davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
TOWN WITHOUT
 REAL ESTATE No Resident of Needles Owns the Land He
 Occupies.
The Title to the Site of the Desert Metropolis Is in
 Doubt.
Citizens Wish to Have a Test Suit Hurried Through the
 Courts.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

SAN BERNARpINO, April 12.-San Bernardino County contains town of 1000 inhabitants in which there are no property-owners This seems strange state of affairs, but it is nevertheless the true condition of Needles. Not single individual owns the ground on which his place of business or his dwelling stands, and upon the county assessment book appears no record of anything but personal property at the desert metropolis.
 The resaon for this unparalleled state of affairs is that the land upon which Needles is located was with drawn from entry by the General Land Office, being what is known as a rail- read section, and is claimed as station grounds by the Santa Fe Pacific, the successors of the Atlantic and Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads, as a part of a land grant from Congress- The residents claimed that the railroad failed to comply with certain regula- tions laid down by Congress, and the Secretary of the Interior authorized the institution of suits for the forfeit ures of this track, along with other lands.
 A suit entitled the people of the Unit ed States vs. c. ". Smith, receiver of the Atlantic and Pacific, ct al., was commenced in the United States Cir cult Court for the southern district of California to quiet title of the Govern ment to this land, but for some reason it was dropped. The people of Needles have now unanimously requested that the case be taken up. A resolution has been passed by the Board of Supervi- sors requesting the Federal authorities to act, and the inhabitants of Needles will not rest until the affair is defi- nitely settled.
 The progress of the town has been greatly retarded by this unusual con- dition, and the railroad company now appears as anxious as any private citi- zen to see the question settled and title to the land given. The place is divi- sion point, and has many enterprises of note. Owing to it's fundamental defect it has never been able to organize a municipal government. Town improve ments, except by individuals, have been an impossibility, and people have been careful about large investments of capital.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
GREAT BALL OF FIRE FROM THE HEAVENS
 STRIKES NEAR KENNETT
Meteor Passing From East to West Lands on the Mountains With Loud Ex-
 p1oSon.

12At utoft at gwith
 
 abou It
  of B quickly flowed of the ecrash R. . mine the Saltwater in heavens speaking of the marvellous sight bal its   exploding its
 
  mile south heard of the
 .
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
SEAMEN PERISH
 FROM EXPOSURE
Two Survivors of the Ship Marlborough Picked Up
 at Sea-
Tell of Horrible Sufferings Which Caused Their Comrades
 Death.
special Dispatch to The Call.

Special Dispatch to The Call.
 NEW YORK, April 12.-The North Ger man Lloyd steamship Saale. which ar rived to-day from Genoa, reports that on Sunday last she picked up a lifeboat con- taining two men of the crew of the ship Marlborough of Windsor, N. S., who prob ably are all that survive of the ships crew of fourteen.
 The Marlborough sailed from St. John. N. B., on March Is for Sharpness, with a cargo of deals, On April 4 during the height of a gale, the ship went to pieces The crew attempted to launch the life. boat, but it was dashed to pieces before it reached the water. There was one other boat. The men went to work mak- ing life rafts from the cargo of deals and nine of them left the side of the water logged vessel. Captain Cochran and four men were the last to leave in the remaining boat. Shortly after the life boat lost sight of the remainder of the crew.
 The little crew suffered fearfully from thirst and later from hunger. On April 2 Captain Cochran died from exhaustion and exposure, and the following day an- other occupant of the boat died and on Easter morning another of the crew, There were now left in the boat Chief Officer George V. Masters and Seaman James Fannon. Both were will nigh worn out from hunger and thirst.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
Heavy Loss of Property in South San
 JacintO.
Ten Buildings Destroyed, 1n- cluding the Large County
 Hospital.
Bremen POwerless to Check the Blaze Because of Heavy
 Gale.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

