davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
RriDate in Hospital Corps
Forged Names of Patients
on Money Orders and Fear
ed Exposure of Crime.

The War Department is informed by
mail adyices from the Philippines of the
suicide Of Julius j. Augustine. of Wash
ington, which occurred recently in Ma
Mia. Augustine was a private in the
Hospital Corps, and was in charge OF
one of the wards in the First Reserve
Hospital. The young man ended his life
by taking sixty grains of morphine
1t was at first believed that the news
Of the death of his mother. which oc-
Cured here about two months ago, led
Augustine to commit the deed An in
vestigation of his affairs since his death
however. has revealed the fact that he
had another motive for suicide. The
young man is said to have feared arrest
in connection with forged postal orders
on the Manila Office.
1t is alleged that Augustine led a
double life. Although he was only a
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
YOUNG VAN COTT
ONCE INVESTIGATED
Son of Postmaster Attracted
Attention Early.
SLIPPED INTO GOOD PLACE
Civil Service Commission Discovered
SLIPPED INTO GOOD PLACE
Civil Service Commission Discovered
Operation, Made Inquiries, and Then
Had Regulations Amended.

Richard Van Cott, son of Postmaster
Van Cott. CT Now York is attracting
considerable attention in Washington
and elsewhere at the present time The
junior Van Cott has been mentioned in
the papers as drawing a salary larger
than that allowed by the law, and there
has likewise been mention of stenog-
rapher in his Office who did little work
for big pay, but il now transpires thas
the young man attracted official atten-
tion away back in 1900.
1t seems that in 1899 there was a com
plant in the hands of the Civil Service
the position of superintendent of free
delivery in New York. Certain captious
persons claimed that the position re-
quired knowledge only to be obtaired
by putting in years as postal employe.
An Exchange of Offices
The commission investigated the ca
reer of the junior Van Cott, and learned
facts which were OF considerable in
terest. 1t developed that Mr. Van Colt
had originally been appointed cashier
in the New York postofiice, an excepted
position. Shortly after entering upon
the discharge of that office, things were
switched around so that he was made
superintendent OF free delivery in New
| York.
The Civil Service people heard OF
the incident and Commissioner Proctor
made an investigation. He heard the
facts in the case and was not pleased
with the manner in which young Mr.
Van Cott made progress in the postal
service and reported accordingly
Mr. Proctor. in his report, dated Janu-
airy 20 1900, said that the position OF
free delivery superintendent should NOT
be excepted. 1t could be filled properly
only by man who gained his expert
ence in the postoffice service, and was
not one of the places to be flied by men
whose technical or professional ability
was such that it could not be determined
by an ordinary examination.
Mr. Proctor, with that case as a text,
urged upon the President that the civil
service rules be changed so that the
number of excepted cases requiring
young men of exceptional attainments
be greatly curtailed. President Roose-
| welt accepted the advice of Mr.. Proctor
and now the rules prevent the recur-
renee, to large extent, of the father
and-son arrangement which existed in
New York.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
PRESIDENT MAY ORDER
ACTION AGAINST TRUSTS

conference which may have i'm
portant results was held at the White
House this afternoon between the Presi-
Gent and Circuit Judge Peter s. Cross
cup, of the Seventh circuit. who lives in
Chicago. His name became widely known
some months ago through his connection
with trust legislation before the courts
a. Chicago.
Whether the President Is considering
some aggressive action in the matter
of trusts generally, Judge Grosscup
would not intimate. He did indicate,
however, that the President was desir-
Gus OF posting himself on various phases
OF the subject
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12

private IN the Hospital Corps. the re-
port from Manila is that he was accus-
toned 10 leave the hospital every night
in civilian clothes and associate with
army officers. among whom he repre-
sented himself as "Dr. Kockler." a
contract surgeon.
In order to keep up appearances he
was obliged to have more money than
ne received as a private. and it is as
serted he obtained this by holding up
the letters of patients in the hospital
wards and robbing them of money or.
ders. On these orders. it is said. he
forged the signatures and obtained the
money.
Five such orders have been discovered
by the postal authorities, the amount
aggregating between $500 and $500 in
gold. Two of the orders were in favor
of Thomas O'Hearn and Patrick Carty,
patients in Augustine's ward in the Re
serve Hos9ital.
The young man bore a good reputa-
tion while he lived in Washington, and
there is much surprise at his conduct in
the Philippines. He is said to have
left note addressed to his father here
in which he referred to the disposition
of his remains.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
A Born Fighter.

