davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1902-06-15

perience was confined exclusively to
ores and minerals and he knew a5so-
lutely nothing of petroleum or its i2di-
cations. The frequent finding, in his
farming operations of surface crust and
layers of what he thought might be
pieces Of concrete brought from the
city by some former fool and
worked into the soil. was source OF
great annoyance to him, and contained
no hint OF the possibilities of petro-
leum deposit until last summer, when
he sent a colorcd hand at work along
the banks Of spring branch to dig out
muck and work it in a very thin and
gravelly corn field.
After working at this two or three
days. the darky reported: 'See hy-ar
Boss. dat ar stuff gwine TO do no good;
it is gittin' JUS like dat ar Washenton
pavement stuff. and de hor field smells
so de crows won't fly crost it."
Examination of the field showed that
the darkey wns right. and that several
tons Of the muck" having been scat
tered over it was simply hardening into
and sending forth all sorts Of
odors. Mr.. Lender then went TO the
place whence the muck was taken. and
The Washington times., 1902-06-15

from a pile there saw the oily streaks
running down into the water of the
branch covering its surface with rain
bow hues. This set Mr.. Lender to
thinking, and he sent samples to his
attorney, Mr. Richard p Evans, of this
city, who subsequently had the out
cropping and property examined by ex-
perts who pronounced them concrete
petroleum rcck" and hydro car bon. q"
and found other indications OF parafiin
and native crude petroleum, and ad-
vised boring.
4 number of gentlemen were then in
terested in the matter. careful examina-
tion Of the surrounding country was
made, and several tracts purchased in
cluding the Lender farm. \ syndicate.
in which Mr. Lender has an interest.
was organized with Washington, BaIti-
more and Chicago people, and as a re-
suit Lender No. l. oil well is pro-
crossing some 300 below the surface
toward what is expected to prove ore
of the most valuable petroleum deposits
ever discovered.
The Cloverdale property lies on the
Divide. midway between the Potomac
River and Chesapeake Bay, at an aver
The Washington times., 1902-06-15

the hall above, that for the shot you
gave my brother" The voice was
scarcely stilled when fusillade sound
ed from across the road and several
bullets struck the stout oak of the door.
Seven" muttered 1 to myself.
Seven WHAT" asked Acton.
There are eight in that party and
one is dead. You are right. Curtis, t is
indeed better than | thought. We can
handle seven. l feared there were
more
Stay but do not SEQ
My dear JOHN laughed Curtis.
'mayhap you did not notice that seven
bullets pelted the house but now
First OF ALL" said I. checking some
other remark of Acton. before l give
you my work-did you notice the two
men who ate at our table?"
"Oh. aye. they were natives. sure
enough"
Right, lad. but they hail from New
York" said Curtis slowly.
From New York;" cried Acton.
Precisely" said l. But they have
just now come from Boston or near
there"
'Balfort. my friend. you are better
than L. said Curtis. smiling in the dark
ness; how know you that?"
Their boots and clothes are covered
with mud. 1t has not rained to the west
ward in ten days. They have come from
the east. therefore, where | hear 1t has
rained for several days"
Man. you are ius?" cried Acton.
Furthermore" said l. " the mud is
light in color and sandy. whereas here
abouts t is red and dirty. II is sandy
only near the seacoast."
How do you know they hail from
New York;" persisted Acton.
"S-s-st." whispered Curtis. All three
sat in the darkness. Nothing could be
heard for a moment and then-.the un-
mistakable cracking of s~Twig sounded
through the window of the main room.
Curtis crept toward the window with
pistol in hand. There was a bit of op-
ening where the table failed to cover
the window. and. placing his eye to this.
he saw the dim outline of a figure crawl
ing around the corner of the house
Softly. coolly. he put the pistol to the
opening. took slow aim and fired.
dropping Immediately to the floor him.
The Washington times., 1902-06-15
The Great Walking Beam.
Big Syndicate Formed With Outside as Well
dsLocal Cdpital-- Several Extensive Parcels
Of Land Added to the Original Holdings
dnd the Work Being Pushed With Vigor by
Those in Charge---New Activity One Of
Great Interest to the Capital City sAs &c

