davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
A Boys LETTER.
He Wrote to HIS Father and Incl.
denfaIly Reminded Him of the
Fourth of July.

An Omaha boy who is spending the
summer with his grandmother in the
western part of the state writes as fol
lows to his fond papa:
Dear Papa:-I am very well and
having good time please send me a
dollar to spend onsthe Fourth of July
Grandma has been well all summer and
they are selling two punches of fire.
crackers for cents here / have got
cents saved up to buy fireworks will
you please send me a pistol and lot
of paper caps. Last Sunday went to
Sunday school and the teacher told us
about feeding five thousand with five
loaves and two fishes are you going to
send me box of fireworks like you
-sitilast summer. ! saw box kite in a
store Yesterday and the man said you
can sentNit up with bunch of crackers
on it at nsxht and make fine sight
would like - have box kite for the
fourth. We are all well at present &
hope you are enjoying the same great
blessing what are roman candles worth
in Omaha.
81 must close don't forget the dollar.
Kiss mamma and the baby for me when
will you send the money. Goodby.
From your loving SON."
Of course the boy will get the dol
lar if papa had to sell his coat off his
back. The small boy must have big
time on the Fourth, no matter what
happens
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03

the earth had suddenly dropped down.
ward into space. l heard my mother
scream and was vaguely convinced that
she had felt the earth dropping under
her and was frightened. Ii didn't oc-
cur to me that | was in danger.
rather felt that was lucky to be in a
balloon at the very moment when the
world fell from its place. | speculated
upon what would happen when the
globe went crash against the moon,
and selfishly chuckled at the thought
that /, at least, wouldn't be in the
smash-up.
"The only breeze felt seemed to
come straight down from above.
dropped my cap out and itsfen like a
pound Of lead. Then, for the'frst time,
| began to realize that was going up
and the earth was standing still, doing
business in the same old place. For a
quarter of an hour the ground below
me looked like concave basin. The
horizon seemed like the high outer
rim, and below me, so far that the peo-
pie looked like small bugs, was the
DOIIOH OI lut .nOllON IL tiiC
west, Ike a yellow ribbon winding
among green fields and forests and
squares of golden harvest field, the
Missouri river lay flashing in the sun.
Lake Contrary. sheet of water four
miles long, looked like the half-closed,
blue eve of woman. st. Joe, smokeless
and spangled with tin roofs and glass,
seemed almost beneath me, like toy
village on a eheckerboard, its hills fat
tened and its streets merely dotted
with crawling specks.
at must have been past six O'Clock in
the evening when the balloon let go.
The sun was low, and yet before it set
beyond the Kansas plains the world no
longer looked fiat. Just as the sun,
monstrous in size and brazen with the
dull color that you have seen at sun
set, struck the horizon, the world sud-
denly assumed the appearance of
globe. The lake below me, now look
ing like a silver dime, seemed like
the apex of the sphere, and then,
as the sun dropped below the
sky line, shadows crept about it.
| saw, like stars reflected in the
water, the city's lights shining
dimly below. Soon the globe, down
upon which I gazed with fascinating
interest, lost all color. The pale lights
seemed to be swimming round and
round. But yet my balloon, still in the
suns half light, was luminous with
pale yellow glow.
81 became fascinated with the
sparks of light and streaks of fiery
red that then began to glimmer and
flash in tiny lines and arcs upon the
earth. Sometimes muffied roar like
that of thunder and then the crack
of lesser noises would reach my ears,
and / began to fancy that ] was far
above the clouds and was looking
down upon miniature thunder
storm. But finally | remembered
that it was the Fourth, and then |
knew that the disturbed area upon
which l saw so many little darting
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
Knights of Honor Picnic.

A picnic was held at McCool last
week under the auspices of the
Knights and Ladies of Honor, Ack-
erman, McCool, French Camp and
Koskiusko lodges participating.
Grand Secretary T. J. Wood of
Starkville and Major James K. Var
daman made addresses. Major Var
daman took occasion to say, among
other things, that he was opposed to
the State paying for the education
of the negro, as in the effort to ed
ucate the negro good field hand or
servant was spoiled. 1t was esti-
mated that there were 1900 people
present and all had plenty to eat.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
MUNICIPAL CORRUPTION.
rhs Latest Upheaval Is at Minneapolis
Mayor Ames and Police Force
Involved.

