davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31
A BRITISH DISASTER.
British Troops Suffer Signal Defeat
at the Hands of Boer Forces
Under De Wet.

came last night when ii was announced
that both corporations are insolvent
and will be turned over TO friendly re-
ceivers.
There is an issue OF $50. 900, ,0C0 Asphalt
Company of America per cent. bonds
and SC, 000, 900 national per cent. bonds.
besides common and preferred stock OF
the National Company amounting to
$1S,S75, 900 making the total amount of
s54,S75.000. The bonds of the company
have deprecated rapidly within a few
months, and the Asphalt Company of
Americas 5's sold yesterday at 3S. one
third Of their par value. which was the
lowest price they ever brought. About
two years ago they sold at 81.
A special to The North American
from Newark, says:
John NJ. Mack and Henry Tatnall,
OF Philadelphia, and John F. Stanley,
of New York, We're today appointed re-
ceivers of the National Asphalt Com
pany, by Judge Andrew kirkpatrick Of
the United States circuit court. Judge
kirkpatrick is authority for this infor-
nation
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31
SCHLEY'S NEXT STEP
He and His Counsel in Conference
Over the Matter.

Washington, December 2S.-Admiral
Schely was Joined at his apartments at
the Richmond today by his counsel, Mr..
Isidor Rayner and assistant counsel
Mr.. league, both of whom came over
from Baltimore at the admirars request
in order to consider what further steps.
If any. were to be taken in the Schley
case. The parties to the conference re-
mained together throughout the morn
ing and Well into the afternoon. When
representatives of the press sent up
cards Of inquiry they were returned
with the statement that there were no
developments and nothing to be made
public at the present time. 1t is un-
derstood what the special purpose Of
the meeting is to decide as to what
shall be done in the way of a civil ac-
ton against the author or publisher Of
the Maclay history. which was the ba-
sis Of the recent investigation.
The conference between Admiral
Schley and his counsel closed about 2
o'clock. and Mr.. Rayner returned to
Baltimore. No statement was made az
to the results reached. except that such
further steps as might be taken would
deal with legal rather than naval
phases of the controversy.
Admiral and Mrs. Schley will leave in
about a week for a trip south. to be
gone about two weeks. He has not yet
made up his itinerary. but will do so
next week
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31
DIG LIVESTOCK SHOW
Over One Thousand Entries for the
Exhibition mt Charleston.

Charleston, S. c., December 2s.-More
than 1000 entries have been made In
the livestock show which will open at
the Charleston exposition January 9Th
and will continue until January 10th.
One Of the largest sections Of the live
exhibit will be the sheep section in
which 400 head, embracing every known
breed, has been entered. One of the
chief exhibits in the cattle division viii
be the champion beef bull OF the world.
weighing 5000 pounds and valued at
$1,000. The special object of the live
stock exhibit Is to encourage the de-
velopment Of cattle growing industry
in the south, the ranges in this section
being specially adapted to the growing
Of beef cattle.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31

Newport News, Va, December 2S.-
The battleship Missouri was launched
at the shipyard here today at 11:12
o'clock. Fully $1,000 people, 1t is esti-
mated, saw the big defender go over
board. The launching passed off with
out hitch and none prettier or moro
successful was ever accomplished here.
Miss Marion Cockrell, daughter OF Sen
atcr F. NJ. Cockrell, Of Missouri. was
sponsor for the ship and she performed
the duty assigned her with the tradi-
tional bottle of champagne, using a
bottle of Missouri product for the pur-
pose.
The number OF distinguished guests
gathered around the sponsor on the
christening platform was larger than
ever seen here. Among them were Sec
retary of the Navy Long. Secretary OF
the Interior Hitchcock, Rear Admiral
Melville, chief of the bureau of steam
engineering, Rear Admiral O'Neill,
chief of ordnance; Judge Advocate
Lemly; Lieutenant Governor j. A. Lee.
OF Missouri, acting for Governor Dock
cry: Governor Tyler. of Virginia: Cor
win II. Spencer. of st. Louis. represent
ing the Louisiana Purchase Exposition
Company: Congressman Rixey, repre-
senting the house committee on naval
affairs Senator Cockrell. and num-
Der of army and navy officers.
Mrs. Roosevelt. wife Of President
Roosevelt. came up from Old Point on
the United States dispatch boat Dol
phin. with her guests. and viewed the
launching from the steamers deck
When the big ship had glided off the
ways into the water the crowd on the
guests platform gave three cheers for
Miss Cockrell. three for the army and
the navy. three for Secretary Lons,
then three the shipyard.
After inspecting the various depart
ments of the plant, the guests repaired
to the shipyard wharf where they
boarded the steamer Washington, 60
ing to Old Point. AT the Chamberlin
hotel this afternoon the customary
post-launching banquet was given. the
guests mentioned above being on the
programme as the principal speakers.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31