lies at the very center of the upheaval
that formed the peninsula bounded by
the Potomac and Chesapeake waters. and
this fact, in conjunction with the surface
indications. presents reasons for believ-
ing that the petroleum deposits beneath
found vent at the lines OF contact and
brought to surface the indications in
question.
The location of second and third
well has been already selected, the pres
ent one being put down at a point sug-
gested by experts. one of whom, Prof.
Writ Tassn tmineralogist of the Ma
tional Museuml, says in his report.
dated November IL, 1901: MY advice
in view of all the conditions present is
to bore at or near the crossing on the
branch north of the house"
AS in the Texas, Ohio and California
oil discoveries. the scientific reports of
The Washington times., 1902-06-15
Prince George First Oil Derrick.

Marlboro turnpike, and five miles from
Upper Marlboro. the county seat OF
Prince George county. 1t has an ele-
walton OF between $50 and 300 feet above
sea level. and is about five miles in 4
direct line from the Potomac at a point
on the banks about opposite Alexandria.
Should oil be struck in paying quanti-
ties, it can readily be seen that pipe
line from the walls to the river bank
will permit of the oil being run into
tank vessels and transported to any
part of the world.
Cloverdaie Farm was purchased by
Mr.. A. r. Lender about six years ago.
He was brought up in the mining regions
of Pennsylvania and received a practical
education as mining and chemical
engineer and assayist, ard practiced this
profession in California and other min
ing States and in Mexico, but his ex-
The Washington times., 1902-06-15

sense left. for in bound he was at the
door and had the huge iron bar in its
place between two iron staples. At the
same moment one Of the two soldiers
stepped to the front window to close
the wooden shutters. His head had
scarcely passed through the frame when
loud repor, came to us from outside.
and the poor fellow rolled back and fell
upon the floor. shot clean through the
head.
T was quite enough to break the spell
that hung over us. Everyone was talk
ing and running TO blockade windows
with tables ard chairs. for most men OF
;hcse days had had some training in
such scenes before row. Curtis. Acton
and l naturally drew together. and as
we thrust d table against window.
another shot came through it, and a
pounding began on the door.
''T is bad bad,'' muttered.
"On the contrary" said Curtis. moth
ing could be more fortunate"
II do not see it in that light" answer
ed |. testify. I'VE shall be separated
without having talked
'On the contrary. again, my friend.
we can now talk without fear of inter
ruption: while before we should have
been hard nut to it to find a way
Another shot came through the table
and clinDcd 4 bit off the shoulder Of
Acton's coat.
But we shall be killed, and then our
expedition will fail" cried |.
Nay, nay" said Acton, Rob has the
right of it. We need have no fear OF in
terruption now. We can
Master Holt. turn out the light. .
cried l. sharply then they cannot see.
Out went the light Instantly. Outside
every noise ceased as if by magic.
We'll, how shall we talk? muttered
I, for it seemed the last straw-this IN
timely attack.
Hold thy tongue, man. and III show
thee" said Curtis Holt" he contin-
ued. "and you sirs, come over this way
So, now landlord, you are attacked,
see"
Attacked? My God, I'm ruined. I'm
Il dead man"
That you will be, if you do not act" ."
But what can l do2"
Have you guns?'
AYE, three"
Very we'll; do you, your wife. and this
remaining soldier with the boy 90 up
The Washington times., 1902-06-15

