davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26

hurried for an investigation and
thought the dock might require a diff
ferent key.
In many asylums one key will unlock
nearly all doors except after dark when
the might lock" is in use.
| went back there, hatless, unlocked
the outside door leading to the yard,
entered the yard and relocked the door.
After crossing the yard there was still
one door in the fence and / was not
quite sure that the key would fit the
lock- However there was no trouble
and opened the gate without diff
Guilty.
Just as it was opened a gust Of wind
wrenched the gate from my grasp and
slammed 1t shut. l was too nervous to
stop to lock the gate and left it I'M
fastened
1t seems strange that no one saw me
from the windows, but it was early in
the morning (about six) and the pa
uents who had risen We're busy wash
ing or dressing, while the attendants
were employed in the various dining
rooms.
So left the grounds by route had
planned carefully during my long con-
fnement; and did not return until the
next day.
A supervisor had been notified and,
arrestlng me, came back with me on
the train.
Some patients told me later that
was not missed until breakfast time
when my seat was found vacant,
One of the city papers had a short ac
count giving the leading facts and stat
ing that the patient ''had no difficulty
in getting the Well, for Just
that once there was Mt any difficulty
but I had waite II watched a good
many mornings ,e they were OBJ
tanned.
| was sent bae 90 ne same ward and
my welcome There us not cordial.
After few days both the attend
ants were discharges; but l was not
discharged for seva years.
l had nothing a1nst our attendant,
only he had daeed to get his keys.
think of him now ometimes; and of
that pretty yellow aead. Poor Bertl
]. j. Stearns,
illiamsburg, Mass.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
RAILROAD employees
TEAR UP TRACK
Act of Depreciation the Result of
a Vermont Railway War
Engine Seized

Rouses Point. N. Y, Dec. 25.-As the
result of a clash between about so en-
ployees of the Rutland road headed by
Superintendent Pierce and about So en-
ployees of the Central Vermont road
headed by Superintendent Foohey, Road
master Elrod and Chief Engineer Robert
Ford yesterday at this place several rods
of the roadbed of the Central Vermont
were torn up and telegraph wires cut and
a big new engine belonging to the Central
Vermont road, valued at $4,000, was seized
by the Rutland road employees and is
now stored in the round house of the
Rutland road at this place.
The trouble arose over the building of
a new Spite bridge across Lake Cham
plain to connect the Ogdensburg and
Lake Champlain division of the Rutland
road with the new railroad which the lat
ter road is building through Grand Isle
from Alburgh on the Vermont shore to
Burlington, VT. To prevent, the Central
Vermont officials started to build a spur
from the present bridge which is owned
Jointly by the two roads, to a point on
the New York shore. which would inter-
cept the new bridge which the Rutland
road was building.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
MURDER DONE AT A
CHRISTMAS DINNER
Son Commits Parricide Because
Father Broke Christmas
Presents

New York, Dec. 25.-While his family
was gathered around the Christmas din
ner in Brooklyn today, Charles Haffner
entered his home and caused family
quarrel, which ended in the murder Of the
father by his son Harry. The family story
is that Haffner came home from a saloon
and entered the dining room just as the
wife and her two sons were starting din
ner.
Mrs Haffner called his attention to a
book and writing desk which he had
given to her son Harry for Christmas
he tore the book and tried to throw it in
the fire. Harry prevented him and re-
sumed his seat at the table.
1t is said that Haffner then broke the
writing d. SIX threatened to kill his son
and wife and struck Harry. In a fit of
anger Harry grasped a large knife and
struck his father on the jugular vein
Haffner died before the arrival of the
ambulance.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
GOOD ROUND SUM
FOR LAYTON FAMILY
Now Thought the Subscriptions
viii Reach the $4,000
Mark

