davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1905-09-29
SENSATION
IN TAMPA
LEASE OF TAMPA BAY
HOTEL SCANDAL
sunday Globe of That city Prints Inter-
esting Account OF Manner in which
Public Ownership Is Made to Serve
Private Ends to the Injury Of Tax
payers.

According to the reports from Tampa
concerning the lease of the Tampa
Bay Hotel, the action Of the board of
pub lie works of that city seem to have
been to run things with "a high hand
in their own interest.
In the exposition made by the Tampa
Sunday Globe, startling condition of
municipal RIGHTEOUSNESS is shown.
The Globe says:
ION the Goth inst. the Board OF Pub
lie Works met and did some things that
the citizens of this city will never con-
sent to or be satisfied with.
1.-TWO things: The leasing OF the
Tampa Bay Hotel to Messrs. LAUDER,
of St. Louis, and Stovall, of Tampa.
"And why?
Because the terms OF the lease are
unjust to the taxpayers of Tampa and
painfully ridiculous on their face.
Twenty-Five thousand dollars for
five years, the taxpayers to pay for
lighting the hotel.
"There are $500 lights in the hotel.
"Mr. Brown, the late manager of the
hotel, states that his lighting bill ran
from s125 to $175 per week, and that he
watched the lights with a view to econ
omy. Now, take Mr.. Browns minimum
figures. They show $500 per monIh for
lights, or $1,000 per year, or $1,000 for
the life Of the lease-flve years. In a
deal like this there is certainly a lack
of good judgment and common Sc nse.
'But to cap the climax, the board at
the same meeting sells the hotel light,
ing plant to the Tampa Electric Co.
for the paltry sum Of 5000,
1t would make the average man
sick to think OF such deal.
"This plant cost anywhere from $751;
900 to $25, 900, and was recently over
hauled by competent electrical engi-
neer, who says the plant is in good con-
dition, sn1 is worth today from 5000
to $4,000.
at would be not only a serious mis-
take, but dangerous experiment, to
detach this plant form the hotel prop
erty. To do so would throw the
matter OF lighting the hotel entirely
at the mercy OF the Tampa Electric
Co. and the Tampa Gas Co.-one or
both. Neither one Of these lighting
plants have any conscience or soul,
Now, can the taxpayer see an inch
from his nose9 Peter 0. Knight is at
torney for the Tampa Electric Co.,
Tampa Gas Co., Florida Brewing Co.,
the Tribune Publishing Co., the Board
of Public Works, and, we understand
OF W. r. Fuller (& Coz, r. Mugge IL
wholesale liquor dealer, B. M. Bal
bontin is wholesale liquor dealer,
W. R. Fuller is wholesale grocer,
s. ]. Drawdy is a retail grocer, and
the Tampa Electric Co. furnishes
lights and the Tribune publishes that
which is good for the syndicate
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1905-09-29
BUSY MOCATEE
Much Interest I'm the Law and Order
League-Personal Notes.

Nocatee, Sept. H.-Miss Claudia
Carlton left Tuesday to go to DeLand,
where she will enter school.
Miss Kate Green spent Sunday at
her home in Pine Level.
Mrs. Donaldson, Of Arcadia, was in
Nocstse Tuesday.
Mr.. and, Mrs. @. G. Carlton delight
fully entertained their friends with q
social at their home, two miles south
Of town, Monday evening.
Misses Donna and Nuell Collins re-
turned TO Nocatee Wednesday after
a pleasant visit OF several weeks with
their relatives and friends at their
home in Athens, Ala.
Mrs. P. H. Smith returned from
Punta Gords Wednesday accompanied
by her daughter, Miss Murdoch, who
has had an attack Of dengue fever.
Mr.. A. ]. Daugberty and family have
moved out to their new home three
miles west Of Nocatee.
The friends Of Mrs. r. Musselwhite
received with regret the news OF her
death, which occurred in Arcadia on
last Monday. The bereaved family
have our incere sympathy.
Small shipments Of oranges are being
made from here this week.
At the Law and Order League next
Tuesday evening there viii be ques-
ton before the bsuse Resolved,
That the rrogresI Of our country is
due more to the efforts Of it's great
men than lts good women" Everybody
interested IN this kind Of work is cor
daily Invited TO be present. The so
ciety promises TO be success and
every one should avail themselves Of
the opportunity 70 take part.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1905-09-29
Takes Hogs To Tampa.

