davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
IRISH KING is DEAD:
HIS REALM CURIOUS
Patrick of Innismurray Held
Absolute Sway Over the
Ancient Town

The death of King Patrick of Innis-
murray. off the coast of Sligo, calls
attention to one of the most remarkable
and quaintest of principaIities, quite
overlooked by the historian.
King Patrick XII had absolute sway
over so subjects, who make their living
by fishing and their life is arduous
There are no priests or police on the
island, and all matters are settled by
the king" whose word is law for
them The people are generous and hos
pitable, and strangers receive a kindly
welcome and are warmed with a drop
OF the native 1nnismurray dew or
''potheen."
The kings castle is situated near the
landing stage and close to the ruins of
an ancient town. The wall of the town
varies in height from Il feet to Is feet,
and 1t is broad enough to drive a cart
around its top. Inside the wall itself
are many chambers and passages, as is
usual in such structures. The interior
of the Enclosure presents a remarkable
appearance, for there may be seen
churches. cells. houses shaped like bee
hives, tombs, affairs, wishing stone,
and crosses. Within the old wall are
three churches, and tradition states that
the monastery was the joint work of
St. Molaise and st. Columbkill during
the latter half of the sixth century.
After the departure of the latter in
anger, St Molaise gathered a band of
monks around him and taught chris
tianity to the heather inhabitants. In a
small oratory situated close to the wall
the saint is said to be inferred, and in
the chapel is preserved a wooden figure
which is believed by the islanders to be
the effigy of their patron saint The
figure is Of oak about feet inches in
height and much defaced. Scoffers aver
that it is the figurehead of some ancient
vessel which was wrecked off the
island.
Then there is the Church of fire." the
origin of the designation being very pc
culiar and connected with which there
is a curious tradition. In the center was
a sacred hearth of firestone, which was
said to possess the magic power of
igniting wood or turf placed upon it.
So long as the consecrated stone was
kept unpolluted il was always possible
10 obtain fire from it. but tradition al
leges that an impious stranger scoffed
at the ancient belief and had the pro-
fame assurance to desecrate the sacred
stone. Thereupon a supernatural fire
arose. and burned the wretch to Gin
der. The calcined bones are still shown
to the visitor.
Many other wonders are to be seen.
There IS, 1of instance, the dAldi VI
cursing" which contains on its surface
many round stones. 1t is believed by
the islanders that if man who has
been wronged makes the circuit, termed
the WAY Of the Cross" nine times, say
ing the necessary prayers, then turns the
stones. at each turn cursing his ad-
versary. the curse, Of whatever nature
il NAV be, will assuredly fall on the
person If he is guilty. But If he is inno-
cent. then the imprecation falls on the
person who uttered baltimore News.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
ENGLISH SHIP BUILDER
PAYS CHURCHES DEBTS
Sir Christopher Furness, Mer-
chant Prince, Assists the
Primitive MethodiStS

The name of Sir Christopher Furness,
whose remarkable offer to his work
people has attracted much attention is
a household word in the north of Eng
land, where as ship owner ship builder,
and in many other capacities his name
is one to conjure with. He is possessed
of great wealth acquired by his own
exertions, and owns over 10000 acres of
land. Hefs an enthusiastic free trader.
Sir Christopher is one of the few mer-
chant princes among the Primitive
MethodiSts, and he has not forgotten his
chapel days now that he has become
prosperous. A few years ago he paid
off the debts of all the free churches in
the Hartlepools, and this was only one
of many acts of similar munificence
standing to his credit. He has a great
faculty of seeing and grasping an OPP
portunity. When quite lad, having
been sent to Sweden by his firm, he
found that circumstances favored a fine
stroke of business, brought off the
coup on his own responsibility, and on
his return home was rewarded by ad-
mission to partnership.-We Westminster
Gazette.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
SOME UNDERTAKINGS
HAVE CURIOUS SIGNS
Announcements Call Forth Both
Humorous Comments and Vig-
Orous Protests of Patrons

There are three undertakers' signs in
different parts of the city which have
called forth both humorous comment
and vigorous protest The first is of
doubtful significance, the second brings
= natural fear of death to the reader.
while the last speaks of the ceremony
attendant at death in the light of a
formal farce. The first sign is to be
seen in the northern part of the CITY
and reads, "A Step in the Right Df-
rection." One is at a loss to know
whether this refers to death or the
course Of the surviving relatives The
second sign advertises complete funer-
ais at reasonable rates and concludes.
We have done It for others and can do
il for you" The last sign advertfses.
A hall a minister of any denomination
and every requisite for a modern and
up 70 date burial."-Philadelph Rec
ord
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
CHAMPAGNE VINTAGE OF
1908 PROVES FAILURE
Climatic Conditions Which Have
Brought About Mildew Are
Given as Cause

