davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
Safe and Vault of Metropolitan
Life Insurance Company's
Branch Office Forced.
AMOUNT OF BOOTY NOT KNOWN.
Custodian of the Building Was Not
Awakened by the Explo-
sions-Police Have
No Clew.

Safe crackers blew a safe and the vault
| IN the branch office of the Metropolitan
Lie Insurance Company at the northeast
corner of Grand avenue and Palm street
early yesterday morning while the janitor
was asleep on the third floor. The amount
or booty carried away has not been definite
ly learned.
The robbery is supposed to have been
committed between midnight and o'clock
yesterday morning. Charles Sutton, the
1anitor Of the building. lives on the third
fioor. It being Christmas Eve, he did not
retire until after midnight. When he closed
up for the night. he says, all was we'll
ne arose at o'clock and found that the
house had been entered The front door
was half open, and a back window was
forced open. Sutton notified the police, who
made a search of the place. but no clew
10 the burglars was found.
1t is supposed they entered the building
oy forcing open the small back window
from the courtyard. A hole was drilled
through the top of the safe. and the charge
set on. The whole front Of the safe was
blown off. but it availed the cracksmen
little. for dollars worth Of stamps was
all the safe contained.
HAlSI IOICiuS tHe SaIe the DurgIarS turned
their attention to the vault. A hole was
drilled beside the combination and a charge
exploded. Whether or not they got inside
the vault has not been ascertained. When
William Kirk, a clerk in the employ of the
company. attempted to open the vault yes
terday he found the lock had been broken
and the bars refused to go back at the
turn of the dial knob. He could not say
whether the door had been opened. The
knob and the hinges had been roughly bat
tered, as IL the cracksman had used a
heavy sledge.
One thing which is puzzling the police is
how the men could have blown the safe 4
without making any noise. as Sutton said
he did not hear any noise in the night, The
theory is that the cracksmen used a noise
less powder and then had. blankets to
muffe any report which might follow. That
they were frightened away is shown by
The fact that they left none Of their tools
behind
Chief Of Police Kiely detailed several men
IN the case yesterday to run down every
clew.
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
Government Decides That $1,000.
600 Will Be Sufficient To.
tai Indemnity.
NEW PROBLEM TO Be SOLVED.
United States Will Not Permit
Other Foreign Powers to Grab
the Money to Be Returned
to China in One Form
or Another.
REpIrRL1c SPECIAL

REPUBLIC SPECIAL
Washington. Dec. 2s.-china will be re-
Heved of the payment of s1s.OOo.0oo Of the
1000 demanded by the United States as
indemnity for the outrages perpetrated upon
American citizens during the Boxer revolt
Of 1900.
The administration, after consideration of
all the claims fled by Americans who suf-
Tered injury or whose urcperty:was dam
aged and the expenses incurred by the army
and navy, has come to the conclusion that
100000 will cover the American bill. Pres
ident Roosevelt submitted TO Congress. a
few days ago. recommendation that an
appropriation OF $20oo.OO0 he made to enable
the satisfaction of claims received from
Americans. The naval and military tx
penses were less than S50O0.O0O
In justice to China, therefore, the admin
tstration believes she should be relieved Of
the payment of the remainder. or that it
should be restored after the United States
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
IOWA IS WELL REPRESENTED.
Two Cabinet Ohicials, Speaker Of
House and Senatorial LEADER

