis and Birmingham papers, as well as other leading Southern journals, pronounce the company the best ever seen in their cities at the prices. Ladies are ad' mitted free on Monday night, on condition that they are accompanied by escorts who hold 30-cent ticket, which must be secured before p. m Monday.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09

and a good many of our lumbermen want me to join the demand for protective tariff, as they say, to shut out the competition from foreign countries Because they want tax on lumber is no reason that the cost of every house on the praries of Kansas and Nebraska should be increased. The people of States that produce no timber have equal rights
 with all sections of the Union, and l will never join in the injustice of taxing one portion of this nation for the benefit of another. It is
 vicious and selfish notion that the
 government should be asked to promote special interests, which is at the bottom of these demands for protection, from whatever quar- ter they eminate they should meet with determined opposition.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09

as other property. The governor urged that the practice of referring the legislative acts to the people be required i'll the granting of quasi public franchises. The governor came out strongly against "paid lobbyists who lnfest our halls. and added; If legislators are not intel llgent enough to give intelligent thought and action to public meas ures without the hid of those who
 wine and dine, cainle and flatter and
 bribe, at least steps should be taken
 to modify the nuisance. There should be some method of enrolment and fee demanded as a condition precedent to the right to practice before the peoples legislative jury. !"
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09

''the people of the United States" amid prolonged cheers He said; "rhe United States and Great Britain haye=a commission of ciyili- zation and Britons have extended to their American cousins the right hand of fellowship" He proceeded with words of praise for MT. Bay ards tact and kindliness in the re- cent anxious period, growing out of the Venezuelan dispute. The United States, he said, had often chose worthy representatives to Great Brftain, but never had a happier choice been made than that of Mir. Bayard.
 When Mir. Bayard arose 10 reply to this toast he received a tremen- dous ovation from those present. He said: q have sincerely tried to be faithful to my trust. We look upon you as our Englishcousins and upon Canadians as our American hall-brothers. There is nothing in the growth of Canada but what will awaken pride in a citizen of the United States. There is no just ob- struction between the United States Great Britain and Canada. There should be no divergence by sharp phrases and insults that sting longer than injuries.
 Referring in his usual strain to tht relations between England and tht United States, Mir. Bayafd closed b5 saying: cit is in no spirit of defiance but in well considered spirit 0 gratitude that reflect that l hayt been able to bring the hands ant hearts of the two countries together If that is. my record I shall carry i away and keep it wherever l go.
 The guests all rose in their place at the conclusion of the ambassa dor's speech, loudly cheering ant waving their handkerehiefs. It wa the greatest ovation that has beer rendered to Mir. Bayard during hi service here. He was visibly affecte' and almost broke down once 0 twice during the course of his speech
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
TRIBUTE ID BAYARD.
THE AMERICAN AMBASSADOR HIGHLY HONORED AT A
 LONDON BANQUET.
Britons Extend To Their Cousins the Right Hand of Fellowship MT. Bayard's Patriotic
 Response,

LONDON, Jan. 7.-The Article Club an association which is made up oi the leading commercial firms of the country, representing an aggregate capital of $1, 800, 100000, the agents general in London of the colonies, the heads of the government depart ments, and many others interested in the commerce of the empire, gave q banquet last night at the Hotel Cecil, the United States ambassador, Mir. Bayard, being the guest of the evening.
 The earl of Jersey. who succeeded the earl of Winchelsea as president of the club, was chairman, and at the eonelusionof thedinner he opened proceedings. The earl made few remarks in eulogy of Mr. Bayard, ,and then Sir Robert G. Herbet, agent general in London for Tasmania, toasted the colonies, which, he said, were greatly indebted to Mir. Bayard for the settlement of certain ques. fions pending to the federation of the Englsh-speaking people.
 Sir Donald Smith, Canadian high conlmissioner ill London, responded with warm tributes to Sir Charles Tupper, ex-premier of Canada.
 Cardinal Vaughan, archbishop of Westminster, proposed the toast to
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09

Itis mid-winter, but in the splendid latitude of Pine Bluff the air is as soft as May-timP. the blessed sun shine pours it's warm flood from an unclouded sky, the grass is simply a carpet of verdure, hyacinths are in bloom out of doors, and overcoats are rarely seen until nightfall. This is the State, and this is the towr and county o, blizzard-blasted
 snow. bound, ice-coated Northland
 to which to send your sturdy sons to make their homes and fortunes.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
Euplonl EupIon!! EupIon!!l

