davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1906-10-05
New York.
NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 1906.

NEW IORk. O0pC. 40, I0VO
Never before was the cigar leaf mar
ket in such a commanding position as
Just now. And commanding not only
but exacting whatever there is in it. For
business is flush and getting fusher
every day under the pressure Of the in
creasing demands of an overrushed cigar
industry for supply of leaf. Our re.
ports from the trade centers of the coun-
try as published in the columns of the
United States Tobacco journal speak IN
glowing terms of the busy hives of our
cigar factories and how orders are being
turned down and statesmen recalled be-
cause of lack of labor and lack of capac-
ity to fill them. Tales of busy marts
read like fables from the arabian
Nights" Uncle Sans stomach seems
to be blessed with an almost unlimited
consumption beyond the dreams of the
liveliest imagination. Naturally enough
that the prices should jump and that
the market value of every kind of leaf IN
demand should change and rise from day
to day almost. The only pessimism that
strikes the market is in regard to the
situation in Cuba. The "mediating"
mission of Secretary Taft having failed
anu LuC dELId nSiOA
gone to pieces, the impression seems to
prevail that the United States will have
a hard and long road to travel before
they will be able to restore the sem
blance of order and peace in Cuba. For
the trade is of the general belief that
the "out officed" beneficiaries of the
wrecked administration will now make
their peace with the rebels and join
them in guerilla warfare against the
American forces. If such be the case
marauding and depredations of every,
thing in sight will become the rule and
wipe out all prospects of new tobacco
cron. For even if some tobacco should
be planted and harvested, the Cubans
are sure to see to it that it dOes'not come
into the possession of Americans. Under
these grave and grievous circumstances
the Havana market here has come to
standstill.- ill.-Journal
The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1906-10-05
laucagter.
LANCASTER, Pa, Sept. "a, 10

LANCASTER, Pa, Sept. "a, 1906.
Trading continues dull in the local
leaf tobacco market, the largest trans
actions reported for last week being
those of w. r. Cooper & Co., 125 cases of
1905 goods. Last years tobacco can be
had in the New York market for 20 cents,
SO it can hardly be expected that intend
ing buyers will pay more to our packers,
who are not satisfied with that price.
That they demand more, while the in
qurers offer less, is the reason why there
is no business at season when trade
should be booming.
The cigar industry is on the jump, and
the only trouble now is the lack of cigar
makers Plenty of our factories would
put on more hands il they could get
them. This revival of business proves
that when there is a demand for the
goods the manufacturers manage to get
the tobacco, even when it is high priced
and alleged to be scarce.
Practically the new crop is all under
cover, the few belated patches here and
there not counting much. 1t is great
crop that our growers have put away,
and is worth many hundreds of thous
ands of dollars. There has been very
little selling, as the dealers refuse to pay
the prices asked, which range all the
way from Is to 20 cents pound, though
some has been bought at lower figures.
The United Cigar Manufacturers have
been buying little, and their agents
say at II to IA cents pound. untia
buyers and growers get to some common
ground there will not be much buying,
and some of the dealers do not expect
much selling until the crop is stripped,
New Era.
The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1906-10-05
Growers Will Try to Control Crop and Price


The president of the American Society
of Equity has announced the annual
meeting of the National Tobacco Grow
ers' association is to be held in Clarks-
Vile, Tenn, on October 10, IL aDd II.
Eight hundred delegates will attend
from different parts of the country, and
matters pertaining to the interest of to,
bacco growers will be discussed.
Invitations have been sent to all the
other tobacco growers associations to
send delegates to this convention for the
purpose of agreeing to control the supply
and to compel uniform price for the
same type and grades, no matter where
produced. Among the things advanced
are: Sale of the old crop before the new
is offered; uniform standard for planting
so that production may be controlled;
cooperation of two or more associations
in sales, and any other matters of mutual
interest.
The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1906-10-05
Connecticut Valley Tobacco Marker.

