davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
CHRISTMAS CLOSING.
Merchants Approve of Giving the
Clerks Holiday.


Clerks Holiday.
The movement in favor OF the closing of
the mercantile establishments of Washing
ton all day ON Christmas day, which has
been vigorously pushed for the past week
or two, has been crowned with success, and
while some few establishments may remain
open for d Snort time in the morning, prob
ably none of the leading houses will open
their doors for anything like business. The
Star is III receipt of a number of letters
IRON merchants, who commend the general
closing on the greatest holiday of the year.
j. & NJ Strasburger of the Family Shoe
Store write as follows:
I'VE are glad TO see that The Star, with
its usual thoughtfulness. is again to the
front agitatinP the closing of the stores all
day Christmas, and we trust all the large
houses will respond by remaining closed,
thereby giving their salespeople the benefit
of much-needed rest and an opportunity
CT devoting the entire day to their fami-
lies
Mr.. w. T. Van Wickle, Washington man
ager of the Bradbury Piano. Company,
says:
Il wish to commend The Stars course in
advocating the closing Of business houses
on Christmas and New Year day, giving
employees the benefit of the entire day. We
have recognized for years past the business
of the measure, and, as in the past. the
Bradbury piano warerooms will be closed
the entire day on both holidays.
Taking into consideration the increased
amount of work. the extra hours imposed
upon the employees. dIe to the extra amount
of business incidental to the holidays we
are thoroughly in accord with The Stars
idea
The following is from John C. Parker, Gil
eth street northwest:
Regarding the article in last nights
Star on Christmas day closing 1 wish to
state that it seems to me a very good plan
and one that all merchants should fall in
with. The Christmas rush in the stores
keeps the clerks busy longer hours perhaps
than clerks in any other line of business.
They have worked hard and untiringly for
their employers from early morning to late
at night for the past week or two and
every clerk in every store IN Washington
has surely earned this great holiday. l feel
that l owe il to my statesmen to give them
this day. and shall do So and trust every
other merchant will do the same"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23

Marriage licenses have been issued to the
following:
White-Joseph Denty and Alice Baylis;
William P. Larkin and Lucy B. Adams
George F. Watts and Ada Goings; H. A.
Bacon and Blanche L. Whiteiield; John W.
Scruggs and Ethel E. Leake. both of Char
lottesville, Va; James N Bowen and Addie
G. Browder: Louis D. Carman and Maria
Gambrill; James c. Bass and Jeanette "
McConley; Charles G. Carroll and Emma
e. Barnes: John S. Bonner and Mabel Claw
ton; Ellis E. Ledman and Ethel E. Upper
man; Louis F. Hellmuth Of Washington and
Frances L. Bowie Of Charles county, Md. !:
Henry B. Franklin Of Salem, Mass. and
Nora L. Blanchard of Columbus, Ohio.
Colored-Frank NJ. Hyder of Augusta
Ca, and Eliza r. Matron Of this city; AL
bert Ball and Jamie v. Young; Frank
Toney and Estella Denton; William II,
Wright and Clara e. Carter; Joseph Davis
and Mary j. Duvall; Hiram Banks and
Mary Stewart: James B. Began and Leana
=. Thomas; Lemuel Neal and Mary Ann
Brown, both Of Charles county, Nd; Grant
Campbell and Annie r. Brown; Arthur
Richards and Sallie jackson: Alexander
Mitchell and Frances Ellis; James H. Har-
rod and Frances Williams both OF Vienna,
Va; Howard Pickett and Ella Brooks;
George Albert Hawkins and Isabella e. H.
Williams; Jesse r. Simmons and George
Meredith; William B. Henry and Annie
Wood; Samuel James and Sallie Lavender;
James F. Gather and Mary E. Edmonds;
William H. Hamilton and Rosa l. Dow;
Morgan Joyce and Phoenie Lee.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
PASSES A. FiAJ ORDER
Judge Kimball Disposes Of tho Case Of Tony
Tomasul4As
The Boy Placed In Charge of Board
of Children's GunEdians-The
Father Protests.

