davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
BIG HOLIDAY TRADE.
Was Equal to or in Excess Of
Last Years.

New York, Dec. 25.-Bradstreets
says:
Activity in holiday trade with sales
equal to or in excess of last year at
most markets; quiet in wholesale lines,
as usual at this period, with fair re-
orders from jobbers and exceptionally
strong and active markets for specu-
latively dealt in staples, notably cotton,
wheat coffee and provisions. are the
salient features of the week. Other
points brought out are the sustained
better feeling in iron and steel and ex-
ceptional ease in money at a time when
disbursement preparations might be
expected to lead to high rates.
High prices for raw textiles are a draw
back with which the cotton manufactur-
ing trade is struggling. Hides, leather
and wool are stronger in tone. In indus
trial lines the features are the ending OF
the Colorado coal strike and gradual
downward readjustment of wages in coal,
coke and iron and steel to meet changed
conditions of supply and demand
The year is, however, closing in many
lines with rather more cheerful tone than
seemed possible some time ago.
Wheat, including flour, exports for the
week. ending December "a aggregated q
335 sos bushels, against 3, 1863, OBS bushels last
week, $3.50, ,4SS this week last year. 4,29l, :
543 in 1891. and 3, SIS, ,165 in 1900 For %
weeks of the cereal year they aggregated
So, 21S 40 bushels, against 125, 119,021 in 1872
40 4O2 664 in 1901 and SO, $685. CSC in 1900.
Corn exports for the week aggregated
S16.O54 bushels against 637,S57 bushels last
week and ,502, ,551 bushels a year ago.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
BLACKMAILER CAUGHT.
Had Tried to Hold Up Number
of Rich Men.

Chicago, Dec 25.-The source of rnys-
terious- letters demanding large sums of
money, which for the last six months
have been received by men high in the
financial world of New York and Chi
cago was today traced to Leo r. Bren-
nan, a commercial artist of Chicago, and
Brennan was arrested as he was 1eav
ing the general postofffce where he had
gone in answer to a decoy letter.
When confronted with evidence Bren-
nan confessed to having attempted to
enforce a dozen demands for sums of
$25, 900 and $4,000, and having Threatened
his intended victims with death should
they refuse to pay. In his confession
Brennan declared that all his attempts
to extort money had been futile, as he
had never received a dollar in answer
to the demands.
The New York fnanciers of whom
Brennan demanded money were J. P.
Morgan, John D. Rockefeller and James
Stilman and Andrew Carnegie. OF each
of these men he demanded $4,000 in his
first lettrs and on receiving no replies
it is said, reduced the amount deplafld-
ed to $25, 600. Among those in Chicago
on whom Brennan attempted to levy
tribute were Marshall Field, r. t.
Crane ]. Ogden Armour and G. F.
Swift None of the Chicago men was
asked for more than $25, 600
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
DEAD NUMBER 64.
Robbers Secured Large Amount
of Loot from Wreck Victims.

Connellsville, Pa. Dec. 25.-A sum
ming up of the results of Wednesday
nights wreck, of the Duquesnes limited
on the B. & o. shows that 64 persons
were killed and nine injured. All but
few of the Ga bodies have been identi
fed and those who are still unknown
will be laid away in Hill Grove ceme
terry. Much money was found the
persons of the unidentified. Tightly
sewed in a belt on one of the foreigners
was found more than $400. Sums rang
ing from $100 to $500 were found on sew
eral persons. All has been put in a
bank.
Many victims of the wreck were rop-
bed of money, Jewels and Christmas
present which they were taking to rela-
tives and friends from Pittsburg. Many
rings were taken from the fingers of
corpses. Robbers were on the scene
early, and before many of the rescuers
arrived they had secured much booty,
much of which consist of baggage and
hand baggages that had been tossed
about the cars. Many Connellsville peo-
pie had been in Pittsburg buying
Christmas presents and many of these
present are missing. The jury is now
viewing the bodies and taking evidence
as to the cause of the disaster.
Superintend J. F. Irwin of the B. & 0.
declares the blame for the wreck must
be fastened on the persons who loaded
that the stakes at the side of the car
were weak and gave way under the ten
sion when the car rounded the curve.
Mr.. Irwin says there is no truth in the
ruInor that train wreckers .derailed the
train
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
A WORD FROM GILLETT.
G. w. Hurd, of Abilene, Confers With
Some of the Plunger's Creditors.

