davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03
STEAMER PORTLAND TRURO, MASS

to give assistance If possible. A terrible
tempest was raging, and ii was so thick
that it was impossible to see any distance
off shore. The crew could locate no
steamer and the blasts of whistle were
heard only once. The men are positive
that they heard a steamer whistle, and
the Portland some time before she fOun-
dered for it Is generally believed she Wen,
to the bottom and was not wrecked by
going on shore.
The opinion is also general here that
/ the boat was gradually battered to pieces
| by the mountainous seas. the upper fit
tings being carried away until the water
began to pour into her. The fact that
! ker wheel was found with ropes attached
on the Orleans shore, Is taken to Indicate
! that the pilots were powerless to con-
troll the vessels course in the bay, and
that they We're obliged to lash the wheel.
When the hull went under. the upper
deck and fittings, gingerbread work. etc,
probably became loosened by the action
of the seas. These parts of the ship, not
including the furnishings were practi-
cally the only ones of the vessel thai
were strewn along the outer coast of
Cape Cod. The absence of any very
large parts of the hull on the coast is ac-
courted for by the theory that the hull
itself went to the bottom. The largest
piece of wreckagc reported up to sunse t
was a piece about 30 feet long.
Before the Inflated steamer took her
final plunge the passengers and crew
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Provincctown, Mass, Dec lin the
treacherUus waters which continually
threaten the very existence Of Cape Cod
end which cover the most treacherous
ocean graveyard ON the entire Atlantic
coast, during the most terrible moments
of Il storm which is beyond parallel in
the history of New E,ngland's maritime
interests, on Sunday occurred dis
aster, frightful beyond description.
The steamer Portland, plying nightly
between Boston and Portland, was the
i'll fatsd craft, and the sea alone knows
how she went to her awful doom. for
all of the ships company Of over 100
souls, not one has lived.
AS the surgcs roll in from the broad
Atlantic they bring the evidences of the
tribute demanded by the Fures. Ground
into fragments were the timbers of the
strong craft, so feet being the larges t
piece cast ashore, while the bodies of
the greater number of the victims are
likely to be disintegrated by the force
of the waves.
The laundering of the Portland, for
It seems impossible that she struck on
The wicked Peaked Hill bars, eclipsed
two other fearful wrecks on this coast
the steamer City Of Columbus on Devil )
Bridge. in 1884, When 100 lives We're lost,
and the ship .ason, in 1898, when ~
persons were swept away.
For two days Cape Cod was isolated
from the outside world, and yes terday,
when the railroad was opened. the de-
vastation which followed the storm be-
came fully known. Besides the Port =
land victims, at least 70 lives We're lost
in Il host of other craft, chief of which
was the big schooner King Philip.
The cause of the Portland's fate, aside
from the force of the elements, is mys-
terry which can never be probed. Every
mariner. has a theory, and all agree tina t
when buifeted by the oncoming storm
off Cape Ann the big sidewheeler was
disabled. and, before the blast, was
driven over 40 miles to leeward, thu
waves slowly demolishing the uppe.'
structure until the hull alone remained,
and this. finally, sank beneath the sur
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

