davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-12
A TEXAS MYSTERY.
JOHN CARLEEN, THE MONTE
CRIsTO OF THE PLAINS.

He Spent Money Like a Prince,
Built "a Marble Palace on His
Great Cattle Ranch and Gave
Away Many Thousands of Dollars,
But No Man Knew His History Nor
Where His Money Came From.
San Saba CTex) Correspondence Globe
Democrat
In the mountains on the frontier of
Texas one hears of strange characters.
Bold and daring men come here to make
fortunes others come to escape from the
memory of their misfortunes, and others
In search of adventure. No one ever
knew what brought the man Carleen to
the San Saba. He was a mystery, and
almost his every act was clouded in mys-
terry from the hour that he set his bro
gan shoes into the black mud of Menard-
vile until one fine day, ten years later,
when he bid his cowboys farewell, and
they said as the stage disappeared over
the hills toward San Antonio: There
goes the strangest character that ever
struck Texas"
Mr.. Carleen was Frenchman, betray-
ing his nationality in the pronunciation
of the score or more English words he
had picked up on the road from New Or
leans to the prairies of the Lone Star
state. When he appeared for the first
time in the streets of the little frontier
village where he afterward became so
well known, he was dressed as a common
laborer, smoked a short pipe, and carried
stout stick. The cowboys lounging
about the Brindle Steer saloon sized him
up and rendered a verdict that good
average job of strengthening would just
about fit the degree of tenderfootedness
that was manifested in his language,
manner and carriage. After few mo-
ments conversation the winks that were
exchanged between the loungers indicated
the superior satisfaction that they expert
enced over the correctness of their
Judgment, but their organs of vision were
suddenly expanded beyond all capacity of
with the newcomer. with little ceremony
and few words invited the whole crowd
to refresh themselves at Sthe bar of the
Brindle Steer. He did want a job of
herding sheep and he began to ask ques-
tions as to wages and about the price of
lambs and ewes and rams. while the bar
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-12
blown by the wind.

blown by the wind"
And in all the houses in the town and
in the country round about, the little
children of the rich and of the poor were
sleeping at that hour. dreaming of the
bonbons and the playthings which they
would find on awakening.
Grandmother Jams had let her knitting
fall in her lap and was asleep in her chair
near the fireplace, her spectacles resting
on her nose. But neither Jams nor his
wife slept. They knelt by the bedside of
their child the wife's hand clasped in that
of her husband; but they dared not look
at each other for fear of showing their
tears. The vicar, who stood near them,
said TO himself:
"Fleur's breathing is like the dying sound
of the church bell heard afar in the coun-
try, borne thither by the summer wind"
When the grandmother awoke she was
surprised 70 see the vicar stHl there; but
when she saw Jams and his wife on their
knees before Fleur-de-Ble she put her
handkerchief to her eyes and began to
weep. Presently Fmer-de-Ble awoke, and
she murmured in a voice scarcely audible:
"Good morning, Saint Nicholas" And
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-12

Der, and that he had come out into the
mountains to hide.
Mr. Carleen soon demonstrated that he
was. not a slow man. He developed and
executed his plans with the rapidity that
distinguished the greatest of all of his
countrymen. While everything about him
appeared to be shrouded in mystery, he
acted as if he had nothing to conceal. He
appeared to live for the purpose of as
founding and mystifying those who were
watching him. In the course of eight or
ten days the news came to town that the
mysterious Frenchman, after few days
herding, had expressed himself as being
tired of following the flock for wages. He
had purchased 10000 head of sheep and
paid for them in good San Antonio paper,
so the story ran. Next he bought the ia
nous Los Floretas grant containing 100
sections of grazing land, and soon after
ward Mr. Carleen came to town, confirm
ing all these stories aand making arrange
ments to put barbed wire fence around
one of the largest pastures in Western
Texas. Could it be possible that the man
was going to actually fence in g. 600 acres
of land? This happened back in the early
70s, before the cattle kings and big syndi-
Gates began to string barbed wire around
whole counties. The Frenchman spent
the night in Menardville, and long before
sunrise on the next morning he was on
his road to San Antonio, accompanied by
half a dozen cowboys, driving a herd of
ponies in front of them.
Ten days afterward a traveller reported
on the San Saba that an army was NOV
ing across the praires of Western Texas
1t was an army, but an army of labor
ers, stonemasons, carpenters, painters,
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-12

