davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
|SIGNOR SENTENCED
TO SAN QUENTIN
Judge Brown Imposes Penalty
of Seven Years Imprison=
ment for Forgeries

OAKLAND, Feb. 17.-Judge E. j.
Brown sentenced Frederick B. Signor.
who had confessed that he forged the
name of James A. Murray, a million
aire, to term of seven years in the
penitentiary at San Quentin today
strenuous effort was made to prove
that Signor was mentally unbalanced
to an extent that made him irrespon-
sible for his acts. Judge Brown said
that a certain amount of Injustice was
being done Signor by conffning him in
penitentiary, but that the state OF
California had no proper place for
such persons
Signor was not a proper subject for
penitentiary Or an asylum for the In
sane, said Judge Brown, but as it was
deemed improbable that he could be
committed to a hospital for the insane
the only recourse left was the peni-
tentiary. Judge Brown hoped that the
state would provide adequate facilities
for the treatment of such persons be-
fore the expiration of Signors term.
DISEASE LIKELY TO GROW
DR.. F. w. Hatch, superintendent of
the state hospitals for the insane, re-
ported that he had found Signor un-
evenly developed, with poor judgment
and a lack of will power. A degenerate
from inherited tendencies, DR.. Hatch
said that Signor was not man to be
sent to the pepitentiary for his acts
Signor should be confined and observed
carefully. said DIR. Hatch. who ex
pressed the opinion that he probably
would grow worse instead of better
When Assistant District Attorney
Hynes narrated the story of the
forgeries DR.. Hatch said that the very
ma gnitude of the operations forced him
to believe that Signor had no adequate
conception Of his offenses.
MOTHER TELLS OF INSANITY
Mrs. Jennie Signor. mother of the de-
fendant, told of insanity in his near
relatives, many of whom had died in
state. hospitals. She said that Signor
had been unreliable since his childhood
and that disease had rendered him de-
lirious at times
j. Gather Newsom testified that Sig
nor told him wild stories until he re-
garded Signor as w1olly unbalanced
Cigarettes and the taking of strychnia
Were the causes, said Newsom.
Attorney R. NJ Fitzgerald gave his
impression of Signor as a man without
judgment or administrative ability.
Signor went to his office, he said, de-
manding a thorough Investigation by
the district attorney when the story of
the forgeries was first published, and
had acted with an apparent lack of
balance.
NOTES NOT NEGOTIATED
Signor was indicted on eight counts
for forging notes and drafts in Murrays
name for a face value of sS60,000. He
also forged a power of attorney in Muir
rays name, which he had certified be-
fore a notary at Los Angeles.
The notes and drafts were left with
William G. Henshaw and Tyler Hen
shaw pending the return of Murray,
who, as Signor represented, had agreed
to accept cement stock in return. The
Henshaws said that they never ad-
vanced Signor money on the forgeries,
but Tyler Henshaw lent Signor. per-
sonally, about 81 800 while the. trans
action was pending.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
NO INDICTMENTS LIKELY
BY SAN RAFAEL JURY
Will Be Discharged Today After
Three Weeks of Investigation

SAN RAFAEL. Feb. l7.-As far as
can be ascertaiped no indictments will
be made by the grand jury which is
10 be discharged tomorrow after an
existence of several weeks. The hooks
of the county officials have been ex-
amined and found to be in first class
condition.
The Offices, it was found. are con-
Quoted properly. From authoritative
sources IL is reported that nothing
further viii be done by the jury toward
probing the alleged existence of
gambling games.
Today's business consisted mainly in
examining the town trustees of San
Anselmo relative to blind pigs rllmored
20 be IN operation in the town At the
conclusion OF the session, however. the
jurors apparently were satisfied thai
none have been running as reported
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
MILL VALLEY LOOKS
INTO WATER SYSTEM
Town Trustees Seek Informa-
ton From Water Company

