davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-14
THE COCK LANE GHOST
tom
Continued from page IL

hundred or six hundred pounds to Knight
But the clerk either would not or could not
pay farthing. and on him and his sentence
was now passed. The father to quote once
more from the meager account in The An
nual Register" OF 1902. was ordered to be set
in the pillory three times in one month, once
at the end of Cock Lane. and after that to be
imprisoned two years; Elizabeth, his wife, one
year; and Mary Frazer, six months to Bride
well, and to be kept there to hard labor
Thus did the law soemnlv place the seal of
disbelief on the Cock Lane ghost; which, it is
worth observing, seems to have vanished for
ever the moment the arrests were made.
But, looking back at the case from the van
tage point of chronological distance and of
recent research into kindred affairs, it is diff
cult to accept the verdict final. 1t is pre-
pOsterous to suppose that for SO slight cause
as dispute over twelve pounds Clerk Parsons
and his associates would conspire to ruin a
man S reputation and if possible to take his life
and still more preposterous to imagine that they
would adopt such means to attain this end.
Of course. they may have had stronger reasons
for being hostile to Knight than appears from
the published facts; but it is significant that
when the clerk was placed in the pillorv he
seemed to be out of his mind :" and so evident
was his misery that the assembled mob made
handsome collection for him
The more likely. nay the only defensible,
solution of the problem, is that he, his fellow
sufferers and Knight himself were one and all
a hysterical child. The more one studies the
evidence the stronger grows the conviction
that in her we have typical instance of what
is technically termed the dissertation of per-
sonality. She was it is very evident strongly
attached to the unfortunate Mrs Knight
and, whether consciously or subconsciously
would cherish a grudge against Knight the
cause of their separation The news of Mrs
Knight death would come as a great shock
and might easily act, SO to speak, as the full
crum of the lever of mental disintegration
Then, dimly enough at first but soon with por-
tentous rapidity, her dsordered consciousness
would conceive the idea that her friend had
been murdered and that it was her duty to
bring the slayer to justice. From this it would
be an easy step to the development. in the
neurotc child, of full hedged secondary per-
sonality, akin to that found in the spiritistic
mediums of later times.
Now for the first time her faculties would
seem to her astonished parents to be in the
keeping and under the control of an extraneous
being a departed discarnate spirit; and in
this error she and they would be confirmed
by the suggestions and foolish questions of those
who came to marvel 1t needed another great
shock-the shock of the arrest and imprison-
ment of her parents, to effect at least partial
refrigeration and the consequent disappearance
of the secondary self. the much debated
malevolent Cock Lane ghost.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-14

red calico curtain at the far end signifed a
second cave room beyond. No one was visible
no one answered when spoke. and | sat down
to wait on a dilapidated chair which stood
with its back to the red curtain.
After that. nothing. And then, dreams!
There was one dream about a large room,
shadowy in the corners. and walls where
Christian and Moorish warriors fought in tapes
try. In the room was great bed with dark
silk curtains. y man lay in it, but suddenly sat
up, and looked eagerly at something which
seemed to be myself, dead or dying But |
did not care. | knew who he was. and that we
hated each other for some reason which could
not remember; but it was impossible to recall his
name. That was twisted up in thousand skens
of silk; or was it a woman's yellow hair
The man exclaimed, "Good-verv good''
Then he said, when some else had
spoken, Only keep him till after | m married.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-14

