davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
ACCIDENT To ENGINEER
STAFFORD BRINGS DEATH
Los Angeles Official, Overcome By
Gas Through Exploding Of
Heater, Passes Away

Los ANGELES, Aug. s.-City Engi-
neer Harry Stafford died tonight from
the effects of inhalng Illuminating gas
following the explosion in his bathroom
of an instantaneous water-heater yes
terday morning. From the time he
was found unconscious on the floor by
neighbors there was little hopes Of saw
ing him.
All day the doctors administered oxy-
gen but the patient failed 10 recover
consciousness. Mr.. Stafford's family
was at Santa Catalina and he was
alone in his house. He had made an
engagement to take breakfast with a
neighbor yesterday. but did not appear.
He did not reach his Office and when his
neighbors learned this a search for him
was made His residence was entered
forcibly and Stafford was found uncon-
scious on the floor of his bathroom, the
gas escaping from the instantaneous
heater.
Investigation showed that the con-
trivance had exploded, 1t is believed
the explosion stunned him and while he
was unconscious the gas overcame him.
A launch was sent to Avalon for his
wife, who returned shortly before the
end came.
Mr.. Stafford was for years one of the
most prominent engineers in Southern
California. He was serving his second
term as City Engineer.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
NEWS S1$zzs THE BA Y Y'SS Sssszs sr> COUNTIES
JOURN ALIST WEBS
A BELLE OF
OAKLAND.

OAKLAND, Aug. 3.-Fred Goodsell. a
newspaper man of this city. and Miss
Harriet Viers were married this even
ing at Berkeley. The marriage was
followed by the departure of Mr.. and
Mrs. Goodsell for San Bernardino,
where. at the home Of the groom's
parents, a family reunion in honor of
the event will take place. In two
weeks the young couple will return to
Oakland.
After years absence, Mrs. S. A.
Dyer and her daughter have returned
to Alameda.
Miss Eugenia A. Norton. a belle of
mer accomplished musicians and club
women, is visiting in the college town.
Miss Mary McClees was hostess this
afternoon at an informal garden party
at her home in Adams street. Among
the guests were Miss Mary Peck, who
has returned frein China 10 complete
Henry A. Mowbray, Mrs. Russell, Miss
Alice Flint, Miss McKurtz and Mrs.
Hiram Jones.
Mrs, John Clay Hampton. who is the
guest of her sister. Mrs William Gar
diner Cooke, was entertained this
week by Miss Lillian Downey.
Mr.. and Mrs. George D. Prentic.
gave a hay ride to Wild Cat Canyoa
this week, which was enjoyed by a
merry party of young folks.
Mrs. Harry Knowles has gone to
Catalina for several weeks.
Miss Eva Yorker has returned from
Tahoe.
Miss Gertrude Chapel gave hand
kerchief shower" recently in honor
of Miss Elizabeth Ledgett. whose en-
gagement to John Norton Eshelman
has been announced. Among the
guests were Mrs. Letitia Wiener. Mrs.
N. r. Crawford. Miss Amalia Wiener.
Miss Elizabeth Stokes, Mrs. E. a.
Chapel, Miss Ardella Jackson, Miss
May Jackson. Miss Flora Yates. Miss
Alice Prole, Mrs. r. D. Ledgett, Miss
Anna Yates and Presley Jackson.
Miss Flora MacDermott gave a din
nsr this evening at the MacDcrmott
residence, Eighth and Center streets,
in honor of Miss Gertrude Gould,
whose engagement to DR.. Frederic
O'Connor has been announced.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
Yield Of Grain 4. Large.

MARTINEZ, Aug s--Harvesting In
the northern portion Of Solano County
is almost completed and the yield OF
both wheat apd barley has been far be-
yond the farmers hopes. The barley
crop has, in many sections. been more
than thirty sacks to the acre. while a
few places have avera ged thirty five
sacks for enteire field. which is con-
sidered remarkable for winter-sown
grain. Wheat is also of a good quality
and has yielded well. In many places
averaging twenty or more sacks an
acre Alfalfa growers are also reap
ing rich harvest. the third crop now
being taken of with an average OF
about three tons an acre. 1t is selling
for So an acre in the field.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
SCORCHING CHAUFFEUR
RUNS OVER A CHINESE
Leaves His Victim, Who Is Picked Up
an Hour Later in an Unconscious
Condition.

