davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
CHAS. SMITH HAS SKIPPED
PICKED THE PRISON LOCK WITH
A WIRE
nj po,dIy walked Down the stair
way and Out into the street
without Detection.

lust how IL happened can not be ex-
MANNED hut It is true nevertheless that
Charles Smith. the man who robbed Or.
W. w. Lunn Tuesday of watch ana pistol
and who was captured after an executing
chase nv Clerk Forrest and officer Ricn-
ardson. has made his escape from the Sits
prison, where he was locked up AFTER MS
arrest
The bold way in which Smith made his
escape is but in keeping with the way ne
committed the robbery FOR which he was
arrested
He was confined IN the general ward
where there we're a number oil other
prisoners At about s o'clock yesterday
morning when Turnkey Scott fed the
prisoners, Smith was safe behind the bars
and there was nothing indicative Oh an
attempt to escape. But in some way he
secured a piece OF steel wire about ono
eighth of an inch in circumference and
so crooked it as TO make 1t possible fol
him to reach the key hole in the lock on
the outside. On the iron crate door at
the head of the staircase there are two
locks. After Turnkey Scott had fed the
prisoners he closed the door and only
turned the key in enc Of the locks, expect
ing TO return in a few minutes. He went
down stairs. where a prisoner had just
been broU ght In. While be Was gone
Smith used his wire key to good advantage
and succeeded in picking the lock. He
| then deliberately walked down the steps
With his coat on his arm and slIntered
out into the street. passing a crowd who
were collected around the prisoner recent
ly brought in with a bloody head and face
and who failed TO notice the escaping
prisoner After gaining the sidewalk,
Smith proceeded down Preston avenue to
Austin street, up Austin TO Prairie ave-
nue., whore he thought IL time to quicken
his pace and started off at a smart clip.
He had hardly reached the point where
he began to sprint before the prisoners
that were in the ward with him started
down the steps and gave the alarm They
were made to 90 back by Turnkey Scott,
and several officers started in pursuit OF
Smith, But they did not even get a
glimpse of the willy prisoner who had
disappeared as effectually as II ne were a
myth. A number of officers were stationed
at the different railroad crossings and
other points. but up to late hour nothing
had been heard from the escaped prisoner.
Following is a description OF Smith,
which has been sent out to officers OF the
surrounding towns Nationality Ameri-
can age, &c; height feet 10 inches;
weight, 100 pounds build. medium dark
reddish complexion, dark hair, heavy
brown mustache, prominent cheek bones
wore dark clothes blue striped shirt, with
out collar, black derby hat, size "a, and
black lace shoes
Chief Blackburn requests that all officers
look out for Smith and, if captured, notify
him by wire
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
MANAGED nv Wafer.

The stocks in the adjoining buildings 10
those DESTROYED bv fire Saturday night,
the roofs of which were burned, were
damaged more by the rain of Tuesday
than they were BY the fire Saturday night.
The stocks thus damaged on Tuesday were
those of DeMerritt & Co, on Main street,
and of Frank Dunn, on Congress. Holes
had been burned in the roofs of each of
the buildings occupied by these parties,
and more water was let in by the rain of
Tuesday than was forced in by the fire
department Saturday night, but unfortu-
nately for Messrs Dunn and DeMerritt
they had already settled their fire losses
with the insurance companies and could
not claim further damage. Mr.. DeMer-
rift filed a supplemental claim with the in
surance companies carrying his policies,
but the additional claim for damages was
refused. the insurance companies pleading
previous settlement and advising him that
his further remedy. II indeed be had any,
rested with his landlord, Whatever rem
edy Mr. DeMerritt may have for his past
fire losses. Mr.. Dunn is in the predica-
ment of owning his own building and he
Will probably argue that his landlord is
not liable.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25