self. There was no sound or movement
in the grass. but the next instant bull
let came diagonally through the small
opening and fattened itself against the
doorpost above my head.
Did you get him." asked John.
"The attacking party now consists ef
six" replied Curtis.
"And now as to our instructions" said
Acton.
complish three things. which I may not
tell you till we be there
Very well," said Acton, 1--WE are to
go to New York; that is sufficient What
next?"
I'VE go separately and meet there.
That is. one goes alone and the other
two together. have passes for one and
for two travelling in company. Once
there, 1 can tell you in good earnest
there is much to do. But here looms
up the question as to where we shall
meet there and be unobserved.''
II have been in the town." said Acton,
promptly. Let us meet at the village
of Greenwich and go into the town to-
gether.'
so far good" said 1. "but we must
have some base to work from-soms
spot to meet in. Curtis, what think
you?"
For moment during this bit of dis
cussion Curtis had said not a word.
Now. though l could not see his face,
for the darkness, | got an instructive
idea that something was wrong. In
fact, after once seeing Acton pulled up
when he tried to question his friend
about something TO do with an event Of
several years ago. | had made up nv
mind to steer clear of any references,
so far as Rob Curtis was concerned. be-
yond the limits of camp life. Before ]
spoke. it was clear to me that some-
thing was amiss. The moment he an
swered the change in his voice was so
great, yet so quiet. that | started as
did Acton. almost persuaded that some
other sat by US in the gloomy smoking
hall
"Balfort." said he. slowly. lis it OF
grave Importance that we should so into
New York?''
| did not reply at once. 1 was too
struck with the change and all that such
change must mean in such a man.
(To Be Continued Next Sunday.)
The Washington times., 1902-06-15
NONE BUT THE Brave STORY OF LOVE AND ADVENTURE

Wait" said Curtis, in the same voice,
and then he added, aloud; Master
Holt. sir; at your bidding, sir" said
the landlord. trying TO bend his fat belly
in a bow and rubbing his bands to-
gether.
Master Holt, can you give me
room tonight?"
We'll, yes, gentlemen" said the tav-
ern-keeper. effusively. Certainly. Ger
tainly. "I suppose. now. these two
gentlemen" pointing to the two
men from the East. will have room
by themselves-a large room I Is. At
that sir. and I can give you three gem
tlemen accommodation easily. OF course.
in these times. sirs. perhaps two Will
never mind being together. We keep n
fine tavern. sir-. none such another the
whole country round and my madam.
-kc-"
The landlord stopped abruptly and
turned around. for the door at the back
of the room opened and a little shaver
ran up to him and was now Juggling at
his coat Tire host stopped and listened
to what the boy had to say. Then out
rang a howl from him. and he turned
a CLAW color.
MY God, oh, oh, sirs. we shall all
be killed." and he wrung his hands.
what is t, Holt. man? What's to
do?" cried the two soldiers.
oh Lord. Oh, they're here aglin'
they've been here before. | know 'am.
They know l have a little set by for
my old age, I'm ruined, I'm ruined."
and tho tears rolled down his checks.
At this moment the woman shrieked
from behind the counter. and We knew
that the wife had the news as we'll.
Everyone had arisen and was standing.
when such an interruption at this mo-
ment so bewildered aad maddened ne
that cried out:
We'll. man. what in the devils name
ails thee?" Speak up"
THE Stinners, the SINNERS, They're
coming to rob me-" screamed the terri
fed tavern keeper.
''In that case" said the calm voice Of
Curtis. '"t would not be amiss to drop
that bar across the front door and pull
the shutters to-
Evidently the landlord had little
The Washington times., 1902-06-15

the Geological Survey are said to have
been adverse and discouraging to pros
pectors, so, it is stated. the same posi-
tion is assumed toward this enterprise
upon the theory, principally. that al
though the surface indications are un-
mistakable there is no known geologi-
cal formation of cap or Gaping suffi-
cient to retain the naphtha vspors.
Recognizing this objection, Prof. Writ
Tassin says in his report:
THE fact that the evidence against
the existence of Gaping for the oil
sands is passive only. and not positive.
is Of but little weight as an argument
against the area being a producing field
when compared with the extent and
geological character Of the country.
since the Potomac and the Matawan
are each rich in oil-producing materials
and boring is the only way to decide the
matter"
The Washington times., 1902-06-15

