davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The oasis., 1897-05-29
Mexican Pearl F,sherica.

OASIS has drawn freely from one on the same subject which recently ap. peared in the columns of Fl Imparclal of Guaymas:
 The bed of the Gulf of California abounds in pearls and the concession under which are conducted the fish cries includes the depths and shadows of it's entire area Until recent years it was impossible for divers to des- cend to depths greater than thirty five feet, but introduction Of modern diving apparati has carried the work ing limit down to thirty fathoms; and where formerly the divers could re. main below but two minutes at Q time, they can work continuously q couple of hours at depth of one hun dred feet. Greater depths are inccn- venient and the trips below are made shorter on account of the tremendous pressure of the water The diver looking for oysters on the bed of the ocean works near small sack depen- dent by cord from boat on the sur face of the water, which is hoisted at a given signal, and another is imme- diately lowered. Formerly the diver carried to the surface the result c! his descent, aud he frequently re  turned empty handed. Under pre- sent conditions large numbers of tic valuable bivalves are secured, while formerly there were but a few dozen taken. In his search tho diver is nui limited to pearl oysters, but any sam. :. ple ofrare corai or any new species oi sl,ell which may have amarket value
 tivepped Htt tne sk and hgisted. i The annual taluc Of the pearls taken from the Gulf Of California reaches S,s00,O00 and the annual ex- portdtion of mother of pearl shells aggregates 1000 tons, worth SI 100000 Both these valuations express Mexi- can money. Fishing for pearls is the principal occupation of the people of La Paz, a town of some 1000 people, situated on the west shore of the gulf, near the lower end of the peninsula of Lower California.
 The oysters taken do not all con- tain pearls, and it is at rare intervals only that single pearls of great value are discovered The largest ever taken was three quarters of an inch in diameter. aud was sold in Paris to the Emperor of Austria for the handsome sum of 5000 gold. In these fisheries many black pearls are found, and they return higher values than do the white ones. The major part of the annual draft consists of seed pearls which are of only moderate value. La Recojida," as the draft is called, is shipped directly to Paris and Lon- don, and thence distributed to the various marts of the world.
 The risks and dangers of the pearl fisheries have always been greatly ex- aggeraled, but the loss of life has been greatly diminished since the in troduction into the trade of modern apparatus. Formerly much or the loss of life was due to the shark and octopus, both abounding in these
  waters. Protected by his diving ar nor, and in continual communication with those above. the diver is not so defenceless against those monsters, and they have lost their terrors.
 The worlds demand for pearls is always great. and ever exceeds the supply
 Nohody need have Neuralgia Get Dr. Miles
The oasis., 1897-05-29

Nobody need have Neuralgia. Get ur. Miles, Pain Pills from druggists "Onc cent dose
The oasis., 1897-05-29

Ine following eutract is from the Washington Times of the 20th inst;
The herald., 1897-12-03

annuated rubbers they way they did her
I'd, have thrown the whole gang off the
train. It's barbarous. She's practical
young woman and has none of that
maudlin softness that makes the aver
age girl of the period so Objectionable.
Pity there's not more wives like her.
Most brides get the fool idea that all they
have to do is to go through life billing
and cooing"
Married." inquired the first speaker.
"No, thank heaven, I'm not married,
but I know the exceptionally good
woman when see her. There's one in
thousand and she'll help that young
man succeed as sure as"
But the eulogist stopped with mouth
and eyes open. The bride had her arm
about the new husbands neck and was
punctuating her sentences with kisses.
''This diamond ring is just honey"
she was saying. "Now, darling, you
must get me a big plain ring for guard,
and just as soon as you can earn the
money I'm going to have a watch and a
set of earrings, can't I, old precious?"
The observer with a skull cap and
gray moustache smiled superior smile.
The little weakened man glared, swore
under his breath and ordered his lug
gage taken to another car. The bride
and groom were not aware there was
anyone else aboard.-Detroit Free Press.
The herald., 1897-12-03
PERSONAL