machinists and transfers. The French
man was returning with 200 teams and
more than 500 people,. Menardville went
on a boom, and the Los Floritas ranch
only ten miles away, presented a scene
OF hustle and activity which made the
natives stare in wonder and Management
Mr., Carleen had leased hundreds and
thousands of square miles of grazing
lands, and around all this vast scoDe of
country he began to erect a wire fence
lie instantly broke ground for the pur-
pose of establishing a home place on The
banks of the San Saba Hundreds of Ia
borers were set to work quarryino roclx
While other hundreds were engaged in
digging for the foundation of his bousa
1t took him two years TO complete tbis
immense structure. 1t covers at laaet
a half an acre of ground. and is five
stories high, and altogether one of the
most beautiful and astounding pieces Of
architecture in America to-day. The walls
are OF pure white marble. while groat
columns of blush granite support mas
nincent porch extending around two sides
of the entire structure. Artists canoa
from Paris to exert their skin ON The
ceiling and walls. During the time thar
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-12
TONS OF GOLD IN KLoNDIKE.
Kettles and Pals at Dawson Filled
Win Precious Dust.

From the Philadelphia Record.
Tacoma, Wash, Dec. ST find there is
some excitement through this country
over the Klondile, but 1t is not one-tenth
of what it will be next July, when the
steamers bring out tons of gold. If I
were to tell of riches of the Klondike in
detail and people believed what I say,
this country would be set on fire with ex-
element"
That is a statement made to-day by H.
A. Ferguson, millionaire mine owner and
partner of big" Alexander Mcdonald
Ferguson arrived a week ago with Dalton's
party, but so conservative is he that ne
has heretofore declined to talk at length.
Il do not wish to cause any excite
ment," Ferguson continued. "but the gold
production next spring will be simply
enormous" He estimates that supplies at
Dawson and Mines will enable 1900 men to
work this winter There is work for 1000
or 5000, and that number would be employ
ed if food were plenty.
At Dawson and Mines there is now stor-
ed two to three millions in gold. Most
of it is in sacks, pals and kettles, in
cabins along creeks and gulches 1t will
be taken to Dawson just before the first
boats go down river next June.
Ferguson and Mcdonald purchased for
$25.000 each claims Nos. / and 2, on Skoo-
KUN gulch, which will produce oyer 81, 900. =
COO each In his cabin there, &erguson
has 100000 mostly in nuggets. He says
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-12

keeper was giving him change for the biz
yellow doubloon that he had selected
from handful of loose coins to pay for
the drinks. Something like respectful
ness on the part of the crowd toward the
stranger, which had succeeded the Curl
osity he had aroused, grew into admira,
ton when Mr.. Carleen accidentally
dropped a silver-mounted revolver from
his coat pocket, and carelessly picked it
up with the indifference of an old PLAINS
man. All were apparently eager to an
Swer his questions and grant him infor-
nation upon every subject with such
promptness and pleasure as to please the
Frenchman immensely.
Carleen lounged about the hotel for sew
eral days, getting acquainted with the
people and making himself immensely
popular by his liberaity People thought
II rather strange that such man would
so of into the mountains to herd sheen
for $40 per month, but those who were
most intimate with the stranger said that
they thought he simply wanted to learn
the business. There were others, however.
who did not hesitate to express the opin-
son that the Frenchman was a stage rob-
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-12

then she added: Morning, papa, mamma,
grandmother"
Then Fleur went to sleep. and she
slumbered until daybreak. Just as the
dawn arrived her soul took flight.
without, the cocks began to crow. The
children of Wavre. waking earlier than
was their wont, ran TO the fireplace to see
what Saint Nicholas had left for them.
But in the chamber where Fleu-de-Ble lay
the lamp was burning low and unutterable
sadness reigned.
suddenly there was n loud cry. 1t came
from JAMS, who saw that his darling was
dead and who threw himself, sobbing, into
the arms of the vicar. The latter said:
"Fleur has gone to join the angels In
Paradise"
Since that time JAMS has never made
figures Of Saint Nicholas in cake and
candy.
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-12