No doubt many people are aware that Eupion Oil makes much bet ter light than the lower grades of coal oil, but we doubt if there are any that know that q gallon of Eupion lasts longer than cheap oil. Then. why not have the best light when the differencein cost is scarcely nothing. Eupion is sold at the fol- lowing places:
 Mccain Grocery Co, John H Talbot Go Robinson & Greenfield, J. L. Lloyd, Mann -Tankersley Go, Fox Bros, " [. Dewoody & Co. Houston & Roane. L. E. oldsmith & Co. Thalheimer Bros. Ferguson & Russell, P B. Mercantile Go, H. F. Sevoke. O. Lumpkin,
 G. N. Hart Drug Co. I2 eodtf
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
PlNcREe's MESSAGE.
Recommends the Abolition of Party Con ventIons as IuimIcal to the States Best
 Interests;

LANSING, Mich, Jan. 8.-The Legis- lature convened in joint session yes terday afternoon and listened to the addresses of the retiring and incom- ing governors. Among other things Gov. Plngree's address recommended the abolition of party conventions, which he asserted have become med iums of trlekery, bribery and fraud. He advocated instead the direct vote and the Australian ballot In nomi- hating candidates. The governor urged that the property of corpora tions be taxed in the same manner
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
A PLEASANT AFFAIR,

Was the Meeting of the University Asso- oiatIon at the Institute Last Night.
 The regular meeting of the Univer- sity Association took place at the Institute last night, and 1t proved to be the most enjoyable and interest ing meeting of the Association. There was large attendance of members, and several visitors were present to hear the discussion of historical sub jects. The program was carried out in its entirety, and was as follows: 1. "The Conquest of Wales, ,''.
 .................Mrs $. H. Campbell. 2. "Some Battles of the 100
 Years War, ..........................
 ....................Mrs Witherspoon. 5. Notes on the Life of Joane
 d'Arc," (Reading) g).."...".......
 .........................Mr Mrs. B. A. Hall. 4. "The Albigenses," "...............
 ,.......................S. H Campbell. 5. "The Knights Templars, .....
 ......................Miss Jessie Adams. 6. Frederick Barbarosa, ........
 .................. Miss Minnie York. 2. Character Study; the T urks'
 ............................J ". Adams. s. "The Primitive Moors, "......
 ........"...........Mi Miss Sallie Byrd. 9. A Second Athens, '.............,.
 ".................Mrs A. W. Troupe. To- 'The Rise of the Universities"
 .....""...................S A. hlncalde II. "The Renaissance of Art, .....
 .............".......,.....M Miss Valiant. 12. Origin of Parliament, "........
 .........................4. Mrs Lee Fox. 13 tSid Lights. Manners and
 Customs" ......~Mrs. ". W. Byrd
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
BORN.
To MT. and Mrs. J. S. Evans, on Thursday, January z, 1897, a son.

Barlow Bros. Great Minstrel Or ganization will be seen at the opera house tonight, January 8th, and 1t will, undoubtedly, be given to an audience that will i'll every availa- ble space in the theater, presenting up-to-date, modern minstrelsy. The great quartette and various artists will sing their sweetest songs, and old-time minstrelsy will be presented in the happy manner that makes plantation songs and dances, picka- ninny and old-time melodies, such as the reader has heard so much about, and seen so little of. There is but one Possum-a-la and that will be seen on the night of the Sth inst.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
GUILTY OF MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE. The Verdict of the Jury in the Case of Jim Davis, Charged With the Murder
 of Lawrence
 Williams.
The Verdict of the Jury in the Case

