davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Robesonian., 1909-05-31
Kills TO Stop the Fiend

The worst foe for IL years OF John
Deye, of Gladwin, Mich, was a running
ulcer. He paid doctors over S4OO:OO
without benefit. Then Bucklen's Arnlca
salve killed the ulcer and cured him.
cures Fever-sores, Boils. Felons, Ecze'
ma, salt Rheum. Infallible for Piles
Burns, scalds, cuts, Corns. 25c at al
| drugstores.
The Robesonian., 1909-05-31

The Senate Tuesday confirm
ed the nomination of William s.
Washburn to be a civil service
commissioner, succeeding James
T. Williams. Jr., who resigned
after ten days service on ac-
count of his health.
The Robesonian., 1909-05-31
Won't Slight a Good Friend.

eff ever l need a cough medicine
again know what to get," declares
Mrs. A. L. Alley of Beals, Me-, "for, af-
ter using ten bottles of DR.. kings New
discovery, and seeing it's excellent re-
suits in my own family and others, l
am Convinced it is the best medicine
made for coughs, colds and lung trou-
ble." Every one who tries it feels just
that way. Relief is felt at once and its
quick cure surprises you. For Bronchitis,
Asthma, Hemorrhage, croupe, LaGrippe,
Sore Throat, pain in chest or lungs its
supreme. SOC and $1.00. Trial bottle
free. Guaranteed by all druggists.
The Robesonian., 1909-05-31

For burn or scald apply chamber
lain's salve. 1t will allay the pain almost
instantly and quickly heal the injured
parts. For sale by all druggists.
The Robesonian., 1909-05-31

S or 6doses ''666s' will cure any case
of Chills and Fever. Price 25c. 1925
The Robesonian., 1909-05-31

S or 6 doses ''666" will cure any case
o Chills and Fever. Price 25c. 1925
The Robesonian., 1909-05-31

Subscribe for The Robesoni ue
Evening star., 1909-05-23
3CENE3 3ALON&
M 4ZA.z2NEZNZX
WATER FRONT

ever. the land along the river was so low
that at high water it was inundated
vast acres were a marShy fiat, eXuding
the malaria which gaze to Washington
an unenviable notoriety. Public authori-
ties recognized that something should be
done with the Potomac flats. but the
more necessary improvements of the city
not only absorbed the attention of the
officials, but also the appropriations Con-
greSS made, from year to year toward
the city's upbuilding.
1t was then decided to deepen the chan
mel of the river. The work came under
the War Department, and the engineers
izing the mud and clay dredged from the
river bed in elevating the marshes near
by. This rebuilding was necessarily slow,
but 1t was carried on persistently and
with excellent results. TIE lowest depres-
siOns were filed first. then the entire sur
face was raised higher and higher. so
long as the dredging of the channel con-
tinued. and good deal of rich soil was
scattered over the erstwhile marshes. A
barrier of willow trees. familiar to most
Washingtonians, perhaps. for they face
the excursion wharves, was planted, and
these have offered an effective front for
the made ground of the flats These.
the present plans, and the channel wild
ened at least $50 feet more.
This park upon the fats is only the be-
ginning of a great scheme for the estab-
lishment of similar places of ornament
and recreation along those portions of
the river front which are not available
for commercial purposes. Along the up
per Potomac and on both sides of the
Eastern branch areas will be obtained
by legal enactment and devoted to park
use. Analostan Island is proposed as a
park which may, in time, come to be- the
Evening star., 1909-05-23
Engineers Plan Long Beautiful Washngton