G. w. Dearborn of San Francisco is at
the Van Nuys.
Mr.. and Mrs. M. J. Boggs of Colusa
are at the Van Nuys.
G. c. Ruffner. sheriff of Yavapai coun-
ty, Arizona, is spending a few days in
the city.
Miss Annie Levy Of 435 Bernard street
leaves today for Sacramento on a six
months visit.
Capt. A. H. Emery, retired army
officer, arrived here yesterday from
San Francisco.
Robert Rothschild, San Francisco
importer of tobaccos, was among yes
terday's arrivals.
w. M. Concannon, construction super
intendent of the San Francisco Bridge
company, is in the city.
Edward S. Graham, a manufacturer
of musical instruments in Philadelphia,
Pa, Is here in the capacity of a tourist.
Elwood S. Hooper Of Philadelphia,
who is member of the firm manufac-
turing Colbureis mustards. is in the city.
Mrs. Thos. e. Harvey. tourist from
Galveston, Tex, has returned from a
pleasant trip to Coronado, where she
went accompanied by Mrs. A. M. Aim
quist and Miss Almquist.
Mrs. H. p. Keeler of San Diego ar
rived here yesterday. Her husband was
recently transferred from his position
as city ticket agent for the Santa Fe
railroad at San Diego to the freight de-
partment of the same company in this
city. The couple will take up their res
idence here.
The herald., 1897-12-03
Webb's Hold on Axtell
Explained
HE HELD HIS RESIGNATION
FORCED A "LoAN" OF TWO HUN
DRED DOLLARS
Asked Axtell to Shoulder All the
Blame and He Would See That
He Was Taken Care OF

The grip which Walter Webb had upon
Superintendent of Buildings Axtell, tho
club which he held over his head, the
whip with which he kept him in line and
compelled him to do his bidding has
been discovered.
Axtell has told the whole story. When
he made his confession before the board
Of education Monday night 1t will be
remembered that he refused to tell the
whole truth. Reference was made to
Webb's having secured his resignation,
but when urged to tell all about the mat
ter. Axtell refused. When Webb eau
tiously asked about it. Axtell told him
that the less he said about that matter
the better. Developments show that
this warning was well founded, and it
will also be remembered that Webb
dropped the subject with this hint.
1t was manifest, from Axtell's state
ment, that he was but the tool in the
hands of a shrewder, wiser man, and
that man was Webb. The reason why
the superintendent of buildings and
janitors did not jump over the traces has
The herald., 1897-12-03

high prices of the retail plumbers and
without costing the school department
a cent. Then he asked:
"'Axtell. isn't it fact that you did
this so as to get McInerny's vote?'
Il replied that that never entered my
thoughts; that had never talked of or
thought of 1t, for McInerny had assured
me repeatedly that he would vote for me
and was friendly toward me for the
reason that had always tried to treat
men we'll whom he had sent to my de-
partment to work.
THE FIRST DENIAL
when Webb first said anything in the
way Of demanding money it was this
way. He said he had had a talk with
a man who told him of 1t, and the man
had demanded an investigation through
the supply committee, but he had finally
arranged with him to take 5000 and keep
quiet.
Before ever demanding any money of
me, Webb one day in talking of this mat
ter suddenly presented to me an undated
written resignation and demanded that
l sign it. I did so and he put il in his
pocket and said he did not know what he
might do, but he might use it. Then came
the demand for 5000. told him my cir
cumstances and that couldn't raise it.
I told him that few years ago when 1
was doing business as a contractor had
been stricken with apoplexy and had
been i'll for long time and that when
got able to get out I was $4,000 and over
in debt and that I had beeg paying that
off; that was also having to support
besides my own family daughter and
her two children and was at the same
time trying to pay for our little home.
But he said he must have the money.
told him finally that would try to
raise 500, and he said he would take that
and see If he could make it do. got the
hundred by borrowing it from Frank
Savage at per cent month, and gave
1t to Webb.
Some time after that Webb came back
and demanded another 500. I raised 1t
in the same way and gave it to him. He
had my resignation in his hands and /
was in his power.
A SCAPEGOAT WANTED
after the charges were filed against
myself and Mr. Adams which led to this
investigation I met Webb in Furrev &.
Co.'s store and he urged me to resign.
saying II did the investigation would
come to an end and I would be taken care
Of. He said that he would see to it that
was either cared for in the schools or
in the railroad. He did not say which
railroad. ] objected to this and said that
even II ! did resign my character would
be ruined and would stand under the
whole thing while the others escaped.
He said that would blow over and be for
gotten after awhile. l said to him that
! had nothing ahead. and before at all
The herald., 1897-12-03
HE BOSSED THE COMBINATION