Minneapolis, Mimi, June 2S.-Dep-
the police department under surveil-
lance, with instructions not to allow
them to escape until the action of
the grand jury on evidence now to-
fore it is known.
The evidence referred to is that
given by Christopher c. Norbeck.
former detective, who went before
the grand jury Thursday and told OF
blackmail and compounding of
thefts into which members of the
police department entered. His testi-
mony involves many policemen, and
is said to be corroborated by women
who have been compelled to pay trib-
ute to members of the department.
Three more members of the police
force have been indicted by the grand
jury and two of them were arraigned
Friday.
Capt. John Fitchette is accused Of
receiving gratuity of $1oo for secur-
ing an applicant a place on the police
force. In court he declared that he
was too poor to hire an attorney, but
the court, calling attention to dia-
mond-studded star and gold watch
and chain which he wore, declined to
appoint counsel His bail was fixed
at $1,000.
INSPECTOR Fred Malone was ar
raigned for being an accessory after
the fact to felony, to-wit, the crack
ing of a safe in the Pabst Brewing
Co.'S office. His bail was made S2,-
500.
The third man indicted is Inspector
Charles F. Brackett, and the offense
charged is the same as that against
Malone. Brackett is out of the city,
however, and his whereabouts are
not known.
1t was said, Friday night that
Mayor Ames is going to resign, and
that new mayor, with reorganized
police force and an entire change of
front so far as municipal conditions
under the control of the police de-
partment are concerned. is promised
for Minneapolis soon after Septem-
Der 1. According to present plans
Mayor Ames will at that time remove
permanently to West Baden, taking
his family with him and handing over
the reins of executive rule into the
hands of Alderman D. P. Jones, presi-
dent of the council BY the terms of
the charter, if mayor resigns with
in 60 days Of the general election,
the office and duties of the position
devolve upon the president of the
council for the rest of the municipal
year.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
TROUBLE AT THE IsTHMUs,
President zeiaya Aiding Revoiu-
tionists-Eruptfon Between Colon
and Nicaragua Imminent.

Panama. Colombia, June est has
been learned ON the authority of gov
ernment officials in Panama that Gen.
Zelaya, president of Nicaragua, has
dispatched sailing vessel loaded
with coal to the revolutionary gun
boat Padilla, and that the Mica
raguan warship Momotombo was to
have left Corinto, Nicaragua, this
week with big consignment OF mu-
nitions of war for the use OF Gen.
Herrera. the leader of the Colombian
revolution on the isthmus.
1t is believed that President ze-
laya's action in sending coal to the
Padilla renders an eruption between
Colon and Nicaragua imminent.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
Good Roads Movement.

AS yet no arrangements have been
made for the annual session of the
Mississippi Good Roads Association,
and it seems probable that no meet
ing will be held until late in the fall.
Official announcement is made that
the supervisors association, which
took an active interest in the cam
paign last year, will not hold ses-
sion until Immediately preceding the
next session of the Legislature. In
several counties the contract road
law is being discussed by boards of
supervisors with the view to adop-
ton, but the crudities of the measure
have acted as barrier to the move
ment, and the citizens in some coun-
ties are vigorously opposing its prac-
teal test.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
FOUND IN SAN FRANCISCO.
J. C. Spence, Wanted at Duluth,
Minn., for EmbezzIement Arrest
ed in San Francisco.

San Francisco, June 2s.-J. C.
Spence, said to be the manager of the
United States Realty association, at
Duluth, Mimi, has been arrested here
on warrant telegraphed from the
chief of police of Duluth, charging
embezzlement. Spence was found
with his wife and two children in a
private house in sutter street. He
was quite i'll, and could not be re-
moved.
Spence came to San Francisco on
June 16 with his family. To the de-
tective he asserted he did not know
why he was wanted in Duluth. He
said he came to California solely for
his health.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
TEXAS DROUGHT BROKEN.
Heavy Rains Reported from North to
South-NeedlessAn Anxiety About
Galveston.

