davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
SMITH OF PHIL.ADELpEtI,
He Always Precedes the Arrival az
Representative bingham

Who is John Smith of Philadelphia?
A Philadelphia man has succeeded in ex
clung the curiosity of Washington They
want 10 know who John Smith is The
name sounds familiar. The impression is
that they have heard the name before but
somehow II has not always been associated
with Philadelphia. John Smith OF PhiIadel-
phla is an elusive sort of person. He comes
70 Washington quite often, but his person
atty Is mystery. He always stops at the
same hotel-the one where Bingham stops
when here-and one of his peculiarities is
mat ne seems to act a sort of advance
agent for the popular Philadelphia con-
gressman. If he Is registered at the hotel
one day it is almost a certainty that Bing-
nam Will be registered there the next day.
or, at most the day following. But as soon
as Bingham arrives John Smith disappears.
Disappears is hardly the word. for John
Smith does not really appear at all while in
W ashlnSton. He simply registers and is
lost. The hotel clerk lever knows whet her
he Is In or not, but rather thinks he is not
ana the nearest approach to a description
of him to be had is that he Is a remarka bIy
handsome man, though slightly bald He
was here day or two before the election.
and again a day or two ago. 1t is won
dered by some whether Mr.. Bingham knows
him, but the idea occurs that if he does IL
is strange that being here SO close together
they are never here at exactly the same
time. 1t looks almost as if John Smith
were shadow which Bingham is ALWAYS
chasing and which always eludes him
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
STEAMERS RACE FOR LIFE.
ConestoEn Reaches Chicago Hurhor In
Sinking Condition.

CHICAGO, November 16.IFhe steamer
Conestoga Of the Anchor line sank at the
mouth of the harbor early this morning,
after a race for life. The steamboat bound
into Chicago from Buffalo. in the dense fog
that hung over Lake Michigan, ran into
the halfway crib, a mile and a half out
from the harbor entrance, and great hole
stove in the bow.
The boat commenced to fill with water
fast and there disposition to rush
for the boats. but the captain gave orders
TO turn on all steam and make quick run
for the harbor, and commanded the men
to stand at their posts.
The Conestoga was settling fast and her
speed diminishing greatly before half
the distance to the piers at the mouth Of
the harbor had been traversed.
AS the mouth of the harbor was gained,
floods of water poured into the fire hold,
drove the stokers UP the ladders to the
deck and at last eXtinguished the fires in
the boilers.
The Conestoga came to stop her
Keel rubbed hard in the mud the bottom
of the harbor entrance and she settled
fast.
and the crew were safe.
The steamer was loaded at Buffalo and
carried freight from eastern points. 1t is
thought that the loss the cargo alone
will be in the neighborhood of S10O,oU0.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
RIG FIRE IN CHICAGO.
Seyen-St0ry Building in Heart of
Business Section Destroyed.

CHICAGO. November 16.-Fire early to-
day destroyed the seven-story building at
146 State street, in the heart of the down
town retail district, and caused a loss esti-
mated at $4,000, and injured q score OF
firemen and spectators. For time it
looked az though the flames would spread
and destroy hundreds of thousands of dol
lars worth of property in that valuable
section Of the city. Shortly after the fire
started explosion blew out part Of the
front of the building Glass, blazing fire.
brands and debris were scattered in all di-
rections. Among the injured Were the
chief of the fire department. ID. j. SWenie,
and his two assistant marshals, MUsham
and Townsend. All three were badly cut
by flying glass, the two latter being forced
to retire 10 have their wounds dressed
Others badly hurt were:
Capt. E. j. Buckley, Joseph Wagner, Jas.
Wilson and Capt. Patrick J. Fairey.
The building was occupied by Hugo Slew
ers & Co., wholesale millinery; Boston Den
tai Parlors. Chandler Optical Company, H.
II. kohlsaat & Co, restaurant; fur fac
tory and several other firms.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16

pines by Christmas day. will be carried out,
so that by that time Gen. Otis will have
command of an effective army of about
5000 men.
The New Orleans Mt Alden.
The Navy Department is informed of the
arrival Of the New Orleans at Alden, at the
mouth of the Red sea, yesterday, on her
way to Manila. The New Orleans is less
than three days behind the fast cruiser
Brooklyn. now nearing the port of Colom-
DO. The race of warships to Manila is be-
ing watched with considerable interest by
officers OF the Navy Department. 1t is
generally conceded that the race lies be-
tween the Brooklyn, which is making the
trip by the SueZ route, and the cruiser
san rancisco. The impression prevails
that the Newark will be the first to arrive
at Manila, but there is no certainty on that
score.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
ATTEMPT TO. ROB A TRAIN.
Masked Bandits Tried to Loot Express
Car Lake Shore.