During the latter part of last week
considerable tobacco was taken from the
poles and put into bundles. But, owing
to the warm weather, less was taken
down than would have been the case
had the weather been little cooler. As
this week is moderately cool, l expect to
hear of much larger amounts having
been stripped. Those who took down
found very little that showed what is
termed fat stems, some lots not having a
single leaf, from the lower tiers at that,
where we might reasonably expect to
find more or less at this time of the year.
have heard of two or three sorting
shops that would commence sorting
early in October, and of one which has
the date of Oct. Is.
Our correspondents report as follows:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-09-02

mo, he did not" replied Benson.
Yet now that YOU speak OF L. I think
ne rather urged me that way"
which side OF the vestibule dtI you
cccupy?"
The north side"
'On which step did you stand7'
The lower one, just above the side
walk"
Were you approached by any third
person while you stccd there
Not one. SIR. am sure. TIE build
ing is not yet completed, and the door
way at the top Of the steps is stu
boarded Up. I am absolutely sure that
no third person was on the steps, and
that no one came near Us while We
stood there. The bag did not leave
the step at my feet. OF that also I am
sure. nor did WykoN make the slight
est move In Its direction"
Where did he stand?'
He stood directly IN front OF me all
the time sir. while we compared the
notes each OF US had produced. l do
not see how the theft could possibly
have been committed then, for"
Never mind what you cannot see
interrupted Boyd. Tell me how
wykoh was dressed. Did he wear an
overcoat?"
He wore a long rain coat reaching
nearly 10 his ankles. and carried
closed umbrella. I am positive that
he did not once stoop toward the bag,
II you suspect him OF any part in the
Job. for remember distinctly that he
held his note book In one hand. and
his umbrella in the other. 1 am sure
about the umbrella. sir. for I heard
him absently drumming with IL on the
sidewalk nearly all the time we stood
there. on my word, Mr.. Boyd, l can
not believe
Wait! Here IS Mr.. Fiske.
All ready. Boyd. The wire Is wait
Ing. Come this way.
Boyd fastened 10 the telephone closet
and shut himself in.
Hello he cried over the wire. is
that you. Terry
Yes"
II am Boyd. Hurry on; and see If
YOU can find Coleman. II you can.
send HIM at once to
Wait a bit. sir. Mr Coleman hap
pens to be right here.
Capital. Ask him TO meet ne at
the corner Of Pine and William streets.
I will be there in I'VE minutes. Tell
him to look sharp
Rovd did not wait for a reply. Re
turing 10 the private office. he asked
Benson only one more question:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-09-02

Did you report this robbery az the
sUbtreasury2
NO sir. have reported II only 10
Mr., Fiske."
That's all" said Boyd. signing him
from the room. Now Mr.. Fiske. just
a word with you This case presents
some very curious features and one
rather serious question. We are up
against one or more criminals Of eN-
traCrdirary nerve and sagaClty. An at
tempt 70 secure all OF them possibly
may fail. or. perhaps. involve the per
manent loss Of your bonds. I infer
that YOU consider the recovery Of the
bonds to be Of much greater import
ance."
Decidedly SOL cried Fiske Get
the bonds II YOU can. by all means
Il cannot ensure even that" replied
Boyd Ersvsly. but ! Will make an at
tempt Meantime. you must give no
publicity 70 the affair. Not a word I'M
Ill I advise -"
Very we'll"
You shall hear from me before
evening, one way or another Detsin
Benson here. IN case I wish n com
municate with him, and instruct him
to say no more Of the case. In a
word. Mr. Fiske. Il must be left en-
tirely 10 me for the present"
1t shall be. Boyd
As for your stenographer," added
Felix Boyd. IN slightly louder tones:
dismiss any misgivings concerning
her integrity. She appears 10 be a
nice young lady. as no doubt she
really is Now. sir. I'm away"
II was quite plain n Felix Royd that
Benson finally lad told tire truth. also
that a weIl-planncd robbery. requiring
extraordinary nerve and dexterity. had
been committed. That several were
involved in II. moreover. Boyd felt
quite convinced, and While the dis
covery and arrest 0f ali hands was de-
sirabIe. the fact that shy protraCted
DELAY Tor rhe purpose Ct invrstiga lion
might operate against the recovery Of
the stolen bonds SNAPPED his itume late
course.
fastening TO meet Coleman. WlO was
a central Office man. Boyd very briefly
informed him Of the main facts Of the
robbery and readily obtained his as
sistance-
All / require OF you at present.
Jimmie" Boyd went on TO explain.
is 10 locate and keep an eye on wy
kof Specifically, il looks as II he
had q hand in the job. but in JUST what
way, or how well his tracks arc COW
ereu and his plans laid. We can Only
conjecture. First OF all. 1 wish TO nail
the bonds, II possible"
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-09-02
The Case of the Vanished Bonds

