davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
THERE IS A
NEW KIND OF
THIEF IN TOWN
Has the Telephone
Company Guessing.
HE ROBS THE NICKEL BOXES
EASILY OPENS AND CLOSES THE
LITTLE SAFES.
The Cheap Crook Is Doing Rushing
Business, Much to the Hor-
Tor of the Corpor-
4E ROBS THE NICKEL BOXES
EASILY OPENS AND CLOSES THE
LITTLE SAFES.

The telephone company, which has Tor
years violated the confidence of the public
by pilfering its patrons private messages
for personal gain, is on the verge OF
nervous prostration owing to the fact
that it's confidence in the cupidity Of
thieves is being abused. In other words,
their nickel-in-the-slot treasure boxes are
being (iesecrated and the wealth removed
therefrom in a manner most mystifying
and deplorable. The Hawkshaws of the
company are putting in long hours trying
to get "a line" on the man who is doing
this skillful work. From the methods of
the thief, it Is evident that he has been
connected with the company and knows
where and how to operate to the best ad-
vantage. furthermore, it is believed that
he is equipped with duplicate keys to
open the two locks that protect the cor
poratiOnS hard-earned wealth
AT any rate he is a new kind and IS
causing all kinds of anguish to the souls
of the hello" people. The fellow chooses
places where there is lively business go
prletors sight. BY means known only to
himself he quickly opens the two locks,
takes out the box of nickels, relocks the
treasure box and goes on his way rejoic-
ing. The robbery is not discovered until
the companys collector calls.
Within the past few days this clever
game has been played on several of the
telephones in the big downtown saloons,
and it is said that the thrifty 5-cent crook
is going through the town like a bosom
of theft: He is certainly finding the job
profitable for in the boxes in the center
of the city the little minis of the phone
people contained from twelve to fifteen
dollars. Hence the wild desire of Colonel
Sabin TO get the Culprit where he can play
peek-a-boO with him.
This improved brand of telephone box
Taper is believed TO be either an ex-col-
lector or box repairer of the company,
who is making up for previous long hours
and short pay while in their service.
Some of the best clean-ups were made
at Rusconi & Fishers California street;
the Yellowstone and Gendar & Kinks, on
Montgomery street. The suspected man
is described as being about 20 years old,
blonde, rather slight, and we'll dressed in
a tan-colored suit.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11

he might show the receipts to the Board
of Supervisors and thereby secure an
immediate appropriation with which he
would pay US directly after he received
IT.. He got the appropriation, but we are
still waiting for our money. l was the
only one of the nineteen or more brick
layers that refused to sign my name as
having received money which l never saw
and for this reason he has discharged me
and now refuses to allow me q cent of the
money justly due me.
Il wrote to Mayor Phelan," he contin-
ued, telling him of the refusal of Bate
man Bros. to allow me my money, but he
returned my letter, stating that he had
had a talk with the contractors and that
they positively denied that l had ever
worked for them"
One of the Bateman brothers in dis
cussing Fitzgeralds claim said that he
had absolutely nothing to do with the hr-
ing of bricklayerS, the firm having sublet
this contract to Stiles, who was alone re-
sponSible for whatever crooked work was
done. He maintained that he paid Stiles
regularly for the stipulated work of his
contract, although the men under the
supervision of the latter were put off from
day to day with the absolute assertion
first employed his men he promised them
"a a day, which he subsequently reduced
to So so, and finally to simply promise
for continuance of the payment of this
reduced wage which ultimately resulted
in the payment of nothing.
Fitzgerald has placed his claim in the
hands of lawyer, who will present it
this morning before Justice of the Peace
Cook
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
ROBERT J. TOBIN
IS C0NVALESCING
POLICE COMMISSIONER WILL
SOON BE WE'LL AGAIN.
Had an Attack of Heart Disease, but
Rallied and His Physicians Say
He Is Out of Danger.

