davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
MURDER CHARGED TO WIDOW.
Mrs. A. J. Wltwer Is Charged With
Having AnnlhIIated Her Family.

DAYTON, O., Oct. mrs. A. j. Witwer,
a widow residing in this city, has been
arrested by the police at the instigation
of the coroner and is held a prisoner at
central station pending an investigation
into very serious charges. Mrs. Witwer,
the police say, is suspected of fourteen
murders. the list including four husbands,
FIVE children one sister and four members
of different families in which she was
employed as housekeeper. The last sup
posed victim was her sister. Mrs. Anna
Pugh who died a week ago under myster-
ious circumstances. An autopsy perform
ed at the request of Mrs. Witwer's moth
er. VINO came here from Detroit. is said
TO have disclosed the presence of arsenic
and copperas in the stomach. Following
closely upon the death of her first hus-
band Fred schweger, came according to
the police department data, the death OF
her children. The second husband died
suddenly several years after the wedding
and the children of this marriage died
in rapid succession Her last husband,
A. j. Witwer, died last April. In each
instance death was somewhat sudden and
all were strangely alike.
5 The prisoner Is forty-seven years of age
and formerly lived in Middletown. this
state. She has two sons in the Philip
pines and a sister, II is stated. in New
York asylum. No conceivable motive for
the suspected crimes has been disclosed.
Drugs which were founS IN the house oc-
cupied by Mrs. Witwer are in possession
Of the police and will be examined.
The third husband Of Mrs. Witwer was
William Stowe, who died at Middletown
under suspicious symptoms. 1t is stated.
OF arsenic poisoning Mr.. Stoves death
at that time created a sensation and was
the subject OF an investigation by the
coroner. 1t was shortly after Mr.. Stoves
death that Mrs. Wtwer came to Dayton
She shortly afterward assumed the duties
OF housekeeper for Charles F. Keller, a
widower Keller died suddenly and the
information since gained by the coroner
concerning .Keller's death is that HIS all
ment was similar to that of a person af-
fected by poison.
She next acted as housekeeper for John
A. Wenz. an east end druggist Wenz died
In September one year ago. The doctors
attributed his death to blood poisoning
but now tell the coroner that they were
dissatisfied with their diagnosis at the
time. Two months before Mr.. Wenz's
death his four-year-old son died suddenly
Mrs. Stowe next resided with Mr.. and
Mrs. Gabler. on Best street Riverdale
These two persons died suddenly. and the
coroner now says that their sickness was
of the nature Of arsenical poisoning.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
WOULD GET DIVORCE gW
alaH . BY NOVEL METHOD.
Old Negro Wants His Wife to Sign a
'stificate That She Is Willing
f to Separate.

NUncle Tally Morgan. a gray haired old
negro plumber, has a novel method of
getting a divorce and attempted to put 1t
into practice this morning before Justice
of the Peace s. II. Landrum.
He entered the court room scratching
his head with great JUNCTION, and after
making a scraping bow to his honor, said:
s"Jedge. wants ter git married. but is
already got er wife. Now, jedge, she's
within fer me ter marry ergin, so I wants
her to sign er 'stifcate fore you dat she's
willin and I'll do de res. I'll glib her eT
clar receipt, too, emmy day she wants
hit"
When told that he would have to get
divorce, which would cost him forty or
fifty dollars, he exclaimed:
Good Lawd. Well. dis ole Niger wont
git no divorce. I'll jes' have ter do de
bes' kin widout lift"
Uncle Tally is sixty years old, and lived
with his most accommodating spouse for
.thirty-three years. They separated four
years ago, as the old man said. Cause
she wanted ter go her way, an he wanted
ter go his'n.''
His wife keeps restaurant in the base
ment of No. 80 Decatur street
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
FIRE LOSS HALF A MILLION.

CHICAGO Oct 9.-The total loss in last
nights fire is s595 900, divided as follows:
Peabody Coal company, $S45,000; the six
story building and contents. occupied by
the Davidson Marble company, Globe
Heat and Light company. and Welsbach
Lighting company. 0,0C0; Chicago and
Northwestern railway, freight sheds and
rolling stock $4,000.
Believing that the fire which last night
wiped out the Peabody Coal companys
yards at Kinzie street and the river and
did other damage. was OF incendiary ORR
gin. Fire Insurance Inspector Conday
began an investigation. 81
Revised estimates of the losses make the
total loss $685.. 600 divided as follows: 81
Peabody Coal company, SS45,0O0; the
six story building and contents
occupied by the Davidson Marble COM
pany; the Globe Heat and Light company,
and the Welsbach Lighting company,
5000 0O0; Chicago and Northwestern railroad
freight sheds and rolling stock, $4,000.
The various companies carried full in
SurarCP.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
TO RESCUE MISS STONE.
Every InfIenee Has Been Brought to
Bear and Three Nations at Work.