BUFFALO, n. Y, November ia spe-
cial to the News from Erie Pa. says: A
daring attempt was made by a gang of
masked men to rob Lake Shore train No. 2,
between Erie and COnneaut at l o'clock
this morning. The robbers boarded the
train at Ashtebula, where it stopped to
take water. At a lonely place called Dock
Junction, two miles east Of Conneaut, the
express messenger stepped from one car to
another for the purpose OF checking up
some express bills. when one of the gang
sprang into the car and broke into several
packages. But before he could get to where
the money envelopes were the messenger
returned, and, seeing the robber at work
gave the alarm. The other members of the
gang, who were standing guard on the
platform Of the west end OF the car, then
pulled the bell rope. and when the train
stopped jumped off and made their escape
in the darkness.
A sheriff's posse is now securing the
woods at the point where the affair oc
CURED. but as they have little or no de-
scriptiOn Of the robbers, there is but small
chance Of effecting their capture. No. 2
carries several thousands dollars worth Of
money packages every trip. So far as
known the robbers did not secure any
booty. The rlen all wore dark masks and
were we'll armed.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
TELEGR ANS WERE HELD,
No Department Leak on Supplemental
Cotton Report.

Cotton Report.
Secretary Wilson of the Agricultural De-
partmeEl Is investigating the complaint OF
the New York cotton exchange that the
special cotton crop report issued on Tues
day vas In the hands Of private firms be-
fore It reached the exchange. The Seere-
tary himself was absent at the cabinet
meeting when the report was issued and
he, therefore, has no personal knowledge
OF the occurrence.
Superintendent Hyde of the statistical di-
vision stated today that the regular tele<
graphic summary Of the cotton report was
sent, usual November TO- Usually the
detailed report made Of few days later is
not telegraphed, but owing to an import
ant statement 1t contained this month it
was deemed best to have 1t sent to the cot
ton exchanges by telegraph. In the report
of the 10th the department placed the total
crop estimate at an outside production of
S,5o0DOO bales. In the supplemental re-
port it was explained that this estimate
was based upon the fact that the eXper-
ience of past years had shown that the
actual crop exceeded the department
TINA ties, and added that the reports on ac-
tual conditions in the hands of the depart
ment indicated a crop of less than 1900, 900
bales. This supplemental report was sent
to the two telegraph companies for trans
mission to the exchange at Hoo am.
The Secretary of the exchange wrote Mr..
Hyde that it did not reach the exchange
until 2:4o, about three hour later.
One of the telegraph companies here re-
ported that the report was offered to New
York Immediately upon its receipt, but il
being Unusual to receive a supplemental
report New York refused to take il inme-
diately. Meantime correspondent of one
of the financial news agencies in New York
heard of the report and telegraphed its
substance to his agency. The other COM
pany reported to the department that the
report was transmitted Immediately. Why
IL Il mot lph tS a
alleged, is not known here.
Mr.. Hyde has written to the secretary
of the exchange explaining all the facts,
far as the department is concerned.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16

