davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
SHOT BY OTTUMW AN
coLoRED MAN GOES WRONG in
DAVENPORT.
West Young, Who Conducted a Paper
in ottumwa F.res at CoIored Bar.
ber With a Gun of Small calibre-
Wound Not Serious.

Davenport, Dec. 22.-Enraged be-
cause Ben Berry, the well known East
Fifth street colored barber, ,ejected him
from mis- shop, West Young, also col
ored, who came here from Ottumwa,
where he conducted newspaper call
ed "The Era" fired one shot at Berry.
The bullet. which came from light
% calihre revolver, took effect in Ber-
rvs chin and lodged there, not having
force to even splinter the bone. The
trouble was not of long duration and
came to an abrupt termination when
Young fired the shot. He fired through
the partly opened door of the shop
and then ran rapidly down Fifth street
to Iowa and was lost sight of until his
arrest at midnight. Sunday.
Mr.. Perry is proprietor of barber
shop Saturday evening, at about $50
o'clock, while his place was well filled
with customers, the door opened and
West Young entered. His actions
showed plainly that he had been drink
ing heavily, and scarcely was he with
in the house than he began to make in
sulting and profane remarks. Mrs.
Hattie Cleveland, colored, and a well
known character on East Fifth street,
was in the place, and upon her ac-
count Mr.. Berry called upon Young to
be more choice in his language. Young
persisted in his own peculiar manner
however, and remarked that if the
proprietor of the place did not want
him around he would leave. Mr.. Berry
took him at his word and accompanied
him to the door to see him safely off.
Then he returned to the chair and re-
sumed work on the white man whom
he was shaving. Scarcely had the
door slammed on Young than he re-
turned again and resumed his abusive
Itirade. Mr.. Berry told him to go away
EAnder the penalty of calling the police.
Berry closed the door upon the Of
fender and again resumed work. AL
most instantly Young pushed the door
open, and standing half way within the
entrance, opened fire upon Mr.. Berry.
The first shot took effect and stagger-
ed the barber. so that Young knew that
the bullet had hit its mark. He turned
and fed but was captured about mid
night, Sunday night.
West Young who did the shooting
came to this city from Ottumwa about
two weeks ago. For a few days he
drove a wagon for Aleck Roberts the
expressman, but the rest, and the bulk
of the time he has been working for
John T. Mabry, in the health depart
ment. But little is known of his past
reputation.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
TAKEN i'll
HIS SECRETARY WILL DlVuLGE
NO PARTICULARS.
Netherlands Will Preserve Neutrality
in Venezuelan Trouble-Ambassad
Meyer at Rome Receives Official No.
tification that Italy Will Assist.


New York. Dec. 22.-President Cas-
tro, according to a dispatds from Cara
cas- to the American, has been seized
by a sudden, mysterious illness. His
secretary will divulge no particulars
and the friends OF the president are
much agitated.
Castro Not III.
Caracas, Dec. 22.-There is no truth
in the report that Castro is suffering
from a mysterious illness.
To Remain Neutral.
The Hague, Dec. 22.-The govern
ment of the Netherlands has decided to
observe a strictly neutral attitude in
the Venezuelan trouble. The ships of
the blockading powers will pe prohib-
tied from calling at the ports of the
Dutch colonies.
To Assist in Blockade.
Washington, Dec Ambassador
Meyer at Rome cabled the department
that he received yesterday from the
minister of foreign affairs an official
note dated December 20, announcing
llat Italy had decided to participate
with her naval forces in the blockade
of the Venezuelan ports, which had
been declared by the British and Ger.
man governments.
Germany Adds to Fleet.
Berlin, Dec. 22.-The small German
cruiser Sperber, whose reconstruction
has just been finished, has been or
dered to join Commodore Seoder's
squadron in Venezuelan waters. She
will sail in two or three days to helr
in the blockade of the Venezuelan
coast and will continue until definite
arrangements for arbitration have beer
reached.
Satisfied With Roosevelt.
Germany will be well satisfied il
President Roosevelt undertakes the
task. His acceptance would be con
sidered sufficient guarantee that Ven
ezuela would pay if she lost. Asking
President Roosevelt to arbitrate was
the emperors suggestion.
An indirect inquiry three or foul
| days ago not eliciting a refusal from
the President, the request has nov
been made in direct form.
| o Declare mat war EXISTS.
Port of Spain, Dec. 22.-The offlcia
announcement is made here that Si
| Courtenay Knollys. acting governor
will today issue a special royal gazett,
containing declaration of war agains
Venezuela. This act is one of formal
ity taken with the intention to legal
ize the proclamation that blockad
exists. The declaration will have th,
effect of legalizing the seizure of Vene
zuelan war ships.
Formal Invitation.
Berlin, Dec 22.-The notes of Gel
many and Great Britain, formally il
viting Roosevelt to act as arbiter il
the Venezuelan dispute, We're handle
to the United ambassador here and il
London today.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
IN PITIABLE PLIGHT
SURVIVORS OF WRECKED YES.
SELLS ARE TAKEN OFF.
Terrible Exposure Causes Men to Go
lnsane-Many Are Severely Frozen
and Amputation of Hands and Feet
May Necessarily Result.

