davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
SIX PEOPLE ARE BURNED
Holocaust in the West Virginia Mining
Town OF Letter.
CAUSED BY THE EXPLOSION OF LAMP.
The House Was Frame Structure and 6urn-
ed With Great Rapidi:y-N Nothing in the
House Was Saved. and the Sleeping In
mates Awoke TO Find the Lower Part OF the
Structure In q Blaze.

Elkins, W. Va (SpeciaD.-ln the
burning OF double house AT Letter. a
mining town below Elkins. six persons
are known to have lost their lives and
several were badly injured.
1t is believed by some that seven per-
sons in all lost their lives, one other man
being missing.
The house was occupied on one side by
Thomas Coughlan and on the other by
Silas Finley. They kept hotel together.
The fire was first discovered III Miss
Coughlan's room and is believed to have
been caused by the explosion of a lamp.
The flames made such Roadway that the
building collapsed 4 few moments alter
the blaze was detected. Those who did
escape barely had time to do so. There
were "a persons i'll the house.
Mr.. Anderson was foreman of the
Roaring Greek and Belington railroad
operations. He and his family lived on
the Finley side of the house. The others
who were cremated lived OH the Cough
Ian side.
A brisk south wind was blowing at the
time the fire occurred. The house was
built in fimsy manner and the weather
boarding was dry. Ii burned like finder,
the flames spreading from one part TO
another with astonishing rapidity. :.
The lower part OF the house was full
of fire and smoke when the inmates
awoke Those who were saved were
compelled to leap from the upper-story
window. They were sleeping soundly
when aroused by the cracking flames.
Arising from their beds. they just had
time to run TO the top story and Jump
out OF the windows. Clad only in their
night clothes. they saw in few moments
the building entirely consumed and knew
that six of their friends had met death
i'll the blazing structure. Hardly an
article out of all their numerous personal
belongings in the house was saved.
After the ashes had cooled off TO some
extent the search OF the ruins began.
Soon the bodies OF the six victims were
recovered All OF them were terribly
burned, being charrcd beyond all recogni-
ton.
Letter. where this tragedy occurred. is
a small town eight miles south OF Elkins.
Almost its entire population is composed
of persons connected with the mines at
that place. There is little apparatus for
fighting fire there. and no matter how
good it might have been the house burned
so rapidly that il would hardly have been
possible to have saved any OF those who
were crematcd.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
KING SENT TO INSANE ASYLUM.
he Shot Two Sisters at the New York Found.
ling Asylum.

New York (SpeciaD Henry ]. King.
who has been confined in the Tombs
Prison since July. 1901. having been
found guilty on two counts OF assault in
the secor' 'egree. was declared insane
bv .ssion appointed by Recorder
will be sent 10 Matteawan In
un.
A year ago last July King went to the
New York Founding Asylum and shot
wo OF the sisters there. slightly wound
them. He had been ali inmate of the
um when boy, and had halucna-
that he was the illegitimatc son OF
by parents. He demanded that the
tell him the name OF his supposed
by parents. While they were try
calm him he drew 4 revolver and
NO of them
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
NEW CRUISER LAUNCHED.
The Chattanooga Gides Down the Ways
Large Crowd Attended.

New York (SpcciaD.-ln the pres
ence oil 5000 spectators. including Off
cials OF the State OF Tennessee. the
City oil Chattanooga. the City oil New
York and many naval officers. the
United States cruiser Chattanooga was
launched at the shipyards OF the Unit
ed States Shipbuilding Company at
Elizabethpori. y. !. With flying col
ors the warship slid gracefully down
the ways and took the water amid 4
tumul; oi cheers and deaiening whistle
blasts from yachts and other vessels
crowded with spectators. The Chatta-
nooga was christened by the young
daughter OF the Mayor OF Chattanooga.
Lillian ChambliSs. who broke bottle
OF champagne against the Prov. with
the words. Il christcn thee, good ship,
in honor OF Chattanooga The maids
OF honor were Miss Frances Bond and
Miss R;eta Faxon.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
In the Departments.