ANCHORAGE is proposed along this side or
the flats The pleasure craft are now
anchored, for the most part. in the upper
portion of the channel, just above the
coal wharves and this dingy proximity
can hardly, it is supposed, be relished py
the dweller upon a houseboat. or the
owner Of one of the trim launches that
one observes in that part OF the stream.
L ne proposed anchorage appears. now
ever, ideal. and scarcely more attractive
surroundings could be found upon any
portion of the Potomac. Just to the rear
is Potomac Park, the white shaft of the
Monument rising from the intervening
greenery, and Long bridge, across which
the trains are constantly rolling, gives
q touch of life and animation to the scene
There is very little commercial traffic
along here, too and the owners of pleas
use boats would not be likely to be in
commoded to any considerable degree.
AS you gaze upon Potomac Park and
reflect that this attractive addition to the
city's beauties was raised from the refuse
brought down by the more tempeStuous
upper river you cannot but marvel at the
engineering skill displayed The yacht
anchorage at the south end of the park
will undoubtedly enhance it's attractions
In the beginning of Washington the city
nestled along the river. and what is now
South Washington was the fashionable
district. There are still standing many
fine old residences attesting the wealth
and culture Of the early owners. How
Evening star., 1909-05-23
ID ORN DETECTIVES" WHO KNOW THEY
@@RA1 CAN ~SE4OW UP" SF1ERL OCK HOLMES

a position. feeling confident that I am
qualified to fill it to your satisfaction.
II have plenty of nerve and VIII, ana
can give the best of references. Mr..
Rogers will testify to my ABILITY ana
also plenty of other citizens. My age is
twenty-three, single. my occupation
grocer clerk at present and have been one
for two years. This is all l Will tell you
now Hope to hear from you with a
favorable reply"
Another one hints that he knows a
few things that the government might
want to know, which he will disclose
If they employ him at once as secret
service man.
II would like to take hand in this
business" says one writer. IF your think
can do the work. i know of few
things can look up already. let me
hear from you at once
He heard at once, but he probably .id
not show the letter to his friends.
Another applicant wrote:
Il desire to enlist in your service as a
travelling detective and am writing you
today for termes and particulars about
the business"
Many of the would-be sleuths have been
trying their hand at solving mysteries
at home. according to their letters. and
have been SO successful in recovering
Widow Jones COW or Squire Hawkins
hoe that they want to become attached
to the United States squad of sleuths.
Il have been doing some detective work
for several years." said a recent writer.
land 1 want to doe more in the future
than 1 have been doeing, and l would
like to have badge and some photo
graphs. if 1t is possible for you to send
them to me. Send them at once and
write me full particulars. Hoping to
hear from you soon, l am" etc.
The secret service is still struggling
along without his services.
Farm environment seems to be healthy
for breeding sleuths, and many letters
came from rural free delivery routes.
would there be any chance for en-
Evening star., 1909-05-23

sparkling stream between the green
shores of Maryland and Virginia.
The white excursion steamers that
crowd the wharves at the lower portion
of the channel are pleasant to look upon
as they flash in the sunlight. Excursions
down river will soon begin to engage
the peoples attention, and eager groups
will make for the boats, from the tunnels
of which the black smoke pours. One of
the policemen on the Vigilant, an elderly
man who has been on duty along the rfv-
er for thirty years or more. says he re-
members of the old racing days, when ex-
cursions were regarded as largely devoid
Of interest by certain pa2tes If the last
trip cityward did not offer occasion for
exciting race.
The last contest of this sort, he says.
was that between two of the fastest craft
on the river. They were returning at
night, one from Lower Cedar Point, a
once popular resort, and the other from q
point farther down the river. The meet
ing seemed almost preconcerted, as the
first boat loomed up just ahead of the
second when she was a short distance
out. Then the race began. Both boats
were crowded with passengers, and the
men crowded upon the rails of either
craft, hurting defiance or cheering with
might and main as distance was made or
lost. The captains piled fuel into the fur
naces, until it began to resemble an old
Mississippi river race. the red flame burst
ing through the tunnels, and the dense
Evening star., 1909-05-23

may be predicted that the Washingtonian
of a century hence will survey very
different aspect from that now presented
by the water front.
The denizens of the river side-those
who live and earn their livelihood here
are awaking to the coming change. Espe-
cially is this SO as regards the numerous
squatters, who have taken up their
abodes along the shores Of the Anacostia
river and who are now threatened with
eviction. One cannot help feeling some
pity for these people, some Of whom by
industry and thrift have gotten together
little fleets of boats which they hire. thus
eking out a subsistence. These people.
too, engage in fishing, bodybuilding. re-
pairing. calking. lining" junk-hunting
and other river employments.
But the march of progress Is irresisti-
BILE, and when the needful legislation is
secured from Congress things will un-
questionably not be SO quiet along the
Potomac as heretofore.
Equipped with plan showing the pro-
posed improvements. as determined by
the harbor committee. composed of John
r. Sutton w. ]. Douglas and Daniel E.
Garges, a trip along the river front is in
structive. Embarking on the VigiIant, the
police boat that daily patrols the Dis
Evening star., 1909-05-23