the engineer prepare plans for a cement
floor In the Fannin street school. Carried.
BY Alderman Dickson. motion that
tho engineer prepare plans and speciHca-
tions for paving Clay avenue from Craw-
ford to Milan. Carried.
BY Alderman Aubertln. motion that
the mayor be authorized to enter into con-
tract with those whose bids were accepted
for paving Congress avenue and Mont
gomery avenue. Carried.
BY Alderman Rosenthal. that the en-
gineer prepare plans and specifications for
paving Congress avenue from Chartres TO
Milan streets. Carried.
BY Alderman Sonnen, that Hogan street
be paved with gravel from Mckee "a
Hardy.
The motion was lost, as was also a mo.
tion to reconsider.
The ordinance committee reported fav-
orably upon the ordinance revoking the
franchise OF the Texas and New Orleans
and Houston and Texas Central railways
along Semmes street, In the Fifth ward.
Manager Van Week, representing thes,
roads, was present and was given permits
sion TO DO heard.
| He said he understood the ordinance
was caused by the delay on the part Of
the two roads TO comply with motion Of
Alderman Bennett carried on March IL
| that the two roads lower their sewer oil
Semmes street This sewer was put in by
the Texas and New Orleans company I'M.
! der direction of the city engineer There
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25

was then some question OF it's performing
satisfactory service. The mayor, John r.
Browne, at that time instructed the com
pany to complete the work as outlined by
the city engineer, which was done. About
Two years ago the question OF lowering
the sewer was brought up by Alderman
Aubertin. He then advised the aldermen
mat the lowering of the sewer was i'm
practicable and would accomplish nothing.
and that the Texas and New Orleans COM
pany was in no way responsible for the
defect of the drain as the natural course
Of the drainage was not through the
Semmes street sewer, but was east ana
south and was obstructed by the tracks OF
the Houston East and West Texas and
international and Great Northern rail
ways. He said that Notwithstanding this
II the railways were required to do the
work over again they would, Of course. do
so, but 1t was not fair, in his opinion, to
ask the railway company to do the work
over after 1t had been already done under
plans and specifications of the city en-
sineer and approved by hing.
Alderman Tuffly moved that the whole
matter be referred to the city engineer
for a report Carried
The ordinance committee reported favor
ably on the ordinance providing for the
appointment of gas inspector. Adopted
The council then adjourned
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25

tents involved in fires $3.50, 800. Total loss
on buildings and contents S26633 Insur-
ance on properly involved In fires S62,
23S. Salary and expense account for April
$3750.70.
The report further called the attention
Of tho council to the insufficient water
supply. particularly in the business portion
Of the city. Lately this department has
been called to six business blocks from
three to four stories high and at none of
the said buildings did they find more than
fifty pounds water pressure on the FIRE
hydrants, the low pressure being more no.
ticeable at the recent fires occurring In
the Hornberger and South Texas bank
buildings, at which there were forty
pounds OF water pressure on the hydrants,
at the Capitol Hotel annex building there
was but fifty pounds pressure and at the
late FIRE on Main street, in the Morris
block, there was but thirty pounds Of
water pressure. The report concludes that
the amount OF water pressure is totally
inadequate for the purpose of fighting fires
from the street hydrants and recommends
the purchase of another fifth size steam
fire engine and the purchase of 5000 feet
Of cotton rubber lined hose Of the best
quality. The department would then not
be entirely dependent upon the hydrant
pressure Of the Houston Water Works
company. Referred TO committee on
water works and fire committee.
Another communication was read upon
the same subject from the mayor.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
SCHOOL MATTERS.
No Applicants for Examination for
Admission to the University.


Yesterday was designated for the exami-
nation OF candidates for admission to the
State university, but no applicants APP
peared at the Houston High school build
fnR.
The questions prepared for the occa-
sion are quiet comprehensive, but not
calculated 10 embarrass a student who has
pursued the high school course with due
diligence. While quiet sufficient to test
attachments in different subjects the lists
of questions are short and the preparation
of papers need not consume any great
length of time and there Is no such thing
as a perplexing question of trivial I'M
portance in the entire lot. The subjects
covered are English. Latin and Greek,
history and mathematics. embracing arith-
metic, algebra and geometry
The graduating class of the High school
numbers thirtysiX this year. They are
eligible for admission to the university
upon their diplomas Special examine
tons like that provided for yesterday are
for the benefit Of outsiders who may wish
to try the examination at home instead OF
going to Austin for that purpose.
Glass day for the graduating class OF
1893 will be next Wednesday Commence
ment will be THURSDAY Exercises at the
Auditorium,
A meeting Of the former students of the
University of Texas resident in Houston
was held last night at the High school
building The formation of permanent
organization is under considerations
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25

