davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-07

the ominous signs of danger ahead, there
were the usual festivities in the social
world, entertainments, dinners, etc, given,
but personal feelings being held under con-
troll, there were but few of the scenes the
general public looked for when the fiercest
champions met enacted Indeed, Presi-
dent Buchanan's levee in the middle of
January was not only one of the largest
held up to that date, but one of the most
pleasant, representatives of all sections be-
ing present, and in the brilliant assembage
there was not the least action or word to
mar the farewell hour.
Though many of the families of the Dis
trict by blood and marriage were allied to
the southern people, the large majority
elected to give loyal support to the national
government, and Notwithstanding numbers
in the army and navy or other government
service, would, however, follow their states,
others would remain loyal 1t was reported
that one organization was preparing to go
south, and it was believed some OF the
militia companies would lose members II
called to serve the government. This oc-
casioned much concern. for some of the dis
loyal were so engaged in government en-
ploy that they could do much injury.
These We're more or less under surVell-
lance and it did rot take much to cause
a row. An instance is in point: A few
weeks before the Inauguration Virginia
militia company paraded the streets with
a Union flag, in the blue of which was the
coat of arms of the state. Information
having reached some of the wide
Awakes" a crowd gathered to capture the
flag, but, fortunately, the company had
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-07
ACTED AS WATCHMAN.
President Lincoln Took Charge of the
noov.


James Etter a doorkeeper in the War De-
partment, frequently occupies chair from
which he could not be induced to part. be-
cause 1t was once used by President Lin
coin, and at the time he wore badge of a
Waterman pinned on the lapel of his coat
Mr.. Etter explains the incident in this
way:
One day during the civil war 1 was sit
ting here, when a tall, angular gentleman
entered the main door and asked If the
Secretary was in. | told him that it was
too early for the Secretary to be in his
office.
AT what hour can depend on finding
him here?' he asked.
II told him, and with a pleasant thank
you he departed.
= promptly on the hour the tall gentleman
assembled the steps, walked in the door, and
| was almost knocked speeches. when he
asked me if l would not go in the Secre-
tarys office and ask him to step cut into
the hall l recovered myself and told the
stranger that | could not leave my post Of
duty, and even if l could, / did not think
the Secretary would come out to see him.
oh, yes, he WILL was the answer and
as for leaving your post; will be PERSONAL
ly responsible for that. l am Mr.. Lincoln,
and / will simply take your badge and keep
door for you while you deliver my mes
sage
We'll. 1 couldn't doubt him, and he
stepped up to me and unpinned my badge.
stuck it on his coat took my chair just
like an old-time Waterman and remarked:
Think / can fill the bill?'
81 said 1 thought he could, and. with
smile playing over his face as l walked
away he said he'd keep things straight. I
delivered his message to the Secretary, and
1t was only a few minutes before he and
the President were talking together here
in the corridor.
when the President gave me back my
badge he pinned 1t on and thanked me for
what had done, and you must remember
that watchmen are not usually thanked by
those in power. / would not take any
amount of money for this old chair, and
don't nss it all the time, because am
ARA Z vii wear out. 1t 10 my Abe Linz
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-07
HELD AS SACRED TREASURE.
Envelope That Lincoln Franked for
Soldier Who Was Killed.

