davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
CITY MAY GIVE
S-YEAR CONTRACT
Solicitor So Decides on QueS.
ton Affecting the Board
OF Public Education

City solicitor Townsend sent 10 Harry j.
Guthrie, secretary Of the Board OF Pub
Tic r fucation, to-day. an opinion holding
that the Board may award contract Cor
a three year period. The opinion was
prompted by "a communication from the
Boird asking il the body could award a
th fee-year lighting contract 70 the Will
minEton Light, Power and Telephone
Company.
Following is Mr. Townsend's opinion.
May IS 1909
on their successors 10 forego their
Harry ,. Gnthrie. Secretary Board of
Public Education, city
Dear Sir. 1 have your letter of
May 18th in which YOU state that the
board desires my opinion as 20 It's legal
right 10 enter into contract for any
term OF years. AS the only matter ai
this time to be determined. has refer
cnce 70 contracts for one. two or three
years IN accordance with the advertise
ments for bids, 1 shall base my opinion
or the facts In issue
The power of a public body 10 bind
successors I'm office by a contract for
"a term Of years has been repeatedly
recognized with regard 10 water and
light supplies. street car fares. the dis
posal of sewage and garbage and the
issuance Of municipal bonds. Public
bodies may not bind either themselves
on their successors TO forego their
legislative duties; nor win contracts
.purporting 10 bind their successors In
Office for the performance of personal
or professional services 20 "a corpora
tion be binding on the corporation af-
ter the expiration of the official terms
of contracting members. Perpetual
contracts or contracts for unreasonable
length Of time are always set aside,
but / have been unable to find amy
case where contracts covering period
Of less than five years have been set
aside. unless the charter provisions
prohibited the body making any con-
tract 10 extend beyond the official term
Of all its members. The charter of this
board contains no such prohibition. and
/ am therefore of opinion that a con-
tract otherwise legal would not be in
valid because let for a term of three
years.
Yours very truly,
S d. Townsend. Jr., city solicitor
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
JUDGE TALK
STIRS DOVER
mo Appointments today
Said Governor on Hear
ing Of 2umOrS
MANY CONFERENCES
ABOUT THE CAPITOL TOWN

Special TO THE EVENING JOURNAL.
DOVER. Del, May 1S.-Speculation was
rife last night and to-day about the pros
pective judicial appointments. It was all
because Governor Pennswill and Secre-
tary Of State Hastings spent the night
and to-day in Dover.
Numerous Republicans Of more or less
prominence dropped into Dover last even-
ing and to-day. and many were the con-
ferences at which the judgeships were
discussed It was big day for the Judge
smiths" but Governor Pennewin. who ia
to name the judges. had this to say this
morning TO a representative Of THE
EVENING JOURNAL:
There will be no appointments of
judges to-day"
That settled the matter so far as to-day
being the day was concerned, but the
"judgesmiths" continued as busy as
usual.
The resident Judge OF New Castle coun-
ty Is said to be causing the hitch. An
impression is growing stronger daily that
Secretary OF State Daniel o. Hastings
will go upon the bench as resident judge
with either Leonard e. Wales or Reuben
satterthwaite, Jr., OF Frank l. Speak
man to become Secretary Of State in that
contingency.
An announcement IS looked for within
a few days of the names Of the new
judges.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
"BIGSTICK" FOR
CORPORATIONS
individuals Also to be Prod
ded by City for Failing
TO Pave Property
DEPARTMENT TO DO
WORK AND COLLECT BILLS

The Street and Sewer Directors this
morning decided TO get the. big stick
after corporations and individuals who are
responsible for inadeauaoe3y repaved
bitches and defective car track paving
The 'big stick" VII be brought into
active use after July l. untir which time
the directors VIII givs dennosients opnor-
tunity 10 properly repave
Street car companies plumbers tee
phone and telegraph companies and others
viii be affected. All will be served with
notices by the Street Commissioner to
repair and repave by July l.. when the
work will he undertaken by the Street
Department and charged
The order was prompted by the direct
ors' complaints Of numerous in-paved
bitches made by plumbers. telephone COM
panies and others. and Of defective paving
between the tracks and at the sides Of tue
rails Of the street car companef Presi-
dent Sparks several days ago told tho
street commissioner 10 issue notice to tho
delinquents. and this morning the entire
board officially ordered him TO do so.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
HAMS GOES
TO Sing Sing
Missed the Early Morning
Train and Sheriff Was
Embarrassed
WILL STAY IN PRISON
AS APPEAL PROGRESSES
By United Press Leased Special wira.

