davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
RELIANCE A WINNER.
Pickle Sound Breeze Made the Race
 Something of Flzzle.

New York May BOA big fleet of yachts made A lane for the Reliance and Con stitution to drift across the finish line oi today's race and the steamers almost split their whistles in haillng the Reliance A. winner. But the ficlSe sound breeze had made the race a fizzle. T-knot easterly wind had dwindled to almost fiat calm and Columbia, which had suffered most thereby, was but a dim speck in the dis tance when the winner crossed the line. The Reliance defeated the Constitution by A minutes and 26 seconds and the Columbia by 2 hours minutes and IS seconds, but the figures are without sig nificance The course was Il miles, beat to windward, 3 miles close reef across the sound and a broad reach of Il miles to the finish line, 25 miles in all.
 Both Columbia and Constitution enter ed protests At the start Captain Rhodes by able jockeying, sent the Constitution across the line almost side by side with the Reliance and to windward of her, but was recalled by the Regatta committee and compelled to make new start, while Reliance got safely away. In starting the second time, the Constitution, In an awkward position by the recall forced Columbia to tack almost on the starting line. Columbia immediately hoisted a protekt flag. This was the last race of the Glencove series. The Regatta com mittee reached no decision on the protests. The nature of the injury of the Consti-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
ROWING RACES.
Good Weather When Harlem Regatts Was Held Yesterday at New York.


 New York. May 3O.-Fine weather and good weather prevailed today when the annual rowing races of the Harlem Re- gatta association were held on the Speed way course. Harlem river. All the races were one mile straight-away and several of the events especially the senior doubles, junior doubles and the final heats of the junior eights were fought to ths last stroke. Summaries:
 Junior double sculls won by D. B.. Handley and J. Cochran. New York Ath- letic club. Time 6:o5.
 Association single souls. won by Will liam Varlcy, Atalanta Boat club. New York. Time 7;35.
 Junior pair-oared shells, won by Ata- lanta Boat club Time 6:0o1s.
 Junior quadruple sculls won by Nom pariel Rowing club. Time 5:02
 Senior double sculls. won by Bohemian Boat club. New York. Time 5:S0.
 Intermediate single souls, won by w. B. West. Philadelphia. Time 5:57.
 Intermediate four oared gig, won by Columbia University. New York Time 505
 Naval reserve cutter race, twelve-osred, won by fourth battalion, New York. Time 6:03.
 Senior single shells. won by Frank Vreeley, Bohemian Boat club New York: F. Demorell, Young Mems Gymnastic club. New Orleans, second. Time 5:s2
 Senior four-oared shells, won by Phila- delphia Barge club. Time 5:06.
 Senior eight-oared shells won by Co., lumbia University, New York. Time 4:49iA.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
FLOOD SEVERE IN
 SOUTHEASTERN NEBRASKA.

Lincoln, Neb., May 3O.-Southeasterf Nebraska is experiencing the worst doSd of which there Is any record 2 ne situl- ton last night, which was seri3us. was further aggravated by a heavy downpour of rain and tonight rain Is again falling. Thus far there have been no reports of losses of life, and with the ample warn ing given none is expected, but stock has been drowned, growing fields of grain !n- undated and totally ruined and houses carried away, Railroads are heavy suf- ferers The town of Beatrice Is the worst sufferer and there the situation is alarming. The Blue river, from a stream ordinarily but little over a hundred feet wide, spreads out from one to three miles. Tonight the Burlington and Union Pacific depots at that place are surrounded with water and abandoned. The electric light plant and water works station are shut down.
 Hundreds of families have abandoned their homes and the water is up to the second stories in a number of houses. Conditions are nearly as bad at Crete and Wilber. At Nebraska City road beds are washed away and not train is moving.
 In Lincoln, Salt Creek has made a new high record in the low-lying section, but the rise has been gradual and people have been able to move out and take tAeir stock with them. Eighty Russian fami- lies are tonight housed in the court house
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31

