davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1909-01-13
SAY NICkELODEONS
DEFY BUIlOINGtAW
Theatrical Managers Ask Sn-
perYiSOrS to Enforce Safety
Regulations in City

A communication has been ad-
dressed to the board of supervisors by
the theatrical managers of the city
asking that the building laws relating
TO places of amusement be enforced
throughout the city. The theatrical
men complain that nickelodeons are be-
ing operated in defiance of the regula-
tions which call for the safety of the
patrons. 1t is felt that while the big
theaters are investing from 100000 to
$1,000. 900 in their enterprises. other
places of amusement should not be al
lowed to operate in firetraps capable OF
seating hundreds of people without
even safety exits or alleyways.
Attention is also called to the fact
that panic in one of these nickelo-
deons, even without loss of life, would
alarm the public to the detriment OF
the theater business generally. The
communication is signed by NJ Meyer
field Jr.. president of the Orpheum
theater and realty company; Gottlob
Marx & Co.. proprietors of the Van
Ness and Columbia theaters; W. H
Leahy of the Tivoli, Walter Hoff Seely
of the Valencia theater; s. Loverich
manager of the Princess theater, and
A. Cohn of the American theater.
The letter to the board of supervisors
is in part as follows:
We, the undersigned citizens and tax
payers of San Francisco, hereby re-
spectfully call the attention of your
honorable board to the fact that the
spirit of the building laws of this city
and county which relate to places of
amusement is being evaded by the
granting of permits for the operation
of permanent places of amusement
which do not provide for the safety of
the lives of such as may patronize
them.
Ordinary stores in class C and other
buildings down town are being con-
verted into places of amusement. and
there is nothing to prevent the pro-
prietors of such places from packing
1000 or even 1000 persons in utter dis
regard of the safety of their patrons.
This number of people is equal to that
accommodated in most class A theaters.
which are erected in accordance with
building ordinance No. 81 of this city
and county
"A number of permanent class A
theaters, complying in every respect
with the building laws, are now in
course of construction in the downtown
district, and several others are con-
templated. The improv ement repre-
sented by each of these downtown
theaters is from $500, 900 to 81 900 900.
we take it that the object of the
building laws is not to protect only
such as patronize higher priced places
of amusement, but also such as needs
must attend cheaper shows In short
in all places of amusement where the
public congregate there should be allev-
ways and exits, sprinkling systems and
generally proper fire protection"
The San Francisco call., 1909-01-13
ATTORNEY APPOINTED
FOR JORDAN'S DEFENSE
Judge Deasy Names John A.
Spinetti to Represent Soldier

Thomas Jefferson Jordan of the One
Hundred and Forty y-eighth coast artil-
lery charged with the murder of Police
Sergeant Antoine J. F. Noting in Mont
gomary street early Friday morning,
appeared in Police Judge Deasy's court
yesterday morning. AS he had been un-
able to procure counsel to represent
him the judge appointed Attorney John
A. Spinetti for that purpose.
Spinetti asked for time to consult
with Jordan and Assistant District At
torney Louis Ward said 1T was his wish
to go on with the preliminary hearing
at the earliest possible date, but 1t was
defendant's attorney an opportunity to
consult with him.
1t was agreed to continue the case
till Friday afternoon. when the taking
of the testimony of the witnesses will
be proceeded with
The San Francisco call., 1909-01-13
UNIDENTIFIED MAN is
KILLED BY STREETCAR
Body Supposed to Be- That of
j. Murphy

An unidentified man whom the
morgue officials believe to be ]. Muir
ply. baggage master for the Pacific
Coast steamship company, was struck
by an Ingleside caP last night while
walking across the high bridge at Sill
Yer avenue and Mission street and in
stantly killed. Joseph Graves the mo-
torman, was arrested and charged with
manslaughter.
From letters found on the mangled
body the morgue authorities concluded
that the man was J. Murphy Accord
ing to Graves. the motorman. the un-
identified man was not seen until the
car was upon him, and before IT could
be stopped the body was horribly
mangled
The San Francisco call., 1909-01-13
HUNGRY MAN STEALS
LOAF FROM DOORSTEP
Police Judge Conlan Dismisses
Charge of Petty Larceny

