davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19
HEAVY FIGHTING ON.
The Beers Battle with a British
Armored Train.
4 FIGHT EXPECTED At LADYSNITH.
The BasutOs Rise Against the Free State
A Report That the Beers We're Re-
-Enemy's Column Advanced.

London, Oct. ls.-A special dispatch
from Pretoria, dated October IA, by
way of Delagoa bay, says: A cyclisf
dispatch was received from 0ttoshoep
near Malmani, at six o'clock yesterday
evening, asserting that heavy fighting
had been in progress all day long north
of Mafeking. The British troops on
board an armored train acted as Gov
ering force to military engineers en-
gagged in repairing the track. A
Maxim on the train kept up continu-
GUS fire. Conspicuous bravery was
displayed on both sides, but it soon be-
came apparent that the rifles Of the
burghers were ineffective against an
armored train. The latter, however,
was at once forced to retreat before a
particularly strong assault, but it soon
returned, accompanied by British
mounted contingent and the fighting
was renewed fiercely. Fighting still
continues, the Beers holding their posi-
tions well. A dozen Beers were killed
or wounded, but the British casualties
cannot be ascertained. Heavy firing
can be heard south Of MafeGng, where
Gen. Cronje's commando is operating.
A corps of experienced continental
engineers, former officers, has left
Pretoria for the southwestern borders,
escorted by a commando of picked Boer
shots. 1t is probably intended for
large dynamiting operations
A big engagement is expected short
ly in the vicinity Of Ladysmith. The
forces of Commandant Pet Vys are en-.
camped on a mountain overlooking
Dundee, from which point they will be
able 70 observe the movement Of the
British troops
The Morning Posts Ladysmith cor
respondent telegraphs that the Basutos
have risen against the Free State.
THE FIGHT ON THE ARMORED TRAIN.
London, Oct. 49, The crew OF the
armored train say the Beers fired lS
shells, but their aim was wretched and
not single shot struck the train,
which then made bold to approach
nearer and opened fire with the
Maxims. The burghers replied with
heavy rifles again shooting wildly.
Only three or four bullets struck the
train. Subsequently the crew learned
that five Beers and two Boer horses
were wounded. Not member OF the
British force was so much as touched.
THE BoERs REpULsED AT MAFEKING.
Colesberg, Oct. 1S.--1t is persistently
reported from widely different sources
that a large force Of Beers resolutely
attacked Mafeking and, after several
hours fighting, were repulsed with
heavy loss.
THE ENEMY's COLUMN ADVANCED.
Ladvsmith, Oct. 1S.--The foremost
detachment of the enemy's northern
column advanced beyond 1ngagane
and no definite movement has been
made from the Drakensberg passes.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19

Joplin, Mo-, Oct. Is. The starting
OF the Southwest Missouri Light com.
pany's new plant at Grand Falls, four
miles south Of Joplin, was the occasion
Of a big celebration. The new 100000
plant Of this company is operated by
the water power of Shoal creek and is
one Of the largest in the southwest.
The plant is 1000 horse power and will
soon be increased to $1,000 1t can light
a city Of 100000 inhabitants, but will
use much of its power for operating
zinc and lead mines all over the Mis-
souri-Kansas district.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19
Accidentally Killed Himself,

Los Angeles, CAL, Oct, is. Mai Frank
Kidder Upham, treasurer, acting quar-.
termaster and eommissary Of the sol.
diers' home at Santa Monica, acct
dentally killed himself yesterday. He
was about to take a revolver from his
desk, preparatory to taking charge Of
a large sum of money at the railroad
depot, when in some manner the weap-
on was discharged, the bullet passing
through his brain. He'leaves a widow,
two sons and two daughters. One OF
his sons is in West Point and the other
was an ensign on the Olympia and
with Dewey at Manila.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19
Robbed BY an Ex.Policsman.

Denver, COL, Oct. 1s.-Austin's poo
room, the largest in the city, was
robbed this morning by Robert J. Boy
kin, an ex,policeman, who has been fol
some time employed as special police
man at the club. The place had been
closed for some time, but Boykin in.
duced the cashier to return to the
room and with revolver compelled
him to open the safe. He took all the
cash, including 5000 in coin. He then
made his escape.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19
Pay Day at San Francisco.