as he knew all about the McInerny Job,
and wanted to see me- I went up and
Webb jumped on me hard. He said that
had done wrong, and that myself and
probably the chief plumber, Warren,
would lose our positions. 1 told Webb
I didn't want Warren to lose his place
under any consideration; that If there
was anything criminal in Warren's do
ing the work l was to blame, as l had
suggested 1t to him first This didn't
satisfy him. He wanted to know If
hadn't ordered the material and used q
school requisition. 1 told him that
had, but the understanding with Nc
Inerny was that it was not to cost the
city a nickel.
Then he asked: How are you going
to fix this thing up?'
"He also said that Conrey. must not
know a thing about it. 1 asked him how
the matter would come out. He said
there was q man down near McInerny's s
place who had grudge against Nc
Inerny because he couldn't get his
daughter appointed teacher, and that
in order to hush this matter up his
daughter would probably have to be
given a teachers place. That was the
result Of our first conversation, except
that he strongly impressed upon me
that he was going to take care of it and
protect me, il it could possibly be done.
1 don't know whether he suggested at
that time that any money might be
necessary to square the thing.
BORE DOWN HARD"
'The next time we met he bore down
on me pretty hard again. 1 was trying
to impress on him that McInerny was
honest in the matter and never meant
to get dollar from the school depart
ment, but he laughed at that and said
he had no confidence in McInerny.
"'Now, Axtell, why did you do this?'
he asked.
Il told him that I did it because Mr.
McInerny had asked me to do it as a
favor, and explained why he wanted it
done; that it enabled him to get his
material and work without paying the
The herald., 1897-12-03
w AO Sd
an attorney.

been made public, for Axtell yesterday
made a clean breast of thewhole matter.
1t was stated several days ago that
Axtell borrowed money to get his job.
He did borrow the money, but instead of
being to get his job. 1t was to retain it.
He paid that money to Webb and only
last Saturday was the debt paid. Ever
since he secured the loan Axtell has
been paying interest at the rate Of two
per cent a month on the entire amount.
Another matter brought out yesterday
shows the means the guilty parties in
tend to employ to remove Axtell from
the prosecution. 1t Is their intention to
prosecute him on a charge of perjury.
In his statement Monday night Axtell
all but admitted that he had stated
something that was not true in his evil
dence before the grand jury, something
that differed materially from his state
ment made before the investigation.
What that something was no one hut
himself knows, but the friends of Webb
have taken up the matter and it is an
open secret among them that they must
secure the indictment Of AXtell on a
charge Of perjury.
IL lLiS Ctill NC OO1iC, tIlCy AAOPC " tul II
public sentiment against Axtell, and in
favor of Webb. They argue that man
under indictment on such charge could
not hoped to be believed by an investi-
eating body. Those who are pushing
the prosecution in the school board scam
dal have been informed of this matter.
In this connection some of those inter-
ested in unearthing the rottenness have
been quoting that passage of Scripture
which refers to him who diggeth q
pit"
Since Axtell's confession was made
certain of his friends have been endrnv-
oring to induce him to tell what there
was in the story of the resignation which
Webb held over him. Yesterday he
made the following statement:
WEBBs DUPLICITY
about April 10Th Mr.. McInerny came
to me and inquired whether it would be
possible for me to secure certain plumb
ing supplies for him, as was in po-
sition to order such things. He was to
pay for them. The reason he wanted me
to get them was that could order them
at the school prices and that would save
him a considerable amount. He also
wanted the school plumbers to do the
work for him, which was ON some of
his property. He agreed to pay the
regular school rates. and it was under
stood that he was to pay for the work
as well. At no time was 1t suggested
that he was to get the material or the
labor at the expense Of the school de-
partnent. did this for him as an ac-
commodation. Webb found this out,
and one day he told Secretary johnson
Ito telephone to me to come to the ofilce,
The herald., 1897-12-03