Washington, Dec. 25.-The total. sub
scription to the Lawton fund up to noon
of Christmas day was $14, S29.55. The com
mittee have determined to continue the
work at least until the second of jan
uary. 1t is not at all improbable that the
fund will eventually reach the proportion
of $4,000.
The original intention was to raise only
a fund sufficient to pay off the mortgage
of about $4,000 on the Lawton home
stead at Redlands. California, but the
generous response to the appeal encour-
ages the committee to believe that enough
money will be subscribed beyond that
sum to place Mrs. Lawton and her chill
dren beyond the possibility of want.
Among those who have promised sub
scriptions are: William X. Vanderbilt,
$1,000; ]. p Morgan, $1,000; c. P. Hunting
ton. $1,000; Thomas f. Ryan of New York,
$1,000 and Miss Helen Gould, $500.
Alexander II. Revelle of Chicago re-
ports that $1,000 has been subscribed by
the merchants of that city.
Gen. Shafter reports that $3.50 has al
ready been raised by the citizens of San
Francisco.
Gen. Corbin was also informed that the
citizens of st. Louis had subscribed $1,000.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
COLE is CONFIDENT
Thinks it Will Not Be Necessary
to Leave California

Los Angeles, Cal, Dec 25.-The at
torney for Charles H. Cole, formerly
president of the Globe National bank
of Boston and now being detained here
on a charge of embezzlement says he
is confident he will remain here and no
move is contemplated until the com
plant from Boston is received and the
warrant served.
The character of the complaint, he
says, will determine the action he will
take, though it is probable habeas
corpus proceedings will be tried. Mr..
Cole is living quietly with his wife and
son at the Van Nuys. He refuses to
be interviewed and refers all who call
to his attorney.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
GAzz0N'S SERMON
Boston Clergyman breaches on
Boer War in the Cathedral

New York, Dec. 25.-Two hundred
priests attended the Christmas servt-
ces and the solemn pontifical high mass
at st. Patrick's cathedral this morning
Archbishop Corrigan participated in
the celebration of the mass. There was
much Interest in the sermon OF the day,
because it was thought that there
might tie reference,to the war in South
Africa. fhe preacher was the Rev. Fa-
Their Gazzon S. j., of Boston. His
text was Peace on earth, good will to
man. in part he said:
You may ask how dare l stand here
in Christian pulpit today and declare
that the message of Christ has been
realized when on the threshold of the
goth century since his coming, the roar
of the cannon is heard.
There is the authority of st. Paul
that under the circumstances it is I'M
necessary.
1T is our duty to rally to the cause
of the weak it is our duty as Chris
tians to strengthen the international
conscience; that no nation shall dare
to trample upon one that is weaker and
so that no government can deny to it's
citizens their just rights Let the in
dividuai influence be in favor of every
project for the establishment of that
universal peace proclaimed in the mes
sage of Christ"
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26

The Spy has received the following
in the state lunatic asylum at Lake
Quinsigamond, giving an account of his
escape from that institution. Inquiry
by Spy reporter at the insane asylum
confirmed the former patients account
in every particular. DR.. Quinby re-
members Mr.. Stearns and the incident
he describes. So do other members of
the staff The affair occurred four
years ago last summer. The letter is
as follows:
Editor of The Spy:
Perhaps you would like to hear how
1 escaped from the lunatic hospital
One of our attendants had often dared
me to get his keys. So l resolved to
show him that they could be secured.
For several months no opportunity
was presented. After awhile we had
a second attendant, who was not agree
able to Bert Smith (Which is not his
real name.)
One morning the newer attendant
went to another ward; he left the door
open in the attendants room. Inside,
his yellow head resting on the pillow
one arm thrown over it, lay Bert Smith
asleep.
His keys were in plain sight upon the
bureau near him.
Three times l passed the door before
courage came to seize the keys.
At length / reflected that such a
chance might never again be offered
Keeping my gaze on the sleeping
beauty ebert was good looking), APP
preached the bureau as softly as pos
sible
In a moment more I left the room
with my heart in my mouth and the
keys in my pockets.
THE weather was warm and | needed
only hat to complete my costume.
With some haste, but almost in ST.
lence. l unlocked door of the ward and
descended the stairs. Unlocking door
at the foot of the stairway ] entered
lower room and came to the door of the
clothes room IN which boots and hats
were kept.
The key would not turn in the lock.
Afterward l learned that the door was
left unlocked. At the time felt too
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
CAPT. J. ]. ROGERS
DECLARES HIMSELF
He FavorS the Action Taken BY
Worcester Hibernians-Sym-
pathiZeS With the Beers