BY United Press Leased Special Wira
NEW YORK. May 1s-Captain Peter
c. Hams missed his train for Sing Sing
prison to-day. Accompanied by a
deputy sheriff, he was brought over
from Long Island City to take the $50
local for Ossining, where he was to be
transferred to the prison. but he. his
father and brother. the deputy and
Lawyer Young got into a conversa-
tion in the station with the result that
when they went to look for their train
they discovered that it had been gone
five minutes. This most unusual be-
ginning was somewhat embarrassing
TO the deputy TO whom the captain was
handcuffed, but the Captain made no
sign either of annoyance or pleasure,
simply indicating by his attitude that
ne did not care what happened, He
went to prison on later train.
Handcuffed to the deputy sheriff. the
Captain had crossed from Long Island
City on a ferry boat, rode through
Manhattans streets in an ordinary
trolley car to the Grand Central sta
ton, and it had been planned before
10 o'clock he would be on his way u
Ossining to serve his term of eight
years for the murder of William f
Annis Hams made the trip to the
station unaccompanied by any member
of his family, but was met at the sta.
ton by his father. General Peter c
Hams. and his brother. Major Johr
Hams. They accompanied him TO the
prison.
Target For the Curious.
A crowd Of curious persons gazed N
the convicted army officer at the ferry
on the car and in the station. Cap
tain Hams evinced little interest, al
though he seemed brighter than at any
time since his arrest on August /,
last.
Deputy Sheriff Gulfoyle to whom be
was handcuhed. stated that he hac
spent a fair night and eaten a gooc
breakfast this morning. In addition
TO the members Of his family Lawya,
Young accompanied the party to th'
prison.
Young has decided there will he ",
application for a petition OF reason
able doubt but the Captain shall con
tinue to serve his term while the carry
ing Of an appeal from the convictioi
to the appellate division is in pro
/ gress.
It is deemed best by the family 2,
take this course as. should he get hi
| freedom on bail. and later the sentence
be affirmed, he will lose nearly a year
as that time viii be required to dispos
of the case in the appellate courts 1
is also rumored that General Hahn
believed It good policy for the Captain
to start serving his term as. II tn
/ appeal fails, in a couple Of years HI
expects 70 circulate a petition 70
| executive clemency. which might prov
! successful. The General has mucl
political influence, and all of this vii
| be brought to bear to get Captain
Hams out Of prison on a pardon /
all other means fail.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
NATURES STAGE
FOR THEATRTCALS
New-Century Club Members
to Have a Delightful Time
Tomorrow

Members and invited guests OF the
New Century Club will have a delight
ful time tomorrow afternoon at the
home Of Mr.. and Mrs. William F. Sell
lers. at Edgemoor. when following the
installation Of the newly-elected on
GERS OF the club there will be an out
door production of Much Ada About
Nothing" Mrs. Sellers invited the
club TO be her guest tomorrow.
The officers to be installed are as
follows: Mrs. Horace Belts, president;
Mrs. Edward T. Belts. first vice-presi-
dent; Miss Emma Lore, second vice.
president; Mrs. Harry Z. Speakman,
recording secretary; Miss Mary Poole,
corresponding secretary; Miss Grace
Beadenkopf, treasurer; Mrs. Elizabeth
G.. Robinson, Federation secretary;
Miss Edith S Danforth, Miss Eliza
beth A. Bringhurst, Mrs. Frank S. Car
rett. Mrs. Lindley c. Kent, Mrs. Nor
man Huxley. Mrs. Alfred ID. Warner,
Mrs. John ]. Satterthwaite. executive
committee.
Much Ado About Nothing" was
presented recently by a cast of the
club women at the clubhouse The
production tomorrow will be outdoors
on the beautiful law Of the Sellers
home. with nature furnishing the scenic
setting. The cast will be as follows:
Don Pedro, Prince Of Aragon, Mrs.
Peter T. Wright; Don John. Natural
brother 20 DA Pedro, Mrs. Frank S.
Garrett; Claudio. favorite to Don Pedro,
Miss Sellers; Menedick. favorite to
Don Pedro. Miss Danforth; Leonato,
governor Of Messina, Mrs. Thomas b.
Young: Antonio. brother of Leonato,
Mrs. William II. Fem; Balthazar, SER
want TO Don Pedro. Mrs. Roy +. Fletch-
err: Borachio. follower of Don John,
Miss Ball; Dogberry, officer of police
I'm Messina, Mrs. Robert Pennington;
Verges. officer of police in Messina
Miss Curtis: Seacoal. watchman. Mrs
william Wyatt; Oatcake, watchman
Miss McCaulley; Frair Francis. Miss
Gunsolus: sexton, Miss Baird; Nero
daughter to Leonato, Miss Wales;
Beatrice. niece to Leonato, Mrs
Charles f. Wentz: Margaret attend
ant on Hero. Mrs. Joseph w. Pusey;
Ursula. attendant on Hero. Miss Miller
If the weather is unfavorable to-
morrow the installation and theatricals
win be held on the following day.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
AMERICANLEATHER
TO SELLPROPERTY