When the army was encamped in Nir-
gnia, near Washington, in 1S62-63, Presi-,
dent Lincoln franked letter for youthful
soldier, Frank King, of Fon du Lac county,
Wis, and the envelope is still held as a
sacred trea sure by the family of the soldier
lad, who lost his life at Gettysburg.
Capt. Thomas Jones of the pension office
relates the story in this way:
TT was easy matter to get letters
home to the loved ones during the civil war.
Paper and envelopes were hard to get, and
stamps were almost as scarce as diamonds
or anthracite coal is today. Soldiers who
We're fortunate enough to be near Washing
ton had their letters franked by senators
and representatives, and you may imagine
that our lawmakers were kept busy with
their pens. President Lincoln was even
known to help the boys out occasionally.
"On one occasion Frank King, a private
in a Wisconsin regiment encamped near
velopes, and, with friend. Harry Dunn,
went to the White House and asked Mr..
Lincoln to frank the envelopes. 1t was
easier to see the President then than 1t is
now and at certain hours of the day SOL
der could reach him as easily as could any
of the high officials. When King called and
the President knew what was wanted. he
asked:
why don't you get your congressman to
frank these envelopes? 1 very busy,
boys
your name on the envelopes, Mr.. President
was the reply.
Mr.. Lincoln smiled, and, taking a pen.
he wrote on one of the envelopes:
Let this go. A. LINCOLN
He carefully blotted it. and, handing it
to the young man, said: Take this with the
rest of the package to your congressman,
Scott Sloan, and tell him that l said to fix
them for you. If he refuses and l don't
think he will, bring them back to me. L
want you boys to be brave soldiers He
then shook hands with King and Dunn and
bade them goodbye.
king wrote to his DarentS that night and
inclosed the letter in the envelope franked
by Mr.. Lincoln. The brave young fellow was
killed at Gettysburg, but that envelope is
religiously and lovingly priced by the sur
viving members of the family.
Dunn, who was at the White House with
King when the President franked the en-
velope, called two years later and asked to
have some letters franked. Mr.. Lincoln re-
membered the previous incident and when
informed that King had been killed his face
wore a look of sorrow
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-07

| owned by non-residents who were hired for
service in the District. Some Of the under
ground railroad work had been fostered
here and a few runaways were sufficient
to give employment to constables in appre-
hending them, and jail or slave pen retained
them until their masters arrived. Many Of
the colored people here at the time looked
for speedy emancipation.
With the impending crisis rapidly focusing
the question as to siding with north or
south, should there be no peaceable settle
ment, agitated religious, fraternal and mill
tary and other organiza lions, and extended
even to the family circle. Some households
were disrupted, and not without actual
blows The momentous session of Con-
gress convened in December and the public
was at fever heat. Hotel Hobbies were
crowded, anxiety was on every face, and it
took little to cause blow, if not stab or
a shot.
The custom of proclaiming political senti-
ment by colors had come up and rosettes of
the national colors as well as of state col
ors were worn. In public assemblages the
wearing of them would often cause scrim-
mage. Much had been expected of a peace
congress called to meet at Wizards and
1t is needless to say that it's open sessions,
presided over by eX-Presdent John Tyler,
were attended by large crowds. 1t proved
to be a failure, however, so far as bene-
fetal results were concerned, and it was
stated that rupture had taken place be-
tween General Scott and Senator Toombs,
in which the latter expressed hope that
steamer sent to provision Fort Sumter
would be sunk, hopes of averting the war
were abandoned.
Precipitated Matters.
This FASTENED preparations here, and
meetings of the people were held, when
resolutions to support the government were
adopted. Every phase of society was af-
fected, the old military organzat ton COM
panies were filled up and volunteer compa-
MES were formed in every seton of the Dis
trict. Gen. Charles P. Stone, then the in
spector general on Gen. Scott's staff, was
almost constantly engaged in instructing
officers and inspecting the companies. Many
of the poles erected in the campaign now
flew the Union flag unadorned by name or
political motto, and presentations to the
military companies, old and new, became
almost epidemic
During the session of Congress, despite
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-07

