davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening journal., 1900-07-31
NEGRO'S MURDER
MOST MYSTERIOUS
Autilated Body Found Buried
in a Straw Stack
NAY BIZ WOMAN IN THE CASE
Thought That Roberts Vas De-
coycd to tho Stack by Her
and Killed
NAY Be WOMAN IN THE CASE

Centreville Nd, July 91.-solomon
Roberts. the trusted colored servant Of
Otho II. Williams. who resides at the
Hermitage on Chester river. was muir
dered On the Hermitage farm Friday
night OF last week by some unknown
person His body was found yesterday
about noon buried in a straw stack.
with his skull crushed The wound
was inflicted by a blunt instrument.
The scalp was cut on the left side. the
wound being about five inches long and
reaching 10 the bone. This cut was
evidently made by q sharp instrument
Friday night Solomon Roberts left
the kitchen of the Hermitage residence
at about 9 O'Clock and started toward
his hOuse-about 150 yards distant
whistling. When he reached the wood
pile il was noticed that he ceased
whistling On Saturday morning, when
Roberts failed to make his appearance
at breakfast time, search was made
He being a favOrite servant, unusual
efforts were made to find him. A mes
|senger was dispatched to every steam
boat landing and railroad depot in the
vicinity to see if he had left. Yester-
day the creek adjoining the farm was
dragged for the body Every hand on
the farm-abOut 20 in number-i0lned
lin the search To-day about noon the
attention of the women servants of the
house was called TO some buzzards fly
ing over some old straw stacks Search
was made in that quarter, where it was
discovered that an arm of a man was
prOtruding from the straw. A messen-
ger was at once dispatched TO Centre
Vile TO notify the sheriff A jury was
summoned, and with Coroner j. w. w.
Wodford and States Attorney Harper,
they proceeded to the Hermitage farm.
IA. II. Wright was selected as foreman.
Roberts was lying in the side of the
stack, with his left arm protruding,
whivh was greatly swollen and had
been attacked by the buzzards. Charles
E. Moore, the overseer on the farm,
stated that ne was around the straw
stacks yesterday and saw no evidence
of the man. The negroes gathered
around but refused to talk or to give
any opinion.
The coroner examined all Of the en-
ployes on the farm. and all Of them
stated that Roberts never had an
enemy to their knowledge. The sheriff
Evening journal., 1900-07-31

been seen ia company with young
man IN the park at MOnza near where
the king was in the habit of riding.
After his arrest he appeared wake
ful and nervous until about sunrise.
but from that time he slept soundly
until midday.
The royal carriage covered the dis
tance between the Gymnastic Society
clubhouse, where the crime was COM
mitted, and the royal villa, at fun
speed, requiring but three minutes.
The king expired on the way, and, al
though placed on a bed, was dead
when the doctors arrived.
Bressi is young, tall and swarthy. It
appears that he remained four days in
Prato ana two days at Bologna, after
which he came here.
When Queen Margherita arrived at
the villa it was still hoped that the
king would survive, and when the
truth was broken to her q heartrend-
ing scene ensued. Bursting into tears
she exclaimed:
1T is the greatest crime Of the cen
fury. Humbert was good and faithful.
No person could have loved his people
more. lie was one who bore in will
to none"
When the queens mother arrived
there was another affecting scene.
The assassin is strictly guarded in
prison. lie continues to preserve alb
solute indifference and took his meals
yesterday without any sign OF being
affected by his position A second
revolver was found on the public
stand I'm the gymnastic grounds.
The room where the embalming is
proceeding is already filled with low
ors. The queen herself placed a wreath
on the bier and knelt and prayed be-
nide the body, and, in spite Of the en-
treaties of the princes and princesses.
she refuses to quit the death chamber,
which is in charge of Count Jurri, the
late kings aide-de-camp.
King Humbert was born at Turin
March IA, 1914, and succeeded to the
throne on the death of his father
Victor Emmanuel. in 1873. Twice be-
fore attempts have been made on his
life, but he escaped injury each time
His successor. Victor Emmanuel,
Prince of Naples, was born Nov. II,
1863, and four years ago was mar
ried to Princess Helene, of Montenegro,
who is now "a years old. Their mar
riags was a love romance that inter-
ested all Europe.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31
CONGER WILL SETTLE
NODE OF PROCEDURE

