davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
"LA GIoCONDA.n ,
Artistically Presented by the Alter
 nate Tiyoli Cast Last Might.

Amilcare Ponchiellis great work La Gioconda," was sung last night with the second cast of principals at the Tivoli As this opera has been produced exten- sively throughout the United States a few words about it's history would not go amiss. The composer was born at Pa derno. Italy, in 1884, the son of a poor organist. At the age of II he was ad- mitted as student to the Milan Con servatory of Music. His teachers were Angelini, Frisi and the immortal Rossi Ponchiellis talent was so wonderful that he graduated from the conservatory in 1851 as a maestro compositore."
 His first opera was entitled La Stelle del Monte" the second 'T Promessi Sposi" ('The Promised Bride"). In 1876 La Gioconda" won for him a place in the foremost rank of modern dramatic com posers.. The libretto,. partly founded on Victor Hugo's drama, Angelo, the Tyrant of Syracuse is one of the most powerful and poetical works of modern times, and is bound to fascinate the reader, even spired. The name of the librettist is given as Tobia Gorrio, but 1t is no secret that we haye hs5a a;to an fb of the and composer of "Mefistofele"
 To the connoisseur of good music it is satisfying to hear the same grand opera twice sung by alternate casts. The sense of comparison Is stimulated, and the management of the Tivoli must be aware or liilS !dct dS Suo"u oy liISii eHleIpilSe
 Miss Anna Lichter sang the part of La Gioconda last night with her usual fervor. She is capable of fine coloratures and has marvellous control of her voice, appar- ently without any effort. MT. Pruette as Badoero cannot conceal his Anglo-Saxon origin, but his powerful barytone and fine acting gave a very pleasing effect. Ed gardo Zerni as the hot-headed lover En- 20, scored another triumph and the au dience rewarded him by repeated curtain calls. MT. Schuster as the somber head of the Inquisition, deserves the fullest com mendation. His deep basso voice has a very pleasant sound. and i.::s makeup was perfect to the smallest detail
 The sale of tickets for the next week of "I Pagliacci' and "Cava1leria," alternat- ing with "Mignon.' has begun, and has already assumed large proportions.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
DIR. J. T. EARNEST DEAD. An Ex-Union Soldier Succumbs to Cancer in St. Luke's Hospital

Dr. J. T. Earnest died on Tuesday evening at St Luke's Hospital Dr. Earnest was a graduate Of Jefferson Ned ical College in Philadelphia In 1859, and was practicing his profession in his na- tive State, Tennessee. when the war broke out He was appointed an assist ant surgeon of the Sixtieth Regiment, Tennessee Infantry, ana served with dis tinction until the close of the rebellion Shortly after the war he came to San Francisco and engaged in the grain busi- ness, and at one time was one of the most prominent and successful operators He was a gentleman who made and had many friends. and was of a genial and kind disposition.
 Dr. Earnest was member of the Con federate Camp of Veterans of this city. His funeral takes place from the under taking parlors 2666 Mission street at 10.30 o'clock on Thursday.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
4 CHILD IF
 TIE OCCULT Viola SickmOn Visited by a Strange Influence.
SHE IS BUT TEN YEARS OLD
BELIEF THAT SHE HAS RARE
 SPIRITUALISTIC POWER.
At the Present Time Nothing but Re- markable Physical Changes Are Noted in These
 Controls.