that might break out. The fire chief to- night issued an order to all citizens to take every precaution.
 The board of health tonight issued the following order:
 Don't drink any water unless 1t is boiled, even cistern water Burn up all the refuse matter that lies around"
 The physicians say that the boiling of water is of the utmost importance, as there Is grave danger of a typhoid fever epidemic after the flood subsidies Mayor Bergenthal tonight issued the following {:
 Tt Is of the greatest importance for the people of Topeka to come to the relief of the flood sufferers. Contributions of cloth ing. especially shoes. bedding money, and, in fact, anything, are solicited"
 It was pitiful to note the condition of some of the refugees when they were re- ceived on the Southside. Mothers with little ones held firmly in their arms sobbed with nervous dread while they shook with cold. Most of the women that were brought across could tell a fairly clear story of the trials they had under gone, but good many of them were so nervous that they could not say much of anything.
 When the rainy night closed in. the clouds over North Topeka reflected lights which made 1t look as though bushels of fireworks were burning on the Northside. Had 1t not been for the fact that the wind all day blew steady from the north.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
After Breaking Record He is
 Killed in Race
WILL STINSON INJURED
Bicycle Meet on the Charles River Track at Cambridge Yesterday Re. suits Fatally-Ekes Most Prom
 lnenr Bieycllst in Country.

Cambridge, Mass, May 3O.-Harry D. Bikes of Glens Falls. N. r. after break ing all records up to and including fifteen miles, was killed and Will Stinson, bicy- clist and F. A. Gately, motor steers man. were seriously injured today in an accident in the first lap of the sixteenth mile of motor-paced race at the Initial bicycle meet on the Charles River track.
 The accident was due to the bursting of the rear tire on Bikes wheel at a point where the track bank is at an angle of about B degrees. Bikes tried to stop his machine and in doing so was thrown over the handlebars, turning a complete somer- sault and with his wheel rolled down the steep embankment, directly In front of Stinson's motor, which was manned by Gately.
 The heavy motor struck Bikes, throwing Gately and the machine completely over him, while Stlnson, who was following closely, crashed into the wreck. At the time of the accident Bikes was we'll in tho lead having made new worlds records for the five, ten and fifteen miles. The injured men were picked up and sent to the hospital issk 4ss 'yfa-4 :. < 2 way.
 Principal Attraction.
 The track is five laps to the mile and the principal attraction this afternoon was the 20-mile paced race between Bikes. Stinson, Walthour and Moran. The first three were following single motors and Moran was followed by a tandem. | stinson took the lead At the beginning or the race, with Walthour second and Bikes in third place, Moran being out of 1t from the start. In the fifth mile Stln- sons tire burst Walthour's motor went wrong and Bikes went to the front. His time for the five miles was minutes 21 l-5 seconds, beating the worlds rec old.
 In the seventh mile. stinson broke a l chain of his second machine losing a mile before he could again get Into the race.
 Elkes was we'll in the lead, his time for the ten miles being 12 minutes 30 3-5 sec onds, still well ahead of the worlds rec ord. At 15 miles Bikes time was IS min- utes and seconds. another worlds rec ord.
 Early in the sixteenth mile Bikes rear tire exploded, and the mix-up which cost him his life occurred.
 Sent to Hospital.
 The track attendants rushed to Bikes and found him unconscious with a terri ble gash in his head. Stnson was cut severely about the head and face. while Gately's foot was split open by the mo tor. the big toe of the right foot beina nearly nmputated
 The men were removed from the track and placed in ambulances to be sent to the Cambridge hospital but Bikes died before the vehicle was out of the grounds.
 The race was continued by Walthour and Moran the former winning, compiet- ing the twenty miles in 26 minutes 20 3-a seconds.
 Bikes has been the most prominent bi- cyclist in this country for years. He has raced both in America and abroad. He returned from Europe only few weeks ago and was entered in the circuit races, representing the track at Phila- delphia.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
JEFFoRDs ExoNERATED.
coroner's Jury Says Death of FeeIy
 Was Accidental.