Robert J. Tobin, secretary of the Hiber-
MIA Bank, who has been quite Ill at his
home on Geary street, was very much
improved last night, and the doctors in
attendance say that there is at present
no danger whatever. Yesterday morning
Mr.. Tobin was taken with a rather Sc
we're attack of heart failure followed by
fainting spells, and the physical exhaus-
ton which resulted caused some appre-
hension, but he rallied in the afternoon
and with two or three days quiet he will
doubtless be restored to health
The invalid, who is 70 years of age, is
particularly active and will insist in per-
forming. his duties at the bank, though
he has been advised to take a rest from
his onerous labors. Only last week he
went to the City Hall to attend meet
ing of the Ponce commissioners, of which
he is president. He went out riding to
the park two or three times and his con-
dition, while somewhat weak, gave no oc-
casion for alarm.
The attack of yesterday morning, how
ever. was more severe than any he has
before sustained, and he has decided to
follow the doctors advice
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
WERE MARRIED
VERY QUIETLY
Abe Marks and Miss
Margaret F. Geitner
Made One.

A very quiet wedding took place in the
Lick House last Monday night. There
were no invited guests and outside of the
bride and groom and their attendants no
one knew when the ceremony was to take
place. The groom was Abe Marks, the
able statistician of the Merchants Elk
change, and the bride was Miss Margaret
F. Geitner of Humboldt County. Max
Spiers was best man and Miss L. Finck
was maid of honor. Outside of these
four, the clergyman and near relatives
of the contracting parties no one knew
that Mr.. Marks was thinking OF getting
married, SO the news came as surprise
to everybody on change yesterday. ABE"
is very popular among the merchants and
shipping men, and he will receive many
hearty congratulations when he returns
to duty.
Mr.. Marks is native son, being the
son of Michael Marks, one of the pio-
neers. His wife belongs to a prominent
Jewish family in Humboldt. She is a
graduate of the Normal School and for
six years has been teaching school in
Eureka. The happy couple will make
their home in San Francisco.
The wedding of John w. Brooks CT Chi
cago and Miss Winifred Cole was cele-
brated al the residence of the brides pa
rents Mr.. and Mrs. Foster Cole, 10Y
Cough street. yesterday afternoon. The
immediate families and limited number
of personal friends being present. Mr..
Brooks is well known in business circles
in this city and is a prominent member of
the Press and Union League Clubs. he
has but recently moved to Chicago. His
California Furniture Company. Imme-
diately after the ceremony the young
couple took q train for Chicago, where
they will make their home.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
COMFORT FOR CHINESE
DEALERS IN SLAVES
JUDGE DE HAVEN MAKES AN
IMPORTANT RULING.
Attempts to Land Mongolians Are
Not Punishable Unless The
Attempts Succeed.

United States District Judge de Haven
made ruling in the shape of an instruc-
ton to the United States Grand Jury
which will have an important bearing
upon the Chinese immigration matter, and
has caused joy among the hghbinders
He has practically decided that 1t is not
punishable for coolie brokers to attempt
to land Chinese Illegally, if the attempt
fail
There are two cases before the Grand
Jury which will be dismissed because of
that ruling-one that of Clerk Brown, at
one time engaged In the law office of NJ
M. Foote, and the other that of Snew
Hon. Both these men were caught while
in the act of delivering to Chinese immi-
grants letters of instructions as to the
statements they should make to the Chi
nese Bureau. The persons to whom these
letters were addressed were denied land
ing, and Brown and SheW Hon were ar
rested. Their counsel raised the conten-
ton that as the attempt to land the men
had failed, no crime had been committed.
The following is the courts instructions
in full:
Gentlemen of the Grand Jury: I have had
under consideration the following question
submitted by YOU
Under Section II of the act entitled An
act to amend an act entitled An act to exc
cute certain treaty stipulations relating to
Chinese, approved May s, 1882 approved July
and abet an attempt to land a Chinese person
who is not lawfully entitled to enter the United
The section referred to in your question pro-
vides
Section 11-That any person who shall
knowingly bring into to be
brought into the United States by
land, who shall aid or abet the same, aid
and abet the landing in the United States from
any vessel, of any Chinese person not lawfully
entitled to enter the United States. shall be
deemed guilty of misdmeanor and shall on
conviction thereof. be fined in sum not ex-
ceeding $1,000. and imprisoned for term not
exceeding year
opinion. i
offense Of aiding or abetting the landing in the
United States is not complete until such Chi
nese person has with the aid of the person
charged been PERMITTED to enter the United
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
DOES COURT
RUN LEES OR
LEES RUN COURT
Confiscates Nickel-in-
Slot Machines.
A JUDGES ORDER DISOBEYED
THE CHIEF MAY BE CITED TO
APPEAR FOR CONTEMPT.
Four Poolroom Men Arrested on
Warrants and Immediately
Released on Their Own
Recognizances.
A JUDGES ORDER DIs0BEYED
THE CHIEF MAY BE CITED TO
APPEAR FOR CONTEMPT.

