davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
COMMISSIONER KNOX
REPLIES TO CRITICISMS
Defends His Attitude as a Member of the Water
Department and Urges Need Of
Economy

department is at this time. and has been
FOR some years, conducted In a most ex-
travagant and uni siness like manner
condition that I DO not believe either
Of you gentlemen would permit to exist in
your own private business for ono day,
II any NAH doubts the truth Of what
say let his investigate the matter and
1 think that he win be convinced that my
contention is correct.
1t has also been intimated that I
took part in a meeting. tho object OF
which was TO coerce Mr. Shaw into
making certain removals and changes
In the interest OF partisan politics.
This is absolutely untrue But I did
attend a meeting with some business
men, who are large taxpayers I'm this
city. to see II some plan could not ba
suggested by which more economy
would be used In the administration Of
the Water Department affairs. At this
meeting the ability OF some Of the OFF,
GERS OF this department, to do special
work, was questioned. and Mr.. Shaw
who was present at the meeting. ad-
mittcd that the present chief engineer
OF this department was not fully
equipped, technically, to thoroughly
pass upon the work now being COM
pleted.
"The conoensus OF opinion favored
the placing OF the department upon a
basis copmensurate with its present
needs. and contemplating the care Of
such improvements as might be later
determined by specialists Of known ex-
lperience and ability who would con-
duct such improvements TO a finish,
and the department could then dis
pense with such services. to the end
that only the best business principles
be applied. and the elimination Of the
past practice OF creating positions for
political and partisan purposes.
II am thoroughly IN accord with
these sentiments. and believe that the
water Department Of Wilmington viii
best be conducted by such a course
And IN this conclusion I may say that
mo act OF mine since I have been IN
this department can be considered
otherwise than fair and honest by anS
unbiased mind; neither have I found n
either necessary or advisable or deslr-
able 70 violate the letter of the law
either for the public good or for my
private gain"
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
Mr.. CROSBY AT
HIGH SCHOOL
Prominent Merchant Tells
Pupils About His Travels
in Different Lands

washington" exercises were COM
bined with the regular opening exercises
Of the High School this morning. W. X.
Crosby was the speaker. his subject being
Some Countries / Have Visited" Puons
took a prominent part in the exercises
The speakers from the school and their
subjects were: George Washington" :"
Madeline Heck; "The Character Of wash
ington." Mamie sincock; "The Lesson OF
Washington" Irva Appeby and Carrie
Well; "The Memory of Washington" VIII
bur Brown. The orchestra devoted It's pro-
gram to national airs. Many visitors at
tended the exercises.
Mr.. Crosby's address was especially In
teresting as he has only lately returned
from a tour abroad Although appreciat-
ing largely the great interest OF foreign
life ana sights he did not fail TO comment
on the superior railway facilities Of this
country and its beautiful natural scenery.
He asserted that too many Americans
made the mistake of searching Europe
for beautiful scenery when American IN
Yellowstone Park, Niagara Falls and
Garden OF the Gods rivaled any land.
I Mr.. Crosby in his address alluded TO
the Great salt Lake OF Utah as equal
ling any curiosity of travel mat could
be found In the world.
His visit TO Alaska was one Of Mr..
Crosby's most interesting ventures. and
his admiration for the great MUIR
Glacier was enthusiastically expressed.
An amusing account was given OF the
extent TO which Germans admiration
for the English carried his vagaries.
! Mr.. Crosby met the German in a rail-
way carriage in London and was most
interested In a brown bottle that the
traveller from the Fatherland carried in
his arms. The latter seeing the curl
osity aroused by the vessel held Il w
and asked If any one in the railway
acrriage could guess what II was
Whisky was the general reply. but tho
good German astounded his hearers
with teh exclamation of "Nein, Nein
it is water from the River Thames will
which I shall christen my little nephew
in Germany and thus make out OF hin
a little Englishman." He was quit,
serious" added Mr.. Crosby.
eBlfast. ireland. was described az
having much of the air Of push ant
go" of an American city. He desig
nted Sackville street. Dublin. the mos
beautiful thoroughfare in the world
The Clans Caussway. Of great basal
tic rocks. said to extend under tn
English Channel to ths Scottish Island
was one of the most interesting sight
Of the tour. OF Edinburg, Scotland
Mr.. Crosby was most enthusiastic, call
ing it the Anest city in the world. Othe
countries which Mr. Crosby visito'
were described as Holland. most in
teresting country with most interestini
people; Switzerland, the most beauti
ful country. Si,l Italy. the romantic
In conclusion Mr.. Crosby impresse
upon his hearers the great educationa
value of travel and advised all to EN-
brace any opportunity to visit othe
lands.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
WE'D SECRETLY
in THIS CITY
Special to THE EVENING JOURNAL.

