davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
CHICAGO ARTIST
 WRITES LETTERS Sends Threatening Demands for Money to MilIionaires IS VERY EASILY TRAPPED Calls at Postoffice to Get a Decoy Reg istered Package and Walks Into
 the Arms of Four Wait
 ing Detectives.
IS VERY EASILY TRAPPED

Chicago, December 24.-The mysterious letters demanding large sums of money. which for the past six months have been received by men high in the financial world of New York and Chicago, were today traced to Lee Brennan, a commer- cial artist of Chicago, and the young man was placed under arrest as he was leaving the general postoffice, where he had gone in answer to a decoy letter.
 When confronted with the evidence of his wrong doing Bremen confessed to having attempted to enforce a dozen de- mands for sums of s25,OO0 and $5O,0OO, and having threatened his intended victims with death should they refuse to comply with his demands for money. In his con- fession Brennan declared that all his at tempts to extort money had been futile as he never received dollar in answer to any of his requests.
 Among those in Chicago on whom Bren- nan attempted to levy tribute were Mar shall Field, R. T. Crane, J. Ogden Ar mour and G. F. Swift. None of the Chica- go men were asked for more than $25,- 900.
 In the case of Marshall Field, Brennan wrote under the name of William Craig He first asked Mr Field to leave $25,0O0 beneath a pillar of a porch at the lat ter's home. No attention was paid to the letter by MT. Field until another communication in which the yelled threats in the first letter were made plainer, was received from Brennan. In the second let ter Brennan demanded that the money be mailed. MT. Field then placed the matter in the hands of detective agency and correspondence with Brennan was established which led to his arrest today.
 A few days ago a decoy letter was sent to Brennan telling him that his de- mand on MT. Field would be acceded to. Then a package was prepared and ad- dressed to Craig" to be delivered at the registered letter department of the gen. eral postoffice. Brnnan today called at the postoffice and was given the pack age. Signing the receipt, Brennan with a pleased smile on his face turned to walk away but walked into the arms of four detectives who had been watching the proceedings.
 No formal charge was entered against Brennan tonight, but it was said he will be held for action of the federal authori- ties.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
RECOMMENDATIONS MADE.
Railroads In Indiana Will Have to Ob
 serve the Law.

Indianapolis, December A-Recommen- dations for future legislation and silence as to the individual responsibility for the Purdue wreck were the characteristics of the grand jury report today The blame for the wreck was placed on an alleged lack of system and lack of cooperation in the railway company and the imper- feet system of train handling.
 The report says no good would come from the prosecution of any person con- nected with the railroad, which would be very expensive to the county.
 It is recommended that law be passed by the next legislature providing that a baggage car shall be placed between the engine and the first passenger coach and that dereliction of duty shall be an offense that may charge man with man. slaughter.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
CHRISTMAS QUIET
 IN LONDON TOWN Britain's Metropolis Deserted
 by the Great Folk ROYAL FAMILY IN COUN TRY At Sandrineham Christmas Evening Will Be Devoted to the Distribu- ton of Gifts From the Royal
 Christmas Tree.
ROYAL FAMILY IN C0UN TRY

London December 24-Britain's me- tropolis presented a deserted appearance usual on the eve of Christmas. King Edward, Queen Alexandra, the Prince and Princess of Wales and the members of the court have gone to the country. Emulating the royal example, the aris- tocratic families, as well as the week. end "trippers," and all sorts and con- ditions of people, have gone to their country homes, where Christmas will be celebrated in the old-fashoned English style
 There are not many prominent Ameri- cans in London tonight. Ambassador Choate and his family are at Brooke , tham, Hatfield Hertfordshire, where they will enjoy their Christmas dinner as the guest of Lord Mount Stephen. John R. Carter, second secretary of the United States embassy, remains in Lon don in charge of the embassy.
 Evans Remains in Town. United States Consul General Evans and his family will also prove exceptions to the English custom of going to the country at Chrlstmas-u tide. The staff of the consulate general, following the ex- ample of MT. Evans, will remain in Lon- don.
 At Sandringham, King Edward and Queen Alexandra will be surrounded by all the members of the royal family. Christmas evening will be devoted to the distribution of gifts from the royal Christmas tree, to which all the ser wants and work people on the estate have been invited.
 King Edward has abolished several of the customs which existed during the reign of Queen Victoria. Her late ma jesty always had the plum pudding made at Windsor Castle, from which 1t was distributed to the other royal residences.
 Windsor kitcheno Deserted.
 Now, the Windsor Castle kitchens are practically shut up, and the ancient ra- tions of beef which always formed such picturesque feature of Queen Victoria s table, are no longer in evidence, while the historic plum pudding and the huge game pie and boars' head are prepared and consumed only at Sandringham.
 The Christmas holidays will be folow- ed by several festivities.
 One of the interesting features of the present season, is the enormous quanti- ty of American and Canadian apples now in evidence These apples are so plenti- full that they are used as window decor ations. Owing to the scarcity of the Flu ropean crop, this American product has been imported In unprecedented ouanti- ties.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
GELS IN A RIOT.
Striking Employees of a Silk Mill As
 sault Strike Breakers.

