davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
WRECKS HISTORIC BUILDING
Two Explosions Injurc Many and Cause
Sensation III Rome Boursc.

y 3
ROME, December 31.-The Temple
OF Neptune, built by Hadrian, ana
standing in the centre OF tho forum OF
Agrippa, now occupied by the Stock
Exchange, was the scene this nfter-
noon OF a tremendous explosion. cnus-
ing sensation almost as great as
the explosion Of n bomb on November
IS. 1906. The ~concussion was so groat
that many persons throughout the city
were terrified, and great crowds rush
cd to the scene. Within the building
there were many people, but fortu-.
nately the great majority OF the brok-
crs had left
No one was killed, but twenty per-
sons. chiefly clerks. were injured. Tho
explosion resulted in the collapse OF
the roof OF the exchange, and a num-
ber of those injured were caught in
tho wreckage, but later were released
by the tiremeti.
Although first Impressions were that
the explosion WAS caused by a bomb
thrown by sonfe one who wished, elth-
err to prevent tho end Of the month
LIQUIDATION or to take advantage of tho
confusion to commit All extensive theft,
1t was generally accepted later that
the disaster came from an explosion of
gas. Officials, however, who made an
investigations. do not admit such q pos
sibility.
Tho detonation was terrific, and
when the roof fell clouds OF dust were
thrown high In the air. The police, fire.
men and troops hurried to the scene
and had difficulty In calming the ex-
citement OF the thousands who rushed
to the temple. Later. when another gex-
plosion was feared. the crowd again
became panic-stricken. and many par
sons received minor injuries in the
resulting crush.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
GIRLS PLEA SAVES FATHER
His Nine-Year-Old Dnughtcr Secures
IFS Rclenae. " /

AAAo ASAhCSASAA lSIuu6 SCCuECH
IFS RclenHe.
CHICAGO, December 31.-'My papa
will never steal again, Mr.. Judge. YOU
are not going to send him to jail, are
you?" asked nine-yenr-old Essio Wells
In Judge Newcomers Municipal Court.
The girl Is the daughter OF Thomas
Wells, who had pleaded guilty to steal
ing brass journals from the Illinois
Central Railroad.
Mamma Is sick at home," continued
the child. "and have little sister,
so I am tho only one who could come
and tell you all about why my papa
STOLE"
After silence OF several minutes,
during which the little girl took her
fathers hand and kissed him, Judge
Newcomer leaned forward and said:
"Essie, believe you could do your
father more good than the Bridewel1
I shall parole him for you and you will
be responsible for his conduct. He will
have to mind you and go with you
and look for work. He should be
proud of having such a daughter and
hope that this has been a lesson he
will never forget. Remember that 1
appoint you your papa's guardian.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
PRoDDING5 MULE; KILLS SELF
Well Known Norfolk County NInn Ends
~ Life In Peculiar WnX. a.

= = = ' y
Well Known Norfolk County Man Ends
Life In Peculiar Wny.
[Special to The Times Dispatch.
NORFOLK. VA., December SIS.
w. Baker, residing near Oaklett. Nor
folk county, shot and killed himself
with q Winchester rifle. 1t was an ac-
cident and one Of the most peculiar
ever recorded,
Baker was at the city lakes fish
ing, along with friend. They started
to return in a buggy to which mule
was hitched. Not going rapidly enough
to suit Baker, and having no whip, he
began to prod the animal with the butt
of the 32-calibre Winchester they had
along. In some way the trigger was
snapped, and the gun fired. Tho. bull
let entered Bakers left breast. and he
lived but few moments. lie was a
well known young man.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
DIES GAMELY AT HIS POST
Burglars Murder Telegraph Operator
~ md burn Depot.

WHEELING, w. VA d December s1,--
After robbing the railway station on
the Ohio division Of the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad at Welcome, w. Va,
murdered Edward Hutch
inson, the night telegraph operator.
The men bound and gagged the opera
tor and tburned the depot, =.
The fire attracted the attention Of
the citizens of the place, who en-
deavored to save the building by form
Ing a bucket brigade. The blaze had
gained too much headway. however.
and the station was soon mass of
While engaged in fghting the fire
several men noticed the body of the
operator seated at the telegraph ta-
Bile, but they We're unable to enter
the building which by that time was
entirely enveloped In flames. AS soon
as the fire died down sufficiently Hutch-
inson's body was dragged forth; It
was entirely cremated. a bullet-hole
through tho mans skull showed how
he had met his death. s
Three desperate-looking characters
have been noticed In the vicinity of
Welcome for several days. 1t Is tho
,hellef. OF the police and citizens that
they entered the station, and. after
,oyerpowering Hutchinson, looted the
place, The intruders, evidently heliey-
ing that they We're recognized by the
operator, murdered him to remove
means of Identification and capture.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
FRENCH MINISTER is DEAD

