davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
Killing Nut Grass.

What will kill or destroy the old-time
nut grass? 1t makes a nut in ground
and grows deep. it is bad grass, and
the bed spreads larger each year and the
roots will hang on the plow and drag
them over the field, and they keep spread
ing J want to kill them in some way.
| want some one to tell me through
your paper how to destroy them, and
oblige G. Y. B. BATS.
Wilson county, N c.
Eternal vigilance is the only thing shat
will destroy nut grass. When ] took
possession Of the place where | now
live three years ago, the garden was a
complete meadow of nut grass-which.
by the way, is not grass at all, but
true seidge (cyperus Hydra)-and sor:e
said | would never get rid of it. have
not gotten rid of it yea, but it is very
scarce compared with its luxuriance three
years ago One reason why nut grass
fiourishes SO is that people let 1t go 10
seed in the fall, and there are thousands
of the plants that como from seed 10
every one that comes from the roots.
No plant that makes green leaves above
ground can live long if not allowed
to make green leaves. l am thinnini
out the nut grass by keeping Il chopped
off all summer and fall. OF course you
may chop if off today, and if the
rains comes that night, it will be up and
smiling tomorrow, and if you let it alonc
it will be green as ever in a day or so.
But chop it off continually, and you viii
find it getting thinner all the time. Then
keep this up till frost and never let q
plant make seed / have mine under 10
such an extent that it is no longer =
pest IN my crops, and another season
will nearly sec the last oil it, Then if IL
is where you can plow it. turn it up late
in the fall and the winter will kill a
great deal of it.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
Leads all North Carolina Daie i'm News and Circulation
children and grandchildren, in the S7th

children and grandchildren, in the S7th
year of her age.
Although Mrs Branch had been very
feeble ever SINCE since last summer, when
she was first seized with illness, her death
was little unexpected at the last She
began sinking very rapidly Sunday morn
ing, and never rallied again. Previous
to last summer her health had been vigor-
Gus for one of her advanced age, although
for twenty-five years she had used a crutch
in walking ever since, while visiting her
aunt in Washington, N. c., she had fallen
down a winding flight of stairs and broken
her leg.
Mrs Branch was born December 18th,
1917, the daughter of Gen. William A.
Blount, of Washington, n. G. Her mother
was the daughter of Mr. Sherwood Hay
wood. She was married to Gen. Branch
in 1874 and for a number of years lived
in Washington, d. c., while her husband
was a member of Congress from this dis
trict. Gen. Branch was killed on Septem-
Der II, 1862, at the battle of Sharpsburg,
while leading his brigade into action.
Mrs. Branch had four children, Hon. w.
A. B. Branch, of Washington, N. c., who
served two terms in Congress from that
district Mrs. Armistead Jones, of this
city; Mrs. r. H. Jones, of this City, and
Mrs. Kerr Craige, of Salisbury, who has
been dead number of years. All her liv-
ing children were with her at the end.
Mrs. Branch, of Washington, and her
children were also here with Mrs. Branch.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
A MURDEkoUs ASSAULT.
Mr. wilkins at the Point Of Death. Attacked
by a Drunken Negro,

Especial to News and Observer
Roxboro, N. c., Nov. "a negro named
Adam Hunt made a murderous and prob
ably fatal assault on Mr.. Fleet wilkins,
q merchant living near Roxboro.
The negro was in the employment of r.
w. Massic &, Co., at their saw mill, and
Mr.. wilkins brother, who was absent, is
book keeper and cashier for Massic. The
negro came into the store of Mr.. Wilkln-
and demanded money. He was given a
dollar and told the remainder, if any due,
would be paid by the cashier on his re-
turn.
The negro returned in a short while in
drunken condition and demanded money.
Mr.. Wilkins again explained and refused,
whereupon the negro struck him, crushing
in the side of his head and driving the
teeth and jaw into the roof of his mouth.
The negro continued to assault his hep
less victim, when Mrs. Wilkins, who was
present, got a pistol and attempted to
shoot Hunt, but the pistol was unloaded
and the negro ran her for some distance.
A Mr.. Singleton coming UP at that mo-
ment was assaulted and knocked down.
The negro was quickly captured by a
posse and is now in JAIL Mr.. Wilkins,
who is a very fraii man, has never re-
gained consciousness and is reported to be
in a dying condition tonight.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
n Modern Appollonides