stairs with two of the guns and fire
down at these men from above
"Wc can fire through the old loop
holes,' said his wife
Good, so much the better. These two
men and myself will take the ground
floor front and kill any one who tries
to enter. The two gentlemen who have
just eaten with us will guard the rear
OF the house"
But l."
a crash now sounded in the hall.
THE door! the dooc," cried the land
lc-d and his wife in one voice
You sec. there il no time to lose. =
said the cold. clear voice of Curtis. In
deed, the GOODNESS of the man and the
reason in all he said made US instinct
lively put ourselves under his command.
ard in a few moments the two strangers
were in the kitchen, watching the rear
door. the tavern keeper and his wife
with the boy and the soldier were up
stairs; and we three were barricading
the weakened door by advice of Cur
wedged between the door and a projec-
tion of the chimney that went up on one
side of the narrow hall.
Now. my friends" said Curtis cooliy.
"let us sit here between the hall and
the main room and hear what Balfort
has to say"
But it is very uncertain if we can
get out of here alive" said l, irritated
in some way by this excessive calmness
of Curtis and the jovial ease of Mr. John
Acton.
MY dear lad" said Curtis, you asked
for place where we could talk without
fear of interruption. l give you one.
can do no more. Doubtless this is n
band of Skinners of not more than six or
seven, and could not we three hold this
house against twenty?"
Then look you, Balfort," urged Acton.
1--WE shall have the satisfaction OF
knocking some one on the head. | owe
these fellows n debt. Nay, t is a stroke
OF luck they are come"
At this moment the report of musket
rang out overhead, and a heavy weight
fell against the outside of the door near
which we sat. A deep groan was fol-
lowed by moment of silence.
'Ahai you skunk,' cried voice from
The Washington times., 1902-06-15

"a cold night" said one of the new
comers.
Aye. the year s moving on an
swered the big-voiced soldier.
Bad! bad,' said l, softly, but We
must wait for him"
Acton nodded. Meanwhile the new
comers ordered a cold supper, the land
lord having nothing else, and sat them
down by the table near US. They had
scarcely settled to their meal when
again the door opened, and Curtis en-
tered. Even the tavern-keeper looked
surprised to see such a company so
late; but a poke from his matter Of fact
wife sent him about his business. Cur
tbs had changed his uniform. and was
dressed like any well-to-do New Yorker,
in knee brecches OF snuff color, top
boots, a doublc-breasted waistcoat. with
a frilled shirt and long buff coat. He
threw off a riding coat and discovered
his pistols and a long hanger
The calm, serious face was composed
as usual. nor did the man disturb him
self to look at anyone in particular but
took the seat assigned to him near the
rest of us. One of the strangers spoke
to Acton after a moment.
You say that you have come from
the westward, sir. Did you find the road
free from traffic."
Il met not soul from the time l LETT
the river
We two are bound westward, and t
is said the road to Gowsn's Ferry is
full of these wild SINNERS and cow
boys
81 can answer for that road" said
Curtis. Not a soul is stirring tonight
for have Just come over it."
Meantime had caught Curtis eye, and
by an almost imperceptible movement
saw the same thought in his mind that
was working in mine. These two men
coming from the east had sus-
plcious manner. Neither of us could
have said just why at that moment, but
by this glance we both agreed TO watch
them. The meal went on, and in a
few moments the two strangers lit their
pipes and went over to the fire. Curtis
was still eating.
What are We to do?" l asked under
my breath.
The Washington times., 1902-06-15
CONTINUED From Page seven.)

