davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06

the booty, and, though he could not see
him, Tom heard him, and, as he tried
to get through the door, caught him
by the throat, and knocked him nlSh
senseless with a blow of his heavy 1lst.
Meanwhile, a neighbOr heard the noise,
and, seeing the situation, MED aNmseil
to the police-station, and brought back
an officer CT the law. Winston was
hurried off to Jail, and when tried got
two years in the penitentiary.
On February 49, 1896, about 8 o'clock
in the night, Tom, hearing some one
under his bed, calmly said aloud 10 nobody
in particular that he was going down
stairs to get a drink of water. went out,
locked the door, and brought back a
policeman. This second robber was
found slowed away under the bed, and
was assisted TO the criminal hotel, where
entertainment is gratis. Thus again was
the ,yobber foiled, and Tom lives on in
the enjoyment Of his possessions. which
he emphatically states are not worth a
dollar. Rumor hath it, however that
he has saved up considerable money.
Tom, whose full name is Thomas Bird,
lives now in the rear of No.. 20 East
Marshall Street, and is, in a way, taken
care of by his friends. He goes to bed
about 10 o'clock at night, and gets. up
about 5 O'Clock, in order to get his
morning papers. He has an old cob pipe,
which money could not buy, and which,
with his guiding-stick, is his particular
friend. He has many customers, and
sells about 200 papers daily. He is q
teetotaler, and processes a horror OF all
bar rooms and rowdyz companions.
STORY OF BLIND JOHN.
Blind Johns history is probably the
most exciting of the three.
His name is john Flowers and he
was born in Hanover county in 1S47. He
belonged to Truman II. Parker. He was
hale and hearty and did good work,
which was appreciated.
He seems TO have been singularly for
tunate In His owner. He says there was
no one like cole n.arster and that he
always loved him and stood up for him.
When tine war broke out he was pressed
into the Confederate service, but, as a
matter Of fact. as he himself says. he did
not need much pressing. His sym
pafhias. were entirely Southern and he
saws he thought it his duty to light for
his master and his home, where he had
so long been sheltered, and which he
mad to- thoroughly enjoyed although VIC
tory for the North administration for
him and his patriotism cost him dear,
as via Zoe seen.
He was employed as a driver of am
5r,,,nftion wagons for the Confederates,
and did most of his work around Richmond.
4Ie<wsas s4zfew7 days before Christmas
oyerhallling some old shells in the arsenal
at Browns Island, when the terrible eS-
plosion took place that cost the lives Of
SO many men,
John was hurled through the air all
the way to Belle Isle, and was stuck
fast in the mud when found by Mr.. Hulce,
father of the popular police captain.
The details OF his flight through the
/. air could not be gained, as he says he re-
members nothing from the time Of
the explosion to when ne was revived
some good while after in the hospital.
He was terribly shattered and his eye-
sigat-mas hadlYaflecte but not at that
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06

As the time issnow very short before
The Carnival will be held in Us city, in
which one of the most beautiful features
will be the flcral display, the following
special from Aufusta, Ga, in regard to
the floral parade of the Street Fair, which
has just closed in that city, viii be read
with interest by Richmonders:
The annual spring celebration of Merry
Makers Week in Augusta, Ca, is an
event not only eagerly anticipated by the
people of the city, but by the entire
South The city is thronged with visit
ors, and free street entertainments Of
every description are given. Broadway,
which is the principal business street.
presents decidedly gala appearance. All
the buildings are draped with bunting,
and the stars and stripes float from every
available place. This street is one of the
E1ost beautiful in the South, and is the
pride o feyery Augustan, one hundred and
fifty fest in width, beautifully
G,aved with asphalt. it is an extremely
Handsome tiborougldfare During Merry
Makers Week stands are erected on Broad
Street to view the free street attractions.
Side shows of all kinds spring up like
mushrooms. and with their tents dotted
over the street, give Broadway the APP
g9earance of being transformed into q
Ve1ftable Midway. Great tarongs of peo-
ale from the adjoining States visit the
city, ana the entire population is given
over to a. week Of gaiety. The crowd
that ttlrongs the street is a most inter
rsting one to watch. especially 10 the
student of human nature. All classes are
represented. the arstocratic and wealthy
Southerner. the country cousin, more
popularity known as the Georgia Crack
err go1geously arrayed in Sunday
so-to-1neet4ng clothes: the speiler and
mis- shrill voice is heard in the land, and
last but not least, the little piccallniny
diving in the roEasses barrel for the
coveted dime.
THE BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS.
The principal feature Of the spring
Carnival is the Floral Parade. which
brings 10 a close a week Of tnre-
strained gaiety. This parade has been
rn annual feature ever since the inau-
duration of Merry Makers Week, and the
interest manifested in it by the most
prominent people of this section makes
il a most notable event. The Queen is
selected from the most beautiful and pro-
uninent young women in the State, and
her maids of honor are bellies from ad-
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06

