davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
CANAAN CONN. THURSDAY APRIL 15, 1897
MORE INSURANCE FRAUDS.
Details of a Gigantic scheme to Cheat .
 New York Company.

New York Company.
 Pittsburg, April 14-A colossal at- tempt at insurance swindling has been unearthed here. C. Linwood Woods of c. l.. Woods & Co.,. bankers, was ar rested in his office in the Park building, the information being by c. F. Harper. chief of the revision department of the Mutual Reserve Fund Life association of New York, who charges Wood with procuring policies with intent to de- fraud. When Woods was confronted by the arreSting officer, he fell in a dead faint. On recovery he acknowl- edged that he was 'treed" and was committed to jail in S5,O00 ball. Later he made a written confession in which he gives the details of his scheme. He says that with a former agent of the Mutual Reserve he entered into 8 con- spiracy to defraud. His mode of pro- cedure was to insert advertisements in the local papers for old men to act as collectors. He would ask the appli- cant for bond. but kindly waived the bond if the applicant would sign an ap- plication for insurance on his life. This was generally secured. and then Woods would get some irresponsible man to sign a promissory not to the Woods company banking firm. filled out with amounts ranging from $l0.o00 to Sl5,- 900 so that consideration for the insur- ance policy at death could be claimed to be the debt by the note.
 It is not known as yet how the appi- cants passed the medical examination.
 In Woods desk were found 65 policies with himself as beneficiary aggregating s200 900. Some of the policies were is- sued by the Prevalent Savings compa- ny of New York, the Fidelity of Phila- delphia and the Mutual Reserve Fund of New York. In the latter there were policies amounting to s150,000, the other s5o.000 being in the first two named Woods had policies on the lives of his brother and sister and his fiancee. The other policies were all for men over 50 years of age and Woods stood to realize a goodly sum in the near fu- ture. Fortunately for the companies the many policies with Woods as bene- ficiary aroused suspicion and the arrest was made before any losses were paid
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
CHANGING ITS COURSE.
The Missouri River Overnows Its Banks
 and Threatens Great Damage.

and Threatens Great Damage.
 Omaha, April 14.-The Missouri river is changing its channel past Omaha, and in doing so threatens to destroy proper ty to the value of several million dollars. The river broke through its banks about a mile above where it left the old chan mel 20 years ago, and Is now running two broad streams across what were fertile market gardens. These streams run into Florence lake, relic of a for mer cut of. From Florence lake the water is pouring into Cutoff lake, and it now seems only a question of few hours until East Omaha Is moved into Iowa and all the property in line of the flood is swept away.
 The government gauge records rise in the Missouri river of but nine-tenths of a foot in the "A hours ending at noon Five miles up the river from the loca- ton of the gauge is where the Missouri has broken its banks in two places. This discharge of the flood accounts for the meager showing of rise on the govern ment gauge The first break in the banks occurred a little more than a mile above the original channel that left Florence lake in the old cut off, and the water sweeps down a stretch of land that has been transformed from most fertile gardens into stream of 2,00o feet wide and 5 feet deep. The market gardens of North Omaha will be swept away, if no further damage results. The people of that section of the town are nearly moved out and are busy getting away their effects in boats. Cutoff lake is filling up rapidly. and may soon over flow, sweeping down through the upper railroad yards and extensive factory plants in the north bottoms.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
The Brooklyn Ready For Sea,

Philadelphia. April 1.-The great fighting cruiser Brooklyn, which has been in the drydock at the League Is- land navy yard since she struck on Schooner Ledge rocks in the Delaware river. on Jan. 30. and injured several of her bottom plates. is now ready to be floated out of the dock. During the nine weeks she has been in the drydock an army of workmen from the ship yards of her builders, the Cramps, have been busily engaged in replacing the damaged plates. Some little work re- mains to be done. but these finishing touches will be administered while the ship lies at anchor in the Delaware, near the navy yard wharfs.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
SENATOR wOLCOTT.