OAKLAND. Aug. S.-One victim of
an automobile and two Of street car
accidents are being treated at the Re
ceiVing Hospital The victim Of the
automobile accident is Wong Tong, a
Chinese laundryman. who was run
down by a scOrching chauffeur at
Forty-ffth street and Shattuck ave-
nue. and left unconscious on the pave
msnt. He was found an hour later by
Walter Heyneman, who was passing
IN his automobile, and taken to the
Receiving Hospital, where serious In
juries TO his head were treated by Drs.
Hamlin and Reinle.
Walter Burns, a colOred porter who
lives at 145 Pine street, was one Of the
street car victims. He was alighting
from a Washington-street car, be-
tween Eighth and Ninth streets, when
he was struck by car going in an
opposite direction. Lacerations Of the
scalp were treated by DR.. E. J. Rice
at the hospital.
The other victim was Dan Lyons.
He was riding on Twelfth street car
and ouarreled with a stranger, who
struck him on the jaw and knocked
him from the car.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
DEMURRER TO THE FOURTH
CONTEST OF WILL SUSTAINED
Aged Robert COuIson of Oakland Is
Again Denied Any Part of
Late Wife's Estate.

OAKLAND, Aug 3-Unless aged
Robert Coulson should obtain a rever-
sal in higher court he viii enjoy no
part Of the estate Of his late wife,
for Judge Melvin today sustained q
demurrer 10 Couison's fourth contest
OF his wife's viii. The decision also
denies Coulson leave TO again amend
the complaint.
Mrs. COulson, an elderly woman. died
January 20, 1905. leaving her $4,000 es-
tate TO two sisters and nephews and
nieces. She disinherited her husband,
she said. because he had not treated
her properly. When the will was fled
for probate Coulson began his contest,
alleging several technicalities, and that
his wife had not been of sound mind
and was under the undue influence of
her sisters and the other benefciaries.
He declared that while his wife was
mind, she was affectionate toward
him and spoke OF her affection 10
others. declaring that she would leave
provided for in his old age. He is now
81 years old.
Judge Melvin this morning decided
that the Coulsons contest was FAULTY
and had no standing in court.
The devisees OF the will are Mrs
s. J. Jackson. aged IS years, and Mrs
Sophronia Bates, aged 20, and thirteen
nephews and nieces.
The estate consists of four lots in
San Francisco, valued at $4,000; one lot
in Alameda, valued at $500, and per-
sonal property valued al about $500.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
ASSERTS LUMBER DEALERS
HAVE BLACKLISTED HIM
Grocer c. Helmke Says He VIII Hale
Combine Before the Grand
Jury.

OAKLAND, Aug. because he
would not agree to purchase all his
lumber from members of the Lumber
Dealers Association of Alameda Coun-
ty, so alleges C. Helmke, former gro
Ger of this city, who is building a row
OF six fats at the corner of Twentieth
and Franklin streets, the members of
the association have blacklisted him
and made it impossible for him to pur
chase the material necessary to COM
piete his buildings. Helmke declares
that 1t is his intention to bring the
matter to the attention of the Grand
Jury.
c. Fl. Olinger, manager of the Sunset
Lumber Company. says the talk of a
combine and blacklist against Helmke
is ridiculous and without foundation,
but George H. Payne, manager of the
Derby Lumber Company, acknowledged
that there had been discrimination on
the part of lumber dealers against
Helmke, caused by the fact that the lat
ter had only purchased material on
which there is little or no profit from
the local dealers. Mr.. Payne said that
such customers were discouraged. as
the members of the association wish to
keep business in this city.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
MYSTERIOUS PAIR
GIVEN BR|bES.
Collect 7 ribute From the
Chinese of Oakland,
Promising Protection
INQUIRY ON FOOT