Willemstad. Island Of Curaacoa, De-
cember 2S.-Advices received here to-
day from Caracas; Venezuela, say that
the revolution against President Cas-
tro is gaining ground daily. Nearly
the whole of the republic is in revolt,
and bands Of men are securing the
country. Coro, in the state of Falcon,
and Barquisimeto, in the state of Lara,
particularly, are in the possession of
the revolutionists.
Gable communication between Cum
ana, Carapano and Barcelona is inter
rupted and the government is without
news from the state of BermudeZ, Gin
which the seaports are located), which
leads to the belief that it also has been
Monagus.
General Tuciaro Mendoza, the presi-
dent-elect of the state of Carabobo
who rebelled against President Castro,
marched on La Victoria, and was re-
ported to have been defeated, has es-
capped from the pursuit Of the govern
ment troops and is now in the neigh
borhood of San Juan de los Moros. An
tonic Fernandez and thirty chiefs of
the state of Carabobo were not willing
to engage the government forces before
the revolution was quite ripe.
Venezuela is said to be on the verge
of even more serious complications.
The telegraph lines in the interior OF
the country have all been cut.
Willemstad. Island Of Curacao. De-
cember 2S.-Reports received here from
Caracas today say the relations be-
tween Germany and Venezuela become
more strained every day. The Vene
zulan government suspended traffic on
the German railroad because. in view OF
the threats Of the insurgents. the com.
pany refused to transport troops unless
the government guaranteed it agains,
losses which might be sustained by the
destruction of its road and equipment
The stations are occupied by troops.
The German legation at Caracas has
entered an energetic protest against tho
governments action in this connection
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31
Baltimore SUM

Ella Cropsey was II years old and
was one of nine children-six daughters
and three sons-of w. H. Cropsey. Most
of the children are younger. There
were two other grown daughters.
Louise and Olive. Their home is a 65
acre farm about half mile from the
center of Elizabeth City. The family
went there from New York about four
years ago.
The house sits back 100 feet from the
road. About 100 feet the other side OF
the road is the Pasquotank river, 3
stream at that point about half mile
wide.
Jams Wilcox, who runs small en-
gine in a shipyard. had been paying
court to Ella Cropsey for two years.
Leroy Crawford had been paying Miss
Olive Cropsey attentions for about the
same time. The two young men were
visitors at the house on the night Of
November 20. Miss Carrie Cropsey, a
cousin. of New York, was in the parlor
Wilcox rose to go about IL o'clock. He
asked Ella to step to the door with him.
At that hour ali the others had retired
except Miss Olive, who, with Leroy
Crawford, was sitting in the parlor.
At 1880 Miss Olive, thinking her sis
ter had retired after bidding Wilcox
good night, told Crawford it was time
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31
THE FATHER ON HAND
He Uses q Shotgun to Stop HIS
Daughters Elopement.

Birmingham, Ala, December 2s.-
News has Just reached here from Lo-
Gust Fork, twenty-five miles from this
city, where an alleged attempted elop-
ment resulted in the shooting Of Jim
Snow and Jake Hood both or whom are
dangerously wounded.
The shooting. II is claimed. was done
By J. B. Hood, father Of the young
woman, with whom 1t is alleged James
t. the house of the girl accompanied by
Jake Hood, Jim Snow and several other
friends. When the party arrived, the
father of the girl was on hand with a
double-barreled shot gun.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31
IMPORTING EGYPTIAN COTTON
Consignment Of One Hundred Bales
for q south Carolina Factory.