Special to THE EVENING JOURNAL.
cHELTENHAM. Feb. 2i-slipping
away TO Wilmington on Saturday. a
week ago, Charles ID. ConlSlin. Jr, a
prominent young man OF this place.
and Miss Ruby snowden. an equally
prominent young woman. surprised
their friends by being married Later
tiev telegraphed the news to their par
ents. and on their return were given
the parental forgiveness and bless
ing" Mr.. and Mrs. ConlSlln win for
a time live with the bridecroom's par
ents. on Ryers Avenue. Cheltenham.
Lower Bucks county end a number
OF Philadelphians are interested In an
other secret wedding. announced last
week. The interested parties are
Harvey X. crouthamei, a young busl-
ness man Of Buckingham and Miss Ida
A. Rothe. now Of Philadelphia, but
formerly OF Bycot. the home Of the
late Judge Paxson Mr.. Crouthamel
and Miss Rothe were married in VII
Evening journal., 1908-02-24

At the meeting OF the Water Com
mission this afternoon Commissioner
william w Knox made statement OF
his position as a member Of the board.
II was plain to be seen that Mr.
Knox was replying to the recent criti-
cisms of himself from Democratic
sources. and he also touched upon the
recent conference at which Il was re-
ported an effort was made TO coerce
Commissioner Benjamin +. Shaw 20
remove certain men from places In the
department
Mr. Knox's statement put a different
light on that conference, for he asserts
it was a conference OF business men
and taxpayers to consider the subject
of a more economical management OF
the Water Department. In his state
ment this afternoon Commissioner
Knox said:
"Mr. President. The time has apparent-
ly arrived when It seems proper that in
justice 20 my friends and to myself I
publicly define my position on this board
my course has been criticised. and my
motives questioned by two official organs
Of the Democratic party Of our city, whom
IL would seem, wish 20 create the impress
sion that I am a decidedly partisan, and
generally undesirable, public official II
has been charged that. n possible, would
convert this department into a partisan
Republican political machine and there-
by presumably impair its efficiency.
II protest against these unwarranted at.
tacks and wish to say that 1 am firmly
OF the opinion that the parties making
these charges knew that they were fais,
when they made them do not claim thai
two wrongs make q right and while
believe that a. a.most Objectionable partisan
condition did prevail in this department
during the proceeding administration sine,
becoming a member OF this Commission
have advocated nothing but what
have conscentiously believed 10 be tol
the best interests Of the taxpayers Of VIII
mington. MY sole desire has been TO p''
into effect those methods which I would
apply to the conduct Of my own private
| business
II have, from time 70 time. IN the In
terest Of economy and efficiency. advo
Gated certain changes whereby better re
suits could undoubtedly be obtained viii
less money expended. I believe that thi
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
GET READY FOR
BIG CONVENTION
There Will be More Than
lI,OOOSealSfOr Republicans
at Chicago Gathering
lDsciai ts THE EVENING JOURNAL

npecial e THE EVENING JOURNAL
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.-Chairman
Harry s. New, Secretary Elmer Dover.
with Sergeant -at-arms Stone. and
other members OF the subcommittee OF
the Republican National Committee,
practically have completed the hall arr
rangements for the national conven-
ton which is 20 pe held In Chicago
next June. The convention will as
semble in the Coliseum-the scene Of
many historic gatherings-which was
designed and erected with special re-
ference to the needs OF political con-
vention. IL Is admirably located. being
only about twelve minutes walk from
the business center of Chicago and
reached by the Illinois Central Rail-
road and electric surface lines. In the
opinion Of Secretary Dover, while ar
rangements for previous conventions in
the Coliseum have been excellent, they
will be better this year than ever be-
fore As planned now the Coliseum in
June will be the most complete conven-
tion hail In the United States, although
one or two other halls are larger.
Past Experience.
TO Chairman New. Secretary Dover
and Sergeant at-arms Stone past ex-
perience In efecting arrangements for
national conventions has proved valu-
able. They have perfected plans which
will make the Coliseum almost an ideal
convention hall. Every Improvement
they have suggested to the architect
tends to the comfort and convenience
Of those who attend the convention
The most radical of these improve
ments Is an entire change In the seat
ing arrangements. The platform, in
stead Of being az the center OF one
side Of the Coliseum, will be at one
end This will not decrease the mum
ber Of seats. but viii permit all who
occupy seats 10 see and 20 hear al
the proceedings.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
SAMUEL F. BETS
IS STRICKEN