In a lodging house at 1N Second street Is little girl who is visited by some foreign spirit, and of such force is this strange influence that mediums of ex- perience pronounce the child a marvel with a future of spiritualistic potentiali- ties that know no bounds. Her name is Viola Sickmon. She is just 10 years old, but advanced far beyond her years in worldly wisdom and in those things that are beyond the view of mortal ken.
 Her mother made an application yester- day to Frank Kane. the secretary of the Society for the Suppression of Vice, to have the daughter taken care of during the next few years of her life. The reason of the mothers desire to separate her daughter from herself and have her placed in : corrective school is to free the child from the possibilities of evil The child's precocity and her evident maturity. despite her years, have filled the mother with forebodings. Accord ing to the , mother the. , Viola. ip. child in the occult, is natural medium. She Is as yet undeveloped and her potentialities are great.
 Up to a month ago Viola was regularly thrown into a state of violent physical excitatfon twice in every twenty-four hours. She would then beat the. air wildly with her hands and arms, and so great was her strength when in this condition that very strong man using his full strength could not hOld her. When her arms were tied the little girl complained of fierce inward struggles, as If her heart was surging upward and outward. So great was the pain that the arms had to be united immediately.
 A month ago these visitations from the unknown world ceased, and the mother them forever, but yesterday they return ed. Mrs. Sickmon Is a believer in spirit ualism and thinks that her daughter is a natural medium. She will allow her daughter to be taught the art and give her spiritual power 8 chance to develop. Some time ago a professional medium lived in the house and she took Viola in hand. Several spiritualists have been consulted by the mother, and they pro- nounce it case of rare natural ability So far the spirits which take possession of the girl have been unable to induce her to talk. They have not succeeded farther than to upset her normal condition and generate a windmill motion of the arms | The very mention of spiritualism or me- diuns in the presence of the child in duces one of these strange physical dis frrt
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
THE WOODMEN ARE
 STILL CROPPING
SOME INTERESTING STATISTICS
 ABOUT THE ORDER.
The Ladies of the Grand Circle of Woodcraft Listen to Reports. They Are Banqueted by a
 Local Circle

The second days session of the Head Camp of the Pacific Coast Jurisdiction of the Woodmen of the World yesterday was taken up in the req ding of the reports of the head managers, head banker, head auditor and head physician and the pre- sentation of resolutions and amendments to the constitution. These were all refer red to the proper committees for consid- eration at the next session.
 The head physicians report shows that during the past term 21.79S applications were received-21, ,1s3 were approved. There were 163 rejections on account of family history, 356 on account of personal history and S6 on account of personal and family history. There were 291 deaths-the high est death rate being casualties, G; con- sumption, S9; pneumonia, 31: typhctd brain, F; Bright's disease, 10; and suicide.
 The head banker shows receipts, s140,- 340 64: disbursements. s121. .340 64 with bal 6nces on hand, benefit fund, S3539 H. gen. eTal fund. S19,100.
 The camp delegates will go on an ex- cursion around the bay to-day, and to enable them to do this an adjournment was taken until tomorrow morning.
 WOMEN OF WOODCRAFT
 At the session of the Grand Circle of the Women of Woodcraft the reading of reports of the grand officers occupied the ferred to committees and late in the after noon number of resolutions were pre- sented and also referred.
 During the day the delegates were the recipients of many bouquets from the members of Redwood Circle of this city
 Last night the grand officers and grand delegates were the guests of Redwood Cir cle in Prospect Hall. Odd Fellows build musical and literary programme, after which they were treated to a banquet.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
ELECTRICITY
 ID SUPERCEDE
 STEAM POWER The Printers Favor the Proposed Change. PLAN OF THE NEl! SYSTEM STOCK OF THE STEAM POWER
 COMPANY SOLD. Purchased by Its Former Rival and Competitor, the San Francisco
 Gas and Electrical
 Company.
PLAN OF THE NEll SYSTEM
STOCK OF THE STEAM POWER
 COMPANY SOLD.

The spirit of progress and improvement has entered that peculiar domain known as Printers Row." the center of which is at Sansome and Commercial streets. It includes nearly all the great printing, lith- ographing. bookbinding, electrotypng and type-founder plants, and some years ago was the home Of several Of the daily papers.
 The motive power to run the machinery of these various establishments has for over third of a century been supplied by the Commercial Steam Power Works. About two years ago this company in- stalled a large electric plant for the pur- pose of furnishing light and power to that section. It's steam power was distributed through several of the adjacent blocks and with it's increased facilities it became a strong competitor of the big electrical companies and gradually extended it's lines throughout that district.
 It is stated that for some time past there has been an understanding by which the Commercial Steam Power Works con- north of California street. However. this arrangement became unsatisfactory to the San Francisco Gas and Electric Light Company and negotiations were begun for the purchase of the property of the rival company.
 Tn order to obtain the sentiment of the job printers and allied trades on the IEo- posed change to electric motors. a meet ing of the Typothetae was held on Mon Ody dlltIHOOH anu d NOIt OIl the question as to whether it would be an advantage or disadvantage to accept the change was taken. With but a few exceptions the impression was general that the new sys- tenn would be a marked advantage instead of a detriment, as was first supposed. After considerable discussion, the few who withheld from voting it into general favor accepted the conditions, which re- quired each firm to purchase and keep Tn repair all motors used.
 The concessions, if any, offered by the new company were not made public, but it is stated that they are reasonable
 The venerable steam plant will be taken out and the modern power installed Tn the near future. The terms of the transfer are private
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
IN THE DIVORCE COURTS. Unhappy Couples Granted Decrees
 and Many File Suits.