Norfolk. Va. December 2s.-Much
comment has been caused here among
the cotton men by the consignment of
100 bales Of cotton which passed through
this city on its way to the mills of the
Clover Cotton Company. of Clover. 8.
C.. from Alexandria. Egypt.
The cotton came to Norfolk on the
Merchants and Miners Transportation
Company's steamer Chatham from Bos-
ton. at which place IL had been unload
ed from the steamer that brought IL
from Alexandria, via London.
The consignment was of high grade
and IL could not be learned here today
whether there was a shortage al the
south Carolina mills or whether tie cot
ton Will be used In, making up some
special grades OF goods
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31

Columbus, Ga. December 2S.-Compa-
ny L., Second regiment. Alabama state
troops. Of Phoenix City. left tonight
for Crawford to assist Sheriff Bellamy
in arresting and protecting Uriah Por-
ter, charged with killing Fincher The
company went fifty strong, in COM
mand of Lieutenant Coulter. The near
est railroad point being thirteen miles
from Crawford, they went by private
conveyance. News may be late if any
at all tonight.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31
RECEIVERS APPOINTED
For Two Big Asphalt Companies I'm
Anticipation of Default of Interest.

Philadelphia. December 2s. - The
Record tomorrow will say:
Ii anticipation Of a default in the
payment of fixed charges due January
1:t. arrangements have been made for
tie appointment of receivers for the
Asphalt Company Of America and the
National Asphalt Company The ap-
plication at this time anticipates the
formal announcement Of the insolvency
Of both corporations
Fixed charges amounting 10 $500, 900.
IL Guiding the semi-annual interest in
asphalt SIS is due on Thursday next.
Wide circulation was given 10 a report
that the two asphalt companies would
default these payment. and the climax
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31
STEEL MADE BY ELECTRICITY
Plant Equipped With this Process to
be Established in Tennessee.

Elizabethton, Tenn, December 2S.-.
Charles P. Toporay and George E. Bor-
en- have returned from New York where
they closed negotiations with the Elec-
trio Furnace Company in regard to the
Elizabethton. II is claimed that by
this method steel ingots can be produc-
ed directly from iron ore in thirty
minutes. An eight thousand horse
power electric plant will be commence
ed as soon as the site can be decided
upon on the Watauga river near Eliza
bethton and this will supply the power
for the plant
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31

London, December 2S.-Thc war Office
this afternoon issued list OF the B:it-
ish casualties at Zeetontein December
24th (when Colonel Firman's camp. con-
sistiIrg OF three companies OF yeomanry
and two guns. was successfully rushed
by Boer force under the command OF
General deWet The length OF the LIST
demonstrates the entire success OF Gem
eral deWet's attack Six officers and
fifty men were killed. eight officers were
wounded and four are missing. It Is
presumed that the missing officers were
taken, along with the captured guns.
Ihe numbers of the non-commission-
ed officers and men wounded and miss
ing nave not yet been received. but the
aggregate promises to make the Zeefon-
tein affair a memorable disaster to the
British
simultaneously with the above the
war office gave out a dispatch from
Lord Kitchener chronicling a minor sue
cess of the South African constabulary
who raided Bothaville und captured
thirty-six Beers.
In subsequent message. Lord Kitch-
ener sends stirring account of the
hghting at Zeefontein showing that the
wounded and prisoners must number
about 150 He says that in the absence
of Colonel Firman. Major williams.
who was killed. was in command. The
column was encamped on the slope OF
kopje, the southern side OF which was
precipitous Outposts held tie edge of
the precipice. The northern slope, on
which the camp was pitched, was gen.
tie. The outposts were well pushed out
and the position. naturally strong. had
been entrenched. 1t was a moonlight
night. The Beers appear to have
climbed the precip.ce, and. mustering
near the top, at o'clock a. m. sudden
ly attacked the picket on the summit
Before the men could get clear of their
teuts the Beers swooped through them.
shooting the soldiers down as they
came out. Most Of the British officers
were shot while trying to stem the
rush. Lieutenant Harwich himself
opened fire with the "pom-poms'' and
was shot through the heart while firing.
Lieutenant Watnev was killed while
leading a charge. There was no panic
and all engaged did their best: but
once the picket was overwhelmed the
superior force OF the Beers had all the
advantage. Including the killed and
wounded. about half the column is now
at Glands River bridge. The remand
er are prisoners. a fifteen FOUNDER, az
ter two rounds. became jammed.-Then
the men composing the detachment
stood by the gun and were shot down
around IL.
Lieutenant Scarlet. who was wound
ed. was overlooked by the Beers. and
left behind. He saw two wagon loads
Of dead and wounded Roers carried of
They were mostly hit during the frs,
attack on the picket
The Beers. who apparently numbered
about loo under General dewct. be-
haved well. leaving men to look after
the wounded.
The Imperial Light Horse were four
teen miles distant. They heard OF tbs
fight at 4:30 o'clock and arrived on tho
scene at $50 o'clock After brea thinS
their horses they galloped after the
Boers. who however. succeeded in reach
Ing the broken country, where the Light
Horse were useless against superior
numbers
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31
A Postomce. Robbed.