"Ah. is that sof Quite unfortu-
mattel" said Boyd. with an odd CLEAN
In his attentive gray eyes. us Ben
son always your messenger on such
oCcasions?"
Almost invariably"
Enough" said Boyd, terssly. call
him IN here"
A word from Mr.. Fisks brought
Benson into the private ONCE,
He was a tall, spare man, with
rather cadaverous face. just then as
void OF color as the linen at his
throat. more poignant distress
scarce could be depicted IN a human
countenance. and Boyd saw at a
glance that fear was his predominant
ing sentiment.
sit down. Mr. Benson" said he.
in his crisp curt fashion. You have
met with a great misfortune this
morning
'Aiisfortune-God only knows how
great a one" cried Benson. dropping
into a chair and wringipg his long.
tremulous hands. And God knows,
too. that I'm wholly innocent OF
any"
Wei, well. wen start with assum-
ing your entire innocence" inter
posed Boyd Nobody has accused
you OF evil designs, and Mr.. Fiske
here speaks only we'll OF you. Now.
7 want every fact that you can impart
bearing upon this robbery. and as
quickly as possible. Where Is the bag
in which you were carrying the gold
and bondsr'
I'll get It. Boyd" cried Fiske. has
tening 20 an inner room.
He returned IN a moment, bringing
a stout leather bag. such as bank
clerks frequently carry. the mouth OF
which is secured with a short strap
and buckle. As Fiske placed Il on
a chair. Boyd quickly leaned forward
and opened H.
"Ah, the gold Is stiH here" he
cried. tied in small canvas bag
Was II thus when you left here with
il. NJ Benson"
Just as you see Il. SIR groaned
Benson. trembling visibly.
Plainly the bag has suffered no IN
jury as from a knife IN the hand OF a
thief. Now. answer me, Mr.. Benson.
Who placed the bonds and sold IA the
bag for transportation
Il did sir took them from n safe
IN the inner room, under Mr.. Fiske's
directors. and put both in the bag and
buckled il. Mr.. Fiske saw me do so.
also Miss Dole, his stenographer. The
bonds were In "A single package, Sc
cured with two rubber bands. and the
bag Of gold was on top Of them
Did YOU at once start for the sub
treasury
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-09-02

Not at once. 7 DELAYED 70 wash ny
hands at the lavatory. leaving the bag
and its contents on the table IN the
next room. Both Mr.. Flske and Miss
Dole remained there, however so the
theft could not possibly have teon com
mitted at that time"
Boyd glanced quickly ct Flske, and
asked:
Did you leave Miss Dele alone in
that room while Benson was washing
lis hands?"
Z left her for barely a moment I
came here 70 my desk after some let
ters. OF course, I had no suspi-
cion--"
How was Miss Dole engaged while
Benson was packing the bag?"
She was typewriting a letter for
me"
Step into that inner room as II to
get something, and leave the door
open for moment" commanded Boyd
lowering his voice a little. II want
look al the room-and the stenogra-
pher."
Mr.. Fiske complied and BOYD quiet.
" drew nearer the door between the
Two rooms. The inner one was the
smaller. having a desk and n table.
a safe in one OF the walls. a stenogra-
piers stand and outfit. and one win
dow looking out into Wall street. While
he peered briefly into the room. BOYD
saw that Miss Dole was a tall, fashion
ably dressed girl. with an abundance
Of auburn hair. and that she was seat
ed at her typewriter close by the win
dow BOYD glanced up al the window
catch. and saw that Il was locked
Has Miss Dole left that room since
Benson packed the bag?" he asked. af-
ter Flske had returned and closed the
door.
NO. SIR. can swear 20 that"
How about the window? Can she
have opened II without your knowl-
edge. 20 have dropped out the pack
age OF bonds 70 a confederate, assum-
ing her 10 have removed It from the
bag while you both were ABSENT
"Imp0ssible" declared Fiske. II was
absent only a moment, and she would
have had 10 mount the sill in order 20
throw the catch. She could not pos
sibly have done so. and opened and
closed the window. without my having
seen OF heard her"
II see that 1t Is locked now" re-
turned Boyd. apparently dismiss.ng
with a snap OF ais thumb and finger
further CONSIDERATION of the girl.
Then he reverted quickly 10 Benson.
ami said:
Now TO continue. After washing
your hands. what did you do?'
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-09-02