Des Moines. Ia. Dec. E.-Ths people OF
Iowa are greatly elatcd at Governor shaw,s
prospective entry into the Presidents Cab
met. but would regret very much to have
Secretary Of Agriculture Wilson retire in
Consequence, and no one would regret thu
more than Governor Shaw. with Allison.
M Senate leader. Henderson as Speaker Of
the House and With the. prospect now OF
two members Of the Cabinet, the State is
undoubtedly greatly honored and larxely
influential In national affairs.
Tho Governors term ~ chief executive
OF Iowa will not expire until JanuSfy ~,
when Govcrnor-elect cummins vim IS ~.
augurated. Tho Legislature convenes Jai,.:
nary. n and Governor Shav.sHti BE-, very
busy In the interim with the preparation;
Of his anaual ne1xe. % that Governor
Shaw x4ils hafdsy % able to take up the
6uttes Of 0ecretary Of the Treasury 6ecpeS
January - and posstsiy laxsr.
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
Change in Sentiment Among Re-
publican Senators Regard
ing Schley Controversy.
WILL NOT PRESS THEIR BILLS.
Presidents Determined Stand for
Dropping Entire Matter May Re
! suit in Failure of All Efforts
to Revive Settled Questions.

II IrREPUBIlC SEEcIAL
Washington, Dec. 25-There has been a
notable change In sentiment among Re
publican Senators regarding the Schley
controversy during the last week. This is
to be ascribed in large measure to the
influence of the President
Mr.. Roosevelt has taken the position that
the whole controversy is wrong and that
the verdict of the Court of Inquiry should
end 1t. He made that clear in his action in
censuring General Miles and in dismissing
Maclay. He intends to use his influence
in every direction to lay the ghost Of San
tiago.
Since that time the President has seen
many Senators who were disposed to make
a fight in Congress for some sort of recog-
milton OF Admiral Schley as the hero of
Santiago. To such Senators as desired to
discuss the question he has stated his views
, very fully without presuming to, influence
| their freedom Of action or to dictate. He
has told them that his view Is that the
question is not only demoralixing to the
navy. but is doing this country injury
abroad.
y Opinions Cannot BE Changed.
2 He holds that nothing which can be done
in or out Of Congress will change the in
dividual opinions Of the champions of
Schley and Sampson. He has also pointed
out to them that there should be an end.
since the highest court to which Admiral
Schley could have the question referred has
rendened its decision.
II the friends Of the Rear Admiral are
willing to accept only decision favorable
to their favorite. then they could not find a
better way Of showing It than by continuing
the agitation.
Then as to the point made by Admiral
Dewey that Rear Admiral Schley was in
command at the battle. the Senators are
reminded that that question was settled at
the long hearing given to It by the Court
6f Claims. This decision by the only COM
petent tribunal settled the case.
It Is known that at least two Senators
who introduced bills and resolutions in ia
vor OF Rear Admiral Schley have since
changed their minds and viii not press
them. They have considered that the views
Of the President are wise from q party
standpoint.
It IL even stated that when the Senate re-
Senator NcComas will not be l
found in the lead Of the movement to keep
the matter to the front in Congress.
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
wELL-KNowN FRENcHMAx DEAD.

jacques Francois Henry Fouquier
Pablicist and Former Deputy.
Paris. Dec. 25.-Jacques Francois Henr,
ber OF the Chamber Of Deputies'h hgs is Snem aead
he was born September /. 1888.
STANLEY A. CRAWFORD.
REPUBLIC SPECIAL
,o,9 J99nesnoro; Ill, Dec. e5.-stanley A. craw.
c. Crawford. of this city. died yesterdav 81, !
evening after a long illness, i'm KentucIv
Wnere he had gone for his health The
funeral ! VIII take place here Thursday nj
= p: m. He was member Of the Masonic Il,
fraternity. a''i'''
DOCTOR JAMES TITTERINGTON.
REPUBLIC SPECIAL.
Richland, Mo-. Dec. 25.-Doctor James rit
terlngton, a wealthy pioneer citizen,died this
morning. In 1854 he was a county officer
It several terms in the Legislature. In the
early days he had an extensive practice
covering q score or more OF counties. Lat
ter!y he has devoted himself to farminr
and fruit growing. He was a member n1
Richland Masonic Lodge. -
HENRY DESIDEsHEINER.
REPUBLIC SPECIAL
Quincy, ILL.,. Dec. 25.-Henry Desidesheim-
er. aged 72 years. died this morning Of
ago he was resident of St. % Louis, and Seses be.
fore that Of Belleville. Several Children
Wei known In st. Louis. and some OF them
sthl residents. survive. They are Fred, now
q Denver: Henry. Mrs. Rudolph Bernins.
Mrs Mrs. August Kasting and Mrs. Emery VII.
liams still living there. The widow and
several others survive. Mr.. Desidesheimer
was charter member of the Bellevue
lodge OF Masons and the funeral viii taEe
place IN that city Friday under the aus
pices OF that society.
c. C. BANGS.
Denver. Colo. Dec. &c. C. Bangs.
friend Of Kit Carson. q veteran of the Mex
Indian fighter, died at Xitona. Bouider @
County; Colo. aged "A years.
NJ ~; Ban9s came TO Colorado from Mis-
soun In lS0: His death was caused BY :,
and three daughters, two OF the latter Hy-
ing IN Salt Lake. and three others In Dem
ver. -
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26