Boston, Dec. 22.-The schooner Man
hansett arrived here today having on
board ten survivors of the wrecked
schooners Frank A. Palmer and Louise
B. Crary, which were in collision We'd
nesday night off Thatcher's island.
Eleven or more sailors were either
killed in the collision or drowned or
died from exposure. After the acct
dent fifteen men from either vessel
took to small Loaf. Three subse-
quently went insane and jumped over
board, two died from exposure and
two went insane after getting ashore.
Both captains were saved. All sur
vivors We're frost bitten Some will
probably have to have their feet and
hands amputated. The men taken to
lue hospital We're not in critical con.
dition physically, but were in such a
mental plight that nothing could be
learned from them as to their expert.
ence
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
SENATOR RESIGNS
IoWA LAWMAkER RETIREs FROM
ASSEMBLY.
Senator Porter of centervilIe Notifies
Governor Cummins That He Has
Been Elected County Attorney and
Will Give UP Legislature.


Des Noines, Dec 22-The resigna-
tion of Senator Claude R. Porter, of
Centerville, has been received by Gov
ernor Cummins. His resignation from
the senatorship is made necessary by
his election to the office of county at
torney of Appanoose county. Senator
Porter represents the third senatorial
district, consisting OF Appanoose and
Davis counties. He served in the
house from Appanoose county in the
twenty-siXth and twenty-seventh gen
eral assemblies. He is democrat
in politics and ranked as one Of the
foremost orators of the senate and
one of the ablest men in the legisla-
ture. The governor will call no cleo
ton to fill the vacancy which will
probably exist until successor to
Senator Porter can be elected in No
yember, 1903.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
C0RYDON ALARMED
TRAIN SERVICE MAY BE CUR.
TAILED.
Merchants Hear Rumor That Passen.
gen Trains Are to Be Taken Off and
Freight Trains Will Be Run occa.
sonaIIy Only.


Corydon, Dec. 22.-(SpeciaD-A ru-
NOR, which appears to be well authen-
ticated, is current that after January
1 the Keokuk and Western Railroad
will take off the two morning passen-
ger trains and two freight trains. If
this should prove true it will leave on
ly one train each way day, and
freight every other day. The business
men, not only of Corydon, but of the
other towns between Centerville and
Van Vert, are preparing to enter vi
gorous protest, and if a good service
cannot be had to transfer their bust
ness to other roads, where it is posi-
BILE.
1t is hoped a change of this kind
will not be made, but the merchants
are somewhat alarmed and are prepar.
ing to be ready in case these trains
are taken off.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
.LEAPSOVER THE SEA
MESSAGES SENT OVER THE
OCEAN,.
Marconi Transmits kilograms Through
Space Without the Aid of Wires to
King Edward-5e Ready to Serve
Public Soon.