the leading European capitals. He had audiences with the more noted finan- cial ministers, and it is believed he then laid the foundations for international conference for which the committee appointed tonight will endeavor to bring to a conclusion. Senator Wolcott is now serving his second term in the senate. having been elected to that body in 1885. While 8 pronounced bimetal- list. he was a stanch supporter of the St. Louis ticket.
 Ex-Vice President Stevenson. the Democratic member of the commission, though generally known as an advocate of bimetallism, was a stanch supporter of Bryan and the Chicago platform. He and Senator Wolcott, however, are said to be in accord on the financial Ques- ton.
 The Minority Member.
 General Charles J. Paine, who may be termed the minority member, Is a Republican and was a Mckinley man. He is one of the most prominent busi- ness men of Massachusetts and Is said to be a deep student of the financial question. While he is classed as a supporter of bimetallism based on inter national agreement he Is regarded as allied with the gold standard faction. He Is a graduate of Harvard, being a member of the class of '53. General Paine Is largely identified with rail- roads and other corporations, being a director of the Chicago. Burlington and Quincy railroad and other large concerns. and a director of the Boston Institute of Technology; was an inti- mate friend and associate of Professor , Walker, the financial author and au- thority. He Is man of large wealth and probably better known to the pub lie at large as one of the syndicate of gentlemen who built the cup de- lending yachts Puritan. Mayfiower and Volunteer. It Is a fact not generally known that General Paine accompa- nied Senator Wolcott on his European trip last summer and assisted him in that work. It is believed that he went abroad with Senator Wolcott with the understanding that he was to be made q member of the commission.
 It Is not yet known when the commits sioners will meet and organize. When an organization is effected. however, 1t Is believed that Senator Wolcott will be made chairman. It is authorize lively stated that the commissioners will not go abroad before May ! by which time the new ambassadors will be at their posts and render the special envoys the assistance necessary in the consummation of their mission.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
NEW YORK LEGISLATURE.
Both Branches Pass Greater New York
 Bill over strong's Veto.

Both Branches Pass Greater New York
 Bill Over Strong's Veto.
 Albany, April 13.-After an animated session, which lasted until 2:30 this morning, the senate passed the Raines law amendments, which at a recent Re- publican caucus were made a party measure. The principal amendment, and one over which there has been a bitter fight, provides that all clubs wherein liquor is served must pay a sa- loon license. The vote on the final pass age of the measure stood yeas. s2; nays. Is.
 Albany, April 13.-The assembly, without much discussion, passed the Greater New York bill over the veto of Mayor Strong of New York by vote of 106 to 32, and two supplemental bills. one amending the election law and one relating to supervisors in Queens county.
 Albany, April 14.-The senate passed the Greater New York bill over the veto of Mayor Strong by a vote of g to g.. Senator Grady's bill prohibiting the dissertation of the American flag by us- ing it for advertising purposes passed, without debate, by a vote of 29 to 15. The senate also passed. by vote of 30 to 8, the bill of Senator Bracket pro- viding for an additional railroad com missioner at salary sf $, 900.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Yonkers Savings Bank Robbed.

New York, April 13.-The Yonkers Savings bank was robbed yesterday as prettily as a gang of western desper- adoes could have done it. Cashier Cobb, aged 75, was alone in the bank at noon. A we'll dressed man entered, attracted his attention by talking about business and gradually drew him away from his desk and out of sight of the door. A man slipped in and took the contents of the cashiers drawer. s4.400. When Mir. Cobb got back to his desk, this man covered him with revolver, con- cealed his features behind the bills he had stolen. backed out and got away before Mir. Cobb had recovered his wits. There is no trace of the robbers and no clew to their identity.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Much Suffering Among Miners.

Wilkesbarre. Pa.. April A.-The clos ing down of the mines In Plymouth has caused much destitution among the miners and their families residing in that town. Mayor Nichols of Wilkes barre visited the garbage dumps on the east side of the Susquehanna river. op- posite Plymouth, and was surprised to find scores of persons picking through the garbage and rubbish and eagerly seizing scraps of victuals. decaying veg etables, etc., in order to keep them from starving. The mayor will make an ap- peal to the charitably inclined for im- mediate relief for the sufferers.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Eacfnrv Law Violated.

