davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24

that he was not reliable and so dropped him. He also discovered that WlilIans had been in an insane asylum III Ne" York and had been discharged cureu Mrs. Gregory says that Williams often boasted to her of his strength and said that he could crush any man s mana WlIn his grip. He had bragged thaI He Hs. co4Ia I u had made so many boasts ana threats 5 that she was afraid of her life ana useu often to lock the door ana pretend @ no one
 The following letter was written to MIS- Gregory by Williams about May l:
 Abbe: Are you willing that at, disagreeaele sl rt M matter shall be bygones? little trahs 1 s,+esr side may put matters right between us. 1T you are frankly disposed on your part Io Io enter into this explanation l am on mine 1T this is agreeable you send me word per this messenger. if you need more time to tnink i over send me word to the works stating when and where I may see you. I sincerely believe I can now show and put you in the way where by you may be much happier and better pro vided for than you are just now Ihis ls que to you even If meet and part after forever. Abbie This is your affair and mine and above all things should be kept to ourselves. NO tnird party can ever do any good in matters or this nature. Therefore l hope you Will observe IL so, whether you meet me or not
 In order that third party may not know Thompson, Messenger Office. Ala. Of course. if you write to the works address proper name Should I see you I will explain my reasons for this.
 The Oakland Tribune says:
 Webster H. Williams, the victim of the tragedy met a fate which those who knew him some time ago felt would eventually overtake him. In him were united the elements which characterize what are known as "high rollers. who, by hook or crook, succeed in having good time and who seem to reVel In the ccfnpany of women.
 The episode of yesterday brought Will Hams unexpectedly to the attention of his acuuaintances after a mysterious disap- pearance of nearly a couple of years.
 Williams last scene of operations prior to his violent death was in San Leandro, in this county. He made his appearance there about the time specified, when the Town Council of the place was engaged in a violent warfare with Landers, the leading light of the gas company of tho place.
 Williams made his appearance, stated that he was an Englishman of high de- gree and tried to prove this by consum- ing champagne in liberal quantities, giv- ing swell dinners and basking In the smile of female company from various parts Of the State. It is claimed he had scheme for making gas Dy means of which the illuminant could be produced at the mini mum of cost. He finally took hold of the San Leandro gas works and induced sev- with him. Williams collected the money and allowed material bills to run unsatis- fed He was the principal protector also in the California Free Payment Gas Me- ter. through which, by depositing coin of various denominations, a consumer could buy as much gas as he was disposed to pay for The scheme fizzled, Landers got back his gas works, Williams associates were feeced and Williams himself skipped
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
LUMBER FIRM INSOLvENT. Harris 6 Jones Fail for Eighty Nine
 Thousand Dollars,

The lumber firm of Harris & Jones has been forced to the wall. The firm, which Is composed of Hugh B. Jones and Fred erick R.. King, applied to the Superior Court yesterday to be declared fnsolvent, and in its petition scheduled its liabilities at sS9, ,S01 "A. To partially offset this vast indebtedness the firm has assets in it's possession aggregating $49,57s 90. Of this sum. however. personal property valued at SAP. .e1S 2S is pledged the Crocker-Wool- worth Bank, the largest creditor of the firm, the amount due the bank being s57 FPS a. The principal creditors are: Crocker Woolworth National Bank: s57 720 94. Hannah A. Goss. S1850; Bank of Chico s45o; H. Mckay, $30O0; Union Lum- Der Company, $Z710 5s; Simpson Lumber Company. s2337 54; w. P. Fuller & Co.,. s1657 61; Caspar Lumber Company,
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
CONDEMNS THE CHARTER. The United Labor Party Will Oppose
 the Projected Measure.