WASHINGTON. Oct. Shot since the
successful attempt TO save the life Of
John HAYS Hammond, the American en-
Eineer implicated in the Jamison raid.
has the state department put forth such
energy and efforts to save human life
as II is now exerting in behalf Of Miss
Stone, the American missionary. who was
captured by Bulgarian bandits.
A sum OF money has been Forwarded By
the agency Of the cable TO Spencer Eddy.
the United States secretary Of legation at
Constantinople, who has shown remarka-
bic energy and ability in unearthing the
ramiications OF the plot which resulted
in the kidnapping OF Miss Stone.
There is little doubt that the Turkish
government has done all that It could be
expected 20 do to run down the bandits,
and what is now 20 be done Is. to secure
similar action on the part OF the Bulga-
rian government, and 10 that end influences
more potent with the Slav races than that
OF the United states government are now
at work.
Should these measures fail, then the
ransom money must be paid and that is
why Mr.. Eddy has been placed in possess
ion OF this power auxiliary. The state
department oficials deprecate most earn
estly newspaper discussion Of the meas
ures II Is taking in Miss Stones behalf,
claiming that Il f. being greatly embar-
assed In fts efforts BY its publications.
Consequently the officials refuse 70 Gtye
any information concerning the case be-
yond the merely negative statement that
they have not been informed OF the re-
ported extension TO one month Of the
time allowed for the ransom Of Miss
Stone r
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
HAD A SILL IN HEN HOUSE.
Man Said to Have Had Novel Whisky
Making Scheme.

The most novel method Of operating an
illicit distillery in the annals of the Unit
ed States court came to light Tuesday in
the trial of M. G. Nix. resident Of White
county
Nix rs said to be an old offender and the
present scheme of operating to which he
plead guilty was one which might be
easily overlooked by the most alert dep
uty. The distillery was placed under
hen house in Nix's yard and in order to
keep the tell-tale smoke from betraying
him the ingenious moonshiner laid pipe
underground to his house, 20 feet away.
and the smoke passed innocently up his
kitchen chimney.
These facts were testified to by Deputy
Collector H. L. Richardson. who made
the raid on February r. and upon taking
the stand Nix admitted them, although
ne stated that the date of the offense was
wrong in the Indictment
The collector stated that Nix is well
known throughout the mountains of White
county.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
TRADERS DAY AT WAYCRoSS.
Fakirs Will BE Barred-candidates
For Governor viii Speak.

wAYCROSS, Ga. Oct. S.-Waycross
will have a trades day the latter part Of
this month. 1t is to be a day for the coun-
try people, and fakirs will be barred alb
solutely
The date and features of the occasion
have not been decided upon, but will be
tonight
II Is pretty certain that all the candi-
dates will be invited here on the occa-
sion for a joint debate. This will probably
be the leading feature. since Waycross is
so centrally located that the people from
all over Wiregrass Georgia can get here,
and the candidates will have fine oppor-
tunity of meeting the people, Hon. Du-
pont Query has already signihed his will
lingness TO come, and II is thought Pope
Brown and Colonel Estill will certainly
come. and while Hon. Henry G. Turner
and Joe Terrell are not vet avowed cam
didates, they will be invited to be present
and participate.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
BRAVE MAN STOPS MOB.
shsriff Griffin Captures Negro AssalI
ant and Disperses Crowd.