Stricken with apoplexy on Friday
Samuel f. Betts. one of the best known
of wilmington's older citizens is prac-
tlcally dying at his home No. 1908
King street and his death is expected
at any moment
Mr. Belts was born in 1919 and has
been a resident of Wilmington all his
life During the civil war he was a
member of City Council and assisted
that body in the distribution Of arms
to the citizens. For twenty seven
years he was connected with the Adams
Express Company ana for several years
was member of the Board of Edu-
cation.
For a number Of years he has been
feeble but it was not until the past
few days that he hae been confined to
his home
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
Why
Suffer?

If you suffer pain from
any cause, DR.. Miles Anti
Pain Pills will relieve it
and leave no bad after
effects. That's the impor-
tant thing. Neither do
they create a habit. More
often the attacks become
less frequent, or disappear
altogether. DR.. Miles
Anti-Pain Pills have no
other effect except to re-
Ieve pain and quiet nerv-
GUS irritation.
I'VE are never without DR.. Niles
Anti Pain pills. My husband and
son. aged IS were always subject to
airiS headache until we began using
these Pills. and they have broken
them up entirely. DOnt think they
have had TO use thcm for six months.
l recommend them to every one. A
rev weeks ago heard an old LADY
friend was sick. / went to see her.
She was down with laGrippe. and
nearly crazy with awful backnche.
I gave her one OF the Anti-Pain Pills
and left another for her to take in
n short time. They helped her right
away. ana she says she Will never be
without them again. Last winter my
husband was taken with plucriHy on
both sides. and I know he would have
died II Il hadn't been for the Pills.
In less than half an hour he was
sweating, and went 70 bed and slept"
MRS @. III WEBB
Austinburg, Ohio.
Your druggist sells Or. Miles, Anti
Palm Pills, and we authorize him to
return the price Of first package (oniyl
" II falls to bonedt you.
Miles MedicaltCo., Ellzhart, Ind
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
TO CONFER WITH THE
PRESIDING ELDER

The official board of Epworth M. r.
Church viii meet with Presiding Elder
A. S. Mowbray tonight and win prob
ably express their choice of a minister
who is to succeed the Rev. John NJ.
Arters. who has been appointed field
secretary in this district by the Ma
tional Anti-Saloon League.
A committee has been appointed with
authority to issue a call for the chosen
clergyman as follows; Willis d. over
deer. George w. Booker, Charles z.
Anderson. John A. Booker and George
T.. King.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
SENT POISONED
CANDY BY MAIL
Bethlehem Young Woman,
Active Church Work, Mar
TOWIy Escaped Death