granted him by Chief Wilkie "Sir. it has
been the height of my ambition ever
since / was seventeen years OF age, ana
1 am now twenty-one. to become de-
tective. No doubt you will think this
some novel readers dream, but it is not.
l am sincere and it means good deal
to me. My uncle, James Smith, was a
good detective: no doubt you have heard
of him. (Chief Wikie hadn't, but an
cestors don't count in free Amercao !
am acquainted with these regions and a
good deal of the people. l have Travelled
a good deal and l am acquainted with
hardship, although l come from good
your city the 29th of last June. did
forty-three hours without anything to
eat till I went to police headquarters
and sent home for money.
Il must say your police of Washington
is so Generous that 1t is a wonder they
have any pay at the end of the month.
Why they are so generous that they
sent me to a charity institution after do
ing without anything to eat for forty
black coffee and dry bread.
"But all jokes aside. sir. can you use
me- 1 have a little grit. also some
nerve. Some people sometimes tell me
/ have too much. but what's the use
without little. l do not care about the
pay: / will leave that to you till 1 prove
satisfactory Hope that / am successful
in getting position.
Some of the applicants are only pre-
pairing to take up detective work and
write for instructions as to how to be-
come sleuth
"Please send me by return mail" wrote
a recent applicant. ''some books and
litature bearing on the secret service.
] wish to learn and acquaint myself of
the duties that are required in the serv-
ice / am a young man. twenty-one years
of age, and 1 am anxious to get into the
work. So please send me such litature
you think I would need to commence
work. for want to commence right and
Evening star., 1909-05-23

and the storehouses for ice are being filled
from the large, black-hulled craft II it
happens to be warm day when the ice
is run down the chute to the wharf a
score of urchins station themselves be-
low the chute and eagerly gather up in
buckets the chips that fly off from the
sliding blocks. Each one secures a
bucketful of the priced commodity and
makes off with it.
In contrast to these Industrious wharf
rats are their brethren who go in for
idleness and sleep. Lounging about the
piers, their bare feet in the water, these
specimens Of humanity seem to find that
the mere sight and touch of the river are
enough for them.
Older amphibians. evidently of the same
general proclivities, although they do not
disport themselves in the element, are
noticeable about the wharves-old fellows
who lounge about, and some Of whom
give one the queer impression Of hav-
ing been drowned at one time and, after
having lain in the slime and ooze of the
river for considerable period. have been
in some miraculous manner resuscitated
and brought back to life. One can easily
imagine that when the proposed improve
ments are initiated these denizens of the
wharves, who seem to be now SO in har-
Evening star., 1909-05-23

black smoke of both boats mingling to-
gether The moment that one boat pass
ed the other will not likely be forgotten
by any on board. Women tainted, men
yelled like demons and the red fire from
the tunnels flashed through the inky and
lowlying clouds of smoke.
That was some twenty-Odd years ago
and since then the guardians Of law and
order have kept a sharp lookout to pre-
vent recurrence of scene which called
forth vast amount of protest.
Just below the excursion piers the light
house board is erecting a dock. 1t is
merely a wooden structure built on piles,
and gives no suggestion of the govern
ment's proposed plans; but then the lat
congressional action is obtained
Rounding the extremity of TIE flats. you
advance along the broad stretch of the
river which leads in the direction OF
Georgetown. The plans show that a yacht
Evening star., 1909-05-23