Z see the point" nodded Coleman, a
compact. muscular man OF fifty. Fur
thermore. 7 know Wykof by sight,
and think I readily can locate him,
He is a curb broker. believe, but I
know nothing against him"
'N cry good II you should see ne
speak 20 MIN later, pay no attention
TO it. Watch him constantly. and. in
case lie approaches the new Howard
building, don't lose sight OF him for
an Instant
Trust me, Felix" said Coleman.
with d dry laugh. My lamps are we'll
trimmed and trained Tor work OF that
kind. Where now?"
To my Office. III see you later, OF
send word by Terry
With which Boyd walked briskly
away, while Coleman repaired 10 Wall
street.
1t was nearly noon, A dull November
day. 4 murky drizzle with occasional
showers had continued since early
morning. spreading the pavement with
slippery mud. and rendering out-of-
door objects indescribably cold and
Clammy.
prised a small back office on the sec
ond floor. with an adjoining side
room. having a single window Of
ground glass. He employed only an
office boy Of fifteen, named Terrence
Gowan. A youngster remarkable for
his ready wit and native shrewdness.
a robbery has just been committed
IN Wall street. Terry" said Boyd. on
entering. Il want you TO go down
there"
Yes, sir. Did you meet Mr.. Cole
MANI"
Il have lust left him. You know
the offices Of Curry. Gale & Fiske. At
the window farthest south you Will
see a red-headed typewriter. Go down
there and watch her
I'm nv peculiar way. sir?' Inquired
the lad with a grin.
Decidedly 50" laughed Boyd Make
sure YOU are not observed by her. or
nv anyone outside. Note every move
AZ the window. and whether she com
nunicates by sign or gesture with any
bodv on the street. In yase she does
quietly report the fact 10 Coleman,
whom YOU will see about there. III
Interview him later. and you keep
awav from me. as you are known 70
be IN nv employ. Now be OF, and
specially red-headed girls
Trust me. Mr. Boyd! That's my
long suit. sir, looking after the girls
spcially red-headed girls!
Boyd knew the real worth OF the lad.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-09-02

for a Few minutes with a man named
Paul Wykoff He IS a curb broker.
whom I have known for several weeks.
and I have been guilty OF specializing
Mr. Fiske with the secret aid Of Mr..
Wykoff Heaven forgive me for it.
but l."
Defer all dlgressions Of that sort.
Benson interrupted Boyd sharply.
Now. tell me. Have you lost money
in the market. and are you short n
your accounts
"On my word. no. cried Benson. Il
never have touched one penny OF an
others money. and am some 10 the
good in my speculations. These have
been confined entirely 10 tips given
me by Wykof. who has an ONCE in
Broad street. and who has done my
trading for me, never once have
been to Wykons office, lest 1t should
leak out that I was specializing. but
have always made my deals with him
In an interview on the street"
Quickly now!' commanded Boyd.
Did Wykoff first invite you to begin
specializing"
He did, yes. Some weeks ago. He
has made a little money for me. and I
have had every confidence in him and
his advice"
Have you been meeting him daIly?'
Not every day, but several times
each week"
Ring up my office. Mr.. Fiske,"
cried Boyd sharply. You will find the
number on this card. I wish to tele-
phone my Office boy"
The banker FASTENED out to comply.
while Felix Boyd quickly continued his
interview with Benson.
Just where did YOU meet Wykoff
this morning." he demanded
Nearly at the door OF the Howard
building He saw me approaching and
FASTENED across the street 10 Join me.
He asked me 10 give him time in
which to compare our accounts. 1t be-
ing the first of the month. / said
that / was IN haste, but he insisted
that he would detain me only a mo-
ment. So complied, and stepped into
the vestihule Of the Howard building,
placing the bag on one Of the steps.
with my foot against it; then I took
out and consulted my notebook. I re-
NAMED there less tGan five minutes.
sir. at the longest"
Boyds brows had knit to a frown
over his keen gray eyes, and his rapid
questions now were asked with an in
tensity indicating his virile mental
powers.
Now, be careful" he commanded
Did wvkoff ask you to step into the
vesu0ule?'
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-09-02