Capt. John j. Rogers, county presi-
dent OF the A. o. H., and a leader in
all Irish national movements in Wor-
cester, informed The Spy reporter last
night that he was heartily in favor of
the action taken by division SO, A. o.
H, as reported in yesterday mornings
Spy. The Hibernians the world over in
common with Irish nationalists in 9TH
er societies, sympathize with the sturdy
burghers of the Transvaal and the
Orange Free State in their heroic strug-
gle to keep out the British invader,
eager TO rob them of their countries.
Just when the call for the proposed
mass meeting of Hibernian societies in
Mechanics hall will be issued, Capt
Rogers said that he had no means of
knowing. Other divisions have vet to
act. He would like to see the initiative
of the Irish societies followed by rep
resentatives of other nationalities to
show the British that their land-grab-
bling plans are not approved by the
American people generally, as certain
denalcnalized Americans resident in
London would have one believe.
Capt. Rogers is a broad minded man
and is not taking sides with the Beers
British. This of course in itself would
be enough to win the sympathy of any
Irishman, who looks forward to a re-
generated Ireland, but Capt. Rogers
says he believes it time for The world
to put check to English aggrandize-
ment. Too many people believe that
England is a self-sacrifcing nation en-
gagged in the work of spreading the
gospel and advancing the interests of
civilization. This claim, he regards as
cloak to hide the real motive-the
strengthening of England's power and
the possession of a monopoly on the
worlds trade.
He says Americans should not forget
the wrongs their forefathers endured
at the hands of the English During
the WaI of the revolution England en-
gagged the savage Indians in many cases
as auXiIiaries. Was it in the interests
of Christianity and civilization that
England starved heroic American SOL
diers on the Jersey prison ship be-
cause they could not be tempted to en-
list in the British service? Was it for
these great interests that the valley OF
Wyoming was devastated He was
glad to know that an Irishman, Gener-
al Sullivan avenged the Wyoming mas
sacre
Now that the British are currying
favor with Uncle Sam, the Hibernians
regard it as a good time for the news
papers to republish that little classic
story, 1.-The man with an axe to grind ,"
with modernized moral, patterned af-
ter the words of Kipling, Lest we for
get"
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26

Miord, Dec. 25.-The sensation of the
day p Milford came with, the an
movement of Rev. Thomas j. Fitz-
geray assistant pastor of st. Mary's
Cattle church, that so far as the
spirIal authority of his church was
concned, Catholic people of Milford
werforbidden to partake of the free
dinnf to the needy poor by the Saliva
ton Army. FIR. Fitzgerald's declara-
tions the result of a visit made to St.
Mars parsonage by Capt. Corbett and
othe Officers of the local corps, asking
abopthe manner in which the Catholic
clerg would assist in the big dinner
to ti needy poor.
Cat. Corbett was Informed that the
clerg would not assist in any way, and
she las also told that parishioners of
st. Ary's would be cautioned concern
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26

ing their probable acceptance of SAL
walton Army hospitality. FIR. Fitz-
gerald informed Capt Corbett that the
needy poor of his parish would be pro-
vided with Christmas day comfort I'M
der his personal supervision.
The position taken by FIR. Fitzgerald
is commended by his people, although
reference to the matter at all three
masses yesterday caused somewhat of
a stir.
The dinner was served at noon today,
and was enjoyed by many people.
There was a notable absence of Catho-
lies from the festive board, although it
was not expected any member Of st.
Mary's church would be present FIR.
Fitzgerald maintains that while the
Salvation Army is not denomination
al, and while it may do good work, the
Catholic church claims it's own people
and will care for them. He is pleased
at the effect Of his words concerning
the matter.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
Her Shaft Broken

London, Dec. 25.-The British steam
err Electrician, Capt Fisher, from New
Orleans for Liverpool, passed Kinsale
today and signaled that on Dec. p, in
latitude AT, longitude 26, she passed the
steamer Iago, Capt. Neill, with her
shaft broken. The Iago sailed from
Hull Dec for Boston and is con-
signed to Sanderson & Son.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
Christmas TRAGEDIES

Boston, Dec. 25.-Many tragic deaths
were reported from various parts of
the state. AteAuburn, two lads skating
on thin ice, broke through and were
drowned On the Portland division of
the Grand Trunk railroad, two brake
men We're killed while at work. At
Lowell, Mass, Mrs. Harriet Allsop and
Mrs. Albert Porter died from burns re-
ceived last night. The former deliber-
ately set herself afire and the other up
set lighted lamp; AT Woburn the body
of James w. Feeney was found in a
brook into which he had probably fall
en-, and in this city tonight Mrs. May
N. Laughlin was burned to death by
an overturned lamp.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
YOUNG A GOVERNOR
He Will Rule Northwest Province
of Luzon From Vigan

