davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

That's all I've got to say" interrupted
Jack. "Just keep me in sight, Charlie. and
you will see something to surprise Wow!
help! mur-"
Suddenly, without an instant's warming, the
glistening, halfnaked figure of a negro shot
through the starboard pivot port and fell al
most at Jacks feet. The effect upon the boy
sad end stRga BE imagined He gave vent to howl
Then, scramblng erect, he flew aft as IT a
whole legion of imps were after him. With
each stride he emitted yell. and, still Shrek
ing, he pumped into the arms Of the marine
sentry on the cabin door.
He ceased running only because he literally
could not go any further Pallid from fright
and shaking in every Limb, he crouched behind
the marines protecting body and peered for
GERS, and men, fairly shouting with laughter.
And standing on the bridge with the captain
and navigator was the apparition, still glisten-
ing, still half-naked, but calmly handing to
the skipper paper he had taken from a wa
ter,tight tin cylinder fastened about his neck.
The corporal on dity, in obedience to a
command from the Z ptain, escorted the be-
wiidered apprentice t. the bridge Poor Jack
groups Of grinnng shipmates, and his head
hung from very shame as he was led up the
ladder into the august presence Of the COM
manding officer.
"Now, my lad" said the latter severely. "I
want to explain very simple phenomenon to
you, and to point out how silly it is to become
frightened at trifes. This man here is not a
ghost, neither is he a sea-serpent. He did not
come on board to devour apprentice boys, nor
to scare people He is worthy citizen of
Liberia, the chief or leader Of gang of
Kroomen who make living by working on
board warships visiting the coast. There is
some competition in the business, and the
chiefs have to meet the incoming vessels out
to sea. This gentleman, whose name is Yellow
Bill, espied us from afar and he came out in
his canoe. His method of boarding a ship
through an open port is questionable, but
that is his business. Now you will see that
your fears were groundless, and / hope you
will appreciate the fact that you have made
an unsavory reputation for yourself today
II is unpleasant to be considered a coward.
That will do You can 90"
"Pn get square with all of them; see if
dont!" exclaimed the excited lad. "IIl show
them they can't make fool Of me. And, as
for that black fellow-Yelow Bill, the skipper
called him--Pll even up. accounts with him be
| fore he leaves the ship"
"He wasn't 10 blame, Jack" protested Char
lie. He didn't mean to scare you"
"What business had he in coming in the
port in that manner? Why didn't he board
us by way Of the sea ladder like a-a-Chris-
tianf Don't talk to me. | won't be made
Laughing stock for nothing"
The ship rode at anchor off the port of Mon
rovia. Liberia, for two weeks, during which
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

time Yellow Bill and his gang of Kroo boys
did all the necessary outside work. The heat
Of the tropical sun, which at that season OF
the year was almost unbearable, rendered it
perilous to an unacclimated white man to ven
ture from under the double awnings.
On the fourteenth day after our arrival the
weather, which had been generally fair, began
to show indications of change. The baronl-
eter fell rapidly, and it soon became evident
that squall was brewing. The coast of AT.
rica is not the safest place in the world. and
shippers find it wise to put to sea when a
heavy gale promises.
This our captain finally decided to do, and
steam was ordered under all boilers. The
coming sQuall descended with more rapdty
than had been expected, however, and before
we were ready to raise anchor we were struck
by a terrific blast of wind and rain that
threshed the sea into an angry expanse OF
foam capped waves, and sent the old corvette
tossing and bobbing like bit of wood in a
mill race.
Yellow Bill and his party had embarked in
their boats, the Kroo boys in large surf
canoe, and the chief himself in his personal
out.ri9er. The two boats were trailing astern.
being fastened to the ships quarter by long
ropes When it became apparent that the
storm was increasing in violence the executive
officer shouted to them to return on board by
a "Jacob'S - ladder attached to the end of the
spanker boom. At the game time word was
passed for some OF the sailors to pull the
Jack was one of those who responded TO the
CALL
II had grown dark. The flying spume and
rain and the lowering clouds made it difficult
to see the length Of the quarterback, and
there were none on board who could testify
that he had seen the boy do aught that was
not shipshape. but be that as it may, Jack
had no sooner reached the taffrail than the
rope holding the chiefs out-rigger parted with
a vicious snap, and at the same instant a
knife clattered to the deck
A shrill cry came. from the gloom astern,
almost Immediately followed by another cry
and a splash, the last two from under the
quarter
"Man overboard!" shouted one of the men.
"Its Jack, the apprentice" cried another.
"The ship lurched and threw him over the
rail-"
Some one near the patent life buoy released
it with ready wit, and the quartemaster on
watch aft tossed overheard the circular life
preserver attached to the railing. BY this
time the captaiR and number of the officers
had gathered aft.
'The poor boy is goner," muttered the
navigator. Hell never get out of that sea
aiive"
T "And Yellow Bill has bossed his last Job"
spoke up the first watch officer. "They say
he's the best swimmer on the coast; but what
could mortal man do in a storm like this
My, how it blows!"
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