Yesterday was a busy day in the di- vorce courts. The time of various Judges was largely occupied In hearing the sto- ries of mismated couples and ordering payment of alimony, while down in the County Clerks office the deputies busted themselves filing fresh applications of unhappy wives and husbands.
 The application of Susie M. Lewiston for a divorce from Thomas E. Lewiston was first heard in the courts. She was granted a divorce from her husband on the ground of willful neglect. minor child of the litisan1s, was giyen into the
 William Meakin was up before Judge Dunne on an order to pay alimony. Af- ter hearing several witnesses Meakin was of the Salvation Shelter Horne, for the benefit of his wife. Louisa Meakin, ali- mony in the sum of sl5 per month.
 Pauline Rosehman was p pssa granted the dia ground of cruelty. The plaintiff was al- lowed to resume her maiden name, Krause.
 Heney from Archibald Heney on the ground of assertion last Monday was or dered set aside and new decree issued on the ground of failure to provide.
 Arthur l.. Gutterson has sued his wife. Minnie M. Gutterson for a divorce, al leging cruelty as cause of complaint.
 Laura l. Flannsan has apped defos for of the latter's failure to provide for her.
 Suits for divorce on the ground of de sertion have been filed by Julius Catoir against Caroline Catoir, and Susannah H. Poutoppidan against H. r. J. Poutoppi- dan.
 husband, Otto Weisman, has failed to provide for her. ana sne asks TOT a oi- vorce upon that ground
 Edith smith has applied for divorce from Robert Smith. The plaintiff alleges that for some time past her husband has fatIed to contribute to her support.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
War Incidents.

There is every indication of a very large attendance at the drill and field tac- tics of the Eighth California Regiment at Recreation Park. Sixteenth and Folsom streets, next Saturday afternoon.
 The Christian Commission still has six tents in successful operation at the Pre- sidio. Two diet kitchens have recently been opened, where delicacies are pre- pared for the men who are convalescent-
 The following additional sums have been received for the benefit of the Christian Commission work in the past few days: First Presbyterian Church of Alameda, s25; the Mothers Club, s53 76; Union Societies of the Y. P. s. c E. of Coronado, 8; F. Meyer, San Diego, s1; First Congregational Church of Sacra- mento, s21 75: additional from Kansas K % drill S63 20; from sale of buttons, B 50.
 Thirty-nine horses belonging to Troop M, Fourth Cavalry, were shipped yester day to Boise to Troop F of the same Sergeant lat F. C. WalIaee of Troop M
 Colonel Smiths reply to the complaint of the Thomas family, asking damages to the amount of s5Go0, was submitted to General Miller yesterday, and in it he de nies all of the allegations of the com plainant as regarding the manner in which the damage was done and the num- soon as he received the reply General Miller appointed the following board of officers to meet and assess the damages Captain w. H. Bishop. Twentieth Kan sas: First Lieutenant R. J. Gaines, Fifty first Iowa, and First Lieutenant A. J. Bright, First Tennessee The court mar tial appointed to try the soldiers of the Tennessee Regiment implicated in the menced the trial. The finding of the court will not be made public until 1t has been approved or disapproved by General Mill
 The Seventh California Regiment will move it's camp from Point Lobos avenue 10 the Presidio this morning.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
BLAZING OIL
 SET FIRE ID HER DRESS Mrs. Powell Burned to Death. HER SCREAMS UNHEEDED PERISHED IN HER ROOM ON
 JESSIE STREET. alone and Helpless, She Was Unable to Extinguish the Flames
 That Enveloped Her
 Body.
HER SCREAMS UNHEEDED
PERISHED IN HER ROOM ON
 JESSIE STREET.