Manila, Dec 26 e a. m.)-Gen. Young
has been appointed military governor OF
the provinces Of northwestern Luzon
with headquarters at Vigan. His com
mand includes the Thirty-t third infantry
under Col Luther r. Hare, and the Sixth
cavalry.
The Fifteenth infantry will proceed tt
Apart, garrisoning such towns as may
be deemed necessary IN the provinces OF
Isabella and Nuevo Viscaya, if such com
mand has not already been given.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
CHRISTMAS IN HAVANA
Wood Will Begin at Once to Build
Roads and Open Schools

Havana, Dec. 25.-All the stores in
Havana closed at 10 o'clock this morning
and the rest of the day was devoted to
convivialities. Bands played on the Pra-
den Americans gene rally visited friends,
most of those having families here giving
dinners and inviting others of their ac-
ouaintances.
Gen Leonard Wood dined with Capt.
Lucien Young, commander of the port,
and Mrs. Young. 1t was remarked that
seven of the party dined together on
Christmas day last year in Santiago.
Gen Wood says he intends to begin
work at once upon the highways which
are greatly in need of repair. This will
also serve TO give employment to a large
number of men. The school system will
also be reorganized. Alexis Frye, super
intend mt OF Cuban schools, will he re-
inforced with two or three other com
rnisSiOners
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
Strike in France

Paris. Dec. 25.-At a meeting of $500
miners held today in St. Etienne, a reso-
luton was adopted in favor of declaring
a general strike in the coal mines of the
Loire, tomorrow morning.
A sympathy movement involving so, 900
men is feared. The prosperity Of the coal
trade led the miners. to demand an in
crease Of wag 8, shorter hours and for
NAL recognition of the miners federation
by the companies. The latter made an
offer of fvs per cent increase, but this
was refused Today's decision was
reached amid cries of 'Vive la greve.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
Felt at San Dieuo

San Diego, Cal, Dec. 25.-The most
severe shock of earthquake experienced
in this city in IA years took place at
4.25 a. M, today and was accompanied
by loud rumbling noise. The tallest
buildings in the city were badly shaken
but no serious damage was done. A
high wave struck the beach of ocean
front, but no damage was done to ship
ping. A slighter shock followed the
first one a few seconds later.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26

London Dec. 26 (4.30 a. m.).-Up to
this hour nothing has arrived from
South Africa that would indicate any
change in the military situation there.
The war office is issuing lists of further
deaths and wounds, as well as accounts
Of sickness. The most serious report
of the last class is that horse sickness
has broken out in both British and Bo-
er camps in Natal.
Four hundred British cavalry horses,
1t is said, have already been shot owing
to the occurrence of CHAMBERS. The
greater rapidity among the British
horses than among the hardy Boer po-
MES. and this may mean a considerable
prolongation of the campaign.
A dispatch from Chievely dated Tues
day, Dec. 10 says: 1.-THE British naval
guns have destroyed the Colenso foot
bridge, thus preventing the Beers hold
ing any position south of the Tugela
river. The enemy are taking up fresh
positions on the eastern side, nearer
the British camp.
THE British position at Frere is be-
ing strengthened. The Tugela river
is rising, and there is a prospect OF
heavy rains.
RENEWED COMPARTMENT.
"A two-hour bombardment of Lady
smith has been heard from here. Ac-
cording to reliable native reports, the
Beers had 200 killed in the fight at Co
lenso."
The news that the Colenso foot bridge
had been destroyed seems to show that
Gen. Butler is not attempting further
advance.
Despite the severity of the censor
ship, hints are being continually re-
ceived of the serious spread of Dutch
disaffection in both the Queenstown
district of Cape Colony and Natal.
A correspondent of the Daily Mail at
Pietermaritzburg says: 1.-THE extent
of Dutch disaffection should make the
imperial authorities realize the mag
nitude of the task before them"
There are unconfirmed reports from
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
Body Washed Ashore