Savannah, Ga, May 30.-The coro- ner's inquest tonight exonerated Jim Jeffords of criminality in connection with the death of George Feely, who was knocked out by Jeffords in box ing contest Thursday night The yer dict of the jury was that the death of Feely was accidental. Jeffords was immediately discharged from custody. The matter, however, may be brought to the attention of the grand jury.
 An autopsy held prior to the inquest showed that Feely was suffering from a chronic ailment, which made him susceptible to sudden shock.
 Feely had a wife in St. Louis, who has been wired. His real name was George Ester.
 Jeffords will remain to see what ac- tion, if any, the grand jury will take.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
FOUR STATES SUFFER ENORMOUS
 LOSSES FROM SWOLLEN WATERS

City, Mo. an aggregaes # 10000 persons have been forced to leave tneir homes and 5000 employees of the numerous packing houses and railroad shops in the bottoms are out of employment
 The situation summarized follows
 Homeless-Kansas: North Topeka, 1000; near Emporia, 500; Salina and vicinity, 800; Lawrence, 800; Kansas City, Armour dale and Argentine, 10000.
 Missouri: Harlem and Sheffield, 700
 Iowa-Des Moines. 5000; Ottumwa, 200
 Nebraska-Lincoln, 2e0; Beatrice, 200
 Financial losses:
 Kansas-North Topeka, SlOoO,oOo; Law renee, $100,0Oo; Concord, S100,000; Salina and vicinity, s15o,O00; Coleman, Chapman. Detroit and Woodbine end intervening counties S4OO,OO0; Des Moines, $500,O00.
 The already flooded condition of central and eastern Kansas, which has been in the grasp of the flood for two days, be- came active last night by a sudden rise in all streams, which were swollen by heavy rains.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
FIFTY SQUARE BLOCKS OF
 HUTCHINSON UNDER WATER

. Hutchinson, Kan, May 30-Hutch-
 . lnson is under water tonight. A
 ' five-foot rise in Cow creek west of
 : here this afternoon broke the levee
 ' above town, letting In a flood of
 : water through the streets. soon
 : the Western Union office was sur . rounded and hundreds of residences
 . were swamped. Every available ' vehicle is being used to move the
 . women and children from the : flooded districts. Water runs . through the main streets three . feet deep and merchants are nov . ing their stocks. There Is a foot of . water in the city hall and the . electric light works will have to . close if the water rises few . inches more, which is likely. Two . buildings. washed into the street, . caught fire and burned in sight of . thousands.
 . Thousands of acres of land in . the valley west of here are flooded. . In Hutchinson fifty square blocks . are covered and boats are the only
 ' means of transportation in some ' parts of the city. Foundations of . buildings on Avenue A are in con ' dition to fall if the flood contin- . ues. More rain is expected
 ' The town of Medora, in Reno . county, is under water and the . people spent last night in the Rock : Island depot. Miles of track on : the Rock Island and the Frisco : roads have been washed out. It Is . still raining. East-bound Rock Isl- ' and trains are stalled here.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
WOMEN STAND WITH
 WATER UP TO NEckS.

Women and children in the west part of North Topeka. where the water is probably deeper than at any other point in the immediate heart of the city, are standing on the highest points in reach and yet in water to their necks. 1t is re- ported by men who have been in sight of the disaster that hundreds there arc suf- fering and sick. The current is so strong that cars are useless, and early in the afternoon gang was being organized to row as far as possible and then to swim the rest of the distance. Several boats and wagons have been overturned by the terrible current, and women have been struggling in the water
 The river reached the Rock Island depot on First street this morning. The water on Crane street is eight feet deep and the current is like a mill race. Perhaps a hundred people have been dumped Into the water at that point The river is twenty-five feet above the low water mark and Is still rising. The weather is cold and the people who have not been rescued are suffering intensely. Unless they have help soon 1t Is feared that many will die of exposure.
 In the B Street Colored Baptist church on the north side, more than 100 victims Of the flood are gathered.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
All the Other Departments Ob-
 served Decoration Day
GOES ON
Leases for Third Class Postoffiees Will Be Looked Into Thoroughly and Will Show Whether Any Favor
 ltism Has Been Praetieed.