Tampa Times:-Mr. Abortion, Of
Lily, arrived on the outskirts Of the
city Wednesday morning with a fine
drove OF hogs from DeSoto County.
The hogs to the number Of so are all Of
improved stock and he is rapidly dis
posing OF them in the local market.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1905-09-29
HELP THE ORPHANAGE.
People of Florida Ass~d TO Aid n worthy
Charity.


The first Saturday in October is Or
phanage Day. By this we mean that
we ask the people of Florida, and es-
pecially the Baptists of the State, that
they will put in that day in work and
give the earnings to the orphanage at
Arcadia. This could be made a day
OF great help and blessing to us. Is 1t
true that some will not think enough
of the importance Of the matter to
send us the earnings Of one dayY II
observed by everyone desiring to do
good. that day would bring us humid
reds Of dollars. Two things Eve are
sure OF, one is we need IL; the other
is, you can't invest IN anything better.
Even many Sunday school children
might earn something on that day es-
pecially to send to us to help in this
work, and make the day a joyful one
to themselves because they were help
ing to care for the orphan.
Please remember the first Saturday
in October, and make IL day Of help
and blessing to the Florida Baptist Or
phange. b. M. BEAN,
Arcadia, Fla, Sept. %. supt
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1905-09-29
GARDNER GOSSIP
Our Energetic Reporters Send Interest
ing Letters of Live happenings.

ing Letters OF Live happenings.
Sept. 27.-Little Bailey Albritton,
age IS years, died at the home of his
sister, Mrs ]. T. Harrison, at O. clock
a. m Monday. He leaves many rela-
tives, and host of friends to mourn
his death. His body was carried to
Lily the home of the deceased, for
burial. Sincere sympathy is extende d
to the bereaved parents and loved
ones.
Holl p. Johnson, ntracted to pack
Allen Roberts fruit, will commence
work about the last of this week.
Hutto Durrance passed through
Gardner, enroute to Tampa, where
he expects to take position in express
office.
Miss Jennie Darlton spent Sunday
with relatives in Zolfo, returning Sun
day night.
Bryant McCorquodale failed to make
his Sunday visit at this place
An ice cream supper was given at
the home of Mrs. Dan Cocker, on Satur-
day night, allspresent report a good
time.
Miss Piney Moore Of Brownville,
was mingling with friends in this
place Sunday.
Bryant and Arch Hampton, Thomas
and Harmon Coker and Yves Stevens
have gone out to the lakes, on two
wrecks camp hunt.
II. p. Johnson has recently beauti-
fed his palatial residence by fencing
with wire.
T. @. Boggess, proprietor of the
Gardner House, has enclosed his place
with the Pittsburgh fencing.
Quite a number of Gardnerites an
ticpate a pleasant day at Bowling
Green. They expect to show the peo-
pie OF DeSoto County how to sing, at
the singing convention which is to be
at that place.
Jot Cocker was pleasant caller at
this place Sunday.
We are having extremely hot wealth
er now, but the soil was cooled of by
a pleasant little shower Tuesday.
Detective L. B. Bryant Of the A. G..
L. r. R., was doing bust ness here
last week
Miss Grace Stephens was shaking
hands through the car windows Sum
day afternoon, with her old school
mates the Misses Boggess.
d. L. Cocker, our post master, went
to Tampa last week and brought back
with him beaut ful wife, Mr., Cocker
says that he has got the most beautiful
wife in Florida,
DR.. McSwain came up on 80 o. clock
train Sunday a. m. and assisted DR..
Moore in an operation.
Quite a number are on the sick list
this week. DR.. Moore has had several
calls recently.
Mr.. Durrance was stopping at the
Gardner House Wednesday.
H. P. Johnson has recently sold out
his stables to Mr.. Hampton.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1905-09-29
school Omen. Monday.

The public school will open Monday,
and it is desirable that full attend
snce be present the first day that
the opening be under as favorable
auspi ces as possible.
The De Soto County news. [volume] (Arcadia, Fla.) 1898-1924, 1905-09-29

Gardner, Sept. 2e-Weather is grad
ually turning cooler now.
Ed. Hendry was visiting his sister,
Mrs. T. Fielder, few days last week.
Mrs. A. M. Cocker, of Brownville. was
visiting relatives here last Monday.
Our community was shocked very
much to hear OF the sad death Of Mrs.
B. L. Cline last Thursday. Her body
was brought up from Arcadia and in
tered in the cemetery last Friday.
The young folks was entertained by
an apron party given by Misses Berthe
and Fannie Coker at the home Of their
parents on last Saturday evening,
every one present reported an enjoy
able time.
The Literary Society meets next
Friday night, every body is cordially
invited to attend.
Mrs. Addie McCorquodale made her
sister. OF Arcadia pleasant call last
Tuesday.
There will be given at the school
honse here, a festival for the benefit
OF the church on next Friday night
week or October @; every body is in
vited to attend,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
MUSICAL TREAT IN STORE.
w. w. Lauder. Famous Pianist, Comes
 In April.