Albany. April 4,-Deputy Factory In. spector Nash reports to the state de- partment that he found in the dress making establishment of Vince~t Mel- sha of 274 Livingston street. Brooklyn. 40 girls employed in a room where but 2S could be employed under the pros visions of the state factory law. The employees were permitte6 only 90 min utes for dinner. whereas they are en- titled to one hour by the law. The pro- prietor of the establishment will be prosecuted if he does not immediately comply with the law.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Trust Law yIoIators Indicted.

Chattanooga. April S.-The United States grand jury has returned true bill of indictment against six cast Iron pipe companies for violations Of the sherman antitrust law. The compa- nies affected are the Chattanooga Foundry and Pipe works. Addison Pipe and Steel company, Louisville, Ky; Dennis. Long & Co.,, Howard Harrl- son Iron company, Annlston Pipe and Foundry company. Anniston, Ala. aad South Pittsburg Pipe works, South Pittsburg. Tenn. The case will be tried upon the indictment at the october term of the United States court.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
IOWA'S GREAT SPEED.
The New Battleship Wins For Her Build
 CTS S2oO 900 Bonus.

Boston. April S.-The battleship Iowa, the last of the premium built battle ships of the navy, has earned for her builders, Messrs. William Cramp & Sons of Philadelphia, s200, 900 by making an average of IT even knots an hour over the regular government course ofr the Massachusetts coast in the four hours speed trial required by the sov- ernment under the contract
 The Iowa, by her grand work, proved herself to be superior to either the In- diana or Massachu setts by a consider able fraction of a knot and Is the &C., knowledged queen of the American navy if not the most formidable battle ship afoat.
 The following is the Iowa's record: Elapsed time on first leg. hour 5I min utes and 21 seconds.
 Average speed on first leg. l6:s7; time consumed in turning, 30:45; elapsed time on return, 1:55:35; average speed on return. 17:12:9; total elapsed time for course. 52;56; average speed for entire course, IT.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Talk of CompromIse.

London. April H.-The Athens cor respondent of The Daily Chronicle says that compromise is evidently in the air. Turkey is showing herself exceptionally friendly to Greece, and 1t is believed in diplomatic circles that the two parties. if left alone. would settle the affair in as many days. Advices from EpiI,ls represent the situation there as a reign of terror. The Turks are laying the country waste with fire and sword. The vali of Janina has ordered every Christian to give the Turkish army ten sheep and Q bullock
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
May Get the Railroad.

Tho long talked of project of a rail- road connecting North and South Amer ica is being revived. The negotiations between Mexico and Guatemala, which were interrupted two years ago by the strained diplomatic relations of the two countries, Lave been resumed, and Mex ico has just appointed commission to act with similar commission to be ap- pointed by Guatemala. It will be the duty of tho joint commission 10 select q feasible route for the proposed road,
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Says He Pound a Gold Mine.

White Plains. N. Y., April l3.-Niles S. Smith, who owns a fine country seat on Dusenberry's hill, says he has found a gold mine on his place and that speci- mems of the ore have been assayed and are said to be worth s7 to s97 a ton. Small quantities of gold have been re- ported in various parts of Westchester county. but the finds have never amounted to anything.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Insurance Fraud.

Saratoga, April 13.-Professor A. A. Mckee of Schenectady, N. r., has been convicted at Ballston Spa aud fined. the charges against him being that by false representations he collected money from 25 persons whom he in- sured in the Family Protective union of Boston, a corporation that has no legal standing in New York state.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Railroads, Tim. to Answer Extended.

Washington. April i3.-The interstate commerce commission has extended until May Is the time within which certain roads running into New York city were directed to answer com plaints relative to milk rates. The principal defendant roads are the Del- aware, I.ackawRnna and Western, On- tario and Western and the Erie.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Rhode Island Elects Dyer.

Providence, April 8.-The state cleo ton was the dullest on record. The Republicans were absolutely sure of a walk over and had there been the usual response on the part of the electors General Dyer's vote would have been one of the largest ever given a gubar- material candidate. AS it was, he has the largest proportionate plurality ever received for candidate for governor in Rhode Island, being estimated at 4,000. The Republicans have generally elected their candidates to the assem-
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Largest Insurance Policy Ever Issued.