Judge Kimball today finally disposed of
the case of Tony Tomasula,, the little Ital-
ian boy who has been before him twice
within the last ten days, the allegation
being that the child was not properly cared
for by his father. The boy was placed In
the care of the board of children's guard
ians.
AS will be remembered by the readers of
The Star, the case was taken into court
by the board on specific charges to that
effect.
The only additional evidence of impor-
lance heard in the case was that of JOSEF h
Laccorano who offered to give bond to the
court, and to the Italian consul, that he
would deliver the boy to bis mother at her
home in Italy. The witness stated that his
own home was within four doors of the
mothers home, and that there would be no
doubt about the prompt delivery of the
little fellow to her.
Judge kimtall questioned Laceorano at
length as to his ability to carry out his
promise, but old not say that he would in
trust him with the care of the boy across
the ocean.
Mr.. c. c. Moreno said he had reached
the conclusion that the boys father was
not fit person to have the care of the
child. but he did think the latter ought to
be given over to his mother.
Tony Makes Objection.
Judge Kimball called the boy to him and
questioned him as to his wishes in the
matter, and his response was that he had
no desire to go back to Italy; that his
mother treated him, when he was there,
pretty nearly as badly as his father did
here
Assistant Attorney Baker took the ground
that it was the duty Of the court to retain
control of the boy by placing him in the
care of the board of children's guardians.
Judge kimhali. after reviewing the case,
said he would make a permanent order
that the boy be placed with the board of
children's guardians until he reaches the
age of twenty-one years
All the parties interested then left the
court room. but upon reaching the foot of
the stairs the father of the boy made a
break for him, and would have succeeded
in getting him. but for the Intervention of
Balin Darr and Messrs. Parkman and
Douglas Of the Children's guardians
1t is understood that Tony has been pro-
vlded with a good homo with a business
man, where he can remain until he is of
age.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
DEFRAUDED PENSIONERS.
The Soldiers, Not the Government,
Cheated, Says Commissioners Evans.

The Soldiers, Not the Governments,
Cheated, Says Commissioner Evans.
The commissioner Of pensions recently
told a reporter Of The Star that, while he
believed there were comparatively few
frauds in obtaining pensions, he con-
WINGED there was a large amount annually
paid out in pensions that never reached
the person entitled thereto, or, reaching
them, was not enjoyed. Here it was, he
said, that the greatest frauds existed, and
the department was constantly receiving
information of the misapplication of pen
sion funds.
He recalled one case in particular as evil
dence of this. 1t occurred in one of the
southern states. The beneficiary of the
government was an old colOred woman, the
widow of a valiant soldier When her ap-
piication for pension was received, it was
found she was entitled to quite snug back
pension, amounting to about 81 500 The
claim was finally allowed and the check
sent to the applicant. A short time later
one of her neighbors. the gossip Of tie
county, saw, through the newspapers, of the
old woman's good fortune. Not having
witnessed any evidence of the good fortune
for the old woman was almost wholly de-
pendent upon the charitable community,
she set about an investigation The old
woman had not one cent of the little for
tune, and she forthwith wrote a letter to
patched to the scene and he investigated.
He found the old woman had received the
money. but being ignorant and not really
understanding figures, she permitted a
shark in the vicinity to bodily steal the en-
tire amount. The culprit was traced and
after some time acknowledged he had bor-
rowed the money from the old woman, but
when she was asked for evidence of such
transaction she could not even show a note
promising to pay it back. He had hood
winked the old woman by presenting her
every now and then with big silver dollar
and she, poor soul, thanking her good for
tune for such large amount, said Moth
Ing. The examiner decided to frighten the
swindler into refunding the money. He
dropped remark att the village inn that he
guessed he would bare TO take company
back to Washinat ON with him in the shape
of handcuffed criminal who was so low
as to steal from the widow of soldier.
That night he was awakened and called to
the door to find the Old woman in company
with the pension shark He had evidently
heard the hint about the trip back to
Washington and had brought the old wo-
man to pay over to her, In the presence of
the pension examiner, the money he had
borrowed" The old woman has never
wanted for anything since. Some Of the
money was used in rebuilding her house
and paying off a long-standing debt on the
little place. Two cows and some hogs were
purchased. and she was installed in COM
<O~
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
HIS DOG VICIOUS.
The Charge brought Against Mr..
Alfred MiImcr.