4. w. Pontius. of Minnesota. was APP
pointed student interpreter at Pekin
Mr.. Pontius. under the law. is pledged
to remain there in that capacity for d
period OF 10 years at a salary of $1,000
year.
a cablegram was received from Mr.
Russell. United States charge at Caracas
stating that the Venezuelan government
had established a blockade of the
Orinoco.
Secretary Hay appointed Charles NJ
Pepper special representative 10 develop
4 scheme for an international railway &c
the Latin American republics.
Gen. James w. Mcmillan. veteran
of two wars and a member OF the Board
OF Review OF the Pension Bureau, died
at the age OF II.
The Department of Agriculture issued
an order quarantining New Hampshire
because of the presence OF the foot-and-
mouth disease.
y number Of petitions charging rail
roads with discrimination were filed
with the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion.
Governor Merriam, director OF the
(C.l>uS. ItSlSISN ~ WV
presidency OF the International Mer-
cantilc Agency OF New York.
Minister Bowen and Baron Mon
chcur signed the Belgium protocol for
the settlement OF that country's claims
against Venezuela.
Lieut.. Chester Wells. tried by court
martial for casting away his vessel, the
tug Lcydcn. was acquitted.
Minister Powell reported that the
Dominican government had settled the
Ros and Clyde claims.
Senator German was elected chairman
OF the Democratic caucus. which in
creased the membership of the steering
committee to nine and authorized the
committee TO decide upon the course to
be pursued with reference to the question
OF reorganization OF the Senate commit
tees.
By an arrangement for the distribution
OF federal patronage agreed upon by
Senators Nee and Ball, OF Delaware.
the ratification OF William NJ Byrnc for
United States district attorney is assured.
The Bureau OF Insular Affairs pub
lishcd pamphlet containing the tele-
graphic correSnondencc of Aguinado
prior to the fall OF Manila.
Senator Tillman has declared his pur-
pose OF talking to death the nomination
OF DR.. Crum as collector OF customs al
Charleston. :. {.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Financial.

Mercantile financial troubles in New
York have been adjusted
Six per cent. is charged for some six
month loans in New York.
Gould put his shoulder under Missouri
Pacific and lifted il two points.
Kansas City Southern preferred jump
cd per cent the last ten minutes
Another drop in foreign exchange
rates Uncle Sam will keep his gold at
home
The hear raid on Union Pacific led by
kccnc has meant the selling OF about
2oo.ooo shares.
After all the cotton bulls have not suf-
cred worse than the bears. but the cam
raipn has been shorter for them.
The new United States Steel bonds
have suffered much more i'll the present
slump Of prices than the shares OF that
company.
During The present year the average
price, II active railroad shares have de
clincd So from the highest point and in
dustrialS have fallen So.
All railroad men are watching with the
Ec1ncst interest for the outcome OF Wa
basins legal battle against the strikers. II
strikes can be prevented by injunction ii
will he a emcndous victory for all cor
pnrationS
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
WITH THE N ATIoNAL LAWMAKERS.
Canal Treaty Reported Senate Will Soon
Ratify Agreement.

The Colombian canal treaty was re-
ported to the Senate i'll executive session
by the committee on foreign relations.
When the Scnate met letter was read
from President pro tempore Frye ap-
pointing Mr. Kcan On j. as presiding
officer in his absence.
The oath OF office then was admins
tered TO James p. Clark (Ark). W. ].
Stone (Mo) and Scna or Gallinger
On H).
There being no legislative business to
transact the Senate al I2.o6 o'clock. on
motion of Mr. Cullom CID, went into
executive session.
Senator Cuilom then reported the Co.
lombian canal treaty, and II was read at
length. as the rules OF the Senate re
quired. Under the rules an objection
carried the treaty over for one day be-
fore il could be considered.
After the reading OF the treaty Senator
Morgan stated that he desired to have
the Spanish copy OF the treaty. so as to
compare il with the English text The
state department was notified OF this re-
quest, and il is expected that draft OF
the treaty in Spanish will be sent TO the
Senate.
Members OF the committee on foreign
relations express the opinion that there
will not be any great delay in the ratifi-
cation OF the treaty. although no under
standing has been reached with Senator
Morgan on the subject.
In the committee Mr. Morgan made
no opposition TO reporting the treaty. He
offered 10 consent to vote on the treaty
at o'clock on Saturday. provided the
oil ~
print such remarks as he wanted i'll the
Congressional Record or as a public
document.
Members of the committee later dis
cussed the proposition with other sena-
tors. land the consensus of opinion seemed
to be against granting the permission.
Some OF the remarks heretofore made by
Senator Morgan reflected rather severely
ON the Colombian government. and espe
cially on the President of Colombia. and
senators think it would be inadvisable TO
give official sanction to such utterances
by allowing them to appear in the records
of the Senate. 1t also is feared that the
Colombian government might take Of
Tense and fail TO ratiiy the treaty. and
II is asserted that ratification OF the
treaty can be accomplished even If no
agreement is reached
Senator Allison, chairman OF the re-
publican steering committee. has sent
notices to all republican senators request
ing them to be present at the sessions OF
the Senate in order to maintain a quo
rum. No definite line OF policy has been
agreed on in the way OF pressing the
treaty. but the intention is to keep il be-
fore the Senate and under consideration
as long as possible each day.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
EXTORTION BY vIcEROYS.
Collection OF Indemnity 3 Double Hardship
on Chinese.