SAN JACINTO, April 12.-Fire broke out this morning in a small frame house in South San Jacinto, occupied by James Wilkinson and family All morning the wind had been blowing as it had not blown before in years. The heavy gale famed the blaze to such an extent that four other cottages were soon in flames. The lack of water made 1t impossible to even check the fire. After consuming five frame cot tages the flames crossed the street or the south side, burning to the ground tWo-story brick building belonging to H. T. Hewitt, which had been erected a few years ago at cost of $2400. Next to go were two small buildings ad- joining the brick one on the south. From there flying emberS were hurled to the McDermott blacksmith shop, which was soon reduced to ashes.
 Tn the meantime the firemen were do- ing everything possible to save the County Hospital on the opposite side of the street, but the lack of water was again in evidence, and the big two story brick building was soon ablaze.
 The hospital building was built dur ing the boom by H. T. Hewitt at a cost of $47,OOO, and was used as hotel. It was well known all over the State as the Palma Hotel. Two years ago it was purchased by the county for a hos pital. At the time of the fire there were thirty-two patients in the build ing, all of whom were taken out in time. Nearly all the furniture was saved from the hospital building, but none from the frame cottages. The hospital was insured for $10,O00, but there was very little insurance on any of the other property burned.
 Hard work, wet blankets and salt saved the two-story brick residence of J. c. Jordan, which stood within 100 feet of the burning buildings.
 The Board of Supervisors will in all probability order the hospital building rebuilt at its next meeting on the first of the month. The hospital patients are all comfortably housed in the sec ond story of the Long block.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13

order to avert the scourge of war and facilitate the pacification of the is land"
 The note concludes: Thank the Spanish Government, in the name of the Pope, and be good enough to as sure it that the Pope will not fail to use his influence where the occasion offers. in order that the legitimate wishes of the Spanish Government may be realized, and the prestige of the noble Catholic nation be unimpaired"
 After this the OsserVatOre Romano prints the dispatch of congratulations sent by Emperor Francis Joseph to the vention, adding: T venture to hope that with the heln of the Almighty. the interests of humanity will be safe guarded
 The Osservttore Romano concludes the publication of its series of docu- ments with a dispatch from Washing ton. dated April Il, the source of hich is not indicated saying:
 The suspension of hoStilities has produced an excellent impression. I have no doubt of the maintenance of peace We shall have bellicose speeches In Congress, but without results The influence of the Pope in obtaining the armistice is fully recognized by the American people and is hailed with STaIlluOe.
 LONDON, April 13.-The Rome cor respondent of the Daily Chronicle says: At the Vatican the Presidents mes sage Is regarded as pacific. Archbishop Martinelli cabled from Washington this morning (Tuesday) that the armistice had produced an exc lent effect in the United States and the situation would end in warlike speeches in Congress, which would n t lead to action.
 At the Italian Foreign Office, the sit uation is regarded less favorably. It is recognized that the message is mod crate, but not absolutely pacific, and 1t is feared that the insurgents will re- ject the armistice."
 The Vienna correspondent of the Daily Chronicle says: The Cabinet has com- menced official negotiation with Spain suggesting that the future relations be- tween Cuba and the Spanish Govern ment be based upon the model of Canada and England.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
RAILWAY RATES FOR
 COAST CONVENTIONS.

CHICAGO, April 12. - The executive committee of the Western Passenger As sociation met to-day to consider the com missions that are being paid in various parts of the association territory and in particular commissions on Northern Pa cific Coast business. It was found that in some cases excessive commissions had been paid. but their existence was trace able to the fight between the American roads and the Canadian Pacific. It was decided. therefore, that the large com missions should be withdrawn wherever they have been in effect, and a resolution eral meeting Thursday.
 The Southern Pacific has given notice that 1t will demand the following arbi- traries between Portland and San Fran cisco and Portland and Los Angeles for the meetings that are to be held on the Pacific Coast this summer: Between Portland and San Francisco. one way or round trip, SIP 50; between Portland and Los Angeles, one way. s22; round trip, s3i
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
TOD SLOAN PRAISES
 CALIFORNIA RACING.
Pleased With His Success on the Pigskin at the Local
 Tracks

NEW YORK, April 12.-Tod Sloan, who has returned from San Francisco, speak ing of his work on the coast said:
 'The racing was excellent, and l am more than pleased with the showing l made out there. I rode better than ever before in my life. I learned more about riding this winter, too. than I ever thought I knew before. attribute a good deal of this to my short experience in England, riding. as I did. against the best jockeys in the old country. l rode with a longer stirrup but still kept the same position in the saddle that l have always done l think a long stirrup en- ables' me to finish much stronger. If 1t is not that don't know how how to account finish stronger now than I formerly did.
 Prospects look bright for a good racing season in the East Our horses (the Messrs. Fleichmanns) are all in great shape, but not likely to run any where before the Morris Park meeting opens. Consequently don't expect to be in the saddle at either Bennings or Aqueduct.
 II shall probably go to England in Feb ruary next year and may ride there all season."
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13


