davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
BAIRD'S RELATIVES
WANT HIS ESTATE
Plan to Fight ''Dodie' vaIen-
cia's Claim to Share in
Large Fortune
Mother and Brother of Dead
Millionaire Arrive From
London to Attend Case


Mrs. Veronica Baird, mother OF the
late David Jennings Baird and her
eldest surviving son, Miles Baird. ar
rived last night from London and took
apartments at. the Fairmont hotel
They were in the British capital when
the news of David's death was cabled
and hurried to this city TO attend the
burial service and to fight the contest
against Baird.s estate already begun
by Lydia NJ. Valencia, mother and
guardian of the 2 year old child, David
Jennings Baird Jr., reputed son OF the
late millionaire.
John s. Partridge. attorney for the
estate, on instructions from Mrs. Baird,
has already taken charge of the case
and will contest any claim put for
ward by Miss Valencia. either for her
self or for Baird's child.
Miss Valencia secured letters OF
guardianship over the child last Thurs
day morning. The contest on the in
fant's behalf will begin this morning.
Timothy Lyons represents the child
and its mother.
Miles Baird arrived just in time to at
tend the preliminary skirmish in the
courts this morning. He said last night
that he was unfamiliar with the exact
conditions of the affair, not having had
time in his hurried journey over the
ocean and across the continent TO OBJ
tain sufficient information to warrant
statement.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
ATLANTIC FLEET
REACHES CEYLON
Armada Drops Anchor in Harbor
of Colombo After Good Trip
From Manila


COLOMBO, Ceylon, Dec 13 The
United States battleship fleet was anx-
iously awaited here by a great gather
ing of Europeans and natives at Co
lombo The. fleet which was sighted
at Z o'clock this morning. approached
slowly in single file. The flagship Con-
necticut; with Rear Admiral Sperry
aboard, entered the harbor at 8 O'clock,
the others following at short intervals.
The fleet left Manila December l, and
passed Singapore six days later The
voyage was uneventful, the weather be-
ing fine throughout and the battleships
proceeding at about 10 knots an hour.
The health of the crews is excellent
with the exception of one case of small
pox on the Georgia. The smallpox VIC
tim is seriously Ill and all of the Geor-
gia's crew have been vaccinated.
This is one of the most difficult har-
bors the feet has yet entered, but all
the battleships were berthed without
incident, and perfect maneuvering of
the vessels occasioned admiration Coal
ing will begin Immediately During the
period the fleet will remain here the
officers and men will be entertained ex-
tensively. The official reception will
take place tomorrow, and after that
every hour of leisure will be fully oc-
cupied in enjoying the excursions and
festivities which have been arranged.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
WHISKY FOR LAME BACK
Formula whose Quick Action Surprises
Expert Doctors

The increased use. of whisky for lame
back and rheumatism is causing con
siderable discussion among the medical
fraternity. 1t is an almost infallibIe
cure when mixed with certain other In
gradients and taken properly. The fol-
lowing is the formula
To one-haIf pint of good whisky add
one ounce of Toris compound and one
ounce syrup Sarsaparilla compound
Take in tablespoonful doses before each
meal and before retiring.
1t is surely worth trying by any one
who may be afflicted.
Not only will this formula promptly
relieve the muscular pains, but it also
makes one of the most effective system
builders known to the profession. 1t
Will increase the appetite and if use
is continued will restore full physical
vigor to all persons of falling strength.
especially the decline caused by age
The Toris compound in connection
with the other ingredients has such
decided action in purifying the blood
that the good results of this treatment
can be felt after the first few doses,
but it would be a serious mistake to
discontinue until the health is COM
pietely recovered.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
GOVERNOR GILLETT is
ABLE TO SEE VISITORS
Expects to Be Able to Leave
Redding for Sacramento
Next Wednesday

REDDING. Dec. 13.-Governor Gil
lett was strong enough today to sit
first time since he was taken III here
a week ago he was permitted to see a
few visitors
The governors condition is improv-
parative quiet for few days. accord
ing to his physician. His digestive
organs are still considerably infianfefi
and it probably viii be a week or Ten
days before he can safely eat solid
food.
Governor Giilett was in good spirits
today and expressed the hope that he
would be able to leave for Sacramento
Wednesday.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
FRIENDS OF ANIMALS
ERECT WATER TROUGHS
Seven Are Now in Use in City
and Society Will Build
Four More

