davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
PRAIRIE DOGS AND GOPHERS
AFFLICT BLEEDING KANSAS

The Agricultural Department has re-
ceived from the Agricultural Experiment
Station in Kansas some interesting in
formation about the determination Of
prairie dogs and pocket gophers in that
State When nature decides to aflict
humanity with a pest, Kansas IS never
forgotten. and should she be overlooked
she would send and get some just to
maintain her reputation as the cham
pion hard-Iuck State. and TO show that
she can come out on top despite all ad-
versitY.
Prairie dogs were no exception to the
rule and they have fourished like the
green bay tree in Kansas. finding the
climate and soil as much 10 their liking
as do the chickens which lay eggs as
big as beer kegs in Kansas Populists,
cyclones, and GUESSING the Administra
ton kept the Kansas solons so busy that
they did not pay much attention to the
dogs and gophers until 1901, but then
the village philosophers paused in their
adjusting OF the universe sufficiently
long TO induce the long whiskered Leg
isIature to appropriate s.. 600 for expert
ments 10 determine some way of eradi-
eating the pests. The results of the in
vestigation have Just been published.
They Thrived on Germs.
Each county was asked to give its
acreage in prairie dog towns. Half the
counties replied, giving a combined
acreage of / ,25o. 900 acres, but it is es-
timated that in the whole State there
are z.000 900 acres occupied by prairie
dog towns. They reduce the productive
ness of grazing land so per cent, and If
they Ioc,.te among wheat OF alfalfa. ut
terly destroy the crop. The total annual
loss is put at $4,000
Every means which American ingen-
uity could suggest has been tried for ex-
terminating the prairie dogs. but with
only Indifferent success Trapping
proved fruitless. as the dogs either re-
fused to be caught. or il caught, prompt
ly broke away. Chickenpox and other
diseases were introduced among the
dogs. but they thrived on the germs. in
stead of dying. and the time of the ex-
perimenters was wasted. Diseases
which helped to keep down the rabbit
pest in Australia we're tried on the dogs.
but they proved harder than rabbits,
and became fatter than ever
Poison is the only means of dealing
with the dogs yet discovered that pro-
duces favorable results. Carbon bisul-
phide placed in their holes is said to be
effective, but it is slow and rather ex-
pensive process. Other poisons destined
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
EASTER SERVICES
WELL ATTENDED

Job xiv:14. IF a man die, he shall live
again"
The Rev R. L. Wright whose last
charge was Wesley Chapel, Baltimore,
preached an eloquent sermon yesterday
at Ryland Church. Tenth and D Streets
southwest Taking as his text, Luke
xxiv:34. God is risen indeed There
is no more occasion to question" said
DR.. Wright, whether Jesus rose from
the dead than whether Caesar reigned,
or Columbus discovered Amrica."
The Rev E. r. Murray occupied the
pulpit at Union NJ. F. Church. twentieth
Street and Pennsylvania Avenue north
west. taking for his text Luke xxiv:5,
Why seek ye the living amid the
dead?"
DR.. Murray declared that earthly joys
could not satisfy the soul whose last
end was Cod. Men today seek the
living amid the dead" as the apostles
sought Jesus, not realizing that He had
risen. Christianity is the strongest,
hrmest, most vital religion in the
world"
The altar was beautifully decorated
/ with palms and Easter lilies.
Dr. Murray will be remembered as
the 'thank-offering" agent OF the BaIti-
more Conference of the Woman's Col
lege in that city.
Services at St. Johns,
Among the most interesting and i'm
Dressive services in Washington yester-
day were those at St. Johns Church.
Georgetown. The boy choirg Of this
church. under the direction of Mr..
Smith. is regarded as one of the best
in the city. and has won much recog-
milton for its excellent work. Re
hearsaIs were held for weeks in prepar-
alton for the services yesterday, and
the music was excellent. There was
an early morning service. another at
II and the regular evening service. Al
each of these the boys sang with spirit,
intelligence. and devotion. Their voices
are fresh. well trained and splendidIy
adapted TO the choral service of the
/ Episcopal church.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
DEDICATION SERVICES
HELD IN NEW EDIFICE
Exercises at West Washington
Church Well Attended.