hhe SharSe brought Against Mr..
Alfred Wilmer.
Mr.. Alfred Wilmer of No. 1910 T street
northwest was today formally recognized
by Judge Kimball to appear before him
Tuesday next with an additional IS to COM
plete a fine of slO which will be then i'm
posed upon Wilmer as defendant in a case
brought before the court
Mr.. Wilmer was charged with keeping a
vicious dog. Officer Boswell testified that
while passing along the street near the
house of the accused he was attacked by
the dog, which grabbed him by his clothing
He complained, he said, to Mr. Wilmer and
the latter told him that IL the dog was
bad II was made SO by the Officers kind /"
In reply to Policeman BoswelIs threat to
get out warrant against him for keeping
a vicious dog. Wilmer, the officer said tod
him he could do anything he pleased about
the matter.
Several witnesses corroborated the Off
GERS statement about the dog grabbing
him, and one OF them said II on numerous
occasions ran after ladies and children
badly frightening them
Wilmer stated. in his defense. that the
dog had prejudice against "colored peo-
pie. especially policemen or other men who
wear brass buttons" and that he would
run after and bark at them.
AFTER a brief review of the evidence
Judge kimball disposed OF the case as
above stated.
Later Judge Kimball, at the suggestion of
Prosecutor Mullowny. told Mr. Wilmer that
II ne would have the dog killed, and would
prlng 10 the court certificate that this
was done, the s. already paid by him would
be returned and the case considered settled
Mr.. Wilmer assured Judge Kimball that he
would do as above stated.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
CONDENSED LOCALS.

Commissioner Black has informed a dele.
cation from Ehenezer Church, 4th and u
streets southeast, that the request for a
new pavement around the church without
cost to 1t cannot be granted. The delega-
ton has also been informed that the pave
ment can only be laid under the assessment
plan.
An alarm was turned in from box S35
about 9:45 o'clock last night for fire In the
house Of Mr.. B. c. King, on the Blair road.
near Takoma. A defective f1ue was the
cause.
George T. Thorlton, who lives at No.
1245 E street southeast, fell from his BIZ
cycle near AZ street and Pennsylvania ave-
nue. last night about o'clock and received
a painful cut over his right eye. He was
removed to the Emergency Hospital by the
police of the sixth precinct.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23

Colder Tomorrow, With Northwest
Winds.

Colder Tomorrow, With Northwest
Forecast till pm. Friday-For the Dis
trict of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland.
Virginia and West Virginia, fair tonight
and Friday; colder Friday morning; west
to northwest winds
Weather conditions and general forecast
The storm has remained nearly stationary
in Ontario, increasing in intensity. Sec
ond storm has moved from the North Car
DINA coast to the New England coast.
The pressure is low to the north of Mon
tana. A ridge of high pressure extends
from the northern Pacific coast to Texas
and thence to Manitoba.
Snow or rain has occurred in all districts
east of the Mississippi valley.
The temp eIature has fallen east Of the
Mississippi valley. except stationary in New
England and southern Florida; it has gen.
orally risen west of the Mississippi valley,
except a slight fall in Montana.
Generally fair weather may be expected
east CT the Ohio and lower Mississippi val
leys, except snow in northern New Eng
land and clearing tonight in the lower lake
region and southern New England.
Tide Table.
Today-Low tide 1:01 am. and 81 pm. !:
high tide, 6:55 am. and 1926 pm.
pm: high tide, 1854 am. and SD pm.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
CHRISTIAN ENDEAvORERs,
Western Presbyterian Society Choose
OMcers-Other Church Items.

Western Presbyterian Society Chooses
OHcers-Other Church Items.
The Christian Endeavor Society of the
Western Presbyterian Church recently
elected the following officers for the en-
suing year: President John w. Matsoa;
vice president, H. Clay Barclay; recording
sc cretary, Henry Stringer; corresponding
secretary, Miss May e. Smith, treasurer
Miss Annie w. Stuard; superintendent of
juniors, Miss Lucy McKim; delegates to
C. E. Union. d. H. Deloe. These officers
were installed by the pastor at the evening
service of the church.
The quartet of the church is somewhat
changed from its personnel OF last year.
The soprano and bass. respectively, Miss
Nay Adele Levers and Mr.. Robert g. SUIT
ten, are still with the choir, while Mrs.
Adele Crosette Oxley, formerly of New
York, is heard as contralto, and Mr.. John
NJ. Rieman az tenor.
The Rev. Howard Wilbur Ennis pastor
of the church, has been appointed member
of the committee having in charge the
prepare tons for the '9S Presbyterian con-
vention Of the Brotherhood Of Andrew and
Philip, which Is to be held In Troy, N. Y,
The presbytery of Washington CITY ss
called to meet at Vienna, Va, next Nom
day. at 10 am, to install the Rev. D. Mont
gomery as pastor Of the Vienna and Lew.
inSvtlle Presbyterian Churches.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23