twelve hours before her death and remained
unconscious to the end. The physician and
apothecary who had attended her made affi
davit to the same effect, and described the
fatal nature of her illness. 1t was further
shown that her death at most benefited Knight
by not more than hundred pounds.
Altogether. he would seem to have cleared
himself effectually. Still the knocking con-
was repeated. He resorted, therefore,
to radical step to convince the public that
he was the victim of mOnstrous fraud.
Asserting that little Miss Parsons herself pro-
duced the mysterious sounds. and that she did
at the instigation of her father, he secured an
of his, Clerkenwel clergyman. Here de-
cisive failure was recorded against the ghost.
1t had promised that it would knock on the
coffin containing Mrs. Knights remains; and
about one o'clock in the morning. after hours
of silent watching, during which the spirit
gave not sign OF its presence the entire COM
pany adjourned.
Meanwhile all London flocking to Cock
Lane as to raree show. on foot. on horseback,
in vehicles of every description. Some, like
the celebrated Dr. Johnson who took part in
the coffin rapping episode in Clerkenwell, were
animated by scientific zeal; but idle curiosity
inspired the great Majority.
Letter after letter of criticism, even of abuse,
was poured into the newspapers. No less per-
sonage than Oliver Goldsmith wrote a long
pamphlet which was intended both to explain
away the disturbances and to defend the luck
less Knight. The actor Garrick dragged into
prologue a ri,ning and sneering reference to
the mystery; the artist Hogarth invoked his
genius to deride it. Yet there We're believers
in plenty.
Knight now resolved to try to Law the
ghost by legal process. Going before
magistrate, he brought charge of criminal
conspiracy against Clerk Parsons, Mrs. Par
sons, the Parsons servant. the clergyman who
had aided the servant in eciting the muir
der story from the laxative ghost, and
Cock Lane tradesman. All of these he alleged
had banded themselves together to ruin him,
their malice arising from the quarrel which
had led him to remove to Clerkenwel and
enter a lawsuit against Parsons. The girl
herself he did not desire punished, because
she was too young to understand the evil that
she wrought Warrants were forthwith issued
and, protesting their innocence frantically,
the accused were dragged to prison.
Their conviction soon followed. after trial
of which the only obtainable evidence is that
it was held at the Guildhall before a special
jury and was presided over by Lord Mansfield.
Then. the court desiring that Mr.. k, who
has been so much injured on this OCCASION
should receive some reparation." sentence was
deferred for several months. This enabled the
clergyman and the tradesman Ito purchase
their pardon by the payment of some five
The Brunswick news. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 1906-2016, 1907-04-10

'N"s Hooss o. soULavAve ss~vs
"ca COTTAGE coCHnAA - e~,.4 gssa
ct -~Tes corrAos on e5a> c,oAs ~ sase~
.AHEs oooc 4ouSS NEAR 43r,t .4oas
HRE'rV COTTAGE or @LoucEs ezRa
NcS HoUss ON LO@ooH
LA@sE 40U9g +fssFla-A srg<@7 b4ssA
PaHrTs A0usE pr@P couY aouna b. see
>' ~4YE To~ 1ut19,~v .t,,o
4.tv s,se ,.-t,, ss ts3A.. y4tes., y
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16
LoMosAoaEMgN,s srRIkE %.
More Than Y 900 Returned to Work
Friday-Psthetic Scene.

New York, June 15.-There was a
pathetic scene at the meeting of the
longshoremen, whose strike for in
creased pay was declared OF Thurs
day.
Patrick Connors, leader Of the strik-
ers, big man who had fought de-
terminedly for the men, broke down
and wept when compelled to make the
acknowledgment thar the men we're
beaten. There was a moments ST.
lence and the hall rang with cheers for
the leader, while many of the men
who had faced privation in an effort
to win their demands, hurried 10 the
platform, shook Connors by the hand
and assured him that he had made a
good fight. and did the best ne could.
More than ~ 900 of the original
20 900 strikers. who remained Arm.
returned to work Friday for the same
pay they received when they went on
strike-3O cents an hour.
The strike has lasted nearly six
weeks, and was a great financial loss
to the steamship companies and to the
workers Th9 loss in wages to the
longshoremen has been close to a
million dollars.
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16

once proceeded to an informal ball
iot This was cast verbally, and
stood II for conviction and for ac-
euistal, Juror Burns, shoemaker.
fssting the dissenting vote
Then the twelve men began dis
cussicn Of the evidence, which lasted
for nearly an hour. AZ the end OF
that time the frst formal ballot was
cast II was a written ballot, and
was unanimous for conviction.
schmitzs attorneys will ask for the
legal period stay OF proceedings before
sentence IS pronounced against the
convicted Official
The maximum penalty for the crime
og oxtorgion is Ave years imprison-
ment In the state prison
The attorneys for the mayor will Inn
mediately apply for a new trial be-
fore the court, aud will also ask for
writ OF probable Gauge. II the ap-
rllcation Of the attorneys Is refused.
schmits will apply 10 the district court
81 appeals for a new trial.
schmlts spent Thursday night at his
home In charge Of deputy sheriff
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16

Birmingham, Ala. June l5.-An-
nouncement was made Thursday tina;
furnace companies in this district have
begun taking orders for iron to be
delivered during the second quarter
OF 1908. the basis OF prices being
SIS 80 per ton for No. 2 foundry iron !
Heavy sales have already bcea made
for delivery during the first quarter
OF next year. No spot iron is 10 %
had, so active is the demand, whi'e
sales OF the remainder OF this year
are being made only to regulate su'io-
mers. Iron for delivery durinS hs
fourth quarter OF this year is qu0''i
at S21 so for No. 2 foundry.
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16
NEW ORLEANS BEGINS
AN ACTIVE Campaign
To Purge the City-of Long Con.
continued Evils.
VIGILANCE COMMITTEE FORMED


