davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
HOT SHOT RAINS
ON SANTA CRUZ
REMARKABLE PHENOMENON IS
ATTESTED BY MANY
Investigation of Downpour of Blazing
Pebbles Reveals Air Is Charged
with Electricity - Several
Theories Offered

SANTA CRUZ, Jan. ga remark
able phenomenon that has caused Won
der and CONSERVATION in the neigh
borhoOd Of the Santa Cruz beach was
reported by Mrs. w. H. Burns of 24O
Riverside avenue, this city, this morn
ing, and when investigated was fully
corroborated by residents of the neigh
borhood.
Mrs. Burns attention was engaged
and her curiosity aroused yesterday
afternoon by the peculiar capers of a
number of barefoot children who were
playing in front of her house.
When she asked them what was the
matter they told her that the air was
full of electricity and that hot shot
were falling from the clouds.
She then noticed a clatter on the
house top that sounded like hail, and
looking in the direction of the grand
stand of the Casino ball grounds she
saw little white threads of smoke ris-
ing from the roof wherever these little
redhot metal glObules struck the damp
boards.
Every roof in the vicinity showed
the same peculiar condition.
This molten rain continued from
about 2 to 4 o'clock in the afternoon
and varied in intensity. At times, how
ever, children who were bareheaded and
unshod were compelled to take to cover.
One boy carries a burn on his finger
as the result of being struck by one
of<the hot pellets.
One theory to account for the phe-
nOmenon is that the molten rain was
due to a passing meteor that had been
disintegrated.
Mrs. Burns has saved a few of the
little pellets. They are about the size
of No. shot and resemble lead.
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
ITALY DEEPLY
GRATEFUL FOR
AMERICAN AID
HELP FROM UNITED STATES
0VERWHELMS
RED CROSS RELIEF SHIP BAYERN
TO LEAVE ROME TODAY
HoodIums Chase Through Naples Cry
ing "Earthquake" and Precipitate
Terrible Panic, Then Rob
Residences

ZONE, Jan. 6.-Ambassador Griscom
X will leave here tomorrow for Mes
AZ sina to meet the American squad
ron.
The steamer Bayern, the American
relief ship flying the Red Cross emblem,
will sail for Messina tomorrow.
This steamer, with it's great cargo of
supplies, will be able to take care of
thousands of sufferers. There are three
physicians on board and fifty nurses,
of which three are Americans.
Word received from Naples says that
''hoodlums'' during the night ran
through various quarters of the city
crying Earthquake! Earthquake"
Their cries aroused thousands Of peo-
pie, who rushed out of their houses,
thus giving thieves an opportunity to
work.
The frightened population gathered
in the squares and crowded the
churches. Some of them took crucifixcs
and images Of saints and carried them
through the streets in procession amid
wailing and weeping.
The generosity of the American peo-
pie in coming to the aid of the earth
quake sufferers is the predominating
feature that is now attracting attention
here The feeling of gratefulness eX-
tends from the king down to the most
lowly subject.
Premier Giolotti, in speaking of this
generosity, said:
what the United States has done on
this occasion is magnificent and shall
not be forgotten. The United States
stands first, outdistancing all others in
sympathy and generosity. Our grati-
tude is so great that we cannot find
words in which to express it."
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
"Cheiro" a Fugitive

PARIS, Jan. 6.+"Count" Hamon,
formerly known in America and Europe
as Cheiro, the palmist, and before that
as plain John Warner, is a fugitive
from France tonight, charged with en-
bezzlement, and his sumptuous offices,
where he edited a newspaper called the
American Register, and conducted a
bank and other enterprises to which
Americans lent capital, are empty, the
creditors having descended and seized
everything. The compIainants against
Hamon are Mrs. Julia P. Newell and
Miss Josephine Pomeroy, formerly of
New York, who declared that they
turned over to Hamon stocks to the
amount of $500,O00 on which Hamon
agreed to raise a loan through London
hanks of S150000
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
RESENT
CHINA'S ACTION
DISMISSAL OF COUNCILLOR
ENDANGERS PEACE
United States, Great Britain and Japan
Agree United Action Is Neces-
sary-Regent May Be
Warned