A methodist and graduate of old Trinity
College, under the great Braxton Craven,
speaking of Or. Bassett, said
"Henophon said to Anpolonides the
Bocatian: o, most wonderful of men!
You neither understand what you see, nor
remember what you hear.
ITO me, captains, it seems that we
should no longer admit this man into the
same service with ourselves, but take
from him his captaincy, and laying bag
gage on his back, make use of him IN
that capacity; for he disgraces both his
own country and all Greece, inasmuch as,
being Il Greek, he is of such a character.
Here Agasas of Stymphalus, proceed
ing to speak, said: But this man, as
suredly, has nothing to do either with
Boeotia or with Greece at all, for l have
observed that he has both ears bored,
like a Lydian.
"Such indeed was the case and they
accordingly expelled him."
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
SEW Nc MACHINE TAX
Simms Case From Roxboro
in U. S. Supreme Court
This Week.

Judge James E. Shepherd leaves today
for Washington, d. c., where he will ap-
pear for the State with Attorney General
R. D. Gilmer, before the United States
Supreme Court in the case of Simms
against the Norfolk and Western Rail
road, some time this week. The case in
wolves the right of the Revenue Law of
North Carolina imposing a tax upon
dealers in sewing machines outside of the
State. 1t is the contention of North Car
DINA that Sears, Roebuck & Co., OF
Chicago. have violated the law by selling
machines through express agents. The
agent OF the company would take orders
in the State. and the machines would be
shipped to the express agents, who would
deliver nd collect the machines
Our Supreme Court held recently that
Sears, Roebuck G. Co., were liable to the
tax The machine in that case was ship
ped TO the express office at Roxboro, and
delivered by the agent. From the opinion
in this case the appeal was taken to the
United States Court
Judge Shepherd will be followed later
in the week by the Attorney General who
will be detained by cases in the Supreme
Court here this week, especially that OF
the Armour Packing House Company
against B. r. Lacy. State Treasurer which
involves the tax on meat packing houses
passed by the last Legislature.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
Consratulates murphy.
(special to News and Observer

Especial to News and Observer.)
Asheville, n. c., Nov. 9.-Chares Crit
tendon, founder of the Florence Crit
tendon home" was III Asheville today.
Mr.. Crittendon has just returned from
Little Rock. Ark. where one of the homes
was established. 1t is said this is the first
home of the kind in Arkansas.
John Y Jordan, of this city. and a for
mer member of the Democratic State Ex-
ecutive Committee, has sent the following
telegram to John c. Murphy, head of Tam
many Hall, New York: Congratulations
on success of Tammany Hall and [ espe-
cially congratulate you on declaring for
Grover Cleveland for President in 1904,
assuring you that Mr.. Cleveland will se,
ceive the solid vote of the South"
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
Few Vacant Seats at Opening
of Extra Session.
CANNON is MADE Speaker
Hanna's Friends Send Him Mammoth Flower
Piecs--'Hanna and Flaw. rs! Day Devoted
to Personal Greetings and
Organization.
(By the Associated Press.0

Washington, D. c., Nov. 9.-The Fifty
eighth Congress convened in extraordi-
nary session at noon today in accord
ance with the proclamation of President
Roosevelt for the purpose of enacting leg
islation necessary to make effective the
Cuban reciprocity treaty. The day was
devoted simply to beprsonal greetings and
organization. The House elected Joseph
G. Cannon, of Illinois, Speaker.
The House assembled the largest mem
bership in its history and the scene before
the gavel fell in that body was one OF
animation, both on the floor and in the
lobbies and corridors. The day was crisp
and bright, and the Capitol building pre-
sented the appearance of new structure
with its coat of white paint and COM
plete renovation within.
Crowds of eager spectators, both men
and women, thronged the corridors and
rotunda of the Capitol early in the day
and the galleries to which admission was
had by card only, were taxed to their
capacity long before the hour for assem-
bling arrived.
Committee rooms, which had been in
the hands of the renovator during the
recess were thrown open, and many in
formal receptions were held by popular
chairmen. With the Speakership question
out of the way in the universal endorse
ment Of Mr.. Cannon, there was nothing
to worry the legislative mind, and the
day was given up to the sentiment of the
occasion.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
THE FATaER OF DURHAM DYING.
Colonel William T. Blackwell Not Expected
to Live dany aours.
(special to News and Observer