ed states interests she will hurry to vene-
zuelan waters:. II not she will join the
squadron.
Besides the battleships. the United States
nag Will fly from the masts of two gum
boats and three training ships before the
winter is at an end. The Gulf of Paria, a
magnificent sheet of water, which washes
the shore of Venezuela. will be the destina-
tion of most of these ships.
The authorities have not lost sight tf the
TACT OF the advantage of having wa,sEirs in
close proximity to Venezuela. compIica-
dons dangerous to the United States may
follow the German demonstrations III Ven
ezueian waters, and the administration de-
sires to be prepared to meet tkem
PRAIRIE TO GO To VENEZUELA.
Washington. Dec. 25.-rhe Navy uerart-
ment received a telegram to-day announ-
cling that the training ship Prairie would
leave Tompkinsville at daylight for Hump
ton Roads. whence she will proceed direc.
to Port Of Spain. on Trinidad Island. aust
of the north coast Of Venezuela
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
BURNIN6 COLUMN OF
OIL, 100 FEET HIGH.
Gusher Catches Fire and Cannot
Be Subdued-Many Sightseers
Witness Spectacular Scene.

REPUBLIC SPECIAL.
/. Barbourville, KY. Dec. -2S-Another big
oil well came in in Knox County to-day
and is now on fire.
The well Is one Of those sunk by the A.
lantic and Pacific Company. about six miles
from Barbourville. Gas was struck this
morning. whicaAtook fire from forge, and
quickly burned the derrick and machinery.
The now OF gas ceased after two hours,
when oil began to gush. and is now spouting
a sheet Of flame 100 feet high OH men
say the well is flowing at the rate of 1000
barrels day. The burning well has at
tracted hundreds Of sightseers. This Is the
second susher struck n Knox County with
In week:
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
UNITED STATES AND GERMAN
WARsHPS IN LARGE FORCE
CONVERGING ON VENEZUELA
Empeor Vessels Expected Move SQUADRON For
nation and Seize Por-W ashngton Authorities Taking
Precautions Against Possible Complications.
REPUBLIC SPECIAL.

REPUBLIC SPECIAL
Washington. Dec. 25.-United States and
German warships are converging on vene-
zuela.
Three Of the German vessels are at st.
Thomas and the fourth is at Port of Spain,
Trinidad. They are expected to shortly as
semble. and. in squadron formation, move
on and occupy a Venezuelan port.
In order chat the United States interests
may be adequately protected the United
States has gathered in the Caribbean Sea
a force more formidable even than that
which destroyed Spanish raval power in
the Western Atlantic.
The battleships Kearsarge. Alabama and
Massachusetts are at Havana and will sail
Tomorrow to continue their cruise, which
VIII carry them very near to the venez,r-
eian coast The battleship illinois, now at
Aigters La. will join them within a few
weeks. The battleship India, a will remain
at Curacao. 175 miles from La Guayra. and
the revolution in Venezuela menaces Unit
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26