Alexander Mcdowell McCook was
born in Columbiana county, Ohio, April
%, 1881. He possessed in marked de-
gree the splendid fighting qualities OF
his father. who, though sixty three
years of age when the civil war broke
out, Joined in the defense of his coun
tally wounded. while leading the ad-
vance party to intercept Morgan's raid.
His mother. too. was a woman of great
courage. strength OF character, and
high intellectuality
Alexander MeCook was graduated from
the United States Military Academy in
1852. and assigned to the Third Infantry.
After brief garrison service he fought
the Apaches in New Mexico for several
years, and from February. 1858, until
April. 1861. was assistant instructor in
infantry tactics at West Point. He be-
came first lieutenant December 6. 1853.
Service in Civil War.
At the beginning of the civil war he
was appointed colonel of the First Ohio
Regiment. He distinguished himself at
the first battle of Bull Run. and for
his services there he was brevetted ma
jor. He became brigadier general OF
volunteers September 3, 1861, and was
brevetted at the capture of Nashville.
March 3. 1862. He then took command
of the Twentieth Army Corps, which
participated in the campaigns of Perry
vile. Stone River. Tullahoma, and
Chickamauga. He served in the middle
military division from November, 1864
until February. 1865, and in eastern
Arkansas from February until May Of
the latter year
March IS. 1865. he received the brevet
of brigadier general, U. S. A.. for gallant
services at Perryville. KY. and that of
major general. U. S. A., for gallant
service in the field
He investigated Indian affairs with g
committee from Congress from May uu-
til October, 1866. and at the close OF the
war was made lieutenant colonel OF the
Twenty sixth Infantry
OF late years General McCook had
been stationed at Fort Leayenworth
Kan, as commandant of The school of
instruction for infantry and cavalry
He represented the United States ut
the coronation OF the CZar of Russia
Moscow. May "a. 1896. and was member
Of the commission appointed by Presi-
Gent Mckinley TO investigate the War
Department during the war with Spain,
September %. 1888. to February 10,
1900
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
Judge Laoonlbe Holds Agree
nents Betqveen Companies
and Sales Agents to Be
PnbiLeged Documents.
BLOW FOR PETITIONER
Refusal of President Baer
and Others to AnSzver
Questions Concerning Their
Business Also Upheld.

NEW YORK. June 12.-Judge Lacombe,
in the United States circuit court today
handed down a decision upholding the
contention of the coal carrying railroads
that contracts between them and sales
agents are privileged documents. and, as
such. the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion has no power to compel their pro-
duction as evidence.
The decision also upholds the refusal
OF President Baer, of the Philadelphia
and Reading Railroad Company, and
other witnesses to answer questions re-
lating to the conduct of their business.
Makes One Exception.
Judge Lacomte makes but one excep-
tion. He holds that Mr.. Baer should
have answered one question which was
Iu1 to him regarding details of general
expense. Judge Lacombe claims that
ir evidence containing items such as
were asked for, and therefore Mr. Baer
erred in not answering that particular
question
In his decision Judge Lacombe says
that the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion has the right to compel the produc-
tion for its inspection of any contracts
which refer wholly to the transporta-
tion of coal. He says, however, that he
has carefully Inspected copies OF the
contracts which the Commission ask
ed for. and which were furnished 10 him
for that purpose by the attorneys for
the defendant corporations. and finds
that they are contracts for the purchase
OF coal in Pennsylvania and which are
carried out by the delivery OF coal to
breakers in that State
Origin of the Case.
The matter came before Judge La
combe in a petition presented by United
States Attorney Burnett, signed by the
Interstate Commission asking that the
officials of the several railroads be de-
ciared in contempt for refusing TO pro-
duce documents and to answer ques-
tions which counsel for the petitioner
claimed were necessary to prove the
existence Of an Illegal combine.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
FLOOD REFUGEES AT
BELLEVILLE DESTITUTE