PEKING, Jan. 6.-The American,
British and japanese ministers are
acting on the principle that the situa-
ton brought about by the dismissal OF
the grand councillor, Yuan Shat Kai,
requires a united action on the part of
the powers and a warning to the prince
regent against any administrative act
that might endanger the peace of the
nation,
The prince regent is secure from re-
ceiVing the foreign ministers in au-
dience through having set up the tech
nicaI excuse that the necessary regula-
tionS for intercourse between the
prince regent and representatives of
foreign governments have not yet been
agreed upon. The first reception day of
the ministry Of foreign affairs since
the dismissal of Yuan Shat Kai last
week was yesterday.
The American, British and French
ministers called, but they did not men
ton to the foreign minister the cir
cumstances which brought about the
dismissal
The Chinese government and the le-
cations seem to be testing each other S
temperatures.
The legations are about equally di-
vided upon whether recent events have
endangered peace to the extent of JUS
tifying collective action by foreign
governments.
The country awaits expectantly for
further acts of the prince regent, which
may reveal whether his course is due
to personal reasons or whether it means
a change in the general policy Of the
government.
Although numerous causes have been
assigned for the treatment Of Yuan
Shat Kai, the motives are not yet un-
derstood.
Yuan Shat Kai has arrived at Wei
Hal Wei, in Honan province, with his
Ying Wan Tan, the former imperial
Chinese commissioner in Lhassa, Thib-
ct, has been promoted to be vice
president of the foreign ministry in
place of Liam Tung Yuen, who was a
trusted lieutenant of Yuan Shat Kat.
It was learned today that Ha Lung
and another member of the grand
council visited Yuan Shat Kai yester-
day before he left the city for Wei Hal
Wei. but what was discussed at this
meeting has not been divulged.
The prince regent sent a messenger
with overtures to Yuan Shat Kai at
Tien Tsin last Sunday and this doubt
less influenced Yuan Shai Kai to re-
turn to Peking.
The regent took this step only after
4Continued on Page TWOl
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
kABENSHUE TO
BUILD AEROPLANE
SUCCESSFUL BALLOONIST TO
TRY ANOTHER TYPE
Expert Proposes to Construct BipIane
or TWo-Deck Model Which Will
Carry Only One Pas
senger

Roy Knabenshue will start today the
construction of an aeroplane on lines
embodying his own ideas. He intends
to use it purely for experimental pur-
poses at Los Angeles and will not util-
ize any other type of flying machine
than his dirigible for exhibition dates
next summer
Building a gasless or heavier than air
type is departure for Mr.. Knaben-
shue, who says he has had it in mind
ever since he decided to locate in Los
Angeles in order to keep we'll informed
on all kinds of air craft. He will con-
struct a biplane or two-deck model,
ideas that have already been tried out
if he can obtain the consent of the
.originators.
The aeroplane, according to his de-
sign, will be light enough to allow the
use of his sixteen horsepower motor,
which has been in use on the dirigibIe
On that account it will be built only
for one passenger. Mr.. Knabenshue
plans to construct it in his store on
Main street, but he will be able 20
pack it on an automobile to take it
down to the beach for an initial trial.
He expects to be able to assemble the
aeroplane in an hours time, and ac-
cordingly will be able to run to the
beach, make a trial flight and return
to the business section in less than a
day.
''I should not think Of building a two
passenger aeroplane at first" he said
last night. 81 shall have to learn all
the ins and outs of operating it; in
fact, / have had to do this with every
airship I have had anything to do
with. When We first built the dirigible
we have been making flights with at
Los Angeles I had to learn its opera
ton like starting anew. At first 1
could not steer it at all, and that IS
the case with every airship. 1 want to
build an aeroplane to know that side
of the game.
can aeroplane is a glide or a scoot
through the air, and that is about all
there is to it. I don't see where the
dirigible have been using could be
improved upon for exhibitions, and
shall use it for my dates next summer" I"
The pleasure trip planned by Mr.. and
Mrs. Dick Ferris and Mr.. and Mrs
Knabenshue in the balloon American
has been postponed until January II
because of the illness Of Mr.. Ferris.
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
DOGS DEVOUR C0RPSES
AND ADD TO TERR0RS
RAMPANT IN MESSINA