W. W. Lauder. who ranks as one of the best pianists in the United States. will appear at Pollock-Stephens April B. 6 and 2, at 3:3O and D. m, in his original and educative talks at the piano. He will be assisted by Herbert Raymond Loder. bar itone John Calman, violin, and Samuel Furman. flute.
 On Wedneday. MT. Lauder will illus trate 'Parsifal." On Thursday afternoon the programme will be made up of Liszt and on Thursday night Beethoven and other classic composers will be heard.
 Friday afternoons programme will open with Bach's c minor, Fugue, and the sec ond number will be Beethovens Apassion- ata Sonata. The Friday night programme will be miscellaneous. A rare musical treat is promised.
 Mir Furman, the futist, Is a young Rus sian who has recently located in Birming- ham. and musicians who have heard him speak of him as a frst-class artist.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
THE LATE J. B. HAsLAM.
Death of a Citizen of Birmingham Under Peculiarly Sad Conditions.

A death of peculiar sadness was that of J. B. Haslam, which occurred suddenly from the rupture of a blood vessel, in Nashville last week.
 The deceased was a citizen of Birming- ham, was educated at Howard college and for some time previous to his death had been connected with the Swartzchild & Sulzberger Packing company here. His health had not been good for some weeks and he had gone out to Texas on vaca- tion. Feeling much improved he started on his return trip and had reached Nash vile. where he was spending few days with relatives when the end came sudden ly. His young wife. the daughter of MT. and Mrs. c. A. Billups of this city received the terrible news that her husband was dead She, her mother and MT. and Mrs. F. M. Mitchell. the latter a cousin of the deceased, hastened to Nashville. The re- mains were inferred in Mount Olivet cem- etery of that city. Mrs. Haslam and her mother returned from their sad mission yesterday.
 "J. B. as he was affectionately called by his friends, was young man of stir ling qualities, and was fast winning his way to success. From early childhood he never knew the love or advice of father, mother. sister or brother, his parents having died in his infancy. But out of his loneliness came the strength of self-reli- ance; he glrded himself for the contest against the odds and fought his battles of life uncomplainingly. His trust in God and love for humanity gave strength and gentleness to his own character, his kind ness, reverence for truth, and honesty, and his unhinching application to duty made him the idol of his trends and won for him the confidence and respect of all who knew hm. He was only 22 years of age when his young life was cut short but he left host of friends who will deplore his death and whose tenderest sympathies will go out to his bereaved widow and their little child.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
MARBLE ALTAR IS
 ABOUT COMPLETED
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH HAS THE HANDSoMEST MARBLE ALTAR IN THE SoUTH-WAS SELECT ED BY MIR. DANGAlx.

The marble altar being erected in St. Paufs church is about completed, with the exception of the predella and the steps, which will be put in place next week.
 This is said to be the handsomest altar in the south. It is constructed of white Italian marble and is ornamented with columns of Mexican onyx. The entire frontage measures seventeen feet and over the tabernacle is tower twenty-five feet high, measuring from the floor of the sanctuary.
 The altar fund was started several years ago by Mrs. Mary A. Marre, who gave $2OOO as in memory of her husband. the late Major Marre. About two years ago the Rev. Father O'Reilly, pastor of St. Paurs commissioned w. J. Dangaix to make contract for a marble altar. MT. Dangaix was familiar with the altars of the famous cathedrals of Europe but be- fore asking Charles E. Hall & Co.,, of East Cambridge Mass, the well known altar builders for designs he examined a humber of marble altars in handsome churches in New York, Boston and other cities. The design of this altar, selected by Mir Dangaix, was approved by Father O'Reilly and the contract with Hall & Co. was signed in the spring of 1903 The figures of the two adoring angels grac- ing the ends of the altar were sculptured in Italy, while the relief sculpture and the other carvings were executed in East Cambridge.
 One of the adoring angels has been placed in position but the other does not match 1t and will have to be returned. The mistake was only discovered a day or two ago when the sculptures were be- ing unpacked. The angels came In separ- ate boxes, and 1t seems that a figure in- tended for another altar was shipped from Italy 1t will be two or three months before the mistake can be rectified.
 Hall & Co. receive about s5000 for their work and this Is exclusive of the brick foundation which cost several hundred. MT. Dangaix says that the altar could not be duplicated for s75Oo. In a general way it resembles the magnificent altar in the Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Brooklyn. Mir Dangaix is being highly complimented on the taste he displayed in selecting this altar and for the favorable contract he had executed.
 The new altar will first be used for the celebration of mass on Easter Sunday
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
COUNTY JAIL CAT SERVES
 AS THE WARDEN'S ESCORT