Dedication services were held yester-
day afternoon in the new ediace of West
Washington Baptist Church. The Rev.
F. c. DaTgan. D. D.. professor in the
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
al Louisville. Ky, preached the dedica-
ton sermon. Several local ministers as
sisted in the services among whom were
the Rev. z. Hez Sven, the Rev J. J.
Muir, the Rev. c. F Winbigler, the Rev.
Samuel H Greene, the Rev. George E.
Truett, C. c. Meador. and the Rev. c. c.
Coleman, the present pastor of the
church
DR., Dargan took as his subject the
Joy of Worship
The West Washington Baptist Church
was founded in 1866 by the Rev. James
Nelson, the first pastor of the church.
Mr.. Nelson held services for two years In
a chapel on Market Street, belonging to
the Bridge Street Presbyterian Church.
At the end of that time q new edlfice had
been constructed on the present site.
The church grew rapidly under the
charge Of Dr.. Nelson. Among the men
who succeeded Dr.. Nelson were the Rev.
4. j Huntington, the Rev G. w. Beale.
the Rev. George E. Truett, the Rev.
James Walker, the Rev. G. W. McCuI-
Tough, and the Rev. w s. Thomas Dur
ing the passionate of the latter the church
burned down. DR.. Thomas Immediately
set about building another, and was on
the road to success when called to an
other church.
The Rev George E. Truett was prime
mover in the undertaking to build a new
church, and in little more than a year
the church was ready for Sunday school
services though the main hall was not
finished until recently. The new church,
which is Romanesque in architecture.
cost $50. 900.
A meeting with former pastors will be
held in the church tonight in connection
with the dedication exercises.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
FLOOD DAMAGES NOT
SO GREAT THIS YEAR
H. L. Marindin of the Mississippi River Com
mission, Hopeful.

the construction Of levees. The great
CT part of the expense of constructing
leyees. however, is met by the planters
and levee boards. They willingly pay
about two-thirds Of the cost, for it in
sures the safety of their property and
makes it possible for them to cultivate
some of the most fertile land in the
country.
Many OF the Ievees are built two miles
from the regular banks of the river. and
this two miles Of land outside the levees
IS cultivated by squatters. who build
houses there, only TO have them washed
away year after year. It is a sort CT
no-man's land, and affords them living.
Though the Government pays out a
large sum every year to help keep the
river In check it finds these expendi-
lures a paying Investment, for, the
safety OF the country provided for. the
settlers flock in. railroads are built,
and the Government gets new source
Of revenue. 1t is safe to say that when
all the plans of the river commission
are carried out the great river will
be held within It's course and win give
| comparatively little tTOubte ne r.
cent levees, though they are not the
most expensive. have proved their
stability, and when REINFORCED should
hold their own against the floods.
The Low Water Investigation.
The commission viii make SIS low
water investigation later in the year
The channels Of the river are always
changed by the high water. and the
money that is not spent in building
levees goes for dredging during the low
water season Commerce demands nine
and one-haIf feet OF water Before the
rise of the water this year the river
was in such good condition that the
boats had at least ten and one-half
feet Of water IN all the channels.
THE immense amount OF sediment
carried by the river, and now deposited
all along the shores when the river
overfows, will II the river is eventu-
ally compelled to flow always In its
| course, be carried down to form new
land in the gulf
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