sitting himself near me. looked what he
doubtless was-the picture of uneasiness
and discomfort.
While the two soldiers talked quietly
by the fire. turned to him and asked:
Have you come from the westward?''
AYE, from the river"
Have you heard what is to become
OF Andre?"
mo, there was naught given out when
] left"
At the mention of Andre the two sol
diers stopped their conversation, and one
of them, turning toward the table, said:
He was taken from here day before
yesterday"
"Is t known where he is confned?"
asked. The landlord here put in his oar.
and ventured:
"They do say as they took him to Tap
pan for trial"
AIN no, Holt, t is not likely so.''
said the soldier. He went up to West
Point, am sure"
I'VE cannot say a word here" said I,
in a low voice, in Acton's ear at this
moment "And yet must l talk with you
as soon as Curtis arrives"
We'll, but would he not go that way
sure" asked the tayernkeeper. They
d be afeard OF rescue dawn below" "
Cant we go outsider" whispered Ac-
ton. Lord forgive him! his whispers
were like the rumbling of thunder.
"outside!" exclaimed the soldier,
"what is there to go outside Off"
Acton looked confused.
This gentleman refers TO the frigate
Vuiture, which has been lying of Tel
ler's Point. Doubtless he is right. and
mayhap the escort was instructed to
keep well outside the reach Of her
guns
20, aye, t IS likely So" said the SOL
dier, for have heard she lies there"
caught Acton on the point Of saying
something to wreck the whole business,
and had Just given him iab beneath
the table. when the door opened. Every
one turned to see who else might be
arriving at this late hour and l could
not help a silent curse at the luck to
sec two strange men enter, nod TO the
tayern-keeper, and walk over to the fire.
The Washington times., 1902-06-15
Complaint Of On Old Darky Field Hand That
Led to an Investigation and to the Subse-
Quent Find of the Valuable Product New
Enterprise Taken Hold Of With Great En-
ergy With Fine Prospects for Realizing the
Ambitious Hopes Of Those Interested =: q:

IT HERE has been an awakening in
sleepy old Prince George county,
4 Nd. 1t has the distinction Of
being the home of the first oil
mining enterprise ever undertaken in
Maryland. Looking southwark from the
dome Of the Capitol. eight miles
away, can be seen "old glory float
ing from the top of the first oil
well derrick ever erected in that State
The derrick, which stands on the
Cloverdale farm, is over ninety feet in
height. The property was formerly
owned by Mr.. Augustus R. Lender, and
is part of an ancient grant known as
His Lordship's Kindness" the records
concerning which may be seen among
the archives at Annapolis. the capital
of the State.
Cloverdale farm is about one mile
southwest from Centerville, on the
The Washington times., 1902-06-15

(To Be Continued Next Sunday.)
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-08-26
he United States
A rue Democracy
fsy Rev. Or. HENRY VAN DYKE of Princeton
University

HERE THESE THREE ESSENTIALS ExIsT-A REPRE-.
SENTATIVE AND EQUAL SUFFRAGE, PERIODICAL
OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PEOPLE TO CHANGE THEIR
RULERS PEACEFULLY AND A CAREFUL LIMITATION
OF OFFICIAL POWERS BY THE CONSTITUTIONS
THERE is GENUINE DEMOCRACY.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-08-26
CASTo7IA.
Ra.,. thu a The Kind You Have Always Bought
''::::''' s;':: :: ''' Z;H,,z;;z2z5zx 4:
Another Octopus.

Here is another octopus. The Oma-
has and Winnebagos, Indian tribes OF
Nebraska, held meeting On their res
eryation last week and formed SOU
yenir trust. Great Thunder, a special
ist in bows and arrows and the leading
fnancier of the Winnebagos, was elect
ed president. Green Rainbow and
Prairie Chicken and John A. Logan
We're elected directors The trust pro
p8ses to advance prices for Indian SOU
venifS.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-08-26
Told of President Mckinley.