Because he had been out of work for
some time and without proper food,
Robert Gibson. a laborer. 81 years of
age, stole a loaf of bread from the door
step of a house in Sixth street about 6
o'clock yesterday morning and started
to eat 1t. He was seen by Policemen
Gallatin and Mcclure and arrested for
petty larceny He ate his warm Dreak-
fast ravenously in the city prison.
When Gibson related his tale of woe
to Police Judge Conlan the judge dis
missed the case, remarking: Il believe
every word this man says, and l will
never convict a man of stealing loaf
of bread when he Is hungry and unable
to obtain employment"
The San Francisco call., 1909-01-13
GETS LOAN OF $4,000 AND !
WILL BUILD ON PROPERTY
Firemen's Fund Insurance Com
pany Aids in REBUILDING

M. A. Dorm will be enabled now to
improve his property on the southeast
corner of Clay and Davis streets. for
he has secured a loan from the Fire
mems fund insurance company of s30 :
goo. This is the second loan made hv
this company since 1906 and is made
for the purpose of helping to rebuild
the city.
William ]. Dutton. the president Of
the company, said that such available
money as the company had would be
used to aid in rebuilding
The loan was negotiated through the
Office of Harrigan, Weidenmuller e.
Rosenstirn
The San Francisco call., 1909-01-13
LAWYERS ELECT oFFICERs

At a meeting of the San Francisco
bar association held last Friday the
following officers We're elected for the
Curtis II. Lindley;. senior vice president
A. Comte Jr.; junior vice president
Ralph c. Harrison; treasurer. John M
Burnett: trustees, w. B. Bosley. T. C.
Coogan, J. W. Lilienthal, L. II. Jacobs
William Benman and George ]. Martin.
The San Francisco call., 1909-01-13
HENSHAWS TELL
INQUISITORS OF
SICNOR'SCR|ME
Declare FOrger Tricked Them
With Bogus Notes for
Immense Sums
indictments Speedily Returned
Against Man Who Forged
Murray's Name
FaciIe Pen WieIder Is Remanded
TO Jail Unable to Get Bonds
of $4,000

T. l.. Signor has been indicted eight
times for forging the name OF Mil
lionaire James A. Murray to the fol
lowing papers.
I-NOfe for 100000, payable TO Will
liam q. Henshaw of the Union saw
inzs bank of Oakland, dated August
p. 1905.
z-Note for 100000. payable 10 VIII
liam &. Henshaw, dated August -,
1905.
3-NOte for 100000, paynbIe TO VIII
liam q. Henshaw, dated August p,
1905.
4-Note for 100000. payable TO Will
liam q. HenshaW, dated August -.
I90S.
B-SiCht draft for 100000, payable TO
Tyler Henshaw Of the Union saw
fngs bank Of Oakland, dated Sep
tember >. 1905.
6-SiEbt draft for 100000. payable TO
F. B. SignOr. dated September >,
1905.
=-Sisht draft for $4,000. payable TO
Tyler Henshaw, dated September =,
1905.
S-Power Of attorney naming +. B.
Signor agent for Murray. dated june
n. 1905.
The San Francisco call., 1909-01-13
sAFEs BLowN OPEN

The postal inspectors were notified
yesterday that the postoffice at College
City, Colusa county. was entered by
burglars Monday night and robbed
The safe was blown open and $50. be-
sides the stamps. taken. On leaving
the postoffice the burglars went across
the street and blew open the safe of
the Rochedale store. On leaving the
second scene Of their work they forgot
the stamps that had been taken from
the DOStOffice
The San Francisco call., 1909-01-13