Washington. July S1.-The effect OF
yesterdays news from China was TO
ireshen the hope that the government
can soon get in direct communication
with Minister Conger The mass OF
testimony as to his being alive as late
as the 22d inst is now SO great as 10
warrant the department in resuming
the consideration OF projects for the
future With an of its anxiety to get
Mr.. Conger and the Americans in Pekin
safely away the department is proceed
ing with proper caution and is by no
means disposed TO accept any proposi-
tion that would unduly ieopardize their
lives. Such might be the result Of an
onhand acceptance of the proposition
TO have the Chinese government deliver
the foreign ministers at Tien Tsin. for
It Is realized that the escort might he
overpowered by superior forces OF
Boxers on the way 10 the sea. The
state department has come to the con-
clusion that Mr.. Conger himself is the
best person 70 judge Of the conditions
under which his deliverance shall be
effected, and. therefore, il is again
looking to the Chinese government 10
place it in communication with Mr..
Conger In order that il may be advised
CONTINUED on Sixth PageO
Evening journal., 1900-07-31

statement regarding the matter.
II is an open secret among the en-
pioyes that there will be trouble should
the company reduce wages. The cut
seems general throughout the country.
and Charles II. Davis, Of Newport XIV.
vice-president Of the Amalgamated AS
sociation Of Iron and Steel Workers. is
credited with making the followine
statement:
There probably will be a strike OF "a
600 puddlers in the United States. They
demanded an increase Of from IS to
$500 tap, and the committees from
the unions and employers have failed
to agree The Independent mills are
willing to grant the demands. accord
ing to Davis but the others are not
ana II the demands are not granted
within two weeks, Davis declares
general strike viii be ordered"
While the iron workers in this city
nave not asked for any raise. 1t is said
that the action Of the Amalgamated
Association VIII affect them consider
ably
Evening journal., 1900-07-31

thoroughly searched the FIVE tenement
houses inhabited by colorcd people in
search of some clues. but none was to
DE found. Dr. James B0rdley was the
hrst witness summoned, and he stated
that the frontal bone of Roberts skull
had been crushed; that this wound
alone was sufficient 20 cause death.
that the scalp cut was not sufficient Go
cause death, and That his would was
made with q sharp instrument other
than razor.
Dr. Bodley left the house after the
inquest was held and went up TO the
mansion house and on his way found
an AK with blood on It. The AK was
taken In charge by the states attorney
who VIII send 1t to an expert to find
out if the blood Is that of q human
being. Whoever committed the crime
covered his tracks we'll
II is beliyed that there is woman
in the case. The opinion OF many IS
that Solomon Roberts was decoyed to
this straw stack by a woman and there
by pre-arrangement - murdered.
Others think that he was struck dead
within 40 yeards OF Mr. Williams door
and dragged and buried in the straw.
There is evidence that the body was
dragged. the skin being rubbed from
the hips, and there were bruises on the
body Yet there were no traces of
blood by the way.
An old colored woman residing in the
neighbOrhoOd stated that slfe heard a
team coming from the direction of the
farm at about midnight on the night of
the murder, going at very rapid gait
A colored man who works on the farm
stated that he closed the road gate on
Friday night. but on Saturday morning
IL was standing open. 10 was usually
closed. At $50 o'clock the jury adj
Journed to meet In Centreville at $50.
when they rendered a verdict Solomon
Roberts came to his death at the hands
of some unknown party or parties.
The murder Is arousing an unusual
amount OF interest from the fact that
Roberts was one Of the most highly
respected members Of his race I'm this
county
This is the first murder to take place
in Queen Anne's county since Samuel
Rash was shot dead in his house by an
unknown man, for which Thomas r.
Brown, at present q Baltimore mind
reader was arrested, tried and acQuit-
ted.
Roberts was 80 years Of age and well
educated for a negro The body was
taken in charge by an undertaken and
Will receive good interment When Rob
erts was last seen alive he had on his
person a gold watch together with his
pocketboOk
The Hermitage is one Of the oldest
and most valuable estates I'm Queen
Anne's county Mr.. Williams Is a
wealthy Baltimorean. who has retired
fom active life and makes this estate
his home.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31
Strenuous Efforts Have Been
Made to GET Ticket in
The Field First
AUGUST 4 and 20 MENTIONED
Statements AIlOat That Date Of August
% Has Been abandoned for
Nominating Purposes