Washington. d. c. (SpeciaD While
no adviccs have been received at the
Chinese Legation here regarding the
serious condition OF affairs which is
approaching crisis i'll the interior OF
China as a result OF the renewed activ-
ity of the Boxers and OF other rebels
i'll various parts OF that country. it IS
the understanding that the new Minis
ter. Sir LANG Chen Tung. who sailed
from Hongkong on February - on
the steamship Korea for San Francis
co, will bring to Washington inpor-
tant instructions bearing on the sub
jcct.
In addition TO the uprising OF the
rebels and the increased importation
OF arms the cX;ortiou practiced by the
Niceroys i'll the collection OF the in
dennity is said to have caused the
most distressing conditions i'll many
provinces. European advices that have
reached Washington i'll the last few
days show no evidence OF weakening
on the part OF the powers i'll their de-
n,ands Tor the payment OF the indem-
nifty in gold. This problem will be the
first which the new Minister will grap-
pie with upon his arrival III Washing
ton He is expected here early i'll
April.
Besides Sir LANG there are SO mem-
bers i'll his party. including new
charges daffaireS and secretaries for
the Chinese legations in Spain. Peru
and Cuba. Consuls- General Tor San
Francisco and New York. Consul
and Vice Consul icr Honolulu and
first Secretary. Mr.. Chen. 10 succeed
Mr.. Shcn. who will return 10 China.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
BOY OPENED THE SWITCH.
Wrecked the Seaboard Limited Train Just TO
See What Would Happen.

Savannah. Ga. (SpcciaD.-It was de-
veloped by officials OF the Scaboard
Air Line that boy named Birdie Ry-
ais. eight years old, opened the switch
at Evergreen, Fla. which caused the
wreck there few days ago OF the Sea-
boards limited from Jacksonville TO
New York No reason is assigned ex-
cept that the child wanted to see what
would happen
Thirty minutes before the arrival OF
the train the boy told Postmaster A.
Herring, OF Evergreen. that he in
tended to open the switch. but the
postmaster. though he lives within $50
feet OF the switch, took no notice OF
the boys threat Both the boy and
Herring have confessed TO these facts.
Acting Superintendent A. w. Tous-
ley. OF the Fifth Division. said the boy
was in the custody OF officers OF the
road
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Paul Kruger a Wreck.

Paris (By Cabic}.-From Mcntonc
comes the most distressing news o.
The condition 81 Paul Kruger, the vet
cran Boer leader, whose present home
is there. The health OF Tic former
head OF the republic in lar South Africa
has become affected TO such an exicn,
that his friends are alarmed and fears
are entertained oi early dissolution.
Mr.. Kruger is described as having
sunk into an absolute lcthargy hi
mind having Jailed under Inc fearful
strain to which the old patriot has been
subjected during the long. weary
months following the rcvcrscs oi hi,
army and his flight from his beloved
land.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Text OF line Protocols.

Caracas CBy Cahlc).-Thc text OF the
protocols with the allied powers was pub
lished in the Official Gazette here. The
protocols are coolly received by the Ven
czuelans, who say that Congress is not
favorable to their approval. The govern
mcnt issued decree prohibiting naviga-
ton on the Orinoco and declaring a
blockade OF the ports OF Barcelona and
Carupano. now occupied by the rebels.
The revolutionist forces have returned to
Guatirc
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
EXPLOIT OF FOUR ROBBERS.
In Hundred Dollars Worth OF Goods Stolen
From Moving Car.

Seaford. Del. SpeciaD.-Detectivc
utch;ns, of the Delaware Railroad. as
.<sted by Special Policeman Thomas
, Messick, arrested four alleged thieves
here who are charged with breaking a
seal on freight car at Ross Station, one
mile north of this town, and robhing the
car of 5000 worth OF shoes. jumpers and
overalls consigned to parties in POGO
moke City. Md. and Cape Charles, Va.
The bbers boarded the train at Viii
son md when it reached the lonely
az at Ross, threw the cases out. jump
ing off the train here They returned to
their plumber, broke the cases open and
carried the contests off in sacks. They
concealed them in a shanty near town.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Hundreds Perish in Snowstorm.

