davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1899-10-14
The Possibilities of the Trans
vaal War.

Charlotte Observer, 18th inst.
The war with the Transvasl
will probably he the bloodiest
Great Britain has fought since the
Crimea. The sturdy Burghers
of the Orange Free State and Ma.
tai will doubtless cast their for
tunes with those of the TransvaaI,
swelling the grand amy of the
Beers to perhaps so, 900 men, all
told. Before the war IS ended
England will probably have landed
20, coo well trained Red Coats IN
South Africa. The war will be
more like real fighting thas the
recent contest IN Cuba between
the United States and Spain, and
1t will perhaps he more prolonged
though it will, nevertheless, be
short, as all modern wars must be
hereafter, because of the swiftness
in destruction of modern instru-
ments OF warfare. England has
learned great lesson in the Sou
dan campaigns and that is never
TO fight until thoroughly prepared
The present war, In South Africa,
will proceed upon the model of
the last war, in North Africa.
when Gen Sir Herbert Kitchener
moved his British squares onward
like clock work. But there will
be difficulties in the TransyaaI
that kltchner did not have to con-
tend with. He fought in the
sandy, desert levels. Gen Sir
Redvers Butler, who is to com
nand the British South African
forces, must do his fighting in a
hill and mountain country. The
Beers will undoubtedly resort to
guerilla tactics but that means
more in this case than it USUALLY
means. While they are not drill
ed as the regular troops of the
worlds warlike nations, to move
In great bodies of death dealing
human machines, nevertheless
they are trained fighters, in one
sense. They are the best marks
men in the world, aud their aim
is always first at a British officer
They know that British strength
lies in organization, and that when
you kill the officers, you break up
the directing, organizing force of
an army. In the 1880 war, In
the fight with Col Anstruther ON
the road to Pretoria, the Beers
picked of the officers first and
surrender soon followed. II was
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1899-10-14
the same in the Majuba Hill fight
which was the Kings Mountain

the same IN the Majuba Hill fight
which was the Kings Mountain
OF the Transvaal. Sir George
Collev, the British commander.
was among the first singled out
f." death. This fight, by the
Way, shows that the Beers, while
guerilla fighters, taking advantage
OF every crest and crevice, rever
theless do not merely shoot and
run away. They charged in three
stormlng parties, in this battle, up
a precipitous ridge, the British
being entrenchcd upon the top.
Like mountain goats they leaped
from rock to rock, hiding long
enough to escape a British vollev
and pick off some British head,
exposed above the ledge, and then
making dash for some further
cover higher up the hill. In all
the five fights during that war
with the Transvaal, the British
were defeated, though they in
variabIy had superior mum bers.
The longer the Beers can pro-
long the war, the greater the hope
for their cause. They already
have many sympathizers among
the English people in England,
among them such prominent men
as Mr. Joan Morley, Sir William
Harcourt, Mr. Frederick Harrison.
Sir Henry Campbell. Bannerman
the latter being the Liberal
leader In the British House of
Commons-and Mr. Leonard II
Courtney and Sir Edward Clarke.
the last two being prominent
Unlonists. In Cape Colony, the
most thoroughly Britishized of
the English South African
States the Boer sympathizers are
very numerous. This will render
necessary the keeping of strong
garrisons of English troops in
this colony and the same is true
of Natal and other English de.
tendencies, so that not all of the
British troops can 60 to the front.
By delaying the issue Of the c,n-
tlict, the Beers will, doubtless, see
an increase in English public SEN
tment in their behalf, which will
certainly make the final terms of
peace more favorable to them
the Beers.
1t Is said that there were not,
at the beginning of this month,
more than 1000 English troops
In South Africa, 100 were on
the way from India, and an army
corps OF 3O,OOO was being formed
in England. If the Beers can suc-
ceed in defeating the British ar
mics piece meal, the, Afrikander
element in all South Africa will
take coulage and flock to the Boer
standard, and this will render
necessary increased local garrisons
and diminish the numbers of Britt
lsh troopers on the firing line at the
front. 1t is possible, though not
probable, that such success on the
part of the Beers would create a
diversion in their favor in the
British Parliament. The chances.
are, however, then the Transvaal
will be obliterated from the man
by a high tide of blood.
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1899-10-14
Will of Mr.. Converse Probated.
Special to The State.