From all accounts the champagne
vintage has this year proved COM
plete failure, so much so that there
will be little 1908 wine obtainable.
The cause of the failure is due to CHI
matte conditions, which have brought
about mildew. This is no uncommon
disaster, for vine owners. like hop
growers, are very much at the mercy
of the weather. OF the many wines
consumed in England today champagne
is certainly the most popular
The best vintages during the last 20
years are generally agreed to be those
of 1889, 1893 and 1898 In the making
of champagne the most important
period is that of the blending" which
usually takes place in December.
From the huge watts, in which the
juice is stored, the liquor is run off into
boilers, where it remains during a
period or fermentation, process which
produces the effervescence. Up till this
period the bottles are placed neck
downward, with the result that a de-
post collects at the cork This is. re-
moved in due course, leaving the wine
perfectly clear
1t is in this state that the champagne
is shipped to England, though in some
cases a further amount of liquor is
added before the bottles are finally
corked and wired. 1t is estimated that
something like twenty five million
bottles of champagne are produced
every year.-London Globe
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
OFFICERS CHOSEN
BY RELIEF CORPS
Berkeley Grand Army Women
Prepare to Broaden Scope
of Work

BERKELEY, Dec, 12.-Oficers of the
Woman's relief corps, Grand Army of
the Republic, of this city have been
elected for the ensuing year. and
preparations are being made by the
active organization for greater scope
of work for the new year
Mrs. Leah Beck. the retiring presi-
dent of the corps, has served with
ability, and members of the society are
10th to see her lay down the gavel.
Mrs. Laura B. Howe. however, is an
able successor to the presidency Other
officers elected are: Vice president
Mrs. c. Darling; junior vice president
Mrs. Martha Wilde; chaplain Mrs.
Sarah Gilbert; guard. Mrs. w Haley;
conductor, Miss Geneva Wiseman; first
delegate, Mrs. B. Patton; second dele
gate. Mrs. Mary Morrin; first alternate,
Mrs. Martha Wilde; second alternate,
Mrs Margaret Wiseman.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
TARA OF THE KINGS"
WILL BE EXCANATED
Historic Royal Residence of
ireland Will Be Subjected to
Archaeological Research

The historic hin of Tara, the resi-
dence Of the kings of Ireland. where
The Irish parliament met long before
the parliament of Westminster was
thought Of is TO be subjected to a
scientific examination and excavation.
When the attempt was made some years
ago to excavate the hill q storm of op-
position was raised in archaeological
quarters and it had TO be abandoned.
The arrangements now proposed in
cooperation with Celtic societies, are
such that the excavation could be
thoroughly carried out without causing
any disturbance of the fabric Of the hill
IT is held by some archaeologists that
the famous mound holds the real Liza
Fail. or stone Of destiny, upon which
the Irish kings were crowned.
A portion Of Tara is included in the
County Meath estate of Earl Russell,
whose grandfather, Lord John Russell.
on being created an earl in 1861 re-
ceived it from the duke Of Bedford in
order that the title might be worthily
maintained.-We stminster Gazette
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
NEW PASTOR CALLED
BY PILGRIM CHURCH
Rev. j. Ellsworth Lawson OF
Mexico to Succeed Rev.
Raymond Brooks
Special Subjects Selected for
Sermons by Preachers in the
Oakland Churches Today