OAKLAND, Aug. 3.-Ohicials of the
Oakland Police Department are en-
deavoring to locate two mysterious men
who are declared by some of the Chi
nese whose places Were raided on Tues
day night by the police to have been
taking bribe money, promising the Chi
nese gamblers immunity from inter-
ference by the authorities At police
headquarters 1t is believed that the
men in question, while wearing stars,
are not regular members of the Police
Department, but are outsiders.
Lucy Quong, whose place at IA Ming
alley was among those raided by the
police, has since declared that he paid
SIS to the two men whom the police
are now trying to locate, on the prom
Use that two fantah tables would be
allowed to operate without interfer-
ence. Quong declares that he paid the
money to the men with the understand
ing that it was to be paid to a su-
perior officer, who would guarantee po-
lice protection.
1t is believed that the men who re-
ceived the money are either fake" Off
GERS, or else that some one with au-
thority to wear a star has been graft
ing in Oakland's new Chinatown. 1t is
whispered that a clew has already been
secured as to the identity of the men
who received the money paid.
Lucy Quong was one OF the first to
seek police protection when the Chi
nese gamblers began operations in Oak
land, and it is known that he several
times approached officers OF the China
town squad with offers OF money IL
they would agree not to molest the
game in his place. An effort was made
TO catch him in the trap set for Chin
Gin and Jew Sam Kee, but at the last
moment he informed the officers that
he had fixed it." and after that ap-
peared to be satisfied that his game
would not be interfered with.
Sergeant of Police Charles H. Book
yesterday swore to two complaints
charging Chin Gin with bribery, and
Patrelmen McCready and Keefe each
swore to a similar complaint against
Jew Sam Kee. The warrants were
placed in the hands of Captain of Po-
lice Petersen, who Immediately served
them on the accused Cinnamon, and
the latter were formally booked on the
prison register.
Preliminary examinations of the two
Cinnamon charged with bribery have
been set for August Q, 10. 1S and ID.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
CLAIM Professors
BROKE COMPACT.
Stanford Strikers Assert
Engineers Guaranteed
to Unionize the Job
MEN LEAVE TOWN
spFCIAL nISPArcH 10 zee ~.

SPECIAL DISPATCH TO THE CALL
STANFORD UNIVERSITY. Aug. 81
Matters were quiet today at the ofhce
of the engineering commission. and
the chance of a settlement with the
union men. who have quit work on the
college buildings, seems as far distant
as ever. The men are leaving the town
on every train and despair of speedy
conclusion of the difficulty. Representa-
tives of various unions have declared
that the professors making up the COM
mission went back upon an agreement
made some days ago. They claim that
one week before the actual rupture oc-
CURED they petitioned the commission
ers to remove the nOn-Union mechanics
or induce them to join the unions.
The commission. it is claimed. cOnsid-
cred the matter and offered 20 unionize
the job il the men would guarantee to
supply twenty five carpenters at once
The strikers assert this stipulation
was agreed upon and that they re-
turned to work They found. however.
that the nine carpenters had not Joined
the union at the end OF the week and
then withdrew
The professors deny that any such
agreement was made and await set
tlement through the headquarters OF
the Building Trades Council.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
NEW TOWN TO HAVE NAME
OF BANKS AND BRAEsS
Tract of Land Purchased Near. PaIO
Alto to be Made Into
Village.

PALO. ALTO Aug. s.-"Banks and
Braes." a picturesque tract Of land sit
uated between Palo Alto and Mountain
View. 100 acres in area. has been pur-
chased by the Interurban Electric Rail-
way Company from Mrs. s. l. Wiuches-
ter. This land is to be used by the
company as townsite. the village to
be known by the name Of the tract
The property extends TO the foothills
fronting on Edith avenue. Grade stakes
have been set and the work OF grading
will be begun soon.
Residents in the new villa will be
In the midst OF the fine country homes
of wealthy San Franciscans. In the
vicinity are the residences of John l.
Sabln, Henry c. Callahan, A. z. Eitel.
Professor o. p. Jenkins OF Stanford
University, j. T. O'Keefe of San Jose.
ex-senator Williams. j. S. Lakin and
Marshall Black of PalO Alto.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
PLACARDS AT SUEz TELL
OF CALIFORNIA DISASTER
Professor Newcomer of Stanford First
Hears of Earthquake While Pass
ing Through Canal.