CARTERSVILLE. Ca. Oct. s;-BilI
Jackson. a young negro. was jailed here
yesterday afternoon by Sheriff r. l..
Griffin. charged with attempting an as
sault l1pon Mrs. Tom Smith, wife Of
well-to-do young farmer.
Mr. Smith and his wife were out In the
field picking cotton. The baby, about
year Old was with them. playing on
quilt. When dinner time came Mr.. Smith
10 save his wife long walk left her IN
the field with the baby and went 10 tina
house for their dinner.
on his return he found his wife badly
bruised about the face and her teeth had
been loosened.
She told the story OF the attempted as
sault and knew the negro.
The husband secured a conveyance and
came to town reporting the case to the
sheriff. He went out ana failed TO locate
the negro. He learned that he had gone
In a wagon toward Cassville. The sheriff
returned to town, saddled his horse and
set off after the negro. He overlook him
about five miles out, arrested him, tied
a rope around his neck. tied 1t TO MS
saddle and brought him 10 town. arriving
about O'Clock yesterday afternoon.
A crowd of several hundred collected
about the jail and some trouble was fear
ed. but Judge Fite made a speech 10 the
crowd. telling them to let the law take
as course.
Sheriff Grimm also spoke 70 them. tell
ing them that he did not want TO hurt
anybody, but it was his duty TO protect
his prisoner and he was going to do Il
at all hazards.
He is avery brave and determined Of
ficer, and seeing that he meant business.
the crowd dispersed.
The negro has heretofore borne good
reputation, and has been carriage driver
for Judge j. W. Harris. .
Judge Fife has called an extra session
of the supreior court for Thursday to try
the prisoner A jury has been stricken.
fodav
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
FOUR MEN ARE KILLED.
Bloody Battle is Fought in Church
Near TazeweII, Tenn. geo

1tooog 1dkblc - FON9Htf ~ NH1fSH
Near farewell, Tenn. $50
KNOXVILLE, Tenn, Oct. IA special
70 The Sentinel from Tazewell, Tenn,
SAYS a fatal shooting ARRAY occurred In
Claiborne county at Big Spring Union
church last night in which four men
were killed and. four wounded.
The dead are:
RUSH and HENRY MORGAN. .r
TIP and JAMES CALDWELL.
The wounded. are: -
Henry Overstreet.
James Morgan.
Joe Moverly. xr
Constable Brooks. IS --rt-t
The difficulty was the outcome OF an
old feud dating back TO 1864.
Two More Are Dead.
MIDDLEsBoRO, ky, Oct. s.--WnHam
Morgan and Richard cChadwell, wounded
in Sundays fighting at Union Baptist
church, near Big Springs. Va. died last
night This. makes six dead from that
feudal encounter.
A large party, headed by Bud Caldwell.
Len Caldwell and joe Dooley. have left
AfiddlesbOro, armed with Winchesters, TO
Join the Caldwell forces. IL is now gen.
orally believed that serious results will
soon follow. Arms and ammunition are
hsinH secured from surrounding towns
The Chadwells, II is said. have ordered
a wagon load OF arms from Knoxville
Tenn. Augustus Morgan. aged 50. father
OF the Morgan brothers, IS endeavoring to
bring about peace between the factions
As ne is we'll liked by the Chadwells, his
efforts may be successful.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
CHIEFS OF FARMERS MEET.
Third Annual Session of the Commits
sioners Of Agriculture.

HOT SPRINGS. Ark. Oct. s.-The as
ISOLATION OF commissioners of agriculture
of the cotton states held the first session
OF their meeting at the Arlington hotel
yesterday at noon for purpose of organi-
cation and assignment of committees.
They Will meet again this evening, but
little business will be transacted before
tomorrow, when it is expected that all
OF the commissioners viii be here.
President Frank Hill, OF Little Rock,
ery, Ala
The state chemists OF the cotton states
viii meet with the commissioners Of ag-
riculture, and different fertilizer concerns
.of the country win have representatives
here to confer with the commissioners
and present their side of the Question as
to the adoption Of the uniform laws in
cotton for inspection Of commercial fer
tilizers. .-f sn Ef
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
CARS MAKE FIRST
TRIP ACROSS QIADUCI
PROMINENT CITIZENS AND Off
GALS RIDE oVER WHITEHALL
STREET vIADUU,.