Kansas City, Kan, Dec. 25.-G. w.
Hurd of Abilene, an attorney represent
ing Grant G.. Gillett, the former Kansas
cattle plunger, who fed to Old Mexico
a few years ago and who is now said
to be living in Fostoria, o., was in Kan
sas City today in consultation with
some of the largest creditors of his
client Mr.. Hurd refused to disclose
the nature of his mission, but made the
positive statement that Gillett would at
tend the meeting of creditors, to be held
in this city December 81, in person and
present his proposition for a settlement
of the claims held against him.
''Will Mr.. Gil1ett come here on the
advice of his attorneys?"
"I cannot answer that question" !"
said Mr. Hurd. There has been too
much publicity about this matter, as it
concerns only Mr. Gillett and his credit
ors.''
What is the nature of Mr.. Gillett's
proposition to his creditors ?''
while l am fully advised regarding
the proposition, / cannot disclose its
terms now. 1 don't think single cred
itor knows the nature of the proposition
and will not find out until December
81 Mining stock will enter into the
proposition I am frank to say that I
think it is gilt-edged and security
DO you expect any trouble for your
client when he faces his creditors?"
mo, I don't. I have found no one
who is anxious to prosecute, though I
have not come in personal contact with
many of the creditors. Most of them
are anxious to try and realize some
thing for the paper hoated by Gillett
and his agents.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
TRIUMPH FOR WAGNER.
The Initial Production of "ParsifaP
in New York.

New York, Dec. 25-Richard Wag-
ners sacred music drama Parsifal,
over which there have been legal COM
plieaticns, a storm of public protest
was produced at the Metropolitan
opera house last night before an i'm
mense audience. The production was
the first public performance of the
drama outside of Beyreuth.
To give the work. the Metropolitan
stage was rebuilt, elaborate mechanical
appliances and lighting apparatus were
purchased and the musical centers of
Europe were ransacked to secure a
corps of experts for every department.
Last nights performance amounted to
a triumph for the director. Heinrich
Conreid. In the opinion of everyone
who. has made the 'Parsifal pilgrim
age" to Beyreuth, last nights perform
ance surpassed all those previously
given.
Last nights audience was brilliant
and came from Boston, Philadelphia,
Washington. Baltimore, Chicago and
other cities. The performance was be-
gun at o'clock, the opening of the
drama and that of each of the acts be-
ing heralded after Beyreuth custom by
trumpeters- on the main staircases. The
first act, ending at O'clock, was fol-
lowed by recess for dinner The per
formance was resumed at 8:45 o'clock
and concluded at 11:30 o'clock. While
some used the long interval to drive
restaurants. Considerable annoyancz
was caused by the fact that the play
began too soon for evening dress and
ended long after the time for donning
evening costumes.
The cast at all important points was
strong, three at least of the principal
actors having learned their parts under
the tutelage of Frau Wagner. There
were Herr Alois Burgstaller as the
Parsifal; Frau Hilka Ternina as the
kundry, and Herr Blass as the Guerne-
MANI. Anton VanRooy was the Am
fortas, NJ. Marceljos the Titurel and
Herr Otto Goritz the Klingsor
The mystical atmosphere which per-
vades "Parsifal," it's medieval flavor,
its climaxes of religious exaltation set
it apart from every other work written
for the modern stage. Not only are
mastery artists required and a great
company of well drilled minor person
ages, but Wagner prescribed scenic
spectacles of a startling sort par
sifaP' IS an idyl rather than an epic.
yet it needs the finest dramatic re-
sources to people it's pictures in a way
that will convince
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
SECRET ORDERS.
Sherman and Newport to Be Got
Ready for Destination.

San Francisco, Dec. 25.-Orders have
been received from Washington by To-
cal transport officials to get the troops
ships Sherman and Newport in readi-
ness for sea service Immediately. The
transport officials maintain secrecy as
to the orders received and refuse to di-
yulge the intended destination of the
vessels. 1t is generally believed, how
ever, that it is the intention to have the
troops ships in readiness for any move
ment towards Panama. The gunboat
Bennington, has arrived in port from
the Bremerton navy yard. 1t is un-
derstood that she will leave in COM
pany with the New York, acting as a
convoy to the torpedo boats Paul Jones
and Preble
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
TO INVESTIGATE GIBSON.
Objections to the "Meddling" of
Wvandotte County Attorney.