MILL VALLEY, Feb. 17.-With the
idea of following the example of Sausa-
Tito in the acquiration of municipal
water distributing system the Mill VAL
ley Improvement club and the Hall as
sociation have sent a joint note to the
town trustees of Mill Valley with re-
quest that committee be appointed to
confer with the president of the North
Coast water company to ascertain the
amount that the water company would
demand for its distributing plant in the
valley.
The communication to the board was
explained by Trustee Iredale, who said
that committees from the two clubs
had already seen Newlands on the sub
Ject. but that the water company presi-
dent desired to have some of the town
trustees on the committee before MAX
ing any definite statements.
The trustees were made members of
the joint committee from the club.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
REV. ". [. TANNER
RESIGNS PULPIT
Will Leave MeIrose Baptist
Church Despite Congrega-
TONS Desire

OAKLAND, Feb. 17.-Upon the re-
quest of Rev. Walter E. Tanner. pastor
of the Melrose Baptist church, his
resignation was accepted by the con-
gregation tonight. 1t will become ef-
fective some time in the latter part OF
April The minister has made no plans.
Notwithstanding that he pleaded with
the churchmen to accept his resigna-
ton, which he rendered to the deacons
last Sunday, the vote resulted in a
majority of only one cast in acceptance
While the meeting of the congregation
passed smoothly, the deacons at first
We're unwilling to present their report
on the pastors tender of resignation
to the church members tonight Tanner
explicitly asked that this be done. then
In short talk asked for the action
which resulted.
This does not necessarily mean that
| will quit the community" he said.
1 have no plans yet
Speaking of an editorial attack made
on him by the Oakland Tribune last
night for his activity in civic affairs.
Rev. Mr. Tanner said
That 1t is the best compliment have
ever received; if the Tribune were on
my side | should think | was on the
wrong side. That paper spoke of me as
throwing "a dead cat into the church
and county. The only dead cats in
Melrose are the Oakland Tribunes
thrown promiscously on the peoples
doorsteps. That sheet is against the
prosecution in San Francisco and was
among the worst of the papers which
had share in melting the murderous
attack made on Francis j. Heney. 1
feel in view of the Tribune's attack on
me that | have not done wrong. And
! am not out of the fight for civic de-
cency. I have plans TO carry out con-
eerning which this is not the time to
speak,
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
SALOME DANCE CAUSES
A RUMPUS IN MEXICO
City Council Attends Perform
anCe and ADnrnYeS hv Vote

OAxACA. Mex. Feb. 17.-The Salome
dance is in Mexico. The winding.
sensuous dance is being presented at a
local theater by an American actress
and the performance has created all
kinds of row. Some of the good peO-
pie thought il was awful others did
not and so loud grew the rumpus thar
the city council held a special session
day or two ago and adjourned in
body TO the theater to witness in its
official capacity as censors of the pub
lie morals this much talked Of dance
After viewing the performance the
city fathers once more met, and by a
majority Of one vote it was decided to.
allow the performance TO continue.
Nevertheless. the population is very
much divided as TO the prOpriety Of the
dance.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
NEWS Of The FOUR COUNTIES BORDERING san FRANCISCO BAY
WONEN'S FUNERAL
PARLOR OPPOSED
Board of Public Works Refuses
to Issue Permit to Social
Leaders