(Speclal TO News ana ODSefEef.J
Durham, N c., Nov. 9-Colonel Will
liam T. Blackwell. 1.-THE father of Dur
ham,, is now in extremis and is not ex-
pected to live many hours. His physi-
clans say that he may live through the
night or he may linger two days. But
no hope is held out for his recovery.
While at breakfast yesterday morning
Colonel Blackwell was stricken with
paralysis and since that time has been
unable to move or talk. His throat and
tongue are both paralyzed and he has
swallowed nothing since his affliction be-
gan. Previous to going to breakfast Col
onel Blackwell remarked that he was
feeling splendid. few moments later
he had lost all control of himself and did
not know his aged mother and other rela-
lives who gathered about him.
All day yesterday, last night and today
his mother, only son, sisters and brothers.
together with other relatives and friends.
have been gathered about his couch wait
ing-waiting for what they know will
be the end.
Mr.. Blackwell is now 81 years OF age.
He was one Of he early manufacturers Of
smoking tobacco in Durham, and the now
famous Bull Durham Manufacturing Com
tpany bears his name. He was early
associated with Mr.. Thomas B. Morris
under the firm name of Morris and Black
well. To him Durham is really indebted
for its first real tobacco boom. organizing
the firm of w. T. Blackwell & Company.
In this business Colonel blackwell amassed
large fortune, close to a million dol
lars, but a number of years ago failed
and lost all rather than force to the wall
number of people whom he could have
sacrificed and saved himself. He was
later postmaster for Durham under Presi-
dent Cleveland. He has two brothers,
number OK sisters and one son. Mr. w. :
Blackwell. Jr., who is now civil engineer
for Durham.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
Destructive Fire at Warrenton
Especial to News and observer,)

Especial to News and Observer)
Warrenton. n. c., Nov. 9.-Our town
was visited by fire this morning about
/ o'clock The alarm was given and the
people turned out to find the E. Duggcr
place, owned and occupied by Mr.. D.
Harris on fire. The people and fire com
pany fought bravely, but they could not
control the flames and the large building
was burned to the ground. The building
was insured for $1,000 and the furniture
for $3.50 Much of the furniture was saved
Mr. Harris estimates his loss at about
81 900 above the insurance. None OF the
nearby buildings were damaged. The fire
is supposed to have been caused by rats.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
Wreath of Roses for German
tBy the Associated Press

Washington, d. c., Nov. 9.-With gal
leries crowded, with the chamber mass
of elaborate floral tributes and nearly
every Senator in his seat, the gavel OF
President Pro-tem Frye sounded at noon
today calling the Senate together in the
second extraordinary session of the Fifty
eighth Congress. The special session of
the Senate following the adjournment last
spring of the Fifty-seventh Congress elmr
mated much of the routine work, which
otherwise would have been performed to-
day.
Senator Hanna pronounced victory IN
the Ohio election won for him what was
one of the most pretentious floral designs
ever seen in the Senate, shield three
and half by four and halt feet, OF
blue immotelles, in which was wrought
the American eagle. The offering bore
the inscription: Senator Mark Hanna,
from his friends the Irish Democrats
OF Cleveland" Fully score of smaller
tributes were banked around the Sena-
tors desk.
Senator Germans triumph In the Mary
land election was recognized by the sec
ond largest floral piece, a handsome
wreath more than two feet in diameter
with a crossed cluster of roses, carna-
tions and chrysanthemums at the base
Tho Senate adjourned at 1:14 until to-
morrow.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
Mr. Jos Brown Returns.