Mayor Kern, of Belleville, H., has
telegraphed the War Department stat
ing that several thousand flood refugees
from East st. Louis, now in Belle
Vile. are in need of tents. blankets and
cots. Communication with ST. Louis is
cut off. and Mayor Kern asks that sup
plies be sent from Jeffersonville, Ind. or
Chicago.
Colonel Hall, the acting adjutant gen
eral. has notified the commander OF the
Department CT the Lakes to send an Of
hcer TO Belleville to ascertain the con-
dition and needs of the sufferers and
make report.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
SEVENTEEN FREIGHT CARS
BURNED I'M A BAD WRECK

DANVILLE. June PA Danvilie and
Western train collided with a freight
on the Southern Railroad at Stokesland
last night. The engineer and fireman
were seriously injured. The passengers
escaped. Seventeen freight cars and two
engines were destroyed by fire.
II is said that the operator at Pei
ham, NC. forgot to deliver dispatch
to the engineer of the passenger train TO
sidetracS at Stokeland.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
ARMY OFFICERS DETAIL
TO INSTRUCT MILITIA

BY virtue of the act passed by che
last Congress, on the application of the
governor of any State or Territory, the
Secretary of War may detail one or more
army officers to attend any encampment
of the organized militia TO give instruc-
ton to the National Guard. and report
on the encampment to the Secretary
of War. The department is anxious 20
have the governors of the various
States take advantage of this provision
in the statute, and is ready to make
details when asked to do SO.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
ARMY OFFICERS RETURN.

NEW YORK, June 12.-Brig. Gen. R.
NJ O'ReilIy. L. S. A.. and Col. C. L..
Heiseman. T. s. A. who attended the
international medical conference in Ma
drid. were passengers on the White Star
Line steamship Germanic. which arrived
here today from Liverpool.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
TENTH LocKIAW VICTIM.

PIrTSBURG. June 12.-The tenth vic
tim Of ioekjaw since May 80, brought
about by the use of the destructive toy
pistol, died yesterday. He was Frank
Thompson. aged fourteen, of 500 Ross
Street. Williamsburg. Mayor Hays has
issued an order forbidding the sale OF
toy pistols.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
Local Embassy Surprised.

When seen by a Times reporter at the
Italian embassy at noon today. Signor
G. c. Montagra private secretary TO the
italian ambassador, Signor Mayer des
Pianches. said no word had been reeeiv-
ell in regard to the resignation of the
Italian cabinet.
It Is known. however. that much dis
content was manifested among the
members of the cabinet in regard to
the meager support given them in their
investigation of the navy. but the res
ignation of Signorf Giolitti, minister OF
the interior, followed by the resigna-
tion of the entire cabinet, was entirely
unlocked for by the members of the
local embassy.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
CUBAN SECRETARY CALLS
ON TIE PRESIDENT

President RooseTeit received call
tccay, before the Cabinet meeting, from
tie Cuban minister, Senior Qaesada, who
intI oduced Senor Carlos de Zaldo, secre-
tary of state and justice in Cuba. The
visitor came to the United States about
two weeks ago in consequence of the
Illness of his daughter He is spending
tie time of his visit here in seeing the
sights of the Capital and making a few
official calls. During his absence from
the island his official duties are per-
formed by Senor Garcia Monies, who
holds the treasury portfolio in the Cuban
cabinet.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
SALABLE FISH ALMOST
EXTINCT I'M THE LAKES

ST. JOSEPH. Mich, June 12.-Steam-
ers of the ST. Joseph fishing feet are
living idle and the fishing industry is at
standstill. The cause assigned is a
scarcity Of fish in the lakes. 1t is said
that salable fish are almost extinct
The same conditions have never been
known TO exist before at this season of
the year. The fishing has been getting
lighter every year but sudden slump
occurred this spring that cannot be ac-
counted for.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12

At the Washington Offices of the
Southern Railroad. this afternoon II was
said that no word had been received OF
any such wreck. The belief was ex-
pressed that the accident had occurred
on some other railroad.
1t has happened frequently. of late
that trains have crashed into each
other on a half dozen small Southern
roads. and all the trouble has unjustIy
been placed upon the Southern system.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
YERKES BOOM ARRESTED
BY PROPOSED NOMINEE
Commissioner of Internal Revenue Un-
willing to Stand for Vice Presidency.