Dr.. P. NJ. Rixey recalls that when N,
presidents mother sat down for tn
first time to q White House dime
what seemed to impress her most v
the rrodigal supply of cream, and sfs
commented on its abundance. and tne
added:
"Well, William, ct last know via
they mean when they spaal; Of ii
cream of society"
The rraeiloat la"2.lle1 q admit
said be, that t'.aYe senMs - - a': =
travaeant &.rav cf i.,s w =.
but you know. II .'~et. ,.",
10 keen e-as.
To accommodate those who are par
tial to the use of atomizers in apply
ing liquids into the naasl passages fol
catarrhal troubles. the proprietors pre-
pare Ely's Liquid Cream Balm. Price
including the spraying tube, is IS cts
Druggists or by mail. The liquid EN-
bodies the medicinal properties of the
solid preparation. Cream Balm is
quickly absorbed by the membrane
and does not dry up the secretions but
changes them to a natural and healthy
character. Ely Brothers. 56 Warren
street. New York.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-08-26

and tae s.yui..,tr u let-e: it was the
cross on the hilt or al angelic eXrres-
sion that An!le aftevWard declared ap'
pcared Oh .J0"l's couMtenance, the strau'
GER drew back and, clouchinG. slowly
shranll away. Joel, now believing that
power had been given him i'll answer to
his prayer to save Anne, still holding
up the dagger, drove the stranger u
the thickest part of the wood, where
he disappeared.
My father always said that nv
grandfather believed that Mark Spoon
er arranged with the devil to get Anne
Holliwell for him in return for his
own soul.
ARTHUR CHESTER LOWERING.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-08-26
Tide in the st. Lawrence.

The ocean tide is noticeable in the
st. Lawrence river as far up as the
city of Three Rivers, which is u miles
below Montreal. At Three Rivers
spring tide, that is the highest tide,
rises to height Of one foot. At
Quebec city spring tide rises to a
height of 171a feet.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-08-26
Ransom Monev at Work.

From the fact that Macedonian re-
volt is Stepping jauntily down toward
the footiights, it may be inferred that
while the ransom money was not all
that could be desired it was made
to do.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-08-26
Foreign critics say that the Il

truly democratic country because the people level
al alike But when did democracy guarantee
people grade mankind down dead flat? When all the
M e forest have the number of leaves when all the
dew into the contain the number of fish, when all the fields
IN te farm bear the then will all be alike in their
aeWer and skill and consequently
DEMOCRACY is NO MIRACLE WORKER, no INFIDEL
IOWA1tD NATURAL LAW. Democracy declares that men,
unequal in their ndowment shall be equal in their rights develop
chose endowments Glasses social orderung
classes teaching classes, agricultural classes manufacturing classes
commercial classes All these the laborng class
sabor divided The you begin divide labor you begin
diherentiate
THE MOMENT YOU HAVE DEVELOPED DIFFERENT
KINDS OF WORK ON DIFFERENT
NAVE CLASSES BUT WHAT DEMOCRACY SAYS THERE
SHALL BE NO LOCKED DOORS BETWEEN THESE CLASSES.
Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1902-05-10
MRS, KATE soFFEL IN COURT,
She pIendcd Guilty 10 Aiding anu
Abctting the Escape OF 'he
Biddle Brothers.

pittsburg, Pa, May 5.-rMra, Kate
soffeL the wife OF Warden Soffel' Of
the Allegheny county jail, who hg-
ured in the sensational escape and re,
CAPTURE Of the Biddle brothers last
January, was called into court, Mon.
day morning, and entered a plea Of
guilty to the charge OF aiding ana
Eabetting in the escape Of pFlSohtr7'
She will be sentenced next Saturday.
The maximum penalty is two years
in the penitentiary The courtroom
was crowded to the DOORS many
women being present, and much ea'
riosity to see the prisoner was maiif
tested. Mrs. Soffel entered the room
with a firm step She was accom-
panied only by her physician and at
torney. having made special re
quest that none of her relatives o'
present during the ordeal