| The darkness grew apace; the wind howied
and shrieked with an intensity known only
in such latitudes; the old corvette tugged and
strained at her anchors-for both port and
starboard were now down-until it seemed
that with every upward jerk the taut cables
would part; and deep, down in the lowermost
regions OF the ship the engines labored In q
strenuous effort to counteract the power OF
the gale.
Three hours later there came lull in the
fierce believing of the wind. A rift appeared
down upon the foam-strewn sea. It was.
welcome messenger bringing word that the
storm would disappear as speedily as It came.
And the ray Of light also exposed to the. eyes
laboring against the waves some distance
astern.
The shippers glass covered it at once, and
the next minute his voice rang out with
"Away lfeboatl In with you, men; in with
you'
Boyd" be added to the executive officer,
you would never believe it, but that's Yellow
Bill in that out-rigger, and he has something
with him."
''You don't thinll-"
II am afraid to. Miracles are out of date.
Well see."
The lifeboat surged away from the ships
side, and in time returned, bringing Yellow
hoisted up with the aid of whip and tackle,
brought such storm of cheers from the crew
that it seemed as If pandemonium mad taken
possession of the corvette.
The bundle was Apprentice jack
~ peek hem oop" explained Yellow Bill.
proudly. "He come in water, and get him
plenty queek. Him all right bimeby"
1t was some hours before Jack recovered
sufficiently TO tell his story 1t was brief and
to the point and told with such evident hui
milia tion and tears that his listeners sympa-
thies were enlisted from the very start.
al went aft to cut the rope so Yellow Bill
would drift away" he said, frankly. II hated
him for the scare he gave me- and-and
did.'t stop to think of the results. Before 1
could use my knife the rope parted then the
ship lurched, and fell overheard. II want
to beg his pardon, and 1 want to say that
am very, very sorry for what | have done.
feel in my heart that the lesson will never be
forgotten. And whatever punishment is given
me III take thankfully"
He reached out his right hand, and Yellow
Bill-who evidently considered it a great to-
do about nothing-wrung it warmly. The
captain told Jack his punishment would de-
pend ON his future actions which really
amounted to pardon, the lads conduct
was beyond reproach from that hour. And
we "old hands" Of the crew wagged our heads
and said:
~, told you the boy had good stuff in him.
All he needed was lesson"
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