face. The vessel disappeared some
distance off shore for the strong cur
rent is now carrying wreckage and
bodies southwark, and much of it may
be found on Nantucket's shoals. An
other fierce northeaster set in yester-
day. again lashing the waves into IL
frenzy, and giving small hope to scores
of broken-hcarted relatives and friends;
OF the victims that their bodies will BE-
found on the shores.
The saddest scenes, which caused
hardy sailors to break down, are being
enacted in this town. and will for days
to come. But is bodies have been
taken from the water.
The exact number Of persons who were
carried away from Boston by the steam
er Portland will probably never be
known, as no list of passengers was re-
tained on shore when the vessel left her
moorings. bound to the Forest City, last
Saturday. Many estimates of the num-
Der on board have been made, but the
estimates have seldom agreed. C. F.
Williams. Boston agent of the Portland
here, places the total number of persons
on the steamer at 100, or possibly l05.
This estimate. however, is generally re-
garded as rather small. 1t has been
stated that the number was as high as
165. but Mr.. Williams denies that So
many sailed on the Portland. 1t is
probable that 12O. including passengers
and crew, Is near the correct number.
Nearly every sea captain and mariner
on the cape, on being asked an opinion
stated that everyone on board was un-
doubtedly lost. One feature of the dis
aster is the absence of any fragments of
II lifeboat or liferaft among the varied
mass of wreckage from the Portland
which has been washed ashore during
the last three days. No one has reported
finding any of the Portland's boats
Several pieces of white painted oars
were picked up at various points. ore
theory is that the boats and liferafts
were carried far out to sea and were not
blown anywhere near this coast.
The place and exact manner in which
the Portland was swept to destruction
:
topic of discussion in marine circles here.
Old mariners say they cannot under
stand why the steamer. which was sight
ed about 3 o'clock Saturday night. Just
before the gal. set in in its full force. be-
tween Thatchers island and Eastern
point, Cape Ann. by the schooner Maudc
s. did not put In to Gloucester harbor
when It was apparent from the fall of
the barometer that a violent northeaster
Fitchburg Feels Storm.
Fitchburg. Mass, Nov. 2s.-The most
terrific snowstorn for years ragged in
this section Saturday night and Sunday.
the tall of fully two feet of snow being
accom- panid by n blizzard, which eN-
cccded that of last February for So
verify. Streets are badly drfted, and
considerable damage is reported from
all sections. The first train to reach
Fitchburg arrived from the west at
3 o'clock yesterday afternoon. it BE-
ing several hours late. Two locomo-
tiyes were OF the iron east of this city
| yesterday, and traffic was wholly sus-
ion
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03
A Record Breaker.

Newton, Mass, Nov. 2S.-The record
breaking November blizzard swept over
this city Saturday night and Sunday,
the fall of snow being nearly two feet,
while the intense wind that accom-
panied it tended to blockade traffic In
general to a far greater extent than for
several years. The street railway man
aecment were unable to move their
cars during the day The Boston and
Albany railroad, however. were able to
handle the regular Sunday passenger
service.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03
MANY Are Dead.

Stockton. Cal, Nov. 2S.-'i'h2 steam
drum of the boiler Of the river passenger
steamer II. G. Walker, ell route from San
Francisco to this city, exploded yester-
day while IA miles distant from Stock
ton. Captain Tu'an. Engineer Henry
and w. A. Downs and Il passenger were
instantly killed. being scalded. Two
others Mrs. Henry and jerry Daily. died
subsequently and II sixth, Fernandiro
Law. Will not live through thu night.
Probably two others will not survive.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

New York. Nov. 30.--I:cv. DR.. Thomas
Hall viii not succeed his fat her. the lare
Rev. Dr. John Hall. as pastor of the
Fifth Avenue Presbyterian church. DR..
Thomas Hall yesterday accepted the
chair of Christian ethics in the Union
Theological seminary, which was va
Gated by the Rev. Or. Charles A. Briggs.
When the Briggs controversy was at its
height DR.. Thomas Hall was prominent
among the supporters of Dr. Briggs.
Or. Halls succession to the pulpit of the
Fifth Avenue church was suggested inn
mediately after lhe death of his father,
but strong opposition developed because
Of his doctrinal record and the subject
was uropDcu.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03
Straus Gains Point.

Constantinople, Nov. 2S.-The energetic
action of Oscar Straus, the United States
minister, has obtained a concession
which the united powers had been for IS
months vainly endeavoring to secure,
namely, the granting Of travelling per-
Minor. a privilege which the porte had
for a long time stubbornly refused. The
immediat te incentive to the action of Mr..
Strauss was the portes refusal OF PEI
uits to American missionaries
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03
Commission Storm Bound.