SLTCcC EaRlrS.
The grand promenade, Pennsylvania ave-
nue., with 7th and 9th streets, soon had a
decided business appearance, for besides
the regular traffic in the stores there was
every kind of trade carried on in the
streets and on the curb. Fakirs were to be
met with every few yards with wares call
culated to attract. Some of these were YER
table snides, yet many were successful.
One instance recalled is a man with a pat
ent fly trap, consisting of a paper cage in
which was a board made Of substance
which would repel the fly, and by assert
ing that fly could not light on it without
dropping dead he disposed of thousands of
the cages. He got out of town before the
fraud was discovered. Many supplies were
of the wealthiest citizens of today, then
merchants secured much of this trade.
There were in service here, besides our
police and the provost guard, perhaps fifty
military detectives, and some of the latter
were peculiarly valuable. There were many
hangers on about the camps; among them
were characters whom the law could not
reach, but a military detective exercised
power which would not be attempted by
the local detectives or police. There were
many dishonest substitute brokers. and
CROOKS corralled by them at the Center
guard house. The unfortunates would be
labeled thief, ''pickpocket,'' bum or
beat" as the case might call for. When
handcuffed in pairs and guarded by sol
and escorted to the depot and shipped with
warning that it would be much worse If
they were again caught here They had
music on the march, the RogueS' March,
and so often were these marches made that
scarcely man, woman or child were I'M
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-07

| Of prejudice broken down then were disap-
pointed.
The Military Force.
In April 1861, the United States troops
| here consisted of the marines at the bar
| racks and navy yard, a company OF engi-
neers at the District armory and three bat
teres Of light artillery, one at the arsenal,
one near the city nall and one near the
War Department, brought here before the
Inauguration There were also a few ord
nance corps at the arsenal. Authentic news
! was being received daily Of the progress OF
the secession movement and how the
states were following the lead OF South
Carolina by passing ordinances OF seces-
sion, severing the ties with the Union IL
was heralded abroad that United States
property was being seized; that a portion
of Gen. Twiggs command of the United
States army had surrendered In Texas, ana
two companies which refused to follow
him. were en- route to this city, and the
legislature of Virginia was considering the
question, with prospect of passing the Or
dinance of secession.
Then 1t was that the muster in of three
months troops in the District COM
menced. and from April 10 to % the mus
tering was continued at the war Depart
ment by Maj l. B. Mcdowell. Those VINO
had found pleasure in parades were put TO
real work-frst in guarding the Capitol
was not long before the picketing of the
Potomac and guarding of the Baltimore and
Ohio railroad were ordered. Virginia passed
the ordinance of secession April II, and 1t
was rumored that pickets had been seen
not far from the Long bridge and the
Aqueduct and Little Falls bridges. and
1.-The enemy" was reported to be masslng
beyond Arlington. These reports had the
effect to hasten the departure Of some of
the friends of the south in that direction
and accelerated the enlistment Of the Dis
trict men in defense of the Union untll
the arrival of troops from the north the
formation of companies for service was In
progress and a number were preparing to
do so when the government ceased to mus
ter District men.
Though there was confidence felt that
the District troops would do their duty, 1t
was felt that with the regulars and marines
the force was insufficient and the appear
ance of what was then considered the mil
tia Of the northern states was awaited
with much anxiety. Reports of the intention
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-07

embarked and the boat had pulled from
the wharf before the arrival of the Union
lists.
1t is unnecessary to repeat the story Of
Mr. Lincolns inauguration with a guard
of a few regulars and the District troops
about him. with a battery of artillery ready
TO go into action in a moment, If neces-
sary-preparations which well explain why
numbers of people did not witness the
event. Nor is there need to state that the
public mind was in a state of perturbation
for weeks following-the excitement which
followed the reception of news of the cap
ture of forts. magazines, ETC.. at Sumter.
with the reported assemblage of hostile
forces. For days after the Inauguration
the first levee was held by the President
and Mrs. Lincoln, and 1t was simply a
monster enjoyable affair for the time, the
ominous threatenings of danger ahead
being left at the door. There had been
much speculation as to how the colored
race would be treated and many looked
for the doors of the White House to be
then opened to them, but at this time the
occasion was a gathering entirely of whites
and many who expected to see the barrte'
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-07
acquainted with the tune, and 1t grew 50
familiar that people caught themselves
humming it,
The Money in Circulation.