Mr.. Joseph G. Brown and daughter Miss
Josephine. have returned home from
California where Mr.. Brown attended the
American Bankers Association at Los
Angeles.
Misses Annie Duncan and Mabel Vann,
who accompanied Mr.. Brown and his
daughter on their Western trip, stopped
over on their return, Miss Duncan in New
York and Vann in Baltimore. The trip
was an enjoyable one, and they were de-
lighted with the scenery along the way
and in California.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
HANNA WANTS TO STEP OUT.
And Roosevelt Urges R,m to Remain Head G
the kspublican Committee.
lBy the Associated Press.l

(By the Associated 1reSSD
Washington, Nov. "a conference of
significance and Importance was held at
the executive offices today between Pres
ident Roosevelt and Senator Hanna, OF
Ohio. The President formally requested
Senator Hanna to retain the craftsmanship
of the Republican National Committee
adm TO conduct the campaign of next year.
In the course of the conference the sub
iect OF the Presidential campaign was con-
sidered briefly, not only the Craftsmanship
of the National Co4....ittee being involved.
but alos Mr. Hahna's reported aspira-
tions to the Presidency.
The President urged the Senator to re-
tain the craftsmanship of the National
Committee in order that the Republican
party might in the approaching campaign
have ~sle bcaeit of his services at the
head of the n aional organization.
Senator Hanna, it is understood, indi-
Gated his desire to retire from the work
OF active political management. The
President, however, urged him in strong
ters to continue in the political harness,
pointing out to him that as the head of
the organization he would inspire great
confidence throughout the country.
No definite conclusion was reached, the
understanding being that further and
more extended conference would be held
in the near future. When Senator Hanna
left the White House he declined to dis
euss the subject of the national chairman
ship or to comment on the reports that
might be a candidate for the Presidency.
From other sources it is learned that the
Senator has indicated that he will not be
a Presidential candidate and has let it be
understood that he means what be says
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
The Maine Rushed to Colon
lBv the Associated Press J


Newport News, Va, Nov. 9.---undei
rush orders to proceed to Colon, the
United States battlcship Maine steamed
out of the harbor this afternoon. All
through last night coal barge lay along
side the warshp. which. before daylight
had her bunkers brimming with coal
This morning several boat loads OF sup
plies were put aboard and the battleship
then dropped down to Old Point from
which anchorage she had orders to sail at
4 o'clock in the afternoon. Saturday af-
ternoon. while laying off the coast of Mas
sachusetts waiting TO go to sea for target
practice. the Maine received orders to pro
ceed Immediately to Colon. Owing to tne
condition of affairs at Colon and the alb
sence of any first class war vessel of the
United States i'll those waters 1t IS pre-
sumed that the Maine was ordered there
to protect American interests.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
TI0KLED THEIK ChINS.
Psnnypacker and staff are, th! so Fcnd Of
These Negroes
Especial to News and Observer.)

Especial to News and Observer
Marion, n. c., Nov. 9.-Governor Penny
packer and staff passed through here to
DAY on a special going West. The train
stopped a few minutes at our station,
and as usual on Sunday, great many
negroes collected at TIE depot to see the
train pass, and as soon as the train halted
the party got of and made themselves
very familiar with the negroes
arming them around the shoulders ami
tickling them under the chin and slapping
them on the back as familiarly as if they
had met old acquaintance. We did not
know the Governor as We had no one to
point him out to rs. There We're some
ladies in the crowd who seem to enjoy
the scene.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10

called, the resolution being agreed to by a
vote of 19i to 1865.
The biennial lottery for seats was be
gun at O'Clock under a resolution offered
by Mr.. Sherman, New York, who also
asked unanimous consent, which was
granted, that Mr.. Bingham Pennsylvania,
the Oldest Republican member in point OF
service, might choose his seat before the
drawing began. Mr.. Sherman's request
also included Mr.. Payne, CNew York;, the
Republican floor leader, Mr.. Richardson,
(Tennessee), the oldest Democratic mem
Der in point of service, and Mr.. Williams,
(MississippO, the Democratic floor lead
er. The latter retained his place on the
center aisle.
Mr.. Sherman, (New York;, drew first
choice and Mr. Overstreet, Undiana)
second.
Mr.. Mcclellan, mayor-e.ect OF New
York City, was greeted with applause by
colleagues. He selected his seat.
When most of the members had drawn
seats, messengers began bringing in the
floral tributes. One piece made to repre-
sents locomotive was brought IN and
amid laughter placed OH the desk of Mr..
Baker, (New York;, who offered resolu-
ton in the Democratic caucus proposing
that Democratic members do not accept
favors or passes from railroads.
BY resolution Isaac r. Hill, James Eng
lish, Fenton Knight and oseph Slnnot
were placed on the roll as the special en-
p'oyes allowed the minority.
John T. Clancy also was retained as a
special employe.
The House adjourned until tomorrow.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
Conferences as to the Panama Matter
By the Associated Press.)