Eight indictments for forgeries in
voiving nearly sl.OOO.OO0 were returned
by the Alameda county grand jury yes
terday noon against +. L. Signor. alias
p b. Signor former manager Of the
Interurban express company Of this city
and Oakland. Judge Z. J. Brown set
tine bail at $1,000 in each count and the
prisoner was locked up in the Alameda
county Jail in default Of the security.
one month ago today The Cali exposed
Signor's reputed criminal dealings with
two local banks and gave the public the
first intimation that the young man had
uttered forged papers in the forms Of
promissory notes and sight drafts for
THE enormous sum Of $3.50. 900, signed
with the fictitious signature Of James
A. Murray. the Montana millionaire.
now living in Monterey. Murray made
the declaration yesterday that The Call
gave him the first news OF the forgery.
These notes and drafts had been
given by Signor 10 William G. Hen
shaw. vice president of the Union saw
ings bank OF Oakland. and his brother.
Tyler HenshaW. a real estate operator
of Alameda county, 70 cover a S409, 900
investment which SignOr represented
Murray was about 10 make in bonds Of
the Southern California cement com
pany. a Henshaw property. II was for
these forgeries that Signor was in
dicted yesterday. Although he had
previously confessed his crime, Signor
would not testify before the grand
surv
The San Francisco call., 1909-01-13
LOW Rates East and Europe

Direct to Washington, D. c., in one
car. Excursions three times a week.
Write or call 874 Market street. Wash
ington- Sunset Route. San Francisco
Phil K. Gordon, Agent.
The San Francisco call., 1909-01-13


Signor refused 10 testify and left
the 5uryroom weak and nervous, a
condition that was aggravated by an
explosion OF newspaper photog-
rapher's fashlight powder on the in
slant he left the jury chamber But
the defendant was in good company in
his panic, for at the sound Of the flash
explosion Judge ogden. troubled still
by the memory OF Mrs. Martin and
Baby" Johns exploits, adjourned court
until the cause OF the blowup could be
ascertained-
The case against Signor was clear.
Eight exhibits were produced and on
each an indictment was found. The
first paper in point of-time of eXecu-
tion was a power OF attorney executed
June I, 1908. before Leslie W. Gray. a
notary public Of Los Angeles. which pur-
ported TO empower Frederick 3. Signor
Of Oakland to act as an agent for James
b Murray Of Butte. Mont, from date un-
til August ], 1908. This was the paper
which SignOr first presented TO Tyler
HenshaW and on the strength Of which
he secured a standing upon which he
based his further negotiations.
BIG PROMIssORY NOTES
-Four other exhibits were promissorv
notes for 500. 900 each. 100000 in
total. Of date OF August %. 1908. pay
able TO William G. Henshaw Of the
Union savings bank of Oakland. and
signed James A. Murray" These notes
were represented TO Tyler Henshaw BY
Signor TO have been given by Murray
10 pay for 400 per cent first mort
gage bonds Of the Southern California
cement company, valued at $40O. .OO0
The body OF the notes was written by
Tyler Henshaw. Signor said that he
would take them to Murray, who was
then in a hospital, according to Signor's
story. as repeated yesterday TO the
grand jury by Tyler Henshaw. These
notes were witnessed by ''F. B. Signor'
and "E. G. Lau. Dr." the latter, in
Signor's fluent Imagination, being Muir
rays physician.
The other three exhibits were sight
drafts on the National Bank Of Com
merce Of Kansas City One was for
S4OO. 600. payable" to Tyler Henshaw,
a second for 100000. payable" to
Signor himself, and a third for $4,000
payable" 10 Tyler Henshaw. All were
dated September ,, 1908.
Tyler Henshaw testified before the
grand jury and explained to The Call
The San Francisco call., 1909-01-13
HENsHAwS BREAK SILENCE

For the first time since the scandal
was uncovered the two Henshaws
broke silence yesterday and discussed
their dealings with Signor with con-
siderable detail Both admit that they
were deluded and both agreed in say
ing that they believed the young man
who so spontaneously created and
flashed nearly Sl.00o.0OO worth OF gos-
samer securities without straining the
Henshaw credulity is mentally unbal-
snced.
Eight witnesses were examined be-
fore the grand jury by District Attor-
ney W. II Donahue and Assistant Dis
trict Attorney l. A Clark. They were
James A. Murray, whose name was
written IN vain; William C. Henshaw,
who was 10 sell the bonds; +. J.. Signor,
The defendant: Tyler Henshaw, who ad-
mits being "deluded" by Signor: Cap
tain OF Detectives W. G. Petersen OF
the Oakland police department. TO
whom SignOr confessed at one time;
Carl Eisenschimel. an Alameda county
handwriting expert; Harvey Z. Jester.
3 newspaper reporter, 10 whom Signor
also confessed. and c. T. Walker, secre-
tary 10 William G. Henshaw and an
officer OF the Interurban express COM
panv. which SignOr organized and at
one time mana ged.
The San Francisco call., 1909-01-13
ANY AMOUNT OF BAGG AGE