 QUEBEC, April 12.-Cardinal Tasche- reau died at 6:15 o'clock tonight.
 The Most Reverend Elzear Alexandre Taschereau, D. C. L., Cardinal and Arch bishop of Quebec, was born at Sainte Marie de Ia Beauce. Quebec, February r, 1920. He was educated at the Seminary of Quebec and in Rome, receiving the tonsure at the age of 1S In 1S42 he was ordained a priest at Quebec, and from that year until 1854 occupied the chair of moral philosophy at the Quebec Seminary. He resumed his studies in Rome in 1854. and in 1856 the degree of Doctor of Canon Law was conferred upon him by the Roman Seminary. Returning to Quebec, he was director of the Petit Sem inaire until 1859, when he became director of the Grande Seminaire and d member of the Council of 1ublic Instruction for Lower Canada. He was made Superior of the Grande Seminaire and Rector of Laval University in 1860. and Vicar-Gen- eral of the diocese of Quebec in 1862. In 1866 he again became director, and in 1869 was reelected Superior of the Grande Seminaire.
 He was consecrated Archbishop of Que bee in 1871. and in 1886 was made a Car dinal, being the first Canadian to receive the beretta, and was congratulated alike by the Protestant and by the Catholic press; his advancement being regarded as the merited reward of long life de. voted to educational progress.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
MINORITY REPORT
 OF THE DEMOCRATS.
They Will Favor the Recognition of the Independence Of the Re-
 public of Cuba Now.

WASHINGTON, April 12-The Dem- ocratic members of the Foreign Affairs Committee held a meeting tonight and adopted unanimously the following res olution, which they will offer in com mittee as a substitute for the majority report:
 Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives of the Uniteu States, in Congress assembled:
 Section l. The United States Govern ment hereby recognizes the independence of the republic of Cuba.
 Section 2. That moved thereto by many considerations of humanity. of interest and of provocation, among which are the deliberate mooring of our battleship Maine over submarine mine and it's de- struction in the narbor of Havana, the President of the United States be and hereby is. directed to employ immediate ly the land and naval forces of the Unit ed States in aiding the republic to main- tain the independence hereby recognized
 Section g. The President of the United States is hereby authorized and directed to extend immediate relief to the starv- ing people of Cuba. and for this purpose the. sum of s1,0Oo,0o0 is hereby appropri- ated.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
FAV0RS COOPERATION
 FOR BETTER PRICES,
Resolutions Adopted by the Fruit Growers Convention at Los
 Angeles

LOS ANGELES, April 12.-Tbe fr,,, growers met in convention to-day aeain
 The morning was given up entirely to what the unregenerate outsider would probably denominate as a prolonged dis cussion on bugs" The several papers read, however, were valuable, although quite technical to an outsider s. A. Pease of San Bernardino spoke on "In- sect Pests. Tree and Plant Diseases. etc. D H. Hamilton of Orange, F. Austin of Fall brook, G. Compers of Los Angeles and Alex Craw, State Quarantine Officer. all spoke upon the same topic. During the afternoon the deciduous fruit growers met and adopted the following resolution:
 Resolved That 1t is the sense of this con- vention that the only hope of relief from the present depression In decduous fruit growing lies in methods of grading and marketing which are possible only by cooperative effort.
 Several papers of interest to fruit men were read and the convention adjourned
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
Some Interesting Corre- spOndenCe Made Public
 by a Roman Paper.
1t Is Evident From the Nature of the Documents That the Publication Is by Att
 thOrity.