Kidnapping Of Louisiana Boy stIrs civ
to Take Active Measures to Cleans.
Place Of Dangerous Class Of Grim
lnals.
New Orleans, June 15.-Tden l,all
ians were mnder arrest FRIDAY al
suspects in the kidnapping of Waited
Lamana. The search has assumed
the proportion lof a campaign to rid
the city of long continued evils spring ]
ing from its Italian colony. Under
the leadership of a vigilance commit
tee of twenty-five Italians and vtl
the moral support of New Orleans
business men represented by sued
bodies as the Cotton Exchange, Pro-
gressive Union and Board Of Trade
hundreds Of Italians have thrown cd
the fear of talking which has hereto i
tore handicapped the police, and ard
giving information, which, whether
the lost boy Is found or not, wild
help cleanse the city OF a dangerous
criminal class.
The search for Walter Lamana ia
now following the direction Of JheI
Mississippi river northward. Thel
letters demanding Sc, 600 ransom
which the boys father received and
clews obtained by the police make ID
appear that little Walter was car
rled for several days in a covered
wagon which followed the rivers
course.
According TO the directions OF onsl
OF those letters the father was t0l
drive along the same route, alone and|
dressed In a particular fashion until
he heard a passerby say drop the red
handkerchief. This was to be the!
signal to drop the money into the
roadway.
Lamana drove out this road, but|
was accompanied by two policemen 10
uniform and no signal was given.
The suspected wagon has bSsa
traced from Saturday night last, when
the boy disappeared. until early in
this week, when 1t crossed the river
many miles above the city.
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16
Williams coNFEssEs CRIME.
fags. Gibbons, Of Columbia, s. c..
Was Robbed Of sci. 900.

AIRS. Gibbons, Of Columbia, s. c.,
Was Robbed Of SCI 600.
San Ahtonio, June Is Charged
with assaulting and robbing Mrs
Ballle Gibbons, OF Columbia, S. c.. /.
az sci 600. Rufus William, Thursday
nlebi confessed to the crime in the
ceunty Jail.
He was caught Thursday on an
eastbound southern Pacific train on
Dis way 10 New Orleans. Mrs. Glib
hons aud Williams arrived in the city
Thuraday mornlng from the east, the
farnef coming for the purpose Of pur-
ehssing Texas lands She had on her
bsrson s5i 600 In bills and the ball
ence Ii gold coin. AZ noon Williams
eblsln local livery and suggested a
drive IA the woods. Mrs Williams
was struck on the head and an at
eemps VAS made 10 drown her. Will
roms stated no took her money and
nod back 70 This city.
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16
wIDEspEEAO AoTWTY lN sourH
An Expenditure Of Nearly s2s 600 ,oOc
In Various Enterprises.

Baltimore, June Is. 1.-THE Manufac-
turers' Record In this weeks issue
presents number Of very striking
facts indicative Of the widespread ac-
tiyity In southern business affairs.
Chief among the events Of the week
in the south Is the closing OF con-
tract involving about s12 900 900 for
building 4OO-mile railroad from
Chattanooga to Savannah, with
branches probably to Augusta and At
lanta. This is the most important
single railroad undertaking reported
in the central south for good many
months.
Showing the tendency or iron and
steel people Of other sections TO In
vest in southern iron properties is
the purchase by a strong Pennsylvania
concern Of three furnaces and large
ore properties in Virginia.
As indicative OF southern business
activity, as are the closing OF this
railroad contract and the purchase OF
this iron property. Is the announce
ment of the letting of the contract in
New Orleans for the building OF
hotel to cost 81 500 900. 1t will be
sixteen stories high, Of fire-proof con-
struction, l62x52O feet and will have
200 rooms. The progress OF that
city is strikingly shown, not only In
this great hotel undertaking, but in
the fact that the same week witnesses
the closing OF contract for a new
depot and terminal station to cost
$500 600, and for the building Of an
other hotel eleven stories high, 10
cost $500 900.
Another significant fact is the ex-
pendlture of $40. 900, 900 during the
past year upon improvements by rail-
roads centering in Atlanta, including
the construction OF two new roads,
double tracking, the building OF term-
iualE. grade reyisions. etc. At Rome.
ca nearly 81 ,OcO 600 has been spent
upon new buildings and Improvements
OF which 5000 900 went INTO establish
NETS for enlarging manufacturing
plants, while there are now being
erected or planned structures TO cost
IN the aggregate $500 OOO At Au-
gusta. Ca, a fertilizer company es-
tablished last winter, win dohble the
capacity OF It's plant 70 30. 900 tons
per season, and permits issued dur
ing the past month at such points as
Louisville, KY. Memphis and Nash
vile, Tenn. Washington, d. c., and
Baltimore. Md, show a steady ad-
vance in building operations all along
the line.
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16
JOHNSON PAYS Death PENALTY
AssaIIant Of Mrs. Georgia Hembree
Executed In Atlanta jail.