OAKLAND, Feb. 1.-THE California
woman's undertaking association
business venture of social leaders in the
bay cities. encountered unexpected op-
position today in applying to the board
of public works commission for per-
mission to begin operations in resi-
dence section of Oakland The prem
ises named for the housing of the lately
Incorporated undertaking association
is at 491 Merrimac street Here the
society women had planned. should be-
gin their announced innovations in the
sacred duty of caring for the dead. not
the least of which was TO supplant the
traditional black with gray as the en-
blem of bereavement
PROTESTS ARE EXPECTED
Anticipating angry protests from
the dwellers in Merrimac street and
vicinity against the opening of the
undertaking establishment in their
neighborhood, the commissioners de-
clined TO act on the application today
1t was laid over for one week. eX-
pressly for the purpose of hearing any
protests that may arise.
The opening of funeral parlors in a
residence district has on other occa-
sions been the cause OF dfssension and
protest. and not even the social stand
ing of the stock holders in the new as
socfatiOn. or the fact that a woman.
Miss Elizabeth J. Ruth of Berkeley. is
to be the superintendent. altered the
circumstances as they arose with the
presentation OF the application. The
only representative of the association
present at the board meeting this morn
ing was Fred Hathaway, who made the
request for the permit.
WOMEN CONTROL COMPANY
The California women's undertaking
association was Incorporated NOvem-
Der IL, 1908, with capital stock OF
$4,000 and capital paid in of $1,000
Named as the stock holders were Mary
A. Cornwall of San Francisco; Lillian
Harris Coffin. women's suffrage leader
of Mill Valley; Miss Elizabeth J. Ruth
of Berkeley. Lucia T. Neelands of san
Francisco, Mrs. Ellen Hubbard of
Berkeley and Mary J. Rome of San
Francisco.
At the time of Incorporation il was
announced that Miss Ruth would be the
superintendent. She has had experience
in her chosen work in the east. and
it was said she would bring many
changes in the present methods.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
RISKS LIFE IN FIRE
WHILE SEEKING CHILDREN
Man Searches Burning Home,
Believing Inmates Overcome

FRUITVALE. Feb. 17.-Believing that
several children were penned in the
burning home of Mrs. j. Brewis at
1917 Putnam street, t. Turner of 3410
Putnam street dashed into the house
yesterday afternoon and groped his
way through the dense smoke into ev-
cry room in the building. When he
finally became convinced that the in
mates had all escaped he was on the
verge of collapsing and barely mus
tered strength enough to stagger to
the front door, where he fell fainting
The fire was started by a spark
from the kitchen range. Mrs. Brewis
and the other roomers made their
escape before the arrival of Turner.
After stubborn fight the firemen
succeeded in extinguishing the flames.
but the building was damaged to the
extent of several hundred dollars.
A. Pleitner, the owner, had the build
ing full insured.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
Personal Mention

Savoy. '"e
W; L; Helby of Los Angeles is at
the Holland.
Dorchester.
Charles A. Brophy of Chicago is reg
istered at the Manx.
DR. o. r. Avison of Seoul Korea is
staying at the Stewart.
Rear Admiral H. Stevens. retired. is
guest al the Fairmont.
s. S. Mcclure. publisher of Mcclure $
magazine. is at the Fairmont
Ira Branson, an attorney of Seattle
Is staying at the st. Francis.
W. Newton Donnolly and son of Chi
cago, ILL.,, are at the Baltimore
Frank Golden, a mining operator Of
Reno, is registered at the ST. Francis
George Geisendorfer. a lumbernan
or Loyalton, is guest at the Stewart.
F. A. Hartman and Eugene Overton
of Los Angeles are staying at the Fair
mont.
Mr.. and Mrs. Rufus P. Spalding of
Los Angeles have apartments at the 81.
Francis.
Stockton, is at the st. Francis. accom-
panied by Mrs. Holt.
o. W. Lehmer. general manager of
the Yosemite Valley railroad is regis
tered at the Stewart.
T. B. Hunter of the Monterey water
works rs at the St. Francis, accom-
panied by Mrs. Hunter
William f. Thalheimer, quartermas-
ter sergeant of the United States ma
rine corps is staying at the Manx.
L. j. Livingstone and wife OF los
Angeles and r. j. Thurston. wife and
daughter of Milwaukee are at the I'M
perial.
f. E. Enquest. mercantile man os
eastern Washington, spent a few davs
in this city on his way to southern
California.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
WOMEN FRIGHTENED BY
NUDE MAN IN PALO ALTO
Same Person Said to Have Pa
raded Streets in Female Garb