OAKLAND, Dec. PA call to the
pulpit of Pilgrim Congregational church
has been extended to Rev. ]. Ellsworth
Lawson of the City of Mexico, the res
ignation of Rev. Raymond Brooks hav-
ing created the vacancy. A special
meeting was called for the purpose and
the congregation made the call unani-
nous. Rev. Mr.. Lawson is unknown in
Oakland church circles except by cor
respondence with influential workers
1t was on their suggestion that he was
invited for years trial.
An election OF church officials was
held at ST. Andrews Episcopal church
Reports Of committees submitted at the
election showed that in spite OF the
Scott, the rector, on sick leave, the
affairs of the church had prospered
Vestrymen were elected as follows:
Harry Brown, W b Hindle A. J. Nor. G, A,
Eaton (junior warden, J. G. Perkins, William
Crumball. Harry East Miller, James Daniel
ltreasurer), Robert Nichols secretary, i. f.
Sturgis Sr. and Thomas Ambrose. The rector
appointed Harry E. Miller senior warden
The following ladies Of the church were elected
delegates for the house of churchwomen: Mrs
Frank Ellington, Mrs. s. NJ. Bray, Mrs. Harry
Baker, Miss Nellie Bousfeld and Miss Mary
Wheaton.
The results of the Ladies, Guild elections were
as follows: Miss Nellie Bousfeld, president;
Mrs. Harry Baker, vice president; Mrs. O. W.
Ross, secretary.
A. r. Piepenburg will sing King OF
Eternity" by Hartwell Jones, at Grace
Methodist church at evening service.
Wagons from Egypt" is the. subject
of Rev Charles R.. Brown,s discourse
tomorrow night at the First Congrega-
tional church. The morning subject
will be The Faith of the Sewer"
Rev. Walter E. Tanner, pastor of the
Melrose Baptist church. will preach on
the topic, What One Man Saw at
the evening service. His subject for
the morning will be Our Responsibility
to Others.
Rev. e. E. Baker will occupy the pull
pit at Pilgrim Congrega tional church
at morning and evening services.
Miss Julia Fraser, secretary of the
woman's home board for the Pacific
coast. will speak at the Union street
Presbyterian church Sunday evening.
Rev. f. S. Sucker has returned to
Baptist church after conducting re-
vival services at Selma.
Sermons by Rev. Frank L. Goodspeed
at the First Presbyterian church to-
morrow will discuss Somewhat to Say
on Gods Behalf in the morning and
Heroes in Homespun" at 1880 o'clock.
Benjamin Fay Mills will expound the
principles and motives of The Fellow
ship" an organization started at Los
Angeles six years ago, at a lecture
to be delivered at Pythian castle at
As o'clock tomorrow evening. The
question will then be taken up whether
branch can be established here. The
Fellowship is liberal religious move
ment- Mills afternoon subject will be
Religion and Medicine"
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
FUNDS WANTED TO AID
IN MAKING POOR MERRY
Salvation Army and Other Or
CARNATIONS Appeal for Help
aft ChristmaStide

OAKLAND. Dec. 1.-THE Salvation
Army and other charitable organiza-
lions on similar lines have commenced
raising funds to supply Christmas
cheer for the needy. Santa Claus has
appeared at several street corners
soliciting mites from passersby. Col
lection boxes have been distributed in
business houses and restaurants for
the same purpose.
The army plans the distribution of
baskets of good things to poor families
and contributions of eatables will be
welcome Baskets will be packed at
the citadel in Ninth street near Clay
and application for basket relief is be-
ing made already.
a sale of Christmas goods by the
young women of Eighth avenue Metho-
dist church will be held at Washing
ton hall. East Twelfth street and Sew
enth avenue, Monday and Tuesday. The
sale will be open evenings. Proceeds
will be used in charitable work.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
WILL ATTACKED AS
PROCURED BY PLOT
Whisky Was Used to Render
TestatOr Incompetent, Ac-
cOrding to Contestant
Conspiracy by Brother Alleged
in Complaint of Simon Dixie
mans DiSinherited Son

OAKLAND, Dec. IA contest of the
viii Of Simon Dikeman. a Berkeley
capitalist. who died November -. 1907.
and q petition 10 have James NJ. Dixie
man removed as executor of the Will
were filed today by II. Waldo Dikema n
Of Oregon, a disinherited son. The
Dikeman estate has been valued at
100000.
In asking TO have the viii set aside
the contestant asserts that his brother,
James NJ Dikeman. and his brother S
wife. Trina, and G II. Warren con-
spired TO reduce the elder Dikeman 10
q state OF helplessness and had de-
lsyed the appointment of a guardian at
a time when one was required TO con-
serve the estate.
r. Waldo Dikeman said that the aged
man was given whisky in such large
quantities that II aggravated the condi-
tion OF his fathers heart 10 such an
extent that the valves and walls dis
solved and that the material was car
ried in the circulation to the brain
and rendered him incompetent
Waldo said that he once intercepted
= bottle Of whisky which Warren in
tended for his father and that he knew
personally Of Irma Dikeman smuggling
2 quart bottle Of whisky TO the sick
man.
Dikeman was incapable of transact
ing business. the contestant said. The
viii was written IN the interest of the
alleged conspirators and signed by his
father. BY its terms the widow, Mrs.
Anna Maria Dikeman. was given life
interest in the estate, which was to
he divided after her death, between
Matilda, Henry and James Dikeman.
Henry Dikeman was given 500. but
H. Waldo was not mentioned in the
will
As an instance Of the alleged con-
spiracy the contestant said that War
ren shook his fist at him while on the
witness stand testifying that his father
needed a guardian
in petitioning for the removal of
James n. Dikeman as executor. Waldo
alleged that he had neglected TO file
an inventory.
Matilda and Henry Dikeman are in
sane and the Bankers trust company
has been appointed guardian of their
interests.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
NEW EDITOR FOR
COLLEGE PAPER
William j. Hayes Succeeds
George L. Bell as Chief of
Daily Californian
Strong Faculty in Department
of Political Science for
Next Semester

