davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
Confession of Robbers.

Jonesboro, Dec. 16. - Mention was
made in your correspondents letter of
yesterday that Sheriff j. 1. Hawkins
had returned from Knoxville Friday
night, bringing with him one Charlie,
alias Yardley, Sears, arrested at Knox
vile on suspicion of completely in the
robbery of the First National bank of
Jonesboro November "a, 1900.
When Sears was brought before r. A.
Shipiey, Esq, he waived preliminary
examination. and failing to give bond
was taken back to Jail, where Shel III
Hawkins soon induced him to confess
or tell about the bank robbery. Ed
Wilson, who was sentenced to the pen
itentiary this weed for eight years for
robbing the bank, stealing a horse,
saddle and over coat, had already con.
fessed to the sheriff and had told where
his pal could be found.
The story in brief, as told by them, is
as follows:
They left Knoxville Sunday, Nov
1S, and came up into this upper Ten
nessee country. Thursday night, Nov
%, they attempted to rob the bank a
Elizabethton Then stole horse an(
buggy and came on down into thii
county, leaving the horse and buggy
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
Jail on Fire.

Elizabethton, Dec. 1S.--At 12 o'clock
Sunday night, the keeper of the county
Jail here was aroused by the half.stifl-
ed cries of "A prisoner calling for help.
On investigation, the iailer found that
the prisoners cell was filed to suffoca
tion with smoke, and at once realized
that the Jail was on fire. Help was
summoned, and after two hours hard
work the fire was extinguished. The
fire originated in a defective Aue in a
cell on the first floor, occupied by two
female prisoners, and the smoke es'
capped into the cell on the second floor,
where the prisoner who gave the alarm
was confined. The name Of the pris'
oner who discovered the fire is john
Phipps lie was awaiting the March
term of the circuit court on charge Of
tipping. He took advantage of tho
excitement created by the fire ant
made his escape.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
lanes D. Richardson.

Representative Richardson, of Ten
nessec, lna been the NEST heartily con
graduated man in the house of reme-
sentatives at this session. He did HE
work well in the last campaign, but it
is not for that that members press
around him with the glad hand. lie is
literally. ms well rs in name, the lead
ing Free Mason in the United States,
since the lamented death of Thomas
Hubbard Caswell, Sovereign Grand
Commander Of the Ancient and Ac.
copied Scottish Rite of Freemasouary.
Mr.. Richardson has been Lieutenant
Crank Commander, and now succeeds
10 Mr.. Caswell'J Masonic station. II
is a life position, whirh Mr.. Richard.
sou is splepdidly qualified to fill, both
by reason of his exalted position in
public life and his long prominence in
Masonic circles.
A very large portion Of senators and
members are affiliated with the Mason.
ic fraternity, and most of them are Ma
sous of high degree, but it will be-
probably many years before the success
sor Of Albert Pike and Caswell, wht
Represented the pinnacle OF that ancieu
order, will likewise be one Of the mel
in Congrets. - Washington Post
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

The republicans of the ways and
means committee received two defeats
while the house was sitting as COM
mittee OF the whole to consider amend
ments to the revenue reduction bill.
The house by vote of "a to IS defeat
ed the committee amendment, abolish
ing one sixth and e-eighth beer bar
rels, on the ground that it was dis
elimination against the small brewers
Of the county, and by vote OF 1O6 to SO,
adopted an amendment, proposed by
Representative H. O. Smith, of Michi-
gan, requiring oil railroad and express
companies to make sworn statements
monthly OF their business and to pay
one cent tax for each bill of lading and
receipt issued. Later the committee
assisted by Senator Pistt, OF N. Y,
who is president Of one of the big ex.
press companies, rallied its forces and
got the latter amendment struck OuI
Just before the final vote was taken
passing the bill.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

Senator Allen, Of Nebraska, has pro-
posed an amendment to the Ship Sub
sidy bill, authorizing payment OF boun-
ties on agricultural products exported.
The amounts named being, ten cents
bushel on wheat; fifty cents barrel
on wheat -four; ten cents bushel on
rye; fifty cents o barrel on rye -four;
five cents bushel on corn; seven cents
per GENITAL on ground corn; one cent
pound on cotton; two cents pound on
hops, and two cents pound on tobac-
co. There is, of eoursseno probability
that Senator Aliens amendment will
be adopted, but he, and many Others,
regard the proposition as on the same
footing with the object aimed at by the
ship-subsidy bill, so far as principle is
concerned, and being o much better
way to give away public money, because
It would be more widely distributed.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
One of Them Might.