jacent cities. An the prominent people
socially ergter their carriages in the pa
rade, which is quite a social feature. Inc
parade is generally followed by grand
bail, given in honor OF the Queen and
her maids Of honor, and the large num-
Der of distinguished visitors present
makes the ball quite a brilliant affair
The Floral Parade occurs in the afternoon
about 5 O'Clock, and as this lovely floral
pageant passes down the principal resi-
dent street, which is bordered on either
side with a double row of majestic oaks
forming an arch above Of delicate green
no more beautiful sight could be imagined
than. the flower bedecked vehicles, occu-
pied by beautiful women with the last
rays OF the Day God descending upon
themA
THE LINE OF MARCH.
The line OF march, passing in view be-
fore the judges, was as follows:
Band of mounted police. headed by
Lieutenant Desmond, in summer uniform.
Following the escort of police were the
judges: Mrs. Peter Meldrin1, OF Savan-
nall Miss HAYNES, Of Savannah, and Mr..
and Mrs. R. C. Nicely, of Waynesboro.
The marshal of the day, Maj. W. T.
Gary, and his aides numbering thirty-six,
among them, being some of the most
prominent men of the city. Each of the
aldtS wore us ms ItISi5liat d SASH VI SCfti-
let ribbon from the right shoulder across
the breast, with large scarlet rosettes.
Beaden's Concert Band.
The Cross Country Riding Club, tl5ir-
ts-:six in number, each having a streamer
of beautiful flowers around the horses
necl1s and brides.
The gentlemen were attired in white
trousers, black riding boots and black
coats and hats. The ladies wore riding
habits OF black, each wearing different
decorations!
The prize for the best-1nounted couple
in this club was awarded TO Miss jamie
Undertake and Mr.. Anlory Dunbar. The
saddles and brides of their horses were
covered with sunflowers which made a
most effective decoration.
lTIiE QUEEN
The equestrians, riding slajesticaIly four
abreast, served as a. splendid advance
guard for the dream of loneliness follow
ing. The beautiful Queen, Miss Anita
Phinizy. and her maids of honor occu-
pied a large float, that for beauty of
detail and exquisite design surpassed all
previous efforts in this line. The float
was about twenty feet in length and
drawn, by six white horses. The Queen
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06
and a white one, were skillfully manag
by means of white and pink ribbons

and a white one, were skillfully managed
by means of white and pink ribbons.
LOVELY ;CHRYsANTHBMUAIS
Next in the parade was a victoria OF
pink and white chrysanthemums. The en-
tire vehicle was covered with these lovely
flowers, and overhead was an arched
canopy of the same. This was one OF the
most striking in the parade and a prize
winner 1t was occupied by Miss Cora
Toomibs and Miss Sarah E. Irwin, botn
of Washington, Ga.
The child's vehicle, which was award
ed the prize for the most unique, was
white swan driven by little Miss Alice
Cohen. The swan was composed of white
roses and was perfect in design, even to
the yellow flowers forming the eyes of
the swan. LITTLE Miss Cohen was sowned
in white and made a lovely picture.
A symphony in yellow and Write was
the two horse vehicle entered by. Mrs.
c. II. lPhinizy and occupied by Misses
Celeste and Elizabeth Allen. This victoria
was profusely decorated in yellow and
white cfIrysanttemums, and accompanied
by two out-riders dressed lin white. The
color scheme of yellow and white was
CARRIED out in every detail, even the
saddle blankets of the out-rider's horses
being decorated in yellow chrysanthe-
NUNS.
The Misses Allen wore large picture
hats of white and yellow, and held aloft
befrilled white chiffon. parasols. This love
" vehicle in every. respect deserved THE
prize it Won.
A beautiful and unique float entered
by Mrs. Charles Hett was a large boat
covered with green and garlanded with
water lilies, in wf1icn was seated six
little boys dressed as sailor lads. This
float was perfect in every detail. From
either side extended silver oars, and the
white l,crseS which drew the boat were
harnessed IN silver.
1t seems that every movement of the
Floral parade was a weli-laid plan.
perfectly carried out. A striking feature
was THE manner in which the parade
closed As il came up Broad Street, after
having been as far down as Lincoln, 1t
moved over to the south side Of the
street just in front of the Leonard build
ing, and coming UP beyond the 1Confed-
crate monument. receiving the flags demo-
ting prizes won. and moved on in a
circle around the monument. AS the
procession continued lin its circle was
begun the battle of flowers. Gorgeous
bouquets Were Thrown and clouds Of
confetti filled The air.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06