(By the Associated Press)
Washington, Nov 9-The Democratic
Steering Committee OF the Senate was ln
session for two hours today, the greater
part Of which time was devoted to the
consideration of the situation on the
isthmus The question was discussed In
all its aspects, but especial attention was
given TO the allegation that this country
has been instrumental in producing the
revolt at Panama and Colon. number
of the Senators present expressed the opln-
ion that the administration had not been
unfriendly to nor ignorant of the move
ment from its beginning. but it was de-
cided to wait until there is further light
upon the question before advising the
Democrats to take a position on the ques
tion as a party. Some of the members
expressed the opinion that the mass of
the people are so anxious to secure a
canal that many would even endorse a
revolution on the isthmus if it should
prove a means of securing one. Senator
Morgan was before the committee for
quite time and advocated vigorous
policy of criticism.
The Steering Committee also discussed
the question of policy to be pursued with
reference to action upon the proposed
measur putting in force the Cuban treaty.
1t was decided to postpone further con-
sideration of this question until the House
sends over its bill. 1t was apparent. how
ever. that a majority of the Democratic
Senator'S would oppose the bill.
The Steering Committee also took ny
the subject of recognizing the Senate
committees, and decided to meet from
day to day for the purpose of filling the
Democratic committee vacancies.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
The Boston Reaches Panama

Panama, Nov THE United States
cruiser Boston reached here today. Her
arrival was made the occasion of great
rejoicing and enthusiasm is at high
pitch. When the executive officer of TIE
Boston landed he was greeted b. crow IS,
headed by bands and carrying The stars
and stripes and flag of the Republic OF
Panama The bands played the Ameri-
can anthem News from the interior
provinces is to the effect that troops are
being organized in all municipalities and
are joining the independence movement.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
4 Death Ship Drifts ashore.
Rv the Associated PressA

Halifax, N S., Nov. News of sea
tragedy was brought to this port today by
the lighthouse steamer Tyrian whose cap
tain on arriving from Sable Island related
that two weeks ago the hull of schooner
with nine decomposed bodies in it, drift
ed ashore on the island The name of the
wrecked craft was made out as Topaz, -
but the name of her sailing port had
been oblterated by the sea, only the
first letter 81 remaining, 1t is believed
the il!-fated vessel was the French fishing
schooner Topaz, of Saint Malo, France.
The bodies were all buried in the little
island cemetery with appropriate services.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
Horse and Wagon Stolen.

Mr.. j. +. Matthews, who runs a grocery
store on Halifax street, had his delivery
wagon and horse stolen at about half
past seven O'Clock yesterday evening.
They were standing out in front of mis-
place while he was at supper, and when
he came out horse aud wagon were gone.
A clerk was at work inside OF the store
al the time. Mr.. Matthews notified police
headquarters, but nothing could be heard
OF the lost property. Anyone giving Mr..
Matthews information leading to its re-
covery will be repaid for his trouble.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
A CABIN Of DEATH
five Bodies, DreadfuI|y Mutt
lated, Found and lWo
People Arrested.
(By the Associated Press }

Mariana, Fla, Nov. 9.-The dead
bodies of five negroes badly mutilated
have been found IN a cabin eight miles
from this place.
The bodies have been identified as Hen
ry Smith his wife and three small chill
dren Smith and his wife and one of the
children had been murdered by having
been beaten over the head with some
blunt instrument, while the two younger
children had been decapitated.
The house in which the negroes were
found had been securely bolted and the
doors were all locked on the inside.
Allen Roulhacs and boy named 10
Gordon negroes, have been arrested on
suspicion.
The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-11-10
Death of DR. Joyner.

Especial to News and Observer
Wilson, N. c., Nov. 9.--Rr. r. W. JOY.
ner, for many years a popular dentist OF
this city, died yesterday. He had been
i'll for some time and for several months
had been almost blind. He was about
hfty-fvc years old, leaves a wife and sew
eral children, and was a dcvout member
of the Episcopal church, aud an esteemed
citizen of this community