Special to The State.
Spartanburg, Oct. 1O.-Thc
will of ID. f. Converse was pro
bated this afternoon. His estate
is to be divided equally between
his wife, daughter and Converse
college. A conservative est-
mate places the valuation of the
estate at $500, 900.
To his nephew, A Edgar Con.
verse, Of Vel mont, he gives So, 900
and to his niece, Louisa w Con-
verse, So, 900; to Edgar Bomar,
a relative and a clerk in + Nj
Wharton's store, this city, $500.
His wife, who is sole executrix,
gets the home, valued at S25, 900.
In addition the wife and daugh~
ter will get under the will about
S167, 600 each.
The minor bequests specified
above are to be deducted from the
devise to Converse college.
VIM Banks.
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1899-10-14
BQERS OVER THE BORDER,
Said to Have Crossed the Natal
Line in Strong Force.
Both Sides Apparently Eager to
Flght-Transvaal Representa-
tive Has no Hope for
Victory.

1on"ou, Oct ia dispatch
from Pietermaritcburg, Natal, says
intense excitement prevails there
owing to persistent reports that
Orange Free State troops have
already crossed the border of Natal
and are advancing upon Lady
Smith. A later dispatch from
eletermarltcourg says the invaders
entered Natal by the important
pass of Cundy Clough, thirty
seven miles southwest of New
Castle.
Montague White, the Transvaal
consul general, when leaving Lon
don today, said to an Associate
Press reported: "The expected
has happened. | only hope the
heIIishness of this premediatcd
crushing out of the hardy republic
Is now apparent. Let me remind
America that the onus of the war
lies not upon those who fire the
first shot but upon those who CONS
pei it to be fired"
Mr. white seemed much dis
tressed over the rupture and evil
IDENTIFY did not entertain the
least hope of Boer success. He
said the TransvaaI agency in Brus-
sells would be continued as the
European headquarters of the
government.
Continental opinion appears to
remain largely anti British. Popu-
lar sympathy with the Beers is
shown in various ways in Ger
many. The foreign office con
firms the report from Washing
ton that Great Britain has asked
the United States government to
empower tho United States cons
sular authorities in the Transvaal
to represent the British interests
there during hostiities.
William T Stead, editor of the
Review of Reviews, in an inter-
view says: 81 maintain that this
war is being forced upon the Beers
by men who have never forgiven
MAJ ajuba Hill" He adds: COW
ing to Great Britain's unprepared-
ness, hostiIities during the next
two months will resemble the in
ternational yacht race off Sandy
Hook. - But he says that long
before Christmas ''the fool fury
of the jingoes Will have evapor-
ated."
There was great scene on the
floor of the stock exchange at 3d.
Is o'clock today, the time of the
expiration fixed in the BUer ulti
matum. The members gathered
and began singing "God Save the
Queen" and "Rule Brittania.
The large crowd outside took
up the strains and the singing and
cheering spread from point to
point in the neighberhood until
the whole district was alive with
enthusiasm.
Volkrust, Oct 1.-THE entire
first draft of the Transvaal and
Free State Beers has mobilized.
The Laager was shifted to better
the position for water and grazing.
The general, commaDdants and
field cornets have inspected the
various strategical positions on
the border.
Cape Town, Oct 11-Sir Alfred
Miner, governor of Cape Colony,
and British high commissioner in
South Africa, has issued procla-
nation declaring thst persons
abetting an enemy in a state of
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1899-10-14

To Curs Constipation Foreyee.
n q q. O. tasl - sess. afNggisss rsfusd nosey.
The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1899-10-14

S Have you forgotten to
pay your subscription to Ledgeri
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-08-06
DR.. FRYER ON THE
CHINESE SITUATION
RUSSIAN INFLUENCE MI
EXAGGERATED.
The Professor of Oriental Languages
at Berkeley Gives an Opinion
of Affairs in the
Far East.