Boston Nov. 2S.-The presidents in
yestigating commission which was
scheduled TO arrive in Boston yesterday
morning had not reached the city at mid
night. 1t was understood that the train
upon which the commission left New
York Saturday night was storm bound
at new Haven. and will not arrive In
Boston until some time today. But
little interest is manifested in the meet
irg of the commission in this city, and a
prominent volunteer officer said that h.
thought but little of interest would he
=. CLEANED here.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03
"In Death Not Separated"

Watertown, N. Y. Nov. 30.-Fred w.
Ganter, the champion bicycle rider Of
northern New York. killed himself at his
home at PAMELA yesterday. Ganters
wife died yesterday morning white Civ
took a rifle and went to the room where
his wife's remains had been laid out on a
bed. He sat down on the edge of the
bed. placed the gun between his legs. the
muzzle under his chin and pulled the
trigger. Death was instantaneous.
Ganter was % years Of age. and had been
married a year.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03
RumOr Not Credited.

Shanghai. Nov. 2S-The report re-
Ceiyed Saturday that the British admiral
had hoisted the union Jack over Ting
Hal, capital of the island of Chusan and
over several other islands in the Chusan
archipelago is not credited. The British
consulate has received no confirmation
of the rumor, which probably original ed
in mistaking the survey marks of the
survey ship Water Witch for the union
nnk
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03
e. A. SPEAR,
UNDERTAKING
AND
Enbaln1ing,
WOODSTOCK, VERMONT.
Lipton Prepared to Plunge.

London, Nnv 20. The Daily Mail says:
We air able to state that. on the invi-
tation of Joseph Chamberlain, some
EngllSh capitalists have indicated their
irudin, IS to enGraver to revive the
sugar industry IN the West Indies il
hn,intirs are abolished. Sir Thomas
l.iptun is prepared 10 spend El 900, 900,
and it is probable that some arrange
mrnl viii be- arrived at.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03
Governor Will Get Renurt

Boston. Nov. 30.-rhe prison officials
met yesterday to take final action on
their report as TO the escape of John
l,red of hunco fame This report will
be immediately transmitted to the gov
rrnur. The commissioners intend to
lray. to the governor the question of
how much of the report shall be made
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Port Townsend. WASH. Nov. 3O.-The
ports the wreck of the steamer Detroit
ON Shelter island, 20 miles from Juneau
The Detroit had - passengers. all Of
whom were saved The accident occurred
during Il heavy snowstOrm Nov. %.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03
A MYSTERY.
Cause Of P0rt|and's Loss May
Never Be Known.
FOUNDERED OR STRUCK ROCK,

Former Theory Seems to BE the Ac.
cepted One-Ail Are Certainly Lost
Steamer Beaten To Sl.ver,--Few
Bodies RecOvered-Originn List of
81 Has Not Been Augmcnted-NOtr>
of the big storm.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

all that is reasonable to bring about the
surrender, ana leaves the matter to
Sampsou's discretion except that the
United states arinored Vessels must not
be risked."
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

There were no passengers on board. and
the crew comprised ID or Il men. The
steamship carried 100 tons Of mscella-
neous goods, and was due in Bangor
Sunday morning.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03
Disc ussing the Seal Question.

Washington, Nov. 3O.-The Anglo
American commission had expected to
resume the consideration on the re-
ciprocity discussion yesterday, but. as
disposed Of, the consideration of that
branch Of the work was continued.
While considerable progress was made,
final agreement on the sealing ques-
ton is not yet assured. Besides the
salvage of the Canadian sealing fleet,
it is said that the REIMBURSEMENT of tho
right Of sealing is another factor. which
the Canadians consider quite as impor-
tant as the value Of the present fleet.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Newport. r. L., Dec. l.-Reports from
Block island b,ing tales of loss OF life
and wreckage along the beaches, while
the fos'ca of the wind on Sunday was 40
miles an hour. 1t was the most severe
storm in the remembrance Of the island
ers. There is much fear eXprs ssed by
the inhabitants of Newport as 10 the
safety of many Of the residents of the
island, who have been penned up since
last Saturday.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03
Fraudulent ] r lnsfer Claimed.