ROME, April 12.-The Osservatore Romano, organ of the Vatican, pub lished to-day the text of the documents bearing upon the Pope's mediation in the Cuban crisis. They are prefaced by note saying the Pontiff, seeing the imminent danger of war between Spain and the United States, inter- posed his action with the greatest so- licitude and entire efficacy in order to avert it and smooth over the obsta- cles"
 There follows note, dated April g, sent by the Spanish Minister of For eign Affairs. Senor Gullon, to Mgr. Merry del Val, the papal chamberlain, requesting him to inform the papal secretary of state, Cardinal Rampolla, so that the latter might communicate it to the Pope, that the Spanish Gov ernment, "in consequence of the ar dent, noble and repeated urgings of the Pope" had decided to order Captain General Blanco to "concede immedi- ately a suspension of hostilities for the period which his prudence may deem fit. with the view to prepare for and facilitate peace"
 Continuing, the note reads: While I have the pleasure of thus satisfying the wishes of the Reverend Pontiff. 1t is also agreeable to me to communicate to your EXcellency that the Embassa- dors of the six great powers, in a col lective visit to me this morning, found their aspirations in harmony with those of the Pope, to whom on this oc- casion, we recall our previous dispatch. with confidence that he will watch with care, so that our corresponding just demand may be satisfied and that the prestige of this Catholic nation may not be destroyed"
 The paper does not publish the pre- Vious dispatch mentioned above.
 A third document is a dispatch from Cardinal Rampolla to the Papal Nun cio at Madrid, in which the latter is in structed to communicate to the Spanish Government the satisfaction eXperi- enced by the Pope at the immediate suspension of hostilities. which the Pontiff considered very expedient in
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
YOUNG MINER ENDS
 LIFE WITH POISON.

BEDDING, April 12.-William Boyce, q well-known miner of Shasta and Trinity counties, committed suicide in Vollmer's hotel at Trinity Center by draining the last drop of vial of laudanum. His lifeless body was found in bed at 6 o'clock this morning. On table by the bedside was found the empty vial, which told the story of his passing.
 The suicide had but recentIv ra,,,rra, from Quartz. Tuolumne County, where he had been employed in the mines After spending a few days at his old home in French Gulch he went to Trinity Center It Is said that he had been drinking heav- fly His aged mother lives near Igo. The dead man was native of this county and 26 years of age.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
COPPER RIVER
 GOLD STRIKE News Reaches Seattle of Bonanza Finds by
 Prospectors. From 25 to 80 Cents a Pan Considered a Low
 Average.
First of the Seasons Arqonauts Are Reaping a Golden Harvest
 in Alaska.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

SEATTLE, April 12-The steamship Excelsior arrived in port to-day iron, Port Valdes and Prince William Sound. She brings a report of the first gold discovery made this year by argonauts who are exploring the Copper River fields. A number of prospectors have located on the Bremner River, the sec ond important branch on the east bank of the Copper River. One who had just returned to Orca brought the story or the discovery of important diggings. He claims that to get 25 or 50 cents to the pan was considered low, as many claims were running as high as s1 to the pan. This was taken out near the surface, as no holes had been sunk to bedrock. The report created consider able excitement at Orca and Copper River and a number were preparing to go to the new fields.
 At present Bremner River can be reached over an Indian trail from Eyak. Considerable of the distance is over the ice and through Baird Can yon, which is a barrier to navigation rom the mouth. After the ice breaks up Bremner River can be reached only by crossing the Valdes Glacier and coming down the Copper River in boats. t
 An unfortunate prospector met a terr1ole death on March 30 in an icy crevasse of the Valdes Glacier. With a party or friends from the East he had made good progress across the glacier ana had worked to the fourth bench near the summit. He slipped into one O! the dangerous cracks that are be- ginning to appear on the glacier and eIiorts 10 stop himself were unavailing orJ rope available was lowered. but it did not reach him. About two hours after the accident he gave one last, feeble cry. Ihe body was not recovered. The men who brought the news into Con per City the night before the Excelsior sailed had not learned the name of the unfortunate man.
 The steamship Alliance reached bare late tonight from Port Valdes. On board was Chris Webber, the man whom officers of the Excelsior believed had Jumped overheard from their yes sel on the down trip. It is explained that Webber purchased his ticket had all his personal effects on the Excelsior and intended to return as a nassenpar but she sailed without him. aItbo1,ob the steward insisted that he had gotten aboard and when he was found missing It was proclaimed that he had i1nnaS overheard. Webber was the inventor or a steam sled which proved a failure in the north.
 F. H. Foley of Arkansas returned on the Alliance. He reports that the Lev party and others from California have made the trin over the glacier and are now camping in the timber on the other side. He also brings the report that gold strike has been made at the lake across the glacier, from which the pros pectors are taking out from fifty cents ot seventy-five cents a pan.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
SAYS AMERICANS
 ARE IN NO DANGER,
The Consul-General of England at the Port of Havana Has Gained
 Their Fears