in his arms the easy chair in which Aunt
Catherine used to sit. and in the char
were the cradle, the doll. the band-boX'
the dishes of bonbons and the big Saint
Nicholas made Of cake and candy.
Thanks Saint Nicholas, for Fleur,
said JAMS. as he came in.
When the child saw the beautiful doll
and the cradle her lips parted in smile,
as a flower opens to the sun. Presently
Fleurs head fell. her face became as pale
as her pillow, the sweet faint smile still
fingered about her mouth, and she went to
Sleep.
Silence relgned throughout the house,
and naught could be heard save the low
dismal bowling of a dog, which sounded
like a prolonged wall
81 believe that some misfortune Is com
ing upon our house." exclaimed the grand
mother to the vicar.
place your trust in God" replied the
vicar raising his eyes heavenward.
Again silence reigned at the bedside of
Fleur-de-Ble. without, the snow was
beating against the window like a white
dove that was seeking entrance. JAMS
teeth We're chattering. and he was repeat
ing continually the name of his darling
Fleur.
While these things are happening in the
house of Jams the baker, a bright light
shone cheerfully from one of the rooms
in the house of the butcher Canu.
A large table was filled with dolls, wooden
horses trumpets, drums and other toys.
Suddenly the butcher, who had put on
his night cap. said to his wife, as he look
ed across the square at the house of the
baker;
''Zenobia, fear there is trouble In JAMS
house. I can see shadows moving to and
fro across the white curtain. If Fleur had
the health of our Marie l should think
nothing of it, but she is as frail as leaf
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-12

Skookum is richer than Eldorado and
Bonanza creeks, coarse gold and nuggets
being found from surface moss, through to
bedrock He estimates this winters pro-
duction at $780, coo, and believes first boats
next summer will bring out nine to ten
millions.
Ferguson first went to Alaska in March,
1895 on a trading trip, taking his wife
an invalid almost unable to walk. The
climate agreed with her, and she is win
tering at Dawson, her husband not want
ing her TO come out overland.
In July Ferguson bonded a Skookum
gulch claim TO an agent Of New York men
for $4,000. He was TO come out in Sep
TENDER and close the deal, but the failure
of boats to get up prevented his getting
out on his arrival last Sunday he gave
the New York men ten days to take the
mine. He hopes they will not take IL. Soon
after he bonded It richer dirt was found
and che claim is now worth half million
Elderly Coquette (sentimentalIy)-Yes
my dear Mr.. Assessor, love is eternal.
Assessor Cfrightened)-So / perceive
FlIegende Batter.
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-12

{ was the eve OF the
fete OF St. Nicholas.
Grea { preparations
were being made In
the town of Wavre
for the celebration of
the holiday, especially
in the house of Hans
JAMS. the baker, which
stood on the square.
In a chamber above
the shop, a bright fire
burning on the hearth
and a little lamp, cast
their light on a bed
at one side of the
room, hung with pref
ty chintz curtains.
DN ~ 11n.rN
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-12

Experience said Uncle Eben, us or
good teacher; but education is lible ter
be wasted on err man dat dom pend on
nuftn' else" Washington Star.
La correspondencia de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 1890-1943, 1897-02-06
Compahia de opera

En- confirma zion de 10 que dijimos hace
dos dias, podemos hoy adeiantar nuestros lee
torres especialmente los amigos del bell can
to, que Sc ha presentado por el empresario Sc
nor A. del COnte d Ia Junta del CentenarIo de
la gloriosa epopeya del 2 de MAYO de l797 una
solicitud de sobvenci6n para traer a esta ciu-
dad del 81 al p de Abril una magnffca COM
panfa de opera itaiana, que contribuira en- gran
manera al brillo de las fiestas que Sc preparan
para conmemorar tan importante efem6ride.
Por combination de felices circunstan-
cias, con un pequeno esfuerzo estaremos en- ap-
titud de disfrutar de las primicias de esa com
paffa que actualmente Sc organza en- Italia
baio los auspicios de ricos propietarios de Me
jco para la Inauguration de un gran teatro que
acaba de estrenarse ALI; compahfa que tendra
un elenco esp!6ndido, Y que nos hara Or las
meiores obras del repertoire artistico antique
moderno. Entire las ultimas Sc cuentan La Clio
conda de Pompielly, Mephistofe de Amigo Boi-
to, Manoti Lescant de Massanet, Marion
Lescant de Puccini, Pescadores de Perlas de
Biset, Amigo Fritz de Mascagni, Andrea
Chenier de Giondamo, completamente descono-
cidas en- Puerto Rico, entire las primeras ell
Otello de Verdi, Hugonote, Africana, Aida.
Roberto ell Diablo, Carmen, Fora del Destino
etc.
Notorias como son las aticiones de nuestro
culto publico d esa clase de artfsticos especta-
culos, es indudable que la inclusion de elios en-
ell programa de las fiestas en- proyecto contri-
buira mayor esplendor siendo un gran
attractive para La afiuencia a esta ciudad de un
gran nhmero de forasteros de toda la is1a que
lie daran gran movimiento animaci6n, no
pocos ingresos al comercio, los hoteles, los ca
fGs demas estabecimientos industriales la
mados hacer su agosto Ell tales ocasiones.
esos comercianteS industriales impor-
ia, pues, mas que i los demas vecinos de esta
Capital, cooperar en- cuantO este de su parte l..
realization de esas festas, atin cuando los alti-
mos tambiGn tienen un gran interes en- elias
por las obras permanentes que contribuiran
hermosear la poblaeion, cual es la nueva plaza
que proyecta construir en- ell ensanche EN-
cuyo centro sc elevar;i la estatua de don Ramon
de Castro, aparte del inter6s mas elevado
que sobre esos intereses materiales tienen todos
cual es e de .glorifcar perpetuar la memoria
de un hecho que tanto enalteee el nunca des-
mentido patriotismo de esta region, Gnica en-
America donde desde la conquista no ha deiaio
de tamear un solo dia el pabell6n espanol.
La correspondencia de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 1890-1943, 1897-02-06
Fuego en- Mayagiiez