Two of the drinking troughs for
horses which the San Francisco Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Ami
mails is erecting in various parts Of
the city were placed in commission
Saturday, one at Eighth and Bryant
streets and the other on the San Bruno
road near the Six Mile house.
A number of temporary trOughs
erected soon after the earthquake on
the suggestion of George Renner of
the Draymen's association proved so
useful that the society decided to con-
tinue this work permanently.
There are seven trOughS in use in the
city and four more will be built The
trouShs will be erected in those parts
of the city where heavy teaming makes
them most required. The trOughs will
be maintained until such time as they
can be replaced with ornamental foun-
tains. The Draymen's association will
cooperate with the society in this
work
An effort was made to have the
Spring valley water company furnish
the water for the troughs free, but
this failed. 1t has therefore been de-
cided to pay for the water from funds
bequeathed to the society by Mrs.
Rosalie Colombat.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
POLICIES FIGURE
in PECULIAR FIRE
Police Investigate Actions of
Nine. Maria Malard,
Dressmaker
Rags Soaked With Kerosene
And Other Suspicious
Circumstances

A mysterious fire broke out in fat
at 2313 California street about 0:30
o'clock yesterday morning and the po-
lice are investigating the actions Of
Mime. Maria MaIard, Partisan dress
maker, who leased the apartment. She
and several Of her companions have
been summoned to appear at police
headquarters this morning and explain
many circumstances.
The finding of rags soaked in kero-
sene by firemen when they forced an
entrance to the building aroused sus-
plc1on, and an investigation was be-
gun. The occupants were absent at
the time of the fire, but Nine. Malard,
accompanied by her daughter. Louisa
Firod and two friends, CASTOR Clement
and Ferdinand Mason, were taken into
custody when they returned to the
house at $40 o'clock last evening.
The prisoners were taken to police
headquarters, where they were ques-
uoned by Detectives Edward Wren and
Ilinothy Riordan, and Fire Marshal
Charles Towe. When the woman was
searched fire insurance policies, aggre-
eating $12,500 in various companies
with other private papers. were found
on her person. All OF the policies had
been secured within short time past.
There was also an itemized list of val
liable stock supposed to be in the apart
ment, although the firemen claim that
there was nothing there at the time
OF the fire except a few hats on pedes-
tals and other articles Of little value.
Ihe woman said that she had left the
mouse yesterday at 4 o'clock to visit
friends at Sausalito, and had not been
nome until last evening. She said that
she mad secured the policies through the
assistance of Paul Bergerot, president
hn N "a sacIrA rA1
how 1T was that she was carrying the
valuable papers with her. and replied
that Bergerot had advised her to do So
Bergerot could not be seen last night
out his son said that he did not believe
his father had advised the woman in
any way.
Ihe woman and her companions were
allowed to go to their home last even
ing on condition that they would ap-
pear at police headquarters this morn
ing and explain the circumstances sur
rounding the fire.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
DYNAM|T[RS WILL
FACE TRIAL TODAY
Claudianes Brothers PrOsecn-
ton in Oakland to Be At
tended by Langdofl
Newburgh and Calhoun to Get
Speedy Hearings Murphy
Juror Reveals Ballots

