davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
HIGH WINDS IN pEDroRD.
Property Damaged by the Gale--Sfrs.
Leftwich's Death.


BEDFORD CITY, February ls.-tSpe-
clal.)--since yesterday afternoon the wind
has been raging with a fury seldom expe-
rienced here. The sky IS clear and the
sun shining. but tho temperature mas
been steadily becoming colder and the
ground remains frozen.
During the night the tin roofing or the
Peoples Warehouse was torn of and
rolled like a scroll. telephone post
about ten inches In diameter was snapped
off near the point above the ground; seve-
raj others were inclined from their per-
pendicular position by the immense force
OF the wind. In some instances windows
were blown out. and the glass was SMASH
ed in the dwelling Of Mr.. William kohen,
on Bedford avenue. The entire sash OF
a window was blown out from one resi-
dence. The houses rocked so violently
that there was as much nervousness as
is caused by the visitation OF an earth
quake. The wind is still blowing steadily
and heavily, though slightly abated In
force.
Mr. NJ. p. Burks received on yesterday
n telegram from Atlanta announcing the
dangerous illness OF Mrs. Adelia Lake
Leftwich. the widow OF Rev. DR.. James
Turner Leftwich, a distinguished min
lister Of the Presbyterian Church and
native of this place, who died about
year ago.
a second message came this morning,
bringing the tidings of the death OF Mrs.
Leftwich, and stating that the remains
will be brought here for interment. She
was a lady of much grace and sweetness
of character, and has many warm friends
here. in Baltimore, Atlanta, and else
where who will deeply regret to learn or
her death
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
THE HAWAIIAN JOB.

The latest dodge of the promoters OF
Hawaiian annexation is the advancement
OF the claim that annexation would win
votes for the Republican party. They
are. therefore, urging the Republican
leaders in Congress to press the scheme
through as a clean-cut party measure.
and ore Of their most prominent mouth
pieces whoops up the matter in the fol-
lowing fashion: 1.-THE Republican party
needs all the votes which it can get in
the approaching congressional elections;
there are votes to be won by the an
nexation of Hawaii; under the circum-
stances. 10 Republicans, at least, this
argument Of political expediency should
be final and conclusive"
Exactly. Every other consideration
must fall before political expediency.
Win votes for the Republican party no
matter what may be the consequences 20
The nation. In order to the perpetuation
of the power of that party, connive
with the promoters OF one of the most
outrageous jobs ever attempted to be
contaminated by the aid of Congress,
ant run inc iIch VI lnNiliIB from lOFclSu
nations an infringement of the Monroe
doctrine.
II has been well said that under the
circumstances. and considering the part
our navy played in conducting to the es-
Enlistment of a usurping government
in Hawaii. annexation would be an act
OF territorial violence and rapine that
would debar us from any right to rebuke
other aggressors. Moreover, as we have
previously said. If IL did not in itself pre-
clpitate grave complications. ii would
encourage annexation movements by adj
ycnturers In Central and South Ameri-
can States. that could hardly fail to pro-
duce serious agitations detrimental to
the business interests OF the country; If.
indeed. they did not finally rip up the
Monroe doctrine. However, the jobbers
care nothing for all this. At the same
time, their argument shows 10 what
desperation they have been driven. II
IS IN our view a sign that their cause Is |
rapidly weakening. seeing that many or I
the leading Republican papers and thou
sandx OF Republican voters violently an
taeonize annexation. and the annexa- |
uonists find II necessary 10 appeal from
the reason to the political prejuolces OF
these papers and voters.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
CUsTOM-HOUsE TO BE IMPROVED.
A strong Wind I'm Petersburg-CoI-
Ored Citizens I'm Trouble.