Hazleton, Pa, December PA strike of 900 girls employed in the Duplan silk mill here has resulted in a rlotous attack up- on sixteen female strike breakers. The af- fray took place near the city hall.
 The girls employed in the mill quit three weeks ago and efforts were being made to fill their places Sixteen girls were be- ing escorted through the streets to the mills by the chief of police and a patrol- man, when 200 strikers fell upon them. Sheriff Jacobs and seven deputies who were on guard at the mill hastened to the scene and charged the mob but they were as powerless to cope with the strikers as the two policemen. The officers did not care to draw clubs on the girls and the disorder continued nearly an hour.
 Finally the crowd was dispersed and the strikers were chased to their homes
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
MRS. HoAR DEAD.
Wife of Massachusetts Senator Passes
 Away in Washington.

Washington, December .24.-Ruth' Miller Hoar, wife of Senator Hoar of Massachusetts, died suddenly tonight at her home in this city of angina pee toris.
 Senator Hoar. the family physicianl and Miss Patterson. friend. were with her when she died. Mrs. Hoar had been in poor health for some time,l but an improvement in her conditionI had been noted recently and her sud- den demise caused a great shock toI her family and friends. The body wilLl be taken to Worcester tomorrow forl burial
 Mrs. Hoar, prior to her marriages was Miss Ruth A. Miller, daughter of well known New England family, and was the senator's second wife.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
DREYFUS WILL BE TRIED
 BEFORE CIVIL TRIBUNAL

Paris, December 24.-Capt. Dreyfus. ac- cused of treason to hls country. degrad- ed, dismissed from the French army. and most bitterly punished, will have another trial. this time by a civil tribunal.
 As the result of the examination of all the evidence submitted to the two court martials which have passed on the ques- tior of Dreyfus guilt, as well as upon the petition of Dreyfus for a new trial, and the additional facts brought to light by General Andre. minister of war, the commission of revision, representing the court of cessation, reached a decision to- day in favor of the revision of the case by the criminal branch of the court of cessation.
 The court will assemble next month and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25

Dreyfus will then have full opportunity to make a complete exposition of the wrongs he has suffered. The former Cap tain as result of this new trial expects to obtain full and complete vindication followed by restoration to his rank in the army.
 Though it had been announced that the revision commission would reach a de- sision this evening, there were only a few persons outside of the ministry of justice, where the sittings of the commission were held, indicating that the interest of Pari- sans in the case is not as keen as it has been in the past.
 Dreyfus received the news of the de- ciscn Of the commission through per fsonal friends who extended to hlm their earnest congratulations on his victory.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
CRAVE CHARGES MADE.
Agent Anderson Accused of Maltreat
 ing CoIviIIe Indians.

Spokane, Wash, December Exchanges have been sent to the department of the interior at Washington against Indian Agent A. M. Anderson of Miles. Wash. who has charge of the Colville Indians.
 The charges include: Allowing the In- dian police to frighten a child to death; allowing the police to handcuff a cripple and leave him for ten days practically helpless; refusing to allow Indians to leave school to help harvest and thus causing the loss of crops; taxing children to school without the knowledge of pa rents, who thought them drowned.
 Affidavits accompany the charges.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
FIRE IN ST. PAUL.
Two Large Business Buildings Dam-
 aged By the Flames.

St. Paul, Minn., December 24-Shortly before o'clock tonight fire broke out in the six-story brick building on Jackson street occupied by the Wall-Bloom Fur nishing company. and, famed by a northwest wind, spread to the Baltimore block, another six-story brick building, at Seventh and Jackson streets
 The firemen succeeded in confining the flames to these two buildings. The es- timated loss Is s200,OO0, partly insured.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25

Mobile. December 2i.-(speciaL)-Failing in his contract to drink two gallons of corn whisky, the dead body of Jim Washington, a lumberman, was found ly- Ing beside the partially filled jug two miles from here this morning. He drank one gallon and a quarter.
 Washington, 1t seems, had taken time by the forelock and long before the or dinary shoppers had begun a raid on the barrel houses he negotiated for the pur- chase of two gallons of Christmas cheer, and secured 1t at bargaln-day prices. with the proviso that he drink it all. Followed by a select party of friends, made more cordial by the sight of the jug, Washing
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
RUSSIA IS INDUSTRIOUS.
Number of Commercial Enterprises Es-
 tablished in Manchuria.