fS1W1T was suspected before we left Nor
S%Hl folk on our cruise that Jack Bridges,
kAA naval apprentice, second class, was
MgMS6V rather more fond of mischief than
GssGS=J of his dinner, but we who had been
years in the service merely smiled
to ourselves and recalled the number of cases
where an inclination for pranks had been sum-
mar1ly cured by stern discipline.
This cruise was during the period prior to
the Civil War. 1t was in the time OF "Ihe
Old Navy" of masts and sails, the propeller
being but an auxiliary.
We were bound for the west coast of Africa,
to look after the interests of Liberia, that
quaint negro republic under Uncle Sans faith
erly care, and there we're none of us, forward
or aft, who fancied the detail. 1t is an out
of-the world place, broiling hot and productive
of peculiarly disagreeable fevers. And fur
thermore, too remote from the centres of dis
tribution for much in the way of good eating.
The first four days out found Jack Bridges
as meek a lad as ever paced forecastle deck.
way he did squirm in the throes of seasickness
was a spectacle for Father Neptune and all
his nymphs.
Then came recovery and twenty-odd days
of smooth, delightful sailing across the broad
Atlantic. Long before we sighted the white,
sandy coast of Africa Jack had fully borne
out our belief in his misunderstanding Fbilities.
One morning, just at daybreak, the lookout
reported land ahead. 1t was expected as the
lead had been going all night. The rising of
the sun brought into view faint white ribbon
on the edge OF the distant horizon, which in
dicated the presence of the mysterious land
OF Afric."
Presently the old corvette's stumpy funnel
was hoisted, and preparations made for flrling
sail. Steam is more potent than canvas in
approaching surf-beaten coast.
Jack Bridges belonged to the foretop divis-
ion, and his duty called him to tend ropes at
the port pin-rail When the boatswain' s
mates sounded their shrill call, "All hands
furl salt" Jack fastened to his station. not
forgetting to slyly cast tarry ropes end into
an open pot of "scouse" as he passed the gal
ley.
The canvas was taken in with Yankee
smartness, and the corvette's way slackened
somewhat before the propeller began to turn
The recall was sounded, and Jack seized the
opportunity to mount the forecastle ladder
and take peep at the land.
''1t's miles away yet" he said to ship
mate, as he regained the main deck. "Humphl
we won't drop anchor for hours"
"And precious little good viii it be TO us
when we do" replied the other. eve can't
go ashore, they say"
"I'd like to see the old man or tile first
huff or. the whole watch Of them keep me
aboard" replied Jack, with toss of his curly
head. "rhink am going back home without
touching foot on land? Not by long shot" /"
Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22
Copyright by James Elverson.,

fNHNT was suspected before we left Nor
I folk on our cruise that Jack Bridges,
ks@A naval apprentice, second class, was
R0gm960 rather more fond of mischief than
49, of his dinner, but we who had been
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-15
WELLMAN OFF FOR NORWAY.
Given a Cordial Farewell at Paris To-
day.

PARIS, June 15.-Walter WelIman and
the remaining members of his Arctic ex-
pedition left Paris today for Tromsoe, Nor
way A crowd of people. including AM
bassador Mccormick saw the party off. NJ.
Foville, dean of the aeronauts and secre-
tary of the Society of Aerial Navigation.
presented Mr.. Weilman with an address Of
congratulation on the thoroughness of his
preparations. The mammoth airship and its
appliances, totaling fifty tons in weight
occupied special freight train
Previous to his departure Mr.. Wellman
said:
I'VE are fairly we'll satisfied with the
airshfp and feel sure the balloon features
are the finest ever constructed. but in the
mechanical features the constructor has not
been so fortunate. His work is good. but
not perfect, requiring slight changes at
Spitzbergen, where we shall complete the
machine 1 still have faith in the success
of the machinery though strikes and the
short time available prevented It's being
made perfect"
The crowd cheered and bouquets were
presented to the members of the expedition
as the train drew out of the station
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-15
SAN FRANCISCO NOTES
PLANS FOR LOAN FOR REBUILD
ING OF THE CITY.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 15.-W. ]. Bart
nett. vice president of the Western Pacific
railroad and member of the committee sent
by the committee of forty to Washington
I, appeal to Congress for the loan neces-
sary to rebuild San Francisco. has offered
a plan for the expenditure OF 100000 re-
manning In the relief fund. He suggests
in a letter to ex-Mayor rhelan distributing
il among the suffers.
Bartnett, who does not favor loanlng THIS
entire fund for building purposes, believes
that the money should be used to buy fur-
niturc for the refugees and for the reiler
of sufferers as 1t was intended to be py
the people who contributed 1t. He argues
that the distributing of these funds VIII
have a stimulating effect on the commuu-
ity and result in establishing many III pusi-
ness, relieving pressure on savings pdhhS
and helping the general mercantlie COM
munity and thereby the commercial banks
Insurance Compromise Suggested.
OAKLAND, Cal, June 15.-The Examiner
today says:
The thirty-two insurance companies VINO
wish to settle losses in the San Francisco
fire on dollar-for- basis yesterday
at meeting in Reeds Hall suggested to
the other companies who seek to estab-
COMPROMISE. This Is now being discussed
by al, insurance men in this city, for and
against the % per cent cut.
The proposed compromise is an agree,
ment which all companies are to sign and
which will permit fiat settlement on all
losses in which 1t is clearly established
that no earthquake damage was sustained
by the property before the fire. On all
property damaged by the earthquake the
companies interested are to be permitted
to exercise their own discretion as to the
basis on which the loss is to be settled
This compromise was proposed by the
large companies that holding out for
full settlement of the losses. It was made
to save the day and keep the other compa-
nies from boiling the bureau and establish
ing bureau of their own. The thirty-two
believed that split In the underwriters
adjusting bureau at this time would be dls-
astrous to the insurance situation. But
the cut payment companies were not pre-
pared to lay down their claims for gen.
eral reduction and asked that meeting be
called in a few days. at which this matter
shall be finally settled.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-15
ALLEGED SHAW DEAL
RUMoRED CONTACT WITH CANDI.
DATE FOR A LEADERSHIP.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
SIOUX CITY. Iowa. June ia story Il
being widely published here that Secretary
Shaw has concluded compact with Editor
Perkins Of the Journal to lend his infiu-
ence to the latter, under agreement that
Perkins, il elected. will appoint Shaw to
succeed Senator Allison in case there is a
vacancy.
In an editorial in the Journal Perkins ac-
cepts his Washington correspondents reit-
GRAFTON that Secretary Shaw does represent
the President in the Iowa fight, and reas-
serts, editorially, that Roosevelt is opposing
Cummins for the nomination. Frank Still
man, the Washington correspondent, as
serted In stronger terms than ever that
Roosevelt caused Shaw to come to Iowa,
and that Roosevelt wants Cummins de-
feated
The prospect OF two republican state con-
ventions in Iowa is growing. Which is the
regular republican ticket may become a
matter for the courts to determine
The Davenport republican primaries last
night all instructed for Gov. Cummins. In
two wards the Perkins faction elected con-
testing delegations. The county will send
an instructed Cummins delegation to the
state convention.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-15
BRYAN OFF FOR SWEDEN.
Center Of Attraction at st. Petersburg
Douma.