The American Leather Company. Grant,
ley p. Postles, president will offer for
sale on the premises, southwest corner OF
Third and Madison streets. on Tuesday.
June /, its big morocco plant consisting
of a factory. storehouse, stable and DWELL
ing. together with all the factory machin-
cry. boilers dynamos. tools, fixtures and
other utensils.
The property has frontage on Madi-
son street Of one hundred and eighty
seven feet four inches, and on Third street
one hundred and seventy-three feet. The
plant has been operated FOR years by The
American Leather Company Of which the
late General p. Parke Postles was the
president. II is expected that the sale VIII
he attended by morocco manufacturers
frcm al over the East
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
ENCAMPMENT
WEEK JULY 24-3l
Adiutant General Announces
State Range. Below New
Castle as the Site
FORMAL ORDER GIVING
DETAILS TO BE OUT SOON

Adjutant General l. Pusey Wicker
sham, OF the Organized Militia Of Della
ware announced from headquarters
this morning that the State Camp OF
Instruction this year would be held
on the State range below New Castle
during the week July e4-3l. Formal
orders announcing the camp location
and all other details will be issued in
a short time.
The site OF the encampment is two
and one-half miles below New Castle
on 22s acre farm recently purchased
by the Government as a site for a rife
range for the State militia. The site
overlooks the Delaware river. is well
drained. provided with regulation tar
get ranges. offers excellent advantages
for extended drills and military field
work OF all kinds. and in every way
Is Ideal. II Is regarded as the best
site in the state for an encampment.
and being adjacent to Wilmington.
more people will see the State soldiers
In their annual field manouevers this
year than ever before.
The site has many advantages over
those occupied by the Militia IN for
mer years. Chief OF these will be the
opportunity offered for development
in rifle practice The ranges are we'll
laid out and as the men are familiar
with the targets, having shot at them
at regular intervals. a good team is
expected to be picked from the men
to represent the State az tho National
shoot at Camp Perry, Ohio, the latter
part OF August.
The encampmcnt this year will be
icomposed OF 400 officers and men, and
all are pleased with the site. For
two years the Militia encamped at Re-
hoboth
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
RIDER THROWN BY
RUNAWAY HORSE
W. [. BETTER, Jr.. Has Ankle
Sprained While on Pleas
ure Ride

While riding his saddle horse up the
Park Drive last evening. William l..
Better Jr., of No. 1905 Tatnall street.
assistant manager OF the STANDARD
Arms Company. had one Of his ankles
sprained by the animal taking fright
and throwing It's rider In falling Mr..
Beitler caught his foot in the stirrup
and was dragged several yards before
he could release himself The horse
continued its mad run up the drive
and was stopped after It had run sew
eral miles. Mr.. Beltler will be confined
20 his home for several days because
Of his injuries. That he was not more
seriously injured is regarded as
miraculous.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
PASTOR, I'LL, WILL
GO WEST TO REST

The Rev. Magnus Petersen until re-
Gently pastor OF the Swedish NJ. E. Church
at Eleventh and Heald streets, viii not
accept appointment TO the Swedish Church
at Gardner, Mass.
He was assigned to the Massachusetts
church recently, but has been unable to
90 because he was stricken with pneu.
monia. He has been seriously III for sew
eral months, and his condition is such that
he viii retire from ministerial work fol-
a year and go West. instead Of going "a
the church at Gardner
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
CHARGE ON GAMING
IS CONTINUED