Kansas City, Kas.. Dec. 25.-The OBJ
lection raised by James s. Gibson,
county attorney of Wyandotte county,
to the appointment of Charles F.
Hutchings as assistant attorney gen.
eral, by Attorney General Coleman, to
assist in the inquiry before the grand
Jury, has caused the members of the
citizens committee to announce that
they will at once proceed against Mr..
Gibson in an attempt to GUST him from
Office.
Mr. Coleman appointed Mr.. Hutch
ings his assistant after a conference
Tuesday evening with County Attorney
Gibson. The commission, signed by
Attorney General Coleman, was deliv-
cred to Mr.. Hutchings the day after it
was signed. MIR. Coleman said he had
the right to appoint Mr.. Hutchings his
assistant without consulting anyone,
but as a courtesy to Mr.. Gibson he was
consulted in the matter. The citizens
committee held a meeting yesterday
and it was then decided to institute
the custer proceedings against County
Attorney Gibson at once, and also ask
that the charges against Mr.. Gibson be
Investigated by the grand jury at the
earliest possible date SO that he may
be disposed of finally.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
DUEL IMMINENT.
Parties Interested in Fair viii
Case
Exchange Hot Words Over the
Testimony.
CALLED A RANKRUpT-
CALLED A BANKRUPT.
French Doctor Testifying for
Mrs. Fairs Folks
Insulted by the Attorney for
the Other Side.

Paris, Dec. 25.-During the hearing of
the Fair case a duel was imminent be-
tween DR.. Dechateau, a witness, and
Edmund Kelly, of the American en-
bassy. the lawyer representing Mrs.
William K. Vanderbilt, jr., and Mrs.
Herman Oelrichs. The hearing on
Thursday was held in the house of DIR.
Dechateau, near the place where the
accident occurred which resulted in the
death of Mr.. and Mrs. Fair. DR.. De-
chateau and DR.. Perriquet had testi-
fed that Mrs. Fair had lived the long
est when MIR. Kelly intimated that Dr.
Dechateau was a bankrupt. DIR. De-
chateau was upon his feet in an in
stant.
Sir" he cried. you have insulted
me grossly. You must give me salts
faction, and my seconds will call upon
you"
The place was in an uproar, and for
a time it was impossible to proceed
with the hearing. Friends of Mr.. Kelly
and DR.. Dechateau intervened and the
challenge was withdrawn, under pro-
test.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
LETTER FROM WOOD.
General Tells of His Relations
With Bellafrs.

New York, Dec. 25.-The Commercial
Advertiser prints a letter signed by
General Leonard Wood and addressed
to DR.. Horace Fletcher of Yale uni
versity, in which the writer tells of his
acquaintance with Edgar G. Bellairs.
In the letter, which was written at
Cairo on May II last, General Wood,
referring to Bellairs, said:
In the spring of 1899 he was pro-
rnOted to Havana (from Santiago) not
at my request or suggestion, direct or
indirect, as 1 remember it. He asked
absolutely no favors of me, or so far as
I know from any one.
after my transfer TO Havana as
governor of the whole island in Decem-
ber 1899, Bellairs continued on duty
I should say about five months and
was then sent to China and the Philip
pines, not at my suggeIeion or request,
directly or indirectly. 1 was sorry to
have him go, as we all liked him and
found him reliable. In the Philippines
BellairS was a believer in military
government instead of civil and appar-
emily wrote accordingly and, of course,
trouble with the civil government in
the way of loss of friendly relations
followed.
after Bellairs left Havana ugly ru-
mors about him began to be circulated.
They came almost entirely from a
number of men who did not like him,
and on investigation nothing definite
was found heard from MN very sell
dom. Finally some one published what
purported to be a story of Bellair's past
and pointed out that he was my par
ticular friend and that I sent him to
China and that his attitude toward
the civil government was at my sug-
gestion and that was working to re-
lieve Taft, stories and conclusions as
false as they are childish and silly.
Who started the thing no one knows,
but doubtless some of the people had
to handle without gloves during my
stay in Cuba. 1t was far fetched and
dishonest, and intended to create trou-
ble This is the whole story. Bellairs
was in no way especially intimate with
me OF my family; that is to say, L 90
not think that in all his Cuban service
he was at my table more than three or
at most four times
'sI saw him daily as I did the Sun
man, and gave them such news as L
could, They were treated exactly
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
HAVE "LEAN'' CHRISTMAS
Wall Street Broker Not in Mood for
Lavish Generosity.