Nj, yot-Dessnigne succumbs to strain
IS of Ovcr,vorl1. 553 a. ~
sPARlS,fDecember 31,--J can Francois
Edmund Guyot-D igne, the French
Minister of Justice, dropped dead ot
apopleNy during to-day's session Of
the Senate. & III II 3i sS s
Il NJ, Guy Dessalgne was In an en-
feebled condition, worn out with Ills
parliamentary lahors. Parliament has
throughout the holidays. sitting night
md day in nm effort to- finish the
shillget before the new Il Year. s3SS6 81 B.
On acronnt OF the dea II, sof Nj, SGuyot-
4 SKA igne,Si tile regular lew Years
D.tAsss sreceptioTi 9 4 President Eallieres
at tile $lllysse Palace and other Official
have been ca T.celed d, IN n t5
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
. DEC LAREs GOO DIVIDENDS.

Excellent Showing Made by the Banks
OF Charlotte, N. G. 49, T
Specialize The Times Dispatch. II # 5
s$s s$sGFtARLQTTE,. N. c., December 81 L.
Thai Charlotte banks have suffered
little, any, from the panic is evil
sdencsd BY the fact sthat to-day $4,000
was distri tied in dfxid ends by siX Of
these institutions. # ],
The Commercial ~ q tional l. Merchants
.lotte National, each a ieclared tho usual
ssemiannual dividend s Of e6g p err cent. on
capital stock: the American Trust
Company declared It's semianiiual dlyi-
,dend Of a per cent, whilesthe Southern
Real Estate. Loan and Trust Company
directors announced an annual diyi-
.dend Of ] 5 per cent, leading the van.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
COAST LINE MAY COME
Poxtponcmcnt OF Rate Hearing Said to
Indicate This.
Especial to The Times -Dlspatch.l

-C
y RALEIGH, N. c., December 31.-
Standing Master w. A. Montgomery
orders an Indefinite postponement of
the hearing set for January 9th In the
igation against the Corporation Com
mission to determine the constitutions
ality of the 2 Ia cent rate. No reason
is officially given for the postpone-
counsel for the State, Is quoted as say
ing that he has received letter from
George Rountree, as counsel for the
Coast Line, the tone OF the letter
being such as to indicate that the
Coast Line will yet Join with the
Southern and other railroads involved
in the impending compromise to 2 L.
and 2-cent rate inter- and intrastate.
1t is known that there are still un-,
settled conditions that prevent the
Governor from determining just when
he will call the Legislature together
in special session.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
) Red ] AT CEDAR GROVE !.
" Of Mrs. Scmple Laid to Rest
= Al fter Service at Old Bruton.

,dys Of Mrs. Scmple Laid to Rest.
sis IS After Service at Old Bruton.
[Special5toSThe Times 1Dispatch.l
VA December 8
The body OF Mrs. Lett tia Tyler Sem
d, last surviving 1lember OF The FAINT u
Sof President 10 hn IL ler. by nj first
~ Il L,etitia Chris tian. sleeps tn
kGroye Gene etsry. f8 T he ntertnents
had elthats d IA 4 y, d ft err IA sinlpls
u service in historic old sBruton
Ii. VI " u Y y,
semple was quite well known,
1.-THE older residents of Williams
she having lived here many years
and 1. been8gan occasional visitor
and there We're many friends or
anily assembled in#old Bruton
hor her me1n ory. An
services We're conducted by the
Poyntz Tyler, of HngerstoWn,
nephew of Mrs. Sempl le, and the
Nv. r. Goodwin, rector of
n parish. ,HsS
pail bearers We're: Active-lro-
4. j; Stubbs. u i. Mercer, DR..
t.g Garrett, II. d. Cole, John Tyler
Charles "a len, Honorary--Dr. II u.
II and w, II. Macon,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
SAYS HE. WILL GO EAST a.
The Rev. Jcre Cook Says He and Miss
WhRley VIII Go to New York.

The Rev. Jere Cook Says He ana Miss
Whaley VIII Go to New York.
SAN FRANCISCO, CAL, ID ecenberS 81.
The Rev. Jere8 knode Cook, who dis.
Identification became known, / together
with his young companion and tn cir
baby, Is staying at the home Of a.
friend where they are comfortably sat
uated. s
In an interview last night Cook So Id
he Will return East as soon as he can
get enough money together to travel,
and as soon as matters can be ar
ranged he will marry Miss Whaley.
1t is expected that the grandmother
of the young lady will send her tho
funds necessary to return East. The
police are not looking for Cook, al :
though dispatches from New York say
arrest on the charge OF alb
duction, and that the police will be
asked to- find and hold the fugitiyes.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
sEABoARD MEN CONFER
Of Minority Interests
Hold Secret Conference.