San Francisco, April 10.-Mrs. Leland Stanford has signed the contract by
 which her life is insured for $1.000. 900. The policy, which Is said to be the larg- est ever issued. was written by New York company. By the terms of the contract Mrs. Stanford is to pay an an- nual premium of s170,000, and upon her death s1. 900. 600 will be paid by the com pany to the Leland Stanford, Jr, uni versity. Should she live ten years and continue her annual payment of pre- miums the university win receive at
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Heir to srOo, 900 Found.

Troy, N. Y, April 12.-A. J. Dwyer of New Orleans came to this city search Ing for John c. King of Duquesne, Pa., who has disappeared, and was supposed to have come to Troy. A brother of King died recently and left a fortune of about $100000, to which the missing man is sole heir. It has been learned that the missing man had been To- cated here, and that a local attorney has been employed by him to look after his interests in the estate.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Board of Pardons on Gentry.

Harrisburg. April 14.-A special meet ng of the board of pardons will be aeld next Monday to consider the case If Actor James B. Gentry, the mur- derer of Madge York. the actress, two years ago, in a Philadelphia hotel. George F. Munce, counsel for the de- fendant, has applied to the governor for a respite for the condemned man, but 1t was refused.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Ro..bery May Succeed s.,,.eur,.

London, April i+.-Truth says. "Gt is doubtful If Lord Salisbury's health will permit him to retain the posts of pres mier and secretary of state for foreign affairs. Under these circumstances many Unionists are suggesting Lord Rosebery for secretary of state for for- eign affairs. IL Is pointed out that entire accord with Lord Salishury's for- eign policy, and he withdrew from the Liberals because he dlsapprovea of their acticn In foreign Issues, while hln views on home rule are In accord with The InloniEts"
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Requests to Colleges.

New York. April s.-By the win of Mrs. Sarah Van Nostrand of New York Yale university will receive s25,00O. 70 be kept as distinct fund known as the David Van Nostrand memorial fund. The will also gives s5,OOo to tha Generol Theological seminary of the Protestant Episcopal church.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
The Rurpbers Talk of War.

London, April 12.-A dispatch to the Daily Mail from Cape Town says Het Dagblad, the Dutch newspaper, de- clares that leading officials of the Transvaal speak openly of war with England as inevitable and aver that 1t will be carried right up to Table bay.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Geta Nominal DamaRes.

Scranton. Pa., April 10.-Anna Dick inson, one time lecturer and actress, has recovered a verdict of 6A cents from George B. Thompson, Allan Egg gleston. John s. Heiman, Gideon Un- derwood and Henry Bryden of Pitts burg. on the basis ot claim that they had brought about her unwarranted incarceration In the Danville insane asylum in 1891.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
NeIsnn M. Waeks IndIeted

New York. April 10.-Nelson M. Weeks. who is charged with compliciaty in the death of Aimee Smith. who died from carbolic acid poisoning several weeks ago, has been indicted by the supreme court grand jury for manslaughter in the first degree.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Killed hN Taking a Header.

Taunton, Mass, April 14. - Charles Ripley. 10 years of age, was instantly killed by taking header from his bi- cycle. His wheel caught in the street car tracks near the spot where Fred N. Strange, bicyclist, was murdered last
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
at Work.

New Haven, April 13.-Milfora is eS- perIencing a fire bug scare. Within 4s hours three buildings have been burn ed, and while the total loss caused has been small no end of excitement has been created. Detectives are on the track of the fire bugs.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Suicide rt I.ockport.

Lockport. N. Y., April H.-sumner B. White, a prominent business man and brother-in-law of ex-Senstor c. w. Pound, committed suicide by shooting himself in the right temple. He leaves a widow and two children. White had recently been an inmate of the Buffalo state hosnItal
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
y.ps Looking Out For Hawaiian Interests.