New York, Dec. 25.-WaIl street is
having a lean" Christmas. Brokers
have had one of the poorest years
known in a long while and the stock
certificates to favored cashiers and 10
to so per cent. bonus to other employees
are scarce.
Nearly $4,000 has been raised to dis
tribute among the working forces of
the four leading exchanges. OF this
amount the stock exchange has raised
$11 ,OO0 This does not vary greatly from
year to year, as members regard the
Christmas fund as a sort of fixed
charge" which enters regularly in their
yearly expenses.
Clerks in the brokers' offices who have
charge of the cotton and coffee accounts
will do better this season than the men
working exclusively on stock accounts.
One cotton firm distributed 81 100000 to
customers recently profits for one
month and others in proportion.
From the viewpoint of the postoffice
this Christmas is a record breaker. The
registry, money order and stamp depart
ments are crowded daily with people mall
ing Christmas remembrances. Two hum
dred and forty men are kept busy ai
packages, 100000 of which passed
through the office Monday. The domestic
service and the outgoing malls have in
creased over last year about 15 per cent.
Nearly 100000 in money orders has
been sent abroad. The money order busi-
ness shows a total of $270. 100000 for the
sea
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
THIS is STRANGE.
Kansas Credited With Over 600
Saloon Keepers.
Figures Given by the q. s. Gen.
sus Reports.
WELL UP IN THE LIST.
No Southern State Except Texas
Has So Many.
Only One New England State Has
More.

II is a peculiar fact, hitherto unpub-
hshed, that the reports of the last CEN
sus show that Kansas has over six
hundred saloonkeepers, and that in this
respect Kansas stands, twenty fifth in
the list of states. This is not published
as reflection upon prohibition, but
simply as a statement of fact made by
the census bureau.
According to the figures of the cen
sus bureau, Kansas has more saloon
keepers than any southern state except
Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Ken
lucky. 1t has more than three-fourths
as many as Massachusetts, although
the latter state has population much
larger than Kansas, including many
large cities. No other New England
state except Connecticut has as many
Maine. another prohibition state, is
credited with 220. South Carolina, a
state which Kansans generally look
down upon, has. with it's dispensary
system, only 13 saloonkeepers.
Where all of these 800 Kansas saloon
keepers are located it is impossible to
tell from the published census reports,
as the figures are given in detail only
for towns of more than 5000 popula
tion, and Kansas has only two of these,
Topeka and Kansas City, Kan. Topeka
lS credlleu with only seven saloon
keepers, while Kansas City, Kan, shows
up with IA. 1t is very likely that Leav-
enworth, Wichita, and a few more
towns would make up a large per cent
of the Kansas saloonkeepers.
The figures that are quoted are pub
lished in the census tables relating to
occupations. The rank of the various
states makes an interesting study. The
full list, giving the states in their rank
and the number of male and female sa-
loonkeepers in each, is as follows:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
Government Changes Orders Is
sued to Cable Ship.
Burnside Will Go to Manila via
Honolulu.
RUSSIAN AGENTS HERE
Purchasing Forage and Sup
plies on the Coast
For Use in Case of War With
Japan.

Seattle, Wash, Dec. 25.-The govern
ment has changed the sailing orders of
the United States cable ship Burnside,
which was scheduled to sail January 1
from this port to Manila by way of
Nagaskia, Japan, directing that she
proceed to the Philippines by way of
Honolulu a fact which is construed
as meaning that war is anticipated in
the near future between Japan and Rus
sia. Rumors are current here that Rus
sia already has agents not only in San
Francisco but this city with instruc-
tions to purchase large quantities of
supplies and forage for use in the far
east
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
MANS HEAD IN TRUNK.
Man and Woman Arrested for
Killing a Chinaman.

San Bernardino, Cal, Dec. 25-The ar
rest of Miguel Antonio and Trinidad FL
guero at Bakersfield on the charge of
numbering Lee Gar, Chinese at Needles
last Sunday, may develop other tragedies.
In the womans trunk has been found
the head of an unknown man. The wo-
man, who is a Mexican. and Antonio, her
companion, in flight, who is a Cuban, were
brought to this county today and are
now in the county jail. Lee Car, the
murdered Chinese, was collector for
to a summons. The officers found his
body with the head almost severed with
a razor, which was subsequently found,
together with blood soaked mating from
the floor.
When the woman's trunk was opened
the head of a man, which had been sew
cred from the body, was found Owing
to the decomposed condition it is not be-
lieved Identification is possible.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
GOODHUE COMING HERE
Important Change in Santa Fe
Shop FOremen Reported.