The jury in the case of Jim Davis charged with the murder o Lawrence Williams, in this county about December 5, returned verdict at 10 minutes to o'clock last night against the defendant, finding him guilty of murder in the first degree. the penalty for which is death by hanging.
 The jury was out only 20 minutes dellberating upon verdict.
 The evidence against the defendant was conclusive, and the testimony in the ease proved him guilty of one of the most diabolieal crimes ever committed in this State.
 The Judge has not yet passed sen tenee upon the murderer or fixed the day for his execution.
 STORY OF THE CRIME.
 Joe Williams ia a prominent plan 1 ter who lives in Melton township, in what is known as the Hooker settle ment, about II miles from Pine Bluff. He had two sons. one aged about r years and the other P years. Sat urday December 5 these two boys were in the field with a negro man who went by the name of Crazy Jim," picking cotton. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon the boys and the negro got into a dispute over the ownership of puppy, and a few words were passed, after which the matter WAS dropped. Af- ter picking cotton to the end of the row. the negro man climbed the fence and entered the woods nearby. 4 few moments later he called the two boys to him, saying that he had something to tell them. Not think ing of danger or trouble, the two boys joined the negro in the woods, who requested them to take seats on the ground. This request was also compiled with. The negro then stood over them with an enormous club, formed of a sassafras root, and made the smaller boy surrender q knife that he had in his hand. Then by intimidating the boys with the club and knife, he made them pull off every stitch of clothing they had on their persons. After this was accom- plished the boys were again made to take their seats on the ground. No sooner had this been done than the negro struck the smaller boy over the temple with his club and felled him to the earth. A second stroke knocked Lawrence Williams, the elder boy, to the ground. The negro followed up the last blow with others, until the face and head of the unfortunate boy was almost beaten into a jelly. The fend in human shape then ran his knife around the boys throat, cutting 1t from ear to ear.
 The negro after the murder, put on the older boys shoes and went back into the field and again began to pick cotton. The smaller boy, with one eye knocked out and a deep gash in his temple, ,regained consciousness, and by crawling and dragging him. self finally reached his home and gave the alarm. MT. Williams at once started to the field. The mur- derer saw him coming, and hearing the alarm, knew that his crime had been discovered, so he fled to the woods.
 The murderer was subsequently, captured about seven miles above this city by Deputy Sheriff Brewer, who landed him in jail. with the re- suit that he was indicted, tried and convicted of murder in the first de- gree. as above stated.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
CONTRACTS LET

For the Rebuilding of Certain Bridges
 Recently Destroyed.
 The Board of Pubic Affairs let the contract Thursday afternoon for the mechanical work required for the re- building of certain bridges, recently destroyed by the flood, as follows:
 East Second avenue bridge, to Win. Davis; price, exclusive of mate rial, $175.
 Tennessee bridge. Main street bridge and South Olivestreet bridge, to John Lemmons; contract price, exclusive of material, $125.
 Work will be begun at once and pushed to an early completion.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
Magnificent Minstrels.

The date for,Barlow Bros Magnif- icent Minstrels at the opera house is definitely fixed for Friday Jan. s. This organization is without exception, the finest of the kind now travelling. It is especially efficient in the comedy element, but it's superiority unsteady has gained for the organization the title of magnificent. It contains nearly a score of excellent vocalists, many of the voices being phenome- nal, while it's orchestra is undoubt- edly the best ever seen with a min strel company. The feature this season is the next President of min strelsy, Harry Ward.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
RAPID TRANSIT.
The Pine Blun Car and Transit Co, Held
 An Important Meeting Thursday.

The PIne BIun Car and Transit Co, Held
 An nImportant Meeting Thursday.
 Yesterday afternoon the directors of the Pine Bluff Car and Transit Co.,, held meeting at the office of Apstin < Taylor at which sub committee was appointed to draft ordinances for franchise and charter to be presented to the City Council at it's next regular meeting
 The committee appointed was as follows: W. H. Langford, D. c. Bell and M. A. Austin.
 As soon as charter is obtained from the Council, the books of the company will be opened up for sub scribers to stock in the said com pany.
 It is the intention of the promo ters of the scheme to organize an electric street railway system, and also to put in an electric plant for the purpose of furnishing light to the city and private consumers.
 This is much needed enterprise in this city and we hope when the stock books are opened up that the stock will be rapidly subscribed for by our local citizens.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
SENATOR BERRY
HAS NO SYMPATHY FOR A
 PROTECTIVE TARIFF.
And Win Not Aid in Placing a
 Tariff On Lumber.

Senator Berry, of Arkansas, has no sympathy with the Republican policy of protection, and he regards it as misfortune fin the levy of it's duties on imports, protection creeps in to any extent. There was a group about him at his hotel when the Senator defended his position with emphasis.
 "There are, said he, large lumber interests in my own State,
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09

The stock holders of the Mann Tankersley Drug Company held their annual meeting yesterday and re- elected the old officers for the ensu- ing year as follows: W. z. Tankers- ley. President; J W. Withers, Vice President: J. H. Mann, Secretary and Treasurer. The usual dividend was declared.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
HON. D. B. cuLeERsoN,
The Ketiracy From Congress of the Texas
 Statesman.