Ell TELEGRAPH nos ha comunicado esta mania
ma la noticia de un suceso desagradable, ocurri-
do en- la progresiva Ciudad del Sur.
lie aqui 10 que dice nuestro corresponsal:
~Fuegoa media uoche prinoipiando por la
vivienda del doctor Monagas. La casa Y
taller fotogrifco dc don II }iulfo Gauther, de-
saparecieron en- union de tres mas.
Las famliaS de Gauthier, Vera (don To
mas), Castro ('lon Pedro) Y don Carlos J. Mo-
nagas salieron POGO menos que desnudas. Las
oficinas de la <Revista Blancas sufrieron mu-
cho, aunqne la casa logrd sllvarse. Afortuna-
damente no ocurricron desgracias personales.
Las casas principales ocupadas por los Sc
nores Gauthier V Monagas, propiedad del doc
tor MARTINEZ Cereccdo, diaese que estaban
aseguradas en- cinco mil pesoss
Lamentamos lie toda veras ell siniestro Y
mucho mas por que todos los periudicados Ell
Il, son estimables amigos nuestroS.
La correspondencia de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 1890-1943, 1897-02-06


que Sc llene de enfermos ell santiguo hospital
de San Ambrosio, un foco de infections soste-
nido <por los negociantes.o
7 a La Correspondence dc Espodsa lie
ocurre esta rehexion, que vale un mundo:
<Pero ses possible que no Sc pueda hablar
de Cuba, nj emitir una opinion que, aunque
equivocada, sea de buena fe, sin que en- la pole
mica Sc llamen unos otros traidores la patria?,
mi no me ocurre ninguna rehexion nj
NADIA que decir respecto de los juicios que Sc
emiten en- Paris sobre este ahinao--iy no va
mas-perfodo de la guerra!
Creo que todo va bien, y canto con Ell
coplero Tobar:
eAl cue 10 tu escapulario
alante la bayoneta,
colgado atras ell guitarro
Quien atreva, ique Sc atreva!s
iOle va!
Quien Sc atreya, ique Sc atreva!
cualquiera Sc atreve con quien lleva al cuello
el escapulario, alante la bayoneta colgado
atras ell guitarro
(Concluira). LUIS BONAFOUX.
(Pohi6i00 la reprodtcci6a)
La correspondencia de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 1890-1943, 1897-02-06
DE CABO-ROJO

lnfciase ell este pueblo, con muehas proba-
bilidades de verse realizada, Ia idea de estable-
Ger en- la Baju de San German. Cabo-Roio Y
Hormlgueros un gran central azucarero. Este
proyecto, que debera llevarse cabo con la
cooperation de los hacendados de tan fGrtiI la
nura,y cuya iniciativa sc debe al seilor Cabasa-
alsalde de este pueblo, ha de traer neeesaria-
mente benehcios que para todos han de serpfn
giles, sacando de la postraci6n abatimiento
en- que yace una poblaci6n digna de meior suer-
te.
Els innegable que no solo RI hacendado ST
no q. Ell comercante ya1n ell msmo obrero to-
caran los resultados que tan benefcioso esta-
pleclmlento ha de reportar.
Conooido va por La practical los resultados
que oil agricultor obtiene de su labor mediante
la manera perfecta como funcionan los aparatos
modernos, que extraen de la cana ell mayor
producto possible, rindiendo en- clase de aztiear
melor articuloy por consigniente alcanzando
meJor precio en- los mercados, Sc hace inutil
declr NADIA mas en- pro de tan benefcioso pro-
yecto.
Tambien sc inicia por ell senior Cabasa
otra obra no menos importsnte: la canalizaci6n
del RIO Viejo; dandole otro desague que facilite
en- las grandes avenidas la corriente, evitando
los perluicios que originan las crecientes que
La correspondencia de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 1890-1943, 1897-02-06
Lo de las supuestas
sOCIEDADEs sECRETAs EN- Pro. RICK