Emporia, Kan, Dec. 25.-The Emporia
Gazette says: 1t is unofficially reported
in railroad circles today that after the
first of January a new man will be at
the head of the mechanical department
of the Santa Fe here. A. P. Goodhue
has been division foreman here for
many years, and he is to report to To-
peka today to see what next. 1t is
said that he will be given a foreman
ship in the Topeka shops, which will
be a promotion from the foremanship
here. but he will be over shopmen in
stead of roadmen. Mr.. Cleveland, from
the Chicago Northwestern will succeed
Mr. Goodhue here, is the report. Mr..
Goodhue's friends will regret to see him
leave EmpOria.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
FILES HIS PROTEST.
Gen, Reeves Submits Document
to Secretary Hay.

Washington, Dec. 25.-Genera1 Reyes,
special representative of Colombia to
the United States, has presented to Sec
retary Hay the protest he has been
preparing against the action of the
United States in recognizing the repub-
lie of Panama. Later General Reyes
said that he expected to remain in
Washington until he received an an
swer from Secretary Hay. This pape-
he expects will be sent to congress soon
after it convenes in January. General
Reyes said he deprecated warlike talk
and endeavored steadily to prevent any
outbreak on the part of the people of
Colombia against the United States.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
THREATS AGAINST TOOTLE
Efforts to Blackmail st Joe
Millionaire.

st. Joseph, Mo, Dec 25.-Letters of a
threatening character have been re-
ceived by Milton Tootle, a millionaire
banker of St Joseph, for several weeks
Various sums have been demanded by
blackmailers. In the last letter a de-
mand was made for $1,000. Mr.. Tootle
last night drove in an open buggy as
directed to secluded spot in the out
skirts of the city. He was preceded
however, by six members of the police
force and some friend all heavily arm
ed. They secreted themselves in the
brush. Two suspicious characters were
seen by the police but they quickly dis
appeared. The blackmailers are using
methods similar to those employed in
the Cudahy kidnapping case and have
threatened to spirit away the young son
of Tootle.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
MRS. H0AR DEAD.
Wife of the Massachusetts Senator
Dies Suddenly

Washington, Dec Ruth Miller
Hoar, wife Of Senator Hoar of Massa-
chusetts, died suddenly last night at
her home in Washington of angina pee
toris.
Senator Hoar the family physician
and Mrs. Patterson a friend. were with
her when she died. Mrs. Hoar had been
in poor health for some time, but an
improvement in her condition had been
noted recently and her sudden death
caused great shock to her family and
friends. The body will be taken to
Worcester today for burial. No funeral
service will be held in this city. Mrs.
Hoar, prior to her marriage, was Miss
Ruth A. Miller, daughter of a we'll
known New England family and was
the senator's second wife.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
BREACH OF TRUST
Charged Against Colorado Judge by
Woman Lawyer.

Denver, Dec. 25.-Miss Mary f. Lathrop,
a prominent attorney of this city, who
has for some time had a suit pending for
$4,000 fee alleged to be due her from the
George w. Clayton estate for services
in defending the will, has filed a brief in
the court of appeals in which she makes
sensational charges against Judge Moses
Hallett of the federal court, executor of
the estate. Miss Lathrop makes many
specific charges of mismanagement of
the estate, claiming among other things
that the executor has paid large sums of
money to himself and to others without
authority from the court
The will of George w. Clayton gave 3 =
0e3 900 for the establishment of a home for
dependent children. The will was contest
ed by his brother and sustained.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-25
HAD STEEL KNUCKLES.
Another White House Crank
Sent TO Asylum.

Washington, Dec. 25.-Having ad-
dressed a letter to President Roosevelt
the nature of which led the secret Off
GERS on duty at the White House to be-
lieve that he was insane, the police ar
rested Jerman Kehl, a native of Con-
struction, Chile. When taken into Gus
tody he had on his person a loaded re-
volver and a pair of steel knuckles. He
said he was an inventor and had several
patents pending and he desired to be
protected He was pronounced insane
by the police surgeon and was sent to
St. Elizabeth asylum