was seated on q throne covered with
white satin and surrounded by her maids
of honor, Miss Adelaide Howell, OF At
lanta; Miss Margaret Sloan, Of Charles
ton, and Misses Julia Stovall and Ethel
Davidson, of Augusta.
The entire float was covered with SOFT
green tuie, and over this was seattereu
thousand of Easter lilies. The Queen
throne was surrounded by four pedestals
of white, garlanded in lilies and ferns,
while tall, feathery palms added a touch
of green Rising from these columns
was a delicate canopy formed of snowy
Ililies and sprays of asparagus fern
Among the Queens coterie OF attendants
were two beautiful little girls Miss
GLADYS league and Miss Mary NeWberv
nv, who were arisuically dressed as falr-
les. They were stationed on either SIDE
of the float and just btween them sat
a saucy little Cupid, armed with bow and
arrow
The Queen, Miss Anita Plhnizy, daugh-
ter of Mr.. and Mrs. Leonard Phimzy,
of Augusta, is one of the most beautiful
young women in the South. She. is bru-
nette in type, with large dark soulful eyes,
exquisite complexion, correct features
and graceful figure tall and stately. She
made an ideal Queen.
THE MAIDS OF HONOR.
She Wore lovely gown elnpro1uereu
in silver, and on her shapely head rested
a crown Of bItilliants. The maids of honor
were all prettily gowned in white chit
fon, deliberately trimmed with white satin
ribbons and lace. Each wore a white
princess feather, artistically arranged in
her hair.
The maids of honor to the Queen
are all very handsome women. and the
lovely picture presented by the Queen and
her attnedants will long hnger in the
memory of the people Of Augusta as one
of the most beautiful sights ever wit
messed.
The Queens float was accompanied by
four out-,Iders, mounted on black horses,
with the saddle blankets decorated in Ill
les, and brides Garlanded with the same
lovely flowers.
The tandem driven by Miss Ruth Keen
er. accompanied by Miss Weisiger, of
Richmond, was simply perfect. The high
English cart was decorated to represent
a Cherokee rose. A canopy was formed
by huge pink Cherokee rose, and each
wheel was covered with the same. The
entire body of the cart was covered
with smaller roses, over a background
of white. The two horses, black one
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06