STANFORD UNIVERSITY, Aug. s.
Professor A. q. Newcomer of the de-
partment of English at Stanford Uni
versity yesterday returned from a tour
around the world. Professor Newcom-
er's stay at foreign ports was cut short
by the news of the disaster in Califor-
MIA. The first information of the dis
aster was received when Or. Newcomer
was passing through the Suez canal.
The paper from which the information
was received was one printed In Egypt.
and the translation OF the tidings kept
all aboard the steamship in suspense
for some time. Placards were seen
everywhere about the town OF Suez
with the inscription: San Francisco
wiped out; 100000 people homeless"
DR.. Newcomer was in Naples at the
time of the eruption OF Vesuvius. In
Japan the former students of the pro-
fessor entertained him.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
REDWOOD CITY FACTORY
REDUCES WORKING HOURS
Frank Company Cuts Time Half Hour
Without Changing Wages of
EmplOyea

REDWOOD CITY, Aug. 3.-The two
hundred employees of the S. II. Frank
Tanning Company of this town were
unexpectedly informed last night of a
cut of half an hour in the regular
working day without change in pay
This action come to the men as COM
plete surprise. The time will be added
to the noon recess and will reduce the
day from nine hours and thirty minutes
to an even nine hours. Men are be-
coming extremely scarce at the present
time and IL is believed that it is with
the idea of securing permanent help
that the concern has made the redue-
tion.
The tanning people operate one of
the largest plants in this part of the
State. AT present they are installing
an entirely new power system. The
Parker Construction Company of Pnila-
6elphia has the construction of a large
earthquake proof steel stack under
way and also the placing OF a large
pipe boiler of 800 horsepower.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
HUSBANDS NIGHTLY
LEAVE HOME.
OaklandWivesComplain
of SpouSes' Absence
From Dark to Dawn
GIVEN DIVORCES

OAKLAND, Aug. 8. Wellington
Browns persistence in staying away
from home at night and his refusal TO
tell his wife where he had been took
him into the divorce court. and today
Judge Waste granted an interlocutory
decree TO the wife, Mrs. Emma o.
Brown.
Il was set forth in the complaint
that Brown always left his home after
the evening meal and would not return
until the next morning. but he was
always sure TO be on hand for break
fast at o'clock How ne passed the
night he refused to tell, and this caused
the wife anguish and humiliation, par
ticularly as she was compelled to take
in lodgers 10 support herself and hus-
band, and these dodgers gossiped about
the conduct OF her husband. The
Browns were married fourteen years
ago in Madison. Wis.
Mrs. Annie Rae is another wife who
complains OF the frequent absence Of
her husband, and 10 her was given an
absolute divorce by Judge Waste. She
SAYS her husband. Frederick Rae, whom
she married at Hyde. England, six years
ago, got drunk and lost his positions
and stayed away from home until
o clock In the morning Like Brown.
Rae was always on hand for breakfast.
Mrs. Rae says her husband on one
occasion threatened TO knock her
head" of and on another shoot her.
Mrs. Edith NJ Mclaughlin, daughter
OF A. C. Henry. banker and former
Mayor Of Oakland, today obtained a
fnal decree of divorce from her hus-
band. Frank ". Mclaughlin, on the
ground OF desertion. The decree was
signed by Judge Waste.
The McLaughlins were married in
Oakland in June. 1901. and two years
later. il is alleged. Mclaughlin, who is
& sea captain, declared he would pro-
vide for his wife no longer. In De-
cember Of 1903 he sailed from Oakland
harbor and has not returned, although
he occasionally answered his wife's
letters. There are no children and no
community property.
Mrs. Hattie Stanley today began suit
for divorce from John Stanley for de-
sertion and failure 70 provide. They
were married In Canada in 1882 and
have four children ranging in age
from 10 20 20 years.
An interlocutory decree OF divorce
has been granted to Edna B. Myall
from E T. Myall, on the ground Of de-
sertion. by Judge Ellsworth, who also
granted an interlocutory decree to Ed
ward Q. Hahn from Maud Hahn on the
same ground
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
Mute,s Appeal Wins.