Representative Jesse Overstreet, of
Indiana. in the indianapolis Journal of
June 10. has suggested the name of John
". Yerkes, of Kentucky, the present
Commissioner of Internal Revenue. as
President Roosevelt's running mate in
the next Republican national campaign.
When asked this morning concerning
the announcement, Commissioner Yerkes
said that he had no thought OF becoming
Z candidate for the Vice Presidency or
any other Office.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
POLICE SEARCH SAFE
At WAISOH'S HOME
Authorities Seek Property
Belonging to the Accused.
IS NOT YET OUT ON BAIL
No Civil Action Taken to Prevent
Transfer of Property-Bad
Condition of Accounts.

Up to the time of going to press.
James NJ Watson jr. the District clerk,
who is charged with embezzling, $75, GOO,
had not given bail for his release. Yes
terday Justice Pritchard reduced Wat
sons bond from $4,000 to $40. .O0O
Stuart Mcnamara, counsel for Watson,
stated this morning that his client would
be able to furnish bond this afternoon.
MIR. Mcnamara said that the sureties
will be the Title Guarantee and Trust
Company of Scranton, Pa, and a per-
sonal friend of Watson
Police Search Safe
The investigation into the Watson de-
falcation tocay was principally directed
! toward securing any money or property
in the possession of the accused man.
II was learned yesterday afternoon that
/ Watson kept a safe in his home at 2021
! Columbia Road. Steps were Immediate
| ly taken to issue an attachment on he
| safe and its contents. A warrant was
procured and placed in the hands of De-
tectives TyseF and Hartigan to serve
The safe was found locked, and two
tCSlCSIlf0o hGPl noNNu ONCi II ali ~
and until it was opened this morning by
an expert Little of value was found
| The Corporation Counsel was also busy
today in the effort to locate any pos
sible deposits to the account of Watson
ia any of the city banks.
! Some surprise has been expressed
that the Commissioners have not al
ready instituted civil suit against Wat
son to prevent him from disposing Of
his estate, if he has any This was the
| course pursued by the United States in
! the case of Capt. Henry ". Howgate
who was accused of embezzling funds
from the Government.
Conveyed to Court.
The people who saw Watson speeding
eastward from the City Hall yesterday
afternoon about $50 o'clock in his "Ret
Devil auto would not suspect that he
| was prisoner. and was on his way tC
the District Jail. where he spent the
night
/ He also made the trip from the jail
to the city hall in his costly machine.
On the return trip. however, he was ac-
companied by lee..;y Marshals James
| Sprir. nan and r: Turner.
! Account u Bad Shape.
| The examination into the aceounts OF
the division over which Watson has
supervision continues. Little of import
ance has developed since yesl la@day, ex-
cept that the accounts become more and
more intricate to solve. 1t is supposed
by the clerks in the Auditors Office that
the limits OF the defalcation will react
| ha+waan S70 000 an6 ST5 o0o
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
GEN. h'COOK DIES
At DAYTON, OHIO
Distinguished Veteran Sue
cumbs to Apoplexy.
WAS ILL ONLY A WEEK
Served With Honor Against Indians il
New Mexico-Commarded Corps
at Close of Civil War

The War Department today received a
telegram from Dayton. Ohio, announcing
the death of Maj. Gen. Alexander Med
McCook at that place this morning.
General McCook was stricken with
apoplexy one week ago, and at no time
thereafter was it expected that he would
recover.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
TWO PERSONS KILLED IN
POWDER HOUSE EXPLOSION

TAMAQUA. Pa. June 12.-By the ex-
plosion of the black powder house at
the H. A. Weldy Powder Company's s
mill at Mintzers, near here, two men
are known TO have been killed, and
several were injured.
The explosion was heard for miles
around, and window panes in this town.
two miles from the scene of the ex-
plosion. were broken,
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
REPRESENTATIVE DAYTON
CALLS AT WHITE HOUSE

Representative Aston c. Dayton. of
West Virginia. member of the House
Naval Committee. was a caller at the
White House Offices today. but as the
Cabinet was going into session did not
remain long. Mr.. Dayton is here on mat
terc affecting his constituents and also
10 attend TO some private business inter
eEts.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
FOUR PEOPLE KILLED
IN A RAILROAD WRECK
Crash On the Southern at Columbia
South Carolina.