in range of the town. The members Of the
party are now the envy and pride of the
garrison. Even the Boer commander Bo-
tina, expressed admiration Of the attack. and
added that he would take Mafeking before
long, for he meant to do one thing or the
other quickly.
Sunday passed quietly, the volunteer
band playing in the women's laager. All
Sunday night the Beers poured a rifle fire
into the town. 1t was set going after din
ner Sunday evening. when Col. Badsn-P Pow =
ell hoisted red lamp on the commonage,
which was the scene of Capt. Fttz-Clar-
ence's night attack. The ruse answered
fsplendidly, The moment the light appeared
the Beers opened fire, and their fusiIlade
lasted the whole night through.
Lavish Use of Cartridges.
There was q terrible waste Of ammu-
milton. Indeed. it is estimated that 10000
rounds of ball cartridge were wasted on
the occasion of the night attack on the
Boer trenches. Double rations have been
served out to the men. who are under
shelter, as to be on the safe side If the
Beers should sweep the town by a long
range IRE. The garrison is hanging on
finely. Col. Baden-Powell has the fullest
confidence In everybody. especially in the
matter of implicit obedience to the order
To hold the fire until the Beers get to close
range.
The sheling continued all Sunday at
intervals. About o'clock in the after
noon Gen. Cronje sent In a flag of truce
giving Mafeking a last chance to surren-
der at the eleventh hour. While tire fla
was receiving attention the heavy bonn
bardment continued
The dispatch then describes Gen Cronjes
great attack of Monday, the details of
which have already been cabIed from Col
Baden-Powelfs official dispatches.
Inc end came. says The correspondent.
after five hours fighting The enemy re-
tired, being heavily beaten for all time
so far as Mafeking is concerned. 1t was
the hottest day of the siege, and the fir
ing was terrific the Beers evidently rec
oRnlzlng that the way into Mafekng. if
any, is by kopje which was gallantly
defended by Col. Walfords men. The gar
r4Son Is juhilaut, while the Beers have been
and Will have to content themselves with
lOng-range bomba ardment unless they are
strongly reinforced.
Scene of Death on the Kopie.
The enemy lost heavily. For hours
after their fighting line had been rolled
back two wagons went slowly along their
position picking up the dead and wounded
The kopje resembled a shambles after the
fight All the men were killed by bullets
or shells. The lookout tower was shot to
pieces, while even the saddles of the horses
We're fedrfully battered about The whole
place was simply smashed up by the con
centrated fire of seven guns and 1000
rifles.
The Beers at first held on to their ad-
vance plucktly, but they could not live
when they came TO short range, the men
being shot down at 800 yards
The enemy is expected to draw off early
in order to defend Pretoria. There is still
no news from the south. As l send this
message off 600 Beers have gone south with
wagons and have commenced shelling"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
THE VICkERS SURPASSED,
New Six-Inch Naval Gun Fired at In
dian Head.

The new stx-inch naval gun was fired for
high velocities at the Indian Head proving
grounds yesterday, and gave even better
results than the famous Vickers gun Of
the same caliber, of the English service
At a recent trial at Indian Head the Wick
ers six-inch gun developed a maximum
velocity of 2,914 feet a second. with seven
teen tons pressure. With only fifteen and
half tons pressure, the naval six-inch
gun yesterday developed a muzzie velocity
of 1850 feet a second. Rear Admiral
O'Neil chief of naval ordnance, who super
vised the test of the naval gun, says he
has no doubt that the gun will readily
develop a muzzle velocity of 5000 feet a
second with less than seventeen tons
chamber pressure. The gun has yet to be
tested for rapidity of fire, but naval ex-
perts are confident that the American
weapon will equal the record of the Eng
hsh gun in that important particular.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
MAY TAKE TWO POSITIONS.
Medical Examiners at Liberty to he
PhNsicians to the Poor

Mr.. Tracewen, controller of the treasury.
has decided that physicians employed at
$50 a month to look after the poor of the
District can also be paid $40 per day as
medical examiners under the act of Janu-
airy 81, 1899. The question was submitted
to the controller by the District Commits
sioners. The controller says that service
as physician to the poor is under a SEN
arate and distinct employment by the Su-
preme Court of the District, and that there
is nothing in the law which forbds them
being employed elsewhere or under other
laws.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
Diplomat. at the state Department.

The British and italian ambassadors and
the Chinese and Brazilian ministers called
on Secretary Hay today, but as II was the
regular diplomatic day no special s'gnih
canoe was attached 10 the calls. Baron
Faya the italian ambassador, continues 10
exert his influence toward the settlement
of the Louisiana lynchings, and the Chi
nese minister Is watchful OF the develop
rnents IN the American Inquiries as to the
course OF other foreign powers in keeping
open the Chinese ports controlled by them.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
Ready for Admiral SrhIey