The hearing Of Calvin Blair. charged
with keeping a gaming table in his
cigar store and pool room at Eighth
and Pine streets was again continued
in City Court this morning. Matthew
Sudder and Samuel Barnes testified
that they had played with chips and
money in the store.
Blair's defense was that he was una
ware that the boys gamblod having
provided the table for their diversion.
He was represented by Hugh NJ Nor
ris. who asked that the charge be held
up. Judge Cochran ordered the con-
tinuance in order to consider the evil
dence.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
BOLD THIEVES
USED A WAGON

The police have been asked to search
for two valuable oil paintings, a guam
tity Of clothing, and a gold filled watch,
altogether valued at 1925, which were
taken several nights ago from the home
of +. W. Luff. near Talleyville No
trace of either the loot or the robbers
has been found.
The paintings are the most valuable
of the articles taken and the family is
anxious to get them back. All the
pawnshops here have been visited by
the police but none of the plunder was
recovered.
The robbery occurred while the fam
ily was away and from what can be
learned. the thieves had a wagon, with
which they drove up to the house and
loading their plunder, drove away
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
Mr.. GRAY'S DOG
FINALLY KILLED

Dogcatcher George Kopp yesterday
afternoon killed three dogs which
showed signs of rabbies. one of the
animals was that Of James #. Gray.
superintendent Of tho police and fire
alarm system. which ran amuck I'm the
vicinity of Tenth and Adams streets
on Sunday Mr.. Gray confined the
dog with the hone that It would re-
cover. but yesterday II developed a
severe case of rabbles. Mr.. Gray then
sent for the dogcatcher and the dog
was removed 10 the pound and killed.
Dogs believed TO have been suffering
with rabies were taken from the yards
of the houses at Nos. 1906 West Six
teenth street and No. 1885 Jackson
street, and removed to the pound to be
dispatched.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
Friend of PetroSino
AssaSSinated Today

NEW YORK, May 1s.-The entire
police force of New York are working
hard in an attempt to locate the slay-
ers of Pieggio Puccio, the most inti-
mate friend of Joseph Petrosino, the
detective slain in Palermo. who was
assassinated in tho hallway Of his home
on East Seventy fifth stret early today.
The murder was a most cold blooded
one. The slayer hid in the hallway and.
as Puceio came full into the light OF
he hall lamp On the third tiocr, he VAS
shot down, the bullet entering the left
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
DRIVERS
HOUSE ON FIRE

When Charles McGaughey. driver Of
the engine of Union Fire Company. No.
II. received a still alarm at the engine
house after midnight last night he did
not FOR a moment think the blaze was
in his own home. This did not serve
TO lessen his hurry, however. and he
was soon as Second and Union streets.
where he lives. and for the first time
was made aware that the house he
occupied was on fire.
The blaze was In the store part Of
the building. which is occupied by
Samuel Matter, a butcher. Me-
Gaughey and his family occupy the
upper floors.
The blaze originated between the
partition separating the Office from the
store proper. The loss viii reach
about $500.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
Rospeoted coIored Man Dead.

SMYRNA, May fS.-The funeral ser
vice Of John W. Peeler. aged So. was
held Sunday afternoon in Bethel A. NJ.
E. Church. Rev. William Jones oficiat-
ing, assisted by Rev William Cornish.
The deceased was one of the most
respected colored men i'm this town.
Johnson's Cornet Band, of which the
deceased was one of the original mem
bers. played as the procession moved
through the streets to the cemetery.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18

shoulder. ranging downward and pass
ing through his heart. A panic follow
ed the shooting in the crowded apart
ment house with the result that the
slayer escaped in the confusion.
Puccio arranged for the big benefit
for Mrs. Petrosino at the Academy OF
Music. and was also very active in ar
ranging Tor the funeral of the mur-
dered detective. and the police believe
that tms activity marked him Tor death
al the hands of agents OF the organ
ization that KILLED tho deteclvb
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
salvation Army Meetings.

Special meetings viii be held by the
Salvation Army at the hall. Fourth
and King streets. Wednesday. Thurs
day and Friday. of this week. The fol-
lowing officers from out of the city
will take part in the campaign; Cap
tain Ethel Holz and brigade of Ches-
ter; Ensign Kingsbury and workers
of Philadelphia. and Adiutant Lovette.
formerly Of the Bowery Corps, New
York
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
STREET DEPARTMENT
TO HELP MOVE SPRING

The Street and Sewer Directors this
morning decided to cooperate with the
Water Commissioners in lowering the
pipes leading to the spring on Fourth
street. between Monroe and Madison, and
in removing the fountain to Fourth and
Monroe streets. The directors will begin
work on the spring after July l.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
WEATHER.