New York. Nov. 3O.-The Central Ma.
tional bank Of Boston, the First National
bank of Maiden. Mass. and the Irving
National bank Of this city filed petition
yesterday to have Robert ]. Dean &
Co. declared involuntary bankrupts. In
the petition, 1t is alleged that on Aug.
last the firm assigned to Eugene w.
Guild with intent to defraud other cred
tors: that on July q Robert ]. can, know
Ing that he was insOlvent. ira nsferred
all his real estate holdings to his wife.
Mary @. Dean. The Central National
bank has claims amounting to 350O0 the
First National bank 5000. and the Irving
National bank $4,000.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

something Eas happened To her. She
left this polt Thursday last. buuad for
Bangor. Me-. and nothing has been
heard since concerning her.
Secretary Weiss, Of the company. said
yesterday that the boat was in charge
ct Captain .. X. Ingram, who was
thoroughly familiar with the New Eng
land coast. There was a possibility
that when the storm came up Saturday
evening he might have put out to sea
to avoid all possibility of going ashore.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

'rhe navy has been placed in such
an inridous and false position before
ths country, through the very Unwisr
pnblic1tion of General Shaft-rs t-lr-
S"ans. that ! think this matter shuu d
in some way be made clear To the pub
lie"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Now that he has gone, tongues are
loosened. He is openly accused of weak
ness and lack of character. He Is made
responsible for the revcrses Of the cam
Eaign and the final result of the war, as
the corrupt Instrument of the corrupt
and unprincipled few who rule the des-
TIMES of Spain.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Gloucester. Mass, Dec. 1.-Fears are
entertained here for the safety of the
fishing schooner +. r. Walker of this
port The coast guards at Race Point
report seeing considera BILE wreckage
marked +. II. Walker. She was COM
manded by Frank Miller, and had a
crew of IA men.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Swampscott, Mass, Dec 1.-The three
masted schooner Edgar Hanson. coal
laden. bound tor Portsmouth. n. H..
went ashore on Dread ledge, off Nahant,
yesterday. She lies IN a dangerous posi-
tion. and if the wind changes she is
liable to be battered to pieces on the
rocks. The Swampscott life saving crew
went to her assistance. She carried
crew of six men,
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Havana. Dec. 1.-The circumstances OF
Marshal BlancO's departure, particularly
the ella andesline nature OF his movements
ut an early hour yesterday morn ing, have
furnished occasion for much gossip and
for bitter vituperation, as the affair
throws light upon his methods and con-
,iuct during the entire period of his cap
tain generalship. The oft-rcpea ted
stat emeEt that he was not popular among
Spaniards in cuba gets confrmatio
from the fact that none of his fellow
countrymen. prominent in civil. social or
industrial circles. men whose loyalty to
Spain is above suspicion, went near him
20 say farewell
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Nelson. B. c., Dec. 1.-The Ainsworth,
a small steamer plying between Nelson
and Bonner's Ferry, was wrecked Tues
day night during storm on KOotenai
lake, six of her crew and three passen-
gers being drowned. When about 2h
miles from shore, during heavy gale,
the AinswOrth was struck by squall
and commenced taking in water. The
captain headed her for shore, but she
reeled over on her side, filling immedi-
ateiy.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

IL another rrpnlt, dated Aug. l. from
sampson to the secretary Of III" navy,
SaNpsnn goes over again all the c.rcum-
stances connected with the joint opera
tirns betore Santiago in order. as he
says. that Il more complete history OF
The action of the fleet in combina ion
w.th the army may he at the disposal of
the department..
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

After the battle with Cervera's fleet
son force All entrance. saying his pres
ent position had cost him 1000 men and hr
did not wish to lose any more.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

After referring to the existence of
what he terms an indefinite truce ut
that time, Sampson quotes message
from Shafter. dated July 10, asking him
to begin firing on the city, according to
program, but to be careful to put his
shots we'll to the westward. near thu
bay, to avoid disastrous moral effev,
upon his soldiers. He quotes dispatch
from Secretary Long. saying that III"
secretary of war desires Sampson to
force the harbor; that he wishes to do
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