There is no cause for alarm in the
present state of things in China The
political situation is quiet, foreign trade is
beginning to assume unlocked for proper
tions, automatically the Government is
strong and the integrity of the empire re-
mains unassailed.'' Such is the view
held by Dr. John Fryer, professor Of
Oriental languages and literature in the
University of California. DR.. Fryer was
one of the passengers on the Hongkong
Maru. which arrived in San Francisco
Yesterday He has returned from three
months trip TO Shanghai, China. and the
above is the impression of the political
situation in the Orient.
In an interview yesterday DR.. Fryer
gave the opinion that the recent trouble
in the imperial court at Picking did not
augur any weakness in the central Coy
eminent, but on the contrary showed its
strength. The relations between the EN-
press Dowager and the young Emperor
were quite amicable. and it was for the
best interests of the country that the
Empress had virtually assumed control
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-08-06

failed to report, under act of March
q, 1899; Ratchford D. Wollam to
be first lieutenant of Company A.
with rank from June 20, 1899, vice
Doll failed 10 report, under act
of March q, 1899; Arthur NJ. Doll to be
second lieutenant Company a, with
rank from June 20. 1899, vice Morrell,
failed to report, under act of March H.
1899.
Douglass White captain and aide-de-
camp on the Second Brigade staff, having
rendered his resignation to enable MN 70
accept the position of paymaster in the
naval militia it has been accepted ana
his new commission will be issued to MN
shortly-that is, so it is stated.
Henry Peterson. who was, at an electlof
presided over by Major L. Schmitt of the
division staff, elected ensign of the naval
militia, has passed a successful eHamiha-
ton before the examining board.
The time set down in the law for the
September target shoot is rapidly ap-
preaching, but as yet no order 1or the
same has been issued.
Major II. B. Hosmer, inspector of rife
practice presided at an election in Com
pany G.. Fifth Infantry, last week, when
Milton William Simpson was reelected
captain of the company.
Brigadier General Mueller of the Inlru
Brigade has expressed desire TO nave
the men of his command take part in the
welcome of the California boys II arrange.
ments can be made as to the matter or
transportation.
1t has been announced from the parade
committees that if the National Guard or
any part thereof takes part in the parade
on the reception of the returning Volun-
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-08-06

James P Morrisey; crozier bearer, Pat
rick Ryan; candle bearer, H. Fleurin; mis-
sal bearer Thomas Calvin; sub-deacon of
the cross, Joseph Morton. Rev. Joseph
Sasia will deliver the panegyric on st.
Ignatius.
Very Rev. John P. F'rieden will be cele-
brant of the solemn vespers in the even
ing Charles c. Carroll will be first as
sistant and Rev. George Burkhardt sec,
ond assistant. Solemn benediction Will
follow with Very Rev. j. P. Frieden cele-
hrant; Rev. Joseph Sasia, deacon Key
r. A Bell, sub-deacon; Rev. William H.
Culligan, master of ceremonies. Rev
Denis Mahoney will preach the sermon IN
the evening.
The musical programme for the morn
ing 6rg ss[T''e piece Sitl Marche Pontiheale"
Tombeiie; dKyrie. Gloria and Credo,', Ma
donna: offertory piece, -'.Veni Jesq," Cagli-
ero; 'Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus
Del Fauconnier; organ piece, Grand
Chorus" J. Grison.
Following is the programme for the
evening service:
Organ piece, Prelude in D, Lemons
Deus in Auditorium and Dixit," Gener-
ali; Psalms, Antiphons and Hymns,
Gregorian, harmonized by Father Coltel-
Ii; "Magnificat," Generali; organ piece,
"Ofertofre de Ste. Cecile,' in D, Batiste;
"Motet Oquam Suavis," Cagliero; u an
tum Ergo Martini; organ piece, Post
lude. Dudley Buck; organ piece, Can't
lena" ]. Grison.
Maurice O'Connen will preside at the
organ and Father COltelh, S. j., will direct
the choir.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-08-06

tiffcate of exemption for seven years
continuous service" while not having
actually performed six months in the ag-
gregate of active service.
The following changes have occurred
among the commissioned officers, y. q.
c., since the date of general orders No. Z:
Staff Third Brigade-W. A. Desbor
ough, to be major and commissary,
with rank from June Is, 1899, vice Won
Petersdorff, resigned
Cavalry-Samuel w. Kay, to be
captain of Troop b. with rank from
June L. 1899. vice Cooke, term expired.
Oscar j. Boden, to be first lieutenant
Troop B. with rank from June II, 1899,
vice Kay, promoted. George j. Lin
denfeld, to be first lieutenant Troop b,
with rank from June 16. 1899, vice
Strong, retired. King II. Lee, It be
second lieutenant Troop B, with rank
from June 16, 1899, vice Duhain, de-
ceased.
Second Infantry-Lon Bond, to be
captain of Company A, with rank from
juno II, 1899, vice Cahill, term expired.
lieutenant Company A. with rank from
June H. 1899 vice Jackson, term eX-
PRED William II. White, to be second
lieutenant Company A, with rank from
June II. 1899, vice Bond, promoted.
George II. Voss. reelected captain of
Company d. with rank from April q
1896 Warwick c. Waldron, to be sec
ond lieutenant of Company D, with
rank from June 10, 1899 vice Canning,
term expired.
Sixth Infantry-John P. Parnau to
be captain of Company A, with
rank from June 90 1899, vice Dasher
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-08-06
EnIistments must in no case be an