PETERSBURG, VA, February 1s.-
(Special)-The Collector of Customs has
received authority from Washington to
have the interior of the building painted,
and all necessary repairs done to the
floors. woodwork, and plaster. The paint
ing Will embrace the passage walls, the
walls of the rooms of the customs and
internal revenue departments. i'm the Sc
cond story, and the letter-carriers' room
on the third floor This work is to be
OF first-class character. The Collector of
Customs will at once ask for bids for
the several classes Of work.
William Jones and William White, both
colored, were this morning sent on by
the Mayor for trial in the Hastings Court
for feloniOusly ASSEMBLING and robbing
Mr. NJ. II. Baxter last Christmas Mr.
Baxter was considerably hurt and the
sim of s. taken from his pockets.
The wind blew almost a gale all through
last night, and there was a marked fall
OF the temperature in the course OF
few hours.
The Pythians are preparing a splendid
banquet of the Grand Lodge, knights of
Pythias, which meet here on the 2lst.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
PROFESSOR AvERETT.
This WelI-known Educator Passes
Away at DanvilIe.

DANVILLE, VA, February 16-(Spe-
cial)-Professor John Taylor Averett died
at $50 O'Clock this morning; aged II years.
His death was preceded by an illness Of
ten days. though deceased had been in
feeble health for several years. His
death removes figure that was conspic-
uous i'm this community for long period
especially In educational circles. Profess
sor Averett was born at Halifax Court
house on December q. 1897. and attended
school there. afterwards going to Emory
and Henry College. from which he gradu-
ated with high honors. He was engaged
in school teaching when the war com
menced, but Immediately entered the Con-
federate army as member OF the Thirty
eighth Virginia Regiment. After the war
Professor Averett was the first principal
of the Danville public schools. and in
1913 was made president OF Roanoke Fee
male College, Of this city, where he
labored with distinguished success for
fourteen years. A stroke of paralysis in
1883 ended his active career in the college.
Professor Averett was for many years
the Danville correspondent of the Dis
patch. and his contributions under the
pen name, alpha" will doubtless be re-
called by the older readers of the Dis
patch. Professor Averett is survived by
six children, his wife, who was Miss
Louise Frances Penick, of Halifax coun-
ty, having died nearly a quarter of a
century ago.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
THURSDAY. FEBRUARY II, 1898.
THE MAINE DISASTER.

The destruction of the United states
battleship Maine in the harbor of Habana
Tuesday night was. taken all in all, the
most terrible disaster in the history OF
our navy.
The exact cause Of the calamity has not
yet been definitely determined, and per-
haps will not be for several days TWO
theories have been advanced 10 account
for it. One is that it was an accident. The
other is that it was the work of Span
iards. some sensational dispatches going
so far as 10 throw out the suggestion
that the Spanish Government was IN
Solved.
To countenance this suggestion is unjust
to Spain and unworthy of ourselves. Even
had the Spanish authorities the DISPOSE
lion to connive at such a dastardly act,
they could not afford to run the risk of
detection. Conviction. or even the estab-
lishment Of well-grounded suspicion in
the premises would damn the Spanish ma
ton in the eyes Of the civilized world.
The suggestion is, therefore, entirely IL
logical. on this single ground, apart from
all other considerations.
Moreover. the accident theory-the
explosion of one Of the ships magazines
is borne out by the preponderance Of ex-
pert opinion. so far elected, and this view
not only obtains in administration cir
Giles. but seems fully justified by official
advices from the scene of the calamity
Again. the Navy Department shows thai
such accidents as the one that is sup
posed to have wrought the destruction OF
the Maine are by no means without pre-
cedent. several war vessels having been
practically annihilated by magazine ex-
plosions. Indeed. in the case Of one
British warship the annihilation was alb
solute, and not an officer or member OF
the crew escaped.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
MIR. COOK MUCH DISCUSSED.
His Accounts Considered by the
Alexandria Council.