Montariol goes up for six years.
Forecast: Fair, cold, north winds,
probable frost.
Shoe deal being exploited in the
superior court.
Riparian owners register a kick
with the council.
Deciduous fruit growers preparing
for organization.
Santa Monica shell game workers
charged with the wrong offense.
Amounts to be assessed for street
work in various portions of the city.
Negro Sullivan again picked up
a. the suspected assailant of Mrs.
Holly.
A deputy license collector who is
holding down two city jobs; office
work and FIRE duty.
Further evidence against School
Director w. L. Webb; how he forced q
''loan" from Axtell, and why it was
vepaid.
The herald., 1897-12-03

candid about the whole matter and said
it had nothing whatever to do with the
school department.
AN INTERESTED PARTY
The statement by Axtell throws some
light upon the attempt of Attorney
Frank Davis to cross-examine Prof.
Keppel after he (Davis) had been told
by Axtell that he intended to make a
confession and that he did not desire to
fight the case. There may be more truth
than was then supposed in the rumor
that Davis was really looking after
Webbs interests over Axtells should
ers.
Frank Savage was in bed when called
upon at his residence on South Flower
street at $3.50 last night. He said that he
did not wish to make any statements at
this time; that the investigation, so far,
was not sufficiently developed to allow
Of his information being published in
connection Herewith, and that for the
present he would remain quiet on the
subject. Though Mr.. Savage said moth
ing definite. at the same time his evil
dence is expected to prove highly inter-
esting.
THE GRAND JURY TO ACT
That the grand jury will take cogni
zance of the school scandal is now con-
sidered certain. 1t is known that sew
eral persons who have been prominent
in the investigation have again been be-
fore that body and related their stories
1t is also reported that certain other per-
sons whose names have not appeared
in connection with the affair have been
summoned. Among them are said to be
several teachers.
Webb is making every effort 70 secure
the prosecution of Axtell for perjury.
This effort is not direct one but is be-
ing engineered by certain Of his friends.
They hope to secure an indictment be-
fore there are any further developments
in the scandal, in the hope that such &C
ton by the inquisitorial body will be
taken az a vindication Of himself by
casting doubt upon Axtells story.
The herald., 1897-12-03
At the Van Nuvs

q, W. Dearborn. San Francisco; c. r..
Paul, H. H. Booth, Chicago: Leon King
9. Kaufman. New York; o. ]. Slough
san Diego; r. l.. Good, Springfield, Mo. !;
J. II. Colburn. Boston; A. j. Ralston, San
francisco; Mrs. A. Seligman. Oakland; d.
7. Hale. San Diego; N. r. Cottman, Chino;
Mr.. and Mrs. Il. w. Russell. New York;
9. +. Mason Mr.. and Mrs. John c. Sieg-
fried, San Francisco; Mrs. c. F. Daven-
port. New York; M. ]. Boggs and wife, Co.
lusa; L. D. Fandy, New York. r. A.
Tnomas' San Diego; Loyal T. Wist, w. H.
Lowden. San Francisco.
The herald., 1897-12-03
CITY NEWS IN BRIEF