Enlistments must in no case be an
tedated.,
The practice Of some commanding
officers of reVokng orders making dis
charges will be discontinued.
A man once discharged from the
National Guard can become member
again only by enlistment or commits
sion as provided by law.
Pursuant to Geographic instructions
from the Honorable Secretary of the
Navy, dated July 6. 1899 and a letter
dated July II, 1899 changing the date
of the arrival of the United States
steamer Badger in San FRANCISCO,
that portion of paragraph Y, G.. ..
No. Z, c. s., a. c.. o., relating to dates
of the cruise and drill of the Naval
Militia Battalion, is hereby revoked.
Owing to the uncertainty of the date
of the arrival of the Badger in San
Francisco. Captain l.. H. Turner, com
handing Naval Militia Battalion, will
arrange for and designate the dates
when the headquarters and various
divisions will embark. (Approved
July 10, 1897
That portion of the orders relative %
officers or men after having been hon
orably discharged le-entering the guard
at any time within ninety days after such
discharge and being allowed credit for
continuous service has been the subject
Of considerable comment. 1t is elaine
that it will give those who wish to shirk
active duty an opportunity TO enter the
guard, remain therein a week %! two
''remoVe" obtain an hOnorab BILE discharge
come in again for a week or so, remove
again. and keep on doing so until seven
years have elapsed and then obtain GER
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-08-06
The Lonely Death of
Millionaire Piper.
A DISAPPOINTED RECLUsE
NEVER RECOVERED FROM AN
OLD POLITICAL DEFEAT.
Life History of an Old Mexican War
Veteran and Ex-Congressman
Who Died Yesterday at the
Palace.

Attended only by his valet, eX-Congress-
man William A. Piper died shortly after
II o'clock yesterday morning in his rooms
at the Palace Hotel A combination Of
heart failure and dropsy were the imme-
date causes of his death. though he had
been ailing for 4 long time. not only from
these troubles but from variety of mala-
dies that generally attend on extreme old
age.
Mr.. Piper was native of Pennsylvania,
rs years Of age. He enlisted in the army
at the time of the Mexican war and after
serving all through that conflict came to
this coast. where he engaged in variety
OF pursuits. ranging all the way from
dealings in ordinary mercantile commodi-
ties to speculations in mining stocks and
real estate deals. He was an extremely
shrewd 1inancier and left an estate in real
property. bonds. stocks, mortgages and
ready money amounting to over three mil
lion dollars 10 attest TO the excellence of
his judgment in matters financial.
The millionaire was a man of strong
force Of character, great mental power
and strong ambitions. He had a desire
to raise TO the higher plane OF politics and
to that end devoted all his energies. In
1876 he was elected to represent this dis
trict in Congress Though his career
there was fraught with honor to himself
and benefit to his constituents, yet when
he ran again for second term he was
defeated by Horace Davis He was man
of great sensitiVeness and took his defeat
withdrew entirely from public life, refus-
ing to have anything more to do with
nOiftics in any form. AS the years rolled
on he also withdrew from all social life
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-08-06
THE NATIONAL GUARD
OF CALIFORNIA
TO ENABLE STRIKERS TO DO
CONTINUOUS DUTY.

The following orders have been ISSUED
from superior headquarters:
Paragraph $50, Rules and Regula-
tions of the National Guard of Cali
fornia, is hereby amended to read as
follows:
$50. In cases of re-enlistment the en-
listment papers will show the num-
Der of re-enlistment and also whether
the same is consecutive or not.
Former members of the guard, who
have been hCnorably discharged for
expiration OF term of service, or on
account of removal" and nave re-
turned to the limits of their COM
mands, and officers who have, re.
signed, been honorably discharged, or
whose terms have expired. who re-
enlist or re-enter the guard within
ninety days from the date of their
discharge or the expiration of their
term of office, will be given credit for
continuous service. and the enlistment
considered consecutive.
ANY former member of the guard
who has served satisfactorily. com
pete enlistment, or continuous term
of three years, may re-enlist at any
time thereafter for one, two or three
years at his option.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-08-06