AUGUSTA, Ga, June 12-Four per-
sons are reported to have been killed
in wreck on the Southern Railway
between Augusta and Columbia, s. c.,
this morning.
Details are lacking, but a wrecking
train has been sent to the scene.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
THE WEATHER REPORT.

The weather will be fair tonight and
tomorrow in the East and South. pre-
.eded by rain tonight in the Northeast
Temperatures Will continue low, with
.rost probable tonight in exposed places
II Ohio, West Virginia, and northera
md eastern Kentucky 1t viii be some
What warmer tomorrow, however, in the
ohio Valley. east Gulf States. and west
.rn lower lake region.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12

High tide tomorrow 4:10 a. m, 4:40 p. N.
Low tide tomorrow 10 a. m. 1924 p. N.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12
TEMPERATURE.
THE sun
TIDE TABLE.

sun sets today .-----------1;34 p. m
sun rises tomorrow .-...4:22 a. n.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-06-12

Fair and cool tonight and
tomorrow; fresh northerly
winds.
Gilpin observer., 1903-11-26
A New classification.

DR.. Francis r. Lane, until lately
director of the high schools Of Wash
ington, is fond Of repeating the fol-
lowing extract from a composition sub
mitted to him for approval during the
days when he was a worker in the
school-teaching ranks. The extract
runs as follows "-Beings are divided
into names, : >cording to that which
they feed on. ie lion eats flesh-the
lion is carnivorN f. The COW eats
grass-the COW il herbarious. Man
eats everything. TLstefore, man Is
omnipOtent"
Gilpin observer., 1903-11-26

low were imprisoned as securely as
though they had been locked up in
Newgate. The forescuttle was even
an easier job; the two men had moth
ing to do but pull the cover over and
close and bolt the doors.
See If there is any but ourselves on
deck shouted Crystal. and three or
four of them started on a hunt
through the deep shadow.
Just then they heard loud knock.
ing on the companion door; they
could also hear some men dimly shout
ing under the mainhatch, followed by
several blows, dealt, maybe. with
handspike.
Guard this hatch!" shouted Crys-
tai, reckless of his voice now that the
brig was his. And followed by two
men, he rushed aft.
The knocking was furious. Draw
ing his cutlass, Crystal opened one of
the doors and Pope's figure showed,
firmly outlined against the faint
illumination shed by the cabin-lamp.
What in hell's this?" Pope roared.
He held a pistol and took two steps,
thrusting with his shoulder in his fury
to break through. With beast-like in
humanity Crystal struck Pope's hand
terrible blow with the fat of his
cutlass: the pistol that was cooked,
exploded as it leaped down the COM
panion-steps.
"Oh. God!" cried Pope.
"The briggs ours!" Surrender, Pope.
or you are a dead mani" thundered
Crystal.
In silence Pope turned and sprang
into the cabin. and rushed into his
berth, followed by Crystal and two
men. Swift as Crystal was, Pope was
nimbler still; his agility was that of
the hare; before Crystal had reached
the others cabin. the gallant Irish
villain had seized his sword hanging
beside his bunk. had rounded, and was
flghting-a figure terrible with rage,
pain, hate.
''Is this how you reward me, you
bloody villain." was all he said and
the blades clasbed in horrld music to
the shrleks of Laura, who was now
standing in her cabin door.
"The people are under hatches!-
the briggs mine!-surrender!- must
come to 1t, for we are ten resolved
men!" Crystal painted, as Pope, with
desperate lunge and lightning-lilSe
flourish. drove the buccaneering fiend
into the cabin. Here they had space
and now. being able to see each
others face. each fought to kill
Back, you coward" screamed
Laura. rushing at one of the men who
wos In the act of springing upon Pope.
Too late! The fellow clipped the
Irishman by the shirt under his long
hair. Pope reeled; his sword passed
through the ali In wild. idle sweep
Of glitterlng blade. and In the next