Delivered safely anywhere at any. time.
THE PACIFIC TRANSFER CO..
SO Ellis ST.. near Market
Phone kearny 395.
The Washington times., 1909-01-14
BRIDEGROOMS DEATH
BEING INVESTIGATED

ROANOKE. Va, San. -4-ReIatives Of
William A. Andrews. the young bride
groom whose dead body was found
swinging from @ tree near Roanoke last
sunday. after he had been missing "a
week, today believe me was murdered.
At the grave Lu Bedford county yes
rerday burial was stopped bg an uncle
OF the dead man. who demanded am
examination OF the body. To is said that
Dr. NabIar found several small holes Eu
the breast. one OF them leading to the
heart The wounds are believed to have
been made with a hat pin. The police
are investigating.
The Washington times., 1909-01-14
INSANE MAN RUNS
AMUCK WITH KNIFE

HAMILTON, Ohio, Jan. 1f-RudoIph
Writ, secretary Of the Wirtz Transfer
Company, a prominent business man,
went insane and ran amuck, iniuring
six persons, including his wife. who
viii probably die
Writ assailed his wife with pen
knife at home. He cut and stabbed her
fOrty-fOUr times i'm the face, breast.
neck, and head. He cut out her left
eye, and severed her right thumb He
slashed his brother, Julius. twelve times
i'm the face. and injured Charles Martin
president Of the Martin Transfer Com
pauyI Harry SummeFtOu, William
iirsChneT. and George Long, but they
will recover.
The Washington times., 1909-01-14

thinking that murder was being com
mttted. But St wasn't.
81 understand, sir. that there are
ordinances against unnecessary noises.
These noises are not only unnecessary.
but they are violent. and as you and
your policemen are supposed to enforce
the laws, ] think If devOlves upon you
TO stop these violent noises to which i
refer
Wherefore Policeman Heinerich Metz.
under orders, stole out of the station
at TO O'Clock last night with a mysteri-
Gus bundle under his arm, which was
Theodore, the station cat He found
the rear yard thick with cats. ne
turned Theodore loose and the cats
scattered Returning 10 his station the
policeman reported, Il have dispersed
the mob
Theodore viii be turned loose among
the tresDassers again tonight.
The Washington times., 1909-01-14
ViIiafranche Opens Eyes
At the Great White Fleet

VILLAFRANCHE, Jan. 1.-THE
United States battleships Minnesota,
Vermont, and Kansas continue the prlH-
cipaI attraction here. All during this
afternoon boat load after boat load OF
visitors were conducted over the ships,
and everybody was loud in the praise
of the American men-of-war and the
neatness and order everywhere found on
board.
Capt. John Hubbard, of the Minnesota,
accompanied by his flag Lieutenant,
landed and paid official visits TO the
project of the Alpes-AIaritimes n A. De
Jolly, and General Ducray. the military
Of Nice, who will return the calls.
Other social events for the entertain
ment Of the officers have been an
nounced. These include an official din
ner by the project, but the date de-
ponds upon the arrival OF the COnnec-
lieut., which may not be here before
the end OF the week. Many OF the
officers of the three battleships now al
anchor here have been given ten days
shore leave, and are going 70 Paris,
Rome and other places sightseeing.
Not the least welcome visitors to the
battleships were two Little Sisters OF
the Poor who went aboard 10 solicit
food for the aged poor In their home.
The hearts Of the nuns were gladdened
by several basketfuIS or edlbieS ana
sums Of money donated by the generous
sailors. SnOTe parties from the Amerl-
can battIeships everywhere are given
ovatiOus by the residents of the district.
The net pear of the Minnesota was
taken ashore this afternoon. and in
stantly become the idol Of the children
swarm of whom followed II across
town to an automobile. In which IL was
an airing.
The people here are looking forward
eagerly TO the football match next week
between men from the battleships Min
nesota and Kansas, which viii be play
ed on the military parade grounds. Ac-
cOrdiug to local TumOT, a prize OF
S. 900 depends upon the issue
The Washington times., 1909-01-14
MOURN LOSS
OF BILLY WATSON