II got him." shouted the wearer OF the
top Of the tin can.
The prisoner was amazed. He was a
stranger in the city from one of the lower
counties of a neighboring state. 1t was
his first visit to the city, and he was at
loss to understand what 1t all meant.
He may have violated some law in his
native state and run away, and it may
have been because of guilty conscience
that he made no complaint. At any rate,
he seemed glad enough to get released
and willingly went away without making
any inquiries. But that was not all.
Jeems," as the sleuth called himself
was still ready for duty. He was given a
night job with instructions to make no ar
rests, and was told to report the next
morning for duty. Promptly at O'Clock
'Jeems" was on hand.
What duty is there for me today?" was
his first question. although his subsequent
conversation showed he had not neglected
to give some thought to the question OF
compensation.
'You are to report to the general in
command at the barracks" was his or
der.
The joke was in danger Of being carried
too far and the perpetrators of ii were
trying to unload. "Jeems' was given a
note to a resident of the vicinity OF the
barracks. the message containing a re.
quest that the cOlored man be kept going
1t was believed he would get tired and fai
years later "Jeems' turned up with the
remark, I'm here again." One cf the
notes given him had been the means OF
getting him a position and he was looking
for another chance to show his ability
believing he had been rewarded for sue.
cesssful work.
All tfe people who think they are born
detectives do not come from the cities
Many Of them come from the rural dis
tricts. Some have been in correspondence
with so-called schools for detectives or
certain agencies which furnish badges and
instructions upon payment of a specified
fee. Among those who have called at the
local detective headquarters during past
years have been number Of the graduate
detectives, and all have expressed surprise
when told their badges gave them no au-
thority to make arrests.
you can't fool me, old man." said one
Of the agency detectives who called al
headquarters some time ago. 1--WE been
corresponding with detectives and paid $.
for this badge. They told me they would
give me what business they had in my
section. but I guess the people out there
are good, because have not had a case >
Evening star., 1909-05-23

trict water front. YOU steam merrily and
rapidly up the channel, where are located
the principal wharves. The first proposed
change is to supplant the rough and ir-
regular wooden piers with quays of ma
sonry which will either jut out at right
angles with tho wall Of tie wharf or be at
an angle with the iattc. in order 10 afford
a wider channel. II is also upon the plan
TO widen the channel LOO teet. moving
back the wall of the flats opposite for
that purpose The need for Improvement
along this channel is sufficiently evident.
especially in the upper portion near the
narrow entrance to the tidal reservoir.
The shabbiness of the wharves and OF the
street beyond as caught to view through
piles of rdbbish and frame sheds is al
most incredible
Sfeaming back along the channel you
pass the ice and fish whaves. The big
schooners from Maine are beginning to
come into their docks in larger numbers,
Evening star., 1909-05-23

mony with their surroundings, will feel
strangely alien and forlorn.
As you steamed out of the Vigilant' s
dock you probably noticed on the water
side near at hand a small building like
a chapel. its walls of pebbledash. also
nearby dingy-looking rowboat. The edi-
flee is the morgue and the rowboat is
used in srapp!ing for bodies of those who
have lost their lives in the river. Dismal
work. the latter, especially at night and
by the light of lanterns
One perceives that the plan is to curtail
Arsenal point. that picturesque bit OF land
which marks the entrance to the Eastern
branch or Anacostia river. Here the
War College sreets the eye and the inn
age of Frederick the Great of Prussia,
holding lonely sentinel at The great en-
trancet
The natural beauty OF the Potomac, re-
leased frcm the disfgurements of the
present channel. is now strikinaly appar-
ent as it moves in broat, majestic and
Evening star., 1909-05-23

they are close students OF human nature.
One recently let Chief Wilkie know that
his experience as grocer clerk has en-
abled him to study human nature care
fully, and that he is able to read thoughts
Of others accurately.
All Of the men who apply are well
stocked with grit and nerve, according
to their modest letters Of application.
and they offer to use 1t all for the bene-
fit of the United States.
Il have been talking with your deputy,
John Rogers. about your secret service"
says one recent writer. referring to a
deputy of whom the chief never heard.
land I have a desire to become a de-
tective. I beg leave to offer myself for
Evening star., 1909-05-23