San Francisco, Oct. Is. The Kansas
soldiers heart was full Of joy Tuesday.
Added to the one continuous round Of
pleasure experienced since the Tartar
pushed her nose through the Golden
Gate, to-day was pay day. For several
days the boys have been watching for
the paymaster and his little black
wagon, and the suspense was ended at
noon when Maj. Ray appeared and
with the usual military directness be-
gan the payment at once.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19
-
Will BE DELAYED a Year.

Washington, Oct. 1S.--There will be,
in all probability, another years de-
lay in legislating for the Nicaragua
canal, as the commission appointed by
the president to investigate the differ
ent routes will not make its report to
the next session of congress. Members
Of the commission have already spent
about three months In Europe looking
at maps and charts, and it is said al
most year will be required to make
the Investigations for this information.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19
HarrIson WIN Run for Governor.

Chicago, Oct. 1s.-During W. ].
Bryan's visit to this city yesterday a
large number Of the leaders Of the
Harrison democrats called upon him.
1t is reported that the mayor promised
Bryan he would accept nomination
for governor of Illinois next year.
Bryan Is anxious to have Harrison on
the ticket, believing that the mayors
nomination will help the national
ticket in Illinois.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19
Narrow E.cape from Death.

Pottsville, Pa, Oct. ls.-Shortly be-
fore II o'clock to-day an explosion Of
mine gas occurred at the Shenandoah
City colliery, by which 80 men were
imprisoned. 1t was feared for time
that all of them were dead, but heroic
work rescued them and none were
dead when taken out.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19
Independents to Organize a Trust

New York, Oct. 1s.-Plans have been
quietly maturing for some weeks look.
ing to the consolidation Of all the pa
per manufactures Of the country
grouped in the mills now Independent
which manufacture wood pulp board,
paper pulp board and straw board.
All told 100 or more mills are interested
in the project Of consolidation and the
amount Of capital involved is about
&b( O00 600.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19
Germans Helping the Beers.

Port Said, Oct ls.-The German
steamer Kaiser, from Hamburg, is dis
embarking at the entrance of the Suez
canal 1000 pieces Of ammunition con-
signed to the Transvaal. This step
was taken in order to avoid seizure
In the Red sea by British cruisers.
The ammunition will probably be re.
embarked for Hamburg on board the
steamer Herzog, which is shortly ex-
pected here The Kaiser was Swallowed
by the British second-class cruiser
Thetis through the Mediterranean.
The Thetis passed into the canal yes
terday morning. 1t is reported that
several German officers are on board
the Kaiser, bound for the Transvaal.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19

The frst-class battleship Kentucky,
sister ship of the Kearsarge, which had
such successful trial trip last month,
will 20 out on her builders trial trip
In week or ten days
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19
THE TRUST QUESTION.
The Industrial Commission Continues Its
lnqulry-The Tin Plate Industry-Ne
Jersey Corporation Law Defended.

Washington, Oct. ls.-The industrial
commission continued its inquiry into
the trust question yesterday, the wit
nesses being President Daniel G. Reid,
OF Chicago, of the American Tin Plate
company; William Refs, of Chicago,
president of the National Steel COM
pany; CharlesS Guthrie, of Pittsburgh.
president of the American Steel Hoop
company, and Judge William II. Moore,
the promoter of these and other trusts.
Mr.. Reid in reply to questions said
that the consolidation had been made
to prevent absolute failure, as many OF
the tin plate establishments were rap.
idly drifting into bankruptcy. The
price of the product had increased
rapidly since the organization and
there had been corresponding ad.
vance in wages. He said that 10 mills
had been shut down because of their
poor location, but that rs new ones
started. There are 80 establishments
in the combination. Without the
tariff Mr. Reid thought 1t would be i'm.
possible to manufacture tin plate in
the United States
The testimony Of Mr.. Refs agreed in
most respects with that of Mr.. Reid,
especially in regard to the increase in
wages and the advance in the prices of
raw material.
Mr.. Guthrie said that he found the
combination of the interests repre-
sented in the Steel Hoop company Of
vast advantage In many ways and
especially in securing foreign market.
He considered the tariff Of very ma
,terial advantage to the industry.
Judge William II. Moore, Of Chicago,
who had organized the American Tin
Plate company, the National Steel
company and the American Steel Hoop
company and also other combinations
explained his methods at length and
defended the New Jersey corporation
law as fair and liberal, saying 1t was
modelled largely after the English law.
lie hoped to see many Of its features
adopted by the other states.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19

Five laborers working in a sewer at
St. Louis were swept off their feet and
carried into the river by rush Of
water. Three were rescued, the other
two were not found.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19

The British parliament opened yea.
terday in extraordinary session to con-
sider the South African situation.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19
J. L. JONES.
E. E. HOFFMAN, Auctioneer.
-.->- ---------
MARKETS BY TELEGRAPH.