Deep regret was expressed today
among public men at ths death of VIII
liam A. Watson. famiIiarly known to
politicians and mis- friends as "BiIlE
Watson. Mr.. Watson died yesterday in
Providence Hospital Of ciTruosis Of The
liver and pneumonia combined.
He was one OF the best known men
i'm political circles throughout the coun-
try and was a prominent figure about
Tammauy Hal He was a. native OF
New York. @ prOtege of Pig Tim Sui
Ivan. and was sergeant IA charge OF
Democratic headQ uaTteTs iu New YORK
city during the recent campaign.
The Washington times., 1909-01-14
Marriage Late This After
noon to Be Great So
Ciety Event
WEDDING PRESENTS
WORTH HALF MILLION
Brides Grandfather, D. O. Mills
Gives Her $lOO.O0O-The
Earl's Gift.

NEW YORK, Jan. l4-AHss Jane
Beatrice Mills. daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
ogden Mills, viii be married late this
afternoon 10 the Earl OF Grauard. at
the home of her narants. East sixty
,.++s +. nm 74s... s-r
-''''-u l-'7'- Inc "0"0'''7 "i'i
society event
The ceremony win be performed iu the
white md gold hall room hv Mar
Rff.t..F T.,--r7.. -,-t-,. 10 a.. d..
-''- - $50
liDN NdLheufa- ana a reception VIII
be held i'm the BAH room adjoining.
both rooms will he Decorated i'm Green
,.-4 -,r.st, ,..f.r. t7-.--
-'.'
MISS Mills VIII wear "a White satin
empire gown, embossed with white vel
,-,t +f..----,.. tf-.---- ....-. .. 49,.
,..,-. H., - -. ~
+r-f-. M ---., . 7
~. ,,.+--,..4 -. VI -'' "'''
- .'-' o. "-'.'' o- orange
The A+ta,5.r+s
,-,.. s-.s- ~,
~, pa rue VIII PEE allenoeo Roy -FOUR
~ 49, ----,'-- '-'- "o o9tily-
,1s-l -. '"9 anu l.'l'1'
Tar,. T-.,l -. 7-'''l vi NoI- anu MIS-
anu ''e daughters
OF moses Ia\loF and COruandt Field
bishop. They wiz wear soft white sat
i'm. with trfmuiu.rs of silver and man.
cans or whit, 100 M, --r -.,r
The Washington times., 1909-01-14
BELMONT
ESTATE AT 1865. 900

IIEAIPsTEAD. n. y. Jan. Att is
understood that $500 is the price
placed on Br0OkhOlt, the country place
of Mrs. o. Fl. =. Belmont here. The
place has 355 acres. the land being vaIu-
cd at $500 an acre, not counting the
house and stables.
IL is said that Mrs. Belmont is de
sirOus of Kidding herself of the place
on account of the cost Of keeping Et
up. This is emphasized by the fact that
owners of adjoining land are asking as
much as 5000 an acre for uuimprOved
land
The Washington times., 1909-01-14
WELCOME TO SHIPS
At NARSEILLES
No Official Functions, But
Freedom of City to
Be Given.

MARSEILLES, Jan. 14.-Messages re-
ceived by the port authorities today say
the battleship Georgia will arrive here
tonight. and the Nebraska. Rhode
Island, and New Jersey tomorrow.
At the request Of the American sU-
thOrities no official functions Will be
given, though every effort will be made
to give them a good time during their
brief stay.
The officers and men will be given
the freedom Of the city and all amuse-
meut places, where special free pro-
grams have been arranged.
The Washington times., 1909-01-14

ALLE&TONFN, Pa. Jan. a-BIuded
by the driving snow storm. through
which they were walking home after
unsuccessful search for work Tony
Kicker and Paul Bartholomew. both of
CemeutOu, Pa. We're struck bs- q Cen
trail Railroad OF New Jersey train at
I-0gkp.T and fatally hurt.
The Washington times., 1909-01-14
SUFFRAGETTES BUSY

SACRAMENTO, Cal. Jan. lf-Sur-
tragedies throns the capitol in anticIpa-
zion OF the Introduction OF the equal
Suffrage bin. Six hundred additional
ardeuJ advocates OF votes for women
are expected 10 arrive within Che next
Few days. The bin has not yet been
introduced iu either house.
The Washington times., 1909-01-14
RUSSIAN DIPLOMACY HIT.