PALO ALTO. Feb. IA thorough
investigation is being made by the po-
lice of the appearance of a man on the
streets late at night garbed at times
completely in woman's clothes and
again practically nude.
Monday evening two women walking
on University avenue. the main street
of the city, were confronted by the
man, who was all but nude and they
We're frightened into Mysteries
Later on the same night two girls
were followed by the same man who
was this time garbed in woman's at
tire. Active investigation is being car
ried on by the police and they believe
the identity of the late masquerader
will be discovered.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
ORDER OF BOARS PLANS
TO HOLD BIG REUNION
Members From All Bay Cities
to Take Part in JoIIification

OAKLAND, Feb. 1.-THE first reun-
ion of the order of Boars" since the
fire of 1896 will be held during the lat
ter part of March at the San Francisco
nest" Chief Boar H. p Atkinson has
sent out the call and all Bears in the
bay cities will respond to participate in
the jollification.
Among those who will assist in the
evenings entertainment are Past
Grand Chief Mort Thomas of Oakland.
Vice Chief Art Fulghum of San Fran
CISCO Chief Ned Fulghum of Eureka
and Poler Walter Trigo
Shoats E. r. Alverson, Louis Bryan
and X. L. Davis have the arrangements
in charge and promise TO serve chicken
in the trough during the progress of
the grunt.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
PROTESTS IN BEHALF
OF ABBREVIATED SKIRTS
Opening of Street Would Pre-
vent Girls Outdoor Exercise

BERKELEY. Feb IA novel pro-
test against the proposed opening of
Haste street from Telegraph avenue to
Bowditch street was made to the
board of trustees last night by Miss
Anna Head, president of Miss Heads S
school for girls, who declared that if
the street Is cut through the basket
ball and tennis courts of the school
would be exposed to the public view,
to exercise in the customary abbrevi-
ated costumes Protests were also
lodged by Attorney j. Arthur Ellston
for ]. A. Marshall and Joseph Hink1e,
property owners in the affected dis
trict. The trustees took no action on
the protests. The commissioners ap-
pointed by the board have already re-
ported on the proposed opening of the
street and have recommended the as
sessment to be levied
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
TWO OAKLAND MEN
ADJUDGED INSANE
Antoine Lewis Declared Himself
Candidate for Mayor

OAKLAND. Feb. I7.-John O.Connor
a machinist who plunged into the basin
of a fountain at independence square
yesterday after racing through the
streets in a nude condition, was ad-
judged insane and committed by Judge
Ogden to the state hospital at Stock
ton. Testimony was given to show
that O'Connor had become violent while
out of work for three weeks. He said
that voices urged him TO kill. Antoine
Lewis, a laborer, was declared insane
Lewis said that he was an independent
candidate for mayor. and that he had
legal insight which would enable him
TO break any law in the land with
impunity after his election.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
MUSICAL ART SOCIETY'S
CONCERT AT ST. FRANCIS
Mime. Frieda Langendorff AS
sisted by Lyric Quartet

Nine. Frieda Langendorff was the
soloist of the third concert given by the
St. Francis musical art society in the
colonial room of the ST. Francis hotel
last evening The ballroom was well
filled and the boxes all occupied. The
singer, who possesses a rich voice of
mezzo soprano quality. was enthusias-
tically received, and there was a con-
tinual call for encores. Madame Lam
gendorff was assisted by the Lyric
quartet, which played several numbers
while the singer rested. Frederick
Maurer Jr. acted as accompanist.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
JACK SULLIVAN GETS DECISION

OAKLAND. Feb. 17-Montana Jack
Sullivan got the decision over Brick
Burgess in six rounds at the West Oak
land athletic club tonight Tommy
Mccarthy won from George Lahey on
points in six round go. Willie Pur-
cell and Antoine Lagrave fought a
draw Willie O'Neil and Frank Burns
fought a draw also. Fred Couture de-
feated Tony Earle in a six round bat
tie. In the heavy weight contest Dick
Richards lay down in the fourth
round to A. Hoffman.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
SLEEPS ON WHILE WIFE'S
SCREAMS SCARE BURGLARS
Thief in Room and Shrieks Fail
to Awaken Husband