OAKLAND, Aug. 3.-When the case
of Fred M Cliff. deaf mute who was
charged with drunkenness. was called
in Department of the Police Court,
the accused, who had evidently pre-
pared his defense in advance. handed
the following note to Police Judge
Samuels:s
II am a perfect stranger in this city.
l am at your lordship's mercy. I am
truly sorry, indeed. 1t is my first Of
fense in all my life. I have been in
the cells two nights and one day.
will promise that it will not occur
again. Please forgive. l lost s25."
After reading the note Judge Sam
uels ordered that judgment in the case
be suspended.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
DESPONDENT MAN ENDS HIS
LIFE IN BROTHERS PARLOR
Matt Kerr Shoots Himself After Brush
ing Aside Girl Who Tries to
StOu Him.

ALAMEDA, Aug. 3.-Brooding over
the death of his wife which occurred
In San Francisco four weeks ago and
despondent also because of the loss of
his right arm, which had been am
putated two years ago, Matt Kerr
committed suicide this afternoon by
shooting himself in the head. He
ended his life in the parlor of the
home of his brother, ]. Kerr, of 1924
Eagle avenue, where he had been
living for two weeks.
Kerr discharged two shots at HIM
self, missing with the first While in
the act of preparing to fire the second
bullet Kerr was interrupted by Lucy
Nelson, fourteen-year- r-old girl living
with the family of J. Kerr The des-
perate man brushed the girl aside as
she tried to take the weapon
from him. He then killed him
self with the second shot. Kerr was
q native OF New York, AZ years of age.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
OYSTER YIELDS GEM OF
PUREST RAY, BUT IT'S GONE
Sailor Finds 1t and Causes Arrest of
the Man He Believes
Took 1t.

VALLEJO, Aug. SC. A. Weber, a
refugee from San Francisco, who states
that he was formerly q trusted en-
ploye of Weinstock & Lubin, and who
is at present staying at the Archibald,
the best private hotel in Vallejo, with
his mother, was taken into custody
early this morning upon the charge of
a sailor from Mare Island, who gave
his name as Smith.
While eating oysters in local res
taurant last evening Smith found a
pearl that was appraised at $3.50.
Later, while intoxicated, he lost the
pearl and then accused Weber of TAX
ing the gem. Weber was arrested but
was later released by Chief of Police
Stanford, who was displeased with the
action of the arresting officer. The
pearl has not been found.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
GOES TO WELLESLEY.

BERKELEY, Aug. 3.--Dr. Alice Rob-
ertson, one of the few women connect
ed with the faculty of the State Uni
versity, has accepted a call to place
in Wellesley College, where she will
give instruction in zoology as she has
dcne here. She has been an assistant
to Professor Ritter for three years Tho
life of so-called plant animals has been
hei peculiar subject of study, and she
is the author of a university bulletin
OH the subject. She graduated from
the university in 1903. and took her
doctors degree of philosophy in the
same year
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
PALO ALTO WILL HAVE
STORM SEWER SYSTEM
Engineer Byxbee Engaged In Providing
for Waste Water which Aeeum-
uIafes In Business Section

PALO ALTO. Aug. S.-City Engineer
Byxbee of Palo Alto is rushing the
work on the new storm sewer system
which will drain the business district
of the town in the winter. This system
has it's outlet In the san Franclsquito
creek.
The water will be conveyed from
the center of the town by the regular
cutters and will be carried away In the
sewers when IT reaches the natural de-
preston at the corner OF Waverly
street and University avenue. The new
drainage system is free from the sewers
which empty into the bay and will be
a decided Improvement for the town.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
KNIFE USED IN QUARREL
OF RAILROAD EMPLOYEES
Foreman PIunges Blade Into Adver-
sary's Back in Oakland Yards
and Escapes.