Douma.
ST. PETERSBURG, June 15.-William
]. Bryan sailed for Stockholm this after
noon. He devoted the last day Of his stay
in St Petersburg to a call on Premier
Goremykin, with whom he had an hour s
talk, and to another visit TO the lower
house of parliament. where he remained
throughout the morning session.
For a time Mr.. Bryan was the center of
attraction in the lobby of the house, hold
ing regular reception of members of
parliament who were anxious to be pre-
sented Deputations of Jews and Poles
wanted him to define his attitude on ques-
tions affecting them, and he was besieged
by foreign and Russian correspondents
anxious to secure his views on the out
come of the parliamentary struggle here.
But, beyond an expression of profound
interest in the fight the Russian people
were making for liberty and the deep
impression made upon him by the Rus
sion parliament, Mr.. Bryan declined to
make a statement.
Special Cablegram to The Star.
ST. PETERSBURG. June 15.-During the
morning debate upon the agrarian bill many
members of the douma were presented to
William J.. Bryan. In the great hall pho
tograph was taken of him amid a group
that included Deputies Roditehen and
Aladdin and also several peasants. One Of
the latter besought Mr.. Bryan to sign Pc
tition protesting against the oppression OF
the peasantry. When the request was trans
lated to him Mr.. Bryan Immediately ex-
planned that he was not in Russian politics.
When others tried to obtain from him his
private opinion of the situation he laughed
and declined to give 1t. sayin: What 1 say
in the ear may be repeated on the house
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-15
CHARGES OF BRIBERY
May Result in Expulsion of Massachu-
sets Legislator.

BOSTON, June 15.-The expulsion of
Frank G. Gethro OF Boston. representative
from the ninth Suffolk district from the
membership of the Massachusetts house of
representatives Is recommended In the re-
port made public today of the house COM
mittee on rules, which has been investigat-
Ing charges of bribery during the present
session.
The committee finds that Gethro ap-
preached other members of the house and
tried to influence them improperly by sug-
costing a money reward for their votes
against the so-called bucket shop" bill.
which was defeated at the present session.
The committee finds that there Is no evil
dence to show that any member OF the
house of representatives accepted bribe.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-15
BABCoCK NOT NEEDED.
District Attorney Jerome's Letter Re
ceived Today.