Dallas, Tex. June 2s.-The long
drought prevailing in Texas was
quite generally relieved Friday.
Heavy rains are reported from Dallas
south to the gulf, and many sections
north, east and west have received
portions of the downpour. The corn
crop is said TO be beyond redemption.
but cotton will be saved.
There was considerable alarm for
the safety of Galveston throughout
the day, as severe gale was report
ed raging there early this morning
and telegraphic communication was
entirely interrupted during the day.
1t was later learned, however, that
no damage had been sustained, and
that the water was but slightly above
normal.
At Houston high wind prevailed
and a heavy rain fell throughout tho
day. Trees were uprooted and car
traffic was suspended in j portion of
the city, but no serious damage Is
reported.
At Grand Saline the gale was very
strong, and the water hroke over the
river banks. No great damage is re.
ported from there.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
WELCOMED BY KING MENELIK
Advices Received From the White
house-Hindlip Expedition to
the Upper Nile.

London, June 2s.-Advices received
here from Ads Abeba, capital of
Abvssinia, announce the safe arrival
there of Fitzhugh Whitehouse, of
Newport, R. l., and Lord Hindlip, who
started from England, February 1,
on an exploring trip to the upper
Nile. Both of the travellers were
well. and had thus far enjoyed a sue
cessful trip. They were cordially
welcomed by King Menelik. The ex-
plorers were to continue their trav-
els round Lake Rudolf, and home
ward bound by way of Massowah,
where they except to arrive in Sep
tember.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
THE AMERICAN EMBASSY.
Ambassador and Mrs. Reid Take
Their Leave of Royalty.

Ambassador and Mrs. He1d rake
Their Leave of Royalty.
London, June 2S.-The American
special ambassador, Whitelaw Reid,
and Mrs. Reid called, by appointment,
on the prince and princess of Wales
Friday to take official leave of their
roval highnesses. Mr.. Reid will now
close up the special embassy and go
to Portsmouth to visit RearAdmiral
Crowninshield, commander of the
European station, on the United
States flagship Illinois.
Rear-Admiral John c. Watson, who
was to have Represented the United
States navy at the coronation, went
to Paris Thursday evening, and Gen.
J. H. Wilson, the representative of
the United States army in the special
embassy, is to follow him. Col. John
Biddle, Gen. Wilson's aide, will re-
turn to America.
The presence of the princess of
Wales and the inclusion of Mrs. Reid
in the audience was simply a continu-
alton of that specially friendly atti-
tude which the British royal family
and government have, throughout,
shown toward the American mission.
King Edward has expressed himself
as greatly pleased with the receipt of
President Roosevelt's message of
preeting-
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
A MISSOURI MATRIcIDE.
A Boy in st. Joseph Confesses He
Murdered His MOther-He I'M
pIicates His Father.

st. Joseph, Mo-, June 2S.-William
Coats, aged II, was arrested here Fri
day on suspicion of being the MUIR
derer of his mother, whose partially
decomposed body was found in her
home on farm south of this city
Thursday. Coats, after brief sweat
ing" at police headquarters, made a
full confession, duplicating his faith
er, james Coats, who soon afterwards
was taken into custody. The parents
have been separated for several
months. The son says he choked
his mother to death when no one was
around.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03

lights was ST. Joe and its evening
display of Roman candles, rockets
and Lombs. They all seemed very
trifiing and pitiful to me then. and
/ remembered conceiving genuine
contempt for so small thing as a
pack or even a box of frecrackers.
"Then / noticed that the breeze no
longer blew downward upon my bare
head. l watched the bag which had
been rotund and bulging, and saw
that its sides were dented and fab
by. l found a package of cards in
the basket, advertisements for tine
baiioonist, and throwing them out
saw that they sailed lszily upward.
go I'm falling!' / murmured, and for
the first time became conscious of
the most terrible fear. My hair was
rather long, and stood on end part
ly with terror and partly from the
upward draught through which |
was descending more rapidly each
second. The moon peeped over the
eastern hills suddenly, and then l
could see the earth again, luminous
in a pale green glow and apparently
soaring steadily toward me. Then |
could see blotehes of darker shad-
owy green, the river looked broader.
and now l could see the lake as if
coming up directly under me, silvery
blue. Then | heard murmur as of
many distant voices which grew loud
er and louder | heard cheers and
looked over for the last time. | was
falling so swiftly now that | prayed
and thought of my mother by turns.
Then 1 covered my face with my
hands and waited for the crash.
"But suddenly the basket in which
l crouched stopped with sudden
jerk, and then the big silken bag
came softly rustling down over me
I felt another gentle bump, the
voices were ringing in my ears, an6
/ felt hundred hands pulling away
at the empty balloon. When l came
to / was in hammock on the porch
of the little hotel near the lake. I
wasn't hurt in the least, and my
mother, laughing. crying and thank
ing God in her Teverent old Irish way.
was holding my hands. l had de-
scended within a hundred yards of
the place had started from and had
spent nearly three hours at great
altitude. OF course my mother was
wild with fear. but Prof. Winball.
who knew his business, rssssured her
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
Venerable Woman Dead.