Washington. May 3O.-Today was ob- served as holiday in all departments ex- cept the postal inspection service, where pressed vigorously Fourth Assistant Postmaster General Bristow, General Su- perintendent Fosnes of the free delivery service, MT. Bristow's chief assistant in the investigation; Chief Inspector Coch- ran and several of the inspectors. were in conference most of the day over de- tails of the work. The postmaster general was not at the department today. There were no important developments. The policy of the Investigating officials is to proceed conseryatively and to predicate arrests only on what they regard as con- elusive evidence. They say no further ar rests are in immediate contemplation.
 The published suggestion that the de- fense of former Superintendent Machen will be that he was a partner in the firm of Groff Bros, which had the contract for furnishing patent fasteners to the government 1t Is declared, Is without foundation, and the -stasJn.S.6 Is made that this is not the line of MT. Machen' s defense.
 Thorough Investigation. There will be q thorough investigation of the leases of all postofrices through out the country when the investigation of the affairs of the salary and allow anca division is taken up actively. This is the division ot which George T. Beav- CTS of Rrookly!. was the head when he suddenly resigned seyeralsmonths ago.
 Of nnqfoffipas which constitute by far the largest mum Der of the presidential grade. number ap' proximately 3500, and are limited 1T specific terms by law to a maximum oi $400 year, plus $60 year for fuel. There 1 is, however, no limit whatever govern ing the rentals of the first and second class offices, and the amounts the govern ment contracts for rent of such offices are governed by local conditions All proposi- tions for leases are investigated by in- spectors, and by the superintendents of the salary and allowance division. While approved by the first assistant postmas- ter, the leases really are passed on by the head of the salary and allowance di- vision.
 Questions of Favortlsm.
 The purpose of the investigation will be to ascertain whether there has been any favoritsm or collision in arranging leases or excessive rentals paid. There has been a steady increase in postorlce rentals as the postal business has ex- banded, but there is as yet no official in- dication that abnormal rentals have been paid. There are also matters in the sal ary and allowance division which will be investigated
 It Is said that more than one go-be- tween may have figured in the alleged transactions which led to the arrest or MT. Machen, but the Investigating or ncials refuse to divulge any information on this point The inspectors believe they have established the identity of at least one alleged go-between in transactions between Groff Bros. and MT. Machen, and he Is under close surveillance.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
At PhiIadeIphla.

Philadelphia. May 30. Memorial day was attingly observed In this city by the veterans of two wars. There we're appro- priate ceremonies in every cemetery and every G. A. R. post participated in the exercises A novel feature of the days observances was the strewing of flowers upon the Delaware river In memory or the dead naval heroes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
At Galveston.

Galveston, Tex. May 3o.-The Winfield Scott Hancock post. c. A. R. and It's woman's auxiliary corps today appropri- ately observed Memorial day. going in a body to Lake View cemetery where the G.. A. R. ritualistic services were held, and an address appropriate to the occasion was delivered after the graves had been decorated.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31

rT ANsAs CITY. Mo, May 3o.-Unpre-
 K dented floods are raging in central | \ and eastern Kansas, northwestern Missouri, eastern Nebraska and south western Iowa, the result of ten days of almost constant rainfall. The general situation is considered most grave with no relief in sight. Many lives have been lost and 1t Is thought that no less than 5000 persons have been driven from their homes. Many homes were washed away and the property loss will probably reach millions of dollars.
 The greatest damage has been between this city and Ellsworth. Kas., 200 miles west The chief sufferer Is North Topeka, which has been separated from the main part of the city, and has become an island. At Kansas City. Kas., and in the suburban towns of Armourdale and Ar genuine and Sheffield. Mo, near Kansas
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
chattanoona will Be Chosen.

Denver, Col. May 3o.-While no place for the next annual meeting of the Railway Trainmen was announced when the meeting closed here yester- day, 1t is understood that Chattanooga will be chosen.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
PEOPLE STANDING
 UPON CHURCH PEWS.

The water flooded the building and the people are standing upon pews in order to keep their heads above the water. The work of rescuing and caring for the flood survivors is being carried forward sys- tematically. Contributions are being rush. ed to the relief committees. Citizens are opening their homes to survivors and every indication is that the city will be unable to care for those who have left their homes. Every public building in the city is sheltering scores of homeless peo- pie.
 The Rock Island has received report that the river is falling at Manhattan. Offsetting this, comes report that a waterspout has started foot rise down the Blue river.
 Flood conditions are getting worse at Lawrence. Over 300 people in the northern part of town are homeless.
 The large flour mill belonging to Con- gressman J. D. Bowersock was destroyed at loss of s150000. Several miles of rail- road track are washed out. Communica- tion with Salina. which was lost last night. was established for a short time today by way of Denver A dispatch from there says the conditions have im- proved. A big rise in the Smoke Hole river last night caused many more to leave their homes and hundreds are now encamped on the hills east of the town. Most of the business houses are closed.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
Killed By Liuhtnlna.