District. Attorney William H. Lang
don and his assistants will be busy
TINS week attending to the various
graft cases that are ready for trial.
Langdon will appear this morning IN
Judge W. III. Wastes court in Oakland
to conduct the prosecution OF John
and Peter Claudianes, the confessed
dynamiters.
Adolph S. Newburgh, associated with
Frank j Murphy during the early
stages OF the Ruef trial, will be tried
soon. Langdon will request that an
early date be set for this important
trial. Newburgh was indicted by. the
grand Jury upon the charge OF at
tempting to influence the vote of John
Martin Kelly, a Ruef venireman.
through the assistance of E. A. 5.
Blake, the confessed jury fixer. 1t was
OF similar charge that Frank j.
Murphy was acquitted by jury Sat
urday night.
Patrick Calhoun will also figure in
the graft developments this week, for,
according to Langdon, Calhoun will be
notihed that his trial upon the charge
or br1bing John J. Furey in the trolley
franchise matter will be commenced
as early as possible. Calhoun is in
the east, and it is necessary that he
be given one weeks notice of the be-
ginning of his trial
Inc verdict of mot guilty" in the
Murphy case caused much comment yes
terday.
Ihe situation in the jury room dur
ing the deliberations of the jury was
described yesterday with much vari-
ance by the jurors.
William Fahey, Juror said that ac-
eordlng to the first ballot seven men
stood for acquittal and four for convic-
tion 1t is understood that the men
who We're for acquittal on the first
ballot We're j. r. Leese, James Ryan,
William Fahey, P. B. Bernard, Fred
erick Heitmeyer, George A. Brown and
Thomas Elam
Two more ballots were taken with
the same result. On the fourth bal
lot eight voted for acquittal and four
tor conviction. Until the seventh bal
lot the situation remained unchanged.
On this ballot the vote was nine to
three. On the tenth ballot the vote
STOOD ten to two for acquittal. John
H. Curley then voted for acquittal and
the sole man for conviction was Will
nam A Tyrell. On the twelfth ballot
Iyrell joined the majority, after the
courts instructions had been reread
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
STEAMER MODOC is
RAMMED BY NALETTA
Disabled Vessel Is Run TO Shall
low Side of River and
Sinks

SACRAMENTO. Dec. 13--The South
orn Pacific mail and passenger steamer
Modoc. plying between this city and
san Francisco. was rammed by the
freighter Yaletta on the river three
miles this side of CORTLAND at 1880
o'clock this morning and sank in about
seven feet OF water
owing TO the prompt action Of Cap
tain y. n. RideOut of the MOdoc the
disabled steamer was run to the shall
low side of the river iashed TO the
bank and the passengers and part of
the cargo transferred 10 the Naletta
without mishap.
The total loss because Of the acct
oenf, IL is estimated. will be S1O.0 600 in
cargo. damage TO the steamer and char
Ter money for vessel 10 take the run
until the Modoc can be placed back in
commission.
Where the blame for the accident
belongs is a matter Of speculation. The
steamers collided in dense fog. Ac-
cOrding TO reports received tonight the
crew Of the Modoc claims no signals
were heard from the Naletta. which
was going down stream. On the other
hand, III is stated by residents of Court
land that when the Modoc passed the
town at I o'clock Il was blowing a fog
whistle every few seconds.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
WILL INVESTIGATE
CANAL EXPLOSION
Official Inquiry Ordered to De-
termine Cause of Premature
Blast on Isthmus


COLON. Dec. 13.-The explosion yes
terday at Bas Obispo was the most
serious accident in connection with the
building of the Panama canal since
the United States took control. A
Thorough investigation has been or
dereds and already officials are taking
evidence, endeavoring to ascertain the
cause af the premature discharge.
For a space of 500 feet in length and
400 feet in width the Bas Obispo cut
presents a graphic picture of the ter
rible effects OF the explosion. The
whole hillside has been devastated,
the dynamite rending the earth and
tossing boulders in all directions.
A 80 ton steam shovel lies complete
wreck. crushed under the weight OF
falling rock. Every one of the crew
was Killed. All the tracks in this sec
tion We're torn to pieces and are now
covered with tons of debris.
take away the great heaps of earth
and rocks in the search for the buried
dead. Hundreds of men were on the
scene working heroically to find the
bodies of their dead comrades Many
evidences of the terrible force were
seen. as here and there pieces of flesh
and bone are turned over with pick or
shovel
The charge consisted of 81 holes so
feet deep and spread out over a large
section of territory. The last hole was
being charged by John j. Reidy. an
experienced powderman. when it ex-
ploded
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
PREPARE FOR INQUEST
INTO DEATH OF BOAS
Detectives Say Evidence Will
Warrant Charge of Murder
Against Wilson