Representative Babcock OF Wisconsin,
former chairman of the republican congress
sional campaign committee, was recently
notified by District Attorney Jerome of New
York that he would be asked to appear as a
witness before the grand jury of the county
of New York to testify concerning the con-
tributions of certain corporations to the re-
publican campaign fund.
Mr.. Babcock replied at once that he
would willingly comply with the district at
torneys request and would appear when
ever his presence was desired. Mr. Bah
cock today received the following letter
from the district attorney:
Hon Joseph W. Babcock, House of Repre-
sentatives, Washington, d. C.
My Dear Sir: 1t has been remiss in me
that l have not sooner acknowledged the
receipt of your communication of June 5 i'm
reference to coming on to testify before the
grand jury of this county.
Il finally found 1t was unnecessary to put
you to this trouble and / have been so en-
gagged with preparations for going away
and in cleaning up the work of the office
that 1 have neglected to acknowledge your
courtesy. Very truly yours.
(SignedD WIN. TRAVERS JEROME,
District Attorney"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-15
INDIAN TERRITORY COURTS.
Changes in Official Life to Follow
Statehood

MUSKOGEE, I. T., June 15.-The greatest
disturbance that will occur in official life In
Indian Territory following the passage of
the statehood bill will be in the federal
courts. Indian Territory finally will COM
prise one federal district and there will be
but one set of federal offices, where there
are now four.
There are in each of the four federal dis
tricts two judges. each drawing salary of
5000 a year. In each district there is a
United States marshal drawing $1,000 a
year, who has an average of thirty officers
and field deputies each, the deputies drawing
average salaries of 81 200 year. For each
district there is a clerk drawing 1900 a
year, and each clerk has from four to six
office deputies and FIVE each in recording g
towns making about forty in all, who draw
from 81 300 to 1900. Four district attor-
neys draw $1,000 year and ten assistants
from 81 200 to 5000, while twenty-six COM
mssioners draw 1880 year.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-15
CONCESSION TO THE ATTORNEYS.
Hearings on Patent Cases Will Be
Given in July and August.

Commissioner Frederick l. Allen of the
patent Office told Star reporter this morn
ing that In view of the fact that num-
ber of patent attorneys had requested
hearings on patent appeal cases through
the months of July and August such hear
ings would be granted this summer, thus
confirming the rumor that has been cur
rent for several days to the effect that the
recent protest of the attorneys had born
fruit. Mr.. Allen said he would be In the
city during the greater part of the sum-
mer and would hear cases himself, and
that In his absence they will be heard by
Assistant Commissioner Edward b. Moore
This concession on the part of the COM
missioner is the result of a petition from a
number of local patent attorneys, who
claimed they were forced to bring their
business to a standstill account of the
stopping Of the hearings during July and
August for the past five years. Secretary
Hitchcock of the Interior referred this Pc
tition to Mr.. Alien for report, and, although
IL Is not known whether the report is in
the Secretary's hands, it is known that 1t
will be favorable to the attorneys.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-15
NORFOLK WON PLUCKY FIGHT.
Voted Next Annual Meeting of the
T. P. A.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
BUFFALO, N. Y, June 15.-The annual
convention OF the National Travellers Pro-
tective Association concluded it's sessions
yesterday afternoon. One of the spirited
contests was the selection of place of
meeting next year. Atlantic City, Birming-
ham, San Antonio, Asheville and Norfolk
were proposed, and after much speech-mak-
ing Norfolk won by a decisive majority.
Norfolk entered the contest Wednesday
afternoon
The election of officers resulted as follows
President, Thad H. Howe of Chicago; vice
presidents, T. E. Bannon of Pennsylvania
H. s. Heintsch of South Carolina, ]. A.
Gass of Mississippi, w. A. Parsons of Flor
Ida and H. d. Nathan of Tennessee. ]. c.
Sumering of Maryland was reelected ma
tional director, and c. w. Close of Nebraska
succeeded Jerry M Porter Of Kentucky as
national director. Col. John S. Harwood of
Richmond, Va, was continued as chairman
of the national legislative committee, this
being his twelfth term. The Rev. Homer T.
Wilson of San Antonio, Tex, was reelected
natural chaplain.
The session was brought to a close last
evening with a ball in Convention Hall, at
tended by thousands. Today the visitors
were rendered steamer trip to Niagara
Falls.