The Chicago today dropped down from
the New York navy yard to TompkinsviIle,
5. l. The repairers had been instructed to
have the ship ready for sea on the ITth in
slant at the latest, and they are, conse-
quentiy, just one day inside of the limit
Ammunition will be taken aboard ct once.
and as Admiral Schley joins the ship Sat
uroay. there is no reason why che cannot
get off for South America early next week.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16

Col. James NJ. Moore, the ranking colonel
Of the quartermaster's department, who
has been the principal assistant Of the
quartermaster general at his Office in this
city for many months, including the Pc
riod covered by the Spanish-Amerlcan war.
has been relieved from further duty In this
city, and ordered 10 New York city for
duty as chief ouartermaster of The depart
ment of the east, with station at Govern
or's Island
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
Charges Against Senator GaiIinser.

The subcommittee Of the civil service
commission considering the political as
sessment charges against Senator Gallinger
of New Hampshire has reported 10 the. full
commission, which probably will act next
week. The report embodies substantially
no new evidence since the investigation at
Concord. It Is stated the evidence pro-
duced will likely be referred to the Attor-
ney General
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
Prof. Browns Orders Modified

|. The orders recently issued in the case of
Prof. S. J. Brown. q. s. N, have been
modified by the acting secretary of the
navy, so as TO assign him to duty as astro-
nomical director of the naval observatory.
to take effect December II, instead of max
ing him director of the Nautical Almanac
an office attached to that institution, as
originally intended.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
THE sORTIE At MAFEKING.
Details of Night Attack the Boer
Trenches.

dispatch to the London Daily Mail
from Mafeking sent by way Of Magalapye,
because the runners sent southwark were
unable to traverse the Boer lines, gives an
interesting account of the fighting during
the last week in October. The correspond
ent says:
After the failure to rush the town, Gen.
Cr0nje had recourse to the tactics en-
ployed during the siege Of Potchefstroom,
in 1881, making an advance to the town by
a succession Of trenches in echelon. Such
move had been anticipated by US for
some time, and for that reason there had
been sent out parties to worry the Beers
necessarily by night attacks.
These tactics the enemy dtslked. but
he ontented himself with daily shell fire
which exposed him to little personal risk
Then Col. Baden-Powell played his trump
card by sending out Fitz-ClarenCe' party
10 worry the occupants of the trenches
The little force stole out silently in the
darkness. No shot was fired, and the men
with fixed Dayonets. creeping rather than
walking along. gradually approached the
chief Boer position, near the race course
Then. they closed in. there was a shrill
screech. 1t was Fitz-Clarences whistle
and the signal for onslaught.
Rushing the Trenches
"A ringing cheer, which the listeners
back in the camp caught up, was the
only reply as the party dashed into the
trenches There was a fearful struggle,
the attacking force catching and bayonet-
ting the Beers under the tarpaulin, where
they crouched, crying for mercy. Al least
fifty bayonets got to work, and the havoc
they wrought was terrible.
For just a moment there was no sys-
tematic return fire. but soon perfect hail
storm of bullets poured in from the trench
es TO the rear. Again FitZ-Clarence's whis-
tie SOUNDED II meant cease fire and scat
ter homeward' The British forces scat
tered, silently creeping back under the fi-
rious fire in the darkness to the appointed
rendezvous, where the roll was called
Col. Baden-Powell met and congratl1-
lated Capt FitZ-Clarence and his men upon
their splendid work, saying that 1t was a
heavy price to pay, but that the Beers had
to be stopped making rifle trenches with
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
GEN. JOUBERT KILLED
Report Comes From Both Durham
and Lorenzo Marquee.
GENERALLY BELIEVED In LONDON
Heavy Firing Began Again on
Ladysmith Last Monday
ARRIVAL OF TRANSPORr rs
GENERALLY BELIEVED IN LONDON
ARRIVAL OF TRANSPOR rs

LONDON. November ia dispatch re-
ceived here today from Pietermaritzburg,
dated November IL. says it is rumored
there that Gen Piet Joubert. commander
tn-chief Of the BDer forces, has been killed
in action.
DURHAM Sunday. November L. even
ing.-The Times of Natal publishes a tele
gram from Lorenzo Marquee saying that
General Joubert was killed In action on
Thursday. November ..
More Firing on Ladysmith.
ESTCOGRT. Natal, Monday, November
IL noOn--The West Yorkshire Regiment
has arrived here.
The bombardment of Ladysmith has been
resumed. Heavy firing was heard early
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
A LIBERAL EDUCATION.