What made you correspond with an
agency?' he was asked
Because I'm a born detective" he said.
Il knew l could trail criminals and put
stop to murder or burglaries. and thought
it was a waste of talents to stay in the
country on farm
do l understand you to say you are
able to tell criminal when you see him?"
Certainly / can"
"And tell murderer from burglar?"
That's cinch."
would you mind giving me an idea
OF how you are able TO distinguish be-
tween the two"
II sure would. You see. when man Is
a born detective he ought to keep his Sc
crets to himself When l started i'm to
become a detective I was told to keep
my own counsel, and the only way / can
demonstrate my ability is by being given
job on your force"
Sorry. old man. the disappointed APP
plicant was told land / might say that
thority because Of the badge you are
wearing I'm afraid some of my officers
will have you for a VICTIM"
I'm a detective and want a Job on
the city detective force" was the state
ment made to the clerk In the detective
Office by TALL lean. lanky individual
from Virginia who wanted to assist in
tHe WOTk OF capturing CToohS OuIluS IN
augural week.
What experience have You had that
fits you for the position?" he was asked.
His response was:
Il have lived in Mount Jackson all my
life, working for the most part on the
farm, and at times attended school and
got a good education. In the past few
years l recovered widows cow, a con-
stables pig and my uncles horse, which
had been stolen. and also ran down sew
eral chicken thieves. AS got tired of the
farm work and wanted to make lots of
money. thought that as had done such
good detective work in the country 1
would be able to get job In Washing
ton"
The applicant was referred to Chief
Wilkie, and when he started from the Of
flee Detective Mullen saw what he
thought was revolver in the pocket OF
the disappointed applicant. Turning
toward the man from Virginia, he in
quired If the applicant had brought his
gun with him. and, much to his surprise.
he was shown bottle of coffee. the pro-
spective sleuth having brought rations
enough to last several days.
Evening star., 1909-05-23

make the study a success. Hoping to
hear by return mail, etc.
Many of the applicants are the products
OF what the officials of the secret service
call fake detective bureaus. While there
are many legitimate detective agencies
throughout the country. it Is explained.
there are many others which gather the
moss from the pockets of their victims
by prafsing their alleged detective work.
The way the bait Is held out is shown
by a letter which recently fell into the
hands Of Chief Wilkie, sent to a prospec-
tive victim.
Dear SIR" 1t began, under an im-
pressive detective agency letter head,
''you remember in Smithtown some time
Evening star., 1909-05-23

been built by the spirits Of the departed
maidens to mark the spot where they lost
their lives. or to safeguard those who
might be in similar predicament at this
spot. 1t is believed. however. that the
government authorities will pay very little
attention to the romantic side of the
affair, and will remorselessly blast the
dangerous obstruction
A long stretch of land, extending from
the Aqueduct bridge to the Chain bridge
between the river and the canal, is rec
commended for purchase by the govern
ment This will also probably be con-
verted into a park, with all the facilities
for recreation that are designed and being
executed for Potomac Park. 1t will be re-
called that the walk along the canal was
former President Roosevelt's favorite
promenade, and here one day, accom-
Evening star., 1909-05-23

pay roll of the United States government
as secret service men. For, in fact, Chlef
Wilkie confesses that since certain clauses
crept into appropriation acts passed by
Congress at the last two sessions there
has been little chance for the appoint
ment Of new men to the service.
But. according to the applications which
come to him every day. the breeding
of men of the Sherlock Holmes species
continues healthy, and there is no pros
pect of a dearth in the near future. And
climatic or geographic conditions seem to
have no effect on the output of sleuths.
for the applicants live in every section
of the country.
The men who apply for positions have
had preliminary training in grocery
stores, blacksmith shops and on farms.
and they almost invariably declared that
Evening star., 1909-05-23

great recreation place for the people of
West Washington.
AS you steam along the banks OF the
picturesque island you notice the old slave
quarters of its former owner, Gen. Mason.
and you catch glimpse Of the ruins of
the old mansion in tangled growth of
trees in the interior. This was an elegant
place once. though now it resembles jun
gle. The writer of the quaint book upon
early Washington. ''Ten Miles Square" !"
describes the magnificent view obtained
from the windows of the now ruined
house, the sailboats gliding up and down
stream. the spires of Alexandria in the
distance and the heights of Georgetown
and the beautiful gorge Of the upper Po-
tomac close at hand. The proposed me-
mortal bridge will pass within a stones
throw of the island. You notice that