Chief Lees is threatened with a suit for
damages IN connection with his seizure
and detention of nickel-in-the-slot ma
chimes which are used, as he claims, for
purely gambling purposes.
Charles Propfe, proprietor of q saloon
at 1882 Market street, was tried before
Justice of the Peace Barry, acting for
Judge Conlan, yesterday morning for
having one of these machines in his sa-
loon. After hearing the evidence the
acting Judge dismissed the case. Attor-
ney Reynolds, who appeared for the de-
PENDANT, asked the acting Judge for an
order for the return Of the machine and
the money contained therein. He was
referred to Chief Lees.
Reynolds waited upon the Chief and
made his demand. The Chief refused to
return the machine or money and fatty
told Reynolds that he intended to confs-
cate them all. Reynolds returned to the
court and notified Barry that the Chief
had refused to recognize his verbal order
and asked for written order.
Am / to understand asked Reynolds,
that the Chief of Police is running the
Police Courts, and are the Judges to be
subject to his dictation? l know from my
experience as prosecuting attorney in one
of the courts that Chief Lees wants to
dictate to the officers of the court what
they should do, but it is about time that
cannot run the courts to suit his whims.
Barry said he was not a regular officer
Of the court and was not in a position to
say what should be done, but he would
think over the matter until this morning
If the court should grant the written
order and the Chief should refuse to rec
ognize 1t, Reynolds will insist that the
Chief be arrested for contempt Of court.
If the written order is refused he will
probably bring a suit for damages against
the Chief
Chief Lees later said that he was de-
termined not to return the machines. II
have been doing so In the past" he said,
land they were Immediately used for the
same illegal purpose again. Let the
courts decide whether 1 am right or
wrong in the stand | am taking. These
machines come under the category of
gambling devices, and are different from
the machines used for merchandise. If
the man putting in a nickel wins he is
either paid In money or in checks for
drinks. That is where the gambling
comes in. l have been attacked by the
press for not stopping gambling, and
when I attempt to stop 1t l am baked in
different ways.
Take the peolroom men as an illustra-
ton. The Police Judges refused to issue
warrants, and I had to appeal to the
Merchants Association to help me. They
have been finally issued, but look at the
result Judge Treadwell issues the war
rants, and no sooner are the men arrested
than Judge Mogan releases them on their
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
A BURGLAR MEETS WITH A WARM RE-
CEPTI0N,
Got Away With Two Hundred Dollars Worth
of Property From ShreYe's Gun Store
on Market Street.

It was not until the store was opened
yesterday morning that the burglary was
discovered. One of the statesmen found
several blood spots on the showcase and
suspecting something wrong he started
an investigation. Going to the rear end
of the store he was surprised to find that
a hole had been cut through the floor and
that the wires attached to the store had
been destroyed He at once communi-
Gated with his employer, who lost no time
in notifying Chief Lees.
Two detectives were sent to make an
investigation, but beyond satisfying
themselves that the store had been en-
tered they found nothing that would lead
to the identity of the daring burglar
1t was first thought that the burglar
had familiarized himself with the prem
Uses to such an extent that he knew where
the secret wires lay, but this is denied by
ShreVe. He thinks the intruder, fearing
police interference if he broke open the
rear door, conceived the bold scheme Of
cutting his way in to the store. After
taking what booty he desired he left the
store by the rear door. A citizen who
was walking along Stevenson street
shortly after l o'clock on the morning of
the burglary says he saw a man leaving
the store. He wore a SLOUGH hat, which
was pulled down over his eyes, and
seemed TO walk with limp The police
are satisfied that he is the individual who
entered the store.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
NEW CABLE FOR THE PACIFIC
Manufacturers Urge That It Be Con-
structed in America.