Miss washburn's reception today,
Bryson block.
Call Tel. Main 243 for ambulance.
,Kregelo & Bresee. Sixth and Broadway.
Robert Sharp & Co., funeral directors
independently, 536 South Spring street
Telephone 1929.
Watches cleaned. IS cents: main
springs. so cents; crystals. 10 cents
Patton. PA South Broadway.
Felix Wolfe, editor of the French pa
per. lie Union Novelle. has lost his little
baby, Felicie Antoinette after a short
illness.
Adams Bros, dentists. 2s91a South
Spring street. Plates from 81. Pain
less extracting, so cents. Filling a
speciality. Hours, s to s; Sundays. 10
to IL.
James Mccoy, colored, arrested for
stealing harness, was arraigned yester-
day In the police court on a charge OF
burglary, and will have his examination
Is on December 7th.
Louis Nlemeyer, who battered Ver-
non street car conductor because the lat
ter demanded fare for dog. was yes
terday morning sentenced by Justice
Morrison to pay fine of $40.
Ladies of the First Christian church,
corner Eleventh and Hope streets, will
continue their sale of fancy and useful
articles today and tomorrow. This even
ing good program. Admission free.
H. c. Lichtenberger, the picture
Trainer. at 202 South Spring street. has
just received his fall stock Of new styles
Of picture frame mouldings. If you
have any framing to do call and see this
beautiful line.
DR.. Rebecca Lee Dorsey, Stimson
block. first floor, rooms 1888. 1874, 135.
Special attention given to obstetrical
cases and all diseases of women and
children. Electricity scientifically used.
Consultation hours. to s. Tel. 1927.
AS result of the heavy wind Wednes-
day night, one Of the derricks Of the
Rex Oil company, located on Quebec
street, toppled over. Fortunately. no one
was near the we'll at the time and no
damage was done except to the structure
itself.
Thomas Meagher, en- route to San
Quentin, where he will serve three years
for burglary, was confined in the city
Jail last night. and will be taken north
this morning by Deputy Sheriff Il. r.
Davis Of Santa Ana, who has the pIis-
oner in charge.
The young people of the First Con-
gregational church will give an open
reception in the church parlors this
evening. The program will consist of
vocal numbers by Mr.. and Mrs. r. E.
Rowan, jr.. Mr.. Harry Williams and
Mr.. Esberry, cello solos by Mr.. Ballard,
an orchestra under the direction Of w.
H. Mead, readings by A. p. Chipron and
q boys band under the leadership of l..
w. Godin.
A concert will be given this evening
at the Union-avenue Methodist Episco-
pal church in support of fund for more
elaborate music in future services. Chas.
T.. Ward, pianist; G. w. Hersey, ex-
ponent Of German songs in costume:
Rolla 2. Gardner, banjoist; w. e. Wing
in readings from Bill Nye, the church
choir and the Rev. e. o. McIntire, the
pastor, in a humorous lecture, will all
contribute to the program.
The herald., 1897-12-03
BRIDE POSSESSED SENTIMENT
But Objected to Having Rice and Old
Shoes Thrown at Her

SHOES Thrown ut Aer
mot quite enough sentiment there" !"
remarked the man with the skull cap
and gray moustache after the fiutter
caused by the arrival Of newly mar
ried pair in the parlor car had somewhat
subsided. "She objected to the rice be-
cause it lodged in her ribbons and there
was some anger in the energy she dis
played in gathering those old shoes from
the aisle and throwing them out of the
window. She should have blushed, pro-
tested and looked happy while that
crowd Of young people were bestowing
such substantial evidences of good will. :"
Nothing Of the Sort" snorted the little
weakened man, who turned his paper
with such violence that he tore OF half
a page. 'That girl has sense. If they
had peppered me with rice and super
The herald., 1897-12-03
Small Cash

Payment and twenty month, including
interest 10 the way we want to sell a good
two-story, seven-room house, fifteen min
utes from business center. Southwest.
GOOD sized rooms, two tile fireplaces. bath,
hot and cold water orange and boiler).
Sewer and street work done and paid for.
Fine neishborhood. This Is snap. LANG
WORTHY CO.. 22e South Spring.
The herald., 1897-12-03
Maximum temperature, &C.

tcHH1PCE
Forecast for Southern California-Fair
Friday; continued cold weather; northcrly
winds; probably heavy frost in the morn
ing.
The herald., 1897-12-03

Latest styles wall paper at A. A. Eek.
strom's. ~ South Spring street.
The herald., 1897-12-03

3 +. A. Thomas of San Diego il regis
tered at the Van Nuys.
The herald., 1897-12-03
xHE WEATHER

TEMPERATURE-Rep of observations
taken at Los Angeles. Dec. 2. The
barometer Is reduced to sea level.
The herald., 1897-12-03

Time Bar. Th'r. r. II. Wind Vel. Weather
3 q. m. 29.9j 52 40 NV y Clear
6p. m. 5000 56 IS SW Clear
The herald., 1897-12-03

Board Of public works meets-1O
Q. m.
Friday Morning club, Gan Hour
With the Stars" Owens block-1O:15
q. m.
The herald., 1897-12-03
EVENTS OF TODAY

0rpheum-Vaudeville.
Burbank-"Lost in New York"
The herald., 1897-12-03
CITY NEWS
INDEX OF LOCAL EVENTS

Chron'eled on page. s. ! and 10.