acted exceedingly cool and self-possessed
and the male passengers aided in their reg.
cue and that OF several children. through
windows and a door at one of the platforms
me men hadapresence of mind enough to
form volunteer force and push the sleepar
which had remained on the track bact ont
OF danger and put the women and children
In 1t. There was but little DELAY IN ~.
schedule. trains being sent in and out ,of
Dallas to-day over the Houston and Texa.
central. via Hutchins and Lancaster Tbs
I0ao Will be open for regular traffic by to-.
morrow.
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
All of the Cars Excepting Pull
man Sleeper Destroyed
by Fire.
TRAINMEN BADLY HURT.
Women Passengers Were Rescued
Through Car Windows-En.
gineer and Fireman Jump
for Their Lives.
REPUBLIC SPECIAL

REPUBLIC SPECIAL.
Dallas. Tex, Dec 25.-The northbount
express from Texas to st. Louis. due al
Dallas at u:20 last night. but which wa.
an hour or more late, was wrecked on g
burning bridge six miles south of Dallas
about o'clock this morning, and all the
cars except the sleeper burned. The mail
baggage and express matter was saved
No passengers were badly hurt. but three
trainmen were seriously injured, pne 1t is
feared fatally.
The injured are: Joel Henry, negro Dor
ter. Of Lancaster. Tex, internally, is at
Dallas City Hospital and expected to die;
Engineer ]. 8. Clark Of Denison, Tex, left
shoulder and left leg broken; Fireman VIM.
Kearney Of Denison, Tex, skull fractured
and numerous bad bruises. Clark and
Kearney were this evening taken to Den.-
son.
: Conductor c. C. Moran walked to Dallas
for relief. and surgeons and newspaper men
hurried on relief train. which returned
to the city at 11:ao a. m, bringing the
passengers and injured trainmen.
Engineer and Fireman Jump.
The cause of the disaster-a burning
bridge-is mystery. A train had passed
southwark over the structure twos hours
previous. and 1t was sound and no evidence
OF fire in sight. The bridge was on a
sharp curve in the road and the engineer
or other trainmen did not see the fire until
they were almost onto the bridge. How
the fire was started has not been deyel-
ored. The flames ignited the cars a. soon
ns.they passed above. and in moment the
train was ablase. At the first sight of the
llanles Engineer Clark put on the air brakes
and reversed HIS engine, and he and Fire
man Kearney jumped for their lives, going
down q fifteen-foot emtankment.
Isadore Harris Of Waxahachie, a passen-
ger in the chair car. who had his hair
partly burned OF. stated that the train was
late and was sendeavorang to make up time.
Near the bridge, over Fve-Mile Creek, Mr..
Harris says. the train. stopped with ter
inc jerk, throwing every one down.
When he arose the train was ALL ablaxe
nd IN .less. .than an hour; was entitely con-
named. Many passengers left stis1k light
,eggage and personal effects in the flames.
lVeAea Rescued sTArossh windows.
I'VE had to jump shout twelve feet" said
". Harris mo one hesitated There. were
r uhits vomeh In the chair o.s They
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
NATIONS METROPOLIS
CELEBRATES THE DAY.
People of New York Probably Man
ifested Greater Religious Spirit
Than Ever Before.
POOR WERE WELL CARED FOR.
Twenty-Five Thousand Persons
Sat Down to the Salvation
Army's Dinner at Madi-
son Square Garden.
POOR WERE WELL CARED FOR.
REPUBLIC SPECIAL.