AtFC SbOChs
Kansas City Oct. l7--Cattle- Receipts to.
day, 10,545; calves, $751;; market strong to l5c
higher; shipping and dressed beef steers, a5.25u
500; western steers 3OyD5.o native cows,
Sl.2504.25; native heifers, $35OD5JO; native
stockers, S3000t5O native feeders, 4OJ Hogs
Receipts to-day lO,53D market generally So
lower at s3.25O4.32h. Sheep-Receipts to-day,
2 062 market steady to strong; sheep, Vs. AVA
$40; lambs, A.OOG4S5.
Chicago, Oct. l7.-Cattle- Receipts, $500; trade
in cattle to-day was not very animated and
prices ruled barely steady; good to fancy grades
sold at SSDG7OO common 10 medium steers,
A.509575; cows and bulls, S2.OO9i.65; Texans,
$3.50G430; calves, SLJ007l5 Hogs Receipts,
1900; there was good demand for hogs, but
too many were offered for sale and prices suf.
fered further decline Of SO; fair to prime lots.
brought w. 22h@+45; heavy packers, S38514.2O;
common to choice mixed, sLl504.4O butchers,
A.!O04.45; common TO good light weights, &.l5
@4.45 pigs, $a7504.S5. Sheep Receipts, 10000;
trade In sheep and lambs was slow at low
range of prices poor to prime sheep brought
150O4.OO, western rangers selling ut S3 OND385.
and feeders, Sj,2O037O; common to choice
ihiuuS, Vu'~o4VV ~ Ouiy low uOWCNoTt htlllu8
above S5.O5,
St. Louis, Oct. i7.-Cattle- Receipts, $500; In.
GLIDING 100 Texans; market steady for natives,
strong for Texans; native shipping and export
steers, S.O0064O dressed beef and butcher
steers, Si5O0550; steers under 1000 pounds,
s335G5.OJ; stockers and feeders, S3.OOQ5OO;
cows and heifers, ". 80; Gamers, Sl.0O@275i
bulls, Sa5oa35O; Texas and Indian steers, $500
04.l5; cows and heifers &22O03.75. Hogs
Receipts, 64OO market to lOc lower; pigs and
lights, si.25G4.S5; packers, A.i504.3O; butchers,
A.S0G4.4O. Sheeps-Receipts, LOO; market
steady; native muttons, S3.75t4O0; lambs 800
04.5O; stockers s?OO027S oulls and bucks,
S2OOG3.75.
Omaha, Oct. l7.-Cattle Receipts 5000; mar.
ket active to loo higher;n beef steers, $3.50
06S0; western steers, g. 4O04sO Texas steers
sa75Qt4.4O; cows and heifers, Ss25G425; can.
ners, " 25N3.25; stookers and feeders, sS7ON
400; calves, S450a6.7b; bulls, stays, ETC., $500
ais. Hogs-Receipts, $500; market 30 lower;
heavy, Nl0@420; mixed, 4l50417h light
Al7H@425; pigs AO0042o; bulk OF sales, MS
@4l7h. Sheep-Receipts $500 market stronger,
yearlings, Sa75GSsO; western muttons, ssoO0
$50; stock sheep, 14OG37o; lambs, ". O005Sa
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19
Governors Invited to Dewey Receptlou.

Atlanta, Ca, Oct. 1S.-The commit.
tee on arrangements for the reception
to Admiral Dewey, who will visit At
lanta October % and %, yesterday
sent telegraphic invitations to the gov
errors Of the following states to be
the guests Of Atlanta during tho ad.
mirals stay: Maryland, Virginia,
West Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Alabama, Florida Missis-
sippi, Louisiana, Texas, Tsnnes-
see, Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri
and Georgia. The invitations include,
of course, the stats of the governors.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-10-19
Presented Their Colonel with a Sword.