Victoria, B. C., December 24.-Rus- sa has established a number of com mercial enterprises in Manchuria, &C., cording to advices brought by the Olympia today.
 As a joint enterprise of the Chinese Eastern Railway company and the Russo-C Chinese bank, "a board of com merce" has been established to assist Russia in effecting her economic policy in Manchuria. This board has com menced dealing in flour, petroleum, cot ton. etc. and the United States consul at Nau Chwang is quoted as saying that the Russian enterprise will be very detrimental to the interests of the United States. and he has reported this to Washington.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
BIG DROP IN OIL.
Price of Crude Product Placed at 25
 Gents.

Beaumont, Texas, December 24.-The biggest drop yet registered in the price of crude oil was made today when 25 cents was named by the principal buy CTS in place of 35 cents This is the third drop in ten days, the rate having been a cents at the start. and the market is be- ing evidently manipulated by the largest buyers in the southwest field.
 The situation is assuming a grave as- pect for small operators who have stocks in storage which they held for 80 cents rock bottom has now been reached.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
BIG CUSTER STARTS.
Texas We'll spouts Oil POO Feet In the
 Air.

Beaumont, Texas. December 24.-Par- afine well No. 3. at Batson Prairie, the new oil field. which was being baled, broke loose today and with a roar that shook the earth began spouting oil two hundred feet in the air. and hurling rocks six hundred feet through twenty feet of derrick
 This is claimed to be the greatest gush- CT in Texas today. Land values are boom- ing in the vicinity since the latest wells have been brought in.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
LUMBERMAN YIELDS LIFE
 IN BATTLE WITH WHISKY

ton made his way to a lumber camp near this city.
 At every twenty paces Jim took a drink, while the crowd looked on in ad- miration. Finally, observing that 'noth- ing was doing" one by one the crowd fell away till Washington was alone in his glory.
 Before reaching the camp, Washington sat down by a log, determined to fulfill his contract. Within ten feet of this place his dead body was found this morning Accurate measurement showed that the jug contained exactly three quarts A mathematical deduction shows that Washington drank one gallon and d quart.
 Examination of the remaining contents of the jug disclosed no evidence of poison.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Sale Confirmed.

Detroit December 24.-Judge Swan of the United States circuit court, handed down an opinion today confirming the foreclosure sale of the Michigan Tele- phone company to N. w. Harris, who rep- resents the syndicate of bondholders and bid s4,1O0,OOO for the property. The peti- tions of minority stockholders ordering that the sale be set aside are dismissed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
RULE IS GRANTED.
Tidewater Steel Company Is In Finan.
 ciaI Straits.

Philadelphia, December 24.-Upon application of the Investment com pany of this city Judge Johnson of, the Delaware county court, at Media, Pa, today granted a rule to showi why a receiver should not be appointed for the Tidewater Steel company, tho plant of which Is situated at Chester, Pa.
 The Investment company, In it's peti-l tion, ayers that the Tidewater Steel company is indebted to 1t to tho. amount of $270,000 and has other lia- abilities. The Tidewater Steel company was organized under the laws of Penn sylvania in 1899, with an authorized capital of $2,100,000.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Mcclellan Takes Oath.

New York, December 24-Mayor- Elect George B. Mcclellan took the oath of of- flee today. He also announced two more appointments. J. Oakley as commissioner of the department of water supply, gas and electricity. and George F. Best com missioner of bridge. Mir. Oakley and MT. Best are active members of Tammany hall.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
SUCCESSFUL YEAR ENDS.
The Anthracite Golfers Have Done
 Enormous Business.

wilkesbarre. Pa, December A-When the anthracite coliers shut down tonight for a holiday until January IA, the most successful year in the history of the region will come to a close
 Total shipments will aggregate 5000 GOO tons. exceeding by 100000 the best previous record. The proceeds of this output at tidewater are estimated at S273 100000, and the workers who pro- duced it received in wages about $75. 0Oo. 900,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Wreck On Missouri Pacific.