ST. PETERSBURG. Jan. 1.-THE set
Element between Austria-HunEary and
Turkey of the Bosnian and Here
goviuiau question is considered here a
reverse for Russian diplomacy. The
foreign office says that the accord is
purely private one. and cannot be
regarded as altering the Bosnian prob
lem, which is a European question, and
can only be arranged through the as
sent of all the powers.
The Washington times., 1909-01-14
BERNARD SHAWS
SISTER DIVORCED

LONDON. Jan. IA decree of di-
Force has been granted to George Bern
ara Shaw sister Mrs Lucinda Frances
ButterheId Her husband. Charles Rob
err Butterheld, did not contest the suit.
winch was brought ON statutory
grounds.
AT the time of the marriage fn 1857
MIS- BurterHeld was a professional SOC
pI auJ singer known as Constance Bar
clay Her husband was a tenor sing
ing under the name Of Cecil Burt.
The Washington times., 1909-01-14
Faces Lincoln Park, and Is
Planned to Cost About
$4,000.
APARTMENT SOLD
FOR INVESTMENT
Brokers Report Good Demand for
Such Structures, If
Small.

Ground has been broken for -he con-
stuctiou of a twO-stOTy fiat and store
room. which is to be erected at Eleventh
and East Capitol streets. ty James Mac
Donald. The building VIII face Lincoln
Park and. ft is understood. cost in the
ueighb0rhood Of $4,000.
The lot ON which The building viii
stand was purchased recently from the
Harrison Realty Company. Tt has a
frontage of q feet with depth of %
feet.
MIR. Macdonald will rush work on the
construction in order to have it com
pleted before spring. He intends TO hold
it as an investment.
Apartment Is Sold.
NJ A. sype has sold through Stone &
Fairfax the two-story brick apartment
at ga Orleans place northeast The
name of the purchaser has not been
announced, but il is understood that the
property was secured as an investment
The same firm reports the sale Of the
two-story brick building at 203 i street
northwest, for NJ. J. Tyner, which Will
also be held as an investment. Both
properties are now under Ethlal- IL -
understood that the tota! amount real
lied from the sale of the two build
iugs was $4,000.
Buys in Woodbridge
Mrs Anna H. BOhrer has purchased
from Myers & LightfoOt a lot In Wool
ridge, fronting on Rhode Island avenue
and on Tweuty-fourth street northeast
Mrs. Bohrer intends constructing a
handsome brick residence on the prop
erly at once, which she viii occupy as
a home.
Myers & LfEllfO0t report that there
has been a heavy demand during, the
week for suburban property Lots ia
Woodbridge, especially, have received at
tentiou and several sales in this section
have been made.
The Washington times., 1909-01-14

QUINCY. Mass. Jan. 1i-Whue pump
ing air into @ compressed air flask iu
the Fore river ship yard this mOuius,
one man was killed and three others
were seriously injured by the recep-
racIe exploding The air tank was be-
ing HIed for one of the Government
submarines
The Washington times., 1909-01-14

PEKING. Jan. H.-Au imperial edict'
just issued directs that the sum Of
$4,000 be paid over 20 the italian minis
ter here as contribution for the relief
OF the earthquake sufferers in Calabrja
and Sicily
The Washington times., 1909-01-14

LONDON, Jan. 1.-THE condition of
Sir Arthur Conan DOYLE. which, after
lis recent operation, was not altogether
satisfactory, the patient suffering much
pain, Es now improved.
The Washington times., 1909-01-14
PRISONERS BURNED

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Jan. l4-In an
attempt to escape from Jail today pris-
cners at Tiuar set fire TO the structure.
George Lacey and I.assie Collins were
iucineTated
The Washington times., 1909-01-14
MRS Hill RECOVERED

BERLIN. Jan. l4-Nrs David Jayne
HILL wife of the American ambassador,
has quite recovered from the shaking
she received in the automobile collision
ON January 9. She was otherwise Un-
hurt