A brief but important and spirited ses- sion of the board of control of the United Labor party was held last evening at their headquarters on Clay street, near Montgomery
 Chairman William P. Grace presided and in opening the meeting stated that 1t had been called for the purpose of de- lining the attitude of the party upon the question of the adoption of the new char ter
 MT. Grace criticized the instrument at length, pointing out the enormous power and patronage confered on the Mayor without any authority to remove or in any way control him, and declaring that under it tyranny, oppression and pIunder would prevail, while the citizens would be powerless and unable to help them selves.
 The sentiment of the meeting as ex- pressed by all the speakers was that the posed law was. toward the standardization of power in the hands of the few, as against the interests of the many.
 The following resolution was adopted as the sense of the meeting
 Resolved. That we the United Labor party Of the City and County of San Francisco, believing the effort for the adoption of the new charter to be an at tempt upon the part of officeholders and would-be off1ceholders to assume uncon- stitutional authority, to subvert the will of the people to their own personal in tereSts and for the retention of them selves and their personal and political friends in office hereby declare that we are opposed to the adoption of said char ter by the City and County of San Fran CISCO, and we call upon all those who labor with their hands to join us in our attempts to defeat so iniquitous a meas ure. By order of the Board of Control.
 WILLIAM P. GRACE,
 Chairman"
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
William Fielding in a
 Padded Cell,
A VICTIM OF STRONG DRINK.
MUST CANCEL ENGAGEMENT AT
 THE oRPHEUM.
The Doctors at the Receiving Hospi- tai Believe That His Mind Is
 Almost Gone.

George H. Fielding, the "comic juggler who recently did a turn at the Orpheum is locked up in a padded cell in the Re ceiving Hospital. Yesterday afternoon he staggered into the hospital and asked to be treated
 'I am up against it, he remarked John Barleycorn has succeeded in floor ing me like he did poor old John L. Suli- van"
 After being given dose of medicine the clever juggler was placed in a padded cell, as it is believed that his mind is de- ranged through the excessive use of
 Fielding arrived here about ten days ago to fill an engagement at the Or pheum. He made a big hit the first night once signed to perform at the various theaters comprising the Orpheurh cir cult. The following day he got drunk, and as he was unable to appear the man. gagement and advised him to return to his home in the East. Since then Field himself in serious condition he con cluded to visit the hospital in search of medical assistance. As he sat in his cell last night he ina gined that he was on the stage, delighting a vast audience with his clever tricks.
 Juggling with some imaginary objects. he would toss them in the air and appear to catch them as they fell.
 When one of the attendants would peer into his cell he would ask him what he thought of the tricks, and beg to give him a boost" in the newspapers.
 T am the greatest living juggler." he would declare. "Barnum first discovered me and introduced me to the great Amer ican public. My rivals in the business are jealous of me, and have conspired to get me out of the way"
 The doctors at the hospital believe that Fielding's mind is gone. Unless his mental condition is improved they expect to be compelled to place a charge of in- C hoe 6o,@ of friends in the East who will sincerely mourn his sad condition.
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
MRS. w. M. GREGORY.

scuffling as she was in the kitchen at the time. After a while she heard the boy cry and went in. The boy was standing were standing up fighting. She saw Mrs. | Gregory holding the pistol, and Mrs. Gregory told her she had shot Williams She heard the shot while she was in the kitchen. Subsequently,, in reply to a question. witness said she did not see the pistol in Mrs. Gregory'S hand
 Mrs. Gregory told her she had shot Williams to defend her husband. Gregory dragged Williams out of the bed into the kitchen. Mrs. Gregory's hands and face witness, and she identified it as the one that she saw every morning under the pillow. Mrs. Gregory had spoken about Williams to her several times, and said he had bothered her all the time. e'' while nile Williams was lying in the kitchen he did not say anything. Mrs Gregory had called to her, and said. Help me, for Will Hams is going to kill my husband" At the time she saw them fighting Gregory had nothing in his hands.
 Myrtle street, corner of Fourteenth
 pr. Keys described the wounds in the mans head, and said he thought they were caused by the pistol Dr. Buteau testified that in his opinion the man might have lived several hours with such a wound or might have died instantly.
 Levi Siemmens and James Fowler gave important testimony, and Mrs. Gregory testified that the letter found on Will Hams body was in his handwriting.
 