Today-sun rises, ZIG am; sun SETS 4:43
pm.
New moon. 2:55 pm. today.
Iomorrow|Sun rises, III am.
The City Lights.
Gas lamps all lig lted by 5:51 p.m: extin-
gushing begun at Cos am. The lighting is
begun one hour before the time named.
Arc lamps lighted at 5:36 p.m: extin-
guisbed at $40 am
Condition of the WATER
Temperature and condition Of water at S
am: Great Falls, temperature, Sc; condi-
ton, IA; receiving reservoir, Temperature
80; condition at north connection. .; condi-
ton at south connection. g; distributing
reservoir, temperature. 40; condition at in
fluent gate house, 4: efIluent gate house 4.
Temperatures for Twenty-FOur Hours
The following are the readings of the
thermometer at the weather bureau for the
past twenty-fcur hours. beginning at 4
O'clock yesterday afternoon:
december p, PM, Sc; PM, 30; md
night, 30.
December %, 4 am, 81; am, 81; L. H.
"a, and pm, "a.
Maximum. SO. at pm. December o.;
minimum. 80. at s I'm. December %
The following are the readings of the bar
ometer at the weather bureau for the past
tweniy-four hours, beginning at o'clock
yesterday afternoon:
December %, p.m % So: pm. 29S5.
midnight. 29.S5.
December %. am, 1854: am, 29.S1 !;
II M. 29.I9. and pm. 1915.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
CLERKS JOINED IN SONG.
A Unique Celebration in the Post
Office Department.

Those officials and employees of the Post
Office Department who of late have been
detained at their desks until o'clock
lave heard melodious sounds through the
corridors of the builGing. Major Reeve,
chief of the stamp division of the third
assistant postmaster generals office, has
been obliged to keep his clerks an extra
hour to catch up the quarters work be-
fore the end of the year, and at the APP
proacl of the hour for closing the CLERKS
have been having a little impromptu con-
cert before leaving for their homes
The cheerfulness with which the clerks
undertook the extra duty was especially
era tifying to Major Reeve, who invited
Gen. Merritt, third assistant postmaster
general. to hear the music. Word being
passed around that the general might drop
III yesterday evening, the chorus was en-
larged by the clerks from other rooms con-
gresating in one of the larger rooms OF the
division. and "Cottonfelds" and "Old
Oaken Bucket were sung with great spir-
1t, after which, it was to be the las:
night Trey would have to work over time
the following words. hurriedly written by
one Of the clerks for the occasion, were
sung to the tune OF Aud Lang Syne:
Now. boys, Wen have jolly time
When this night work lie done;
When we can leave at four O'Clock
no To have our Christmas fun.
At four O'Clock we're free;
The Stamp Di.ision Is the boss
Within the L. U. ID.
Chorus:
Within the p. o. D.. my boys,
Within the 7. O.. D.,
The Stamp Division is the boss
Within the l.. o. d.
Well ask no aid from other chiefs,
But do work alone;
III seven hours won't suffice
Well add another one.
Then cheer for Merritt and for Reeve,
At four O'Clock we're free;
The Stamp Division Is the boss
Within the +. q. ID.
tChOIus)
This sentiment as expressed in song was
( a complete and gratifying surprise to Major
Reeve, who had no hint of what was con-
tempiated. The sound Of the music made
| by the clerks of the stamp division echoed
tremendously through the halls, attracting
the attention OF Postmaster General Gary
who stepped outside his door to listen
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
A Novel Contention.

United States Consul Taylor at Glasgow,
has furnished the State Department with
a copy of circular order issued by the
Associated and Amalgasnated Carpenters
and Joiners of that city prohibiting the
handling Of imported prepared Joined work.
The consul says that as the society In
c,udes all of the mechanics in that line of
business in Glasgow, the order must ef-
fectually stop importations of this pre-
pared work, the greater part of which
comes from the United States in large
quantities. The contention of the Scotch
workmen is a novel one, namely that the
foreigners who make the Joined work are
paid much less wages than themselves.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
Hawkins Authorized to We'd.