A certain doctor. when only begin
ner in practice, had occasion to attend
trial as witness. The opposing
counsel in cross-eyamining the young
doctor made several sarcastic remarks,
doubling the ability OF 80 young a man
to understand the profession.
'Do you know the symptoms of con-
cussion of the brain?"
II do" replied the doctor.
"Well," continued the attorney,
suppose my learned friend, Mr.. Bag.
ing, and myself were to bank our heads
together, should we get conclusion Of
the brain?"
"Your learned friend, Mr.. Baging,
might" was the reply San Francisco
Wave.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

tFrom the Banker aud TIadesman, Nov II,
I9Oc.l
Editor Banker and Trademan:
notice your article headed "Cheap
Life Insurance." on page 02s of the
Banker and Tradesman of Oct. "a,
1900, and write to ask you if you will
investigate and lot me know concerning
the Royal Arcanum. would also like
to have your answer to my inquiry
published in your paper in the same
way as you published the article in
reference to the American Legion of
Honor. l am member of the Royal
Arcanum and would like to get some
information from what would appear to
be a disinterested source.
Boston, Nov. /, 1900. W. s.
The above is one of number of sim
liar inquiries made by members of the
Royal Arcanum in answer to which the
following facts are presented:
1t was organized in 1877, and is,
therefore, one of the oldest of the fra
ternal companies. 1t was one of the
first of the older societies to recognize
the fact that fraternal beneficiary
organization must provide some form
OF surplus, and in May, 1893, it was
voted to establish an emergency
fund" 1t is provided by making
small increase to the assessments which
1t would be necessary to call from each
member, in order to meet current death
losses. For example, under the rates
IN force up to August, 1893, eighteen
assessments q year were necessary to
meet all death losses. To this number
three additional assessments were ad-
ded for the emergency fund, and the
total sum represented by 81 assessments
Is divided by twel to arrive at the
amount OF the monthly payments. 1t
was expected that the increase thus
made in the assessment of each men,
Der would cause temporary falling off
in membership, but the actual loss was
much less than had been expected. Iu
1893, the year in which the society be-
gan to accumulate an emergency fund,
there was loss of about G,O0O mem
bers. This is the only year in which a
loss has been shown. Last year there
was gain of about 1900 members,
and on Oct. 81, 1900, there was a total
membership of 2O5,62 or a gain of
nearly $4,000 for the ten months of this
year. 1t would thus seem that the So
ciety has already felt whatever i'll
effectsmight be expected on account OF
the increased assessments. Outside of
this improvement in membership its
finances have been strengthened by
the addition of surplus, which on
Oct. 81 was 81, 260,s3O
In the case of the Legion of Honor il
was shown that in ten years the mem
bership had fallen from SO, 574 to IS, 1874
or loss in round numbers of $4,000
Taking the membership of the Roya
Arcanum for the same period, il i,
found that from 1890 to 1897 it gained
at the average rate of more than II 90,
: members year. The falling off il
: 1898 has been explained. Figures fol
the current year, with two months We
: to be reported, are larger than the ay
erage from 1890 to 1897. 1t thus ap
l pears that the radical step taken il
t 1893 has resulted in an Improvement il
r both finances and membership. Tn,
: society's books show that all claims
against it are paid promptly, and al
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

The lecture last Saturday evening by
Hon. Homer t. Wilson was pleasant
surprise to the large and cultured au-
dience in attendance. Mr.. Wilson was
to deliver the third lecture in The
"Group Of Stars" course provided by
Manager De Long Rice. and was an
unknown quantity SO far as our people
were concerned. That condition exists
now no more forever. He came, he
lectured and he captivated his hearers.
His lecture filed the Opera House, and
his sermon Sunday night at the Chris
tian Church attracted such congrega-
ton that hundreds we're unable to get
even standing room.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

All the Powers have now agreed to
the terms to he imposed upon China as
preliminary to negotiations for peace.
The terms require the death penalty to
be inflicted upon Princes Tuan and
Chuang and six others named, aud 9TH
ers to be named later, the payment of a
just indemnity, the right of a perma-
nent legation guard, the razing OF the
Taku fort and others between the sea
and Pekin, The right Of occupying GER
tain ports andthe making of such com.
mercial treties as the Powers may die
tate.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