London, Dec. 22.-The representa-
tives of Marconi state that they have
been receiving transatlantic mes
sages for a week. The messages to
King Edward and others came through
without hitch and practically instan-
taneous. 1t is calculated that the COM
pany will be able to handle 1000 words
per hour. AS soon as it is able to get
the postoffice authorities to connect
Poldhu with the Inland Telegraph Co.,
it will commence a regular commercial
business between Cornwall and Nova
Scotia.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
ROADS MAY UNITE
IOWA, MINNESOTA AND MISSOURI
LINES INCLUDED.
Ex-Governor Drake and Promoters of
Iowa G st. Louis, Take Trip Over
Abba 6 centervile Roadway Get
Gulf Outlet.

Centerville, Dec. 22.-(Special.)-
Important developments in connection
with the Iowa & st. Louis and Abba
Centerville railroads, which may re-
suit in closer relations between a num-
Der OF Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri
lines and may include the Kansas City
Southern as gulf outlet, are expect
ed to occur shortly as the result of
conference held here Saturday be-
tween Ex-Governor Drake and num-
Der of capitalists. A trip over the Al
bla & Centerville was made by the
party in a Kansas City & Southern
special car which is taken here as con-
firmation of the fact that certain ru-
mors of union of interests is about
to be consummated.
Promoters of New Road.
Ex-Governor Francis M. Drake and
son, John Drake, were members of
the. party that made the trip between
this city and Abba Saturday. Other
members of the party were promoters
of the new line of railroad that is be-
ing built south from Centerville among
whom were: John w. Gates, John
Lambert, Mr.. Harper, Attorney Card
ner and Major Conklin.
May Lease Road.
There is a general opinion here that
there is being an attempt made by the
promoters of the new Iowa & St.Louis
railroad to lease the Iowa Central CAL
bia & Centerville) line that they might
have northern outlet for their coal.
A controlling interest in this line is
said to be owned by Ex-Governor
Drake and Russell Sage. Considera-
BILE improvements have been made on
this line during the past few months,
including the construction of new
bridge over the Charlton river, at the
cost of S25,000. s-.s ~. Z KS IS
Expect Consolidation.
Moravia, Dec 22.-(SpeciaD-Fol-
| lowing the trip of the promoters of the
Iowa & st. Louis railroad over the Al.
bia & Centerville Saturday comes the
information here that a union of inter
ests of these two lines may be eff
fected shortly. Whether this means
that an arrangement will be made
whereby the Abba & Centerville line
will be leased by the Iowa & st. Louis
or whether the former line will be
bought by the new road is not definite
| ly known. 1T is intimated however
that should the latter arrangement be
consummated, price of $4,000 pei
mile will be paid for the Abba & Cen
terville road.
May Be Bigger Union.
Recent developments cause those
who are in touch with the situation tc
believe that the plans for the unioI
of railroad interests will be greater in
scope than has heretofore been init
mated 1t is believed that there is 6
probability that the Minneapolis ant
ST. Louis. the Iowa Central and the
Iowa & Missouri roads may effect {
consolidation with the Chicago, Mil
waul1ee & st. Paul and that with the
Kansas City Southern Coates road
will be made for gulf outlet for the
other lines.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
is An Effort to Induce Substantial Cit
liens to Settle in Alaska in Order
That it May be Admitted to the
Union as State.

Washington, D. G. Dec. 22.-(Spe--
ciaD aD-Congressman Lacey, who is
chairman Of the public lands commit
tee of the house, authorizes state
ment that his Alaskan homestead bill
recently passed by the house, would
be reported favorably to the senate
and without doubt pass that body and
become law. The bill was referred
to subcommittee in the senate, who
have notified Major Lacey that they
will report only few minor amend
ments to the main committee and
thence to the senate. 1t accomplishes
a result that Mr.. Lacey has been
working toward for some years. That
is the colonization of Alaska with
good, substantial farmers instead of
fortune-hunting gold miners. Mr.. La.
cey succeeded in passing a bill some
years ago extending the homestead
laws to Alaska, but the amount of land
allowed was cut down to forty acres,
The result was that no settlers went
to Alaska. A later bill succeeded in
raising this land grant to eighty
acres but still no settlers were at
tracted. The recent bill allows each
homestead tract of 800 acres. AS a
result it is declared that already hun
dreds Of settlers in Washington and
Oregon are preparing to make fol
Alaska in anticipation of the senate
passing the bill at an early date.
Back of al this effort has been Ma
| jor Lacey's desire to see Alaska set
tied with a substantial class of citi
zens that will eventually admit her tc
statehood. There are at present over
100000 people in Alaska, which is
more than some states already in the
union have. H. j. Mahin.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
MAscAGNl ILL.
Italian Composer Suddenly Stricken
in CHICAGO,