Il
fFrom Our Regular correspondent.1
:. WASHINGTON, D. c., December 31:--
Several representatives OF the minority
stockholders OF the seaboard Air Line
held a conference here tonight. The
parties to the meeting maintained the
of matters discussed and the efforts
OF the newspaper representatives to
ascertain the character OF the confer
sence were fruitless
In the conference, which was held at
iUntermeyer, the distinguished lawyer,
OF New York. said to receive fees
larger than those paid any other law
yer in the world; John Shelton VIII.
iliams, Of Richmond, former president
Williams. head Of the Norfolk Trac..
ton Company. and Eppa Hunton. Of
Richmond counsel for Mr.. Williams in
the fight which he made against Thos.
+. Ryan, when the latter finally won
out and captured the control OF the
Sea board.
Judge Leigh r. Watts, general coun-
sci for the Seaboard, is also here. and
was In the lobby with the men mem
toned above until 0 o'clock. when the
Richmond Wen accompanied Mr.. Inter
meyer to a room upstairs, where they
remained for several hours. Judge
Watts meanwhile sat In the lobby.
reading his paper and parrying ques-
tons from the newspaper men regard
Ing the nature OF the business which
brought him here.
ness" said Mr.. Hunton when asked
concerning the nature OF the mission
OF the visitors. John Shelton Williams
was asked tc make statement. but
declined. 1T LIS not matter In which
could not be induced to discuss the
matter further. ~
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
TAFT H0MEWARD BOUND.
Secretary Cordially Greeted at New
England Towns.

MILLBURY. MASS, December s1.-
Secretary Of War William IA. TAFT. who
came here shortly before noon to-day
to visit his aunt, Mrs Della c. Torrey,
left here this evening for Providence.
to board the Federal express at 0:10
p! M. for washington.
q PROVIDENCE, r. Il, December S1.---
Secretary Taft arrived here at S P. NJ.
and after luncheon at the Hope Club
left at 9:10 on the Federal express
for Washington. He was greeted at
the station by about twenty-five per-
sons When a Spanish War veteran
welcomed the secretary as .sthe next
President Mr.. Taft rejoined: II thank
you for your greeting. but don't know
about your prophecy
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
KNOCKS OUT BURGLAR
Sends Him Through Window With a

Sends HIM Through Window With "a
Blow OF Her Fist. ssil
& sNFlyyARK,q N. IT, December 31.-As
Miss Madeline PiersSof Bloomfleld, N.
! !. was starting to he'd about IL o'clock
Monday night she struck a match to
light the gas and saw, q man climbing
into her room. "a f8s Isl IA H s{4 ~ 355
& Instead OF fainting she walked over
To the would -be8 burglar and. With her
fist, hit him II sqnarely hetween the
eyes, knocking HIM to the ground, 4 n
sd honsehrealser picked mmselfsup and
rnn ,fNr dear life, al Ssst55s
MS that what You came fnrga'N Hiss
Pier called aftera him, but he receive
uOtsp ply. i44 s ~ t4S si{ sl II
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
MRS. MCCOY SEEKS DIVORCE
Daughter of Late Edward E. Barney
Institutes Proceedings.


Institutes Proceedings.
Especial to The Times -Dispatch.l
WILLIAMSBURG. VA, December 81.
Mrs. Julia Barney Mccoy. daughter
Mrs. Helen Barney, owner of James
town Island and NIeadowville. has insti-
tuted suit in the Circuit Court here
for a divorce from her husband, Jay
attorney for Mrs. Mccoy. who asks for
separation on the grounds of desertioni
and nom support. Mrs. Mccoy. accord
ing to her bill. is now in q Norfolk hos
jpital, suffering with illness which she
charges to her husband, and the latter
couple were married in 1903 in Dayton
Ohio. where the Barneys formerly
lived, and where Mr.; Barney amassed
much OF his fortune. The wedding oc-
couple. who had spent the intervening
months with the BRIDES sister at Hins-
dale. came to MeadowYille and lived
with conplainant's mother. Soon after
she went to the Virginia Hospital for
an operation, and was still there when.
her husband returned from trip to
the West.
Mccoy that he must go to work. where
dianapolis and New York. They did
not meet again until October. 1905.
when the defendant urged her to go
with him to Cuba, which, she refused
to do. unless he could prove his ability
to care for her. She did not see him
again until October. 1905. and only for
a short time at the Fifth Avenue Ho-
tel New York. In December Of 1905 he
came to Meadowyille for week. From
then until 1907 the complainant alleges
she saw him only three days, a day at
the time. She went to Indianapolis In
April last, but soon returned to her
mothers home.
twins, born In October, 1904. These
are Jay Pennock Mccoy, Jr.. and Julian
Perrine MCCOY. Z. ~
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
EDDllNG SECRET KEPT