 sel, but was not called as a witness, nor did his attorney take any part in the pro- ceedings.
 There were several developments of in- tereSt yesterday in the tragedy. Gregory refused to say anything about the affair until after he had consulted his attorney, and Attorney H. H. Davis of San Fran cisco, for whom he had sent, did not present himself during the day.
 Mrs. Gregory, on the other hand, was not at all reticent and was perfectly will ing to talk about the affair. When told that her husband said that 1t was he and not she who fired the shot she contradict ed him and said that he was mistaken. She got hold of the pistol first and fired 1t, but as Williams kept on fighting with Gregory she did not think she had hit him. After she fired at Williams and dropped the pistol her husband picked 1t up and beat Williams over the head with 1t for some time, and he might have thought that he fired it off, but she says he did not. He was so excited and Will Hams was fighting so desperately that Gregory might easily have thought that he (Gregory) shot him. Mrs. Gregory went over all the details of the affair again to- day and told substantially the same story as yesterday, not varying in any inn portant point.
 She went into Williams history to greater extent than before and showed an intimate knowledge of his operations and schemes for raising money by means of his inventions. She said that he had obtained a considerable amount from J. H. Lounge of this city. but Lounge found
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
CHARGED HER
 WITH MURDER Mrs, Gregory as Hugh
 Williams Slayer. RESULT OF THE INQUEST.
EVIDENCE AGREEING WITH THE
 WoMAN'S STORY.
Nevertheless the Jury Recommend: That Her Husband Be Dis
 missed.

The Coroner's jury in the case of Hugh Webster Williams rendered the following verdict last night:
 "We, the jury, do find that the name of deceased was Hugh Webster Williams, a native of England, aged about 55 years, and that he came to his death in milk wagon on his way from 2O19 Eagle avenue to the police station, Alameda, at about Il o'clock a. m. May 22, 1898, and that death was caused by internal hemorrhage produced by 8 bullet wound inflicted by Mrs. Abbie M. Gregory at 2O19 Eagle avenue, Alameda, and we do recommend that William M. Gregory be held as accessory to the murder of Hugh Webster Williams"
 The following jury had been impaneled 1 by Deputy Coroner Fowler for the purpose of holding the inquest on the body of Williams, who was shot to death in Alameda Sunday: J. R. Bigler, J. D. Judd, J. B. Vosburgh, J. A. Riley, E. J. Bevan, J. A Munro, F. P. Fury. J. D. Judd acted as foreman.
 The first witness called at the inquest last night was Mrs. Gregory. She told or her acquaintance with Williams, as already related, and of his history and occupation.r Nothing was asked her about the affair of the shooting or what led up to it.
 Officer Lawrence testified to having been directed by Gregory to the house on Eagle avenue. He went there and found Mrs. Gregory at the door. She had blood on her face and clothing. There was man lying on the kitchen floor alive and with his pulse beating. They removed had brought with them, but he died on the way to the Morgue and the body was taken there. Lawrence took Gregory to jail and went back after Mrs. Gregory and put her under arrest:
 Sergeant Conrad testified to Gregory calling at the police station with blood on his face and clothes He said he had a fight with man on Eagle avenue, and that his antagonist was In pretty bad way He said the man had forced his and child, and he had had a row with him. He said the man was knocked out and was drunk. Later the officer sent to the house returned and said that the man the house and found evidence of a severe struggle.
 Victorine Courtois, the nurse employed by Mrs. Gregory, testified that she had been in the house since the 4th inst. Had only seen Gregory twice. the first time about two weeks ago. Had seen Williams before and had not let him in the house because Mrs. Gregory was not at home. On Sunday he came to the back door. Mrs. Gregory told her not to let him in. tried to keep him out, but he pushed his way in and went into the room where Mrs. Gregory, MT. Gregory and the child were. She heard no noise of talking or
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
Bunker Hill Association.