Cold Water. Miss. December 8-The
postofice at this place was robbed last
night The safe was blown with nitro
glycerine and about $500 worth OF
stamps and money were secured AL
papers and books were carried away.
The robbers escaped
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31
THE CROPSEY HOMICIDE.
No Further Developments in the
Mysterious Death of this
Young Woman.

The Town of Elizabeth City Greatly
Stirred Uo-MartinI Law Prevailing.
Saloons All CIosed-James Wilcox
in Jail Strongly Guarded by Naval
Rcseryes-The Accused Maintains
His Former IndiEerence-He Ex-
presses No Fear Of LynchinG-A
Sketch of the Crime-The Citizens
Committee Claims to Have Evil
dence Against Wilcox.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31

Elizabeth City. ". c.. December 2S.-
Andrew c. Cropsey. the uncle of Miss
Nell Cropsey, who has been missing
since November Goth and whose body
was discovered in the PasQuotank river
yesterday, arrived in this city today
from New York. Mr.. Cropsey is MAX
ing preparations to take the body OF
the dead girl to New York for inter.
ment. He is deeply affected by the
tragic end OF his niece. He says he nag
spent q large sum of money in efforts
to solve the mystery enshrouding hel
disappearance over q month ago. and
will do his utmost to solve the mystery
of her death.
The verdict of the coroner's jury.
which was not made public in this city
last night lest it might induce the
Iynching of James Wilcox. who is held
in connection with the death of Miss
Cropsey. was read today in front of the
coroner's office to a large assemblage OF
people. The great crowd not only man
ifested no sympathy for Wilcox. but
seemed inclined to deal harshly with
him if assurance of his guilt could be
obtained.
Last night Wilcox was threatened
with summary punishment, but there
has practically been no demonstration
of violence against him. The excitement
has abated somewhat, but throughout
the day groups of people have been
standing on the streets discussing the
affair. Some of them used strong Ian
guage toward Wilcox. No surprise was
expressed by the general public at the
result of the coroner's inquest. as the
belief has been fixed in Elizabeth City
that the girl was murdered
The presence of the naval reserves
evidently has curbed the threatening at
titude of the peope toward Wilcox. Will
cox is still confined in the county jail
and will be kept there pending the in
vestigation recommended by the coro-
ner's jury. He maintains the stolid in
difference which has characterized him
ever since the disappearance of Miss
Cropsey. He declines to make any
statement now concerning the case.
The presence of a squad of naval mill
tia with loaded carbines is all that pre-
vents an attack upon the Jail in which
is confined James Wilcox, accused of
the murder of Nellie Cropsey. Threats
of Iyrrching were freely made today
and the feeling against the young man
continues bitter. During today armed
guards have kept all pedestrians a
block away from the jail. Solicitor
Ward, the prosecuting officer Of the
county, requested Captain w. T. Old,
commanding the militia, to redouble
his vigilance tonight, in expectation of
an attempt to take the prisoner.
Tonight the saloons were closed on
order of the mayor. Solicitor Ward to-
day had a warrant sworn out charging
Wilcox with murder. A preliminary
hearing will be held on Wednesday,
when Wilcox will be held for the grand
Jury which meets in March.
Wilcox is apparently the most un-
concerned man in the town. lie sits In
his cell, smoking cigarettes and talking
with his guards. He says he has no
fear of lynching.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31

Their Rout ut the Battle OF Zeefon-
Tered In n Long Time-The British
POSITION. Well Taken and Fortified.
surprised and Rushed by n Boer
communicative Boers secretly
scaIe the Heights and Stake Sudden
Attack on the Pickets-The Boer.
Completely Succcs.fur-HcavyB Brit
ish Loss.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31
Postomce Blown Tn.