Statesman.
 Many prominent statesmen will
 retire to private life on the 4th of
 March, but the man above all others
 who will be the most missed is
 Judge David Culberson, of Texas.
 Judge Culberson is native Geor- gian. He was born in Troup county in 1880, and was educated in La Grange He moved to Texas in 1856, and from that State enlisted in the Confederate army. He has served continuously in Congress for twenty-five years and could have served to the end of his life had he so desired, but in the last contest he fatty refused to allow the use of his name. For fifteen years he has been recognized as the ablest lawyer in the House. During all Demo cratic administrations of the House he has been chairman of the judicia- " committee. Cleveland endeavored to have him accept the chairman ship of the interstate commerce committee, but the Texan positive ly refused to accept it. Cleveland also offered him justiceship on the Supreme Bench, but he refused that. For years past he said that his greatest ambition is to retire to private life and make fIll way for the State of Texas to honor his son, who has recently been reelected Governor of that State.
 In his term in Congress Culber son has made few speeches through his own mouth, but through tha mouths of others he has spoken of ten and ably. He is modest and physically lazy. He despised to stand on his feet and crate, though, comfortably seated and with a cigar between his lips, he has loaded young Congressman with speeches, through the delivery of which many of them have become famous. He was the first man Tn the House who ever suggested the speakership to the late Judge Crisp. It was during CarHsle's term. Crisp was then 8 | very young member of the House. | He was called to the chair for few moments one day, Carlisle had 1 hardly been out five minutes when the Oodg got into parliamentary 1 tangle. Crisp ruled quickly, firmly and correctly. When he left the chair Culberson called him back into the cloakroom.
 "orisp," said he, that ruling will make you chairman of the House some day. You just go slow; wait until questions come up that you are sure you know-there are plenty 1 of men who want to talk always | and about things of which they | know nothing-but you go slow and you will be speaker. It is in you, but you don't want to develop it too fast.
 When Crisp became a candidate for Speaker, Culberson was person ally for him, heart and soul, but his own colleague, Mills, was candi- date and he had to vote for him. Culberson and Crisp were, however, always the best of friends, and it was Judge Crisp's desire that he should be chairman of the ways and means committee, but the Texan would not have it.
 Second only to Judge Crisp will | the House miss Judge Culberson.- Atlanta Consultation.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
Wall Paner Sale.

For the next thirty days we will sell our entire stock of wall paper at cost, for cash only. Papers original ly 12H and 15 cents, from to cents per double roll. Paper and border $1. Come quick.
 A. BREWSTER X SON, 12-10d1m 322 Pine St.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
Y. MIG. A. NOTES.


 Rev. A. 0. Evans will preach at Merrill Institute tonight at So'clock All men invited. This is the last meeting of the week and let there be fl large attendance of men at this meeting.
 At the close of this meeting there will be a business meeting of the Association, when the report of the nominating eommitte will be acted upon, and also a meeting of the board of directors for the ensuing year
 The general secretary is now issu- ing membership tickets and collect ing the physical director fund, which he hopes to make complete in few days. The director is ready to come just as soon as a message is received from Pine Bluff to that effect.
 The anniversary services of the Association will be held at the In- stitute on the evening of January 26th. There will be a splendid pro- gram of music, and Mir Cecil L. Gates, of New ork-international secreta. rv-will deliver the annual address. Look out for the program later.
 The Girls Aid meet at the Insti- tute tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock. There are some vacancies to i'll, and proposition for an entertainment to consider, and a large attendance of members Is de- sired
 The Woman's Auxiliary will have meeting on Saturday afternoon at 5 o'clock, immediately after the baby show is over. This is the time for the election of officers and a large attendance of members is desired.
 Rev. A. o. Evans will preach at the Institute Friday night. This will be the last service of the week and a large number of men is desired to attend. At the close of the meet ing there will be a meeting of the Association, when the report of the nominating committee will be acted upon. All members of the board of directors and all active members of the Association should be present at this meeting After the meeting the board of directors will meet and elect officers for the ensuing year.
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09

Pine Bluff has more babies, and prettier babies, than any place of it's size in the world. Attend the Baby Show at Merrill Institute Saturday afternoon, and be convinced of this
Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-01-09
FIRE ALARMS

Two Turned in Ahis Morhins' cause" D'
 Burning Flues.
 Two alarms of fire were turned in this morningcaused by burning tiues. The first alarm was turned in at 7:l0 this morning, and came from R. Y. Longley's residence on West Bar raque street, where q burning hue caused some slight damage to the ceiling and interior of the room.
 The second alarm was turned III from Mr. Cages residence, on Eas: Second avenue, were the fire depart ment was called to respond to a