The joint executive committee of the Bunker Hill Association and the Native Sons of Vermont held a meeting last night at the Occidental Hotel. A com mittee. consisting of President Badger and MessrS. Cotton and Perkins, was ap- pointed to interview the Governor and endeavor to have Bunker Hill day, June F, declared a legal holiday by the chief executive William G. Badger will act as president of the day. Dr. S. H. Roberts was appointed grand marshal of the Los Gatos parade. Superior Judge B. $. Belcher was chosen as one of the speakers of the day. A. O. Perkins will have charge of the musical and literary programme and Edwin Fish of Redwood City will be floor manager In charge of the dancing.
 A communication was received from the State Council of California. Junior Order American Mechanics, accepting the in- vitation to attend the celebration At Los Gatos. letter was read from w. R. L.. Jenks, secretary of the Board of Trade of Los Gatos, stating that all requirements expected of them would be fulfilled and that all the leading patriotic and benevolent societies would participate.
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
FIVE VACANT CHAIRS.
Seven Pines Circle Holds an Impress
 siYe Memorial Service.

The hall of Seven Pines Circle, Ladies of the G. A. R., in the Native Sons build ing was packed last evening with ladies and gentlemen present to witness the memorial service of that organization The hall was tastefully decorated with flowers and the American colors In front of the presidents station there were five vacant chairs, on each of which were twined garlands of evergreen. These rep resented the chairs that were occupied by Laura c. Brewer, Margaret c. True, Lou isa Cramm, Josephine A. Mawson and Jane Mehlwitz, members of the circle, who passed away during the year.
 Mrs. Ayers, the president, read the service of the order, and there were re- sponses by the other officers, after which Mrs. Powers read the order for Memorial day. Miss Amanda Corcoran sang America Miss M. Griff1ths recited a selection appropriate to the occasion, Mrs. Ruth Gorton gave selections on the violin, Mrs. J. Murray Bailey read an original poem by Mrs. Goodell (mother of Lieutenant Goodell of Company c, First California Volunteers), Adjutant John H. Roberts of George H. Thomas Post de livered an address, the Knickerbock9r Quartet rendered vocal selections and Mrs. Whaley favored with a vocal solo. The service closed with the singing by the audience of an anthem.
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
NOT A PARTY FIGHT.
All Citizens Advised to Oppose the
 New Charter

P. J. Reynolds presided last Saturday night in Bunce's Hall at a meeting of the Fortythird District Central Silver Club. After a number of those present had expressed themselves in opposition to tEe. proposed charter the following pre- amble and resolution were unanimously adopted:
 Whereas. Section of article XII of the proposed new charter requires the Board of Supervisors to determine the kind of lawful money in which municipal bonds shall be made payable; and
 Whereas. This provision in effect means and can mean only that municipal bonds under the new charter would be payable in gold thus establishing in this city the credtorr's option perpetuating the gold standard and tending to render difficult, if not impracticable the restoration of bimetallism violating the letter and spirit of the National Democratic Popu- list and Silver Republican platforms; there fore
 Resolved. That it is the duty of all Demo cTats, Populists and Republicans who are sin cere in their political pretensions to vote against the proposed new charter at the spe- cial election, and We hereby censure and con dernn all such as are now engaged in the at tempt to foist on the people an instrument which departs SO radically from the recent teachings and professions of political parties and party leaders
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
Olsen in Contempt.

The writ of habeas corpus recently is- sued out in the Superior Court by J. B. Olsen to escape a short term of imnrison- ment imposed upon him by Justice of the Peace Cook was dismissed yesterday by Judge Carroll Cook of the Superior Court Olsen was sued a short time ago by an artist for the price of a picture he had painted for the defendant, and notwith- standing the order of court, Olsen refused to respond to an order of examination In consequence Judge Cook found him guilty of contempt and committed him to jail for twenty-four hours. Now that the writ has been dismissed Olsen must either go to jail or purge himself of contempt
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24

before Judge Trout yesterday morning. dell, young man on the happy side of
 H, sat in court and unused. From the hints let fall by opposing counsel he learned that an endeavor would be made to prove that he hypnotiZed his aged wife, 8 woman of 70 years The contestants, daughters of the testatrix, do not allege that Sandell is hypnotist, but simply claim that he took advantage of his wife's mental incapacity and was named in consequence as principal devisee in her
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
CAUGHT IN THE ROOM. Arrest of Michael Fay, a Laborer, or
 Charge of Burglary.