Preparations for the coroner's in
quest into the death of Henry Boas by
poisoning We're made yesterday by
Chief Deputy Kennedy. Subpenas were
issued for Chief of Police Haley and
other residents of San Jose
& Although the local police were un-
able to throw any additional light on
the matter yesterday, Captain Kelly
feels confident that enough evidence
has already been secured to warrant
the charging of j. Walter Wilson with
murder
The proprietor of the hotel at which
Wilson formerly lived said yesterday
that at one time the suspect had posed
as detective, and often brought a
woman to the house on the pretext
that she was working with him on a
case. According to this person Wilson
left the house in the middle of the
night without settling his bill. but
later sent note saying he would call
and settle his Indebtedness. The names
of several of the suspects associates
have been learned and these people
will be questioned by the police today.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
GAELIC DANCING CLUB
ARRANGES IT'S PROGRAM
Special Features Will Be In
troduced at Regular Social
Tomorrow NIGHT

The original Gaelic dancing club has
arranged special program of Irish
music, song and dance to be given in
conjunction with its regular social next
Tuesday evening at Puckett's hall.
Church street ana Market Cele-
brated Irish dancers. including w. B.
Whelan, the second clog dancer
in the world, who defeated "a competi-
tors IN an open contest in England and
local dancers and performers will be on
the program and special Irish music will
be furnished by the Gaelic players club.
under the direction of Prof w. McMa
selections on the bagpipes. The club
will repeat the Gaelic ball and indoor
meet that was given October 29 last.
adding several new features. This af-
fair Will be given at the Auditorium
Thursday evening. February 1S
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
.EXILES RETURN TO
CAPITAL OF HATE
General Firmin Urges People
to Support the Liberal
Government

PORT AU PRINCE, Dec. 13.-The
steamship Virginia with 116 exiles on
board. including General F'irmin, ar
rived here today. General Firmin was
welcomed by representatives of General
Simon and rode to the palace in the
presidential carriage.
There the distinguished revolutionist
told General Simon that he had sur
rendered all ambition for political pref
erment He had twice attempted to
rid his country of the despotic tyranny
exercised over it by Nord Alexis. he
said and had failed, and it was only
natural that General Simon, who had
succeeded in this same effort, should
be rewarded.
He urged all Haitiens to rally to the
support of the liberal government and
predicted that General Simon would
lift the country to prosperity and
power by achievements of peace and
labor.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
Hospitality and Good
Will Mark Excursion
Party Returns Enthusiastic
Over Imperial Valley and Vicinity

by the trip through the valley to the
south and the return along the coast.
While some were more struck by what
they had seen at Los Angeles or Riv-
erside. others by the wonders of the
Imperial valley and still others by the
oil fields of Santa Maria, there was
unanimity of praise; no sentiment of
pessimism, no complaint of discomfort
was heard throughout the excursion or
on the arrival of the party here. There
was nothing to Justify any word but
the word of praise and kindness.
For a moment yesterday DIR. Ru-
pert Blue. who made one of the party,
thought that his professional services
would be required, not as rat exter-
minator. but as surgeon.
AUTOMOBILE OyERTURNS
Returning from visit to the Santa
Maria oil fields, an automobile carry
ing four citizens of Santa Maria bore
down upon the car in which DR.. Blue
was riding with Charles NJ Elliott, the
genial lumberman To avoid imminent
collision the speeders threw the car
around so suddenly that 1T skidded and
overturned, spilling the four occupants
into the road. DR.. Blue rushed to their
assistance, but by sheer good luck they
escaped injury
The excursionists arrived at Guada-
lupe. Santa Barbara county. yesterday
morning. They were met by a delega-
tion from the chamber of commerce of
Santa Maria and conveyed through the
sugar beet country to Santa Maria.
Forty-six automobiles had been pro-
vided for the Is mile ride to the oil
fields in the foothills. After the local
men had examined the Palmer gusher
and other properties, they were con-
Quoted to the crest of a hill where q
barbecue had been prepared. The
guests fell TO with keen appetites
while Gavin McNab, one Of the favorite
spellbinders of the party, returned
thanks to Santa Maria for its hospital
ity.
When the party returned and before
1t left for the north on the special
train. little girls went about present
ing to each member of the party a
bunch of vlolets.
These violets,' said one business
man who mixes a little sentiment with
business. "typify our whole trip. IT
has been fragrant with hospitality and
good will"
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
WILL MEET TO DISCUSS
BANKING LAW CHANGES
Committee of Bankers Associa-
tion and State Legislative
Committee to Confer