The first of the trolley cars of the Att
lanta Rapid Transit company to cross the
Whitehall street viaduct reached the half
way point of the structure Wednesday af-
ternoon at los o'clock.
The car was In charge OF H. NJ. Atkin-
son, Jr., son of Mr. H. NJ. Atkinson. who
held the bell and trolley cords and did
other duties incumbent upon conductors,
except that of collecting fares. which he
overlooked. His motorman was Jerome
Simmons. Jr., son of Mr. G. j. Simmons.
president of the Atlanta Rapid Transit
company.
The first man across the viaduct on a.
trolley car was Mr.. James L. Key, norni-
nee for council from the Sixth ward. who
stood on the small platform in front OF
the motorman outside the car and stretch
ed his neck in order to have his head over
the line first. A number Of prominent
gentlemen INDUCED in this neck-stretching
game. but Mr.. Key had the advantages OF
position and may fairly claim the honor
Of being the first man across the vladuct
on a trolley car.
The car that made the initial trip over
viaduct for the Atlanta Rapid Transit
company was No 106, which is exactly
the same. except for the number. as all
other cars of the Transit company 1t was
loaded with councilmen and aldermen
and IN addition held Mr.. II. NJ. Atkinson
who IS responsible for the existence OF the
Transit company in Atlanta.
Mayor Livingston Minis. ex-Mayor
James G. Woodward and other promin-
ent of1ciaIs occupied the first car.
Following No. JOG came No. los. then No.
104 and last No 1O3. All cars except the
first were in charge of regular motormen
and conductors.
Mayor Minis, Ex-Mayori Woodward. the
general councils of 1893. 1900, 1901 and 1902.
all city officials, all county off1cials in
Guiding the county commissioners. and q
number of prominent men Of Atlanta.
were the guests in the four cars that
passed over the viaduct shortly after /
o'clock this afternoon.
The start was made from the corner Of
Peachtree and Decatur streets. The ears
moved. slowly over the vladuct and
thousands OF persons stopped TO witness
the novel sight. There was some cheer
ing done by the spectators Out White
hall street the cars moved as far as Hum
ter street. where turn was made to the
Grant park line OF the Atlanta Rapid
Transit company. That line was fol-
lowed as far as the Cherokee avenue
switch, which is near the corner Of Wood
ward avenue.
The turn was made there and the of1-
cials Of the Atlanta Rapid Transit COM
Kimball house cafe, where luncheon was
served.
The cars were then again boarded and
the entire party went to the Southern In-
terstate fair, where the afternoon was
spent in viewing the exhibits and the
shows on the midway.
President c. ]. Simmons. OF the Tran
sit company. was the host OF the occas. y
ion.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
i'm PARKER A LECTURER.
The Georgia Negro Tells How He De.
Tended Mckinley.

WASHINGTON, Oct 9.-James Parker.
the Georgia negro Y9o knocked down tbs
assassin Of President Mckinley. gave q
lecture at a local negroechurch last night.
There wasa stampede as The church
doors were opened. 1t had been under
stood that no admission fee was to be
charged but such was not the case. There
was a mad rush for the doors and many
persons surged through before they could
be closed.
The lecture was finally given after the
church trustees had wrangled an hour to
decide whether. Parker should speak.
Parker told the story Of the assaRsina-
ton in detail, claiming the honor of strik-
ing the assassin the first blow. He SAID
that any other representations were false
and he thought he had been snubbed be-
cause he was not summoned to the trial.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10

the parties, just so long will there be no
Republican party in the south.
However, II the Republican leaders will
treat the negro at the south as they treat
him at the north-that is, let him alone
and will preach protection to US instead
of negro equality, they vii build up a
strong and respectable party. ~
II will go further and say that IL they
do this and the Democrats preach abso-
lutte free trade or something very akin to
It, then the Republicans will build UP a
party that will dominate In states ike
North and South Carolina. Georgia and
Alabama. rst..,
protection has done for the manufacturing
interests of New England and the north
generally, and they want to share the
benefits of this system" 3 e
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
sawmIII Men Meet al TIfton.

Triton, Ca, Oct 9.-The regular ses-
sion of the Georgia Saw Mill associates
was held at Hotel Sadie yesterday. The
regular order of business VIII be carried
out. as there are few new features to
come up at this meeting.
rrices are reported as being held up
to the scale as adopted by the association,
and in which there will be no change at
this time. The demand for all products is
strong. SISSY
Much good IS being accomplished by.
the association which is shown by the
large delegation in attendance.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
ABOLISH THE NEGRO.
Evan p. Howell Tells Roosevelt How
to Build Up Republican Party.

WASHINGTON. Oct. s.-Captain Evan
p Howell. of Atlanta, called on President
Roosevelt at the white house Monday.
Much importance is attached to the
visit and Captain Howell is quoted here
as having said to the president:
Mr.. president, you can build up a Re-
publican party in the south on the tariff.
but not on the negro. The negro is a polit-
ical menace in many parts of the south
and as long as the Republicans coddle the
blacks in our section to the exclusion of
the great economic questions that divide
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
John Patton Dies in sirnrInqham.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. Oct. THE dead
body Of John Patton local manager of the
c. d. kenny & Co. tea store and a popu-
lar society leader, was found in his room
Saturday By porter who went to awaken
him. er
Mr.. Patton had risen from his bed and
was partially dressed when he was struck
down by heart failure. He was forty years
of age and single. He was a prominent
member of the Southern. the Jefferson and
the Birmingham athletic clubs. The re-
mains were sent to his former home in
Richmond, Va, for interments
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
KILLED MAN, THEN HERSELF.