ovation in store for the worlds greatest
naval hero
The suggestion was enthusiastically re-
ceived and approved Of, and unless all
signs fail Houston will have both the
Light Guard and the Emmets assigned TO
places In the military procession which
Will welcome the hero Of Manila on his
coming memorable entry into New York.
On motion 1t was agreed to leave the
selection OF the non commissioned officers
TO Captain Drew, and he will report his
appointments at the next me sting OF the
company. which takes place at the armoiy
on Friday evening.
1t was suggested that in case the Fm-
NETS should go to New York they should
take with them their famous mascot. Cor
poral" Bunch. who is said To be the est
drilled Juvenile In the United States The
suggestion was unanimously ratified.
The proceedings were interpreted with
light lunch and liquid refreshments, pro-
vided by Captain Lawlor, and vote OF
thanks to that gentleman for his charac-
teristic th~ightfulness and generosity was
unanimously adopted.
The gathering then adjourned to meet
again at the same time and place next
Friday evening.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25

There was good attendance and an
interesting session of Lone Star Senate
No 1861. Knights of the Ancient Essenic
Order, in the Mason building last night,
when two pleasant hours were passed in
the exemplification OF the secret work, re-
hearsal of the challenge dialogue by
knights II. S. TAYLOR and r. s. Abel and
under the head Of good OF the order Ex-
cellent Senator S. W. Blodgett gave a
history of the Essences and a succlnct
Interpretation of the teachings, tenets of
the order and duties of an Essene. Res
olutions OF coincidence and sympathy for
the loss of knight Justin C. White were
ordered engrossed on parchment. Plans
were suggested for public entertain
ment to be given in the near future.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
MORRIS BROTHERS, FRIENDS.

So numerous have been the expressions
OF sympathy and regret for the loss sus-
tanned by Morris Brothers in the recent
Main street fire that the members of this
nrm desire through the columns OF the
Post to return their thanks and assur-
ance of their gratitude for these kind
words and wishes, They also desire 10
state that Colonel j. w. Jones, the owner
of the property occupied by them. will
rebuild for them at once. and further
that they will reopen at a very early dale
with large and choice stock of clothing
gontlemen's furnishings and hats and will
DC IN condition to serve the public as
they nave formerly done and give their
their appreciation.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
Ladies, Rcndinr Club Picnic.

The annual picnic of the Ladies' Read
ing club which will be given next Tues
day afternoon, at the suburban home of
Mrs f. A. Randolph promises to he an
unusually elegant and delightful affair.
As the rain storm OF last Tuesday pre-
vented the regular meeting Of this club,
called meeting has been deemed neces-
sary in order that all preliminaries may
be thoroughly understood. and all ar
rangements regarding the picnic perfe~ed.
This called meeting will be held at 10
o'clock Friday morning at the Lyceum
rooms and full attendance OF the men,
beers is especially requested.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
personal MENTION

J, JolomIck Of Dallas is in the city.
Mr, NJ hreb OF New York is in the city.
city VI 81 Louis Is In the
,n Ju di;S a C, Lipscomb of Hampstead is in
yd : i FIndley Of Dallas was In the city
VI thd Il p Starr and wife of conrOc Texas. are
OF the Bristol ''o'' 70 guest
tra AZ j. rs simmons is back after brief absene,
N1 1uase Nugent and his brother. W. w
''1 T" oo'h OF conroe, are in the city.
an ot'ted States Commissioner Tracy r. pun,
this morning anu VIII return
,,s,,isn. JACK Lang Of lii9 Liberty street. i,
N'si t nef friend, Mrs. johusnn A Oak.
land farm, near Webster. for a few wesIs
'osn { Alaehor. j. D. Thomas, chs,is,
o. smith, II. 3. Smith. ali insurance n,sr
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
THE EMMETT RIFLES.
The Company VIII Probably Purtici-
pntc in the Ovation to Dewey.