and became more and more of a misan-
thrope. For the last few years of his life
he lived almost the existence of a recluSe.
Seeing no one socially save the immediate
members Of his family, he withdrew en-
tirely within himself, manifesting no in
JereSt in anything and only deVOtlng the
time TO his own business and private con-
Germs that was necessary to make them
run smoothly.
invalid and though for the past few weeks
he had been actually confined to his bed,
yet his death came something as a sur
prise. Awaking yesterday morning, he
asked his valet for the morning paper and
then requested to be left alone while he
read ii. The valet retired to the next
room and returning a few minutes later
found his master d corpse, with the paper
Clutched in his stiffened fingers. A sud-
den spasm Of the heart had attacked him
and the man Of millions had gone to an
other world without the presence of a
single friend or relative by his bedside to
witness his demise.
The deceased saw but little Of his reIa-
tives, yet he was on excellent terms with
them, as will be shown by the disposition
he made of his property in the following
will. His real estate holdings consisted
of some valuable ranch lands in the sur
rounding counties, as well as much of the
best property in the city:
I William A Piper of the city and county
Of San Francisco, State OF California. do
make this my last will and testament
hereby revoking all former wills made by
I will and bequeath all my property. real
and personal and wheresoever situated. as
follows, wit:
TO my neDhews and nieces, share and
share alike, the children Of my deceased
brother Edward M Piper, one 90 sew
enth; to my nephews and nieces. share and
share alike. the children of my brother.
Oliver c. Piper two cd seventies; to my
nephews and nieces. share and share alike,
the children of my brother, Robert G. Piper.
two CD sevenths: to my neDhews and
nieces share and share alike. the children
OF my deceased sister. Amanda Piper,
Piper two 90 seventies.
7 hereby appoint and constitute William
Giselman of San Francisco and the Union
Trust Company of San Francisco the execu-
tors of this my last will and testament. and
I direct and request that bond shall be
required from said William Giselman
one Of my said executors Of this my last
will and testament.
(Signed) WILLIAM A. PIPER.
san Francisco, November 25. 1898.
The only relatives the deceased had in
this State are Lawrence Piper of this city:
a nephew; and a niece. Mrs. DR.. Sheets of
San lose.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-08-06
VIM. A. PIPER.

of affairs. It was not true that the young
Emperor had been depOsed. His status
cOrreSponded to that of minor during
regency. The action of the Empress Dow
ager in setting the young ruler aside was
to uphold the position of the conservative
party at the imperial palace as against
the radicals, who were carrying out
questionable innovations. The asSump-
ton Of authority on the part of the EN-
press in setting aside the Emperor for
few years had destroyed the fOothold
which the radicals had gained and placed
the Government upon firm and stable
basis.
With regard to the probable dismem-
berment of the empire and its pieclng
out among the great powers DR.. Fryer
declares emphatfcally that such thing
is out of the question.
Russia is not playing the hand that re-
cent reports would g give Gf to os ST
tersburg and Picking need give no cause
for apprehension. The diplomatic situa-
ton is satisfactory to the, other powers
rity of the country cannot help but be
maintained. Nothing but a series Of re-
of the Government, could bring about dis
memberment. The empire is in no danger
Of being partitioned.
pines had raised the prestige of Ameri
cans in the Orient in any way DR.. Fryer
replied that the Chinese generally were
quite ignorant of the existence of the
war The feats of American arms and
American battleships We're not widely
known.
Trade with the Orient had taken i'm
mense strides within the last few years.
In one or two articles there had been
noticeable depression but this was coun-
terhalanced by much heavier exports in
other things. The manufacture of Chinese
cotton by imported machinery was not
coming UP to the expectation OF the capt.
talists who launched the movement. A
corporation under the name of the Inter
national Cotton Factory had an extensive
plant in Shanghai and shares were held
by the foreign residents there, but finan-
cially the affairs of the concern were not
promising. The same could be said of
material in competition with American
and English cloth.
While in China DR.. Fryer was honored
by receiving the First Order of the I'm
perial Dragon, a distinction sometimes
conferred upon foreigners by the Chinese
Government. 1t carries with il an Of
fetal dress with appropriate insignia.