There is a pleased look on the face.
'of the Republican leaders in Delaware
to-day for they apparently have forced
the Addlcksites to change the date OF
their state convention
Tho Addicksites believe the change
is their own secret for a day or two
but somebody who attended the meet
ing Of the Addicks State Committee
in Dover yesterday. and who was
pledged to secrecy. has leaked, and the
decision is now everybody's secret. al
though some Of the Addicks leaders
deny the change.
Some OF The Addicks men say the con-
vention win be held next Saturday
August and that the primaries will
be held on Friday, the day preceding
Others among them Dr. Layton. assert
that it viii be held on Monday, August
20, and that the primaries viii be held
on Saturday August is.
But nearly all agree that Thursday
August %. has been abandoned except
for the purpose Of holding a second
state convention to ratfy the ticket
nominated at the FIRST state conven.
ton.
The situation Is rendered all the
more ludicrous by the fact that the
Addlcksites in New Castle county can
hold no primaries for the election of
delegates prior TO August 23, on ac-
count OF the restrictions OF the new
primary election law and the delegates
elected in Kent and Sussex counties.
where that law does not apply. win
have TO scat set of dummy delegates
from this county TO an up the roll of
the so-callei state convention on Au-
gust 4 or 20, whichever date is selected.
The ostensible purpose Of the meet
ing Of the State Committee yesterday
was TO amend the call so as TO include
In the purposes Of the convention the
Evening journal., 1900-07-31

yersation with John Powers and Col
aen Ia reference to Goebel being killed
by 'Iallow Dick" Combs. IIe VA mo-. ,,,oa,
,....,y t.,seey IN the hall of tho legislative
,peiluihs ana fcutsey asked him to let
,lil INTO the Office. Witness did not
hho" why foutsey wanted 10 get i'm
in there. i'ii
Inc witness explained that the slim
OF paper found in his pocket when he
was arrested and which read: Powers
is our friend (Signed) W. S. TAYLOR
was given TO him on the morning Of
the' assassination to be taken to PEN
SION Agent Leslie Combs. at Louis-
vile, who had charge of the funds
with which the expenses of the contest
were being paid.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31
Body Of the Dead Sovereign
Is Embalmed
ASSASSIN STILL INDIFFERENT
Queen Margherita CharacterizeS His
Work as the Greatest Crime
Of The Century

Monza, July Slew additional de-
tails Of the assassination of King
Humbert are available. 1t happened
so quickly and unexpectedly that the
king was dead almost before the spec
tators realized what had occurred
No special precautions had been
taken. Very few police were in at
tendance. and only a small guard of
soldiers was keeping the way clear for
the carriage The king. amid the
cheers of the crowd, came out smiling.
accompanied by his aide-de-camp, Gen.
Ponzio Bagla.
The king had entered the carriage,
and was just driving off, when three
revolver shots were fired in quick sue
cession. Some witnesses assert that
Bressi was seen just previously wav-
ing his hands and cheering. The first
shot wounded the king in the neck;
the second, the fatal o.e, pierced his
heart, and the third broke the arm Of
the already dying sovereign.
The crowd was stunned by the un-
expected scene, but speedily a rush was
made toward the assassin. He did not
attempt to escape and was roughly
treated until the carbineers Termed a
Gordon and secured him from the fury
OF the people
An eye witness says Immediately af-
ter the shots were fired the king fell
back, pressing his hand to his heart.
He was instantly supported by Gen.
PonziO Baglia, who told the coach
man to drive with all speed TO the
castle. After his exclamation. 1T is
nothing" the king did not utter
sound. Blood gushed from his mouth.
The assassin, on reaching the guard
room Of the carablncers, was in
pitiable condition. his hands and arms
being lacerated and bloody and his
clothes torn by the angry crowd. Re
plying to questions he hissed through
his clenchsd teeth
Tell them I came from America on
purpose to kill Humbert. 1 have only
Just arrived from America, and know
no one. / spent a day at Bologna and
then came on TO Milan"
A search at his home at Prato re-
suited in the finding OF several COM
promising letters from New York
One, signed by a woman, was dated
June 25. In this letter the writer asks
whether all is ready. and expresses a
hope that he viii soon return.
Bressi had been absent from Prato
for six or seven years. His parents
live there, and he has a brother in an
Italian infantry regiment
In reference to the finding Of another
revolver. it is asserted that Bressi had
Evening journal., 1900-07-31