WASHINGTON, May 1s.-Hish pres
sure in the north and northwest has
forced the western storm southeast
wardly to Texas, whence it will meve
eastward.
In the Middle Atlantic States, the
lower lake region, and the upper Ohio
Valley, the weather will be fair with
moderate temperature tonight and
Wednesday.
Forecast till p. m. Wednesday;
For Delaware-Fair tonight. We'd
nesdsy partly cloudy; moderate tenn
perature; light to moderate northerlY
winds.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
Inspect Woodlawn Avenue.

afternoon are inspecting Woodlawn
avenue between Fourth and Sixth
streets, pursuant TO the request OF the
Woodlawn Improvement Company for
the vacation Of the avenue between
those streets.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
Civil Service in Diplomatic Corps.
BY United Press Leased Special Wire.

WASHINGTON, May 1S.-In accord
ance with it's plans 10 put into effect
as far as possible the civil service rule.
the state department has begun the
examination of 20 applicants for minor
positions in the diplomatic corps. There
are at present only six secretaryships
vacant but this number viii likely be
increased after the department has
made closer scrutiny of the present
lists It is probable that several pres
ent secretaries viii give place to new
Faan-
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
Recruiting Office TO Close.

Sergeant James r. Montague L. 5.
NJ. c.. who Is in charge of the local
Recruiting Station IN the Federal
Building. has received orders 10 close
business in this city, on May 81. The
recruiting party leaves here for New
port r. I.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
Discuss Trolley Work.

The directors of the West Chester
and Wilmington Electric Railway held
meeting I'm this city yesterday Con-
siderable time was spent in discussing
reports regarding the proposed line
No definite conclusion was reached re
gardipg the contracts for the road,
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
sishon kinsman In sussev

GEORGETOWN. May 1S.-Bishop
Kinsman, OF the Delaware Episcopal
Diocese. preached in st. Paurs Church
at Georgetown on Sunday. In the
morning he was at Millsboro and in the
afternoon at Trinity.
Evening journal., 1909-05-18
Funeral of Georae Meredith.

BOXIIfLL. England. May 1S.-The
funeral OF George Meredith. the nov
elist will be held ON Thursday and
from kilograms of inquiry that have
been received today. scores Of men
prominent in England's literary life
win be in attendance Meredith died
at an early hour today after only a
few days illness. The cause Of death
was officially given as heart failure.
but in reality it was the lnnrmitles Of
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-15
St. Paul Solves Christmas Shopping
 Problem.

The Christmas shopping problem has been settled for St. Paul, Minn. There will be no Christmas eve rush at the big stores. These for the first time will close with the afternoon before Christi mas, so that clerks may spend Christ mas eve at home. The movement be- gan with the people, but lacked lead ership until Rev. J. J. Lawler of the Cathedral parish of the Roman Cath ollie church arranged a conference with the proprietors of the big stores. They were as favorable as he to the idea, if competition could be controlled. A closing agreement was signed with out protest. There is no reason why every store in America should not do the same thing" says Father Lawler.
 Just as much business will be done. and just as much goods sold. Time was when every city store was open each evening in the week except Sum day. Now they close and business goes on just the same. But the big thing is that it Is better for these people who work to give them their Christmas, more happiness, better home life. and every one knows there's none too much happiness in the world.
 Trains don't wait for people who
Norwich bulletin., 1909-12-15
North Franklin
NEW BOOKS.

The Sea of Matrimony, by Jessie Fl
 Childs. An mo. of 324 pages,
 bound in red, white and blue
 cloth. Broadway Publishing con-
 pany, SS5 Broadway, N. Y. Price
 $1.50.
 There is live local interest in this beck because the author, Mrs. Childs born Hopkins. is one of our girl grad uates. '"The Sea of Matrimony" is her first book but it contains every evil dence that it Is not likely to be her only book. It has been criticised as being intensely sensational, and this Is not because of its style but because of its realism. It rings true, and that is why 1t is likely to shock prudes and to be very much talked about. The author says that it is made up of "the tangled threads of life,'' and these she gives a real pen picture of if she does not untangle them. As DOT trayed, "The Sea of Matrimony' has it's strong currents and it's billowy periods and it shows that the search for hap piness has it's perils. The tale is so well plotted that the results are not disclosed until the last chapter. It is designed to show that life of ease is not life of happiness, and its dis closure of the secret disturbances of the human heart leaves no doubt that