ALEXANDRIA, VA, February 10
the City Council last night MIR. Greene,
in his speech, made an eloquent plea Tor
Mir. II. T. Cook, the ex-clerk OF the Gas
| Department Mr.. Greene stated that in
asmuch as Mr.. Cook and his friends had
! displayed such unprecedented activity IN
refunding any moneys found to be due,
| the Council should be lenient with him,
and accept his unsecured note for the bal
ance of the shortage, S215.7S, payable IN
one year.
This proposition called forth the great
est opposition on the part OF majority
Of the members, and Mr.. Uhler. chairman
of the Finance Committee, said that he
thought the city should be secured lie
was willing to make every reasonable con-
cession to Mr.. Cook and his friends. but
was averse TO accepting an unsecured
note. Mr.. Greene then moved that Mr..
Cooks individual note be accepted. with
out security. The motion was los. by a
vote of IL to 8. 1t was finally decided 10
accept a note. with reasonable security,
at two years time.
The report Of Actuary Bayne. submit
ted to the Council, showed the total short
age in the accounts of the Gas Depart
has been made good by the friends of the
ex-ofcial, leaving balance of $Z75.7S still
due to the city the payment of which is
to be provided for as above stated rms
shortage. $3.10922 dates from June !, 1884,
and it is not thought that any def1cit
exists prior 10 that time. A further ex-
animation of the books Of the office may
reveal discrepancies of some years stand
ing, but it is stated that this Will be
promptly covered by the parties who
have already come to Mr.. Cooks assist
ance.
After the Department matter was
taken up and disposed of, the Board OF
Aldermen and Common Council went into
joint session for the purpose of electing
a successor to Mr.. Cook. DR. julius De-
MELT and Messrs. Samuel l.. Monroe ana
John II. StTider were placed in nominal
ton. Mr.. Monroe was elected on the first
ballot. The new clerk has been connected
for. the past three or four years with the
United States acknowledgements Service,
and comes of a prominent Alexandra
family. 1t is thought that better selec-
ton could not have been made as Mr.
Monroe, by previous training and expe-
rience, is in every way fitted for the
position. He will fill the unexpired term
of Mr.. Cook, and in May, 1899, the eiec-
ton of his successor will come before the
people.
The meeting of the Council was further |
enlivened by Mr.. Burrell of the Second
Ward arising TO a question of privilege, |
and stating that he wished to denounce
as utterly false the rumors which had
been circulated concerning him. These |
rumors were TO the effect that he was.
and had been since his election to the |
Council, fighting the religion of Rome and |
all its adherents.
An immense crowd was present through |
out the entire proceedings Of the city |
fathers. and the greatest interest was
manifested in the perplexing questions
that came up for consideration.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
FLAMES IN pulaski.
Much Property Destroyed by Fire
An Experience With Dynamite.

EAST RADFORD. VA, February L.
(Special.)-On account Of the prevalence
of smallpox in some sections Of South
west Virginia. the Board of Health has
ordered all public-school pupils to be
vaccinated the city furnishing the virus
and all the physicians in the city per-
forming the work free of charge. A COM
plete record is being kept, and hereafter
no pupils will be permitted to enter the
schools unless they show marks of sue
cessful vaccination.
An old gentleman. on his way from the
coal-felds to Rappahannock county,
stopped over here Saturday, and in a
short time. fell in with some men, who
robbed him of his money and railroad
ticket. One man named Doc. Bane was
arrested and indicted by the grand jury
for the offence, and to-day was found
guilty Of petit larceny and sentenced to
three months in Jail and a fine Of $50.
Early yesterday morning the cry Of
fire" aroused the town, and a large
kitchen attached TO the house Of Captain
j. r. Eakin was in a blaze. A bucket
brigade, by hare work, saved the dwell
ing. A negro asleep in the kitchen was
not aroused until the door was chopped
down and fell on him. The negro said he
got home from a wake" about o'clock
and kindled a fire TO warm. and it is sup
posed he went to sleep and the building
caught.
The night was very STILL but to-day the
wind arose to hurricane. and a two
story house, belonging to Mr. Thurman
and occupied by a Scott family, was to-
tally destroyed. The fire burned so rapid
ly that in twenty minutes the roof tell
in. The family lost everything.
The citizens on Norwood street had a
narrow escape yesterday. A man named
Conrad had been employed to haul load
of dynamite from a magazine in the SUI
burbs to the railroad. ana he drove
through town with 1900 pounds in his
wagon. Just as he unloaded the last Of
it an engine scared the team. and they
ran away tearing right through the |
business part of the town and running !
over about dozen ploughs in front OF |
hardware store. Had the engine been |
five minutes earlier. or the driver fiva
minutes later, a disastrous explosion |
would have occurred, as II was learned |
that the team was a runaway team.
The beautiful weather for the past few
days has started the farmers, and much |
ploughing is being done.
Last night was very cold, high winds.
and good snow. To-Day is bright, but
cold.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
Personals and briefs.