Dfcese que Sc va desenvolviendo la ntaleia
de los sucesos deplorables que dieron lugar a
las prisiones de Guayanilla, laueo, Jnana Diaz
etc6tera, que ell tribunal que entiende en-
ese asunto no levanta mano, con e proposito dc
exigire ell tanto de responsabilidad a los autores
coautores de 10 que ell pals en- general cali
flea de burdfsima trama
Nosotros aplaudimos sinceramente ese pro-
cedimiento. Entendemos que 81 la justicia es-
ia en- el deber de perseguir y castigar crimina-
les, tiene tambien Ia obligation de perseguir a
los que por miserables ardides polfticos, por
resentimientos personales, turban la paz moral
del pats, llevan el dolor los hogares honrados
y destruyen con sus exageraoiones suspica
cias ell cr6dito exterior de la provincia. Obrar
de otro modo serfa jugar con fuego, alimentar
deseontentos, desprestfgiar al gobierno d
sus representatives y amamantar situaciones
verdaderamente intolerables. Donde la equi-
dad no impera, donde la seguridad individual
puede ser impunemente turbada por cualquier
La correspondencia de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 1890-1943, 1897-02-06

malyado, es materialmente impossible la vida
social, impossible Ell orden pdblico, e impossible
ell respeto debido la majestad augusta de las
leyes.
En- esta terra digna de mejor suerte, no
terminaran esos supuestos descubrimientos de
sociedades secretas que va rayan EN- los lfmites
de 10 ridfculo, mientras la acci6n popular no
tome cartas en- ell asunto; mientras los peri udi-
cados por denuncias falsas Sc hagan parte
ante los tribunales, para exigir responsible
idad los que tienen empeno en- turbar la ad-
mrable paz la ingenita santa tranquilidad de
que siempre ha disfrutado Puerto-Rico
El pals tiene conianza en- ell tribunal que
conoce ell asunto de que hos ocupamos, la
rectitud del general Marin. La tene tambi6n
en-, la actitud que tomaran los presos lbertados
de Yauco, Juana Diaz Guayanilla, para
defender sus derechos su reputation polftica.
sSera este Ell principle del fin? sSera un
bien para Puerto Rico la Ultima socedad secre-
ia denunciada?
Esperemos la hora de la justicia. Mas
vale tarde que nunca.
La correspondencia de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 1890-1943, 1897-02-06
NOTICIAS

~ Hoy hemos suspendido ell perio dico
cinco suscriptores de esta capital por falta de
puntualidad en- ell pago, asf haremos con otros
que obligan ir a sus casas al cobrador infnitas
veces El que no pue Ia ne quiera pagar por
adelantado, que bore.
~ Dfcese que en- Barcelona Ia hecho ex-
plosion La cadera de una fabrca de perfumerfa,
matando a 3 personas hiriendo d otras.-fIan
principiado con gran empuje las operaciones
contra los insurrectos de Cavite en- Filipinas.
Las tropas espa1olas han quemado las aldeas
en- que Sc refugiaban los insurgentes.
~ Sc encuentra enfermo sufriendo I'm
ataque de Ggrippes, ell senior Miquelini primer
Jefe de Ia Guardia Civil de Ia provincia.
La correspondencia de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 1890-1943, 1897-02-06
Harina americana LEON

es la mas superior que Sc importa en- Puerto
Rico tiene siempre existencia precios limi-
tados A. RAUSCHENPLAT, San Juan, Te-
tuan-1S. 10
*** Sigue tomando cuerpo ell esta capital
ell rumor que con las reservas del case publca
mos en- otro lugar. Aseghrase que el general
Weyler esta reIevado y que ell general Martinez
Campos vuelve Cuba para implantar las refor-
mas. Estas, dicen, seran muy amplias algo
asf como el home ru1e (gobferno del pats por ell
pafs), que dicen los ingleses. =--%+.s...
*** A SLa Democracias lie comunican que
el negro Martin, preso en- Guayanilla, por su
afcion descubrir conspiraciones, ha cantaio
de plano antes de aver.
- En- Roma han tenido lugar serios dis
turblos escolares. Con este motive han sido
detenidos los agitadores del motin, clausura-
dos los establecimientos de ensehanza pnbica.