The centennial anniversary of the es-
Enlistment of the seat OF Federal Gov
eminent in the District Of Columbia
was celebrated with elaborate ceremo-
nies at Washington. The exercises be-
gan with q reception at the white house,
attended by many distinguished officials
and by governors of more than half of
the states. This was followed by civic
and military parade from the White
House to the Capital, which was re-
viewed by President Mckinley. At the
neutrality-suspicious. addresses most
ly historic in nature were delivered by
congressman j. d. Richardson and
Serene E. Payne and by Senators Nc
Comas, Daniel and Hoar. A reception
by the President to the Governors of
the states at the Oorcoran Art Gallery
last night closed the celebration.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
cOmptrOllsr,s Report.

Nashville, Dec. 1.-THE state comp
troller to day completed compiling the
tax aggregates of the different counties
of the state, showing the valuation of
property in the state.
The report is one Of much encourage
men, and shows healthful increases.
For the state at large the total valua-
tion is $40, 1863. 14S; state tax, $1,s91,-
255,O6. For 1899, total value, $9OS, ia, :
955; state, 81. ,5O1.77. Increase for
1900, $40. 754.2s.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
BRlGHT'S DISEASE AND DIABETES.
The American Chemical Co.. ST, Louis, Mo.

first sheet is the calendar yroper, as it
contains the entire twelve months cal
endar dates grouped within the plaque,
with o background OF royal purple.
The other four designs contain figures
typifying Morning" Noon, eve
ming" and might" modelled in colors
appropriate to the time OF day repre-
scented. aud bossed on relief plaques,
set against rich plush mats Of silvery
blue, bright apple green, rich peacock
blue and deep crimson. The four
plaques have no lettering whatever to
mar their artistic beauty, and are de-
signed expressly for decorative pnr-
poses. Each of tie five scots has a
separate hanger. which can be retained
or removed, so that the plaques and
calendar can be used singly or together,
framed, or unframed, to decorate your
home in an almost endless variety OF
ways which your ingenuity and artistic
taste will suggest. It's impossible to
describe the rich coloring, exquisite
beauty and superb decorative effect at
tanned in Fairbanks Fairy calendar
for 1901. It must be seen to be appre-
ciated. Don't fail to obtain copy
Superior to many calendars offered in
the art stores for $1.OO. The N. X.
Fairbank Company, Chicago, ILL.,, will
send this elegant calendar free on re-
ceipt of your name, address and seven
two-cent stamps tn cover simply the
postage and mailing.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

From being the Czar Of the house to
being unknown to member of the
house is quite a plunge for man to
take inside of two years, but the drop
has been made by Hon. Thomas
Bracket Reed, whose law practice now
includes a little congressional lobby
ing. Mr.. Reed was just coming out Of
the house when Representative Cromer
Of Indiana, asked one of tho door-keep-
ers, who that fat man was. Such is
fame.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
Bachelor Reflections,

Love will find a way il its on the way
out.
In order to be patriotic, women have
first got to make patriotism into a fad.
A mans idea Of woman is. theoreti-
cal; woman's idea Of man in intuitive.
Whenever woman sees q telegram
coming, she feels for her heart strings.
Nothing catches woman qnicAer
than q runaway match, unless it is
deathbed repentance.
A mau's revenge on woman for not
having him is to go and tell her all
about his next love affair.
A really brave man is the one who
has the nerve to marry girl after, DO
hears her spy she takes cold bath ev-
cry morninR
No matter how big a brute he liz,
nothing but surgical operation would
convince the average woman that her
husbands heart wasn't full OF affection
for her. New York Press.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