MESSINA, Jan. 6.-Dogs now con-
Stitute one of the dangers to the earth
quake refugees. These animals, suf-
fering from hunger and rabid from the
lack of water, gnaw corpses like hy-
enas and frequently attack the refu-
gees themselves.
Among the wounded who left for
Palermo last night was a young man
whose eyes and right cheek had been
terribly mutilated by dogs.
After the earthquake he was buried
in debris up to his neck, and while
thus unable to move was attacked by
three of the animals and seriously hurt
before his cries attracted help.
Many people are shooting all va
grant dogs at sight, and stray bullets
are another danger in the city.
The work of rescue is being pushed
on indefatigably night and day, and
even now persons alive are occasionally
dug out of the ruins.
A woman was released from the
wreckage of the Church Of San Fran
cisco. She did not realize that she
had been buried so many days.
She explained that she thought she
was entombed in the church after hav-
ing died a natural death, and that she
was living in the hereafter.
The work of rescuing the living will
be continued for two days more in
that success will be met with.
MoonIit DesoIation
The rain has at last ceased; the sky
has cleared, and the full moon seems
to render the desolation more complete.
The once picturesque hills, smiling with
olive groves, are now wrecked and
gloomy.
The visitor cannot refrain from a
cry of sorrow when he realizes that the
cathedral, the glory of Messino. has
been razed. The centuries have re-
spected it from the time of the Nor
mans until a few days ago.
Defying former earthquakes which
have afflicted Messina, its great col
umns of Egyptian granite, heavier and
stronger than bronze, were all thrown
down and crumbled as if of chalk.
The magnificent Norman, Andevin
and Argonez tombs of the kings of
Sicily, have been reduced to ruins.
Among the many dreadful scenes,
none is more pathetic than those in
which men and women have lost their
reason from shock and suffering. 1t
seems that almost half the army of
survivors has become demented.
Today party of soldiers came upon
the remains of what was once the city
hall. They found an old man stand
ing there half naked. He held a
blanket in his hand, but did not think
to put it around him, although the air
was cold.
The soldiers asked him why he did
not cover himself, and one urged him
to take refuge in hut, but the old
man answered.:
81 cannot leave; 1 am the porter of
the municipality"
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
RED CROSS NOTIFIED AS TO
DISPOSITION OF DONATIONS

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 6.-Officials
of the California branch of the Red
Cross society in this city were noti-
fed today of the disposition made of
the first $43O,OOO subscribed by America
70" the relief of the italian sufferers
in the recent disaster.
The cablegram, addressed to Benja-
min Ide Wheeler, president of the as
sociation, states that $320,000 has been
disbursed through the Italian Red
Cross and applied as were the relief
funds at the time of the San Francisco
earthquake and fire.
To the American relief committee in
Rome, a fund of 100000 has been given
for the purpose of chartering a ship
and supplying food and transportation
for refugees.
The balance of $4,000 was given to
Bayard Cutting, personal representative
of the American Red Cross, for the re-
lief of destitute Americans and special
1Continued on Page Two)
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
GRAND JURY MAY
Be AT DEADLOCK
FRICTION IN INQUISIT0RlAL
BODY, Is REPORT
Asserted That During Alteration Be-
tween Foreman and Another
Member Blow Was Dealt.
Appeal to Judge

No report, or even the suggestion Of
one, was forthcoming from the grand
Jury room yesterday. There were ru-
mors, however, and these were that
belligerent events, almost approaching
the point Of sanguinary conflicts, had
occurred in the secret chamber where
the nineteen investigators of the
methods and morals of county and city
governments hold their meetings.
The jury met at 10 o'clock yesterday
morning. An adjournment was taken
twenty minutes later until 2 O'Clock III
the afternoon. "Guess they went in
there to take a smoke" remarked an
observer as the jurors emerged from
their brief meeting.
But it was something more than the
ending of a smoker that caused the
curtain to be rung down on the nrSt
act of the days program.
In fact, it is asserted, the grand jury
is at loggerheads and the members do
not agree as an entire body upon the
character of the report on the invest1-
CATION into the charges of protected
vice in Los Angeles.
Rumor of Blow Struck
Friction, it is claimed, has arisen. 1t
was rumored yesterday that this fric-
ton has reached the fighting point and
that Chairman Jones struck one of his
colleagues early in the week during an
alteration. Jurymen last night did
not deny this rumor.
Ever since Thomas L. Woolwine, for
mer city prosecutor and deputy dis
trict attorney, was deposed by District
Attorney Fredericks, who himself took
charge of the investigation demanded
by the public as a result OF WoolWlnes s
charges. there have, it is claimed, ex-
listed two factions in the jury room
For some time after the inquiry was
begun the jury, according to report,
stood divided almost equally, one side
hoping to declare blameless everyone
l1pon whom suspicion had fallen. Head
ing this faction, it is said, was Fore
man Jones.
The opposition, it was said some time
ago. lined the district attorney up with
those in favor of a whitewash, and so
strong was this belief in the minds of
some Of the members that they sat
disdainfully listening to the examina-
tion of witnesses, refusing to take any
part in the proceedings, fearing such
action might be taken as an approval
of what was taking place.
Later, it is said, the anti-JoneS fac
titon has increased in numbers by rea-
son Of the facts elected as a result of
the probing of witnesses. This has
caused the strained relations to become
more tense, and, according to a well
authenticated report, this feeling of an
CONTINUED on Page Twol
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
James rreadweII Bankrupt