H L. Marindin, of the Coast and Geo
detic Survey, and a member of the Mis-
sissippi River Commission. has returned
to Washington after spending over a
week on the Father Of the Waters in
company with the other members Of the
commission. The party made their
usual high water investigation. and
will report on the condition of the
river and determine what improve
ments should be made this year In
the levees Mr.. Marindin said when
questioned about the present food:
The river is even higher this year than
it was in 1897, and yet not so much dam
age has been done, both because The
people living on the banks took the
precaution TO move before the food was
upon them and because of the good con-
dition Of the Ievees. Nevertheless,
thousands of acres lie submerged
All Floods Came at Once
''The unusual high water is due 10
the fact that Red River, White River,
and Arkansas River came into food at
the same time as the Ohio River. an oc-
a singular fact that the water began to
rise in the lower river before IL rose in
the upper.
Though there are a number of
crevasses in the levees. the work of
blocking them is going on favorably. 1t
is, of course, impossible to block the
Immediate crevass-the current is so
strong at a break in the levees that it
would move a tWenty-ton rock if II
were dropped in the gap. But by form
ing a wide loop around the crevass, driv-
ing piles, and throwing IN sand bags,
the flooding of the adjacent country is
effectualiy stopped.
Levees 1900 Miles Long.
AT present 1t is estimated that I, 300
miles of Ievees have been constructed
upon the banks of this troublesome
river. Congress has appropriated over
81. 900. 600 to be spent this year on Mis-
sissippi River Improvements. and prob
ably a million dollars of this will go to
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
After Slot Machines.

The mayor this morning in an inter
view with The Times correspondent
stated that he intends TO inforee the law
recently passed by the Legislature which
has just received the signature OF the
governor of Virginia in regard to slot
machines. The following is the IaH:
L Be It enacted BY the General Assem-
bly, OF Virginia, That if any person keep
or exhibit. or be concerned in interest in
keeping OF exhibiting. any slot machine
OF any description into which are drop
ped pennies or nickels OF coins of any
denomination. or other device that oper-
ates on the nickeI-in-t he-sIot principle.
in the operating of which said machine,
device the element Of chance enters in
OF permit such machines or device 10 be
kept or exhibited in his place Of bust
ness, shall be confined In Jail not less
than fifteen or more than sixty days.
and fined not less than 800 nor more
than $500; provided, that this act shall
not apply to any slot machine or device
that operates on the nickel-in- the-s slot
principle, the operation of which said
machine or device the element of chance
does not enter, and which is used ex-
cluslveIy for any Of the following pur-
poses: 10 wit. for conducting a pay
telephone, for music, weighing or other
similar purposes, or for the disposing OF
chewing gum, or articles of merchandise
other than cigarettes and intoxicating
liquors.
?. This act shall be in force from its
passage. Parties taking out licenses for
slot machines viii not only sacrifice the
amount paid for licenses. but they viii
suffer al the penalties embraced IN this
act If the machines carry with them the
element of chance or II they are not
machines whose use is specifically men
toned IN the act.
The mayor says that any person who
had been keeping or exhibiting IN his
place OF business slot machines IN
which the element OF chance entered
even Il they had license. during the
past twelve months, could be arrested
and brought before him. and that he
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
Easter Church Services.

Easter Sunday was celebrated in a
joyous fashion by the people of Alexan-
dria yesterday. The churches had eIab-
crate music. following the programs as
printed in The Times last week. All the
churches heard sermons from the resi-
dent pastors. The Sunday schools had
special Easter services and made the
children happy with baskets of eggs. The
day being pleasant. the streets and sur
rounding country were crowded with
pedestrians, and a large number Of per
sons we're out on bicycles, while others
spent the evening in taking pleasant
drives The weather being favorable. a
large crowd will gather on Shooter
Hill. Just west Of this city. this after
noon and watch the children roll eggs
and hear music by the new George
Washington Band
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
Children to Be Confirmed.

1t was announced at ST. Mary's Church
yesterday that on May 10 next the RI.
Rev Augustine Van de Viver Bishop
Of Richmond. would be in Alexandria
and administer the sacrament of con-
frmation 10 class of children and
adults at ST. MaTy's Church The class
OF candidates who will receive conhrma-
ton viii be formed this evening. and in
structtons will be given them until the
day set for them to be confirmed.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
The Mayors Court.

IN the mayors court this morning.
the Hon. George L Simpson presiding,
Thomas Kelly, arrested by Policemen
Roberts and Allen, charged with selling
liquor on Sunday. was fined $50. and
William Wade. arrested by the same
policemen for the same offense, was dis
missed. George Lucas. for assauIting
Anna Russell, was fined S. William
WiIkerson. for drunkenness. was fined
Sz.50, and William Murray, charged with
vagrancy, was ordered to leave town.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
The Dreadful Gopher.