Michael Fay, laborer, was arrested last night by Policeman T. P. Rfordan and charged with burglary
 Shortly after o'clock Fay visited the Orlando House at Sixth and Howard streets and entered the room occupied by Timothy Lynch. The latter was asleen at the time, but was awakened by the noise of the intruder
 The latter on being discovered ran along the hallway and sought to escape by hid, ing at the foot of a blind stairway Rior. dan was summoned and after a short search discovered the burglar. When searched at the City Prison a purse con taining $1 50 and several souvenirs which he had stolen from Lynch's pantaloons were found in his possession.
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
onnosed the Charter

At the meeting of the American branch Socialist Labor party, on Sunday after noon the merits and defects of the new charter were freely discussed. G. B. Benham was the first speaker but while he found enough defects to make a lengthy speech, the merits were few and far between. He cited the provisions to amend the instrument as simply a bait to catch unwary voters, as he said that the State constitution renders such action impossible "The charter" he said, lis opposed to the spirit of American tnsti- tutions, and workingmen are asked to vote away their liberties.
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
4 DEADLY PARALLEL OF
 FIGURES THAT CANNOT LIE
Will Be Absolute Loss the Teachers of the City County IA Per Cent From Their Present Salaries Should
 the Proposed Charter Become Law

It med by h wi m the aareu school teachers sand ochage the e flor chd may be eugget t plain nbe which deadly parallel l law f
 efgnsna b nd dean teveedh dhonhef shmh h tn tyanCou ofSa Francisco:
  S ho oo hd xoedw lin in yngth preen6 Underline suprntnd n attaches snntoSa and teach
 yeof City ndContd for raget
 natural omth ue hso b dute roghay nnTobecon coninadof this it hsoy t d nd study foIwnab
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
MONTGOMERY MEDAL. The League of the Cross Will Com.
 neta for It To-Nirht

The League of the Cross Cadets had 8 rehearsal at the Mechanics Pavilion last night preparatory to the competitive drill for the Montgomery medal, which takes place tonight.
 successive occasions, but as 1t is neces- sary to win it. three times before 1t be- comes the property of the best drilled company, considerable rivalry has been engendered. Arrangements for the drill have been completed, and judging from the number of tickets sold a large crowd will be in attendance
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
Charged With Robbery.

William Cornwall, a laborer, last night caused the arrest of Calisto Ortiz, boot black, on a charge of robbery Yester- day afternoon Cornwall met Ortiz and in- vited him to his room at 313 Fourth street While he was asleep. he claims, Ortiz robbed him of silver watch and SIP in money.
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
Waller Pleads Not Guilty.

Judges Cook and Wallace overruled the demurrer recently raised by School Di- rector Waller to the indictment charging him with having solicited bribe. yester. day morning. Judges Cook, Wallace and Borden sat in bank to hear the case, and after argument had concluded, Judges Cook and Wallace decided that the de- murrer should be overruled, while Judge Borden dissented After the court had read its decision Waller was formally ar. raigned and pleaded not guilty. His tria was set for June l.
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
New Racing Corporation.

Articles of incorporation of the Pacific Coast Trotting- horse Association were F. Boyd, A. B. Spreckels, E. P. Heald A. G. Burnett, F. M. Covey, Alfred H. Cohen, T. J. Crowley, c. A. Hug, D. E. Knight, J. c. Kirkpatrick and Joseph c. Simpson.
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24

onds. but scarcely had he regained his pins when I've planted second swing on the jaw, and Egan fell flat on the boards where he was counted out
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
Divorce Suit Filed

Sarah Hayes filed suit for divorce against her husband, J. Hayes, yesterday. alleging failure to provide as a cause of action.
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24

It that wHIbe a added which " deducted from the
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24

Ladies' tailor-made suits latest designs: we give credit. N Rothschild. 21l Sutter. T. [.
The San Francisco call., 1898-05-24
E,+ o, Tria1

Lee Fat on Trial.
 Lee Fat was placed on trial before Judge Borden yesterday morning for the murder of Lee Fong on December 2S last.