Mrs. Rebecca Phillips, one of the
oldest residents of Oxford, died at
Oxford last week. For years she has
been one of the landmarks of the
county. She was a consistent mem
Der of the Baptist Church all her
life. Her husband was for years be
fore his death connected with the
University of Mississippi as proctor
under the old regime. She was in
her 18th year.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
AN ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING.
British Americans Pledge Them
selves to work for Closer Union
with Great Britain.

Chicago, June 2s.-Rejoicirg at the
somewhat more favorable news as to
King Edwards condition, expressing
sympathy with him and Queen Alex
andra, and pledging Themselves to
work for ''closer union between the
United States and Great Britain in
all that makes for civilization" some
5000 British-American citizens of Chi
cago held an enthusiastic meeting at
the First regiment armory Thursday
night.
One of the most striking features
of the meeting was the tribute paid
to President Roosevelt. His picture
was the first one shown among the
stereoptiean views, and it was re
ceived with long and tremendous
cheers and waving of flags of both
nations
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
Parental Economy.

"Papa," said Dicley, "all the other
boys are going to have torpedoes OF
frecrackers or something for the
Fourth of July. Can't I have any
thing at alp"
''Dickey," said Mr.. Stinjey, beckon
ing mysteriously, come with me anC
I'll show you something"
He took him out to the summer
kitchen and showed him large
package. neatly folded, and tied with
"a string.
There" he said, "are all the pa
per bags that have been brought int
the house for whole year, fro1r
grocery stores and other places.
have had your mother save them foI
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
New Railroad.

Another railroad project has been
launched which will prove of great
interest to railroad people as well as
TO the people of East Mississippi.
The new project is line to be built
from point eleven miles west of
Meridian northward through Phila-
delphia to Louisville, in Winston
cotuty. 1t is hardly proper to speak
of this enterprise as a project, since
it is work actually under way, with
all the means and interests behind it
that are necessary to guarantee its
successful consummation.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
GRATIFYING CONFIRMATION.
Dispatches Telling of the Kings
Good Progress Confirmed.

GOO0 frOsreSB SouhFIhcu.
London, June 27.-'It is the best
yet" was the popular comment with
which the bulletin poste at liuckinS-
ham palace at IL o'clock tonight was
greeted. A small crowd waited be-
fore the palace until the bulletin WAS
brought out, and when the good news
became known there were cries of
"Hear, hear" and cheers. Lord
Churchill, the acting lord chamber
lain, drove up to the palace just as
the bulletin was issued, and he ex-
pressed his keen pleasure at the doc
tors report of the kings condition.
After learning the contents of the
bulletin the crowd at the palace
quickly dispersed, and the rejoicing
which was already apparent In the
crowded streets increased in keep
ing with the terms of the latest re-
port.
The II o'clock bulletin was as fol-
lows:
'His majesty's condition is in all
respects satisfactory. The king has
had comfortable day and has made
substantial improvement"
The prince and princess of Wales
dined at Buckingham palace tonight
in company with several foreign
royal personages. All the diners re-
turned early to their homes.
The unanimity among prominent
physicians in expressing their opin-
ions as to the king is quite remarka-
BILE. All the professional opinions
gathered are distinctly favorable and
hopeful; the doctors regard the dan
ger of perfonitis as now almost past,
and believe his majesty's recovery to
be entirely probable.
Liverpool was illuminated tonight
in recognition of the good news.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03

A lifetime prisoner, Tom Smith,
sent up from Tunica county, made
his escape from the Weathersby plan
tation in Coahoma county, a few
nights ago. Smith, who has been
behaving himself very well in the
past, was made a trusty. He slept
in the kitchen and sometimes guard
ed the prisoners. He simply walked
off without leaving his address, and
though effort was made to recapture,
no trace could be found,
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
Chimes. Rioters at work.