Chicago, Dec. 22.-Peitro Mascagni,
the Italian composer, was taken sud
denly i'll at his apartments in the Au-
ditorium here today.
Suffering From Nervous. Prostration
Chicago. Dec. 22.-Mascagni is suf
fering from nervous prostration. AL
dates OF his company have been can,
celled.- The company was to leave for
Keokuk, Ia, and the west this morn.
ing. The elimination of Mascagnis s
woes came last evening when an at
tachment was made on his personal eff
fects by constable representing a
local claimant for $134.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
A RAILROAD HORROR
TWENTY-THREE DEAD AS RE.
SUIT OF WRECK.
Rear End Collision Costs Nearly Two
Dozen People Their Lives-Few Less
Than That Number Iniured-Four
May Die.

San Francisco, Dec. 22.-Twenty-
three persons are now dead and
twenty-one are injured as result of
a collision on the Southern Pacific,
near Byron, Saturday. Four of the in
jured are in critical condition. The
wreck was the result of rear end col
lision between the Stockton flyer and
the ''Owl' train at Byron.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
JUDGES NAMED BY GOVERNOR.
A. L. Parsons at keokuk and E. |
Elliott at OelWein.

Des Moines, Dec Ex-Governor
Cummins announces the appointment
of two superior court judges, those of
Keokuk and Oelwein. A. L. Parsons,
leading attorney of Keokuk, has
been named as superior court Judge
there and r. l.. Elliott has been ap-
pointed at Oelwein. Like Mr.. Parsons,
Mr.. Elliott is a prominent lawyer.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
Formal Invitation.
PROMINENT IoWAN DIES.
Former District Judge and Lawyer
Passes Away.

Marion, Dec. (SpeciaD James
d. Giffen former district Judge and
prominent pioneer lawyer and republi-
can politician, died suddenly today of
heart failure, aged sixty-three years.
Burial Of General swayne.
Washington, Dec. 22.-The remains
of General Wager Swayne, were buried
with full military honors at the ma.
.tional cemetery, today.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
MILES ELECTED.
Heat of Boys Reformatory Gets Four
Years More.

Des Moines, Dec. 22.-The state
boar of control has unanimously re-
elect I'd B. j. Miles, of Eldora, superin-
tende, mt of the state industrial school
for boys for another term of four years
comm encing January next.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
READY TO SURRENDER.
Mrs. GalIaugher Offers to Come to
Iowa for Trial.

Iowa City, Dec. 22-Mrs. Ella Gal
laugher, a fugitive from justice since
her Indictment for perjury growing
out of her testimony in her trial for
the murder of her husband, has noti.
fled the authorities, through her near.
est relative, George Colwell, that she
is near the Canada line, and ready to
give herself up as soon as satisfactory
terms as to bail can be arranged.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
THE w EATHER FOR low A

Chicago, Dec. 22.-Partly cloudy to-
night and Tuesday; slightly colder
tonight east and central.
Ottumwa temperature as taken by
Weather Observer Ryttenberg:
8 o'clock last night 81
z o'clock this morning 81
2 O'Clock this afternoon 32
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
QUARANTINE REMOVED.

Secretary Wilson Takes Away Restric-
tions Against Connecticut.
Washington, Dec. 22.-Secretary of
Agriculture Wilson this afternoon re-
moved the quarantine against Connec-
ticut, established last month owing to
the prevalence of the foot and mouth
diseases.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
OIL DISCOVERY IN IOWA.
Woman Options 5000 Acres in Sac

Des Moines, Dec. 22.-Oil has been
discovered oozing out of the banks of
the coon river, in Sac county. A
quart of the oil sent to Ames college
for analysis is said to have been found
to be so per cent pure. The discover
er, a woman, has quietly leased 5000
acres in the locality.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
$2o,ooo,ooo FUND COMPLETE.
Methodist Episcopal Church Completes
A Large Undertaking..