A meeting of the board of directors
Of the Manufacturers and Producers As
ISOLATION was held in the Mills building
yesterday afternoon. Among the promi-
nent matters discussed was the contem-
plated cable to be laid between the
United States and its recently acquired
possessions in the Philippines. 1t was re-
solved by the directors to request Cali
fornia's Congressional delegaatdioona;; in CON
has been offered by the Government, to
urge the passage of a, bill authorizing the
laying of such cable, which shall con-
tain a provision that the cable used in
its construction shall be made in the
United States and by American manu-
facturers.
Recommendations were also made for
the pure foods bill now before Congress
and also upon the bill prohibiting inter-
state traffic of convict labor products
The directors urged the passage of both
bills, and will communicate their resoIu-
ton to the States representatives in
Washington.
A Sbarboro and J. P. Currier were ap-
pointed as committee to meet with the
California Miners Association and dis
cuss matters pertinent to the conserva.
ton of water in California.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
.BRICKLAYERS
i. SAY THEY HAVE
BEEN DEFRAUDED
Thos. Fitzgerald Sues
Bateman Bros.
THEY REFUSE TO PAY HIM
ANOTHER CROOKED SCHEME IN
THE HALL OF JUSTICE.
Stiles, a sub-Contractor, Demands
20. Receipts for Unpaid Wages
49, in Order to Secure
Money.
THEY REFUSE TO PAY HIM
ANOTHER CROOKED SCHEME IN
THE HALL OF JUSTICE.

A suit will be commenced in Justice Of
the Peace Cooks court this morning by
Thomas Fitzgerald, a bricklayer, recently
employed on the new Hall of Justice,
against Bateman Bros, the contractors.
The purpose of the suit is to recover
1857 70 for work done on the new munich
pal building on Washington and Kearny
streets. the claim to which Bateman
Bros. dispute on the ground that they
never employed Fitzgerald, although he
worked for over eighteen months under
their indirect supervision. Fitzgerald
maintains that the contractors are in
league with their foreman and sub-Con-
tractor William Stiles to defraud the nine
teen or more masons who We're employed
on the new building.
a.: 'Bateman Bros. have refused repeat
eddy to acknowledge me as being in their
employ" said Fitzgerald yesterday, in
outlining the crooked work of his en-
ployers when 1 asserted M claim they
referred me to Stiles, who res dsed to as
slime the responsibility, telling me that I
would have to see the principal contract
ors if l expected to get any money.
knowing that this was simply a trick be-
tween Stiles and Bateman Bros, 1 finally
came to the conclusion, after almost beg
ging them to give me the money coming
to me, that the only hope 1 had was in a
lawsuit"
This refusal to pay Fitzgerald is but one
cited instance of many where the men
have worked on the Hall of Justice for
nothing. Several others tell precisely the
same story. Fitzgerald claims that he was
discharged simply because he would not
Egn a receipt in advance for money to be
afterward paid on that receipt. In speak
ing Of his dismissal from the employ of
Bateman Bros. he said:
"Stiles demanded receipts from all the
% full
amount due them, giving as an excuse that
he was simply asking favor of US that
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11

m HE police are searching for burglar
who is supposed to have been wound
Sd: ed after breaking into the store of
George w. Shreve at 739 Market
street al an early hour yesterday morning.
Shreve carries a varied assortment OF
sporting goods, and to outwit the mid
night marauder he had a number of
wires placed in his store which were con-
nected with various bells. But one Of the
wires was also attached to loaded re-
volver. which was placed in such a posi-
zion as to cover the Stevenson-street
entrance TO the place.
Shortly after midnight Monday the
burglar. for whom the police are search
ing, cut his way into the store and in
doing so destroyed the wire which was
attached to gong over the front entrance.
After entering the store the nocturnal
visitor stepped on the secret wire at
tached to the loaded revolver. The
weapon was Immediately discharged, and
from the fact that blood stains were
found on the showcases the police are
convinced that the burglar was wounded
by the discharge
Evidently determined to rob the store
anyway. the desperate crook broke open
several showcases and assisted himself
to d miscellaneous assortment of pistols
and knives, which are valued at $500.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
F1y-casting Club Entertainment.

The San Francisco Fly Casting Club
gave delightful entertainment lasc
evening in the rooms of the Olympic Gun
Club. The star number on the programme
was the reading of paper by Judge John
Hunt.
Judge Hunt is Justly famous as the
humorist of the club, and his many
bright thoughts on the subject of ang-
ling kept his listeners in good humor for
nearly half an hour. Despite the fact
that the innocent sport of casting line
is regarded as a pastime and a pleasure
there are instances-and the Judge re-
lated many-when a single trout has been
secured at the expense of much bartering,
energy and inconvenience. His Honor
cracked number of jokes at the ex-
pense of local sportsmen, principal among
whom was his friend and fishing compan-
ion, Mr.. Vogelsang. who is to be married
to-day.
The other prominent feature of the en-
tertainment was the singing of the Olym-
pic Gun Club Quartet, composed Of Frank
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
California schuetzen Club.