Secretary Root wants TO do all the
lobbying himself that Is done by the
war Department. consequently he has
sent circular letter to the army officers
who are at the head of bureaus In that
department, calling their attention to
army regulation. efforts to influence
legislation affecting the army should
never be made except through regular
military channels" and directing that
oil communications that army officers
desire sent to congress shall be forward
cd through him.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20


near Sam Kiplinger's, ON this side of
the river, and about n mile from EN-
breeville, where they spent Sunday,
the gath Late Saturday afternoon
they came to Jonesboro, and after
twelve o'clock that night made an at
tempt to blow open the safe with nitro
glyeerine, but, somehow, it failed to
explode, although he tried it with dyna-
mite three or four times. He finally
gave it up, and was gathering up the
loose change he found in box in the
vault when Mr.. Molten fred his pistol,
which alarmed them and they left.
Wilson stole horse belonging to Mrs.
Cummings and saddle and overcoat be-
longing to j. Fl, Peoples, and rode out
to Chucky river and across Deaderiek's
bridge, and was going down the river
road when he was captured. 1t is said
Wilson lived for time on Shelton
Laurel, in North Carolina, when his
name was Ray. Wilson was really 60
ing in the direction OF Sheltod Laurel
when captured. Gould he have gone
on down the river few more miles he
would have been in Mauk's district, at
the foot Of the "Big Butt" mountain,
over which there is good road leading
via Cold Spring, from which point he
could easily have reached Shelton
Laurel.
Sears left Jonesboro afoot aud going
down the railway track, hid in the
woods Sunday, then tramped to Green
vile, where he boarded a freight train
for Knoxville.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
Royal Arcanum Makes Good Showing L.
cally.

Cdliy.
Johnson City Council. No. 1868,
Royal Arcanum, met last Monday
night and initiated two applicants and
received one new application. This
makes total net gain of eleven new
members for the local council in 1900
with three applications pending, and
makes total membership of &c. There
has not been suspension during the
year nor loss by death since the
council was instituted in 1895. This
has been prosperous year for tho or
der generally. On Nov. 31st the total
membership was 2O6. S59, a net increase
for eleven months of 1881. The fol-
lowing officers were elected Monday
night for the ensuing year:
Regent, Geo.. F. Campbell; Vice
Regent, J. W. Boring; Orator, H. d.
Gump; Treasurer, f. D. Houston
Collector, L. Armbrust; Secretary, H.
W. Lyle; Chaplain, NJ. +, Hodge,
Guide, W. s. Mitchell; Warden, E. D.
Jobe; Sentinel, W. B. Crouch; Trustee
for three years, G. W. Sitton; Repre-.
sentation TO Grand Council, L. Arm,
brust, II. w. Lyle, alternate.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
Bryan Will Embark IN the Newspaper
Business.


Business.
Lincoln, Neb., Dec. 15.-William J.
Bryan gave out the following interview
today:
II have for several years had in con-
temptation the establishment Of q week
ly newspaper and this seems an oppor-
tune time for undertaking it. 1 intend
to devote my life TO study and discus
sion Of public questions. have taken
this method because it will best accom-
plish the purpose which IhaYe in view.
Through paper / will be able to keep
in touch with social, economic and po-
litical problems. The paper will at the
same time. II successful, provide an in
come sufficient for my pecuniary needs
and the work will allow me more time
with my family than ! have been able
to enjoy for several years past.
IT expect to lecture occasionally,
especially in college towns where I can
speak to students, but my principal
work will be done with the pen or per-
haps / should say with the pencil.
''The paper will be called the Com
moner and will defend the principles
set forth in the Kansas City platform.
1 shall be publisher and editor and
Lincoln will be the place Of publica.
ton"
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
Not q Dam for q Dinner.

Representative Gaines, Of Tennessee
told the Committee ON Rivers and Har-
bors that by damning the Tennessee
River much good would result to the
citizens OF his state. After he had fin
ished his argument he turned to Rep.
resentatives Berry and Alexander and
said:
snow, gentlemen, won'tyou go down
stairs and have lunch with me?"
"Not much," retorted Col. Berry.
"We don't give dam for q dinnerl'
New York World.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

We have just received a copy of Fair
banks FAIRY Calendar for 1901, which
is one Of the most beautiful and artistic
calendars we have ever seen. 1t con-
tists of FIVE designs, one on each sheet,
size 104 124 inches, elegantly lithC-
graphed in beautiful colors and gold,
on extra heavy plate stock, The de-
signs, by the celebrated artist, W. ID.
McEntee, represent handsomely decor
ated Dresden china plaques, on rich
plush backgrounds, no two alike. The
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

The last issue of the Robertson Coun-
ty News, published at Springfield,
Tenn, contains 10 pages of splendid
matter on toned paper relative to the
city and county 1t reflects credit
upon. II was 0 great Issue.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

A negro in Washington who sued
the management of an opera-house for
$4,000 for forcibly eiecting him re-
ceived cent. He now has more scents
than he had.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
JERE WON OUT.