Alone and helpless, Mrs. Powell, aged 30 years. was burned to death last even ing in her room at 433 Jessie street. The unfortunate woman started to light a coal oil lamp, when in some manner the fluid became ignited, setting fire to her dress.
 Unable to extinguish the flames, Mrs. Powell ran screaming through the hall way, frantically calling for help. The landlady endeavored to assist her, but realizing her helplessness she ran to an open window and lustily shouted for the police. A citizen who was passing at once entered Ine house, and seeing Mrs. Pow ell enveloped in flames he seized a blanket and wrapped 1t around her. After the flames were extinguished the unfortunate woman became unconscious, and reallz- ing that she was fatally burned the land lady of the house had her removed to the Receiving Hospital. Despite the efforts Of Police Surgeon Well and his assistants the unfortunate woman breathed her last short time afterward, without hay ing regained consciousness.
 An examination of her body disclosed the fact that not a spot escaped the deadly flames. Her face was burned to were charred and blackened. Shortly af- ter death ended her suffering her body was taken in charge by the Coroner.
 It is supposed that the unfortunate was about to light 1t, when the flame from the match set fire to some oil which had been accidentally poured on the base of the lamp. In trying to extinguish the flames her dress caught fire, and with wild shriek she ran screaming through the hallway.
 Mrs. Powell leaves a husband who at one time. was employed in the Custom house Some years ago he conducted livery stable in Sacramento, where he and his wife were well known.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
COLONEL HENsHAw ILL.
Because of Dizziness He Was Bled
 More Than Was Good for Him.

CAMP BARRETT, Sather Tract, Aug. 23.-For the past two days Colonel Hen shaw has not been very much in evi- dence about camp, and to-day it leaked out that the commander has passed through an experience that reduced him considerably and might have re- suited very seriously.
 Colonel Henshaw had been complaining of dizziness lately. and to relieve this condition it was suggested that he be bled Regimental Surgeon Yost perform ed this operation. When sufficient blood had been drawn to relieve the pa tient. and Surgeon Yost had concluded to draw no more, Colonel Henshaw in- sisted that he, continue. This was done, with the result that the patient became completely exhausted. and grave fears were entertained for brief period as to his condition. He was doing nicely to- day, however, and is now gaining rap idly In strength.
 Three corporals and one sergeant were reduced to the ranks to-day, because of their overindulgence in spirituous liq- uors. The rules at camp are very strict in such matters.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
TO BE COURT-MARTIALED.
Two Washington Volunteers Will Be Punished for Circu- lating a Mustering-Out
 Petition

The men of the First Washington Regi- ment, now doing garrison duty at the Presidio. indignantly deny the statement that they are desirous of being mustered out of the service because they are not going to Manila They declare that, while they enlisted to go to the Philippines. they are soldiers enough to do whatever duty is given them. They are contented with their present duty, and regret that they should be put in the light of lsickers simply because of a few discontents who circulated a petition asking that the regi- ment be mustered out The men who got up the petition that was to have been forwarded to the Secretary of War were Privates C. B. Witt of Company K and G. C. Winkler of Company D, and at present they are in the guard house as a result of this breach of military dis cipline, and will be tried by a court mar tial.
 The mer persisted in circulating a pe- tition addressed to the Secretary of War, asking that the regiment, inasmuch as the war was over. be mustered out of the service. The facts in the case are these: Every man In the regiment is entitled to apply for his discharge If he can show good reason for his leaving the service, and in every case the applica- been approved by Colonel Whoiley When Colonel Wholley learned of the petition he ordered the men to desist from circu- for q petition of discharge to be for warded. The men were arrested under the sixty-second article of war, for conduct prejudice to good arder and military dis ciplinc. Colonel Wholley said yesterday that every man. individually, had 6 right to apply for a discharge. provided he did so in the proper manner. The two men rofe-re1 +n hove Neen 2 Snprce nf trouble a to the officers ever since they were mus tered in one o1 them IS to De alscnarsed for physical disability. They secured only a few names, and these were of sol diers who have been grumbling ever since they have been in the service. The regiment as a whole is perfectly content with it's duty and station. The two pris- oners have been continually trying to stir up discomfort among the men.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
Wants Her Family Allowance.