y he Company VIII Probably Purtici-
pntc in the Ovation to Dewey.
meeting 10 perfect the reorganization
OF the Emmett Rifles was held at the En-
met hall last night, with Captain O. C.
Drew presiding, and a large gathering IN
attendance.
The minutes of the previous meeting
were read. and the action nominating o.
C, Drew as captain OF the company and
Captain James Lawlor as business man
agcr was duly ratified,
Thirty citizens signed the roll and were
admitted as members of the organization.
The race for the positions of lrst anu
second lieutenants brought out several
candidates and quite spirited rivalry
was maintained through series of hal
lotng.
Those nominated for the post were Pat
rick Egan, T w. Browne and T. C. Ken
dali, Mr. Egan withdrew from the con
test in favor OF MIR. Browne, who was
elected first lieutenant by a vote OF l6
to ..
In the you-perse for the offce
OF second lieutenant Mr.. t. c. Kendall
came out ahead and was declared duly
elected.
Mr., T, w. Cronan called the attention OF
the meeting TO the fact that In the grand
reception TO be accorded to Admiral Dewey
on his approaching arrival In this country
the city OF New York was making a pa
trlotic effort 10 have one or more military
companies from every State In the Union
represented in the great demonstration.
and was willing TO pay the expenses OF
such companies TO and from the metropo.
lis. He believed a movement was on foot
to have the Houston Light Guard take
part In the big parade which was to dc
honor TO Dewey. aud he would like 20 see
the Emmett Rifles also participate in the
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
r dollar contributions yester
POSTMASTER IN TROUBLE.
W. l.. Vinson of LufiSin Arrested 81
n Chnrgc of mhcNHIement.

IhNfEH OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
Deputy United states Marshal borough
of Galveston yesterday arrested w. l..
Ninson, postmaster at Lufllin, and brought
him to Houston for a preliminary trial be-
fore Commissioner Tracey b. Dunn. The
defendant waived examination and was
placed under bond of $500 for his an
pearance at the Aext term of the Federal
court at Tyler, which was given.
The arrest of Mr.. Vinsou was made upon
an affidavit sworn out by Postoffice In
spector Lake Jones of New Orleans, charg-
ing him with embezzlement of the funds
OF his office at Lutllin. The postal Of
fcials think they have a strong case, but
the friends of MIR. Vinson are songuine
he will be acquitted when the trial comes
up. The amount of the alleged shortage
Is small, being between Sl25 and $50.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25

Honorable
Houston May "a 1S9rhe conhagraon
which but for
of the system
proceed either compelling
ehc
of caamite which been endured
a ca
safety people and their
Respectfully Brashear, Mayor
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
Local Option Election.

Hutto, Texas, May pa local option
election has been ordered for this place
June l. This justice precinct includes
Hutto. Old and New Round Rock and three
small voting boxes above Round Rock.
Two years ago the local optionists won in
this precinct by a majority of 233 votes,
This town is very strong for local option.
and while the campaign is being con-
Quoted quietly both sides are working.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
REVIVAL MEETING.
ENangellst Leak Continues AT the
Central Christian Church


Central Christian Church.
The first thirty minutes OF the revival
service at the Christian church last night
were taken up with a prayer and praise
service, led by the pastor. J c. Mason.
This part of the meeting proved to be very
interesting and inspiring,
The subject OF the sermon last night was
THE Divine Origin Of Christianity" and
was forcible argument of the divinity of
Christ The speaker said that If he could
prove that Christ was raised from the
dead by God, then 1t would be proven that
He was divine. All agree that Christ was
born, lived and was crucifed as the Bible
relates. They also agree that Christ's
body was missing on the third day. sixty
Roman soldiers, who themselves actnowl-
edge they were hribed testified that the
apostles stole away the body by night
while they slept On the other hand. up
ward OF five hundred disciples testify that
they walked and talked with Jesus forty
days after He was arisen These men
we're true to their testimony and died be-
cause they refused to deny It, 1t is hard
to decide which testimony to accept, thai
of the low, unprincipled Roman soldier,
or the true Christian disciple and martyr,
Some object TO accepting the resurrection
Of Christ because they can not explain
and understand It. Neither can the great
facts Of science ard nature be explained
but we accept them because they are of
necessity true, The testimony all goes to
prove that Jesus is the Christ and arose
from the dead. None goes against this
argument
The services are increasing in interest
nigh@y and are proving TO he most bene-
a " "a
tonight will be ON "Inhdelity Its Cause
and Cure
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
VEHICLES COLLIDE.
buggy Overturned by Tvo-Horse
Wagon.