London (By Cable The ST. Peters
burg correspondent OF the Daily Mai!
tciegraphs that terrible snowstorms have
been raging during the past week in the
government of Samara and have caused
hundreds OF deaths Horses drawing
scdgcs have returned TO villages with
the passengers frozen to death. The vii
lagc bells arc rung nightly to enable
travellers 10 find their way to shelter.
Many persons have been frozen to death
within the villages while searching fer
IN. door. OF their own bones
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Five Perished in Fire.

Seattle. Wash. (SpeciaD.-A special
from Dawson says: Five people were
burned to death i'll the Aurora road
house. on Hunker Creek. Charles Bern
sic. who owned the house: his wife and
two children. and Thomas Baird. who
was in charge OF one of the government
roadhouses. were burned to 4 crisp.
NcighborS who saw the burning building
were unable to enter on account OF the
smoke. The Bcrnsic family came from
Portland, Greg. Baird was from On
tario.'
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Hog. inns II B!oal. Dad.

Iacon, Ga. Special Hon. lanes II.
,unt, member OF Congress from Geor-
for twenty years-from 1872 20 1902
led at his home in Macon. eyed sixty
years, Of congestion OF the lungs.
lad been in impaired health for two
:. His last public service WAS rs
missioner paramount to the Ha-
an Islands during President Clevc-
is second term. Il was on his report
Mr.. Cleveland reversed the policy
Mr.. Harrison. Upon retiring from
position in November. 1893. Mr..
n left public life and has since re
7quieily al home attending TO his
s:ness.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Dies From tticcoughs.

Chicago Special .-Exhausted by an
attack OF hccoughs. which had lasted
without, interruption for several days. the
Rev. ]. L. McCleary. an Army chaplain,
formerly OF Fort Logan. but lately on the
retired list, is dead at the residence Of his
son-in-law, Captain Alrord. at Fort
Sheridan he chaplain. a hale and
vigorous man oi 90 years. had an attack,
oi pneumonia three weeks ago. but re
covered after a stubborn fight against
the disease He was rapidly convalcsc-
ing, when seven days ago. he was 81
ta~ke4 Nv spell oi hiceoush&
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Burned TO Death,

Washington. y. J. (SpcciaD.-Two
men were burned to death at Oxford
furnace. The Empire Steel and Iron
Works recently erected large air
compressor plant with which the mines
are operated. VI one end al the baild-
ing 4 large coal bin had been erected
and had just been flied ior the first
time. The weight OF the coal caused
one end OF the brick wall to give way
into the boiler room. breaking the
steam pipes. Benjamin Jones. q years
old. fireman. was caught i'll the ruins
and his body was burned 10 crisp
\ Hungarian laborer was also killed
but the body is buried under tons OF
coal and debris and has not been re-
covered.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Sayony Shaken.

Berlin (By Cablc).-Earth shocks
have been iclt for two days in the dis
trict OF Noigtland, Saxony. and i'll the
Erzgebirgc core mountains). The in
habitants OF Graslitz lett their houses
and passed the night in the streets
Tremors were ielt so lar As Pluen
Reichcnbach and Zwickau. Houses a,
Inter Sachsenberg and at Asch shook
for several seconds. There was great
excitement Throughout; the affected
district.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Original "Uncle Tom" Dead.

Chicago. H. (SpcciaD.--Norman
Argo, said to have been the original
Uncle Tom. is dead at Paint Lick. at
the rcputcd age OF III years. says a
dispatch to the Tribune from L.ancas-
ter. KY. Argo was born a slave AMI
belonged to Gen Samrcl Kennedy, a
wealthy planter OF Gerard county. and
former member OF the Kentucky Lcgis-
laturc Mrs. Stowe obtained most OF
the material for Uncle Toms Cabin"
from the Kennedy plantation.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Foreign.