Newburyport, Mass, Dec. 25.-The
body of William ]. Pettengil. master
of the steamer Laura Marion, which
was wrecked on the bar Saturday eve
ming, came ashore this afternoon. The
life savers went to the wreck. today and
took out the engine and machinery.
Schooner Charles F. Atwood of Lynn.
ashore on Salisbury Point will also be
a complete wreck, owing to the heavy
surf. The two men who have been on
the schooner for As hours, were taken
off this afternoon by the Salisbur, !
beach life saving crew. The schooner
was of IS tons burden, and was built
in Essex in 1866
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26

Burbank Produce Co, pa Summer ST..
offer Tuesday: Another car of those
fancy high-colored northern California
navel oranges: a car small, hard, York
state cabbage; TWO CARS northern hay
SEVEN CARS. POTATOES. on TRACK
ALL VARIETIES. PRESENT PRICES
TATOES are SURE to ADVANCE.
car FANCY FRESH PACKED YORK
STATE BALDWIN APPLES.
Headquarters ip Worcester SALT
SMOKED and PICKLED FISH; BOAT
FISH direct from the FISHERMEN or
hand always,
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26

Cape Town that Gen. Sir Charles War
rem, commanding the fifth division, has
returned there. Commandant Demeil-
lon, who was taken prisoner at Glands
laagte and brought to Simontown,
where he was confined on the British
cruiser Penelope, has succeeded in
making his escape.
The Times this morning says:
We are informed the government has
decided not to make further demands
upon the European garrison in India
unless unforeseen difficulties arise.
MAILS ARRIVING.
The mails are just arriving from La
dysmith All correspondents COM
ment bitterly upon the superiority of
the Boer artillery The Times says:
1T is impossible to evade the opinion
that if British gunners We're in the
Boer position the loss of life and dam
age to property in Ladysmith would be
ten times greater"
The holidays have brought no sur
cease respecting activity. Lord AIwine
Frederick Thompson, unionist member
of parliament for Biggleswade division
of Bedfordshire, will raise a corps Of
mounted men. Lord Salisbury's pri-
vate secretary, Mr., Schomberg McDon-
nell, has volunteered for service.
The action of the United States gov
eminent causes considerable discussion
regarding the contraband question as
affecting Delagoa Bay and Portugal.
Widely divergent opinions are express
ed. The Daily Graphic in an editorial
on the subject says:
I'VE believe that every provision had
been made with the United States for
dealing with this matter. In the 'spey-
cial circumstances the government is
bound to regard as contraband all food
supplies.
NEUTRALITY QUESTION.
1.-THE question of neutrality, however,
is more serious and Great Britain's
duty is to have the license of Marques
Transvaal railway watched by capable
agents and to warn Portugal that she
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
EPIDEMIC KILLS OFF
BRITISH HORSES
Appearance of Chambers Annoys Cavalry
Forces-Another Serious Problem For
Invaders to Face
DUTCH DISAFFECTION WIDESPREAD

Mail Communications From Ladysmh to London Papers Com
plain Of Beers Superiority as Gnners-ReneWed Bombard
ment of Beeaguered CContraband Question Troubles the
Engs-They Wish to Prohibit Landing Of Food at Delagoa
Bay-Winson ChurchIps Escape-Sad He Disguised Himself
as Woman
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
MUST ACCEPT NO AID
FROM SALvATIONISTS

Re Thomas Fitzgerald Of Milford Directs His Pensioners Not
Parake Of Salvation Army Bounty Nor to Give Aid to the
EnterpriSePreSt Announces That His Parish viii Care For
Its Poor in Its Own WayACton the Result of Visit to
Parish House BY a Pretty Captain Who Solicited Aid
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
HOW He ESCAPED FROM
A LUNATIC ASYLUM

Patient Who Once Broke Out of Boomngdae Institution Writes
Spy Graphic Description of How 1t Was Done-Caught
Keeper Mapping and CIevery Abstracted the Keys-Was
Caught and Brought BackKeepe Was Discharged at Once
Patient After Several Years
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
Weather Report

Boston. Dec. 25.-Local forecast: Fair
Tuesday and Wednesday; lower tempera-
ture; continued cold Wednesday: westerly
winds.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26
NEUTRALITY QUESTION.

"The question of neutrality, however,
is more serious and Great Britain's
duty is to have the license Of Marques
Transvaal railway watched by capable
agents and to warn Portugal that she
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-26

Continued on Page Two1