time totally destroyed. But his sight
grew from bad to worse and about 1878
his eyes went out and darkness since
then has reigned supreme.
HIS SENTIMENTS.
For fifteen years he has been selling
papers and enjoying the donations of his
old-time friends. He has a wife and a
little boy to support, and, worst OF all,
and unable to lend her aid towards sup
porting the harder.
John claims the northeast corner OF
Eighth and Grace Streets, on the stone
base of the Cathedral fence, as his very
own Seated here daily with his stick,
bag OF. papers and outstretched hand, he
presents q grotesquo figure, but one that
nevertheless attracts attention. He is
quite sociable and one has but to tS-lk
to him to be his friend.
Despite his chocolate color, it must
be said that John possesses that quality
so much lauded by Observation-Disclosures
ity His suffer.ngs have not enbiuteretl
his life, and his struggles to maintain MS
family, who live in a little house on
Vest Duval Street, have but added a
charm to his personality
His nature is such that is rarely found
in men of his class, and he deserves all
praise for his honorable sentiments. His
saying that he thought it was his duty
TO fight for the land. against whom the
hue and cry had been raised, is quite
fine. and the suspicion that he does it to
extort money from passers-by cannot
arise in his case. In talking with him one
is impressed with an air of sincerity that
makes itself manifest in his every ac-
tio-.
BLIND WILLIE.
Blind Willie is probably best known
Of the three He and his stick are heard
in every section OF the city he Calling
his ware and his stick. beating discord-
ant music on the sidewalk.
Goat Hill on the Allegheny Road. was
his birthplace about twenty-tnree years
, ago. As is seen, he is younger than the
others. and has not their varied expert
ences.
He was employed from ap early age
to mind cows, and was still in this pos
ition at ten years of age. when ne lost
his sight In his zeal to catch a runaway
COW he stumbled and fell into a bush OF
,briars, and stuck several tforns IN ms
+ eyes.
! He was brought to Richmond and
treated bv Doctor White, the thorns re-
moved but the sight not restored. He suf-
| fers considerably from his eyes now. and
is frequently laid up several weeks on
their account His mother lives here and
is a WasherwoElan and takes care of
him
Willie has a resource other than news
naner selling He sings. His particular
song is "Fading Away and this he
croons frequently to the adniring crowd.
pennies are often tossed him, and he is
Sometimes induced to dance. Willie also
likes to put away coal and wood. He has
| several Customers who give him the job
and thus makes q money
saa,, get along better than his breth-
rem aud, WI carly said, has no kick
counnsr.s A.....--- J. .-s4-,~55S>
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06
ton. AT the death OF a Wealthy scs.
dealer Of Ponce recently 10 persons Dss

ton. At the death OF a weiaehy scs.
dealer of Ponce recently 10 persons pas
on mourning
From the necessity OF other genera tens
the native Porto Rican woman OF so-day
is the main support OF the man. shs
works all day. and upon the PFocee,is
takes her northumberland out u ths
evening. paying all the expenses. net tof-
getting to supply this husband Win
money. tobacco ard r,tu.
This state of affairs continues nntA
money enoagh IS saved TO set up an
establishment OF one or two rooms some
where wherein the wife may care ZOE
the husband and ,litt,e one.
This condition OF comrsor-iaw marriage
obtains throughout the natural lives OF
fine two people-faisnfuiness TO the bond
as sacred as under any law The point
OF the naachete maintains respect zoe
women married by any rite.
The women initiate any Kind OF WORK
with surprising dsftness. and are excel
lant drass-makers. What IS lacking IN
orieinaIity 8 made up In skill.
place in the Porto Rtcan womaas
hands the stove. the sewing machine.
wash-boa rds and, tubs. and. with the wise
,uition of interested American Women.
,ne future household conditions OF the
islana wm ba changed like magic
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06


duels, and asking fer the detailed account
not more than a penny or two. Their
only guide usually is the much-abused
hickory stick. In new neighborhoods
they need boy to pilot them around,
but they soon get accustomed TO their
beats.
BLIND TOMS HISTORY.
Blind Tom, contrary to his classic
sounding name. is not a musician, and
he dean warnt to be TUX fur none, nor
no yuther niger He was born in
Stanford county. about eight miles from
Fredericksburg, fifty-three years ago, on
August ), 1S47. AT that early date the
civil war had not yet dawned to startle
the world with its intensity, and SO Tom
was born on a farm, his. owner being
Mr.. William Irving, in every way an
admirable master.
Al this place he lived until the summer
of 1863, when he was sold to Mr.. Andrew
Elicit. He was placed on a farm in
Lancaster county, and was given charge
of the horses. One day, as he was on
his way TO the stable with some har-
ness befell the accident Which has taken
from him all the pleasure in life. a
party of huntsmen, friends OF the master,
were on the plantation, and were walking
along the edge of the bay, on the lookout
for birds. By some unfortunate acct
dent gun loaded with small shot went
off. and the contents poured into the
face and eyes of Tom, who had come up.
For a time they thought him dead, but
ne was brought round, and everything
possible was done to save his sight.
Dr. Harris, of Fredericksburg, examined
his ewes, and he was sent 10 Howard, S
Grove, in this city, where was then
established hospital and lunatic asylum.
The shots had penetrated the left orb,
but the shock had entirely destroyed
the vision in the other. DR.. Hunter
Mcclure, In his rounos. also examined
Tom. and saw the pals successfully
removed
AT the close of the war, when Howard
Grove went to the State, Tom was placed
in the city Almshouse, forth from which
he came October IL. 1857, a live but a
totally blind man. Being lncapacitated
for other work. he started to sell news
papers, and has stuck to that trade ever
since. He began by himself, but soon
had acquired route. and then got a boy
to take the papers around. lie now
has two boys and quite lucrative
business Thus has he struggled through
the interval from 1857 to the present time,
living on the bounty of others and by
his own enterprise.
TRIED TO ROB HIM.
And yet his career has not been
uneventful. About a year ago there
died at the penitentiary negro, named
Lee Winston, who had often cursed old
Tom for his hardness Of fist and
tenaci.y of clutch. Tom had been instru-
mental in his entrance into the White
House, and it happened in this wise:
A report had gained credence that Tom
had accumulated a snug little sum OF
money and that he kept 1t hidden in
his room, Winston, after due reflection.
decided that this money would do him
more good than 1t did Tom, Ind Went T.
there one day TO get 1t. But. as u
happened, the owner came in just as
-alanStnn YaS ahnut ia make a5aas bzlto
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06