Mr.. c. ID. Walk, the eastern representa-
tive OF the Pittsburg Company, is at the
Jefferson.
Rev. Dabnev Davis and wife, OF Essex
county, are the guests OF Rev. and Mrs.
j. Calvin Stewart.
Mr.. w. ID. Chesterman, after two
weeks illness from peritonitis, is now
able 10 80 about his room little
Miss Mamie Il. Martin, who has been
the guest of Miss Matte Lee Mosby. No.
3l03 east Broad street has returned home
after a pleasant visit.
Cards are out for the marriage OF Miss
Lille DOrsam TO Mr. Robert L. Smith
Thursday evening. February oath. AT $3.50
II. NJ. at st. Johns German church. cor
ner OF Eighth and Marshall streets.
At conference OF the colored Republi-
cans, held In the First Precinct. jackson
Ward. Tuesday night. IL was decided to
call meeting OF the voters TO decide
what Is the best plan to pursue in the
coming election.
1t was inadvertently stated In the Hust-
ings Court report In yesterdays Dispatch
that the charge against Peter Bolton.
tried the day before. was use-breaking
The accusation against the young man
was for lighting. and the case was dis
missed.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
Another Candidate for Auditor.

Mr.. Charles w. Fellows, confidential
book-keeper at julius Meyers Sons, an
nounced his candidacy for the office Of
City Auditor. Mr.. Fellows is one of the
best-known accountants in the city. and
is popular citizen. having hosts Of
friends in every ward in the city. He is
a man of the strictest integrity. and Of
tireless energy. For sixteen years he has
had a training as auditor of private ac-
counts, complicated. and extensive in
their nature He has been considering the
advisability of yielding to the wishes of
his friends and coming out for the office.
for some time, but only decided to do SO
Yesterday
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
THEY CONDEMN THE LEAGUE.
Old Dominion Club ON city Govern
menf-Other Political Matters.


The Old Dominion Democratic Club held
a big meeting at Thon's Hall, corner of
Seventeenth and Main streets, last night.
and large number OF candidates for the
Council and fora he various municipal OF
6ves made speeches. asking the suffrage
Of the people of Jefferson Ward.
Several,speeches were made in the early
part of the evening. attacking the Good
Government League, and a resolution,
said to be aimed at City-Attorney Mere
dith, was adopted. requiring each candi-
date to say whether or not he would vote
for any man for an Office who bolted the
party because OF it's principles az enun-
ciated at Chicago.
Mr.. Henry Cohn first spoke. and de-
nounced the Good Government League as
an organization Of boilers, after which
Mr.. Mullen discussed the work of the
league, and charged disagreement
against that organization, asserting tn"e
by its influence false economy had been
practiced in municipal affairs. He as
serted that the streets of the city had
been in worse condition since the league
came into existence than ever before, and
said one case of Asiatic cholera, which
had been kept from public notice by the
physicians, had already resulted from
the filth on the streets.
The candidates were then introduced
and presented their claims for the offices
they desired, after which the meeting ad-
jOurned.
lively and largely attended meeting
of the Young Mems Social and Demo-
cratic Club was held at their cub-room,
on north Seventeenth street. last night.
and almost all of the candidates for
municipal honors appeared and made
speeches.
The meeting of the Tammany Demo-
cratic Club, of Jackson Ward, was also
largely attended, and numerous speeches
were made.
The Marshall Ward Democratic Club
will hold its regular weekly meeting to-
night at O'Clock, at Springfield Hall.
Senator William p. Barksdale and Hon.
Isaac Diggs Of the Legislature. will adj
dracq tho qinb
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17

THE lola TRIAL.