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 6.-James
Treadwell, once a multi-millionaire, one
of the promoters of the world famous
Treadwell mines of Alaska and a for
mer director of the California Safe De-
posit and Trust company of this city.
which suspended during the panic last
year, was today adjudged a bankrupt
by Judge De Haven in the United States
circuit court on petition of the deposit
tors of the bank.
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07

EH months ago the question whether or vice
8 !. being protected in the city of Los Angeles by
s3s48 officials of the city directly charged with the
forcement of its criminal laws, received consd-
cradle attention at the hands of members Of the
and many citizens
During the discussion which arose upon this matter
The Herald made charges for the that
in possession of positive information upon which to base
charges Enough to the surface during the discus
sion however convince those interested in The Herald
that certain conditions existed in the city affecting the
forcement of the criminal laws of the city which
worthy of careful investigation.
For than six months past The Herald has been
conducting in its way and its expense this
vestgation On yesterday the investigation sufficient
~ completed enable The Herald lay it's results before
its readers 1t has led along various lines including the
certain corporate enterprises owned
officials into whose hands the citys organic law directly
places the enforcement of the criminal statutes Of the city
The Herald order to get to certain corporation
records found it necessary in following its nvesga
ton acquire certain stock interest corporation
largely owned and ocered by these city officials 1t also
became necessary to employ parties to do detective work
for the purpose of ascertan1ng how certain individuals
gagged businesses under the immediate control and super
vision of some of the city officials were conducting their
businesses.
The result of the investigation has shown that
commission of the city was SO organized as to enable GER
of its members who interested in business
poratons their power city officials to the financial
benefit of these corporations by placing their stock with
the liquor dealers of the city.
Just how this organization perfected and how after
being perfected used and what the has apparent
1y resulted it relates to the enforcement
forcement of the criminal laws of the city will be shown by
plain of facts which The Herald will publish
On the first nstament of this statement will
appear dealing with the organization of the police
mission and the police department OF the city Of Los
Angeles.
Having presented all Of the facts they have been
gathered, and for whose correctness The Herald will
vouch will then be up the decent awabidng citizens
the city of Los Angeles say whether the laws
city have been violated by and with the and
connivance Of officials charged with their enforcement
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
FACILITIES FOR
EDUCATION ARE
VOTED BY CITY
ONLY ONE PRECINCT FAILS TO
CARRY IN FAVOR
BOARD DELIGHTED AT SUCCESS
OF PROPOSITIONS
Ratio of over Two and One-HaIf to
One Is Maintained Generally
Throughout All the
Districts

High School. ...... I04I Z9oI
Elementary School 7781 1880
nY a vote exceeding two and
X a half to one, the school bond
~ issue of $4,000 was voted
yesterday by the citizens of the
Los Angeles school districts.
Following a big demonstration
on Tuesday by pupils of the Los
Angeles high and polytechnic
schools, the students went out
yesterday morning as workers at
the polls and succeeded in bring
ing out what is considered a fair
vote for a special election.
When it became known at the head
quarters of the board of education last
night that the issue had carried and
that adequate school facilities for all
the children in Los Angeles are as
sured there was general rejoicing. DR..
E. c. Moore, city superintendent. and
Joseph Scott, president of the school
board, wore smiles of large proportions,
and all others who had the success of
the project yitally at heart were ex-
changing congratulations.
With four precincts missing the vote
stood For grammar school bonds, 77S1;
against, 1880; for high school bonds,
7847; against, 1861.
Members of Board JUbiIant
People of Los Angeles by their votes
cast yesterday decide that the children
of Los Angeles shall have sufficient
school accommodation. and that no
child in this growing city shall be de-
MED a chance to get an education or
given an excuse for evading the COM
pulsory school law" said a member of
the board of education last night.
"And the decision was overwhelming.
In only one precinct, the Third, did
(COntinued on Page Five)
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
Joseph Scott Praises Herald
BY JOSEPH SCOTT,
President Board of Education