REPUBLIC SPECIAL
New York. Dec. 21.-Christmas was q
day of chill and drizzle outdoors. and with
In doors day Of light and gladness and
good cheer. The promise Of snow which
was given a few days ago. by a furry of
white crystals was not kept, but for all
that the sled runners of the Jolly German
l saint were not delayed. 1t may have been
| that ne hurried over the tops of the houses
In an automobile. for he fulfilled his mis-
| sion with as much dispatch as though ice
and snow covered field and street.
At no time in the history of New York
have the people manifested a greater re-
lKious spirit than to-day.
Long before daylight. just as the Christ
mas eve roysterers were OBVIOUSLY wend-
Ing their weary ways home. the streets
were dotted with worshipers going to the
various Catholic churches. many of which
prepared a special musical programme for
those whose duties precluded worship In
daylight.
Later in the day there was general out
pouring to all churches, and there was
proof that the word Christmas had not lost
fts original meaning.
Bishop Potter conducted the o'clock
morning Christmas service in the Pro-Ca-
thedral on Houston street. and delivered a
short address. Solemn ponfificai mass was
celebrated by Archbishop Corrigan at IL
o'clock at st. Patrick's Cathedral, and, de-
spite the unpleasant atmosphere q large
congregation was present. Services in Trim
ity Church were conducted by the rector,
the Reverend Doctor Morgan DIX, with the
Reverend James N. Steele as celebrant at
communion. Christmas Day was the sub
5ect OF the sermon preached by Doctor Dix
Salvation Array Christmas Dinner.
One OF the features Of the day was the
Christmas dinner provided by the Salvation
Army at Madison Squsre Garden to near
ly 5000 people. Baskets containing Christ
mas fare for LOCO persons were distributed
In the boroushs Of Manhattan and Brook
lyn. and tonight in the Madison Square
Garden there was spread feast for 1900
persons 'Ss
The Salvationists disposed of 3CtO pounds
OF turkey. 500 pounds of rcast meat, tOl
pounds of dressing. Is bushels Of potatoes
100 quarts OF cranberries. SO pies. 300
ioaves OF bread and $50 gallons Of coriee
In all the public institutions there was
an Observance Of the day. and all prisons
and correctional institutions of the city
spread the board appropriately. At the hos
pitals. Santa Claus walked the wards and
Christmas trees. laden with gifts and lights
shone amid white walls
Public and private charity gave happiness !
to the thousands and all over the city tie |
spirit OF Christmas had full sway.
In the outlying districts. where the wealthy |
cared for and made more, happy than ever |
before.
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
'1MACLAY HAS no RECOURSE
So Declares Civil Commissioner
Proctor, Touching His Dismissal.

REPUBLIC SPECIAL.
Washington, Dec. 25.-Edgar 8. Maclay
has been removed from the public service.
and he knows the reason why. Therefore
he has no ground for appeal to the C0Eil
Service Commission for redress.
This, in substance. 10 q statement made
tonight by Civil Service Commissioner
Proctor when interviewed concerning the
report that labor-historian Maclay, who
to contest his summary dismissal by Sec
retary Long.
''Mr. Maclay shows that he 10 not deep
thinker" said Judge Proctor. '.by stating
that the civil service law requires the ap-
pointing power to give reasons for the re-
moval Of employees from the classified serv-
ice. There is no law to that effect. There
Is. however. an executive order which re-
quires that when an emp1oye IL removed
from the service he. has q right to know
what charges are made against him.
That order was issued to prevent injustice.
For instance, an unscrupulous chief Of d.
vision might recommend an employe for re-
moval through prejudice or for some rea-
son which might be unknown to the per-
son affected. The executive officer has the
right. under the existing order. to deter
mine whether the reason given Is sufficient
and there is no appeal from his decision
In the case Of Mr.. Maclay there is nothing
mysterious about the, reason for his re.
moval."
MACLAY ASKS FOR FORMAL OPINION
New York. Dec 25-When seen at his
home and Informed OF his dismissal from his
position In the navy yard by President
Roosevelt. Edgar Stanton Maclay said:
'T have written to the civil service au-
thorities at Washington asking for a formal
opinion on this subject I shall be guided
in my actions by the advice received from
this source"
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
AropLExY PREVENTED SUICIDE.
Jockey VotsbuFGh. Pfeparing to XII
Himself. Suddenly Dies.