Pekin, June 2s.-,fhe yiceroy of the
province of Szeh-Chnau has notified
the government that the American
and British mission buildings at Tien
Ku Chao have been destroyed by a
mob, and that a missionary has beer
murdered. His name and nationality
were not reported. An imperial edict
just issued deprives the local magis-
trate of Tien Ku Chao of his rank
and orders the determination of the
rioters. Seversi of the leaders OF the
outbreak are reported 70 have been
beheaded.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
oId-Fashioned Barbecue.

There will be an old-fasllioned
barbecue and political speaking at
Allison's Wells, Madison county, on
July %. Several distinguished
speakers have already consented to
be present, among them Senators A.
J. McLaurin and N. D. Money and
Congressman John Sharp Williams
and Pat Henry of Vicksburg. Prep
arations are being made to have just
such 4 time as they used to have be-
fore the war Oh such occasions,
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
CITY PRACTICALLY DESERTED.
Fine Weather Sent the Crowds to
Out-of-TOwn Resorts.

London, June 2s.-What was to
have gone down to history as process
sion day, when it was expected there
would be the greatest crush ever
witnessed in the streets of London,
finds the city practically deserted.
The bank holiday proclaimed for the
day paralyzed business. The masses,
apparently surfeitedwith their event
less wanderings in the streets Thurs
day, either cleared out to the coun-
try, tempted by the perfect weather,
or else stayed at home. Certainly
the main thoroughfares could not
have been more deserted on any Sun
day in the year. The big hotels, how
ever, were each an oasis of activity
amid the otherwise general stagna-
tion.
The fashionable cafes and restau-
rants were the scenes of numerous
smart luncheons.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
BELLIGERENT BoERS.
Prisoners on DarrelIs Island In
dulged In a Row, In which an
officer Was Beaten.

Hamilton, Bermuda, June 2S.-Two
Boer prisoners who were in the camp
on Burt's island have succeeded in es-
Gaping, but one of them has been
captured.
Some of the Beers on Darrell's ISL
and who refused to muster for in
spection were turned out by force.
As result of a subsequent row Com
mandant Milan was badly beaten by
other prisoners on this island, and
was removed to the hospital Friday.
Leave of the prisoners on both ISL
ands has been stopped and the Beers
have been placed on prison fare.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
Lively Times Ahead.

Well sighed the first, Il must get
ready for day of hard work"
Me, too returned the second
Il was referring to the Fourth oi
July" explained the first.
Me, too" returned the second
You! Why, what's your busi.
ness?''
I'm a fireman. And yours?"
I'm an ambulance doctor."-Chi-
eago Evening Post.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
Levee Matters.

The board of commissioners for
the Yazoo- Mississippi levee district
will spend good-sized sum during
the summer and autumn months for
repairs and new work on the levees
of the district. The tax levy has
been fixed by the board at 1894
cents, or equal to an acreage tax of
415 cents. The board has refunded
1924, 900 of its bonded Indebtedness
at 4 per cent, the 6 per cent bonds
being called in and the new issue
sold
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
ARE WITHOUT FOUNDATION
No Warrant For the Reports of Seri-
Gus Agitation Among the Ne
groes in Santiago.

Santiago, Cuba, June 2s.-The re-
ports circulated in the United States
by news agency of great agitation
here among the negro element, who
were said to be demanding that the
revolutionary army be paid and ap,
proving of Gen. Bandera's plan OF
taking to the woods, are incorrect,
The city and the province OF San
<;a 90 are absolutely quiet
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1902-07-03
FAILED TO COMPLY WITH LAW.
Numerous Religious Institutions In
France TO Be Closed For Con-
tempt of the Law.

Paris, June 2S.-At cabinet meet
ing held at the Elysee palace, Friday
morning, President Loubet signed a
decree closing the religious institu-
tions which have not complied with
the provisions of the law of associa-
tions. One hundred and thirty estab-
lishments are involved. Instructions
on the subject were sent to the va
rious prefectures.