Whether or not YOU wish
to buy anything the adver-
tising columns of The Star
amply repay the most care
full perusal.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
WAR CORRESPONDENT KILLED.

Report of Gen. Jouherts Death
Credited in London.
LONDON. November 16. - The Daily
Malls Mafeking correspondent, telegraph
ing under date OF November . says E. G.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16

\ big. gawky country lad walked up 10
the White House today just as the fresi-
dent had gone out for morning stroll.
Il wants ter see tho President he du-
ueunced 10 the first man he met.
We'll, there goes the President now.
said the man addressed, pointing To the
Presidents retredJius form.
''Dern my time" the young man eJacu-
lated. He walks just like any other
man" and the fellow struck out so that
he could get close enough to see the Presi-
dent well.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
Coming to Washington.

Judge Springer introduced his son, an
army officer. to the President Judge
Sprineer's term as judge Of the northern
district of the Indian territory, and as
chief justice OF the coulI OF appeals OF the
territory, Will "Xpire December IL. when
President Mckinley VIII appoint a renub-
hcan To succeed him. Judge Springer said
today that he will make ms home in this
city after the expiration of his term on
the bench
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-11-16
Message From Gen. BuIIer.

CHICAGO. November 1G-Chfcaro nao,,Is
born in the British empire have completed
their organization for the relief IF widows
or orphans OF British soldiers engaged IN
the South African war The object Of rha
organization Is TO obtain subscriptions Ia
the Mansion House fund. started under the
auspices OF the lord mayor of London
The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1899-1900, 1899-07-19

so. He seemed powerful pleased about
1t and said he wouldn't forgit my kind
ness. | was feedin the calf when an
other monstrously powerful gineral
rode up and wanted to know if he could
git some breakfast. / told him I'd see
the ole woman and let him know"
sand ! said he could if he paid fur it,"
put in the wife.
"Yes, that's exactly what you said,
Hammer, and went out and told him so.
He smiled and bowed and made his hoss
prance around, and bime5y he cum in.
tie ate six 'taters, three slices of fried
pork and monstrous sight of bread
md butter. / axe9,him if he was mad
at the confeds, ana he said he was. /
axed him why, and he said he'd dun for
got, but was mad all over jest the same
and was bound to give 'em down the
kentry. told him it was again the
Bible to fight"
$50 did ]" added the wife.
"Yes, / remember you told him so,
and he didn't deny it. He was jest goin
to pay fur his breakfast when another
monstrously powerful gineral rode up
and axes fur me and wants to know if
he kin fout on my land. He was con-
fed, and he was Dustin mad. told him
I'd see the ole woman about it and let
him know"
NAn1 4 ha liz, fnttt IL ha 1i1r,'f
tip over the rain bar'l or break down
the plum trees"
That's what you said, Hammer, and
I'll swear to it, and the Yankee was so
upset that he went away and didn't pay
fur his breakfast. Then the confed said
he was hungry, and he ate five 'taters,
fo' slices of fried pork and heaps and
heaps of bread and butter. l axed him
what he was mad at, and he said them
drafted Yanks had stole his feather
bed. l told him it was agin the Bible to
fout, but he didn't keer shucks. He was
eatin' away when man steps in and
says the folS was ready to be fitten,
and the monstrously powerful gineral
hurries out and don't pay fur his break
fast"
But 1 told yo' to go arter him." said
the wife.
"Yes, Hammer, you did, and I went
along, but jest then the fout begun.
Sakes alive, but ! never want to see an
other sich time!"
"What did you see?" asked.
"Why, the awfulest, powerfulest
sights in the world, sab. They tore
down the hogpen, upset the hen roost,
wrecked the mewl shed and tramped
all my garden sass into the airth, and if
| hadn't stood right thar with club
they'd hev stole all our soft soap and
hard cider"
"And is that all?"
SIS that all? Why, what ar yo' look
in fur, stranger? Mebbe yo'd druther
sumbody else would tell yo' about this
fout-sumbody who wasn't yere!"
"Yes, mebbe he'd druther!" added
the wife, as | started for the gate
Chicago Evening News.