and mis- deathi would mean conflscattoh py
the nearest male relative
A HARD LOT.
The death Of a native not long ago was
followed by eviction of the fnothes anu
daughter. and nephew OF the deaa man ma.
took possession of the home. Inc dausi,
ter became a servant The death ol
the nephew placed the property In the
;,snds of the United states.
Amalia. the young woman referred 70,
had a sweetheart who cheered ner hours
Of eereation by permitting her to ouy
him sweets and rum. In the lhcsaeNts
of adjusting the affairs under military
OCCUPANCY. Maxine came in contact with
$ native policeman. and next day ssIio
erood-bv. 10 the girl-wife forever
The household employing Ama.ta aad
another maid, Francesca. According 70
the rule, not only Anaiia must resign
her duties for term of mourning. nut
also Francesca. as her nearest 1rleh 's q.
assumed the habiifmeuts OF woe, ana ,eis
her work for a term not less than thas
of the widowed Arnaiia.
The many black garbed women seen
in the island impress the tourist VIZ WEI
. belief that some epidemic has swept
the country Such is the habit OF put
{ ting on mourning at the least DsoVoc71-
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06

not inherit the property of the nu .ss
and mis- death would mean coiHiAsea sto't ~
the nearest male relative.
- 1tpn lot
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06

once, probably twice, day, proclaim
ing the latest tragedies, wars, or French
duels, and asking fer the detailed account
not more than a penny or two. Their
only guide usually is the much-abused
hickory stick. In new neighborhoods
they need a boy to pilot them around.
but they soon get accustomed TO their
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06

time totally destroyed But his sight
grew from bad to worse and about 1878
his eyes went out and darkness since
then has reigned supreme.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06
nov,1. 1gstIRAScrs coMpASY OF LIVERPOOL. ENGLAND

Il $50, -,.fr,,,prp
The coNpTio OF TIE RPooT ESIsNp
of 'tfs'i-N
FrhpsI oRee ahi. CITY ~ states 1851
Organize Incorporated BUSINESS
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-06
SSE~FS

the
Loans on INC
interest
mortgage
lands
of
The age-herald., 1900-12-08
No Obstacles in the Way.

There is nothing in the way of the isth- milan canal that the country demands but Congress. The canal commission has re- ported to Congress; the Hay-Pauncefote treaty is before Congress, and so are the concession treaties of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Every needful thing is before Con- gress, and the country is not only willing to build the canal, but is anxious to have a beginning made.
 The discussion of an isthmian canal cov- CTS fifty years, and surveys innumerable have been made, and now when the facts are all at hand the people call for action, or at least for a final determination The Panama people are not willing to sell their canal, and while they hold out no one can secure concession. for they possess mo- nopoly rights; there Is therefore but the enc chance left, Nicaragua, and that is the best of all anyway. The report of the 18th milan Canal Commission is conclusive as to that.
 As the construction of the canal will con- sume ten years payments on account of 1t can be extended oyer a like period, and no money need be borrowed. An appro- priation of S2O,OOOOOO a year will build the canal. great and an enormously wealthy country is certainly equal to the task, and it cannot be started minute too soon.
 Congress should order tho construction O. the canal, making at the same time an appropriation of sa0000,OOO for 1t. The treaties and the bill can readily be brought for further delay in this great undertak- ing. Let the digging be begun.