i then the Warden goes around another ce- ment lined corridor and looks into the bath rooms-piaees where many an un- fortunate condemned to die has made his last visit before execution.
 The warden sees that all is well in the basement and then for an inspec- ton of the jail for white men. The cat is stin with him and the Warden sees that everything is quiet. He ex- amines the locks and clang! clangl go the steel doors to the outer cells. Tom k accustomed to this and calmly waits for his master to continue his hourly journey. Next to the jail for negro men. It does not take long to inspect this part of the bastile.
 Then for a trip to the jail yard. The Warden and the cat pass down the wooden steps leading into the main jail and walk quietly through the court way They are soon right at the steel gallows which. although only six months old, has sent three men, one white and two negroes, to eternity.
 cruesome Steel Gallows.
 
 instrument of death open, and there is the trigger, which the law requires the sheriff to pull The Warden walks around the gallows and turns to his right Sometimes his cat will stop a second or two, but not long. The War den perhaps three or four times while on his rounds will gaze up to the win dew at the rear of the Jail for white men, and observe the place where Frank Duncan sawed his way to freedom sev- e1al years ago, only to be re-captured and executed over two years later. An iron gate Is unlocked and the Warden turns to his right e~ain and goes soutE- ward through the narrow corridor be- tween the negro jail and the high brick wall. That is one part of the journey the cat evidently does not like, but still he is faithful
 The next place visited is the old coun- ty jail. A flight of wooden stairs is lead to the second floor from the rear. A wooden door is unlocked and the War den and Tom walk into a little corridor Another door is unlocked and they pass Into the hospital. Here the Warden asks if all are we'll. He then passes to the other side and enters the ward for ne gro women. An inspection is made and the round is completed.
 The Warden leaves the old jail, goes to his post of duty on the inside of the main jail. just at the office, and with Tom in his lap waits for another hour to roll around to make another journey.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
VANDERBILT TEAM
 TO PLAY ALABAMA
THREE GAMES NEXT WEEK IN TUSCALOOSA BETWEEN THESE COLLEGE TEAMs-"vANDY" IS VERY STRONG.

The Vanderbilt baseball team will pass through Birmingham Thursday morning en route to Tuscaloosa. where they will rlay the University of Alabama a series of three games on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
 Vanderbilt has for the past several years held the championship of the south Tn all the branches of athletles-fuotbala. baseball, basketball and track Last year the baseball team did not lose a single series of games; the basketball team elinched the championship in that branch. and the football team did not have a single touchdown scored against 1t, de- feating Sewanee in the annual Thanksgiv- ing contest by the overwhelming score of 26 to 0.
 Absolute purity in athletics Is one of the many things which has hastened the remarkable growth of the university in sports.
 The baseball team will be accompanied as far as Birmingham by the Vanderbilt Glee club, which will give a performance at the Jefferson theatre Thursday night under the direction of Charles c. Wash burn, joining the baseball team again in Tuscaloosa on the next day for their concert there that night
 It is much regretted in sporting circles that Vanderbilt did not put q basket ball team in play this year, but by req son of the great increase in students the gymnasium instructor could spare neither the time nor the floor space of the gym nasium for practice. In consequence no "'Varsity,' basketball team represents Vanderbilt this year.
 The result of the games between Van derbilt and the University of Alabama will be watched with great interest by many alumni of both in this city.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
PREPARING AGREEMENT.
City Attorney Arranging Southeastern
 Tariff Association Papers.