SAVANNAH, Ga, Oct. s.-Clara Stew.
art this morning shot and killed Frank
Hemingway and herself in her room
The woman left note saying she could
not live with the man and trust him and
Sc she decided to end both their lives.
The woman came to Savannah some
years ago from Syracuse, n. Y.
Her victim was trombone player and
held a position in the band at Hotel Ty-
bee, Tybee Island, all summer.
II IS not known at what hour the deed
was committed. as the bodies were not
found until about IL O'Clock. The bet
clothing was saturated with blood.
The woman shot Hemingway between
the eyes and she shot her own right eye
entirely out. The pistol used was OF a.
calioer. fsst H
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
REPORT SAYS GANG.
NUMBERS EIGHTEEN.

cONsTANTINOPLE. Oct "a trust
worthy report locates Miss Stones abb
ductors on the summit OF a mountain at
Gultepe on the TurkO- Bulgarian frontier.
IL Is said the kidnapping band numbers is.
Arrangements have been made 10 sur
round the mountain with Turkish and Bull
garian troops. e. 81 -se.e
Ii has been suggested that the old Ma
cedonisn committee Is actuated by mo-
tives OF jealousy and that they are en-
deavoring to accomplish the downfall Of
the present committee
The Bulgarian government has promis
ed TO act vigorously. C
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
MISS STONE STILL ALIVE.
Her Greatest Peril is Lack Of Interest
on Part Of the Public.

WASHINGTON. Oct. s.--The time for
the ransome fixed by Miss stones kid
napers expired yesterday. yet she is ST..
alive and unframed.
IL is known now offieially that her cap
tors ha--a granted a short extension of
time.
There Is yet reasonable hope for getting
the money In season 10 save her lie.
The danger In the situation lies In the
abatement Of popular interest which was
so generously manifested during the first
few DAYS following the Issuance OF this
appeal
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
UNCLE SANS BOYS
OFF FOR REVENGE
GENERAL SMITH AT THE HEAD OF
A BATTALION, EN- ROUTE
TO sAMAR.

:, MANILA, Oct. 9.-GeneraI Smith sailed
from here today TO the relief of the Island
of Samar.
He will take command of Samar and
Leyte so as to enable General Hughes
to devote himself to the Island or Cebu,
where trouble is possible, unless strong
measures are adopted.
General Smith will be accompanied by
a battalion of the Seventh infantry. who
are anxious to avenge the disaster 70
company C, of the Ninth infantry.
Further accounts from Samar received
here show that horrible indignities were
perpetrated on the dead bodies.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
MAY PROVE A WONDER.

SAN FRANCISCO. oct. ga railroad
engine Is now nearing completion in the
North Pacific Coast Railroad company's
machine shops at Sausalito which II il
half accomplIshes the sanguine hopes and
predictions OF its inventor. VIII result in
radical revolution in the construction
OF locomotives. This new mechanical
prodigy differs from other engines In that
II has the engineers and fireman's cabs
out in front instead Of the rear OF the
boiler and thus aifording the men in the
Gao an -unobstructed view Of the track
ahead. s,
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
senator Daniel IS Reported m.

RICHMOND, va. Oct. s.-Constitutionai
convention yesterday decided that be-
ginning next Monday it would have two
sessions daily at 1880 a, m. and at p. m.
The morning session will expire at 2sp. m,
Senator Daniel was reported TO be III
at his daughters residence and was
granted an indefinite leave of absence. The
contested election case of Treat VS.. Greg
DRY was then brought up as the special
order and Mr.. Turnbull. Of Brunswick.
supported the report signed by the major
ity of Democrats on the committee.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10
CALEB POWERS ON TRIAL.
Attack on the Court Not Sustained and
Hearing Proceeds.

GEORGETOWN. Ky, Oct 9.-The sec
ond trial OF Ex-Secretary of State Caleb
Powers as accessory to the murder of
Governor Gobel began yesterday
Judge Cantrill read the affidavit filed by
the prisoners attorneys, setting forth the
alleged partisanship of the court, that the
judge is a candidate for senator and deep
ly prejudiced against the defendant per-
sonally. as well as politically. ETC., etc.
Commemorative Attorney Franklin ar
gued that the affidavit was not within the
law. He said that the affidavit was a
mere recitation OF the prisoners conclu-
sions and opinions over his alleged inabil-
delivered a bitter speech against those
who reflected on the court
Judge CantrilI refused to leave the
bench. saying the affidavit should have