Cumberland, Nd, July 31-George
L. Wellington, the senior Republican
United States senator from Maryland,
has definitely announced his determi-
nation to oppose the reelection of
made up his mind in which manner he
viii do it. Senator Wellington has
not been in full accord with his party,
either in local or national affairs, for
nearly two years. Prior to that time
he was chairman of the Republican
state central committee and was re-
garded as the close political and per-
sonal friend of former Governor LLOYD
Lowndes. A quarrel between these
gentlemen resulted in the resignation
Of Senator Wellington from the Re-
publican leadership and this was fol-
lowed by Governor Lowndes defeat In
the last state election by a majority
Of about 10000 -Four years aro the
state gave Mckinley $4,000 majority.
In discussing his position Senator We'll
lington said:
Il am unalterably and forever on
posed to imperialism, which / shall
fight with all my power. i am op-
posed to President Mckinley. because
he has deceived me in national affairs.
and l shall oppose his reelection. 1
am not now prepared to state what
part / shall take in the campaign, but
/ will attend If possible the coming
liberty congress at Indianapolis.
do not know whether it win support
Bryan or not There are some things
about him that / do not approve.
have never, however, been a negative
quality In politics. When my con-
clussons are reached and ny plans
fully matured I VIII announce them.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31
LEGATIONS HOLD
OUT AGAINST THE CHINESE,
But In DESPERATE STRAITS
British Minister Sends Cipher Message That Foreigners
Have Suffered Repeated Attack and That
SKty-tWO Have Been Killed

nominating Of a candidate to Ill out the
unexpired term Of Representative John
S. Hofiecker deceased It is said that
Mr.. Addicks gave orders that the claim
Of Walter o. Hoffecker, son Of the
dead representative. be ignored, and
that Dr. Caleb r. Layton be slated for
the short term. The long term, Il is
said, was left on the slate for the pres
ent by order Of Mr.. Addicks. but that
ultimately DR. Layton may get It.
After the meeting some Of the mem-
bers intimated that Sheriff Groves and
Deputy Sheriff Bradley, all Addlcks
men. Of this county, might find It in-
convenient to deliver the registration
books and other election paraphernalia
to the Republicans in time to enable
them TO hold their primaries on Au-
gust 90 and laughed at the possibility
of such a contingency arising. Others
took the more business-like view that
as Deputy sheriff Groves. Sheriff Tay-
lerls brother-in-law. is an aspirant for
q seat in the State Senate, and as Dep
uty sherin Bradley is after the shrev-
uty Sheriff Bradley is after the shrlev-
game as that viii be attempted on the
Republicans.
The scramble Of the Addicksites 10
get ticket in the field ahead OF The
Republicans has become so farcical
that the Republican leaders simply sit
back and laugh heartily at this latest
reported step, which is held to be as
foolish as Il Is Illegal.
Several Wilmington Addicksltes at
tended the conference In Dover yester-
day. Among them were Walter IT..
Hayes and Francis s. Bradley. This
morning J. Edward Addicks came to
this city from Claymont and consulted
with several of those who were at the
state capital yesterday. lie left the
city before noon.
Mr. Hayes admitted that he was
present at the convention. lie said in
reply to the question AS whether or
not the dates were changed from Au-
gust 23 TO August 4, or August 90 that
he had nothing for publication regard
ing the meeting other than what was
contained in the reports in the morn
ing papers. He said emphatically that
the date for holding the convention was
not changed.
Mr. Bradley insisted that all that was
done at the conference yesterday was
reported in the morning papers. When
asked about the change OF the date. he
said that he knew nothing absut a
change He added that he was sure the
date was not changed.
THE date of the convention was
printed in the Union Republican CALI
August 23," he said.
Despite these disclaimers, other Ad-
dicksites have admitted the change.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31
BOLD ATTEMPT TO ROB

Picnic Party Attacked by o Band of
Highwaymen
AS a party Of picnickers composed of
Mr.. and Mrs John sallady. Mrs Charles
stettner and William Stewart were re-
turning from Gordon Heights on sun
day evening they were attacked. while
crossing field by four men. One man
attempted % take Mir. Sallady's watch.
and Mr.. Stewart caught hold OF MIN.
During the struggle the man escared
Another one of the robbers grasped Mrs.
atottners watch and tried TO break the
chain, but was driven OF by Mr. stegt-
ncr.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31
IIosnitals

The Eagles make no false preten-
tons Their cause is a good one. and
the entire profits on excursion are con-
ribuicd to H. The members get no re-
bate on their own ticket used. sat
urday, August II. via B. { o.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31
Raclng nt Wnwnsct pnrI.

beginning with Thursday noxt the
Wawaset Driving Association win give
free matnees every week during Au-
gust at the Wawaset Park The track
on Thursdays viii be open to any per-
son who desires TO speed their horses.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31
slnlc a RihIc

Thieves entered the Haven African
Methodist Church, Fourth and Dupont
streets, after the services on Sunday
night, and stole from the pulpit q Bible,
valued at S2S. There is no clue 20 the
robbers.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31
WILL SUCCEED DRAPER;
WELLINGTON AGAINST M'KINLEY