San Francisco, Oct lS.-Yesterday al
the Preside, Col. Wholly, Of the frat
Washington volunteer regiment was
presented with a magnificent sword BY
the men Of his regiment, who adopted
this means of showing the esteem in
which they hold their colonel. The
sabre Is beautiful one and is fittingly
inscribed. Col. Wholly, who was deep.
ly moved, expressed his appreciation Of
the gift in few appropriate words
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-02-13
Of Life for People of
Worcester.
VENERABLE YEARS
That Are Enjoyed in the
City and County.

If there ever was a veritable Rip Van
Wrinkle and if that famous toast of his
was ever made to be fulfilled in verit-
able truth, it could never have been in
the heart of the sleepy old Adiron-
dacks. 1t must have been here among
the life giving breeZes of the Central
Massachusetts hills, here in the high
lands of Worcester county and more
particularly of old Worcester herself
where the clear air and bright sun
shine of over quarter of a thousand
years have made the milestones of hu-
man life run up into figures that have
made men of science and statistics
marvel at 1t all.
What other section of proportfonate
population, in this country or the
world, can present such a record of
long and noble life as The Spy presents
today? And it is only a part of a long
list that has been the common know
ledge of the people here for many years,
so common that it has never been
looked upon as an extraordinary con-
dition of events.
1t is not to be wondered at that the
great and venerable statesman, Sena-
tor Hoar, is so proud of his home, or
that in what is to most men the even
tide of life he still possesses all the
rich and roseate gifts that God gave
TO him at the beginning.
1t is the way that nature has of doing
things in Worcester and Worcester
county
Three of the county's representative
people who have lived in two different
centuries of time and bid fair to enter
upon third! One a gentleman of rare
scholastic and natural ability whose ac-
complishments Were builded from the
beginning upon the hardest kind of
bodily labor as tiller of the soil! And
even now. In his Tooth year of life still
active as of old and a constant attend
ant at the meetings of the banking
house in which he is a director 1t
would seem at most as though he had
discovered the philosophers stone, the
secret of eternal life this side of the
grave. But if he were to be asked he
would probably answer that 1t is all
due to his conformation with the laws
OF nature in and among the eternal and
everlasting hills.
And Rebecca Whitcomb of Berlin and
Sophia Wheeler of Hardwick,
Where in all the world can parallel
be found of such a story of human han
piness through SO long period of time?
Those who have passed 80 years of
life make up so common a story that
only a few individuals are cited. There
are so many of those who have long
ago reached the allotted age of three
score and ten that no journal could give
them space. They would take up all the
pages.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-02-13
MRS. CLARISSA MERRIAM.

On the 18th day Of next month, if
she is alive, and she promises far be-
yond that, Mrs. Clarissa Merriam, who
resides with her daughter, Mrs. Marcus
B. Hunt, at S3S Park avenue, will have
reached her Gath birthday.
She was born in Montpelier, VT Her
parents were John and Betsy Eddy
Cummings, we'll known in this city at
the time.
She made her first visit to Worcester
When she was 10 months old, on an OK
SLED, with her parents. They spent II
days on the road, and visited Oxford
and Auburn. She made her next visit
here when she was rs years old. driving
down IN sleigh with her cousin. They
stopped at the old tavern in Lincoln
square. 1t was during this visit that
she became acquainted with her future
husband. She was married Feb "a 1881
in Montpelier by Rev. Chester Wright
10 Ebenezer Merriam of Auburn, They
lived there till 1852. Since then she has
lived in Millbury, Auburn and Wor-
cester. Her husband died Feb. y, 1891
IN Auburn, aged 49,
She Joined the CONGREGATIONAL church
in Montpelier in 1910. Forty-six wears
ago she Joined the church at Auburn
ana has been member ever since. She
had Two children, Leander S. Merriam
OF AUBURN and Mrs. Marcus B. Hunt
of Worcester. '''i'
Mrs. Merriam is exceedingly well pre-
served for her years, and still possesses
all her faculties, although three years
ago she became slightly deaf She has
remarkably clear memory. One of the
incidents of her childhood which she
recalls happened when she was three
years old. She was holding sticks for
her pfother TO cut. His axe slipped and
cut deep into the back of her hand
through the bones of the fingers. lust
pack of the knuckles. The fingers were
held on only by the flesh on the palr
OF her hand, The wound healed IN
however, and the fingers Still remain
she has in her possession tableclotbs
towels and sheets which she made over
10 years ago. When II years old she
spun 90 skeins of wool, out of which She
made blankets. Sixty-five years ago She
spun some wool and covered il with a
dark blue. Out of this she made a coat
TOT her husband. He wore the coat iii
ne died in 1891. Then she ripped IN the
coat and made the cloth into mats
which she still has in her possession
Her life is passed quite happily AT her
daughters home, and she is one of tbe
old-fashioned mothers that give eniov-
ment to all those about her.
She expressed the hope to The Snv
man Just before leaving the house thai
the coming generation would see the
folly of giving up their energies in
pampering to style, fashion and popu-
larity and devote themselves to more
healthy, wholesome and substantial
lives
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-02-13