SOcKey V0tsbuFEh. PFeDaFlnE to XIII
Himself. Suddenly Dies.
REPUBLIC SPECIAL
Lincoln. Neb.. Dec. ga. C. votsbursh.
jockey. died here last night under most
peculiar circumstances. He was discovered
IN his room unconscious and died shortly
afterwards without regaining CONSEQUENCES
Doctors pronounced his death due to apo
plexy. ~ = -
/. A few hours after death letters which he
had written durieg the day were delivered
from the post q bee. in which he stated he
intended to commit suicide A further
chased poison. but failed to take any Of thu
drug. 1t Is supposed the excitement unfier
which he was laboring making preparations
for death brought on a stroke OF .apopiexv
In his letter. votsburgh wrote:
Il went the pace and now must lie down
at last. But 1 will quit as I have lived.
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
DE WITT CLINTON HOUSE DEAD
was q Pioneer Travelling Mau-H.d
Fought sioux IutlianA.


Fought Sioux Iniliant.
Kansas City. Mo-, Dec. 25.-De Witt Clin-
ton House. who is dead at his home in this
city aged "A years. was one OF the Oldest
and best-known travelling men in The United
states. nsa. He was born In Vermont, and fifty
Years ago established at Pcor.a the first
nois. IN AIN
When the Civil War broke ont mr.
=. Ho1se went to Minnesota, enlistinr IN
81 Stui raui IN the Sixth Minnesota Voiunteers
shortly s,nn after his enlistment his, regiment
was sent to subdue and punish the Sioux
aftacrs,, ,cns under ts Chief Little Crow. who had
New Ulm ''e ss"ere VI
.,NSI Mniie engaged in burying the dead set.
I llers Ar. House and about forty other soi..
9ier We're corralled by band OF Indians at
b5irchaeooia. l5a, After an heroic defense Of four
uays; during which time most of the little
pand were either killed or wounded. The
ssIviyors sSis were rescued by other troops. AT
Lnis 6attle Mr.. House received a Severe
wound in the left leg.
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
To-DAY's NEWS IN BRIEF.
LOCAL AND SUBURBAN.


Christmas a gloomy day for the sick and
suffering.
Herman Schmidt carries his street-car
hight in his pocket.
Keepers of inmates OF city's penal insti-
buttons serve good dinners and give holidays
to their charges.
The general Offices Of the Worlds Fair
company are soon to be removed to the
site.
Burglars forced the safe and vault Of one
Of the Metropolitan Insurance Company's
branch offices. while the jauitor was asleep
on the third floor, but obtained little booty.
Howard Hartman. a farmer near Centaur.
is found on railroad track after being as
saulted and robbed.
Jack Schaffers saloon at Broadway and
Carr street is riddled with bullets by un-
known assaiiants and two 'men wounded. :
Congressman Champ Clark passed through
ST. Louis on his way to La. Grarige where
lie opens his senatorial campaign.
Mayor Wells spent Christmas quietly with
his family at home. .
President Friedewald Of the West End
business Mems Association says bad street.
car service is injuring retail business in all
parts of the city. - ~
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26

Pineville, KY. Deg S.-Reports reached
here late this afternoon of a bloody en-
counter on Red Bird Greek. in Clay County,
twenty-five or thirty miles across a rough,
mountainous. country from here, in which
several men were killed. It IL imposyible
to obtain details, as there ID no telephone
communication and a messenger from here
could not start out before tomorrow. The
first report deceived here said six men were
killed, but later reports place the number
at three, four and ten respectively. The
chances are that = Christmas evening ceie-
bration at q moo 1shine still may have re-
suited In . general nght and possibly Ia
The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-12-26
Fire Destroy. B....e.. s.,ra,....

Puxico. Mo, Dec. 25-Fire destroyed a
part Of the business portion of this city
this morning. Buildings burned and losses:
r. J. .Ramsey's' store partly insured; Hick
The buildings were owned by l. L. Clubb
OF Bloomfield, and were not insured
The BurIis Hotel was damaged about 3a5o.
Other buildings across Main street were
damaged slightly. -