NATURALLY the result gratifying members of
the board of education and the officers pupils
~ of the schools The opposition has been
Some of the methods overscpulous
and the board would have been less powess
had been for the efficient
among the press of this city The Herald pioneer
consistently advocating schools and tearing
deception and misunderstanding
coudd For such splendid service has earned
the gratitude of all the friends of good government
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
cominq to Los AnueIes

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 6.-Nat G..
Goodwin, actor and mining promoter,
with his wife. who was formerly Miss
Edna Goodrich, leading lady in many
Goodwin productions, arrived here to-
day en- route to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
THE NEWS SUMMARY
FORECAST

ForLos Angeles and vicinity: Cloudy
Thursday; light south wind. Maximum
temperature yesterday, 65 degrees;
minimum, So degrees.
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
LOCAL

School bonds to the amount of s75O.o0O were
voted on and carried and facilities for educa-
tion accordingly will be increased.
Animal league reports SO dogs killed in De-
cember, as compared with 500 more killed
monthly by former dog catcher
General Chaffee and party to make trip to
aqueduct for inspection, junket to be made in
honor of Kern.
Former Chief of Police Kern becomes member
of board of public works and is given place
OF chief inspector.
Municipal Waterways association will en-
large bulletin devoted to harbor affairs.
Sidney A. Butler attacks racetrack gambling
and declares evil is curse to community.
Cyclist hurled from wheel by colliding with
an automobile; is slightly hurt.
Knabenshue plans to build airship new
model to be constructed along lines of aero
plane.
Applicant for citizenship expresses belief that
Roosevelt is about the whole government
Civil War veteran says two men swindled
him out of SIS under threat Of arrest.
Cowboy tells plausible story of shooting of
constable by tramp at Newhall
W. H. Booth elected as president of chamber
Of commerce
Police justice acts as referee in suit which in
wolves fit of woman's coat.
Grand jury said to be in deadlock over re-
port and it is hinted that fisticuffs were re-
sorted to by certain members.
Chicago aviator to take his honeymoon with
his wife in Los Angeles clouds.
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
COAST

Fire underwriters convention at San Fran
cisco elects officers, holds big banquet and
adjourns.
Santa Cruz experiences remarkable phe-
nomenon, during which hot shot rains from
sky and air is charged with electricity.
Red Cross at San Francisco receives notice
as to disposition of large donated to the
Italian earthquake sufferers.
San Franciscan goes in quest OF employment
and never returns.
Jeweler of San Francisco accused of embez-
element
California; state legislature has unimportant
session, still wranging over patronage; Demo-
cratic joint legislative caucus decides not to
fuse with independent Republicans.
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
FOREIGN

Great Britain, United States and japan de-
eide on united action and may warn regent of
China not to endanger peace, as result of COM
plications pending from dismissal Of Grand
Councillor Yuen Shat Kai.
Chief Of secret police of Russian capital SEN
fenced to penal servitude in Siberia for having
secreted bombs and anarchistic literature in
homes of suspects, later convicting them
Dogs in Messina go mad from hunger and
dcvcur corpses Of their dead masters; terrible
suffering continues: thousands on verge of
death from starvation, but relief is becoming
more sYstematized
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
SCHOOL BONDS ISSUE WINS At Polls BYB MAJORITY
Is Vice Protected i'm
Los Angeles

UR READERS will doubt recall that some
months ago the question as to whether not vic'
was being protected in the city of Los Angeles by
officials Of the city directly charged with the en-
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-07
EASTERN

President in letter to United States senate
relative to corporation merger in Tennessee
declares he sanctioned trust combine and gives
solons hot retort, saying they have no right
to question him regarding actions.
Thornton Hams severely griIled by prosecu-
tion in Annis murder trial and adheres to ORR
ginal story, but admits memory has failed
him regarding details
Opie Read, novelist, driven from hotel by
fire which destroys theater and does $3.50 900
damage at Springfield, Mo.
Body of Methodist minister in small town
near Detroit found dismembered and thrown
into stove in church.
Cold wave sweeps over east, and many suffer
severely from fearful drop in temperature.