Atchison. Kan. December 24.-A Mis- souri Pacific passenger train from Oma- ha for Kansas City ran into an open switch at Everest today, and collided with a freight train standing on a sid ing. Two of the crew and two passen- gers were hurt, none seriously.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Military Prisoners Escape.

New York. December 24.-Three military prisoners on Governors island made their escape last night from Castle William by saving the cell bars. One of them was immediately recaptured. but the other two who are known as red letter" or des- perate prisoners. made good their escape.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Contestants Reach Agreement.

Boulder. Col, December 24.-C. J. Smith, brother of the late Mrs. Charles l.. Fair and one of the claimants dis putting the inheritance of the Fair estate, today decided the rumor em- anating from New York that he and his co-claimants have agreed to settle and discontinue the contest, if allowed s125,000 each.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Latham Made Umpire.

Little Rock, Ark, December 24-Presi- dent William Kavanaugh announces the appointment of Arle Latham as an umpire for the Southern Baseball Asso- ciation for the season of 1904
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Robbers Blow Open Safe.

Sioux City, December 24-Robbers blew open the vault of the First National bank of Salem, S. D., last night, but were frightened avfay before tley se- cured any money. There was $500 in the vault,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Dies of Wound.

Kansas City December 4-Sam w. Lee, the grocer. who yesterday shot and killed his brothers wife, Mrs. Florence Lee in a fit of isealously, and then shot himself, died today.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
HEARSES CARRY
 CHICAGO DEAD Scathing Criticisms of Unions Made h Jury DAY PASSES AWAY QUIETLY
Police Are In Attendance at All Fu- nerals and No Demonstrations Are Made By the Strik-
 ing Drivers.

Chicago, December 24-Scathing criti- cisms of persons who have disturbed fu- neral processions in Chicago were made by the grand jury which reported to Judge Clifford today. The grand jury also criticised irresponsible organizations for creating disorder and defying the law.
 The report which was drawn by Col James w. Nye, the foreman, says:
 We find that for several months ire sponsible organizations have been creat- ing disorder in this county, destroying property and defying the law. We have found that ordinary supoenaes and sub poenaes duces tecuin made forthwith and issued by tlns court, have been evaded.
 Tt is public report at present in this city that houses of worship and houses of mourning are made the scenes of dis order by men calling themselves union pickets, and that the bodies of the dead are desecrated.
 Examination Justified.
 We believe that these conditions jus tify careful examination, and we respect fully suggest that the conditions we have recited be made a special subject of inquiry by the grand jury"
 Today for the first time in a week hearses carried the dead to the ceme- teries in and around Chicago. The hearses were driven by non-union drivers, the livery owners abandoning the policy of pleading danger and withholding service. Although the police were ordered to att tend funerals if necessary and non-union drivers went armed to protect themselves gainst union pickets, who besieged un- dertakers' establishments, no disorder oc- cured.
 Comparatively few undertakers sent out hearses. Most of the funerals were con- ducted as on the previous days since the beginning of the livery drivers "strike," the black wagon only being used.
 Union Driver Offers Service.
 While preparations were being made for the funeral of Dective Farnworth, David Wilhelm a union livery driver, display ing credentials, appeared in front of the house and said: T offer my services to drive the hearse in Farnsworth's funeral, and I'll wear my union button. l want to show that the union men are ont in- terferrng with the burial of the dead. U
 In spite of the offer which was re- fused, police both in uniform and plain clothes, guarded the hearse. Two detec- tives accompanied the empty hearse from the stables. Six patrolmen in uni form acted as pail bearers
 With uniformed policemen mounted on horses and carriages, the body of Will liam Hartman was taken to Oakwood cemetery. The strikers had pickets in the neighborhood of the home, but they announced that their presence was mere ly for the purpose of seeing that no union men were driving the carriages.
 The December grand jury in it's final report this afternoon referred to the dis order attending burals and recommended that the disorder be made the subject of a special investigation by the grand jury.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
Cuba Recognizes Panama.

Washington, December 24-Minister Quesada has received cablegram tn- forming him that the Cuban government has formerly fec the Republis of Panama.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25
THE WEATHER.

: Washington. December 24-Fore- : cast for Alabama: Rain Friday; ! ' Saturday fair; colder. fresh south to !
 : west winds shifting to north.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-12-25

Take your meals at Gelders'.
 no N. Twentieth st.
Der Deutsche correspondent. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1841-1918, 1903-10-24
GunarrRmitalicn arnritiht.

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Der Deutsche correspondent. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1841-1918, 1903-10-24
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