EXECUTED ~ atlanta jan.
Atlanta, June 15.-Will johnson,
the assailant Of Mrs. Georgia Hem
bree, paid the death penalty on the
gallows Friday
The negro was hanged In the execu-
tion room OF the county Tower--a
death chamber where many other un-
fortunates have met their fate.
While preparations were beipg made
the condemned man, occupying cell
in murderer's row. wept and prayed
at intervals.
When news of the prison commits
sion's declination TO commute John-
sons sentence to life Imprisonment
reached the jail Thursday death
watch was placed upon Johnson, and
his vigil never ceased. His every
move was followed, whether be lnelt
and prayed. or paced his cell nervous
~ or threw himself on his iron bunk,
burylng his head in HIS hands and
moaning.
Johnson was convicted OF criminal
assault upon Mrs Georgia Hembree,
wife of Richard Hembree. a truck
farmer living on the Adamsvllle road.
near Battle Hill. The crime was
committed on August Is OF last year.
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16
Lndx pIs, a plnnsr Party.

Chattanooga, Tenn. June lS.-A
telephone message 10 the Tines ron
Sewanee, Tenn. says that Ms lsi-
fair Hodgson. the PHILANTHROPY
aged 60, dropped dead while enter
tanning a large party Of ladies a. al- i
ner. After the function the cru !
party had taken seats upon the i0l-
gallery and we're chatting In grolp1
when suddenly Mrs. Hodgson PEE
tell upon her breast and she oe,l..
unconscious Fifteen minutes .-'e
abe was dead An acufe attacA Fl
heart trouble WIS TIE cause % q
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16

Union. S. c.. June Is. The juFy
in the case o., Lucy Apssy, 3 negress.
VINO. some months eco, crcated a SEN
sation by entering the once o. Dr..
VIII T.. Under and shooting ham while
his back was tmpca las gpen forai
gailty at assault uilh latent % kiH
seatenee was lelerget ne deiea,e
nas Temporary lasa1ilf
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16

Gadsden, Ala. June i6.-F'armer'
IN the city are authority for the state
ment that the cold weather or Sun
day, June 2. has killed the l7-yeaF-
old lOcusts, which had commenced 70
make their appearance IN large num-
beers throughout this section. The
noise OF the insects was monotouous
roar up 70 the time mentioned, but
they have not been heard since.
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16
THREE BURNED TO DEATH.
Fatal Fire Occurs In Shaker Settle
nent Near Harrison, D.

Fatal Fire Occurs In Shaker Settle
ment Near Harrison, o.
Cincinnati, o., June 15--Three are
dead and two seriously injured as the
result Of the burning OF the four prln-
cipal buildings Of the Shaker settle.
ment at Whitewater village, near
Harrison. o.. early Friday.
Fire was discovered In the maIn
building. probably originating from a
defective hue. The flames spread
with great rapidity, and the means
for fighting Are being inadequate.
there was no hope from the start OF
saving the structures. Mrs. Kueie
Bear. katherine Sterr ana Mary Aid
dletown, three aged women who oo-
oupied Qaarers In the main building.
we're burned to death before any one
could arouse them. Charles stsrr
and Row Bars, IN making their es-
cape from the burning hHildings. were
seriously injured. StsrF was injured
IN an endaavor TO reach Tue safe in
the Office Of the main building, but
being cut on BY flames and smolse, he
was compelled 70 jump from a win
dow to save himself.
The loss is estimated at aRo 900 and
is partly covered By insurance.
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16

Evansville. Ind june Sine
river here FRIDAY mornias began RS.
ing rapidly and 3 stage 81 30 feet OF
more IS expected Many ihossana
acres o. farm lands are sabuefrea
Farmers betseen here and Cairo, ~
~iu ~ sewers losers ,aelr oofn croe
~ isats ftrraYef nteftrer aisrf
e. ia loFaeis
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16