BERKELEY. Dec 12.-William J.
Hayes. a member of the senior class
registered in the department of juris-
prudence, has been named as editor OF
the Daily Californian by the executive
committee of the students. Hayes won
his position as editor in chief by good
work on the daily during the last
three years and a half He is a mem
Der of the Abracadabra and Newman
clubs and has been elected into the
order of Golden Bear and Winged Hell
met honor societies of the students.
The following staff has been announced
by the new editor who succeeds George
L. Bell:
Managing editor. f. W. Cunningham;
news editors, 5. +. Brooks, c. e. Hall
and V. Churchill; associate editors,
W. W Kergan, p. B. Hammond. II. H.
Kruger. a. P. Pendergast, H. f. Mills,
G. NJ Chapman, D. J. Gates and ]. w.
kaufman.
A strong faculty in the department
Of political science is announced for
next semester at the university. Among
the speakers viii be Professors Ste
phens. Scholtz, Pepper, Bowman. Nc
Murray, DR.. McCormac, DIR. Dunning,
f. H Smith of the faculty and Ng Poon
Chew. editor of the Chinese daily of
San Francisco.
The following subjects for the series
Of lectures have been announced: 1.-THE
Situation in Balkans, Greece and
Crete; "Internationalism" Present
Conditions in Spain; American Con-
troll of the Isthmian Canal; Recent
Expansion of Executive Power: "The
Turkish Revolution of 190S": The Po-
litical outlook of China and the Mas
terry of the Pacific"
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
LEAGUE OF JUSTICE IN
BERKELEY is PLANNED
Speakers at Mass Meeting
Are Selected When Organi-
ZatiOn Is Formed

BERKELEY, Dec. 12.-Speakers for
the mass meeting of the citizens of this
city to organize Berkeley branch of
the League of Justice in the First Pres
byterian church December Is were an
sons, rector of St Marks church of this
city. VIII preside. Among the speakers
VIII be Prof. George H. Boke of the
faculty or the department of jurispru-
Of the league; Walter Macarthur, prom
lnent labor leader; T. Arthur Richard,
editor OF the Mining and Scientific
for the fifty-second district. Mrs. Eliza
peth Gerberding, president of the
Woman's branch of the league in San
r. francisco a, and probably Miss Miriam
Mlcnelsol, the San Francisco author.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
REFUSES OFFER OF
PLACE UPON BENCH
Attorney Asa v. MendenhaII
Prefers to Continue Private
Practice in Oakland

OAKLAND, Dec. 12.-Asa v. Menden-
hall, a prominent attorney of this city,
Mendenhall. has declined appointment
by Governor Gillett as superior Judge
of Amador county, to take the place of
Judge r. G. Rust, who died recently
Mendenhall said that he greatly ap-
preciated the tender, but that he had
been unable TO accept on account of his
business here
presented to Governor Gillettv said
Mendenhall, but I think that some of
my Amador county friends suggested
It l have had considerable legal work
at Jackson, the county seat. in mining
litigation"
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13

Just as, according to the familiar
saying, the shoe makers wife often
goes the worst shod, so il would appear
That in some of our university towns
proficiency in the elementary art of
spelling is not invariably exhibited in
public notices. In that ancient Scottish
seat Of learning and the Mecca of golf.
ST Andrews, the writer of this para
graph observed the other day a notice
affixed to one of the churches intimat-
ing that services were held every Sab
both at such and such hours, and on
the historic links there is an exceliently
PAINTED notice board which reads thus
THE public are requested to keep of
the grass" We had often heard of
the spell or St. Andrews. but scarcely
expected TO find it in this particular
form.-Westminster Gazette.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13

tine otate Central Organization. Organized 4,
1SO2-An association for the commercial ~
industrial development OF California. -
PROMOTION: The act Of promoting advance
The committee has for its object the Dpo
NOTING or California's interests. II has 49,
ing to sell 1t fosters all things tending 70 49,.
ADVANCEMENT OF California. It IL an anth .as
ity on all matters relating to California n EV
COURAGES the establishment OF new Indusfrie-
desirable immigration. 1t presents the on-e-
tunities and needs OF all fields OF business -
subscriptions and makes no charge for 49, 80.
service rendered 1t has affiliated with II DO
commercial organizations OF the state win =
combined membership OF more than 90 0o,,
Meetings OF representatives OF these orean,es
lions are held semiannually in different paris -
are discussed Headquarters OF the commIttss
are maintained In California building T7nie.
SQUARE, san Francisco. CORRESPONDENCE IN
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
DIR. TOM Wal TONG