Special to THE EVENING JOURNAL.
BETHLEHEM. Pa. Feb. 24-with
good clue in a series OF abusive let
ters which were sent to Miss Mava d.
Nickum, Of this city, the postal au-
thorities hope to learn the identity Of
the person who during the Christmas
holidays sent a box of poisoned candy
to that young woman. Miss Nickum
nearly died from eating the sweetmeats
and an analysis Of them has just
showed that they were stuffed with
arsenic.
A comparison Of the address on the
wrapper that enclosed the box of candy
with tho addresses on the anonymous
letters that Miss Nickum has been re-
ceiving. disclosed a striking resem-
blance between the handwriting in
both cases AS both candy and letters
were mailed in Bethlehem, the authori-
ties are confident they can unravel the
mystery and Miss Nickum has her sus-
picions.
Miss Nickum, who IA in her thirties,
is one of the most active workers in
Grace Lutheran Church. She has lived
Ian her life in Bethlehem and is widely
known here. For years she has been
a teacher In the Sunday school at
Grace Church.
About a week before Christmas Miss
lNickum served on the committee that
bought candy for the children. Dur
ling the holidays she received box
lof candy through the mails, which she
lsupposed had been sent by cousin
lin Chambersburg. or one OF the Bethle-
lhe mcandy merchants. Both supposl-
ltlons she later found TO be Incorrect
The woman subsequently learned that
her little cousin, Willie Niclum' oi
Allentown, ate some Of the candy De-
fore she did and was taken ILL.,
Samples of the candy were sent to
q. G. Burkhart, one of the instructors
at Lehish University, ard to p. George
Niolun. a brother Of the young woman
who is in Blairs drug store. Eighth
and walnut streets, Philadelphia. Nick.
um gave his piece to PROFESSOR Charles
Il. Law all. a chemist.
Roth Professor Burkhart and Pro-
fassor laval reported that the CANDY
was hllod with poison. The latter said
,e had found enough arsenic IN on'
If the dates to kill a whole family.
Miss Nickum showed the CANDY
,yrapper to viii c. Reigel. postmaster
AT bethlehem, and learned that th'
box had been mailed in this city Sh'
also showed the postmaster the letters
which she has been receiving since las
July. The first Of the letters read al
follows;
Miss Nickum: You thought you
were smart the other afternoon wheI
in the doctors Office. You acted any
thing but a lady even to the doctor
disgust What are you anyway--noth
ing but an upplsh little nobody
(Signed) Friend Girls"
Tic doctor referred to, says Mis-
Niclxum. is probably Or. Herman A
Burshart. who, in addition to prac
ticing medicine. owns one Of the lars
est drug stores in Bethlehem. Dr
Burkhart has been married for nine
teen years and for long time he an
his wife have given a home to IN
Misses Sadie and Edna Friend, tw
orphans
Just before the candy came Mis-
Nickum received a postcard hearin
the words:
"You will meet your death if you 2
TO that Office"
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
ERCANTILE ASSOCIATION
DINNER ON APRIL 80

The committee Of the Mercantile As
ISOLATION having IN charge the dinner
to boom the city met last night ana
decided April 30 as the date for the
AFFAIR. which will be held IN the Clay
ton House
Arrangements for the speakers have
not been completed. Mayor McClel-
Ian. of New York Is among those in
vited Three hundred covers will be
laid for the dinner
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
TRIAL OF GRAFT
CASES RESUMED
By rHE JouRNAL.s specIal VIC.

HARRISBURG. Feb. 24-with for
mer Auditor General William P. Sny-
der still billed as the star attraction
the greatest interest was manifested to-
day in the resumption of the trial Of
Sanderson. Snyder. Shumaker and Mat
thues on charges of graft in the trim q
ming Of the new capitol.
The prospect that before the day was
over Snyder would be turned over to
Prosecutor Scarlet for crosse -examlna-
tion caused one of the largest crowds
of the trial to turn out.
The opening of court today again
found +. c. Dewey who was assistant
in the State Treasury Department when
Matthues was treasurer, on the witness
stand.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
UNEASY OYER THOMAS
A. EDIS0N'S CONDITION
By THE JOURNALS Special wire.

NEW YORK, Feb. 24-Though
Thomas A. Edison, who submitted to
an operation at the Manhattan Eye.
Ear and Throat Hospital last night
for abscess of the middle ear is pro-
nounced in not the least danger con-
siderable uneasiness is felt among his
friends concerning his condition.
1t is felt in the first place that Mr..
Edisons age--he celebrated his sixty
first birthday a fortnight ago-is some-
what against him. He has suffered
recently from kidney trouble too.
His doctors say he will be out in
about q week The attack is attirbut-
ed to recent siege Of the grip.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
President confers With New,

WASHINGTON. Feb. 24-The Presi-
dent is hold little conference this
afternoon with Harry S. New, chair
man of the national committee. Secre-
tary Taft and Secretary Root. All
three gentlemen were invited to take
lunch with the President, and the dis
cussion dufing the meal and afterward
turned to the war secretary's cam
paign
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
EIeoted Malor.

Major Simon P. Doherty. of the Organ
lied Militia Of Delaware, has been elect
ed Major Of the Hibernian Knights Of this
city. Major Doherty will drill the Knights
every Friday evening until March 13. The
Knights will attend the s O'Clock service
in st. Mary's Church on Sunday, March
18th
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
Horse on Wild Run.

A runaway horse owned by Jerry Mona
CHAN. the baker, az Twelfth and French
street created unusual excitement IN
Twelfth street on Saturday afternoon. The
animal ran from the bakery to Fourteenth
and West and while on it's mad run coll
iided with a telegraph pole at ratnau and
demolished the buggy to which the animal
was attached While free the horse fell
over step and was fnally quieted. No
one was hurt
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
ruo contraets Received.