George Albert Hawkins for many years
the White House coachman, and at presen:
employed in the pension bureau. secured
marriage license this afternoon authorizing
him to wed Isabella E. H. Williams The
ceremony is to occur at o'clock this even
ing at the parsonage of the Peoples
Church; Rev. John H. Daley will officiate.
In answer to the usual questions. pro-
pounded by Assistant Clerk of the Court F.
W. Smith. Hawkins stated that he is fifty
seven years of age, and was married once
before. The bride has never before been
married
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
Money at s Per Cent to loan
lay in closing locns-
ap2l-tf HEISKELr. & McLERAN. zoos ct.
Collection of Garbage.

In speaking today of the collection OF
garbage. Health Officer Woodward stated
that the service seems now to be satisfac-
tory to householders. there being SO far
this month an average OF a fraction over
one complaint day. Two collections are
new being made a week in the city. and
tbs schedule will continue until the 18th
Of April. when the daily collections will be
resumed The collector will celebrate
Christmas and New Year by making coll
lections on those days. The collections
amount to from fifty to sixty tons a weak.
and all of IL is burned.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
Abandoned Property Sold.

The ennual sale CT abandoned and un-
claimed property in the hands OF the police.
took place this morning at Radcliffe. SUIT
ton & Co.'S auction rooms on Pennsylvania
avenue. While there was a large quantity
of property disposed of, very little Of Il
was OF value although good prices were
re Allied
The property included almost every arti-
women, as well as household utensils. A
number Of articles OF Jewelry were alsa
sold
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
Charged With Trickery.

Frank Harris, colored. today had a par
tial hearing before Judge Kimball on the
charge of swindling Josephus Harmon. an
old colored man from Maryland, out of
s1.50 by trickery. Harris denied that he
was the man wanted for the offense and
Judge kimball postponed his decision until
tomorrow.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23

Twenty Days i'm the Workhouse.
Alonzo Whitfield. colored. was today con-
victed before Judge Scott of keeping his
barber shop open on Sunday. In default
OF fine Of SO he went down for twenty
days.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
Capital: observation-disclosures

SAFE DEPOSIT DEPARTMENT
Rents safes inside burglar-pr vaults at
s. per ainum upward.
Securities. jewelry. silyerwnre and valuables
OF all kinds in owners package. trunk
taken on deposit at moderate cost.
SAVINGS BANK DEPARTMENT.
DEPOSITS received from Ten CENTS upward
and interest allowed on s. and above.
Loans money On real estate ard collateral
security. Sells 1rst-class real and
other securities In sums Of $50 and upward
TRUST DEPARTMENT.
This company 10 u legal depository for court
and trust funds and acts administrator.
executor. receiver. assignee and executes
trusts Of all kinds. Wills prepared 10y q
competent attorney In daily Attendance.
OFFICERS:
THOMAS r. JONES. President
E. FRANCIS RIGGS. ......-...F First Vice President
W. RILEY DEEBLE. ........ Second Vice President
ALBERT L. STuRTEvANT. ..............s Secretary
GEOhGE HOWARD. .....................T Treasurer
CHARLES T. NYMAN. ....-..- Assistant Secretary
WOODBURY. BLAIR. Trust ooacer
DIRECTORS:
E. Francis Riga. Andrew wylie,
Thomas r. Jones' Matthew c. Emery,
W. Riley Decide. Henry A Willard
Woodbury. Blair, Thomas Hyde,
Albert L. Sturtevant. John +. Rodgers,
George H. Plant. James ~ Johnston.
Zenas c. Robbins. John q. Pnrke
George T. Dunlop Robert o. HoltIman.
VIM. e Edmonston. John Cammack.
WIN. A Gordon. H. Bradley Davidson
oc9
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
Sent to Workhouse, Nevertheless.

Martha Washington. colored, who was
today charged before Judge Scott with the
larceny Of s25 from William Harrington.
an old soldier, was acquitted of that
charge. but was sent to the work house
for thirty days a suspicious character
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23
Goyernment Recefnt..

Government receipts from internal reve-
nue. today, $56s ,b81; customs. $40. 1888; mis-
cellaneous. $23, 2O3.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-23

An interesting announcements e the Hotel
Emptrs-sse cd. pase u.