The California Schuetzen Club at a
meeting held last night elected the fol-
lowing officers to serve the current year:
President, Philo Jacoby; vice president,
secretary, William holden; second secre-
tary, Charles Sagehorn; first shooting
master ,LIangebT ,r see6na snooring mas
Utschig Sr.; trustees. L. c. Babin, A.
Jungblut. H. Gumbel; finance committee.
A. L. OFT, William Ehrenpfort. Charles
Simon; directors, John Utschig Sr., l.. c.
Babin, Otto Bumeister, D. W. McLaugh-
lin, o. Bremen, F. A. Kuhls, Jhilo Jacoby.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
In the Divorce Courts.

Ella A. hoffman has sued George Noll-
man for a divorce, alleging failure to
provide. Suits for divorce on the ground
of desertion have been filed by Jennie M.
Van de Grift against Ebert Van de Grift.
and Sarah E. Coburn against w. H. CO.
burn. DEGREES of divorce on the ground of
cruelty have been granted Josephine
Drolet from Thomas NJ. Drolet and Marie
Z. Fromberg from Burnett Fromberg
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
Musicians Installation.

The annual meeting of the Musicians
Mutual Protective Union will be held to-
morrow afternoon and reports of officers
for the past year submitted The follow
ing newly elected officers will be in
stalled: F. Dellepiane, president; Leo
Bruck, vice president; S. Davis, secretary;
Theodore Eisfeldt. treasurer; trustees, M
NJ. Blum, j. Stress, /. Franck; executive
committee, F. Borgel, p. Johannsen, /.
Fenster, NJ. Davis, w. Mahood, E. Siegle,
c. Dickman A Paulsen.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
Veteran Firemen of1cers

At an annual election of the Veteran
Volunteer Ffremen's Association of Cali
fornia held last evening the following
officers were chosen: President. Stephen
Bunner; first vice president. George
Carlisle; second vice president, William
II. Miller; third vice president, Thomae
Cornell; recording secretary, James
Pennycook; financial secretary, John
Williams; treasurer, William Fahrenkrug
directors, James McElroy Morris M
Baker, Charles H. Okel; trustees. Rich
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
Pacific Lodge 7. O. O. E.

The following named have been elected Off
GERS of Pacific Lodge. Independent Order OF
B'ne Birth. for the ensuing term: L. Enrich,
monitor; ]. Schweitzer, president; Herman
Harris. vice president; Jacob Cans, secretary;
J. Newman, treasurer: T. Stoltz. assistant
monitor P. Harris. warden: l. Cans, outside
guard; Henry Schwartz, d. Davis L. Ehrlich,
trustees; DR.. Marc Newman, examining physi-
clan; H. Schwartz, l.. Ehrlich, William Geist
D. Davis and ]. Newman, representatives to
the Grand Lodge.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11

Thompson, Ben Tarbox, William O'Brien
and Charles Henley. Maurice Kramer
presided at the piano.
This is the last club meet of the ang
lers. After this time they propose to get
In trim for a series of f1y-casting contests,
which will occur during February.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11

own recognizances. although the cases
how the Judges balk our efforts to punish
these men who are charged with gam
bling"
Four poolroom men-John Smith, Fourth
street; Frank Montgomery. John Conlev
and John A. Barr, Stevenson street-were
arrested yesterday on warrants issued by
Judge Treadwell, and all were released on
their own recOgniZances by Judge Mogan.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
Morrison Not Missing

DR.. Morrison of the Receiving Hospital
staff, who was reported as missing, has
turned up. He claims. that he was attend
ing a sick relative who lives in Oakland
Morrison is incensed over the publication
that he had mysteriously disappeared. He
claims that his relatives knew he was in
the city across the bay.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
The Hearst Libel Suit.

Judge Mogan intended to deliver his
decision in the libel suit Of Claus Spreck-
els against W. r. Hearst of the Examiner
yesterday, but continued it for a week,
as he was not ready.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-01-11
Mourning Stationery.

There is no change in the styles this
season of blackbordered papers The
same conventional sizes prevail. Messrs.
Cooper & Co. show all the leading makes
and make to order any desired sizes.