613 Clay ST.. Oakland. Cal.
The Chinese Celebrated
Tea and Herb Doctor.
l cure all kinds OF dis
eases without operation
and produce satisfactory
results quickly. Nv foe
Tor examination Is reason
able No detention from
social or business duties
While under treatment.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
DISTRIBUTES McDERMoTr ESTATE

REDWOOD CITY, Dec 12-After six
years OF continuous legal struggle the
estate OF Bridget McDermott, who died
IN San Mateo six years ago leaving
property valued at 100000, has been
distributed. The final distribution ac-
counted for $3S,334.19 consisting of
cash ana real estate, the administrator
accounting for S5,S70.29. the greater
portion or which was divided among
the heirs. of whom there were 10, some
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
CONCERT PLANNED
BY GIRL STUDENTS
Program Arranged to Celebrate
Closing of Fall Term at
Mills College

OAKLAND, Dec. 1.-THE closing con-
cert of the fall term at Mills college
will be held Tuesday evening. The
students viii present program in
Lisser hall. A large number of cards
have been issued for the event. The
concert has been arranged under the
direction of DR.. Louis Lisser, director
of the department of music. His as
sistants are Mrs. M. E. Blanchard, vo-
cal; Alexander T. Stewart, violin and
director of the choral class. Miss Irene
Wolcott will preside at the piano. The
program will be as follows:
la Praise of Spring Carl Reinecke
(b) Cradle Song Observation-Disclosures. Neidlinger
Choral class.
Impromptu Il fat op. 142, No. g.. F. Schubert
Miss Nellie Moran
az long Ago ..,..-.-...--.....-. MacDoweii
ID 'ldylf .MacDowell
Miss Harriet Hart.
honuo oaprice5oso' 60, HENDERSON,
(b) May Morning.. Observation-Disclosures. Manney
Miss Hazel Lathrop
(a) Romance" from Second Concerto.
.-..-.......--. Wieniawski
Miss Ora woodberry.
(a) There Has Fallen Splendid Tear" .Locher
(b) Anna Marie .....................L ocher
Miss Amy Howe.
Polonalse, op. ~. Xavier Scharwenka
Miss Irene wolcott
''Elsas Traum' Observation-Disclosures. Wagner
Miss Marjorie Morse.
Valse Brillante, A fat. ...-....... Moszkowski
Miss Leila Crookshanks.
Sunrise -.-.......- Charles Tonteyn Nancy
Choral class.
Guests going from Oakland will
leave Broadway and Twelfth street at
$40 o'clock.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
LIBRARIANS MEET

SAN JOSE, Dec. 1.-THE Librarians
association, composed of the public
Librarians of Alameda San Mateo Santa
Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San
Benito counties, held a meeting this
afternoon at Los Gatos. Matters per-
tanning to the mana cement of public
libraries were discussed.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
APPLE CROP IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The export of apples from the state
of South Australia during the 1908 sea-
son, according to the correspondent of
the British board of trade at Adelaide,
was a record one. amounting to 147,251
cases. of which 110.292 cases were sent
to the United Kingdom. 19.05S cases to
other European countries, and the re-
Settlements and South Africa. The total
export in 1907. when the crop was a
poor one. amounted to 25,755 cases. of
which 5,452 were sent TO the United
Kingdom and 3.112 cases to European
countries.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
prrIpEn MERCHANT DIES

ALAMEDA, Dec. 12.=Hugo Urban. a
retired merchant and the owner of con-
siderable realty in San Francisco, died
today at his home, 1906 Pacific avenue
He was a native of Germany, 20 years
old. He left wife.
The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1908-12-13
SETTLES ron WORTHLESS CHECK

OAKLAND, Dec 12-Police Judge
Smith has continued until January 10
anu = Tor hearing two charges of
passing fraudulent checks against Mrs.
r; w; Roster, alias Mildred flasher. of
lla6 west street. Her husband has re-
PAID the sums said to have been lost
through the woman's acts, and is max
ing arran gements to have her cared
Tor IN the interior of the state.