familiar that people caught themselves
humming 1t.
The Money in Circulation.
Until the national currency was provided,
the money in circulation here consisted of
state bank notes, with the silver and cop
per coin OF the realm, but soon there was
great scarcity of small change. This
want was met by Congress authorizing the
issue OF fractional currency in notes of five,
zen, twenty-five and fifty cents.
Gen. F. E. Spinner was then the treas
urer of the United States, and he made
every effort to relieve the want. AS 1t
would take time to prepare and print the
notes he resorted to the expedency of pur-
chasing postage stamps, on which he
placed his signature, and thus in part sup
piled the demand. These were paid out
over the counter of the treasurer in July,
1862, not more than SIS worth being issued
to any one person. The line of applicants
extended from the counter out into 18th
street and it was made up of every class of
persons.
When draft was resorted to as means
of filing up the ranks of the army num-
Der of clubs were formed for the purpose OF
providing substitutes for such of the mem
bers as might be drafted, and there arose
the business of agents to procure subsd-
tutes, in which much business was done.
Most of the substitutes were of the colored
race and the prices often reached hundreds
service were enrolled and the draft draw
ings took place at the court house. 1t is
recorded that at the first drawing, by
mistake of the clerk, the name of a popular
lady of the northern section of the city was
drawn. OF course, she was not required to
respond.
While there were times of depression or
eXultation the contest waged, the most
important ones stirred the people to extra
ordinary demonstration. Through the po
lice and fire departments news was quickly
communicated, and in this way the tidings
of the fall of Richmond, the surrender of
Lee and other events were spread. The
bell at the Metropolitan truck house, on
Massachusetts avenue near 4th street, now
In possession of the Veteran Firemen's AS
ISOLATION, was the first to be rung on these
occasions. Nearly the whole population
ity prevailed.
Hospital in the Capitol.
After the troops had moved from the Cap
itol the rooms and halls were used for many
months for the purposes intended, but after
the battle of Gettysburg. in July, 1864 so
great was the number needing hospital &C
commodations that one of the largest of the
temporary hospitals established under
the dome. AS, however room could be
found elsewhere by reason of transfer from
the regularly established places of treat
ment to convalesent camps, the Capitol was
utilized for but a few months.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-07

what severe on them. but in the language
OF a former slave: The law was worse
than our treatment, and the principle was
wrong"
Value of Colored Mans Oath.
These laws rendered the oath of a col
ored person as against white person nuga-
tory without confederation by white wit
ness; prohibited ownership of property save
nv trustee, ETC.; required registration OF all
blacks or mulattoes, free or slave; from
free negroes coming into the city bond
was exacted; of slaves OF non-residents
license was required, and for Vioia'iohs Oh
the law slaves were whipped. Among other
things the servants could not be out aiter
10 O'clock pm. without pass.
But. as before stated, the people mere
were unacquainted with the horrors or the
institution, and corporation laws were not
rigidly enforced against the colored people,
bond or free. IL they were looked on DIS
well disposed.
There were. however . number of slaves
Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1902-12-27

Mems plain and fancy half hose at
Ioc I2hC 1OC 25c CSC and Soc pair.
Ladies hose plain and fancy ColOrs
at Ioc I712c Ioc 25c CSC soc 75c ST SIS
and SI.35 pair.
Ladies sateen and silk petticOats
CSC to $40 each.
Ladies jackets and Monte Carlo
Goals SIPS to go each.
Mems white pique and fancy
vests SIPS $3.50 SIS s. S2.25 and
$3.50 each.
Mems fine colOred dress shirts III
all the new designs at 81 each.
ITEMS fine silk suspenders at sue
and CSC pair.
Men kid gloves all grades 90c TO
ST. so.
Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1902-12-27

The Monroe doctrine, which the
United States will probably endeavor
to uphold, for a good many years to
come, at least puts this country in an
anomalous position. 1t makes the
United States a protector of the revo-
lutionary South and Central Americans
and yet it gives it no say 50 in the con
duct of, or control over, the actions of
the various dependent Governments. If
this country is going to prevent other
nations from grabbing in South
and Central America it SHOULD demand
that the South and Central Americans
pay their debts and behave themselves.
The Monroe doctrine is sound doctrine
in general sense, but it needs amend
ing in important particulars,
Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1902-12-27
EPIDEMIC OF BURGLARY.
Police Commission of Birmingham In
creases Force of Officers.