Two contracts were received to-day by
the management OF the local Tri-stste
baseball team and VIII be forwarded 70
Secretary Farrell for his APPROVAL. The
new men are James Cstiz. third base
man and Gus schader, third bassman ana
outdelder Both men are nom Baltimore.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
MiIler President of Grldironers.

The Gridiron club yesterday elected
Otto Miller president and treasurer,
John C. Saylor cie-president; Les
ter Start. financial and recording Sec
retary and Otto Dukes. sergeant-at-
arms. The club will hold its next
meeting at No. sos Poplar street.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
Law
STILL HOLDS
By THE JoURNAL's sneclai Wlre.

by TIE JOI EtlNHIl = oUtcIaI WIG.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 24-That the
Elkins law was not repealed by the
Hepburn rate law was decided by the
Supreme Court of the United States
today in the case OF the Great North
ern Railway Company. found guilty
and fined under the Ell1ins laws in the
court below for granting rebates to
the w P. Devereaux Company of Min
neapolis.
This knocks out one Of the Standard
Oil Company's contentious as TO why
it should not be required to pay its
S29,240,00O nne for accepting rebates
Evening journal., 1908-02-24

The largest yield of bone from one
whale was taken in 1888 by the Mary
and Helen. It amounted to 300 pounds.
which was worth about $4,000 at the
prices which prevailed at the time
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
Inspection Of Fire pepartrnent

Members Of City Council Will make
their semi-annual inspection of the
Fire Department beginning tonight.
The companies on the west side will
be visited this evening and tomorrow
night those on the east side will be
inspected.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
Death of Miss Charlotte Deemer.

Miss Charlotte L. Deemer. daughter
of Mrs. Selden S. Deemer died at her
hone in New Castle this morning. She
was 26 years old, and had been in
falling health fer some time.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
Routine in Health Board.

Routine business was considered at
the meeting of the Board of Health
this morning. Several complaints were
acted upon and some properties were
ordered connected with sewers.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24

Grants Letters on Webster Estate.
Register Walker granted l.tters tes-
tamentary this morning on the estate
of Martha Webster to Thomas 2. Web
ster and John Charles, and Clarence
W. Baldwin.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
Maehinsry For the zIzanIs.

The Harlan and Hollingsworth
Corporation has completed two boil
ers, smokestack and fireboN for the
lighthouse tender Zixania. The boat is
to be rebuilt.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24
OBITUARY.

Services over the body of Edward w.
Burnham, son of DIR. and Mrs. Z. p.
Burnham. who died Saturday. will be
held in the home, No COS West Tenth
street. this evening, at 7SO o'clock. The
body win be taken to Middletown, Det.,
for burial tomorrow morning,
Evening journal., 1908-02-24

on the afternoon Of January
90 but no announcement OF the we'd
ding was made until this week.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24

The funeral Of Rebecca c. johnson,
who died Thursday. was held this af~
ternoon at / o'clock. Interment was in
Head of Christiana cemetery.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24

Clarence F. Lynn, son of Mr.. and
Mrs. James Lynn, Of No. 1O15 East
Eleventh street, died Saturday. He
was p years old. The funeral win BE-
held from the home tomorrow after
noon at 2 o'clock. Interment Will be
in Green Hill cemetery.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24

Mrs. Rose Nachalous, who died
Thursday, was buried in Riverview
cemetery yesterday. The funeral was
held at 3 o'clock in the afternoon from
the home, No. 1O3 North Monroe street.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24

The funeral of George H. Reed, who
died on Thursday, was held yesterday
afternoon at 3 o'clock from the home
of his grandmother, No. 604 Heald
street. Burial was in Riverview ceme-
terry.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24

The funeral of Mrs. Gertrude spoerl,
aged rs years, mother of Mrs. F.
Schweinhart, of No. 121t Tatnall street,
this city. who died on Thursday in Al
toona, Pa. was held from her daugh-
ter's home yesterday afternoon at 2
o'clock. Interment was in Riverview
cemetery.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24

The funeral of Francis Wild, of Els
mere, who died Wednesday, was held
from the home in Elsmere yesterday
afternoon at o'clock. Interment was
private.
Evening journal., 1908-02-24

The funeral of henrietta Rash, aged
s4 years. who died Thursday, was held
Yesterday afternoon at o'clock from
the home Of her son, w. ]. Faulkner,
No. 42s Queen street, South Whining
ton. Interment was in Lombardy ceme-
terry.