Return From, Wedding Tour
and Sllrprise, Friends.
srSpecinlS TO The Times. Dispatch.]
A.. December 3l,--
being married "a week without
one else knowing 1t, Edward M.
wen, q leading; school teacher of
county and, postmaster at De-.
III, returned to-day with his bride.
was Miss 'lora Virginia Hull,
TIL eil,S honeymoon, and surprised
N |tfriends, many OF fstWhoms lad be-
Nalarlned nbout lieir5 lyst tertous
lNlle cereMonY WIS 3NNietly
ed here a week ago, anu the
A,N2s asked TO keep Ut, QUIET. Il
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
Dr,,ce ana Consul confer.

a8G 4ONDON, December 81 - George Elol-
lamby Drucei and scounselNfor the prose-
cution In the pruce case, We're in.ron-y
st0ns and map n course for further
nrtion. The case was postponcd until
next saturday when he reports OF
those present "a the opening or the
grave iof ~. g, bruce syyl ~, be conss ~ --5
cred. s' Sle
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
WANTS RICHMOND WIFE
.Rr0oklinc. Mass, Man Hopes to MIKE
57lFl7l NJ r ann Year NfntCh.
Especial to The Times Dapatch.l

Leap Year Match.
Especial to The Times Dispatch.l
BOSTON. MASS, December 31.-Jo-.
seph Keening, q wealthy real estate
owner OF Brookline. Mass, wants a
Southern wife, and to get one will
resort to advertising In Richmond. He
tried 1t about a year ago, and had q
big bunch OF answers. but none suit
circulars bearing his picture, which
viii so in the mail to Richmond to
a list Of claimed eligibles,. and 1T being
Leap Year, he expects this time toR be
Mr.. Keening is the owner OF the
"tIoneymoon Flats" a flne apartment
house near the parkway in Brookline,
and this will be the home Of the bride.
The circulars bear big black head
wants wife," the centre being adorned
with large Photographic likeness OF
I n a adVertiSer.5sf.g ssis t55zis yft g4s, l y
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
CALLS YoUTsEY a 9 RANK
This Description by TOwers's Attorney
"A PrONOkes DenlOnatra ton.

4, CiEORGETOWN,5 ~ KY, December 81.
TN the Caleb Powers trial to-day
Judge j, c. Sims, chief counsel 4 for
Powers. in an. address lasting three
hours, based his argument on tho.
.litical crank, imbued with the excite
.ment sot the time, and that he fired
the shot that killed William Goebeli
that this was on Youtsey' s. own re-
sponslbility, and that no, conspiracy
selse.t 3. 5ss il3 .8.5s tss "A u
Whell8J udge Sims concludetl, a re-s
,markable demonstration 555 70 Howell
Scores 3of men and woman croNyded to
the bar, Nv here the prisoner st God It'll
his aged ther. ana 4 hoo X his land,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
WINS NEW YORK ] BRIDE 'I|'' D.
John w. sCurrie, OF Roanoke, Weds Miss
Anna Atwood.

John w. lCurrie, OF Roanoke, Wcds Miss
= Anna Atwood. u
Special 10 The Times-Dispatchl
BOSTON, MASS, December Sl,-As
pretty q romance as ever graced the
story Is shown to be nearing a happy
.culmlnation through the taking out
by John w. Currie. of Roanoke, Va,
OF license to wed pretty Miss Anna
boro. N. ". The license was secured
from City Clerk Newell. of SPRING
field, Mass, yesterday. According to
the story told, the Southerner has
long been paying ardent. though long
distance court to the fair Willsboro
maid. and she In turn has as ardenty
returned his affection, and II short
time ago consented to set the wedding
day for the last of Decetnber,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
BATTERY no BRONX SUBWAY
Sixty NltlliOn Dollars to he Expended

Il NEWjfY C)RIi. u I>ecemb her sl,--Tha Pubs
lie Service Commission to.day ap-
subway K Intending from the Ra ttery TO
tho Bronx, IN very nearly u $ trnight
line. The estimated cost Is $50 900, 900,
The resolution directs the chief engl-
sneerAand counsel TO ,nrepare final plans
the Board o 6 E,stin'nte and AnpPrtion-
$nlent for it's saapnloyal. .S3 II no npproved
the work. couId be- beg ull. n t'la very
early dat q. q s53 t y S M 8gtt 8
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
situation In Blrmlnshn m.