Birmingham, Ala, Dec. 26.-The
city has been visited of late by such
an epidemic of burglary and highway
robbery that the police commission
has become greatly embarrassed, and
has decided to ask the board OF alder
men for SO more policemen, or enough
to bring the total police force up
to 100 men. The commission argu-
ment is that Birmingham has only one
patrOIman to every 1000 or $500 OF
population, which is entirely out Oh
proportion to the ratio in other cities.
They also claim that Birmingham s
ratio should be higher than the aver
age. as a worse class Of criminals
has to be dealt with here than in
other cities. 1t is contended that
New York has a patrolman for every
500 people; Chicago has one for every
300 people, and Buffalo one for every
700 people. The average in the aV-
erage city to each patrolman is one 10
every 1000 people, and on this basis
Birmingham should have 100 patrol
men, as the late city directory esti-
mates that there are between 97,0O0
and 10000 people within the police
jurisdiction
It is further urged that the police
department is the only one that brings
in any revenue to the city over and
above its running expenses, the fines
and the amount of stolen property re
covered running many thousand dol
lars above the expenses of the depart
ment In several sections of the city
one patrolman is patrolling beats CON
tanning over 10 square blocks
Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1902-12-27

The Portland Oregonian, strong
Republican paper, has come to the wise
conclusion that "the people of the
South must be permitted and required
to run their politics in their own way.
There must be no interference from
the North in their local problems, in
Guiding regulation of the elective fran
chise, upon existing lines.
Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1902-12-27
BODY GNAWED BY COYOTES.

One Time Mayer of Atlanta Found
Frozen in Colorado.
Silver Cliff, Col, Dec. 26.-Joseph
Charlton, an old prospector, missing
for the past three weeks, has been
found dead within 800 yards of his
cabin near Use, The body was froz-
en- stiff and was gnawed and eaten by
the coyotes and magpies beyond recog-
milton, and was identified only by his
cothing.
Charlton was a confederate soldier,
and, it is said, he was at one time
mayor of Atlanta. 1t is supposed that
he persisted in storm in an attempt
to seek shelter and food.
Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1902-12-27

Alexander Mcdonald, of New York,
largely interested in the Standard Oil
Company, is endeayoring to buy Alb
botsford, formerly the home of Sir
Walter Scott, with the purpose of pre-
senting it to the Scottish people, The
place is now owned by Mrs. Maxwell
Scott, distant relative to the poet and
novelist.
Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1902-12-27
Cures Cancer and Blood Poison


If you have blood poison producing
erup ions, pmpie-, ulcers, swollen
glands. bu nps and r'sipgs, burning,
tic ing skin, nnpper colpfed spots or
,sh on h skin, mu rous patches In
mouth ar throat, failing halr, bone pains,
old rhrumau-m or foul catarrh, take
Botanic Blood Balm (B. B. 3D. 1t
Kills the p.,son IN the blood; soon all
sor",, eTuptlons hea', hard swelling sub.
sd aah = An pal "a ~tOJ and a perfect
cure ls m de o{ tho worst Ases of Blood
Poison.
F,r .pcArs. tum brs, swelllngs, eating
4pea., pkls sers, persistent. pimples of
i kind, tax B. B B. 1t destroys the
,nc-r poison 10 the blood. heals cancer
.fAl kin1s cures the worst humors or
supper@uug rwelings, Thousands cured
ny 3 B after all else fails. B. b.
B. ao.u -. d u pure bon'anic ingredi-
erts lnpr es the diges ion, makes
I the b God pur- and ca, st ps the awful
i'chiug ani all harp. shooting,
pan. h roughly tested for thirty
,-r-. y u2g'sts, 81 Ter bottle, with
IN t. = directions for home cure
,>wll- 're-..and rrrpaid by writing
81 % BOO. Atlanta, GA. Describ be
ubi. nd rec mt dIcal advice also
e IN aled letter.