Nashville. Tenn, May 30.-During a terrific electrical storm which strLc.S this city about o'clocK this afternoon James Sims. a well-known commercial traveller. was struck and killed by lightning.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
DESOLATED
 BY AWFUL FLOOD

Burning Houses Float Through the Streets of North Topeka Setting Fire Others-Thousands of Persons Hudded in Public Buildings and Houses of Worship With the Rising Water Creeping Around Their Necks-Wih Rushing Wa Hemming Them in Mothers Clasp Their Own to Breasts and Leap from Bcrnng Homes into Watery Grave.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31

The rivers along which the main dam- age was done are the Kansas, from its source at Kansas City to Manhattan, Kansas, a distance of 110 miles. and 1t has spread out over miles of land on each side of it's beds; the Smoky Hill river, south from Manhattan a distance of near one hundred miles touching Junction City, Salina and Ellsworth, flooding all these towns and the intervening country; the Blue river north from Manhattan, the Missouri river north and east of Kansas City and the Des Moines river at Des Moines. Railway traffic in Kansas City is practically at a standstill, dozens of big bridges having been washed out between Kansas City and Ellsworth and many miles of track sunk Every western road entering Kansas City is affected. All rivers in this part of the country, the Missouri, Kansas, Smoky Hill, Blue and smaller streams are rising tonight, the Kansas and the Missouri at a rapid rate and 1t is apparent that the destructive floods of 1881 will be exceeded. Addi- tional rains are predicted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
CITY HAS BEEN ON
 ISLAND SINCE TUESDAY.

The city has been on an island since Tuesday No trains have been running there this week. The town is small and the stock of provisions ,s getting very low. People are suffering greatly. Ifc outlook in Council Grove Is appalling. On a smaller scale the situation there is much the same as that of North Topeka. Nine or more people have been burned to death in fire started by slackening lime. Reports received from there late today say there Is no prospect of the water falling for another twenty-four hours.
 All day long the nce.l nf boats was felt The Kansas river ordina lily IS a very shallow stream md there ire na boats of any size obtainable. If a steam launch were at hand many people would be saved who are now facing certain deu th. At the Chicago Lumber company's a-ds A. B. Betts, member of the legislature, had gang of men engaged nearly al, cay in making scows that kept comruni-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
LEADING CITIZENS
 AMONG MISSING.

Chief of Police Golf, Thomas Page and A. C. Holman. all of prominent families of the north side, are among the vic- tims. Mayor Bergundthal was rescued bv pr. l.. L. Powell in a boat after re- maininr on a boat all night.
 Congressman Charles Curtis with his family left the flooded district this morn ng but his aged mother refused to go. ,sying she had seen much worse floods
The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-05-31
REFUGEES TELL OF
 NARROWING SCENES.

Several of the rescued told of witness ing the drowning of persons during the day. The names of the drowned cannot be given tonight, as 1t is impossible to ascertain the correct number of victims. Will Wrightman, one of the boatmen, told of the death of a mother and child which he witnessed and which so affected him that he could not continue his work. His story is as follows:
 T was just returning with a woman and two children from a house near North and Harrison streets. As l was coming back on Van Buren street a woman with a child climbed out onto the porch and attempted to get into the boat. The small boat I had was filled to its capacity and 1t would have been imposs.- ble for me to have done anything If had tried. The woman was swept away In the current before my eyes"
 The insane asylum is very near the river, on the south side, and on account of .he Fapidiy rising water 1t is not im- probable the whole institution will be in- undated. It Is the largest institution in the state and contains about 5000 inmates
 They are safe only so long as the build- ing stands Below the town scores of men are in treetops and yelling for help. Thousands of revolver shots and screams have been heard on the Northside-- sig nals for aid.