Rochester, NJ Y, Dec. 22.-Rev. e..
F. Mills, corresponding secretary of
the Methodist Episcolal thank Offering
fund, says that every dollar of the
$20,O00,000 called for three years ago
has been raised in casn and pledges.
More than 100000 for educational
purposes has been received in the last
forty eight days.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
Buildings Gutted.

In two hours time the buildings ad-
joining it on Commerce avenue were
completely gutted and other retail
stores on Gay street opposite the
burning structures were considerably
damaged. Several other structures
We're also afire at times but were saw
ed,
Was Spectacular.
The fire was a very spectacular one
and attracted a crowd numbering
many thousands, 1t is considered "a
miracle that mo- one was hurt by the
showers of falling glass and the terri
fic explosions that scattered bricks
and burning embers and all conceiv
able articles of merchandise. 1t is es
timated that the loss will reach $500,
900.
The Losers.
The heaviest losers are the George
Brown Hardware company; Colone
Charles M'Ghee, of New York; the
building of R. H. Cattee & Co., whole
sale liquors, the Knoxville Pants Co.,
Broyles, McCleland & Lackey, farm
ing implements 3 Shanklin Grain Co.;
L. David Commission Co.; Haynes &
Henson, shoes; M'Teer, Hood & Co.
clothing; and the Davies Furniture Co
All the firms that were damaged ex
cept the David Commission Co. wer,
insured.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
Thousands Of People View the
Spectacular Blaze.
LOSS MOSTLY COVERED BY INSURANCE
Fire Discovered at 1880 o'clock This
Morning Opposite the Central Fire
station-Fire Ragged for Over Two
Hours.

Knoxville, Tenn, Dec. 22.-The
worst fire which has ravaged the bust
ness portion of this city since 1897
broke out at 1880 o'clock this morn
ing in fsglr story building on Com
merce avenue, directly opposite the
Central fire station, occupied by the
Knoxville Pants Co.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
UNFIT FOR SEA DUTY.
Admiral is Retired on Account of Phys.
ical Disability.

Washington. Dec 22.-Admiral
Frank Wildes, junior squadron COM
mander on the Asiatic station, has
been condemned by board of medical
survey and ordered home Captain
Sperry has been temporarily assigned
to command the southern squadron.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
$500 REPORTED KILLED.
Havoc of Earthquake at Andijan-
Rambling Continues.

London, Dec. pa dispatch from
Russian Turkestan reports that an
earthquake at Andijan killed $500
people in and near that city and de-
stroyed 10000 houses. The rumblings
continue.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
HON. R. M. HAlNEs PASSES AWAY
President of the State Bar Associa-
ton Dies This Morning.

Grinnell, Dec. 22.-Hon. R. M.
sociation, died at 1880 this morning.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
KILLED BY AN ENGINE.

Old Iowa Conductor Run Down at
Waterloo.
Waterloo, Dec. 22.-Charles A. Gill
bert, one of the Oldest conductors on
the Illinois Central, was run down by
a switch engine today and killed.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
BACK TO WASHINGTON.

President Roosevelt Returns Today
From Rapidan.
Washington, Dec. 22.-President
Roosevelt arrived from Rapidan at
11:25 o'clock and drove directly to the
White House.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23

Continued on Page Two.)
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-23
LACEY IS FAVORED
HOMESTEAD BILL WILL BE RE

Z; IEH' I
Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1902-08-14

pous solemnity was immensely funny.
At once the negro's face changed.
"You laugh at me? You laugh at
me?" he cried, furiously.
He was a soldier of the republic;
his fingers few to his cartridges, ana
the visitor waited for no more, but
fed up the street.
The Haytian soldier needs but the
license of a political strife to lash
him into frenzy. No wonder that the
American consul general at Port-au-
Prince telegraphed to his govern
ment to send a man-of-war without
delay. Given political troubles and
modicum of shooting in the streets,
and man such as we have just de-
scribed, with intense Feasibility of
| temper and thousands of companions
like himself, he would become very
perilous and terrible element in the
general anarchy.
The Haytian army in peace times
may be like that upon comic opera
stage, but given a war, it would be-
come a hotbed of tragedy
| Express.