Pocket gophers do even more damage
ii Kansas than do the prairie dogs. They
throw up mounds of earth which make
moving difficult, and they eat anything
in the way of vegetables that come their
way. Some farmers claim that the alfalfa
and other grass which they eat does the
crop good. serving as means of de-
sirable thinning. but as the thinning is
apt 10 be carried to the extent OF eating
the entire crop. other farmers cannot
see the force of the argument II is es-
timated that the gophers destroy al
least $500. 600 worth of grass and yege-
tables in year
These little burrowers may be caught
in traps. but il is q slow and uncertain
way of getting them. The method rec
commended by the experiment station is
to go over the ground with a pointed
stick, find the gopher run, punch a hole
in it. and through the hole drop piece
OF potato poisoned with stryehnine. An
ether method is to use carbon bisuI-
phide. but it is thought the poisoned
potato is somewhat better
The work OF killing the gophers and
prairie dogs under State encouragement
is being steadily pushed and the report
concludes with the belief that IN year
or two the pests viii be under control
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
TUNNEL UNDER STREET.

The Interior Department is consider
ing bids for the construction under
Nichols Avenue of a tunnel TO connect
the Government Hospital for the Insane
with It's extension on the other side OF
the street.
The tunnel viii be 100 feet long. and
ii feet wide and viii be lined with glazed
brick. 1t win be built according to
the most modern ideas.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

to kill by giving off noxious fumes were
tried. and while they were partially sue
cessful all gave rise to some fatal OBJ
lection
Genius TO the Rescue
The Kansas genius rose 20 the coca
sioa. A sufferer from the pest got up
what he called a patent poison, which
he announced with true Kansas modesty
would kill every dog in the State Some
Of his preparation was tried by the ex-
peTimenters. with such favorab results
that the State bought for 5000 the rights
to the patent within the borders of the
Commonwealth. What this preparation
is, nobody except a true-bIue Kansan
can learn. as the formula will not be
sent outside the State.
The patent poison has exterminated
the prairie dogs on $50, O00 acres. and
has partially exterminated them on $780,
600 acres more It is manufactured at the
experiment station. and is bought by the
counties. and by private citizens. TIE
deadly stun is mixed with wheat which
is scattered through the prairie dog
town. Two applications have been found
sufficient to wipe out all the dogs in q
town, and as rule only one dose is re-
ouired
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

PALAIS DOYAL announces the sale of
dainty wear for the little people"
Mothers contemplating purchasing
frock for the little ones should certainly
pay a visit and see all the latest spring
styles at very reasonable prices.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

LANsBURGH & BROTHER-Three
specials-WashdTess goods. dressmakers'
supplies. and new dress Innings. selling
at prices within the reach of all, should
attract many of the fair sex. The goods
are of the usual high standard OF this
house.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

VIM HAHN & Goa special sale of
shoes for men, women, boys. and girls is
the attraction q the Three Reliable
Shoe Houses" The shoes included in
the sale are made of the best material
and guaranteed for wear.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
ATTRACTIONS IN RETAIL STORES.

S. KAHN SONS s. CO.-The housefur-
nishings sale should attract the thrifty
housewives TO THE Busy Corner"
Everything imaginable for the home
needs may be found in abundance at this
sale
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
Notes OF the Day.

R. 2. Lee Camp. Confederate Veterans
viii hold a special meeting tonight at &
o'clock and the Ladies Auxiliary of the
same camp will meet this afternoon at
o'clock
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

BIEBER- KAUFMAN CO.-The spring
clothing trade of the southeast section
of the city seems to be conferred in these
stores. This firm rightfully deserves the
term. Masculine outftters, Childhood
to Old Age"
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

NJ GOLDENBERG-A special sale of
suits. linens, and hats is the attraction
at The Dependable Store The enlarged
millinery section is displaying It's new
creations in trimmed hats.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
Death of a Child.