OAKLAND, Aug. 3.-As the result
of quarrel at the Peralta street yards
of the Southern Pacific Company this
afternoon A L. Yount, a foreman in
the yards, plunged a pocket knife into
the back of Harry Buxton, another
railroad man, who resides at 1851
Eleventh street. Yount also slashed
Buxton across the left hand, severing
one of the latter's fingers. Buxton's
wounds were dressed at the Receiving
Hospital
The police were notified of the cut
ting affray, but before an officer could
reach the scene Yount had escaped.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
PERSONAL.

OAKLAND. Aug. s.-Frederick Whit
ney, general freight and passenger
manager of the Petaluma and Santa
Rosa Railroad. is registered at the
Crellin.
w. f. Collins of New York is at the
Touraine
A. c. Hilton and wife are at the
Crellin.
]. G, Glemenson and wife of Phila-
delphia are at the Touraine.
w. S. Williams of Goldfield, New, is
at the Crellin.
George V. Stoddard and his wife and
child OF Chicago are at the Athens.
Frederick Smith of Manila is at the
Crellin.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
PUbL|CANS MEET
IN PALO ALTO.
Club Organized and Men
Put Forward to Run
at Primary Election
TENTATIVE PLANS
SPECIAL DISPATCH TO THE CALL.

- LC4Ah -A4S-l III Oal-L-
PALo ALTO. Aug. "a new Repub-
lican club was organized here last
night Judge S. W. Charles acted as
temporary chairman and w. B. Allen
as secretary treasurer. A committee of
six was named to prepare a ticket of
prospective delegates for the primaries.
This committee consisted of P. Oakford.
Marshall Black. w. F, Hyde, F. B.
simpson. John D. Boyd, +. l.. Crandall
and s. W. Charles.
The ticket that this body brought
before the meeting was made up as fol-
lows: Delegates to the State Conven-
ton, Marshall Black and W. F. Hyde:
delegates to the Congressional ConYen-
tion, John p. Boyd and Dr. John c.
Spencer.
The delegates to the County Conven-
tion are: Precinct w. D. Cashel. w.
B. Allen, Professor H. w. Rolfe, B. P.
Pakford. A. N. Umphreys; Precinct q
F. A Marriott, F. B. Simpson, DR.. c. W.
Decker e. f. Peck and Professor r. E.
Swain
This ticket is tentative and will be
subject TO change at the gathering set
for Monday evening. August Z.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
NAPA'S DISTRICT ATTORNEY
SEEKS DARING MOTORIST
Breaks Ordinance Prohibiting Use of
Machines on County Roads
In DAYTIME.

NAPA, Aug. 3.-District Attorney
Raymond Benjamin filed a complaint
today in Justice Palmers court charg-
ing one John Doe with violating the
county ordinance which prohibits tho
use of certain mountain roads in Napa
County in the daytime by automobiles.
A machine passed over the Chiles VAL
ley road last Friday and the District
Attorney believes the owner of the car
is a San Franciscan by the name of
Marsh.
The Automobile Club of San Fran
cisco, which is opposed to the county
ordinances, has recently sent different
machines to Napa for the purpose of
inviting arrest and testing the va
lidity of the ordinances.
The San Francisco call., 1906-08-04
NEW METHODIST CHURCH
Is SOLEMNLY DEDICATED
Pretty Little House OF Worship In
south San Francisco Now Ready
for Services.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO. Aug a.
The dedication of the new Methodist
Episcopal Church took place recently.
The ceremonies were conducted by Rev.
Mr.. Mathew, elder OF this district. The
new building cost IN the neighborhood
of $500 and il all promises are full
filled the ediies will be paid for within
the next two months. Through the
efforts OF Charles Coombes the church
owns a handsome organ. Mrs. Craw-
ford received many thanks for the
great interest she has shown in OBJ
tanning furnishings.