Nashville Voted in Favor of the New
Railroad Proposition Saturday.
Nashville, Dec. 17.--By a vote of 8,
III to 934, the city Of Nashville decid-
cd on Saturday in favor Of the PROPOSE
ton to subscribe $1,OO0;0OO to the CAPT
tai stock of the Nashville, Florence &
Northern railroad. which is projected
to connect with the Illinois Central Of
Litchfeld, Ky. President Jere Baxter
of the projected road, promises to com.
mence the survey at once.
The movement met with some very
determined opposition, and is likely
that the whole case may even yet be
put to test in the courts.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

Although the army reorganization
bill has not yet been reported from the
state committee on military affairs, Snd
Is not likely TO be until after the Christ
mas recess, which will be from De-
cember 81 until January 8, the repub-
licans are already swooping down on
Mr.. Mckinley with demands Of prom
ises Of appointments that will be made
when that bill becomes law, and it ia
said that some republican senator's have
intimated to him that they would mol
allow the bill to go through unless theil
demans for pap are met.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

Judge Sneed of East Tennessee is
about the only Judge on earth who
would have the nerve to set aside q de-
olson Of the Supreme Court Of the Uni
ted States regarding the Tennessee ci-
garette Law. He must think he is the
County Court. Memphis Commercial
Appeal.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

Senator Hanna is getting alarmed
about the ship subsidy bill, which he
said at the beginning of the session he
would get through the senate before
the holiday recess. He has changed his
mind.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
A. Democratic Gain.

Grosvener of Ohio and Champ Clark
of Missouri met yesterday for the first
time since the they engaged in a joint
debate OF the Mountain Lake Park.
"HeIlo, Champl" said Grosveuer.
chow did you get through the cam
paign?" M
"Splendidly," replied Clark. 81
gained twenty-five pounds"
'Well," commented Grosyener, "I
congratulate you. That is The first
Democratic gain of which I have heard, "
Washington Post.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

DIR. BULLS COUGH SYRUP
cures any case Of bronchitis, lung af-
lection and and grippe. Physicians
prescribe this reliable remedy, and
druggists recommend it; because it
never fails 10 cure, and costs but csc.
bottle.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

This is a month of marriages aud rn-
mors Of marriages.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
Johnson City has made a net increase
of asa in population. Hurrah for us.

If old Grover were president, Sails
bury would hear something drop about
hat Nicarauga canal business. Com
mercial-Appeal.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

examination of its affairs made year
ago by the insurance departments Of
Missouri and Michigan showed them
to be in good condition. The change
made in 1898 practically put the society
in different class from the ordinary
fraternals, and brought it nearer to the
plan of the old-time companions, which
are generally supposed to be able to
live indefinitely.
Below will be found statement of
the condition of the Emergency Fund,
mentioned in the above article, on No
vember 80. twill be observed that
the Supreme Trustees have purchased
1868, 900 worth of United States bonds
drawing per cent. interest and due
in 1925. These bonds cost 81, 246, 797. 90
and are worth 81. 3S today, making their
present value $l,315, $4,000, or over
$40, 900 more than the total fund with
$48, 907 81 yet not invested, making
the total fund really 81, 1854 900 in round
numbers. In the Widows and Or
phan's Benefit Fund, from which only
death losses are paid there is an excess
of current resources amounting to
$4O4. $50 63. By adding this to the
Emergency Fund balance it will be
seen that the Royal Arcanum has the
enormous amount of 81, 76S, 606 more
than it needs to pay death losses, all of
which ia a guarantee that the present
rate of assessment can and will be main
tanned through life. II Ed. COMET.
EMERGENCY FUND.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20
DR. RurT,s cOuGH syR1rI

DIR. BULLS COUGH SYRUP
will prove quick and sure cure for
Group. Mothers, when your children
are attacked with this dreadful disease,
you can depend on this marvellous rem
edy. 1t never fails to cure at once.
Price 90 cents.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

When you want prompt acting little
pills that never grippe use DeWitt's Lit
tie Early Risers. City Drug Store.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1900-12-20

DeWitt's Little Early Risers are the
best liver pills ever made. Easy to
take and never grippe. City Drug Store.