Washington. December 2s.-The Post
Office department has been advised that
the postoffice at Rossville. s. G., was
blown up with dynamite ana burned
last night No details were given.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31
VENEZUELAN REVOLUTION.
NEARLY THE WHOLE OF THE REPUBLIC
IN REVOLT.

The Movement Rapidly Gaining
Ground-CabIe Communication In
without Communication From the
Seaports-Escape of an Insurgent
Leader-Relntions With Germany
More Strained.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31
A BEAUTIFUL LAUNCHING
NEW BATTLeSHIP MISSOURI TAKES
THE WATER IN FINE STYLE.

Large Crowd of Distinguished
Guests Assembled to Witness the
Ceremony-Christe by Miss
CockreH With a Bottle of Missouri
Luncheon.
The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-31

Continued on Fifth Page1
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-08-03
RAILROAD DEAL
ILLINOIS CENTRAL ABSORBS NJ &c
ST L. AND IOWA
CENTRAL
TWIN CITY THROUGH LINE
Direct Communication With Gulf Of
Mexico Points VIII Now Be
Afforded Twin City
Shippers.

The directors Of the Iowa Central have
decided on an exchange of the stock Tor
that Of the Minneapolis e St Louis roa1.
One snare of The capita! stock of tee
Minneapolis & St. Louis road viii be is
sued for every two shares of the Iowa
Central surrendered.
Local "a lroad man, when quest oncd s
10 the meaning of the contemI lated move,
opine Hat it is bat preliminary stop
to the absorption of the consolidated
properties by the Illinois Central. Hi
uois Central stockholders now control the
Minneapolis & st Louis and also own
most Of the Iowa Central stock. A mee,-
ing Of Illinois Central stockhO,d, rs viii
be held in Chicago next month Then,
according to the local information, a
Iropos ton to issue Sl3,20O,O91 of new
capital stock viii be ratified. 1t is sa d
that 100000 of this issue will be eX-
changed for the capital stock of the
merged Minneapolis & st. Louis and
Iowa Central prop rites. The balance
VII be issued in exchange for the stock
of the Fort Dodge q Omaha road, which
was recently built by the Illinois Cen
trail
The Illinois Central is one of the
strongest roads connecting the West
with the South, and the fact of it's own
ing ana operating a line into the Twin
Cities means much for Northwestern
shippers.
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-08-03
WORK OF CUBAN CONVENTION.
Discussion Continued of Provisions
of Electoral Bill

HAVANA, Aug. 2.-The Cuban consti-
tuticnal convention today began to con-
slider separately the provisions of the
electoral bill, taking up first of all the
qualifications of candidates for the posts
OF provincial governor, provincial coun-
cillor, senatorial eloctor and presiden-
tial elector.
These provisions were adopted as
embodied in the project submit
ted, except that in order to be-
come the governor of a province
or provincial councillor it is not neces-
sary that the candidate be the father of
a family, or a taxpayer in the province,
or the possessor of a degree, or that he
Should have held public office by virtue
of popular election.
The question was raised as to whether
the convention had the right to settle an
electoral dispute. Senior Sanguily MAIN
tanned that this function belonged to the
military government The convention
dld not vote on this matter
There was also some discussion regard
ing the freedom of presidential electors
to vote for whom they choose Senior
Sanguily maintained that it would be
better to elect the president by tae direct
vote of the people than 20 have the
electors bound to vote for a special can
didate He favored a change in the con-
stitution in this respect.
AS a result of the discussion of the
qualifications Of a governor, representa-
tive, provincial legislator or presidential
elector, the convention decided that can
Cidates must be either Of Cuban birth or
naturalized, with a residence of eight
years in Cuba after the naturalization