Washington, July 31.-The president
has rendered the appointment Of ann
bassador to Italy to former Governor
Roger Wolcott, Of Massachusetts,. The
Evening journal., 1900-07-31
senf ID Enrnhnret

Isabella Carter. cOl0red, was found
about the streets in an aim
less way yesterday. and was sent to the
insane hospital at Farnhurst.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31

Display of Fireworks Tonight
There will be a grand display of
fireworks at Brandywine Springs Park
tonight The display will excel any
thing in the way OF pyrotechnics ever
seen in Wilmington.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31
NIorning GlorIes Viclnrinns

In spirited contest on Saturday the
Morning Glories base ball team defeated
the Western Cowboys in an eleven in
ming game, by the score Of 10 10 z.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31

Five-cent Sporty Boy" cigar, sold by
all leading dealers.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31

italian government has been asked
whether Mr. Wolcott would be accept
able 10 it in such capacity, a formal
way observed in International rela-
tions. So far no response has been re-
ceived TO either of the inquiries. Mr..
Wolcott is supposed to be in France,
and the president has communicated
with him by cable, SO that an early
answer is expected.
Evening journal., 1900-07-31

999@94e@ae@&39@a@o@3@&3
Evening journal., 1900-07-31

lContlnued on sIxth Page.l
The Newtown bee., 1900-11-02
LYONS PLAINS.
LOCAL BRIEFS.

LOCAL bh1CFSs
 Mrs Ralph Jefferson entertained her brother and his wife from Noroton, last Sunday.
 The Ladies' Aid society met with Mrs Frank Hawley, last Thursday. There was good attendance and very social time.
 Mrs Henry Nichols and Miss Clara Banks spent last Tuesday in Southport.
 Mrs Oliver Perry of Valley Forge vi,- ited friends here, last week. MT and Mrs Elmer Treadwell and two daughters of Bethel visited Mrs Thorpe of Bradleyville and Mrs Frank Lyon, last week.
 Mrs James Smith took Mrs Mary Banks for drive as far as Bradleyville, last week, the first she has been out sir ce her illness of several months ago. It i, hoped she will improve 50 rapidly that she will he out often.
 MT and Mrs Eli Wakeman of Bridge port are spending week st c. w. John- sons.
 The Lyons Plain Whist club had their first meeting at the home of George Sherwood.
 Mrs Phebe Fanton of Wilton, former y of this place, visited Mrs James Smith and called on old friends. All were glad to see her tamii jar face again. ter visit of several weeks with her daughter in New Jersey. Miss Pendergast, the genial school teacher, went to her home in Dsnbury on Friday afternoon and returned, Sun. day night.
 Mrs John Kellogg entertained relatives from out of town, last week. Eugene Beers, wife and child, spent Sunday with Horace Banks and family
The Newtown bee., 1900-11-02
BRIDGEPORT.
MIR AND MRS T. W. JOYCE SURPRISED ON
 ANNIYERsARY OF THEIR NUPTIALa.

MIR AND MRS T. W. JOYCE SURPRISED ON
 ANNIvERsARY OF THEIR NUPT1ALs.
 The wooden wedding of MT and Mrf T. W. Joyce was celebrated Tuesda, evening, October 23, at their home, 27 Tom Thumb street, Bridgeport. The affair was arranged as surprise by R M. Sperry, MT Joyce's business partner A very interesting program was render. ed, among the numbers being an original comedy sketch by MT Sperry and Mise Steinback. There were also tenor solot by Al Poland, bass solos by Joe Weller and selectionsiby the Pequonnock string trio, comprising Messrs Spiedel Id Nichols. MT and Mrs Joyce were made the recipients of many presents, varying from bundle of wood to handsome pieces of furniture. They were excel. lent hosts and during the evening ap elaborate supper was served. Among those present were MT and Mrs H. l. Benze, Captain and Mrs Mora, the Mfssef Bessie Victory, Hattie Steinbach, Mattie Miles, Bessie Budan, Eva Benze. Mics Squires, Miss Hetter, Messrs R. N, Sperry, Dr Harry Budan, Robert Mich. ols, Attorney K. T. Buckingham, MT and Mrs John Youngs, MT and Mrs Johr Jerman, MT and Mrs F. l.. Miles, MT and Mrs A. B. Rose, MT and Mrs W. T Buckingham, MT and Mrs O. Howard Hall, Mrs John Budan and Attorney c. l.. Hill.