Mrs. Theresa Bell filed an Duplication yesterday for an order compelling the executors of the will of Thomas Bell George Staacke and J. W. C. Maxwell to show cause why they should not pay her family allowance. Mrs. Bell alleges that there is still due from the executors on that account a sum exceeding s20, GOO By the last accounts filed by the execu- tors 1t appears that they have in their Bell alleges that she believes that they have other moneys In their possession, but in the event such proves not the case she asks that they be made to apply the sS66 0S in their possession on the ac- count
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
COMING FIGHTS.
Contests of the Manhattan and Ex-
 celsior Cubs.

Manhattan Athletic Club will hold it's ,nonthly fistic entertainment on Friday evening at 174e Mission street The pro- eramme, which is a good one, has been previously published.
 The Excelsior Athletic Club has an- nounced a boxing night for August 31. The programme announced will be: Peter Gallagher and Tom Code, eight rounds; Riiiv Hogan and George McGrath, eight rounds: Billy Otis and Paddy Maloney, eight rounds
 roorrow for Sacramento, where he expects to make match with colored heavy weight.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24

with a luncheon at Palo Alto and drive through the university grounds. The guests enjoyed the afternoon, which proved delightful treat to them. Among the guests were Lieutenant Colonel Stac- pole, Captains Palmer, Staats and Oracle, Lieutenants Mather, Staats and Gracle. lock, Sergeants Coats and Gavit and Pri- vate J. B. Creighton. also Charles G. La throp and President Jordan and wife Of the university.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
gridpe Company Pays Up.

After making a strong fight the San Francisco Bridge Company paid its fine of s2Oo yesterday morning for violating the Federal eight-hour law on the new Postofice site. The law prescribes eight hours as days work on Federal buildings, but both the bridge company and the John Kelso Company openly violated 1t. The matter was taken up by the trades unions and through the efforts of Assistant United States Attorney Knight judgment was obtained against both companies. The Kelso Company has not yet paid its fine.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
Failure to Provide.

Philip Gretsch. rectifier in the store of Riho. Newnark & Ikenberg. grocers. Cali fornia and Polk streets. was arrested yes- terday afternoon on a warrant charging him with failure to provide for his child. He was released on his own recognizance by Judge Mogan. The complaining wit ness is his mother-in-law, Mrs. Louisa Junker. 161s1b Turk street, with whom Mrs. Gretsch and her child have been living for some months.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
GAN FRANCISCO CALL.

BUSINESS OFFICE of the San Francisco Call. corner of Market and Third streets. open until F o'clock every night in the year.
 BRANCH OFFICES-5z7 Montgomery street. corner Clay; open until s:So o'clock. sS7 Hayes street; open until s:3o o'clock e2I McAllister street: open until s:5o o'clock e15 Larkin street; open until s:so o'clock
 1sI Mission street: open until 10 o'clock
 2261 Market street. corner Sixteenth; open until o'clock.
 1o6 Eleventh street; open until o'clock
 252e Mission street; open until o'clock NV. corner of Twenty second and Kentucky streets, open until o'clock.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
Weter- Weights "Dud" Evans and Fred Muller Who
 Will Meet in Twenty Round Contest.

Wood 
 
  will of
  A 
  will Bud Terry
 
 
   Owing n 4 blerso lookup him a a <
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
Given Notice to Quit.

Notices were served by the police yes- terday upon the owners and occupants of the disreputable houses on Berry street to quit within five days. under penalty of arrest. Mayor Phelan's letter to Chief Lees had the desired effect.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24

THE CRYSTAL SWIMMING BATHS.
 Physicians recommend tine Crystal warm sea water tub and swimming baths. North Beach.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
New Workers Entertained.

Yesterday afternoon Mrs. Leland Stan ford entertained a number of the mem bers of the First New York Regiment
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
SITUATIONS WANTED-MALE.

COMPETENT dressmaker makes anaos cnaos ss7 dresses; fitted at their homes. Aoui'
 Hayes st.
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24
SITUATIONS wASrED-continued.

as msnaeinr honsekeeper or to take IuiI charge of l or motherless children
 122. Call office
The San Francisco call., 1898-08-24

YOUNG man with good references desires DO, sition in private place gardener ano f. tnalli about place Address J. D.. box 6. Call oince' Oakland