He is a gentleman of rare grace and
atfability, vigorous, il. full possession
Of all his faculties, ana has been
regular subscriber TO The Spy for over
% years. Few men ere SO well ac-
quainted with the development and
growth of the city in the past half
century as he, and he has been no
small factor in it's business prosperity
during that period. The Jerome Marble
Company is today n monument to his
untiring energy and business skill.
Mr.. Marble has always been a
staunch republican since leaving the
democratic party in 1S4S, and his coun-
sci and influence have always been
sought in political contests. In the
early days he was postmaster of Charl-
ton and its representative to the gem
pra1
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-02-13
GEORGE MILLER.

On the 2Sth of this month, George
Miller, who resides with his son, Geo
H. Miller. at A May street, will be
SO years Of age. He is an exception
ally active man for one who is nearing
the century mark. He has been con-
fined to his room for the past three
weeks on account of an attack of grip
but he has improved much during the
last few days, and will undoubtedly
soon be about again.
During the past seven years it has
been his custom to divide his time be-
tween Worcester and Warren, remain
ing here with his son during the winter
season.
Mr.. Miller was born in Chester, and
first came to Worcester in 1888, and
entered the employ of Windsor Hatch
in his WOODEN factory in what is now
South Worcester. He remained there
for a year and then for some years
alternated his residence between Mill
bury, oxford and Middleheld In 1888
he emigrated to New York state as a
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-02-13


The good old lady has been a mem
Der of the Congregational church for
many years, and up to a very recent
period a constant attendant. But dur
ing the winter she has been confined
continually to her room by an attack
OF the grip, although she is recovering
now and bids fair to pass the century
mark.
She has retained her health and men-
tai faculties to wonderful degree and
IS a remarkably well preserved lady
in appearance. She passes an hour or
more OF each day reading her Bible
ana delights in conversation with the
older residents of the home.
Her only living relative is Mr.. Fred
Southwick, formerly register Of deeds
here. Mrs. Farnum is the last of eight
children, all of them living to a very
old age.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-02-13

X. l., and I was taken up by the high
WIND and moved quite a distance.
remember it made quite a stir at the
time, certainly it did for me: and |
was asked a good many questions
about it by the newspaper reporters
Ana that prompts me to say that /
nave been interviewed by so many
newspapers IN my time that feel quite
sure that after l am dead people will
have no trouble in learning all there is
worth knowing about me-"
Mrs. Farnum came to Worcester lust
before the Providence railroad was
Duilt, and has witnessed many changes
IN the life of the city That which has
strucK her as most remarkable has been
the wonderful growth of the business
section. 1T has changed so,"said she
that on my last visit to town 1 thought
was in some other country"
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-02-13

farmer. and lived there for ten years.
He returned to Worcester and took
up his permanent residence in 1856. He
has always, with the exception of the
past winter, been in excellent health,
and expressed himself as pleased at
the anticipation of getting out and
about again as soon as spring returns.
His earliest recollections of Worces-
ter as he rode in on the stage coach in
1888. was of small town, and of pass
ing a few scattered farms. The Wor-
cester of today, he says, seems like a
dream and altogether unreal.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-02-13
MRS. CAROLINE FARNUM.

One of the oldest residents of the city,
if not of the county itself, is Mrs. Car
cline Farnum, who resides at the Old
Ladies Home. She was born at Barry,
VT, August 10, 1902, and is consequent
ly nearly 81 Years of age.
Most of her early life was passed in
Vermont and Rhode Island, and she has
very keen recollections of shaking
hands with Lafayette as he passed
through her home in Rhode Island on
his visit to this country. 1.-THE most
stirring event of my life" as she puts
it, was the fearful September gale
that occurred in my childhood. 1t was
the worst i have ever experienced. II
was while | was living at Slatersville,