ana sn He'd. Throwing OF his coat. he
uhioeEsd the inner room. Hung upon
pegs IN the walls was an array Of gar
msnts that would have made a credf-
tabie display IN a secondhand cloth
Ter SHOP In one corner stood a chest
or drawers. containing an endless as
sortment OF shirts. linen. wigs. boards,
and the Ike, ali IN perfect order. Near
the window was a broad plate mirror,
and on a shelf below IL a box Of
greasepaints. and all the materials for
effecting an artistic makeup.
Entering this room, Boyd quickly
removed his collar and tie. Then with
an art and celebrity BY no means de-
scribable, he speedily Transformed
himself into the likeness OF a well-to-
DO Hebrew, with each and every
superficial feature so perfect as 70
completely mask Ills own personality.
Thus TRANSPORTED. he slipped q re-
volver into each hip pocket and start
ed for the Howard building. so-callsd-
Five minutes brought him IN front Of
the imposing edihcs. The exterior was
nearly completed. but much OF the in
side work remained 10 be done. The
sidewalk fronting it had but recently
been cleared, and the main entrance
within the bread vestibule stu was
roughly boarded Up, with only a small
door left for workmen, and bearing
the f0rbidding sign-"No AdmissionT'
u was he.e that Benson claimed 20
have held his interview with Paul
wykofr, and Boyd saw at a glance the
meager possibilities the place present
ed for sucn a robbery as that said 70
have been committed.
The vestibuIe had a rise Of seven
broad stone steps. the rover one be-
ing about twelve inches from the side
walk. while a smooth marble wall
hanked the steps On each side. As
Benson had stated. It appeared utter
" impossible for him 70 have been
secretly approached, either from with
in the vestibule or from the sidewalk.
without waiting to make a close IN
apectlon and despite the sign on tbs
door, Boyd quickly mounted the steps
and entered the building. He found the
broad corridors obstructed with loose
EheathinK and accumulated rubbish
with carpenters busily st work on the
unfinished walls and stairways. To
none OF these he gave any attention.
however. but at once made his way 70
the basement
There the disorder ana confusion
were even greater. hAsOns and pias-
tsrsrs still we're At WORK; plumbers
were busy n quarters where the con-
struction was further advanced: num-
srous semi-obscure passages and IN
completed corridors formed a maze
quite confusing to an unaccustomed
eve; Wills the unfinished stone floors
were 80 covered with loose earth and
b. oxen bricks and stone as 70 fairly
imperil ones shins and ankles.
Nevertheless. Boyd quickly discov-
cred that work IN several OF the front
basement offices was quite well along.
and thither he made his way, cbserY-
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-09-02

ing that IN two OF them tessellated
floors were being laid by some OF the
vast gang Of labOI~-s employed in the
building.
= a third ONCE. which Boyd saw
was just below and north OF the Tesu-
bule mentioned. the tesseIlated floor
was about completed. and a burly.
bearded man iD a long plaid ulster
stood surveying the job. Despite his
size and years he Wds vigorously
putting a paper cigarette. and the vel
low stain acquired from the habit
marked his thumb and fingers: while
upon the floor in the south corner OF
the room lay number OF charred
paper stubs. as II tossed in that direc-
ton only
He turned quickly when Boyd ap-
peared at the open doorway. and the
latter FASTENED 70 ask. with an obse-
quious scrape and bow:
VAR can I find one OF the posses,
sir? 7 an looking for one OF the
posses"
The man IN the ulster bestowed ons
searching look at the intruder's face,
then tossed his cigarette through tho
open doorway, and replied, with q
sonorous, Indifferent voice:
Il am Mr.. German. one OF the boss
masons. What do you wish 10 learn %
I wish 10 ask about renting one OF
the Offices, Mr.. German, one OF the
sheepest Offices" Bovd explained. with
great display OF rather servile po-
likeness. while he produced and ten
dered a neat business card. Il am Mr..
Solomon. sir; Mr.. Isaac Solomon, IN
the brokerage bisnnf.-s Wh6 viii I
haf 10 see about renting one OF the
of7ces?"
You must see the owners OF the
building. OF course. instead OF a boss
workman" Growled Mr.. German. with
glance a the card he had accepted.
But IL Will be at least two months
before any OF these Offices can Dc
occupied"
boo months-so long as thatT'' ex-
claimed Boyd. throwing up his hands.
Who would hat thought it2'
The inside finish Is only just begun.
my dear man"
But MAYBE I could arrange for the
renting. Mr.. German" suggested Boyd,
with a curious smirk and whine. Z
want one OF these basement Offices ven
the work Is all done, and MAYBE could
see about the renting"
Possibly" admitted German indif-
ferently. You'll have TO consult Mr..
Enery about that"
VAR can 7 find him. bIease7'
AT his Office on Broadway. sup
pose. I don't know the number"
The light is not so goot as It might
Pc muttered Boyd. gazing up at the
row OF ground-glass windows. the low
er edges or which. being flush with tbs
CONTINUED on Sixth PaEe)