BY no means least in this list of charges
H. Blanco's recent decree transferring all
cases of prosecutions against members
of the volunteer and irregularly mobi-
lized forces from military to civil tri-
bunals. This has aroused the ire of tho
Spanish population and can be safely
considered the keynote of their present
reviling of Blanco. BY the decree they
claim that their brothers are handed
over for judgment to their natural
enemies, the Cubans. most of the judges
now sitting OH the island courts being
Cubans. There is no doubt that this
provision may yet give rise to many
serious troubles.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Washington Dec. IA report from
Admiral Sampson, covering the opera =
tons Of the United States blorkading
fleet of Santiago after the destruction
Of Cervera's fleet. was made public by
the navy department yesterday. The
report begins with Il dispatch dated on
the flagship New York July 10, and
winds up with one from the same flag
ship, dated Guantanamo, Aug. 1.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

In the first report Admiral Sampson
tells OF the demonstration made against
Asuadores by tEe Michigan troops under
Duilield, the point of which VAS that as
scon as the ships tool; part in the fight
the Spaniards disappeared. He says that
the hombardment OF Santiago on the I'd
or July served no particular end because
Skaters attack had been postpored.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

He quotes dispa from himself to
Shafter, stating that it Was impossible
TO force an entrance to the hai Dor until
the miEes had been removed, and tha,
work could be accomplished only after
tine troops had taken the forts. Shafler
replied that he could not tell when he
could take the batteries If they We're
as difficult as those against which he was
pitted it would take some time and Il
great loss of life.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Said Sampson: 1T is not so much the
loss of men as it is the loss of ships
which have until now deferred me from
making a direct attack upon the ships
within the port"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

North Weymouth. Mass, Dec. 1.-The
two-masted schooner c. X. Kennard is
ashore off Fort point The schooner left
Portsmouth. n. H.. Friday with cargo
composed If 10000 brick. consigned to
Weymouth. She anchored off Fort
point. but the archor chain parted and
the vessel was driven on the rocks. Cap
tain Freeman, Mate Brown and two sea
men reached shore after great difficulty.
The vessels sails were carried away and
she has two holes stove in her bow. She
went ashore within 200 feet of where she
was built.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

II here moreover. would animadvert
upon the apparently extraordinary open
ness with which every detail of hope,
effort or suggestion on the part of the
army, has been published. The unwis-
dom of such procedure is too NANTES t
for discussion"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

London, Dec. 1.-The Biarritz corre-
spondent of The Daily Mail says: Sc
nor Sagasta. who has hitherto been
sceptical on the point, now admits that t
Carlism is the greatest existing danger
to Spain. The authorities are seriously
alarmed at the indications of an i'm
minent rising. The Carlist plans have
been elaborately devised, even to the
extent of appointing governor of Mad
rid.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Admiral Sampson says: II have been
surprised to see published in the papers
any statement of refusal on my part to
enieavor to force my way into the har-
Dor, and cannot Understandable case tho
newspaper report he a truthful state
ment Of what was sent by him-Genersl !
Skaters sending any report of this
kind.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Said he: Il AM at a loss to see why
the navy cannot work under a destruc-
tive fire as we'll as the army. My loss
yesterday was over 800 msn. BY all
means keep up fire on everything in sight
until demolished. / expect however.
with time and sufficient men, to capture
the forts along the bay"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Shafter had cordially consented 10 this
and Sampson did not know why the plan
was changed unless the troops had been
advanced too far to divert iie expressed
the belief that an adherence to the orig
inal plan would have resulted in the
much quicker surrender of the Spanish
troops and less loss of life, except by the
navy, which would have borne the brunt
of the attack.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Sampson tells how he contemplat ed
bringing up the marine battalion from
Guantanamo. landing it at the foot Of
Morro to assist in assault or TO take the
west battery, and had no doubt of the
success of his plan. He arranged to
visit Shafter to talk this over but, being
i'll, was obliged to send Chief of STAFF
Captain Chadwick. They reached an
arrangement to lombard Santiago from
the sea for "a hours with the heavy guns
and, If that failed to bring the enemy ~
terms, then to assault the Socapa bat E
terry with the marines and Cubans, and
force an entrance to the harbor with
some of the smaller ships.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-12-03

Santiago, Dec. 1.--General Wood has
been petitioned by several merchants
for permission to close their stores on
Sunday. Under the Spanish law they
are compelled to keep them open until
room. General Wood granted all such
requests. He has also issued "a special
order directing that the liquor saloons
be kept closed on that day.