The tide of Partisan sentiment having
turned in Zolas favor continues to drift
that way, and it would seem that the
testimony in his trial is slowly but steadi-
ly carrying Esterhazy towards the break
ers. There was no demonstration against
Zola upon his arrival at court Tuesday,
and during the last few days the court
proceedings have been practically free
from the violent outbursts from spectators
that marked the earlier days of the trial.
1t is true that the gag law is still being
applied to witnesses, that the most frivo-
lous excuses for not testifying are ac-
cepted. and that the defendant has been
prevented from presenting much of the
testimony he had hoped to get before the
court and the public, and which would
tend to establish his charges against the
higher War Office officials and prove the
innocence Of Dreyfus. None the less, he
has gained more in these directions than
it was expected he would gain when the
trial commenced, and what with the in
fiuence exerted by the reaction in public
sentiment, he may gain still more before
1t closes.
That lola will succeed in having the
sentence of Dreyfus reversed is yet a re-
mote possibility only. But whether he ac-
composites this or not, he has In great
measure attained the other great purpose
he had in view in making his charges ana
counting persecution. He has brought
French methods of justice before the bar
of public opinion and shown what a ira
vesty they are on the rights of a prisoner
NO matter, therefore, what shall be his
failure in other particulars he has pointea
out path TO reform which it may be
hoped thoughtful men in France viii ere
long tread.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
society in the Town of crewe.

CREWE, February l6.-(Special. lone
of the triumphs in the way of delightful
evenings entertainment was the tea
given on Monday night by Miss Dele
Lockett, the charming daughter OF Cap
tain T. +. Lockett. a prominent and in
fiuential citizen of our town. The invited
guests were Misses Carrie Bobbitt and
Flossie Moore, and Messrs. Stanley Moore.
Willie Collins. and w. Il. Dickinson. Al
the summons Of che hostess the guests re-
tired 10 the dining-room, where they par
took Of most sumptuous collation. The
enjoyable selections of both vocal and In
strumental music by Misses Dele Lockett
and Flossie Moore added greatly 10 the
pleasure OF the evening. The gramophone
also afforded great amusement. and was
appreciated by all IL was not until
late hour that the guests very rcluctsx>Jy
hade farewell tn THAR hostess
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
The Monitor and virginia.

NORFOLK. VA. February 16.-(SpeciaI.)
Captain Il. " White, who was assistant
engineer on the Virginia, will leave here
next Monday evening for Washington to
meet Chief-Engineer Ramsay. and Lieu
tenants Marmaduke and Littlepage. of
the Virginia's officers. He goes for the
purpose OF an interview with Senator
Daniel. who will have something TO say
as 10 Senator Chambers remarks in the
Senate recently to the effect that the
Monitor practically destroyed the Vir-
ginia. The gentlemen named are pre-
pared to give Senator Daniel accurate in
formation on the subject, so that he may
explode the fiction that the Monitor was
the victor on that memorable occasion.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
SUPPOSED MURDERER ARRESTED.
sam Lee in Custody-A Death from
SmaII-Pox.

BIG STONE GAP, VA, February TO-
Special 1.-TWO officers from Cumberland
Gap arrested Sam Lee, near Stonega yes
terday for the murder of Balford John
son, in Russell county last summer. The
crime was cold-blooded one. Lee is
alleged 10 have killed the man with
blunt stick of wood, and to have made
his escape. 1t is said that he has been
hanging around in the mountains near
here without detection ever since.
"A man named Easerly, who had been
working on Toms Creek. in the infected
district died in Russell county, about
twelve miles from Gate City. yesterday
with smallpox. Several people in that
neighborhood, not knowing his malady,
visited him during his sickness. and con-
siderable excitement prevails there. Two
new cases are reported from Dickinson
county, where a rigid quarantine is con-
Quoted
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-17
Ameriso vespucci's birthday.
(Brooklyn Standard Union.l

There's great news from Italy and Spain
these days An old record has been dis
covered In the Church of San Giovanni:
Florence, which contains the name OF
Amerigo Vespuccl. known in our early
histories as Americas Vespucius. the man
who reaped the fruit Of the enterprise Of
Christopher Columbus This record fixes
his birth as March IS, 1852. The news
from Spain is that the last two descend
ants of Columbus are inmates OF poor
house at Cadz
If Vespucci had only been more thought
full. and been born day earlier. he might
have claimed the discovery Of St. Pat
rick s-Day. But there is some justice
left on this old earth after all.