Yokohama, April 12.-The government of Japan has decided to send two war ships to Hawaii stopping meanwhile all emigration. A number of rejected emigrants have arrived at Kobe. The Japanese press is urging the govern ment to take a firm attitude toward the Hawaiian and American govern ments.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Peru.s Postal Representative.

Lima, Peru. April 14-The Peruvian government has appointed Alberto Fall con to represent Peru at the forthcom- ing postal congress at Washington.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
BIMETALLIC ENVOYS.
THE PRESlDENTA APPOINTS WoLcoTT,
 PAINE AND STEVENSON.
The Colorado Senator Has Devoted Much Time and Energy to the Proposed Con- ference-His Nomination Expected vhe Duties of the Commission Defined.


 Washington. April 14.-The president has announced the appointment of Senator Edward O. Wolcott of Colo rado. Hon. Charles J. Paine of Boston and ex-Vice President Adlai E. Steven son as commissioners to an interna- tional monetary conference. These ap- pointments are made under the act ap- proved March 3, last, flor the promo tion of an international agreement for bimetallism" and by its provisions do not require confirmation by the senate.
 It has been generally conceded that Senator Wolcott would be made a member of the commission. He has been an active leader in the movement for a monetary agreement and is wide ly known as an advocate of the silver cause. His trip to Europe last summer was generally conceded to be at least semiofficial as the representative of the new administration. His tour extend cd over several months and embraced
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Past Weeks Proceedings of Congress.


 Washington, April S.-In the senate yesterday MT. Morgan of Alabama de- ,ated his Cuban resolution and had a lively tilt with MT. Hale of New Hamp- hire. MT. Morgan declared that he intended to force the resolution to a onclusion the next time he took the .ioor. Senator Stewart opposed the in voluntary bankruptcy law, and the de- )ate drifted into bimetallism. Senator Chandler said the United States could safely try the experiment alone if an international agreement should not be secured. The house was not in ses- sion.
 Washington, April 9.-The president sent a special message to congress ask ing that an appropriation be made for the relief of flood sufferers in the Mis- sissippi and Red river valleys. Both branches of congress took the matter ur. promptly and voted an appropria- ion of S200, 900. Within three hours from the time the president sent the message the appropriation bill was re- turned to him for his approval. and his signature was attached. No other busi- ness of importance was transacted in either house.
 Washington. April 10.-In the senate yesterday MT. Morgan of Alabama con- tinued his address on his resolution de- handing the recognition of the Cuban insurgents, and MT. Nelson of Minne- sota spoke in opposition to the pend- Ing Torrey bankruptcy bill. The house was not in session.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
Provisions For Payment.

The bill provides for the adjudication of any claims that may arise against the government out of the transaction by the court of claims, whose judgment in the case is to be final. The reward and allowance are to include sums sufficient to equal the damage by the wear and tear of the plant and the in terest on its actual value, and such ad- ditional sums as may be fairly due for each years use of said plant"
 The Chandler bills were referred to the committee on naval affairs with put debate.
 The senate in executive session con- Armed the nominations of Alfred E. Buck of Georgia to be minister to Ja- pan and James Boyle of Ohio to be con- sul at Liverpool. Several minor ap- pointments were also confirmed.
Connecticut western news., 1897-04-15
The Principal Features.

The principal section of the bill au-
 thorizes and directs the secretary of the navy forthwith to take possession of
 the land, buildings and machinery con-
 stituting the armor making plant of the
 company named. He Is directed ito hold and use such lands, buildings and
 machinery for a period of time suffi-
 cient to enable said secretary to manu- facture at the works embraced hy said plant such portion as he may see fit
 there to manufacture of the armor plate necessary for the completion of
 the battleships Alabama, Illinois and Wisconsin, now In process of construc- tion for the United States, and there after to return the possession of said land, buildings and machinery to said Bethlehem Iron company, to be held by said company as its own property as If the taking hereby authorized had not been made, and the aforesaid taking, holding and using of said land, build- ings and machinery by the said secre- tary of the navy, for the purpose afore- said, shall be deemed to be a taking thereof for the public use of the United States under an obligation to make just compensation therefor In accordance with the fifth amendment to the consti- tution."