Pearl, the little six months old
daughter Of William S. Cragg, died at
her parents home, $50 South Alfred
Street, last night of pneumonia. The
remains OF the little one viii be sent
to Accotink for burial
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
To Investigate Charges.

At the next meeting of the police com
missioners the charges against Police
man TIGER. which were dismissed by the
mayor few days ago. will be taken up.
The mayor states that the reason for
this action of the commissioners Is that
a correct report Of the investigation OF
Policeman TIGERS charges was not
made by the newspapers. and the com
missioners wish 20 see for themselves
why charges were brought against Mr..
TIGER.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

The corporation court assembled this
morning at il O'Clock. and a special
grand jury was sent out to consider such
matters as may come before them.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
Fanchon Clubs Ball.

The Easter Ball of the Fanchon Club
will be given tonight at McBurney's
Hall, and promises TO be most success
full affair
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

H c AnsIey has been chosen delegate
and A. G. Uhler alternate to represent
the Second Presbyterian Church of this
city al the Presbyterian Church OF this
city at the presbyteTy of the Chesapeake,
which meets in Waterford, Loudoun
county Va
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

Mary Payne and NJ. J. Kroes FickIin.
teachers in Lee School for Girls, are
spending the Easter holidays at Char
lottesviiIe. Va
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

The funeral of Mrs. Mary A Richard
son. wife OF Wilmer A. Richardson, will
take place from her late home, Ills Duke
Street. this afternoon. The Rev. Dr.
HINT OF the First Baptist Church, will
conduct the funeral services. and the re-
mains Will be inferred in Bethel Gene
teTY.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
Funeral of Miss Murray.

ALEXANDRIA. april 13.-The remains
OF Miss Anna Murray were brought here
yesterday from Memphis, Tenn, and in
TERED in the Murray family lot in Union
Cemetery Miss Murray was the daugh-
ter of Alexander Murray. who for many
years carried on, in partnership with
his brother, the late William Murray,
the merchant tailoring business on King
Street. Alexander Murray removed with
his family to Memphis about fifteen years
ago. Many of the relatives Of the de-
ceased stiIl reside in Alexandria, and
her cousin, DR.. Alexander Murray. has
just been appointed assistant surgeon in
the United States army
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13
ALEXANDRIA NEWS NOTES.

would impose the penalty fixed by law.
The subject is creating much interest in
Alexandria.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

" H Myers. of the Theological Semi
nary, conducted the services at the Rail-
road Reading Rooms yesterday.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

Bessie Jones. Of Mount de Sales Con
vent. is spending the Easter holidays
with her parents in this city
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

The Rev. Bergman Green, formerly
pastor Of Christ P E. Church here. but
now OF the Episcopal Theological Semi
nary. is spending some time in Tappa-
hammock county
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

S. A Mays, OF Locust Dale Academy.
Is spending the Easter holidays with his
parents IN King Street.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

Mrs } " Burke has as her enes
Helen StockdeH.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-13

u OF empty houses 90 not embarrass
k0WS the Real Estate Dealer who uses
The Times Want Columns,
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1903-07-02

The Montour County Medical Society
held special meeting last night 20
take action on the death of DR.. j. X.
Kimerer. DR.. Winterstecn, president,
occupied the chair. and DR.. c. Shulrz
acted as secretary pro tenn.
DR.. Kimerer was member of the
Montour County Medical Society for
seventeen years and at the time of his
death he was its secretary.
1t was decided that the medical
society should attend the funeral in a
body, the following members being
selected a. pail bearers DR.. T. G.
Newbaker, DR.. :. Y Thompson. DR..
G. Shultz, DR.. J. +. Robbins and Or.
L. B. Wintersteen.
On motion the secretary was ordered
to notify the Medical Societies Of
Northumberland. aud Columbia coun-
ties of Dr. Kimerer's death aud to
invite the members TO attend the fun
eral
A Committee on Resolutions was
appointed as follows: DR.. Shultz. Or.
Curry and DR. G.. +. Smith Of the
Hospital staff