Mrs. Nelson and little girl OF 1904 Mont
gomery avenue. while crossing Fannln
street at the corner of Congress avenue
yesterday in buggy. the vehicle was
overturned by two horse wagon driven
by a negro. Mrs. Nelson was thrown OUT
but the little girl chung TO the buggy.
which righted itself. when tire morse
started to run. and was rescued by a Mr..
Jones of Fort Worth. who ran along ny
the side of the buggy and pulled the child
out. Mrs. Nelson received few bruises
but they are not serious. The child was
unhurt. as was the horse and buggy, which
was stopped short ways down Congress
avenue.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25

Yesterday afternoon the Misses Reading
club met at the residence of Mrs. Andrew
Dow and elected the following officers for
the ensuing term: President, Miss Theo
Crawford; first vice president, Miss Lizzie
MoNalley; second vice president. Miss
Edna MeNalleyi secretary, Miss frankie
Black treasurer, Miss Roberta Wilson.
The club is in a fourishing condition and
VIII hold another meeting Friday after
noon TO decide the date for their annual
picnic
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
Of DALLAS, are in the city, guests at the Bris.

to.
Miss Celia Bell of Strong, Neb.. who has
been visiting her sister at 1921 Center street
for the past four months, lett yesterday ioF
home via Kansas City, Mo.
Post Office Inspectors Frank Hamilton,
Lake Jones and George Thomas were IN inc
city yesterday on official business, and lel'
last night for other points.
Sergeant Robert Schmerbeck. popular
member OF the San Antonio zouave company,
passed through the city last night en- route
10 Galveston on business trip OF ten or
twelve DAYS.
Mr.. Joseph B: Enrich Of the ntm Of ,os,,a-
tional and Great Northern fast mail Tor New
York In response to a telegram announcing
the serious Illness of his mother.
Mr.. Fred B. Robinson, editor of the
huntsville Item spent yesterday in the city;
He was accompanied by his wife. Mr.. and
Mrs. Robinson we're en- route home from tine
Toxas Press association meeting at Dallas.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
M nerree. conieT 'l''

Cameron, Texas, May - n y
Royal Arch chapter of h = -, i.
located in Cameron, is IN sa,,,rsI
this week for the purpose Q. ,s,h ! w
grees. They close tonight csan,ca,iss
Prominent visitors are N N %
w. Albertson of Bolton Ip pns IRON y
Granger. other compsh.uIS tonIett
and Rockdale are expeclou
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
The New Criminal ClcrI..

Mr., Oscar Reynaud, the newly appointed
clerk for the criminal district court, has
made his bond and will likely qualify and
assume the duties of his new Office in time
to handle the business OF the June term
OF court. which commences the trial OF
cases next Monday. II is understood that
Mr. Reynaud will retain Mr.. W. W.
Thon'es as his deputy
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
shrenennrt,s Coiton "

shreveport, La. May = i
Ton,kies OF Charlotte, n m,s
rienced southern cotton ~ "
teen comforting today WIZ rottop y
eirec,orr Of the Harsrove ,sookiue !,
is a practical movement, uoasrp q,
carly construction OF . S slosk ~
the city. Payments W
rsp!6ly made.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
FOR THE PUBLIC SQUARE.
The Committees Are Urged to Pro-
coed to Work.


coed to Work.
The ladies' who have bcen named on the
different committees appointed by the
Daughters of the Confederacy to solicit
subscriptions for Houeton's public square
arc expected to begin another active can
yass today Mrs j. C. Hutcacson, presi-
dent of the r. E. Lee chapter, requests The
Post 10 urge upon all the necessity OF an
immediate effort The people are expecting
their visits. and bey should proceed with
the work while the interest Is aroused
only two committees reported Yesterday.
though It is believed several ladies' were
at work. and their lists will doubtless be
handed in today
One dollar contributions wers reported
by Mrs, D. F. stuart and Miss Jennie
Hunter as follows Mrs c. w. Maggard.
Mrs. f. Rhode, Mrs. h. Baker, Mrs NJ
McMaster, Conrad Bering, Fuchs. G. b.
Mitchell, II. Appel L. P holland. Radoff
Bros
The following one dollar contributions
]. A. Huston and Mrs. J. c. Hutcheson:
T. w. Harral. 2. A. Hessler, j. B. Mar
mion, Mrs. F. f, Koehler, Mrs. NJ. c. Ly-
ons, Mrs. Elizabeth Gallagher. Mrs. P. +.
Corrgan,
Number dollar contributions yester-
day ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. II
Previously reported .,...............1,1oS
Total Observation-Disclosures. 10
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-05-25
BIBLICAL LITTER ATTrRp

h Is proposed this year to enlarge the
scope OF the Texas Colorado Chautauqua.
Espeeiai attention will be given to the de-
partment of Biblical literature. outdoor
partment