BIRMINGHAM. ALA. December 31.-
At midnight the existenc: OF saloons in
Birmingham and Jefferson county, the
largest county In the State, terminated.
It Is estimated that more than ESQ
establishments are affected.
At many places to-day brandies and
.champagnes We're selling at half-price
and even cheaper. Many vans Of liquors
have been delivered to private resi-
dences. and stocks on hand with the
dealers are small. The largest num-
Der Of the best saloons located in the
city have been rented. but many places
which have brought 500 TO $125 a
month Will not bring half that amount.
Tonight was the time set for pro-
7hibition to go into effect in the coun-
ties Of Alab abama, In which local option
elections have been held during the
year.. Crenshaw county was added ia
the prohibition ranks to-day, making
fifty counties of the State which closed
the doors Of the saloons permanently
tonight. This leaves seventeen coun-
ties in the State from which liquor
can be sold for another year 5
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
,.FLoTILLA REAC HE'S PARA

Hns Rough Voyage aud Sten,ns In n
Day Behind Schedule.
PARA, BRAZIL. December, 3f.-The
torpedo boat fotilla, which is preced-
ing the battleship fleet to the Pacific.
arrived here to-day from Port of Spain.
Trinidad The flotilla had q rough voy-
age encountering heavy seas. and was
delayed one day on the run by lad
weather. The transports Arethusa nd
Sterling arrived here yesterday, 81
from the m the f1otiua will take "
and supplies. The & tcspedo boats II
leave here January 30 for PernambA!o.
They are. Ave days behind their orig
inal schedule.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01

Para is on the Para River, about
sixty miles from the sea. 1t is a mod.
3ern city of broad and well-paved
streets, surrounded by pleasant rural
$4,000. 1T is an important shipping
port and has fairly good harbor. The
torpedo boats will remain there several
DAYS.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-01-01
is PROHIBITION
UNCONSTITUTIONAL 2.
This Question Raised in
+ Atlanta in SuitInstitut-
ed by Breweries.
WILL PROBABLY
DECIDE TODAY
Opponents Of Prohibitory Stat
ute, Which Became Effective
Last Night, Resort to
Courts in Hope OF
Delaying Its
Operation.
WILL PROBABLY
DECIDE TO-DAY
Opponents Of Prohibitory Stat.

ATLANTA, GA, December 31.-A bill
was filed in the United States Circuit
Court tonight asking that the Geor-
gia prohibition law be declared uncon-
stitutional. Judge Newman took the
matter under consideration and will
render decision probably to-mor-
row.
The law goes into effect tomorrow
and the bilf does not ask for tenn
porary Injunction, consequently Geor-
gia went dry tonight at 10 o'clock
without interference from the courts.
The last day. Of the year and the last
OF Georgia found conditions practically
normal in the city with no reports of
excesses from outside points. AZ ~
o'clock tonight every saloon IN the
until the prohibition act is repealed
or declared unconstitutional.
BrewerIes Bring Suit.
The suit brought this afternoon was
on behalf of the. lChristen- Merlin
Brewing Company, OF CINCINNATI. and
the Chattanooga Brewing Company, OF
the sheriff and other State officers
charged with the enforcement of the
Judge Newman tonight indicated
that he would render a decision some
time tomorrow. but this decision Will
not have the effect Of opening the
saloons in Georgia II is understood
that the Judge can either grant an
order to set down for an early hearing
the constitutional question involved, or
that he may let the case go into reg
uIar course OF court procedure.
It is claimed that it,is mandatory
upon the Legislature to levy special
taxes for the support OF the schools.
and that these taxes should come from
the gale of liquor. Numerous authors
ties are cited in support of this con-
tention.
Contention of Brewers.
The attorneys contend that the Con-
stltution, SO far as 1t relates to tho
school question, is mandatory. One
paragraph In the brief says:
Ever since the first Constitution In
1777. Georgia, has always taxed liquor
as property and has always regulated
the LIQUOR traffic. A total reversal Of
this policy is not to be presumed. and
especially not when in It's organic law
1t specifically ordains liquor tax"
The brief concludes with the claln,
that it is not within the power Of
the General Assembly to enact such
a prohibitory law.
John c. Hart, States Attorney-Gen-
eral. in an interview with the Asso-
ciated Press Tonight, said he believed
the law was constitutional.
= Atlanta was quiet tonight. There
were only a few minor disturbances.