City Attorney Edward D. Smith is now preparing an agreement to be entered in- to between the mayor and aldermen of Birmingham and the Southeastern Tariff association, with reference to rerating Birmingham provided the fire department Is increased.
 The City Attorney has the agreement entered into between the committees from the Board of Trade and the South eastern Tariff association with reference to this matter, and other data. The papers will be completed within a few days and will probably be referred to the City Council for the approval of that body at its regular meeting on the first Wednesday night in April.
 Copies will then be sent to the Tariff association in Atlanta Tor signatures. The Improvements to the fire depart ment, which include two new fire sta tions, one near Behren's park, in the Ninth ward, and the other near Lake View in the Sixth ward, will probably be made during the early part of the summer.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

require that MT. Evans thoroughly patro, the jail and the yards every hour during the night In making his rounds Tom is constantly at his side
 First down in the basement of the main jail, through the corridors leading to the ward where some of the negro women prisoners sleep during the winter goes Warden Evans with Tom at his heels.
 Where Bad Men Stay.
 Then to the damp and desolate I'd jg house." where prisoners who are unruly are sent. This room is without any fix lures and the real bad prisoner IS kept there until he repents and says he will be good and cause no further dis turbance-sometimes it is hours, too. One peep into this chamber is enough, and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
PLUMBING LAWS.
City Engineer and City Attorney Re
 vising the Present Ordinance.

City Engineer Julian Kendrick and City Attorney Edward D. Smith are en- gagged in revising the plumbing inspec- tion laws of the city of Birmingham. at a recent meeting of the City Council committee of two was appointed to revise the present laws in lieu of adopt ing the Barbour plumbing inspection or dinance.
 Many changes and additions will be made to the present plumbing laws. and it is expected that the revised ordinance will meet with the approval of the ju- dietary committee. to whom 1t will be referred for approval. It will probably have easy sailing through the City Coun- cil
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN WOMAN.
Resolutions on the Death of Mrs. Clara
 McChesney Berry.

A, meeting of the Foreign Missionary society of the South Highland Presby- terian church, held on the 7th day of 1larch 1905, the following resolutions we're adopted
 Whereas it has pleased God to remove from our midst Mrs. Clara McChesney Berry, loyal and faithful member and a former president of this society Resolved, that in her death this so- ciety and this church has lost an active and earnest worker in behalf of missions, and a faithful and loyal member. Resolved, that we unite with all those who appreciated her worth, in expressions of our sorrow; and tender our sympathy to the loved ones left behind. Resolved that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this society, and that a copy be sent to the bereaved children.
 MRS. R. D. JOHNSTON,
 MRS. SANFORD,
 MRS. c. l. MUSIIAT.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
k!!gIE|!!ZI!l M Cheap Rates To California.

Colonist tickets to California and intermediate points will be sold daily via the L. X N, until May 18th, at rate of S34.5o. sfst4
 COLoNIST TICKETS TO THE NORTHWEST will also be sold daily until May 18th at very low rates.
 ROUND TRIP HOMESEEKERS TICKETS to the west and northwest will be sold via the L.. & N. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at extremely low rates.
 For further information and rates, apply or write to
 P. Sid Jones. District Passenger Agent.
 K. G. Peirce, Travelling Passenger Agt.
 C. R. Feeley. City Passenger Agent Both phones s25 Birmingham. Ala
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

THIs is the story of cat. a rather
 extraordinary cat, however. and it
 is a feline that the night officials at the Jefferson county jail are proud of. The name of the cat Is Tom-just plain Tom-not as uncommon name for cat, either.
 Tom was carried to the county jail when he was quite a little kitten, and he has been within the high brick prison walls since that time He however appears to be perfectly satisfied with life.
 Like all other cats. Tom sleeps all day. but he apparently knows quite well when 1t Is time for Assistant Night Warden Evans to go on watch. The cat is on the lookout, and when MT. Evans turns the lock to the inside corridor Tom greets him.
 Tom is the night companion of Warden Evans. The regulations of the sheriff
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
1T WAS PROBABLY
 A CASE OF ARSON
]. c. RIVERS BARN WAS BURNED. NEGRO ON BEING REFUSED SALE OF SODA WATER MUM BLEED THREATS.

A small barn belong to J. C. Rivers at the corner of Seventh avenue and Four teenth street was burned between Il and F o'clock last night. A small cottage adjoining belonging to Jonas Schwab, caught from the burning barn and was damaged to the extent of $75 or $lOO.
 Just before the fire was discovered a negro entered MT. Rivers store and asked for a bottle of soda water or some thing of that sort, but was refused. He left the store mumbing threats. The origin of the fire is unknown, but 1t is believed to be incendiary