Houston, Tex June Sd. o.
Neil. state lecturer for the fa'a
ers' union. after a tour o. tie Ho'.-
Nest and east Texas said iaat -
cotton crop Is ia worse eondiiioa %
than has ever previously beer Ano '
At this time o. year Mr. Nell -
the crop Il Al least thirty DAYS ~
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16

Madrid. june l6. 1t IS believed n
caIein circles that Joseph Naken
ndit0 Of the 80 Ma,in. aiata aud Ibar-
az Who has been sentenced 70 nins
sear Imprisonment Tor completely 10
Z plot 70 kul Alfonso 4nd Queen vit-
taris on their weaaias day. Nsy ga,
11oe nlll Be pardoned
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16
ouNsoAr GOES TO SALVADOR
Yorktown VIII Guard American In
terests In Disturbed Country.

Yorktown VIII Guard American In
terests In Disturbed Country.
Washington, June 15.--It Is be-
lieved that the gunboat Yorktown,
which sailed Thursday from LaUuion
for Aeaju,la. the salvadoran town. on
the Pacific coast !. which was the late
scene OF capture by what are reported
10 be Nicaraguan and salvadoran rev.
olutlonists. has already arrived At her
destination. She will watch over
American interests particularly, and
incidentally give protection 10 any
foreigners; but she IL not expected TO
Interfere in any way with the inter-
nal politics OF the country, or 70
take any part In favor Of either bell
ligerent. Another ship Is likely to
be sent to reinforce the Yorktown.
Senior Mejla. the Salvadoran min
lister, had a talk with Secretary Root
at tho revolutionary movements Of the
las few days, but had no later news
than that conveyed in the message he
had received Thursday from President
Figueria.
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16
SCHNITz GUILTY OF
CRIME OF EXTORTION
Verdict Of Jury Reached on the
First Formal Ballot Cast.
&c IuRY wAs 90 AM HOLE

attorney for the Mayor VIII Imme-
stately Apply for q New Trial Be-
fore the Court -Msxlmum Penalty IL
rive Years.
San Francisco, Cali. June 15.-A
3hry Of twelve OF his people has de-
clared Mayor Eugene H schmitz
guilty Of the crime Of extortion as
charged against him by the Oliver
4fand jury
The jury was out Just one hour
and thirty-ive minutes II elected
Charles r. capp foreman, and at
Gainesville daily sun. (Gainesville, Fla.) 190?-1938, 1907-06-16

New Iorl June IA dispatch
from Parts reports that J Piorpont
Morgan has purchased the splendid
oolleciiOn o. 6ttsenth century may
blss and bronres belonging 70 ne
prineely Reuse % stroea. o. Flor
saee. The price nance h Saeo. go.
Evening journal., 1907-10-21

ed in the business Of selling rum in
the kitchen dive, that when their, hus-
bands are away from home the wives
take their places and deal out the rum
20 customers, who drink it on the prem
ises or carry it away in bottles TO be
drunk elsewhere. Not only Is rum
freely and openly sold to adults. he de-
clared, but il is an easy matter for
children TO obtain il. and boys Of ten
der age have frequently been seen reel
ing drunk on the streets
Fr. Dupont made reference to the
prohibitory law, which he declared "a
be a. monumental farce. Nnd he further
declared that those who speak Of the
beauties Of the prohibitory law and IT'S
efficacy m prohibiting tho sale Of tduof
either know not what they are taking
about or wilfully fnisrepresent facts
He declared that tho conditions in Bid
deford and in the state at large will
never be any better until the prohibi-
tory law is removed and a high license
law Is substituted. and he urged the
voters In his parish to vote only al
elections for such candidates as can be
relied upon 10 use their influence and
vote for a high license law Tor Maine
Biddeford. May 2S.'
Evening journal., 1907-10-21
KILLED BY FALL
FROM HIS ENGINE

Herman A. schroeder, a fireman on
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, resid-
ing at Baltimore. met death in tragic
manner early yesterday morning near
Elkton by falling from passenger
engine. -
schroeder was hring an extra pas
senger train which left this city for
baltimore about o'clock yesterday
morning. N -.
While the train was passing over the
gusouehanna river bridge, Engineer
lanes B. Gregory missed Schroeder
and after a search found that his man
was gone from the tender. lie noti-
fed Conductor Kenny, and search fof
the missing man was started at once
ana the body was located about 200
Yards above the Aiken tower, lyine
near the track.
while the body was not mangled
there was a deep cut IN the head. Cor
oner Rickett Nelson. Of Elkton, was
notified, and summoned a jury yester-
day afternoon. which rendered ver-
dict OF accidental death