ELMHURST, Feb. 17.-Awakened by
noise in her room. Mrs. A. Alves, wife
of streetcar employe, was so startled
at seeing a man near her bed searching
her husbands clothes that she
screamed. The burglar fed with a $50
gold watch.
Alves did not awaken until the thief
had gone with his timepfece. He slept
through the intrusion and the screams
and was reused only when his wife
shook him.
Then he began to seek the burglar
and found merely a trail of his cloth
ing scattered from his front door to a
fence over which the burglar vaulted.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
IGNORANCE OF CHANGE IN
OWNER MAY PROVE COSTLY
Alameda Man Sued for Water
He Thought Was a Gift

ALAMEDA, Feb. 17.-Because Silas
Hoxie of this city was unaware that
he was running in opposition to the
Peoples water company, with John f.
Reschert, his neighbor, as sole custo-
mer, the latter has been presented with
a bill for eight years service. having
refused payment, according to the COM
plant, is now being sued In the Justice
court. Hoxie purchaser the plant. d
windmill attachment. to well. about
that the previous owner was supply
ing Reschert with water. The latter
continued to use the supply after
Hoxie's acquisition of the property and
on the discovery being made by the
well owner a few days ago, the de-
rland for water rent was made.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
pRowLER RUNS AwAY-oaEland Fe

PHUWLEh AWhI-UaKIanu, II.
A burglar who walked into w. ]. Brady's home
643 Porter street and prowling in a front
room, was so frightened at the sudden appear
ance of Mrs. Brady that he bolted. The police
were called but found trace of him. The
man had taken nothing. Miss May Johnson lfy-
ing at $50 Seventh street. reported to the police
that while she was in bowling alley near her
home sneak thief stole her watch and gold
nugget charm
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
BISHOP DA SILVA is
GUEST OF PORTUGUESE
Noted European PreIate Enter
tained at Oakland BANQUET

OAKLAND, Feb. Hills grace ID.
Henriaue A. da Silva. bishop of Ira
annapolis, was the guest of honor at a
banquet given by the prominent Por-
tuguese of the bay cities at the Key
Route hotel tonight. The committee in
charge of the banquet was as follows
President. A. NJ Martins; vice presi-
dent, r. A. s. Encarnacao; secretary,
NJ Bettencourt da Camara: treasurer,
DIR. j. Leal de Azevedo. toastmaster, NJ
Bettencourt da Camara.
Music was furnished by McLean,s
orchestra. the following program be-
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
STARTS WILL corrrsr-oahlapa Feb.

STARTS WILL CONTEST Oakland, Feb. II.
James Washington and his wife, Mary negroes,
we're accused OF procuring bs false representa-
tions the signature of Ella Sequie 10 her pur-
ported wilI filed for probate February s. Joseph
Segiie. nephew Of Ella Seeue, filed what he said
her true will today, and his petition for IFS
admission 10 probate contained the charges
against the washingtons
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18

MRS. JOHN GAMBLE IN HosPITAL-Hay-
ward, Feb. 17.-sIrs. John Gamble. wife of DR..
John Gamble. principal OF the local high school.
has been taken to the chidrens hospital in San
Francisco to undergo serious operation. She
Is well known in literary, church and educational
circles ab3nt the bay,
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
TAIkEs cHLoRoroRM

LARKSPUR. Feb. l7.-Despondent
because of a family disagreement.
Clarence Clark, youth Of 81, attempted
TO end his life yesterday by swallow
ing chloroform. The young man was
unconscious when found by his parents.
who Immediately summoned DR.. Mills
2 local physician With the aid OF Al
stomach pump Clark's life was saved
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18

BILL PASSES LEGISLATURE salem ora
Feb 1.-THE house today passed a bfll for fhs
sterilization of the criminal insane The hilI az
ready had passed the senate.
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18
oHAReEp wrrH RosbERY-

CHARGED WITH RoBBERY-oakland. Feb.
l1.-Edward Carmody, hodcarrier. captured
after chase yesterday afternoon by Patrolmsn
Holmberg- was charged with robbery this morn.
ing for an alleged attempt to wrest purse
from Mrs. Freda Morgan. wife of f. r. Morgan
chief officer on the steamer Jeanette. carmodv
failed to obtain the purse
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-18