Copyrighted. 1s9S by James Gordon Bennett.
 HAVANA, April 12.-The Spanish cruiser Nueva Espana arrived this morning.
 La Lucha to-day publishes the fol- lowing: Alexander Gollan, that is to say, the Consul of England, who actually fills the consulate of the republic of the United States, under took yesterday to calm many Ameri- can citizens who wished to leave Cuba because General Aee had told them they were threatened with abuse and hostile acts. MT. Gollan needed great patience to calm the great number of American men and women who called to consult him. He explained to all that what had been told by Mr. Lee was without foundation and that they ran no risk whatever.
 MT. Gollan was aided in his task by Vice-Consul Jerome and Pro-Consul Arostegui."
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
RUSSIANS TRIED TO
 STEAL THE TOWN.

f1ict between the Russians and Chinese at Kin Chou tend to show the disturb ance was due to an attempt made by the Russian commander to take possession of the town. He tried to persuade the Chinese General that Kin Chou belonged to Russia by virtue of the recent agree ment arrived at between China and Rus sia regarding the cession of Port Arthur and Talien Wan. The Russian com mander demanded the evacuation of the place within twenty-four hours, the Chi Dese refused to leave, and the matter was eventually referred to Picking and St. Petersburg.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
HUDSON MEDICAL INSTITUTE. STOCKTON, MARKET AND ELLIS SITS,
 San Francisco.

Circulars and testimonials, show ing what "Hudyan" has done, are quite free. They are to be had by personal application or by writing. If you see signs of blood taint you can get "3O-day-blood circu- lars as easily. And if you have a case of blood taint the Hudsonian doctors will cure you promptly-and they will cure you permanently.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
Enriched Nieces and Nephews.

SACRAMENTO, April 12-Thomas H. Wilcoxson e. Colusa to-day filed for pro- bate the will of his uncle the late Jeffer- son Wilcoxson. The estate is valued at shares among the nephews and nieces of the deceased. Only last February Wil- eoxson gave s1OO0OO to the same heirs and not long before that he divided s1, 200 GOO counties. -eAe
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
Moonshiners Jump Bail.

LOS ANGELES April 1-Joseph Bren- dell ar Charles ssel of San Luis Obis- DO, who were indicted for constituting by the Federal Grand Jury and gave bail to the Unlteu States Commissioner there to appear in the Circuit Court failed to appear to-day, ana their bail was de- clared forfeited. It is said there is a strong e, ags'ns. them, and their fall- ure to appear indicates that they have left the country.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
"Kidn Parker Yet I'll

SACRAMENTO. April 12.-'Kid" Par ker the pugilist, who was to have fought Griffo before the Sacramento Athletic Club on Thursday night, while still very i'll of inflammation of the bowels viii probably recover He will be removed to a hospital tomorrow. His manager. George Harting. promises. to get a first sop'- time for training.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
"BRANN NO. 9" KILLED.
Texas Editor Stays His Man and
 Himself Succumbs to Wounds.

DALLAS. Tex. April 12.-J. G. Smith, editor of the La Sale lsonomy published at Cotulla, Lasale County, engaged in duel on the streets of Cotulla last night with Henry May. May was killed out right and Smith died to-day. Smith, who was known in West Texas as "Brann No. g." had written up" his adversary, who was a popular young man.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
Pioneer Hop-Grower Gone.

SANTA ROSA. April 12.-Otis Allen. a well-known pioneer, died here to-day. aged 69 He was prominent citizen of Sonoma County for nearly a half-cen- tury, and was said to have been the pio- neer hop grower of the Pacific Coast. He was native of Maine, The funeral will be held at Sebastopol on Thursday under Masonic auspices.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
Pioneer Dies in Woodland.

WOODLAND. April 12-James Temple Read, pioneer, native of Kentucky and 66 years of age, died in this city last night.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-13
Sultry at Santa Cruz.

SANTA CRUZ, April 12.-The weather was unusually warm to-day, the ther- mometer registering S2 degrees.