The Legislative committee of the Cali
fornia bankers association, which was
appointed at the bankers convention
last May to confer with the state legis-
lating committee in reference to pro-
posed changes in the banking laws Of
the state. will meet in the rooms of the
association. California and Montgomery
streets. this morning.
The meeting is to be the last held by
the committee before the cOnvening of
the Legislature next January. Tuesday
morning the committee will meet with
the legislative committee and confer
in regard to the proposed new laws.
The main subject that will be gone over
by the joint committee will be the
clause referring to the appointment of
a superintendent of banks, to take the
place of the present board of bank COM
miSSiOnerS.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14

Physically tired but buoyant with
enthusiasm, the ninety odd members of
the chamber Of commerce returned to
this city late last night completing
their four days trip to Los Angeles
and the Imperial valley.
Although they had pretty nearly ex-
hausted their supply of admiring ad-
jectives during the excursion the solid
commercial men mustered strong terms
of panegyric for the south when they
came to the summing up of their ex-
periences.
BY Jove. boys" said Charles c.
Moore, president Of the chamber.
what magnificent country God has
given US in California;, Why, we have
hardly hegun to realize what resources
there are waiting to be developed.
Just think OF that Imperial valley.
Three years ago it was known the
Colorado desert. Now 1T is a garden
with soil of such wonderful richness
that anything can be grown there.
The development of the south has
gone on. almost in secret, as far as we
San Franciscans are concerned. This
trip has opened our eyes. 1t has done
incalculable good to them and to US.
Henceforth we viii think of them and
they VIII think of us as brothers in
stead of having that spirit of rivalry
to which perhaps we have all been a
little bit disposed in the past.
From a business viewpoint our ex-
cursion viii have many important re-
suits. Men from the south will know
Eenceforth whom to go to see when
they come to San Francisco on bust
ness.
''DELIGHTED TO SEE U.s.
And weren't they delighted to see
US? You know. every man in this
n RI Y
are no employees here. The south ap-
preciates this fact and is grateful for
our visit.
The future is not for Los Angeles
or San Francisco. 1t is for the whole
Of California and it is the duty of all
California businessmen to work to-
gether for IT.
Let me tell you that one of these
days-and ii isn't far away either
California viii have a population of
ten millions"
All the other members of the party
spoke in a strain of similar optimism
and enthusiasm. All were impressed
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
FORGOTTEN BLAST SET
OFF BY MINERS PICK
Fatal Explosion Caused bv
LabOrer Striking Overlooked
Charge of Dynamite

SHAFTER. New. Dec 13.-The ex-
plosion Of dynamite in the Western
Pacific tunnel near this station yester-
day. in which six workmen were killed
or injured. was caused by the pick of one
Of the men striking a hole in which a
heavy blast had been placed. but which
The laborer whose pick set off the
charge was blown to pieces and an
other workman died on the way 10 the
hospital at Salt Lake City. Two men
were made totally blind one lost one
eye one had both arms blown off and
another lost one arm.
OF the six RioFkmen all but one were
Greeks.
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
TURKEY AND AUSTRIA
STILL AT LOGGERHEADS
Ottoman Cabinet Wants More
Indemnity for Loss of Two
Provinces

CONSTANTINOPLE, Dec. 13.-Marquis
Pallavicini, the Austro-H Hungarian am
bassador TO Turkey. had an interview
today with Kianil Pasha. the grand
vizier and the foreign minister. at
which he submitted Austria's proposals
for settlement of the dispute with
reference to the annexation of Bosnia
and Herzegovina.
Later the cabinet held a meeting. and.
* IS understood, decided that the sum
which Austria offers as a cornpensation
is quite Inadequate.
II is rumOred that as a means of
eNerting pressure Austria threatens 10
stop the purchase Of tobacco from Tur-
key for the Austrian monopoly This
amounts TO $4,000. 900 annually
The San Francisco call., 1908-12-14
HoRTIcuITuRAL coNGREss OPENS

COUNCIL BLUFFS Ia, Dec 13.-With
exhibits of fruit from many states. in
claIding both Atlantic and Pacific coasts
the filst national horticultural congress
will begin in this city tomorrow The
exhibits from Washington, Utah and
Idaho arc particularly large Siias Will
son OF Idaho. Nillg makes An address, at
the opening OF the congress.