FIVE DEAD; Is IEJURED-valencia. Spain.
Feb 1T.-Five persons were killed today and IS
injured. 3 seriously, by the collapse Of floor
n a ball where lots were being drawn for con-
scription-
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-18

FOR RENT-FURNISHED ROOMS, WITH
or without housekeeping; near Hambur-
gers; walking distance summer rates;
every convenience. I'll MAPLE AVE.
LILA
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-18

$500 invoice; GROCERY AND MEAT
market: rent only $50; receipts $500 monthly;
no competition; large railroad and restau-
rant trade; established 20 years; never ad-
vertised before; horse wagons and fixtures;
stock fresh and salable. For terms Of sale
see LEAHY & SON.
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-18
Land Scrip
ON THE RAILROAD
AT A STATION.
WATER IS TO 40 FEET,
q MIL &c I'D ON OS A NrGET

$50 MILES FROM LOS ANGELES.
FINE VALLEY-NOT DESERT PLAIN.
We have located some of the best Los
Angeles people. You can talk with them
After you have talked with professional
locators let us tell you our little PROPOSE
ton. We are not real estate men. but
took this land first ourselves after prov
ing water, soil, climate. We charge about
half the usual fee. Not much of this
valley, but what there is is fine. Phone
Main S741 Gin Sunday, or call DON E.
JOHNSON, cor. College and San Fernando
SITS Party leaves Saturday and Wednesday.
1-14-6
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-18
PENNY ARCADE.

PENNY ARCADE.
s3700-PENNY ARCADE; the best pay
ing, best located, most completely equipped.
the largest patronized and beyond all ques-
ton the best displayed ARCADE in the city;
earning $40 to SIS daily over expenses; re-
Movable lease. For thorough investigation.
reasons for selling and terms see LEAHY
& SON.
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-18
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES


J. w. WEIGHTMAN & CO.. 341 S. HILL ST.
INVESTMENT DEPARTMENT.
Wanted-A gentleman with means to
take working interest in a manufacturing
business that will stand thorough investi-
cation and will give large returns on your
investment. See US for further informa-
ton.
Grocery and meat market; must go east;
no delivering; SIS daily cash business; will
invoice 90c on the 81.
$650-Electric bath establishment; the
finest equipped in the country; scientific
and patented; good cause for selling.
S500-Delicatessen and restaurant; fixtures
cost $500; doing fine business; fine location.
I'LL
WANT PARTY TO PUT IN $1,000 AND BE-
come an officer and director of company ar
ranging to incorporate on eight valuable
pieces copper and gold property, you to be
in on ground floor; best offer ever made.
See PHOENIX, 2o2 Grant bldg. LIZ
WELL ESTABLISHED BUSINESS THAT
is secured investment, with plenty trade,
cheap if taken this week. Hat store and
renovating. GOA w. SIXTH ST. 1-1S-3
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-18

s95o-WHOLESALE BAKERY, centrally
located; large oven capacity of 1000 loaves
daily; double dough troughs; tables, tools
ane pans; all new and everything in splen-
did condition; this bakery is worth $1,000, and
supplies several large dealers; oven and
fixtures 60 with this sacrifice sale. See
LEAHY & SON,
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-18

S1OOO-HALF INTEREST IN SHIPPING
BUSINESS, BUTTER, POULTRY, EGGS,
CHEESE. ETC., nearby town; business has
increased to the extent that owner must
have a partner at once This lucrative prop
osition with future business in sight is Of
fered to the right man. See LEAHY &
SON.
Los Angeles herald., 1909-01-18

BUSINESS MEN AND WOMEN.
Teachers or nurses with small capital
can obtain lucrative business opportunities
TO manage a main office and control the
output of established wholesale house;
vestment trivial; energy is the requisite
For full particulars see LEAHY & SON.