Herr Bebel. the socialist leader. dur
ing the debate on the military budget
i'll the Reichstag. said the higher
classes OF society were in 4 permanent
state o: conspiracy against the law and
religion, So lar as dueling was con-
ccrncd.
Emperor William gave private re-
cepiion 10 President Francis. OF the
ST. Louis Exposition. and remarked
that expositions did as much toward a
better understanding between nations
as years OF diplomacy.
Secretary Cranborne stated in the
House OF Commons that the question
OF an understanding between Great
Britain ard Russia as to their inter
cS,s in Persia had been discussed.
The severity OF German parents to-
ward their children is said TO be the
cause OF an alarming increase in the
number oil suicides among juveniles in
Berlin.
The British naval estimates for 1908
:; provide iof All expenditure oil SI70.-
1874 2os. and I27.Ico officers and men.
an increase oi 1000
Tie rebellion al the Kwangsi Prov
ince OF China is spreading. \ church
has been destroyed i'll the Shantung
Province.
A slight disorder OF the Pope's di-
gcStivc and intestinal functions is said
to DC causing his physician some anx-
ieiy.
Lord Lovat. who commanded corps
81 scouts and won the Distinguished
Service Order i'll the war in South
Africa. III making his maiden speech in
the House OF Lords failed utterly and
had 10 ST down.
\ new steamship company is being
formed al Hamburg under the name oil
the Dampfscliffs Rhedcrci Nercin, the
directors including William Nolkens and
Herman Seickcn. Of New York.
President Francis. OF the St Louis
Exposition was the recipient oi very
dcmonStrativc reception in Paris. i'll
which personal representatives OF Presi-
dent Loube; participated.
Prince George. eldest son OF the
Crown Prince OF Saxony. disappeared
from the palace at Dresden and was
found ii the cathedral praying that his
mother might return
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Scratch Results in Death.

Denver. Col. (SpeciaD.-JaS. Stet-
tauer. prominent clubman and hnan-
cier OF Chicago, died at Mercy Hos
pital. in this city OF blood poisoning,
resulting from scratch inflicted
while shaving The injury was re-
cciycd a week ago. \ day or two later
oryslpelas set i'll and was followed by
a complication oi kidney trouble The
body has been shipped To Chicago for
burial Mr. Stcitaucr lett fortune
estimated at S5.ooo.ooo. lie came TO
Denver two weeks ago 10 transact pri-
vats hus'neSs
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Americans Buy German iron.

Cologne (By Cable).-Amcrican in
uiries for German iron have inc-cas
1 greatly within the past few days.
merican representatives are on the
)int OF closing contracts with Ger
an establishments Tor $4,000 tons oi
ate and $4,000 tons III billcts. Amer
ms are also divcrt:ng to German
us orders for steel rails which they
ended to place in England 4 con
t for 10000 tons al rails was
ed last week at prices somewhat
or than in the case OF previous
rs
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
issenger Trail Wrecked.

---~gham. Ala. (SpccialJ.-Whi'c
ng at a high rate OF speed in an
to make TIP lost time. passenger
No. 4. north-bound. on the Louis
and Nashville Railroad. was badly
:ked. twenty-five miles south OF this
e. So far as known only FIVE persons
e injured, three OF whom were mem
of the train crew Occurring at the
Il of deep grade. the wrecked cars
re thrown 10 either side of the track.
ais attributing the wreck TO the
ing of a switch.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14
Town Under Water.

Columbia, Textile crest of the food
in the Brazos river has reached this
point ard the town is under water. The
water is going across country TO the
Gull the regular channels not being
sufficient to carry it.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-03-14

int. down the tracks with their cloth
ing a mass o: flames. Others iell
where they stood overcome by the aw-
iul heat. Just how many were killed
is not known. as many OF the bodies
were incinerated.
Sydney Fish. prominent business
man, returned from the scene OF the
fire at midnight. He said:
Il was attracted 10 the scene OF the
fire between $50 and 10 o'clock. When
] was within quarter OF mile OF
the wrecked train there was a terrific
explosion Flames shot outward and
upward for a great distance. | saw
several persons who started to run
away drop on the railroad tracks, and
they never moved again.
Others who had been standing
close TO the wrcckage were hurled
through the air Tor hundreds OF feet
The scene was awful Hall dozen
young boys ran down the tracks with
their clothing On fire. They resemblcd
human torches. | could hear .heir
agonized screams distinctly from where
] stood.
Il don't know how many were kill
ed, but | counted twenty bodies be-
pre- l came away.
Word was sent at once to Olcan
lice headquarters by telephone.
cry doctor and ambulance in the
was summoned. Grocery wagons
carriages OF all kinds were pressed
% service ard everything possible
was done to bring the injured without
delay to the hospitals for treatment.
The latest report from the scene OF
the accident says twenty-five bodies
have been taken from the wreckage.
Some OF them are burned beyond rec
ognition, only the trunks and sl;ulls
remaining.